Measurement of the bottom quark contribution to nonphotonic electron production in p + p collisions at √s=200 GeV

The contribution of B meson decays to nonphotonic electrons, which are mainly produced by the semileptonic decays of heavy-flavor mesons, in p + p collisions at √s=200  GeV has been measured using azimuthal correlations between nonphotonic electrons and hadrons. The extracted B decay contribution is approximately 50% at a transverse momentum of pT≥5  GeV/c. These measurements constrain the nuclear modification factor for electrons from B and D meson decays. The result indicates that B meson production in heavy ion collisions is also suppressed at high pT.

Higher moments of net proton multiplicity distributions at RHIC

We report the first measurements of the kurtosis (κ), skewness (S), and variance (σ2) of net-proton multiplicity (Np-Np) distributions at midrapidity for Au+Au collisions at square root of s(NN)=19.6, 62.4, and 200 GeV corresponding to baryon chemical potentials (μB) between 200 and 20 MeV. Our measurements of the products κσ2 and Sσ, which can be related to theoretical calculations sensitive to baryon number susceptibilities and long-range correlations, are constant as functions of collision centrality. We compare these products with results from lattice QCD and various models without a critical point and study the square root of s(NN) dependence of κσ2. From the measurements at the three beam energies, we find no evidence for a critical point in the QCD phase diagram for μB below 200 MeV.

Three-particle coincidence of the long range pseudorapidity correlation in high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions

We report the first three-particle coincidence measurement in pseudorapidity (Δη) between a high transverse momentum (p⊥) trigger particle and two lower p⊥ associated particles within azimuth |Δϕ|<0.7 in square root of s(NN)=200 GeV d+Au and Au+Au collisions. Charge ordering properties are exploited to separate the jetlike component and the ridge (long range Δη correlation). The results indicate that the correlation of ridge particles are uniform not only with respect to the trigger particle but also between themselves event by event in our measured Δη. In addition, the production of the ridge appears to be uncorrelated to the presence of the narrow jetlike component.

Differences between karyotypically normal and abnormal human embryonic stem cells

OBJECTIVES

To compare different biological characteristics of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) between those with normal and those with abnormal karyotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Culture-adapted HESCs (chHES-3) with abnormal karyotype were compared with karyotypically normal cells, with regard to pluripotency and differentiation capacity, ultrastructure, growth characteristics, gene expression profiles and signalling pathways.

RESULTS

We found a new abnormal karyotype of HESCs. We observed that chHES-3 cells with normal and abnormal karyotypes shared similarities in expression markers of pluripotency; however, karyotypically abnormal chHES-3 cells had a tendency for differentiation towards ectoderm lineages and were easily maintained in suboptimal culturing conditions. Abnormal chHES-3 cells displayed relatively mature cell organelles compared to normal cells, and karyotypically abnormal chHES-3 cells had increased survival and population growth. Genes related to cell proliferation and apoptosis were up-regulated, but genes associated with genetic instability (p53, Rb, BRCA1) were down-regulated in the karyotypically abnormal cells.

CONCLUSION

Karyotypically abnormal chHES-3 cells had a more developed capacity for proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and less genetic stability compared to normal chHES-3 cells and may be an excellent model for studying and characterizing initial stages that determine transition of embryonic stem cells into cancer stem cells.

Hydrogel based sensor arrays (2 × 2) with perforated piezoresistive diaphragms for metabolic monitoring (in vitro)

This report details the first experimental results from novel hydrogel sensor array (2 × 2) which incorporates analyte diffusion pores into a piezoresistive diaphragm for the detection of hydrogel swelling pressures and hence chemical concentrations. The sensor assembly was comprised of three components, the active four sensors, HPMA/DMA/TEGDMA (hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) and crosslinker tetra-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)) hydrogel, and backing plate. Each of the individual sensors of the array can be used with various hydrogels used to measure the presence of a number of stimuli including pH, ionic strength, and glucose concentrations. Ideally, in the future, these sensors will be used for continuous metabolic monitoring applications and implanted subcutaneously. In this paper and to properly characterize the sensor assembly, hydrogels sensitive to changes ionic strength were synthesized using hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) and crosslinker tetra-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and inserted into the sensor assembly. This hydrogel quickly and reversibly swells when placed environments of physiological buffer solutions (PBS) with ionic strengths ranging from 0.025 to 0.15 M, making it ideal for proof-of-concept testing and initial characterization. The assembly was wire bonded to a printed circuit board and coated with 3 ± 0.5 μm of Parylene-C using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to protect the sensor and electrical connections during ionic strength wet testing. Two versions of sensors were fabricated for comparison, the first incorporated diffusion pores into the diaphragm, and the second used a solid diaphragm with perforated backing plate. This new design (perforated diaphragm) was shown to have slightly higher sensitivity than solid diaphragm sensors with separate diffuse backing plates when coupled with the hydrogel. The sensitivities for the 1 mm × 1 mm, 1.25 mm × 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm perforated diaphragm sensors were 53.3 ± 6.5, 171.7 ± 8.8, and 271.47 ± 27.53 mV/V-M, respectively. These results show that perforations in the diaphragm can be used not only to allow the diffusion of analyte into the cavity but to increase mechanical stress in the piezoresistive diaphragm, thereby increasing sensor output signal. The time constants for swelling (τ_swelling) and contracting (τ_contracting) were calculated by fitting the sensor output half cycles to an exponential growth function. We found that the sensors' response was initially retarded during the preliminary hydrogel conditioning period then improved after 3-5 cycles with values of approximately 9 and 7 min for τ_swelling and τ_contracting. For all sensors tested τ_swelling > τ_contracting. This may be due to the increased loading on the hydrogel from the diaphragm during the swelling process. During contraction the diaphragm aids the hydrogel by reversibly applying mechanical pressure and therefore reducing τ_contracting. Long term stability testing showed the sensors remained functional for upwards of 2 weeks in the test phosphate buffer solution (PBS).

Excitation mapping of whispering gallery modes in silica microcavities

We report the direct observation of the electromagnetic-field distribution of whispering gallery modes in silica microcavities (spheres and toroids). It is revealed by their excitation efficiency with a tapered fiber coupler swept along the meridian. The originality of this method lies in the use of the coupler itself for the near-field mapping, eliminating the need of additional tools used in previous work. This method is successfully applied to microspheres and microtoroids.

Osmotic Swelling Pressure Response of Smart Hydrogels Suitable for Chronically-Implantable Glucose Sensors

In the last few years, a new type of glucose-sensitive hydrogel (GSH) has been developed that shrinks with increasing glucose concentration due to the formation of reversible crosslinks The first osmotic swelling pressure results measured for any member of this new class of GSH are reported, so that their suitability for use in sensors combining pressure transducers and smart gels can be evaluated. Comparison is also made with results obtained for an older type of GSH that expands with increasing glucose concentration due to an increase in the concentration of counterions within the gel. The newer type of GSH exhibits both faster kinetics and weaker fructose interference, and therefore is more suitable for in vivo glucose sensing.

Application of an ELISA-elution assay to dissociate digoxin-antibody complexes in immunoaffinity chromatography

In this study, we used a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-elution technique as a screening tool to select specific elution conditions. We examined 12 different elution conditions for the removal of antibodies from a complex on an ELISA plate; 0.2 mol/l glycine-HCl (pH 2.5), 1.0 mol/l acetic acid (pH 2.5), 25% methanol (pH 2.5) and 3 mol/l NaSCN showed a higher elution efficiency. We conducted affinity chromatography with these four conditions for the purification of anti-digoxin antibodies from hyperimmune sera with a digoxin-specific column using omega-aminoalkyl derivatives of Sepharose 4B, whose elution efficiency was similar to that of ELISA. We also monitored the relative specific activities during elution from the digoxin-specific column. The optimum, general-purpose dissociation reagent for this immunoaffinity system was identified as 25% methanol (pH 2.5) with an elution efficiency and relative specific activity of 88.40% and 62.25%, respectively. The high purity of the purified antibodies was demonstrated with sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Azimuthal charged-particle correlations and possible local strong parity violation

Parity-odd domains, corresponding to nontrivial topological solutions of the QCD vacuum, might be created during relativistic heavy-ion collisions. These domains are predicted to lead to charge separation of quarks along the system's orbital momentum axis. We investigate a three-particle azimuthal correlator which is a P even observable, but directly sensitive to the charge separation effect. We report measurements of charged hadrons near center-of-mass rapidity with this observable in Au + Au and Cu + Cu collisions at square root of s(NN) = 200 GeV using the STAR detector. A signal consistent with several expectations from the theory is detected. We discuss possible contributions from other effects that are not related to parity violation.

Growth of long range forward-backward multiplicity correlations with centrality in Au + Au collisions at square root of sNN = 200 GeV

Forward-backward multiplicity correlation strengths have been measured with the STAR detector for Au + Au and p + p collisions at square root of s(NN) = 200 GeV. Strong short- and long-range correlations (LRC) are seen in central Au + Au collisions. The magnitude of these correlations decrease with decreasing centrality until only short-range correlations are observed in peripheral Au + Au collisions. Both the dual parton model (DPM) and the color glass condensate (CGC) predict the existence of the long-range correlations. In the DPM, the fluctuation in the number of elementary (parton) inelastic collisions produces the LRC. In the CGC, longitudinal color flux tubes generate the LRC. The data are in qualitative agreement with the predictions of the DPM and indicate the presence of multiple parton interactions.

A standard panel of microsatellites for Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

Microsatellites are the most popular markers for parentage assignment and population genetic studies. To meet the demand for international comparability for genetic studies of Asian seabass, a standard panel of 28 microsatellites has been selected and characterized using the DNA of 24 individuals from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. The average allele number of these markers was 10.82 +/- 0.71 (range: 6-19), and the expected heterozygosity averaged 0.76 +/- 0.02 (range: 0.63-1.00). All microsatellites showed Mendelian inheritance. In addition, eight standard size controls have been developed by cloning a set of microsatellite alleles into a pGEM-T vector to calibrate allele sizes determined by different laboratories, and are available upon request. Seven multiplex PCRs, each amplifying 3-5 markers, were optimized to accurately and rapidly genotype microsatellites. Parentage assignment using 10 microsatellites in two crosses (10 x 10 and 20 x 20) demonstrated a high power of these markers for revealing parent-sibling connections. This standard set of microsatellites will standardize genetic diversity studies of Asian seabass, and the multiplex PCR sets will facilitate parentage assignment.

K/pi Fluctuations at relativistic energies

We report K/pi fluctuations from Au + Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]= 19.6, 62.4, 130, and 200 GeV using the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. K/pi fluctuations in central collisions show little dependence on incident energy and are on the same order as those from NA49 at the Super Proton Synchrotron in central Pb + Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=12.3 and 17.3 GeV. We report results for the collision centrality dependence of K/pi fluctuations and results for charge-separated fluctuations. We observe that the K/pi fluctuations scale with the charged particle multiplicity density.

The metabolism of piperidine-type phenothiazine antipsychotic agents. I. Sulforidazine in the rat

1. The metabolism of the piperidine-type, phenothiazine antipsychotic agent, sulforidazine, was studied in female rats after a 20 mg/kg single oral dose. 2. Compounds identified in urine were sulforidazine, sulforidazine ring sulphoxide, the lactam of sulforidazine, the lactam of sulforidazine ring sulphoxide, two diastereomers of N-desmethylsulforidazine ring sulphoxide and a phenolic derivative of sulforidazine. 3. Metabolites were separated by h.p.l.c. prior to mass spectrometric or g.l.c.-mass spectrometric analysis. Except in the case of the phenolic metabolite, structures were confirmed by direct comparison of electron impact mass spectra and chromatographic behaviour with those of authentic samples. To facilitate identification of the phenolic metabolite the crude urinary extract was treated with a silylating reagent and analysed by h.p.l.c.-mass spectrometry with a plasmaspray interface. 4. Despite the availability of authentic standards of sulforidazine N-oxide and sulforidazine N,S-dioxide neither of these compounds could be identified in urinary extracts obtained from rats. 5. Sulforidazine underwent extensive metabolism in rats as only 2.3 +/- 0.4% (n = 5) of the dose was present as unchanged sulforidazine in 24 h urine. The lactam of sulforidazine (0.1 +/- 0.1%) was a minor metabolite whereas the lactam of sulforidazine ring sulphoxide was 3.2 +/- 2.6% dose. 6. Sulforidazine sulphoxide (12.1 +/- 1.6%) was a major metabolite and its diastereomers were present in similar amounts.

World Health Organization Sub-Types, Initial Treatment Outcome and Prognostic Study of Unselected Adult Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in Shanghai: An Analysis of 623 Cases

This study investigated the complete remission (CR) rate and survival of 623 newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in Shanghai, China, classified according to World Health Organization and French–American–British criteria, and compared the differences in treatment effect with those reported in developed countries and those reported in Shanghai from 1984 to 1994. Total CR rate was 66.5%, median survival was 18 months and estimated survival at 3 years was 30.8%. The 3-year relapse rate was 55.1%. These data showed that the CR rate was similar to that achieved in studies from developed countries, but long-term survival was worse. The CR rate and survival were increased markedly compared with data previously collected in Shanghai (1984-1994). Induction chemotherapeutic regimens based on idarubicin, daunorubicin or homoharringtonine all had similar CR rates and survivals. Karyotype was the most important prognostic factor. Multilineage dysplasia in de novo AML was not an independent prognostic factor. Improvement in the long-term treatment effect in China is an important challenge for the future.

Regulation of mitochondrial aconitase by phosphorylation in diabetic rat heart

Mitochondrial dysfunction and protein kinase C (PKC) activation are consistently found in diabetic cardiomyopathy but their relationship remains unclear. This study identified mitochondrial aconitase as a downstream target of PKC activation using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry, and then characterized phosphorylation-induced changes in its activity in hearts from type 1 diabetic rats. PKCbeta(2) co-immunoprecipitated with phosphorylated aconitase from mitochondria isolated from diabetic hearts. Augmented phosphorylation of mitochondrial aconitase in diabetic hearts was found to be associated with an increase in its reverse activity (isocitrate to aconitate), while the rate of the forward activity was unchanged. Similar results were obtained on phosphorylation of mitochondrial aconitase by PKCbeta(2) in vitro. These results demonstrate the regulation of mitochondrial aconitase activity by PKC-dependent phosphorylation. This may influence the activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and contribute to impaired mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in diabetic hearts.

Observation of two-source interference in the photoproduction reaction AuAu --> AuAurho0

In ultraperipheral relativistic heavy-ion collisions, a photon from the electromagnetic field of one nucleus can fluctuate to a quark-antiquark pair and scatter from the other nucleus, emerging as a rho{0}. The rho{0} production occurs in two well-separated (median impact parameters of 20 and 40 F for the cases considered here) nuclei, so the system forms a two-source interferometer. At low transverse momenta, the two amplitudes interfere destructively, suppressing rho{0} production. Since the rho{0} decays before the production amplitudes from the two sources can overlap, the two-pion system can only be described with an entangled nonlocal wave function, and is thus an example of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox. We observe this suppression in 200 GeV per nucleon-pair gold-gold collisions. The interference is 87%+/-5%(stat.)+/-8%(syst.) of the expected level. This translates into a limit on decoherence due to wave function collapse or other factors of 23% at the 90% confidence level.

Device complications and inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Although the benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at risk for sudden cardiac arrest is well established, there may be a higher risk for device complications and inappropriate shocks.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of inappropriate ICD shocks and device complications in HCM patients and the impact of young age at ICD implant and atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

HCM patients who underwent ICD implantation between January 1988 and December 2005 were included. The frequency of device complications, including pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, haematoma, lead revisions, infection and rate of inappropriate shocks, was determined. ICD shocks were characterised as inappropriate if triggered by sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation or device malfunction.

RESULTS

A total of 181 patients were included (mean age 44 (SD 17) years; 62% males). During a mean follow-up of 59 (42) months (4.92 years; 830.75 patient-years), 65 patients (36%) had a total of 88 device complications, including 42 (23%) patients with inappropriate shocks. The rate of inappropriate shocks was 5.3% per year (vs 4% risk of appropriate shocks), and the likelihood of inappropriate ICD shocks per 100 patient-years was 5.1. Younger age and atrial fibrillation were associated with an increased risk of inappropriate ICD discharges.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of inappropriate ICD shocks and frequency of device complications in HCM patients are not insignificant and are most common in younger patients and those with atrial fibrillation. Inappropriate ICD shocks are the most common device complication and should be accounted for when counselling high-risk HCM patients for ICD implantation.

Regulation of muscle creatine kinase by phosphorylation in normal and diabetic hearts

Protein kinase C (PKC) is an important signaling molecule in the heart, but its targets remain unclear. Using a PKC substrate antibody, we detected a 40-kDa phosphorylated cardiac protein that was subsequently identified by tandem mass spectroscopy as muscle creatine kinase (M-CK) with phosphorylation at serine 128. The forward reaction using ATP to generate phosphocreatine was reduced, while the reverse reaction using phosphocreatine to generate ATP was increased following dephosphorylation of immunoprecipitated M-CK with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) or PP2C. Despite higher PKC levels in diabetic hearts, decreased phosphorylation of M-CK was more prominent than the reduction in its expression. Changes in CK activity in diabetic hearts were similar to those found following dephosphorylation of M-CK from control hearts. The decrease in phosphorylation may act as a compensatory mechanism to maintain CK activity at an appropriate level for cytosolic ATP regeneration in the diabetic heart.

Indications of conical emission of charged hadrons at the BNL relativistic heavy ion collider

Three-particle azimuthal correlation measurements with a high transverse momentum trigger particle are reported for pp, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV by the STAR experiment. Dijet structures are observed in pp, d+Au and peripheral Au+Au collisions. An additional structure is observed in central Au+Au data, signaling conical emission of correlated charged hadrons. The conical emission angle is found to be theta=1.37+/-0.02(stat)-0.07+0.06(syst), independent of p_{ perpendicular}.

Free swelling and confined smart hydrogels for applications in chemomechanical sensors for physiological monitoring

We investigate thin films of "smart" polymer hydrogels used to convert miniature pressure sensors into novel chemomechanical sensors. In this versatile sensing approach, a smart hydrogel is confined between a porous membrane and the diaphragm of a piezoresistive pressure transducer. An increase in the environmental analyte concentration, as sensed through the pores of the membrane, is detected by measuring the change in pressure exerted by the hydrogel on the pressure transducer diaphragm. We compare the response of such a sensor with the response of a free-swelling hydrogel identical to the one used within the sensor. The sensor and the free hydrogel are observed to have comparable mean response times. However, the time-dependent response curve of the sensor, unlike that of the free hydrogel, is highly asymmetric between swelling and deswelling, with a smaller time constant for deswelling. We also investigate novel methods for increasing sensor sensitivity, such as use of a two-layer membrane with a nanoporous polymer inner layer, and pre-loading of the hydrogel under pressure. In ionic strength response tests, use of an inner membrane increases sensor sensitivity without increasing mean response time, an effect that varies with membrane water fraction.

System-size independence of directed flow measured at the BNL relativistic heavy-ion collider

We measure directed flow (v_{1}) for charged particles in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 and 62.4 GeV, as a function of pseudorapidity (eta), transverse momentum (p_{t}), and collision centrality, based on data from the STAR experiment. We find that the directed flow depends on the incident energy but, contrary to all available model implementations, not on the size of the colliding system at a given centrality. We extend the validity of the limiting fragmentation concept to v_{1} in different collision systems, and investigate possible explanations for the observed sign change in v_{1}(p_{t}).

Forward neutral-pion transverse single-spin asymmetries in p + p collisions at sqrt[s] = 200 GeV

We report precision measurements of the Feynman x (xF) dependence, and first measurements of the transverse momentum (pT) dependence, of transverse single-spin asymmetries for the production of pi0 mesons from polarized proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 200 GeV. The xF dependence of the results is in fair agreement with perturbative QCD model calculations that identify orbital motion of quarks and gluons within the proton as the origin of the spin effects. Results for the pT dependence at fixed xF are not consistent with these same perturbative QCD-based calculations.

Computed tomography-guided core-needle biopsy specimens demonstrate epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Target therapy with a new class of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors shows improved clinical response in EGFR gene-mutated lung cancers.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT)-guided core-needle biopsy specimens for the assessment of EGFR gene mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventeen (nine males, eight females) patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent CT-guided core-needle biopsy of the lung tumor prior to treatment with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. There were no life-threatening complications of biopsy. The specimens were sent fresh-frozen for EGFR mutation analysis and histopathological study.

RESULTS

There were 12 (70.6%) EGFR gene mutants and five (29.4%) nonmutants. The objective response rate to gefitinib therapy was 73.3% (11 of 15 patients), with 91.7% (11 of 12 mutants) for the mutant group and 0% for the nonmutant group.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided core-needle biopsy of advanced NSCLC enables the acquisition of sufficient tissue for EGFR gene mutation analysis.

Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma: prognostic factors investigated by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging

This study was designed to assess the clinical usefulness of imaging for predicting the prognosis of patients with combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC). Between 1999 and 2004, 30 patients with histopathologically proven cHCC-CC underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The imaging data and survival were analysed. Univariate log-rank analysis of imaging findings revealed that tumour necrosis, bile duct invasion, major vascular branch invasion, multiplicity, bilobar distribution, regional lymph node involvement, regional organ invasion, distant metastasis and ascites had adverse influences on overall survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that major vascular branch invasion, regional organ invasion, nodal and distant metastases were independent prognostic factors that adversely affected overall survival rates. Overall cumulative survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 53%, 26% and 12%, respectively. Analysing the survival of our patients by using clinical stages of the newly updated American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification for liver neoplasm based on the imaging findings, we found significant differences between stages I/II and III (p < 0.001) and between stages III and IV (p = 0.040). We conclude CT or MRI can be used to identify the prognostic factors and to estimate the outcomes of patients with cHCC-CC.

Longitudinal double-spin asymmetry for inclusive jet production in p[over -->] + p[over -->] collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

We report a new STAR measurement of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry A(LL) for inclusive jet production at midrapidity in polarized p + p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=200 GeV. The data, which cover jet transverse momenta 5<p(T)<30 GeV/c, are substantially more precise than previous measurements. They provide significant new constraints on the gluon spin contribution to the nucleon spin through the comparison to predictions derived from one global fit to polarized deep-inelastic scattering measurements.

The Xenopus tadpole: a new model for regeneration research

The Xenopus tadpole is a favourable organism for regeneration research because it is suitable for a wide range of micromanipulative procedures and for a wide range of transgenic methods. Combination of these techniques enables genes to be activated or inhibited at specific times and in specific tissue types to a much higher degree than in any other organism capable of regeneration. Regenerating systems include the tail, the limb buds and the lens. The study of tail regeneration has shown that each tissue type supplies the cells for its own replacement: there is no detectable de-differentiation or metaplasia. Signalling systems needed for regeneration include the BMP and Notch signalling pathways, and perhaps also the Wnt and FGF pathways. The limb buds will regenerate completely at early stages, but not once they are fully differentiated. This provides a good opportunity to study the loss of regenerative ability using transgenic methods.

Effect of cardiac resynchronisation therapy on occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators undergoing upgrade to cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) improves outcomes in selected patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction. One mechanism of benefit is believed to be favourable ventricular remodelling. Whether CRT also decreases the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias and risk of sudden death is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of CRT on frequency of ventricular arrhythmias and appropriate ICD therapies.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single-centre, tertiary care facility (Mayo Clinic).

PATIENTS

52 patients (46 male), aged 70 (SD 10) years, who underwent upgrade from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to a CRT-defibrillator were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Upgrade of ICD to CRT-defibrillator.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequency of ventricular arrhythmias prior to and following upgrade to CRT device.

RESULTS

Ejection fraction increased from 22% (SD 8%) to 27% (SD 11%) following CRT. However, the frequency of non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias, sustained ventricular arrhythmias, and ventricular fibrillation was not significantly changed prior to and following CRT (2.38 (SD 9.78) vs 58.51 (SD 412.73) per patient per month, p = 0.66; 0.07 (SD 0.17) vs 0.16 (SD 0.52), p = 0.70; 0.05 (SD 0.12) vs 0.25 (SD 1.40), p = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

CRT is not associated with a decrease in the frequency of ventricular arrhythmia or appropriate device therapy. Thus, use of CRT alone is not beneficial in decreasing the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias or the risk of appropriate ICD therapies.

[Soft tissue management in total knee replacement. Analysis of ligament balancing]

Total knee replacement must provide good function with stability, range of motion and long durability. The easiest part of the surgery concerns bone cuts. It is widely accepted today that the quality of the results mostly relies on the soft tissue management. Intraoperative soft tissue management is still challenging since pre-existing soft tissue quality and bony anatomy have to be respected. The surgeon may have to address the soft tissue to fit with the new alignment and prosthetic mechanics. This challenge must be mastered with correct understanding and use of instruments to quantify these soft tissues. Tensors, distractors, spacer blocks and use of navigation were evaluated, and the authors compared these methods. The parameters for better use of soft tissues are described. Objective measurements are still difficult due to the pre-operative conditions that influence measurement accuracy.

Measurement of transverse single-spin asymmetries for Dijet production in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

We report the first measurement of the opening angle distribution between pairs of jets produced in high-energy collisions of transversely polarized protons. The measurement probes (Sivers) correlations between the transverse spin orientation of a proton and the transverse momentum directions of its partons. With both beams polarized, the wide pseudorapidity (-1< or = eta < or = +2) coverage for jets permits separation of Sivers functions for the valence and sea regions. The resulting asymmetries are all consistent with zero and considerably smaller than Sivers effects observed in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering. We discuss theoretical attempts to reconcile the new results with the sizable transverse spin effects seen in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering and forward hadron production in pp collisions.

Partonic Flow and phi-Meson production in Au+Au collisions at sqrt radical sNN = 200 GeV

We present first measurements of the phi-meson elliptic flow (v2(pT)) and high-statistics pT distributions for different centralities from radical sNN=200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. In minimum bias collisions the v2 of the phi meson is consistent with the trend observed for mesons. The ratio of the yields of the Omega to those of the phi as a function of transverse momentum is consistent with a model based on the recombination of thermal s quarks up to pT approximately 4 GeV/c, but disagrees at higher momenta. The nuclear modification factor (R CP) of phi follows the trend observed in the K S 0 mesons rather than in Lambda baryons, supporting baryon-meson scaling. These data are consistent with phi mesons in central Au+Au collisions being created via coalescence of thermalized s quarks and the formation of a hot and dense matter with partonic collectivity at RHIC.

Transverse momentum and centrality dependence of high-pT nonphotonic electron suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s NN]=200 GeV

The STAR collaboration at the BNL Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) reports measurements of the inclusive yield of nonphotonic electrons, which arise dominantly from semileptonic decays of heavy flavor mesons, over a broad range of transverse momenta (1.2<p(T)<10 GeV/c) in p+p, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. The nonphotonic electron yield exhibits an unexpectedly large suppression in central Au+Au collisions at high p(T), suggesting substantial heavy-quark energy loss at RHIC. The centrality and p(T) dependences of the suppression provide constraints on theoretical models of suppression.

Scaling properties of hyperon production in Au+Au collisions at square root [sNN]=200 GeV

We present the scaling properties of Lambda, Xi, and Omega in midrapidity Au+Au collisions at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. The yield of multistrange baryons per participant nucleon increases from peripheral to central collisions more rapidly than that of Lambda, indicating an increase of the strange-quark density of the matter produced. The strange phase-space occupancy factor gamma_{s} approaches unity for the most central collisions. Moreover, the nuclear modification factors of p, Lambda, and Xi are consistent with each other for 2<p_{T}<5 GeV/c in agreement with a scenario of hadron formation from constituent quark degrees of freedom.

Isolation, characterization, and linkage analyses of 74 novel microsatellites in Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is an important marine food fish species in Southeast Asia and Australia. Seventy-four novel microsatellites were isolated from a genomic DNA library enriched for CA repeats and were characterized in 24 unrelated individuals. Among the 74 microsatellites, 71 were polymorphic, with an average allele number of 7.0 +/- 3.6/locus. The average expected heterozygosity of these polymorphic markers was 0.66. Sixty-three of the 71 polymorphic microsatellites conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Linkage analyses were conducted in a reference family, leading to the assignment of 34 novel microsatellites and 16 published markers in 16 linkage groups. The novel microsatellites developed in this study will contribute significantly to the construction of a first-generation linkage map for mapping of quantitative trait loci in Barramundi, and supply a large choice of markers for studies on population genetics, stock management, and pedigree reconstruction.

Peritoneal metastasis in primary cervical cancer: a case report

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Peritoneal metastasis presenting at initial diagnosis of squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix is extremely rare. However, one such case was treated successfully with curative treatment.

CASE

A 43-year-old woman presented with FIGO Stage IVA cervical carcinoma and underwent concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) with weekly cisplatin. During CCRT, she suffered from acute lower abdominal pain, high fever, and leukocytosis. Computed tomography (CT) favored a tubo-ovarian abscess, while [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed a lesion midway between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis. An exploration by laparoscopy, an omental metastasis adhering to the bladder dome was excised. This patient finished CCRT encompassing the disease extent including the trochar sites and no evidence of disease was noted 50 months after initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Though peritoneal metastasis above the pelvis seems ominous, curative treatment may still be viable in selected patients, even in surgical Stage IVB.

Tunable slow light device using quantum dot semiconductor laser

This investigation experimentally demonstrates a tunable slow light device using a quantum dot (QD) semiconductor laser. The QD semiconductor laser at 1.3 mum fabricated on a GaAs substrate is grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Tunable slow light can be achieved by adjusting the bias current and wavelength detuning. The slow light device operated under probe signal from 5 to 10 GHz is presented. Moreover, we also demonstrate that the tunable slow light device can be used in a subcarrier multiplexed system.