Phase Of Rapid Increase Research Articles

Thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling in oil shale: Investigating permeability and heat transfer under high-temperature steam injection

Steam convective heating emerges as a sustainable and effective method for extracting oil shale, where understanding the temperature-dependent evolution of its pyrolytic characteristics, microstructure, and permeability is vital for efficient resource extraction. Through a stress-sensitive micro-CT scanning and a high-temperature and pressure triaxial test apparatus, this research utilizes Balikun oil shale samples to investigate the changes in microstructure and gas production from 20 °C to 550 °C. The study integrates theoretical analysis and numerical simulations to uncover the fundamental connections between internal permeability and heat transfer mechanisms during steam injection. It reveals that oil shale undergoes two critical evolutionary phases: a stability phase below 350 °C, where volatile dispersion occurs, and a rapid increase phase above 350 °C, marked by significant microstructural changes from micro-fractures to extensive through-going fractures due to intense thermal decomposition. This decomposition leads to increased gas production and enhanced thermal fracturing. The threshold temperature is identified at 400 °C, above which the oil shale's mechanical strength and pore pressure increase, leading to decreased volumetric compression until stabilization. These findings demonstrate that higher temperatures enhance fracture connectivity and steam flow, optimizing the heating efficiency in oil shale extraction.

Size effect of anisotropy in spatial variability of rocks: evaluation through digital drilling

Evaluating the anisotropy of rock and its size effect in spatial variation is of great significance for improving engineering efficiency and stability. For this purpose, an anisotropy index is used to quantify the magnitude of anisotropy in rock. Digital drilling tests are carried out in three directions on six types of rock to investigate the anisotropy of drilling parameters. The rock is subdivided into multiple small units along the depth of drilling, and the effect of size on rock anisotropy based on drilling work was studied. The research findings indicate that the drilling work on six rock types exhibits anisotropy, and the anisotropy sequence for the total drilling work of each rock is as follows: red sandstone > granite > slate > gneiss > sandstone > argillaceous sandstone. As the length of rock units increases, the anisotropy index of drilling work initially exhibits a fluctuating trend, subsequently reaching a state of stability, thereby manifesting a size effect. Furthermore, the representative elementary volume (REV) for each type of rock exhibits distinct variations. The anisotropy indices for drilling work along the depth of the borehole exhibit an initial phase of rapid increase, followed by a convergence towards a value close to 1.0. The anisotropy of rocks demonstrates size dependence, and size effects also exhibit anisotropy. Anisotropy and its size effects are interconnected and inseparable. The reliability of the cited anisotropy index is checked by comparison with two other anisotropy indices. This comparison shows that our method can reliably determine rock anisotropy. In summary, the research outlined in this paper presents a highly efficient and straightforward approach to evaluate the effect of size on rock anisotropy.

Effect of Y2O3 content on the microstructure and wear performance of plasma-sprayed Cr2O3–Y2O3 composite coatings

As the inner working surface of a diesel engine, the cylinder liner is subjected to a harsh frictional wear environment, which can lead to performance degradation and ultimately affect the engine's service life. Ceramic coatings can improve the wear resistance of the cylinder liner, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of the diesel engine. In this study, Cr2O3–Y2O3 ceramic composite coatings were deposited on the substrate of 304 stainless steel by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The influence of Y2O3 content on the microstructure, porosity, phase composition, microhardness and wear performance of the composite coating was investigated. The results showed that the composite coatings exhibited a typical layered structure, and Y2O3 and Cr2O3 were dispersed relatively evenly. When the Y2O3 content was 10 %, the coating had the lowest porosity rate of 5.41 % and the highest hardness of 1094.6 HV1. As the Y2O3 content increased, the coating exhibited an increase in porosity and a decrease in hardness. Under dry friction conditions, the friction coefficient curve underwent a rapid increase phase, followed by stabilizing within the range of 0.29–0.40. When the Y2O3 content is 10 %, the coating exhibits the best wear resistance, including the lowest coefficient of friction, wear rate, and scratch depth. However, the composite exhibits the worst wear resistance when the Y2O3 content reaches 50 %. The wear mechanism was altered by the addition of Y2O3. At lower Y2O3 content, the predominant wear mechanism was abrasive wear resulting from particle refinement. Conversely, at higher content, adhesive wear caused by wear transfer from the milling balls became more prominent.

Timing of departure from natal areas by golden eagles is not constrained by acquisition of flight skills

The post‐fledging dependence period (PFDP), which extends from a fledgling's first flight out of the nest to its departure from the parents' territory, is crucial in the lifecycle of birds. During this period, juveniles develop their flight and foraging skills to become fully independent. Despite the importance of this life stage in basic bird ecology and conservation, it remains largely overlooked – notably its link with the acquisition of flight skills. In this study, we modeled the variation in seven proxies describing flight skills of 84 GPS‐tracked golden eagle juveniles in France between 2016 and 2020. Juveniles had a long but highly variable PFDP, averaging 177.9 (± 62.2) days after departure from the nest. This period is divided into two phases: a first phase of rapid increase in flight skills over the first 60 days after departure from the nest, followed by a plateau in which flight skills no longer develop until independence. These results suggest that the full development of flight skills is not a constraining factor during the PFDP and that it is advantageous for juveniles to choose to remain in their natal territory. We posit that parents' tolerance of fledged juveniles is a type of parental care that may maximize their own fitness by improving the survival of their descendants. In future studies, it may be of interest to investigate the factors that may explain the high variability in the duration of this stage between individuals within the same population.

Analysis of cellular water content in T cells reveals a switch from slow metabolic water gain to rapid water influx prior to cell division

Cell growth is driven by the acquisition and synthesis of both dry biomass and water mass. In this study, we examine the increase of water mass in T cell during cell growth. We found that T-cell growth is characterized by an initial phase of slow increase in cellular water, followed by a second phase of rapid increase in water content. To study the origin of the water gain, we developed a novel methodology we call cold aqua trap-isotope ratio mass spectrometry, which allows analysis of the isotope composition of intracellular water. Applying cold aqua trap-isotope ratio mass spectrometry, we discovered that glycolysis-coupled metabolism of water accounts on average for 11 fl out of the 20 fl of water gained per cell during the initial slow phase. In addition, we show that at the end of the rapid phase before initiation of cell division, a water influx occurs, increasing the cellular water mass by threefold. Thus, we conclude that activated T cells switch from metabolizing water to rapidly taking up water from the extracellular medium prior to cell division. Our work provides a method to analyze cell water content as well as insights into the ways cells regulate their water mass.

Joint Occurrence of Heavy PM2.5 Pollution Episodes and Persistent Foggy Days in Central East China

Although many severe pollution events in Central and East China have been analyzed in recent years, the heavy PM2.5 pollution episode happened on persistent foggy days from January 13 to 18, 2018 was unique, characterized by explosive increase and sharp decrease in PM2.5 (particles with kinetic equivalent diameter less than or equal to 2.5 microns) concentration. Based on hourly data of ground level meteorological parameters, PM2.5 data and CALIPSO-based (the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) aerosol data, combined with ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) reanalysis data and radiosonde temperature profile, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to reveal the meteorological reasons for the evolution of the episode at horizontal and vertical scales. The PM2.5 concentration experienced four stages: a slow-increase phase, rapid-increase phase, rapid-decrease phase, and rebound phase. Results show that because Central and East China (CEC) were located at the back of a high-pressure system, humid southerly winds and near surface inversion (NSI) were responsible for the slow accumulation of pollutants. The rapid-increase phase was attributed to pollution transport at both ground level and in the lower troposphere because of weak cold air invasion. The significant subsidence at 500 hPa and 700 hPa intensified the NSI and led to dense fog. In that case, corresponding to the supersaturated atmosphere, the particles entered the fog droplets and were scavenged partly by deposition at night and were resuspended on the next day when the atmosphere was unsaturated. Our findings provide convincing evidence that surface PM2.5 rapid-decrease phase and the rebound phase were closely associated with dense fog process.

Research on the influence of weather conditions on urban night light environment

The increasingly serious urban light pollution has deepened the relevant research, and weather conditions indeed have great impact on the urban night light environment. Based on the SQM instrument, fish-eye camera and weather-related systems, this paper analyzes the changing law of night sky with time and weather. The brightness of the typical clear night sky changes regularly with time, and mainly includes five phases: rapid decline phase, slow decline phase, unstable decline phase, smooth phase, and rapid increase phase of sky brightness. In two phases of the smooth sky brightness, the average sky brightness in the high and low brightness phase respectively is 18.123 mag/arcsecond2 and 18.82 mag/arcsecond2, and about 15 times and 8 times higher than those of the natural night sky. This paper establishes the regression model of typical clear night sky brightness in rapid decline phase and rapid increase phase of sky brightness. The sky magnitude brightness in rainy weather is much lower than that in clear weather, the difference is about 3 mag/arcsecond2, the brightness can be reach 15.63 mag / arcsecond2; the average magnitude brightness in snowy days is about 0.17 mag/arcsecond2 higher than that in cloudy weather. There is a significant correlation among the air quality index, the ground illumination ratio of moon, the atmospheric visibility and the sky brightness. The deepened air pollution can also intensify light pollution, which can increase to 3 and 10 times higher than the night sky brightness under the moderate and severe air pollution. The lunar cycle has the least impact on light pollution in clear days, the sky brightness with the full moon is about 2 and 3 times higher than that without the moon.

Synchronization and extinction in a high-infectivity spatial SIRS with long-range links

A numerical study of synchronization and extinction is done for a SIRS model with fixed infective and refractory periods, in the regime of high infectivity, in space dimensions , on networks for which the connectivity probability decays as with distance , where is a tunable parameter. In both one and two dimensions, a long-lasting synchronized state is reached when but not when . Three dynamical stages are identified for small , respectively: a short period of initial synchronization, followed by a long oscillatory stage of random duration, and finally a third phase of rapid increase in synchronization that invariably leads to dynamical extinction. For large , the second stage is not synchronized, but is instead a long-lasting endemic state of incoherent activity. Dynamical extinction is in this case still preceded by a short third stage of rapidly intensifying synchronized oscillations. A simple model of noise-induced escape from a potential barrier is introduced, that explains the main characteristics of the observed three-stage dynamical structure before extinction. This model additionally provides specific predictions regarding the size-scaling of the different timescales for the observed dynamical stages, which are found to be consistent with our numerical results.

Defining the rehabilitation adherence curve and adherence phases of stroke patients: an observational study.

BackgroundPatient adherence is a crucial determinant of rehabilitation in the long term after stroke. However, adherence is inconstant and fluctuates along a time course, and the underlying regular pattern of adherence variation remains to be clarified.ObjectiveWe aimed to describe the longitudinal pattern of adherence to rehabilitation exercises in stroke patients and to determine different adherence phases based on formulated rehabilitation adherence curve.Patients and methodsRehabilitation adherence levels were prospectively collected using the Questionnaire of Exercise Adherence (EAQ) among patients diagnosed with first-onset stroke since the second week of stroke onset, with a follow-up of 24 weeks. SPSS19.0 was used to formulate a fitting curve based on a scatter diagram. Possible causal factors for the different adherence phases are also discussed from the psychological, socioeconomic, and behavioral aspects.ResultsA total of 98 patients were included in this study. General adherence of the included subjects was classified as low to medium during follow-up. The adherence fitting curve was an “S” curve, with the fitting function y =0.005x3−0.211x2+1.963x+52.345. Three phases, namely, rapid increase phase, slow decrease phase, and stable phase, were identified based on the adherence curve, and relevant theories are explored.ConclusionRehabilitation adherence of stroke patients is a dynamic behavioral process that continuously changes along a time course, with a regular pattern of an “S” curve and includes a rapid increase phase, a slow decrease phase, and a stable phase.

Quantifying Limits on Replication, Death, and Quiescence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mice.

When an individual is exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) three outcomes are possible: bacterial clearance, active disease, or latent infection. It is generally believed that most individuals exposed to Mtb become latently infected and carry the mycobacteria for life. How Mtb is maintained during this latent infection remains largely unknown. During an Mtb infection in mice, there is a phase of rapid increase in bacterial numbers in the murine lungs within the first 3 weeks, and then bacterial numbers either stabilize or increase slowly over the period of many months. It has been debated whether the relatively constant numbers of bacteria in the chronic infection result from latent (dormant, quiescent), non-replicating bacteria, or whether the observed Mtb cell numbers are due to balance between rapid replication and death. A recent study of mice, infected with a Mtb strain carrying an unstable plasmid, showed that during the chronic phase, Mtb was replicating at significant rates. Using experimental data from this study and mathematical modeling we investigated the limits of the rates of bacterial replication, death, and quiescence during Mtb infection of mice. First, we found that to explain the data the rates of bacterial replication and death could not be constant and had to decrease with time since infection unless there were large changes in plasmid segregation probability over time. While a decrease in the rate of Mtb replication with time since infection was expected due to depletion of host's resources, a decrease in the Mtb death rate was counterintuitive since Mtb-specific immune response, appearing in the lungs 3–4 weeks after infection, should increase removal of bacteria. Interestingly, we found no significant correlation between estimated rates of Mtb replication and death suggesting the decline in these rates was driven by independent mechanisms. Second, we found that the data could not be explained by assuming that bacteria do not die, suggesting that some removal of bacteria from lungs of these mice had to occur even though the total bacterial counts in these mice always increased over time. Third and finally, we showed that to explain the data the majority of bacterial cells (at least ~60%) must be replicating in the chronic phase of infection further challenging widespread belief of nonreplicating Mtb in latency. Our predictions were robust to some changes in the structure of the model, for example, when the loss of plasmid-bearing cells was mainly due to high fitness cost of the plasmid. Further studies should determine if more mechanistic models for Mtb dynamics are also able to accurately explain these data.

Energetic electron bursts in the plasma sheet and their relation with BBFs

AbstractWe studied energetic electron bursts (EEBs) (40–250 keV) in the plasma sheet (PS) and their relation to bursty bulk flows (BBFs) using the data recorded by Cluster from 2001 to 2009. The EEBs in the PS can be classified into four types. Three types of EEBs are dispersionless, including EEBs accompanied with BBFs (V > 250 km/s) but without dipolarization front (DF); EEBs accompanied with both dipolarization front (DF) and BBF; and EEBs accompanied with DF and fast flow with V < 250 km/s. One type of EEB, i.e., EEBs not accompanied with BBFs and DFs, is dispersed. The energetic electrons (40–130 keV) can be easily transported earthward by BBFs due to the strong dawn‐dusk electric field embedded in BBFs. The DFs in BBFs can produce energetic electrons (40 to 250 keV). For the EEBs with DF and BBFs, the superposed epoch analyses show that the increase of energetic electron flux has two phases: gradual increase phase before DF and rapid increase phase concurrent with DF. In the PS around x = −18 RE, 60%–70% of EEBs are accompanied with BBFs, indicating that although hitherto there have been various acceleration mechanisms of energetic electrons, most of the energetic electrons in the PS are related with magnetic reconnection, and they are produced either directly by magnetic reconnection or indirectly by the DFs within BBFs. In the BBF's braking region of −12 RE < x < −10 RE, 20% of EEBs are accompanied with BBFs. The corresponding ratio between EEBs and BBFs shows a dawn‐dusk asymmetry.

Adrenergic activation of melatonin secretion in ovine pineal explants in short-term superfusion culture occurs via protein synthesis independent and dependent phenomena.

The ovine pineal is generally considered as an interesting model for the study on adrenergic regulation of melatonin secretion due to some functional similarities with this gland in the human. The present investigations, performed in the superfusion culture of pineal explants, demonstrated that the norepinephrine-induced elevation of melatonin secretion in ovine pinealocytes comprised of two subsequent periods: a rapid increase phase and a slow increase phase. The first one included the quick rise in release of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin, occurring parallel to elevation of NE concentration in the medium surrounding explants. This rapid increase phase was not affected by inhibition of translation. The second, slow increase phase began after NE level had reached the maximum concentration in the culture medium and lasted about two hours. It was completely abolished by the treatment with translation inhibitors. The obtained results showed for the first time that the regulation of N-acetylserotonin synthesis in pinealocytes of some species like the sheep involves the on/off mechanism, which is completely independent of protein synthesis and works very fast. They provided strong evidence pointing to the need of revision of the current opinion that arylalkylamines N-acetyltransferase activity in pinealocytes is controlled exclusively by changes in enzyme abundance.

Some epidemiological features of the mediterranean spotted fever re-emerging in Bulgaria

The Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), caused by Rickettsia conorii conorii strain Malish, is transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In Bulgaria, cases of MSF occurred in two epidemic waves, the first in 1948-1970, (after there were no report of new cases more than for 20 years) and the second started in 1993 and is still going on. The AIM of the study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of the re-emerging MSF in Plovdiv city and its suburbs, which is the largest endemic region in the country. The MSF patients treated between 1993 and 2011 were 1254. MSF was confirmed by immunofluorescent assay (IFA) in the Reference Rickettsioses Laboratory. Descriptive and analytic epidemiological methods were used to determine the routes and ways of infection, the epidemiological locus, seasonality, patients' age, gender and social structure, and the clinical severity of the cases. We established that MSF spread in the region in two distinct phases: from 1993 to 2003 during which the disease was increasingly spreading and the second phase taking place from 2004 till 2011 during which the disease was gradually decreasing. The incidence is between 0.13 and 25.62, mean 10.91 per 100 000 populations (11.88 and 9.56 per 100 000 populations for phases I and II, respectively); between 1.14% and 6.25% of the infected people died (mean 2.07%, 3.46% and 1.25% for phases I and II, respectively). The age distribution of patients shows predominance of 40-59-year-olds (31.66%), reaching a peak in patients older than 60 years (37.5%). Children and adolescents under 19 years are less affected (18.12%), while the least affected are the young adults between 20-39 (12.7%). Urban population is almost twice as affected as rural population regardless of the gender. The disease has summer seasonality, peaking in August. Eschar (tache noire) was found in 77.91% of the patients. Despite the decline and predominance of mild forms (43.12%), the re-emerging MSF still presents with lots of severe forms (11.45%) and malignant forms (8.54%), which makes almost one fifth of all patients to be at serious risk of getting ill with a severe disease with complications and possible fatal outcome. Almost two decades after it re-emerged in Bulgaria, MSF is still potentially active despite the decreasing incidence and mortality rate. During the phase of decline, the re-emerging MSF kept the basic epidemiologic characteristics it had in the first phase of rapid increase. The epidemiologic characteristics of MSF in the region are in support of its prevention and control.

The growth of the foramen magnum in Crouzon syndrome

Though the craniovertebral junction is often abnormal in children with Crouzon's syndrome, no study had measured accurately the size of their foramen magnum (FM). We compared the FM size (area, diameters) on computed tomography examination in 21 children with a genetically confirmed Crouzon's syndrome prior to any surgery and in 23 control children without craniofacial abnormalities. We extrapolated the growth pattern in both groups. We found a statistically significant smaller FM area (p=0.0228), FM sagittal diameter (p=0.0287), and FM sagittal posterior diameter (p=0.0023) in children with Crouzon's syndrome. No differences were detected with regard to the transversal diameter. Hydrocephalus in children with Crouzon's syndrome was associated with a small FM area (p=0.05), small sagittal diameter (p=0.023), small sagittal posterior diameter (p=0.0173), and reduced transversal diameter (p=0.03985). No association of the aforementioned findings was found with the position of the cerebellar tonsils or the lambdoid suture functional state (open or fused). Comparable results were observed among the two genetic forms (exon 8 or 10 mutations). Concerning the growth pattern, a first phase of rapid increase and a second phase of slow increase could be recognized in all the measurements in both populations, though with some significant differences. The growth of FM follows a biphasic pattern in both Crouzon's and control children. The sagittal diameter and the global size of the FM are mostly affected in children with Crouzon's syndrome. The small FM, especially its posterior part, is likely to play a key role in the physiopathology of hydrocephalus.

Evidence for the Role of Transfer Cells in the Evolutionary Increase in Seed and Fiber Biomass Yield in Cotton

Transfer cells (TCs) are specialized cells exhibiting invaginated wall ingrowths (WIs), thereby amplifying their plasma membrane surface area (PMSA) and hence the capacity to transport nutrients. However, it remains unknown as to whether TCs play a role in biomass yield increase during evolution or domestication. Here, we examine this issue from a comparative evolutionary perspective. The cultivated tetraploid AD genome species of cotton and its A and D genome diploid progenitors displayed high, medium, and low seed and fiber biomass yield, respectively. In all three species, cells of the innermost layer of the seed coat juxtaposed to the filial tissues trans-differentiated to a TC morphology. Electron microscopic analyses revealed that these TCs are characterized by sequential formation of flange and reticulate WIs during the phase of rapid increase in seed biomass. Significantly, TCs from the tetraploid species developed substantially more flange and reticulate WIs and exhibited a higher degree of reticulate WI formation than their progenitors. Consequently, the estimated PMSA of TCs of the tetraploid species was about 4 and 70 times higher than that of TCs of the A and D genome progenitors, respectively, which correlates positively with seed and fiber biomass yield. Further, TCs with extensive WIs in the tetraploid species had much stronger expression of sucrose synthase, a key enzyme involved in TC WI formation and function, than those from the A and D progenitors. The analyses provide a set of novel evidence that the development of TC WIs may play an important role in the increase of seed and fiber biomass yield through polyploidization during evolution.

Abstract 82: A comprehensive characterization of cholecalciferol supplementation induced changes in the vitamin D3 metabolic pathway in metastatic colorectal cancer patients

Abstract Epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D3 deficiency plays a role in the pathogenesis and progression of human colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas. We have characterized the changes in plasma vitamin D3 metabolites (25-D3, 24,25-D3 and 1,25-D3), PTH and vitamin D3 binding protein (VDBP) levels, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) CYP24A1 activity in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving 2000 IU of oral cholecalciferol daily over a 12 month period. Plasma samples were collected on day 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, 180, 270 and 360. Serum 25-D3 and 24,25-D3 were measured by LC/MS/MS method; plasma PTH and 1,25-D3 levels were determined by RIA. Plasma VDBP levels were measured by ELISA. PBMC CYP24A1activity was determined by HPLC method. A total of 50 CRC patients completed the study. Baseline 25-D3 were significantly influenced by season (p= 0.0145) . Baseline plasma 25-D3 levels were <30ng/mL in 66% of patients. Baseline plasma 24,25-D3, 1,25-D3 and VDBP levels were within the normal range. (The normal ranges are 0- 5ng/mL for 24,25-D3, 16 −80pg/mL for 1,25-D3 and 200 - 550μg/mL for VDBP). Mean baseline plasma PTH levels in patients with plasma 25-D3 <20ng/mL and >30ng/mL were 74.82 ± 27.02 and 56.46 ± 18.10pg/mL, respectively (p>0.05). Baseline PBMC CYP24A1activity was not affected by baseline 25-D3 levels. The increase in serum 25-D3 and 24,25-D3 levels during cholecalciferol treatment was characterized by an initial phase of rapid increase (between day 1 and day 90) followed by a phase of stable plasma 25-D3 and 24,25-D3 levels. A linear relation between plasma 25-D3 and 24,25-D3 was observed at baseline and during cholecalciferol supplementation (r2 = 0.55). No consistent changes in PBMC CYP24A1 activity was observed after 90 days of cholecalciferol treatment. The plasma 24,25-D3/25-D3 ratio at day 60 and 90 of cholecalciferol treatment was weakly correlated (r2=0.03 and 0.06, respectively) to changes in plasma 25-D3 levels. No CRC patient subsets with disproportional increase in plasma 24,25-D3 levels relative to 25-D3 levels during cholecalciferol treatment were identified suggesting that that variable 25-D3 responses cannot be explained by increased 24-hydroxylation. The increase in 1,25-D3 was linear, remained below 100pg/mL and did not correlate with plasma 25-D3 levels. A decrease in plasma PTH levels from 62.83 ± 24.84 to 41.61 ± 18.42 pg/mL was observed after 2 months of cholecalciferol supplementation (p<0.0001). Plasma VDBP protein levels were inconsistent across the study duration; no specific patterns or correlations with 25-D3 or 1,25-D3 could be identified. In summary, vitamin D3 deficiency, defined as 25-D3 <30 ng/mL, is prevalent in metastatic CRC patients. Furthermore, CYP24A1-mediated catabolism of 25-D3 to 24,25-D3 does not appear to be a major determinant of systemic 25-D3 levels. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 82.

Cadmium regulation by Lasius niger: A contribution to understanding high metal levels in ants

AbstractAnts (Formicinae, Hymenoptera) are considered efficient accumulators of Zn and Cd. In this study the relationship between Cd concentrations in soil and in Lasius niger workers was assessed for 20 colonies located along a gradient of Cd pollution. As soil Cd concentration increased from 1 to 8 mg/kg, ant body Cd concentration increased rapidly to about 40 mg/kg, and remained stable at this level, through a progressive increase of soil Cd concentration from 8 to 21 mg/kg. The phase of rapid increase confirms the high ability of L. niger for Cd accumulation, while the stabilization of Cd body concentration indicates either increasing elimination rate or decreasing rate of uptake. Therefore it can be concluded that Lasius niger has a high ability to accumulate Cd, but simultaneously an ability for Cd regulation was detected.

Effects of Seasonal and Agronomical Practices on Skin Anthocyanin Profile of Nebbiolo Grapes

The influence of season and 50% cluster thinning (CT) and 50% leaf removal (LR) on skin anthocyanin profile was studied in cv. Nebbiolo in the Barbaresco wine production area (northwestern Italy). Climatic conditions over two years strongly interacted with treatments: 2000 was hot and rainy; 2001 was cooler and very dry. The leaf area/yield ratio value was higher in 2000 in response to good water availability, and it was optimal only in 2000 LR vines and in 2001 CT vines, which displayed the highest total soluble solid content at harvest. In comparison with control vines, anthocyanin concentration increased only in 2000 CT vines, even if final concentration was not significantly higher, because of its reduction before harvest. The 2001 drought reduced vine vegetative development, sugar production (−8.3%), and total anthocyanin concentration (−20.7%) in respect to 2000. Individual anthocyanin concentration varied as a consequence of chemical structure, canopy management practices, and seasonal climatic conditions. Thus, the peonidin-3-glucoside/malvidin-3-glucoside ratio varied on average from 1.9 in 2000 to 1.2 in 2001, and it was higher in treated vines than in control vines. Anthocyanin accumulation can be divided into two distinct phases: an initial phase of rapid increase influenced primarily by vine vegetative conditions and secondarily by cultural practices and a second “finishing” phase during which climatic conditions played a fundamental role. 3′-Substituted anthocyanin biosynthesis is likely more strongly influenced by climatic conditions and cultural practices than is 3′,5′-substituted anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Pain in different methods of breast biopsy: Emphasis on vacuum-assisted breast biopsy

This study examines pain (visual analog scale 0–10) in women undergoing breast biopsy. Two hundred and twenty-seven patients with a palpable lesion underwent FNA (21 G, n=85), core biopsy (14 G, n=86) or open biopsy under local anesthesia ( n=56). One hundred and twenty-six women presented with a non-palpable lesion, and underwent vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB, 11 G) under mammographic guidance, prone position ( n=72) or hook-wire localization followed by open surgery ( n=54). The techniques sampling non-palpable lesions were the most painful: hook-wire (9.15±0.74) and VABB (4.35±1.70). Larger needle diameter was associated with more intense pain. Concerning VABB, an S-shape curve of pain (third-order pattern) was documented. A second dose of lidocaine just before the rapid increase phase was then adopted ( n=61), and reduced the total/maximum pain. In conclusion, although VABB is less painful than hook-wire, the pain experienced in VABB is significant; however, it can be attenuated by a second dose of lidocaine.

The contemporary demography of indigenous Australians.

"Increased public policy focus on indigenous Australians over the past 30 years has resulted in a substantial expansion of demographic analysis over the same period. This paper reviews these efforts and summarizes the main topics, findings and debates. The accumulated evidence points to both demographic change and continuity. Change: in that mortality has declined; fertility levels have been much reduced; urbanization has burgeoned and population growth has entered a phase of rapid increase. Continuity: because mortality is still much higher than the Australian average; fertility remains at a level well above that reported for all women; most individuals still live away from major cities; and the estimation of overall numbers still hinges on a social construction of identity."