Positronium scattering by atoms and molecules at low energies

The recent theoretical and experimental activities in positronium (Ps) scattering by atoms and molecules are reviewed with special emphasis at low energies. We critically compare the results of different groups $-$ theoretical and experimental. The theoretical approaches considered include the $R$-matrix and close-coupling methods applied to Ps-H, Ps-He, and Ps-Li scattering, and a coupled-channel approach with a nonlocal model-potential for Ps scattering by H, He, H$_2$, Ne, Ar, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Ps and for pickoff quenching in Ps-He scattering. Results for scattering lengths, partial, total and differential cross sections as well as resonance and binding energies in different systems are discussed.Comment: 6 revtex pages, 3 postscript figure

The prophylactic use of recombinant factor VIIa in a patient with DeBakey type III aortic dissection -A case report-

Little is known about the prophylactic use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in patients undergoing surgery for a bleeding aorta employing cardiopulmonary bypass. We report the successful use of rFVIIa in a patient undergoing hypothermic circulatory arrest and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass for repair of a DeBakey type III aortic dissection

Dental restorations for oral rehabilitation – testing of laboratory properties versus clinical performance for clinical decision making *

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73116/1/j.1365-2842.2007.01812.x.pd

Influences on gum feeding in primates

This chapter reviews the factors that may affect patterns of gum feeding by primates. These are then examined for mixed-species troops of saddleback (S. fuscicollis) and mustached (S. mystax) tamarins. An important distinction is made between gums produced by tree trunks and branches as a result of damage and those produced by seed pods as part of a dispersal strategy as these may be expected to differ in their biochemistry. Feeding on fruit and Parkia seed pod exudates was more prevalent in the morning whereas other exudates were eaten in the afternoon. This itinerary may represent a deliberate strategy to retain trunk gums in the gut overnight, thus maximising the potential for microbial fermentation of their β-linked oligosaccharides. Both types of exudates were eaten more in the dry than the wet season. Consumption was linked to seasonal changes in resource availability and not the tamarins’ reproductive status pro-viding no support for the suggestion that gums are eaten as a pri-mary calcium source in the later stages of gestation and lactation. The role of availability in determining patterns of consumption is further supported by the finding that dietary overlap for the trunk gums eaten was greater between species within mixed-species troops within years than it was within species between years. These data and those for pygmy marmosets (Cebuella pygmaea) suggest that patterns of primate gummivory may reflect the interaction of prefer-ence and availability for both those able to stimulate gum production and those not

Factor VIII-von Willebrand Factor Complex Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Controls Cell Survival

Factor VIII-von Willebrand factor (FVIII·vWF) complex, a molecule involved in coagulation, can be physically associated with osteoprotegerin (OPG). OPG is an anti-osteoclastic protein and a soluble receptor for the proapoptotic protein TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), suggesting a potential role of FVIII·vWF complex in bone and cancer biology. We, thus, assessed the effects of FVIII·vWF complex on osteoclastogenesis and cell survival. We first evidenced that FVIII·vWF complex inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and enhanced the inhibitory effect of OPG. Interestingly, we revealed by surface plasmon resonance that FVIII·vWF complex bound to RANKL, whereas recombinant FVIII and vWF did not. By modeling, we showed that the OPG binding domain to the A1 domain of vWF was closely located and partially overlapped to its binding site to RANKL. Then, we demonstrated that FVIII·vWF complex cancelled the inhibitory activity of OPG on TRAIL-induced apoptosis and characterized interactions between these molecules. The present work evidenced a direct activity of FVIII·vWF complex on osteoclasts and on induced cell apoptosis, pointing out its potential involvement in physiological bone remodeling or in bone damages associated with severe hemophilia and cancer development

Hiccup: Mystery, Nature and Treatment

Hiccup is the sudden onset of erratic diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle contraction and immediately followed by laryngeal closure. The abrupt air rush into lungs elicits a "hic" sound. Hiccup is usually a self-limited disorder; however, when it is prolonged beyond 48 hours, it is considered persistent whereas episodes longer than 2 months are called intractable. A reflex arc involving peripheral phrenic, vagal and sympathetic pathways and central midbrain modulation is likely responsible for hiccup. Accordingly, any irritant in terms of physical/chemical factors, inflammation, neoplasia invading the arc leads to hiccups. The central causes of hiccup include stroke, space occupying lesions and injury etc, whereas peripheral causes include lesions along the arc such as tumors, myocardial ischemia, herpes infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease and applied instrumentations on human body etc. Besides, various drugs (eg, anti-parkinsonism drugs, anesthetic agents, steroids and chemotherapies etc) are the possible etiology. An effective treatment of persistent hiccup may be established upon the correct diagnosis of lesion responsible for the serious event. The pharmacotherapy of hiccup includes chlorpromazine, gabapentin, baclofen, serotonergic agonists, prokinetics and lidocaine. Non-pharmacological approaches such as nerve blockade, pacing, acupuncture and measures to hold breathing are also successful. Finally, alternative medicines and remedies are convenient to treat hiccups with uncertain effect. In conclusions, hiccup is likely to result from lesions involving the hiccup reflex arc. The lesion may need to be localized correctly for ablative treatment in patients with intractable hiccup. Apart from lesion ablation, drugs acting on reflex arc may be effective, while some other conventional measures may also be tried