A comparison of the thermal adaptability of people accustomed to air-conditioned environments and naturally ventilated environments

It has been reported previously that people who are acclimated to naturally ventilated (NV) environments respond to hot and warm environments differently than people who are acclimated to air-conditioned (AC) environments. However, it is not clear whether physiological acclimatization contributes to this discrepancy. To study whether living and working in NV or AC environments for long periods of time can lead to different types of physiological acclimatization, and whether physiological acclimatization has an important influence on people's responses of thermal comfort, measurements of physiological reactions (including skin temperature, sweat rate, heart rate variability, and heat stress protein 70) and thermal comfort responses were conducted in a 'heat shock' environment (climate chamber) with 20 people (10 in the NV group and 10 in the AC group). The results showed that the NV group had a significantly stronger capacity for physiological regulation to the heat shock than the AC group. In other words, the NV group did not feel as hot and uncomfortable as the AC group did. These results strongly indicate that living and working in indoor thermal environments for long periods of time affects people's physiological acclimatization. Also, it appears that long-term exposure to stable AC environments may weaken people's thermal adaptability.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study examined the psychological and physiological differences of thermal adaptability of people used to air-conditioned environments and naturally ventilated environments. The results suggested that long-term exposure to stable air-conditioned environments may weaken people's thermal adaptability. Therefore, it might be advantageous for people to spend less time in static air-conditioned environments; this is not only because of its possible deleterious impact on people's physiological adaptability, but also because the air-conditioners' high-energy consumption will contribute to the effects of global warming.

Effect of surface chemistry on gene transfer efficiency mediated by surface-induced DNA-doped nanocomposites

Surface-induced biomineralization represents an effective way of immobilizing DNA molecules on biomaterial surfaces to introduce DNA into cells in contact with or at an approximate distance from the biomaterial surfaces. Previous studies have investigated how the composition of mineralizing solutions affects the composition and pH responsiveness of nanocomposites and thus gene transfer efficiency in different cell types. This study investigates how the functional groups of a biomaterial surface affect the induction and crystallographic properties of nanocomposites and thus the gene transfer efficiency. Self-assembled monolayers with different termini were used to control the functional groups of a surface. It is demonstrated that the induction of DNA-doped nanocomposites depends on the surface functional groups, which is consistent with previous studies. The crystallographic properties did not vary significantly with the functional groups. DNA-doped nanocomposites induced by different surface functional groups resulted in different cellular uptake of DNA and thus gene transfer efficiency. The differential cellular uptake may be attributed to the interactions between nanocomposites and functional groups. The weaker inducer resulted in higher cellular uptake, and thus higher gene transfer efficiency. Together with other previous studies, the current results suggest that surface-mediated gene transfer by DNA-doped nanocomposites can be modulated through both mineralizing solutions and surface chemistries.

In vivo proton MRS of normal pancreas metabolites during breath-holding and free-breathing

AIM

To characterize normal pancreas metabolites using in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) at 3T under conditions of breath-holding and free-breathing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pancreases of 32 healthy volunteers were examined using (1)H MRS during breath-holding and free-breathing acquisitions in a single-voxel point-resolved selective spectroscopy sequence (PRESS) technique using a 3T MRI system. Resonances were compared between paired spectra of the two breathing modes. Furthermore, correlations between lipid (Lip) content and age, body-mass index (BMI), as well as choline (Cho) peak visibility of the normal pancreas were analysed during breath-holding.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine pairs of spectra were successfully obtained showing three major resonances, Lip, Cho, cholesterol and the unsaturated parts of the olefinic region of fatty acids (Chol+Unsat). Breath-hold spectra were generally better, with higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR; Z=-2.646, p=0.008) and Cho peak visible status (Z=-2.449, p=0.014). Correlations were significant between spectra acquired by the two breathing modes, especially for Lip height, Lip area, and the area of other peaks at 1.9-4.1ppm. However, the Lip resonance was significantly different between the spectra of the two breathing modes (p<0.05). In the breath-holding spectra, there were significant positive correlations between Lip peak height, area, and age (r=0.491 and 0.521, p=0.007 and 0.004), but not between Lip peak area and BMI. There was no statistical difference in Cho resonances between males and females. The Lip peak height and area were significantly higher in the Cho peak invisible group than in the Cho peak visible group (t=2.661 and 2.353, p=0.030 and 0.043).

CONCLUSION

In vivo(1)H MRS of the normal pancreas at 3T is technically feasible and can characterize several metabolites. (1)H MRS during breath-holding acquisition is superior to that during free-breathing acquisition.

Genetic variants in the SOX6 gene are associated with bone mineral density in both Caucasian and Chinese populations

SUMMARY

Given the biological function of SOX6 and recent genome-wide association finding, we performed a fine-mapping association analyses to investigate the relationship between SOX6 and BMD both in Caucasian and Chinese populations. We identified many single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near the SOX6 gene to be significantly associated with hip bone mineral density (BMD).

INTRODUCTION

SOX6 gene is an essential transcription factor in chondrogenesis and cartilage formation. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) detected a SNP (rs7117858) located at the downstream of SOX6 significantly associated with hip BMD.

METHODS

Given the biological function of SOX6 and the GWAS finding, we considered SOX6 as a new candidate for BMD and osteoporosis. Therefore, in this study, we performed a fine-mapping association analyses to investigate the relationship between SNPs within and near the SOX6 gene and BMD at both hip and spine. A total of 301 SNPs were tested in two independent US Caucasian populations (2,286 and 1,000 unrelated subjects, respectively) and a Chinese population (1,627 unrelated Han subjects).

RESULTS

We confirmed that the previously reported rs7117858-A was associated with reduced hip BMD, with combined P value of 2.45 × 10(-4). Besides this SNP, we identified another 19 SNPs within or near the SOX6 gene to be significantly associated with hip BMD after false discovery rate adjustment. The most significant SNP was rs1347677 located at the intron 3 (P = 3.15 × 10(-7)). Seven additional SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium with rs1347677 were also significantly associated with hip BMD. SNPs in SOX6 showed significant skeletal site specificity since no SNP was detected to be associated with spine BMD.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified many SNPs in the SOX6 gene associated with hip BMD even across different ethnicities, which further highlighted the importance of the SOX6 gene influencing BMD variation and provided more information to the understanding of the genetic architecture of osteoporosis.

Spinning disk for compressive imaging

We report the first, to the best of our knowledge, experimental implementation of a spinning-disk configuration for high-speed compressive image acquisition. A single rotating mask (i.e., the spinning disk) with random binary patterns was utilized to spatially modulate a collimated terahertz (THz) or IR beam. After propagating through the sample, the THz or IR beam was measured using a single detector, and THz and IR images were subsequently reconstructed using compressive sensing. We demonstrate that a 32-by-32 pixel image could be obtained from 160 to 240 measurements in both the IR and THz ranges. This spinning-disk configuration allows the use of an electric motor to rotate the spinning disk, thus enabling the experiment to be performed automatically and continuously. This, together with its compact design and computational efficiency, makes it promising for real-time imaging applications.

A systematic-analysis of predicted miR-21 targets identifies a signature for lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

The well-known oncomiR-miR-21 was previously reported oncogenic activity in lung cancer. We sought to determine the expression of all predicted target genes of miR-21 and their potential function, pathways and networks, which are involved in the biological behavior of lung cancer.

METHODS

After a systematic review of English language studies of lung cancer-related molecules were pooled; genes were classified in three functional groups by gene ontology (GO) analysis. The key molecules were indentified by establishing lung cancer related networks and pathways. MiR-21 targets were predicted by computational method, followed by screening for matched gene symbols in NCBI human sequences and GO, pathway and network analysis. MiR-21 targets and their network, which are involved in the malignant mechanisms of lung cancer, were obtained by the final integrative analysis.

RESULT

We indentified the potential functions, pathways and networks of lung cancer relating molecules and miR-21 targets respectively in the initial analysis. In the final integrative analysis of lung cancer related miR-21-targets analysis, 24 hub genes were identified by overlap calculation, suggesting that miR-21 may play an important role in the development and progression of lung cancer through JAK/STAT signal pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, cell cycle, PPAR signaling pathway, apoptosis pathway and other pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our data may help researchers to predict the molecular mechanisms of miR-21 in the development and progression of lung cancer comprehensively. Moreover, the present data indicate that miR-21-targets may be a series of promising candidates as biomarkers for lung cancer.

P1-15-03: Multistage Vectored Nanotherapeutics for Breast Cancer Metastasis

Significant progresses have been made on overall survival rates in breast cancer. The five-year survival rate of women diagnosed with Stage I-III breast cancer has been steadily improving decades over decades. These improvements in survival have primarily been attributed to availability of modern diagnostic tools that allow for early detection, and the increased use of adjuvant systemic therapies. However, the situation with breast cancer metastasis is discouraging, with only marginal improvement in some reports to no improvement at all in other studies in survival of the relapsed metastatic patients. More breast cancer patients are killed by cancer metastasis than by the primary cancer.

Nanotechnology has played an important role in the fight against breast cancer in the last decade. The first nano-liposomal formulation of doxorubicin (Dox), Doxil, was FDA approved in 1994, and is currently used to treat multiple cancer types including recurrent and refractory breast cancers. More nano-formulated drugs have since been approved. These nanotherapeutics work based on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, and still cause severe toxicity to the body, however. To overcome these defects of the first generation of nanotherapeutics, we have developed a silicon-based multistage vector (MSV) system with the aim to specifically delivery drugs to cancer tissues with the least toxicity to the normal organs. These are particle-in-particle “Russian Doll” systems with each stage designed to provide transport across a set of sequential biological barriers, and provide associated levels of targeting specificity. We have demonstrated highly reproducible therapeutic efficacy with this system to deliver the conventional chemotherapy drugs and siRNA oligos.

We have generated mouse lung metastasis models with the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 which was engineered with a luciferase gene, and used multiple doxorubicin formulations to treat the tumor mice. These included free doxorubicin (3 mg/kg weekly), Doxil (6 mg/kg biweekly), a new formulation of doxorubicin in micelles (miDox, 6 mg/kg biweekly), and miDox in MSV (MSV/Dox, 6 mg/kg biweekly). Tumor growth in the lung was monitored by bioluminescence with a Xenogen IVIS200 optical in vivo imaging system. As expected, treatment with free Dox caused significant weight loss indicating drug toxicity, most likely to the heart. Tumor growth in the free Dox treatment group halted initially, but resumed two weeks later. The tumor cells in these animals might have developed resistance to Dox during the treatment. Doxil treatment also triggered weight loss initially. This correlates with the cardiac side effect of the drug observed in clinic. Neither miDox or MSV/Dox caused weight loss. Tumor growth was also inhibited in mice treated with both formulations. The result was much more significant with MSV/Dox than with miDox. No tumor cells were observed in the lung after a 6-week treatment with MSV/Dox, while 40% of the miDox-treated mice still had residue, but detectable tumor cells in the lung. These results indicate that we have developed a powerful system for tumor-specific delivery of therapeutic in the treatment of breast cancer metastasis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-15-03.

P3-16-02: Targeting Tumor Initiating Cells with siRNA/Nanotherapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Residual human breast tumor cells after conventional therapies are enriched in tumor-initiating cells (TIC) characterized by CD44+/ CD24-/low/lineage- with self-renewal capacities. Our gene expression analyses in those cells and in breast cancer cells propagated as mammospheres (MSs) reveal an epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) signature (400 genes) mainly found in claudin-low molecular subtype human breast tumors. We performed lentiviral shRNA knockdown of that signature in MS. Critical shRNAs were found to decrease the TIC subpopulation. Among those genes, we found STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), NTN4 (netrin 4), and RPL39L (ribosomal protein L39-like). Here, we used a multiscale siRNA delivery system targeting those three genes in order to clarify the effect of silencing those genes over the self-renewal capacity on MSs with claudin-low features. To this end, duplex small interfering RNA (siRNA) against STAT3, NTN4, RPL39L, and scrambled siRNA as control, were introduced into neutral nanoliposomes (dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine, DOPC), and using mesoporous microscale biodegradable silicon particles as carriers. This multistage siRNA delivery system has been reported as a good approach for sustained gene silencing. Claudin-low-like human breast cancer cell lines (SUM159 and BT549) were plated in 24-well ultralow attachment plates with mammary epithelial growth medium (MEGM) (5,000 cells/well). Both cell lines were then treated with 1μg/well/6 wells of silicon particles loaded with DOPC nanoliposomes/siRNA. The primary MSs were allowed to grow for 3 days. MFs were counted by day 3 with a GelCount colony counter (Oxford Optronix, Oxford, UK). Mammosphere-Forming Efficiency (MSFE) was calculated by dividing the number of MSs by the number of seeded cells. In addition, established MSs were serially passaged by dissociation, and single cells were replated on fresh 24-well ultra-low attachment plates to form secondary mammospheres, which were counted after 3 days. One-way ANOVA and Tukey test were performed. A p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Our results show that silencing STAT3, NTN4, and RPL39L significantly reduces the MSFE in both primary (1%, 0.9%, and 1.7% respectively) (Figure 1) and secondary MSs (0.49%, 0.51%, and 0.45% respectively) (Figure 2) when compared to the scrambled control (2.4% and 1 % respectively) in BT549 cells. For SUM159 cells, we did not find any change in primary MSs for STAT3 (2.2%) and NTN4 (2.1%), even we found a higher percentage of MSFE in those cells treated with RPL39L siRNA (3.9%) when compared to the scrambled control (2.1%) (Figure 3). Nevertheless, a lesser MSFE were observed in those cells treated with STAT3 (0.9%, not significant), NTN4 (0.8%) and RPL39L (0.78%) in comparison to control (1.1%) (Figure 4). In conclusion, knocking-down of EMT-related genes (STAT3, NTN4, and RPL39L) decreases significantly the self-renewal capacity in mammospheres derived from claudin-low-like human breast tumor cells, being BT549 cells more sensitive than SUM159 cells to that silencing with siRNA loaded in DOPC nanoliposomes into silicon particles as carriers.

Acknowledgments: We thank Fundacion Alfonso Martin Escudero for the personal support of Dr. Sergio Granados-Principal.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-16-02.

Formation of hydroxyl radical from San Joaquin Valley particles extracted in a cell-free surrogate lung fluid

Previous studies have suggested that the adverse health effects from ambient particulate matter (PM) are linked to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PM in cardiopulmonary tissues. While hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) is the most reactive of the ROS species, there are few quantitative studies of (•)OH generation from PM. Here we report on (•)OH formation from PM collected at an urban (Fresno) and rural (Westside) site in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California. We quantified (•)OH in PM extracts using a cell-free, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution with or without 50μM ascorbate (Asc). The results show that generally the urban Fresno PM generates much more (•)OH than the rural Westside PM. The presence of Asc at a physiologically relevant concentration in the extraction solution greatly enhances (•)OH formation from all the samples. Fine PM (PM(2.5)) generally makes more (•)OH than the corresponding coarse PM (PM(cf), i.e. with diameters of 2.5 to 10 μm) normalized by air volume collected, while the coarse PM typically generates more (•)OH normalized by PM mass. (•)OH production by SJV PM is reduced on average by (97±6)% when the transition metal chelator desferoxamine (DSF) is added to the extraction solution, indicating a dominant role of transition metals. By measuring calibration curves of (•)OH generation from copper and iron, and quantifying copper and iron concentrations in our particle extracts, we find that PBS-soluble copper is primarily responsible for (•)OH production by the SJV PM, while iron often makes a significant contribution. Extrapolating our results to expected burdens of PM-derived (•)OH in human lung lining fluid suggests that typical daily PM exposures in the San Joaquin Valley are unlikely to result in a high amount of pulmonary (•)OH, although high PM events could produce much higher levels of (•)OH, which might lead to cytotoxicity.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene variants are not associated with clopidogrel response

A common functional variant in paraoxonase 1 (PON1), Q192R, was recently reported to be a major determinant of clopidogrel response. This variant was genotyped in 566 participants of the Amish Pharmacogenomics of Anti-Platelet Intervention (PAPI) study and in 227 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients. Serum paraoxonase activity was measured in a subset of 79 PAPI participants. PON1 Q192R was not associated with pre- or post-clopidogrel platelet aggregation in the PAPI study (P = 0.16 and P = 0.21, respectively) or the PCI cohort (P = 0.47 and P = 0.91, respectively). The Q192 allele was not associated with cardiovascular events (hazard ratio (HR) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20-1.06; P = 0.07). No correlation was observed between paraoxonase activity and post-clopidogrel platelet aggregation (r(2) < 0.01, P = 0.78). None of 49 additional PON1 variants evaluated was associated with post-clopidogrel platelet aggregation. These findings do not support a role for PON1 as a determinant of clopidogrel response.

The relationship between MHC-DRB1 gene second exon polymorphism and hydatidosis resistance of Chinese Merino (Sinkiang Junken type), Kazakh and Duolang sheep

The present study aimed at detecting the association of ovine major histocompatibility complex class II (Ovar II) DRB1 gene second exon and susceptibility or resistance to hydatidosis in three sheep breeds of Sinkiang. The MHC-DRB1 second exon was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from DNA samples of healthy sheep and sheep with hydatidosis. PCR products were characterized by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Five restriction enzymes, Mval, Haelll, Sacl, Sacll, Hin1l, were used, yielding 14 alleles and 31 restriction patterns. Frequencies of patterns Mvalbc, Hin1lab, Sacllab, Haelllde, Haellldf, Haellldd (P < 0.01) in Kazakh sheep, Saclab (P < 0.05) in Duolang sheep, and Haelllab, Haelllce, Haelllde, Haelllee (P < 0.01) in Chinese Merino (Sinkiang Junken type) sheep, were significantly higher in healthy sheep compared with infected sheep. These results indicated a strong association between these patterns and hydatidosis resistance. In contrast, the frequencies of Mvalbb, Saclaa, Hinl lbb, Haelllef (P < 0.01) and Haelllab (P < 0.05) in Kazakh sheep, Saclbb, Haelllae, Hin1lab (P < 0.05), Haelllaa, Haelllbe, Haelllef (P < 0.01) in Duolang sheep, Sacllaa (P < 0.05) and Haelllbd, Hin1lbb, Haelllcf, Haelllef (P < 0.01) in Chinese Merino sheep (Sinkiang Junken type) were significantly lower in healthy sheep compared with infected sheep. This indicated a strong association between these patterns and hydatidosis susceptibility. In addition, sheep with the pattern of Haelllef demonstrated a high hydatidosis susceptibility (P < 0.01) in all three breeds, while sheep with the pattern Haelllde demonstrated significant hydatidosis resistance (P < 0.01) in Kazakh and Chinese Merino sheep (Sinkiang Junken type). These results suggest that the Ovar-DRB1 gene plays a role in resistance to hydatidosis infection in the three sheep breeds.

Enhanced neurodegeneration after a high dose of methamphetamine in adenosine A3 receptor null mutant mice

Previous reports have indicated that adenosine A3 receptor (A3R) knockout mice are more sensitive to ischemic or hypoxic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to examine if suppression of A3R expression is associated with increase in sensitivity to injury induced by a high dose of methamphetamine (Meth). Adult male A3R null mutant (-/-) mice and their controls (+/+) were injected with four doses (2 h apart) of Meth (10 mg/kg) or saline. Animals were placed in a behavioral activity chamber, equipped with food and water, for 52 h starting from one day after injections. The first 4 h were used for studying exploratory behaviors, and the next 48 h were used to measure locomotor activity. High doses of Meth equally reduced the 4-h exploratory behavior in -/- and +/+ mice. Meth suppressed locomotor activity between 4 and 52 h in both groups, with a greater reduction being found in the -/- mice. Brain tissues were collected at 3 days after the Meth or saline injections. Meth treatment reduced striatal dopamine (DA) levels in both +/+ and -/- mice with an increase in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)/DA ratio being found only in -/- animals. Meth also significantly increased ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) and cleaved caspase-3 level in striatum, as well as Iba-1 and TNFα mRNA expression in nigra in -/-, compared to +/+, mice. Previous studies have shown that pharmacological suppression of vesicular monoamine transport 2 (VMAT2) by reserpine enhanced Meth toxicity by increasing cytosolic DA and inflammation. A significant reduction in striatal VMAT2 expression was found in -/- mice compared to +/+ mice, suggesting that increase in sensitivity to Meth injury in -/- mice may be related to a reduction in VMAT2 expression in these mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that A3R -/- mice are more sensitive to high doses of Meth.

Biochemical markers comparison of dynamic hip screw and Gamma nail implants in the treatment of stable intertrochanteric fracture: a prospective study of 60 patients

This prospective study compared the extent of surgical trauma following dynamic hip screw (DHS) or Gamma nail (GN) implantation in 60 patients (≥ 60 years old) with stable intertrochanteric fracture. Levels of the biochemical markers creatinine kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured pre- and postoperatively. CRP levels were statistically significantly lower on postoperative days 1 and 2 in patients in the DHS versus the GN group; no other differences were observed. Surgical procedures for DHS implantation were considered less invasive than those for GN implantation, although the degree of muscle damage was similar in both groups. The degree of bone and bone marrow damage, rather than muscle tissue damage, may be crucial for determining the CRP response during the operative period. It is concluded that DHS implantation may be described as a more 'systemically' minimally invasive procedure than GN implantation.

Rhenium-188 labeled recombinant human plasminogen kringle5 (rhk5) and preliminary biodistribution. Evaluation in mice bearing A549 tumours

AIM

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in tumour formation and metastasis. Suitable radiolabeled angiogenesis inhibitor can be used for noninvasive imaging of angiogenesis and radionuclide therapy. Here we prepare rhenium-188 labeled recombinant human plasminogen kringle5 (188Re-rhk5) in a convenient manner than evaluate its properties in A549 lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

188Re-rhk5 was obtained by conjugating His group at the C end of rhk5 with fac-[188Re(H2O)3(CO)3]+. Chelating efficiency of fac-[188Re(H2O)3(CO)3]+ and radiolabeling efficiency of 188Re-rhk5 were measured by radio thin-layer chromatography (RTLC). In vitro stability of 188Re-rhk5 was determined in human serum at 37°C and analyzed by RTLC. Competition test was also performed to verify the specificity of binding. A biodistribution study was carried out in nude mice bearing A549 lung adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

188Re-rhk5 was obtained with a radiolabel efficiency of 66.1%, the radiochemical purity (RCP) can reach 95.2% after purification. 188Re-rhk5 showed high stability in human serum, the RCP was more than 80% even 12 h after incubation. Competition test showed a high binding specificity. Furthermore, this radio-complex was excreted mainly through kidneys and showed specific tumour uptake in mice bearing A549 tumours.

CONCLUSION

188Re-rhk5 was prepared by a simple method. Preliminary biodistribution results showed its potential as an agent for possible tumour imaging, therapy and encouraged further investigation.

Vitamin E and selenium levels are within normal range in pigs diagnosed with mulberry heart disease and evidence for viral involvement in the syndrome is lacking

Mulberry heart disease (MHD) in pigs is characterized by lesions of acute haemorrhagic myocarditis and myocardial necrosis. The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of vitamin E and selenium and 13 other trace minerals in heart and liver tissues and to determine the prevalence of certain viral infections in heart tissues from MHD-affected and MHD-unaffected pigs and the vitamin E and selenium concentration in feed samples from selected farms with MHD. Based on the pathological examination, 114 pigs were separated into MHD lesion-negative (L-NEG) (n = 57) and MHD lesion-positive (L-POS) (n = 57) groups. Seventy-three samples (40 L-NEG and 33 L-POS) were subjected to chemical analysis, and 66 (32 L-NEG and 34 L-POS) were subjected to PCR detection for viral pathogens. Lower (P < 0.05) levels of myocardial copper, lower (P < 0.05) levels of hepatic magnesium and higher (P < 0.05) levels of myocardial and hepatic sodium were detected in the L-POS cases. Although lower (P < 0.05) levels of hepatic selenium were detected in L-POS group, all were within the normal range. Analysis of feed samples (n = 22) revealed that selenium levels in all the samples were above the legal limit (0.3 ppm) for pigs. Vitamin E levels in all feed samples were above 20 IU/kg. Among the 66 pigs subjected to PCR detection, there were 19, 4, 13, 8, 2 and 1 animals positive for porcine circovirus type 2, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, pan-herpes virus, porcine enterovirus, pan-pestivirus and porcine parvovirus, respectively. Clear evidence of viral association with L-POS was lacking.

Quantum Confinement Effects on the Dielectric Constant of Porous Silicon

The reduction of the dielectric constant due to quantum confinement is studied both experimentally and theoretically. Angle resolved ellipsometry measurements with Ar- and He-Ne-lasers give values for the index of refraction far below what can be accounted for from porosity alone. A modified Penn model to include quantum size effects has been used to calculate the reduction in the static dielectric constant (ε) with extreme confinement. Since the binding energy of shallow impurities depends inversely on ε2, the drastic decrease in the carrier concentration as a result of the decrease in ε leads to a self-limiting process for the electrochemical etching of porous silicon.

Photoluminescence and Sims Studies of Hydrogen Passivation of Mg-Doped P-Type Gallium Nitride

The effects of hydrogen passivation in MOCVD grown Mg doped p-type GaN were studied using low temperature (5K) photoluminescence (PL) and secondary-ion-mass spectroscopy (SIMS). GaN films with different Mg doping level were annealed at 700° C in N2 ambient with different annealing times. The SIMS results indicate that the hydrogen concentration increases with increasing Mg doping level in the as-grown Mg:GaN film. After 20 minutes of annealing, most of the hydrogen escapes from the film. The 3.455 eV PL peak before annealing and the 3.446 eV peak after annealing found in the Mg doped samples were attributed to the exciton bound to the Mg-H complex and to the Mg acceptor, respectively. The shift of the bound exciton peak to higher energy (3.465 eV) in the lightly doped sample is due to an effective n-type compensation associated with an annealing-induced increase in the nitrogen vacancies. In heavily doped Mg:GaN, the decreases in the integrated PL intensity after 700° C annealing may be associated with the hydrogen depassivation of nonradiative recombination centers in the film. The increase of PL intensity in the lightly doped sample after annealing is attributed to the reduction of defects by the annealing process.