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The realization of highly efficient neuromorphic computing necessitates the development of fast artificial synaptic devices. Mott insulator artificial synapses, in particular, provide tremendous potential for ultrafast neuromorphic devices. In this work, based on Pt/LaMnO3/Pt heterostructures, a variety of synaptic plasticity has been realized, including paired-pulse facilitation/depression, spike rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) and four types of spike time-dependent plasticity. Furthermore, Bienenstock–Cooper–Munro learning rules with a sliding frequency threshold have been found from SRDP. These findings make a significant contribution to brain-like neuromorphic computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective The Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a group of acid-resistant bacteria within the Mycobacteriaceae. Their cell walls have a specific structure impervious to many disinfectants. Mycobacteria are widespread in the environment and can also be found in food. This aim of the article is to review the current state of knowledge about the sources of infection, symptoms and treatment of MAC diseases in humans and animals, and summarizes the available methods for identifying the bacteria. It pays a special attention to the zoonotic potential of MAC bacteria and possible routes of transmission between humans and animals, including possible food-borne routes. Brief description of the state of knowledge. MAC bacterial infections occur both in immunocompetent people and those with functional predispositions and compromised immunity, particularly during HIV infection or immunosuppressive treatment. The incidence of MAC infections in humans is growing, with the most common form of infection being pulmonary disease (MTC-PD); however, there are conflicting reports on the role of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) in the development of Crohn’s disease. MAC bacteria can also attack livestock, household pets, and wild animals. Unfortunately, treatment is lengthy and often fails due to microbiological relapse; there is also increasing evidence of MAC bacteria are developing multi-drug resistance. Conclusions Although new antibiotics are being created to inhibit the growth and division of Mycobacterium avium , there is clearly a need for further research into the virulence factors associated with MAC bacteria. Further studies should also examine the role of MAP in the etiopathogenesis of Crohn’s disease.

Neuromorphic computing based on spiking neural networks (SNNs) has attracted significant research interest due to its low energy consumption and high similarity to biological neural systems. The artificial spiking afferent neuron (ASAN) system is the essential component of neuromorphic computing system to interact with the environment. This work presents an ASAN system with simple structure by employing a new architecture of one VO2 Mott memristor and one resistive sensor (1M1S). The Mott memristors show the bidirectional Mott transition, good endurance (> $1.3\times10$ 9), and high uniformity. By incorporating a flexible pressure sensor into the 1M1S architecture, a tactile ASAN system is realized with the pressure stimuli converted into rate-coded spikes. Using a $3\times3$ array of the tactile ASAN systems, different pressure stimulus patterns can be well recognized. The strong adaptability of the proposed system will enable it to convert lots of environmental stimuli through the widely used resistive sensors into rate-coded spikes as the inputs of neuromorphic computing based on SNNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective. The Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a group of acid-resistant bacteria within the Mycobacteriaceae. Their cell walls have a specific structure impervious to many disinfectants. Mycobacteria are widespread in the environment and can also be found in food. This aim of the article is to review the current state of knowledge about the sources of infection, symptoms and treatment of MAC diseases in humans and animals, and summarizes the available methods for identifying the bacteria. It pays a special attention to the zoonotic potential of MAC bacteria and possible routes of transmission between humans and animals, including possible food-borne routes. Brief description of the state of knowledge. MAC bacterial infections occur both in immunocompetent people and those with functional predispositions and compromised immunity, particularly during HIV infection or immunosuppressive treatment. The incidence of MAC infections in humans is growing, with the most common form of infection being pulmonary disease (MTC-PD); however, there are conflicting reports on the role of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) in the development of Crohn's disease. MAC bacteria can also attack livestock, household pets, and wild animals. Unfortunately, treatment is lengthy and often fails due to microbiological relapse; there is also increasing evidence of MAC bacteria are developing multi-drug resistance. Conclusions. Although new antibiotics are being created to inhibit the growth and division of Mycobacterium avium, there is clearly a need for further research into the virulence factors associated with MAC bacteria. Further studies should also examine the role of MAP in the etiopathogenesis of Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The burden of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease is increasing worldwide but still its diagnosis is delayed and it is mistaken as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).The present study was performed to develop a multiplex PCR assay for detection and identification of clinically most common NTM to the species level from pulmonary samples. Results Out of 50 isolates, 26 were identified as Mycobacterium kansasii (MK), 20 were identified as Mycobacterium abscessus (MA) and 4 were identified as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) through multiplex PCR and further confirmed by sequencing. Conclusion Our study showed that multiplex PCR assay is a simple, convenient, and reliable technique for detection and differential identification of major NTM species.

Background: Case series of Rapidly growing Mycobacterial Post-operative wound infection with Mycobacterium Abscessus and/or Mycobacterium Chelone in 4 cases of kidney transplant adult recipient who presented within 6 months of transplant. Case presentations: We report 4 cases of Renal transplant recipients with post-surgical site infection with NTM-69-year-old with post-surgical wound infection with microbiologically proven Mycobacterium Abscessus who discontinued treatment and further presented with intra-abdominal abscess. Next case was 61 years male presented with nodular swellings at surgical site with US findings of intra-abdominal muscle abscess was tested culture positive for Mycobacterium Chelonae and Abscessus.Third case was 34 years male presented with surgical wound infection which was positive for AFB by ZN stain. Lastly,46 years old male patient known hypertensive and E.S.R.D, had culture proven Mycobacterium Abscessus surgical wound infection. All the four cases had their renal transplant at Philippines at different centres. Conclusions: Nontuberculous mycobacteria infection is important cause of morbidity in kidney transplant recipient and high index of suspicion with early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for successful outcome.

We give a brief review of the Mott-Kondo scenario and its consequence in the recently-discovered infinite-layer nickelate superconductors. We argue that the parent state is a self-doped Mott insulator and propose an effective t- J-K model to account for its low-energy properties. At small doping, the model describes a low carrier density Kondo system with incoherent Kondo scattering at finite temperatures, in good agreement with experimental observation of the logarithmic temperature dependence of electric resistivity. Upon increasing Sr doping, the model predicts a breakdown of the Kondo effect, which provides a potential explanation of the non-Fermi liquid behavior of the electric resistivity with a power law scaling over a wide range of the temperature. Unconventional superconductivity is shown to undergo a transition from nodeless (d+is)-wave to nodal d-wave near the critical doping due to competition of the Kondo and Heisenberg superexchange interactions. The presence of different pairing symmetry may be supported by recent tunneling measurements.

Plasma cells known as "Mott cells" present non-secretable accumulations of immunoglobulins called "Russell bodies". Its presence is related to hematological neoplasms, but it can appear in chronic inflammatory processes. The most common occurrence within the digestive tract is the gastric antrum associated with H. pylori infection. Our patient is added the rare extragastric cases where the association with H. pylori is inconsistent. We have found a frequent appearance of lower digestive and urological neoplasms in relation to these cases, justified by the expression of circulating cytokines in the tumor area that lead to the overactivation of plasma cells. This possible association could lead us to know data about the tumor environment and serve us for early diagnosis or future therapeutic targets., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Abstract Background Success of India’s TB control program relies on rapid case detection, monitoring, care and treatment of drug resistance. Patients on multidrug resistance (MDR) treatment are monitored by follow up cultures. Discordant results (culture and smear positive while capilia negative) are usually declared negative Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). This study was designed to understand the possible causes of discordant results. Methods The capilia kit was evaluated to test its utility among 4737 follow up MDR patients enrolled during a period of 1 year. A total of 889 were liquid culture positive, 3375 were negative and 473 were contaminated. Of the 889 cultures positive, 829 were found positive by ZN smear, capilia test and MTBDR plus assay. The cultures which gave a positive result on Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube 960 (MGIT 960) and ZN smear but were negative on capilia test with no growth on Brain Heart Infusion agar (BHI) were included in this study. The conflicting results of capilia were compared with other molecular techniques; MTBDR plus assay and DNA sequence analysis of MPT64 gene. Results Out of 889 culture positive, 60 (6.7%) were found positive on liquid culture and ZN smear but were negative on capilia. Of these 60 cultures, 10 (16.7%) were found positive by both MTBDR plus assay and PCR. The sequencing analysis revealed that all of the capilia negative isolates had mutations within the MPT64 gene. Conclusion Re-evaluation of culture positive but capilia negative isolates should be done before declaring them as Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (MOTT) because such cases can act as chronic carriers of TB in the population which can lead to the rise of this lethal disease.

We report a case of chyluria caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum infection in a sixty-four year old male, who was successfully treated with two weeks of amikacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and levofloxacin followed by twenty four weeks of levofloxacin and doxycycline.

Tall- and dwarf-sized elephant grass cultivars have been developed for cut-and-carry system. Dwarf clones have better digestibility; on the other hand, tall-sized cultivars are more productive. The aim was to verify which grass would be most recommended for cut-and-carry: tall-sized (Elephant B and IRI-381) or dwarf (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott) elephant grass cultivars to feed 24 male sheep, aged between 4 and 5 months, uncastrated, weighing approximately 24.08 ± 1.76 kg body weight which were sampled on intake, digestibility, performance, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, metabolic parameters, and ruminal degradability. This research was divided into two experiments: experiment 1 lasted 38 days, seven for adaptation and 31 for data collection. Elephant grass cultivars were supplied with a mineral mixture. Data collected were intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, metabolic parameters, microbial protein synthesis, and performance submitted to a completely randomized design. For experiment 2, three rumen fistulae animals were sampled, lasting 20 days. In this case, a randomized block in split-plot design was applied. Both designs were with P < 0.05 and analyzed through SAS statistical software. Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 cultivars provided greater intake, digestibility, weight gain, feeding time, nitrogen retention, production and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability, and DM, crude protein, and NDF, but shorter rumination time rather than Elephant B and IRI-381. There was also a significant difference for glucose, triglycerides, plasma urea, total serum protein, urinary urea (mg/L), and urea excretion in urine (mg/day). Dwarf elephant grass cultivars as Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 have greater nutritional value than tall-sized Elephant B and IRI-381. Dwarf elephant grass is recommended for cut-and-carry system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistance of superlattices composed of bilayers of ultrathin 4 unit cells of LaNiO3 and 3 unit cells of insulating SrTiO3 is explored as a function of temperature and the number of bilayers. All superlattices with more than one bilayer are metallic, whereas a single bilayer is insulating. Two possible interpretations of the electrical characteristics of the superlattices are discussed. The first model involves conduction in parallel-connected layers, whereas the second model assumes coupling of layers, each of which is near the percolation threshold for a metal-insulator transition.

Introduction Mycobacterial diseases of humans and animals can be caused by mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). The transmission of the infection primarily occurs via the respiratory or oral routes, but also via a damaged skin barrier. MOTT have high resistance to external factors; therefore, infected, undiagnosed animals can pose a risk for public health. Case report The case study describes mycobacterial skin infection in a domestic cat. The correct diagnosis was reached four months after the appearance of the first clinical signs. Those were purulent, granulomatous lesions and fistulas, which could potentially act as a source of the infection for the owners and the veterinarian who cared for the animal. Conclusion Despite using advanced diagnostic techniques, establishing the final cause of the cat’s illness was a lengthy process. The skin lesions could contribute to the transmission of the bacteria in the environment. Non-targeted treatments could also cause antimicrobial resistance.

Background: Success of India's TB control program relies on rapid case detection, monitoring, care and treatment of drug resistance. Patients on multidrug resistance (MDR) treatment are monitored by follow up cultures. Discordant results (culture and smear positive while capilia negative) are usually declared negative Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). This study was designed to understand the possible causes of discordant results.Methods: The capilia kit was evaluated to test its utility among 4737 follow up MDR patients enrolled during a period of 1 year. A total of 889 were liquid culture positive, 3375 were negative and 473 were contaminated. Of the 889 cultures positive, 829 were found positive by ZN smear, capilia test and MTBDR plus assay. The cultures which gave a positive result on Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube 960 (MGIT 960) and ZN smear but were negative on capilia test with no growth on Brain Heart Infusion agar (BHI) were included in this study. The conflicting results of capilia were compared with other molecular techniques; MTBDR plus assay and DNA sequence analysis of MPT64 gene.Results: Out of 889 culture positive, 60 (6.7%) were found positive on liquid culture and ZN smear but were negative on capilia. Of these 60 cultures, 10 (16.7%) were found positive by both MTBDR plus assay and PCR. The sequencing analysis revealed that all of the capilia negative isolates had mutations within the MPT64 gene.Conclusion: Re-evaluation of culture positive but capilia negative isolates should be done before declaring them as Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (MOTT) because such cases can act as chronic carriers of TB in the population which can lead to the rise of this lethal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis; caused byMycobacterium bovis,is a zoonotic diseasecausing approximately 6% of total human deaths. Its economic losses are not only a reduction of 10-20% in milk production and weight, but also infertility and condemnation of meat.Many serological tests are applied for detection of tuberculosis. ELISA test has the highest sensitivity and specificity than the other serological tests for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Several forms of new technology were brought into the diagnostic approach to mycobacterial infection. The aim of this work was to detect bovine tuberculosis by application of different serological tests. Tuberculin skin test was applied on 2650 cattle, only 63(2.4%) were positive. Forty eight (76.2%) of the slaughtered positive animals showed visible lesions (VL) while the other 15 (23.8%) had non-visible lesions (NVL). The bacteriological examination of the 63 samples revealed isolation ofM. bovis from 47 processed samples (74.6%). The results of the immunoassay test have detected 27 out of the tuberculin positive cattle, while the ELISA has detected 34 out of the positive reactor cattle. It was concluded that immunoassay and ELISA tests act as complementary tests for tuberculin skin test especially in anergic cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review the argument that latent image formation is a measurement in which the state vector collapses, requiring an enhanced noise parameter in objective reduction models. Tentative observation of a residual noise at this level, plus several experimental bounds, imply that the noise must be colored (i.e., non-white), and hence frame dependent and non-relativistic. Thus a relativistic objective reduction model, even if achievable in principle, would be incompatible with experiment; the best one can do is the non-relativistic CSL model. This negative conclusion has a positive aspect, in that the non-relativistic CSL reduction model evades the argument leading to the Conway-Kochen "Free Will Theorem". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria ( NTM) are ubiquitous in nature. The data on prevalence of NTM under the RNTCP is scarce. Many NTM species have clinical significance, and hence their identification and speciation are important. Methods and Results It is a cross-sectional study conducted at the five RNTCP accredited culture and drug susceptibility testing ( CDST) laboratory. The culture isolates from AFB positive but Immunochromatographic test negative samples were taken for identification and speciation using HPLC. Of the total 266 isolates only 164 isolates had a second sample received at the laboratory. The speciation was done using HPLC for those isolates. The type of species identified are: 26·8% (44) were Mycobacterium chelonae, 12·8% (21) were Mycobacterium fortuitum, 9% (15) were Mycobacterium gordonae, 9% (15) were Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, 6·1% (10) were Mycobacterium kansasii, 4·9% (8) were Mycobacterium simiae, 2·4% (4) were Mycobacterium thermophile, 1·2% (2) were Mycobacterium gastri, 0·6% (1) were Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, 0·6% (1) were Mycobacterium avium and 4·9% (8) isolates had chromatogram which was un-interpretable. Conclusion Identification and its speciation of NTM are not routinely done under TB control programme. Since HPLC could identify 95% of isolates belonging to 10 species, the speciation of NTM using HPLC should gain importance in the diagnosis of disease caused by NTM. Significance and Impact of Study NTM are emerging as important causative agents of pulmonary and extra pulmonary disease, the ability to recognize disease caused by NTM and subsequently treat such disease has become increasingly important. The identification of NTM up to its species level should gain importance in all TB reference Laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric field-triggered Mott transition of VO for next-generation memory devices with sharp and fast resistance-switching response is considered to be ideal but the formation of single-phase VO2 by common deposition techniques is very challenging. Here, VO films with a VO-dominant phase for a Mott transition-based metal-insulator transition (MIT) switching device were successfully fabricated by the combined process of RF magnetron sputtering of V metal and subsequent O annealing to form. By performing various material characterizations, including scanning transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy, the film is determined to have a bilayer structure consisting of a VO2-rich bottom layer acting as the Mott transition switching layer and a VO/VO mixed top layer acting as a control layer that suppresses any stray leakage current and improves cyclic performance. This bilayer structure enables excellent electric field-triggered Mott transition-based resistive switching of Pt-VO-Pt metal-insulator-metal devices with a set/reset current ratio reaching ~200, set/reset voltage of less than 2.5 V, and very stable DC cyclic switching upto ~120 cycles with a great set/reset current and voltage distribution less than 5% of standard deviation at room temperature, which are specifications applicable for neuromorphic or memory device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The putative Mott charge density wave (CDW) phases of monolayer 1T-NbSe 2 and 1T-TaSe 2 have attracted a lot of recent interest due to the unexpected orbital texture of their Mott-Hubbard states and the superstructure related to an exotic possibility of a quantum spin liquid with a spinon Fermi surface. The origins of the orbital texture and the superstructure have been, however, elusive. We find by using density functional theory calculations that these CDW phases can have an alternative metastable structure, an anion (Se) centered cluster, in contrast to the prevailing model of a cation (Nb or Ta) centered David star cluster. This structure can be stabilized by the charge transfer from the bilayer graphene/SiC substrate used commonly in the experiments. The anion-centered structure has a similar electronic band structure of a charge transfer insulator to that of DS clusters but naturally explains the orbital texture of the upper Hubbard band from simply its atomic structure. Moreover, this band structure exhibits a Fermi surface nesting to possibly break the symmetry spontaneously into a 3 × 3 -R30° superstructure observed experimentally. The resulting ground state of the superstructure is shown to be a trivial band insulator, in contrast to exotic proposals. This result emphasizes the huge structural flexibility of these heteroexpitaxial monolayers, for which careful studies on atomic structures and interactions with substrates are highly requested.

Introduction. Mycobacterial diseases of humans and animals can be caused by mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). The transmission of the infection primarily occurs via the respiratory or oral routes, but also via a damaged skin barrier. MOTT have high resistance to external factors; therefore, infected, undiagnosed animals can pose a risk for public health. Case report. The case study describes mycobacterial skin infection in a domestic cat. The correct diagnosis was reached four months after the appearance of the first clinical signs. Those were purulent, granulomatous lesions and fistulas, which could potentially act as a source of the infection for the owners and the veterinarian who cared for the animal. Conclusion. Despite using advanced diagnostic techniques, establishing the final cause of the cat’s illness was a lengthy process. The skin lesions could contribute to the transmission of the bacteria in the environment. Non-targeted treatments could also cause antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical mycobacteriosis (AM) is a rare disease, which is caused by an infection with mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). In children, the cervical lymph nodes are frequently affected. MOTT are a pathogen or facultative pathogen environmental germs, which can affect otherwise healthy individuals. The diagnostic and therapeutic management is often challenging. Currently, there are only few data published about the systematic investigation and therapy of children with AM. In a retrospective study, 29 children with AM were evaluated. The clinical records of these patients were reviewed and analyzed along with the results of histopathological and microbiological findings. The clinical parameters were correlated to patients' therapy and clinical follow-up. 29 otherwise healthy and immunocompetent children (18 girls, 11 boys, average age of 3.5 years, range 1.5-9.5 years) with AM of the head and neck region have been evaluated. Clinically, all patients were admitted with a swelling of cervical lymph nodes and discoloration of the overlaying skin. In five patients, an abscess formation of the lymph nodes occurred. Ultrasound examinations typically revealed a hypoechoic mass with central necrosis and intralesional septa. Histologically, epithelioid granuloma with caseating necrosis was described in any case. Germ identification by either microbiological culture or PCR was successful in 20 cases, with Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intercellulare being the most frequent germs. In all patients, lymph nodes were surgically removed. In a clinical follow-up of at least 18 months, a recurrence occurred in five cases. Diagnosis of atypical mycobacteriosis is often difficult and challenging, since clinical appearance is unspecific and MOTT can only be identified microbiologically or by PCR in about two-thirds of cases. Therefore, a close cooperation between clinician, pathologist, and microbiologist is required. Therapeutically excision of all affected lymph nodes is recommended. Alternative or concomitant medical treatment with tuberculostatics is indicated in particular cases, i.e., recurrence, persistence or systemically lymph node involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Important paradigms of pulmonary disease with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are currently shifting based on an increasing attention within the field of cystic fibrosis (CF). These shifts are likely to benefit the management of all patients with pulmonary NTM, regardless of underlying pathology. Currently several key areas are being revised: The first outbreak of human NTM transmission has been proven and new evidence of biofilm growth in vivo has been demonstrated. A better understanding of the clinical impact of NTM infection has led to increased diagnostic vigilance and new recommendations for lung transplantation are under way. While recent changes have reinvigorated the interest in NTM disease, the challenge remains, whether such advances can be successfully translated into improved management and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) cause increasingly serious infections especially in immunosuppressive patients by direct transmission from the environment or after colonization. However, identification of these species is difficult because of the cost and difficulties in defining to species level. Identification and distribution of these species can help clinician in the choice of treatment. Materials and methods A total of 90 MOTT strains obtained from four different centers were included in the study. These strains were identified by sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and Hsp65 genetic regions. Results Accordingly, within the 90 MOTT strains, 17 different species were identified. In order of frequency, these species were M. gordonea (n = 21), M. abscessus (n = 13), M. lentiflavum (n = 9), M. fortuitum (n = 8), M. intracellulare (n = 6), M. kumamotonense (n = 6), M. neoaurum (n = 5), M. chimaera (n = 5), M. alvei (n = 5), M. peregrinum (n = 3), M. canariasense (n = 3), M. flavescens (n = 1), M. mucogenicum (n = 1), M. chelona (n = 1), M. elephantis (n = 1), M. terrae (n = 1) and M. xenopi (n = 1). Most frequently identified MOTT species according to the geographical origin were as follows: M. abscessus was the most common species either in Istanbul or Malatya regions (n = 6, n = 6, consequently). While M. kumamotonense was the most frequent species isolated from Ankara region (n = 6), M. gordonea was the most common for Samsun region (n = 14). Conclusion Our study revealed that frequency of MOTT varies depending on the number of clinical samples and that frequency of these species were affected by the newly identified species as a result of the use of novel molecular methods. In conclusion, when establishing diagnosis and treatment methods, it is important to know that infections caused by unidentified MOTT species may vary according to the regions in Turkey. The results of the study showed that there were differences in the frequency of MOTT species in the different geographical regions of Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We study the Mott transition in a two-dimensional lattice spinless fermion model with nearest neighbors density–density interactions. By means of a two-dimensional Jordan–Wigner transformation, the model is mapped onto the lattice XXZ spin model, which is shown to possess a quantum group symmetry as a consequence of a recently found solution of the Zamolodchikov tetrahedron equation. A projection (from three to two space–time dimensions) property of the solution is used to identify the symmetry of the model at the Mott critical point as , with deformation parameter q =−1. Based on this result, the low-energy effective field theory for the model is obtained and shown to be a lattice double Chern–Simons theory with coupling constant k =1 (with the standard normalization). By further employing the effective filed theory methods, we show that the Mott transition that arises is of topological nature, with vortices in an antiferromagnetic array and matter currents characterized by a d-density wave order parameter. We also analyze the behavior of the system upon weak coupling, and conclude that it undergoes a quantum gas–liquid transition which belongs to the Ising universality class. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nuclear physics experiments at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility''s CEBAF rely on high polarization electron beams. We describe a recently commissioned system for prequalifying and studying photocathodes for CEBAF with a load-locked, low-voltage polarized electron source coupled to a compact retarding-field Mott polarimeter. The polarimeter uses simplified electrode structures and operates from 5 to 30kV. The effective Sherman function for this device has been calibrated by comparison with the CEBAF 5MeV Mott polarimeter. For elastic scattering from a thick gold target at 20keV, the effective Sherman function is 0.201(5). Its maximum efficiency at 20keV, defined as the detected count rate divided by the incident particle current, is 5.4(2)×10−4, yielding a figure-of-merit, or analyzing power squared times efficiency, of 1.0(1)×10−5. The operating parameters of this new polarimeter design are compared to previously published data for other compact Mott polarimeters of the retarding-field type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from clinical specimens has become very frequent in the last years. Such organisms are typically environmental and poorly pathogenic for humans; they can, however, be responsible for opportunistic diseases in subjects presenting with various predisposing conditions. Pulmonary infections are responsible for the most frequent disease caused by NTM, although the relevance of mycobacterioses involving other parts of the body is increasing. The risk of disseminated infections characterizing immunocompromised patients is well known, and those numbers are steadily rising. The lymph nodes, cutis and soft tissues, as well as bone and joints, are also important targets of NTM infection. The problems concerning the assessment of the clinical significance of NTM, along with a consideration of the more frequent NTM pathologies, are the major objectives of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Infliximab has revolutionized treatment of rheumatologic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease. However, it increases the risk of tuberculosis. Less is known about the development of Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (MOTT) infection. We review the literature on non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in infliximab-treated patients and report the first case of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex in an infliximab-treated patient complicated by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Methods and results: MEDLINE search with the keywords mycobacteria and infliximab revealed four cases of MOTT in patients treated with infliximab: fatal Mycobacterium peregrinum pneumonia in a patient with polymyositis and dermatomyositis; a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with skin and soft tissue infection with Mycobacterium abscessus; Mycobacterium fortuitum in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis; and a case of pulmonary MAC without dissemination. Review of US data from 1998 to 2002 published by Wallis et al. revealed that out of more than 233,000 patients treated with infliximab, 30 developed unspecified mycobacterial species infection. No further data was available regarding these cases. Conclusion: MOTT infection is a rare but emerging complication of infliximab therapy. MOTT cases tend to progress rapidly in infliximab-treated patients and withdrawal of infliximab therapy can result in immune reconstitution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The presence of several Mycobacterium species was determined in 68 New World monkeys kept captive in the Cali Zoo. One hundred and thirty-three gastric lavage and blood samples were evaluated for mycobacterial presence by Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining, culture and PCR amplification of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mtp40 species-specific gene. Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) were identified by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Different species of mycobacteria were detected in 65% of the primate population studied by Alpha Antigen PCR. Eleven percent were positive for Mtp40 PCR amplification, being diagnosed as having M. tuberculosis, and acid-fast bacilli were observed in 23% by ZN staining. MOTT were isolated from samples taken from 37 primates by culturing; according to the RFLP analysis, three strains were classified as belonging to the MAISS complex (Mycobacterium avium–intracellulare–scrofulaceum–simiae) and eight more, isolated from soil inside the cages, were categorized as environmental contaminants. Mycobacterium spp. were detected in 13 different New World primate species showing that PCR amplification of the Mtp40 gene is a better tool than culture for M. tuberculosis detection in captive animals and that RFLP is a useful technique for MOTT identification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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