Light maxillary expansion forces with the magnetic expansion device. A preliminary investigation

An active maxillary magnetic expansion device (MED) was developed to be used clinically. The aim was to show the effects of light and continuous forces producing less traumatic stimulation of maxillary sutural growth than a conventional rapid maxillary expansion device. In this study, two different types of appliances were used on six patients between 7 years 4 months and 16 years 2 months: the first type was bonded, the other one used bands. For better appreciation, four implants were placed on each patient: two apically between central and lateral incisors, and two between second premolars and molars. A standardized radio-graphic technique was used to take occlusal radiographs, and postero-anterior and lateral headplates. The results varied according to the age and the appliance used. The skeletal effect with the banded MED was between 16 and 77 per cent, and for the bonded MED 0 and 25 per cent in comparison to the overall expansion. It seems that 250-500 g of continuous magnetic forces can produce dental and skeletal movements in a light force expansion concept, but further studies with larger samples are needed to make firm conclusion

Detection of testosterone administration based on the carbon isotope ratio profiling of endogenous steroids: international reference populations of professional soccer players

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The determination of the carbon isotope ratio in androgen metabolites has been previously shown to be a reliable, direct method to detect testosterone misuse in the context of antidoping testing. Here, the variability in the 13C/12C ratios in urinary steroids in a widely heterogeneous cohort of professional soccer players residing in different countries (Argentina, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland and Uganda) is examined. METHODS: Carbon isotope ratios of selected androgens in urine specimens were determined using gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). RESULTS: Urinary steroids in Italian and Swiss populations were found to be enriched in 13C relative to other groups, reflecting higher consumption of C3 plants in these two countries. Importantly, detection criteria based on the difference in the carbon isotope ratio of androsterone and pregnanediol for each population were found to be well below the established threshold value for positive cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained with the tested diet groups highlight the importance of adapting the criteria if one wishes to increase the sensitivity of exogenous testosterone detection. In addition, confirmatory tests might be rendered more efficient by combining isotope ratio mass spectrometry with refined interpretation criteria for positivity and subject-based profiling of steroids

Laser applications in thin-film photovoltaics

We review laser applications in thin-film photovoltaics (thin-film Si, CdTe, and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells). Lasers are applied in this growing field to manufacture modules, to monitor Si deposition processes, and to characterize opto-electrical properties of thin films. Unlike traditional panels based on crystalline silicon wafers, the individual cells of a thin-film photovoltaic module can be serially interconnected by laser scribing during fabrication. Laser scribing applications are described in detail, while other laser-based fabrication processes, such as laser-induced crystallization and pulsed laser deposition, are briefly reviewed. Lasers are also integrated into various diagnostic tools to analyze the composition of chemical vapors during deposition of Si thin films. Silane (SiH4), silane radicals (SiH3, SiH2, SiH, Si), and Si nanoparticles have all been monitored inside chemical vapor deposition systems. Finally, we review various thin-film characterization methods, in which lasers are implemente

Lactation transcriptomics in the Australian marsupial, Macropus eugenii: transcript sequencing and quantification

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lactation is an important aspect of mammalian biology and, amongst mammals, marsupials show one of the most complex lactation cycles. Marsupials, such as the tammar wallaby (<it>Macropus eugenii</it>) give birth to a relatively immature newborn and progressive changes in milk composition and milk production regulate early stage development of the young.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In order to investigate gene expression in the marsupial mammary gland during lactation, a comprehensive set of cDNA libraries was derived from lactating tissues throughout the lactation cycle of the tammar wallaby. A total of 14,837 express sequence tags were produced by cDNA sequencing. Sequence analysis and sequence assembly were used to construct a comprehensive catalogue of mammary transcripts.</p> <p>Sequence data from pregnant and early or late lactating specific cDNA libraries and, data from early or late lactation massively parallel sequencing strategies were combined to analyse the variation of milk protein gene expression during the lactation cycle.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Results show a steady increase in expression of genes coding for secreted protein during the lactation cycle that is associated with high proportion of transcripts coding for milk proteins. In addition, genes involved in immune function, translation and energy or anabolic metabolism are expressed across the lactation cycle. A number of potential new milk proteins or mammary gland remodelling markers, including noncoding RNAs have been identified.</p

Perioperative Antibiotikaprophylaxe bei elektiver Gelenkprothesenimplantation

Eine Gelenkprotheseninfektion ist eine schwerwiegende Komplikation, die nach einer Gelenkprothesenimplantation auftreten kann. Zu den Präventionsmassnahmen einer Infektion gehört eine Palette von Massnahmen wie zum Beispiel prä- und postoperative Checklisten, sorgfältige Operationspräparation, Haarentfernung und Hautdesinfektion, strikte Hygienemassnahmen, eine gute chirurgische Technik mit ­kurzer Operationsdauer, postoperativ Entfernen von Urinkatheter und eine korrekte Wundpflege nach Operation. Eine systemische präoperative Antibiotikaprophylaxe (AMP) ist ein Faktor, der zu diesen zahlreichen Präventionsmassnahmen gehört. SWISSNOSO veröffentlichte Richtlinien zu Verantwortlichkeiten und Ablauf der Verabreichung der AMP in den Jahren 2015 [1] und 2018 [2]. Deren Empfehlungen für den Fachbereich Orthopädie und Traumatologie des Bewegungsapparates sind in den Tabellen 1a und 1b wiedergegeben

The prospects of quantum computing in computational molecular biology

Quantum computers can in principle solve certain problems exponentially more quickly than their classical counterparts. We have not yet reached the advent of useful quantum computation, but when we do, it will affect nearly all scientific disciplines. In this review, we examine how current quantum algorithms could revolutionize computational biology and bioinformatics. There are potential benefits across the entire field, from the ability to process vast amounts of information and run machine learning algorithms far more efficiently, to algorithms for quantum simulation that are poised to improve computational calculations in drug discovery, to quantum algorithms for optimization that may advance fields from protein structure prediction to network analysis. However, these exciting prospects are susceptible to "hype", and it is also important to recognize the caveats and challenges in this new technology. Our aim is to introduce the promise and limitations of emerging quantum computing technologies in the areas of computational molecular biology and bioinformatics.Comment: 23 pages, 3 figure

Optical emission spectroscopy to diagnose powder formation in SiH4-H2 discharges

Silane and hydrogen discharges are widely used for the deposition of silicon thin film solar cells in large area plasmaenhanced chemical vapor deposition reactors. In the case of microcrystalline silicon thin film solar cells, it is of crucial importance to increase the deposition rate in order to reduce the manufacturing costs. This can be performed by using high silane concentration, and usually high RF power and high pressure, all favorable to powder formation in the discharge that generally reduces the deposition rate as well as the deposited material quality. This work presents a study of powder formation using time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy. It is shown that this technique is suitable to detect different regimes in powder formation ranging from powder free discharge to discharge producing large dust particles. Intermediate powder formation regimes include the formation of small silicon clusters at plasma ignition as well as cycle of powder growth and ejection out of the discharge, and both are observable by this low-cost and experimentally simple technique

Laser applications in thin-film photovoltaics

We review laser applications in thin-film photovoltaics (thin-film Si, CdTe, and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells). Lasers are applied in this growing field to manufacture modules, to monitor Si deposition processes, and to characterize opto-electrical properties of thin films. Unlike traditional panels based on crystalline silicon wafers, the individual cells of a thin-film photovoltaic module can be serially interconnected by laser scribing during fabrication. Laser scribing applications are described in detail, while other laserbased fabrication processes, such as laser-induced crystallization and pulsed laser deposition, are briefly reviewed. Lasers are also integrated into various diagnostic tools to analyze the composition of chemical vapors during deposition of Si thin films. Silane (SiH4), silane radicals (SiH3, SiH2, SiH, Si), and Si nanoparticles have all been monitored inside chemical vapor deposition systems. Finally, we review various thin-film characterization methods, in which lasers are implemented

Results of variety trials with buckwheat in Switzerland

Выращивание гречихи (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) имело давнюю традицию в Швейцарии, которая исчезла в XX веке. В течение нескольких последних лет интерес к гречихе вновь возрос, и среди прочего, необходимо было найти сорта, адаптированные к климатическим условиям страны. Поэтому в 2014 году швейцарская сельскохозяйственная научно-исследовательская станция Agroscope начала полевые испытания с различными сортами гречихи. Среди тестируемых сортов было пять с детерминантным типом роста российской селекции из ФГБНУ ВНИИЗБК. Испытания 14 сортов гречихи были проведены в двух точках (Цюрих и Цолликофен) в 2016 году. Урожайность зерна колебалась от 1,57 т/га (Drollet) до 3,38 т/га (Дружина). Влажность зерна при уборке урожая у российских сортов варьировала от 13,6% до 18% в Цюрихе и от 27% до 29,1% в Цолликофене. Возможность с помощью новых сортов гречихи начать успешное производство швейцарских продуктов из гречихи зависит от потребителя, а также от возможностей переработки зерна гречихи (то есть обрушивания) и разработки других продуктов из гречихи кроме муки.Growing buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) had a long tradition in Switzerland which disappeared in the 20th century. Since a few years interest in buckwheat increased again and among others also varieties adapted to the climatic conditions had to be found. Therefore Agroscope, the Swiss Agricultural Research station, initiated field trials with different buckwheat varieties in 2014. Among the tested varieties there were also five with a determinate growth from a Russian breeding program. Trials at two sites (Zurich and Zollikofen) with 14 varieties have been conducted in 2016. Grain yields varied from 15.7 dt/ha (Drollet) up to 33.8 dt/ha (Drushina). The water content of the Russian varieties at harvest varied between 13.6 % and 18 % at Zurich and 27 % and 29.1 % at Zollikofen. In order to confirm results, trials should be repeated again in 2017. Whether with new buckwheat varieties a successful Swiss buckwheat production can be initiated depends on one side on the consumer but also on possibilities of the processing of buckwheat grains (i.e. dehulling) and the development of other buckwheat products than flour