Impact of famine during pregnancy and infancy on health in adulthood

The objectives of the present study are (i) To examine the association between fetal nutritional status and overweight and obesity in adulthood and (ii) to provide the evidence for formulating a strategy to prevent low birth weight. With data from the 2002 Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey, the body mass indexes (BMIs) of rural residents born during the famine years of 1959, 1960, 1961 were compared with those born in 1964. The health consequence of famine on the adulthood BMI was evident in women; the mean BMIs of the women were significantly higher in the three famine groups than that in the control group born in 1964 (P < 0.01). After adjustment for regional differences within China, the prevalences of overweight in women were significantly higher in the three famine groups (P < 0.01) and of obesity in the 1959 and 1960 groups. (P < 0.01). Such differences were not found in men. The higher risks of overweight and obesity in women were caused by malnutrition in fetal life. A strategy for preventing low birth weight should be formulated by the government to prevent chronic disease in adulthood.

Observation of B;{0}-->K;(*0)K[over ](*0) and Search for B;(0)-->K;(*0)K;(*0)

We report the observation of the b-->d penguin-dominated decay B;{0}-->K;{*0}K[over ];{*0} with a sample of 383.2+/-4.2 million BB[over ] pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e;{+}e;{-} collider at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The measured branching fraction is B(B;{0}-->K;{*0}K[over ];{*0})=[1.28_{-0.30};{+0.35}+/-0.11]x10;{-6} and the fraction of longitudinal polarization is f_{L}(B;{0}-->K;{*0}K[over ];{*0})=0.80_{-0.12};{+0.10}+/-0.06. The first error quoted is statistical and the second systematic. We also obtain an upper limit at the 90% confidence level on the branching fraction for B(B;{0}-->K;{*0}K;{*0})<0.41x10;{-6}.

Search for lepton flavor violating decays tau+/--->l+/-omega

A search for lepton flavor violating decays of a tau to a lighter-mass charged lepton and an omega vector meson is performed using 384.1 fb(-1) of e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected with the BABAR detector at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center PEP-II storage ring. No signal is found, and the upper limits on the branching ratios are determined to be B(tau(+/-)-->e;{+/-}omega)<1.1 x10 (-7) and B(tau(+/-)-->micro(+/-)omega)<1.0 x 10(-7) at 90% confidence level.

Urinary levels of RANTES and M-CSF are predictors of lupus nephritis flare

OBJECTIVE

To explore a new predictor of renal flares after successful inductive treatment for diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis(DPGN) in patients with lupus nephritis.

METHODS

A cohort of patents with SLE DPGN who were treated initially with prednisone and cyclophosphamide were studied. Those who responded to inductive treatment were followed up for the occurrence of renal flares. Urinary levels of RANTES, MCP-1 and M-CSF were measured by ELISA. Other clinical and laboratory data were collected. The predictors and outcome of renal flare were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-three qualified patients with SLE DPGN were investigated. After a mean follow-up of 24.5 +/- 6.4 months, 22 patients experienced renal flares. The median time to relapse was 14.1 +/- 4.1 months. The patients experiencing renal flare showed higher urinary RANTES, MCP-1 and M-CSF. However, independent predictors of renal flares were increased urinary RANTES and M-CSF. Eight patents developed doubling of the serum creatinine (CRX2) level. The occurrence of renal flares was the only predictor of CRX2.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistently increased urinary levels of RANTES and M-CSF after initial remission are predictors of renal flare in patients with SLE DPGN. Our results indicate monitoring urinary pro-inflammatory factors may direct us in managing those patients.

Search for CP violation in the decays D0 --> K- K+ and D0 --> pi- pi+

We measure time-integrated CP-violating asymmetries of neutral charmed mesons in the modes D0 --> K(-) K(+) and D0 --> pi(-) pi(+) with the highest precision to date by using D0 --> K(-) pi(+) decays to correct detector asymmetries. An analysis of 385.8 fb(-1) of data collected with the BABAR detector yields values of a(CP)(KK)=(0.00+/-0.34(stat)+/-0.13(syst))% and a(CP)(pipi)=(-0.24+/-0.52(stat)+/-0.22(syst))%, which agree with standard model predictions.

Measurement of the absolute branching fraction of D0-->K-pi+

We measure the absolute branching fraction for D(0)-->K(-)pi(+) using partial reconstruction of B(0)-->D(*+)Xl(-)nu(l) decays, in which only the charged lepton and the pion from the decay D(*+)-->D(0)pi(+) are used. Based on a data sample of 230 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B factory at SLAC, we obtain B(D(0)-->K(-)pi(+)) = (4.007+/-0.037+/-0.072)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.

Observation of B+-->a1+(1260)K0 and B0-->a1-(1260)K+

We present branching fraction measurements of the decays B(+)-->a(1)(+)(1260)K(0) and B(0)-->a(1)(-)(1260)K(+) with a(1)(+/-)(1260)-->pi(-/+)pi(+/-)pi(+/-). The data sample corresponds to 383 x 10(6) BB pairs produced in e(+)e(-) annihilation through the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We measure the products of the branching fractions B(B(+)-->a(1)(+)(1260)K(0)B(a(1)(+)(1260)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))=(17.4+/-2.5+/-2.2) x 10(-6) and B(B(0)-->a(1)(-)(1260)K(+)B(a(1)(-)(1260)-->pi(+)pi(-)pi(-)) = (8.2+/-1.5+/-1.2) x 10(-6). We also measure the charge asymmetries A(ch)(B(+)-->a(1)(+)(1260)K(0) = 0.12+/-0.11+/-0.02 and A(ch)(B(0)-->a(1)(-)(1260)K+) = -0.16+/-0.12+/-0.01. The first uncertainty quoted is statistical and the second is systematic.

Winner-take-all neural networks using the highest threshold

In this paper, we propose a fast winner-take-all (WTA) neural network by dynamically accelerating the mutual inhibition among competitive neurons. The highest-threshold neural network (HITNET) with an accelerated factor is evolved from the general mean-based neural network (GEMNET), which adopts the mean of active neurons as the threshold of mutual inhibition. When the accelerated factor is optimally designed, the ideal HITNET statistically achieves the highest threshold for mutual inhibition. Both theoretical analyzes and simulation results demonstrate that the practical HITNET converges faster than the existing WTA networks for a large number of competitors.

Pelvic actinomycosis masquerading as an acute abdomen from a small bowel perforation

Pelvic actinomycosis is an extremely rare disease which may complicate long-term intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) use. Its timely recognition is important as clinical and radiological signs may mimic other intra-abdominal pathology and lead to radical and unnecessary surgery. We report a 50-year-old woman with pelvic actinomycosis resulting from a neglected intrauterine device, which was left in place for 20 years. The signs and symptoms at presentation were consistent with acute peritonitis from a perforated viscus. A perforated segment of the small bowel was suspected intraoperatively and resection was performed. The diagnosis was only revealed on subsequent histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. A high index of suspicion for this rare but devastating condition must be maintained in any woman with an IUCD and who presents with a surgical abdomen. Diligence in replacing IUCDs at recommended intervals and adherence to "missing threads" protocols may prevent these sequelae.

Observation of the semileptonic decays B-->D*tau-nutau and evidence for B-->Dtau-nutau

We present measurements of the semileptonic decays B--->D0tau-nutau, B--->D*0tau-nutau, B0-->D+tau-nutau, and B0-->D*+tau-nutau, which are potentially sensitive to non-standard model amplitudes. The data sample comprises 232x10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector. From a combined fit to B- and B0 channels, we obtain the branching fractions B(B-->Dtau-nutau)=(0.86+/-0.24+/-0.11+/-0.06)% and B(B-->D*tau-nutau)=(1.62+/-0.31+/-0.10+/-0.05)% (normalized for the B0), where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and normalization-mode-related.

Exclusive branching-fraction measurements of semileptonic tau decays into three charged hadrons, into phipi(-)nu tau, and into phi K(-)nu tau

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 342 fb(-1) collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II electron-positron storage ring operating at a center-of-mass energy near 10.58 GeV, we measure B(tau(-)--> pi(-)pi(-)pi+nu(tau)(ex.K(S0))=(8.83+/-0.01+/-0.13)%, B(tau(-) -->K(-)pi(-)pi+nu tau(ex.K(S0))=(0.273+/-0.002+/-0.009)%, B(tau(-) -->K(-)pi(-)K+nu tau)=(0.1346+/-0.0010+/-0.0036)%, and B(tau(-) -->K(-)K(-)K+nu tau)=(1.58+/-0.13+/-0.12)x10;{-5}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. These include significant improvements over previous measurements and a first measurement of B(tau(-) -->K(-)K(-)K+nu tau) in which no resonance structure is assumed. We also report a first measurement of B(tau(-) -->var phi(-)nu tau)=(3.42+/-0.55+/-0.25)x10(-5), a new measurement of B(tau(-) -->var phi K(-)nu tau)=(3.39+/-0.20+/-0.28)x10(-5) and a first upper limit on B(tau(-) -->K(-)K(-)K+nu tau(ex.var phi)).

Lidocaine abolishes the myocardial protective effect of sevoflurane post-conditioning

BACKGROUND

Post-ischemic administration of volatile anesthetics activates ischemia-reperfusion injury salvage process and decreases myocardial damage. However, the mechanisms underlying anesthetic post-conditioning and effects of lidocaine on it remain unclear. Here we report the cardioprotection of sevoflurane-induced post-conditioning and the effects of lidocaine on it.

METHODS

Isolated perfused rat hearts were exposed to 40 min of ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion. Volatile anesthetic post-conditioning was induced by 15 min of 3 vol% sevourane (1.5 minimum alveolar concentration) administered at the onset of reperfusion. In some experiments, lidocaine was coadministered with sevoflurane in different concentrations (2, 10 and 20 microg/ml). Infarct size was determined by dividing the total necrotic area of the left ventricle by the total left ventricular slice area (percent necrotic area).

RESULTS

Sevoflurane-induced post-conditioning signicantly improved post-ischemia functional recovery and decreased infarct size (47.3+/-5.6% in unprotected hearts vs. 18.6+/-3.1% in anesthetic post-conditioning, P<0.05). Sevourane-mediated cardioprotection was abolished by 20 microg/ml lidocaine.

CONCLUSIONS

Sevourane-induced post-conditioning effectively protected myocardium against reperfusion damage and its cytoprotection was reversed by 20 microg/ml lidocaine.

Evidence for charged B meson decays to a1+/-(1260)pi0 and a1(0)(1260)pi+/-

We present measurements of the branching fractions for the decays B;{+/-}-->a_{1};{+/-}(1260)pi;{0} and B;{+/-}-->a_{1};{0}(1260)pi;{+/-} from a data sample of 232x10;{6} BB[over ] pairs produced in e;{+}e;{-} annihilation through the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We measure the branching fraction B(B;{+/-}-->a_{1};{+/-}(1260)pi;{0})xB(a_{1};{+/-}(1260)-->pi;{-}pi;{+}pi;{+/-})=(13.2+/-2.7+/-2.1)x10;{-6} with a significance of 4.2sigma, and the branching fraction B(B;{+/-}-->a_{1};{0}(1260)pi;{+/-})xB(a_{1};{0}(1260)-->pi;{-}pi;{+}pi;{0})=(20.4+/-4.7+/-3.4)x10;{-6} with a significance of 3.8sigma, where the first error quoted is statistical and the second is systematic.

Improved limits on the lepton-flavor violating decays tau{-}-->l{-}l{+}l{-}

A search for the neutrinoless, lepton-flavor violating decay of the tau lepton into three charged leptons has been performed using 376 fb{-1} of data collected at an e{+}e{-} center-of-mass energy around 10.58 GeV with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II storage rings. In all six decay modes considered, the numbers of events found in data are compatible with the background expectations. Upper limits on the branching fractions are set in the range (4-8)x10{-8} at 90% confidence level.

Measurement of CP violation parameters with a Dalitz plot analysis of B{+/-}-->D{pi{+}pi{-}pi{0}}K{+/-}

We report the results of a CP violation analysis of the decay B{+/-}-->D{pi{+}pi{-}pi;{0}}K{+/-}, where D{pi{+}pi{-}pi{0}} indicates a neutral D meson detected in the final state pi{+}pi{-}pi{0}, excluding K{S}{0}pi{0}. The analysis makes use of 324 x 10{6}e{+}e{-}-->BB[over ] events recorded by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II e;{+}e;{-} storage ring. Analyzing the pi;{+}pi;{-}pi;{0} Dalitz plot distribution and the B{+/-}-->D{pi{+}pi{-}pi{0}}K{+/-} branching fraction and decay rate asymmetry, we find the following one-standard-deviation constraints on the amplitude ratio and on the weak and strong phases: 0.06<r{B}<0.78, -30 degrees <gamma<76 degrees , -27 degrees <delta<78 degrees . We also measure the magnitudes and phases of the components of the D{0}-->pi{+}pi{-}pi{0} decay amplitude.

Improved prediction of subcellular location for apoptosis proteins by the dual-layer support vector machine

Apoptosis proteins play an important role in the development and homeostasis of an organism. The accurate prediction of subcellular location for apoptosis proteins is very helpful for understanding the mechanism of apoptosis and their biological functions. However, most of the existing predictive methods are designed by utilizing a single classifier, which would limit the further improvement of their performances. In this paper, a novel predictive method, which is essentially a multi-classifier system, has been proposed by combing a dual-layer support vector machine (SVM) with multiple compositions including amino acid composition (AAC), dipeptide composition (DPC) and amphiphilic pseudo amino acid composition (Am-Pse-AAC). As a demonstration, the predictive performance of our method was evaluated on two datasets of apoptosis proteins, involving the standard dataset ZD98 generated by Zhou and Doctor, and a larger dataset ZW225 generated by Zhang et al. With the jackknife test, the overall accuracies of our method on the two datasets reach 94.90% and 88.44%, respectively. The promising results indicate that our method can be a complementary tool for the prediction of subcellular location.

Identification of strain-specific DNA of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans by representational difference analysis

A genomic subtraction method, the representational difference analysis (RDA), was tested for its use in identifying strain-specific DNA in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Subtraction of strain D7S with strain HK1651 yielded D7S-specific 2.3-kilobase (kb) islet-A and 5.3-kb islet-B. Islet-A contains a 1.5-kb region that is homologous to a region found in the A. actinomycetemcomitans plasmid pVT745. Islet-B contains a 2.1-kb homolog of vgr, a component of a DNA repeat element rhs. The distribution of these islets among A. actinomycetemcomitans strains was further examined by polymerase chain reaction. Islet-A was found in nine serotype a and two serotype b strains but was missing from 34 strains. Islet-B was found in one serotype a strain, four serotype d strains and two serotype e strains, but was missing from 34 strains.

Observation of B Meson decays to b1pi and b1K

We present the results of searches for decays of B mesons to final states with a b1 meson and a charged pion or kaon. The data, collected with the BABAR detector at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, represent 382x10(6) BB[over ] pairs produced in e+e- annihilation. The results for the branching fractions are, in units of 10(-6), B(B+-->b1(0)pi+)=6.7+/-1.7+/-1.0, B(B+-->b1(0)K+)=9.1+/-1.7+/-1.0, B(B0-->b1(-/+)pi(+/-))=10.9+/-1.2+/-0.9, and B(B0-->b1(-)K+)=7.4+/-1.0+/-1.0, with the assumption that B(b1-->omega pi)=1. We also measure charge and flavor asymmetries A(ch)(B+-->b1(0)pi+)=0.05+/-0.16+/-0.02, Ach(B+-->b1(0)K+)=-0.46+/-0.20+/-0.02, A(ch)(B0-->b1(-/+)pi(+/-))=-0.05+/-0.10+/-0.02, C(B0-->b1(-/+)pi(+/-))=-0.22+/-0.23+/-0.05, DeltaC(B0-->b1(-/+)pi(+/-))=-1.04+/-0.23+/-0.08, and A(ch)(B0-->b1(-)K+)=-0.07+/-0.12+/-0.02. The first error quoted is statistical, and the second systematic.

Evaluation of thermal properties of food materials at high pressures using a dual-needle line-heat-source method

Thermal properties of food systems at high pressure (HP) are important in the design and operation of HP processing equipment. Available techniques for thermal property evaluation under HP conditions are still very limited. In this study, a dual-needle line-heat-source (DNL) device was installed in an HP vessel to evaluate thermal conductivity (k), diffusivity (alpha), and volumetric heat capacity (C(pV)) of foods at high pressure. The DNL probe was calibrated using glycerin (0.1 MPa) and 2% (w/w) agar gel (0.1 to 350 MPa) at 5 and 25 degrees C. Calibration results showed a good correlation with the reference data of pure water: R(2)= 0.966 for thermal conductivity and R(2)= 0.837 for diffusivity, and a small standard deviation of relative error (3.18%) for the volumetric heat capacity. Fresh potato and cheddar cheese were used as test samples at 5 degrees C at selected pressure levels (0.1 to 350 MPa). The potato samples gave thermal properties very close to those of pure water, but much higher than those of the cheese. The k and alpha values of both potato and cheese increased with pressure and a 2nd-order polynomial well fitted their pressure dependency. The volumetric heat capacity data did not show a clear pressure-dependency trend. The experimental system worked well for the evaluation of thermal properties at pressures up to 350 MPa.