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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have indirect consequences for relations between India and China. In the near term, those consequences appear to be mixed and limited. Over the long term, however, Moscow’s strategic misadventure threatens Russia’s position as an independent power, a defense supplier to India, and a champion of non-Western diplomatic initiatives that tend to encourage more stable China–India relations. The war will also produce “systemic” effects, including altered global expectations about the prospects for major-power conflict and a resurgence of US-led treaty alliances. In combination, these war-driven outcomes are likely to accelerate the deterioration of China–India relations that was already underway before February 2022.

Circadian clock disruption decreased mammary development and impaired lactation in late gestation cows and mice. Transcriptional targets of the circadian clock genes BMAL1 and CLOCK include the cell-cell and cell-ECM proteins e-cadherin (CDH1) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). The polarization and lumen formation of milk-producing acini is dependent on these junctional proteins. We hypothesized that if BMAL1 and CLOCK were disrupted, mammary epithelial cells (HC11) will have a reduced ability to form acini. Our objective was to measure the effect of BMAL1 gene deletion (BMAL1-KO) and CLOCK protein reduction (shCLOCK) in HC11 cells on the formation of acini and expression of CDH1 and ZO-1 in three-dimensional (3D) cultures. Cells were plated on Matrigel, embedded, and cultured to create 3D structures. ImageJ software was used to quantify the acini and found that the BMAL1-KO and shCLOCK lines formed fewer and smaller acini (p < 0.05). Confocal microscopy revealed that CDH1 was located along lateral membranes and ZO-1 was apically located in all three lines. Levels of CDH1 and ZO-1 were greater (p < 0.05) per unit volume of cell in the shCLOCK cell line. Live/dead staining of cells found little to no cell death across three lines. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of acini indicated less polarization of cells within BMAL1-KO and shCLOCK acini. Polarization of cells is required for formation of 3D structures and requires coordination of temporal-spatial cues. Disruption of circadian clocks results disturbs temporal organization of cellular processes and causes a reduced ability of cells to polarize and form acini.

Jacob Larsen,1 Travis Whitt,2 Briana Parker,1 Russell Swan3,4 1Clinical Research, Vance Thompson Vision, Bozeman, MT, USA; 2Department of Optometry, Vance Thompson Vision, Bozeman, MT, USA; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Vance Thompson Vision, Bozeman, MT, USA; 4Ophthalmology Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USACorrespondence: Jacob LarsenClinical Research, Vance Thompson Vision, Bozeman, MT, USATel +1 406-544-2140Fax +1 406-624-6560Email Jacob.larsen2020@outlook.comPurpose: To determine patient preference and treatment outcomes with an intracanalicular dexamethasone (0.4 mg) insert compared to standard steroid drop regimen in the contralateral eye following bilateral RLE surgery.Methods: This is a prospective, open-label, interventional, randomized, controlled study in 20 subjects who underwent bilateral RLE. Each patient served as their own control with one eye randomized to the intracanalicular insert (Group A) placed at the time of surgery and the contralateral randomized to topical corticosteroid drops (Group B). All eyes received intracameral moxifloxacin at the time of surgery, and post-operatively, topical moxifloxacin QID for one week and topical NSAID daily for four weeks. Post-operative evaluations were performed on Day 1, Week 1, and Week 4– 8.Results: Twenty patients participated. At 4– 8 weeks post-operation, 90% of patients evaluated with the COMTOL questionnaire preferred the intracanalicular insert while 10% preferred the topical steroid. Comparative analysis using the visual analog scale showed no difference in pain between the study and control group. No statistical difference was shown in post-operative corneal staining, anterior chamber cell count, anterior chamber flare or intraocular pressure. Mean LogMAR UCVA at 4– 8 weeks post-operation was 0.06 (± 0.230) in the study group and 0.065 (± 0.241) in the control group, which was not statistically or clinically different (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Patients undergoing bilateral RLE expressed a strong preference towards the use of an intracanalicular insert over a topical steroid for post-operative steroid treatment. There was no clinically or statistically significant difference in outcomes, including rate of cystoid macular edema, visual acuity and elevation of intraocular pressure.National Clinical Trial Number: 04549935.Keywords: punctal plug, steroid, visual acuity, cystoid macular edema, patient preference

Identification of species of the dinoflagellate genus Ostreopsis is difficult because several species have been poorly described, others misidentified in the literature, and the type species, O. siamensis, has not been described by contemporary taxonomic methods. In the present study, it is argued that Ostreopsis sp. 6 as described by previous authors is similar to the type species, and we offer an emended description of O. siamensis by LM, SEM, and molecular analyses of nuclear LSU and ITS rDNA based on material collected a few hundred kilometers from the type locality in the Gulf of Thailand and along the Vietnamese east coast. Ostreopsis siamensis is genetically different from the species reported as O. cf. siamensis in the literature and the latter should be described as a separate species. It is also concluded that with the poor knowledge of the morphological variability of many species of Ostreopsis, O. siamensis may not be distinguished from other similar-sized species by its morphological features, and hence molecular data are needed for reliable identification. The species Ostreopsis lenticularis and Ostreopsis cf. ovata were also found and described.

Background: Severe physical inactivity (SPI) in patients with COPD is associated with a poor prognosis. It is unknown whether there is a link between SPI and systemic inflammation, and if systemic inflammation in SPI changes following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods: A prospective, observational study of patients referred for at least 7 weeks of PR comprising 2 h of exercise therapy and education twice weekly. At baseline and after PR, daily physical activity level (PAL) was measured with a validated activity monitor, SenseWear® as well as systemic inflammation: b-eosinophils, p-fibrinogen, p-CRP, s-IL-6 and s-CD 163. SPI was defined as PAL Results: At baseline, SPI was present in 31 of the 57 patients included, and 23% (7/31) improved to non-SPI after PR. We observed no differences between patients with SPI and non-SPI, except baseline plasma fibrinogen level was slightly yet significantly higher in patients with SPI (median 13.3 [6.2–23.6] vs 11.2 [6.5–16.7] µmol/l) but change in fibrinogen levels differed insignificantly between patients who improved to non-SPI at follow-up compared to patients with persistent SPI (−0.6 [−16.9–9.9] vs −0.4 [−11.2–1.2] µmol/l). Conclusion: SPI in COPD appears not to be associated with a distinct inflammatory profile compared to less sedentary COPD patients attending pulmonary rehabilitation. Currently biomarkers have no role in the detection of SPI in COPD.

Posteroseptal accessory pathways located in the CS diverticulum are rare and unique forms of accessory pathways which are difficult to precisely locate and ablate. The ablation of this type of accessory pathway could also be associated with collateral injury to the neighbouring coronary arteries. We present a case of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome due to a CS diverticulum accessory pathway with previous failed ablation attempt who was safely and successfully ablated. We demonstrated that using the advanced 3-D cardiac mapping system could guide clinicians to precisely locate and safely ablate these difficult pathways.

Spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT or GRID) is an approach to deliver high local radiation doses in an 'on-off' pattern. To better appraise the radiobiological effects from GRID, a framework to link local radiation dose to clonogenic survival needs to be developed. A549 (lung) cancer cells were irradiated in T25 cm$^2$ flasks using 220 kV X-rays with an open field or through a tungsten GRID collimator with periodical 5 mm openings and 10 mm blockings. Delivered nominal doses were 2, 5, and 10 Gy. A novel approach for image segmentation was used to locate the centroid of surviving colonies in scanned images of the cell flasks. GafchromicTM film dosimetry (GFD) and FLUKA Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were employed to map the dose distribution in the flasks at each surviving colony centroid. Fitting the linear-quadratic (LQ) function to clonogenic survival data for open field irradiation, the expected survival level at a given dose level was calculated. The expected survival level was then mapped together with the observed levels in the GRID-irradiated flasks. GFD and FLUKA MC gave similar dose distributions, with a mean peak-to-valley dose ratio of about 5. LQ-parameters for open field irradiation gave $\alpha = 0.16 \pm 0.04$ Gy$^{-1}$ and $\beta = 0.001 \pm 0.004$ Gy$^{-2}$. Using the image segmentation method, the mean absolute percentage deviation between observed and predicted survival in the (peak; valley) dose regions was (8; 10) %, (4; 41) %, and (3; 138) % for 2, 5 and 10 Gy, respectively. In conclusion, a framework for mapping of surviving colonies following GRID irradiation together with predicted survival levels from homogeneous irradiation was presented. For the given cell line, our findings indicate that GRID irradiation, especially at high peak doses, causes reduced survival compared to an open field configuration., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Physics in Medicine and Biology

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction may relate to metabolic disorders. The relation between maternal and fetal mitochondrial function needs attention due to heritage. Objectives: To evaluate the use of the staining methods TetraMethylRhodamine Methyl Ester (TMRM) and Mitotracker Green (MTG) for flow cytometric measurements of umbilical cord blood mitochondrial function. Methods: 53 euthyroid at-term pregnant women and their offspring were included by blood collections. The offspring had blood drawn from the clamped umbilical cord. Flow cytometry with MTG, TMRM and Propidium Iodide were performed the following day. A cell count (antibody coating and flow cytometry) was performed for 9 maternal and cord samples. As a quality control, blood of 32 healthy donors was evaluated by flow cytometric analyzes same day as sampling and the following day to test stability of the measurements. Results: Cord mitochondrial measurements were lower than maternal. Maternal and cord mitochondrial function were positively correlated, especially reflected by MTG fluorescence-intensity (FI). Samples stored presented with very changed fluorescence patterns. However, the fluorescence intensity ratios MTG/TMRM of stained white blood cells were related within same day measurements, depicting an extensive and common bioenergetic cellular change. Conclusion: Cord blood flow cytometry by MTG- and TMRM- staining is possible with fluorescence intensity positively correlated to maternal fluorescence intensity. Storage of blood triggers mitochondrial dynamics. The methods are applicable with certain reservations, and they benefit from their non-invasive character compared to mitochondrial evaluation by muscle-biopsies.

8 pages, 2 tables, A recently published study analyzed the phylogenetic relationship between the genera Centrodinium and Alexandrium, confirming an earlier publication showing the genus Alexandrium as paraphyletic. This most recent manuscript retained the genus Alexandrium, introduced a new genus Episemicolon, resurrected two genera, Gessnerium and Protogonyaulax, and stated that: “The polyphyly [sic] of Alexandrium is solved with the split into four genera”. However, these reintroduced taxa were not based on monophyletic groups. Therefore this work, if accepted, would result in replacing a single paraphyletic taxon with several non-monophyletic ones. The morphological data presented for genus characterization also do not convincingly support taxa delimitations. The combination of weak molecular phylogenetics and the lack of diagnostic traits (i.e., autapomorphies) render the applicability of the concept of limited use. The proposal to split the genus Alexandrium on the basis of our current knowledge is rejected herein. The aim here is not to present an alternative analysis and revision, but to maintain Alexandrium. A better constructed and more phylogenetically accurate revision can and should wait until more complete evidence becomes available and there is a strong reason to revise the genus Alexandrium. The reasons are explained in detail by a review of the available molecular and morphological data for species of the genera Alexandrium and Centrodinium. In addition, cyst morphology and chemotaxonomy are discussed, and the need for integrative taxonomy is highlighted, Support to DMA from the NOAA ECOHAB program (Grant #NA15NOS4780181) is gratefully acknowledged. Support to EG, AR, NS from the COPAs project (CTM2017-86121-R) is acknowledged. IGL and CJBS are COFFA-IPN and EDI-IPN fellows, With the funding support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S), of the Spanish Research Agency (AEI)

Background The purpose was to investigate whether severe physical inactivity (SPI) is associated with altered levels of common inflammatory markers as compared to higher Physical activity levels (PALs), and whether pulmonary rehabilitation would reduce the levels of systemic inflammation in SPI in patients with COPD. Methods This prospective, cohort study was conducted in four rehabilitation centers in Region Zealand, Denmark. We included patients with COPD referred for 7-12 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation (2-hours of exercise therapy and education twice weekly). We measured b-eosinophils, p-fibrinogen, p-CRP, s-IL-6, s-CD 163, nasal lavage-IL-8, and daily physical activity, using a validated activity monitor, SenseWear®, at baseline and after rehabilitation. SPI was defined as PAL Results In total, 31 of 57 patients were SPI at baseline, and seven (23%) of these patients improved to non-SPI after pulmonary rehabilitation. We observed no significant differences in the primary endpoint i.e. change in systemic inflammation between patients who remained SPI at both time pints vs. patients who improved PAL from SPI at baseline to non-SPI at follow-up. At baseline, SPI was associated with significantly higher p-fibrinogen levels (p=0.04) than non-SPI, but no other differences were observed between SPI and non-SPI Conclusion In a cohort of patients with COPD attending pulmonary rehabilitation, we could not demonstrate any differences or changes in systemic inflammation or PAL following rehabilitation between patients with SPI and non-SPI. This might be a true negative finding or due to a high pro-inflammatory drive in all patients regardless of SPI status or study limitations such as suboptimal levels of rehabilitation intensity and SPI cut-off level. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01700296), https://register.clinicaltrials.gov. Registered in November 2012.

We employ a neural network approach to classify aerosolised spherical particles according to both constituent material and size. The classification is based on simulated light scattered intensities in order to emulate the data obtained from an optical particle counter. Detection configurations of varying complexity, involving up to three wavelengths,forward- and backward-scattering detection and two polarizations, are simulated.Rather than attempting to identify specific constituent materials, distinction of particles into general material categories was attempted. The neural network approach generally showed good accuracy in both sizing and classification of particles into the four material categories non-metal, metal, soot, and water when testing on the same particle types the network was trained on. Significant improvements over conventional optical particle counter geometries were predicted when introducing additional wavelengths and an additional detector to the simulated setup, and overall size and classification accuracies of > 95 % were achieved, in compliance with current standards. When testing the predictive power of the neural network on particle materials outside of the training ensemble, classification accuracies as high as 96% were observed for materials with properties within the region of the training data, while materials with optical properties far removed from the training particles, or near the boundaries of the chosen material categories, were more easily misclassified.

Utilizing the full potential of spectroscopic calibrations in changing environments typically requires large amounts of maintenance and/or model updates as the presence of new sources of variation makes the calibration insufficient. In this paper, we propose the use of unlabelled data in order to automize such maintenance. We extend the Linear Joint Trained Framework by Ryan and Culp such that the shifts in mean value and covariance structure are modelled explicitly. The extension yields a more flexible framework, and thus we are able to regularize the final calibration in a more desirable manner. The proposed framework is tested on a simulated dataset where we simulate three different realistic scenarios that are either challenging for classic multivariate calibrations or challenging when adding unlabelled data. Furthermore, we test our framework on two real datasets across multiple data splits. We find that our framework not only achieves the same (and in some instances lower) error level as that of the baseline model (NARE), it also yields better calibration models than the Linear Joint Trained Framework.

The first global workshop on implementation of the WHO guidelines on procedures and data requirements for changes to approved biotherapeutic products adopted by the WHO Expert Committee in 2018 was held in June 2019. The workshop participants recognized that the principles based on sound science and the potential for risk, as described in the WHO Guidelines on post-approval changes, which constitute the global standard for product life-cycle management are providing clarity and helping national regulatory authorities in establishing guidance while improving time-lines for an efficient regulation of products. Consequently, the regulatory situation for post-approval changes and guideline implementation is changing but there is a disparity between different countries. While the guidelines are gradually being implemented in some countries and also being considered in other countries, the need for regional workshops and further training on post-approval changes was a common theme reiterated by many participants. Given the complexities relating to post-approval changes in different regions/countries, there was a clear understanding among all participants that an efficient approach for product life-cycle management at a national level is needed to ensure faster availability of high standard, safe and efficacious medicines to patients as per the World Health Assembly Resolution 67.21.

Protoperidinium is one of the most important genera of armoured marine dinoflagellates. Despite its importance and many previous studies on this genus, the descriptions of many species are incomplete, their diagnostic features not properly described and illustrated and most species have been illustrated, if at all, only by line drawings and not documented by micro-photography. As here described, examinations of about 600 phytoplankton net samples collected from Viet Nam and adjacent coastal waters over the last decade revealed about 100 species of Protoperidinium, ten of which belong to the section Oceanica and this paper is the first in a series describing all species of Protoperidinium found in Vietnamese waters. The Oceanica species are described and illustrated by light, and for some also by scanning electron, microscopy. The species are: Protoperidinium claudicans, P. depressum, P. depressum var. claudicanoides, P. larsenii sp. nov., P. murrayi, P. oceanicum f. bisintercalares comb. nov., P. oceanicum var. tenellum comb. nov., P. paraoblongum, P. venustum and P. venustum var. facetum. Protoperidinium larsenii L. Phan Tan, L. Nguyen-Ngoc, and H. Doan-Nhu is new to science. It was found in the coastal waters of Rach Gia in Kien Giang Province, western part of south Viet Nam (Gulf of Thailand). The new species is characterized by its broad shape, conical epitheca and short, non-divergent antapical horns; the 1’ plate is asymmetrical, there are 3 anterior intercalary plates, the 2a plate is quadrangular; and the sutures connecting the 6” plate with the 4’ plate and the 7” form an almost straight line. By these features P. larsenii differs from the similar species P. claudicans and P. latidorsale. Protoperidinium oceanicum (Vanh ffen) Balech () f. bisintercalares (Graham) H. Doan-Nhu, L. Phan-Tan, L. Nguyen-Ngoc, and J. Larsen comb. nov. and Protoperidinium oceanicum (Vanh ffen) Balech () var. tenellum (Graham) L. Nguyen-Ngoc, L. Phan-Tan, H. Doan-Nhu and J. Larsen comb. nov. are two new combinations.

The magnetic properties of spinel ferrites (MFe2O4, M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, etc.) are largely determined by the type of divalent cation, M2+ and cation distribution between the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the structure. Partial substitution of Zn2+ into the thermodynamically preferred tetrahedral coordination in ferrites produces an increase in magnetic saturation at room temperature. However, nanosized crystallites are known to adopt different structures compared to their bulk equivalents. Consequently, reliable characterization of the atomic structure of nanosized ferrites is essential for understanding and tailoring their magnetic properties. Here, we present a meticulous study of the crystal-, magnetic- and micro-structures of mixed ZnxCo1-xFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanocrystallites in the entire composition range (x=0.0-1.0 in steps of 0.1). Gram-scale nanoparticle preparation was performed via the widely used hydrothermal method. Eight compositions were selected to study the effect of 4 hours vacuum annealing at 823 K. Combined Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data along with Mössbauer analysis reveal how the as-synthesized nanocrystallites adopt metastable cation inversions, different from the well-established and thermodynamically stable inversions of the bulk equivalents. The annealing treatment causes the structure of the crystallites to relax towards a more bulk-like cation distribution. For all compositions, the smaller as-synthesized nanocrystallites with metastable cation inversion exhibit a higher saturation magnetization compared to the annealed samples. The demonstrated control over the spinel ferrite cation distribution is a key step on the way to designing cheap magnetic materials with tunable properties optimized for specific applications., This work was financially supported by the Danish National Research Foundation (Center for Materials Crystallography, DNRF93), Innovation Fund Denmark (Green Chemistry for Advanced Materials, GCAM-4107-00008B), Independent Research Fund Denmark (Small and Smart Magnet Design) and the Danish Center for Synchrotron and Neutron Science (DanScatt). Affiliation with the Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT) at Aarhus University is gratefully acknowledged. The authors are grateful for the obtained beamtime at the DMC beamline, SINQ, PSI, Villigen, Switzerland.

The magnetic properties of ${\mathrm{CoCl}}_{2}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ are analyzed in the mean-field/random-phase approximation using a basis of clusters with four spins along the $c$-axis chains of Co ions. The model gives a unifying account of the bulk properties, the spin waves, and the higher-order cluster-spin excitations. The theory describes accurately the neutron scattering measurements of the excited doublet of the $S=3/2\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{\mathrm{Co}}^{++}$ ions in both the antiferromagnetic and the paramagnetic phases. The theory has been applied by Larsen et al. [Phys. Rev. B 96, 174424 (2017)] for analyzing the quantum phase transition at a transverse field of 160 kOe and is found to agree closely with their observations.

We present experimental evidence for a quantum phase transition in the easy-axis $S=3/2$ anisotropic quasi-one-dimensional ferromagnet ${\mathrm{CoCl}}_{2}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2{\mathrm{D}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ in a transverse field. Elastic neutron scattering shows that the magnetic order parameter vanishes at a transverse critical field ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}{H}_{c}=16.05$(4) T, while inelastic neutron scattering shows that the gap in the magnetic excitation spectrum vanishes at the same field value, and reopens for $Hg{H}_{c}$. The field dependence of the order parameter and the gap are well described by critical exponents $\ensuremath{\beta}=0.45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09$ and $z\ensuremath{\nu}$ close to $1/2$, implying that the quantum phase transition in ${\mathrm{CoCl}}_{2}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2{\mathrm{D}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ differs significantly from the textbook version of a $S=1/2$ Ising chain in a transverse field. We attribute the difference to weak but finite three-dimensionality of the magnetic interactions.

Concern over climate change, traffic congestion, and the health consequences of sedentary lifestyles has resulted in a surge of interest in cycling as an efficient form of sustainable transportation. In order to best serve the needs of current cyclists and attract future ones, methodologies are needed to objectively determine the optimum location of new cycling facilities. This article uses Montreal, Canada, as a case study to demonstrate various methods for locating facilities. This research can be beneficial to transportation engineers and planners since it uses readily available data sources to recommend additions and improvements to a city's cycling infrastructure.

The unusual and prolonged occurrence of rare and poorly known dinoflagellate Prorocentrum arcuatum in the phytoplankton of the shallow aquaculture site in Medulin Bay was recorded from July 2013 to October 2014. This enabled us to investigate changes in abundance and environmental drivers of P. arcuatum population dynamics in natural conditions, and to provide first detailed description of P. arcuatum from field samples based on SEM images. During 15 months of observations we also recorded seasonal variability in P. arcuatum cell size. The optimum physical conditions for P. arcuatum proliferation were reached in autumn 2013, during the narrow temperature range between 19.6 oC – 20.4 oC, and salinity between 36.7 - 37.7. Despite the general similarity in physical conditions in autumn 2014, this increase in the abundance of P. arcuatum was not repeated, which might be connected to higher competition due to observed interannual changes in phytoplankton population structure., Na području Medulinskog zaljeva, u razdoblju od srpnja 2013. do listopada 2014. godine, zabilježena je pojava rijetke i slabo poznate vrste dinoflagalata Prorocentrum arcuatum. Prisutnost vrste P. arcutum u fitoplanktonskoj zajednici Medulinskog zaljeva tijekom 15- mjesečnog razdoblja omogućila je istraživanje promjene u brojnosti vrste i okolišnih parametara koji uvjetuju dinamiku populacije vrste P. arcuatum u prirodnim uvjetima, a ujedno nam je omogućilo i prvi detaljni opis P. arcuatum temeljen na SEM metodologiji. Tijekom istraživanja zabilježili smo sezonsku varijabilnost u veličini stanica P. arcuatum. Optimalni fizikalni uvjeti za povećanu brojnost P. arcuatum zabilježeni su u jesen 2013. pri rasponu temperature od 19.6 oC do 20.4 oC i salinitetu 36.7 - 37.7. Unatoč činjenici da su slični okolišni uvjeti zabilježeni i naredne godine, u jesen 2014, povećanje brojnosti P. arcuatum se nije ponovilo, što može biti povezano s većom kompetitivnošću drugih vrsta uslijed godišnjih promjena fitoplanktonske zajednice.

Inelastic neutron scattering has been used to study the magneto-elastic excitations in the multiferroic manganite hexagonal YMnO$_3$. An avoided crossing is found between magnon and phonon modes close to the Brillouin zone boundary in the $(a,b)$-plane. Neutron polarization analysis reveals that this mode has mixed magnon-phonon character. An external magnetic field along the $c$-axis is observed to cause a linear field-induced splitting of one of the spin wave branches. A theoretical description is performed, using a Heisenberg model of localized spins, acoustic phonon modes and a magneto-elastic coupling via the single-ion magnetostriction. The model quantitatively reproduces the dispersion and intensities of all modes in the full Brillouin zone, describes the observed magnon-phonon hybridized modes, and quantifies the magneto-elastic coupling. The combined information, including the field-induced magnon splitting, allows us to exclude several of the earlier proposed models and point to the correct magnetic ground state symmetry, and provides an effective dynamic model relevant for the multiferroic hexagonal manganites., Comment: 12 pages, 10 figures

Mitochondrial function, including production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is important in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Thyroid hormones are major regulator of these processes. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the thyroid hormone regulation of ROS production in human lymphocytes in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). Lymphocytes from 10 controls and 10 persons with T2DM were examined. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was examined by flow cytometry after staining with MitoTracker Green (MTG). Similarly ROS was measured following staining with carboxy-H 2 DCFDA. MMP was increased in T2DM patients and T 3 stimulation increased MMP in controls [1 398 a.u. (979–4 094) vs. 2 156 a.u. (1 611–15 189), p=0.04, median and quartiles] as well as in T2DM patients [9 167 a.u. (7 387–11 746) vs. 20 274 a.u. (17 183–27 839 p=0.004, median and quartiles]. Basal ROS concentration was increased in lymphocytes from T2DM and T 3 significantly stimulated ROS concentration in controls [3 691 a.u. (2 584–6 396) vs. 5 650 a.u. (3 001–7 802) p=0.013, median and quartiles] and in T2DM patients [19 271 a.u. (6 288–25 282) vs. 23 178 a.u. (10 004–28 857) p=0.013, median and quartiles]. The ratio of ROS production related to MMP was significantly higher in T2DM, unstimulated as well as T 3 -stimulated in T2DM. Unstimulated and T 3 stimulated ROS production and MMP were higher in lymphocytes from diabetic patients. An altered balance between ROS production and MMP, favoring ROS production in T2DM patients, was found suggesting that an increased mitochondrial sensitivity for T 3 may be a significant factor responsible for increased ROS activity in diabetic patients.

Seroma formation is the most prevalent postoperative sequela after breast cancer surgery. A total of 263 aspirations of seroma fluid in 42 patients were performed after mastectomy; cytokines were measured in 148 cases. The concentration of interleukin-1� (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-12p70 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor � (TNF) were measured. The patients underwent 9.0 seroma aspirations on average (range 1-17) during an average of 30.7 days (range 7-72). The average cumulative seroma volume was 2056.1 mL (range 50-5130). In all samples, the maximal average concentrations of IL-6 (mean 10717 pg/mL, range 136-100000) and IL-8 (mean 7221 pg/mL, range 102-79828) were 55-200-fold above the serum/plasma levels of asymptomatic adults. In contrast, we observed levels similar to normal serum/plasma levels for IL-1 (mean 62.8 pg/mL, range 0-1226), IL-10 (mean 29.8 pg/mL, range 3.6-359), and lower-than-normal serum/plasma levels of TNF (mean 3.4 pg/mL, range 0-31.7) and IL-12 (mean 0.5 pg/mL, range 0-11.8). Patients with clinical infection had generally significant higher maximal IL-6 (p = 0.004) and IL-8 (0.019) than patients without clinical infection. However, most patients had no bacterial infection. None of the cytokines were associated with cumulative seroma volume, duration of seroma production or number of seroma aspirations. Seroma formation after mastectomy has a pro-inflammatory component, as indicated by the high levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. However, these levels do not predict the course of seroma production.

Superconductivity often emerges in the proximity of, or in competition with, symmetry-breaking ground states such as antiferromagnetism or charge density waves(1-5) (CDW). A number of materials in the cuprate family, which includes the high transition-temperature (high-T-c) superconductors, show spin and charge density wave order(5-7). Thus a fundamental question is to what extent do these ordered states exist for compositions close to optimal for superconductivity. Here we use high-energy X-ray diffraction to show that a CDW develops at zero field in the normal state of superconducting YBa2Cu3O6.67 (T-c = 67 K). This sample has a hole doping of 0.12 per copper and a well-ordered oxygen chain superstructure(8). Below T-c, the application of a magnetic field suppresses superconductivity and enhances the CDW. Hence, the CDW and superconductivity in this typical high-T-c material are competing orders with similar energy scales, and the high-T-c superconductivity forms from a pre-existing CDW environment. Our results provide a mechanism for the formation of small Fermi surface pockets9, which explain the negative Hall and Seebeck effects(10,11) and the `T-c plateau'(12) in this material when underdoped.

Cu5SbO6 is found to have a monoclinic, Delafossite-derived structure consisting of alternating layers of O–Cu(I)–O sticks and magnetic layers of Jahn–Teller distorted Cu(II)O6 octahedra in an edge sharing honeycomb arrangement with Sb(V)O6 octahedra. This yields the structural formula Cu(I)3Cu(II)2Sb(V)O6. Variants with ordered and disordered layer stacking are observed, depending on the synthesis conditions. The spin 1/2 Cu2+ ions form dimers in the honeycomb layer. The magnetic susceptibility measured between 5 and 300 K is characteristic of the presence of a singlet–triplet spin gap of 189 K. High resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies indicate that changes in the intra- or interdimer distances between 300 and 20 K, such as might indicate an increase in strength of the Peierls-like distortion through the spin gap temperature, if present, are very small. A comparison to the NaFeO2-type Cu2+ honeycomb compounds Na3Cu2SbO6 and Na2Cu2TeO6 is presented.

This study examines the personal factors that influence cycling facility usage and how specific facility types and their spatial characteristics affect route choice. This study is based on an online survey of 2917 cyclists from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Respondent's most frequent home-based trips are modeled using a geographic information system. Several statistical models are used to measure the cycling patterns associated with different types of utilitarian cyclists. Experienced cyclists are less likely to use cycling facilities compared to other kinds of cyclists. Overall, cyclists add greater distance to their trips for facilities that are segregated from vehicle traffic, however, this additional diversion distance is best explained by facility length and supply of nearby facilities.

In response to the environmental, economic, and social costs associated with overreliance on the automobile, planners and transportation professionals are promoting sustainable alternatives such as walking, cycling, and public transit, either as single modes or in combination. It has been argued that the marriage between cycling and transit presents opportunities for synergy by enlarging catchment areas of transit stations while drawing in new users to both of these green modes. However, because of the marginality of combining cycling and transit in North America, there is a shortage of reliable empirical studies in this area. The present study addressed this gap through an analysis of travel behavior and preferences related to cycle–transit (C-T) integration. An online survey was conducted in the region of Montreal, Canada, during the summer of 2010. The questionnaire included a section on Montreal's public bicycle sharing system, Bixi (bicycle taxi), and its potential for integration with transit. Three current or potential C-T user groups were identified through a factor–cluster analysis: current parking bike-and-riders, Bixi users, and car drivers. Bringing a bicycle on transit was the preferred form of integration; however, scenarios involving bicycle parking (or using a public bicycle) were likely to be used more regularly. To accommodate the greatest number of bicycle–transit trips, measures that facilitated parking at transit stops and those that enabled the bringing of bicycles on board transit vehicles were recommended in tandem.

Mitochondrial function may be impaired in a number of diseases including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and endocrine disorders. Therefore it is important to be able to measure mitochondrial function in human cells.The aim of the present study was to evaluate a method to measure mitochondrial function in human derived cells, which also would reflect regulation by thyroid hormones.The MDA-MB-231 cell line (a human breast cancer cell line) was incubated with bioactive iodothyronines (T(4), 3'-3, 5-T(3), 3, 5-T(2)) 50 nmol/l for 3 h. Mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMP) were measured by a flow cytometer after staining with Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM). Also, the effect of TRIAC (a stimulator of thyroid hormone nuclear receptors) and L-Carnitine (an inhibitor of thyroid hormone passage into the nucleus) was examined.It was possible to measure mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in human derived cells and to examine thyroid hormone effects using flow cytometry. Bioactive iodothyronines increased mitochondrial membrane potential. TRIAC had no effect and L-Carnitine only inhibited T(4) stimulation of membrane potential.Flow cytometry may be a valuable method for examining and testing mitochondrial function in human cells. Our findings demonstrate increase of mitochondrial membrane potential and an extra nuclear short time effect of 3, 5-T(2) on mitochondrial activity.

A survey of cyanobacteria was carried out from February to August of 2004 along the Huong River and Hoamy Reservoir which supply part of the City of Hue, Vietnam with drinking water: also at some localities in the vicinity of the City of Hue. Quantitative analyses and screening for microcystin by ELISA and HPLC were done both in natural samples and in cultured cyanobacteria. The total biomass of cyanobacteria ranged from 0 to 3039 mg L-1 [wet weight (ww)] with Arthrospira massartii, Jaaginema sp., Merismopedia spp., Microcystis spp., Oscillatoria perornata, and Planktothrix zahidii as the dominating species. In the water samples, microcystins detected by ELISA varied between 0 and 76.2 mu g L-1. Concentrations above 1 mu g L-1, which is considered the safety limit for drinking water by WHO, were not found in the drinking water resources. Cultured strains of Microcystis aeruginosa, M. panniformis, M. botrys and Pseudanabaena cf. moniliformis were shown by ELISA to produce microcystins. The major microcystins produced were microcystin-LR and -RR, as detected by HPLC.

The occurrence and morphology of the potentially toxic dinoflagellate species Alexandrium minutum found for the first time in Jamaica, were examined and described by light and scanning electron microscopy. Classical morphological examinations of whole cells, the thecal plate pattern of intact cells and more importantly the structure of individual thecal plates of squashed cells, were conducted in an attempt to positively identify the species. Characteristics such as a tear-drop shaped apical pore plate with a comma-shaped apical pore and no anterior attachment pore; a narrow sixth precingular plate; a narrow anterior sulcal plate longer than or approximately as long as it is wide; and a posterior sulcal plate wider than long, confirmed the Jamaican species as A. minutum. This dinoflagellate which produces potent neurotoxins responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in humans in many parts of the World, as well as mass mortality of various marine flora and fauna, was identified in water samples collected during an extensive bloom of the species in the brackish to saline water body of Hunts Bay, an estuarine arm of Kingston Harbour, Jamaica in August 1994. The highest cell concentration was 4.6 × 105 cells l−1, a concentration which far exceeds acceptable concentrations (

The phylogeny of Rhinodinium broomeense, a new genus and species of heterotrophic peridinioid dinoflagellates, has been studied based on morphological and molecular genetic data. The genus was found in tidal marine sand habitats in Broome, north-western Australia, and from three marine sand habitats in Japan. The thecal plate formula is Po 3' 1 a 5" 4c?s 5"' 1"". A large apical hook points toward the dorsal side. Its plate pattern is similar to species of the genus Roscoffia; however, it differs from that genus in its much larger epitheca, narrow cingulum, which could be interpreted as incomplete, the narrow sulcus without sulcal lists on both sides, and the strong oblique lateral compression. Phylogenetic analyses using partial LSU rDNA sequences, as well as plate pattern information, support the placement of this genus in the Peridiniales; however, it is sufficiently different from other genera that the family affinity remains unclear.

High hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children is related to a good outcome. Because these patients may be stratified to a low-intensity treatment, we have investigated the sensitivity of flow cytometry (FCM), G-band karyotyping (GBK), and high-resolution comparative genomic hybridization (HR-CGH) in detecting high hyperdiploid leukemic clones. Twenty-six girls and 34 boys with acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed in 1998 to 1999 were analyzed by FCM, GBK, and HR-CGH. The correlations between DNA indices obtained by FCM, GBK, and HR-CGH were significant (rs=0.61 to 0.77; P

A new species of Bysmatrum, a genus of peridinoid, thecate, photosynthetic dinoflagellates, is described from tidal sand habitats in north-western Australia. The thecal plate formula is Po X 4′ 3a 7′′ 6c 4s 5′′′ 2′′′′. The species differs from other described species of this genus in its size and shape, its strongly descending cingulum, its smooth thecal surface with many small pores and its indented antapical plates. The main features of the genus Bysmatrum are reviewed.