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We measured the energy dependence of the total reaction cross sections ( σ R ) for the proton drip-line nucleus of neon isotopes, 17Ne, with a solid hydrogen target. The σ R on a proton target in the low- and intermediate-energy regions were provided, where only a few values are available for unstable nuclei. The new data were compared with theoretical calculations using the Glauber model. In the low-energy region (∼100A MeV), the theoretical cross sections overestimate the experimental ones, whereas the theoretical ones significantly underestimate the experimental data in the intermediate energy region (∼300-500A MeV). We discuss several possibilities for solving this discrepancy. This work suggests the necessity of more careful investigations of the energy dependence of σ R for various nuclei on a proton target to determine the nuclear size properties precisely.

EUSO-Balloon is a pathfinder mission for the Extreme Universe Space Observatory onboard the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM-EUSO). It was launched on the moonless night of the 25th of August 2014 from Timmins, Canada. The flight ended successfully after maintaining the target altitude of 38 km for five hours. One part of the mission was a 2.5 hour underflight using a helicopter equipped with three UV light sources (LED, xenon flasher and laser) to perform an inflight calibration and examine the detectors capability to measure tracks moving at the speed of light. We describe the helicopter laser system and details of the underflight as well as how the laser tracks were recorded and found in the data. These are the first recorded laser tracks measured from a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere. Finally, we present a first reconstruction of the direction of the laser tracks relative to the detector., 0, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

This paper reports the structural and optical investigations of the structural colour of the weevil Lamprocyphus augustus . The photonic crystal structure within the weevil's scales was investigated using sequential focused ion-beam milling and scanning electron microscopy imaging. We carefully analysed the reconstructed three-dimensional structure to determine the unit cell of the photonic crystal. It was found that the cuticle network of the cubic unit cell perfectly matches the previously reported diamond-based network. However, different results were obtained for the crystal orientations of the small crystal domains that comprise the entire photonic crystal structure in the scales: directions are highly preferred along the surface normal of the scale. This finding explains the fact that the scale is almost uniformly coloured despite the multi-domain structure. It is confirmed experimentally and theoretically that the wavelength range of the reflection band corresponds to the gap of the photonic band.

Background It has been well known that anti-TNF-α treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) development. Using data of 110 RA patients treated with infliximab (IFX), we previously reported that ANA development along with ANA levels at base line were associated with poor outcomes of IFX. 1 However, no replication studies have been reported. In addition, whether the findings are true to general biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) is uncertain. Objectives To replicate an association between poor response and development of ANA during IFX treatment in patients with RA. To analyse whether the association is found in other bDMARDs. Methods We analysed a data of Japanese RA patients treated with (n=721) or without (bDMARDs-naive; n=1050) bDMARDs (IFX, etanercept ETN, adalimumab ADA, golimumab GLM, certolizumab pegol CZP, tocilizumab TCZ, abatacept ABT) as a first line bDMARD from a single comprehensive RA cohort. All of the participants were not included in our previous study. We conducted multiple logistic linear regression analysis to assess effects of ANA development on treatment outcomes. We further analysed correlates of ANA development. ANAs were determined by indirect immunofluorescence with HEp-2 cells, and ANA development was defined as more than two times increase from baseline values. Results We found that ANA development at 3 months after starting bDMARDs was significantly associated with cessation of bDMARDs due to insufficient response within a year (OR 3.70, p=0.037). We further found that RA patients who did not develop ANA at 3 months but developed ANA within a year showed a significant association with treatment failure between 12 and 24 months (OR 7.11, p=0.044). ANA levels at baseline showed significant association with or tendency of insufficient response in both situations (OR 1.21 and 1.69, respectively), independently on ANA development. We still found associations of ANA development after conditioning on IFX usage, indicating that the associations are not limited to IFX. Female was associated with ANA development (OR 1.85) and high levels of ANA at baseline (OR 2.41, p=0.006), which is consistent with previous data in healthy population. 2 bDMARDs use (OR 2.09, p=0.056) was also a risk for ANA development. Among bDMARDs, anti-TNF agents, especially IFX, were risk factors of ANA development (OR 6.34, p Conclusions ANA development during treatment is associated with poor response to bDMARDs, which is not limited to IFX. Female and IFX usage are risk factors for ANA development. References [1] Yukawa N, et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy2011;13:R213. [2] Kuramoto N, et al. Sci Rep2017;7:6911. Disclosure of Interest Y. Ishikawa: None declared, M. Hashimoto: None declared, H. Ito Grant/research support from: Pfizer Japan Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Astellas Pharma Inc., Chugai Co., Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb, M. Tanaka: None declared, N. Yukawa: None declared, T. Fujii Grant/research support from: Pfizer Japan Inc., Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Eisai Co.,Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., T. Mimori Grant/research support from: Pfizer Japan Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Eisai Co.,Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., AYUMI Pharmaceutical Co., Chugai Co., Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd., Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., C. Terao: None declared

We report the first screening for antioxidant activity (AOX) of three dominant seaweeds from low intertidal reefs of Brazil. Sargassum furcatum, Bryothamnion triquetrum, and Osmundaria obtusiloba were extracted with dichloromethane and methanol (2:1), and AOX was measured by five UV-vis microplate spectrophotometric methods: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) free radical scavenging, metal chelating capacity, total phenolic compounds using reducing power by Folin-Ciocalteu and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power). All studied species showed high AOX, even at very low extract concentrations. We can attribute these results to the stressful environment in which these seaweeds live, high hydrodynamics, air exposure during low spring tides, intense solar radiation, and other factors that may contribute to oxidative stress, featuring O. obtusiloba as a new source of natural antioxidants.

International audience; The dependence of the single-particle strength on the difference between proton and neutron separation energies is studied for oxygen isotopes in a wide range of isospins. The cross sections of the quasi-free (p, 2p) reaction on 14,16,18,22,24O were measured at intermediate energies. The measured cross sections are compared to predictions based on the distorted wave impulse approximation and shell-model psd valence-space spectroscopic factors. The reduction factors, which are the ratio of the experimental cross sections to the theoretical predictions, show no apparent dependence on the proton–neutron separation energy difference. The result is compatible with the result of the (e, e p) reaction on stable targets and with the predictions of recent ab initio calculations.

Comparison of the unit cell structure between the theory (left) and experiment (right).

International audience; A search for new isotopes in the neutron-rich rare-earth region has been carried out using a 345 MeV=nucleon 238U beam at the RIKEN Nishina Center RI Beam Factory. Fragments produced were analyzed and identified using the BigRIPS in-flight separator. We observed a total of 29 new neutron-rich isotopes: 153Ba, 154,155,156La, 156,157,158Ce, 156,157,158,159,160,161Pr, 162,163Nd, 164,165Pm, 166,167Sm, 169Eu, 171Gd, 173,174Tb, 175,176Dy, 177,178Ho, and 179,180Er.

Induced chemical defense is still - uncertain process in seaweed, especially in tropical areas. Attention has been given to changes on phlorotannin contents due herbivore pressure, while knowledge considering - other secondary metabolites or other environmental factors as inducers is limited. We used laboratory experiments to assess induced chemical defense in the tropical red seaweed Laurencia dendroidea in response to simulated herbivory, presence of epibionts (microalga and bacterium), and bacterial infestation, addressing the following questions: 1) does inducible chemical defense by simulated herbivory, as well as microalgal and bacterial epibiosis, occur?; 2) are chemical defenses induced by bacterial infestation after simulated herbivory?; 3) is there a trade-off between inducible defense and seaweed growth?; and 4) how do variations in chemical defense affect seaweed susceptibility to specialist and generalist consumers? Inducible defense was measured as changes in sesquiterpene elatol levels, and growth was taken to infer whether induced chemical defense incurred metabolic costs. Specimens of L. dendroidea under simulated herbivory produced higher concentrations of elatol up to 2 days after treatment, followed by relaxation after 7 days, while epibiosis (by microalga and bacterium) and bacterial infestation did not induce a defense response. Simulated herbivory resulted in reduced L. dendroidea growth, reinforcing that induced chemical defense is a cost-saving strategy as stated by the Optimal Defense Theory (ODT), -in addition there was a tendency of epibiosis for biomass decreasing. The defensive effect varied according to elatol concentration and consumer identity, since aplysiids tolerated 10-fold natural concentrations (NC) whereas sea urchins were inhibited by NC. Our results highlight that inducible chemical defenses may also be a more rapid process than previously evidenced in seaweeds. Higher levels of elatol promoted decreased consumption, demonstrating that seaweed susceptibility is dose-dependent and induction is an important ecological strategy depending on environmental conditions.

Dissimilar joints between ferritic and austenitic steels are of interest for selected applications in next generation fast reactors. In this study, dissimilar friction-stir welding of an 11 pct Cr ferritic/martensitic steel to a 316 austenitic stainless steel was attempted and the mechanical properties and microstructure of the resulting welds were examined. Friction-stir welding produces a stir zone without macroscopic weld-defects, but the two dissimilar steels are not intermixed. The two dissimilar steels are interleaved along a sharp zigzagging interface in the stir zone. During small-sized tensile testing of the stir zone, this sharp interface did not act as a fracture site. Furthermore, the microstructure of the stir zone was refined in both the ferritic/martensitic steel and the 316 stainless steel resulting in improved mechanical properties over the adjacent base material regions. This study demonstrates that friction-stir welding can produce welds between dissimilar steels that contain no macroscopic weld-defects and display suitable mechanical properties.

The Telescope Array experiment studies ultra high energy cosmic rays using a hybrid detector. Fluorescence telescopes measure the longitudinal development of the extensive air shower generated when a primary cosmic ray particle interacts with the atmosphere. Meanwhile, scintillator detectors measure the lateral distribution of secondary shower particles that hit the ground. The Middle Drum (MD) fluorescence telescope station consists of 14 telescopes from the High Resolution Fly’s Eye (HiRes) experiment, providing a direct link back to the HiRes measurements. Using the scintillator detector data in conjunction with the telescope data improves the geometrical reconstruction of the showers significantly, and hence, provides a more accurate reconstruction of the energy of the primary particle. The Middle Drum hybrid spectrum is presented and compared to that measured by the Middle Drum station in monocular mode. Further, the hybrid data establishes a link between the Middle Drum data and the surface array. A comparison between the Middle Drum hybrid energy spectrum and scintillator Surface Detector (SD) spectrum is also shown.

Weld decay, a severe type of intergranular corrosion in the heat affected zone (HAZ), is a common and serious problem during welding of austenitic stainless steels. Grain boundary engineering (GBE) has been attracting attention as an effective method to prevent weld decay. Remarkably high resistance to weld decay has been reported for grain boundary engineered (GBEed) austenitic stainless steels. In practical applications, however, deformation and welding after the GBE process during manufacturing may alter the grain boundary character distribution and the resistance to weld decay. This study examined the effect of strain plus welding on the intergranular corrosion resistance in the weld HAZ of GBEed 304 austenitic stainless steel. The results show that the GBEed steel retained a much higher corrosion resistance than as received and non-GBEed steel during the same strain plus welding process, even though for both steels the corrosion resistance exhibited a gradual decrease with increasing strain.

Summary Introduction The aim of this study was to determine whether loss of ACL integrity in an older cohort precedes the onset of radiographic OA (ROA). Methods Participants in this nested case–control study were selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study who had risk factors for OA development but did not have ROA (Kellgren–Lawrence grading (KLG) of 0 or 1) in both knees at baseline. The MRIs were assessed for the presence of ACL tears. Case knees were defined by the development of ROA on knee radiographs between the 12 and 48 month visits. Their radiographs were assessed at P0 (time of onset of radiographic knee OA), 1 year prior to P0 (P-1) and at baseline. Controls were selected from amongst those who did not develop incident ROA and were matched to cases. Results 355 persons who developed ROA were matched to 355 controls. No relationship between loss of ACL integrity and incident ROA was found at any assessment time point. Odds ratios (OR) for baseline, 1 year prior to incident ROA (P1) and at point of occurrence of incident ROA (P0) were 2.00 (0.66–6.06), 2.5 (0.76–8.24) and 2.75 (0.85–8.88) respectively. A significant risk of incident ROA was found in participants who had a history of knee injury with an OR of 1.51 (1.05–2.16). Conclusion Loss of ACL integrity does not confer a significantly increased risk of incident ROA in an older adult cohort. In contrast, a history of knee injury was associated with an increased risk of incident ROA.

Objective To assess whether the presence of structural osteoarthritis (OA) features over as many as 4 years prior to incident radiographic OA increases the risk of radiographic OA in a nested, case–control design. Methods We studied 355 knees from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort that developed radiographic OA before the 48-month visit. They were matched one-to-one by sex, age, and contralateral knee radiographic status with a control knee. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were read for bone marrow lesions (BMLs), cartilage damage, meniscal damage (including tears and extrusion), Hoffa synovitis, and effusion synovitis. Conditional logistic regression was applied to assess the risk of radiographic OA with regard to the presence of BMLs (score ≥2), cartilage lesions (score ≥1.1), meniscal damage (any) and extrusion of ≥3 mm ± (score ≥2), and Hoffa and effusion synovitis (any). Time points were defined as incident radiographic OA visit (P0), 1 year prior to the detection of radiographic OA (P −1), 2 years prior to the detection of radiographic OA (P −2), etc. Results The presence of Hoffa synovitis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.76 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.18–2.64]), effusion synovitis (HR 1.81 [95% CI 1.18–2.78]), and medial meniscal damage (HR 1.83 [95% CI 1.17–2.89]) at P −2 predicted radiographic OA incidence. At P −1, all features but meniscal extrusion predicted radiographic OA, with highest odds for medial BMLs (HR 6.50 [95% CI 2.27–18.62]) and effusion synovitis (HR 2.50 [95% CI 1.76–3.54]). The findings at P −3 and P −4 did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the presence of specific structural features of MRI-detected joint damage 2 years prior to incident radiographic OA increases the risk of incident radiographic OA. However, 1 year prior to radiographic OA, the presence of almost any abnormal morphologic feature increases the risk of radiographic OA in the subsequent year.

Specimens of Palisada iridescens (Rhodomelaceae) were studied morphologically and molecularly from the Mexican Caribbean. The phylogenetic position of this species was inferred by analysis of chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences of 42 taxa, using one ceramiacean and four rhodomelacean taxa as outgroups. Molecular phylogenetic results corroborate the taxonomy of Laurencia sensu lato, which comprises the genera Chondrophycus, Laurencia, Laurenciella, Palisada, Osmundea, and Yuzurua. We propose the new combination Yuzurua iridescens (M.J. Wynne & D.L. Ballantine) Senties & M.J. Wynne for P. iridescens. We describe and illustrate morphological characteristics of Y. iridescens, comparing it with related species and also inferring its phylogenetic position. Observations on male plants are described for the first time for Y. iridescens.

The patient was a 45-year-old man with underlying alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Two years prior, he was repeatedly hospitalized for liver failure symptoms and requested a living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) because of end-stage cirrhosis. A pretransplantation blood test revealed a high 1,3-beta-d-glucan (BDG) value of 102.0 pg/mL (reference value

An updated synthesis of cyanobacteria and algae information is presented for Brazil aiming to refine the data gathered to date and evaluate the progress of the biodiversity knowledge about these organisms in the country since the publication of the Catálogo de Plantas e Fungos do Brasil. The results of 2015 showed an increase of 1,250 species (35.7%) when compared to 2010, reaching a total of 4,747 species. The most diverse classes in species number were the Bacillariophyceae, Conjugatophyceae, Florideophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae had the highest increase in species number in the five-year interval. The Southeast and South regions were the most diverse, however, the Northeast, with the states of Piauí and Sergipe, and the Central-west region, with Mato Grosso, Goiás and Distrito Federal, also stood out in the national algal biodiversity scenario. Despite the shortage of taxonomists and limited infrastructure, the results showed a significant improvement in the knowledge regarding the diversity of cyanobacteria and algae in the country during the study period, starting to even out regional geographical differences caused by subsampling. Resumo Apresenta-se uma síntese atualizada de informações sobre algas no Brasil objetivando refinar os dados reunidos até o presente, bem como avaliar os avanços sobre o conhecimento da diversidade de algas no país desde a publicação do Catálogo de Plantas e Fungos do Brasil. Os resultados de 2015 mostraram um acréscimo de 1.250 espécies (35.7%) a um total de 4.747 em relação a 2010. As classes mais diversas em número de espécies foram Bacillariophyceae, Conjugatophyceae, Florideophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae e Euglenophyceae. Bacillariophyceae e Cyanophyceae tiveram o maior acréscimo de espécies no intervalo de cinco anos. A região Sudeste e Sul foram as mais diversas, porém, as regiões Nordeste com os estados do Piauí e Sergipe e Centro-Oeste com os estados de Mato Grosso, Goiás e Distrito Federal destacaram-se no cenário da biodiversidade nacional. Apesar da escassez de taxonomistas e da infraestrutura limitada, os resultados obtidos evidenciaram um avanço significativo no conhecimento da diversidade de algas no país nesse período de cinco anos, iniciando uma mudança quanto as diferenças geográficas regionais.

We measure the spectrum of cosmic rays with energies greater than 10 18.2 eV with the fluorescence detectors (FDs) and the surface detectors (SDs) of the Telescope Array Experiment using the data taken in our first 2.3-year observation from May 27, 2008 to September 7, 2010. A hybrid air shower reconstruction technique is employed to improve accuracies in determination of arrival directions and primary energies of cosmic rays using both FD and SD data. The energy spectrum presented here is in agreement with our previously published spectra and the HiRes results.

Aims To investigate the relationship between the progression of anaemia and renal pathological findings in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods A total of 223 patients with diabetes underwent renal biopsy from 1985 to 2010 and were confirmed to have pure diabetic nephropathy according to the recent classification, of whom 113 (baseline haemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dl) were enrolled in the study. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the changes in haemoglobin levels during the follow-up period. Results In a multivariate model adjusted for clinical and histopathological variables, higher interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores were more strongly associated with a decrease in haemoglobin levels than were lower scores. Compared with an interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy score of 0, the standardized coefficients for interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores of 1, 2 and 3 were 0.20 (95% CI −0.31 to 0.93), 0.34 (95% CI −0.22 to 1.34) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.07 to 1.96), respectively, whereas a higher glomerular class, a higher vascular lesion score and the presence of exudative lesions were not strongly correlated with the decrease in haemoglobin. Conclusions Tubulointerstitial lesions that are more advanced are significantly associated with the progression of anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy after adjustment for numerous covariates. This finding suggests that tubulointerstitial lesions may be a useful prognostic indicator for anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and that decreased erythropoietin production attributable to the progression of tubulointerstitial lesions is a major cause of anaemia in these patients.

A bone biopsy specimen in a long-term hemodialysis patient with sarcoidosis coexisting with severe hypoparathyroidism has demonstrated that a persistent near physiological level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 contributes to the preservation of bone remodeling and has the potential to retard the development of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis. Sarcoidosis-related hypercalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, which is characterized by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) overproduction, is rarely seen in hemodialysis patients. Herein, we describe a 60-year-old Japanese woman on hemodialysis for 35 years who presented with malaise and hypercalcemia. Severe hypoparathyroidism without parathyroidectomy and a preserved 1,25(OH)2D3 level were detected. Computed tomography showed bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy and minimal aortic and soft tissue calcification. The axillary node biopsy led to a definite diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A bone biopsy specimen obtained from the right iliac crest showed remodeling of normal lamellar bone with scalloped cement lines and clear double labeling by tetracycline on fluorescence microscopy. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the bone formation rate was preserved (30.0 %/year), together with a decrease of osteoid volume (5.75 %) and fibrous volume (0 %), indicating that the patient did not have adynamic bone disease and only showed mild disease. This is the first documented case of sarcoidosis-related hypercalcemia associated with severe hypoparathyroidism in a long-term hemodialysis patient who underwent bone histomorphometry. Our findings suggest that, in hemodialysis patients with sarcoidosis coexisting with severe hypoparathyroidism, a persistent near physiological level of 1,25(OH)2D3 contributes to the preservation of bone remodeling and has the potential to retard the development of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

The stability of the gain of the photomultiplier (PMT) camera for the Fluorescence Detector (FD) of the Telescope Array experiment was monitored using an 241 Am loaded scintillator pulsers (YAP) and a diffused xenon flasher (TXF) for a selected set of 35 PMT-readout channels. From the monitoring of YAP pulses over four years of FD operation, we found slow monotonic drifts of PMT gains at a rate of −1.7~+1.7%/year. An average of the PMT gains over the 35 channels stayed nearly constant with a rate of change measured at −0.01±0.31(stat)±0.21(sys)%/year. No systematic decrease of the PMT gain caused by the night sky background was observed. Monitoring by the TXF also tracked the PMT gain drift of the YAP at 0.88±0.14(stat)%/year.

A search for new proton-rich isotopes using projectile fragmentation of a 345-MeV/nucleon 124Xe beam has been performed with the BigRIPS in-flight separator at the RIKEN Nishina Center RI Beam Factory. Projectile fragments were identified by measuring the time of flight, magnetic rigidity, and energy loss in the BigRIPS separator. Projectile fragments then were transported downstream of the BigRIPS separator and re-identified by measuring the time of flight and total kinetic energy. Through such particle re-identification, we have discovered four new isotopes 81,82Mo and 85,86Ru located near the proton drip line. The 76Y and 78Zr isotopes near the proton drip line also were identified, supporting the previous report on their discovery. Furthermore, we have obtained the first clear evidence for the particle instability of 103Sb. Based on the systematics of measured production yields, the upper limit values were evaluated for the half-lives of the particle-unbound isotopes 81Nb,85Tc, and 103Sb.

Objective To assess structural progression in knees with no/mild radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) (i.e., Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] grades 0-2) that will undergo knee replacement during a 5-year period; to assess differences in structural damage on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in knees with no/mild radiographic OA versus those with severe radiographic OA (i.e., K/L grades 3 and 4) at baseline; and to assess differences in pain levels between those groups. Methods All participants who underwent knee replacement from baseline to 60 months were drawn from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. MRIs were assessed for bone marrow lesions (BMLs), Hoffa synovitis, and effusion synovitis (i.e., hyperintensity signal changes in the fat pad and abnormal amount of capsular distension due to intraarticular joint fluid and/or synovial thickening) at baseline and at the time point before knee replacement (T0). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain were used for pain characterization. WOMAC activities of daily living and KOOS quality of life were applied to characterize functional status of the included participants. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of no/mild radiographic OA with these MRI features and pain. Results Based on inclusion criteria, 181 knees were selected. Participants were predominantly female (57.8%) with a mean age of 64.4 years. A total of 51 knees (28.2%) had no/mild radiographic OA at baseline. Of these, 51.0% progressed to severe radiographic OA. No/mild radiographic OA knees showed higher odds of BMLs in the patellofemoral joint at baseline (odds ratio [OR] 7.92 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.45-18.16]) and T0 (OR 9.44 [95% CI 4.00-22.28]) compared to severe radiographic OA knees. In addition, no/mild radiographic OA knees were associated with change from no pain to pain from baseline to T0 (adjusted OR 5.48 [95% CI 1.25-24.00]). Conclusion More than half of the knees with no/mild radiographic OA before knee replacement progressed to severe radiographic OA during 4 years of follow-up. BMLs in the patellofemoral joint were more often seen among knees that had no/mild radiographic OA. Worsening pain status may contribute to knee replacement in knees with no/mild radiographic OA.

Very neutron-rich $Z\ensuremath{\sim}60$ isotopes produced by in-flight fission of a 345 MeV/nucleon $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ beam at the RI Beam Factory, RIKEN Nishina Center, have been studied by delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy. New isomers were discovered in the neutron-rich $N=100$ isotones $^{162}\mathrm{Sm}, ^{163}\mathrm{Eu}$, and $^{164}\mathrm{Gd}$. Half-lives, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energies, and relative intensities of these isomers were obtained. Level schemes were proposed for these nuclei and the first ${2}^{+}$ and ${4}^{+}$ states were assigned for the even-even nuclei. The first ${2}^{+}$ and ${4}^{+}$ state energies decrease as the proton numbers get smaller. The energies and the half-lives of the new isomers are very similar to those of ${4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomers known in less neutron-rich $N=100$ isotones $^{168}\mathrm{Er}$ and $^{170}\mathrm{Yb}$. A deformed Hartree-Fock with angular momentum projection model suggests ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ two-quasiparticle states with $\ensuremath{\nu}7/2[633]\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}1/2[521]$ configurations with similar excitation energy. The results suggest that neutron-rich $N=100$ nuclei are well deformed and the deformation gets larger as $Z$ decreases to 62. The onset of $K$ isomers with the same configuration at almost the same energy in $N=100$ isotones indicates that the neutron single-particle structures of neutron-rich isotones down to $Z=62$ do not change significantly from those of the $Z=70$ stable nuclei. Systematics of the excitation energies of new isomers can be explained without the predicted $N=100$ shell gap.

As marine tropical ecosystems deteriorate and lose biodiversity, their communities are shifting to being dominated by a few species, altering ecosystem's functioning and services. Macroalgae are becoming dominant on coral reefs, and are frequently observed outcompeting corals. Turf algal assemblages are the base of energy flow in these systems and one of the most abundant types of macroalgae on coral reefs, but little is known about their biology and diversity. Through molecular and morphological analyses, we identified the turf-forming species Laurencia cervicornis, and by studying seasonal recruitment and the impact of herbivorous fishes on its abundance, we describe its survival strategy. The molecular analyses used a total of 45 rbcL gene sequences including eight current genera within the Laurencia complex and two new sequences of L. cervicornis and strongly support the new combination of Palisada cervicornis comb. nov. In addition, a detailed morphological characterization including the description of reproductive structures is provided. Palisada cervicornis was seen recruiting in all seasons but was typically in low abundance. Specimens grown on tiles in fish exclosure cages were devoured in less than 4 h when offered to fishes. Even though many species of the Laurencia complex have chemicals that deter herbivory, species within the genus Palisada lack feeding deterrents and thus are highly palatable. We suggest that P. cervicornis is a palatable species that seems to survive in the community by obtaining a size-refuge from herbivory within turf communities.

Supplementary Information: centers participating in the study; inclusion and exclusion criteria; oral mucositis assessment sheet. (DOCX 25Â kb)

Turoctocog alfa pegol (N8-GP) is a novel glycoPEGylated extended half-life recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) product developed for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeds in patients with haemophilia A, to enable higher activity levels with less frequent injections compared with standard FVIII products. This phase III (NCT01480180), multinational, open-label, non-randomised trial evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of N8-GP when administered for treatment of bleeds and for prophylaxis, in previously treated patients aged ≥12 years with severe haemophilia A. Patients were allocated to receive N8-GP for prophylaxis or on-demand treatment for up to 1.8 years. Patients on prophylaxis were administered one dose of 50 IU/kg of N8-GP every fourth day. Bleeds were treated with doses of 20-75 IU/kg. Total exposure to N8-GP in the trial was 14,114 exposure days (159 patient-years). For the prophylaxis arm (n=175), the median annualised bleeding rate (ABR) was 1.33 (interquartile range, 0.00-4.61), the mean ABR was 3.70 (95 % confidence interval 2.94-4.66) and 70 (40 %) patients had no bleeds during the trial. Across treatment arms, 83.6 % of bleeds resolved with one injection and 95.5 % with up to two injections. N8-GP had a favourable safety profile and was well tolerated. The frequency and types of adverse events reported were as expected in this population. One patient developed inhibitory antibodies against FVIII (≥0.6 Bethesda units [BU]) after 93 N8-GP exposure days. No clinically significant safety concerns were identified and N8-GP was effective for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeds in previously treated patients. Turoctocog alfa pegol (N8-GP) is a novel glycoPEGylated extended half-life recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) product developed for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeds in patients with haemophilia A, to enable higher activity levels with less frequent injections compared with standard FVIII products. This phase III (NCT01480180), multinational, open-label, non-randomised trial evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of N8-GP when administered for treatment of bleeds and for prophylaxis, in previously treated patients aged ≥12 years with severe haemophilia A. Patients were allocated to receive N8-GP for prophylaxis or on-demand treatment for up to 1.8 years. Patients on prophylaxis were administered one dose of 50 IU/kg of N8-GP every fourth day. Bleeds were treated with doses of 20-75 IU/kg. Total exposure to N8-GP in the trial was 14,114 exposure days (159 patient-years). For the prophylaxis arm (n=175), the median annualised bleeding rate (ABR) was 1.33 (interquartile range, 0.00-4.61), the mean ABR was 3.70 (95 % confidence interval 2.94-4.66) and 70 (40 %) patients had no bleeds during the trial. Across treatment arms, 83.6 % of bleeds resolved with one injection and 95.5 % with up to two injections. N8-GP had a favourable safety profile and was well tolerated. The frequency and types of adverse events reported were as expected in this population. One patient developed inhibitory antibodies against FVIII (≥0.6 Bethesda units [BU]) after 93 N8-GP exposure days. No clinically significant safety concerns were identified and N8-GP was effective for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeds in previously treated patients.

"Background. Recent morphological and phylogenetic studies of Laurencia in the Atlantic Ocean have modified our cu - rrent knowledge of the group. Approximately 23% of the worldwide generic diversity has been recorded in this region. Goals. Update the checklist of the Laurencia species in the Atlantic and describe the distribution patterns within the ge - nus. Methods. We obtained records of Laurencia species in the Atlantic from a review of the literature and distributional data were used to define areas of endemism through a PAE (Parsimony of Areas of Endemism) analysis. Results. We propose an updated checklist of the 30 currently recognized species of Laurencia in the Atlantic Ocean; this checklist also includes taxonomic synonyms, nomenclatural remarks, and a detailed distribution for each species. The distributional range for the genus in the Atlantic extends from Bermuda and Northern Europe in the North Atlantic to Brazil and South Africa in the South Atlantic. We were able to define four areas of endemism: Brazil with four endemic species, the Gulf of Guinea with four endemic species, the northeastern Atlantic with three endemic species, and South Africa with four endemic species; also documented was one secondary area (Macaronesian Islands) with the endemic species L. viridis . Moreover, 17 of the 30 species of the Atlantic are also distributed in the Indo-Pacific, of which five are amphi-Atlantic species. Conclusions. The patterns found are related to geological events that occurred in the past, a fact that allows us to formulate a vicariance hypothesis about these species biogeographic history. Therefore, future work that will document new species and the clarification of taxonomic problems will allow researchers to continue enriching this hypothesis"

Because of phenotypic plasticity, undefined specific boundaries, and specimens that are rarely fertile, species recognition in Gelidiales has been extremely difficult and controversial. Fifteen species of Gelidiellaceae and Gelidiaceae have been reported in Brazil with the majority in regional floristic studies or species lists. Thus, Gelidiales species have not received enough attention in Brazil, and many taxonomic problems remain unresolved. In this study, an integrative systematic approach based on the morphology of the vegetative and reproductive structures and two molecular markers, cox1 and rbcL, was used for 54 samples collected along the Brazilian coast. Five Gelidiaceae, including Gelidium crinale, G. floridanum, G. lineare, G. microdonticum and a new species here proposed as G. calidum, were found. The occurrence of Gelidiella acerosa, Ge. flabella, Millerella myrioclada, and two undescribed species, Gelidiella sp. and Millerella sp. were confirmed in Gelidiellaceae. Gelidiaceae and Gelidiellaceae species could be distinguished from each other by molecular and morphological approaches, except for Gelidium crinale and the new species, G. calidum, which were distinguished only by molecular data.

The n-3 and n-6 series of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important for numerous metabolic functions that reduce the risk of inflammation, cancer, and heart diseases. These fatty acids (FAs) have been detected in high concentrations in some species of algae. The amount of the n-3 and n-6 PUFAs is closely associated with abiotic factors, such as solar radiation intensity, salinity, and temperature variation. However, abiotic influence on PUFA levels, along with the physiological function of these molecules in algae, remains inconclusive. In the present study, the quantities of the n-3 and n-6 in Antarctic red algae species Iridaea cordata, Palmaria decipiens, Plocamium cartilagineum, and Pyropia endiviifolia were determined. The lipids were extracted from the macroalgae according to the method followed by Bligh and Dyer (1959) and converted to methyl esters for further analysis using gas chromatography. The main n-6 PUFA identified and quantified in this study of Antarctic red algae were linoleic acid (18:2n-6), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3n-6), and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6). The eicosapentaenoic acid was detected at high concentrations in all species, with approximately 62.8% of total FA in P. endiviifolia, 75.4% in P. decipiens, 50.4% in I. cordata, and 20.1% in P. cartilagineum. The results corroborate those of the literature and show that PUFAs increased in red algae environments, with increased production of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs.

Mean peak plasma concentrations of rebamipide. (DOCX 37Â kb)

A large-acceptance spectrometer, Neutral Kaon Spectrometer 2 (NKS2), was newly constructed to explore various photoproduction reactions in the gigaelectronvolt region at the Laboratory of Nuclear Science (LNS, currently ELPH), Tohoku University. The spectrometer consisted of a dipole magnet, drift chambers, and plastic scintillation counters. NKS2 was designed to separate pions and protons in a momentum range of less than 1 GeV/$c$, and was placed in a tagged photon beamline. A cryogenic H$_{2}$/D$_{2}$ target fitted to the spectrometer were designed. The design and performance of the detectors are described. The results of the NKS2 experiment on analyzing strangeness photoproduction data using a 0.8--1.1 GeV tagged photon beam are also presented., Comment: 62 pages, 29 figues. Submitted to Nucl. Instrum. Meth. A

Chemical profiles of extracts of four species from Laurencia complex (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from different populations collected along Southeast Brazilian coast were assessed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Diode Array Detector in order to observe geographic chemical variability. Aiming to evaluate the impact of chemical diversity on potential pharmaceutical uses, the extracts were tested against the promastigote form of Leishmania amazonensis. The most active extracts were submitted to anti-amastigote and cytotoxicity assays. Principal Component Analysis of the chromatograms resulted in four major groups of chemical profiles according to the presence of leishmanicidal chamigranes (-)-elatol and obtusol. The existence of chemotypes, displaying variable pharmacological action, is proposed for the differences observed in L. dendroidea samples. Although all extracts were found active against promastigote form of L. amazonensis, their efficacy was remarkably different and not related to the variation of (-)-elatol and obtusol, which indicates the presence of additional compounds with antileishmanial activity. Moreover, the active extracts also displayed anti-amastigote activity and none of them were considered cytotoxic. The results highlight that the knowledge of chemical geographic variability can be valuable in the search of new antileishmanial compounds from marine sources. Keywords: Antileishmanial bioassay, HPLC chemical profile variability, Laurencia complex, Principal Component Analysis

Experimental and theoretical works are conducted on the first-order and second-order wave interactions among an array of two rows of vertical circular cylinders. We show that both the first-order and the second-order resonance of dynamic free-surface displacement could in some cases be quite relevant among an array of two rows of vertical cylinders not only in theory but also in real phenomena. In some cases, on the other hand, we show that large free-surface displacement predicted theoretically is quite attenuated in reality probably due to viscous dissipation.

The microstructures of Al alloy 6061 subjected to very-high-power ultrasonic additive manufacturing were systematically examined to understand the underlying ultrasonic welding mechanism. The microstructure of the weld interface between the metal tapes consisted of fine, equiaxed grains resulting from recrystallization, which is driven by simple shear deformation along the ultrasonically vibrating direction of the tape surface. Void formation at the weld interface is attributed to surface asperities resulting from pressure induced by the sonotrode at the initial tape deposition. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that Al–Al metallic bonding without surface oxide layers was mainly achieved, although some oxide clusters were locally observed at the original interface. The results suggest that the oxide layers were broken up and then locally clustered on the interface by ultrasonic vibration.

Dissimilar joints between 1050 Al alloy and Cu were prepared by ultrasonic spot welding technique to understand the joint characteristics. The joint strength was evaluated by tensile shear strength test. The joint strength increased with increasing joining energy and the joint produced with sufficiently high energy was fractured at the base metal region of Al alloy. The interface microstructure in Al alloy consists of severely deformed region due to ultrasonic vibration. In addition, the fine and equiaxed grains were observed near the joint interface in the specimens fractured at the base metal. These characteristics were significantly different from the microstructure in the bulk region of Al alloy. In contrast, the microstructure in Cu was hardly changed around the interface after ultrasonic welding. Additionally, thin intermetallic compound layer with the thickness of 40 nm was found to be formed at the joint interface in the specimens fractured at the base metal. Peak temperature during ultrasonic welding was found to be approximately 480 K at the interface, which was measured using embedded thermocouple.

Bioinvasion events causing serious environmental damage have been a concern with the mariculture of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva, suggesting the importance of studying the biological aspects of drifting specimens of K. alvarezii for monitoring programs. The present study aims to evaluate the tolerance and growth of drifting color variants of K. alvarezii under different temperatures and salinities to determine their physiological capacity for growing outside cultivation rafts. Drifting color variants were collected in Paraiba State, Brazil, in November 2011(dry month) and August 2012 (rainy month), and cultivated in the laboratory under different temperatures (20, 24, 28, and 32 °C) and salinities (15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 psu). Growth rates as well as pigment and protein contents were determined. Results showed that drifting specimens collected in the dry month showed higher tolerance to variation in temperature (20 to 28 °C) and salinity (25 to 35 psu) than drifting specimens collected in the rainy month. Higher growth rates occurred in samples cultured at 20 and 24 °C (2.8–3 % day−1) and 25 to 35 psu (3.4–3.5 % day−1), suggesting temperature and salinity optima. Higher phycobiliprotein levels were observed in the red and brown variants under hypersaline conditions (45 and 55 psu). Higher chlorophyll a contents were associated with samples cultivated at 20–24 °C and 24–35 psu. Based on the results of the present study, drifting specimens collected in dry month are more tolerant to temperature and salinity variations, suggesting that the drifting K. alvarezii should be monitored especially during this period to prevent its establishment outside the cultivation rafts and dispersion along the northeastern coast of Brazil.

Osmundea purepecha Senties, Mendoza-Gonzalez & Mateo-Cid, n. sp., is proposed from Zapote, Michoacan, tropical Mexican Pacific coast, on the basis of comparative morphology and rbcL sequence analysis. This species has characteristics typical of the genus Osmundea, including two pericentral cells per axial segment and male gametophytes with a “filament” type reproductive structure. Spermatangial branches are simple, terminating in one or two spherical sterile cells, developing in pocket-shaped pits located at tips of branchlets. Phylogenetic position of this species was inferred by analysis of chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences from 33 taxa, including one member of the Ceramiaceae as an outgroup. The Mexican Pacific sample, from Zapote, formed a distinctive and well-supported basal clade segregated from other Osmundea species. Osmundea purepecha, n. sp., is morphologically and genetically distinct from other Osmundea species, supporting the assignment of this new taxon.