Upward Curvature Research Articles

Thermal Shielding Gd3TaO7-Based Thermal Barrier Ceramic with Ultralow NIR Transmittance.

Most thermal barrier coating materials exhibit transparent/semi-transparent properties at higher temperatures, causing the surface heat flow to directly heat the substrate with infrared radiation, which significantly reduces the thermal barrier effectiveness. Herein, composite ceramic materials composed of GdFeO3 diffusely dispersed within the Gd3TaO7 are produced. Specifically, the 0.9Gd3TaO7/0.1GdFeO3 composition demonstrates an ultra-low near-infrared (NIR) transmittance of less than 0.1% across the 400-2500nm range. The introduction of variable-valence behavior and oxygen vacancies contribute to the narrow bandgap of GdFeO3. The incorporated GdFeO3 produces extra multimode vibrations, resulting in the strong infrared emissivity of Gd3TaO7/GdFeO3 composite ceramics. Besides, the refractive index difference between Gd3TaO7 and GdFeO3 can contribute to the potential photons scattering within the composites, severely impeding the infrared radiation penetration. The upward curvature of the thermal conductivity curve of 0.9Gd3TaO7/0.1GdFeO3 at high temperature is significantly suppressed, confirming its excellent IR radiation shielding properties. Moreover, the Gd3TaO7/ GdFeO3 composite ceramic exhibits thermal suitability, with a thermal expansion coefficient (9.47-9.67 × 10-6 K-1 at 1400°C) comparable to YSZ. These combined benefits position the Gd3TaO7/ GdFeO3 composite ceramic system as a promising candidate for the development of infrared radiation shielding and high-emissivity thermal radiation materials.

Revealing extraordinary plasticity in single crystal Fe-15Mn-10Cr-8Ni-4Si alloy

An extraordinary elongation of over 156 % was achieved in single crystal Fe-15Mn-10Cr-8Ni-4Si alloy, which shows γ → ε → α’ transformation. Tensile tests were conducted along the 〈414〉, 〈111〉, and 〈100〉 directions, and the deformed microstructure was characterized with electron-backscattering diffraction (EBSD). Elongation in 〈414〉 orientation (156 %) was highest as ever recorded in metallic alloy—approximately twice that of conventional TWIP steels. Mechanical behavior in 〈414〉 is characterized with slow work hardening, with upward curvature in the stress–strain curve. EBSD analysis revealed 45 % of ε-martensite and significant γ-twin microstructure components in 〈414〉. In initial stage, deformation was marked by planar slip and a sluggish γ → ε transformation, activating a single ε-martensite variant with a Schmid factor of 0.5. Later stages witnessed crystal rotation towards 〈112〉, generating multiple shear bands and distinct ε variants. Fractures predominantly occurred along the 〈011〉 direction, with the fracture surface exhibiting a ductile nature.

Development of Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms from Early Childhood to Late Adolescence.

Children's mental health symptoms' development can be characterized by both continuity and discontinuity. However, existing studies ignore the potential discontinuity in children's internalizing symptoms' development. Hence, the current study examines continuous and discontinuous developmental trajectories using representative data from a sample of 2792 children (49.10% females) from the Growing Up in Australia cohort assessed seven times (ages 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16). Longitudinal measurement invariance analyses revealed that internalizing symptoms were comparable over time. Linear, quadratic, and piecewise latent growth curve models were deployed to estimate the trajectory of internalizing symptoms from early childhood to late adolescence. The analyses showed that internalizing symptoms were characterized by a quadratic-quadratic piecewise growth curve comprising two distinct phases of upward concave growth. Internalizing scores reduced steadily between ages 4 and 8 years but exhibited a slight upward curvature between ages 8 and 10 years. By age 14 years, the trajectory remained relatively stable but spiked between age 14 and 16 years. The two phases of internalizing symptoms' development were largely unrelated. Overall, the study adds to the knowledge about the development of internalizing mental health from early childhood to late adolescence and highlights the need for additional support in late adolescence.

The effect of Cu(I)-doping on the photoinduced electron transfer from aqueous CdS quantum dots.

The doping of CdS quantum dots (QDs) with Cu(I) disrupts electron-hole correlation due to hole trapping by the dopant ion, post-photoexcitation. The present paper examines the effect of such disruption on the rate of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the QDs to methyl viologen (MV2+), with implications in their photocatalytic activity. A significantly greater efficiency of PL quenching by MV2+ is observed for the doped QDs than for the undoped ones. Interestingly, the Stern-Volmer plots constructed using PL intensities exhibit an upward curvature for both the cases, while the PL lifetimes remain unaffected. This observation is rationalized by considering the adsorption of the quencher on the surface of the QDs and ultrafast PET post-photoexcitation. Ultrafast transient absorption experiments confirm a faster electron transfer for the doped QDs. It is also realized that the transient absorption experiment yields a more accurate estimate of the binding constant of the quencher with the QDs, than the PL experiment.

Layperson assessment of smile lines and upper lip combined images in smile esthetics

The esthetic assessment of smile lines by laypersons is a subject of ongoing debate. However, smile lines often appear with different types of upper lip curvature, which further complicates the esthetic assessment process, and studies on this combination are lacking. The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate a layperson's esthetic perception of smile lines and upper lip combined images. Twenty-six smile images resulting from combinations of 3 upper lip types, 4 anterior smile line types, and 3 posterior smile line types were generated by an image editing software program. Eighty-three laypersons (39 men and 44 women; 18 to 35 years of age) completed rating images using a visual analog scale. Unattractive smiles were designated to be those with scores <50 and attractive ones with scores ≥50. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=.05). High anterior smile line with gingival display >4mm obtained significantly lower scores of <50 when combined with all upper lip curvatures (upward: 28.29 ±22.79, straight: 38.74 ±23.00, downward: 30.67 ±22.25, P<.01). High anterior smile lines with gingival display ≤4mm combined with upward and straight upper lip curvature images obtained significantly higher scores, and all were ≥50 (upward: 63.24 ±22.22, straight: 61.40 ±21.58, P<.01). From a layperson's perspective, high anterior smile lines with gingival display >4mm combined with any lip type were determined to be unattractive. If gingival display was ≤4mm combined with both upward and straight lip types, the smile was assessed as attractive.

Evaluating smile aesthetic satisfaction and related smile characteristics in dental students

AimThis study aimed to assess the association between self-rated smile satisfaction and the smile dimensions among dental students. MethodAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 216 Vietnamese dental students. A standardized photograph was taken of each student with their frontal social smiles to assess aesthetic dimensions. A single-session self-administered questionnaire containing five questions about smile aesthetic satisfaction related to various aspects was administered to all students. Differences in smile characteristics and satisfaction scores between the two genders were evaluated. The impact of smile characteristics on satisfaction scores was assessed using multiple linear regression models. ResultsMost dental students had a high smile line, parallel smile arcs, an upward upper lip curvature, a non-touching labiodental relationship, a dental midline that coincided with the midline of the face, and eight teeth displayed during smile. Most participants were satisfied with their smiles, and the self-rated satisfaction score was 67 out of 100. Self-perceived overall smile satisfaction was associated with the "smile arc”, the "upper lip curvature”, the "number of teeth displayed during smile”, and the "dental midline”. Female students had a statistically significant correlation between self-perception and smile characteristics, such as upper lip curvature, dental midline shift, and smile line. ConclusionsThe smile arc, upper lip curvature, and dental midline shift affected self-perceived satisfaction among dental students. Female students showed an association between the smile parameters and self-perceived satisfaction.

Three-dimensional characteristics of mesoscale eddies in the western boundary current region of the Bay of Bengal using ROMS-NPZD

Eddies play an important role in transporting and redistributing the heat, salt, and biological parameters in the global ocean. In this study, three-dimensional physio-biochemical characteristics of an anticyclonic (AE) and a cyclonic eddy (CE) associated with the poleward western boundary current (WBC) in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) are analyzed using a coupled bio-physical ocean model (ROMS-NPZD). Due to eddy-induced upwelling (downwelling) associated with the CE (AE), monopole patterns of temperature and salinity anomaly around the eddy center are occurred with extremum values at 100 – 150 m and 50 – 100 m depth, respectively. The upward (downward) curvature with a tip at eddy centers is observed in the isothermal layer depth, 20℃ isotherm (D20) nutricline, and oxycline. The depth of D20 deepens and shallows at the center from the edge by ∼60 m and ∼40 m for AE and CE, respectively. A relatively thick barrier layer around the center of AE is noted as compared to the CE. Within eddy interior, temperature and salinity tendencies of horizontal advection show a strong dipole pattern with extremum at eddy edges. The AE currents show positive tendencies in horizontal advection of temperature (salinity) at its northeastern (southwestern) side, which is totally opposite to that of CE. Intense horizontal advections in the adjacent flanks of eddies to the eastward jet of the WBC are due to their strong interactions. Vertical advection shows a quadrupole structure with alternating positive and negative cells within the eddies following the distorted vertical velocity field. Diffusion terms within eddies are quite small compared to the advection. Abundances of chlorophyll-a (∼1.2 mg/m3) at the base of the mixed layer around the CE center are absent for the AE.

A generalisation of the method of regression calibration

There is direct evidence of risks at moderate and high levels of radiation dose for highly radiogenic cancers such as leukaemia and thyroid cancer. For many cancer sites, however, it is necessary to assess risks via extrapolation from groups exposed at moderate and high levels of dose, about which there are substantial uncertainties. Crucial to the resolution of this area of uncertainty is the modelling of the dose–response relationship and the importance of both systematic and random dosimetric errors for analyses in the various exposed groups. It is well recognised that measurement error can alter substantially the shape of this relationship and hence the derived population risk estimates. Particular attention has been devoted to the issue of shared errors, common in many datasets, and particularly important in occupational settings. We propose a modification of the regression calibration method which is particularly suited to studies in which there is a substantial amount of shared error, and in which there may also be curvature in the true dose response. This method can be used in settings where there is a mixture of Berkson and classical error. In fits to synthetic datasets in which there is substantial upward curvature in the true dose response, and varying (and sometimes substantial) amounts of classical and Berkson error, we show that the coverage probabilities of all methods for the linear coefficient alpha are near the desired level, irrespective of the magnitudes of assumed Berkson and classical error, whether shared or unshared. However, the coverage probabilities for the quadratic coefficient beta are generally too low for the unadjusted and regression calibration methods, particularly for larger magnitudes of the Berkson error, whether this is shared or unshared. In contrast Monte Carlo maximum likelihood yields coverage probabilities for beta that are uniformly too high. The extended regression calibration method yields coverage probabilities that are too low when shared and unshared Berkson errors are both large, although otherwise it performs well, and coverage is generally better than these other three methods. A notable feature is that for all methods apart from extended regression calibration the estimates of the quadratic coefficient beta are substantially upwardly biased.

Analyzing the factors that contribute to the development of embryological classical type of bladder exstrophy.

Bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital condition of the pelvis, bladder, and lower abdomen that opens the bladder against the abdominal wall, produces aberrant growth, short penis, upward curvature during erection, wide penis, and undescended testes. Exstrophy affects 1/30,000 newborns. The bladder opens against the abdominal wall in bladder exstrophy, a rare genitourinary condition. This study is vital to provide appropriate therapy choices as a basis to improve patient outcomes. This study may explain bladder exstrophy and provide treatment. Epispadias, secretory placenta, cloacal exstrophy, and other embryonic abnormalities comprise the exstrophy-spades complex. The mesenchymal layer does not migrate from the ectoderm and endoderm layers in the first trimester, affecting the cloacal membrane. Embryological problems define the exstrophy-aspidistra complex, which resembles epimedium, classic bladder, cloacal exstrophy, and other diseases. Urogenital ventral body wall anomalies expose the bladder mucosa, causing bladder exstrophy. Genetic mutations in the Hedgehog cascade pathway, Wnt signal, FGF, BMP4, Alx4, Gli3, and ISL1 cause ventral body wall closure and urinary bladder failure. External factors such as high maternal age, smoking moms, and high maternal body mass index have also been associated to bladder exstrophy. Valproic acid increases bladder exstrophy risk; chemicals and pollutants during pregnancy may increase bladder exstrophy risk. Bladder exstrophy has no identified cause despite these risk factors. Exstrophy reconstruction seals the bladder, improves bowel function, reconstructs the vaginal region, and restores urination.

Radiation exposure and leukaemia risk among cohorts of persons exposed to low and moderate doses of external ionising radiation in childhood.

Many high-dose groups demonstrate increased leukaemia risks, with risk greatest following childhood exposure; risks at low/moderate doses are less clear. We conducted a pooled analysis of the major radiation-associated leukaemias (acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with/without the inclusion of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)) in ten childhood-exposed groups, including Japanese atomic bomb survivors, four therapeutically irradiated and five diagnostically exposed cohorts, a mixture of incidence and mortality data. Relative/absolute risk Poisson regression models were fitted. Of 365 cases/deaths of leukaemias excluding chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, there were 272 AML/CML/ALL among 310,905 persons (7,641,362 person-years), with mean active bone marrow (ABM) dose of 0.11 Gy (range 0-5.95). We estimated significant (P < 0.005) linear excess relative risks/Gy (ERR/Gy) for: AML (n = 140) = 1.48 (95% CI 0.59-2.85), CML (n = 61) = 1.77 (95% CI 0.38-4.50), and ALL (n = 71) = 6.65 (95% CI 2.79-14.83). There is upward curvature in the dose response for ALL and AML over the full dose range, although at lower doses (<0.5 Gy) curvature for ALL is downwards. We found increased ERR/Gy for all major types of radiation-associated leukaemia after childhood exposure to ABM doses that were predominantly (for 99%) <1 Gy, and consistent with our prior analysis focusing on <100 mGy.

Disentangling the contributions of initial heterogeneities and dynamic stress adaptation to nonlinearities in bacterial survival curves

The deviations from log-linearity that are often observed in bacterial survivor curves can be explained using different arguments, both biological and experimental. In this study, we used Bacillus subtilis as a model organism to demonstrate that the generally accepted vitalistic arguments (initial heterogeneities in the stress resistance of the cells in the population) may fail to describe microbial inactivation in some situations. In this sense, we showed how dynamic stress acclimation during an isothermal treatment provides an alternative explanation for survivor curves with an upwards curvature. We also provided an innovative experimental approach based on preadaptation experiments to evaluate which hypothesis is more suitable for the bacterial response. Furthermore, we used our experimental results to define bounds for the possible stress acclimation that may take place during dynamic treatments, concluding that the magnitude of stress acclimation may be larger for dynamic treatments than for isothermal experiments. We also evaluated the contribution of the SigB general stress response system to heat resistance by comparing the heat survival of wt and the ΔsigB mutant. Both strains survived better in 51, 52.5 and 55 °C when cells were pre-adapted at 48 °C than non-pre-adapted cells. However, ΔsigB was less resistant to heat than wt due to the missing SigB general stress system. Although these conclusions were based on B. subtilis as a model organism, this study can be the first step towards the development of a novel methodology able to estimate dynamic effects using only isothermal experiments. This would improve the models developed within the predictive microbiology community, improving our ability to predict microbial inactivation during industrial treatments, which are most often dynamic.

Research on the Influence of Airfoil on the Flying Performance of Glider

Gliders are heavier-than-air fixed-wing aircraft that do not rely on power plants to fly, and are now widely used in scientific observation, daily entertainment, and other fields. After taking off, it only relies on the reaction force of air acting on its lifting surface for free flight. Different gliders can stay in the air for different amounts of time in different environments, which is mainly determined by the airfoil. Therefore, through literature reading, this paper understands its flight principle, and studies and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of existing airfoils by comparing the influence of different airfoils on flight performance. In view of the problems existing in the airfoil, rationality calculations and improvements are put forward, hoping to promote the development of the aviation industry. After research, the concave wing is by far the most suitable gliding airfoil, which can provide relatively large lift and stability, but there is still the problem of insufficient load. In order to improve these deficiencies, the airfoil is optimized by increasing the contact area between the airflow and the wing. For example, the defect can be improved by lengthening the length of the entire wing, reducing lateral airflow, and increasing the upward curvature of the wingtip.

(152) A Case of Penile Neoplasm Masquerading as Acute Peyronie's Disease

Abstract Introduction Painful erections with curvature is pathognomonic for acute Peyronie’s Disease (PD). While resolution of pain and stabilization of curvature define the transition from acute to stable PD, there is high variability in the time from symptom onset to resolution. Thus, when to image and consider alternative diagnoses is poorly defined. We present a case of persistent distal penile pain and curvature with erections, initially diagnosed as acute PD, but subsequently found to be epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), a rare vascular neoplasm on the spectrum between a hemangioma and an angiosarcoma, with high probability of local recurrence and ability to metastasize. Objective To raise awareness that painful penile erections with curvature may not necessarily represent acute PD and foster discussion of when imaging, testing and alternative diagnoses should be considered. Methods Case report of a 51-year-old male seeking a third opinion for painful penile nodule with curvature of approximately four years duration. Results A 51-year-old male presented to our clinic complaining of an extremely painful penile nodule with curvature. He initially presented to another urologist with similar symptoms approximately 4 years previously and was diagnosed with acute PD. He had no prior history of penile trauma, erectile dysfunction, Dupuytren’s contractures or family history of PD. He was started on vitamin E, L-arginine and pentoxyphylline. He sought a second opinion about three years later when his symptoms remained unchanged and, again, was diagnosed with acute PD and told to return when his pain had resolved. His symptoms persisted and approximately 1 year later presented to our clinic for evaluation. Physical examination demonstrated a 1 cm tender nodule between the corpora cavernosa at the distal shaft. Pharmacologic erection demonstrated a 30-degree upward curvature at this site. Given the duration of his symptoms, ultrasound was obtained. A 1.4 cm circumscribed lesion with internal vascularity was identified; however, MRI identified dorsal angulation of the shaft in this area but did not visualize a mass. Due to extreme pain, the patient desired excision of the mass. Intraoperatively, a well circumscribed lesion with a vascular pedicle was identified between the corpora and the neurovascular bundle. The mass was easily excised without evidence of invasion of surrounding tissues. Final pathology demonstrated an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with question of a positive margin. The case was discussed at a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board and given the sparsity of literature on the tumor, particularly in the penis, it was felt that excision of surrounding tissues to ensure negative margins would be best. The patient returned to the OR two weeks after his initial surgery and the surrounding corpora were excised. Final pathology demonstrated no evidence of residual malignancy. PET/CT was negative for metastatic disease. Conclusions While current guidelines indicate that penile angulation may rarely be due to other causes, including tumors, there are no recommendations on when alternative diagnoses should be investigated and imaging obtained. We present a case report of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma masquerading as acute PD that was identified due to abnormal duration of symptoms. Disclosure No

Homotropic Cooperativity in Iron-Catalyzed Alkyne Cyclotrimerizations.

Enhancing catalytic activity through synergic effects is a current challenge in homogeneous catalysis. In addition to the well-established metal-metal and metal-ligand cooperation, we showcase here an example of self-activation by the substrate in controlling the catalytic activity of the two-coordinate iron complex [Fe(2,6-Xyl2C6H3)2] (1, Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3). This behavior was observed for aryl acetylenes in their regioselective cyclotrimerization to 1,2,4-(aryl)-benzenes. Two kinetically distinct regimes are observed dependent upon the substrate-to-catalyst ratio ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0), referred to as the low ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0 < 40) and high ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0 > 40) regimes. Both showed sigmoidal kinetic response, with positive Hill indices of 1.85 and 3.62, respectively, and nonlinear Lineweaver-Burk replots with an upward curvature, which supports positive substrate cooperativity. Moreover, two alkyne molecules participate in the low regime, whereas up to four are involved in the high regime. The second-order rate dependence on 1 indicates that binuclear complexes are the catalytically competent species in both regimes, with that in the high one being 6 times faster than that involved in the low one. Moreover, Eyring plot analyses revealed two different catalytic cycles, with a rate-determining step more endergonic in the low regime than in the high one, but with a more ordered transition state in the high regime than in the low one.

Annexin proteins involved in plasma membrane repair reshape a membrane edge: Direct evidence from molecular simulations.

The Annexin (ANX) family of Ca+2-dependent membrane-binding proteins are implicated in plasma membrane repair in animal cells. The inward flux of Ca+2 upon formation of a plasma membrane lesion/pore drives the binding of cytoplasmic ANX proteins to the membrane, close to the pore. Annexins are deemed responsible for plasma membrane repair and are overexpressed in cancer cells where the plasma membrane is in the need for frequent repair. Annexin A5 (ANXA5) trimers form crystalline arrays solid-supported membranes (1), and owing to their concave disc-like shape, induce negative curvature on a flat plasma membrane (2), and are therefore likely to reshape the membrane in the vicinity of the membrane pore to support membrane repair (3). However, no direct evidence of membrane shaping has yet emerged. Here, we simulate ANXA5 binding on a bicelle, which models a membrane pore under periodic boundary conditions, and demonstrate that increasing concentration of ANXA5 trimers induces a monotonically increasing out-of-plane upward curvature in the bicelle. Interestingly, this overall curvature amounts to half the curvature induced by a single ANXA5 trimer on a flat lipid bilayer. The out of plane curvature induced by ANXA5 trimers near a membrane pore is demonstrated for the first time. Our results have important implications in the membrane-reshaping properties of Annexins and their ability to repair membranes.

PSUN339 Persistent Hypoglycemia and Hyperinsulinism in a Patient With Kabuki Syndrome Type 1.

Abstract Background Transient neonatal hypoglycemia typically resolves within the first few days of life. Persistence of neonatal hypoglycemia is a more significant finding that warrants further investigation. Clinical case A 2-year-old female born at 37 weeks of gestation via C-section due to a history of maternal preeclampsia. Delivery was complicated by meconium aspiration syndrome for which the patient was admitted to the NICU where she had a prolonged course. Patient was initially depressed at birth with APGARs of 3/6/8 at 1, 5 and 10 minutes of life, respectively. During the neonatal period, she had multiple complications including GERD, FTT (G-tube was placed), recurrent UTIs, congenital heart disease (mild RVH and ASD) and hypoglycemia. Regarding her hypoglycemia, the initial work up was suggestive of hyperinsulinism with a critical sample remarkable for a BG: 57 mg/dl (60-100mg/dl), Insulin level: 8.3 uUm/mL Subsequent glucagon challenge test confirmed hyperinsulinism. She initially required a continuous glucose infusion and Diazoxide was started. She was discharged home on Diazoxide and Diuril. Subsequently, Diazoxide was successfully discontinued at the age of 2 months. A Congenital Hyperinsulinism genetic panel was negative for the most frequent mutations. At 11 months old, she presented to our clinic due to persistent hypoglycemia when enteral feeds were attempted to be spaced. Patient was started on cornstarch which was discontinued secondary to frequent diarrhea. SolCarb was started with enteral feeds with good tolerance and response, maintaining target blood glucose levels. On physical examination, she had some dysmorphic features that were suggestive of a syndromic condition: prominent ear lobes, broad and flat nasal bridge, a single prominent tooth at the center of the bottom gum line, long palpebral fissures with upward curvature at the lateral edges, prominent finger pads and neurodevelopmental delay. Since she had features suggestive of Kabuki syndrome, WES was ordered which was remarkable for a pathogenic mutation in KMT2D (Autosomal dominant, Heterozygous, variant c.5269C&amp;gt;T and p.R1757X). Conclusion Persistent hypoglycemia beyond the neonatal period is a rare finding in Kabuki syndrome. In addition, it is a more common finding in Kabuki Syndrome type 2 (Mutations in the KDM6A gene). Our patient presents a rare case of a 2-year-old female with persistent hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinism secondary to KS1. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Low-Dose Extrapolation Factors Implied by Mortality and Incidence Data from the Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivor Life Span Study Data.

Assessment of the effect of low dose and low-dose-rate exposure depends critically on extrapolation from groups exposed at high dose and high-dose rates such as the Japanese atomic bomb survivor data, and has often been achieved via application of a dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor (DDREF). An important component of DDREF is the factor determining the effect of extrapolation of dose, the so-called low-dose extrapolation factor (LDEF). To assess LDEF models linear (or linear quadratic) in dose are often fitted. In this report LDEF is assessed via fitting relative rate models that are linear or linear quadratic in dose to the latest Japanese atomic bomb survivor data on solid cancer, leukemia and circulatory disease mortality (followed from 1950 through 2003) and to data on solid cancer, lung cancer and urinary tract cancer incidence. The uncertainties in LDEF are assessed using parametric bootstrap techniques. Analysis is restricted to survivors with <3 Gy dose. There is modest evidence for upward curvature in dose response in the mortality data. For leukemia and for all solid cancer excluding lung, stomach and breast cancer there is significant curvature (P < 0.05). There is no evidence of curvature for circulatory disease (P > 0.5). The estimate of LDEF for all solid cancer mortality is 1.273 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.913, 2.182], for all solid cancer mortality excluding lung cancer, stomach cancer and breast cancer is 2.183 (95% CI 1.090, >100) and for leukemia mortality is 11.447 (95% CI 2.390, >100). For stomach cancer mortality LDEF is modestly raised, 1.077 (95% CI 0.526, >100), while for lung cancer, female breast cancer and circulatory disease mortality the LDEF does not much exceed 1. LDEF for solid cancer incidence is 1.186 (95% CI 0.942, 1.626) and for urinary tract cancer is 1.298 (95% CI <0, 7.723), although for lung cancer LDEF is not elevated, 0.842 (95% CI 0.344, >100).

Impact of multiple hurdles on Listeria monocytogenes dispersion of survivors

Pathogen exposure to multiple hurdles could result in variation in the number of survivors, which needs to be carefully considered using appropriate regression models for dealing with survivor dispersion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the hurdles on the random component of the measured variation and on its unexplained part (over or under-dispersion) representing the departure from randomness, i.e. non-randomness, in survivors of a multi-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes. The pathogen inactivation curves were fitted to the Weibull model within the Conway-Maxwell-Poisson process. In all the 20 hurdle combinations, the surviving cells, whether they showed an upward curvature or linear kinetics, displayed the randomness revealed by the degree of dispersion of the inactivation parameters (-b and p). In 15 combinations, a significant dispersion coefficient (c0), which reflected the non–random component of variation was evident, denoting either over–dispersion (c0 > 0 in 13 combinations) or under-dispersion (c0 < 0 in 2 combinations). The observed dependence of the under- and over-dispersion conditions on the inactivation rate was confirmed by a Monte Carlo simulation based on the inactivation parameter -b. Including both randomness and non-randomness provides a more accurate estimation of survivors, which certainly impacts on intervention practices.

Lip position in the smile aesthetic: Literature review

Objective: Determine the lip position influence on dental aesthetics in adults older than 19 years according to academic publications in the last 5 years. Material and methods: A systematic research was carried out in the medical literature (UNAM, Cochrane, BVS, Scielo, PubMed), using the following search strategy: (lip line) OR (smile line) AND (parameters) AND (analysis) AND (evaluation) to identify articles that reported data on lip position parameters that influence dental aesthetics. The results of each study were extracted and classified as follows: smile line or lip line, length of the lip with the smile line, gingival display, smile arc, smile type and upper lip curvature. Results: From the 4497 articles analyzed, 17 studies were selected for the final review process. Considering the studies in this literature review, the most frequent criteria are: a midline smile, a low gummy smile line, a consonant smile arc, a static smile, a commissural type of smile, and an upward curvature of the upper lip. Conclusions: An aesthetically attractive smile includes different parameters, among those that have a positive influence are a high or medium anterior smile line, a parallel smile arc, straight or upward upper lip curvature, type of commissural smile and a gingival exposure less than 2 mm.

Probing Prolamin-Anthocyanin Interactions for the Rational Design of Plant-Based Encapsulation Systems

Plant proteins are increasingly focused upon as alternatives to animal-derived macromolecules for the encapsulation of bioactives. The rational design of encapsulation carriers should be based on a solid understanding of the interactions between the proteins and bioactives. Encapsulation technology for food applications has focused predominantly on the protection and controlled release of hydrophobic bioactives. For hydrophilic molecules, although not less important from a nutritional and health perspective, significantly fewer encapsulation systems have been explored, designed and described. As hydrophilic molecules tend to partition into the aqueous food matrix, it is even more crucial to understand and to be able to modulate the interactions between the hydrophilic bioactive and the encapsulating matrix material in food relevant conditions. Therefore, examining the nature of the interactions between anthocyanins (ACNs), a hydrophilic bioactive, and prolamin plant proteins (gliadin, hordein, secalin, and avenin) is timely. These interactions were examined using steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy techniques. The ACN-induced quenching of the prolamins intrinsic fluorescence emission did not follow a linear Stern-Volmer relationship, but rather displayed an upward curvature for all the prolamins tested. Hence, both static and dynamic quenching likely occurred in the prolamin-ACN systems. The quenching mechanism was further explored based on the changes in fluorescence lifetime as ACN concentration increased. As the independent lifetimes of the prolamin-ACN combinations did not decrease discernibly as a function of ACN concentration, static quenching is presumably the predominant quenching mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that the interactions between secalin- and avenin-ACN are mainly driven by the hydrophobic effect, while those between gliadin- and hordein-ACN are dominated by ionic interactions. Zeta-potential measurements support the dominant ionic interactions found for gliadin and hordein. The insights gained in this research will serve as a sound basis for further studies focusing on matrix selection with regard to creating performant encapsulation systems for ACNs.