Methods: Gametocyte detection in six series of dilutions of cultured P. falciparum parasites with known gametocytaemia was conducted using magnetic fractionation, thick blood film, and RT-PCR techniques.

Results: The preparations

obtained by the magnetic fractionation method were of thin film quality allowing easy gametocyte identification by light microscopy. Magnetic fractionation had a higher sensitivity and approximately two orders of magnitude better limit of detection than thick blood film microscopy. Semaxanib cell line Gametocytes were also more readily detectable on the magnetically fractionated preparations. Magnetic fractionation had a similar limit of detection to that of RT-PCR.

Conclusion: Magnetic fractionation is a highly sensitive and convenient method for gametocyte detection in comparison with the standard thick blood film and RT-PCR methods, and could readily be adapted to field application.”
“Opioid adverse events are widespread, and deaths have been directly attributed to opioids prescribed by medical professionals. Little information exists on the amount of opioids various medical specialties prescribe and the opioid fatality rate that would be expected if prescription opioid-related deaths were independent of medical specialty.

ObjectiveTo compute the incidence of prescription opioid fatalities by medical specialty

AG-881 in vitro in Utah and to calculate the attributable risk (AR) of opioid fatality by medical specialty.

DesignPrevalence database study design linking the Utah Controlled Substance Database (CSD) for prescribing data with the Utah Medical Examiner data to identify prescription opioid fatalities. AR were calculated for each medical specialty and year.

ResultsOpioid prescriptions are common with 23,302,892 recorded in the CSD for 2002-2010, 0.64% of which were associated BMS-777607 nmr with a fatality. We attached specialty to 90.2% of opioid prescriptions. Family medicine and internal medicine physicians wrote the largest proportion of prescriptions (24.1% and 10.8%) and were associated with the greatest number of prescription opioid

fatalities. The number of active prescriptions at time of death decreased each year. The AR of fatality by provider specialty varied each year with some specialties, such as pain medicine and anesthesiology, consistently associated with more fatalities per 1,000 opioid prescriptions than internal medicine physicians the same year.

ConclusionsPrimary care providers were the most frequent prescribers and the most often associated with opioid fatalities and should be targeted for education about safe prescribing along with specialties that prescribe less frequently but are associated with a positive AR for opioid fatality.”
“We examined leaf CO(2) assimilation and how it varied among species within the orchid genus Cattleya.

Resulted samples are bilayer films and polythiophene layer is chemically connected with PCX one. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 1528-1531, 2011″
“Study Design. Reliability study.

Objective. To determine

the reproducibility of the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) measured 4 weeks apart in a group of chronic neck pain patients and healthy control group and to compare the FRR between the 2 groups.

Summary of Background Data. The cervical FRR measures the ability of the neck extensor muscles to relax during forward flexion, similar to the lumbar FRR. Its reliability and ability to discriminate neck pain patients from controls has not been investigated.

Methods. Fourteen participants with chronic neck pain and a control

group of 14 individuals with no neck pain were Selleckchem CX-6258 recruited via advertisement and word of mouth. The cervical FRR was determined at baseline and 4 weeks later using standardized electromyographic data collection and analysis procedures.

Results. The mean FRR value for the combined left and right side data for the neck pain groups was 1.93 +/- 0.8, and 1.73 +/- 0.61 at 4-week follow-up. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.83 (95% CI = 0.67-0.92). Three participants in the control group developed neck pain in the 4 weeks and their data were not included in the reliability calculation. For the control group, the combined (left and right side) mean FRR value was 4.09 +/- 1.58 at baseline and 4.27 +/- 1.71 MLN8237 on retest 4 weeks later. The ICC

(intraclass r) was 0.89 (95% confidence interval = 0.76-0.95). The overall ICC for the combined groups was 0.92 (95% confidence interval = 0.86-0.95). An independent 2 group t test revealed a significant difference in the baseline FRR data between the control group and the neck pain group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion. The cervical extensor muscles exhibit a consistent flexion-relaxation phenomenon in healthy control subjects and the measurement is highly reproducible when measured 4 weeks apart in both controls and chronic neck pain patients. The FRR in neck pain patients is significantly higher than in control subjects suggesting that this measure may be a useful marker of altered neuromuscular I-BET-762 mouse function.”
“Much debate exists over the lesions recognized as odontogenic fibromas. In this case report, the authors report 1 lesion that presented with histological features consistent with 2 separate lesions. The findings, histological examination, and recommendations are presented. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: e63-e66)”
“For potential application as an ideal wound dressing, a novel asymmetric polyurethane membrane with in situ-generated nano-TiO2 (PUNT) was successfully prepared via a combination of solvent evaporation, wet phase inversion, and organic-inorganic hybridization.

This information may aid planning and resourcing of DCD organ recovery and help maximize DCD donor numbers.”
“Long-chain fatty acid uptake has now been shown to occur via a highly regulated, protein-mediated mechanism involving plasma membrane fatty acid transporters. This process is especially important in skeletal muscle, a tissue Acalabrutinib purchase with a highly variable metabolic rate that constitutes approximately 40% of body mass. We review the evidence that skeletal muscle fatty acid transport is acutely and

chronically regulated by muscle contraction and insulin, largely by the fatty acid transporter CD36. We also examine recent data suggesting that CD36 may contribute to regulating fatty acid oxidation by mitochondria. In addition, we review evidence showing that skeletal muscle insulin resistance is associated with the dysregulation of CD36-mediated fatty acid transport, and that the insulin-sensitizing effects of proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-I alpha may depend on limiting CD36 upregulation.

Taken altogether, it is apparent that skeletal muscle fatty acid transport is central to the regulation of whole-body lipid metabolism in health and disease.”
“P>The outcome of bacterial infection in plants is determined by the ability of the pathogen to successfully occupy the apoplastic space and deliver a constellation of effectors that collectively suppress basal and effector-triggered immune responses. In this study, we examined the metabolic changes associated Ispinesib nmr with establishment of disease using analytical techniques that interrogated a range of chemistries. We demonstrated clear differences in the metabolome of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves infected with virulent Pseudomonas syringae within 8 h of infection. In addition to confirmation of changes in phenolic and indolic compounds, we identified rapid alterations in the abundance of amino acids and other nitrogenous compounds, specific classes of glucosinolates, disaccharides, and molecules that influence the prevalence Etomoxir in vitro of reactive oxygen species. Our data illustrate that, superimposed on defence suppression, pathogens reconfigure host

metabolism to provide the sustenance required to support exponentially growing populations of apoplastically localized bacteria. We performed a detailed baseline study reporting the metabolic dynamics associated with bacterial infection. Moreover, we have integrated these data with the results of transcriptome profiling to distinguish metabolomic pathways that are transcriptionally activated from those that are post-transcriptionally regulated.”
“Fifty-eight solid organ transplant recipients with zygomycosis were studied to assess the presentation, radiographic characteristics, risks for extra-pulmonary dissemination and mortality of pulmonary zygomycosis. Pulmonary zygomycosis was documented in 31 patients (53%) and developed a median of 5.

5 at 55 degrees C, with initial activity selleck screening library of beta-1,3 glucanase of 0.6 U/mL for 30 min.”
“Stimulated Raman up conversion of a helicon wave in a semiconductor, where free carrier plasma frequency equals band-gap energy divided by Planck’s constant, is investigated. The stimulated electron hole recombination drives a Langmuir wave. The free carrier density oscillations associated with the Langmuir wave couple with the free carrier oscillatory velocities due to the helicon and derive a sum frequency radiation. The radiation and helicon exert a ponderomotive force on free carriers that influences the Langmuir wave.”
“Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions provide the highest

RG-7388 ic50 level of evidence about efficacy but their value either alone or within a meta-analysis is dependent on its methodological quality. For this reason recent RCTs in organ transplantation were assessed for quality. RCTs published between 2004 and 2006 (n = 332) were assessed, after excluding duplicate and nonEnglish reports. Quality was evaluated using the

Jadad score plus allocation concealment and intention to treat analysis. We noted journal type, journal author instructions, funding source, sample size and number and location of study centres. Around one-third of RCTs had a Jadad score of 3 or greater (indication of a methodologically good quality trial) and the other two parameters were satisfied in just over one third. Although the majority of trials were published in speciality journals the quality of those published in general journals was superior. Commercially sponsored trials were of better quality as were multicentre trials in contrast to single centre trials. Overall quality of reporting of RCTs in organ transplantation Fedratinib JAK/STAT inhibitor is poor and as RCTs provide the highest level of evidence in evaluations of interventions there needs to be a concerted effort within the transplant community to improve the standards of RCTs.”
“In order to select the most ideal soybean cultivars for producing cheonggukjang, the protein degradation characteristics of cheonggukjangs prepared with

30 different soybean cultivars were compared. Cheonggukjang prepared with ‘Nampung’ (18.00 +/- 0.28%) and ‘Sohwang’ (17.91 +/- 0.63%) soybeans showed the highest contents of viscous substances. Acidic-protease activity was highest (590.24 +/- 2.92 mu g/mL) in cheonggukjang prepared with small Pungsannalmul’ soybeans. Neutral-protease activity was highest (528.13 +/- 3.11 and 527.36 +/- 0.44 mu g/mL, respectively) in cheonggukjang prepared with ‘Singi’ and ‘Nampung’ soybeans. Cheonggukjang prepared with `Wonkwang’ and ‘Sohwang’ soybeans had amino-type nitrogen contents of 780.50 +/- 2.92 and 729.95 +/- 1.07 mg%, respectively. Glutamic acid, which is a major component of viscous substances, was also detected.

Our purpose was to assess effects of steroid use alone or in combination with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotension receptor blocker (ARB) on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) derived circumferential strain (epsilon(cc)).

Methods: We used CMR to assess effects of corticosteroids alone (Group A) or in combination with

ACEI or ARB (Group B) on heart rate (HR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), mass (LVM), end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and circumferential strain (epsilon(cc)) in a cohort of 171 DMD patients >5 years of age. Treatment decisions were made independently by physicians at both our institution and referral centers and not based on CMR results.

Results: Patients in Group A (114 studies)

were younger than those in Group B (92 studies)(10 +/- 2.4 vs. 12.4 +/- 3.2 years, p < 0.0001), but HR, LVEF, LVEDV and LVM were not different. Although epsilon(cc) magnitude was lower in Group FK228 datasheet B than Group A (-13.8 +/- 1.9 vs. -12.8 +/- 2.0, p = 0.0004), age correction using covariance analysis eliminated this effect. In a subset of patients who underwent serial CMR exams with an inter-study time of similar to 15 months, epsilon(cc) worsened regardless of treatment group.

Conclusions: These results support the need for prospective clinical trials to identify more effective treatment regimens for DMD associated cardiac disease.”
“Objective The congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of selleckchem genetic disorders of neuromuscular transmission causing fatigable weakness. Symptoms may be present from birth, but diagnosis is often delayed for several years, notably in post-synaptic CMS due to mutations in the DOK7 gene. Recently, we noted a subgroup of children with CMS in whom congenital stridor and bilateral vocal cord palsy predated other symptoms. All had mutations in the DOK7 gene. The purpose of this

study was to review our 10058-F4 population of DOK7 CMS patients with congenital stridor and assess whether there were other phenotypic features which might raise suspicion of a diagnosis of CMS in the neonatal period, in the absence of limb weakness and ptosis and prompt earlier referral for neurophysiological investigation, genetic diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Methods A retrospective case review of 11 DOK7 CMS patients at a tertiary referral centre.

Results Six patients were identified with DOK7 mutations and congenital stridor, four requiring intubation soon after birth Four patients had a diagnosis of bilateral vocal cord palsy and three required tracheostomy, successfully decannulated in one after 3 years. All six patients had difficulty with feeding, with weak suck and swallow necessitating nasogastric feeding in five, two of whom required gastrostomy. Despite all six children having had neonatal symptoms, the mean age at CMS diagnosis was 5 years and 9 months.

Also in this case, the prevalence and relevance has been misinterpreted in the beginning, undermining the success rate of pain improvement after surgical removal of these contact points. Therefore, studies have started to concentrate on the need of suitable preoperative evaluation to define the ideal, responsive candidate for surgical management of this form of headache. This article analyzes the outcome of these studies and tries to highlight the need for long-term follow-up to finally determine the relevance of surgical treatment for this particular headache form.”
“. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase status, homocysteine

and lipoproteins Belinostat nmr levels have been associated with severity of disease and both rapid and sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We aimed to assess the association of homocysteine and MTHFR status with serum cholesterol levels and their potential links to both histological findings and virological response, in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C CAL-101 clinical trial virus (HCV). A total of 119 consecutive patients were evaluated by biopsy and metabolic measurements. A total of 103 healthy blood donors were used as controls. Serum homocysteine and MTHFR C677T mutation were also evaluated. All patients underwent antiviral therapy with PEG-IFN alfa-2a plus ribavirin. HCV-RNA was assessed at baseline, week 4,

week 12, at the end of therapy and after 6 months of follow-up. Mean serum values of homocysteine were higher in patients CA3 than in controls (15.8 +/- 5.8 mu g/L vs 12.5 +/- 5.8 mu g/L; P < 0.001), with a similar CC, CT and TT MTHFR distribution (23.6%, 48.7% and 27.7% in G1-CHC vs 34%, 48.5% and 17.5% in controls; P = 0.14). In genotype 1, HCV MTHFR TT homozygosis was independently linked to higher LDL (OR 1.016; CI 1.0021.031; P = 0.03), but not to homocysteine.

No association were found between homocysteine, MTHFR and histological features or both rapid virological response (RVR) and SVR. Low cholesterol (OR 0.988, 95%CI 0.9750.999, P = 0.04) was independently linked to severe fibrosis, and high LDL was the only independent positive predictors of both RVR and SVR (OR 1.036; 95%CI 1.0171.055; P < 0.001; and OR 1.016; 95%CI 1.0011.031; P = 0.04 respectively). In patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, showing higher homocysteine serum levels than controls, MTHFR C677T homozygosis, via modulating cholesterol levels, could interfere with liver fibrosis and response to antiviral therapy.”
“Metastasis to an epitrochlear lymph node from a primary invasive breast cancer has not been reported earlier. We report a case of epitrochlear lymph node metastasis that presented 10 years after the primary breast malignancy had been treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

Results: During 4-10 y of follow-up, 5249 coronary events and 2155 coronary

deaths occurred among 344,696 persons. For a 5% lower energy intake from SFAs and a concomitant higher energy intake from PUFAs, there was a significant inverse association between PUFAs and risk of coronary events (hazard ratio: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.97); the hazard ratio for coronary deaths was 0.74 see more (95% CI: 0.61, 0.89). For a 5% lower energy intake from SFAs and a concomitant higher energy intake from carbohydrates, there was a modest significant direct association between carbohydrates and coronary events (hazard ratio: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14); the hazard ratio for coronary deaths was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.13). MUFA intake was not associated with CHD. No effect modification by sex or age was found.

Conclusion: The associations suggest that replacing SFAs with PUFAs rather than MUFAs or carbohydrates prevents CHD over a wide range of intakes. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;89:1425-32.”
“Graphite nanosheets (GNs) modified with sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)

selleck chemicals llc was prepared and then incorporated into high-density polyethylene The GNs/HDPE nanocomposites displayed pronounced enhancements of the mechanical properties. With a load of 10 wt % of the modified GNs, the nanocomposites exhibited all increase of about 290% in the elongation at break as well as all increase of about 14% in the elastic modulus in comparison with neat HDPE. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows a notable microscopic orientation of the matrix

and GNs in the strained nanocomposite specimen, which may play an important role in the dramatic increase in the elongation at break. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116: 2029-2034, 2010″
“The magnetic noise of a frozen ferrofluid made Rabusertib order of maghemite nanoparticles dispersed in glycerin is measured using a two-dimensional electron gas based quantum well Hall sensor (QWHS) with the spinning current technique. The frozen ferrofluid shows a superspin glass transition at 67 K. Below this glass transition temperature, the relation between the imaginary part of the ac susceptibility of a bulk ferrofluid sample and the magnetic noise measured with the QWHS gives an indication of a violation of the fluctuation dissipation theorem. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3366613]“
“Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common cardiovascular disease among older people and demonstrates significant heritability. In contrast to similar complex diseases, relatively few genetic associations with AAA have been confirmed. We reanalyzed our genome-wide study and carried through to replication suggestive discovery associations at a lower level of significance.

Here, we review

the different forms of meiotic drive and their possible roles in speciation. We discuss the recent empirical evidence for a link between drive and hybrid male sterility, also suggesting a possible mechanistic explanation for this link in the context of chromatin remodelling. Finally, we revisit the population genetics of drive that allow it to contribute to speciation.”
“The purpose of the current study was to determine SHP099 manufacturer the relationship between the serum estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and the urodynamic study results in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Eighty women were selected among patients who underwent urodynamic testing for SUI. Basic demographic features were evaluated and laboratory tests were performed. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed among the serum E2 and FSH levels and urodynamic results.

E2 had a negative correlation with the Q-tip test in post-menopause. FSH had positive correlations with the post-void residual volume in the uroflowmetry and the voiding and flow times in the pressure-flow study in all of the patients and learn more a negative correlation

with the peak flow rate in the pressure-flow study in pre-menopause.

E2 and FSH were associated with urodynamic parameters in female patients with SUI.”
“Selective growth of Ge on nanostructured Si(001) wafers is studied to evaluate the applicability of nanoheteroepitaxy

approaches on the Ge-Si system for photonics applications under particular consideration of possible growth mask materials. A gate spacer technology established in advanced silicon microelectronics is used to generate a periodic array of nanoscaled Si pillars. The spacing of these Si pillars is 360 nm; diameter and height are about 100 nm, which is still above the expected geometrical parameters to obtain a compliant behavior of the Si lattice in the pillars. Ge dots are deposited by reduced pressure chemical-vapor deposition on top of the Si pillars. The characterization is done by different x-ray diffraction methods and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that even 30 nm www.selleckchem.com/products/BEZ235.html thick Ge dots are fully relaxed and they exhibit a clear network of misfit dislocations. Significantly thicker Ge dots generate additional structural defects, mainly microtwins. A strain partitioning between Si pillar and Ge dot was not observed. The main reason for this is not the geometry of pillars but the compressive in-plane strain inside the uncovered Si pillar caused by the surrounding SiO(2) layer required as masking material to guaranty the selective growth of Ge on top of the pillars only. High temperature diffraction experiments show that a partial annealing of this strain is possible. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.

3 % with a specificity of 85.7 %.

Measurement of SNAP could be useful to diagnose a unilateral L5/S foraminal stenosis.”
“Natural estrogens 5-Fluoracil in vivo have demonstrated a wide variety of biological activities, which makes them a good candidate for the treatment of diabetes. In vitro, this study evidenced that isoflavones enhanced insulin secretion and inhibited -amylase activity. In vivo, the findings indicated that soy isoflavones stimulated insulin secretion, increased the hepatic glycogen content and suppressed blood glucose level. The soy isoflavones were also protected hepatic-kidney functions showed by the significant increase in

superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and the decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total bilirubin, creatinine

and transaminases content. Moreover, soy isoflavones induced a decrease in LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and an increase in HDL-cholesterol in plasma and liver. Overall, the findings of the current study indicate that soy isoflavones exhibit attractive properties and can, therefore, be considered a promising selleck kinase inhibitor candidate for future application as alternative therapeutic agents, particularly in the development of anti-diabetic and hypolipidaemic drugs.”
“The combined recordings of epidural-(D wave) and muscle motor evoked potentials (m-MEPs) have been proposed in many studies in intramedullary spinal cord tumour (IMSCT) surgery, although not all agree. Furthermore, the usefulness of the intraoperative monitoring of motor systems using these methods in other types

of spine surgery has not yet been clearly confirmed. The aim of this study is to test the impact of intraoperative EPZ004777 order D wave on the monitorability and motor outcome in spine surgery.

Intraoperative recording of posterior tibial nerve somatosensory potentials, lower limb m-MEPs (LLm-MEPs) and epidurally recorded D wave caudally to the surgical level was attempted in a total of 103 spine and spinal cord surgeries (23 IMSCT, 55 extramedullary spinal cord tumours and 25 myelopathies).

There was a 97.1 %, overall monitorability where at least 1 of the 3 modalities was applicable in 100 surgical procedures. Baseline LLm-MEPs were recorded bilaterally in 85 cases and unilaterally in 11. A caudal D wave was recorded in 97 cases. Transient, or persistent intraoperative modifications occurred in 14/23 IMSCT, 5/55 extramedullary spinal cord tumours and in 2/25 myelopathies. The presence of a persistent stable caudal D wave was predictive of a good motor outcome even when the LL-MEPs were absent and/or when lost during surgery.

Not only is intraoperative D wave recording to be considered mandatory in IMSCT surgery but it should also be attempted in other types of spine/spinal cord surgeries.”
“In an effort to find a new whitening agent, we focused our attention on Allium cepa (red onion).

Median age was 57 years and 29 patients out of 31 had visceral involvement. The overall response rate (ORR) was 32% (1 complete response /9 partial responses), in addition 5 patients obtained stable disease

for >= 12 weeks. After a median follow-up of 34 months, all patients progressed with a median time to progression of 5.5 months and median overall survival of 11 months. Dose reductions, delays and omissions occurred in 75 (60%), 36 (29%) and 22 (18%) cycles. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 17 and febrile neutropenia in 4 patients. Ten selleck screening library patients had Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia. Non hematological toxicities were manageable. The CG combination is a reasonable option for the treatment of metastatic pretreated TNBC patients.”
“Background: The term total folate intake is used to represent folate that occurs naturally in food as well as folic acid from fortified foods and dietary supplements. Folic acid has been referred to as a double-edged sword because of its beneficial role in the prevention of neural tube defects and yet possible deleterious see more effects on certain cancers and cognitive function. Previous monitoring efforts did not include folic acid from dietary supplements

and are therefore not complete.

Objective: Our objective was to combine data on dietary folate (as measured by two 24-h recalls) and folic acid from dietary supplements (collected with a 30-d frequency questionnaire) with the use of the bias-corrected best power method

to adjust for within-person variability.

Design: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. Linear contrasts were constructed to determine differences in dietary and total folate intake for age and racial-ethnic groups by sex; prevalence of inadequate and excessive intakes is presented.

Results: In 2003-2006, 53% of the US population used dietary supplements; 34.5% used dietary supplements Vactosertib in vitro that contained folic acid. Total folate intake (in dietary folate equivalents) was higher for men (813 +/- 14) than for women (724 +/- 16) and higher for non-Hispanic whites (827 +/- 19) than for Mexican Americans (615 +/- 11) and non-Hispanic blacks (597 +/- 12); 29% of non-Hispanic black women had inadequate intakes. Total folate and folic acid intakes are highest for those aged > 50 y, and 5% exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level.

Conclusions: Improved total folate intake is warranted in targeted subgroups, which include women of childbearing age and non-Hispanic black women, whereas other population groups are at risk of excessive intake. Am J Clin Nutr 2010;91:231-7.”
“We successfully measured not only the tunneling properties but also the magnetic properties of a magnetic tunnel junction without patterning the magnetic tunnel junction stack itself by the current-in-plane tunneling method.