Multiwavelength observations of the Be/X-ray binary 4U1145-619

We report optical and infrared observations of the massive X-ray binary system 4U1145-619 (V801 Cen) which show that the circumstellar disc of the Be star component is in decline. Infrared J,H,K,L magnitudes of V801Cen have been monitored from 1993 March to 1996 April. H alpha spectra have been obtained throughout the same period. We find that both the infrared excess and the Balmer emission have been in decline throughout the period of observations. A 13 year optical and X-ray history of the source has been collated, revealing a possible correlation between the optical and X-ray activity. In addition, we have used u,v,b,y,beta indices, corrected for both circumstellar and interstellar effects, to calculate the physical parameters of the underlying B star.Comment: 8 pages postscript. Accepted by MNRA

Population dynamics and identification of efficient strains of Azospirillum in maize ecosystems of Bihar (India)

Information on inoculum load and diversity of native microbial community is an important prerequisite for crop management of microbial origin. Azospirillum has a proven role in benefiting the maize (Zea mays) crop in terms of nutrient (nitrogen) supply as well as plant growth enhancement. Bihar state has highest average national maize productivity although fertilizer consumption is minimum, indicating richness of Azospirillum both in terms of population and diversity in soils. An experiment was planned to generate basic information on Azospirillum population variation in maize soils under different agricultural practices and soil types of Bihar, to identify suitable agricultural practices supporting the target microorganism and efficient Azospirillum strain(s). No tillage, growing traditional maize cultivar, land use history (diara soil having history of maize cultivation), soil organic carbon (>1%) and intercrop with oat supported prevalence of Azospirillum in maize rhizosphere. Native Azospirillum population varied from 1 million to 1 billion/g soil under diverse agricultural practices and soil types. Such richness, however, does not necessarily mean that artificial inoculation of Azospirillum is not required in Bihar soils as 92% of Azospirillum isolates (50 isolates) were poor in nitrogen-fixing ability and 88% were poor on IAA production. Efficient strains of Azospirillum based on growth (three), acetylene reduction assay (three), IAA production (three), broad range of pH (two) and temperature tolerance were identified. The findings suggested that maize crop in Bihar should be inoculated in universal mode rather than site-specific mode

Foreign Direct Investment, Technology Diffusion, and Host Country Productivity Growth

The principal objective of this paper is to ascertain whether foreign direct investment (FDI) has statistically significant effects on host countries\u27 economic performance, such as total factor productivity. Such effects are often referred to as FDI externalities or spillover effects. This paper attempts to evaluate whether these spillover effects depend on the sending countries\u27 income levels. Our empirical analysis shows that FDI exerts positive impacts on less developed countries. Further, we determine that the impacts of FDI from developed countries are more prevalent. So-called North-South effects were confirmed; however, we do not detect South-South effects. We also investigated the other channel, imports, and demonstrate its significant impacts on total factor productivity. © 2011 by Asian Development Bank

HLA heterozygosity contributes to susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.

We have investigated the role of HLA-DR genotypes in 184 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in 46 patients with Felty syndrome, to establish the relative contribution of the RA-associated subtypes of DR4 (Dw4, Dw14, and Dw15). There was an excess of DR4 homozygotes, particularly Dw4/Dw14 compound heterozygotes (relative risk [RR] 49). The risk associated with Dw4 depended on the other allele present--Dw4/DR1 (RR 21), Dw4/Dw4 (RR 15), and Dw4/DRX (RR 6). There was a significant risk from Dw4/Dw14 compared with Dw4/Dw4, both in those with severe RA (RR 2.9; P less than .02) and in those with Felty syndrome (RR 4.2; P less than .02). In contrast, in a further 63 known DR4 homozygotes with RA, not selected for severe disease, the excess of Dw4/Dw14 was much less striking (RR 1.4; not significant), suggesting that this genotype may be particularly associated with more severe disease. We also found four cases with the rare Dw4/Dw15 genotype (expected less than or equal to 0.5; P less than or equal to .02). Since the Dw4, Dw14, Dw15, and DR1 molecules have similar antigen-binding sites and since combinations of these alleles particularly predispose to severe RA, we suggest that synergistic mechanisms are involved. These could include an effect on T-cell repertoire selection

Quantitative amyloid PET in Alzheimer's disease: the AMYPAD prognostic and natural history study

Introduction: The Amyloid Imaging to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease (AMYPAD) Prognostic and Natural History Study (PNHS) aims at understanding the role of amyloid imaging in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AMYPAD PNHS adds (semi-)quantitative amyloid PET imaging to several European parent cohorts (PCs) to predict AD-related progression as well as address methodological challenges in amyloid PET. Methods: AMYPAD PNHS is an open-label, prospective, multi-center, cohort study recruiting from multiple PCs. Around 2000 participants will undergo baseline amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), half of whom will be invited for a follow-up PET 12 at least 12 months later. Results: Primary include several amyloid PET measurements (Centiloid, SUVr, BPND, R1), and secondary are their changes from baseline, relationship to other amyloid markers (cerebrospinal fluid and visual assessment), and predictive value of AD-related decline. Expected Impact: Determining the role of amyloid PET for the understanding of this complex disease and potentially improving secondary prevention trials

Quantitative amyloid PET in Alzheimer's disease: the AMYPAD prognostic and natural history study

International audienceIntroduction: The Amyloid Imaging to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease (AMYPAD) Prognostic and Natural History Study (PNHS) aims at understanding the role of amyloid imaging in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AMYPAD PNHS adds (semi-)quantitative amyloid PET imaging to several European parent cohorts (PCs) to predict AD-related progression as well as address methodological challenges in amyloid PET.Methods: AMYPAD PNHS is an open-label, prospective, multi-center, cohort study recruiting from multiple PCs. Around 2000 participants will undergo baseline amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), half of whom will be invited for a follow-up PET 12 at least 12 months later.Results: Primary include several amyloid PET measurements (Centiloid, SUVr, BPND , R1 ), and secondary are their changes from baseline, relationship to other amyloid markers (cerebrospinal fluid and visual assessment), and predictive value of AD-related decline.Expected impact: Determining the role of amyloid PET for the understanding of this complex disease and potentially improving secondary prevention trials