Updates to the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) Research Agenda

INTRODUCTION

Autistic individuals, now representing one in 36 individuals in the U.S., experience disproportionate physical health challenges relative to non-autistic individuals. The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) is an interdisciplinary, multi-center Research Network that aims to increase the health, well-being, and quality of life of autistic individuals. The current paper builds on the initial AIR-P Research Agenda (proposed in Year 1) and provides an updated vision for the Network.

METHODS

Updates to the Research Agenda were made via the administration of a Qualtrics survey, and disseminated widely to all AIR-P entities, including the Research Node Leaders, Steering Committee, Autistic Researcher Review Board, and collaborating academic and non-academic entities. Network members were tasked with evaluating the Year 1 Research Agenda and proposing additional priorities.

RESULTS

Within each Research Node, all Year 1 priorities were endorsed as continued priorities for research on autism and physical health. Specific topics, including co-occurring conditions and self-determination, advocacy, and decision-making, were particularly endorsed. Opportunities for exploratory studies and intervention research were identified across Research Nodes. Qualitative responses providing feedback on additional research priorities were collected.

CONCLUSION

The updated AIR-P Research Agenda represents an important step toward enacting large-scale health promotion efforts for autistic individuals across the lifespan. This updated agenda builds on efforts to catalyze autism research in historically underrepresented topic areas while adopting a neurodiversity-oriented approach to health promotion.

Extended pilot test of a cross-injection in situ denitrification system for pre-emptive treatment of municipal well water

Elevated groundwater nitrate concentrations have been linked to deleterious health and environmental effects. A significant source of the nitrate is nitrogen fertilizers applied to agricultural landscapes. Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs), including the optimization of fertilizer use and selective crop rotations, have proven to be effective in some cases. The city of Woodstock in southern Ontario relies on public wells for all of its municipal supply. Several of the wells have experienced chronic increases in nitrate concentrations exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 10 mg/L N-NO₃^-. While BMPs are established, an interim reduction plan based on enhanced in situ denitrification (Cross Injection System, CIS) in a 15 m thick zone of high nitrate mass flux within the aquifer zone was evaluated. Based in the results of preliminary acetate injection experiments, a C:N ratio of 2.35, (approximately 260 mg acetate/L), was selected to optimize the denitrification reaction. Injections were performed for six hours a day every day for a period of approximately two months. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrate concentrations recorded over time indicated that reduction of both commenced within a few days of the beginning of the acetate injections and reduced levels were maintained for the remainder of the two-month injection period. Denitrification occurred throughout the profile although nitrate reduction was the highest in the lower groundwater velocity zones. An overall reduction of nitrate of 50% was achieved through the treated section of the aquifer. It is estimated that an upscaled treatment system utilizing a treatment width of only 70 m would be sufficient to reduce the nitrate concentrations to below the drinking water limit demonstrating the potential for the CIS method to functions as an interim groundwater nitrate reduction strategy.

On the adsorption and reactivity of element 114, flerovium

Flerovium (Fl, element 114) is the heaviest element chemically studied so far. To date, its interaction with gold was investigated in two gas-solid chromatography experiments, which reported two different types of interaction, however, each based on the level of a few registered atoms only. Whereas noble-gas-like properties were suggested from the first experiment, the second one pointed at a volatile-metal-like character. Here, we present further experimental data on adsorption studies of Fl on silicon oxide and gold surfaces, accounting for the inhomogeneous nature of the surface, as it was used in the experiment and analyzed as part of the reported studies. We confirm that Fl is highly volatile and the least reactive member of group 14. Our experimental observations suggest that Fl exhibits lower reactivity towards Au than the volatile metal Hg, but higher reactivity than the noble gas Rn.

The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) Research Agenda

OBJECTIVES

In the United States, autistic individuals experience disproportionate physical and mental health challenges relative to non-autistic individuals, including higher rates of co-occurring and chronic conditions and lower physical, social, and psychological health-related quality of life. The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) is an interdisciplinary, multicenter research network for scientific collaboration and infrastructure that aims to increase the life expectancy and quality of life for autistic individuals, with a focus on underserved or vulnerable populations. The current paper describes the development of the AIR-P Research Agenda.

METHODS

Development of the research agenda involved an iterative and collaborative process between the AIR-P Advisory Board, Steering Committee, and Autistic Researcher Review Board. The methodology consisted of 3 phases: (1) ideation and design, (2) literature review and synthesis; and (3) network engagement.

RESULTS

Six core research priorities related to the health of autistic individuals were identified: (1) primary care services and quality, (2) community-based lifestyle interventions, (3) health systems and services, (4) gender, sexuality, and reproductive health, (5) neurology, and (6) genetics. Specific topics within each of these priorities were identified. Four cross-cutting research priorities were also identified: (1) neurodiversity-oriented care, (2) facilitating developmental transitions, (3) methodologically rigorous intervention studies, and (4) addressing health disparities.

CONCLUSIONS

The AIR-P Research Agenda represents an important step forward for enacting large-scale health-promotion efforts for autistic individuals across the lifespan. This agenda will catalyze autism research in historically underrepresented topic areas while adopting a neurodiversity-oriented approach to health-promotion.

First Study on Nihonium (Nh, Element 113) Chemistry at TASCA

Nihonium (Nh, element 113) and flerovium (Fl, element 114) are the first superheavy elements in which the 7p shell is occupied. High volatility and inertness were predicted for Fl due to the strong relativistic stabilization of the closed 7p 1/2 sub-shell, which originates from a large spin-orbit splitting between the 7p 1/2 and 7p 3/2 orbitals. One unpaired electron in the outermost 7p 1/2 sub-shell in Nh is expected to give rise to a higher chemical reactivity. Theoretical predictions of Nh reactivity are discussed, along with results of the first experimental attempts to study Nh chemistry in the gas phase. The experimental observations verify a higher chemical reactivity of Nh atoms compared to its neighbor Fl and call for the development of advanced setups. First tests of a newly developed detection device miniCOMPACT with highly reactive Fr isotopes assure that effective chemical studies of Nh are within reach.

4D-imaging of drip-line radioactivity by detecting proton emission from 54mNi pictured with ACTAR TPC

Proton radioactivity was discovered exactly 50 years ago. First, this nuclear decay mode sets the limit of existence on the nuclear landscape on the neutron-deficient side. Second, it comprises fundamental aspects of both quantum tunnelling as well as the coupling of (quasi)bound quantum states with the continuum in mesoscopic systems such as the atomic nucleus. Theoretical approaches can start either from bound-state nuclear shell-model theory or from resonance scattering. Thus, proton-radioactivity guides merging these types of theoretical approaches, which is of broader relevance for any few-body quantum system. Here, we report experimental measurements of proton-emission branches from an isomeric state in ^54mNi, which were visualized in four dimensions in a newly developed detector. We show that these decays, which carry an unusually high angular momentum, ℓ = 5 and ℓ = 7, respectively, can be approximated theoretically with a potential model for the proton barrier penetration and a shell-model calculation for the overlap of the initial and final wave functions.

Proton radioactivity is useful for studying nuclear structure. Here the authors report two proton emission branches from the 10+ state isomer of 54mNi by using a time projection chamber.

Spectroscopy along Flerovium Decay Chains: Discovery of ^{280}Ds and an Excited State in ^{282}Cn

A nuclear spectroscopy experiment was conducted to study α-decay chains stemming from isotopes of flerovium (element Z=114). An upgraded TASISpec decay station was placed behind the gas-filled separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. The fusion-evaporation reactions ^{48}Ca+^{242}Pu and ^{48}Ca+^{244}Pu provided a total of 32 flerovium-candidate decay chains, of which two and eleven were firmly assigned to ^{286}Fl and ^{288}Fl, respectively. A prompt coincidence between a 9.60(1)-MeV α particle event and a 0.36(1)-MeV conversion electron marked the first observation of an excited state in an even-even isotope of the heaviest man-made elements, namely ^{282}Cn. Spectroscopy of ^{288}Fl decay chains fixed Q_{α}=10.06(1)  MeV. In one case, a Q_{α}=9.46(1)-MeV decay from ^{284}Cn into ^{280}Ds was observed, with ^{280}Ds fissioning after only 518  μs. The impact of these findings, aggregated with existing data on decay chains of ^{286,288}Fl, on the size of an anticipated shell gap at proton number Z=114 is discussed in light of predictions from two beyond-mean-field calculations, which take into account triaxial deformation.

Identification of the New Isotope ^{244}Md

In an experiment performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's 88-inch cyclotron, the isotope ^{244}Md was produced in the ^{209}Bi(^{40}Ar,5n) reaction. Decay properties of ^{244}Md were measured at the focal plane of the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator, and the mass number assignment of A=244 was confirmed with the apparatus for the identification of nuclide A. The isotope ^{244}Md is reported to have one, possibly two, α-decaying states with α energies of 8.66(2) and 8.31(2) MeV and half-lives of 0.4_{-0.1}^{+0.4} and ∼6  s, respectively. Additionally, first evidence of the α decay of ^{236}Bk was observed and is reported.

Role of the Δ Resonance in the Population of a Four-Nucleon State in the ^{56}Fe→^{54}Fe Reaction at Relativistic Energies

The ^{54}Fe nucleus was populated from a ^{56}Fe beam impinging on a Be target with an energy of E/A=500  MeV. The internal decay via γ-ray emission of the 10^{+} metastable state was observed. As the structure of this isomeric state has to involve at least four unpaired nucleons, it cannot be populated in a simple two-neutron removal reaction from the ^{56}Fe ground state. The isomeric state was produced in the low-momentum (-energy) tail of the parallel momentum (energy) distribution of ^{54}Fe, suggesting that it was populated via the decay of the Δ^{0} resonance into a proton. This process allows the population of four-nucleon states, such as the observed isomer. Therefore, it is concluded that the observation of this 10^{+} metastable state in ^{54}Fe is a consequence of the quark structure of the nucleons.

New Short-Lived Isotope ^{221}U and the Mass Surface Near N=126

Two short-lived isotopes ^{221}U and ^{222}U were produced as evaporation residues in the fusion reaction ^{50}Ti+^{176}Yb at the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA. An α decay with an energy of E_{α}=9.31(5)  MeV and half-life T_{1/2}=4.7(7)  μs was attributed to ^{222}U. The new isotope ^{221}U was identified in α-decay chains starting with E_{α}=9.71(5)  MeV and T_{1/2}=0.66(14)  μs leading to known daughters. Synthesis and detection of these unstable heavy nuclei and their descendants were achieved thanks to a fast data readout system. The evolution of the N=126 shell closure and its influence on the stability of uranium isotopes are discussed within the framework of α-decay reduced width.

Ultrafast Photodetection in the Quantum Wells of Single AlGaAs/GaAs-Based Nanowires

We investigate the ultrafast optoelectronic properties of single Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs core-shell nanowires. The nanowires contain GaAs-based quantum wells. For a resonant excitation of the quantum wells, we find a picosecond photocurrent which is consistent with an ultrafast lateral expansion of the photogenerated charge carriers. This Dember-effect does not occur for an excitation of the GaAs-based core of the nanowires. Instead, the core exhibits an ultrafast displacement current and a photothermoelectric current at the metal Schottky contacts. Our results uncover the optoelectronic dynamics in semiconductor core-shell nanowires comprising quantum wells, and they demonstrate the possibility to use the low-dimensional quantum well states therein for ultrafast photoswitches and photodetectors.

Demonstration of Confined Electron Gas and Steep-Slope Behavior in Delta-Doped GaAs-AlGaAs Core-Shell Nanowire Transistors

Strong surface and impurity scattering in III-V semiconductor-based nanowires (NW) degrade the performance of electronic devices, requiring refined concepts for controlling charge carrier conductivity. Here, we demonstrate remote Si delta (δ)-doping of radial GaAs-AlGaAs core-shell NWs that unambiguously exhibit a strongly confined electron gas with enhanced low-temperature field-effect mobilities up to 5 × 10(3) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1). The spatial separation between the high-mobility free electron gas at the NW core-shell interface and the Si dopants in the shell is directly verified by atom probe tomographic (APT) analysis, band-profile calculations, and transport characterization in advanced field-effect transistor (FET) geometries, demonstrating powerful control over the free electron gas density and conductivity. Multigated NW-FETs allow us to spatially resolve channel width- and crystal phase-dependent variations in electron gas density and mobility along single NW-FETs. Notably, dc output and transfer characteristics of these n-type depletion mode NW-FETs reveal excellent drain current saturation and record low subthreshold slopes of 70 mV/dec at on/off ratios >10(4)-10(5) at room temperature.

Hindered Gamow-Teller decay to the odd-odd N=Z (62)Ga: absence of proton-neutron T=0 condensate in A=62

Search for a new kind of superfluidity built on collective proton-neutron pairs with aligned spin is performed studying the Gamow-Teller decay of the T=1, J(π)=0+ ground state of (62)Ge into excited states of the odd-odd N=Z nucleus (62)Ga. The experiment is performed at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Shwerionenforshung with the (62)Ge ions selected by the fragment separator and implanted in a stack of Si-strip detectors, surrounded by the RISING Ge array. A half-life of T1/2=82.9(14)  ms is measured for the (62)Ge ground state. Six excited states of (62)Ga, populated below 2.5 MeV through Gamow-Teller transitions, are identified. Individual Gamow-Teller transition strengths agree well with theoretical predictions of the interacting shell model and the quasiparticle random phase approximation. The absence of any sizable low-lying Gamow-Teller strength in the reported beta-decay experiment supports the hypothesis of a negligible role of coherent T=0 proton-neutron correlations in (62)Ga.

48Ca+249Bk fusion reaction leading to element Z = 117: long-lived α-decaying 270Db and discovery of 266Lr

The superheavy element with atomic number Z=117 was produced as an evaporation residue in the (48)Ca+(249)Bk fusion reaction at the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA at GSI Darmstadt, Germany. The radioactive decay of evaporation residues and their α-decay products was studied using a detection setup that allowed measuring decays of single atomic nuclei with half-lives between sub-μs and a few days. Two decay chains comprising seven α decays and a spontaneous fission each were identified and are assigned to the isotope (294)117 and its decay products. A hitherto unknown α-decay branch in (270)Db (Z = 105) was observed, which populated the new isotope (266)Lr (Z = 103). The identification of the long-lived (T(1/2) = 1.0(-0.4)(+1.9) h) α-emitter (270)Db marks an important step towards the observation of even more long-lived nuclei of superheavy elements located on an "island of stability."

Spectroscopy of element 115 decay chains

A high-resolution α, x-ray, and γ-ray coincidence spectroscopy experiment was conducted at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung. Thirty correlated α-decay chains were detected following the fusion-evaporation reaction 48Ca + 243Am. The observations are consistent with previous assignments of similar decay chains to originate from element Z=115. For the first time, precise spectroscopy allows the derivation of excitation schemes of isotopes along the decay chains starting with elements Z>112. Comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations accompany the data analysis. Nuclear structure models provide a first level interpretation.

Coulomb excitation of 104Sn and the strength of the 100Sn shell closure

A measurement of the reduced transition probability for the excitation of the ground state to the first 2+ state in 104Sn has been performed using relativistic Coulomb excitation at GSI. 104Sn is the lightest isotope in the Sn chain for which this quantity has been measured. The result is a key point in the discussion of the evolution of nuclear structure in the proximity of the doubly magic nucleus 100Sn. The value B(E2; 0+ → 2+) = 0.10(4) e2b2 is significantly lower than earlier results for 106Sn and heavier isotopes. The result is well reproduced by shell model predictions and therefore indicates a robust N = Z = 50 shell closure.

New isomers in the full seniority scheme of neutron-rich lead isotopes: the role of effective three-body forces

The neutron-rich lead isotopes, up to (216)Pb, have been studied for the first time, exploiting the fragmentation of a primary uranium beam at the FRS-RISING setup at GSI. The observed isomeric states exhibit electromagnetic transition strengths which deviate from state-of-the-art shell-model calculations. It is shown that their complete description demands the introduction of effective three-body interactions and two-body transition operators in the conventional neutron valence space beyond (208)Pb.

Rate-limiting mechanisms in high-temperature growth of catalyst-free InAs nanowires with large thermal stability

We identify the entire growth parameter space and rate-limiting mechanisms in non-catalytic InAs nanowires (NWs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Surprisingly huge growth temperature ranges are found with maximum temperatures close to ~600°C upon dramatic increase of V/III ratio, exceeding by far the typical growth temperature range for catalyst-assisted InAs NWs. Based on quantitative in situ line-of-sight quadrupole mass spectrometry, we determine the rate-limiting factors in high-temperature InAs NW growth by directly monitoring the critical desorption and thermal decomposition processes of InAs NWs. Both under dynamic (growth) and static (no growth, ultra-high vacuum) conditions the (111)-oriented InAs NWs evidence excellent thermal stability at elevated temperatures even under negligible supersaturation. The rate-limiting factor for InAs NW growth is hence dominated by In desorption from the substrate surface. Closer investigation of the group-III and group-V flux dependences on growth rate reveals two apparent growth regimes, an As-rich and an In-rich regime defined by the effective As/In flux ratio, and maximum achievable growth rates of > 6 µm h(-1). The unique features of high-T growth and excellent thermal stability provide the opportunity for operation of InAs-based NW materials under caustic environment and further allow access to temperature regimes suitable for alloying non-catalytic InAs NWs with GaAs.

16+ spin-gap isomer in 96Cd

A β-decaying high-spin isomer in (96)Cd, with a half-life T(1/2)=0.29(-0.10)(+0.11) s, has been established in a stopped beam rare isotope spectroscopic investigations at GSI (RISING) experiment. The nuclei were produced using the fragmentation of a primary beam of (124)Xe on a (9)Be target. From the half-life and the observed γ decays in the daughter nucleus, (96)Ag, we conclude that the β-decaying state is the long predicted 16(+) "spin-gap" isomer. Shell-model calculations, using the Gross-Frenkel interaction and the πν(p(1/2),g(9/2)) model space, show that the isoscalar component of the neutron-proton interaction is essential to explain the origin of the isomer. Core excitations across the N=Z=50 gaps and the Gamow-Teller strength, B(GT) distributions have been studied via large-scale shell-model calculations using the πν(g,d,s) model space to compare with the experimental B(GT) value obtained from the half-life of the isomer.

Production and decay of element 114: high cross sections and the new nucleus 277Hs

The fusion-evaporation reaction 244Pu(48Ca,3-4n){288,289}114 was studied at the new gas-filled recoil separator TASCA. Thirteen correlated decay chains were observed and assigned to the production and decay of {288,289}114. At a compound nucleus excitation energy of E{*}=39.8-43.9  MeV, the 4n evaporation channel cross section was 9.8{-3.1}{+3.9}  pb. At E^{*}=36.1-39.5  MeV, that of the 3n evaporation channel was 8.0{-4.5}{+7.4}  pb. In one of the 3n evaporation channel decay chains, a previously unobserved α branch in 281Ds was observed (probability to be of random origin from background: 0.1%). This α decay populated the new nucleus 277Hs, which decayed by spontaneous fission after a lifetime of 4.5 ms.

Alternative algorithms for human immunodeficiency virus infection diagnosis using tests that are licensed in the United States

Serodiagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States has traditionally relied on a sequential two-test algorithm: an initial screen with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and reflex testing of EIA-reactive specimens with a more specific supplemental test such as Western blotting or immunofluorescence. The supplemental tests are tedious, subjective, and expensive. In addition, there have been major improvements in the performance and accuracy of the EIA tests as well as the introduction of rapid serologic tests (RT) and HIV nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). Related to these improvements is the possibility that alternative algorithms using combinations of currently approved HIV tests may function as well as if not better than the current algorithm, with more flexibility, improved accuracy, and lower cost. To this end, we evaluated the performance of 12 currently licensed tests and 1 in-house HIV test (6 EIA, 4 RT, and 3 NAAT) on panels of plasma samples from HIV-infected (n = 621 HIV type 1 [HIV-1] and 34 HIV-2) and uninfected (n = 513) people and of sequential specimens from people early in seroconversion (183 specimens from 15 patients). Test combinations were analyzed in two dual-test (sensitivity-optimized and specificity-optimized) algorithms and in a three-test (tie-breaking) algorithm, and performance was compared to the conventional algorithm. The results indicate that alternative algorithm strategies with currently licensed tests compare favorably with the conventional algorithm in detecting and confirming established HIV infection. Furthermore, there was a lower frequency of discordant or indeterminate results that require follow-up testing, and there was improved detection of early infection.

Observation of isomeric decays in the r-process waiting-point nucleus 130Cd82

The gamma decay of excited states in the waiting-point nucleus (130)Cd(82) has been observed for the first time. An 8(+) two-quasiparticle isomer has been populated both in the fragmentation of a (136)Xe beam as well as in projectile fission of 238U, making (130)Cd the most neutron-rich N = 82 isotone for which information about excited states is available. The results, interpreted using state-of-the-art nuclear shell-model calculations, show no evidence of an N = 82 shell quenching at Z = 48. They allow us to follow nuclear isomerism throughout a full major neutron shell from (98)Cd(50) to (130)Cd(82) and reveal, in comparison with (76)Ni(48) one major proton shell below, an apparently abnormal scaling of nuclear two-body interactions.

Observation of 54Ni: cross-conjugate symmetry in f7/2 mirror energy differences

Gamma decays from excited states up to Jpi=6+ in the N=Z-2 nucleus 54Ni have been identified for the first time. Level energies are compared with those of the isobars 54Co and 54Fe and of the cross-conjugate nuclei of mass A=42. The good but puzzling f7/ cross-conjugate symmetry in mirror and triplet energy differences is analyzed. Shell model calculations reproduce the new data but the necessary nuclear charge-dependent phenomenology is not fully explained by modern nucleon-nucleon potentials.

58Ni: an unpaired band crossing at new heights of angular momentum for rotating nuclei

High-spin states in 58Ni have been investigated by means of the fusion-evaporation reaction 28Si(32S, 2p)58Ni at 130 MeV beam energy. Discrete-energy levels are observed in 58Ni at record-breaking 42 MeV excitation energy and angular momenta in excess of 30h. The states form regular rotational bands with unprecedented high rotational frequencies. A comparison with configuration dependent cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations reveals an exceptional two-band crossing scenario, the interaction strength of which is strongly shape dependent.

Effective charges in the fp shell

Following the heavy-ion fusion-evaporation reaction 32S+24Mg at 95 MeV beam energy the lifetimes of analogue states in the T(z)=+/-1/2 A=51 mirror nuclei 51Fe and 51Mn have been measured using the Cologne plunger device coupled to the GASP gamma-ray spectrometer. The deduced B(E2;27/2(-)-->23/2(-)) values afford a unique opportunity to probe isoscalar and isovector polarization charges and to derive effective proton and neutron charges, epsilon(p) and epsilon(n), in the fp shell. A comparison between the experimental results and several different large-scale shell-model calculations yields epsilon(p) approximately 1.15e and epsilon(n) approximately 0.80e.

A theta-defensin composed exclusively of d-amino acids is active against HIV-1

The ability of certain theta-defensins, including retrocyclin-1, to protect human cells from infection by HIV-1 marks them as potentially useful molecules. Theta-defensins composed of L-amino acids are likely to be unstable in environments that contain host and microbial proteases. This study compared the properties of two enantiomeric theta-defensins, retrocyclin-1, and RC-112. Although these peptides have identical sequences, RC-112 is composed exclusively of D-amino acids, whereas retrocyclin-1 contains only L-amino acids. We compared the ability of these peptides to protect JC53-BL human cells from infection by 30 primary HIV-1 isolates. JC53-BL cells are modified HeLa cells that express surface CD4, CXCR4, and CCR5. They also contain reporter cassettes that are driven by the HIV-1 LTR, and express beta-galactosidase and luciferase. The HIV-1 isolates varied in co-receptor specificity and included subtypes A, B, C, D, CRF01-AE, and G. RC-112 was several fold more potent than retrocyclin-1 across the entire HIV-1 panel. Although RC-112 bound immobilized gp120 and CD4 with lower affinity than did retrocyclin-1, surface plasmon resonance experiments performed with 1 microg/mL of RC-112 and retrocyclin-1 revealed that both glycoproteins were bound to a similar extent. The superior antiviral performance of RC-112 most likely reflected its resistance to degradation by surface-associated or secreted proteases of the JC53-BL target cells. Theta-defensins composed exclusively of D-amino acids merit consideration as starting points for designing microbicides for topical application to the vagina or rectum.

Unusual isospin-breaking and isospin-mixing effects in the A=35 mirror nuclei

Excited states have been studied in 35Ar following the 16O(24Mg,1alpha1n)35Ar fusion-evaporation reaction at 60 MeV using the Ge-detector array GASP. A comparison with the mirror nucleus 35Cl shows two remarkable features: (i) A surprisingly large energy difference for the 13/2(-) states, in which the hitherto overlooked electromagnetic spin-orbit term is shown to play a major role, and (ii) a very different decay pattern for the 7/2(-) states, which provides direct evidence of isospin mixing.

Doorway states in the gamma decay-out of the yrast superdeformed band in 59Cu

The decay-out process of the yrast superdeformed band in 59Cu has been investigated. The firm determination of spin, parity, excitation energy, and configuration of the states involved in this process constitutes a unique situation for a detailed understanding of the decay-out mechanism. A theoretical model is introduced that includes a residual interaction and tunneling matrix element between bands, calculated in the configuration-dependent cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky model. This interaction causes the decay to occur via a small number of observed doorway states.

Prompt proton decay scheme of (59)Cu

Five prompt proton decay lines have been identified between deformed states in (59)Cu and three spherical states in (58)Ni by means of high-resolution in-beam particle-gamma gamma coincidence spectroscopy. The GAMMASPHERE array coupled to dedicated ancillary detectors including four Delta E-E silicon strip detectors was used to study high-spin states in (59)Cu. The multiple discrete proton lines are found to probe the wave functions of states in the decay-out regime of well- and superdeformed states.

Superdeformation in the doubly magic nucleus (40)(20)Ca(20)

A rotational band with seven gamma-ray transitions between states with spin 2 Planck's constant and 16 Planck's constant has been observed in the doubly magic, self-conjugate nucleus (40)(20)Ca(20). The measured transition quadrupole moment of 1.80(+0.39)(-0.29)eb indicates a superdeformed shape with a deformation beta(2) = 0.59(+0.11)(-0.07). The features of this band are explained by cranked relativistic mean field calculations to arise from an 8-particle 8-hole excitation.

CREB regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis through the coactivator PGC-1

When mammals fast, glucose homeostasis is achieved by triggering expression of gluconeogenic genes in response to glucagon and glucocorticoids. The pathways act synergistically to induce gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis), although the underlying mechanism has not been determined. Here we show that mice carrying a targeted disruption of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element binding (CREB) protein gene, or overexpressing a dominant-negative CREB inhibitor, exhibit fasting hypoglycaemia [corrected] and reduced expression of gluconeogenic enzymes. CREB was found to induce expression of the gluconeogenic programme through the nuclear receptor coactivator PGC-1, which is shown here to be a direct target for CREB regulation in vivo. Overexpression of PGC-1 in CREB-deficient mice restored glucose homeostasis and rescued expression of gluconeogenic genes. In transient assays, PGC-1 potentiated glucocorticoid induction of the gene for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis. PGC-1 promotes cooperativity between cyclic AMP and glucocorticoid signalling pathways during hepatic gluconeogenesis. Fasting hyperglycaemia is strongly correlated with type II diabetes, so our results suggest that the activation of PGC-1 by CREB in liver contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Lack of induction of interleukin-2-receptor-alpha in patients with tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection: implications for pathogenesis

Since expression of both interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-2-receptor-alpha (IL-2R-alpha) by lymphocytes is inhibited by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro, we hypothesized that HIV-co-infection among persons with tuberculosis (TB) might impair T-lymphocyte responses to TB via this mechanism. We measured soluble IL-2R-alpha (sIL-2R-alpha), a surrogate marker of T-lymphocyte activation and proliferation, and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF-RI) in sera from West African patients categorized into 4 groups: those with TB alone (TB+ HIV-, n = 55), CD4-matched groups with TB and HIV co-infection (TB+ HIV+, n = 50) or HIV infection alone (TB- HIV+, n = 35), and patients with neither disease (TB- HIV-, n = 35). The median level of sIL-2R-alpha was markedly greater in the TB+ HIV- group (1580 U/mL) compared to the TB- HIV- (670 U/mL; P < 0.001) and TB- HIV+ (880 U/mL; P < 0.01) groups. More importantly, the median concentration of sIL-2R-alpha was much lower in the TB+ HIV+ group (855 U/mL) compared to the TB+ HIV- group (1580 U/mL; P < 0.01) despite similar levels of sTNF-RI. These results suggest that T-lymphocyte activation in TB patients is impaired by HIV co-infection and, furthermore, this suppressive effect was independent of numerical depletion of CD4 lymphocytes. Impairment to IL-2-signalling might contribute to the profound impact that HIV has had on both the incidence and the clinicopathological manifestations of TB.

Standards of care for venous leg ulcers: compression therapy and moist wound healing

Venous ulcers are the most common type of cutaneous ulceration of the lower extremity, accounting for 70% to 90% of all cases. Despite recent advances in treatment and the development of new modalities, the current standard of care remains compression therapy in combination with appropriate moist wound care principles. The physiology of the venous system and the pathophysiology of venous disease leading to ulceration are described. A review of the use of gradient compression therapy is provided, including a discussion of several types. The history of moist wound healing and the use of hydrocolloids also are included. It is essential for the vascular nurse to be well versed in the areas of compression therapy and moist wound principles as the most effective treatment for venous ulcers at this time.