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Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescence redistribution after photoactivation (FRAPA) are complementary methods used to gauge the movement of proteins or sub-resolution organelles within cells. Using these methods we can determine the nature of the movement of labeled particles, whether it is random, constrained, or active, the coefficient of diffusion if applicable, binding and unbinding constants, and the direction of active transport. These two techniques have been extensively utilized to probe the cell biology of neurons. A practical outline of FRAP and FRAPA in cultured neurons is presented, including the preparation of the neurons and their infection with adeno-associated viral vectors. Considerations in planning such experiments are provided.

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between six polymorphisms in genes related to oxidative stress, namely CAT-262 C>T, MnSOD Ala16Val, GPX1 Pro198Leu, GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes, and GSTP1 Ile105Val, and the occurrence of BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis).Methods: We genotyped for these polymorphisms 328 patients with a known mutation status for JAK2 V617F, MPL and CALR, and 363 controls, using molecular genetics assays.Results: The CAT-262 C>T and GPX1 Pro198Leu polymorphisms were seen significantly less frequently, while the GSTP1 IleVal105 polymorphism was seen significantly more frequently in patients with BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms, regardless of the molecular sub-type (e.g. JAK2 V617F or CALR mutated).Discussion and conclusion: Our study provides evidence that variation in genes related to oxidative stress might modulate the risk of developing BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Contemporary theories of prejudice suggest that racism still exists in society, but is expressed in subtle and justifiable manners. Employing such theoretical frameworks, the present study examined subtle ways in which social category information is used differentially in personnel decisions. Participants (managers or undergraduates) were presented with background information and a resume (with a typical Muslim or European American name) for a hypothetical job applicant. After reviewing the resumes, participants judged the applicant on hirability, salary assignment, and other job-related characteristics. Results showed that the Muslim applicant, relative to the American, was unfavorably judged in salary assignment and job-related characteristics in the presence of negative information. Both managers and undergraduates exhibited the same bias. Implications of the findings are discussed.

The present study shows the effect of porosity on the dynamic elastic moduli of partially dense yttria (Y2O3). This article reveals that the sound velocities and the elastic moduli of the porous samples depend not only on density, but also upon the reciprocal of the initial particle and agglomerate size. These findings explain some of the variation in the elastic moduli found especially, but not only, for highly porous yttria.

The relationship between bureaucracy and democracy in modern nations has gained the attention of scholars and experts worldwide. This article uses the allegory of a tango dance to illuminate core pandemics of the bureaucracy–democracy interface. First, we propose a theoretical model that relates these arenas in the public realm. The model is then tested empirically based on four in-depth field studies of Israeli public sector organisations (in the fields of public energy, healthcare, policing and local governance). The studies were conducted simultaneously and were based on both qualitative and quantitative data collected in the intra-organisational and extra-organisational arenas. Respondents were 159 public sector personnel and 158 citizens who received services from the same organisations. Data were analysed with a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The findings reconfirmed a solid positive relationship between elements of an effective bureaucracy and segments of an active democracy. Moreover, strongest support was found for a mediating model where perceived performance mediated the bureaucratic–democratic relationship. Implications of the findings are discussed in both the intra- and extra-organisational context.

The 2016 WHO-CMP classification proposal defines a broad spectrum of JAK2 V617F mutated MPN phenotypes: normocellular ET, hypercellular ET due to increased erythropoiesis (prodromal PV), hypercellular ET with megakaryocytic-granulocytic myeloproliferation and splenomegaly (EMGM or masked PV), erythrocythemic PV, early and overt classical PV, advanced PV with MF and post-PV MF. ET heterozygous for the JAK2 V617F mutation is associated with low JAK2 mutation load and normal life expectance. PV patients are hetero-homozygous versus homozygous for the JAK2 V617F mutation in their early versus advanced stages with increasing JAK2 mutation load from less than 50% to 100% and increase of MPN disease burden during life long follow-up in terms of symptomatic splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms, bone marrow hypercellularity and secondary MF. Pretreatment bone marrow biopsy in prefibrotic MPNs is of diagnostic and prognostic importance. JAK2 exon 12 mutated MPN is a distinct benign early stage PV. CALR mutated hypercellular thrombocythemia show distinct PMGM bone marrow characteristics of clustered larged immature dysmorphic megakaryocytes with bulky (bulbous) hyperchromatic nuclei, which are not seen in JAK2 mutated ET and PV. MPL mutated normocellular thrombocythemia is featured by clustered giant megakaryocytes with hyperlobulated stag-horn-like nuclei without features of PV in blood and bone marrow. Myeloproliferative disease burden in each of the JAK2, CALR and MPL MPNs is best reflected by the degree of anemia, splenomegaly, mutation allele burden, bone marrow cellularity and myelofibrosis.

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescence redistribution after photoactivation (FRAPA) are complementary methods used to gauge the movement of proteins or sub-resolution organelles within cells. Using these methods we can determine the nature of the movement of labeled particles, whether it is random, constrained, or active, the coefficient of diffusion if applicable, binding and unbinding constants, and the direction of active transport. These two techniques have been extensively utilized to probe the cell biology of neurons. A practical outline of FRAP and FRAPA in cultured neurons is presented, including the preparation of the neurons and their infection with adeno-associated viral vectors. Considerations in planning such experiments are provided.

A general framework for characterizing the behavior of electroactive heterogeneous media is developed. The governing equations of the coupled electromechanical problem are obtained together with the appropriate boundary and interface continuity conditions. Preliminary calculations for the class of sequentially laminated composites are carried out. These calculations demonstrate that the electromechanical coupling can be improved by considering non-homogeneous electromechanical actuators. In particular, we show that the overall response of a composite actuator can be better than the responses of its constituents. These findings are in agreement with recent experimental work showing that the limitations of these actuators can be overcome by making composites of flexible and high dielectric modulus materials.

Gastrointestinal tract is the most common location for extralymphonodular lymphomas. The small intestine is affected only in 9% of the cases. Intestinal lymphoma may have single or multiple location. This paper describes a case of multiple location in the small intestine of a non-Hodgkin B-cell in a 53 years old patient, who was initially diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia with pleurisy with E. coli, steeper on the right side, but the persistence of symptoms as fever, malaise, despite appropriate treatment, required further investigation. The CT exam observed fluid collection in the hypogastrium around a digestive loop. The patient underwent surgery, the intraoperative foundings being: a large mesenteric tumor ~ 5 cm in diameter, a terminal ileal mesenteric tumor, a mesenteric tumor ~ 6 cm in diameter, omentum with nodular formations, a tumor ~ 3.3/2.5.1 cm in the abdominal wall, pseudotumoral appendix. Segmental enterectomy with entero-enterostomy, excision of mesenteric tumors, appendectomy and omentectomy were performed. Pathological diagnosis was non-Hodgkin marginal zone B-cell MALT type lymphoma of the small intestine with extension to the appendix, meso, omentum and abdominal wall. Postoperatively, the patient received chemotherapy for remission.

To determine the relationship between maternal serum ferritin concentrations in the second trimester and the risk of preterm delivery (PTD).A prospective observational study was conducted. Fifty consecutive women with singleton pregnancies, who were admitted to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit due to preterm labor in the second trimester, were included. Maternal serum samples for determination of ferritin concentrations were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to control for confounders.Out of fifty patients enrolled in the study, 38% (19/50) delivered prematurely. Eight women (16%) had maternal serum ferritin concentrations above 30 ng/ml in the second trimester. Among them, 75% (n = 6) subsequently presented with preterm delivery (odds ratio (OR) = 6.7 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-56.2, p = 0.04). Only two patients with increased maternal ferritin concentrations delivered at term. However, 13 patients with second trimester ferritin concentrations below 30 ng/ml had preterm delivery. No significant differences in mean maternal ferritin concentrations were found between patients who delivered preterm and those that delivered at term, 31.9 +/- 50.6 vs. 13.6 +/- 15.2, respectively (p = 0.064). Using a multivariable analysis, controlling for anemia, leucocytosis and maternal age, increased serum ferritin concentrations were found to be an independent risk factor for PTD (OR = 8.6; 95% CI 1.4-52.5; p0.019). No significant correlation was found between serum ferritin concentrations and gestational age at birth (Pearson correlation coefficient r = -0.093; p = 0.522).Maternal ferritin concentrations above 30 ng/ml in the second trimester can serve as a marker for preterm delivery. However, since no correlation was found between serum ferritin concentrations and gestational age at birth, the routine use of serum ferritin as a marker for preterm delivery warrants further investigation.

The elastic moduli of yttria (Y2O3) samples that were made from powders with various particle morphologies were studied by means of ultrasonic measurements. The soundwave velocities in the longitudinal and transverse modes were measured. The elastic moduli were calculated from the sound velocities and density. For the high-purity, highdensity (>5000 kg/m 3 )Y 2O3 that was prepared in the present study, the average density and elastic moduli (and their standard deviations) were as follows: density (r) of 5020 ± 18 kg/m 3 , Young’s modulus (E) of 179.8 ± 4.8 GPa, shear modulus (G) of 69.2 ± 2.0 GPa, bulk modulus ( B) of 148.9 ± 3.0 GPa, and Poisson’s ratio ( n) of 0.299 ± 0.004. The average longitudinal and transverse soundwave velocities (Vl and Vt, respectively) were 6931 ± 65 and 3712 ± 49 m/s, respectively. The elastic moduli of lanthana-strengthened yttria (LSY) were ~6% lower than those of high-purity Y2O3, and the n value for LSY was ~0.304. It has been argued that soundwave velocity is better than density, in regard to predicting the elastic moduli of fully dense and slightly porous materials. A linear equation that describes the change of the elastic moduli with soundwave velocity alone has been suggested. This equation was applicable to a relative elastic moduli range of 0.75‐1.02.

We consider the class of fiber-reinforced composites where the behavior of the matrix phase is viscoelastic under shear. By application of the correspondence principle, simple explicit expressions for the five effective relaxation moduli of a composite with a matrix whose behavior can be approximated by the standard linear model are developed. It is found that the effective relaxation times for the composite are always larger than the relaxation time of the matrix. It is further shown that due to the interaction between phases with different viscoelastic behaviors, the composite may exhibit a non-monotonous behavior. The analytic expressions are compared with corresponding finite element results for a composite with hexagonal fibers distribution. Good agreement is revealed for reinforced composites as well as for composites weakened by soft fibers.

Acne scars remain a challenging condition to treat despite multiple currently available technologies. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of pneumatic injections of Hyaluronic Acid in the treatment of acne scars. Two patients (Fitzpatrick skin type IV-V) with acne scars received two sessions of pneumatic, needleless injections of crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) at 4-week intervals. The treatment response was assessed by comparing pre- and 3-month posttreatment clinical photography. The patients' acne scar grade improved from 2 to 1 in the first case, and 3 to 2 in the second case, based on independent physician assessment. Patient degree of satisfaction was similar to the physicians' assessment. No significant adverse events were noted. We conclude that pneumatic injection technology to deliver HA to the tissue is an effective and safe method for improving acne scars, even in patients with dark complexion.

Background Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has been associated with impaired maternal–fetal communication. Protease-activated-receptor 1 (PAR1) is critical for trophoblast invasion and establishment unrelated to its role in vascular biology. Objectives To analyze whether polymorphisms of PAR1 [-1426C/T], [-506I/D], and/or IVS[-14A/T] are associated with unexplained RPL. Patients/methods A case-control pilot study conducted in 39 healthy women with history of unexplained RPL and 98 women with a full-term, uncomplicated deliveries and no history of RPL. Results Women with RPL were significantly more likely to be heterozygous for [-1426C/T] (12.8% versus 3.2%; p = 0.049); the heterozygous state for IVS[-14A/T] was also more common (15.4% versus 4.4%; p = 0.064). There was no difference between groups for [-506I/D] genotypes. The functional consequence for [-1426C/T] and IVS[-14A/T] polymorphisms is underscored by the markedly low PAR1 mRNA levels in those women. Bioinformatics indicate generation of a new consensus motif for repressor Kruppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) in [-1426T]. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis confirmed a physical association between KLF3 protein and the hPar1 DNA obtained from women with the [-1426C/T] polymorphism. Conclusions We hypothesize that the significantly low PAR1 levels impact placenta establishment and consequently pregnancy outcome, thereby profiling a novel risk factor for unexplained RPL.

Objective The active form of vitamin D (1,25[OH] 2 D 3 ) has been established to have potent anti-proliferative, immuno-modulatory, and anti-microbial action in addition to its effects on bone. The nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in the placenta-decidua, regulating genes associated with implantation and implantation immuno-tolerance. If VDR polymorphisms regulate VDR functionality at the placenta-decidua interface, VDR genotypes may be involved in idiopathic preterm birth (PTB). Study design Maternal and fetal (umbilical cord) blood samples from 33 Jewish and Arab mothers with PTB of a singleton neonate were compared to 98 samples from Jewish and Arab maternal and fetal blood samples from full-term, uncomplicated singleton births. Maternal age and ethnicity were comparable between groups. PCR amplification/digestion identified the VDR SNPs: FokI , ApaI , TaqI , and BsmI . Results Allele frequency for the FokI VDR in maternal blood samples from preterm births (but not umbilical cord samples) was significantly different ( p = 0.01) from that in maternal and umbilical cord blood samples from full-term singleton births, with an odds ratio for FokI carriers of 3.317 (95% CI, 1.143, 9.627) for preterm birth. The FokI VDR variant may therefore be a maternal risk trait for PTB among these women. Conclusion This study may support a future platform for the study of vitamin D during pregnancy and treatment of selective target populations with vitamin D and/or VDR “tissue-specific therapeutic intervention” for prevention of PTB.

A number of studies showed that the JAK2 V617F mutation increases the thrombotic risk in patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPN) while others did not reveal this correlation, and it is unknown whether inherited thrombophilia is an additive risk factor in mutated subjects. Our aim was to clarify the contribution of JAK2 V617F to a hypercoagulable state, as well as its interaction with other thrombophilic factors in patients with thrombosis and myeloproliferative disorders.We studied 192 patients with myeloproliferative disorders, 90 with Essential thrombocytemia (ET), 42 with Polycythemia vera (PV) and 60 with Primary or idiopathic myelofibrosis (PMI). From these patients a subgroup of only 62 patients underwent laboratory screening for thrombophilia.The JAK2 V617F mutation was present in 62.8% patients with myeloproliferative disorders, 97.6% with PV, 54.5 % with ET and 53.44% patients with PMI. The mutated patients had a relative risk (RR) for thrombosis at any time of 2.94 in comparison with "wild-type" patients which was 0.93; in those patients having both the mutation and thrombophilia the RR was 3.56 (95% CI 2.41-7.34) compared to patients with neither the mutation nor thrombophilia, suggesting an additive interaction between the two risk factors.In patients with myeloproliferatives neoplasias, the thrombotic risk is higher in the JAK2 V617F-mutated subgroup and it is further increased by the presence of inherited thrombophilia (especially by the presence of mutated F V Leiden and lupus anticoagulant).

Inorganic nanoparticles of layered [two-dimensional (2D)] compounds with hollow polyhedral structure, known as fullerene-like nanoparticles (IF), were found to have excellent lubricating properties. This behavior can be explained by superposition of three main mechanisms: rolling, sliding, and exfoliation-material transfer (third body). In order to elucidate the tribological mechanism of individual nanoparticles in different regimes, in situ axial nanocompression and shearing forces were applied to individual nanoparticles using a high resolution scanning electron microscope. Gold nanoparticles deposited onto the IF nanoparticles surface served as markers, delineating the motion of individual IF nanoparticle. It can be concluded from these experiments that rolling is an important lubrication mechanism for IF-WS 2 in the relatively low range of normal stress (0.96±0.38 GPa). Sliding is shown to be relevant under slightly higher normal stress, where the spacing between the two mating surfaces does not permit free rolling of the nanoparticles. Exfoliation of the IF nanoparticles becomes the dominant mechanism at the high end of normal stress; above 1.2 GPa and (slow) shear; i.e., boundary lubrication conditions. It is argued that the modus operandi of the nanoparticles depends on their degree of crystallinity (defects); sizes; shape, and their mechanical characteristics. This study suggests that the rolling mechanism, which leads to low friction and wear, could be attained by improving the sphericity of the IF nanoparticle, the dispersion (deagglomeration) of the nanoparticles, and the smoothness of the mating surfaces.

Obstetrical hemorrhage is the second leading cause of direct maternal mortality (18% of maternal deaths) in developed countries and is the leading cause of severe maternal morbidity. The rising rate of obstetrical hemorrhage attributed to the repeated cesarean sections and invasive placental disorders, requiring blood transfusion has emphasized the need for alternatives to allogeneic blood donation.The Shaare Zedek Medical Center is a teaching hospital with the largest obstetric service in the region-13,500 live births per year. The medical records of all parturients requiring use of intraoperative cell salvage system (IOCS) (2007-2011) were reviewed to evaluate our experience with this unique system and possible complications in the obstetrical milieu of a large obstetric unit.Using our combined medical records, we found that IOCS is a rapid method of blood replacement that allows blood bank service recruitment and presents no adverse reaction to the parturient. However, this sophisticated system is appropriate for tertiary surgical centers and its routine use should be assessed by national medical boards.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) represent a recent and fascinating domain of hemato-oncology, in which remarkable progress has been made. The conventional treatments of indolent lymphomas do not extend the survival rate, nor do they cure. Recent directions are centered on using several new drugs that are capable of overcoming the mechanisms that are resistant to recovery. The initiation of immunotherapy (Rituximab in 1997) seems to have changed the natural evolution of follicular lymphomas (FL). It is possible that resistance to healing in follicular lymphomas may be neutralized with Rituximab by suppressing STAT-1 positive macrophages that are present in the cellular microenvironment.Thereinafter, the re-evaluation of recent models of prognostic and therapeutic paradigmas that were used in FL became compulsory.The purpose of the paper is to compare the evolution of patients with follicular lymphoma and the period of response, according to the treatments.The study group consisted of the 71 patients diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, out of a total of 767 malignant lymphatic proliferations with B cells, for a period of 7 years (2002-2008), at the Hematology Department, Hospital Coltea, Bucharest and Hematology Department, Universitary Hospital, BucharestResults and conclusions: Combining chemotherapy with Rituximab had better results compared to the same chemotherapy, administered alone, both in induction and in case of relapse. The overall response rate in our study group was 74.7%, out of which 42.3% complete remissions. The overall response rate was 84.61% in the Rituximab group, compared to 68.88% in patients without Rituximab.

Protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1), the thrombin receptor, is implicated in hemostasis, tissue remodeling, and is critical in early placentation. PAR1 polymorphisms that influence coagulation and adhesion molecule expression may compromise formation of a normal placenta, thereby resulting in adverse outcomes. This study is a prospective, case-control comparison of Israeli mother-neonate (singletons) pairs of complicated pregnancies: 33 preterm deliveries (PTDs), 20 preeclampsia (PE), and 28 idiopathic small for gestational age neonates (SGA) versus 98 pairs of uncomplicated singleton deliveries. PCR amplification identified polymorphisms in the 5′ regulatory region of the PAR1 gene at [−1426(C/T)], insertion at [−506 (I/D)], and IVS at [−14 (A/T)]. We found that 15.2% mothers with PTD were heterozygous for [−1426] versus 3% in uncomplicated deliveries; however, maternal allele frequency was not significantly different between pregnancies complicated by PE or SGA versus uncomplicated pregnancies. Maternal allele frequencies for [−506] and [−14] polymorphisms were not significantly different between any of the study groups compared to the uncomplicated group. Haplotype analysis recapitulated the genotype pattern. Maternal homozygous allele frequency for each of the polymorphic variants was low (

Explicit expressions for the behavior of statistically isotropic composites with viscoelastic matrices and linear elastic inclusions are determined by application of the correspondence principle. The behavior of the matrix is linear in dilatation and governed by the standard linear model in shear. We demonstrate that in some cases explicit expressions for the behavior of composites with more general behaviors of the matrix can be derived. We also show that under certain loading conditions the response of the composite may be non-monotonous. This is the result of the interaction between two phases with different viscoelastic behaviors and may appear for more general materials., 12 pages, 5 figures

In young women treated for intermediate-high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, oncovine and prednisone), there is insufficient data concerning gonadotoxicity or the need for fertility-preserving measures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fertility status in the first complete remission of women who were treated for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cohort of 36 women with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in first remission, who were treated in five university-affiliated hospitals in Israel, was evaluated. All women were aged younger than 40 years at diagnosis and received frontline protocols, including cyclophosphamide and adriamycin, mostly CHOP. Menstrual cycle characteristics, as well as pregnancies before the diagnosis, during treatment and in first complete remission, were evaluated. The patients' mean age at the diagnosis was 28 +/- 7 years (range 17 - 40 years). All patients were treated with chemotherapy, although 10 patients received additional radiotherapy. Follow-up time at first complete remission was 84 +/- 48 months. Before diagnosis, all patients had menstrual cycles, which were regular in 31 (86%). Three patients received gonadtropin-releasing hormone analogs, whereas nine received contraceptive pills together with cytotoxic treatment. During treatment, 18 patients (50%) had amenorrhea, six (17%) had irregular menstrual cycles, and 12 (33%) continued their regular cycles. All but two women resumed menses in the first complete remission, and these were regular in 22 (61%) patients. In 63% of patients, the menstrual cycle recovered within 3 months of the discontinuation of chemotherapy. Eighteen patients (50%) became pregnant during the first complete remission. There was no significant difference between those patients who received fertility-preserving measures versus the remainder concerning regular menstrual cycles recovery or pregnancies. The two patients who developed amenorrhea were 40 years old at the time of diagnosis. In conclusion, the rate of gonadal dysfunction is very low among young, CHOP treated, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma female patients. Fertility-preserving techniques are not needed for women aged younger than 40 years and should probably be reserved for those who are at high risk for gonadal toxicity.

We examine the mechanical response of a heterogeneous dielectric media to electorstatic excitation. The governing equations for the coupled electromechanical problem are determined together with the required statements of the boundary and the interface continuity conditions. Results for the class of sequentially laminated composites are calculated and compared with corresponding finite element simulations and analytical estimates. These calculations demonstrate that the electromechanical coupling can be improved by considering non-homogeneous electromechanical actuators. These findings are in agreement with recent experimental works showing that the limitations of EAP actuators can be overcome by making composites of flexible and high dielectric modulus materials.