Fragmentation of Single-Particle Strength around the Doubly Magic Nucleus

Spectroscopic factors of neutron-hole and proton-hole states in ^{131}Sn and ^{131}In, respectively, were measured using one-nucleon removal reactions from doubly magic ^{132}Sn at relativistic energies. For ^{131}In, a 2910(50)-keV γ ray was observed for the first time and tentatively assigned to a decay from a 5/2^{-} state at 3275(50) keV to the known 1/2^{-} level at 365 keV. The spectroscopic factors determined for this new excited state and three other single-hole states provide first evidence for a strong fragmentation of single-hole strength in ^{131}Sn and ^{131}In. The experimental results are compared to theoretical calculations based on the relativistic particle-vibration coupling model and to experimental information for single-hole states in the stable doubly magic nucleus ^{208}Pb.

Transcriptional Regulation of icaADBC by both IcaR and TcaR in Staphylococcus epidermidis.

S. epidermidis is a primary cause of biofilm-mediated infections in humans due to adherence to foreign bodies. A major staphylococcal biofilm accumulation molecule is polysaccharide intracellular adhesin (PIA), which is synthesized by enzymes encoded by the icaADBC operon. Expression of PIA is highly variable among clinical isolates, suggesting that PIA expression levels are selected in certain niches of the host. However, the mechanisms that govern enhanced icaADBC transcription and PIA synthesis in these isolates are not known. We hypothesized that enhanced PIA synthesis in these isolates was due to function of IcaR and/or TcaR. Thus, two S. epidermidis isolates (1457 and CSF41498) with different icaADBC transcription and PIA expression levels were studied. Constitutive expression of both icaR and tcaR demonstrated that both repressors are functional and can completely repress icaADBC transcription in both 1457 and CSF41498. However, it was found that IcaR was the primary repressor for CSF41498 and TcaR was the primary repressor for 1457. Further analysis demonstrated that icaR transcription was repressed in 1457 in comparison to CSF41498, suggesting that TcaR functions as a repressor only in the absence of IcaR. Indeed, DNase I footprinting suggests IcaR and TcaR may bind to the same site within the icaR-icaA intergenic region. Lastly, we found mutants expressing variable amounts of PIA could rapidly be selected from both 1457 and CSF41498. Collectively, we propose that strains producing enhanced PIA synthesis are selected within certain niches of the host through several genetic mechanisms that function to repress icaR transcription, thus increasing PIA synthesis.IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus epidermidis is a commensal bacterium that resides on our skin. As a commensal, it protects humans from bacterial pathogens through a variety of mechanisms. However, it is also a significant cause of biofilm infections due to its ability to bind to plastic. Polysaccharide intercellular adhesin is a significant component of biofilm, and we propose that the expression of this polysaccharide is beneficial in certain host niches, such as providing extra strength when the bacterium is colonizing the lumen of a catheter, and detrimental in others, such as colonization of the skin surface. We show here that fine-tuning of icaADBC transcription, and thus PIA synthesis, is mediated via two transcriptional repressors, IcaR and TcaR.

Examination of the Staphylococcus aureus nitric oxide reductase (saNOR) reveals its contribution to modulating intracellular NO levels and cellular respiration.

Staphylococcus aureus nitrosative stress resistance is due in part to flavohemoprotein (Hmp). Although hmp is present in all sequenced S. aureus genomes, 37% of analyzed strains also contain nor, encoding a predicted quinol-type nitric oxide (NO) reductase (saNOR). DAF-FM staining of NO-challenged wild-type, nor, hmp and nor hmp mutant biofilms suggested that Hmp may have a greater contribution to intracellular NO detoxification relative to saNOR. However, saNOR still had a significant impact on intracellular NO levels and complemented NO detoxification in a nor hmp mutant. When grown as NO-challenged static (low-oxygen) cultures, hmp and nor hmp mutants both experienced a delay in growth initiation, whereas the nor mutant's ability to initiate growth was comparable with the wild-type strain. However, saNOR contributed to cell respiration in this assay once growth had resumed, as determined by membrane potential and respiratory activity assays. Expression of nor was upregulated during low-oxygen growth and dependent on SrrAB, a two-component system that regulates expression of respiration and nitrosative stress resistance genes. High-level nor promoter activity was also detectable in a cell subpopulation near the biofilm substratum. These results suggest that saNOR contributes to NO-dependent respiration during nitrosative stress, possibly conferring an advantage to nor+ strains in vivo.

Production of three-dimensional quantum dot lattice of Ge/Si core-shell quantum dots and Si/Ge layers in an alumina glass matrix.

We report on the formation of Ge/Si quantum dots with core/shell structure that are arranged in a three-dimensional body centered tetragonal quantum dot lattice in an amorphous alumina matrix. The material is prepared by magnetron sputtering deposition of Al2O3/Ge/Si multilayer. The inversion of Ge and Si in the deposition sequence results in the formation of thin Si/Ge layers instead of the dots. Both materials show an atomically sharp interface between the Ge and Si parts of the dots and layers. They have an amorphous internal structure that can be crystallized by an annealing treatment. The light absorption properties of these complex materials are significantly different compared to films that form quantum dot lattices of the pure Ge, Si or a solid solution of GeSi. They show a strong narrow absorption peak that characterizes a type II confinement in accordance with theoretical predictions. The prepared materials are promising for application in quantum dot solar cells.

Interleukin (IL)-17A, F and AF in inflammation: a study in collagen-induced arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Interleukin (IL)-17 plays a critical role in inflammation. Most studies to date have elucidated the inflammatory role of IL-17A, often referred to as IL-17. IL-17F is a member of the IL-17 family bearing 50% homology to IL-17A and can also be present as heterodimer IL-17AF. This study elucidates the distribution and contribution of IL-17A, F and AF in inflammatory arthritis. Neutralizing antibody to IL-17A alone or IL-17F alone or in combination was utilized in the mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model to elucidate the contribution of each subtype in mediating inflammation. IL-17A, F and AF were all increased during inflammatory arthritis. Neutralization of IL-17A reduced the severity of arthritis, neutralization of IL-17A+IL-17F had the same effect as neutralizing IL-17A, while neutralization of IL-17F had no effect. Moreover, significantly higher levels of IL-17A and IL-17F were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in comparison to patients with osteoarthritis (OA). IL-17A and AF were detected in synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMC) in RA and OA, with IL-17A being significantly higher in RA patients. Enriched CD3(+) T cells from RA PBMCs produced singnificantly high levels of IL-17A and IL-17AF in comparison to OA peripheral blood CD3(+) T cells. IL-17A, F and AF were undetectable in T cells from SFMCs from RA and OA. While IL-17A, F, and AF were all induced during CIA, IL-17A played a dominant role. Furthermore, production of IL-17A, and not IL-17F or IL-17AF, was elevated in PBMCs, SFMCs and enriched peripheral blood CD3(+) T in RA.

Constraint on 0νßß matrix elements from a novel decay channel of the scissors mode: the case of 154Gd.

The nucleus (154)Gd is located in a region of the nuclear chart where rapid changes of nuclear deformation occur as a function of particle number. It was investigated using a combination of γ-ray scattering experiments and a γγ-coincidence study following electron capture decay of (154)Tb(m). A novel decay channel from the scissors mode to the first excited 0(+) state was observed. Its transition strength was determined to B(M1;1(sc)(+)→0(2)(+))=0.031(4)µ(N)(2). The properties of the scissors mode of (154)Gd imply a much larger matrix element than previously thought for the neutrinoless double-ß decay to the 0(2)(+) state in such a shape-transitional region. Theory indicates an even larger effect for (150)Nd.

Isospin character of the pygmy dipole resonance in 124Sn.

The pygmy dipole resonance has been studied in the proton-magic nucleus 124Sn with the (α, α'γ) coincidence method at Eα=136 MeV. The comparison with results of photon-scattering experiments reveals a splitting into two components with different structure: one group of states which is excited in (α, α'γ) as well as in (γ, γ') reactions and a group of states at higher energies which is only excited in (γ, γ') reactions. Calculations with the self-consistent relativistic quasiparticle time-blocking approximation and the quasiparticle phonon model are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results and predict a low-lying isoscalar component dominated by neutron-skin oscillations and a higher-lying more isovector component on the tail of the giant dipole resonance.

Toxicological evaluation of a dietary supplement formulated for male sexual health prior to market release.

The dietary supplement, 112 Degrees, was formulated with the goal of supporting sexual functioning in men. Due to rampant problems with drug adulteration for this category of products, a comprehensive screening for active pharmaceutical agents, with an emphasis on drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction such as type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors, and known unapproved PDE-5 drug analogues, was performed along with preclinical toxicology studies prior to the introduction of this product into the marketplace. 112 Degrees was found to be free of all pharmaceutical adulterants tested, and was not mutagenic, clastogenic, or genotoxic as demonstrated by the Ames test, chromosomal aberration assay, and mouse micronucleus assay, respectively. The LD(50) in the 14-day acute oral toxicity study was greater than 5000 mg/kg, the highest dose tested.

Single- and repeated-dose oral toxicity studies of citicoline free-base (choline cytidine 5'-pyrophosphate) in Sprague-Dawley rats.

The dietary supplement Citicoline free-base (choline cytidine 5'-pyrophosphate) was toxicologically evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats using oral gavage. In an acute 14-day study, 2000 mg/kg was well tolerated. In a 90-day study, 100, 350, and 1000 mg/kg/day doses resulted in no mortality. In males, slight significant increases in serum creatinine (350 and 1000 mg/kg/day), and decreases in urine volume (all treated groups) were observed. In females, slight significant increases in total white blood cell and absolute lymphocyte counts (1000 mg/kg/day), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (100 and 350, but not 1000 mg/kg/day) were noted. A dose-related increase in renal tubular mineralization, without degenerative or inflammatory reaction, was found in females (all treated groups) and two males (1000 mg/kg/day). Renal mineralization in rats (especially females) is influenced by calcium:phosphorus ratios in the diet. A high level of citicoline consumption resulted in increased phosphorus intake in the rats, and likely explains this result.

Quantitative and Qualitative Comparison of 4D-DSA with 3D-DSA Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations in Cerebral Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 4D-DSA allows time-resolved 3D imaging of the cerebral vasculature. The aim of our study was to evaluate this method in comparison with the current criterion standard 3D-DSA by qualitative and quantitative means using computational fluid dynamics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D- and 4D-DSA datasets were acquired in patients with cerebral aneurysms. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed for all datasets. Using computational fluid dynamics, we compared 4D-DSA with 3D-DSA in terms of both aneurysmal geometry (quantitative: maximum diameter, ostium size [OZ1/2], volume) and hemodynamic parameters (qualitative: flow stability, flow complexity, inflow concentration; quantitative: average/maximum wall shear stress, impingement zone, low-stress zone, intra-aneurysmal pressure, and flow velocity). Qualitative parameters were descriptively analyzed. Correlation coefficients (r, P value) were calculated for quantitative parameters. RESULTS: 3D- and 4D-DSA datasets of 10 cerebral aneurysms in 10 patients were postprocessed. Evaluation of aneurysmal geometry with 4D-DSA (r maximum diameter = 0.98, P maximum diameter <.001; r OZ1/OZ2 = 0.98/0.86, P OZ1/OZ2 < .001/.002; r volume = 0.98, P volume <.001) correlated highly with 3D-DSA. Evaluation of qualitative hemodynamic parameters (flow stability, flow complexity, inflow concentration) did show complete accordance, and evaluation of quantitative hemodynamic parameters (r average/maximum wall shear stress diastole = 0.92/0.88, P average/maximum wall shear stress diastole < .001/.001; r average/maximum wall shear stress systole = 0.94/0.93, P average/maximum wall shear stress systole < .001/.001; r impingement zone = 0.96, P impingement zone < .001; r low-stress zone = 1.00, P low-stress zone = .01; r pressure diastole = 0.84, P pressure diastole = .002; r pressure systole = 0.9, P pressure systole < .001; r flow velocity diastole = 0.95, P flow velocity diastole < .001; r flow velocity systole = 0.93, P flow velocity systole < .001) did show nearly complete accordance between 4D- and 3D-DSA. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a different injection protocol, 4D-DSA is a reliable basis for computational fluid dynamics analysis of the intracranial vasculature and provides equivalent visualization of aneurysm geometry compared with 3D-DSA.

Dendritic cells genetically engineered to express IL-4 inhibit murine collagen-induced arthritis.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that migrate from the periphery to lymphoid tissues, where they activate and regulate T cells. Genetic modification of DCs to express immunoregulatory molecules would provide a new immunotherapeutic strategy for autoimmune and other diseases. We have engineered bone marrow-derived DCs that express IL-4 and tested the ability of these cells to control murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a model for rheumatoid arthritis in which Th1 cells play a critical role. IL-4-transduced DCs inhibited Th1 responses to collagen type II in vitro. A single injection of IL-4-transduced DCs reduced the incidence and severity of CIA and suppressed established Th1 responses and associated humoral responses, despite only transient persistence of injected DCs in the spleen. In contrast, control DCs and IL-4-transduced T cells or fibroblastic cells failed to alter the course of the disease. The functional effects correlated well with the differential efficiency of DC migration from various sites of injection to lymphoid organs, especially the spleen. The ability of splenic T cells to produce IL-4 in response to anti-CD3 was enhanced after the administration of IL-4-transduced DCS: These results support the feasibility of using genetically modified DCs for the treatment of autoimmune disease.

Specific molecular chaperone interactions and an ATP-dependent conformational change are required during posttranslational protein translocation into the yeast ER.

The posttranslational translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane in yeast requires ATP hydrolysis and the action of hsc70s (DnaK homologues) and DnaJ homologues in both the cytosol and ER lumen. Although the cytosolic hsc70 (Ssa1p) and the ER lumenal hsc70 (BiP) are homologous, they cannot substitute for one another, possibly because they interact with specific DnaJ homologues on each side of the ER membrane. To investigate this possibility, we purified Ssa1p, BiP, Ydj1p (a cytosolic DnaJ homologue), and a GST-63Jp fusion protein containing the lumenal DnaJ region of Sec63p. We observed that BiP, but not Ssa1p, is able to associate with GST-63Jp and that Ydj1p stimulates the ATPase activity of Ssa1p up to 10-fold but increases the ATPase activity of BiP by <2-fold. In addition, Ydj1p and ATP trigger the release of an unfolded polypeptide from Ssa1p but not from BiP. To understand further how BiP drives protein translocation, we purified four dominant lethal mutants of BiP. We discovered that each mutant is defective for ATP hydrolysis, fails to undergo an ATP-dependent conformational change, and cannot interact with GST-63Jp. Measurements of protein translocation into reconstituted proteoliposomes indicate that the mutants inhibit translocation even in the presence of wild-type BiP. We conclude that a conformation- and ATP-dependent interaction of BiP with the J domain of Sec63p is essential for protein translocation and that the specificity of hsc70 action is dictated by their DnaJ partners.

Solution-Processed p-Dopant as Interlayer in Polymer Solar Cells.

We report here an original approach to dope the semiconducting polymer-metal interface in an inverted bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cell. Solution-processed 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ), is deposited on top of a P3HT:PC61BM layer before deposition of the top electrode. Doping of P3HT by F4-TCNQ occurs after thermally induced diffusion at 100 °C of the latter into the BHJ. Diffusion and doping are evidenced by XPS and UV-vis-NIR absorption. XPS highlights the decrease in Fluorine concentration on top of the BHJ after annealing. In the same time, a charge transfer band attributed to doping is observed in the UV-vis-NIR absorption spectrum. Inverted polymer solar cells using solution-processed F4-TCNQ exhibit power conversion efficiency of nearly 3.5% after annealing. This simple and efficient approach, together with the low annealing temperature required to allow diffusion and doping, leads to standard efficiency P3HT:PC61BM polymer solar cells, which are suitable for printing on plastic flexible substrate.

EM changes and other toxic effects of firemaster BP-6 (polybrominated biphenyls) in the mouse.

Groups of Swiss ICR mice were fed 1000 ppm polybrominated biphenyls (FireMaster BP-6) in rodent chow for 4, 8, 11, and 14 days. Control groups were fed standard rodent chow without FireMaster BP-6. Animals were killed at the end of each feeding period and the livers examined by electron microscopy. EM changes noted were progressive increase in size of hepatocytes, a decrease in rough endoplasmic reticulum, a marked increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial degeneration, increased lysosomes, and a decrease in glycogen. In addition, there was increasing proliferation of microvilli in bile canaliculi with increasing feeding times. A group of mice fed 1000 ppm FireMaster BP-6 in rodent chow for 11 days had livers with a mean of 13.93% of total body weight as compared with 6.49% for the control group (P=0.02). Tissue distribution following ingestion of 100 ppm FireMaster BP-6 for 14 days was studied. Twelve weeks post-feeding, the tissue concentrations of hexabromobiphenyl in order of highest concentration to lowest were as follows: perithymic fat, perirenal fat, adrenal glands, thymus gland, liver and stomach.

Diabetics in long-term care. Effect of sweetness on dietary intake.

This study reported on the dietary intake of the institutionalized diabetics consuming low-kilocalorie sweeteners or fructose. The dietary intake was comparable to that for nondiabetics and consistent with the data from NHANES II. Nutrient intakes for diabetics met 100% of the RDA when either sweetener was used. Because of the increase in carbohydrates from fructose, the percentage of calories from fat approximated more closely the 30% recommended for diabetic adults. When fructose diets were used, there was a decrease in sucrose intake, which may help keep serum glucose and insulin responses within a normal range. The additional energy from fructose probably had little negative effect on the institutionalized diabetic population (which was not obese) and may have provided energy for weight maintenance. The use of calorie-dense sweeteners with the general population of diabetics who tend to be overweight requires further study.

Systemic toxicity following administration of sirolimus (formerly rapamycin) for psoriasis: association of capillary leak syndrome with apoptosis of lesional lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Sirolimus (formerly rapamycin) is an immunosuppressive agent that interferes with T-cell activation. After 2 individuals with psoriasis developed a capillary leak syndrome following treatment with oral sirolimus lesional skin cells and activated peripheral blood cells were analyzed for induction of apoptosis. OBSERVATIONS: A keratome skin specimen from 1 patient with sirolimus-induced capillary leak syndrome had a 2.3-fold increase in percentage of apoptotic cells (to 48%) compared with an unaffected sirolimus-treated patient with psoriasis (21%). Activated peripheral blood T cells from patients with psoriasis tended to exhibit greater spontaneous or dexamethasone-induced apoptosis than did normal T cells, particularly in the presence of sirolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Severe adverse effects of sirolimus include fever, anemia, and capillary leak syndrome. These symptoms may be the result of drug-induced apoptosis of lesional leukocytes, especially activated T lymphocytes, and possibly release of inflammatory mediators. Because patients with severe psoriasis may develop capillary leak from various systemic therapies, clinical monitoring is advisable for patients with inflammatory diseases who are treated with immune modulators.

Randomized trial comparing packed red cell blood transfusion with and without leukocyte depletion for gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic transfusion is associated with postoperative infections that significantly prolong hospital stays and increase costs. Recent studies suggest that filtering leukocytes from blood prior to transfusion reduces the risk of postoperative infection associated with blood transfusion. We compared the incidence of postoperative infections, hospital stays, and hospital charges of gastrointestinal surgery patients transfused with packed red cells or leukocyte-depleted cells. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted for elective gastrointestinal surgery without previous blood transfusion were randomized to receive routine packed red cells or packed red cells filtered to remove leukocytes if transfusion was required. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the significance of the relationship between leukocyte-depleted blood and postoperative infectious complications, postoperative stay, and hospital charges. RESULTS: Fifty-nine (27%) of the 221 patients were transfused. The most significant variable related to transfusion was intraoperative blood loss (P <0.0001), followed by admission hematocrit (P <0.0001) and age (P = 0.0022). Infections were noted in 16% of the patients: 11% of untransfused patients, 16% of leukocyte-depleted blood recipients, and 44% of patients transfused with packed red cells. Both operative site and nosocomial infections were significantly (P <0.001) more frequent in patients transfused with packed red cells compared with patients transfused with leukocyte-depleted red cells. Postoperative stays averaged 9 days for untransfused patients, 12 days for leukocyte-depleted recipients, and 18 days for recipients of packed red cells. Hospital charges were $19,132, $33,954, and $41,002, respectively. Both transfusion and infection were significantly (P <0.001) related to postoperative stay in multivariate analysis. Hospital charges were significantly related to postoperative stay (P <0.001), blood loss (P <0.001), age (P <0.001), infection (P = 0.007), and randomization to packed red cells (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Filtering blood of leukocytes prior to transfusion for elective gastrointestinal surgery is associated with lower risk of postoperative infection, shorter postoperative stays, and lower hospital charges.

Energy and nutrient calculations using an Optical Character Reader system.

A new application of the Optical Character Reader (OCR) system for dietary data tabulation has been presented. Comparison of the reproducibility of energy and nutrient values, when hand calculation, on-line computer, and OCR methods of calculation are used, revealed no significant differences. The OCR system increased turn-around time for obtaining results, but use of a clinician's time was greatly reduced in comparison to either the hand calculation or the on-line computer method. Once the initial investment for an OCR system had been made, a significant reduction was realized in the cost of a clinician's time used for energy and nutrient calculations. When the factors of reproducibility, time, and cost were considered, this study found the OCR method for dietary calculations as acceptable as either hand calculation or on-line computer methods. Clinicans using the OCR or hand calculation method did not need computer facilities, but computer keyboard terminals were required for the on-line method.

Knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices of female athletes.

The relationship between the nutrition knowledge and attitudes and dietary practices of adolescent female athletes was studied, using a 24-hour recall and a 48-hour food record with a modified version of the self-administered knowledge and attitude questionnaire of Werblow et al. Analysis indicated that the diets were similar to those of other teenage girls in the United States. The calculated mean values for vitamins A and C were more than 100% of the RDAs, while those for calcium and iron were less than 67% of the allowances. The mean energy value was less than recommended and may have been inadequate for the active subjects. Food consumption analysis showed that of total servings, the milk and meat groups accounted for only about 10% each and that more than 30% came from the "others" group. Although the subjects had some common misconceptions about nutrition, they were generally knowledgeable as well as positive in their attitudes toward nutrition. Nutrition knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated, indicating that the more nutrition knowledge a subject had, the more positive was the attitude toward nutrition, and vice versa. However, no significant correlation was found between nutrition knowledge or attitudes and dietary intake, suggesting that factors other than nutrition knowledge and attitudes, such as a concern for weight and a dependence on others for food selection, played a role in determining the food practices of the subjects.

Dietary assessment of pregnant women in a supplemental food program.

A sample of the WIC population in Illinois during FY 1978 was surveyed by using a 24-hour dietary recall system developed at a midwestern university. The reported dietary intakes of pregnant women who were visiting a WIC clinic for the first time were compared with those of women who had already been using WIC supplemental foods for at least six months. Reported dietary intakes were analyzed for nutrient consumption in terms of RDA, nutrient density of the diets, and frequency of use of specific WIC-approved foods. This study demonstrated that those pregnant women participating in the WIC supplemental food program had significantly higher intakes of nutrients and energy than those not participating in the WIC program. When kilocalories were controlled for, there was no significant difference in the nutrient composition of the diets reported by the two groups. The reported diets did not become more nutrient dense with receipt of the WIC food package, although the WIC participants did use more of the WIC-approved foods.