Changes in the wavelength of unique yellow with retinal angle of incidence

The wavelength associated with the perception of unique yellow was determined for various retinal angles of stimulus incidence. Techniques previously used to measure the Stiles-Crawford (SCII) hue shift as a function of retinal angle of incidence were procedurally and instrumentally complex and, as a result, data from only two observers exist in the literature. A simpler technique is used here to obtain data from six observers, two of whom showed hue shift functions qualitatively different from those previously reported. The peak locations of the four typical SCII hue shift functions were found to correlate well with the peak locations of the π₄ and π₅ color mechanisms previously reported for the same observers. It is argued that peak location is the most valid indicator of the relationship between the Stiles-Crawford effects of the first (SCI) and second (SCII) kind and that common processes underlie the two effects.     

The use of anti-D to improve post-transfusion platelet response: a randomized trial

Patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute leukaemia often become refractory to platelet transfusions. Increased clearance of transfused platelets due to alloimmune destruction has been identified as one of the primary mechanisms contributing to this refractory state. We performed a double-blind randomized trial to determine whether the administration of anti-D to Rh-positive individuals could prevent the refractory state and improve post-transfusion platelet response. Rh-positive patients with acute leukaemia undergoing induction chemotherapy and requiring platelet transfusions were allocated to weekly intravenous anti-D (20 micrograms/kg) or placebo. Platelets and red cell concentrates were administered according to standardized transfusion guidelines. Outcome measures included platelet transfusion utilization, red cell utilization, platelet recovery 18-24 h post-infusion, and the percentage of patients refractory to platelet transfusion. There were 43 patients studied: 21 received anti-D and 22 saline placebo. The mean number of platelet concentrates required per day of observation was 0.59 (SD 0.22) in the anti-D group and 0.61 (SD 0.22) in the placebo group, P = 0.86. No difference was detected between groups in terms of platelet recovery post-infusion, refractoriness to platelet transfusion or frequency of infection (P = 0.97). Red cell concentrate utilization was significantly increased in the anti-D group compared to the placebo group, 0.58 units per day versus 0.37 units per day respectively, P = 0.005. We conclude that the use of anti-D did not improve post-transfusion platelet response in Rh positive patients with acute leukaemia, but did result in an increased need for red cell transfusion.     

Gesture behavior in unmedicated schizotypal adolescents.

Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by interpersonal and verbal communication deficits. Despite the important role of gesture in social communication, no published reports examine the use of gesture by individuals with SPD. In this study, raters code gesture from videotaped interviews of unmedicated adolescents with SPD, other personality disorders, or no Axis II disorder. Results indicate that SPD adolescents show significantly fewer gestures but do not differ from the other groups in overall rate of movement. The findings are discussed in light of brain regions involved in dysfunction, parallels to schizophrenia, and treatment implications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of antimicrobial agents and dough conditioners on the shelf-life extension and quality of flat bread, as determined by near-infrared spectroscopy

Middle Eastern Countries are experiencing the emergence of high volume production and retail marketing over traditional unit baking and retailing. This phenomenon has revealed a shortcoming in quality issues in Arabic flat bread (AFB) manufacture. Therefore, shelf-life extension and quality improvement are in demand to limit economic loss. Five improvers and a control (without any improver) were selected for improving shelf-life and quality of AFB. The improver treatments included: (1) sodium 9 stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL), (2) monoglycreides (MG), (3) hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose gum (HPMC), (4) high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and (5) a combination of all the aforementioned improvers. The texture analysis data indicated that the presence of HFCS may act as a plasticizer through contributing to the longer tearing time. The other treatments exhibited a significant decline in tearing time throughout storage. The NIRS data indicated that after 3 days, the control was less fresh than AFB formulated with HFCS or improver combinations. The sensory evaluation of AFB exhibited that the improver combination significantly improved the quality attributes.     

A comparison of signal consistency of common ultrasonic couplants used in the inspection of composite structures

To conduct acousto-ultrasonic tests, the transducers should to be coupled to the structure under consideration with couplants that are generally recommended by the equipment manufacturers. Experiments with several ultrasonic couplants have revealed that one of the factors influencing the repeatability of the results is the type used and that for certain couplants a settling time is required. In this paper a comparison of the signal consistency of common ultrasonic couplants is detailed. The aim of this study was to select the couplant that produces the most repeatable results.     

Cloning and characterization of an ecdysone receptor cDNA from Locusta migratoria

It has been suggested that some mitochondrial genes are important in cellular senescence. In order to identify the mitochondrial genes that are involved in cellular senescence, we have constructed a cDNA library from senescent human vascular endothelial cells and isolated 86 senescence-specific cDNA clones by differential screening. Among the clones, we identified four distinct mitochondrial genes including NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2), ND3, ATPase 6 and 16S ribosomal RNA. We then compared the levels of expression of these genes in young and senescent cells by using two endothelial and two fibroblast cell strains. Northern blot and slot blot hybridization confirmed that the expression levels of ND3, ATPase 6 and 16S rRNA were elevated in senescent cells of all four strains. The expression level of ND2 was also elevated during cellular senescence in three of the four strains. Because mitochondria are actively involved in oxidative phosphorylation and respiratory functions, the altered expression levels of these genes may participate in aging processes.     

IL-5 production by NK cells contributes to eosinophil infiltration in a mouse model of allergic inflammation

IL-5 production in vivo plays a unique role in the production, activation, and localization of eosinophils in a variety of allergic conditions. The current paradigm suggests that allergen-specific Th2 cells are the main source for the IL-5 production. The experiments outlined in this work, however, suggest that in vivo production of IL-5 by NK cells can separately influence eosinophil-associated inflammatory responses. Specifically, a mouse model of allergic inflammation was used in which C57BL/6 mice were immunized and challenged with a short ragweed Ag extract, known to induce a selective eosinophilia within the peritoneal cavity. Peritoneal lavage fluids from these mice also contained increased numbers of T cells and NK cells, as well as significantly elevated levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma. Flow-cytometric analysis of cytokine-producing cells in peritoneal lavage fluid revealed increased numbers of IL-5-producing cells in both T cell and NK cell populations following allergen exposure. Depletion of NK cells by treatment with NK1.1 Abs selectively reduced the number of infiltrating eosinophils by more than 50%. Moreover, the inhibition of the infiltration of eosinophils was accompanied by a complete loss of IL-5-producing NK cells and significantly reduced levels of peritoneal lavage fluid IL-5, whereas the number of IL-5-producing T cells was not affected. Thus, the results presented in this study provide clear evidence for a novel immunoregulatory function of NK cells in vivo, promoting allergen-induced eosinophilic inflammatory responses by the production of IL-5.     

Puerperal thromboprophylaxis: comparison of the anti-Xa activity of enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin

Low molecular weight heparins are used extensively for thromboprophylaxis. The aim of this study was to compare the activity of the low molecular weight heparin, enoxaparin, 20 mg and 40 mg, given once per day with unfractionated heparin, 7500iu given twice per day, in terms of their anti-Xa activity in puerperal women following caesarean section and with an additional risk factor for venous thromboembolism. Seventeen women were randomised to receive one of the three treatments. The anti-Xa activity associated with each treatment was measured prior to treatment and at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours. The mean anti-Xa values of the groups receiving enoxaparin, 20 mg and 40 mg, were significantly higher than those of the group receiving unfractionated heparin. There was no difference between the two enoxaparin groups in terms of the anti-Xa activity profiles. This study suggests that the use of enoxaparin is superior to unfractionated heparin in terms of anti-Xa activity.     

Treatment of hazardous shipyard wastewater using dolomitic sorbents

Hazardous shipyard wastewater is a worldwide problem, arising from ship repair. In this study an experimental programme was undertaken to establish the suitability of dolomite and dolomitic sorbent materials to remove contaminants from wastewater arising from a commercial shipyard. Experimental data indicate that dolomite and dolomitic sorbents have the ability to significantly reduce the COD concentration of the shipyard effluent (98% reduction). The data gained from trials at a shipyard indicated that the dolomite treatment process could be undertaken in a 8000 L pilot scale reaction vessel. Analysis of the wastewater using ICP-MS during the pilot trial indicated that the dolomite significantly reduced the concentrations of metallic impurities. The concentration of Sn ions, which is indicative of organo-tin complexes commonly found in shipyard wastewater, was reduced by 80% from its initial concentration in the pilot trial. The mechanism for the removal process using dolomite has been ascribed to a metal complexation/sorption process.