Mott insulators with boundary zeros.

The topological classification of electronic band structures is based on symmetry properties of Bloch eigenstates of single-particle Hamiltonians. In parallel, topological field theory has opened the doors to the formulation and characterization of non-trivial phases of matter driven by strong electron-electron interaction. Even though important examples of topological Mott insulators have been constructed, the relevance of the underlying non-interacting band topology to the physics of the Mott phase has remained unexplored. Here, we show that the momentum structure of the Green's function zeros defining the "Luttinger surface" provides a topological characterization of the Mott phase related, in the simplest description, to the one of the single-particle electronic dispersion. Considerations on the zeros lead to the prediction of new phenomena: a topological Mott insulator with an inverted gap for the bulk zeros must possess gapless zeros at the boundary, which behave as a form of "topological antimatter" annihilating conventional edge states. Placing band and Mott topological insulators in contact produces distinctive observable signatures at the interface, revealing the otherwise spectroscopically elusive Green's function zeros.

Quantum Field Theory of Nematic Transitions in Spin-Orbit-Coupled Spin-1 Polar Bosons.

We theoretically study an ultracold gas of spin-1 polar bosons in a one-dimensional continuum, which are subject to linear and quadratic Zeeman fields and a Raman induced spin orbit coupling. Concentrating on the regime in which the background fields can be treated perturbatively, we analytically solve the model in its low-energy sector; i.e., we characterize the relevant phases and the quantum phase transitions between them. Depending on the sign of the effective quadratic Zeeman field ε, two superfluid phases with distinct nematic order appear. In addition, we uncover a spin-disordered superfluid phase at strong coupling. We employ a combination of renormalization group calculations and duality transformations to access the nature of the phase transitions. At ε=0, a line of spin-charge separated pairs of Luttinger liquids divides the two nematic phases, and the transition to the spin-disordered state at strong coupling is of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless type. In contrast, at ε≠0, the quantum critical theory separating nematic and strong coupling spin-disordered phases contains a Luttinger liquid in the charge sector that is coupled to a Majorana fermion in the spin sector (i.e., the critical theory at finite ε maps to a quantum critical Ising model that is coupled to the charge Luttinger liquid). Because of an emergent Lorentz symmetry, both have the same logarithmically diverging velocity. We discuss the experimental signatures of our findings that are relevant to ongoing experiments in ultracold atomic gases of ^{23}Na.

Purebreeding of Red Maasai and crossbreeding with Dorper sheep in different environments in Kenya.

The aim of this article was to study opportunities for improvement of the indigenous and threatened Red Maasai sheep (RM) in Kenya, by comparing purebreeding with crossbreeding with Dorper sheep (D) as a terminal breed, in two different environments (Env. A and a harsher Env. B), assuming different levels of genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E). Breeding goals differed between environments and breeds. Four scenarios of nucleus breeding schemes were stochastically simulated, with the nucleus in Env. A. Overall, results showed an increase in carcass weight produced per ewe by more than 10% over 15 years. Genetic gain in carcass weight was 0.17 genetic SD/year (0.2 kg/year) across scenarios for RM in the less harsh Env. A. For survival and milk yield, the gain was lower (0.04-0.05 genetic SD/year). With stronger G × E, the gain in the commercial tier for RM in the harsher Env. B became increasingly lower. Selection of females also within the commercial tier gave slightly higher genetic gain. The scenario with purebreeding of RM and a subnucleus in Env. B gave the highest total income and quantity of meat. However, quantity of meat in Env. A increased slightly from having crossbreeding with D, whereas that in Env. B decreased. A simple and well-designed nucleus breeding programme would increase the genetic potential of RM. Crossbreeding of RM with D is not recommended for harsh environmental conditions due to the large breed differences expected in that environment.

Live weight, conformation, carcass traits and economic values of ram lambs of Red Maasai and Dorper sheep and their crosses.

Meat production is the most important trait in the breeding objectives of sheep production in East Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate breed differences in live weight, conformation, carcass traits and economic values for meat production among Red Maasai and Dorper sheep and their crosses. In total, 88 ram lambs, which were reared at the ILRI experimental station, Kapiti plains Estate in Central Kenya, were used for the study. The lambs were slaughtered at Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) at about 1 year of age. Prior to slaughter, the lambs were weighed, measured and assessed by experienced evaluators, and at the abattoir carcass traits were recorded. Large breed differences were found for most traits. Dorper lambs were heavier at delivery for slaughter and had better carcass grade but lower dressing percentage and fat levels than Red Maasai. Crossbreds were generally better than the parental breeds. Evaluators were willing to pay more for the Dorper lambs for slaughter although carcass weights later were shown not to be higher than for Red Maasai. Evaluators undervalued Red Maasai lambs by 8-13 % compared to Dorper lambs according to the prices quoted per kilogramme live or carcass weight by KMC. Live weight was better than any other live measure in predicting carcass weight. Due to the overall higher ranking of the crossbred lambs for meat production, Dorper may be useful as a terminal sire breed for crossing with Red Maasai ewes.

Gyration of the feline brain: localization, terminology and variability.

The terminology of feline brain gyration is not consistent and individual variability has not been systematically examined. The aim of the study was to identify the gyri and sulci of cat brains and describe them using the current terminology. The brains of 15 cats including 10 European shorthairs, 2 Siamese, 2 Maine coons and one Norvegian forest cat without clinical evidence of brain disease were examined post-mortem and photographed for documentation. For description, the terms of the most recent Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV, 2012) were used, and comparisons with previous anatomical texts were also performed. In addition to the lack of comparative morphology in the NAV, veterinary and human nomenclature are used interchangeably and inconsistently in the literature. This presents a challenge for neurologists and anatomists in localizing gyri and sulci. A comparative analysis of brain gyration showed only minor individual variability among the cats. High-quality labelled figures are provided to facilitate the identification of cat brain gyration. Our work consolidates the current and more consistent gyration terminology for reporting the localization of a cortical lesion based on magnetic resonance imaging or histopathology. This will facilitate not only morphological but also functional research using accurate anatomical reporting.

Density of states in a two-dimensional chiral metal with vacancies.

We study quantum interference effects in a two-dimensional chiral metal (bipartite lattice) with vacancies. We demonstrate that randomly distributed vacancies constitute a peculiar type of chiral disorder leading to strong modifications of critical properties at zero energy as compared to those of conventional chiral metals. In particular, the average density of states diverges as ρ∝E(-1)|lnE|(-3/2) and the correlation length L(c)∝√[|lnE|] in the limit E→0. When the average density of vacancies is different in the two sublattices, a finite concentration of zero modes emerges and a gap in the quasiclassical density of states opens around zero energy. Interference effects smear this gap, resulting in exponentially small tails at low energies.

[Measuring pressure pain thresholds. Comparison of an electromechanically controlled algometer with established methods]. / Messung der Druckschmerzempfindlichkeit. Vergleich eines elektromechanisch gesteuerten Algometers mit etablierten Methoden.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of the pressure pain threshold and suprathreshold pressure pain sensitivity using a newly developed computer controlled algometer was compared to established methods in this pilot study. METHODS: The pressure pain threshold was measured in 64 chronic pain patients and 37 healthy volunteers with a manual electronic algometer (Somedic) and the computer controlled Algoforce PA3. Stimulus-response curves with painful stimuli were applied using the Algoforce PA3 and a hydraulic algometer. RESULTS: Overall means and variance of the pressure pain thresholds for both methods were similar. For low pain thresholds the Algoforce PA3 generally resulted in lower values and for high pain thresholds in higher values. No differences were seen for suprathreshold pain sensitivity. Gender and the presence of chronic pain had no relevant effect on the different methods in both comparisons. CONCLUSION: For clinical use, the algometers investigated deliver comparable results. For studies requiring high precision with low levels of stimulation the use of the Algoforce PA3 could be considered.

[The role of MRI in suspected inner ear malformations]. / Stellenwert der MRT bei Verdacht auf Innenohrmissbildung.

PURPOSE: This is a prospective analysis of the value of MRI in suspected inner ear malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 50 patients (43 children and young adults, 7 adults) with suspected inner ear malformation MRI (1.5 T) was performed. In addition, 42 of these patients underwent CT. For the analysis of the inner ear structures, the constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequence with 0.7 mm slice thickness was used. Functional tests revealed a sensorineural hearing loss or deafness in 82 temporal bones (TB) and a combined hearing loss in 4 TB. The hearing loss was unilateral in 14 patients. MRI and CT findings were compared. RESULTS: Imaging findings were normal in 58 TB. The pathological findings included inner ear malformations (35 TB), inflammatory changes (4 TB), partial obliteration of labyrinth (2 TB) and congenital aural atresia (1 TB). An isolated absence of the cochlear nerve (1 TB) could only be found by MRI. In the remaining cases, an inner ear malformation was diagnosed by MRI and CT with the same confidence but MRI was superior in displaying the fine details. CONCLUSIONS: MRI will become the method of choice in the diagnosis of inner ear malformations.

Weekly carboplatin and docetaxel for locally advanced primary and recurrent cervical cancer: a phase I study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) of a docetaxel-carboplatin regimen in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) or recurrent cervical cancer. The regimen was administered weekly, with a maximum of 12 courses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with with a total of 145 cycles of weekly carboplatin and docetaxel. The starting dose of docetaxel was 25 mg/m(2) with increments of 5 mg/m(2) until a final dose of 35 mg/m(2) was reached. Dose-escalation of docetaxel was followed by carboplatin at AUC 2, AUC 2.5, and AUC 3, respectively. Defined dose-limiting toxicities were WHO grade (G) 3 hematotoxicity, G4 mucositis, and G2 neurotoxicity. The response status of the patients was assessed using the common ECOG response criteria. RESULTS: Two of four patients developed a DLT at dose level 4. Nonhematological toxicity was generally mild, except for ubiquitous complete alopecia. The MTD was reached at docetaxel 35 mg/m(2) and carboplatin AUC 2 mg/mL.min. The overall response rate was 65% in the entire group of evaluable patients and 77% in patients with primary LACC, with two cases of pathological complete response. CONCLUSION: This dose-dense regimen was well-tolerated and could be administered on an outpatient basis.

Alterations of K-ras and p53 mutations in colorectal cancer patients in Central Europe.

Many molecular investigations of colorectal cancer (CRC) have suggested that the accumulation of specific mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes regulating cell growth via signal transduction trigger the stagewise progression to malignancy. In this study, the frequency, location, and type of mutations of the K-ras proto-oncogene exon I and p53 tumor suppressor gene exons 5-8 were analyzed in colorectal carcinomas of 65 patients from Central Europe, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-cold single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) screening and direct sequencing. The incidence of K-ras activating mutations in these Central European samples was lower (25%) compared to that obtained in American and western European populations (40-50% at least), while the incidence of p53 inactivating mutations was similar (58%). These results suggest that some other genetically linked mechanisms may play a role in CRC development and progression, and hence K-ras and p53 mutations cannot be considered to be universal genetic markers for CRC.

p53 mutations in hairy cell leukemia.

We have studied the frequency of p53 mutations in genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood or the spleen of 61 patients with hairy cell leukemia using PCR-SSCP and automated cycle sequencing. We identified exon 5-8 mutations in 17 cases, corresponding to a frequency of 28%. In four cases, mutations were localized in exon 5; one patient with atypical HCL had a mutation in exon 6 at the 3' boundary; five cases showed mutations in exon 7, while exon 8 was found to be mutated in seven cases. The mutations found could be divided into three major categories: structural (n=9), inactivating (n= 6), and neutral (n= 2) mutations. None of the three transitions found occurred at CpG dinucleotides. The rate of p53 mutations found in this large cohort of HCL patients is unexpectedly high as in other non-Hodgkin lymphomas p53 mutations predict for poor treatment outcome. The character of the mutations we have found is entirely different from that described in other hematologic malignancies.

Prophylactic intravenous hydroxyethyle starch solution prevents moderate-severe ovarian hyperstimulation in in-vitro fertilization patients: a prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of i.v. administration of 6% hydroxyethyle starch solution (HES) in preventing moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients in an in-vitro fertilization programme. A total of 101 women who had serum oestradiol concentrations >1500 pg/ml and/or more than 10 follicles on day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration were recruited into two groups: HES group (n = 51) received 1000 ml 6% HES; and the placebo group (n = 50) received 1000 ml of sodium chloride 0.9% solution at the time shortly after embryo transfer. Follow-up examinations 7 +/- 1 and 14 +/- 1 days after embryo transfer included transvaginal ultrasound (diameters of each ovary and maximum cysts, number of cysts, ascites), blood tests (serum oestradiol, progesterone, beta-HCG, C-reactive protein, blood count, plasma proteins, electrolytes, kidney function tests) and evaluation of abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal swelling and weight gain. Only one moderate OHSS developed in the HES group whereas seven moderate-severe cases were observed in the placebo group (P = 0.031). Furthermore, serum oestradiol concentration, leukocyte count, increase in abdominal circumference and weight gain 14 days after embryo transfer were significantly higher in the placebo group. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, oestradiol concentration and number of follicles at time of HCG injection. Administration of 6% HES prevents the development of moderate-severe OHSS in risk patients.

Gender differences in fat mass of 5-7-year old children.

OBJECTIVE: Studying gender differences in fat mass and distribution in a homogeneous group of children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: 610 children aged 5-7 y in Kiel, Germany. METHODS: Anthropometric measures, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). RESULTS: Although boys had increased body weights (P<0.05), body mass indexes (BMI's) (P<0.001) and waist/hip ratios (WHRs) (P<0.001), the %fat mass as assessed by BIA (P<0.05) was increased in girls. Although the increased BMI in boys was independent of the percentile used, gender differences (that is, lower values for boys than for girls at the same age) in WHR, the sum of four skinfolds and %fat were seen up to the 90th percentile. By contrast, above the 90th percentile there were no differences in skinfold thickness and %fat between boys and girls. Studying 42 BMI-matched pairs (boys and girls) also showed that the %fat estimated by BIA (P<0.001) was increased in girls. Plotting the average of %fat as obtained from skinfold- and BAI-measurements against the difference between data obtained by the use of the two methods shows that BIA %fat overestimates skinfold %fat at low or normal percent fat mass (that is, up to 20%) in both genders. By contrast, at increased fat mass, BIA %fat seems to underestimate skinfold %fat in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Gender differences in fat mass and fat distribution are obvious in children aged 5-7 y. These differences are independent of gender differences in body weight. However, the nutritional state has an influence and gender differences cannot be detected in overweight and obese children. Our data also suggest that a children-specific formula used to calculate %fat from skinfold measurements is inappropriate.

[Acquired toxoplasmosis with cerebral involvement and subsequent hearing loss]. / Erworbene Toxoplasmose mit zerebraler Beteiligung und nachfolgender Hörstörung.

In immunocompetent patients the postnatally acquired toxoplasmosis is usually a mild or asymptomatic disease. CNS manifestations are rare, e.g. in patients with HIV infection or in patients with other types of immunosuppression. We report on a 9-year old healthy boy, who was hospitalized after one week with subfebrile temperatures and headache with clinical signs of encephalitis and unilateral deafness. We diagnosed a toxoplasmosis and treated the patient with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. While most of the signs and symptoms disappeared rapidly the deafness persisted.

Accumulating mutations of p53 in colon tumor and hairy cell leukemia do not arise from methylation/deamination processes, but rather from nucleotide deletions and insertions.

Mutations of the p53 gene may alter the specific regulatory domains of the protein. We examined the conserved domains III, IV and V by SSCP using PCR primers covering exons 5, 6, 7 and 8 from hairy cell leukemia (HCL), polyps, colorectal and gastric carcinomas. A low rate of p53 mutations was detected in HCL and polyps. These mutations may predict the risk of malignant development. However, multiple mutations were a frequent occurrence in tumors. Sequence analysis of our samples did not demonstrate the high frequency of transition mutations (C-->T) that would be predicted if the major course of p53 mutations is deamination of 5-methylcytosine (5mC). Rather, most mutations were found to be single base insertions or deletions.

Duration of action and pharmacokinetics of the oral antidiabetic drug gliquidone in patients with non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus.

The duration of action and the pharmacokinetics of gliquidone (1-cyclohexyl-3-[[4-[2-(3,4-dihydro-7-methoxy-4,4-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxo-2(1H)-isochinolyl)ethyl]phenyl]-sulfonyl]-urea, AR-DF 26 SE, CAS 33342-05-1, Glurenorm, Beglynor) were investigated in 32 patients with non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus over 16 h. In a single-blinded cross-over design vs. placebo, one 30 mg tablet gliquidone was administered 15 min before breakfast. Concomitant to the measurement of glucose and insulin, the gliquidone plasma levels of 20 subjects were determined by a new specific liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay method with fluorescence detection, and the pharmacokinetic parameters calculated. Following the gliquidone administration, the mean plasma glucose profiles of the responders were up to 15% lower than with placebo (p < 0.005) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., representing a duration of the blood sugar-lowering effect of 8 to 10 h. Insulin values were raised, with peaks over 40% higher, during or shortly after meals. Subsequently, the insulin levels returned to approximately the same levels obtained with placebo during the postprandial phase. Plasma concentrations of gliquidone showed pronounced interindividual variability. The mean maximum concentration in plasma Cmax was 0.65 microgram/ml, (range: 0.12-2.14 micrograms/ml, coefficient of variation (CV): 82%). The median time to reach maximum plasma concentrations tmax was 2.25 h (range: 1.25-4.75 h). The areas under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero time to infinity (AUC0-infinity) and the mean terminal elimination half-lives (t1/2 beta) were computed from those patients (N = 8) who exhibited at least five plasma levels above the limit of quantitation in the terminal log-linear phase using a two-compartment model: the mean AUC0-infinity was 5.1 micrograms.h/ml (range: 1.5-10.1 micrograms.h/ml, CV 56%). The dominant half-life t1/2 alpha derived from therapeutically relevant plasma levels of gliquidone (> 80 ng/ml) was approximately 1.2 h (range: 0.4-3.0 h. CV: 71%) and the mean terminal half-life t1/2 beta was approximately 8 h (range: 5.7-9.4 h, CV: 17%). From the pharmacodynamic behavior as well as from the pharmacokinetic parameters it can be deduced that gliquidone belongs to the class of short-acting sulfonylureas used in antidiabetic therapy.

[Computerized tomography in children and adolescents with suspected petrous bone abnormality]. / Computertomographie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Verdacht auf eine Felsenbeinmissbildung.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate HRCT findings and their therapeutic relevance in suspected congenital hearing disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was checked in 96 young patients if HRCT findings of the temporal bone could explain functional findings. Furthermore, the therapeutic consequences were noted. RESULTS: Normal CT and normal functional findings were obtained in 49 temporal bones (TB). In conductive hearing loss (41 TB), dysplasias of the conducting apparatus (37 TB) and inflammatory changes (3 TB) were found. Combined hearing loss (18 TB) was clarified completely or partially in half the cases. There were 22 dysplasias of the inner ear, 3 dysplasias of the middle ear, 1 abandoned examination (2 TB), and 55 normal CT findings in senorineural hearing disorders (82 TB). 1 retardate had a malformation of the inner ear and, contralaterally, inflammatory middle ear. In cases of vestibular disorders (24 TB), 14 malformations of the inner ear were detected. An indication for an operation was given in 23 TB. In 22 TB, it was contraindicated. The CT was one preliminary examination to a cochlea implant in 19 patients. The therapy was carried on with hearing devices in the other patients. CONCLUSION: HRCT is an important method in diagnosis and therapeutic planning of suspected malformations of the temporal bone.