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Through a "virtual clinic," we used the electronic medical record to identify and intervene upon patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cll) who were not current for pneumococcal vaccines. Within 180 days, 100/160 patients (62%) received the recommended pneumococcal vaccine. A virtual clinic may improve vaccination rates among high-risk patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of the sheep breeding industry with nucleus flocks, multiplier flocks and commercial sheep flocks was used to examine the value of genomic selection. The model reflected a dual-purpose Merino breeding objective, with genomic information improving selection accuracy by 39% for rams at 6 months of age and by 17% at 18 months. The current level of net dollar benefit to the sheep industry from selection, but without genomic testing, can be improved by 10-14% for a closed three-tiered breeding structure with rams used at 18 months. If the rams are first used at 6-7 months then the dollar gains can be improved by 15-17%, since genomic information can provide proportionately greater gains for young animals that have limited phenotypic information. In a two-tiered breeding system, with nucleus flocks selling rams direct to commercial producers, rather than through multiplier flocks, the dollar gains to industry from genomic testing increased to ~12-13% for rams bred at 18 months, and 20-22% if nucleus rams are used at 6-7 months. The optimal structure requires two-stage selection, with an initial selection based on information available without genomic testing, to limit the cost of testing to only the superior rams. However, the optimum proportion of rams tested depends on the system and the cost of testing. In order to recover the cost of genomic testing, the nucleus flocks must recover up to 5% of the extra genetic gain as extra profit from sale of rams to commercial sheep producers. A model of the sheep breeding industry examined the value of genomic information in sheep breeding programs. Benefits can be obtained by both the traditional three-tiered wool industry structure and studs using genomic information and selling directly to commercial producers, with most of the benefits retained by the commercial producers. The proportion of nucleus rams that use genetic tests must be optimised to achieve the maximum economic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study we examine the effects of aging on antigen presentation of B cells and monocytes. We compared the antigen presentation function of peripheral blood B cells from young and old subjects using a system that specifically measures the B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated MHC-II antigen presentation. Monocytes were studied as well. Overall the mean magnitude of antigen presentation of soluble antigen and peptide was not different in older and younger subjects for both B cells and monocytes. Older subjects, however, showed increased heterogeneity of BCR-mediated antigen presentation by their B cells. The magnitude and variability of peptide presentation, which do not require uptake and processing, were the same between groups. Presentation by monocytes had similar variability between the older and younger subjects. These data suggest that poor B cell antigen processing, which results in diminished presentation in some older individuals may contribute to poor vaccine responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fluoroheterocyclic aldoximes were screened as therapeutic agents for the treatment of anticholinesterase poisoning. 2-Fluoropyridine-3- and -6-aldoxime, and 3-fluoropyridine-2- and -4-aldoxime, were synthesised. Attempts to obtain 3,5,6-trifluoropyridine-2,4-bis(aldoxime) and -2-aldoxime, however, proved unsuccessful. Pentafluorobenzaldoxime was prepared by oximation of pentafluorobenzaldehyde. Acid dissociation constants (pK a) and second-order rate constants (k ox−) of the fluorinated pyridinealdoximes towards sarin were measured. 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoropyridine-4-aldoxime had the best profile: its k ox− approached that of the therapeutic oxime P2S (310 vs. 120lmol−1 min−1), but its higher pK a (9.1 vs. 7.8) fell short of the target figure of 8 required for reactivation of inhibited acetylcholinesterase in vivo. N-alkylation of the fluorinated pyridine-aldoximes may reduce their pK a nearer to 8 and enhance their therapeutic potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The encapsulated sensory endings of mammalian skeletal muscles are all mechanoreceptors. At the most basic functional level they serve as length sensors (muscle spindle primary and secondary endings), tension sensors (tendon organs), and pressure or vibration sensors (lamellated corpuscles). At a higher functional level, the differing roles of individual muscles in, for example, postural adjustment and locomotion might be expected to be reflected in characteristic complements of the various end-organs, their sensory endings and afferent nerve fibres. This has previously been demonstrated with regard to the number of muscle-spindle capsules; however, information on the other types of end-organ, as well as the complements of primary and secondary endings of the spindles themselves, is sporadic and inconclusive regarding their comparative provision in different muscles. Our general conclusion that muscle-specific variability in the provision of encapsulated sensory endings does exist demonstrates the necessity for the acquisition of more data of this type if we are to understand the underlying adaptive relationships between motor control and the structure and function of skeletal muscle. The present quantitative and comparative analysis of encapsulated muscle afferents is based on teased, silver-impregnated preparations. We begin with a statistical analysis of the number and distribution of muscle-spindle afferents in hind-limb muscles of the cat, particularly tenuissimus. We show that: (i) taking account of the necessity for at least one primary ending to be present, muscles differ significantly in the mean number of additional afferents per spindle capsule; (ii) the frequency of occurrence of spindles with different sensory complements is consistent with a stochastic, rather than deterministic, developmental process; and (iii) notwithstanding the previous finding, there is a differential distribution of spindles intramuscularly such that the more complex ones tend to be located closer to the main divisions of the nerve. Next, based on a sample of tendon organs from several hind-foot muscles of the cat, we demonstrate the existence in at least a large proportion of tendon organs of a structural substrate to account for multiple spike-initiation sites and pacemaker switching, namely the distribution of sensory terminals supplied by the different first-order branches of the Ib afferent to separate, parallel, tendinous compartments of individual tendon organs. We then show that the numbers of spindles, tendon organs and paciniform corpuscles vary independently in a sample of (mainly) hind-foot muscles of the cat. Grouping muscles by anatomical region in the cat indicated the existence of a gradual proximo-distal decline in the overall average size of the afferent complement of muscle spindles from axial through hind limb to intrinsic foot muscles, but with considerable muscle-specific variability. Finally, we present some comparative data on muscle-spindle afferent complements of rat, rabbit and guinea pig, one particularly notable feature being the high incidence of multiple primary endings in the rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses two bodies of social psychological research, the criminal justice system and racial bias, used in investigating the nature of the consensus opposition to bias and discrimination. The study on criminal justice focuses on issues of racial profiling, the use of lethal force and criminal sentencing while racial bias study aims to measure implicit bias beyond conscious awareness of an individual. Anti-discrimination principle and racism relocated the meaning of racial equality.

An allometric analysis of the number of muscle spindles in relation to muscle mass in mammalian (mouse, rat, guinea-pig, cat, human) skeletal muscles is presented. It is shown that the trend to increasing number as muscle mass increases follows an isometric (length) relationship between species, whereas within a species, at least for the only essentially complete sample (human), the number of spindles scales, on average, with the square root rather than the cube root of muscle mass. An attempt is made to reconcile these apparently discrepant relationships. Use of the widely accepted spindle density (number of spindles g−1 of muscle) as a measure of relative abundance of spindles in different muscles is shown to be grossly misleading. It is replaced with the residuals of the linear regression of ln spindle number against ln muscle mass. Significant differences in relative spindle abundance as measured by residuals were found between regional groups of muscles: the greatest abundance is in axial muscles, including those concerned with head position, whereas the least is in muscles of the shoulder girdle. No differences were found between large and small muscles operating in parallel, or between antigravity and non-antigravity muscles. For proximal vs. distal muscles, spindles were significantly less abundant in the hand than the arm, but there was no difference between the foot and the leg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a case-study in the development of a new type of woven glass/epoxy prepreg for use in marine and civil infrastructure applications. Experimental tests were performed on the prepreg at different levels of matrix cure between 1% and 59% to determine the condition that provides the optimum handling, drape and tack properties at room temperature. Bias extension testing was used to characterise the shear resistance and residual stress, bending stiffness tests to assess the drape, and peel tests to determine the tack of the prepregs. A low level of cure (<20%) provided the prepreg with excellent handling and drape properties due to the low complex viscosity of the resin. However, the low cure level resulted in the prepreg having insufficient tack. A high level of cure (59%), on the other hand, provided poor handling, drape and tack properties. The optimum level of cure was found to be approximately 30%, which combined an acceptable level of handling, low residual stress, high drape and good tack. Based on this research, a new type of prepreg is being produced in commercial quantities in Australia for domestic use and overseas export. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the focus on racial profiling that burdens the innocent, in an aim to reorient debate about race, policing, and the drug war in the U.S. Rationale behind racial profiling; Campaign against racing profiling; Reasons for the abandonment of racial profiling.

Explains that law enforcement use of race-based suspect descriptions is racism. Discussion on the problem of racial profiling; Depth of racial inequality in the United States; Distinctions of Equal Protection Clause and the fourth amendment analysis of the United States Constitution; Factors that explain the differing views of suspect descriptions and profiles.

Reduced expression of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin has been associated with increased invasiveness and poorer survival in patients with bladder cancer. We have examined soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin) and total protein concentrations in urine from patients with bladder cancer (n = 34), non-neoplastic benign urological diseases (n = 14) and healthy controls (n = 21) to determine their diagnostic and prognostic significance. Soluble E-cadherin concentrations of the cancer group were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of the controls but the benign group was not significantly different from either the cancer group or the controls. When sE-cadherin concentrations were adjusted for creatinine, similar but more statistically significant results were obtained and the benign group was significantly elevated compared with the controls (P < 0.01). No differences were apparent between the invasive (pT1-4) and non-invasive (pTa) cancers. Urinary total protein concentrations in the cancer group were significantly higher than the controls (P < 0.001) and the benign group (P < 0.05) although no difference was seen between the benign group and patients with non-invasive (pTa) cancer or between the benign group and controls. When expressed as the protein/creatinine index, results were similar but more statistically significant and a significant difference was seen between invasive and non-invasive cancers (P < 0.01). Only the protein/creatinine index correlated significantly with stage of the tumour (P < 0.01). It is concluded that urinary sE-cadherin measurements are of no greater value than urinary total protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specificity of the major protease secreted by Aeromonas salmonicida has been explored using a number of proteins and p-nitroanilides as substrates. The 70 kDa protease was found to hydrolyse two p-nitroanilides which have been reported to be specific substrates for thrombin. Kinetic parameters (kcat and Km) were compared for the 70 kDa protease and for thrombin as were the effects of a number of inhibitors. The 70 kDa protease is able to degrade proteins which have a relatively open structure, for example, caseins or denatured bovine scrum albumin, to small fragments mostly of Mr < 2500. However proteins with a more compact structure are more resistant to the protease. It was concluded that the 70 kDa protease shows some of the specificity features of thrombin, although it is less discriminating in its choice of both low and high Mr substrates than thrombin. In preliminary experiments, the 70 kDa protease was found, like thrombin, to decrease the clotting time of rainbow trout blood. The possible physiological significance of these results is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-l are thought to be the key mediators of the acute phase response although much of the evidence is based on in vitro studies. It is not clear to what extent each of the acute phase proteins are regulated in vivo by each of these cytokines. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of IL-6 treatment in eight patients with cancer on the concentrations of an extensive range of positive and negative acute phase proteins. It was part of a larger investigation to assess the value of IL-6 in the management of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. IL-6 was administered by a daily subcutaneous injection for 7 days at a dose level of 1, 3, or 10 μg/kg/day. Increases in the positive acute phase proteins, serum amyloid A, Creactive protein, α1-acid glycoprotein, α1-antichymotrypsin, haptoglobin, α1-antitrypsin, fibrinogen, complement component C3, and caeruloplasmin, were observed, with the greatest incremental changes and fastest responses being seen for C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein. The negative acute phase proteins transferrin, transthyretin and retinol binding protein all fell to a nadir within 48-96 h after the first IL-6 injection. Increases in complement component C4 were only found in two patients, which may be related to the increase in circulating TNF-α concentrations found only in these patients. This study has therefore shown that IL-6 is capable of causing changes in the majority of acute phase proteins in vivo. Although secondary induction of TNF-α was not observed in the majority of patients examined, it is still possible however that other cytokines involved in regulation of the acute phase response, such as IL-1, may have been induced and contributed to the overall response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the causes, significance and implications of the asymmetry in the attention accorded to race matching and facilitative accommodation. Substantive issues of race and adoption highlighted by the policy of facilitative accommodation; Adoption as a case study in contemporary race politics; Proposal for a policy of strict nonaccommodation.

Background The Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) at RAF Brize Norton runs a regular anxiety management day (AMD) which is a group intervention for regular military personnel who have been diagnosed with anxiety-related disorders. The AMD is a 1 day course for up to 20 participants run by two community mental health nurses based at the DCMH. It contains a combination of psycho-education and generic anxiety management techniques. Aims To establish whether the AMD is acceptable to full time regular military personnel who have been referred to the DCMH. Methods The acceptability of the AMD was assessed using a standardized feedback form, which asked about the patient’s perception of the quality of the AMD and the course content. Feedback data were collected over a 12 month period between September 2010 and August 2011. Results Clinical and sociodemographic data were available for 91 of the 97 (94%) participants who participated in the AMD over the period from September 2010 to August 2011. Ninety-two per cent (89/97) of participants completed a post course survey immediately after they completed the AMD. Respectively, 95 and 93% considered the format and content of the AMD to be of good quality. Conclusions The AMD fits well with the stepped care approach of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme and resulted in a good level of patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The author reflects on the developments in effective aimal breeding programmes in Australia, focusing on the adoption of technology and programmes by breeders from the science of animal breeding. Topics include the trends in the animal production systems in the country, the breeding programmes for sheep and cattle, and the challenges facing the animal breeding structure in its effort to achieve remarkable genetic gain.

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a serious toxicity of head and neck radiotherapy. It predominantly affects the mandible. Extra-mandibular ORN is rare. The aim of this study was to report the incidence and outcomes of extra-mandibular ORNs from a large institutional database. In total, 2303 head and neck cancer patients were treated with radical or adjuvant radiotherapy. Of these, extra-mandibular ORN developed in 13 patients (0.5%). Maxillary ORNs (n = 8) were a consequence of the treatment of various primaries (oropharynx = 3, sinonasal = 2, maxilla = 2, parotid = 1). The median interval from the end of radiotherapy to the development of ORN was 7.5 months (range 3–42 months). The median radiotherapy dose in the centre of the ORN was 48.5 Gy (range 22–66.5 Gy). Four patients (50%) healed in 7, 14, 20 and 41 months. All temporal bone ORNs (n = 5) developed after treatment to the parotid gland (of a total of 115 patients who received radiotherapy for parotid gland malignancy). The median interval from the end of radiotherapy to the development of ORN was 41 months (range 20–68 months). The median total dose in the centre of the ORN was 63.5 Gy (range 60.2–65.3 Gy). ORN healed in only one patient after 32 months of treatment with repeated debridement and topical betamethasone cream. Extra-mandibular ORN is a rare late toxicity and this current study provides useful information on its incidence and outcome. The risk of temporal bone ORN should be considered in the treatment of parotid malignancies and patients should be counselled. More research is required to determine the optimal management of extra-mandibular ORN, particularly on the role of the PENTOCLO regimen. • Extra-mandibular osteoradionecrosis is a rare late toxicity of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. • According to our series, the incidence is 0.5%. • Risk of temporal bone osteoradionecrosis should be considered in the radiation treatment of parotid malignancies. • More research is required to determine optimal management of extra-mandibular osteoradionecrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technologies for capturing and transmitting data from different points in livestock value chains are developing very rapidly, and interest is growing in how best to use such technologies. While new data-capture technology comes with the promise of producers and others being more informed about a system, what usually results is large and complex datasets. A key challenge is to make use of the data or information. The present paper initially outlines the data-capture points and flow of information that occurs throughout the Australian beef cattle and meat sheep value chain. The avenues through which feedback can be delivered to commercial producers are briefly summarised, along with the value of this feedback and the factors that affect its value. Finally, practical principles for effective feedback systems are provided. While data capture is occurring throughout the value chain, the main focus of the paper is on carcass- and eating-quality feedback from processors to commercial producers. There is significant variation in the volume, nature and quality of data collected, and also the flow of information among members of the chain. Further, there appears to be an inconsistency in the levels of demand or desire for the feedback. The value of feedback ultimately depends on the producer's ability to make better business decisions as a result of having that data or information. Increasing market specifications and compliance will result in greater profitability for the producer, as well as processor. The value of feedback also depends on several other factors, including its accuracy, its granularity, whether or not it can be connected to other data, and what options the producer has to use that information in the future. Feedback must be interpretable and enable better business decisions. The value of feedback will also increase if extended further upstream along the supply chain for genetic evaluation, provided there is enough information on genetically informed animals and their identifications can be tracked across the supply chain. For efficient feedback systems, every member in the chain needs to see value in the feedback, and there needs to be a mutual commitment and shared vision between all value-chain partners. Further, feedback must be provided in an efficient and practical manner, so as to increase the willingness of the information providers to deliver the feedback. Producers should be involved in any attempts to enhance feedback systems. Since there is variability in the needs, wants and capabilities of processors and producers, multiple dynamic and flexible feedback systems are required. An incentive to enhance feedback systems is to provide a value proposition by calculating the monetary value of the feedback to all members of the chain. Better objective measurements and Meat Standards Australia for lamb is likely to also contribute to better feedback value propositions. Communication and fostering of relationships among supply-chain members will always remain critical. While data permissions add a complication to information sharing across the chain, benefits can be gained by not only the commercial producer, but the entire industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of swelling in the right submandibular and sublingual space caused by displacement of a lower second molar root in the submandibular space. This displacement was not recognised at the time of extraction. The techniques used to minimise the risk of accidental displacement of teeth and roots, during extraction are discussed. The importance of recognising this complication and methods of retrieval are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mencap has launched a charter which it hopes will bring about the cultural shift necessary to rid the health service of complacency and prejudice. Roger Banks reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Distal caries in lower second molars has been associated with mesioangular third molars. Caries detection and restoration can be difficult. If caries progresses, root canal treatment or extraction of the second molar can be necessary.Aims To identify the prevalence of caries in lower third molars and the distal aspect of corresponding lower second molars in patients referred for lower third molar assessment.Methods Analysis of OPG X-rays for 420 consecutive patients (776 third molars) referred to three maxillofacial centres over a five month period.Results Thirty-four percent of third molars were mesioangular. There was radiographic evidence of distal second molar caries in 42% of these. When unerupted mesioangular third molars were excluded this increased to 54%. There was no difference in age or dental health of these patients compared to the whole group. There was no angulation of the mesioangular third molar for which distal caries in the second molar was more likely.Conclusion Distal caries in lower second molars related to a mesioangular third molar is a common finding in oral and maxillofacial patients in secondary care, especially if the third molar is fully or partially erupted. If such a third molar is left in situ, close monitoring and regular bitewing radiographs are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian seedstock cattle breeders have expressed concerns that while there has been genetic improvement in feedlot and abattoir performance of cows, it could have led to a decline in maternal productivity, especially under variable nutritional conditions. This paper describes a substantial project with two components designed to address these issues. The first sub-project was to monitor bodyweight and composition of 7760 young Angus and Hereford cows as they experience variable physiological states (pregnancy and lactation) and seasons. This was conducted on large numbers in seedstock herds. The second sub-project was to monitor more regularly bodyweight, body composition, and calf rearing performance of 500 Angus cows that are genetically divergent for either fat or residual feed intake at two research centres. This also included two levels of nutrition and recording of weekly feed intake of small groups of cows for at least three parities to allow reporting of genotype × nutrition effects on maternal productivity and efficiency. Results from the project are reported in a series of papers with each one having a defined focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the response to the article `The Color of Desire' concerning the opinion of Professor Elizabeth Bartholet on the issue of racial preference in children adoption. Views concerning the willingness of white parents to adopt Afro-American children; Focus of the article.

Recent years have seen important advances in our understanding of the etiology, biology and genetics of kidney cancer. To summarize important achievements and identify prominent research questions that remain, a workshop was organized by IARC and the US NCI. A series of ‘difficult questions’ were formulated, which should be given future priority in the areas of population, genomic and clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roger Banks, a member of Learning Disability Practice's advisory board, tells Thelma Agnew about the day a client smashed up his car and other key moments in his career in psychiatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The options for donor sites as a source of tissue for free vascularised osteocutaneous flaps are numerous, however, the radial forearm still has an important role. This series reports the largest published record of radial donor site fracture following the harvesting of osteocutaneous radial forearm free flaps used for reconstruction after ablative surgery for malignant disease. The relevant literature is reviewed. A retrospective review of cases treated using these flaps from 1991-2000 (inclusive) is carried out. Factors involved in the aetiology of fractures are discussed. Thirteen fractures are identified from seventy one osteocutaneous flaps (18%). A statistically significant majority of fractures occur in females. Limiting the percentage of radius diameter harvested is important and beveling of the osteotomy cuts may be advantageous in minimising weakening. Prophylactic plating of the donor site, particularly in the female patient, should be actively considered. The earlier the fracture occurs in the post-operative period, the more likely the need for operative intervention [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a rapid prototyping method was utilised to produce a pre-operative solid model of the proximal tibia in a patient with a massive defect of the medial tibial plateau. The solid model was reconstructed from aligned sequential CT images of the knee. This was then used to determine the level of bone resection of the proximal tibia for the optimum placement of the tibial component of a total knee replacement. This technique gives the surgeon both the three-dimensional anatomical information needed to ascertain whether there is adequate bony support after cutting for the prosthesis, as well as a solid model on which to carry out the proposed surgery, before undertaking the procedure on the patient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Inflammatory mediators are released after trauma and may be related to the pathogenesis of sepsis. A prospective combined study of the pattern of release of an inflammatory mediator, interleukin (IL) 6, leucocyte activation (polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) CD11b receptor expression and plasma elastase-α1 proteinase inhibitor complex (E–α1PI)) and soluble endothelial adhesion molecule expression (soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1)) was performed in patients suffering blunt trauma without adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS). Methods Thirty-one patients with a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 14 (range 9–57) were studied. Venous blood samples were collected within 6 h of injury and then at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. Leucocyte CD11b expression was quantified by flow cytometry. Serum IL-6, plasma E–α1PI, sE-selectin and sICAM-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum IL-6, CD11b expression and E–α1PI levels were significantly raised above control values (P<0·0001) on admission, slowly returning towards control values over the study period (median IL-6, 140 pg/ml versus undetectable; CD11b, 14·8 versus 6·4 mean channel fluorescence units; E–α1 PI, 208 versus 52 μg/l). The sICAM-1 level rose to a median of 539 ng/ml at 5 days (control 243 ng/ml). The median sE-selectin level also progressively increased to a maximum level of 80 ng/ml at 5 days (control 49 ng/ml). Eleven patients developed postoperative sepsis. Significant differences in CD11b expression were seen at days 3, 5 and 7 and in E–α1 PI at 6 h, 24 h and 3 days in patients who subsequently developed sepsis (P<0·05). Severe injury (ISS 16 or greater) was associated with significantly greater responses in these... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We simulated pre-breeding in evolving gene banks - populations of exotic and crop types undergoing optimal contribution selection for long-term genetic gain and management of population genetic diversity. The founder population was based on crosses between elite crop varieties and exotic lines of field pea (Pisum sativum) from the primary genepool, and was subjected to 30 cycles of recurrent selection for an economic index composed of four traits with low heritability: black spot resistance, flowering time and stem strength (measured on single plants), and grain yield (measured on whole plots). We compared a small population with low selection pressure, a large population with high selection pressure, and a large population with moderate selection pressure. Single seed descent was compared with S0-derived recurrent selection. Optimal contribution selection achieved higher index and lower population coancestry than truncation selection, which reached a plateau in index improvement after 40 years in the large population with high selection pressure. With optimal contribution selection, index doubled in 38 years in the small population with low selection pressure and 27-28 years in the large population with moderate selection pressure. Single seed descent increased the rate of improvement in index per cycle but also increased cycle time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international experimental campaign Hygroscopic Aerosols to Cloud Droplets (HygrA-CD), organized in the Greater Athens Area (GAA), Greece from 15 May to 22 June 2014, aimed to study the physico-chemical properties of aerosols and their impact on the formation of clouds in the convective Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). We found that under continental (W-NW-N) and Etesian (NE) synoptic wind flow and with a deep moist PBL (~ 2–2.5 km height), mixed hygroscopic (anthropogenic, biomass burning and marine) particles arrive over the GAA, and contribute to the formation of convective non-precipitating PBL clouds (of ~ 16–20 μm mean diameter) with vertical extent up to 500 m. Under these conditions, high updraft velocities (1–2 m s − 1 ) and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations (~ 2000 cm − 3 at 1% supersaturation), generated clouds with an estimated cloud droplet number of ~ 600 cm − 3 . Under Saharan wind flow conditions (S-SW) a shallow PBL (< 1–1.2 km height) develops, leading to much higher CCN concentrations (~ 3500–5000 cm − 3 at 1% supersaturation) near the ground; updraft velocities, however, were significantly lower, with an estimated maximum cloud droplet number of ~ 200 cm − 3 and without observed significant PBL cloud formation. The largest contribution to cloud droplet number variance is attributed to the updraft velocity variability, followed by variances in aerosol number concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines has not only been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older adults but also has been linked to frailty. In the current study we aimed to compare the relative relationship of age and frailty on inflammation and thrombosis in older veterans. Results: We analyzed 117 subjects (age range 62-95 years; median 81) divided into 3 cohorts: non-frail, pre-frail and frail based on the Fried phenotype of frailty. Serum inflammatory markers were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Frail and pre-frail (PF) subjects had higher levels than non-frail (NF) subjects of IL-6 (NF vs. PF: p = 0.002; NF vs. F: p < 0.001), TNFR1 (NF vs. F: p = 0.012), TNFRII (NF vs. F: 0.002; NF vs. PF: p = 0.005) and inflammatory index: = 0.333*log(IL-6) + 0.666*log(sTNFR1) (NF vs. F: p = 0.009; NF vs. PF: p < 0.001). Frailty status explained a greater percent of variability in markers of inflammation than age: IL-6 (12% vs. 0.3%), TNFR1 (5% vs. 4%), TNFR2 (11% vs. 6%), inflammatory index (16% vs. 8%). Aging was significantly associated with higher fibrinogen (p = 0.04) and D-dimer levels (p = 0.01) but only among NF subjects. Conclusion: In conclusion, these data suggest that among older veterans, frailty status has a stronger association with inflammation and the inflammatory index than age does. Larger studies, in more diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep breeders in Australia that focus on lamb production simultaneously breed sheep that have higher growth rate, improved carcass quality and are resistant to internal parasites. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for 11 traits recorded in Australian meat sheep, covering liveweight, carcass and internal parasite resistance traits. As the population of meat sheep in this database have become increasingly crossbred this study also investigates the genetic variation within and between breeds. The data comprised 1 046 298 animals from 149 Poll Dorset, 17 Suffolk, 24 Texel and 118 White Suffolk flocks. The results are averages of analyses of 10 datasets constructed by randomly sampling 25% of these flocks. There was considerable genetic variation in all traits analysed: the lowest heritabilities (0.12) were found for weaning weight and the highest heritabilities (0.31-0.32) for eye muscle depth. There were also significant differences between breeds for most traits, which breeders appear to be utilising through crossbreeding. Direct heterosis effects were small and only significant for the liveweight traits ranging from 2% to 3.4% of the phenotypic means. Maternal heterosis was not significant for any trait studied. The inclusion of heterosis effects in the model did not significantly influence the estimated genetic parameters. The results from this study have been used to review the genetic parameters used in the LAMBPLAN routine genetic evaluations conducted by Sheep Genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of achieving a superhydrophobic surface based upon a highly filled polyurethane (PU) paint coating has been demonstrated through the use of a combined oxygen/argon plasma pretreatment and a fluoroalkyl silane (FAS) final treatment. The combined plasma-FAS treated PU surface has been investigated and characterised using: field emission gun secondary electron microscope (FEG-SEM); X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX); water contact angle analysis (WCA); atomic force microscopy (AFM), and; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was found that the oxygen/argon plasma treatment increased both the surface roughness (R a ) and surface free energy (SFE) of the PU paint coating from approximately 60–320 nm, and, from ~52 to ~80 mN/m respectively. It was also found that the plasma process created a multiscale roughened texture through the process of differential ablation between the PU polymer and the barium sulphate solid content, which is present in the paint as an extender, and other additives. In addition, the process also imparted favourable polar groups into the PU surface from the ionised and radical oxygen species in the plasma. When the FAS coating was subsequently applied to the PU without prior plasma treatment, there was a significant increases in water contact angles. This parameter increased from approximately 60° on untreated PU to around 130° with FAS applied. In this case, the SFE decreased to ~7.5 mN/m and showed 42.0 at% fluorine present as indicated by XPS. However, subsequently applying the FAS polymer after plasma pretreatment takes advantage of the known synergistic relationship that exists between surface roughness and low surface free energy coatings. The two processes combined to create superhydrophobicity with a surface that exhibited water contact angles up to 153.1°. With this optimised process, the apparent SFE was 0.84 mN/m with a more highly fluorinated surface present. In this case 47.2 at% surface fluorine was observed by XPS. In addition to changes in SFE, plasma treatment was also observed to alter levels of surface gloss and colour. After exposure to 600 s of plasma gloss levels are shown to reduce from values of from ~50 to ~21 (GU), with small but significant corresponding increases in the lightness and yellowness of the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Clear cell renal cancer frequently harbours von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene mutations, leading to stabilisation of the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and expression of their target genes. We investigated HIF-1 and HIF-2 in the regulation of microRNA-210 (miR-210), and its clinical relevance in renal tumours.Methods:RCC4 and 786-O renal cancer cell lines transfected with either an empty vector or functional VHL and incubated in normoxia or hypoxia were examined for miR-210 expression. Hypoxia-inducible factor siRNAs were used to examine their regulation of miR-210. Seventy-one clear cell renal tumours were sequenced for VHL mutations. Expression of miR-210, VHL, CA9, ISCU and Ki-67 were determined by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR.Results:In addition to HIF-1 regulating miR-210 in renal cancer, HIF-2 can regulate this microRNA in the absence of HIF-1. MicroRNA-210 is upregulated in renal cancer compared with normal renal cortex tissue. MicroRNA-210 correlates negatively with its gene target ISCU at the protein and mRNA level. MicroRNA-210 correlated with positive outcome variables and negatively with Ki-67.Conclusion:We provide further evidence of miR-210 activity in vivo, and show that high miR-210 expression is associated with better clinico-pathological prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polymer gears can be run without lubrication, however, high running temperatures, driven by high contact friction, mean that the operating life of these gears, especially in medium to high power transmission applications, tends to be low and limited by wear. This paper describes an attempt to control friction and wear by reducing the running temperatures by using a series of solid lubricant coatings deposited on flanks of the polymer gear teeth. Four potential coatings were selected, viz. molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), graphite flake, boron nitride (hexagonal) and poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE). Each coating was used with both reinforced and unreinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and unreinforced polyamide (PA). Tests were carried out on coated-coated, coated-steel and coated gears running against uncoated gears. Wear rates (in the form of weight loss) and running temperatures were recorded. Results indicate that PTFE provided the greatest reduction in frictional forces and that failure mechanisms were predominately in delamination of the coatings and abrasive wear. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]