Search

This article, published in the journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, evaluates the accuracy of the IOTA ADNEX model in predicting malignant ovarian tumors in women admitted to the Gynecologic Oncology Department at Tu Du Hospital. The study included 105 women with adnexal masses, who underwent ultrasound and serum CA 125 testing before surgery. The results showed that the IOTA ADNEX model accurately classified 95% of malignant tumors using a 10% cut-off value for malignancy risk. The authors conclude that the IOTA ADNEX model demonstrates relatively high accuracy in diagnosing malignant ovarian tumors at Tu Du Hospital. [Extracted from the article]

SUMMARY: Acetyl‐triacylglycerols (acetyl‐TAG) contain an acetate group in the sn‐3 position instead of the long‐chain fatty acid present in regular triacylglycerol (TAG). The acetate group confers unique physical properties such as reduced viscosity and a lower freezing point to acetyl‐TAG, providing advantages for use as emulsifiers, lubricants, and 'drop‐in' biofuels. Previously, the synthesis of acetyl‐TAG in the seeds of the oilseed crop camelina (Camelina sativa) was achieved through the heterologous expression of the diacylglycerol acetyltransferase gene EaDAcT, isolated from Euonymus alatus seeds that naturally accumulate high levels of acetyl‐TAG. Subsequent work identified a similar acetyltransferase, EfDAcT, in the seeds of Euonymus fortunei, that possesses higher in vitro activity compared to EaDAcT. In this study, the seed‐specific expression of EfDAcT in camelina led to a 20 mol% increase in acetyl‐TAG levels over that of EaDAcT. Coupling EfDAcT expression with suppression of the endogenous competing enzyme DGAT1 further enhanced acetyl‐TAG accumulation, up to 90 mol% in the best transgenic lines. Accumulation of high levels of acetyl‐TAG was stable over multiple generations, with minimal effect on seed size, weight, and fatty acid content. Slight delays in germination were noted in transgenic seeds compared to the wild type. EfDAcT transcript and protein levels were correlated during seed development with a limited window of EfDAcT protein accumulation. In high acetyl‐TAG producing lines, EfDAcT protein expression in developing seeds did not reflect the eventual acetyl‐TAG levels in mature seeds, suggesting that other factors limit acetyl‐TAG accumulation. Significance statement: Acetyl‐TAGs are unusually structured triacylglycerols with useful properties synthesized by diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (DAcT) enzymes. The expression of a DAcT variant with increased activity, combined with suppression of endogenous storage lipid synthesis, resulted in the very high accumulation of acetyl‐TAG in transgenic Camelina sativa seed. However, DAcT protein expression did not correlate with acetyl‐TAG accumulation in mature seeds, suggesting that other factors limit acetyl‐TAG synthesis at very high levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a first examination of Arctic sea ice snow depth estimates from differencing satellite lidar (ICESat‐2) and radar (CryoSat‐2) freeboards. These estimates cover the period between 14 October 2018 and the end of April 2019. Snow depth is related to freeboard differences by the refractive index/bulk density of the snow layer—the only free parameter in the approach. Area‐averaged snow depth ranges from 9 cm (on first‐year ice: 5 cm, multiyear ice: 14 cm) in late October to 19 cm (first‐year ice: 17 cm, multiyear ice: 27 cm) in April; on average, this snow is thinner over FYI. Spatial patterns and gradients of snow depth estimates compare well with reconstructions using snowfall from ERA‐Interim and ERA5, although snowfall from ERA5 is systematically higher. For all months, the results suggest that ~50% of the total freeboard is comprised of snow. Retrievals are within a few centimeters of snow depth data acquired by Operation IceBridge in April 2019. Sources of uncertainties associated with this freeboard‐differencing approach are discussed. Further, sea ice thicknesses calculated using the retrieved snow depth and a modified climatology are contrasted. Comparatively, the snow depth and calculated ice thickness using a modified climatology are higher by ~5 cm and 0.33 m, although these differences are not uniform throughout the season. Snow accumulation was slower between October and December but increased between December and January, unlike the modified climatology, which exhibited a monotonic accumulation for all months. Future opportunities for assessment and improvement of these estimates are discussed. Plain Language Summary: The snow layer atop Arctic sea ice is an important component of the climate system. In winter, the insulating effects of snow slow the rate of ice growth. In spring, the onset of ice surface melt is delayed until the highly reflective snow layer disappears. During summer, meltwater from snow collects in depressions to form melt ponds, which enhances the absorption of solar radiation leading to more rapid surface warming. Presently, there are no routine measurements of snow depth suitable for assessing the impact of climate changes on the precipitation and accumulation of snow on sea ice. Our current understanding of snow depth is limited and has been based on field measurements conducted in the middle of last century and from airborne surveys conducted over the last decade. In this paper, we combine the measurements from two altimetry missions (ICESat‐2 and CryoSat‐2) to calculate snow depth over the entire Arctic Ocean. ICESat‐2 (a lidar) and CryoSat‐2 (a radar) measure the heights to the top and bottom of the snow layer, respectively. Differencing the two heights provides an estimate of the thickness of the snow layer. This paper describes this novel approach and an assessment of the snow depth estimates. Key Points: Our current understanding of snow depth is based largely on climatology developed during last century and from recent airborne surveysWe present a first examination of Arctic sea ice snow depth estimates from differencing satellite ICESat‐2 and CryoSat‐2 freeboardsSea ice thickness can now be calculated with snow loading from satellite retrievals without resorting to climatology or reconstructions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide and diluted in sodium chloride and phosphate-buffered saline.1 Like other novel vaccines against COVID-19, it can induce cutaneous adverse reactions, generally mild.1 Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute and usually self-limited immune-mediated mucocutaneous disorder.2 It is related to infections in 90% of cases - mainly herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections - and in 10% of cases, to drugs.2 Unusually, it has also been documented following the vaccination.3 We report a case of EM after CoronaVac vaccination. In January 2021, SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, CoronaVac, developed by Sinovac Life Sciences (Beijing, China) was approved for the use in Brazil by its National Health Surveillance. A 75-year-old man with hypertension received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac: the first on February 12th and the second on March 6th. [Extracted from the article]

What's already known about this topic? The false positive rate of detecting monosomy X by NIPT is higher than that of other autosomal aneuploidies, due in part to maternal mosaic monosomy X. What does this study add? Our triSure method is less sensitive to the confounding effect of maternal DNA than NIPTeR method.By combining z‐scores of chrX from triSure and NIPTeR, we can detect cases of fetal XX (−2.5 < zX by triSure < 2.5) with maternal mosaicism monosomy X (zX by NIPTeR < −2.5), potentially reducing false positive rate of fetal monosomy X. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Duckweeds are the fastest growing angiosperms and have the potential to become a new generation of sustainable crops. Although a seed plant, Spirodela polyrhiza clones rarely flower and multiply mainly through vegetative propagation. Whole‐genome sequencing using different approaches and clones yielded two reference maps. One for clone 9509, supported in its assembly by optical mapping of single DNA molecules, and one for clone 7498, supported by cytogenetic assignment of 96 fingerprinted bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) to its 20 chromosomes. However, these maps differ in the composition of several individual chromosome models. We validated both maps further to resolve these differences and addressed whether they could be due to chromosome rearrangements in different clones. For this purpose, we applied sequential multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mcFISH) to seven S. polyrhiza clones, using 106 BACs that were mapped onto the 39 pseudomolecules for clone 7498. Furthermore we integrated high‐depth Oxford Nanopore (ON) sequence data for clone 9509 to validate and revise the previously assembled chromosome models. We found no major structural rearrangements between these seven clones, identified seven chimeric pseudomolecules and Illumina assembly errors in the previous maps, respectively. A new S. polyrhiza genome map with high contiguity was produced with the ON sequence data and genome‐wide synteny analysis supported the occurrence of two Whole Genome Duplication events during its evolution. This work generated a high confidence genome map for S. polyrhiza at the chromosome scale, and illustrates the complementarity of independent approaches to produce whole‐genome assemblies in the absence of a genetic map. Significance statement: Cytogenomic studies with 106 fingerprinted BACs, along with integration of Oxford Nanopore‐derived sequence data, enable full resolution of previous discrepancies between two genome maps for S. polyrhiza and provide a validated chromosome map for comparative genome mapping of other duckweed species, therefore demonstrating the utility of combinatorial approaches to generate high‐quality genome maps from organisms without available genetic maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-prone source rocks occurring in lacustrine syn-rift successions have generated significant amounts of hydrocarbons in many Cenozoic basins in SE Asia. As most exploration wells are located on structural highs, the source rock successions are seldom drilled and their initial composition and generation potential are poorly known. The inverted Bach Long Vi Graben is located at the intersection of the NW-SE trending Song Hong Basin (Yinggehai Basin) and the NE-SW trending Beibuwan Basin in the Gulf of Tonkin, offshore northern Vietnam. The uppermost part of the inverted graben is exhumed and exposed on Bach Long Vi island. In order to investigate the amount and source rock quality of the syn-rift mudstones, the ENRECA-3 well was drilled on the island and cored some 500 m of the syn-rift succession. The well provided excellent cores with a recovery of 99%, dominated by lacustrine mudstones interbedded with various gravity flow deposits. Organic petrography shows that the mudstones are thermally immature and contain sapropelic Type I and mixed Types I and III kerogen. Source rock screening data from more than 300 samples demonstrate that the lacustrine source rocks have an average TOC content of 2.88 wt% and an average Hydrogen Index of 566 mg HC/g TOC. The average Hydrogen Index of the reactive kerogen was determined to be 769 mg HC/g TOC. The Source Potential Index (SPI) is 9 tons HC/m2 and the mudstones will, upon full maturation, generate black oil with a gas-liquid ratio not exceeding ∼1700 scf/stb. The mudstones are thus highly oil-prone. In addition, several tens of metres of source rock within the overlying succession are exposed on Bach Long Vi island and in the surrounding seafloor, and the well did not reach the base of the source rock succession. Although the net-source rock thickness of the ENRECA-3 well is estimated to be 233 m, the net thickness of the entire source rock succession will be greater. The present study is the first organic geochemical assessment of a thick lacustrine source rock section in the petroliferous NE Song Hong Basin, and the promising results may be applied not only to other parts of the basin but also to other Cenozoic basins with syn-rift successions containing significant source rock intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effects of dietary inclusion with mannan oligosaccharide (Bio-Mos, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY, USA) on growth, survival, physiological and immunological conditions and gut morphology of the black tiger prawn ( Penaeus monodon). Five diets supplemented with MOS at 0 g kg−1 (control diet), 1, 2, 4 and 8 g kg−1 were fed to the prawn juveniles (0.4 ± 0.06 g, total weight) for the duration of 63 days. Growth was the highest ( P < 0.05) when the prawns were fed the 1 g kg−1 MOS included diet. Wet tail muscle index (Tw/B), dry tail muscle index (Td/B) and tail muscle protein (Tmp) were higher ( P < 0.05) in the prawns fed MOS included diets MOS compared with the prawns fed the control diet. Total haemocyte counts ( THCs) of the prawns fed MOS included diets were higher ( P < 0.05) than THCs of the prawns fed the control diet. Epithelium layer and epidermal cell density of the gut of the prawns fed 1 g kg−1 and 2 g kg−1 MOS diets were better than the prawns fed the control and other MOS diets. The results imply a positive effect of dietary supplementation of 1-2 g kg−1 MOS in the culture of black tiger prawns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The huge amount of funds invested in deployment and installations of global satellite mobile infrastructures in Nigeria does not justify the poor quality of service (QoS) and network coverage experienced by the users in some areas while it is a gloomy issue as most of these infrastructures are grossly underused in other areas. The problem is majorly subjective to inappropriate location of the base transceiver stations (BTSs); hence, this work studied and analyzed an existing BTSs layout and proposes a model based on the use of median rule with rectilinear distance single facility location for appropriate deployment location of a new BTS that will ensure proper network connectivity and management of QoS for a given area. The case study is the University of Ilorin academic environment where transmission environmental monitoring system equipment was used to monitor the signals on the existing BTSs, to ascertain the positions of the existing BTSs, the total number of the existing BTSs, and areas of poor signal strengths for all the existing operators. The electric field intensity of each of the BTS sites was determined and was used as the weight in the rectilinear distance location model. The operator with the poorest signal strength was selected to occupy the new BTS so as to improve its handover and network connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding trial was conducted in a recycling water system during 10 weeks to determine the optimal protein to lipid ratio in Asian red-tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides). Six diets of two protein levels (390 and 440 g kg−1) with three lipid levels (60, 90 and 120 g kg−1) were formulated. Fish (1.96 g) were fed six diets with four replicates to apparent satiation at a stocking density of 50 fish per tank (500 L). Faeces were collected in cultured tanks at the end of the feeding trial for digestibility measurement. Significantly, improved growth performances ( P < 0.01) and higher feed utilization ( P < 0.001) were observed in fish fed with higher lipid diets. However, higher protein diets did not significantly improve fish growth but they reduced FCR ( P < 0.001) and protein efficiency ratio ( P < 0.01). Higher lipid diets also resulted in significantly increased adipose-somatic index, carcass fat and reduced moisture of the fish. The study revealed the protein sparing effect of dietary lipid in the catfish and highest growth performance was found by fish fed 390 g kg−1 protein and 120 g kg−1 lipid diet with P/E ratio of 20.48 mg protein kJ−1. DP/ DE ratio for maximal growth rate in diets was 21.48 mg protein kJ−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Infection control is critical to providing high-quality patient care. Many veterinary teaching hospitals ( VTHs) utilize footbaths or footmats at entrances and key control points throughout the facility to decrease trafficking of pathogenic microorganism on contaminated footwear. Hypothesis/Objectives To compare efficacy of 4 disinfectants used in footmats for decreasing bacterial contamination of footwear in a large animal hospital. Animals A single adult dairy cow was housed in a stall for 4 days to facilitate stall contamination with fecal material. Methods Overboots were experimentally contaminated with organic material in a standardized manner. Each boot was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments (no treatment, or exposure to 1 of 4 disinfectants: an accelerated peroxygen [ AHP], a peroxygen [ VIRKON], a quaternary ammonium [ QUAT], and a phenolic disinfectant [ PHENOLIC]) by stepping on a soaked footmat and collecting samples from boot soles. Generalized linear modeling was used to analyze differences in bacterial counts. Results Reductions in colony-forming units ( CFUs) on treated boots ranged from no detectable reduction to 0.45 log10 and varied by disinfectant. Percentage reductions in total bacterial counts generally were larger (albeit still modest) for AHP and QUAT disinfectants (range 37-45%) and smallest for the PHENOLIC (no detectable reduction). Conclusions and Clinical Importance In general, use of disinfectant footmats was associated with significant reductions in viable bacteria on overboots-albeit with variable efficacy. Footmats may be useful adjuncts to cleaning and disinfection programs for decreasing trafficking of microorganisms throughout VTHs but should not be considered as a sole prevention method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent constraints on supplies of the rare earth elements (REEs) have led to concerns about their long-term availability as well as the consequences that shortages would pose for modern technology. To assess this situation, we apply a comprehensive 'criticality' methodology to the REE: lanthanum (La); cerium (Ce); praseodymium (Pr); neodymium (Nd); samarium (Sm); europium (Eu); gadolinium (Gd); terbium (Tb); dysprosium (Dy); holmium (Ho); erbium (Er); thulium (Tm); ytterbium (Yb); lutetium (Lu); and yttrium (Y). Assessments are made on national (U.S. and China) and global levels for the year 2008. Evaluations of each indicator are presented and the results plotted in 'criticality space' on a 0 to 100 scale. Over the medium term (5 to 10 years), supply risk (SR) for all REEs is moderate with minimal variation (62.8 to 65.1). Over the long term (10 to 100 years), SR is low (42.1 to 49.2). Environmental implications scores, reflecting the economic allocation of environmental burdens, range from 4.2 for La to 34.4 for Lu. Eu, Er, and Dy have the highest vulnerability to supply restriction (VSR) at the global level (50.6, 49.2, and 47.4, respectively), whereas Sm has the lowest (15.1). This is mainly a reflection of their substitution potential. Similarly, at the national level for the United States and China, Eu and Sm have the highest and lowest VSR scores, respectively, although there are notable differences in scores among the REEs and between countries. Although China's export restrictions render REE supplies inadequate to meet demand at present, our analysis indicates a lower criticality for REEs over the longer term than for a number of other industrially used metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Outcome prediction in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia ( IMHA) is challenging and few prognostic indicators have been consistently identified. Objectives An online case registry was initiated to: prospectively survey canine IMHA presentation and management in the British Isles; evaluate 2 previously reported illness severity scores, Canine Hemolytic Anemia Score ( CHAOS) and Tokyo and to identify independent prognostic markers. Animals Data from 276 dogs with primary IMHA across 10 referral centers were collected between 2008 and 2012. Methods Outcome prediction by previously reported illness-severity scores was tested using univariate logistic regression. Independent predictors of death in hospital or by 30-days after admission were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Results Purebreds represented 89.1% dogs (n = 246). Immunosuppressive medications were administered to 88.4% dogs (n = 244), 76.1% (n = 210) received antithrombotics and 74.3% (n = 205) received packed red blood cells. Seventy-four per cent of dogs (n = 205) were discharged from hospital and 67.7% (n = 187) were alive 30-days after admission. Two dogs were lost to follow-up at 30-days. In univariate analyses CHAOS was associated with death in hospital and death within 30-days. Tokyo score was not associated with either outcome measure. A model containing SIRS-classification, ASA classification, ALT, bilirubin, urea and creatinine predicting outcome at discharge was accurate in 82% of cases. ASA classification, bilirubin, urea and creatinine were independently associated with death in hospital or by 30-days. Conclusions and clinical importance Markers of kidney function, bilirubin concentration and ASA classification are independently associated with outcome in dogs with IMHA. Validation of this score in an unrelated population is now warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Assessing uterine graft viability using multispectral imaging during uterine transplantation" by S. Saso and others is presented.

An abstract for the article "Use of endoscopic laser speckle contrast analysis to assess uterine perfusion and blood flow in a uterine transplantation model" by S. Saso and others, is presented.

A drawback of early detection of breast cancer through mammographic screening is the diagnosis of breast cancers that would never have become clinically detected. This phenomenon, called overdiagnosis, is ideally quantified from the breast cancer incidence of screened and unscreened cohorts of women with follow-up until death. Such cohorts do not exist, requiring other methods to estimate overdiagnosis. We are the first to quantify overdiagnosis from invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in birth cohorts using an age-period-cohort -model (APC-model) including variables for the initial and subsequent screening rounds and a 5-year period after leaving screening. Data on the female population and breast cancer incidence were obtained from Statistics Netherlands, 'Stichting Medische registratie' and the Dutch Cancer Registry for women aged 0-99 years. Data on screening participation was obtained from the five regional screening organizations. Overdiagnosis was calculated from the excess breast cancer incidence in the screened group divided by the breast cancer incidence in presence of screening for women aged 20-99 years (population perspective) and for women in the screened-age range (individual perspective). Overdiagnosis of invasive breast cancer was 11% from the population perspective and 17% from the invited women perspective in birth cohorts screened from age 49 to 74. For invasive breast cancer and DCIS together, overdiagnosis was 14% from population perspective and 22% from invited women perspective. A major strength of an APC-model including the different phases of screening is that it allows to estimate overdiagnosis in birth cohorts, thereby preventing overestimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Early detection of melanoma is the main objective to ensure a high survival rate. In some cases melanoma diagnosis still remain difficult and this leads to unnecessary excisions. Objective The aim of this study was to detect the most relevant Reflectance confocal microscopy ( RCM) features for the detection of dermoscopic difficult melanomas. Method A total of 322 lesions were selected from database and were evaluated on dermoscopy according to the 7-point checklist score, in blind from histological diagnosis. We classified the lesions into three categories: (i) 'featureless' lesions with score ranging between 0 and 2; (ii) 'positive-borderline' moles with score between 3 and 4 and (iii) 'positive-clear cut' lesions with score from 5 to 10. We evaluated confocal features of the 'featureless' lesions and of the 'positive-borderline' lesions. Evaluated confocal features were as follows: presence of pagetoid cells, cell shape (roundish or dendritic) and number (< 5 or >5 cells per mm2), overall architecture (ringed, meshwork, clods and non-specific pattern); architectural disorder, presence of cytological atypia (>5 cells per mm2) and cells arranged in nests. Results Among 322 lesions 70 were melanomas and 252 were nevi. According to the classification based on the 7-point checklist score, 130 'featureless lesions' (score 0-2) including six melanomas, and 102 'positive-borderline' moles (score 3-4) including 17 melanomas, were identified. Round pagetoid cells >5 cells per mm2 and/or architectural disorder on RCM were found in all of six melanomas with featureless dermoscopy. Round pagetoid infiltration and five or more atypical cells at the DEJ were found in 16 positive 'borderline melanomas'. Conclusions RCM represents a rapid non-invasive technique that can aid early diagnosis of dermoscopic difficult melanomas. Use of RCM on lesions with clinical and/or dermoscopic suspect of malignancy may reduce the number of unnecessary excision increasing the rate of accurate diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A staging system for development of gladiola ( Gladiolus × grandiflorus) that relies on simple, visual, non-destructive criteria is proposed. Four field trials were conducted during the spring 2010, autumn/winter 2011 and winter 2011 at Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, with different gladiola cultivars, in order to observe the developmental stages of the above-ground parts and their dry matter. The developmental cycle, which starts at dormant corm and ends with plant senescence, is divided into four developmental phases: dormancy phase, sprouting phase (from filiform roots appearance to sheaths appearance), vegetative phase (from emergence of the first leaf tip to emergence of the final leaf tip on the stem) and reproductive phase (from heading to plant senescence). The developmental stages that were identified during the dormancy phase and during the sprouting phases are coded as S stages: S0 = dormant corm, S1 = appearance of roots, S2.1 = first sheath, S2.2 = second sheath and S2.3 = third sheath. Vegetative phase is coded as V stages: VE = emergence of the sheaths above ground, V1 = first leaf, V2 = second leaf, Vn = nth leaf and VF = flag leaf. Leaf tip is the marker for V1-VF. The developmental stages during the reproductive phases are coded as R stages: R1 = heading, R2 = blooming, R3 = onset of flowering, R4 = end of anthesis, R5 = end of florets senescence and R6 = plant senescence (leaves and floret axis are brown). Sub-stages have also been assigned between R1 and R2 and between R3 and R4. Illustrations (photographs) of each developmental stage taken from field pot-grown plants are provided and the proposed scale was tested with field observations. These criteria are straight forward and allow for quick determination of development stage. This system can be used by both farmers and for experimental trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligomerization of amino acid monomers is the vital step in the formation of longer peptides and functional proteins. In spite of continuing efforts towards solving the puzzle of origin of life, the mystery of chemical evolution remains unsolved. Out of various pathways proposed for the formation of peptides under prebiotic conditions, salt induced peptides synthesis presents the most plausible scenario. In attempts to study mechanism of prebiotic oligomerization of amino acid on primitive earth the current study was aimed to determine the crystal structure of intermediate copper amino acid complex and its supra-molecular assembly. The Structure of the copper alanine complex obtained from SIPF was studied by x-ray crystallography. The self-assembling properties of complex into supra-molecular nanostructures were studied using Field-emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Results showed the occurrence of racemization of amino acids. This is the first structural study for copper alanine complex formed from prebiotic peptide synthesis pathway. The aggregational properties of intermediate complex showed the formation of rod like crystals and nanospheres. The findings from our study showed the possible mechanism of prebiotic oligomerization of amino acids on the primitive earth towards formation of longer peptides and functional proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Two-photon excitation microscopy (2PEM) analysis of large explanted organs is still laborious, principally because of tissue movements inducing lateral and axial drifts during extended imaging sessions. Here, we describe a two-step approach to track motile T cells in murine dorsal explanted skin with the best accuracy. First, we compared various explanted skin mounting methods for 2PEM analysis to define the setup allowing for minimal sample drift over time. Second, we developed two algorithms with the ImageJ software (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD) to correct the residual drift using lateral and axial registration of the collagen network. Finally, we applied the macro we developed to track fluorescent T cells in explanted skin. We found that our newly developed macro is more efficient than freely or commercially available software for shift correction, leading to more accurate velocity calculations. Our work provides a practical guide for investigators interested to employ skin-imaging approaches and offers a free alternative to commercial software for correcting lateral and axial drifts. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:294-301, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six isonitrogenous (320 g kg−1) and isolipidic (60 g kg−1) diets were formulated with graded levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg−1) of dicalcium phosphate ( DCP) and fungal phytase (750 and 1500 FTU kg−1 diet). Tra catfish ( Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), 9.6 g, were fed the diets for 12 weeks. Each experimental diet was fed to eight replicates of fish to apparent satiation. At the end of the trial, fish fed the diets containing 15 g kg−1 DCP, 750 and 1500 FTU kg−1 phytase had higher growth performances, protein efficiency ratio and phosphorus retention than those fed the control diet, 5 g kg−1 DCP and 10 g kg−1 DCP diets ( P < 0.05). Whole body ash and phosphorus concentration of fish fed the 10 g kg−1 DCP and 15 g kg−1 DCP diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the control diet. Higher apparent digestibility coefficient of phosphorus was observed in fish fed the phytase supplemented diets. The present results indicate that supplementation of phytase at 750 FTU kg−1 and 1500 FTU kg−1 improves growth performances, feed and phosphorus utilization. The supplementation can completely replace dicalcium phosphate or other phosphorus sources in tra catfish feed and reduce the phosphorus discharge into environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Background and Objectives End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) may interfere with children's developmental task of acquiring autonomy and participation. The Skills for Growing Up tool encourages normal development towards independence and autonomy during paediatric rehabilitation. This study aimed to adapt this self-management tool for use in paediatric nephrology, and to test whether its use is feasible in daily practice. Design and Participants A Delphi study was conducted among patients, their parents, professionals and experts to adjust the tool for use in nephrology. Feasibility was studied through individual and group interviews with professionals in all Dutch paediatric nephrology centres. Results Agreement was reached on the areas of social participation and medical management of ESKD. Compared with the original, the new instrument holds considerable more attention for autonomy in the renal healthcare area; for example, dealing with medication and transplantation. Professionals used and appreciated the tool, but the paper form was seen to limit feasibility. Conclusions Making the tool available online is important. The challenge for professionals is to move beyond the focus on medical management and to consider developmental tasks when coaching their patients into adulthood. Application to Practice The Skills for Growing Up-Nephrology (SGU-N) tool is a promising instrument for use by professionals in paediatric nephrology. Its use can help young people achieving autonomy and may contribute to their successful transition to adulthood and adult care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY A Stern-Gerlach magnet applies a field gradient in order to deflect particles such that their magnetic moment can be determined. The design of such magnets is based on finite-element (FE) simulations of the magnetic field and its gradient. However, inaccuracies arise when these quantities are calculated from an FE solution for the magnetic vector potential by numerical differentiation. For first-order FE shape functions, the discretisation error for the field gradient may even fail to converge. An improved post-processing approach marks a region in the magnet aperture where the field is post-processed by matching a local analytical solution with the obtained FE solution. The local solution allows to derive values for the magnetic field and its gradient without reducing the convergence order of the discretisation error. The method is validated against the analytic solution for a two-wire configuration and is applied for the design of a Rabi-type Stern-Gerlach magnet. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Normative romantic development is theorized to progress through a series of stages: affiliative activities, group-based dating, and romantic relationships. The objectives of this research were threefold: empirically examine this progression of romantic stages during adolescence, determine normative and atypical trajectories, and examine links with internalizing and externalizing symptoms. An eight-wave longitudinal study was conducted with 698 adolescents (53.6% female; M age = 11.8 years at start of study). A group-based trajectory approach was employed to identify prototypical trajectories of romantic development and a model with three distinct romantic trajectories (i.e., On-time, Early Starters and Late Bloomers) was identified. Both timing and sequencing of romantic activity differed among trajectory groups. Analysis of Variance (ANOVAs) identified associations between Early Starters and externalizing behaviours in early, middle and later adolescence. The findings support progression through theorized stages of romantic activity and highlight the problems that are linked to early-starting and non-sequenced romantic development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim To study and compare the stress distribution fields in four fixative materials used commonly in the treatment of angle of the mandible fractures using finite element analysis ( FEA). Materials and methods Using commercially available FEA software, four three-dimensional models of the mandibular angle region were created by graphical representation, and an oblique unfavourable fracture was simulated. A conventional titanium miniplate, a three-dimensional titanium miniplates, a locking titanium miniplates and a bioresorbable plate were modelled three-dimensionally and applied to the mandibular angle region of the model, and stress distribution fields of each were analysed under similar loading conditions. Results The locking titanium plate and the three-dimensional titanium plate had favourable stress distribution when compared with the conventional titanium miniplating system and the bioresorbable plating system, showing that they were superior to the latter in terms of post-fixation stability. Conclusion The locking titanium miniplate and the three-dimensional titanium miniplate would offer better fixation stability in the post-fixation period when compared with the conventional titanium miniplate and the bioresorbable plating system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background During the cardiac cycle, the ventricle undergoes a twisting motion because of the oblique orientation of the left ventricular ( LV) myofibers. This can be quantified by speckle-tracking echocardiography ( STE). In mitral regurgitation ( MR) in humans, the short axis deformation has been suggested as being pivotal to LV function. Decreased and delayed LV twist has been described in experimental MR, but has not been studied in myxomatous mitral valve disease ( MMVD). Hypotheses (1) Magnitude ( CSt) and rate ( CSRs) of systolic circumferential deformation decrease before the onset of congestive heart failure ( CHF); (2) magnitude and rate of LV twist decrease, and onset of untwist is delayed, with increasing MMVD severity. Animals A total of 97 privately owned small- to medium-sized dogs. Methods Severity of MMVD was assessed by echocardiography and presence of clinical signs of CHF. Magnitude and rate of LV twist and circumferential deformation were evaluated by STE. Results Dogs with CHF receiving treatment had increased CSt, CSRs, early diastolic untwisting rate, and delayed onset of untwist compared to dogs with minimal MMVD and increased systolic twist compared to dogs with mild MMVD (all P < .01). CSt and time to onset of untwist increased with echocardiographic variables of MR severity (all P < .002). CSRs and several LV twist variables decreased with increasing systolic LV internal diameter (all P < .01). Conclusions and Clinical Importance No STE-derived variable was decreased before onset of CHF. In dogs with CHF receiving treatment, the delayed onset of relaxation might indicate LV dysfunction and the hyperdynamic CSt and LV twist reflect compensatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Validity of comparisons between expected breeding values obtained from best linear unbiased prediction procedures in genetic evaluations is dependent on genetic connectedness among herds. Different cattle breeding programmes have their own particular features that distinguish their database structure and can affect connectedness. Thus, the evolution of these programmes can also alter the connectedness measures. This study analysed the evolution of the genetic connectedness measures among Brazilian Nelore cattle herds from 1999 to 2008, using the French Criterion of Admission to the group of Connected Herds (CACO) method, based on coefficients of determination (CD) of contrasts. Genetic connectedness levels were analysed by using simple and multiple regression analyses on herd descriptors to understand their relationship and their temporal trends from the 1999-2003 to the 2004-2008 period. The results showed a high level of genetic connectedness, with CACO estimates higher than 0.4 for the majority of them. Evaluation of the last 5-year period showed only a small increase in average CACO measures compared with the first 5 years, from 0.77 to 0.80. The percentage of herds with CACO estimates lower than 0.7 decreased from 27.5% in the first period to 16.2% in the last one. The connectedness measures were correlated with percentage of progeny from connecting sires, and the artificial insemination spread among Brazilian herds in recent years. But changes in connectedness levels were shown to be more complex, and their complete explanation cannot consider only herd descriptors. They involve more comprehensive changes in the relationship matrix, which can be only fully expressed by the CD of contrasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 1. Methanogenic carbon can be incorporated by methane-oxidising bacteria, leading to a 13C-depleted stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of chironomids that feed on these microorganisms. This has been shown for the chironomid tribe Chironomini, but very little information is available about the δ13C of other abundant chironomid groups and the relationship between chironomid δ13C and methane production in lakes. 2. Methane flux was measured at the water surface of seven lakes in Sweden. Furthermore, fluxes from the sediments to the water column were measured in transects in two of the lakes. Methane fluxes were then compared with δ13C of chitinous chironomid remains isolated from the lake surface sediments. Several different chironomid groups were examined (Chironomini, Orthocladiinae, Tanypodinae and Tanytarsini). 3. Remains of Orthocladiinae in the seven study lakes had the highest δ13C values (−31.3 to −27.0‰), most likely reflecting δ13C of algae and other plant-derived organic matter. Remains of Chironomini and Tanypodinae had lower δ13C values (−33.2 to −27.6‰ and −33.6 to −28.0‰, respectively). A significant negative correlation was observed between methane fluxes at the lake surface and δ13C of Chironomini ( r = −0.90, P = 0.006). Methane release from the sediments was also negatively correlated with δ13C of Chironomini ( r = −0.67, P = 0.025) in the transect samples obtained from two of the lakes. The remains of other chironomid taxa were only weakly or not correlated with methane fluxes measured in our study lakes ( P > 0.05). 4. Selective incorporation of methane-derived carbon can explain the observed correlations between methane fluxes and δ13C values of Chironomini. Remains of this group might therefore have the potential to provide information about past changes in methane availability in lakes using sediment records. However, differences in productivity, algal δ13C composition and the importance of allochthonous organic matter input between the studied lakes may also have influenced Chironomini δ13C. More detailed studies with a higher number of analysed samples and detailed measurement of δ13C of different ecosystem components (e.g. methane, dissolved inorganic carbon) will be necessary to further resolve the relative contribution of different carbon sources to δ13C of chironomid remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute respiratory disease in infants and young children. Considering that several aspects of the humoral immune response to RSV infection remain unclear, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence, levels, and avidity of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 antibodies against RSV in serum samples from children ≤5 years old. In addition, a possible association between antibody avidity and severity of illness was examined. The occurrence and levels of RSV-specific IgG depended on age, with infants <3 months old displaying high levels of antibodies, which were probably acquired from the mother. Children ≥24 months old also showed frequent occurrence and high levels of IgG, which was produced actively during infection. In addition, the avidity assay showed that the avidity of RSV-specific total IgG and IgG1 was lower in infants <3 months old who had acute respiratory disease than in age-matched controls. The avidity of RSV-specific IgG detected in children ≥24 months old with lower respiratory infection was lower than that in children with upper respiratory infection. These results indicate that the presence of high avidity RSV-specific IgG antibodies may lead to better protection against RSV infection in children <3 months old, who may have a lower probability of developing disease of increased severity. In addition, children ≥24 months old with RSV-specific IgG antibodies of low avidity tended to develop more severe RSV illness. These findings may be helpful in establishing vaccination schedules when a vaccine becomes available. J. Med. Virol. 83:1826-1833, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intensive process of land deterioration of some regions in Uzbekistan including the Aral Sea basin has led to a significant increase in soil salinity levels and consequently to a considerable reduction of total fertile soil area, as these lands are of little use for plant growth. The area is estimated to be more than 1.4 million ha of seabed. As a result, there was an immediate need to cultivate new crops capable of stopping the movement of sands and the enlargement of saline soils. Safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius) is considered to be a moderately salt-tolerant crop and, as such, one of a few crops well suited to the cropping systems of salt-affected soils. It is used in Uzbekistan as a reserve crop when the culture of the main crop fails. In spite of the great economic importance of this oil, there is almost no available information in the literature on the effect of salinity on oil quality and its chemical ingredients. The purpose of the present study was to determine, in greenhouse and field experiments, how irrigation with saline water would influence content of oil, lipids and other lipophylic components in safflower. We found that irrigation of safflower with moderate concentrations of saline water seems feasible, as far as oil and lipid composition is concerned. Consequently, safflower might be a potential crop for lands of little use for plant growth in Uzbekistan or other similar sites in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DONKOR N.T. & ANDREWS L.D. (2011) 21st century nursing practice in Ghana: challenges and opportunities. International Nursing Review, 218-224 This article is intended to stimulate critical thinking and generate fruitful discussion on nursing practice in Ghana as experienced by the authors. Its rationale is to promote exchange of ideas and creative partnerships to ensure that right decisions are made in preparing competent, adaptable and resourceful nurses who can contribute to health for all in the 21st century. The challenges of nursing education, practice and migration in Ghana seem grim. There is inadequate capacity of training institutions, low staff morale, poor distribution and serious workforce shortages. Government reports and policy documents on nursing were sourced from official websites and reviewed and discussed in the context of the international scholarly published literature. The authors note that despite the severe crises, a number of opportunities such as improved home-based training, international nursing education partnerships and welfare and human resource development could foster effective nurse retention and managed migration. To address the issues with nursing health service delivery and nursing shortages in Ghana requires all stakeholders to move beyond the traditional stereotypes and be flexible and forward-looking. Needed policy options include expansion of local nursing education and training capacity, collaborative training opportunities, improving the welfare and retention rates of current staff and international exchange of nurse resources that is mutually beneficial to both source and sink countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2 × 3 factorial feeding trial was conducted to determine effects of dietary Ca/P ratio and dietary microbial phytase on growth, mineral digestibility and vertebral mineralization in tiger puffer. The treatments consisted of three levels of Ca/P ratios (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) combined either with phytase (2000 FTU kg diet) or without supplementation, respectively. The Ca/P ratios were achieved by supplementing calcium at 0, 6 and 12 g kg combined with the same level of inorganic P at 5 g kg. After a 50-day feeding trial, puffer fish fed the diet at low Ca/P ratio (0.5) together with phytase had significantly higher growth rate and feed intake (FI) than other groups. Both dietary Ca/P ratio and phytase supplement were independent effects on plasma minerals and alkaline phosphatase. Interactive effect between both dietary treatments was observed on P and Zn contents in vertebrae and whole body. P and Zn digestibilities tended to increase with increased Ca/P ratio from 0.5 to 1.0, especially when phytase was supplemented. In conclusion, fish fed a diet with highest Ca/P ratio (1.5) showed the poorest growth performance and nutrients utilization. Dietary Ca/P ratio of 0.5 (without Ca supplement) with 2000 FTU phytase per kg would be the optimum combination in the diet of tiger puffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the protein and energy requirements of Tra catfish ( Pangasianodon hypothalamus) using a bio-energetic factorial approach. To examine these parameters, a series of inter-related studies were undertaken to define the various factorial parameters. Studies included controlled laboratory experiments and field-data collection from commercial farms in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Key components of the model include parameters for maintenance energy (39.7 kJ kg day at 32 °C) and protein (0.467 g kg day at 32 °C) demands, the effect of animal live-weight and temperature on growth and maintenance energy demands, the efficiencies of energy and protein utilization at various energy and protein intake levels and the variability in whole body composition with varying live-weight. Interestingly, both the energy [0.510· (Energy intake) − 11.143] and protein [0.322·(Protein intake) + 0.665] utilization efficiencies at near satiety feed intake levels were substantially lower than that observed from other fish species. Modelling using these equations was used to iteratively derive optimal diet designs and feeding rations for growing Pangasius catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is evidence of laminar leukocyte infiltration in black walnut extract (BWE)-induced laminitis, there is no such evidence for carbohydrate overload (CHO) laminitis. To assess presence of leukocytes and signs of epidermal stress/injury in the laminar tissue from horses with CHO-induced laminitis. Twenty-four adult horses. Immunohistochemistry for myeloid cell markers calprotectin (CP) and monocyte-specific marker (CD163) was performed on laminar sections obtained from 2 groups of horses in the CHO model: the developmental time point (DTP) group (n = 6) and the onset of lameness (LAM) group (n = 6), and a control (CON) group (n = 8). DTP was characterized by an increase in CP leukocytes (7.8-fold increase versus CON, P < .001), and LAM time point was characterized by a more marked increase in laminar CP (108.5-fold, P < .001) and mild increase in CD163 (1.9-fold, P= .007) cell counts. Increased CP epidermal signal (indicating epidermal stress or injury) occurred consistently at the LAM time point, although histological evidence of basement membrane (BM) detachment was minor, only being present in 3/6 horses. Maximal laminar leukocyte infiltration and epithelial stress occurred at the onset of lameness in the CHO model showing a different temporal pattern from the BWE model, where maximal leukocyte infiltration clearly precedes epithelial stress. Leukocyte infiltration before major histological changes in the CHO model indicates that leukocyte infiltration can be a cause of and not a reaction to BM degradation and structural failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined glucose-insulin test (CGIT) is helpful for evaluating insulin sensitivity. A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) reports changes in interstitial glucose concentrations as they occur in the blood. Use of the CGMS minimizes animal contact and may be useful when performing a CGIT. Results obtained using a CGMS are useful for the evaluation of glucose responses during the evaluation of insulin sensitivity in equids. Seven mature, obese ponies. Ponies were equipped with CGMS for determination of interstitial glucose concentrations. Glucose (150 mg/kg, IV) and insulin (0.1 U/kg, IV) were administered and blood glucose concentrations determined at (minutes after time zero) 1, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 with a hand-held glucometer. Blood chemistry results were compared with simultaneously obtained results using CGMS. Concordance coefficients determined for comparison of blood glucose concentrations determined by a hand-held glucometer and those determined by CGMS after the zero time point were 0.623, 0.764, 0.834, 0.854, and 0.818 (for delays of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes, respectively). Interstitial glucose concentrations obtained by the CGMS compared favorably to blood glucose concentrations. CGMS may be useful for assessment of glucose dynamics in the CGIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many dietary factors or substances exert effects on the three components of energy balance, and one strategy for tackling weight gain could be to use the inherent properties of these substances. Here, we will review the evidence regarding nutritional factors with a potential impact on energy balance, such as wholegrain foods, dietary fiber and protein content, calcium, and certain spices. There is ample evidence to suggest that dietary protein, wholegrain, and fiber promote satiety and either reduce energy absorption or stimulate energy expenditure. Dietary calcium reduces fat absorption, and a sufficient intake may also prevent excessive hunger during weight loss diets. Chili and mustard have beneficial effects on energy balance, although the quantitative importance of this may be modest. Manipulation of diet composition with an aim to prevent weight gain and weight regain is a promising avenue of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: We studied vegetation succession after drainage in a bog, as an analogue for potential persistent water table drawdown due to climate change. We asked: (1) how does bog vegetation change following a long-term water table lowering and (2) how are effects of drainage on hydrology and vegetation distributed temporally and spatially? Location: Mer Bleue peatland, Ontario, Canada (45.41°N, 75.48°W). Methods: Analyses of changes in vegetation and hydrology associated with drainage were examined spatially along a hydrosequence and temporally using paleoecological reconstructions from peat cores (testate amoebae, pollen) in a drained portion of a peatland untouched for 85 years following drainage. Relationships between modern vegetation and water table were assessed through clustering and ordination analyses of vegetation relevés. Results: Post-drainage increases in tree cover, especially Betula and Larix, decreases in Sphagnum cover and shifts in species composition of dominant shrubs were observed. Present-day vegetation patterns along the hydrosequence were primarily related to seasonal variability of water table depth. Paleoecological records reveal that where the present-day vegetation has been impacted by drainage, persistent water table lowering occurred in response to drainage. However, in an area with relatively natural vegetation, a transient drop in water table depth occurred at the time of drainage. Conclusions: Temporal and spatial patterns revealed that the bog response to drainage was spatially and temporally heterogeneous, and probably mediated by feedbacks among vegetation, peat structure and hydrology. Spatial patterns along the hydrosequence were similar to those observed in paleoecological reconstructions, but the use of the two complementary techniques provides additional insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter reports an active inductor digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) for fast switchable low power wireless wake‐up receivers. The LO output is held low when the enable pin is high and it oscillates when the enable pin goes low. The MOS transistor is used to turn on the oscillator for 200 ns (Ton) to mitigate the requirement of wake‐up receivers (Tcycle = 1 µs). To save the die area, a symmetric differential‐pair active inductor topology with 4‐bit capacitor bank is proposed. The implemented circuit has one tenth of the chip size of LC oscillator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ophthalmic trigeminal (opV) placode gives rise exclusively to sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system, providing an advantageous model for understanding neurogenesis. The signaling pathways governing opV placode development have only recently begun to be elucidated. Here, we investigate the fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 (FGFR4), an opV expressed gene, to examine if and how FGF signaling regulates opV placode development. After inhibiting FGFR4, Pax3+ opV placode cells failed to delaminate from the ectoderm and did not contribute to the opV ganglion. Blocking FGF signaling also led to a loss of the early and late neuronal differentiation markers Ngn2, Islet-1, NeuN, and Neurofilament. In addition, without FGF signaling, cells that stalled in the ectoderm lost their opV placode-specific identity by down-regulating Pax3. We conclude that FGF signaling, through FGFR4, is necessary for delamination and differentiation of opV placode cells. Developmental Dynamics 238:1073-1082, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Title. Living with chronic heart failure: a review of qualitative studies of older people Aim. This paper is a report of a systematic review of qualitative studies of how older people live with chronic heart failure. Background. Chronic heart failure is a global epidemic mainly affecting an ageing population. Understanding how older people live with this disease is important to help promote their adjustment to the distressing illness experience. Data sources. Eligible studies published in 1997–2007 were identified from several databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts). A manual search was conducted of bibliographies of the identified studies and relevant journals. Review methods. Two researchers independently reviewed the studies and extracted the data. Key concepts from the papers were compared for similarities and differences. The transactional model of stress was used to guide data synthesis. Findings. Fourteen qualitative studies were identified. Most described the illness experiences of older people with chronic heart failure and associated coping strategies. There was some emerging work exploring the adjustment process. The findings indicated that living with chronic heart failure was characterized by distressing symptoms, compromised physical functioning, feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness, and social and role dysfunction. There were gender differences in the way the disease was conceived. Adjustment required patients to make sense of the illness experience, accept the prognosis, and get on with living with the condition. Conclusion. Empowering older people to manage chronic heart failure, instilling hope and bolstering support system are means of promoting successful adjustment to the disease. Further research needs to explore the cultural differences in the adjustment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research into the effect of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) modified polyolefin additive on the surface properties, extrusion, and the chemical processing of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The polyolefin was obtained from the chemical reaction of an amine terminated polydimethysiloxane with an ethylene-ethyl acrylate-maleic anhydride (EEAMA). Blends of linear low-density polyethylene and polydimethylsiloxane are compared with pure linear low-density polyethylene in terms of shear stress at the die wall, extrusion instabilities, apparent viscosity, friction coefficients, silicon enrichment, and throughput per unit input energy.

The article discusses how probabilistic shaping (PS) is a powerful technique for optical communications, providing both continuous data rate adaption and shaping gain. It mentions that PS signals can reach higher overall data capacity and longer transmission distance compared to the conventional QAM signals.

Automated annotation of high-throughput genome sequences is one of the earliest steps toward a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic behavior of living organisms. However, the step is often error-prone because of its underlying algorithms, which rely mainly on a simple similarity analysis, and lack of guidance from biological rules. We present herein a knowledge-based protein annotation algorithm. Our objectives are to reduce errors and to improve annotation confidences. This algorithm consists of two major components: a knowledge system, called 'RuleMiner,' and a voting procedure. The knowledge system, which includes biological rules and functional profiles for each function, provides a platform for seamless integration of multiple sequence analysis tools and guidance for function annotation. The voting procedure, which relies on the knowledge system, is designed to make (possibly) unbiased judgments in functional assignments among complicated, sometimes conflicting, information. We have applied this algorithm to 10 prokaryotic bacterial genomes and observed a significant improvement in annotation confidences. We also discuss the current limitations of the algorithm and the potential for future improvement. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]