ηπ+ π- resonant structure around 1.8 GeV/c(2) and η(1405) in J/ψ → ωηπ+ π-

We present results of a study of the decay J/ψ → ωηπ+ π- using a sample of (225.2 ± 2.8) × 10(6) J/ψ events collected by the BESIII detector, and report the observation of a new process J/ψ → ωX(1870) with a statistical significance of 7.2σ, in which X(1870) decays to a(0)(±)(980)π±. Fitting to ηπ+ π- mass spectrum yields a mass M = 1877.3 ± 6.3(stat)(-7.4)(+3.4)(syst) MeV/c(2), a width Γ = 57 ± 12(stat)(-4)(+19)(syst) MeV/c(2), and a product branching fraction B(J/ψ → ωX) × B(X→a(0)(±)(980)π±) × B(a(0) (±)(980) → ηπ±) = [1.50 ± 0.26(stat)(-0.36)(+0.72) (syst)] × 10(-4). Signals for J/ψ → ωf(1)(1285) and J/ψ → ω η(1405) are also clearly observed and measured.

Integration of cell phone imaging with microchip ELISA to detect ovarian cancer HE4 biomarker in urine at the point-of-care

Ovarian cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages and most patients present with advanced levels of disease. The lack of cost-effective methods that can achieve frequent, simple and non-invasive testing hinders early detection and causes high mortality in ovarian cancer patients. Here, we report a simple and inexpensive microchip ELISA-based detection module that employs a portable detection system, i.e., a cell phone/charge-coupled device (CCD) to quantify an ovarian cancer biomarker, HE4, in urine. Integration of a mobile application with a cell phone enabled immediate processing of microchip ELISA results, which eliminated the need for a bulky, expensive spectrophotometer. The HE4 level detected by a cell phone or a lensless CCD system was significantly elevated in urine samples from cancer patients (n = 19) than healthy controls (n = 20) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that the microchip ELISA coupled with a cell phone running an automated analysis mobile application had a sensitivity of 89.5% at a specificity of 90%. Under the same specificity, the microchip ELISA coupled with a CCD had a sensitivity of 84.2%. In conclusion, integration of microchip ELISA with cell phone/CCD-based colorimetric measurement technology can be used to detect HE4 biomarker at the point-of-care (POC), paving the way to create bedside technologies for diagnostics and treatment monitoring.

Effect of an exon 1 mutation in the myostatin gene on the growth traits of the Bian chicken

Myostatin (MSTN), or growth and differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily. This family functions as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth in mammals. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 1 of the Bian chicken myostatin gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. A mutation (c.234G>A) in exon 1 was found. Female Bian chickens of genotypes AA and GA had significantly higher body weights than those of genotype GG (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) from 6 to 18 weeks of age. These results suggested that the mutation c.234G>A in exon 1 could be used as a genetic marker for Bian chicken growth traits.

Magnetic resonance lymphography at 3T: a promising noninvasive approach to characterise inguinal lymphatic vessel leakage

PURPOSE

To explore the feasibility of using 3T high-resolution MR lymphangiography to characterize inguinal lymphatic vessel leakage (LVL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with known inguinal LVL underwent 3T MR lymphangiography and T(2)-weighted imaging. The presence or absence of inguinal LVL and the responsible lymphatic vessels were determined using the above imaging modalities and confirmed by surgical procedure. Afterwards, fifteen patients with recurring LVL following conservative treatment were referred to surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Specific inguinal LVL enhancement patterns and leaking lymphatic vessels were detected in 15 of 16 patients. Compared to the SNR of enhanced lymph nodes, that of the enhanced LVL was significantly greater (t = 7.149, p < 0.01), thereby making it possible to differentiate between LVL sites and enhancing inguinal lymph nodes. Furthermore, the steepest contrast enhancement curve slope of enhanced LVL was lower than that of enhanced lymph nodes (t = -2.860, p = 0.02). After MR diagnosis, 15 patients successfully underwent open exploration and ligation of the leaking lymphatic vessel. Clinical follow-up did not demonstrate recurrence of lymphatic fluid in the groin.

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution MR lymphangiography combined with T(2)-weighted imaging is a promising approach to identifying specific features of lymphatic vessel leakage in the groin.

Effects of livestock wastewater variety and disinfectants on the performance of constructed wetlands in organic matters and nitrogen removal

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE

Treatment performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) is largely dependent on the characteristics of the wastewater. Although livestock wastewater is readily biodegradable in general, its variety in biodegradability can still be significant in practice. In addition, it is a common practice to periodically use disinfectants in livestock activities for health concerns. Obviously, the residual of the disinfectants in livestock wastewater may have serious inhibitory effect on the microbial activities during wastewater treatment. Thus, the main objective of this study was to examine the variety of livestock wastewater in biodegradability and its effect on the performance of a pilot scale tidal flow CWs (TFCWs) in organic matter and nitrogen removal. Furthermore, investigation of the potential inhibition of the chosen disinfectants on organic matter biodegradation and nitrification was another aim of this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The TFCWs system consisted of four-stage downflow reed beds with a hydraulic loading rate of 0.29 m(3)/m(2)·per day. Long-term stored livestock wastewater and fresh livestock wastewater were used, respectively, as feed to the system in different periods. Meanwhile, batch aeration tests were carried out to investigate the difference in biodegradation of the two types of wastewaters. Inhibitions of two types of disinfectants, namely UNIPRED and HYPROCLOR ED, on microbial activities were investigated in laboratory batch tests, with dosage of from 0.05% to 0.5%.

RESULTS

With fresh livestock wastewater, removal efficiencies of up to 93% and 94% could be achieved with average of 73% and 64% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and TN, respectively. The performance deteriorated when the system was fed with long-term stored wastewater. In the batch tests, the long-time stored wastewater was characterized as non-biodegradable or at least very slowly biodegradable, while the fresh wastewater was readily biodegradable. UNIPRED showed very strong inhibition on both heterotrophic organisms and nitrifiers. Tested inhibition started from content of 0.05%, which is 1/10 of the recommended usage rate. Inhibitory effect of HYPROCLOR ED on COD degradation started from 0.1% and complete inhibition occurred from content of 0.3%, while significant inhibition on nitrification started from 0.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Livestock wastewater could vary significantly in biodegradability and it may turn to be non-biodegradable after a long-term storage. The variety of the livestock wastewater has a decisive influence on the performance of the CWs system, especially in TN elimination. In addition, the application of disinfectants UNIPRED and HYPROCLOR ED may cause serious inhibition on microbial activities and subsequent system failure.

Observation of χ(c1) decays into vector meson pairs φφ, ωω, and ωφ

Using (106±4)×10⁻⁶ ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e⁺e⁻ collider, we present the first measurement of decays of χ(c1) to vector meson pairs φφ, ωω, and ωφ. The branching fractions are measured to be (4.4±0.3±0.5)×10⁻⁴, (6.0±0.3±0.7)×10⁻⁴, and (2.2±0.6±0.2)×10⁻⁵, for χ(c1)→φφ, ωω, and ωφ, respectively, which indicates that the hadron helicity selection rule is significantly violated in χ(cJ) decays. In addition, the measurement of χ(cJ)→ωφ provides the first indication of the rate of doubly OZI-suppressed χ(cJ) decay. Finally, we present improved measurements for the branching fractions of χ(c0) and χ(c2) to vector meson pairs.

Confirmation of the X(1835) and observation of the resonances X(2120) and X(2370) in J/ψ→γπ+π-η'

With a sample of (225.2±2.8)×10(6) J/ψ events registered in the BESIII detector, J/ψ→γπ(+)π(-)η(') is studied using two η(') decay modes: η(')→π(+)π(-)η and η(')→γρ(0). The X(1835), which was previously observed by BESII, is confirmed with a statistical significance that is larger than 20σ. In addition, in the π(+)π(-)η(') invariant-mass spectrum, the X(2120) and the X(2370), are observed with statistical significances larger than 7.2σ and 6.4σ, respectively. For the X(1835), the angular distribution of the radiative photon is consistent with expectations for a pseudoscalar.

STELLA software as a tool for modelling phosphorus removal in a constructed wetland employing dewatered alum sludge as main substrate

A dynamic simulation model was developed for the removal of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) from the vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) using a dynamic software program called STELLA (structural thinking, experiential learning laboratory with animation) 9.1.3 to aid in simulating the environmental nature and succession of relationship between interdependent components and processes in the VFCW system. In particular, the VFCW employed dewatered alum sludge as its main substrate to enhance phosphorus (P) immobilization. Although computer modelling of P in treatment wetland has been well studied especially in recent years, there is still a need to develop simple and realistic models that can be used for investigating the dynamics of SRP in VFCWs. The state variables included in the model are dissolved phosphorus (DISP), plant phosphorus (PLAP), detritus phosphorus (DETP), plant biomass (PLBI) and adsorbed phosphorus (ADSP). The major P transformation processes considered in this study were adsorption, plant and microbial uptake and decomposition. The forcing functions which were considered in the model are temperature, radiation, volume of wastewater, P concentration, contact time, flow rate and the adsorbent (i.e., alum sludge). The model results revealed that up to 72% of the SRP can be removed through adsorption process whereas the uptake by plants is about 20% and the remaining processes such as microbial P utilization and decomposition, accounted for 7% SRP removal based on the mass balance calculations. The results obtained indicate that the model can be used to simulate outflow SRP concentration, and it can also be used to estimate the amount of P removed by individual processes in the VFCW using alum-sludge as a substrate.

Evidence for ψ' decays into γπ0 and γη

The decays ψ'→γπ(0), γη and γη' are studied using data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e(+)e(-) collider. The processes ψ'→γπ(0) and ψ'→γη are observed for the first time with signal significances of 4.6σ and 4.3σ, respectively. The branching fractions are determined to be B(ψ'→γπ(0))=(1.58±0.40±0.13)×10(-6), B(ψ'→γη)=(1.38±0.48±0.09)×10(-6), and B(ψ'→γη')=(126±3±8)×10(-6), where the first errors are statistical and the second ones systematic.

Effects of physically effective fiber on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility in goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physically effective NDF (peNDF) in goat diets containing alfalfa hay as the sole forage source on feed intake, chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibility. Four rumen-fistulated goats were fed different proportions of chopped and ground alfalfa hay in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Diets were chemically similar but varied in peNDF content: low, moderate low, moderate high, and high. Dietary peNDF content was determined using the Penn State Particle Separator with 2 sieves (8 and 19 mm) or 3 sieves (1.18, 8, and 19 mm). The dietary peNDF content ranged from 1.9 to 11.7% using the 2 sieves and from 15.2 to 20.0% using the 3 sieves. Increasing forage particle length increased intake of peNDF, but decreased DMI linearly (P = 0.05). Ruminating and total chewing time (min/d) were increased linearly (P = 0.001 and 0.007, respectively) with increased dietary peNDF, resulting in a linear reduction (P < 0.001) in the duration of time that ruminal pH was less than 5.8 (10.9, 9.0, 1.2, and 0.3 h/d, respectively). Increasing dietary peNDF tended to increase the molar proportion of propionate linearly (P = 0.08) and decrease the molar proportion of butyrate (P = 0.09), but did not affect total VFA concentration. Increasing dietary peNDF linearly decreased the apparent digestibility of OM, NDF, and ADF in the total tract (P = 0.009, 0.003, and 0.008, respectively). This study demonstrated that increasing the dietary peNDF contained in alfalfa hay forage stimulated chewing activity and improved ruminal pH status, but reduced nutrient intake and efficiency of feed use.

Alum sludge-based constructed wetland system for enhanced removal of P and OM from wastewater: concept, design and performance analysis

The concept, design and performance analysis of a four-stage novel constructed wetland system (CWs) capable of enhanced and simultaneous removal of phosphorus (P) and organic matter (OM) from wastewaters is described. Alum sludge, a largely available by-product of drinking water facilities using aluminium salts as coagulant was used as the media. Under a hydraulic loading rate of 1.27 m(3)/m(2) d and a range of organic loading rate of 279.4-774.7 g-BOD(5)/m(2)d and 361.1-1028.7 g-COD/m(2)d, average removal efficiencies (mean+/-SD) of 90.6+/-7.5% for BOD(5) and 71.8+/-10.2% for COD were achieved, respectively. P removal was exceptional with average removal efficiency of 97.6+/-1.9% achieved for soluble reactive P at a mean influent concentration of 21.0+/-2.9 mg/l. Overall, the system holds great promise as a novel CWs for simultaneous removal of P and OM, and at the same time, it transforms alum sludge from a waste into a useful material.

[Central mechanism of electric-acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) for gastric mucous membrane protection with FMRI]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the central mechanism of acupuncture in protecting gastric mucous membrane by a composite analysis of gastric mucous membrane related indices in peripheral blood and functional MRI (fMRI) signal changes after electric-acupuncturing Zusanli (ST36) acupoint.

METHODS

Sixteen healthy adult volunteers were divided into true acupoint group (A) and sham acupoint group (B). Zusanli acupoint was used for Group A. Peripheral blood was drawn 5 min before and 5, 15, 25, 30 min after needle-removal for the detection of gastric mucous membrane related indices. fMRI was performed during acupuncture and the acquired fMRI data were analyzed by SPM2 (P < 0.001).

RESULTS

The levels of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased while those of endothelin (ET) and gastrin (GAS) decreased significantly after acupuncture in Group A (P < 0.01). And there was no significant change in Group B (P > 0.05). Acupuncturing Zusanli activated the bilateral middle frontal gyrus, caudate, left precentral and postcentral gyri, hypothalamus, anterior cingulate cortex, right hippocampus, insula and cerebellar hemisphere. But acupuncturing the sham acupoint only activated the paracentral lobule and cerebellar hemisphere.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncturing Zusanli acupoint activates certain cortex areas and multiple systems to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and regulate the peripheral humoral factors to achieve the protection of gastric mucous membrane.

Measurements of h(c)(1P(1)) in psi' decays

We present measurements of the charmonium state h(c)(1P(1)) made with 106x10(6) psi' events collected by BESIII at BEPCII. Clear signals are observed for psi'-->pi0 h(c) with and without the subsequent radiative decay h(c)-->gamma eta(c). First measurements of the absolute branching ratios B(psi'-->pi0 h(c)) = (8.4+/-1.3+/-1.0) x 10(-4) and B(h(c)-->gamma eta(c)) = (54.3+/-6.7+/-5.2)% are presented. A statistics-limited determination of the previously unmeasured h(c) width leads to an upper limit Gamma(h(c))<1.44 MeV (90% confidence). Measurements of M(h(c)) = 3525.40+/-0.13+/-0.18 MeV/c2 and B(psi'-->pi0 h(c)) x B(h(c)-->gamma eta(c)) = (4.58+/-0.40+/-0.50) x 10(-4) are consistent with previous results.

Decolouration of H2SO4 leachate from phosphorus-saturated alum sludge using H2O2 and advanced oxidation processes in phosphorus recovery strategy

As a part of attempt for phosphorus (P) recovery from P-saturated alum sludge, which was used as a low-cost P-adsorbent in treatment reed bed for wastewater treatment, decolouration of H(2)SO(4) leachate obtained from previous experiment, possessing a great deal of P, aluminum and red-brown coloured materials (RBCMs), by using H(2)O(2) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) was investigated. The use of H(2)O(2) and AOPs in the forms of Fenton (H(2)O(2)/Fe(2 +)) and photo-Fenton (UV/H(2)O(2)/Fe(2 +)) were tested. The changes in colour and total organic carbon (TOC) were taken place as a result of mineralization of RBCMs. The results revealed that all of these three processes examined were efficient. It was found that about 98% colour and 47% TOC can be removed under photo-Fenton treatment after 8 hours of UV irradiation.Correspondingly, the reaction rates of H(2)O(2) and Fenton systems were slow, but 100% colour and 59% TOC removal of H(2)O(2) process and 100% colour and 67% TOC reductions of Fenton process can be achieved after 72 hours of reaction. The changes of structure and molecular weight/size of RBCMs were also evaluated by HPLC and UV-vis spectroscopic analysis. From the results, some chromophores of RBCMs such as aromatic groups were appeared to be easily degraded to the smaller refractory components. Hence, based on the experimental results and considering the investment and expediency of operation, H(2)O(2) and Fenton oxidation could be suitable technologies for the treatment of the RBCMs derived from P-extraction stage by using H(2)SO(4) leaching.

A novel approach to recycling of glass fibers from nonmetal materials of waste printed circuit boards

The printed circuit boards (PCBs) contain nearly 70% nonmetal materials, which usually are abandoned as an industrial solid-waste byproduct during the recycling of waste PCBs. However those materials have abundant high-value glass fibers. In this study, a novel fluidized bed process technology for recycling glass fibers from nonmetal materials of waste PCBs is studied. The recycled glass fibers (RGF) are analyzed by determination of their purity, morphology and surface chemical composition. This process technology is shown to be effective and robust in treating with nonmetal materials of waste PCBs. The thermoset resins in the nonmetal materials are decomposed in the temperature range from 400 degrees C to 600 degrees C. And the glass fibers are collected at high purity and recovery rate by the cyclone separators without violating the environmental regulation. This novel fluidized bed technology for recycling high-value glass fibers from nonmetal materials of waste PCBs represents a promising way for recycling resources and resolving the environmental pollutions during recycling of waste PCBs.

Development of alum sludge-based constructed wetland: an innovative and cost effective system for wastewater treatment

This article describes a research attempt to integrate the dewatered alum sludge, a residual by-product of drinking water treatment process, into a constructed wetland (CW) system for the purpose of enhancing the wastewater treatment performance, thus developing a so called alum sludge-based constructed wetland system. A multi-dimensional research project including the batch tests of phosphorus (P) adsorption onto alum sludge followed by the model CWs trials of single and multi-stage CWs, has been conducted since 2004. It has been successfully demonstrated that the alum sludge-based CW is capable of enhanced and simultaneous removal of P and organic matter (in terms of BOD5 and COD), particularly from medium and high strength wastewater. The sludge cakes act as the carrier for developing biofilm for organics removal and also serve as adsorbent to enhance P immobilization. Batch P-adsorption tests revealed that the alum sludge tested possesses excellent P-adsorption ability of 14.3 mg-P/g x sludge (in dry solids) at pH 7.0 with the adsorption favored at lower pH. The results obtained in a 4-stage treatment wetland system suggest that high removal efficiencies of 90.4% for COD, 88.0% for BOD5, 90.6% for SS, 76.5% for TN and 91.9% for PO4(3-)-P under hydraulic loading of 0.36 m3/m2 x d can be achieved. The field demonstration study of this pioneering development is now underway.

Responsiveness to aspirin in patients with unstable angina pectoris by whole blood aggregometry

AIMS

To evaluate aspirin responsiveness in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) by whole blood aggregometry. Another goal was to differentiate aspirin-resistant patients into pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic type.

METHODS

We measured platelet aggregation by determining impedance values in 70 normal volunteers and 104 UAP patients on aspirin (100 mg/day > or = 7 days) in four inducing conditions [1 microg/ml collagen, 2 microg/ml collagen, 5 micromol/l adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and 10 micromol/l ADP]. We calculated a cut-off value based on data from normal volunteers to define aspirin responsiveness in cases. Then, the correlation and agreement between the results in the four conditions was analysed to choose a preferred inducing condition for identification of aspirin resistance. Aliquots from all samples were incubated with 0.1 mmol/l aspirin and measured again for aspirin-resistant classification.

RESULTS

Aspirin resistance was observed in 38 patients (36.5%), 51 patients (49.0%), 67 patients (64.4%) and 67 patients (64.4%), respectively, for 1 microg/ml collagen, 2 microg/ml collagen, 5 micromol/l ADP and 10 micromol/l ADP among 104 patients. Collagen at low concentration was suggested as a preferred agent for detecting aspirin inhibitory effect according to the coefficient of sensitivity. After incubation, only three among 38 aspirin-resistant patients showed normal platelet aggregation and were classified into pharmacodynamic type.

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of collagen at low concentration (1 microg/ml), the prevalence of aspirin resistance is about 36.5% in UAP patients, and according to a classification specific for resistant patients, most of the aspirin 'resistance' is just because of pharmacokinetic issues.

Use of dewatered alum sludge as main substrate in treatment reed bed receiving agricultural wastewater: long-term trial

This study aims to explore a novel application of dewatered alum sludge cakes (DASC) as the main medium in a single model reed bed to treat phosphorus-rich animal farm wastewater under "tidal flow" operation on a long-term basis. It is expected that the cakes act as the carrier for developing biofilm and also serve as adsorbent to enhance phosphorus (P) immobilization. Results have demonstrated that average removal efficiencies of 73.3+/-15.9% for COD, 82.9+/-12.3% for BOD(5), 86.4+/-6.0% for RP (reactive P), 88.6+/-7.2% for soluble reactive P (SRP) and 77.6+/-17.5% for SS can be achieved during the two year's operation. More significantly, the "P-adsorption proportion" by DASC in the reed bed is 42% of the overall P removal. The remaining removal of P may be contributed by the trapping and filtration process of DASC. Therefore, the lifetime of the DASC in reed bed is reasonably longer than that determined from the batch isotherm test.

CT-guided percutaneous neurolytic celiac plexus block technique

Up to now, the studies in the world have demonstrated that CT-guided percutaneous neurolytic celiac plexus block (PNCPB) is an invaluable therapeutic modality in the treatment of refractory abdominal pain caused by cancer. Its efficacy of pain relief varied in reported studies. The main technical considerations which would affect the analgesic effects on abdominal pain included the patients' cooperation, needle entry approaches, combined use of blocking approaches, localization of the target area, dosage of the blocker, and so on. A success of PNCPB depends greatly on close cooperation with patients. The patient should be educated about the purpose and steps of the procedure, and trained of breathing in and breathing hold. The needle entry can be divided into the posterior approach and the anterior approach. The former one is the most commonly used in clinical practice, but the latter one is rarely used except in the cases that the posterior approach becomes technically difficult. Bilateral multiple blocking of celiac plexus and splanchnic nerves is often required to achieve optimal analgesia. The needle entry site, insertion course, and depth should be preselected and simulated on CT monitor prior to the procedure in order to ensure an accurate and safe celiac plexus block. The magnitude of analgesic effect is closely related to the degree of degeneration and necrosis of the celiac plexus. Maximally filling with blocker in the retropancreatic space is an indication of sufficient blocking. We also provided an overview of indications and contraindications, preoperative preparations, complications and its treatment of PNCPB.