Detection of the pufferfish toxin tetrodotoxin in European bivalves, England, 2013 to 2014.

We report the first detection of tetrodotoxins (TTX) in European bivalve shellfish. We demonstrate that TTX is present within the temperate waters of the United Kingdom, along the English Channel, and can accumulate in filter-feeding molluscs. The toxin is heat-stable and thus it cannot be eliminated during cooking. While quantified concentrations were low in comparison to published minimum lethal doses for humans, the results demonstrate that the risk to shellfish consumers should not be discarded.

Detection of B-mode polarization at degree angular scales by BICEP2.

We report results from the BICEP2 experiment, a cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarimeter specifically designed to search for the signal of inflationary gravitational waves in the B-mode power spectrum around ℓ∼80. The telescope comprised a 26 cm aperture all-cold refracting optical system equipped with a focal plane of 512 antenna coupled transition edge sensor 150 GHz bolometers each with temperature sensitivity of ≈300 µK(CMB)√s. BICEP2 observed from the South Pole for three seasons from 2010 to 2012. A low-foreground region of sky with an effective area of 380 square deg was observed to a depth of 87 nK deg in Stokes Q and U. In this paper we describe the observations, data reduction, maps, simulations, and results. We find an excess of B-mode power over the base lensed-ΛCDM expectation in the range 30 < ℓ < 150, inconsistent with the null hypothesis at a significance of >5σ. Through jackknife tests and simulations based on detailed calibration measurements we show that systematic contamination is much smaller than the observed excess. Cross correlating against WMAP 23 GHz maps we find that Galactic synchrotron makes a negligible contribution to the observed signal. We also examine a number of available models of polarized dust emission and find that at their default parameter values they predict power ∼(5-10)× smaller than the observed excess signal (with no significant cross-correlation with our maps). However, these models are not sufficiently constrained by external public data to exclude the possibility of dust emission bright enough to explain the entire excess signal. Cross correlating BICEP2 against 100 GHz maps from the BICEP1 experiment, the excess signal is confirmed with 3σ significance and its spectral index is found to be consistent with that of the CMB, disfavoring dust at 1.7σ. The observed B-mode power spectrum is well fit by a lensed-ΛCDM+tensor theoretical model with tensor-to-scalar ratio r = 0.20_(-0.05)(+0.07), with r = 0 disfavored at 7.0σ. Accounting for the contribution of foreground, dust will shift this value downward by an amount which will be better constrained with upcoming data sets.

A seafood risk tool for assessing and mitigating chemical and pathogen hazards in the aquaculture supply chain.

Intricate links between aquatic animals and their environment expose them to chemical and pathogenic hazards, which can disrupt seafood supply. Here we outline a risk schema for assessing potential impacts of chemical and microbial hazards on discrete subsectors of aquaculture-and control measures that may protect supply. As national governments develop strategies to achieve volumetric expansion in seafood production from aquaculture to meet increasing demand, we propose an urgent need for simultaneous focus on controlling those hazards that limit its production, harvesting, processing, trade and safe consumption. Policies aligning national and international water quality control measures for minimizing interaction with, and impact of, hazards on seafood supply will be critical as consumers increasingly rely on the aquaculture sector to supply safe, nutritious and healthy diets.

Evaluation of p-amidinophenyl esters as potential antithrombotic agents.

Three p-amidinophenyl esters have been synthesized and characterized as irreversible inhibitors of the vitamin-K dependent proteinases; factors IXa, Xa and thrombin (Turner et al. [4]).+ In the present report we describe the in vitro and in vivo effects of these agents on standard coagulation tests in vitro and in blood from animals treated with the compounds. At a concentration of 500 microM, the three esters increased the activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of pooled human plasma 3 to 5-fold. The prothrombin time increased 1.4 to 3.7-fold under similar conditions. The p-amidinophenyl ester of cinnamic acid (CINN) showed the most pronounced effect on both assays. This ester also is the best inhibitor of human factors IXa and Xa, while the p-amidinophenyl ester of benzoic acid (BENZ) is a slightly better alpha-thrombin inhibitor (4). The effect of these esters on the thrombin clotting time correlated with in vitro kinetic measurements of alpha-thrombin inhibition rates. Both BENZ and CINN increased the assay endpoint more than 6-fold. The three esters also were studied using mouse plasma. A comparable effect on the PTT was noted. Intravenous administration of 300 microliter of 1 mM CINN as a single bolus in mice caused a 2.3-fold increase in the PTT which remained 1.2-fold normal 2 h later. The BENZ and alpha-methyl-cinnamic acid (MECINN) esters were somewhat less effective as predicted from their in vitro effect on the PTT. This investigation and previous studies indicate that these compounds demonstrate low toxicity at therapeutic levels. It is concluded that the p-amidinophenyl esters may be useful in antithrombotic therapy.

Doppler velocimetry in the fetus with a single umbilical artery.

OBJECTIVE: To study Doppler velocimetry in fetuses with a single umbilical artery (SUA) as compared to normal. STUDY DESIGN: Private and clinic patients were referred to a perinatal center: 45 with SUA and 124 randomly selected fetuses with a three-vessel cord were studied from 18 to 41 weeks' gestation. Color Doppler flow and energy were utilized to evaluate the umbilical arteries at the fetal abdominal wall as well as the course around the bladder. In addition to Doppler velocimetry, an anatomic survey, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were assessed at each examination. RESULTS: Doppler velocimetry in SUA demonstrated indices in the normal range but lower than in normal cords from 26 weeks until near term. Anatomic anomalies were found in 8.9% of SUA as compared to 4.8% for three-vessel cords. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was seen in four cases of SUA and none in the control group. EFW and AFI for both groups were virtually identical. CONCLUSION: SUA cords theoretically carry a normal blood volume, and the decreased resistance to flow and larger arterial diameter allow this to occur. Anomalies and IUGR are elevated in infants with SUA. Overall, EFW and AFI were the same in both groups of patients.

Clinical decision-making among professionals and paraprofessionals.

Investigated the clinical decision-making process among three groups of mental health workers. Ss were 32 paraprofessionals, 11 social workers, and 13 clinical psychologists. Each S conducted two stimulated intake interviews and decided at certain times during the procedure whether the client was (a) in need of medication; (b) suicidal; and (c) in need of hospitalization. Results revealed that the professionals displayed no greater consensus in their decisions than did the paraprofessionals. The professionals, especially the psychologists, were more confident of their decisions, but only when it was appropriate (i.e., on questions on which they had reached some consensus). The psychologists were most consistent and focused in their manner of gathering information. The majority of Ss reached their decisions early in the interviews.

The effects of sodium borate and sodium bicarbonate upon fluoride retention and serum calcium and phosphate in sheep.

Six sheep were each given a fluoride slow-release intra-ruminal capsule which delivered 30 +/- 1.02 mg F/d. After 20 days, fluoride balance studies were carried out for four days and serum fluoride measured daily. Each sheep was then given 23.1 mg sodium borate daily via drench gun for six days, and the balance studies continued. In a separate similar experiment, six sheep were given capsules which released 66.4 +/- 4.2 mg F/d, and 25 ml of 25 g/L sodium bicarbonate was administered half-hourly over four hours, 14 days after capsule administration. Urinary pH was also measured. Sodium borate treatment increased fluoride output, mainly in the faeces, and temporarily reduced serum fluoride concentration. Serum phosphate fell during sodium borate administration, while serum calcium was unaffected. Sodium bicarbonate reduced serum fluoride concentration over the three days, and fluoride output was increased, mainly via the urine, while urinary pH was largely unaffected. Serum calcium and phosphate were temporarily affected to a small extent.

Volumetric flow in the umbilical artery: normative data.

OBJECTIVE: Provide normative data for the volumetric blood flow (cc/min and cc/min/kg) in the umbilical artery. METHODS: Flow was determined from an umbilical artery in 252 normal obstetrical patients from 18-40 weeks' gestation utilizing pulsed Doppler and color flow Doppler with an angle of insonation of 30-60 degrees. Simultaneous velocimetry studies (S/D ratio, resistance and pulsatility indices), fetal biometry, and an anatomic survey were obtained to further define the normal population. RESULTS: There was a steady increase in the flow (cc/min) in the umbilical artery as pregnancy progressed. Flow/kg showed a steady decline as fetal weight increased. Umbilical artery diameter increased until reaching a plateau at 32-34 weeks. Velocimetric results were consistent with known data. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric blood flow in the umbilical artery can be determined with relative ease and normative data from 18-40 weeks is presented for the first time.

p-Amidino esters as irreversible inhibitors of factors IXa and Xa and thrombin.

A number of inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa have been described; however, only one inhibitor of factor IXa has been reported. This compound, dansyl-Glu-Gly-Arg chloromethyl ketone (DEGER), inhibits porcine factor IXa with a second-order rate constant of 2.2 X 10(4) M-1 min-1. We now describe the synthesis and characterization of three p-amidinophenyl esters that inhibit human factor IXa with second-order rate constants comparable to those observed with human and bovine factor Xa and alpha-thrombin. These rate constants of inhibition, moreover, are 2-30-fold greater than observed when DEGER is employed to inhibit porcine factor IXa. Additional advantages of these derivatives include their ease of synthesis and low degree of toxicity. The p-amidinophenyl ester of benzoic acid was employed to inhibit human factor IXa, and the plasma clearance of the protein was studied in mice. These experiments demonstrate for the first time that the endothelial binding previously reported with factor IXa is independent of the active site, a finding similar to the behavior observed with factor Xa and alpha-thrombin in this and previous reports.

Silicon nitride Micromesh Bolometer Array for Submillimeter Astrophysics.

We present the design and performance of a feedhorn-coupled bolometer array intended for a sensitive 350-mum photometer camera. Silicon nitride micromesh absorbers minimize the suspended mass and heat capacity of the bolometers. The temperature transducers, neutron-transmutation-doped Ge thermistors, are attached to the absorber with In bump bonds. Vapor-deposited electrical leads address the thermistors and determine the thermal conductance of the bolometers. The bolometer array demonstrates a dark noise-equivalent power of 2.9 x 10(-17) W/ radicalHz and a mean heat capacity of 1.3 pJ/K at 390 mK. We measure the optical efficiency of the bolometer and feedhorn to be 0.45-0.65 by comparing the response to blackbody calibration sources. The bolometer array demonstrates theoretical noise performance arising from the photon and the phonon and Johnson noise, with photon noise dominant under the design background conditions. We measure the ratio of total noise to photon noise to be 1.21 under an absorbed optical power of 2.4 pW. Excess noise is negligible for audio frequencies as low as 30 mHz. We summarize the trade-offs between bare and feedhorn-coupled detectors and discuss the estimated performance limits of micromesh bolometers. The bolometer array demonstrates the sensitivity required for photon noise-limited performance from a spaceborne, passively cooled telescope.