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Water quality trend and pollutant load and source analysis of Tamjin River water system. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:744. [PMID: 37237150 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11333-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
To systematically manage water quality based on watersheds, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of changes in river water quality. This study used observational data of the Tamjin River water system to analyze changes in water quality due to farming activities during the farming period. Water quality trends were analyzed through a long-term trend analysis. Furthermore, the loads and sources of substances regulated under the total maximum daily load system were evaluated. Biochemical oxygen demand and total phosphorous, water quality factors of the target basin, showed recent increasing trends. Loads increased from April, which corresponded to the non-farming period before farming activities began, and characteristics of pollutant discharged in the basin from farming activities were observed. Pollutant sources were different from those observed in water systems with a high proportion of farming activities, and water quality management measures considering the target basin's characteristics were proposed. The results of this study will serve as logical baseline data for establishing water quality management plans.
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Erratum: Evolution of π^{0} Suppression in Au+Au Collisions from sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 to 200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 152301 (2012)]. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 125:049901. [PMID: 32794791 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.049901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.152301.
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Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 123:022301. [PMID: 31386493 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.123.022301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3 GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1 GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5 GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.
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Abstract
This in vitro study examined the utility of comparing red fluorescence between active and inactive caries lesions and investigated whether changes in red fluorescence and fluorescence loss are influenced by lesion activity following remineralization. Sixty-two noncavitated smooth surface caries lesions on extracted human teeth were classified into active or inactive lesions using the Nyvad system prior to a 12-day pH-cycling procedure. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital images were used to measure fluorescence parameters before and after pH cycling. At baseline, the intensity (ΔR) and area (AΔR) of red fluorescence were 1.5- and 2.2-fold higher in active lesions than in inactive lesions (p<0.05). The ratio of AΔR to lesion area was associated with classification of active lesions (odds ratio = 1.031; 95% confidence interval = 1.005-1.058). After pH cycling, the active lesions showed about 2- and 8-fold greater reductions in the median values of AΔR and fluorescence loss related to lesion volume (ΔQ) compared with inactive lesions (p<0.05). In conclusion, red fluorescence differs depending on lesion activity, and the red fluorescence area and lesion volume change following remineralization. The results suggest that measuring red fluorescence may be a useful way of objectively evaluating lesion activity of smooth surface lesions.
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Comparison of the oral microbiome of siblings using next-generation sequencing: a pilot study. Oral Dis 2016; 22:549-56. [DOI: 10.1111/odi.12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Centrality-Dependent Modification of Jet-Production Rates in Deuteron-Gold Collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2016; 116:122301. [PMID: 27058071 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.116.122301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Jet production rates are measured in p+p and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV recorded in 2008 with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Jets are reconstructed using the R=0.3 anti-k_{t} algorithm from energy deposits in the electromagnetic calorimeter and charged tracks in multiwire proportional chambers, and the jet transverse momentum (p_{T}) spectra are corrected for the detector response. Spectra are reported for jets with 12<p_{T}<50 GeV/c, within a pseudorapidity acceptance of |η|<0.3. The nuclear-modification factor (R_{dAu}) values for 0%-100% d+Au events are found to be consistent with unity, constraining the role of initial state effects on jet production. However, the centrality-selected R_{dAu} values and central-to-peripheral ratios (R_{CP}) show large, p_{T}-dependent deviations from unity, challenging the conventional models that relate hard-process rates and soft-particle production in collisions involving nuclei.
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Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 115:142301. [PMID: 26551807 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.142301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.
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Measurement of Long-Range Angular Correlation and Quadrupole Anisotropy of Pions and (Anti)Protons in Central d+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 114:192301. [PMID: 26024164 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.114.192301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We present azimuthal angular correlations between charged hadrons and energy deposited in calorimeter towers in central d+Au and minimum bias p+p collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. The charged hadron is measured at midrapidity |η|<0.35, and the energy is measured at large rapidity (-3.7<η<-3.1, Au-going direction). An enhanced near-side angular correlation across |Δη|>2.75 is observed in d+Au collisions. Using the event plane method applied to the Au-going energy distribution, we extract the anisotropy strength v_{2} for inclusive charged hadrons at midrapidity up to p_{T}=4.5 GeV/c. We also present the measurement of v_{2} for identified π^{±} and (anti)protons in central d+Au collisions, and observe a mass-ordering pattern similar to that seen in heavy-ion collisions. These results are compared with viscous hydrodynamic calculations and measurements from p+Pb at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. The magnitude of the mass ordering in d+Au is found to be smaller than that in p+Pb collisions, which may indicate smaller radial flow in lower energy d+Au collisions.
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Cold-nuclear-matter effects on heavy-quark production at forward and backward rapidity in d + Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 112:252301. [PMID: 25014805 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.112.252301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The PHENIX experiment has measured open heavy-flavor production via semileptonic decay over the transverse momentum range 1 < p(T) < 6 GeV/c at forward and backward rapidity (1.4 < |y| < 2.0) in d+Au and p + p collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV. In central d+Au collisions, relative to the yield in p + p collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, a suppression is observed at forward rapidity (in the d-going direction) and an enhancement at backward rapidity (in the Au-going direction). Predictions using nuclear-modified-parton-distribution functions, even with additional nuclear-p(T) broadening, cannot simultaneously reproduce the data at both rapidity ranges, which implies that these models are incomplete and suggests the possible importance of final-state interactions in the asymmetric d + Au collision system. These results can be used to probe cold-nuclear-matter effects, which may significantly affect heavy-quark production, in addition to helping constrain the magnitude of charmonia-breakup effects in nuclear matter.
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Azimuthal-angle dependence of charged-pion-interferometry measurements with respect to second- and third-order event planes in Au+Au collisions at √[S(NN)]=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 112:222301. [PMID: 24949761 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.112.222301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Charged-pion-interferometry measurements were made with respect to the second- and third-order event plane for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. A strong azimuthal-angle dependence of the extracted Gaussian-source radii was observed with respect to both the second- and third-order event planes. The results for the second-order dependence indicate that the initial eccentricity is reduced during the medium evolution, which is consistent with previous results. In contrast, the results for the third-order dependence indicate that the initial triangular shape is significantly reduced and potentially reversed by the end of the medium evolution, and that the third-order oscillations are largely dominated by the dynamical effects from triangular flow.
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Outbreak among healthy newborns due to a new variant of USA300-related meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Hosp Infect 2014; 87:145-51. [PMID: 24856113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is increasing throughout the world and is an important cause of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) in children and neonates. AIM To describe the successful control of an outbreak caused by a new strain of CA-MRSA in a newborn nursery. METHODS The investigation of the outbreak in July 2012 is reported with the control measures taken. Molecular typing of the MRSA isolates was performed. FINDINGS An outbreak of SSTI caused by CA-MRSA occurred in a newborn nursery. Six neonates were infected in a one-month period [infection rate: 8.5% (6/71)]. A new variant of CA-MRSA was responsible, which was characterized as USA300-related, Panton-Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) positive, arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) negative, sequence type 8 (ST8), staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IVa, agr type I and spa type t008. The outbreak among term neonates followed a rapid transmission pattern and was successfully controlled by implementing various outbreak control measures, including universal chlorhexidine bathing. CONCLUSION This is the first report of a hospital outbreak caused by a USA300-related CA-MRSA clone in Korea. Early recognition and reinforcement of infection control measures are important in decreasing transmission of CA-MRSA in a hospital setting.
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A conceptual model for the impact of climate change on fox rabies in Alaska, 1980-2010. Zoonoses Public Health 2014; 61:72-80. [PMID: 23452510 PMCID: PMC3701727 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The direct and interactive effects of climate change on host species and infectious disease dynamics are likely to initially manifest\ at latitudinal extremes. As such, Alaska represents a region in the United States for introspection on climate change and disease. Rabies is enzootic among arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) throughout the northern polar region. In Alaska, arctic and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are reservoirs for rabies, with most domestic animal and wildlife cases reported from northern and western coastal Alaska. Based on passive surveillance, a pronounced seasonal trend in rabid foxes occurs in Alaska, with a peak in winter and spring. This study describes climatic factors that may be associated with reported cyclic rabies occurrence. Based upon probabilistic modelling, a stronger seasonal effect in reported fox rabies cases appears at higher latitudes in Alaska, and rabies in arctic foxes appear disproportionately affected by climatic factors in comparison with red foxes. As temperatures continue a warming trend, a decrease in reported rabid arctic foxes may be expected. The overall epidemiology of rabies in Alaska is likely to shift to increased viral transmission among red foxes as the primary reservoir in the region. Information on fox and lemming demographics, in addition to enhanced rabies surveillance among foxes at finer geographic scales, will be critical to develop more comprehensive models for rabies virus transmission in the region.
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Quadrupole anisotropy in dihadron azimuthal correlations in central d+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2013; 111:212301. [PMID: 24313481 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.111.212301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The PHENIX collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) reports measurements of azimuthal dihadron correlations near midrapidity in d+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. These measurements complement recent analyses by experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) involving central p+Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV, which have indicated strong anisotropic long-range correlations in angular distributions of hadron pairs. The origin of these anisotropies is currently unknown. Various competing explanations include parton saturation and hydrodynamic flow. We observe qualitatively similar, but larger, anisotropies in d+Au collisions at RHIC compared to those seen in p+Pb collisions at the LHC. The larger extracted v2 values in d+Au are consistent with expectations from hydrodynamic calculations owing to the larger expected initial-state eccentricity compared with that from p+Pb collisions. When both are divided by an estimate of the initial-state eccentricity the scaled anisotropies follow a common trend with multiplicity that may extend to heavy ion data at RHIC and the LHC, where the anisotropies are widely thought to arise from hydrodynamic flow.
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Nuclear modification of ψ', χc, and J/ψ production in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2013; 111:202301. [PMID: 24289677 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.111.202301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We present results for three charmonia states (ψ', χc, and J/ψ) in d+Au collisions at |y|<0.35 and sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. We find that the modification of the ψ' yield relative to that of the J/ψ scales approximately with charged particle multiplicity at midrapidity across p+A, d+Au, and A+A results from the Super Proton Synchrotron and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. In large-impact-parameter collisions we observe a similar suppression for the ψ' and J/ψ, while in small-impact-parameter collisions the more weakly bound ψ' is more strongly suppressed. Owing to the short time spent traversing the Au nucleus, the larger ψ' suppression in central events is not explained by an increase of the nuclear absorption owing to meson formation time effects.
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Changes in masticatory function after injection of botulinum toxin type A to masticatory muscles. J Oral Rehabil 2013; 40:916-22. [PMID: 24237358 DOI: 10.1111/joor.12111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined changes in masticatory function after botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection using objective and subjective tests during 12 weeks. Also, we compared differences in masticatory function between group in which only masseter muscle (M group) was injected and group in which masseter and temporal muscle (M-T group) were injected. Forty subjects were assigned into two groups; M group (n = 20) and the M-T group (n = 20). The Meditoxin(®) was used as BTX-A injection. The mixing ability index (MAI) was used as the objective indicator, and visual analogue scale (VAS) and food intake ability (FIA) index were used as subjective indicators. Overall, the masticatory function drastically declined after 4 weeks and gradually recovered with time. Compared with the pre-injection state, the masticatory function decreased by 89·2% (MAI), 12·2% (FIA) and 32·2% (VAS) 4 weeks after the injection (P < 0·05). When the results between M group and M-T group were compared, scores of VAS and FIA were significantly different 4 weeks after the injection (P < 0·05), but the MAI score showed no significant difference between two groups. In conclusion, this study showed that masticatory function was significantly decreased after BTX-A injection into the masticatory muscle after 4 and 8 weeks from injection. However, masticatory efficiency measured using MAI could completely recover after 12 weeks. Furthermore, after 8 weeks from the injection, the masticatory function measured after injection into only the masseter muscle was similar to that measured after injection into both masseter and temporal muscle.
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Medium modification of jet fragmentation in Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV measured in direct photon-hadron correlations. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2013; 111:032301. [PMID: 23909311 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.111.032301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The jet fragmentation function is measured with direct photon-hadron correlations in p+p and Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The p(T) of the photon is an excellent approximation to the initial p(T) of the jet and the ratio z(T)=p(T)(h)/p(T)(γ) is used as a proxy for the jet fragmentation function. A statistical subtraction is used to extract the direct photon-hadron yields in Au+Au collisions while a photon isolation cut is applied in p+p. I(AA), the ratio of hadron yield opposite the photon in Au+Au to that in p+p, indicates modification of the jet fragmentation function. Suppression, most likely due to energy loss in the medium, is seen at high z(T). The associated hadron yield at low z(T) is enhanced at large angles. Such a trend is expected from redistribution of the lost energy into increased production of low-momentum particles.
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Cold-nuclear-matter effects on heavy-quark production in d+Au collisions at sqrt[S(NN)]=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2012; 109:242301. [PMID: 23368311 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.109.242301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The PHENIX experiment has measured electrons and positrons at midrapidity from the decays of hadrons containing charm and bottom quarks produced in d+Au and p+p collisions at sqrt[S(NN)]=200 GeV in the transverse-momentum range 0.85 ≤ p(T)(e) ≤ 8.5 GeV/c. In central d+Au collisions, the nuclear modification factor R(dA) at 1.5<p(T)<5 GeV/c displays evidence of enhancement of these electrons, relative to those produced in p+p collisions, and shows that the mass-dependent Cronin enhancement observed at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider extends to the heavy D meson family. A comparison with the neutral-pion data suggests that the difference in cold-nuclear-matter effects on light- and heavy-flavor mesons could contribute to the observed differences between the π(0) and heavy-flavor-electron nuclear modification factors R(AA).
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Evolution of π(0) suppression in Au+Au collisions from √(s(NN))=39 to 200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2012; 109:152301. [PMID: 23102299 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.109.152301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Neutral-pion π(0) spectra were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.35) in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=39 and 62.4 GeV and compared with earlier measurements at 200 GeV in a transverse-momentum range of 1<p(T)<10 GeV/c. The high-p(T) tail is well described by a power law in all cases, and the powers decrease significantly with decreasing center-of-mass energy. The change of powers is very similar to that observed in the corresponding spectra for p+p collisions. The nuclear modification factors (R(AA)) show significant suppression, with a distinct energy, centrality, and p(T) dependence. Above p(T)=7 GeV/c, R(AA) is similar for √(s(NN))=62.4 and 200 GeV at all centralities. Perturbative-quantum-chromodynamics calculations that describe R(AA) well at 200 GeV fail to describe the 39 GeV data, raising the possibility that, for the same p(T) region, the relative importance of initial-state effects and soft processes increases at lower energies. The p(T) range where π(0) spectra in central Au+Au collisions have the same power as in p+p collisions is ≈5 and 7 GeV/c for √(s(NN))=200 and 62.4 GeV, respectively. For the √(s(NN))=39 GeV data, it is not clear whether such a region is reached, and the x(T) dependence of the x(T)-scaling power-law exponent is very different from that observed in the √(s(NN))=62 and 200 GeV data, providing further evidence that initial-state effects and soft processes mask the in-medium suppression of hard-scattered partons to higher p(T) as the collision energy decreases.
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Observation of direct-photon collective flow in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2012; 109:122302. [PMID: 23005942 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.109.122302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The second Fourier component v(2) of the azimuthal anisotropy with respect to the reaction plane is measured for direct photons at midrapidity and transverse momentum (p(T)) of 1-12 GeV/c in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV. Previous measurements of this quantity for hadrons with p(T) < 6 GeV/c indicate that the medium behaves like a nearly perfect fluid, while for p(T) > 6 GeV/c a reduced anisotropy is interpreted in terms of a path-length dependence for parton energy loss. In this measurement with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider we find that for p(T) > 4 GeV/c the anisotropy for direct photons is consistent with zero, which is as expected if the dominant source of direct photons is initial hard scattering. However, in the p(T) < 4 GeV/c region dominated by thermal photons, we find a substantial direct-photon v(2) comparable to that of hadrons, whereas model calculations for thermal photons in this kinematic region underpredict the observed v(2).
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Measurements of higher order flow harmonics in Au+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 107:252301. [PMID: 22243067 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.252301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Flow coefficients ν(n) for n=2, 3, 4, characterizing the anisotropic collective flow in Au+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV, are measured relative to event planes Ψ(n), determined at large rapidity. We report ν(n) as a function of transverse momentum and collision centrality, and study the correlations among the event planes of different order n. The ν(n) are well described by hydrodynamic models which employ a Glauber Monte Carlo initial state geometry with fluctuations, providing additional constraining power on the interplay between initial conditions and the effects of viscosity as the system evolves. This new constraint can serve to improve the precision of the extracted shear viscosity to entropy density ratio η/s.
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Suppression of back-to-back hadron pairs at forward rapidity in d+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 107:172301. [PMID: 22107509 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.172301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Back-to-back hadron pair yields in d+Au and p+p collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV were measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Rapidity separated hadron pairs were detected with the trigger hadron at pseudorapidity |η|<0.35 and the associated hadron at forward rapidity (deuteron direction, 3.0<η<3.8). Pairs were also detected with both hadrons measured at forward rapidity; in this case, the yield of back-to-back hadron pairs in d+Au collisions with small impact parameters is observed to be suppressed by a factor of 10 relative to p+p collisions. The kinematics of these pairs is expected to probe partons in the Au nucleus with a low fraction x of the nucleon momenta, where the gluon densities rise sharply. The observed suppression as a function of nuclear thickness, p(T), and η points to cold nuclear matter effects arising at high parton densities.
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Cold nuclear matter effects on J/ψ yields as a function of rapidity and nuclear geometry in d+A collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 107:142301. [PMID: 22107186 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.142301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We present measurements of J/ψ yields in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV recorded by the PHENIX experiment and compare them with yields in p+p collisions at the same energy per nucleon-nucleon collision. The measurements cover a large kinematic range in J/ψ rapidity (-2.2<y<2.4) with high statistical precision and are compared with two theoretical models: one with nuclear shadowing combined with final state breakup and one with coherent gluon saturation effects. In order to remove model dependent systematic uncertainties we also compare the data to a simple geometric model. The forward rapidity data are inconsistent with nuclear modifications that are linear or exponential in the density weighted longitudinal thickness, such as those from the final state breakup of the bound state.
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Effect of nano-carbonate apatite to prevent re-stain after dental bleaching in vitro. J Dent 2011; 39:636-42. [PMID: 21763391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the effect of nano-carbonate apatite (n-CAP) to prevent re-staining and the change of enamel surface after dental bleaching in vitro. METHODS Twenty-four bovine specimens were bleached for 2 weeks with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP). After bleaching, the specimens were divided into the following four groups: distilled and deionized water (DDW, negative control), 10% n-CAP, NaF (positive control) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP, positive control). Each group was subjected to pH cycling for 7 days. The specimens were treated for 4 min 3 times per day and re-staining was induced naturally by artificial saliva in the remineralization process. After pH cycling, the changes in colour were evaluated with spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The difference in colour between before and after pH cycling was evaluated using an ANOVA and Tukey test. RESULTS After pH cycling, the colour difference of n-CAP group was significantly lower than that of the DDW and CPP-ACP groups (p<0.05). SEM showed that n-CAP particles were deposited regularly on the damaged surface compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION 10% n-CAP could significantly maintain the initial colour and protect the damaged enamel structure after bleaching.
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The addition of nano-sized hydroxyapatite to a sports drink to inhibit dental erosion: in vitro study using bovine enamel. J Dent 2011; 39:629-35. [PMID: 21763390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the dental erosion and demineralization potential of a sports drink containing nano-sized hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) as an additive. METHODS The experimental solutions were Powerade (PA) alone and PA with 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.25% nano-HA. The pH, titratable acidity, and calcium and phosphate content of each solution were analysed, and the degree of saturation with respect to the dental enamel (DS(En)) was obtained. Twelve sound bovine enamel specimens for each group were treated in accordance with the pH-cycling schedule which had 60min treatment with experimental solution per day for 7 days. The erosion potential was determined from the changes in surface micro hardness (SMH), the depths of erosion and demineralized layer using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and the morphological changes to the tooth surface were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after pH-cycling. RESULTS pH and DS(En) increased with increasing nano-HA concentration in the drinks, whereas the titratable acidity decreased. There were significant differences in the SMH between the PA alone and >0.10% nano-HA groups (p<0.001). Although the PA alone group showed a pronounced erosion depth, CLSM showed no erosion depth in 0.25% nano-HA group. SEM showed an intact surface with increasing nano-HA concentration in the drinks. In conclusion, dental erosion was effectively prevented with increase of adding concentration of nano-HA, and a sports drink containing 0.25% nano-HA might prevent dental erosion.
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Impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on microalbuminuria in patients with prediabetes and diabetes. Intern Med J 2011; 40:437-42. [PMID: 19460054 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.01979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unknown whether microalbuminuria is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This study investigated the association of NAFLD with microalbuminuria among patients with prediabetes and diabetes. METHODS We evaluated 1361 subjects who had an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on routine screening. All participants were divided into two groups, prediabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 DM, and the association of NAFLD with metabolic parameters on microalbuminuria was analysed. RESULTS The patients with NAFLD had higher prevalence rates of microalbuminuria (6.3% vs 19%; P = 0.001 in prediabetes, 4.5% vs 32.6%; P < 0.001 in diabetes) and also had a greater albumin-to-creatinine ratio (14.6 +/- 52.0 microg/mg Cr vs 27.7 +/- 63.9 microg/mg Cr; P = 0.051 in prediabetes, 11.4 +/- 21.4 microg/mg Cr vs 44.7 +/- 76.4 microg/mg Cr; P < 0.001 in diabetes) than those without NAFLD. The logistic regression analysis showed that NAFLD was associated with increased rates of microalbuminuria (odds ratio 3.66; 95%confidence interval (CI) 1.31-10.20, P = 0.013 in prediabetes, odds ratio 5.47;95% CI 1.01-29.61, P = 0.048 in diabetes), independently of age, sex, body mass index, waist circumference, liver enzymes, lipid profiles, HbA1c, insulin resistance as estimated by homeostasis model assessment, hypertension,smoking status and the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study revealed a strong relationship between microalbuminuria and NAFLD in the patients with prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes. Further studies are required to confirm whether NAFLD is a predictor of the development of microalbuminuria in patients with prediabetes and diabetes.
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Serum adipocyte-specific fatty acid-binding protein is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in apparently healthy subjects. J Nutr Biochem 2011; 22:289-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2010.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2009] [Revised: 12/28/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Clevudine-induced viral response, associated with continued reduction of HBsAg titer, was durable after the withdrawal of therapy. J Gastroenterol 2011; 46:410-4. [PMID: 21181212 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-010-0354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate the durability of clevudine-induced viral response after the withdrawal of treatment. METHODS Patients who showed a complete response [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <4,700 copies/mL for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients; ALT normalization, HBV DNA <4,700 copies/mL, and HBeAg seroconversion for HBeAg-positive patients] in the previous clevudine phase III trials were followed for an additional 96 weeks without any treatment for hepatitis B. RESULTS Of the 63 patients in the study cohort, 73% and 35% of the patients had HBV DNA <141,500 and <4,700 copies/mL, respectively, and 75% of the patients had normal ALT at the end of follow-up. HBeAg seroconversion was maintained in 81% of the patients and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss occurred in 3 patients. Continued HBsAg titer decrease (-0.5 log IU/mL) was observed in the sustained viral responders, suggesting the reduction of covalently closed circular DNA in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS The clevudine-induced viral response was durable in the majority of patients for 2 years after the withdrawal of treatment.
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Cross section and parity-violating spin asymmetries of W± boson production in polarized p + p collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 106:062001. [PMID: 21405459 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.106.062001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Large parity-violating longitudinal single-spin asymmetries A(L)(e+) = -0.86(-0.14) (+0.30) and A(L)(e-) = 0.88(-0.71) (+0.12) are observed for inclusive high transverse momentum electrons and positrons in polarized p+p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s] = 500 GeV with the PHENIX detector at RHIC. These e± come mainly from the decay of W± and Z0 bosons, and their asymmetries directly demonstrate parity violation in the couplings of the W± to the light quarks. The observed electron and positron yields were used to estimate W± boson production cross sections for the e± channels of σ(pp → W+ X) × BR(W+ → e+ ν(e)) = 144.1 ± 21.2(stat)(-10.3) (+3.4) (syst) ± 21.6(norm) pb, and σ(pp → W- X) × BR(W- → e- ν[over ¯](e)) = 31.7 ± 12.1(stat)(-8.2) (+10.1) (syst) ± 4.8(norm) pb.
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Azimuthal anisotropy of π⁰ production in Au+Au collisions at sqrt((s)NN)=200 GeV: path-length dependence of jet quenching and the role of initial geometry. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 105:142301. [PMID: 21230825 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.105.142301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We have measured the azimuthal anisotropy of π⁰ production for 1<p(T)<18 GeV/c for Au+Au collisions at sqrt((s)NN)=200 GeV. The observed anisotropy shows a gradual decrease for 3≲p(T)≲7-10 GeV/c, but remains positive beyond 10 GeV/c. The magnitude of this anisotropy is underpredicted, up to at least ∼10 GeV/c, by current perturbative QCD (PQCD) energy-loss model calculations. An estimate of the increase in anisotropy expected from initial-geometry modification due to gluon saturation effects and fluctuations is insufficient to account for this discrepancy. Calculations that implement a path-length dependence steeper than what is implied by current PQCD energy-loss models show reasonable agreement with the data.
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Elliptic and hexadecapole flow of charged hadrons in Au+Au collisions at sq.rt(s(NN))=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 105:062301. [PMID: 20867976 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.105.062301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Differential measurements of the elliptic (v(2)) and hexadecapole (v(4)) Fourier flow coefficients are reported for charged hadrons as a function of transverse momentum (p(T)) and collision centrality or number of participant nucleons (N(part)) for Au+Au collisions at sq.rt(s(NN))=200 GeV. The v(2,4) measurements at pseudorapidity |η|≤0.35, obtained with four separate reaction-plane detectors positioned in the range 1.0<|η|<3.9, show good agreement, indicating the absence of significant Δη-dependent nonflow correlations. Sizable values for v(4)(p(T)) are observed with a ratio v(4)(p(T),N(part))/v(2)(2)(p(T),N(part))≈0.8 for 50≲N(part)≲200, which is compatible with the combined effects of a finite viscosity and initial eccentricity fluctuations. For N(part)≳200 this ratio increases up to 1.7 in the most central collisions.
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Transition in yield and azimuthal shape modification in dihadron correlations in relativistic heavy ion collisions. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 104:252301. [PMID: 20867367 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.104.252301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Hard-scattered parton probes produced in collisions of large nuclei indicate large partonic energy loss, possibly with collective produced-medium response to the lost energy. We present measurements of π^{0} trigger particles at transverse momenta p{T}{t}=4-12 GeV/c and associated charged hadrons (p{T}{a}=0.5-7 GeV/c) vs relative azimuthal angle Δϕ in Au+Au and p+p collisions at sqrt[s{NN}]=200 GeV. The Au+Au distribution at low p{T}{a}, whose shape has been interpreted as a medium effect, is modified for p{T}{t}<7 GeV/c. At higher p{T}{t}, the data are consistent with unmodified or very weakly modified shapes, even for the lowest measured p{T}{a}, which quantitatively challenges some medium response models. The associated yield of hadrons opposing the trigger particle in Au+Au relative to p+p (I{AA}) is suppressed at high p{T} (I{AA}≈0.35-0.5), but less than for inclusive suppression (R{AA}≈0.2).
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Electrical properties and microstructure of microwave dielectric ceramics (Ca 0.7Sr 0.3) m(Ti yZr 1-y)O 3. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN CRYSTAL GROWTH AND CRYSTAL TECHNOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.6111/jkcgct.2010.20.1.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Change of insulin sensitivity in hepatitis C patients with normal insulin sensitivity: a 5-year prospective follow-up study variation of insulin sensitivity in HCV patients. Intern Med J 2009; 40:503-11. [PMID: 19712201 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.02042.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Insulin resistance (IR) is known to play a crucial role in the development of DM in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. We prospectively investigated changes of insulin sensitivity in CHC patients during a 5-year period and analysed the factors significantly associated with IR. METHODS Sixty-two CHC patients with normal insulin sensitivity (CHC group), and a healthy control group of 172 subjects matched by age, gender, body mass index and lifestyles were studied. We compared the initial baseline insulin sensitivity, metabolic parameters and incidence of IR at the end of the follow-up period between the two groups. The changes in insulin sensitivity, metabolic parameters and the development of IR were analysed as well as factors associated with the development of IR. RESULTS IR developed in 22.5% of 62 CHC patients and 5.2% of 172 normal individuals (P < 0.001). HCV infection per se and the genotype 1 were independent risk factors for the development of IR. The duration of infection > or = 120 months, initial fasting glucose 90-100 mg/dL, fasting insulin > or = 10 microIU/mL and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) 2.3-2.7 were significantly associated with the development of IR in the CHC group. CONCLUSION HCV infection was an independent risk factor for the development of IR. All CHC patients, even those with normal insulin sensitivity, require careful monitoring for the development of IR.
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Measurement of bottom versus charm as a function of transverse momentum with electron-hadron correlations in p + p collisions at square root of s = 200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2009; 103:082002. [PMID: 19792719 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.103.082002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The momentum distribution of electrons from semileptonic decays of charm and bottom quarks for midrapidity |y|<0.35 in p+p collisions at square root of s=200 GeV is measured by the PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider over the transverse momentum range 2<pT<7 GeV/c. The ratio of the yield of electrons from bottom to that from charm is presented. The ratio is determined using partial D/D-->e(+/-)K(-/+)X (K unidentified) reconstruction. It is found that the yield of electrons from bottom becomes significant above 4 GeV/c in pT. A fixed-order-plus-next-to-leading-log perturbative quantum chromodynamics calculation agrees with the data within the theoretical and experimental uncertainties. The extracted total bottom production cross section at this energy is sigma(bb)=3.2(-1.1)(+1.2)(stat)(-1.3)(+1.4)(syst)mub.
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Gluon-spin contribution to the proton spin from the double-helicity asymmetry in inclusive pi0 production in polarized p+p collisions at [sqrt]s=200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2009; 103:012003. [PMID: 19659137 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.103.012003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The double helicity asymmetry in neutral pion production for pT=1 to 12 GeV/c was measured with the PHENIX experiment to access the gluon-spin contribution, DeltaG, to the proton spin. Measured asymmetries are consistent with zero, and at a theory scale of micro2=4 GeV2 a next to leading order QCD analysis gives DeltaG[0.02,0.3]=0.2, with a constraint of -0.7<DeltaG[0.02,0.3]<0.5 at Deltachi2=9 (approximately 3sigma) for the sampled gluon momentum fraction (x) range, 0.02 to 0.3. The results are obtained using predictions for the measured asymmetries generated from four representative fits to polarized deep inelastic scattering data. We also consider the dependence of the DeltaG constraint on the choice of the theoretical scale, a dominant uncertainty in these predictions.
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Pre-operative predictive factors for gallbladder cholesterol polyps using conventional diagnostic imaging. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:6831-4. [PMID: 19058309 PMCID: PMC2773878 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.6831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To determine the clinical data that might be useful for differentiating benign from malignant gallbladder (GB) polyps by comparing radiological methods, including abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) scanning, with postoperative pathology findings.
METHODS: Fifty-nine patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for a GB polyp of around 10 mm. They were divided into two groups, one with cholesterol polyps and the other with non-cholesterol polyps. Clinical features such as gender, age, symptoms, size and number of polyps, the presence of a GB stone, the radiologically measured maximum diameter of the polyp by US and CT scanning, and the measurements of diameter from postoperative pathology were recorded for comparative analysis.
RESULTS: Fifteen of the 41 cases with cholesterol polyps (36.6%) were detected with US but not CT scanning, whereas all 18 non-cholesterol polyps were observed using both methods. In the cholesterol polyp group, the maximum measured diameter of the polyp was smaller by CT scan than by US. Consequently, the discrepancy between those two scanning measurements was greater than for the non-cholesterol polyp group.
CONCLUSION: The clinical signs indicative of a cholesterol polyp include: (1) a polyp observed by US but not observable by CT scanning, (2) a smaller diameter on the CT scan compared to US, and (3) a discrepancy in its maximum diameter between US and CT measurements. In addition, US and the CT scan had low accuracy in predicting the polyp diameter compared to that determined by postoperative pathology.
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Onset of pi(0) suppression studied in Cu+Cu collisions at sqrt S NN=22.4, 62.4, and 200 GeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2008; 101:162301. [PMID: 18999660 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.101.162301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Neutral pion transverse momentum (p(T)) spectra at midrapidity (|y| less than or approximately 0.35) were measured in Cu+Cu collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=22.4, 62.4, and 200 GeV. Relative to pi_(0) yields in p+p collisions scaled by the number of inelastic nucleon-nucleon collisions (N(coll) the pi_(0) yields for p(T) more than or approximately 2 GeV/c in central Cu+Cu collisions are suppressed at 62.4 and 200 GeV whereas an enhancement is observed at 22.4 GeV. A comparison with a jet-quenching model suggests that final state parton energy loss dominates in central Cu+Cu collisions at 62.4 and 200 GeV, while the enhancement at 22.4 GeV is consistent with nuclear modifications in the initial state alone.
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Synthesis and pore analysis of aerogel–glass fiber composites by ambient drying method. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2007.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Clevudine is highly efficacious in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B with durable off-therapy viral suppression. Hepatology 2007; 46:1041-8. [PMID: 17647293 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Clevudine is a pyrimidine analog with potent and sustained antiviral activity against HBV. In the present study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of clevudine 30 mg daily for 24 weeks and assessed the durability of antiviral response for 24 weeks after cessation of dosing in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (e-CHB). We randomized a total of 86 patients (3:1) to receive clevudine 30 mg (n = 63) or placebo (n = 23) daily for 24 weeks. We followed patients for an additional 24 weeks after withdrawal of treatment. The median changes in HBV DNA from baseline were -4.25 and -0.48 log(10) copies/mL at week 24 in the clevudine and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Viral suppression in the clevudine group was sustained after withdrawal of therapy, with 3.11 log(10) reduction at week 48. At week 24 and week 48, 92.1% and 16.4% of patients in the clevudine group had undetectable serum HBV DNA levels by Amplicor PCR assay (<300 copies/mL). The proportion of patients who achieved ALT normalization was 74.6% and 33.3% in the clevudine and placebo groups at week 24, respectively (P = 0.0006). ALT normalization in the clevudine group was well-maintained during the post-treatment follow-up period. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the 2 groups. No resistance to clevudine was detected during treatment. CONCLUSION A 24-week clevudine therapy was well-tolerated and showed potent and sustained antiviral effect without evidence of viral resistance in e-CHB patients. However, treatment for longer than 24 weeks would be needed to achieve durable remission.
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Quality and effect of single dose versus split dose of polyethylene glycol bowel preparation for early-morning colonoscopy. Endoscopy 2007; 39:616-9. [PMID: 17611916 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS The conventional procedure of ingestion of an entire dose of polyethylene glycol solution on the day before early-morning colonoscopy may result in poor bowel preparation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and effect of a split-dose ingestion of polyethylene glycol for early-morning colonoscopy. METHODS A total of 303 age- and sex-matched consecutive individuals presenting for medical check-ups were randomly assigned to receive either 4 L of polyethylene glycol solution with a soft diet on the day before colonoscopy (n = 152; group A), or 3 L of polyethylene glycol solution with a soft diet on the preceding day and then 1 L of the solution on the day of colonoscopy (n = 151; group B). The quality of bowel preparation was evaluated using the Ottawa scale, and the time to cecal intubation and the technical difficulty during the procedure were also recorded. RESULTS There was no difference in compliance between group A (single-dose) and group B (split-dose). The quality of bowel preparation was better in group B compared with group A. When the participants were categorized according to compliance (good compliance, 116 in group A, 119 in group B; poor compliance, 36 in group A, 32 in group B), the quality of the bowel preparation had a higher score in the good compliance compared with the poor compliance group, and in group B this difference was usually significant. CONCLUSIONS Split-dose bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol solution provided a better quality preparation than the conventional method for patients undergoing early-morning colonoscopy.
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Twenty-four-week clevudine therapy showed potent and sustained antiviral activity in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology 2007; 45:1172-8. [PMID: 17464992 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Clevudine is a pyrimidine analogue with potent and sustained antiviral activity against HBV. The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of 30 mg clevudine once daily for 24 weeks and assessed the durable antiviral response for 24 weeks after cessation of dosing. A total of 243 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients were randomized (3:1) to receive clevudine 30 mg once daily (n=182) or placebo (n=61) for 24 weeks. Patients were followed for a further 24 weeks off therapy. Median serum HBV DNA reductions from baseline at week 24 were 5.10 and 0.27 log10 copies/mL in the clevudine and placebo groups, respectively (P<0.0001). Viral suppression in the clevudine group was sustained off therapy, with 3.73 log10 reduction at week 34 and 2.02 log10 reduction at week 48. At week 24, 59.0% of patients in the clevudine group had undetectable serum HBV DNA levels by Amplicor PCR assay (less than 300 copies/mL). The proportion of patients who achieved normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was 68.2% in the clevudine group and 17.5% in the placebo group at week 24 (P<0.0001). ALT normalization in the clevudine group was well maintained during post-treatment follow-up period. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar between the clevudine group and the placebo group. No resistance to clevudine was detected with 24 weeks of administration of drug. CONCLUSION A 24-week clevudine therapy was well tolerated and showed potent and sustained antiviral effect without evidence of viral resistance during treatment period in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B.
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Gene amplification and protein overexpression of HER-2/neu in human extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as detected by chromogenic in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry: its prognostic implication in node-positive patients. Ann Oncol 2007; 18:892-7. [PMID: 17322545 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdm006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cholangiocarcinoma (CC), HER-2/neu protein overexpression has rarely been reported and the results are conflicting. The present study aimed to clarify the rates of HER-2/neu protein overexpression and gene amplification in human extrahepatic CC and to evaluate the correlation between HER-2/neu and several clinicopathologic features. PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated HER-2 gene amplification by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and HER-2/neu protein overexpression by immunohistochemistry in 55 extrahepatic CC patients who underwent curative surgery at our institution. RESULTS Overexpression of HER-2/neu protein (staining intensity score > or = 2) was found in 16 out of 55 patients (29.1%). CISH revealed that HER-2 gene signals were increased in 10 out of 55 patients (18.1%). There was a positive and significant correlation between HER-2 gene amplification and HER-2/neu protein overexpression (Spearman's rho = 0.718, P < 0.01). In subgroup with lymph node metastases, HER-2 gene amplification by CISH was significant prognostic factor for survival (OR 43.6, 95% confidence interval 1.6-1219.6). CONCLUSIONS HER-2/neu protein overexpression by HER-2 gene amplification may occur in human extrahepatic CC and constitute an independent prognostic factor in patients with lymph node metastases. In subgroup with lymph node metastases who exhibit HER-2/neu overexpression might constitute potential candidates for new adjuvant therapy, such as humanized monoclonal antibodies.
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Comparison of mass spectrometric analysis and TRUGENE HBV genotyping for monitoring lamivudine resistance in chronic hepatitis B patients. Antivir Ther 2007; 12:7-13. [PMID: 17503742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing need for the early detection of emerging mutations in the tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) motif of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase with using sensitive molecular methods. METHODS We evaluated the usefulness of monitoring lamivudine resistance using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based assay (the restriction fragment mass polymorphism; RFMP) in comparison with the direct sequencing assay, the TRUGENE ' HBV genotyping kit. We also investigated the treatment responses in relation to the presence of YMDD mutants. The sera from 50 chronic HBVs patients were analysed for the presence of YMDD mutants by performing RFMP and TRUGENE. The results at codons 180 and 204 were compared for 46 patients. RESULTS The concordance rate between the two assays was 65.2% (30/46). All the discordance corresponded to the detection of additional virus populations by RFMP. Early detection of mutants before viral breakthrough was accomplished by RFMP in two patients. Persistence of very low viraemia was observed in five patients who harboured mutant virus populations. Additional information was provided by TRUGENE in eight patients. CONCLUSIONS RFMP showed a superior ability for detecting minor mutant virus populations compared with TRUGENE. However, the results of highly sensitive RFMP should be interpreted carefully because lamivudine could be effective despite the presence of mutants. RFMP could be a practical tool in conjunction with regular measurements of the HBV viral load for the early detection of lamivudine resistance and the timely introduction of new antiviral drugs.
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Vertical profile of algal distribution during aeration prior to intake tower for safe drinking water. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2007; 55:321-7. [PMID: 17305156 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2007.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria comprise a diverse group of organisms, all of which generate potent natural toxins, as well as characteristic odours. In particular, blue-green algae, such as Microcystis and Anabaena, are often detected abundantly in surface water used as a drinking water resource. In order to confirm our ability to provide safe drinking water even during a water bloom, we have conducted an investigation into the vertical distribution of algae during aeration prior to entry into the intake tower at a dam site. Our analysis of the vertical algal distribution during aeration indicated that aeration occurring at the intake tower exerts a significant influence on the safety of the drinking water. It was determined that the discontinuation of aeration and an increase in the depth at which water intake is conducted, constitutes a viable strategy for the maintenance of toxin- and odour-free drinking water, particularly during water bloom events.
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Comparison of Mass Spectrometric Analysis and TRUGENE™ HBV Genotyping for Monitoring Lamivudine Resistance in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Antivir Ther 2007. [DOI: 10.1177/135965350701200103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background There is an increasing need for the early detection of emerging mutations in the tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) motif of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase with using sensitive molecular methods. Methods We evaluated the usefulness of monitoring lamivudine resistance using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based assay (the restriction fragment mass polymorphism; RFMP) in comparison with the direct sequencing assay, the TRUGENE™ HBV genotyping kit. We also investigated the treatment responses in relation to the presence of YMDD mutants. The sera from 50 chronic HBVs patients were analysed for the presence of YMDD mutants by performing RFMP and TRUGENE. The results at codons 180 and 204 were compared for 46 patients. Results The concordance rate between the two assays was 65.2% (30/46). All the discordance corresponded to the detection of additional virus populations by RFMP. Early detection of mutants before viral breakthrough was accomplished by RFMP in two patients. Persistence of very low viraemia was observed in five patients who harboured mutant virus populations. Additional information was provided by TRUGENE in eight patients. Conclusions RFMP showed a superior ability for detecting minor mutant virus populations compared with TRUGENE. However, the results of highly sensitive RFMP should be interpreted carefully because lamivudine could be effective despite the presence of mutants. RFMP could be a practical tool in conjuction with regular measurements of the HBV viral load for the early detection of lamivudine resistance and the timely introduction of new antiviral drugs.
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The association between increased alanine aminotransferase activity and metabolic factors in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Metabolism 2006; 55:1604-9. [PMID: 17142131 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2006.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with metabolic disorders, including central obesity, dyslipidema, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, and insulin resistance are major risk factors in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to identify the relative contribution of the metabolic syndrome, obesity, and insulin resistance to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in NAFLD. A total of 3091 subjects diagnosed with fatty liver by ultrasonography were enrolled. All components of metabolic syndrome criteria, anthropometric parameters, fasting insulin levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as an inflammation marker, and ALT were measured in each subject. Homeostasis model assessment--insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) as a measure of insulin resistance and body mass index (BMI) as a measure of obesity were calculated. The prevalence of increased ALT levels (>40 IU/L) was 26.7%. Increased ALT activity was significantly associated with the following characteristics: male sex, young age, increased triglycerides, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, waist circumference, BMI and diastolic blood pressure, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). According to the increase in the number of metabolic syndrome components, BMI, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP, the prevalence and odds ratio for having increased ALT activity were significantly increased. Central obesity, raised triglycerides, reduced HDL-C, and raised fasting glucose were strongly associated with increased ALT activity. In conclusion, a number of metabolic syndrome components, obesity, insulin resistance, and hs-CRP, are strong predictors of increased ALT activity in NAFLD. Central obesity, raised triglycerides, reduced HDL-C, and raised fasting glucose are metabolic syndrome components that contributed to increased ALT activity.
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Nanoparticle embedded p-type electrodes for GaN-based flip-chip light emitting diodes. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2006; 6:3547-50. [PMID: 17252808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated high-quality ohmic contacts for flip-chip light emitting diodes using Zn-Ni nanoparticles/Ag schemes. The Zn-Ni nanoparticles/Ag contacts produce specific contact resistances of 10(-5)-10(-6) omegacm2 when annealed at temperatures of 330-530 degrees C for 1 min in air ambient, which are much better than those obtained from the Ag contacts. It is shown that blue InGaN/GaN multi-quantum well light emitting diodes fabricated with the annealed Zn-Ni nanoparticles/Ag contacts give much lower forward-bias voltages at 20 mA compared with those of the multi-quantum well light emitting diodes made with the as-deposited Ag contacts. It is further presented that the multi-quantum well light emitting diodes made with the Zn-Ni nanoparticles/Ag contacts show similar output power compared to those fabricated with the Ag contact layers.
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Carrier-controlled ferromagnetism in transparent oxide semiconductors. NATURE MATERIALS 2006; 5:298-304. [PMID: 16547517 DOI: 10.1038/nmat1613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2005] [Accepted: 01/24/2006] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for an ideal magnetic semiconductor with tunable ferromagnetic behaviour over a wide range of doping or by electrical gating is being actively pursued as a major step towards realizing spin electronics. A magnetic semiconductor having a high Curie temperature, capable of independently controlled carrier density and magnetic doping, is crucial for developing spin-based multifunctional devices. Cr-doped In(2)O(3) is such a unique system, where the electrical and magnetic behaviour-from ferromagnetic metal-like to ferromagnetic semiconducting to paramagnetic insulator-can be controllably tuned by the defect concentration. An explicit dependence of magnetic interaction leading to ferromagnetism on the carrier density is shown. A carrier-density-dependent high Curie temperature of 850-930 K has been measured, in addition to the observation of clear magnetic domain structures in these films. Being optically transparent with the above optimal properties, Cr-doped In(2)O(3) emerges as a viable candidate for the development of spin electronics.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We presumed that identification of the factors associated with improvement of fatty livers disease (FLD) would support the therapeutic options for FLD. The goal of this study was to clarify what clinical characteristics are associated with biochemical and sonographic improvements in the non-alcoholic population with fatty livers. METHODS A total of 615 non-alcoholic men had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (> or = 40 IU/L) levels and sonographic evidence of a fatty liver, and their clinical characteristics were assessed at the beginning of the study and after 1 year of follow up. The improvement was defined as combination of normal ALT level and negative sonography for hepatic fat after 1 year. Programmed intervention or medications were not applied in this study population. RESULTS The overall rate of improvement of FLD after a 1-year follow up was 37/615 (6.0%). The improvement was strongly associated with decrement of changes in bodyweight, body mass index, waist circumference, gamma-glutamyltransferase, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and homeostasis model assessment. Multivariate analysis showed that decrement of changes in bodyweight (odds ratio (OR) = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.27-1.92) per 1 kg, body mass index (OR = 2.42; 95%CI: 1.58-3.71) per 1 SD (0.8 kg/m2), waist circumference (OR = 2.13; 95%CI: 1.02-4.54) per 1 cm, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.05-2.56) per 1 SD (22 mg/dL) were all independent predictors for improvement of FLD. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the reduction of bodyweight is a major key point for the improvement of FLD.
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Relative risks of the metabolic syndrome according to the degree of insulin resistance in apparently healthy Korean adults. Clin Sci (Lond) 2005; 108:553-9. [PMID: 15669921 DOI: 10.1042/cs20040331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A new simple criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome was proposed in the third report of the NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program). In the present study, we analysed the association between metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance to investigate the effects of the latter on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome based on the new criteria recommended in the ATP (Adult Treatment Panel) III report. A total of 7057 participants (4472 men and 2585 women), who underwent medical screening at the Sungkyunkwan University Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, were investigated. Fasting insulin levels were measured and components of the metabolic syndrome as defined by the ATP III report were determined. We also applied the criteria for abdominal obesity as defined by APC-WC (Asia–Pacific criteria for waist circumference). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome as defined by ATP III was 5.3% (5.0% in men and 5.8% in women) and 8.9% (8.1% in men and 10.3% in women) by APC-WC. The odds ratio for the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in subjects with higher insulin resistance than in those with lower insulin resistance. The mean levels of HOMA (homoeostatic model assessment) and fasting insulin were significantly higher in those with more of the components of the metabolic syndrome. A high HOMA (≥2.56) and fasting insulin concentration (≥9.98 μIU/ml; where IU is international unit) were found to be independent risk factors of the metabolic syndrome by multiple regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (P<0.001). These results show that the metabolic syndrome is significantly correlated with the insulin resistance index, and that appropriate values of HOMA and fasting insulin concentration may serve as a helpful guide for the management of metabolic syndrome.
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