The 2-point angular correlation function w(theta) (2PACF), where theta is the angular separation between pairs of galaxies, provides the transversal baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) signal almost ...model independently. In this paper we use 409 337 luminous red galaxies in the redshift range z=0.440,0.555 obtained from the tenth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS DR10) to estimate theta sub(BAO) (z) from the 2PACF at six redshift shells. Since noise and systematics can hide the BAO signature in the w-theta plane, we also discuss some criteria to localize the acoustic bump. We identify two sources of model dependence in the analysis, namely, the value of the acoustic scale from cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements and the correction in the theta sub(BAO) (z) position due to projection effects. Constraints on the dark energy equation-of-state parameter w(z) from the theta sub(BAO) (z) diagram are derived, as well as from a joint analysis with current CMB measurements. We find that the standard LambdaCDM model as well as some of its extensions are in good agreement with these theta sub(BAO) (z) measurements.
Inflammation is part of the body's response to internal and external environmental stimuli that normally eliminate the aggressor agent and restore the tissue physiology. However, when it becomes ...chronic, it can cause several pathologies such as cardiovascular, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's autoimmune diseases and cancer. Currently, epidemiological data indicate that over 25% of all cancers are related to chronic infections and other types of unresolved inflammation. Further evidence of this relationship is the fact that prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with reduced risk to developing many types of cancers. Some randomized trials have shown that NSAIDs have protective action against colon adenomas, breast, prostate, and lung cancers. The inflammation present on tumor microenvironment is characterized by leukocyte infiltration, ranging in size, distribution and composition, as: tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), mast cells, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. These cells produce a variety of cytotoxic mediators such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS respectively), serine and cysteine proteases, membrane perforating agents, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8), interferons (IFNs) and enzymes, as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipooxygenase-5 (LOX-5) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which activate or are activated by transcription factors as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3). Initially this paper will briefly review the main mediators present on tumor microenvironment, addressing the cytokines, chemokines, transcription factors, eicosanoid, and kinins and later, will present an overview of the role of inflammation in the different steps of carcinogenesis.
ABSTRACT
To investigate how and to what extent there are differences in the photosynthetic plasticity of trees in response to different light environments, six species from three successional groups ...(late successional, mid‐successional, and pioneers) were exposed to three different light environments deep shade – DS (5% full sunlight – FS), moderate shade – MS (35% FS) and full sunlight – FS.
Maximum net photosynthesis (Amax), leaf N partitioning, stomatal, mesophile, and biochemical limitations (SL, ML, and BL, respectively), carboxylation velocity (Vcmax), and electron transport (Jmax) rates, and the state of photosynthetic induction (IS) were evaluated.
Higher values of Amax, Vcmax, and Jmax in FS were observed for pioneer species, which invested the largest amount of leaf N in Rubisco. The lower IS for pioneer species reveals its reduced ability to take advantage of sunflecks. In general, the main photosynthetic limitations are diffusive, with SL and ML having equal importance under FS, and ML decreasing along with irradiance. The leaf traits, which are more determinant of the photosynthetic process, respond independently in relation to the successional group, especially with low light availability.
An effective partitioning of leaf N between photosynthetic and structural components played a crucial role in the acclimation process and determined the increase or decrease of photosynthesis in response to the light conditions.
Variations in the photosynthetic plasticity of tropical trees.
Summary
It is routine to give a uterotonic drug following delivery of the neonate during caesarean section. However, there is much heterogeneity in the relevant research, which has largely been ...performed in low‐risk elective cases or women with uncomplicated labour. This is reflected in considerable variation in clinical practice. There are significant differences between dose requirements during elective and intrapartum caesarean section. Standard recommended doses are higher than required, with the potential for acute cardiovascular adverse effects. We recommend a small initial bolus dose of oxytocin, followed by a titrated infusion. The recommended doses of oxytocin may have to be increased in women with risk factors for uterine atony. Carbetocin at equipotent doses to oxytocin has similar actions, while avoiding the requirement for a continuous infusion after the initial dose and reducing the need for additional uterotonics. As with oxytocin, carbetocin dose requirements are higher for intrapartum caesarean sections. A second‐line agent should be considered early if oxytocin/carbetocin fails to produce good uterine tone. Women with cardiac disease may be very sensitive to the adverse effects of oxytocin and other uterotonics, and their management needs to be individualised.
COPD is a prevalent lung disease with significant impacts on public health. Affected airways exhibit pulmonary neutrophilia and consequent secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteases, which ...result in lung emphysema. Probiotics act as nonspecific modulators of the innate immune system that improve several inflammatory responses. To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr) on cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD C57Bl/6 mice were treated with Lr during the week before COPD induction and three times/week until euthanasia. For in vitro assays, murine bronchial epithelial cells as well as human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract during 24 hours were treated with Lr 1 hour before CSE addition. Lr treatment attenuated the inflammatory response both in the airways and lung parenchyma, reducing inflammatory cells infiltration and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Also, Lr-treated mice presented with lower metalloproteases in lung tissue and lung remodeling. In parallel to the reduction in the expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, STAT3, and NF-κB in lung tissue, Lr increased the levels of IL-10 as well as SOCS3 and TIMP1/2, indicating the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment. Similarly, murine bronchial epithelial cells as well as human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS) exposed to CSE produced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which were inhibited by Lr treatment in association with the production of anti-inflammatory molecules. Moreover, the presence of Lr also modulated the expression of COPD-associated transcription found into BALF of COPD mice group, i.e., Lr downregulated expression of NF-κB and STAT3, and inversely upregulated increased expression of SOCS3. Thus, our findings indicate that Lr modulates the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in human bronchial epithelial cells upon CS exposure and it can be a useful tool to improve the lung inflammatory response associated with COPD.
Aim: The knowledge of biodiversity facets such as species composition, distribution and ecological niche is fundamental for the construction of biogeographic hypotheses and conservation strategies. ...However, the knowledge on these facets is affected by major shortfalls, which are even more pronounced in the tropics. This study aims to evaluate the effect of sampling bias and variation in collection effort on Linnean, Wallacean and Hutchinsonian shortfalls and diversity measures as species richness, endemism and beta-diversity. Location: Brazil. Methods: We have built a database with over 1.5 million records of arthropods, vertebrates and angiosperms of Brazil, based on specimens deposited in scientific collections and on the taxonomic literature. We used null models to test the collection bias regarding the proximity to access routes. We also tested the influence of sampling effort on diversity measures by regression models. To investigate the Wallacean shortfall, we modelled the geographic distribution of over 4000 species and compared their observed distribution with models. To quantify the Hutchinsonian shortfall, we used environmental Euclidean distance of the records to identify regions with poorly sampled environmental conditions. To estimate the Linnean shortfall, we measured the similarity of species composition between regions close to and far from access routes. Results: We demonstrated that despite the differences in sampling effort, the strong collection bias affects all taxonomic groups equally, generating a pattern of spatially biased sampling effort. This collection pattern contributes greatly to the biodiversity knowledge shortfalls, which directly affects the knowledge on the distribution patterns of diversity. Main conclusions: The knowledge on species richness, species composition and endemism in the Brazilian biodiversity is strongly biased spatially. Despite differences in sampling effort for each taxonomic group, roadside bias affected them equally. Species composition similarity decreased with the distance from access routes, suggesting collection surveys at sites far from roads could increase the probability of sampling new geographic records or new species.
We report on precision spectroscopy of subwavelength confined molecular gases. This was obtained by rovibrational selective reflection of NH3 and SF6 gases using a quantum cascade laser at λ ≈ 10.6 μ ...m . Our technique probes molecules at micrometric distances (≈ λ/2π) from the window of a macroscopic cell with submegahertz resolution, allowing molecule-surface interaction spectroscopy. We exploit the linearity and high resolution of our technique to gain novel spectroscopic information on the SF6 greenhouse gas, useful for enriching molecular databases. The natural extension of our work to thin cells will allow compact frequency references and improved measurements of the Casimir-Polder interaction with molecules.
Management of the caries process on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars has proven a major challenge. The onset of caries on these surfaces takes place soon after their eruption, and the permanent ...first molars, followed by the second molars, remain the sites in the dentition which show the highest caries prevalence. This paper is structured in the form of questions and answers in which traditional concepts of caries susceptibility of occlusal surfaces are appraised and confronted with the current evidence. Then, research studies examining the role of biological determinants on the development and arrest of occlusal caries in young permanent teeth are discussed. Finally, the contribution of these studies in terms of developing the available scientific evidence and our understanding of the caries process on occlusal surfaces is analyzed. The current evidence does not support the concept that the early onset and high prevalence of occlusal caries in young permanent teeth are due to a particularly low inherent resistance of the occlusal surface or due to the presence of inaccessible fissure-like structures on these surfaces. Evidence is provided to show that the most influential biological determinants of the development and arrest of occlusal caries are thick plaque accumulation on the groove-fossa system and the stage of tooth eruption limiting mechanical oral function. Consequently, active occlusal lesions are significantly more prevalent in erupting than in fully erupted teeth. The major contribution of this review is to provide updated knowledge about the biological principles determining the development and arrest of caries on occlusal surfaces of erupting teeth.
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