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The incidence of liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and drug-induced liver injury, continues to rise and is one of the leading causes of acute hepatitis. Current trends suggest that these types of conditions will increase in the coming years. There are few drugs available for the prevention or treatment of hepatic diseases, and there is a growing need for the development of safe hepatoprotective agents. The medicinal plant, Turnera diffusa, has many ethnopharmacological uses, one of which is the production of a flavonoid named hepatodamianol, which is the principal component responsible for this plant's hepatoprotective properties. In the present study, we describe the development and standardization of an active extract obtained from T. diffusa. We conducted nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify hepatodamianol unambiguously in each sample. Using this extract, hepatoprotection could be demonstrated in vivo for the first time. The hepatoprotective effect did not display a significant difference in vivo when compared with silymarin used as a positive control at the same doses. Implementation of quality criteria used for standardization, such as flavonoid and hepatodamianol content, hepatoprotective activity, and absence of residual solvents, will allow future preclinical trials with this herbal drug.

Background Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelination and concomitant axonal loss. The lack of a single specific test, and the similarity to other inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, makes it difficult to have a clear diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Therefore, laboratory tests that allows a clear and definite diagnosis, as well as to predict the different clinical courses of the disease are of utmost importance. Herein, we compared the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome of patients with multiple sclerosis (in the relapse–remitting phase of the disease) and other diseases of the CNS (inflammatory and non-inflammatory) aiming at identifying reliable biomarkers of multiple sclerosis. Methods CSF samples from the discovery group were resolved by 2D-gel electrophoresis followed by identification of the protein spots by mass spectrometry. The results were analyzed using univariate (Student’s t test) and multivariate (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Linear Discriminant Analysis) statistical and numerical techniques, to identify a set of protein spots that were differentially expressed in CSF samples from patients with multiple sclerosis when compared with other two groups. Validation of the results was performed in samples from a different set of patients using quantitative (e.g., ELISA) and semi-quantitative (e.g., Western Blot) experimental approaches. Results Analysis of the 2D-gels showed 13 protein spots that were differentially expressed in the three groups of patients: Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, Prostaglandin-H2-isomerase, Retinol binding protein 4, Transthyretin (TTR), Apolipoprotein E, Gelsolin, Angiotensinogen, Agrin, Serum albumin, Myosin-15, Apolipoprotein B-100 and EF-hand calcium-binding domain—containing protein. ELISA experiments allowed validating part of the results obtained in the proteomics analysis and showed that some of the alterations in the CSF proteome are also mirrored in serum samples from multiple sclerosis patients. CSF of multiple sclerosis patients was characterized by TTR oligomerization, thus highlighting the importance of analyzing posttranslational modifications of the proteome in the identification of novel biomarkers of the disease. Conclusions The model built based on the results obtained upon analysis of the 2D-gels and in the validation phase attained an accuracy of about 80% in distinguishing multiple sclerosis patients and the other two groups.

The synaptic expression of glutamate receptors of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) type is dynamically controlled by interaction with binding partners and auxiliary proteins. These proteins can be regulated by posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitination. In this work, we investigated the regulation of glutamate receptor interacting protein-associated protein 1 (GRASP1) by ubiquitin-dependent mechanisms and its impact on surface expression and activity of synaptic AMPA receptors. Cotransfection of GFP-ubiquitin decreased myc-GRASP1 protein levels in HEK293T cells, and this effect was inhibited upon transfection of an ubiquitin mutant that cannot be ubiquitinated on Lys48. In addition, transfection of cultured hippocampal neurons with GFP-ubiquitin reduced the dendritic levels of endogenous GRASP1 and decreased the surface expression of GluA1 AMPA receptor subunits, an effect that was partly reversed by cotransfection with GRASP1. Similarly, transfection of hippocampal neurons with GFP-ubiquitin decreased the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) mediated by Ca2+ -impermeable AMPA receptors, and this effect was abrogated by cotransfection of GRASP1. Together, the results show a role for ubiquitination in the regulation of the postsynaptic protein GRASP1, which has an impact on the surface distribution of AMPA receptors and on their activity at the synapse.

A stripline-based composite right/left-handed (CRLH) leaky-wave antenna (LWA) with a tapered aperture is designed for an increased effective aperture size. Experimental results show that the CRLH LWA is able to scan from −33° to 25.5° by sweeping the frequency from 76.75 GHz to 83 GHz, with a half-nower heamwidth (HPRW) of less than 5°.

This paper provides an update on an S-band, polarimetric phased array radar designed to operate in the 2.7 – 3.1 GHz frequency band, which is being designed and built at the University of Oklahoma’s Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC). This is radar build 1 of 2 for our group in the S-band. Providing optimum radar flexibility, this phased array radar, known as Horus, is digital at every element and polarization.

TM2 domain containing (TM2D) proteins are conserved in metazoans and encoded by three separate genes in each species. Rare variants inTM2D3are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its fly orthologalmondexis required for embryonic Notch signaling. However, the functions of this gene family remain elusive. We knocked-out all threeTM2Dgenes (almondex, CG11103/amaretto,CG10795/biscotti) inDrosophilaand found that they share the same maternal-effect neurogenic defect. Triple null animals are not phenotypically worse than single nulls, suggesting these genes function together. Overexpression of the most conserved region of the TM2D proteins acts as a potent inhibitor of Notch signaling at the γ-secretase cleavage step. Lastly, Almondex is detected in the brain and its loss causes shortened lifespan accompanied by progressive electrophysiological defects. The functional links between all threeTM2Dgenes are likely to be evolutionarily conserved, suggesting that this entire gene family may be involved in AD.

To compare the peripapillary and optic nerve head vessel density (PP-ONH VD) between glaucoma patients (all, early, moderated, and advanced) and healthy subjects of Afro-Caribbean descent (AD) and European descent (ED).This was a cross-sectional study. One eye was evaluated in 90 subjects, including 66 glaucoma patients and 24 healthy subjects, who underwent PP-ONH VD imaging using SPECTRALIS® Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). We analysed the superficial vascular complex using the AngioTool version 0.6a software. The correlation between the PP-ONH VD and visual field mean deviation (MD) was evaluated using a scatter plot and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient.Among the healthy subjects, the AD group had a lower superficial PP-ONH VD [43.29±3.25% (mean±standard deviation)] than the ED group (46.06±1.75%) (P=0.016). Overall, superficial PP-ONH VD did not show any significant differences between the total AD and ED glaucoma patients or in the subgroup analyses (early/moderate/advanced) (AD: 32.73±6.70%, 37.11±5.72%, 32.48±5.73%, 27.76±4.74%, respectively; ED: 33.94±6.89%, 38.52±3.82%, 35.56±4.18%; 27.65±6.31%, respectively) (P0.05 for all). A strong, statistically significant correlation was established between vessel density and mean deviation among AD and ED glaucoma patients (r=0.709 and r=0.704, respectively) (P0.001 for both).This pilot study shows that healthy subjects of AD had lower peripapillary and optic nerve head superficial vessel density than healthy subjects of ED, but no significant differences were found between AD and ED glaucoma groups (all, early, moderate, or advanced).

New-generation vaccines, formulated with subunits or nucleic acids, are less immunogenic than classical vaccines formulated with live-attenuated or inactivated pathogens. This difference has led to an intensified search for additional potent vaccine adjuvants that meet safety and efficacy criteria and confer long-term protection. This review provides an overview of protein-based adjuvants (PBAs) obtained from different organisms, including bacteria, mollusks, plants, and humans. Notably, despite structural differences, all PBAs show significant immunostimulatory properties, eliciting B-cell- and T-cell-mediated immune responses to administered antigens, providing advantages over many currently adopted adjuvant approaches. Furthermore, PBAs are natural biocompatible and biodegradable substances that induce minimal reactogenicity and toxicity and interact with innate immune receptors, enhancing their endocytosis and modulating subsequent adaptive immune responses. We propose that PBAs can contribute to the development of vaccines against complex pathogens, including intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, those with complex life cycles such as Plasmodium falciparum, those that induce host immune dysfunction such as HIV, those that target immunocompromised individuals such as fungi, those with a latent disease phase such as Herpes, those that are antigenically variable such as SARS-CoV-2 and those that undergo continuous evolution, to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks.

The Wada test consists of the selective and reversible inhibition of a cerebral hemisphere by intracarotid injection of amobarbital in order to evaluate the laterality of language and memory. However, there are other anesthetic drugs such as propofol, as an alternative for the test.The objective of the study was to describe the tolerability and adverse effects (AE) of the use of propofol for the Wada test, during the presurgical study of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of drug-resistant structural epilepsy were selected who underwent the Wada test during the pre-surgical study in the period from June 2012 to May 2019. The patients were retrospectively evaluated. The AE were described according to the Mikuni classification, modified by Curot. The variables of sex, age, epileptic foci laterality, language laterality, lesional substrate, etiology and dose of administered Propofol were analyzed for any statistical significance.A total of 74 patients, 40 men (54%), were studied. Forty-seven patients (63.5%) had at least one AE. The mean dose of propofol was 9.23 mg. The most frequent AE were tearing, sweating and red eye, corresponding to group I (57%). One patient developed convulsive status epilepticus, an important AE not previously described during the Wada test.Performing the Wada test with propofol causes frequent mild adverse effects, which do not prevent its completion. We describe a case of convulsive status epilepticus as the only serious AE.Tolerabilidad y efectos adversos del propofol en la prueba de Wada.Introducción. La prueba de Wada consiste en la inhibición selectiva y reversible de un hemisferio cerebral mediante la inyección intracarotídea de amobarbital con el objetivo de evaluar la lateralidad del lenguaje y la memoria. Existen otros fármacos anestésicos, como el propofol, como alternativa para la prueba. Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio fue describir la tolerabilidad y los efectos adversos (EA) del uso de propofol para la prueba de Wada durante el estudio prequirúrgico de pacientes con epilepsia farmacorresistente. Pacientes y métodos. Se seleccionó a pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsia estructural farmacorresistente consecutivos, quienes se sometieron a la prueba de Wada durante el estudio prequirúrgico en el período de junio de 2012 a mayo de 2019. Los pacientes fueron evaluados de manera retrospectiva. Los EA se describieron según la clasificación de Mikuni, modificada por Curot. Se analizaron las variables de sexo, edad, lateralidad del foco epiléptico, lateralidad del lenguaje, sustrato lesional, etiología y dosis de propofol administrada en busca de significación estadística. Resultados. Se estudió a un total de 74 pacientes, de los cuales 40 eran hombres (54%). Cuarenta y siete pacientes (63,5%) tuvieron al menos un EA. La dosis media de propofol fue de 9,23 mg. Los EA más frecuentes fueron lagrimeo, sudoración y ojo rojo, correspondientes al grupo I (57%). Un paciente desarrolló estado epiléptico convulsivo, EA importante no descrito anteriormente durante la prueba de Wada. Conclusión. La realización de la prueba de Wada con propofol ocasiona frecuentes efectos adversos leves, los cuales no impiden su finalización. Describimos un caso de estado epiléptico convulsivo como único EA grave.

Hemocyanins are used as immunomodulators in clinical applications because they induce a strong Th1-biased cell-mediated immunity, which has beneficial effects. They are multiligand glycosylated molecules with abundant and complex mannose-rich structures. It remains unclear whether these structures influence hemocyanin-induced immunostimulatory processes in human antigen presenting cells. We have previously shown that hemocyanin glycans from Concholepas concholepas (CCH), Fissurella latimarginata (FLH) and Megathura crenulata (KLH), participate in their immune recognition and immunogenicity in mice, interacting with murine C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). Here, we studied theinteractions of these hemocyanins with two major mannose-binding CLRs on monocyte-derived human dendritic cells: MR (mannose receptor) and DC-SIGN (DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin). Diverse analyses showed that hemocyanins are internalized by a mannose-sensitive mechanism. This process was calcium dependent. Moreover, hemocyanins colocalized with MR and DC-SIGN, and were partly internalized through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The hemocyanin-mediated proinflammatory cytokine response was impaired when using deglycosylated FLH and KLH compared to CCH. We further showed that hemocyanins bind to human MR and DC-SIGN in a carbohydrate-dependent manner with affinity constants in the physiological concentration range. Overall, we showed that these three clinically valuable hemocyanins interact with human mannose-sensitive CLRs, initiating an immune response and promoting a Th1 cell-driving potential. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This work evaluated the UASB-septic tank performance using different kinetic models that correlated process efficiency and methane production with hydraulic and organic loading rates through experiments with five different HRT (48 h, 36 h, 24 h, 18 h, and 12 h) using synthetic domestic wastewater. The modified Stover-Kincannon model provided the best fitting to calculate kinetics constants, with an R2 above 98% for linear regression, and predicted the effluent COD more accurately than the other models. Methane yield was 0.3294 L CH4/g COD removed, being closer to the theoretical value, and the Van der Meer and Heertjes model had the highest R2 for methane production. Organic matter and solids removal were 45% for TS, 70% and 68% for total and soluble COD, and 85% for TSS. Pollutant removal markedly decreased when the reactor operated HRT below 24 h; thus, it is recommended to operate the UASB-septic tank at this HRT.

This study explores the perceptions and motivation for weight loss among participants who completed a free community-based weight loss program in a predominantly Hispanic and low-income region along the US-Mexico border using a Self-Determination Theory (SDT) perspective. This manuscript is timely as qualitative research on the effect of motivation as a factor in behavioral interventions to reduce overweight or obesity is currently lacking. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants (80%, n = 16 female) who completed a community weight-loss intervention to assess motivation for weight loss and participating, and the role of social support and self-efficacy in weight loss. Directed content analysis was used with SDT guiding the questions and subsequent theme analysis. The findings communicate perspectives of participants relevant to 8 prominent themes. The regulation types and constructs related to SDT included: non-regulation, external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, integrated regulation, and intrinsic regulation as well as competence and relatedness. Participants mentioned external sources of motivation, such as wanting to improve their physical appearance, and motivation due to financial incentives. Fewer participants reported intrinsic motivators, which the literature suggests are more likely to create lasting change and improved health behaviors. Understanding the motivation for behavior change and completion of weight loss programs is essential to help participants reach their goals effectively and sustain weight loss. A greater emphasis during weight loss programs on the motives for individuals to lose weight may help improve outcomes in weight-loss interventions. Additionally, increasing strategies targeted at enhancing intrinsic motivation for weight loss may be beneficial.

Na disciplina de história do ensino fundamental é essencial a atenção dos alunos para compreender e absorver os conhecimentos transmitidos. No mundo de hoje as crianças ficarem sentadas, quietas e concentradas, é um problema, ainda mais quando ocorrem distrações durante a aula. Este trabalho visa apresentar um protótipo do software CLIO, que utiliza a Realidade Virtual (RV) como um mecanismo para auxiliar os professores no ensino de História com alunos que possuem TDAH. Desse modo, busca-se minimizar os impactos negativos do transtorno através de um tour num mundo tridimensional (3D) que retrata um momento histórico, e,acompanhado de uma personagem chamada Clio, a deusa grega da História, que explicará um assunto relacionado a disciplina, além de interagir por meio de perguntas, com pontuação a respeito do assunto, para verificar se o aluno estava prestando atenção na explicação do conteúdo e para instigá-lo a aprender mais, tornando-o o protagonista da história.

La fibromatosis tipo desmoide es un tumor benigno de suma rareza con caracteristicas localmente agresivas. Se desarrolla en especial en tejidos blandos por su origen en los musculos y las aponeurosis. El diagnostico se establece por inmunohistoquimica con positividad para vimentina, B-catenina y en ocasiones para actina de musculo liso. El espectro clinico de presentacion es amplio, y segun este y la resecabilidad se ofrece el tratamiento. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con sintomas de obstruccion al vaciamiento gastrico secundaria a una lesion subepitelial en cuerpo con inmunohistoquimica concluyente para fibromatosis gastrica. Desmoid-type fibromatosis is an extremely rare benign tumor with locally aggressive features. It is predominantly developing in soft tissues due to its origin in muscles and aponeurosis. The diagnosis is established by immunohistochemistry with positivity for vimentin, B-catenin and sometimes for smooth muscle actin. The clinical spectrum of presentation is wide, based on this and resectability the treatment is offered. We present the case of a patient with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a subepithelial lesion in the gastric body with conclusive immunohistochemistry for gastric fibromatosis.

This paper provides an overall, detailed description of a C-band, 64-element Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) radar system. The LRU radar system was developed as a technology demonstrator to explore various phased array related technologies and investigate the technical requirements for the next-generation airborne phased array radar (APAR). The demonstrator served as a research platform through various calibration related topics, beamforming, and expansion to an end-to-end radar system.

This paper presents a novel design of a system for free-space characterization of RF anisotropic materials. This proposed method utilizes three probes to capture full scattering matrix data as a function of incident angle and frequency to extract the intrinsic material parameters. This system was designed, implemented, and integrated with LabView to provide automated measurement capabilities. Finally, the results were validated by fabricating and testing a frequency selective surface.

This article proposes a new strategy to design and estimate the impedance bandwidth of a two-layer and single-material PC-MSPA through a math close form. The simulated and experimental results present good agreement with the bandwidth model presented. The proposed analytical enable the evaluation of a proximity-coupled microstrip patch antenna (PC-MSPA) bandwidth that allows developing a framework for more effective designs.

Since its discovery in Drosophila, the Notch signaling pathway has been studied in numerous developmental contexts in diverse multicellular organisms. The role of Notch signaling in nervous system development has been extensively investigated by numerous scientists, partially because many of the core Notch signaling components were initially identified through their dramatic ‘neurogenic’ phenotype of developing fruit fly embryos. Components of the Notch signaling pathway continue to be expressed in mature neurons and glia cells, which is suggestive of a role in the post-developmental nervous system. The Notch pathway has been, so far, implicated in learning and memory, social behavior, addiction, and other complex behaviors using genetic model organisms including Drosophila and mice. Additionally, Notch signaling has been shown to play a modulatory role in several neurodegenerative disease model animals and in mediating neural toxicity of several environmental factors. In this paper, we summarize the knowledge pertaining to the post-developmental roles of Notch signaling in the nervous system with a focus on discoveries made using the fruit fly as a model system as well as relevant studies in C elegans, mouse, rat, and cellular models. Since components of this pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders in human, understanding the role of Notch signaling in the mature brain using model organisms will likely provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying these diseases.

To estimate the prevalence of self-reported tuberculosis TB diagnosed at Peruvian correctional facilities (CFs), and their associated factors.Cross-sectional study based on secondary analysis of the National Census held in all Peruvian CFs in 2016. Outcome was defined as self-reported TB diagnosed by a healthcare professional intra-penitentiary. A descriptive bivariate analysis was carried out, followed by multivariate analysis using Poisson regression in order to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa). Additionally, a mixed effects multilevel model adjusted by CFs as clusters was performed.Of 77 086 prison inmates in 66 CFs participated in the original census, of which 69 890 were included. Of these, 1754 self-reported TB diagnosed intra-penitentiary, yielding a prevalence of 2510/100 000 PDL. In the final model, self-reported TB was associated with younger age, male gender, lower educational level, not having a stable partner, having prison readmissions and having relatives in prison. There was also strong association with HIV/AIDS (PRa 2.77; 1.84-4.18), STIs (PRa 2.13; 1.46-3.10), DM (PRa 1.99; 1.59-2.50) and recreational drugs use (PRa 1.41; 1.23-1.61). The mixed model showed significant variance for belonging to different CFs (2.13; 1.02-4.44) and CF overcrowding (3.25; 1.37-7.71).Self-reported TB prevalence found was higher than reported by other lower/lower-middle income countries. Demographic factors, individual clinical features and overcrowding increases the likelihood of self-reported TB.Estimer la prévalence de la tuberculose (TB) auto-déclarée, diagnostiquée dans des établissements pénitentiaires (EP) péruviens et les facteurs associés. MÉTHODES: Etude transversale basée sur une analyse secondaire du recensement national réalisée dans tous les EP péruviens en 2016. Le résultat était défini comme une TB auto-déclarée diagnostiquée par un professionnel de la santé intra-pénitentiaire. Une analyse descriptive à deux variables a été réalisée, suivie d'une analyse à plusieurs variables en utilisant une régression de Poisson afin de calculer les ratios de prévalence ajustés (PRa). En outre, un modèle multiniveau à effets mixtes ajusté selon les EP comme grappes a été réalisé. RÉSULTATS: 77.086 détenus de 66 EP ont participé au recensement initial, dont 69.890 ont été inclus. Parmi ceux-ci, 1.754 cas de TB auto-déclarée ont été diagnostiqués au sein des pénitenciers, soit une prévalence de 2.510/100.000 PDL. Dans le dernier modèle, la TB auto-déclarée était associée à un âge plus jeune, au sexe masculin, à un niveau d’éducation plus faible, à l'absence de partenaire stable, à la réadmission en prison et avoir des parents en prison. Il existait également une forte association avec le VIH/SIDA (PRa: 2,77; 1,84 - 4,18), les IST (PRa: 2,13; 1,46 - 3,10), le diabète (PRa: 1,99; 1,59 - 2,50) et la consommation de drogues à des fins récréatives (PRa: 1,41; 1,23 - 1,61). Le modèle mixte a montré une variance significative pour l'appartenance à différents EP (2,13; 1,02 - 4,44) et au surpeuplement des EP (3,25; 1,37 à 7,71).La prévalence auto-déclarée de la TB était plus élevée que celle rapportée par d'autres pays à revenu inférieur/moyen-inférieur. Les facteurs démographiques, les caractéristiques cliniques individuelles et le surpeuplement augmentent le risque de TB auto-déclarée.

This paper discusses the impact of a wet flat radome on the performance of a line replaceable unit active phased-array antenna developed for a dual-polarized phased-array weather radar. Water formations, such as film and droplets, were fully characterized over flat and curved radome surfaces using an analytical model as a function of the precipitation rate. Numerical simulations and experimental results validated the proposed analytical model. An active dual-polarized phased-array of $8\times 2$ elements was used to evaluate the degradation of the cross-polarization component as well as the mismatch and the phase of scanned antenna radiation patterns for vertical and horizontal polarizations. In addition, a radome panel of an $S$ -band weather radar (WSR-88D) was characterized in the far field using a single radio-frequency probe. It is demonstrated that even at the $S$ -band, the water formation on the radome affects both copolarization and cross-polarization components, degrading the overall performance of the dual-polarized radar system under rain conditions.

Hemocyanins are oligomeric glycoproteins widely used as immunomodulators because they bias immunity towards a Th1 profile when inoculated in mammals. We have demonstrated that hemocyanins are internalized through receptor-mediated endocytosis, and TLR4 and C-type lectin receptors (MR, DC-SIGN, MGL) participate in the hemocyanin-mediated proinflammatory response in mouse and human dendritic cells (DCs). However, despite the massive use of hemocyanins, their intracellular processing route for MHC presentation to T lymphocytes has been scarcely studied. Therefore, we hypothesized that hemocyanins follow the MHC-II pathway as a classical T-cell-dependent antigen. Interestingly, our results analyzing the processing pathway of hemocyanins in mouse DCs showed that hemocyanins from Fissurella latimarginata (FLH) and Megathura crenulata (KLH) co-localized with Rab5+, Rab7+, and Lamp-1+ compartments. This observation strongly suggests that hemocyanins could be cross-presented by MHC-I molecules. Furthermore, DCs incubated with FLH showed an increase in the percentage of MHC-I+ cells versus the control cells. FLH-induced cytokine secretion decreased in J774.2 macrophages treated with pharmacological inhibitors of both MHC-II and MHC-I pathways, supporting our previous results on hemocyanin cross-presentation but also the MHC-II pathway. Furthermore, immunoblot confirmed different FLH proteolysis patterns in macrophages treated with MHC-I and MHC-II pathway inhibitors. Hence, we postulate that hemocyanins undergo both MHC-I and MHC-II dependent antigen presentation pathways in antigen-presenting cells. These findings offer molecular clues to underlying hemocyanin processing and presentation mechanisms. Supported by grants from FONDECYT N° 1151337 and N° 1201600 (MIB), ANID/Beca Doctorado Nacional N° 21210946 (MLS) and N° 21200880 (DDD).

This contribution presents the results of a dual-polarized radiating element designed to achieve low cross-polarization (lower than −40 dB measured for the E-and H-plane, at least −30 dB in the D-plane based on simulations) and large fractional bandwidth (18%) over wide scanning angles (±60°). The proposed design includes multiple features that enable high isolation between ports, reduction of spurious radiation, highly symmetrical radiated fields, and suppression of diffracted fields between contiguous subarray gaps. To verify the polarimetric requirements for a weather radar, simulated and measured results, including electronic scanning of the array and embedded element patterns of the antenna, are shown.

With the growing interest in polarization diversity in communications and radar systems, the use of Ludwig’s second and third definitions has become controversial among scientists and antenna engineers. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to clarify some of the ambiguity and confusion caused by these definitions. A detailed comparison of Ludwig’s second and thirrd definitions of cross polarization, as applied to linearly polarized antennas, was performed. The results show that, in the diagonal plane, Ludwig’s second definition leads to a lower cross-polarization level than the third definition for $x$ - or $y$ -polarized current sources. For a Huygens source, by Ludwig’s third definition, the radiation pattern has a lower cross-polarization level than that obtained by Ludwig’s second definition. For some applications, the antenna is usually placed in the $y{z}$ plane. Therefore, new polarization bases are proposed according to which the source is used as a reference, and also on how this source is oriented in the $y{z}$ plane. To complement the theoretical framework demonstrated in this contribution and to provide readers with a better and simpler understanding of the cross-polarization definition, the analysis of several practical antennas for diverse applications was presented. Numerical and measured radiation patterns of wire and printed dipoles, rectangular patch, pyramidal horn, and open-ended rectangular waveguide (OEWG) antennas were investigated according to the polarization formulations presented in this paper. In addition, a dual-polarized element and a dual-polarized active phased array at broadside were utilized to generalize the application.

The concept and theory of a novel instrument to characterize the radio frequency performance of a radome under different conditions, including dirtiness, wetness, and varying temperature, was presented and discussed in Part I. The proposed concept estimates the transmittance through the radome using the reflected signal, directly measured, and an algorithm to evaluate the water absorption on the radome surface. In this second part of the paper, the proposed concept was employed to characterize the radome of an operative X-band weather radar in both dry and wet conditions.

This paper presents a unique instrument for characterizing the impact of wet radomes in radar systems. The proposed technique enables full radio frequency (RF) characterization of the radome, by evaluating its performance under a variety of conditions, including dirtiness, wetness, ice formation, and varying temperature, and providing a potential solution for future wet radome calibration methods. The reflections generated from the wet radome surface, measured from a high-resolution probe, are combined with an estimation of water absorption as a function of the precipitation rain rate, to calculate the attenuation introduced by the wet radome. This instrument is a cost-effective solution that can be integrated into an existing or new radar system.

The fouling potential of a pilot-scale UASB effluent was determined using different assessment methods (SDI and MFI tests and a mathematical analysis based on a saturation curve model). The UASB reactor was operated at HRT of 4, 8 and 12 h. Although the three methods employed were adequate as a predictive tool for UF membrane fouling, the saturation curve analysis revealed a clearer relationship between the fouling potential of the UASB effluent and the HRT applied. It was found that operating a UASB reactor under short HRT, such as 4 h, could increase membrane fouling in a post-treatment UF module.

Introdução: A sífilis é uma infecção causada pela bactéria espiralada da espécie Treponema pallidum, sendo transmitida principalmente pelo contato sexual e de forma congênita. Ela pode evoluir em quatro estágios, cada um com seus sinais e sintomas principais: sífilis primária, secundária, latente e terciária. Essa doença está incluída na lista de doenças de notificação compulsória do Ministério da Saúde devido a sua importância como agravo de saúde pública mundial e nacional. Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde – OMS, cerca de 11 milhões de novos casos da doença ocorrem anualmente em todo mundo entre pessoas de 15 a 49 anos. Objetivo: Analisar os fatores relacionados ao aumento da incidência de sífilis em Roraima (RR) e as principais características epidemiológicas desse agravo a partir da análise de dados colhidos na Secretaria do Estado de Saúde - SESAU. Métodos: Coleta de dados Epidemiológicos na Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de RR no Núcleo de Controle de Agravos HIV/ DST e pesquisa em base de dados Scielo e PubMed. Resultados: No período entre 2013 e 2017 foi constatado um aumento do número de casos notificados de sífilis no estado de Roraima com predomínio de casos entre mulheres, pardos e no grupo de jovens entre 20 e 29 anos. Conclusão: Com este estudo foi possível identificar que o aumento dos casos de sífilis se deve a diversos fatores relacionados como o crescimento do fluxo migratório pelo estado, descoberta precoce da sexualidade entre os jovens e atividade sexual sem uso de medidas de proteção.

OBJECTIVES Following clearance of incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, HCV antibody levels may decline, resulting in seroreversion. It is unclear to what extent HCV antibody level trajectories differ between patients with treatment-induced sustained virological response (SVR), those with spontaneous clearance and those with untreated replicating HCV infection. We investigated HCV antibody level dynamics in HIV-infected MSM with different clinical outcomes. METHODS We investigated anti-HCV antibody level dynamics following an incident HCV infection in 67 HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with different clinical outcomes: SVR (n = 33), spontaneous clearance (n = 12), and untreated replicating infection (n = 22). Antibody levels were measured at the time of HCV diagnosis, and at yearly intervals for 3 years thereafter. RESULTS At baseline, median HCV antibody levels were similar in the three groups: 13.4, 13.8 and 13.5 sample to cut-off (S/CO) for SVR, spontaneous clearance and untreated infection, respectively. Over 3 years of follow-up, SVR was associated with a more pronounced decrease in anti-HCV levels compared with spontaneous clearance and untreated infection [median decline 71% [interquartile range (IQR: 43-87%), 38% (IQR: 29-60%) and 12% (IQR: 9-22%), respectively; P < 0.001]. Seroreversions occurred in five of 33 (15%) patients with SVR and in one of 12 (8%) with spontaneous clearance. A shorter delay between time of infection and treatment start correlated with higher rates of decline in antibody levels. Seven patients experienced a reinfection. CONCLUSIONS Treatment-induced HCV clearance was associated with a more pronounced decline in anti-HCV antibody levels and with higher rates of seroreversion compared with spontaneous clearance or untreated replicating HCV infection among HIV-infected MSM with incident HCV infections. Rapid clearance of HCV RNA following early HCV treatment might impair the development of persistent antibody titres.

TM2 domain containing (TM2D) proteins are conserved in metazoans and encoded by three separate genes in each model organism species that has been sequenced. Rare variants in TM2D3 are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its fly ortholog almondex is required for embryonic Notch signaling. However, the functions of this gene family remain elusive. We knocked-out all three TM2D genes (almondex, CG11103/amaretto, CG10795/biscotti) in Drosophila and found that they share the same maternal-effect neurogenic defect. Triple null animals are not phenotypically worse than single nulls, suggesting these genes function together. Overexpression of the most conserved region of the TM2D proteins acts as a potent inhibitor of Notch signaling at the γ-secretase cleavage step. Lastly, Almondex is detected in the brain and its loss causes shortened lifespan accompanied by progressive motor and electrophysiological defects. The functional links between all three TM2D genes are likely to be evolutionarily conserved, suggesting that this entire gene family may be involved in AD., Author summary Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease affecting the aging population. Although many genetic factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis, in vivo functions of many of these genes have not been well defined. In this study, we investigated the function of TM2D3, a conserved gene that has been implicated in late-onset AD through an exome-wide association study, and two closely related genes, TM2D1 and TM2D2, using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In addition to exhibiting a previously reported maternal-effect neuurodevelopmental phenotype caused by Notch signaling defects during embryogenesis, fly TM2D3 mutants are short lived and display age-dependent motor and electrophysiological defects, providing the first link between this gene and age-dependent neurological phenotypes. Furthermore, TM2D1 and TM2D2 knockout flies phenotypically mimic the loss of TM2D3. Triple knockout of all three TM2D genes resemble the single knockouts, suggesting that these genes likely function together. Together with functional data that implicates TM2D3 in a biological process that is liked to the γ-secretase, a protease that is involved in AD in addition to being required for proper Notch signaling, we propose that all three TM2D family genes may be involved in AD pathogenesis, which warrants further investigation through human genetics studies.

The interaction of transplanted stem cells with local cellular and molecular cues in the host CNS microenvironment may affect the potential for repair by therapeutic cell populations. In this regard, spinal cord injury (SCI), Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological injuries and diseases all exhibit dramatic and dynamic changes to the host microenvironment over time. Previously, we reported that delayed transplantation of human CNS-derived neural stem cells (hCNS-SCns) at 9 or 30 d post-SCI (dpi) resulted in extensive donor cell migration, predominantly neuronal and oligodendrocytic donor cell differentiation, and functional locomotor improvements. Here, we report that acute transplantation of hCNS-SCns at 0 dpi resulted in localized astroglial differentiation of donor cells near the lesion epicenter and failure to produce functional improvement in an all-female immunodeficient mouse model. Critically, specific immunodepletion of neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) blocked hCNS-SCns astroglial differentiation near the lesion epicenter and rescued the capacity of these cells to restore function. These data represent novel evidence that a host immune cell population can block the potential for functional repair derived from a therapeutic donor cell population, and support targeting the inflammatory microenvironment in combination with cell transplantation after SCI.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe interaction of transplanted cells with local cellular and molecular cues in the host microenvironment is a key variable that may shape the translation of neurotransplantation research to the clinical spinal cord injury (SCI) human population, and few studies have investigated these events. We show that the specific immunodepletion of polymorphonuclear leukocyte neutrophils using anti-Ly6G inhibits donor cell astrogliosis and rescues the capacity of a donor cell population to promote locomotor improvement after SCI. Critically, our data demonstrate novel evidence that a specific host immune cell population can block the potential for functional repair derived from a therapeutic donor cell population.

The brain structure of many animals is influenced by their predators, but the cellular processes underlying this brain plasticity are not well understood. Previous studies showed that electric fish (Brachyhypopomus occidentalis) naturally exposed to high predator (Rhamdia quelen) density and tail injury had reduced brain cell proliferation compared with individuals facing few predators and those with intact tails. However, these field studies described only correlations between predator exposure and cell proliferation. Here, we used a congener Brachyhypopomus gauderio and another electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus to experimentally test the hypothesis that exposure to a predator stimulus and tail injury causes alterations in brain cell proliferation. To simulate predator exposure, we either amputated the tail followed by short-term (1 day) or long-term (17–18 days) recovery or repeatedly chased intact fish with a plastic rod over a 7 day period. We measured cell proliferation (PCNA+ cell density) in the telencephalon and diencephalon, and plasma cortisol, which commonly mediates stress-induced changes in brain cell proliferation. In both species, either tail amputation or simulated predator chase decreased cell proliferation in the telencephalon in a manner resembling the effect of predators in the field. In A. leptorhynchus, cell proliferation decreased drastically in the short term after tail amputation and partially rebounded after long-term recovery. In B. gauderio, tail amputation elevated cortisol levels, but repeated chasing had no effect. In A. leptorhynchus, tail amputation elevated cortisol levels in the short term but not in the long term. Thus, predator stimuli can cause reductions in brain cell proliferation, but the role of cortisol is not clear.

The objective of this work was to assess the performance during the start-up phase of a Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)-septic tank for municipal wastewater treatment in Mexico City. A lab scale UASB-septic tank (62 L total volume, acrylic), consisting of three chambers treated high strength municipal wastewater at ambient temperature (16 °C–24 °C), under 72 h Hydraulic retention time (HRT) during three months. Total and soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD), total biological oxygen demand (BOD5), total solids and total suspended solids (TSS) removals were 75.2 ± 6.5%, 54.8 ± 6.7%, 64.2 ± 4.8%, 25.9 ± 5% and 82.9 ± 5%, respectively. These results are comparable with the removals reported in other works with similar arrangements; and are similar even with average removals of COD, BOD and TSS in UASB reactors installed in Latin America. The good performance obtained showed that it is possible to achieve a short start-up period with UASB-septic tank if it is inoculated with anaerobic sludge. These findings also evidenced the feasibility and reliability of the UASB-septic tank system for decentralized wastewater management in Mexico.

Future weather radar systems will need to provide rapid updates within a flexible multifunctional overall radar network. This naturally leads to the use of electronically scanned phased array antennas. However, the traditional multifaced planar antenna approaches suffer from having radiation patterns that are variant in both beam shape and polarization as a function of electronic scan angle; even with practically challenging angle-dependent polarization correction, this places limitations on how accurately weather can be measured. A cylindrical array with commutated beams, on the other hand, can theoretically provide patterns that are invariant with respect to azimuth scanning with very pure polarizations. This paper summarizes recent measurements of the cylindrical polarimetric phased array radar demonstrator, a system designed to explore the benefits and limitations of a cylindrical array approach to these future weather radar applications.

Neurotrophic corneal ulcers are difficult to treat, and the conventional treatment often results in failure. A new matrix regenerating agent ("ReGeneraTing Agents"), Cacicol® (Laboratoires Théa), has demonstrated good results over the last few years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response to Cacicol® in a series of cases with neurotrophic corneal ulcers.Retrospective case series looking at 11 patients with corneal ulcers unresponsive to conventional therapy that underwent treatment with Cacicol®. One cycle included 1 drop every two days for 5 days.The range of conventional therapy prior to Cacicol® was 0-91 days. On introducing Cacicol® 82% (9/11) of the cases were cured, and 18% (2/11) failed, requiring an amniotic membrane transplant or penetrating keratoplasty. The healing only required one cycle of Cacicol® in 67% (6/9) of the patients. More than one cycle of Cacicol® was needed in 45% (5/11) patients. One corneal bacterial ulcer responded favourably and one case related to Acanthamoeba did not respond. Most of the patients improved or maintained their visual acuity.Cacicol® was a useful therapy in a high number of difficult neurotrophic corneal ulcers, including corneal infections. Some cases may require more than one cycle of Cacicol® or used as first-line treatment in order to achieve the desired result.

Skarn type deposits are important potential resources for Cu, Au, and Ag as well as other strategic metals, which require accurate characterization of the mineralogy, texture and grade for successful processing and environmental management. The mineralogy of these deposits and of the resulting tailings has traditionally been examined using transmitted light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. In the present study, the Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN®) technology was applied to rapidly acquire spatially resolved mineralogical data from tailings associated with a Cu(Au,Ag) skarn type deposit. The resulting modal and textural data provided relevant additional information on the distribution of the ore minerals, including detail on the trace minerals, grain size distributions, and mineral associations. The following benefits of detailed mineralogical knowledge from this study can be pointed out: it improves the lithotyping of these complex deposit types and will benefit their ore processing strategies; it allows inferences to be made about the environmental behavior of the tailings, namely the acid mine drainage potential; it provides data about deportment of penalty and toxic elements, which are specifically As, Te, and Sb. Thus, particular applications of QEMSCAN include assessments of the acid consumption of the mineral assemblages (mainly assured due to calcite and dolomite) and of the abundance, distribution and mobility of potentially toxic elements, such as As.

Electroreception and electrogenesis have changed in the evolutionary history of vertebrates. There is a striking degree of convergence in these independently derived phenotypes, which share a common genetic architecture. This is perhaps best exemplified by the numerous convergent features of gymnotiforms and mormyrids, two species-rich teleost clades that produce and detect weak electric fields and are called weakly electric fish. In the 50 years since the discovery that weakly electric fish use electricity to sense their surroundings and communicate, a growing community of scientists has gained tremendous insights into evolution of development, systems and circuits neuroscience, cellular physiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavior. More recently, there has been a proliferation of genomic resources for electric fish. Use of these resources has already facilitated important insights with regards to the connection between genotype and phenotype in these species. A major obstacle to integrating genomics data with phenotypic data of weakly electric fish is a present lack of functional genomics tools. We report here a full protocol for performing CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis that utilizes endogenous DNA repair mechanisms in weakly electric fish. We demonstrate that this protocol is equally effective in both the mormyrid species Brienomyrus brachyistius and the gymnotiform Brachyhypopomus gauderio by using CRISPR/Cas9 to target indels and point mutations in the first exon of the sodium channel gene scn4aa. Using this protocol, embryos from both species were obtained and genotyped to confirm that the predicted mutations in the first exon of the sodium channel scn4aa were present. The knock-out success phenotype was confirmed with recordings showing reduced electric organ discharge amplitudes when compared to uninjected size-matched controls.

Background Sub-optimal self-care and non-adherence to treatments are important predictors of poor clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. Task-sharing and technology have each contributed modest improvements, but the combined effect on outcomes is unknown. We aim to develop a complex intervention package to improve self-care predicated on task sharing and smartphone based remote monitoring among heart failure patients. Purpose As a formative step, we conducted a qualitative study among heart failure patients and their caregivers to explore self-care and to inform the development of a contextualized intervention package. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews among 22 patients admitted to in-patient wards with a clinical diagnosis of chronic heart failure (diagnosis made at least 1 month prior to index hospitalization) and 18 caregivers (n=40), sampled from 4 states in southern India. Patients were purposively sampled based on sex, socioeconomic status, health literacy and past one month's history of adherence to heart failure medications. The middle range theory of self-care informed the drafting of the interview guide. We recorded and transcribed interviews translated from 5 regional languages. We inductively coded the data from a social constructionist viewpoint, created categories, prepared memos, compared extreme cases, identified key emergent themes and their inter-relationships. Results Patients' mean age was 60.5 (±13.4), with representation from socioeconomic strata, urban and rural areas. Patients had a high pill burden [median 10; IQR (6, 31)] and 8 (44%) reported irregular adherence to prescribed medications in the last month. Key categories associated with sub-optimal self-care included “Passivity”, “Entrenched Belief systems”, “Negative Emotions/Affect”, “Ageing causes disease”, and “inability to control situations” across all socioeconomic strata. These themes appear to impair self-actualization that negatively impacts self efficacy/confidence and in turn self-care reciprocally (Refer Figure). Key facilitators of self-care were: Intrinsic patient distinctive facilitators (situational awareness, resilience) and extraneous facilitators (insurance/financial protection, positive caregiver relationships and ease of healthcare access). Patients and caregivers generally expressed their readiness to use mobile technology for remote monitoring and to be counseled by trained lay workers to address beliefs and be trained on self-care. Framework explaining self-care in HF Conclusions Findings from this formative study show opportunities for providers and community-based care workers to address task-sharing of beliefs by educating patients on self-care, including through the use of technology-based solutions. These findings regarding a self-care framework identify opportunities to improve self-care among heart failure patients using task-sharing and technology to support the patient-caregiver-provider triad. Acknowledgement/Funding India Alliance - Wellcome Trust and Department of Biotechnology

This paper provides an update on an S-band, polarimetric phased array radar, which is being designed and built at the University of Oklahoma's Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC). Providing optimum radar flexibility, this phased array radar, known as Horus, is digital at every element and polarization.

In this article, the authors present three microstrip patch antenna configurations for ultra low cross polarization phased arrays. These antennas are based on a mathematical model of an electric current in top of a dielectric covered ground plane. The model predicts that for linearly polarized antennas, -40 dB cross polarization can be achieved in the field of view of $\theta=\pm 45^{o}$ and $0^{o}\leq\phi\leq 180^{o}$ . To validate the model, HFSS planar electromagnetic simulations were made in where infinite ground plane and dielectrics are assumed. To extend the designs for planar phased arrays, an embedded element simulation using periodic boundary conditions was performed. Results show that microstrip antennas with −40 dB cross-polarization are possible by controlling effectively the dielectric characteristics under patch.

This paper presents a mathematical model based on diffraction theory to predict the co- and cross-polar patterns of phased array antenna elements. The technique provided is used on the theoretical model of a monopole antenna and is supported by simulated and measured values of the radiating element in different locations of a ground plane. An extension of diffraction theory based on the equivalent current model is used to estimate the cross-polarization patterns of the monopole. This proposed method proves as an accurate representation of the radiating characteristics of the isolated and embedded element patterns in a finite array antenna. Good agreements were found between results of the proposed method, numerical simulations, and measurements.

This paper describes the novel hybrid front-end beamforming architecture of a C-band mobile Polarimetric Atmospheric Imaging Radar (PAIR) system for weather applications. PAIR, a state-of-the-art radar on a mobile platform, will be shared with the scientific and radar communities to further research frontiers using its unprecedented high-temporal resolution and scanning flexibility. The system under development achieves dual polarization through novel polarimetric phased- array antenna design; improved detection capability through integrated solutions provided by solid state technology; faster update time through digital beamforming (DBF) in elevation; and a robust structure for fast deployment in severe weather. The concept and research applications and the development progress of PAIR will be reported in this paper.

The evaluation and testing of the radiation characteristics of antennas are performed in antenna ranges, and in this context, in-situ measurements provide a means to verify the performance of the antenna such that its intrinsic radiation patterns are not substantially modified by its operational environment. Conventional outdoor range facilities are limited by space and cost constraints, and it would be impractical to develop such facilities for a single radar, let alone a network with a large number of radars. Continuing advances and the availability of relatively inexpensive commercially-off-the-shelf unmanned aerial vehicle systems allow the development of insitu antenna measurement systems for a wide variety of operating frequencies. Such unmanned aerial vehicle-based antenna ranges are important for polarimetric radars, and in particular for polarimetric calibration since a complete control of the measuring instrument is possible. This paper presents an update of the current in-situ antenna characterization and calibration of a radar system using an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Advanced Radar Research Center at The University of Oklahoma.

Notch signaling plays crucial roles in the control of cell fate and physiology through local cell-cell interactions. The core processes of Notch signal transduction are well established, but the mechanisms that fine-tune the pathway in various developmental and post-developmental contexts are less clear. Drosophila almondex, which encodes an evolutionarily conserved double-pass transmembrane protein, was identified in the 1970s as a maternal-effect gene that regulates Notch signaling in certain contexts, but its mechanistic function remains obscure. In this study, we examined the role of almondex in Notch signaling during early Drosophila embryogenesis. We found that in addition to being required for lateral inhibition in the neuroectoderm, almondex is also partially required for Notch signaling-dependent single-minded expression in the mesectoderm. Furthermore, we found that almondex is required for proper subcellular Notch receptor distribution in the neuroectoderm, specifically during mid-stage 5 development. The absence of maternal almondex during this critical window of time caused Notch to accumulate abnormally in cells in a mesh-like pattern. This phenotype did not include any obvious change in subcellular Delta ligand distribution, suggesting that it does not result from a general vesicular-trafficking defect. Considering that dynamic Notch trafficking regulates signal output to fit the specific context, we speculate that almondex may facilitate Notch activation by regulating intracellular Notch receptor distribution during early embryogenesis.

The advent of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved molecular testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) has resulted in a dramatic shift from cytological testing alone to a combination of cytology and molecular testing for primary HPV screening. HPV testing has quickly become an essential component of daily practice in most laboratories and clinical practices. Although the principle of HPV testing is now familiar, it is important to understand the mechanisms behind these platforms in order to properly interpret the results and understand the limits of each method. HPV tests are more automated and reproducible than cytology, but are by no means perfect. None of these platforms will identify every HSIL/CIN2+ or cancer. This fact must be kept in mind when correlating the results of HPV testing with cytology or biopsy findings. The goal of this paper is to review the FDA- approved molecular testing platforms for HPV, including methodology, limitations, and specifications. The concordance between the platforms will also be discussed. Package inserts of the 5 FDA- approved molecular testing platforms for HPV, as well as a literature review of the platforms, were reviewed and assimilated into the article. Due to the multiple modalities available for detection of hrHPV, the concordance between these assays becomes important. Prior publications have compared HC2, Cervista, cobas, and Aptima, with most studies comparing to HC2 because it is considered the reference standard. With the newly approved BD platform, concordance studies were reviewed as well.

The deployment of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to collect routine in situ vertical profiles of the thermodynamic and kinematic state of the atmosphere in conjunction with other weather observations could significantly improve weather forecasting skill and resolution. High-resolution vertical measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction are critical to the understanding of atmospheric boundary layer processes integral to air–surface (land, ocean and sea ice) exchanges of energy, momentum, and moisture; how these are affected by climate variability; and how they impact weather forecasts and air quality simulations. We explore the potential value of collecting coordinated atmospheric profiles at fixed surface observing sites at designated times using instrumented UAS. We refer to such a network of autonomous weather UAS designed for atmospheric profiling and capable of operating in most weather conditions as a 3D Mesonet. We outline some of the fundamental and high-impact science questions and sampling needs driving the development of the 3D Mesonet and offer an overview of the general concept of operations. Preliminary measurements from profiling UAS are presented and we discuss how measurements from an operational network could be realized to better characterize the atmospheric boundary layer, improve weather forecasts, and help to identify threats of severe weather.

We present the determination of aluminum concentration x in epitaxial films of AlxGa1-xAs grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) on GaAs (100) substrates. A large variety of techniques such as quantification of atomic fluxes during MBE growth, high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE), photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) have been used. Our Raman spectroscopy measurements show inconsistencies when analyzed with previously reported models. We also found variability within the same sample indicating that it is strongly influenced by other parameters like strain. We conclude that Raman spectroscopy can not be used as a reliable characterization technique without taking these effects into consideration. The combined analysis of all the other techniques allows us to reduce the uncertainty for the concentration value of each sample and correlate device specific quantities with the growth control parameters.