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Mountainous watersheds are characterized by variability in functional traits, including vegetation, topography, geology, and geomorphology, which determine nitrogen (N) retention, and release. Coal Creek and East River are two contrasting catchments within the Upper Colorado River Basin that differ markedly in total nitrate (NO3−) export. The East River has a diverse vegetation cover, and sinuous floodplains, and is underlain by N‐rich marine shale. At 0.21 ± 0.14 kg ha−1 yr−1, the East River exports ∼3.5 times more NO3− relative to the conifer‐dominated Coal Creek (0.06 ± 0.02 kg ha−1 yr−1). While this can partly be explained by the larger size of the East River, the distinct watershed traits of these two catchments imply different mechanisms controlling the aggregate N‐export signal. A causality analysis shows physical and biogenic processes were critical in determining NO3− export from the East River catchment. Stable isotope ratios of NO3− (δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3) show the East River catchment is a strong hotspot for biogeochemical processing of NO3− at the hillslope soil‐saprolite. By contrast, the conifer‐dominated Coal Creek retained nearly all atmospherically deposited NO3−, and its export was controlled by catchment hydrological traits (i.e., snowmelt periods and water table depth). The conservative N‐cycle within Coal Creek is likely due to the abundance of conifer trees, and smaller riparian regions, retaining more NO3− overall and reduced processing prior to export. This study highlights the value of integrating isotope systematics to link watershed functional traits to mechanisms of watershed element retention and release. Plain Language Summary: The role different functional traits play in the retention and release of nitrogen remains uncertain. Here we describe how two neighboring catchments in the Upper Colorado River Basin, characterized by contrasting vegetation, geology, and geomorphology, cycle and export nitrogen. The East River catchment, which is underlain by nitrogen‐rich shale, and has a diverse vegetation cover, releases over three times as much nitrate (NO3−) than the conifer‐dominated Coal Creek, which is underlain by granitic rock. However, a suite of analyses show that the distinct watershed traits of these two catchments lead to diverse pathways of nitrogen cycling. Biogenic processes, critical to determining NO3− export in East River, impart strong biogeochemical processing prior to export. By contrast, Coal Creek retains almost all of the atmospherically deposited NO3−, likely due to uptake by conifers, and a small riparian region. This study highlights the use of nitrate isotope systematics to parse different mechanisms leading to NO3− export. Key Points: Comparing and contrasting neighboring catchments identifies watershed traits regulating the cycling, retention and release of nitrogenConifer forest‐dominated catchments show a conservative nitrogen cycling, retaining ∼97% of atmospherically dominated nitrateBy contrast, meadow‐dominated catchments underlain Mancos shale are biogeochemical hotspots for N‐cycling, and export higher nitrate loads [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic tomography models indicate highly variable Earth structure beneath Antarctica with anomalously low shallow mantle viscosities below West Antarctica. An improved projection of the contribution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet to sea‐level change requires consideration of this complexity to precisely account for water expelled into the ocean from uplifting marine sectors. Here we build a high‐resolution 3‐D viscoelastic structure model based on recent inferences of seismic velocity heterogeneity below the continent. The model serves as input to a global‐scale sea‐level model that we use to investigate the influence of solid Earth deformation in Antarctica on future global mean sea‐level (GMSL) rise. Our calculations are based on a suite of ice mass projections generated with a range of climate forcings and suggest that water expulsion from the rebounding marine basins contributes 4%–16% and 7%–14% to the projected GMSL change at 2100 and 2500, respectively. Plain Language Summary: Most of vulnerable sections of the Antarctic Ice Sheet rests on top of bedrock below sea level and the bed deepens inland. Following the ice loss in these sections, the underlying bedrock rebounds and expels the meltwater into the open ocean, a process that is called water expulsion. The impact of this mechanism on future estimates of sea‐level change has not been fully investigated. Here, we project the effect of water expulsion mechanism on geographically variable global sea‐level change. Key Points: We investigate the influence of solid Earth deformation on the contribution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet to projections of sea‐level changeThe water outflux from uplifting flooded marine basins adds to future projections by up to 16% at the end of the 21st century and 14% at 2500Not incorporating the 3‐D Earth structure underestimates the geographically variable far‐field sea‐level by up to 20% at the end of the simulations (2500) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainty in preindustrial aerosol emissions, including fires, is one of the largest sources of uncertainty in estimating anthropogenic radiative forcing. Here, we quantify the range in aerosol forcing associated with uncertainty in the location and magnitude of preindustrial fire emissions in a climate model based on four emission estimates. With varied emission location and magnitude among the fire estimates, we find the change in aerosol forcing from present‐day to preindustrial is between −0.4 and 0.3 W/m2 for direct radiative forcing and between −1.8 and 0.6 W/m2 for cloud albedo forcing. Altering only the spatial distribution of preindustrial fires for a fixed magnitude adds a previously unaccounted 25% uncertainty to the total aerosol radiative forcing range. Future studies must account for the uncertainty in the spatial distribution of fire and other aerosol emissions as regional differences contribute substantial additional uncertainty to anthropogenic radiative forcing estimates and the resultant climate sensitivity. Plain Language Summary: Fires are a key driver of changes to physical landscapes, biogeochemical cycles, and climate on a variety of spatial and temporal scales. In particular, the aerosol particles emitted in fire smoke influence regional and global climate by altering the atmospheric energy budget via interactions with solar radiation and by modifying clouds. In this study, we quantify the aerosol radiative impacts on climate from changing the location and strength of preindustrial fires for four different emission representations. We find that changing only the location of preindustrial fires contributes an additional 25% uncertainty to the estimated range of radiative impacts calculated. Thus, it is important to consider not only changes in the magnitude of fires, but in which regions past fires are occurring when estimating human‐induced changes to climate and the Earth System. Key Points: This study explores the radiative impacts of changing the spatial distribution and total magnitude of preindustrial fire emissionsFor a fixed emission magnitude, spatial uncertainty in fires adds 25% to the total radiative forcing rangeGlobal aerosol radiative forcing scales linearly with black carbon burden [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new macrocyclic dibenzotetraaza[14]annulene (DBTAA) compounds with indolenine (5) and pyridoindolenine (6) moieties were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy. Both DBTAAs exhibit strong UV‐Vis absorption properties in the Soret band region. The theoretical second‐order nonlinear optical property, electric dipole moment (μ), dispersion‐free dipole polarizability (α) and first hyper‐polarizability values were calculated by density functional theory and time dependent density functional theory. The ab‐initio quantum mechanical calculation by time‐dependent Hartree‐Fock method was utilized to investigate the dynamic dipole polarizabilities, dynamic second‐order, static, and dynamic third‐order (γ) hyper‐polarizabilities of the DBTAAs. The configuration interaction technique of all doubly occupied molecular orbitals possesses theoretically defined single‐photon absorption (OPA) specifications for the examined structures. The computed maximum OPA wavelengths on both macrocyclic compounds coincide with the preceding measurement outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Empathy is an essential aspect in the delivery of quality nutrition care and promoting better outcomes in patients. With an increased emphasis of patient‐centred care in dietetic practice, empathy should underpin the construct of the curriculum in dietetic education. The present study investigated the empathy level of dietetic interns through self‐reporting measures and patients' perception. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on a total of 57 dietetic interns and 99 patients from primary and tertiary health care settings. The dietetic interns completed the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) while the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure was self‐administered by patients. Socio‐demographic information of participants was collected. Results: The dietetic interns' mean (standard deviation [SD]) TEQ scores were 46.90 ± 5.28 and 47.78 ± 5.34 in primary and tertiary care, respectively. CARE measure scores rated by patients in the primary care were 38.61 ± 8.38 and for tertiary setting, the scores were slightly higher (39.47 ± 7.65). The settings, gender, ethnicity and period of internship did not affect dietetic interns' empathy level. In primary care, CARE scores were significantly different between patients' age grouping (P = 0.007). Conclusions: Findings from the present study showed that patients' age significantly affected their perception of dietetic interns' empathy in primary health care. These preliminary findings could facilitate an understanding of the level of empathy amongst interns for consideration in the future design of dietetic training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on ancient Longquan wares and their imitations has attracted considerable attention. Using a series of experimental methods, including micro X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ‐XRF), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), polarizing microscopy (PLM), dilatometry (DIL) and spectrophotometery, different samples of Longquan imitations from Dapu in Guangdong Province were collected and analysed. The study of different types of celadon from the Dapu kiln factories shows that the pale yellow body had a higher TFe2O3 content, and the body material must therefore have been treated differently or have come from a different source. The SiO2 and Al2O3 contents in the body can be used as auxiliary parameters to identify Longquan wares and its imitations. The study also found that both kinds of glaze recipe—including calcium–alkali glaze and alkali–calcium glaze—existed in the Dapu products, which suggested that while imitating Longquan ware, the potters in Dapu also showed innovation in the recipe for the glaze material. Moreover, there were some differences in the TFe2O3 content, as well as the size, number and distribution of bubbles in the different types of glaze. Finally, the study revealed that the material of both the saggars and separators were composed of another porcelain clay, different from that of the celadon body. In addition, the white and compact body of the celadon had a higher firing temperature, of 1140–1187 °C, compared with other types of wares, which had a lower firing temperature of 1050–1080 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetic nephropathy and accompanied by subclinical inflammation which involves immune‐deriving factors. Emerging studies indicate that group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) can regulate adipose metabolism, but much less is known about the activity of ILC2s in metabolic imbalance in obesity and diabetes. This study explored the effect of ILC2s‐related molecules on the occurrence of MS in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Thirty patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were included in the study; the mRNA expression of ILC2s‐associated molecules from peripheral blood mononuclear cell and the correlation of the ILC2s activity and the MS‐related indicators were analysed. The results indicated that the waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride in patients with simple diabetes and diabetic nephropathy were increased, and the incidence of MS was 46.67% and 86.67%, respectively. The ILC2s‐associated factors RORα, T1/ST2 and IL‐5/IL‐13 mRNA were increased in diabetic nephropathy. There was a positive correlation between the expression level of IL‐13 or T1/ST2 mRNA and some MS indexes. In addition, the levels of plasma sTNFR, eotaxin‐2 and I‐309 were also increased in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. It suggested that the patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were more likely to have multiple components of MS than those with simple type 2 diabetes mellitus, and enhanced ILC2s activity might be involved in the formation of MS in diabetic nephropathy via influencing blood pressure and lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of rare glucagon-like peptide-2 ( GLP-2) receptor (+) cells within the gut mucosa, the molecular mechanisms transducing the diverse actions of GLP-2 remain largely obscure. This research identified the naturally occurring intestinal cell lines that endogenously express GLP-2R and determined the molecular mechanisms of the protective effects of GLP-2-mediated tight junctions ( TJ) in GLP-2R (+) cell line. (i) Immunohistochemistry results showed that GLP-2R is localised to the epithelia, laminae propriae and muscle layers of the small and large bowels of newborn piglets. (ii) GLP-2R expression was apparent in the cytoplasm of endocrine cells in IPEC-J2 cell lines. (iii) The protein expressions of ZO-1, claudin-1, occludin, p- PI3K, p-Akt, p- mTOR and p-p70S6K significantly (p < 0.05) increased in GLP-2-treated IPEC-J2 cells, and all of them significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when LY-294002 or rapamycin was added. GLP-2 improves intestinal TJ expression of GLP-2R (+) cells through the PI3k/Akt/ mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Up-to-date information regarding the recurrence rate of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) after eradication therapy is not available. Aim To evaluate the global recurrence rate following H. pylori eradication therapy and confirm its association with socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library was performed to identify potentially relevant publications using the following keywords: ' Helicobacter pylori' or ' H. pylori' or ' Hp' and 'recurrence' or 'recrudescence' or 'reinfection' or 'recurrent' or 'recurred' or 're-infect*' or 'relapse*.' Results A total of 132 studies (53 934 patient-years) were analysed. Each study was weighted according to the duration of patient-years. The global annual recurrence, reinfection and recrudescence rate of H. pylori were 4.3% (95% CI, 4-5), 3.1% (95% CI, 2-5) and 2.2% (95% CI, 1-3), respectively. The H. pylori recurrence rate was inversely related to the human development index ( HDI) (ie, 3.1% [95% CI, 2-4], 6.2% [95% CI, 4-8] and 10.9% [95% CI, 6-18] in countries with a very high, high and medium or low HDI) ( P <.01) and directly related to H. pylori prevalence (10.9% [95% CI, 7-16], 3.7% [95% CI, 3-5], 3.4% [95% CI, 2-5] and 1.6% [95% CI, 0.5-3] in countries with a very high, high, medium or low local H. pylori prevalence) ( P <.01). Global recurrence rates remained relatively stable between 1990s, 2000s and 2010s but varied across different regions ( P <.05). Conclusions H. pylori recurrence remains a problem closely associated with socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. Methods to reduce recurrence in developing countries are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in detecting fetal copy number variants (CNVs).Methods: NIPT of cell-free fetal DNA was performed retrospectively, using stored maternal plasma, at an average gestational age of 21.1 weeks in 117 pregnant women who had previously undergone invasive prenatal testing for chromosome microarray analysis (CMA). Among the fetal samples tested by CMA, 18 had positive results (CNVs > 1 megabase (Mb)) and 99 had negative results (CNVs < 1 Mb or without CNVs detected). The results of NIPT and CMA were then compared.Results: In the 11 CMA-positive samples with CNVs > 5 Mb, the detection rate of CNVs was 90.9%; the one case missed by NIPT had a fetal fraction of 4.7%. For the other seven CMA-positive samples with CNVs < 5 Mb, the detection rate was 14.3%; only one case with a 2.82-Mb duplication was detected, with a fetal fraction of 26.7%. For 35.7% (5/14) of CNVs detected by both NIPT and CMA, the differences in fragment length were within ± 1 Mb. In this study, the overall sensitivity and specificity of NIPT for detecting CNVs > 1 Mb were 61.1% and 95.0%, respectively, with a false-positive rate of 5.0%.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that NIPT for common aneuploidies can detect fetal CNVs > 5 Mb with high sensitivity, provided that fetal fraction is high enough, without increasing sequencing depth. The detection power of NIPT is determined mostly by fetal fraction and CNV size. A positive NIPT screening result for CNVs must be interpreted with caution and validated by additional diagnostic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Opioids are the most prescribed analgesics for moderate and severe pain management; however, chronic use impairs host innate immune response and increases susceptibility to infection. Recently, autophagy has been shown to be an innate defence mechanism against bacterial infection. The effect of autophagy-induced bacterial clearance following morphine treatment has not been previously investigated. Methods Autophagosomes were visualized by confocal microscopy following GFP-LC3 transfection and also by transmission electron microscopy. The relative protein levels were analysed by Western blot. Macrophages were transfected with GFP-mcherry-LC3 simultaneously to monitor autolysosome formation and subsequent events that lead to degradation. Results Morphine treatment potentiated LPS-induced vesicular translocation of GFP-LC3 with a concurrent increase in LC3-II levels. In addition, morphine upregulated LPS-induced Beclin1 level, but downregulated Bcl-2 level. We further show that p38 MAP kinase signalling is required for autophagy activation. In contrast, morphine inhibited LPS-induced autophagosome maturation and autophagolysosomal fusion as indicated by the failure to recruit LAMP1 into autophagosome and reduced degradation of SQSTM1/p62 protein level. Morphine modulation of LPS-induced autophagosome maturation visualized using co-localization of GFP-mcherry-LC3 was TLR4 independent, but mediated through μ opioid receptor signalling. Correspondingly, morphine and LPS co-treatment significantly increased Streptococcus pneumoniae load, when compared with LPS treatment alone. Conclusion These observations imply that although morphine treatment facilitates LPS-induced autophagy, it inhibits autophagolysosomal fusion leading to decreased bacterial clearance and increased bacterial load. These observations support the increased susceptibility to infection and the prevalence of persistent infection in the drug abuse population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulliform cells are large, thin-walled and highly vacuolated cells, and play an important role in controlling leaf rolling in response to drought and high temperature. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating bulliform cell development have not been well documented. Here, we report isolation and characterisation of a rice leaf-rolling mutant, named shallot-like 2 ( sll2). The sll2 plants exhibit adaxially rolled leaves, starting from the sixth leaf stage, accompanied by increased photosynthesis and reduced plant height and tiller number. Histological analyses showed shrinkage of bulliform cells, resulting in inward-curved leaves. The mutant is recessive and revertible at a rate of 9%. The leaf rolling is caused by a T- DNA insertion. Cloning of the insertion using TAIL- PCR revealed that the T- DNA was inserted in the promoter region of LOC_Os07 g38664. Unexpectedly, the enhanced expression of LOC_Os07 g38664 by the 35S enhancer in the T- DNA is not responsible for the leaf rolling phenotype. Further, the enhancer also exerted a long-distance effect, including up-regulation of several bulliform cell-related genes. sll2 suppressed the outward leaf rolling of oul1 in the sll2oul1 double mutant. We conclude that leaf rolling in sll2 could be a result of the combined effect of multi-genes, implying a complex network in regulation of bulliform cell development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we demonstrate an atomic force microscopy process for manipulating multiferroic BiFeO3 nanodots smaller than 15 nm to desired positions on a Nb-doped SrTiO3 substrate. For formation of the BiFeO3 nanodot array, nanocrystal movement was achieved using a +1.2 V biased conducting atomic force microscopy ( CAFM) followed by nanocrystal attachment to the tip. Using this method, high-density BiFeO3 nanodot arrays with a density greater than 0.5 Tb/in.2 can be achieved. Perfectly flipped ferroelectric polarization with an external electric field was observed for each BiFeO3 nanodot, whose ferroelectric properties were confirmed using piezoelectric force microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Stem cell factor ( SCF) is a growth factor that is involved in mast cell differentiation and proliferation. SCF primes human lung mast cells for enhanced responses to IgE-directed activation but is not generally recognized as a direct activator. SCF mediates its effects through c-kit. Objective The aim of this study was to reappraise the effects of SCF on human lung mast cells. Methods Mast cells were isolated from human lung. Mast cells were challenged with anti-IgE or SCF and the generation of histamine, cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cys-LTs) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) was assessed as was expression of the activation marker, CD63. The effects of c-kit inhibitors on mediator release were evaluated. Results Stem cell factor (10 ng/mL) alone was unable to induce mediator release but primed mast cells for enhanced IgE-dependent secretion. At higher concentrations (≥ 30 ng/mL), SCF had more varied effects and even when used alone was able to drive substantial levels of histamine release in about a third of all preparations studied. Similarly, SCF (100 ng/mL) alone was effective in stimulating the generation of cys-LTs in half of the preparations studied. SCF (100 ng/mL) was even more effective at stimulating PGD2 generation as almost all preparations generated substantial quantities of the prostanoid. Mediator release induced by SCF was accompanied by the up-regulation of the activation marker, CD63. There was a positive correlation between the extent of mediator release induced by SCF and c-kit receptor expression. The effects of SCF on mediator release from mast cells were reversed by the c-kit inhibitor imatinib. Conclusions and clinical relevance These data demonstrate that the responses of mast cells to SCF are heterogeneous. SCF can drive much greater levels of mediator release from mast cells, especially of PGD2, than hitherto appreciated and this could be important in the context of respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenockite (CdS) nanostructured thin films are deposited on soda and FTO conducting glass substrates by aerosol-assisted (AA)CVD using a single-source precursor bis-( N, N-dicylcohexyldithiocarbamato)(pyridine)cadmium(II), Cd[S2CNCy2]2.py ( 1), in pyridine, toluene, and THF solutions in the temperature range 350-450 °C. The precursor 1, characterized by physicochemical methods, undergoes facile thermal decomposition at 350 °C to give a stable residual mass of CdS. The thin films deposited from pyridine solution, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques, exhibit a band gap of 2.4 eV and a photocurrent density of 1.3 mA cm−2 at 0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl/3M KCl, suggesting their suitability for application in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex immune disease. The genetic variation in the B lymphoid tyrosine kinase (BLK) gene was found to associate with SLE in Caucasian population. However, the association of rs13277113 and rs4840568 with SLE was not extensively studied in Chinese population. In this study, we aim to test the association of SNP rs13277113 and rs4840568 with the disease risk of SLE in Chinese mainland population. A total of 532 patients with SLE and 576 controls were recruited. Unlabelled probe-based high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) was used in genotyping. HRMA with unlabelled probe successfully distinguished all genotypes. Significant differences were observed in both genotype and allele frequencies for rs13277113 and rs4840568. Minor alleles of rs13277113 ( P = 4.2E-05, odds ratio [OR] 0.66, [95% CI 0.54-0.81]) and rs4840568 ( P = 7.1E-05, OR 0.67, [95% CI 0.55-0.82]) were found to be protective against SLE. Polymorphisms of rs13277113 and rs4840568 in BLK gene were associated with SLE in Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an immunogenetic background. This study aimed to determine the association between three functional SNPs of BANK1 (rs10516487, rs17266594 and rs3733197) with psoriasis in Southern Han Chinese population by determining their frequency in 242 patients with psoriasis and 317 healthy individuals. The genotype frequencies of the detected polymorphisms were analysed in relation to the susceptibility of psoriasis. Our data show that there is no significant difference in genotype distribution for the three BANK1 SNPs between patients and healthy controls. The AA frequency of rs3733197 is significantly higher in patients with psoriasis onset before the age of 23 than in those with late disease onset ( P = 0.0069). In addition, analysis on BANK1 haplotype also suggests a protective role for TGC and CAT haplotype from psoriasis (OR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34-0.89; P = 0.0144; OR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42-0.92; P = 0.0175), whereas CGT haplotype is associated with increased risk of the disease (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.81, P = 0.0203). Overall, our result indicates that polymorphism in BANK1 is associated with susceptibility to psoriasis in Southern Han Chinese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Elective neck dissection (END) is commonly used as a staging and therapeutic procedure for oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at high risk of nodal metastases. The authors aimed to determine whether the extent of lymphadenectomy, as defined by nodal yield, is a prognostic factor in this setting. METHODS: A retrospective database review identified 225 patients undergoing END with curative intent for oral SCC between 1987 and 2009. Nodal yield was studied as a categorical variable for association with overall, disease-specific, and disease-free survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Nodal yield <18 was associated with 5-year overall survival of 51% compared with 74% in those with nodal yield ≥18 (P = .009). Five-year disease-specific survival rates were 69% in those with <18 nodes and 87% in patients with ≥18 nodes (P = .022). Similar results were obtained for disease-free survival, with 5-year rates of 44% with <18 nodes versus 71% with ≥18 nodes (P = .043). After adjusting for the effect of age, nodal status, T stage, and adjuvant radiotherapy on multivariate analysis, nodal yield <18 was associated with reduced overall (hazard ratio [HR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.6; P = .020), disease-specific (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.5; P = .043), and disease-free survival (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.8; P = .040). In the pathologically lymph nodenegative subgroup (n = 148), similar results were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Nodal yield is an independent prognostic factor in patients undergoing END for oral SCC. These results suggest that an adequate lymphadenectomy in this setting should include at least 18 nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 5 figures and 3 tables The inheritance of heading date (HD) in rice was investigated using a set of lines in which chromosome segments of the photoperiod‐ and temperature‐sensitive male sterile line Peiai 64S had been incorporated into a genetic background of the cv. 9311. The flowering time of each line was contrasted with that of cv. 9311 in four distinct environments: natural long days (13.2–14.2 h photoperiod) and artificially shortened days (9 h photoperiod) at Nanjing; and natural (low) temperature and enhanced temperature at Hainan. A set of 21 heading date quantitative trait loci (QTL) was identified, covering eight of the 12 rice chromosomes, and their dependence on photoperiod and/or temperature was characterized. Two of the QTL were photoperiod‐sensitive, and eight were insensitive; while two were temperature‐sensitive and four insensitive; the remaining five QTL were independent of both temperature and photoperiod. Based on its segregation in an F2 population bred from the cross CSSL C053 ×  cv. 9311, the temperature‐ and photoperiod‐insensitive QTL qHd‐8‐4 was mapped within a segment of chromosome 8 flanked by the SSR marker RM22469 (1.9 cM) and RM72 (2.4 cM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to identify current practice in provision of enteral nutrition (EN) and to determine effects of early enteral nutrition (EEN) on length of stay in the medical intensive care unit (ICU). In this prospective, observational study, medical ICU patients were evaluated to determine their candidacy for EEN. If patients were candidates for EN and expected to remain nothing-by-mouth for 48 hours, they were classified as receiving EEN (within 24 hours of admission) or delayed EN. Thirty-six patients were candidates for EEN. Eighteen received EEN and 18 received delayed EN. In the delayed group, the median time to start of EN was 2.1 +/- 4.8 days. Median ICU length of stay was 4.7 +/- 3.5 days in the EEN group compared with 8.5 +/- 8.3 days in the delayed group. Although hospital length of stay was shorter in the EEN group, this was not statistically significant (10.4 +/- 6.9 vs 16.9 +/- 11.5 days). Time on the ventilator was significantly shorter in the EEN group vs delayed (n = 30, 3.0 +/- 4.2 vs 6.0 +/- 9.2 days). The incidence of new pneumonia was lower in the EEN group (5.5% vs 44%), but no difference was found in the incidence of bacteremia. Hospital mortality was lower in the EEN group (1 vs 7 deaths). Given its association with numerous benefits, EEN within 24 hours of admission should be encouraged and implemented by clinicians in medical ICU patients, but additional research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 3 figures and 3 tables Small brown planthopper (SBPH) is a serious pest of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) in China. An indica variety ‘Kasalath’ is highly resistant to SBPH. A mapping population consisting of 98 BC1F9 lines, derived from a backcross of ‘Nipponbare’/‘Kasalath’//‘Nipponbare’, was applied to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to SBPH. In the modified seedbox screening test, three QTLs for SBPH resistance were mapped on chromosomes 3 and 11, explaining 49.9% of the phenotypic variance. In the antixenosis test, a total of three QTLs conferring antixenosis against SBPH were detected on chromosomes 3, 8 and 11, which accounted for 36.4% of the total phenotypic variance. In addition, two QTLs expressing antibiosis to SBPH were detected on chromosomes 2 and 11, explaining 13.8% and 14.7% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. Qsbph11e, Qsbph11f and Qsbph11g were located in the region between S2260 and G257 on chromosome 11, indicating that the locus is significant in conferring resistance to SBPH in ‘Kasalath’. The molecular markers linked to these QTLs should be useful in the development of varieties with horizontal resistance to SBPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high rate of germination at low temperatures is necessary for economic yields to be maintained. In this paper, the genetic control of low temperature germination ability (LTG) was assessed by the measurement of germination rate (GR), germination rate index (GI) and mean germination time (MGT), and genetically mapped using a set of recombinant inbred lines, derived from a cross between the japonica cultivar ‘Asominori’ and the indica cultivar ‘IR24’. Putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) were validated by testing in two related sets of chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSL). In this genetic background, LTG is under the control of a number of QTL, each of relatively small effect, and is spread over six chromosomes. The most stable of these QTL was for GR, mapping to a segment of chromosome 11 which also carries a QTL for GI. On chromosome 2, qGR-2 not only controlled GR, but also was associated with GI and MGT. Significant differences in LTG were detected between ‘Asominori’ and some CSSL harbouring qGR-2 or qGR-11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Our previous study showed that SM905, a novel artemisinin derivative, exhibited potent immunosuppressive activity. In this study, we evaluate preventive and therapeutic effect of SM905 on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice, and investigate its mechanisms both in inflammatory and autoimmune aspects of the disease.Experimental Approach: CIA was induced by type II bovine collagen (CII) in DBA/1 mice. SM905 was given orally either before (continuously 1 day before booster immunization) or after disease onset (continuously 14 days after booster immunization). Disease incidence and severity were monitored, mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators was determined by real-time PCR, purified T cell proliferation was assessed using [(3)H]-thymidine incorporated assay, and T helper (Th) 17/Th1/Th2 type cytokine production was examined by ELISA.Key Results: Oral treatment with SM905 delayed disease onset, reduced arthritis incidence and severity, and suppressed the enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors in draining lymph nodes. The CII-induced T cell proliferation and production of interleukin (IL)-17A by T cells were strikingly inhibited. Correspondingly, the mRNA expression of IL-17A and RORgamma t (a specific transcription factor for Th17) was also reduced. This effect was coupled with a striking reduction of IL-6 production, which has a critical role in Th17 development. In established arthritis, SM905 profoundly inhibited disease progression, reduced IL-17A and RORgamma t mRNA expression, and suppressed pro-inflammatory mediator expression in arthritic joints.Conclusions and Implications: SM905 had beneficial effects on CIA by suppressing inflammatory and pathogenic Th17 responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice milling quality is the final part of grain yield making it fit for eating and a complex trait that remains poorly understood genetically. Three components of rice milling quality, i.e. brown rice rate, milled rice rate and head rice rate and related rice grain shape traits were genetically dissected by the QTL mapping approach using a set of 231 random rice introgression lines and 160 SSR markers. A total of 10 genomic regions were found to be associated with rice grain shape and milling quality traits. Of these, one major QTL on chromosome 7 had large effects on rice grain shape and milling quality and was detected consistently in several related populations of rice, which offers an opportunity for marker-aided improvement of rice milling quality and QTL cloning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:Artemisinin and its derivatives exhibit potent immunosuppressive activity. The purpose of the current study was to examine the immunosuppressive activity of artemether directly on T lymphocytes and to explore its potential mode of action.Experimental approach:In vitro, T-cell proliferation was measured using [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay in cells stimulated with ConA, alloantigen and anti-CD3 antibody. CFSE-labeled cell division and cell cycle distribution were monitored by flow cytometry. In vivo, the effects of artemether were evaluated in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and purified T-cell responses to ovalbumin in ovalbumin-immunized mice. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and Raf1 were assessed by Western blot analysis and the activation of Ras was tested in pull-down assays.Key results:We show that, in vitro, artemether suppressed ConA- or alloantigen-induced splenocyte proliferation, influenced production of the cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ and inhibited cell cycle progression through the G0/G1 transition. In vivo, administration of artemether attenuated CD4 T-cell-mediated DTH reaction, and suppressed antigen-specific T-cell response in immunized mice. Further experiments showed that, treatment with artemether impaired both antigen- and anti-CD3-induced phosphorylation of ERK. In primary T cells, artemether profoundly inhibited anti-CD3-induced phosphorylation of Raf1 and activation of Ras.Conclusions and implications:This study provided experimental evidence of the immunosuppressive effects of artemether directly on T cells both in vitro and in vivo. Its immunosuppressive mechanism involved inhibition of the activation of the Ras-Raf1-ERK1/2 protein kinase cascade in T cells.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 652–661. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707137; published online 29 January 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workers with chronic benzene poisoning (CBP) sometimes have a white blood cell count (WBC) below 4 × 109/L even after cessation of workplace exposure to benzene for years. In order to explore this phenomenon, 120 workers with CBP were divided into two groups depending on the WBC, the mean diagnostic age of CBP, benzene exposure duration, and body mass index (BMI). The proportion of genotypes of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), glutathione-S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1), glutathione-S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and NAD(P)H, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were compared between workers with WBC <4 × 109/L and those with WBC ≥4 × 109/L. With methods of logistic regression, a risk model was set up to predict the prognosis of CBP workers. The results indicated that the BMI of workers with WBC <4 × 109/L was lower than that of workers with WBC of ≥4 × 109/L (21.40 ± 2.76 versus 23.09 ± 3.36, P= 0.01), and the logistic regression model suggested there was a 4.5-fold increased risk among workers carrying GSTT1 null genotype (95% CI= 1.13– 17.54) compared with workers with GSTT1 non-null genotype. Our findings suggest that benzene exposure duration, BMI, and GSTT1 genotype may impact prognosis of the CBP workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Ketan Nangka’, the donor of the wide compatibility gene (WCG) showed typical hybrid sterility when crossed to a landrace, ‘Bai Mi Fen’, of Yunnan province in China. A genome-wide analysis was performed for a backcrossed population of ‘Ketan Nangka’/‘Bai Mi Fen’//‘Ketan Nangka’ using a total of 143 simple sequence repeat markers and an expressed sequence tagged marker to cover the entire rice linkage map. As a result, two independent loci were found to cause hybrid sterility via female gamete abortion. The locus on chromosome 4 may correspond to S9, but the other, on chromosome 2, was different from all the previously reported hybrid sterility loci and was designated as S29(t) following the hybrid sterility nomenclature. On the basis of allelic interaction which causes female gamete abortion, two alleles were found: S29 kn (t) in ‘Ketan Nangka’ and S29 bi (t) in ‘Bai Mi Fen’. In the heterozygote, S29 kn (t)/S29 bi (t), which was semi-sterile, female gametes carrying S29 bi (t) were aborted. An Aus variety from the Indian subcontinent, ‘Dular’, was found to have a neutral allele, S29 n (t). Two molecular markers, RM185 and RM425, linked to S9 and S29(t), respectively, will be useful for marker-aided transfer of WCGs in hybrid rice breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy is a key agronomic trait related to the quality of seed and rice production because it imparts resistance to preharvest sprouting. A population was constructed from a three-way cross, IR50/Tatsumimochi//Miyukimochi, in which IR50 was an indica donor of strong seed dormancy and Tatsumimochi and Miyukimochi were nondormant japonica cultivars. Seed dormancy was tested for 166 F1 plants of the three-way cross and their progeny population (F2). A total of 108 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers were mapped on 12 rice chromosomes, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed for seed dormancy in the two segregating generations. Three putative QTLs affecting seed dormancy were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, and 7 in the F1 generation. Phenotypic variations explained by each QTL ranged from 4 to 21%, indicating that seed dormancy is affected by a number of minor genetic effects. The putative QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 3 were also detected in the F2 generation at the same map sites. Considering the present and past results there are a number of genetic factors that affect rice seed dormancy; however, the two SSR markers on chromosomes 1 and 3 could be used to develop near-isogenic lines (NILs) for map-based cloning of seed dormancy genes in the regions to thus improve the dormancy of japonica rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milling quality of rice grains is important to both producers and consumers. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling brown rice rate (BR), milled rice recovery (MR) and head rice recovery (HR) were analysed by composite interval mapping over 2 years using 98 backcross inbred lines (BILs). A total of 12 QTLs for the three traits were detected, of which five were for BR, four for MR and three for HR. The proportion of phenotypic variation explained by individual QTLs ranged from 7.5 to 19.9%, and additive effects contributed by a single QTL accounted for 0.46 to 2.34% of the variation. QTL-by-environment interactions were observed by comparing QTL mapping of the same population grown in two consecutive years. Three of five QTLs for BR and two of four QTLs for MR were detected in 2 years, and all three QTLs for HR were detected in 1 year only. BR was significantly correlated with MR, and all four QTLs of MR were located in the same regions as those of BR. This indicated that QTLs for highly correlated traits could often be detected in the same interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary BNIP3 is a recently described pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family and in BNIP3 cDNA-transfected cell lines, cell death occurs via a caspase-independent pathway with opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) pore and rapid loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψ[sub m] ). However, its expression or function in physiologic cell types is not known. Our results using the T-cell receptor transgenic mice P14, specific for lymphocyte choreomeningitis virus (LCMV) glycoprotein, show that in contrast to the other Bcl-2 family pro-apoptotic molecules, BNIP3 is transcriptionally highly up-regulated in effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Because CTL have a propensity to undergo activation-induced cell death (AICD) upon restimulation, we tested for other features associated with BNIP3-induced cell death. AICD of CTL was caspase-independent as determined by measuring caspase activation during target cell killing as well as by lack of inhibition with caspase inhibitors. Moreover, similar to BNIP3-induced cell death, CTL apoptosis was associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species and decreased Δψ[sub m] . Finally, retroviral transduction of BNIP3 antisense RNA diminished AICD in effector CTL. These results suggest that BNIP3 may play an important role in T-cell homeostasis by regulating effector CTL numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the level of diversity between two groups of rice breeding lines or cultivars which were screened as potential maintainers or restorers by test scores to wild abortive-cytoplasm. Comparison of allele frequencies at isozyme loci; Japonica type alleles exhibited by potential maintainers.

Presents a study conducted on screening of genetic loci for seed dormancy in rice. Detailed information on the methodology used to conduct the study; Discussion based on the results of the study.

Prostate cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer among males in the United States. As technology improves and the search for this enigmatic condition intensifies, we are detecting greater numbers of non-palpable tumours. These tumours are generally treated aggressively, given the uncertainty of their behaviour, but this approach may be over-zealous for small volume disease. The likelihood of detecting any cancer volume can be derived from Bayes' theorem of conditional probability. A laboratory model using coloured clay was created to contrast tumour volumes of 2.5, 5 and 20% (n=75). Six random systematic biopsies were then taken from each model in a blind fashion; 36% of the 2.5%, 44% of the 5% and all of the 20% models had at least 1 positive biopsy. Twenty-two of the 25 models representing 20% tumour had 3 or more biopsy cores positive. These data suggest that low volume disease with low biological potential will be found by random biopsy as the mathematical probability predicts. The high incidence of occult prostate cancer in the older population makes this a worrying observation. Also, and perhaps more important, there is a direct correlation between the volume of disease and the number of positive biopsies. This correlation is easily seen in both models and may allow for an estimation of tumour volume. This ability to estimate tumour volume may be a useful clinical tool that helps to guide therapy and assess prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive insect pests of rice. Resistant varieties have proved to be one of the most economic and effective measures for BPH management. In this study, anindicarice‘DV85’ showed resistance to biotype 2 of BPH by bulked seedling test, and a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between a susceptible rice‘Kinmaze’ and‘DV85’ was phenotyped to map genetic factors conferring BPH resistance in‘DV85’. Composite interval mapping revealed that one quantitative trait locus (QTL) with a LOD score of 10.1 was detected betweenXNpb202andC1172on chromosome 11. This QTL was designated asQbph11.Qbph11explained 68.4% of the phenotypic variance of BPH resistance in this population. The allele from the resistant parent‘DV85’ atQbph11reduced the damage caused by BPH feeding and would be very useful in breeding resistant rice varieties via marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors respond to the insightful review of their retrospective study on the recurrence and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. They agree with Shah et al. that other factors, such as genetics, immune function, and organism factors also play an important role in Helicobacter pylori recurrence. The authors also agree that recurrence requires re-exposure of individuals and families in high prevalence regions.

To enable efficient and accurate secure localisation in wireless sensor networks, a sparsity-incorporated localisation algorithm is proposed. Unlike most of the existing schemes, the localisation problem is solved in an L1 minimisation framework which is based on the attack sparsity and the linearisation of a distance measurement model including the bogus data from malicious anchors. The localisation errors, speed and detection rates of the scheme are analysed in the simulations. Results demonstrate that the method can simultaneously achieve target localisation and malicious anchor identification in an efficient and accurate way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]