FIRE_AX_ER2_MAS

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2015-11-24

... Transition Experiment (ASTEX) ER-2 MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) Data Project Title:  MAS ... Temporal Resolution:  Each granule contains one flight track File Format:  HDF Tools:  ... Additional Info:  NASA ER-2 MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) SCAR-B Block:  SCAR-B ...

Fluid flow dynamics in MAS systems.

PubMed

Wilhelm, Dirk; Purea, Armin; Engelke, Frank

2015-08-01

The turbine system and the radial bearing of a high performance magic angle spinning (MAS) probe with 1.3mm-rotor diameter has been analyzed for spinning rates up to 67kHz. We focused mainly on the fluid flow properties of the MAS system. Therefore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and fluid measurements of the turbine and the radial bearings have been performed. CFD simulation and measurement results of the 1.3mm-MAS rotor system show relatively low efficiency (about 25%) compared to standard turbo machines outside the realm of MAS. However, in particular, MAS turbines are mainly optimized for speed and stability instead of efficiency. We have compared MAS systems for rotor diameter of 1.3-7mm converted to dimensionless values with classical turbomachinery systems showing that the operation parameters (rotor diameter, inlet mass flow, spinning rate) are in the favorable range. This dimensionless analysis also supports radial turbines for low speed MAS probes and diagonal turbines for high speed MAS probes. Consequently, a change from Pelton type MAS turbines to diagonal turbines might be worth considering for high speed applications. CFD simulations of the radial bearings have been compared with basic theoretical values proposing considerably smaller frictional loss values. The discrepancies might be due to the simple linear flow profile employed for the theoretical model. Frictional losses generated inside the radial bearings result in undesired heat-up of the rotor. The rotor surface temperature distribution computed by CFD simulations show a large temperature gradient over the rotor. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fluid flow dynamics in MAS systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilhelm, Dirk; Purea, Armin; Engelke, Frank

2015-08-01

The turbine system and the radial bearing of a high performance magic angle spinning (MAS) probe with 1.3 mm-rotor diameter has been analyzed for spinning rates up to 67 kHz. We focused mainly on the fluid flow properties of the MAS system. Therefore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and fluid measurements of the turbine and the radial bearings have been performed. CFD simulation and measurement results of the 1.3 mm-MAS rotor system show relatively low efficiency (about 25%) compared to standard turbo machines outside the realm of MAS. However, in particular, MAS turbines are mainly optimized for speed and stability instead of efficiency. We have compared MAS systems for rotor diameter of 1.3-7 mm converted to dimensionless values with classical turbomachinery systems showing that the operation parameters (rotor diameter, inlet mass flow, spinning rate) are in the favorable range. This dimensionless analysis also supports radial turbines for low speed MAS probes and diagonal turbines for high speed MAS probes. Consequently, a change from Pelton type MAS turbines to diagonal turbines might be worth considering for high speed applications. CFD simulations of the radial bearings have been compared with basic theoretical values proposing considerably smaller frictional loss values. The discrepancies might be due to the simple linear flow profile employed for the theoretical model. Frictional losses generated inside the radial bearings result in undesired heat-up of the rotor. The rotor surface temperature distribution computed by CFD simulations show a large temperature gradient over the rotor.

Quartz Crystal Temperature Sensor for MAS NMR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, Gerald

1997-10-01

Quartz crystal temperature sensors (QCTS) were tested for the first time as wireless thermometers in NMR MAS rotors utilizing the NMR RF technique itself for exiting and receiving electro-mechanical quartz resonances. This new tool in MAS NMR has a high sensitivity, linearity, and precision. When compared to the frequently used calibration of the variable temperature in the NMR system by a solid state NMR chemical shift thermometer (CST), such as lead nitrate, QCTS shows a number of advantages. It is an inert thermometer in close contact with solid samples operating parallel to the NMR experiment. QCTS can be manufactured for any frequency to be near a NMR frequency of interest (typically 1 to 2 MHz below or above). Due to the strong response of the crystal, signal detection is possible without changing the tuning of the MAS probe. The NMR signal is not influenced due to the relative sharp crystal resonance, restricted excitation by finite pulses, high probeQvalues, and commonly used audio filters. The quadratic dependence of the temperature increase on spinning speed is the same for the QCTS and for the CST lead nitrate and is discussed in terms of frictional heat in accordance with the literature about lead nitrate and with the results of a simple rotor speed jump experiment with differently radial located lead nitrate in the rotor.

Clinical Imaging of Bone Microarchitecture with HR-pQCT

PubMed Central

Nishiyama, Kyle K.; Shane, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by loss of bone mass and structural deterioration, is currently diagnosed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, DXA does not provide information about bone microstructure, which is a key determinant of bone strength. Recent advances in imaging permit the assessment of bone microstructure in vivo using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). From these data, novel image processing techniques can be applied to characterize bone quality and strength. To date, most HR-pQCT studies are cross-sectional comparing subjects with and without fracture. These studies have shown that HR-pQCT is capable of discriminating fracture status independent of DXA. Recent longitudinal studies present new challenges in terms of analyzing the same region of interest and multisite calibrations. Careful application of analysis techniques and educated clinical interpretation of HR-pQCT results have improved our understanding of various bone-related diseases and will no doubt continue to do so in the future. PMID:23504496

Indirect detection of infinite-speed MAS solid-state NMR spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perras, Frédéric A.; Venkatesh, Amrit; Hanrahan, Michael P.; Goh, Tian Wei; Huang, Wenyu; Rossini, Aaron J.; Pruski, Marek

2017-03-01

Heavy spin-1/2 nuclides are known to possess very large chemical shift anisotropies that can challenge even the most advanced magic-angle-spinning (MAS) techniques. Wide manifolds of overlapping spinning sidebands and insufficient excitation bandwidths often obfuscate meaningful spectral information and force the use of static, low-resolution solid-state (SS)NMR methods for the characterization of materials. To address these issues, we have merged fast-magic-angle-turning (MAT) and dipolar heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence (D-HMQC) experiments to obtain D-HMQC-MAT pulse sequences which enable the rapid acquisition of 2D SSNMR spectra that correlate isotropic 1H chemical shifts to the indirectly detected isotropic "infinite-MAS" spectra of heavy spin-1/2 nuclides. For these nuclides, the combination of fast MAS and 1H detection provides a high sensitivity, which rivals the DNP-enhanced ultra-wideline SSNMR. The new pulse sequences were used to determine the Pt coordination environments in a complex mixture of decomposition products of transplatin and in a metal-organic framework with Pt ions coordinated to the linker ligands.

Deuterium and lithium-6 MAS NMR studies of manganese oxide electrode materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paik, Younkee

Electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) is used world wide as the cathode materials in both lithium and alkaline primary (non-rechargeable) batteries. We have developed deuterium and lithium MAS NMR techniques to study EMD and related manganese oxides and hydroxides, where diffraction techniques are of limited value due to a highly defective nature of the structures. Deuterons in EMD, manganite, groutite, and deuterium-intercalated pyrolusite and ramsdellite were detected by NMR, for the first time, and their locations and motions in the structures were analyzed by applying variable temperature NMR techniques. Discharge mechanisms of EMD in alkaline (aqueous) electrolytes were studied, in conjunction with step potential electrochemical spectroscopic (SPECS) method, and five distinctive discharge processes were proposed. EMD is usually heat-treated at about 300--400°C to remove water to be used in lithium batteries. Details of the effects of heat-treatment, such as structural and compositional changes as a function of heat-treatment temperature, were studied by a combination of MAS NMR, XRD, and thermogravimetric analysis. Lithium local environments in heat-treated EMD (HEMD) that were discharged in lithium cells, were described in terms of related environments found in model compounds pyrolusite and ramsdellite where specific Li + sites were detected by MAS NMR and the hyperfine shift scale method of Grey et al. Acid-leaching of Li2MnO3 represents an approach for synthesizing new or modified manganese oxide electrode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries. Progressive removal of lithium from specific crystallographic sites, followed by a gradual change of the crystal structure, was monitored by a combination of NMR and XRD techniques.

HR Shared Services and the Realignment of HR.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reilly, P.

This report examines how adopting the shared services model of human resources (HR) services delivery can help businesses achieve better alignment between their HR service and specific business needs. Chapter 1 provides background information on the research project underlying this report, which included the following data collection activities:…

A Vision in Jeopardy: Royal Navy Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-31

Chapter 6 will propose a new MAS vision for the RN. However, before doing so, a fresh look at the problem is required. Consensus of the Problem, Not the... assessment , the RN has failed to deliver any sustainable MAS operational capability. A vision for MAS finally materialized in 2014. Yet, the vision...continuous investment and assessment , the RN has failed to deliver any sustainable MAS operational capability. A vision for MAS finally materialized in

Reverse Induced Fit-Driven MAS-Downstream Transduction: Looking for Metabotropic Agonists.

PubMed

Pernomian, Larissa; Gomes, Mayara S; de Paula da Silva, Carlos H Tomich; Rosa, Joaquin M C

2017-01-01

Protective effects of MAS activation have spurred clinical interests in developing MAS agonists. However, current bases that drive this process preclude that physiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists induce an atypical signaling that does not reach the metabotropic efficacy of constitutive activation. Canonical activation of MAS-coupled G proteins is only achieved by supraphysiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists or physiological concentrations of chemically modified analogues. These pleiotropic differences are because of two overlapped binding domains: one non-metabotropic site that recognizes peptide agonists and one metabotropic domain that recognizes modified analogues. It is feasible that supraphysiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists undergo to chemical modifications required for binding to metabotropic domain. Receptor oligomerization enhances pharmacological parameters coupled to metabotropic signaling. The formation of receptor-signalosome complex makes the transduction of agonists more adaptive. Considering the recent identification of MAS-signalosome, we aimed to postulate the reverse induced fit hypothesis in which MAS-signalosome would trigger chemical modifications required for agonists bind to MAS metabotropic domain. Here we cover rational perspectives for developing novel metabotropic MAS agonists in the view of the reverse induced-fit hypothesis. Predicting a 3D model of MAS metabotropic domain may guide the screening of chemical modifications required for metabotropic efficacy. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening would select potential metabotropic MAS agonists from virtual libraries from human proteome. Rational perspectives that consider reverse induced fit hypothesis during MAS activation for developing metabotropic MAS agonists represents the best approach in providing MAS ligands with constitutive efficacy at physiological concentrations. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email

MAS NMR of HIV-1 protein assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suiter, Christopher L.; Quinn, Caitlin M.; Lu, Manman; Hou, Guangjin; Zhang, Huilan; Polenova, Tatyana

2015-04-01

The negative global impact of the AIDS pandemic is well known. In this perspective article, the utility of magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy to answer pressing questions related to the structure and dynamics of HIV-1 protein assemblies is examined. In recent years, MAS NMR has undergone major technological developments enabling studies of large viral assemblies. We discuss some of these evolving methods and technologies and provide a perspective on the current state of MAS NMR as applied to the investigations into structure and dynamics of HIV-1 assemblies of CA capsid protein and of Gag maturation intermediates.

HR, Streamlined

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramaswami, Rama

2008-01-01

Human Resources (HR) administrators are finding that as software modules are installed to automate various processes, they have more time to focus on strategic objectives. And as compliance with affirmative action and other employment regulations comes under increasing scrutiny, HR staffers are finding that software can deliver and track data with…

High-resolution EEG (HR-EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG).

PubMed

Gavaret, M; Maillard, L; Jung, J

2015-03-01

High-resolution EEG (HR-EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) allow the recording of spontaneous or evoked electromagnetic brain activity with excellent temporal resolution. Data must be recorded with high temporal resolution (sampling rate) and high spatial resolution (number of channels). Data analyses are based on several steps with selection of electromagnetic signals, elaboration of a head model and use of algorithms in order to solve the inverse problem. Due to considerable technical advances in spatial resolution, these tools now represent real methods of ElectroMagnetic Source Imaging. HR-EEG and MEG constitute non-invasive and complementary examinations, characterized by distinct sensitivities according to the location and orientation of intracerebral generators. In the presurgical assessment of drug-resistant partial epilepsies, HR-EEG and MEG can characterize and localize interictal activities and thus the irritative zone. HR-EEG and MEG often yield significant additional data that are complementary to other presurgical investigations and particularly relevant in MRI-negative cases. Currently, the determination of the epileptogenic zone and functional brain mapping remain rather less well-validated indications. In France, in 2014, HR-EEG is now part of standard clinical investigation of epilepsy, while MEG remains a research technique. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Optimized Spectral Editing of 13C MAS NMR Spectra of Rigid Solids Using Cross-Polarization Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangill, R.; Rastrupandersen, N.; Bildsoe, H.; Jakobsen, H. J.; Nielsen, N. C.

Combinations of 13C magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments employing cross polarization (CP), cross polarization-depolarization (CPD), and cross polarization-depolarization-repolarization are analyzed quantitatively to derive simple and general procedures for optimized spectral editing of 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra of rigid solids by separation of the 13C resonances into CH n subspectra ( n = 0, 1, 2, and 3). Special attention is devoted to a differentiation by CPD/MAS of CH and CH 2 resonances since these groups behave quite similarly during spin lock under Hartmann-Hahn match and are therefore generally difficult to distinguish unambiguously. A general procedure for the design of subexperiments and linear combinations of their spectra to provide optimized signal-to-noise ratios for the edited subspectra is described. The technique is illustrated by a series of edited 13C CP/MAS spectra for a number of rigid solids ranging from simple organic compounds (sucrose and l-menthol) to complex pharmaceutical products (calcipotriol monohydrate and vitamin D 3) and polymers (polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene).

The MicroMAS CubeSat Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cahoy, K.; Blackwell, W. J.; Allen, G.; Bury, M.; Efromson, R.; Galbraith, C.; Hancock, T.; Leslie, V.; Osaretin, I.; Retherford, L.; Scarito, M.; Shields, M.; Toher, D.; Wight, K.; Miller, D.; Marinan, A.; Paek, S.; Peters, E.; Schmidt, F. H.; Alvisio, B.; Wise, E.; Masterson, R.; Franzim Miranda, D.; Crail, C.; Kingsbury, R.; Souffrant, A.; Orrego, L.; Eslinger, G.; Nicholas, A.; Pong, C.

2012-12-01

The recently published Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey finds that, "The nation's Earth observing system is beginning a rapid decline in capability as long-running missions end and key new missions are delayed, lost, or canceled. The projected loss of observing capability could have significant adverse consequences for science and society." In this presentation, we explore low-cost, mission-flexible, and rapidly deployable spaceborne sensors that can meet stringent performance requirements pervading the NASA Earth Science measurement programs, including especially the recommended NRC Decadal Survey missions. New technologies have enabled a novel approach toward this science observational goal, and in this paper we describe recent technology develop efforts to address the challenges above through the use of CubeSat radiometers. The Micro-sized Microwave Atmospheric Satellite (MicroMAS) is a 3U cubesat (30x10x10 cm, ~4kg) hosting a passive microwave spectrometer operating near the 118.75-GHz oxygen absorption line. The focus of the first MicroMAS mission (hereafter, MicroMAS-1) is to observe convective thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, and hurricanes from a near-equatorial orbit at approximately 500-km altitude. A MicroMAS flight unit is currently being developed in anticipation of a 2014 launch to be provided by NASA. A parabolic reflector is mechanically rotated as the spacecraft orbits the earth, thus directing a cross-track scanned beam with FWHM beamwidth of 2.4-degrees, yielding an approximately 25-km diameter footprint from a nominal altitude of 500 km. Radiometric calibration is carried out using observations of cold space, the earth's limb, and an internal noise diode that is weakly coupled through the RF front-end electronics. A key technology feature is the development of an ultra-compact intermediate frequency processor module for channelization, detection, and A-to-D conversion. The antenna system and RF front

Directly and indirectly detected through-bond heteronuclear correlation solid-state NMR spectroscopy under fast MAS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mao, Kanmi; Pruski, Marek

Two-dimensional through-bond {sup 1}H({sup 13}C) solid-state NMR experiments utilizing fast magic angle spinning (MAS) and homonuclear multipulse {sup 1}H decoupling are presented. Remarkable efficiency of polarization transfer can be achieved at MAS rates exceeding 40 kHz, which is instrumental in these measurements. Schemes utilizing direct and indirect detection of heteronuclei are compared in terms of resolution and sensitivity. A simple procedure for optimization of {sup 1}H homonuclear decoupling sequences under these conditions is proposed. The capabilities of these techniques were confirmed on two naturally abundant solids, tripeptide N-formyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (f-MLF-OH) and brown coal.

Directly and indirectly detected through-bond heteronuclear correlation solid-state NMR spectroscopy under fast MAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Kanmi; Pruski, Marek

2009-12-01

Two-dimensional through-bond 1H{ 13C} solid-state NMR experiments utilizing fast magic angle spinning (MAS) and homonuclear multipulse 1H decoupling are presented. Remarkable efficiency of polarization transfer can be achieved at MAS rates exceeding 40 kHz, which is instrumental in these measurements. Schemes utilizing direct and indirect detection of heteronuclei are compared in terms of resolution and sensitivity. A simple procedure for optimization of 1H homonuclear decoupling sequences under these conditions is proposed. The capabilities of these techniques were confirmed on two naturally abundant solids, tripeptide N- formyl- L-methionyl- L-leucyl- L-phenylalanine (f-MLF-OH) and brown coal.

Hydronephrosis alters cardiac ACE2 and Mas receptor expression in mice.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanling; Ma, Lulu; Wu, Junyan; Chen, Tingting

2015-06-01

Hydronephrosis is characterized by substantial loss of tubules and affects renin secretion in the kidney. However, whether alterations of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2 and Mas receptor in the heart are observed in hydronephrosis is unknown. Thus, we assessed these components in hydronephrotic mice treated with AT1 receptor blockade and ACE inhibitor. Hydronephrosis was induced by left ureteral ligation in Balb/C mice except sham-operated animals. The levels of cardiac ACE, ACE2 and Mas receptor were measured after treatment of losartan or enalapril. Hydronephrosis led to an increase of ACE level and a decrease of ACE2 and Mas receptor in the heart. Losartan decreased cardiac ACE level, but ACE2 and Mas receptor levels significantly increased in hydronephrotic mice (p < 0.01). Enalapril increased ACE2 levels (p < 0.01), but did not affect Mas receptor in the heart. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and Ang II decreased in hydronephrotic mice, but significantly increased after treatment with losartan or enalapril. Hydronephrosis increased cardiac ACE and suppressed ACE2 and Mas receptor levels. AT1 blockade caused sustained activation of cardiac ACE2 and Mas receptor, but ACE inhibitor had the limitation of such activation of Mas receptor in hydronephrotic animals. © The Author(s) 2015.

Companions to peculiar red giants: HR 363 and HR 1105

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ake, Thomas B., III; Johnson, Hollis R.; Perry, Benjamin F., Jr.

1988-01-01

Recent IUE observations of two Tc-deficient S-type peculiar red giants that are also spectroscopic binaries, HR 363 and HR 1105 are reported. A 675 min SWP exposure of HR 363 shows emission lines of O I 1304 and Si II 1812 and a trace of continuum. Compared to the M giants, the far UV flux may be relatively larger, indicating a possible contribution from a white dwarf companion, but no high temperature emission lines are seen to indicate that this is an interacting system where mass-transfer recently occurred. However, HR 1105 appears to have a highly variable UV companion. In 1982, no UV flux was discerned for this system, but by 1986 C IV was strong, increasing by a factor of 3 in 1987 with prominent lines of Si III, C III, O III, Si IV, and N V. Using orbital parameters, these observations are consistent with high activity occuring when the side of the S-star primary illuminated by the companion faces the Earth, but since the IUE data were taken over 3 orbits, a secular change in the UV component cannot be excluded.

Atypical Signaling and Functional Desensitization Response of MAS Receptor to Peptide Ligands

PubMed Central

Tirupula, Kalyan C.; Desnoyer, Russell; Speth, Robert C.; Karnik, Sadashiva S.

2014-01-01

MAS is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in multiple physiological processes. Several physiological peptide ligands such as angiotensin-(1–7), angiotensin fragments and neuropeptide FF (NPFF) are reported to act on MAS. Studies of conventional G protein signaling and receptor desensitization upon stimulation of MAS with the peptide ligands are limited so far. Therefore, we systematically analyzed G protein signals activated by the peptide ligands. MAS-selective non-peptide ligands that were previously shown to activate G proteins were used as controls for comparison on a common cell based assay platform. Activation of MAS by the non-peptide agonist (1) increased intracellular calcium and D-myo-inositol-1-phosphate (IP1) levels which are indicative of the activation of classical Gαq-phospholipase C signaling pathways, (2) decreased Gαi mediated cAMP levels and (3) stimulated Gα12-dependent expression of luciferase reporter. In all these assays, MAS exhibited strong constitutive activity that was inhibited by the non-peptide inverse agonist. Further, in the calcium response assay, MAS was resistant to stimulation by a second dose of the non-peptide agonist after the first activation has waned suggesting functional desensitization. In contrast, activation of MAS by the peptide ligand NPFF initiated a rapid rise in intracellular calcium with very weak IP1 accumulation which is unlike classical Gαq-phospholipase C signaling pathway. NPFF only weakly stimulated MAS-mediated activation of Gα12 and Gαi signaling pathways. Furthermore, unlike non-peptide agonist-activated MAS, NPFF-activated MAS could be readily re-stimulated the second time by the agonists. Functional assays with key ligand binding MAS mutants suggest that NPFF and non-peptide ligands bind to overlapping regions. Angiotensin-(1–7) and other angiotensin fragments weakly potentiated an NPFF-like calcium response at non-physiological concentrations (≥100 µM). Overall, our data

Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis modulates fear memory and extinction in mice.

PubMed

Lazaroni, Thiago Luiz do Nascimento; Bastos, Cristiane Perácio; Moraes, Márcio Flávio Dutra; Santos, Robson Souza; Pereira, Grace Schenatto

2016-01-01

Inappropriate defense-alerting reaction to fear is a common feature of neuropsychiatric diseases. Therefore, impairments in brain circuits, as well as in molecular pathways underlying the neurovegetative adjustments to fear may play an essential role on developing neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we tested the hypothesis that interfering with angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]/Mas receptor axis homeostasis, which appears to be essential to arterial pressure control, would affect fear memory and extinction. Mas knockout (MasKO) mice, in FVB/N background, showed normal cued fear memory and extinction, but increased freezing in response to context. Next, as FVB/N has poor performance in contextual fear memory, we tested MasKO in mixed 129xC57BL/6 background. MasKO mice behaved similarly to wild-type (WT), but memory extinction was slower in contextual fear conditioning to a weak protocol (1CS/US). In addition, delayed extinction in MasKO mice was even more pronounced after a stronger protocol (3CS/US). We showed previously that Angiotensin II receptor AT1 antagonist, losantan, rescued object recognition memory deficit in MasKO mice. Here, losartan was also effective. Memory extinction was accelerated in MasKO mice after treatment with losartan. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis may modulate fear memory extinction. Furthermore, we suggest MasKO mice as an animal model to study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Indirect detection of infinite-speed MAS solid-state NMR spectra

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perras, Frédéric A.; Venkatesh, Amrit; Hanrahan, Michael P.

Heavy spin-1/2 nuclides are known to possess very large chemical shift anisotropies that can challenge even the most advanced magic-angle-spinning (MAS) techniques. Wide manifolds of overlapping spinning sidebands and insufficient excitation bandwidths often obfuscate meaningful spectral information and force the use of static, low-resolution solid-state (SS)NMR methods for the characterization of materials. In order to address these issues, we have merged fast-magic-angle-turning (MAT) and dipolar heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence (D-HMQC) experiments to obtain D-HMQC-MAT pulse sequences which enable the rapid acquisition of 2D SSNMR spectra that correlate isotropic 1H chemical shifts to the indirectly detected isotropic “infinite-MAS” spectra of heavy spin-1/2more » nuclides. Furthermore, for these nuclides, the combination of fast MAS and 1H detection provides a high sensitivity, which rivals the DNP-enhanced ultra-wideline SSNMR. The new pulse sequences were used to determine the Pt coordination environments in a complex mixture of decomposition products of transplatin and in a metal-organic framework with Pt ions coordinated to the linker ligands.« less

Indirect detection of infinite-speed MAS solid-state NMR spectra

DOE PAGES

Perras, Frédéric A.; Venkatesh, Amrit; Hanrahan, Michael P.; ...

2017-01-18

Heavy spin-1/2 nuclides are known to possess very large chemical shift anisotropies that can challenge even the most advanced magic-angle-spinning (MAS) techniques. Wide manifolds of overlapping spinning sidebands and insufficient excitation bandwidths often obfuscate meaningful spectral information and force the use of static, low-resolution solid-state (SS)NMR methods for the characterization of materials. In order to address these issues, we have merged fast-magic-angle-turning (MAT) and dipolar heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence (D-HMQC) experiments to obtain D-HMQC-MAT pulse sequences which enable the rapid acquisition of 2D SSNMR spectra that correlate isotropic 1H chemical shifts to the indirectly detected isotropic “infinite-MAS” spectra of heavy spin-1/2more » nuclides. Furthermore, for these nuclides, the combination of fast MAS and 1H detection provides a high sensitivity, which rivals the DNP-enhanced ultra-wideline SSNMR. The new pulse sequences were used to determine the Pt coordination environments in a complex mixture of decomposition products of transplatin and in a metal-organic framework with Pt ions coordinated to the linker ligands.« less

Alloy NASA-HR-1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Po-Shou; Mitchell, Michael

2005-01-01

NASA-HR-1 is a high-strength Fe-Ni-base superalloy that resists high-pressure hydrogen environment embrittlement (HEE), oxidation, and corrosion. Originally derived from JBK-75, NASA-HR-1 has exceptional HEE resistance that can be attributed to its gamma-matrix and eta-free (Ni3Ti) grain boundaries. The chemistry was formulated using a design approach capable of accounting for the simultaneous effects of several alloy additions. This approach included: (1) Systematically modifying gamma-matrix compositions based on JBK-75; (2) Increasing gamma (Ni3(Al,Ti)) volume fraction and adding gamma-matrix strengthening elements to obtain higher strength; and (3) Obtaining precipitate-free grain boundaries. The most outstanding attribute of NASA-HR-1 is its ability to resist HEE while showing much improved strength. NASA-HR-1 has approximately 25% higher yield strength than JXK-75 and exhibits tensile elongation of more than 20% with no ductility loss in a hydrogen environment at 5 ksi, an achievement unparalleled by any other commercially available alloy. Its Cr and Ni contents provide exceptional resistance to environments that promote oxidation and corrosion. Microstructural stability was maintained by improved solid solubility of the gamma-matrix, along with the addition of alloying elements to retard eta (Ni3Ti) precipitation. NASA-HR-1 represents a new system that greatly extends the compositional ranges of existing HEE-resistant Fe-Ni-base superalloys.

Efficient Time Propagation Technique for MAS NMR Simulation: Application to Quadrupolar Nuclei.

PubMed

Charpentier; Fermon; Virlet

1998-06-01

The quantum mechanical Floquet theory is investigated in order to derive an efficient way of performing numerical calculations of the dynamics of nuclear spin systems in MAS NMR experiments. Here, we take advantage of time domain integration of the quantum evolution over one period as proposed by Eden et al. (1). But a full investigation of the propagator U(t, t0), and especially its dependence with respect to t and t0 within a formalized approach, leads to further simplifications and to a substantial reduction in computation time when performing powder averaging for any complex sequence. Such an approximation is suitable for quadrupolar nuclei (I > 1/2) and can be applied to the simulation of the RIACT (rotational induced adiabatic coherence transfer) phenomenon that occurs under special experimental conditions in spin locking experiments (2-4). The present method is also compared to the usual infinite dimensional Floquet space approach (5, 6), which is shown to be rather inefficient. As far as we know, it has never been reported for quadrupolar nuclei with I >/= 3/2 in spin locking experiments. The method can also be easily extended to other areas of spectroscopy. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

MAS2-8 radar and digital control unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oberg, J. M.; Ulaby, F. T.

1974-01-01

The design of the MAS 2-8 (2 to 8 GHz microwave-active spectrometer), a ground-based sensor system, is presented. A major modification in 1974 to the MAS 2-8, that of a control subsystem to automate the data-taking operation, is the prime focus. The digital control unit automatically changes all system parameters except FM rate and records the return signal on paper tape. The overall system operation and a detailed discussion of the design and operation of the digital control unit are presented.

M-band imaging of the HR 8799 planetary system using an innovative LOCI-based background subtraction technique

DOE PAGES

Galicher, Raphael; Marois, Christian; Macintosh, Bruce; ...

2011-09-02

Multi-wavelength observations/spectroscopy of exoplanetary atmospheres are the basis of the emerging exciting field of comparative exoplanetology. The HR 8799 planetary system is an ideal laboratory to study our current knowledge gap between massive field brown dwarfs and the cold 5 Gyr old solar system planets. The HR 8799 planets have so far been imaged at J- to L-band, with only upper limits available at M-band. We present here deep high-contrast Keck II adaptive optics M-band observations that show the imaging detection of three of the four currently known HR 8799 planets. Such detections were made possible due to the developmentmore » of an innovative LOCI-based background subtraction scheme that is three times more efficient than a classical median background subtraction for Keck II AO data, representing a gain in telescope time of up to a factor of nine. These M-band detections extend the broadband photometric coverage out to ~5 μm and provide access to the strong CO fundamental absorption band at 4.5 μm. The new M-band photometry shows that the HR 8799 planets are located near the L/T-type dwarf transition, similar to what was found by other studies. Finally, we also confirm that the best atmospheric fits are consistent with low surface gravity, dusty, and non-equilibrium CO/CH 4 chemistry models.« less

eHR: An Introduction. IES Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kettley, P.; Reilly, P.

This document introduces the concept of electronic human resources (eHR) and its application. Chapter 1 presents a brief overview of the guide's development, purpose, and structure. Chapter 2 defines the concept of eHR as "the application of conventional, Web, and voice technologies to improve HR administration, transactions, and process…

FR/HR Sewing Thread

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

position unless so designated by other authorized documents. Citation of trade names in this report does not constitute an official endorsement or...project to design and develop a Fire Resistant (FR) and Heat Resistant (HR) sewing thread. The main goal of the project is to produce sewing threads made...addresses the design , development and testing of various Fire Resistant (FR)/Heat Resistant (HR) sewing threads for US Army applications. Such a sewing

Elemental abundances of the B and A stars Gamma Geminorum, 7 Sextantis, HR 4817, and HR 5780

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adelman, Saul J.; Philip, A. G. D.

1992-01-01

Fine analyses of the B and A stars, Gamma Geminorum, 7 Sextantis, HR 4817, and HR 5780 are performed. Although the data cover rather limited spectral regions, still useful results were obtained. The data were mostly obtained at the KPNO coude feed telescope with CCD TI No. 3, camera 5, and grating A. The He/H ratio of HR 4817 confirms the similarity of many abundance values with those of the peculiar Mn star 53 Tauri. For the most part Gamma Gem, 7 Sex, and HR 5780 have derived abundances similar to those of other normal sharp-lined stars of similar effective temperature.

Putting HR outsourcing into practice.

PubMed

Berger, Michael

2007-01-01

Faced with the time-consuming responsibility of human resources (HR) management, a growing number of medical practices are outsourcing their HR to professional employer organizations (PEOs) so they can concentrate on their core business. A PEO functions as an HR department-minus the high overhead-managing daily administrative tasks such as payroll processing and related tax filings, employee benefits, and workers' compensation coverage and claims resolution. PEOs help physicians' offices keep up with the piles of paperwork that never seem to shrink, freeing doctors to focus on patient care and building their practice. Because of their volume buying power, PEOs are able to offer employees of small medical practices big-company benefits-everything from health, dental, and vision coverage to long-term disability insurance and tuition assistance. A fledgling industry only a decade ago, HR outsourcing has morphed into a blossoming industry. Enlisting the services of a PEO is now considered de rigueur in many small business circles.

Solvent signal suppression for high-resolution MAS-DNP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Daniel; Chaudhari, Sachin R.; De Paëpe, Gaël

2017-05-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has become a powerful tool to substantially increase the sensitivity of high-field magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR experiments. The addition of dissolved hyperpolarizing agents usually results in the presence of solvent signals that can overlap and obscure those of interest from the analyte. Here, two methods are proposed to suppress DNP solvent signals: a Forced Echo Dephasing experiment (FEDex) and TRAnsfer of Populations in DOuble Resonance Echo Dephasing (TRAPDORED) NMR. These methods reintroduce a heteronuclear dipolar interaction that is specific to the solvent, thereby forcing a dephasing of recoupled solvent spins and leaving acquired NMR spectra free of associated resonance overlap with the analyte. The potency of these methods is demonstrated on sample types common to MAS-DNP experiments, namely a frozen solution (of L-proline) and a powdered solid (progesterone), both containing deuterated glycerol as a DNP solvent. The proposed methods are efficient, simple to implement, compatible with other NMR experiments, and extendable past spectral editing for just DNP solvents. The sensitivity gains from MAS-DNP in conjunction with FEDex or TRAPDORED then permits rapid and uninterrupted sample analysis.

High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Intact Zebrafish Embryos Detects Metabolic Changes Following Exposure to Teratogenic Polymethoxyalkenes from Algae

PubMed Central

Roy, Upasana; Jaja-Chimedza, Asha; Sanchez, Kristel; Matysik, Joerg

2016-01-01

Abstract Techniques based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for imaging and chemical analyses of in vivo, or otherwise intact, biological systems are rapidly emerging and finding diverse applications within a wide range of fields. Very recently, several NMR-based techniques have been developed for the zebrafish as a model animal system. In the current study, the novel application of high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR is presented as a means of metabolic profiling of intact zebrafish embryos. Toward investigating the utility of HR-MAS NMR as a toxicological tool, these studies specifically examined metabolic changes of embryos exposed to polymethoxy-1-alkenes (PMAs)—a recently identified family of teratogenic compounds from freshwater algae—as emerging environmental contaminants. One-dimensional and two-dimensional HR-MAS NMR analyses were able to effectively identify and quantify diverse metabolites in early-stage (≤36 h postfertilization) embryos. Subsequent comparison of the metabolic profiles between PMA-exposed and control embryos identified several statistically significant metabolic changes associated with subacute exposure to the teratogen, including (1) elevated inositol as a recognized component of signaling pathways involved in embryo development; (2) increases in several metabolites, including inositol, phosphoryl choline, fatty acids, and cholesterol, which are associated with lipid composition of cell membranes; (3) concomitant increase in glucose and decrease in lactate; and (4) decreases in several biochemically related metabolites associated with central nervous system development and function, including γ-aminobutyric acid, glycine, glutamate, and glutamine. A potentially unifying model/hypothesis of PMA teratogenicity based on the data is presented. These findings, taken together, demonstrate that HR-MAS NMR is a promising tool for metabolic profiling in the zebrafish embryo, including toxicological applications. PMID

A comparison of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry for the direct determination of bromine in polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Gois, Jefferson S.; Van Malderen, Stijn J. M.; Cadorim, Heloisa R.; Welz, Bernhard; Vanhaecke, Frank

2017-06-01

This work describes the development and comparison of two methods for the direct determination of Br in polymer samples via solid sampling, one using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and the other using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry with direct solid sample analysis (HR-CS SS-GF MAS). The methods were optimized and their accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results obtained for 6 polymeric certified reference materials (CRMs) with the corresponding certified values. For Br determination with LA-ICP-MS, the 79Br+ signal could be monitored interference-free. For Br determination via HR-CS SS-GF MAS, the CaBr molecule was monitored at 625.315 nm with integration of the central pixel ± 1. Bromine quantification by LA-ICP-MS was performed via external calibration against a single CRM while using the 12C+ signal as an internal standard. With HR-CS SS-GF MAS, Br quantification could be accomplished using external calibration against aqueous standard solutions. Except for one LA-ICP-MS result, the concentrations obtained with both techniques were in agreement with the certified values within the experimental uncertainty as evidenced using a t-test (95% confidence level). The limit of quantification was determined to be 100 μg g- 1 Br for LA-ICP-MS and 10 μg g- 1 Br for HR-CS SS-GF MAS.

MAS1 Receptor Trafficking Involves ERK1/2 Activation Through a β-Arrestin2-Dependent Pathway.

PubMed

Cerniello, Flavia M; Carretero, Oscar A; Longo Carbajosa, Nadia A; Cerrato, Bruno D; Santos, Robson A; Grecco, Hernán E; Gironacci, Mariela M

2017-11-01

The MAS1 receptor (R) exerts protective effects in the brain, heart, vessels, and kidney. R trafficking plays a critical function in signal termination and propagation and in R resensitization. We examined MAS1R internalization and trafficking on agonist stimulation and the role of β-arrestin2 in the activation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and Akt after MAS1R stimulation. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transfected with the coding sequence for MAS1R-YFP (MAS1R fused to yellow fluorescent protein). MAS1R internalization was evaluated by measuring the MAS1R present in the plasma membrane after agonist stimulation using a ligand-binding assay. MAS1R trafficking was evaluated by its colocalization with trafficking markers. MAS1R internalization was blocked in the presence of shRNAcaveolin-1 and with dominant negatives for Eps15 (a protein involved in endocytosed Rs by clathrin-coated pits) and for dynamin. After stimulation, MAS1R colocalized with Rab11-a slow recycling vesicle marker-and not with Rab4-a fast recycling vesicle marker-or LysoTracker-a lysosome marker. Cells transfected with MAS1R showed an increase in Akt and ERK1/2 activation on angiotensin-(1-7) stimulation, which was blocked when the clathrin-coated pits pathway was blocked. Suppression of β-arrestin2 by shRNA reduced the angiotensin-(1-7)-induced ERK1/2 activation, whereas Akt activation was not modified. We conclude that on agonist stimulation, MAS1R is internalized through clathrin-coated pits and caveolae in a dynamin-dependent manner and is then slowly recycled back to the plasma membrane. MAS1R induced Akt and ERK1/2 activation from early endosomes, and the activation of ERK1/2 was mediated by β-arrestin2. Thus, MAS1R activity and density may be tightly controlled by the cell. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Moderate MAS enhances local (1)H spin exchange and spin diffusion.

PubMed

Roos, Matthias; Micke, Peter; Saalwächter, Kay; Hempel, Günter

2015-11-01

Proton NMR spin-diffusion experiments are often combined with magic-angle spinning (MAS) to achieve higher spectral resolution of solid samples. Here we show that local proton spin diffusion can indeed become faster at low (<10 kHz) spinning rates as compared to static conditions. Spin diffusion under static conditions can thus be slower than the often referred value of 0.8 nm(2)/ms, which was determined using slow MAS (Clauss et al., 1993). The enhancement of spin diffusion by slow MAS relies on the modulation of the orientation-dependent dipolar couplings during sample rotation and goes along with transient level crossings in combination with dipolar truncation. The experimental finding and its explanation is supported by density matrix simulations, and also emphasizes the sensitivity of spin diffusion to the local coupling topology. The amplification of spin diffusion by slow MAS cannot be explained by any model based on independent spin pairs; at least three spins have to be considered. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SEARCHING FOR THE HR 8799 DEBRIS DISK WITH HST /STIS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gerard, B.; Marois, C.; Tannock, M.

We present a new algorithm for space telescope high contrast imaging of close-to-face-on planetary disks called Optimized Spatially Filtered (OSFi) normalization. This algorithm is used on HR 8799 Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) coronagraphic archival data, showing an over-luminosity after reference star point-spread function (PSF) subtraction that may be from the inner disk and/or planetesimal belt components of this system. The PSF-subtracted radial profiles in two separate epochs from 2011 and 2012 are consistent with one another, and self-subtraction shows no residual in both epochs. We explore a number of possible false-positive scenarios that could explainmore » this residual flux, including telescope breathing, spectral differences between HR 8799 and the reference star, imaging of the known warm inner disk component, OSFi algorithm throughput and consistency with the standard spider normalization HST PSF subtraction technique, and coronagraph misalignment from pointing accuracy. In comparison to another similar STIS data set, we find that the over-luminosity is likely a result of telescope breathing and spectral difference between HR 8799 and the reference star. Thus, assuming a non-detection, we derive upper limits on the HR 8799 dust belt mass in small grains. In this scenario, we find that the flux of these micron-sized dust grains leaving the system due to radiation pressure is small enough to be consistent with measurements of other debris disk halos.« less

Mas' Making and Pedagogy: Imagined Possibilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fournillier, Janice B.

2009-01-01

In this article I draw on an ethnographic case study that examined mas' makers' perceptions of the learning/teaching practices at work in the production of costumes for Trinidad and Tobago's annual Carnival celebrations. During the 2005 Carnival season I spent four months in the field, my country of birth, and collected data through participant…

Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS) Architecture and Design Accommodations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilliard, Lawrence; Racette, Paul; Blackwell, William; Galbraith, Christopher; Thompson, Erik

2013-01-01

The Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS) is being developed at Lincoln Laboratories and accommodated by the Goddard Space Flight Center for a flight opportunity on a NASA research aircraft. The term "hyperspectral microwave" is used to indicate an all-weather sounding that performs equivalent to hyperspectral infrared sounders in clear air with vertical resolution of approximately 1 km. Deploying the HyMAS equipped scanhead with the existing Conical Scanning Microwave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR) shortens the path to a flight demonstration. Hyperspectral microwave is achieved through the use of independent RF antennas that sample the volume of the Earth s atmosphere through various levels of frequencies, thereby producing a set of dense, spaced vertical weighting functions. The simulations proposed for HyMAS 118/183-GHz system should yield surface precipitation rate and water path retrievals for small hail, soft hail, or snow pellets, snow, rainwater, etc. with accuracies comparable to those of the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder. Further improvements in retrieval methodology (for example, polarization exploitation) are expected. The CoSMIR instrument is a packaging concept re-used on HyMAS to ease the integration features of the scanhead. The HyMAS scanhead will include an ultra-compact Intermediate Frequency Processor (IFP) module that is mounted inside the door to improve thermal management. The IFP is fabricated with materials made of Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) technology integrated with detectors, amplifiers, A/D conversion and data aggregation. The IFP will put out 52 channels of 16 bit data comprised of 4-9 channel data streams for temperature profiles and 2-8 channel streams for water vapor. With the limited volume of the existing CoSMIR scanhead and new HyMAS front end components, the HyMAS team at Goddard began preliminary layout work inside the new drum. Importing and re-using models of the shell, the scan head computer

Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS) architecture and design accommodations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilliard, L.; Racette, P.; Blackwell, W.; Galbraith, C.; Thompson, E.

The Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS) is being developed at Lincoln Laboratories and accommodated by the Goddard Space Flight Center for a flight opportunity on a NASA research aircraft. The term “ hyperspectral microwave” is used to indicate an all-weather sounding that performs equivalent to hyperspectral infrared sounders in clear air with vertical resolution of approximately 1 km. Deploying the HyMAS equipped scanhead with the existing Conical Scanning Microwave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR) shortens the path to a flight demonstration. Hyperspectral microwave is achieved through the use of independent RF antennas that sample the volume of the Earth's atmosphere through various levels of frequencies, thereby producing a set of dense, spaced vertical weighting functions. The simulations proposed for HyMAS 118/183-GHz system should yield surface precipitation rate and water path retrievals for small hail, soft hail, or snow pellets, snow, rainwater, etc. with accuracies comparable to those of the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder. Further improvements in retrieval methodology (for example, polarization exploitation) are expected. The CoSMIR instrument is a packaging concept re-used on HyMAS to ease the integration features of the scanhead. The HyMAS scanhead will include an ultra-compact Intermediate Frequency Processor (IFP) module that is mounted inside the door to improve thermal management. The IFP is fabricated with materials made of Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) technology integrated with detectors, amplifiers, A/D conversion and data aggregation. The IFP will put out 52 channels of 16 bit data comprised of 4 - 9 channel data streams for temperature profiles and 2-8 channel streams for water vapor. With the limited volume of the existing CoSMIR scanhead and new HyMAS front end components, the HyMAS team at Goddard began preliminary layout work inside the new drum. Importing and re-using models of the shell, the s- an head

BOREAS Level-2 MAS Surface Reflectance and Temperature Images in BSQ Format

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Forrest G. (Editor); Newcomer, Jeffrey (Editor); Lobitz, Brad; Spanner, Michael; Strub, Richard; Lobitz, Brad

2000-01-01

The BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) Staff Science Aircraft Data Acquisition Program focused on providing the research teams with the remotely sensed aircraft data products they needed to compare and spatially extend point results. The MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) images, along with other remotely sensed data, were collected to provide spatially extensive information over the primary study areas. This information includes biophysical parameter maps such as surface reflectance and temperature. Collection of the MAS images occurred over the study areas during the 1994 field campaigns. The level-2 MAS data cover the dates of 21-Jul-1994, 24-Jul-1994, 04-Aug-1994, and 08-Aug-1994. The data are not geographically/geometrically corrected; however, files of relative X and Y coordinates for each image pixel were derived by using the C130 navigation data in a MAS scan model. The data are provided in binary image format files.

U.S. Geological Survey mineral databases; MRDS and MAS/MILS

USGS Publications Warehouse

McFaul, E.J.; Mason, G.T.; Ferguson, W.B.; Lipin, B.R.

2000-01-01

These two CD-ROM's contain the latest version of the Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) database and the Minerals Availability System/Minerals Industry Location System (MAS/MILS) database for coverage of North America and the world outside North America. The records in the MRDS database each contain almost 200 data fields describing metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources, deposits, and commodities. The records in the MAS/MILS database each contain almost 100 data fields describing mines and mineral processing plans.

A Quantum Approach to Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), Organizations, and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

interdependent interactions between individuals represented approximately as vocal harmonic I resonators. Then the growth rate of an organization fits ...A quantum approach to multi-agent systems (MAS), organizations , and control W.F. Lawless Paine College 1235 15th Street Augusta, GA 30901...AND SUBTITLE A quantum approach to multi-agent systems (MAS), organizations , and control 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT

Effective combined water and sideband suppression for low-speed tissue and in vivo MAS NMR.

PubMed

Mobarhan, Yalda Liaghati; Struppe, Jochem; Fortier-McGill, Blythe; Simpson, André J

2017-08-01

High-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR is a powerful technique that can provide metabolic profiles and structural constraints on intact biological and environmental samples such as cells, tissues and living organisms. However, centripetal force from fast spinning can lead to a loss of sample integrity. In analyses focusing on structural organization, metabolite compartmentalization or in vivo studies, it is critical to keep the sample intact. As such, there is growing interest in slow spinning studies that preserve sample longevity. In this study, for example, reducing the spinning rate from 2500 to 500 Hz during the analysis of a living freshwater shrimp increased the 100% survivability threshold from ~14 to 40 h. Unfortunately, reducing spinning rate decreases the intensity of the isotropic signals and increases both the intensity and number of spinning sidebands, which mask spectral information. Interestingly, water suppression approaches such as excitation sculpting and W5 WATERGATE, which are effective at higher spinning rates, fail at lower spinning rates (<2500 Hz) while simpler approaches such as presaturation are not able to effectively suppress water when the ratio of water to biomass is very high, as is the case in vivo. As such there is a considerable gap in NMR approaches which can be used to suppress water signals and sidebands in biological samples at lower spinning rates. This research presents simple but practically important sequences that combine PURGE water suppression with both phase-adjusted spinning sidebands and an analogue of TOSS termed TOSS.243. The result is simple and effective water and sideband suppression even in extremely dilute samples in pure water down to ~100 Hz spinning rate. The approach is introduced, described and applied to a range of samples including, ex vivo worm tissue, Daphnia magna (water fleas), and in vivo Hyalella azteca (shrimp).

77 FR 43084 - Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program Continuous Open Season-Operational Change

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-23

... Award Schedule (MAS) Program Continuous Open Season- Operational Change AGENCY: Federal Acquisition... proposing this operational change to enhance the performance of and modernize the MAS program in three key program areas: Small business viability, operational efficiency, and cost control. The DBM will realign...

Cassini's Maneuver Automation Software (MAS) Process: How to Successfully Command 200 Navigation Maneuvers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Genevie Velarde; Mohr, David; Kirby, Charles E.

2008-01-01

To keep Cassini on its complex trajectory, more than 200 orbit trim maneuvers (OTMs) have been planned from July 2004 to July 2010. With only a few days between many of these OTMs, the operations process of planning and executing the necessary commands had to be automated. The resulting Maneuver Automation Software (MAS) process minimizes the workforce required for, and maximizes the efficiency of, the maneuver design and uplink activities. The MAS process is a well-organized and logically constructed interface between Cassini's Navigation (NAV), Spacecraft Operations (SCO), and Ground Software teams. Upon delivery of an orbit determination (OD) from NAV, the MAS process can generate a maneuver design and all related uplink and verification products within 30 minutes. To date, all 112 OTMs executed by the Cassini spacecraft have been successful. MAS was even used to successfully design and execute a maneuver while the spacecraft was in safe mode.

HR8844: a new hot Am star?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monier, R.; Gebran, M.; Royer, F.

2016-12-01

Using one archival high dispersion high quality spectrum of HR8844 (A0V) obtained with the echelle spectrograph SOPHIE at Observatoire de Haute Provence, we show that this star is not a superficially normal A0V star as hitherto thought. The model atmosphere and spectrum synthesis modeling of the spectrum of HR8844 reveals large departures of its abundances from the solar composition. We report here on our first determinations of the elemental abundances of 41 elements in the atmosphere of HR8844. Most of the light elements are underabundant whereas the very heavy elements are overabundant in HR8844. This interesting new chemically peculiar star could be a hybrid object between the HgMn stars and the Am stars.

BOREAS Level-1B MAS Imagery At-sensor Radiance, Relative X and Y Coordinates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strub, Richard; Strub, Richard; Newcomer, Jeffrey A.; Ungar, Stephen

2000-01-01

For BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS), the MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) images, along with the other remotely sensed data, were collected to provide spatially extensive information over the primary study areas. This information includes detailed land cover and biophysical parameter maps such as fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fPAR) and Leaf Area Index (LAI). Collection of the MAS images occurred over the study areas during the 1994 field campaigns. The level-1b MAS data cover the dates of 21-Jul-1994, 24-Jul-1994, 04-Aug-1994, and 08-Aug-1994. The data are not geographically/geometrically corrected; however, files of relative X and Y coordinates for each image pixel were derived by using the C-130 INS data in a MAS scan model. The data are provided in binary image format files.

HR 7098: a new cool HgMN star ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monier, R.; Gebran, M.; Royer, F.; Kılıcoǧlu, T.

2017-12-01

Using one archival high dispersion high quality spectrum of HR 7098 (A0V) obtained with the échelle spectrograph SOPHIE at Observatoire de Haute Provence, we show that this star is not a superficially normal A0V star as hitherto thought. The model atmosphere and spectrum synthesis modeling of the spectrum of HR 7098 reveals real departures of its abundances from the solar composition. We report here on our first determinations of the elemental abundances of 35 elements in the atmosphere of HR 7098. Helium and Carbon are underabundant whereas the very heavy elements are overabundant in HR 7098.

Antioxidant capacity of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) - comparison between permanganate reducing antioxidant capacity and other antioxidant methods.

PubMed

Popović, Boris M; Stajner, Dubravka; Slavko, Kevrešan; Sandra, Bijelić

2012-09-15

Ethanol extracts (80% in water) of 10 cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) genotypes were studied for antioxidant properties, using methods including DPPH(), ()NO, O(2)(-) and ()OH antiradical powers, FRAP, total phenolic and anthocyanin content (TPC and ACC) and also one relatively new, permanganate method (permanganate reducing antioxidant capacity-PRAC). Lipid peroxidation (LP) was also determined as an indicator of oxidative stress. The data from different procedures were compared and analysed by multivariate techniques (correlation matrix calculation and principal component analysis (PCA)). Significant positive correlations were obtained between TPC, ACC and DPPH(), ()NO, O(2)(-), and ()OH antiradical powers, and also between PRAC and TPC, ACC and FRAP. PCA found two major clusters of cornelian cherry, based on antiradical power, FRAP and PRAC and also on chemical composition. Chemometric evaluation showed close interdependence between PRAC method and FRAP and ACC. There was a huge variation between C. mas genotypes in terms of antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved background suppression in 1H MAS NMR using composite pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odedra, Smita; Wimperis, Stephen

2012-08-01

A well known feature of 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy, particularly of solids where the concentration of 1H nuclei is low, is the presence in the spectrum of a significant broad "background" signal arising from 1H nuclei that are outside the MAS rotor and radiofrequency coil, probably located on the surfaces of the static components of the probehead. A popular method of suppressing this unwanted signal is the "depth pulse" method, consisting of a 90° pulse followed by one or two 180° pulses that are phase cycled according to the "Exorcycle" scheme, which removes signal associated with imperfect 180° pulses. Consequently, only spins in the centre of the radiofrequency coil contribute to the 1H MAS spectrum, while those experiencing a low B1 field outside the coil are suppressed. Although very effective at removing background signal from the spectrum, one drawback with this approach is that significant loss of the desired signal from the sample also occurs. Here we investigate the 1H background suppression problem and, in particular, the use of novel antisymmetric passband composite pulses to replace the simple pulses in a depth pulse experiment. We show that it is possible to improve the intensity of the 1H signals of interest while still maintaining effective background suppression. We expect that these results will be relevant to 1H MAS NMR studies of, for example, nominally perdeuterated biological samples or nominally anhydrous inorganic materials.

The Mas receptor mediates modulation of insulin signaling by angiotensin-(1-7).

PubMed

Muñoz, Marina C; Giani, Jorge F; Burghi, Valeria; Mayer, Marcos A; Carranza, Andrea; Taira, Carlos A; Dominici, Fernando P

2012-08-20

Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) stimulates proteins belonging to the insulin signaling pathway and ameliorates the Ang II negative effects at this level. However, up to date, receptors involved and mechanisms behind these observations remain unknown. Accordingly, in the present study, we explored the in vivo effects of antagonism of the Ang-(1-7) specific Mas receptor on insulin signal transduction in rat insulin-target tissues. We evaluated the acute modulation of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, GSK-3β (Glycogen synthase kinase-3β) and AS160 (Akt substrate of 160kDa) by Ang-(1-7) and/or Ang II in the presence and absence of the selective Mas receptor antagonist A-779 in insulin-target tissues of normal rats. Also using A-779, we determined whether the Mas receptor mediates the improvement of insulin sensitivity exerted by chronic Ang-(1-7) treatment in fructose-fed rats (FFR), a model of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and mild hypertension. The two major findings of the present work are as follows; 1) Ang-(1-7) attenuates acute Ang II-mediated inhibition of insulin signaling components in normal rats via a Mas receptor-dependent mechanism; and 2). The Mas receptor appears to be involved in beneficial effects of Ang-(1-7) on the phosphorylation of crucial insulin signaling mediators (Akt, GSK-3β and AS160), in liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of FFR. These results shed light into the mechanism by which Ang-(1-7) exerts its positive physiological modulation of insulin actions in classical metabolic tissues and reinforces the central role of Akt in these effects. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elemental abundances of the B and A stars. 2: Gamma Geminorum, HD 60825, 7 Sextantis, HR 4817, and HR 5780

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adelman, Saul J.; Philip, A. G. Davis

1994-01-01

We extend fine analyses of the B and A stars, gamma Geminorum, 7 Sextantis, HR 4817, and HR 5780 using additional spectroscopic data from the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) coude feed telescope with a TI CCD, camera 5, and grating A, and ATLAS9 model atmospheres. In addition we study HD 60825, which had colors similar to the FHB A stars, but was found to be a Population I star. HD 60825, as is gamma Gem, is a sharp-lined early-A star with nearly solar derived abundances. HR 5780 and 7 Sex are also examples of stars which for the most part have solar abundances. The newly derived abundances for HR 4817 reveal important differences with respect to 53 Tau, a somewhat similar HgMn star.

Spin-lattice relaxation of 13C in solid amino acids using the CP-MAS technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naito, A.; Ganapathy, S.; Akasaka, K.; McDowell, C. A.

It is shown by a simple application of relaxation theory that the 13C magnetization decays nonexponentially, in principle, in the CP-MAS experiment because of the distribution of the spin-lattice relaxation times; however, the deviation from the exponential decay is quite small. The transient Overhauser effect also contributes appreciably to the nonexponential decay of the 13C magnetization when the protons are not saturated during the 13C T1 measurements and the correlation time of the group rotational motion satisfies the condition, ω2τc2 ≦ 1. It is shown by both experiment and theory that the transient Overhauser effect in the solid state is much smaller than that expected for the liquid state. The 13C spin-lattice relaxation times of L-alanine, deutero- L-alanine, glycine, and L-serine were determined for the individual carbon atoms. The experimentally obtained 13C T1 values agree well with calculated ones, showing that the CH 3 group rotation provides the main source of the relaxation in alanine, while the NH 3+ group motion plays an important role for the relaxation in glycine and serene.

Silencing the HaHR3 Gene by Transgenic Plant-mediated RNAi to Disrupt Helicoverpa armigera Development

PubMed Central

Xiong, Yehui; Zeng, Hongmei; Zhang, Yuliang; Xu, Dawei; Qiu, Dewen

2013-01-01

RNA interference (RNAi) caused by exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has developed into a powerful technique in functional genomics, and to date it is widely used to down-regulate crucial physiology-related genes to control pest insects. A molt-regulating transcription factor gene, HaHR3, of cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) was selected as the target gene. Four different fragments covering the coding sequence (CDS) of HaHR3 were cloned into vector L4440 to express dsRNAs in Escherichia coli. The most effective silencing fragment was then cloned into a plant over-expression vector to express a hairpin RNA (hpRNA) in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). When H. armigera larvae were fed the E. coli or transgenic plants, the HaHR3 mRNA and protein levels dramatically decreased, resulting developmental deformity and larval lethality. The results demonstrate that both recombinant bacteria and transgenic plants could induce HaHR3 silence to disrupt H. armigera development, transgenic plant-mediated RNAi is emerging as a powerful approach for controlling insect pests. PMID:23630449

Technology Development for a Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackwell, W.; Galbraith, C.; Hilliard, L.; Racette, P.; Thompson, E.

2014-01-01

The Hyperspectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounder (HyMAS) is being developed at Lincoln Laboratories and accommodated by the Goddard Space Flight Center for a flight opportunity on a NASA research aircraft. The term hyperspectral microwave is used to indicate an all-weather sounding instrument that performs equivalent to hyperspectral infrared sounders in clear air with vertical resolution of approximately 1 km. Deploying the HyMAS equipped scanhead with the existing Conical Scanning Microwave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR) shortens the path to a flight demonstration. Hyperspectral microwave is achieved through the use of independent RF antennas that sample the volume of the Earths atmosphere through various levels of frequencies, thereby producing a set of dense, spaced vertical weighting functions.

Building HR capability in health care organizations.

PubMed

Khatri, Naresh

2006-01-01

The current human resource (HR) management practices in health care are consistent with the industrial model of management. However, health care organizations are not factories. They are highly knowledge-intensive and service-oriented entities and thus require a different set of HR practices and systems to support them. Drawing from the resource-based theory, I argue that HRs are a potent weapon of competitive advantage for health care organizations and propose a five-dimensional conception of HR capability for harnessing HRs in health care organizations. The significant complementarities that exist between HRs and information technologies for delivering safer and better quality of patient care are also discussed.

Operando MAS NMR Reaction Studies at High Temperatures and Pressures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walter, Eric D.; Qi, Long; Chamas, Ali

Operando MAS-NMR studies provide unique insights into the details of chemical reactions; comprehensive information about temperature- and time-dependent changes in chemical species is accompanied by similarly rich information about changes in phase and chemical environment. Here we describe a new MAS-NMR rotor (the WHiMS rotor) capable of achieving internal pressures up to 400 bar at 20 °C or 225 bar at 250 °C, a range which includes many reactions of interest. The MAS-NMR spectroscopy enabled by these rotors is ideal for studying the behavior of mixed-phase systems, such as reactions involving solid catalysts and volatile liquids, with the potential tomore » add gases at high pressure. The versatile operation of the new rotors is demonstrated by collecting operando 1H and 13C spectra during the hydrogenolysis of benzyl phenyl ether, catalyzed by Ni/-Al2O3 at ca. 250 ºC, both with and without H2 (g) supplied to the rotor. The 2-propanol solvent, which exists in the supercritical phase under these reaction conditions, serves as an internal source of H2. The NMR spectra provide detailed kinetic profiles for the formation of the primary products toluene and phenol, as well as secondary hydrogenation and etherification products.« less

Improved background suppression in ¹H MAS NMR using composite pulses.

PubMed

Odedra, Smita; Wimperis, Stephen

2012-08-01

A well known feature of ¹H MAS NMR spectroscopy, particularly of solids where the concentration of ¹H nuclei is low, is the presence in the spectrum of a significant broad "background" signal arising from ¹H nuclei that are outside the MAS rotor and radiofrequency coil, probably located on the surfaces of the static components of the probehead. A popular method of suppressing this unwanted signal is the "depth pulse" method, consisting of a 90° pulse followed by one or two 180° pulses that are phase cycled according to the "Exorcycle" scheme, which removes signal associated with imperfect 180° pulses. Consequently, only spins in the centre of the radiofrequency coil contribute to the ¹H MAS spectrum, while those experiencing a low B₁ field outside the coil are suppressed. Although very effective at removing background signal from the spectrum, one drawback with this approach is that significant loss of the desired signal from the sample also occurs. Here we investigate the ¹H background suppression problem and, in particular, the use of novel antisymmetric passband composite pulses to replace the simple pulses in a depth pulse experiment. We show that it is possible to improve the intensity of the ¹H signals of interest while still maintaining effective background suppression. We expect that these results will be relevant to ¹H MAS NMR studies of, for example, nominally perdeuterated biological samples or nominally anhydrous inorganic materials. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trabecular Bone Strength Predictions of HR-pQCT and Individual Trabeculae Segmentation (ITS)-Based Plate and Rod Finite Element Model Discriminate Postmenopausal Vertebral Fractures

PubMed Central

Liu, X. Sherry; Wang, Ji; Zhou, Bin; Stein, Emily; Shi, Xiutao; Adams, Mark; Shane, Elizabeth; Guo, X. Edward

2013-01-01

While high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) has advanced clinical assessment of trabecular bone microstructure, nonlinear microstructural finite element (μFE) prediction of yield strength by HR-pQCT voxel model is impractical for clinical use due to its prohibitively high computational costs. The goal of this study was to develop an efficient HR-pQCT-based plate and rod (PR) modeling technique to fill the unmet clinical need for fast bone strength estimation. By using individual trabecula segmentation (ITS) technique to segment the trabecular structure into individual plates and rods, a patient-specific PR model was implemented by modeling each trabecular plate with multiple shell elements and each rod with a beam element. To validate this modeling technique, predictions by HR-pQCT PR model were compared with those of the registered high resolution μCT voxel model of 19 trabecular sub-volumes from human cadaveric tibiae samples. Both Young’s modulus and yield strength of HR-pQCT PR models strongly correlated with those of μCT voxel models (r2=0.91 and 0.86). Notably, the HR-pQCT PR models achieved major reductions in element number (>40-fold) and CPU time (>1,200-fold). Then, we applied PR model μFE analysis to HR-pQCT images of 60 postmenopausal women with (n=30) and without (n=30) a history of vertebral fracture. HR-pQCT PR model revealed significantly lower Young’s modulus and yield strength at the radius and tibia in fracture subjects compared to controls. Moreover, these mechanical measurements remained significantly lower in fracture subjects at both sites after adjustment for aBMD T-score at the ultradistal radius or total hip. In conclusion, we validated a novel HR-pQCT PR model of human trabecular bone against μCT voxel models and demonstrated its ability to discriminate vertebral fracture status in postmenopausal women. This accurate nonlinear μFE prediction of HR-pQCT PR model, which requires only seconds of

Modelling the inner debris disc of HR 8799

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Contro, B.; Horner, J.; Wittenmyer, R. A.; Marshall, J. P.; Hinse, T. C.

2016-11-01

In many ways, the HR 8799 planetary system strongly resembles our own. It features four giant planets and two debris belts, analogues to the Asteroid and Edgeworth-Kuiper belts. Here, we present the results of dynamical simulations of HR8799's inner debris belt, to study its structure and collisional environment. Our results suggest that HR 8799's inner belt is highly structured, with gaps between regions of dynamical stability. The belt is likely constrained between sharp inner and outer edges, located at ˜6 and ˜8 au, respectively. Its inner edge coincides with a broad gap cleared by the 4:1 mean-motion resonance with HR 8799e. Within the belt, planetesimals are undergoing a process of collisional attrition like that observed in the Asteroid belt. However, whilst the mean collision velocity in the Asteroid belt exceeds 5 km s-1, the majority of collisions within HR 8799's inner belt occur with velocities of order 1.2 km s-1, or less. Despite this, they remain sufficiently energetic to be destructive - giving a source for the warm dust detected in the system. Interior to the inner belt, test particles remain dynamically unstirred, aside from narrow bands excited by distant high-order resonances with HR 8799e. This lack of stirring is consistent with earlier thermal modelling of HR 8799's infrared excess, which predicted little dust inside 6 au. The inner system is sufficiently stable and unstirred that the formation of telluric planets is feasible, although such planets would doubtless be subject to a punitive impact regime, given the intense collisional grinding required in the inner belt to generate the observed infrared excess.

Reach a nonlinear consensus for MAS via doubly stochastic quadratic operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdulghafor, Rawad; Turaev, Sherzod; Zeki, Akram; Al-Shaikhli, Imad

2018-06-01

This technical note addresses the new nonlinear protocol class of doubly stochastic quadratic operators (DSQOs) for coordination of consensus problem in multi-agent systems (MAS). We derive the conditions for ensuring that every agent reaches consensus on a desired rate of the group's decision where the group decision value in its agent's initial statuses varies. Besides that, we investigate a nonlinear protocol sub-class of extreme DSQO (EDSQO) to reach a consensus for MAS to a common value with nonlinear low-complexity rules and fast time convergence if the interactions for each agent are not selfish. In addition, to extend the results to reach a consensus and to avoid the selfish case we specify a general class of DSQO for reaching a consensus under any given case of initial states. The case that MAS reach a consensus by DSQO is if each member of the agent group has positive interactions of DSQO (PDSQO) with the others. The convergence of both EDSQO and PDSQO classes is found to be directed towards the centre point. Finally, experimental simulations are given to support the analysis from theoretical aspect.

Beneficial Effects of the Activation of the Angiotensin-(1–7) Mas Receptor in a Murine Model of Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy

PubMed Central

Silveira, Kátia Daniela; Barroso, Lívia Corrêa; Vieira, Angélica Thomáz; Cisalpino, Daniel; Lima, Cristiano Xavier; Bader, Michael; Arantes, Rosa Maria Esteves; dos Santos, Robson Augusto Souza

2013-01-01

Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] is a biologically active heptapeptide that may counterbalance the physiological actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) within the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Here, we evaluated whether activation of the Mas receptor with the oral agonist, AVE 0991, would have renoprotective effects in a model of adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy. We also evaluated whether the Mas receptor contributed for the protective effects of treatment with AT1 receptor blockers. ADR (10 mg/kg) induced significant renal injury and dysfunction that was maximal at day 14 after injection. Treatment with the Mas receptor agonist AVE 0991 improved renal function parameters, reduced urinary protein loss and attenuated histological changes. Renoprotection was associated with reduction in urinary levels of TGF-β. Similar renoprotection was observed after treatment with the AT1 receptor antagonist, Losartan. AT1 and Mas receptor mRNA levels dropped after ADR administration and treatment with losartan reestablished the expression of Mas receptor and increased the expression of ACE2. ADR-induced nephropathy was similar in wild type (Mas+/+) and Mas knockout (Mas −/−) mice, suggesting there was no endogenous role for Mas receptor activation. However, treatment with Losartan was able to reduce renal injury only in Mas+/+, but not in Mas −/− mice. Therefore, these findings suggest that exogenous activation of the Mas receptor protects from ADR-induced nephropathy and contributes to the beneficial effects of AT1 receptor blockade. Medications which target specifically the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis may offer new therapeutic opportunities to treat human nephropathies. PMID:23762470

HR Presentation - New Contract Policy

ScienceCinema

None

2018-06-21

Presentation on CERN's contract policy as of 2009. Topics covered include: staff member survey, work environment, career development, financial and social benefits, HR department activities and policy analysis.

Direct determination of phosphate sugars in biological material by (1)H high-resolution magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Diserens, Gaëlle; Vermathen, Martina; Gjuroski, Ilche; Eggimann, Sandra; Precht, Christina; Boesch, Chris; Vermathen, Peter

2016-08-01

The study aim was to unambiguously assign nucleotide sugars, mainly UDP-X that are known to be important in glycosylation processes as sugar donors, and glucose-phosphates that are important intermediate metabolites for storage and transfer of energy directly in spectra of intact cells, as well as in skeletal muscle biopsies by (1)H high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (HR-MAS) NMR. The results demonstrate that sugar phosphates can be determined quickly and non-destructively in cells and biopsies by HR-MAS, which may prove valuable considering the importance of phosphate sugars in cell metabolism for nucleic acid synthesis. As proof of principle, an example of phosphate-sugar reaction and degradation kinetics after unfreezing the sample is shown for a cardiac muscle, suggesting the possibility to follow by HR-MAS NMR some metabolic pathways. Graphical abstract Glucose-phosphate sugars (Glc-1P and Glc-6P) detected in muscle by 1H HR-MAS NMR.

Differential Mechanisms of Activation of the Ang Peptide Receptors AT1, AT2, and MAS: Using In Silico Techniques to Differentiate the Three Receptors

PubMed Central

Prokop, Jeremy W.; Santos, Robson A. S.; Milsted, Amy

2013-01-01

The renin-angiotensin system is involved in multiple conditions ranging from cardiovascular disorders to cancer. Components of the pathway, including ACE, renin and angiotensin receptors are targets for disease treatment. This study addresses three receptors of the pathway: AT1, AT2, and MAS and how the receptors are similar and differ in activation by angiotensin peptides. Combining biochemical and amino acid variation data with multiple species sequence alignments, structural models, and docking site predictions allows for visualization of how angiotensin peptides may bind and activate the receptors; allowing identification of conserved and variant mechanisms in the receptors. MAS differs from AT1 favoring Ang-(1–7) and not Ang II binding, while AT2 recently has been suggested to preferentially bind Ang III. A new model of Ang peptide binding to AT1 and AT2 is proposed that correlates data from site directed mutagenesis and photolabled experiments that were previously considered conflicting. Ang II binds AT1 and AT2 through a conserved initial binding mode involving amino acids 111 (consensus 325) of AT1 (Asn) interacting with Tyr (4) of Ang II and 199 and 256 (consensus 512 and 621, a Lys and His respectively) interacting with Phe (8) of Ang II. In MAS these sites are not conserved, leading to differential binding and activation by Ang-(1–7). In both AT1 and AT2, the Ang II peptide may internalize through Phe (8) of Ang II propagating through the receptors’ conserved aromatic amino acids to the final photolabled positioning relative to either AT1 (amino acid 294, Asn, consensus 725) or AT2 (138, Leu, consensus 336). Understanding receptor activation provides valuable information for drug design and identification of other receptors that can potentially bind Ang peptides. PMID:23755216

Immunological activation following transcutaneous delivery of HR-gp100 protein

PubMed Central

Frankenburg, Shoshana; Grinberg, Igor; Bazak, Ziva; Fingerut, Lena; Pitcovski, Jacob; Gorodetsky, Raphael; Peretz, Tamar; Spira, Ram M.; Skornik, Yehuda; Goldstein, Ronald S.

2009-01-01

Transcutaneous immunization aims at taking advantage of the skin’s immune system for the purpose of immunoprotection. In the present study we evaluated the potential of topical delivery of a recombinant melanoma protein, HR-gp100, derived from a shorter sequence of the native gp100 gene. The protein was applied on the skin, with and without the addition of two forms of heat labile enterotoxin (nLT and LTB). HR-gp100 fused to Haptide, a cell penetrating 20mer peptide (HR-gp100H) was also tested. Topical HR-gp100 and HR-gp100H application on the ears of mice elicited the production of specific antibodies, and transcutaneous delivery to intact human skin induced dose-dependent LC activation. nLT and LTB also activated LC, but did not further increase the activation induced by HR-gp100. These results show that HR-gp100, an antigenic tumor-derived protein, activates the immune system following transcutaneous delivery, as shown by both Langerhans cell activation and induction of antibody production. PMID:17493711

Daphnia HR96 is a Promiscuous Xenobiotic and Endobiotic Nuclear Receptor

PubMed Central

Karimullina, Elina; Li, Yangchun; Ginjupalli, Gautam; Baldwin, William S.

2012-01-01

Daphnia pulex is the first crustacean to have its genome sequenced. The genome project provides new insight and data into how an aquatic crustacean may respond to environmental stressors, including toxicants. We cloned Daphnia pulex HR96 (DappuHR96), a nuclear receptor orthologous to the CAR/PXR/VDR group of nuclear receptors. In Drosophila melanogaster, (hormone receptor 96) HR96 responds to phenobarbital exposure and has been hypothesized as a toxicant receptor. Therefore, we set up a transactivation assay to test whether DappuHR96 is a promiscuous receptor activated by xenobiotics and endobiotics similar to the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X-receptor (PXR). Transactivation assays performed with a GAL4-HR96 chimera demonstrate that HR96 is a promiscuous toxicant receptor activated by a diverse set of chemicals such as pesticides, hormones, and fatty acids. Several environmental toxicants activate HR96 including estradiol, pyriproxyfen, chlorpyrifos, atrazine, and methane arsonate. We also observed repression of HR96 activity by chemicals such as triclosan, androstanol, and fluoxetine. Nearly 50% of the chemicals tested activated or inhibited HR96. Interestingly, unsaturated fatty acids were common activators or inhibitors of HR96 activity, indicating a link between diet and toxicant response. The omega-6 and omega-9 unsaturated fatty acids linoleic and oleic acid activated HR96, but the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid inhibited HR96, suggesting that these two distinct sets of lipids perform opposing roles in Daphnia physiology. This also provides a putative mechanism by which the ratio of dietary unsaturated fats may affect the ability of an organism to respond to a toxic insult. In summary, HR96 is a promiscuous nuclear receptor activated by numerous endo- and xenobiotics. PMID:22466357

Structural analysis of cortical porosity applied to HR-pQCT data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tjong, Willy, E-mail: wwtjong@gmail.com; Nirody, Jasmine, E-mail: jnirody@berkeley.edu; Burghardt, Andrew J., E-mail: andrew.burghardt@ucsf.edu

2014-01-15

Purpose: The investigation of cortical porosity is an important aspect of understanding biological, pathoetiological, and biomechanical processes occurring within the skeleton. With the emergence of HR-pQCT as a noninvasive tool suitable for clinical use, cortical porosity at appendicular sites can be directly visualizedin vivo. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel topological analysis of the cortical pore network for HR-pQCT data and determine the influence of resolution on measures of cortical pore network microstructure and topology. Methods: Cadaveric radii were scanned using HR-pQCT at two different voxel sizes (41 and 82μm) and also using μCT at amore » voxel size of 18 μm. HR-pQCT and μCT image sets were spatially coregistered. Segmentation and quantification of cortical porosity (Ct.Po) and mean pore diameter (Ct.Po.Dm) were achieved using an established extended cortical analysis technique. Topological classification of individual pores was performed using topology-preserving skeletonization and multicolor dilation algorithms. Based on the pore skeleton topological classification, the following parameters were quantified: total number of planar surface-skeleton canals (N.Slabs), tubular curve-skeleton canals (N.Tubes), and junction elements (N.Junctions), mean slab volume (Slab.Vol), mean tube volume (Tube.Vol), mean slab orientation (Slab.θ), mean tube orientation (Tube.θ), N.Slabs/N.Tubes, and integral (total) slab volume/integral tube volume (iSlab.Vol/iTube.Vol). An in vivo reproducibility study was also conducted to assess short-term precision of the topology parameters. Precision error was characterized using root mean square coefficient of variation (RMSCV%). Results: Correlations toμCT values for Ct.Po were significant for both the 41 and 82 μm HR-pQCT data (41: r{sup 2} = 0.82, p < 0.001, 82: r{sup 2} = 0.75, p < 0.001). For Ct.Po.Dm, only the 41 μm data were significantly predictive of μCT values (r{sup 2} = 0.72, p < 0

Psychometric Comparison of the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Questions about Behavioral Function (QABF)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koritsas, S.; Iacono, T.

2013-01-01

Background: The Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) are frequently used to assess the learned function of challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disability (ID). The aim was to explore and compare the psychometric properties of the MAS and the QABF. Method: Seventy adults with ID and…

Technology Enhanced Learning for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Cerebral Paralysis: The MAS Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colomo-Palacios, Ricardo; Paniagua-Martín, Fernando; García-Crespo, Ángel; Ruiz-Mezcua, Belén

Education for students with disabilities now takes place in a wide range of settings, thus, including a wider range of assistive tools. As a result of this, one of the most interesting application domains of technology enhanced learning is related to the adoption of learning technologies and designs for people with disabilities. Following this unstoppable trend, this paper presents MAS, a software platform aimed to help people with severe intellectual disabilities and cerebral paralysis in their learning processes. MAS, as a technology enhanced learning platform, provides several tools that supports learning and monitoring for people with special needs, including adaptative games, data processing and monitoring tools. Installed in a special needs education institution in Madrid, Spain, MAS provides special educators with a tool that improved students education processes.

Increasing brain angiotensin converting enzyme 2 activity decreases anxiety-like behavior in male mice by activating central Mas receptors

PubMed Central

Wang, Lei; de Kloet, Annette D.; Pati, Dipanwita; Hiller, Helmut; Smith, Justin A.; Pioquinto, David J.; Ludin, Jacob A.; Oh, S. Paul; Katovich, Michael J.; Frazier, Charles J.; Raizada, Mohan K.; Krause, Eric G.

2016-01-01

Over-activation of brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the etiology of anxiety disorders. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) inhibits RAS activity by converting angiotensin II, the effector peptide of RAS, to angiotensin-(1-7), which activates Mas receptors (MasR). Whether increasing brain ACE2 activity reduces anxiety by stimulating central MasR is unknown. To test the hypothesis that increasing brain ACE2 activity reduces anxiety-like behavior via central MasR stimulation, we generated male mice overexpressing ACE2 (ACE2 KI mice) and wild type littermate controls (WT). ACE2 KI mice explored the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) significantly more than WT, suggesting increasing ACE2 activity is anxiolytic. Central delivery of diminazene aceturate, an ACE2 activator, to C57BL/6 mice also reduced anxiety-like behavior in the EPM, but centrally administering ACE2 KI mice A-779, a MasR antagonist, abolished their anxiolytic phenotype, suggesting that ACE2 reduces anxiety-like behavior by activating central MasR. To identify the brain circuits mediating these effects, we measured Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, subsequent to EPM exposure and found that ACE2 KI mice had decreased Fos in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis but had increased Fos in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Within the BLA, we determined that ~62% of GABAergic neurons contained MasR mRNA and expression of MasR mRNA was upregulated by ACE2 overexpression, suggesting that ACE2 may influence GABA neurotransmission within the BLA via MasR activation. Indeed, ACE2 overexpression was associated with increased frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (indicative of presynaptic release of GABA) onto BLA pyramidal neurons and central infusion of A-779 eliminated this effect. Collectively, these results suggest that ACE2 may reduce anxiety-like behavior by activating central MasR that facilitate GABA release onto pyramidal neurons within the BLA. PMID

Determination of Structural Topology of a Membrane Protein in Lipid -Bilayers using Polarization Optimized Experiments (POE) for Static and MAS Solid State NMR Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Mote, Kaustubh R.; Gopinath, T.; Veglia, Gianluigi

2013-01-01

The low sensitivity inherent to both the static and magic angle spinning techniques of solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy has thus far limited the routine application of multidimensional experiments to determine the structure of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers. Here, we demonstrate the advantage of using a recently developed class of experiments, polarization optimized experiments (POE), for both static and MAS spectroscopy to achieve higher sensitivity and substantial time-savings for 2D and 3D experiments. We used sarcolipin, a single pass membrane protein, reconstituted in oriented bicelles (for oriented ssNMR) and multilamellar vesicles (for MAS ssNMR) as a benchmark. The restraints derived by these experiments are then combined into a hybrid energy function to allow simultaneous determination of structure and topology. The resulting structural ensemble converged to a helical conformation with a backbone RMSD ∼ 0.44 Å, a tilt angle of 24° ± 1°, and an azimuthal angle of 55° ± 6°. This work represents a crucial first step toward obtaining high-resolution structures of large membrane proteins using combined multidimensional O-ssNMR and MAS-ssNMR. PMID:23963722

HR4EU--A Web-Portal for E-Learning of Croatian

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Filko, Matea; Farkaš, Daša; Hriberski, Diana

2016-01-01

In this paper, we present the HR4EU--a web portal for e-learning of Croatian. HR4EU is the first portal that offers Croatian language courses which are free-of-charge and developed by language professionals. Moreover, HR4EU also integrates bidirectional interaction with some of the previously developed language resources for Croatian. The HR4EU…

Professional Development of HR Practitioners--A Phenomenographic Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Moira

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is an investigation into the experiences of professional development of human resource (HR) practitioners in the North of Scotland, and the use of non-formal learning in that development. Design/methodology/approach: In-depth semi-structured interviews from a purposively selected sample of HR practitioners were…

Shrimp serine proteinase homologues PmMasSPH-1 and -2 play a role in the activation of the prophenoloxidase system.

PubMed

Jearaphunt, Miti; Amparyup, Piti; Sangsuriya, Pakkakul; Charoensapsri, Walaiporn; Senapin, Saengchan; Tassanakajon, Anchalee

2015-01-01

Melanization mediated by the prophenoloxidase (proPO) activating system is a rapid immune response used by invertebrates against intruding pathogens. Several masquerade-like and serine proteinase homologues (SPHs) have been demonstrated to play an essential role in proPO activation in insects and crustaceans. In a previous study, we characterized the masquerade-like SPH, PmMasSPH1, in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon as a multifunctional immune protein based on its recognition and antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio harveyi. In the present study, we identify a novel SPH, known as PmMasSPH2, composed of an N-terminal clip domain and a C-terminal SP-like domain that share high similarity to those of other insect and crustacean SPHs. We demonstrate that gene silencing of PmMasSPH1 and PmMasSPH2 significantly reduces PO activity, resulting in a high number of V. harveyi in the hemolymph. Interestingly, knockdown of PmMasSPH1 suppressed not only its gene transcript but also other immune-related genes in the proPO system (e.g., PmPPAE2) and antimicrobial peptides (e.g., PenmonPEN3, PenmonPEN5, crustinPm1 and Crus-likePm). The PmMasSPH1 and PmMasSPH2 also show binding activity to peptidoglycan (PGN) of Gram-positive bacteria. Using a yeast two-hybrid analysis and co-immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that PmMasSPH1 specifically interacted with the final proteinase of the proPO cascade, PmPPAE2. Furthermore, the presence of both PmMasSPH1 and PmPPAE2 enhances PGN-induced PO activity in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest the importance of PmMasSPHs in the activation of the shrimp proPO system.

Shrimp Serine Proteinase Homologues PmMasSPH-1 and -2 Play a Role in the Activation of the Prophenoloxidase System

PubMed Central

Jearaphunt, Miti; Amparyup, Piti; Sangsuriya, Pakkakul; Charoensapsri, Walaiporn; Senapin, Saengchan; Tassanakajon, Anchalee

2015-01-01

Melanization mediated by the prophenoloxidase (proPO) activating system is a rapid immune response used by invertebrates against intruding pathogens. Several masquerade-like and serine proteinase homologues (SPHs) have been demonstrated to play an essential role in proPO activation in insects and crustaceans. In a previous study, we characterized the masquerade-like SPH, PmMasSPH1, in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon as a multifunctional immune protein based on its recognition and antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio harveyi. In the present study, we identify a novel SPH, known as PmMasSPH2, composed of an N-terminal clip domain and a C-terminal SP-like domain that share high similarity to those of other insect and crustacean SPHs. We demonstrate that gene silencing of PmMasSPH1 and PmMasSPH2 significantly reduces PO activity, resulting in a high number of V. harveyi in the hemolymph. Interestingly, knockdown of PmMasSPH1 suppressed not only its gene transcript but also other immune-related genes in the proPO system (e.g., PmPPAE2) and antimicrobial peptides (e.g., PenmonPEN3, PenmonPEN5, crustinPm1 and Crus-likePm). The PmMasSPH1 and PmMasSPH2 also show binding activity to peptidoglycan (PGN) of Gram-positive bacteria. Using a yeast two-hybrid analysis and co-immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that PmMasSPH1 specifically interacted with the final proteinase of the proPO cascade, PmPPAE2. Furthermore, the presence of both PmMasSPH1 and PmPPAE2 enhances PGN-induced PO activity in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest the importance of PmMasSPHs in the activation of the shrimp proPO system. PMID:25803442

Role of Mas receptor antagonist (A779) in renal hemodynamics in condition of blocked angiotensin II receptors in rats.

PubMed

Mansoori, A; Oryan, S; Nematbakhsh, M

2016-03-01

The vasodilatory effect of angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) is exerted in the vascular bed via Mas receptor (MasR) gender dependently. However, the crosstalk between MasR and angiotensin II (Ang II) types 1 and 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R) may change some actions of Ang 1-7 in renal circulation. In this study by blocking AT1R and AT2R, the role of MasR in kidney hemodynamics was described. In anaesthetized male and female Wistar rats, the effects of saline as vehicle and MasR blockade (A779) were tested on mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal perfusion pressure (RPP), renal blood flow (RBF), and renal vascular resistance (RVR) when both AT1R and AT2R were blocked by losartan and PD123319, respectively. In male rats, when AT1R and AT2R were blocked, there was a tendency for the increase in RBF/wet kidney tissue weight (RBF/KW) to be elevated by A779 as compared with the vehicle (P=0.08), and this was not the case in female rats. The impact of MasR on renal hemodynamics appears not to be sexual dimorphism either when Ang II receptors were blocked. It seems that co-blockade of all AT1R, AT2R, and MasR may alter RBF/ KW in male more than in female rats. These findings support a crosstalk between MasR and Ang II receptors in renal circulation.

Hearing on Computer Education. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education of the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 3750, H.R. 1134, and H.R. 4628.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Education and Labor.

This hearing report covers three bills: (1) H.R. 3750, which would authorize grants to local educational agencies to purchase computer equipment; (2) H.R. 1134, which would provide funds to establish and operate model centers for computers in education; and (3) H.R. 4628, which would establish a government corporation to promote the development…

Project MAS, 1982-1983. O.E.E. Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Villegas, Ana; Villegas, Jose

This multi-site instructional program, in its first year of a three-year funding cycle, provided instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL) and native language arts, as well as bilingual instruction in various content areas, to 400 Spanish speaking students of limited English proficiency in grades 3-8. The functional goal of Project MAS,…

Genomic tools and and prospects for new breeding techniques in flower bulb crops

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

For many of the new breeding techniques, sequence information is of the utmost importance. In addition to current breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genetic modification (GM), new breeding techniques such as zinc finger nucleases, oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis, R...

Quantitation of 47 human tear proteins using high resolution multiple reaction monitoring (HR-MRM) based-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Tong, Louis; Zhou, Xi Yuan; Jylha, Antti; Aapola, Ulla; Liu, Dan Ning; Koh, Siew Kwan; Tian, Dechao; Quah, Joanne; Uusitalo, Hannu; Beuerman, Roger W; Zhou, Lei

2015-02-06

Tear proteins are intimately related to the pathophysiology of the ocular surface. Many recent studies have demonstrated that the tear is an accessible fluid for studying eye diseases and biomarker discovery. This study describes a high resolution multiple reaction monitoring (HR-MRM) approach for developing assays for quantification of biologically important tear proteins. Human tear samples were collected from 1000 subjects with no eye complaints (411 male, 589 female, average age: 55.5±14.5years) after obtaining informed consent. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer's strips and pooled into a single global control sample. Quantification of proteins was carried out by selecting "signature" peptides derived by trypsin digestion. A 1-h nanoLC-MS/MS run was used to quantify the tear proteins in HR-MRM mode. Good reproducibility of signal intensity (using peak areas) was demonstrated for all 47 HR-MRM assays with an average coefficient of variation (CV%) of 4.82% (range: 1.52-10.30%). All assays showed consistent retention time with a CV of less than 0.80% (average: 0.57%). HR-MRM absolute quantitation of eight tear proteins was demonstrated using stable isotope-labeled peptides. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the technique to quantify 47 human tear proteins in HR-MRM mode using approximately 1μl of human tear sample. These multiplexed HR-MRM-based assays show great promise of further development for biomarker validation in human tear samples. Both discovery-based and targeted quantitative proteomics can be achieved in a single quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer platform (TripleTOF 5600 system). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of exercise pressor reflex activation on carotid baroreflex function during exercise in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallagher, K. M.; Fadel, P. J.; Stromstad, M.; Ide, K.; Smith, S. A.; Querry, R. G.; Raven, P. B.; Secher, N. H.

2001-01-01

1. This investigation was designed to determine the contribution of the exercise pressor reflex to the resetting of the carotid baroreflex during exercise. 2. Ten subjects performed 3.5 min of static one-legged exercise (20 % maximal voluntary contraction) and 7 min dynamic cycling (20 % maximal oxygen uptake) under two conditions: control (no intervention) and with the application of medical anti-shock (MAS) trousers inflated to 100 mmHg (to activate the exercise pressor reflex). Carotid baroreflex function was determined at rest and during exercise using a rapid neck pressure/neck suction technique. 3. During exercise, the application of MAS trousers (MAS condition) increased mean arterial pressure (MAP), plasma noradrenaline concentration (dynamic exercise only) and perceived exertion (dynamic exercise only) when compared to control (P < 0.05). No effect of the MAS condition was evident at rest. The MAS condition had no effect on heart rate (HR), plasma lactate and adrenaline concentrations or oxygen uptake at rest and during exercise. The carotid baroreflex stimulus-response curve was reset upward on the response arm and rightward to a higher operating pressure by control exercise without alterations in gain. Activation of the exercise pressor reflex by MAS trousers further reset carotid baroreflex control of MAP, as indicated by the upward and rightward relocation of the curve. However, carotid baroreflex control of HR was only shifted rightward to higher operating pressures by MAS trousers. The sensitivity of the carotid baroreflex was unaltered by exercise pressor reflex activation. 4. These findings suggest that during dynamic and static exercise the exercise pressor reflex is capable of actively resetting carotid baroreflex control of mean arterial pressure; however, it would appear only to modulate carotid baroreflex control of heart rate.

48 CFR 538.270 - Evaluation of multiple award schedule (MAS) offers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE CONTRACTING Establishing and Administering Federal Supply Schedules 538.270 Evaluation of multiple award schedule (MAS) offers... determining the Government's price negotiation objectives, consider the following factors: (1) Aggregate...

27 Al MAS NMR Studies of HBEA Zeolite at Low to High Magnetic Fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, Jian Zhi; Wan, Chuan; Vjunov, Aleksei

27Al single pulse (SP) MAS NMR spectra of HBEA zeolites with high Si/Al ratios of 71 and 75 were obtained at three magnetic field strengths of 7.05, 11.75 and 19.97 T. High field 27Al MAS NMR spectra acquired at 19.97 T show significantly improved spectral resolution, resulting in at least two well-resolved tetrahedral-Al NMR peaks. Based on the results obtained from 27Al MAS and MQMAS NMR acquired at 19.97 T, four different quadrupole peaks are used to deconvolute the 27Al SP MAS spectra acquired at vari-ous fields by using the same set of quadrupole coupling constants, asymmetric parameters and relativemore » integrated peak intensities for the tetrahedral Al peaks. The line shapes of individual peaks change from typical quadrupole line shape at low field to essentially symmetrical line shapes at high field. We demonstrate that for fully hydrated HBEA zeolites the effect of second order quadrupole interaction can be ignored and quantitative spectral analysis can be performed by directly fitting the high field spectra using mixed Gaussian/Lorentzian line shapes. Also, the analytical steps described in our work allow direct assignment of spectral intensity to individual Al tetrahedral sites (T-sites) of zeolite HBEA. Finally, the proposed concept is suggested generally applicable to other zeo-lite framework types, thus, allowing a direct probing of Al distributions by NMR spectroscopic methods in zeolites with high confi-dence.« less

Validation of a low dose simulation technique for computed tomography images.

PubMed

Muenzel, Daniela; Koehler, Thomas; Brown, Kevin; Zabić, Stanislav; Fingerle, Alexander A; Waldt, Simone; Bendik, Edgar; Zahel, Tina; Schneider, Armin; Dobritz, Martin; Rummeny, Ernst J; Noël, Peter B

2014-01-01

Evaluation of a new software tool for generation of simulated low-dose computed tomography (CT) images from an original higher dose scan. Original CT scan data (100 mAs, 80 mAs, 60 mAs, 40 mAs, 20 mAs, 10 mAs; 100 kV) of a swine were acquired (approved by the regional governmental commission for animal protection). Simulations of CT acquisition with a lower dose (simulated 10-80 mAs) were calculated using a low-dose simulation algorithm. The simulations were compared to the originals of the same dose level with regard to density values and image noise. Four radiologists assessed the realistic visual appearance of the simulated images. Image characteristics of simulated low dose scans were similar to the originals. Mean overall discrepancy of image noise and CT values was -1.2% (range -9% to 3.2%) and -0.2% (range -8.2% to 3.2%), respectively, p>0.05. Confidence intervals of discrepancies ranged between 0.9-10.2 HU (noise) and 1.9-13.4 HU (CT values), without significant differences (p>0.05). Subjective observer evaluation of image appearance showed no visually detectable difference. Simulated low dose images showed excellent agreement with the originals concerning image noise, CT density values, and subjective assessment of the visual appearance of the simulated images. An authentic low-dose simulation opens up opportunity with regard to staff education, protocol optimization and introduction of new techniques.

Effects of Cornus mas L. and Morus rubra L. extracts on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity: an electrophysiological and biochemical study.

PubMed

Tubaş, Filiz; Per, Sedat; Taşdemir, Abdulkadir; Bayram, Ayşe Kaçar; Yıldırım, Mehmet; Uzun, Aydın; Saraymen, Recep; Gümüş, Hakan; Elmalı, Ferhan; Per, Hüseyin

2017-01-01

Traditionally, Morus rubra L. (Moraceae) (red mulberry) and Cornus mas L. (Cornacea) (cornelian cherry) fruits are eaten fresh and are also used in marmalades, juices, jam, natural dyes in Turkey and are believed to have beneficial effects in case of multiple health issues such as antipyretic, diarrhea and intestinal parasites. However, the effects of M. rubra and C. mas on epilepsy has not been known. This study evaluates the effects of M. rubra and C. mas extracts on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Sixty Wistar rats randomly divided into ten groups (n=6): control, sham, penicillin, penicillin+M. rubra extract (2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and penicillin+C. mas extract (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg). Epileptiform activity was induced by using penicillin (500 IU, i.c.) and electrocorticogram records (150 min) were obtained. Also, biochemical analysis in blood samples were evaluated. According to the electrocorticogram analysis, the effective dose was detected as 10 mg/kg for both C. mas and M. rubra. This dose decreased the spike frequencies of convulsions while amplitude wasn't changed by both substances. In erythrocyte studies, there were significant differences regarding nitric oxide in the control, sham and penicillin groups. There were significant differences regarding malondialdehyde in all groups. In the plasma, there were significant differences among groups regarding xanthine oxidase in the penicillin‑C. mas and penicillin‑M. rubra groups. There were differences regarding malondialdehyde in the penicillin-C. mas and M. rubra-C. mas groups. Both extracts reduced the frequency of epileptiform activity. After administration of the extracts malondialdehyde levels decreased also in both erythrocytes and plasma.

African American Accounting Majors and the 150-hr Requirement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Booker, Quinton; Hill, Cecil L.; Wright, Carl

2010-01-01

The study provides information on African American accounting majors' views regarding 150-hr issues. The authors collected data from 152 students at two schools. Students at one school supported the requirement while those at the other school did not. However, students believed that the 150-hr requirement enhances the quality of certified public…

Outsourcing HR Services: The Role of Human Resource Intermediaries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kock, Henrik; Wallo, Andreas; Nilsson, Barbro; Hoglund, Cecilia

2012-01-01

Purpose: In this article, the area of interest is an emerging type of organisation called human resource intermediaries (HRIs), which focus on delivering human resource (HR) services to public sector organisations and private companies. The purpose of this article is, thus, to explore HRIs as deliverers of HR services. More specifically, the…

Studies of minute quantities of natural abundance molecules using 2D heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy under 100kHz MAS

DOE PAGES

Nishiyama, Y.; Kobayashi, T.; Malon, M.; ...

2015-02-16

Two-dimensional 1H{ 13C} heteronuclear correlation solid-state NMR spectra of naturally abundant solid materials are presented, acquired using the 0.75-mm magic angle spinning (MAS) probe at spinning rates up to 100 kHz. In spite of the miniscule sample volume (290 nL), high-quality HSQC-type spectra of bulk samples as well as surface-bound molecules can be obtained within hours of experimental time. The experiments are compared with those carried out at 40 kHz MAS using a 1.6-mm probe, which offered higher overall sensitivity due to a larger rotor volume. The benefits of ultrafast MAS in such experiments include superior resolution in 1H dimensionmore » without resorting to 1H– 1H homonuclear RF decoupling, easy optimization, and applicability to mass-limited samples. As a result, the HMQC spectra of surface-bound species can be also acquired under 100 kHz MAS, although the dephasing of transverse magnetization has significant effect on the efficiency transfer under MAS alone.« less

Recent Results from the MicroMAS Global Environmental MonitoringNanosatellite Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackwell, W. J.; Cahoy, K.

2014-12-01

The Micro-sized Microwave Atmospheric Satellite (MicroMAS) is a dual-spinning 3U CubeSat equipped with apassive microwave radiometer that observes in nine channels near the 118.75-GHz oxygen absorption line.MicroMAS is designed to observe convective thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, and hurricanes from a midinclinationorbit. The MicroMAS flight unit was developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the MIT Space SystemsLaboratory and was launched to the International Space Station on July 13, 2014, and scheduled for an earlySeptember deployment for a ~90-day mission. The payload is housed in the "lower" 1U of the dual-spinning 3UCubeSat and mechanically rotated approximately once per second as the spacecraft orbits the Earth, resulting in across-track scanned beam with a full-width half-max (FWHM) beamwidth of 2.4 degrees and an approximately 17-km diameter footprint at nadir incidence from a nominal altitude of 400 km. The relatively low cost of MicroMASenables the deployment of a constellation of sensors, spaced equally around several orbit planes. A small fleet ofMicroMAS systems could yield high-resolution global temperature and water vapor profiles, as well as cloudmicrophysical and precipitation parameters.Significant advancements were made in the Assembly, Integration, and Test phase of the project developmentlifecycle. The flight software and communications architecture was refined and tested in relevant lab facilities. Thepower subsystem was modified to include additional required inhibits for the ISS launch. Hardware in the loop testsas well as simulations of the attitude determination and control system (ADCS) were performed to validate theunique dual-spinning, local vertical, local horizontal (LVLH) stabilized flight design. ADCS algorithms were testedon a 3-axis air bearing and custom rig inside a 3-axis programmable Helmholtz cage. Finally, the integratedspacecraft underwent a series of environmental tests in order to verify the results of thermal modeling

DISCOVERY OF A LOW-MASS COMPANION AROUND HR 3549

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mawet, D.; David, T.; Bottom, M.

2015-10-01

We report the discovery of a low-mass companion to HR 3549, an A0V star surrounded by a debris disk with a warm excess detected by WISE at 22 μm (10σ significance). We imaged HR 3549 B in the L band with NAOS-CONICA, the adaptive optics infrared camera of the Very Large Telescope, in January 2013 and confirmed its common proper motion in 2015 January. The companion is at a projected separation of ≃80 AU and position angle of ≃157°, so it is orbiting well beyond the warm disk inner edge of r > 10 AU. Our age estimate for thismore » system corresponds to a companion mass in the range 15–80 M{sub J}, spanning the brown dwarf regime, and so HR 3549 B is another recent addition to the growing list of brown dwarf desert objects with extreme mass ratios. The simultaneous presence of a warm disk and a brown dwarf around HR 3549 provides interesting empirical constraints on models of the formation of substellar companions.« less

Enabling quaternion derivatives: the generalized HR calculus

PubMed Central

Xu, Dongpo; Jahanchahi, Cyrus; Took, Clive C.; Mandic, Danilo P.

2015-01-01

Quaternion derivatives exist only for a very restricted class of analytic (regular) functions; however, in many applications, functions of interest are real-valued and hence not analytic, a typical case being the standard real mean square error objective function. The recent HR calculus is a step forward and provides a way to calculate derivatives and gradients of both analytic and non-analytic functions of quaternion variables; however, the HR calculus can become cumbersome in complex optimization problems due to the lack of rigorous product and chain rules, a consequence of the non-commutativity of quaternion algebra. To address this issue, we introduce the generalized HR (GHR) derivatives which employ quaternion rotations in a general orthogonal system and provide the left- and right-hand versions of the quaternion derivative of general functions. The GHR calculus also solves the long-standing problems of product and chain rules, mean-value theorem and Taylor's theorem in the quaternion field. At the core of the proposed GHR calculus is quaternion rotation, which makes it possible to extend the principle to other functional calculi in non-commutative settings. Examples in statistical learning theory and adaptive signal processing support the analysis. PMID:26361555

Enabling quaternion derivatives: the generalized HR calculus.

PubMed

Xu, Dongpo; Jahanchahi, Cyrus; Took, Clive C; Mandic, Danilo P

2015-08-01

Quaternion derivatives exist only for a very restricted class of analytic (regular) functions; however, in many applications, functions of interest are real-valued and hence not analytic, a typical case being the standard real mean square error objective function. The recent HR calculus is a step forward and provides a way to calculate derivatives and gradients of both analytic and non-analytic functions of quaternion variables; however, the HR calculus can become cumbersome in complex optimization problems due to the lack of rigorous product and chain rules, a consequence of the non-commutativity of quaternion algebra. To address this issue, we introduce the generalized HR (GHR) derivatives which employ quaternion rotations in a general orthogonal system and provide the left- and right-hand versions of the quaternion derivative of general functions. The GHR calculus also solves the long-standing problems of product and chain rules, mean-value theorem and Taylor's theorem in the quaternion field. At the core of the proposed GHR calculus is quaternion rotation, which makes it possible to extend the principle to other functional calculi in non-commutative settings. Examples in statistical learning theory and adaptive signal processing support the analysis.

Role of Mas receptor in renal blood flow response to angiotensin-(1-7) in ovariectomized estradiol treated rats.

PubMed

Saberi, Shadan; Dehghani, Aghdas; Nematbakhsh, Mehdi

2016-01-01

The angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), is abundantly produced in kidneys and antagonizes the function of angiotensin II through Mas receptor (MasR) or other unknown mechanisms. In the current study, the role of MasR and steroid hormone estrogen on renal blood flow response to Ang 1-7 administration was investigated in ovariectomized (OV) female rats. OV female Wistar-rats received estradiol (500 μg/kg/week) or vehicle for two weeks. In the day of the experiment, the animals were anesthetized, cannulated, and the responses including mean arterial pressure, renal blood flow (RBF), and renal vascular resistance at the constant level of renal perfusion pressure to graded infusion of Ang 1-7 at 0, 100 and 300 ng/kg/min were determined in OV and OV estradiol-treated (OVE) rats, treated with vehicle or MasR antagonist; A779. RBF response to Ang 1-7 infusion increased dose-dependently in vehicle (Pdose <0.001) and A779-treated (Pdose <0.01) animals. However, when MasR was blocked, the RBF response to Ang 1-7 significantly increased in OV animals compared with OVE rats (P<0.05). When estradiol was limited by ovariectomy, A779 increased RBF response to Ang 1-7 administration, while this response was attenuated in OVE animals.

The demands and benefits of ergonomics in Sri Lankan apparel industry: A case study at MAS holdings.

PubMed

Abeysekera, John; Illankoon, Prasanna

2016-10-17

Apparel exports bring in sizeable foreign income to Sri Lanka. To protect and promote this industry is a paramount need. This can be carried out by applying Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) which has proved to control negative effects at work places. This paper reports a case study which describes the demands and benefits of HFE in MAS Holdings which owns a large share of the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. The study consisted of walk through observation survey, a questionnaire survey and ergonomic work place analysis followed by a training programme to selected employees in three companies. Positive responses to questionnaires revealed good ergonomic practices in the work places surveyed. Ergonomically unfit chairs and potential hazards e.g. exposure to noise and hot environment were detected. It is seen that MAS have introduced strategies originated by Toyota Production System viz. 5S, Kaizen, six sigma etc., which are in fact ergonomic methods. A progressive project MAS boast of viz. 'MAS Operating System' (MOS) empowers training and development to employees. MAS Holdings has adequately realized the benefits of applying HFE as evident by the number of awards received. Relevant companies were advised to take appropriate corrective measures to control the potential hazards.

HR Positions on the Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coghill, Carey Cox; Kirk, James J.

The question of whether the online job market reflects the trends predicted for the job market was examined in a study of a random sample of 690 Internet job postings over a 6-month period. Each listing was categorized by type of position, desired qualifications, salary, and job specifications. Of the human resources (HR) jobs posted, 7.2% were…

Molybdenum modified phosphate glasses studied by 31P MAS NMR and Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Szumera, Magdalena

2015-02-25

Glasses have been synthesized in the system P2O5-SiO2-K2O-MgO-CaO modified by addition of MoO3. Glasses were prepared by conventional fusion method from 40 g batches. The influence of Mo-cations on the analysed glass structure was investigated by means of Raman and (31)P MAS-NMR techniques. It has been found that molybdate units can form Mo[MoO4/MoO6]-O-P and/or Mo[MoO4/MoO6]-O-Si bonds with non-bridging oxygens atoms of Q2 methaphosphate units, resulting in the transformation of chain methaphosphate structure into pyrophosphate and finally into orthophosphate structure. It has been also found that increasing amount of MoO3 in the structure of investigated glasses causes their gradual depolymerization and molybdenum ions in the analysed glass matrix act as modifying cations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydration properties of regioselectively etherified celluloses monitored by 2H and 13C solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Larsen, Flemming H; Schöbitz, Michael; Schaller, Jens

2012-06-20

The hydration properties of 2,3-O-hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and 2,3-O-hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) were analyzed by multi-nuclear solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy. By 13C single-pulse (SP) MAS and cross-polarization (CP) MAS NMR, differences between the immobile regions and all parts of the polysaccharides were detected as a function of hydration. Complementary information about the water environments was observed by 2H MAS NMR. By this approach it was demonstrated that side chains in 2,3-O-HPC and 2,3-O-HEC were easier to hydrate than the cellulose backbone. Furthermore the motion of water was more restricted (slower) in 2,3-O-HPC than in 2,3-O-HEC. For both polysaccharides the hydration could be explained by a two-step process: in step one increased ordering of the immobile regions occurs after which the entire polymer is hydrated in step two. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validation of a Low Dose Simulation Technique for Computed Tomography Images

PubMed Central

Muenzel, Daniela; Koehler, Thomas; Brown, Kevin; Žabić, Stanislav; Fingerle, Alexander A.; Waldt, Simone; Bendik, Edgar; Zahel, Tina; Schneider, Armin; Dobritz, Martin; Rummeny, Ernst J.; Noël, Peter B.

2014-01-01

Purpose Evaluation of a new software tool for generation of simulated low-dose computed tomography (CT) images from an original higher dose scan. Materials and Methods Original CT scan data (100 mAs, 80 mAs, 60 mAs, 40 mAs, 20 mAs, 10 mAs; 100 kV) of a swine were acquired (approved by the regional governmental commission for animal protection). Simulations of CT acquisition with a lower dose (simulated 10–80 mAs) were calculated using a low-dose simulation algorithm. The simulations were compared to the originals of the same dose level with regard to density values and image noise. Four radiologists assessed the realistic visual appearance of the simulated images. Results Image characteristics of simulated low dose scans were similar to the originals. Mean overall discrepancy of image noise and CT values was −1.2% (range −9% to 3.2%) and −0.2% (range −8.2% to 3.2%), respectively, p>0.05. Confidence intervals of discrepancies ranged between 0.9–10.2 HU (noise) and 1.9–13.4 HU (CT values), without significant differences (p>0.05). Subjective observer evaluation of image appearance showed no visually detectable difference. Conclusion Simulated low dose images showed excellent agreement with the originals concerning image noise, CT density values, and subjective assessment of the visual appearance of the simulated images. An authentic low-dose simulation opens up opportunity with regard to staff education, protocol optimization and introduction of new techniques. PMID:25247422

1H line width dependence on MAS speed in solid state NMR - Comparison of experiment and simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sternberg, Ulrich; Witter, Raiker; Kuprov, Ilya; Lamley, Jonathan M.; Oss, Andres; Lewandowski, Józef R.; Samoson, Ago

2018-06-01

Recent developments in magic angle spinning (MAS) technology permit spinning frequencies of ≥100 kHz. We examine the effect of such fast MAS rates upon nuclear magnetic resonance proton line widths in the multi-spin system of β-Asp-Ala crystal. We perform powder pattern simulations employing Fokker-Plank approach with periodic boundary conditions and 1H-chemical shift tensors calculated using the bond polarization theory. The theoretical predictions mirror well the experimental results. Both approaches demonstrate that homogeneous broadening has a linear-quadratic dependency on the inverse of the MAS spinning frequency and that, at the faster end of the spinning frequencies, the residual spectral line broadening becomes dominated by chemical shift distributions and susceptibility effects even for crystalline systems.

Participation and Performance Reporting for the Alternate Assessment Based on Modified Achievement Standards (AA-MAS). Technical Report 58

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albus, Deb; Thurlow, Martha L.; Lazarus, Sheryl S.

2011-01-01

This report examines publicly reported participation and performance data for the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards (AA-MAS). The authors' analysis of these data included all states publicly reporting AA-MAS data, regardless of whether they had received approval to use the results for Title I accountability calculations.…

Mas-allatotropin in the developing antennal lobe of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta: distribution, time course, developmental regulation, and colocalization with other neuropeptides.

PubMed

Utz, Sandra; Huetteroth, Wolf; Vömel, Matthias; Schachtner, Joachim

2008-01-01

The paired antennal lobes (ALs) of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta serve as a well-established model for studying development of the primary integration centers for odor information in the brain. To further reveal the role of neuropeptides during AL development, we have analyzed cellular distribution, developmental time course, and regulation of the neuropeptide M. sexta allatotropin (Mas-AT). On the basis of morphology and appearance during AL formation, seven major types of Mas-AT-immunoreactive (ir) cells could be distinguished. Mas-AT-ir cells are identified as local, projection, and centrifugal neurons, which are either persisting larval or newly added adult-specific neurons. Complementary immunostaining with antisera against two other neuropeptide families (A-type allatostatins, RFamides) revealed colocalization within three of the Mas-AT-ir cell types. On the basis of this neurochemistry, the most prominent type of Mas-AT-ir neurons, the local AT neurons (LATn), could be divided in three subpopulations. The appearance of the Mas-AT-ir cell types occurring during metamorphosis parallels the rising titer of the developmental hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Artificially shifting the 20E titer to an earlier developmental time point resulted in the precocious occurrence of Mas-AT immunostaining. This result supports the hypothesis that the pupal rise of 20E is causative for Mas-AT expression during AL development. Comparing localization and developmental time course of Mas-AT and other neuropeptides with the time course of AL formation suggests various functions for these neuropeptides during development, including an involvement in the formation of the olfactory glomeruli.

Sparse aperture masking at the VLT. II. Detection limits for the eight debris disks stars β Pic, AU Mic, 49 Cet, η Tel, Fomalhaut, g Lup, HD 181327 and HR 8799

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gauchet, L.; Lacour, S.; Lagrange, A.-M.; Ehrenreich, D.; Bonnefoy, M.; Girard, J. H.; Boccaletti, A.

2016-10-01

Context. The formation of planetary systems is a common, yet complex mechanism. Numerous stars have been identified to possess a debris disk, a proto-planetary disk or a planetary system. The understanding of such formation process requires the study of debris disks. These targets are substantial and particularly suitable for optical and infrared observations. Sparse aperture masking (SAM) is a high angular resolution technique strongly contributing to probing the region from 30 to 200 mas around the stars. This area is usually unreachable with classical imaging, and the technique also remains highly competitive compared to vortex coronagraphy. Aims: We aim to study debris disks with aperture masking to probe the close environment of the stars. Our goal is either to find low-mass companions, or to set detection limits. Methods: We observed eight stars presenting debris disks (β Pictoris, AU Microscopii, 49 Ceti, η Telescopii, Fomalhaut, g Lupi, HD 181327, and HR 8799) with SAM technique on the NaCo instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Results: No close companions were detected using closure phase information under 0.5'' of separation from the parent stars. We obtained magnitude detection limits that we converted to Jupiter masses detection limits using theoretical isochrones from evolutionary models. Conclusions: We derived upper mass limits on the presence of companions in the area of a few times the telescope's diffraction limits around each target star. Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) during runs 087.C-0450(A), 087.C-0450(B) 087.C-0750(A), 088.C-0358(A).All magnitude detection limits maps are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/595/A31

Validation of calcaneus trabecular microstructure measurements by HR-pQCT.

PubMed

Metcalf, Louis M; Dall'Ara, Enrico; Paggiosi, Margaret A; Rochester, John R; Vilayphiou, Nicolas; Kemp, Graham J; McCloskey, Eugene V

2018-01-01

Assessment of calcaneus microstructure using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) might be used to improve fracture risk predictions or to assess responses to pharmacological and physical interventions. To develop a standard clinical protocol for the calcaneus, we validated calcaneus trabecular microstructure measured by HR-pQCT against 'gold-standard' micro-CT measurements. Ten human cadaveric feet were scanned in situ using HR-pQCT (isotropic 82μm voxel size) at 100, 150 and 200ms integration times, and at 100ms integration time following removal of the calcaneus from the foot (ex vivo). Dissected portions of these bones were scanned using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) at an isotropic 17.4μm voxel size. HR-pQCT images were rigidly registered to those obtained with micro-CT and divided into multiple 5mm sided cubes to evaluate and compare morphometric parameters between the modalities. Standard HR-pQCT measurements (derived bone volume fraction (BV/TV d ); trabecular number, Tb.N; derived trabecular thickness, Tb.Th d ; derived trabecular spacing, Tb.Sp d ) and corresponding micro-CT voxel-based measurements (BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp) were compared. A total of 108 regions of interest were analysed across the 10 specimens. At all integration times HR-pQCT BV/TV d was strongly correlated with micro-CT BV/TV (r 2 =0.95-0.98, RMSE=1%), but BV/TV d was systematically lower than that measured by micro-CT (mean bias=5%). In contrast, HR-pQCT systematically overestimated Tb.N at all integration times; of the in situ scans, 200ms yielded the lowest mean bias and the strongest correlation with micro-CT (r 2 =0.61, RMSE=0.15mm -1 ). Regional analysis revealed greater accuracy for Tb.N in the superior regions of the calcaneus at all integration times in situ (mean bias=0.44-0.85mm -1 ; r 2 =0.70-0.88, p<0.001 versus mean bias=0.63-1.46mm -1 ; r 2 ≤0.08, p≥0.21 for inferior regions). Tb.Sp d was underestimated by HR-pQCT compared

An improved diffusion welding technique for TD-NiCr

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holko, K. H.

1973-01-01

An improved diffusion welding technique has been developed for TD-NiCr sheet. In the most preferred form, the improved technique consists of diffusion welding 320-grit sanded plus chemically polished surfaces of unrecrystallized TD-NiCr at 760 C under 140 MN/m2 pressure for 1hr followed by postheating at 1180 C for 2hr. Compared to previous work, this improved technique has the advantages of shorter welding time, lower welding temperature, lower welding pressure, and a simpler and more reproducible surface preparation procedure. Weldments were made that had parent-metal creep-rupture shear strength at 1100 C.

Angiotensin (1-7) and its receptor Mas are expressed in the human testis: implications for male infertility.

PubMed

Reis, Augusto B; Araújo, Fabiano C; Pereira, Virginia M; Dos Reis, Adelina M; Santos, Robson A; Reis, Fernando M

2010-02-01

The presence of classical components of the renin-angiotensin system has been demonstrated in the male reproductive tract, mainly in the testes and epididymis. The objective of this study was to verify the localization of angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) and its receptor Mas in human testis. The study included 12 men with previously proven fertility submitted to orchiectomy for prostate cancer and 20 infertile men submitted to testicular biopsy for infertility work-up, comprising a subgroup with obstructive azoospermia/normal spermatogenesis (n = 8) and another with non-obstructive azoospermia and severely impaired spermatogenesis (n = 12). Testicular tissue samples were processed by immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction. Ang-(1-7) was strongly expressed in the interstitial compartment, mainly in Leydig cells, with similar intensity in all groups evaluated. The peptide was also detected in the seminiferous tubules, but with much less intensity compared to interstitial cells. The receptor Mas was equally distributed between interstitial and tubular compartments and was found in all layers of the normal seminiferous epithelium. However, neither Ang-(1-7) nor Mas were detected in the seminiferous tubules of samples with impaired spermatogenesis. The testicular samples of infertile men with impaired spermatogenesis (non-obstructive azoospermia) expressed Mas and ACE2 mRNA at lower concentrations (fold change = 0.06 and 0.04, respectively, P < 0.05) than samples with full spermatogenesis (obstructive azoospermia). This shows, for the first time, the immunolocalization of Ang-(1-7) and its receptor Mas in testes of fertile and infertile men, and suggests that this system may be altered when spermatogenesis is severely impaired.

Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) Model based on Clinical Data Measurement towards Quantitative Evaluation of Upper Limb Spasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puzi, A. Ahmad; Sidek, S. N.; Mat Rosly, H.; Daud, N.; Yusof, H. Md

2017-11-01

Spasticity is common symptom presented amongst people with sensorimotor disabilities. Imbalanced signals from the central nervous systems (CNS) which are composed of the brain and spinal cord to the muscles ultimately leading to the injury and death of motor neurons. In clinical practice, the therapist assesses muscle spasticity using a standard assessment tool like Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Modified Tardiue Scale (MTS) or Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). This is done subjectively based on the experience and perception of the therapist subjected to the patient fatigue level and body posture. However, the inconsistency in the assessment is prevalent and could affect the efficacy of the rehabilitation process. Thus, the aim of this paper is to describe the methodology of data collection and the quantitative model of MAS developed to satisfy its description. Two subjects with MAS of 2 and 3 spasticity levels were involved in the clinical data measurement. Their level of spasticity was verified by expert therapist using current practice. Data collection was established using mechanical system equipped with data acquisition system and LABVIEW software. The procedure engaged repeated series of flexion of the affected arm that was moved against the platform using a lever mechanism and performed by the therapist. The data was then analyzed to investigate the characteristics of spasticity signal in correspondence to the MAS description. Experimental results revealed that the methodology used to quantify spasticity satisfied the MAS tool requirement according to the description. Therefore, the result is crucial and useful towards the development of formal spasticity quantification model.

Role of Mas receptor in renal blood flow response to angiotensin (1-7) in male and female rats.

PubMed

Nematbakhsh, Mehdi; Safari, Tahereh

2014-01-01

Epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown that progression of renal disease in male is faster than that in female. However, the exact mechanisms are not well recognized. Angiotensin (1-7) (Ang 1-7) receptor, called "Mas", is an element in the depressor arm of renin angiotensin system (RAS), and its expression is enhanced in females. We test the hypothesis that Mas receptor (MasR) blockade (A779) attenuates renal blood flow (RBF) in response to infusion of graded doses of Ang 1-7 in female rats. Male and female Wistar rats were anesthetized and catheterized. Then, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF, and controlled renal perfusion pressure (RPP) responses to infusion of graded doses of Ang 1-7 (100-1000 ng/kg/min i.v.) with and without A779 were measured in the animals. Basal MAP, RPP, RBF, and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were not significantly different between the two groups. After Ang 1-7 administration, RPP was controlled at a constant level. However, RBF increased in a dose-related manner in response to Ang 1-7 infusion in both male and female rats (Pdose<0.0001), but masR blockade significantly attenuated this response only in female (Pgroup=0.04) and not male (Pgroup=0.23). In addition, A779 increased the RBF response to Ang 1-7 to a greater extent. This is while the increase in male was not significant when compared with that in female (Pgender=0.08). RVR response to Ang 1-7 was insignificantly attenuated by A779 in both genders. The masR differently regulated RBF response to Ang 1-7 in the two genders, and the effect was greater in female rats. The masR may be a target for improvement of kidney circulation in renal diseases.

Radiofrequency fields in MAS solid state NMR probes.

PubMed

Tošner, Zdeněk; Purea, Armin; Struppe, Jochem O; Wegner, Sebastian; Engelke, Frank; Glaser, Steffen J; Reif, Bernd

2017-11-01

We present a detailed analysis of the radiofrequency (RF) field over full volume of a rotor that is generated in a solenoid coil. On top of the usually considered static distribution of amplitudes along the coil axis we describe dynamic radial RF inhomogeneities induced by sample rotation. During magic angle spinning (MAS), the mechanical rotation of the sample about the magic angle, a spin packet travels through areas of different RF fields and experiences periodical modulations of both the RF amplitude and the phase. These modulations become particularly severe at the end regions of the coil where the relative RF amplitude varies up to ±25% and the RF phase changes within ±30°. Using extensive numerical simulations we demonstrate effects of RF inhomogeneity on pulse calibration and for the ramped CP experiment performed at a wide range of MAS rates. In addition, we review various methods to map RF fields using a B 0 gradient along the sample (rotor axis) for imaging purposes. Under such a gradient, a nutation experiment provides directly the RF amplitude distribution, a cross polarization experiment images the correlation of the RF fields on the two channels according to the Hartmann-Hahn matching condition, while a spin-lock experiment allows to calibrate the RF amplitude employing the rotary resonance recoupling condition. Knowledge of the RF field distribution in a coil provides key to understand its effects on performance of a pulse sequence at the spectrometer and enables to set robustness requirements in the experimental design. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Radiofrequency fields in MAS solid state NMR probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tošner, Zdeněk; Purea, Armin; Struppe, Jochem O.; Wegner, Sebastian; Engelke, Frank; Glaser, Steffen J.; Reif, Bernd

2017-11-01

We present a detailed analysis of the radiofrequency (RF) field over full volume of a rotor that is generated in a solenoid coil. On top of the usually considered static distribution of amplitudes along the coil axis we describe dynamic radial RF inhomogeneities induced by sample rotation. During magic angle spinning (MAS), the mechanical rotation of the sample about the magic angle, a spin packet travels through areas of different RF fields and experiences periodical modulations of both the RF amplitude and the phase. These modulations become particularly severe at the end regions of the coil where the relative RF amplitude varies up to ±25% and the RF phase changes within ±30°. Using extensive numerical simulations we demonstrate effects of RF inhomogeneity on pulse calibration and for the ramped CP experiment performed at a wide range of MAS rates. In addition, we review various methods to map RF fields using a B0 gradient along the sample (rotor axis) for imaging purposes. Under such a gradient, a nutation experiment provides directly the RF amplitude distribution, a cross polarization experiment images the correlation of the RF fields on the two channels according to the Hartmann-Hahn matching condition, while a spin-lock experiment allows to calibrate the RF amplitude employing the rotary resonance recoupling condition. Knowledge of the RF field distribution in a coil provides key to understand its effects on performance of a pulse sequence at the spectrometer and enables to set robustness requirements in the experimental design.

In situ high temperature MAS NMR study of the mechanisms of catalysis. Ethane aromatization on Zn-modified zeolite BEA.

PubMed

Arzumanov, Sergei S; Gabrienko, Anton A; Freude, Dieter; Stepanov, Alexander G

2009-04-01

Ethane conversion into aromatic hydrocarbons over Zn-modified zeolite BEA has been analyzed by high-temperature MAS NMR spectroscopy. Information about intermediates (Zn-ethyl species) and reaction products (mainly toluene and methane), which were formed under the conditions of a batch reactor, was obtained by (13)C MAS NMR. Kinetics of the reaction, which was monitored by (1)H MAS NMR in situ at the temperature of 573K, provided information about the reaction mechanism. Simulation of the experimental kinetics within the frames of the possible kinetic schemes of the reaction demonstrates that a large amount of methane evolved under ethane aromatization arises from the stage of direct ethane hydrogenolysis.

HR Public meeting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heuer, Rolf; Catherin, Anne-Sylvie; Vuillemin, Vin

2010-06-25

Cher(e)s collègues, En collaboration avec le Département HR, le Directeur général a le plaisir de vous convier à une réunion publique qui se tiendra le vendredi 25 juin 2010 à 9h30 dans l’Amphithéâtre principal (Bâtiment 500)*. Un café d’accueil y sera servi à partir de 9h. Cette réunion abordera les thèmes suivants : • Valeurs de l’Organisation (Directeur général) • Code de Conduite (Directeur général / Anne-Sylvie Catherin) • Création du nouveau rôle d’Ombudsperson (Vincent Vuillemin); Ces présentations seront suivies d’une séance de questions-réponses. Nous espérons vous retrouver nombreux le 25 juin ! Meilleures salutations, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Chef du Départementmore » des Ressources humaines *Cette réunion sera retransmise simultanément dans l’Amphithéâtre BE de Prévessin (Bâtiment 864) et également disponible à l’adresse suivante : http://webcast.cern.ch. Dear colleagues, In collaboration with HR Department, the Director-General would like to invite you to an information meeting which will be held on Friday 25 June 2010 at 9:30 am in the Main Auditorium (Building 500)*. A welcome coffee will be available from 9:00 am. During this meeting, information will be given about: • Organization’s values (Director-General) • Code of Conduct (Director-General / Anne-Sylvie Catherin) • New Ombudsperson role (Vincent Vuillemin) These presentations will be followed by a questions & answers session. We look forward to seeing you all on 25 June! Best regards, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Head, Human Resources Department. This meeting will be simultaneously retransmitted in BE Auditorium (Building 864) and available at the following address: http://webcast.cern.ch.« less

HR Public meeting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2010-10-12

Cher(e)s collègues, En collaboration avec le Département HR, le Directeur général a le plaisir de vous convier à une réunion publique qui se tiendra le vendredi 25 juin 2010 à 9h30 dans l’Amphithéâtre principal (Bâtiment 500)*. Un café d’accueil y sera servi à partir de 9h. Cette réunion abordera les thèmes suivants : Valeurs de l’Organisation (Directeur général); Code de Conduite (Directeur général / Anne-Sylvie Catherin); Création du nouveau rôle d’Ombudsperson (Vincent Vuillemin) Ces présentations seront suivies d’une séance de questions-réponses. Nous espérons vous retrouver nombreux le 25 juin ! Meilleures salutations, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Chef du Département des Ressources humainesmore » *Cette réunion sera retransmise simultanément dans l’Amphithéâtre BE de Prévessin (Bâtiment 864) et également disponible à l’adresse suivante : http://webcast.cern.ch [Dear colleagues, In collaboration with HR Department, the Director-General would like to invite you to an information meeting which will be held on Friday 25 June 2010 at 9:30 am in the Main Auditorium (Building 500)*. A welcome coffee will be available from 9:00 am. During this meeting, information will be given about: Organization’s values (Director-General); Code of Conduct (Director-General / Anne-Sylvie Catherin); New Ombudsperson role (Vincent Vuillemin); These presentations will be followed by a questions & answers session. We look forward to seeing you all on 25 June! Best regards, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Head, Human Resources Department *This meeting will be simultaneously retransmitted in BE Auditorium (Building 864) and available at the following address: http://webcast.cern.ch.« less

Direct imaging of multiple planets orbiting the star HR 8799.

PubMed

Marois, Christian; Macintosh, Bruce; Barman, Travis; Zuckerman, B; Song, Inseok; Patience, Jennifer; Lafrenière, David; Doyon, René

2008-11-28

Direct imaging of exoplanetary systems is a powerful technique that can reveal Jupiter-like planets in wide orbits, can enable detailed characterization of planetary atmospheres, and is a key step toward imaging Earth-like planets. Imaging detections are challenging because of the combined effect of small angular separation and large luminosity contrast between a planet and its host star. High-contrast observations with the Keck and Gemini telescopes have revealed three planets orbiting the star HR 8799, with projected separations of 24, 38, and 68 astronomical units. Multi-epoch data show counter clockwise orbital motion for all three imaged planets. The low luminosity of the companions and the estimated age of the system imply planetary masses between 5 and 13 times that of Jupiter. This system resembles a scaled-up version of the outer portion of our solar system.

Multi-wavelength observations of the peculiar red giant HR 3126

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pesce, Joseph E.; Stencel, Robert E.; Walter, Frederick M.; Doggett, Jesse; Dachs, Joachim; Whitelock, Patricia A.; Mundt, Reinhard

1988-01-01

Ultraviolet observations of the red giant HR 3126 are combined with multi-wavelength data in order to provide a firmer basis for explaining the arc-minute sized nebula surrounding the object. Possibilities as to the location of HR 3126 on the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram, and to the formation mechanisms of the reflection nebula IC 2220 associated with it, are summarized.

The Multidimensional Attitudes Scale toward Persons with Disabilities (MAS): Construction and Validation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Findler, Liora; Vilchinsky, Noa; Werner, Shirli

2007-01-01

This study presents the development of a new instrument, the "Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward Persons With Disabilities" (MAS). Based on the multidimensional approach, it posits that attitudes are composed of three dimensions: affect, cognition, and behavior. The scale was distributed to a sample of 132 people along with a…

Synthesis and characterization of magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel (MAS) thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Syed Muhammad; Hussain, Tousif; Ahmad, Riaz; Siddiqui, Jamil; Ali, Dilawar

2018-01-01

In a quest to identify more economic routes for synthesis of magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel (MAS) thin films, dense plasma focus device was used with multiple plasma focus shots. Structural, bonding between composite films, surface morphological, compositional and hardness properties of MAS thin films were investigated by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-rays (EDX) analysis and Vickers micro hardness test respectively. In XRD graph, the presence of MgAl2O4 diffraction peaks in crystallographic orientations (222), (400) and (622) pointed out the successful formation of polycrystalline thin films of MgAl2O4 with face centered cubic structure. The FTIR spectrums showed a major common transmittance band at 697.95 cm-1 which belongs to MgAl2O4. SEM micrographs illustrated a mesh type, granular and multi layers microstructures with significant melting effects. EDX spectrum confirmed the existence of magnesium, oxygen and aluminum in MAS films. A common increasing behavior in micro-hardness of composite MgAl2O4 films by increasing number of plasma focus shots was found.

Probing intermolecular interactions in a diethylcarbamazine citrate salt by fast MAS 1H solid-state NMR spectroscopy and GIPAW calculations.

PubMed

Venâncio, Tiago; Oliveira, Lyege Magalhaes; Ellena, Javier; Boechat, Nubia; Brown, Steven P

2017-10-01

Fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR is used to probe intermolecular interactions in a diethylcarbamazine salt, that is widely used as a treatment against adult worms of Wuchereria bancrofti which cause a common disease in tropical countries named filariasis. Specifically, a dihydrogen citrate salt that has improved thermal stability and solubility as compared to the free form is studied. One-dimensional 1 H, 13 C and 15 N and two-dimensional 1 H- 13 C and 14 N- 1 H heteronuclear correlation NMR experiments under moderate and fast MAS together with GIPAW (CASTEP) calculations enable the assignment of the 1 H, 13 C and 14 N/ 15 N resonances. A two-dimensional 1 H- 1 H double-quantum (DQ) -single-quantum (SQ) MAS spectrum recorded with BaBa recoupling at 60kHz MAS identifies specific proton-proton proximities associated with citrate-citrate and citrate-diethylcarbamazine intermolecular interactions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bringing human resources to the table: utilization of an HR balanced scorecard at Mayo Clinic.

PubMed

Fottler, Myron D; Erickson, Eric; Rivers, Patrick A

2006-01-01

Rather than viewing HR as a critical driver of organizational strategy and outcomes, most health care organizations see HR as a drain on the organization's bottom line. Only by aligning HR with the organizational strategy will HR leaders truly get a seat at the leadership table. HR professionals can overcome impediments and gain a seat at the table by learning the language of business and the ways in which organizational leaders use data to drive their decisions. This article shows how Mayo Clinic uses the popular Balanced Scorecard approach to align its measures of HR performance to the organization's strategic plan.

El Proyecto Sismico "LARSE" - Trabajando Hacia un Futuro con Mas Seguridad para Los Angeles

USGS Publications Warehouse

Henyey, Thomas L.; Fuis, Gary S.; Benthien, Mark L.; Burdette, Thomas R.; Christofferson, Shari A.; Clayton, Robert W.; Criley, Edward E.; Davis, Paul M.; Hendley, James W.; Kohler, Monica D.; Lutter, William J.; McRaney, John K.; Murphy, Janice M.; Okaya, David A.; Ryberg, Trond; Simila, Gerald W.; Stauffer, Peter H.

1999-01-01

La region de Los Angeles contiene una red de fallas activas, incluyendo muchas fallas por empuje que son profundas y no rompen la superficie de la tierra. Estas fallas ocultas incluyen la falla anteriormente desconocida que fue responsable por la devastacion que ocurrio durante el terremoto de Northridge en enero de 1994, el terremoto mas costoso en la historia de los Estados Unidos. El Experimento Sismico en la Region de Los Angeles (Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment, LARSE), esta localizando los peligros ocultos de los terremotos debajo de la region de Los Angeles para mejorar la construccion de las estructuras que pueden apoyar terremotos que son inevitables en el futuro, y que ayudaran a los cientificos determinar donde occurira el sacudimento mas fuerte y poderoso.

An Analysis of the Rise and Fall of the AA-MAS Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarus, Sheryl S.; Thurlow, Martha L.; Ysseldyke, James E.; Edwards, Lynn M.

2015-01-01

In 2005, to address concerns about students who might fall in the "gap" between the regular assessment and the alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS), the U.S. Department of Education announced that states could develop alternate assessments based on modified achievement standards (AA-MAS). This article…

Heterogeneous Coordination Environments in Lithium-Neutralized Ionomers Identified Using 1H and 7Li MAS NMR

PubMed Central

Alam, Todd M.; Jenkins, Janelle E.; Bolintineanu, Dan S.; Stevens, Mark J.; Frischknecht, Amalie L.; Buitrago, C. Francisco; Winey, Karen I.; Opper, Kathleen L.; Wagener, Kenneth B.

2012-01-01

The carboxylic acid proton and the lithium coordination environments for precise and random Li-neutralized polyethylene acrylic acid P(E-AA) ionomers were explored using high speed solid-state 1H and 7Li MAS NMR. While the 7Li NMR revealed only a single Li coordination environment, the chemical shift temperature variation was dependent on the precise or random nature of the P(E-AA) ionomer. The 1H MAS NMR revealed two different carboxylic acid proton environments in these materials. By utilizing 1H-7Li rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) MAS NMR experiments, it was demonstrated that the proton environments correspond to different average 1H-7Li distances, with the majority of the protonated carboxylic acids having a close through space contact with the Li. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the shortest 1H-7Li distance corresponds to un-neutralized carboxylic acids directly involved in the coordination environment of Li clusters. These solid-state NMR results show that heterogeneous structural motifs need to be included when developing descriptions of these ionomer materials.

A Robust Dynamic Heart-Rate Detection Algorithm Framework During Intense Physical Activities Using Photoplethysmographic Signals

PubMed Central

Song, Jiajia; Li, Dan; Ma, Xiaoyuan; Teng, Guowei; Wei, Jianming

2017-01-01

Dynamic accurate heart-rate (HR) estimation using a photoplethysmogram (PPG) during intense physical activities is always challenging due to corruption by motion artifacts (MAs). It is difficult to reconstruct a clean signal and extract HR from contaminated PPG. This paper proposes a robust HR-estimation algorithm framework that uses one-channel PPG and tri-axis acceleration data to reconstruct the PPG and calculate the HR based on features of the PPG and spectral analysis. Firstly, the signal is judged by the presence of MAs. Then, the spectral peaks corresponding to acceleration data are filtered from the periodogram of the PPG when MAs exist. Different signal-processing methods are applied based on the amount of remaining PPG spectral peaks. The main MA-removal algorithm (NFEEMD) includes the repeated single-notch filter and ensemble empirical mode decomposition. Finally, HR calibration is designed to ensure the accuracy of HR tracking. The NFEEMD algorithm was performed on the 23 datasets from the 2015 IEEE Signal Processing Cup Database. The average estimation errors were 1.12 BPM (12 training datasets), 2.63 BPM (10 testing datasets) and 1.87 BPM (all 23 datasets), respectively. The Pearson correlation was 0.992. The experiment results illustrate that the proposed algorithm is not only suitable for HR estimation during continuous activities, like slow running (13 training datasets), but also for intense physical activities with acceleration, like arm exercise (10 testing datasets). PMID:29068403

LBT observations of the HR8799 planetary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesa, D.; Arcidiacono, C.; Claudi, R. U.; Desidera, S.; Esposito, S.; Gratton, R.; Masciadri, E.

2013-09-01

We present here observations of the HR8799 planetary system performed in H and Ks band exploiting the AO system at the Large Binocular Telescope and the PISCES camera. Thanks to the excellent performence of the instrument we were able to detect for the first time the inner known planet of the system (HR8799) in the H band. Precise photometric and astrometric measures have been taken for all the four planets. Further, exploiting ours and previous astrometric results, we were able to put some limits on the planetary orbits of the four planets. The analysis of the dinamical stability of the system seems to show lower planetary masses than the ones adopted until now.

High-resolution abundance analysis of the metallic-line star HR 7250

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmaslı, Aslı; Ünal, Kübraözge; Çalışkan, Şeyma

2018-07-01

We estimated the stellar parameters and chemical abundances of the highly neglected A-type star HR 7250. The star's high resolution spectrum, spanning a wavelength range from 3900 to 7900 Å, was obtained at the TÜBİTAK National Observatory. We derived the abundances of 14 elements (O, Na, Mg, Si, S, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Sr, Y, and Ba) for HR 7250 from the unblended lines of the star's spectrum. Our analysis shows that HR 7250 is a chemically peculiar Am star. We also estimated its age and mass as 400 ± 70 Myr and 3.25 ± 0.17 M⊙ from evolutionary tracks and isochrones.

HR-MAS NMR metabolomics of 'Swingle' citrumelo rootstock genetically modified to overproduce proline.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Caroline S; Carlos, Eduardo F; Vieira, Luiz G E; Lião, Luciano M; Alcantara, Glaucia B

2014-08-01

The accumulation of proline is a typical physiological response to abiotic stresses in higher plants. 'Swingle' citrumelo, an important rootstock for citrus production, has been modified with a mutated Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase gene (VaP5CSF129A) linked to the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter to induce the overproduction of free proline. This paper presents a comparative metabolomic study of nontransgenic versus transgenic 'Swingle' citrumelo plants with high endogenous proline. (1)H high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multivariate analysis showed significant differences in some metabolites between the nontransgenic and transgenic leaves and roots. The overproduction of proline has reduced the sucrose content in transgenic leaves, revealing a metabolic cost for these plants. In roots, the high level of free proline acts for the adjustment of cation-anion balance, causing the reduction of acetic acid content. The same sucrose level in roots indicates that they can be considered as sucrose sink. Similar behavior may be waited for fruits produced on transgenic rootstock. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

HR Public meeting

ScienceCinema

None

2018-05-24

Cher(e)s collègues, En collaboration avec le Département HR, le Directeur général a le plaisir de vous convier à une réunion publique qui se tiendra le vendredi 25 juin 2010 à 9h30 dans l’Amphithéâtre principal (Bâtiment 500)*. Un café d’accueil y sera servi à partir de 9h. Cette réunion abordera les thèmes suivants : Valeurs de l’Organisation (Directeur général); Code de Conduite (Directeur général / Anne-Sylvie Catherin); Création du nouveau rôle d’Ombudsperson (Vincent Vuillemin) Ces présentations seront suivies d’une séance de questions-réponses. Nous espérons vous retrouver nombreux le 25 juin ! Meilleures salutations, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Chef du Département des Ressources humaines *Cette réunion sera retransmise simultanément dans l’Amphithéâtre BE de Prévessin (Bâtiment 864) et également disponible à l’adresse suivante : http://webcast.cern.ch [Dear colleagues, In collaboration with HR Department, the Director-General would like to invite you to an information meeting which will be held on Friday 25 June 2010 at 9:30 am in the Main Auditorium (Building 500)*. A welcome coffee will be available from 9:00 am. During this meeting, information will be given about: Organization’s values (Director-General); Code of Conduct (Director-General / Anne-Sylvie Catherin); New Ombudsperson role (Vincent Vuillemin); These presentations will be followed by a questions & answers session. We look forward to seeing you all on 25 June! Best regards, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Head, Human Resources Department *This meeting will be simultaneously retransmitted in BE Auditorium (Building 864) and available at the following address: http://webcast.cern.ch.

Control of adipogenesis by the autocrine interplays between angiotensin 1-7/Mas receptor and angiotensin II/AT1 receptor signaling pathways.

PubMed

Than, Aung; Leow, Melvin Khee-Shing; Chen, Peng

2013-05-31

Angiotensin II (AngII), a peptide hormone released by adipocytes, can be catabolized by adipose angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to form Ang(1-7). Co-expression of AngII receptors (AT1 and AT2) and Ang(1-7) receptors (Mas) in adipocytes implies the autocrine regulation of the local angiotensin system upon adipocyte functions, through yet unknown interactive mechanisms. In the present study, we reveal the adipogenic effects of Ang(1-7) through activation of Mas receptor and its subtle interplays with the antiadipogenic AngII-AT1 signaling pathways. Specifically, in human and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, Ang(1-7)-Mas signaling promotes adipogenesis via activation of PI3K/Akt and inhibition of MAPK kinase/ERK pathways, and Ang(1-7)-Mas antagonizes the antiadipogenic effect of AngII-AT1 by inhibiting the AngII-AT1-triggered MAPK kinase/ERK pathway. The autocrine regulation of the AngII/AT1-ACE2-Ang(1-7)/Mas axis upon adipogenesis has also been revealed. This study suggests the importance of the local regulation of the delicately balanced angiotensin system upon adipogenesis and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

The composite nature of the peculiar star HR 6560 (HD 159870)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wegner, Gary; Cowley, Charles R.

1992-01-01

Ground-based high-dispersion photographic spectra and ultraviolet spectra obtained with the IUE satellite are described and employed to determine the nature of the peculiar star HR 6560 (HD 159870). Previously this object had been described as both a composite system and as a strong Fm star. The UBVRI, Stromgren, and ultraviolet colors of HR 6560 are compared with objects classified composite from the Bright Star Catalogue and normal dwarfs and giants. The colors of HR 6560 are not unusual for a composite and are consistent with a late-A dwarf, combined with a late-G or early-K giant. The ultraviolet satellite clearly shows the presence of an A component, but its precise spectral type is difficult to assign. The IUE and TD-1 data suggest that the ultraviolet is dominated by light from an A5 V secondary and the visual from a GO III primary. This does not agree well with the most plausible model that fits the visual photometry. The peculiar nature of HR 6560's spectrum is most likely due to its composite nature.

The heart of parenting: Parent HR dynamics and negative parenting while resolving conflict with child.

PubMed

Zhang, Xutong; Cui, Lixian; Han, Zhuo Rachel; Yan, Jia

2017-03-01

The current study examined parent heart rate (HR) dynamic changing patterns and their links to observed negative parenting (i.e., emotional unavailability and psychological control) during a parent-child conflict resolution task among 150 parent-child dyads (child age ranged from 6 to 12 years, Mage = 8.54 ± 1.67). Parent HR was obtained from electrocardiogram (ECG) data collected during the parent-child conflict resolution task. Negative parenting was coded offline based on the video recording of the same task. Results revealed that emotionally sensitive parents during the task showed greater HR increases while discussing a conflict and greater HR decreases while resolving the conflict, whereas emotionally unavailable parents showed no changes in HR. However, parent psychological control was not associated with HR dynamics during the task. These findings indicated the physiological underpinnings of parent emotional sensitivity and responsiveness during parent-child interactions. The potential association between HR baseline levels and parenting behaviors was also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

On the ancient field blue straggler HR 5455

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuhrmann, Klaus; Chini, Rolf

2017-10-01

We report the discovery of HR 5455 as an ancient field blue straggler that upon Roche lobe overflow from its evolved companion, now a white dwarf, has been rejuvenated to a MBS = 1.32 ± 0.05 M⊙ bright F6V source with a purported age of τ ≃ 1.7 Gyr. The unequivocal evidence for HR 5455 being instead a τ ≃ 12 Gyr old Population II star arises from its low iron-to-magnesium abundance ratio, and is supported by its kinematics, the lack of lithium and a companion mass MWD = 0.49 ± 0.09 M⊙ from the P = 1086 ± 77 d Hipparcos astrometric orbit, which is in perfect agreement with the Rappaport et al. period-white dwarf mass relation. Like the F7V star 49 Lib that we recently disclosed as an ancient field blue straggler in a similar context, HR 5455 is also a very metal-rich source at [Mg/H] = +0.19 and [Fe/H] = -0.10. Unlike 49 Lib, however, only the white dwarf progenitor mass is directly constrained to MWD,progenitor = 1.06 ± 0.02 M⊙. In case of a conservative mass transfer, which in analogy to the 49 Lib system appears likely, a blue straggler progenitor mass MBS,progenitor = 0.75 M⊙ would follow.

Automatic tube current modulation technique for multidetector CT: is it effective with a 64-detector CT?

PubMed

Funama, Yoshinori; Awai, Kazuo; Hatemura, Masahiro; Shimamura, Masamitchi; Yanaga, Yumi; Oda, Seitaro; Yamashita, Yasuyuki

2008-01-01

To investigate whether it is possible to obtain adequate images at uniform image noise levels and reduced radiation exposure with our automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) technique for 64-detector CT. The study population consisted of 64 patients with known or suspected lung or abdominal disease. We used a 64-detector CT scanner (LightSpeed VCT, GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, USA) and a combined angular and longitudinal tube current modulation technique (Smart mA, GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, USA) to examine 34 patients. The scanning parameters were identical; the minimum and maximum tube current thresholds were 50 and 800 mA, respectively. For study of the constant tube current technique, 30 additional patients were examined at 350 mA. The CT number and image noise (SD of the CT number) were measured in the 64 patients at six levels, i.e., the center of the left ventricle, the liver dome, the porta hepatis, the center of the spleen and the right and left renal pelvis. When we used the ATCM technique, the mean image noise ranged from 8.40 at the center of the left ventricle to 11.31 at the porta hepatis; the mean tube current ranged from 105.9 mAs at the center of the left ventricle to 169.6 mAs at the center of the spleen. The mean dose reduction rate per constant tube current at 175 mAs ranged from 3.1 to 39.5%. By use of the ATCM technique, it is possible to maintain a constant image noise level with a 64-detector CT.

Metabolomics of Breast Cancer Using High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Correlations with 18F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography, Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging MRI.

PubMed

Yoon, Haesung; Yoon, Dahye; Yun, Mijin; Choi, Ji Soo; Park, Vivian Youngjean; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Jeong, Joon; Koo, Ja Seung; Yoon, Jung Hyun; Moon, Hee Jung; Kim, Suhkmann; Kim, Min Jung

2016-01-01

Our goal in this study was to find correlations between breast cancer metabolites and conventional quantitative imaging parameters using high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and to find breast cancer subgroups that show high correlations between metabolites and imaging parameters. Between August 2010 and December 2013, we included 53 female patients (mean age 49.6 years; age range 32-75 years) with a total of 53 breast lesions assessed by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. They were enrolled under the following criteria: breast lesions larger than 1 cm in diameter which 1) were suspicious for malignancy on mammography or ultrasound (US), 2) were pathologically confirmed to be breast cancer with US-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) 3) underwent 3 Tesla MRI with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), and 4) had an attainable immunohistochemistry profile from CNB. We acquired spectral data by HR-MAS MRS with CNB specimens and expressed the data as relative metabolite concentrations. We compared the metabolites with the signal enhancement ratio (SER), maximum standardized FDG uptake value (SUV max), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and histopathologic prognostic factors for correlation. We calculated Spearman correlations and performed a partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to further classify patient groups into subgroups to find correlation differences between HR-MAS spectroscopic values and conventional imaging parameters. In a multivariate analysis, the PLS-DA models built with HR-MAS MRS metabolic profiles showed visible discrimination between high and low SER, SUV, and ADC. In luminal subtype breast cancer, compared to all cases, high SER, ADV, and SUV were more closely clustered by visual assessment. Multiple metabolites were correlated with SER and SUV in all cases. Multiple metabolites showed

Daily self-sampling for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing.

PubMed

Sanner, Karin; Wikström, Ingrid; Gustavsson, Inger; Wilander, Erik; Lindberg, Julia Hedlund; Gyllensten, Ulf; Olovsson, Matts

2015-12-01

Self-sampling for HPV as part of primary screening is a well-tolerated method for women not attending organized Pap smear screening and could increase coverage of cervical cancer screening. To investigate if the prevalence of HR-HPV varies from day to day in infected women and if one single sample is reliable for detecting an ongoing infection. This is a prospective cohort study on 12 premenopausal and 13 postmenopausal women performing daily self-sampling for HR-HPV testing. They were all HR-HPV-positive 1-3 months ago. Postmenopausal women were sampled for 28 days and premenopausal women sampled during bleeding-free days in one menstrual cycle. A possible difference in viral load between the estrogen-dominated proliferative phase and the progesterone-dominated secretory phase was analyzed. Consistent results throughout the sampling period were observed for 19 women, with either a daily presence of HPV (14 women) or no HPV at all during the sampling period (5 women). Of 607 samples from 25 women, 596 were consistently positive or negative for HPV during the sampling period and 11 were inconsistent (2%). There was no difference in HPV copy number between the estrogen dominated proliferative or progesterone dominated secretory menstrual cycle phases. The major finding was a high degree of consistency concerning HR-HPV positivity and negativity of HR-HPV in vaginal fluid during a sustained period of daily self-sampling. It does not appear to matter whether the sample is collected in the proliferative or secretory phase. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

HR Public meeting

ScienceCinema

Heuer, Rolf; Catherin, Anne-Sylvie; Vuillemin, Vin

2018-05-25

Cher(e)s collègues, En collaboration avec le Département HR, le Directeur général a le plaisir de vous convier à une réunion publique qui se tiendra le vendredi 25 juin 2010 à 9h30 dans l’Amphithéâtre principal (Bâtiment 500)*. Un café d’accueil y sera servi à partir de 9h. Cette réunion abordera les thèmes suivants : • Valeurs de l’Organisation (Directeur général) • Code de Conduite (Directeur général / Anne-Sylvie Catherin) • Création du nouveau rôle d’Ombudsperson (Vincent Vuillemin); Ces présentations seront suivies d’une séance de questions-réponses. Nous espérons vous retrouver nombreux le 25 juin ! Meilleures salutations, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Chef du Département des Ressources humaines *Cette réunion sera retransmise simultanément dans l’Amphithéâtre BE de Prévessin (Bâtiment 864) et également disponible à l’adresse suivante : http://webcast.cern.ch. Dear colleagues, In collaboration with HR Department, the Director-General would like to invite you to an information meeting which will be held on Friday 25 June 2010 at 9:30 am in the Main Auditorium (Building 500)*. A welcome coffee will be available from 9:00 am. During this meeting, information will be given about: • Organization’s values (Director-General) • Code of Conduct (Director-General / Anne-Sylvie Catherin) • New Ombudsperson role (Vincent Vuillemin) These presentations will be followed by a questions & answers session. We look forward to seeing you all on 25 June! Best regards, Anne-Sylvie Catherin Head, Human Resources Department. This meeting will be simultaneously retransmitted in BE Auditorium (Building 864) and available at the following address: http://webcast.cern.ch.

Determination of the light ion abundances in the strong-helium star HR 3089

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lester, J. B.

1975-01-01

Using line blanketed model stellar atmospheres and a spectrum synthesis approach, a differential abundance study of the ultraviolet spectrum of HR 3089 relative to the normal star lambda Sco was performed. Both stars were found to have the same abundances of carbon and silicon, but the helium and nitrogen are significantly enhanced in HR 3089. The atmospheric parameters and the distribution of abundances found for HR 3089 agree well with the results of Osmer and Peterson on sharp-lined helium-rich stars. The rotational velocity of 160 km/sec found for HR 3089 places a constraint on the role of diffusion in producing the abundance anomalies. Examination of the resonance lines of C II, N II, Si III and Si IV shows no evidence for mass loss in either star.

New LaMAsH(x) (M = Co, Ni, or Cu) arsenides with covalent M-H chains.

PubMed

Mizoguchi, Hiroshi; Park, SangWon; Hiraka, Haruhiro; Ikeda, Kazutaka; Otomo, Toshiya; Hosono, Hideo

2014-12-17

A new series of tetragonal LaPtSi-type mixed-anion arsenides, LaMAsH(x) (M = Co, Ni, or Cu), has been synthesized using high-temperature and high-pressure techniques. The crystal structure of these intermetallic compounds determined via powder neutron diffraction is composed of a 3D framework of three connected planes with the La ions filling the cavities in the structure. Each late transition-metal ion M, all of which have relatively large electronegativities, behaves like a main group element and forms a planar coordination configuration with three As ions. The trigonal-bipyramidal coordination adopted by the H in the cavity, HM2La3, is compressed along the C3 axis, and unusual M-H chains run along the x and y directions, reinforcing the covalent framework. These chains, which are unique in solids, are stabilized by covalent interactions between the M 4s and H 1s orbitals.

Sensitivity enhancements in MQ-MAS NMR of spin-5/2 nuclei using modulated rf mixing pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vosegaard, Thomas; Massiot, Dominique; Grandinetti, Philip J.

2000-08-01

An X- overlineX pulse train with stepped modulation frequency was employed to enhance the multiple-quantum to single-quantum coherence transfer in the mixing period of the multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning (MQ-MAS) experiment for spin I=5/2 nuclei. Two MQ-MAS pulse sequences employing this mixing scheme for the triple-to-single and quintuple-to-single quantum coherence transfers have been designed and their performance is demonstrated for 27Al on samples of NaSi 3AlO 8 and 9Al 2O 3·2B 2O 3 . Compared to the standard single-pulse mixing sequences, the sensitivity is approximately doubled in the present experiments.

Decomposition of adsorbed VX on activated carbons studied by {sup 31}P MAS NMR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ishay Columbus; Daniel Waysbort; Liora Shmueli

2006-06-15

The fate of the persistent OP nerve agent O-ethyl S-(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl) methylphosphonothioate (VX) on granular activated carbons that are used for gas filtration was studied by means of 31P magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Four types of activated carbon were used, including coal-based BPL. VX as vapor or liquid was adsorbed on carbon granules, and MAS NMR spectra were recorded periodically. The results show that at least 90% of the adsorbed VX decomposes within 20 days or less to the nontoxic ethyl methylphosphonic acid (EMPA) and bis(S-2-diisopropylaminoethane) ((DES){sub 2}). Decomposition occurred irrespective of the phase from which VX was loaded,more » the presence of metal impregnation on the carbon surface, and the water content of the carbon. Theoretical and practical aspects of the degradation are discussed. 17 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Food Waste Composting Study from Makanan Ringan Mas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadir, A. A.; Ismail, S. N. M.; Jamaludin, S. N.

2016-07-01

The poor management of municipal solid waste in Malaysia has worsened over the years especially on food waste. Food waste represents almost 60% of the total municipal solid waste disposed in the landfill. Composting is one of low cost alternative method to dispose the food waste. This study is conducted to compost the food waste generation in Makanan Ringan Mas, which is a medium scale industry in Parit Kuari Darat due to the lack knowledge and exposure of food waste recycling practice. The aim of this study is to identify the physical and chemical parameters of composting food waste from Makanan Ringan Mas. The physical parameters were tested for temperature and pH value and the chemical parameter are Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. In this study, backyard composting was conducted with 6 reactors. Tapioca peel was used as fermentation liquid and soil and coconut grated were used as the fermentation bed. Backyard composting was conducted with six reactors. The overall results from the study showed that the temperature of the reactors were within the range which are from 30° to 50°C. The result of this study revealed that all the reactors which contain processed food waste tend to produce pH value within the range of 5 to 6 which can be categorized as slightly acidic. Meanwhile, the reactors which contained raw food waste tend to produce pH value within the range of 7 to 8 which can be categorized as neutral. The highest NPK obtained is from Reactor B that process only raw food waste. The average value of Nitrogen is 48540 mg/L, Phosphorus is 410 mg/L and Potassium is 1550 mg/L. From the comparison with common chemical fertilizer, it shows that NPK value from the composting are much lower than NPK of the common chemical fertilizer. However, comparison with NPK of organic fertilizer shown only slightly difference value in NPK.

Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph Observations of Procyon and HR1099

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, Brian E.; Harper, Graham M.; Linsky, Jeffrey L.; Dempsey, Robert C.

1996-01-01

Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) observations have revealed the presence of broad wings in the transition-region lines of AU Mic and Capella. It has been proposed that these wings are signatures of microflares in the transition regions of these stars and that the solar analog for this phenomenon might be the 'transition region explosive events' discussed by Dere, Bartoe, & Brueckner. We have analyzed GHRS observations of Procyon (F5 IV-V) and HR 1099 (K1 IV + G5 IV) to search for broad wings in the UV emission lines of these stars. We find that the transition-region lines of HR 1099, which are emitted almost entirely by the K1 star, do indeed have broad wings that are even more prominent than those of AU Mic and Capella. This is consistent with the association of the broad wings with microflaring since HR 1099 is a very active binary system. In contrast, the transition-region lines of Procyon, a relatively inactive star, do not show evidence for broad wings, with the possible exception of N v lambda1239. However, Procyon's lines do appear to have excess emission in their blue wings. Linsky et al. found no evidence for broad wings in Capella's chromospheric lines, but we find that the Mg II resonance lines of HR 1099 do have broad wings. The striking resemblance between HR 1099's Mg II and C iv lines suggests that the Mg II line profiles may be regulated by turbulent processes similar to those that control the transition-region line profiles. If this is the case, microflaring may be occurring in the K1 star's chromosphere as well as in its transition region. However, radiative transfer calculations suggest that the broad wings of the Mg II lines can also result from normal chromospheric opacity effects rather than pure turbulence. The prominence of broad wings in the transition region and perhaps even chromospheric lines of active stars suggests that microflaring is very prevalent in the outer atmospheres of active stars.

The effect of wasabi rhizome extract on atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in HR-1 hairless mice.

PubMed

Nagai, Masashi; Okunishi, Isao

2009-04-01

We investigated the effect of wasabi rhizome extract on atopic dermatitis (AD) model mice. The wasabi extract was fed to the HR-1 hairless mice, which develop AD-like symptoms with a special diet (HR-AD diet). The extract was expected to reduce the symptoms induced. Wasabi rhizome-containing HR-AD diet (5% and 10%) reduced the scratching behavior, and the 10% wasabi rhizome HR-AD diet significantly reduced scratching behavior on days 28, 35 and 42. Plasma components (histamine, eotaxin, IgE and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)) were decreased in the 10% wasabi rhizome HR-AD diet. In histopathological examinations (toluidine blue (T.B.), major basic protein (MBP), CD4, IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, TARC and IgE), the wasabi rhizome-containing HR-AD diet (5% and 10%) significantly reduced the number of positive stained cells. These results suggested that the wasabi rhizome extract improved the AD-like symptoms of HR-1 hairless mice.

Clinical Validation of Anyplex II HPV HR Detection Test for Cervical Cancer Screening in Korea.

PubMed

Jung, Sunkyung; Lee, Byungdoo; Lee, Kap No; Kim, Yonggoo; Oh, Eun-Jee

2016-03-01

The Anyplex II HPV HR detection kit (Seegene Inc, Seoul, Korea) is a new, multiplex, real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect individual 14 high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) types in a single tube. To evaluate the clinical performance of the HPV HR kit in predicting high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical intraepithelial lesions grade 2 or worse in cervical cancer screening. We analyzed 1137 cervical samples in Huro Path medium (CelltraZone, Seoul, Korea) from Korean women. The clinical performance of the HPV HR kit was compared with Hybrid Capture 2 (Qiagen, Valencia, California) using the noninferiority score test in a routine cervical cancer screening setting. The intralaboratory and interlaboratory agreements of HPV HR were also evaluated. Overall agreement between the 2 assays was 92.4% (1051 of 1137) with a κ value of 0.787. Clinical sensitivity of HPV HR for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical intraepithelial lesions grade 2 or worse was 94.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.2-99.7) and 92.5% (95% CI, 84.3-100.0), respectively. The respective values for Hybrid Capture 2 were 93.1% (95% CI, 87.2-98.9) and 87.5% (95% CI, 77.3-99.7). Clinical sensitivity and specificity of HPV HR were not inferior to those of Hybrid Capture 2 (P = .005 and P = .04, respectively). The HPV HR showed good intralaboratory and interlaboratory reproducibility at 98.0% (κ = 0.953) and 97.4% (κ = 0.940), respectively. The HPV HR demonstrates comparable performance to the Hybrid Capture 2 test and can be useful for HPV-based cervical cancer screening testing.

Student Observation of HR 2282 (Furud)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estrada, Reed; Estrada, Chris; Anker, Payton; Barrientos, Destiny; Colbert, Charlie; Dondelinger, Edward; Gillette, Lindsey; Goodrow, Jeremy; Izadi, Tara; Mayo, Colin; Milton, Jordan; Stuart, Sarah; Varela, Nick

2017-04-01

A selected team of 8th graders measured the separation and the position angle of double star HR 2282 also known as Furud. They used a 22- inch Newtonian Alt/Az telescope to determine the scale constant, separation, and the position angle. The separation angle was 169.6 arc seconds and the position angle was 339.7 degrees. The results were compared to the 1999 Washington Double Star Catalog and were found to be extremely close.

A 10,000-hr life test of an engineering model resistojet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slutz, Rodger J.

1990-01-01

One of the major issues associated with using resistojet thrusters on Space Station Freedom is the long life required. An engineering model resistojet was life-tested to determine if it was capable of meeting that requirement. This thruster, which was designed for 10,000 hr of operation at 2552.4 F (1400 C) or less under cyclical thermal conditions, successfully operated for 10,036 hr at 1836 F (1002 C) while undergoing 141 thermal cycles.

Butterfly Diagram and Activity Cycles in HR 1099

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berdyugina, Svetlana V.; Henry, Gregory W.

2007-04-01

We analyze photometric data of the active RS CVn-type star HR 1099 for the years 1975-2006 with an inversion technique and reveal the nature of two activity cycles of 15-16 yr and 5.3+/-0.1 yr duration. The 16 yr cycle is related to variations of the total spot area and is coupled with the differential rotation, while the 5.3 yr cycle is caused by the symmetric redistribution of the spotted area between the opposite stellar hemispheres (flip-flop cycle). We recover long-lived active regions comprising two active longitudes that migrate in the orbital reference frame with a variable rate because of the differential rotation along with changes in the mean spot latitudes. The migration pattern is periodic with the 16 yr cycle. Combining the longitudinal migration of the active regions with a previously measured differential rotation law, we recover the first stellar butterfly diagram without an assumption about spot shapes. We find that mean latitudes of active regions at opposite longitudes change antisymmetrically in the course of the 16 yr cycle: while one active region migrates to the pole, the other approaches the equator. This suggests a precession of the global magnetic field with respect to the stellar rotational axis.

Angiotensin (1-7) ameliorates the structural and biochemical alterations of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats via activation of ACE-2/Mas receptor axis.

PubMed

Abuohashish, Hatem M; Ahmed, Mohammed M; Sabry, Dina; Khattab, Mahmoud M; Al-Rejaie, Salim S

2017-05-23

The local and systemic renin angiotensin system (RAS) influences the skeletal system micro-structure and metabolism. Studies suggested angiotensin 1-7 (Ang(1-7)) as the beneficial RAS molecule via Mas receptor activation. This study examines the function of Ang(1-7) in bone micro-architecture and metabolism in an ovariectomized (OVX) rodent model of osteoporosis. OVX rats showed structural and bone metabolic degeneration in parallel with suppressed expressions of the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2)/Ang(1-7)/Mas components. The infusion of Ang(1-7) markedly alleviated the altered bone metabolism and significantly enhanced both trabecular (metaphyseal) and cortical (metaphyseal-diaphyseal) morphometry. Urinary and bones minerals were also improved in OVX rats by Ang(1-7). The infusion of the heptapeptide enhanced ACE-2/Mas receptor expressions, while down-regulated AngII, ACE, and AngII type-1 receptor (AT1R) in OVX animals. Moreover, Ang(1-7) markedly improved osteoprotegerin (OPG) and lowered receptor activator NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expressions. The defensive properties of Ang(1-7) on bone metabolism, structure and minerals were considerably eradicated after blockage of Mas receptor with A-779. Ang(1-7)-induced up-regulated ACE-2/Ang(1-7)/Mas cascade and OPG expressions were abolished and the expressions of ACE/AngII/AT1R and RANKL were provoked by A-779. These findings shows for the first time the novel valuable therapeutic role of Ang(1-7) on bone health and metabolism through the ACE-2/Mas cascade.

¹H-MAS-NMR chemical shifts in hydrogen-bonded complexes of chlorophenols (pentachlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol, 3,5-dichlorophenol, and p-chlorophenol) and amine, and H/D isotope effects on ¹H-MAS-NMR spectra.

PubMed

Honda, Hisashi

2013-04-22

Chemical shifts (CS) of the ¹H nucleus in N···H···O type hydrogen bonds (H-bond) were observed in some complexes between chlorophenols [pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4,6-tricholorophenol (TCP), 2,6-dichlorophenol (26DCP), 3,5-dichlorophenol (35DCP), and p-chlorophenol (pCP)] and nitrogen-base (N-Base) by solid-state high-resolution ¹H-NMR with the magic-angle-spinning (MAS) method. Employing N-Bases with a wide range of pKa values (0.65-10.75), ¹H-MAS-NMR CS values of bridging H atoms in H-bonds were obtained as a function of the N-Base's pKa. The result showed that the CS values were increased with increasing pKa values in a range of DpKa < 0 [DpKa = pKa(N-Base)-pKa(chlorophenols)] and decreased when DpKa > 2: The maximum CS values was recorded in the PCP (pKa = 5.26)-4-methylpyridine (6.03), TCP (6.59)-imidazole (6.99), 26DCP (7.02)-2-amino-4-methylpyridine (7.38), 35DCP (8.04)-4-dimethylaminopyridine (9.61), and pCP (9.47)-4-dimethylaminopyridine (9.61) complexes. The largest CS value of 18.6 ppm was recorded in TCP-imidazole crystals. In addition, H/D isotope effects on ¹H-MAS-NMR spectra were observed in PCP-2-amino-3-methylpyridine. Based on the results of CS simulation using a B3LYP/6-311+G** function, it can be explained that a little changes of the N-H length in H-bond contribute to the H/D isotope shift of the ¹H-MAS-NMR peaks.

Characterization of active phosphorus surface sites at synthetic carbonate-free fluorapatite using single-pulse 1H, 31P, and 31P CP MAS NMR.

PubMed

Jarlbring, Mathias; Sandström, Dan E; Antzutkin, Oleg N; Forsling, Willis

2006-05-09

The chemically active phosphorus surface sites defined as PO(x), PO(x)H, and PO(x)H2, where x = 1, 2, or 3, and the bulk phosphorus groups of PO4(3-) at synthetic carbonate-free fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F) have been studied by means of single-pulse 1H,31P, and 31P CP MAS NMR. The changes in composition and relative amounts of each surface species are evaluated as a function of pH. By combining spectra from single-pulse 1H and 31P MAS NMR and data from 31P CP MAS NMR experiments at varying contact times in the range 0.2-3.0 ms, it has been possible to distinguish between resonance lines in the NMR spectra originating from active surface sites and bulk phosphorus groups and also to assign the peaks in the NMR spectra to the specific phosphorus species. In the 31P CP MAS NMR experiments, the spinning frequency was set to 4.2 kHz; in the single-pulse 1H MAS NMR experiments, the spinning frequency was 10 kHz. The 31P CP MAS NMR spectrum of fluorapatite at pH 5.9 showed one dominating resonance line at 2.9 ppm assigned to originate from PO4(3-) groups and two weaker shoulder peaks at 5.4 and 0.8 ppm which were assigned to the unprotonated PO(x) (PO, PO2-, and PO3(2-)) and protonated PO(x)H (PO2H and PO3H-) surface sites. At pH 12.7, the intensity of the peak representing unprotonated PO(x) surface sites has increased 1.7% relative to the bulk peak, while the intensity of the peaks of the protonated species PO(x)H have decreased 1.4% relative to the bulk peak. At pH 3.5, a resonance peak at -4.5 ppm has appeared in the 31P CP MAS NMR spectrum assigned to the surface species PO(x)H2 (PO3H2). The results from the 1H MAS and 31P CP MAS NMR measurements indicated that H+, OH-, and physisorbed H2O at the surface were released during the drying process at 200 degrees C.

Pharmacological significance of the interplay between angiotensin receptors: MAS receptors as putative final mediators of the effects elicited by angiotensin AT1 receptors antagonists.

PubMed

Pernomian, Larissa; Pernomian, Laena; Gomes, Mayara S; da Silva, Carlos H T P

2015-12-15

The interplay between angiotensin AT1 receptors and MAS receptors relies on several inward regulatory mechanisms from renin-angiotensin system (RAS) including the functional crosstalk between angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7), the competitive AT1 antagonism exhibited by angiotensin-(1-7), the antagonist feature assigned to AT1/MAS heterodimerization on AT1 signaling and the AT1-mediated downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Recently, such interplay has acquired an important significance to RAS Pharmacology since a few studies have supporting strong evidences that MAS receptors mediate the effects elicited by AT1 antagonists. The present Perspective provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms involving AT1 and MAS receptors, their significance to RAS Pharmacology and the future directions on the interplay between angiotensin receptors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative evaluation of heart rate-based monitors: Apple Watch vs Fitbit Charge HR.

PubMed

Bai, Yang; Hibbing, Paul; Mantis, Constantine; Welk, Gregory J

2018-08-01

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the validity of energy expenditure (EE), steps, and heart rate measured with the Apple Watch 1 and Fitbit Charge HR. Thirty-nine healthy adults wore the two monitors while completing a semi-structured activity protocol consisting of 20 minutes of sedentary activity, 25 minutes of aerobic exercise, and 25 minutes of light intensity physical activity. Criterion measures were obtained from an Oxycon Mobile for EE, a pedometer for steps, and a Polar heart rate strap worn on the chest for heart rate. For estimating whole-trial EE, the mean absolute percent error (MAPE) from Fitbit Charge HR (32.9%) was more than twice that of Apple Watch 1 (15.2%). This trend was consistent for the individual conditions. Both monitors accurately assessed steps during aerobic activity (MAPE Apple : 6.2%; MAPE Fitbit : 9.4%) but overestimated steps in light physical activity. For heart rate, Fitbit Charge HR produced its smallest MAPE in sedentary behaviors (7.2%), followed by aerobic exercise (8.4%), and light activity (10.1%). The Apple Watch 1 had stronger validity than the Fitbit Charge HR for assessing overall EE and steps during aerobic exercise. The Fitbit Charge HR provided heart rate estimates that were statistically equivalent to Polar monitor.

Determination of the structural changes by Raman and {sup 13}C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy on native corn starch with plasticizers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cozar, O.; Filip, C.; Tripon, C.

The plasticizing - antiplasticizing effect of water and glycerol contents on native corn starch samples is investigated by FT-Raman and {sup 13}C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. The presence of both amorphous and crystalline structural phases was evidenced in pure native corn starch and also in the samples containing plasticizers. Among the crystalline starch structures, the A- and V- types were suggested by CP/MAS NMR spectra.

Size-dependent scanning parameters (kVp and mAs) for photon-counting spectral CT system in pediatric imaging: simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Han; Danielsson, Mats; Xu, Cheng

2016-06-01

We are developing a photon-counting spectral CT detector with a small pixel size of 0.4× 0.5 mm2, offering a potential advantage for better visualization of small structures in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the patient size dependent scanning parameters (kVp and mAs) for pediatric CT in two imaging cases: adipose imaging and iodinated blood imaging. Cylindrical soft-tissue phantoms of diameters between 10-25 cm were used to mimic patients of different ages from 0 to 15 y. For adipose imaging, a 5 mm diameter adipose sphere was assumed as an imaging target, while in the case of iodinated imaging, an iodinated blood sphere of 1 mm in diameter was assumed. By applying the geometry of a commercial CT scanner (GE Lightspeed VCT), simulations were carried out to calculate the detectability index, {{d}\\prime 2} , with tube potentials varying from 40 to 140 kVp. The optimal kVp for each phantom in each imaging case was determined such that the dose-normalized detectability index, {{d}\\prime 2}/ dose, is maximized. With the assumption that the detectability index in pediatric imaging is required the same as in typical adult imaging, the value of mAs at optimal kVp for each phantom was selected to achieve a reference detectability index that was obtained by scanning an adult phantom (30 cm in diameter) in a typical adult CT procedure (120 kVp and 200 mAs) using a modeled energy-integrating system. For adipose imaging, the optimal kVps are 50, 60, 80, and 120 kVp, respectively, for phantoms of 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm in diameter. The corresponding mAs values required to achieve the reference detectability index are only 9%, 23%, 24%, and 54% of the mAs that is used for adult patients at 120 kVp, for 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm diameter phantoms, respectively. In the case of iodinated imaging, a tube potential of 60 kVp was found optimal for all phantoms investigated, and the mAs values required to achieve the reference detectability

Characterization of solid polymer dispersions of active pharmaceutical ingredients by 19F MAS NMR and factor analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbanova, Martina; Brus, Jiri; Sedenkova, Ivana; Policianova, Olivia; Kobera, Libor

In this contribution the ability of 19F MAS NMR spectroscopy to probe structural variability of poorly water-soluble drugs formulated as solid dispersions in polymer matrices is discussed. The application potentiality of the proposed approach is demonstrated on a moderately sized active pharmaceutical ingredient (API, Atorvastatin) exhibiting extensive polymorphism. In this respect, a range of model systems with the API incorporated in the matrix of polvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was prepared. The extent of mixing of both components was determined by T1(1H) and T1ρ(1H) relaxation experiments, and it was found that the API forms nanosized domains. Subsequently it was found out that the polymer matrix induces two kinds of changes in 19F MAS NMR spectra. At first, this is a high-frequency shift reaching 2-3 ppm which is independent on molecular structure of the API and which results from the long-range polarization of the electron cloud around 19F nucleus induced by electrostatic fields of the polymer matrix. At second, this is broadening of the signals and formation of shoulders reflecting changes in molecular arrangement of the API. To avoid misleading in the interpretation of the recorded 19F MAS NMR spectra, because both the contributions act simultaneously, we applied chemometric approach based on multivariate analysis. It is demonstrated that factor analysis of the recorded spectra can separate both these spectral contributions, and the subtle structural differences in the molecular arrangement of the API in the nanosized domains can be traced. In this way 19F MAS NMR spectra of both pure APIs and APIs in solid dispersions can be directly compared. The proposed strategy thus provides a powerful tool for the analysis of new formulations of fluorinated pharmaceutical substances in polymer matrices.

Understanding deformation with high angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Britton, T. B.; Hickey, J. L. R.

2018-01-01

High angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD) affords an increase in angular resolution, as compared to ‘conventional’ Hough transform based EBSD, of two orders of magnitude, enabling measurements of relative misorientations of 1 x 10-4 rads (~ 0.006°) and changes in (deviatoric) lattice strain with a precision of 1 x 10-4. This is achieved through direct comparison of two or more diffraction patterns using sophisticated cross-correlation based image analysis routines. Image shifts between zone axes in the two-correlated diffraction pattern are measured with sub-pixel precision and this realises the ability to measure changes in interplanar angles and lattice orientation with a high degree of sensitivity. These shifts are linked to strains and lattice rotations through simple geometry. In this manuscript, we outline the basis of the technique and two case studies that highlight its potential to tackle real materials science challenges, such as deformation patterning in polycrystalline alloys.

Characterization of laser induced damage of HR coatings with picosecond pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cheng; Zhao, Yuan'an; Cui, Yun; Wang, Yueliang; Peng, Xiaocong; Shan, Chong; Zhu, Meiping; Wang, Jianguo; Shao, Jianda

2017-11-01

The effect of protective layer on the picosecond laser-induced damage behaviors of HfO2/SiO2 high-reflective (HR) coatings are explored. Two kinds of 1064nm HR coatings with and without protective layer are deposited by electron beam evaporation. Laser-induced damage tests are conducted with 1064nm, 30ps S-polarized and P-polarized pulses with different angle of incidence (AOI) to make the electric fields intensity in the HR coatings discrepantly. Damage morphology and cross section of damage sites were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and focused ion beam (FIB), respectively. It is found that SiO2 protective layer have a certain degree of improvement on laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) for every AOIs. The onset damage initiated very near to the Max peak of e-field, after which forms ripple-like pits. The damage morphology presents as layer delamination at high fluence. The Laser damage resistance is correspond with the maximum E-intensity in the coating stacks.

The ACE-2/Ang1-7/Mas cascade enhances bone structure and metabolism following angiotensin-II type 1 receptor blockade.

PubMed

Abuohashish, Hatem M; Ahmed, Mohammed M; Sabry, Dina; Khattab, Mahmoud M; Al-Rejaie, Salim S

2017-07-15

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) regulates numerous systemic functions and is expressed locally in skeletal tissues. Angiotensin1-7 (Ang1-7) is a beneficial member of the RAS, and the therapeutic effects of a large number of angiotensin receptors blockers (ARBs) are mediated by an Ang1-7-dependent cascade. This study examines whether the reported osteo-preservative effects of losartan are mediated through the angiotensin converting enzyme2 (ACE-2)/Ang1-7/Mas pathway in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Sham and OVX animals received losartan (10mg/kg/d p.o.) for 6 weeks. A specific Mas receptor blocker (A-779) was delivered via mini-osmotic pumps during the losartan treatment period. Serum and urine bone metabolism biomarker levels were measured. Bone trabecular and cortical morphometry were quantified in distal femurs, whereas mineral contents were estimated in ashed bones, serum and urine. Finally, the expression of RAS components, the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was determined. Losartan significantly improved the elevated bone metabolism marker levels and altered trabecular and cortical structures in OVX animals, and restored normal urinary and skeletal mineral levels. Mas receptor inhibition significantly abolished all osteo-protective effects of losartan and enhanced the deleterious effects of OVX. Losartan enhanced OVX-induced up-regulation of ACE-1, AngII, angiotensin type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor and RANKL expression, and increased ACE-2, Ang1-7, Mas and OPG expression in OVX animals. However, A-779 significantly eradicated the effects of losartan on RAS components and RANKL/OPG expression. Thus, Ang1-7 are involved in the osteo-preservative effects of losartan via Mas receptor, which may add therapeutic value to this well-known antihypertensive agent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Setting of commercial glass ionomer cement Fuji IX by (27)Al and (19)F MAS-NMR.

PubMed

Munhoz, Tais; Karpukhina, Natalia; Hill, Robert G; Law, Robert V; De Almeida, L H

2010-04-01

To investigate the long term setting reaction in the glass ionomer restorative, Fuji IX, by monitoring the structural evolution of aluminium and fluorine species using (27)Al and (19)F MAS-NMR spectroscopy. Fuji IX cements aged from 5min up to 3 months were prepared according to the manufacturer instructions from the commercial material. The (27)Al and (19)F MAS-NMR studies were carried out on powders made after terminating the setting reaction. (27)Al MAS-NMR results show conversion of aluminium from the glass phase, where it has coordination number four, Al(IV), into the cement matrix where it has a coordination number of six, Al(VI). At least two different Al(VI) species were detected at short ageing time cements. Assignment of these species is discussed and compared with the data from other sources. The possibility for a condensed aluminium species [Al(13)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)](7+) to form is considered. The ratio of aluminium in the cement, Al(VI), to the remaining unreacted in glass has been evaluated by deconvolution of the spectra. Various theoretical ratios of aluminium species in the cement matrix to the unreacted ones remaining in glass have been estimated. The (19)F MAS-NMR spectra are identical for the glass and cements at the early times and contain a dominant signal assigned to Al-F-Sr(n). The data confirms that the conversion of aluminium is a diffusion-controlled process at early stage less than 1h and it is largely complete between 1 and 6h. The comparison with the experimental data shows that the majority of aluminium cations do not form tricarboxylates but are coordinated with one or two carboxylic groups and other ligands. Insufficient amount of water and excess of glass in this cement formulation affect glass degradation mechanism. Crown Copyright 2009. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The dynamical structure of the HR8799 inner debris disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wittenmyer, Robert A.; Contro de Godoy, Bruna; Horner, Jonathan; Marshall, Jonathan P.

2014-11-01

The HR 8799 system, with its four giant planets and two debris belts, has an architecture closely mirroring that of our Solar System where the inner, warm asteroid belt and outer, cool Edgeworth-Kuiper belt bracket the giant planets. As such, it is a valuable laboratory for examining exoplanet dynamics and debris disc-exoplanet interactions. Whilst the outer debris belt of HR 8799 has been well resolved by previous observations, the spatial extent of the inner disc remains unknown, leaving a question mark over both the location of the planetesimals responsible for producing the belt's visible dust and the physical properties of those grains. We have performed the most extensive simulations to date of the inner, unresolved debris belt around HR 8799, using University of New South Wales's Katana supercomputing facility to follow the dynamical evolution of a model inner disc comprising 250,000 particles for a period of 100 million years. These simulations will (1) characterise the extent and structure of the inner disk in detail and (2) provide the first estimate of the small-body impact rate and water delivery prospects for possible (as-yet undetected) terrestrial planet(s) in the inner system.

Réunion publique HR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2010-04-30

Chers Collègues,Je me permets de vous rappeler qu'une réunion publique organisée par le Département HR se tiendra aujourd'hui:Vendredi 30 avril 2010 à 9h30 dans l'Amphithéâtre principal (café offert dès 9h00).Durant cette réunion, des informations générales seront données sur:le CERN Admin e-guide, qui est un nouveau guide des procédures administratives du CERN ayant pour but de faciliter la recherche d'informations pratiques et d'offrir un format de lecture convivial;le régime d'Assurance Maladie de l'Organisation (présentation effectuée par Philippe Charpentier, Président du CHIS Board) et;la Caisse de Pensions (présentation effectuée par Théodore Economou, Administrateur de la Caisse de Pensions du CERN).Une transmission simultanéemore » de cette réunion sera assurée dans l'Amphithéâtre BE de Prévessin et également disponible à l'adresse suivante: http://webcast.cern.chJe me réjouis de votre participation!Meilleures salutations,Anne-Sylvie CatherinChef du Département des Ressources humaines__________________________________________________________________________________Dear Colleagues,I should like to remind you that a plublic meeting organised by HR Department will be held today:Friday 30 April 2010 at 9:30 am in the Main Auditorium (coffee from 9:00 am).During this meeting, general information will be given about:the CERN Admin e-guide which is a new guide to the Organization's administrative procedures, drawn up to facilitate the retrieval of practical information and to offer a user-friendly format;the CERN Health Insurance System (presentation by Philippe Charpentier, President of the CHIS Board) and;the Pension Fund (presentation by Theodore Economou, Administrator of the CERN Pension Fund).A simultaneous transmission of this meeting will be broadcast in the BE Auditorium at Prévessin and will also be available at the following address. http://webcast.cern.chI look forward to your participation!Best regards

Learning Culture, Line Manager and HR Professional Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Patricia

2011-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on the role of line management and learning culture in the development of professional practice for the human resource (HR) practitioner. Design/methodology/approach: Three-year longitudinal, matched-pair study involving five participants and their line managers. Findings: Two of the five participants experienced…

International Child Abduction Act. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Governmental Relations of the Committee on the Judiciary. House of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session on H.R. 2673 and H.R. 3971.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on the Judiciary.

This document contains witnesses' testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to consider enactment of H.R. 2673, a bill to facilitate implementation of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The text of H.R. 2673 is included in the document as is the text of H.R. 3971, a bill…

Development of microsatellites from Cornus mas L. (Cornaceae) and characterization of genetic diversity of cornelian cherries from China, central Europe, and the United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is indigenous to central and southeastern Europe and is an ecologically and economically important shrub or small tree. The aim of this study was to develop molecular tools for assessing genetic diversity and provide unique molecular identification of C. mas cultivar...

Conformation analysis and molecular mobility of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene copolymer using solid-state 19F MAS and 1H --> 19F CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Aimi, Keitaro; Ando, Shinji

2004-07-01

The changes in the conformation and molecular mobility accompanied by a phase transition in the crystalline domain were analyzed for ethylene (E) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer, ETFE, using variable-temperature (VT) solid-state 19F magic angle spinning (MAS) and 1H --> 19F cross-polarization (CP)/MAS NMR spectroscopy. The shifts of the signals for fluorines in TFE units to higher frequency and the continuing decrease and increase in the T1rho(F) values suggest that conformational exchange motions exist in the crystalline domain between 42 and 145 degrees C. Quantum chemical calculations of magnetic shielding constants showed that the high-frequency shift of TFE units should be induced by trans to gauche conformational changes at the CH2-CF2 linkage in the E-TFE unit. Although the 19F signals of the crystalline domain are substantially overlapped with those of the amorphous domain at ambient probe temperature (68 degrees C), they were successfully distinguished by using the dipolar filter and spin-lock pulse sequences at 145 degrees C. The dipolar coupling constants for the crystalline domain, which can be estimated by fitting the dipolar oscillation behaviors in the 1H --> 19F CP curve, showed a significant decrease with increasing temperature from 42 to 145 degrees C. This is due to the averaging of 1H-19F dipolar interactions originating from the molecular motion in the crystalline domain. The increase in molecular mobility in the crystalline domain was clearly shown by VT T1rho(F) and 1H --> 19F CP measurements in the phase transition temperature range. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Reconnaissance of the HR 8799 Exosolar System. II. Astrometry and Orbital Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pueyo, L.; Soummer, R.; Hoffmann, J.; Oppenheimer, R.; Graham, J. R.; Zimmerman, N.; Zhai, C.; Wallace, J. K.; Vescelus, F.; Veicht, A.; Vasisht, G.; Truong, T.; Sivaramakrishnan, A.; Shao, M.; Roberts, L. C., Jr.; Roberts, J. E.; Rice, E.; Parry, I. R.; Nilsson, R.; Lockhart, T.; Ligon, E. R.; King, D.; Hinkley, S.; Hillenbrand, L.; Hale, D.; Dekany, R.; Crepp, J. R.; Cady, E.; Burruss, R.; Brenner, D.; Beichman, C.; Baranec, C.

2015-04-01

We present an analysis of the orbital motion of the four substellar objects orbiting HR 8799. Our study relies on the published astrometric history of this system augmented with an epoch obtained with the Project 1640 coronagraph with an integral field spectrograph (IFS) installed at the Palomar Hale telescope. We first focus on the intricacies associated with astrometric estimation using the combination of an extreme adaptive optics system (PALM-3000), a coronagraph, and an IFS. We introduce two new algorithms. The first one retrieves the stellar focal plane position when the star is occulted by a coronagraphic stop. The second one yields precise astrometric and spectrophotometric estimates of faint point sources even when they are initially buried in the speckle noise. The second part of our paper is devoted to studying orbital motion in this system. In order to complement the orbital architectures discussed in the literature, we determine an ensemble of likely Keplerian orbits for HR 8799bcde, using a Bayesian analysis with maximally vague priors regarding the overall configuration of the system. Although the astrometric history is currently too scarce to formally rule out coplanarity, HR 8799d appears to be misaligned with respect to the most likely planes of HR 8799bce orbits. This misalignment is sufficient to question the strictly coplanar assumption made by various authors when identifying a Laplace resonance as a potential architecture. Finally, we establish a high likelihood that HR 8799de have dynamical masses below 13 MJup, using a loose dynamical survival argument based on geometric close encounters. We illustrate how future dynamical analyses will further constrain dynamical masses in the entire system.

CAMECA IMS 1300-HR3: The New Generation Ion Microprobe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peres, P.; Choi, S. Y.; Renaud, L.; Saliot, P.; Larson, D. J.

2016-12-01

The success of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in Geo- and Cosmo-chemistry relies on its performance in terms of: 1) very high sensitivity (mandatory for high precision measurements or to achieve low detection limits); 2) a broad mass range of elemental and isotopic species, from low mass (H) to high mass (U and above); 3) in-situ analysis of any solid flat polished surface; and 4) high spatial resolution from tens of microns down to sub-micron scale. The IMS 1300-HR3 (High Reproducibility, High spatial Resolution, High mass Resolution) is the latest generation of CAMECA's large geometry magnetic sector SIMS (or ion microprobe), successor to the internationally recognized IMS 1280-HR. The 1300-HR3delivers unmatched analytical performance for a wide range of applications (stable isotopes, geochronology, trace elements, nuclear safeguards and environmental studies…) due to: • High brightness RF-plasma oxygen ion source with enhanced beam density and current stability, dramatically improving spatial resolution, data reproducibility, and throughput • Automated sample loading system with motorized sample height (Z) adjustment, significantly increasing analysis precision, ease-of-use, and productivity • UV-light microscope for enhanced optical image resolution, together with dedicated software for easy sample navigation (developed by University of Wisconsin, USA) • Low noise 1012Ω resistor Faraday cup preamplifier boards for measuring low signal intensities In addition, improvements in electronics and software have been integrated into the new instrument. In order to meet a growing demand from geochronologists, CAMECA also introduces the KLEORA, which is a fully optimized ion microprobe for advanced mineral dating derived from the IMS 1300-HR3. Instrumental developments as well as data obtained for stable isotope and U-Pb dating applications will be presented in detail.

A Bio-Economic Case Study of Canadian Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies: Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in Queen Breeding Affects Beekeeper Profits

PubMed Central

Baylis, Kathy; Hoover, Shelley E.; Currie, Rob W.; Melathopoulos, Andony P.; Pernal, Stephen F.; Foster, Leonard J.; Guarna, M. Marta

2017-01-01

Abstract Over the past decade in North America and Europe, winter losses of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies have increased dramatically. Scientific consensus attributes these losses to multifactorial causes including altered parasite and pathogen profiles, lack of proper nutrition due to agricultural monocultures, exposure to pesticides, management, and weather. One method to reduce colony loss and increase productivity is through selective breeding of queens to produce disease-, pathogen-, and mite-resistant stock. Historically, the only method for identifying desirable traits in honey bees to improve breeding was through observation of bee behavior. A team of Canadian scientists have recently identified markers in bee antennae that correspond to behavioral traits in bees and can be tested for in a laboratory. These scientists have demonstrated that this marker-assisted selection (MAS) can be used to produce hygienic, pathogen-resistant honey bee colonies. Based on this research, we present a beekeeping case study where a beekeeper’s profit function is used to evaluate the economic impact of adopting colonies selected for hygienic behavior using MAS into an apiary. Our results show a net profit gain from an MAS colony of between 2% and 5% when Varroa mites are effectively treated. In the case of ineffective treatment, MAS generates a net profit benefit of between 9% and 96% depending on the Varroa load. When a Varroa mite population has developed some treatment resistance, we show that MAS colonies generate a net profit gain of between 8% and 112% depending on the Varroa load and degree of treatment resistance. PMID:28334400

Quantitative in vivo HR-pQCT imaging of 3D wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint space width in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Burghardt, Andrew J; Lee, Chan Hee; Kuo, Daniel; Majumdar, Sharmila; Imboden, John B; Link, Thomas M; Li, Xiaojuan

2013-12-01

In this technique development study, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was applied to non-invasively image and quantify 3D joint space morphology of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). HR-pQCT imaging (82 μm voxel-size) of the dominant hand was performed in patients with diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA, N = 16, age: 52.6 ± 12.8) and healthy controls (CTRL, N = 7, age: 50.1 ± 15.0). An automated computer algorithm was developed to segment wrist and MCP joint spaces. The 3D distance transformation method was applied to spatially map joint space width, and summarized by the mean joint space width (JSW), minimal and maximal JSW (JSW.MIN, JSW.MAX), asymmetry (JSW.AS), and distribution (JSW.SD)-a measure of joint space heterogeneity. In vivo precision was determined for each measure by calculating the smallest detectable difference (SDD) and root mean square coefficient of variation (RMSCV%) of repeat scans. Qualitatively, HR-pQCT images and pseudo-color JSW maps showed global joint space narrowing, as well as regional and focal abnormalities in RA patients. In patients with radiographic JSN at an MCP, JSW.SD was two-fold greater vs. CTRL (p < 0.01), and JSW.MIN was more than two-fold lower (p < 0.001). Similarly, JSW.SD was significantly greater in the wrist of RA patients vs. CTRL (p < 0.05). In vivo precision was highest for JSW (SDD: 100 μm, RMSCV: 2.1%) while the SDD for JSW.MIN and JSW.SD were 370 and 110 μm, respectively. This study suggests that in vivo quantification of 3D joint space morphology from HR-pQCT, could improve early detection of joint damage in rheumatological diseases.

Quantitative In Vivo HR-pQCT Imaging of 3D Wrist and Metacarpophalangeal Joint Space Width In Rheumatoid Arthritis

PubMed Central

Burghardt, Andrew J.; Lee, Chan Hee; Kuo, Daniel; Majumdar, Sharmila; Imboden, John B.; Link, Thomas M.; Li, Xiaojuan

2013-01-01

In this technique development study, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was applied to non-invasively image and quantify 3D joint space morphology of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). HR-pQCT imaging (82μm voxel-size) of the dominant hand was performed in patients with diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA, N=16, age:52.6±12.8) and healthy controls (CTRL, N=7, age:50.1±15.0). An automated computer algorithm was developed to segment wrist and MCP joint spaces. The 3D distance transformation method was applied to spatially map joint space width, and summarized by the mean joint space width (JSW), minimal and maximal JSW (JSW.MIN, JSW.MAX), asymmetry (JSW.AS), and distribution (JSW.SD) – a measure of joint space heterogeneity. In vivo precision was determined for each measure by calculating the smallest detectable difference (SDD) and root mean square coefficient of variation (RMSCV%) of repeat scans. Qualitatively, HR-pQCT images and pseudo-color JSW maps showed global joint space narrowing, as well as regional and focal abnormalities in RA patients. In patients with radiographic JSN at an MCP, JSW.SD was two-fold greater versus CTRL (p<0.01), and JSW.MIN was more than two-fold lower (p<0.001). Similarly, JSW.SD was significantly greater in the wrist of RA patients versus CTRL (p<0.05). In vivo precision was highest for JSW (SDD: 100μm, RMSCV: 2.1%) while the SDD for JSW.MIN and JSW.SD were 370 and 110μm, respectively. This study suggests that in vivo quantification of 3D joint space morphology from HR-pQCT, could improve early detection of joint damage in rheumatological diseases. PMID:23887879

The Dynamical Structure of HR 8799's Inner Debris Disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Contro, B.; Wittenmyer, Robert A.; Horner, J.; Marshall, Jonathan P.

2015-06-01

The HR 8799 system, with its four giant planets and two debris belts, has an architecture closely mirroring that of our Solar system where the inner, warm asteroid belt and outer, cool Edgeworth-Kuiper belt bracket the giant planets. As such, it is a valuable laboratory for examining exoplanetary dynamics and debris disk-exoplanet interactions. Whilst the outer debris belt of HR 8799 has been well resolved by previous observations, the spatial extent of the inner disk remains unknown. This leaves a significant question mark over both the location of the planetesimals responsible for producing the belt's visible dust and the physical properties of those grains. We have performed the most extensive simulations to date of the inner, unresolved debris belt around HR 8799, using UNSW Australia's Katana supercomputing facility to follow the dynamical evolution of a model inner disk comprising 300,298 particles for a period of 60 Ma. These simulations have enabled the characterisation of the extent and structure of the inner disk in detail, and will in future allow us to provide a first estimate of the small-body impact rate and water delivery prospects for possible (as-yet undetected) terrestrial planet (s) in the inner system.

The Dynamical Structure of HR 8799's Inner Debris Disk.

PubMed

Contro, B; Wittenmyer, Robert A; Horner, J; Marshall, Jonathan P

2015-06-01

The HR 8799 system, with its four giant planets and two debris belts, has an architecture closely mirroring that of our Solar system where the inner, warm asteroid belt and outer, cool Edgeworth-Kuiper belt bracket the giant planets. As such, it is a valuable laboratory for examining exoplanetary dynamics and debris disk-exoplanet interactions. Whilst the outer debris belt of HR 8799 has been well resolved by previous observations, the spatial extent of the inner disk remains unknown. This leaves a significant question mark over both the location of the planetesimals responsible for producing the belt's visible dust and the physical properties of those grains. We have performed the most extensive simulations to date of the inner, unresolved debris belt around HR 8799, using UNSW Australia's Katana supercomputing facility to follow the dynamical evolution of a model inner disk comprising 300,298 particles for a period of 60 Ma. These simulations have enabled the characterisation of the extent and structure of the inner disk in detail, and will in future allow us to provide a first estimate of the small-body impact rate and water delivery prospects for possible (as-yet undetected) terrestrial planet (s) in the inner system.

Considerations for Consortia as States Transition Away from AA-MAS. NCEO Brief. Number 7

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center on Educational Outcomes, 2014

2014-01-01

States with an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards (AA-MAS) that received a flexibility waiver from some of the requirements of No Child Left Behind are required to phase out their use of this assessment. And, on August 23, 2013, the U.S. Department of Education published a proposed rollback of regulation that allowed the…

Mini-invasive treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms: current roles of endovascular, laparoscopic, and open techniques.

PubMed

Coscas, Raphaël; Maumias, Thibault; Capdevila, Clément; Javerliat, Isabelle; Goëau-Brissonnière, Olivier; Coggia, Marc

2014-01-01

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), laparoscopic aortic surgery (LAS), and open surgery (OS) are three established treatment methods of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). While these techniques are often percieved as competitive between them, they are complementary for the vascular surgeon, whose goal is to provide a treatment adapted to each case that is noninvasive and durable. The objective of this study was to report our results of AAA repair to better define the roles of the three techniques. From January 2009 to December 2011, we operated on 235 patients for AAAs. Patients for whom the three technical methods were discussed preoperatively were selected. Cases where the three techniques were not discussed were excluded (ruptured AAA, technique not available). One hundred seventy-five (75%) patients were included. Four groups were established based on the surgical risk and the anatomic EVAR criteria of the French Health Authority (Haute Autorité de Santé [HAS]), including: (1) good risk and favorable anatomy (GR-FA); (2) good risk and unfavorable anatomy (GR-UA); (3) high-risk and favorable anatomy (HR-FA); and (4) high-risk and unfavorable anatomy (HR-UA). Data collection was prospective. The numerical data were expressed as median and range. There were 166 (95%) men, aged 74 years (range 38-97 years). AAA diameter was 51 mm (range 30-81 mm). Mini-invasive treatment (EVAR or LAS) was chosen in 156 (89%) cases. Mortality at 30 days was 3.4% (6 patients, 1 EVAR, 1 LAS, and 4 OS), including 3 patients presenting with a "shaggy aorta." There were 58, 19, 65, and 33 patients in groups GR-FA (33%), GR-UA (11%), HR-FA (37%), and HR-UA (19%), respectively. The distribution of the three techniques (EVAR, LAS, OS) according to the groups was as follows: GR-FA (9, 46, 3); GR-UA (0, 13, 6); HR-FA (50, 13, 2); and HR-UA (12, 13, 8), respectively. The results by subgroups are presented. Based on our results, we present a new algorithm for AAA treatment. Among GR-FA patients

One milliarcsecond precision studies in the regions of Delta Equulei and Chi(sup 1) Orionis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatewood, George

1994-01-01

Trigonometric parallaxes for stars in the regions of the binary stars Delta Equulei (HR 8123) and Chi(sup l) Orionis (HR 2047) are derived from data collected with the Multichannel Astrometric Photometer (MAP) and the Thaw Refractor of the University of Pittsburgh's Allegheny Observatory. The weighted mean parallax of all trigonometric studies of delta Equ is now +5.42 +/- 0.93 mas, corresponding to absolute magnitudes of 3.87 +/- 0.04 and 3.95 +/- 0.04 mag, respectively, for the primary and secondary. Using the Popper and Dworetsky orbit we find a photocentric semimajor axis of 2.9 +/- 0.8 mas and individual masses of 1.21 +/- 0.090 and 1.19 +/- 0.088 solar masses, respectively, for the primary and secondary components. The weighted mean trigonometric parallax of all studies of the binary star Chi(sup l) Ori is +111.0 +/- 0.92 mas, implying an absolute visual magnitude for the dominant GO V primary of 4.63 +/- 0.018 mag. The photocentric semimajor axis, derived from a fraction of the orbit, is 96.9 +/- 5.4 mas.

Shaping HR8799's outer dust belt with an unseen planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Read, M. J.; Wyatt, M. C.; Marino, S.; Kennedy, G. M.

2018-04-01

HR8799 is a benchmark system for direct imaging studies. It hosts two debris belts, which lie internally and externally to four giant planets. This paper considers how the four known planets and a possible fifth planet interact with the external population of debris through N-body simulations. We find that when only the known planets are included, the inner edge of the outer belt predicted by our simulations is much closer to the outermost planet than recent ALMA observations suggest. We subsequently include a fifth planet in our simulations with a range of masses and semimajor axes, which is external to the outermost known planet. We find that a fifth planet with a mass and semimajor axis of 0.1 MJ and 138 au predicts an outer belt that agrees well with ALMA observations, whilst remaining stable for the lifetime of HR8799 and lying below current direct imaging detection thresholds. We also consider whether inward scattering of material from the outer belt can input a significant amount of mass into the inner belt. We find that for the current age of HR8799, only ˜1 per cent of the mass-loss rate of the inner disc can be replenished by inward scattering. However, we find that the higher rate of inward scattering during the first ˜10 Myr of HR8799 would be expected to cause warm dust emission at a level similar to that currently observed, which may provide an explanation for such bright emission in other systems at ˜10 Myr ages.

Absolute colors and phase coefficients of Trans-Neptunian objects: HV - HR colors.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayala-Loera, Carmen; Alvarez-Candal, Alvaro; Ortiz, Jose Luis; Duffard, Rene; Fernández-Valenzuela, Estela; Santos-Sanz, Pablo; Morales, Nicolas

2017-10-01

We present results of our photometric follow up of Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). New data for 35 objects, together with previously data presented in Alvarez-Candal et al. 2016, as well as data from literature allow us to obtain absolute magnitudes and absolute coefficients HV (βV) for 113 TNOs and HR (βR) for 117 TNOs from which we obtained absolute colors HV - HR, and relative phase coefficients Δβ, for 106 objects.We explored associations between HV - HR and Δβ vs. orbital and physical parameters of TNOs, such associations were tested by Spearman’s coefficient rs . The correlations we found between HV - HR and orbital parameters semimayor axis a, eccentricity e, and inclination i, reflect observational biases: first, against farther fainter objects; second, against eccentric and high-inclination orbits.We followed Brown criteria (Brown 2012), and separated into two groups: large and small using HV = 4.5 instead of D=500 km. We detected a gap at HV = 4.5 which not reported before to the best of our knowledge.We found a strong anticorrelation between HV - HR and Δβ, with rs = -0.8273, which indicates that redder objects have steeper phase curves in the R filter than in the V filter, while the opposite is true for bluer objects. The anticorrelation holds if we consider different bins in semi-major axis and separate between large HV < 4.5 mag (D > 500 km) and small objects HV > 4.5 mag (D < 500 km). Therefore, we conclude it is intrinsic to the TNO (and associated) populations. As many different surfaces types, sizes, and dynamical evolutions of TNOs we considered in our sample, we cannot assure that we are seeing an evolutionary effect, but probably something related to the porosity and compation of the surfaces. Further studies are granted.

Intrarenal Mas and AT1 receptors play a role in mediating the excretory actions of renal interstitial angiotensin-(1-7) infusion in anaesthetized rats.

PubMed

O'Neill, Julie; Healy, Vincent; Johns, Edward J

2017-12-01

What is the central question of this study? Dietary sodium manipulation alters the magnitude of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]-induced natriuresis. The present study sought to determine whether this was related to relative changes in the activity of intrarenal Mas and/or AT 1 receptors. What is the main finding and its importance? Angiotensin-(1-7)-induced diuresis and natriuresis is mediated by intrarenal Mas receptors. However, intrarenal AT 1 receptor blockade also had an inhibitory effect on Ang-(1-7)-induced natriuresis and diuresis. Thus, Ang-(1-7)-induced increases in sodium and water excretion are dependent upon functional Mas and AT 1 receptors. We investigated whether angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]-induced renal haemodynamic and excretory actions were solely dependent upon intrarenal Mas receptor activation or required functional angiotensin II type 1 (AT 1 ) receptors. The renin-angiotensin system was enhanced in anaesthetized rats by prior manipulation of dietary sodium intake. Angiotensin-(1-7) and AT 1 and Mas receptor antagonists were infused into the kidney at the corticomedullary border. Mas receptor expression was measured in the kidney. Mean arterial pressure, urine flow and fractional sodium excretion were 93 ± 4 mmHg, 46.1 ± 15.7 μl min -1  kg -1 and 1.4 ± 0.3%, respectively, in the normal-sodium group and 91 ± 2 mmHg, 19.1 ± 3.3 μl min -1  kg -1 and 0.7 ± 0.2%, respectively, in the low-sodium group. Angiotensin-(1-7) infusion had no effect on mean arterial pressure in rats receiving a normal-sodium diet but decreased it by 4 ± 5% in rats receiving a low-sodium diet (P < 0.05). Interstitial Ang-(1-7) infusion increased urine flow twofold and fractional sodium excretion threefold (P < 0.05) in rats receiving a normal-sodium diet and to a greater extent, approximately three- and fourfold, respectively, in rats receiving the low-sodium diet (both P < 0.05). Angiotensin-(1-7)-induced increases in urine flow and

Thermal maturity of type II kerogen from the New Albany Shale assessed by13C CP/MAS NMR

USGS Publications Warehouse

Werner-Zwanziger, U.; Lis, G.; Mastalerz, Maria; Schimmelmann, A.

2005-01-01

Thermal maturity of oil and gas source rocks is typically quantified in terms of vitrinite reflectance, which is based on optical properties of terrestrial woody remains. This study evaluates 13C CP/MAS NMR parameters in kerogen (i.e., the insoluble fraction of organic matter in sediments and sedimentary rocks) as proxies for thermal maturity in marine-derived source rocks where terrestrially derived vitrinite is often absent or sparse. In a suite of samples from the New Albany Shale (Middle Devonian to the Early Mississippian, Illinois Basin) the abundance of aromatic carbon in kerogen determined by 13C CP/MAS NMR correlates linearly well with vitrinite reflectance. ?? 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

HR 8844: A New Transition Object between the Am Stars and the HgMn Stars?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monier, R.; Gebran, M.; Royer, F.; Kilicoglu, T.; Frémat, Y.

2018-02-01

While monitoring a sample of apparently slowly rotating superficially normal early-A stars, we have discovered that HR 8844 (A0 V) is actually a new chemically peculiar star. We first compared the high-resolution spectrum of HR 8844 with that of four slow rotators near A0V (ν Cap, ν Cnc, Sirius A, and HD 72660) to highlight similarities and differences. The lines of Ti II, Cr II, Sr II, and Ba II are conspicuous features in the high-resolution high signal-to-noise SOPHIE spectra of HR 8844 and much stronger than in the spectra of the normal star ν Cap. The Hg II line at 3983.93 Å is also present in a 3.5% blend. Selected unblended lines of 31 chemical elements from He up to Hg have been synthesized using model atmospheres computed with ATLAS9 and the spectrum synthesis code SYNSPEC48 including hyperfine structure of various isotopes when relevant. These synthetic spectra have been adjusted to the mean SOPHIE spectrum of HR 8844, and high-resolution spectra of the comparison stars. Chi-squares were minimized to derive abundances or upper limits to the abundances of these elements for HR 8844 and the comparison stars. HR 8844 is found to have underabundances of He, C, O, Mg, Ca, and Sc, mild enhancements of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, and distinct enhancements of the heavy elements Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, and Hg, the overabundances increasing steadily with atomic number. This chemical pattern suggests that HR 8844 may actually be a new transition object between the coolest HgMn stars and the Am stars.

Magnetic resonance metabolic profiling of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: correlation with currently used molecular markers

PubMed Central

Koo, Ja Seung; Kim, Siwon; Park, Vivian Youngjean; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Suhkmann; Kim, Min Jung

2017-01-01

Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers overall have a good prognosis, however, some patients suffer relapses and do not respond to endocrine therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are any correlations between high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) metabolic profiles of core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens and the molecular markers currently used in patients with ER-positive breast cancers. The metabolic profiling of CNB samples from 62 ER-positive cancers was performed by HR-MAS MRS. Metabolic profiles were compared according to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and Ki-67 status, and luminal type, using the Mann-Whitney test. Multivariate analysis was performed with orthogonal projections to latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). In univariate analysis, the HER2-positive group was shown to have higher levels of glycine and glutamate, compared to the HER2-negative group (P<0.01, and P <0.01, respectively). The high Ki-67 group showed higher levels of glutamate than the low Ki-67 group without statistical significance. Luminal B cancers showed higher levels of glycine (P=0.01) than luminal A cancers. In multivariate analysis, the OPLS-DA models built with HR-MAS MR metabolic profiles showed visible discrimination between the subgroups according to HER2 and Ki-67 status, and luminal type. This study showed that the metabolic profiles of CNB samples assessed by HR-MAS MRS can be used to detect potential prognostic biomarkers as well as to understand the difference in metabolic mechanism among subtypes of ER-positive breast cancer. PMID:28969000

The Hispanic Paradox and Predictors of Mortality in an Aging Bi-ethnic Cohort of Mexican Americans and European Americans: The San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging

PubMed Central

Espinoza, Sara E.; Jung, Inkyung; Hazuda, Helen

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVES To examine predictors of mortality in aging Mexican Americans (MAs) and European Americans (EAs). DESIGN Longitudinal, observational cohort study. SETTING Socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods in San Antonio, Texas. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred and ninety-four MA and 355 EA community-dwelling older adults (65+) who completed the baseline examination (1992–96) of the San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging (SALSA) and for whom vital status was ascertained over an average 8.2 years of follow-up. MEASUREMENTS Ethnic group was classified using a validated algorithm. Hazards ratios (HR) for mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models with age, sex, ethnic group, education, income, frailty, diabetes with and without complications, comorbidity, cognition, depressive symptoms, and body mass index included as predictors in sequential models. RESULTS At baseline, MAs had higher prevalence of diabetes and frailty and lower socioeconomic status (SES) compared to EAs. The age- and sex-adjusted ethnic HR (MA vs. EA) for mortality was 1.54 (95% CI: 1.17–2.03). After adjusting for SES, the ethnic HR was no longer significant (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.83–1.61). In the final model, comorbidity, diabetes with complications, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment were significant independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION Contrary to the Hispanic paradox, MAs were at increased risk of mortality. Moreover, this ethnic disparity was largely explained by SES differences. Significant independent predictors of mortality, regardless of ethnic group, included diabetes with complications, comorbidity, depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment. Mortality reduction in older MAs requires attention to both socioeconomic disparities and disease factors. PMID:24000922

A Bio-Economic Case Study of Canadian Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies: Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in Queen Breeding Affects Beekeeper Profits.

PubMed

Bixby, Miriam; Baylis, Kathy; Hoover, Shelley E; Currie, Rob W; Melathopoulos, Andony P; Pernal, Stephen F; Foster, Leonard J; Guarna, M Marta

2017-06-01

Over the past decade in North America and Europe, winter losses of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies have increased dramatically. Scientific consensus attributes these losses to multifactorial causes including altered parasite and pathogen profiles, lack of proper nutrition due to agricultural monocultures, exposure to pesticides, management, and weather. One method to reduce colony loss and increase productivity is through selective breeding of queens to produce disease-, pathogen-, and mite-resistant stock. Historically, the only method for identifying desirable traits in honey bees to improve breeding was through observation of bee behavior. A team of Canadian scientists have recently identified markers in bee antennae that correspond to behavioral traits in bees and can be tested for in a laboratory. These scientists have demonstrated that this marker-assisted selection (MAS) can be used to produce hygienic, pathogen-resistant honey bee colonies. Based on this research, we present a beekeeping case study where a beekeeper's profit function is used to evaluate the economic impact of adopting colonies selected for hygienic behavior using MAS into an apiary. Our results show a net profit gain from an MAS colony of between 2% and 5% when Varroa mites are effectively treated. In the case of ineffective treatment, MAS generates a net profit benefit of between 9% and 96% depending on the Varroa load. When a Varroa mite population has developed some treatment resistance, we show that MAS colonies generate a net profit gain of between 8% and 112% depending on the Varroa load and degree of treatment resistance. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.

ACE-2/Ang1-7/Mas cascade mediates ACE inhibitor, captopril, protective effects in estrogen-deficient osteoporotic rats.

PubMed

Abuohashish, Hatem M; Ahmed, Mohammed M; Sabry, Dina; Khattab, Mahmoud M; Al-Rejaie, Salim S

2017-08-01

The local role of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) was documented recently beside its conventional systemic functions. Studies showed that the effector angiotensin II (AngII) alters bone health, while inhibition of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-1) preserved these effects. The newly identified Ang1-7 exerts numerous beneficial effects opposing the AngII. Thus, the current study examines the role of Ang1-7 in mediating the osteo-preservative effects of ACEI (captopril) through the G-protein coupled Mas receptor using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. 8 weeks after the surgical procedures, captopril was administered orally (40mgkg -1 d -1 ), while the specific Mas receptor blocker (A-779) was delivered at infusion rate of 400ngkg -1 min -1 for 6 weeks. Bone metabolic markers were measured in serum and urine. Minerals concentrations were quantified in serum, urine and femoral bones by inductive coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Trabecular and cortical morphometry was analyzed in the right distal femurs using micro-CT. Finally, the expressions of RAS peptides, enzymes and receptors along with the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were determined femurs heads. OVX animals markedly showed altered bone metabolism and mineralization along with disturbed bone micro-structure. Captopril significantly restored the metabolic bone bio-markers and corrected Ca 2+ and P values in urine and bones of estrogen deficient rats. Moreover, the trabecular and cortical morphometric features were repaired by captopril in OVX groups. Captopril also improved the expressions of ACE-2, Ang1-7, Mas and OPG, while abolished OVX-induced up-regulation of ACE-1, AngII, Ang type 1 receptor (AT1R) and RANKL. Inhibition of Ang1-7 cascade by A-779 significantly eradicated captopril protective effects on bone metabolism, mineralization and micro-structure. A-779 also restored OVX effects on RANKL expression and ACE-1/AngII/AT1R

Comparison between Slow Components of HR and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 Kinetics: Functional Significance.

PubMed

Zuccarelli, Lucrezia; Porcelli, Simone; Rasica, Letizia; Marzorati, Mauro; Grassi, Bruno

2018-03-22

Aerobic exercise prescription is often based on a linear relationship between pulmonary oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) and heart rate (HR). The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that during constant work rate (CWR) exercises at different intensities the slow component of HR kinetics occurs at lower work rate and is more pronounced that the slow component of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics. Seventeen male (age, 27±4yr) subjects performed on a cycle ergometer an incremental exercise to voluntary exhaustion and several CWR exercises: 1) moderate CWR exercises (MODERATE), below gas exchange threshold (GET); 2) heavy CWR exercise (HEAVY), at 45% of the difference between GET and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 peak (□); 3) severe CWR exercise (SEVERE), at 95% of Δ; 4) "HRCLAMPED" exercise in which work rate was continuously adjusted to maintain a constant HR, slightly higher than that determined at GET. Breath-by-breath V[Combining Dot Above]O2, HR and other variables were determined. In MODERATE, no slow component of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics was observed, whereas a slow component with a relative amplitude (with respect to the total response) of 24.8±11.0% was observed for HR kinetics. During HEAVY, the relative amplitude of the HR slow component was more pronounced than that for V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (31.6±11.2 and 23.3±9.0%, respectively). During HRCLAMPED the decrease in work rate (~14%) needed in order to maintain a constant HR was associated with a decreased V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (~10%). The HR slow component occurred at a lower work rate and was more pronounced than the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 slow component. Exercise prescriptions at specific HR values, when carried out for periods longer than a few minutes, could lead to premature fatigue.

HR-EBSD as a new tool for quantifying geometrically necessary dislocations in quartz: Application to chessboard subgrain boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallis, D.; Parsons, A. J.; Hansen, L. N.

2017-12-01

Chessboard subgrains in quartz, with boundaries composed of {m}[c] edge dislocations, are widely used as evidence for high-temperature deformation and have been suggested to form only in β-quartz. However, the origins and dislocation structure of chessboard subgrains remain poorly constrained and, without precise constraints on axes of misorientations across subgrain boundaries, other subgrain types formed at lower temperatures can be misidentified as chessboard subgrains. The technique most commonly employed to investigate subgrain structures, electron backscatter diffraction, can only resolve misorientation angles and axes for a portion of the substructure. This limitation hinders detailed interpretation of the dislocation types, densities, and processes that generate characteristic subgrain structures. We overcome these limitations by employing high-angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD), which employs cross-correlation of diffraction patterns to achieve angular resolution on the order of 0.01° with well-constrained misorientation axes. We analyse chessboard subgrains in samples from the Greater Himalayan Sequence, Nepal, which were deformed along well constrained pressure-temperature paths confined to the stability field of α-quartz. HR-EBSD analysis demonstrates that the subgrain boundaries consist of two sets. One set consists primarily of {m}[c] edge dislocations and the other consists of dislocations primarily with Burgers vectors. Apparent densities of geometrically necessary dislocations vary from > 1013 m-2 within some subgrain boundaries to < 1012 m-2 within subgrain interiors. This analysis provides new insight into the structure of chessboard subgrain boundaries, and a new tool to distinguish them from superficially similar deformation microstructures formed by other dislocation types at lower temperatures. Application of HR-EBSD to quartz from the Greater Himalayan Sequence confirms the activity of {m}[c] slip in the �

Heritability of HR and BP Response To Exercise Training in the HERITAGE Family Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rice, Treva; Gagnon, Jacques; Leon, Arthur S.; Skinner, James S.; Wilmore, Jack H.; Bouchard, Claude; Rao, D. C.

2002-01-01

Assessed the heritability of response to exercise training in resting blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) among sedentary Caucasians comprising 98 families who completed an exercise training program. Results indicated that the trainability of systolic BP and HR in families with elevated BP was partially determined by genetic factors. Diastolic…

Crocus sativus Petals: Waste or Valuable Resource? The Answer of High-Resolution and High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

PubMed

Righi, Valeria; Parenti, Francesca; Tugnoli, Vitaliano; Schenetti, Luisa; Mucci, Adele

2015-09-30

Intact Crocus sativus petals were studied for the first time by high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS NMR) spectroscopy, revealing the presence of kinsenoside (2) and goodyeroside A (3), together with 3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone (4). These findings were confirmed by HR-NMR analysis of the ethanol extract of fresh petals and showed that, even though carried out rapidly, partial hydrolysis of glucopyranosyloxybutanolides occurs during extraction. On the other hand, kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside (1), which is "NMR-silent" in intact petals, is present in extracts. These results suggest to evaluate the utilization of saffron petals for phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes to exploit a waste product of massive production of commercial saffron and point to the application of HR-MAS NMR for monitoring bioactive compounds directly on intact petals, avoiding the extraction procedure and the consequent hydrolysis reaction.

FTIR and 1H MAS NMR investigations on the correlation between the frequency of stretching vibration and the chemical shift of surface OH groups of solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, Eike; Karge, H. G.; Pfeifer, H.

1992-03-01

The study of surface hydroxyl groups of solids, especially of zeolites, belongs to the 'classical' topics of IR spectroscopy since physico-chemical information may be derived from the wavenumber (nu) OH of the stretching vibration of the different hydroxyls. On the other hand, the last decade has seen the development of high resolution solid-state NMR spectroscopy and through the use of the so-called magic-angle-spinning technique (MAS) the signals of different hydroxyl species can be resolved in the 1H NMR spectra of solids. The chemical shift (delta) H describing the position of these lines may be used as well as (nu) OH to characterize quantitatively the strength of acidity of surface OH groups of solids. In a first comparison of (nu) OH with (delta) H for several types of surface OH groups, a linear correlation between them could be found. The aim of this paper was to prove the validity of this correlation for a wide variety of hydroxyls. The IR measurements were carried out on a Perkin-Elmer FTIR spectrometer 1800 at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Berlin, and the 1H MAS NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker MSL- 300 at the University of Leipzig.

Successfully Transitioning from the AA-MAS to the General Assessment. NCEO Policy Directions. Number 22

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarus, Sheryl; Thurlow, Martha; Christensen, Laurene; Shyyan, Vitaliy

2014-01-01

Federal policy initiatives such as the flexibility waivers for accountability are requiring that states transition away from the use of an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards (AA-MAS). It is expected that those students who had participated in that assessment will instead participate in the state's general assessment (or a…

HPV test by Hybrid Capture II for the diagnosis of HR-HPV persistent infection.

PubMed

Serour, Y; Bendahmane, M; Abbou Baker, F; Medles, M; Moueddene, B; Kraiba, R

2017-11-01

Persistent high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection is associated with a greater risk of cervical cancer. Statistical data on the prevalence of HR-HPV infections in the Algerian population is lacking. We conducted a prospective study of 300 women aged between 25 and 50 years, screened for cervical cancer from 2012 to 2015 in Sidi Bel Abbès, a western region of Algeria. We aimed to assess the reliability of the repeated use of the HC II test (three longitudinal HPV tests 9 months apart from each other) in diagnosing the persistence of HR-HPV infection. The prevalence of HR-HPV infection was 7.33% and infected women were aged 37.9±3years. For 90.9% of HR-HPV-positive patients, the infection persisted for a mean of 18.5months [95% CI: 16.9-22.1months]. Among these patients, 55.55% developed CIN1 and 11.11% developed CIN2. The sensitivity of the HC II test was 81.74% [95% CI: 71.3-89.6] and its positive predictive value associated with abnormal cervical biopsy was 27.49% [95% CI: 16.0-33.33]. Repeating the HC II test is a good predictor for identifying women at high risk of cervical cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A Qualitative Analysis of the Assignment of Human Resource Officer (HRO) Subspecialty Codes to HR Billets

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

and resource sponsors to assign SSP codes to HR billets. A researcher- developed survey of 183 HROs and/or supervisors found: (a) There is a...codes to HR billets. A researcher- developed survey of 183 HROs and/or supervisors found: (a) There is a reality-driven trend (insufficient...the KSAs necessary to successfully fulfill the requirements of HR billets requirements. The Navy SSP was developed as a means of defining officer

The Near Naked Hairless (HrN) Mutation Disrupts Hair Formation but is not Due to a Mutation in the Hairless Coding Region

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Yutao; Das, Suchita; Olszewski, Robert Edward

Near naked hairless (HrN) is a semi-dominant mutation that arose spontaneously and was suggested by allelism testing to be an allele of mouse Hairless (Hr). HrN mice differ from other Hr mutants in that hair loss appears as the postnatal coat begins to emerge, as opposed to failure to initiate the first postnatal hair cycle, and that the mutation displays semi-dominant inheritance. We sequenced the Hr cDNA in HrN/HrN mice and characterized the pathological and molecular phenotypes to identify the basis for hair loss in this model. HrN/HrN mice exhibit dystrophic hairs that are unable to consistently emerge from themore » hair follicle, while HrN/+ mice display a sparse coat of hair and a milder degree of follicular dystrophy than their homozygous littermates. DNA microarray analysis of cutaneous gene expression demonstrates that numerous genes are downregulated in HrN/HrN mice, primarily genes important for hair structure. By contrast, Hr expression is significantly increased. Sequencing the Hr coding region, intron-exon boundaries, 5'- and 3'- UTR and immediate upstream region did not reveal the underlying mutation. Therefore HrN does not appear to be an allele of Hr but may result from a mutation in a closely linked gene or from a regulatory mutation in Hr.« less

13C and 15N CP/MAS, 1H-15N SCT CP/MAS and FTIR spectroscopy as tools for qualitative detection of the presence of zwitterionic and non-ionic forms of ansa-macrolide 3-formylrifamycin SV and its derivatives in solid state.

PubMed

Przybylski, Piotr; Pyta, Krystian; Klich, Katarzyna; Schilf, Wojciech; Kamieński, Bohdan

2014-01-01

(13)C, (15)N CP/MAS, including (1)H-(13)C and (1)H-(15)N short contact time CP/MAS experiments, and FTIR methods were applied for detailed structural characterization of ansa-macrolides as 3-formylrifamycin SV (1) and its derivatives (2-6) in crystal and in powder forms. Although HPLC chromatograms for 2/CH3 OH and 2/CH3 CCl3 were the same for rifampicin crystals dissolved in respective solvents, the UV-vis data recorded for them were different in 300-375 nm region. Detailed solid state (13)C and (15)N CP/MAS NMR and FTIR studies revealed that rifampicin (2), in contrast to 3-formylrifamycin SV (1) and its amino derivatives (3-6), can occur in pure non-ionic or zwitterionic forms in crystal and in pure these forms or a mixture of them in a powder. Multinuclear CP/MAS and FTIR studies demonstrated also that 3-6 derivatives were present exclusively in pure zwitterionic forms, both in powder and in crystal. On the basis of the solid state NMR and FTIR studies, two conformers of 3-formylrifamycin SV were detected in powder form due to the different orientations of carbonyl group of amide moiety. The PM6 molecular modeling at the semi-empirical level of theory, allowed visualization the most energetically favorable non-ionic and zwitterionic forms of 1-6 antibiotics, strongly stabilized via intramolecular H-bonds. FTIR studies indicated that the originally adopted forms of these type antibiotics in crystal or in powder are stable in standard laboratory conditions in time. The results presented point to the fact that because of a possible presence of two forms of rifampicin (compound 2), quantification of the content of this antibiotic in relevant pharmaceuticals needs caution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

From Admin to Strategy: The Changing Face of the HR Function. IES Report 332.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tamkin, Penny; And Others

Evidence from academic research and management experts in the United Kingdom and elsewhere confirms that the recent focus in work organizations on cost reductions through downsizing has changed the roles and structures of many human resources (HR) units. HR units have had to prove their contribution to the organization's bottom line, raise their…

Des schémas équivalents pour les circuits couplés multi-enroulements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keradec, J. P.; Cogitore, B.; Laveuve, E.; Bensoam, M.

1994-04-01

The aim of this paper is to represent the electrical behaviour of any number of magnetically coupled windings with couplers and inductors. Two methods, mathematicaly justified, are proposed. The second one introduces only positive inductances. As an exemple, it is applied to the representation of a three column three phase transformer. The obtained circuits supply the requisite guide to design more complete circuits which allow the high frequency behaviour of wound components to be taken into account, especialy in electronics simulation softwares. Le but de cet article est de traduire le comportement électrique d'un nombre quelconque d'enroulements magnétiquement couplés, par des coupleurs et des inductances. Deux méthodes, établies mathématiquement, sont proposées. La seconde n'introduit que des inductances positives. A titre d'exemple, elle est appliquée à la représentation d'un transformateur triphasé à trois colonnes. Les schémas obtenus fournissent l'indispensable ossature de schémas plus complets, aptes à représenter le comportement haute fréquence des composants bobinés, notamment dans un logiciel de simulation électronique.

DNA-repair protein hHR23a alters its protein structure upon binding proteasomal subunit S5a

PubMed Central

Walters, Kylie J.; Lech, Patrycja J.; Goh, Amanda M.; Wang, Qinghua; Howley, Peter M.

2003-01-01

The Rad23 family of proteins, including the human homologs hHR23a and hHR23b, stimulates nucleotide excision repair and has been shown to provide a novel link between proteasome-mediated protein degradation and DNA repair. In this work, we illustrate how the proteasomal subunit S5a regulates hHR23a protein structure. By using NMR spectroscopy, we have elucidated the structure and dynamic properties of the 40-kDa hHR23a protein and show it to contain four structured domains connected by flexible linker regions. In addition, we reveal that these domains interact in an intramolecular fashion, and by using residual dipolar coupling data in combination with chemical shift perturbation analysis, we present the hHR23a structure. By itself, hHR23a adopts a closed conformation defined by the interaction of an N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain with two ubiquitin-associated domains. Interestingly, binding of the proteasomal subunit S5a disrupts the hHR23a interdomain interactions and thereby causes it to adopt an opened conformation. PMID:14557549

Deep thermal infrared imaging of HR 8799 bcde: new atmospheric constraints and limits on a fifth planet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Currie, Thayne; Cloutier, Ryan; Jayawardhana, Ray

2014-11-10

We present new L' (3.8 μm) and Brα (4.05 μm) data and reprocessed archival L' data for the young, planet-hosting star HR 8799 obtained with Keck/NIRC2, VLT/NaCo, and Subaru/IRCS. We detect all four HR 8799 planets in each data set at a moderate to high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ≳ 6-15). We fail to identify a fifth planet, 'HR 8799 f', at r < 15 AU at a 5σ confidence level: one suggestive, marginally significant residual at 0.''2 is most likely a point-spread function artifact. Assuming companion ages of 30 Myr and the Baraffe planet cooling models, we rule out anmore » HR 8799 f with a mass of 5 M{sub J} (7 M{sub J} ), 7 M{sub J} (10 M{sub J} ), or 12 M{sub J} (13 M{sub J} ) at r {sub proj} ∼ 12 AU, 9 AU, and 5 AU, respectively. All four HR 8799 planets have red early T dwarf-like L' – [4.05] colors, suggesting that their spectral energy distributions peak in between the L' and M' broadband filters. We find no statistically significant difference in HR 8799 cde's color. Atmosphere models assuming thick, patchy clouds appear to better match HR 8799 bcde's photometry than models assuming a uniform cloud layer. While non-equilibrium carbon chemistry is required to explain HR 8799 b and c's photometry/spectra, evidence for it from HR 8799 d and e's photometry is weaker. Future, deep-IR spectroscopy/spectrophotometry with the Gemini Planet Imager, SCExAO/CHARIS, and other facilities may clarify whether the planets are chemically similar or heterogeneous.« less

The most interesting roAp target for MONS: HR1217 ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knudsen, M. R.

2000-04-01

The roAp star HR1217 is presented as a good and possibly the best roAp target for MONS and the progress of the 1998 3-site STACC Campaign is briefly summarized incl. the first detection of EW oscillation in Hα and Hβ in this star, alongside evidence of EW varying with the phase of rotation. HR1217 has 6 known oscillation frequencies of which the four strongest appear to be rotationally split with photometric amplitudes ~< 1 mmag. The problem with groundbased observations is the 3-day-alias beating with neighbouring peaks which limits our chances for a solid mode id. With 30 days (2.4ṡ Prot) on MONS CAM we should have the needed observational data for doing asteroseismology on a magnetic star at last!

A cross-polarization based rotating-frame separated-local-field NMR experiment under ultrafast MAS conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Rongchun; Damron, Joshua; Vosegaard, Thomas; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy

2015-01-01

Rotating-frame separated-local-field solid-state NMR experiments measure highly resolved heteronuclear dipolar couplings which, in turn, provide valuable interatomic distances for structural and dynamic studies of molecules in the solid-state. Though many different rotating-frame SLF sequences have been put forth, recent advances in ultrafast MAS technology have considerably simplified pulse sequence requirements due to the suppression of proton-proton dipolar interactions. In this study we revisit a simple two-dimensional 1H-13C dipolar coupling/chemical shift correlation experiment using 13C detected cross-polarization with a variable contact time (CPVC) and systematically study the conditions for its optimal performance at 60 kHz MAS. In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility of a proton-detected version of the CPVC experiment. The theoretical analysis of the CPVC pulse sequence under different Hartmann-Hahn matching conditions confirms that it performs optimally under the ZQ (w1H - w1C = ±wr) condition for polarization transfer. The limits of the cross polarization process are explored and precisely defined as a function of offset and Hartmann-Hahn mismatch via spin dynamics simulation and experiments on a powder sample of uniformly 13C-labeled L-isoleucine. Our results show that the performance of the CPVC sequence and subsequent determination of 1H-13C dipolar couplings are insensitive to 1H/13C frequency offset frequency when high RF fields are used on both RF channels. Conversely, the CPVC sequence is quite sensitive to the Hartmann-Hahn mismatch, particularly for systems with weak heteronuclear dipolar couplings. We demonstrate the use of the CPVC based SLF experiment as a tool to identify different carbon groups, and hope to motivate the exploration of more sophisticated 1H detected avenues for ultrafast MAS.

CHARACTERIZING THE ATMOSPHERES OF THE HR8799 PLANETS WITH HST/WFC3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rajan, Abhijith; Patience, Jennifer; Barman, Travis

We present results from a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) program characterizing the atmospheres of the outer two planets in the HR8799 system. The images were taken over 15 orbits in three near-infrared (near-IR) medium-band filters—F098M, F127M, and F139M—using the Wide Field Camera 3. One of the three filters is sensitive to a water absorption band inaccessible from ground-based observations, providing a unique probe of the thermal emission from the atmospheres of these young giant planets. The observations were taken at 30 different spacecraft rolls to enable angular differential imaging (ADI), and the full data set was analyzed with the Karhunen–Loévemore » Image Projection routine, an advanced image processing algorithm adapted to work with HST data. To achieve the required high contrast at subarcsecond resolution, we utilized the pointing accuracy of HST in combination with an improved pipeline designed to combine the dithered ADI data with an algorithm designed to both improve the image resolution and accurately measure the photometry. The results include F127M (J) detections of the outer planets, HR8799b and c, and the first detection of HR8799b in the water-band (F139M) filter. The F127M photometry for HR8799c agrees well with fitted atmospheric models, resolving the longstanding difficulty in consistently modeling the near-IR flux of the planet.« less

Quality of Kelantan drinking water and knowledge, attitude and practice among the population of Pasir Mas, Malaysia.

PubMed

Ab Razak, N H; Praveena, S M; Aris, A Z; Hashim, Z

2016-02-01

Information about the quality of drinking water, together with analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) analysis and health risk assessment (HRA) remain limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to ascertain the level of KAP regarding heavy metal contamination of drinking water in Pasir Mas; (2) to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cd) in drinking water in Pasir Mas; and (3) to estimate the health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) caused by heavy metal exposure through drinking water using hazard quotient and lifetime cancer risk. Information on KAP was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Heavy metal analysis of drinking water samples was performed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The population of Pasir Mas has good knowledge (80%), a less positive attitude (93%) and good practice (81%) towards heavy metal contamination of drinking water. The concentrations of heavy metals analysed in this study were found to be below the permissible limits for drinking water set by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. The HRA showed no potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from the intake of heavy metal through drinking water. By investigating the quality of drinking water, KAP and HRA, the results of this study will provide authorities with the knowledge and resources to improve the management of drinking water quality in the future. Copyright © 2015 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Who Are the Students Who May Qualify for an Alternate Assessment Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards (AA-MAS)?: Focus Group Results. Synthesis Report 79

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berndt, Sandra; Ebben, Barbara; Kubinski, Eva; Sim, Grant; Liu, Kristin; Lazarus, Sheryl; Thurlow, Martha; Christian, Elizabeth

2011-01-01

Beginning in 2007, federal regulations to two major education laws gave state departments of education the option to develop an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards (AA-MAS) for some students with disabilities. The regulations stated that the AA-MAS was intended for students who were being instructed in the grade-level…

Linking educational leadership styles to the HR architecture for new teachers in primary education.

PubMed

Vekeman, Eva; Devos, Geert; Valcke, Martin

2016-01-01

This study aims to gain insight in the relationship between principals' leadership styles and the configuration of different HR practices for new teachers in primary education. Besides the longstanding interest in educational leadership as a key element in teacher and student performance, there is a growing interest in strategic human resource management (SHRM) in the educational sector. However, few educational studies link educational leadership to SHRM. In particular, this study examines the relationship between principals' instructional and transformational leadership style and principals' strategic and HR orientation in configuring HR practices for new teachers. Data were gathered using a mixed methods approach, including interviews with 75 principals as well as an online survey of 1058 teachers in Flemish primary education. Qualitative interview data were transformed and analysed together with the quantitative survey data using logistic regression and ANOVA analyses. The results indicate that both instructional and transformational leadership is associated with the strategic orientation of principals. The HR orientation, on the other hand, is not reflected in the principals' leadership style. Recommendations for further research in this area are discussed.

Renoprotective Effects of AVE0991, a Nonpeptide Mas Receptor Agonist, in Experimental Acute Renal Injury

PubMed Central

Barroso, Lívia Corrêa; Silveira, Kátia Daniela; Lima, Cristiano Xavier; Borges, Valdinéria; Bader, Michael; Rachid, Milene; Santos, Robson Augusto Souza; Souza, Danielle Gloria; Simões e Silva, Ana Cristina; Teixeira, Mauro Martins

2012-01-01

Renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is the major cause of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients. Mechanisms underlying reperfusion-associated injury include recruitment and activation of leukocytes and release of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the renal effects of acute administration of AVE0991, an agonist of Mas, the angiotensin-(1–7) receptor, the angiotensin-(1–7) receptor, in a murine model of renal I/R. Male C57BL/6 wild-type or Mas−/− mice were subjected to 30 min of bilateral ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. Administration of AVE0991 promoted renoprotective effects, as seen by improvement of function, decreased tissue injury, prevention of local and remote leucocyte infiltration, and release of the chemokine, CXCL1. I/R injury was similar in WT and Mas−/− mice, suggesting that endogenous activation of this receptor does not control renal damage under baseline conditions. In conclusion, pharmacological interventions using Mas receptor agonists may represent a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of renal I/R injury. PMID:22319645

Perinatally administered losartan augments renal ACE2 expression but not cardiac or renal Mas receptor in spontaneously hypertensive rats

PubMed Central

Klimas, Jan; Olvedy, Michael; Ochodnicka-Mackovicova, Katarina; Kruzliak, Peter; Cacanyiova, Sona; Kristek, Frantisek; Krenek, Peter; Ochodnicky, Peter

2015-01-01

Since the identification of the alternative angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a new complex target for a pharmacological intervention. We investigated the expression of RAS components in the heart and kidney during the development of hypertension and its perinatal treatment with losartan in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Expressions of RAS genes were studied by the RT-PCR in the left ventricle and kidney of rats: normotensive Wistar, untreated SHR, SHR treated with losartan since perinatal period until week 9 of age (20 mg/kg/day) and SHR treated with losartan only until week 4 of age and discontinued until week 9. In the hypertrophied left ventricle of SHR, cardiac expressions of Ace and Mas were decreased while those of AT1 receptor (Agtr1a) and Ace2 were unchanged. Continuous losartan administration reduced LV weight (0.43 ± 0.02; P < 0.05 versus SHR) but did not influence altered cardiac RAS expression. Increased blood pressure in SHR (149 ± 2 in SHR versus 109 ± 2 mmHg in Wistar; P < 0.05) was associated with a lower renal expressions of renin, Agtr1a and Mas and with an increase in ACE2. Continuous losartan administration lowered blood pressure to control levels (105 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.05 versus SHR), however, only renal renin and ACE2 were significantly up-regulated (for both P < 0.05 versus SHR). Conclusively, prevention of hypertension and LV hypertrophy development by losartan was unrelated to cardiac or renal expression of Mas. Increased renal Ace2, and its further increase by losartan suggests the influence of locally generated Ang-(1-7) in organ response to the developing hypertension in SHRs. PMID:25766467

Value-based HR practices, i-deals and clinical error control with CSR as a moderator.

PubMed

Luu, Tuan; Rowley, Chris; Siengthai, Sununta; Thanh Thao, Vo

2017-05-08

Purpose Notwithstanding the rising magnitude of system factors in patient safety improvement, "human factors" such as idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) which also contribute to the adjustment of system deficiencies should not be neglected. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of value-based HR practices in catalyzing i-deals, which then influence clinical error control. The research further examines the moderating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the effect of value-based HR practices on i-deals. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected from middle-level clinicians from hospitals in the Vietnam context. Findings The research results confirmed the effect chain from value-based HR practices through i-deals to clinical error control with CSR as a moderator. Originality/value The HRM literature is expanded through enlisting i-deals and clinical error control as the outcomes of HR practices.

Valsartan attenuates intimal hyperplasia in balloon-injured rat aortic arteries through modulating the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis.

PubMed

Li, Yonghong; Cai, Shanglang; Wang, Qixin; Zhou, Jingwei; Hou, Bo; Yu, Haichu; Ge, Zhiming; Guan, Renyan; Liu, Xu

2016-05-15

The role of the Mas receptor in the activity of valsartan against intimal hyperplasia is unclear. Herein, we investigated the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis on the activity of valsartan against intimal hyperplasiain balloon-injured rat aortic arteries. Wistar rats were randomized equally into the sham control group, injured group, and injured plus valsartan (20 mg/kg/d)-treated group. Valsartan significantly attenuated the vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal and medial thickening on days 14 and 28 after injury. The angiotensin-(1-7) levels as well as ACE2 and Mas receptor mRNA/protein expression were significantly decreased in the injured rats, compared to the uninjured rats; meanwhile, the angiotensin II level as well as the ACE and AT1 receptor mRNA/protein expression were increased (all P < 0.05 or < 0.01). Additionally, the p-ERK protein expression was increased (P < 0.01). Treatment with valsartan significantly increased the angiotensin-(1-7) levels as well as ACE2 and Mas receptor mRNA/protein expression but decreased the angiotensin II level, ACE and AT1 receptor mRNA/protein expression, as well as the p-ERK protein expression, compared to the injured group (all P < 0.05 or < 0.01). These results suggest that valsartan attenuates neointimal hyperplasiain balloon-injured rat aortic arteries through activation of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis as well as inhibition of the ACE-angiotensin II-AT1 and p-ERK pathways. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Understanding the effectiveness of precursor reductions in lowering 8-hr ozone concentrations--Part II. The eastern United States.

PubMed

Reynolds, Steven D; Blanchard, Charles L; Ziman, Stephen D

2004-11-01

Analyses of ozone (O3) measurements in conjunction with photochemical modeling were used to assess the feasibility of attaining the federal 8-hr O3 standard in the eastern United States. Various combinations of volatile organic compound (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission reductions were effective in lowering modeled peak 1-hr O3 concentrations. VOC emissions reductions alone had only a modest impact on modeled peak 8-hr O3 concentrations. Anthropogenic NOx emissions reductions of 46-86% of 1996 base case values were needed to reach the level of the 8-hr standard in some areas. As NOx emissions are reduced, O3 production efficiency increases, which accounts for the less than proportional response of calculated 8-hr O3 levels. Such increases in O3 production efficiency also were noted in previous modeling work for central California. O3 production in some urban core areas, such as New York City and Chicago, IL, was found to be VOC-limited. In these areas, moderate NOx emissions reductions may be accompanied by increases in peak 8-hr O3 levels. The findings help to explain differences in historical trends in 1- and 8-hr O3 levels and have serious implications for the feasibility of attaining the 8-hr O3 standard in several areas of the eastern United States.

[THE FIRST EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA ABOUT THE HR-HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS TYPES IN SOUTH AND NORTHERN BULGARIA].

PubMed

Kovachev, S; Slavov, V; Slavova, K; Ganovska, A

2015-01-01

The aim of our study were to evaluate the prevalence of HR-HPV infection in women between 15 and 55 years of age in the South and Northern Bulgaria. We have analyzed the HPV status (using DNA-sorb-AM nucleic acid extraction kit) in cervical samples collected during a 3 year period (2010-2012) from 1020 women, aged 15-55 and divided in four age groups, who attended their gynecologists for HPV-DNA cervical test. The rate of the HR-HPV infection was established to be 39.9%. HR-HPV negative were 60.1% of the evaluated subjects. The most commonly isolated genotype in all 407 (100%) infected women was HPV 16 - 190 women (46.7%), followed by HPV 56 - 78 (19.1%), HPV 31- 48 (11.8%) and HPV 33 - 45 (11.1%). To our knowledge, this is the first survey evaluating the prevalence of HR-HPV infection in the South and Northern regions of Bulgarian towns and drawing attention to the unusually high proportion of different HR-HPV.

The photoload sampling technique: estimating surface fuel loadings from downward-looking photographs of synthetic fuelbeds

Treesearch

Robert E. Keane; Laura J. Dickinson

2007-01-01

Fire managers need better estimates of fuel loading so they can more accurately predict the potential fire behavior and effects of alternative fuel and ecosystem restoration treatments. This report presents a new fuel sampling method, called the photoload sampling technique, to quickly and accurately estimate loadings for six common surface fuel components (1 hr, 10 hr...

In Vivo Precision of Digital Topological Skeletonization Based Individual Trabecula Segmentation (ITS) Analysis of Trabecular Microstructure at the Distal Radius and Tibia by HR-pQCT.

PubMed

Zhou, Bin; Zhang, Zhendong; Wang, Ji; Yu, Y Eric; Liu, Xiaowei Sherry; Nishiyama, Kyle K; Rubin, Mishaela R; Shane, Elizabeth; Bilezikian, John P; Guo, X Edward

2016-06-01

Trabecular plate and rod microstructure plays a dominant role in the apparent mechanical properties of trabecular bone. With high-resolution computed tomography (CT) images, digital topological analysis (DTA) including skeletonization and topological classification was applied to transform the trabecular three-dimensional (3D) network into surface and curve skeletons. Using the DTA-based topological analysis and a new reconstruction/recovery scheme, individual trabecula segmentation (ITS) was developed to segment individual trabecular plates and rods and quantify the trabecular plate- and rod-related morphological parameters. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is an emerging in vivo imaging technique to visualize 3D bone microstructure. Based on HR-pQCT images, ITS was applied to various HR-pQCT datasets to examine trabecular plate- and rod-related microstructure and has demonstrated great potential in cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical applications. However, the reproducibility of ITS has not been fully determined. The aim of the current study is to quantify the precision errors of ITS plate-rod microstructural parameters. In addition, we utilized three different frequently used contour techniques to separate trabecular and cortical bone and to evaluate their effect on ITS measurements. Overall, good reproducibility was found for the standard HR-pQCT parameters with precision errors for volumetric BMD and bone size between 0.2%-2.0%, and trabecular bone microstructure between 4.9%-6.7% at the radius and tibia. High reproducibility was also achieved for ITS measurements using all three different contour techniques. For example, using automatic contour technology, low precision errors were found for plate and rod trabecular number (pTb.N, rTb.N, 0.9% and 3.6%), plate and rod trabecular thickness (pTb.Th, rTb.Th, 0.6% and 1.7%), plate trabecular surface (pTb.S, 3.4%), rod trabecular length (rTb.ℓ, 0.8%), and plate

A Qualitative Study of HR/OHS Stress Interventions in Australian Universities.

PubMed

Pignata, Silvia; Winefield, Anthony H; Boyd, Carolyn M; Provis, Chris

2018-01-09

To enhance the understanding of psychosocial factors and extend research on work stress interventions, we investigated the key human resource (HR)/occupational health and safety (OHS) stress interventions implemented at five Australian universities over a three-year period. Five senior HR Directors completed an online survey to identify the intervention strategies taken at their university in order to reduce stress and enhance employee well-being and morale. We also explored the types of individual-, organization-, and individual/organization-directed interventions that were implemented, and the strategies that were prioritized at each university. Across universities, the dominant interventions were strategies that aimed to balance the social exchange in the work contract between employee-organization with an emphasis on initiatives to: enhance training, career development and promotional opportunities; improve remuneration and recognition practices; and to enhance the fairness of organizational policies and procedures. Strategies to improve work-life balance were also prominent. The interventions implemented were predominantly proactive (primary) strategies focused at the organizational level and aimed at eliminating or reducing or altering work stressors. The findings contribute to the improved management of people at work by identifying university-specific HR/OHS initiatives, specifically leadership development and management skills programs which were identified as priorities at three universities.

A Qualitative Study of HR/OHS Stress Interventions in Australian Universities

PubMed Central

Winefield, Anthony H.; Boyd, Carolyn M.

2018-01-01

To enhance the understanding of psychosocial factors and extend research on work stress interventions, we investigated the key human resource (HR)/occupational health and safety (OHS) stress interventions implemented at five Australian universities over a three-year period. Five senior HR Directors completed an online survey to identify the intervention strategies taken at their university in order to reduce stress and enhance employee well-being and morale. We also explored the types of individual-, organization-, and individual/organization-directed interventions that were implemented, and the strategies that were prioritized at each university. Across universities, the dominant interventions were strategies that aimed to balance the social exchange in the work contract between employee-organization with an emphasis on initiatives to: enhance training, career development and promotional opportunities; improve remuneration and recognition practices; and to enhance the fairness of organizational policies and procedures. Strategies to improve work-life balance were also prominent. The interventions implemented were predominantly proactive (primary) strategies focused at the organizational level and aimed at eliminating or reducing or altering work stressors. The findings contribute to the improved management of people at work by identifying university-specific HR/OHS initiatives, specifically leadership development and management skills programs which were identified as priorities at three universities. PMID:29315278

Discovery of a substellar companion to the nearby debris disk host HR 2562

DOE PAGES

Konopacky, Quinn M.; Rameau, Julien; Duchêne, Gaspard; ...

2016-09-14

Here, we present the discovery of a brown dwarf companion to the debris disk host star HR 2562. This object, discovered with the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), has a projected separation of 20.3 ± 0.3 au (more » $$0\\buildrel{\\prime\\prime}\\over{.} 618\\pm 0\\buildrel{\\prime\\prime}\\over{.} 004$$) from the star. With the high astrometric precision afforded by GPI, we have confirmed, to more than 5σ, the common proper motion of HR 2562B with the star, with only a month-long time baseline between observations. Spectral data in the J-, H-, and K-bands show a morphological similarity to L/T transition objects. We assign a spectral type of L7 ± 3 to HR 2562B and derive a luminosity of log(L $${}_{\\mathrm{bol}}$$/$${L}_{\\odot })=-4.62\\pm 0.12$$, corresponding to a mass of 30 ± 15 $${M}_{\\mathrm{Jup}}$$ from evolutionary models at an estimated age of the system of 300–900 Myr. Although the uncertainty in the age of the host star is significant, the spectra and photometry exhibit several indications of youth for HR 2562B. The source has a position angle that is consistent with an orbit in the same plane as the debris disk recently resolved with Herschel. Additionally, it appears to be interior to the debris disk. Though the extent of the inner hole is currently too uncertain to place limits on the mass of HR 2562B, future observations of the disk with higher spatial resolution may be able to provide mass constraints. This is the first brown-dwarf-mass object found to reside in the inner hole of a debris disk, offering the opportunity to search for evidence of formation above the deuterium burning limit in a circumstellar disk.« less

Intratumoral Agreement of High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Profiles in the Metabolic Characterization of Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Park, Vivian Youngjean; Yoon, Dahye; Koo, Ja Seung; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Seung Il; Choi, Ji Soo; Park, Seho; Park, Hyung Seok; Kim, Suhkmann; Kim, Min Jung

2016-01-01

Abstract High-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy data may serve as a biomarker for breast cancer, with only a small volume of tissue sample required for assessment. However, previous studies utilized only a single tissue sample from each patient. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intratumoral location and biospecimen type affected the metabolic characterization of breast cancer assessed by HR-MAS MR spectroscopy This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board and informed consent was obtained. Preoperative core-needle biopsies (CNBs), central, and peripheral surgical tumor specimens were prospectively collected under ultrasound (US) guidance in 31 patients with invasive breast cancer. Specimens were assessed with HR-MAS MR spectroscopy. The reliability of metabolite concentrations was evaluated and multivariate analysis was performed according to intratumoral location and biospecimen type. There was a moderate or higher agreement between the relative concentrations of 94.3% (33 of 35) of metabolites in the center and periphery, 80.0% (28 of 35) of metabolites in the CNB and central surgical specimens, and 82.9% (29 of 35) of metabolites between all 3 specimen types. However, there was no significant agreement between the concentrations of phosphocholine (PC) and phosphoethanolamine (PE) in the center and periphery. The concentrations of several metabolites (adipate, arginine, fumarate, glutamate, PC, and PE) had no significant agreement between the CNB and central surgical specimens. In conclusion, most HR-MAS MR spectroscopic data do not differ based on intratumoral location or biospecimen type. However, some metabolites may be affected by specimen-related variables, and caution is recommended in decision-making based solely on metabolite concentrations, particularly PC and PE. Further validation through future studies is needed for the clinical implementation of these biomarkers based

Handling of uncertainty due to interference fringe in FT-NIR transmittance spectroscopy - Performance comparison of interference elimination techniques using glucose-water system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beganović, Anel; Beć, Krzysztof B.; Henn, Raphael; Huck, Christian W.

2018-05-01

The applicability of two elimination techniques for interferences occurring in measurements with cells of short pathlength using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was evaluated. Due to the growing interest in the field of vibrational spectroscopy in aqueous biological fluids (e.g. glucose in blood), aqueous solutions of D-(+)-glucose were prepared and split into a calibration set and an independent validation set. All samples were measured with two FT-NIR spectrometers at various spectral resolutions. Moving average smoothing (MAS) and fast Fourier transform filter (FFT filter) were applied to the interference affected FT-NIR spectra in order to eliminate the interference pattern. After data pre-treatment, partial least squares regression (PLSR) models using different NIR regions were constructed using untreated (interference affected) spectra and spectra treated with MAS and FFT filter. The prediction of the independent validation set revealed information about the performance of the utilized interference elimination techniques, as well as the different NIR regions. The results showed that the combination band of water at approx. 5200 cm-1 is of great importance since its performance was superior to the one of the so-called first overtone of water at approx. 6800 cm-1. Furthermore, this work demonstrated that MAS and FFT filter are fast and easy-to-use techniques for the elimination of interference fringes in FT-NIR transmittance spectroscopy.

Grants for Certain Purposes to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Department Investigations, Oversight, and Research of the Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, Ninety Sixth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 7557 and H.R. 7757.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Agriculture.

Congressional hearings concerning H.R. 7557 and H.R. 7757, which pertain to grants to 1890 land-grant colleges, are presented. H.R. 7557 provides for grants to the states for the purposes of assisting eligible colleges, including Tuskegee Institute, to receive funds under the act of August 30, 1890, in the purchase of equipment and land and the…

Dynamical simulations of the HR8799 planetary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, J.; Horner, J.; Carter, A.

2010-10-01

HR8799 is a young (20-160 Myr) A-dwarf main sequence star with a debris disc detected by IRAS (InfraRed Astronomical Satellite). In 2008, it was one of two stars around which exoplanets were directly imaged for the first time. The presence of three Jupiter-mass planets around HR8799 provoked much interest in modelling the dynamical stability of the system. Initial simulations indicated that the observed planetary architecture was unstable on timescales much shorter than the lifetime of the star (~105 yr). Subsequent models suggested that the system could be stable if the planets were locked in a 1:2:4 mutual mean motion resonance (MMR). In this work, we have examined the influence of varying orbital eccentricity and the semi-major axis on the stability of the three-planet system, through dynamical simulations using the MERCURY n-body integrator. We find that, in agreement with previous work on this system, the 1:2:4 MMR is the most stable planetary configuration, and that the system stability is dominated by the interaction between the inner pair of planets. In contrast to previous results, we find that with small eccentricities, the three-planet system can be stable for timescales comparable to the system lifetime and, potentially, much longer.

Réunion publique HR

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-09

Chers Collègues,Je me permets de vous rappeler qu'une réunion publique organisée par le Département HR se tiendra aujourd'hui:Vendredi 30 avril 2010 à 9h30 dans l'Amphithéâtre principal (café offert dès 9h00).Durant cette réunion, des informations générales seront données sur:le CERN Admin e-guide, qui est un nouveau guide des procédures administratives du CERN ayant pour but de faciliter la recherche d'informations pratiques et d'offrir un format de lecture convivial;le régime d'Assurance Maladie de l'Organisation (présentation effectuée par Philippe Charpentier, Président du CHIS Board) et;la Caisse de Pensions (présentation effectuée par Théodore Economou, Administrateur de la Caisse de Pensions du CERN).Une transmission simultanée de cette réunion sera assurée dans l'Amphithéâtre BE de Prévessin et également disponible à l'adresse suivante: http://webcast.cern.chJe me réjouis de votre participation!Meilleures salutations,Anne-Sylvie CatherinChef du Département des Ressources humaines__________________________________________________________________________________Dear Colleagues,I should like to remind you that a plublic meeting organised by HR Department will be held today:Friday 30 April 2010 at 9:30 am in the Main Auditorium (coffee from 9:00 am).During this meeting, general information will be given about:the CERN Admin e-guide which is a new guide to the Organization's administrative procedures, drawn up to facilitate the retrieval of practical information and to offer a user-friendly format;the CERN Health Insurance System (presentation by Philippe Charpentier, President of the CHIS Board) and;the Pension Fund (presentation by Theodore Economou, Administrator of the CERN Pension Fund).A simultaneous transmission of this meeting will be broadcast in the BE Auditorium at Prévessin and will also be available at the following address. http://webcast.cern.chI look forward to your participation!Best regards,Anne-Sylvie Catherin

Direct Detection and Orbit Analysis of the Exoplanets HR 8799 bcd from Archival 2005 Keck/NIRC2 Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currie, Thayne; Fukagawa, Misato; Thalmann, Christian; Matsumura, Soko; Plavchan, Peter

2012-01-01

We present previously unpublished July 2005 H-band coronagraphic data of the young, planet-hosting star HR 8799 from the newly-released Keck/NIRC2 archive. Despite poor observing conditions, we detect three of the planets (HR 8799 bcd), two of them (HR 8799 bc) without advanced image processing. Comparing these data with previously published 1998-2011 astrometry and that from re-reduced October 2010 Keck data constrains the orbits of the planets. Analyzing the planets' astrometry separately, HR 8799 d's orbit is likely inclined at least 25 deg from face-on and the others may be on in inclined orbits. For semimajor axis ratios consistent with a 4:2:1 mean-motion resonance our analysis yields precise values for HR 8799 bcd's orbital parameters and strictly constrains the planets' eccentricities to be less than 0.18-0.3. However, we find no acceptable orbital solutions with this resonance that place the planets in face-on orbits; HR 8799 d shows the largest deviation from such orbits. Moreover, few orbits make HR 8799 d coplanar with b and c, whereas dynamical stability analyses used to constrain the planets' masses typically assume coplanar and/or fare.on orbits. This paper illustrates the significant science gain enabled with the release of the NIRC2 archive.

Ammonia Vapor Removal by Cu(3)(BTC)(2) and Its Characterization by MAS NMR.

PubMed

Peterson, Gregory W; Wagner, George W; Balboa, Alex; Mahle, John; Sewell, Tara; Karwacki, Christopher J

2009-07-01

Adsorption equilibria and NMR experiments were performed to study the adsorption and interactions of ammonia with metal-organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1, or Cu(3)(BTC)(2) (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate). Ammonia capacities determined from chemical breakthrough measurements show significantly higher uptake capacities than from adsorption alone, suggesting a stronger interaction involving a potential reaction with the Cu(3)(BTC)(2) framework. Indeed, (1)H MAS NMR reveals that a major disruption of the relatively simple spectrum of Cu(3)(BTC)(2) occurs to generate a composite spectrum consistent with Cu(OH)(2) and (NH(4))(3)BTC species under humid conditions-the anticipated products of a copper(II) carboxylate reacted with limited ammonia. These species are not detected under dry conditions; however, reaction stoichiometry combined with XRD results suggests the partial formation of an indeterminate diammine copper (II) complex with some residual Cu(3)(BTC)(2) structure retained. Cu(II)-induced paramagnetic shifts exhibited by various species in (1)H and (13)C MAS NMR spectra are consistent with model compounds and previous literature. Although results show extensive ammonia capacity of Cu(3)(BTC)(2), much of the capacity is due to reaction with the structure itself, causing a permanent loss in porosity and structural integrity.

Ammonia Vapor Removal by Cu3(BTC)2 and Its Characterization by MAS NMR

PubMed Central

Peterson, Gregory W.; Wagner, George W.; Balboa, Alex; Mahle, John; Sewell, Tara; Karwacki, Christopher J.

2009-01-01

Adsorption equilibria and NMR experiments were performed to study the adsorption and interactions of ammonia with metal-organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1, or Cu3(BTC)2 (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate). Ammonia capacities determined from chemical breakthrough measurements show significantly higher uptake capacities than from adsorption alone, suggesting a stronger interaction involving a potential reaction with the Cu3(BTC)2 framework. Indeed, 1H MAS NMR reveals that a major disruption of the relatively simple spectrum of Cu3(BTC)2 occurs to generate a composite spectrum consistent with Cu(OH)2 and (NH4)3BTC species under humid conditions—the anticipated products of a copper(II) carboxylate reacted with limited ammonia. These species are not detected under dry conditions; however, reaction stoichiometry combined with XRD results suggests the partial formation of an indeterminate diammine copper (II) complex with some residual Cu3(BTC)2 structure retained. Cu(II)-induced paramagnetic shifts exhibited by various species in 1H and 13C MAS NMR spectra are consistent with model compounds and previous literature. Although results show extensive ammonia capacity of Cu3(BTC)2, much of the capacity is due to reaction with the structure itself, causing a permanent loss in porosity and structural integrity. PMID:20161144

MAS-NMR investigations of the crystallization behaviour of lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glasses containing P 2O 5 and TiO 2 nucleants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ananthanarayanan, A.; Kothiyal, G. P.; Montagne, L.; Revel, B.

2010-06-01

Lithium aluminum silicate (LAS) glass of composition (mol%) 20.4Li 2O-4.0Al 2O 3-68.6SiO 2-3.0K 2O-2.6B 2O 3-0.5P 2O 5-0.9TiO 2 was prepared by melt quenching. The glass was then nucleated and crystallized based on differential thermal analysis (DTA) data and was characterized by 29Si, 31P, 11B and 27Al MAS-NMR. XRD and 29Si NMR showed that lithium metasilicate (Li 2SiO 3) is the first phase to c form followed by cristobalite (SiO 2) and lithium disilicate (Li 2Si 2O 5). 29Si MAS-NMR revealed a change in the network structure already for the glasses nucleated at 550 °C. Since crystalline Li 3PO 4, as observed by 31P MAS-NMR, forms concurrently with the silicate phases, we conclude that crystalline Li 3PO 4 does not act as a nucleating agent for lithium silicate phases. Moreover, 31P NMR indicates the formation of M-PO 4 ( M=B, Al or Ti) complexes. The presence of BO 3 and BO 4 structural units in all the glass/glass-ceramic samples is revealed through 11B MAS-NMR. B remains in the residual glass and the crystallization of silicate phases causes a reduction in the number of alkali ions available for charge compensation. As a result, the number of trigonally coordinated B (BO 3) increases at the expense of tetrahedrally coordinated B (BO 4). The 27Al MAS-NMR spectra indicate the presence of tetrahedrally coordinated Al species, which are only slightly perturbed by the crystallization.

Cloning and characterization of an Echinococcus granulosus ecdysteroid hormone nuclear receptor HR3-like gene

PubMed Central

Yang, Mei; Li, Jun; Wu, Jun; Wang, Hui; Guo, Baoping; Wu, Chuanchuan; Shou, Xi; Yang, Ning; Zhang, Zhuangzhi; McManus, Donald P.; Zhang, Fuchun; Zhang, Wenbao

2017-01-01

Cystic echinococcosis is an important parasitic zoonosis caused by the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Little is known about adult worm development at the molecular level. Transcription analysis showed that the E. granulosus hormone receptor 3-like (EgHR3) gene was expressed in protoscoleces and adult worms, indicating its role in early adult development. In this study, we cloned and characterized EgHR3 showing that its cDNA contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1890 bp encoding a 629 amino acid protein, which has a DNA-binding domain (DBD) and a ligand-binding domain (LBD). Immunolocalization revealed the protein was localized in the parenchyma of protoscoleces and adult worms. Real-time PCR analysis showed that EgHR3 was expressed significantly more in adults than in other stages of development (p<0.01) and that its expression was especially high in the early stage of adult worm development induced by bile acids. EgHR3 siRNA silenced 69–78% of the level of transcription in protoscoleces, which resulted in killing 43.6–60.9% of protoscoleces after 10 days of cultivation in vitro. EgHR3 may play an essential role in early adult worm development and in maintaining adult biological processes and may represent a novel drug or vaccine target against echinococcosis. PMID:28971798

Mg II chromospheric-emission dating of HR 1614 moving-group stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hufnagel, Beth; Smith, Graeme H.

1994-01-01

A 2800 A Mg II line index I(Mg II) that is sensitive to chromospheric activity has been measured from International Ultraviolet Explorer spectra of a sample of eight HR 1614 moving-group dwarfs. All of these dwarfs have values of I(Mg II) indicative of ages greater than or equal to 3 Gyr. The relatively old ages of these dwarfs, together with their similar and peculiar kinematics and high metal abundance, is consistent with, although not conclusive proof of, coeval formation in close physical proximity to each other. The age, chemical abundance, and kinematics of the HR 1614 moving group -- with the notable exception of height above the Galactic plane -- are similar to the properties of the old open cluster NGC 6791.

The effects of high concentrations of ionic liquid on GB1 protein structure and dynamics probed by high-resolution magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Warner, Lisa; Gjersing, Erica; Follett, Shelby E.; ...

2016-08-11

Ionic liquids have great potential in biological applications and biocatalysis, as some ionic liquids can stabilize proteins and enhance enzyme activity, while others have the opposite effect. However, on the molecular level, probing ionic liquid interactions with proteins, especially in solutions containing high concentrations of ionic liquids, has been challenging. In the present work the 13C, 15N-enriched GB1 model protein was used to demonstrate applicability of high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy to investigate ionic liquid-protein interactions. Effect of an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, [C 4-mim]Br) on GB1was studied over a wide range of the ionic liquid concentrations (0.6-3.5 M, whichmore » corresponds to 10-60% v/v). Interactions between GB1 and [C 4-mim]Br were observed from changes in the chemical shifts of the protein backbone as well as the changes in 15N ps-ns dynamics and rotational correlation times. Site-specific interactions between the protein and [C 4-mim]Br were assigned using 3D methods under HR-MAS conditions. Furthermore, HR-MAS NMR is a viable tool that could aid in elucidation of molecular mechanisms of ionic liquid-protein interactions.« less

The effects of high concentrations of ionic liquid on GB1 protein structure and dynamics probed by high-resolution magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Warner, Lisa; Gjersing, Erica; Follett, Shelby E.

Ionic liquids have great potential in biological applications and biocatalysis, as some ionic liquids can stabilize proteins and enhance enzyme activity, while others have the opposite effect. However, on the molecular level, probing ionic liquid interactions with proteins, especially in solutions containing high concentrations of ionic liquids, has been challenging. In the present work the 13C, 15N-enriched GB1 model protein was used to demonstrate applicability of high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy to investigate ionic liquid-protein interactions. Effect of an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, [C 4-mim]Br) on GB1was studied over a wide range of the ionic liquid concentrations (0.6-3.5 M, whichmore » corresponds to 10-60% v/v). Interactions between GB1 and [C 4-mim]Br were observed from changes in the chemical shifts of the protein backbone as well as the changes in 15N ps-ns dynamics and rotational correlation times. Site-specific interactions between the protein and [C 4-mim]Br were assigned using 3D methods under HR-MAS conditions. Furthermore, HR-MAS NMR is a viable tool that could aid in elucidation of molecular mechanisms of ionic liquid-protein interactions.« less

The effects of high concentrations of ionic liquid on GB1 protein structure and dynamics probed by high-resolution magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Warner, Lisa; Gjersing, Erica; Follett, Shelby E; Elliott, K Wade; Dzyuba, Sergei V; Varga, Krisztina

2016-12-01

Ionic liquids have great potential in biological applications and biocatalysis, as some ionic liquids can stabilize proteins and enhance enzyme activity, while others have the opposite effect. However, on the molecular level, probing ionic liquid interactions with proteins, especially in solutions containing high concentration of ionic liquids, has been challenging. In the present work the 13 C, 15 N-enriched GB1 model protein was used to demonstrate applicability of high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy to investigate ionic liquid - protein interactions. Effect of an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, [C 4 -mim]Br) on GB1was studied over a wide range of the ionic liquid concentrations (0.6 to 3.5 M, which corresponds to 10%-60% v/v). Interactions between GB1 and [C 4 -mim]Br were observed from changes in the chemical shifts of the protein backbone as well as the changes in 15 N ps-ns dynamics and rotational correlation times. Site-specific interactions between the protein and [C 4 -mim]Br were assigned using 3D methods under HR-MAS conditions. Thus, HR-MAS NMR is a viable tool that could aid in elucidation of the molecular mechanism of ionic liquid - protein interactions.

Cardiac ACE2/angiotensin 1–7/Mas receptor axis is activated in thyroid hormone-induced cardiac hypertrophy

PubMed Central

Diniz, Gabriela P.; Senger, Nathalia; Carneiro-Ramos, Marcela S.; Santos, Robson A. S.; Barreto-Chaves, Maria Luiza M.

2015-01-01

Objectives: Thyroid hormone (TH) promotes marked effects on the cardiovascular system, including the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Some studies have demonstrated that the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is a key mediator of the cardiac growth in response to elevated TH levels. Although some of the main RAS components are changed in cardiac tissue on hyperthyroid state, the potential modulation of the counter regulatory components of the RAS, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2), angiotensin 1–7 (Ang 1–7) levels and Mas receptor induced by hyperthyroidism is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperthyroidism on cardiac Ang 1–7, ACE2 and Mas receptor levels. Methods: Hyperthyroidism was induced in Wistar rats by daily intraperitoneal injections of T4 for 14 days. Results: Although plasma Ang 1–7 levels were unchanged by hyperthyroidism, cardiac Ang 1–7 levels were increased in TH-induced cardiac hypertrophy. ACE2 enzymatic activity was significantly increased in hearts from hyperthyroid animals, which may be contributing to the higher Ang 1–7 levels observed in the T4 group. Furthermore, elevated cardiac levels of Ang 1–7 levels were accompanied by increased Mas receptor protein levels. Conclusion: The counter-regulatory components of the RAS are activated in hyperthyroidism and may be contributing to modulate the cardiac hypertrophy in response to TH. PMID:26715125

Discriminating heavy aerosol, clouds, and fires during SCAR-B: Application of airborne multispectral MAS data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Michael D.; Tsay, Si-Chee; Ackerman, Steven A.; Larsen, North F.

1998-12-01

A multispectral scanning spectrometer was used to obtain measurements of the reflection function and brightness temperature of smoke, clouds, and terrestrial surfaces at 50 discrete wavelengths between 0.55 and 14.2 μm. These observations were obtained from the NASA ER-2 aircraft as part of the Smoke, Clouds, and Radiation-Brazil (SCAR-B) campaign, conducted over a 1500×1500 km region of cerrado and rain forest throughout Brazil between August 16 and September 11, 1995. Multispectral images of the reflection function and brightness temperature in 10 distinct bands of the MODIS airborne simulator (MAS) were used to derive a confidence in clear sky (or alternatively the probability of cloud), shadow, fire, and heavy aerosol. In addition to multispectral imagery, monostatic lidar data were obtained along the nadir ground track of the aircraft and used to assess the accuracy of the cloud mask results. This analysis shows that the cloud and aerosol mask being developed for operational use on the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), and tested using MAS data in Brazil, is quite capable of separating cloud, aerosol, shadow, and fires during daytime conditions over land.

Solution Structure of Homology Region (HR) Domain of Type II Secretion System*

PubMed Central

Gu, Shuang; Kelly, Geoff; Wang, Xiaohui; Frenkiel, Tom; Shevchik, Vladimir E.; Pickersgill, Richard W.

2012-01-01

The type II secretion system of Gram-negative bacteria is important for bacterial pathogenesis and survival; it is composed of 12 mostly multimeric core proteins, which build a sophisticated secretion machine spanning both bacterial membranes. OutC is the core component of the inner membrane subcomplex thought to be involved in both recognition of substrate and interaction with the outer membrane secretin OutD. Here, we report the solution structure of the HR domain of OutC and explore its interaction with the secretin. The HR domain adopts a β-sandwich-like fold consisting of two β-sheets each composed of three anti-parallel β-strands. This structure is strikingly similar to the periplasmic region of PilP, an inner membrane lipoprotein from the type IV pilus system highlighting the common evolutionary origin of these two systems and showing that all the core components of the type II secretion system have a structural or sequence ortholog within the type IV pili system. The HR domain is shown to interact with the N0 domain of the secretin. The importance of this interaction is explored in the context of the functional secretion system. PMID:22253442

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hookworm-Related Cutaneous Larva Migrans (HrCLM) in a Resource-Poor Community in Manaus, Brazil.

PubMed

Reichert, Felix; Pilger, Daniel; Schuster, Angela; Lesshafft, Hannah; Guedes de Oliveira, Silas; Ignatius, Ralf; Feldmeier, Hermann

2016-03-01

Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM) is a neglected tropical skin disease associated with significant clinical pathology. Little knowledge exists about prevalence and risk factors of HrCLM in endemic regions. To understand the epidemiology of HrCLM in Amazonia, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a resource-poor township in Manaus, Brazil. HrCLM was diagnosed in 8.2% (95% CI, 6.3-10.1%) of the study population (N = 806) with a peak prevalence of 18.2% (95% CI, 9.3-27.1%) in children aged 10-14. Most of the tracks (62.4%) were located on the feet, and 10.6% were superinfected. HrCLM was associated independently with age under 15, male sex, presence of animal faeces on the compound, walking barefoot on sandy ground and poverty. HrCLM is common in resource-poor communities in Amazonia and is related to poverty. To reduce the disease burden caused by HrCLM, living conditions have to be improved.

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) E6/E7 mRNA testing by PreTect HPV-Proofer for detection of cervical high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer among hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology.

PubMed

Rijkaart, D C; Heideman, D A M; Coupe, V M H; Brink, A A T P; Verheijen, R H M; Skomedal, H; Karlsen, F; Morland, E; Snijders, P J F; Meijer, C J L M

2012-07-01

Our aim was to investigate whether high-risk HPV (hrHPV) mRNA detection by PreTect HPV-Proofer can be used to stratify hrHPV DNA-positive women of different cytology classes for risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (cervical precancer or cancer, i.e., cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher [≥ CIN2]). A total of 375 women participating in population-based screening, with a GP5+/6+-PCR hrHPV DNA-positive cervical scrape with normal cytology (n = 202), borderline or mild dyskaryosis (BMD) (n = 88), or moderate dyskaryosis or worse (>BMD) (n = 85), were enrolled. Cervical scrapes were additionally subjected to HPV16/18/31/33/45 E6/E7 mRNA analysis by PreTect HPV-Proofer (mRNA test). Referral and follow-up policies were based on cytology, hrHPV DNA, and mRNA testing. The primary study endpoint was the number of ≥CIN2 detected within 3 years of follow-up. The mRNA positivity increased with the severity of cytological abnormality, ranging from 32% (64/202) in hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology to 47% (41/88) in BMD and 68% (58/85) in >BMD groups (P < 0.01). Women with ≥ CIN2 were more likely to test positive by mRNA test (63%) than women without evidence of ≥ CIN2 (32%; P < 0.01). A positive mRNA test result conferred an increased ≥ CIN2 risk in hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology, i.e., 0.55 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.34 to 0.76) in mRNA-positive versus 0.20 (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.33) in mRNA-negative women. In hrHPV DNA-positive women with BMD or >BMD, the result of the mRNA test did not influence the ≥ CIN2 risk. In conclusion, mRNA testing by PreTect HPV-Proofer might be of value to select hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology in need of immediate referral for colposcopy.

High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) E6/E7 mRNA Testing by PreTect HPV-Proofer for Detection of Cervical High-Grade Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Cancer among hrHPV DNA-Positive Women with Normal Cytology

PubMed Central

Rijkaart, D. C.; Heideman, D. A. M.; Coupe, V. M. H.; Brink, A. A. T. P.; Verheijen, R. H. M.; Skomedal, H.; Karlsen, F.; Morland, E.; Snijders, P. J. F.

2012-01-01

Our aim was to investigate whether high-risk HPV (hrHPV) mRNA detection by PreTect HPV-Proofer can be used to stratify hrHPV DNA-positive women of different cytology classes for risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (cervical precancer or cancer, i.e., cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher [≥CIN2]). A total of 375 women participating in population-based screening, with a GP5+/6+-PCR hrHPV DNA-positive cervical scrape with normal cytology (n = 202), borderline or mild dyskaryosis (BMD) (n = 88), or moderate dyskaryosis or worse (>BMD) (n = 85), were enrolled. Cervical scrapes were additionally subjected to HPV16/18/31/33/45 E6/E7 mRNA analysis by PreTect HPV-Proofer (mRNA test). Referral and follow-up policies were based on cytology, hrHPV DNA, and mRNA testing. The primary study endpoint was the number of ≥CIN2 detected within 3 years of follow-up. The mRNA positivity increased with the severity of cytological abnormality, ranging from 32% (64/202) in hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology to 47% (41/88) in BMD and 68% (58/85) in >BMD groups (P < 0.01). Women with ≥CIN2 were more likely to test positive by mRNA test (63%) than women without evidence of ≥CIN2 (32%; P < 0.01). A positive mRNA test result conferred an increased ≥CIN2 risk in hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology, i.e., 0.55 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.34 to 0.76) in mRNA-positive versus 0.20 (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.33) in mRNA-negative women. In hrHPV DNA-positive women with BMD or >BMD, the result of the mRNA test did not influence the ≥CIN2 risk. In conclusion, mRNA testing by PreTect HPV-Proofer might be of value to select hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology in need of immediate referral for colposcopy. PMID:22553244

E2F1 interactions with hHR23A inhibit its degradation and promote DNA repair.

PubMed

Singh, Randeep K; Dagnino, Lina

2016-05-03

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a major mechanism for removal of DNA lesions induced by exposure to UV radiation in the epidermis. Recognition of damaged DNA sites is the initial step in their repair, and requires multiprotein complexes that contain XPC and hHR23 proteins, or their orthologues. A variety of transcription factors are also involved in NER, including E2F1. In epidermal keratinocytes, UV exposure induces E2F1 phosphorylation, which allows it to recruit various NER factors to sites of DNA damage. However, the relationship between E2F1 and hHR23 proteins vis-à-vis NER has remained unexplored. We now show that E2F1 and hHR23 proteins can interact, and this interaction stabilizes E2F1, inhibiting its proteasomal degradation. Reciprocally, E2F1 regulates hHR23A subcellular localization, recruiting it to sites of DNA photodamage. As a result, E2F1 and hHR23A enhance DNA repair following exposure to UV radiation, contributing to genomic stability in the epidermis.

E2F1 interactions with hHR23A inhibit its degradation and promote DNA repair

PubMed Central

Singh, Randeep K.; Dagnino, Lina

2016-01-01

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a major mechanism for removal of DNA lesions induced by exposure to UV radiation in the epidermis. Recognition of damaged DNA sites is the initial step in their repair, and requires multiprotein complexes that contain XPC and hHR23 proteins, or their orthologues. A variety of transcription factors are also involved in NER, including E2F1. In epidermal keratinocytes, UV exposure induces E2F1 phosphorylation, which allows it to recruit various NER factors to sites of DNA damage. However, the relationship between E2F1 and hHR23 proteins vis-à-vis NER has remained unexplored. We now show that E2F1 and hHR23 proteins can interact, and this interaction stabilizes E2F1, inhibiting its proteasomal degradation. Reciprocally, E2F1 regulates hHR23A subcellular localization, recruiting it to sites of DNA photodamage. As a result, E2F1 and hHR23A enhance DNA repair following exposure to UV radiation, contributing to genomic stability in the epidermis. PMID:27028861

Comparison of the Results of Studies of Air Pollution Fungi Using the SAS Super 100, MAS 100, and Air IDEAL.

PubMed

Łukaszuk, Cecylia; Krajewska-Kułak, Elżbieta; Guzowski, Andrzej; Kułak, Wojciech; Kraszyńska, Bogumiła

2017-07-20

Although several air sampling devices for identifying and enumerating airborne microorganisms are commercially available, each poses some limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate air pollution fungi using three such samplers: SAS Super 100, Microbiological Air Sampler (MAS) 100, and Air IDEAL. Mycological air was taken from the cellars of a 17th-century church in Siemiatycze, Poland, and the nearby outdoor environment. With samplers placed 1.5 m above the floor, microbial flora in air samples collected inside and outside the cellar were detected. The number of colony-forming units (CFU) of fungi obtained with the three samplers from the cellars and outdoor environment differed; the most CFU were obtained with the Air IDEAL and the least with the SAS Super 100. Significant differences emerged in CFUs collected from air samples with the MAS 100 and SAS Super 100, on the one hand, and the SAS Super 100 and Air IDEAL, on the other. Otherwise, results among the samplers were different. More Cladosporium species were collected with the MAS 100 sampler, whereas more Fusarium and Aspergillus species were collected with the Air IDEAL sampler. Significant differences among CFU/m³ values among the tested sites depended on the sampler used.

hrHPV E5 oncoprotein: immune evasion and related immunotherapies.

PubMed

de Freitas, Antonio Carlos; de Oliveira, Talita Helena Araújo; Barros, Marconi Rego; Venuti, Aldo

2017-05-25

The immune response is a key factor in the fight against HPV infection and related cancers, and thus, HPV is able to promote immune evasion through the expression of oncogenes. In particular, the E5 oncogene is responsible for modulation of several immune mechanisms, including antigen presentation and inflammatory pathways. Moreover, E5 was suggested as a promising therapeutic target, since there is still no effective medical therapy for the treatment of HPV-related pre-neoplasia and cancer. Indeed, several studies have shown good prospective for E5 immunotherapy, suggesting that it could be applied for the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. Thus, insofar as the majority of cervical, oropharyngeal and anal cancers are caused by high-risk HPV (hrHPV), mainly by HPV16, the aim of this review is to discuss the immune pathways interfered by E5 oncoprotein of hrHPV highlighting the various aspects of the potential immunotherapeutic approaches.

Perinatally administered losartan augments renal ACE2 expression but not cardiac or renal Mas receptor in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PubMed

Klimas, Jan; Olvedy, Michael; Ochodnicka-Mackovicova, Katarina; Kruzliak, Peter; Cacanyiova, Sona; Kristek, Frantisek; Krenek, Peter; Ochodnicky, Peter

2015-08-01

Since the identification of the alternative angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a new complex target for a pharmacological intervention. We investigated the expression of RAS components in the heart and kidney during the development of hypertension and its perinatal treatment with losartan in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Expressions of RAS genes were studied by the RT-PCR in the left ventricle and kidney of rats: normotensive Wistar, untreated SHR, SHR treated with losartan since perinatal period until week 9 of age (20 mg/kg/day) and SHR treated with losartan only until week 4 of age and discontinued until week 9. In the hypertrophied left ventricle of SHR, cardiac expressions of Ace and Mas were decreased while those of AT1 receptor (Agtr1a) and Ace2 were unchanged. Continuous losartan administration reduced LV weight (0.43 ± 0.02; P < 0.05 versus SHR) but did not influence altered cardiac RAS expression. Increased blood pressure in SHR (149 ± 2 in SHR versus 109 ± 2 mmHg in Wistar; P < 0.05) was associated with a lower renal expressions of renin, Agtr1a and Mas and with an increase in ACE2. Continuous losartan administration lowered blood pressure to control levels (105 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.05 versus SHR), however, only renal renin and ACE2 were significantly up-regulated (for both P < 0.05 versus SHR). Conclusively, prevention of hypertension and LV hypertrophy development by losartan was unrelated to cardiac or renal expression of Mas. Increased renal Ace2, and its further increase by losartan suggests the influence of locally generated Ang-(1-7) in organ response to the developing hypertension in SHRs. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

A combined multiwavelength VLA/ALMA/Chandra study unveils the complex magnetosphere of the B-type star HR5907

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leto, P.; Trigilio, C.; Oskinova, L. M.; Ignace, R.; Buemi, C. S.; Umana, G.; Ingallinera, A.; Leone, F.; Phillips, N. M.; Agliozzo, C.; Todt, H.; Cerrigone, L.

2018-05-01

We present new radio/millimeter measurements of the hot magnetic star HR 5907 obtained with the VLA and ALMA interferometers. We find that HR 5907 is the most radio luminous early type star in the cm-mm band among those presently known. Its multi-wavelength radio light curves are strongly variable with an amplitude that increases with radio frequency. The radio emission can be explained by the populations of the non-thermal electrons accelerated in the current sheets on the outer border of the magnetosphere of this fast-rotating magnetic star. We classify HR 5907 as another member of the growing class of strongly magnetic fast-rotating hot stars where the gyro-synchrotron emission mechanism efficiently operates in their magnetospheres. The new radio observations of HR 5907 are combined with archival X-ray data to study the physical condition of its magnetosphere. The X-ray spectra of HR 5907 show tentative evidence for the presence of non-thermal spectral component. We suggest that non-thermal X-rays originate a stellar X-ray aurora due to streams of non-thermal electrons impacting on the stellar surface. Taking advantage of the relation between the spectral indices of the X-ray power-law spectrum and the non-thermal electron energy distributions, we perform 3-D modelling of the radio emission for HR 5907. The wavelength-dependent radio light curves probe magnetospheric layers at different heights above the stellar surface. A detailed comparison between simulated and observed radio light curves leads us to conclude that the stellar magnetic field of HR 5907 is likely non-dipolar, providing further indirect evidence of the complex magnetic field topology of HR 5907.

Albumin augmentation improves condition of guinea pig hearts after 4 hr of cold ischemia.

PubMed

Jacob, Matthias; Paul, Oliver; Mehringer, Laurenz; Chappell, Daniel; Rehm, Markus; Welsch, Ulrich; Kaczmarek, Ingo; Conzen, Peter; Becker, Bernhard F

2009-04-15

Major causes of death after heart transplantation are right ventricular pump failure and, chronically, cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Traditional preservation techniques focus on immediate cardioplegia, without particularly considering vascular demands. Recently, the endothelial surface layer, composed of the endothelial glycocalyx and plasma proteins, was discovered to play a major role in vascular barrier function, edema formation, and leukocyte-to-endothelial interaction. The impact of augmenting a traditional preservation solution with plasma colloid albumin was therefore investigated. Guinea pig hearts underwent cold ischemic storage for 4 hr using Bretschneider's solution (histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate [HTK]) without and with augmentation with 1 g% human albumin. After reperfusion, intracoronary adhesion of polymorphonuclear granulocytes, edema formation, left and right heart performance of pressure-to-volume work, and glycocalyx shedding were assessed. Intracoronary retention of leukocytes was doubled in the traditional group (36.4+/-6.6%), whereas it remained at basal values after albumin preservation (23.5+/-2.4%; P<0.05). Addition of albumin to HTK significantly decreased edema formation (wet to dry weight ratio 6.9+/-0.1 vs. 7.2+/-0.2; P<0.05). Although left heart performance was comparable, right heart cardiac output was doubled in hearts having received HTK containing albumin versus HTK alone (94+/-14 vs. 50+/-11 mL/min/g; P<0.05). Glycocalyx shedding was significantly reduced when the hearts were stored under albumin protection. Augmenting HTK with human albumin improves endothelial integrity and heart performance after 4 hr cold ischemia, because of a marked protection of the endothelial glycocalyx. For the prevention of acute and chronic graft failure, the glycocalyx might represent a new target.

V̇O2 and HR kinetics before and after International Space Station missions.

PubMed

Hoffmann, U; Moore, A D; Koschate, J; Drescher, U

2016-03-01

Heart rate (HR), pulmonary and muscle oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2pulm, [Formula: see text]O2musc) kinetics after changes of work rate (WR) indicate regulatory characteristics related to aerobic metabolism. We analysed whether the kinetics of HR, [Formula: see text]O2pulm and [Formula: see text]O2musc are slowed after missions to the International Space Station (ISS). The changes of the kinetics were correlated with [Formula: see text]O2peak data. 10 astronauts [4 females, 6 males, age: 48.0 ± 3.8 years, height: 176 ± 7 cm, mass: 74.5 ± 15.9 kg (mean ± SD)] performed an incremental test to determine [Formula: see text]O2peak (before missions on L-110 days, after return on R+1/+10/+36 days), and a cardio-respiratory kinetics test (CRKT) with randomized 30-80 W WR changes to determine HR, [Formula: see text]O2pulm and [Formula: see text]O2musc kinetics by time-series analysis (L-236/-73, R+6/+21). Kinetics were summarized by maximum and related lag of cross-correlation function (CCFmax, CCFlag) of WR with the analysed parameter. Statistically, significant changes were also found for CCFmax([Formula: see text]O2musc) between L-236 and R+6 (P = 0.010), L-236 and R+21 (P = 0.030), L-72 and R+6 (P = 0.043). Between pre-to-post mission change in [Formula: see text]O2peak and CCFmax(HR), a correlation was shown (r SP = 0.67, P = 0.017). The [Formula: see text]O2musc kinetics changes indicate aerobic detraining effects which are present up to 21 days following space flight. The correlations between changes in [Formula: see text]O2peak and HR kinetics illustrate the key role of cardiovascular regulation in [Formula: see text]O2peak. The addition of CRKT to ISS flight is recommended to obtain information regarding the potential muscular and cardiovascular deconditioning. This allows a reduction in the frequency of higher intensity testing during flight.

Comparison of survey techniques on detection of northern flying squirrels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diggins, Corinne A.; Gilley, L. Michelle; Kelly, Christine A.; Ford, W. Mark

2016-01-01

The ability to detect a species is central to the success of monitoring for conservation and management purposes, especially if the species is rare or endangered. Traditional methods, such as live capture, can be labor-intensive, invasive, and produce low detection rates. Technological advances and new approaches provide opportunities to more effectively survey for species both in terms of accuracy and efficiency than previous methods. We conducted a pilot comparison study of a traditional technique (live-trapping) and 2 novel noninvasive techniques (camera-trapping and ultrasonic acoustic surveys) on detection rates of the federally endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) in occupied habitat within the Roan Mountain Highlands of North Carolina, USA. In 2015, we established 3 5 × 5 live-trapping grids (6.5 ha) with 4 camera traps and 4 acoustic detectors systematically embedded in each grid. All 3 techniques were used simultaneously during 2 4-day survey periods. We compared techniques by assessing probability of detection (POD), latency to detection (LTD; i.e., no. of survey nights until initial detection), and survey effort. Acoustics had the greatest POD (0.37 ± 0.06 SE), followed by camera traps (0.30 ± 0.06) and live traps (0.01 ± 0.005). Acoustics had a lower LTD than camera traps (P = 0.017), where average LTD was 1.5 nights for acoustics and 3.25 nights for camera traps. Total field effort was greatest with live traps (111.9 hr) followed by acoustics (8.4 hr) and camera traps (9.6 hr), although processing and examination for data of noninvasive techniques made overall effort similar among the 3 methods. This pilot study demonstrated that both noninvasive methods were better rapid-assessment detection techniques for flying squirrels than live traps. However, determining seasonal effects between survey techniques and further development of protocols for both noninvasive techniques is

Metabolite profiling in retinoblastoma identifies novel clinicopathological subgroups

PubMed Central

Kohe, Sarah; Brundler, Marie-Anne; Jenkinson, Helen; Parulekar, Manoj; Wilson, Martin; Peet, Andrew C; McConville, Carmel M

2015-01-01

Background: Tumour classification, based on histopathology or molecular pathology, is of value to predict tumour behaviour and to select appropriate treatment. In retinoblastoma, pathology information is not available at diagnosis and only exists for enucleated tumours. Alternative methods of tumour classification, using noninvasive techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are urgently required to guide treatment decisions at the time of diagnosis. Methods: High-resolution magic-angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS MRS) was undertaken on enucleated retinoblastomas. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis of the HR-MAS MRS data was used to identify tumour subgroups. Individual metabolite concentrations were determined and were correlated with histopathological risk factors for each group. Results: Multivariate analysis identified three metabolic subgroups of retinoblastoma, with the most discriminatory metabolites being taurine, hypotaurine, total-choline and creatine. Metabolite concentrations correlated with specific histopathological features: taurine was correlated with differentiation, total-choline and phosphocholine with retrolaminar optic nerve invasion, and total lipids with necrosis. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that a metabolite-based classification of retinoblastoma can be obtained using ex vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and that the subgroups identified correlate with histopathological features. This result justifies future studies to validate the clinical relevance of these subgroups and highlights the potential of in vivo MRS as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for retinoblastoma patient stratification. PMID:26348444

The high resolution optical instruments for the Pleiades HR Earth observation satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaudin-Delrieu, Catherine; Lamard, Jean-Luc; Cheroutre, Philippe; Bailly, Bruno; Dhuicq, Pierre; Puig, Olivier

2017-11-01

Coming after the SPOT satellites series, PLEIADESHR is a CNES optical high resolution satellite dedicated to Earth observation, part of a larger optical and radar multi-sensors system, ORFEO, which is developed in cooperation between France and Italy for dual Civilian and Defense use. The development of the two PLEIADES-HR cameras was entrusted by CNES to Thales Alenia Space. This new generation of instrument represents a breakthrough in comparison with the previous SPOT instruments owing to a significant step in on-ground resolution, which approaches the capabilities of aerial photography. The PLEIADES-HR instrument program benefits from Thales Alenia Space long and successful heritage in Earth observation from space. The proposed solution benefits from an extensive use of existing products, Cannes Space Optics Centre facilities, unique in Europe, dedicated to High Resolution instruments. The optical camera provides wide field panchromatic images supplemented by 4 multispectral channels with narrow spectral bands. The optical concept is based on a four mirrors Korsch telescope. Crucial improvements in detector technology, optical fabrication and electronics make it possible for the PLEIADES-HR instrument to achieve the image quality requirements while respecting the drastic limitations of mass and volume imposed by the satellite agility needs and small launchers compatibility. The two flight telescopes were integrated, aligned and tested. After the integration phase, the alignment, mainly based on interferometric measurements in vacuum chamber, was successfully achieved within high accuracy requirements. The wave front measurements show outstanding performances, confirmed, after the integration of the PFM Detection Unit, by MTF measurements on the Proto-Flight Model Instrument. Delivery of the proto flight model occurred mi-2008. The FM2 Instrument delivery is planned Q2-2009. The first optical satellite launch of the PLEIADES-HR constellation is foreseen

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hookworm-Related Cutaneous Larva Migrans (HrCLM) in a Resource-Poor Community in Manaus, Brazil

PubMed Central

Reichert, Felix; Pilger, Daniel; Schuster, Angela; Lesshafft, Hannah; Guedes de Oliveira, Silas; Ignatius, Ralf; Feldmeier, Hermann

2016-01-01

Background Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM) is a neglected tropical skin disease associated with significant clinical pathology. Little knowledge exists about prevalence and risk factors of HrCLM in endemic regions. Methodology/ Principal Findings To understand the epidemiology of HrCLM in Amazonia, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a resource-poor township in Manaus, Brazil. HrCLM was diagnosed in 8.2% (95% CI, 6.3–10.1%) of the study population (N = 806) with a peak prevalence of 18.2% (95% CI, 9.3–27.1%) in children aged 10–14. Most of the tracks (62.4%) were located on the feet, and 10.6% were superinfected. HrCLM was associated independently with age under 15, male sex, presence of animal faeces on the compound, walking barefoot on sandy ground and poverty. Conclusions/ Significance HrCLM is common in resource-poor communities in Amazonia and is related to poverty. To reduce the disease burden caused by HrCLM, living conditions have to be improved. PMID:27010204

BaHaMAS A Bash Handler to Monitor and Administrate Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciarra, Alessandro

2018-03-01

Numerical QCD is often extremely resource demanding and it is not rare to run hundreds of simulations at the same time. Each of these can last for days or even months and it typically requires a job-script file as well as an input file with the physical parameters for the application to be run. Moreover, some monitoring operations (i.e. copying, moving, deleting or modifying files, resume crashed jobs, etc.) are often required to guarantee that the final statistics is correctly accumulated. Proceeding manually in handling simulations is probably the most error-prone way and it is deadly uncomfortable and inefficient! BaHaMAS was developed and successfully used in the last years as a tool to automatically monitor and administrate simulations.

Design of the high resolution optical instrument for the Pleiades HR Earth observation satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamard, Jean-Luc; Gaudin-Delrieu, Catherine; Valentini, David; Renard, Christophe; Tournier, Thierry; Laherrere, Jean-Marc

2017-11-01

As part of its contribution to Earth observation from space, ALCATEL SPACE designed, built and tested the High Resolution cameras for the European intelligence satellites HELIOS I and II. Through these programmes, ALCATEL SPACE enjoys an international reputation. Its capability and experience in High Resolution instrumentation is recognised by the most customers. Coming after the SPOT program, it was decided to go ahead with the PLEIADES HR program. PLEIADES HR is the optical high resolution component of a larger optical and radar multi-sensors system : ORFEO, which is developed in cooperation between France and Italy for dual Civilian and Defense use. ALCATEL SPACE has been entrusted by CNES with the development of the high resolution camera of the Earth observation satellites PLEIADES HR. The first optical satellite of the PLEIADES HR constellation will be launched in mid-2008, the second will follow in 2009. To minimize the development costs, a mini satellite approach has been selected, leading to a compact concept for the camera design. The paper describes the design and performance budgets of this novel high resolution and large field of view optical instrument with emphasis on the technological features. This new generation of camera represents a breakthrough in comparison with the previous SPOT cameras owing to a significant step in on-ground resolution, which approaches the capabilities of aerial photography. Recent advances in detector technology, optical fabrication and electronics make it possible for the PLEIADES HR camera to achieve their image quality performance goals while staying within weight and size restrictions normally considered suitable only for much lower performance systems. This camera design delivers superior performance using an innovative low power, low mass, scalable architecture, which provides a versatile approach for a variety of imaging requirements and allows for a wide number of possibilities of accommodation with a mini

The HR 4796A Debris System: Discovery of Extensive Exo-ring Dust Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Glenn; Debes, John H.; Grady, Carol A.; Gáspár, Andras; Henning, Thomas; Hines, Dean C.; Kuchner, Marc J.; Perrin, Marshall; Wisniewski, John P.

2018-02-01

The optically and IR-bright and starlight-scattering HR 4796A ringlike debris disk is one of the most- (and best-) studied exoplanetary debris systems. The presence of a yet-undetected planet has been inferred (or suggested) from the narrow width and inner/outer truncation radii of its r = 1.″05 (77 au) debris ring. We present new, highly sensitive Hubble Space Telescope (HST) visible-light images of the HR 4796A circumstellar debris system and its environment over a very wide range of stellocentric angles from 0.″32 (23 au) to ≈15″ (1100 au). These very high-contrast images were obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) using six-roll PSF template–subtracted coronagraphy suppressing the primary light of HR 4796A, with three image-plane occulters, and simultaneously subtracting the background light from its close angular proximity M2.5V companion. The resulting images unambiguously reveal the debris ring embedded within a much larger, morphologically complex, and biaxially asymmetric exo-ring scattering structure. These images at visible wavelengths are sensitive to and map the spatial distribution, brightness, and radial surface density of micron-size particles over 5 dex in surface brightness. These particles in the exo-ring environment may be unbound from the system and interacting with the local ISM. Herein, we present a new morphological and photometric view of the larger-than-prior-seen HR 4796A exoplanetary debris system with sensitivity to small particles at stellocentric distances an order of magnitude greater than has previously been observed.

Transgenic Cotton Plants Expressing the HaHR3 Gene Conferred Enhanced Resistance to Helicoverpa armigera and Improved Cotton Yield

PubMed Central

Han, Qiang; Wang, Zhenzhen; He, Yunxin; Xiong, Yehui; Lv, Shun; Li, Shupeng; Zhang, Zhigang; Qiu, Dewen; Zeng, Hongmei

2017-01-01

RNA interference (RNAi) has been developed as an efficient technology. RNAi insect-resistant transgenic plants expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that is ingested into insects to silence target genes can affect the viability of these pests or even lead to their death. HaHR3, a molt-regulating transcription factor gene, was previously selected as a target expressed in bacteria and tobacco plants to control Helicoverpa armigera by RNAi technology. In this work, we selected the dsRNA-HaHR3 fragment to silence HaHR3 in cotton bollworm for plant mediated-RNAi research. A total of 19 transgenic cotton lines expressing HaHR3 were successfully cultivated, and seven generated lines were used to perform feeding bioassays. Transgenic cotton plants expressing dsHaHR3 were shown to induce high larval mortality and deformities of pupation and adult eclosion when used to feed the newly hatched larvae, and 3rd and 5th instar larvae of H. armigera. Moreover, HaHR3 transgenic cotton also demonstrated an improved cotton yield when compared with controls. PMID:28867769

A Qualitative Analysis of Navy Funded Graduate Education in Meeting HR Subspecialty Billet Knowledge Requirements

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

pipeline of the HR community; in-lieu of formal brick and mortar school house training traditionally used by other Navy designator communities. These...Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution System QPR Quality Point Rating SECNAV Secretary of the Navy SELRES Selected Reserve SME Subject...Excellence (HRCOE) located at NPS. HR officers earn a master’s degree from among five curriculum disciplines while at NPS. Those disciplines include

Azilsartan ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy in young db/db mice through the modulation of ACE-2/ANG 1-7/Mas receptor cascade.

PubMed

Sukumaran, Vijayakumar; Tsuchimochi, Hirotsugu; Tatsumi, Eisuke; Shirai, Mikiyasu; Pearson, James T

2017-11-15

Hyperglycemia up-regulates intracellular angiotensin II (ANG-II) production in cardiac myocytes. This study investigated the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of azilsartan (AZL) treatment in a mouse model of diabetic cardiomyopathy and whether the cardioprotective effects of AZL are mediated by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-2/ANG 1-7/Mas receptor (R) cascade. Control db/+ and db/db mice (n=5 per group) were treated with vehicle or AZL (1 or 3mg/kg/d oral gavage) from the age of 8 to 16weeks. Echocardiography was then performed and myocardial protein levels of ACE-2, Mas R, AT 1 R, AT 2 R, osteopontin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and nitrotyrosine were measured by Western blotting. Oxidative DNA damage and inflammatory markers were assessed by immunofluorescence of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Compared with db/+ mice, the vehicle-treated db/db mice developed obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and diastolic dysfunction along with cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. AZL treatment lowered blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and reduced peak plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test. AZL-3 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of cytokines, oxidative DNA damage and cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, AZL-3 treatment significantly abrogated the downregulation of ACE-2 and Mas R protein levels in db/db mice. Furthermore, AZL treatment significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy and their marker molecules (osteopontin, CTGF, TGF-β1 and ANP). Short-term treatment with AZL-3 reversed abnormal cardiac structural remodeling and partially improved glucose metabolism in db/db mice by modulating the ACE-2/ANG 1-7/Mas R pathway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An Ounce of Prevention: The Benefits of an HR Audit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seals, Brenda

2011-01-01

During her 13 years leading a school district human resources office, the author came to recognize that managing human capital is much more than recruiting, hiring, managing personnel records, and handling performance issues. In addition to implementing initiatives to increase the efficiency with which HR officers and staff perform those tasks,…

Teaching HR Professionals: The Classroom as a Community of Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rowlands, Kate; Avramenko, Alex

2013-01-01

This paper introduces an innovative course design incorporating both communities of practice and reflective practice as a learning strategy for part-time learners in higher education. The new design has been applied to teaching HR practitioners in a UK-based business school. Findings indicate that the suggested way of organizing teaching and…

Effect of chronic smoking on lens nucleus as assessed by Pentacam HR lens densitometry in young adults.

PubMed

Pekel, Gökhan; Cetin, Ebru Nevin; Acer, Semra; Yagci, Ramazan; Altintas, Seher; Ongun, Gülin Tugba

2014-06-01

To evaluate the effects of chronic tobacco smoking on lens nucleus by Pentacam HR lens densitometry (LD) in young adults. Prospective cross-sectional case series. Thirty subjects (23 M, 7 F) who were chronic cigarette smokers (≥10 cigarettes/day for at least 2 years) (group 1) and another 30 subjects (23 M, 7 F) who did not smoke (group 2), were included in this study. The patients were matched for age and sex between the groups. The exclusion criteria were any history of ocular surgery, any systemic disorders and any ocular diseases except for mild refractive disorders. Lens densitometry measurements were done with the Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). The Schirmer test and pachymetry measurements were also performed. Mean age of the patients for both groups was 28.90 ± 8.20 years (range: 18-40 years). Mean lens densitometry (LD) measurements of Group 1 (chronic cigarette smoking group) were higher than those of Group 2 (control group) in all LD techniques; however only mean "peak" LD measurements showed a statistically significant difference between these two groups (Group 1: 8.67 ± 0.61, Group 2: 8.44 ± 0.70, p = 0.04). The mean Schirmer test value was 12.43 ± 5.60 mm in Group 1 and 13.00 ± 4.26 mm in Group 2 (p = 0.55). The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) value was 564.23 ± 34.61 µm in Group 1 and 550.47 ± 32.94 µm in Group 2 (p = 0.03). The Pentacam HR LD seems to be an important option for the evaluation of lens nucleus in young adults, because it gives objective and quantitative data. Although chronic smoking increases lens nucleus density in young adults, the effect is not statistically significant when compared with the control group.

A Combined Subaru/VLT/MMT 1-5 Micrometer Study of Planets Orbiting HR 8799: Implications For Atmospheric Properties, Masses and Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currie, Thayne; Burrows, Adam; Itoh, Yoichi; Matsumura, Soko; Fukagawa, Misato; Apai, Daniel; Madhusudhan, Nikku; Hinz, Philip M.; Rodigas, T. J.; Kasper, Markus;

HR Manager Leadership in Quality Improvement in a College Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharabi, Moshe

2010-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the influence of the human resource (HR) manager on the quality of service in an academic college, and the human resource management (HRM) outcomes of the process. Design/methodology/approach: The paper relates to a customer satisfaction survey. More than 120 questionnaires were completed by the…

Brain angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis: A new target to reduce the cardiovascular risk to emotional stress.

PubMed

Fontes, Marco Antônio Peliky; Martins Lima, Augusto; Santos, Robson Augusto Souza dos

2016-04-01

Emotional stress is now considered a risk factor for several diseases including cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension. It is well known that the activation of neuroendocrine and autonomic mechanisms features the response to emotional stress. However, its link to cardiovascular diseases and the regulatory mechanisms involved remain to be further comprehended. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in homeostasis on all body systems. Specifically in the brain, the RAS regulates a number of physiological aspects. Recent data indicate that the activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin II/AT1 receptor axis facilitates the emotional stress responses. On the other hand, growing evidence indicates that its counterregulatory axis, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/(Ang)iotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis, reduces anxiety and attenuates the physiological responses to emotional stress. The present review focuses on angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis as a promising target to attenuate the physiological response to emotional stress reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Paramagnet induced signal quenching in MAS-DNP experiments in frozen homogeneous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corzilius, Björn; Andreas, Loren B.; Smith, Albert A.; Ni, Qing Zhe; Griffin, Robert G.

2014-03-01

The effects of nuclear signal quenching induced by the presence of a paramagnetic polarizing agent are documented for conditions used in magic angle spinning (MAS)-dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments on homogeneous solutions. In particular, we present a detailed analysis of three time constants: (1) the longitudinal build-up time constant TB for 1H; (2) the rotating frame relaxation time constant T1ρ for 1H and 13C and (3) T2 of 13C, the transverse relaxation time constant in the laboratory frame. These relaxation times were measured during microwave irradiation at a magnetic field of 5 T (140 GHz) as a function of the concentration of four polarizing agents: TOTAPOL, 4-amino-TEMPO, trityl (OX063), and Gd-DOTA and are compared to those obtained for a sample lacking paramagnetic doping. We also report the EPR relaxation time constants T1S and T2S, the DNP enhancements, ε, and the parameter E, defined below, which measures the sensitivity enhancement for the four polarizing agents as a function of the electron concentration. We observe substantial intensity losses (paramagnetic quenching) with all of the polarizing agents due to broadening mechanisms and cross relaxation during MAS. In particular, the monoradical trityl and biradical TOTAPOL induce ∼40% and 50% loss of signal intensity. In contrast there is little suppression of signal intensity in static samples containing these paramagnetic species. Despite the losses due to quenching, we find that all of the polarizing agents provide substantial gains in signal intensity with DNP, and in particular that the net enhancement is optimal for biradicals that operate with the cross effect. We discuss the possibility that much of this polarization loss can be regained with the development of instrumentation and methods to perform electron decoupling.

Atmospheric Retrieval Analysis of the Directly Imaged Exoplanet HR 8799b

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jae-Min; Heng, Kevin; Irwin, Patrick G. J.

2013-12-01

Directly imaged exoplanets are unexplored laboratories for the application of the spectral and temperature retrieval method, where the chemistry and composition of their atmospheres are inferred from inverse modeling of the available data. As a pilot study, we focus on the extrasolar gas giant HR 8799b, for which more than 50 data points are available. We upgrade our non-linear optimal estimation retrieval method to include a phenomenological model of clouds that requires the cloud optical depth and monodisperse particle size to be specified. Previous studies have focused on forward models with assumed values of the exoplanetary properties; there is no consensus on the best-fit values of the radius, mass, surface gravity, and effective temperature of HR 8799b. We show that cloud-free models produce reasonable fits to the data if the atmosphere is of super-solar metallicity and non-solar elemental abundances. Intermediate cloudy models with moderate values of the cloud optical depth and micron-sized particles provide an equally reasonable fit to the data and require a lower mean molecular weight. We report our best-fit values for the radius, mass, surface gravity, and effective temperature of HR 8799b. The mean molecular weight is about 3.8, while the carbon-to-oxygen ratio is about unity due to the prevalence of carbon monoxide. Our study emphasizes the need for robust claims about the nature of an exoplanetary atmosphere to be based on analyses involving both photometry and spectroscopy and inferred from beyond a few photometric data points, such as are typically reported for hot Jupiters.

{sup 13}C chemical shift anisotropies for carbonate ions in cement minerals and the use of {sup 13}C, {sup 27}Al and {sup 29}Si MAS NMR in studies of Portland cement including limestone additions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sevelsted, Tine F.; Herfort, Duncan; Skibsted, Jørgen, E-mail: jskib@chem.au.dk

2013-10-15

{sup 13}C isotropic chemical shifts and chemical shift anisotropy parameters have been determined for a number of inorganic carbonates relevant in cement chemistry from slow-speed {sup 13}C MAS or {sup 13}C({sup 1}H) CP/MAS NMR spectra (9.4 T or 14.1 T) for {sup 13}C in natural abundance. The variation in the {sup 13}C chemical shift parameters is relatively small, raising some doubts that different carbonate species in Portland cement-based materials may not be sufficiently resolved in {sup 13}C MAS NMR spectra. However, it is shown that by combining {sup 13}C MAS and {sup 13}C({sup 1}H) CP/MAS NMR carbonate anions in anhydrousmore » and hydrated phases can be distinguished, thereby providing valuable information about the reactivity of limestone in cement blends. This is illustrated for three cement pastes prepared from an ordinary Portland cement, including 0, 16, and 25 wt.% limestone, and following the hydration for up to one year. For these blends {sup 29}Si MAS NMR reveals that the limestone filler accelerates the hydration for alite and also results in a smaller fraction of tetrahedrally coordinated Al incorporated in the C-S-H phase. The latter result is more clearly observed in {sup 27}Al MAS NMR spectra of the cement–limestone blends and suggests that dissolved aluminate species in the cement–limestone blends readily react with carbonate ions from the limestone filler, forming calcium monocarboaluminate hydrate. -- Highlights: •{sup 13}C chemical shift anisotropies for inorganic carbonates from {sup 13}C MAS NMR. •Narrow {sup 13}C NMR chemical shift range (163–171 ppm) for inorganic carbonates. •Anhydrous and hydrated carbonate species by {sup 13}C MAS and {sup 13}C({sup 1}H) CP/MAS NMR. •Limestone accelerates the hydration for alite in Portland – limestone cements. •Limestone reduces the amount of aluminium incorporated in the C-S-H phase.« less

Prevention of edema and flight microangiopathy with Venoruton (HR), (0-[beta-hydroxyethyl]-rutosides) in patients with varicose veins.

PubMed

Cesarone, M R; Belcaro, G; Ricci, A; Brandolini, R; Pellegrini, L; Dugall, M; Di Renzo, A; Vinciguerra, G; Gizzi, G; Cornelli, U; Errichi, B M; Corsi, M; Ippolito, E; Adovasio, R; Cacchio, M; Stuard, S; Larnier, C; Candiani, C; Cerritelli, F

2005-01-01

The aim of this open study was the evaluation of the effects of HR (Venoruton) at a dose of 1 g/day on the prevention and control of flight microangiopathy and edema in subjects with varicose veins and moderate chronic venous insufficiency flying for more than 11 hours. Patients with varicose veins, edema, but without initial skin alterations or complications, were included. Measurements of skin laser Doppler (LDF) resting flux (RF) venoarteriolar response (VAR), ankle swelling (RAS), and edema were made within 12 hours before and within 3 hours after the flights. The resulting edema after the flights was evaluated with a composite edema score (analogue scale line). A group of 20 subjects was treated with HR (1 g/day, starting 2 days before the flight and 1 g for every 12 hours on day of travel). Another group of 18 subjects formed the control group. The length of the flights was between 11 and 13 hours; all seats were in coach class. Fifty patients were enrolled and 38 patients were evaluable at the end of the trial. The 2 groups (treatment and control) were comparable for age and sex distribution. The decrease in RF was significant in both groups with a higher flux at the end of the flight in the HR group (p < 0.05). The venoarteriolar response was decreased at the end of the flights; the decrease was lower in the HR group (p < 0.05). The increase in RAS and the edema score were significantly lower in the HR group. In conclusion HR is useful for reducing the level of microangiopathy and the increased capillary filtration and in controlling edema in patients with venous disease in long flights. The higher level of flux and VAR and the reduction in edema indicate a positive effect of HR on the microcirculation. This study confirms that HR prophylaxis is effective to control flight microangiopathy associated with edema.

Characterization of metabolic profile of intact non-tumor and tumor breast cells by high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Maria, Roberta M; Altei, Wanessa F; Andricopulo, Adriano D; Becceneri, Amanda B; Cominetti, Márcia R; Venâncio, Tiago; Colnago, Luiz A

2015-11-01

(1)H high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H HR-MAS NMR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the metabolic profile of an intact non-tumor breast cell line (MCF-10A) and intact breast tumor cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). In the spectra of MCF-10A cells, six metabolites were assigned, with glucose and ethanol in higher concentrations. Fifteen metabolites were assigned in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (1)H HR-MAS NMR spectra. They did not show glucose and ethanol, and the major component in both tumor cells was phosphocholine (higher in MDA-MB-231 than in MCF-7), which can be considered as a tumor biomarker of breast cancer malignant transformation. These tumor cells also show acetone signal that was higher in MDA-MB-231 cells than in MCF-7 cells. The high acetone level may be an indication of high demand for energy in MDA-MB-231 to maintain cell proliferation. The higher acetone and phosphocholine levels in MDA-MB-231 cells indicate the higher malignance of the cell line. Therefore, HR-MAS is a rapid reproducible method to study the metabolic profile of intact breast cells, with minimal sample preparation and contamination, which are critical in the analyses of slow-growth cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ammonia Vapor Removal by Cu3(BTC)2 and Its Characterization by MAS NMR

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Experimental Section Materials. Cu(acetate)2(H2O), Cu(L-tartrate)3(H2O)3, Cu( CO3 )- Cu(OH)2, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, NH4HCO3, and N,N...for 3 days. The crystals were activated under high vacuum at a temperature of 170 °C. Nitrogen Adsorption Equilibria. Nitrogen adsorption equi- libria...solid (NH4)3BTC. 13C CP-MAS NMR confirmed the identity and purity of the trisubstituted material. BTC-Cu( CO3 )Cu(OH)2-NH4HCO3 Reaction. BTC (100 mg, 480

The MasPar MP-1 As a Computer Arithmetic Laboratory

PubMed Central

Anuta, Michael A.; Lozier, Daniel W.; Turner, Peter R.

1996-01-01

This paper is a blueprint for the use of a massively parallel SIMD computer architecture for the simulation of various forms of computer arithmetic. The particular system used is a DEC/MasPar MP-1 with 4096 processors in a square array. This architecture has many advantages for such simulations due largely to the simplicity of the individual processors. Arithmetic operations can be spread across the processor array to simulate a hardware chip. Alternatively they may be performed on individual processors to allow simulation of a massively parallel implementation of the arithmetic. Compromises between these extremes permit speed-area tradeoffs to be examined. The paper includes a description of the architecture and its features. It then summarizes some of the arithmetic systems which have been, or are to be, implemented. The implementation of the level-index and symmetric level-index, LI and SLI, systems is described in some detail. An extensive bibliography is included. PMID:27805123

Distributed Cooperation Solution Method of Complex System Based on MAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weijin, Jiang; Yuhui, Xu

To adapt the model in reconfiguring fault diagnosing to dynamic environment and the needs of solving the tasks of complex system fully, the paper introduced multi-Agent and related technology to the complicated fault diagnosis, an integrated intelligent control system is studied in this paper. Based on the thought of the structure of diagnostic decision and hierarchy in modeling, based on multi-layer decomposition strategy of diagnosis task, a multi-agent synchronous diagnosis federation integrated different knowledge expression modes and inference mechanisms are presented, the functions of management agent, diagnosis agent and decision agent are analyzed, the organization and evolution of agents in the system are proposed, and the corresponding conflict resolution algorithm in given, Layered structure of abstract agent with public attributes is build. System architecture is realized based on MAS distributed layered blackboard. The real world application shows that the proposed control structure successfully solves the fault diagnose problem of the complex plant, and the special advantage in the distributed domain.

Elucidating proline dynamics in spider dragline silk fibre using 2H-13C HETCOR MAS NMR.

PubMed

Shi, Xiangyan; Yarger, Jeffery L; Holland, Gregory P

2014-05-14

(2)H-(13)C HETCOR MAS NMR is performed on (2)H/(13)C/(15)N-Pro enriched A. aurantia dragline silk. Proline dynamics are extracted from (2)H NMR line shapes and T1 in a site-specific manner to elucidate the backbone and side chain molecular dynamics for the MaSp2 GPGXX β-turn regions for spider dragline silk in the dry and wet, supercontracted states.

Variable responses of small and large human hepatocytes to hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H-R).

PubMed

Bhogal, Ricky H; Weston, Christopher J; Curbishley, Stuart M; Bhatt, Anand N; Adams, David H; Afford, Simon C

2011-03-23

Hypoxia and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H-R) regulate human hepatocyte cell death by mediating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hepatocytes within the liver are organised into peri-portal (PP) and peri-venous (PV) subpopulations. PP and PV hepatocytes differ in size and function. We investigated whether PP and PV human hepatocytes exhibit differential susceptibility to hypoxic stress. Isolated hepatocytes were used in an in vitro model of hypoxia and H-R. ROS production and cell death were assessed using flow cytometry. PV, and not PP hepatocytes, accumulate intracellular ROS in a mitochondrial dependent manner during hypoxia and H-R. This increased ROS regulates hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis via a mitochondrial pathway. These findings have implications on the understanding of liver injury and application of potential therapeutic strategies. Copyright © 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Screening for high risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) subtypes, among Sudanese patients with oral lesions.

PubMed

Babiker, Ali Yousif; Eltom, Faris Margani; Abdalaziz, Mohamed S; Rahmani, Arshad; Abusail, Saadalnour; Ahmed, Hussain Gadelkareem

2013-01-01

HR-HPV subtypes are strongly linked to etiology of many human cancers including oral cancer. The epidemiology of infection with different HPV genotypes greatly varies in different countries. The aim of this study was to identify and genotype the HR-HPV subtypes in oral tissues obtained from Sudanese patients with oral lesions. In this retrospective study 200 patients with oral lesions were screened by molecular methods (PCR) for the presence of HR-HPV subtypes. Of the 200 patients, 100/200 were patients with oral cancer (ascertained as case group) and 100/200 were patients with non-neoplastic oral lesions (ascertained as control group). Out of the 200 patients, 12/200 (6%) were found with HR-HPV infection. Of the 12 positive patients, 8/12 (66.7%) were among cases and the remaining 4/12 (33.3%) were among control group. The distribution of different genotypes was: type HPV 16 6/12 (50%), HPV18 4/12 (34%), HPV 31 1/12 (8%) and HPV 33 1/12 (8%). In view of these findings, HPV particularly subtypes 16 and 18 play a role in the etiology of oral cancer in the Sudan.

Effects of female sex hormones on expression of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas-R/nNOS pathways in rat brain.

PubMed

Cheng, Yuan; Li, Qiaoying; Zhang, Yidan; Wen, Quan; Zhao, Jianjun

2015-11-01

Female sex hormones are considered to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. As a part of the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] has recently been reported to play a role in protecting neuronal tissues from ischemic stroke. Thus, we examined the effects of female sex hormones on the levels of Ang-(1-7) and its downstream pathways in the brain. Female rats were ovariectomized and 17β-estradiol (17β-EST), progesterone (PGR), or a combination of 17β-EST plus PGR were administered. Our data demonstrated that lack of female sex hormones significantly decreased the levels of Ang-(1-7) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA1 area. Also, we observed a linear relationship between cortex levels of Ang-(1-7) and plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels (as an indicator for risk of ischemic stroke). We further showed that lack of female sex hormones decreased the expression of Ang-(1-7), Mas-receptor (Mas-R), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Overall, our findings show for the first time that Ang-(1-7) and Mas-R/nNOS in the cortex are influenced by circulating 17β-EST and (or) PGR, whereas Ang-(1-7) and its pathways in the hippocampal CA1 area are primarily altered by 17β-EST. This suggests that female sex hormones play a role in regulating the expression of Ang-(1-7) and its pathways during ischemic brain injuries.

MOST light-curve analysis of the γ Doradus pulsator HR 8799, showing resonances and amplitude variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sódor, Á.; Chené, A.-N.; De Cat, P.; Bognár, Zs.; Wright, D. J.; Marois, C.; Walker, G. A. H.; Matthews, J. M.; Kallinger, T.; Rowe, J. F.; Kuschnig, R.; Guenther, D. B.; Moffat, A. F. J.; Rucinski, S. M.; Sasselov, D.; Weiss, W. W.

2014-08-01

Context. The central star of the HR 8799 system is a γ Doradus-type pulsator. The system harbours four planetary-mass companions detected by direct imaging, and is a good solar system analogue. The masses of the companions are not accurately known because the estimation depends greatly on the age of the system, which is also not known with sufficient accuracy. Asteroseismic studies of the star might help to better constrain the age of HR 8799. We organized an extensive photometric and multi-site spectroscopic observing campaign to study the pulsations of the central star. Aims: The aim of the present study is to investigate the pulsation properties of HR 8799 in detail via the ultra-precise 47 d nearly continuous photometry obtained with the Microvariability and Oscillations in STars (MOST) space telescope, and to find as many independent pulsation modes as possible, which is the prerequisite for an asteroseismic age determination. Methods: We carried out Fourier analysis of the wide-band photometric time series. Results: We find that resonance and sudden amplitude changes characterize the pulsation of HR 8799. The dominant frequency is always at f1 = 1.978 d-1.Many multiples of one-ninth of the dominant frequency appear in the Fourier spectrum of the MOST data: n/9 f1, where n = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,13,14,17,18}. Our analysis also reveals that many of these peaks show strong amplitude decrease and phase variations even on the 47 d time scale. The dependencies between the pulsation frequencies of HR 8799 make the planned subsequent asteroseismic analysis rather difficult. We point out some resemblance between the light curve of HR 8799 and the modulated pulsation light curves of Blazhko RR Lyrae stars. Based on data from the MOST satellite, a Canadian Space Agency mission, jointly operated by Dynacon Inc., the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies and the University of British Columbia, with the assistance of the University of Vienna.

A new technique for simultaneous monitoring of electrocardiogram and walking cadence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hausdorff, J. M.; Forman, D. E.; Pilgrim, D. M.; Rigney, D. R.; Wei, J. Y.; Goldberger, A. L. (Principal Investigator)

1992-01-01

A new technique for simultaneously recording continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) data and walking step rate (cadence) is described. The ECG and gait signals are recorded on 2 channels of an ambulatory Holter monitor. Footfall is detected using ultrathin, force-sensitive foot switches and is frequency modulated. The footfall signal provides an indication of the subject's activity (walking or standing), as well as the instantaneous walking rate. Twenty-three young and elderly subjects were studied to demonstrate the use of this ECG and gait recorder. High-quality gait signals were obtained in all subjects, and the effects of walking on the electrocardiogram were assessed. Initial investigation revealed the following findings: (1) Although walking rates were similar in young and elderly subjects, the elderly had both decreased heart rate (HR) variability (p < 0.005) and increased cadence variability (p < 0.0001). (2) Overall, there was an inverse relation between HR and cadence variability (r = -0.73). Three elderly subjects with no known cardiac disease had HR and cadence variability similar to those of the young, whereas elderly subjects with history of congestive heart failure were among those with the lowest HR variability and the highest cadence variability. (3) Low-frequency (approximately equal to 0.1 Hz) HR oscillations (frequently observed during standing) persisted during walking in all young subjects. (4) In some subjects, both step rate and HR oscillated at the same low frequency (approximately equal to 0.1 Hz) previously identified with autonomic control of the baroreflex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).

Lifetime validation of high-reliability (>30,000hr) rotary cryocoolers for specific customer profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cauquil, Jean-Marc; Seguineau, Cédric; Vasse, Christophe; Raynal, Gaetan; Benschop, Tonny

2018-05-01

The cooler reliability is a major performance requested by the customers, especially for 24h/24h applications, which are a growing market. Thales has built a reliability policy based on accelerate ageing and tests to establish a robust knowledge on acceleration factors. The current trend seems to prove that the RM2 mean time to failure is now higher than 30,000hr. Even with accelerate ageing; the reliability growth becomes hardly manageable for such large figures. The paper focuses on these figures and comments the robustness of such a method when projections over 30,000hr of MTTF are needed.

HR Technology Tools: Less Time on Paper and More on People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tillman, Tom

2009-01-01

Many human resource managers face a dilemma. They would like to spend more time improving the overall work environment for employees. They want to help their executives save on workforce-related expenses, find and hire better talent, and improve existing talent through training and development. Unfortunately, most days, HR managers are stuck doing…

Detection of cancer in cervical tissue biopsies using mobile lipid resonances measured with diffusion-weighted (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Zietkowski, D; Davidson, R L; Eykyn, T R; De Silva, S S; Desouza, N M; Payne, G S

2010-05-01

The purpose of this study was to implement a diffusion-weighted sequence for visualisation of mobile lipid resonances (MLR) using high resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) (1)H MRS and to evaluate its use in establishing differences between tissues from patients with cervical carcinoma that contain cancer from those that do not. A stimulated echo sequence with bipolar gradients was modified to allow T(1) and T(2) measurements and optimised by recording signal loss in HR-MAS spectra as a function of gradient strength in model lipids and tissues. Diffusion coefficients, T(1) and apparent T(2) relaxation times were measured in model lipid systems. MLR profiles were characterised in relation to T(1) and apparent T(2) relaxation in human cervical cancer tissue samples. Diffusion-weighted (DW) spectra of cervical biopsies were quantified and peak areas analysed using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The optimised sequence reduced spectral overlap by suppressing signals originating from low molecular weight metabolites and non-lipid contributions. Significantly improved MLR visualisation allowed visualisation of peaks at 0.9, 1.3, 1.6, 2.0, 2.3, 2.8, 4.3 and 5.3 ppm. MLR analysis of DW spectra showed at least six peaks arising from saturated and unsaturated lipids and those arising from triglycerides. Significant differences in samples containing histologically confirmed cancer were seen for peaks at 0.9 (p < 0.006), 1.3 (p < 0.04), 2.0 (p < 0.03), 2.8 (p < 0.003) and 4.3 ppm (p < 0.0002). LDA analysis of MLR peaks from DW spectra almost completely separated two clusters of cervical biopsies (cancer, 'no-cancer'), reflecting underlying differences in MLR composition. Generated Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated area under the curve (0.962) validated high sensitivity and specificity of the technique. Diffusion-weighting of HR-MAS spectroscopic sequences is a useful method for characterising MLR in cancer tissues and

Hearing on National Youth Corps, H.R. 18 and H.R. 460. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities of the Committee on Education and Labor. House of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress, First Session (May 11 and 24, 1988).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Education and Labor.

This document contains transcripts of oral and written testimony from witnesses at a hearing on H.R. 18 and H.R. 460, which would create a National Youth Corps. The National Youth Corps proposal links two other proposals, the Conservation Corps bill and the National Youth Service bill, into a comprehensive bill to provide alternatives for youth in…

Hydrodynamic lift of vesicles and red blood cells in flow--from Fåhræus & Lindqvist to microfluidic cell sorting.

PubMed

Geislinger, Thomas M; Franke, Thomas

2014-06-01

Hydrodynamic lift forces acting on cells and particles in fluid flow receive ongoing attention from medicine, mathematics, physics and engineering. The early findings of Fåhræus & Lindqvist on the viscosity change of blood with the diameter of capillaries motivated extensive studies both experimentally and theoretically to illuminate the underlying physics. We review this historical development that led to the discovery of the inertial and non-inertial lift forces and elucidate the origins of these forces that are still not entirely clear. Exploiting microfluidic techniques induced a tremendous amount of new insights especially into the more complex interactions between the flow field and deformable objects like vesicles or red blood cells. We trace the way from the investigation of single cell dynamics to the recent developments of microfluidic techniques for particle and cell sorting using hydrodynamic forces. Such continuous and label-free on-chip cell sorting devices promise to revolutionize medical analyses for personalized point-of-care diagnosis. We present the state-of-the-art of different hydrodynamic lift-based techniques and discuss their advantages and limitations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reproducibility of Direct Quantitative Measures of Cortical Bone Micro-architecture of the Distal Radius and Tibia by HR-pQCT

PubMed Central

Burghardt, Andrew J.; Buie, Helen R.; Laib, Andres; Majumdar, Sharmila; Boyd, Steven K.

2010-01-01

Quantitative cortical micro-architectural endpoints are important for understanding structure-function relations in the context of fracture risk and therapeutic efficacy. This technique study details new image-processing methods to automatically segment and directly quantify cortical density, geometry, and micro-architecture from HR-pQCT images of the distal radius and tibia. An automated segmentation technique was developed to identify the periosteal and endosteal margins of the distal radius and tibia, and detect intra-cortical pore space morphologically consistent with Haversian canals. The reproducibility of direct quantitative cortical bone indices based on this method was assessed in a pooled dataset of 56 subjects with two repeat acquisitions for each site. The in vivo precision error was characterized using root mean square coefficient of variation (RMSCV%) from which, the least significant change (LSC) was calculated. Bland-Altman plots were used to characterize bias in the precision estimates. The reproducibility of cortical density and cross-sectional area measures was high (RMSCV <1% and <1.5%, respectively) with good agreement between young and elder medians. The LSC for cortical porosity (Ct.Po) was somewhat smaller in the radius (0.58%) compared with the distal tibia (0.84%) and significantly different between young and elder medians in the distal tibia (LSC: 0.75% vs. 0.92%; p<0.001). The LSC for pore diameter and distribution (Po.Dm and Po.Dm.SD) ranged between 15 and 23μm. Bland-Altman analysis revealed moderate bias for integral measures of area and volume, but not density nor microarchitecture. This study indicates HR-pQCT measures of cortical bone density and architecture can be measured in vivo with high reproducibility and limited bias across a biologically relevant range of values. The results of this study provide informative data for the design of future clinical studies of bone quality. PMID:20561906

Individual case photogrammetric calibration of the Hirschberg Ratio (HR) for corneal light reflection test strabometry.

PubMed

Romano, Paul E

2006-01-01

The HR (prism diopters [PD] per mm of corneal light reflection test [CLRT] asymmetry for strabometry) varies in humans from 14 to 24 PD/mm, but is totally unpredictable. Photo(grammetric) HR calibration in (of) each case facilitates acceptable strabometry precision and accuracy. Take 3 flash photos of the patient with both the preferred eye and then the deviating eye fixating straight ahead and then again with the deviation eye fixing at (+/-5-10 PD) the strabismic angle on a metric rule (stick) one meter away from the camera lens (where 1 cm = 1 PD). On these 3 photos, make four precise measurements of the position of the CLR with reference to the limbus: In the deviating eye fixing straight ahead and fixating at the angle of deviation. Divide the mm difference in location into the change in the angle of fixation to determine the HR for this patient at this angle. Then determine the CLR position in both the deviating eye and the fixing eye in the straight ahead primary position picture. Apply the calculated calibrated HR to the asymmetry of the CLRs in primary position to determine the true strabismic deviation. This imaging method insures accurate Hirschberg CLRT strabometry in each case, determining the deviation in "free space", under conditions of normal binocular viewing, uncontaminated by the artifacts or inaccuracies of other conventional strabometric methods or devices. So performed, the Hirschberg CLRT is the gold standard of strabometry.

P/2006 HR30 (Siding Spring): A Low-activity Comet in Near-Earth Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hicks, Michael D.; Bauer, James M.

2007-01-01

The low cometary activity of P/2006 HR30 (Siding Spring) allowed a unique opportunity to study the nucleus of a periodic comet while near perihelion. P/2006 HR30 was originally targeted as a potential extinct comet, and we measured spectral reflectance and dust production using long-slit CCD spectroscopy and wide-field imaging obtained at the Palomar Mountain 200 inch telescope on 2006 August 3 and 4. The dust production Afp = 19.7 +/- 0.4 cm and mass-loss rate Q(dust) 4.1 +/- 0.1 kg/sec of the comet were approximately 2 orders of magnitude dust less than 1P/Halley at similar heliocentric distance. The VRI colors derived from the spectral reflectance were compared to Kuiper Belt objects, Centaurs, and other cometary nuclei. We found that the spectrum of P/2006 HR30 was consistent with other comets. However, the outer solar system bodies have a color distribution statistically distinct from cometary nuclei. It is our conjecture that cometary activity, most likely the reaccretion of ejected cometary dust, tends to moderate and mute the visible colors of the surface of cometary nuclei.

Niobium in R And (S6, 6e) and HR 1105 (S5, 3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, D. N.

Lines of the first multiplet of niobium are strong in R And and HR 1105. These lines are also present in other S stars: HR 8714, R Cam, V Cnc, R CMi, and T Sgr. They are also visible in the M stars, Beta-Peg and Mu-UMa. An approximation to the abundance ratio, Nb/Fe, has been deduced from pairs of lines having nearly equal intensity. In R And, the ratio is about 200 times the solar value. It is hoped that good plates will soon be obtained for the near infrared region, so that the significant Nb/Rb abundance ratio may be determined.

The 1991-2012 light curve of the old nova HR Lyrae

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Honeycutt, R. K.; Shears, J.; Kafka, S.

2014-05-01

The 22 yr light curve of HR Lyr, acquired with a typical cadence of 2-6 days, is examined for periodic and quasi-periodic variations. No persistent periodicities are revealed. Rather, the light curve variations often take the form of nearly linear rises and falls having typical e-folding times of about 100 days. Occasional ∼0.6 mag outbursts are also seen, with properties similar to those of small outbursts found in some nova-like cataclysmic variables. When the photometry is formed into yearly averages, a decline of 0.012 ± 0.005 mag yr{sup –1} is apparent, consistent with the fading of irradiation-induced M-dot following themore » nova. The equivalent width of Hα is tabulated at three epochs over the interval 1986-2008 in order to compare with a recent result for DK Lac in which Hα was found to be fading 50 yr after the nova. However, our results for such a fading in HR Lyr are inconclusive.« less

Stellar Differential Rotation of F-Stars Using DI and ZDI: The Case of HR1817

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marsden, Stephen

2018-04-01

The measure of surface differential rotation via the motion of spots and/or magnetic features on the stellar surface is a critical part of understanding the stellar dynamo. Here we present several epochs of (Zeeman) Doppler imaging of the young late-F star HR1817 from 2001 until 2011. These results show that HR1817 exhibits a high shear of its surface features, significantly above the solar value. It would appear that F stars, with thin convective zones, have surface differential rotation rates much higher than that of low mass stars.

States' Participation Guidelines for Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards (AA-MAS) in 2008. Synthesis Report 71

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarus, Sheryl S.; Rogers, Christopher; Cormier, Damien; Thurlow, Martha L.

2008-01-01

Federal regulations (U.S. Department of Education, 2007a) provide states with the flexibility to offer an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards (AA-MAS). This assessment option is for a small group of students with disabilities who can make significant progress, but may not reach grade-level achievement within the…

Initiating Improvements: The HR Department as the Architect of Quality-of-Life Initiatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reis, Frank William

2002-01-01

Describes how a wellness program, campus safety and security program, and institutional knowledge management program are succeeding at Cuyahoga Community College after the human resources (HR) department won administrative support for their implementation. (EV)

Research on the theory and methodology of integrating GIS and MAS and its application in simulating of pedestrians flows in a crowd's activity centre of Shanghai metropolitan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Miaolong; Chen, Peng

2006-10-01

Based on the development trend of research on urban morphology and its evolution from macro scale to micro scale, a new tight-coupling integrating method of GIS and MAS has been discussed briefly in this paper. After analyzing the characteristics and mechanism of pedestrian's flows in a crowds' activity center in a metropolitan, a prototype and mathematical expression of pedestrian's flows simulation have been put forward in the paper. A few key expressions and techniques for treating the specific behaviors of pedestrians flows, especially how the individuals of the flows make a decision to follow a original designed direction, how to make a decision whether stop or change his movement and select a new direction when the individuals meet a obstacle have been explored and discussed in detail. Using some tools provided by general GIS systems (such as ArcGIS 9) and a few specific programming languages, a new software system integrating GIS and MAS applicable for simulating pedestrians flows in a crowd activity centre has been developed successfully. Under the environment supported by the software system, as an applicable case, a dynamic evolution process of the pedestrian's flows (dispersed process for the spectators) in a crowds' activity center - The Shanghai Stadium has been simulated successfully. The successful simulating of a case of emergence when one or more exits emerge accidents will be very useful for managing and treating crowds' safety in a lot of assembling centers. At the end of the paper, some new research problems have been pointed out for the future.

miR-21 modulates resistance of HR-HPV positive cervical cancer cells to radiation through targeting LATS1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Shikai; Song, Lili, E-mail: commasll@163.com; Zhang, Liang

Although multiple miRNAs are found involved in radioresistance development in HR-HPV positive (+) cervical cancer, only limited studies explored the regulative mechanism of the miRNAs. miR-21 is one of the miRNAs significantly upregulated in HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer is also significantly associated with radioresistance. However, the detailed regulative network of miR-21 in radioresistance is still not clear. In this study, we confirmed that miR-21 overexpression was associated with higher level of radioresistance in HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer patients and thus decided to further explore its role. Findings of this study found miR-21 can negatively affect radiosensitivity of HR-HPV (+) cervicalmore » cancer cells and decrease radiation induced G2/M block and increase S phase accumulation. By using dual luciferase assay, we verified a binding site between miR-21 and 3′-UTR of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1). Through direct binding, miR-21 can regulate LATS1 expression in cervical cancer cells. LATS1 overexpression can reverse miR-21 induced higher colony formation rate and also reduced miR-21 induced S phase accumulation and G2/M phase block reduction under radiation treatment. These results suggested that miR-21-LATS1 axis plays an important role in regulating radiosensitivity. - Highlights: • miR-21 is highly expressed in HR-HPV (+) radioresistant cervical cancer patients. • miR-21 can negatively affect radiosensitivity of HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer cells. • miR-21 can decrease radiation induced G2/M block and increase S phase accumulation. • miR-21 modulates radiosensitivity cervical cancer cell by directly targeting LATS1.« less

Sensitivity Gains, Linearity, and Spectral Reproducibility in Nonuniformly Sampled Multidimensional MAS NMR Spectra of High Dynamic Range.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suiter, Christopher L.; Paramasivam, Sivakumar; Hou, Guangjin

Recently, we have demonstrated that considerable inherent sensitivity gains are attained in MAS NMR spectra acquired by nonuniform sampling (NUS) and introduced maximum entropy interpolation (MINT) processing that assures the linearity of transformation between the time and frequency domains. In this report, we examine the utility of the NUS/MINT approach in multidimensional datasets possessing high dynamic range, such as homonuclear 13C–13C correlation spectra. We demonstrate on model compounds and on 1–73-(U-13C,15N)/74–108-(U-15N) E. coli thioredoxin reassembly, that with appropriately constructed 50 % NUS schedules inherent sensitivity gains of 1.7–2.1-fold are readily reached in such datasets. We show that both linearity andmore » line width are retained under these experimental conditions throughout the entire dynamic range of the signals. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the reproducibility of the peak intensities is excellent in the NUS/MINT approach when experiments are repeated multiple times and identical experimental and processing conditions are employed. Finally, we discuss the principles for design and implementation of random exponentially biased NUS sampling schedules for homonuclear 13C–13C MAS correlation experiments that yield high quality artifact-free datasets.« less

Sensitivity gains, linearity, and spectral reproducibility in nonuniformly sampled multidimensional MAS NMR spectra of high dynamic range

PubMed Central

Suiter, Christopher L.; Paramasivam, Sivakumar; Hou, Guangjin; Sun, Shangjin; Rice, David; Hoch, Jeffrey C.; Rovnyak, David

2014-01-01

Recently, we have demonstrated that considerable inherent sensitivity gains are attained in MAS NMR spectra acquired by nonuniform sampling (NUS) and introduced maximum entropy interpolation (MINT) processing that assures the linearity of transformation between the time and frequency domains. In this report, we examine the utility of the NUS/MINT approach in multidimensional datasets possessing high dynamic range, such as homonuclear 13C–13C correlation spectra. We demonstrate on model compounds and on 1–73-(U-13C, 15N)/74–108-(U-15N) E. coli thioredoxin reassembly, that with appropriately constructed 50 % NUS schedules inherent sensitivity gains of 1.7–2.1-fold are readily reached in such datasets. We show that both linearity and line width are retained under these experimental conditions throughout the entire dynamic range of the signals. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the reproducibility of the peak intensities is excellent in the NUS/MINT approach when experiments are repeated multiple times and identical experimental and processing conditions are employed. Finally, we discuss the principles for design and implementation of random exponentially biased NUS sampling schedules for homonuclear 13C–13C MAS correlation experiments that yield high-quality artifact-free datasets. PMID:24752819

The impact of 24-hr, in-hospital pediatric critical care attending physician presence on process of care and patient outcomes*.

PubMed

Nishisaki, Akira; Pines, Jesse M; Lin, Richard; Helfaer, Mark A; Berg, Robert A; Tenhave, Thomas; Nadkarni, Vinay M

2012-07-01

Attending physicians are only required to provide in-hospital coverage during daytime hours in many pediatric intensive care units. An in-hospital 24-hr pediatric intensive care unit attending coverage model has been increasingly popular, but the impact of 24-hr, in-hospital attending coverage on care processes and outcomes has not been reported. We compared processes of care and outcomes before and after the implementation of a 24-hr in-hospital pediatric intensive care unit attending physician model. Retrospective comparison of before and after cohorts. A single large, academic tertiary medical/surgical pediatric intensive care unit. : Pediatric intensive care unit admissions in 2000-2006. Transition to 24-hr from 12-hr in-hospital pediatric critical care attending physician coverage model in January 2004. A total of 18,702 patients were admitted to intensive care unit: 8,520 in 24 hrs; 10,182 in 12 hrs. Duration of mechanical ventilation was lower (median 33 hrs [interquartile range 12-88] vs. 48 hrs [interquartile range 16-133], adjusted reduction of 35% [95% confidence interval 25%-44%], p < .001) and intensive care unit length of stay was shorter (median 2 days [interquartile range 1-4] vs. 2 days [interquartile range 1-5], adjusted p < .001) for 24 hr vs. 12 hr coverage. The reduction in mechanical ventilation hours was similar when noninvasive, mechanical ventilation was included in ventilation hours (median 42 hrs vs. 56 hrs, adjusted reduction in ventilation hours: 33% [95% confidence interval 20-45], p < .001). Intensive care unit mortality was not significantly different (2.2% vs. 2.5%, adjusted p =.23). These associations were consistent across daytime and nighttime admissions, weekend and weekday admissions, and among subgroups with higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores, postsurgical patients, and histories of previous intensive care unit admission. Implementation of 24-hr in-hospital pediatric critical care attending coverage was associated

Legislation to Prohibit Sex Discrimination on the Basis of Pregnancy; Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities of the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Ninety-Fifth Congress, First Session on H.R. 5055 and H.R. 6075.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Education and Labor.

The purpose of this hearing is for the House Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities to gather evidence on H.R. 5055 and H.R. 6075, amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 so as to prohibit sex discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. Although some observers stated their feeling that this was the original intent of the legislation anyway, a recent…

Experimental aspects in acquisition of wide bandwidth solid-state MAS NMR spectra of low-γ nuclei with different opportunities on two commercial NMR spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakobsen, Hans J.; Bildsøe, Henrik; Gan, Zhehong; Brey, William W.

2011-08-01

The acquisition and different appearances observed for wide bandwidth solid-state MAS NMR spectra of low-γ nuclei, using 14N as an illustrative nucleus and employing two different commercial spectrometers (Varian, 14.1 T and Bruker, 19.6 T), have been compared/evaluated and optimized from an experimental NMR and an electronic engineering point of view, to account for the huge differences in these spectra. The large differences in their spectral appearances, employing the recommended/standard experimental set-up for the two different spectrometers, are shown to be associated with quite large differences in the electronic design of the two types of preamplifiers, which are connected to their respective probes through a 50 Ω cable, and are here completely accounted for. This has led to different opportunities for optimum performances in the acquisition of nearly ideal wide bandwidth spectra for low-γ nuclei on the two spectrometers by careful evaluation of the length for the 50 Ω probe-to-preamp cable for the Varian system and appropriate changes to the bandwidth ( Q) of the NMR probe used on the Bruker spectrometer. Earlier, we reported quite distorted spectra obtained with Varian Unity INOVA spectrometers (at 11.4 and 14.1 T) in several exploratory wide bandwidth 14N MAS NMR studies of inorganic nitrates and amino acids. These spectra have now been compared/evaluated with fully analyzed 14N MAS spectra correspondingly acquired at 19.6 T on a Bruker spectrometer. It is shown that our upgraded version of the STARS simulation/iterative-fitting software is capable of providing identical sets for the molecular spectral parameters and corresponding fits to the experimental spectra, which fully agree with the electronic measurements, despite the highly different appearances for the MAS NMR spectra acquired on the Varian and Bruker spectrometers.

Investigation of Damage with Cluster Ion Beam Irradiation Using HR-RBS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seki, Toshio; Aoki, Takaaki; Matsuo, Jiro

2008-11-03

Cluster ion beam can process targets with shallow damage because of the very low irradiation energy per atom. However, it is needed to investigate the damage with cluster ion beam irradiation, because recent applications demand process targets with ultra low damage. The shallow damage can be investigated from depth profiles of specific species before and after ion irradiation. They can be measured with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). High resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (HR-RBS) is a non destructive measurement method and depth profiles can be measured with nano-resolution. The cluster ion beam mixing of thinmore » Ni layer in carbon targets can be investigated with HR-RBS. The mixing depth with cluster ion irradiation at 10 keV was about 10 nm. The mixing depth with cluster ion irradiation at 1 keV and 5 keV were less than 1 nm and 5 nm, respectively. The number of displaced Ni atoms with cluster ion irradiation was very larger than that with monomer ion irradiation of same energy. This result shows that violent mixing occurs with single cluster impact.« less

Stability of Routine Biochemical Analytes in Whole Blood and Plasma From Lithium Heparin Gel Tubes During 6-hr Storage.

PubMed

Monneret, Denis; Godmer, Alexandre; Le Guen, Ronan; Bravetti, Clotilde; Emeraud, Cecile; Marteau, Anthony; Alkouri, Rana; Mestari, Fouzi; Dever, Sylvie; Imbert-Bismut, Françoise; Bonnefont-Rousselot, Dominique

2016-09-01

The stability of biochemical analytes has already been investigated, but results strongly differ depending on parameters, methodologies, and sample storage times. We investigated the stability for many biochemical parameters after different storage times of both whole blood and plasma, in order to define acceptable pre- and postcentrifugation delays in hospital laboratories. Twenty-four analytes were measured (Modular® Roche analyzer) in plasma obtained from blood collected into lithium heparin gel tubes, after 2-6 hr of storage at room temperature either before (n = 28: stability in whole blood) or after (n = 21: stability in plasma) centrifugation. Variations in concentrations were expressed as mean bias from baseline, using the analytical change limit (ACL%) or the reference change value (RCV%) as acceptance limit. In tubes stored before centrifugation, mean plasma concentrations significantly decreased after 3 hr for phosphorus (-6.1% [95% CI: -7.4 to -4.7%]; ACL 4.62%) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; -5.7% [95% CI: -7.4 to -4.1%]; ACL 5.17%), and slightly decreased after 6 hr for potassium (-2.9% [95% CI: -5.3 to -0.5%]; ACL 4.13%). In plasma stored after centrifugation, mean concentrations decreased after 6 hr for bicarbonates (-19.7% [95% CI: -22.9 to -16.5%]; ACL 15.4%), and moderately increased after 4 hr for LDH (+6.0% [95% CI: +4.3 to +7.6%]; ACL 5.17%). Based on RCV, all the analytes can be considered stable up to 6 hr, whether before or after centrifugation. This study proposes acceptable delays for most biochemical tests on lithium heparin gel tubes arriving at the laboratory or needing to be reanalyzed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-Term Durability Analysis of a 100,000+ Hr Stirling Power Convertor Heater Head

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartolotta, Paul A.; Bowman, Randy R.; Krause, David L.; Halford, Gary R.

2000-01-01

DOE and NASA have identified Stirling Radioisotope Power Systems (SRPS) as the power supply for deep space exploration missions the Europa Orbiter and Solar Probe. As a part of this effort, NASA has initiated a long-term durability project for critical hot section components of the Stirling power convertor to qualify flight hardware. This project will develop a life prediction methodology that utilizes short-term (t < 20,000 hr) test data to verify long-term (t > 100,000 hr) design life. The project consists of generating a materials database for the specific heat of alloy, evaluation of critical hermetic sealed joints, life model characterization, and model verification. This paper will describe the qualification methodology being developed and provide a status for this effort.

HELIOS–RETRIEVAL: An Open-source, Nested Sampling Atmospheric Retrieval Code; Application to the HR 8799 Exoplanets and Inferred Constraints for Planet Formation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lavie, Baptiste; Mendonça, João M.; Malik, Matej

We present an open-source retrieval code named HELIOS–RETRIEVAL, designed to obtain chemical abundances and temperature–pressure profiles by inverting the measured spectra of exoplanetary atmospheres. In our forward model, we use an exact solution of the radiative transfer equation, in the pure absorption limit, which allows us to analytically integrate over all of the outgoing rays. Two chemistry models are considered: unconstrained chemistry and equilibrium chemistry (enforced via analytical formulae). The nested sampling algorithm allows us to formally implement Occam’s Razor based on a comparison of the Bayesian evidence between models. We perform a retrieval analysis on the measured spectra ofmore » the four HR 8799 directly imaged exoplanets. Chemical equilibrium is disfavored for HR 8799b and c. We find supersolar C/H and O/H values for the outer HR 8799b and c exoplanets, while the inner HR 8799d and e exoplanets have a range of C/H and O/H values. The C/O values range from being superstellar for HR 8799b to being consistent with stellar for HR 8799c and being substellar for HR 8799d and e. If these retrieved properties are representative of the bulk compositions of the exoplanets, then they are inconsistent with formation via gravitational instability (without late-time accretion) and consistent with a core accretion scenario in which late-time accretion of ices occurred differently for the inner and outer exoplanets. For HR 8799e, we find that spectroscopy in the K band is crucial for constraining C/O and C/H. HELIOS–RETRIEVAL is publicly available as part of the Exoclimes Simulation Platform (http://www.exoclime.org).« less

Photometric behavior and general characteristics of the nova HR Delphini

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raikova, D.

The light curve and the B-V color-index curve of HR Del were constructed on the basis of published UBV observations. From the normal color indices, the effective photosphere temperature and radius were determined using calibrations for normal stars. As the brightness reached its peak, the effective photosphere was expanding with a velocity of approximately 23 km/s, which is more than 10 times less than the gas velocity. This phenomenon is explained by decreasing continuous opacity as the ejected gas expands.

The Evolution of the MasAgro Hubs: Responsiveness and Serendipity as Drivers of Agricultural Innovation in a Dynamic and Heterogeneous Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camacho-Villa, Tania Carolina; Almekinders, Conny; Hellin, Jon; Martinez-Cruz, Tania Eulalia; Rendon-Medel, Roberto; Guevara-Hernández, Francisco; Beuchelt, Tina D.; Govaerts, Bram

2016-01-01

Purpose: Little is known about effective ways to operationalize agricultural innovation processes. We use the MasAgro program in Mexico (which aims to increase maize and wheat productivity, profitability and sustainability), and the experiences of middle level "hub managers", to understand how innovation processes occur in heterogeneous…

Organizations' Ways of Employing Early Retirees: The Role of Age-Based HR Policies.

PubMed

Oude Mulders, Jaap; Henkens, Kène; Schippers, Joop

2015-06-01

We examine whether from an organizational perspective it is possible to distinguish different ways of employing early retirees and explore how the employment of early retirees is related to the application of 4 age-based human resource (HR) policies, namely demotion, offering training opportunities to older workers, offering early retirement, and allowing flexible working hours. We perform a latent class analysis on a sample of 998 Dutch organizations in order to categorize them based on 3 dimensions of their employment of early retirees. We then run a multinomial logistic regression to relate the employment of early retirees to the 4 age-based HR policies. We distinguish 4 types of organizations based on their way of employing early retirees: nonusers (52.6%), users for mainly standard work (20.8%), users for mainly nonstandard work (9.8%), and users for standard and nonstandard work (16.7%). We find that organizations that apply demotion, offer early retirement, and allow flexible working hours are more likely to be users for mainly standard work. Also, organizations that do not offer early retirement are less likely to employ early retirees. Age-based HR policies, especially demotion, offering early retirement, and allowing flexible working hours, are conducive to the employment of early retirees for mainly standard work. Broader implementation of these policies may provide opportunities for older workers to make a more gradual transition from work to retirement. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Primary hrHPV DNA testing in cervical cancer screening: how to manage screen-positive women? A POBASCAM trial substudy.

PubMed

Dijkstra, Maaike G; van Niekerk, Dirk; Rijkaart, Dorien C; van Kemenade, Folkert J; Heideman, Daniëlle A M; Snijders, Peter J F; Meijer, Chris J L M; Berkhof, Johannes

2014-01-01

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing has higher sensitivity but lower specificity than cytology for cervical (pre)-cancerous lesions. Therefore, triage of hrHPV-positive women is needed in cervical cancer screening. A cohort of 1,100 hrHPV-positive women, from a population-based screening trial (POBASCAM: n = 44,938; 29-61 years), was used to evaluate 10 triage strategies, involving testing at baseline and six months with combinations of cytology, HPV16/18 genotyping, and/or repeat hrHPV testing. Clinical endpoint was cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3(+)) detected within four years; results were adjusted for women not attending repeat testing. A triage strategy was considered acceptable, when the probability of no CIN3(+) after negative triage (negative predictive value, NPV) was at least 98%, and the CIN3(+) risk after positive triage (positive predictive value, PPV) was at least 20%. Triage at baseline with cytology only yielded an NPV of 94.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 92.0-96.0] and a PPV of 39.7% (95% CI, 34.0-45.6). An increase in NPV, against a modest decrease in PPV, was obtained by triaging women with negative baseline cytology by repeat cytology (NPV 98.5% and PPV 34.0%) or by baseline HPV16/18 genotyping (NPV 98.8% and PPV 28.5%). The inclusion of both HPV16/18 genotyping at baseline and repeat cytology testing provided a high NPV (99.6%) and a moderately high PPV (25.6%). Triaging hrHPV-positive women by cytology at baseline and after 6 to 12 months, possibly in combination with baseline HPV16/18 genotyping, seems acceptable for cervical cancer screening. Implementable triage strategies are provided for primary hrHPV screening in an organized setting.

Remote Sensing of the Radiative and Microphysical Properties of Clouds during TC4: Results from MAS, MASTER, MODIS, and MISR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Michael D.; Platnick, Steven; Wind, Galina; Arnold, George T.; Ackerman, Steven A.; Frey, Richard

2007-01-01

The MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) and MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER) were used to obtain measurements of the bidirectional reflectance and brightness temperature of clouds at 50 discrete wavelengths between 0.47 and 14.3 (12.9 m for MASTER). These observations were obtained from the NASA ER-2 aircraft as part of the Tropical Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling Experiment (TC4) conducted over Central America and surrounding Pacific and Atlantic Oceans between July 17 and August 8, 2007. Multispectral images in eight distinct bands were used to derive a confidence in clear sky (or alternatively the probability of cloud) over land and ocean ecosystems. Based on the results of individual tests run as part of this cloud mask, an algorithm was developed to estimate the phase of the clouds (liquid water, ice, or undetermined phase). Finally, the cloud optical thickness and effective radius were derived for both liquid water and ice clouds that were detected during each flight, using a nearly identical algorithm as that implemented operationally to process MODIS cloud data from the Aqua and Terra satellites (Collection 5). This analysis shows that the cloud mask developed for operational use on MODIS, and tested using MAS and MASTER date in TC4, is quite capable of distinguishing both liquid water and ice clouds during daytime conditions over both land and ocean. The cloud optical thickness and effective radius retrievals used three distinct bands of the MAS (or MASTER), and these results were compared with nearly simultaneous retrievals of MODIS on the Terra spacecraft. Finally, this MODIS-based algorithm was adapted to MISR data to infer the cloud optical thickness of liquid water clouds from MISR. Results of this analysis will be presented and discussed.

Remote Sensing of Radiative and Microphysical Properties of Clouds During TC (sup 4): Results from MAS, MASTER, MODIS, and MISR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Michael D.; Platnick, Steven; Wind, Galina; Arnold, G. Thomas; Dominguez, Roseanne T.

2010-01-01

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Airborne Simulator (MAS) and MODIS/Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Airborne Simulator (MASTER) were used to obtain measurements of the bidirectional reflectance and brightness temperature of clouds at 50 discrete wavelengths between 0.47 and 14.2 microns (12.9 microns for MASTER). These observations were obtained from the NASA ER-2 aircraft as part of the Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling (TC4) experiment conducted over Central America and surrounding Pacific and Atlantic Oceans between 17 July and 8 August 2007. Multispectral images in eleven distinct bands were used to derive a confidence in clear sky (or alternatively the probability Of cloud) over land and ocean ecosystems. Based on the results of individual tests run as part of the cloud mask, an algorithm was developed to estimate the phase of the clouds (liquid water, ice, or undetermined phase). The cloud optical thickness and effective radius were derived for both liquid water and ice clouds that were detected during each flight, using a nearly identical algorithm to that implemented operationally to process MODIS Cloud data from the Aqua and Terra satellites (Collection 5). This analysis shows that the cloud mask developed for operational use on MODIS, and tested using MAS and MASTER data in TC(sup 4), is quite capable of distinguishing both liquid water and ice clouds during daytime conditions over both land and ocean. The cloud optical thickness and effective radius retrievals use five distinct bands of the MAS (or MASTER), and these results were compared with nearly simultaneous retrievals of marine liquid water clouds from MODIS on the Terra spacecraft. Finally, this MODIS-based algorithm was adapted to Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) data to infer the cloud optical thickness Of liquid water clouds from MISR. Results of this analysis are compared and contrasted.

QuBiLS-MAS, open source multi-platform software for atom- and bond-based topological (2D) and chiral (2.5D) algebraic molecular descriptors computations.

PubMed

Valdés-Martiní, José R; Marrero-Ponce, Yovani; García-Jacas, César R; Martinez-Mayorga, Karina; Barigye, Stephen J; Vaz d'Almeida, Yasser Silveira; Pham-The, Hai; Pérez-Giménez, Facundo; Morell, Carlos A

2017-06-07

In previous reports, Marrero-Ponce et al. proposed algebraic formalisms for characterizing topological (2D) and chiral (2.5D) molecular features through atom- and bond-based ToMoCoMD-CARDD (acronym for Topological Molecular Computational Design-Computer Aided Rational Drug Design) molecular descriptors. These MDs codify molecular information based on the bilinear, quadratic and linear algebraic forms and the graph-theoretical electronic-density and edge-adjacency matrices in order to consider atom- and bond-based relations, respectively. These MDs have been successfully applied in the screening of chemical compounds of different therapeutic applications ranging from antimalarials, antibacterials, tyrosinase inhibitors and so on. To compute these MDs, a computational program with the same name was initially developed. However, this in house software barely offered the functionalities required in contemporary molecular modeling tasks, in addition to the inherent limitations that made its usability impractical. Therefore, the present manuscript introduces the QuBiLS-MAS (acronym for Quadratic, Bilinear and N-Linear mapS based on graph-theoretic electronic-density Matrices and Atomic weightingS) software designed to compute topological (0-2.5D) molecular descriptors based on bilinear, quadratic and linear algebraic forms for atom- and bond-based relations. The QuBiLS-MAS module was designed as standalone software, in which extensions and generalizations of the former ToMoCoMD-CARDD 2D-algebraic indices are implemented, considering the following aspects: (a) two new matrix normalization approaches based on double-stochastic and mutual probability formalisms; (b) topological constraints (cut-offs) to take into account particular inter-atomic relations; (c) six additional atomic properties to be used as weighting schemes in the calculation of the molecular vectors; (d) four new local-fragments to consider molecular regions of interest; (e) number of lone-pair electrons in

CaCl 2 -Accelerated Hydration of Tricalcium Silicate: A STXM Study Combined with 29 Si MAS NMR

DOE PAGES

Li, Qinfei; Ge, Yong; Geng, Guoqing; ...

2015-01-01

Tmore » he effect of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) on tricalcium silicate (C 3 S) hydration was investigated by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (SXM) with Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectra and 29 Si MAS NMR. SXM is demonstrated to be a powerful tool for studying the chemical composition of a cement-based hydration system. he Ca L 3,2 -edge NEXAFS spectra obtained by examining C 3 S hydration in the presence of CaCl 2 showed that this accelerator does not change the coordination of calcium in the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), which is the primary hydration product. O K-edge NEXAFS is also very useful in distinguishing the chemical components in hydrated C 3 S. Based on the Ca L 3,2 -edge spectra and chemical component mapping, we concluded that CaCl 2 prefers to coexist with unhydrated C 3 S instead of C-S-H. In Si K-edge NEXAFS analysis, CaCl 2 increases the degree of silicate polymerization of C-S-H in agreement with the 29 Si CP/MAS NMR results, which show that the presence of CaCl 2 in hydrated C 3 S considerably accelerates the formation of middle groups ( Q 2 ) and branch sites ( Q 3 ) in the silicate chains of C-S-H gel at 1-day hydration.« less

Estructura del diagrama HR para gigantes rojas de poblacion I de masas intermedias.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clariá, J. J.; Lapasset, E.; Minniti, D.

1990-11-01

The structure of the HR diagram (clump and giant branch) for intermediate mass population I red giants is examined on the basis of multicolour photometry (UBV, DDO, and DT1T2) of open clusters belonging to the NGC 3532 and NGC 6475 groups.

Acute hyperhydration reduces athlete biological passport OFF-hr score.

PubMed

Bejder, J; Hoffmann, M F; Ashenden, M; Nordsborg, N B; Karstoft, K; Mørkeberg, J

2016-03-01

Anecdotal evidence suggests that athletes hyperhydrate to mask prohibited substances in urine and potentially counteract suspicious fluctuations in blood parameters in the athlete biological passport (ABP). It is examined if acute hyperhydration changes parameters included in the ABP. Twenty subjects received recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) for 3 weeks. After 10 days of rhEPO washout, 10 subjects ingested normal amount of water (∼ 270 mL), whereas the remaining 10 ingested a 1000 mL bolus of water. Blood variables were measured 20, 40, 60, and 80 min after ingestion. Three days later, the subjects were crossed-over with regard to water ingestion and the procedure was repeated. OFF-hr was reduced by ∼ 4%, ∼ 3%, and ∼ 2% at 40, 60, and 80 min, respectively, after drinking 1000 mL of water, compared with normal water ingestion (P < 0.05). Forty percent of the subjects were identified with atypical blood profiles (99% specificity level) before drinking 1000 mL of water, whereas 11% (n = 18), 10% and 11% (n = 18) were identified 40, 60, and 80 min, respectively, after ingestion. This was different (P < 0.05) compared with normal water intake, where 45% of the subjects were identified before ingestion, and 54% (n = 19), 45%, and 47% (n = 19) were identified 40, 60, and 80 min, respectively, after ingestion. In conclusion, acute hyperhydration reduces ABP OFF-hr and reduces ABP sensitivity. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Legislation to Prohibit Sex Discrimination on the Basis of Pregnancy, Part 2; Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities of the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Ninety-Fifth Congress, First Session on H.R. 5055 and H.R. 6075.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Education and Labor.

The purpose of this hearing is for the House Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities to gather evidence on H.R. 5055 and H.R. 6075, amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 so as to prohibit sex discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. Although some observers stated their feeling that this was the original intent of the legislation anyway, a recent…

Artist's Concept of Exoplanet HR 8799b

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Release Date April 1, 2009 This is an artistic illustration of the giant planet HR 8799b. The planet was first discovered in 2007 at the Gemini North observatory. It was identified in the NICMOS archival data in a follow-up search of NICMOS archival data to see if Hubble had also serendipitously imaged it. The planet is young and hot, at a temperature of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. It is slightly larger than Jupiter and may be at least seven times more massive. Analysis of the NICMOS data suggests the planet has water vapor in its atmosphere and is only partially cloud covered. It is not known if the planet has rings or moons, but circumplanetary debris is common among the outer planets of our solar system. Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center/ESA/G. Bacon (STScI) To learn more about the Hubble Space Telescope go here: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html

Draft genome sequence of a human-associated isolate of Haloferax alexandrinus strain Arc-hr, an extremely halophilic archaea.

PubMed

Khelaifia, S; Caputo, A; Djossou, F; Raoult, D

2017-01-01

We report the draft genome sequence of Haloferax alexandrinus strain Arc-hr (CSUR P798), isolated from the human gut of a 10-year-old Amazonian individual. Its 3 893 626 bp genome exhibits a 66.00% GC content. The genome of the strain Arc-hr contains 37 genes identified as ORFans, seven genes associated to halocin and 11 genes associated with polyketide synthases or nonribosomal peptide synthetases.

Assessment of a 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy procedure for free sugars quantification in intact plant tissue.

PubMed

Delgado-Goñi, Teresa; Campo, Sonia; Martín-Sitjar, Juana; Cabañas, Miquel E; San Segundo, Blanca; Arús, Carles

2013-08-01

In most plants, sucrose is the primary product of photosynthesis, the transport form of assimilated carbon, and also one of the main factors determining sweetness in fresh fruits. Traditional methods for sugar quantification (mainly sucrose, glucose and fructose) require obtaining crude plant extracts, which sometimes involve substantial sample manipulation, making the process time-consuming and increasing the risk of sample degradation. Here, we describe and validate a fast method to determine sugar content in intact plant tissue by using high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS NMR). The HR-MAS NMR method was used for quantifying sucrose, glucose and fructose in mesocarp tissues from melon fruits (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus and Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis). The resulting sugar content varied among individual melons, ranging from 1.4 to 7.3 g of sucrose, 0.4-2.5 g of glucose; and 0.73-2.83 g of fructose (values per 100 g fw). These values were in agreement with those described in the literature for melon fruit tissue, and no significant differences were found when comparing them with those obtained using the traditional, enzymatic procedure, on melon tissue extracts. The HR-MAS NMR method offers a fast (usually <30 min) and sensitive method for sugar quantification in intact plant tissues, it requires a small amount of tissue (typically 50 mg fw) and avoids the interferences and risks associated with obtaining plant extracts. Furthermore, this method might also allow the quantification of additional metabolites detectable in the plant tissue NMR spectrum.

miR-375 Modulates Radiosensitivity of HR-HPV-Positive Cervical Cancer Cells by Targeting UBE3A through the p53 Pathway.

PubMed

Song, Lili; Liu, Shikai; Zeng, Saitian; Zhang, Liang; Li, Xia

2015-07-30

Prediction of radioresistance of HR-HPV-positive (+) cervical cancer, especially before the course of radiotherapy, is quite beneficial to develop an optimal treatment strategy for individual patients. Unfortunately, the mechanisms responsible for radioresistance of cervical cancer are still largely unexplored. HR-HPV infection leads to a series of changes to normal biophysical process, including miRNAs expression. In this study, we explored the association between miR-375 and radioresistance in HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer. qRT-PCR analysis was performed to determine miR-375 expression in HR-HPV-positive (+) cervical cancer patients and in HPV-16-positive SiHa and HPV-18-positive HeLa cervical cancer cell lines. The influence of miR-375 on radiosensitivity and the downstream regulative network were further explored in the cell line models. The results verified a putative binding site between miR-375 and UBE3A. miR-375 overexpression could significantly reduce UBE3A expression. UBE3A knockdown led to significantly reduced cell survival under radiation treatment. miR-375 promoted radiosensitivity of HR-HPV (+) cancer through decreasing p53 degradation and thereby increasing radiation-induced apoptosis. The miR-375-UBE3A axis is important in modulating radiosensitivity of HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer.

On the non-variability of HR 7653 (15 Vul) based on BRITE data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smalley, B.; Paunzen, E.; Lüftinger, T.; Moffat, A. F. J.; Pigulski, A.; Rucinski, S.; Sikora, J.; Wade, G. A.; Weiss, W.; BEST

2018-02-01

We present space-based BRITE photometric observations of the metallic line (CP1) star HR 7653 (15 Vul). This chemically peculiar star of the upper main sequence was suspected to show variability due to rotation and a magnetic field. Such a variability is quite unusual among the, in general, non-magnetic CP1 stars. We investigated the astrophysical parameters of HR 7653 placing it close to the terminal age main sequence or even in the subgiant phase. The longest BRITE data set has a time base of 18.01 d from which we conclude that there are no coherent long-period variations (>1 d) visible above 2.1 mmag in the red and 6.6 mmag in the blue. Furthermore, we searched for δ Scuti type pulsations. On the basis of a discrete Fourier analysis method, we find no peaks in the Fourier spectra above 0.5 mmag and 8.6 mmag, for the red and blue filters, respectively.

Operating characteristics of a 0.87 kW-hr flywheel energy storage module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loewenthal, S. H.; Scibbe, H. W.; Parker, R. D.; Zaretsky, E. V.

1985-01-01

Discussion is given of the design and loss characteristics of 0.87 kW-hr (peak) flywheel energy storage module suitable for aerospace and automotive applications. The maraging steel flywheel rotor, a 46-cm- (18-in-) diameter, 58-kg (128-lb) tapered disk, delivers 0.65 kW-hr of usable energy between operating speeds of 10,000 and 20,000 rpm. The rotor is supported by 20- and 25-mm bore diameter, deep-groove ball bearings, lubricated by a self-replenishing wick type lubrication system. To reduce aerodynamic losses, the rotor housing was evacuated to vacuum levels from 40 to 200 millitorr. Dynamic rotor instabilities uncovered during testing necessitated the use of an elastometric-bearing damper to limit shaft excursions. Spindown losses from bearing, seal, and aerodynamic drag at 50 millitorr typically ranged from 64 to 193 W at 10,000 and 20,000 rpm, respectively. Discharge efficiency of the flywheel system exceeded 96 percent at torque levels greater than 21 percent of rated torque.

The integration of HR-HPV increases the expression of cyclins A and E in cytologies with and without low-grade lesions.

PubMed

Zubillaga-Guerrero, M I; Illades-Aguiar, B; Leyva-Vazquez, M A; Flores-Alfaro, E; Castañeda-Saucedo, E; Muñoz-Valle, J F; Alarcón-Romero, L C

2013-01-01

Cyclin-A and cyclin-E are regulators of G1-S phase of normal cell cycle. Integration of human papilloma virus high-risk (HR-HPV) could alter this mechanism, and its overexpression has been associated with poor prognosis in cervical cancer. To determine the expression of cyclin-A and cyclin-E, types of HR-HPV and physical state of DNA in cytologies with the diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). 115 cytological specimens in liquid base (liquid-PREP(™)) were analyzed. 25 specimens were with no signs of SIL (NSIL) and without HPV; 30 with NSIL with low-risk HPV (LR-HPV); 30 with NSIL with HR-HPV; and 30 with both LSIL and HR-HPV. The expression of cyclins was evaluated by immunocytochemistry; and the detection of viral DNA was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLPs) for genotyping or sequencing of HPV. The physical state of HPV was evaluated by in situ hybridization with amplification with tyramide. In the cytologies NSIL with LR-HPV, the expression of cyclin-A and cyclin-E was found respectively in 23.3% and 33.3% of the specimens. Among the specimens of NSIL with HR-HPV, 33.3% expressed cyclin-A and 40% cyclin-E, while 100% of the LSILs expressed the 2 cyclins. On the other hand, 100% of the samples NSIL with LR-HPV presented an episomal pattern. Of the specimens of NSIL with HR-HPV, 56.6% exhibited an episomal pattern, 23.3% integrated and 20%, mixed. Among the LSILs, 90% were mixed and 10% integrated. The cyclins A and E are present in the LSILs that occur predominantly in mixed state in the presence of HR-HPV.

Application of High-Resolution Magic-Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy to Define the Cell Uptake of MRI Contrast Agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calabi, Luisella; Alfieri, Goffredo; Biondi, Luca; De Miranda, Mario; Paleari, Lino; Ghelli, Stefano

2002-06-01

A new method, based on proton high-resolution magic-angle spinning ( 1H HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy, has been employed to study the cell uptake of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents (MRI-CAs). The method was tested on human red blood cells (HRBC) and white blood cells (HWBC) by using three gadolinium complexes, widely used in diagnostics, Gd-BOPTA, Gd-DTPA, and Gd-DOTA, and the analogous complexes obtained by replacing Gd(III) with Dy(III), Nd(III), and Tb(III) (i.e., complexes isostructural to the ones of gadolinium but acting as shift agents). The method is based on the evaluation of the magnetic effects, line broadening, or induced lanthanide shift (LIS) caused by these complexes on NMR signals of intra- and extracellular water. Since magnetic effects are directly linked to permeability, this method is direct. In all the tests, these magnetic effects were detected for the extracellular water signal only, providing a direct proof that these complexes are not able to cross the cell membrane. Line broadening effects (i.e., the use of gadolinium complexes) only allow qualitative evaluations. On the contrary, LIS effects can be measured with high precision and they can be related to the concentration of the paramagnetic species in the cellular compartments. This is possible because the HR-MAS technique provides the complete elimination of bulk magnetic susceptibility (BMS) shift and the differentiation of extra- and intracellular water signals. Thus with this method, the rapid quantification of the MRI-CA amount inside and outside the cells is actually feasible.

New precision orbits of bright double-lined spectroscopic binaries. IX. HD 54371, HR 2692, and 16 ursa majoris

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fekel, Francis C.; Williamson, Michael H.; Muterspaugh, Matthew W.

2015-02-01

With extensive sets of new radial velocities we have determined orbital elements for three previously known spectroscopic binaries, HD 54371, HR 2692, and 16 UMa. All three systems have had the lines of their secondaries detected for the first time. The orbital periods range from 16.24 to 113.23 days, and the three binaries have modestly or moderately eccentric orbits. The secondary to primary mass ratios range from 0.50 to 0.64. The orbital dimensions (a{sub 1} sin i and a{sub 2} sin i) and minimum masses (m{sub 1} sin{sup 3} i and m{sub 2} sin{sup 3} i) of the binary componentsmore » all have accuracies of ⩽1%. With our spectroscopic results and the Hipparcos data, we also have determined astrometric orbits for two of the three systems, HR 2692 and 16 UMa. The primaries of HD 54371 and 16 UMa are solar-type stars, and their secondaries are likely K or M dwarfs. The primary of HR 2692 is a late-type subgiant and its secondary is a G or K dwarf. The primaries of both HR 2692 and 16 UMa may be pseudosynchronously rotating, while that of HD 54371 is rotating faster than its pseudosynchronous velocity.« less

Constant-time 2D and 3D through-bond correlation NMR spectroscopy of solids under 60 kHz MAS

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rongchun; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy

2016-01-01

Establishing connectivity and proximity of nuclei is an important step in elucidating the structure and dynamics of molecules in solids using magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Although recent studies have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of proton-detected multidimensional solid-state NMR experiments under ultrafast-MAS frequencies and obtaining high-resolution spectral lines of protons, assignment of proton resonances is a major challenge. In this study, we first re-visit and demonstrate the feasibility of 2D constant-time uniform-sign cross-peak correlation (CTUC-COSY) NMR experiment on rigid solids under ultrafast-MAS conditions, where the sensitivity of the experiment is enhanced by the reduced spin-spin relaxation rate and the use of low radio-frequency power for heteronuclear decoupling during the evolution intervals of the pulse sequence. In addition, we experimentally demonstrate the performance of a proton-detected pulse sequence to obtain a 3D 1H/13C/1H chemical shift correlation spectrum by incorporating an additional cross-polarization period in the CTUC-COSY pulse sequence to enable proton chemical shift evolution and proton detection in the incrementable t1 and t3 periods, respectively. In addition to through-space and through-bond 13C/1H and 13C/13C chemical shift correlations, the 3D 1H/13C/1H experiment also provides a COSY-type 1H/1H chemical shift correlation spectrum, where only the chemical shifts of those protons, which are bonded to two neighboring carbons, are correlated. By extracting 2D F1/F3 slices (1H/1H chemical shift correlation spectrum) at different 13C chemical shift frequencies from the 3D 1H/13C/1H spectrum, resonances of proton atoms located close to a specific carbon atom can be identified. Overall, the through-bond and through-space homonuclear/heteronuclear proximities determined from the 3D 1H/13C/1H experiment would be useful to study the structure and dynamics of a variety of chemical and biological

COMPASS Final Report: Lunar Network Satellite-High Rate (LNS-HR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

oleson, Steven R.; McGuire, Melissa L.

2012-01-01

Two design options were explored to address the requirement to provide lunar piloted missions with continuous communications for outpost and sortie missions. Two unique orbits were assessed, along with the appropriate spacecraft (S/C) to address these requirements. Both constellations (with only two S/C each) provide full time coverage (24 hr/7 d) for a south polar base and also provide continuous 7 day coverage for sorties for specified sites and periodic windows. Thus a two-satellite system can provide full coverage for sorties for selected windows of opportunity without reconfiguring the constellation.

Application of advanced shearing techniques to the calibration of autocollimators with small angle generators and investigation of error sources.

PubMed

Yandayan, T; Geckeler, R D; Aksulu, M; Akgoz, S A; Ozgur, B

2016-05-01

The application of advanced error-separating shearing techniques to the precise calibration of autocollimators with Small Angle Generators (SAGs) was carried out for the first time. The experimental realization was achieved using the High Precision Small Angle Generator (HPSAG) of TUBITAK UME under classical dimensional metrology laboratory environmental conditions. The standard uncertainty value of 5 mas (24.2 nrad) reached by classical calibration method was improved to the level of 1.38 mas (6.7 nrad). Shearing techniques, which offer a unique opportunity to separate the errors of devices without recourse to any external standard, were first adapted by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) to the calibration of autocollimators with angle encoders. It has been demonstrated experimentally in a clean room environment using the primary angle standard of PTB (WMT 220). The application of the technique to a different type of angle measurement system extends the range of the shearing technique further and reveals other advantages. For example, the angular scales of the SAGs are based on linear measurement systems (e.g., capacitive nanosensors for the HPSAG). Therefore, SAGs show different systematic errors when compared to angle encoders. In addition to the error-separation of HPSAG and the autocollimator, detailed investigations on error sources were carried out. Apart from determination of the systematic errors of the capacitive sensor used in the HPSAG, it was also demonstrated that the shearing method enables the unique opportunity to characterize other error sources such as errors due to temperature drift in long term measurements. This proves that the shearing technique is a very powerful method for investigating angle measuring systems, for their improvement, and for specifying precautions to be taken during the measurements.

Adherence to optimal heart rate control in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: insight from a survey of heart rate in heart failure in Sweden (HR-HF study).

PubMed

Fu, M; Ahrenmark, U; Berglund, S; Lindholm, C J; Lehto, A; Broberg, A Månsson; Tasevska-Dinevska, G; Wikstrom, G; Ågard, A; Andersson, B

2017-12-01

Despite that heart rate (HR) control is one of the guideline-recommended treatment goals for heart failure (HF) patients, implementation has been painstakingly slow. Therefore, it would be important to identify patients who have not yet achieved their target heart rates and assess possible underlying reasons as to why the target rates are not met. The survey of HR in patients with HF in Sweden (HR-HF survey) is an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter, observational longitudinal study designed to investigate the state of the art in the control of HR in HF and to explore potential underlying mechanisms for suboptimal HR control with focus on awareness of and adherence to guidelines for HR control among physicians who focus on the contributing role of beta-blockers (BBs). In 734 HF patients the mean HR was 68 ± 12 beats per minute (bpm) (37.2% of the patients had a HR >70 bpm). Patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (n = 425) had the highest HR (70 ± 13 bpm, with 42% >70 bpm), followed by HF with preserved ejection fraction and HF with mid-range ejection fraction. Atrial fibrillation, irrespective of HF type, had higher HR than sinus rhythm. A similar pattern was observed with BB treatment. Moreover, non-achievement of the recommended target HR (<70 bpm) in HFrEF and sinus rhythm was unrelated to age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular diseases, and comorbidities, but was related to EF and the clinical decision of the physician. Approximately 50% of the physicians considered a HR of >70 bpm optimal and an equal number considered a HR of >70 bpm too high, but without recommending further action. Furthermore, suboptimal HR control cannot be attributed to the use of BBs because there was neither a difference in use of BBs nor an interaction with BBs for HR >70 bpm compared with HR <70 bpm. Suboptimal control of HR was noted in HFrEF with sinus rhythm, which appeared to be attributable to physician decision

The Gemini NICI Planet-Finding Campaign: The Offset Ring of HR 4796 A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wahhaj, Zahed; Liu, Michael C.; Biller, Beth A.; Nielsen, Eric L.; Hayward, Thomas L.; Kuchner, Marc J.; Close, Laird M.; Chun, Mark; Ftaclas, Christ; Toomey, Douglas W.

2014-01-01

We present J, H, CH4 short (1.578 micrometers), CH4 long (1.652 micrometers) and K(sub s)-band images of the dust ring around the 10 Myr old star HR 4796 A obtained using the Near Infrared Coronagraphic Imager (NICI) on the Gemini-South 8.1 m Telescope. Our images clearly show for the first time the position of the star relative to its circumstellar ring thanks to NICI's translucent focal plane occulting mask. We employ a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method to constrain the offset vector between the two. The resulting probability distribution shows that the ring center is offset from the star by 16.7 +/- 1.3 milliarcseconds along a position angle of 26 +/- 3deg, along the PA of the ring, 26.47 +/- 0.04deg. We find that the size of this offset is not large enough to explain the brightness asymmetry of the ring. The ring is measured to have mostly red reflectivity across the JHKs filters, which seems to indicate micron-sized grains. Just like Neptune's 3:2 and 2:1 mean-motion resonances delineate the inner and outer edges of the classical Kuiper belt, we find that the radial extent of the HR 4796 A and the Fomalhaut rings could correspond to the 3:2 and 2:1 mean-motion resonances of hypothetical planets at 54.7 AU and 97.7 AU in the two systems, respectively. A planet orbiting HR 4796 A at 54.7 AU would have to be less massive than 1.6 Jup mass so as not to widen the ring too much by stirring.

Computational identification, characterization and validation of potential antigenic peptide vaccines from hrHPVs E6 proteins using immunoinformatics and computational systems biology approaches

PubMed Central

Junaid, Muhammad; Kaushik, Aman Chandra; Ali, Arif; Ali, Syed Shujait; Mehmood, Aamir; Wei, Dong-Qing

2018-01-01

High-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs) are the most prevalent viruses in human diseases including cervical cancers. Expression of E6 protein has already been reported in cervical cancer cases, excluding normal tissues. Continuous expression of E6 protein is making it ideal to develop therapeutic vaccines against hrHPVs infection and cervical cancer. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis of multiple hrHPVs to predict the most potential prophylactic peptide vaccines. In this study, immunoinformatics approach was employed to predict antigenic epitopes of hrHPVs E6 proteins restricted to 12 Human HLAs to aid the development of peptide vaccines against hrHPVs. Conformational B-cell and CTL epitopes were predicted for hrHPVs E6 proteins using ElliPro and NetCTL. The potential of the predicted peptides were tested and validated by using systems biology approach considering experimental concentration. We also investigated the binding interactions of the antigenic CTL epitopes by using docking. The stability of the resulting peptide-MHC I complexes was further studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results highlighted the regions from 46–62 and 65–76 that could be the first choice for the development of prophylactic peptide vaccines against hrHPVs. To overcome the worldwide distribution, the predicted epitopes restricted to different HLAs could cover most of the vaccination and would help to explore the possibility of these epitopes for adaptive immunotherapy against HPVs infections. PMID:29715318

Rural Area Revitalization Act of 1987; and the Rural Development Reorganization Act of 1987. Hearing on H.R. 1800 and H.R. 2026 before the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, and Rural Development of the Committee on Agriculture. House of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress, First Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Agriculture.

Testimony of H.R. 1800, the Rural Area Revitalization Act, and H.R. 2026, the Rural Development Reorganization Act focuses on the need for federal attention to rural problems other than agriculture. The Rural Area Revitalization Act authorizes expansion of capital available for lending in rural areas, a grant program of $25 million per year for…

Getting People Involved: The Benefit of Intellectual Capital Management for Addressing HR Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pook, Katja

2011-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the benefits of intellectual capital assessment for facing current challenges of human resources work and organizational development. Design/methodology/approach: The paper takes findings of studies on challenges in HR work and maps them with features of intellectual capital assessment methods. It is thus a…

Trabecular bone class mapping across resolutions: translating methods from HR-pQCT to clinical CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valentinitsch, Alexander; Fischer, Lukas; Patsch, Janina M.; Bauer, Jan; Kainberger, Franz; Langs, Georg; DiFranco, Matthew

2015-03-01

Quantitative assessment of 3D bone microarchitecture in high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) has shown promise in fracture risk assessment and biomechanics, but is limited to the distal radius and tibia. Trabecular microarchitecture classes (TMACs), based on voxel-wise clustering texture and structure tensor features in HRpQCT, is extended in this paper to quantify trabecular bone classes in clinical multi-detector CT (MDCT) images. Our comparison of TMACs in 12 cadaver radii imaged using both HRpQCT and MDCT yields a mean Dice score of up to 0.717+/-0.40 and visually concordant bone quality maps. Further work to develop clinically viable bone quantitative imaging using HR-pQCT validation could have a significant impact on overall bone health assessment.

Cells, Agents, and Support Vectors in Interaction - Modeling Urban Sprawl based on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Techniques in a Post-Industrial Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rienow, A.; Menz, G.

2015-12-01

Since the beginning of the millennium, artificial intelligence techniques as cellular automata (CA) and multi-agent systems (MAS) have been incorporated into land-system simulations to address the complex challenges of transitions in urban areas as open, dynamic systems. The study presents a hybrid modeling approach for modeling the two antagonistic processes of urban sprawl and urban decline at once. The simulation power of support vector machines (SVM), cellular automata (CA) and multi-agent systems (MAS) are integrated into one modeling framework and applied to the largest agglomeration of Central Europe: the Ruhr. A modified version of SLEUTH (short for Slope, Land-use, Exclusion, Urban, Transport, and Hillshade) functions as the CA component. SLEUTH makes use of historic urban land-use data sets and growth coefficients for the purpose of modeling physical urban expansion. The machine learning algorithm of SVM is applied in order to enhance SLEUTH. Thus, the stochastic variability of the CA is reduced and information about the human and ecological forces driving the local suitability of urban sprawl is incorporated. Subsequently, the supported CA is coupled with the MAS ReHoSh (Residential Mobility and the Housing Market of Shrinking City Systems). The MAS models population patterns, housing prices, and housing demand in shrinking regions based on interactions between household and city agents. Semi-explicit urban weights are introduced as a possibility of modeling from and to the pixel simultaneously. Three scenarios of changing housing preferences reveal the urban development of the region in terms of quantity and location. They reflect the dissemination of sustainable thinking among stakeholders versus the steady dream of owning a house in sub- and exurban areas. Additionally, the outcomes are transferred into a digital petri dish reflecting a synthetic environment with perfect conditions of growth. Hence, the generic growth elements affecting the future

GPI Spectra of HR 8799 c, d, and e from 1.5 to 2.4 μm with KLIP Forward Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenbaum, Alexandra Z.; Pueyo, Laurent; Ruffio, Jean-Baptiste; Wang, Jason J.; De Rosa, Robert J.; Aguilar, Jonathan; Rameau, Julien; Barman, Travis; Marois, Christian; Marley, Mark S.; Konopacky, Quinn; Rajan, Abhijith; Macintosh, Bruce; Ansdell, Megan; Arriaga, Pauline; Bailey, Vanessa P.; Bulger, Joanna; Burrows, Adam S.; Chilcote, Jeffrey; Cotten, Tara; Doyon, Rene; Duchêne, Gaspard; Fitzgerald, Michael P.; Follette, Katherine B.; Gerard, Benjamin; Goodsell, Stephen J.; Graham, James R.; Hibon, Pascale; Hung, Li-Wei; Ingraham, Patrick; Kalas, Paul; Larkin, James E.; Maire, Jérôme; Marchis, Franck; Metchev, Stanimir; Millar-Blanchaer, Maxwell A.; Nielsen, Eric L.; Norton, Andrew; Oppenheimer, Rebecca; Palmer, David; Patience, Jennifer; Perrin, Marshall D.; Poyneer, Lisa; Rantakyrö, Fredrik T.; Savransky, Dmitry; Schneider, Adam C.; Sivaramakrishnan, Anand; Song, Inseok; Soummer, Rémi; Thomas, Sandrine; Wallace, J. Kent; Ward-Duong, Kimberly; Wiktorowicz, Sloane; Wolff, Schuyler

2018-06-01

We explore KLIP forward modeling spectral extraction on Gemini Planet Imager coronagraphic data of HR 8799, using PyKLIP, and show algorithm stability with varying KLIP parameters. We report new and re-reduced spectrophotometry of HR 8799 c, d, and e in the H and K bands. We discuss a strategy for choosing optimal KLIP PSF subtraction parameters by injecting simulated sources and recovering them over a range of parameters. The K1/K2 spectra for HR 8799 c and d are similar to previously published results from the same data set. We also present a K-band spectrum of HR 8799 e for the first time and show that our H-band spectra agree well with previously published spectra from the VLT/SPHERE instrument. We show that HR 8799 c and d show significant differences in their H and K spectra, but do not find any conclusive differences between d and e, nor between c and e, likely due to large error bars in the recovered spectrum of e. Compared to M-, L-, and T-type field brown dwarfs, all three planets are most consistent with mid- and late-L spectral types. All objects are consistent with low gravity, but a lack of standard spectra for low gravity limit the ability to fit the best spectral type. We discuss how dedicated modeling efforts can better fit HR 8799 planets’ near-IR flux, as well as how differences between the properties of these planets can be further explored.

Copernicus observations of Ly-alpha and Mg II emission from HR 1099 /V711 Tauri/ and UX Ari

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiler, E. J.

1978-01-01

Ultraviolet observations of two RS CVn binaries obtained with Copernicus are described. High-resolution (0.05 A) U1 observations indicate that both HR 1099 and UX Ari display broad Ly-alpha emission. The Ly-alpha emission strength from HR 1099 is variable and seems to be correlated with orbital phase, while the UX Ari results indicate no significant variation. Moderate resolution (0.51 A) V2 scans of both systems show variable Mg II h and k emission-line profiles which usually matched the velocity of the more active star in each binary. Additionally, displaced emission components were seen at velocities of up to + or - 250 km/s, indicative of high-velocity gas motions. The radial velocities of these emission features from HR 1099 are marginally correlated with orbital phase. Highly active and variable chromospheric phenomena are found to be the most consistent explanation of these results.

Health-Related Benefits of Attaining the 8-Hr Ozone Standard

PubMed Central

Hubbell, Bryan J.; Hallberg, Aaron; McCubbin, Donald R.; Post, Ellen

2005-01-01

During the 2000–2002 time period, between 36 and 56% of ozone monitors each year in the United States failed to meet the current ozone standard of 80 ppb for the fourth highest maximum 8-hr ozone concentration. We estimated the health benefits of attaining the ozone standard at these monitors using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program. We used health impact functions based on published epidemiologic studies, and valuation functions derived from the economics literature. The estimated health benefits for 2000 and 2001 are similar in magnitude, whereas the results for 2002 are roughly twice that of each of the prior 2 years. The simple average of health impacts across the 3 years includes reductions of 800 premature deaths, 4,500 hospital and emergency department admissions, 900,000 school absences, and > 1 million minor restricted activity days. The simple average of benefits (including premature mortality) across the 3 years is $5.7 billion [90% confidence interval (CI), 0.6–15.0] for the quadratic rollback simulation method and $4.9 billion (90% CI, 0.5–14.0) for the proportional rollback simulation method. Results are sensitive to the form of the standard and to assumptions about background ozone levels. If the form of the standard is based on the first highest maximum 8-hr concentration, impacts are increased by a factor of 2–3. Increasing the assumed hourly background from zero to 40 ppb reduced impacts by 30 and 60% for the proportional and quadratic attainment simulation methods, respectively. PMID:15626651

miR-21 modulates resistance of HR-HPV positive cervical cancer cells to radiation through targeting LATS1.

PubMed

Liu, Shikai; Song, Lili; Zhang, Liang; Zeng, Saitian; Gao, Fangyuan

2015-04-17

Although multiple miRNAs are found involved in radioresistance development in HR-HPV positive (+) cervical cancer, only limited studies explored the regulative mechanism of the miRNAs. miR-21 is one of the miRNAs significantly upregulated in HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer is also significantly associated with radioresistance. However, the detailed regulative network of miR-21 in radioresistance is still not clear. In this study, we confirmed that miR-21 overexpression was associated with higher level of radioresistance in HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer patients and thus decided to further explore its role. Findings of this study found miR-21 can negatively affect radiosensitivity of HR-HPV (+) cervical cancer cells and decrease radiation induced G2/M block and increase S phase accumulation. By using dual luciferase assay, we verified a binding site between miR-21 and 3'-UTR of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1). Through direct binding, miR-21 can regulate LATS1 expression in cervical cancer cells. LATS1 overexpression can reverse miR-21 induced higher colony formation rate and also reduced miR-21 induced S phase accumulation and G2/M phase block reduction under radiation treatment. These results suggested that miR-21-LATS1 axis plays an important role in regulating radiosensitivity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

GPI Spectra of HR8799 C, D, and E in H-K Bands with KLIP Forward Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenbaum, Alexandra Z.; Pueyo, Laurent; Ruffio, Jean-Baptiste; Wang, Jason J.; De Rosa, Robert J.; Aguilar, Jonathan; Rameau, Julien; Barman, Travis; Marois, Christian; Marley, Mark S.;

A Modified HR3C Austenitic Heat-Resistant Steel for Ultra-supercritical Power Plants Applications Beyond 650 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, C. Z.; Yuan, Y.; Zhang, P.; Yang, Z.; Zhou, Y. L.; Huang, J. Y.; Yin, H. F.; Dang, Y. Y.; Zhao, X. B.; Lu, J. T.; Yan, J. B.; You, C. Y.

2018-02-01

A modified HR3C austenitic steel has been designed by optimizing the chemical composition. Compared with a commercial HR3C alloy, the modified steel has comparable oxidation resistance, yield strength, and plasticity, but higher creep rupture strength and impact toughness after long-term thermal exposure. The results suggest that the modified alloy is a promising candidate for the applications of ultra-supercritical power plants operating beyond 650 °C.

Women with previous fragility fractures can be classified based on bone microarchitecture and finite element analysis measured with HR-pQCT.

PubMed

Nishiyama, K K; Macdonald, H M; Hanley, D A; Boyd, S K

2013-05-01

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) measurements of distal radius and tibia bone microarchitecture and finite element (FE) estimates of bone strength performed well at classifying postmenopausal women with and without previous fracture. The HR-pQCT measurements outperformed dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at classifying forearm fractures and fractures at other skeletal sites. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) is the primary measurement used to assess osteoporosis and fracture risk; however, it does not take into account bone microarchitecture, which also contributes to bone strength. Thus, our objective was to determine if bone microarchitecture measured with HR-pQCT and FE estimates of bone strength could classify women with and without low-trauma fractures. We used HR-pQCT to assess bone microarchitecture at the distal radius and tibia in 44 postmenopausal women with a history of low-trauma fracture and 88 age-matched controls from the Calgary cohort of the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) study. We estimated bone strength using FE analysis and simulated distal radius aBMD from the HR-pQCT scans. Femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) aBMD were measured with DXA. We used support vector machines (SVM) and a tenfold cross-validation to classify the fracture cases and controls and to determine accuracy. The combination of HR-pQCT measures of microarchitecture and FE estimates of bone strength had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.82 when classifying forearm fractures compared to an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 from DXA-derived aBMD of the forearm and 0.63 from FN and spine DXA. For all fracture types, FE estimates of bone strength at the forearm alone resulted in an AUC of 0.69. Models based on HR-pQCT measurements of bone microarchitecture and estimates of bone strength performed better than DXA-derived aBMD at classifying women with and without prior fracture

Differential renal effects of candesartan at high and ultra-high doses in diabetic mice–potential role of the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis

PubMed Central

Callera, Glaucia E.; Antunes, Tayze T.; Correa, Jose W.; Moorman, Danielle; Gutsol, Alexey; He, Ying; Cat, Aurelie Nguyen Dinh; Briones, Ana M.; Montezano, Augusto C.; Burns, Kevin D.; Touyz, Rhian M.

2016-01-01

High doses of Ang II receptor (AT1R) blockers (ARBs) are renoprotective in diabetes. Underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated whether high/ultra-high doses of candesartan (ARB) up-regulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R)/Mas receptor [protective axis of the of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS)] in diabetic mice. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), albuminuria and expression/activity of RAS components were assessed in diabetic db/db and control db/+ mice treated with increasing candesartan doses (intermediate, 1 mg/kg/d; high, 5 mg/kg/d; ultra-high, 25 and 75 mg/kg/d; 4 weeks). Lower doses candesartan did not influence SBP, but ultra-high doses reduced SBP in both groups. Plasma glucose and albuminuria were increased in db/db compared with db/+ mice. In diabetic mice treated with intermediate dose candesartan, renal tubular damage and albuminuria were ameliorated and expression of ACE2, AT2R and Mas and activity of ACE2 were increased, effects associated with reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, decreased fibrosis and renal protection. Ultra-high doses did not influence the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis and promoted renal injury with increased renal ERK1/2 activation and exaggerated fibronectin expression in db/db mice. Our study demonstrates dose-related effects of candesartan in diabetic nephropathy: intermediate–high dose candesartan is renoprotective, whereas ultra-high dose candesartan induces renal damage. Molecular processes associated with these effects involve differential modulation of the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis: intermediate–high dose candesartan up-regulating RAS protective components and attenuating pro-fibrotic processes, and ultra-high doses having opposite effects. These findings suggest novel mechanisms through the protective RAS axis, whereby candesartan may ameliorate diabetic nephropathy. Our findings also highlight potential injurious renal effects of ultra-high dose candesartan in diabetes. PMID:27612496

Retinylidene ligand structure in bovine rhodopsin, metarhodopsin-I, and 10-methylrhodopsin from internuclear distance measurements using 13C-labeling and 1-D rotational resonance MAS NMR.

PubMed

Verdegem, P J; Bovee-Geurts, P H; de Grip, W J; Lugtenburg, J; de Groot, H J

1999-08-31

rotational resonance technique for measuring intraligand distances and probing ligand structure. As far as we are aware, these results represent the first highly precise distance determinations in a ligand at the active site of a membrane protein. Overall, the MAS NMR data indicate a tight binding pocket, well defined to bind specifically only one enantiomer out of four possibilities and providing a steric complement to the chromophore in an ultrafast ( approximately 200 fs) isomerization process.

Proton chemical shift tensors determined by 3D ultrafast MAS double-quantum NMR spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Rongchun; Mroue, Kamal H.; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy

2015-10-01

Proton NMR spectroscopy in the solid state has recently attracted much attention owing to the significant enhancement in spectral resolution afforded by the remarkable advances in ultrafast magic angle spinning (MAS) capabilities. In particular, proton chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) has become an important tool for obtaining specific insights into inter/intra-molecular hydrogen bonding. However, even at the highest currently feasible spinning frequencies (110-120 kHz), 1H MAS NMR spectra of rigid solids still suffer from poor resolution and severe peak overlap caused by the strong 1H-1H homonuclear dipolar couplings and narrow 1H chemical shift (CS) ranges, which render it difficult to determine the CSA of specific proton sites in the standard CSA/single-quantum (SQ) chemical shift correlation experiment. Herein, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) 1H double-quantum (DQ) chemical shift/CSA/SQ chemical shift correlation experiment to extract the CS tensors of proton sites whose signals are not well resolved along the single-quantum chemical shift dimension. As extracted from the 3D spectrum, the F1/F3 (DQ/SQ) projection provides valuable information about 1H-1H proximities, which might also reveal the hydrogen-bonding connectivities. In addition, the F2/F3 (CSA/SQ) correlation spectrum, which is similar to the regular 2D CSA/SQ correlation experiment, yields chemical shift anisotropic line shapes at different isotropic chemical shifts. More importantly, since the F2/F1 (CSA/DQ) spectrum correlates the CSA with the DQ signal induced by two neighboring proton sites, the CSA spectrum sliced at a specific DQ chemical shift position contains the CSA information of two neighboring spins indicated by the DQ chemical shift. If these two spins have different CS tensors, both tensors can be extracted by numerical fitting. We believe that this robust and elegant single-channel proton-based 3D experiment provides useful atomistic-level structural and dynamical information for

The IMPACT-III (HR) questionnaire: a valid measure of health-related quality of life in Croatian children with inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Abdovic, Slaven; Mocic Pavic, Ana; Milosevic, Milan; Persic, Mladen; Senecic-Cala, Irena; Kolacek, Sanja

2013-12-01

To assess the reliability and validity of IMPACT-III (HR), a disease-specific, health-related quality of life instrument in Croatian children with inflammatory bowel disease. In a multicenter study, 104 children participated in a validation study of IMPACT-III (HR) cross-culturally adapted for Croatia. Factor analysis was used to determine optimal domain structure for this cohort, analysis of Cronbach's alpha coefficients to test internal reliability, ANOVA to assess discriminant validity, and correlation with Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Version 4.0 (PedsQL) using Pearson correlation coefficients to assess concurrent validity. Cronbach's alpha for the IMPACT-III (HR) total score was 0.92. The most robust factor solution was a 5-domain structure: Symptoms, Concerns, Socializing, Body Image, and Worry about Stool, all of which demonstrated good internal reliability (α=0.60-0.89), but two items were dropped to achieve this. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by significant differences (P<0.001) in mean IMPACT-III (HR) scores between quiescent and mild or moderate-severe disease activity groups for total (148 vs. 139 or 125) and following factor scores: Symptoms (84 vs. 71 or 61), Socializing (91 vs. 83 or 76), and Worry about Stool (significant only between quiescent and moderate-severe groups, 90 vs. 62, respectively). Concurrent validity of IMPACT-III (HR) with PedsQL showed significant correlation, which was strongest when similar domains were compared. IMPACT-III (HR) appears to be useful tool to measure health-related quality of life in Croatian children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Copyright © 2012 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Conditioning stimulation techniques for enhancement of transcranially elicited evoked motor responses.

PubMed

Journée, H-L; Polak, H E; De Kleuver, M

2007-12-01

In spite of the use of multipulse, transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) is still insufficient in a subgroup of patients to elicit motor-evoked potentials during intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM). Classic facilitation methods used in awake patients are precluded under general anaesthesia. Conditioning techniques can be used in this situation. To present clinical experimental data and models of motor-neuron (MN) excitability for homonymous and heteronymous conditioning and discuss their applications in IONM. Data were obtained in a prospective study on multipulse TES-conditioning of the monosynaptic H-reflex and double multipulse TES. The principle of facilitation by conditioning stimulation is to apply a test stimulus when motor neurons (MNs) have been made maximally excitable by a conditioning stimulus. Both conditioning and test stimuli recruit separate populations of MNs. The overlapping fraction of MNs controls the efficacy of facilitation. Heteronymous conditioning stimulation, which is performed at a different site from the test stimulus, is illustrated by the TES-conditioned H-reflex (HR). Autonomous conditioning stimulation, which is performed at the same stimulation site, is illustrated by double-train TES (dt-TES). The facilitating curves obtained by conditioning stimulation are often 3-modal and show peaks of facilitation at short intertrain intervals (S-ITIs) of 10ms and between 15 and 20ms and at longer intertrain intervals (L-ITI) of over 100ms. The facilitation curves from HR and dt-TES are not always identical since different alphaMN pools are involved. Dt-TES is often successful in neurologically impaired patients whereas facilitation of the HR can be used when conditioned by TES at subthreshold levels allowing continuous IONM without movement in the surgical field. Alternatively, facilitation by conditioning from peripheral-nerve stimulation can be used for selective transmission of subthreshold TES motor responses to

Human recombinant cementum attachment protein (hrPTPLa/CAP) promotes hydroxyapatite crystal formation in vitro and bone healing in vivo.

PubMed

Montoya, Gonzalo; Arenas, Jesús; Romo, Enrique; Zeichner-David, Margarita; Alvarez, Marco; Narayanan, A Sampath; Velázquez, Ulises; Mercado, Gabriela; Arzate, Higinio

2014-12-01

Cementum extracellular matrix is similar to other mineralized tissues; however, this unique tissue contains molecules only present in cementum. A cDNA of these molecules, cementum attachment protein (hrPTPLa/CAP) was cloned and expressed in a prokaryotic system. This molecule is an alternative splicing of protein tyrosine phosphatase-like A (PTPLa). In this study, we wanted to determine the structural and functional characteristics of this protein. Our results indicate that hrPTPLa/CAP contains a 43.2% α-helix, 8.9% β-sheet, 2% β-turn and 45.9% random coil secondary structure. Dynamic light scattering shows that this molecule has a size distribution of 4.8 nm and aggregates as an estimated mass of 137 kDa species. AFM characterization and FE-SEM studies indicate that this protein self-assembles into nanospheres with sizes ranging from 7.0 to 27 nm in diameter. Functional studies demonstrate that hrPTPLa/CAP promotes hydroxyapatite crystal nucleation: EDS analysis revealed that hrPTPLa/CAP-induced crystals had a 1.59 ± 0.06 Ca/P ratio. Further confirmation with MicroRaman spectrometry and TEM confirm the presence of hydroxyapatite. In vivo studies using critical-size defects in rat cranium showed that hrPTPLa/CAP promoted 73% ± 2.19% and 87% ± 1.97% new bone formation at 4 and 8 weeks respectively. Although originally identified in cementum, PTPLa/CAP is very effective at inducing bone repair and healing and therefore this novel molecule has a great potential to be used for mineralized tissue bioengineering and tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetic field topology and chemical abundance distributions of the young, rapidly rotating, chemically peculiar star HR 5624

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kochukhov, O.; Silvester, J.; Bailey, J. D.; Landstreet, J. D.; Wade, G. A.

2017-09-01

Context. The young, rapidly rotating Bp star HR 5624 (HD 133880) shows an unusually strong non-sinusoidal variability of its longitudinal magnetic field. This behaviour was previously interpreted as the signature of an exceptionally strong, quadrupole-dominated surface magnetic field geometry. Aims: We studied the magnetic field structure and chemical abundance distributions of HR 5624 with the aim to verify the unusual quadrupolar nature of its magnetic field and to investigate correlations between the field topology and chemical spots. Methods: We analysed high-resolution, time series Stokes parameter spectra of HR 5624 with the help of a magnetic Doppler imaging inversion code based on detailed polarised radiative transfer modelling of the line profiles. Results: We refined the stellar parameters, revised the rotational period, and obtained new longitudinal magnetic field measurements. Our magnetic Doppler inversions reveal that the field structure of HR 5624 is considerably simpler and the field strength is much lower than proposed by previous studies. We find a maximum local field strength of 12 kG and a mean field strength of 4 kG, which is about a factor of three weaker than predicted by quadrupolar field models. Our model implies that overall large-scale field topology of HR 5624 is better described as a distorted, asymmetric dipole rather than an axisymmetric quadrupole. The chemical abundance maps of Mg, Si, Ti, Cr, Fe, and Nd obtained in our study are characterised by large-scale, high-contrast abundance patterns. These structures correlate weakly with the magnetic field geometry and, in particular, show no distinct element concentrations in the horizontal field regions predicted by theoretical atomic diffusion calculations. Conclusions: We conclude that the surface magnetic field topology of HR 5624 is not as unusual as previously proposed. Considering these results together with other recent magnetic mapping analyses of early-type stars suggests that

Towards homonuclear J solid-state NMR correlation experiments for half-integer quadrupolar nuclei: experimental and simulated 11B MAS spin-echo dephasing and calculated 2J(BB) coupling constants for lithium diborate.

PubMed

Barrow, Nathan S; Yates, Jonathan R; Feller, Steven A; Holland, Diane; Ashbrook, Sharon E; Hodgkinson, Paul; Brown, Steven P

2011-04-07

Magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spin-echo dephasing is systematically investigated for the spin I = 3/2 (11)B nucleus in lithium diborate, Li(2)O·2B(2)O(3). A clear dependence on the quadrupolar frequency (ω(Q)(PAS)/2π = 3C(Q)/[4I(2I- 1)]) is observed: the B3 (larger C(Q)) site dephases more slowly than the B4 site at all investigated MAS frequencies (5 to 20 kHz) at 14.1 T. Increasing the MAS frequency leads to markedly slower dephasing for the B3 site, while there is a much less evident effect for the B4 site. Considering samples at 5, 25, 80 (natural abundance) and 100% (11)B isotopic abundance, dephasing becomes faster for both sites as the (11)B isotopic abundance increases. The experimental behaviour is rationalised using density matrix simulations for two and three dipolar-coupled (11)B nuclei. The experimentally observed slower dephasing for the larger C(Q) (B3) site is reproduced in all simulations and is explained by the reintroduction of the dipolar coupling by the so-called "spontaneous quadrupolar-driven recoupling mechanism" having a different dependence on the MAS frequency for different quadrupolar frequencies. Specifically, isolated spin-pair simulations show that the spontaneous quadrupolar-driven recoupling mechanism is most efficient when the quadrupolar frequency is equal to twice the MAS frequency. While for isolated spin-pair simulations, increasing the MAS frequency leads to faster dephasing, agreement with experiment is observed for three-spin simulations which additionally include the homogeneous nature of the homonuclear dipolar coupling network. First-principles calculations, using the GIPAW approach, of the (2)J(11B-11B) couplings in lithium diborate, metaborate and triborate are presented: a clear trend is revealed whereby the (2)J(11B-11B) couplings increase with increasing B-O-B bond angle and B-B distance. However, the calculated (2)J(11B-11B) couplings are small (0.95, 1.20 and 2.65 Hz in lithium diborate), thus explaining why no

PopHR: a knowledge-based platform to support integration, analysis, and visualization of population health data.

PubMed

Shaban-Nejad, Arash; Lavigne, Maxime; Okhmatovskaia, Anya; Buckeridge, David L

2017-01-01

Population health decision makers must consider complex relationships between multiple concepts measured with differential accuracy from heterogeneous data sources. Population health information systems are currently limited in their ability to integrate data and present a coherent portrait of population health. Consequentially, these systems can provide only basic support for decision makers. The Population Health Record (PopHR) is a semantic web application that automates the integration and extraction of massive amounts of heterogeneous data from multiple distributed sources (e.g., administrative data, clinical records, and survey responses) to support the measurement and monitoring of population health and health system performance for a defined population. The design of the PopHR draws on the theories of the determinants of health and evidence-based public health to harmonize and explicitly link information about a population with evidence about the epidemiology and control of chronic diseases. Organizing information in this manner and linking it explicitly to evidence is expected to improve decision making related to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of population health and health system interventions. In this paper, we describe the PopHR platform and discuss the architecture, design, key modules, and its implementation and use. © 2016 New York Academy of Sciences.

RECONNAISSANCE OF THE HR 8799 EXOSOLAR SYSTEM. I. NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oppenheimer, B. R.; Beichman, C.; Brenner, D.

2013-05-01

We obtained spectra in the wavelength range {lambda} = 995-1769 nm of all four known planets orbiting the star HR 8799. Using the suite of instrumentation known as Project 1640 on the Palomar 5 m Hale Telescope, we acquired data at two epochs. This allowed for multiple imaging detections of the companions and multiple extractions of low-resolution (R {approx} 35) spectra. Data reduction employed two different methods of speckle suppression and spectrum extraction, both yielding results that agree. The spectra do not directly correspond to those of any known objects, although similarities with L and T dwarfs are present, asmore » well as some characteristics similar to planets such as Saturn. We tentatively identify the presence of CH{sub 4} along with NH{sub 3} and/or C{sub 2}H{sub 2}, and possibly CO{sub 2} or HCN in varying amounts in each component of the system. Other studies suggested red colors for these faint companions, and our data confirm those observations. Cloudy models, based on previous photometric observations, may provide the best explanation for the new data presented here. Notable in our data is that these presumably co-eval objects of similar luminosity have significantly different spectra; the diversity of planets may be greater than previously thought. The techniques and methods employed in this paper represent a new capability to observe and rapidly characterize exoplanetary systems in a routine manner over a broad range of planet masses and separations. These are the first simultaneous spectroscopic observations of multiple planets in a planetary system other than our own.« less

Studies of Secondary Melanoma on C57BL/6J Mouse Liver Using 1H NMR Metabolomics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feng, Ju; Isern, Nancy G.; Burton, Sarah D.

2013-10-31

NMR metabolomics, consisting of solid state high resolution (hr) magic angle spinning (MAS) 1H NMR (1H hr-MAS), liquid state high resolution 1H-NMR, and principal components analysis (PCA) has been used to study secondary metastatic B16-F10 melanoma in C57BL/6J mouse liver . The melanoma group can be differentiated from its control group by PCA analysis of the absolute concentrations or by the absolute peak intensities of metabolites from either 1H hr-MAS NMR data on intact liver tissues or liquid state 1H-NMR spectra on liver tissue extracts. In particular, we found that the absolute concentrations of alanine, glutamate, creatine, creatinine, fumarate andmore » cholesterol are elevated in the melanoma group as compared to controls, while the absolute concentrations of succinate, glycine, glucose, and the family of linear lipids including long chain fatty acids, total choline and acylglycerol are decreased. The ratio of glycerophosphocholine to phosphocholine is increased by about 1.5 fold in the melanoma group, while the absolute concentration of total choline is actually lower in melanoma mice. These results suggest the following picture in secondary melanoma metastasis: Linear lipid levels are decreased by beta oxidation in the melanoma group, which contributes to an increase in the synthesis of cholesterol, and also provides an energy source input for TCA cycle. These findings suggest a link between lipid oxidation, the TCA cycle and the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) signal pathway in tumor metastases. Thus this study indicates that the metabolic profile derived from NMR analysis can provide a valuable bio-signature of malignancy and cell hypoxia in metastatic melanoma.« less

Isolation, purification and chemical characterization of a new angucyclinone compound produced by a new halotolerant Nocardiopsis sp. HR-4 strain.

PubMed

Hadj Rabia-Boukhalfa, Yamina; Eveno, Yannick; Karama, Solange; Selama, Okba; Lauga, Béatrice; Duran, Robert; Hacène, Hocine; Eparvier, Véronique

2017-06-01

A halotolerant Actinobacteria strain HR-4 was isolated from a salt lake soil sample in Algerian Sahara. Analysis of 16S rDNA gene sequence showed that strain HR-4 belonged to the genus Nocardiopsis. The similarity level ranges between 97.45 and 99.20% with Nocardiopsis species and Nocardiopsis rosea being the most closely related one. Morphological, physiological and phylogenetic characteristics comparisons showed significant differences with the nearest species. These data strongly suggest that strain HR-4 represents novel species. The antimicrobial activity of strain HR-4 showed an antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria as well as an antifungal one. Two major natural products including a new one were isolated from the culture broth using various separation and purification procedures. The chemical structure established on the basis of spectroscopic studies NMR and by comparing with spectroscopic data from the literature of the two compounds affirm that they are classified in the group of Angucyclinones. This is the first report of a production of this type of molecules by the genus Nocardiopsis. The new natural compound was established as (-)-7-deoxy-8-O-methyltetrangomycin with a new configuration.

Federal Pay Equity Act of 1984. Part 1. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Compensation and Employee Benefits of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, Second Session on H.R. 4599...and H.R. 5092. (April 3-4, 1984).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U. S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.

This document contains two congressional hearings on H.R. 4599, the Federal Pay Equity Act of 1984, and H.R. 5092, the Pay Equity Act of 1984. These bills would mandate the Office of Personnel Management to study wage discrepancies in the Federal classification structure and to devise a more equitable job evaluation program and would require…

Commercialization of Children's Television. Hearings on H.R. 3288, H.R. 3966, and H.R. 4125: Bills To Require the FCC To Reinstate Restrictions on Advertising during Children's Television, To Enforce the Obligation of Broadcasters To Meet the Educational Needs of the Child Audience, and for Other Purposes, before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress (September 15, 1987 and March 17, 1988).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

This report provides transcripts of two hearings held 6 months apart before a subcommittee of the House of Representatives on three bills which would require the Federal Communications Commission to reinstate restrictions on advertising on children's television programs. The texts of the bills under consideration, H.R. 3288, H.R. 3966, and H.R.…

Ex vivo metabolic fingerprinting identifies biomarkers predictive of prostate cancer recurrence following radical prostatectomy.

PubMed

Braadland, Peder R; Giskeødegård, Guro; Sandsmark, Elise; Bertilsson, Helena; Euceda, Leslie R; Hansen, Ailin F; Guldvik, Ingrid J; Selnæs, Kirsten M; Grytli, Helene H; Katz, Betina; Svindland, Aud; Bathen, Tone F; Eri, Lars M; Nygård, Ståle; Berge, Viktor; Taskén, Kristin A; Tessem, May-Britt

2017-11-21

Robust biomarkers that identify prostate cancer patients with high risk of recurrence will improve personalised cancer care. In this study, we investigated whether tissue metabolites detectable by high-resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS MRS) were associated with recurrence following radical prostatectomy. We performed a retrospective ex vivo study using HR-MAS MRS on tissue samples from 110 radical prostatectomy specimens obtained from three different Norwegian cohorts collected between 2002 and 2010. At the time of analysis, 50 patients had experienced prostate cancer recurrence. Associations between metabolites, clinicopathological variables, and recurrence-free survival were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression modelling, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and concordance index (C-index). High intratumoural spermine and citrate concentrations were associated with longer recurrence-free survival, whereas high (total-choline+creatine)/spermine (tChoCre/Spm) and higher (total-choline+creatine)/citrate (tChoCre/Cit) ratios were associated with shorter time to recurrence. Spermine concentration and tChoCre/Spm were independently associated with recurrence in multivariate Cox proportional hazards modelling after adjusting for clinically relevant risk factors (C-index: 0.769; HR: 0.72; P=0.016 and C-index: 0.765; HR: 1.43; P=0.014, respectively). Spermine concentration and tChoCre/Spm ratio in prostatectomy specimens were independent prognostic markers of recurrence. These metabolites can be noninvasively measured in vivo and may thus offer predictive value to establish preoperative risk assessment nomograms.

Constant-time 2D and 3D through-bond correlation NMR spectroscopy of solids under 60 kHz MAS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Rongchun; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy, E-mail: ramamoor@umich.edu

2016-01-21

Establishing connectivity and proximity of nuclei is an important step in elucidating the structure and dynamics of molecules in solids using magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Although recent studies have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of proton-detected multidimensional solid-state NMR experiments under ultrafast-MAS frequencies and obtaining high-resolution spectral lines of protons, assignment of proton resonances is a major challenge. In this study, we first re-visit and demonstrate the feasibility of 2D constant-time uniform-sign cross-peak correlation (CTUC-COSY) NMR experiment on rigid solids under ultrafast-MAS conditions, where the sensitivity of the experiment is enhanced by the reduced spin-spin relaxation rate and themore » use of low radio-frequency power for heteronuclear decoupling during the evolution intervals of the pulse sequence. In addition, we experimentally demonstrate the performance of a proton-detected pulse sequence to obtain a 3D {sup 1}H/{sup 13}C/{sup 1}H chemical shift correlation spectrum by incorporating an additional cross-polarization period in the CTUC-COSY pulse sequence to enable proton chemical shift evolution and proton detection in the incrementable t{sub 1} and t{sub 3} periods, respectively. In addition to through-space and through-bond {sup 13}C/{sup 1}H and {sup 13}C/{sup 13}C chemical shift correlations, the 3D {sup 1}H/{sup 13}C/{sup 1}H experiment also provides a COSY-type {sup 1}H/{sup 1}H chemical shift correlation spectrum, where only the chemical shifts of those protons, which are bonded to two neighboring carbons, are correlated. By extracting 2D F1/F3 slices ({sup 1}H/{sup 1}H chemical shift correlation spectrum) at different {sup 13}C chemical shift frequencies from the 3D {sup 1}H/{sup 13}C/{sup 1}H spectrum, resonances of proton atoms located close to a specific carbon atom can be identified. Overall, the through-bond and through-space homonuclear/heteronuclear proximities determined

The contexts and early Acheulean archaeology of the EF-HR paleo-landscape (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania).

PubMed

de la Torre, Ignacio; Albert, Rosa M; Macphail, Richard; McHenry, Lindsay J; Pante, Michael C; Rodríguez-Cintas, Ágata; Stanistreet, Ian G; Stollhofen, Harald

2017-08-03

Renewed fieldwork at the early Acheulean site of EF-HR (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) has included detailed stratigraphic studies of the sequence, extended excavations in the main site, and has placed eleven additional trenches within an area of nearly 1 km 2 , to sample the same stratigraphic interval as in the main trench across the broader paleo-landscape. Our new stratigraphic work suggests that EF-HR is positioned higher in the Bed II sequence than previously proposed, which has implications for the age of the site and its stratigraphic correlation to other Olduvai Middle Bed II sites. Geological research shows that the main EF-HR site was situated at the deepest part of an incised valley formed through river erosion. Archaeological excavations at the main site and nearby trenches have unearthed a large new assemblage, with more than 3000 fossils and artefacts, including a hundred handaxes in stratigraphic position. In addition, our test-trenching approach has detected conspicuous differences in the density of artefacts across the landscape, with a large cluster of archaeological material in and around the main trench, and less intense human activity at the same level in the more distant satellite trenches. All of these aspects are discussed in this paper in the light of site formation processes, behavioral contexts, and their implications for our understanding of the early Acheulean at Olduvai Gorge. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High resolution of fast-rotating stars across the H-R diagram: photosphere and circumstellar environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domiciano de Souza, Armando

2014-12-01

Rotation is a fundamental parameter that governs the physical structure and evolution of stars, for example by generating internal circulations of matter and angular momentum, which in turn change the stellar lifetime. Massive stars (spectral types OBA) are those presenting the highest rotation velocities and thus those for which the consequences of rotation are the strongest. On the external layers of the star, fast-rotation induces in particular (1) a flattening (equatorial radius higher than the polar radius) and (2) a gravity darkening (non-uniform distribution of flux, and thus effective temperature, between the poles and the equator). This important modification in the photospheric physical structure can also drive an anisotropic (axisymmetric) mass and angular momentum loss, originating for example the complex circumstellar environments around Be and supergiant B[e] stars. The techniques of high angular and high spectral resolution allow a detailed study of the effects of rotation on the stellar photosphere and circumstellar environment across the H-R diagram. Thanks to these techniques, and in particular to the optical/infrared long-baseline interferometry, our knowledge on the impact of rotation in stellar physics was highly deepened since the beginning of the XXI century. The results described in this Habilitation Thesis are placed in this context and are the fruit a double approach combining both (1) observation, mainly with the ESO-VLT(I) instruments (e.g. NACO, VISIR, MIDI, AMBER, PIONIER) and (2) astrophysical modeling with different codes, including also radiation transfer (CHARRON, HDUST, FRACS). I present, in particular, the results obtained on three fast-rotating stars: Altair (A7V; delta Scuti), Achernar (B6Ve; Be star), and CPD-57° 2874 (supergiant B[e] star).

INDIVIDUAL BLOOD DIFFERENCES IN MEXICAN INDIANS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE Rh BLOOD TYPES AND Hr FACTOR

PubMed Central

Wiener, Alexander S.; Zepeda, J. Preciado; Sonn, Eve B.; Polivka, H. R.

1945-01-01

98 Mexican Indians were tested for the blood properties A-B-O, A1-A2, M-N, P, Rh'-Rh''-Rh0-rh, and Hr. Of the 98 Indians, 90.8 per cent belonged to group 0, 6.1 per cent belonged to A1, and 3.1 per cent to group B. There were 61.2 per cent of type M, 3.1 per cent of type N, and 35.7 per cent of type MN. Of the 95 Mexican Indians tested with anti-P serum, 21.1 per cent were found to lack the P agglutinogen. In tests for the Rh blood types, 48.0 per cent of the Indians were found to belong to type Rh1, 9.2 per cent to type Rh2, 41.8 per cent to type Rh1Rh2, and 1 per cent to type Rh0. There were no bloods giving intermediate reactions. Of the 95 Indians tested for the Hr factor 44.2 per cent were found to lack this property. The reactions for the Rh blood types and Hr factor were correlated with each other and the results supported the conclusion of Race et al. that in addition to the six standard allelic genes and the so called intermediate genes, there is one or possibly two genes having the property of determining agglutinogens which react with anti-Rh' and anti-Rh'' sera, but not with anti-Hr serum. This gene (or genes) appears to be relatively common among Mexican Indians (approximately 3.3 per cent) in contrast to its rareness in white individuals. PMID:19871476

High field 27Al MAS NMR and TPD studies of active sites in ethanol dehydration using thermally treated transitional aluminas as catalysts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, Jian Zhi; Xu, Suochang; Kwak, Ja Hun

Gamma-, sigma- and theta-Al2O3 are well known metastable “transitional” alumina structural polymorphs. Upon heating, Al2O3 transitions to the so-called and Al2O3 polymorphs and finally forms the thermally stable Al2O3. The poorly developed crystallinity and co-existence of the , , and Al2O3 prior to forming all Al2O3, making it difficult to characterize the structures as well as to quantify the various phases of the transition alumina. As a result, there are significant controversies in the literatures. In this work, a detailed NMR analysis was carried out at high magnetic field on three special aluminum oxide samples where the, , , Al2O3more » phases are made dominant, respectively, by controlling the synthesis conditions. The goal is to simplify, including making unambiguous, spectral assignments in 27Al MAS NMR spectra of transition alumina that have not yet been commonly agreed previously. Specifically, quantitative 1D 27Al MAS NMR was used to quantify the ratios of the different alumina structural units, 2D MQMAS 27Al MAS was used for obtaining the highest spectral resolution to guide the analysis of the 1D spectrum, and a saturation pulse sequence was integrated into the 1D NMR to select the amorphous structures, including obtain spectra where the penta-coordinate sites are observed with enhanced relative intensity. Collectively, this study uniquely assigns Al-peaks (both octahedral and tetrahedral) to the Al2O3 and the Al2O3 phases and offers a new way of understanding, including quantifying, the different structural units and sites in transition alumina samples.« less

Remote Sensing of Liquid Water and Ice Cloud Optical Thickness and Effective Radius in the Arctic: Application of Airborne Multispectral MAS Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Michael D.; Platnick, Steven; Yang, Ping; Arnold, G. Thomas; Gray, Mark A.; Riedi, Jerome C.; Ackerman, Steven A.; Liou, Kuo-Nan

2003-01-01

A multispectral scanning spectrometer was used to obtain measurements of the reflection function and brightness temperature of clouds, sea ice, snow, and tundra surfaces at 50 discrete wavelengths between 0.47 and 14.0 microns. These observations were obtained from the NASA ER-2 aircraft as part of the FIRE Arctic Clouds Experiment, conducted over a 1600 x 500 km region of the north slope of Alaska and surrounding Beaufort and Chukchi Seas between 18 May and 6 June 1998. Multispectral images of the reflection function and brightness temperature in 11 distinct bands of the MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) were used to derive a confidence in clear sky (or alternatively the probability of cloud), shadow, and heavy aerosol over five different ecosystems. Based on the results of individual tests run as part of the cloud mask, an algorithm was developed to estimate the phase of the clouds (water, ice, or undetermined phase). Finally, the cloud optical thickness and effective radius were derived for both water and ice clouds that were detected during one flight line on 4 June. This analysis shows that the cloud mask developed for operational use on MODIS, and tested using MAS data in Alaska, is quite capable of distinguishing clouds from bright sea ice surfaces during daytime conditions in the high Arctic. Results of individual tests, however, make it difficult to distinguish ice clouds over snow and sea ice surfaces, so additional tests were added to enhance the confidence in the thermodynamic phase of clouds over the Beaufort Sea. The cloud optical thickness and effective radius retrievals used 3 distinct bands of the MAS, with the newly developed 1.62 and 2.13 micron bands being used quite successfully over snow and sea ice surfaces. These results are contrasted with a MODIS-based algorithm that relies on spectral reflectance at 0.87 and 2.13 micron.

Is progression-free survival a more relevant endpoint than overall survival in first-line HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer?

PubMed

Forsythe, Anna; Chandiwana, David; Barth, Janina; Thabane, Marroon; Baeck, Johan; Shor, Anastasiya; Tremblay, Gabriel

2018-01-01

Hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-), metastatic breast cancer (MBC) accounts for 73% of all MBCs. Endocrine therapy (ET) is the basis of first-line (1L) therapy for patients with HR+/HER2- MBC. Novel therapies have demonstrated improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to ET. The clinical relevance of PFS is being debated, as there is no proven direct correlation with overall survival (OS) benefit to date. We reviewed studies of HR+/HER2- MBC to assess PFS and other factors that influence OS and treatment response, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Embase ® , Medline ® , and Cochrane databases were systematically searched to identify studies in adult women with HR+/HER2- MBC, published between January 2006 and January 2017, and written in English. Phase II and III randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational, and retrospective studies were included. Seventy-nine RCTs were identified: 58 (73%) in the 1L+ setting and 21 (27%) in second-line or greater settings. PFS hazard ratios (HRs) were reported in 61 (77%) studies; 31 (39%) reported significant PFS improvements. OS was reported in 44 (41%) studies; 12 (15%) reported significant OS improvements. Significant improvements in both PFS and OS were reported in only 6 (8%) studies (1 Phase II; 5 Phase III). Patients with HER2- MBC received, on average, ≥5 lines of therapy, with no consistent treatment pathway. Baseline characteristics, prior therapies, and the type and number of post-progression therapies significantly impacted OS. PFS, response rates, and HRQoL decreased with each line of therapy (EuroQol 5 Dimensions: 0.78 1L vs. 0.70 post-progression). Few RCTs in HR+/HER2- MBC have demonstrated significant improvements in OS. Factors other than choice of 1L therapy impact OS, including post-progression therapies, which cannot be controlled in RCTs. This study emphasizes the importance of PFS improvement in 1L treatment of

SPECTROSCOPIC AND PHOTOMETRIC VARIABILITY IN THE A0 SUPERGIANT HR 1040

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Corliss, David J.; Morrison, Nancy D.; Adelman, Saul J., E-mail: david.corliss@wayne.edu

2015-12-15

A time-series analysis of spectroscopic and photometric observables of the A0 Ia supergiant HR 1040 has been performed, including equivalent widths, radial velocities, and Strömgren photometric indices. The data, obtained from 1993 through 2007, include 152 spectroscopic observations from the Ritter Observatory 1 m telescope and 269 Strömgren photometric observations from the Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope. Typical of late B- and early A-type supergiants, HR 1040 has a highly variable Hα profile. The star was found to have an intermittent active phase marked by correlation between the Hα absorption equivalent width and blue-edge radial velocity and by photospheric connectionsmore » observed in correlations to equivalent width, second moment and radial velocity in Si ii λλ6347, 6371. High-velocity absorption (HVA) events were observed only during this active phase. HVA events in the wind were preceded by photospheric activity, including Si ii radial velocity oscillations 19–42 days prior to onset of an HVA event and correlated increases in Si ii W{sub λ} and second moment from 13 to 23 days before the start of the HVA event. While increases in various line equivalent widths in the wind prior to HVA events have been reported in the past in other stars, our finding of precursors in enhanced radial velocity variations in the wind and at the photosphere is a new result.« less

Characterization of hairless (Hr) and FGF5 genes provides insights into the molecular basis of hair loss in cetaceans

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Hair is one of the main distinguishing characteristics of mammals and it has many important biological functions. Cetaceans originated from terrestrial mammals and they have evolved a series of adaptations to aquatic environments, which are of evolutionary significance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their aquatic adaptations have not been well explored. This study provided insights into the evolution of hair loss during the transition from land to water by investigating and comparing two essential regulators of hair follicle development and hair follicle cycling, i.e., the Hairless (Hr) and FGF5 genes, in representative cetaceans and their terrestrial relatives. Results The full open reading frame sequences of the Hr and FGF5 genes were characterized in seven cetaceans. The sequence characteristics and evolutionary analyses suggested the functional loss of the Hr gene in cetaceans, which supports the loss of hair during their full adaptation to aquatic habitats. By contrast, positive selection for the FGF5 gene was found in cetaceans where a series of positively selected amino acid residues were identified. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the molecular basis of the hair loss in cetaceans. Our investigation of Hr and FGF5, two indispensable regulators of the hair cycle, provide some new insights into the molecular basis of hair loss in cetaceans. The results suggest that positive selection for the FGF5 gene might have promoted the termination of hair growth and early entry into the catagen stage of hair follicle cycling. Consequently, the hair follicle cycle was disrupted and the hair was lost completely due to the loss of the Hr gene function in cetaceans. This suggests that cetaceans have evolved an effective and complex mechanism for hair loss. PMID:23394579

High field 27Al MAS NMR and TPD studies of active sites in ethanol dehydration using thermally treated transitional aluminas as catalysts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, Jian Zhi; Xu, Suochang; Kwak, Ja Hun

High field quantitative 27Al MAS NMR and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) of ethanol are used to study the surface and phase transformation of gamma-Al2O3 during calcination in the temperature range of 500 to 1300 degrees C. Following ethanol adsorption, ethylene is generated during TPD with a desorption temperature > 200 degrees C. With increasing calcination temperature prior to TPD, the amount of ethylene produced decreases monotonically. Significantly, 27Al MAS NMR reveals that the amount of penta-coordinate Al3+ ions (Lewis acid sites) also decreases with increasing calcination temperature. In fact, a strong correlation between the amount of penta-coordinate Al3+ ions andmore » the amount of strongly adsorbed ethanol molecules (i.e., the ones that convert to ethylene during TPD) is obtained. This result indicates that the penta-coordinate aluminum sites are the catalytic active sites on alumina surfaces during ethanol dehydration reaction across the entire course of gamma- to alpha-Al2O3 phase transformations.« less

Prediction of bone strength at the distal tibia by HR-pQCT and DXA.

PubMed

Popp, Albrecht W; Windolf, Markus; Senn, Christoph; Tami, Andrea; Richards, R Geoff; Brianza, Stefano; Schiuma, Damiano

2012-01-01

Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the distal tibia, measured at the epiphysis (T-EPI) and diaphysis (T-DIA), is predictive for fracture risk. Structural bone parameters evaluated at the distal tibia by high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) displayed differences between healthy and fracture patients. With its simple geometry, T-DIA may allow investigating the correlation between bone structural parameter and bone strength. Anatomical tibiae were examined ex vivo by DXA (aBMD) and HR-pQCT (volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone microstructural parameters). Cortical thickness (CTh) and polar moment of inertia (pMOI) were derived from DXA measurements. Finally, an index combining material (BMD) and mechanical property (polar moment of inertia, pMOI) was defined and analyzed for correlation with torque at failure and stiffness values obtained by biomechanical testing. Areal BMD predicted the vBMD at T-EPI and T-DIA. A high correlation was found between aBMD and microstructural parameters at T-EPIas well as between aBMD and CTh at T-DIA. Finally, at T-DIA both indexes combining BMD and pMOI were strongly and comparably correlated with torque at failure and bone stiffness. Ex vivo, at the distal tibial diaphysis, a novel index combining BMD and pMOI, which can be calculated directly from a single DXA measurement, predicted bone strength and stiffness better than either parameter alone and with an order of magnitude comparable to that of HR-pQCT. Whether this index is suitable for better prediction of fracture risk in vivo deserves further investigation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Niobium in R And (S6, 6e) and HR 1105 (S5, 3). [S star abundance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, D. N.

1985-01-01

Lines of the first multiplet of niobium are strong in R And and HR 1105. These lines are also present in other S stars: HR 8714, R Cam, V Cnc, R CMi, and T Sgr. They are also visible in the M stars, Beta-Peg and Mu-UMa. An approximation to the abundance ratio, Nb/Fe, has been deduced from pairs of lines having nearly equal intensity. In R And, the ratio is about 200 times the solar value. It is hoped that good plates will soon be obtained for the near infrared region, so that the significant Nb/Rb abundance ratio may be determined.

Prevalence of antibodies to soluble antigen of Epstein-Barr virus-producing cells (P3HR-1) in the sera of hamadryas baboons of the high lymphoma incidence stock.

PubMed

Voevodin, A F; Lapin, B A; Yakovleva, L A; Ponomarjova, T I; Agrba, V Z

1979-01-01

Soluble antigen of P3HR-1 cells (SA-P3HR-1) was identified in indirect double immunodiffusion enhanced with tannic acid using serum of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient containing high-titer antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens. SA-P3HR-1 was nonidentical to soluble antigen of Raji cells. Human and baboon sera containing antibodies to all the known antigen of EBV and HVP respectively were anti-SA-3HR-1-positive. Human and baboon sera containing antibodies to all the known antigens of EBV and herpesvirus Papio (HVP) were also anti-SA-P3HR-1-negative. Prevalence of anti-SA-P3HR-1 was very high in two groups of the high-lymphoma incidence stock of hamadryas baboons of the Sukhumi monkey colony. 54% (15 of 28) and 38% (13 of 34) of clinically lymphomatous and clinical normal monkeys, respectively, were anti-SA-P3HR-1-positive.. Only 1 of 30 normal baboons studied, living in the forest and having no contacts with the baboons in the main stock of the Sukhumi monkey colony, was anti-SA-P3HR-1-positive (3%).

Is There a Dominant, Effective HR Organizational Structure Within Army Medical Treatment Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-17

thedata needed, and completing and reviewing this collection ofinformation . Sand coronents regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this...Command Management System(CMS). The results of the study revealed an strong prevalence of combined civilian and military human resource (HR...organizations (22 of 36) over separatecivilian military human resource organizations (14 of 36). The distribution among survey respondents demonstrated a

Proton-detected 3D {sup 1}H/{sup 13}C/{sup 1}H correlation experiment for structural analysis in rigid solids under ultrafast-MAS above 60 kHz

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Rongchun; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy, E-mail: ramamoor@umich.edu; Nishiyama, Yusuke

2015-10-28

A proton-detected 3D {sup 1}H/{sup 13}C/{sup 1}H chemical shift correlation experiment is proposed for the assignment of chemical shift resonances, identification of {sup 13}C-{sup 1}H connectivities, and proximities of {sup 13}C-{sup 1}H and {sup 1}H-{sup 1}H nuclei under ultrafast magic-angle-spinning (ultrafast-MAS) conditions. Ultrafast-MAS is used to suppress all anisotropic interactions including {sup 1}H-{sup 1}H dipolar couplings, while the finite-pulse radio frequency driven dipolar recoupling (fp-RFDR) pulse sequence is used to recouple dipolar couplings among protons and the insensitive nuclei enhanced by polarization transfer technique is used to transfer magnetization between heteronuclear spins. The 3D experiment eliminates signals from non-carbon-bonded protonsmore » and non-proton-bonded carbons to enhance spectral resolution. The 2D (F1/F3) {sup 1}H/{sup 1}H and 2D {sup 13}C/{sup 1}H (F2/F3) chemical shift correlation spectra extracted from the 3D spectrum enable the identification of {sup 1}H-{sup 1}H proximity and {sup 13}C-{sup 1}H connectivity. In addition, the 2D (F1/F2) {sup 1}H/{sup 13}C chemical shift correlation spectrum, incorporated with proton magnetization exchange via the fp-RFDR recoupling of {sup 1}H-{sup 1}H dipolar couplings, enables the measurement of proximities between {sup 13}C and even the remote non-carbon-bonded protons. The 3D experiment also gives three-spin proximities of {sup 1}H-{sup 1}H-{sup 13}C chains. Experimental results obtained from powder samples of L-alanine and L-histidine ⋅ H{sub 2}O ⋅ HCl demonstrate the efficiency of the 3D experiment.« less

Minho Affective Sentences (MAS): Probing the roles of sex, mood, and empathy in affective ratings of verbal stimuli.

PubMed

Pinheiro, Ana P; Dias, Marcelo; Pedrosa, João; Soares, Ana P

2017-04-01

During social communication, words and sentences play a critical role in the expression of emotional meaning. The Minho Affective Sentences (MAS) were developed to respond to the lack of a standardized sentence battery with normative affective ratings: 192 neutral, positive, and negative declarative sentences were strictly controlled for psycholinguistic variables such as numbers of words and letters and per-million word frequency. The sentences were designed to represent examples of each of the five basic emotions (anger, sadness, disgust, fear, and happiness) and of neutral situations. These sentences were presented to 536 participants who rated the stimuli using both dimensional and categorical measures of emotions. Sex differences were also explored. Additionally, we probed how personality, empathy, and mood from a subset of 40 participants modulated the affective ratings. Our results confirmed that the MAS affective norms are valid measures to guide the selection of stimuli for experimental studies of emotion. The combination of dimensional and categorical ratings provided a more fine-grained characterization of the affective properties of the sentences. Moreover, the affective ratings of positive and negative sentences were not only modulated by participants' sex, but also by individual differences in empathy and mood state. Together, our results indicate that, in their quest to reveal the neurofunctional underpinnings of verbal emotional processing, researchers should consider not only the role of sex, but also of interindividual differences in empathy and mood states, in responses to the emotional meaning of sentences.

Biomedical Research and Research Training Amendments of 1978. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of Representatives, Ninety-Fifth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 10908, H.R. 10062, and H.R. 10190. March 1,2, and 3, 1978.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U. S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.

Hearings before the House Subcommittee on Health and the Environment on biomedical research and research training authorities that expire on September 30, 1978 are presented. H.R. 10908 is a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the programs of assistance for libraries of medicine and the programs of the National Heart,…

1H-detected MAS solid-state NMR experiments enable the simultaneous mapping of rigid and dynamic domains of membrane proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopinath, T.; Nelson, Sarah E. D.; Veglia, Gianluigi

2017-12-01

Magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy is emerging as a unique method for the atomic resolution structure determination of native membrane proteins in lipid bilayers. Although 13C-detected ssNMR experiments continue to play a major role, recent technological developments have made it possible to carry out 1H-detected experiments, boosting both sensitivity and resolution. Here, we describe a new set of 1H-detected hybrid pulse sequences that combine through-bond and through-space correlation elements into single experiments, enabling the simultaneous detection of rigid and dynamic domains of membrane proteins. As proof-of-principle, we applied these new pulse sequences to the membrane protein phospholamban (PLN) reconstituted in lipid bilayers under moderate MAS conditions. The cross-polarization (CP) based elements enabled the detection of the relatively immobile residues of PLN in the transmembrane domain using through-space correlations; whereas the most dynamic region, which is in equilibrium between folded and unfolded states, was mapped by through-bond INEPT-based elements. These new 1H-detected experiments will enable one to detect not only the most populated (ground) states of biomacromolecules, but also sparsely populated high-energy (excited) states for a complete characterization of protein free energy landscapes.

Evaluation of 3D-CPA, HR-HPV, and TCT joint detection on cervical disease screening.

PubMed

Liang, Hui; Fu, Min; Zhou, Jian; Song, Lei

2016-08-01

The application value of three-dimensional color power angiography (3D-CPA), high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) joint detection on cervical disease screening was investigated. In total, 1,900 patients that were examined in Gynecological and Cervix Clinic of Maternal and Child Care Service Center of Xuzhou from June 2012 to March 2015 were enrolled in the present study. After admission, the patients underwent TCT, HR-HPV and 3D-CPA examinations, and vascular morphology and typing, vascularization index (VI) were recorded. Colposcopic biopsy was performed in patients with a positive outcome of any of the three indices. Pathological diagnosis was taken as the golden standard to assess the sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic rate, and Youden index of the three methods being used independently or jointly. Of the 1,900 patients, 276 cases (14.53%) were HR-HPV-positive, 214 cases (11.26%) were VI-positive and 164 cases (8.63%) were TCT-positive. A total of 418 cases were confirmed with a positive outcome of any of the three indices and a cervical biopsy was obtained. Of the 418 cases, 162 cases (38.75%) were diagnosed with chronic cervicitis, 146 cases with low-level cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (34.93%), 104 cases (24.88%) with high level CIN, 6 cases (1.44%) with cervical cancer. Histology more than low level CIN was defined as positive: i) screening results when the three methods were used independently: HPV was confirmed with the highest sensitivity (90.63%), VI with the highest specificity (83.95%), and HPV with the highest diagnostic accuracy (83.73%); ii) screening results under HPV+TCT and HPV+TCT+VI: HPV+TCT+VI was confirmed with the highest sensitivity and specificity: sensitivity (94.53%), specificity (81.48%), diagnosis coincidence rate (89.47%) and the highest Youden index of 0.760; and iii) vascular morphology and grading were significantly different in the early stage cervical carcinoma, high level CIM, and

Determination of fluorine in herbs and water samples by molecular absorption spectrometry after preconcentration on nano-TiO2 using ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid phase extraction.

PubMed

Krawczyk-Coda, Magdalena; Stanisz, Ewa

2017-11-01

This work presents ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid phase extraction (USA DMSPE) for preconcentration of fluorine (F) in water and herb samples. TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) were used as an adsorbent. The determination with slurry sampling was performed via molecular absorption of calcium monofluoride (CaF) at 606.440 nm using a high-resolution continuum source electrothermal absorption spectrometry (HR-CS ET MAS). Several factors influencing the efficiency of the preconcentration technique, such as the amount of TiO 2 , pH of sample solution, ultrasonication and centrifugation time and TiO 2 slurry solution preparation before injection to HR-CS ET MAS, were investigated in detail. The conditions of detection step (wavelength, calcium amount, pyrolysis and molecule-forming temperatures) were also studied. After extraction, adsorbent with the analyte was mixed with 200 μL of H 2 O to prepare a slurry solution. The concentration limit of detection was 0.13 ng mL -1 . The achieved preconcentration factor was 7. The relative standard deviations (RSDs, %) for F in real samples were 3-15%. The accuracy of this method was evaluated by analyses of certified reference materials after spiking: INCT-MPH-2 (Mixed Polish Herbs), INCT-SBF-4 (Soya Bean Flour), ERM-CAO11b (Hard Drinking Water) and TMDA-54.5 (Lake Ontario Water). The measured F contents in reference materials were in satisfactory agreement with the added amounts, and the recoveries were found to be 97-109%. Under the developed extraction conditions, the proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of F in real water samples (lake, sea, tap water) and herbs.

IE1 and hr facilitate the localization of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus ORF8 to specific nuclear sites.

PubMed

Kang, WonKyung; Imai, Noriko; Kawasaki, Yu; Nagamine, Toshihiro; Matsumoto, Shogo

2005-11-01

The Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) ORF8 protein has previously been reported to colocalize with IE1 to specific nuclear sites during infection. Transient expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused ORF8 showed the protein to have cytoplasmic localization, but following BmNPV infection the protein formed foci, suggesting that ORF8 requires some other viral factor(s) for this. Therefore, interacting factors were looked for using the yeast two-hybrid system and IE1 was identified. We mapped the interacting region of ORF8 using a yeast two-hybrid assay. An N-terminal region (residues 1-110) containing a predicted coiled-coil domain interacted with IE1, while a truncated N-terminal region (residues 1-78) that lacks this domain did not. In addition, a protein with a complete deletion of the N-terminal region failed to interact with IE1. These results suggest that the ORF8 N-terminal region containing the coiled-coil domain is required for the interaction with IE1. Next, whether IE1 plays a role in ORF8 localization was investigated. In the presence of IE1, GFP-ORF8 localized to the nucleus. In addition, cotransfection with a plasmid expressing IE1 and a plasmid containing the hr3 element resulted in nuclear foci formation. A GFP-fused ORF8 mutant protein containing the coiled-coil domain, previously shown to interact with IE1, also formed nuclear foci in the presence of IE1 and hr3. However, ORF8 mutant proteins that did not interact with IE1 failed to form nuclear foci. In contrast to wild-type IE1, focus formation was not observed for an IE1 mutant protein that was deficient in hr binding. These results suggest that IE1 and hr facilitate the localization of BmNPV ORF8 to specific nuclear sites.

Generalized interpretation scheme for arbitrary HR InSAR image pairs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boldt, Markus; Thiele, Antje; Schulz, Karsten

2013-10-01

Land cover classification of remote sensing imagery is an important topic of research. For example, different applications require precise and fast information about the land cover of the imaged scenery (e.g., disaster management and change detection). Focusing on high resolution (HR) spaceborne remote sensing imagery, the user has the choice between passive and active sensor systems. Passive systems, such as multispectral sensors, have the disadvantage of being dependent from weather influences (fog, dust, clouds, etc.) and time of day, since they work in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Here, active systems like Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) provide improved capabilities. As an interactive method analyzing HR InSAR image pairs, the CovAmCohTM method was introduced in former studies. CovAmCoh represents the joint analysis of locality (coefficient of variation - Cov), backscatter (amplitude - Am) and temporal stability (coherence - Coh). It delivers information on physical backscatter characteristics of imaged scene objects or structures and provides the opportunity to detect different classes of land cover (e.g., urban, rural, infrastructure and activity areas). As example, railway tracks are easily distinguishable from other infrastructure due to their characteristic bluish coloring caused by the gravel between the sleepers. In consequence, imaged objects or structures have a characteristic appearance in CovAmCoh images which allows the development of classification rules. In this paper, a generalized interpretation scheme for arbitrary InSAR image pairs using the CovAmCoh method is proposed. This scheme bases on analyzing the information content of typical CovAmCoh imagery using the semisupervised k-means clustering. It is shown that eight classes model the main local information content of CovAmCoh images sufficiently and can be used as basis for a classification scheme.

Principal component analysis for the comparison of metabolic profiles from human rectal cancer biopsies and colorectal xenografts using high-resolution magic angle spinning 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Seierstad, Therese; Røe, Kathrine; Sitter, Beathe; Halgunset, Jostein; Flatmark, Kjersti; Ree, Anne H; Olsen, Dag Rune; Gribbestad, Ingrid S; Bathen, Tone F

2008-01-01

Background This study was conducted in order to elucidate metabolic differences between human rectal cancer biopsies and colorectal HT29, HCT116 and SW620 xenografts by using high-resolution magnetic angle spinning (MAS) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and for determination of the most appropriate human rectal xenograft model for preclinical MR spectroscopy studies. A further aim was to investigate metabolic changes following irradiation of HT29 xenografts. Methods HR MAS MRS of tissue samples from xenografts and rectal biopsies were obtained with a Bruker Avance DRX600 spectrometer and analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square (PLS) regression analysis. Results and conclusion HR MAS MRS enabled assignment of 27 metabolites. Score plots from PCA of spin-echo and single-pulse spectra revealed separate clusters of the different xenografts and rectal biopsies, reflecting underlying differences in metabolite composition. The loading profile indicated that clustering was mainly based on differences in relative amounts of lipids, lactate and choline-containing compounds, with HT29 exhibiting the metabolic profile most similar to human rectal cancers tissue. Due to high necrotic fractions in the HT29 xenografts, radiation-induced changes were not detected when comparing spectra from untreated and irradiated HT29 xenografts. However, PLS calibration relating spectral data to the necrotic fraction revealed a significant correlation, indicating that necrotic fraction can be assessed from the MR spectra. PMID:18439252

NMR crystallography of campho[2,3-c]pyrazole (Z' = 6): combining high-resolution 1H-13C solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy and GIPAW chemical-shift calculations.

PubMed

Webber, Amy L; Emsley, Lyndon; Claramunt, Rosa M; Brown, Steven P

2010-09-30

(1)H-(13)C two-dimensional magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR correlation spectra, recorded with the MAS-J-HMQC experiment, are presented for campho[2,3-c]pyrazole. For each (13)C moiety, there are six resonances associated with the six distinct molecules in the asymmetric unit cell (Z' = 6). The one-bond C-H correlations observed in the 2D (1)H-(13)C MAS-J-HMQC spectra allow the experimental determination of the (1)H and (13)C chemical shifts associated with the separate CH, CH(2), and CH(3) groups. (1)H and (13)C chemical shifts calculated by using the GIPAW (Gauge Including Projector Augmented Waves) plane-wave pseudopotential approach are presented. Calculations for the whole unit cell (12 × 29 = 348 atoms, with geometry optimization of all atoms) allow the assignment of the experimental (1)H and (13)C chemical shifts to the six distinct molecules. The calculated chemical shifts for the full crystal structure are compared with those for isolated molecules as extracted from the geometry-optimized crystal structure. In this way, the effect of intermolecular interactions on the observed chemical shifts is quantified. In particular, the calculations are sufficiently precise to differentiate the small (<1 ppm) differences between the (1)H chemical shifts of the six resonances associated with each distinct CH or CH(2) moiety.

Mapping of Courtship Behavior-Induced Neural Activity in the Thoracic Ganglia of Silkmoth Bombyx mori by an Immediate Early Gene, Hr38.

PubMed

Morishita, Koudai; Iwami, Masafumi; Kiya, Taketoshi

2018-06-01

In the central nervous system of insects, motor patterns are generated in the thoracic ganglia under the control of brain, where sensory information is integrated and behavioral decisions are made. Previously, we established neural activity-mapping methods using an immediate early gene, BmHr38, as a neural activity marker in the brain of male silkmoth Bombyx mori. In the present study, to gain insights into neural mechanisms of motor-pattern generation in the thoracic ganglia, we investigated expression of BmHr38 in response to sex pheromone-induced courtship behavior. Levels of BmHr38 expression were strongly correlated between the brain and thoracic ganglia, suggesting that neural activity in the thoracic ganglia is tightly controlled by the brain. In situ hybridization of BmHr38 revealed that 20-30% of thoracic neurons are activated by courtship behavior. Using serial sections, we constructed a comprehensive map of courtship behaviorinduced activity in the thoracic ganglia. These results provide important clues into how complex courtship behavior is generated in the neural circuits of thoracic ganglia.

Proton chemical shift tensors determined by 3D ultrafast MAS double-quantum NMR spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Rongchun; Mroue, Kamal H.; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy, E-mail: ramamoor@umich.edu

2015-10-14

Proton NMR spectroscopy in the solid state has recently attracted much attention owing to the significant enhancement in spectral resolution afforded by the remarkable advances in ultrafast magic angle spinning (MAS) capabilities. In particular, proton chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) has become an important tool for obtaining specific insights into inter/intra-molecular hydrogen bonding. However, even at the highest currently feasible spinning frequencies (110–120 kHz), {sup 1}H MAS NMR spectra of rigid solids still suffer from poor resolution and severe peak overlap caused by the strong {sup 1}H–{sup 1}H homonuclear dipolar couplings and narrow {sup 1}H chemical shift (CS) ranges, which rendermore » it difficult to determine the CSA of specific proton sites in the standard CSA/single-quantum (SQ) chemical shift correlation experiment. Herein, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) {sup 1}H double-quantum (DQ) chemical shift/CSA/SQ chemical shift correlation experiment to extract the CS tensors of proton sites whose signals are not well resolved along the single-quantum chemical shift dimension. As extracted from the 3D spectrum, the F1/F3 (DQ/SQ) projection provides valuable information about {sup 1}H–{sup 1}H proximities, which might also reveal the hydrogen-bonding connectivities. In addition, the F2/F3 (CSA/SQ) correlation spectrum, which is similar to the regular 2D CSA/SQ correlation experiment, yields chemical shift anisotropic line shapes at different isotropic chemical shifts. More importantly, since the F2/F1 (CSA/DQ) spectrum correlates the CSA with the DQ signal induced by two neighboring proton sites, the CSA spectrum sliced at a specific DQ chemical shift position contains the CSA information of two neighboring spins indicated by the DQ chemical shift. If these two spins have different CS tensors, both tensors can be extracted by numerical fitting. We believe that this robust and elegant single-channel proton-based 3D experiment provides useful

Ribociclib as First-Line Therapy for HR-Positive, Advanced Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Hortobagyi, Gabriel N; Stemmer, Salomon M; Burris, Howard A; Yap, Yoon-Sim; Sonke, Gabe S; Paluch-Shimon, Shani; Campone, Mario; Blackwell, Kimberly L; André, Fabrice; Winer, Eric P; Janni, Wolfgang; Verma, Sunil; Conte, Pierfranco; Arteaga, Carlos L; Cameron, David A; Petrakova, Katarina; Hart, Lowell L; Villanueva, Cristian; Chan, Arlene; Jakobsen, Erik; Nusch, Arnd; Burdaeva, Olga; Grischke, Eva-Maria; Alba, Emilio; Wist, Erik; Marschner, Norbert; Favret, Anne M; Yardley, Denise; Bachelot, Thomas; Tseng, Ling-Ming; Blau, Sibel; Xuan, Fengjuan; Souami, Farida; Miller, Michelle; Germa, Caroline; Hirawat, Samit; O'Shaughnessy, Joyce

2016-11-03

The inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) could potentially overcome or delay resistance to endocrine therapy in advanced breast cancer that is positive for hormone receptor (HR) and negative for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In this randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the selective CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib combined with letrozole for first-line treatment in 668 postmenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative recurrent or metastatic breast cancer who had not received previous systemic therapy for advanced disease. We randomly assigned the patients to receive either ribociclib (600 mg per day on a 3-weeks-on, 1-week-off schedule) plus letrozole (2.5 mg per day) or placebo plus letrozole. The primary end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival. Secondary end points included overall survival, overall response rate, and safety. A preplanned interim analysis was performed on January 29, 2016, after 243 patients had disease progression or died. Prespecified criteria for superiority required a hazard ratio of 0.56 or less with P<1.29×10 -5 . The duration of progression-free survival was significantly longer in the ribociclib group than in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.72; P=3.29×10 -6 for superiority). The median duration of follow-up was 15.3 months. After 18 months, the progression-free survival rate was 63.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.6 to 70.3) in the ribociclib group and 42.2% (95% CI, 34.8 to 49.5) in the placebo group. In patients with measurable disease at baseline, the overall response rate was 52.7% and 37.1%, respectively (P<0.001). Common grade 3 or 4 adverse events that were reported in more than 10% of the patients in either group were neutropenia (59.3% in the ribociclib group vs. 0.9% in the placebo group) and leukopenia (21.0% vs. 0.6%); the rates of discontinuation because of adverse events were 7.5% and 2

Activation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas pathway reduces oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced tissue swelling, ROS production, and cell death in mouse brain with angiotensin II overproduction.

PubMed

Zheng, J; Li, G; Chen, S; Bihl, J; Buck, J; Zhu, Y; Xia, H; Lazartigues, E; Chen, Y; Olson, J E

2014-07-25

We previously demonstrated that mice which overexpress human renin and angiotensinogen (R+A+) show enhanced cerebral damage in both in vivo and in vitro experimental ischemia models. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) counteracts the effects of angiotensin (Ang-II) by transforming it into Ang-(1-7), thus reducing the ligand for the AT1 receptor and increasing stimulation of the Mas receptor. Triple transgenic mice, SARA, which specifically overexpress ACE2 in neurons of R+A+ mice were used to study the role of ACE2 in ischemic stroke using oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) of brain slices as an in vitro model. We examined tissue swelling, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell death in the cerebral cortex (CX) and the hippocampal CA1 region during OGD. Expression levels of NADPH oxidase (Nox) isoforms, Nox2 and Nox4 were measured using western blots. Results show that SARA mice and R+A+ mice treated with the Mas receptor agonist Ang-(1-7) had less swelling, cell death, and ROS production in CX and CA1 areas compared to those in R+A+ animals. Treatment of slices from SARA mice with the Mas antagonist A779 eliminated this protection. Finally, western blots revealed less Nox2 and Nox4 expression in SARA mice compared with R+A+ mice both before and after OGD. We suggest that reduced brain swelling and cell death observed in SARA animals exposed to OGD result from diminished ROS production coupled with lower expression of Nox isoforms. Thus, the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor pathway plays a protective role in brain ischemic damage by counteracting the detrimental effects of Ang-II-induced ROS production. Copyright © 2014 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Model Atmospheres for Massive Gas Giants with Thick Clouds: Application to the HR 8799 Planets and Predictions for Future Detections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madhusudhan, Nikku; Burrows, Adam; Currie, Thayne

2011-08-01

We have generated an extensive new suite of massive giant planet atmosphere models and used it to obtain fits to photometric data for the planets HR 8799b, c, and d. We consider a wide range of cloudy and cloud-free models. The cloudy models incorporate different geometrical and optical thicknesses, modal particle sizes, and metallicities. For each planet and set of cloud parameters, we explore grids in gravity and effective temperature, with which we determine constraints on the planet's mass and age. Our new models yield statistically significant fits to the data, and conclusively confirm that the HR 8799 planets have much thicker clouds than those required to explain data for typical L and T dwarfs. Both models with (1) physically thick forsterite clouds and a 60 μm modal particle size and (2) clouds made of 1 μm sized pure iron droplets and 1% supersaturation fit the data. Current data are insufficient to accurately constrain the microscopic cloud properties, such as composition and particle size. The range of best-estimated masses for HR 8799b, HR 8799c, and HR 8799d conservatively span 2-12 MJ , 6-13 MJ , and 3-11 MJ , respectively, and imply coeval ages between ~10 and ~150 Myr, consistent with previously reported stellar ages. The best-fit temperatures and gravities are slightly lower than values obtained by Currie et al. using even thicker cloud models. Finally, we use these models to predict the near-to-mid-IR colors of soon-to-be imaged planets. Our models predict that planet-mass objects follow a locus in some near-to-mid-IR color-magnitude diagrams that is clearly separable from the standard L/T dwarf locus for field brown dwarfs.

Microstructure and Porosity of Laser-welded Dissimilar Material Joints of HR-2 and J75

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Xianfeng; Teng, Wenhua; Zhao, Shuming; He, Wenpei

Dissimilar laser welding of HR-2 and J75 has a wide range of applications in high-and low-temperature hydrogen storage. The porosity distributions of the welded joints were investigated at different line energies, penetration status, and welding positions (1G, 2G, and 3G). The effect of the welding position on the welding appearance was evident only at high line energies because of the essential effect of gravity of the larger and longer dwelling molten pool. The porosity of the welded joints between the solutionised and aged J75 and HR-2 at the 3G position and partial penetration was located at the weld centre line, while the porosity at the 2G position with full penetration was distributed at the weld edges, which is consistent with the distribution of floating slag. Full keyhole penetration resulted in minimum porosity, partial penetration resulted in moderate porosity, and periodic molten pool penetration resulted in maximum porosity.

An applicable approach for extracting human heart rate and oxygen saturation during physical movements using a multi-wavelength illumination optoelectronic sensor system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alharbi, Samah; Hu, Sijung; Mulvaney, David; Blanos, Panagiotis

2018-02-01

The ability to gather physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2%) during physical movement allows to continuously monitor personal health status without disrupt their normal daily activities. Photoplethysmography (PPG) based pulse oximetry and similar principle devices are unable to extract the HR and SpO2% reliably during physical movement due to interference in the signals that arise from motion artefacts (MAs). In this research, a flexible reflectance multi-wavelength optoelectronic patch sensor (OEPS) has been developed to overcome the susceptibility of conventional pulse oximetry readings to MAs. The OEPS incorporates light embittered diodes as illumination sources with four different wavelengths, e.g. green, orange, red, and infrared unlike the conventional pulse oximetry devices that normally measure the skin absorption of only two wavelengths (red and infrared). The additional green and orange wavelengths were found to be distinguish to the absorption of deoxyhemoglobin (RHb) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO2). The reliability of extracting physiological parameters from the green and orange wavelengths is due to absorbed near to the surface of the skin, thereby shortening the optical path and so effectively reducing the influence of physical movements. To compensate of MAs, a three-axis accelerometer was used as a reference with help of adaptive filter to reduce MAs. The experiments were performed using 15 healthy subjects aged 20 to 30. The primary results show that there are no significant difference of heart rate and oxygen saturation measurements between commercial devices and OEPS Green (r=0.992), Orange(r=0.984), Red(r=0.952) and IR(r=0.97) and SpO2% (r = 0.982, p = 0.894).

Ibuprofen in mesopores of Mobil Crystalline Material 41 (MCM-41): a deeper understanding.

PubMed

Skorupska, Ewa; Jeziorna, Agata; Paluch, Piotr; Potrzebowski, Marek J

2014-05-05

In this work, we compared two methods (incipient wetness and melting) for the encapsulation of ibuprofen in the pores of Mobil Crystalline Material 41 (MCM-41) through NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy. (1)H NMR spectra were recorded under very fast MAS (sample spinning 60 kHz) conditions in both 1D and 2D mode (NOESY sequence). We also performed (13)C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) experiments, (13)C single pulse experiments (SPE), and (1)H-(13)C HSQC HR/MAS (heteronuclear single quantum coherence high resolution) HR/MAS correlations. Evaluation of the encapsulation methods included an analysis of the filling factor of the drug into the pores. The stability of Ibu/MCM in an environment of ethanol or water vapor was tested. Our study showed that melting a mixture of Ibu and MCM is a much more efficient method of confining the drug in the pores compared to incipient wetness. The optimal experiments for the former method achieved a filling factor of approximately 60%. We concluded that the major limitation to the applicability of the incipient wetness method (filling factor ca. 20%) is the high affinity of solvent (typically ethanol) for MCM-41. We found that even ethanol vapor can remove Ibu from the pores. When a sample of Ibu/MCM was stored for a few hours in a closed vessel with ethanol vapor, Ibu was transported from the pores to the outer walls of MCM. We observed a similar phenomenon with water vapor, although this process is slower compared to the analogous procedure using ethanol. Our study clearly demonstrates that existing methods used to encapsulate drugs in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) require reevaluation.

A 24 hr global campaign to assess precision timing of the millisecond pulsar J1713+0747

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dolch, T.; Lam, M. T.; Cordes, J.

2014-10-10

The radio millisecond pulsar J1713+0747 is regarded as one of the highest-precision clocks in the sky and is regularly timed for the purpose of detecting gravitational waves. The International Pulsar Timing Array Collaboration undertook a 24 hr global observation of PSR J1713+0747 in an effort to better quantify sources of timing noise in this pulsar, particularly on intermediate (1-24 hr) timescales. We observed the pulsar continuously over 24 hr with the Arecibo, Effelsberg, GMRT, Green Bank, LOFAR, Lovell, Nançay, Parkes, and WSRT radio telescopes. The combined pulse times-of-arrival presented here provide an estimate of what sources of timing noise, excludingmore » DM variations, would be present as compared to an idealized √N improvement in timing precision, where N is the number of pulses analyzed. In the case of this particular pulsar, we find that intrinsic pulse phase jitter dominates arrival time precision when the signal-to-noise ratio of single pulses exceeds unity, as measured using the eight telescopes that observed at L band/1.4 GHz. We present first results of specific phenomena probed on the unusually long timescale (for a single continuous observing session) of tens of hours, in particular interstellar scintillation, and discuss the degree to which scintillation and profile evolution affect precision timing. This paper presents the data set as a basis for future, deeper studies.« less

The joint relationship between organizational design factors and HR practice factors on direct care workers' job satisfaction and turnover intent.

PubMed

Kim, Jungyoon; Wehbi, Nizar; Dellifraine, Jami L; Brannon, Diane

2014-01-01

Human resource (HR) practices, such as training and communication, have been linked to positive employee job commitment and lower turnover intent for direct care workers (DCWs). Not many studies have looked at the combined interaction of HR practices and organizational structure. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between organizational structure (centralization, formalization, and span of control) and HR practices (training, horizontal communication, and vertical communication) on DCW's job satisfaction and turnover intent. Data were collected from 58 long-term care facilities in five states. We used latent class analysis to group facility characteristics into three sets of combinations: "organic," "mechanistic," and "minimalist." We used multivariate regression to test the relationship of each of these groups on DCW's job satisfaction and turnover intent. After controlling for state, organizational, and individual covariates, the organic group, which represents decentralized and less formalized structures and high levels of job training and communication, was positively related to job satisfaction and negatively related to intent to leave. On the other hand, the minimalist group, which is characterized by low levels of job-related training and communication, showed no significant differences from the mechanistic group (referent) on job satisfaction and intent to leave. These findings imply that managers in long-term care facilities may want to consider adopting organic, decentralized structures and HR practices to retain DCWs.

Determination of 241Am in sediments by isotope dilution high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID HR ICP-MS).

PubMed

Agarande, M; Benzoubir, S; Bouisset, P; Calmet, D

2001-08-01

Trace levels (pg kg(-1)) of 241Am in sediments were determined by isotope dilution high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID HR ICP-MS) using a microconcentric nebulizer. 241Am was isolated from major elements like Ca and Fe by different selective precipitations. In further steps. Am was first separated from other transuranic elements and purified by anion exchange and extraction chromatography prior to the mass spectrometric measurements. The ID HR ICP-MS results are compared with isotope dilution alpha spectrometry.

Energy expenditure for massage therapists during performing selected classical massage techniques.

PubMed

Więcek, Magdalena; Szymura, Jadwiga; Maciejczyk, Marcin; Szyguła, Zbigniew; Cempla, Jerzy; Borkowski, Mateusz

2018-04-11

The aim of the study is to evaluate the intensity of the effort and energy expenditure in the course of performing selected classical massage techniques and to assess the workload of a massage therapist during a work shift. Thirteen massage therapists (age: 21.9±1.9 years old, body mass index: 24.5±2.8 kg×m^-2, maximal oxygen consumption × body mass^-1 (VO_{2 max}×BM^-1): 42.3±7 ml×kg^-1×min^-1) were involved in the study. The stress test consisted in performing selected classical massage techniques in the following order: stroking, kneading, shaking, beating, rubbing and direct vibration, during which the cardio-respiratory responses and the subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. Intensity of exercise during each massage technique was expressed as % VO_{2 max}, % maximal heart rate (HR_max) and % heart rate reserve (HRR). During each massage technique, net energy expenditure (EE) and energy cost of work using metabolic equivalent of task (MET) were determined. The intensity of exercise was 47.2±6.2% as expressed in terms of % VO_{2 max}, and 74.7±3.2% as expressed in terms of % HR_max, while it was 47.8±1.7% on average when expressed in terms of % HRR during the whole procedure. While performing the classical massage, the average EE and MET were 5.6±0.9 kcal×min^-1 and 5.6±0.2, respectively. The average RPE calculated for the entire procedure was 12.1±1.4. During the performance of a classical massage technique for a single treatment during the study, the average total EE was 176.5±29.6 kcal, resulting in an energy expenditure of 336.2±56.4 kcal×h^-1. In the case of the classical massage technique, rubbing was the highest intensity exercise for the masseur who performed the massage (%VO_{2 max} = 57.4±13.1%, HR_max = 79.6±7.7%, HRR = 58.5±13.1%, MET = 6.7±1.1, EE = 7.1±1.4 kcal×min^-1

Focal plane AIT sequence: evolution from HRG-Spot 5 to Pleiades HR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Goff, Roland; Pranyies, Pascal; Toubhans, Isabelle

2017-11-01

Optical and geometrical image qualities of Focal Planes, for "push-broom" high resolution remote sensing satellites, require the implementation of specific means and methods for the AIT sequence. Indeed the geometric performances of the focal plane mainly axial focusing and transverse registration, are duly obtained on the basis of adjustment, setting and measurement of optical and CCD components with an accuracy of a few microns. Since the end of the 1970s, EADS-SODERN has developed a series of detection units for earth observation instruments like SPOT and Helios. And EADS-SODERN is now responsible for the development of the Pleiades High Resolution Focal Plane assembly. This paper presents the AIT sequences. We introduce all the efforts, innovative solutions and improvements made on the assembly facilities to match the technical evolutions and breakthrough of the Pleiades HR FP concept in comparison with the previous High Resolution Geometric SPOT 5 Focal Plane. The main evolution drivers are the implementation of strip filters and the realization of 400 mm continuous retinas. For Pleiades HR AIT sequence, three specific integration and measuring benches, corresponding with the different assembly stages, are used: a 3-D non-contact measurement machine for the assembly of detection module, a 3-D measurement machine for mirror integration on the main Focal Plane SiC structure, and a 3-D geometric coordinates control bench to focus detection module lines and to ensure they are well registered together.

The Leader's Leader: Examining the HR Executive's Role as Performance Coach at the Management Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strodel, Neil; Novak, Christopher

2005-01-01

Higher education human resource professionals know the importance of performance management and coaching for university employees. However, the standards of performance often are not enforced to those in high-level positions. Neil Strodel and Christopher Novak examine how HR leaders are in a unique position to extend performance coaching to those…

RADIO ASTROMETRY OF THE CLOSE ACTIVE BINARY HR 5110

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abbuhl, E.; Mutel, R. L.; Lynch, C.

2015-09-20

The close active binary HR 5110 was observed at six epochs over 26 days using a global very long baseline interferometry array at 15.4 GHz. We used phase referencing to determine the position of the radio centroid at each epoch with an uncertainty significantly smaller than the component separation. After correcting for proper motion and parallax, we find that the centroid locations of all six epochs have barycenter separations consistent with an emission source located on the KIV secondary, and not in an interaction region between the stars or on the F primary. We used a homogeneous power-law gyrosynchrotron emissionmore » model to reproduce the observed flux densities and fractional circular polarization. The resulting ranges of mean magnetic field strength and relativistic electron densities are of the order of 10 G and 10{sup 5} cm{sup −3}, respectively, in the source region.« less

Application of the laser induced deflection (LID) technique for low absorption measurements in bulk materials and coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Triebel, W.; Mühlig, C.; Kufert, S.

2005-10-01

Precise absorption measurements of bulk materials and coatings upon pulsed ArF laser irradiation are presented using a compact experimental setup based on the laser induced deflection technique (LID). For absorption measurements of bulk materials the influence of pure bulk and pure surface absorption on the temperature and refractive index profile and thus for the probe beam deflection is analyzed in detail. The separation of bulk and surface absorption via the commonly used variation of the sample thickness is carried out for fused silica and calcium fluoride. The experimental results show that for the given surface polishing quality the bulk absorption coefficient of fused silica can be obtained by investigating only one sample. To avoid the drawback of different bulk and surface properties amongst a thickness series, we propose a strategy based on the LID technique to generally obtain surface and bulk absorption separately by investigating only one sample. Apart from measuring bulk absorption coefficients the LID technique is applied to determine the absorption of highly reflecting (HR) coatings on CaF2 substrates. Beside the measuring strategy the experimental results of a AlF3/LaF3 based HR coating are presented. In order to investigate a larger variety of coatings, including high transmitting coatings, a general measuring strategy based on the LID technique is proposed.

FCAPT uvby Photometry of the mCP Stars HR 1297, 25 Sex, BX Boo, and 49 Her

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adelman, Saul J.

2008-06-01

I obtained additional differential Strömgren uvby observations of four magnetic CP stars HR 1297, 25 Sex, BX Boo, and 49 Her with the Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope (FCAPT). The seasonal light curves of 25 Sex do not show definite differences. The period of Manfroid & Renson of 4.37900 days is confirmed. The other three stars usually have light curves in phase or nearly so, but there are differences between observing seasons. As the local properties of the photosphere change very slowly with time for these stars that have radiative atmospheres and strong magnetic fields, we are viewing slightly different hemispheres at the same phase. To produce this result, their rotational axes precess about their magnetic axes. For HR 1297, which has moderate amplitudes of variation, the period of Adelman is refined to 15.7505 days. The additional observations of BX Boo do not change the best estimate of its period, 2.88756 days. Although its amplitudes of variation are less than those of HR 1297, there are similar differences between observing seasons. For 49 Her the period of 0.93663 days of Adelman et al. is verified. There are probably small season-to-season light curve differences. Of the mCP stars for which I have FCAPT Strömgren observations, at least 13% exhibit variability among their light curves for different years.

15N photo-CIDNP MAS NMR analysis of reaction centers of Chloracidobacterium thermophilum.

PubMed

Zill, Jeremias C; He, Zhihui; Tank, Marcus; Ferlez, Bryan H; Canniffe, Daniel P; Lahav, Yigal; Bellstedt, Peter; Alia, A; Schapiro, Igor; Golbeck, John H; Bryant, Donald A; Matysik, Jörg

2018-03-30

Photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) has been observed in the homodimeric, type-1 photochemical reaction centers (RCs) of the acidobacterium, Chloracidobacterium (Cab.) thermophilum, by 15 N magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR under continuous white-light illumination. Three light-induced emissive (negative) signals are detected. In the RCs of Cab. thermophilum, three types of (bacterio)chlorophylls have previously been identified: bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a), chlorophyll a (Chl a), and Zn-bacteriochlorophyll a' (Zn-BChl a') (Tsukatani et al. in J Biol Chem 287:5720-5732, 2012). Based upon experimental and quantum chemical 15 N NMR data, we assign the observed signals to a Chl a cofactor. We exclude Zn-BChl because of its measured spectroscopic properties. We conclude that Chl a is the primary electron acceptor, which implies that the primary donor is most likely Zn-BChl a'. Chl a and 8 1 -OH Chl a have been shown to be the primary electron acceptors in green sulfur bacteria and heliobacteria, respectively, and thus a Chl a molecule serves this role in all known homodimeric type-1 RCs.

Elemental abundance analyses with Complejo Astronomico. EL Leoncito REOSC echelle spectrograms. I. κ Cancri, HR 7245, and ξ Octantis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pintado, O. I.; Adelman, S. J.

1996-08-01

Elemental abundances are derived for three sharp-lined stars κ Cnc, HR 7245, and ξ Oct using REOSC echelle spectrograms obtained at CASLEO. Comparisons are made with published equivalent widths. The derived abundances for κ Cnc and ξ Oct are slightly larger than those obtained with other high dispersion spectrographs. HR 7245 exhibits a pattern of abundance anomalies similar to other Mercury-Manganese stars. The spectra of the two HgMn stars in the λλ4640-5100 region exhibit an interesting and useful variety of lines which can be used to supplement analyses of the photographic region.

A direct-measurement technique for estimating discharge-chamber lifetime. [for ion thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beattie, J. R.; Garvin, H. L.

1982-01-01

The use of short-term measurement techniques for predicting the wearout of ion thrusters resulting from sputter-erosion damage is investigated. The laminar-thin-film technique is found to provide high precision erosion-rate data, although the erosion rates are generally substantially higher than those found during long-term erosion tests, so that the results must be interpreted in a relative sense. A technique for obtaining absolute measurements is developed using a masked-substrate arrangement. This new technique provides a means for estimating the lifetimes of critical discharge-chamber components based on direct measurements of sputter-erosion depths obtained during short-duration (approximately 1 hr) tests. Results obtained using the direct-measurement technique are shown to agree with sputter-erosion depths calculated for the plasma conditions of the test. The direct-measurement approach is found to be applicable to both mercury and argon discharge-plasma environments and will be useful for estimating the lifetimes of inert gas and extended performance mercury ion thrusters currently under development.

HR+/Her2- breast cancer in pre-menopausal women: The impact of younger age on clinical characteristics at diagnosis, disease management and survival.

PubMed

De Camargo Cancela, Marianna; Comber, Harry; Sharp, Linda

2016-12-01

Young women (20-39 years-old) with breast cancer are diagnosed with more aggressive tumours and consequently have poorer survival. However, there is an evidence gap as to whether age has an independent effect on survival of pre-menopausal women diagnosed with HR+/Her2- tumours. The aim of this population-based study was to compare characteristics at diagnosis, determinants of treatment and survival in women aged 20-39 and 40-49 years diagnosed with HR+/Her2- tumours. From the National Cancer Registry Ireland, we identified women aged 20-49 diagnosed with a first invasive HR+/Her2- breast cancer during 2002-2008. Women aged 20-39 were compared to those aged 40-49 years. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to explore the impact of age on treatment receipt. Associations between age and survival from all causes was investigated using Cox models. In multivariate models, women aged 20-39 significantly more often having no cancer-directed surgery (IRR=1.49, 95%CI 1.07, 2.08). In those having surgery, younger age was associated with significantly higher likelihood of receiving chemotherapy; age was not associated with receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy or endocrine therapy. Women aged 20-39 undergoing surgery were significantly more likely to die than women aged 40-49 (HR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.31, 2.59). Age is an independent prognostic factor in younger women diagnosed with HR+/Her2- breast cancer, supporting the hypothesis that breast cancer in women under 40 has more aggressive behaviour, even within HR+/Her2- tumours. Future research should explore the reasons for poorer survival in order to inform strategies to improve outcomes in this age group. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fetal betamethasone exposure attenuates angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor expression in the dorsal medulla of adult sheep.

PubMed

Marshall, Allyson C; Shaltout, Hossam A; Nautiyal, Manisha; Rose, James C; Chappell, Mark C; Diz, Debra I

2013-06-01

Glucocorticoids including betamethasone (BM) are routinely administered to women entering into early preterm labor to facilitate fetal lung development and decrease infant mortality; however, fetal steroid exposure may lead to deleterious long term consequences. In a sheep model of fetal programming, BM-exposed (BMX) offspring exhibit elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decreased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) for control of heart rate by 0.5-years of age associated with changes in the circulating and renal renin-angiotensin systems (RAS). In the brain solitary tract nucleus, angiotensin (Ang) II actions through the AT1 receptor oppose the beneficial actions of Ang-(1-7) at the Mas receptor for BRS regulation. Therefore, we examined Ang peptides, angiotensinogen (Aogen), and receptor expression in this brain region of exposed and control offspring of 0.5- and 1.8-years of age. Mas protein expression was significantly lower (>40%) in the dorsal medulla of BMX animals at both ages; however, AT1 receptor expression was not changed. BMX offspring exhibited a higher ratio of Ang II to Ang-(1-7) (2.30±0.36 versus 0.99±0.28; p<0.01) and Ang II to Ang I at 0.5-years. Although total Aogen was unchanged, Ang I-intact Aogen was lower in 0.5-year BMX animals (0.78±0.06 vs. 1.94±0.41; p<0.05) suggesting a greater degree of enzymatic processing of the precursor protein in exposed animals. We conclude that in utero BM exposure promotes an imbalance in the central RAS pathways of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) that may contribute to the elevated MAP and lower BRS in this model. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antenatal betamethasone attenuates the angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor-nitric oxide axis in isolated proximal tubule cells.

PubMed

Su, Yixin; Bi, Jianli; Pulgar, Victor M; Chappell, Mark C; Rose, James C

2017-06-01

We previously reported a sex-specific effect of antenatal treatment with betamethasone (Beta) on sodium (Na + ) excretion in adult sheep whereby treated males but not females had an attenuated natriuretic response to angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]. The present study determined the Na + uptake and nitric oxide (NO) response to low-dose Ang-(1-7) (1 pM) in renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC) from adult male and female sheep antenatally exposed to Beta or vehicle. Data were expressed as percentage of basal uptake or area under the curve for Na + or percentage of control for NO. Male Beta RPTC exhibited greater Na + uptake than male vehicle cells (433 ± 28 vs. 330 ± 26%; P < 0.05); however, Beta exposure had no effect on Na + uptake in the female cells (255 ± 16 vs. 255 ± 14%; P > 0.05). Ang-(1-7) significantly inhibited Na + uptake in RPTC from vehicle male (214 ± 11%) and from both vehicle (190 ± 14%) and Beta (209 ± 11%) females but failed to attenuate Na + uptake in Beta male cells. Beta exposure also abolished stimulation of NO by Ang-(1-7) in male but not female RPTC. Both the Na + and NO responses to Ang-(1-7) were blocked by Mas receptor antagonist d-Ala 7 -Ang-(1-7). We conclude that the tubular Ang-(1-7)-Mas-NO pathway is attenuated in males and not females by antenatal Beta exposure. Moreover, since primary cultures of RPTC retain both the sex and Beta-induced phenotype of the adult kidney in vivo they appear to be an appropriate cell model to examine the effects of fetal programming on Na + handling by the renal tubules. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

FETAL BETAMETHASONE EXPOSURE ATTENUATES ANGIOTENSIN-(1-7)-MAS RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN THE DORSAL MEDULLA OF ADULT SHEEP

PubMed Central

Marshall, Allyson C.; Shaltout, Hossam A.; Nautiyal, Manisha; Rose, James C.; Chappell, Mark C.; Diz, Debra I.

2013-01-01

Glucocorticoids including betamethasone (BM) are routinely administered to women entering into early preterm labor to facilitate fetal lung development and decrease infant mortality; however, fetal steroid exposure may lead to deleterious long term consequences. In a sheep model of fetal programming, BM-exposed (BMX) offspring exhibit elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decreased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) for control of heart rate by 0.5-years of age associated with changes in the circulating and renal renin-angiotensin systems (RAS). In the brain solitary tract nucleus, angiotensin (Ang) II actions through the AT1 receptor oppose the beneficial actions of Ang-(1-7) at the Mas receptor for BRS regulation. Therefore, we examined Ang peptides, angiotensinogen (Aogen), and receptor expression in this brain region of exposed and control offspring of 0.5- and 1.8-years of age. Mas protein expression was significantly lower (>40%) in the dorsal medulla of BMX animals at both ages; however, AT1 receptor expression was not changed. BMX offspring exhibited a higher ratio of Ang II to Ang-(1-7) (2.30 ± 0.36 versus 0.99 ± 0.28; p<0.01) and Ang II to Ang I at 0.5-years. Although total Aogen was unchanged, Ang I-intact Aogen was lower in 0.5-year BMX animals (0.78 ± 0.06 vs. 1.94 ± 0.41; p<0.05) suggesting a greater degree of enzymatic processing of the precursor protein in exposed animals. We conclude that in utero BM exposure promotes an imbalance in the central RAS pathways of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) that may contribute to the elevated MAP and lower BRS in this model. PMID:23538211

Role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis in the hypotensive effect of azilsartan.

PubMed

Iwanami, Jun; Mogi, Masaki; Tsukuda, Kana; Wang, Xiao-Li; Nakaoka, Hirotomo; Ohshima, Kousei; Chisaka, Toshiyuki; Bai, Hui-Yu; Kanno, Harumi; Min, Li-Juan; Horiuchi, Masatsugu

2014-07-01

The possible counteracting effect of angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme (ACE)2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis against the ACE/Ang II/Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor axis in blood pressure control has been previously described. We examined the possibility that this pathway might be involved in the anti-hypertensive effect of a newly developed AT1 receptor blocker (ARB), azilsartan, and compared azilsartan's effects with those of another ARB, olmesartan. Transgenic mice carrying the human renin and angiotensinogen genes (hRN/hANG-Tg) were given azilsartan or olmesartan. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as determined by radiotelemetry, were significantly higher in hRN/hANG-Tg mice than in wild-type (WT) mice. Treatment with azilsartan or olmesartan (1 or 5 mg kg(-1) per day) significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the blood pressure-lowering effect of azilsartan was more marked than that of olmesartan. The urinary Na concentration decreased in an age-dependent manner in hRN/hANG-Tg mice. Administration of azilsartan or olmesartan increased urinary Na concentration, and this effect was weaker with olmesartan than with azilsartan. Azilsartan decreased ENaC-α mRNA expression in the kidney and decreased the ratio of heart to body weight. Olmesartan had a similar but less-marked effect. ACE2 mRNA expression was lower in the kidneys and hearts of hRN/hANG-Tg mice than in WT mice. This decrease in ACE2 mRNA expression was attenuated by azilsartan, but not by olmesartan. These results suggest that the hypotensive and anti-hypertrophic effects of azilsartan may involve activation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis with AT1 receptor blockade.

Metallic Li colloids studied by Li-7 MAS NMR in electron-irradiated LiF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zogal, O. J.; Beuneu, F.; Vajda, P.; Florian, P.; Massiot, D.

Li-7 MAS NMR spectra of 2.5 MeV electron-irradiated LiF crystals have been measured in a field of 9.4 T. Besides the resonance line of the ionic compound, a second well-separated spectrum is observed in the region of the Knight shift value for metallic lithium. At room temperature, the latter can be decomposed into two components with different Knight shift and linewidth values. When the temperature is increased, line narrowing takes place at first, indicating shortening of correlation times for self-diffusion, independently in both components. Above 370 K, both lines broaden and approach each other before collapsing into a single line. The high ppm component disappears after crossing the melting temperature of metallic lithium (454 K). The two lines are attributed to different types of metallic Li: one to bulk-like metal, the other to Li present initially under pressure and relaxing to the former under thermal treatment.

Lack of weight gain after angiotensin AT1 receptor blockade in diet-induced obesity is partly mediated by an angiotensin-(1–7)/ Mas-dependent pathway

PubMed Central

Schuchard, Johanna; Winkler, Martina; Stölting, Ines; Schuster, Franziska; Vogt, Florian M; Barkhausen, Jörg; Thorns, Christoph; Santos, Robson A; Bader, Michael; Raasch, Walter

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose Angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists induce weight loss; however, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unknown. The Mas receptor agonist angiotensin-(1-7) is a metabolite of angiotensin I and of angiotensin II. As an agonist of Mas receptors, angiotensin-(1-7) has beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic effects. Experimental Approach We investigated the anti-obesity effects of transgenically overexpressed angiotensin-(1-7) in rats. We secondly examined whether weight loss due to telmisartan (8 mg·kg−1·d−1) in diet-induced obese Sprague Dawley (SD) rats can be blocked when the animals were co-treated with the Mas receptor antagonist A779 (24 or 72 μg·kg−1·d−1). Key Results In contrast to wild-type controls, transgenic rats overexpressing angiotensin-(1-7) had 1.) diminished body weight when they were regularly fed with chow; 2.) were protected from developing obesity although they were fed with cafeteria diet (CD); 3.) showed a reduced energy intake that was mainly related to a lower CD intake; 5.) remained responsive to leptin despite chronic CD feeding; 6.) had a higher, strain-dependent energy expenditure, and 7.) were protected from developing insulin resistance despite CD feeding. Telmisartan-induced weight loss in SD rats was partially antagonized after a high, but not a low dose of A779. Conclusions and Implications Angiotensin-(1-7) regulated food intake and body weight and contributed to the weight loss after AT1 receptor blockade. Angiotensin-(1-7)-like agonists may be drug candidates for treating obesity. PMID:25906670

Synthetic Spectral Analysis of the Far Ultraviolet Spectra of the Old Nova HR Del

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robertson, Jordan; Sion, E.

2012-05-01

We present a synthetic spectral analysis of the archival IUE far ultraviolet spectra of the post-nova, HR Del (Nova Del 1967). The system has an estimated white dwarf mass of 0.55 Msun (Ritter and Kolb 2003), orbital period P_orb = 0.214165 days, estimated orbital inclination of 40 degrees (Keurster 1988) and distance determinations in the literature ranging from 970 pc to 285 pc. The spectra reveal P Cygni profiles indicative of wind outflow from the disk and closely resemble the IUE spectra of UX UMa nova-likes, which have never had recorded outbursts. We de-reddened the archival IUE spectra using E(B-V) = 0.16. Our synthetic spectral analysis utilized optically thick, steady state accretion disk models and white dwarf model atmospheres that we constructed using TLUSTY and SYNSPEC (Hubeny 1988, Hubeny and Lanz (1995). Our input parameters were the white dwarf mass, inclination and a range of accretion rates for which we found the best-fitting model. We report the results of our model fitting and compare HR Del with other post-novae at comparable times past their nova outburst. This work was supported by NSF grant 0807892 to Villanova University

Double cross-polarization MAS NMR in the assignment of abundant-spin resonances: ¹⁹F-{²⁹Si}-¹⁹F FBCP/MAS NMR of fluoride ions incorporated in calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases.

PubMed

Tran, Thuan T; Bildsøe, Henrik; Jakobsen, Hans J; Skibsted, Jørgen

2012-08-01

A new version of the double cross-polarization MAS NMR experiment, which transfers polarization Forth and Back (FBCP) between high- and low-γ spin nuclei, is presented. The pulse sequence is demonstrated by ¹⁹F-{²⁹Si}-¹⁹F and ¹⁹F-{¹³C}-¹⁹F FBCP NMR spectra of a mixture of cuspidine (Ca₄Si₂O₇F₂) and Teflon (-CF₂-)(n). The experiment is useful for assignment of the high-γ spin resonances, as demonstrated by ¹⁹F-{²⁹Si}-¹⁹F FBCP NMR of a fluoride-containing calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) phase, where the ¹⁹F resonance from fluoride ions incorporated in the interlayer structure of the C-S-H phase is identified. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Noninvasive Detection of Lactate as a Biomarker of Response Using Spectral-Selective Multiple Quantum Editing Sequence (SS-SelMQC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

for attending ISMRM conference B. Selected Publication Annarao, S., Sidhu, O.P., Roy, R., Tuli , R. and Khetrapal, C.L. (2008). Lipid profiling of... Tuli Rakesh. And Khetrapal, C.L. (2010). Metabolic and Histopathological alterations of Jatropha Mosoic begamovirus infected Jatropha Curcus L. by HR-MAS NMR Spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonace Imaging. Planta. 232: 85-93

Dynamic Behaviour of Tetramethylethylene Diamine (TMEDA) Ligands in Solid Organolithium Compounds: A Variable Temperature 13C and I5N CP/MAS NMR Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumann, Wolfgang; Oprunenko, Yuri; Günther, Harald

1995-05-01

The dynamic behaviour of tetramethylethylene diamine (TMEDA) ligands in three organometallic complexes, dimeric phenyllithium, [Li(tmeda)μ-Ph]2 (1), lithium cyclopentadienide, [Li(tmeda)]C5H5 (2), and dilithium naphthalendiide, trans-[Li(tmeda)]2C10H8 (3), has been studied by CP/MAS 13C and 15N as well as 7Li MAS NMR spectroscopy of powdered samples. Two dynamic processes with free activation enthalpies of 40 and 68 kJ mol-1, respectively, were detected for 1. The first one can be assigned to ring inversion of the five-membered Li-TMEDA rings, while the second is caused by a complete rotation of the TMEDA ligands or a ring inversion of the central four-membered C-Li-C-Li metallacycle. Fast rotation of the ligands on the NMR time scale was found for 2, while 3 shows 180° ring flips of the Li-TMEDA groups, which are characterized by an energy barrier ΔG" (317) of 64 kJ mol-1

Real-world effectiveness of everolimus-based therapy versus fulvestrant monotherapy in HR(+)/HER2(-) metastatic breast cancer.

PubMed

Hao, Yanni; Lin, Peggy L; Xie, Jipan; Li, Nanxin; Koo, Valerie; Ohashi, Erika; Wu, Eric Q; Rogerio, Jaqueline

2015-08-01

Assessing real-world effectiveness of everolimus-based therapy (EVE) versus fulvestrant monotherapy (FUL) among postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR(+))/HER2(-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) after progression on nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI). Medical charts of community-based patients who received EVE or FUL for mBC after NSAI were examined. Progression-free survival (PFS), time on treatment and time to chemotherapy were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for line of therapy and patient characteristics. 192 patients received EVE and 156 FUL. After adjusting for patient characteristics, EVE was associated with significantly longer PFS than FUL (hazard ratio: 0.71; p = 0.045). EVE was associated with better PFS than FUL among NSAI-refractory postmenopausal HR(+)/HER2(-) mBC patients.

MERIT: A man/computer data management and enhancement system for upper air nowcasting/forecasting in the United States. [Minimum Energy Routes using Interactive Techniques (MERIT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinberg, R.

1984-01-01

It is suggested that the very short range forecast problem for aviation is one of data management rather than model development and the possibility of improving the aviation forecast using current technology is underlined. The MERIT concept of modeling technology, and advanced man/computer interactive data management and enhancement techniques to provide a tailored, accurate and timely forecast for aviation is outlined. The MERIT includes utilization of the Langrangian approach, extensive use of the automated aircraft report to complement the present data base and provide the most current observations; and the concept that a 2 to 12 hour forecast provided every 3 hr can meet the domestic needs of aviation instead of the present 18 and 24 hr forecast provided every 12 hr.

NHDPlusHR: A national geospatial framework for surface-water information

USGS Publications Warehouse

Viger, Roland; Rea, Alan H.; Simley, Jeffrey D.; Hanson, Karen M.

2016-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey is developing a new geospatial hydrographic framework for the United States, called the National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution (NHDPlusHR), that integrates a diversity of the best-available information, robustly supports ongoing dataset improvements, enables hydrographic generalization to derive alternate representations of the network while maintaining feature identity, and supports modern scientific computing and Internet accessibility needs. This framework is based on the High Resolution National Hydrography Dataset, the Watershed Boundaries Dataset, and elevation from the 3-D Elevation Program, and will provide an authoritative, high precision, and attribute-rich geospatial framework for surface-water information for the United States. Using this common geospatial framework will provide a consistent basis for indexing water information in the United States, eliminate redundancy, and harmonize access to, and exchange of water information.

Human performance and physiological function during a 24-hr exposure to 1% bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calkins, D. S.; Degioanni, J. J.; Tan, M. N.; Davis, J. R.; Pierson, D. L.

1993-01-01

Performance and physiological measurements were obtained from four pairs of men exposed for 24 hr to 1% (10,000 ppm) Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane, CBrF3) and to air with order counterbalanced using a double-blind protocol. Cognitive and motor performance was assessed before, during, and after the exposures using seven scales of the Automated Portable Testing System, which produced 13 measures of performance. Halon inhalation induced decrements in 2 of the 13 measures, but actual and estimated magnitudes of the decrements were no greater than 5% of baseline values. Physiological data were obtained before, during, and after the exposures from clinical chemistry analyses of blood and urine samples, pulmonary function tests, and monitoring of vital signs. Significant change during Halon inhalation was observed for 6 of the 52 variables assessed; however, all physiological values remained within clinically acceptable limits. No cardiovascular effects were noted. This study demonstrated that exposure to 1% Halon 1301 for 24 hr can produce minor disturbance of central nervous system function as assessed by cognitive tasks.

HR 1362 - A test case for stellar dynamo theories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strassmeier, Klaus G.; Hall, Douglas S.; Barksdale, William S.; Jusick, Anthony T.; Henry, Gregory W.

1990-01-01

An analysis of 11 yr of photometry of HR 1362 = EK Eri has shown a well-established photometric period of 335 days. This confirms an earlier period determination of about 310 days from 3 yr of APT data and is consistent with a new v sin i determination of 2 + or - 2 km/s. Recent Ca II H and K observations show moderately strong H and K emission lines at a flux level of log F prime (K) of about 6.5 ergs sq m/s. If the photometric period is interpreted as the rotation period, this surface flux is more than one order of magnitude larger than what can be expected from empirical activity versus rotation relationships. The spectrum and the U-B and B-V colors are consistent with a single G8 III-IV spectral classification, while the V-R and V-I values indicate a small color excess, typical of chromospherically active stars.

Vibrational spectral signatures of crystalline cellulose using high resolution broadband sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (HR-BB-SFG-VS)

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Libing; Lu, Zhou; Velarde, Luis; ...

2015-03-03

Both the C–H and O–H region spectra of crystalline cellulose were studied using the sub-wavenumber high-resolution broadband sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (HR-BB-SFG-VS) for the first time. The resolution of HR-BB-SFG-VS is about 10-times better than conventional scanning SFG-VS and has the capability of measuring the intrinsic spectral lineshape and revealing many more spectral details. With HR-BB-SFG-VS, we found that in cellulose samples from different sources, including Avicel and cellulose crystals isolated from algae Valonia (Iα) and tunicates (Iβ), the spectral signatures in the O–H region were unique for the two allomorphs, i.e. Iα and Iβ, while the spectral signaturesmore » in the C–H regions varied in all samples examined. Even though the origin of the different spectral signatures of the crystalline cellulose in the O–H and C–H vibrational frequency regions are yet to be correlated to the structure of cellulose, these results lead to new spectroscopic methods and opportunities to classify and to understand the basic crystalline structures, as well as variations in polymorphism of the crystalline cellulose.« less

Vibrational spectral signatures of crystalline cellulose using high resolution broadband sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (HR-BB-SFG-VS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Libing; Lu, Zhou; Velarde, Luis

Both the C–H and O–H region spectra of crystalline cellulose were studied using the sub-wavenumber high-resolution broadband sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (HR-BB-SFG-VS) for the first time. The resolution of HR-BB-SFG-VS is about 10-times better than conventional scanning SFG-VS and has the capability of measuring the intrinsic spectral lineshape and revealing many more spectral details. With HR-BB-SFG-VS, we found that in cellulose samples from different sources, including Avicel and cellulose crystals isolated from algae Valonia (Iα) and tunicates (Iβ), the spectral signatures in the O–H region were unique for the two allomorphs, i.e. Iα and Iβ, while the spectral signaturesmore » in the C–H regions varied in all samples examined. Even though the origin of the different spectral signatures of the crystalline cellulose in the O–H and C–H vibrational frequency regions are yet to be correlated to the structure of cellulose, these results lead to new spectroscopic methods and opportunities to classify and to understand the basic crystalline structures, as well as variations in polymorphism of the crystalline cellulose.« less

Quantitative MAS NMR characterization of the LiMn(1/2)Ni(1/2)O(2) electrode/electrolyte interphase.

PubMed

Cuisinier, M; Martin, J F; Moreau, P; Epicier, T; Kanno, R; Guyomard, D; Dupré, N

2012-04-01

The conditions in which degradation processes at the positive electrode/electrolyte interface occur are still incompletely understood and traditional surface analytical techniques struggle to characterize and depict accurately interfacial films. In the present work, information on the growth and evolution of the interphases upon storage and cycling as well as their electrochemical consequences are gathered in the case of LiNi(1/2)Mn(1/2)O(2) with commonly used LiPF(6) (1M in EC/DMC) electrolyte. The use of (7)Li, (19)F and (31)P MAS NMR, made quantitative through the implementation of empirical calibration, is combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to probe the elements involved in surface species and to unravel the inhomogenous architecture of the interphase. At room temperature, contact with the electrolyte leads to a covering of the oxide surface first by LiF and lithiated organic species are found on the outer part of the interphase. At 55°C, not only the interphase proceeds in further covering of the surface but also thickens resulting in an increase of 240% of lithiated species and the presence of -POF(2) fluorophosphates. The composition gradient within the interphase depth is also strongly affected by the temperature. In agreement with the electrochemical performance, quantitative NMR surface analyses show that the use of LiBOB-modified electrolyte results in a Li-enriched interphase, intrinsically less resistive than the standard LiPF(6)-based interphase, comprised of a mixture of resistive LiF with non lithiated species. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of bone microstructure in CRPS-affected upper limbs by HR-pQCT.

PubMed

Mussawy, Haider; Schmidt, Tobias; Rolvien, Tim; Rüther, Wolfgang; Amling, Michael

2017-01-01

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a major complication after trauma, surgery, and/or immobilization of an extremity. The disease often starts with clinical signs of local inflammation and develops into a prolonged phase that is characterized by trophic changes and local osteoporosis and sometimes results in functional impairment of the affected limb. While the pathophysiology of CRPS remains poorly understood, increased local bone resorption plays an undisputed pivotal role. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to assess the bone microstructure in patients with CRPS. Patients with CRPS type I of the upper limb whose affected and unaffected distal radii were analyzed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) were identified retrospectively. The osteology laboratory data and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images of the left femoral neck and lumbar spine, which were obtained on the same day as HR-pQCT, were extracted from the medical records. Five patients were identified. The CRPS-affected upper limbs had significantly lower trabecular numbers and higher trabecular thicknesses than the unaffected upper limbs. However, the trabecular bone volume to total bone volume and cortical thickness values of the affected and unaffected sides were similar. Trabecular thickness tended to increase with time since disease diagnosis. CRPS associated with significant alterations in the bone microstructure of the affected upper limb that may amplify as the duration of disease increases.

Survival for haemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis and technique transference. Experience in Ourense, Spain, from 1976 to 2012.

PubMed

Otero González, Alfonso; Iglesias Forneiro, Alfonso; Camba Caride, María Jesús; Pérez Melón, Cristina; Borrajo Prol, María Paz; Novoa Fernández, Enrique; Arenas Moncaleano, Ivan Gilberto; Uribe Moya, Silvia; Lagoa Labrador, Fiz

2015-01-01

To assess SV in our RRT population in the period 1976-2012 as well as the influence of technique transference (TT). The study included a retrospective cohort of 993 patients. Data were classified as transplant (Tx), change in technique, exitus or lost to follow-up. SV for TT was determined in patients with over 12 weeks of permanence. The mortality risk adjusted for age, sex, dialysis technique or diabetes mellitus (DM) showed that the estimated risk of death increased by 4.8% per year increase (HR=1.048; 95% CI: 1.04-1.06; P<.001) and was 44% higher in diabetics compared to non-diabetics (HR=1.44; 95% CI 1.16-1.76; P<.01). Regarding SV for TT, patients who initiated HD had a shorter survival than those who initiated PD and transferred to HD (P=.00563). In our experience, SV in RRT is dependent on age and coexistence of DM. It would be beneficial to reinstate the concept of "comprehensive care", in which RRT would start with PD and later transfer to HD. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Spin-echo based diagonal peak suppression in solid-state MAS NMR homonuclear chemical shift correlation spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kaiyu; Zhang, Zhiyong; Ding, Xiaoyan; Tian, Fang; Huang, Yuqing; Chen, Zhong; Fu, Riqiang

2018-02-01

The feasibility of using the spin-echo based diagonal peak suppression method in solid-state MAS NMR homonuclear chemical shift correlation experiments is demonstrated. A complete phase cycling is designed in such a way that in the indirect dimension only the spin diffused signals are evolved, while all signals not involved in polarization transfer are refocused for cancellation. A data processing procedure is further introduced to reconstruct this acquired spectrum into a conventional two-dimensional homonuclear chemical shift correlation spectrum. A uniformly 13C, 15N labeled Fmoc-valine sample and the transmembrane domain of a human protein, LR11 (sorLA), in native Escherichia coli membranes have been used to illustrate the capability of the proposed method in comparison with standard 13C-13C chemical shift correlation experiments.

Measuring (19)F shift anisotropies and (1)H-(19)F dipolar interactions with ultrafast MAS NMR.

PubMed

Martini, Francesca; Miah, Habeeba K; Iuga, Dinu; Geppi, Marco; Titman, Jeremy J

2015-10-01

A new (19)F anisotropic-isotropic shift correlation experiment is described that operates with ultrafast MAS, resulting in good resolution of isotropic (19)F shifts in the detection dimension. The new experiment makes use of a recoupling sequence designed using symmetry principles that reintroduces the (19)F chemical shift anisotropy in the indirect dimension. The situations in which the new experiment is appropriate are discussed, and the (19)F shift anisotropy parameters in poly(difluoroethylene) (PVDF) are measured. In addition, similar recoupling sequences are shown to be effective for measuring (1)H-(19)F distances via the heteronuclear dipolar interaction. This is demonstrated by application to a recently synthesized zirconium phosphonate material that contains one-dimensional chains linked by H-F hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

HR 6094: A Young, Solar-Type, Solar-Metallicity Barium Dwarf Star

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porto de Mello, G. F.; da Silva, L.

1997-02-01

The young solar-type star HR 6094 is found to be a barium dwarf, overabundant in the s-process elements as well as deficient in C. It is a member of the solar-metallicity, 0.3 Gyr old Ursa Major kinematical group. Measurements of radial velocity and ultraviolet flux do not support the attribution of such abundance anomalies to an unseen degenerate companion. A common proper motion, V = 10, DA white dwarf (WD), located 5360 AU away, however, strongly supports the explanation of the origin of this barium star by the process of mass transfer in a binary system, in which the secondary component accreted matter from the primary one (now the WD) when it was an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star self-enriched in the s-process elements. The membership in the UMa group of another s-process-rich and C-deficient star, HR 2047, suggests that these stars could have formed a multiple system in the past, which was disrupted by the mass-loss episode of the former AGB star. Their [C/Fe] deficiency could be explained by the action of the hot-bottomed envelope burning process in the late AGB, thereby reconverting it from a C-rich to an O-rich star, depleting C while enriching its envelope with Li and neutron capture elements. This is the first identification of the barium phenomenon in a near-zero-age star, besides being the first barium system in which the remnant of the late AGB star responsible for the heavy-element enrichment may have been directly spotted. Observations collected at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), Chile, and at the Observatório do Pico dos Dias, operated by the CNPq/Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica, Brazil.

Fast estimation of Colles' fracture load of the distal section of the radius by homogenized finite element analysis based on HR-pQCT.

PubMed

Hosseini, Hadi S; Dünki, Andreas; Fabech, Jonas; Stauber, Martin; Vilayphiou, Nicolas; Pahr, Dieter; Pretterklieber, Michael; Wandel, Jasmin; Rietbergen, Bert van; Zysset, Philippe K

2017-04-01

Fractures of the distal section of the radius (Colles' fractures) occur earlier in life than other osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, they can be interpreted as a warning signal for later, more deleterious fractures of vertebral bodies or the femoral neck. In the past decade, the advent of HR-pQCT allowed a detailed architectural analysis of the distal radius and an automated but time-consuming estimation of its strength with linear micro-finite element (μFE) analysis. Recently, a second generation of HR-pQCT scanner (XtremeCT II, SCANCO Medical, Switzerland) with a resolution beyond 61 μm became available for even more refined biomechanical investigations in vivo. This raises the question how biomechanical outcome variables compare between the original (LR) and the new (HR) scanner resolution. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to validate experimentally a patient-specific homogenized finite element (hFE) analysis of the distal section of the human radius for the fast prediction of Colles' fracture load based on the last generation HR-pQCT. Fourteen pairs of fresh frozen forearms (mean age = 77.5±9) were scanned intact using the high (61 μm) and the low (82 μm) resolution protocols that correspond to the new and original HR-pQCT systems. From each forearm, the 20mm most distal section of the radius were dissected out, scanned with μCT at 16.4 μm and tested experimentally under compression up to failure for assessment of stiffness and ultimate load. Linear and nonlinear hFE models together with linear micro finite element (μFE) models were then generated based on the μCT and HR-pQCT reconstructions to predict the aforementioned mechanical properties of 24 sections. Precision errors of the short term reproducibility of the FE analyses were measured based on the repeated scans of 12 sections. The calculated failure loads correlated strongly with those measured in the experiments: accounting for donor as a random factor, the nonlinear hFE provided a

Human performance and physiological function during a 24-hr exposure to 1 percent bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calkins, D. S.; Degioanni, J. J.; Tan, M. N.; Davis, J. R.; Pierson, D. L.

1993-01-01

Performance and physiological measurements were obtained from four pairs of men exposed for 24 hr to 1 percent (10,000 ppm) Halon 1301 (CBrF3) and to air with order counterbalanced using a double-blind protocol. Cognitive and motor performance was assessed before, during, and after the exposures, using seven scales of the Automated Portable Testing System, which produced 13 measures of performance. Halon inhalation induced decrements in 2 of the 13 measures, but actual and estimated magnitudes of the decrements were no greater than 5 percent of baseline values. Physiological data obtained before, during, and after the exposures revealed significant changes during Halon inhalation for 6 of the 52 variables assessed; however, all physiological values remained within clinically acceptable limits. No cardiovascular effects were noted. This study demonstrated that exposure to 1 percent Halon 1301 for 24 hr can produce minor disturbance of central nervous system function as assessed by cognitive tasks.

Age-related changes in bone strength from HR-pQCT derived microarchitectural parameters with an emphasis on the role of cortical porosity.

PubMed

Vilayphiou, Nicolas; Boutroy, Stephanie; Sornay-Rendu, Elisabeth; Van Rietbergen, Bert; Chapurlat, Roland

2016-02-01

The high resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR-pQCT) technique has seen recent developments with regard to the assessment of cortical porosity. In this study, we investigated the role of cortical porosity on bone strength in a large cohort of women. The distal radius and distal tibia were scanned by HR-pQCT. We assessed bone strength by estimating the failure load by microfinite element analysis (μFEA), with isotropic and homogeneous material properties. We built a multivariate model to predict it, using a few microarchitecture variables including cortical porosity. Among 857 Caucasian women analyzed with μFEA, we found that cortical and trabecular properties, along with the failure load, impaired slightly with advancing age in premenopausal women, the correlations with age being modest, with |rage| ranging from 0.14 to 0.38. After the onset of the menopause, those relationships with age were stronger for most parameters at both sites, with |rage| ranging from 0.10 to 0.64, notably for cortical porosity and failure load, which were markedly deteriorated with increasing age. Our multivariate model using microarchitecture parameters revealed that cortical porosity played a significant role in bone strength prediction, with semipartial r(2)=0.22 only at the tibia in postmenopausal women. In conclusion, in our large cohort of women, we observed a small decline of bone strength at the tibia before the onset of menopause. We also found an age-related increase of cortical porosity at both scanned sites in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, the relatively high increase of cortical porosity accounted for the decline in bone strength only at the tibia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

VLT/SPHERE robust astrometry of the HR8799 planets at milliarcsecond-level accuracy. Orbital architecture analysis with PyAstrOFit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wertz, O.; Absil, O.; Gómez González, C. A.; Milli, J.; Girard, J. H.; Mawet, D.; Pueyo, L.

2017-02-01

Context. HR8799 is orbited by at least four giant planets, making it a prime target for the recently commissioned Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (VLT/SPHERE). As such, it was observed on five consecutive nights during the SPHERE science verification in December 2014. Aims: We aim to take full advantage of the SPHERE capabilities to derive accurate astrometric measurements based on H-band images acquired with the Infra-Red Dual-band Imaging and Spectroscopy (IRDIS) subsystem, and to explore the ultimate astrometric performance of SPHERE in this observing mode. We also aim to present a detailed analysis of the orbital parameters for the four planets. Methods: We performed thorough post-processing of the IRDIS images with the Vortex Imaging Processing (VIP) package to derive a robust astrometric measurement for the four planets. This includes the identification and careful evaluation of the different contributions to the error budget, including systematic errors. Combining our astrometric measurements with the ones previously published in the literature, we constrain the orbital parameters of the four planets using PyAstrOFit, our new open-source python package dedicated to orbital fitting using Bayesian inference with Monte-Carlo Markov Chain sampling. Results: We report the astrometric positions for epoch 2014.93 with an accuracy down to 2.0 mas, mainly limited by the astrometric calibration of IRDIS. For each planet, we derive the posterior probability density functions for the six Keplerian elements and identify sets of highly probable orbits. For planet d, there is clear evidence for nonzero eccentricity (e 0.35), without completely excluding solutions with smaller eccentricities. The three other planets are consistent with circular orbits, although their probability distributions spread beyond e = 0.2, and show a peak at e ≃ 0.1 for planet e. The four planets have consistent inclinations of approximately 30° with respect to the sky

Nano powders, components and coatings by plasma technique

DOEpatents

McKechnie, Timothy N [Brownsboro, AL; Antony, Leo V. M. [Huntsville, AL; O'Dell, Scott [Arab, AL; Power, Chris [Guntersville, AL; Tabor, Terry [Huntsville, AL

2009-11-10

Ultra fine and nanometer powders and a method of producing same are provided, preferably refractory metal and ceramic nanopowders. When certain precursors are injected into the plasma flame in a reactor chamber, the materials are heated, melted and vaporized and the chemical reaction is induced in the vapor phase. The vapor phase is quenched rapidly to solid phase to yield the ultra pure, ultra fine and nano product. With this technique, powders have been made 20 nanometers in size in a system capable of a bulk production rate of more than 10 lbs/hr. The process is particularly applicable to tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten carbide, molybdenum carbide and other related materials.

Nano powders, components and coatings by plasma technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKechnie, Timothy N. (Inventor); Antony, Leo V. M. (Inventor); O'Dell, Scott (Inventor); Power, Chris (Inventor); Tabor, Terry (Inventor)

2009-01-01

Ultra fine and nanometer powders and a method of producing same are provided, preferably refractory metal and ceramic nanopowders. When certain precursors are injected into the plasma flame in a reactor chamber, the materials are heated, melted and vaporized and the chemical reaction is induced in the vapor phase. The vapor phase is quenched rapidly to solid phase to yield the ultra pure, ultra fine and nano product. With this technique, powders have been made 20 nanometers in size in a system capable of a bulk production rate of more than 10 lbs/hr. The process is particularly applicable to tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten carbide, molybdenum carbide and other related materials.

Evaluation of a rapid determination of heat production and respiratory quotient in Holstein steers using the washed rumen technique

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this study was to validate use of the washed rumen technique for rapid measurement of fasting heat production (FHP) and respiratory quotient (RQ), and compare this with heart rate (HR) and core temperature (CT). The experiment used 8 Holstein steers (322±30 kg) under controlled temp...

Palbociclib: A Review in HR-Positive, HER2-Negative, Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Kim, Esther S; Scott, Lesley J

2017-06-01

Oral palbociclib (Ibrance®) is a first-in-class, highly selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (i.e. a CDK4/6 inhibitor). It is indicated for the treatment of women with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy, and in combination with fulvestrant (with or without a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist) in those previously treated with endocrine therapy. In clinical trials, palbociclib in combination with letrozole as initial endocrine-based therapy in postmenopausal women (PALOMA-1 and PALOMA-2), or in combination with fulvestrant in pre-, peri-, or postmenopausal women with disease progression after endocrine therapy (PALOMA-3), significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and improved clinical benefit response (CBR) rates. Neutropenia was the most commonly reported any-grade and grade ≥ 3 adverse event. It was infrequently associated with febrile neutropenia (<2%) and generally manageable with a palbociclib dose delay, interruption or reduction, without the routine use of growth factors, and without affecting efficacy. In conclusion, oral palbociclib combination therapy is a valuable emerging option for use in patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

SU-E-T-402: Y-90 Microspheres (SIR Spheres) for Treatment of Liver Metastasis : Technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nair, M

2014-06-01

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the radiation safety and dosimetric technique used for the therapeutic procedure using Y-90 microspheres through intra -arterial administration on patients with liver metastasis Methods: The radiation dosimetry, technique and safety aspects of 14 patients with primary and metastatic liver cancer, treated with Y-90 microsphere (SIR spheres) are discussed. The liver and tumor volumes were determined using the CT and MR scans . The images were imported into the treatment planning system and the liver and tumor volumes and the volume of the liver affected were outlined and the volume calculation wasmore » performed using the software. The lung shunt fraction (LSF) and tumor to liver uptake ratio (TLR) were determined using the nuclear medicine SPECT imaging with Tc-99m MAA. The absorbed dose to the target volume in liver was calculated using the following equation:Dose ? (Gy) = C x E? x 5.92 x 10-6 (Gy/s) x T(1/2)(days) x 1.44 x 8.64 x 104 (s) The distribution of activity in the tumor bed was confirmed by post Y-90 administration imaging using the Bremsstrahlung peak at 30% window. The patient and the procedure room were surveyed and radiation safety instructions were given to the patient Results: The tumor volume ranged from 77 cc to 700 cc, tumor to liver uptake ranged from 3 to 12. The lung shunt fraction varied from 1.08% to 9.0%. The activity administered ranged from 1.0GBq to 2.5 GBq, . The radiation survey in contact with the patient ranged from 1.8 mR/hr to 2.5 mR/hr and reading at 1 meter was less than 0.2 mR/hr Conclusion: The technique for radiation dosimetry and radiation safety for Y-90 microsphere therapy is established. The post treatment imaging helped to confirm the distribution of Y-90 microspheres inside the tumor bed.« less

A comparison of the diagnostic performance of the ST/HR hysteresis with cardiopulmonary stress testing parameters in detecting exercise-induced myocardial ischemia.

PubMed

Zimarino, Marco; Barnabei, Luca; Madonna, Rosalinda; Palmieri, Giuseppe; Radico, Francesco; Tatasciore, Alfonso; Bellisarii, Francesco Iachini; Perrucci, Gianni Mauro; Corazzini, Alessandro; De Caterina, Raffaele

2013-09-30

Because ST segment depression has limited diagnostic performance at exercise electrocardiography (ECG), ST segment depression/heart rate (ST/HR) hysteresis and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)-derived parameters have been proposed as alternatives to diagnose exercise-induced myocardial ischemia. We compared the diagnostic performance of such parameters. We studied 56 subjects (45 men, 11 women, age 59.7 ± 13.6 years) referred for suspected exercise-induced myocardial ischemia with an equivocal ECG exercise test. All subjects serially underwent CPET and a myocardial single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) perfusion imaging (as the gold standard for ischemia). Maximum ST depression at peak exercise (ST-max), the ST/HR hysteresis, ΔVO2/ΔWR b-b1 slope, ΔVO2/ΔWR (aa1-bb1), VO2/HR flattening duration and other CPET parameters were derived in all subjects. On the basis of SPECT, 23 subjects (41%) were considered ischemic and 33 subjects (59%) non-ischemic. ST/HR hysteresis was higher (0.026 mV; 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.049 vs -0.016 mV; 95% CI: -0.031 to -0.001 mV) and ST-max was lower (-0.105 mV; 95% CI: -0.158 to -0.052 vs 0.032 mV; 95% CI: -0.001 to -0.066 mV) in ischemic vs non-ischemic subjects (P=0.004 and P=0.001, respectively). Among CPET parameters, ΔVO2/ΔWR b-b(1) slope was lower (9.4 ± 3.8) and ΔVO2/ΔWR (aa(1)-bb(1)) was higher (2.1 ± 2.6) in ischemic vs non-ischemic subjects (11.4 ± 2.3, P=0.005, and 1.1 ± 1.5, P=0.001, respectively). The ST/HR hysteresis had the highest area under the curve value, better (P<0.05) than any other parameters tested, thus showing the highest overall diagnostic performance. The ST/HR hysteresis is superior to CPET-derived parameters for detecting exercise-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with equivocal ECG exercise test results. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Make Win-Win a Reality: Delighting the Customer be Implementing Oracle HR - Integration Update to Fall 1997 Paper

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mills, J.; Shope, S.

1998-01-01

Implementing Oracle Human Resources Management System (HRMS) using a customer and integration approach provides the organization an enormous oppurtunity to create a win-win situation for customers, the HR department and the enterprise.

Is Anesthesia Technique Associated With a Higher Risk of Mortality or Complications Within 90 Days of Surgery for Geriatric Patients With Hip Fractures?

PubMed

Desai, Vimal; Chan, Priscilla H; Prentice, Heather A; Zohman, Gary L; Diekmann, Glenn R; Maletis, Gregory B; Fasig, Brian H; Diaz, Diana; Chung, Elena; Qiu, Chunyuan

2018-06-01

Postoperative mortality and complications after geriatric hip fracture surgery remain high despite efforts to improve perioperative care for these patients. One factor of particular interest is anesthetic technique, but prior studies on this are limited by sample selection, competing risks, and incomplete followup. (1) Among older patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture, does 90-day mortality differ depending on the type of anesthesia received? (2) Do 90-day emergency department returns and hospital readmissions differ based on anesthetic technique after geriatric hip fracture repairs? (3) Do 90-day Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) outcomes differ according to anesthetic techniques used during hip fracture surgery? We conducted a retrospective study on geriatric patients (65 years or older) with hip fractures between 2009 and 2014 using the Kaiser Permanente Hip Fracture Registry. A total of 1995 (11%) of the surgically treated patients with hip fracture were excluded as a result of missing anesthesia information. The final study sample consisted of 16,695 patients. Of these, 2027 (12%) died and 98 (< 1%) terminated membership during followup, which were handled as competing events and censoring events, respectively. Ninety-day mortality, emergency department returns, hospital readmission, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction (MI), and pneumonia were evaluated using multivariable competing risk proportional subdistribution hazard regression according to type of anesthesia technique: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or conversion from regional to general. Of the 16,695 patients, 58% (N = 9629) received general anesthesia, 40% (N = 6597) received regional anesthesia, and 2.8% (N = 469) patients were converted from regional to general. Compared with regional anesthesia, patients treated with general anesthesia had a higher likelihood of overall 90-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95

Effect of Truncating AUC at 12, 24 and 48 hr When Evaluating the Bioequivalence of Drugs with a Long Half-Life.

PubMed

Moreno, Isabel; Ochoa, Dolores; Román, Manuel; Cabaleiro, Teresa; Abad-Santos, Francisco

2016-01-01

Bioequivalence studies of drugs with a long half-life require long periods of time for pharmacokinetic sampling. The latest update of the European guideline allows the area under the curve (AUC) truncated at 72 hr to be used as an alternative to AUC0-t as the primary parameter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of truncating the AUC at 48, 24 and 12 hr on the acceptance of the bioequivalence criterion as compared with truncation at 72 hr in bioequivalence trials. The effect of truncated AUC on the within-individual coefficient of variation (CVw) and on the ratio of the formulations was also analysed. Twenty-eight drugs were selected from bioequivalence trials. Pharmacokinetic data were analysed using WinNonLin 2.0 based on the trapezoidal method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to obtain the ratios and 90% confidence intervals for AUC at different time-points. The degree of agreement of AUC0-72 in relation to AUC0-48 and AUC0-24, according to the Landis and Koch classification, was 'almost perfect'. Statistically significant differences were observed when the CVw of AUC truncated at 72, 48 and 24 hr was compared with the CVw of AUC0-12. There were no statistically significant differences in the AUC ratio at any time-point. Compared to AUC0-72, Pearson's correlation coefficient for mean AUC, AUC ratio and AUC CVw was worse for AUC0-12 than AUC0-24 or AUC0-48. These preliminary results could suggest that AUC truncation at 24 or 48 hr is adequate to determine whether two formulations are bioequivalent. © 2015 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

Transitions in Al Coordination during Gibbsite Crystallization Using High-Field 27 Al and 23 Na MAS NMR Spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, Jian Zhi; Zhang, Xin; Jaegers, Nicholas R.

Mechanisms of nucleation and growth of Al hydroxides such as gibbsite from aqueous solution, particularly in highly alkaline conditions, remain poorly understood. In this work, quantitative 27Al and 22Na MAS NMR experiments were conducted on solid samples extracted from the crystallization of gibbsite from an amorphous aluminum hydroxide gel precursor. The use of high magnetic field and fast sample spinning allowed transitional tetrahedral (AlT) and pentahedral (AlP) aluminum species to be observed along with the octahedral aluminum (AlO) that dominates the gibbsite product. Low-coordinated Al species could be detected at concentrations as low as 0.1% of the total Al sites.more » It is established that (a) AlT and AlP coexist on the surface of growing gibbsites even with a combined percentage over the total Al sites of less than 1%; (b) Different synthesis methods generate gibbsite with varying amounts of low-coordinated Al; (c) the amorphous gel precursor contains a significant amount of low-coordinated Al sites with AO: AlP: AlT ratios of approximately 4:2:1; (d) upon hydration, the external, low-coordinated Al sites become six-fold coordinated by interacting with the oxygen in H2O and the 27Al MAS NMR peak position shifts to that for the AlO sites; (e) gibbsite with increased long range order is synthesized over longer times by gradually incorporating residual AlP and AlT sites into octahedrally-coordinated AlO sites; (f) trace Na is predominantly a surface species on gibbsite particles. These findings provide a basis for understanding the gibbsite crystallization mechanism, along with a general means of characterizing gibbsite surface properties that are of equal importance for understanding related processes such as dissolution behavior.« less

Mass loss in HR 1040 /A0 Ia/ - Analysis of Mg II lambda 2802 and H-alpha

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kunasz, P. B.; Morrison, N. D.; Spressart, B.

1983-01-01

It is pointed out that International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) data for several early A type supergiants are now available to complement the ground-based spectroscopic data available for these bright stars. An examination of the resonance doublet of Mg II in the A type supergiants reveals that HR 1040 (HD 21389) is the only star in the observational literature in which a violet-shifted, deep absorption line is present without complete saturation. From an unsaturated profile, a good estimate of Mg(+) density can be found by means of accurate radiative transfer calculations. A relation can then be derived between mass loss rate and ionization balance. When certain velocity-related quantities can be estimated from a Mg II line profile, the H-alpha provides an estimate of the mass loss rate. The present investigation is concerned with an application of these diagnostics to HR 1040.

Stress reactivity to and recovery from a standardised exercise bout: a study of 31 runners practising relaxation techniques.

PubMed

Solberg, E E; Ingjer, F; Holen, A; Sundgot-Borgen, J; Nilsson, S; Holme, I

2000-08-01

To compare the efficacy in runners of two relaxation techniques with regard to exercise reactivity and recovery after exercise. Thirty one adult male runners were studied prospectively for six months in three groups practising either meditation (n = 11) or autogenic training (n = 11) or serving as controls (n = 10). Before and after the six months relaxation intervention, indicators of reactivity to exercise and metabolism after exercise (blood lactate concentration, heart rate (HR), and oxygen consumption (VO2)), were tested immediately after and 10 minutes after exercise. Resting HR was also assessed weekly at home during the trial. State anxiety was measured before and after the intervention. After the relaxation training, blood lactate concentration after exercise was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in the meditation group compared with the control group. No difference was observed in lactate responses between the autogenic training group and the control group. There were no significant differences among the groups with regard to HR, VO2, or levels of anxiety. Meditation training may reduce the lactate response to a standardised exercise bout.

Evaluation of bone microstructure in CRPS-affected upper limbs by HR-pQCT

PubMed Central

Mussawy, Haider; Schmidt, Tobias; Rolvien, Tim; Rüther, Wolfgang; Amling, Michael

2017-01-01

Summary Introduction Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a major complication after trauma, surgery, and/or immobilization of an extremity. The disease often starts with clinical signs of local inflammation and develops into a prolonged phase that is characterized by trophic changes and local osteoporosis and sometimes results in functional impairment of the affected limb. While the pathophysiology of CRPS remains poorly understood, increased local bone resorption plays an undisputed pivotal role. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to assess the bone microstructure in patients with CRPS. Methods Patients with CRPS type I of the upper limb whose affected and unaffected distal radii were analyzed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) were identified retrospectively. The osteology laboratory data and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images of the left femoral neck and lumbar spine, which were obtained on the same day as HR-pQCT, were extracted from the medical records. Results Five patients were identified. The CRPS-affected upper limbs had significantly lower trabecular numbers and higher trabecular thicknesses than the unaffected upper limbs. However, the trabecular bone volume to total bone volume and cortical thickness values of the affected and unaffected sides were similar. Trabecular thickness tended to increase with time since disease diagnosis. Discussion CRPS associated with significant alterations in the bone microstructure of the affected upper limb that may amplify as the duration of disease increases. PMID:28740526

New spectro-photometric characterization of the substellar object HR 2562 B using SPHERE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesa, D.; Baudino, J.-L.; Charnay, B.; D'Orazi, V.; Desidera, S.; Boccaletti, A.; Gratton, R.; Bonnefoy, M.; Delorme, P.; Langlois, M.; Vigan, A.; Zurlo, A.; Maire, A.-L.; Janson, M.; Antichi, J.; Baruffolo, A.; Bruno, P.; Cascone, E.; Chauvin, G.; Claudi, R. U.; De Caprio, V.; Fantinel, D.; Farisato, G.; Feldt, M.; Giro, E.; Hagelberg, J.; Incorvaia, S.; Lagadec, E.; Lagrange, A.-M.; Lazzoni, C.; Lessio, L.; Salasnich, B.; Scuderi, S.; Sissa, E.; Turatto, M.

2018-05-01

Aims: HR 2562 is an F5V star located at 33 pc from the Sun hosting a substellar companion that was discovered using the Gemini planet imager (GPI) instrument. The main objective of the present paper is to provide an extensive characterization of the substellar companion, by deriving its fundamental properties. Methods: We observed HR 2562 with the near-infrared branch composed by the integral field spectrograph (IFS) and the infrared dual band spectrograph (IRDIS) of the spectro-polarimetric high-contrast exoplanet research (SPHERE) instrument at the very large telescope (VLT). During our observations IFS was operating in the Y J band, while IRDIS was observing with the H broadband filter. The data were reduced with the dedicated SPHERE GTO pipeline, which is custom designed for this instrument. On the reduced images, we then applied the post-processing procedures that are specifically prepared to subtract the speckle noise. Results: The companion is clearly detected in both IRDIS and IFS datasets. We obtained photometry in three different spectral bands. The comparison with template spectra allowed us to derive a spectral type of T2-T3 for the companion. Using both evolutionary and atmospheric models we inferred the main physical parameters of the companion obtaining a mass of 32 ± 14 MJup, Teff = 1100 ± 200 K, and log g = 4.75 ± 0.41. Based on observations made with European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescopes at Paranal Observatory in Chile, under program ID 198.C-0209(D).

H.R. 3221: Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congressional Budget Office, 2009

2009-01-01

H.R. 3221 would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, which authorizes most federal postsecondary education programs. It would prohibit new federally guaranteed loans from being made under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and would increase direct spending for the Federal Pell Grant Program and other programs. The elimination of…

Evaluation of a rapid determination of heat production and respiratory quotient in holstein steers using the washed rumen technique

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this study was to validate use of the washed rumen technique for rapid measurement of fasting heat production (FHP) and RQ, and to compare this with heart rate (HR) and core temperature (CT). Eight Holstein steers (322 ± 30 kg) were maintained in a controlled temperature (21°C) envi...

Dose-dependent Toxicity of Humanized Renilla reniformis GFP (hrGFP) Limits Its Utility as a Reporter Gene in Mouse Muscle.

PubMed

Wallace, Lindsay M; Moreo, Andrew; Clark, K Reed; Harper, Scott Q

2013-04-16

Gene therapy has historically focused on delivering protein-coding genes to target cells or tissues using a variety of vectors. In recent years, the field has expanded to include gene-silencing strategies involving delivery of noncoding inhibitory RNAs, such as short hairpin RNAs or microRNAs (miRNAs). Often called RNA interference (RNAi) triggers, these small inhibitory RNAs are difficult or impossible to visualize in living cells or tissues. To circumvent this detection problem and ensure efficient delivery in preclinical studies, vectors can be engineered to coexpress a fluorescent reporter gene to serve as a marker of transduction. In this study, we set out to optimize adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors capable of delivering engineered miRNAs and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes to skeletal muscle. Although the more broadly utilized enhanced GFP (eGFP) gene derived from the jellyfish, Aequorea victoria was a conventional choice, we were concerned about some previous studies suggesting this protein was myotoxic. We thus opted to test vectors carrying the humanized Renilla reniformis-derived GFP (hrGFP) gene, which has not seen as extensive usage as eGFP but was purported to be a safer and less cytotoxic alternative. Employing AAV6 vector dosages typically used in preclinical gene transfer studies (3×10(10) -1 × 10(11) particles), we found that hrGFP caused dose-dependent myopathy when delivered to wild-type (wt) mouse muscle, whereas identical titers of AAV6 carrying eGFP were relatively benign. Dose de-escalation at or below 8 × 10(9) AAV particles effectively reduced or eliminated hrGFP-associated myotoxicity, but also had dampening effects on green fluorescence and miRNA-mediated gene silencing in whole muscles. We conclude that hrGFP is impractical for use as a transduction marker in preclinical, AAV-based RNA interference therapy studies where adult mouse muscle is the target organ. Moreover, our data support that eGFP is superior to hr

Dose-dependent Toxicity of Humanized Renilla reniformis GFP (hrGFP) Limits Its Utility as a Reporter Gene in Mouse Muscle

PubMed Central

Wallace, Lindsay M; Moreo, Andrew; Clark, K Reed; Harper, Scott Q

2013-01-01

Gene therapy has historically focused on delivering protein-coding genes to target cells or tissues using a variety of vectors. In recent years, the field has expanded to include gene-silencing strategies involving delivery of noncoding inhibitory RNAs, such as short hairpin RNAs or microRNAs (miRNAs). Often called RNA interference (RNAi) triggers, these small inhibitory RNAs are difficult or impossible to visualize in living cells or tissues. To circumvent this detection problem and ensure efficient delivery in preclinical studies, vectors can be engineered to coexpress a fluorescent reporter gene to serve as a marker of transduction. In this study, we set out to optimize adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors capable of delivering engineered miRNAs and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes to skeletal muscle. Although the more broadly utilized enhanced GFP (eGFP) gene derived from the jellyfish, Aequorea victoria was a conventional choice, we were concerned about some previous studies suggesting this protein was myotoxic. We thus opted to test vectors carrying the humanized Renilla reniformis-derived GFP (hrGFP) gene, which has not seen as extensive usage as eGFP but was purported to be a safer and less cytotoxic alternative. Employing AAV6 vector dosages typically used in preclinical gene transfer studies (3×1010 –1 × 1011 particles), we found that hrGFP caused dose-dependent myopathy when delivered to wild-type (wt) mouse muscle, whereas identical titers of AAV6 carrying eGFP were relatively benign. Dose de-escalation at or below 8 × 109 AAV particles effectively reduced or eliminated hrGFP-associated myotoxicity, but also had dampening effects on green fluorescence and miRNA-mediated gene silencing in whole muscles. We conclude that hrGFP is impractical for use as a transduction marker in preclinical, AAV-based RNA interference therapy studies where adult mouse muscle is the target organ. Moreover, our data support that eGFP is superior to hrGFP as

Molecular insight into the electrostatic membrane surface potential by 14n/31p MAS NMR spectroscopy: nociceptin-lipid association.

PubMed

Lindström, Fredrick; Williamson, Philip T F; Gröbner, Gerhard

2005-05-11

Exploiting naturally abundant (14)N and (31)P nuclei by high-resolution MAS NMR (magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) provides a molecular view of the electrostatic potential present at the surface of biological model membranes, the electrostatic charge distribution across the membrane interface, and changes that occur upon peptide association. The spectral resolution in (31)P and (14)N MAS NMR spectra is sufficient to probe directly the negatively charged phosphate and positively charged choline segment of the electrostatic P(-)-O-CH(2)-CH(2)-N(+)(CH(3))(3) headgroup dipole of zwitterionic DMPC (dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine) in mixed-lipid systems. The isotropic shifts report on the size of the potential existing at the phosphate and ammonium group within the lipid headgroup while the chemical shielding anisotropy ((31)P) and anisotropic quadrupolar interaction ((14)N) characterize changes in headgroup orientation in response to surface potential. The (31)P/(14)N isotropic chemical shifts for DMPC show opposing systematic changes in response to changing membrane potential, reflecting the size of the electrostatic potential at opposing ends of the P(-)-N(+) dipole. The orientational response of the DMPC lipid headgroup to electrostatic surface variations is visible in the anisotropic features of (14)N and (31)P NMR spectra. These features are analyzed in terms of a modified "molecular voltmeter" model, with changes in dynamic averaging reflecting the tilt of the C(beta)-N(+)(CH)(3) choline and PO(4)(-) segment. These properties have been exploited to characterize the changes in surface potential upon the binding of nociceptin to negatively charged membranes, a process assumed to proceed its agonistic binding to its opoid G-protein coupled receptor.

Association of High-resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) bone microarchitectural parameters with previous clinical fracture in older men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study.

PubMed

Fink, Howard A; Langsetmo, Lisa; Vo, Tien N; Orwoll, Eric S; Schousboe, John T; Ensrud, Kristine E

2018-05-08

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) assesses both volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and trabecular and cortical microarchitecture. However, studies of the association of HR-pQCT parameters with fracture history have been small, predominantly limited to postmenopausal women, often performed limited adjustment for potential confounders including for BMD, and infrequently assessed strength or failure measures. We used data from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study, a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling men aged ≥65 years, to evaluate the association of distal radius, proximal (diaphyseal) tibia and distal tibia HR-pQCT parameters measured at the Year 14 (Y14) study visit with prior clinical fracture. The primary HR-pQCT exposure variables were finite element analysis estimated failure loads (EFL) for each skeletal site; secondary exposure variables were total vBMD, total bone area, trabecular vBMD, trabecular bone area, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, cortical vBMD, cortical bone area, cortical thickness, and cortical porosity. Clinical fractures were ascertained from questionnaires administered every 4 months between MrOS study baseline and the Y14 visit and centrally adjudicated by masked review of radiographic reports. We used multivariate-adjusted logistic regression to estimate the odds of prior clinical fracture per 1 SD decrement for each Y14 HR-pQCT parameter. Three hundred forty-four (19.2%) of the 1794 men with available HR-pQCT measures had a confirmed clinical fracture between baseline and Y14. After multivariable adjustment, including for total hip areal BMD, decreased HR-pQCT finite element analysis EFL for each site was associated with significantly greater odds of prior confirmed clinical fracture and major osteoporotic fracture. Among other HR-pQCT parameters, decreased cortical area appeared to have the strongest independent association with prior clinical fracture. Future

Video Laryngoscopic Techniques Associated with Intubation Success in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service System.

PubMed

Naito, Hiromichi; Guyette, Francis X; Martin-Gill, Christian; Callaway, Clifton W

2016-01-01

Video laryngoscopy (VL) is a technical adjunct to facilitate endotracheal intubation (ETI). VL also provides objective data for training and quality improvement, allowing evaluation of the technique and airway conditions during ETI. Previous studies of factors associated with ETI success or failure are limited by insufficient nomenclature, individual recall bias and self-report. We tested whether the covariates in prehospital VL recorded data were associated with ETI success. We also measured association between time and clinical variables. Retrospective review was conducted in a non-physician staffed helicopter emergency medical service system. ETI was typically performed using sedation and neuromuscular-blockade under protocolized orders. We obtained process and outcome variables from digitally recorded VL data. Patient characteristics data were also obtained from the emergency medical service record and linked to the VL recorded data. The primary outcome was to identify VL covariates associated with successful ETI attempts. Among 304 VL recorded ETI attempts in 268 patients, ETI succeeded for 244 attempts and failed for 60 attempts (first-pass success rate, 82% and overall success rate, 94%). Laryngoscope blade tip usually moved from a shallow position in the oropharynx to the vallecula. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, attempt time (p = 0.02; odds ratio [OR] 0.99), Cormack-Lehane view (p < 0.001; OR 0.23), bodily fluids obstructing the view (p = 0.01; OR 0.29), and VL equipment failure (p < 0.001; OR 0.14) were negatively associated with successful attempts. Bodily fluids obstructing the view (p < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR] 0.51), VL equipment failure (p = 0.003; HR 0.42), shallow placement of blade tip within 4 seconds (p < 0.001; HR 0.40), number of forward movements (p < 0.001; HR 0.84), trauma (p = 0.04; HR 0.65), and neurological diagnosis (p = 0.04; HR 0.60) were associated with longer ETI attempt time. Bodily fluids obstructing the view

Masses, Radii, and Cloud Properties of the HR 8799 Planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marley, Mark S.; Saumon, Didier; Cushing, Michael; Ackerman, Andrew S.; Fortney, Jonathan J.; Freedman, Richard

2012-01-01

The near-infrared colors of the planets directly imaged around the A star HR 8799 are much redder than most field brown dwarfs of the same effective temperature. Previous theoretical studies of these objects have compared the photometric and limited spectral data of the planets to the predictions of various atmosphere and evolution models and concluded that the atmospheres of planets b, c, and d are unusually cloudy or have unusual cloud properties. Most studies have also found that the inferred radii of some or all of the planets disagree with expectations of standard giant planet evolution models. Here we compare the available data to the predictions of our own set of atmospheric and evolution models that have been extensively tested against field L and T dwarfs, including the reddest L dwarfs. Unlike almost all previous studies we specify mutually self-consistent choices for effective temperature, gravity, cloud properties, and planetary radius. This procedure yields plausible and self-consistent values for the masses, effective temperatures, and cloud properties of all three planets. We find that the cloud properties of the HR 8799 planets are in fact not unusual but rather follow previously recognized trends including a gravity dependence on the temperature of the L to T spectral transition, some reasons for which we discuss. We find that the inferred mass of planet b is highly sensitive to the H and K band spectrum. Solutions for planets c and particularly d are less certain but are consistent with the generally accepted constraints on the age of the primary star and orbital dynamics. We also confirm that as for L and T dwarfs and solar system giant planets, non-equilibrium chemistry driven by atmospheric mixing is also important for these objects. Given the preponderance of data suggesting that the L to T spectral type transition is gravity dependent, we present a new evolution calculation that predicts cooling tracks on the near-infrared color

Repeatability and reproducibility of corneal thickness using SOCT Copernicus HR.

PubMed

Vidal, Silvia; Viqueira, Valentín; Mas, David; Domenech, Begoña

2013-05-01

The aim of this study is to determine the reliability of corneal thickness measurements derived from SOCT Copernicus HR (Fourier domain OCT). Thirty healthy eyes of 30 subjects were evaluated. One eye of each patient was chosen randomly. Images were obtained of the central (up to 2.0 mm from the corneal apex) and paracentral (2.0 to 4.0 mm) cornea. We assessed corneal thickness (central and paracentral) and epithelium thickness. The intra-observer repeatability data were analysed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for a range of 95 per cent within-subject standard deviation (S(W)) and the within-subject coefficient of variation (C(W)). The level of agreement by Bland-Altman analysis was also represented for the study of the reproducibility between observers and agreement between methods of measurement (automatic versus manual). The mean value of the central corneal thickness (CCT) was 542.4 ± 30.1 μm (SD). There was a high intra-observer agreement, finding the best result in the central sector with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.99, 95 per cent CI (0.989 to 0.997) and the worst, in the minimum corneal thickness, with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.672, 95 per cent CI (0.417 to 0.829). Reproducibility between observers was very high. The best result was found in the central sector thickness obtained both manually and automatically with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.990 in both cases and the worst result in the maximum corneal thickness with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.827. The agreement between measurement methods was also very high with intra-class correlation coefficient greater than 0.91. On the other hand the repeatability and reproducibility for epithelial measurements was poor. Pachymetric mapping with SOCT Copernicus HR was found to be highly repeatable and reproducible. We found that the device lacks an appropriate ergonomic design as proper focusing of the laser beam onto the

Impacts of Modeled Provisions of H.R. 6 EH: The Energy Policy Act of 2005

EIA Publications

2005-01-01

This report responds to a May 2, 2005, request by Chairman Pete Domenici and Ranking Member Jeff Bingaman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for an assessment of the energy supply, consumption, import, price, and macroeconomic impacts of H.R. 6 EH, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 21, 2005.

The luminous blue variable HR Carinae has a partner. Discovery of a companion with the VLTI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boffin, Henri M. J.; Rivinius, Thomas; Mérand, Antoine; Mehner, Andrea; LeBouquin, Jean-Baptiste; Pourbaix, Dimitri; de Wit, Willem-Jan; Martayan, Christophe; Guieu, Sylvain

2016-09-01

Luminous blue variables (LBVs) are massive stars caught in a post-main sequence phase, during which they lose a significant amount of mass. Since, on one hand, it is thought that the majority of massive stars are close binaries that will interact during their lifetime, and on the other, the most dramatic example of an LBV, η Car, is a binary, it would be useful to find other binary LBVs. We present here interferometric observations of the LBV HR Car done with the AMBER and PIONIER instruments attached to ESO's Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). Our observations, spanning two years, clearly reveal that HR Car is a binary star. It is not yet possible to fully constrain the orbit, and the orbital period may lie between a few years and several hundred years. We derive a radius for the primary in the system and possibly also resolve the companion. The luminosity ratio in the H-band between the two components is changing with time, going from about 6 to 9. We also tentatively detect the presence of some background flux which remained at the 2% level until January 2016, but then increased to 6% in April 2016. Our AMBER results show that the emission line-forming region of Brγ is more extended than the continuum-emitting region as seen by PIONIER and may indicate some wind-wind interaction. Most importantly, we constrain the total masses of both components, with the most likely range being 33.6 M⊙ and 45 M⊙. Our results show that the LBV HR Car is possibly an η Car analog binary system with smaller masses, with variable components, and further monitoring of this object is definitively called for. Based on data obtained with ESO programmes 092.C-0243, 092.D-0289, 092.D-0296, 094.D-0069, and 596.D-0335.

Comparison of propofol and dexmedetomedine techniques in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Wu, Junzheng; Mahmoud, Mohamed; Schmitt, Megan; Hossain, Md; Kurth, Dean

2014-08-01

Propofol (PRO) and dexmedetomidine (DEX) are commonly used to produce anesthesia and sedation for routine MRI procedures. Children with complex conditions often require much lengthy MRI for multi-body-part scans with frequent scanner coil changes and patient body reposition. This study compared PRO and DEX techniques on outcomes for the particular MRI setting with longer than 1 h duration. 95 children, aged from 1 to 7 years, scheduled for MRI >75 min were randomly assigned to PRO or DEX group. After induced with sevoflurane, a loading dose of PRO (2 mg·kg(-1)) was administrated and followed by continuous infusion (200 μg·kg(-1) ·min(-1)); a loading dose of DEX (2 μg·kg(-1)) was administrated and followed by continuous infusion (2 μg·kg(-1) ·h(-1)). Patients received O(2) by nasal cannula. The observed outcomes were times for induction, MRI, emergence, and recovery, and total time (induction to discharge); MRI pauses from patient movement; incidence of technique failure and critical events; emergence and behavior in postanesthesia care unit (PACU); parental satisfaction; and arterial pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) during anesthesia. PRO compared with DEX showed significantly less time for anesthesia induction (16.3 versus 24.2 min), emergence (21.2 versus 39.9 min), PACU (35.7 versus 62.5 min), and total time (135 versus 173 min) (all P < 0.001). There were significantly fewer pauses during MRI and lower failure rate to complete MRI in PRO versus DEX (0.22 versus 0.81, P = 0.01 and 1 versus 15, P < 0.001), less behavioral disturbances in PACU, and higher parental satisfaction in PRO versus DEX (P < 0.01). There were no critical events in either group: In PRO, mean BP during MRI (from 52 ± 8 to 58 ± mmHg) was significantly less than before anesthesia (80 ± 12 mmHg), while HR remained relatively constant (range of 97-103) at its baseline of 108 ± 21, but in DEX, mean BP remained unchanged (from 76 ± 12 to 78 ± 15) during anesthesia compared with

Hydrogeological characterisation of a glacially affected barrier island - the North Frisian Island of Föhr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burschil, T.; Scheer, W.; Kirsch, R.; Wiederhold, H.

2012-04-01

We present the application of geophysical investigations to characterise and improve the geological/hydrogeological model through the estimation of petrophysical parameters for groundwater modelling. Seismic reflection and airborne electromagnetic surveys in combination with borehole information enhance the 3-D geological model and allow a petrophysical interpretation of the subsurface. The North Sea Island of Föhr has a very complex underground structure what was already known from boreholes. The local waterworks use a freshwater body embedded in saline groundwater. Several glaciations disordered the Youngest Tertiary and Quaternary sediments by glaciotectonic thrust-faulting as well as incision and refill of glacial valleys. Both underground structures have a strong impact on the distribution of freshwater bearing aquifers. An initial hydrogeological model of Föhr was built from borehole data alone and was restricted to the southern part of the island where in the sandy areas of the Geest a large freshwater body was formed. We improved the geological/hydrogeological model by adding data from different geophysical methods, e.g. airborne electromagnetics (EM) for mapping the resistivity of the entire island, seismic reflections for detailed cross sections in the groundwater catchment area, and geophysical borehole logging for calibration of these measurements. An integrated evaluation of the results from the different geophysical methods yields reliable data. To determinate petrophysical parameter about 18 borehole logs, more than 75 m deep, and nearby airborne EM inversion models were analyzed concerning resistivity. We establish an empirical relation between measured resistivity and hydraulic conductivity for the specific area - the North Sea island of Föhr. Five boreholes concerning seismic interval velocities discriminate sand and till. The interpretation of these data was the basis for building the geological/hydrogeological 3-D model. We fitted the

Obtaining aluminas from the thermal decomposition of their different precursors: An {sup 27}Al MAS NMR and X-ray powder diffraction studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chagas, L.H.; De Carvalho, G.S.G.; San Gil, R.A.S.

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • We synthesized three precursors of alumina from different methods. • The calcination of the precursors generated several alumina polymorphs. • XRD and NMR were used for structural investigation of the polymorphs. • The synthesis route determines the structural and textural properties of the solids. - Abstract: A commercial sample of Boehmite was used as precursor of alumina polymorphs. For comparison, three other precursors were synthesized from different methods. Particularly, the use of excess of urea promoted a very crystalline form of basic aluminum carbonate. The characteristics of the four precursors were investigated by thermal, vibrationalmore » and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. Additionally, the nuclear magnetic resonance, with magic angle spinning ({sup 27}Al MAS NMR), was used to verify the coordination of aluminum cations. Each precursor was calcined at various temperatures generating alumina polymorphs, which were structurally analyzed by XRD and {sup 27}Al MAS NMR. Due to interest in catalysis supports, special attention was given to the γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} phase, which in addition to structural investigation was subjected to textural analysis. The results showed that, from different synthesis procedures and common route of calcination, one can obtain materials with the same composition but with different structural and textural properties, which in turn can significantly influence the performance of a supported catalyst.« less

Optical signature of nerve tissue-Exploratory ex vivo study comparing optical, histological, and molecular characteristics of different adipose and nerve tissues.

PubMed

Balthasar, Andrea J R; Bydlon, Torre M; Ippel, Hans; van der Voort, Marjolein; Hendriks, Benno H W; Lucassen, Gerald W; van Geffen, Geert-Jan; van Kleef, Maarten; van Dijk, Paul; Lataster, Arno

2018-05-14

During several anesthesiological procedures, needles are inserted through the skin of a patient to target nerves. In most cases, the needle traverses several tissues-skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels-to reach the target nerve. A clear identification of the target nerve can improve the success of the nerve block and reduce the rate of complications. This may be accomplished with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) which can provide a quantitative measure of the tissue composition. The goal of the current study was to further explore the morphological, biological, chemical, and optical characteristics of the tissues encountered during needle insertion to improve future DRS classification algorithms. To compare characteristics of nerve tissue (sciatic nerve) and adipose tissues, the following techniques were used: histology, DRS, absorption spectrophotometry, high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS NMR) spectroscopy, and solution 2D 13 C- 1 H heteronuclear single-quantum coherence spectroscopy. Tissues from five human freshly frozen cadavers were examined. Histology clearly highlights a higher density of cellular nuclei, collagen, and cytoplasm in fascicular nerve tissue (IFAS). IFAS showed lower absorption of light around 1200 nm and 1750 nm, higher absorption around 1500 nm and 2000 nm, and a shift in the peak observed around 1000 nm. DRS measurements showed a higher water percentage and collagen concentration in IFAS and a lower fat percentage compared to all other tissues. The scattering parameter (b) was highest in IFAS. The HR-MAS NMR data showed three extra chemical peak shifts in IFAS tissue. Collagen, water, and cellular nuclei concentration are clearly different between nerve fascicular tissue and other adipose tissue and explain some of the differences observed in the optical absorption, DRS, and HR-NMR spectra of these tissues. Some differences observed between fascicular

Highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of embryogenic cell suspensions of Musa acuminata cv. Mas (AA) via a liquid co-cultivation system.

PubMed

Huang, Xia; Huang, Xue-Lin; Xiao, Wang; Zhao, Jie-Tang; Dai, Xue-Mei; Chen, Yun-Feng; Li, Xiao-Ju

2007-10-01

A high efficient protocol of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Musa acuminata cv. Mas (AA), a major banana variety of the South East Asia region, was developed in this study. Male-flower-derived embryogenic cell suspensions (ECS) were co-cultivated in liquid medium with Agrobacterium strain EHA105 harboring a binary vector pCAMBIA2301 carrying nptII and gusA gene in the T-DNA. Depending upon conditions and duration of co-cultivation in liquid medium, 0-490 transgenic plants per 0.5 ml packed cell volume (PCV) of ECS were obtained. The optimum duration of inoculation was 2 h, and the highest transformation frequency was achieved when infected ECS were co-cultivated in liquid medium first for 12 h at 40 rpm and then for 156 h at 100 rpm on a rotary shaker. Co-cultivation for a shorter duration (72 h) or shaking constantly at 100 rpm at the same duration gave 1.6 and 1.8 folds lower transformation efficiency, respectively. No transgenic plants were obtained in parallel experiments carried on semi-solid media. Histochemical GUS assay and molecular analysis in several tissues of the transgenic plants demonstrated that foreign genes were stably integrated into the banana genome. Compared to semi-solid co-cultivation transformation in other banana species, it is remarkable that liquid co-cultivation was much more efficient for transformation of the Mas cultivar, and was at least 1 month faster for regenerating transgenic plants.

Lower Education Level Is a Risk Factor for Peritonitis and Technique Failure but Not a Risk for Overall Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis under Comprehensive Training System

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyo Jin; Lee, Joongyub; Park, Miseon; Kim, Yuri; Lee, Hajeong; Kim, Dong Ki; Joo, Kwon Wook; Kim, Yon Su; Cho, Eun Jin; Ahn, Curie

2017-01-01

Background Lower education level could be a risk factor for higher peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis, potentially resulting in technique failure. This study evaluated the influence of lower education level on the development of peritonitis, technique failure, and overall mortality. Methods Patients over 18 years of age who started PD at Seoul National University Hospital between 2000 and 2012 with information on the academic background were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups: middle school or lower (academic year≤9, n = 102), high school (912, n = 324). Outcomes were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk regression. Results A total of 655 incident PD patients (60.9% male, age 48.4±14.1 years) were analyzed. During follow-up for 41 (interquartile range, 20–65) months, 255 patients (38.9%) experienced more than one episode of peritonitis, 138 patients (21.1%) underwent technique failure, and 78 patients (11.9%) died. After adjustment, middle school or lower education group was an independent risk factor for peritonitis (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–2.36; P = 0.015) and technique failure (adjusted HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.10–3.18; P = 0.038), compared with higher than high school education group. However, lower education was not associated with increased mortality either by as-treated (adjusted HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.53–2.33; P = 0.788) or intent-to-treat analysis (P = 0.726). Conclusions Although lower education was a significant risk factor for peritonitis and technique failure, it was not associated with increased mortality in PD patients. Comprehensive training and multidisciplinary education may overcome the lower education level in PD. PMID:28056058

Lower Education Level Is a Risk Factor for Peritonitis and Technique Failure but Not a Risk for Overall Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis under Comprehensive Training System.

PubMed

Kim, Hyo Jin; Lee, Joongyub; Park, Miseon; Kim, Yuri; Lee, Hajeong; Kim, Dong Ki; Joo, Kwon Wook; Kim, Yon Su; Cho, Eun Jin; Ahn, Curie; Oh, Kook-Hwan

2017-01-01

Lower education level could be a risk factor for higher peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis, potentially resulting in technique failure. This study evaluated the influence of lower education level on the development of peritonitis, technique failure, and overall mortality. Patients over 18 years of age who started PD at Seoul National University Hospital between 2000 and 2012 with information on the academic background were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups: middle school or lower (academic year≤9, n = 102), high school (912, n = 324). Outcomes were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk regression. A total of 655 incident PD patients (60.9% male, age 48.4±14.1 years) were analyzed. During follow-up for 41 (interquartile range, 20-65) months, 255 patients (38.9%) experienced more than one episode of peritonitis, 138 patients (21.1%) underwent technique failure, and 78 patients (11.9%) died. After adjustment, middle school or lower education group was an independent risk factor for peritonitis (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.36; P = 0.015) and technique failure (adjusted HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.10-3.18; P = 0.038), compared with higher than high school education group. However, lower education was not associated with increased mortality either by as-treated (adjusted HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.53-2.33; P = 0.788) or intent-to-treat analysis (P = 0.726). Although lower education was a significant risk factor for peritonitis and technique failure, it was not associated with increased mortality in PD patients. Comprehensive training and multidisciplinary education may overcome the lower education level in PD.

In Situ High Temperature High Pressure MAS NMR Study on the Crystallization of AlPO 4 -5

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Zhenchao; Xu, Suochang; Hu, Mary Y.

2016-01-28

A damped oscillating crystallization process of AlPO4-5 at the presence of small amount of water is demonstrated by in situ high temperature high pressure multinuclear MAS NMR. Crystalline AlPO4-5 is formed from an intermediate semicrystalline phase via continuous rearrangement of the local structure of amorphous precursor gel. Activated water catalyzes the rearrangement via repeatedly hydrolysis and condensation reaction. Strong interactions between organic template and inorganic species facilitate the ordered rearrangement. During the crystallization process, excess water, phosphate, and aluminums are expelled from the precursor. The oscillating crystallization reflects mass transportation between the solid and liquid phase during the crystallization process.more » This crystallization process is also applicable to AlPO4-5 crystallized in the presence of a relatively large amount of water.« less

Characterising exoplanet atmospheres with SPHERE: the HR 8799 system with Exo-REM and NEMESIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baudino, J.-L.; Bonnefoy, M.; Vigan, A.; Irwin, P. J.

2017-12-01

The characterisation of the exoplanets evolved recently thanks to the beginning of the second generation of direct imaging instruments, especially with SPHERE. The resolution and wavelength range available currently give access to an increase of accuracy and on the number of physical parameters that can be constrain. One of the first target of SPHERE was the HR 8799 system. The four planets was characterised using four different forward models including Exo-REM. We complete this paper buy using NEMESIS, a retrieval code.

Application of scenario analysis and multiagent technique in land-use planning: a case study on Sanjiang wetlands.

PubMed

Yu, Huan; Ni, Shi-Jun; Kong, Bo; He, Zheng-Wei; Zhang, Cheng-Jiang; Zhang, Shu-Qing; Pan, Xin; Xia, Chao-Xu; Li, Xuan-Qiong

2013-01-01

Land-use planning has triggered debates on social and environmental values, in which two key questions will be faced: one is how to see different planning simulation results instantaneously and apply the results back to interactively assist planning work; the other is how to ensure that the planning simulation result is scientific and accurate. To answer these questions, the objective of this paper is to analyze whether and how a bridge can be built between qualitative and quantitative approaches for land-use planning work and to find out a way to overcome the gap that exists between the ability to construct computer simulation models to aid integrated land-use plan making and the demand for them by planning professionals. The study presented a theoretical framework of land-use planning based on scenario analysis (SA) method and multiagent system (MAS) simulation integration and selected freshwater wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain of China as a case study area. Study results showed that MAS simulation technique emphasizing quantitative process effectively compensated for the SA method emphasizing qualitative process, which realized the organic combination of qualitative and quantitative land-use planning work, and then provided a new idea and method for the land-use planning and sustainable managements of land resources.

Application of Scenario Analysis and Multiagent Technique in Land-Use Planning: A Case Study on Sanjiang Wetlands

PubMed Central

Ni, Shi-Jun; He, Zheng-Wei; Zhang, Cheng-Jiang; Zhang, Shu-Qing; Pan, Xin; Xia, Chao-Xu; Li, Xuan-Qiong

2013-01-01

Land-use planning has triggered debates on social and environmental values, in which two key questions will be faced: one is how to see different planning simulation results instantaneously and apply the results back to interactively assist planning work; the other is how to ensure that the planning simulation result is scientific and accurate. To answer these questions, the objective of this paper is to analyze whether and how a bridge can be built between qualitative and quantitative approaches for land-use planning work and to find out a way to overcome the gap that exists between the ability to construct computer simulation models to aid integrated land-use plan making and the demand for them by planning professionals. The study presented a theoretical framework of land-use planning based on scenario analysis (SA) method and multiagent system (MAS) simulation integration and selected freshwater wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain of China as a case study area. Study results showed that MAS simulation technique emphasizing quantitative process effectively compensated for the SA method emphasizing qualitative process, which realized the organic combination of qualitative and quantitative land-use planning work, and then provided a new idea and method for the land-use planning and sustainable managements of land resources. PMID:23818816

Everolimus plus exemestane in postmenopausal patients with HR(+) breast cancer: BOLERO-2 final progression-free survival analysis.

PubMed

Yardley, Denise A; Noguchi, Shinzaburo; Pritchard, Kathleen I; Burris, Howard A; Baselga, José; Gnant, Michael; Hortobagyi, Gabriel N; Campone, Mario; Pistilli, Barbara; Piccart, Martine; Melichar, Bohuslav; Petrakova, Katarina; Arena, Francis P; Erdkamp, Frans; Harb, Wael A; Feng, Wentao; Cahana, Ayelet; Taran, Tetiana; Lebwohl, David; Rugo, Hope S

2013-10-01

Effective treatments for hormone-receptor-positive (HR(+)) breast cancer (BC) following relapse/progression on nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) therapy are needed. Initial Breast Cancer Trials of OraL EveROlimus-2 (BOLERO-2) trial data demonstrated that everolimus and exemestane significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo plus exemestane alone in this patient population. BOLERO-2 is a phase 3, double-blind, randomized, international trial comparing everolimus (10 mg/day) plus exemestane (25 mg/day) versus placebo plus exemestane in postmenopausal women with HR(+) advanced BC with recurrence/progression during or after NSAIs. The primary endpoint was PFS by local investigator review, and was confirmed by independent central radiology review. Overall survival, response rate, and clinical benefit rate were secondary endpoints. Final study results with median 18-month follow-up show that median PFS remained significantly longer with everolimus plus exemestane versus placebo plus exemestane [investigator review: 7.8 versus 3.2 months, respectively; hazard ratio = 0.45 (95% confidence interval 0.38-0.54); log-rank P < 0.0001; central review: 11.0 versus 4.1 months, respectively; hazard ratio = 0.38 (95% confidence interval 0.31-0.48); log-rank P < 0.0001] in the overall population and in all prospectively defined subgroups, including patients with visceral metastases, [corrected] and irrespective of age. The incidence and severity of adverse events were consistent with those reported at the interim analysis and in other everolimus trials. The addition of everolimus to exemestane markedly prolonged PFS in patients with HR(+) advanced BC with disease recurrence/progression following prior NSAIs. These results further support the use of everolimus plus exemestane in this patient population. ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT00863655.

Assessing Children’s Dietary Pesticide Exposure: Direct Measurement of Pesticide Residues in 24-Hr Duplicate Food Samples

PubMed Central

Lu, Chensheng; Schenck, Frank J.; Pearson, Melanie A.; Wong, Jon W.

2010-01-01

Background The data presented here are a response to calls for more direct measurements of pesticide residues in foods consumed by children and provide an opportunity to compare direct measures of pesticide residues in foods representing actual consumption with those reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program. Objective We measured pesticide residues in 24-hr duplicate food samples collected from a group of 46 young children participating in the Children’s Pesticide Exposure Study (CPES). Methods Parents were instructed to collect 24-hr duplicate food samples of all conventional fruits, vegetables, and fruit juices equal to the quantity consumed by their children, similarly prewashed/prepared, and from the same source or batch. Individual or composite food items were analyzed for organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid insecticide residues. Results We collected a total of 239 24-hr duplicate food samples collected from the 46 CPES children. We found 14% or 5% of those food samples contained at least one OP or pyrethroid insecticide, respectively. We measured a total of 11 OP insecticides, at levels ranging from 1 to 387 ng/g, and three pyrethroid insecticides, at levels ranging from 2 to 1,133 ng/g, in children’s food samples. We found that many of the food items consumed by the CPES children were also on the list of the most contaminated food commodities reported by the Environmental Working Group. Conclusions The frequent consumption of food commodities with episodic presence of pesticide residues that are suspected to cause developmental and neurological effects in young children supports the need for further mitigation. PMID:20639183

A case study of the sensitivity of forecast skill to data and data analysis techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, W. E.; Atlas, R.; Halem, M.; Susskind, J.

1983-01-01

A series of experiments have been conducted to examine the sensitivity of forecast skill to various data and data analysis techniques for the 0000 GMT case of January 21, 1979. These include the individual components of the FGGE observing system, the temperatures obtained with different satellite retrieval methods, and the method of vertical interpolation between the mandatory pressure analysis levels and the model sigma levels. It is found that NESS TIROS-N infrared retrievals seriously degrade a rawinsonde-only analysis over land, resulting in a poorer forecast over North America. Less degradation in the 72-hr forecast skill at sea level and some improvement at 500 mb is noted, relative to the control with TIROS-N retrievals produced with a physical inversion method which utilizes a 6-hr forecast first guess. NESS VTPR oceanic retrievals lead to an improved forecast over North America when added to the control.

The effect of single and repeated UVB radiation on rabbit cornea.

PubMed

Fris, Miroslav; Tessem, May-Britt; Cejková, Jitka; Midelfart, Anna

2006-12-01

Cumulative effect of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important aspect of UV corneal damage. The purpose of this study was to apply high resolution magic angle spinning proton nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS 1H NMR) spectroscopy to evaluate the effect of single and repeated UV radiation exposure of the same overall dose on the rabbit cornea. Corneal surfaces of 24 normal rabbit eyes were examined for the effects of UVB exposure (312 nm). In the first group (UVB1), animals were irradiated with a single dose (3.12 J/cm2; 21 min) of UVB radiation. The animals in the second group (UVB2) were irradiated three times for 7 min every other day (dose of 1.04 J/cm2; days 1, 3, 5) to give the same overall dose (3.12 J/cm2). The third group served as an untreated control group. One day after the last irradiation, the animals were sacrificed, and the corneas were removed and frozen. HR-MAS 1H NMR spectra from intact corneas were obtained. Special grouping patterns among the tissue samples and the relative percentage changes in particular metabolite concentrations were evaluated using modern statistical methods (multivariate analysis, one-way ANOVA). The metabolic profile of both groups of UVB-irradiated samples was significantly different from the control corneas. Substantial decreases in taurine, hypo-taurine and choline-derivatives concentrations and substantial elevation in glucose and betaine levels were observed following the UVR exposure. There was no significant difference between the effect of a single and repeated UVB irradiation of the same overall dose. For the first time, the effects of single and repeated UVR doses on the metabolic profile of the rabbit cornea were analysed and compared. The combination of HR-MAS 1H NMR spectroscopy and modern statistical methods (multivariate analysis, one-way ANOVA) proved suitable to assess the overall view of the metabolic alterations in the rabbit corneal tissue following UVB radiation exposure.

Investigation of metabolite changes in the transition from pre-invasive to invasive cervical cancer measured using (1)H and (31)P magic angle spinning MRS of intact tissue.

PubMed

De Silva, Sonali S; Payne, Geoffrey S; Thomas, Valerie; Carter, Paul G; Ind, Thomas E J; deSouza, Nandita M

2009-02-01

The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic changes in the transition from pre-invasive to invasive cervical cancer using high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) MRS. Biopsy specimens were obtained from women with histologically normal cervix (n = 5), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN; mild, n = 5; moderate/severe, n = 40), and invasive cancer (n = 23). (1)H HR-MAS MRS data were acquired using a Bruker Avance 11.74 T spectrometer (Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill sequence; TR = 4.8 s; TE = 135 ms; 512 scans; 41 min acquisition). (31)P HR-MAS spectra were obtained from the normal subjects and cancer patients only (as acetic acid applied before tissue sampling in patients with CIN impaired spectral quality) using a (1)H-decoupled pulse-acquire sequence (TR = 2.82 s; 2048 scans; 96 min acquisition). Peak assignments were based on values reported in the literature. Peak areas were measured using the AMARES algorithm. Estimated metabolite concentrations were compared between patient diagnostic categories and tissue histology using independent samples t tests. Comparisons based on patient category at diagnosis showed significantly higher estimated concentrations of choline (P = 0.0001) and phosphocholine (P = 0.002) in tissue from patients with cancer than from patients with high-grade dyskaryosis, but no differences between non-cancer groups. Division by histology of the sample also showed increases in choline (P = 0.002) and phosphocholine (P = 0.002) in cancer compared with high-grade CIN tissue. Phosphoethanolamine was increased in cancer compared with normal tissue (P = 0.0001). Estimated concentrations of alanine (P = 0.01) and creatine (P = 0.008) were significantly reduced in normal tissue from cancer patients compared with normal tissue from non-cancer patients. The estimated concentration of choline was significantly increased in CIN tissue from cancer patients compared with CIN tissue from non-cancer patients (P = 0.0001). Estimated

Iterative metal artifact reduction: evaluation and optimization of technique.

PubMed

Subhas, Naveen; Primak, Andrew N; Obuchowski, Nancy A; Gupta, Amit; Polster, Joshua M; Krauss, Andreas; Iannotti, Joseph P

2014-12-01

Iterative metal artifact reduction (IMAR) is a sinogram inpainting technique that incorporates high-frequency data from standard weighted filtered back projection (WFBP) reconstructions to reduce metal artifact on computed tomography (CT). This study was designed to compare the image quality of IMAR and WFBP in total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA); determine the optimal amount of WFBP high-frequency data needed for IMAR; and compare image quality of the standard 3D technique with that of a faster 2D technique. Eight patients with nine TSA underwent CT with standardized parameters: 140 kVp, 300 mAs, 0.6 mm collimation and slice thickness, and B30 kernel. WFBP, three 3D IMAR algorithms with different amounts of WFBP high-frequency data (IMARlo, lowest; IMARmod, moderate; IMARhi, highest), and one 2D IMAR algorithm were reconstructed. Differences in attenuation near hardware and away from hardware were measured and compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Five readers independently graded image quality; scores were compared using Friedman's test. Attenuation differences were smaller with all 3D IMAR techniques than with WFBP (p < 0.0063). With increasing high-frequency data, the attenuation difference increased slightly (differences not statistically significant). All readers ranked IMARmod and IMARhi more favorably than WFBP (p < 0.05), with IMARmod ranked highest for most structures. The attenuation difference was slightly higher with 2D than with 3D IMAR, with no significant reader preference for 3D over 2D. IMAR significantly decreases metal artifact compared to WFBP both objectively and subjectively in TSA. The incorporation of a moderate amount of WFBP high-frequency data and use of a 2D reconstruction technique optimize image quality and allow for relatively short reconstruction times.

Vascular Access Type and Patient and Technique Survival in Home Hemodialysis Patients: The Canadian Organ Replacement Register.

PubMed

Perl, Jeffrey; Nessim, Sharon J; Moist, Louise M; Wald, Ron; Na, Yingbo; Tennankore, Karthik K; Chan, Christopher T

2016-02-01

While central venous catheter (CVC) use has expanded home hemodialysis (HHD) eligibility to many patients who may be unable to self-cannulate an arteriovenous (AV) access, the association between CVC use and mortality has not been directly examined among HHD patients. Registry-based retrospective observational cohort study. Incident HHD patients in The Canadian Organ Replacement Register who had information for vascular access type (CVC vs AV access) within the first year of HHD therapy initiation. Use of a CVC versus an AV access (AV fistula or graft) within the first year of HHD therapy initiation. The composite of all-cause mortality and technique failure (long-term transfer to an alternate dialysis modality). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the adjusted composite outcome and each outcome separately. 1,869 patients initiated HHD therapy in Canada in 1996 to 2012, of whom 1,217 had an access type recorded within the first year of HHD therapy initiation. Compared to CVC use (n=523) and during a median follow-up of 513 and 427 days for AV access and CVC patients, respectively, AV access use (n=694) was associated with lower risk for the composite event of death and technique failure (490 events; adjusted HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.94) and lower adjusted all-cause mortality (129 deaths; adjusted HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43-0.91); the risk for technique failure was nominally lower, but this result was not statistically significant (361 events; adjusted HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67-1.05). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses and after missing data imputation. Missing information for vascular access type (n=659[35% of patients]) and lack of information for longitudinal changes in vascular access type. Compared to CVC use, AV access use was associated with superior survival. Minimizing CVC use and maximizing AV access use while addressing barriers to their placement and self-cannulation may improve HHD outcomes. Copyright © 2016 National Kidney

Resolving the planetesimal belt of HR 8799 with ALMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booth, Mark; Jordán, Andrés; Casassus, Simon; Hales, Antonio S.; Dent, William R. F.; Faramaz, Virginie; Matrà, Luca; Barkats, Denis; Brahm, Rafael; Cuadra, Jorge

2016-07-01

The star HR 8799 hosts one of the largest known debris discs and at least four giant planets. Previous observations have found evidence for a warm belt within the orbits of the planets, a cold planetesimal belt beyond their orbits and a halo of small grains. With the infrared data, it is hard to distinguish the planetesimal belt emission from that of the grains in the halo. With this in mind, the system has been observed with ALMA in band 6 (1.34 mm) using a compact array format. These observations allow the inner edge of the planetesimal belt to be resolved for the first time. A radial distribution of dust grains is fitted to the data using an MCMC method. The disc is best fitted by a broad ring between 145^{+12}_{-12} au and 429^{+37}_{-32} au at an inclination of 40^{+5}_{-6}° and a position angle of 51^{+8}_{-8}°. A disc edge at ˜145 au is too far out to be explained simply by interactions with planet b, requiring either a more complicated dynamical history or an extra planet beyond the orbit of planet b.

High-field 95 Mo and 183 W static and MAS NMR study of polyoxometalates.

PubMed

Haouas, Mohamed; Trébosc, Julien; Roch-Marchal, Catherine; Cadot, Emmanuel; Taulelle, Francis; Martineau-Corcos, Charlotte

2017-10-01

The potential of high-field NMR to measure solid-state 95 Mo and 183 W NMR in polyoxometalates (POMs) is explored using some archetypical structures like Lindqvist, Keggin and Dawson as model compounds that are well characterized in solution. NMR spectra in static and under magic angle spinning (MAS) were obtained, and their analysis allowed extraction of the NMR parameters, including chemical shift anisotropy and quadrupolar coupling parameters. Despite the inherent difficulties of measurement in solid state of these low-gamma NMR nuclei, due mainly to the low spectral resolution and poor signal-to-noise ratio, the observed global trends compare well with the solution-state NMR data. This would open an avenue for application of solid-state NMR to POMs, especially when liquid-state NMR is not possible, e.g., for poorly soluble or unstable compounds in solution, and for giant molecules with slow tumbling motion. This is the case of Keplerate where we provide here the first NMR characterization of this class of POMs in the solid state. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Corrosion behavior of pre-oxidized HR-224 superalloy in supercritical water environment at 700 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yu-Chen; Chen, Shih-Ming; Ouyang, Fan-Yi; Kai, Ji-Jung

2018-07-01

Corrosion of cladding materials in supercritical water (SCW) environment is a key reliability issue for the safety of nuclear power plant. In this study, we propose to use the pre-oxidized treatment to provide better corrosion resistance of cladding materials in the SCW environment. The nickel-based superalloy HR-224 was first pre-oxidized in flowing air at 982 °C for 100 h to establish a continuous and dense scales and then exposed in the SCW environment with high oxygen content (8.3 ppm) at 700 °C and 24.8 MPa for cyclic oxidation testing up to 1300 h. The pre-oxidized samples exhibit better corrosion resistance than as-received samples in the SCW environment. After pre-oxidizing process, triple scales, Ni(Cr, Fe)2O4 spinel/Cr2O3/α-Al2O3 were observed, and the growth of inner α-Al2O3 layer is predominant in the SCW environment. The α-Al2O3 layer in pre-oxidized samples was found to effectively decrease outward migration of metal ions in Alloy HR-224 and thus provides better corrosion resistance than as-received samples in SCW environment.

Mas-related G protein coupled receptor-X2: A potential new target for modulating mast cell-mediated allergic and inflammatory diseases.

PubMed

Ali, Hydar

2016-12-01

Mast cells (MCs) are tissue resident immune cells that are best known for their roles in allergic and inflammatory diseases. In addition to the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI), MCs express numerous G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are the most common targets of drug therapy. Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R) is expressed on MCs and contributes to IgE and non-IgE-mediated responses in mice. Although NK-1R antagonists are highly effective in modulating experimental allergic and inflammatory responses in mice they lack efficacy in humans. This article reviews recent findings that demonstrate that while neuropeptides (NPs) activate murine MCs via NK-1R and Mas related G protein coupled receptor B2 (MrgprB2), they activate human MCs via Mas-related G protein coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2). Interestingly, conventional NK-1R antagonists have off-target activity against mouse MrgprB2 but not human MRGPRX2. These findings suggest that the failure to translate studies with NK-1R antagonists from in vivo mouse studies to the clinic likely reflects their lack of effect on human MRGPRX2. A unique feature of MRGPRX2 that distinguishes it from other GPCRs is that it is activated by a diverse group of ligands that include; neuropeptides, cysteine proteases, antimicrobial peptides and cationic proteins released from activated eosinophils. Thus, the development of small molecule MRGPRX2-specific antagonists or neutralizing antibodies may provide new targets for the treatment of MC-mediated allergic and inflammatory diseases.

CP/MAS 13C NMR characterization of the isomeric states and intermolecular packing in tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum(III) (Alq3).

PubMed

Kaji, Hironori; Kusaka, Yasunari; Onoyama, Goro; Horii, Fumitaka

2006-04-05

The isomeric states and intermolecular packing of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum(III) (Alq(3)) in the alpha-, gamma-, and delta-crystalline forms and in the amorphous state, which are important for understanding the light-emitting and electron-transport properties, have been analyzed by CP/MAS (13)C NMR. This simple NMR experiment shows that the isomeric state of alpha- and amorphous Alq(3) is meridional, whereas that of gamma- and delta-Alq(3) is facial. In the amorphous Alq(3), the inclusion of facial isomers has been under debate. Our experiments show that meridional isomers are dominant in the amorphous Alq(3), although the existence of facial isomers cannot be completely denied. The local structure of amorphous Alq(3) is similar to that of alpha-Alq(3) and is significantly different from those of gamma- and delta-Alq(3). Among these Alq(3) samples, the effect of intermolecular interaction is not found only for gamma-Alq(3). This finding can explain the good solvent solubility of gamma-Alq(3), compared with the other crystalline forms. It is also shown that the structures are locally disordered not only for amorphous Alq(3) but also for alpha-Alq(3), although clear X-ray diffraction peaks are observed for alpha-Alq(3). In contrast, the local structures of gamma- and delta-Alq(3) are well defined. A clear relation is found between the spectral patterns of CP/MAS (13)C NMR and the fluorescence wavelengths; the samples, which consist of facial isomers, show blue-shifted fluorescence compared with those of meridionals.

Stress reactivity to and recovery from a standardised exercise bout: a study of 31 runners practising relaxation techniques

PubMed Central

Solberg, E; Ingjer, F; Holen, A; Sundgot-Borgen, J; Nilsson, S; Holme, I

2000-01-01

Objective—To compare the efficacy in runners of two relaxation techniques with regard to exercise reactivity and recovery after exercise. Methods—Thirty one adult male runners were studied prospectively for six months in three groups practising either meditation (n = 11) or autogenic training (n = 11) or serving as controls (n = 10). Before and after the six months relaxation intervention, indicators of reactivity to exercise and metabolism after exercise (blood lactate concentration, heart rate (HR), and oxygen consumption (VO2)), were tested immediately after and 10 minutes after exercise. Resting HR was also assessed weekly at home during the trial. State anxiety was measured before and after the intervention. Results—After the relaxation training, blood lactate concentration after exercise was significantly (p<0.01) decreased in the meditation group compared with the control group. No difference was observed in lactate responses between the autogenic training group and the control group. There were no significant differences among the groups with regard to HR, VO2, or levels of anxiety. Conclusion—Meditation training may reduce the lactate response to a standardised exercise bout. Key Words: autogenic training; lactate; meditation; recovery; relaxation; psychology PMID:10953899

In vivo bone remodeling rates determination and compressive stiffness variations before, during 60 days bed rest and two years follow up: A micro-FE-analysis from HR-pQCT measurements of the berlin Bed Rest Study-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritter, Zully; Belavy, Daniel; Baumann, Wolfgang W.; Felsenberg, Dieter

2017-03-01

Bed rest studies are used for simulation and study of physiological changes as observed in unloading/non-gravity environments. Amongst others, bone mass reduction, similar as occurring due to aging osteoporosis, combined with bio-fluids redistribution and muscle atrophy have been observed and analyzed. Advanced radiological methods of high resolution such as HR-pQCT (XtremeCT) allow 3D-visualizing in vivo bone remodeling processes occurring during absence/reduction of mechanical stimuli (0 to <1 g) as simulated by bed rest. Induced bone micro-structure (e.g. trabecular number, cortical thickness, porosity) and density variations can be quantified. However, these parameters are average values of each sample and important information regarding bone mass distribution and within bone mechanical behaviour is lost. Finite element models with hexa-elements of identical size as the HR-pQCT measurements (0.082 mm×0.082 mm×0.082 mm, ca. 7E6 elements/sample) can be used for subject-specific in vivo stiffness calculation. This technique also allows quantifying if bone microstructural changes represent a risk of mechanical bone collapse (fracture).

The large area high resolution gamma ray astrophysics facility - HR-GRAF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fenyves, E. J.; Chaney, R. C.; Hoffman, J. H.; Cline, D. B.; Atac, M.; Park, J.; White, S. R.; Zych, A. D.; Tumer, Q. T.; Hughes, E. B.

1990-03-01

The long-term program is described in terms of its equipment, scientific objectives, and long-range scientific studies. A prototype of a space-based large-area high-resolution gamma-ray facility (HR-GRAF) is being developed to examine pointlike and diffuse gamma-ray sources in the range 1 MeV-100 GeV. The instrument for the facility is proposed to have high angular and energy resolution and very high sensitivity to permit the study of the proposed objects. The primary research targets include the mapping of galactic gamma radiation, observing the angular variations of diffuse gamma rays, and studying the Galactic center with particular emphasis on the hypothetical black hole. Also included in the research plans are obtaining data on gamma-ray bursters, investigating the transmission of gamma rays from cold dark matter, and studying nuclear gamma-ray lines.

A non-invasive technique for rapid extraction of DNA from fish scales.

PubMed

Kumar, Ravindra; Singh, Poonam Jayant; Nagpure, N S; Kushwaha, Basdeo; Srivastava, S K; Lakra, W S

2007-11-01

DNA markers are being increasingly used in studies related to population genetics and conservation biology of endangered species. DNA isolation for such studies requires a source of biological material that is easy to collect, non-bulky and reliable. Further, the sampling strategies based on non-invasive procedures are desirable, especially for the endangered fish species. In view of above, a rapid DNA extraction method from fish scales has been developed with the use of a modified lysis buffer that require about 2 hr duration. This methodology is non-invasive, less expensive and reproducible with high efficiency of DNA recovery. The DNA extracted by this technique, have been found suitable for performing restriction enzyme digestion and PCR amplification. Therefore, the present DNA extraction procedure can be used as an alternative technique in population genetic studies pertaining to endangered fish species. The technique was also found equally effective for DNA isolation from fresh, dried and ethanol preserved scales.

Anaesthetic techniques for risk of malignant tumour recurrence.

PubMed

Cakmakkaya, Ozlem S; Kolodzie, Kerstin; Apfel, Christian C; Pace, Nathan Leon

2014-11-07

techniques; (2) general anaesthesia combined with one or more regional anaesthetic techniques versus one or more regional anaesthetic techniques; and (3) general anaesthesia alone versus one or more regional anaesthetic techniques. Primary outcomes included (1) overall survival, (2) progression-free survival and (3) time to tumour progression. Two review authors independently scanned the titles and abstracts of identified reports and extracted study data.All primary outcome variables are time-to-event data. If the individual trial report provided summary statistics with odds ratios, relative risks or Kaplan-Meier curves, extracted data enabled us to calculate the hazard ratio using the hazard ratio calculating spreadsheet. To assess risk of bias, we used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. We included four studies with a total of 746 participants. All studies included adult patients undergoing surgery for primary tumour resection. Two studies enrolled male and female participants undergoing major abdominal surgery for cancer. One study enrolled male participants undergoing surgery for prostate cancer, and one study male participants undergoing surgery for colon cancer. Follow-up time ranged from nine to 17 years. All four studies compared general anaesthesia alone versus general anaesthesia combined with epidural anaesthesia and analgesia. All four studies are secondary data analyses of previously conducted prospective randomized controlled trials.Of the four included studies, only three contributed to the outcome of overall survival, and two each to the outcomes of progression-free survival and time to tumour progression. In our meta-analysis, we could not find an advantage for either study group for the outcomes of overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.24) and progression-free survival (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.38). For progression-free survival, the level of inconsistency was high

Phase 1b study of orteronel in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer

PubMed Central

Rampurwala, Murtuza; Wisinski, Kari B; Burkard, Mark E; Ehsani, Sima; O’Regan, Ruth M; Carmichael, Lakeesha; Kim, KyungMann; Kolesar, Jill; Tevaarwerk, Amye J

2017-01-01

Intro Suppressing both androgens and estrogens may circumvent hormone receptor resistance in breast cancer by reducing androgen receptor stimulation. Selective inhibition of the 17, 20-lyase enzyme by orteronel leads to decreased androgen production in men and would be anticipated to reduce estrogen and androgen production in women. Thus, we conducted a phase 1b study of orteronel in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. Methods The primary objective was to identify the recommended phase 2 dose (R2PD) of orteronel in women; escalation was via standard 3+3 design. The initial dose was 300 mg BID and escalated to 400 mg BID. Cycle length was 28 days. Enrolled patients had HR+ metastatic breast cancer and were evaluated every 8 weeks for disease progression. Results Eight heavily pre-treated women enrolled [median age: 57 yo (range 47–73)]. Four received 300 mg BID at dose level 1; 4 received 400 mg BID at dose level 2. No dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed. Adverse events (AE) at least possibly related to orteronel included grade 1–2 nausea (n=4) and bone pain (n=3), and grade 1 hypokalemia, hot flashes, myalgia and AST elevation (n=2). The only grade 3 AE was hypertension (n=2) with 8 patients receiving 34 cycles of treatment. No objective responses were seen; clinical benefit was seen in 2 patients with stable disease for more than 6 months. Serum estrogens and testosterone were suppressed from baseline on both doses of orteronel. Conclusions Orteronel 400 mg BID is well tolerated in postmenopausal women, and significantly suppresses serum estrogens and testosterone. Clinical benefit was seen among heavily pretreated postmenopausal women with HR+ metastatic breast cancer. PMID:27826831

Aerobic fitness and performance in elite female futsal players

PubMed Central

Subiela, JV; Granda-Vera, J; Castagna, C; Gómez, M; Del Coso, J

2015-01-01

Despite its growing popularity, few studies have investigated specific physiological demands for elite female futsal. The aim of this study was to determine aerobic fitness in elite female futsal players using laboratory and field testing. Fourteen female futsal players from the Venezuelan National team (age =21.2±4.0 years; body mass =58.6±5.6 kg; height =161±5.0 cm) performed a progressive maximal treadmill test under laboratory conditions. Players also performed a progressive intermittent futsal-specific field test for endurance, the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET), until volitional fatigue. Outcome variables were exercise heart rate (HR), VO2, post-exercise blood lactate concentrations ([La]b) and running speeds (km · h-1). During the treadmill test, VO2max, maximal aerobic speed (MAS), HR and peak [La]b were 45.3±5.6 ml · kg-1 · min-1, 12.5±1.77 km · h-1, 197±8 beats · min-1 and 11.3±1.4 mmol · l-1, respectively. The FIET total distance, peak running velocity, peak HR and [La]b were 1125.0±121.0 m, 15.2±0.5 km · h-1, 199±8 beats · min-1 and 12.5±2.2 mmol · l-1, respectively. The FIET distance and peak speed were strongly associated (r= 0.85-87, p < 0.0001) with VO2max and MAS, respectively. Peak HR and [La]b were not significantly different between tests. Elite female futsal players possess moderate aerobic fitness. Furthermore, the FIET can be considered as a valid field test to determine aerobic fitness in elite level female futsal players. PMID:28479664

Aerobic fitness and performance in elite female futsal players.

PubMed

Barbero-Alvarez, J C; Subiela, J V; Granda-Vera, J; Castagna, C; Gómez, M; Del Coso, J

2015-12-01

Despite its growing popularity, few studies have investigated specific physiological demands for elite female futsal. The aim of this study was to determine aerobic fitness in elite female futsal players using laboratory and field testing. Fourteen female futsal players from the Venezuelan National team (age =21.2±4.0 years; body mass =58.6±5.6 kg; height =161±5.0 cm) performed a progressive maximal treadmill test under laboratory conditions. Players also performed a progressive intermittent futsal-specific field test for endurance, the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET), until volitional fatigue. Outcome variables were exercise heart rate (HR), VO 2 , post-exercise blood lactate concentrations ([La]b) and running speeds (km · h -1 ). During the treadmill test, VO 2 max, maximal aerobic speed (MAS), HR and peak [La]b were 45.3±5.6 ml · kg -1 · min -1 , 12.5±1.77 km · h -1 , 197±8 beats · min -1 and 11.3±1.4 mmol · l -1 , respectively. The FIET total distance, peak running velocity, peak HR and [La]b were 1125.0±121.0 m, 15.2±0.5 km · h -1 , 199±8 beats · min -1 and 12.5±2.2 mmol · l -1 , respectively. The FIET distance and peak speed were strongly associated (r= 0.85-87, p < 0.0001) with VO 2 max and MAS, respectively. Peak HR and [La]b were not significantly different between tests. Elite female futsal players possess moderate aerobic fitness. Furthermore, the FIET can be considered as a valid field test to determine aerobic fitness in elite level female futsal players.

Radiobacteriolysis: a New Technique Using Chromium-51 for Assaying Anti- Vibrio cholerae Antibodies

PubMed Central

Blachman, Uzy; Clark, W. R.; Pickett, M. J.

1973-01-01

A new method for detecting and quantitating antibodies against Vibrio cholerae is described. The reaction involves the release of radiochromium from prelabeled vibrios in the presence of specific antibody and complement. The entire assay can be completed within 5 hr. The method is highly reproducible, immunologically specific, temperature- and complement-dependent, and significantly more sensitive than other methods currently used for titration of anti-Vibrio cholerae antibodies. The technique is also potentially applicable to titration of antibodies against other gram-negative bacteria. PMID:4570279

Gemini Planet Imager Spectroscopy of the HR 8799 Planets c and d

DOE PAGES

Ingraham, Patrick; Marley, Mark S.; Saumon, Didier; ...

2014-09-30

During the first-light run of the Gemini Planet Imager we obtained K-band spectra of exoplanets HR 8799 c and d. Analysis of the spectra indicates that planet d may be warmer than planet c. Comparisons to recent patchy cloud models and previously obtained observations over multiple wavelengths confirm that thick clouds combined with horizontal variation in the cloud cover generally reproduce the planets’ spectral energy distributions.When combined with the 3 to 4μm photometric data points, the observations provide strong constraints on the atmospheric methane content for both planets. Lastly, the data also provide further evidence that future modeling efforts mustmore » include cloud opacity, possibly including cloud holes, disequilibrium chemistry, and super-solar metallicity.« less

BONA FIDE, STRONG-VARIABLE GALACTIC LUMINOUS BLUE VARIABLE STARS ARE FAST ROTATORS: DETECTION OF A HIGH ROTATIONAL VELOCITY IN HR CARINAE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Groh, J. H.; Damineli, A.; Moises, A. P.

2009-11-01

We report optical observations of the luminous blue variable (LBV) HR Carinae which show that the star has reached a visual minimum phase in 2009. More importantly, we detected absorptions due to Si IV lambdalambda4088-4116. To match their observed line profiles from 2009 May, a high rotational velocity of v{sub rot} approx = 150 +- 20 km s{sup -1} is needed (assuming an inclination angle of 30 deg.), implying that HR Car rotates at approx =0.88 +- 0.2 of its critical velocity for breakup (v{sub crit}). Our results suggest that fast rotation is typical in all strong-variable, bona fide galacticmore » LBVs, which present S-Dor-type variability. Strong-variable LBVs are located in a well-defined region of the HR diagram during visual minimum (the 'LBV minimum instability strip'). We suggest this region corresponds to where v{sub crit} is reached. To the left of this strip, a forbidden zone with v{sub rot}/v{sub crit}>1 is present, explaining why no LBVs are detected in this zone. Since dormant/ex LBVs like P Cygni and HD 168625 have low v{sub rot}, we propose that LBVs can be separated into two groups: fast-rotating, strong-variable stars showing S-Dor cycles (such as AG Car and HR Car) and slow-rotating stars with much less variability (such as P Cygni and HD 168625). We speculate that supernova (SN) progenitors which had S-Dor cycles before exploding (such as in SN 2001ig, SN 2003bg, and SN 2005gj) could have been fast rotators. We suggest that the potential difficulty of fast-rotating Galactic LBVs to lose angular momentum is additional evidence that such stars could explode during the LBV phase.« less