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This work examines some aspects related to the existence of negative mass. The requirement for the partition function to converge leads to two distinct approaches. Initially, convergence is achieved by assuming a negative absolute temperature, which results in an imaginary partition function and complex entropy. Subsequently, convergence is maintained by keeping the absolute temperature positive while introducing an imaginary velocity. This modification leads to a positive partition function and real entropy. It seems the utilization of imaginary velocity may yield more plausible physical results compared to the use of negative temperature, at least for the partition function and entropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we use the Gouy–Stodola theorem to calculate the entropy production rate in the inflationary epoch of the universe. This theorem allows us the simple calculation of entropy and entropy production rate occasioned by the decaying of the inflaton scalar field. Both the entropy and entropy production rate achieve large values, agreeing with the expected values present in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecticide resistance survey is an in-situ biomonitoring method to assess potential impact of pesticides that exhibit direct economic consequences when leading to control failure of insect pest species. Nonetheless, the latter phenomenon is frequently neglected. Their spatial dependence and mapping are also seldom considered and when complexes of related pest species are involved, such as the rice stink bugs from the Neotropics, Oebalus poecilus, and O. ypsilongriseus, the scenario is even worst. Insecticide use is common against both species, particularly with the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, and despite suspicion of a shift in O. poecilus historical dominance and complaints of control failure, the role of this insecticide in this context was never tested. Thus, we screened populations from both species for thiamethoxam resistance within rice fields from central Brazil. The levels of thiamethoxam resistance and control failure likelihood were recorded and their spatial dependence was tested and geographically mapped. The thiamethoxam potency was similar between species, which also exhibited overlapping levels of resistance. Thus, this insecticide does not seem involved in eventual shifts in species dominance and the occurrence of O. ypsilongriseus is frequent. Thiamethoxam resistance was detected in both species, nearly half of the populations of O. poecilus and about a third of O. ypsilongriseus, but at low levels (< ten-fold). As a consequence, the risk of control failure with thiamethoxam was also low. Spatial dependence was significant for both species and phenomena (i.e., thiamethoxam resistance and control failure), prevailing in about the same area and likely reflecting the local pattern of insecticide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Pomeranchuk theorem, one constructs the δ (s) parameter to measure the difference between experimental data for the particle–particle and particle–antiparticle total cross-section at same energy. The experimental data for the proton–proton and proton–antiproton total cross-section were used to show that, at the same energy, this parameter tends to zero as the collision energy grows. Furthermore, one assumes a classical description for the total cross-section, dividing it into a finite number of non-interacting disjoint cells, each one containing a quark–antiquark pair subject to the confinement potential. Near the minimum of the total cross-section, one associates δ (s) with the entropy generated by these cells, analogously to the X Y -model. Using both the Quigg–Rosner and Cornell confinement potentials and neglecting other energy contributions, one can calculate the internal energy of the hadron. One obtains that both the entropy and internal energy possess the same logarithmic dependence on the spatial separation between the pairs in the cell. The Helmholtz free energy is used to estimate the transition temperature, which is far from the temperature widely related to the Quark–Gluon Plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, one uses a damped potential to present a description of the running coupling constant of QCD in the confinement phase. Based on a phenomenological perspective for the Debye screening length, one compares the running coupling obtained here with both the Brodsky–de Téramond–Deur and the Richardson approaches. The results seem to indicate the model introduced here corroborate the Richardson approach. Moreover, the Debye screening mass in the confinement phase depends on a small parameter, which tends to vanish in the nonconfinement phase of QCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation of gametes, embryos and larvae of marine invertebrates has been investigated in many studies throughout the years. There are many favorable studies on sperm cryopreservation but oocytes are still under research as no successful results have been sustainably obtained for this type of cells. The preservation of both maternal and paternal gametes separately would provide a reliable source of genetic material for their application to conservation, aquaculture and fundamental research. Unfortunately to date, it has not been possible to cryopreserve eggs from marine organisms. The aim of this review is to go over the factors that have been historically considered as obstacles for oocyte cryopreservation in aquatic organisms and discern those that may specifically apply to eggs of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, one discusses the effects of Tsallis entropy on the radial pressure distribution in the proton. Using a damped confinement potential the pressure distribution is obtained from the Tsallis entropy approach, being the entropic-index ω connected with the proton temperature concerning some transition temperature. Then, the approach allows the study of the proton thermal evolution up to the Quark–Gluon Plasma regime. The von Laue stability condition, arising from the pressure distribution results in positive and negative energy regions. An analogy between the results for the radial pressure distribution and the proton–proton and the antiproton–proton total cross-section is performed. The negative energy region is identified with the odderon exchange while the positive represents the pomeron exchange dominance above some transition energy s c . The hollowness effect is also discussed in terms of the results obtained and the proposed analogy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease of dogs worldwide. Certain breeds such as the West Highland White Terriers (WHWT) are predisposed to suffer from CAD. Microbial dysbiosis is known to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease, which is similar to its human counterpart, atopic dermatitis (AD). To date, no large cohort-study has been conducted in a predisposed dog breed to study the impact of the early-life microbiota on the development of CAD, as well as the possible implication of factors such as hygiene and access to the outdoors. In this study skin samples of 143 WHWT, including 109 puppies up to three weeks old and 34 parent dogs, from 17 breeders, were subjected to 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 amplicon sequencing to disclose the bacterial and fungal oral and skin microbiota, respectively. The oral samples served as a control group to confirm differences between haired and mucosal surfaces. The cutaneous microbiota differed between sample sites and age of the dogs. The season of sampling, geographical origin as well as hygiene status of the household and the access to the outdoors shaped the skin microbiota of the puppies significantly. However, we found that the individual early-life microbiota did not predispose for the later development of CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, one proposes the use of a damped confinement potential to mimic the proton internal energy. The internal pressure is calculated taking into account the occurrence of a phase transition in the p p and p ̄ p total cross-section. The model predicts the inversion of the positive and negative pressure regions depending on the squared energy s 0 , where the total cross-section achieves its minimum value. Considering energies below the phase transition, the expected results are in accordance with the recent proton internal pressure measurement. For energies above s 0 , the model predicts a negative pressure region near the center of the hadron surrounded by a positive pressure region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este trabalho apresenta uma discussão acerca da Educação Ambiental na formação da consciência e prática ambiental em uma escola pública do município de Benjamin Constant-Amazonas. Sendo um capítulo de uma pesquisa para a qualificação do mestrado pela Universidade Federal do Pará. Realizou-se o método de abordagem dialético, os instrumentos de coletas de dados foram: observação participante e pesquisa ação. Diante disso, necessita que as escolas desenvolvam iniciativas de um planejamento participativo teórico metodológico interdisciplinar do tema transversal Meio Ambiente na educação básica com o intuito de superar os entraves em relação às questões ambientais no contexto educacional, social e local. Que elas executem o planejamento pedagógico do tema transversal de forma permanente nas escolas e não apenas na semana do Meio Ambiente; Sugerem-se também, que paralelamente ao planejamento participativo coletivo permanente, elas possam desenvolver projetos socioeducativos ambientais durante o ano letivo. E, façam parcerias com a Secretaria do Meio Ambiente, na atuação eficaz acerca da educação ambiental na sociedade Benjaminense. Enfim, carece de um investimento na educação e na Secretaria do Meio Ambiente local para que os estudantes no desenvolvimento da formação intelectual adotem posturas pessoais, comportamentais e sociais na colaboração para a construção de uma sociedade ativa que discuta as problemáticas ambientais emergentes no mundo, na nação e no município de Benjamin Constant no Amazonas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we describe the high yield synthesis of a highly crystalline cobalt(ii) MOF with a novel zwitterionic ligand made up of 3,3′,4,4′-BPTC and 1,4-cyclohexanediamine, obtained in situ during the hydrothermal synthesis. The compound with the molecular formula C46H38N4O14Co·2H2O has a molecular mass of 965.7783 g mol−1, a triclinic crystalline system (a = 5.86 Å, b = 9.28 Å, c = 19.92 Å, α = 83.93°, β = 88.01°, γ = 78.59), it is thermally stable up to 300 °C and presents structural stability before and after removing the solvent molecules from its pores. This novel material showed catalytic properties in an electrophilic substitution reaction of indoles and aldehydes allowing the syntheses of bis(indolyl)methanes in high yields under mild reaction conditions and can be reused at least once with the same catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we determined the critical stages and the key factors of mortality for Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Brazilian coffee plantations using a life table to understand the role of natural biological control on its population. Predators, parasitoids, rainfall, sunlight, physiological disturbances and fungal diseases were collectively responsible for 98.79% in the total mortality of P. citri. Predators belonging to the Chrysopidae, Syrphidae, Dolichopodidae and Coccinellidae families were the most important mortality factors in the early developmental stages of P. citri (i.e. eggs and 1st and 2nd instar nymphs), whereas predators belonging to the Coccinellidae and Chrysopidae families were the most important mortality factors for the last instars (i.e. 3rd instars and adults) for P. citri. The generalist predators Harmonia axyridis, Chrysoperla genanigra and Chrysoperla externa were the key mortality factors for P. citri. The third nymph stage was considered the critical life stage (i.e. the life stage that most influences population size). Our results show that generalist predators and climatic factors are important sources of natural mortality of P. citri governing the population dynamics of this pest in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous work a novel parametrization was proposed for the and total cross-sections. Here, results are presented for the updated analysis with taking into account the recent data from accelerator experiments as well as from cosmic ray measurements. The analytic parametrizations suggested within axiomatic quantum field theory (AQFT) provide the quantitative description of energy dependence of global scattering observables with robust values of fit parameters. Based on the fit results the estimations are derived for the total cross-section and the parameter in elastic scattering at various up to energy frontier PeV which can be useful for present and future hadron colliders as well as for cosmic ray measurements at ultra-high energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, one presents a naive parametrization to and total cross-sections. The main goal of this parametrization is to study the possible fractal structure present in the total cross-section. The result of the fitting procedure shows two different fractal dimensions: a negative (low-energies) and a positive (high-energies). The negative fractal dimension represents the emptiness of the total cross-section structure and the positive represents the filling up process with the energy increase. Hence, the total cross-section presents a multifractal behavior. At low-energies, the odderon exchange may be associated with the negative fractal dimension and at high-energies, the pomeron may be associated with the positive fractal dimension. Therefore, the exchange of odderons and pomerons may be viewed as a transition from a less well-defined to a more well-defined internal structure, depending on the energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on tinea capitis (TC) is a common paediatric dermatophytosis with an increasing incidence worldwide. It mentions clinical history and examination along with trichoscopic images with a non-polarized light videodermoscope and decrease in perifollicular scaling, diffuse scaling, comma hairs and black dots was additionally noted. It also mentions trichoscopy is also useful for monitoring response to treatment.

The performance of orifice plates in real-time monitoring of oil, gas and water standard flow rates was investigated. To this end, a multi-rate test was implemented in two production wells routed individually to a test separator in field operational conditions. The well flow rate was varied in steps by changing the choke opening. The ranges of fluid properties and flow conditions achieved during the experiment were: wellhead pressure from 9073kPa to 13,278kPa, wellhead temperature from 47.8°C to 53.5°C, downstream choke pressure from 6770kPa to 7913kPa, downstream choke temperature from 41.6°C to 49.1°C, gas-oil-ratio from 1144 Sm 3 / Sm 3 to 2068 Sm 3 / Sm 3, water-cut from 4.64% to 58.35%, standard oil specific gravity from 0.7988 to 0.8058, standard gas specific gravity from 0.7340 to 0.7550, standard oil flow rate from 46.86 Sm 3 / d to 266.65 Sm 3 / d, standard gas flow rate from 62.68 × 10 3 Sm 3 / d to 296.65 × 10 3 Sm 3 / d, standard water flow rate from 18.06 m 3 / d to 159.33 m 3 / d . The wells tested showed a different dynamic behavior: while well #2 did not vary significantly the stream composition with flow rate, well #1 produced under gas coning, a near well-reservoir phenomenon that governs the contribution of the reservoir gas-cap to the total stream composition. The multi-rate tests generated two data sets with 1424 flow conditions through two flange-tap orifice plates installed upstream (wellhead) and downstream of a cage choke valve. The ranges of orifice variables were: orifice diameter from 0.03479m to 0.0430m, beta factor from 0.4946 to 0.6507, differential pressure from 15kPa to 187kPa. The virtual metering system presented in Paz et al. (2010) was used to correlate the experimental data. The associated model, suitable for differential pressure measuring devices, includes effects such as flow concentration and slip (through Chisholm's correlation), generalizing the mass flow rate versus pressure drop relationship for multiphase flow. The total mass flow rate depends on a set of variables evaluated at metering conditions: density and viscosity of the liquid and gas phase, mass quality, pressure drop across the flow meter and geometry (contraction area and beta factor). The determination of the fluid properties at metering conditions was made by using black-oil correlations. These correlations are based on a set of input variables at standard condition that characterizes the stream composition such as gas-oil ratio, water-oil ratio and specific gravities of each phase. A comparison was made between the multiphase flow rates predicted by the model and the ones simultaneously measured at the test separators. The oil, gas and water standard volumetric flow rate deviations (coefficients of variation of the root mean square deviations) were below 3.52 % . It was theoretically demonstrated and experimentally verified that a systematic error exists when the homogeneous model (equal phase velocities) is considered in the formulation, resulting in a flow rate underestimation. When the homogeneous model was used to correlate the data, this effect increased the deviation up to 10.5 % . Flow pattern at the wellhead was characterized as intermittent and annular-mist. Lockhart-Martinelli parameter varied from 0.362 to 0.836; despite of the experimental data being beyond the wet gas region, the multi-rate tests showed that Chisholm's over-reading can be successfully extrapolated to these range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routine administration of G-CSF following autologous hematopoietic SCT (ASCT) expedites ANC recovery and reduces hospitalization by 1-2 days; it has no impact on febrile neutropenia, infections, morbidity, mortality, event-free survival or OS. To determine whether delayed G-CSF dosage could result in equivalent ANC recovery and thereby improve cost effectiveness, we deferred the administration of G-CSF until WBC recovery had begun. A total of 117 patients with multiple myeloma received ASCT from January 2005 to September 2012. Of these, 52 were in the conventional dosing group (CGD) and received G-CSF from Day +7 for a median of five doses. In the deferred dosing group (DGD), 65 patients received G-CSF from median day 14 post transplant for a median of zero doses. There was no difference between groups in the incidence or duration of febrile neutropenia, duration of grade III mucositis, weight gain, rash, engraftment syndrome or early death (100 days). The DGD group had a significantly longer time to neutrophil engraftment than the CGD group (15 days vs 12 days; P<0.0001), a longer period of severe neutropenia (<100/μL; 8 days vs 6 days; P<0.0001), longer treatment with intravenous antibiotics (7 days vs 5 days; P=0.016) and longer hospital stay (19 days vs 17 days; P=<0.0001). Although the cost of G-CSF was lower in the DGD group (mean $308 vs $2467), the additional hospitalization raised the median total cost of ASCT in this group by 17%. There was, however, no adverse effect of deferred dosing on the rate of febrile neuropenic episodes or Day 100 survival, so that deferred dosing of G-CSF may be suitable for patients receiving ASCT as outpatients, for whom longer hospital stay would not be an offsetting cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete genome of a novel bipartite begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) was cloned from a severely diseased yellow Peruvian chili pepper ( Capsicum baccatum cv. Pendulum) plant collected in the department of La Libertad, Northern Peru and full-length sequenced. The two genomic components share a common region of 156 nucleotides with a 100% sequence identity. Analysis of the genome organisation and phylogenetic comparisons revealed that the virus is a typical New World begomovirus. The closest related begomovirus, an isolate of Tomato yellow vein streak virus ( ToYVSV), shared only 76.8% nucleotide sequence identity for the DNA-A component. Therefore, following species demarcation criteria of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, this virus isolate belongs to a new begomovirus species for which the name pepper leafroll virus ( PepLRV) is proposed. Pepper plants infected with the cloned PepLRV isolate developed leaf roll symptoms similar to those observed in field-infected plants suggesting this virus as the causal agent of the disease syndrome observed in the field. Widespread occurrence of PepLRV throughout Peru was demonstrated, infecting plants of diverse cultivated species such as tomato, pepper, common and pallar beans, and of the weed species Nicandra physaloides. Low genetic diversity was observed among PepLRV isolates present in this country with no evident geographical or temporal structure of the population, typical of a recent founder effect. This is the first report of a begomovirus infecting pepper and bean crops in Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Iron accumulation and oxidative stress are hallmarks of retinas from patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We have previously demonstrated that iron-overloaded retinas are a good in vitro model for the study of retinal degeneration during iron-induced oxidative stress. In this model we have previously characterized the role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and calcium-independent isoform (iPLA2). The aim of the present study was to analyze the implications of Group V secretory PLA2 (sPLA2), another member of PLA2 family, in cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) regulation. We found that sPLA2 is localized in cytosolic fraction in an iron concentration-dependent manner. By immunoprecipitation (IP) assays we also demonstrated an increased association between Group V sPLA2 and COX-2 in retinas exposed to iron overload. However, COX-2 activity in IP assays was observed to decrease in spite of the increased protein levels observed. p65 (RelA) NF-κB levels were increased in nuclear fractions from retinas exposed to iron. In the presence of ATK (cPLA2 inhibitor) and YM 26734 (sPLA2 inhibitor), the nuclear localization of both p65 and p50 NF-κB subunits was restored to control levels in retinas exposed to iron-induced oxidative stress. Membrane repair mechanisms were also analyzed by studying the participation of acyltransferases in phospholipid remodeling during retinal oxidation stress. Acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS), were observed to show an inhibited acylation profile in retinas exposed to iron while phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) showed the opposite. The use of PLA2 inhibitors demonstrated that PS is actively deacylated during iron-induced oxidative stress. Results from the present study suggest that Group V sPLA2 has multiple intracellular targets during iron-induced retinal degeneration and that the specific role of sPLA2 could be related to inflammatory responses by its participation in NF-κB and COX-2 regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The monopartite nature of the begomovirus tomato leaf deformation virus (ToLDeV) reported in Peru is demonstrated here. The DNA molecule cloned from an infected plant was shown to be fully infectious in tomatoes inducing leaf curling and stunted growth similar to that observed in field-infected plants. The viral DNA was reisolated from systemically infected tissues of inoculated plants, thus fulfilling Koch''s postulates. ToLDeV was demonstrated, therefore, as the causal agent of the disease syndrome widespread in tomato crops in Peru. This virus was shown to be present throughout the major tomato-growing regions of this country, both in tomatoes and wild plants. Analyses of the sequences of 51 ToLDeV isolates revealed a significant genetic diversity with three major genetic types co-circulating in the population. A geographical segregation was observed which should be taken into account for virus control. Constraints to genetic divergence found for the C4 gene of ToLDeV isolates suggest a relevant function for this protein. The results obtained confirm ToLDeV as a monopartite begomovirus native to the New World, which is a significant finding for this region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The majority of malignant cells present genetic instability with chromosome number changes plus segmental defects: these changes involve intact chromosomes and breakage-induced alterations. Some pathways of chromosomal instability have been proposed as random breakage, telomere fusion, and centromere fission. Chromosome alterations in tumor cells have been described in animal models and in vitro experiments. One important question is about possible discrepancies between animal models, in vitro studies, and the real events in cancer cells in vivo. Papillomaviruses are relevant agents in oncogenic processes related to action on host genome. Recently, many reports have discussed the presence of virus DNA in peripheral blood, in humans and in animals infected by papillomaviruses. The meaning of this event is of controversy: possible product of apoptosis occurring in cancer cells, metastasized cancer cells, or active DNA sequences circulating in bloodstream. This study compares chromosome aberrations detected in bovine cells, in peripheral blood cells, and in BPV lesion cells: the literature is poor in this type of study. Comparing chromosome aberrations described in the different cells, a common mechanism in their origin, can be suggested. Furthermore blood cells can be evaluated as an effective way of virus transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse mastication and the sense of taste in 39 patients submitted to cancer treatment in different areas of the body and to compare these variables with those of 44 control individuals within the same age range. The following aspects were assessed: dental status ( DMFT); stimulated and non-stimulated salivary flow; sense of taste (salty, sweet, bitter and sour); and masticatory performance ( MP), through the calculation of X50. Logistic regression models were established to test the association between the independent variables and cancer treatment. Cancer patients had lesser stimulated salivary flow, a smaller number of teeth and occlusal units, worse MP, higher salty, sweet and sour taste scores and a lower bitter taste score ( P < 0·05). A significant positive correlation was found between MP and the DMFT index in both groups ( P < 0·05), meaning that a lower DMFT index value denoted a smaller X50 value (better masticatory performance). The logistic regression model revealed that patients who had undergone cancer treatment had a greater probability of exhibiting a smaller number of teeth, higher salty and smaller bitter taste scores ( P < 0·05). It was concluded that patients who were submitted to cancer treatment presented oral physiology alterations when compared with control subjects at the same age range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research study on the evolution of endospory. It provides an introduction to the development of a gametophyte within an endospory. It describes the species Nothoceros renzagliensis from Pasto Colombia and cites its differences from its congeners. It assess the evolution of endospory in hornworts, and discusses two cases of parallel evolution of the trait in the hornwort phylogeny.

BACKGROUND: The permutation entropy, the approximate entropy, and the index of consciousness are some of the most recently studied electroencephalogram-derived indexes. In this work, a thorough comparison of these indexes was performed using propofol anesthesia in a rabbit model. METHODS: Six rabbits were anesthetized with three propofol infusion rates: 70, 100, and 130 mg · kg · h, each maintained for 30 min, in a random order for each animal. Data recording was performed in the awake animals 20, 25, and 30 min after each infusion rate was begun in the recovered animals and consisted of electroencephalogram recordings, evaluation of depth of anesthesia according to a clinical scale, and arterial blood samples for plasma propofol determination. Median and spectral edge frequencies were analyzed for single-scale permutation entropy and composite multiscale permutation entropy, approximate entropy, index of consciousness, and the spectral parameters. The spectral parameters and single-scale and multiscale permutation entropies were corrected for the presence of burst suppression. Performance of the indexes was compared by prediction probability and pharmacodynamic analysis. RESULTS: The single-scale and composite multiscale permutation entropies with a burst suppression correction showed better prediction probabilities than did the other electroencephalogram-derived parameters but not better than the electromyographic activity. CONCLUSION: Single-scale and multiscale permutation entropies may be promising measures of propofol anesthetic depth when corrected for burst suppression. Additional studies should investigate the information measured by electromyography algorithms from commercial monitors of anesthetic depth. The rabbit may be a promising animal model for electroencephalographic studies because it provides a good-quality signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the Froissart-Martin bound, Jin-Martin-Cornille bound and the optical theorem, we propose a novel parametrization for the total cross-section of proton-proton and antiproton-proton elastic scattering data. Using derivative dispersion relations we obtain the real part of the elastic scattering amplitude and thus the ρ parameter. Simultaneous fits to σtot and ρ are performed allowing very good statistical descriptions of the available data. Furthermore, predictions to σtot and ρ at energies not used in the fit procedures are presented. For σtot we obtain predictions at RHIC, LHC and future hadron collider energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use an almost model-independent analytical parametrization for pp and $\bar{p}p$ elastic scattering data to analyze the eikonal, profile and inelastic overlap functions in the impact parameter space. Error propagation in the fit parameters allows estimations of uncertainty regions, improving the geometrical description of the hadron–hadron interaction. Several predictions are shown and, in particular, the prediction for pp inelastic overlap function at $\sqrt{s}=14\,{\rm TeV}$ shows the saturation of the Froissart–Martin bound at LHC energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) was developed by the Victoria Hospice Society in 1996 to modernize the Karnofsky Performance Scale. Currently, it is being used to measure palliative patient performance status in a variety of settings. Despite its widespread use, only one study has examined the inter-rater reliability of the PPS.Purpose: To examine the inter-rater reliability of the PPS in measuring performance status in patients seen in an outpatient palliative radiation oncology clinicMethods: Performance status for 102 consecutive patients was assessed by an oncologist (MD), a radiation therapist (RT), and a research assistant (RA) in the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program at the Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Raters' scores were analyzed for correlation and compared to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the PPS tool.Results: Excellent correlation was found between the scores rated by the MD and RA (r = 0.86); good correlation was observed between scores rated by the MD and RT (r = 0.69) and the RT and RA (r = 0.77). Scores between all three raters, as well as between rater pairs, were also found to have good reliability as measured by the Chronbach's alpha coefficient. Significant results were obtained for the range of PPS scores in which the majority of our patients fell: 40-80%.Conclusion: PPS was shown to have good overall inter-rater reliability in an outpatient palliative setting, but more research is needed to establish the validity and reliability of the tool in a variety of different palliative settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial feedstuffs are a basic element in modern pet husbandry in the world. In dogs, the effect of mycotoxins is severe and can lead to death. Few reports on the influence of dietary mycotoxins were found in the scientific literature. The aims of this work were to isolate and identify the mycoflora and to determine the aflatoxins (AFs) natural occurrence in raw materials and ready dry pet food. Therefore, the aflatoxigenic capacity of Aspergillus flavus species was investigated . Aspergillus was the prevalent genera (65–89%) followed by Penicillium and Fusarium spp. Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent species, followed by Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus versicolor. Aspergillus flavus frequencies ranged from 58% to 86% except in sorghum meal. All samples assayed (except corn grains and ready pet food) showed Fusarium spp. contamination. Corn meal and corn meal and gluten samples had 100% Fusarium verticillioides. Fusarium graminearum was isolated from sorghum meal. Aspergillus flavus strains (75%) isolated from raw materials and 57% from pet food were able to produce AFs. All samples showed AFs contamination percentages over 70%; corn and sorghum meal obtained the highest AFs levels. Ready pet food did not show quantitative levels of the tested toxins. This is the first report of the aflatoxigenic capacity by A. flavus from Brazilian pet food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are a group of natural substances that are located in sources of vegetal origin. More than 4,000 varieties of flavonoids have been identified. All of them are phenyl-benzopyrones of low molecular weight with a basic structure formed by two benzene rings united through a heterocyclic pyrane or pyrone. Besides their relevance in plants, flavonoids are important for human health. Their antioxidant capacity confers a therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases, gastric or duodenal ulcers, cancer or hepatic pathologies. Also important are their antiviral and anti-allergic actions, as well as their anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Prostaglandins and nitric oxide biosynthesis is involved in inflammation, and isoforms of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) are responsible for the production of a great amount of these mediators. It has been demonstrated that flavonoids are able to inhibit both enzymes, as well as other mediators of the inflammatory process such as reactive C protein or adhesion molecules. Modulation of the cascade of molecular events leading to the overexpression of those mediators include inhibition of transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B and AP-1, through the inhibition of protein kinases involved in signal transduction. Increased antioxidant defenses through activation of the NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) also contribute to the anti-inflammatory capacity of flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective.: Previously, we reported the use of three sequential doublets (Triple Doublets) in the treatment of women with newly diagnosed and advanced stage müllerian malignancies. The surgically defined negative second look operation (SLO) rate to Triple Doublets was 38%. Modifications were made to this treatment regimen that were predicted to reduce toxicity and possibly increase efficacy. Methods.: Open label two-cohort study. Patients with a new diagnosis of Stages II–IV müllerian malignancy were eligible. After cytoreductive surgery, patients were treated with three sequential doublets including 3 cycles of carboplatin and gemcitabine, and 3 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel, and 3 cycles of doxorubicin and topotecan. After therapy, all women were clinically staged and evaluated at SLO if clinical staging was negative for residual disease. Primary endpoints were toxicity and negative SLO rate with rates of 60% and 40% defined a priori in optimally cytoreduced (cohort 1) and suboptimally cytoreduced or Stage IV (cohort 2), respectively. Results.: Eighty-five eligible patients were enrolled with a median age of 52 years. Forty-seven and thirty-eight women were in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. 723 cycles of chemotherapy were delivered with no toxic deaths. Grades 3 and 4 toxicities included neutropenia in 75% of patients and thrombocytopenia in 65% of patients during at least one cycle of therapy. Fever and neutropenia were seen in 3.5% of patients. All Grades 3 and 4 non-hematologic toxicities were seen at a frequency of <10%. Seventy women underwent SLO with a negative SLO rate of 53% with an additional 9% having microscopically positive procedures. Negative SLO rate was 74% in cohort 1 and 36% in cohort 2. Conclusions.: Treatment with the modified triple doublet regimen is tolerable with an encouraging pathologic CR rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives. : To evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of cisplatin and gemcitabine in women with recurrent cervical cancer. Methods. : A multi-institutional phase I/II dose finding study of cisplatin and gemcitabine delivered to women with recurrent previously radiated cervical carcinoma. Results. : Twenty eight patients were enrolled. The mean and median age of patients was 51years (age range 35 to 70years). Chemotherapy was given on a 28-day cycle; cisplatin was administered at a fixed dose of 50mg/m2, day 1 and gemcitabine, days 1, 8, and 15. Gemcitabine doses started at 600mg/m2 (dose level 1) and were escalated by 100mg/m2/dose level until 1000mg/m2 (dose level 5). Twenty seven patients were evaluable for toxicity and disease response, and 75 cycles of chemotherapy were administered. Toxicities were predominantly hematological; 18% of patients experienced grade 3 anemia, 37% grade 3 and 11% grade 4 leukopenia, 41% grade 3 neutropenia, and 26% grade 3 thrombocytopenia. The maximally tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. One patient experienced a dose-limiting toxicity on dose level 2 (febrile neutropenia). One patient had a CR and 3 patients had a PR to therapy (15% response rate), 41% of patients had SD, and 44% had progression of cancer. Median survival was 11.9months. Conclusion. : Although this 28-day gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen in recurrent cervix cancer has tolerable toxicity, 21-day regimens are recommended because of improved practicality, higher dose intensity, and higher response rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on the behavior of the elastic scattering data, we introduce an almost model-independent parameterization for the imaginary part of the scattering amplitude, with the energy and momentum transfer dependences inferred on an empirical basis and selected by rigorous theorems and bounds from axiomatic quantum field theory. The corresponding real part is analytically evaluated by means of dispersion relations, allowing connections between particle–particle and particle–antiparticle scattering. Simultaneous fits to proton–proton and antiproton–proton experimental data in the forward direction and also including data beyond the forward direction lead to a predictive formalism in both energy and momentum transfer. We compare our extrapolations with predictions from some popular models and discuss the applicability of the results in the normalization of elastic rates that can be extracted from present and future accelerator experiments (Tevatron, RHIC and LHC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission electron microscopy and microhardness measurements of individual ferrite grains were employed to investigate the state of interphase precipitation in commercial microalloyed steels. Interphase precipitation sheets tended to align parallel to the rolling plane, leading to frequent observation of particle row formation in longitudinal and transverse sample sections. As a rule, interphase precipitation occurred in some but not in all of the ferrite grains, thus limiting its contribution to the overall strength in comparison with carbonitride precipitation in austenite and dislocation hardening. In the particular case of a highly microalloyed Nb + Ti steel, interphase precipitation was present in about 50% of the ferrite grains. Interphase precipitation was also found to be associated with the loss of strength of as rolled steels due to normalising. In addition, arguments are presented to relate interphase precipitation to the effect of coiling temperature on as rolled strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectiveIn an effort to improve the results of primary chemotherapy for mu¨llerian malignancies a novel chemotherapy program was piloted that delivered three sequential chemotherapy doublets. The primary endpoints were surgically defined response rates and evaluation of toxicity.: MethodsAfter primary cytoreductive surgery patients were treated with three sequential doublets including three initial cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel (doublet 1) and then two cycles of cisplatin (day 1) and gemcitabine (days 1 and 8; doublet 2), and finally two cycles of doxorubicin (day 1) and topotecan (days 3,4, and 5; doublet 3). Cycles 4 through 7 were given with G-CSF (Neupogen) support at a dose of 5 mcg/kg/day. After therapy, all women were clinically staged and evaluated by second-look laparoscopy/laparotomy (SLO) if clinical staging was negative for residual disease.: ResultsA total of 49 eligible patients were enrolled with a median age of 52 (SD 9). Forty-four women had either ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal carcinoma with 3 women diagnosed with fallopian tube carcinoma and 2 with papillary serous carcinoma of the uterus. Eighty-four percent of patients had stage IIIc/IV tumors, with 29% having >1 cm residual disease after primary cytoreductive surgery. Thirty-nine of 49 (80%) patients completed therapy. A total of 283 cycles of chemotherapy were delivered with acceptable toxicities. There were no toxic deaths. Five women were withdrawn from trial (3 for Taxol hypersensitivity, 1 for gemcitabine pulmonary hypersensitivity, and 1 for serious line infection). Neutropenia, typically without fever, was relatively frequent in the first doublet. Nausea and thrombocytopenia were the predominant toxicities in doublet 2. Thirty-nine women completed all cycles of treatment. Thirty-six women had restaging results consistent with a clinical complete response (CR) and underwent SLO. The pathologic CR rate of the patients undergoing SLO was 38%.: ConclusionsTreatment with this sequential doublet regimen is feasible with a 38% pathologic CR rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The addition of 10 wt.% Fe to a Cu6Sn5 alloy resulted in a significant improvement in the cycle lifetime of the alloy. The volumetric capacity of the Cu6Sn5–10 wt.% Fe material at 100 cycles is almost three times the theoretical capacity of graphite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nano-scale (<100 nm) Cu5Sn6 powders were prepared by a chemical method that used a NaBH4 solution to reduce the metal ions. A significant improvement in capacity retention was obtained in the nano-scale Cu6Sn5 alloy, compared to the alloy having micron-sized particles. The volumetric capacity of the nano-scale Cu6Sn5 alloy at 100 cycles was almost twice the theoretical capacity of graphite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of bacterial and fungal pneumonia in lung transplant (LT) recipients and to assess donor-to-host transmission of these microorganisms. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied all positive cultures from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 49 lung transplant recipients and their donors from August 2003 to April 2007. Results: There were 108 episodes of pneumonia during a medium follow-up of 412 days (range, 1–1328 days). The most frequent microorganisms were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 36; 33.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 29; 26.8%), and Aspergillus spp. (n = 18; 16%). Other fungal infections were due to Fusarium spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Of the 31 donors with positive BAL, 15 had S. aureus. There were 21 pretransplant colonized recipients (43%) and 16 of them had suppurative underlying lung disease. P. aeruginosa was the most frequent colonizing organism (59% of pretransplant positive cultures). There were 11 episodes of bacteremia and lungs were the source in 5 cases. Sixteen deaths occurred and 6 (37.5%) were due to infection. Statistical analyses showed association between pretransplant colonizing microorganisms from suppurative lung disease patients and pneumonias after lung transplantation (RR = 4.76; P = .04; 95% CI = 1.02–22.10). No other analyzed factor was significant. Conclusions: Bacterial and fungal infections are frequent and contribute to higher mortality in lung transplant recipients. P. aeruginosa is the most frequent agent of respiratory infections. This study did not observe any impact of donor lung organisms on pneumonia after lung transplantation. Nevertheless, we demonstrated an association between pretransplant colonizing microorganisms and early pneumonias in suppurative lung transplant recipients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A letter to the editor for an article "Erythrodermic psoriasis induced by bupropion" published in the previous issue is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented that discusses trichoscopy as an additional tool for the differential diagnosis of tinea capitis.

The usage of rigorous analyses based on contemporary methods to enhance psychometric properties of screening questionnaires aimed to address psychotic-like experiences (PLE) is currently being encouraged. The Brief Self-Report Questionnaire for Screening Putative Pre-psychotic States (BQSPS) is a recently created tool addressing PLE beyond attenuated positive symptoms (APS). Its psychometric properties as a screening tool for first step assessment seems to be adequate, but further research is needed to evaluate certain validity aspects, particularly its dimensionality, internal structure, and psychometric properties in different populations. We assessed the reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity of BQSPS in two samples: 727 adolescents aged 13–18 years, and 245 young adults aged 18–33 years. We used exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The original four-factor structure was not replicated. The best fit in adolescents was obtained by a structure of three-correlated factors: social anxiety (SA), negative symptoms (NS), and positive symptoms (PS). This structure was confirmed in young adult subjects. The three-factor model reached a predictive capability with suicidality as external criterion. PLE are represented by a three-factor structure, which is highly stable between adolescent and young-adult samples. Although the BQSPS seems to be a valid tool for screening PLE, its psychometric properties should be improved to obtain a more accurate measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]