Fully kinetic simulations of strong steady-state collisional planar plasma shocks.

We report on simulations of strong, steady-state collisional planar plasma shocks with fully kinetic ions and electrons, independently confirmed by two fully kinetic codes (an Eulerian continuum and a Lagrangian particle-in-cell). While kinetic electrons do not fundamentally change the shock structure as compared with fluid electrons, we find an appreciable rearrangement of the preheat layer, associated with nonlocal electron heat transport effects. The electron heat-flux profile qualitatively agrees between kinetic- and fluid-electron models, suggesting a certain level of "stiffness," though substantial nonlocality is observed in the kinetic heat flux. We also find good agreement with nonlocal electron heat-flux closures proposed in the literature. Finally, in contrast to the classical hydrodynamic picture, we find a significant collapse in the "precursor" electric-field shock at the preheat layer leading edge, which correlates with the electron-temperature gradient relaxation.

Evaluation of the skin-sensitizing potential of gold nanoparticles and the impact of established dermal sensitivity on the pulmonary immune response to various forms of gold.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are largely biocompatible; however, many studies have demonstrated their potential to modulate various immune cell functions. The potential allergenicity of AuNP remains unclear despite the recognition of gold as a common contact allergen. In these studies, AuNP (29 nm) dermal sensitization potential was assessed via Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA). Soluble gold (III) chloride (AuCl3) caused lymph node (LN) expansion (SI 10.9), whereas bulk particles (Au, 942 nm) and AuNP did not. Next, the pulmonary immune effects of AuNP (10, 30, 90 µg) were assessed 1, 4, and 8 days post-aspiration. All markers of lung injury and inflammation remained unaltered, but a dose-responsive increase in LN size was observed. Finally, mice were dermally-sensitized to AuCl3 then aspirated once, twice, or three times with Au or AuNP in doses normalized for mass or surface area (SA) to assess the impact of existing contact sensitivity to gold on lung immune responses. Sensitized animals exhibited enhanced responsivity to the metal, wherein subsequent immune alterations were largely conserved with respect to dose SA. The greatest increase in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) lymphocyte number was observed in the high dose group - simultaneous to preferential expansion of BAL/LN CD8+ T-cells. Comparatively, the lower SA-based doses of Au/AuNP caused more modest elevations in BAL lymphocyte influx (predominantly CD4+ phenotype), exposure-dependent increases in serum IgE, and selective expansion/activation of LN CD4+ T-cells and B-cells. Overall, these findings suggest that AuNP are unlikely to cause sensitization; however, established contact sensitivity to gold may increase immune responsivity following pulmonary AuNP exposure.

Reduction of bromate and chlorate contaminants in water using aqueous phase corona discharge.

This work demonstrates the ability of aqueous phase corona discharge to chemically reduce bromate and chlorate ions, common disinfection byproducts, to bromide and chloride ions, respectively. A high voltage pulse was applied to a needle electrode, submerged in the target solution, to generate highly reactive oxidative and reductive species in a temperature-controlled reactor. Optimal water matrix conditions were sought through changing the solution pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentration. Additionally, several oxidative species scavengers were investigated, including methanol, ethanol, sucrose, and D-sorbitol. Chemical reduction rates were improved at low pH (3.5). The presence of dissolved oxygen significantly reduced the chemical reduction rate, and thus high solution temperature (50 °C) also achieved better chemical reduction. All oxidative species scavengers improved the chemical reduction rate; however, methanol and ethanol were superior as these compounds generate hydrogen bubbles in the presence of plasma, which deoxygenates the solution further improving the chemical reduction rate. The application of this technology to 30 µM bromate and chlorate solutions, under optimal water matrix conditions and with the addition of 72 g/L-COD methanol, achieved greater than 95% removal of the target compounds within 60 min. Increasing the initial concentration of the target compounds to 300 µM required 90 and 150 min to achieve similar chemical reductions for bromate and chlorate, respectively.

Self-regulation and household routines at age three and obesity at age eleven: longitudinal analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine, in a population-based cohort of 3-year-old children, the association between self-regulation and exposure to the household routines of regular bedtime, regular mealtime and limits on watching television/video, and to determine whether self-regulation and these routines predict the risk of obesity at age 11. METHODS: Analyses included 10 955 children in the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study. When children were age 3, parents reported whether children had a regular bedtime and mealtime, and the amount of television/video watched. Emotional and cognitive self-regulation at age 3 were assessed by parent-report with the Child Social Behaviour Questionnaire. Children's height and weight were measured at age 11 and obesity was defined using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. RESULTS: At age 3, 41% of children always had a regular bedtime, 47% always had a regular mealtime and 23% were limited to ⩽1 h television/video daily. At age 11, 6.2% of children were obese. All three household routines were significantly associated with better emotional self-regulation, but not better cognitive self-regulation. In a multi-variable logistic regression model, including emotional and cognitive self-regulation, all routines and controlling for sociodemographic covariates, a 1-unit difference in emotional self-regulation at age 3 was associated with an OR (95% CI) for obesity of 1.38 (1.11, 1.71) at age 11, and inconsistent bedtimes with an OR (95% CI) for obesity of 1.87 (1.39, 2.51) at age 11. There was no evidence that emotional self-regulation mediated the relationship between regular bedtimes and later obesity. Cognitive self-regulation was not associated with later obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Three-year-old children who had regular bedtimes, mealtimes and limits on their television/video time had better emotional self-regulation. Lack of a regular bedtime and poorer emotional self-regulation at age 3 were independent predictors of obesity at age 11.

Subchronic exposures to fungal bioaerosols promotes allergic pulmonary inflammation in naïve mice.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological surveys indicate that occupants of mold contaminated environments are at increased risk of respiratory symptoms. The immunological mechanisms associated with these responses require further characterization. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the immunotoxicological outcomes following repeated inhalation of dry Aspergillus fumigatus spores aerosolized at concentrations potentially encountered in contaminated indoor environments. METHODS: Aspergillus fumigatus spores were delivered to the lungs of naïve BALB/cJ mice housed in a multi-animal nose-only chamber twice a week for a period of 13 weeks. Mice were evaluated at 24 and 48 h post-exposure for histopathological changes in lung architecture, recruitment of specific immune cells to the airways, and serum antibody responses. RESULT: Germinating A. fumigatus spores were observed in lungs along with persistent fungal debris in the perivascular regions of the lungs. Repeated exposures promoted pleocellular infiltration with concomitant epithelial mucus hypersecretion, goblet cell metaplasia, subepithelial fibrosis and enhanced airway hyperreactivity. Cellular infiltration in airways was predominated by CD4(+) T cells expressing the pro-allergic cytokine IL-13. Furthermore, our studies show that antifungal T cell responses (IFN-γ(+) or IL-17A(+) ) co-expressed IL-13, revealing a novel mechanism for the dysregulated immune response to inhaled fungi. Total IgE production was augmented in animals repeatedly exposed to A. fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Repeated inhalation of fungal aerosols resulted in significant pulmonary pathology mediated by dynamic shifts in specific immune populations and their cytokines. These studies provide novel insights into the immunological mechanisms and targets that govern the health outcomes that result from repeated inhalation of fungal bioaerosols in contaminated environments.

Setting Occupational Exposure Limits for Chemical Allergens--Understanding the Challenges.

Chemical allergens represent a significant health burden in the workplace. Exposures to such chemicals can cause the onset of a diverse group of adverse health effects triggered by immune-mediated responses. Common responses associated with workplace exposures to low molecular weight (LMW) chemical allergens range from allergic contact dermatitis to life-threatening cases of asthma. Establishing occupational exposure limits (OELs) for chemical allergens presents numerous difficulties for occupational hygiene professionals. Few OELs have been developed for LMW allergens because of the unique biological mechanisms that govern the immune-mediated responses. The purpose of this article is to explore the primary challenges confronting the establishment of OELs for LMW allergens. Specific topics include: (1) understanding the biology of LMW chemical allergies as it applies to setting OELs; (2) selecting the appropriate immune-mediated response (i.e., sensitization versus elicitation); (3) characterizing the dose (concentration)-response relationship of immune-mediated responses; (4) determining the impact of temporal exposure patterns (i.e., cumulative versus acute exposures); and (5) understanding the role of individual susceptibility and exposure route. Additional information is presented on the importance of using alternative exposure recommendations and risk management practices, including medical surveillance, to aid in protecting workers from exposures to LMW allergens when OELs cannot be established.

Food selectivity, mealtime behavior problems, spousal stress, and family food choices in children with and without autism spectrum disorder.

Mealtime behavior problems and family stress occur frequently among families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is unknown whether food selectivity is an associated factor. The associations of high food selectivity with mealtime behavior problems, spousal stress, and influence on family members were assessed among 53 children with ASD and 58 typically developing (TD) children ages 3-11 years. Compared to TD children, children with ASD were more likely to have high food selectivity, and their parents reported more mealtime behavior problems, higher spousal stress, and influence on what other family members ate. High food selectivity was associated with mealtime behavior problems in both groups. Interventions to reduce food selectivity may lead to decreases in mealtime behavior problems.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obesity in US males and females, age 8-15 years: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: Youth with ADHD may be at increased risk for obesity. Medications used to treat ADHD can affect weight. Few studies have investigated possible gender differences in associations between ADHD and obesity. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: Nationally representative of US youth aged 8-15 years. Height and weight were measured, and ADHD assessed by structured diagnostic interview and parent report. Associations between ADHD and obesity are reported for males and females to enable gender comparisons. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity differ by gender and medication use in a nationally representative sample of US youth in which height and weight were measured. METHODS: Youth age 8-15 (n = 3050) studied in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004. Obesity was defined as ≥95th percentile of US body mass index-for-age reference. ADHD was determined by asking parents if child had been diagnosed and using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV. Gender-stratified multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds of obesity for youth with ADHD (medicated and unmedicated) relative to youth without ADHD. RESULTS: Males with ADHD who were medicated had lower odds of obesity compared to males without ADHD (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23-0.78). Unmedicated males with ADHD were as likely as males without ADHD to be obese (adjusted OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.43-2.42). The odds of obesity for females taking medication for ADHD did not differ statistically from those of females without ADHD (adjusted OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.52-2.81). Females with ADHD not taking medication had odds of obesity 1.54 times those of females without ADHD; however, the 95% CI (0.79-2.98) was wide and not statistically significant at α = 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between ADHD and obesity are influenced by treatment of ADHD with medication and may differ by gender. Youth with ADHD who are not treated with medication are as or more likely than youth without ADHD to be obese.

Dependence of Rydberg-atom optical lattices on the angular wave function.

We investigate the dependence of optical-lattice trapping potentials for Rydberg atoms on the angular portion of the atomic wave function. While ground-state atoms are pointlike in relation to an optical-lattice field, Rydberg-atom wave functions extend over a substantial fraction of the lattice period, which leads to a dependence of the lattice trapping potential on the angular portion of the spatial wave function. The angular dependence of the potential is measured using various (j, m(j)) levels of 85Rb Rydberg nD states (50≤n≤65) prepared in a one-dimensional optical lattice (wavelength 1064 nm) and a transverse dc electric field. The measured optical-lattice depths are found to be in agreement with theoretical results.

Imaging appearances of Buerger's disease complications in the upper and lower limbs.

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is a rare, non-atherosclerotic, segmental, inflammatory vasculitis that most commonly involves small and medium-sized arteries, veins and nerves of the extremities and affects tobacco smokers between the ages of 25 and 45 years. The manifestations of Buerger's disease can be extremely variable and, therefore, awareness of the condition is important for both general and musculoskeletal radiologists. This paper presents the radiological appearance of the sequelae of Buerger's disease involving the upper and lower limbs.

Trapping Rydberg atoms in an optical lattice.

Rubidium Rydberg atoms are laser excited and subsequently trapped in a one-dimensional optical lattice (wavelength 1064 nm). Efficient trapping is achieved by a lattice inversion immediately after laser excitation using an electro-optic technique. The trapping efficiency is probed via analysis of the trap-induced shift of the two-photon microwave transition 50S→51S. The inversion technique allows us to reach a trapping efficiency of 90%. The dependence of the efficiency on the timing of the lattice inversion and on the trap laser power is studied. The dwell time of 50D(5/2) Rydberg atoms in the lattice is analyzed using lattice-induced photoionization.

Weight loss following a clinic-based weight loss program among adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare obese patients screening positive or negative for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on pretreatment body mass index (BMI), weight loss following a 16 week clinic-based behavioral weight loss program, weight loss attempts, dietary and physical activity habits, perceived difficulty of weight control skills, and eating self-efficacy. DESIGN: Patients who completed a behavioral weight loss program were approached to complete questionnaires on ADHD and eating habits. Medical charts were reviewed to obtain weight at pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Participants (N=63) were 75% female, mean age was 49 (SD=10.3), mean body mass index (BMI) was 41.4 kg/m² (SD=6.8) and 30% screened positive for ADHD on the Adult ADHD Symptom Rating Scale. Participants screening positive for ADHD did not have a higher BMI at baseline (p=0.41), but reported more previous weight loss attempts (p=0.01) and lost less weight (p=0.02) than participants who screened negative. Participants screening positive also reported consuming fast food meals more frequently (p=0.04), higher levels of emotional eating (p=0.002), greater difficulty with weight control skills (p=0.01), and lower eating self-efficacy (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Attention-related problems appear to be common among weight treatment-seeking samples and represent a significant barrier to weight control that has not yet been addressed in the literature.

State-dependent energy shifts of Rydberg atoms in a ponderomotive optical lattice.

We demonstrate the state dependence of the ponderomotive energy shift of Rydberg atoms in an optical lattice using microwave spectroscopy. Unique to Rydberg atoms, this dependence results from a state-dependent aspect ratio between Rydberg-atom size and lattice period. A semiclassical simulation reproduces all features observed in the microwave spectra and indicates the presence of trapped Rydberg atoms.

Ability of dGEMRIC and T2 mapping to evaluate cartilage repair after microfracture: a goat study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping to evaluate the quality of repair tissue after microfracture. DESIGN: Twelve knees from 12 goats were studied. An osteochondral defect (diameter, 6mm; depth, 3mm) with microfracture was created in the weight-bearing aspect of both the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Goats were euthanized at 24 weeks (n=6) and 48 weeks (n=6) postsurgery. Pre-contrast R1 (R1pre) and post-contrast R1 (R1post) measurements for dGEMRIC and a pre-contrast T2 measurement for T2 mapping were performed with a 3T MR imaging system. MR imaging findings were compared with histological and biochemical assessments. RESULTS: In native cartilage, significant correlations were observed between the R1post and the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration, as well as DeltaR1 (difference between the R1pre and R1post) and the GAG concentration (P<0.05). In repair tissue, a significant correlation was observed between DeltaR1 and the GAG concentration (P<0.05), but not between the R1post and the GAG concentration. In both repair tissue and native cartilage, no correlation was observed between T2 and the water concentration or between T2 and the hydroxyproline (HP) concentration. A zonal variation of T2 and a clear dependence of T2 on the angles relative to B0 were observed in native cartilage, but not in repair tissue. CONCLUSION: dGEMRIC with DeltaR1 measurement might be useful for the evaluation of the GAG concentration in repair tissue after microfracture. T2 mapping might be useful for the differentiation of repair tissue after microfracture from native cartilage; however, its potential to assess the specific biochemical markers in native cartilage as well as repair tissue may be limited.

Tumour and tumour-like lesions of the patella--a multicentre experience.

Fifty-nine cases of lesions presenting in the patella were identified after review of the databases of four European bone tumour registries. Of the 59 cases, 46% were non neoplastic, 39% were benign and 15% were malignant. The commonest benign neoplasm was giant cell tumour (GCT) (11 cases). Younger patients were more likely to have a benign neoplasm. Lesions in patients less than 40 years of age included giant cell tumour, chondroblastoma, aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), osteomyelitis, osteoid osteoma and solitary bone cyst. In patients older than 40 years, the following were common lesions: intra-osseous gout, metastasis and intra-osseous ganglion. Expansion of the patella with thinning of cortex was seen more commonly in GCT and brown tumour in hyperparathyroidism. There was associated soft tissue extension in gout and malignant lesions.

[Femoroacetabular impingement: radiographic diagnosis--what the radiologist should know]. / El atrapamiento femoroacetabular: diagnóstico radiográfico. Lo que el radiólogo debería saber.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to show the important radiographic criteria that indicate the two types of femoroacetabular impingement: pincer and cam impingement. In addition, potential pitfalls in pelvic imaging concerning femoroacetabular impingement are shown. CONCLUSION: Femoroacetabular impingement is a major cause for early "primary" osteoarthritis of the hip. It can easily be recognized on conventional radiographs of the pelvis and the proximal femur.

El atrapamiento femoroacetabular: diagnóstico radiográfico. Lo que el radiólogo debería saber / Femoroacetabular impingement: radiographic diagnosis¿what the radiologist should know

Objetivo. El propósito de este artículo es mostrar los criterios radiológicos más importantes que definen los dos tipos de atrapamiento o choque femoroacetabular: el atrapamiento tipo pincer y el tipo cam. Además se exponen errores potenciales en la interpretación de la imagen pélvica a la hora de evaluar el atrapamiento femoroacetabular. Conclusión. El atrapamiento femoroacetabular es una causa importante de artrosis "primaria" temprana de la cadera. Puede ser reconocido fácilmente en radiografías convencionales de la pelvis y el fémur proximal

Objective. The purpose of this article is to show the important radiographic criteria thatindicate the two types of femoroacetabular impingement: pincer and cam impingement. In addition, potential pitfalls in pelvic imaging concerning femoroacetabular impingement are shown. Conclusion. Femoroacetabular impingement is a major cause for early ¿primary¿ osteoarthritis of the hip. It can easily be recognized on conventional radiographs of the pelvis andthe proximal femur

Regional variability in age-related loss of neurons from the primary visual cortex and medial prefrontal cortex of male and female rats.

During aging, changes in the structure of the cerebral cortex of the rat have been seen, but potential changes in neuron number remain largely unexplored. In the present study, stereological methods were used to examine neuron number in the medial prefrontal cortex and primary visual cortex of young adult (85-90 days of age) and aged (19-22 months old) male and female rats in order to investigate any age-related losses. Possible sex differences in aging were also examined since sexually dimorphic patterns of aging have been seen in other measures. An age-related loss of neurons (18-20%), which was mirrored in volume losses, was found to occur in the primary visual cortex in both sexes in all layers except IV. Males, but not females, also lost neurons (15%) from layer V/VI of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and showed an overall decrease in volume of this region. In contrast, dorsal medial prefrontal cortex showed no age-related changes. The effects of aging clearly differ among regions of the rat brain and to some degree, between the sexes.

Fatal coxiellosis in Swainson's Blue Mountain Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus).

Three Swainson's Blue Mountain Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus), ranging from 6 to 8 months of age, presented with lethargy, emaciation, and progressive neurologic signs. The first one died 24 hours after the onset of clinical signs, and the other two were euthanized 10 to 14 days after the onset of progressive neurologic disease. Clinical signs in these lorikeets included head pressing, hemiparesis, seizures, obtunded mentation, weakness, and lethargy. Two of the lorikeets had hepatomegaly, and one had splenomegaly on gross examination. Histopathology revealed disseminated microgranulomas in the liver, spleen, and brain, and lymphohistocytic perivascular encephalitis and cephalic vasculitis. Electron microscopic examination of macrophages in brain lesions revealed spherical to rod-shaped prokaryotic organisms with a trilaminar cell wall. Molecular analysis revealed a novel species of Coxiella. This is believed to be the first report of a Coxiella sp. causing disease in a lorikeet.