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European Space Agency's Mars Express (MEX) has been orbiting Mars for 20 years and its instruments have provided a plethora of observations of atmospheric dust and clouds. These observations have been analysed to produce many unique views of the processes leading to dust lifting and cloud formation, and a full picture of the climatologies of dust and clouds has emerged. Moreover, the orbit of MEX enables viewing the planet at many local times, giving a unique access to the diurnal variations of the atmosphere. This article provides an overview of the observations of dust and clouds on Mars by MEX, complemented by the Trace Gas Orbiter that has been accompanying MEX on orbit for some years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate if rare gene variants in women with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) provide clues to the mechanisms involved in the syndrome. Methods: Among participants in a prospective randomized study (Toftager et al. 2016), six women with predicted low and six women with predicted high risk of OHSS developing severe OHSS (grades 4 and 5, Golan classification) were selected. In the same cohort, six plus six matched controls developing no signs of OHSS (Golan grade 0) were selected. Whole-exome sequencing was performed. Analysis using a predefined in silico OHSS gene panel, variant filtering, and pathway analyses was done. Results: We found no convincing monogenetic association with the development of OHSS using the in silico gene panel. Pathway analysis of OHSS variant lists showed substantial overlap in highly enriched top pathways (p value range p < 0.0001 and p > 9.8E-17) between the low- and high-risk group developing severe OHSS, i.e., "the integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway" and the "axonal guidance signaling pathway," both being connected to vasoactive endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial function. Conclusion: Rare variants in OHSS cases with two distinct risk profiles enrich the same signaling pathways linked to VEGF and endothelial function. Clarification of the mechanism as well as potentially defining genetic predisposition of the high vascular permeability is important for future targeted treatment and prevention of OHSS; the potential roles of ILK signaling and the axonal guidance signaling need to be validated by functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate ground motions in the Pacific Northwest urban areas during M9 subduction scenario earthquakes on the Cascadia megathrust by simulating wave propagation from an ensemble of kinematic source descriptions. Velocities and densities in our computational mesh are defined by integrating the regional Cascadia Community Velocity Model (CVM) v1.6 (Stephenson et al. P-and S-wave velocity models incorporating the Cascadia subduction zone for 3D earthquake ground motion simulations—update for open-file report 2007–1348, US Geological Survey, 2017) including the ocean water layer with a local velocity model of the Georgia basin (Molnar, Predicting earthquake ground shaking due to 1D soil layering and 3D basin structure in SW British Columbia, Canada, 2011), including additional near-surface velocity information. We generate six source realizations, each consisting of a background slip distribution with correlation lengths, rise times and rupture velocities consistent with data from previous megathrust earthquakes (e.g., 2011 M 9 Tohoku or 2010 M 8.8 Maule). We then superimpose M ~ 8 subevents, characterized by short rise times and high stress drops on the background slip model to mimic high-frequency strong ground motion generation areas in the deeper portion of the rupture (Frankel, Bull Seismol Soc Am 107(1):372–386, 2017). The wave propagation is simulated using the discontinuous mesh (DM) version of the AWP finite difference code. We simulate frequencies up to 1.25 Hz, using a spatial discretization of 100 m in the fine grid, resulting in surface grid dimensions of 6540 × 10,728 mesh points. At depths below 8 km, the grid step increases to 300 m. We obtain stable and accurate results for the DM method throughout the simulation time of 7.5 min as verified against a solution obtained with a uniform 100 m grid spacing. Peak ground velocities (PGVs) range between 0.57 and 1.0 m/s in downtown Seattle and between 0.25 and 0.54 m/s in downtown Vancouver, while spectral accelerations at 2 s range between 1.7 and 3.6 m/s2 and 1.0 and 1.3 m/s2, respectively. These long-period ground motions are not significantly reduced if plastic Drucker-Prager yielding in shallow cohesionless sediments is taken into account. Effects of rupture directivity are significant at periods of ~ 10 s, but almost absent at shorter periods. We find that increasing the depth extent of the subducting slab from the truncation at 60 km in the Cascadia CVM version 1.6 to ~ 100 km increases the PGVs by 15% in Seattle and by 40% in Vancouver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that plastic yielding in crustal rocks in the fault zone may impose a physical limit to extreme ground motions. We explore the effects of fault-zone non-linearity on peak ground velocities (PGVs) by simulating a suite of surface-rupturing strike-slip earthquakes in a medium governed by Drucker-Prager plasticity using the AWP-ODC finite-difference code. Our simulations cover magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 8.0, three different rock strength models, and average stress drops of 3.5 and 7.0 MPa, with a maximum frequency of 1 Hz and a minimum shear-wave velocity of 500 m/s. Friction angles and cohesions in our rock models are based on strength criteria which are frequently used for fractured rock masses in civil and mining engineering. For an average stress drop of 3.5 MPa, plastic yielding reduces near-fault PGVs by 15-30% in pre-fractured, low strength rock, but less than 1% in massive, high-quality rock. These reductions are almost insensitive to magnitude. If the stress drop is doubled, plasticity reduces near-fault PGVs by 38-45% and 5-15% in rocks of low and high strength, respectively. Because non-linearity reduces slip rates and static slip near the surface, plasticity acts in addition to, and may partially be emulated by, a shallow velocity-strengthening layer. The effects of plasticity are exacerbated if a fault damage zone with reduced shear-wave velocities and reduced rock strength is present. In the linear case, fault-zone trapped waves result in higher near-surface peak slip rates and ground velocities compared to simulations without a low-velocity zone. These amplifications are balanced out by fault-zone plasticity if rocks in the damage zone exhibit low-to-moderate strength throughout the depth extent of the low-velocity zone ( $$\sim$$ 5 km). We also perform dynamic non-linear simulations of a high stress drop (8 MPa) M 7.8 earthquake rupturing the southern San Andreas fault along 250 km from Indio to Lake Hughes. Non-linearity in the fault damage zone and in near-surface deposits would reduce peak ground velocities in the Los Angeles basin by 15-50%, depending on the strength of crustal rocks and shallow sediments. These results show that non-linear effects may be relevant even at long periods, in particular in earthquakes with high stress drop and in the presence of a low-velocity fault damage zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settlement is critical to maintaining coral cover on reefs, yet interspecific responses of coral planulae to common benthic macroalgae are not well characterized. Larval survival and settlement of two Caribbean reef-building corals, the broadcast-spawner Acropora palmata and the planulae-brooder Porites astreoides, were quantified following exposure to plastic algae controls and the green macroalga Halimeda opuntia. Survival and settlement rates were not significantly affected by the presence of H. opuntia in either species. However, ~10 % of P. astreoides larvae settled on the surface of the macroalga, whereas larvae of A. palmata did not. It is unlikely that corals that settle on macroalgae will survive post-settlement; therefore, H. opuntia may reduce the number of P. astreoides and other non-discriminatory larvae that survive to adulthood. Our results suggest that the presence of macroalgae on impacted reefs can have unexpected repercussions for coral recruitment and highlight discrepancies in settlement specificity between corals with distinct life history strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Noble Gas Migration Experiment injected Xe, Ar, and sulfur hexafluoride into a former underground nuclear explosion shot cavity. These tracer gases were allowed to migrate from the cavity to near-surface and surface sampling locations and were detected in soil gas samples collected using various on-site inspection sampling approaches. Based on this experiment we came to the following conclusions: (1) SF was enriched in all of the samples relative to both Ar and Xe. (2) There were no significant differences in the Xe to Ar ratio in the samples relative to the ratio injected into the cavity. (3) The migratory behavior of the chemical and radiotracers did not fit typical diffusion modeling scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recent studies have reported nearly 40 % of costs associated with a 30-day episode-of-care for total joint replacements are due to post-discharge activities and 81 % of those are specifically due to unplanned readmissions and discharging patients to post-acute care facilities. The purpose of this study was to determine these two key variables for total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients implanted using a tissue-sparing surgical technique and to see how these values compare to those previously reported in the United States. Methods: The healthcare databases at three institutions were searched for primary THA patients implanted using the supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPath) surgical technique between January 2013 and July 2014. Data elements included 30-day all-cause readmission rate, discharge status, transfusion rate, complications, and length of stay (LOS). Results: Data were available for 479 THAs. The 30-day all-cause readmission rate, transfusion rate, and average LOS was 2.3, 3.3 %, and 1.6 days, respectively. Over 91 % of patients were discharged routinely home, 4.1 % to skilled nursing facilities, 3.8 % to home health care, and 0.6 % to inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Complications included dislocation (0.8 %), periprosthetic fracture (0.8 %), and deep vein thrombosis (0.2 %). There were no infections reported. Conclusions: Patients implanted using this tissue-sparing technique experienced reduced 30-day all-cause readmission rates (2.3 % vs. 4.2 %) and more were routinely discharged home (91.5 % vs. 27.3 %) than have been previously reported for patients in the United States. Use of this tissue-sparing technique has the potential to significantly reduce post-discharge costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) requires the detection of toxigenic C. difficile or its toxins and a clinical assessment. We evaluated the performance of four nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) detecting toxigenic C. difficile directly from faeces compared to routine toxigenic culture. In total, 300 faecal samples from Danish hospitalised patients with diarrhoea were included consecutively. Culture was performed in duplicate (routine and 'expanded toxigenic culture': prolonged and/or re-culture) and genotypic toxin profiling by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR ribotyping and toxinotyping (TT) were performed on culture-positive samples. In parallel, the samples were analysed by four NAATs; two targeting tcdA or tcdB (illumigene® C. difficile and PCRFast® C. difficile A/B) and two multi-target real-time (RT) PCR assays also targeting cdt and tcdC alleles characteristic of epidemic and potentially more virulent PCR ribotypes 027, 066 and 078 (GeneXpert® C. difficile/Epi and an 'in-house RT PCR' two-step algorithm). The multi-target assays were significantly more sensitive compared to routine toxigenic culture ( p < 0.05) and significantly more robust to inhibition compared to PCRFast ( p < 0.001). Duplicate 'expanded toxigenic culture' increased the culture-positive rate by 29 % compared to routine culture. The ability of the GeneXpert and in-house assays to correctly classify PCR ribotype 027 was high (>95 %), and in-house PCR displayed 100 % correct identification of PCR ribotypes 066 and 078. Furthermore, the presence of the PCR enhancer bovine serum albumin (BSA) was found to be related to high sensitivity and low inhibition rate. Rapid laboratory diagnosis of toxigenic C. difficile by RT PCR was accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is gradually being recognised as a cause of morbidity in the community. We investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of CDI in a community setting and characterised the C. difficile strains by toxin gene profiling and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyping. Patients included in the study had attended general practice, primarily because of diarrhoea; CDI patients (259 patients; 121 <2 years of age) had positive cultures for toxigenic C. difficile and non-CDI patients (455 patients) were culture-negative. Outcome variables included the frequency and duration of diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach ache, fever >38 °C, weight loss and sick leave. Data were analysed by logistic regression. CDI patients <2 and ≥2 years of age with C. difficile as the only enteropathogen in the faecal sample reported slimy stools (65 % vs. 62 %), stomach ache (60 % vs. 75 %), weight loss (50 % vs. 76 %) and duration of diarrhoea >15 days (59 % vs. 73 %) as the predominant symptoms. CDI patients ≥2 years old reported duration of diarrhoea >15 days more often compared to non-CDI patients (73 % vs. 27 %, p < 0.0001). The annual incidence of CDI was 518 and 23/100,000 for patients <2 and ≥2 years of age, respectively, and 46/100,000 in the subgroup of patients ≥60 years of age. CDI was characterised by stomach ache and persistent diarrhoea, often leading to weight loss. This emphasises the importance of diagnosing CDI not only in hospitalised patients, but also in individuals ≥2 years of age attending general practice because of gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in the elderly, where the incidence of CDI is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recurrent evolution of adaptive clines within a species can be used to elucidate the selective factors and genetic responses that underlie adaptation. White clover is polymorphic for cyanogenesis (HCN release with tissue damage), and climate-associated cyanogenesis clines have evolved throughout the native and introduced species range. This polymorphism arises through two independently segregating Mendelian polymorphisms for the presence/absence of two required components: cyanogenic glucosides and their hydrolyzing enzyme linamarase. Cyanogenesis is commonly thought to function in herbivore defense; however, the individual cyanogenic components may also serve other physiological functions. To test whether cyanogenesis clines have evolved in response to the same selective pressures acting on the same genetic targets, we examined cyanogenesis cline shape and its environmental correlates in three world regions: southern New Zealand, the central United States and the US Pacific Northwest. For some regional comparisons, cline shapes are remarkably similar despite large differences in the spatial scales over which clines occur (40-1600 km). However, we also find evidence for major differences in both the agents and targets of selection among the sampled clines. Variation in cyanogenesis frequency is best predicted using a combination of minimum winter temperature and aridity variables. Together, our results provide evidence that recurrent adaptive clines do not necessarily reflect shared adaptive processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of landscape structure and land management on dispersal of populations of wild species inhabiting the agricultural landscape was investigated focusing on the field vole (Microtus agrestis) in three different areas in Denmark using molecular genetic markers. The main hypotheses were the following: (i) organic farms act as genetic sources and diversity reservoirs for species living in agricultural areas and (ii) gene flow and genetic structure in the agricultural landscape are influenced by the degree of landscape complexity and connectivity. A total of 443 individual voles were sampled within 2 consecutive years from two agricultural areas and one relatively undisturbed grassland area. As genetic markers, 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci (nuclear markers) and the central part of the cytochrome-b (mitochondrial sequence) were analysed for all samples. The results indicate that management (that is, organic or conventional management) was important for genetic population structure across the landscape, but that landscape structure was the main factor shaping gene flow and genetic diversity. More importantly, the presence of organically managed areas did not act as a genetic reservoir for conventional areas, instead the most important predictor of effective population size was the amount of unmanaged available habitat (core area). The relatively undisturbed natural area showed a lower level of genetic structuring and genetic diversity compared with the two agricultural areas. These findings altogether suggest that political decisions for supporting wildlife friendly land management should take into account both management and landscape structure factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participants of the Second International Workshop (WS) on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of the International Society of Oncology and Biomarkers Tissue Differentiation 7 (ISOBM TD-7) have characterized in detail a panel of 69 antibodies (Abs) directed against hCG and hCG-related variants that were submitted by eight companies and research groups. Specificities of the Abs were determined using the First WHO International Reference Reagents for six hCG variants, i.e., hCG, hCGn, hCGβ, hCGβn, hCGβcf, and hCGα, which are calibrated in SI units, and hLH. Molecular epitope localizations were assigned to the ISOBM-mAbs by comparing ISOBM-Ab specificity, sandwich compatibility, and mutual inhibition profiles, to those of 17 reference monoclonal (m)Abs of known molecular epitope specificities. It appeared that 48 Abs recognized hCGβ-, 8 hCGα-, and 13 αβ-heterodimer-specific epitopes. Twenty-seven mAbs were of pan hCG specificity, two thereof with no (<0.1 %; epitope β 1), 12 with low (<1.0 %; epitopes β 2/4), and 13 with high (>>1 %; epitopes β 3/5) hLH cross-reactivity. The majority of hCGβ epitopes recognized were located in two major antigenic domains, one on the peptide chain of the tips of β-sheet loops 1 and 3 (epitopes β 2–6; 27 mAbs) and the second around the cystine knot (e.g., epitopes β 1, β 7, and β 10; 9 mAbs). Four mAbs recognized epitopes on hCGβcf-only (e.g., epitopes β 11 and β 13) and six mAbs epitopes on the remote hCGβ-carboxyl-terminal peptide (epitopes β 8 and β 9 corresponding to amino acids 135–144 and 111–116, respectively). For routine diagnostic measurements, methods are used that either detect hCG-only, hCGβ-only, or hCG together with hCGβ or hCG together with hCGβ and hCGβcf. Sandwich assays that measure hCG plus hCGβ and eventually hCGβcf should recognize the protein backbone of the analytes preferably on an equimolar basis, should not cross-react with hLH and not be susceptible to blunting of signal by nonmeasured variants like hCGβcf. Such assays can be constructed using pairs of mAbs directed against the cystine knot-associated epitope β 1 (Asp10, Asp60, and Gln89) in combination with epitopes β 2 or β 4 located at the top of β-sheet loops 1 + 3 of hCGβ involving aa hCGβ20-25 + 68-77. In summary, the results of the First and Second ISOBM TD-7 WSs on hCG provide the basis for harmonization of specificities and epitopes of mAbs to be used in multifunctional and selective diagnostic hCG methods for different clinical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleractinian coral populations are declining worldwide in response to a variety of factors including increases in sea surface temperatures. To evaluate the effects of predicted elevated seawater temperatures on coral recruitment, larvae from the coral Porites astreoides were exposed to seawater at ambient (27.3 °C) or elevated temperature (30.8 °C) conditions for 4, 24, or 48 h. Following exposure, larvae were tested for survival and settlement, oxidative stress, respiratory demand, and mRNA expression of heat-shock proteins (Hsps) 16 and 60. While elevated temperature had no effect on larval survival, settlement, or expression of Hsps, it did cause a significant increase in larval respiration, oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation), and antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase). The absence of a significant up-regulation of Hsp 16 or 60 expression in response to thermal stress suggests that the transcriptional expression of these genes is a less sensitive diagnostic tool compared to biomarkers of oxidative stress at the temperatures examined. The results of this study provide evidence that enhanced levels of oxidative stress are encountered in zooxanthellae-containing coral larvae in response to elevated temperatures and that this occurrence should be strongly considered for use as a biomarker when monitoring sub-lethal cellular responses to rising sea surface temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The study estimates the cost of poor and suboptimal refill compliance by estimating fracture costs and assessing the association between refill compliance with oral bisphosphonates and incident fractures using Danish health registers. Patients with poor and suboptimal refill compliance had more major osteoporotic fractures, and the direct costs related to hospital care, primary care, and pharmaceutical treatment for these excess fractures reached almost 14 M DKK (2.5 M USD) for the study population which compares to a national annual excess cost of around 17 M DKK (3.1 M USD) using 2011 prescription prevalence. Introduction: Adherence to oral anti-osteoporosis treatment has been shown in several studies to be relatively low and the potential impact on fracture burden is high. The aim of the study was to assess the association between refill compliance and all-cause health care costs. Methods: A national dataset was extracted with all treatment-naive patients who began oral bisphosphonate (BP) treatment for osteoporosis in Denmark between 1997 and 2006 ( N = 54,876, 87 % women). Patients who survived for at least 2 years ( N = 47,176) were divided into groups based on Medication Possession Ratio (MPR). Logistic regressions were used to derive difference in the probability of incident fractures between the three MPR groups. Fracture costs (related to medication use, primary care practice, specialists, and hospitals) were derived by comparing cost 12 months before and after fracture. Results: For alendronate, the adjusted risk of major osteoporotic fractures was significantly reduced (OR 0.768; 0.686-0.859), including fractures of the hip (0.718; 0.609-0.846) and humerus (0.54; 0.431-0.677) with MPR ≥ 0.8. The risk reduction was lower with etidronate. Over 2 years, a total of 171 hip fractures and 53 other major osteoporotic fractures were attributed to suboptimal or poor refill compliance, with an excess cost of 13.7 M DKK (2.5 M USD). Conclusions: Poor refill compliance is not unusual in patients on oral bisphosphonates, and we demonstrate that this is accompanied by excess major osteoporotic fractures and health care costs at the societal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of developing several diseases, but much is unknown about the molecular effects involved. Gene expression technology is increasingly being used to elucidate molecular mechanisms related to nutritional factors, and in this study of free-living, middle-aged Norwegian women, we aimed at identifying gene expression pathways in the blood associated with vitamin D status.Subjects/Methods:Blood samples and questionnaires were collected as a part of the Norwegian Women and Cancer Post-genome Cohort (500 invited subjects, 218 included). Plasma 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and we compared groups with sufficient versus deficient vitamin D status (25(OH)D >50 nmol/l (n=66) versus <37.5 nmol/l (n=83)), to identify differences in gene expression profiles obtained using full-genome microarrays.Results:In a targeted pathway-level analysis, several immunological processes, immune cell functions and major signaling pathways were differentially regulated according to vitamin D status (P<0.01). To a certain degree, results from in vitro studies reported in the literature were reflected in this population setting.Conclusions:We conclude that vitamin D status measured as 25(OH)D was associated with molecular pathways that may ultimately affect the potential onset of diseases. The use of gene expression analysis in a population setting may give valuable input to the study of effects of nutritional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that radon is present in relatively high concentrations below the surface of the Earth due to natural decay of uranium and thorium. However, less information is available on the background levels of other isotopes such as Xe and Xe produced via spontaneous fission of either manmade or naturally occurring elements. The background concentrations of radioxenon in the subsurface are important to understand because these isotopes potentially can be used to confirm violations of the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty during an on-site inspection. Recently, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory measured radioxenon concentrations from the subsurface at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site (NNSS-formerly known as the Nevada Test Site) to determine whether xenon isotope background levels could be detected from spontaneous fission of naturally occurring uranium or legacy Pu as a result of historic nuclear testing. In this paper, we discuss the results of those measurements and review the sources of xenon background that must be taken into account during OSI noble gas measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosol collections were initiated at several locations by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) shortly after the Great East Japan earthquake of May 2011. Aerosol samples were transferred to laboratory high-resolution gamma spectrometers for analysis. Similar to treaty monitoring stations operating across the Northern hemisphere, iodine and other isotopes which could be volatilized at high temperature were detected. Though these locations are not far apart, they have significant variations with respect to water, mountain-range placement, and local topography. Variation in computed source terms will be shown to bound the variability of this approach to source estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds are among the greatest pests of agriculture, causing billions of dollars in crop losses each year. As crop field management practices have changed over the past 12 000 years, weeds have adapted in turn to evade human removal. This evolutionary change can be startlingly rapid, making weeds an appealing system to study evolutionary processes that occur over short periods of time. An understanding of how weeds originate and adapt is needed for successful management; however, relatively little emphasis has been placed on genetically characterizing these systems. Here, we review the current literature on agricultural weed origins and their mechanisms of adaptation. Where possible, we have included examples that have been genetically well characterized. Evidence for three possible, non-mutually exclusive weed origins (from wild species, crop-wild hybrids or directly from crops) is discussed with respect to what is known about the microevolutionary signatures that result from these processes. We also discuss what is known about the genetic basis of adaptive traits in weeds and the range of genetic mechanisms that are responsible. With a better understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation in weedy species, we can address the more general process of adaptive evolution and what can be expected as we continue to apply selective pressures in agroecosystems around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs across the Caribbean are undergoing unprecedented rates of decline in coral cover during the last three decades, and coral recruitment is one potential process that could aid the recovery of coral populations. To better understand the effects of climate change on coral larval ecology, the larvae of Porites astreoides were studied to determine the immediate and post-settlement effects of elevated temperature and associated oxidative stress. Larvae of Porites astreoides were exposed to 27 °C (ambient) and +3.0 °C (elevated temperature) seawater for a short duration of 24 h; then, a suite of physiological parameters were measured to determine the extent of sublethal stress. Following the +3.0 °C treatment, larvae did not show a significant difference in maximum quantum yield of PSII ( F/ F) or respiratory demand when compared to controls maintained at 27 °C. The addition of micromolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide did not impact respiration or photochemical efficiency. Catalase activity in the larvae increased (>60 %) following exposure to elevated temperature when compared to the controls. Short-term larval survival and settlement and metamorphosis were not affected by increased temperature or the HO treatment. However, the settled spat that were exposed to elevated temperature underwent a 99 % reduction in survival compared to 90 % reduction for the control spat when examined 24 days following the deployment of 4-day-old settled spat on settlement tiles in the field. These results show that short-term exposure to some stressors might have small impacts on coral physiology, and no effects on larval survival, settlement and metamorphosis. However, due to post-settlement mortality, these stressors can cause a significant reduction in coral recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bioluminescent microbial biosensor induced specifically by l-rhamnose was developed and optimized, to monitor food processes where pectin is involved. The biosensor was developed by fusing the Escherichia coli promoter P to the promoterless luxCDABE genes of Vibrio fischeri within plasmid pUCD615. Escherichia coli carrying this construct responded positively to l-rhamnose, but, because of low reporter signal, the enhancement of bioluminescence levels was required. The response was improved by promoter region length manipulation and resulted in 86-fold increase in response ratio. The specificity of the biosensor (80 times higher ratio response to l-rhamnose compared to other carbohydrates) and quantitative response to the target analyte were confirmed. The potential of this biosensor to monitor the hydrolysis of various types of pectin was demonstrated and a calibration curve was acquired. Our study presents a novel l-rhamnose-inducible microbial biosensor as a fast and economical alternative to chemical methods of pectin analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D induces the expression of antimicrobial peptides with activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, we studied the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and S. aureus nasal colonization and carriage. Nasal swabs, blood samples and clinical data from 2,115 women and 1,674 men, aged 30-87 years, were collected in the Tromsø Staph and Skin Study 2007-08, as part of the population-based sixth Tromsø Study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were stratified by recognized risk factors for S. aureus carriage: sex, age and smoking. In non-smoking men, we observed a 6.6% and 6.7% decrease in the probability of S. aureus colonization and carriage, respectively, by each 5 nmol/l increase in serum 25(OH)D concentration ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001), and serum 25(OH)D > 59 nmol/l and ≥75 nmol/l as thresholds for ~30% and ~50% reduction in S. aureus colonization and carriage. In non-smoking men aged 44-60 years, the odds ratio for S. aureus colonization was 0.44 (95% confidence interval, 0.28−0.69) in the top tertile of serum 25(OH)D versus the bottom tertile. In women and smokers there were no such associations. Our study supports that serum vitamin D is a determinant of S. aureus colonization and carriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical features of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) to toxin gene profiles of the strains isolated from Danish hospitalized patients. C. difficile isolates were characterized by PCR based molecular typing methods including toxin gene profiling and analysis of deletions and truncating mutations in the toxin regulating gene tcdC. Clinical features were obtained by questionnaire. Thirty percent of the CDI cases were classified as community-acquired. Infection by C. difficile with genes encoding both toxin A, toxin B and the binary toxin was significantly associated with hospital-acquired/healthcare-associated CDI compared to community-acquired CDI. Significantly higher leukocyte counts and more severe clinical manifestations were observed in patients infected by C. difficile containing genes also encoding the binary toxin together with toxin A and B compared to patients infected by C. difficile harbouring only toxin A and B. In conclusion, infection by C. difficile harbouring genes encoding both toxin A, toxin B and the binary toxin were associated with hospital acquisition, higher leukocyte counts and severe clinical disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the stellar constituents of star-forming sites in a wide variety of conditions yields the key to interpreting wide-field UV-optical imaging of extended nearby galaxies, and of distant galaxies. We obtained six-band imaging (from far-UV to I) with HST-WFPC2 of 67 sites of recent star formation in eight Local Group galaxies. HST pointings were selected from GALEX wide-field FUV imaging, which traces the young stellar populations. The HST observations were optimized to characterize the hottest, most massive stars in these regions. From the HST photometry, analyzed with stellar model colors, we derived the physical parameters of the massive stars in each field, and of the extinction by interstellar dust. The HST results are used to interpret GALEX UV measurements of SF across the entire galaxies. Our comprehensive photometric study at HST resolution (sub-pc scale in these galaxies) also provides an ideal selection of targets for follow-up spectroscopy with large ground-based telescopes, and in the UV with HST- or WSO-class telescopes, to clarify the influence of metallicity on the properties and the evolution of massive stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemically modulated separations (EMS) are shown to be a rapid and selective means of extracting and concentrating Pu from complex solutions prior to isotopic analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS). This separation is performed in a flow injection mode, on line with the ICP MS. A three electrode, flow by electrochemical cell is used to accumulate Pu at an anodized glassy carbon electrode by redox conversion of Pu(III) to Pu (IV&VI). The entire process takes place in 2% (v/v) (0.46 M) HNO3. No redox chemicals or acid concentration changes are required. Plutonium accumulation and release is redox dependent and controlled by the applied cell potential. Large transient volumetric concentration enhancements can be achieved. Based on more negative U(IV) potentials relative to Pu(IV), separation of Pu from uranium is efficient, thereby eliminating uranium hydride interferences. EMS ICP MS isotope ratio measurement performance will be presented for femtogram to attogram level plutonium isotope injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of transuranic waste is needed for decisions about waste site remediation. Soil-gas sampling for xenon isotopes can be used to define the locations of spent fuel and transuranic waste. Radioxenon in the subsurface is characteristic of transuranic waste and can be measured with extreme sensitivity using large-volume soil-gas samples. Measurements at the Hanford Site showed 133Xe and 135Xe levels indicative of 240Pu spontaneous fission. Stable xenon isotopic ratios from fission are distinct from atmospheric xenon background. Neutron capture by 135Xe produces an excess of 136Xe in reactor-produced xenon, providing a means of distinguishing spent fuel from separated transuranic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the separation and determination of total and isotopic uranium and plutonium by ICP/MS was developed for IAEA samples on cellulose-based media. Preparation of the IAEA samples involved a series of redox chemistries and separations using TRU® resin (Eichrom). The sample introduction system, an APEX nebulizer (Elemental Scientific, Inc.), provided enhanced nebulization for a several-fold increase in sensitivity and reduction in background. Application of mass bias (ALPHA) correction factors greatly improved the precision of the data. By combining the enhancements of chemical separation, instrumentation and data processing, detection levels for uranium and plutonium approached high attogram levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acid soils is a major limitation to the production of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa subsp. sativa L.) in the USA. Developing Al-tolerant alfalfa cultivars is one approach to overcome this constraint. Accessions of wild diploid alfalfa ( M. sativa subsp. coerulea) have been found to be a source of useful genes for Al tolerance. Previously, two genomic regions associated with Al tolerance were identified in this diploid species using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers and single marker analysis. This study was conducted to identify additional Al-tolerance quantitative trait loci (QTLs); to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that flank the previously identified QTLs; to map candidate genes associated with Al tolerance from other plant species; and to test for co-localization with mapped QTLs. A genetic linkage map was constructed using EST-SSR markers in a population of 130 BC1F1 plants derived from the cross between Al-sensitive and Al-tolerant genotypes. Three putative QTLs on linkage groups LG I, LG II and LG III, explaining 38, 16 and 27% of the phenotypic variation, respectively, were identified. Six candidate gene markers designed from Medicago truncatula ESTs that showed homology to known Al-tolerance genes identified in other plant species were placed on the QTL map. A marker designed from a candidate gene involved in malic acid release mapped near a marginally significant QTL (LOD 2.83) on LG I. The SSR markers flanking these QTLs will be useful for transferring them to cultivated alfalfa via marker-assisted selection and for pyramiding Al tolerance QTLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: NSAIDs are widely used for patients presenting with low back pain. A quick-release formulation of lornoxicam, a potent NSAID from the chemical class of oxicams, offers a faster onset of pain relief compared with the standard tablet formulation. METHODS: Time to onset of pain relief with lornoxicam was compared with the quick-release formulation of diclofenac potassium in acute low back pain in a randomised, double-blind, multicentre study. 220 patients received either lornoxicam 24mg or diclofenac potassium 150mg on day 1 followed by lornoxicam 8mg twice daily or diclofenac potassium 50mg twice daily for 5 days. Efficacy outcomes included time to onset of pain relief, as measured by the stopwatch method (primary outcome), pain intensity, pain relief, rescue medication, ability to perform daily activities and global evaluation of the study medication. RESULTS: The time to onset of pain relief ratios between diclofenac potassium/lornoxicam was 1.03 (95% CI 0.91, 1.26) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.93, 1.29) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses, respectively, demonstrating the non-inferiority of lornoxicam (defined by lower limits of the 95% CIs >0.80). Time to onset of pain relief was shorter with lornoxicam (30 minutes) compared with diclofenac potassium (36 minutes). The difference was not statistically significant (ITT analysis). A higher magnitude of analgesic effect associated with better global evaluation of the study medication for lornoxicam was also demonstrated. The drugs were equally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Lornoxicam administered as a quick-release formulation was shown to be non-inferior to the equivalent formulation of diclofenac potassium in terms of onset of pain relief and more effective on most of the major standard efficacy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that the pathological features of breast cancer are more aggressive in younger women than in their older counterparts, and that young age may be an independent marker for adverse prognosis. These findings have raised the question whether these differences are also present at the molecular level. In order to characterize the genetic alterations associated with early-onset breast cancer, 102 cases selected for age under 37 at diagnosis were examined for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at nine different loci on chromosomes 11, 13 and 17. Ninety cases (88%), exhibited LOH for at least one marker. The D17S855 marker, intragenic in the BRCA1 gene, showed a high proportion of LOH (63%), whereas the intragenic marker for the TP53 gene, HP53, exhibited LOH in 43% of the cases. On chromosome 11, frequencies of LOH peaked at the D11S969 and D11S387 markers, which expressed LOH in 53% and 48% of the informative cases, whereas D11S1818, which is proximate to the ATM gene, exhibited an LOH frequency of 24%. A statistically significant correlation was found between LOH at the D11S387 marker and poor survival (P = 0.028). No such correlation was found for the adjacent D11S969 marker, located approximately 500 kb centromeric to D11S387. We conclude that one or more as yet unidentified genes, situated in chromosome bands 11q24.1-q25, could be involved in the initiation and/or progression of breast cancer in younger women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether different mammographic categories of interval cancer classified according to findings at the latest screening are associated with different distributions of prognostic factors or with different survival rates. The series consisted of all patients with invasive interval cancer detected from May 1978 to August 1995 (n = 544). The tumours were evaluated with regard to age, radiological category, interval between the latest screen and diagnosis and tumour characteristics at the time of diagnosis. We investigated possible relationships between the survival rate of patients with interval cancer and the interval between the latest screen and diagnosis, tumour characteristics and radiological category of the interval tumours. The study focused on comparison of patients with true interval and missed interval cancer. Women with mammographically occult tumours were younger than those in the other radiological categories. Comparisons of true interval cancers with overlooked or misinterpreted tumours showed equal distributions of age, tumour size, TNM stage and lymph node status. The overlooked or misinterpreted tumours showed significantly higher proportions of grade-I tumours (22 vs 11 %), tumours with low S-phase fraction (SPF; 44 vs 24 %) and oestrogen receptor (ER) positive tumours (72 vs 57 %). However, analyses of survival rates disclosed no clear differences between the two radiological categories. Radiological category and interval between the latest screen and diagnosis were not genuine predictors of the prognosis in patients with invasive interval breast cancer. No certain prognostic difference existed between true interval cancers and overlooked or misinterpreted interval breast cancers, despite higher proportions of grade-I tumours, ER positive tumours and tumours with low SPF in the latter group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the anti-hypertensive agent ketanserin on the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the cerebrovascular CO reactivity was examined in 10 healthy volunteers. Ketanserin was administered as an intravenous bolus of 10 mg followed by an infusion of 6mg/h. Before administration CBF was measured by single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) of inhaled Xenon. Then arterial CO tension was subsequently decreased by voluntary hyperventilation and increased by breathing an air/CO mixture. The relative changes in CBF induced by the changes in arterial CO tension were estimated by the cerebral arterio-venous oxygen content difference method. One hour following the start of ketanserin infusion the SPECT measurement and CO manipulations were repeated. The CO reactivity (expressed as the slope of the regression line of the linear relation between CBF and PaCO), was unchanged, i.e. 3.2%/0.1 kPa before ketanserin and 4. 1%/0.1 kPa during ketanserin, respectively. Using regression lines from a semi-logarithmic plot the CO reactivity was also unchanged 3.4%/0.1 kPa and 3.5%/0.1 kPa, respectively. Ketanserin did not change CBF. The cerebral oxygen metabolism (CMRO) was decreased 19% one hour after the start of infusion of ketanserin. In conclusion administration of ketanserin in a clinically relevant dose to healthy volunteers does not change the regional CBF not the cerebrovascular CO reactivity, but a decrease in CMRO was observed. However further studies are needed to clarify whether ketanserin in fact has a depressing effect on CMRO or whether the different results are caused by methodological errors or stocastic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a clinically relevant dose of ketanserin (10 mg as a bolus followed by an infusion of 6mg/h) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and CBF autoregulation was examined in 12 healthy volunteers. Changes in CBF were estimated by the cerebral arteriovenous-oxygen saturation difference method, while mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was increased by norepinephrine and decreased by ganglionic blockade (trimethaphan camphosulphonate) combined with lower body negative pressure one hour after the infusion of ketanserin. During ketanserin infusion, MABP fell insignificantly by 2.5 mmHg (6 to −2), while CBF rose insignificantly by 5 ml/100 g/min. Autoregulation was preserved in all volunteers. CO-correction factors from 0 to 4.6% CBF/0.1 kPa were used. The lower limit of CBF autoregulation was 82 mmHg (80-86) with an SE of 3 mmHg (1-5) similar to a previous control group of healthy volunteers. Aside from a major decrease in MABP in one subject, no adverse side effects were observed. The present study shows that CBF autoregulation is maintained during ketanserin infusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By quantitative isotope ventriculography (QIV), the absorption rate (λ) of albumin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was determined. Regard was paid to the rate constants for the exchange of the albumin molecule between the serum and extravascular phase. The rate constant λ and mean biological transit time T were determined in 22 patients suspected of acquired hydrocephalus. QIV revealed that 8 patients were hydrocephalic, while 13 were non-hydrocephalic, and the findings were uncertain in one. In the patients with acquired hydrocephalus, it was demonstrated that λ and T were significantly reduced as compared with the non-hydrocephalic patients. By means of QIV, a curve was calculated and plotted for the biological decay from the head-the retention curve. From the initial slope of this curve (0-24 hours), the rate constant λ was calculated. A comparison of λ and λ revealed a highly significant correlation, which means that the retention curve gives an acceptable measure of the absorption rate of CSF-albumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total parotidectomy causes a significant postoperative concave deformity in the retromandibular, preauricular, and infra-auricular regions of the face; many patients are concerned about this defect. Frey's syndrome (gustatory sweating) is also a well-recognized postoperative entity following parotid surgery. The incidence of Frey's syndrome ranges from 10-90%, depending on the type and complexity of the investigation used to diagnose it [5, 11]. Numerous methods have been described to correct these problems. Patients requiring total parotidectomy were recently offered the option of immediate reconstruction of the contour defect with microvascular transfer of a tailored gracilis muscle flap. Four patients are included in this preliminary series; all are extremely satisfied with the postoperative result. The defect following total parotidectomy can be reconstructed immediately with gratifying cosmetic results, a hidden donor site scar, and to date no operative morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the anti-hypertensive agent ketanserin on average global cerebral blood flow (CBF) and average global cerebral oxygen metabolism (CMRO) was examined in 8 healthy volunteers. CBF and CMRO were measured with the Kety-Schmidt technique before ketanserin administration (baseline) and after administration of 2 different doses of ketanserin intravenously (dose I: 10 mg bolus and an infusion of 6 mg/h; dose II: 20 mg bolus and an ifusion of 20 mg/ h). Baseline CBF and CMRO were 60 and 3.6 ml/100 g/min, respectively, and were not changed by administration of ketanserin dose I. During administration of dose II, however, CBF fell to 52 ml/ 100 g/min (p=0.05) and CMRO was reduced to 3.2 ml/100 g/min (p < 0.05). We conclude that when administered in a high dose, ketanserin has the ability to depress cerebral oxygen metabolism, but when administered in a clinically relevant dose ketanserin does not influence average global CBF or average global CMRO. Ketanserin could be a safe antihypertensive drug in neuroanaesthesia or in the neuro-intesive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 50-year-old woman underwent laryngoscopy. Postoperatively she received naloxone and was extubated. She developed severe laryngospasm and one hour later pulmonary edema. Both naloxone administration and laryngospasm can provoke pulmonary edema; the pathophysiology is discussed. It is suggested that naloxone is administered with care to patients who in the preceding hours have had severe laryngospasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of bacterial genes in the determination of the clinical spectrum of Campylobacter jejuni infection is unclear. We compared clinical isolates from invasive blood-stream infection with stool isolates from gastroenteritis and found no association of the putative virulence genes iam, capA, virB and cdtB with clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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