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This study investigates the demineralization inhibitory mechanisms of AgNO 3 , AgF and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) using a previously used hydroxyapatite (HAP) caries demineralization model system. HAP discs were allocated into three groups (n = 3) and immersed in demineralization solution (buffered pH 4.0, 0.1 mol/L acetic acid) for 4 h. Each disc was treated topically with either 3.16 M AgNO 3 , 3.16 M AgF or 3.16 M SDF using a micro-brush. The discs were then demineralized for a further 4 h. Calcium, silver, and fluoride ion selective electrodes (ISEs) were used to monitor the changes in each ion concentration at 1 min intervals throughout. Demineralization inhibition was calculated as the percentage reduction in the rate of calcium ion loss from HAP (PRCL HAP). Characterization of similarly treated HAP powder was carried out with Magic Angle Spinning-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance The mean PRCL HAP for each treatment group was; AgF (72.3 + 4.8%), SDF (69.7 + 5.3%) and AgNO 3 (14.9 + 2.7%). Ag 3 PO 4 was detected in all HAP powders. CaF 2 and fluorohydroxyapatite (FHA) were detected only in powders treated with either AgF or SDF. The demineralization inhibitory efficacy of topically applied AgNO 3 results from the formation of a Ag 3 PO 4 barrier. Whereas, the demineralization inhibitory efficacy of topically applied AgF, and SDF, results from the formation of a barrier composed of Ag 3 PO 4 , CaF 2 , and FHA. In addition to their anti-microbial properties, clinical topical application of silver compounds for caries preventative treatment is due to their ability to form acid-resistant barriers composed of silver phosphate. When fluoride is present, this barrier also contains CaF 2 and FHA, additionally protecting the mineral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the circumstances under which the Saharan air layer (SAL) has a negative impact on the intensification of tropical cyclones (TCs) over the North Atlantic Ocean. Using hurricane tracking, aerosol optical depth (AOD) data, and meteorological analyses, we analyze the interaction of the SAL with 52 named TCs that formed over the east and central Atlantic south of the Cape Verde islands between 2004 and 2017. Following the categorization of negative SAL influences on TC intensification by Dunion and Velden, only 21% of the investigated storms can be classified (28% of all storms that encountered the SAL), and 21% of the storms continue to intensify despite the presence of the SAL. We show that among TCs that encounter the SAL, there is evidence supporting a weak negative correlation between the magnitude of TC intensification and the ambient AOD. However, above-average Saharan dust abundance in the vicinity of TCs is not a good independent indicator for storm nonintensification. To better understand the specific processes involved, a composite study is carried out, contrasting storms that intensify in the presence of the SAL against those that do not. We find that sheared air masses on the north side and drier air from the northeast of the storm early on during its lifetime, in addition to higher AOD, are associated with TC nonintensification in proximity to the SAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses finite element analysis software to conduct simulations and compares the fatigue behaviour of the aluminium alloy and glass fibre-reinforced composite that is used in light aircraft landing gear. The maximum stress, maximum strain and deformation of landing gear of different shapes (plate and tube shapes) are also determined. The results show that the composite landing gear weighs 45% less than an aluminium equivalent. Of the samples tested, plate-shaped glass fibre-reinforced composite landing gear exhibits the lowest maximum stress under a static load. Regardless of whether the landing gear is plate- or tube-shaped, the maximum strain and deformation for the composite landing gear are more than four times those for the aluminium alloy landing gear. The results for dynamic load show that plate-shaped glass fibre-reinforced composite and tube-shaped aluminium landing gear have similar maximum alternating stress under cyclic loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel network sensitivity-based approach to solving complex power flow calculation problems in real time. A new sensitivity factor, named Jacobian-based distribution factor (JBDF), is used for the calculation of active and reactive power flow in transmission systems. It is derived from the Jacobian matrix of the base case Newton-Raphson power flow solution, and kept constant during real-time line flow calculation. Unlike well-known distribution factors, such as generation shift distribution factor (GSDF), generalised generation shift distribution factor (GGDF) and Z-bus distribution factor (ZBD), this approach reflects changes in complex injection power. Changes in load conditions from base case loads, with either conforming or non-conforming changes in complex power in each bus, can be used to rapidly compute active and reactive power flow without iterations. The proposed approach was tested on IEEE 14-Bus and 30-Bus systems. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed approach is not only superior to previous distribution factors, but also compares favourably with the Newton-Raphson power flow method. It is well suited to real-time applications in steady-state security control and optimal dispatch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) families are composed of liver-enriched transcription factors and upstream regulators of many liver-specific genes. HNF are involved in liver-specific gene expression, metabolism, development, cell growth and many cellular functions in the body. HNF genes can be activated or influenced by several hormones and insulin-like growth factors (IGF), and different combinations of the four HNF factors form a network in controlling the expression of liver-specific or liver-enriched genes. The functions of these factors and their interactions within the gonads of bony fishes, however, are not well understood, and the related literature is scant. Recently, several members of the HNF families have been detected in teleost gonads together with their downstream genes (IGF-I and IGF-II), suggesting that these HNF could be upregulated in vitro by steroid hormones. Thus, the hormone–HNF–IGF–gonad interaction may be an alternative axis in the reproductive mechanism that acts in concert with the conventional hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad pathway. This may help the early development and maturation of the gonad or gamete, sexual maturity or reversion and spawning-regulating mechanisms among fishes to be understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To characterize the clinicopathological features of sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Methods and results: A retrospective study of 17 paediatric and 14 adult BLs with history and histopathology review, immunohistochemistry, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in situ hybridization (EBER) and fluorescence in situ hybridization. There was no statistically significant difference in gender, frequency of central nervous system (CNS) involvement and leukaemic change at presentation, or frequency of CD10+/Bcl-2−/Bcl-6+ (88% versus 86%), Ki67 labelling index, EBER (24% versus 21%), or C-MYC translocation (100% versus 92%) between paediatric and adult tumours. Correct pretreatment diagnoses were made in 13/17 (76%) paediatric and in 9/14 (64%) adult tumours. Twenty-eight patients received chemotherapy including 13/16 (81%) paediatric and 3/12 (25%) adult patients with appropriate regimens; 16 (57%) received CNS prophylaxis. The 1- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for paediatric patients were 80% and 50%, respectively, whereas 1-year OS for adults was 15%. Conclusions: Sporadic paediatric and adult BLs were phenotypically and genotypically similar. The significant prognosticators were age ( P = 0.001), with or without CNS prophylaxis ( P = 0.004), and CNS involvement ( P = 0.008) and leukaemic change ( P = 0.019) in disease course. The poor outcome in adult patients might be related to incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bacterium identified as Proteus mirabilis was isolated from acclimated sludge from a dyeing wastewater treatment plant. This strain rapidly decolorized a deep red azo dye solution (RED RBN). Features of the decolorizing process related to biodegradation and biosorption were also studied. Although P. mirabilis displayed good growth in shake culture, color removal was best in anoxic static cultures. For color removal, the optimal pH and temperature were 6.5-7.5 and 30-35°C, respectively. The organism exhibited a remarkable color removal capability, even at a high concentration of azo dye. More than 95% of azo dye was reduced within 20 h at a dye concentration of 1.0 g L[sup -1]. Decolorization appears to proceed primarily by enzymatic reduction associated with a minor portion, 13-17%, of biosorption to inactivated microbial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to control viral diseases of grapevine include the production of certified material and development of virus‐resistant transgenic grapevines. However, effective antiviral agents, once the viruses have infected the plants, are still lacking. This study shows that a crude garlic extract has significant antiviral activity against grapevine viruses. Replication of grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 2 (GLRaV‐2) was obviously inhibited in grapevine cv. Cabernet Sauvignon calli treated with diluted (1:100) garlic extract. The relative RNA levels of GLRaV‐2 and grapevine fleck virus (GFkV) in cv. Summer Black grapevine in in vitro‐grown plantlets 10 days after treatment with diluted (1:100) garlic extract were about 22% and 20%, respectively, of that in controls. The viral RNA accumulation of GLRaV‐2, GFkV, grapevine virus A (GVA), grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and grapevine rupestris stem pitting‐associated virus (GRSPaV) in field‐grown grapevine cv. Centennial Seedless plants sprayed with diluted (1:100) garlic extract were about 31–40%, 26–38%, 18–31%, 17–42% and 15–18%, respectively, of that in controls. Moreover, the garlic extract treatment led to a significant decrease in viral RNA accumulation of GLRaV‐3, GLRaV‐2, GVA, GFkV, GFLV, GRSPaV and grapevine Pinot Gris virus in pot‐grown grapevine cv. Shine Muscat plants, and viral disease symptoms in these plants were obviously attenuated. In addition, this extract significantly induced expression of pathogenesis‐related protein genes and stimulated activity of antioxidant enzymes in grapevines. Taken together, these results indicate that the crude garlic extract acts as a significant inhibitor against a broad range of grapevine viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 62-year-old male patient diagnosed with non-neoplastic colonic submucosal cystic lesion.

Presented are the effects of a guard trace with the optimal number of grounded vias that gives maximum efficiency for preventing crosstalk in parallel double micro-strip lines in a high-speed printed circuit board layout. Compared to a guard trace with two terminal grounded vias, the near-end crosstalk is reduced from 95 to 30 mV and the far-end crosstalk is reduced from 121 to 56 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study that evaluate how social capital varies in an systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sample according to demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. Topics discussed include the Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool (A-SCAT), non-Medicaid insurance and social capital.

Introduction Large granular lymphocytes ( LGLs) are medium- to large-sized lymphocytes with azurophilic cytoplasmic granules. Reactive vs. neoplastic LGLs are usually morphologically indistinguishable. Methods We investigated 25 consecutive cases of LGL lymphoproliferation using flow cytometric T cell receptor Vβ ( FC-Vβ) repertoire and T cell receptor gene rearrangement ( TCR- GR) in detecting clonality. Results Seventeen patients (68%) were T- LGL leukemia (T- LGLL) with a male predominance, a median age of 67, and a median absolute LGL count of 2.592 × 109/L. All cases were clonal using the FC-Vβ analysis, and all but one (94%) was clonal by TCR- GR. Eight patients (32%) had reactive LGL lymphoproliferation. Two had EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis; one was clonal by both FC-Vβ and TCR- GR; and the other was clonal only by TCR- GR. The remaining six cases were polyclonal by both assays. Patients with reactive LGL lymphoproliferation were more frequently associated with an underlying/concurrent malignancy than those with T- LGLL (4/8 cases vs. 1/17; P = 0.023, Fisher's exact test). We compared the demographic, hemogram, and clonality data between these two groups and found that the only significant difference was the lower median platelet count in the LGL lymphocytosis group (201 × 109/L vs. 223 × 109/L; P = 0.031; Student's t-test). A literature review including the current study showed a high sensitivity of FC-Vβ analysis for T- LGLL (97.2%; 107/110 cases). Conclusions FC-Vβ analysis was slightly more sensitive than TCR- GR for the detection of clonal T cell lymphoproliferation. However, we must interpret the laboratory findings with clinical context as clonal T cell lymphoproliferation may occur in patients with viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:Mastocytosis is a rare disease characterized by an abnormal increase of mast cells in tissues. We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) and mast cell leukemia (MCL) in which the mastocytosis persisted after standard chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, although the myeloid leukemia achieved molecular complete remission soon after induction chemotherapy. Donor-type mast cells were noted on d31 after transplant. No c-kit mutation was found before or after the transplant. This represents the first reported case in which rapid engraftment of mast cells of donor origin was documented. Thus, the possibility that the mast cell originates from a common myeloid precursor cell may be questioned and a reactive process should be considered in some cases of systemic mastocytosis.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 32, 111-114. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704098 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface modification of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) by microarc oxidation (MAO) under different voltages was investigated using 1%H3PO4 solution as an electrolyte. The microstructure, phase composition and elemental distribution of ceramic coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion behaviour of the coating was also examined by potentio dynamic polarisation testing in a 3-5 wt-%NaCl solution. Micropore oxide films were formed on all the sample groups by MAO. The thickness and micropore size of the MAO coating increased with the increasing voltage. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results indicate that Ti, O and P became incorporated into the MAO coatings. At a low voltage of 250 V, the MAO coatings were composed of amorphous, P2O5, TiP2O7 and titania phases (rutile and anatase). Variation of treatment voltages increased the ceramic coatings from an amorphous structure to a phase structure, and the P2O5 phase disappeared. The corrosion potential Φcorr of the MAO sample shifted towards nobler directions, and the corrosion density /corr fell significantly compared with that of the bare CP-Ti. Corrosion testing showed that the sizes of the micropore of the MAO samples obviously decrease, and the MAO surface becomes smooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central venous access systems are frequently used for delivery of medications; however, few studies have compared surgical and postoperative complications of right versus left access via the subclavian vein (SCV). The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and postoperative complications associated with Port-A-Cath system insertion via the right and left SCV. Methods: The medical records of patients who received Port-A-Cath insertion via the SCV for parenteral chemotherapy between August 2004 and July 2008 were reviewed. The incidence of surgical and postoperative complications was compared between patients who received right- versus left-SCV Port-A-Cath insertion. Results: A total of 1,848 patients were included in the study. Right-SCV catheterization was attempted in 1,029 (55.7%) patients and was successful in 866 (84.2%). Left-SCV catheterization was attempted in 819 (44.3%) patients and was successful in 651 (79.5%). The mean length of postoperative follow-up was 417.3 ± 401.3 and 396.7 ± 379.9 days for the right- and left-SCV groups, respectively. The incidence of SCV puncture failure was significantly lower in the right-SCV group (12.3%) compared with the left-SCV group (16.8%, p = 0.006). The incidence of catheter knotting at the ipsilateral brachiocephalic vein was also significantly lower in the right-SCV group (0.0%) compared with the left-SCV group (0.5%, p = 0.038), as was the incidence of catheter occlusion (1.0% for right SCV vs. 3.5% for left SCV, p = 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the right-SCV approach is superior to the left-SCV approach for Port-A-Cath insertion. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims:  To elucidate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PI-DLBL). Methods and results:  Archival tissues from 30 tumours were used for tissue microarray construction, immunohistochemistry and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomal translocation. The M:F ratio was 1.7:1, with a median age of 60 years. The ileum and ileocaecum were most frequently involved (40% each). Fourteen (47%) were at stage IE disease, 15 (50%) at stage IIE. Five (17%) tumours were perforated at presentation. The tumours expressed Bcl-6 (73%), MUM1 (70%), Bcl-2 (67%) and CD10 (23%). Nine (30%) were classified as germinal centre B-cell (GCB) phenotype and 21 non-GCB. Eight of 30 (27%), 7/30 (23%) and 2/29 (7%) cases were positive for rearrangements involving IGH, BCL6, and C-MYC loci, respectively, whereas all cases were negative for BCL2 and CCND1 translocation. Perforation was a poor prognostic indicator, with a hazard ratio of tumour-related death at 8.75 ( P = 0.001). The differentiation antigens, GCB versus non-GCB phenotype, or lymphoma-associated translocations were of no prognostic significance. Conclusions:  We found a higher rate of perforation and lower frequency of GCB phenotype in PI-DLBL in Taiwan compared with other geographical areas; perforation is a poor prognostic indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on medical cases of postvaccination syncope in adolescents in the U.S. from January 2005 to July 2007. Analyses were done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration using data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Details on the number of postvaccination episodes by selected characteristics are presented. Also noted are the four limitations of the analyses.

Aberrant antigen expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been extensively studied in the West with limited reports from Taiwan. We carried out this retrospective study to characterize the frequency and significance of aberrant antigen expression of AML in Taiwan. Among 111 cases, 58 (52%) showed aberrant antigen expression, most frequently CD7 (27%) and CD56 (23%). Aberrant CD7 expression was observed in all non-AML-M3 subtypes, most frequently in AML-M7 (4/6, 67%); while CD19 expression was only observed in AML-M2 (5/36, 14%). CD56 expression was most common in AML-M5 (4/8, 50%). The relative frequency of CD19 and CD56 expression in AML with t(8;21) was higher than those with other chromosomal abnormalities or normal karyotype ( P = 0.011 and 0.005, respectively). In non-M3 AML, aberrant antigen expression was identified in 56/96 (58%) cases, in contrast to 2/15 (13%) AML-M3 cases ( P = 0.001). CD7, CD19 and CD56 expression was not correlated with remission rate. We concluded that aberrant immunophenotype was more frequent in non-M3 leukemias in Taiwan. The relative frequency of CD19 and/or CD56 expression in AML with t(8;21) was significantly higher than those without this translocation and co-expression of these two antigens may serve as the surrogate markers for AML with t(8;21). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and histological features that may affect the survival of the patients and to evaluate the impact of post-operative adjuvant therapy on the outcomes of patients with stage IB and IIA carcinoma of the cervix. From August 1998 to January 2005, 140 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB and IIA cervical cancer were treated with radical hysterectomy and post-operative pelvic radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. The median age was 55 years (range, 29–86 years). Seventy-six patients had stage IB and 64 patients had stage IIA disease. Tumour size was <4 cm in 96 patients and ≥4 cm in 44 patients. One hundred and eleven patients had histology of squamous cell carcinoma, 12 patients has adenocarcinoma and 17 patients had other histologic types. Depth of stromal invasion was <2/3 in 20 patients and ≥2/3 in 120 patients. Twenty-three patients had parametrial invasion and 117 patients had no parametrial invasion. Thirteen patients had lymphovascular space invasion and 127 had no lymphovascular space invasion. Nine patients had positive surgical margin and 131 patients had negative margin. Twenty-seven patients had pelvic lymph node metastasis and 113 patients had no pelvic lymph node metastasis. Seventy-five patients received concurrent chemoraditherapy and 65 patients received radiotherapy alone. The 5-year overall survival (OAS) and disease-free survival were 83% and 72% respectively. In the log rank test, tumour size ( P = 0.0235), pararmetrial invasion ( P = 0.0121), pelvic lymph node metastasis ( P < 0.0001) and adjuvant chemotherapy + radiotherapy ( P = 0.0119) were significant prognostic factors for OAS, favouring tumour size <4 cm, absence of parametrial invasion and pelvic lymph node metastasis, and those who received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The patients who received radiation with concomitant chemotherapy had a 5-year OAS rate of 90% versus those who received radiotherapy alone, with a rate of 76%. For patients with high-risk early stage cervical cancer who underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy resulted in better survival than radiotherapy alone. The addition of weekly cisplatin to radiotherapy is recommended. The treatment-related morbidity is tolerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently, BaO–Nd2O3–TiO2 systems are widely studied for microwave applications because of their high dielectric constant and high quality factor. However, pure BaNd2Ti4O12 ceramics without additives have to be sintered above 1300°C to achieve densification. Copper oxide has been known as a good sintering aid for electronic ceramics and less reactive toward silver. We have introduced the CuO into BaNd2Ti4O12 by modifying the surface of BaNd2Ti4O12 by CuO thin layer on the calcined powder instead of mixing CuO directly with BaNd2Ti4O12 powder. The process reduces the amount of sintering aid and minimized the negative impact of sintering aid on dielectric properties such as quality factor. The CuO precursor solution of Cu(CH3COO)2, Cu(NO3)2 and CuSO4, were used to prepare CuO thin layer. They were investigated individually to determine their effects on the densification, crystalline structure, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of BaNd2Ti4O12. The CuSO4 coated BaNd2Ti4O12 sintered at 1150°C has exhibited better dielectric properties than those of CuO doped BaNd2Ti4O12 (k, 62.5 versus 61.2; Q × f, 11,500GHz versus 10,500GHz). The thin layer dopant coating process has been found to be a very effective way to lower ceramic sintering temperature without scarifying its dielectric properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Prognostic significance of peritoneal washing cytology in patients with gastric cancer" by K.W. Ryu and S.D. Lee in a 2012 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented entitled "The phenotype of intraepithelial lymphocytes in Taiwanese enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma is distinct from that of the West." by S.-S Chuang, Y.-L. Liao, and H. Liu.

The article presents a report from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention regarding the incidence of syncope or fainting following vaccination in the U.S. between January 2005 and July 2007. Findings reveal the number of postvaccination syncope events in females aged 11-18 years has increased since the licensing of vaccines to treat quadrivalent human papillomavirus and other vaccines commonly used to treat adolescents. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends observing patients for 15 minutes after vaccination. Several syncope case studies involving girls who received vaccinations are presented.