Spinning magnetic trap for automated microfluidic assay systems.

While sophisticated analyses have been performed using lab-on-chip devices, in most cases the sample preparation is still performed off chip. The global need for easy-to-use, disposable testing devices necessitates that sample processing is automated and that transport complexity between the processing and analytical components is minimal. We describe a complete sample manipulation unit for performing automated target capture, efficient mixing with reagents, and controlled target release in a microfluidic channel, using an array of spinning magnets.

Renal provider perceptions and practice patterns regarding the management of pain, sexual dysfunction, and depression in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Although pain, sexual dysfunction, and depression are common in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis, these symptoms frequently remain untreated. We sought to characterize renal provider perceptions and practice patterns regarding the treatment of these symptoms.

Methods: We surveyed renal providers whose patients were participating in a clinical trial of symptom management at nine hemodialysis units in southwestern Pennsylvania.

PET imaging of tumor growth: not as easy as it looks.

Positron emission tomography can be used to image tumor proliferation when combined with appropriate labeled tracers, such as the thymidine analog [(18)F]-3'-deoxy-3'-fluorothymidine. Although thymidine kinase 1 is the principal mechanism of cell trapping, other variables, such as the cellular level of native thymidine, may need to be considered.

Practical photon number detection with electric field-modulated silicon avalanche photodiodes.

Low-noise single-photon detection is a prerequisite for quantum information processing using photonic qubits. In particular, detectors that are able to accurately resolve the number of photons in an incident light pulse will find application in functions such as quantum teleportation and linear optics quantum computing. More generally, such a detector will allow the advantages of quantum light detection to be extended to stronger optical signals, permitting optical measurements limited only by fluctuations in the photon number of the source.

Five-factor model personality disorder prototypes in a community sample: self- and informant-reports predicting interview-based DSM diagnoses.

The need for an empirically validated, dimensional system of personality disorders is becoming increasingly apparent. While a number of systems have been investigated in this regard, the five-factor model of personality has demonstrated the ability to adequately capture personality pathology. In particular, the personality disorder prototypes developed by Lynam and Widiger (2001) have been tested in a number of samples.

Pro-resolution immunological networks: binding immunoglobulin protein and other resolution-associated molecular patterns.

Appropriate regulation and subsequent resolution of acute inflammatory events is critical to the prevention of autoinflammatory diseases. Indeed, the chronic inflammation observed in diseases such as RA is at least partially consequent on the failure of endogenous immunoregulation. Current RA therapies (e.

A Highly Tunable Silicone-Based Magnetic Elastomer with Nanoscale Homogeneity.

Magnetic elastomers have been widely pursued for sensing and actuation applications. Silicone-based magnetic elastomers have a number of advantages over other materials such as hydrogels, but aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles within silicones is difficult to prevent. Aggregation inherently limits the minimum size of fabricated structures and leads to non-uniform response from structure to structure.

Ethical concerns related to developing pharmacogenomic treatment strategies for addiction.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) research is poised to enable physicians to identify optimally effective treatments for individual substance abusers based on their genetic profiles. This paper addresses ethical issues related to PGx treatment strategies for addiction, focusing especially on the use of race variables in genomics research and ensuring equitable access to novel PGx treatments. Unless the field addresses the ethical challenges posed by these issues, PGx treatment innovations for addiction threaten to exacerbate already dramatic disparities in the burden of drug dependence for minority and other underserved populations.

Variation in the male pheromones and mating success of wild caught Drosophila melanogaster.

Drosophila melanogaster males express two primary cuticular hydrocarbons (male-predominant hydrocarbons). These act as sex pheromones by influencing female receptivity to mating. The relative quantities of these hydrocarbons vary widely among natural populations and can contribute to variation in mating success.

Effects of aerobic vs. resistance training on visceral and liver fat stores, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance by HOMA in overweight adults from STRRIDE AT/RT.

While the benefits of exercise are clear, many unresolved issues surround the optimal exercise prescription. Many organizations recommend aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT), yet few studies have compared their effects alone or in combination. The purpose of this study, part of Studies Targeting Risk Reduction Interventions Through Defined Exercise-Aerobic Training and/or Resistance Training (STRRIDE/AT/RT), was to compare the effects of AT, RT, and the full combination (AT/RT) on central ectopic fat, liver enzymes, and fasting insulin resistance [homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)].

Probing higher order correlations of the photon field with photon number resolving avalanche photodiodes.

We demonstrate the use of two high speed avalanche photodiodes in exploring higher order photon correlations. By employing the photon number resolving capability of the photodiodes the response to higher order photon coincidences can be measured. As an example we show experimentally the sensitivity to higher order correlations for three types of photon sources with distinct photon statistics.

Comparison of aerobic versus resistance exercise training effects on metabolic syndrome (from the Studies of a Targeted Risk Reduction Intervention Through Defined Exercise - STRRIDE-AT/RT).

Aerobic training (AT) improves the metabolic syndrome (MS) and its component risk factors; however, to our knowledge, no randomized clinical studies have addressed whether resistance training (RT) improves the MS when performed alone or combined with AT. Sedentary, overweight dyslipidemic men and women, aged 18 to 70 years completed a 4-month inactive run-in period and were randomized to 1 of 3 eight-month exercise programs (n = 196). The exercise programs were (1) RT (3 days/week, 3 sets/day of 8 to 12 repetitions of 8 different exercises targeting all major muscle groups); (2) AT (∼120 minutes/week at 75% of the maximum oxygen uptake), and (3) AT and RT combined (AT/RT) (exact combination of AT and RT).

Exciton-spin memory with a semiconductor quantum dot molecule.

We report on a single photon and spin storage device based on a semiconductor quantum dot molecule. Optically excited single electron-hole pairs are trapped within the molecule, and their recombination rate is electrically controlled over 3 orders of magnitude. Single photons are stored up to 1 μs and read out on a subnanosecond time scale.

Resolution-associated molecular patterns (RAMP): RAMParts defending immunological homeostasis?

The resolution of inflammation is central to the maintenance of good health and immune homeostasis. Recently, several intracellular stress proteins have been described as having extracellular properties that are anti-inflammatory or favour the resolution of inflammation. We propose that these molecules should be defined as resolution-associated molecular patterns (RAMPs).

Field test of quantum key distribution in the Tokyo QKD Network.

A secure communication network with quantum key distribution in a metropolitan area is reported. Six different QKD systems are integrated into a mesh-type network. GHz-clocked QKD links enable us to demonstrate the world-first secure TV conferencing over a distance of 45km.

Early and late acute antibody-mediated rejection differ immunologically and in response to proteasome inhibition.

Background: The efficacy of plasma cell targeted therapies for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has not been defined in detail. The purpose of this study was to compare early and late acute AMR in terms of immunologic characteristics and responses with proteasome inhibitor (PI) therapy.

Methods: Renal transplant recipients with acute AMR were treated with PI-based regimens.

Discovering how environmental exposures alter genes could lead to new treatments for chronic illnesses.

Emerging research demonstrates that diet, pollution, and other environmental triggers can alter both the function and expression of human genes and lead to a heightened disease risk. These environment-gene interactions can cause so-called epigenetic changes in gene expression-patterns of which genes are switched "on" or "off"-that may account for the rising mortality from chronic diseases in industrialized nations. In this paper, we call for a new transdisciplinary approach to public health that would examine how environmental exposures, both physical and social, influence gene expression and a person's susceptibility to chronic disease.

Prevalence and demographic and clinical associations of health literacy in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Background And Objectives: Although limited health literacy is estimated to affect over 90 million Americans and is recognized as an important public health concern, there have been few studies examining this issue in patients with chronic kidney disease. We sought to characterize the prevalence of and associations of demographic and clinical characteristics with limited health literacy in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: As part of a prospective clinical trial of symptom management strategies in 288 patients treated with chronic hemodialysis, we assessed health literacy using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM).

Black and White adults' perspectives on the genetics of nicotine addiction susceptibility.

Aims: Emerging research may soon lead to improved quit rates via genetically-tailored smoking cessation treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore individuals' beliefs and attitudes about genetic testing in this context, and how these may differ across racial groups.

Design: Two site qualitative study.

Effects of an 8-month exercise training program on off-exercise physical activity.

Purpose: An active lifestyle is widely recognized as having a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health. However, no clear consensus exists as to whether exercise training increases overall physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) or whether individuals participating in regular exercise compensate by reducing their off-exercise physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in PAEE in response to aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), or combined aerobic and resistance training (AT/RT).