A Review of the EUSO-Balloon Pathfinder for the JEM-EUSO Program

EUSO-Balloon is a pathfinder for JEM-EUSO, the mission concept of a spaceborne observatory which is designed to observe Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR)-induced Extensive Air Showers (EAS) by detecting their UltraViolet (UV) light tracks "from above." On August 25, 2014, EUSO-Balloon was launched from Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base (Ontario, Canada) by the balloon division of the French Space Agency CNES. After reaching a floating altitude of 38 km, EUSO-Balloon imaged the UV light in the wavelength range ∼290-500 nm for more than 5 hours using the key technologies of JEM-EUSO. The flight allowed a good understanding of the performance of the detector to be developed, giving insights into possible improvements to be applied to future missions. A detailed measurement of the photoelectron counts in different atmospheric and ground conditions was achieved. By means of the simulation of the instrument response and by assuming atmospheric models, the absolute intensity of diffuse light was estimated. The instrument detected hundreds of laser tracks with similar characteristics to EASs shot by a helicopter flying underneath. These are the first recorded laser tracks measured from a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere. The reconstruction of the direction of the laser tracks was performed. In this work, a review of the main results obtained by EUSO-Balloon is presented as well as implications for future space-based observations of UHECRs.

Oviductal Proteins Effect in Rooster Spermatic Cryopreservation

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation induces spermatic cryo capacitation, which can decrease thawed sperm fertilizing capability.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of uterus-vaginal union protein factors to inhibit sperm cryo capacitation and maintain viability and fertilizing capability of rooster spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rooster spermatozoa was cryopreserved using Lake extender supplemented with different hen's uterus-vaginal junction protein concentrations, to determine spermatic viability, sperm physiological condition and fertilizing capability in vivo.

RESULTS

It was possible to induce spermatic decapacitation in vitro, inhibiting cryo capacitation and allowing fertility results comparable to those obtained with fresh semen.

CONCLUSION

Uterus-vaginal protein extracts induce spermatic decapacitation in vitro.

Quantitative analysis of the interplay between InAs quantum dots and wetting layer during the GaAs capping process

A procedure to quantitatively analyse the relationship between the wetting layer (WL) and the quantum dots (QDs) as a whole in a statistical way is proposed. As we will show in the manuscript, it allows determining, not only the proportion of deposited InAs held in the WL, but also the average In content inside the QDs. First, the amount of InAs deposited is measured for calibration in three different WL structures without QDs by two methodologies: strain mappings in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images and compositional mappings with ChemiSTEM x-ray energy spectrometry. The area under the average profiles obtained by both methodologies emerges as the best parameter to quantify the amount of InAs in the WL, in agreement with high-resolution x-ray diffraction results. Second, the effect of three different GaAs capping layer (CL) growth rates on the decomposition of the QDs is evaluated. The CL growth rate has a strong influence on the QD volume as well as the WL characteristics. Slower CL growth rates produce an In enrichment of the WL if compared to faster ones, together with a diminution of the QD height. In addition, assuming that the QD density does not change with the different CL growth rates, an estimation of the average In content inside the QDs is given. The high Ga/In intermixing during the decomposition of buried QDs does not only trigger a reduction of the QD height, but above all, a higher impoverishment of the In content inside the QDs, therefore modifying the two most important parameters that determine the optical properties of these structures.

General route for the decomposition of InAs quantum dots during the capping process

The effect of the capping process on the morphology of InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) by using different GaAs-based capping layers (CLs), ranging from strain reduction layers to strain compensating layers, has been studied by transmission microscopic techniques. For this, we have measured simultaneously the height and diameter in buried and uncapped QDs covering populations of hundreds of QDs that are statistically reliable. First, the uncapped QD population evolves in all cases from a pyramidal shape into a more homogenous distribution of buried QDs with a spherical-dome shape, despite the different mechanisms implicated in the QD capping. Second, the shape of the buried QDs depends only on the final QD size, where the radius of curvature is function of the base diameter independently of the CL composition and growth conditions. An asymmetric evolution of the QDs' morphology takes place, in which the QD height and base diameter are modified in the amount required to adopt a similar stable shape characterized by a averaged aspect ratio of 0.21. Our results contradict the traditional model of QD material redistribution from the apex to the base and point to a different universal behavior of the overgrowth processes in self-organized InAs QDs.

Measurement of the proton-air cross section at √s=57 TeV with the Pierre Auger Observatory

We report a measurement of the proton-air cross section for particle production at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon of 57 TeV. This is derived from the distribution of the depths of shower maxima observed with the Pierre Auger Observatory: systematic uncertainties are studied in detail. Analyzing the tail of the distribution of the shower maxima, a proton-air cross section of [505±22(stat)(-36)(+28)(syst)] mb is found.

Metamorphic In(0.20)Ga(0.80)As p-i-n photodetectors grown on GaAs substrates for near infrared applications

The growth and performance of top-illuminated metamorphic In(0.20)Ga(0.80)As p-i-n photodetectors grown on GaAs substrates using a step-graded In(x)Ga(1-x)As buffer is reported. The p-i-n photodetectors display a low room-temperature reverse bias dark current density of ~1.4×10(-7) A/cm(2) at -2 V. Responsivity and specific detectivity values of 0.72 A/W, 2.3×10(12) cm·Hz(1/2)/W and 0.69 A/W, 2.2×10(12) cm·Hz(1/2)/W are achieved for Yb:YAG (1030 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser wavelengths at -2 V, respectively. A high theoretical bandwidth-responsivity product of 0.21 GHz·A/W was estimated at 1064 nm. Device performance metrics for these GaAs substrate-based detectors compare favorably with those based on InP technology due to the close tuning of the detector bandgap to the target wavelengths, despite the presence of a residual threading dislocation density. This work demonstrates the great potential for high performance metamorphic near-infrared InGaAs detectors with optimally tuned bandgaps, which can be grown on GaAs substrates, for a wide variety of applications.

Occupational and environmental risk factors of adult primary brain cancers: a systematic review

The incidence of brain neoplasm has been progressively increasing in recent years in the industrialized countries. One of the reasons for this increased incidence could be better access to health care and improved diagnosis in the industrialized countries. It also appears that Caucasians have a higher incidence than blacks or Hispanics or Asians. A number of risk factors have been identified and described including the genetic, ethnic and age-based factors. Certain occupational and environmental factors are also believed to influence the risk of primary adult brain tumors. Potential occupational and environmental factors include exposure to diagnostic and therapeutic radiations, electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and other wireless devices, infectious agents, air pollution and residence near landfills and high-voltage power lines and jobs as firefighters, farmers, physician, chemists and jobs in industries such as petrochemical, power generation, synthetic rubber manufacturing, agricultural chemicals manufacturing. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine occupational and environmental risk factors of brain neoplasm. A range of occupational and environmental exposures are evaluated for significance of their relationship with adult primary brain tumors. On the basis of this review we suggest a concurrent evaluation of multiple risk factors both within and beyond occupational and environmental domains. The concurrent approach needs to consider better exposure assessment techniques, lifetime occupational exposures, genotypic and phenotypic characteristics and lifestyle and dietary habits. This approach needs to be interdisciplinary with contributions from neurologists, oncologists, epidemiologists and molecular biologists. Conclusive evidence that has eluded multitude of studies with single focus and single exposure needs to multifaceted and multidisciplinary.

Recipient dendritic cells, but not B cells, are required antigen-presenting cells for peripheral alloreactive CD8+ T-cell tolerance

Induction of mixed allogeneic chimerism is a promising approach for achieving donor-specific tolerance, thereby obviating the need for life-long immunosuppression for solid organ allograft acceptance. In mice receiving a low dose (3Gy) of total body irradiation, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation combined with anti-CD154 tolerizes peripheral CD4 and CD8 T cells, allowing achievement of mixed chimerism with specific tolerance to donor. With this approach, peripheral CD8 T-cell tolerance requires recipient MHC class II, CD4 T cells, B cells and DCs. Recipient-type B cells from chimeras that were tolerant to donor still promoted CD8 T-cell tolerance, but their role could not be replaced by donor-type B cells. Using recipients whose B cells or DCs specifically lack MHC class I and/or class II or lack CD80 and CD86, we demonstrate that dendritic cells (DCs) must express CD80/86 and either MHC class I or class II to promote CD8 tolerance. In contrast, B cells, though required, did not need to express MHC class I or class II or CD80/86 to promote CD8 tolerance. Moreover, recipient IDO and IL-10 were not required. Thus, antigen presentation by recipient DCs and not by B cells is critical for peripheral alloreactive CD8 T cell tolerance.

Cross-sectional survey on the knowledge, attitude and practice of male Filipino seafarers on sexual health

The Philippines is currently the world's leading supplier of seafarers aboard foreign vessels, accounting for nearly a quarter of the world's maritime industry. Seafarers, being mobile, have a significant contribution impact on the worldwide spread of infectious diseases such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, as well as the attitudes and practices (KAP) of male Filipino seafarers regarding sexual health. A cross-sectional survey was administered through convenience sampling of male Filipino seafarers. The respondents showed the least knowledge about prevention, followed by transmission of STIs. The respondents showed adequate knowledge about risk factors such as multiple sex partners, and about transmission such as vertical spread. In addition, the respondents indicated their attitude and level of responsibility in informing their sexual partners in case they contract STIs and avoidance of high-risk partners. They also showed attitudes that predispose them to high-risk behaviour such as decreased sexual sensation caused by use of condoms and added pleasure in having intercourse with strangers. The majority of respondents were sexually active. Most have STI/HIV screening as part of their pre-employment medical exam. Positive practices include use of condoms, voluntary medical evaluation for STI's, and avoidance of high-risk partners. Negative practices include going to bars closely linked with prostitution, and most of the respondents had had sexual intercourse with sex workers overseas. Male seafarers appear to have double standards regarding women as sexual partners - about half had intercourse outside their stable relationships. They perceive protection as their sole discretion.

Detection and differentiation of Xylella fastidiosa strains acquired and retained by glassy-winged sharpshooters (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) using a mixture of strain-specific primer sets

Xylella fastidiosa Wells is a bacterial pathogen that causes a variety of plant diseases, including Pierce's disease (PD) of grapevine, almond leaf scorch, alfalfa dwarf, citrus variegated chlorosis, and oleander leaf scorch (OLS). Numerous strains of this pathogen have been genetically characterized, and several different strains occur in the United States. The dominant vector in southern California is the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata (Say) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The high mobility of this insect, and its use of large numbers of host plant species, provides this vector with ample exposure to multiple strains of X. fastidiosa during its lifetime. To learn more about the ability of this vector to acquire, retain, and transmit multiple strains of the pathogen, we developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method to detect and differentiate strains of X. fastidiosa present in individual glassy-winged sharpshooter adults. Insects were sequentially exposed to plants infected with a PD strain in grapevine and an OLS strain in oleander. After sequential exposure, a few insects tested positive for both strains (7%); however, in most cases individuals tested positive for only one strain (29% PD, 41% OLS). In transmission studies, individual adults transmitted either the PD or OLS strain of the pathogen at a rate (39%) similar to that previously reported after exposure to a single strain, but no single individual transmitted both strains of the pathogen. PD and OLS strains of X. fastidiosa remained detectable in glassy-winged sharpshooter, even when insects were fed on a plant species that was not a host of the strain for 1 wk.

Synthesis, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of 3-(4-aryl-piperazin-1-ylalkyl)-uracils as uroselective alpha1A-antagonists

Predominance in the urethra and prostate of the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor subtype, which is believed to be the receptor mediating noradrenaline induced smooth muscle contraction in these tissues, led to the preparation of alpha(1A)-selective antagonists to be tested as uroselective compounds for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Thus, a number of selective alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor antagonists were synthesized and assayed in vitro for potency and selectivity. Dog pharmacokinetic parameters of 12 (RO700004) and its metabolite 40 (RO1104253) were established. The relative selectivity of intravenously administered 12, 40 and standard prazosin to inhibit hypogastric nerve stimulation-induced increases in intraurethral prostatic pressure versus phenylephrine-induced increases in diastolic blood pressure in anesthetized dogs was 76, 71 and 0.6, respectively.

2D 1H and 13C NMR evidence for stereoselective formation of a new bond C-N, C-S or C-C in the reaction of ivalin acetate with substituted pyrimidines

Several pyrimidine derivatives of ivalin acetate were synthesized as potential anti HIV agents. High stereoselective Michael addition to ivaline acetate was observed and a new C-C, C-N or C-S bond was formed. 2D NMR 1H and 13C as well as X-ray crystallographic studies were performed on the compounds herein described to establish the structure and stereochemistry.

Corrosion behavior of 2205 duplex stainless steel

The corrosion of 2205 duplex stainless steel was compared with that of AISI type 316L stainless steel. The 2205 stainless steel is a potential orthodontic bracket material with low nickel content (4 to 6 wt%), whereas the 316L stainless steel (nickel content: 10 to 14 wt%) is a currently used bracket material. Both stainless steels were subjected to electrochemical and immersion (crevice) corrosion tests in 37 degrees C, 0.9 wt% sodium chloride solution. Electrochemical testing indicates that 2205 has a longer passivation range than 316L. The corrosion rate of 2205 was 0.416 MPY (milli-inch per year), whereas 316L exhibited 0.647 MPY. When 2205 was coupled to 316L with equal surface area ratio, the corrosion rate of 2205 reduced to 0.260 MPY, indicating that 316L stainless steel behaved like a sacrificial anode. When 316L is coupled with NiTi, TMA, or stainless steel arch wire and was subjected to the immersion corrosion test, it was found that 316L suffered from crevice corrosion. On the other hand, 2205 stainless steel did not show any localized crevice corrosion, although the surface of 2205 was covered with corrosion products, formed when coupled to NiTi and stainless steel wires. This study indicates that considering corrosion resistance, 2205 duplex stainless steel is an improved alternative to 316L for orthodontic bracket fabrication when used in conjunction with titanium, its alloys, or stainless steel arch wires.

Sulfatides inhibit binding of Helicobacter pylori to the gastric cancer Kato III cell line

Helicobacter pylori adhere to Kato III and Hela S3 cells in monolayer cultures. To explore whether cell surface glycoconjugates on these two cell lines mediate binding of H. pylori, various carbohydrates, glycoproteins, and glycolipids were tested to inhibit H.pylori cell adhesion. The adhesion was measured (i) with a urease-based assay and (ii) by cells stained with fluorescein. Sodium periodate and sialidase treatment (but not alpha- or beta-galactosidase, heparitinase,lysozyme, or trypsin) inhibited H. pylori binding to both cell lines. Sulfatides and sulfated glycoconjugates (50 microg/ml) but not heparin or a number of simple carbohydrates inhibited binding (1 mg/ml). The two H.pylori strains studied (CCUG 17874 and strain 25) showed high binding of soluble 125I-labeled heparin and other sulfated carbohydrate compounds.

Detection of somatic mutations in the mitochondrial DNA control region of colorectal and gastric tumors by heteroduplex and single-strand conformation analysis

Each entire hypervariable region of the mitochondrial DNA control region was screened for mutations from paired normal and tumor DNA corresponding to a group of 21 patients (13 colorectal and 8 gastric adenocarcinomas) using both heteroduplex analysis and single-strand conformation analysis. These two mutation scanning strategies allowed the identification of sequence alterations in 3/13 (23%) colorectal tumors and in 3/8 (37%) gastric tumors. Heteroduplex analysis showed the heteroplasmic state of the majority of these tumor mutations. Sequence analysis revealed two A:T/G:C transitions (nucleotide positions: 16241 and 16166) in hypervariable region 1 (HV1) and two C:G/T:A transitions (nucleotide positions: 76 and 312), one A:T/G:C transition (nucleotide position: 93), a 1-basepair C:G deletion (nucleotide position: 309), and a 2-base-pair CC:GG insertion (nucleotide position: 309) in the HV 2 region. A considerable proportion of these mutations was found in homopolymeric regions which are highly polymorphic among humans. Different mechanisms (clonal expansion, increased oxidative damage, and nuclear mutator mutations) were suggested to explain the increased mitochondrial DNA mutation rate observed in cancer.

Influence of surface treatment on bond strength between a heat-activated and a light-activated resin composite

The shear bond strength of two light-activated resin composite materials to a preformed heat-polymerized resin material was measured. The substrate was a urethane dimethacrylate material designed for use as a direct bonded pontic. In the first phase of the study, the shear bond strength between the substrate and a urethane-based resin composite and seven surface treatments was evaluated. In the second phase, a Bis-GMA resin composite and three surface treatments were studied. The study showed that a bonding agent was essential for the achievement of an adequate bond strength between the light-activated and heat-polymerized resin. However, there was a significant difference in bond strength depending on the type of light-activated resin composite and bond agent used. A Bis-GMA-based light-activated composite, together with its bond system (22.82 MPa), provided higher bond strength than a urethane-based resin composite and its bonding system (14.45 MPa). There was a direct relationship between cohesive failure and bond strength; as bond strength increased, the number of cohesive failures increased as well.

The role of guided tissue regeneration and guided bone regeneration

The goal of periodontal therapy includes not only the halting of the progressive loss of connective tissue attachment but also the restitution of those parts of the supporting apparatus which have been destroyed. The cells which repopulate this area may originate from any number of the different tissue components of the periodontium: the dentogingival epithelium, the gingival connective tissue, the alveolar bone, and the periodontal ligament (PDL). The size and shape of the wound and the potential of the different types of tissues cells to migrate, determines the type of healing. Previous studies have revealed that root resorption was found to occur when granulation tissue derived from the gingival connective tissue or alveolar bone was proliferating into contact with the root surface, while re-epithelialization of the surface prevented both connective tissue attachment and root resorption. The only cells which appear to have the capacity to form a new attachment were cells originating from the PDL. Based on this knowledge of the biological behaviour of the different periodontal tissues during wound healing, the principle of Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) was introduced and tested. A membrane section was placed over the debrided root surface in such a way that all periodontal tissues except the PDL cells were prevented from reaching contact with the root. Healing resulted in extensive amounts of new connective tissue attachment, that is, the formation of new cementum with inserting collagen fibres. The objective was, and is, assessment of how predictably new attachment may form when treatment included GTR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Urinary infection and stone formation as complications of Gil-Vernet's antireflux procedure

The authors describe two cases of urinary infection and stone formation as late complications of Gil-Vernet's antireflux treatment. The immediate cause of these complications was the migration to the mucosal surface of the nonabsorbable sutures employed in this technique.

Electrophysiological effects of FLFQPQRF amide, an endogenous brain morphine modulating peptide, on cultured mouse spinal-cord neurons

Intracellular recordings were made from dissociated fetal mouse spinal cord neurones in primary culture. Micropressure application of FLFQPQRFamide (10(-5) M in the delivery pipette), an endogenous mammalian brain morphine modulating peptide, onto the surface of spinal cord neurones induced, in a dose dependent manner, a transitory hyperpolarization followed by a long lasting depolarization of the membrane potential (n = 37). In contrast, no response was observed when the peptide was applied on dorsal root ganglia neurones (n = 30). The depolarizing phase of this response was underlied by an increase of the input resistance. Extrapolated reversal potential for the depolarizing phase was close to -80 mV while it was close to -40 mV for the hyperpolarizing phase. Increasing extracellular K+ concentration raised the reversal potential value of depolarizing phases to more positive values. The amplitude of the depolarizing phase was reduced by application of tetraethylammonium (50 mM) while it was enhanced by application of 4-aminopyridine (3 mM). CaCl2 application (3 mM) reversibly blocked the hyperpolarization and decreased the subsequent depolarization. In presence of Ba2+ the extrapollated reversal potential of the hyperpolarizing phase was dramatically shifted to a more positive value. Finally FLFQPQRFamide induced response can be partially mimicked by FMRFamide application. Our observations indicate that FLFQPQRFamide can have multiple effects on membrane conductance of mammalian spinal cord neurones by acting on a single class of receptor. These effects of FLFQPQRFamide were found to be mainly excitatory.

Excitatory effect of serotonin on pacemaker neurons in spinal cord cell culture

Intracellular recordings were made from fetal mouse spinal cord neurons in primary culture. One type of neuron, with large somata (40-50 microns diameter) and thick neurites exhibited endogenous bursting or beating pacemaker electrical activity. Noradrenaline depolarized this type of neuron by decreasing an M-like conductance. Micropressure application of serotonin (10(-5) M in the delivery pipette) onto the surface of pacemaker neurons evoked a depolarization of the membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner with an increased input resistance. No such response was observed with other types of spinal cord neurons in culture. The response to serotonin was partially voltage-dependent. The serotonin-induced depolarization reversed at holding potential close to -100 mV. However, the input resistance variation evoked by serotonin increased exponentially when membrane potential was depolarized. The reversal potential was modified by increasing extracellular K+ concentration and it was unaltered by increasing the intracellular Cl- concentration. The decrease in K+ conductance induced by serotonin was not suppressed by the application of tetraethylammonium (50 mM) or 4-aminopyridine (10 mM). Furthermore, application of Ba2+ (6 mM) or Cd2+ (0.1 mM) had no effect on this response, suggesting that the depolarization evoked by serotonin application was not calcium-dependent. The serotonin evoked increase in input resistance was mediated by activation of a 5-HT1A-like receptor site. Spiperone, a 5-HT1A antagonist reversibly blocked the response. Methiothepin, a 5-HT1-5-HT2 antagonist (10(-3) M); cocaine, a 5-HT3 antagonist (10(-3) M); ketanserin, a 5-HT2 antagonist (10(-3) M); and prazosin, an alpha 1 antagonist (10(-3) M) had no effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The Spanish Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Reliability and concordance with clinical diagnoses in Puerto Rico

A Spanish translation of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) was assessed using samples of Puerto Rican patients and community subjects from the San Juan area. Concordance between DIS results from psychiatrists' interviews and from laypersons' interviews was similar to results with the DIS in mainland samples. Comparisons of laypersons' DIS results with psychiatrists' clinical diagnoses yielded generally poorer agreement. Levels of agreement improved when diagnoses were clustered into higher-rank categories. These results raise cultural issues related to the use of the DIS in Puerto Rico.

Synthesis and gastric antisecretory properties of allenic 16-phenoxy-omega-tetranor prostaglandin E analogs

In order to improve the modest oral activity of PGE2 as an inhibitor of gastric acid secretion, analogs were prepared and tested orally in histamine-challenged rats. Insertion of a double bond at C-4, resulting in the 4,5-allene analog of PGE1, gave a small increase in activity. Introduction of the omega-tetranor-16-phenoxy lower sidechain, a modification known to enhance activity in the PGF series, gave an eight-fold increase in activity. The analog having both modifications (enprostil, 2) showed a six hundred-fold increase in oral antisecretory activity over PGE2, which may reflect a potentiation effect. Modification of enprostil at C-1 (various esters) and at C-11 (11-methyl, 11-deoxy) generally resulted in compounds of high activity while modifications at other sites generally resulted in significant reductions in activity.

11-Deoxy-11 alpha,12 alpha-methanoprostaglandin E2, a potent, short-acting bronchodilator

11-Deoxy-11 alpha,12 alpha-methanoprostaglandin E2 (1b) and the corresponding methyl ester 7a were highly potent, but short acting, bronchodilators both by the intravenous (80 and 10 times PGE2, respectively) and aerosol (2 and approximately 1 times PGE2) routes, as measured by the Konzett-Rössler assay. The 11 beta,12 beta-methano compound 15a was two orders of magnitude less active than 7a. In rhesus monkeys anesthetized by aerosol administration, 1b was 10-50% as potent as, and had a duration of action similar to, PGE1 in the inhibition of methacholine-induced increases in airway resistance. At doses effective in preventing the methacholine response, 1b increased the heart rate (less than or equal to 30%) and precipitated mild upper airway irritation.