Hydnum atlanticum, a new species from Eastern North America.

A new species of Hydnum subgenus Rufescentia is described based on collections made in Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador) and the USA (New York). The new species is found in conifer dominated forests (e.g. Abies, Picea) and occurs in bryophyte-covered (Sphagnum, Bazzania) soil. It differs from the ecologically similar H. quebecense in the duller brown colors of the basidiomes, the smaller basidiospores and the basidia predominantly with three or four sterigmata. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS region place H. subconnatum and H. oregonense as the closest relatives of H. atlanticum, but these taxa differ in the larger basidiospores, number of sterigmata per basidium, caespitose growth and/or geographic distribution. Citation: Justo A, Hood AW, Swenie RA, Matheny PB (2023). Hydnum atlanticum, a new species from Eastern North America. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 11: 63-70. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.11.05.

Can Multi-threaded Flux Tubes in Coronal Arcades Support a Magnetohydrodynamic Avalanche?

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities allow energy to be released from stressed magnetic fields, commonly modelled in cylindrical flux tubes linking parallel planes, but, more recently, also in curved arcades containing flux tubes with both footpoints in the same photospheric plane. Uncurved cylindrical flux tubes containing multiple individual threads have been shown to be capable of sustaining an MHD avalanche, whereby a single unstable thread can destabilise many. We examine the properties of multi-threaded coronal loops, wherein each thread is created by photospheric driving in a realistic, curved coronal arcade structure (with both footpoints of each thread in the same plane). We use three-dimensional MHD simulations to study the evolution of single- and multi-threaded coronal loops, which become unstable and reconnect, while varying the driving velocity of individual threads. Experiments containing a single thread destabilise in a manner indicative of an ideal MHD instability and consistent with previous examples in the literature. The introduction of additional threads modifies this picture, with aspects of the model geometry and relative driving speeds of individual threads affecting the ability of any thread to destabilise others. In both single- and multi-threaded cases, continuous driving of the remnants of disrupted threads produces secondary, aperiodic bursts of energetic release.

Acceptability of a new practice development for radiographers focussed on reducing 'never events' related to nasogastric feeding tubes in adult patients.

INTRODUCTION: Ascertain if a new practice development designed to reduce 'never events' from feeding through misplaced nasogastric tubes (NGT) in a large teaching hospital Trust was acceptable to a large radiography workforce. METHODS: Despite National Patient Safety Agency guidance advising on safe practice for confirming position of NGTs a number of 'never events' still occur nationally due to misinterpretation of the check X-ray. A new practice development for radiographers included providing an immediate comment and removal of misplaced NGTs at the time of the check X-ray examination. Success of the new system was partly assessed using qualitative and quantitative measures of radiographer opinion of the training and different aspects of the system. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in radiographers' level of confidence in image interpretation after training (58/98 positive responses before, 89/98 positive after training) and after five months of experience at undertaking the role (96/98 positive) (p < 0.01). There was increased confidence in NGT removal post training and with five months of experience (16/95 positive before training, 67/96 positive after and 81/95 positive with five months of experience). 97/98 (99%) of radiographers agreed the new system benefits patients, 93/98 (95%) believed it a positive step for the radiography profession. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of this new practice development has shown it was embraced by radiographers and is a workable and potentially cost-effective solution in addressing real time image interpretation issues that were evident from previous 'never events'. Large scale implementation of this system across the NHS Radiography workforce should be considered.

Probing the Single-Particle Character of Rotational States in

A beam containing a substantial component of both the J^{π}=5^{+}, T_{1/2}=162 ns isomeric state of ^{18}F and its 1^{+}, 109.77-min ground state is utilized to study members of the ground-state rotational band in ^{19}F through the neutron transfer reaction (d,p) in inverse kinematics. The resulting spectroscopic strengths confirm the single-particle nature of the 13/2^{+} band-terminating state. The agreement between shell-model calculations using an interaction constructed within the sd shell, and our experimental results reinforces the idea of a single-particle-collective duality in the descriptions of the structure of atomic nuclei.

Flux Rope Formation Due to Shearing and Zipper Reconnection.

Zipper reconnection has been proposed as a mechanism for creating most of the twist in the flux tubes that are present prior to eruptive flares and coronal mass ejections. We have conducted a first numerical experiment on this new regime of reconnection, where two initially untwisted parallel flux tubes are sheared and reconnected to form a large flux rope. We describe the properties of this experiment, including the linkage of magnetic flux between concentrated flux sources at the base of the simulation, the twist of the newly formed flux rope, and the conversion of mutual magnetic helicity in the sheared pre-reconnection state into the self-helicity of the newly formed flux rope.

Use of a patient completed iPad questionnaire to improve pre-operative assessment.

Developments in healthcare technology could improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs. There is a need to facilitate communication and increase efficiency in surgical pre-assessment clinics. This study aimed to develop an iPad application to deliver an electronic patient questionnaire, and to evaluate its use in the pre-assessment environment. Software was developed, MyOp, for a standard iPad that mirrored the paper-based pre-assessment system, with features designed for ease of patient use and remote data transfer. A case-control study was conducted, comparing use of MyOp with paper-based practice, to evaluate feasibility and patient preference. Patients were offered the use of MyOp or paper-based system. Outcomes measured included time to complete iPad questionnaire, consultation duration, and a patient preference questionnaire. MyOp cost £3500 to develop. 104 individuals participated in the study, 53 MyOp and 51 controls. MyOp reduced the median consultation duration by 5.00 min. A reduction was seen in all subgroups except those aged over 70 or urology patients. Patients preferred to complete the form independently, using a touchpad or computer but expressed concerns about data security. Use of an electronic patient questionnaire reduces consultation time delivering greater efficiency of pre-assessment nurse time. Preconceived ideas about the use of technology in older age groups are likely inaccurate and less of a barrier than previously thought. Electronic pre-assessments could be used routinely to reduce demands on healthcare facilities, improve patient care, and triage patients prior to clinic attendance.

Quantitative assessment of colorectal morphology: Implications for robotic colonoscopy.

This paper presents a method of characterizing the distribution of colorectal morphometrics. It uses three-dimensional region growing and topological thinning algorithms to determine and visualize the luminal volume and centreline of the colon, respectively. Total and segmental lengths, diameters, volumes, and tortuosity angles were then quantified. The effects of body orientations on these parameters were also examined. Variations in total length were predominately due to differences in the transverse colon and sigmoid segments, and did not significantly differ between body orientations. The diameter of the proximal colon was significantly larger than the distal colon, with the largest value at the ascending and cecum segments. The volume of the transverse colon was significantly the largest, while those of the descending colon and rectum were the smallest. The prone position showed a higher frequency of high angles and consequently found to be more torturous than the supine position. This study yielded a method for complete segmental measurements of healthy colorectal anatomy and its tortuosity. The transverse and sigmoid colons were the major determinant in tortuosity and morphometrics between body orientations. Quantitative understanding of these parameters may potentially help to facilitate colonoscopy techniques, accuracy of polyp spatial distribution detection, and design of novel endoscopic devices.

Dielectric properties measurements of brown and white adipose tissue in rats from 0.5 to 10 GHz.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in whole body metabolism and with appropriate stimulus could potentially mediate weight gain and insulin sensitivity. Although imaging techniques are available to detect subsurface BAT, there are currently no viable methods for continuous acquisition of BAT energy expenditure. Microwave (MW) radiometry is an emerging technology that allows the quantification of tissue temperature variations at depths of several centimeters. Such temperature differentials may be correlated with variations in metabolic rate, thus providing a quantitative approach to monitor BAT metabolism. In order to optimize MW radiometry, numerical and experimental phantoms with accurate dielectric properties are required to develop and calibrate radiometric sensors. Thus, we present for the first time, the characterization of relative permittivity and electrical conductivity of brown (BAT) and white (WAT) adipose tissues in rats across the MW range 0.5-10GHz. Measurements were carried out in situ and post mortem in six female rats of approximately 200g. A Cole-Cole model was used to fit the experimental data into a parametric model that describes the variation of dielectric properties as a function of frequency. Measurements confirm that the dielectric properties of BAT (εr = 14.0-19.4, σ = 0.3-3.3S/m) are significantly higher than those of WAT (εr = 9.1-11.9, σ = 0.1-1.9S/m), in accordance with the higher water content of BAT.

Shock heating in numerical simulations of kink-unstable coronal loops.

An analysis of the importance of shock heating within coronal magnetic fields has hitherto been a neglected area of study. We present new results obtained from nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic simulations of straight coronal loops. This work shows how the energy released from the magnetic field, following an ideal instability, can be converted into thermal energy, thereby heating the solar corona. Fast dissipation of magnetic energy is necessary for coronal heating and this requirement is compatible with the time scales associated with ideal instabilities. Therefore, we choose an initial loop configuration that is susceptible to the fast-growing kink, an instability that is likely to be created by convectively driven vortices, occurring where the loop field intersects the photosphere (i.e. the loop footpoints). The large-scale deformation of the field caused by the kinking creates the conditions for the formation of strong current sheets and magnetic reconnection, which have previously been considered as sites of heating, under the assumption of an enhanced resistivity. However, our simulations indicate that slow mode shocks are the primary heating mechanism, since, as well as creating current sheets, magnetic reconnection also generates plasma flows that are faster than the slow magnetoacoustic wave speed.

Impact of sodium lactate and vinegar derivatives on the quality of fresh Italian pork sausage links.

Sodium lactate and acetic acid derivatives were evaluated for their impact on fresh Italian pork sausage using commercial trimmings. Analysis over storage included total plate count (TPC), TBARS, sensory analysis, cooking loss, pH, and color. Treatments included: (a) vinegar and sodium lactate mixture (V), (b) sodium lactate (S), (c) positive control with BHA/BHT (B) and (d) negative control, seasoning only (C). Treatments S and V had lower TPC (P<0.05) from days 5 to 14 when compared to B and C. TBARS values increased (P<0.05) for C, S, and V while B did not change (P>0.05) over time. While CIE a* surface values for redness generally decreased over storage time for all treatments, B maintained more redness. There were few major differences in descriptive sensory evaluation over time, but S and V precluded early onset of rancidity, oxidation and other off-flavors contrary to some of the analytical results. Of consumers tested, 85.6% rated all treatments between like slightly and like very much.

Technological assessment of the biogalvanic method for tissue characterization.

Biogalvanic cells have the potential to be used in characterizing biological tissue properties and ultimately tissue health. A biogalvanic cell is established by placing two differing metal electrodes across a target tissue allowing an electrical tissue-specific internal resistance to be determined. A novel data analysis method using least-squares fitting has been developed to more effectively determine the parameters of the biogalvanic system model proposed in the literature. The validity of the method has been examined through characterization of electrical models, ex vivo porcine tissue, and in vivo porcine tissue. Strong agreement between test results and the proposed characterization model has been shown. However, determined internal resistances are influenced by mechanical strain, current modulation direction and tissue thickness, indicating complexities at the electrode­tissue interface. These complexities undermine some assumptions upon which the biogalvanic model is based. Ultimately this technique could offer potential for use in minimally invasive surgery for discriminating tissue health but requires improved understanding and control of testing conditions.

A mesocosm study using four native Hawaiian plants to assess nitrogen accumulation under varying surface water nitrogen concentrations.

Accumulation of nitrogen (N) by native Hawaiian riparian plants from surface water was measured under a controlled experimental mesocosm setting. Four species, Cladium jamaicense, Cyperus javanicus, Cyperus laevigatus, and Cyperus polystachyos were tested for their ability to survive in coconut fiber coir log media with exposure to differing N concentrations. It was hypothesized that the selected species would have significantly different tissue total nitrogen (TN) concentrations, aboveground biomass, and TN accumulation rates because of habitat preference and physiological growth differences. A general linear model (GLM) analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined that species differences accounted for the greatest proportion of variance in tissue TN concentration, aboveground biomass growth, and accumulation rates, when compared with the other main effects (i.e. N concentration, time) and their interactions. A post hoc test of means demonstrated that C. jamaicense had significantly higher tissue TN concentration, aboveground biomass growth, and accumulation rates than the other species under all N concentrations. It was also hypothesized that tissue TN concentrations and biomass growth would increase in plants exposed to elevated N concentrations, however data did not support this hypothesis. Nitrogen accumulation rates by species were controlled by differences in plant biomass growth.

The effect of open-air factors on the virulence and viability of airborne Francisella tularensis.

Unidentified open-air factors (OAFs) found to be adverse to the survival of microorganisms suspended on microthreads were investigated for their effect on realistic aerosols of Francisella tularensis in an open-air environment. This organism was chosen because it is probably the most infectious organism known to be capable of infecting both animals and man via the respiratory route, hence its potential use as a bioterrorist agent. A direct correlation was found between an open-air adverse effect on viability and virulence of airborne particles of <3 microm via the respiratory route in guinea pigs. One viable organism was sufficient to initiate an infection that resulted in a fatal tularaemia infection. The lethal effect of OAFs on F. tularensis was found to vary from day to day and was related to the source of the air in the UK. The adverse effect on viability was associated with an inverse effect according to the size of the airborne particle.

Safety evaluation of a natural tomato oleoresin extract derived from food-processing tomatoes.

Experimental and epidemiological studies indicate that consumption of tomato products containing high amounts of lycopene is associated with lowered cancer risk. The protective effects of lycopene may be related to its antioxidant potential. Lycopene has been demonstrated to inhibit oxidation. A proprietary, natural tomato oleoresin extract (NTOE), is a purified tomato oleoresin containing 6% lycopene produced from tomatoes. NTOE was evaluated for toxicological effects, and found the 50% lethal dose (LD(50)), derived from the acute oral toxicity study, was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) derived from the 13-week study was 4500 mg/kg/day. Acute dermal toxicity study of NTOE found no toxicity at 2000 mg/kg body weight. NTOE lacked dermal irritation in the rabbit model, but was found to have moderate eye-irritant capabilities. NTOE tested at 5% (w/w) in petroleum jelly was a moderate sensitizer in the guinea pig model. There was no evidence of mutagenic potential up to 5000 microg/plate, as determined by the Ames assay. These results demonstrate the inability of NTOE to produce oral, dermal or mutagenic toxicity in animal models at doses greater than 300 times the normal human consumption of lycopene. Consumption analysis of lycopene-containing foods estimated mean daily intake of lycopene at 8.2mg/day.

The dependence of binocular contrast sensitivities on binocular single vision in normal and amblyopic human subjects.

We have measured monocular and binocular contrast sensitivities in response to medium to high spatial frequencies of vertical sinusoidal grating patterns in normal subjects, anisometropic amblyopes, strabismic amblyopes and non-amblyopic esotropes. On binocular viewing, contrast sensitivities were slightly but significantly increased in normal subjects, markedly increased in anisometropes and esotropes with anomalous binocular single vision (BSV) and significantly reduced in esotropes and exotropes without BSV. Application of a prismatic correction to the strabismic eye in order to achieve bifoveal stimulation resulted in a significant reduction in contrast sensitivity in esotropes with and without anomalous BSV, in exotropes and in non-amblyopic esotropes. Control experiments in normal subjects with monocular viewing showed that degradative effects of the prism occurred only with high prism powers and at high spatial frequencies, thus establishing that the reduced contrast sensitivities were the consequence of bifoveal stimulation rather than optical degradation. Displacement of the image of the grating pattern by 2 deg. in normal subjects and anisometropes by a dichoptic method to simulate a small angle esotropia had no effect on the contrast sensitivities recorded through the companion eye. By contrast, esotropes showed similar reductions in contrast sensitivity to those obtained with the prism experiments, confirming a fundamental difference between subjects with normal and abnormal ocular alignments. The results have thus established a suppressive action of the fovea of the amblyopic eye acting on the companion, non-amblyopic eye and indicate that correction of ocular misalignments in adult esotropes may be disadvantageous to binocular visual performance.

Hyperactivation of p21(ras) and the hematopoietic-specific Rho GTPase, Rac2, cooperate to alter the proliferation of neurofibromin-deficient mast cells in vivo and in vitro.

Mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene cause neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), a disease characterized by the formation of cutaneous neurofibromas infiltrated with a high density of degranulating mast cells. A hallmark of cell lines generated from NF1 patients or Nf1-deficient mice is their propensity to hyperproliferate. Neurofibromin, the protein encoded by NF1, negatively regulates p21(ras) activity by accelerating the conversion of Ras-GTP to Ras-GDP. However, identification of alterations in specific p21(ras) effector pathways that control proliferation in NF1-deficient cells is incomplete and critical for understanding disease pathogenesis. Recent studies have suggested that the proliferative effects of p21(ras) may depend on signaling outputs from the small Rho GTPases, Rac and Rho, but the physiologic importance of these interactions in an animal disease model has not been established. Using a genetic intercross between Nf1(+/)- and Rac2(-)(/)- mice, we now provide genetic evidence to support a biochemical model where hyperactivation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) via the hematopoietic-specific Rho GTPase, Rac2, directly contributes to the hyperproliferation of Nf1-deficient mast cells in vitro and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate that Rac2 functions as mediator of cross-talk between phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) and the classical p21(ras)-Raf-Mek-ERK pathway to confer a distinct proliferative advantage to Nf1(+/)- mast cells. Thus, these studies identify Rac2 as a novel mediator of cross-talk between PI-3K and the p21(ras)-ERK pathway which functions to alter the cellular phenotype of a cell lineage involved in the pathologic complications of a common genetic disease.

Haemophilus ducreyi lipooligosaccharide mutant defective in expression of beta-1,4-glucosyltransferase is virulent in humans.

The lipooligosaccharide (LOS) of Haemophilus ducreyi contains a major glycoform that is immunochemically identical to paragloboside, a glycosphingolipid precursor of major human blood group antigens. We recently identified the gene responsible for the glucosyltransferase activity and constructed an isogenic mutant (35000glu-) deficient in this activity. 35000glu- makes an LOS that consists only of the heptose trisaccharide core and 2-keto-deoxyoctulosonic acid (KDO). For this study, the mutant was reconstructed in the 35000HP (human passaged [HP]) background. Five human subjects were inoculated with 35000HP and 35000HPglu- in a dose-response trial. The pustule formation rates were 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.7 to 72.6%) at 10 sites for 35000HP and 46.7% (95% CI, 24.8 to 69.9%) at 15 sites for 35000HPglu-. The histopathology and recovery rates of H. ducreyi from surface cultures and biopsies obtained from mutant and parent sites were similar. These results indicate that the expression of glycoforms with sugar moieties extending beyond the heptose trisaccharide core is not required for pustule formation by H. ducreyi in humans.