Molecular self-organization in cylindrical nanocavities.

We studied molecular organization in cylindrical nanocavities using liquid crystals. NMR analysis shows high surface-induced ordering way above the bulk critical temperature. The surface-order evolution reveals replacement of the isotropic phase by a paranematic phase and surface-induced disordering in the nematic phase. Due to strong surface potential and nanoconfinement, complete wetting and continuous evolution of the surface-order parameter are observed through the nematic-paranematic transition. As we show, the counter-intuitive absence of complete phase transition at the interface while an abrupt phase transition was measured in the averaged order parameter is in good agreement with established theories.

Structural transitions in holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals.

Dynamic light scattering was used to analyze the structural and dynamic properties of nematic director field within liquid crystal domains formed in holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal transmission gratings. Samples prepared from two different types of prepolymer mixture: one curable with visible (VIS) and another curable with UV light were investigated. In both formulations a critical slowing down of thermal director fluctuations, signifying the second-order structural transition of the nematic director field was observed in the vicinity of some critical external electric field as well as close to some critical temperature. For VIS samples also the size and the shape of phase separated droplets and viscoelastic and surface anchoring parameters of the liquid crystalline (LC) material forming the droplets were deduced. The viscoelastic constants were found to significantly deviate from the viscoelastic parameters of the pure LC mixture.

Total-internal-reflection mode in holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals.

We have developed a holographic polymer dispersed liquid-crystal device based on total internal reflection (TIR). In the field-off state, the holographic planes are slanted such that the angle of the diffraction beam is beyond the TIR angle of the glass substrate. The beam is trapped in the sample and propagates to the edge. In the field-on state, the holographic grating is erased and the incident beam propagates directly through the sample. Contrast ratios of 10 dB, submillisecond response times, and an index modulation of 0.042 at 1550 nm are reported.

Tunable face-centered-cubic photonic crystal formed in holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals.

We report on the fabrication and electro-optic measurements of face-centered-cubic (fcc) lattices in holographic polymer dispersed liquid-crystal materials. Four linearly polarized coherent plane waves were interfered to generate a fcc optical lattice that was subsequently and indefinitely recorded as an arrayed pattern of nanometer-sized liquid-crystal droplets (approximately 50 nm) at lattice nodes within a polymer matrix. Observed transmission spectra and Kossel diffraction curves are consistent with fcc crystal structure. A completely reversible 2% wavelength shift of the (+/- 111) stop band was observed on application of an electric field.

Surface ordering transitions at a liquid crystal-solid interface above the isotropic smectic-A transition.

The degree of orientational order induced by confining cylindrical surfaces is monitored via deuteron nuclear magnetic resonance linesplitting and linewidth above the smectic-A to isotropic phase transition. The orientational order strongly depends on the length of the surfactant coupling molecule, on the surface coverage, and on the liquid crystal. Continuous and stepwise growth of orientational order and surface-induced orientational order transitions found in the isotropic phase are explained in terms of a simplified model of surface-induced layering and molecular self-diffusion.

Polarization-selective switching in holographically formed polymer dispersed liquid crystals.

We have developed an optical stack of holographically formed polymer dispersed liquid-crystal (H-PDLC) devices that is fully operational with nonpolarized light sources. The device consists of two H-PDLC transmission gratings separated by a passive polarization rotator that can output a diffracted s-polarized, p-polarized, or s- and p-polarized beam simultaneously.

Measurement of the surface-induced order in polymer dispersed liquid crystals: an approach by NMR relaxometry.

A method based on NMR relaxometry is introduced to study surface-induced order in the isotropic phase of confined liquid crystals. We show that the magnitude of the surface order parameter S0 can be obtained from an increase in the deuteron transverse relaxation rate T-12. The increase originates in the molecular diffusion between the weakly ordered surface region and disordered area in the rest of the cavity. No assumptions concerning the residence time of molecules at the surface are needed. We apply the approach to a polymer dispersed liquid crystal and find a temperature independent S0 of magnitude congruent with 0.08. This indicates that short range interactions at the interface dominate the behavior of S0, and that only a partial orientational wetting occurs.

Ageing and the haematological profiles of an Australian community.

The Busselton Health Survey was established in 1966 with the aim of identifying factors that influenced the health of the inhabitants of this coastal town in Western Australia. Further surveys were conducted at 3 yearly intervals from 1966 to 1981, however, in these earlier studies little attention was paid to the topic of ageing. Given the increasing global interest in this subject, it was decided that all persons enrolled in the 1994-1995 resurvey should be examined for age-related changes in their haematology. Samples were obtained from 3830 male and female volunteers aged from 16 to 92 years. The data showed a number of significant, age-dependent shifts in the haematological profiles of those tested. In several instances the observed patterns were expected, for example, a gradual decline in the mean red cell count of males over 60 years of age. Other changes, including a significant increase in red cell distribution width which commenced in females aged 40+ years, have not previously been reported. Findings of this nature indicate the presence of an underlying, age-dependent decline in the haematopoietic system. They also reveal a requirement for age-specific normal ranges, to meet the needs of the many human populations with ever-increasing life expectancies.

The influence of blood volume changes on leucocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations in elite swimmers following interval training of varying intensities.

The effect that exercise induced blood volume (BV) changes may have on the concentrations of leucocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations following exercise is controversial. Eight nationally ranked swimmers undertook 15 x 100 m swimming intervals (ITS) at 70% and 95% of maximal exercise intensity separated by 2 min recovery periods. Venous blood samples were collected prior to exercise (PRE), immediately post exercise (POST) and at 30, 60, 120 and 150-min post exercise. Control samples were taken on a rest day (R). Only the 95% ITS induced a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in PV (-7.3 +/- 1.1%) and BV (-4.0 +/- 0.6%) POST as calculated according to changes in haemoglobin and haematocrit. Total leucocyte and subset numbers (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes), with the exception of eosinophils, increased significantly (p < 0.01) POST following the 95% ITS, and total leucocyte and neutrophils remained elevated (30% and 114% respectively) (p < 0.01) while lymphocytes progressively decreased by 36% (p < 0.01) at 150-min after exercise. The 70% ITS elicited a decrease (30%) (p < 0.01) only in lymphocyte cell numbers at 60 and 120-min post exercise. The 95% ITS induced significant increases (p < 0.01) in most lymphocyte cell subsets [CD19+ (27%); CD16+ (525%); CD16+ CD25+ (58%); CD4+ (48%); CD8+ (65%)] POST, with a significant reduction (32%) (p < 0.01) in the CD4+:CD8+ lymphocyte ratio. Numbers of CD19+; CD16+; CD5+; CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, while not significantly changed POST following the 70% ITS, were significantly depressed (p < 0.01) during the recovery period. No significant changes were seen in leucocyte or lymphocyte subset numbers during R. All measured leucocyte and lymphocyte subset cell numbers at each ITS were corrected for changes in BV, and there were no significant differences between measured or BV corrected values for any of the cell populations at either of the ITS. Results suggest that while high intensity swimming exercise stress caused significant changes in the numbers and proportions of leucocytes, lymphocytes and their sub-classes, BV changes did not contribute significantly to the changes which occurred. The cell changes therefore, were truly representative of cell movements into and out of the peripheral blood circulation.

A comparison of postoperative thrombotic potential following abdominal aortic surgery, carotid endarterectomy, and femoro-popliteal bypass.

Postoperative changes in procoagulant, anticoagulant, and antifibrinolytic factors were compared in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery, carotid endarterectomy, and femoro-popliteal bypass. There were increases in plasma fibrinogen (P < 0.01) and factor VIII coagulant (P < 0.01) levels following all three procedures. There were decreases in antithrombin III (P < 0.01) and protein C (P < 0.01), and increases in thrombin-antithrombin complex levels (P < 0.01) in the abdominal aortic group only. There were no significant changes in type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor levels following any of the procedures. The results indicate that all three procedures are associated with an increased potential for thrombosis due to increases in procoagulant factors. However, patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery are particularly at risk due to concurrent decreases in natural anticoagulant factors. Specific antithrombotic therapy should be considered for all patients undergoing vascular surgery, but particularly for those undergoing major procedures such as abdominal aortic surgery.

Thrombelastographic patterns following abdominal aortic surgery.

Postoperative changes in thrombelastographic patterns were studied in thirty patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic bypass surgery. Native whole blood thrombelastography was performed preoperatively and on days 1, 2, and 3 postoperatively. The thrombelastographic changes included a decrease in r on day one (P < 0.0001), with concurrent increases in alpha (P < 0.0001) and MA (P < 0.001). On days 2 and 3 there were further increases in MA (P < 0.0001). These changes indicate enhanced procoagulant activity and progressive increases in maximum clot strength. The results confirm that hypercoagulability occurs in whole blood following abdominal aortic bypass surgery. Further studies are warranted to determine whether modification of postoperative hypercoagulability reduces the incidence of thrombotic complications in this group of patients.

Postoperative changes in coagulant and anticoagulant factors following abdominal aortic surgery.

The extent and time course of changes in selected procoagulant and anticoagulant factors were investigated in 19 patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic surgery. The coagulation factors were measured preoperatively, and on days two, four, and six postoperatively. It was found that there were no significant changes outside the normal range in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, or thrombin clotting time. However, there were large increases in the procoagulants, fibrinogen, factor VIII coagulant, factor VIIIRag/von Willebrand factor, and in alpha 1-antitrypsin. Over the same time there were marked decreases in the naturally occurring anticoagulants, protein C and antithrombin III, and in alpha 2-macroglobulin. These changes implied that the patients were "hypercoagulable" in the postoperative period. The maximum changes in the procoagulants occurred on either postoperative day two or day four. The maximum changes in the natural anticoagulants occurred on postoperative day two. There were no significant changes in factor V, factor X, alpha 2-antiplasmin, or platelet aggregability. The timing of the changes coincided with a period of high risk of perioperative myocardial infarction in this group of patients. Thus, it is possible that postoperative hypercoagulability contributes to the development of coronary artery thrombosis and myocardial infarction following abdominal aortic surgery.

The effect of epidural blockade on postoperative hypercoagulability following abdominal aortic bypass surgery.

The effect of epidural blockade on postoperative hypercoagulability was assessed in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic bypass surgery. Twenty patients were randomised to receive general anaesthesia alone, or general anaesthesia plus thoracic epidural blockade with 0.5% bupivacaine. It was found that the addition of epidural blockade did not alter the postoperative increase in plasma fibrinogen, factor VIII coagulant, or alpha 1-antitrypsin. Similarly, epidural blockade did not affect the postoperative decrease in antithrombin III. The results suggest that epidural blockade with local anaesthetic agents does not prevent the postoperative hypercoagulability response following abdominal aortic bypass surgery.

PEEP is necessary for exogenous surfactant to reduce pulmonary edema in canine aspiration pneumonitis.

Alveolar edema inactivates surfactant, and surfactant depletion causes edema by reducing lung interstitial pressure (Pis). We reasoned that surfactant repletion might reduce edema by raising Pis after acute lung injury and that positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) might facilitate this effect. One hour after tracheal administration of hydrochloric acid in 18 anesthetized dogs with transmural pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 8 Torr, the animals were randomized into three groups: in the SURF + PEEP group, 50 mg/kg of calf lung surfactant extract (CLSE) was instilled into each main stem bronchus with 8 cmH2O of PEEP; in the SAL + PEEP group, PEEP was followed by an equal volume of saline (SAL); in the SURF group, CLSE was given without PEEP. After 5 h, edema in excised lungs (wet-to-dry weight ratios) was significantly less in the SURF + PEEP group (9.1 +/- 1.0) than in the other groups (11.3 +/- 1.8 and 11.3 +/- 1.8, respectively). In the SURF + PEEP group, pulmonary venous admixture fell by 6%; this change was different from the 7% increase in the SAL + PEEP group and 40% increase in the SURF group (P less than 0.05). Airway secretions obtained in the SURF + PEEP group had normal minimum surface tensions of 4 +/- 2 mN/m, a value much lower than in SAL + PEEP and SURF groups (32 +/- 4 and 22 +/- 7 mN/m, respectively). We conclude that surfactant normalizes surface tension and decreases transcapillary hydrostatic forces in this lung injury model, thereby reducing edema formation and improving gas exchange. These benefits occur only if surfactant is given with PEEP, allowing surfactant access to the alveoli and/or minimizing its inhibition by edema proteins.

Cell numbers and in vitro responses of leucocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations following maximal exercise and interval training sessions of different intensities.

In vitro lymphocyte function and the mobilisation of peripheral blood leucocytes was examined in eight trained subjects who undertook an incremental exercise test to exhaustion and a series of interval training sessions. Venous blood samples were obtained before the incremental test, immediately after, and 30, 60, and 120 min after the test. Interval training sessions were undertaken on separate days and the exercise intensities for each of the different sessions were 30%, 60%, 90% and 120% of their maximal work capacity respectively, as determined from the incremental exercise test. There were 15 exercise periods of 1-min duration separated by recovery intervals of 2 min in each session. Venous blood samples were obtained immediately after each training session. Significant increases in lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, and CD56+) occurred following both maximal and supramaximal exercise. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the response of cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes to Concanavalin A (ConA), a T-cell mitogen. The state of lymphocyte activation in vivo as measured by CD25+ surface antigen was not, however, affected by acute exercise. The total number of lymphocytes, distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations and in vitro lymphocyte response to ConA had returned to pre-exercise levels within half an hour of termination of exercise but serum cortisol concentrations had not begun to fall at this time. There was a significant decrease in the CD4+:CD8+ cell ratio following exercise; this was more the result of increases in CD3-CD8+ cells (CD8+ natural killer cells) than to CD3+CD8+ cells (CD8+ T-lymphocytes). Decreased responsiveness of T-cells to T-cell mitogens, postexercise, may have been the result of decreases in the percentage of T-cells in postexercise mixed lymphocyte cultures rather than depressed cell function. The cause of this was an increase in the percentage of natural killer cells which did not respond to the T-cell mitogen. The results indicated that while a substantial immediate in vitro "immunomodulation" occurred with acute exercise, this did not reflect an immunosuppression but was rather the result of changes in the proportions of reactive cells in mononuclear cell cultures. We have also demonstrated that the degree of the change in distribution of lymphocyte subpopulation numbers and responsiveness of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in in vitro mitogen reactions increased with increasing exercise intensity. Plasma volume changes may have contributed to some of the changes seen in leucocyte population and subpopulation numbers during and following exercise.

Biological responses to overload training in endurance sports.

Five subjects undertook 10 days of twice daily interval training sessions on a treadmill followed by 5 days of active recovery. On days 1, 6, 11, and 16 the subjects were required to undertake a test of submaximal and maximal work capacity on a treadmill combined with a performance test consisting of a run to exhaustion with the treadmill set at 18 km.h-1 and 1% gradient. Also on these days a pre-exercise blood sample was collected and analysed for a range of haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. The subjects experienced a significant fall in performance on day 11 which had returned to pretraining levels on day 16. Serum ferritin concentrations were depressed significantly from pretraining concentrations at the conclusion of the recovery period while the expression of lymphocyte activation antigens (CD25+ and HLA-DR+) was increased both after the training phase and the recovery phase. The number of CD56+ cells in the peripheral circulation was depressed at the conclusion of the recovery period. Several parameters previously reported to change in association with overload training failing to reflect the decrease in performance experienced by subjects in this study, suggesting that overtraining may best be diagnosed through a multifactorial approach to the recognition of symptoms. The most important factor to consider may be a decrease in the level of performance following a regeneration period. The magnitude of this decreased performance necessary for the diagnosis of overtraining and the nature of an "appropriate" regeneration period are, however, difficult to define and may vary depending upon the training background of the subjects and the nature of the preceding training. It may or may not be associated with biochemical, haematological, physiological and immunological indicators. Individual cases may present a different range of symptoms and diagnosis of overtraining should not be excluded based on the failure of blood parameters to demonstrate variation. However, blood parameters may be useful to identify possible aetiology in each separate case report of over-training. An outstanding factor to emerge from this study was the difficulty associated with an objective diagnosis of overtraining and this is a possible reason why there have been new accounts of overtraining research in the literature.