Planar Rayleigh scattering results in helium-air mixing experiments in a Mach-6 wind tunnel

Planar Rayleigh scattering measurements with an argon—fluoride excimer laser are performed to investigate helium mixing into air at supersonic speeds. The capability of the Rayleigh scattering technique for flow visualization of a turbulent environment is demonstrated in a large-scale, Mach-6 facility. The detection limit obtained with the present setup indicates that planar, quantitative measurements of density can be made over a large cross-sectional area (5 cm × 10 cm) of the flow field in the absence of clusters

Voyager Observations of Anomalous and Galactic Cosmic Rays During 1998

We present energy spectra of anomalous and galactic cosmic rays over a wide energy range by combining data from the Low Energy Charged Particle experiment and the Cosmic Ray experiment on the Voyager spacecraft. The data set covers all of 1998. We compare energy spectra obtained from Voyagers 1 and 2. The energy range covered contains the peak intensity in the spectra for anomalous cosmic ray hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. The spectra presented can be used to constrain models of solar modulation

Inflammatory Gene Variants in the Tsimane, An Indigenous Bolivian Population With a High Infectious Load

The Tsimane of lowland Bolivia are an indigenous forager-farmer population living under conditions resembling pre-industrial European populations, with high infectious morbidity, high infection and inflammation, and shortened life expectancy. Analysis of 917 persons ages 5 to 60+ showed that allele frequencies of 9 SNPs examined in the apolipoprotein E (apoE), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) genes differed from some European, African, and north Asian-derived populations. The apoE2 allele was absent, whereas four SNPs related to CRP and IL-6 were monomorphic: CRP (rs1800947, rs3093061, and rs3093062) and IL-6 (rs1800795). No significant differences in apoE, CRP, and IL-6 variants across age were found CRP levels were higher in carriers of two CRP proinflammatory SNPs, whereas they were lower in carriers of apoE4. Taken together, the evidence for (1) different allele frequencies between the Tsimane and other populations and (2) the correlations of CRP and apoE alleles with blood CRP may suggest that these variants are under selection in response to a high infection environment

Enantiomeric resolution of helicochiral paddlewheel complexes and their infrared, Raman, UV-vis and X-ray optical activity

International audienceLinear polynuclear paddlewheel complexes-"extended metal atom chains" or "metal strings"-have provided attractive models for the study of metal-metal bonding, magnetism and conductivity since their discovery in the 1990s [1]. Their helicoidal chirality, arising from mutual steric hindrance of the 3-pyridyl protons, resulting in the twisting of the equatorial ligand around the metal axis (see figure), has been less studied. Nonetheless, in one of the few examples of chiral resolution, the obtained enantiomers of a trinickel complex showed a remarkably high specific rotation of 5000 deg•mL•g −1 •dm −1 [2], motivating us to seek a general technique for the chiral resolution of such racemates. We have developed a procedure based on anion exchange for the chiral resolution of [M3(dpa)4] 2+ salts (M = Co(II) or Ni(II), Hdpa = 2,2'-dipyridylamine). Homochiral arsenyl tartrate (AsT) salts promoted the selective crystallization of [-M3(dpa)4(MeCN)2](NBu4)2[-AsT]2, or [-M3(dpa)4(MeCN)2](NBu4)2[-AsT]2 in the P4212 space group. The enantiopure compounds demonstrated surprisingly large optical activities using UV-vis, Raman and infrared spectroscopy in solution and, for the cobalt derivatives, in the X-ray range at the Co K-edge in single crystals. An intense X-ray linear dichroism was observed in the orthoaxial crystal orientation, whereas it vanished in the axial confirmation, while the angular dependence of the circular dichroism spectra followed the expected (3cos 2 − 1) function, thus spectroscopically confirming the D4 crystal symmetry. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and X-ray magnetochiral dichroism signals at the Co K-edge were not detected, likely due to a strongly delocalized spin density on the metal-metal bonded tricobalt core. Nevertheless, these results establish that chiral polynuclear paddlewheel complexes can be cleanly resolved using selective crystallization and demonstrate considerable optical activity in the infrared, UV-vis and X-ray energy ranges, thus potentially offering future perspectives in non-linear optics and asymmetric synthesis [3]

ЭЭГ БИОУПРАВЛЕНИЕ УЛУЧШАЕТ СФОКУСИРОВАННОЕ ВНИМАНИЕ ПРИ СИНДРОМЕ ДЕФИЦИТА ВНИМАНИЯ И ГИПЕРАКТИВНОСТИ

EEG biofeedback (so called neurofeedback) is considered as an efficacious treatment for ADHD. We propose that operant conditioning of EEG in neurofeedback training mode, aimed to mitigate inattention and low arousal in ADHD, will be accompanied by changes in EEG bands' relative power. Patients were 18 children diagnosed with ADHD. The neurofeedback protocol (“Focus/Alertness” by Peak Achievement Trainer, Neurotek, KY) used to train patients has focused attention training procedure, which according to specifications, represents wide band EEG amplitude suppression training. Quantitative EEG analysis was completed on each of 25 min long twelve sessions to determine the relative power of each of the EEG bands of interest throughout each session, and from the first session to the last session. Additional statistical analysis was performed to determine significant changes in relative power within sessions (from minute 1 to minute 25), and between sessions (from session 1 to session 12) for an individual patient. We performed analysis of relative power of Theta, Alpha, Low and High Beta, Theta/Alpha, Theta/Beta, and Theta/Low Beta and Theta/High Beta ratios. We performed also analysis between the “Focus”measure and changes in relative power of above EEG rhythms and their ratios. Additional secondary measures of patients’ post-neurofeedback outcomes were assessed using an audio-visual selective attention test (IVA + Plus) and behavioral evaluation scores from Aberrant Behavior Checklist. We found that, as expected, Theta/Low Beta and Theta/Alpha ratios decreased significantly from Session 1 to Session 12 and from minute 1 to minute 25 within sessions. The ‘Focus” measure of protocol showed high negative correlation with both Theta/Alpha and Theta/Beta ratios. The findings regarding EEG changes resulting from self-regulation training along with behavioral evaluations will help in elucidation of neural mechanisms of neurofeedback aimed to improve focused attention and alertness in ADHD.Электроэнцефалографическое биоуправление, или нейробиоуправление, – эффективная технология при лечении синдрома дефицита внимания и гиперактивности (СДВГ). Предполагалось, что оперантное обусловливание электроэнцефалографии (ЭЭГ) в тренинге нейробиоуправления, направленном на снижение невнимательности и низкой активности детей с СДВГ, будет сопровождаться изменениями относительной мощности в разных ЭЭГ-частотных диапазонах. Пациентами были 18 детей с диагнозом «синдром дефицита внимания и гиперактивности». Протокол нейробиоуправления (Focus/Alertness, Peak Achievement Trainer, Neurotek, KY), используемый для тренинга, включал обучающие процедуры фокусировки внимания, которые, согласно спецификации, представляли собой интерактивные процедуры, направленные на подавление амплитуды в широком ЭЭГ-диапазоне. Количественный анализ ЭЭГ был проведен для двенадцати 25-минутных сессий, чтобы определить относительную мощность каждого из интересующих частотных диапазонов ЭЭГ в ходе каждой сессии, а также с первой по последнюю сессию. Проведен дополнительный статистический анализ определения значимых изменений относительной мощности внутри сессии (от 1-й до 25-й мин) и в период между сессиями (от 1-й до 12-й мин) для конкретного пациента. Проанализированы относительная мощность в диапазонах тета, альфа, низкочастотного и высокочастотного бета, а также их соотношений: тета/альфа, тета/бета, тета/низкочастотный бета и тета/высокочастотный бета. Сравнивались динамика показателя «фокус» и изменения относительной мощности вышеперечисленных ритмов ЭЭГ и их соотношений.Дополнительные повторные измерения результатов нейробиоуправления у пациентов оценивались с использованием аудиовизуального теста селективного внимания (IVA + Plus) и поведенческих оценок из опросника Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Как и ожидалось, соотношения диапазонов тета/низкочастотный бета и тета/альфа значимо снижались с 1-й до 12-й сессии и с 1-й до 25-й мин внутри сессии. Показатель «фокус» в протоколе обнаружил высокую отрицательную корреляцию как с тета/альфа-, так и с тета/бета-коэффициентами. Полученные результаты, касающиеся изменений ЭЭГ вследствие обучения саморегуляции, наряду с поведенческими оценками могут способствовать выяснению нейрональных механизмов нейробиоуправления, направленных на увеличение фокусировки внимания и активности при СДВГ

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol reverses TNFα-induced increase in airway epithelial cell permeability through CB2 receptors

Despite pharmacological treatment, bronchial hyperresponsiveness continues to deteriorate as airway remodelling persists in airway inflammation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)reverses bronchoconstriction with an anti-inflammatory action. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of THC on bronchial epithelial cell permeability after exposure to the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNFα. Calu-3 bronchial epithelial cells were cultured at air-liquid interface. Changes in epithelial permeability were measured using transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER), then confirmed with a paracellular permeability assay and expression of tight junction proteins by Western blotting.Treatment with THC prevented the TNFα-induced decrease in TEER and increase in paracellular permeability. Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor-like immunoreactivity was found in Calu-3 cells. Subsequent experiments revealed that pharmacological blockade of CB2, but not CB1 receptor inhibited the THC effect. Selective stimulation of CB2 receptors displayed a similar effect to that of THC. TNFα decreased expression of the tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1, which was prevented by pre-incubation with THC.These data indicate that THC prevents cytokine-induced increase in airway epithelial permeability through CB2 receptor activation. This highlights that THC, or other cannabinoid receptor ligands, could be beneficial in the prevention of inflammation induced changes in airway epithelial cell permeability, an important feature of airways diseases

Enhancing hepatic glycolysis reduces obesity differential effects on lipogenesis depend on site of glycolytic modulation

Summary Reducing obesity requires an elevation of energy expenditure and/or a suppression of food intake. Here we show that enhancing hepatic glycolysis reduces body weight and adiposity in obese mice. Overexpression of glucokinase or 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase is used to increase hepatic glycolysis. Either of the two treatments produces similar increases in rates of fatty acid oxidation in extrahepatic tissues, i.e., skeletal muscle, leading to an elevation of energy expenditure. However, only 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase overexpression causes a suppression of food intake and a decrease in hypothalamic neuropeptide Y expression, contributing to a more pronounced reduction of body weight with this treatment. Furthermore, the two treatments cause differential lipid profiles due to opposite effects on hepatic lipogenesis, associated with distinct phosphorylation states of carbohydrate response element binding protein and AMP-activated protein kinase. The step at which hepatic glycolysis is enhanced dramatically influences overall whole-body energy balance and lipid profiles

Is there a role for menopausal hormone therapy in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis?

We provide an evidence base and guidance for the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for the maintenance of skeletal health and prevention of future fractures in recently menopausal women. Despite controversy over associated side effects, which has limited its use in recent decades, the potential role for MHT soon after menopause in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis is increasingly recognized. We present a narrative review of the benefits versus risks of using MHT in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Current literature suggests robust anti-fracture efficacy of MHT in patients unselected for low BMD, regardless of concomitant use with progestogens, but with limited evidence of persisting skeletal benefits following cessation of therapy. Side effects include cardiovascular events, thromboembolic disease, stroke and breast cancer, but the benefit-risk profile differs according to the use of opposed versus unopposed oestrogens, type of oestrogen/progestogen, dose and route of delivery and, for cardiovascular events, timing of MHT use. Overall, the benefit-risk profile supports MHT treatment in women who have recently (< 10 years) become menopausal, who have menopausal symptoms and who are less than 60 years old, with a low baseline risk for adverse events. MHT should be considered as an option for the maintenance of skeletal health in women, specifically as an additional benefit in the context of treatment of menopausal symptoms, when commenced at the menopause, or shortly thereafter, in the context of a personalized benefit-risk evaluation