New exotic charmonium states

In the last years many states in the charmonium mass region were discovery by BABAR, Belle and CDF collaborations I discuss some of these discoveries, and how the QCD Sum Rule approach can be used to understand the structure of these states

Can the X(4350) narrow structure be a 1(-+) exotic state?

Using the QCD sum rules we test if the new narrow structure, the X(4350) recently observed by the Belle Collaboration, can be described as a J(PC) = 1(-+) exotic D(s)(*)D(s0)(*) molecular state. We consider the contributions of condensates up to dimension eight, we work at leading order in alpha(s) and we keep terms which are linear in the strange quark mass Ins. The mass obtained for such state is m(Ds*Ds0*) = (5.05 +/- 0.19) GeV. We also consider a molecular 1(-+), D(s)(*)D(s0)(*); current and we obtain m(D*D0*) = (4.92 +/- 0.08) GeV. We conclude that it is not possible to describe the X(4350) structure as a 1(-+) D(s)(*)D(s0)(*) molecular state. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

QCD sum rule calculation for the charmonium-like structures in the J/psi phi and J/psi omega invariant mass spectra

Using the QCD sum rules we test if the charmonium-like structure Y(4274), observed in the J/psi phi invariant mass spectrum, can be described with a D(s)(D) over bar (s0)(2317)+ h.c. molecular current with J(PC) = 0(-+). We consider the contributions of condensates up to dimension ten and we work at leading order in alpha(s). We keep terms which are linear in the strange quark mass m(s). The mass obtained for such state is mD(s)D(s0) = (4.78 +/- 0.54) GeV. We also consider a molecular 0(-+) D (D) over bar (0)(2400)+ h.c. current and we obtain m(DD0) = (4.55 +/- 0.49) GeV. Our study shows that the newly observed Y(4274) in the J/psi phi invariant mass spectrum can be, considering the uncertainties, described using a molecular charmonium current. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluorescence spectroscopy to diagnose hepatic steatosis in a rat model of fatty liver

Steatosis is diagnosed on the basis of the macroscopic aspect of the liver evaluated by the surgeon at the time of organ extraction or by means of a frozen biopsy. In the present study, the applicability of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy was investigated as a method for the diagnosis of different degrees of steatosis experimentally induced in rats. Rats received a high-lipid diet for different periods of time. The animals were divided into groups according to the degree of induced steatosis diagnosis by histology. The concentration of fat in the liver was correlated with LIF by means of the steatosis fluorescence factor (SFF). The histology classification, according to liver fat concentration was, Severe Steatosis, Moderate Steatosis, Mild Steatosis and Control (no liver steatosis). Fluorescence intensity could be directly correlated with fat content. It was possible to estimate an average of fluorescence intensity variable by means of different confidence intervals (P=95%) for each steatosis group. SFF was significantly higher in the Severe Steatosis group (P < 0.001) compared with the Moderate Steatosis, Mild Steatosis and Control groups. The various degrees of steatosis could be directly correlated with SFF. LIF spectroscopy proved to be a method capable of identifying the degree of hepatic steatosis in this animal model, and has the potential of clinical application for non-invasive evaluation of the degree of steatosis.

Estimating complex cortical networks via surface recordings-A critical note

We discuss potential caveats when estimating topologies of 3D brain networks from surface recordings. It is virtually impossible to record activity from all single neurons in the brain and one has to rely on techniques that measure average activity at sparsely located (non-invasive) recording sites Effects of this spatial sampling in relation to structural network measures like centrality and assortativity were analyzed using multivariate classifiers A simplified model of 3D brain connectivity incorporating both short- and long-range connections served for testing. To mimic M/EEG recordings we sampled this model via non-overlapping regions and weighted nodes and connections according to their proximity to the recording sites We used various complex network models for reference and tried to classify sampled versions of the ""brain-like"" network as one of these archetypes It was found that sampled networks may substantially deviate in topology from the respective original networks for small sample sizes For experimental studies this may imply that surface recordings can yield network structures that might not agree with its generating 3D network. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved

User perspectives on the Swedish Maternal Health Care Register

Background: Established in 1999, the Swedish Maternal Health Care Register (MHCR) collects data on pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period for most pregnant women in Sweden. Antenatal care (ANC) midwives manually enter data into the Web-application that is designed for MHCR. The aim of this study was to investigate midwives? experiences, opinions and use of the MHCR. Method: A national, cross-sectional, questionnaire survey, addressing all Swedish midwives working in ANC, was conducted January to March 2012. The questionnaire included demographic data, preformed statements with six response options ranging from zero to five (0 = totally disagree and 5 = totally agree), and opportunities to add information or further clarification in the form of free text comments. Parametric and non-parametric methods and logistic regression analyses were applied, and content analysis was used for free text comments. Results: The estimated response rate was 53.1%. Most participants were positive towards the Web-application and the included variables in the MHCR. Midwives exclusively engaged in patient-related work tasks perceived the register as burdensome (70.3%) and 44.2% questioned the benefit of the register. The corresponding figures for midwives also engaged in administrative supervision were 37.8% and 18.5%, respectively. Direct electronic transfer of data from the medical records to the MHCR was emphasised as significant future improvement. In addition, the midwives suggested that new variables of interest should be included in the MHCR ? e.g., infertility, outcomes of previous pregnancy and birth, and complications of the index pregnancy. Conclusions: In general, the MHCR was valued positively, although perceived as burdensome. Direct electronic transfer of data from the medical records to the MHCR is a prioritized issue to facilitate the working situation for midwives. Finally, the data suggest that the MHCR is an underused source for operational planning and quality assessment in local ANC centres.

A PAL1 gene promoter-green fluorescent protein reporter system to analyse defence responses in live cells of Arabidopsis thaliana

Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia-0 was transformed with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene under control of a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) promoter. PAL is a key enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway and is induced to high levels during plant stress. Constitutive expression of PAL1 promoter-controlled GFP occurred in vascular tissues within stems, leaves and roots and in developing flowers. PAL1 promoter–GFP expression was examined in leaves of transgenic plants subjected to an abiotic elicitor, mechanical wounding or to inoculation with the pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato or Peronospora parasitica. Wounding of leaves and treatment with an abiotic elicitor and compatible interactions produced low to moderate levels of GFP. However, in incompatible interactions there were high levels of GFP produced. In incompatible interactions, the intensity of GFP fluorescence was similar to that produced in transgenic plants expressing GFP driven by the CaMV promoter. The bright green fluorescence produced in live cells and tissues was readily visualised using conventional fluorescence microscopy and was quantified using spectroflourometry. This is the first report of the use of GFP as a reporter of defence gene activation against pathogens. It has several advantages over other reporter genes including real time analysis of gene expression and visualisation of defence gene activation in a non-invasive manner.

Does testosterone mediate the trade-off between nestling begging and growth in the canary (Serinus canaria)?

Nestling birds solicit food from their parents with vigorous begging displays, involving posturing, jostling and calling. In some species, such as canaries, begging is especially costly because it causes a trade off against nestling growth. Fitness costs of begging like this are predicted by evolutionary theory because they function to resolve conflicts of interest within the family over the provision of parental investment. However, the mechanism that links these costs with nestling behaviour remains unclear. In the present study, we determine if the relationships between nestling androgen levels, nestling begging intensities and nestling growth rates are consistent with the hypothesis that testosterone is responsible for the trade-off between begging and growth. We test this idea with a correlational study, using fecal androgens as a non-invasive method for assaying nestling androgen levels. Our results show that fecal androgen levels are positively correlated with nestling begging intensity, and reveal marked family differences in each trait. Furthermore, changes in fecal androgen levels between 5 and 8 days after hatching are positively associated with changes in nestling begging intensity, and negatively associated with nestling growth during this time. Although these correlational results support our predictions, we suggest that that experimental manipulations are now required to test the direct or indirect role of testosterone in mediating the trade-off between begging and growth.

Use of high resolution digital multi-spectral imagery to assess the distribution of disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi on heathland at Anglesea, Victoria

Disease caused by the soilborne plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi causes long-term floristic and structural changes in native vegetation communities in Australia. Key components of the management of this disease are to know where it occurs and the rate at which it spreads. The distribution of P. cinnamomi has generally been assessed as locality points of infestation and mapping the extent of diseased vegetation in any area is difficult and costly. This study was undertaken in P. cinnamomi-infested heathland communities in southern Victoria, Australia, where the symptoms of P. cinnamomi arise as a mosaic within healthy vegetation. We investigated the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mapping and monitoring vegetation affected by P. cinnamomi using digital multi-spectral imaging. This technique was developed for the purposes of monitoring vegetation and provides a single, seamless ortho-rectified digital image over the total area of interest. It is used to spatially quantify small differences in the characteristics of vegetation. In this study, the symptoms of disease caused by P. cinnamomi infestation were related to differences in the imagery and were used to map areas of infestation. Comparison of the digital multi-spectral imaging indications with on-ground observations gave moderate accuracy between the datasets (κ = 0.49) for disease and healthy indications. This study demonstrates the ability of the technique to determine disease extent over broad areas in native vegetation and provides a non-invasive, cost effective tool for management.

Characterization of membranes with X-ray ultramicroscopy

Non-invasive characterization and observation of synthetic membranes is an important practice to monitor the performance of membrane process. Primarily there are two techniques—optical and non-optical for this purpose. Among them, X-ray computed tomography, as a non-optical technique, has been extensively used for the measurement of fibre distribution and air pockets trapped in the modules. However, the micro resolution of most commercial systems has limited its application which can hardly be used for the sub-micro characterization of membrane processes. A novel micro and nano characterization method is introduced in the current work by exploring an innovative development of the X-ray ultramicroscope (XuM) and micro-tomographic techniques. The XuM, based on using a scanning electron microscope as host, provides a new approach to X-ray projection microscopy. It has demonstrated the ability to characterize very small features in objects, down to of order 100 nm, including the use for dry, wet and even liquid samples. It can also distinguish objects with very subtle difference in density.

Novel conducting polymer films and coated textiles

This research developed non-hazardous methods for coating wool with conductive polymers for thermal and anti-static clothing. Conductive polymers are black in colour, thus the synthesis of new conductive polymers was required to produce coloured or fluorescent conductive textile. Cross-linked conductive polymers were also synthesised to increase their durability.

Methodological and physiological factors influencing the accumulated oxygen deficit

The accumulated oxygen deficit is a non-invasive representation of anaerobic capacity. This thesis investigates methodological and physiological factors which influence the precision of the calculated accumulated oxygen deficit. A method was developed which improves the precision in calculating the accumulated oxygen deficit.

An appraisal of the histopathological assessment of liver fibrosis.

One of the most important aspects of the histopathological assessment of liver biopsies in the setting of chronic liver disease is determination of the degree of fibrosis and architectural change. Most of the work in this regard has been concerned with chronic viral hepatitis. This article attempts to assess critically our current and historical biopsy practice, from subjective fibrosis scoring systems to biopsy sample size; and the appropriate use of the data that scoring systems
generate in the research and clinical setting. An understanding of the limitations of each of the components of the fibrosis assessment process can help to devise appropriate protocols to ensure that the information obtained is optimised, and its degree of reliability appreciated. It is only from this starting point that recently promulgated antifibrotic medications and ‘‘non-invasive’’ liver fibrosis assessment techniques can be evaluated properly.

Evaluation of three remote camera systems for detecting mammals and birds

Automated camera systems have widespread application in wildlife studies and their use is increasing (Kucera & Barrett 1993; Cutler & Swann 1999; Swann et al. 2004; Parker et al. 2008). Among other applications, they have been used to produce species inventories, estimate population sizes, study behaviour and examine the impact and activity of predators (Cutler & Swann 1999; Swann et al. 2004). Modern camera systems can operate for extended durations, are relatively non-invasive, easy to operate, portable, durable and can take good-quality images by day and night (Kucera & Barrett 1993; Peterson & Thomas 1998; Allison & Destefano 2006; Parker et al. 2008). Beyond their scientific applications, the generation of high-quality images can be useful for educational and conservation purposes (Cutler & Swann 1999). The two most common types of systems currently used in ecological research are passive and active infrared (IR) systems (Cutler & Swann 1999; Parker et al. 2008). An older form of remote photography is video which captures a continuous record of activity at a focal site (Stewart et al.1997; King et al. 2001). Camera systems have certain limitations and biases (Swann et al. 2004), yet these have not been well studied. Refinement of the use of camera systems is required to fully realize their value (Towerton et al. 2008). Here, we describe a comparison of detection rates of mammals and birds by passive and active IR camera systems, using a video system to benchmark detection rates.

Threshold dynamic time warping for spatial activity recognition

Non-invasive spatial activity recognition is a difficult task, complicated by variation in how the same activities are conducted and furthermore by noise introduced by video tracking procedures. In this paper we propose an algorithm based on dynamic time warping (DTW) as a viable method with which to quantify segmented spatial activity sequences from a video tracking system. DTW is a widely used technique for optimally aligning or warping temporal sequences through minimisation of the distance between their components. The proposed algorithm threshold DTW (TDTW) is capable of accurate spatial sequence distance quantification and is shown using a three class spatial data set to be more robust and accurate than DTW and the discrete hidden markov model (HMM). We also evaluate the application of a band dynamic programming (DP) constraint to TDTW in order to reduce extraneous warping between sequences and to reduce the computation complexity of the approach. Results show that application of a band DP constraint to TDTW improves runtime performance significantly, whilst still maintaining a high precision and recall.