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Background: Imaging is vital for assessing rectal cancer, with endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) being highly accurate in large tertiary medical centers. However, EAUS accuracy drops outside such settings, possibly due to varied examiner experience and fewer examinations. This underscores the need for an AI-based system to enhance accuracy in non-specialized centers. This study aimed to develop and validate deep learning (DL) models to differentiate rectal cancer in standard EAUS images. Methods: A transfer learning approach with fine-tuned DL architectures was employed, utilizing a dataset of 294 images. The performance of DL models was assessed through a tenfold cross-validation. Results: The DL diagnostics model exhibited a sensitivity and accuracy of 0.78 each. In the identification phase, the automatic diagnostic platform achieved an area under the curve performance of 0.85 for diagnosing rectal cancer. Conclusions: This research demonstrates the potential of DL models in enhancing rectal cancer detection during EAUS, especially in settings with lower examiner experience. The achieved sensitivity and accuracy suggest the viability of incorporating AI support for improved diagnostic outcomes in non-specialized medical centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Imaging is vital for assessing rectal cancer, with endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) being highly accurate in large tertiary medical centers. However, EAUS accuracy drops outside such settings, possibly due to varied examiner experience and fewer examinations. This underscores the need for an AI-based system to enhance accuracy in non-specialized centers. This study aimed to develop and validate deep learning (DL) models to differentiate rectal cancer in standard EAUS images. Methods: A transfer learning approach with fine-tuned DL architectures was employed, utilizing a dataset of 294 images. The performance of DL models was assessed through a tenfold cross-validation. Results: The DL diagnostics model exhibited a sensitivity and accuracy of 0.78 each. In the identification phase, the automatic diagnostic platform achieved an area under the curve performance of 0.85 for diagnosing rectal cancer. Conclusions: This research demonstrates the potential of DL models in enhancing rectal cancer detection during EAUS, especially in settings with lower examiner experience. The achieved sensitivity and accuracy suggest the viability of incorporating AI support for improved diagnostic outcomes in non-specialized medical centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Detecting occlusions of coronary artery bypass grafts using non-contrast computed tomography (CT) series is understudied and underestimated. Purpose: To evaluate morphological findings for the diagnosis of chronic coronary artery bypass graft occlusion on non-contrast CT and investigate performance statistics for potential use cases. Material and Methods: Seventy-three patients with coronary artery bypass grafts who had CT angiography of the chest (non-contrast and arterial phases) were retrospectively included. Two readers applied pre-set morphologic findings to assess the patency of a bypass graft on non-contrast series. These findings included vessel shape (linear-band like), collapsed lumen and surgical graft marker without a visible vessel. Performance was tested using the simultaneously acquired arterial phase series as the ground truth. Results: The per-patient diagnostic accuracy for occlusion was 0.890 (95% confidence interval = 0.795–0.951). Venous grafts overall had an 88% accuracy. None of the left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery arterial graft occlusions were detected. The negative likelihood ratio for an occluded graft that is truly patent was 0.121, demonstrating a true post-test probability of 97% for identifying a patent graft as truly patent given a prevalence of 20% occlusion at a median 8.4 years post-surgery. Neither years post-surgery, nor number of vessels was associated with a significant decrease in reader accuracy. Conclusion: Evaluation of coronary bypass grafts for chronic occlusion on non-contrast CT based off vessel morphology is feasible and accurate for venous grafts. Potential use cases include low-intermediate risk patients with chest pain or shortness of breath for whom non-contrast CT was ordered, or administration of iodine-based contrast is contraindicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testing guidelines for initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been developed to ensure appropriate use of PrEP, such as among those with renal dysfunction or at high risk of seroconversion. While many studies have looked at the trends of use of PrEP in the United States, little is known about compliance with these guidelines, the quality of care of PrEP at a national level, or what provider-level factors are associated with high-quality care. We conducted a retrospective claims analysis of providers of commercially insured new users of PrEP between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2019. Of the 4200 providers, quality of care was low, with only 6.4% having claims for ≥60% of guideline-recommended testing for their patients in the testing window for all visits. More than half of the providers did not have claims for HIV testing at initiation of PrEP and ≥40% did not for sexually transmitted infections at both initiation and follow-up visits. Even when extending the testing window, quality of care remained low. Logistic regression models found no association between provider type and high quality of care, but did find that providers with one PrEP patient were more likely to have higher quality of care than those with multiple patients for all tests [adjusted odds ratio 0.47 (95% confidence interval: 0.33–0.67)]. The study findings suggest further training and interventions, such as integrated test ordering through electronic health records, are needed to increase quality of care for PrEP and ensure appropriate monitoring of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Left atrial calcification (LAC), a primarily radiologic diagnosis, has been associated with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and rheumatic fever (RF). However, left atrial calcification continues to be observed despite a significant decrease in the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate other possible etiologies of left atrial calcification. Material and methods: This retrospective, observational single-center study included patients from 2017 to 2022 identified as having left atrial calcification as well as age- and sex-matched controls. The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, atrial ablation, and mitral valve disease was compared, and odds ratios were calculated for each independent variable. Results: Sixty-two patients with left atrial calcifications were included and compared with 62 controls. 87.1% of patients in the left atrial calcifications cohort had a history of atrial fibrillation compared with 21% in the control cohort (p < 0.001). 16.1% of patients in the calcifications cohort presented a history of rheumatic fever compared with zero in the control cohort (p = 0.004). 66.1% of the left atrial calcifications cohort had a history of atrial ablation compared with 6.5% of the control group (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for left atrial calcification was 19.0 vs. 4.8 for rheumatic fever (comparative odds = 4.0 for atrial ablation vs. rheumatic fever). Multivariable log model found atrial ablation to explain 79.8% of left atrial calcifications identified. Conclusions: Our study found a 4-fold higher association between history of atrial ablation and left atrial calcification compared with rheumatic heart disease, suggesting a potential shift in etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: X-ray defecography or magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) and high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) are essential for the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders (PFD). However, there is only scarce information available about the accuracy of MRD in the functional assessment of the pelvic floor. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of MRD in the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders by examining the intra-test agreement with x-ray defecography and HR-ARM in patients with PFD. Methods: The study population included adults referred to our institution in January 2018–February 2020 for MRD as part of their evaluation of PFD. The MRD results were compared with X-ray defecography and HR-ARM. Results: Forty-two patients were included in the study (36 female, 86%, mean age 56.9 years ± 15.8, range 19–86 years). When compared to X-ray defecography, the sensitivity of MRD for the evaluation of normal rest and squeeze pressures was high (0.83 and 1, respectively). High sensitivity rates were observed for the detection of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dyssynergia (0.84–1). When compared to HR-ARM, the sensitivity of MRD for the evaluation of squeeze and dyssynergia was very good (0.92and 1, respectively), and good for the evaluation of rest pressure (0.6). Inter-test agreement was high (0.5, 0.6, 0.6 for rest, squeeze and dyssynergia). Excellent rates of sensitivity as well as almost perfect intra-test agreement was found between abnormal balloon expulsion test and the diagnosis of dyssynergia and pelvic organ prolapse on MRD (1, 0.81). Conclusions: This study demonstrated substantial diagnostic agreement between HR-ARM and MRD in the diagnosis of pathological etiologies for functional pelvic floor disorders, mainly obstructed defecation syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an experimental methodology for measuring the charge distribution in granular mixtures due solely to particle-to-particle triboelectric charge exchange. Our experiment isolates the charging process from common influencing factors such as particle-to-container contact and atmospheric effects, creating conditions ideal for studying charge exchange on airless, dusty extraterrestrial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Charged grains are observed using high-speed videography as they fall through a uniform electric field, and their charge and size are characterized from their trajectories. This no-contact measurement method does not influence the charge and allows for the characterization of the overall distribution of charge by grain size in an arbitrary mixture. Our preliminary results indicate that charging measured with this test stand agrees well with computational charging models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PNS is caused by an infection in the sacrococcygeal area triggered by hair particle accumulation in skin tunnels, resulting in infection. Surgical options range from simple excision to complex flap constructions. Primary wound healing failure and recurrence rates contribute to the burden of PNS. RD2 Ver.02, a novel autologous whole-blood clot product, demonstrated safety and efficacy in treating complex cutaneous wounds and was investigated for the management of PNS. Methods: A Phase II open-label, pilot, single-arm prospective study was conducted from May 2021 to May 2023 (Ethics Committee approval #7952-20). Patients with PNS underwent a minimally invasive trephine procedure under local anesthesia followed by RD2 Ver.02 instillation into the cavity. Primary healing was assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the collection of adverse events. Results: Overall, 51 patients participated in the study. At 3 months, 42/51 healed (82.4%), 7/51 (13.7%) were granulating but not completely healed, and 2/51 (3.9%) failed to heal. At 6 and 12 months, 46/51 (90.2%) and 42/51 (82.4%) achieved complete healing, respectively. At 6 months, two PNSs recurred after initial healing and an additional four instances of PNS recurrence observed in 12 months, so a total of recurrence in six patients (11.8%). There were five adverse events (AEs) with no severe adverse events. Conclusion: RD2 Ver.02 is a safe and effective treatment of PNS when coupled with a minimally invasive trephine PNS procedure. Further comparative studies are needed to fully assess the role of this novel therapy for PNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon-counting-detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) offers enhanced noise reduction, spatial resolution, and image quality in comparison to energy-integrated-detectors CT (EID-CT). These hypothesized improvements were compared using PCD-CT ultra-high (UHR) and standard-resolution (SR) scan-modes. Phantom scans were obtained with both EID-CT and PCD-CT (UHR, SR) on an adult body-phantom. Radiation dose was measured and noise levels were compared at a minimum achievable slice thickness of 0.5 mm for EID-CT, 0.2 mm for PCD-CT-UHR and 0.4 mm for PCD-CT-SR. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were calculated for five tissue densities. Additionally, data from 25 patients who had PCD-CT of chest were reconstructed at 1 mm and 0.2 mm (UHR) slice-thickness and compared quantitatively (SNR) and qualitatively (noise, quality, sharpness, bone details). Phantom PCD-CT-UHR and PCD-CT-SR scans had similar measured radiation dose (16.0mGy vs 15.8 mGy). Phantom PCD-CT-SR (0.4 mm) had lower noise level in comparison to EID-CT (0.5 mm) (9.0HU vs 9.6HU). PCD-CT-UHR (0.2 mm) had slightly higher noise level (11.1HU). Phantom PCD-CT-SR (0.4 mm) had higher SNR in comparison to EID-CT (0.5 mm) while achieving higher resolution (Bone 115 vs 96, Acrylic 14 vs 14, Polyethylene 11 vs 10). SNR was slightly lower across all densities for PCD-CT UHR (0.2 mm). Interestingly, CNR was highest in the 0.2 mm PCD-CT group; PCD-CT CNR was 2.45 and 2.88 times the CNR for 0.5 mm EID-CT for acrylic and poly densities. Clinical comparison of SNR showed predictably higher SNR for 1 mm (30.3 ± 10.7 vs 14.2 ± 7, p = 0.02). Median subjective ratings were higher for 0.2 mm UHR vs 1 mm PCD-CT for nodule contour (4.6 ± 0.3 vs 3.6 ± 0.1, p = 0.02), bone detail (5 ± 0 vs 4 ± 0.1, p = 0.001), image quality (5 ± 0.1 vs 4.6 ± 0.4, p = 0.001), and sharpness (5 ± 0.1 vs 4 ± 0.2). Both UHR and SR PCD-CT result in similar radiation dose levels. PCD-CT can achieve higher resolution with lower noise level in comparison to EID-CT. • Photon counting CT ultra-high resolution provides higher resolution with comparable radiation. • Photon counting CT ultra-high resolution outperforms Energy-Integrating CT in noise reduction and image quality. • Ultra-high resolution photon counting CT offers increased sharpness, detail compared to standard reconstructions. • Ultra-high resolution photon counting CT has significantly higher contrast to noise ratio. • Clinical study confirms improved sharpness and image quality with ultra-high resolution photon counting CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few investigations to date have analyzed the epidemiology of Hansen's disease (leprosy) in the United States, and in particular, if birth location is related to multibacillary versus paucibacillary leprosy. We collected data on 123 patients diagnosed with leprosy in Georgia from the National Hansen's Disease Program from 1923—January 2018. A logistic regression model was built to examine the relationship between country of origin (U.S.-born or immigrant) and the type of leprosy. While the model showed no significant relationship between country of origin and type of leprosy, being Asian or Pacific Islander was associated with a higher odds of multibacillary disease (aOR = 5.71; 95% CI: 1.25–26.29). Furthermore, since the early 1900s, we found an increasing trend of leprosy reports in Georgia among both domestic born and immigrant residents, despite the overall decrease in cases in the United States during the same time period. More research is therefore necessary to further evaluate risk for multibacillary leprosy in certain populations and to create targeted interventions and prevention strategies. Leprosy is often believed to not be an issue in many countries. However, the disease is still very much a problem globally, and in the past several decades has been on the rise in the United States. Frequently the disease is misdiagnosed several times before appropriately treated. Although newly diagnosed cases in the United States only remain around 160 every year, there is limited investigation of leprosy in the United States. As the concern over transmission from armadillos continues to rise, coupled with the increase in connectedness of the global population, it is important to be able to identify populations at higher risk for the more infectious form of leprosy, multibacillary leprosy, for targeted interventions. The researchers sought to investigate which populations are at higher risk for this more infectious form, while also describing the history of cases in the state of Georgia. By adding to the body of literature on leprosy in the United States, it is the hope that more research will be produced that provides a better understanding of the disease trends within the country, while also enabling more targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fecal incontinence (FI) and chronic constipation (CC) are disabling symptoms that cause a significant public health problem. The pathophysiology of combined constipation and FI is not fully understood. Our aim was to delineate the clinical, physiological and anatomical factors that may contribute to the association of FI and CC. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in a pelvic floor unit in a tertiary medical center. Consecutive female patients diagnosed with CC were included, and further divided into two groups according to the co-occurrence of FI. Demographic characteristics, anorectal physiology (obtained by manometry) and pelvic anatomical pathology (as assessed by dynamic pelvic ultrasound) were recorded and subsequently compared. Results: A total of 267 women were included in the study. Of those, 62 patients (23%) had an associated FI (CCFI). The CCFI group had higher body mass index (BMI) levels and a trend toward younger average age as compared to the group without FI (CCNFI). The number of vaginal and instrumental deliveries was similar in both groups. Anal resting and squeeze pressures were significantly lower in the CCFI group (64 ± 21 vs 48 ± 18, p = 0.004 and 141 ± 136.2 vs. 97.5 ± 38.6, p = 0.02, respectively). Rectal sensation abnormalities were common, but did not differ between both groups. Dyssynergic defecation and rectocele were more common in the CCNFI group (68% vs. 51%, p = 0.04 and 39% vs. 24%, p = 0/045, respectively. Conclusions: Lower anal pressures and higher BMI were found among women with coexisting FI and CC. Pelvic floor anatomical and functional abnormalities are common in women diagnosed with CC and FI, but dyssynergia and diagnosis of significant rectocele, which cause obstructed defecation, were more common in the CCNFI group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on historical context behind executive compensation in the U.S. Topics discussed include how American society has approached the issue of executive compensation, both in the courts and in boardrooms; avenues American government has previously taken to address executive compensation such as taxation, and mandatory disclosure requirements; and Securities and Exchange Commission Pay Ratio Disclosure Rule.

The goal of this study was to examine driver performance under different combinations of horizontal and vertical alignment in rural two-lane roads. The SHRP2 roadway information database (RID) was used to identify study sites on rural two lane roads from New York and Pennsylvania that included tangent sections, straight grades, horizontal curves, vertical curves, and combinations. The study included the development of an algorithm that used the RID to identify vertical curves. For these study sites, time series data, forward video, and eye glance data were extracted for a sample of drivers and trips from the SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study (NDS). The time series data included kinematics variables such as speed, acceleration, lane position, distance from left and right lane markings, and steering wheel position. The forward video provided the driver's viewpoint, and was used to record events such as presence of lead vehicle, presence of vehicle in the opposing lane, and intrusions from vehicles and other road users. The eye glance data provided information on where a driver was looking every fraction of a second. The analysis of the NDS data showed that the alignment categories that include a horizontal curve have the worst performance in terms of the lane deviation measures. In addition, sharper horizontal curves are associated with the higher absolute values of lane deviation. The analysis was conducted using both disaggregate and aggregate methods. Comparison of the CMFs from a recent study by the Federal Highway Administration [1] with the performance measures indicates a good match with the lane deviation measures, indicating that the lane deviation measures could serve as good surrogates for crash propensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until recently, corpus studies of natural bilingual speech and, more specifically, codeswitching in bilingual speech have used a manual method of glossing, part-of-speech tagging, and clause-splitting to prepare the data for analysis. In our article, we present innovative tools developed for the first large-scale corpus study of codeswitching triggered by cognates. A study of this size was only possible due to the automation of several steps, such as morpheme-by-morpheme glossing, splitting complex clauses into simple clauses, and the analysis of internal and external codeswitching through the use of database tables, algorithms, and a scripting language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding long-term impacts of agricultural landscapes on shallow groundwater quality is needed to improve soil and water management in the Twin Falls irrigation tract in southern Idaho. In 1999 and 2002 through 2007, we resampled 10 of the 15 tunnel drains monitored in a late-1960s study to determine how nutrient concentrations and flow rates of outflows have changed over time in response to changes in land management or climate. Since the late 1960s, an 8-fold increase in the dairy herd has driven shifts toward increased feed cropping, which, along with improved hybrids and production, increased inorganic and manure fertilizer use. The late-1960s to early-2000s period saw a consistent 1.4-fold increase in mean tunnel-drain outflow nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations (from 3.06 to 5.06 mg L−1 [ppm]), a 10% decrease in mean chloride (Cl) (from 49.2 to 44.2 mg L−1 [ppm]), and an overall 14% decrease in dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) (14 to 12 μg L−1 [ppb]). However, 3 of the 10 tunnels exhibited increased DRP concentrations during the period, and the rate of DRP increase was positively related to increasing encroachment of confined animal feeding operations or residential development. Decreases in tunnel flow between sampling periods were linearly related to corresponding increases in the fraction of sprinkler irrigation employed on lands drained by the tunnels (p = 0.01). However, further conversion from furrow to sprinkler irrigation is unlikely to reduce tunnel drain NO3-N concentrations since the latter were unrelated to changes in sprinkler coverage. The amount and timing of applied N and availability for crop uptake or leaching should be more carefully managed in these soils to prevent continued increases in groundwater NO3-N concentrations. It is recommended that alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) rotations be followed by deep-rooted crops with large N requirements to better utilize N mineralized from killed alfalfa roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeostatic regulation of visceral organ function requires integrated processing of neural and neurohormonal sensory signals. The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the primary sensory nucleus for cranial visceral sensory afferents. Angiotensin II (ANG II) is known to modulate peripheral visceral reflexes, in part, by activating ANG II type 1A receptors (AT1AR) in the NTS. AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons occur throughout the NTS with a defined subnuclear distribution, and most of these neurons are depolarized by ANG II. In this study we determined whether AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons receive direct visceral sensory input, and whether this input is modulated by ANG II. Using AT1AR-GFP mice to make targeted whole cell recordings from AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons, we demonstrate that two-thirds (37 of 56) of AT1AR-expressing neurons receive direct excitatory, visceral sensory input. In half of the neurons tested (4 of 8) the excitatory visceral sensory input was significantly reduced by application of the transient receptor potential vallinoid type 1 receptor agonist, capsaicin, indicating AT1AR-expressing neurons can receive either C- or A-fiber-mediated input. Application of ANG II to a subset of second-order AT1AR-expressing neurons did not affect spontaneous, evoked, or asynchronous glutamate release from visceral sensory afferents. Thus it is unlikely that AT1AR-expressing viscerosensory neurons terminate on AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons. Our data suggest that ANG II is likely to modulate multiple visceral sensory modalities by altering the excitability of second-order AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first issue of Lighting Research and Technology was published in 1969. This is the first issue of the 50th volume. This paper summarises the origins and development of the journal as well as describing how both the nature and sources of papers have changed over the years. The challenges facing the journal are described and the objectives for the future are specified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed Matrix type membranes (MMMs) containing 10 wt% of either silicalite, SAPO – 34, and ZIF – 8 in polyimide Matrimid were fabricated and tested for their suitability to separate a number of gas mixtures by conducting single gas permeation experiments using H 2 , CO 2 , N 2 , and CH 4 gases. The transport of these gases through the polymeric and inorganic membrane phases, as well as their interfacial voids, have additionally been distinguished from each other by fabricating MMMs containing non-calcined fillers of silicalite and SAPO-34. The ideal selectivities that have been calculated using the experimentally determined permeabilities can be attributed to the relative pore size and volume of the fillers in each membrane, as well as changes to the mobility of polymer chains in the vicinity of fillers. Due to its large pore volume as well as simultaneous reductions of interfacial voids and polymer chain mobility, ideal selectivities and gas permeabilities that are higher than those achieved by a neat Matrimid membrane have been achieved using ZIF – 8 containing MMMs. For the ZIF – 8 containing membranes, the largest permeabilities for H 2 , CO 2 , N 2 , and CH 4 were found to be 51.1, 15.5, 0.64, and 0.54 barrer, respectively. This H 2 permeability in particular was found to be the most outstanding out of all of the membranes that have been tested, and ideal selectivities for the separation of H 2 /N 2 , and H 2 /CH 4 , were found to be 80.3 and 102, respectively. The performance of the membranes that were fabricated using uncalcined silicalite and SAPO-34 also suggest that the structure of the Matrimid phase is altered by the addition of these fillers as greater selectivities at the expense of permeability were also achieved using these MMMs in comparison to a neat Matrimid membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin II acts via two main receptors within the central nervous system, with the type 1A receptor (AT1AR) most widely expressed in adult neurons. Activation of the AT1R in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the principal nucleus receiving central synapses of viscerosensory afferents, modulates cardiovascular reflexes. Expression of the AT1R occurs in high density within the NTS of most mammals, including humans, but the fundamental electrophysiological and neurochemical characteristics of the AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons are not known. To address this, we have used a transgenic mouse, in which the AT1AR promoter drives expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Approximately one-third of AT1AR-expressing neurons express the catecholamine-synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and a subpopulation of these stained for the transcription factor paired-like homeobox 2b (Phox2b). A third group, comprising approximately two-thirds of the AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons, showed Phox2b immunoreactivity alone. A fourth group in the ventral subnucleus expressed neither TH nor Phox2b. In whole cell recordings from slices in vitro, AT1AR-GFP neurons exhibited voltage-activated potassium currents, including the transient outward current and the M-type potassium current. In two different mouse strains, both AT1AR-GFP neurons and TH-GFP neurons showed similar AT1AR-mediated depolarizing responses to superfusion with angiotensin II. These data provide a comprehensive description of AT1AR-expressing neurons in the NTS and increase our understanding of the complex actions of this neuropeptide in the modulation of viscerosensory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin regulates appetite and energy homeostasis through the activation of leptin receptors (ObR) on hypothalamic neurones; hence, leptin must be transported through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to reach its target sites in the central nervous system. During obesity, however, leptin BBB transport is decreased, in part precluding leptin as a viable clinical therapy against obesity. Although the short isoform of the ObR (ObRa) has been implicated in the transport of leptin across the BBB as a result of its elevated expression in cerebral microvessels, accumulating evidence indicates that leptin BBB transport is independent of ObRa. In the present study, we employed an ObR-neutralising antibody (9F8) to directly examine the involvement of endothelial ObR in leptin transport across an in vitro human BBB model composed of the human endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. Our results indicate that, although leptin transport across the endothelial monolayer was nonparacellular, and energy- and endocytosis-dependent, it was not inhibited by pre-treatment with 9F8, despite the ability of the latter to recognise hCMEC/D3-expressed ObR, prevent leptin–ObR binding and inhibit leptin- induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) phosphorylation in hCMEC/D3 cells. Furthermore, hCMEC/D3 cells expressed the transporter protein low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-2 (LRP-2), which is capable of binding and endocytosing leptin. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that leptin binding to and signalling through ObR is not required for efficient transport across human endothelial monolayers, indicating that ObR is not the primary leptin transporter at the human BBB, a role which may fall upon LRP-2. A deeper understanding of leptin BBB transport will help clarify the exact causes for leptin resistance seen in obesity and aid in the development of more efficient BBB-penetrating leptin analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially available thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membrane (GE AG) and asymmetric cellulose acetate membrane (GE CE) have been characterized using different concentrations of ammonium sulfate, up to 40 g·l − 1 , in order to determine their suitability for the concentration of ammonium as ammonium sulfate from anaerobic digester digestate. At the manufacturer specified pressures of 1550 kPa and 2900 kPa, the solvent permeances for the GE AG and the GE CE membranes were found to be 2.1 × 10 − 5 and 7.4 × 10 − 6 l·m − 2 ·h − 1 ·Pa − 1 , respectively. These permeances were practically independent of feed concentration. At the same time, both membranes showed excellent solute rejections, which decreased slightly with feed concentration, but were generally greater than 0.99. Consequently, the lower pressure GE AG membranes were considered to be more suitable for the separation of ammonium sulfate, and they were further tested at pressures exceeding the manufacturer specified value. These experiments revealed a slight decrease in solvent permeance for up to 17%, as well as a slight decrease in solute rejection, which was 0.97 or greater. Given these results, both membranes studied in this research are suitable for future investigations; first using multi-ion aqueous solutions and then pre-treated anaerobic digester digestate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New mutations in mitochondrial DNA encoded genes of complex I are rarely reported. An infant developed Leigh disease with infantile spasms. Complex I enzyme activity was deficient and response to increasing coenzyme Q concentrations was reduced. Complex I assembly was intact. A new mutation in MT-ND1 m.3928G>C p.V208L, affecting a conserved amino acid in a critical domain, part of the coenzyme Q binding pocket, was present at high heteroplasmy. The unaffected mother did not carry measurable mutant mitochondrial DNA, but concern remained for gonadal mosaicism. Prenatal testing was possible for a subsequent sibling. The ND1 p.V208L mutation causes Leigh disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Density functional theory in the LDA+U approximation is used to calculate the electronic structure of germanium δ doped with phosphorus and arsenic. We characterize the principal band minima of the two-dimensional electron gas created by δ doping and their dependence on the dopant concentration. Populated first at low concentrations is a set of band minima at the perpendicular projection of the bulk conduction band minima at L into the (kx,ky) plane. At higher concentrations, band minima at Γ and Δ become involved. Valley splittings and effective masses are computed using an explicit-atom approach, taking into account the effects of disorder in the arrangement of dopant atoms in the δ plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory is used to quantify the interaction of a pair of ¼-monolayer phosphorus s-doped layers in silicon. We investigate changes in the electronic structure as the distance between the two δ-doped layers is altered and identify the onset of interactions between the transverse and longitudinal bands. The calculations show that the valley splitting is insensitive to the separation distance, while the interlayer band splittings are insensitive to the representation used to describe the dopant disorder. These observations are exploited in a hybrid model which enables the calculation of accurate splittings of realistically disordered systems at tractable computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Arc detection and power supply response technology have evolved over the years to provide significant enhancement to virtually all thin film sputtering processes. While arcing can vary in severity and process impact it is generally accepted that arcs will occur, at some level, through the course of a typical deposition. The complexity of arc detection and response has grown as thin films continue to scale becoming increasingly sensitive to the particles arcs generate. Effective optimization of arc handling requires an understanding of both the nature of, and the contributors to, arcs that are occurring. Minimizing the impact of arcs requires an appropriate response that considers their characteristics and the elements that influence or interact with these characteristics. This study evaluates many of the key factors that influence arc rate, arc energy and arc persistence in large area sputtering applications. Interactions between arc behaviors and methods used to handle them are shown to offer key insight for methods extending beyond arc handling and into what is now called arc management. Ultimately, optimized arc management offers promise for controlling the factors that affect arc formation and persistence. This, in the end, allows for more intelligent response to the arcs that occur and better control over the impact arcs have on the deposition being performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

R. A. Armstrong, D. Carter and N. J. Cairns (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 38, 25-38 A quantitative study of the neuropathology of 32 sporadic and familial cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 proteinopathy (FTLD-TDP) Aims: To further characterize the neuropathology of the heterogeneous molecular disorder frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) proteinopathy (FTLD-TDP). Methods: We quantified the neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, glial inclusions, neuronal intranuclear inclusions, dystrophic neurites, surviving neurones, abnormally enlarged neurones, and vacuoles in regions of the frontal and temporal lobe using a phosphorylation-independent TDP-43 antibody in 32 cases of FTLD-TDP comprising sporadic and familial cases, with associated pathology such as hippocampal sclerosis (HS) or Alzheimer's disease (AD), and four neuropathological subtypes using TDP-43 immunohistochemistry. Analysis of variance ( anova) was used to compare differences between the various groups of cases. Results: These data from FTLD-TDP cases demonstrate quantitative differences in pathological features between: (i) regions of the frontal and temporal lobe; (ii) upper and lower cortex; (iii) sporadic and progranulin ( GRN) mutation cases; (iv) cases with and without AD or HS; and (v) between assigned subtypes. Conclusions: The data confirm that the dentate gyrus is a major site of neuropathology in FTLD-TDP and that most laminae of the cerebral cortex are affected. GRN mutation cases are quantitatively different from sporadic cases, while cases with associated HS and AD have increased densities of dystrophic neurites and abnormally enlarged neurones respectively. There is little correlation between the subjective assessment of subtypes and the more objective quantitative data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An L-band low-noise phased array feed antenna was designed, fabricated, and characterized experimentally. The element design was optimized for an active impedance matching condition with a given set of nonuniform amplitude beamformer coefficients associated with a formed PAF beam. Using measured array S-parameters and modeled array element patterns, the predicted boresight beam equivalent system noise temperature and aperture efficiency at prime focus with uncooled low-noise amplifiers were 42 K and 61% at 1600 MHz. Experimental measurements of receiver noise using an array Y-factor technique matched modeled predictions. The array feed was mounted on the Arecibo radio telescope for on-reflector characterization. The measured boresight beam sensitivity figure of merit (Tsys/ηap) was 88 K and the 1 dB sensitivity bandwidth was 450 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A relative quantification system (RQ-PCR) was used to monitor the correlations between the activity of the nor-1 (= aflD) gene of Aspergillus flavus using real-time PCR in relation to phenotypic aflatoxin B (AFB) production and populations of A. flavus in stored peanuts at three water activity levels (a, 0·95, 0·90 and 0·85) for 6 weeks. Real-time PCR was used to amplify the nor-1 gene (target gene), and benA56 (β-tubulin gene) used as a control gene. Expression of three structural genes, nor-1 (=aflD), ver-1 (= aflM), and omtA (= aflP), and the regulatory gene aflR of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway were also assayed. There were significant differences between nor-1 gene expression at the three a levels; higher expression at 0·90 a in weeks 1-3, when compared to 0·95. In contrast, in the driest treatment (0·85 a) none or very low nor-1 expression occurred. The populations of A. flavus colony-forming units (CFUs g) increased over time with the highest at 0·95 a. Highest AFB production was at 0·90 and 0·95 a from weeks 3-6. A had a significant effect on aflR transcription at 0·95 a over the 6-week period, while at 0·90 a, only in the last 2 weeks. Correlations between different factors showed that log AFB × log CFUs, log AFB × a, and log CFUs × a were statistically significant, while log CFUs × RQ-PCR and RQ-PCR × a were not. The AflR gene may not have an important role in the regulation of nor-1 expression in food matrices (e.g. peanuts). Determination of correlations between nor-1 expression and aflatoxin production by A. flavus in raw peanuts under different a levels could be helpful to predict potential risk of aflatoxin production during storage of this hygroscopic food product and minimize contamination with the AFB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramuscular adrenocorticotropic hormone putatively constitutes the most efficacious treatment for infantile spasms. Adrenocorticotropic hormone in the United States is an “orphan drug,” made by a single manufacturer. The price of adrenocorticotropic hormone increased almost 14-fold on August 27, 2007. We sought to evaluate the impact of this price increase on treatment practices at our institution, using a retrospective chart review of all children with infantile spasms treated during 2007-2009. We identified 97 patients whose spasms were treated using antiepileptic drugs, and we determined the length of stay for those hospitalized to initiate adrenocorticotropic hormone. Patients before the price increase were more likely to have been treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone as first medication, and were hospitalized 2.2 ± 0.5 S.D. days for initiation. Patients after the price increase were more likely to have been treated initially with oral antiepileptic drugs rather than adrenocorticotropic hormone (P < 0.002). Those commencing adrenocorticotropic hormone after the price increase were hospitalized significantly longer (5.1 ± 0.6 days S.D., P < 0.001). Treatment choices need to be evidence-based, but other factors often influence them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Accessible summary • The attitudes of mental health professionals towards medication play a crucial and influential role in service users' uptake of treatments. Evidence suggests that when service users receive their medication via depot injection, compliance improves and relapse rates are reduced. It is vital that mental health service users are involved in decision making about the mode by which their antipsychotic medication is delivered. Despite this, few studies have investigated the attitudes and beliefs that healthcare professionals hold about depot medication. No reviews have looked at health professionals' attitudes towards depot medication alone. • Depots are seen as old fashioned, stigmatizing, causing side effects and being costly, and they are often not prescribed because of a presumed adherence to oral medication. • In the current study it has been found that research in this field is sparse, and studies have mixed quality. An issue that should be investigated when looking at prescribing of depot medication is that of non-medical prescribers, especially nurses. Nurses have a different relationship to the service users when compared with consultant psychiatrists, and this can have an impact on service users' choice of medication. Healthcare professionals are key providers of information about antipsychotic medication and may have a significant influence on the decisions that service users make about how their medication is delivered. This systematic review aimed to explore health professionals' attitudes and beliefs towards antipsychotic depot medication. A systematic search of AMED, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, HEALTH BUSINESS ELITE, HMIC, MEDLINE and PsycINFO was carried out, as well as hand searches of journals and citation searches. Studies were selected if the terms ‘attitudes/beliefs’ and ‘depot/injection’ were included in the title or abstract, if health professionals were participants in the study and if original data were included. The search strategy produced 131 papers. Eight relevant studies were then selected for the review. They included six cross-sectional surveys and two qualitative studies. It was shown that the research carried out is still very sparse. Depots are seen as old fashioned, stigmatizing, causing side effects and being costly, and they are often not prescribed because of a presumed adherence to oral medication. More research needs to be carried out to further explore these issues, to look at the role of non-medical prescribers and explore the relationship between health professionals' attitudes and those of service users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic anal pain is relatively common as a presentation to specialist physicians and surgeons. Currently, it is regarded as a functional disorder upon the exclusion of occult intersphincteric sepsis. Our study assessed an unselected cohort of patients presenting with chronic previously undiagnosed anal pain using routine ultrasonography. All patients referred to a tertiary gastroenterology service between January 2005 and January 2008 with a diagnosis of chronic anal pain (>3 months duration with no clinical anorectal signs) underwent endoanal and static and dynamic transperineal ultrasound to assess for the frequency and pattern of occult intersphincteric sepsis. Of 1,580 patients referred, there were 146 presenting with chronic anal pain as a main symptom. Of these, 37 (25.3%) had intersphincteric sepsis (ISS) diagnosed with ultrasound examination with 17 undergoing evaluable surgery. There was a male preponderance (70.3%) with the diagnosis being made in 46% of cases after 6 months of symptoms and with 80.8% having posteriorly located sepsis. This occurred on a background of 62% having previous acute proctological conditions. There was complete ultrasonographic and operative concordance with 15 becoming asymptomatic after surgery at a mean follow-up of 6 months. Occult intersphincteric sepsis is not uncommon and is diagnosed using routine ultrasonography at the time of clinical presentation. Endoanal and transperineal ultrasound is recommended as part of the investigative armamentarium to exclude categorization as functional anorectal pain. This is currently not part of the Rome III coding for such a diagnosis suggesting a revision of these diagnostic criteria for the ultimate diagnosis of functional proctalgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike eutherian mammals, the colon of the Australian common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, a metatherian mammal, is incapable of electrogenic Cl− secretion and has elevated levels of electrogenic Na+ absorption, while the ileum secretes HCO rather than Cl−. In eutherian mammals, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is essential for both Cl− and HCO secretion and the regulation of Na+ absorption. Therefore, we have sequenced possum (p)CFTR, described its distribution and characterized the properties of cloned pCFTR expressed in Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells. pCFTR (GenBank accession No. AY916796) has a 1,478 amino acid open reading frame, which has >90% identity with CFTR from other marsupials and >80% identity with non-rodent eutherian mammals. In pCFTR, there is a high level of conservation of the transmembrane and nucleotide binding domains although, with the exception of other marsupials, there is considerable divergence from other species in the R domain. FRT cells transfected with pCFTR express mature CFTR protein which functions as a small Cl− channel activated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. In whole-cell recordings it has a linear, time and voltage-independent conductance, with a selectivity sequence $$ P_{\text{Br}} > P_{\text{Cl}} > P_{\text{I}} > P_{{{\text{HCO}}_{ 3} }} \gg P_{\text{Gluconate}} . $$ pCFTR transcript is present in a range of epithelia, including the ileum and the colon. The presence of pCFTR in the ileum and its measured HCO permeability suggest that it may be involved in ileal HCO secretion. Why the possum colon does not secrete Cl− and has elevated electrogenic Na+ absorption, despite the apparent expression of CFTR, remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews developments in hybrid light guidance systems. In these daylight and electric light are simultaneously delivered into a building where they are combined and distributed via luminaires. The technology used in hybrid systems, both conceptual and realised, is discussed. The review speculates as to their likely performance in terms of daylight delivery; capital and running costs; user reaction to the systems; potential impact of the systems on the building which they light; and suitable design methods. It is noted that a substantial amount of work remains before the potential of hybrid systems may be realised, notably on their long-term economics and feasibility in different geographic locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a renewed enthusiasm about subunit vaccines for malaria coincident with the formation of new alliances and partnerships raising international public awareness, attracting increased resources and the re-focusing of research programs on adjuvant development for infectious disease vaccines. It is generally accepted that subunit vaccines for malaria will require adjuvants to induce protective immune responses, and availability of suitable adjuvants has in the past been a barrier to the development of malaria vaccines. Several novel adjuvants are now in licensed products or in late stage clinical development, while several others are in the earlier development pipeline. Successful vaccine development requires knowing which adjuvants to use and knowing how to formulate adjuvants and antigens to achieve stable, safe, and immunogenic vaccines. For the majority of vaccine researchers this information is not readily available, nor is access to well-characterized adjuvants. In this minireview, we outline the current state of adjuvant research and development as it pertains to effective malaria vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present intermediate-resolution spectroscopic data for a set of dwarf and giant galaxies in the Coma cluster, with The photometric and kinematic properties of the brighter galaxies can be cast in terms of parameters which present little scatter with respect to a set of scaling relations known as the fundamental plane. To determine the form of these fundamental scaling relations at lower luminosities, we have measured velocity dispersions for a sample comprising 69 galaxies on the border of the dwarf and giant regime. Combining these data with our photometric survey, we find a tight correlation of luminosity and velocity dispersion, , substantially flatter than the Faber–Jackson relation characterizing giant elliptical galaxies. In addition, the variation of mass-to-light ( M/ L) ratio with velocity dispersion is quite weak in our dwarf sample: Our overall results are consistent with theoretical models invoking large-scale mass removal and subsequent structural readjustment, e.g. as a result of galactic winds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reports quantity and quality of daylight delivered by tubular daylight guidance systems in large open plan offices. The daylight contribution was of the order of 25% of total design workstation illuminance giving daylight penetration factors of between 0.5% and 1.3%. User views suggest that tubular daylight guidance systems were inferior to windows in delivery of both quantity and quality of daylight although satisfaction with some aspects improves with increased daylight penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron microscopy has been used to investigate whether the transversely striated columns of the connecting piece in the neck region of guinea pig spermatozoa, undergo lengthening and shortening as a result of the forces generated during motility. Motile spermatozoa were subjected to near-instantaneous rapid freezing, followed by freeze-substitution fixation and epoxy embedment. Thin sections passing longitudinally through the striated columns revealed that the periodicity was indeed variable. The repeat period, taken to have an unstressed width of 60 nm, could be found extended to 75 nm in some specimens, and reduced to 54 nm in others. The estimates of the coefficients of variation were 6.6% for the width of the ‘dense’ band and 33.5% for the ‘pale’ band. The ‘pale’ band in the extended state showed longitudinal striae. Such variations in length, which – it is suggested – are physiological, and passively induced, would have functional implications for the flagellum – for both bend initiation and bend growth. Also, hypothetically, any mechanism that could increase the degree of compliance in these columns, such as perhaps phosphorylation of the constituent proteins, could permit the flagellum to develop the exaggerated bend angles and asymmetries of the ‘hyperactivated’ state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reports achieved conditions and user views in 14 buildings equipped with passive zenithal tubular daylight guidance systems and electric lighting and, in some cases, windows. The daylight contribution was in the order of 35% of total design workstation illuminance giving daylight factors of between 0.5 and 1.0%. User views elicited by questionnaire suggest that tubular daylight guidance systems (TDGS) were inferior to windows in delivery of both quantity and quality of daylight. Guidelines for the design of future systems are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing upon the methodology developed by Kenny and Acitelli (2001), this study examined empathic accuracy and assumed similarity in both parties' perceptions of coach-athlete relationships. One hundred and twenty-one coaches and athletes reported on their direct-perceptions and meta-perceptions of closeness, commitment and complementarity (3 Cs; Jowett & Cockerill, 2002), and of satisfaction with instruction, performance and external agents. There was evidence of both empathic accuracy and assumed similarity in coaches' and athletes' perceptions. Athletes were more accurate in identifying the specific content of their coaches' feelings in terms of closeness. Athletes and coaches from newly developed relationships displayed higher levels of empathic accuracy, whereas female athletes displayed higher levels of assumed similarity. Moreover, evidence suggested that athletes' and coaches' assumed similarity led to more accurate perceptions. Implications and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present radial velocities for a sample of 723 planetary nebulae in the disc and bulge of M31, measured using the WYFFOS fibre spectrograph on the William Herschel Telescope. Velocities are determined using the [O iii] λ5007 emission line. Rotation and velocity dispersion are measured to a radius of 50 arcmin (11.5 kpc), the first stellar rotation curve and velocity dispersion profile for M31 to such a radius. Our kinematics are consistent with rotational support at radii well beyond the bulge effective radius of 1.4 kpc, although our data beyond a radius of 5 kpc are limited. We present tentative evidence for kinematic substructure in the bulge of M31 to be studied fully in a later work. This paper is part of an ongoing project to constrain the total mass, mass distribution and velocity anisotropy of the disc, bulge and halo of M31. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illuminance conditions in real interiors are influenced by obstructions such as furniture or machinery located between luminaires and the working plane. Investigations based on electrically lit offices have shown relationships between the various geometric and photometric parameters of general lighting installations and magnitude of working state light loss caused by furniture. This paper investigates the influence of obstruction height, vertical and horizontal surface area, and luminaire type on working plane illuminance characteristics and light losses. The results are applicable to a much wider range of interiors than studied hitherto including industrial type interiors that differ markedly from offices in building scale, type of obstruction and lighting equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute phase response (APR) in cloned pigs derived from two different cell lines [C1 (n =2) and C2 (n =7)] as compared to genetically similar non-cloned pigs (CONT; n =11) following a lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 25μg/kg BW) challenge. Pigs were weaned at 21 days of age and maintained in individual pens in the same room until sample collection approximately 1 week later. Blood samples were collected every 30min for 2h prior to and 4h after the LPS challenge. Serum samples were analyzed for cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Average gestational length for cloned pigs, 118.8±0.97 days, was longer (P &#60;0.005) than that of CONT pigs, 114±0.41 days. For serum cortisol, there was a time by group interaction (P &#60;0.0001) such that the cortisol response was greater in CONT pigs as compared to C2 pigs (P &#60;0.0001), but not different from C1 pigs (P >0.74). A time by group interaction (P &#60;0.0001) was observed for serum TNF-α such that the TNF-α response was greater in CONT pigs as compared to C2 pigs (P =0.0002) and tended to be greater (P &#60;0.06) than C1 pigs. A time by group interaction (P &#60;0.0001) was also observed for serum IL-6 such that the serum IL-6 response was greater (P &#60;0.003) in CONT pigs as compared to C2 pigs and there was a trend (P =0.10) for serum IL-6 to be greater in CONT pigs compared to the C1 pigs. These are the first results to demonstrate that cortisol and proinflammatory cytokine profiles associated with the APR of cloned pigs are altered compared to genetically similar non-cloned pigs. Our results also indicate that the cell line from which clones are derived may dictate the APR. The hormone and cytokine profiles reported herein are a significant contribution towards our understanding, and perhaps our ability to prevent or reduce the incidence of premature deaths in cloned animals and warrants further investigation of the immune system of cloned animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BSTRACT: Microwave vacuum drying has been investigated as promising potential for high-quality dried fruits. In this study, a batch microwave vacuum dryer was used to understand the effect of levels of microwave power on the drying characteristics and moisture content of grapes. Thompson seedless grapes were treated 1st for 30, 60, and 90 min at fixed levels of 500, 750,1000,1250, and 1500 W at a reduced pressure of 2.7 kPa and then treated by 3 staged microwave power levels: a higher level of power during the initial stages of dehydration and 2 subsequently lower levels of power applied as the moisture content decreased. A typical temperature profile was found during the drying process, linearly increasing at the start of drying, followed by a nearly constant value during the drying period while water was evaporating. The total specific energy estimated by the energy balance model was 0.97 to 1.01 W-h/g of fresh grapes and agreed well with the experimental specific energy of 0.85 to 0.90 W-h/g for the fixed power tests. The multiple regression results showed that the specific energy was the most influential parameter on the final moisture content of grapes both in fixed and incremental power levels. Further research is needed to further improve the process with high efficiency and good product quality using product temperature as a control measure. Keywords: microwave vacuum dehydration, specific energy, fruits, grapes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article identifies and defines a recurrentfigure in Sophoclean tragedy, which I call the co-operator, distinct from the more familiar hero and adviser figures. This figure is distinguished primarily by his role (sic: the figure is typically male), which is to be someone on whom the hero must depend. He acts without obligation and frequently against expectation. This behaviour can therefore only be explained in terms of the character of the co-operator: a propensity to respect and sympathise with the hero. I use the term 'role' to mean the dramatic function assumed by a figure within the plot. A character can assume a role, or discard it, at various stages in a play. Hence, not all the co-operators begin as co-operators. An extreme example of a drama in which roles can be fluid is Antigone, which I discuss towards the end of the article. Significant variation on the theme of the co-operator is also found in the role of Hyllus in the exodos of Trachiniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the presence of neural progenitor cells (NPC) in the retina of other species capable of differentiating into multiple neural components, the authors report the presence of NPC in the adult human retina. A resident population of NPC suggests that the retina may constitutively replace neurons, photoreceptors, and glia. Methods: Adult human postmortem retinal explants and cell suspensions were used to generate cells in tissue culture that display the features of NPC. The phenotype of cells and differentiation into neurons was determined by immunocytochemistry. Dividing cells were labelled with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and neurospheres were generated and passaged. Results: Cells labelled with nestin, neurofilament M (NFM), rhodopsin, or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) grew out from explant cultures. BrdU labelling of these cells occurred only with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Dissociated retina and pars plana generated primary neurospheres. From primary neurospheres, NPC were passaged to generate secondary neurospheres, neurons, photoreceptors, and glia. BrdU labelling identified dividing cells from neurospheres that differentiated to express NFM and rhodopsin. Conclusion: The adult human retina contains NPC and may have the potential to replace neurons and photoreceptors. This has implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal disorders and degenerations, including glaucoma, and those disorders associated with retinal scarring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a survey of user attitudes toward control systems and the luminous conditions they produce in 14 similar UK office buildings—seven sites with user controlled general lighting and seven sites without. The installations without user control had better conditions when judged in terms of conventional recommendations for task illuminance, and luminance ratios and levels. User opinion in installations with user control were more satisfied with planar illuminance and had more positive attitudes toward control, whilst other aspects relating to lighting quality were assessed similarly in the two types of installation. Given that the controllable systems were typically operated at 50% of maximum output it appears these systems offer considerable scope for energy saving without compromising occupants' perceived lighting quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study of open-plan office buildings equipped with locally addressable dimmable lighting relates luminance patterns and levels within the interior to users' subjective assessments of them. The parts of the field of view which appeared to be related to occupants' subjective assessments of lighting quality were identified. Luminance measurement was based on digital photography. Occupants on the whole had positive perceptions of lighting quality strongly suggesting that the significant energy savings previously shown to be attributable to systems were not achieved at the expense of occupant comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]