Photoemission Orbital Tomography Using a Robust Sparse PhaseLift.

Photoemission orbital tomography (POT) from photoelectron momentum maps (PMMs) is a powerful technique that visualizes the shape of the molecular orbitals (MOs) of molecular films. For further utilization of POT, a simple and low-cost method of POT is highly required. Here, we propose a new POT method based on the PhaseLift algorithm (PhaseLift POT). This method utilizes a lifting procedure to convert the PMM, which is a second-order polynomial of MO coefficients, into a first-order polynomial of the lifted MO coefficients and further relaxes the equality constraint for a given PMM. We also established a method to improve the accuracy of phase retrieval from the noisy PMM data by using sparsity for MO coefficients (sparse PhaseLift POT). These methods make it possible to reconstruct the three-dimensional MOs, including phases of the wave function, directly from a single experimental PMM. This method can also precisely determine the adsorption-induced molecular deformations with an accuracy of 0.05 [Å]. Furthermore, the robust sparse PhaseLift POT is robust against unavoidable noise in the experimental PMMs due to the relaxation of the matching condition for a given PMM. Therefore, this will be an innovative tool for POT, especially for analyzing the dynamics of the molecules during the chemical reaction and excitation processes.

Bradykinin, insulin, and glycemia responses to exercise performed above and below lactate threshold in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute responses of bradykinin, insulin, and glycemia to exercise performed above and below lactate threshold (LT) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Eleven participants with a diagnosis of T2D randomly underwent three experimental sessions 72 h apart: 1) 20 min of exercise performed at 120% of LT (120%LT), 2) 20 min of exercise performed at 80% of LT (80%LT), and 3) 20 min of control session. Blood glucose was analyzed before, during, and at 45 min post-exercise. Bradykinin and insulin were analyzed before and at 45 min post-exercise. Both exercise sessions elicited a parallel decrease in glucose level during exercise (P≤0.002), with a greater decrease being observed for 120%LT (P=0.005). Glucose decreased 22.7 mg/dL (95%CI=10.3 to 35, P=0.001) at the 45 min post-exercise recovery period for 80%LT and decreased 31.2 mg/dL (95%CI=18.1 to 44.4, P<0.001) for 120%LT (P=0.004). Insulin decreased at post-exercise for 80%LT (P=0.001) and control (P≤0.035). Bradykinin increased at 45 min post-exercise only for 80%LT (P=0.013), but was unrelated to the decrease in glucose (r=-0.16, P=0.642). In conclusion, exercise performed above and below LT reduced glycemia independently of insulin, but exercise above LT was more effective in individuals with T2D. However, these changes were unrelated to the increase in circulating bradykinin.

Physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics in professional soccer players of the United Arab Emirates / Aptitud física y características antropométricas de jugadores profesionales de fútbol de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos

Objetivo. Describir el perfil antropométrico y la aptitud física de los jugadores de fútbol de élite que trabajan en los Emiratos Árabes Unidos. Métodos. Veintisiete jugadores de fútbol de élite que trabajan en los Emiratos Árabes Unidos fueron sometidos a una evaluación antropométrica, un test incremental en un tapiz rodante y Running-Based Anaerobic Test (RAST). Resultados. El índice de masa corporal y el porcentaje de grasa fueron 23,1 ± 2,0 kg.m-2 y 11,6 ± 2,1 %, respectivamente. El consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2 máx) estimado fue 62,3 ± 5,1 ml.kg-1 .min-1, y la velocidad media de VO2 máx fue 17,6 ± 1,5 km.h-1, y la velocidad media de umbral ventilatorio (UV) fue 13,8 ±0,8 km.h-1. La frecuencia cardíaca del UV fue en media 173,1 ± 8,6 b.min-1, lo que representa 91,2 ± 2,8 % de la frecuencia cardíaca máxima. El test RAST resultó en una potencia máxima absoluta de 551,9 ± 73,0 W, potencia máxima relativa de 7,8 ± 0,4 W.kg-1 , potencia media absoluta de 484,0 ± 7,8 W, y potencia media relativa de 6,8 ± 0,2 W.kg-1. Conclusión. El perfil antropométrico de los jugadores de fútbol que trabajan en los Emiratos Árabes Unidos es similar a otros del resto del mundo. Sin embargo, en cuanto a la aptitud física, los resultados aún no son concluyentes, porque los resultados de otros estudios sugieren que la potencia anaerobia de nuestra muestra es igual o inferior a la de otros jugadores de élite de todo el mundo. Del mismo modo, el VO2max indirecto no es concluyente, teniendo en cuenta las limitaciones reconocidas de obtener indirectamente esta variable. Finalmente, al analizar los jugadores de acuerdo con a la posición táctica, los resultados de este estudio son similares a los estudios anteriores (AU)

Objective. To describe the anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of elite soccer players acting in the United Arab Emirates. Method. Twenty seven elite soccer players acting in the United Arab Emirates were underwent to an anthropometric evaluation, an incremental test in treadmill and performed the Running-Based Anaerobic Test (RAST). Results. Body mass index and body fat percentage of the athletes were 23.1 ± 2.0 kg.m-2 11.6 ± 2.1 %, respectively. Indirect maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was 62.3 ± 5.1 ml.kg-1.min-1, mean velocity at VO2max was 17.6 ± 1.5 km.h-1, ventilatory threshold (VT) of 13.8 ± 0.8 km.h-1, heart rate at VT of 173.1 ± 8.6 b.min-1, which represents of 91.2 ± 2.8 % of maximum heart rate. RAST resulted in a maximum absolute power of 551.9 ± 73.0 W, maximum relative power of 7.8 ± 0.4 W.kg-1, mean absolute power of 484.0 ± 57.8 W, and mean relative power of 6.8 ± 0.2 W.kg-1. Conclusion. The anthropometric profile of soccer players that act in the United Arab Emirates is similar to others around the world. However, regarding the physical fitness, results are still inconclusive, since findings from other studies suggest that the anaerobic power of our sample is alike or lower than other elite players throughout the world. Likewise indirect VO2max, especially given the acknowledged limitations of obtaining indirectly this variable. In addition, making an analysis by playing position, the results of this study are similar to previous research (AU)

Plant-available inorganic nutrient levels are increased in rice-derived distillery effluents inoculated with microbes.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of microbes on plant-available inorganic nutrients and a phytohormone in rice-derived distillery effluents. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effects of 37 microbial strains on the components of distillery effluents were investigated. Inoculation of several Aspergillus and Bacillus strains resulted in accumulation of a large quantity of ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N; 774 ± 490 and 1059 ± 463 mg l(-1), respectively) in the effluent. However, a decrease in the liquid phase during Aspergillus incubation suggested the requirement for additional treatment of the solid residue, whereas the growth of Bacillus subtilis was inhibited by the acidic conditions in the raw distillery effluent. Interestingly, Aspergillus caelatus, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus tamarii yielded greater increases in nitrate concentrations (30-39 mg l(-1)). Colorimetric and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed that Wickerhamomyces strains generated 7-26 mg l(-1) of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) when the effluent pH was adjusted to 7·0. CONCLUSIONS: Inoculation of several Aspergillus and Bacillus strains into distillery effluents resulted in the production of a large quantity of NH4-N. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides information that will facilitate the bioconversion of distillery effluent into fast-acting liquid fertilizers.

Aerobic training and lipid profile of hypothyroid rats / Entrenamiento aeróbico y perfil lipídico en ratones con hipotiroidismo

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 17 weeks of swimming exercise on the lipid profile of hypothyroid rats. Method. 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: controls submitted to aerobic training (CT); hypothyroid submitted to aerobic training (HT); sedentary controls (SC) and sedentary hypothyroid (SH). HT and SH were induced to hypothyroidism by administering 1 mg of propylthiouracil, while CT and SC animals received distilled water. The animals had unrestricted access to ration and water. Swimming took place five times per week, 60 minutes per session, with overload corresponding to 3% of body weight. At the end of the experiment total cholesterol (C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), triglycerides and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured. Results. The main finding of the study was the lower values (p < 0.05) obtained for two variables in the HT group (C = 74.6 ± 8.7 mg/dl and LDL = 43.7 ± 6.5 mg/dl) compared to the SH group (C = 91.3 ± 6.8 mg/dl and LDL-C = 55.6 ± 2.0 mg/dl). Conclusion. It was concluded that swimming exercises can minimize the increase in C and LDL-C blood levels in hypothyroid rats(AU)

Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar los efectos de 17 semanas de ejercicios de natación en el perfil lipídico de los ratones de laboratorio con hipotiroidismo. Método. 24 ratones de laboratorio machos, especie Wistar, fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: control y sometidos a entrenamiento aeróbico (CT); con hipotiroidismo y sometidos a entrenamiento aeróbico (HT); control sedentario (CS) y sedentario con hipotiroidismo (SH). Los animales de los grupos HT y HS fueron inducidos al hipotiroidismo por medio de administración de 1mg de propiltiouracilo, mientras que los animales de los grupos CT y CS, recibieron agua destilada. Los animales tuvieron libre acceso a su alimento y agua. La natación fue realizada 5 veces por semana, 60 minutos por sesión, sobrecarga correspondiente a 3% del peso corporal del animal. Al final del experimento fueron dosificadas las concentraciones de colesterol total (C), lipoproteína de alta densidad (HDL-C), lipoproteína de baja densidad (LDL-C), lipoproteína de muy baja densidad (VLDL-C), triglicéridos y hormona estimulante de la tiroides (THS). Resultados. El principal hallazgo del estudio fueron los valores menores (p < 0.05) en dos variables del grupo HT (C = 74.6 ± 8.7 mg/dl e LDL = 43.7 ± 6.5 mg/dl) en relación al grupo HS (C = 91.3 ± 6.8 mg/dl e LDLC = 55.6 ± 2.0 mg/dl). Conclusión. Se concluye que el ejercicio aeróbico de natación puede minimizar en ratones de laboratorio el aumento de los niveles sanguíneos de C y LDL-C debido a la condición de hipotiroidismo(AU)

Resistance training and glycogen content in ovariectomized rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance training on glycogen content and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in ovariectomized rats. Wistar rats were divided into: sedentary; ovariectomized sedentary; resistance trained; and ovariectomized resistance trained. In the 12-week resistance training, the animals climbed a 1.1 m vertical ladder, 3 days per week, with 4-8 climbs. Cardiac, liver and muscle glycogen content was determined. After the 12-week resistance training period there was a higher hepatic and muscle glycogen content in the resistance training group compared with the other groups (p<0.01). CSA was higher in soleus for the resistance trained, ovariectomized resistance trained and sedentary compared with ovariectomized sedentary (p<0.05). Ovariectomy attenuated the increase in liver and muscle glycogen content, while soleus muscle cross-sectional area increased with resistance training, even in ovariectomized rats. Resistance training could be an important exercise to increase muscle function in situations of reduced estrogen and progesterone.

A rapid and simple PCR method for identifying isolates of the genus Azospirillum within populations of rhizosphere bacteria.

AIMS: To develop a rapid and simple genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detecting and identifying isolates of the genus Azospirillum which is well-recognized as plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine pairs of PCR primers were designed based on the Azospirillum 16S rRNA, ipdC, nifA and nifH genes to assess their genus specificity by testing against 12 Azospirillum (from seven species) and 15 non-Azospirillum reference strains, as compared with the fAZO/rAZO pair reported by Baudoin et al. (J Appl Microbiol, 108, 2010, 25). Among the primer pairs assessed, the Az16S-A pair designed on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed the highest genus specificity: it successfully yielded a single amplicon of the expected size in all the 12 Azospirillum strains and for a close relative, Rhodocista centenaria. The PCR with the Az16S-A primers generated a detectable amount of the amplicon from ≥10³ CFU ml⁻¹ of Azospirillum cell suspensions even in the presence of contaminants and accurately discriminated Azospirillum and non-Azospirillum species in both 35 Azospirillum-like and 70 unknown isolates from plant roots and rhizosphere soils. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a rapid and simple PCR method for detecting and identifying Azospirillum isolates within populations of rhizosphere bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The method developed would serve as a useful tool for isolating a variety of indigenous Azospirillum bacteria from agricultural samples.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the tongue base: case report of an unusual location with immunohistochemical analysis.

A case of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the tongue base is described. It was characterized by solid tumor nests with central necrosis and rosette formation resembling basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that this tumor had neuroendocrine differentiation. It was diagnosed as LCNEC of the tongue base. Pulmonary LCNEC is a well-established entity, but LCNEC also occurs in other organs. This is the first report of mucosal LCNEC in the oral cavity. Basal cells in the normal squamous epithelium around the tumor indicated positivity for neural cell adhesion molecule and N-cadherin. These cells were considered neuroendocrine-related cells in the lingual squamous epithelium, which are related to the tumorigenesis of mucosal LCNEC in the tongue base.

Multi-finger structure and pulsed-powering operation scheme for CMOS LSI-based flexible stimulator for retinal prosthesis.

Multi-finger structure was proposed to improve flexibility of the CMOS LSI-based multi-chip retinal stimulator. A dual-finger retinal stimulator was fabricated and its functionality was demonstrated in retinal stimulation experiments on rabbit's retina, We also proposed an idea of pulsed-powering operation scheme for the multi-chip flexible retinal stimulator. We compared the pulsed-powering scheme with conventional one in a simulation, and show that the pulsed-powering can be an alternative operation scheme for the neural stimulator that provides an improved safety to the biological tissue.

The effect of hypertonic saline solution on vasodilatation of the superior sagittal sinus using magnetic resonance imaging in normovolemic dogs.

Several animal studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of hypertonic saline (HSS) on cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure and brain water content. This study aimed to investigate, using magnetic resonance imaging, whether a small volume of HSS is superior to dextran in vasodilatation of cerebral vessels and reduction of cerebrospinal fluids in dogs. HSS induced a significant expansion of the cross-section of the superior sagittal sinus in the axial transverse section of the pituitary and a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid area in the axial transverse section of the epencephalon more than dextran 40 did (p<0.001, respectively). However, the relative plasma volume in the dog which received dextran 40 was significantly higher after t=30min than in the HSS group (p<0.001). Therefore, it is suggested that HSS might be superior to colloid solutions in improving cerebral circulation, whereas dextran 40 is superior to HSS in enhancing systemic circulation in dogs.

In vivo stimulation on rabbit retina using CMOS LSI-based multi-chip flexible stimulator for retinal prosthesis.

We have performed in vivo electric stimulation experiments on rabbit retina to demonstrate feasibility of CMOS LSI-based multi-chip flexible neural stimulator for retinal prosthesis. We have developed new packaging structure with an improved flexibility and device control system which totally controls the LSI-based multi-chip stimulator, counter electrode, and stimulation generator. We have implanted the fabricated multi-chip stimulator into sclera pocket for STS (Suprachoroidal Transretinal Stimulation) configuration. We successfully obtained EEP (Electrically Evoked Potential) on visual cortex evoked by the multi-chip stimulator.

[How much can off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting be performed for complete revascularization using only in situ arterial conduits?].

With the rapid advance of percutaneous catheter intervention, the direction taken by surgeons is not only to make coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) less invasive but also to obtain better long-term results by using more arterial conduits. However, off-pump CABG (OPCAB) with only in situ arterial conduits such as the left and right internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) and the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) is technically demanding for the surgeon. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this technique. From January 2002 to December 2002, 57 patients underwent isolated CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass, excluding minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) cases. There were 44 men and 13 women with a mean age of 64.1 years. Most of the patients (95%) underwent postoperative angiography within 1 month after surgery. The mean number of anastomoses was 3.8 +/- 1.4 (range 2-8). One patient suffered from mediastinitis and another from stroke. All patients were discharged from the hospital. Fifty patients (88%) received only in situ grafts for complete revascularization. Forty-one patients received bilateral ITAs and 27 received bilateral ITAs and RGEA. The mean number of anastomoses using bilateral ITAs and RGEA was 4.5 +/- 1.2 (range 3-8). The patency rate was 98%. Complete arterial revascularization with only in situ arterial conduits was associated with minimal operative risk and a high early graft patency rate, even in the off-pump situation. These results indicate that complete revascularization can be achieved in OPCAB with the exclusive use of in situ arterial conduits in patients with diffuse coronary arterial disease.

Effect of long term-administration with Gymnema sylvestre R. BR on plasma and liver lipid in rats.

Extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaves was administered to rats receiving either a high fat diet or normal fat diet for 10 weeks to investigate its influence on plasma and liver lipids and on visceral fat accumulation. In addition, its effect was compared with those of chitosan and the influence of combined use of these two substances was also evaluated. Within the high fat diet groups, the extract suppressed body weight gain and accumulation of liver lipids to the same extent as chitosan and the combined use. In addition, intraperitoneal fat and fat drop vacuoles on the epithelium of renal tubules, noted in the high fat diet group, were scattered by administration of the extract with the same results as for chitosan and combined use. Within the normal fat diet groups, plasma triglyceride levels decreased by administration of the extract, with similar results as chitosan and combined use. Concerning plasma total cholesterol, there was no decreasing effects with the extract, as found with chitosan and combined use. However, the effect of chitosan on plasma total cholesterol tended to be enhanced when used in combination with the extract. In addition, long-term administration of the extract did not show any influence on hematological and blood chemical parameters.

Effect of administration with the extract of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br leaves on lipid metabolism in rats.

Extract of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br leaves (GE) was orally administered once a day to rats fed a high fat diet or normal fat diet for 3 weeks to investigate its influence on lipid metabolism. As a result, GE did not influence body weight gain or feed intake in both diet groups during the experimental period. The apparent fat digestibility was significantly decreased by GE in both diet groups for the last 2 weeks of the experimental period, though not the apparent protein digestibility. In addition, the excretion of neutral sterols and acid steroids into feces was increased by GE in both diet groups. Furthermore, GE decreased the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in serum. On the other hand, blood lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity was increased by GE. Moreover, it was suggested that GE influenced cecal fermentation and that propionic acid and acetic acid contents in cecum were significantly increased by GE. Consequently, it was suggested that GE improved serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels through influence over a wide range of lipid metabolism in rats.

Hematological studies on black cumin oil from the seeds of Nigella sativa L.

The methanol soluble portion of black cumin oil, which is prepared by compression of seeds of Nigella sativa L., showed inhibitory effects on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. By bioactive assay of AA-induced platelet aggregation, the methanol soluble part was purified to isolate a new compound 2-(2-methoxypropyl)-5-methyl-1,4-benzenediol (1) and two known compounds, thymol (2), carvacrol (3), having very strong inhibitory activity. Further, we then examined the isolated compounds (1-3) and eight related compounds by the screening test for AA-induced platelet aggregation. Compounds possessing aromatic hydroxyl and acetoxyl group had more potent activity than aspirin, which is well known as a remedy for thrombosis.

Saccular aneurysm of pulmonary autograft after the Ross procedure.

The Ross procedure, which includes removal of the malformed aortic valve and replacement of a pulmonary autograft in the aortic position, has increased the number of available treatment options. Recently, dilatation of the autograft pulmonary root after the Ross procedure has been reported as a complication. We report a patient with bicuspid aortic valve malformations and aortic annulus dilatation, who had a saccular-form, true-type, aneurysm in the pulmonary autograft seven months after the Ross procedure. These changes have not been described so far as complication. Pathologically, marked mucoid degeneration was noted in the tunica media of the aneurysm, as well as in the original aortic root. These findings may suggest similar pathological characteristics between the aorta and pulmonary arteries. Hence, the surgical risks accompanying vascular characteristics in patients with congenital aortic valve malformations should be considered.

Mutated SEA-D227A-conjugated antibodies greatly enhance antitumor activity against MUC1-expressing bile duct carcinoma.

For the purpose of establishing a new adoptive immunotherapy for bile duct carcinoma (BDC), we have directed our attention to superantigens (SAgs), the most potent known activators of T lymphocytes. In our previous study, staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) was conjugated chemically with MUSE11 mAb, which recognizes the MUC1 cancer-associated antigen, and shown to enhance the specific cytotoxic activity of T-LAK cells against MUC1-expressing BDC cells (TFK-1) in vitro and in vivo. However, it is probable that SEA might cause side-effects because of nonspecific binding to class II positive cells. In order to overcome these, we generated mutated SEA (mSEA) by changing Asp at position 227 of native SEA to Ala, which has reduced affinity to MHC class II molecules, but retains the potential for T cell activation. When mSEA-D227A was administered to rabbits to examine effects on blood pressure, 500 times more mSEA-D227A was tolerated than native SEA. This prompted us to construct a mSEA-D227A-conjugated mAb, reactive with MUC1. It augmented the antitumor activity of T-LAK cells significantly, and furthermore, mSEA-D227A could be conjugated to two bispecific antibodies, BsAb (anti-MUC1 x anti-CD3) and BsAb (anti-MUC1 x anti-CD28), which in combination had greater enhancing effects than mSEA-D227A-conjugated anti-MUC1 mAb, and combination of unconjugated BsAbs. These findings indicate a utility of mSEA-D227A-conjugated antibodies for targeted cancer immunotherapy.

Recurrent septicemia caused by Streptococcus canis after a dog bite.

Human infection with Streptococcus canis is extremely rare. We describe herein a case of septicemia with cellulitis caused by S. canis in a 75-y-old woman, which developed 2 weeks after a dog bite. Macrorestriction analysis with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the organism had been transmitted by means of a dog bite to her hand.