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In order to predict the mechanical behavior of particle reinforced polymer composites, it is crucial to study changes in polymer phase distribution upon interaction with the load in the undeformed state. In this work, HDPE composites reinforced with pyrolytic carbon black (rCBNF) particles, including some rCB modified by mild air oxidation (rCBF), which enabled the aggregation of residual chemisorbed rubber at the surface, examined in a previous work. The development of lamellar morphology induces conformational behaviors resulting from interactions fillers/polymer chains. These interactions cannot be determined by DSC alone but involve short‐range FTIR and Raman and long‐range XRD models. The Raman crystalline content of HDPE was significantly reduced by the presence rCBFs and N330, which varied with lamellar morphology. This process involves the displacement of crystalline lamellae into sublayers by nucleation and crystal growth, resulting in the release of linker molecules, limiting entanglement and improving the elastic properties of the amorphous phase. A significant amount of amorphous phase was produced with N330 and oxidized rCBFs, in which the carbon surface was free of residual rubber. Mechanical tensile tests showed an improvement in the elastic modulus of composites containing these fillers. Highlights: N330 and oxidized rCBFs have surface free of the residual rubber contained in rCBNF.Significant reduction in the Raman crystallinity of HDPE with rCBF and N330.Reduction varies with lamellar size through nucleation and crystal growth.Strong release of the tie molecule improves the elastic modulus of HDPE/rCBF.Improved mechanical tensile properties of HDPE/rCBF and HDPE/N330. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio telescopes with dual linearly polarized feeds regularly participate in Very Long Baseline Interferometry. One example is the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS), which is employed for high‐precision geodesy and astrometry. In order to achieve the maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio, the visibilities of all four polarization products are combined to Stokes I before fringe‐fitting. Our aim is to improve cross‐polarization bandpass calibration, which is an essential processing step in this context. Here we investigate the shapes of these station‐specific quantities as a function of frequency and time. We observed the extra‐galactic source 4C 39.25 for 6 hours with a VGOS network. We correlated the data with the DiFX software and analyzed the visibilities with PolConvert to determine the complex cross‐bandpasses with high accuracy. Their frequency‐dependent shape is to first order characterized by a group delay between the two orthogonal polarizations, in the order of several hundred picoseconds. We find that this group delay shows systematic variability in the range of a few picoseconds, but can remain stable within this range for several years, as evident from earlier sessions. On top of the linear phase‐frequency relationship there are systematic deviations of several tens of degrees, which in addition are subject to smooth temporal evolution. The antenna cross‐bandpasses are variable on time scales of ∼1 hr, which defines the frequency of necessary calibrator scans. The source 4C 39.25 is confirmed as an excellent cross‐bandpass calibrator. Dedicated surveys are highly encouraged to search for more calibrators of similar quality. Key Points: The new‐generation geodetic radio telescopes observe two orthogonal linear polarization directionsCalibration of the gain differences between the two polarizers is necessary to maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio of observationsWe investigate these cross‐polarization gain differences and their temporal evolution for selected antennas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Capacitation is not a well‐defined process, required for the acrosome reaction triggered by physiological stimuli. In vitro, capacitation is achieved by sperm incubation in artificial media supplemented with HCO3−, Ca2+, and albumin. The role of capacitation in the membrane fusion machinery required for acrosomal exocytosis is not well‐known. SNARE proteins are fundamental for intracellular membrane fusion and acrosomal exocytosis. We have previously shown that in capacitated spermatozoa, the fusion machinery is maintained in an inactive state until the acrosome reaction is initiated. In particular, SNARE proteins are assembled in neurotoxin‐resistant complexes. Objective: This work aimed to study the dynamic changes of SNARE complexes during capacitation. Materials and Methods: The light chain of tetanus and botulinum neurotoxin has been widely used to study the configuration of SNARE proteins. For this purpose, we developed a recombinant light chain of tetanus neurotoxin linked to a polyarginine peptide. This membrane‐permeant protein was able to cleave cytosolic VAMP2 (a SNARE protein required for acrosome reaction) when present in a monomeric configuration. Results: The results show that the VAMP2 is cleaved by the membrane‐permeant tetanus neurotoxin in non‐capacitated spermatozoa, indicating that, before capacitation, SNAREs are not assembled in stable toxin‐resistant complexes. However, 2 h of incubation in a capacitation medium containing albumin was sufficient to render VAMP2 insensitive to the toxin. Discussion: We conclude that during capacitation, the SNARE proteins become engaged in stable fully assembled cis‐SNARE complexes. This step is likely essential to prevent untimely activation of the membrane fusion machinery. Conclusion: We propose that capacitation promotes the stabilization of the membrane fusion machinery required for acrosomal exocytosis in preparation for the stimulus‐triggered acrosome reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering (TE) have experienced significant advances in the development of in vitro engineered skin substitutes, either for replacement of lost tissue in skin injuries or for the generation of in vitro human skin models to research. However, currently available skin substitutes present different limitations such as expensive costs, abnormal skin microstructure and engraftment failure. Given these limitations, new technologies, based on advanced therapies and regenerative medicine, have been applied to develop skin substitutes with several pharmaceutical applications that include injectable cell suspensions, cell‐spray devices, sheets or 3Dscaffolds for skin tissue regeneration and others. Clinical practice for skin injuries has evolved to incorporate these innovative applications to facilitate wound healing, improve the barrier function of the skin, prevent infections, manage pain and even to ameliorate long‐term aesthetic results. In this article, we review current commercially available skin substitutes for clinical use, as well as the latest advances in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications used to design advanced therapies and medical products for wound healing and skin regeneration. We highlight the current progress in clinical trials for wound healing as well as the new technologies that are being developed and hold the potential to generate skin substitutes such as 3D bioprinting‐based strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Investigation of erythrocyte antigens in New World monkeys, especially in the Brazilian ones, is scant and incomplete. Methods: Determining the presence of 29 erythrocyte antigens from 11 human blood group systems (ABO, H, Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, P, MNS, Lutheran and Diego) on erythrocytes in nine Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.). Results: A majority (20 of 29) of human erythrocyte antigens were not found in this monkey genus. Erythrocyte phenotyping was very similar within this animal group, as five Capuchin monkeys differed from the other four in the ABO system only. Conclusion: The erythrocyte phenotype for this group of animals is less diversified than in humans. Some monkey erythrocyte antigens were similar in frequency, whereas others were different from those observed in human ethnicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A polymorphism (1359 G/A) of the CNR1 gene was reported as a common polymorphism in Caucasian populations and was related to cardiovascular risk factors. The present study aimed to investigate the allelic distribution of polymorphism (G1359A) of the CB1 receptor gene in a geographical area of Spain (Community of Castilla y Leon) and to evaluate the influence of this polymorphism on obesity anthropometric parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in the fasted state in obese patients. Methods A population of 341 obese subjects was analysed. Tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance measurement, blood pressure measurement, a serial assessment of nutritional intake with 3 days of written food records and a biochemical analysis were all performed. Results One hundred and seventy-seven patients (51.9%) had the genotype G1359G (wild-type group) and 164 (48.1%) patients were A carriers: G1359A (136 patients; 39.9%) or A1359A (28 patients; 8.2%) (mutant type group). The Health Area of Palencia had a lower frequency of wild-type genotype and G allelic frequency than all the other Health Areas. Segovia and Burgos Areas had a higher frequency of wild-type genotype and G allelic frequency than the other Health Areas. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was higher in the mutant type group and blood tryglicerides were lower in the same group. Conclusions In conclusion, the novel finding of the present study is the association of the mutant type group G1359A and A1359A with a better lipid profile (triglycerides and HDL cholesterol) than the wild-type group. The frequencies of this polymorphism are different among Health Areas of Castilla y Leon (Spain). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The complexity and expense of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) can present difficulties in bringing this approach closer to the patients. A collaborative node was implemented involving three stroke centres (SCs) within the Madrid Stroke Network to provide round-the-clock access to EVT for AIS. Methods: A weekly schedule was established to ensure that at least one SC was 'on-call' to provide EVT for all those with moderate to severe AIS due to large vessel occlusion, >4.5 h from symptom onset, or within this time-window but with contraindication to, or failure of, systemic thrombolysis. The time-window for treatment was 8 h for anterior circulation stroke and <24 h in posterior stroke. Outcomes measured were re-canalization rates, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months, mortality and symptomatic intra-cranial haemorrhage (SICH). Results: Over a 2-year period (2012-2013), 303 candidate patients with AIS were considered for EVT as per protocol, and 196 (65%) received treatment. Reasons for non-treatment were significant improvement (14%), spontaneous re-canalization (26%), clinical worsening (9%) or radiological criteria of established infarction (31%). Re-canalization rate amongst treated patients was 80%. Median delay from symptom onset to re-canalization was 323 min (p25; p75 percentiles 255; 430). Mortality was 11%; independence (mRS 0-2) was 58%; SICH was 3%. Conclusions: Implementation of a collaborative network to provide EVT for AIS is feasible and effective. Results are good in terms of re-canalization rates and clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining eccentric hamstring muscle strength, plyometrics, and free/resisted sprinting exercises on knee extensor/flexor muscle strength, sprinting performance, and horizontal mechanical properties of sprint running in football (soccer) players. Sixty footballers were randomly assigned to an experimental group ( EG) or a control group ( CG). Twenty-seven players completed the EG and 24 players the CG. Both groups performed regular football training while the EG performed also a neuromuscular training during a 7-week period. The EG showed a small increases in concentric quadriceps strength ( ES = 0.38/0.58), a moderate to large increase in concentric ( ES = 0.70/0.74) and eccentric ( ES = 0.66/0.87) hamstring strength, and a small improvement in 5-m sprint performance ( ES = 0.32). By contrast, the CG presented lower magnitude changes in quadriceps ( ES = 0.04/0.29) and hamstring ( ES = 0.27/0.34) concentric muscle strength and no changes in hamstring eccentric muscle strength ( ES = −0.02/0.11). Thus, in contrast to the CG (ES = −0.27/0.14), the EG showed an almost certain increase in the hamstring/quadriceps strength functional ratio ( ES = 0.32/0.75). Moreover, the CG showed small magnitude impairments in sprinting performance ( ES = −0.35/−0.11). Horizontal mechanical properties of sprint running remained typically unchanged in both groups. These results indicate that a neuromuscular training program can induce positive hamstring strength and maintain sprinting performance, which might help in preventing hamstring strains in football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The frequency of therapeutic inertia (TI) is very high in the management of vascular risk factors, although its impact on the incidence of ischaemic events is not well-established. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between TI in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia and the appearance of ischaemic events. Methods An observational, multicentre, case-control study was conducted in 70 primary care centres in Spain. Case subjects ( n = 235) were high-risk hypercholesterolaemic patients (both genders, ≥ 18 years) who had had a first event in the 12 months prior to recruitment. They were matched with 235 controls (by vascular risk, age and gender). The observation period was 18 months prior to the onset of a first event (cases) or to date of recruitment (control subjects). Results The TI in the basal visit (an average of 7.8 months before the event) was slightly higher in cases than in controls (39.7% vs. 34.8%, NS). However, the accumulated TI was similar in both groups (70.7% for cases and 73.95% for controls, NS). The multivariate analysis, taking ischaemic events as the dependent variable, showed that the TI at baseline visit was significantly associated with the development of the event [ OR 2.18 (95% CI 1.04-4.51), p < 0.05]. Other variables also associated with the ischaemic event were a family history of premature vascular disease [ OR 3.38 (95% CI 1.35-8.49), p < 0.05] and uncontrolled hypertension [ OR 2.35 (95% CI 1.02-5.43), p < 0.05]. Conclusion The TI in high-risk hypercholesterolaemic patients in primary prevention in Spanish primary care centres doubled the risk of an ischaemic event in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health benefits of physical activity and a healthy diet are well known, yet large proportions of modern societies do not meet recommended guidelines for these behaviours. Intervention programmes aimed at changing activity and eating behaviours, ranging from individual-level approaches to community-wide campaigns in effects on physical activity, diet and weight loss (Norman et al. ). A first step in healthy behaviour promotion aimed at behaviour change is to identify the health problems of a population that are serious and/or prevalent enough to justify spending time, money and other resources (Brug et al. ). Many behaviour change interventions aim to tackle obesity, the prevalence of which is still rising in many European countries, which is positively associated with chronic diseases affecting the health and wellbeing of Western populations. But other common risk factors for chronic disease, such as high intakes of salt or saturated fatty acids, are also the targets of health intervention programmes in a number of European countries. This paper provides examples of intervention programmes, conducted by government and other organisations, from eight European countries that aim to change behaviour in relation to diet and physical activity. It summarises the outcomes of a workshop held during a meeting of the European Nutrition Foundations ( ENF) Network in London, UK, on 25 June 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conceptual design of a new process is developed via computer-aided simulation for separating and purifying reuterin, an antimicrobial substance obtained by bacterial fermentation of glycerol, from its mixture with the nonfermented substrate, the main subproduct of the process (1,3-propanediol) and water. The nondatabank components included in the simulations are created by using the structures derived from quantum mechanical calculations and the properties (molecular weight, normal boiling point, and mass density) estimated by COSMO-RS method. The unknown remainder properties are estimated by the methods and models used by default in Aspen Plus (v7.3). The COSMOSAC property model, also implemented in Aspen Plus, is specified with the molecular volumes and sigma profiles obtained by COSMO-RS. The properties (boiling temperatures, densities, VL equilibria, etc.) predicted for glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, water, and their mixtures by COSMO-based methods agree reasonably well with experimental reported values, whereas those obtained for reuterin derivatives are consistent with the behavior of amphoteric compounds having strong capabilities to interact attractively with hydrogen donor and acceptor groups all together. The process consists of a two-stage distillation operation, the first of which removes the water and the second one separates reuterin as a 99.5 wt %-pure bottom product. The second column operates at low pressure (ca. 40 kPa) to avoid thermal decomposition of reuterin (over 280°C) and guaranties 99.9% recovery of the desired product. Water removing offers different heat integration and energy-saving opportunities considering that condenser pressure of the first column can be increased to ∼15 bar preserving the thermal integrity of the reuterin. Dimensions of the equipments as well as capital and operating costs are evaluated. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a devastating opportunistic infection that can affect immunocompromised patients such as cord blood transplantation ( CBT) recipients. The clinical characteristics of 4 toxoplasmosis CBT patients treated at our institution are reviewed, together with 5 cases collected from the literature. The rate of toxoplasmosis in our hospital was 6% in CBT recipients and 0.2% in other types of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ( P < 0.001). Five patients (56%) presented disseminated toxoplasmosis and 4 patients (44%) had localized infection in the central nervous system. In 5 of the 9 patients considered (56%), cytomegalovirus viral replication had been detected before the clinical onset of toxoplasmosis. Seven patients (78%) had previously developed graft-versus-host disease. All patients who exhibited disseminated disease died due to Toxoplasma infection. Pre-transplant serology was positive in 1 patient, negative in 3 patients, and not performed in another. Only 1 of these 5 patients with disseminated disease had received Toxoplasma prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole. It could be concluded that mortality in CBT patients with disseminated toxoplasmosis is unacceptably high. The negative results of serology in the majority of these cases, and its unspecific clinical presentation, makes diagnosis exceedingly difficult. Better diagnostic tests and prophylaxis strategy are needed in CBT recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the nature of physical activity in schools in France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and Great Britain. It examines the role of physical activity in the different curricula and the extent of physical activity outside school. It notes that physical activity is a part of all school curricula, mainly in the form of physical education (PE), but schools do not always comply with the curriculum. The need to increase physical activity levels within and outside the school is emphasized.

The flood and drought cycles suffered of old by the province of Malaga, the variability in the distribution of rainfall throughout the province and the reduced length of the data series make it of interest to carry out a regional analysis (RA) of the yearly maximum daily precipitation data to obtain appropriate rainfall quantiles. By taking these maximum precipitations values from 72 weather stations, and their physiographic parameters latitude and altitude, four regions with similar rainfall patterns have been determined by the principal component analysis statistical technique. Then, carrying out an RA of the yearly maximum daily precipitations for each of the regions discriminated, it was observed that three of them were homogeneous for the parameter being studied. In those homogeneous regions that grouped data of different stations but close rainfall pattern, frequency curves could be calculated for several return periods by means of the functions that best fit the data of each region. With these regional curves, it has been possible to obtain more accurate values of the maximum daily quantiles for each of the stations analysed than through the conventional local frequency analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a globally stabilizing output feedback scheme for the trajectory tracking of robot manipulators with bounded inputs is proposed. It achieves the motion control objective avoiding input saturation and excluding velocity measurements. Moreover, it is not defined using a specific sigmoidal function, but any one on a set of saturation functions. Consequently, the proposed scheme actually constitutes a family of globally stabilizing output feedback bounded controllers. Furthermore, the control gains are not tied to satisfy any saturation-avoidance inequality and may consequently take any positive value, which may be considered beneficial for performance adjustment/improvement purposes. Further, a class of desired trajectories that may be globally tracked avoiding input saturation and excluding velocity measurements is completely characterized. Global asymptotic stabilization of the closed-loop system solutions towards the pre-specified desired trajectory is proved through a strict Lyapunov function. The efficiency of the proposed scheme is corroborated through experimental results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the relationship between degree of cultural competence in nurse practitioners (NPs) and measures of patient satisfaction among Latinas. Data sources: A descriptive correlational design was used to examine the degree of cultural competence in NPs and measures of patient satisfaction among Latinas. A convenience sample of 15 licensed NPs from 11 different clinics in a large southwestern city completed two self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sample of 218 Latina patients completed three selfadministered questionnaires available in both English and Spanish. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to analyze the data. Conclusions: Latina patients reported greater satisfaction with NPs of Latina origin who were certified, had received cultural competence training, could speak Spanish, and had attended master's level programs. Latina patients were also most satisfied with decreased clinic waiting time. The two NPs with the highest levels of cultural competency scores were non-Latinas. Noticeable differences were found in the amount of cultural competence exhibited by NPs. Implications for practice: The provision of culturally competent care leads to negotiation, mutual exchange of information, increased compliance, and improved patient-provider communication. Similarly, patient satisfaction with care is associated with increased compliance and greater continuity of care. Employers seeking to meet the healthcare demands of a growing Latino population must look at extrinsic values such as NPs' certification, cultural competence training, education, and ability to speak Spanish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of different methods of analgesia among women treated with manual vacuum aspiration for spontaneous abortion.Materials and Methods: The 113 patients diagnosed with incomplete abortion and considered candidates for manual vacuum aspiration were randomly assigned to 3 groups of analgesic administration: diclofenac plus paracervical block; meperidine plus diclofenac; and meperidine alone. Pain levels were evaluated using the Wong Scale of Pain.Results: The mean pain scores for the three groups were: diclofenac and paracervical block 5.4; meperidine plus diclofenac 5.0; meperidine 5.7 (P=0.57). Analysis of pain using the levels mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10) showed no statistical significance among the 3 groups of analgesics. Adverse effects were more common in the groups using analgesia containing meperidine.Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the analgesics used among the 3 groups. Most of the patients, regardless of the analgesic used, reported moderate pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: This study analyzes whether obese children have a higher risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity 'characteristics' (AD/HD) than do children with other nutritional states. METHOD:: This study included 35,403 participants from 486 community schools. They completed the AD/HD scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and were weighed and measured. 2879 of the participants were obese and 78 were morbidly obese (BMI >40). RESULTS:: A discrete, nonsignificant, increment was found in the AD/HD characteristics of male participants with morbid obesity, as compared with the other nutritional states. Among morbidly obese females, the prevalence of AD/HD characteristics was slightly superior, although not significantly, to that found in participants with normal weight, overweight or obese (BMI <40). CONCLUSION:: Among nonclinical populations with a communitarian origin, previous findings reporting high rates of AD/HD in obese children are not replicated. This increment in the prevalence of AD/HD among hospitalized obese children could be the result of selection bias. (c) 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical shift of the 129Xe NMR signal has been shown to be extremely sensitive to the local environment around the atom and has been used to follow processes such as ligand binding by bacterial periplasmic binding proteins. Here we show that the 129Xe shift can sense more subtle changes: magnesium binding, BeF3− activation, and peptide binding by the Escherichia coli chemotaxis Y protein. 1H-15N correlation spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography were used to identify two xenon-binding cavities in CheY that are primarily responsible for the shift changes. One site is near the active site, and the other is near the peptide binding site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I We have examined the relationship between neutrophil accumulation, NO[sup ...] production and nitrated protein levels in zymosan-mediated inflammation in rat skin in vivo. 2 Rats were anaesthetized and cutaneous inflammation was induced by zymosan (injected intradermally, i.d.). Experiments were carried out up to 48 h, in recovery procedures as appropriate. Assays for neutrophil accumulation (measurement of myeloperoxidase), nitric oxide (assessment of NO[sub 2, sup -]/NO[sub 3, sup -]) and nitrated proteins (detected by ELISA and Western blot) were performed in skin extracts. 3 The results demonstrate a close temporal relationship between these parameters. Samples were assayed at 1, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h after i.d. injection of zymosan. The highest levels measured of each parameter (P < 0.001 compared with vehicle) were found at 4-8 h, with a reduction towards basal levels by 24 h. 4 Selective depletion of circulating neutrophils with anti-neutrophil antibody abolished neutrophil accumulation and protein nitration. In addition substantially decreased NO levels were found. 5 A selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, N-3-aminomethyl-benzylacetamidine-dihydrochloride (1400W) also significantly reduced neutrophil levels and NO production and substantially inhibited protein nitration. 6 We conclude that the neutrophil leukocyte plays an essential role in the formation of iNOSderived NO and nitrated proteins in inflammation, in a time-dependent and reversible manner. The NO-derived iNOS also has a role in stimulating further neutrophil accumulation into skin. This suggests a close mechanistic coupling between neutrophils, NO production and protein nitration. I We have examined the relationship between neutrophil accumulation, NO[sup ...] production and nitrated protein levels in zymosan-mediated inflammation in rat skin in vivo. 2 Rats were anaesthetized and cutaneous inflammation was induced by zymosan (injected intradermally, i.d.). Experiments... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that time series of returns are characterized by volatility clustering and excess kurtosis. Therefore, when modelling the dynamic behavior of returns, inference and prediction methods, based on independent and/or Gaussian observations may be inadequate. As bootstrap methods are not, in general, based on any particular assumption on the distribution of the data, they are well suited for the analysis of returns. This paper reviews the application of bootstrap procedures for inference and prediction of financial time series. In relation to inference, bootstrap techniques have been applied to obtain the sample distribution of statistics for testing, for example, autoregressive dynamics in the conditional mean and variance, unit roots in the mean, fractional integration in volatility and the predictive ability of technical trading rules. On the other hand, bootstrap procedures have been used to estimate the distribution of returns which is of interest, for example, for Value at Risk (VaR) models or for prediction purposes. Although the application of bootstrap techniques to the empirical analysis of financial time series is very broad, there are few analytical results on the statistical properties of these techniques when applied to heteroscedastic time series. Furthermore, there are quite a few papers where the bootstrap procedures used are not adequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertase (β-fructofuranosidase, EC 3.2.1.26) activity was shown to be stimulated in grape berries after infection with Botrytis cinerea . By using organism-specific extraction methods, evidence was found proving that both partners contribute to the increase in activity. Qualitative analysis of the extracts by SDS–PAGE showed a new invertase species in the botrytised material, with a molecular weight similar to that of Botrytis invertase (BIT). A method allowing the preparative isolation of homogeneous invertase from liquid cultures of B. cinerea in only three steps (ethanol precipitation, DEAE anion exchange and hydroxyapatite chromatography) with 50% recovery was developed. BIT appeared to be strongly glycosylated; interestingly, the amount of glycan seemed to vary and had a remarkable influence on the chromatographic behaviour of the enzyme. After chemical deglycosylation with TFMS, the BIT peptide was used for the production of polyclonal antibodies in chickens (anti-BIT-IgY). The antibodies recognised glycosylated as well as deglycosylated BIT, a partial denaturation of the protein being necessary for reaction. This indicates that the deglycosylation procedure had been successful and that the antibodies were in fact directed to the peptide moiety. However, after a short incubation at 70°C, native BIT was detectable by anti-BIT-IgY, while still active. Western blotting with extracts of diseased berries confirmed the fungal origin of the new invertase form. The anti-BIT-IgY proved highly specific, although some cross-reaction with a protein in Monilia laxa extracts occurred. The importance of careful immunogen preparation in the production of specific antibodies, and the potential of BIT as a target molecule for the immunological detection of B. cinerea are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) OX48 recognizes a 70,000 MW cell-surface protein present in a small percentage of activated rat T cells and in CD8+ rat &times BW5147 interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent T-cell hybridomas, but not in resting spleen cells or in IL-2-independent T-cell hybrids. OX48 antibody added simultaneously with concanavalin A (Con A) to resting spleen cells inhibits the cell proliferation and reduces the IL-2 production. However, addition of IL-2 does not restore the mitogenic response. Growth of rat blast T cells or IL-2-dependent hybrids is not affected by the OX48 antibody. There is a close correlation between the expression of high-affinity IL-2 receptors (IL-2R) and the OX48 antigen in T-cell hybridomas. In spite of this striking correlation, OX48 mAb does not inhibit the binding of 125I-IL-2 to the IL-2-dependent hybrids, and is unable to immunoprecipitate any of the proteins chemically cross-linked to 125I-IL-2. Therefore, the OX48 molecule represents a new rat activation antigen, undefined in other species, and probably involved in the early steps of T-cell activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights a study which investigated the oxygen free radical activity found in neonates. Evaluation of the role of immaturity and infection risk in newborns who were treated with several different types of oxygen concentrations; Status of antioxidants of newborns; Methodology used to conduct the study; Results of the study.

Presents a study which investigated the status of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation parameters associated with the clinical form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Definition of JRA; Details on concentrations of plasma malondialdehyde and hydroperoxide found in children with JRA substypes; Methodology used to conduct the study; Results of the study.

A letter to the editor is presented regarding prognosis of microinvasive breast cancer with negative axillary nodes in comformity with tumour, lymph nodes, metastasis (TNM) classification of malignant tumours.

Potato yellow vein virus (PYVV) causes dramatic yield reductions in potatoes in Andean countries, particularly Colombia. We tested 250 potato leaf samples suspectedly infected with PYVV from three Colombian Departments and assessed genetic diversity in the coat protein gene of 18 representative isolates by RT-PCR-RFLP analysis with HinfI. RFLP profiles revealed that 80% of these isolates had an identical restrictotype while the remaining isolates comprised two further restrictotypes or mixtures of two restrictotypes which included the predominant type and one other type. In samples from the Cundinamarca and Antioquia Departments, all three restrictotypes were detected including mixed infections, whereas in samples from the Narino Department only the predominant restrictotype was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "The first early diagnosis of an atrioventricular canal made in Equatorial Guinea, Africa by nuchal translucency" by D. Sima and others, is presented.

Background: While construction workers have the second highest rate of heat-related mortality, less is known about the prevelance of heat-related illness (HRI) symptoms, dehydration and kidney dysfunction. The aim of this study was to conduct a biomedical field-based study with construction workers to characterize HRI symptoms, dehydration, and kidney dysfunction, and analyze relationships between post-work urine specific gravity (USG) percentiles and predictors such as work hours, water consumption, and sugary beverage consumption., Methods: In collaboration with the Farmworker Association of Florida, 58 construction workers in Central Florida were monitored pre- and post-work shift on one workday. Research staff used a recreational vehicle to meet workers at their worksites, collect blood and urine pre- and post-work shift, and administer a survey on HRI symptoms. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was measured using serum creatinine and dehydration with USG. Predictors were examined in single covariate linear quantile mixed models against USG percentiles., Results: The mean heat index was 88.4°F. Forty-two percent reported at least one symptom of HRI. Dehydration rates were 75% pre-work shift and 78% post-work shift. Severe dehydration increased from 16% to 33%. AKI was observed in 38% of the participants., Conclusion: This is, to our knowledge, the first US field-based biomedical study to document AKI, dehydration, and HRI symptoms in construction workers. This study adds to the literature that supports occupational heat exposure as a risk factor for AKI and dehydration., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Unknown cardioembolic sources are frequent causes of cryptogenic stroke. We analyzed the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) or high burden of ectopic atrial activity (HBEA) in patients with cryptogenic stroke, assessing atrial function and 1-year outcomes., Methods and Results: The ARIES (Atrial Imaging and Cardiac Rhythm in Cryptogenic Embolic Stroke) study is an observational study including patients with cryptogenic stroke. We analyzed the frequency of AF and HBEA (>3000 atrial ectopic beats/day or >2 bursts or atrial tachycardia between 3 beats and ≤30 seconds) in two 30-day Holter-ECGs, comparing advanced echocardiography signs of left atrial (LA) dysfunction according to rhythm: AF, HBEA, and normal sinus rhythm. We also evaluated 1-year stroke recurrence and mortality. The study included 109 patients; 35 (32.1%) patients had AF, 27 (24.8%) HBEA, and 47 (43.1%) normal sinus rhythm. Compared with those with normal sinus rhythm, patients with AF presented higher 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional LA indexed volumes (38.8±11.2 versus 27.3±11.8 mL/m 2 , and 50.6±17.2 versus 34.0±15.4 mL/m 2 , respectively, P <0.001), lower 3-dimensional LA ejection fraction (50±14.6 versus 62.7±11.8, P =0.001), LA reservoir strain (22.0±8.6 versus 30.4±10.5, P <0.001), and LA contraction strain (10.5±8.18 versus 17.1±7.5, P <0.001), remaining significant in multivariate analysis. Patients with HBEA showed higher LA indexed volumes and lower LA reservoir strain than patients with normal sinus rhythm only in univariate analysis. There were no differences in ischemic recurrence or mortality among the groups., Conclusions: Patients with cryptogenic stroke showed a high incidence of AF and HBEA. AF is strongly related to LA volume, LA function, and LA reservoir and contraction strain, whereas HBEA showed milder structural changes. Advanced LA echocardiography could help patient selection for long-term ECG monitoring in suspected cardiac sources.

An increasing number of publications have brought attention to COVID-19-associated cutaneous lesions. Histopathological descriptions and clinical correlation of the histopathological findings of COVID-19 skin lesions are lacking. In this manuscript, we reviewed and described the histopathological characteristics of COVID-19 infection cutaneous patterns reported in the literature., (© 2020 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.)