Maternal serum hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotrophin (HhCG) in the first trimester of pregnancies affected by Down syndrome,using a sialic acid-specific lectin immunoassay

In a series of 54 cases of pregnancies complicated by Down syndrome and 224 unaffected pregnancies we examined maternal serum levels of hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotrophin (HhCG) in samples collected in the first trimester (11–13 weeks) using a sialic acid-specific lectin immunoassay. We compared these levels with those of other potential first trimester serum markers [free β-hCG, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and total hCG (ThCG)] and modeled detection rates and false-positive rates of various biochemical markers in conjunction with fetal nuchal translucency (NT) and maternal age using an maternal age standardized population. Maternal serum HhCG in cases of Down syndrome were significantly elevated (median MoM 1.97) with 24/54 (44%) of cases above the 95th centile for unaffected pregnancies. Free β-hCG was also elevated (median MoM 2.09) with 33% of cases above the 95th centile. PAPP-A levels were reduced (median MoM 0.47) with 38% below the 5th centile. ThCG levels, whilst elevated (median MoM 1.34), had only 20% of cases above the 95th centile. Maternal serum HhCG levels were not correlated with fetal NT but showed significant correlation with ThCG and free β-hCG and with PAPP-A in the Down syndrome group (r=0.536). Maternal serum HhCG levels in cases with Down syndrome had a significant correlation with gestational age, increasing as the gestation increased. When HhCG was combined together with fetal NT, PAPP-A and maternal age, at a 5% false-positive rate the modeled detection rate was 83%, some 6% lower than when free β-hCG was used and some 4% better than when ThCG was used. Maternal serum HhCG is unlikely to be of additional value when screening for Down syndrome in the first trimester. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Colony choice in birds: models based on temporally invariant site quality

We propose two stochastic models to explain how birds choose colonies. In the resource choice model, birds settle at each site at a rate proportional to the total resources the site contains. In the reduced resource choice model, a smaller cohort of birds enters sites at a rate determined by the total resources at each, and the remaining individuals enter sites at a rate that is linearly proportional to the total number of birds already nesting at each site. Thus, a fraction of birds chooses sites based on the resources present, and the remainder are attracted to a site by the presence of other birds. Colony site quality is assumed not to vary between years. Both models result, on average, in an ideal free distribution of colony sizes if the birds' settlement rate is linearly related to the resources in a site, if resources are distributed equally among individuals within sites, and if individuals with equal resources have equal fitness. We applied these models to long-term data on colony sizes and site usage of cliff swallows in south-western Nebraska. A test of the resource choice model suggested that the swallow population as a whole did not choose sites based strictly on site quality or the total resources contained at each site. However, a test of the reduced resource choice model suggested that a smaller fraction of the individuals in each colony may have based their choice of site on local resource availability, with the remaining birds aggregating at those sites based on the number of birds already settled there. Tests of these models may provide insight into how individuals choose colony sites and why colonies vary in size.     

Thermodynamics of NaHCO3 decomposition during Na2CO3-based CO2 capture

Amine-basedcarbon-capture technologies have been shown to be energetically expensive and to cause significant environmental and epidemiological impacts due to their volatility.Bicarbonate formation from carbon dioxide's reaction with water has been suggested as an effective alternative for capturing CO_2;however,the thermodynamics of this reaction are not well understood.This study experimentally determined the equilibrium constant of sodium bicarbonate(Na HCO_3)decomposition to sodium,water,and carbon dioxide;the study also compared the equilibrium constant to theoretical calculations.Using a combination of experimentation and thermodynamic relationships,the unitless equilibrium constants of the forward and reverse reactions were calculated accurately(error±9%and±4%,respectively).Equilibrium data were calculated using enthalpy and entropy values of each component of Na HCO_3decomposition at temperatures ranging from 25 to 155°C respectively.These results offer more data essential to optimizing Na HCO_3use in environmentally friendly nextgeneration CO_2-capture technologies.     

双向掘进隧道游离SiO2粉尘扩散规律模拟与分析

为研究双掘进面施工隧道内游离SiO_2粉尘浓度演化特征与扩散规律,获取通风系统的合理设计参数,以斗篷山隧道为研究背景,利用Ansys-CFD有限元计算流体力学软件离散项模型对双向掘进隧道安装除尘设备前、后粉尘扩散轨迹及不同时间周期内粉尘浓度分布特点进行数值模拟,并对模拟结果与现场实测数据进行对比分析.结果表明:(1)衬砌台车对粉尘的扩散具有明显的阻碍效应,台车两侧游离SiO_2粉尘浓度值出现了明显的分界.(2)单纯压入式通风条件下,部分高浓度游离SiO_2粉尘在非爆破端循环停留时间较长,通风一段时间后少量高浓度的游离SiO_2粉尘穿过台车在非爆破端循环停留形成簇团效应,未进入斜井进行排放.(3)压入式通风设备和除尘系统联合作业后,非爆破端游离SiO_2粉尘浓度趋于0,联合作业900 s后,隧道正洞与斜井内游离SiO_2粉尘浓度基本降至8 mgm~3以下,达到规范要求.研究显示,采用离散项模型对双工作面施工隧道内游离SiO_2粉尘浓度演化特征与扩散规律的模拟是可行的.压入式通风设备与除尘系统联合作业条件下游离SiO_2粉尘快速进入斜井进行排放,隧道施工作业区内游离SiO_2粉尘浓度在短时间内大幅下降,通风过程中粉尘运行轨迹几乎不涉及隧道非爆破端,减少了对非爆破端的污染.     

不同浓度铵态氮对苦草的生理影响

研究了苦草在不同浓度(0.02,0.05,0.10,0.30,0.60,1.00,3.00mg/L)铵态氮中暴露14d后,其生物量的变化、叶片游离氨基酸态氮、叶绿素、可溶性蛋白含量以及O2-×信号强度、抗氧化酶活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量的响应.结果表明,各浓度组苦草的生物量无显著变化,但是各生理指标变化显著.当铵态氮浓度为0.30mg/L时,苦草叶片中游离氨基酸态氮的含量即开始显著升高.当铵态氮浓度达到0.60mg/L时,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性显著升高,表明苦草诱导产生氧化应激但未受到氧化损伤.当铵态氮浓度高于1.00mg/L时,SOD和过氧化物酶(POD)活性显著升高,O2-×信号强度显著增强,叶绿素、可溶性蛋白含量显著降低.当铵态氮浓度为0.02mg/L时,O2-×信号强度显著增强.综上,铵态氮浓度低于0.60mg/L苦草生长良好,浓度31.00mg/L苦草光合能力受到抑制、代谢受到干扰.苦草对铵态氮最敏感的生理生化指标是叶片中游离氨基酸态氮含量.铵态氮作为沉水植物的一种营养物质,当其含量较低时,植物由于营养缺乏诱导产生自由基.     

Organophosphorous compounds and oxidative stress: a review

Organophosphorous compounds (OP) have largely been used as pesticides globally. These chemicals induce oxidative stress as a possible mechanism of action, which has been a focus of toxicological research for the last decade. This review evaluated the presence of oxidative stress, balance between total antioxidant capacity, and oxygen free radicals associated with OP compound exposure. Oxidative stress induced by OP leads to disturbances in function of different organs and tissues. Evidence indicates that stimulation of free radical production, induction of lipid peroxidation, and disturbance of the total antioxidant capacity are mechanisms of toxicity induced by most OP. Thus, use of antioxidants may be beneficial in treatment of OP poisoning, which remains to be elucidated with further clinical trials.     

The Dechlorination of H6CDD,OCDD and OCDF on an Alumina support: Elucidation of the isomer pattern by multi linear regression and thermodynamic data

The dechlorination of OCDD, OCDF and 1,2,3,4,7,8‐H₆CDD is studies on an alumina support impregnated with activated carbon, copper chloride and potassium chloride. There is a high correlation between the isomer pattern found after dechlorination and molecular structure properties. We also found a substantial correlation between the isomer pattern and the Gibbs free energy of formation of the individual isomers. This suggests a thermodynamically controlled process.     

基于布朗运动的自由飞行下碰撞风险研究

自由飞行是解决空域拥挤的有效方式,为保证飞行安全,对自由飞行下的碰撞风险进行研究。首先,假设自由飞行下飞机的定位误差服从正态分布,在平面直角坐标系内,建立2架飞机水平投影面和垂直投影面的随机运动学模型;其次,当2架飞机在2个投影面上的相对运动距离同时小于最小安全间隔时认为碰撞发生,据此建立飞行碰撞风险模型,并利用欧拉(Euler)方法求解;最后,通过Matlab对一算例进行计算,得出碰撞风险概率。将计算结果与实际安全目标等级对比,验证该模型的合理性。