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The recent classification of lithium as a critical raw material surged the research and development (R&D) of post‐lithium batteries (PLBs). The larger cation charge carriers of these PLBs consequently entailed extensive materials R&D for battery components, especially cathode. Prussian Blue (PB) and its analogues (PBAs) have emerged as promising cathode materials for PLBs due to their desirable characteristics, including a three‐dimensional open framework structure that facilitates fast ion diffusion for both monovalent (Li+, Na+, K+) and multivalent (Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Al3+) ions, stable framework structures, electrochemical tunability, availability of widely used precursors, and ease of synthesis. Our comprehensive review reveals that several challenges are yet to be addressed in employing PBAs as cathode materials for PLBs, viz., vacancies, crystal water, side reactions, and conductivity issues. This review paper provides an exhaustive survey of material development, including the mitigation strategies of the challenges in employing PBAs as cathode materials for advancing PLBs (i. e., sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs), magnesium‐ion batteries (MIBs), calcium‐ion batteries (CIBs), zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs)) towards commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal cardiovascular assessment of liver transplant (LT) candidates is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the performance of CT‐based coronary tests (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] and coronary CT angiography [CCTA]) and a modification of the CAD‐LT score (mCAD‐LT, excluding family history of CAD) to diagnose significant coronary artery disease (CAD) before LT and predict the incidence of post‐LT cardiovascular events (CVE). Methods: We retrospectively analysed a single‐centre cohort of LT candidates who underwent non‐invasive tests; invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was performed depending on the results of non‐invasive tests. mCAD‐LT was calculated in all patients. Results: Six‐hundred‐and‐thirty‐four LT candidates were assessed and 351 of them underwent LT. CACS, CCTA and ICA were performed in 245, 123 and 120 LT candidates, respectively. Significant CAD was found in 30% of patients undergoing ICA. The AUROCs of mCAD‐LT (.722) and CCTA (.654) were significantly higher than that of CACS (.502) to predict the presence of significant CAD. Specificity of the tests ranged between 31% for CCTA and 53% for CACS. Among patients who underwent LT, CACS ≥ 400 and mCAD‐LT were independently associated with the incidence of CVE; in patients who underwent CCTA before LT, significant CAD at CCTA also predicted post‐LT CVE. Conclusion: In this cohort, mCAD‐LT score and CT‐based tests detect the presence of significant CAD in LT candidates, although they tend to overestimate it. Both mCAD‐LT score and CT‐based tests classify LT recipients according to their risk of post‐LT CVE and can be used to improve post‐LT risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and identifying markers for diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapies. While cell blocks (CBs) are preferred for standardization and optimized staining, cytological smears are an alternative when CBs are unavailable. However, the literature on ICC protocols for smears is sparse. This review addresses preparation, fixation and protocols for nuclear and cytoplasmic antibodies on smears, drawing from our laboratory's experience. Methods: We reviewed procedures for ICC on cytological smears using existing literature and practical insights from our laboratory. Results: Commercially available antibodies were found to be reliable for ICC on smears if specimens are properly prepared and fixed. Protocols developed in our laboratory maintained antigenicity and provided clear staining results. Conclusions: Although ICC on CBs is the gold standard for standardization, cytological smears are a viable alternative when CBs are unavailable. Success in ICC on smears depends on proper preparation and fixation. This review offers practical protocols and insights to help laboratories optimize ICC on cytological smears. Further research and standardization are necessary to enhance reproducibility and reliability of ICC on smears. The practical information provided is based on personal experience in our laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a clean, flexible, powerful energy vector that can be leveraged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Additionally, green hydrogen production has been recognized as one of the most prevalent solutions to decarbonize the energy system. Water electrolysis studies have increased throughout the decade as higher industrial interest comes into play. The catalyst, system design, and configuration act in a congenial manner to deliver high‐performing water electrolysis. Despite performance targets peaking at high current densities, the current status of water electrolyzer technologies would require more research efforts to achieve such goals. This work presents a comprehensive review of how catalysts and electrolyzer designs can be enhanced to attain high current density water electrolysis. Modification strategies of catalysts, advances in characterization and modelling, and optimizing system designs are highlighted. Furthermore, this paper aims to elucidate the future research direction of water electrolysis to bridge the laboratory‐to‐industry gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with a low sulfonation degree was blended using nanofiller layered double hydroxide (LDH, Mg2AlCl)/sepiolite nanostructured material as additive to use as an electrolyte membrane for fuel cell application. Characterization assessments, that is, mechanical stability, thermal gravimetric analysis, ion exchange capability, swelling properties, water uptake capacities, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the composite membranes were conducted. The presence of LDH/sepiolite nanoarchitectured material within SPEEK was found to have the highest water retention and proton conductivity value at high temperature rather than LDH/SPEEK and pristine SPEEK membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable primary batteries, also known as transient batteries, are essential to realize autonomous biodegradable electronic devices with high performance and advanced functionality. In this work, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc – metals that exist as trace elements in the human body – were tested as materials for biomedical transient electronic devices. Different full cell combinations of Mg and X (where X = Cu, Fe, and Zn and the anodized form of the metals) with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as electrolyte were studied. To form the cathodes, metal foils were anodized galvanostatically at a current density of 2.0 mA cm−2 for 30 mins. Electrochemical measurements were then conducted for each electrode combination to evaluate full cell battery performance. Results showed that the Mg−Cuanodized chemistry has the highest power density at 0.99 mW/cm2. Nominal operating voltages of 1.26 V for the first 0.50 h and 0.63 V for the next 3.7 h were observed for Mg−Cuanodized which was discharged at a current density of 0.70 mA cm−2. Among the materials tested, Mg−Cuanodized exhibited the best discharge performance with an average specific capacity of 2.94 mAh cm−2, which is comparable to previous reports on transient batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel cellulose acetate‐based anion exchange membranes (CA‐AEM) are successfully synthesized via gamma radiation grafting as a possible renewable alternative to commercial AEMs. Using CA film precursors with degree of acetylation of 2.5, the synthesized AEM shows a high ion exchange capacity of 2.15 mmol g−1 obtained at high degree of grafting of 45%. It was determined using thermogravimetric analysis that the radiation‐grafted CA‐AEM has stable amine functional groups under oxygen environment within the normal operating temperature range of alkaline fuel cells. The CA‐AEM also exhibits appreciable performance over a range of temperatures, with a highest ionic conductivity of up to 0.163 S cm−1 depending on the synthesis parameters. Results revealed that membranes prepared using gamma radiation dose of 31 kGy and above are susceptible to mechanical and dimensional instability due to increased water uptake and degree of swelling. Further study should consider the balance between grafting parameters and the desired hydrophysical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical exome sequencing is a powerful approach to overcome the wide clinical and genetic heterogeneity of mucopolysaccharidosis. These data could be useful for prenatal diagnosis of MPS VII, genetic counseling, and preimplantation genetic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow field is an integral part of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. In this work, three flow‐field designs, including straight parallel, multiple channel serpentine, and single channel serpentine, are studied systematically to investigate their effects on fuel cell performance. To evaluate the characteristics of each design, relative humidity and flow rate are parametrically adjusted to evaluate performance experimentally. A finite element‐based 3D steady state, single phase COMSOL computational model is employed to analyze reactant distribution and fuel cell performance. The single channel serpentine exhibits the best performance under the greatest variety of operating conditions, but also experiences the highest inlet‐outlet pressure differentials. This study shows that parallel channel design has more evenly distributed reactant concentration, but is prone to liquid water accumulation, which requires high flow rate to remain stable operation under wet conditions. In summary, the multiple channel serpentine design can provide a reasonable balance between pressure drop and flow distribution with robust fuel cell operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: A NO-mediated desensitization of vasoconstrictor responses evoked by stimulation of α1 -adrenoceptors has been reported in different vessels. We investigated the involvement of each α1 -adrenoceptor subtype and constitutive NOS isoforms and the influence of ageing and hypertension on this process.Experimental Approach: Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 16, 32, 52 and 72 weeks-old, were used to evaluate the desensitization process. Expression of α1 -adrenoceptor subtypes, endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) were determined in rat aorta and left ventricle (LV). Expression levels were also evaluated in LV of a group of heart failure patients with a wide age range.Key Results: Repeated application of phenylephrine decreased subsequent α1 -adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction by increasing nNOS protein expression in aorta, but not in tail or mesenteric resistance arteries, where mRNA levels of nNOS were undetectable. This desensitization process disappeared in the absence of endothelium or in the presence of L-NAME (100 μM), nNOS inhibitors, SMTC (1 μM) and TRIM (100 μM), and 5-methylurapidil (100 nM, α1A -antagonist), but not BMY7378 (10 nM, α1D -antagonist). The α1A /nNOS-mediated desensitization was absent in aged SHR and Wistar animals, where the expression of α1A -adrenoceptors was reduced in aorta and LV. In human LV, a negative correlation was found between age and α1A -adrenoceptor expression.Conclusions and Implications: The α1A -adrenoceptor subtype, through endothelial nNOS-derived NO, may act as a physiological 'brake' against the detrimental effects of excessive α1 -adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction. Reduced α1A -adrenoceptor- and nNOS-mediated desensitization in aged patients could be involved in the age-dependent elevation of adrenergic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elektroden in galvanischen und elektrolytischen Brennstoffzellen sind komplizierte Strukturen aus redoxaktiven Materialien, Ionen ‐ /Elektronenleitern und Porenpfaden für den Stoffaustausch von Reaktanten. Im Gegensatz zu bahnbrechenden Neuerungen bei der Entwicklung der Einzelkomponenten sind die Methoden zur architektonischen Optimierung des Gesamtsystems auf größtmögliche Leistung weniger gut untersucht. In unserem Kurzaufsatz stellen wir allgemeine Typen der Elektrodengestaltung vor, diskutieren Herstellungsstrategien und beschreiben bereits hergestellte Strukturen. Systematisches Optimieren von Elektrodenkonfigurationen kann seit langem bestehende Diskrepanzen zwischen den Gesamtsystemen und den “Summen ihrer Teile” bei verschiedenen elektrochemischen Reaktionen und Technologien auflösen. Mit Potential geladen: Um die volle Leistung von Elektroden aus gegebenen Elektrodenmaterialien ausschöpfen zu können, muss die Architektur der Elektroden optimal gestaltet werden. Für die Realisierung können fortgeschrittene Bottom ‐ up ‐ Herstellungsverfahren sowie In ‐ situ ‐ und Operando ‐ Analyseverfahren, wie z. B. 3D ‐ Elektronen ‐ und Röntgenbildgebung und Grenzflächen ‐ Sondentechniken, strategisch eingesetzt werden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodes in galvanic and electrolytic energy cells are complicated structures comprising redox-active materials, ionic/electronic conductors, and porous pathways for mass transfer of reactants. In contrast to breakthroughs in component development, methods of optimizing whole-system architectural design to draw maximum output have not been well explored. In this Minireview, we introduce generalized types of electrode architecture, discuss fabrication strategies, and characterize already built structures. Systematic efforts to discover optimal electrode configurations will resolve long-standing discrepancies that arise between whole systems and the sums of their parts for a number of electrochemical reactions and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quasi-perpetual discharge behavior of Ge anodes in semiconductor-air batteries was first demonstrated in our previous studies, marked by high anode utilization and a flat discharge profile over long-term discharge operation. In this Article, we show the crystal orientation dependence of the discharge behavior of p-type Ge anodes. In general, p-type Ge anodes at the low-index crystal indices could operate in the milliampere-scale current range and at high power densities, in stark contrast to the current-limited operation of Si-air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OP02.06: Relationship between anti-SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in human breast milk following SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy To determine the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in colostrum and mature milk in women who had SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy or at delivery; to investigate the correlation between anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in milk with antibody in maternal blood, severity of infection and time-interval from active illness; and to evaluate immunoglobulin evolution from colostrum to mature milk. IgA and IgG were present in 111/135 (82.2%) and 2/135 (1.5%) colostrum samples and 27/81 (33.3%) and 0/81 mature milk samples, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

A graphene-based cathode design for lithium-sulfur batteries (LSB) that shows excellent electrochemical performance is proposed. The dual-layered cathode is composed of a sulfur active layer and a polysulfide absorption layer, and both layers are based on vitamin C treated graphene oxide at various degrees of reduction. By controlling the degree of reduction of graphene, the dual-layered cathode can increase sulfur utilization dramatically owing to the uniform formation of nanosized sulfur particles, the chemical bonding of dissolved polysulfides on the oxygen-rich sulfur active layer, and the physisorption of free polysulfides on the absorption layer. This approach enables a LSB with a high specific capacity of over 600 mAh gsulfur−1 after 100 cycles even under a high current rate of 1C (1675 mA gsulfur−1). An intriguing aspect of our work is the synthesis of a high-performance dual-layered cathode by a green chemistry method, which could be a promising approach to LSBs with high energy and power densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we highlight the salient issues in the development of lithium-sulfur battery (LSB) cathodes, present different points of view in solving them, and argue, why in the future, functionalized graphene or graphene oxide might be the ultimate solution towards LSB commercialization. As shown by previous studies and also in our recent work, functionalized graphene and graphene oxide enhance the reversibility of the charge-discharge process by trapping polysulfides in the oxygen functional groups on the graphene surface, thus minimizing polysulfide dissolution. This will be helpful for the rational design of new cathode structures based on graphene for LSBs with minimal capacity fading, low extra cost, and without the unnecessary weight increase caused by metal/metal oxide additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum (Pt) is the best electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in hydrogen fuel cells, but it is an extremely expensive resource. The successful development of a cost-effective non-Pt ORR electrocatalyst will be a breakthrough for the commercialization of hydrogen-air fuel cells. Ball milling has been used to incorporate metal and nitrogen precursors into micropores of carbon more effectively and in the direct nitrogen-doping of carbon under highly pressurized nitrogen gas in the process of the preparation of non-noble ORR catalysts. In this study, we first utilize ball milling to excavate the ORR active sites embedded in Fe-modified N-doped carbon nanofibers (Fe-N-CNFs) by pulverization. The facile ball-milling process resulted in a significant enhancement in the ORR activity and the selectivity of the Fe-N-CNFs owing to the higher exposure of the metal-based catalytically active sites. The degree of excavation of the Fe-based active sites in the Fe-N-CNFs for the ORR was investigated with cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and pore-size distribution analysis. We believe that this simple approach is useful to improve alternative ORR electrocatalysts up to the level necessary for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: To analyse the relative contribution of β1 -, β2 - and β3 -adrenoceptors (Adrb) to vasodilatation in conductance and resistance vessels, assessing the role of cAMP and/or NO/cGMP signalling pathways.Experimental Approach: Rat mesenteric resistance artery (MRA) and aorta were used to analyse the Adrb expression by real-time-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and for the pharmacological characterization of Adrb-mediated activity by wire myography and tissue nucleotide accumulation.Key Results: The mRNAs and protein for all Adrb were identified in endothelium and/or smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in both vessels. In MRA, Adrb1 signalled through cAMP, Adrb3 through both cAMP and cGMP, but Adrb2, did not activate nucleotide formation; isoprenaline relaxation was inhibited by propranolol (β1 , β2 ), CGP20712A (β1 ), and SQ22536 (adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), but not by ICI118,551 (β2 ), SR59230A (β3 ), ODQ (soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), L-NAME or endothelium removal. In aorta, Adrb1 signalled through cAMP, while β2 - and β3 -subtypes through cGMP; isoprenaline relaxation was inhibited by propranolol, ICI118,551, ODQ, L-NAME, and to a lesser extent, by endothelium removal. CL316243 (β3 -agonist) relaxed aorta, but not MRA.Conclusion and Implication: Despite all three Adrb subtypes being found in both vessels, Adrb1, located in SMCs and acting through the adenylyl cyclase/cAMP pathway, are primarily responsible for vasodilatation in MRA. However, Adrb-mediated vasodilatation in aorta is driven by endothelial Adrb2 and Adrb3, but also by the Adrb2 present in SMCs, and is coupled to the NO/cGMP pathway. These results could help to understand the different physiological roles played by Adrb signalling in regulating conductance and resistance vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose To analyse the relative contribution of β1-, β2- and β3-adrenoceptors ( Adrb) to vasodilatation in conductance and resistance vessels, assessing the role of cAMP and/or NO/ cGMP signalling pathways. Experimental Approach Rat mesenteric resistance artery ( MRA) and aorta were used to analyse the Adrb expression by real-time -PCR and immunohistochemistry, and for the pharmacological characterization of Adrb-mediated activity by wire myography and tissue nucleotide accumulation. Key Results The mRNAs and protein for all Adrb were identified in endothelium and/or smooth muscle cells ( SMCs) in both vessels. In MRA, Adrb1 signalled through cAMP, Adrb3 through both cAMP and cGMP, but Adrb2, did not activate nucleotide formation; isoprenaline relaxation was inhibited by propranolol (β1, β2), CGP20712A (β1), and SQ22536 (adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), but not by ICI118,551 (β2), SR59230A (β3), ODQ (soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), L- NAME or endothelium removal. In aorta, Adrb1 signalled through cAMP, while β2- and β3-subtypes through cGMP; isoprenaline relaxation was inhibited by propranolol, ICI118,551, ODQ, L- NAME, and to a lesser extent, by endothelium removal. CL316243 (β3-agonist) relaxed aorta, but not MRA. Conclusion and Implication Despite all three Adrb subtypes being found in both vessels, Adrb1, located in SMCs and acting through the adenylyl cyclase/ cAMP pathway, are primarily responsible for vasodilatation in MRA. However, Adrb-mediated vasodilatation in aorta is driven by endothelial Adrb2 and Adrb3, but also by the Adrb2 present in SMCs, and is coupled to the NO/ cGMP pathway. These results could help to understand the different physiological roles played by Adrb signalling in regulating conductance and resistance vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays an important role in the maintenance of vascular tone. We aimed to evaluate the influence of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) on mesenteric resistance artery vasomotor function and the mechanism involved in the changes in vascular responses to ET-1. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH SMA from male Sprague-Dawley rats was occluded (90 min) and following reperfusion (24 h), mesenteric resistance arteries were dissected. Vascular reactivity was studied using wire myography. Protein and mRNA expression, superoxide anion (O2•−) production and ET-1 plasma concentration were evaluated by immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative PCR, ethidium fluorescence and elisa, respectively. KEY RESULTS I/R increased ET-1 plasma concentration, ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction and ETB mRNA expression, and down-regulated ETA mRNA expression. Immunofluorescence confirmed mRNA results and revealed an increase in ETB receptors in the mesenteric resistance artery media layer after I/R. Therefore, the ETB receptor agonist sarafotoxin-6 induced a contraction that was inhibited by the ETB receptor antagonist BQ788 only in vessels, with and without endothelium, from I/R rats. Furthermore, BQ788 potentiated ET-1 vasoconstriction only in sham rats. Endothelium removal in rings from I/R rats unmasked the inhibition of ET-1 vasoconstriction by BQ788. Endothelium removal, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and superoxide dismutase abolished the differences in ET-1 vasoconstriction between sham and I/R rats. We also found that I/R down-regulates endothelial NOS mRNA expression and concomitantly enhanced O2•− production by increasing NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX-1) and p47phox mRNA. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Mesenteric I/R potentiated the ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction by a mechanism that involves up-regulation of muscular ETB receptors and decrease in NO bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 The α[sub l]-adrenergic responses of rat aorta and tail artery have been analysed measuring the contractility and the inositol phosphate (IP) formation induced by noradrenaline. Three antagonists, prazosin, 5-methylurapidil (α[sub 1A] selective) and BMY 7378 (α[sub 1D] selective) have been used in different experimental procedures. 2 Noradrenaline possesses a greater potency inducing contraction and IP accumulation in aorta (pEC[sub 50]-contraction = 7.32±0.04; pEC[sub 50]-lPs = 6.03 ± 0.08) than in the tail artery (pEC[sub 50]-contraction = 5.71 ± 0.07; pEC[sub 50]-IPs = 5.51 ± 0.10). Although the maximum contraction was similar in both tissues (E[sub max]-tail = 619.1 ± 55.6 mg; E[sub max]-aorta-698.2 ± 40.8 mg), there were marked differences in the ability of these tissues to generate intracellular second messengers the tail artery being more efficient (E[sub max]-tail = 1060 ± 147%; E[sub max]-aorta = 108.1 + 16.9%). 3 Concentration response curves of noradrenaline in presence of antagonist together with concentration inhibition curves for antagonists added before (CICb) or after (CICa) noradrenaline-induced maximal response in Ca[sup 2+]-containing or Ca[sup 2+]-free medium have been performed. A comparative analysis of the different procedures as well as the mathematical approaches used in each case to calculate the antagonist potencies, were completed. 4 The CICa was the simplest method to characterize the predominant α[sub 1]-adrenoceptor subtype involved in the functional response of a tissue. 5 In aorta, where constitutively active α[sub 1D]-adrenoeptors are present, the use of different experimental procedures evidenced a complex equilibrium between α[sub 1D]- and α[sub 1A]-adrenoceptor subtypes. 6 The appropriate management of LiCl in IP accumulation studies allowed us to reproduce the different experimental procedures performed in contractile experiments... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The role of a constitutively active population of alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors was analysed in arteries obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and controls (WKY) divided into three groups: young prehypertensive, adult hypertensive, and adult animals chronically treated with captopril (50 mg kg(-1) per day orally) in order to prevent the hypertensive state. 2. In adult SHR, a significant increase in BMY 7378 potency (not in prazosin potency) was observed in aorta, mesenteric artery, and the first and second branches of the small mesenteric arteries with respect to WKY rats. This difference was not observed in iliac and tail arteries, which suggests an increased functional role of alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors only in some vessels of SHR. 3. The increase in the resting tone (IRT) observed in absence of agonist, inhibited by BMY 7378, that represents the constitutively active population of alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors, was also significantly greater in aorta and mesenteric artery from adult SHR. 4. In young and captopril treated adult animals, no differences between strains with respect to BMY 7378 potency, or IRT were observed. 5. The increase in the functional role of alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors and their constitutive activity observed in hypertension is prevented by captopril treatment. The pathological consequence of this change is the slower rate of recovery of the basal tone after removal of an adrenergic stimulus, observed in vessels from hypertensive animals that had shown an increase in the functionality of constitutively active alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors. This change was not observed in prehypertensive or captopril treated animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the role of a constitutively active alpha[sub 1D]-adrenoreceptors in arteries obtained from hypertensive rats and controls. Molecular cloning techniques; Changes in blood flow in response to adrenergic stimulation; Concentration-response curves of relaxation to selective adrenoreceptor antagonists.

Most child abuse episodes take place in the context of child-rearing conflicts. Parents show a lack of competence in appropriately solving these conflicts, producing an escalating phenomenon which eventually ends in verbal and/or physical aggression towards the child. The main purpose of this study is to test the role of inconsistent socialization in the development of prolonged dyadic coercive exchanges. Observational information from 15 mother-child dyads referred for psychological treatment for abuse and 15 non-clinical dyads was obtained at home. Results show the mother's indiscriminate attention following prosocial child behaviour was significantly higher in abusive dyads, while disruptive child behaviour was followed by the mother's discriminate and consistent attention. These findings are discussed in terms of the context of uncertainty that maternal care sets for these children and how their aversive behaviour is functional in reducing uncertainty. Consequently, both mother and child are enmeshed in these dysfunctional ways of relating, which will affect the development of the child's psychological functioning. An analysis of family interaction to detect characteristic patterns of incompetence offers specific tools to treat and prevent child abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the texture of pecans from four cultivars by means of 50 percent compression, Texture Profile Analysis (TPA), puncture and bending. Use of sensory and instrumental methods; Rating of sensory hardness, flexibility and crispness; Most relevant TPA parameters.

Follicle flushing has been proved to be ineffective in polyfollicular in vitro fertilization. To analyze the effect of flushing in monofollicular in vitro fertilization we aspirated and then flushed the follicles in 164 cycles. Total oocyte yield/aspiration was 44.5% in the aspirate, 20.7% in the 1st flush, 10.4% in the 2nd flush and 4.3% in the 3rd flush. By flushing, the total oocyte yield increased (p < 0.01) by 80.9%, from 44.5 to 80.5%. The total transfer rate increased (p < 0.01) by 91.0%, from 20.1 to 38.4%. The results indicate that the oocyte yield and the number of transferable embryos can be increased significantly by flushing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe a new HLA class II null allele at the DRB5 gene. Serologic HLA typing of a Spanish gypsy family rendered the following paternal haplotype: A2-Cblk-B52-Bw4-DR15-DQ5. However, DNA typing demonstrated the presence of a DRB5 gene in the haplotype DRB1*1502- DRB5*0102-DQB1*05031. Complete DRB5 cDNA sequencing revealed a DRB5*0102 allele with a deletion of two nucleotides at exon 2 (239-240) in codon 80. This change generates a frame shift leading to a stop codon at position 86, and could explain the lack of DR51 protein at the cell surface. This is the second DRB5 null allele described together with DRB5*0108N, raising the number of HLA alleles with an expression disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the effects of bovine somatotropin and timed embryo transfer (TET) on pregnancy rates in non-lactating cattle. Improvement of embryo survival by treating animals with appropriate hormones; Use of ovulation synchronization protocols with timed embryo transfer to overcome the poor detection of oestrus; Comparison of pregnancy rates achieved using either TET or superovulated embryos with timed artificial insemination.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on agnathia, tetramelia and diaphragmatic hernia, published in the previous issue.

The Front Cover Image shows the artistic represENtation of sulfur nanoparticle formation and graphENe surface functionalization through Vitamin C treatmENt, which improves the performance of next ‐ gENeration lithium–sulfur batteries for electric vehicles. Vitamin C—a low ‐ cost and eco ‐ friENdly substance—simultaneously allows the synthesis of uniformly sized sulfur nanoparticles in the range of tENs of nanometers and facilitates controlled oxygEN functionalization of graphENe. A dual ‐ layered cathode ‐ based lithium–sulfur battery is thEN assembled using the Vitamin C ‐ reduced graphENe oxide in the cathode and as an interlayer. This strategy leads to a high specific capacity and stable performance of the battery evEN under high currENt dENsities. More details can be found in the Full Paper by J. Lee et al. on page 2883 in Issue 17, 2015. (DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201500111). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 70 refs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]