Physiological validation of photochemical reflectance index (PRI) as a photosynthetic parameter using Arabidopsis thaliana mutants.

PubMed

Kohzuma, Kaori; Hikosaka, Kouki

2018-03-25

Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is the most important photoprotective system in higher plants. NPQ can be divided into several steps according to the timescale of relaxation of chlorophyll fluorescence after reaching a steady state (i.e., the fast phase, qE; middle phase, qZ or qT; and slow phase, qI). The dissipation of excess energy as heat during the xanthophyll cycle, a large component of NPQ, is detectable during the fast to middle phase (sec to min). Although thermal dissipation is primarily investigated using indirect methods such as chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements, such analyses require dark adaptation or the application of a saturating pulse during measurement, making it difficult to continuously monitor this process. Here, we designed an unconventional technique for real-time monitoring of changes in thylakoid lumen pH (as reflected by changes in xanthophyll pigment content) based on the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), which we estimated by measuring light-driven leaf reflectance at 531 nm. We analyzed two Arabidopsis thaliana mutants, npq1 (unable to convert violaxanthin to zeaxanthin due to inhibited violaxanthin de-epoxidase [VDE] activity) and npq4 (lacking PsbS protein), to uncover the regulator of the PRI. The PRI was variable in wild-type and npq4 plants, but not in npq1, indicating that the PRI is related to xanthophyll cycle-dependent thermal energy quenching (qZ) rather than the linear electron transport rate or NPQ. In situ lumen pH substitution using a pH-controlled buffer solution caused a shift in PRI. These results suggest that the PRI reflects only xanthophyll cycle conversion and is therefore a useful parameter for monitoring thylakoid lumen pH (reflecting VDE activity) in vivo. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Blocking the Maturation of OncomiRNAs Using pri-miRNA-17∼92 Aptamer in Retinoblastoma

PubMed Central

Subramanian, Nithya; Kanwar, Jagat R.; Kanwar, Rupinder K.

2015-01-01

The miR-17∼92. or oncomiR-1, cluster encodes oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs), and it also promotes retinoblastoma (RB) tumor formation. Antagomir and miRNA mimics based approaches are widely tried against oncogenic and tumor suppressive miRNAs. Other methods for targeting cancer related miRNAs are still under development. In the current study, we focused on the pri-miRNA-17∼92 aptamer (pri-apt), which can potentially replace the mix of five antagomirs by one aptamer that function to abrogate the maturation of miR-17, miR-18a, and miR-19b (P<0.05) for targeting RB. We used RB cell lines WERI-Rb1 and Y79 as an in vitro model. Cellular changes upon transfecting the pri-apt led to S-phase arrest in WERI-Rb1 cells and onset of apoptosis in both Y79 and WERI-Rb1 cell lines. There was increased cytotoxicity as measured by lactate dehydrogenase activity in pri-apt treated Y79 cells (P<0.05), and significant inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in both of the cell lines. Thus we showed the antiproliferative property of pri-apt in RB cell lines, which can be readily modified by developing appropriate vectors for the delivery of the aptamer specifically to cancer cells. PMID:25513843

Photosynthetic Efficiency of Northern Forest Ecosystems Using a MODIS-Derived Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, E. M.; Huemmrich, K. F.; Landis, D. R.; Black, T. A.; Barr, A. G.; McCaughey, J. H.

2016-01-01

This study evaluates a direct remote sensing approach from space for the determination of ecosystem photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE), through measurement of vegetation reflectance changes expressed with the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI). The PRI is a normalized difference index based on spectral changes at a physiologically active wavelength (approximately 531 nanometers) as compared to a reference waveband, and is only available from a very few satellites. These include the two Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS) on the Aqua and Terra satellites each of which have a narrow (10-nanometer) ocean band centered at 531 nanometers. We examined several PRI variations computed with candidate reference bands, since MODIS lacks the traditional 570-nanometer reference band. The PRI computed using MODIS land band 1 (620-670 nanometers) gave the best performance for daily LUE estimation. Through rigorous statistical analyses over a large image collection (n equals 420), the success of relating in situ daily tower-derived LUE to MODIS observations for northern forests was strongly influenced by satellite viewing geometry. LUE was calculated from CO2 fluxes (moles per moles of carbon absorbed quanta) measured at instrumented Canadian Carbon Program flux towers in four Canadian forests: a mature fir site in British Columbia, mature aspen and black spruce sites in Saskatchewan, and a mixed deciduous/coniferous forest site in Ontario. All aspects of the viewing geometry had significant effects on the MODIS-PRI, including the view zenith angle (VZA), the view azimuth angle, and the displacement of the view azimuth relative to the solar principal plane, in addition to illumination related variables.Nevertheless, we show that forward scatter sector views (VZA, 16 degrees-45 degrees) provided the strongest relationships to daily LUE, especially those collected in the early afternoon by Aqua (r squared = 0.83, RMSE (root mean square error) equals 0

The pathogen-related yeast protein Pry1, a member of the CAP protein superfamily, is a fatty acid-binding protein

PubMed Central

Darwiche, Rabih; Mène-Saffrané, Laurent; Gfeller, David; Asojo, Oluwatoyin A.; Schneiter, Roger

2017-01-01

Members of the CAP superfamily (cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins), also known as SCP superfamily (sperm-coating proteins), have been implicated in many physiological processes, including immune defenses, venom toxicity, and sperm maturation. Their mode of action, however, remains poorly understood. Three proteins of the CAP superfamily, Pry1, -2, and -3 (pathogen related in yeast), are encoded in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. We have shown previously that Pry1 binds cholesterol in vitro and that Pry function is required for sterol secretion in yeast cells, indicating that members of this superfamily may generally bind sterols or related small hydrophobic compounds. On the other hand, tablysin-15, a CAP protein from the horsefly Tabanus yao, has been shown to bind leukotrienes and free fatty acids in vitro. Therefore, here we assessed whether the yeast Pry1 protein binds fatty acids. Computational modeling and site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the mode of fatty acid binding is conserved between tablysin-15 and Pry1. Pry1 bound fatty acids with micromolar affinity in vitro, and its function was essential for fatty acid export in cells lacking the acyl-CoA synthetases Faa1 and Faa4. Fatty acid binding of Pry1 is independent of its capacity to bind sterols, and the two sterol- and fatty acid-binding sites are nonoverlapping. These results indicate that some CAP family members, such as Pry1, can bind different lipids, particularly sterols and fatty acids, at distinct binding sites, suggesting that the CAP domain may serve as a stable, secreted protein domain that can accommodate multiple ligand-binding sites. PMID:28365570

The crystal structure of Neisseria gonorrhoeae PriB reveals mechanistic differences among bacterial DNA replication restart pathways

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

Dong, Jinlan; George, Nicholas P.; Duckett, Katrina L.

2010-05-25

Reactivation of repaired DNA replication forks is essential for complete duplication of bacterial genomes. However, not all bacteria encode homologs of the well-studied Escherichia coli DNA replication restart primosome proteins, suggesting that there might be distinct mechanistic differences among DNA replication restart pathways in diverse bacteria. Since reactivation of repaired DNA replication forks requires coordinated DNA and protein binding by DNA replication restart primosome proteins, we determined the crystal structure of Neisseria gonorrhoeae PriB at 2.7 {angstrom} resolution and investigated its ability to physically interact with DNA and PriA helicase. Comparison of the crystal structures of PriB from N. gonorrhoeaemore » and E. coli reveals a well-conserved homodimeric structure consisting of two oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide-binding (OB) folds. In spite of their overall structural similarity, there is significant species variation in the type and distribution of surface amino acid residues. This correlates with striking differences in the affinity with which each PriB homolog binds single-stranded DNA and PriA helicase. These results provide evidence that mechanisms of DNA replication restart are not identical across diverse species and that these pathways have likely become specialized to meet the needs of individual organisms.« less

NEAT1 Scaffolds RNA Binding Proteins and the Microprocessor to Globally Enhance Pri-miRNA Processing

PubMed Central

Jiang, Li; Shao, Changwei; Wu, Qi-Jia; Chen, Geng; Zhou, Jie; Yang, Bo; Li, Hairi; Gou, Lan-Tao; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Yangming; Yeo, Gene W.; Zhou, Yu; Fu, Xiang-Dong

2018-01-01

Summary MicroRNA biogenesis is known to be modulated by a variety of RNA binding proteins (RBPs), but in most cases, individual RBPs appear to influence the processing of a small subset of target miRNAs. We herein report that the RNA binding NONO/PSF heterodimer binds a large number of expressed pri-miRNAs in HeLa cells to globally enhance pri-miRNA processing by the Drosha/DGCR8 Microprocessor. Because NONO/PSF are key components of paraspeckles organized by the lncRNA NEAT1, we further demonstrate that NEAT1 also has a profound effect on global pri-miRNA processing. Mechanistic dissection reveals that NEAT1 broadly interacts with NONO/PSF as well as many other RBPs, and that multiple RNA segments in NEAT1, including a “pseudo pri-miRNA” near its 3′ end, help attract the Microprocessor. These findings suggest a bird nest model for a large non-coding RNA to orchestrate efficient processing of almost an entire class of small non-coding RNAs in the nucleus. PMID:28846091

NEAT1 scaffolds RNA-binding proteins and the Microprocessor to globally enhance pri-miRNA processing.

PubMed

Jiang, Li; Shao, Changwei; Wu, Qi-Jia; Chen, Geng; Zhou, Jie; Yang, Bo; Li, Hairi; Gou, Lan-Tao; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Yangming; Yeo, Gene W; Zhou, Yu; Fu, Xiang-Dong

2017-10-01

MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is known to be modulated by a variety of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), but in most cases, individual RBPs appear to influence the processing of a small subset of target miRNAs. Here, we report that the RNA-binding NONO-PSF heterodimer binds a large number of expressed pri-miRNAs in HeLa cells to globally enhance pri-miRNA processing by the Drosha-DGCR8 Microprocessor. NONO and PSF are key components of paraspeckles organized by the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1. We further demonstrate that NEAT1 also has a profound effect on global pri-miRNA processing. Mechanistic dissection reveals that NEAT1 broadly interacts with the NONO-PSF heterodimer as well as many other RBPs and that multiple RNA segments in NEAT1, including a 'pseudo pri-miRNA' near its 3' end, help attract the Microprocessor. These findings suggest a 'bird nest' model in which an lncRNA orchestrates efficient processing of potentially an entire class of small noncoding RNAs in the nucleus.

Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) as a proxy of Light Use Efficiency (LUE) and transpiration in Mediterranean crop sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LE Dantec, V.; Chebbi, W.; Boulet, G.; Merlin, O.; Lili-Chabaane, Z.; Er Raki, S.; Ceschia, E.; Khabba, S.; Fanise, P.; Zawilski, B.; Simonneaux, V.; Jarlan, L.

2016-12-01

The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) is based on the short term reversible xanthophyll pigment changes accompanying plant stress and therefore of the associated photosynthetic activities. Strong relationships between PRI and Light Use Efficiency (LUE) were shown at leaf and canopy scales and over a wide range of species (Garbulsky et al., 2011). But very few previous works have explored the potential link with plant water status. In this study, we have first analyzed the link between PRI and LUE at canopy scale on two different crops in terms of canopy structure and crop management: olive grove (Tunisia) and wheat grown under different water regimes (irrigated or rainfed) and climate zones (France, Morocco). We have investigated the daily and seasonal dynamics of PRI; linking its variations to meteorological factors (global radiation and sun angle effects, soil water content, relative air humidity …) and plant processes. The highest correlations were mainly observed in clear skies conditions. We have found, whatever site, linear negative relationships between PRI and LUE using data acquired in midday (i.e. in solar zenithal angle condition). Linear link between PRI and sapflow measurements was also revealed. This correlation was obtained over periods characterized by a moderate soil water deficit, i.e. by when transpiration rate was mainly control by Vapor Pressure Deficit. We will then briefly presented alternative and complementary approaches to this index, to detect different level of water stress using thermal infrared emissions.

Transcriptional, post-transcriptional and chromatin-associated regulation of pri-miRNAs, pre-miRNAs and moRNAs

PubMed Central

Nepal, Chirag; Coolen, Marion; Hadzhiev, Yavor; Cussigh, Delphine; Mydel, Piotr; Steen, Vidar M.; Carninci, Piero; Andersen, Jesper B.; Bally-Cuif, Laure; Müller, Ferenc; Lenhard, Boris

2016-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a major role in the post-transcriptional regulation of target genes, especially in development and differentiation. Our understanding about the transcriptional regulation of miRNA genes is limited by inadequate annotation of primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts. Here, we used CAGE-seq and RNA-seq to provide genome-wide identification of the pri-miRNA core promoter repertoire and its dynamic usage during zebrafish embryogenesis. We assigned pri-miRNA promoters to 152 precursor-miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), the majority of which were supported by promoter associated post-translational histone modifications (H3K4me3, H2A.Z) and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) occupancy. We validated seven miR-9 pri-miRNAs by in situ hybridization and showed similar expression patterns as mature miR-9. In addition, processing of an alternative intronic promoter of miR-9–5 was validated by 5′ RACE PCR. Developmental profiling revealed a subset of pri-miRNAs that are maternally inherited. Moreover, we show that promoter-associated H3K4me3, H2A.Z and RNAPII marks are not only present at pri-miRNA promoters but are also specifically enriched at pre-miRNAs, suggesting chromatin level regulation of pre-miRNAs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CAGE-seq also detects 3′-end processing of pre-miRNAs on Drosha cleavage site that correlates with miRNA-offset RNAs (moRNAs) production and provides a new tool for detecting Drosha processing events and predicting pre-miRNA processing by a genome-wide assay. PMID:26673698

Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement in Primary Care (PriCARE): A Randomized Trial of a Parent Training for Child Behavior Problems.

PubMed

Schilling, Samantha; French, Benjamin; Berkowitz, Steven J; Dougherty, Susan L; Scribano, Philip V; Wood, Joanne N

Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement in Primary Care (PriCARE) is a 6-session group parent training designed to teach positive parenting skills. Our objective was to measure PriCARE's impact on child behavior and parenting attitudes. Parents of children 2 to 6 years old with behavior concerns were randomized to PriCARE (n = 80) or control (n = 40). Child behavior and parenting attitudes were measured at baseline (0 weeks), program completion (9 weeks), and 7 weeks after program completion (16 weeks) using the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) and the Adult Adolescent Parenting Inventory 2 (AAPI2). Linear regression models compared mean ECBI and AAPI2 change scores from 0 to 16 weeks in the PriCARE and control groups, adjusted for baseline scores. Of those randomized to PriCARE, 43% attended 3 or more sessions. Decreases in mean ECBI intensity and problem scores between 0 and 16 weeks were greater in the PriCARE group, reflecting a larger improvement in behavior problems [intensity: -22 (-29, -16) vs -7 (-17, 2), P = .012; problem: -5 (-7, -4) vs -2 (-4, 0), P = .014]. Scores on 3 of the 5 AAPI2 subscales reflected greater improvements in parenting attitudes in the PriCARE group compared to control in the following areas: empathy toward children's needs [0.82 (0.51, 1.14) vs 0.25 (-0.19, 0.70), P = .04], corporal punishment [0.22 (0.00, 0.45) vs -0.30 (-0.61, 0.02), P = .009], and power and independence [0.37 (-0.02, 0.76) vs -0.64 (-1.19, -0.09), P = .003]. PriCARE shows promise in improving parent-reported child-behavior problems in preschool-aged children and increasing positive parenting attitudes. Copyright © 2016 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Explaining the variability of Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI): deconvolution of variability related to Light Use Efficiency and Canopy attributes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merlier, Elodie; Hmimina, Gabriel; Dufrêne, Eric; Soudani, Kamel

2014-05-01

The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) was designed as a proxy of the state of xanthophyll cycle which is used as a response of plants to excess of light (Gamon et al., 1990; 1992). Strong relationships between PRI and LUE were shown at leaf and canopy scales and over a wide range of species (Garbulsky et al., 2011). However, its use at canopy scale was shown to be significantly hampered by effects of confounding factors such as the PRI sensitivity to leaf pigment content (Gamon et al. 2001; Nakaji et al. 2006) and to canopy structure (Hilker et al. 2008). Several approaches aimed at correcting such effects and recent works focused on the deconvolution of LUE related and LUE unrelated PRI variability (Rahimzadeh-Bajgiran et al. 2012).In this study, the PRI variability at canopy scale is investigated over two years on three species (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Pinus sylvestris) growing under two water regimes. At daily scale, PRI variability is mainly explained by radiation conditions. As already reported at leaf scale in Hmimina et al. (2014), analysis of PRI responses to incoming photosynthetically active radiation over seasonal scale allowed to separate two sources of variability : a constitutive variability mainly related to canopy structure and leaf chlorophyll content and a facultative variability mainly related to LUE and soil moisture content. These results highlight the composite nature of PRI signal measured at canopy scale and the importance of disentangling its sources of variability in order to accurately assess ecosystem light use efficiency. Gamon JA, Field CB, Bilger W, Björkman O, Fredeen AL, Peñuelas J. 1990. Remote sensing of the xanthophyll cycle and chlorophyll fluorescence in sunflower leaves and canopies. Oecologia 85, 1-7. Gamon JA, Field CB, Fredeen A AL, Thayer S. 2001. Assessing photosynthetic downregulation in sunflower stands with an optically-based model. Photosynthesis Research 67, 113-125. Gamon JA, Peñuelas J, Field CB

Canopy Level Chlorophyll Fluorescence and the PRI in a Cornfield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Cheng, Yen-Ben; Corp, Lawrence A.; Campbell, Petya K. E.; Huemmrich, K. Fred; Zhang, Qingyuan; Kustas, William P.

2012-01-01

Two bio-indicators, the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and solar-induced red and far-red Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF), were derived from directional hyperspectral observations and studied in a cornfield on two contrasting days in the growing season. Both red and far-red SIF exhibited higher values on the day when the canopy in the early senescent stage, but only the far-red SIF showed sensitivity to viewing geometry. Consequently, the red/far-red SIF ratio varied greatly among azimuth positions while the largest values were obtained for the "hotspot" at both growth stages. This ratio was lower (approx.0.88 +/- 0.4) in early July than in August when the ratio approached equivalence (near approx.1). In concert, the PRI exhibited stronger responses to both zenith and azimuth angles and different values on the two growth stages. The potential of using these indices to monitor photosynthetic activities needs further investigation

The PriA Replication Restart Protein Blocks Replicase Access Prior to Helicase Assembly and Directs Template Specificity through Its ATPase Activity*

PubMed Central

Manhart, Carol M.; McHenry, Charles S.

2013-01-01

The PriA protein serves as an initiator for the restart of DNA replication on stalled replication forks and as a checkpoint protein that prevents the replicase from advancing in a strand displacement reaction on forks that do not contain a functional replicative helicase. We have developed a primosomal protein-dependent fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay using a minimal fork substrate composed of synthetic oligonucleotides. We demonstrate that a self-loading reaction, which proceeds at high helicase concentrations, occurs by threading of a preassembled helicase over free 5′-ends, an event that can be blocked by attaching a steric block to the 5′-end or coating DNA with single-stranded DNA binding protein. The specificity of PriA for replication forks is regulated by its intrinsic ATPase. ATPase-defective PriA K230R shows a strong preference for substrates that contain no gap between the leading strand and the duplex portion of the fork, as demonstrated previously. Wild-type PriA prefers substrates with larger gaps, showing maximal activity on substrates on which PriA K230R is inactive. We demonstrate that PriA blocks replicase function on forks by blocking its binding. PMID:23264623

7 CFR 14.6 - Criteria for determining the pri- mary purpose of payments with respect to potential exclusion...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Criteria for determining the pri- mary purpose of... Secretary of Agriculture DETERMINING THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF CERTAIN PAYMENTS FOR FEDERAL TAX PURPOSES § 14.6 Criteria for determining the pri- mary purpose of payments with respect to potential exclusion from gross...

Structural basis of the 3′-end recognition of a leading strand in stalled replication forks by PriA

PubMed Central

Sasaki, Kaori; Ose, Toyoyuki; Okamoto, Naoaki; Maenaka, Katsumi; Tanaka, Taku; Masai, Hisao; Saito, Mihoko; Shirai, Tsuyoshi; Kohda, Daisuke

2007-01-01

In eubacteria, PriA helicase detects the stalled DNA replication forks. This critical role of PriA is ascribed to its ability to bind to the 3′ end of a nascent leading DNA strand in the stalled replication forks. The crystal structures in complexes with oligonucleotides and the combination of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and mutagenesis reveal that the N-terminal domain of PriA possesses a binding pocket for the 3′-terminal nucleotide residue of DNA. The interaction with the deoxyribose 3′-OH is essential for the 3′-terminal recognition. In contrast, the direct interaction with 3′-end nucleobase is unexpected, considering the same affinity for oligonucleotides carrying the four bases at the 3′ end. Thus, the N-terminal domain of PriA recognizes the 3′-end base in a base-non-selective manner, in addition to the deoxyribose and 5′-side phosphodiester group, of the 3′-terminal nucleotide to acquire both sufficient affinity and non-selectivity to find all of the stalled replication forks generated during DNA duplication. This unique feature is prerequisite for the proper positioning of the helicase domain of PriA on the unreplicated double-stranded DNA. PMID:17464287

Solution structure of the N-terminal domain of a replication restart primosome factor, PriC, in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Aramaki, Takahiko; Abe, Yoshito; Katayama, Tsutomu; Ueda, Tadashi

2013-01-01

In eubacterial organisms, the oriC-independent primosome plays an essential role in replication restart after the dissociation of the replication DNA-protein complex by DNA damage. PriC is a key protein component in the replication restart primosome. Our recent study suggested that PriC is divided into two domains: an N-terminal and a C-terminal domain. In the present study, we determined the solution structure of the N-terminal domain, whose structure and function have remained unknown until now. The revealed structure was composed of three helices and one extended loop. We also observed chemical shift changes in the heteronuclear NMR spectrum and oligomerization in the presence of ssDNA. These abilities may contribute to the PriC-ssDNA complex, which is important for the replication restart primosome. PMID:23868391

The use of PriMatrix, a fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix, in healing chronic diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective multicenter study.

PubMed

Kavros, Steven J; Dutra, Timothy; Gonzalez-Cruz, Renier; Liden, Brock; Marcus, Belinda; McGuire, James; Nazario-Guirau, Luis

2014-08-01

The objective of this multicenter study was to prospectively evaluate the healing outcomes of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) treated with PriMatrix (TEI Biosciences, Boston, Massachusetts), a fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix. Inclusion criteria required the subjects to have a chronic DFU that ranged in area from 1 to 20 cm² and failed to heal more than 30% during a 2-week screening period when treated with moist wound therapy. For qualifying subjects, PriMatrix was secured into a clean, sharply debrided wound; dressings were applied to maintain a moist wound environment, and the DFU was pressure off-loaded. Wound area measurements were taken weekly for up to 12 weeks, and PriMatrix was reapplied at the discretion of the treating physician. A total of 55 subjects were enrolled at 9 US centers with 46 subjects progressing to study completion. Ulcers had been in existence for an average of 286 days, and initial mean ulcer area was 4.34 cm². Of the subjects completing the study, 76% healed by 12 weeks with a mean time to healing of 53.1 ± 21.9 days. The mean number of applications for these healed wounds was 2.0 ± 1.4, with 59.1% healing with a single application of PriMatrix and 22.9% healing with 2 applications. For subjects not healed by 12 weeks, the average wound area reduction was 71.4%. The results of this multicenter prospective study demonstrate that the use of PriMatrix integrated with standard-of-care therapy is a successful treatment regimen to heal DFUs.

Retrospective comparison of diabetic foot ulcer and venous stasis ulcer healing outcome between a dermal repair scaffold (PriMatrix) and a bilayered living cell therapy (Apligraf).

PubMed

Karr, Jeffrey C

2011-03-01

The goal of this study was to review clinical experience in treating diabetic and venous stasis wounds with Apligraf or PriMatrix. A total of 40 diabetic foot ulcers and 28 venous stasis ulcers were treated with either PriMatrix or Apligraf for number of days open and for number of days for complete healing between the 2 treatments. Although both treatments were highly effective, the study results of 68 ulcers in 48 patients demonstrated that patients treated with PriMatrix healed faster than patients treated with Apligraf despite larger wound sizes.

State of the art in acoustic energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullah Khan, Farid; Izhar

2015-02-01

For portable and embedded smart, wireless electronic systems, energy harvesting from the ambient energy sources has gained immense interest in recent years. Several ambient energies exist in the environment of wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) that include thermal, solar, vibration and acoustic energy. This paper presents the recent development in the field of acoustic energy harvesters (AEHs). AEHs convert the acoustic energy into useful electrical energy for the operation of autonomous wireless sensors. Mainly, two types of AEHs (electromagnetic and piezoelectric based) have been developed and reported in literature. The power produced by the reported piezoelectric AEHs ranges from 0.68 pW to 30 mW however, the power generation of the developed electromagnetic AEHs is in the range of 1.5-1.96 mW. The overall size of most of the developed piezoelectric and electromagnetic AEHs are quite comparable and in millimeter scale. The resonant frequencies of electromagnetic AEHs are on the lower side (143-470 Hz), than that of piezoelectric AEHs (146 Hz-16.7 kHz).

Construction and validation of the chronic acquired polyneuropathy patient-reported index, “CAP-PRI:” a disease-specific, health-related quality of life instrument

PubMed Central

Gwathmey, Kelly G.; Conaway, Mark R.; Seyedsadjadi, Reza; Joshi, Amruta; Barnett, Carolina; Bril, Vera; Ng, Eduardo; David, William; Gable, Karissa; Guptill, Jeffrey T.; Hobson-Webb, Lisa D.; Dineen, Jennifer; Hehir, Michael; Brannagan, Thomas H.; Byun, Esther; Adler, Margaret; Burns, Ted M.

2016-01-01

Introduction Generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) patient-reported outcome measures have been used in patients with chronic immune-mediated polyneuropathies. We have created a disease-specific HRQOL instrument. Methods and Results The 15-item chronic acquired polyneuropathy patient-reported index (CAP-PRI) was developed and validated in multiple steps. Items were initially generated through patient and specialist input. The performance of the preliminary 20 items was analyzed from a prospective, 5-center study involving chronic immune-mediated polyneuropathy patients. Data analysis suggested modification to a 15-item scale with 3 response categories, rather than 5. The final CAP-PRI was then validated in another prospective, 5-center study. The CAP-PRI appeared to be a unidimensional outcome measure that fits the Rasch Partial Credit Model in our multicenter cohort. It correlated appropriately with the outcome measures commonly used in this patient population. Discussion The CAP-PRI is a simple, easy, disease-specific HRQOL measure that appears to be useful for clinical care and possibly also for clinical trials. PMID:26600438

Risk Factors for Acute and Early HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in San Diego, 2008 to 2014: A Cohort Study.

PubMed

Hoenigl, Martin; Green, Nella; Mehta, Sanjay R; Little, Susan J

2015-07-01

The objectives of this study were to identify risk factors associated with acute and early HIV infection (AEH) among men who have sex with men (MSM) undergoing community HIV testing and to compare demographics in those diagnosed with AEH with those diagnosed at chronic stage of HIV infection.In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed risk factors associated with AEH among 8925 unique MSM (including 200 with AEH [2.2%] and 219 [2.5%] with newly diagnosed chronic HIV infection) undergoing community-based, confidential AEH screening in San Diego, California.The combination of condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) plus ≥5 male partners, CRAI with an HIV-positive male, CRAI with a person who injects drugs, and prior syphilis diagnosis were significant predictors of AEH in the multivariable Cox regression model. Individuals reporting ≥1 of these 4 risk factors had a hazard ratio of 4.6 for AEH. MSM diagnosed with AEH differed in race (P = 0.005; more reported white race [P = 0.001], less black race [P = 0.030], trend toward less Native American race [P = 0.061]), when compared to those diagnosed with chronic HIV infection, while there was no difference observed regarding age.We established a multivariate model for the predicting risk of AEH infection in a cohort of MSM undergoing community HIV screening, which could be potentially used to discern those in need of further HIV nucleic acid amplification testing for community screening programs that do not test routinely for AEH. In addition, we found that race differed between those diagnosed with AEH and those diagnosed at chronic stage of HIV infection underlining the need for interventions that reduce stigma and promote the uptake of HIV testing for black MSM.

The Importance of PRI Therapy for the Pastoral Counsellor

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

It is not always easy for pastoral counsellors to help people change. Often people have become stuck in their ways. Recent developments in the field of brain research help explain why change is difficult. This article discusses Past Reality Integration Therapy (PRI), a psychotherapeutic method that integrates recent findings of brain research and offers an important addition to the work of (pastoral) counsellors and psychotherapists. The use of this approach with Dutch students in their pastoral training is presented. Furthermore the importance of this new method for counsellors themselves, their clients and their work is discussed and some overall conclusions about the method and its practical application are presented. PMID:20835380

Potential relative increment (PRI): a new method to empirically derive optimal tree diameter growth

Treesearch

Don C Bragg

2001-01-01

Potential relative increment (PRI) is a new method to derive optimal diameter growth equations using inventory information from a large public database. Optimal growth equations for 24 species were developed using plot and tree records from several states (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) of the North Central US. Most species were represented by thousands of...

Zeaxanthin-independent energy quenching and alternative electron sinks cause a decoupling of the relationship between the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and photosynthesis in an evergreen conifer during spring.

PubMed

Fréchette, Emmanuelle; Wong, Christopher Y S; Junker, Laura Verena; Chang, Christine Yao-Yun; Ensminger, Ingo

2015-12-01

In evergreen conifers, the winter down-regulation of photosynthesis and its recovery during spring are the result of a reorganization of the chloroplast and adjustments of energy-quenching mechanisms. These phenological changes may remain undetected by remote sensing, as conifers retain green foliage during periods of photosynthetic down-regulation. The aim was to assess if the timing of the spring recovery of photosynthesis and energy-quenching characteristics are accurately monitored by the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) in the evergreen conifer Pinus strobus. The recovery of photosynthesis was studied using chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf gas exchange, leaf spectral reflectance, and photosynthetic pigment measurements. To assess if climate change might affect the recovery of photosynthesis, seedlings were exposed to cold spring conditions or warm spring conditions with elevated temperature. An early spring decoupling of the relationship between photosynthesis and PRI in both treatments was observed. This was caused by differences between the timing of the recovery of photosynthesis and the timing of carotenoid and chlorophyll pool size adjustments which are the main factors controlling PRI during spring. It was also demonstrated that zeaxanthin-independent NPQ mechanisms undetected by PRI further contributed to the early spring decoupling of the PRI-LUE relationship. An important mechanism undetected by PRI seems to involve increased electron transport around photosystem I, which was a significant energy sink during the entire spring transition, particularly in needles exposed to a combination of high light and cold temperatures. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Linking chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral reflectance and plant physiological responses to detect stress using the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naumann, J. C.; Young, D.; Anderson, J.

2009-12-01

The concept of using vegetation as sentinels to indicate natural or anthropogenic stress is not new and could potentially provide an ideal mechanism for large-scale detection. Advances in fluorescence spectroscopy and reflectance-derived fluorescence have made possible earlier detection of stress in plants, especially before changes in chlorophyll content are visible. Our studies have been used to fuse leaf fluorescence and reflectance characteristics to remotely sense and rapidly detect vegetation stress and terrain characteristics. Laboratory studies have indicated that light-adapted fluorescence (ΔF/F‧m) measurements have been successful in all experiments at detecting stress from flooding, salinity, drought, herbicide and TNT contamination prior to visible signs of damage. ΔF/F‧m was related to plant physiological status in natural stress conditions, as seen in the relationships with stomatal conductance and photosynthesis The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and other reflectance ratios were effective at tracking changes in ΔF/F‧m at the leaf and canopy-level scales. At the landscape-level, chlorophyll fluorescence and airborne reflectance imagery were used to evaluate spatial variations in stress in the dominant shrub on a barrier island, Myrica cerifera, during a severe drought and compared to an extremely wet year. Measurements of relative water content and the water band index (WBI970) indicated that water stress did not vary across the island. In contrast, there were significant differences in tissue chlorides across sites. Using PRI we were able to detect salinity stress across the landscape. PRI did not differ between wet and dry years. There was a positive relationship between PRI and ΔF/F‧m for M. cerifera (r2 = 0.79). The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the chlorophyll index (CI) and WBI970 were higher during the wet summer but varied little across the island. PRI was not significantly related to NDVI, suggesting that

[Treatment of linguiform calcaneus fracture by close nail-pry reduction and internal fixation with hollow screws].

PubMed

Tu, Shu-Qiang; Huang, Ke-Di; Shuai, Yong-Ming; Xu, Nan-Yun; Yuan, Qiu-Wen; Guo, Jian

2012-06-01

To study the curative effects of close nail-pry reduction and internal fixation with hollow screws for treatment of linguiform calcaneus fracture. From May 2006 to October 2009,32 patients (35 feet) with linguiform calcaneus fracture were treated by close nail-pry reduction and internal fixation with hollow screws, including 23 males and 9 females ranging in age from 25 to 46 years, with a mean of 37.6 years. According to Paley classification, 3 cases were Paley II a, and 29 cases were Paley II b. All cases were close fractures. The time from injury to operation was 3 to 10 days after most swelling subsided. Böhler angle and Gissane angle were measured by X-ray before and after operation. The therapeutic effect was assessed according to ZHANG Tie-liang's foot score. All the patients were followed-up for 6 to 18 months, with a mean of 12 months. All fractures gained bone healing. The time of fracture healing averaged 12 months. The fractures healed completely and no infection occurred. According to ZHANG Tie-liang's foot scale, the postoperative function was excellent in 18 feet, good in 10 feet, moderate in 5 feet and poor in 2 feet. The Böhler angle and Gissane angle were significant improved after treatment (P < 0.01). The surgical method of close nail-pry reduction and internal fixation with hollow screws for treatment of linguiform calcaneus fracture can regain the foot function, with minimal injury, fewer complications, earlier recovery and lower costs.

[Atypical epithelial hyperplasia of the breast: current state of knowledge and clinical practice].

PubMed

Lavoué, V; Bertel, C; Tas, P; Bendavid, C; Rouquette, S; Foucher, F; Audrain, O; Bouriel, C; Levêque, J

2010-02-01

The diagnosis of atypical epithelial hyperplasia (AEH) increases with breast cancer screening. AEH is divided in three groups: atypical ductal hyperplasia, columnar cell lesions with atypia, lobular neoplasia. The management of women with AEH is not consensual because of uncertainty about their diagnosis related to the type of the biopsy sampling (core needle biopsy or surgical excision) and their controversial clinical signification between risk marker and true precursor of breast cancer. A systematic review of published studies was performed. Medline baseline interrogation was performed with the following keywords: atypical ductal hyperplasia, columnar cell lesions with atypia, lobular neoplasia, core needle biopsy, breast cancer, precursor lesion, hormonal replacement therapy. For each breast lesion, identified publications (English or French) were assessed for clinical practise in epidemiology, diagnosis and patient management. With immunohistochemistry and molecular studies, AEH seems to be precursor of breast cancer. But, epidemiological studies show low rate of breast cancer in women with AEH. AEH were still classified as risk factor of breast cancer. Because of high rate of breast cancer underestimation, surgical excision is necessary after the diagnosis of AEH at core needle biopsy. Surgical oncology rules and collaboration with radiologist are required for this surgery. A second operation was not required due to involved margins by AEH (except with pleiomorphic lobular neoplasia) because local control of breast cancer seems to be unchanged. Besides, hormonal replacement therapy for patient with AEH is not recommended because of lack of studies about this subject. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Real-World Impact of Neurocognitive Deficits in Acute and Early HIV Infection

PubMed Central

Doyle, Katie L.; Morgan, Erin E.; Morris, Sheldon; Smith, Davey M.; Little, Susan; Iudicello, Jennifer E.; Blackstone, Kaitlin; Moore, David J.; Grant, Igor; Letendre, Scott L.; Woods, Steven Paul

2013-01-01

The acute and early period of HIV-1 infection (AEH) is characterized by neuroinflammatory and immunopathogenic processes that can alter the integrity of neural systems and neurocognitive functions. However, the extent to which central nervous system changes in AEH confer increased risk of real-world functioning (RWF) problems is not known. In the present study, 34 individuals with AEH and 39 seronegative comparison participants completed standardized neuromedical, psychiatric, and neurocognitive research evaluations, alongside a comprehensive assessment of RWF that included cognitive symptoms in daily life, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, clinician-rated global functioning, and employment. Results showed that AEH was associated with a significantly increased risk of dependence in RWF, which was particularly elevated among AEH persons with global neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Among those with AEH, NCI (i.e., deficits in learning and information processing speed), mood disorders (i.e., Bipolar Disorder), and substance dependence (e.g., methamphetamine dependence) were all independently predictive of RWF dependence. Findings suggest that neurocognitively impaired individuals with AEH are at notably elevated risk of clinically significant challenges in normal daily functioning. Screening for neurocognitive, mood, and substance use disorders in AEH may facilitate identification of individuals at high risk of functional dependence who may benefit from psychological and medical strategies to manage their neuropsychiatric conditions. PMID:24277439

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats.

PubMed

Liang, Bin; Guo, Zhengdong; Xie, Fang; Zhao, Ainong

2013-10-03

Hericium erinaceus, as a commonly used medicine or food, has attracted much attention due to its health effects when used as a home remedy for some diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus (AEHE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by the administration of STZ (55 mg/kg BW.) intraperitoneally. AEHE (100 and 200 mg/kg BW.) was administered for a period of 28 days. The effects of AEHE on glucose, insulin, and lipid files in blood, and oxidative stress parameters in the liver were evaluated. The body weights of rats were recorded at day 0, 14 and 28th days. The administration of AEHE for 28 days in STZ diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in serum glucose level and a significant rise in serum insulin level. AEHE treatment attenuated lipid disorders. In addition, AEHE administration increased the activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px, and GSH level, and reduced MDA level in the liver tissue significantly. Our results suggest that AEHE possesses hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties in STZ-induced diabetes rats.

Replication restart in UV-irradiated Escherichia coli involving pols II, III, V, PriA, RecA and RecFOR proteins.

PubMed

Rangarajan, Savithri; Woodgate, Roger; Goodman, Myron F

2002-02-01

In Escherichia coli, UV-irradiated cells resume DNA synthesis after a transient inhibition by a process called replication restart. To elucidate the role of several key proteins involved in this process, we have analysed the time dependence of replication restart in strains carrying a combination of mutations in lexA, recA, polB (pol II), umuDC (pol V), priA, dnaC, recF, recO or recR. We find that both pol II and the origin-independent primosome-assembling function of PriA are essential for the immediate recovery of DNA synthesis after UV irradiation. In their absence, translesion replication or 'replication readthrough' occurs approximately 50 min after UV and is pol V-dependent. In a wild-type, lexA+ background, mutations in recF, recO or recR block both pathways. Similar results were obtained with a lexA(Def) recF strain. However, lexA(Def) recO or lexA(Def) recR strains, although unable to facilitate PriA-pol II-dependent restart, were able to perform pol V-dependent readthrough. The defects in restart attributed to mutations in recF, recO or recR were suppressed in a recA730 lexA(Def) strain expressing constitutively activated RecA (RecA*). Our data suggest that in a wild-type background, RecF, O and R are important for the induction of the SOS response and the formation of RecA*-dependent recombination intermediates necessary for PriA/Pol II-dependent replication restart. In con-trast, only RecF is required for the activation of RecA that leads to the formation of pol V (UmuD'2C) and facilitates replication readthrough.

Zeaxanthin-independent energy quenching and alternative electron sinks cause a decoupling of the relationship between the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and photosynthesis in an evergreen conifer during spring

PubMed Central

Fréchette, Emmanuelle; Wong, Christopher Y. S.; Junker, Laura Verena; Chang, Christine Yao-Yun; Ensminger, Ingo

2015-01-01

In evergreen conifers, the winter down-regulation of photosynthesis and its recovery during spring are the result of a reorganization of the chloroplast and adjustments of energy-quenching mechanisms. These phenological changes may remain undetected by remote sensing, as conifers retain green foliage during periods of photosynthetic down-regulation. The aim was to assess if the timing of the spring recovery of photosynthesis and energy-quenching characteristics are accurately monitored by the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) in the evergreen conifer Pinus strobus. The recovery of photosynthesis was studied using chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf gas exchange, leaf spectral reflectance, and photosynthetic pigment measurements. To assess if climate change might affect the recovery of photosynthesis, seedlings were exposed to cold spring conditions or warm spring conditions with elevated temperature. An early spring decoupling of the relationship between photosynthesis and PRI in both treatments was observed. This was caused by differences between the timing of the recovery of photosynthesis and the timing of carotenoid and chlorophyll pool size adjustments which are the main factors controlling PRI during spring. It was also demonstrated that zeaxanthin-independent NPQ mechanisms undetected by PRI further contributed to the early spring decoupling of the PRI–LUE relationship. An important mechanism undetected by PRI seems to involve increased electron transport around photosystem I, which was a significant energy sink during the entire spring transition, particularly in needles exposed to a combination of high light and cold temperatures. PMID:26386258

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Hericium erinaceus, as a commonly used medicine or food, has attracted much attention due to its health effects when used as a home remedy for some diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus (AEHE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by the administration of STZ (55 mg/kg BW.) intraperitoneally. AEHE (100 and 200 mg/kg BW.) was administered for a period of 28 days. The effects of AEHE on glucose, insulin, and lipid files in blood, and oxidative stress parameters in the liver were evaluated. The body weights of rats were recorded at day 0, 14 and 28th days. Results The administration of AEHE for 28 days in STZ diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in serum glucose level and a significant rise in serum insulin level. AEHE treatment attenuated lipid disorders. In addition, AEHE administration increased the activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px, and GSH level, and reduced MDA level in the liver tissue significantly. Conclusion Our results suggest that AEHE possesses hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties in STZ-induced diabetes rats. PMID:24090482

Monitoring phenology of photosynthesis in temperate evergreen and mixed deciduous forests using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) at leaf and canopy scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, C. Y.; Arain, M. A.; Ensminger, I.

2016-12-01

Evergreen conifers in boreal and temperate regions undergo strong seasonal changes in photoperiod and temperatures, which determines their phenology of high photosynthetic activity in the growing season and downregulation during the winter. Monitoring the timing of the transition between summer activity and winter downregulation in evergreens is difficult since this is a largely invisible process, unlike in deciduous trees that have a visible budding and a sequence of leaf unfolding in the spring and leaf abscission in the fall. The light-use efficiency (LUE) model estimates gross primary productivity (GPP) and may be parameterized using remotely sensed vegetation indices. Using spectral reflectance data, we derived the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a measure of leaf "greenness", and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), a proxy for chlorophyll:carotenoid ratios which is related to photosynthetic activity. To better understand the relationship between these vegetation indices and photosynthetic activity and to contrast this relationship between plant functional types, the phenology of NDVI, PRI and photosynthesis was monitored in an evergreen forest and a mixed deciduous forest at the leaf and canopy scale. Our data indicates that the LUE model can be parameterized by NDVI and PRI to track forest phenology. Differences in the sensitivity of PRI and NDVI will be discussed. These findings have implications to address the phenology of evergreen conifers by using PRI to complement NDVI in the LUE model, potentially improving model productivity estimates in northern hemisphere forests, that are dominated by conifers.

Prediction of moment-rotation characteristic of top- and seat-angle bolted connection incorporating prying action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Ali

2017-03-01

Finite element (FE) analyses were performed to explore the prying influence on moment-rotation behaviour and to locate yielding zones of top- and seat-angle connections in author's past research studies. The results of those FE analyses with experimental failure strategies of the connections were used to develop failure mechanisms of top- and seat-angle connections in the present study. Then a formulation was developed based on three simple failure mechanisms considering bending and shear deformations, effects of prying action on the top angle and stiffness of the tension bolts to estimate rationally the ultimate moment M u of the connection, which is a vital parameter of the proposed four-parameter power model. Applicability of the proposed formulation is assessed by comparing moment-rotation ( M- θ r ) curves and ultimate moment capacities with those measured by experiments and estimated by FE analyses and three-parameter power model. This study shows that proposed formulation and Kishi-Chen's method both achieved close approximation driving M- θ r curves of all given connections except a few cases of Kishi-Chen model, and M u estimated by the proposed formulation is more rational than that predicted by Kishi-Chen's method.

Atypical epithelial hyperplasia of the breast: state of the art.

PubMed

Dion, Ludivine; Racin, Adelaïde; Brousse, Susie; Beltjens, Françoise; Cauchois, Aurélie; Levêque, Jean; Coutant, Charles; Lavoué, Vincent

2016-09-01

Atypical epithelial hyperplasia (AEH) of the breast is considered benign histological lesions with breast cancer risk. This review focuses on clinical signification and management of AEH that remains controversial. A review of published studies was performed using medline database. In this review, we fully describe the current evidence available. In particular, we describe 1) data from immunohistochemistry and molecular studies that suggest AEH is a precursor of breast cancer; 2) epidemiological studies demonstrate low rate of breast cancer in women with AEH; 3) surgical excision is necessary after diagnosis of AEH, such as lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical ductal hyperplasia, on core needle biopsy; 4) although current recommendations are evolving to fewer (if not no) excisions for flat epithelial with atypia and classic lobular neoplasia found on percutaneous biopsy (without radiologic indications for excision). Expert commentary: HEA management steel need prospective evidences, but recent retrospective data give some clue for less invasive management for some of HEA.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: early diagnosis and intervention are necessary for fertility preservation in young women with endometrial cancer under 35 years of age.

PubMed

Okamura, Yoshinori; Saito, Fumitaka; Takaishi, Kiyomi; Motohara, Takeshi; Honda, Ritsuo; Ohba, Takashi; Katabuchi, Hidetaka

2017-01-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant risk factor for premenopausal endometrial cancer (EC) and/or atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH). The aim was to elucidate the clinical background and detailed menstrual history of EC and/or AEH in young women with PCOS. From January 2001 to December 2013, women under 35 years of age who had been diagnosed with EC and/or AEH and who had been treated at Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan, were recruited. The patients' clinical characteristics, clinical stages of EC and/or AEH, medication and operation methods, endocrine profiles, and menstrual history were assessed retrospectively. Of all the cases of EC and/or AEH, 25 (4.6%) were under 35 years of age. The mean age was 29.0 years and all the patients were nulligravida. The clinical stages of EC and/or AEH that were identified included: AEH (five cases), stage IA (18 cases), IB (one case), and IIIA (one case). Fourteen (56%) cases met the criteria for PCOS. Both the Body Mass Index and Homeostatic Model Assessment-insulin resistance were significantly higher in the patients with PCOS than in the patients without PCOS. Medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy was not effective for the patients with PCOS and they underwent a hysterectomy more often than the patients without PCOS. All the patients with PCOS exhibited irregular menstruation or amenorrhea, the mean duration of which was 13.1 years before PCOS and EC and/or AEH were diagnosed. Although both the patients with and without PCOS had irregular menstruation, the patients with PCOS were less likely to have fertility-sparing surgery than the patients without PCOS because they had more advanced disease or failed to respond to medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy.

The Use of Fetal Bovine Dermal Scaffold (PriMatrix) in the Management of Full-Thickness Hand Burns.

PubMed

Parcells, Alexis Lanteri; Karcich, Jenika; Granick, Mark S; Marano, Michael A

2014-01-01

Management of full-thickness burn wounds represents a challenge when reconstructive options are not applicable. Fetal bovine dermal matrix is a bioactive collagen scaffold that assimilates into wounds and stimulates vascularization and dermal regeneration. We present the use of fetal bovine dermal scaffold PriMatrix in the treatment of a patient who sustained scald-immersion full-thickness burns of her bilateral hands that failed conventional wound therapy. A 71-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson's disease sustained self-induced 5% mixed second- and third-degree scald-immersion burns of her bilateral hands and fingers. The patient underwent extensive debridement that resulted in partially avascular wounds measuring 66 cm(2) and 72 cm(2) with exposed extensor tendons and no evidence of bleeding. Meshed homograft was applied, but her hands remained partly avascular. PriMatrix fetal bovine dermal scaffold was applied to provide tissue remodeling over the bones, which allowed successful skin grafting and complete wound healing. Our experience shows fetal bovine dermal scaffold to be an effective method in management of complicated burn wounds in selected cases. Further studies need to be implemented to confer this conclusion.

The Use of Fetal Bovine Dermal Scaffold (PriMatrix) in the Management of Full-Thickness Hand Burns

PubMed Central

Karcich, Jenika; Granick, Mark S.; Marano, Michael A.

2014-01-01

Objective: Management of full-thickness burn wounds represents a challenge when reconstructive options are not applicable. Fetal bovine dermal matrix is a bioactive collagen scaffold that assimilates into wounds and stimulates vascularization and dermal regeneration. Methods: We present the use of fetal bovine dermal scaffold PriMatrix in the treatment of a patient who sustained scald-immersion full-thickness burns of her bilateral hands that failed conventional wound therapy. Results: A 71-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson's disease sustained self-induced 5% mixed second- and third-degree scald-immersion burns of her bilateral hands and fingers. The patient underwent extensive debridement that resulted in partially avascular wounds measuring 66 cm2 and 72 cm2 with exposed extensor tendons and no evidence of bleeding. Meshed homograft was applied, but her hands remained partly avascular. PriMatrix fetal bovine dermal scaffold was applied to provide tissue remodeling over the bones, which allowed successful skin grafting and complete wound healing. Conclusions: Our experience shows fetal bovine dermal scaffold to be an effective method in management of complicated burn wounds in selected cases. Further studies need to be implemented to confer this conclusion. PMID:25328569

RNA-binding activity of TRIM25 is mediated by its PRY/SPRY domain and is required for ubiquitination.

PubMed

Choudhury, Nila Roy; Heikel, Gregory; Trubitsyna, Maryia; Kubik, Peter; Nowak, Jakub Stanislaw; Webb, Shaun; Granneman, Sander; Spanos, Christos; Rappsilber, Juri; Castello, Alfredo; Michlewski, Gracjan

2017-11-08

TRIM25 is a novel RNA-binding protein and a member of the Tripartite Motif (TRIM) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, which plays a pivotal role in the innate immune response. However, there is scarce knowledge about its RNA-related roles in cell biology. Furthermore, its RNA-binding domain has not been characterized. Here, we reveal that the RNA-binding activity of TRIM25 is mediated by its PRY/SPRY domain, which we postulate to be a novel RNA-binding domain. Using CLIP-seq and SILAC-based co-immunoprecipitation assays, we uncover TRIM25's endogenous RNA targets and protein binding partners. We demonstrate that TRIM25 controls the levels of Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein (ZAP). Finally, we show that the RNA-binding activity of TRIM25 is important for its ubiquitin ligase activity towards itself (autoubiquitination) and its physiologically relevant target ZAP. Our results suggest that many other proteins with the PRY/SPRY domain could have yet uncharacterized RNA-binding potential. Together, our data reveal new insights into the molecular roles and characteristics of RNA-binding E3 ubiquitin ligases and demonstrate that RNA could be an essential factor in their enzymatic activity.

Remote sensing of plant emissions of volatile isoprenoids with PRI. Prospects for upscaling (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penuelas, J.

2013-12-01

Josep Peñuelas*1,2, Giovanni Marino1,2,3,4, Joan LLusia1,2, Catherine Morfopoulos1,2,5, Gerard Farre-Armengol1,2, Shawn Kefauver, Alex Guenther6 , Francesca Rapparini7 , Roger Seco1,2,6, Marc Estiarte1,2, Mónica Mejia-Chang1,2, Romà Ogaya1,2, Jordi Sardans1,2 , Andrew Turnipseed6, Peter Harley6, Osvaldo Facini7, Rita Baraldi7, Jim Greenberg6 , Iolanda Filella1,2 1 CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CEAB-UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallés 08193, Catalonia, Spain 2 CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallés 08193, Catalonia, Spain 3 Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy 4 Institute for Plant Protection, National Research Council, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy 5 Division of Ecology and Evolution, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK 6 Atmospheric Chemistry Division, National Center for Atmospheric Research, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA 7 Biometeorology Institute, IBIMET-CNR, Via P. Gobetti 101, Bologna, Italy Abstract Terrestrial plants re-emit around 1-2% of the carbon they fix as isoprene and monoterpenes. These emissions play major roles in the ecological relationships among living organisms and in atmospheric chemistry and climate, and yet their actual quantification at the ecosystem level in different regions is far from being resolved. Phenomenological models are used to estimate the emission rates, but the limited understanding of the function and regulation of these emissions leads to large uncertainties in such estimations. Many measurements have been made at the foliar but few at the ecosystem level, and those that do exist are limited in space and time. We here provide evidence that a simple remote sensing index, the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), which is indicative of light use efficiency (LUE), is a good indirect estimator of foliar isoprenoid emissions and therefore can be used to sense them remotely. These results open

Soccer injuries in female youth players: comparison of injury surveillance by certified athletic trainers and internet.

PubMed

Schiff, Melissa A; Mack, Christopher D; Polissar, Nayak L; Levy, Marni R; Dow, Sara P; O'Kane, John W

2010-01-01

Few authors have evaluated sports injury-surveillance systems that use parental, Internet-based surveys for data collection. To determine whether certified athletic trainers (ATs) and parental, Internet-based surveys provided comparable data for identifying soccer injuries. Prospective feasibility cohort study. A soccer association in Seattle, Washington. Eighty female youth soccer players, ages 12 to 14 years. We compared the data provided by ATs attending 1 soccer practice per week with a weekly soccer-parent, Internet-based system. We measured athlete-exposure hours (AEHs) for each player. We compared injury rates reported by ATs only, Internet-based surveys only, and both systems combined. We evaluated the 2 surveillance systems for agreement on injured body region and laterality of injury using the kappa statistic. For ATs only, Internet-based surveys only, and both systems combined, we found acute injury rates of 3.0 per 1000 AEHs, 3.9 per 1000 AEHs, and 4.7 per 1000 AEHs and overuse injury rates of 1.0 per 1000 AEHs, 2.9 per 1000 AEHs, and 2.9 per 1000 AEHs, respectively. Players sustained 27 acute injuries (44% ankle, 11% knee, 11% hip) reported by at least 1 of the 2 systems, with 63% reported by ATs and 85% by Internet-based survey. Players sustained 17 overuse injuries (35% knee, 29% lower leg) reported by either system, with 35% reported by ATs and 100% by Internet-based survey. Among players for whom we had both ATs' and Internet-based survey injury data, body region injured and laterality had very good agreement (kappa = 0.73 to 1.0). The injury rate based on the weekly parental, Internet-based survey was similar to the rate based on the ATs' reporting and had comparable classifications of injured body region and laterality of injury.

Soccer Injuries in Female Youth Players: Comparison of Injury Surveillance by Certified Athletic Trainers and Internet

PubMed Central

Schiff, Melissa A.; Mack, Christopher D.; Polissar, Nayak L.; Levy, Marni R.; Dow, Sara P.; O'Kane, John W.

2010-01-01

Abstract Context: Few authors have evaluated sports injury-surveillance systems that use parental, Internet-based surveys for data collection. Objective: To determine whether certified athletic trainers (ATs) and parental, Internet-based surveys provided comparable data for identifying soccer injuries. Design: Prospective feasibility cohort study. Setting: A soccer association in Seattle, Washington. Patients or Other Participants: Eighty female youth soccer players, ages 12 to 14 years. Main Outcome Measure(s): We compared the data provided by ATs attending 1 soccer practice per week with a weekly soccer-parent, Internet-based system. We measured athlete-exposure hours (AEHs) for each player. We compared injury rates reported by ATs only, Internet-based surveys only, and both systems combined. We evaluated the 2 surveillance systems for agreement on injured body region and laterality of injury using the κ statistic. Results: For ATs only, Internet-based surveys only, and both systems combined, we found acute injury rates of 3.0 per 1000 AEHs, 3.9 per 1000 AEHs, and 4.7 per 1000 AEHs and overuse injury rates of 1.0 per 1000 AEHs, 2.9 per 1000 AEHs, and 2.9 per 1000 AEHs, respectively. Players sustained 27 acute injuries (44% ankle, 11% knee, 11% hip) reported by at least 1 of the 2 systems, with 63% reported by ATs and 85% by Internet-based survey. Players sustained 17 overuse injuries (35% knee, 29% lower leg) reported by either system, with 35% reported by ATs and 100% by Internet-based survey. Among players for whom we had both ATs' and Internet-based survey injury data, body region injured and laterality had very good agreement (κ  =  0.73 to 1.0). Conclusions: The injury rate based on the weekly parental, Internet-based survey was similar to the rate based on the ATs' reporting and had comparable classifications of injured body region and laterality of injury. PMID:20446836

Adaptive Learning Resources Sequencing in Educational Hypermedia Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karampiperis, Pythagoras; Sampson, Demetrios

2005-01-01

Adaptive learning resources selection and sequencing is recognized as among the most interesting research questions in adaptive educational hypermedia systems (AEHS). In order to adaptively select and sequence learning resources in AEHS, the definition of adaptation rules contained in the Adaptation Model, is required. Although, some efforts have…

Diurnal and Seasonal Responses of High Frequency Chlorophyll Fluorescence and PRI Measurements to Abiotic Stress in Almonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bambach-Ortiz, N. E.; Paw U, K. T.

2016-12-01

Plants have evolved to efficiently utilize light to synthesize energy-rich carbon compounds, and at the same time, dissipate absorbed but excessive photon that would otherwise transfer excitation energy to potentially toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, even the most rapidly growing plants with the highest rates of photosynthesis only utilize about half of the light their leaves absorb during the hours of peak irradiance in sun-exposed habitats. Usually, that daily peak of irradiance coincides with high temperature and a high vapor pressure deficit, which are conditions related to plant stomata closure. Consequently, specially in water stressed environments, plants need to have mechanisms to dissipate most of absorbed photons. Plants avoid photo-oxidative damage of the photosynthetic apparatus due to the formation of ROS under excess light using different mechanisms in order to either lower the amount of ROS formation or detoxify already formed ROS. Photoinhibition is defined as a reduction in photosynthetic activity due largely to a sustained reduction in the photochemical efficiency of Photosystem II (PSII), which can be assessed by monitoring Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF). Alternatively, monitoring abiotic stress effects upon photosynthetic activity and photoinhibition may be possible using high frequency spectral reflectance sensors. We aim to find the potential relationships between high frequency PRI and ChlF as indicators of photoinhibition and permanent photodamage at a seasonal scale. Preliminary results show that PRI responses are sensitive to photoinhibition, but provide a poor representation of permanent photodamage observed at a seasonal scale.

A Model for an Adaptive e-Learning Hypermedia System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahnane, Lamia; Tayeb, Laskri Mohamed; Trigano, Philippe

2013-01-01

Recent years have shown increasing awareness for the importance of adaptivity in e-learning. Since the learning style of each learner is different. Adaptive e-learning hypermedia system (AEHS) must fit different learner's needs. A number of AEHS have been developed to support learning styles as a source for adaptation. However, these systems…

Adult Education for the Homeless: A Program in Jeopardy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Vocational and Adult Education (ED), Washington, DC. Div. of Adult Education and Literacy.

During its 8-year history, the federal Adult Education for the Homeless Program (AEH) pioneered new methods of service to adults in need and benefited over 320,000 homeless adults and families. Despite an evaluation that documented program success, funding was rescinded from the 1995 federal budget and never reinstated. AEH programs developed the…

Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in Gd1-yPryNi2 compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alho, B. P.; Lopes, P. H. O.; Ribeiro, P. O.; Alvarenga, T. S. T.; Nóbrega, E. P.; de Sousa, V. S. R.; Carvalho, A. M. G.; Caldas, A.; Tedesco, J. C. G.; Coelho, A. A.; de Oliveira, N. A.; von Ranke, P. J.

2018-03-01

In this work, we report the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the Gd1-yPryNi2 compounds from both experimental and theoretical points of view. It is worth noting that this series shows a variety of magnetic arrangements depending on the Pr concentration, including paramagnetism, ferrimagnetism and ferromagnetism. Our experimental work consists of the systematic analysis of the magnetic properties of the compounds with y = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0, which includes temperature and magnetic field dependence of the magnetization, heat capacity and isothermal entropy change obtained by isothermal magnetization curves. Also, we developed a model Hamiltonian, which takes into account the exchange interactions among Gd-Gd, Gd-Pr and Pr-Pr ions, the Zeeman interaction for both ions and the crystalline electrical field interaction for the Pr ions. We systematically investigated the magnetic properties of the series and obtained a good agreement when compared with our experimental data.

In vitro synergistic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract in combination with standard antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates.

PubMed

Hassan, Sherif T S; Berchová, Kateřina; Majerová, Michaela; Pokorná, Marie; Švajdlenka, Emil

2016-09-01

Context The increasing problem of drug-resistant strains has led to the failure of current treatment regimens of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. Recently, a new treatment strategy has been developed to overcome the problem by using natural products in combination with antibiotics to enhance the treatment efficacy. Objective The antimicrobial combinatory effect of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) (AEHS) with antibiotics (clarithromycin, CLA; amoxicillin, AMX; metronidazole, MTZ) has been evaluated in vitro against HP strains. Materials and methods Hibiscus calyces (35 g) were brewed in 250 mL of boiled water for 30 min, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by agar dilution method. The checkerboard assay was used to evaluate the antimicrobial combinatory effect according to the sum of fractional inhibitory concentration (∑FIC) indices. Results In this study, AEHS exerted remarkable bacteriostatic effect against all HP strains tested with MICs values ranging from 9.18 to 16.68 μg/mL. Synergy effect of AEHS with CLA or MTZ was obtained against four of seven HP strains tested with ∑FIC ranging from 0.21 to 0.39. The additive effect of AEHS with AMX was obtained against five of seven HP strains tested with ∑FIC ranging from 0.61 to 0.91. Conclusion This study presents AEHS as a potent therapeutic candidate alone, or in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of HP infection.

Contributed Review: Recent developments in acoustic energy harvesting for autonomous wireless sensor nodes applications.

PubMed

Khan, Farid Ullah; Khattak, Muhammad Umair

2016-02-01

Rapid developments in micro electronics, micro fabrication, ultra-large scale of integration, ultra-low power sensors, and wireless technology have greatly reduced the power consumption requirements of wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) and make it possible to operate these devices with energy harvesters. Likewise, other energy harvesters, acoustic energy harvesters (AEHs), have been developed and are gaining swift interest in last few years. This paper presents a review of AEHs reported in the literature for the applications of WSNs. Based on transduction mechanism, there are two types of AEHs: piezoelectric acoustic energy harvesters (PEAEHs) and electromagnetic acoustic energy harvesters (EMAEHs). The reported AEHs are mostly characterized under the sound pressure level (SPL) that ranges from 45 to 161 dB. The range for resonant frequency of the produced AEHs is from 146 Hz to 24 kHz and these produced 0.68 × 10(-6) μW to 30 mW power. The maximum power (30 mW) is produced by a PEAEH, when the harvester is subjected to a SPL of 161 dB and 2.64 kHz frequency. However, for EMAEHs, the maximum power reported is about 1.96 mW (at 125 dB and 143 Hz). Under the comparable SPLs, the power production by the reported EMAEHs is relatively better than that of PEAEHs, moreover, due to lower resonant frequency, the EMAEHs are more feasible for the low frequency band acoustical environment.

Contributed Review: Recent developments in acoustic energy harvesting for autonomous wireless sensor nodes applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Farid Ullah; Khattak, Muhammad Umair

2016-02-01

Rapid developments in micro electronics, micro fabrication, ultra-large scale of integration, ultra-low power sensors, and wireless technology have greatly reduced the power consumption requirements of wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) and make it possible to operate these devices with energy harvesters. Likewise, other energy harvesters, acoustic energy harvesters (AEHs), have been developed and are gaining swift interest in last few years. This paper presents a review of AEHs reported in the literature for the applications of WSNs. Based on transduction mechanism, there are two types of AEHs: piezoelectric acoustic energy harvesters (PEAEHs) and electromagnetic acoustic energy harvesters (EMAEHs). The reported AEHs are mostly characterized under the sound pressure level (SPL) that ranges from 45 to 161 dB. The range for resonant frequency of the produced AEHs is from 146 Hz to 24 kHz and these produced 0.68 × 10-6 μW to 30 mW power. The maximum power (30 mW) is produced by a PEAEH, when the harvester is subjected to a SPL of 161 dB and 2.64 kHz frequency. However, for EMAEHs, the maximum power reported is about 1.96 mW (at 125 dB and 143 Hz). Under the comparable SPLs, the power production by the reported EMAEHs is relatively better than that of PEAEHs, moreover, due to lower resonant frequency, the EMAEHs are more feasible for the low frequency band acoustical environment.

Substance Use is a Risk Factor for Neurocognitive Deficits and Neuropsychiatric Distress in Acute and Early HIV Infection

PubMed Central

Weber, Erica; Morgan, Erin E.; Iudicello, Jennifer E.; Blackstone, Kaitlin; Grant, Igor; Ellis, Ronald J.; Letendre, Scott L.; Little, Susan; Morris, Sheldon; Smith, Davey M.; Moore, David J.; Woods, Steven Paul

2012-01-01

The acute and early stages of HIV infection (AEH) are characterized by substantial viral replication, immune activation, and alterations in brain metabolism. However, little is known about the prevalence and predictors of neurocognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric disturbances during this period. The present study examined the impact of demographic, HIV disease, and substance use factors on HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and self-reported neuropsychiatric distress among 46 antiretroviral-naïve adults with median duration of infection of 75 days, relative to sample a of 21 HIV seronegative (HIV-) adults with comparable demographics and risk factors. Participants were administered a brief neurocognitive battery that was adjusted for demographics and assessed executive functions, memory, psychomotor speed, and verbal fluency, as well as the Profile of Mood States (POMS), a self-report measure of neuropsychiatric distress. Odds ratios revealed that AEH participants were nearly four times more likely than their seronegative counterparts to experience neurocognitive impairment, particularly in the areas of learning and information processing speed. Similarly, AEH was associated with a nearly five-fold increase in the odds of neuropsychiatric distress, most notably in anxiety and depression. Within the AEH sample, HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment was associated with problematic methamphetamine use and higher plasma HIV RNA levels, whereas neuropsychiatric distress was solely associated with high-risk alcohol use. Extending prior neuroimaging findings, results from this study indicate that HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric distress are highly prevalent during AEH and are associated with high-risk substance use. PMID:23250704

Tunable sub-wavelength acoustic energy harvesting with a metamaterial plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oudich, Mourad; Li, Yong

2017-08-01

We report theoretically on sub-wavelength acoustic energy harvesting (AEH) using a thin acoustic metamaterial (AM) made of spring-mass resonators attached to the surface of a homogeneous elastic thin plate. Considering an incident acoustic wave hitting the AM plate, tunable and highly efficient AEH is achieved by introducing a sub-wavelength defect inside the AM structure to confine the elastic energy into a spot which is then electromechanically converted into electrical power using a ceramic PZT patch. Several types of sub-wavelength cavities capable of confining acoustic energy at the sonic regime are extensively investigated for the optimization of AEH. Three analytical approaches—band structure, sound transmission loss and electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion—are proposed to fully describe the system interaction with the acoustic wave and quantify the AEH performance. The computed results show that an average power of 18 μW can be harvested using a specific cavity design of only 3 × 3 cm2 size from an incident acoustic wave with a sound pressure level of 100 dB at 520 Hz. Such a system can open up a way through the design of effective tunable sub-wavelength acoustic energy harvesters based on AM applied to scavenge energy from sound.

Non-traumatic spontaneous acute epidural hematoma in a patient with sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Serarslan, Yurdal; Aras, Mustafa; Altaş, Murat; Kaya, Hasan; Urfalı, Boran

2014-01-01

A 19-year-old female with sickle cell anemia (SCD) was referred to our hospital after two days of hospitalization at another hospital for a headache crisis. This headache crisis was due to a raised intracranial pressure; these symptoms were noted and included in her comprehensive list of symptoms. There was an acute drop in the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The cranial CT scan demonstrated a left fronto-parietal acute epidural hematoma (AEH) and a calvarial bone expansion, which was suggestive of medullary hematopoiesis. The patient underwent emergent craniotomy and evacuation of the hematoma. There were no abnormal findings intra-operatively apart from the AEH, except skull thickening and active petechial bleeding from the dural arteries. Repeated CT scan showed a complete evacuation of the hematoma. The possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms were discussed. In addition to the factors mentioned in the relevant literature, any active petechial bleeding from the dural arteries on the separated surface of the dura from the skull could have contributed to the expanding of the AEH in our patient. Neurosurgeons and other health care providers should be aware of spontaneous AEH in patients with SCD. Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and radioactivity in the urban soil of Priština City, Kosovo and Metohija.

PubMed

Gulan, Ljiljana; Milenkovic, Biljana; Zeremski, Tijana; Milic, Gordana; Vuckovic, Biljana

2017-03-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals content and radioactivity levels were measured in 27 soil samples collected from Priština, the capital of Kosovo and Metohija. The sixteen PAHs, twelve OCPs and six PCBs congeners were determined by gas chromatography system with mass spectrometry detection. Although the use of PCBs and OCPs was prohibited decades ago residues of those compounds still existed in measurable concentrations in soils of Priština. PAHs were also present in analyzed samples but their mean concentration was significantly lower than mean concentrations of PAHs previously reported in urban areas in the world. The concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined by the EDTA extraction protocols, along with their extractable concentrations. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides ( 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K) were determined by gamma spectrometry method. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test found that activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were normally distributed. Radiological risk was estimated through the annual effective dose, gonadal dose equivalent, excess lifetime cancer risk, radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indexes. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for analysis of correlations between physicochemical properties, heavy metal contents and radionuclide activity concentrations. Strong positive correlation between 226 Ra and 232 Th was found, as well as among pairs of As-Cd and Co-Mn. Very strong positive correlation (0.838) at the 0.01 significance level was noted for Pb-Zn pair. Strong correlations indicate common occurrence of these elements in the nature, as well as geogenic association. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Helix structure for low frequency acoustic energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Ming; Cao, Ziping; Luo, Jun; Pang, Zongqiang

2018-05-01

In this study, a novel helix acoustic resonator is proposed to realize acoustic energy harvesting (AEH). Compared with the traditional acoustic resonators, the proposed structure occupies a small volume and is suitable for the low frequency range. At a specific incident frequency, the mechanical component of the AEH device can be intensely excited and the bonded piezoelectric patch is utilized to convert the strain energy into electrical energy. Analytical studies are carried out to disclose the acoustic resonant system properties. Meanwhile, the pure acoustic and coupled vibro-acoustic properties of the proposed device are analyzed via the finite element method. The major part of the AEH device is fabricated via 3D printing for experimental study, which is favored for rapid prototyping. At acoustic resonance frequency 175 Hz, 100 dB sound pressure level excitation working condition, the measured experimental data show that the harvested power can be up to 7.3 μW.

Helix structure for low frequency acoustic energy harvesting.

PubMed

Yuan, Ming; Cao, Ziping; Luo, Jun; Pang, Zongqiang

2018-05-01

In this study, a novel helix acoustic resonator is proposed to realize acoustic energy harvesting (AEH). Compared with the traditional acoustic resonators, the proposed structure occupies a small volume and is suitable for the low frequency range. At a specific incident frequency, the mechanical component of the AEH device can be intensely excited and the bonded piezoelectric patch is utilized to convert the strain energy into electrical energy. Analytical studies are carried out to disclose the acoustic resonant system properties. Meanwhile, the pure acoustic and coupled vibro-acoustic properties of the proposed device are analyzed via the finite element method. The major part of the AEH device is fabricated via 3D printing for experimental study, which is favored for rapid prototyping. At acoustic resonance frequency 175 Hz, 100 dB sound pressure level excitation working condition, the measured experimental data show that the harvested power can be up to 7.3 μW.

mirEX: a platform for comparative exploration of plant pri-miRNA expression data.

PubMed

Bielewicz, Dawid; Dolata, Jakub; Zielezinski, Andrzej; Alaba, Sylwia; Szarzynska, Bogna; Szczesniak, Michal W; Jarmolowski, Artur; Szweykowska-Kulinska, Zofia; Karlowski, Wojciech M

2012-01-01

mirEX is a comprehensive platform for comparative analysis of primary microRNA expression data. RT-qPCR-based gene expression profiles are stored in a universal and expandable database scheme and wrapped by an intuitive user-friendly interface. A new way of accessing gene expression data in mirEX includes a simple mouse operated querying system and dynamic graphs for data mining analyses. In contrast to other publicly available databases, the mirEX interface allows a simultaneous comparison of expression levels between various microRNA genes in diverse organs and developmental stages. Currently, mirEX integrates information about the expression profile of 190 Arabidopsis thaliana pri-miRNAs in seven different developmental stages: seeds, seedlings and various organs of mature plants. Additionally, by providing RNA structural models, publicly available deep sequencing results, experimental procedure details and careful selection of auxiliary data in the form of web links, mirEX can function as a one-stop solution for Arabidopsis microRNA information. A web-based mirEX interface can be accessed at http://bioinfo.amu.edu.pl/mirex.

Fungal volatile compounds induce production of the secondary metabolite Sodorifen in Serratia plymuthica PRI-2C.

PubMed

Schmidt, Ruth; Jager, Victor de; Zühlke, Daniela; Wolff, Christian; Bernhardt, Jörg; Cankar, Katarina; Beekwilder, Jules; Ijcken, Wilfred van; Sleutels, Frank; Boer, Wietse de; Riedel, Katharina; Garbeva, Paolina

2017-04-13

The ability of bacteria and fungi to communicate with each other is a remarkable aspect of the microbial world. It is recognized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) act as communication signals, however the molecular responses by bacteria to fungal VOCs remain unknown. Here we perform transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of Serratia plymuthica PRI-2C exposed to VOCs emitted by the fungal pathogen Fusarium culmorum. We find that the bacterium responds to fungal VOCs with changes in gene and protein expression related to motility, signal transduction, energy metabolism, cell envelope biogenesis, and secondary metabolite production. Metabolomic analysis of the bacterium exposed to the fungal VOCs, gene cluster comparison, and heterologous co-expression of a terpene synthase and a methyltransferase revealed the production of the unusual terpene sodorifen in response to fungal VOCs. These results strongly suggest that VOCs are not only a metabolic waste but important compounds in the long-distance communication between fungi and bacteria.

Asymptotic Expansion Homogenization for Multiscale Nuclear Fuel Analysis

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

Hales, J. D.; Tonks, M. R.; Chockalingam, K.

2015-03-01

Engineering scale nuclear fuel performance simulations can benefit by utilizing high-fidelity models running at a lower length scale. Lower length-scale models provide a detailed view of the material behavior that is used to determine the average material response at the macroscale. These lower length-scale calculations may provide insight into material behavior where experimental data is sparse or nonexistent. This multiscale approach is especially useful in the nuclear field, since irradiation experiments are difficult and expensive to conduct. The lower length-scale models complement the experiments by influencing the types of experiments required and by reducing the total number of experiments needed.more » This multiscale modeling approach is a central motivation in the development of the BISON-MARMOT fuel performance codes at Idaho National Laboratory. These codes seek to provide more accurate and predictive solutions for nuclear fuel behavior. One critical aspect of multiscale modeling is the ability to extract the relevant information from the lower length-scale sim- ulations. One approach, the asymptotic expansion homogenization (AEH) technique, has proven to be an effective method for determining homogenized material parameters. The AEH technique prescribes a system of equations to solve at the microscale that are used to compute homogenized material constants for use at the engineering scale. In this work, we employ AEH to explore the effect of evolving microstructural thermal conductivity and elastic constants on nuclear fuel performance. We show that the AEH approach fits cleanly into the BISON and MARMOT codes and provides a natural, multidimensional homogenization capability.« less

RNA sequencing reveals significant miRNAs in Atypical endometrial hyperplasia.

PubMed

Tang, Shiqian; Dai, Yinmei

2018-06-01

In this paper, we aimed to investigate the miRNAs that played a regulatory role in the development of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH). RNA sequencing was performed for endometrial tissues from 3 AEH patients and 3 endometrial normal hyperplasia patients. RNA sequencing data were processed and differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified between AEH and controls. The target genes for DE miRNAs were identified and mapped to the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The miRNA related functions were predicted and miRNA-disease gene network was constructed. Total 18 DE miRNAs were overlapped in three sample groups, among which hsa-miR-577, hsa-miR-182-5p and hsa-miR-183-5p were top three miRNAs that targeting largest number of genes. Function analysis showed that the 18 overlapped miRNAs mainly related with cancer and signaling transduction related pathways. PPI network showed that total 12 genes were among top 20 genes based on three network topological features including BCL2, UMPS, MAPK13, PRKCB, CREB1, IGF1, SP1, SMAD3, IGF1R, NOTCH2, WNT5A, TK2. Top 10 miRNAs in miRNA-disease gene network were identified such as hsa-miR-577 (degree = 17), hsa-miR-182-5p (degree = 16) and hsa-miR-3609 (degree = 13). hsa-miR-577 and hsa-miR-182-5p may play regulatory role in AEH through AMPK signal pathway and Wnt signaling pathway. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Simple and High-Throughput Analysis of Amatoxins and Phallotoxins in Human Plasma, Serum and Urine Using UPLC-MS/MS Combined with PRiME HLB μElution Platform

PubMed Central

Zhang, Shuo; Zhao, Yunfeng; Li, Haijiao; Zhou, Shuang; Chen, Dawei; Zhang, Yizhe; Yao, Qunmei; Sun, Chengye

2016-01-01

Amatoxins and phallotoxins are toxic cyclopeptides found in the genus Amanita and are among the predominant causes of fatal food poisoning in China. In the treatment of Amanita mushroom poisoning, an early and definite diagnosis is necessary for a successful outcome, which has prompted the development of protocols for the fast and confirmatory determination of amatoxins and phallotoxins in human biological fluids. For this purpose, a simple, rapid and sensitive multiresidue UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of α-amanitin, β-amanitin, γ-amanitin, phalloidin (PHD) and phallacidin (PCD) in human plasma, serum and urine was developed and validated. The diluted plasma, serum and urine samples were directly purified with a novel PRiME technique on a 96-well μElution plate platform, which allowed high-throughput sample processing and low reagent consumption. After purification, a UPLC-MS/MS analysis was performed using positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. This method fulfilled the requirements of a validation test, with good results for the limit of detection (LOD), lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), accuracy, intra- and inter-assay precision, recovery and matrix effects. All of the analytes were confirmed and quantified in authentic plasma, serum and urine samples obtained from cases of poisoning using this method. Using the PRiME μElution technique for quantification reduces labor and time costs and represents a suitable method for routine toxicological and clinical emergency analysis. PMID:27153089

Development and validation of the San Diego Early Test Score to predict acute and early HIV infection risk in men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Hoenigl, Martin; Weibel, Nadir; Mehta, Sanjay R; Anderson, Christy M; Jenks, Jeffrey; Green, Nella; Gianella, Sara; Smith, Davey M; Little, Susan J

2015-08-01

Although men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a dominant risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the risk of HIV infection within this population is not uniform. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a score to estimate incident HIV infection risk. Adult MSM who were tested for acute and early HIV (AEH) between 2008 and 2014 were retrospectively randomized 2:1 to a derivation and validation dataset, respectively. Using the derivation dataset, each predictor associated with an AEH outcome in the multivariate prediction model was assigned a point value that corresponded to its odds ratio. The score was validated on the validation dataset using C-statistics. Data collected at a single HIV testing encounter from 8326 unique MSM were analyzed, including 200 with AEH (2.4%). Four risk behavior variables were significantly associated with an AEH diagnosis (ie, incident infection) in multivariable analysis and were used to derive the San Diego Early Test (SDET) score: condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) with an HIV-positive MSM (3 points), the combination of CRAI plus ≥5 male partners (3 points), ≥10 male partners (2 points), and diagnosis of bacterial sexually transmitted infection (2 points)-all as reported for the prior 12 months. The C-statistic for this risk score was >0.7 in both data sets. The SDET risk score may help to prioritize resources and target interventions, such as preexposure prophylaxis, to MSM at greatest risk of acquiring HIV infection. The SDET risk score is deployed as a freely available tool at http://sdet.ucsd.edu. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Primer synthesis by a eukaryotic-like archaeal primase is independent of its Fe-S cluster.

PubMed

Holzer, Sandro; Yan, Jiangyu; Kilkenny, Mairi L; Bell, Stephen D; Pellegrini, Luca

2017-11-23

DNA replication depends on primase, the specialised polymerase responsible for synthesis of the RNA primers that are elongated by the replicative DNA polymerases. In eukaryotic and archaeal replication, primase is a heterodimer of two subunits, PriS and PriL. Recently, a third primase subunit named PriX was identified in the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. PriX is essential for primer synthesis and is structurally related to the Fe-S cluster domain of eukaryotic PriL. Here we show that PriX contains a nucleotide-binding site required for primer synthesis, and demonstrate equivalence of nucleotide-binding residues in PriX with eukaryotic PriL residues that are known to be important for primer synthesis. A primase chimera, where PriX is fused to a truncated version of PriL lacking the Fe-S cluster domain retains wild-type levels of primer synthesis. Our evidence shows that PriX has replaced PriL as the subunit that endows primase with the unique ability to initiate nucleic acid synthesis. Importantly, our findings reveal that the Fe-S cluster is not required for primer synthesis.

Site-selective doping and superconductivity in (La1-yPry)(Ba2-xLax)Cu3O7+δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitzi, D. B.; Feffer, P. T.; Newsam, J. M.; Webb, D. J.; Klavins, P.; Jacobson, A. J.; Kapitulnik, A.

1988-10-01

Samples in the quaternary system (La1-yPry)(Ba2-xLax)Cu3O7+δ have been prepared and characterized using x-ray and neutron diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and transport and magnetic measurements. Pr substitutes on the oxygen-depleted La layers for y>0.0, while La substitutes on the Ba sites for x>0.0. The effect of doping on each site is inferred to be primarily local, affecting immediately adjacent Cu-O layers. The similar suppression of superconductivity that accompanies doping on each of the two distinct sites apparently correlates with the degree of oxidation of the Cu-O sheets (and not the chains), indicating that the sheets support the high temperature superconductivity. Comparison of orthorhombic and tetragonal samples with similar Ba:La ratios (and y=0) demonstrates that the orthorhombic phase yields the largest Meissner signals and highest transition temperatures in the La(Ba2-xLax)Cu3O7+δ system. The effect on superconductivity of oxygen-vacancy configuration in the Cu-O chain layers is proposed to derive, indirectly, from their influence on the Cu-O sheets. In addition, optimally superconducting La(Ba2-xLax)Cu3O7+δ samples exhibit interesting normal-state magnetic properties, with a paramagnetic susceptibility that decreases steadily with temperature between 350 K and Tc.

Expression of genes for microRNA-processing enzymes is altered in advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Sharma, Haveesh; Estep, Michael; Birerdinc, Aybike; Afendy, Arian; Moazzez, Amir; Elariny, Hazem; Goodman, Zachary; Chandhoke, Vikas; Baranova, Ancha; Younossi, Zobair M

2013-08-01

Recently, microRNAs (miRNA) have been linked to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). First transcribed as pri-miRNA, these molecules are further processed by a complex of endonuclear and cytosolic RNA binding molecules to form mature miRNAs. The aim of this study is to investigate mechanisms of miRNA regulation in the visceral adipose of obese NAFLD patients via measuring expression of miRNA processing enzymes and pri-miRNA. Total RNAs were extracted from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) samples collected from patients undergoing bariatric surgery. All patients had biopsy-proven NAFLD (NASH patients [n = 12] and non-NASH NAFLD [n = 12]). For each patient, we profiled mRNA levels for three miRNA processing elements (Drosha, DGCR8, and Dicer1) and seven pri-miRNAs (pri-miR-125b-2, pri-miR-16-2, pri-miR-26a-1, pri-miR-26a-2, pri-miR-7-1, pri-miR-7-2, and pri-miR-7-3). Expression of Dicer1, Drosha and DGCR8 was significantly increased within the NASH cohort along with expression of pri-miR-7-1. The presence of focal necrosis on the liver biopsy correlated significantly with levels of Dicer1 and DGRC8. Both NASH and ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes correlated negatively with the expression levels of hsa-miR-125b. Histologic NASH correlated positively with the expression levels of pri-miR-16-2 and pri-miR-7-1. The presence of the hepatocyte's ballooning degeneration in the liver biopsy correlated positively with pri-miR-26a-1 and pri-miR-7-1. The expression profile of pri-miR-125b-2 also correlated positively with body mass index. Our findings support the hypothesis that VAT-derived miRNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of NASH in obese patients. © 2013 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

In vivo pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces extracts with simvastatin.

PubMed

Showande, S J; Adegbolagun, O M; Igbinoba, S I; Fakeye, T O

2017-12-01

Increasing number of patients use herbs with their medications. Such practice may result in beneficial or harmful herb-drug interactions. A recent survey reported that some participants co-administered Hibiscus sabdariffa, a widely used beverage, or tea, with their antihyperlipidaemic medications. This study therefore evaluated the effect of concomitant administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces' extracts with simvastatin on hyperlipidaemia and pharmacokinetics of the drug in vivo. Factorial experimental designs were used to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and interactions between simvastatin and aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (AEHS) on lipid profile parameters in hyperlipidaemia-induced Wistar rats. Different combinations of low (AEHS 250 mg/kg; simvastatin 10 mg/kg) and high doses (AEHS 500 mg/kg; simvastatin 20 mg/kg) were administered individually and concurrently daily for 2 and 4 weeks. Lipid profile parameters were assessed at these treatment periods. Subsequently, the effect of aqueous beverage of Hibiscus sabdariffa (ABHS) on the pharmacokinetics of single-dose 40 mg simvastatin was also evaluated in six healthy human volunteers using two-period randomized crossover design. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times for 24 hours. The plasma obtained was analysed for simvastatin using RP-HPLC/UV method. Aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa reduced total cholesterol (T c ) better than simvastatin (P = .031). Low-dose AEHS and low-dose simvastatin used concomitantly caused 38.3% and 57.4% reductions in T c and triglyceride levels, respectively, compared with low-dose simvastatin (P < .05). Also, ABHS increased clearance and reduced peak concentration of simvastatin by 44.6% and 18.0%, respectively (P < .05). The geometric mean ratio of simvastatin AUC 0-∞ with or without ABHS was 0.646 with the 90% confidence interval (0.564, 0.758) falling outside the bioequivalent range. Aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa

Expression and characterization of hyperthermostable exo-polygalacturonase TtGH28 from Thermotoga thermophilus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The gene TtGH28 encoding a putative GH28 polygalacturonase from Pseudothermotoga thermarum DSM 5069 (Theth_0397, NCBI# AEH50492.1) was synthesized, expressed in E. coli, and characterized. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of gene product TtGH28 with other GH28 proteins whose structures and detai...

Patterns in Authoring of Adaptive Educational Hypermedia: A Taxonomy of Learning Styles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Elizabeth; Cristea, Alexandra; Stewart, Craig; Brailsford, Tim

2005-01-01

This paper describes the use of adaptation patterns in the task of formulating standards for adaptive educational hypermedia (AEH) systems that is currently under investigation by the EU ADAPT project. Within this project, design dimensions for high granularity patterns have been established. In this paper we focus on detailing lower granularity…

Constitutive changes in pigment concentrations: implications for estimating isoprene emissions using the photochemical reflectance index.

PubMed

Harris, Angela; Owen, Susan Margaret; Sleep, Darren; Pereira, Maria da Glória Dos Santos

2015-08-06

The photochemical reflectance index (PRI), through its relationship with light use efficiency (LUE) and xanthophyll cycle activity, has recently been shown to hold potential for tracking isoprene emissions from vegetation. However, both PRI and isoprene emissions can also be influenced by changes in carotenoid pigment concentrations. Xanthophyll cycle activity and changes in carotenoid concentrations operate over different timescales, but the importance of constitutive changes in pigment concentrations for accurately estimating isoprene emissions using PRI is unknown. To clarify the physiological mechanisms behind the PRI-isoprene relationship, the light environment of potted Salix viminalis (osier willow) trees was modified to induce acclimation in photosynthetic rates, phytopigments, isoprene emissions and PRI. Acclimation resulted in differences in pigment concentrations, isoprene emissions and PRI. Constitutive changes in carotenoid concentration were significantly correlated with both isoprene emissions and PRI, suggesting that the relationship between PRI and isoprene emissions is significantly influenced by constitutive pigment changes. Consequently knowledge regarding how isoprene emissions are affected by both longer term changes in total carotenoid concentrations and shorter term dynamic adjustments of LUE is required to facilitate interpretation of PRI for monitoring isoprene emissions. © 2015 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

Learning To Hope: A Study of the Adult Education for the Homeless Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drury, Darrel; Koloski, Judy

A comprehensive study of the Adult Education for the Homeless Program (AEH) was conducted using data from the following sources: program files; focus groups conducted with state project administrators; site visits to 9 local programs in 3 states; surveys of 32 state projects, 230 local programs, 588 service delivery sites, and 2,943 program…

Dynamics of spectral bio-indicators and their correlations with light use efficiency using directional observations at a Douglas-fir forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yen-Ben; Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Hilker, Thomas; Coops, Nicholas C.; Black, T. Andrew; Krishnan, Praveena

2009-09-01

The carbon science community must rely on satellite remote sensing to obtain global estimates of photosynthetic activity, typically expressed as net primary production (NPP), gross primary production (GPP) or light use efficiency (LUE). The photochemical reflectance index (PRI), calculated as a normalized difference reflectance index using a physiologically active green band (~531 nm) and another physiologically insensitive green reference band (~570 nm), denoted as PRI(570), has been confirmed in many studies as being strongly related to LUE. Here, we examined the potential of utilizing PRI(570) observations under different illumination conditions for canopy LUE estimation of a forest. In order to evaluate this, directional hyperspectral reflectance measurements were collected continuously throughout the daytime periods using an automated spectroradiometer in conjunction with tower-based eddy covariance fluxes and environmental measurements at a coastal conifer forest in British Columbia, Canada throughout the 2006 growing season. A parameter calculated as the PRI(570) difference (dPRI(570)) between shaded versus sunlit canopy foliage sectors showed a strong correlation to tower-based LUE. The seasonal pattern for this correlation produced a dramatic change from high negative (r ~ -0.80) values in the springtime and early fall to high positive values (r ~ 0.80) during the summer months, which could represent the seasonality of physiological characteristics and environmental factors. Although the PRI(570) successfully tracked canopy LUE, one or both of its green bands (~531 and 570 nm) used to calculate the PRI are unavailable on most existing and planned near-term satellites. Therefore, we examined the potential to use 24 other spectral indexes for LUE monitoring that might be correlated to PRI, and thereby a substitute for it. We also continued our previous investigations into the influence of illumination conditions on the observed PRI(570) and other indexes

Loop nucleotides control primary and mature miRNA function in target recognition and repression

PubMed Central

Yue, Si-Biao; Deis Trujillo, Robin; Tang, Yujie; O'Gorman, William E

2011-01-01

MicroRNA (miRNA) genes produce three major RNA products; primary (pri-), precursor (pre-), and mature miRNAs. Each product includes sequences complementary to cognate targets, thus they all can in principle interact with the targets. In a recent study we showed that pri-miRNAs play a direct role in target recognition and repression in the absence of functional mature miRNAs. Here we examined the functional contribution of pri-miRNAs in target regulation when full-length functional miRNAs are present. We found that pri-let-7 loop nucleotides control the production of the 5′ end of mature miRNAs and modulate the activity of the miRNA gene. This insight enabled us to modulate biogenesis of functional mature miRNAs and dissect the causal relationships between mature miRNA biogenesis and target repression. We demonstrate that both pri- and mature miRNAs can contribute to target repression and that their contributions can be distinguished by the differences between the pri- and mature miRNAs' sensitivity to bind to the first seed nucleotide. Our results demonstrate that the regulatory information encoded in the pri-/pre-miRNA loop nucleotides controls the activities of pri-miRNAs and mature let-7 by influencing pri-miRNA and target complex formation and the fidelity of mature miRNA seed generation. PMID:22142974

International Aerospace and Ground Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity Held in Dayton, Ohio on 24-26 June 1986

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-01

developed by the AEH Group has the advantages: of compactness which makes it easily transportable; computer controlled acquisi- tion, signal processing...be available to a negatively charged aircraft. The experimental arrangement attempts to simulate the streamer propagation and growth in a quasi ...separate foam configurations: the operational configuration of non - conductive foam and a second configuration which contained an experimental

Microprocessor dynamics and interactions at endogenous imprinted C19MC microRNA genes.

PubMed

Bellemer, Clément; Bortolin-Cavaillé, Marie-Line; Schmidt, Ute; Jensen, Stig Mølgaard Rask; Kjems, Jørgen; Bertrand, Edouard; Cavaillé, Jérôme

2012-06-01

Nuclear primary microRNA (pri-miRNA) processing catalyzed by the DGCR8-Drosha (Microprocessor) complex is highly regulated. Little is known, however, about how microRNA biogenesis is spatially organized within the mammalian nucleus. Here, we image for the first time, in living cells and at the level of a single microRNA cluster, the intranuclear distribution of untagged, endogenously-expressed pri-miRNAs generated at the human imprinted chromosome 19 microRNA cluster (C19MC), from the environment of transcription sites to single molecules of fully released DGCR8-bound pri-miRNAs dispersed throughout the nucleoplasm. We report that a large fraction of Microprocessor concentrates onto unspliced C19MC pri-miRNA deposited in close proximity to their genes. Our live-cell imaging studies provide direct visual evidence that DGCR8 and Drosha are targeted post-transcriptionally to C19MC pri-miRNAs as a preformed complex but dissociate separately. These dynamics support the view that, upon pri-miRNA loading and most probably concomitantly with Drosha-mediated cleavages, Microprocessor undergoes conformational changes that trigger the release of Drosha while DGCR8 remains stably bound to pri-miRNA.

Microprocessor Recruitment to Elongating RNA Polymerase II Is Required for Differential Expression of MicroRNAs.

PubMed

Church, Victoria A; Pressman, Sigal; Isaji, Mamiko; Truscott, Mary; Cizmecioglu, Nihal Terzi; Buratowski, Stephen; Frolov, Maxim V; Carthew, Richard W

2017-09-26

The cellular abundance of mature microRNAs (miRNAs) is dictated by the efficiency of nuclear processing of primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) into pre-miRNA intermediates. The Microprocessor complex of Drosha and DGCR8 carries this out, but it has been unclear what controls Microprocessor's differential processing of various pri-miRNAs. Here, we show that Drosophila DGCR8 (Pasha) directly associates with the C-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex when it is phosphorylated by the Cdk9 kinase (pTEFb). When association is blocked by loss of Cdk9 activity, a global change in pri-miRNA processing is detected. Processing of pri-miRNAs with a UGU sequence motif in their apical junction domain increases, while processing of pri-miRNAs lacking this motif decreases. Therefore, phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II recruits Microprocessor for co-transcriptional processing of non-UGU pri-miRNAs that would otherwise be poorly processed. In contrast, UGU-positive pri-miRNAs are robustly processed by Microprocessor independent of RNA polymerase association. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ESP Toolbox: A Computational Framework for Precise, Scale-Independent Analysis of Bulk Elastic and Seismic Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, S. E.; Vel, S. S.; Cook, A. C.; Song, W. J.; Gerbi, C. C.; Okaya, D. A.

2014-12-01

Owing to the abundance of highly anisotropic minerals in the crust, the Voigt and Reuss bounds on the seismic velocities can be separated by more than 1 km/s. These bounds are determined by modal mineralogy and crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) of the constituent minerals, but where the true velocities lie between these bounds is determined by other fabric parameters such as the shapes, shape-preferred orientations, and spatial arrangements of grains. Thus, the calculation of accurate bulk stiffness relies on explicitly treating the grain-scale heterogeneity, and the same principle applies at larger scales, for example calculating accurate bulk stiffness for a crustal volume with varying proportions and distributions of folds or shear zones. We have developed stand-alone GUI software - ESP Toolbox - for the calculation of 3D bulk elastic and seismic properties of heterogeneous and polycrystalline materials using image or EBSD data. The GUI includes a number of different homogenization techniques, including Voigt, Reuss, Hill, geometric mean, self-consistent and asymptotic expansion homogenization (AEH) methods. The AEH method, which uses a finite element mesh, is most accurate since it explicitly accounts for elastic interactions of constituent minerals/phases. The user need only specify the microstructure and material properties of the minerals/phases. We use the Toolbox to explore changes in bulk elasticity and related seismic anisotropy caused by specific variables, including: (a) the quartz alpha-beta phase change in rocks with varying proportions of quartz, (b) changes in modal mineralogy and CPO fabric that occur during progressive deformation and metamorphism, and (c) shear zones of varying thickness, abundance and geometry in continental crust. The Toolbox allows rapid sensitivity analysis around these and other variables, and the resulting bulk stiffness matrices can be used to populate volumes for synthetic wave propagation experiments that

Integrating Chlorophyll fapar and Nadir Photochemical Reflectance Index from EO-1/Hyperion to Predict Cornfield Daily Gross Primary Production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Qingyuan; Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Cheng, Yen-Ben; Huemmrich, K. Fred; Cook, Bruce D.; Corp, Lawrence A.; Kustas, William P.; Russ, Andrew L.; Prueger, John H.; Yao, Tian

2016-01-01

The concept of light use efficiency (Epsilon) and the concept of fraction of photosynthetically active ration (PAR) absorbed for vegetation photosynthesis (PSN), i.e., fAPAR (sub PSN), have been widely utilized to estimate vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP). It has been demonstrated that the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) is empirically related to e. An experimental US Department of Agriculture (USDA) cornfield in Maryland was selected as our study field. We explored the potential of integrating fAPAR(sub chl) (defined as the fraction of PAR absorbed by chlorophyll) and nadir PRI (PRI(sub nadir)) to predict cornfield daily GPP. We acquired nadir or near-nadir EO-1/Hyperion satellite images that covered the cornfield and took nadir in-situ field spectral measurements. Those data were used to derive the PRI(sub nadir) and fAPAR (sub chl). The fAPAR (sub chl) is retrieved with the advanced radiative transfer model PROSAIL2 and the Metropolis approach, a type of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation procedure. We define chlorophyll light use efficiency Epsilon (sub chl) as the ratio of vegetation GPP as measured by eddy covariance techniques to PAR absorbed by chlorophyll (Epsilon(sub chl) = GPP/APAR (sub chl). Daily Epsilon (sub chl) retrieved with the EO-1 Hyperion images was regressed with a linear equation of PRI (sub nadir) Epsilon (sub chl) = Alpha × PRI (sub nadir) + Beta). The satellite Epsilon(sub chl- PRI (sub nadir) linear relationship for the cornfield was implemented to develop an integrated daily GPP model [GPP = (Alpha × PRI(sub nadir) + Beta) × fAPAR (sub chl) × PAR], which was evaluated with fAPAR (sub chl) and PRI (sub nadir) retrieved from field measurements. Daily GPP estimated with this fAPAR (sub chl-) PRI (nadir) integration model was strongly correlated with the observed tower in-situ daily GPP (R(sup 2) = 0.93); with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.71 g C mol-(sup -1) PPFD and coefficient of variation (CV) of 16

Behavior and sensitivity of an optimal tree diameter growth model under data uncertainty

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2005-01-01

Using loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, white oak, and northern red oak as examples, this paper considers the behavior of potential relative increment (PRI) models of optimal tree diameter growth under data uncertainity. Recommendations on intial sample size and the PRI iteractive curve fitting process are provided. Combining different state inventories prior to PRI model...

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and Its Bioactive Constituents Exhibit Antiviral Activity against HSV-2 and Anti-enzymatic Properties against Urease by an ESI-MS Based Assay.

PubMed

Hassan, Sherif T S; Švajdlenka, Emil; Berchová-Bímová, Kateřina

2017-04-30

For decades, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and its phytochemicals have been shown to possess a wide range of pharmacologic properties. In this study, aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (AEHS) and its bioactive constituent protocatechuic acid (PCA), have been evaluated in vitro for their antiviral activity against HSV-2 clinical isolates and anti-enzymatic activity against urease. Antiherpetic activity was evaluated by the titer reduction assay in infected Vero cells, and cytotoxicity was evaluated by the neutral red dye-uptake method. Anti-urease activity was determined by a developed Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS)-based assay. PCA showed potent anti-HSV-2 activity compared with that of acyclovir, with EC 50 values of 0.92 and 1.43 µg∙mL -1 , respectively, and selectivity indices > 217 and > 140, respectively. For the first time, AEHS was shown to exert anti-urease inhibition activity, with an IC 50 value of 82.4 µg∙mL -1 . This, combined with its safety, could facilitate its use in practical applications as a natural urease inhibitor. Our results present Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and its bioactive compound PCA as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of HSV-2 infection and the treatment of diseases caused by urease-producing bacteria.

Evaluating the relationship between the photochemical reflectance index and the light use efficiency in a mangrove forest with Spartina alterniflora invasion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, C.; Wang, L.; Yang, S.

2017-12-01

Mangrove forest is an important component of wetland ecosystems, which has high productivity, strong carbon sequestration capacity and great ecological values. The light use efficiency (LUE) of photosynthesis is a major parameter for estimating plant productivity. Recent studies have shown that the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) has a strong relationship with LUE and the relationship is significantly influenced by plant species and environmental factors. In this paper, we evaluated the relationship between PRI and LUE for different mangrove species (Avicennia marina and Aegiceras corniculatum) and the effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion on the PRI-LUE relationship. The results showed that the LUE of mangroves had a good correlation with PRI, and the correlation of Avicennia marina was stronger than that of Aegiceras corniculatum. In addition, the invasion of Spartina alterniflora impaired the PRI-LUE relationship for both mangrove species.

Selective inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin/CBP signaling ameliorates hepatitis C virus-induced liver fibrosis in mouse model.

PubMed

Tokunaga, Yuko; Osawa, Yosuke; Ohtsuki, Takahiro; Hayashi, Yukiko; Yamaji, Kenzaburo; Yamane, Daisuke; Hara, Mitsuko; Munekata, Keisuke; Tsukiyama-Kohara, Kyoko; Hishima, Tsunekazu; Kojima, Soichi; Kimura, Kiminori; Kohara, Michinori

2017-03-23

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major causes of serious liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis. There are no anti-fibrotic drugs with efficacy against liver cirrhosis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of tissue fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a β-catenin/CBP (cyclic AMP response element binding protein) inhibitor on liver fibrosis. The anti-fibrotic activity of PRI-724, a selective inhibitor of β-catenin/CBP, was assessed in HCV GT1b transgenic mice at 18 months after HCV genome expression. PRI-724 was injected intraperitoneally or subcutaneously in these mice for 6 weeks. PRI-724 reduced liver fibrosis, which was indicated by silver stain, Sirius Red staining, and hepatic hydroxyproline levels, in HCV mice while attenuating αSMA induction. PRI-724 led to increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 mRNA in the liver, along with elevated levels of intrahepatic neutrophils and macrophages/monocytes. The induced intrahepatic neutrophils and macrophages/monocytes were identified as the source of MMP-8. In conclusion, PRI-724 ameliorated HCV-induced liver fibrosis in mice. We hypothesize that inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation and induction of fibrolytic cells expressing MMP-8 contribute to the anti-fibrotic effects of PRI-724. PRI-724 is a drug candidate which possesses anti-fibrotic effect.

Monitoring water stress and fruit quality in an orange orchard under regulated deficit irrigation using narrow-band structural and physiological remote sensing indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stagakis, S.; González-Dugo, V.; Cid, P.; Guillén-Climent, M. L.; Zarco-Tejada, P. J.

2012-07-01

This paper deals with the monitoring of water status and the assessment of the effect of stress on citrus fruit quality using structural and physiological remote sensing indices. Four flights were conducted over a citrus orchard in 2009 using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carrying a multispectral camera with six narrow spectral bands in the visible and near infrared. Physiological indices such as the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI570), a new structurally robust PRI formulation that uses the 515 nm as the reference band (PRI515), and a chlorophyll ratio (R700/R670) were compared against the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Renormalized Difference Vegetation Index (RDVI) and Modified Triangular Vegetation Index (MTVI) canopy structural indices for their performance in tracking water status and the effects of sustained water stress on fruit quality at harvest. The irrigation setup in the commercial orchard was compared against a treatment scheduled to satisfy full requirements (based on estimated crop evapotranspiration) using two regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies. The water status of the trees throughout the experiment was monitored with frequent field measurements of stem water potential (Ψx), while titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) were measured at harvest on selected trees from each irrigation treatment. The high spatial resolution of the multispectral imagery (30 cm pixel size) enabled identification of pure tree crown components, extracting the tree reflectance from shaded, sunlit and aggregated pixels. The physiological and structural indices were then calculated from each tree at the following levels: (i) pure sunlit tree crown, (ii) entire crown, aggregating the within-crown shadows, and (iii) simulating a lower resolution pixel, including tree crown, sunlit and shaded soil pixels. The resulting analysis demonstrated that both PRI formulations were able to track water status, except when water stress

Temperature Regulation of Shigella Virulence: Identification of Temperature-Regulated Shigella Invasion Genes by the Isolation of inv::lacZ Operon Fusions and the Characterization of the Virulence Gene Regulator virR

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-10

Partial nucleotide sequence of viri? clone pAEH122 102 14. Effects of VirR’ activity on Ipa expression 106 15. Sequencing strategy for the 2.3 kb EcoRl...Confluent monolayers of mammalian cells are challenged with virulent organisms and invasion and intercellular spread result in a cytopathic effect ...destruction of the mucosal surface and an inflammatory response ensues which mimics the effects of invasion and intercellular spread in the mucosa of the

Software Quality Measurement for Distributed Systems. Volume 3. Distributed Computing Systems: Impact on Software Quality.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

Distributed Computing Systems impact DrnwrR - aehR on Sotwar Quaity. PERFORMING 010. REPORT NUMBER 7. AUTNOW) S. CONTRACT OR GRANT "UMBER(*)IS ThomasY...C31 Application", "Space Systems Network", "Need for Distributed Database Management", and "Adaptive Routing". This is discussed in the last para ...data reduction, buffering, encryption, and error detection and correction functions. Examples of such data streams include imagery data, video

Trait differences between naturalized and invasive plant species independent of residence time and phylogeny

PubMed Central

Gallagher, R V; Randall, R P; Leishman, M R

2015-01-01

inclusion of quantitative traits, in particular SLA, into the WRA schemes. Diferencia de Características entre Especies de Plantas Naturalizadas e Invasoras Independientes del Tiempo de Residencia y de la Filogenia Resumen La habilidad para predecir cuáles plantas exóticas harán la transición de naturalizadas a invasoras antes de su introducción a regiones nuevas es un objetivo clave para la conservación y tiene el potencial de incrementar la eficiencia de la evaluación de riesgo de hierbas (ERH). Sin embargo, múltiples factores contribuyen al éxito invasor de las plantas (p. ej.: características funcionales, características de cobertura, tiempo de residencia, filogenia) y todos deben considerarse simultáneamente para poder identificar correlaciones significativas del éxito invasor. Recopilamos en Australia 146 parejas de especies de plantas invasoras y naturalizadas emparejadas filogenéticamente (congéneres) y con tiempos de residencia mínima similares (es decir, el tiempo transcurrido desde su introducción en años). Estas parejas se usaron para probar diferencias en cinco características funcionales (duración de la floración, tamaño de la hoja, altura máxima, área específica de la hoja [AEH], masa de la semilla) y en tres características de cobertura nativa de las especies (ocupación de bioma, temperatura media anual y amplitud de pluviosidad) entre especies invasoras y naturalizadas. Las especies invasoras, en promedio, tuvieron una mayor AEH, periodos de floración más largos y fueron más altas que sus parientes congéneres naturalizadas. Las invasoras también exhibieron una mayor tolerancia a diferentes condiciones ambientales en su cobertura nativa, donde ocuparon más biomas y una mayor amplitud de pluviosidad y condiciones de temperatura que sus congéneres naturalizadas. Sin embargo, ni la masa de la semilla ni el tamaño de hoja difirieron entre las parejas de especies naturalizadas e invasoras. Un hallazgo relevante fue el papel de

Photoperiod and temperature constraints on the relationship between the photochemical reflectance index and the light use efficiency of photosynthesis in Pinus strobus.

PubMed

Fréchette, Emmanuelle; Chang, Christine Yao-Yun; Ensminger, Ingo

2016-03-01

The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) is a proxy for the activity of the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle and photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE) in plants. Evergreen conifers downregulate photosynthesis in autumn in response to low temperature and shorter photoperiod, and the dynamic xanthophyll cycle-mediated non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is replaced by sustained NPQ. We hypothesized that this shift in xanthophyll cycle-dependent energy partitioning during the autumn is the cause for variations in the PRI-LUE relationship. In order to test our hypothesis, we characterized energy partitioning and pigment composition during a simulated summer-autumn transition in a conifer and assessed the effects of temperature and photoperiod on the PRI-LUE relationship. We measured gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf reflectance during the photosynthetic downregulation in Pinus strobus L. seedlings exposed to low temperature/short photoperiod or elevated temperature/short photoperiod conditions. Shifts in energy partitioning during simulated autumn were observed when the pools of chlorophylls decreased and pools of photoprotective carotenoids increased. On a seasonal timescale, PRI was controlled by carotenoid pool sizes rather than xanthophyll cycle dynamics. Photochemical reflectance index variation under cold autumn conditions mainly reflected long-term pigment pool adjustments associated with sustained NPQ, which impaired the PRI-LUE relationship. Exposure to warm autumn conditions prevented the induction of sustained NPQ but still impaired the PRI-LUE relationship. We therefore conclude that alternative zeaxanthin-independent NPQ mechanisms, which remain undetected by the PRI, are present under both cold and warm autumn conditions, contributing to the discrepancy in the PRI-LUE relationship during autumn. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Novel determinants of mammalian primary microRNA processing revealed by systematic evaluation of hairpin-containing transcripts and human genetic variation

PubMed Central

Roden, Christine; Gaillard, Jonathan; Kanoria, Shaveta; Rennie, William; Barish, Syndi; Cheng, Jijun; Pan, Wen; Liu, Jun; Cotsapas, Chris; Ding, Ye; Lu, Jun

2017-01-01

Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) are processed from hairpin-containing primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs). However, rules that distinguish pri-miRNAs from other hairpin-containing transcripts in the genome are incompletely understood. By developing a computational pipeline to systematically evaluate 30 structural and sequence features of mammalian RNA hairpins, we report several new rules that are preferentially utilized in miRNA hairpins and govern efficient pri-miRNA processing. We propose that a hairpin stem length of 36 ± 3 nt is optimal for pri-miRNA processing. We identify two bulge-depleted regions on the miRNA stem, located ∼16–21 nt and ∼28–32 nt from the base of the stem, that are less tolerant of unpaired bases. We further show that the CNNC primary sequence motif selectively enhances the processing of optimal-length hairpins. We predict that a small but significant fraction of human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) alter pri-miRNA processing, and confirm several predictions experimentally including a disease-causing mutation. Our study enhances the rules governing mammalian pri-miRNA processing and suggests a diverse impact of human genetic variation on miRNA biogenesis. PMID:28087842

Antitumor properties of (5E,7E) analogs of vitamin D3.

PubMed

Filip, B; Milczarek, M; Wietrzyk, J; Chodyński, M; Kutner, A

2010-07-01

Geometric isomers (5E,7E) of major active metabolites of vitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3 and (24R)-1,24(OH)2D3] were synthesized by a new convenient procedure. Vitamin D triene system of the metabolites was first derivatized as a Diels-Alder adduct. Removal of the triene protecting group, in a key synthetic step, yielded the title compounds PRI-2208 and PRI-2209, respectively. The analogs were examined for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. The activity was compared with one of the parent compounds. Both analogs examined revealed similar or higher antiproliferative activity compared to 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 or to (24R)-1,24(OH)2D3. The studies of calcemic activity in vivo showed that analogs PRI-2208 and PRI-2209 did not influence the serum calcium level in doses, in which 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 or (24R)-1,24(OH)2D3 significantly increased this level. The antitumor activity of these analogs in the LLC mice tumor model was studied. Analog PRI-2208 was found to be more active in inhibiting LLC tumor growth than 1alpha,25(OH)2D3, as well as than PRI-2191 and PRI-2209. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Compliance with process indicators in people with type 2 diabetes and linking incentives in Primary Care].

PubMed

Pascual de la Pisa, Beatriz; Márquez Calzada, Cristina; Cuberos Sánchez, Carla; Cruces Jiménez, José Miguel; Fernández Gamaza, Manuel; Martínez Martínez, María Isabel

2015-03-01

Pay-for-performance programs to improve the quality of health care are extending gradually, particularly en Primary Health Care. Our aim was to explore the relationship between the degree of compliance with the process indicators (PrI) of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Primary Care and linkage to incentives. Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. Six Primary Health Care centers in Seville Aljarafe District randomly selected and stratified by population size. From 3.647 adults included in Integrated Healthcare Process of T2DM during 2008, 366 patients were included according sample size calculation by stratified random sampling. PrI: eye and feet examination, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, microalbuminuria and electrocardiogram. Confounding: Age, gender, characteristics town for patients and professional variables. The mean age was 66.36 years (standard deviation [DE]: 11,56); 48.9% were women. PrI with better compliance were feet examination, glycated hemoglobin and lipid profile (59.6%, 44.3% and 44%, respectively). 2.7% of patients had simultaneous compliance of the six PrI and 11.74% of patients three PrI linkage to incentives. Statistical association was observed in the compliance of the PrI incentives linked or not (P=.001). The degree of compliance with the PrI for screening chronic complications of T2DM is mostly low but this was higher on indicators linked to incentives. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Cellular Response to a Novel Fetal Acellular Collagen Matrix: Implications for Tissue Regeneration

PubMed Central

Rennert, Robert C.; Garg, Ravi K.; Gurtner, Geoffrey C.

2013-01-01

Introduction. PriMatrix (TEI Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, USA) is a novel acellular collagen matrix derived from fetal bovine dermis that is designed for use in partial- and full-thickness wounds. This study analyzes the cellular response to PriMatrix in vivo, as well as the ability of this matrix to facilitate normal tissue regeneration. Methods. Five by five mm squares of rehydrated PriMatrix were implanted in a subcutaneous fashion on the dorsum of wild-type mice. Implant site tissue was harvested for histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometric analyses at multiple time points until day 28. Results. PriMatrix implants were found to go through a biological progression initiated by a transient infiltrate of inflammatory cells, followed by mesenchymal cell recruitment and vascular development. IHC analysis revealed that the majority of the implanted fetal dermal collagen fibers persisted through day 28 but underwent remodeling and cellular repopulation to form tissue with a density and morphology consistent with healthy dermis. Conclusions. PriMatrix implants undergo progressive in vivo remodeling, facilitating the regeneration of histologically normal tissue through a mild inflammatory and progenitor cell response. Regeneration of normal tissue is especially important in a wound environment, and these findings warrant further investigation of PriMatrix in this setting. PMID:23970899

Cellular response to a novel fetal acellular collagen matrix: implications for tissue regeneration.

PubMed

Rennert, Robert C; Sorkin, Michael; Garg, Ravi K; Januszyk, Michael; Gurtner, Geoffrey C

2013-01-01

Introduction. PriMatrix (TEI Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, USA) is a novel acellular collagen matrix derived from fetal bovine dermis that is designed for use in partial- and full-thickness wounds. This study analyzes the cellular response to PriMatrix in vivo, as well as the ability of this matrix to facilitate normal tissue regeneration. Methods. Five by five mm squares of rehydrated PriMatrix were implanted in a subcutaneous fashion on the dorsum of wild-type mice. Implant site tissue was harvested for histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometric analyses at multiple time points until day 28. Results. PriMatrix implants were found to go through a biological progression initiated by a transient infiltrate of inflammatory cells, followed by mesenchymal cell recruitment and vascular development. IHC analysis revealed that the majority of the implanted fetal dermal collagen fibers persisted through day 28 but underwent remodeling and cellular repopulation to form tissue with a density and morphology consistent with healthy dermis. Conclusions. PriMatrix implants undergo progressive in vivo remodeling, facilitating the regeneration of histologically normal tissue through a mild inflammatory and progenitor cell response. Regeneration of normal tissue is especially important in a wound environment, and these findings warrant further investigation of PriMatrix in this setting.

Retrieval of the photochemical reflectance index for assessing xanthophyll cycle activity: a comparison of near-surface optical sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, A.; Gamon, J.; Pastorello, G. Z.; Wong, C.

2014-08-01

Unattended optical sensors are increasingly being deployed on eddy covariance flux towers and are often used to complement existing vegetation and micrometeorological measurements to enable assessment of biophysical states and biogeochemical processes over a range of spatial scales. Of particular interest are sensors that can measure the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), which can provide information pertaining to leaf pigments and photosynthetic activity. This interest has facilitated the production of a new range of lower-cost sensors specifically designed to measure temporal changes in the PRI signal. However, little is known about the characteristics (spectral, radiometric and temporal) of many of these PRI sensors, making it difficult to compare data obtained from these sensors across time, geographical locations and instruments. Furthermore, direct testing of the capability of these sensors to actually detect the conversion of the xanthophyll cycle, which is the original biological basis of the PRI diurnal signal, is largely absent, which often results in an unclear interpretation of the signal, particularly given the wide range of factors now known to influence PRI. Through a series of experiments, we assess the sensitivity of one of the leading brands of PRI sensor (Skye SKR 1800) to changes in vegetation photosynthetic activity in response to changing irradiance. We compare the results with those obtained using a more expensive industry-standard spectrometer (PP-systems UniSpec) and determine the radiometric compatibility of measurements made by the different instruments. Results suggest that the lower cost SKR 1800 instrument is able to track rapid (seconds to minutes) and more gradual diurnal changes in photosynthetic activity associated with xanthophyll cycle pigment conversion. Measurements obtained from both the high and lower cost instrument were significantly linearly correlated but were subject to a large systematic bias, illustrating that

Detecting Soil Moisture Related Impacts on Gross Primary Productivity using the MODIS-based Photochemical Reflectance Index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, M.; Kimball, J. S.; Running, S. W.; Ballantyne, A.; Guan, K.; Huemmrich, K. F.

2016-12-01

Satellite remote sensing provides continuous observations of vegetation properties that can be used to estimate ecosystem gross primary production (GPP). The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) has been shown to be sensitive to photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE), GPP and canopy water-stress. The NASA EOS MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor provides potential PRI estimation globally at daily time step and 1-km spatial resolution for more than 10 years. Here, we use the MODIS based PRI with eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements and meteorological observations from 20 tower sites representing 5 major plant functional types (PFT) within the continental USA (CONUS) to assess GPP sensitivity to seasonal water supply variability. The sPRI (scaled PRI) derived using MODIS band 13 as a reference band (sPRI13) generally shows higher correspondence with tower GPP observations than other potential MODIS reference bands (MODIS band 1, 4, 10 and 12). The sPRI13 was used to represent soil moisture related water supply constraints to LUE within a terrestrial carbon flux model to estimate GPP (GPPPRI). The GPPPRI calculations show generally strong relationships with tower GPP observations (0.457 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.818), except for lower GPPPRI performance over evergreen needleleaf forest (ENF) sites. A regional model sensitivity analysis using the sPRI13 as a proxy for soil moisture related water supply limits indicated that water restrictions limit GPP over more than 21% of the CONUS domain, particularly in northwest and southwest CONUS subregions, and drier climate areas where atmospheric moisture deficits (VPD) alone are insufficient to represent both atmosphere demand and soil water supply controls affecting productivity. Our results indicate strong potential of the MODIS sPRI13 to represent GPP sensitivity to seasonal soil moisture related water supply variability, with enhanced (1-km resolution) delineation of these processes closer to the scale of

Microprocessor depends on hemin to recognize the apical loop of primary microRNA

PubMed Central

Park, Joha; Dang, Thi Lieu; Choi, Yeon-Gil; Kim, V Narry

2018-01-01

Abstract Microprocessor, which consists of a ribonuclease III DROSHA and its cofactor DGCR8, initiates microRNA (miRNA) maturation by cleaving primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs). We recently demonstrated that the DGCR8 dimer recognizes the apical elements of pri-miRNAs, including the UGU motif, to accurately locate and orient Microprocessor on pri-miRNAs. However, the mechanism underlying the selective RNA binding remains unknown. In this study, we find that hemin, a ferric ion-containing porphyrin, enhances the specific interaction between the apical UGU motif and the DGCR8 dimer, allowing Microprocessor to achieve high efficiency and fidelity of pri-miRNA processing in vitro. Furthermore, by generating a DGCR8 mutant cell line and carrying out rescue experiments, we discover that hemin preferentially stimulates the expression of miRNAs possessing the UGU motif, thereby conferring differential regulation of miRNA maturation. Our findings reveal the molecular action mechanism of hemin in pri-miRNA processing and establish a novel function of hemin in inducing specific RNA-protein interaction. PMID:29750274

Microprocessor depends on hemin to recognize the apical loop of primary microRNA.

PubMed

Nguyen, Tuan Anh; Park, Joha; Dang, Thi Lieu; Choi, Yeon-Gil; Kim, V Narry

2018-06-20

Microprocessor, which consists of a ribonuclease III DROSHA and its cofactor DGCR8, initiates microRNA (miRNA) maturation by cleaving primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs). We recently demonstrated that the DGCR8 dimer recognizes the apical elements of pri-miRNAs, including the UGU motif, to accurately locate and orient Microprocessor on pri-miRNAs. However, the mechanism underlying the selective RNA binding remains unknown. In this study, we find that hemin, a ferric ion-containing porphyrin, enhances the specific interaction between the apical UGU motif and the DGCR8 dimer, allowing Microprocessor to achieve high efficiency and fidelity of pri-miRNA processing in vitro. Furthermore, by generating a DGCR8 mutant cell line and carrying out rescue experiments, we discover that hemin preferentially stimulates the expression of miRNAs possessing the UGU motif, thereby conferring differential regulation of miRNA maturation. Our findings reveal the molecular action mechanism of hemin in pri-miRNA processing and establish a novel function of hemin in inducing specific RNA-protein interaction.

Integrating Solar Induced Fluorescence and the Photochemical Reflectance Index for Estimating Gross Primary Production in a Cornfield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Yen-Ben; Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Zhang, Qingyuan; Huemmrich, Karl F.; Campbell, Petya K. E.; Corp, Lawrence A.; Cook, Bruce D.; Kustas, William P.; Daughtry, Criag S.

2013-01-01

The utilization of remotely sensed observations for light use efficiency (LUE) and tower-based gross primary production (GPP) estimates was studied in a USDA cornfield. Nadir hyperspectral reflectance measurements were acquired at canopy level during a collaborative field campaign conducted in four growing seasons. The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and solar induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), were derived. SIF retrievals were accomplished in the two telluric atmospheric oxygen absorption features centered at 688 nm (O2-B) and 760 nm (O2-A). The PRI and SIF were examined in conjunction with GPP and LUE determined by flux tower-based measurements. All of these fluxes, environmental variables, and the PRI and SIF exhibited diurnal as well as day-to-day dynamics across the four growing seasons. Consistent with previous studies, the PRI was shown to be related to LUE (r2 = 0.54 with a logarithm fit), but the relationship varied each year. By combining the PRI and SIF in a linear regression model, stronger performances for GPP estimation were obtained. The strongest relationship (r2 = 0.80, RMSE = 0.186 mg CO2/m2/s) was achieved when using the PRI and SIF retrievals at 688 nm. Cross-validation approaches were utilized to demonstrate the robustness and consistency of the performance. This study highlights a GPP retrieval method based entirely on hyperspectral remote sensing observations.

Subepidermal moisture detection of heel pressure injury: The pressure ulcer detection study outcomes.

PubMed

Bates-Jensen, Barbara M; McCreath, Heather E; Nakagami, Gojiro; Patlan, Anabel

2018-04-01

We examined subepidermal moisture (SEM) and visual skin assessment of heel pressure injury (PrI) among 417 nursing home residents in 19 facilities over 16 weeks. Participants were older (mean age 77 years), 58% were female, over half were ethnic minorities (29% African American, 12% Asian American, 21% Hispanic), and at risk for PrI (mean Braden Scale Risk score = 15.6). Blinded concurrent visual assessments and SEM measurements were obtained at heels weekly. Visual skin damage was categorised as normal, erythema, stage 1 PrI, deep tissue injury (DTI) or stage 2 or greater PrI. PrI incidence was 76%. Off-loading occurred with pillows (76% of residents) rather than heel boots (21%) and often for those with DTI (91%). Subepidermal moisture was measured with a device where higher readings indicate greater moisture (range: 0-70 tissue dielectric constant), with normal skin values significantly different from values in the presence of skin damage. Subepidermal moisture was associated with concurrent damage and damage 1 week later in generalised multinomial logistic models adjusting for age, diabetes and function. Subepidermal moisture detected DTI and differentiated those that resolved, remained and deteriorated over 16 weeks. Subepidermal moisture may be an objective method for detecting PrI. © 2017 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Photochemical Reflectance Index from Directional Cornfield Reflectances: Observations and Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Yen-Ben; Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Zhang, Qingyuan; Corp, Lawrence A.; Dandois, Jonathan; Kustas, William P.

2012-01-01

The two-layer Markov chain Analytical Canopy Reflectance Model (ACRM) was linked with in situ hyperspectral leaf optical properties to simulate the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) for a corn crop canopy at three different growth stages. This is an extended study after a successful demonstration of PRI simulations for a cornfield previously conducted at an early vegetative growth stage. Consistent with previous in situ studies, sunlit leaves exhibited lower PRI values than shaded leaves. Since sunlit (shaded) foliage dominates the canopy in the reflectance hotspot (coldspot), the canopy PRI derived from field hyperspectral observations displayed sensitivity to both view zenith angle and relative azimuth angle at all growth stages. Consequently, sunlit and shaded canopy sectors were most differentiated when viewed along the azimuth matching the solar principal plane. These directional PRI responses associated with sunlit/shaded foliage were successfully reproduced by the ACRM. As before, the simulated PRI values from the current study were closer to in situ values when both sunlit and shaded leaves were utilized as model input data in a two-layer mode, instead of a one-layer mode with sunlit leaves only. Model performance as judged by correlation between in situ and simulated values was strongest for the mature corn crop (r = 0.87, RMSE = 0.0048), followed by the early vegetative stage (r = 0.78; RMSE = 0.0051) and the early senescent stage (r = 0.65; RMSE = 0.0104). Since the benefit of including shaded leaves in the scheme varied across different growth stages, a further analysis was conducted to investigate how variable fractions of sunlit/shaded leaves affect the canopy PRI values expected for a cornfield, with implications for 20 remote sensing monitoring options. Simulations of the sunlit to shaded canopy ratio near 50/50 +/- 10 (e.g., 60/40) matching field observations at all growth stages were examined. Our results suggest in the importance of the

Utilizing In Situ Directional Hyperspectral Measurements to Validate Bio-Indicator Simulations for a Corn Crop Canopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Yen-Ben; Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Huemmrich, Karl F.; Zhang, Qingyuan; Campbell, Petya K. E.; Corp, Lawrence A.; Russ, Andrew L.; Kustas, William P.

2010-01-01

Two radiative transfer canopy models, SAIL and the two-layer Markov-Chain Canopy Reflectance Model (MCRM), were coupled with in situ leaf optical properties to simulate canopy-level spectral band ratio vegetation indices with the focus on the photochemical reflectance index in a cornfield. In situ hyperspectral measurements were made at both leaf and canopy levels. Leaf optical properties were obtained from both sunlit and shaded leaves. Canopy reflectance was acquired for eight different relative azimuth angles (psi) at three different view zenith angles (Theta (sub v)), and later used to validate model outputs. Field observations of photochemical reflectance index (PRI) for sunlit leaves exhibited lower values than shaded leaves, indicating higher light stress. Canopy PRI expressed obvious sensitivity to viewing geometry, as a function of both Theta (sub v) and psi . Overall, simulations from MCRM exhibited better agreements with in situ values than SAIL. When using only sunlit leaves as input, the MCRM-simulated PRI values showed satisfactory correlation and RMSE, as compared to in situ values. However, the performance of the MCRM model was significantly improved after defining a lower canopy layer comprised of shaded leaves beneath the upper sunlit leaf layer. Four other widely used band ratio vegetation indices were also studied and compared with the PRI results. MCRM simulations were able to generate satisfactory simulations for these other four indices when using only sunlit leaves as input; but unlike PRI, adding shaded leaves did not improve the performance of MCRM. These results support the hypothesis that the PRI is sensitive to physiological dynamics while the others detect static factors related to canopy structure. Sensitivity analysis was performed on MCRM in order to better understand the effects of structure related parameters on the PRI simulations. Leaf area index (LAI) showed the most significant impact on MCRM-simulated PRI among the parameters

Retrieval of the photochemical reflectance index for assessing xanthophyll cycle activity: a comparison of near-surface optical sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, A.; Gamon, J. A.; Pastorello, G. Z.; Wong, C. Y. S.

2014-11-01

Unattended optical sensors are increasingly being deployed on eddy covariance flux towers and are often used to complement existing vegetation and micrometeorological measurements to enable assessment of biophysical states and biogeochemical processes over a range of spatial scales. Of particular interest are sensors that can measure the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), which can provide information pertaining to leaf pigments and photosynthetic activity. This interest has facilitated the production of a new range of lower-cost multispectral sensors specifically designed to measure temporal changes in the PRI signal. However, little is known about the characteristics (spectral, radiometric and temporal) of many of these PRI sensors, making it difficult to compare data obtained from these sensors across time, geographical locations and instruments. Furthermore, direct testing of the capability of these sensors to actually detect the conversion of the xanthophyll cycle, which is the original biological basis of the PRI diurnal signal, is largely absent, often resulting in an unclear interpretation of the signal, particularly given the wide range of factors now known to influence PRI. Through a series of experiments, we assess the sensitivity of one of the leading brands of PRI sensor (Skye SKR 1800) to changes in vegetation photosynthetic activity in response to changing irradiance. We compare the results with those obtained using a more expensive industry-standard visible to near-infrared hyperspectral spectrometer (PP Systems UniSpec) and determine the radiometric compatibility of measurements made by the different instruments. Results suggest that the SKR 1800 instrument is able to track rapid (seconds to minutes) and more gradual diurnal changes in photosynthetic activity associated with xanthophyll cycle pigment conversion. Measurements obtained from both the high and lower cost instrument were significantly linearly correlated but were subject to a large

Tower Based Measurements of Bio-indicators Over the Growing Season at a Mature Douglas-fir Coniferous Forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Y.; Hilker, T.; Middleton, E. M.; Coops, N. C.; Black, T. A.; Krishnan, P.

2007-12-01

The use of remotely sensed measurements collected by satellite, aircraft, and ground instruments to improve our understanding of ecological and hydrological processes were successfully demonstrated through the First International Satellite Land Surface Climatology (ISLSCP) Field Experiment [FIFE] and the BOReal Ecosystem- Atmosphere Study [BOREAS]. Following the concept of FIFE and BOREAS, we analyzed hyperspectral reflectance measurements collected at a coastal forest in British Columbia, Canada through the 2006 growing season. Diurnal and seasonal dynamics of the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), a normalized difference spectral band-ratio index based on the xanthophyll signal at 531 nm which expresses protective responses to high light stress, were studied. This index has been shown to correlate with photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE), an essential variable to model carbon uptake efficiency by plants. The measurements were collected from an automated system mounted on a flux tower under different sun and view geometries and atmospheric conditions through the 2006 growing season. Canopy structure was modeled using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, from which the sunlit and shaded canopy fractions were calculated as a function of incoming photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). These automated directional observations allowed us to: 1) investigate diurnal and seasonal changes of the PRI under different sky conditions; 2) compare the PRI with tower-based micro-meteorological measurements; and 3) separately investigate the PRI dynamics for sunlit and shaded partitions of the canopy which differ in response to their light environments. The data were categorized into six different groups based on two sky conditions (sunny and cloudy) and three illumination conditions (sunlit, shaded and intermediate). PRI showed a clear correlation with the LiDAR-based shadow fraction estimates. In April, the commencement of the growing season, clear

Light Use Efficiency and Photochemical Reflectance Index: do we have a common basis defining them? Implications for productivity estimation (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gitelson, A. A.; Gamon, J. A.

2013-12-01

There are at least three commonly used definitions of photosynthetic Light Use Efficiency (LUE) based on: (a) incident radiation (LUEinc); (b) total absorbed light (LUEtotal); and (c) radiation absorbed by photosynthetically active vegetation (LUEps). Consequently, LUE values reported do not have a common basis, bringing confusion and limiting the utility of reported LUE values for comparative analyses. Not surprisingly, the value of LUE reported in literature varies by a factor of three. Similarly, the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) has different operational definitions, resulting in a wide range of reported values for comparable conditions. The objectives of this paper are to investigate (a) temporal behavior of each definition of LUE; and (b) factors affecting PRI, often used as a surrogate of LUE at leaf and canopy levels. We focused on annual and winter-deciduous vegetation where total chlorophyll content is closely tied to the seasonal dynamics of GPP. In these conditions, LUEinc is closely related to total plant chlorophyll (Chl) content. LUEtotal oscillates around a constant value during the vegetative stage, depending mainly on plant physiological status, PAR composition and magnitude, while in reproductive and senescence stages it relates closely to Chl content. LUEps may vary 2- to 3-fold during the growing season with no clear seasonal pattern, and does not seem to be related to any biophysical characteristic studied; rather, it depends on the physiological status of vegetation, PAR composition and magnitude as well as air temperature and soil moisture. At the leaf level, PRI depends greatly on pigment content and composition and relates closely to the ratio of Chl to carotenoid content. At the canopy and stand levels, both total plant Chl content and green LAI are responsible for more than 95% of PRI variation, demonstrating that PRI is confounded by pigment pool sizes and canopy structure in these conditions. Importantly, the close relationship

Acellular fetal bovine dermal matrix for treatment of chronic ulcerations of the midfoot associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy.

PubMed

Kavros, Steven J

2012-08-01

Gross deformity of the foot in Charcot neuroarthropathy can lead to collapse and subsequent ulceration, infection, amputation, or premature death. This study evaluated healing of midfoot ulcerations of Charcot neuroarthropathy using PriMatrix, a novel acellular fetal bovine dermal matrix. In this retrospective analysis, 20 patients with ulcerations of the midfoot associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy were treated with either PriMatrix in addition to standard wound care (PriMatrix group,n = 12) or standard wound care alone (control group, n = 8). All patients had chronic, nonhealing foot ulcerations of at least 2250 mm(3) for a minimum of 30 days duration. All foot ulcerations were full thickness with subcutaneous involvement. Ankle brachial index ≥0.90 and/or transcutaneous oximetry (TcPo(2)) ≥40 mm Hg at the periulcer site was necessary for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they had acute or chronic osteomyelitis of the foot. Demography, risk factors, baseline severity of Charcot neuroarthropathy, and wound volume (control 4078 mm(3), PriMatrix 3737.5 mm(3), P = nonsignificant) were similar between treatment groups. Mean time to healing in the PriMatrix group (116 days, 95% CI = 109-123) was significantly shorter than in the control group (180 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 171-188); P < .0001. A significantly faster rate of healing was observed with PriMatrix (87.9 mm(3)/wk, 95% CI = 115.2% to 60.6%) compared with control (59.0 mm(3)/wk, 95% CI = 72.8% to 45.3%); P < .0001). The significantly faster rate of healing and steeper slope of volume reduction in the PriMatrix group warrants further investigation into its effects on healing of neuropathic ulcerations and potential limb salvage.

A new method to evaluate patient characteristic response to ultrafiltration during hemodialysis.

PubMed

Casagrande, G; Teatini, U; Romei Longhena, G; Miglietta, F; Fumero, R; Costantino, M L

2007-05-01

Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis of dialysis discomfort interfering with optimal fluid removal and reducing the efficacy of the treatment; the most important one is a decrease in blood volume caused by an imbalance between ultrafiltration (UF) and plasmarefilling (PR) rates. This study is aimed at devising a method to tailor the dialysis therapy to each individual patient, by analyzing the relationship between PR and UF during the sessions in stable patients and widening the knowledge of fluid exchanges during the treatment. Thirty stable patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled. Three dialysis sessions were monitored for each patient; systemic pressure, blood composition, blood volume % variation, weight loss and conductivity were recorded repeatedly. A Plasma Refilling Index (PRI), defined and calculated by means of parameters measured throughout the dialysis, was introduced as a novel instrument to study plasma refilling phenomena. Results. The PRI provides understanding of patient response (in terms of plasma refilling) to the set UF. In the monitored sessions, the PRI trend is found to be characteristic of each patient; a PRI course that is at variance with the characteristic trend is a signal of inadequate or unusual dialysis scheduling. Moreover, statistical analysis highlights two different PRI trends during the first hour and during the rest of the treatment, suggesting the presence of different treatment phases. The main advantage of the PRI index is that it is non-invasive peculiar to each patient and easy to compute in a dialysis routine based on online data recorded by the monitor. A deviation from the characteristic trend may be a warning for the clinician. The analysis of the PRI trend also suggests how to modulate UF as a function of interstitial to intravascular fluid removal balance during dialysis.

Spectral determination of concentrations of functionally diverse pigments in increasingly complex arctic tundra canopies.

PubMed

Boelman, Natalie T; Magney, Troy S; Logan, Barry A; Griffin, Kevin L; Eitel, Jan U H; Greaves, Heather; Prager, Case M; Vierling, Lee A

2016-09-01

As the Arctic warms, tundra vegetation is becoming taller and more structurally complex, as tall deciduous shrubs become increasingly dominant. Emerging studies reveal that shrubs exhibit photosynthetic resource partitioning, akin to forests, that may need accounting for in the "big leaf" net ecosystem exchange models. We conducted a lab experiment on sun and shade leaves from S. pulchra shrubs to determine the influence of both constitutive (slowly changing bulk carotenoid and chlorophyll pools) and facultative (rapidly changing xanthophyll cycle) pigment pools on a suite of spectral vegetation indices, to devise a rapid means of estimating within canopy resource partitioning. We found that: (1) the PRI of dark-adapted shade leaves (PRIo) was double that of sun leaves, and that PRIo was sensitive to variation among sun and shade leaves in both xanthophyll cycle pool size (V + A + Z) (r (2) = 0.59) and Chla/b (r (2) = 0.64); (2) A corrected PRI (difference between dark and illuminated leaves, ΔPRI) was more sensitive to variation among sun and shade leaves in changes to the epoxidation state of their xanthophyll cycle pigments (dEPS) (r (2) = 0.78, RMSE = 0.007) compared to the uncorrected PRI of illuminated leaves (PRI) (r (2) = 0.34, RMSE = 0.02); and (3) the SR680 index was correlated with each of (V + A + Z), lutein, bulk carotenoids, (V + A + Z)/(Chla + b), and Chla/b (r (2) range = 0.52-0.69). We suggest that ΔPRI be employed as a proxy for facultative pigment dynamics, and the SR680 for the estimation of constitutive pigment pools. We contribute the first Arctic-specific information on disentangling PRI-pigment relationships, and offer insight into how spectral indices can assess resource partitioning within shrub tundra canopies.

The core microprocessor component DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8 (DGCR8) is a nonspecific RNA-binding protein.

PubMed

Roth, Braden M; Ishimaru, Daniella; Hennig, Mirko

2013-09-13

MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis follows a conserved succession of processing steps, beginning with the recognition and liberation of an miRNA-containing precursor miRNA hairpin from a large primary miRNA transcript (pri-miRNA) by the Microprocessor, which consists of the nuclear RNase III Drosha and the double-stranded RNA-binding domain protein DGCR8 (DiGeorge syndrome critical region protein 8). Current models suggest that specific recognition is driven by DGCR8 detection of single-stranded elements of the pri-miRNA stem-loop followed by Drosha recruitment and pri-miRNA cleavage. Because countless RNA transcripts feature single-stranded-dsRNA junctions and DGCR8 can bind hundreds of mRNAs, we explored correlations between RNA binding properties of DGCR8 and specific pri-miRNA substrate processing. We found that DGCR8 bound single-stranded, double-stranded, and random hairpin transcripts with similar affinity. Further investigation of DGCR8/pri-mir-16 interactions by NMR detected intermediate exchange regimes over a wide range of stoichiometric ratios. Diffusion analysis of DGCR8/pri-mir-16 interactions by pulsed field gradient NMR lent further support to dynamic complex formation involving free components in exchange with complexes of varying stoichiometry, although in vitro processing assays showed exclusive cleavage of pri-mir-16 variants bearing single-stranded flanking regions. Our results indicate that DGCR8 binds RNA nonspecifically. Therefore, a sequential model of DGCR8 recognition followed by Drosha recruitment is unlikely. Known RNA substrate requirements are broad and include 70-nucleotide hairpins with unpaired flanking regions. Thus, specific RNA processing is likely facilitated by preformed DGCR8-Drosha heterodimers that can discriminate between authentic substrates and other hairpins.

The Core Microprocessor Component DiGeorge Syndrome Critical Region 8 (DGCR8) Is a Nonspecific RNA-binding Protein*

PubMed Central

Roth, Braden M.; Ishimaru, Daniella; Hennig, Mirko

2013-01-01

MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis follows a conserved succession of processing steps, beginning with the recognition and liberation of an miRNA-containing precursor miRNA hairpin from a large primary miRNA transcript (pri-miRNA) by the Microprocessor, which consists of the nuclear RNase III Drosha and the double-stranded RNA-binding domain protein DGCR8 (DiGeorge syndrome critical region protein 8). Current models suggest that specific recognition is driven by DGCR8 detection of single-stranded elements of the pri-miRNA stem-loop followed by Drosha recruitment and pri-miRNA cleavage. Because countless RNA transcripts feature single-stranded-dsRNA junctions and DGCR8 can bind hundreds of mRNAs, we explored correlations between RNA binding properties of DGCR8 and specific pri-miRNA substrate processing. We found that DGCR8 bound single-stranded, double-stranded, and random hairpin transcripts with similar affinity. Further investigation of DGCR8/pri-mir-16 interactions by NMR detected intermediate exchange regimes over a wide range of stoichiometric ratios. Diffusion analysis of DGCR8/pri-mir-16 interactions by pulsed field gradient NMR lent further support to dynamic complex formation involving free components in exchange with complexes of varying stoichiometry, although in vitro processing assays showed exclusive cleavage of pri-mir-16 variants bearing single-stranded flanking regions. Our results indicate that DGCR8 binds RNA nonspecifically. Therefore, a sequential model of DGCR8 recognition followed by Drosha recruitment is unlikely. Known RNA substrate requirements are broad and include 70-nucleotide hairpins with unpaired flanking regions. Thus, specific RNA processing is likely facilitated by preformed DGCR8-Drosha heterodimers that can discriminate between authentic substrates and other hairpins. PMID:23893406

Risk Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Transgender Women and Men Undergoing Community-Based Screening for Acute and Early HIV Infection in San Diego.

PubMed

Green, Nella; Hoenigl, Martin; Morris, Sheldon; Little, Susan J

2015-10-01

The transgender community represents an understudied population in the literature. The objective of this study was to compare risk behavior, and HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates between transgender women and transgender men undergoing community-based HIV testing.With this retrospective analysis of a cohort study, we characterize HIV infection rates as well as reported risk behaviors and reported STI in 151 individual transgender women and 30 individual transgender men undergoing community based, voluntary screening for acute and early HIV infection (AEH) in San Diego, California between April 2008 and July 2014.HIV positivity rate was low for both, transgender women and transgender men undergoing AEH screening (2% and 3%, respectively), and the self-reported STI rate for the prior 12 months was 13% for both. Although transgender women appeared to engage in higher rates of risk behavior overall, with 69% engaged in condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) and 11% engaged in sex work, it is important to note that 91% of transgender women reported recent sexual intercourse, 73% had more than 1 sexual partner, 63% reported intercourse with males, 37% intercourse with males and females, and 30% had CRAI.Our results indicate that in some settings rates of HIV infection, as well as rates of reported STIs and sexual risk behavior in transgender men may resemble those found in transgender women. Our findings support the need for comprehensive HIV prevention in both, transgender women and men.

The Drug war: Diplomatic and Security Implications for Mexico and the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-10

The PRI electoral gains will make it impossible for President Calderon to push significant reforms through without serious concessions to the PRI-if...August 2002), 5. 83 GLOSSARY Commission Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDH). Mexico’s National Commission on Human Rights. Counter-drug

Identification of Proteins Required for Repair of Double-Strand Chromosome Breaks, a Predisposing Factor in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

enzymatic apparatus needed to initiate DNA replication on recombination intermediates. Escherichia coli PriA protein was found to play a critical function in...the transition from recombination to DNA replication . PriA specifically binds to forked DNA structures created by recombination or replication fork

The photochemical reflectance index provides an optical indicator of spring photosynthetic activation in evergreen conifers.

PubMed

Wong, Christopher Y S; Gamon, John A

2015-04-01

In evergreens, the seasonal down-regulation and reactivation of photosynthesis is largely invisible and difficult to assess with remote sensing. This invisible phenology may be changing as a result of climate change. To better understand the mechanism and timing of these hidden physiological transitions, we explored several assays and optical indicators of spring photosynthetic activation in conifers exposed to a boreal climate. The photochemical reflectance index (PRI), chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf pigments for evergreen conifer seedlings were monitored over 1 yr of a boreal climate with the addition of gas exchange during the spring. PRI, electron transport rate, pigment levels, light-use efficiency and photosynthesis all exhibited striking seasonal changes, with varying kinetics and strengths of correlation, which were used to evaluate the mechanisms and timing of spring activation. PRI and pigment pools were closely timed with photosynthetic reactivation measured by gas exchange. The PRI provided a clear optical indicator of spring photosynthetic activation that was detectable at leaf and stand scales in conifers. We propose that PRI might provide a useful metric of effective growing season length amenable to remote sensing and could improve remote-sensing-driven models of carbon uptake in evergreen ecosystems. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Remotely-sensed detection of effects of extreme droughts on gross primary production.

PubMed

Vicca, Sara; Balzarolo, Manuela; Filella, Iolanda; Granier, André; Herbst, Mathias; Knohl, Alexander; Longdoz, Bernard; Mund, Martina; Nagy, Zoltan; Pintér, Krisztina; Rambal, Serge; Verbesselt, Jan; Verger, Aleixandre; Zeileis, Achim; Zhang, Chao; Peñuelas, Josep

2016-06-15

Severe droughts strongly impact photosynthesis (GPP), and satellite imagery has yet to demonstrate its ability to detect drought effects. Especially changes in vegetation functioning when vegetation state remains unaltered (no browning or defoliation) pose a challenge to satellite-derived indicators. We evaluated the performance of different satellite indicators to detect strong drought effects on GPP in a beech forest in France (Hesse), where vegetation state remained largely unaffected while GPP decreased substantially. We compared the results with three additional sites: a Mediterranean holm oak forest (Puéchabon), a temperate beech forest (Hainich), and a semi-arid grassland (Bugacpuszta). In Hesse, a three-year reduction in GPP following drought was detected only by the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) also detected this drought effect, but only after normalization for absorbed light. In Puéchabon normalized PRI outperformed the other indicators, while the short-term drought effect in Hainich was not detected by any tested indicator. In contrast, most indicators, but not PRI, captured the drought effects in Bugacpuszta. Hence, PRI improved detection of drought effects on GPP in forests and we propose that PRI normalized for absorbed light is considered in future algorithms to estimate GPP from space.

Remotely-sensed detection of effects of extreme droughts on gross primary production

PubMed Central

Vicca, Sara; Balzarolo, Manuela; Filella, Iolanda; Granier, André; Herbst, Mathias; Knohl, Alexander; Longdoz, Bernard; Mund, Martina; Nagy, Zoltan; Pintér, Krisztina; Rambal, Serge; Verbesselt, Jan; Verger, Aleixandre; Zeileis, Achim; Zhang, Chao; Peñuelas, Josep

2016-01-01

Severe droughts strongly impact photosynthesis (GPP), and satellite imagery has yet to demonstrate its ability to detect drought effects. Especially changes in vegetation functioning when vegetation state remains unaltered (no browning or defoliation) pose a challenge to satellite-derived indicators. We evaluated the performance of different satellite indicators to detect strong drought effects on GPP in a beech forest in France (Hesse), where vegetation state remained largely unaffected while GPP decreased substantially. We compared the results with three additional sites: a Mediterranean holm oak forest (Puéchabon), a temperate beech forest (Hainich), and a semi-arid grassland (Bugacpuszta). In Hesse, a three-year reduction in GPP following drought was detected only by the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) also detected this drought effect, but only after normalization for absorbed light. In Puéchabon normalized PRI outperformed the other indicators, while the short-term drought effect in Hainich was not detected by any tested indicator. In contrast, most indicators, but not PRI, captured the drought effects in Bugacpuszta. Hence, PRI improved detection of drought effects on GPP in forests and we propose that PRI normalized for absorbed light is considered in future algorithms to estimate GPP from space. PMID:27301671

76 FR 61132 - Privacy Act; System of Records: State-77, Country Clearance Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-03

... Policy, Rightsizing and Innovation (M/PRI), Department of State, 2201 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20520... direct supervision of the system manager. The system manager has the capability of printing audit trails...: Director, Office of Management Policy, Rightsizing and Innovation (M/PRI), 2201 C Street, NW., Washington...

Investigation of relationship between precursor of miRNA-944 and its mature form in lung squamous-cell carcinoma - the diagnostic value.

PubMed

Powrózek, Tomasz; Mlak, Radosław; Dziedzic, Marcin; Małecka-Massalska, Teresa; Sagan, Dariusz

2018-03-01

MicroRNA (miRNA) are attractive markers of lung cancer, due to their regulatory role in cell cycle. However, we know more about function of miRNA in cancer development, there is still little known about role of their precursors (primary miRNA; pri-miRNA) in tumorgenesis. In present study we investigated potential role of miRNA-944 and its precursor pri-miRNA-944 in development of squamous-cell lung cancer (SCC) and explored interdependence between miRNA precursor and its mature form. This is a first available literature report analyzing pri-miRNA as a cancer diagnostic marker. Expression of miRNA-944 and its precursor was analyzed in 58 fresh-frozen tissues of non-small cell lung cancer and corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues using qRT-PCR. Expression of pri-miRNA-944 was correlated with TP63 and miRNA-944. Using ROC analysis diagnostic accuracy of studied markers was evaluated. miRNA-944 and its precursor were significantly overexspressed in SCC compared to adenocarcinoma (AC) and non-cancerous tissue. pri-miRNA-944 strongly and positively correlated with TP63 (r = 0.739, p < 0.001) and with mature miRNA-944 expression (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). Also, TP63 expression significantly correlated with mature miRNA (r = 0.785, p < 0.001). Combined analysis of pri-miRNA-944 and mature miRNA-944 allowed to distinguish SCC tissue form AC with sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 100% (AUC = 0.978), and SCC from non-cancerous tissue with 92.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity (AUC = 0.992). We assumed that pri-miRNA-944 and miRNA-944 may be involved in early squamous-type differentiation of lung tumors. Moreover, analysis of both markers provided high diagnostic accuracy for SCC detection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Patient-Reported Improvement in Sex Drive, Erectile Function, and Energy With Testosterone Solution 2.

PubMed

Wu, Frederick; Zitzmann, Michael; Heiselman, Darell; Donatucci, Craig; Knorr, Jack; Patel, Ankur B; Kinchen, Kraig

2016-08-01

Evidence from well-designed studies documenting the benefit of testosterone replacement therapy as a function of patient demographic and clinical characteristics is lacking. To determine demographic and clinical predictors of treatment outcomes in hypogonadal men with low sex drive, low energy, and/or erectile dysfunction. Post hoc analysis of a randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 16-week study of 715 hypogonadal men (mean age = 55.3 years, age range = 19-92 years) presenting with low sex drive and/or low energy who received placebo or testosterone solution 2% for 12 weeks. Two levels defined patient-reported improvement (PRI) in sex drive or energy: level 1 was at least "a little better" and level 2 was at least "much better" in energy or sex drive on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement at study end point. PRI in erectile function was stratified by erectile dysfunction severity at baseline as measured by the erectile function domain of the International Index for Erectile Function: mild at baseline (change of 2), moderate at baseline (change of 5), and severe at baseline (change of 7). Associations of demographic and clinical characteristics with PRI were calculated with stepwise forward multiple logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios represented the likelihood of PRI in symptoms among variable categories. Higher levels of end-point testosterone were associated with higher rates of PRI (at levels 1 and 2) in sex drive and energy (P < .001 for the two comparisons). Lower baseline testosterone levels were associated with higher rates of level 1 PRI in sex drive (P = .028); and classic hypogonadism (vs non-classic hypogonadism) was associated with higher rates of level 2 PRI in sex drive (P = .005) and energy (P = .006). When assessing the potential for improvements in men with testosterone deficiency using patient-reported outcome questionnaires, possible predictors of treatment outcomes to consider include the etiology of

Catalyst for Interorganizational Collaboration: The Partnership for Rural Improvement. Working Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loomis, Ralph A.; Spencer, Gregory P.

The Partnership for Rural Improvement (PRI) designs and tests methods of creating and strengthening cooperation among providers and between providers and users of rural public services. PRI has defined six types of collaboration (voluntary, involuntary, formal, informal, direct, and indirect) and strives for voluntary collaboration among agencies,…

Evaluation of the photochemical reflectance index in AVIRIS imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gamon, John A.; Roberts, Dar A.; Green, Robert O.

1995-01-01

In this paper, we evaluate the potential for extracting the 'photochemical reflectance index' (PRI; previously called the 'physiological reflectance index') from AVIRIS data. This index, which is derived from narrow-band reflectance at 531 and 570 nm, has proven to be a useful indicator of photosynthetic function at the leaf and canopy scales. At the leaf level, PRI varies with photosynthetic capacity, radiation-use efficiency, and vegetation type (unpublished data). This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that vegetation types exhibiting chronically reduced photosynthesis during periods of stress (e.g. drought-tolerant evergreens) invest proportionally more in photoprotective processes than vegetation with high photosynthetic capacity (e.g. crops or deciduous perennials). Vertical transects in tropical and boreal forest canopies have indicated declines in PRI associated with downregulation of photosynthesis at the canopy tops under sunny, dry midday conditions (unpublished data). This reduced PRI in upper canopy levels provides a further basis for examining this signal with the 'view from above' afforded by aircraft overflights. Although many factors could confound interpretation of a subtle physiological signal at the landscape scale, we conducted a preliminary examination of PRI extracted from existing, AVIRIS imagery of Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve obtained on the June 2nd, 1992, overflight. The goal was to use the hyperspectral capabilities of AVIRIS to evaluate the potential of this index for obtaining useful physiological data at the landscape scale. The expectation based on leaf- and canopy-level studies was that regions containing vegetation of reduced photosynthetic capacity (e.g. chaparral or evergreen woodland) would exhibit lower PRI values than regions of high capacity (e.g. deciduous woodland).

Some people move it, move it… for pressure injury prevention.

PubMed

Sonenblum, Sharon E; Sprigle, Stephen H

2018-01-01

To describe differences in in-seat behavior observed between individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) with and without a history of recurrent pressure injuries. Cross-sectional cohort study. General community. Twenty-nine adults more than 2 years post SCI, who used a wheelchair as their primary mobility device and had the ability to independently perform weight shift maneuvers. Participants were grouped according to whether or not they had a history of recurrent pressure injuries (PrIs), with 12 subjects having had two or more pressure injuries in the pelvic area (PrI Group). Not applicable. Daily time in wheelchair, number of transfers, and frequency of pressure reliefs (full unloading), weight shifts (30% load reduction), and in-seat movements (transient center of pressure movements or unloading). The median participant spent 10.3 hours in his wheelchair and performed 16 transfers to or from the wheelchair daily. Pressure reliefs were performed less than once every 3 hours in both groups. Weight shifts were performed significantly more often by the No PrI Group (median (interquartile range) 2.5 (1.0-3.6) per hour) than the PrI Group (1.0 (0.4-1.9), with P = 0.037 and effect size r = 0.39). In-seat movements were performed 46.5 (28.7-76.7) times per hour by the No PrI group and 39.6 (24.3-49.7) times per hour for the PrI group (P = 0.352, effect size r = 0.17). Weight shifts that can be produced by functional activities and that partially unload the buttocks should be considered as an important addition to individuals' PrI prevention regimen.

Measurement of physiological traits of paddy rice in temperature gradient chamber using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Photochemical Reflectance Index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, J. H.; Oh, D.; Cho, J.

2017-12-01

Global warming has been affecting the phenological and physiological conditions of crop plants due to heat stress. Thus, the scientific understanding of not only crop-yield change, but also growth progress during high temperature condition is necessary. In this study, growth response and yield of paddy rice depending on air temperature (Ta) has been studied in a Temperature Gradient Chamber (TGC) that is composed of higher Ta than actual Ta (ambient temperature). The results on imitating experiment of global warming provided the reduced production of crop by heat stress. Therefore, it is important to quickly detect the condition of a plant in order to minimize damage to heat stress on global warming. Phenological and physiological changes depending on Ta was detected using optical spectroscopy sensors because remote sensing is useful and efficient technology to monitor quickly and continually. Two vegetation indices, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), were applied to monitor paddy rice growth using hyperspectral and multispectral radiometer. Ta in TGC was gradually set from actual Ta + 0 ° to actual Ta + 3 °. The variations of NDVI and PRI were different during rice growth period, and also these patterns were changed depending on Ta condition. NDVI and PRI under +3 ° condition increase faster than ambient temperature. After heading stage, the values of NDVI and PRI were dropped. However, the NDVI and PRI of rice under heat stress were relatively slowly decreased. In addition, we found that the yield of rice decreased in the case of delayed drop patterns of NDVI and PRI after heading stage. Our results will be useful to understand crop plant conditions using vegetation index under global warming situations.

Laser Focus on Content Strengthens Teacher Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slavit, David; Nelson, Tamara Holmlund; Kennedy, Anne

2010-01-01

The Partnership for Reform in Secondary Science and Mathematics (PRiSSM) is a three-year project that targeted mathematics and science teachers in middle and high schools from six districts in southwest Washington. Consistent with NSDC (2009) recommendations for professional development, PRiSSM involved collaborative teacher teams in reflecting on…

Tracking Diurnal Variation in Photosynthetic Down-Regulation Using Low Cost Spectroscopic Instrumentation

PubMed Central

van Leeuwen, Martin; Kremens, Robert L.; van Aardt, Jan

2015-01-01

Photosynthetic light-use efficiency (LUE) has gained wide interest as an input to modeling forest gross primary productivity (GPP). The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) has been identified as a principle means to inform LUE-based models, using airborne and satellite-based observations of canopy reflectance. More recently, low-cost electronics have become available with the potential to provide for dense in situ time-series measurements of PRI. A recent design makes use of interference filters to record light transmission within narrow wavebands. Uncertainty remains as to the dynamic range of these sensors and performance under low light conditions, the placement of the reference band, and methodology for reflectance calibration. This paper presents a low-cost sensor design and is tested in a laboratory set-up, as well in the field. The results demonstrate an excellent performance against a calibration standard (R2 = 0.9999) and at low light conditions. Radiance measurements over vegetation demonstrate a reversible reduction in green reflectance that was, however, seen in both the reference and signal wavebands. Time-series field measurements of PRI in a Douglas-fir canopy showed a weak correlation with eddy-covariance-derived LUE and a significant decline in PRI over the season. Effects of light quality, bidirectional scattering effects, and possible sensor artifacts on PRI are discussed. PMID:25951342

Establishment of the Relationship between the Photochemical Reflectance Index and Canopy Light Use Efficiency Using Multi-angle Hyperspectral Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian; Chen, Jing; Zhang, Yongguang; Qiu, Feng; Fan, Weiliang; Ju, Weimin

2017-04-01

The gross primary production (GPP) of terrestrial ecosystems constitutes the largest global land carbon flux and exhibits significant spatial and temporal variations. Due to its wide spatial coverage, remote sensing technology is shown to be useful for improving the estimation of GPP in combination with light use efficiency (LUE) models. Accurate estimation of LUE is essential for calculating GPP using remote sensing data and LUE models at regional and global scales. A promising method used for estimating LUE is the photochemical reflectance index (PRI = (R531－R570)/(R531 + R570), where R531 and R570 are reflectance at wavelengths 531 and 570 nm) through remote sensing. However, it has been documented that there are certain issues with PRI at the canopy scale, which need to be considered systematically. For this purpose, an improved tower-based automatic canopy multi-angle hyperspectral observation system was established at the Qianyanzhou flux station in China since January of 2013. In each 15-minute observation cycle, PRI was observed at four view zenith angles fixed at solar zenith angle and (37°, 47°, 57°) or (42°, 52°, 62°) in the azimuth angle range from 45° to 325° (defined from geodetic north). To improve the ability of directional PRI observation to track canopy LUE, the canopy is treated as two-big leaves, i.e. sunlit and shaded leaves. On the basis of a geometrical optical model, the observed canopy reflectance for each view angle is separated to four components, i.e. sunlit and shaded leaves and sunlit and shaded backgrounds. To determine the fractions of these four components at each view angle, three models based on different theories are tested for simulating the fraction of sunlit leaves. Finally, a ratio of canopy reflectance to leaf reflectance is used to represent the fraction of sunlit leaves, and the fraction of shaded leaves is calculated with the four-scale geometrical optical model. Thus, sunlit and shaded PRI are estimated using

Peeking inside the "Black Box" of the Flynn Effect: Evidence from Three Wechsler Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhou, Xiaobin; Zhu, Jianjun; Weiss, Lawrence G.

2010-01-01

This study investigated the Wechsler Performance IQ (PIQ) or Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI)/ Perceptual Organization Index (POI) change over time and its relation to ability levels. PIQ or PRI/ POI was analyzed because of the known sensitivity of nonverbal scales to the Flynn effect. Scores were analyzed using two methods. First, analysis of…

Spectral analysis of near-wall turbulence in channel flow at Reτ=4200 with emphasis on the attached-eddy hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agostini, Lionel; Leschziner, Michael

2017-01-01

Direct numerical simulation data for channel flow at a friction Reynolds number of 4200, generated by Lozano-Durán and Jiménez [J. Fluid Mech. 759, 432 (2014), 10.1017/jfm.2014.575], are used to examine the properties of near-wall turbulence within subranges of eddy-length scale. Attention is primarily focused on the intermediate layer (mesolayer) covering the logarithmic velocity region within the range of wall-scaled wall-normal distance of 80-1500. The examination is based on a number of statistical properties, including premultiplied and compensated spectra, the premultiplied derivative of the second-order structure function, and three scalar parameters that characterize the anisotropic or isotropic state of the various length-scale subranges. This analysis leads to the delineation of three regions within the map of wall-normal-wise premultiplied spectra, each characterized by distinct turbulence properties. A question of particular interest is whether the Townsend-Perry attached-eddy hypothesis (AEH) can be shown to be valid across the entire mesolayer, in contrast to the usual focus on the outer portion of the logarithmic-velocity layer at high Reynolds numbers, which is populated with very-large-scale motions. This question is addressed by reference to properties in the premultiplied scalewise derivative of the second-order structure function (PMDS2) and joint probability density functions of streamwise-velocity fluctuations and their streamwise and spanwise derivatives. This examination provides evidence, based primarily on the existence of a plateau region in the PMDS2, for the qualified validity of the AEH right down the lower limit of the logarithmic velocity range.

Chlorophyll fluorescence, photochemical reflective index and normalized difference vegetative index during plant senescence.

PubMed

Cordon, Gabriela; Lagorio, M Gabriela; Paruelo, José M

2016-07-20

The relationship between the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and chlorophyll fluorescence along senescence was investigated in this work. Reflectance and radiance measurements were performed at canopy level in grass species presenting different photosynthetic metabolism: Avena sativa (C3) and Setaria italica (C4), at different stages of the natural senescence process. Sun induced-chlorophyll fluorescence at 760nm (SIF 760 ) and the apparent fluorescence yield (SIF 760 /a, with a=irradiance at time of measurement) were extracted from the radiance spectra of canopies using the Fraunhofer Line Discrimination-method. The photosynthetic parameters derived from Kautsky kinetics and pigment content were also calculated at leaf level. Whilst stand level NDVI patterns were related to changes in the structure of canopies and not in pigment content, stand level PRI patterns suggested changes both in terms of canopy and of pigment content in leaves. Both SIF 760 /a and Φ PSII decreased progressively along senescence in both species. A strong increment in NPQ was evident in A. sativa while in S. italica NPQ values were lower. Our most important finding was that two chlorophyll fluorescence signals, Φ PSII and SIF 760 /a, correlated with the canopy PRI values in the two grasses assessed, even when tissues at different ontogenic stages were present. Even though significant changes occurred in the Total Chlr/Car ratio along senescence in both studied species, significant correlations between PRI and chlorophyll fluorescence signals might indicate the usefulness of this reflectance index as a proxy of photosynthetic RUE, at least under the conditions of this study. The relationships between stand level PRI and the fluorescence estimators (Φ PSII and SIF 760 /a) were positive in both cases. Therefore, an increase in PRI values as in the fluorescence parameters would indicate higher RUE. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All

Optimal tree increment models for the Northeastern United Statesq

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2003-01-01

used the potential relative increment (PRI) methodology to develop optimal tree diameter growth models for the Northeastern United States. Thirty species from the Eastwide Forest Inventory Database yielded 69,676 individuals, which were then reduced to fast-growing subsets for PRI analysis. For instance, only 14 individuals from the greater than 6,300-tree eastern...

TEMPO Specific Photochemical Reflectance Index for Monitoring Crop Productivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wulamu, A.; Fishman, J.; Maimaitiyiming, M.

2016-12-01

Chlorophyll fluorescence and Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) are two key indicators of plant functional status used for early stress detection. With its less than one nanometer hyperspectral resolution and hourly revisit capabilities, NASA's Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) sensor provides new opportunities for monitoring regional food security. Chlorophyll fluorescence can be retrieved by TEMPO using Oxygen B (O2-B) absorption region at 687 nm. The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) is calculated from spectral reflectance at 531 and 570. However, TEMPO spectral range covers from 290 mm - 490 nm and 540 nm -740 nm, does not provide the 531 nm measurement band for PRI. It is imperative to develop alternate wavelengths within the TEMPO spectral range for these early stress indicators so that regional crop health can be observed by TEMPO with unparalleled spectral and temporal resolutions to address food security. Combining field and airborne remote sensing experiments and radiative transfer simulations, this work proposes a TEMPO specific PRI and demonstrates that TEMPO offers a new set of high-resolution spectral data for crop monitoring.

Microprocessor activity controls differential miRNA biogenesis In Vivo.

PubMed

Conrad, Thomas; Marsico, Annalisa; Gehre, Maja; Orom, Ulf Andersson

2014-10-23

In miRNA biogenesis, pri-miRNA transcripts are converted into pre-miRNA hairpins. The in vivo properties of this process remain enigmatic. Here, we determine in vivo transcriptome-wide pri-miRNA processing using next-generation sequencing of chromatin-associated pri-miRNAs. We identify a distinctive Microprocessor signature in the transcriptome profile from which efficiency of the endogenous processing event can be accurately quantified. This analysis reveals differential susceptibility to Microprocessor cleavage as a key regulatory step in miRNA biogenesis. Processing is highly variable among pri-miRNAs and a better predictor of miRNA abundance than primary transcription itself. Processing is also largely stable across three cell lines, suggesting a major contribution of sequence determinants. On the basis of differential processing efficiencies, we define functionality for short sequence features adjacent to the pre-miRNA hairpin. In conclusion, we identify Microprocessor as the main hub for diversified miRNA output and suggest a role for uncoupling miRNA biogenesis from host gene expression. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimal Tree Increment Models for the Northeastern United States

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2005-01-01

I used the potential relative increment (PRI) methodology to develop optimal tree diameter growth models for the Northeastern United States. Thirty species from the Eastwide Forest Inventory Database yielded 69,676 individuals, which were then reduced to fast-growing subsets for PRI analysis. For instance, only 14 individuals from the greater than 6,300-tree eastern...

Development of an Army Stationary Axle Efficiency Test Stand - Interim Report TFLRF No. 471

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

Santena 1 10029 Villastellone (TO) Italy 31-Jul-18 PRI GL 0632 Tutela Transmission X-Road SAE 75W-90 Petronas Lubrificantes Brasil S.A. Avenida Trajano de...Araujo Viana 2500 Contagem - MG Brasil 30-Nov-19 PRI GL 0703 Tutela TRD 85W-140 SAE 85W-140 Phillips 66 (previously known as ConocoPhillips prior to

Validated stability-indicating HPLC method for the determination of pridinol mesylate. Kinetics study of its degradation in acid medium.

PubMed

Bianchini, Romina M; Castellano, Patricia M; Kaufman, Teodoro S

2008-12-01

The stability of pridinol mesylate (PRI) was investigated under different stress conditions, including hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic and thermal, as recommended by the ICH guidelines. Relevant degradation was found to take place under acidic (0.1N HCl) and photolytic (visible and long-wavelength UV-light) conditions, both yielding the product resulting from water elimination (ELI), while submission to an oxidizing environment gave the N-oxidation derivative (NOX). The standards of these degradation products were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. A simple, sensitive and specific HPLC method was developed for the quantification of PRI, ELI and NOX in bulk drug, and the conditions were optimized by means of a statistical design strategy. The separation employs a C(18) column and a 51:9:40 (v/v/v) mixture of MeOH, 2-propanol and potassium phosphate solution (50mM, pH 6.0), as mobile phase, delivered at 1.0 ml min(-1); the analytes were detected and quantified at 220 nm. The method was validated, demonstrating to be accurate and precise (repeatability and intermediate precision levels) within the corresponding linear ranges of PRI (0.1-1.5 mg ml(-1); r=0.9983, n=18) and both impurities (0.1-1.3% relative to PRI, r=0.9996 and 0.9995 for ELI and NOX, respectively, n=18). Robustness against small modifications of pH and percentage of the aqueous mobile phase was ascertained and the limits of quantification of the analytes were also determined (0.4 and 0.5 microg ml(-1); 0.04% and 0.05% relative to PRI for ELI and NOX, respectively). Peak purity indices (>0.9997), obtained with the aid of diode-array detection, and satisfactory resolution (R(s)>2.0) between PRI and its impurities established the specificity of the determination, all these results proving the stability-indicating capability of the method. The kinetics of the degradation of PRI in acid medium was also studied, determining that this is a first-order process with regards

Extraction of pulse repetition intervals from sperm whale click trains for ocean acoustic data mining.

PubMed

Zaugg, Serge; van der Schaar, Mike; Houégnigan, Ludwig; André, Michel

2013-02-01

The analysis of acoustic data from the ocean is a valuable tool to study free ranging cetaceans and anthropogenic noise. Due to the typically large volume of acquired data, there is a demand for automated analysis techniques. Many cetaceans produce acoustic pulses (echolocation clicks) with a pulse repetition interval (PRI) remaining nearly constant over several pulses. Analyzing these pulse trains is challenging because they are often interleaved. This article presents an algorithm that estimates a pulse's PRI with respect to neighboring pulses. It includes a deinterleaving step that operates via a spectral dissimilarity metric. The sperm whale (SW) produces trains with PRIs between 0.5 and 2 s. As a validation, the algorithm was used for the PRI-based identification of SW click trains with data from the NEMO-ONDE observatory that contained other pulsed sounds, mainly from ship propellers. Separation of files containing SW clicks with a medium and high signal to noise ratio from files containing other pulsed sounds gave an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.96. This study demonstrates that PRI can be used for the automated identification of SW clicks and that deinterleaving via spectral dissimilarity contributes to algorithm performance.

Defining Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanisms for Primary let-7 miRNAs

PubMed Central

Gaeta, Xavier; Le, Luat; Lin, Ying; Xie, Yuan; Lowry, William E.

2017-01-01

The let-7 family of miRNAs have been shown to control developmental timing in organisms from C. elegans to humans; their function in several essential cell processes throughout development is also well conserved. Numerous studies have defined several steps of post-transcriptional regulation of let-7 production; from pri-miRNA through pre-miRNA, to the mature miRNA that targets endogenous mRNAs for degradation or translational inhibition. Less-well defined are modes of transcriptional regulation of the pri-miRNAs for let-7. let-7 pri-miRNAs are expressed in polycistronic fashion, in long transcripts newly annotated based on chromatin-associated RNA-sequencing. Upon differentiation, we found that some let-7 pri-miRNAs are regulated at the transcriptional level, while others appear to be constitutively transcribed. Using the Epigenetic Roadmap database, we further annotated regulatory elements of each polycistron identified putative promoters and enhancers. Probing these regulatory elements for transcription factor binding sites identified factors that regulate transcription of let-7 in both promoter and enhancer regions, and identified novel regulatory mechanisms for this important class of miRNAs. PMID:28052101

Occurrence of glycosidically conjugated 1-phenylethanol and its hydrolase β-primeverosidase in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers.

PubMed

Zhou, Ying; Dong, Fang; Kunimasa, Aiko; Zhang, Yuqian; Cheng, Sihua; Lu, Jiamin; Zhang, Ling; Murata, Ariaki; Mayer, Frank; Fleischmann, Peter; Watanabe, Naoharu; Yang, Ziyin

2014-08-13

A previous study found that 1-phenylethanol (1PE) was a major endogenous volatile compound in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers and can be transformed to glycosically conjugated 1PE (1PE-Gly). However, occurrences of 1PE-Gly in plants remain unknown. In this study, four 1PE-Glys have been isolated from tea flowers. Three of them were determined as (R)-1PE β-d-glucopyranoside ((R)-1PE-Glu), (S)-1PE-Glu, and (S)-1PE β-primeveroside ((S)-1PE-Pri), respectively, on the basis of NMR, MS, LC-MS, and GC-MS evidence. The other one was identified as (R)-1PE-Pri on the basis of LC-MS and GC-MS data. Moreover, these 1PE-Glys were chemically synthesized as the authentic standards to further confirm their occurrences in tea flowers. 1PE-Glu had a higher molar concentration than 1PE-Pri in each floral stage and organ. The ratio of (R) to (S) differed between 1PE-Glu and 1PE-Pri. In addition, a 1PE-Gly hydrolase β-primeverosidase recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli exhibited high hydrolysis activity toward (R)-1PE-Pri. However, β-primeverosidase transcript level was not highly expressed in the anther part, which accumulated the highest contents of 1PE-Gly and 1PE. This suggests that 1PE-Gly may not be easily hydrolyzed to liberate 1PE in tea flowers. This study provides evidence of occurrences of 1PE-Glys in plants for the first time.

Acellular fetal bovine dermal matrix in the treatment of nonhealing wounds in patients with complex comorbidities.

PubMed

Lullove, Eric

2012-01-01

In contrast to the narrow indications for living skin equivalents, extracellular matrix biomaterials are clinically used in a wide range of wound-healing applications. Given the breadth of possible uses, the goal of this study was to retrospectively compile and analyze the clinical application and effectiveness of an extracellular matrix biomaterial derived from fetal bovine dermis (PriMatrix; TEI Biosciences, Boston, Massachusetts) in patients treated by a single physician and monitored postsurgically in an outpatient wound care center. A retrospective medical record review was conducted of consecutive patients treated from January 2007 through January 2009 with meshed PriMatrix after sharp/surgical debridement and coverage with standard moist wound therapy dressings. Twenty-nine patients and 34 wounds were compiled. All of the wounds were unresponsive to conservative treatment owing to complications, including infection, exposed bone or tendon, and other comorbidities known to delay healing. Wounds included 11 diabetic ulcers, 8 venous stasis ulcers, 10 nonhealing traumatic wounds, and 5 other chronic wounds. Thirty of 34 wounds healed, with four patients lost to follow-up. Mean time to healing for diabetic foot ulcers was 105 days with an average of 2.6 PriMatrix applications. Mean time to healing for venous, traumatic, and other chronic wounds was 74 to 82 days with an average of 1.2 to 1.4 PriMatrix applications. In patients with comorbidities known to delay healing, the implantation of PriMatrix promoted the healing and, ultimately, full reepithelialization of otherwise unresponsive wounds of varied etiology, including those with complications of infection or exposed bone or tendon.

Using a New Measurement to Evaluate Pain Relief Among Cancer Inpatients with Clinically Significant Pain Based on a Nursing Information System: A Three-Year Hospital-Based Study.

PubMed

Wang, Wei-Yun; Chu, Chi-Ming; Sung, Chun-Sung; Ho, Shung-Tai; Wu, Yi-Syuan; Liang, Chun-Yu; Wang, Kwua-Yun

2016-11-01

Developing a new measurement index is the first step in evaluating pain relief outcomes. Although the percentage difference in pain intensity (%PID) is the most popular indicator, this indicator does not take into account the goal of pain relief. Therefore, the aims of this study were to develop a pain relief index (PRI) for outcome evaluation and to examine the index using demographic characteristics of cancer inpatients with clinically significant pain. Retrospective cohort study. A national hospital. All cancer inpatients. Pain intensity was assessed using a numerical rating scale, a faces pain scale or the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Behavioral Tool. Using a nursing information system, a pain score database containing data from 2011 through 2013 was analyzed. Cancer patients representing 93,812 hospitalizations were considered in this study. We focused on cancer patients for whom the worst pain intensity (WPI) was ≥ 4 points. PRI values of -62.02% to -72.55% were observed in the WPI ≥ 7 and 4 ≤ WPI ≤ 6 groups. Significant (P < 0.05) effects on PRI values were observed among patients who were > 65 years old, those who were admitted to the medicine or gynecology and those who had a hospital stay > 30 days. This hospital-based study demonstrated that the PRI is an effective and valid measure for evaluating outcome data using an electronic nursing information system. We will further define the meaningful range of percentage difference in PRI from various perspectives. © 2016 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

On the use of leaf spectral indices to assess water status and photosynthetic limitations in Olea europaea L. during water-stress and recovery.

PubMed

Sun, Pengsen; Wahbi, Said; Tsonev, Tsonko; Haworth, Matthew; Liu, Shirong; Centritto, Mauro

2014-01-01

Diffusional limitations to photosynthesis, relative water content (RWC), pigment concentrations and their association with reflectance indices were studied in olive (Olea europaea) saplings subjected to water-stress and re-watering. RWC decreased sharply as drought progressed. Following rewatering, RWC gradually increased to pre-stress values. Photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), mesophyll conductance (gm), total conductance (gt), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), water index (WI) and relative depth index (RDI) closely followed RWC. In contrast, carotenoid concentration, the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio, water content reflectance index (WCRI) and structural independent pigment index (SIPI) showed an opposite trend to that of RWC. Photosynthesis scaled linearly with leaf conductance to CO2; however, A measured under non-photorespiratory conditions (A1%O2) was approximately two times greater than A measured at 21% [O2], indicating that photorespiration likely increased in response to drought. A1%O2 also significantly correlated with leaf conductance parameters. These relationships were apparent in saturation type curves, indicating that under non-photorespiratory conditions, CO2 conductance was not the major limitations to A. PRI was significant correlated with RWC. PRI was also very sensitive to pigment concentrations and photosynthesis, and significantly tracked all CO2 conductance parameters. WI, RDI and WCRI were all significantly correlated with RWC, and most notably to leaf transpiration. Overall, PRI correlated more closely with carotenoid concentration than SIPI; whereas WI tracked leaf transpiration more effectively than RDI and WCRI. This study clearly demonstrates that PRI and WI can be used for the fast detection of physiological traits of olive trees subjected to water-stress.

Latin America Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-13

4] 5170 CSO: 3248/782 45 COUNTRY SECTION MEXICO OPPOSITION CHARGES PRI WITH AGGRESSION, PRI COUNTERCHARGES Mexico City PROCESO in Spanish 2 May...exporters. 8743 CSO: 3248/795 52 COUNTRY SECTION MEXICO ’INCONSISTENT’ AGRICULTURAL POLICY AFFECTS PRODUCTION Mexico City PROCESO in Spanish 25 Apr 83...from news agency transmissions and broadcasts. Materials from foreign- language sources are translated; those from English- language sources are

Canopy Vegetation Indices from In situ Hyperspectral Data to Assess Plant Water Status of Winter Wheat under Powdery Mildew Stress.

PubMed

Feng, Wei; Qi, Shuangli; Heng, Yarong; Zhou, Yi; Wu, Yapeng; Liu, Wandai; He, Li; Li, Xiao

2017-01-01

Plant disease and pests influence the physiological state and restricts the healthy growth of crops. Physiological measurements are considered the most accurate way of assessing plant health status. In this paper, we researched the use of an in situ hyperspectral remote sensor to detect plant water status in winter wheat infected with powdery mildew. Using a diseased nursery field and artificially inoculated open field experiments, we detected the canopy spectra of wheat at different developmental stages and under different degrees of disease severity. At the same time, destructive sampling was carried out for physical tests to investigate the change of physiological parameters under the condition of disease. Selected vegetation indices (VIs) were mostly comprised of green bands, and correlation coefficients between these common VIs and plant water content (PWC) were generally 0.784-0.902 ( p < 0.001), indicating the green waveband may have great potential in the evaluation of water content of winter wheat under powdery mildew stress. The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) was sensitive to physiological response influenced by powdery mildew, and the relationships of PRI with chlorophyll content, the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and the potential activity of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fo) were good with R 2 = 0.639, 0.833, 0.808, respectively. Linear regressions showed PRI demonstrated a steady relationship with PWC across different growth conditions, with R 2 = 0.817 and RMSE = 2.17. The acquired PRI model of wheat under the powdery mildew stress has a good compatibility to different experimental fields from booting stage to filling stage compared with the traditional water signal vegetation indices, WBI, FWBI 1 , and FWBI 2 . The verification results with independent data showed that PRI still performed better with R 2 = 0.819 between measured and predicted, and corresponding RE = 8.26%. Thus, PRI is recommended as a potentially

Impact of P2Y12 inhibition by clopidogrel on cardiovascular mortality in unselected patients treated by percutaneous coronary angioplasty: a prospective registry.

PubMed

El Ghannudi, Soraya; Ohlmann, Patrick; Meyer, Nicolas; Wiesel, Marie-Louise; Radulescu, Bogdan; Chauvin, Michel; Bareiss, Pierre; Gachet, Christian; Morel, Olivier

2010-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether low platelet response to the P2Y(12) receptor antagonist clopidogrel as assessed by Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein flow cytometry test (VASP- FCT) predicts cardiovascular events in a high-risk population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Impaired platelet responsiveness to clopidogrel is thought to be a determinant of cardiovascular events after PCI. The platelet VASP-FCT is a new assay specific to the P2Y(12) adenosine diphosphate receptor-pathway. In this test, platelet activation is expressed as platelet reactivity index (PRI). Four-hundred sixty-one unselected patients undergoing urgent (n = 346) or planned (n = 115) PCI were prospectively enrolled. Patients were classified as low-response (LR) and response (R) to clopidogrel, depending on their PRI. Optimal PRI cutoff was determined by receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis to 61% (LR: PRI > or =61% and R: PRI <61%). Follow-up was obtained at a mean of 9 +/- 2 months in 453 patients (98.3%). At follow-up, total cardiac mortality rates and possible and total stent thrombosis were higher in LR patients. Multivariate analysis identified creatinine clearance (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93 to 0.98, p < 0.001), drug-eluting stent (HR: 5.73; 95% CI: 1.40 to 23.43, p = 0.015), C-reactive protein (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.001 to 1.019, p = 0.024), and LR to clopidogrel (HR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.08 to 14.80, p = 0.037) as independent predictors of cardiac death. The deleterious impact of LR to clopidogrel on cardiovascular death was significantly higher in patients implanted with drug-eluting stent. In patients undergoing PCI, LR to clopidogrel assessed by VASP-FCT is an independent predictor of cardiovascular death at the PRI cutoff value of > or =61%. The LR clinical impact seems to be dependent on the type of stent implanted. Copyright 2010 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All

Insights into the evolution of enzyme substrate promiscuity after the discovery of (βα)₈ isomerase evolutionary intermediates from a diverse metagenome.

PubMed

Noda-García, Lianet; Juárez-Vázquez, Ana L; Ávila-Arcos, María C; Verduzco-Castro, Ernesto A; Montero-Morán, Gabriela; Gaytán, Paul; Carrillo-Tripp, Mauricio; Barona-Gómez, Francisco

2015-06-10

Current sequence-based approaches to identify enzyme functional shifts, such as enzyme promiscuity, have proven to be highly dependent on a priori functional knowledge, hampering our ability to reconstruct evolutionary history behind these mechanisms. Hidden Markov Model (HMM) profiles, broadly used to classify enzyme families, can be useful to distinguish between closely related enzyme families with different specificities. The (βα)8-isomerase HisA/PriA enzyme family, involved in L-histidine (HisA, mono-substrate) biosynthesis in most bacteria and plants, but also in L-tryptophan (HisA/TrpF or PriA, dual-substrate) biosynthesis in most Actinobacteria, has been used as model system to explore evolutionary hypotheses and therefore has a considerable amount of evolutionary, functional and structural knowledge available. We searched for functional evolutionary intermediates between the HisA and PriA enzyme families in order to understand the functional divergence between these families. We constructed a HMM profile that correctly classifies sequences of unknown function into the HisA and PriA enzyme sub-families. Using this HMM profile, we mined a large metagenome to identify plausible evolutionary intermediate sequences between HisA and PriA. These sequences were used to perform phylogenetic reconstructions and to identify functionally conserved amino acids. Biochemical characterization of one selected enzyme (CAM1) with a mutation within the functionally essential N-terminus phosphate-binding site, namely, an alanine instead of a glycine in HisA or a serine in PriA, showed that this evolutionary intermediate has dual-substrate specificity. Moreover, site-directed mutagenesis of this alanine residue, either backwards into a glycine or forward into a serine, revealed the robustness of this enzyme. None of these mutations, presumably upon functionally essential amino acids, significantly abolished its enzyme activities. A truncated version of this enzyme (CAM2

Overexpression of NF90-NF45 Represses Myogenic MicroRNA Biogenesis, Resulting in Development of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Centronuclear Muscle Fibers

PubMed Central

Todaka, Hiroshi; Higuchi, Takuma; Yagyu, Ken-ichi; Sugiyama, Yasunori; Yamaguchi, Fumika; Morisawa, Keiko; Ono, Masafumi; Fukushima, Atsuki; Tsuda, Masayuki; Taniguchi, Taketoshi

2015-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the progression and suppression of various diseases through translational inhibition of target mRNAs. Therefore, the alteration of miRNA biogenesis induces several diseases. The nuclear factor 90 (NF90)-NF45 complex is known as a negative regulator in miRNA biogenesis. Here, we showed that NF90-NF45 double-transgenic (dbTg) mice develop skeletal muscle atrophy and centronuclear muscle fibers in adulthood. Subsequently, we found that the levels of myogenic miRNAs, including miRNA 133a (miR-133a), which promote muscle maturation, were significantly decreased in the skeletal muscle of NF90-NF45 dbTg mice compared with those in wild-type mice. However, levels of primary transcripts of the miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) were clearly elevated in NF90-NF45 dbTg mice. This result indicated that the NF90-NF45 complex suppressed miRNA production through inhibition of pri-miRNA processing. This finding was supported by the fact that processing of pri-miRNA 133a-1 (pri-miR-133a-1) was inhibited via binding of NF90-NF45 to the pri-miRNA. Finally, the level of dynamin 2, a causative gene of centronuclear myopathy and concomitantly a target of miR-133a, was elevated in the skeletal muscle of NF90-NF45 dbTg mice. Taken together, we conclude that the NF90-NF45 complex induces centronuclear myopathy through increased dynamin 2 expression by an NF90-NF45-induced reduction of miR-133a expression in vivo. PMID:25918244

On the Use of Leaf Spectral Indices to Assess Water Status and Photosynthetic Limitations in Olea europaea L. during Water-Stress and Recovery

PubMed Central

Sun, Pengsen; Wahbi, Said; Tsonev, Tsonko; Haworth, Matthew; Liu, Shirong; Centritto, Mauro

2014-01-01

Diffusional limitations to photosynthesis, relative water content (RWC), pigment concentrations and their association with reflectance indices were studied in olive (Olea europaea) saplings subjected to water-stress and re-watering. RWC decreased sharply as drought progressed. Following rewatering, RWC gradually increased to pre-stress values. Photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g s), mesophyll conductance (g m), total conductance (g t), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), water index (WI) and relative depth index (RDI) closely followed RWC. In contrast, carotenoid concentration, the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio, water content reflectance index (WCRI) and structural independent pigment index (SIPI) showed an opposite trend to that of RWC. Photosynthesis scaled linearly with leaf conductance to CO2; however, A measured under non-photorespiratory conditions (A 1%O2) was approximately two times greater than A measured at 21% [O2], indicating that photorespiration likely increased in response to drought. A 1%O2 also significantly correlated with leaf conductance parameters. These relationships were apparent in saturation type curves, indicating that under non-photorespiratory conditions, CO2 conductance was not the major limitations to A. PRI was significant correlated with RWC. PRI was also very sensitive to pigment concentrations and photosynthesis, and significantly tracked all CO2 conductance parameters. WI, RDI and WCRI were all significantly correlated with RWC, and most notably to leaf transpiration. Overall, PRI correlated more closely with carotenoid concentration than SIPI; whereas WI tracked leaf transpiration more effectively than RDI and WCRI. This study clearly demonstrates that PRI and WI can be used for the fast detection of physiological traits of olive trees subjected to water-stress. PMID:25136798

An Additional Prior Retrieval Alters the Effects of a Retrieval-Extinction Procedure on Recent and Remote Fear Memory

PubMed Central

An, Xianli; Yang, Ping; Chen, Siguang; Zhang, Fenfen; Yu, Duonan

2018-01-01

Several studies have shown that the isolated retrieval of a consolidated fear memory can induce a labile phase, during which extinction training can prevent the reinstatement, a form of relapse in which fear response to a fear-provoking context returns when a mild shock is presented. However, fear memory retrieval may also have another opposing result: the enhancement of fear memory. This implies that the fear memory trace can be modified by a brief retrieval. Unclear is whether the fear-impairing effect of retrieval-extinction (RE) is altered by a prior brief retrieval. The present study investigated the responses of recent and remote fear memories to the RE procedure after the presentation of an additional prior retrieval (priRet). We found that a single RE procedure effectively blocked the reinstatement of 2-day recent contextual fear memory. The memory-impairing effect of the RE procedure on recent fear was not observed when priRet was presented 6 or 24 h before the RE procedure. In contrast to the 2-day recent memory, the RE procedure failed to block the reinstatement of 36-day remote fear memory but successfully disrupted the return of remote fear memory after priRet. This memory-disruptive effect on remote memory did not occur when priRet was performed in a novel context. Nimodipine administration revealed that the blockade of priRet-induced processes recovered the effects of the RE procedure on both recent and remote fear memories. Our findings suggest that the susceptibility of recent and remote fear memories to RE procedures can be altered by an additional retrieval. PMID:29358910

Influence of preformed donor-specific antibodies and C4d on early liver allograft function.

PubMed

Perera, M T; Silva, M A; Murphy, N; Briggs, D; Mirza, D F; Neil, D A H

2013-12-01

INTRODUCTION. The impact of preformed donor-specific antibodies (DSA) is incompletely understood in liver transplantation. The incidence and impact of preformed DSA on early post liver transplant were assessed and these were correlated with compliment fragment C4d on allograft biopsy. METHODS. Pretransplant serum from 41 consecutive liver transplant recipients (brain dead donors; DBD = 27 and cardiac death donors; DCD = 14) were tested for class-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and compared against donor HLA types. Liver biopsies were taken during cold storage (t-1) and post-reperfusion (t0) stained with C4d and graded for preservation-reperfusion injury (PRI). RESULTS. Of the 41 recipients, 8 (20%) had anti-HLA class I/II antibodies pretransplant, 3 (7%) were confirmed preformed DSA; classes I and II (n=1) and class I only (n=2). No biopsies showed definite evidence of antibody-mediated rejection. Graft biopsies in overall showed only mild PRI with ischemic hepatocyte C4d pattern similar in both positive and negative DSA patients. One DSA-positive (33%) compared with four DSA-negative patients (10%) had significant early graft dysfunction; severe PRI causing graft loss from primary nonfunction was seen only in DSA-negative group. Allograft biopsy of preformed DSA-positive patient demonstrated only minimal PRI; however, no identifiable cause could be attributed to graft dysfunction other than preformed DSA. CONCLUSION. Preformed DSA are present in 5-10% liver transplant recipients. There is no association between anti-HLA DSA and PRI and C4d, but preformed DSA may cause early morbidity. Larger studies on the impact of DSA with optimization of C4d techniques are required.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: the comparative effectiveness of aspirin vs. screening for colorectal cancer prevention.

PubMed

Emilsson, L; Holme, Ø; Bretthauer, M; Cook, N R; Buring, J E; Løberg, M; Adami, H-O; Sesso, H D; Gaziano, M J; Kalager, M

2017-01-01

Both aspirin use and screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy or guaiac faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) may reduce mortality from colorectal cancer, but comparative effectiveness of these interventions is unknown. To compare aspirin to guaiac FOBT screening with regard to incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in a network meta-analysis. We searched Medline, EMBASE and the COCHRANE central register (CENTRAL) for relevant randomised trials identified until 31 October 2015. Randomised trials in average-risk populations that reported colorectal cancer mortality, colorectal cancer incidence, or both, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, and more than 100 randomised individuals were included. Three investigators independently extracted data. We calculated relative risks [RR with 95% predictive intervals (PrIs)] for the comparison of the interventions by frequentist network meta-analyses. The effect of aspirin on colorectal cancer mortality was similar to FOBT (RR 1.03; 95% PrI 0.76-1.39) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (RR 1.16; 95% PrI 0.84-1.60). Aspirin was more effective than FOBT (RR 0.36; 95% PrI 0.22-0.59) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (RR 0.37; 95% PrI 0.22-0.62) in preventing death from or cancer in the proximal colon. Aspirin was equally effective as screening in reducing colorectal cancer incidence, while flexible sigmoidoscopy was superior to FOBT (RR 0.84; 95% PrI 0.72-0.97). Low-dose aspirin seems to be equally effective as flexible sigmoidoscopy or guaiac FOBT screening to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, and more effective for cancers in the proximal colon. A randomised comparative effectiveness trial of aspirin vs. screening is warranted. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

An Additional Prior Retrieval Alters the Effects of a Retrieval-Extinction Procedure on Recent and Remote Fear Memory.

PubMed

An, Xianli; Yang, Ping; Chen, Siguang; Zhang, Fenfen; Yu, Duonan

2017-01-01

Several studies have shown that the isolated retrieval of a consolidated fear memory can induce a labile phase, during which extinction training can prevent the reinstatement, a form of relapse in which fear response to a fear-provoking context returns when a mild shock is presented. However, fear memory retrieval may also have another opposing result: the enhancement of fear memory. This implies that the fear memory trace can be modified by a brief retrieval. Unclear is whether the fear-impairing effect of retrieval-extinction (RE) is altered by a prior brief retrieval. The present study investigated the responses of recent and remote fear memories to the RE procedure after the presentation of an additional prior retrieval (priRet). We found that a single RE procedure effectively blocked the reinstatement of 2-day recent contextual fear memory. The memory-impairing effect of the RE procedure on recent fear was not observed when priRet was presented 6 or 24 h before the RE procedure. In contrast to the 2-day recent memory, the RE procedure failed to block the reinstatement of 36-day remote fear memory but successfully disrupted the return of remote fear memory after priRet. This memory-disruptive effect on remote memory did not occur when priRet was performed in a novel context. Nimodipine administration revealed that the blockade of priRet-induced processes recovered the effects of the RE procedure on both recent and remote fear memories. Our findings suggest that the susceptibility of recent and remote fear memories to RE procedures can be altered by an additional retrieval.

Predicting Photosynthetic Fluxes from Spectral Reflectance of Leaves and Canopies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gamon, John A.

1997-01-01

The central hypothesis of this study has been that photosynthetic efficiency and capacity can be predicted from 'physiological reflectance indices' derived from spectral reflectance of leaves and canopies. I have approached this topic with a combination of laboratory and field experiments, and have also explored the potential of deriving a meaningful physiological index from imaging spectrometry (e.g. AVIRIS). A few highlights are presented below. The main emphasis has been on the 'Photochemical Reflectance Index' (PRI), derived from reflectance at 531 nm and 570 nm. Unlike most 'conventional' vegetation indices (e.g. NDVI), PRI changes rapidly both with illumination and physiological state, because it detects the interconversion of xanthophyll cycle pigments, which serve as photoregulatory pigments and control energy distribution for the photosynthetic system. This approach has differed dramatically from most remote sensing in that it has emphasized temporal variation in narrow-band spectral signatures, instead of spatial patterns of broadband indices. Our primary conclusion has been that PRI works well as an index of photosynthetic light-use efficiency at the leaf scale, much in the same way as the fluorescence index DeltaF/Fm. However, unlike DeltaF/Fm which must be measured at close scales, PRI can be sampled at a range of spatial scales, presenting the possibility of monitoring photosynthetic fluxes remotely.

Selective blockade of microRNA processing by Lin-28

PubMed Central

Viswanathan, Srinivas R.; Daley, George Q.; Gregory, Richard I.

2012-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in development, and dysregulation of miRNA expression has been observed in human malignancies. Recent evidence suggests that the processing of several primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) is blocked post-transcriptionally in embryonic stem (ES) cells, embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, and primary tumors. Here we show that Lin-28, a developmentally regulated RNA-binding protein, selectively blocks the processing of pri-let-7 miRNAs in embryonic cells. Using in vitro and in vivo studies, we demonstrate that Lin-28 is necessary and sufficient for blocking Microprocessor-mediated cleavage of pri-let-7 miRNAs. Our results identify Lin-28 as a negative regulator of miRNA biogenesis and suggest that Lin-28 may play a central role in blocking miRNA-mediated differentiation in stem cells and certain cancers. PMID:18292307

Canopy Vegetation Indices from In situ Hyperspectral Data to Assess Plant Water Status of Winter Wheat under Powdery Mildew Stress

PubMed Central

Feng, Wei; Qi, Shuangli; Heng, Yarong; Zhou, Yi; Wu, Yapeng; Liu, Wandai; He, Li; Li, Xiao

2017-01-01

Plant disease and pests influence the physiological state and restricts the healthy growth of crops. Physiological measurements are considered the most accurate way of assessing plant health status. In this paper, we researched the use of an in situ hyperspectral remote sensor to detect plant water status in winter wheat infected with powdery mildew. Using a diseased nursery field and artificially inoculated open field experiments, we detected the canopy spectra of wheat at different developmental stages and under different degrees of disease severity. At the same time, destructive sampling was carried out for physical tests to investigate the change of physiological parameters under the condition of disease. Selected vegetation indices (VIs) were mostly comprised of green bands, and correlation coefficients between these common VIs and plant water content (PWC) were generally 0.784–0.902 (p < 0.001), indicating the green waveband may have great potential in the evaluation of water content of winter wheat under powdery mildew stress. The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) was sensitive to physiological response influenced by powdery mildew, and the relationships of PRI with chlorophyll content, the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and the potential activity of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fo) were good with R2 = 0.639, 0.833, 0.808, respectively. Linear regressions showed PRI demonstrated a steady relationship with PWC across different growth conditions, with R2 = 0.817 and RMSE = 2.17. The acquired PRI model of wheat under the powdery mildew stress has a good compatibility to different experimental fields from booting stage to filling stage compared with the traditional water signal vegetation indices, WBI, FWBI1, and FWBI2. The verification results with independent data showed that PRI still performed better with R2 = 0.819 between measured and predicted, and corresponding RE = 8.26%. Thus, PRI is recommended as a potentially reliable

Vegetation Function and Physiology: Photosynthesis, Fluorescence and Non-photochemical Quenching (NPQ)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Q.; Yao, T.

2017-12-01

Photosynthesis is a basic physiological function of vegetation that relies on PAR provided through photosynthetic pigments (mainly chlorophyll) for plant growth and biomass accumulation. Vegetation chlorophyll (chl) content and non-chlorophyll (non-chl) components vary with plant functional types (PFTs) and growing stages. The PAR absorbed by canopy chlorophyll (APARchl) is associated with photosynthesis (i.e., gross primary production, GPP) while the PAR absorbed by canopy non-chl components (APARnon-chl) is not associated with photosynthesis. Under non-optimal environmental conditions, vegetation is "stressed" and both photosynthesis (GPP) and light use efficiency are reduced, therefore, excess portions of APARchl are discarded as fluorescence or non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) is a measurement related to NPQ. Both PRI and yield of solar induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIFyield = SIF/APARchl) have been proposed as possible bio-indicators of LUEchl. We have successfully developed an algorithm to distinguish between chlorophyll and non-chl components of vegetation, and to retrieve fractional absorptions of PAR by chlorophyll (fAPARchl) and by non-chl components (fAPARnon-chl) with surface reflectance of MODIS bands 1 - 7. A method originally pioneered by Hanan et al. (2002) has been used to retrieve fAPAR for vegetation photosynthesis (fAPARPSN) at flux tower sites based on the light response curve of tower net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and incident PAR at low light intensity. We have also retrieved the PRI from MODIS data (bands 11 and 1) and have derived SIFyield with the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment - 2 (GOME-2) SIF data. We find that fAPARPSN at flux tower sites matches well with site fAPARchl, and ratio fAPARnon-chl/fAPARchl varies largely. APARchl can explain >=78% variation in seasonal GPP . We disentangle the possible impact of fAPARchl on PRI from physiological stress response, disentangle the possible

Mechanisms of bacterial DNA replication restart

PubMed Central

Windgassen, Tricia A; Wessel, Sarah R; Bhattacharyya, Basudeb

2018-01-01

Abstract Multi-protein DNA replication complexes called replisomes perform the essential process of copying cellular genetic information prior to cell division. Under ideal conditions, replisomes dissociate only after the entire genome has been duplicated. However, DNA replication rarely occurs without interruptions that can dislodge replisomes from DNA. Such events produce incompletely replicated chromosomes that, if left unrepaired, prevent the segregation of full genomes to daughter cells. To mitigate this threat, cells have evolved ‘DNA replication restart’ pathways that have been best defined in bacteria. Replication restart requires recognition and remodeling of abandoned replication forks by DNA replication restart proteins followed by reloading of the replicative DNA helicase, which subsequently directs assembly of the remaining replisome subunits. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying replication restart and the proteins that drive the process in Escherichia coli (PriA, PriB, PriC and DnaT). PMID:29202195

Integrating proximal and satellite optical data for the analysis of ecosystem carbon uptake and plant phenology at the European larch Specnet site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galvagno, Marta; Gamon, John; Cremonese, Edoardo; Garrity, Steven; Huemmrich, K. Fred; Filippa, Gianluca; Morra di Cella, Umberto; Rossini, Micol

2017-04-01

Automated canopy-level optical sampling in tandem with ecosystem-atmosphere flux observations is continuously carried on at a variety of ecosystems through the Specnet network (http://specnet.info/). Specifically, 9 sites within US and Europe were selected since 2015, to investigate the use of novel NDVI and PRI low-cost sensors for the analysis of ecosystem functioning and phenology. Different plant functional types, such as grasslands, deciduous, and evergreen forests belong to the network, here we present specific data from the larch (Larix decidua Mill.) forest Italian site. Three automated NDVI and three automated PRI spectral reflectance sensors (Decagon Devices Inc.) were installed in 2015 on the top of the 20-meters eddy covariance tower, pointing toward the west, north, and east orientations. An additional system, composed by one NDVI and PRI system was installed to monitor the understory component. The objective of this analysis is the comparison between these in-situ inexpensive sensors, independent NDVI and PRI sensors (Skye Instruments) previously installed on the 20-meters tower and satellite-derived NDVI. Both MODIS and Sentinel NDVI data were used for the comparison. Moreover, the newly derived chlorophyll/carotenoid index (CCI, Gamon et al. 2016), computed as the normalized difference between the NDVI red band and PRI 532 nm band, was tested to estimate the seasonal pattern of daily Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) of the larch forest. Results showed that the seasonality of NDVI was comparable among in-situ sensors and satellite data, though orientation-specific differences were observed. Both NDVI and CCI tracked daily GPP, but with different sensitivity to its seasonality. Future analysis will be directed toward a comparison between this site-based results with the other sites within the Specnet network.

Seasonal photosynthetic activity in evergreen conifer leaves monitored with spectral reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, C. Y.; Gamon, J. A.

2013-12-01

Boreal evergreen conifers must maintain photosynthetic systems in environments where temperatures vary greatly across seasons from high temperatures in the summer to freezing levels in the winter. This involves seasonal downregulation and photoprotection during periods of extreme temperatures. To better understand this downregulation, seasonal dynamics of photosynthesis of lodgepole (Pinus contorta D.) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa D.) were monitored in Edmonton, Canada over two years. Spectral reflectance at the leaf and stand scales was measured weekly and the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), often used as a proxy for chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment levels and photosynthetic light-use efficiency (LUE), was used to track the seasonal dynamics of photosynthetic activity. Additional physiological measurements included leaf pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas exchange. All the metrics indicate large seasonal changes in photosynthetic activity, with a sharp transition from winter downregulation to active photosynthesis in the spring and a more gradual fall transition into winter. The PRI was a good indicator of several other variables including seasonally changing photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic LUE, and pigment pool sizes. Over the two-year cycle, PRI was primarily driven by changes in constitutive (chlorophyll:carotenoid) pigment levels correlated with seasonal photosynthetic activity, with a much smaller variation caused by diurnal changes in xanthophyll cycle activity (conversion between violaxanthin & zeaxanthin). Leaf and canopy scale PRI measurements exhibited parallel responses during the winter-spring transition. Together, our findings indicate that evergreen conifers photosynthetic system possesses a remarkable degree of resilience in response to large temperature changes across seasons, and that optical remote sensing can be used to observe the seasonal effects on photosynthesis and

Detecting Inter-Annual Variations in the Phenology of Evergreen Conifers Using Long-Term MODIS Vegetation Index Time Series

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ulsig, Laura; Nichol, Caroline J.; Huemmrich, Karl F.; Landis, David R.; Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Lyapustin, Alexei I.; Mammarella, Ivan; Levula, Janne; Porcar-Castell, Albert

2017-01-01

Long-term observations of vegetation phenology can be used to monitor the response of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change. Satellite remote sensing provides the most efficient means to observe phenological events through time series analysis of vegetation indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). This study investigates the potential of a Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), which has been linked to vegetation light use efficiency, to improve the accuracy of MODIS-based estimates of phenology in an evergreen conifer forest. Timings of the start and end of the growing season (SGS and EGS) were derived from a 13-year-long time series of PRI and NDVI based on a MAIAC (multi-angle implementation of atmospheric correction) processed MODIS dataset and standard MODIS NDVI product data. The derived dates were validated with phenology estimates from ground-based flux tower measurements of ecosystem productivity. Significant correlations were found between the MAIAC time series and ground-estimated SGS (R (sup 2) equals 0.36-0.8), which is remarkable since previous studies have found it difficult to observe inter-annual phenological variations in evergreen vegetation from satellite data. The considerably noisier NDVI product could not accurately predict SGS, and EGS could not be derived successfully from any of the time series. While the strongest relationship overall was found between SGS derived from the ground data and PRI, MAIAC NDVI exhibited high correlations with SGS more consistently (R (sup 2) is greater than 0.6 in all cases). The results suggest that PRI can serve as an effective indicator of spring seasonal transitions, however, additional work is necessary to confirm the relationships observed and to further explore the usefulness of MODIS PRI for detecting phenology.

Weaving Together Space Biology and the Human Research Program: Selecting Crops and Manipulating Plant Physiology to Produce High Quality Food for ISS Astronauts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massa, Gioia; Hummerick, Mary; Douglas, Grace; Wheeler, Raymond

2015-01-01

Researchers from the Human Research Program (HRP) have teamed up with plant biologists at KSC to explore the potential for plant growth and food production on the international space station (ISS) and future exploration missions. KSC Space Biology (SB) brings a history of plant and plant-microbial interaction research for station and for future bioregenerative life support systems. JSC HRP brings expertise in Advanced Food Technology (AFT), Advanced Environmental Health (AEH), and Behavioral Health and Performance (BHP). The Veggie plant growth hardware on the ISS is the platform that first drove these interactions. As we prepared for the VEG-01 validation test of Veggie, we engaged with BHP to explore questions that could be asked of the crew that would contribute both to plant and to behavioral health research. AFT, AEH and BHP stakeholders were engaged immediately after the return of the Veggie flight samples of space-grown lettuce, and this team worked with the JSC human medical offices to gain approvals for crew consumption of the lettuce on ISS. As we progressed with Veggie testing we began performing crop selection studies for Veggie that were initiated through AFT. These studies consisted of testing and down selecting leafy greens, dwarf tomatoes, and dwarf pepper crops based on characteristics of plant growth and nutritional levels evaluated at KSC, and organoleptic quality evaluated at JSCs Sensory Analysis lab. This work has led to a successful collaborative proposal to the International Life Sciences Research Announcement for a jointly funded HRP-SB investigation of the impacts of light quality and fertilizer on salad crop productivity, nutrition, and flavor in Veggie on the ISS. With this work, and potentially with other pending joint projects, we will continue the synergistic research that will advance the space biology knowledge base, help close gaps in the human research roadmap, and enable humans to venture out to Mars and beyond.

Microprocessor mediates transcriptional termination of long noncoding RNA transcripts hosting microRNAs.

PubMed

Dhir, Ashish; Dhir, Somdutta; Proudfoot, Nick J; Jopling, Catherine L

2015-04-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a major part in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Mammalian miRNA biogenesis begins with cotranscriptional cleavage of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcripts by the Microprocessor complex. Although most miRNAs are located within introns of protein-coding transcripts, a substantial minority of miRNAs originate from long noncoding (lnc) RNAs, for which transcript processing is largely uncharacterized. We show, by detailed characterization of liver-specific lnc-pri-miR-122 and genome-wide analysis in human cell lines, that most lncRNA transcripts containing miRNAs (lnc-pri-miRNAs) do not use the canonical cleavage-and-polyadenylation pathway but instead use Microprocessor cleavage to terminate transcription. Microprocessor inactivation leads to extensive transcriptional readthrough of lnc-pri-miRNA and transcriptional interference with downstream genes. Consequently we define a new RNase III-mediated, polyadenylation-independent mechanism of Pol II transcription termination in mammalian cells.

Microprocessor mediates transcriptional termination in long noncoding microRNA genes

PubMed Central

Dhir, Ashish; Dhir, Somdutta; Proudfoot, Nick J.; Jopling, Catherine L.

2015-01-01

MicroRNA (miRNA) play a major role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Mammalian miRNA biogenesis begins with co-transcriptional cleavage of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcripts by the Microprocessor complex. While most miRNA are located within introns of protein coding genes, a substantial minority of miRNA originate from long non coding (lnc) RNA where transcript processing is largely uncharacterized. We show, by detailed characterization of liver-specific lnc-pri-miR-122 and genome-wide analysis in human cell lines, that most lnc-pri-miRNA do not use the canonical cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA) pathway, but instead use Microprocessor cleavage to terminate transcription. This Microprocessor inactivation leads to extensive transcriptional readthrough of lnc-pri-miRNA and transcriptional interference with downstream genes. Consequently we define a novel RNase III-mediated, polyadenylation-independent mechanism of Pol II transcription termination in mammalian cells. PMID:25730776

Life cycle of a data warehousing project in healthcare.

PubMed

Verma, R; Harper, J

2001-01-01

Hill Physicians Medical Group (and its medical management firm, PriMed Management) early on recognized the need for a data warehouse. Management demanded that data from many sources be integrated, cleansed, and formatted. As a first step, an operational data store (ODS) was built and populated with data from the main transactional system; encounter data were added. The ODS has served its purpose well and has whetted management's appetite for more information and faster, more reliable access, all in one location. PriMed hired Annams Systems Consulting (Annams) for this effort. A team was formed, made up of consultants from Annams and members of PriMed's information services (IS) team. The "classical" approach is being taken: enhancing the ODS, which is largely normalized in structure, and integrating data from various sources, along with enforcing business rules. The team is designing and implementing data marts and a "star schema" style of data modeling--a useful tool for management to evaluate results before investing further.

Spectral Bio-indicator Simulations for Tracking Photosynthetic Activities in a Corn Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Yen-Ben; Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Huemmrich, K. Fred; Zhang, Qingyuan; Corp, Lawrence; Campbell, Petya; Kustas, William

2011-01-01

Accurate assessment of vegetation canopy optical properties plays a critical role in monitoring natural and managed ecosystems under environmental changes. In this context, radiative transfer (RT) models simulating vegetation canopy reflectance have been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for understanding and estimating spectral bio-indicators. In this study, two narrow band spectroradiometers were utilized to acquire observations over corn canopies for two summers. These in situ spectral data were then used to validate a two-layer Markov chain-based canopy reflectance model for simulating the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), which has been widely used in recent vegetation photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE) studies. The in situ PRI derived from narrow band hyperspectral reflectance exhibited clear responses to: 1) viewing geometry which affects the asset of light environment; and 2) seasonal variation corresponding to the growth stage. The RT model (ACRM) successfully simulated the responses to the variable viewing geometry. The best simulations were obtained when the model was set to run in the two layer mode using the sunlit leaves as the upper layer and shaded leaves as the lower layer. Simulated PRI values yielded much better correlations to in situ observations when the cornfield was dominated by green foliage during the early growth, vegetative and reproductive stages (r = 0.78 to 0.86) than in the later senescent stage (r = 0.65). Further sensitivity analyses were conducted to show the important influences of leaf area index (LAI) and the sunlit/shaded ratio on PRI observations.

How important are peatlands globally in providing drinking water resources?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiren; Morris, Paul; Holden, Joseph

2017-04-01

The potential role of peatlands as water stores and sources of downstream water resources for human use is often cited in publications setting the context for the importance of peatlands, but is rarely backed up with substantive evidence. We sought to determine the global role of peatlands in water resource provision. We developed the Peat Population Index (PPI) that combines the coverage of peat and the local population density to show focused (hotspot) areas where there is a combination of both large areas of peat and large populations who would potentially use water sourced from those peatlands. We also developed a method for estimating the proportion of river water that interacted with contributing peatlands before draining into rivers and reservoirs used as a drinking water resource. The Peat Reservoir Index (PRI) estimates the contribution of peatlands to domestic water use to be 1.64 km3 per year which is 0.35 % of the global total. The results suggest that although peatlands are widespread, the spatial distribution of the high PPI and PRI river basins is concentrated in European middle latitudes particularly around major conurbations in The Netherlands, northern England, Scotland (Glasgow) and Ireland (Dublin), although there were also some important systems in Florida, the Niger Delta and Malaysia. More detailed research into water resource provision in high PPI areas showed that they were not always also high PRI areas as often water resources were delivered to urban centres from non-peat areas, despite a large area of peat within the catchment. However, particularly in the UK and Ireland, there are some high PRI systems where peatlands directly supply water to nearby urban centres. Thus both indices are useful and can be used at a global level while more local refinement enables enhanced use which supports global and local peatland protection measures. We now intend to study the impacts of peatland degradation and climate change on water resource

Effects of partial root-zone irrigation on hydraulic conductivity in the soil–root system of maize plants

PubMed Central

Hu, Tiantian; Kang, Shaozhong; Li, Fusheng; Zhang, Jianhua

2011-01-01

Effects of partial root-zone irrigation (PRI) on the hydraulic conductivity in the soil–root system (Lsr) in different root zones were investigated using a pot experiment. Maize plants were raised in split-root containers and irrigated on both halves of the container (conventional irrigation, CI), on one side only (fixed PRI, FPRI), or alternately on one of two sides (alternate PRI, APRI). Results show that crop water consumption was significantly correlated with Lsr in both the whole and irrigated root zones for all three irrigation methods but not with Lsr in the non-irrigated root zone of FPRI. The total Lsr in the irrigated root zone of two PRIs was increased by 49.0–92.0% compared with that in a half root zone of CI, suggesting that PRI has a significant compensatory effect of root water uptake. For CI, the contribution of Lsr in a half root zone to Lsr in the whole root zone was ∼50%. For FPRI, the Lsr in the irrigated root zone was close to that of the whole root zone. As for APRI, the Lsr in the irrigated root zone was greater than that of the non-irrigated root zone. In comparison, the Lsr in the non-irrigated root zone of APRI was much higher than that in the dried zone of FPRI. The Lsr in both the whole and irrigated root zones was linearly correlated with soil moisture in the irrigated root zone for all three irrigation methods. For the two PRI treatments, total water uptake by plants was largely determined by the soil water in the irrigated root zone. Nevertheless, the non-irrigated root zone under APRI also contributed to part of the total crop water uptake, but the continuously non-irrigated root zone under FPRI gradually ceased to contribute to crop water uptake, suggesting that it is the APRI that can make use of all the root system for water uptake, resulting in higher water use efficiency. PMID:21527627

Tradition of the pharmacies of Celje.

PubMed

Pocivavsek, Marija

2009-01-01

In Celje, the first pharmacist is mentioned as early as 1578, among the first cities in Styria. In the 16th century, provincial classes hired and paid for the so-called provincial pharmacists and also monitored their work. Until the 19th century, pharmacists were considered tradesmen, then the public character of the profession changed: a court decree from 1820 required university education in pharmacy or chemistry. Since pharmacy trade was licensed and the number of pharmacies regulated, there was only one pharmacy in Celje for many years (pharmacy Pri orlu). The next two pharmacies were opened only after lengthy efforts: in the first half of the 17th century the second one (pharmacy Pri Mariji Pomagaj) and only in 1922 the third one (pharmacy Pri kriZu). After World War II, all private pharmacies were nationalized; in 1968 a public institute The pharmacies of Celje was established. In February 2009, the Museum of Recent Histoy Celje opened a museum pharmacy, which gives visitors an opportunity to experience the middle-class lifestyle from the time before World War II.

PRI and the Beyond Merida Initiative

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-28

candidate, Andres Manuel Lopez , called for the de- militarization of our bilateral agenda while speaking to a U.S. think tank.9 Santiago Creel Miranda, a... manuel -l%C3%B3pez- obrador (accessed October 16, 2011) 10 Elimparcial. “Anti-narco fight will change if president: Creel,” http...Wilson Institute for Scholars: Mexico Institute. http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/dialogues-mexicodi%C3%A1logos-con-m%C3%A9xico- featuring- andr %C3%A9s

The Prying Eye: Ethics of Photojournalism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mundt, Whitney R.; Broussard, E. Joseph

A national sample of journalists, consisting of 700 television news photographers, newspaper photographers, television news directors, newspaper editors, and journalism educators, was asked to evaluate the ethical conduct in eight situations involving alleged invasion of privacy by photography. The respondents found journalistic conduct to be…

Evidence of a robust relationship between solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence and gross primary productivity across dryland ecosystems of southwestern North America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, W. K.; Biederman, J. A.; Scott, R. L.; Moore, D. J.; Kimball, J. S.; He, M.; Yan, D.; Hudson, A.; Barnes, M.; MacBean, N.; Fox, A. M.; Litvak, M. E.

2017-12-01

Satellite remote sensing provides unmatched spatiotemporal information on multiple facets of vegetation dynamics including seasonal to interannual total photosynthesis, termed gross primary productivity (GPP). Yet, our understanding of the relationship between GPP and remote sensing observations - and how this relationship changes with scale, biophysical constraint, vegetation type, etc. - remains limited. This knowledge gap is especially apparent for dryland ecosystems, which have high spatial and temporal variability and are under-represented by long-term, continuous field measurements. Here, utilizing a new synthesis of eddy covariance flux tower data for southwestern North America, we present a first assessment of the ability of novel satellite remote sensing vegetation proxies to accurately capture seasonal to interannual GPP dynamics across the region. We evaluate the greenness-based Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and emerging proxies linked to plant physiological function, Solar-Induced Fluorescence (SIF) and Photochemical Reflectivity Index (PRI). We find that SIF observations more consistently correlate with seasonal GPP dynamics (R = 0.90) compared to EVI (R = 0.85) and PRI (R = 0.78). More, we find that SIF observations are also more sensitive to interannual GPP variability (linear slope = 0.80) relative to EVI (linear slope = 0.63) and PRI (linear slope = 0.35). This is likely due to increased sensitivity of SIF to GPP during periods of decoupling between greenness and photosynthesis due to water-limitation / stomatal closure. Conversely, EVI and PRI observations better capture spatial GPP variability between flux tower sites. These results suggest that combinations of these independent vegetation growth proxies could yield synergistic improvements in satellite-based GPP estimates.

Association between pain, central sensitization and anxiety in postherpetic neuralgia.

PubMed

Schlereth, T; Heiland, A; Breimhorst, M; Féchir, M; Kern, U; Magerl, W; Birklein, F

2015-02-01

In postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), dorsal root ganglia neurons are damaged. According to the proposed models, PHN pain might be associated with nociceptive deafferentation, and peripheral (heat hyperalgesia) or central sensitization (allodynia). In 36 PHN patients, afferent nerve fibre function was characterized using quantitative sensory testing and histamine-induced flare analysis. Psychological factors were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), disease-related quality of life (QoL) with SF-36 and pain with the McGill questionnaire [pain rating index (PRI)]. The patients were also divided into subgroups according to the presence or absence of brush-evoked allodynia as a sign of central sensitization. For all patients, warm, cold and mechanical detection was impaired (p < 0.001 each) and the size of the histamine flare was diminished on the affected side (p < 0.05); pain thresholds with the exception of brush-evoked allodynia (p < 0.05) were unaltered. Correlation analysis revealed allodynia, anxiety, depression, QoL and age as relevant factors associated with pain severity (PRI). Allodynia was present in 23 patients (64%). In these patients, heat pain perception was preserved; the histamine flare was larger; the pinprick pain was increased as were McGill PRI sensory subscore, actual pain rating and almost significantly pain (McGill PRI) over the last 4 weeks. PHN is associated with damage of afferent fibres. Central sensitization (i.e., allodynia) might contribute to PHN pain. There was a striking association between anxiety, depression and age, and the magnitude of PHN pain. © 2014 European Pain Federation - EFIC®

Phase II study of medroxyprogesterone acetate plus metformin as a fertility-sparing treatment for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Mitsuhashi, A; Sato, Y; Kiyokawa, T; Koshizaka, M; Hanaoka, H; Shozu, M

2016-02-01

Metformin, widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, reduces the risk of cancer and relapse after treatment. Fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer (EC) with progestin is associated with a high chance of disease regression, and the high relapse rate continues to be a problem. We assessed the efficacy of metformin in preventing recurrence after medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) as fertility-sparing treatment for atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and EC. This phase II study enrolled 17 patients with AEH and 19 patients with EC limited to the endometrium (age, 20-40 years). MPA (400 mg/day) and metformin (750-2250 mg/day) were administered for 24-36 weeks to achieve a complete response (CR). Metformin was administered until conception, even after MPA discontinuation. The primary end point was relapse-free survival (RFS) after remission. We analyzed all efficacy end points in the full analysis set. The body mass index was ≥25 kg/m(2) in 27 patients (mean, 31 kg/m(2); range, 19-51 kg/m(2)), and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index was ≥2.5 in 24 patients (mean, 4.7; range, 0.7-21). Two patients showed progression at 12 weeks [6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2-18]. At 36 weeks, 29 (81%; 95% CI 65-90) patients achieved CR, and 5 (14%; 95% CI 6-29) patients achieved partial response. During a median follow-up of 38 months (range, 9-66 months) after remission, relapse was confirmed in three of the patients who had achieved CR (relapse rate, 10%). The 3-year estimated RFS rate was 89%. No patients experienced severe toxicity. Metformin inhibited disease relapse after MPA therapy. The combination of metformin and MPA in EC treatment should be studied further. UMIN 000002210. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Cigarette smoking reduces platelet reactivity independently of clopidogrel treatment in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.

PubMed

Crimi, Gabriele; Somaschini, Alberto; Cattaneo, Marco; Angiolillo, Dominick J; Piscione, Federico; Palmerini, Tullio; De Servi, Stefano

2018-05-01

Smokers receiving clopidogrel show a lower residual platelet reactivity than non-smokers, a phenomenon generally ascribed to smoking-induced increased production of clopidogrel active metabolite, but also associated with the high hemoglobin levels of smokers, which decreases platelet reactivity in tests that measure platelet function in whole blood. We evaluated the impact of cigarette smoking and of hemoglobin levels on platelet reactivity index (PRI) measured by the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP-P) assay in whole blood samples from patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions, both before and after clopidogrel administration. PRI was measured in 718 clopidogrel-naïve NSTE-ACS patients, both before and 1 month after treatment with clopidogrel (75 mg daily). Smokers (n = 347, 48%) had significantly lower mean PRI levels at both baseline (57.7 ± 24.1 vs. 64.8 ± 19.8, p < 0.001) and 1 month (43.4 ± 20.3% vs. 46.8 ± 18.0%, p = 0.017) than non-smokers. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Syntax score>15), the β coefficient of smoke on PRI was -8.51 [-11.90 to -5.11, p < 0.001] at baseline and -3.41 [-6.30 to -0.51, p = 0.02] after 1 month. Hemoglobin was higher in smokers (13.8 ± 1.5 g/dL) than non-smokers (13.1 ± 1.7 g/dL, p < 0.001), but was not significantly correlated with PRI both at baseline (Rho = 0.02, p = 0.60) and at 1 month (Rho = 0.01, p = 0.80). Our analysis confirms that clopidogrel-treated smokers have lower platelet reactivity, measured by the VASP-P assay, compared to clopidogrel-treated non-smokers. However, smokers had lower platelet reactivity already before receiving clopidogrel treatment, suggesting that smoke affects platelet reactivity independently of its potential effect on the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel. Our data also indicate that such an effect

Human Research Program: Space Human Factors and Habitability Element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russo, Dane M.

2007-01-01

The three project areas of the Space Human Factors and Habitability Element work together to achieve a working and living environment that will keep crews healthy, safe, and productive throughout all missions -- from Earth orbit to Mars expeditions. The Advanced Environmental Health (AEH) Project develops and evaluates advanced habitability systems and establishes requirements and health standards for exploration missions. The Space Human Factors Engineering (SHFE) Project s goal is to ensure a safe and productive environment for humans in space. With missions using new technologies at an ever-increasing rate, it is imperative that these advances enhance crew performance without increasing stress or risk. The ultimate goal of Advanced Food Technology (AFT) Project is to develop and deliver technologies for human centered spacecraft that will support crews on missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Academia-industry collaboration in continuing medical education: description of two approaches.

PubMed

Katz, Harvey P; Goldfinger, Stephen E; Fletcher, Suzanne W

2002-01-01

Although concerns have been raised about industry support of continuing medical education (CME), there are few published reports of academia-industry collaboration in the field. We describe and evaluate Pri-Med, a CME experience for primary care clinicians developed jointly by the Harvard Medical School (HMS) and M/C Communications. Since 1995, 19 Pri-Med conferences have been held in four cities, drawing more than 100,000 primary care clinicians. The educational core of each Pri-Med conference is a 3-day Harvard course, "Current Clinical Issues in Primary Care." Course content is determined by a faculty committee independent of any commercial influence. Revenues from multiple industry sources flow through M/C Communications to the medical school as an educational grant to support primary care education. Pri-Med also offers separate pharmaceutical company-funded symposia. Comparing the two educational approaches during four conferences, 221 HMS talks and 103 symposia were presented. The HMS course covered a wide range with 133 topics; the symposia focused on 30 topics, most of which were linked to recently approved new therapeutic products manufactured by the funders. Both the course and the symposia were highly rated by attendees. When CME presentations for primary care physicians receive direct support from industry, the range of offered topics is narrower than when programs are developed independently of such support. There appear to be no differences in the perceived quality of presentations delivered with and without such support. Our experience suggests that a firewall between program planners and providers of financial support will result in a broader array of educational subjects relevant to the field of primary care.

The utility of presacral drainage in penetrating rectal injuries in adult and pediatric patients.

PubMed

Savoie, Kate B; Beazley, Thomas M; Cleveland, Brent; Khaneki, Sina; Markel, Troy A; Hammer, Peter M; Savage, Stephanie; Williams, Regan F

2017-11-01

With changing weaponry associated with injuries in civilian trauma, there is no clinical census on the utility of presacral drainage (PSD) in penetrating rectal injuries (PRIs), particularly in pediatric patients. Patients with PRI from July 2004-June 2014 treated at two free-standing children's hospitals and two adult level 1 trauma centers were compared by age (pediatric patients ≤16 years) and PSD. A stratified analysis was performed based on age. The primary outcome was pelvic/presacral abscess. We identified 81 patients with PRI; 19 pediatric, 62 adult. Forty patients had PSD; only three pediatric patients had a drain. Adult patients were more likely to have sustained gunshot wounds (84%), whereas pediatric patients were more likely to sustain impalement injuries (59%). Pediatric patients were more likely to have distal extraperitoneal injuries (56% versus 27% in adults, P = 0.03). PSD was more common in adult patients (59% versus 14%, P = 0.0004), African-Americans (71% versus 11% Caucasian, P < 0.01), and those sustaining gun shot wounds (63% versus 18% impalement, P < 0.01); only race remained significant in stratified analysis for both adult and pediatric patients. There were three cases of pelvic/presacral abscess, all in the adult patients (P = 0.31); one patient with PSD and two without PSD (P = 0.58). In stratified analysis, there were no differences in any infectious complication between those with and without PSD. Pelvic/presacral abscess is a rare complication of PRI, especially in pediatric patients. PSD is not associated with decreased rates of infectious complications and may not be necessary in the treatment of PRI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Screening of Genes Involved in Isooctane Tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Using mRNA Differential Display

PubMed Central

Miura, Shigenori; Zou, Wen; Ueda, Mitsuyoshi; Tanaka, Atsuo

2000-01-01

A Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, KK-211, isolated by the long-term bioprocess of stereoselective reduction in isooctane, showed extremely high tolerance to the solvent, which is toxic to yeast cells, but, in comparison with its wild-type parent, DY-1, showed low tolerance to hydrophilic organic solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide and ethanol. In order to detect the isooctane tolerance-associated genes, mRNA differential display (DD) was employed using mRNAs isolated from strains DY-1 and KK-211 cultivated without isooctane, and from strain KK-211 cultivated with isooctane. Thirty genes were identified as being differentially expressed in these three types of cells and were classified into three groups according to their expression patterns. These patterns were further confirmed and quantified by Northern blot analysis. On the DD fingerprints, the expression of 14 genes, including MUQ1, PRY2, HAC1, AGT1, GAC1, and ICT1 (YLR099c) was induced, while the expression of the remaining 16 genes, including JEN1, PRY1, PRY3, and KRE1, was decreased, in strain KK-211 cultivated with isooctane. The genes represented by HAC1, PRY1, and ICT1 have been reported to be associated with cell stress, and AGT1 and GAC1 have been reported to be involved in the uptake of trehalose and the production of glycogen, respectively. MUQ1 and KRE1, encoding proteins associated with cell surface maintenance, were also detected. Based on these results, we concluded that alteration of expression levels of multiple genes, not of a single gene, might be the critical determinant for isooctane tolerance in strain KK-211. PMID:11055939

A novel function for the DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX-23 in primary microRNA processing in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Chu, Yu-De; Chen, Hsin-Kai; Huang, Tao; Chan, Shih-Peng

2016-01-15

Primary microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) are cleaved by the nuclear RNase III Drosha to produce hairpin-shaped precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs). In humans, this process is known to be facilitated by the DEAD-box helicases p68 (DDX5) and p72 (DDX17). In this study, we performed a candidate-based RNAi screen in C. elegans to identify DEAD/H-box proteins involved in miRNA biogenesis. In a let-7(mg279) sensitized genetic background, knockdown of a homolog of yeast splicing factor Prp28p, DDX-23, or a homolog of human helicases p68 and p72, DDX-17, enhanced let-7 loss-of-function phenotypes, suggesting that these helicases play a role in let-7 processing and/or function. In both ddx-23(RNAi) and ddx-17(RNAi), levels of mature let-7 were decreased while pri-let-7 was found to accumulate, indicating that the helicases likely act at the level of pri-let-7 processing. DDX-23 and DDX-17 were also required for the biogenesis of other known heterochronic miRNAs, including lin-4 and the let-7 family members miR-48, miR-84 and miR-241. Their function was not confined to the heterochronic pathway, however, since they were both necessary for down-regulation of cog-1 by the spatial patterning miRNA, lsy-6. Here, we present a novel function for C. elegans DDX-23 in pri-miRNA processing, and also suggest a conserved role for DDX-17 in this process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A novel role for GSK3β as a modulator of Drosha microprocessor activity and MicroRNA biogenesis.

PubMed

Fletcher, Claire E; Godfrey, Jack D; Shibakawa, Akifumi; Bushell, Martin; Bevan, Charlotte L

2016-10-23

Regulation of microRNA (miR) biogenesis is complex and stringently controlled. Here, we identify the kinase GSK3β as an important modulator of miR biogenesis at Microprocessor level. Repression of GSK3β activity reduces Drosha activity toward pri-miRs, leading to accumulation of unprocessed pri-miRs and reduction of pre-miRs and mature miRs without altering levels or cellular localisation of miR biogenesis proteins. Conversely, GSK3β activation increases Drosha activity and mature miR accumulation. GSK3β achieves this through promoting Drosha:cofactor and Drosha:pri-miR interactions: it binds to DGCR8 and p72 in the Microprocessor, an effect dependent upon presence of RNA. Indeed, GSK3β itself can immunoprecipitate pri-miRs, suggesting possible RNA-binding capacity. Kinase assays identify the mechanism for GSK3β-enhanced Drosha activity, which requires GSK3β nuclear localisation, as phosphorylation of Drosha at S 300 and/or S 302 ; confirmed by enhanced Drosha activity and association with cofactors, and increased abundance of mature miRs in the presence of phospho-mimic Drosha. Functional implications of GSK3β-enhanced miR biogenesis are illustrated by increased levels of GSK3β-upregulated miR targets following GSK3β inhibition. These data, the first to link GSK3β with the miR cascade in humans, highlight a novel pro-biogenesis role for GSK3β in increasing miR biogenesis as a component of the Microprocessor complex with wide-ranging functional consequences. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Archaeal replicative primases can perform translesion DNA synthesis.

PubMed

Jozwiakowski, Stanislaw K; Borazjani Gholami, Farimah; Doherty, Aidan J

2015-02-17

DNA replicases routinely stall at lesions encountered on the template strand, and translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) is used to rescue progression of stalled replisomes. This process requires specialized polymerases that perform translesion DNA synthesis. Although prokaryotes and eukaryotes possess canonical TLS polymerases (Y-family Pols) capable of traversing blocking DNA lesions, most archaea lack these enzymes. Here, we report that archaeal replicative primases (Pri S, primase small subunit) can also perform TLS. Archaeal Pri S can bypass common oxidative DNA lesions, such as 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosines and UV light-induced DNA damage, faithfully bypassing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. Although it is well documented that archaeal replicases specifically arrest at deoxyuracils (dUs) due to recognition and binding to the lesions, a replication restart mechanism has not been identified. Here, we report that Pri S efficiently replicates past dUs, even in the presence of stalled replicase complexes, thus providing a mechanism for maintaining replication bypass of these DNA lesions. Together, these findings establish that some replicative primases, previously considered to be solely involved in priming replication, are also TLS proficient and therefore may play important roles in damage tolerance at replication forks.

Immunoprecipitation of Tri-methylated Capped RNA.

PubMed

Hayes, Karen E; Barr, Jamie A; Xie, Mingyi; Steitz, Joan A; Martinez, Ivan

2018-02-05

Cellular quiescence (also known as G 0 arrest) is characterized by reduced DNA replication, increased autophagy, and increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase p27 Kip1 . Quiescence is essential for wound healing, organ regeneration, and preventing neoplasia. Previous findings indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating cellular quiescence. Our recent publication demonstrated the existence of an alternative miRNA biogenesis pathway in primary human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells during quiescence. Indeed, we have identified a group of pri-miRNAs (whose mature miRNAs were found induced during quiescence) modified with a 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG)-cap by the trimethylguanosine synthase 1 (TGS1) protein and transported to the cytoplasm by the Exportin-1 (XPO1) protein. We used an antibody against (TMG)-caps (which does not cross-react with the (m 7 G)-caps that most pri-miRNAs or mRNAs contain [Luhrmann et al ., 1982]) to perform RNA immunoprecipitations from total RNA extracts of proliferating or quiescent HFFs. The novelty of this assay is the specific isolation of pri-miRNAs as well as other non-coding RNAs containing a TMG-cap modification.

In-vivo quantification of primary microRNA processing by Drosha with a luciferase based system

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

Allegra, Danilo; Cooperation Unit 'Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis', B061, DKFZ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg; Mertens, Daniel, E-mail: daniel.mertens@uniklinik-ulm.de

2011-03-25

Research highlights: {yields} Posttranscriptional regulation of miRNA processing is difficult to quantify. {yields} Our in-vivo processing assay can quantify Drosha cleavage in live cells. {yields} It is based on luciferase reporters fused with pri-miRNAs. {yields} The assay validates the processing defect caused by a mutation in pri-16-1. {yields} It is a sensitive method to quantify pri-miRNA cleavage by Drosha in live cells. -- Abstract: The RNAse III Drosha is responsible for the first step of microRNA maturation, the cleavage of primary miRNA to produce the precursor miRNA. Processing by Drosha is finely regulated and influences the amount of mature microRNAmore » in a cell. We describe in the present work a method to quantify Drosha processing activity in-vivo, which is applicable to any microRNA. With respect to other methods for measuring Drosha activity, our system is faster and scalable, can be used with any cellular system and does not require cell sorting or use of radioactive isotopes. This system is useful to study regulation of Drosha activity in physiological and pathological conditions.« less

Relating a Spectral Index from MODIS and Tower-based Measurements to Ecosystem Light Use Efficiency for a Fluxnet-Canada Coniferous Forest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, Elizabeth M.; Cheng, Yen-Ben; Hilker, Thomas; Huemmrich, Karl F.; Black, T. Andrew; Krishnan, Praveena; Coops, Nicholas C.

2008-01-01

As part of the North American Carbon Program effort to quantify the terrestrial carbon budget of North America, we have been examining the possibility of retrieving ecosystem light use efficiency (LUE, the carbon sequestered per unit photosynthetically active radiation) directly from satellite observations. Our novel approach has been to compare LUE derived from tower fluxes with LUE estimated using spectral indices computed from MODIS satellite observations over forests in the Fluxnet-Canada Research Network, using the MODIS narrow ocean bands acquired over land. We matched carbon flux data collected around the time of the MODIS mid-day overpass for over one hundred relatively clear days in five years (2001-2006) from a mature Douglas fir forest in British Columbia. We also examined hyperspectral reflectance data collected diurnally from the tower in conjunction with the eddy correlation fluxes and meteorological measurements made throughout the 2006 growing season at this site. The tower-based flux data provided an opportunity to examine diurnal and seasonal LUE processes and their relationship to spectral indices at the scale of the forest stand. We evaluated LUE in conjunction with the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), a normalized difference spectral index that uses 531 nm and a reference band to capture responses to high light induced stress afforded by the xanthophyll cycle. Canopy structure information, retrieved from airborne laser scanning radar (LiDAR) observations, was used to partition the forest canopy into sunlit and shaded fractions throughout the day, on numerous days during 2006. At each observation period throughout a day, the PRI was examined for the sunlit, shaded, and intermediate canopy segments defined by their instantaneous position relative to the solar principal plane (SPP). The sunlit sector was associated with the illumination "hotspot" (the reflectance backscatter maximum), the shaded sector with the "cold or dark spot" (the

Growth in Virologically Suppressed HIV-Positive Children on Antiretroviral Therapy: Individual and Population-level References.

PubMed

Keiser, Olivia; Blaser, Nello; Davies, Mary-Ann; Wessa, Patrick; Eley, Brian; Moultrie, Harry; Rabie, Helena; Technau, Karl-Günther; Ndirangu, James; Garone, Daniela; Giddy, Janet; Grimwood, Ashraf; Gsponer, Thomas; Egger, Matthias

2015-10-01

Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses viral replication in HIV-infected children. The growth of virologically suppressed children on ART has not been well documented. We aimed to develop dynamic reference curves for weight-for-age Z scores (WAZ) and height-for-age Z scores (HAZ). Children aged <11 years at ART initiation with continuously undetectable viral loads (<400 copies/mL) treated at 7 South African ART programs with routine viral load monitoring were included. We used multilevel models to define trajectories of WAZ and HAZ up to 3 years and developed a web application to monitor trajectories in individual children. A total of 4876 children were followed for 7407 person-years. Analyses were stratified by baseline Z scores and age, which were the most important predictors of growth response. The youngest children showed the most pronounced increase in weight and height initially but catch-up growth stagnated after 1-2 years. Three years after starting ART, WAZ ranged from -2.2 [95% prediction interval (PrI), -5.6 to 0.8] in children with baseline age >5 years and Z score less than -3 to 0.0 (95% PrI, -2.7 to 2.4) in children with baseline age <2 years and WAZ greater than -1. For HAZ, the corresponding range was -2.3 (95% PrI, -4.9 to 0.3) in children with baseline age >5 years and Z score less than -3 to 0.3 (95% PrI, -3.1 to 3.4) in children with baseline age 2-5 years and HAZ greater than -1. We have developed an online tool to calculate reference trajectories in fully suppressed children. The web application could help to define "optimal" growth response and identify children with treatment failure.

Elongated Hypocotyl 5-Homolog (HYH) Negatively Regulates Expression of the Ambient Temperature-Responsive MicroRNA Gene MIR169

PubMed Central

Serivichyaswat, Phanu T.; Susila, Hendry; Ahn, Ji Hoon

2017-01-01

Arabidopsis microRNA169 (miR169) is an ambient temperature-responsive microRNA that plays an important role in stress responses and the floral transition. However, the transcription factors that regulate the expression of MIR169 have remained unknown. In this study, we show that Elongated Hypocotyl 5-Homolog (HYH) directly binds to the promoter of MIR169a and negatively regulates its expression. Absolute quantification identified MIR169a as the major locus producing miR169. GUS reporter assays revealed that the deletion of a 498-bp fragment (–1,505 to –1,007, relative to the major transcriptional start site) of MIR169a abolished its ambient temperature-responsive expression. DNA-affinity chromatography followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified transcription factor HYH as a trans-acting factor that binds to the 498-bp promoter fragment of pri-miR169a. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation–quantitative PCR demonstrated that the HYH.2 protein, a predominant isoform of HYH, directly associated with a G-box-like motif in the 498-bp fragment of pri-miR169a. Higher enrichment of HYH.2 protein on the promoter region of MIR169a was seen at 23°C, consistent with the presence of more HYH.2 protein in the cell at the temperature. Transcript levels of pri-miR169a increased in hyh mutants and decreased in transgenic plants overexpressing HYH. Consistent with the negative regulation of MIR169a by HYH, the diurnal levels of HYH mRNA and pri-miR169a showed opposite patterns. Taken together, our results suggest that HYH is a transcription factor that binds to a G-box-like motif in the MIR169a promoter and negatively regulates ambient temperature-responsive expression of MIR169a at higher temperatures in Arabidopsis. PMID:29270188

Does the length of uvula affect the palatal implant outcome in the management of habitual snoring?

PubMed

Akpinar, Meltem Esen; Yigit, Ozgur; Kocak, Ismail; Altundag, Aytug

2011-05-01

To evaluate the impact of the uvular length on the efficacy of palatal implants in primary snoring. Prospective case series, tertiary hospital, snoring and respiratory sleep disorders center. Forty subjects with inserted palatal implants and diagnoses of primary snoring were included. All met the inclusion criteria of age >18 years, body mass index <30, apnea-hypopnea index <5, tonsil grade <3, soft-palate length >25 mm, and Friedman tongue position <3 following clinical, endoscopic, and polysomnographic evaluation. Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and the snoring-intensity visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded before and 9 months after the implant. Four subjects with extruded implants were excluded; the remaining 36 subjects were divided into two groups, Group I and Group II, with uvular lengths of ≤15 mm and >15 mm, respectively. The study assessed and compared subjective outcome measures including the partner's satisfaction (PS), partner's reported improvement (PRI), 50% VAS and ESS reduction, and subjective success (SS) defined as 50% VAS reduction. The Student t test, χ(2) test, and logistic regression models were used for statistical evaluation. SS (50% VAS reduction), PS, PRI, and 50% ESS reduction were significantly higher in Group I (P < .001, P = .0257, P = .027, P < .001). The overall SS, PRI, PS, and 50% ESS reduction were 33%, 78%, 50%, and 50%, respectively. The uvular length was found to be the determinant factor of SS (P = .005; odds ratio = 0.75), PRI (P = .039; odds ratio = 0.83), and 50% ESS reduction (P = .038; odds ratio: 0.84) following implant insertion through stepwise logistic regression analysis. Excess uvular length (>15 mm) is an important anatomic feature decreasing the efficacy of palatal implants in snoring, and additional measures, such as uvulectomy, should be considered simultaneously for better outcomes (level 4). Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Activation of G-protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor Rapidly Stimulates MicroRNA-21 Transcription in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

PubMed

Teng, Yun; Radde, Brandie N; Litchfield, Lacey M; Ivanova, Margarita M; Prough, Russell A; Clark, Barbara J; Doll, Mark A; Hein, David W; Klinge, Carolyn M

2015-06-19

Little is known about the regulation of the oncomiR miR-21 in liver. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) regulates gene expression as a ligand for a G-protein-coupled receptor and as a precursor for steroids that activate nuclear receptor signaling. We report that 10 nm DHEA increases primary miR-21 (pri-miR-21) transcription and mature miR-21 expression in HepG2 cells in a biphasic manner with an initial peak at 1 h followed by a second, sustained response from 3-12 h. DHEA also increased miR-21 in primary human hepatocytes and Hep3B cells. siRNA, antibody, and inhibitor studies suggest that the rapid DHEA-mediated increase in miR-21 involves a G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30), estrogen receptor α-36 (ERα36), epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent, pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway requiring activation of c-Src, ERK1/2, and PI3K. GPER antagonist G-15 attenuated DHEA- and BSA-conjugated DHEA-stimulated pri-miR-21 transcription. Like DHEA, GPER agonists G-1 and fulvestrant increased pri-miR-21 in a GPER- and ERα36-dependent manner. DHEA, like G-1, increased GPER and ERα36 mRNA and protein levels. DHEA increased ERK1/2 and c-Src phosphorylation in a GPER-responsive manner. DHEA increased c-Jun, but not c-Fos, protein expression after 2 h. DHEA increased androgen receptor, c-Fos, and c-Jun recruitment to the miR-21 promoter. These results suggest that physiological concentrations of DHEA activate a GPER intracellular signaling cascade that increases pri-miR-21 transcription mediated at least in part by AP-1 and androgen receptor miR-21 promoter interaction. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Activation of G-protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor Rapidly Stimulates MicroRNA-21 Transcription in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells*

PubMed Central

Teng, Yun; Radde, Brandie N.; Litchfield, Lacey M.; Ivanova, Margarita M.; Prough, Russell A.; Clark, Barbara J.; Doll, Mark A.; Hein, David W.; Klinge, Carolyn M.

2015-01-01

Little is known about the regulation of the oncomiR miR-21 in liver. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) regulates gene expression as a ligand for a G-protein-coupled receptor and as a precursor for steroids that activate nuclear receptor signaling. We report that 10 nm DHEA increases primary miR-21 (pri-miR-21) transcription and mature miR-21 expression in HepG2 cells in a biphasic manner with an initial peak at 1 h followed by a second, sustained response from 3–12 h. DHEA also increased miR-21 in primary human hepatocytes and Hep3B cells. siRNA, antibody, and inhibitor studies suggest that the rapid DHEA-mediated increase in miR-21 involves a G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30), estrogen receptor α-36 (ERα36), epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent, pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway requiring activation of c-Src, ERK1/2, and PI3K. GPER antagonist G-15 attenuated DHEA- and BSA-conjugated DHEA-stimulated pri-miR-21 transcription. Like DHEA, GPER agonists G-1 and fulvestrant increased pri-miR-21 in a GPER- and ERα36-dependent manner. DHEA, like G-1, increased GPER and ERα36 mRNA and protein levels. DHEA increased ERK1/2 and c-Src phosphorylation in a GPER-responsive manner. DHEA increased c-Jun, but not c-Fos, protein expression after 2 h. DHEA increased androgen receptor, c-Fos, and c-Jun recruitment to the miR-21 promoter. These results suggest that physiological concentrations of DHEA activate a GPER intracellular signaling cascade that increases pri-miR-21 transcription mediated at least in part by AP-1 and androgen receptor miR-21 promoter interaction. PMID:25969534

Monitoring Spring Recovery of Photosynthesis and Spectral Reflectance in Temperate Evergreen and Mixed Deciduous Forests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, C. Y.; Arain, M. A.; Ensminger, I.

2015-12-01

Evergreen conifers in boreal and temperate regions undergo strong seasonal changes in photoperiod and temperatures, which characterizes their photosynthetic activity with high activity in the growing season and downregulation during the winter season. Monitoring the timing of the transitions in evergreens is difficult since it's a largely invisible process, unlike deciduous trees that have a visible budding and senescence sequence. Spectral reflectance and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), often used as a proxy for photosynthetic light-use efficiency, provides a promising tool to track the transition of evergreens between inactive and active photosynthetic states. To better understand the relationship between PRI and photosynthetic activity and to contrast this relationship between plant functional types, the spring recovery of an evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest was monitored using spectral reflectance, chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange. All metrics indicate photosynthetic recovery during the spring season. These findings indicate that PRI can be used to observe the spring recovery of photosynthesis in evergreen conifers but may not be best suited for deciduous trees. These findings have implications for remote sensing, which provides a promising long-term monitoring system of whole ecosystems, which is important since their roles in the carbon cycle may shift in response to climate change.

(How) Can We Use Satellite Data to Estimate Effects of Extreme Drought on Photosynthesis?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicca, S.; Balzarolo, M.; Filella, I.; Granier, A.; Herbst, M.; Knohl, A.; Longdoz, B.; Mund, M.; Nagy, Z.; Pintér, K.; Rambal, S.; Verbesselt, J.; Verger, A.; Zeileis, A.; Zhang, C.; Penuelas, J.

2017-12-01

Severe droughts can strongly impact photosynthesis (GPP), but the tool best suited for large-scale and long-term monitoring, satellite imagery, has yet to prove its ability to detect drought effects on GPP. Especially changes in vegetation functioning when vegetation state remains unaltered (no browning or defoliation) pose a challenge to satellite-derived indicators. We evaluated the performance of different satellite indicators to detect effect of a strong drought (that started during the European heatwave of 2003) on GPP in a beech forest in France (Hesse). While vegetation state remained largely unaffected by the drought, Eddy Covariance data revealed a substantial decrease in GPP and GPP recovered only after about three years. This three-year reduction in GPP was, however not detected by severaly commonly used reflectance indices (like NDVI and FAPAR) or by MODIS GPP product. Only he Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) detected the drought effect, but the PRI only after normalization for absorbed light. These results were compared to a two other forests where a severe drought event had affected GPP and these data confirmed that especially the PRI normalized for absorbed light provides useful information about vegetation functioning that is not captured by other remote sensing indicators under test.

Super-enhancer-mediated RNA processing revealed by integrative microRNA network analysis

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Hiroshi I.; Young, Richard A; Sharp, Phillip A

2017-01-01

Summary Super-enhancers are an emerging sub-class of regulatory regions controlling cell identity and disease genes. However, their biological function and impact on miRNA networks are unclear. Here we report that super-enhancers drive the biogenesis of master miRNAs crucial for cell identity by enhancing both transcription and Drosha/DGCR8-mediated primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) processing. Super-enhancers, together with broad H3K4me3 domains, shape a tissue-specific and evolutionarily conserved atlas of miRNA expression and function. CRISPR/Cas9 genomics revealed that super-enhancer constituents act cooperatively and facilitate Drosha/DGCR8 recruitment and pri-miRNA processing to boost cell-specific miRNA production. The BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 preferentially inhibits super-enhancer-directed cotranscriptional pri-miRNA processing. Furthermore, super-enhancers are characterized by pervasive interaction with DGCR8/Drosha and DGCR8/Drosha-regulated mRNA stability control, suggesting unique RNA regulation at super-enhancers. Finally, super-enhancers mark multiple miRNAs associated with cancer hallmarks. This study presents principles underlying miRNA biology in health and disease and a unrecognized higher-order property of super-enhancers in RNA processing beyond transcription. PMID:28283057

A biogenesis step upstream of Microprocessor controls miR-17~92 expression

PubMed Central

Du, Peng; Wang, Longfei; Sliz, Piotr; Gregory, Richard I.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY The precise control of miR-17~92 microRNA (miRNA) is essential for normal development and overexpression of certain miRNAs from this cluster is oncogenic. Here we find the relative expression of the six miRNAs processed from the primary (pri-miR-17~92) transcript is dynamically regulated during embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation. Pri-miR-17~92 is processed to a biogenesis intermediate, termed ‘progenitor-miRNA’ (pro-miRNA). Pro-miRNA is an efficient substrate for Microprocessor and is required to selectively license production of pre-miR-17, -18a, -19a, 20a, and -19b from this cluster. Two complementary cis-regulatory repression domains within pri-miR-17~92 are required for the blockade of miRNA processing through the formation of an autoinhibitory RNA conformation. The endonuclease CPSF3 (CPSF73), and the Spliceosome-associated ISY1 are responsible for pro-miRNA biogenesis and expression of all miRNAs within the cluster except miR-92. Thus, developmentally regulated pro-miRNA processing is key step controlling miRNA expression and explains the posttranscriptional control of miR-17~92 expression in development. PMID:26255770

Long-term effectiveness of a school-based primary prevention program for anorexia nervosa: A 7-to 8-year follow-up.

PubMed

Adametz, Luise; Richter, Felicitas; Strauss, Bernhard; Walther, Mario; Wick, Katharina; Berger, Uwe

2017-04-01

This is the first study to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a school-based prevention program in Germany. The aim is to determine the long-term effects of the primary prevention program PriMa (Primary prevention of anorexia nervosa in preadolescent girls) on disordered eating and body self-esteem from childhood to young adulthood. PriMa was conducted and successfully evaluated in a quasi-experimental pre-post design with a control group from 2007 to 2008 consisting of 11-13year old girls (N=1508) from Thuringian schools in Germany. Seven to eight years after the intervention, the same cohort (mean age 19.8years) was invited to complete an online survey. Disordered eating (EAT-26), body self-esteem (FBeK) and BMI were assessed via self-report. The response rate at seven-to-eight-year follow-up was very low (7%). Data of N=100 girls were analyzed. Concerning changes in disordered eating, results revealed no significant long-term effect of PriMa seven to eight years after the intervention. During this time, disordered eating remained stable without a significant increase or decrease. Regarding changes in body self-esteem, group courses differed significantly from each other. The results revealed a significant main effect of group, indicating significant differences in changes of body self-esteem between the intervention and the control group. Following the analysis of these changes of body self-esteem over time, it was found that the intervention group revealed an increase of body self-esteem after program participation and remained stable over time. By contrast, the control group revealed a decrease of body self-esteem over time. Long-term intervention effects of PriMa could be found for body self-esteem but not for disordered eating. The findings suggest that PriMa prevented a decrease of body self-esteem from childhood to young adulthood. For a broader dissemination it is necessary to implement prevention programs consistently in school settings. In order to

TU-F-12A-03: Using 18F-FDG-PET-CT and Deformable Registration During Head-And-Neck Cancer (HNC) Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) to Predict Treatment Response

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

Vergalasova, I; Mowery, Y; Yoo, D

2014-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of deformable vs. rigid registration of pre-treatment 18F-FDG-PET-CT to intra-treatment 18F-FDG-PET-CT on different standardized uptake value (SUV) parameters and investigate which parameters correlate best with post-treatment response in patients undergoing IMRT for HNC. Methods: Pre-treatment and intra-treatment PET-CT (after 20Gy) scans were acquired, in addition to a 12 week post-treatment PET-CT to assess treatment response. Primary and lymph node gross tumor volumes (GTV-PRI and GTV-LN) were contoured on the pre-treatment CT. These contours were then mapped to intra-treatment PET images via rigid and deformable registration. Absolute changes from pre- to intra-treatment scans for rigid andmore » deformable registration were extracted for the following parameters: SUV-MAX, SUV-MEAN, SUV-20%, SUV-40%, and SUV-60% (SUV-X% is the minimum SUV to the highest-intensity X% volume). Results: Thirty-eight patients were evaluated, with 27 available for classification as complete or incomplete response (CR/ICR). The pre-treatment average tumor volumes for the patients were 24.05cm{sup 3} for GTV-PRI and 23.4cm{sup 3} for GTV-LN. For GTV-PRI, there was no statistically significant difference between rigid vs. deformable registration across all ΔSUV parameters. For GTV-LN contours, all parameters were significantly different except for ΔSUV-MAX. For deformably-registered GTV-PRI, changes in the following metrics were significantly different for CR vs. ICR: SUV-MEAN(p=0.003), SUV-20%(p=0.02), SUV-40%(p=0.02), and SUV-60%(p=0.008). The following cutoff values separated CR from ICR with high sensitivity and specificity: ΔSUV-MEAN=1.49, ΔSUV-20%=2.39, ΔSUV-40%=1.80 and ΔSUV-60%=1.31. Corresponding areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve were 0.90, 0.81, 0.81, and 0.85, respectively. Conclusion: Rigidly and deformably registered contours yielded statistically similar SUV parameters for GTV-PRI, but not GTV-LN. This

36 CFR 520.6 - Nuisances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... use of loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language; unwarranted loitering, sleeping or assembly; the creation of any hazard to persons or things; improper disposal of rubbish; spitting; prurient prying; the...

Healthcare assistant fined for accessing medical records of friends and colleagues.

PubMed

2017-08-23

NHS staff are being reminded of the potentially serious consequences of prying into patients' records without a valid reason after a healthcare assistant (HCA) secretly accessed medical information on 29 people.

Assessment of cellular responses to oxidative stress using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, black seed (N. Sativa L.) extracts and H2O2.

PubMed

Farah, Ibrahim O

2005-12-01

Black seed (N. Sativa L) is an oriental spice of the family Ranunculaceae that has long been rationally used as a natural medicine for treatment of many acute as well as chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease and immunological disorders. It has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and dermatological conditions. There have been very few studies on the effects of N. Sativa as a chemoprevention of chronic diseases as well as in cancer prevention and/or therapy. Oxidative stress is a condition that underlies many acute as well as chronic conditions. The combination and role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in vivo is still a matter of conjecture. Our objective for the present study was to expose MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro (as a chronic disease example) to aqueous and alcohol extracts and in combination with H[2]O[2] as an oxidative stressor. Measurement of cell survival under various concentrations and mixtures was conducted using standard cell culture techniques, exposure protocols in 96 well plates and Fluorospectrosphotometry. Following cellular growth to 90% confluencey, exposure to water (WE) and ethanol (AE) extracts of N. sativa and H[2]O[2] was performed. Cell survival indices were calculated from percent survival using regression analysis. Results showed that the alcohol extract and its mixtures were able to influence the survival of MCF-7 cells (indices ranged from 357.15- 809.50 mug/ml in descending potency for H[2]O[2]+AE to the mix of 3). In contrast, H[2]O[2] alone reduced effectively the survival of MCF-7 cells and the least effective combinations in descending potency were AE+H[2]O[2], WE+H[2]O[2], AE+WE, and WE+AE+H[2]O[2]. Mixtures other than AE+H[2]O[2] showed possible interactions and loss of potency. In conclusion, N. Sativa alone or in combination with oxidative stress was found to be effective (in vitro) in influencing the survival of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, unveiling promising opportunities in the

Characterisation of Fractures and Fracture Zones in a Carbonate Aquifer Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Pricking Probe Methodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szalai, Sandor; Kovacs, Attila; Kuslits, Lukács; Facsko, Gabor; Gribovszki, Katalin; Kalmar, Janos; Szarka, Laszlo

2018-04-01

Position, width and fragmentation level of fracture zones and position, significance and characteristic distance of fractures were aimed to determine in a carbonate aquifer. These are fundamental parameters, e.g. in hydrogeological modelling of aquifers, due to their role in subsurface water movements. The description of small scale fracture systems is however a challenging task. In the test area (Kádárta, Bakony Mts, Hungary), two methods proved to be applicable to get reasonable information about the fractures: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Pricking-Probe (PriP). PriP is a simple mechanical tool which has been successfully applied in archaeological investigations. ERT results demonstrated its applicability in this small scale fracture study. PriP proved to be a good verification tool both for fracture zone mapping and detecting fractures, but in certain areas, it produced different results than the ERT. The applicability of this method has therefore to be tested yet, although its problems most probably origin from human activity which reorganises the near-surface debris distribution. In the test site, both methods displayed fracture zones including a very characteristic one and a number of individual fractures and determined their characteristic distance and significance. Both methods prove to be able to produce hydrogeologically important parameters even individually, but their simultaneous application is recommended to decrease the possible discrepancies.

Esomeprazole and rabeprazole did not reduce antiplatelet effects of aspirin/clopidogrel dual therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective, randomized, case-control study.

PubMed

Liu, Li-Peng; Wang, Yan; Si, Rui; Yuan, Ming; Cheng, Kang; Guo, Wen-Yi

2016-01-01

Controversy has been prompted based on drug interaction between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and aspirin/clopidogrel leading to weakened effects. However, whether such interaction was drug-specific or class effect remains controversial. This study predicted the impact of esomeprazole and rabeprazole on efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This study, involving 150 patients, evaluated the efficacy of DAPT upon concomitant use of esomeprazole (40 mg/d) or rabeprazole (20 mg/d). Platelet reactivity was assessed by value of ADP-induced light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation-platelet reactivity index (VASP-PRI) at day 1, day 3 and day 30 end points after initiation of DAPT. No significance were observed by post-hoc analysis of treatment-by-period interaction in LTA value and VASP-PRI value when compared with non-PPI users, which suggests no carryover effect in both PPIs over the 30-day treatment period. Moreover, no statistical differences was in LTA or VASP-PRI value in esomeprazole group while rabeprazole group showed decreased in antiplatelet function of DAPT at the day 3 and day 30 end points. Although antiplatelet effect of DAPT were not affected upon concomitant use of both PPIs over the 30-day treatment period, esomeprazole exerts much more stable impact on antiplatelet effect than rabeprazole among respective end points.

Assessing the performance of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA methods. 8. Predicting binding free energies and poses of protein-RNA complexes.

PubMed

Chen, Fu; Sun, Huiyong; Wang, Junmei; Zhu, Feng; Liu, Hui; Wang, Zhe; Lei, Tailong; Li, Youyong; Hou, Tingjun

2018-06-21

Molecular docking provides a computationally efficient way to predict the atomic structural details of protein-RNA interactions (PRI), but accurate prediction of the three-dimensional structures and binding affinities for PRI is still notoriously difficult, partly due to the unreliability of the existing scoring functions for PRI. MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA are more theoretically rigorous than most scoring functions for protein-RNA docking, but their prediction performance for protein-RNA systems remains unclear. Here, we systemically evaluated the capability of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA to predict the binding affinities and recognize the near-native binding structures for protein-RNA systems with different solvent models and interior dielectric constants (ϵ in ). For predicting the binding affinities, the predictions given by MM/GBSA based on the minimized structures in explicit solvent and the GBGBn1 model with ϵ in = 2 yielded the highest correlation with the experimental data. Moreover, the MM/GBSA calculations based on the minimized structures in implicit solvent and the GBGBn1 model distinguished the near-native binding structures within the top 10 decoys for 118 out of the 149 protein-RNA systems (79.2%). This performance is better than all docking scoring functions studied here. Therefore, the MM/GBSA rescoring is an efficient way to improve the prediction capability of scoring functions for protein-RNA systems. Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press for the RNA Society.

Media formulation influences chemical effects on neuronal growth and morphology

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract Screening for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) using in vitro, cell-based test systems has been proposed as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to performing in vivo DNT studies. One of the pri...

The relationship between tort reform and medical utilization.

PubMed

Kavanagh, Kevin T; Calderon, Lindsay E; Saman, Daniel M

2014-12-01

The hidden cost of defensive medicine has been cited by policymakers as a significant driving force in the increase of our nation's health-care costs. If this hypothesis is correct, one would expect that states with higher levels of tort reform will have a decrease in Medicare utilization and that medical utilization will decrease after tort reform is enacted. State-level reimbursement data for years 1999 to 2010 (the last year available) was obtained from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care. Medical tort rankings for the 50 states were obtained from the Pacific Research Institute (PRI) and correlated with state medical utilization for the year 2010. In 3 states, Mississippi, Nevada, and Texas, data were available to make pretort and posttort reform comparisons. Data analysis between total state Medicare Reimbursements and the PRI's tort rankings showed no significant observed correlation. In 6 Medicare utilization categories (total Medicare, hospital and skilled nursing facility, physician, home health agency, hospice, and durable medical equipment), a negative trend was observed when correlated with PRI tort rankings. This trend does not support the hypothesis that defensive medicine is a major driver of health-care expenditures. Tracking expenditures in the states of Texas, Nevada, and Mississippi, before and after passage of comprehensive medical tort reform gave inconsistent results and did not demonstrate substantial or meaningful total Medicare savings. In Mississippi, there was a trend of decreased expenditures after medical tort reform was passed. However, in Texas, where 80% of the analyzed enrollees resided, there was a trend of progressive increasing expenditures after tort reform was passed. The comparison of the Dartmouth Atlas Medicare Reimbursement Data with Malpractice Reform State Rankings, which are used by the PRI, did not support the hypothesis that defensive medicine is a driver of rising health-care costs. Additionally, comparing Medicare

Linking solar induced fluorescence and the photochemical reflectance index to carbon assimilation in a cornfield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Y.; Middleton, E.; Zhang, Q.; Corp, L.; Campbell, P. K.; Huemmrich, K. F.; Kustas, W.; Daughtry, C. S.; Dulaney, W. P.; Russ, A.

2012-12-01

Determining the health and vigor of vegetation using high spectral resolution remote sensing techniques is a critical component in monitoring productivity from both natural and managed ecosystems and their feedbacks to climate. This presentation summarizes a field campaign conducted in a USDA-ARS experimental cornfield site located in Beltsville, MD, USA over a five-year period. The site is equipped with an instrumented tower which makes continuous eddy covariance measurements of CO2 along with incoming PAR. Hyperspectral reflectance observations were acquired over corn canopies with a USB4000 Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometer (Ocean Optics Inc., Dunedin, Florida, USA) at multiple times a day at various stages through the growing season. On all field days, supporting plant information and leaf level data were acquired (e.g., CO2 gas exchange) as well as biophysical field data, including leaf area index (LAI), mid-day canopy PAR transmission, soil reflectivity, and soil moisture. The canopy optical measurements enabled retrievals of the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and solar induced fluorescence (SIF) centered at O2-A and -B bands. These two spectrally based bio-indicators have been widely utilized in studies to assess whether vegetation is performing near-optimally or exhibiting symptoms of environmental stress (e.g., drought or nutrient deficiency, non-optimal temperatures, etc.). Both SIF and PRI expressed diurnal dynamics and seasonal changes that followed environmental conditions and physiological status of the cornfield. We further investigated the correlation between these two retrievals and the flux tower based carbon assimilation observations (i.e. gross ecosystem production, GEP). We were able to successfully model the variation of GEP (r2=0.81; RMSE=0.18 mg CO2/m2/s) by utilizing both SIF and PRI. Several cross-validation algorithms were applied to the model to demonstrate the robustness and consistency of the model. Our results suggest great

Quantitative assessment of chronic postsurgical pain using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.

PubMed

Bruce, Julie; Poobalan, Amudha S; Smith, W Cairns S; Chambers, W Alastair

2004-01-01

The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) provides a quantitative profile of 3 major psychologic dimensions of pain: sensory-discriminative, motivational-affective, and cognitive-evaluative. Although the MPQ is frequently used as a pain measurement tool, no studies to date have compared the characteristics of chronic post-surgical pain after different surgical procedures using a quantitative scoring method. Three separate questionnaire surveys were administered to patients who had undergone surgery at different time points between 1990 and 2000. Surgical procedures selected were mastectomy (n = 511 patients), inguinal hernia repair (n = 351 patients), and cardiac surgery via a central chest wound with or without saphenous vein harvesting (n = 1348 patients). A standard questionnaire format with the MPQ was used for each survey. The IASP definition of chronic pain, continuously or intermittently for longer than 3 months, was used with other criteria for pain location. The type of chronic pain was compared between the surgical populations using 3 different analytical methods: the Pain Rating Intensity score using scale values, (PRI-S); the Pain Rating Intensity using weighted rank values multiplied by scale value (PRI-R); and number of words chosen (NWC). The prevalence of chronic pain after mastectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy, and median sternotomy with or without saphenectomy was 43%, 30%, and 39% respectively. Chronic pain most frequently reported was sensory-discriminative in quality with similar proportions across different surgical sites. Average PRI-S values after mastectomy, hernia repair, sternotomy (without postoperative anginal symptoms), and saphenectomy were 14.06, 13.00, 12.03, and 8.06 respectively. Analysis was conducted on cardiac patients who reported anginal symptoms with chronic post-surgical pain (PRI-S value 14.28). Patients with moderate and severe pain were more likely to choose more than 10 pain descriptors, regardless of the operative site (P < 0

Private pilot judgment training in flight school settings.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1987-05-01

Pilot judgment errors have long been recognized as an important factor in aviation accidents. Previous studies have demonstrated that specialized training procedures can significantly reduce the number of decisional errors made by newly certified pri...

Choosing Safe Toys

MedlinePlus

... the throat above the windpipe and restrict breathing. Battery-operated toys should have battery cases that secure with screws so that kids cannot pry them open. Batteries and battery fluid pose serious risks, including choking, ...

Magneto-optic imaging inspection of selected corrosion specimens : technical note

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-06-21

A feasibility demonstration was conducted at the facilities of Physical Research Instrumentation Company, (RI) in Redmond, Washington. The purpose of the demonstration was to compare the effectiveness of the PRI Model 301-1 magneto-optic imaging (MOI...

2007 national roadside survey of alcohol and drug use by drivers : drug results.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

This report presents the first national prevalence estimates for drug-involved driving derived from the recently : completed 2007 National Roadside Survey (NRS). The NRS is a national field survey of alcohol- and drug-involved : driving conducted pri...

TUNS user guide supplement: Data dictionary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

Provided is a data dictionary for the Technology Utilization Network System (TUNS) providing for each element name the long name, data type, data size, descriptive name and description, data of PRI clause, legal values, and location used.

Prying into the Prion Hypothesis for Parkinson's Disease.

PubMed

Brundin, Patrik; Melki, Ronald

2017-10-11

In Parkinson's disease, intracellular α-synuclein inclusions form in neurons. We suggest that prion-like behavior of α-synuclein is a key component in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Although multiple molecular changes are involved in the triggering of the disease process, we propose that neuron-to-neuron transfer is a crucial event that is essential for Lewy pathology to spread from one brain region to another. In this review, we describe key findings in human postmortem brains, cultured cells, and animal models of disease that support the idea that α-synuclein can act as a prion. We consider potential triggers of the α-synuclein misfolding and why the aggregates escape cellular degradation under disease conditions. We also discuss whether different strains of α-synuclein fibrils can underlie differences in cellular and regional distribution of aggregates in different synucleinopathies. Our conclusion is that α-synuclein probably acts as a prion in human diseases, and a deeper understanding of this step in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease can facilitate the development of disease-modifying therapies in the future. Dual Perspectives Companion Paper: Parkinson's Disease Is Not Simply a Prion Disorder, by D. James Surmeier, José A. Obeso, and Glenda M. Halliday. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/379808-11$15.00/0.

bmo-miR-275 down-regulates expression of Bombyx mori sericin gene 2 in vitro

PubMed Central

Qian, Ping; Jiang, Tao; Wang, Xin; Song, Fei; Chen, Chen; Shen, Xingjia

2018-01-01

We hypothesized that bmo-miR-275 has a potential regulatory function regarding the expression of sericin gene 2 (BmSer-2). First, we examined the expression of bmo-miR-275 and its target gene BmSer-2 in seven different tissues from 5th instar day-3 silkworm larvae. The results showed that they were both specifically expressed in the middle silk gland, implying that spatio-temporal conditions are required for bmo-miR-275 to regulate the expression of BmSer-2. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a pri-bmo-miR-275 expressing plasmid pcDNA3.0 [ie1-egfp-pri-bmo-miR-275-SV40] and BmSer-2-3´UTR recombinant reporter plasmids pGL3.0 [A3-luc-Ser-2-3′ UTR-SV40]. Finally, BmN cells were harvested and luciferase activity was detected. Results showed that luciferase activity was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in BmN cells co-transfected with pcDNA3.0 [ie1-egfp-pri-bmo-miR-275-SV40] and pGL3.0 [A3-luc-Ser-2-3’UTR-SV40], suggesting that bmo-miR-275 can down-regulate the expression of BmSer-2 in vitro. Our results improve the understanding of the regulatory function of Bombyx mori miRNA on the expression of genes regulating silk formation. PMID:29381729

Genetic transformation of Bacopa monnieri by wild type strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes stimulates production of bacopa saponins in transformed calli and plants.

PubMed

Majumdar, Sukanya; Garai, Saraswati; Jha, Sumita

2011-05-01

We have developed an efficient transformation system for Bacopa monnieri, an important Indian medicinal plant, using Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains LBA 9402 and A4. Transformed roots induced by strain LBA 9402 spontaneously dedifferentiated to callus while excised roots induced by strain A4 spontaneously showed induction of shoot buds within 10 days. PCR and RT-PCR analysis revealed the presence and expression of the rolAB and rolC genes at the transcription level in pRi A4 transformed cultures indicating that the TL-DNA was integrated retained and expressed in the A4-Ri transformed shoots. Transformed calli showed the presence of rolAB or rol A, TR and ags genes. Transformed plants showed morphological features typically seen in transgenic plants produced by A. rhizogenes. Growth and biomass accumulation was significantly higher in the transformed shoots (twofold) and roots (fourfold) than in the non-transformed (WT) plants. In pRi A4-transformed plants, the content of bacopasaponin D, bacopasaponin F, bacopaside II and bacopaside V was enhanced significantly as compared to WT plants of similar age while bacoside A3 and bacopasaponin C content was comparable with that of WT plants. Significant increase in content of five bacopa saponins could be detected in pRi 9402-transformed callus cultures. There is an overall stimulatory effect on accumulation of bacopa saponins in transformed plants and cells of B. monnieri establishing the role of endogenous elicitation by Ri T-DNA of A. rhizogenes.

Design of a small molecule against an oncogenic noncoding RNA.

PubMed

Velagapudi, Sai Pradeep; Cameron, Michael D; Haga, Christopher L; Rosenberg, Laura H; Lafitte, Marie; Duckett, Derek R; Phinney, Donald G; Disney, Matthew D

2016-05-24

The design of precision, preclinical therapeutics from sequence is difficult, but advances in this area, particularly those focused on rational design, could quickly transform the sequence of disease-causing gene products into lead modalities. Herein, we describe the use of Inforna, a computational approach that enables the rational design of small molecules targeting RNA to quickly provide a potent modulator of oncogenic microRNA-96 (miR-96). We mined the secondary structure of primary microRNA-96 (pri-miR-96) hairpin precursor against a database of RNA motif-small molecule interactions, which identified modules that bound RNA motifs nearby and in the Drosha processing site. Precise linking of these modules together provided Targaprimir-96 (3), which selectively modulates miR-96 production in cancer cells and triggers apoptosis. Importantly, the compound is ineffective on healthy breast cells, and exogenous overexpression of pri-miR-96 reduced compound potency in breast cancer cells. Chemical Cross-Linking and Isolation by Pull-Down (Chem-CLIP), a small-molecule RNA target validation approach, shows that 3 directly engages pri-miR-96 in breast cancer cells. In vivo, 3 has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and decreases tumor burden in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer. Thus, rational design can quickly produce precision, in vivo bioactive lead small molecules against hard-to-treat cancers by targeting oncogenic noncoding RNAs, advancing a disease-to-gene-to-drug paradigm.

Design of a small molecule against an oncogenic noncoding RNA

PubMed Central

Velagapudi, Sai Pradeep; Cameron, Michael D.; Haga, Christopher L.; Rosenberg, Laura H.; Lafitte, Marie; Duckett, Derek R.; Phinney, Donald G.; Disney, Matthew D.

2016-01-01

The design of precision, preclinical therapeutics from sequence is difficult, but advances in this area, particularly those focused on rational design, could quickly transform the sequence of disease-causing gene products into lead modalities. Herein, we describe the use of Inforna, a computational approach that enables the rational design of small molecules targeting RNA to quickly provide a potent modulator of oncogenic microRNA-96 (miR-96). We mined the secondary structure of primary microRNA-96 (pri-miR-96) hairpin precursor against a database of RNA motif–small molecule interactions, which identified modules that bound RNA motifs nearby and in the Drosha processing site. Precise linking of these modules together provided Targaprimir-96 (3), which selectively modulates miR-96 production in cancer cells and triggers apoptosis. Importantly, the compound is ineffective on healthy breast cells, and exogenous overexpression of pri-miR-96 reduced compound potency in breast cancer cells. Chemical Cross-Linking and Isolation by Pull-Down (Chem-CLIP), a small-molecule RNA target validation approach, shows that 3 directly engages pri-miR-96 in breast cancer cells. In vivo, 3 has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and decreases tumor burden in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer. Thus, rational design can quickly produce precision, in vivo bioactive lead small molecules against hard-to-treat cancers by targeting oncogenic noncoding RNAs, advancing a disease-to-gene-to-drug paradigm. PMID:27170187

Progress in Remote Sensing of Photosynthetic Activity over the Amazon Basin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Resende de Sousa, Celio Helder; Hilker, Thomas; Waring, Richard; Mendes De Moura, Yhasmin; Lyapustin, Alexei

2017-01-01

Although quantifying the massive exchange of carbon that takes place over the Amazon Basin remains a challenge, progress is being made as the remote sensing community moves from using traditional, reflectance-based vegetation indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), to the more functional Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI). This new index, together with satellite-derived estimates of canopy light interception and Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), provide improved estimates of Gross Primary Production (GPP). This paper traces the development of these new approaches, compares the results of their analyses from multiple years of data acquired across the Amazon Basin and suggests further improvements in instrument design, data acquisition and processing. We demonstrated that our estimates of PRI are in generally good agreement with eddy-flux tower measurements of photosynthetic light use efficiency (epsilon) at four sites in the Amazon Basin: r(exp 2) values ranged from 0.37 to 0.51 for northern flux sites and to 0.78for southern flux sites. This is a significant advance over previous approaches seeking to establish a link between global-scale photosynthetic activity and remotely-sensed data. When combined with measurements of Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), PRI provides realistic estimates of seasonal variation in photosynthesis over the Amazon that relate well to the wet and dry seasons. We anticipate that our findings will steer the development of improved approaches to estimate photosynthetic activity over the tropics.

Progress in Remote Sensing of Photosynthetic Activity over the Amazon Basin

PubMed Central

de Sousa, Celio Helder Resende; Hilker, Thomas; Waring, Richard; de Moura, Yhasmin Mendes; Lyapustin, Alexei

2017-01-01

Although quantifying the massive exchange of carbon that takes place over the Amazon Basin remains a challenge, progress is being made as the remote sensing community moves from using traditional, reflectance-based vegetation indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), to the more functional Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI). This new index, together with satellite-derived estimates of canopy light interception and Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), provide improved estimates of Gross Primary Production (GPP). This paper traces the development of these new approaches, compares the results of their analyses from multiple years of data acquired across the Amazon Basin and suggests further improvements in instrument design, data acquisition and processing. We demonstrated that our estimates of PRI are in generally good agreement with eddy-flux tower measurements of photosynthetic light use efficiency (ε) at four sites in the Amazon Basin: r2 values ranged from 0.37 to 0.51 for northern flux sites and to 0.78 for southern flux sites. This is a significant advance over previous approaches seeking to establish a link between global-scale photosynthetic activity and remotely-sensed data. When combined with measurements of Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), PRI provides realistic estimates of seasonal variation in photosynthesis over the Amazon that relate well to the wet and dry seasons. We anticipate that our findings will steer the development of improved approaches to estimate photosynthetic activity over the tropics. PMID:29375895

Progress in Remote Sensing of Photosynthetic Activity over the Amazon Basin.

PubMed

de Sousa, Celio Helder Resende; Hilker, Thomas; Waring, Richard; de Moura, Yhasmin Mendes; Lyapustin, Alexei

2017-01-01

Although quantifying the massive exchange of carbon that takes place over the Amazon Basin remains a challenge, progress is being made as the remote sensing community moves from using traditional, reflectance-based vegetation indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), to the more functional Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI). This new index, together with satellite-derived estimates of canopy light interception and Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), provide improved estimates of Gross Primary Production (GPP). This paper traces the development of these new approaches, compares the results of their analyses from multiple years of data acquired across the Amazon Basin and suggests further improvements in instrument design, data acquisition and processing. We demonstrated that our estimates of PRI are in generally good agreement with eddy-flux tower measurements of photosynthetic light use efficiency (ε) at four sites in the Amazon Basin: r 2 values ranged from 0.37 to 0.51 for northern flux sites and to 0.78 for southern flux sites. This is a significant advance over previous approaches seeking to establish a link between global-scale photosynthetic activity and remotely-sensed data. When combined with measurements of Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF), PRI provides realistic estimates of seasonal variation in photosynthesis over the Amazon that relate well to the wet and dry seasons. We anticipate that our findings will steer the development of improved approaches to estimate photosynthetic activity over the tropics.

CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism, rabeprazole and esomeprazole have no effect on the antiplatelet action of clopidogrel.

PubMed

El-Halabi, Mustapha M; Zgheib, Nathalie; Mansour, Nabil M; Malli, Ahmad; Ghaith, Ola A; Mahfouz, Rami; Alam, Samir; Sharara, Ala I

2013-07-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of CYP2C19 polymorphism and cotherapy with rabeprazole or esomeprazole on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. Patients receiving clopidogrel 75 mg ± rabeprazole or esomeprazole underwent genotyping for CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3, and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein testing to measure platelet reactivity index (PRI). Two hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients were enrolled as follows: 92 clopidogrel (C group), 94 clopidogrel + rabeprazole (CR), and 53 clopidogrel + esomeprazole (CE). Forty-five patients had loss of function (LOF) polymorphism (43 heterozygous; 2 homozygous mutant for CYP2C19*2). The mean PRI was 20.7% ± 21.9% in the C group, 19.1% ± 20.9% in the CR group, and 24.5% ± 22.9% in the CE group (P = NS). High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR), defined as PRI >50%, was observed in 12 (13.0%), 13 (13.8%), and 10 (18.9%) patients on C, CR, and CE, respectively (P = NS). HPR was similar in rapid metabolizers between groups. On multivariate logistic regression, neither CYP2C19 LOF alleles nor proton pump inhibitor cotherapy were associated with HPR. The use of proton pump inhibitors was indicated in 30.6% of recipients. As a conclusion, CYP2C19*2 LOF allele and the use of esomeprazole or rabeprazole have no effect on the action of clopidogrel.

Caught in the Act: 1.5 Å Resolution Crystal Structures of the HIV-1 Protease and the I54V Mutant Reveal a Tetrahedral Reaction Intermediate

PubMed Central

Kovalevsky, Andrey Y.; Chumanevich, Alexander A.; Liu, Fengling; Louis, John M.; Weber, Irene T.

2008-01-01

HIV-1 protease (PR) is the target for several important antiviral drugs used in AIDS therapy. The drugs bind inside the active-site cavity of PR where normally the viral poly-protein substrate is bound and hydrolyzed. We report two high resolution crystal structures of wild-type PR (PRWT) and the multi-drug resistant variant with the I54V mutation (PRI54V) in complex with a peptide at 1.46 Å and 1.50 Å resolution, respectively. The peptide forms a gem-diol tetrahedral reaction intermediate (TI) in the crystal structures. Distinctive interactions are observed for the TI binding in the active site cavity of PRWT and PRI54V. The mutant PRI54V /TI complex has lost water-mediated hydrogen bond interactions with the amides of Ile 50 and 50′ in the flap. Hence, the structures provide insight into the mechanism of drug resistance arising from this mutation. The structures also illustrate an intermediate state in the hydrolysis reaction. One of the gem-diol hydroxide groups in the PRWT complex forms a very short (2.3 Å) hydrogen bond with the outer carboxylate oxygen of Asp25. Quantum chemical calculations based on this TI structure are consistent with protonation of the inner carboxylate oxygen of Asp25′, in contrast to several theoretical studies. These TI complexes and quantum calculations are discussed in relation to the chemical mechanism of the peptide bond hydrolysis catalyzed by PR. PMID:18052235

Adapting risk management and computational intelligence network optimization techniques to improve traffic throughput and tail risk analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

Risk management techniques are used to analyze fluctuations in uncontrollable variables and keep those fluctuations from impeding : the core function of a system or business. Examples of this are making sure that volatility in copper and aluminum pri...

A typology of pain coping strategies in pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain.

PubMed

Walker, Lynn S; Baber, Kari Freeman; Garber, Judy; Smith, Craig A

2008-07-15

This study aimed to identify clinically meaningful profiles of pain coping strategies used by youth with chronic abdominal pain (CAP). Participants (n=699) were pediatric patients (ages 8-18 years) and their parents. Patients completed the Pain Response Inventory (PRI) and measures of somatic and depressive symptoms, disability, pain severity and pain efficacy, and perceived competence. Parents rated their children's pain severity and coping efficacy. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on the 13 PRI subscales identified pain coping profiles in Sample 1 (n=311) that replicated in Sample 2 (n=388). Evidence was found of external validity and distinctiveness of the profiles. The findings support a typology of pain coping that reflects the quality of patients' pain mastery efforts and interpersonal relationships associated with pain coping. Results are discussed in relation to developmental processes, attachment styles, and treatment implications.

Developing a Roadmap for Integrating Computational and In Vitro Approaches in Risk-Based Chemical Safety Decisions (SSCT-SweTox)

EPA Science Inventory

Multiple drivers shape the types of chemical assessments performed within many regulatory agencies including economic considerations, data availability, and the ultimate application of the assessment. The result is that chemical assessments are “fit-for-purpose” ranging from pri...

REGIONAL PARTICULATE MODEL - 1. MODEL DESCRIPTION AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS

EPA Science Inventory

The gas-phase chemistry and transport mechanisms of the Regional Acid Deposition Model have been modified to create the Regional Particulate Model, a three-dimensional Eulerian model that simulates the chemistry, transport, and dynamics of sulfuric acid aerosol resulting from pri...

An evaluation of alternative fuels usage by public transit agencies.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

The oil crisis of the 1970s forced Americans to reconsider using fossil fuels as a primary energy source. In : the public transit arena, private transit companies found themselves unable to compete in the urban : environment as rapidly rising oil pri...

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INFORMATION SYSTEM - EQULS® - ITER

EPA Science Inventory

This project consisted of an evaluation of the Environmental Quality Information System (EQuIS) software designed by Earthsoft, Inc. as an environmental data management and analysis platform for monitoring and remediation projects. In consultation with the EQuIS vendor, six pri...

The effect of moxibustion on alleviating menstrual pain in a population of young nursing students: A prospective randomized cross-over pilot study.

PubMed

Gao, Jing; Wang, Qi; Xian, Shaoxiang; Feng, Yue-mei; Cao, Wei-xin; Ye, Jing-yun; Zhang, Qing-qing; Zou, Cai-lian; Wu, Qing-guang; Liu, Si-jun

2015-12-01

To investigate the effect of moxibustion on alleviating menstrual pain and relieving the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in a cohort of young nursing students in China. A randomized double blind clinical trial of crossover design was used. In the two-phase study, a total of 56 nursing students with menstrual pain in Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China was randomly allocated into two groups. In the first treatment phase, the participants in Group A (n=28) received moxibustion therapy from five days before the menstrual period to the onset through a specific heating box in which burning moxa stick was fixed, the participants in Group B (n=28) received the same heating box but with a paper-wrapped stick incense fixed inside (placebo therapy) during the same intervention period. The acupoints Guanyuan(CV4) and Shenque(CV8) were selected for treatment. After the first treatment phase for two menstrual cycles, the intervention was stopped for three menstrual cycles during a wash period. In the second treatment phase, the intervention of two groups were switched. Group A received the placebo therapy and Group B received moxibustion therapy. NRS, VRS, PRI, VAS and BRS-6 were evaluated at the baseline and after each treatment phase. There was no statistically significant difference in age, history of dysmenorrhea, length of menstrual cycle, age at menarche, duration of menstrual flow, PRI score, VAS score, BRS score and RSS score between Group A and Group B (p>0.05). After the first treatment phase, the score of BRS-6 has significant differences between two groups at the first menstrual cycle (p<0.05). At the second menstrual cycle, the score of VAS, BRS-6,sensory of PRI, affective dimension of PR and total score of PRI in Group A were much lower than Group B (p<0.05). NRS and VRS had significant differences between two groups with Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test after the first treatment phase (p<0.05). The frequency rating of weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and

Exposure to ozone modulates human airway protease/antiprotease balance contributing to increased influenza A infection

EPA Science Inventory

Exposure to oxidant air pollution is associated with Increased respiratory morbiditses and susceptibility to Infections Ozone is a commonly encountered oxidant air pollutant, yet Its effects on influenza infections in humans are not known ‘the greater Mexico City area was the pri...

State of the states : fuel cells in America, 2010.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

There is no doubt that there will be fuel cells in our future. In fact, fuel cells are here today, : available for purchase and already taking off in early markets: : Telecommunication companies are purchasing fuel cells to provide back-up or pri...

Atmospheric Modeling

EPA Science Inventory

Although air quality models have been applied historically to address issues specific to ambient air quality standards (i.e., one criteria pollutant at a time) or welfare (e.g.. acid deposition or visibility impairment). they are inherently multipollutant based. Therefore. in pri...

Development and Validation of Rapid Assessment Indices of Condition for Coastal for Coastal Wetlands in Southern New England, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Vegetation, soils, on-site disturbances, and watershed land use and land cover were assessed at 81 coastal wetland sites using the New England Rapid Asssessment Method (NERAM). Condition indices (CIs) were derived from various combinations of the multi-dimensional data using pri...

SEASONAL AND REGIONAL VARIATIONS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ORGANIC AEROSOLS OVER THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES: OBSERVATION-BASED ESTIMATES AND MODEL EVALUATION

EPA Science Inventory

Due to the lack of an analytical technique for directly quantifying the atmospheric concentrations of primary (OC_pri) and secondary (OC_sec) organic carbon aerosols, different indirect methods have been developed to estimate their concentrations. In this stu...

A stable silicon(0) compound with a Si=Si double bond.

PubMed

Wang, Yuzhong; Xie, Yaoming; Wei, Pingrong; King, R Bruce; Schaefer, Henry F; von R Schleyer, Paul; Robinson, Gregory H

2008-08-22

Dative, or nonoxidative, ligand coordination is common in transition metal complexes; however, this bonding motif is rare in compounds of main group elements in the formal oxidation state of zero. Here, we report that the potassium graphite reduction of the neutral hypervalent silicon-carbene complex L:SiCl4 {where L: is:C[N(2,6-Pri2-C6H3)CH]2 and Pri is isopropyl} produces L:(Cl)Si-Si(Cl):L, a carbene-stabilized bis-silylene, and L:Si=Si:L, a carbene-stabilized diatomic silicon molecule with the Si atoms in the formal oxidation state of zero. The Si-Si bond distance of 2.2294 +/- 0.0011 (standard deviation) angstroms in L:Si=Si:L is consistent with a Si=Si double bond. Complementary computational studies confirm the nature of the bonding in L:(Cl)Si-Si(Cl):L and L:Si=Si:L.

Identification and characterisation of a previously unknown drought tolerance-associated microRNA in barley.

PubMed

Zhou, Hui; Hussain, Syed Sarfraz; Hackenberg, Michael; Bazanova, Natalia; Eini, Omid; Li, Jie; Gustafson, Perry; Shi, Bujun

2018-04-22

Drought is the most serious abiotic stress, which causes crop losses on worldwide scale. The present study identified a previously unknown microRNA (designated as hvu-miRX) of 21 nucleotides (nt) in barley. Its precursor (designated pre-miRX) and primary transcript (designated pri-miRX) were also identified, with lengths of 73 nt and 559 nt, respectively. The identified upstream sequence of pri-miRX contains both the TATA box and the CAAT box, which are both required for transcription initiation. Transient promoter activation assays showed that the core promoter region of pri-miRX ranged 500 nt from the transcription start site. In transgenic barley over-expressing the wheat DREB3 transcription factor (TaDREB3) caused hvu-miRX to be highly expressed as compared to the same miRNA in non-transgenic barley. However, the high expression was not directly associated with TaDREB3. Genomic analysis revealed that the hvu-miRX gene was a single copy located on the short arm of chromosome 2 and appeared to be only conserved in Triticeae, but not in other plant species. Notably, transgenic barley overexpressing hvu-miRX showed drought tolerance. Degradome library analysis and other tests showed that hvu-miRX targeted various genes including transcription factors via the cleavage mode. Our data open an excellent opportunity to develop drought stress tolerant cereals with hvu-miRX. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Photoperiod and temperature constraints on the relationship between the photochemical reflectance index and the light use efficiency of photosynthesis in Pinus strobus

PubMed Central

Fréchette, Emmanuelle; Chang, Christine Yao-Yun; Ensminger, Ingo

2016-01-01

The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) is a proxy for the activity of the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle and photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE) in plants. Evergreen conifers downregulate photosynthesis in autumn in response to low temperature and shorter photoperiod, and the dynamic xanthophyll cycle-mediated non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is replaced by sustained NPQ. We hypothesized that this shift in xanthophyll cycle-dependent energy partitioning during the autumn is the cause for variations in the PRI–LUE relationship. In order to test our hypothesis, we characterized energy partitioning and pigment composition during a simulated summer–autumn transition in a conifer and assessed the effects of temperature and photoperiod on the PRI–LUE relationship. We measured gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf reflectance during the photosynthetic downregulation in Pinus strobus L. seedlings exposed to low temperature/short photoperiod or elevated temperature/short photoperiod conditions. Shifts in energy partitioning during simulated autumn were observed when the pools of chlorophylls decreased and pools of photoprotective carotenoids increased. On a seasonal timescale, PRI was controlled by carotenoid pool sizes rather than xanthophyll cycle dynamics. Photochemical reflectance index variation under cold autumn conditions mainly reflected long-term pigment pool adjustments associated with sustained NPQ, which impaired the PRI–LUE relationship. Exposure to warm autumn conditions prevented the induction of sustained NPQ but still impaired the PRI–LUE relationship. We therefore conclude that alternative zeaxanthin-independent NPQ mechanisms, which remain undetected by the PRI, are present under both cold and warm autumn conditions, contributing to the discrepancy in the PRI–LUE relationship during autumn. PMID:26846980

Pregnancy risk among black, white, and Hispanic teen girls in New York City public schools.

PubMed

Waddell, Elizabeth Needham; Orr, Mark G; Sackoff, Judith; Santelli, John S

2010-05-01

Disparities in teen pregnancy rates are explained by different rates of sexual activity and contraceptive use. Identifying other components of risk such as race/ethnicity and neighborhood can inform strategies for teen pregnancy prevention. Data from the 2005 and 2007 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Surveys were used to model demographic differences in odds of recent sexual activity and birth control use among black, white, and Hispanic public high school girls. Overall pregnancy risk was calculated using pregnancy risk index (PRI) methodology, which estimates probability of pregnancy based on current sexual activity and birth control method at last intercourse. Factors of race/ethnicity, grade level, age, borough, and school neighborhood were assessed. Whites reported lower rates of current sexual activity (23.4%) than blacks (35.4%) or Hispanics (32.7%), and had lower predicted pregnancy risk (PRI = 5.4% vs. 9.0% and 10.5%, respectively). Among sexually active females, hormonal contraception use rates were low in all groups (11.6% among whites, 7.8% among blacks, and 7.5% among Hispanics). Compared to white teens, much of the difference in PRI was attributable to poorer contraceptive use (19% among blacks and 50% among Hispanics). Significant differences in contraceptive use were also observed by school neighborhood after adjusting for age group and race/ethnicity. Interventions to reduce teen pregnancy among diverse populations should include messages promoting delayed sexual activity, condom use and use of highly effective birth control methods. Access to long-acting contraceptive methods must be expanded for all sexually active high school students.

An Unsolved Mystery: The Target-Recognizing RNA Species of MicroRNA Genes

PubMed Central

Chen, Chang-Zheng

2013-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of endogenous ~ 21-nucleotide (nt) RNAs. These small RNAs are produced from long primary miRNA transcripts — pri-miRNAs — through sequential endonucleolytic maturation steps that yield precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) intermediates and then the mature miRNAs. The mature miRNAs are loaded into the RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC), and guide RISC to target mRNAs for cleavage and/or translational repression. This paradigm, which represents one of major discoveries of modern molecular biology, is built on the assumption that mature miRNAs are the only species produced from miRNA genes that recognize targets. This assumption has guided the miRNA field for more than a decade and has led to our current understanding of the mechanisms of target recognition and repression by miRNAs. Although progress has been made, fundamental questions remain unanswered with regard to the principles of target recognition and mechanisms of repression. Here I raise questions about the assumption that mature miRNAs are the only target-recognizing species produced from miRNA genes and discuss the consequences of working under an incomplete or incorrect assumption. Moreover, I present evolution-based and experimental evidence that support the roles of pri-/pre-miRNAs in target recognition and repression. Finally, I propose a conceptual framework that integrates the functions of pri-/pre-miRNAs and mature miRNAs in target recognition and repression. The integrated framework opens experimental enquiry and permits interpretation of fundamental problems that have so far been precluded. PMID:23685275

Impact of acute exacerbations on platelet reactivity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

PubMed

Muñoz-Esquerre, Mariana; Ferreiro, José Luis; Huertas, Daniel; Marcano, Ana Lucrecia; López-Sánchez, Marta; Roura, Gerard; Gómez-Hospital, Joan Antoni; Dorca, Jordi; Cequier, Angel; Santos, Salud

2018-01-01

A higher risk of atherothrombotic cardiovascular events, which are platelet-driven processes, has been described during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, the relevance of platelet reactivity during AECOPD and whether this is affected by antiplatelet agents are not fully elucidated to date. This study aimed to evaluate whether platelet reactivity is augmented during an exacerbation in COPD patients with and without antiplatelet therapy and its association with systemic inflammatory parameters. Prospective, observational, ex vivo investigation was conducted in consecutive patients suffering an exacerbation of COPD. Platelet reactivity was assessed during AECOPD and at stable state. Platelet function assays included: 1) vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein assay expressed as P2Y 12 reactivity index (PRI), 2) multiple electrode aggregometry and 3) optical aggregometry. Systemic inflammatory parameters such as leukocyte count, interleukin-6 and fibrinogen were also assessed. Higher platelet reactivity was observed during AECOPD compared to stability measured by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (PRI: 75.2%±1.9% vs 68.8%±2.4%, p =0.001). This augmented platelet aggregability was also observed in the subset of patients on antiplatelet therapy (PRI: 72.8%±3.1% vs 61.7%±7.5%, p =0.071). Consistent findings were observed with all other platelet function tests. Patients with greater enhancement of inflammatory markers during AECOPD were more likely to present a higher increase in platelet reactivity. Platelet reactivity is increased during AECOPD, which may contribute to the augmented cardiovascular risk of these patients. Additionally, the increase in platelet reactivity might be associated with an increment in inflammatory markers during exacerbations.

Response of green reflectance continuum removal index to the xanthophyll de-epoxidation cycle in Norway spruce needles.

PubMed

Kovác, Daniel; Malenovský, Zbyněk; Urban, Otmar; Špunda, Vladimír; Kalina, Jiří; Ač, Alexander; Kaplan, Veroslav; Hanuš, Jan

2013-04-01

A dedicated field experiment was conducted to investigate the response of a green reflectance continuum removal-based optical index, called area under the curve normalized to maximal band depth between 511 nm and 557 nm (ANMB511-557), to light-induced transformations in xanthophyll cycle pigments of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] needles. The performance of ANMB511-557 was compared with the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) computed from the same leaf reflectance measurements. Needles of four crown whorls (fifth, eighth, 10th, and 15th counted from the top) were sampled from a 27-year-old spruce tree throughout a cloudy and a sunny day. Needle optical properties were measured together with the composition of the photosynthetic pigments to investigate their influence on both optical indices. Analyses of pigments showed that the needles of the examined whorls varied significantly in chlorophyll content and also in related pigment characteristics, such as the chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio. The investigation of the ANMB511-557 diurnal behaviour revealed that the index is able to follow the dynamic changes in the xanthophyll cycle independently of the actual content of foliar pigments. Nevertheless, ANMB511-557 lost the ability to predict the xanthophyll cycle behaviour during noon on the sunny day, when the needles were exposed to irradiance exceeding 1000 µmol m(-2) s(-1). Despite this, ANMB511-557 rendered a better performance for tracking xanthophyll cycle reactions than PRI. Although declining PRI values generally responded to excessive solar irradiance, they were not able to predict the actual de-epoxidation state in the needles examined.

The H(2)-receptor antagonist ranitidine interferes with clopidogrel-mediated P2Y(12) inhibition in platelets.

PubMed

Schäfer, Andreas; Flierl, Ulrike; Pförtsch, Stephanie; Seydelmann, Nora; Micka, Jan; Bauersachs, Johann

2010-10-01

Use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) is common in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT). Recent warnings about potential interactions of PPIs with clopidogrel metabolism leading to impaired DAT efficacy has prompted the recommendation of substituting PPIs with H(2)-receptor antagonists such as ranitidine. We investigated whether ranitidine interacts with P2Y(12) inhibition on the platelet level. Blood was collected from 15 patients with stable coronary artery disease, who had undergone elective coronary intervention. Clopidogrel responsiveness was assessed 24h after the administration of a 600mg loading dose using the P2Y(12) specific platelet-reactivity-index (PRI) and light-transmittance aggregometry in the presence and absence of a pharmacologically relevant concentration of the H(2)-receptor antagonist ranitidine (400ng/ml). Adding ranitidine enhanced P2Y(12)-mediated platelet reactivity to ADP assessed by the PRI (mean PRI+/-SEM: before ranitidine 28+/-5%; after ranitidine 37+/-5%, p=0.0025). Similarly, prostaglandin E1 (PGE(1))-mediated inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation was abrogated in the presence of ranitidine (Agg(max)+/-SEM: before PGE(1) 41+/-2%; after PGE(1) 29+/-2%, p<0.01 vs. before PGE(1); after PGE(1)+ranitidine 42+/-2%, p<0.01 vs. after PGE(1)). Exposition of platelets with ranitidine significantly enhanced their responsiveness to ADP and contributed to impaired P2Y(12) inhibition suggesting that ranitidine interacts with clopidogrel efficacy through adenylyl cyclase inhibition on the platelet level. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fast computation of close-coupling exchange integrals using polynomials in a tree representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallerberger, Markus; Igenbergs, Katharina; Schweinzer, Josef; Aumayr, Friedrich

2011-03-01

The semi-classical atomic-orbital close-coupling method is a well-known approach for the calculation of cross sections in ion-atom collisions. It strongly relies on the fast and stable computation of exchange integrals. We present an upgrade to earlier implementations of the Fourier-transform method. For this purpose, we implement an extensive library for symbolic storage of polynomials, relying on sophisticated tree structures to allow fast manipulation and numerically stable evaluation. Using this library, we considerably speed up creation and computation of exchange integrals. This enables us to compute cross sections for more complex collision systems. Program summaryProgram title: TXINT Catalogue identifier: AEHS_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEHS_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 12 332 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 157 086 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 95 Computer: All with a Fortran 95 compiler Operating system: All with a Fortran 95 compiler RAM: Depends heavily on input, usually less than 100 MiB Classification: 16.10 Nature of problem: Analytical calculation of one- and two-center exchange matrix elements for the close-coupling method in the impact parameter model. Solution method: Similar to the code of Hansen and Dubois [1], we use the Fourier-transform method suggested by Shakeshaft [2] to compute the integrals. However, we heavily speed up the calculation using a library for symbolic manipulation of polynomials. Restrictions: We restrict ourselves to a defined collision system in the impact parameter model. Unusual features: A library for symbolic manipulation of polynomials, where polynomials are stored in a space-saving left-child right

The photochemical reflectance index from directional cornfield reflectances: Observations and simulations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The two-layer Markov chain Analytical Canopy Reflectance Model (ACRM) was linked with in situ hyperspectral leaf optical properties to simulate the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) for a corn crop canopy at three different growth stages. This is an extended study after a successful demonstratio...

Tool Removes Coil-Spring Thread Inserts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Gerald J., Jr.; Swenson, Gary J.; Mcclellan, J. Scott

1991-01-01

Tool removes coil-spring thread inserts from threaded holes. Threads into hole, pries insert loose, grips insert, then pulls insert to thread it out of hole. Effects essentially reverse of insertion process to ease removal and avoid further damage to threaded inner surface of hole.

Interactive effects of deficit irrigation, elevated temperature, and elevated [CO2] on peanut growth in low irrigation production settings

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Improving crop water use (both agronomic and biological) is critical to most cropping areas around the world. The persistance of adverse climate conditions and predicted decreased availability of fresh water for crop production are the largest challenges to agriculture in the coming decades. Our pri...

Assessing Data Accuracy When Involving Students in Authentic Paleontological Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harnik, Paul G.; Ross, Robert M.

2003-01-01

Regards Student-Scientist Partnerships (SSPs) as beneficial collaborations for both students and researchers. Introduces the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), which developed and pilot tested an SSP that involved grade 4-9 students in paleontological research on Devonian marine fossil assemblages. Reports formative data assessment and…

Linking Physiological Responses, Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Hyperspectral Imagery to Detect Salinity Stress Using the Physiological Reflectance Index in the Coastal Shrub, Myrica cerifera

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

rainforests under various precipitation and substrate conditions (Asner et al., 2005). AMODIS-derived PRI has also been correlated to ecosystem-level...carbon uptake in an Amazon forest measured with spaceborne imaging spectroscopy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of

Methylene Blue Enteric Mapping for Intraoperative Localization in Obscure Small Bowel Hemorrhage: Report of a New Technique and Literature Review

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-12

Becker GJ, Park HM, O’Connor KW, Tarver RD, Scott JA, Jackson VP, Lappas JC, Broadie TA, Holden RW. Portal hypertension due to jejunal vascular...controlled hypertension and hyperlipidemia, a pri- or of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and open small bowel resection. The patient reported melena and

Erosion evaluation study : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-06-01

This study concerned with attempting to develop a laboratory procedure by which products can be evaluated, as quickly as possible after they appear on the market, in order to screen them so that the best ones can be further tested in the field. : Pri...

Bioassessment Tools for Stony Corals: Field Testing of Monitoring Protocols in the US Virgin Islands (St. Croix)

EPA Science Inventory

Survey protocols for assessing coral reef condition were field tested at 61 reef stations in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (USVI) during 2006. Three observations for stony corals were recorded: species, size, and percent live tissue. Stony corals were selected because they are pri...

SEASONAL AND REGIONAL VARIATIONS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ORGANIC AEROSOLS OVER THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES: SEMI-EMPIRICAL ESTIMATES AND MODEL EVALUATION

EPA Science Inventory

Seasonal and regional variations of primary (OC_pri) and secondary (OC_sec) organic carbon aerosols across the continental U.S. for the year 2001 were examined by a semi-empirical technique using observed OC and elemental carbon (EC) data from 142 routine moni...

Examination of Preventive Resources, Life Events, and Coping Strategies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarthy, Christopher J.; Lambert, Richard G.; Beard, Michelle; Canipe, Kara

The Preventive Coping Resources Inventory (PRI) was developed to assess specific coping resources most useful for stress prevention and also applicable to education settings. Undergraduates (N=501) at a large, southwestern university completed the inventory and other measures of adjustment and coping. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five…

Eastern red cedar: Cedarwood oil extraction and bioactivity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Eastern red cedar (ERC), Juniperus virginana L. (Cupressaceae) is a common coniferous evergreen tree and is a very abundant natural resource in the United States. Because of its encroachment onto pastures and rangeland, ERC is considered an invasive species. Eastern red cedar, however, is highly pri...

Utilizing in situ Directional Hyperpectral Measurements to Validate Bio-Indicator Simulations for a Corn Crop Canaopy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Two radiative transfer canopy models, SAIL and the Markov-Chain Canopy Reflectance Model (MRCM), were coupled with in situ leaf optical properties to simulate canopy-level spectral band ratio vegetation indices with the focus on the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) in a cornfield. In situ hyper...

Development of one-step Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for the detection of norovirus in oysters

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The aim of this study was to develop a simple and rapid technique for detecting human norovirus (NoV). The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique was evaluated and found to be sensitive, highly specific, and useful for routine oyster testing. Reverse transcription-LAMP (RT-LAMP) pri...

EPA'S STUDY OF THE GENERATION AND CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTANTS FROM THE COMBUSTION OF ORIMULSION

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses an EPA study of the grneration and control of air pollutants from the combustion of Orimulsion, a high-sulfur liquid petroleum fuel composed of approximately 70% Venezuelan bitumen, 30% water, and trace amounts of surfactant. (NOTE: It is being used as the pri...

The Field Program Associate in the Partnership for Rural Improvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jongeward, Ray E.; Druian, Janice M.

To describe how Partnership for Rural Improvement (PRI) field program associates perceive themselves performing their role functions, three associates and two assistants responded to questions about: their tasks, responsibilities, and roles; how they got started; what skills they needed; and what materials or technical assistance could benefit…

77 FR 23429 - Examples of Program-Related Investments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-19

... in the recycling business in Q. Y's primary purpose in making the investment is to combat... private foundation's exempt purposes (a ``jeopardizing investment''). Section 4944(a) also imposes an.... The regulations under section 4944(c) define a PRI as an investment: (1) The primary purpose of which...

Superinfection exclusion of the ruminant pathogen anaplasma marginale in the tick vector is dependent on time between exposures to the strains

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The remarkable genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens allows for the establishment of superinfection in the mammalian host. To have a long-term impact on population strain structure, the introduced strains must also be transmitted by a vector population that has been exposed to the existing pri...

WISC-IV and WISC-III profiles in children with ADHD.

PubMed

Mayes, Susan Dickerson; Calhoun, Susan L

2006-02-01

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 3rd and 4th editions (WISC-III n = 586 and WISC-IV n = 118), profiles were compared for children with ADHD and normal intelligence. Mean Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Perceptual Organization/Perceptual Reasoning Index (POI/PRI) scores were significantly higher than Freedom From Distractibility/Working Memory Index (FDI/WMI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI), and Symbol Search was higher than Coding. FDI/WMI and PSI scores were similar on both tests, but VCI and POI/PRI were higher on the WISC-IV than on the WISC-III. Therefore, index discrepancies were greater for the WISC-IV, suggesting that the WISC-IV might be better than the WISC-III in delineating the strengths and weaknesses of children with ADHD. All children in the WISC-IV sample scored lowest on WMI or PSI, whereas only 88% of the WISC-III children scored lowest on FDI or PSI. Thus, the WISC-IV may be more helpful in diagnosing ADHD than the WISC-III.

Evolution of substrate specificity in a retained enzyme driven by gene loss

DOE PAGES

Juárez-Vázquez, Ana Lilia; Edirisinghe, Janaka N.; Verduzco-Castro, Ernesto A.; ...

2017-03-31

The connection between gene loss and the functional adaptation of retained proteins is still poorly understood. We apply phylogenomics and metabolic modeling to detect bacterial species that are evolving by gene loss, with the finding that Actinomycetaceae genomes from human cavities are undergoing sizable reductions, including loss of L-histidine and L-tryptophan biosynthesis. We observe that the dual-substrate phosphoribosyl isomerase A or priA gene, at which these pathways converge, appears to coevolve with the occurrence oftrpandhisgenes. Characterization of a dozen PriA homologs shows that these enzymes adapt from bifunctionality in the largest genomes, to a monofunctional, yet not necessarily specialized, inefficientmore » form in genomes undergoing reduction. These functional changes are accomplished via mutations, which result from relaxation of purifying selection, in residues structurally mapped after sequence and X-ray structural analyses. Finally, our results show how gene loss can drive the evolution of substrate specificity from retained enzymes.« less

Evolution of Substrate Specificity in A Retained Enzyme Driven by Gene Loss

DOE PAGES

Juarez-Vazquez, Ana L.; Edirisinghe, Janaka N.; Verduzco-Castro, Ernesto A.; ...

2017-03-31

The connection between gene loss and the functional adaptation of retained proteins is still poorly understood. Here, we apply phylogenomics and metabolic modeling to detect bacterial species that are evolving by gene loss, with the finding that Actinomycetaceae genomes from human cavities are undergoing sizable reductions, including loss of L-histidine and L-tryptophan biosynthesis. We also observe that the dual-substrate phosphoribosyl isomerase A or priA gene, at which these pathways converge, appears to coevolve with the occurrence of trp and his genes. Characterization of a dozen PriA homologs shows that these enzymes adapt from bifunctionality in the largest genomes, to amore » monofunctional, yet not necessarily specialized, inefficient form in genomes undergoing reduction. These functional changes are accomplished via mutations, which result from relaxation of purifying selection, in residues structurally mapped after sequence and X-ray structural analyses. These results show how gene loss can drive the evolution of substrate specificity from retained enzymes.« less

Evolution of substrate specificity in a retained enzyme driven by gene loss

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

Juárez-Vázquez, Ana Lilia; Edirisinghe, Janaka N.; Verduzco-Castro, Ernesto A.

The connection between gene loss and the functional adaptation of retained proteins is still poorly understood. We apply phylogenomics and metabolic modeling to detect bacterial species that are evolving by gene loss, with the finding that Actinomycetaceae genomes from human cavities are undergoing sizable reductions, including loss of L-histidine and L-tryptophan biosynthesis. We observe that the dual-substrate phosphoribosyl isomerase A or priA gene, at which these pathways converge, appears to coevolve with the occurrence oftrpandhisgenes. Characterization of a dozen PriA homologs shows that these enzymes adapt from bifunctionality in the largest genomes, to a monofunctional, yet not necessarily specialized, inefficientmore » form in genomes undergoing reduction. These functional changes are accomplished via mutations, which result from relaxation of purifying selection, in residues structurally mapped after sequence and X-ray structural analyses. Finally, our results show how gene loss can drive the evolution of substrate specificity from retained enzymes.« less

Evolution of Substrate Specificity in A Retained Enzyme Driven by Gene Loss

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

Juarez-Vazquez, Ana L.; Edirisinghe, Janaka N.; Verduzco-Castro, Ernesto A.

The connection between gene loss and the functional adaptation of retained proteins is still poorly understood. Here, we apply phylogenomics and metabolic modeling to detect bacterial species that are evolving by gene loss, with the finding that Actinomycetaceae genomes from human cavities are undergoing sizable reductions, including loss of L-histidine and L-tryptophan biosynthesis. We also observe that the dual-substrate phosphoribosyl isomerase A or priA gene, at which these pathways converge, appears to coevolve with the occurrence of trp and his genes. Characterization of a dozen PriA homologs shows that these enzymes adapt from bifunctionality in the largest genomes, to amore » monofunctional, yet not necessarily specialized, inefficient form in genomes undergoing reduction. These functional changes are accomplished via mutations, which result from relaxation of purifying selection, in residues structurally mapped after sequence and X-ray structural analyses. These results show how gene loss can drive the evolution of substrate specificity from retained enzymes.« less

Hierarchical classification of dynamically varying radar pulse repetition interval modulation patterns.

PubMed

Kauppi, Jukka-Pekka; Martikainen, Kalle; Ruotsalainen, Ulla

2010-12-01

The central purpose of passive signal intercept receivers is to perform automatic categorization of unknown radar signals. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop intelligent classification algorithms for these devices due to emerging complexity of radar waveforms. Especially multifunction radars (MFRs) capable of performing several simultaneous tasks by utilizing complex, dynamically varying scheduled waveforms are a major challenge for automatic pattern classification systems. To assist recognition of complex radar emissions in modern intercept receivers, we have developed a novel method to recognize dynamically varying pulse repetition interval (PRI) modulation patterns emitted by MFRs. We use robust feature extraction and classifier design techniques to assist recognition in unpredictable real-world signal environments. We classify received pulse trains hierarchically which allows unambiguous detection of the subpatterns using a sliding window. Accuracy, robustness and reliability of the technique are demonstrated with extensive simulations using both static and dynamically varying PRI modulation patterns. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A cluster analytic study of the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children-IV in children referred for psychoeducational assessment due to persistent academic difficulties.

PubMed

Hale, Corinne R; Casey, Joseph E; Ricciardi, Philip W R

2014-02-01

Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children-IV core subtest scores of 472 children were cluster analyzed to determine if reliable and valid subgroups would emerge. Three subgroups were identified. Clusters were reliable across different stages of the analysis as well as across algorithms and samples. With respect to external validity, the Globally Low cluster differed from the other two clusters on Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-II Word Reading, Numerical Operations, and Spelling subtests, whereas the latter two clusters did not differ from one another. The clusters derived have been identified in studies using previous WISC editions. Clusters characterized by poor performance on subtests historically associated with the VIQ (i.e., VCI + WMI) and PIQ (i.e., POI + PSI) did not emerge, nor did a cluster characterized by low scores on PRI subtests. Picture Concepts represented the highest subtest score in every cluster, failing to vary in a predictable manner with the other PRI subtests.

High-Temperature Captive Nut Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marke, M. L.; Charles, J. F.

1982-01-01

High-temperature captive-nut assembly consists of removable nut element that snaps into loose-fitting recesses in shell. Replacement of nut element is easily accomplished with simple handtools. Old nut is pried out and new one pushed into position. Removal is easily accomplished with help of U-shaped tool.

Factors that Affect the Physical Science Career Interest of Female Students: Testing Five Common Hypotheses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hazari, Zahra; Potvin, Geoff; Lock, Robynne M.; Lung, Florin; Sonnert, Gerhard; Sadler, Philip M.

2013-01-01

There are many hypotheses regarding factors that may encourage female students to pursue careers in the physical sciences. Using multivariate matching methods on national data drawn from the Persistence Research in Science and Engineering (PRiSE) project ("n" = 7505), we test the following five commonly held beliefs regarding what…

USDA Branded Food Products Database, Release 2

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The USDA Branded Food Products Database is the ongoing result of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), whose goal is to enhance public health and the sharing of open data by complementing the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) with nutrient composition of branded foods and pri...

RNA-binding protein DUS16 plays an essential role in primary miRNA processing in the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

PubMed

Yamasaki, Tomohito; Onishi, Masayuki; Kim, Eun-Jeong; Cerutti, Heriberto; Ohama, Takeshi

2016-09-20

Canonical microRNAs (miRNAs) are embedded in duplexed stem-loops in long precursor transcripts and are excised by sequential cleavage by DICER nuclease(s). In this miRNA biogenesis pathway, dsRNA-binding proteins play important roles in animals and plants by assisting DICER. However, these RNA-binding proteins are poorly characterized in unicellular organisms. Here we report that a unique RNA-binding protein, Dull slicer-16 (DUS16), plays an essential role in processing of primary-miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii In animals and plants, dsRNA-binding proteins involved in miRNA biogenesis harbor two or three dsRNA-binding domains (dsRBDs), whereas DUS16 contains one dsRBD and also an ssRNA-binding domain (RRM). The null mutant of DUS16 showed a drastic reduction in most miRNA species. Production of these miRNAs was complemented by expression of full-length DUS16, but the expression of RRM- or dsRBD-truncated DUS16 did not restore miRNA production. Furthermore, DUS16 is predominantly localized to the nucleus and associated with nascent (unspliced form) pri-miRNAs and the DICER-LIKE 3 protein. These results suggest that DUS16 recognizes pri-miRNA transcripts cotranscriptionally and promotes their processing into mature miRNAs as a component of a microprocessor complex. We propose that DUS16 is an essential factor for miRNA production in Chlamydomonas and, because DUS16 is functionally similar to the dsRNA-binding proteins involved in miRNA biogenesis in animals and land plants, our report provides insight into this mechanism in unicellular eukaryotes.

Interactive Effects of Elevated CO2 and N Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Tomato Grown Under Reduced Irrigation Regimes

PubMed Central

Wei, Zhenhua; Du, Taisheng; Li, Xiangnan; Fang, Liang; Liu, Fulai

2018-01-01

The interactive effects of CO2 elevation, N fertilization, and reduced irrigation regimes on fruit yield (FY) and quality in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were investigated in a split-root pot experiment. The plants were grown in two separate climate-controlled greenhouse cells at atmospheric [CO2] of 400 and 800 ppm, respectively. In each cell, the plants were fertilized at either 100 or 200 mg N kg-1 soil and were either irrigated to full water holding capacity [i.e., a volumetric soil water content of 18%; full irrigation (FI)], or using 70% water of FI to the whole pot [deficit irrigation (DI)] or alternately to only half of the pot [partial root-zone irrigation (PRI)]. The yield and fruit quality attributes mainly from sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose) and organic acids (OAs; citric acid and malic acid) to various ionic (NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NO3-, SO42-, and PO43-) concentrations in fruit juice were determined. The results indicated that lower N supply reduced fruit number and yield, whereas it enhanced some of the quality attributes of fruit as indicated by greater firmness and higher concentrations of sugars and OAs. Elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]) attenuated the negative influence of reduced irrigation (DI and PRI) on FY. Principal component analysis revealed that the reduced irrigation regimes, especially PRI, in combination with e[CO2] could synergistically improve the comprehensive quality of tomato fruits at high N supply. These findings provide useful knowledge for sustaining tomato FY and quality in a future drier and CO2-enriched environment. PMID:29636756

Interaction between object-based attention and pertinence values shapes the attentional priority map of a multielement display.

PubMed

Gillebert, Celine R; Petersen, Anders; Van Meel, Chayenne; Müller, Tanja; McIntyre, Alexandra; Wagemans, Johan; Humphreys, Glyn W

2016-06-01

Previous studies have shown that the perceptual organization of the visual scene constrains the deployment of attention. Here we investigated how the organization of multiple elements into larger configurations alters their attentional weight, depending on the "pertinence" or behavioral importance of the elements' features. We assessed object-based effects on distinct aspects of the attentional priority map: top-down control, reflecting the tendency to encode targets rather than distracters, and the spatial distribution of attention weights across the visual scene, reflecting the tendency to report elements belonging to the same rather than different objects. In 2 experiments participants had to report the letters in briefly presented displays containing 8 letters and digits, in which pairs of characters could be connected with a line. Quantitative estimates of top-down control were obtained using Bundesen's Theory of Visual Attention (1990). The spatial distribution of attention weights was assessed using the "paired response index" (PRI), indicating responses for within-object pairs of letters. In Experiment 1, grouping along the task-relevant dimension (targets with targets and distracters with distracters) increased top-down control and enhanced the PRI; in contrast, task-irrelevant grouping (targets with distracters) did not affect performance. In Experiment 2, we disentangled the effect of target-target and distracter-distracter grouping: Pairwise grouping of distracters enhanced top-down control whereas pairwise grouping of targets changed the PRI. We conclude that object-based perceptual representations interact with pertinence values (of the elements' features and location) in the computation of attention weights, thereby creating a widespread pattern of attentional facilitation across the visual scene. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

The influence of body size on the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic response to clopidogrel and prasugrel: a retrospective analysis of the FEATHER study.

PubMed

Jakubowski, Joseph A; Angiolillo, Dominick J; Zhou, Chunmei; Small, David S; Moser, Brian A; Ten Berg, Jurrien M; Brown, Patricia B; James, Stefan; Winters, Kenneth J; Erlinge, David

2014-09-01

Patients treated with clopidogrel who have higher body size exhibit greater platelet reactivity than patients with lower body size. In a retrospective analysis of the FEATHER trial, we examined the relationship between platelet response to thienopyridines clopidogrel 75 mg (Clop-75), prasugrel 5mg (Pras-5), and prasugrel 10mg (Pras-10) using 3 body size indices: body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA). Relationships were assessed as continuous variables and as 4 incremental body size groups. Aspirin-treated patients with stable coronary artery disease (N=72) and a BW range of 45-134 kg received Clop-75, Pras-5, and Pras-10 in a 3-period, blinded, cross-over study. Platelet assays included maximum platelet aggregation (MPA) to 20μM ADP by light transmission aggregometry, VerifyNow-P2Y12 reaction units (PRU), and vasodilator-associated stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation platelet reactivity index (PRI). Exposure to active metabolites (AMs) was also assessed. Body size was a determinant of AM exposure and residual platelet reactivity regardless of type and dose of thienopyridine. BW and BSA demonstrated marginally stronger correlations with platelet reactivity; VASP-PRI demonstrated a stronger correlation with the body size than the other tests. Correlation coefficients ranged from a high of 0.64 (BW vs. PRI on Pras-5) to a low of 0.34 (BMI vs. MPA on Pras-10), but all were statistically significant (p<0.01). Using a comprehensive selection of body size indices, AM exposures, platelet function tests, and thienopyridine doses, we demonstrated a consistent inverse relationship between body size and response to clopidogrel and prasugrel. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Telomeric P elements associated with cytotype regulation of the P transposon family in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed Central

Stuart, Jeremy R; Haley, Kevin J; Swedzinski, Douglas; Lockner, Samuel; Kocian, Paul E; Merriman, Peter J; Simmons, Michael J

2002-01-01

P elements inserted at the left end of the Drosophila X chromosome were isolated genetically from wild-type P strains. Stocks carrying these elements were tested for repression of P-strain-induced gonadal dysgenesis in females and for repression of transposase-catalyzed P-element excision in males and females. Both traits were repressed by stocks carrying either complete or incomplete P elements inserted near the telomere of the X chromosome in cytological region 1A, but not by stocks carrying only nontelomeric X-linked P elements. All three of the telomeric P elements that were analyzed at the molecular level were inserted in one of the 1.8-kb telomere-associated sequence (TAS) repeats near the end of the X chromosome. Stocks with these telomeric P elements strongly repressed P-element excision induced in the male germline by a P strain or by the transposase-producing transgenes H(hsp/CP)2, H(hsp/CP)3, a combination of these two transgenes, and P(ry(+), delta2-3)99B. For H(hsp/CP)2 and P(ry(+), delta2-3)99B, the repression was also effective when the flies were subjected to heat-shock treatments. However, these stocks did not repress the somatic transposase activity of P(ry(+), delta2-3)99B. Repression of transposase activity in the germline required maternal transmission of the telomeric P elements themselves. Paternal transmission of these elements, or maternal transmission of the cytoplasm from carriers, both were insufficient to repress transposase activity. Collectively, these findings indicate that the regulatory abilities of telomeric P elements are similar to those of the P cytotype. PMID:12524339

Influence of rotational speed, torque and operator's proficiency on ProFile failures.

PubMed

Yared, G M; Bou Dagher, F E; Machtou, P

2001-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of rotational speed, torque, and operator experience with a specific Ni-Ti rotary instrumentation technique on the incidence of locking, deformation and separation of instruments. ProFile Ni-Ti rotary instruments (PRI) sizes 40-15 with a 6% taper were used in a crown-down technique. In one group of canals (n = 300) speeds of 150, 250 and 350 rpm (subgroups 1, 2 and 3) were used. Each one of the subgroups included 100 canals. In a second group (n = 300) torque was set at 20, 30 and 55 Ncm (subgroups 4, 5 and 6). In the third group (n = 300) three operators with varying experience (subgroups 7, 8 and 9) were also compared. Each subgroup included the use of 10 sets of PRI and 100 canals of extracted human molars. Each set of PRI was used in up to 10 canals and then sterilized before each case. NaOCl 2.5% was used as an irrigant. The number of locked, deformed, and separated instruments for the different groups, and within each part of the study was analysed statistically for significance with chi-squared tests. In group 1 only one instrument was deformed in the 150-rpm group and no instruments separated or locked. In the 250-rpm group instrument separation did not occur, however, a high incidence of locking, deformation and separation was noted in the 350-rpm group. In general, instrument sizes 30-15 locked, deformed and separated. Chi-squared statistics showed a significant difference between the 150 and 350 rpm groups but no difference between the 150 and 250 rpm groups with regard to instrument separation. Overall, there was a trend toward a higher incidence of instrument deformation and separation in smaller instruments. Locking and separation occurred during the final passage of the instruments, in the last (tenth) canal in each subgroup. In the second group, neither separation nor deformation and locking occurred during the use of the ProFile instruments, at 150 rpm, and at the different torque values. In

Using Patient-Reported Information to Improve Clinical Practice.

PubMed

Schlesinger, Mark; Grob, Rachel; Shaller, Dale

2015-12-01

To assess what is known about the relationship between patient experience measures and incentives designed to improve care, and to identify how public policy and medical practices can promote patient-valued outcomes in health systems with strong financial incentives. Existing literature (gray and peer-reviewed) on measuring patient experience and patient-reported outcomes, identified from Medline and Cochrane databases; evaluations of pay-for-performance programs in the United States, Europe, and the Commonwealth countries. We analyzed (1) studies of pay-for-performance, to identify those including metrics for patient experience, and (2) studies of patient experience and of patient-reported outcomes to identify evidence of influence on clinical practice, whether through public reporting or private reporting to clinicians. First, we identify four forms of "patient-reported information" (PRI), each with distinctive roles shaping clinical practice: (1) patient-reported outcomes measuring self-assessed physical and mental well-being, (2) surveys of patient experience with clinicians and staff, (3) narrative accounts describing encounters with clinicians in patients' own words, and (4) complaints/grievances signaling patients' distress when treatment or outcomes fall short of expectations. Because these forms vary in crucial ways, each must be distinctively measured, deployed, and linked with financial incentives. Second, although the literature linking incentives to patients experience is limited, implementing pay-for-performance systems appears to threaten certain patient-valued aspects of health care. But incentives can be made compatible with the outcomes patients value if: (a) a sufficient portion of incentives is tied to patient-reported outcomes and experiences, (b) incentivized forms of PRI are complemented by other forms of patient feedback, and (c) health care organizations assist clinicians to interpret and respond to PRI. Finally, we identify roles for the

Research and Teaching. The Science Identity of College Students: Exploring the Intersection of Gender, Race, and Ethnicity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hazari, Zahra; Sadler, Philip M.; Sonnert, Gerhard

2013-01-01

This study explores students' self-perceptions across science subjects (biology, chemistry, and physics) by gender and underrepresented minority group membership. The data are drawn from the Persistence Research in Science and Engineering (PRiSE) project, which surveyed 7,505 students (enrolled in college English courses required for all majors)…

2005 Armaments Technology Seminar and Exhibition

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-13

Carolina Sofer •Catina Crismale •Preparedness •Jason Emmel •Andrea Marcus •James Smith •Tim Phelan •Nikiesha Nicholas •Kathy Wioland •Mary Paczkowski • Jamie ...ASSESS PRI CATEGORY HPTs EFFECTS AGENCY ASSET AGENCY ASSET WHEN AGENCY ASSET 1 3 4 5 6 LAWTON Mayor Coop

Unlocking Student Data Could Lead to "App Economy" for Colleges: Colleges Are Pressured to Open Up Student Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeSantis, Nick

2012-01-01

College campuses are hothouses of data, including course schedules, degree requirements, and grades. But much of the information remains spread out across software systems or locked on university servers. Start-up companies want to pry the information loose from campus servers in order to offer personalized services that could transform the…

Optimal Diameter Growth Equations for Major Tree Species of the Midsouth

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2003-01-01

Optimal diameter growth equations for 60 major tree species were fit using the potential relative increment (PRI) methodology. Almost 175,000 individuals from the Midsouth (Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas) were selected from the USDA Forest Service's Eastwide Forest Inventory Database (EFIDB). These records were then reduced to the individuals...

Soviet Tactics for Warfare at Sea: Two Decades of Upheaval

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

can deliver a strike without entering the area of action of fighters providing air cover for ships"); A.N. Sukhanov , "Vliyanie razvitiya tekhniki i... Sukhanov , A.N. "Vliyanie razvitiya tekhniki i oruzhiya na taktiku aviatsii pri deystviyakh po korablyam v more" [Impact of the development of

Empirically Derived Optimal Growth Equations For Hardwoods and Softwoods in Arkansas

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2002-01-01

Accurate growth projections are critical to reliable forest models, and ecologically based simulators can improve siivicultural predictions because of their sensitivity to change and their capacity to produce long-term forecasts. Potential relative increment (PRI) optimal diameter growth equations for loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, sweetgum, and white oak were fit to...

Health Instruction Packages: Consumer--Birth Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pries, Rose Mary; And Others

Designed for the general public, these three learning modules utilize text, illustrations, and exercises to describe various methods of birth control. The first module, "All about Contraception for the Teenage New Mother" by Rose Mary Pries, discusses the desirability of planned pregnancy and reviews the effectiveness and side effects of…

The Nonprofit Program Classification System: Increasing Understanding of the Nonprofit Sector.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romeo, Sheryl; Lampkin, Linda; Twombly, Eric

2001-01-01

The Nonprofit Program Classification System being developed by the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) provides a way to enrich the information available on nonprofits and utilize the newly available NCCS/PRI National Nonprofit Organization database from the IRS Forms 990 filed annually by charities. It provides a method to organize…

ADHD and College Students: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Structures With Student and Parent Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glutting, Joseph J.; Youngstrom, Eric A.; Watkins, Marley W.

2005-01-01

Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were used to investigate the structure of the Student Report Inventory (SRI) and Parent Report Inventory (PRI) of the College Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Response Evaluation. The sample was composed of 1,080 college students and their parents and was…

3D Navier-Stokes Flow Analysis for a Large-Array Multiprocessor

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-17

computer, Alliant’s FX /8, Intel’s Hypercube, and Encore’s Multimax. Unfortunately, the current algorithms have been developed pri- marily for SISD machines...Reversing and Thrust-Vectoring Nozzle Flows," Ph.D. Dissertation in the Dept. of Aero. and Astro ., Univ. of Wash., Washington, 1986. [11] Anderson

AIRBORNE DETECTION AND ANALYSIS OF PRIMARY COSMIC PARTICLES WITH A SCINTILLATION DEVICE

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

Corkhill, deP.J.; Hoffman, R.A.

1960-07-01

Data are presented as derived from telemetered irformation from a primary cosmic-particle detecting device. The data are preliminury in nature in that comparison between the cosmic-particle spectrum (as shown by the mechanical detector) was not made with similar information provided by nuclear emulsions exposed to regions of pri

Mexican Trends: The Next Five Years,

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-12

nutrition and euployment in rural areas and restoring *the ountry to IMOIX-miiciency in basic grdu. 2he latest in this prcession are PF40NAL, an...traditionally, with the exception of Yucatan . give overwhelming support to the PRI. The Right will continued to be limited in its ,7 appeal as a national

The effect of perceptual reasoning abilities on confrontation naming performance: An examination of three naming tests.

PubMed

Soble, Jason R; Marceaux, Janice C; Galindo, Juliette; Sordahl, Jeffrey A; Highsmith, Jonathan M; O'Rourke, Justin J F; González, David Andrés; Critchfield, Edan A; McCoy, Karin J M

2016-01-01

Confrontation naming tests are a common neuropsychological method of assessing language and a critical diagnostic tool in identifying certain neurodegenerative diseases; however, there is limited literature examining the visual-perceptual demands of these tasks. This study investigated the effect of perceptual reasoning abilities on three confrontation naming tests, the Boston Naming Test (BNT), Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) Naming Test, and Visual Naming Test (VNT) to elucidate the diverse cognitive functions underlying these tasks to assist with test selection procedures and increase diagnostic accuracy. A mixed clinical sample of 121 veterans were administered the BNT, NAB, VNT, and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th Edition (WAIS-IV) Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Multiple regression indicated that PRI accounted for 23%, 13%, and 15% of the variance in BNT, VNT, and NAB scores, respectively, but dropped out as a significant predictor once VCI was added. Follow-up bootstrap mediation analyses revealed that PRI had a significant indirect effect on naming performance after controlling education, primary language, and severity of cognitive impairment, as well as the mediating effect of general verbal abilities for the BNT (B = 0.13; 95% confidence interval, CI [.07, .20]), VNT (B = 0.01; 95% CI [.002, .03]), and NAB (B = 0.03; 95% CI [.01, .06]). Findings revealed a complex relationship between perceptual reasoning abilities and confrontation naming that is mediated by general verbal abilities. However, when verbal abilities were statistically controlled, perceptual reasoning abilities were found to have a significant indirect effect on performance across all three confrontation naming measures with the largest effect noted with the BNT relative to the VNT and NAB Naming Test.

Identification of novel, highly expressed retroviral microRNAs in cells infected by bovine foamy virus.

PubMed

Whisnant, Adam W; Kehl, Timo; Bao, Qiuying; Materniak, Magdalena; Kuzmak, Jacek; Löchelt, Martin; Cullen, Bryan R

2014-05-01

While numerous viral microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed by DNA viruses, especially herpesvirus family members, have been reported, there have been very few reports of miRNAs derived from RNA viruses. Here we describe three miRNAs expressed by bovine foamy virus (BFV), a member of the spumavirus subfamily of retroviruses, in both BFV-infected cultured cells and BFV-infected cattle. All three viral miRNAs are initially expressed in the form of an ∼ 122-nucleotide (nt) pri-miRNA, encoded within the BFV long terminal repeat U3 region, that is subsequently cleaved to generate two pre-miRNAs that are then processed to yield three distinct, biologically active miRNAs. The BFV pri-miRNA is transcribed by RNA polymerase III, and the three resultant mature miRNAs were found to contribute a remarkable ∼ 70% of all miRNAs expressed in BFV-infected cells. These data document the second example of a retrovirus that is able to express viral miRNAs by using embedded proviral RNA polymerase III promoters. Foamy viruses are a ubiquitous family of nonpathogenic retroviruses that have potential as gene therapy vectors in humans. Here we demonstrate that bovine foamy virus (BFV) expresses high levels of three viral microRNAs (miRNAs) in BFV-infected cells in culture and also in infected cattle. The BFV miRNAs are unusual in that they are initially transcribed by RNA polymerase III as a single, ∼ 122-nt pri-miRNA that is subsequently processed to release three fully functional miRNAs. The observation that BFV, a foamy virus, is able to express viral miRNAs in infected cells adds to emerging evidence that miRNA expression is a common, albeit clearly not universal, property of retroviruses and suggests that these miRNAs may exert a significant effect on viral replication in vivo.

Identification of Novel, Highly Expressed Retroviral MicroRNAs in Cells Infected by Bovine Foamy Virus

PubMed Central

Whisnant, Adam W.; Kehl, Timo; Bao, Qiuying; Materniak, Magdalena; Kuzmak, Jacek; Löchelt, Martin

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT While numerous viral microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed by DNA viruses, especially herpesvirus family members, have been reported, there have been very few reports of miRNAs derived from RNA viruses. Here we describe three miRNAs expressed by bovine foamy virus (BFV), a member of the spumavirus subfamily of retroviruses, in both BFV-infected cultured cells and BFV-infected cattle. All three viral miRNAs are initially expressed in the form of an ∼122-nucleotide (nt) pri-miRNA, encoded within the BFV long terminal repeat U3 region, that is subsequently cleaved to generate two pre-miRNAs that are then processed to yield three distinct, biologically active miRNAs. The BFV pri-miRNA is transcribed by RNA polymerase III, and the three resultant mature miRNAs were found to contribute a remarkable ∼70% of all miRNAs expressed in BFV-infected cells. These data document the second example of a retrovirus that is able to express viral miRNAs by using embedded proviral RNA polymerase III promoters. IMPORTANCE Foamy viruses are a ubiquitous family of nonpathogenic retroviruses that have potential as gene therapy vectors in humans. Here we demonstrate that bovine foamy virus (BFV) expresses high levels of three viral microRNAs (miRNAs) in BFV-infected cells in culture and also in infected cattle. The BFV miRNAs are unusual in that they are initially transcribed by RNA polymerase III as a single, ∼122-nt pri-miRNA that is subsequently processed to release three fully functional miRNAs. The observation that BFV, a foamy virus, is able to express viral miRNAs in infected cells adds to emerging evidence that miRNA expression is a common, albeit clearly not universal, property of retroviruses and suggests that these miRNAs may exert a significant effect on viral replication in vivo. PMID:24522910

Upscaling from leaf to canopy chlorophyll/carotenoid pigment based vegetation indices reveal phenology of photosynthesis in temperate evergreen and deciduous trees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, C. Y.; Bhathena, Y.; Arain, M. A.; Ensminger, I.

2017-12-01

Optically derived vegetation indices have been developed to provide information about plant status including photosynthetic activity. They reflect changes in leaf pigments, which vary seasonally in pigment composition, enabling them to be used as a proxy of photosynthetic phenology. Important pigments in photosynthetic activity are carotenoids and chlorophylls, which are associated with light harvesting and energy dissipation. In temperate forests, which consist of deciduous and evergreen trees, there are difficulties resolving evergreen phenology using the most widely used index, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). NDVI works well in deciduous trees, which exhibit a "visible" phenological process of leaf growth in the spring, and leaf senescence and abscission in the autumn. Evergreen conifers stay green year-round and utilize "invisible" changes of overwintering pigment composition that NDVI cannot resolve, so carotenoid pigment sensitive vegetation indices have been suggested for evergreens. The aim of this study was to evaluate carotenoid based vegetation indices over the chlorophyll sensitive NDVI. For this purpose, we evaluated the greenness index, NDVI, and carotenoid pigment sensitive indices: photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and chlorophyll/carotenoid index (CCI) in red maple, white oak and eastern white pine for two years. We also measured leaf gas exchange and pigment concentrations. We observed that NDVI correlated with photosynthetic activity in deciduous trees, whereas PRI and CCI correlated with photosynthesis across both evergreen and deciduous trees. This pattern was consistent, upscaling from leaf- to canopy-scales indicating that the mechanisms involved in winter acclimation can be resolved at larger spatial scales. PRI and CCI detected seasonal changes in carotenoids and chlorophylls linked to photoprotection and are suitable as a proxy of photosynthetic activity. These findings have implications to improve our use and

[Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of cupping combined with acupuncture stimulation at trigger points for lumbar myofascial pain syndrome].

PubMed

Zhao, Hong

2014-08-01

To observe the clinical effect of cupping combined with acupuncture stimulation of trigger points on lumbar myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Sixty MPS patients were randomly divided into acupuncture + TDP group (n = 30), and cupping + acupuncture group (n = 30). Patients in the acupuncture + TDP group were treated by acupuncture stimulation of trigger points and local TDP irradiation, and patients of the cupping + acupuncture group treated by intensive cupping applied to the myofascial band and acupuncture stimulation of the locus according to the position of muscular tension band. The therapeutic effects were assessed according to the score of the McGill pain questionnaire composing of pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) before, immediately and 1 month after the treatment. After the treatment, the total effective rates of the acupuncture+ TDP and cupping + acupuncture groups were 83.3% (25/30) and 96.6% (29/30), respectively, without significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). One month's follow-up showed that the total effective rates of the acupuncture + TDP and cupping + acupuncture groups were 40.0% and 90.0% respectively, and the latter group was significantly better than the acupuncture + TDP group in the therapeutic effect (P < 0.05). The scores of PRI, VAS, PPI after the treatment were markedly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). One month later, the scores of PRI, VAS and PPI in the cupping + acupuncture group were obviously lower than those of the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). Both acupuncture stimulation of trigger points plus TDP and cupping plus acupuncture can effectively relieve pain in MPS patients, while the therapeutic effect of cupping plus acupuncture treatment lasts longer analgesic effect.

Simulation of Stomatal Conductance and Water Use Efficiency of Tomato Leaves Exposed to Different Irrigation Regimes and Air CO2 Concentrations by a Modified "Ball-Berry" Model.

PubMed

Wei, Zhenhua; Du, Taisheng; Li, Xiangnan; Fang, Liang; Liu, Fulai

2018-01-01

Stomatal conductance ( g s ) and water use efficiency ( WUE ) of tomato leaves exposed to different irrigation regimes and at ambient CO 2 ( a [CO 2 ], 400 ppm) and elevated CO 2 ( e [CO 2 ], 800 ppm) environments were simulated using the "Ball-Berry" model (BB-model). Data obtained from a preliminary experiment (Exp. I) was used for model parameterization, where measurements of leaf gas exchange of potted tomatoes were done during progressive soil drying for 5 days. The measured photosynthetic rate ( P n ) was used as an input for the model. Considering the effect of soil water deficits on g s , an equation modifying the slope ( m ) based on the mean soil water potential (Ψ s ) in the whole root zone was introduced. Compared to the original BB-model, the modified model showed greater predictability for both g s and WUE of tomato leaves at each [CO 2 ] growth environment. The models were further validated with data obtained from an independent experiment (Exp. II) where plants were subjected to three irrigation regimes: full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigation (DI), and alternative partial root-zone irrigation (PRI) for 40 days at both a [CO 2 ] and e [CO 2 ] environment. The simulation results indicated that g s was independently acclimated to e [CO 2 ] from P n . The modified BB-model performed better in estimating g s and WUE , especially for PRI strategy at both [CO 2 ] environments. A greater WUE could be seen in plants grown under e [CO 2 ] associated with PRI regime. Conclusively, the modified BB-model was capable of predicting g s and WUE of tomato leaves in various irrigation regimes at both a [CO 2 ] and e [CO 2 ] environments. This study could provide valuable information for better predicting plant WUE adapted to the future water-limited and CO 2 enriched environment.

Understanding large-scale, long-term larval connectivity patterns: The case of the Northern Line Islands in the Central Pacific Ocean

PubMed Central

Mari, Lorenzo; Bonaventura, Luca; Storto, Andrea; Melià, Paco; Gatto, Marino; Masina, Simona

2017-01-01

Protecting key hotspots of marine biodiversity is essential to maintain ecosystem services at large spatial scales. Protected areas serve not only as sources of propagules colonizing other habitats, but also as receptors, thus acting as protected nurseries. To quantify the geographical extent and the temporal persistence of ecological benefits resulting from protection, we investigate larval connectivity within a remote archipelago, characterized by a strong spatial gradient of human impact from pristine to heavily exploited: the Northern Line Islands (NLIs), including part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRI-MNM). Larvae are described as passive Lagrangian particles transported by oceanic currents obtained from a oceanographic reanalysis. We compare different simulation schemes and compute connectivity measures (larval exchange probabilities and minimum/average larval dispersal distances from target islands). To explore the role of PRI-MNM in protecting marine organisms with pelagic larval stages, we drive millions of individual-based simulations for various Pelagic Larval Durations (PLDs), in all release seasons, and over a two-decades time horizon (1991–2010). We find that connectivity in the NLIs is spatially asymmetric and displays significant intra- and inter-annual variations. The islands belonging to PRI-MNM act more as sinks than sources of larvae, and connectivity is higher during the winter-spring period. In multi-annual analyses, yearly averaged southward connectivity significantly and negatively correlates with climatological anomalies (El Niño). This points out a possible system fragility and susceptibility to global warming. Quantitative assessments of large-scale, long-term marine connectivity patterns help understand region-specific, ecologically relevant interactions between islands. This is fundamental for devising scientifically-based protection strategies, which must be space- and time-varying to cope with the

Understanding large-scale, long-term larval connectivity patterns: The case of the Northern Line Islands in the Central Pacific Ocean.

PubMed

Mari, Lorenzo; Bonaventura, Luca; Storto, Andrea; Melià, Paco; Gatto, Marino; Masina, Simona; Casagrandi, Renato

2017-01-01

Protecting key hotspots of marine biodiversity is essential to maintain ecosystem services at large spatial scales. Protected areas serve not only as sources of propagules colonizing other habitats, but also as receptors, thus acting as protected nurseries. To quantify the geographical extent and the temporal persistence of ecological benefits resulting from protection, we investigate larval connectivity within a remote archipelago, characterized by a strong spatial gradient of human impact from pristine to heavily exploited: the Northern Line Islands (NLIs), including part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRI-MNM). Larvae are described as passive Lagrangian particles transported by oceanic currents obtained from a oceanographic reanalysis. We compare different simulation schemes and compute connectivity measures (larval exchange probabilities and minimum/average larval dispersal distances from target islands). To explore the role of PRI-MNM in protecting marine organisms with pelagic larval stages, we drive millions of individual-based simulations for various Pelagic Larval Durations (PLDs), in all release seasons, and over a two-decades time horizon (1991-2010). We find that connectivity in the NLIs is spatially asymmetric and displays significant intra- and inter-annual variations. The islands belonging to PRI-MNM act more as sinks than sources of larvae, and connectivity is higher during the winter-spring period. In multi-annual analyses, yearly averaged southward connectivity significantly and negatively correlates with climatological anomalies (El Niño). This points out a possible system fragility and susceptibility to global warming. Quantitative assessments of large-scale, long-term marine connectivity patterns help understand region-specific, ecologically relevant interactions between islands. This is fundamental for devising scientifically-based protection strategies, which must be space- and time-varying to cope with the

Analysis of Heme Iron Coordination in DGCR8: The Heme-Binding Component of the Microprocessor Complex.

PubMed

Girvan, Hazel M; Bradley, Justin M; Cheesman, Myles R; Kincaid, James R; Liu, Yilin; Czarnecki, Kazimierz; Fisher, Karl; Leys, David; Rigby, Stephen E J; Munro, Andrew W

2016-09-13

DGCR8 is the RNA-binding partner of the nuclease Drosha. Their complex (the "Microprocessor") is essential for processing of long, primary microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) in the nucleus. Binding of heme to DGCR8 is essential for pri-miRNA processing. On the basis of the split Soret ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrum of ferric DGCR8, bis-thiolate sulfur (cysteinate, Cys(-)) heme iron coordination of DGCR8 heme iron was proposed. We have characterized DGCR8 heme ligation using the Δ276 DGCR8 variant and combined electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), electron nuclear double resonance, resonance Raman, and electronic absorption spectroscopy. These studies indicate DGCR8 bis-Cys heme iron ligation, with conversion from bis-thiolate (Cys(-)/Cys(-)) axial coordination in ferric DGCR8 to bis-thiol (CysH/CysH) coordination in ferrous DGCR8. Pri-miRNA binding does not perturb ferric DGCR8's optical spectrum, consistent with the axial ligand environment being separated from the substrate-binding site. UV-vis absorption spectra of the Fe(II) and Fe(II)-CO forms indicate discrete species exhibiting peaks with absorption coefficients substantially larger than those for ferric DGCR8 and that previously reported for a ferrous form of DGCR8. Electron-nuclear double resonance spectroscopy data exclude histidine or water as axial ligands for ferric DGCR8 and favor bis-thiolate coordination in this form. UV-vis MCD and near-infrared MCD provide data consistent with this conclusion. UV-vis MCD data for ferrous DGCR8 reveal features consistent with bis-thiol heme iron coordination, and resonance Raman data for the ferrous-CO form are consistent with a thiol ligand trans to the CO. These studies support retention of DGCR8 cysteine coordination upon reduction, a conclusion distinct from those of previous studies of a different ferrous DGCR8 isoform.

A heterotrimer model of the complete Microprocessor complex revealed by single-molecule subunit counting.

PubMed

Herbert, Kristina M; Sarkar, Susanta K; Mills, Maria; Delgado De la Herran, Hilda C; Neuman, Keir C; Steitz, Joan A

2016-02-01

During microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, the Microprocessor complex (MC), composed minimally of Drosha, an RNaseIII enzyme, and DGCR8, a double-stranded RNA-binding protein, cleaves the primary-miRNA (pri-miRNA) to release the pre-miRNA stem-loop structure. Size-exclusion chromatography of the MC, isolated from mammalian cells, suggested multiple copies of one or both proteins in the complex. However, the exact stoichiometry was unknown. Initial experiments suggested that DGCR8 bound pri-miRNA substrates specifically, and given that Drosha could not be bound or cross-linked to RNA, a sequential model for binding was established in which DGCR8 bound first and recruited Drosha. Therefore, many laboratories have studied DGCR8 binding to RNA in the absence of Drosha and have shown that deletion constructs of DGCR8 can multimerize in the presence of RNA. More recently, it was demonstrated that Drosha can bind pri-miRNA substrates in the absence of DGCR8, casting doubt on the sequential model of binding. In the same study, using a single-molecule photobleaching assay, fluorescent protein-tagged deletion constructs of DGCR8 and Drosha assembled into a heterotrimeric complex on RNA, comprising two DGCR8 molecules and one Drosha molecule. To determine the stoichiometry of Drosha and DGCR8 within the MC in the absence of added RNA, we also used a single-molecule photobleaching assay and confirmed the heterotrimeric model of the human MC. We demonstrate that a heterotrimeric complex is likely preformed in the absence of RNA and exists even when full-length proteins are expressed and purified from human cells, and when hAGT-derived tags are used rather than fluorescent proteins. © 2016 Herbert et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press for the RNA Society.

Foulois and the U.S. Army Air Corps 1931-1935,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

IOUIlOIS AN) T14 U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS been reinoed , and implied that additional cuts wkould endanger the future security of the United States. The Chief...inst ruments or ra- dios . but these items s\\%ere absolutely a must for air mail operations. \\lili- tar\\ a\\ iators pri,’ed light ness and

Hybrid Optical Inference Machines

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-27

with labels. Now, events. a set of facts cal be generated in the dyadic form "u, R 1,2" Eichmann and Caulfield (19] consider the same type of and can...these enceding-schemes. These architectures are-based pri- 19. G. Eichmann and H. J. Caulfield, "Optical Learning (Inference)marily on optical inner

A System to Derive Optimal Tree Diameter Increment Models from the Eastwide Forest Inventory Data Base (EFIDB)

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2002-01-01

This article is an introduction to the computer software used by the Potential Relative Increment (PRI) approach to optimal tree diameter growth modeling. These DOS programs extract qualified tree and plot data from the Eastwide Forest Inventory Data Base (EFIDB), calculate relative tree increment, sort for the highest relative increments by diameter class, and...

Annual Report to the President and the Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

Implement net-centric business transformation and e- government by transitioning from a pri- mary stovepiped, platform-based information technology (IT...A Defense Strategy for the 21st Century Fitting the Force to the Mission Investing in Transformation ...More Effective Organizations Define and Develop Transformational Capabilities Define Skills and Competencies for the Future i Appendix: Department

Differences in Optimal Growth Equations For White Oak in the Interior Highlands

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg; James M. Guldin

2003-01-01

Optimal growth equations are fundamental to many ecological simulators, but few have been critically examined. This paper reviews some of the behavior of the Potential Relative Increment (PRI) approach. Models for white oak were compared for Arkansas River Valley (ARV), Boston Mountains (BoM), Ouachita Mountains (OM), and Ozark Highlands (OH) ecological sections of the...

Protecting Data Privacy in Structured P2P Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jawad, Mohamed; Serrano-Alvarado, Patricia; Valduriez, Patrick

P2P systems are increasingly used for efficient, scalable data sharing. Popular applications focus on massive file sharing. However, advanced applications such as online communities (e.g., medical or research communities) need to share private or sensitive data. Currently, in P2P systems, untrusted peers can easily violate data privacy by using data for malicious purposes (e.g., fraudulence, profiling). To prevent such behavior, the well accepted Hippocratic database principle states that data owners should specify the purpose for which their data will be collected. In this paper, we apply such principles as well as reputation techniques to support purpose and trust in structured P2P systems. Hippocratic databases enforce purpose-based privacy while reputation techniques guarantee trust. We propose a P2P data privacy model which combines the Hippocratic principles and the trust notions. We also present the algorithms of PriServ, a DHT-based P2P privacy service which supports this model and prevents data privacy violation. We show, in a performance evaluation, that PriServ introduces a small overhead.

Evolution of substrate specificity in a retained enzyme driven by gene loss

PubMed Central

Juárez-Vázquez, Ana Lilia; Edirisinghe, Janaka N; Verduzco-Castro, Ernesto A; Michalska, Karolina; Wu, Chenggang; Noda-García, Lianet; Babnigg, Gyorgy; Endres, Michael; Medina-Ruíz, Sofía; Santoyo-Flores, Julián; Carrillo-Tripp, Mauricio; Ton-That, Hung; Joachimiak, Andrzej; Henry, Christopher S; Barona-Gómez, Francisco

2017-01-01

The connection between gene loss and the functional adaptation of retained proteins is still poorly understood. We apply phylogenomics and metabolic modeling to detect bacterial species that are evolving by gene loss, with the finding that Actinomycetaceae genomes from human cavities are undergoing sizable reductions, including loss of L-histidine and L-tryptophan biosynthesis. We observe that the dual-substrate phosphoribosyl isomerase A or priA gene, at which these pathways converge, appears to coevolve with the occurrence of trp and his genes. Characterization of a dozen PriA homologs shows that these enzymes adapt from bifunctionality in the largest genomes, to a monofunctional, yet not necessarily specialized, inefficient form in genomes undergoing reduction. These functional changes are accomplished via mutations, which result from relaxation of purifying selection, in residues structurally mapped after sequence and X-ray structural analyses. Our results show how gene loss can drive the evolution of substrate specificity from retained enzymes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22679.001 PMID:28362260

Functional Anatomy of the Human Microprocessor.

PubMed

Nguyen, Tuan Anh; Jo, Myung Hyun; Choi, Yeon-Gil; Park, Joha; Kwon, S Chul; Hohng, Sungchul; Kim, V Narry; Woo, Jae-Sung

2015-06-04

MicroRNA (miRNA) maturation is initiated by Microprocessor composed of RNase III DROSHA and its cofactor DGCR8, whose fidelity is critical for generation of functional miRNAs. To understand how Microprocessor recognizes pri-miRNAs, we here reconstitute human Microprocessor with purified recombinant proteins. We find that Microprocessor is an ∼364 kDa heterotrimeric complex of one DROSHA and two DGCR8 molecules. Together with a 23-amino acid peptide from DGCR8, DROSHA constitutes a minimal functional core. DROSHA serves as a "ruler" by measuring 11 bp from the basal ssRNA-dsRNA junction. DGCR8 interacts with the stem and apical elements through its dsRNA-binding domains and RNA-binding heme domain, respectively, allowing efficient and accurate processing. DROSHA and DGCR8, respectively, recognize the basal UG and apical UGU motifs, which ensure proper orientation of the complex. These findings clarify controversies over the action mechanism of DROSHA and allow us to build a general model for pri-miRNA processing. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functions and impact of tal-like genes in animals with regard to applied aspects.

PubMed

Zhu, Min; Hu, Xiaolong; Cao, Guangli; Xue, Renyu; Gong, Chengliang

2018-06-16

A large number of DNAs in eukaryote genomes can code for atypical transcripts, and their functions are controversial. It has been reported that the transcripts contain many small open reading frames (sORFs), which were originally considered as non-translatable RNAs. However, increasing evidence has suggested that some of these sORFs can encode for small peptides and some are conserved across large evolutionary distances. It has been reported that the small peptides have functions and may be involved in varieties of cellular processes, playing important roles in development, physiology, and metabolism. Among the sORFs, studies of the non-canonical gene polished rice/tarsal-less (pri/tal) in Drosophila and mille-pattes(mlpt) in Tribolium have been more thoroughly studied. The genes similar to pri/tal in other species have been defined as the tarsal-less-related gene family, tal-like gene. In this review, we described recent progress in the discovery and functional characterization of the small peptides encoded by the tal-like gene and their possible functional potentials.

Human Factors and Habitability Challenges for Mars Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitmore, Mihriban

2015-01-01

As NASA is planning to send humans deeper into space than ever before, adequate crew health and performance will be critical for mission success. Within the NASA Human Research Program (HRP), the Space Human Factors and Habitability (SHFH) team is responsible for characterizing the risks associated with human capabilities and limitations with respect to long-duration spaceflight, and for providing mitigations (e.g., guidelines, technologies, and tools) to promote safe, reliable and productive missions. SHFH research includes three domains: Advanced Environmental Health (AEH), Advanced Food Technology (AFT), and Space Human Factors Engineering (SHFE). The AEH portfolio focuses on understanding the risk of microbial contamination of the spacecraft and on the development of standards for exposure to potential toxins such as chemicals, bacteria, fungus, and lunar/Martian dust. The two risks that the environmental health project focuses on are adverse health effects due to changes in host-microbe interactions, and risks associated with exposure to dust in planetary surface habitats. This portfolio also proposes countermeasures to these risks by making recommendations that relate to requirements for environmental quality, foods, and crew health on spacecraft and space missions. The AFT portfolio focuses on reducing the mass, volume, and waste of the entire integrated food system to be used in exploration missions, and investigating processing methods to extend the shelf life of food items up to five years, while assuring that exploration crews will have nutritious and palatable foods. The portfolio also delivers improvements in both the food itself and the technologies for storing and preparing it. SHFE sponsors research to establish human factors and habitability standards and guidelines in five risk areas, and provides improved design concepts for advanced crew interfaces and habitability systems. These risk areas include: Incompatible vehicle/habitat design

Beyond the Narrative Mode in the Composition Classroom: Embracing a Return to the Personal Essay

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haugen, Hayley Mitchell

2013-01-01

Knoblauch and Brannon might suggest I pry loose the grip that ancient rhetorical tradition has on my modern classroom, but I'm not convinced I can so easily abandon the ancient rhetoricians. Learning to embrace the different, more creative, and less frequently acknowledged elements of this tradition may be the way for me to go instead. The ancient…

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

Wilson, A.; Hayes, J.

Reported is an extensive investigation of the vandal resistance properties of common solar glazing materials. Many implements of destruction, including shotgun, splitting maul, rocks, pry bar, gasoline and logging chain, were used to determine how much abuse these glazing materials might withstand. In the hands of seasoned vandals, the glazing materials are found to be vulnerable to abuse.

29 CFR 1926.350 - Gas welding and cutting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... or valve protection caps to pry cylinders loose when frozen. Warm, not boiling, water shall be used... fuel gas cylinder is opened, there is found to be a leak around the valve stem, the valve shall be closed and the gland nut tightened. If this action does not stop the leak, the use of the cylinder shall...

The Surgical Suite of the USAF Regional Hospital Eglin: Facilities for Today and the Future.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

do to a ale rusicnO~i~t~e~ nabe accn. rot re.;,dilv fit on the car’. is a bul: itemn autonatic ~ ochsiveeos o exst. he ~ rev:pply cyclc b...is the pr-i’odic automatic reripply (PAP) sy ~er In IE ZXCHANGE SYSTE;.. the PAR. System. tnaeriel personnel automatically o Tw idnticl mbilecars will

Holographic Memory Devices with Injection Lasers,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-09

0.1%. In addition, the large size of these lasers and the necessity of using high voltages for their charging make it more difficult to construct minia...IfflIaev ep*y isych kazeruw na woasoawimaj fazowych pwauuu, Kwant . Elekir., I (3974),1 .-. 12. M.A. Msjotcz . W.D. Samoiow, 1Pxd&**~W p pri zapial i

Plastic Clamp Retains Clevis Pin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cortes, R. G.

1983-01-01

Plastic clamp requires no special installation or removal tools. Clamp slips easily over end of pin. Once engaged in groove, holds pin securely. Installed and removed easily without special tools - screwdriver or putty knife adequate for prying out of groove. Used to retain bearings, rollers pulleys, other parts that rotate. Applications include slowly and intermittently rotating parts in appliances.

Gone but Not Forgotten

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monastersky, Richard

2006-01-01

Neanderthals, those long-lost cousins of modern humans, will not remain lost for long, at least from the prying eyes of geneticists. Two teams of scientists announced that for the first time they had analyzed DNA from the nuclei of cells preserved in 37,000-year-old Neanderthal fossils. That, they say, lays the groundwork for determining the…

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Standardized Test-Taking Ability

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

unexplained varillbil- ity between people in tenns of their llbility. In line with typicall RT conventions. the latent trait is standardi7.ed to a mean of...predicting college grades: Sex . la"gllagt’. and elhnic groups (Rcsearch Rcpon No. RR·94·27). Pri\\’\\Ccton. NJ: Edu,’ationru Tcsting Scr.’icc. Rusch

Ca-Pri a Cellular Automata Phenomenological Research Investigation: Simulation Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iannone, G.; Troisi, A.

2013-05-01

Following the introduction of a phenomenological cellular automata (CA) model capable to reproduce city growth and urban sprawl, we develop a toy model simulation considering a realistic framework. The main characteristic of our approach is an evolution algorithm based on inhabitants preferences. The control of grown cells is obtained by means of suitable functions which depend on the initial condition of the simulation. New born urban settlements are achieved by means of a logistic evolution of the urban pattern while urban sprawl is controlled by means of the population evolution function. In order to compare model results with a realistic urban framework we have considered, as the area of study, the island of Capri (Italy) in the Mediterranean Sea. Two different phases of the urban evolution on the island have been taken into account: a new born initial growth as induced by geographic suitability and the simulation of urban spread after 1943 induced by the population evolution after this date.

Mode suppression of a two-dimensional potential relaxation instability in a weakly magnetized discharge plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyergyek, T.; Čerček, M.; Jelić, N.; Stanojević, M.

1993-05-01

A potential relaxation instability (PRI) is modulated by an external signal using an additional grid to modulate the radial plasma potential profile in a magnetized plasma column in a linear magnetized discharge plasma device. It is observed that the electrode current oscillations follow the van der Pol equation with an external forcing term, and the linear growth rate of the instability is measured.

Mexico: Failing State or Emerging Democracy?

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

were dominated by The Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI. Mexican politics largely resembled the subliminally oppressive conditions... communications equipment, while Mexican security forces have only austere capabilities.27 The Mexican Federal Police and the Mexican Army killed...economic and government institutions. Mexico joins a community U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral

Preignition-Limited Performance of Several Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

1944-10-01

REPORT No. 811 PREIGNITION-Lil\\IITED PERFORl\\ fANCE OF SEVERAL FUELS By DoNALD W. !\\IALE and Jom; C. EvVARD SUMMARY Preignition-limited...and 5. The gen <’rnl shnpc of the curves of preignition-limited indir:at-cd ml’an t’ITeclive pri.’-S- sure is the same for both sets of data and for all

Business-led efforts to control costs.

PubMed

Kenkel, P J

1991-07-29

Business-led initiatives to compare medical quality and prices are becoming commonplace as employers seek ways to cap medical expenses. But employers are meeting with varying degrees of cooperation from hospitals. The tale of two cities' efforts to pry open the secrets of controlling costs provides a vivid contrast in the way purchasers have tried to solve the cost-containment puzzle.

Mathematical Modeling in Support of Military Operational Medicine

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

of PBPK models in toxicol- ogy research and chemical risk assessment today is pri- marily related to their ability to make more quantitative ...derived earlier. The biomechanical basis of SFC is established by its correlation with strain. (a) Pretest Scan (b) Posttest Fracture...Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Pretest and Posttest CT Scans Cited References Vander Vorst, M., Stuhmiller, J., et al., (2003). Biomechanically

Forensic applications of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in tracing nitrate sources in urban environments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Silva, S.R.; Ging, P.B.; Lee, R.W.; Ebbert, J.C.; Tesoriero, A.J.; Inkpen, E.L.

2002-01-01

Ground and surface waters in urban areas are susceptible to nitrate contamination from septic systems, leaking sewer lines, and fertilizer applications. Source identification is a primary step toward a successful remediation plan in affected areas. In this respect, nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of nitrate, in conjunction with hydrologic data and water chemistry, have proven valuable in urban studies from Austin, Texas, and Tacoma, Washington. In Austin, stream water was sampled during stremflow and baseflow conditions to assess surface and subsurface sources of nitrate, respectively. In Tacoma, well waters were sampled in adjacent sewered and un-sewered areas to determine if locally high nitrate concentrations were caused by septic systems in the un-sewered areas. In both studies, sewage was identified as a nitrate source and mixing between sewage and other sources of nitrate was apparent. In addition to source identification, combined nitrogen and oxygen isotopes were important in determining the significance of denitrification, which can complicate source assessment by reducing nitrate concentrations and increasing ??15N values. The two studies illustrate the value of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate for forensic applications in urban areas. ?? Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. on behalf of AEHS.

2013 Advanced Environmental Health/Advanced Food Technology Standing Review Panel Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinberg, Susan

2014-01-01

The 2013 Advanced Environmental Health/Advanced Food Technology (AEH/AFT) Standing Review Panel (from here on referred to as the SRP) participated in a WebEx/teleconference with members of the Space Human Factors and Habitability (SHFH) Element, representatives from the Human Research Program (HRP), and NASA Headquarters on November 22, 2013 (list of participants is in Section IX of this report). The SRP reviewed the updated research plans for the Risk of Adverse Health Effects Due to Alterations in Host-Microorganism Interactions (Host Microbe Risk) and the Risk of Performance Decrement and Crew Illness Due to an Inadequate Food System (Food Risk). The SRP also received a status update on the Risk of Adverse Health Effects of Exposure to Dust and Volatiles during Exploration of Celestial Bodies (Dust Risk). Overall, the SRP was impressed with the strong research plans presented by the scientists and staff associated with the SHFH Element. The SRP also thought that the updated research plans were thorough, well organized, and presented in a comprehensive manner. The SRP agrees with the changes made to the Host Microbe Risk and Food Risk portfolios and thinks that the targets for Gap closure are appropriate.

Infertile Japanese women's perception of positive and negative social interactions within their social networks.

PubMed

Akizuki, Yuri; Kai, Ichiro

2008-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine positive and negative social interactions experienced by infertile Japanese women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 infertile women. The informants were asked about their experiences of positive (helpful) and negative (unhelpful) social interactions with members of their social networks, excluding their partners, with regard to their infertility. Nine positive social interaction categories were clarified, including listening closely to the distress experienced in infertility and treatment, not prying or interfering with the topic of children and respecting the women's decision regarding fertility treatment and taking a wait-and-see attitude. Nine negative social interaction categories were also identified, including prying with the topic of children, showing a negative attitude toward infertility or reproductive medicine, being criticized for not having children and avoiding contact. The present findings systematically and qualitatively determined the positive and negative social interactions experienced by infertile Japanese women within their social networks. This is essential knowledge for medical staff to counsel patients and their family members. To form a supportive social environment for infertile women, we recommend practical measures for health workers and helpful advice with regard to interactions between infertile women and their social networks.

Structure of the dimerization domain of DiGeorge Critical Region 8

PubMed Central

Senturia, Rachel; Faller, Michael; Yin, Sheng; Loo, Joseph A; Cascio, Duilio; Sawaya, Michael R; Hwang, Daniel; Clubb, Robert T; Guo, Feng

2010-01-01

Maturation of microRNAs (miRNAs, ∼22nt) from long primary transcripts [primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs)] is regulated during development and is altered in diseases such as cancer. The first processing step is a cleavage mediated by the Microprocessor complex containing the Drosha nuclease and the RNA-binding protein DiGeorge critical region 8 (DGCR8). We previously reported that dimeric DGCR8 binds heme and that the heme-bound DGCR8 is more active than the heme-free form. Here, we identified a conserved dimerization domain in DGCR8. Our crystal structure of this domain (residues 298–352) at 1.7 Å resolution demonstrates a previously unknown use of a WW motif as a platform for extensive dimerization interactions. The dimerization domain of DGCR8 is embedded in an independently folded heme-binding domain and directly contributes to association with heme. Heme-binding-deficient DGCR8 mutants have reduced pri-miRNA processing activity in vitro. Our study provides structural and biochemical bases for understanding how dimerization and heme binding of DGCR8 may contribute to regulation of miRNA biogenesis. PMID:20506313

Analysis of applied forces and electromyography of back and shoulders muscles when performing a simulated hand scaling task.

PubMed

Porter, William; Gallagher, Sean; Torma-Krajewski, Janet

2010-05-01

Hand scaling is a physically demanding task responsible for numerous overexertion injuries in underground mining. Scaling requires the miner to use a long pry bar to remove loose rock, reducing the likelihood of rock fall injuries. The experiments described in this article simulated "rib" scaling (scaling a mine wall) from an elevated bucket to examine force generation and electromyographic responses using two types of scaling bars (steel and fiberglass-reinforced aluminum) at five target heights ranging from floor level to 176 cm. Ten male and six female subjects were tested in separate experiments. Peak and average force applied at the scaling bar tip and normalized electromyography (EMG) of the left and right pairs of the deltoid and erectores spinae muscles were obtained. Work height significantly affected peak prying force during scaling activities with highest force capacity at the lower levels. Bar type did not affect force generation. However, use of the lighter fiberglass bar required significantly more muscle activity to achieve the same force. Results of these studies suggest that miners scale points on the rock face that are below their knees, and reposition the bucket as often as necessary to do so. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The morphology, proliferation rate, and population doubling time factor of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on to non-aqueous SiO2, TiO2, and hybrid sol-gel-derived oxide coatings.

PubMed

Marycz, Krzysztof; Krzak-Roś, Justyna; Donesz-Sikorska, Anna; Śmieszek, Agnieszka

2014-11-01

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, especially when stem cells of various sources are concerned. In addition to the interest in mesenchymal stem cells isolated from bone marrow, recently more consideration has been given to stem cells isolated from adipose tissue (AdMSCs), due to their less invasive method of collection as well as their ease of isolation and culture. However, the development of regenerative medicine requires both the application of biocompatible material and the stem cells to accelerate the regeneration. In this study, we investigated the morphology, proliferation rate index (PRi), and population doubling time factor of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on non-aqueous sol-gel-derived SiO2, TiO2, and SiO2/TiO2 oxide coatings. The results indicated an increase in PRi of AdMSCs when cultured on to titanium dioxide, suggesting its high attractiveness for AdMSCs. In addition, the proper morphology and the shortest doubling time of AdMSCs were observed when cultured on titanium dioxide coating. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Autoregulatory mechanisms controlling the Microprocessor.

PubMed

Triboulet, Robinson; Gregory, Richard I

2010-01-01

The Microprocessor, comprising the ribonuclease Drosha and its essential cofactor, the double-stranded RNA-binding protein, DGCR8, is essential for the first step of the miRNA biogenesis pathway. It specifically cleaves double-stranded RNA within stem-loop structures of primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) to generate precursor (pre-miRNA) intermediates. Pre-miRNAs are subsequently processed by Dicer to their mature 22 nt form. Thus, Microprocessor is essential for miRNA maturation, and pri-miRNA cleavage by this complex defines one end of the mature miRNA. Moreover, it is emerging that dysregulation of the Microprocessor is associated with various human diseases. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms by which the expression of the subunits of the Microprocessor is regulated. Recent findings have uncovered a post-transcriptional mechanism that maintains the integrity of the Microprocessor. These studies revealed that the Microprocessor is involved in the processing of the messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes DGCR8. This regulatory feedback loop, along with the reported role played by DGCR8 in the stabilization of Drosha protein, is part ofa newly identified regulatory mechanism controlling Microprocessor activity.

Autoregulatory mechanisms controlling the microprocessor.

PubMed

Triboulet, Robinson; Gregory, Richard I

2011-01-01

The Microprocessor, comprising the ribonuclease Drosha and its essential cofactor, the double-stranded RNA-binding protein, DGCR8, is essential for the first step of the miRNA biogenesis pathway. It specifically cleaves double-stranded RNA within stem-loop structures of primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) to generate precursor (pre-miRNA) intermediates. Pre-miRNAs are subsequently processed by Dicer to their mature ∼22 nt form. Thus, Microprocessor is essential for miRNA maturation, and pri-miRNA cleavage by this complex defines one end of the mature miRNA. Moreover, it is emerging that dysregulation of the Microprocessor is associated with various human diseases. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms by which the expression of the subunits of the Microprocessor is regulated. Recent findings have uncovered a post-transcriptional mechanism that maintains the integrity of the Microprocessor. These studies revealed that the Microprocessor is involved in the processing of the messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes DGCR8. This regulatory feedback loop, along with the reported role played by DGCR8 in the stabilization of Drosha protein, is part of a newly identified regulatory mechanism controlling Microprocessor activity.

Endovascular Skills for Trauma and Resuscitative Surgery (ESTARS) Course: Curriculum Development, Content Validation, and Program Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

fundamental endovascular training for trauma surgeons. METHODS: ESTARS 2-day course incorporated pretest / posttest examinations, precourse materials...and 17 multiple true/false items. The purpose of the test was pri- marily formative; the same items were used for pretesting and posttesting , and the... pretest served as a learning tool focusing learners on the content of importance. Mean scores were computed, treating each item as one point (multiple

Climate Change: Potential Effects on Demands for US Military Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

As we do not fully understand how decision-makers will approach future climate- induced requirements, gaming provides a tool for better understanding...result in the need for humanitarian response missions. Those cases involve not only the stress induced by the natural environment, but also the...natural cyclic variability and a warming- induced variability. The pri- mary variability related to SST involves the strength of the storms, rather

Rethinking Chlorophyll Responses To Stress: Fluorescence and Flectance Remote Sensing in a Coastal Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-15

fluorescence emission of vegetation for mapping vegetation stress as chlorophyll content and/or carotenoid content changes. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY...that estimate fluorescence emission of vegetation for mapping vegetation stress as chlorophyll content and/or carotenoid content changes...not related to changes in chlorophyll content or the carotenoids /chlorophyll ratio. PRI is an indicator of chronic salinity stress and may be used as

Whither Elite Cohesion in Mexico: A Comment

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-11-01

the problem of elite cohesion, including the mechanisms-- especially the camarilla system--whereby balance and equilibrium, control and cooptation...Generacicnes: Los Protagonistas de Ia Reforma y la Revoluci(n Mexicana, Secretaria de Educacion Pblica, Consejo Nacional de Fomento Educat ivo, Mexico City...loyalty and discipline toward the system as a whole, and especially its apex, the president, and its key institution, the PRI. All this looks different

The Economic Impact of the President’s 2013 Budget

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

and capital . According to the Solow-type model , people base their decisions about working and saving pri- marily on current economic... model developed by Robert Solow. CBO’s life-cycle growth model is an overlapping - generations general -equilibrium model that is based on a standard...services produced in a given period by the labor and capital supplied by the country’s residents , regardless of where the labor

Sub-Saharan Africa Report No. 2807.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-08

USSR Journalists’ Agreement Afghan Revolution Supported GDR Farmers’ Agreement GABON Observers Reportedly Consider Bongo Firmly in...is the position of white workers in South Africa? To what extent have pri- vileges affected their attitudes?" "What is your definition of the...reconversion of huge military expenditure into sound develop- ment programmes to alleviate poverty, illiteracy, disease and hunger which affect millions of

High rates of prasugrel and ticagrelor non-responder in patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest.

PubMed

Ibrahim, K; Christoph, M; Schmeinck, S; Schmieder, K; Steiding, K; Schoener, L; Pfluecke, C; Quick, S; Mues, C; Jellinghaus, S; Wunderlich, C; Strasser, R H; Kolschmann, S

2014-05-01

After cardiac arrest due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS) therapeutic hypothermia (HT) is the standard care to reduce neurologic damage. Additionally, the concomitant medical treatment with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor like clopidogrel (Cl), prasugrel (Pr) or ticagrelor (Ti) is mandatory. The platelet inhibitory effect of these drugs under hypothermia remains unclear. 164 patients with ACS were prospectively enrolled in this study. 84 patients were treated with HT, 80 patients were under normothermia (NT). All patients were treated with aspirin and one of the P2Y12 receptor inhibitors Cl, Pr or Ti. 24h after the initial loading dose the platelet reactivity index (PRI/VASP-index) was determined to achieve the platelet inhibitory effect. In the HT-group the PRI/VASP-index was significantly higher compared to the NT-group (54.86%±25.1 vs. 28.98%±22.8; p<0.001). In patients under HT receiving Cl, the platelet inhibition was most markedly reduced (HT vs. NT: 66.39%±19.1 vs. 33.36%±22.1; p<0.001) compared to Pr (HT vs. NT: 37.6%±25.0 vs. 27.04%±25.5; p=0.143) and Ti (HT vs. NT: 41.5%±21.0 vs. 17.83%±14.5; p=0.009). The rate of non-responder defined as PRI/VASP-index>50% was increased in HT compared to NT (60.7% vs. 22.5%; p<0.001) with the highest rates in the group receiving Cl (CL: 82% vs. 26%, p<0.001; Pr: 32% vs. 23%; n.s.; Ti: 30% vs. 8%, n.s.). The platelet inhibitory effect in patients treated with HT after cardiac arrest is significantly reduced. This effect was most marked with the use of Cl. The new P2Y12-inhibitors Pr and Ti improved platelet inhibition in HT, but could not completely prevent non-responsiveness. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remote Sensing of Ecosystem Light Use Efficiency Using MODIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huemmrich, K. F.; Middleton, E.; Landis, D.; Black, T. A.; Barr, A. G.; McCaughey, J. H.; Hall, F.

2009-12-01

Understanding the dynamics of the global carbon cycle requires an accurate determination of the spatial and temporal distribution of photosynthetic CO2 uptake by terrestrial vegetation. Optimal photosynthetic function is negatively affected by stress factors that cause down-regulation (i.e., reduced rate of photosynthesis). Present modeling approaches to determine ecosystem carbon exchange rely on meteorological data as inputs to models that predict the relative photosynthetic function in response to environmental conditions inducing stress (e.g., drought, high/low temperatures). This study examines the determination of ecosystem photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE) from remote sensing, through measurement of vegetation spectral reflectance changes associated with physiologic stress responses exhibited by photosynthetic pigments. This approach uses the Moderate-Resolution Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua and Terra to provide frequent, narrow-band measurements. The reflective ocean MODIS bands were used to calculate the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), an index that is sensitive to reflectance changes near 531nm associated with vegetation stress responses exhibited by photosynthetic pigments in the xanthophyll cycle. MODIS PRI values were compared with LUE calculated from CO2 flux measured at four Canadian forest sites: A mature Douglas fir site in British Columbia, mature aspen and black spruce sites in Saskatchewan, and a mixed forest site in Ontario, all part of the Canadian Carbon Program network. The relationships between LUE and MODIS PRI were different among forest types, with clear differences in the slopes of the relationships for conifer and deciduous forests. The MODIS based LUE measurements provide a more accurate estimation of observed LUE than the values calculated in the MODIS GPP model. This suggests the possibility of a GPP model that uses MODIS LUE instead of modeled LUE. This type of model may provide a useful contrast to existing

Work Plan and Field Sampling Plan Site Investigations Fort Devens, Massachusetts

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

Plan PPE Personal Protective Equipment PPM Parts Per Million PRI Potomac Research , Inc. PSI Pounds Per Square Inch PVC Polyvinyl Chloride QAPjP Quality...Aquifers with Completely or Partially Penetrating Wells, Water Resources Research , 12: 423-428. Brackley, Richard A. and B. P. Hansen, 1977, Water...of a Finite Diameter Well to an Instantaneous Charge of Water, Water Resources Research , 3: 263-269. Directorate of Engineering and Housing (DEH

Options for Department of Defense Total Workforce Supply and Demand Analysis: Potential Approaches and Available Data Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

objectives. This report reviews the approaches used in the private sector and in government organizations for tackling Steps 2a and 2b of the work- force... unemployment rate). Separation rates may also reflect early retirement incentive packages offered by the company because of reduced staffing needs...depending on their objectives. Purpose This report provides a review of analytical approaches used in the pri- vate sector and in government organizations

BEAMS 92. Proceedings of the International Conference on High-Power Particle Beams (9th) Held in Washington, DC on May 25-29 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-29

Filipenko, G.P. Fomenko, A.S. Maidanovskii, S.S. Novikov, V.V. Pozdeev, A.S. Sulakshin ................................... 1574 THE NONUNIFORM -PHASE...trajectories in order to symmetrize the pri- mary drive (- 15-20% azimuthal nonuniformity at the target equator, the pole-to-equator asymmetry can be larger due...cause nonuniform radial distribution of ion current and electron loss. In an attempt to better understand the operation of these diodes we have carried

Conference Proceedings on Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics. Volume 2. Poster Papers Held in Lisbon, Portugal on 2-5 May 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

ifforiable manpower investement. On the basis of our current experience it seems that the basic design principles are valid. The system developed will... system is operational on various computer networks, and in both industrial and in research environments. The design pri,lciples for the construction of...to a useful numerical simulation and design system for very complex configurations and flows. 7. REFERENCES 1. Bartlett G. W. , "An experimental

Application of the Analysis Phase of the Instructional System Development to the MK-105 Magnetic Minesweeping Mission of the MH-53E Helicopter.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

Visual Communication . Although this task is performed several times, the task is performed at different points during the mission. In addition, the...Perform visual communication Give thumbs-up signal when ready for takeoff; check lights on pri-fly B. Perform takeoff and Aircraft operating clear ship...FM c. Operate ICS 2. Perform visual communication 3. Operate IFF transponder B. Maintain mission and fuel logs C. Perform checklists 1. Perform AMCM

Konzeption, Entwicklung und Evaluierung eines Messsystems zur sortenreinen Klassifikation von fluoreszenzcodierten Kunststoffen im Rahmen des Kunststoff-Recyclings(Conception, development and evaluation of a measuring system for the classification of fluorescence coded plastics within the framework of plastic recycling)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-13

REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 1 Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0 188 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1...PRI CE CODE 19, SECURITY CLASSI FI CATI ON 20. LIM ITATION OF ABSTRACT OF ABSTRACT UNCLASSIFIED UL Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89) Prescribed by...Trennung komplexer Kunststoffmixturen in Form von typi- schem Kunststoffmahlgut ("Flakes") und insbesondere dunkler bzw. schwarzer Kunst- stoffe beseitigt

Literature Survey of Underground Construction Methods for Application to Hardened Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

Tunnel Supports: oxeutiver Sum pry (Dee. 1979) S SS ppo. NTIS9, P984- 134547. 41 . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 58. Selmer - Olsen , Rolf...mountains. Many of the installations are tunneled into rock in the mountainsides which is relatively fault-free and is not prone to flooding during...construction., Often, the rock is so strong that the tunnel walls do not have to be lined. The Scandinavian countries have built many underground or

What Is the Potential Impact on the Department of Defense (DOD) Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Pharmacies due to the Increased Copays and the Disenrollment of a Retail Pharmacy from the TRICARE Network?

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-14

ly. c. [ffm: or Espint’* or Tt.l"’lliu.tien. Tbt Recipient agrees to promptly ftOl’ify the Pri\\’SC)" Of’fiee wbcn its u:se of tbe data is no kmgct...8217 • ry. if sud!: usc is oorapktt:d befono tbt R~piralioa D:lte. ~ Recipitt~r funhtt ~ to submit a c:or:nplctcd OSA - Ccni.fication of 0.. Disposi.tioo

SST Technology Follow-On Program-Phase 2. Development and Evaluation of Fuel Tank Sealants

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-12-15

DC 77-0,2. Tuday it is marketed as DC 94-529. Dow Corning and Boeing wocked closely together to develop the fluoros:licone system with the emphasis...FOLLO.WI& A-DADS: Tog&UNW PAINKL&- D15PTH NLINE ~~~6 W1I~ A IT II _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-Pag_ II W 6I PrI’ I,% I. I I Ix. £~l T 3T 0 F11: s~ir

Dementia Resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury: What Is the Pathology?

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-09

elderly individuals, falls are the pri- mary cause of TBI hospitalizations and deaths, while traf- fic crashes are the primary cause in adolescents...TBI survi- vors is pathophysiologically similar to Alzheimer disease, CTE, or some other entity. Such infor- mation is critical for developing...problem in modern societies, primar- ily as a consequence of traffic crashes and falls . In the United States alone, an esti- Author Affiliations: Center for

Bordering on Failure: Mexican Instability, Drug Wars, and the Threat to U.S. Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-19

NAFTA was that Mexico had to demonstrate it was not a one party political system; thus, the PRI began to loosen its suppression of opposition...events of 9/11, e.g., the employment of physical barriers, heightened technology, and increased law enforcement efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border...promises as he initially addressed Mexico as its president was to increase the budgets of the military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement

Defense Technical Information Center Cataloging, Abstracting and Indexing Guidelines

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

APPEARS AS: ENTER AS: General Electric Co., Daytona Beach , Florida. Apollo Support Dept. General Electric Co Daytona Beach FL Apollo Support Dept...OMAN OM PAKISTAN PK PALAU PW PANAMA PA PAPUA NEW GUINEA PG PARAGUAY PY PERU PE PHILIPPINES PH PITCAIRN PN POLAND PL PORTUGAL PT PUERTO...OMN PAKISTAN PAK PALAU PLW PANAMA PAN PAPUA NEW GUINEA PNG PARAGUAY PRY PERU PER PHILIPPINES PHL PITCAIRN PCN POLAND POL PORTUGAL PRT

Concepts for Sensor Data Fusion to Detect Vegetation Stress and Implications on Ecosystem Health Following Hurricane Katrina

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

Description NDVI Narrow-band Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (can check all possible two-band combinations, and determine best band combinations...were calculated for each site. The band indices were: • NDVI (Hyperion bands 45 & 33) (Figure 2) • NDWI (Hyperion bands 51 & 109) • PRI (Hyperion...between categories for these groups. NDVI and NDWI were very close to achiev- ing a significant result, and were still particularly good at separating two

Fearing Prying U.S. Eyes, Canada's Colleges Crack Down On Computing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carnevale, Dan

2007-01-01

The USA Patriot Act is having far-reaching effects on the kinds of data that wind up on some academics' computers in Canada. Canadian colleges, responding to provincial laws passed in reaction to the Patriot Act, are preventing professors from entering the United States with students' private data on their laptops and limiting the locations of…

Characterization of chronic pain in breast cancer survivors using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.

PubMed

Ferreira, Vânia Tie Koga; Guirro, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira; Dibai-Filho, Almir Vieira; Ferreira, Simone Mara de Araújo; de Almeida, Ana Maria

2015-10-01

The aim of the present study was to characterize pain in breast cancer survivors using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 women aged 30-80 years who had been submitted to treatment for breast cancer (surgery and complementary treatment) at least 12 months earlier with reports of pain related to the therapeutic procedures. Pain was characterized using the full-length version of the MPQ, which is made up of 78 descriptors divided into four categories: sensory (ten items), affective (five items), evaluative (one item) and miscellaneous (four items). Two indices were also used to measure pain through the use of the descriptors: the number of words chosen (NWC) and the pain rating index (PRI). The most frequent descriptive terms were "agonizing" (n = 16; 53.3%), "tugging" (n = 15; 50%), "sore" (n = 14; 46.7%), "wretched" (n = 14; 46.7%), "troublesome" (n = 13; 43.3%) and "spreading" (n = 11; 36.7%). The sensory category had the highest PRI value based on the descriptors chosen (mean: 0.41). Women with chronic pain following treatment for breast cancer employed the "agonizing", "tugging" and "sore" descriptors with greatest frequency and rated pain in the sensory category as having the greatest impact. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Understanding Seasonal Dynamics of the Photo-Protective Xanthophyll Cycle Improves Remote Detection of Photosynthetic Phenology in Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Conifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ensminger, I.; Wong, C. Y.; Junker, L. V.; Bathena, Y.; Arain, M. A.; D'Odorico, P.

2017-12-01

The ability of plants to sequester carbon is highly variable over the course of the year and reflects seasonal variation in photosynthetic efficiency. This seasonal variation is most prominent during autumn, when leaves of deciduous tree species undergo senescence, which is associated with the downregulation of photosynthesis and a change of leaf color and leaf optical properties. Vegetation indices derived from remote sensing of leaf optical properties using e.g. spectral reflectance measurements are increasingly used to monitor and predict growing season length and seasonal variation in carbon sequestration. Here we compare leaf-level, canopy-level and drone based observations of leaf spectral reflectance measurements. We demonstrate that some of the widely used vegetation indices such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) vary in their ability to adequately track the seasonal variation in photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content. We further show that monitoring seasonal variation of photosynthesis using NDVI or PRI is particularly challenging in evergreen conifers, due to little seasonal variation in foliage. However, there is remarkable seasonal variation in leaf optical properties associated with changes in pools of xanthophyll cycle pigments and carotenoids that provide a promising way of monitoring photosynthetic phenology in evergreen conifers via leaf reflectance measurements.

Puerto Rico Strong Motion Seismic Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huerta-Lopez, C. I.; Martínez-Cruzado, J. A.; Martínez-Pagan, J.; Santana-Torres, E. X.; Torres-O, D. M.

2014-12-01

The Puerto Rico Strong Motion Seismic Network is currently in charge of the operation of: (i) free-field (ff) strong motion stations, (ii) instrumented structures (STR) (Dams, Bridges, Buildings), and (iii) the data acquisition/monitoring and analysis of earthquakes considered strong from the point of view of their intensity and magnitude. All these instruments are deployed in the Puerto Rico Island (PRI), US-, and British-Virgin Islands (BVI), and Dominican Republic (DR). The Puerto Rico Island and the Caribbean region have high potential to be affected by earthquakes that could be catastrophic for the area. The Puerto Rico Strong Motion Seismic Network (actually Puerto Rico Strong Motion Program, PRSMP) has grown since 1970's from 7 ff strong motion stations and one instrumented building with analog accelerographs to 111 ff strong motion stations and 16 instrumented buildings with digital accelerographs: PRI: 88 ff, 16 STR., DR: 13 ff, BVI: 5 ff, 2 STR collecting data via IP (internet), DU (telephone), and stand alone stations The current stage of the PRSMP seismic network, the analysis of moderate earthquakes that were recorded and/or occurred on the island, results of the intensity distribution of selected earthquakes, as well as results of dynamic parameter identification of some of the instrumented structures are here presented.

An Exportin-1–dependent microRNA biogenesis pathway during human cell quiescence

PubMed Central

Martinez, Ivan; Hayes, Karen E.; Barr, Jamie A.; Harold, Abby D.; Xie, Mingyi; Bukhari, Syed I. A.; Vasudevan, Shobha; Steitz, Joan A.; DiMaio, Daniel

2017-01-01

The reversible state of proliferative arrest known as “cellular quiescence” plays an important role in tissue homeostasis and stem cell biology. By analyzing the expression of miRNAs and miRNA-processing factors during quiescence in primary human fibroblasts, we identified a group of miRNAs that are induced during quiescence despite markedly reduced expression of Exportin-5, a protein required for canonical miRNA biogenesis. The biogenesis of these quiescence-induced miRNAs is independent of Exportin-5 and depends instead on Exportin-1. Moreover, these quiescence-induced primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) are modified with a 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG)-cap, which is known to bind Exportin-1, and knockdown of Exportin-1 or trimethylguanosine synthase 1, responsible for (TMG)-capping, inhibits their biogenesis. Surprisingly, in quiescent cells Exportin-1–dependent pri-miR-34a is present in the cytoplasm together with a small isoform of Drosha, implying the existence of a different miRNA processing pathway in these cells. Our findings suggest that during quiescence the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway is down-regulated and specific miRNAs are generated by an alternative pathway to regulate genes involved in cellular growth arrest. PMID:28584122

Long-term stability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Fourth Edition.

PubMed

Watkins, Marley W; Smith, Lourdes G

2013-06-01

Long-term stability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV; Wechsler, 2003) was investigated with a sample of 344 students from 2 school districts twice evaluated for special education eligibility at an average interval of 2.84 years. Test-retest reliability coefficients for the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), Processing Speed Index (PSI), and the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) were .72, .76, .66, .65, and .82, respectively. As predicted, the test-retest reliability coefficients for the subtests (Mdn = .56) were generally lower than the index scores (Mdn = .69) and the FSIQ (.82). On average, subtest scores did not differ by more than 1 point, and index scores did not differ by more than 2 points across the test-retest interval. However, 25% of the students earned FSIQ scores that differed by 10 or more points, and 29%, 39%, 37%, and 44% of the students earned VCI, PRI, WMI, and PSI scores, respectively, that varied by 10 or more points. Given this variability, it cannot be assumed that WISC-IV scores will be consistent across long test-retest intervals for individual students. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.

Social Security Privatization and the Annuities Market

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-02-01

34Economic Status as a Determinant of Mortality Among Black and White Older Men: Does Poverty Kill?" Population Studies, vol. 47 (1993), pp. 427-436. 43...have been analyzing the financial pressures on Social Security and devising new ways Americans could prepare for retirement. Those proposals...loosely called "pri- vatization"—would prefund retirement income in personal accounts that workers could invest in the financial market and then spend

Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-22

RN) and the rightist Independent Democratic Union (Unión Demócrata Independiente , UDI). A third coalition, the “Broad Party of the Socialist Left...independents and members of the Regionalist Party of Independents (Partido Regionalista de los Independientes , PRI), who are unaffiliated with either of the...Wilde, “Piñera Won. Will he uphold Chile’s post -Pinochet moral legacy?” Christian Science Monitor, January 18, 2010. Chile: Political and Economic

Mosquitoes of Middle America.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-09-30

subtropical and tropical areas extending from the southern United States to the edge of the Amazon basin. The ultimate goal was to produce a monograph of...project in Argentina , Bolivia, Brazil , Chile, Paraguay~ Peru . Very valuable materia l not previously studied in detail was acquired for the project , pri...1965-1976. Gard ner , Clark , Department of Biology, University of Utah , Salt Lake City. —Collections in Colom- bia and Peru , 1975. Geijskes , D. C

High Resolution Modeling of Coastal Inundation: User Requirements and Current Practice, A Navy Perspective

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-27

often located at Within this paper the general role of in- period. These changes in the operational ret- the cusp of the land- sea interface where algo...vegetation, and sediment proper- summarizes the user requirements set forth NNS060820-01, www.news.navy.mil). Fur- ties. Since the Navy operational...role are dis- modeling the circulation and pollutant trans- bal, regional, and local systems with two pri- cussed below, port in estuarine and coastal

A Russian View on Landpower

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

may also be obtained free of charge while supplies last by placing an order on the SSI website. SSI publications may be quoted or reprinted in part...areas of importance to a Western readership. Moscow continues to place primary importance on conventional military force, with the direct inten- tion of...2 almost a decade,2 as Moscow continues to place pri- mary importance on conventional military force, with the direct intention of growing

Governing for Enterprise Security (GES) Implementation Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-01

Lilly for its inadvertent failure to uphold a pri- vacy promise it had made to patients using Prozac , even though it had a policy covering the op...FITNESS FOR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, EXCLUSIVITY, OR RESULTS OBTAINED FROM USE OF THE MATERIAL. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY...OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO FREEDOM FROM PATENT, TRADEMARK, OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. Use of any trademarks in this report is not intended in any

Southeast Asia Report, No. 1317

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-25

Indonesian soil is an economical way very much depends on the technology which we possess. With the technology which we have now only about one...Students Association at Bandung Technological Institute. Touching on Indonesia’s needs for energy, Minister Subroto said that con- sumption goes up...not yet been signed and which might possibly be carried out by private firms will be fully turned over to pri- vate companies without the

In Vivo Clotting Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Platelets: A New Endogenous Precursor of Metastasis Progression

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

different magnifications (objective lenses of ×10, ×20, ×40 and ×100). To verify metastatic disease, multiple organs were also used for histological...indicate the influence of metastasis in the distant organs or cancer recurrence in the pri- mary tumor site. Although the animal model was used in... ORGANIZATION : University of Arkansas Little Rock AR 72205-7101 REPORT DATE: 2013 TYPE OF REPORT: Final PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical

Telecommunications Growth in Latin America: A Comparative Analysis, the Development and Policy of Technologies in Emerging Markets

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

Liberal (Liberal Party) PRI Partido Revolucionario Institucional SCT Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes MEXTELCO Telefónica Mexicana TELMEX...Skopec, eds. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998), 168. 14 Carlos A. Merchan Escalante, Historia de las Comunicaciones y los Transportes en México...México, D.F., Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes, 1988, 144. 20 Western Electric Telephone Company, later becoming Compañía Telefónica y

Counterinsurgency and the Mexican Drug War

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-26

organized crime and government quickly began to unravel in 2000 when Vicente Fox was elected the first non-PRI affiliated President of Mexico since 1924...due to fighting between the Gulf and Sinaloa cartels, President Fox ordered 700 soldiers and federal police into the city. 7 Despite their best...Drug Lords are Taken Down: Notorious Cruelty , accessed at: http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/mexican-drug-lords-are-taken

Biotechnology in Sweden

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-10

pri- vide monitoring and control facilities Clr R’I It 4M . 4-72 10 7 for production of- high,- fructose syrup .e-. teans:.< (1) ..,n4Aqnal•i A- S ’ from...Monitoring Glucose Consumption in an E’. coli Cultivation With an Enzyme Electrode . ...... ..................... ... .. ....................... 3...production. The use of was mainly fed with a glucose medium thin layers of adsorbed cells also that supported fermentation of acetone- improves the

Economic Security and National Security -- Interaction and Synthesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

phenomenon has not become the case in oil futures contracts; that is, progressively more oil is being traded in pri­ vate off-market arrangements...involving China, Iran, and Sudan, while Saudi Arabia is able to manipulate oil futures prices higher on rela­ tively light transactions volume, especially...and the ability of the United States to project hard or soft political power are daunting. Market technicians refer to this as the “ LUV problem

Mexican Migration: Assessing Root Causes

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

surely broaden our understanding of the causes of Mexico–U.S. migration. One writer, Denise Dresser , does go into great detail about the political...change from a civil-authoritarian to a democratic regime.19 Dresser provides much insight into the working of the political transition in Mexico, but...www.nber.org/papers/w11428 (accessed January 25 2006), 9. 19 Denise Dresser , “Mexico: From PRI Predominance to Divided Democracy,” in Constructing

Building VoiceXML-Based Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

basketball games. The Busline systems were pri- y developed using an early implementation of VoiceXML he NBA Update Line was developed using VoiceXML...traveling in and out of Pittsburgh’s rsity neighborhood. The second project is the NBA Up- Line, which provides callers with real-time information NBA ... NBA UPDATE LINE The target user of this system is a fairly knowledgeable basket- ball fan; the system must therefore be able to provide detailed

Rubidium Frequency Standard Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

small size, rapid warmup, and low power consumption along with frequency stability, repeatability, 1-2 . . *1 %0 now- L~tt~ ~nine~j ?odel ISu and low...the resonance and/or filter * cells at reduced temperatures with thermoelectric coolers on the basis that too much power was required and magnetic...range is dictated by thermal and steady-stp’te power considera- -_tions imposed by the performance requirements. The filter cell serves two pri- *mary

Reasons for Letter Contracts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

accelerated Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The TOW-DRAGON PM reacted accordingly. This also is a good example of a letter contract award to permit...Government. Good pricing depends pri- marily upon the exercise of sound judgement by all personnel concerned with the procurement. I: 3-801.2...Contracts. (a) The written determination required by DAR 3-408(c)(1) shall in- clude an outline of the reaons for a letter contract and the alternatives

The Mexican Military Approaches the 21st Century: Coping with a New World Order

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-21

known today by the initials PRI (Partido Revolucionario Institucional ), began the process of institutionalizing civilian political power.1 The...Herrera Lasso M. and Gonzalez, Balance y Perspectivas, pp. 397-399. 8. Roberto Vizcaino, "La Seguridad del Pafs, Fin Primordial del Estado ," Proceso...pp. 120-121. 10. Raud Benitez Manaut, "Las Fuerzas Armadas Mexicaras y su Relaci6n con el Estado , el Sistema Politico y la Sociedad," paper presented

Chinese Energy Security: The Myth of the Plan’s Frontline Status

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

management know-how so Chinese energy corporations can lower the risks.10 The Chinese economy is more resilient in the face of oil price shocks induced by...diesel. For example, the import quota is largely controlled by the big three oil companies—state-owned China National Petro- leum Corporation (CNPC...Sinopec, and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). If pri- vate or smaller companies produce oil overseas and obtain import quotas

Environmental and Cultural Impact Proposed Tennessee Colony Reservoir, Trinity River, Texas. Volume V. Appendix G.

DTIC Science & Technology

1972-01-01

allocation. Pri- marily it is concerned with any land use that increases surface water runoff and soil compaction, two phenomena that decrease recharge... runoff . Forested filter strips between range and reser- voir boundary should be developed as a land use for water quality control and quail habitat. High...shown on Plates G-10 and G-11) some measures will also be necessary to prevent fertilizer pollution of the reservoir from excessive surface runoff . G

Diazepam and its Effects on Psychophysiological and Behavioral Measures of Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

evoked response to patterned stimuli to an experiment designed to analyze the P300 response to a memory task requires disconnecting equipment...diagnosis. In experimental or human engineering settings, it is possible to conceive of the battery being 8 used as a standardized measure of fatigue...20mg dosage with significant effects centering pri- marily in the 15-20mg range. Since, in the current experiment , we intended to measure several of the

Net-Warlords: An Information Analysis of the Caballeros Templarios in Mexico

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

especially marijuana and heroin were smuggled utilizing a simple, effective system consisting of stealth and bribery to move small batches of product into...the United States.21 At this point in the early 1960s, seizure of five pounds of marijuana was considered front page news.22 Today, seizure of drugs...quantities of marijuana became an activity of the past. C. THE PRI AND INSTITUTIONALIZED SMUGGLING: 1964–1975 The decades during and after the

Spatial Variations in Salinity Stress Across a Coastal Landscape Using Vegetation Indices Derived from Hyperspectral Imagery

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

NDVI , WBI970, Chlorophyll fluorescence, Salinity, Hyperspectral reflectance JC_Naumann, DR_Young, JE_Anderson Virginia Commonwealth University 800...DF=F0m for M. cerifera (r2 = 0.79) and I. frutescens (r2 = 0.72). The normalized difference vegetation index ( NDVI ), the chlorophyll index (CI), and...frutescens, while there were no differences in NDVI during the 2 years. PRI was not significantly related to NDVI , suggesting that the indices are spatially

Fertility-sparing treatment of endometrial cancer precursors among young women: a reproductive point of view.

PubMed

Ricciardi, E; Maniglio, P; Frega, A; Marci, R; Caserta, D; Moscarini, M

2012-12-01

Early-stage endometrial cancer and complex atypical hyperplasia are treated with hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. An emerging issue among younger women affected is the possibility of a fertility-sparing treatment with progestative therapy and close follow-up. To assess the possibility of conceiving after a diagnosis of atypical endometrial hyperplasia among women younger than 40 years old, in term of delaying definitive treatment and achieving pregnancy. 15 women younger than 40 years old with complex CAH or early carcinoma of the endometrium and a wish to preserve fertility. Progestins were administered orally for at least a 12 weeks period. Endometrial biopsies were used at follow-up. In 11 women, a complete pathological remission of the disease was observed. 4 pregnancies were attained in 4 women. 3 showed progression and underwent definitive surgery at 18 months. 1 showed no response at 24 months and 3 cycles and was counseled to receive a hysterectomy. A conservative approach in patients younger than 40 years appears a valid option, and a progestative therapy trial should be attempted whether a valid consensus is attained. Considering the risk to find AEH at biopsies and eventually a carcinoma at hysterectomy (25% of cases) a careful management is strictly required.

Expression and Characterization of Hyperthermostable Exo-polygalacturonase TtGH28 from Thermotoga thermophilus.

PubMed

Wagschal, Kurt; Rose Stoller, J; Chan, Victor J; Lee, Charles C; Grigorescu, Arabela A; Jordan, Douglas B

2016-07-01

D-galacturonic acid is a potential platform chemical comprising the principal component of pectin in the citrus processing waste stream. Several enzyme activities are required for the enzymatic production of galacturonic acid from pectin, including exo- and endo-polygalacturonases. The gene TtGH28 encoding a putative GH28 polygalacturonase from Pseudothermotoga thermarum DSM 5069 (Theth_0397, NCBI# AEH50492.1) was synthesized, expressed in Escherichia coli, and characterized. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of gene product TtGH28 with other GH28 proteins whose structures and details of their catalytic mechanism have been elucidated shows that three catalytic Asp residues and several other key active site residues are strictly conserved. Purified TtGH28 was dimeric and hyperthermostable, with K t (0.5)  = 86.3 °C. Kinetic parameters for activity on digalacturonic acid, trigalacturonic acid, and polygalacturonic acid were obtained. No substrate inhibition was observed for polygalacturonate, while the K si values for the oligogalacturonides were in the low mM range, and K i for product galacturonic acid was in the low μM range. Kinetic modeling of the progress of reaction showed that the enzyme is both fully exo- and fully non-processional.

Seismic anisotropy from compositional banding in granulites from the deep magmatic arc of Fiordland, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cyprych, Daria; Piazolo, Sandra; Almqvist, Bjarne S. G.

2017-11-01

We present calculated seismic velocities and anisotropies of mafic granulites and eclogites from the Cretaceous deep lower crust (∼40-65 km) of Fiordland, New Zealand. Both rock types show a distinct foliation defined by cm-scale compositional banding. Seismic properties are estimated using the Asymptotic Expansion Homogenisation - Finite Element (AEH-FE) method that, unlike the commonly used Voigt-Reuss-Hill homogenisation, incorporates the phase boundary network into calculations. The predicted mean P- and S-wave velocities are consistent with previously published data for similar lithologies from other locations (e.g., Kohistan Arc), although we find higher than expected anisotropies (AVP ∼ 5.0-8.0%, AVS ∼ 3.0-6.5%) and substantial S-wave splitting along foliation planes in granulites. This seismic signature of granulites results from a density and elasticity contrast between cm-scale pyroxene ± garnet stringers and plagioclase matrix rather than from crystallographic orientations alone. Banded eclogites do not show elevated anisotropies as the contrast in density and elastic constants of garnet and pyroxene is too small. The origin of compositional banding in Fiordland granulites is primarily magmatic and structures described here are expected to be typical for the base of present day magmatic arcs. Hence, we identify a new potential source of anisotropy within this geotectonic setting.

Response of human macrophages to wound matrices in vitro.

PubMed

Witherel, Claire E; Graney, Pamela L; Freytes, Donald O; Weingarten, Michael S; Spiller, Kara L

2016-05-01

Chronic wounds remain a major burden to the global healthcare system. Myriad wound matrices are commercially available but their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that macrophages are highly influenced by their microenvironment, but it is not known how different biomaterials affect this interaction. Here, it was hypothesized that human macrophages respond differently to changes in biomaterial properties in vitro with respect to phenotype, including pro-inflammatory M1, anti-inflammatory M2a, known for facilitating extracellular matrix deposition and proliferation, and M2c, which has recently been associated with tissue remodeling. Using multiple donors, it was found that collagen scaffolds cross-linked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) promoted the least inflammatory phenotype in primary human macrophages compared with scaffolds cross-linked with formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. Importantly, gene expression analysis trends were largely conserved between donors, especially TNFa (M1), CCL22 (M2a), and MRC1 (M2a). Then the response of primary and THP1 monocyte-derived macrophages to four commercially available wound matrices were compared-Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (Integra), PriMatrix Dermal Repair Scaffold (PriMatrix), AlloMend Acellular Dermal Matrix (AlloMend), and Oasis Wound Matrix (Oasis). Gene expression trends were different between primary and THP1 monocyte-derived macrophages for all six genes analyzed in this study. Finally, the behavior of primary macrophages cultured onto the wound matrices over time was analyzed. Integra and Oasis caused down-regulation of M2a markers CCL22 and TIMP3. PriMatrix caused up-regulation of TNFa (M1) and CD163 (M2c) and down-regulation of CCL22 and TIMP3 (both M2a). AlloMend caused up-regulation in CD163 (M2c). Lastly, Oasis promoted the largest increase in the combinatorial M1/M2 score, defined as the sum of M1 genes divided by

NUCLEAR ESPIONAGE: Report Details Spying on Touring Scientists.

PubMed

Malakoff, D

2000-06-30

A congressional report released this week details dozens of sometimes clumsy attempts by foreign agents to obtain nuclear secrets from U.S. nuclear scientists traveling abroad, ranging from offering scientists prostitutes to prying off the backs of their laptop computers. The report highlights the need to better prepare traveling researchers to safeguard secrets and resist such temptations, say the two lawmakers who requested the report and officials at the Department of Energy, which employs the scientists.

The Mattassee Lake Sites: Archeological Investigations Along the Lower Santee River in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

Limestones were is located in this area and appears to reflect penetrated in cores drilled south of Lake extensive, complex use. Some of the abori...lake margin (in the vicinity of the contrast, in all of the cores drilled by the 1979 excavations). The nature of aboriginal U.S. Army Corp of...to serve in (Table 31). While low, the tools occur in the prying or drilling functions it does not show dominant debitage levels. The tool types

JPRS Report, Near East & South Asia

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-26

the sexes in the pri- mary, secondary, and higher schools have resulted in the proliferation of bastards. Depravity has spread, and we see that...citizen turns to a party or an official to obtain benefits from this Ummah, there is, in my opinion, no wise man who will contradict my claim that the...the result was bloodshed which benefited the East and the West at the expense of Islam. The members of this group were arrested and tortured. In

Two-Coordinate Magnesium(I) Dimers Stabilized by Super Bulky Amido Ligands.

PubMed

Boutland, Aaron J; Dange, Deepak; Stasch, Andreas; Maron, Laurent; Jones, Cameron

2016-08-01

A variety of very bulky amido magnesium iodide complexes, LMgI(solvent)0/1 and [LMg(μ-I)(solvent)0/1 ]2 (L=-N(Ar)(SiR3 ); Ar=C6 H2 {C(H)Ph2 }2 R'-2,6,4; R=Me, Pr(i) , Ph, or OBu(t) ; R'=Pr(i) or Me) have been prepared by three synthetic routes. Structurally characterized examples of these materials include the first unsolvated amido magnesium halide complexes, such as [LMg(μ-I)]2 (R=Me, R'=Pr(i) ). Reductions of several such complexes with KC8 in the absence of coordinating solvents have afforded the first two-coordinate magnesium(I) dimers, LMg-MgL (R=Me, Pr(i) or Ph; R'=Pr(i) , or Me), in low to good yields. Reductions of two of the precursor complexes in the presence of THF have given the related THF adduct complexes, L(THF)Mg-Mg(THF)L (R=Me; R'=Pr(i) ) and LMg-Mg(THF)L (R=Pr(i) ; R'=Me) in trace yields. The X-ray crystal structures of all magnesium(I) complexes were obtained. DFT calculations on the unsolvated examples reveal their Mg-Mg bonds to be covalent and of high s-character, while Ph⋅⋅⋅Mg bonding interactions in the compounds were found to be weak at best. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Development of the Coparental Regulation Inventory and cross-sectional analysis of mothers' encouragement and criticism].

PubMed

Kato, Michiyo; Kurosawa, Tai; Kamiya, Tetsuji

2014-02-01

We developed the Coparental Regulation Inventory to assess the regulatory behavior of the mothers in involving fathers with child rearing. We translated and modified the short form of the Parental Regulation Inventory (PRI) for Japanese couples in different stages of child rearing. An online questionnaire was conducted with mothers (n = 500) and fathers (n = 500) whose youngest child was less than 21-years-old. Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors, which were labeled "encouragement" and "criticism". The resulting Coparental Regulation Inventory (the modified PRI) had high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The construct validity of the scale was supported by its correlation with parenting alliance, marital satisfaction, and the father's involvement. These findings suggest that the scale is an adequate instrument for identifying the behaviors of mothers related to coparenting. In addition, we examined the frequency of encouragement and criticism used by the mother in relation to the child-rearing stage using cross-sectional analysis. In the mothers' reports, mothers with infants and children encouraged fathers more than mothers with early and late adolescents. Mothers with late adolescents criticized fathers less than mothers with infants. In the fathers' reports, mothers gave more encouragement to fathers who had infants than at any other age, whereas the child's age was not related to mothers' criticism perceived by the fathers.

Model for detection and assessment of abiotic stress caused by uranium mining in European Black Pine landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filchev, Lachezar; Roumenina, Eugenia

2013-10-01

The article presents the results obtained from a study for detection and assessment of abiotic stress through pollution with heavy metals, metalloids, and natural radionuclides in European Black Pine (Pinus nigra L.) forests caused by uranium mining using ground-based biogeochemical, biophysical, and field spectrometry data. The forests are located on a territory subject to underground and open uranium mining. An operational model of the study is proposed. The areas subject to technogeochemical load are outlined based on the aggregate pollution index Zc. Laboratory and field spectrometry data were used to detect the signals of abiotic stress at pixel level. The methods used for determination of stressed and unstressed black pine forests are: four vegetation indices (TCARI, MCARI, MTVI 2, and PRI 1) for stress detection, and the position, depth, asymmetry, and shift of the red-edge. Based on the "blue shift" and the depth and position of the red-edge, registered by the laboratory analysis and field spectral reflectance, it is established that coniferous forests subject to abiotic stress show an increase in total chlorophyll content and carotene. It has been found that the vegetation indices MTVI 2 and PRI 1, as well as the combination of vegetation indices and pigments may be used as a direct indicator of abiotic stress in coniferous forests caused by uranium mining.

Sensor4PRI: A Sensor Platform for the Protection of Railway Infrastructures

PubMed Central

Cañete, Eduardo; Chen, Jaime; Díaz, Manuel; Llopis, Luis; Rubio, Bartolomé

2015-01-01

Wireless Sensor Networks constitute pervasive and distributed computing systems and are potentially one of the most important technologies of this century. They have been specifically identified as a good candidate to become an integral part of the protection of critical infrastructures. In this paper we focus on railway infrastructure protection and we present the details of a sensor platform designed to be integrated into a slab track system in order to carry out both installation and maintenance monitoring activities. In the installation phase, the platform helps operators to install the slab tracks in the right position. In the maintenance phase, the platform collects information about the structural health and behavior of the infrastructure when a train travels along it and relays the readings to a base station. The base station uses trains as data mules to upload the information to the internet. The use of a train as a data mule is especially suitable for collecting information from remote or inaccessible places which do not have a direct connection to the internet and require less network infrastructure. The overall aim of the system is to deploy a permanent economically viable monitoring system to improve the safety of railway infrastructures. PMID:25734648

Miniature Electron Sources for Tomorrow’s Vacuum THz Devices (MiPRI)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

Microwaves, Proceedings of the Fourth Workshop on High Power RF, 22 V. L. Bratman, N. S . Ginzburg, N. F. Kovalev, G. S . Nusinovich, and M. edited by R. M...3Po Kalynov, N. G. Kolganov, V. N. Manuilov, F. S . Rusin, S . V. Samsonov, and A. V. Savilov, in High Energy Density and High Power RF: 7th When this...showed that this will enable the design of future THz sources operating with relatively high efficiency at high power levels. 15. SUBJECT TERMS THz

Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement. Syar Industries, Inc. Mining Use Permit Application, Reclamation Plan, and Section 404 Permit Application

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-07-01

with Special Reference to Warm Springs Creek. Appendix B in: Stewart, S.B., and D.W. Pri, Notes on the Mihilakawna Porno of Dry CreeL Mimeo suppl...34The Ethnography of the Dry Creek Porno ." Report of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2. Ibid. 3. Ibid. 4. Bill Cox, Departnent of Fish and Game...trend, and the western Porno languages subsequently developed here.1 2 The development of these western languages coincident with the recent ethnographic

Advanced Shipboard Control Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-05-07

Nov 1989: 41-47. Carnivale, J. A. DD-21 Presentation. Jan 1999. Deitel H.M. and P. J. Deitel . C++ How To Program . Upper Saddle River...One distinct advantage to an OSI model is that each level of the network is clearly defined, allowing different users to understand how a specific...Pri) field that tells the layer how this message is to be sent. The L2Hdr is an 8 bit section of the Link Protocol Data Unit/MAC Protocol Data

Force Method Optimization II. Volume II. User’s Manual.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

column labels ICC Iteration counter ICHECK Vector for intermediate output, identifying the convergence status of unknowns, 0 = has not converged, 1...NDC,NW,SIG,ND,IDYN,UP,LOW,IAREA,IMU, ALAMBDW,WARAY,NSN.,NDCNL,NXNL,NWNL,NDNNL, NSENLIRST, ICHECK ,WDYN,PR1,MAXIT,WS,ARAY) 8. Input Tapes: None 9. Output...IMUSL,IMUDL,IAREA, IMU, P,NDN,UP,LOW,IX,IDYN,NW,IMUXL,IMUWL,ICC,ALAMBD, AMIN,WT,KL,NODE,ND,COND, IDEL .NSNL,NDCNL, NXNL, NWNL, ICHECK ,WDYN,PRI,WS,MAXT

Hyperkalemia After Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Trauma Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

Hyperkalemia After Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Trauma Patients Matthew C. Aboudara, MD, Frank P. Hurst, MD, Kevin C. Abbott, MD, and Robert...packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion and those who did not. Pri- mary outcome was hyperkalemia (plasma potassium level >5.5 mmol/L). Results...mmol/L, vs. 4.0 0.78 mmol/L, p < 0.001). During the study period, 38.5% of transfusion patients devel- oped hyperkalemia , versus 2.9% of those who did

Micromechanics f an Extrusion in High-Cycle Fatigue With Creep

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

amount referred to as the "static extrusion" ( Mughrabi et al , 1983). This E{a causes an initial compression ta, in R. As the extrusion grows under cyclic...Deformation of sin- gle crystals at elevated temperatures (Johnson, et al , 1953, 1955) also occurs by slip in pri- marily the same slip systems that...growth will cease after the extrusion has reached the static extrusion. Lin, et al ., 1988 have shown that the residual tensile stress ’tact caused by

Threats to Democracy-Civil-Military Relations in America and Britain Present and Future.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

head. 3 In 1952 wnen Eisenhower was running for president there were reservations about whether a military man snould hold the nignest civiiidn office...arms fiasco, President Reagan’s security policy has helped to re.store American pri,:: and influence in world affairs. In Britain, the armed for-ezs...j1.if.st t and fused them in the person of the President . Pi-: L r i t s system of government is unitary rather tnan f-iorJl i, . There is no

Automatic Registration of Scanned Satellite Imagery with a Digital Map Data Base.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

define the corresponding map window (mW)(procedure TRANSFORMWINDOW MAP A-- S4S Araofms Cpo iin et Serc Area deiatl compAr tal _______________ T...to a LIST-item). LIN: = ( ® code 2621431 ; ® pointer LA to the line list, © pointer PRI; pointer PR2), LIST: = ( Q pointer PL to a LIN-item; n pointer...items where PL -pointers are replaced by a code for the beginning (the number 262140 in our case) and end (the number 26241). Figure 3.2 illustra- tes a

JWST Primary Mirror Technology Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, H. Philip

2010-01-01

Mirror Technology was identified as a (if not the) critical capability necessary to achieve the Level 1 science goals. A never before demonstrated space telescope capability was required: 6 to 8 meter class pri mary mirror, diffraction limited at 2 micrometers and operates at temperatures below 50K. Launch vehicle constraints placed significant architectural constraints: deployed/segmented primary mirror (4.5 meter fairing diameter) 20 kg/m2 areal density (PM 1000 kg mass) Such mirror technology had never been demonstrated - and did not exist

Knowledge Based Components of Expertise in Medical Diagnosis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

PAPVC. In fact, one variant of PAPVC, "scimitar syndrome ’, de- rives its name from its presentation of such a finding on x-ray (Lucas & Schmidt, 1977...just sort of guessing right now. I would say just Scimitar Syndrome (PAPVC) pri- marily based on the chest x-ray and ah. I’m not really sure whether...think. They don’t say this kid has. got any other kind of vascular disease like Marfans or anything like that that might present with multiple artery

Time-Reversal Based Range Extension Technique for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Sensors and Applications in Tactical Communications and Networking

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-16

signal from the signal generator is also used to synchronize DSO to record the data of the received signal. The tapped -delay-line model of CIR will...between each filter tap . The output y(t) — h(t) *x(t) is then uniformly sampled with sampling period Ts. 1 ’s follows the relation Ta/Th — q, where q... eft ) ProbtagPake ^ p(l> ’HO PriHretuHg Figure 5.5: An equivalent block diagram of channel estimation The success of recovery relies on the

Ensenanza de la Astronomia a Traves de Metodos no Tradicionales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tignanelli, H. L.

1990-11-01

REUMEN: Se presentan los aspects pri nc ipales de a ense? anza de la astronor:. a para -; s. En esta cc .unicaci #n, 5 ha especial mfasis em Ia descripci':"n de las caracteristicas y las posibi lidades peda gicas de los no tradicionales de aprendiZaje. E' : In the following the principal aspects of teaching of astrono ..y for children) are oresented. In this paper, special emphasis has been given to desc rib the characteristics and pedagogical possibilities of the non traditional methods of learning. : TEACHING

Magnetospheric and Geomagnetic Activity during the First Year (1979) of the SCATHA (P78-2) Satellite Operation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

1 October 1979 -30 September 1980 December 1඘ LAJ Apposei tr pr*i leg;dsgtUm *~c :vim, Quailified requestoz’u mq obtWi 04d4$09L aslptw hDefense...RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER 7, AFGI-, TR -8i -0AD-A/6’ 4. TITLE (and Subtitle) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED K Magnetospheric and Geomagnetic...polar region electron precipitations based on USAF DMSP observations. In the previous report (AFGL- TR -80-0070), it has been discussed in great detail

China Report, Red Flag, No. 8, 16 April 1983

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

teachers in our country rank very low in both their pay and social position. So, no one is willing to be a pri- mary school teacher. Unqualified ...man’s knowledge of natural laws brings with it increases in man’s means to exert an effect on the natural world." ("Collected Works of Marx and Engels...the wealth of human knowledge and the new knowledge and fruits of contemporary science and culture. Freedom cannot be 11 attained until the law of

Comparative Long-Term Effect of Three Anti-P2Y12 Drugs after Percutaneous Angioplasty: An Observational Study Based on Electronic Drug Adherence Monitoring

PubMed Central

Forni Ogna, Valentina; Bassi, Isabelle; Menetrey, Isabelle; Muller, Olivier; Tousset, Eric; Fontana, Pierre; Eeckhout, Eric; Eap, Chin B.; Vrijens, Bernard; Burnier, Michel; Wuerzner, Grégoire

2017-01-01

Aims: Dual platelet inhibition using anti-P2Y12 drugs and aspirin is the standard of care in patients after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Prasugrel and ticagrelor have been shown to be more potent than clopidogrel with less high on-treatment platelet reactivity. Whether differences in long-term adherence to these drugs can partly explain different antiplatelet efficacy has not been studied so far. The objective was to compare the long-term P2Y12 receptor inhibition and drug adherence to different anti-P2Y12 drugs, and to assess the impact of adherence on the pharmacodynamic effect. Methods: Monocentric, prospective, observational study. Stable outpatients treated with clopidogrel 75 mg once daily, prasugrel 10 mg once daily or ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily after PCI with stent implantation were included. Drug adherence was recorded during 6 months using electronic monitoring. Platelet responsiveness was assessed with the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein platelet reactivity index (VASP-PRI) at inclusion, 3 and 6 months. Results: 120 patients had VASP-PRI and adherence data available. At 6-months, mean VASP-PRI (±SD) was 17.7 ± 11.0% with ticagrelor, 29.2 ± 15.5% with prasugrel and 47.2 ± 17.6% with clopidogrel (ANOVA, P < 0.0001). Median [IQR] taking adherence was 96 [82–100]% with ticagrelor, 100 [97–101]% with prasugrel and 100 [99–101]% with clopidogrel (p = 0.0001). Median [IQR] correct dosing was 88 [73–95]% with ticagrelor, 97 [92.5–98]% with prasugrel and 98 [96–99]% with clopidogrel (p = 0.0001). Anti-P2Y12 drug (p ≤ 0.001) and diabetes (p = 0.014) emerged as predictors of poor antiplatelet response after adjusting for age, BMI, sex, and CYP2C19∗2 carriers status. Conclusion: Drug adherence to anti-P2Y12 drugs assessed with electronic monitoring was very high. However, anti-P2Y12 drugs showed significant differences in antiplatelet activity, with newer anti-P2Y12 drugs ticagrelor and prasugrel exerting a stronger P2Y12

Platelet reactivity in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on dual antiplatelet therapy for an acute coronary syndrome: the EVERE2ST-HIV study.

PubMed

Hauguel-Moreau, Marie; Boccara, Franck; Boyd, Anders; Salem, Joe-Elie; Brugier, Delphine; Curjol, Angélique; Hulot, Jean-Sébastien; Kerneis, Mathieu; Galier, Sophie; Cohen, Ariel; Montalescot, Gilles; Collet, Jean-Philippe; Silvain, Johanne

2017-06-01

To explore platelet reactivity on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients infected with HIV. Acute coronary syndrome patients infected with HIV (n = 80) were matched to ACS patients without HIV (n = 160) on age, sex, diabetes, and DAPT (aspirin 100%, clopidogrel 68%, prasugrel 31%, ticagrelor 1%). Platelet reactivity was evaluated after ACS (>30 days) by measuring residual platelet aggregation (RPA) to aspirin and to P2Y12 inhibitors with light transmission aggregometry (LTA), VerifyNow aspirin assay (ARU), and P2Y12 assay (PRU) and with the VASP platelet reactivity index (VASP-PRI). Proportion of patients with high residual platelet reactivity (HPR) was evaluated. HIV-infected ACS patients had higher levels of platelet reactivity in response to P2Y12 inhibitors (RPA: 23.8 ± 2.7% vs. 15.3 ± 1.3%; P = 0.001; PRU: 132 ± 10 vs. 107.4 ± 6.6; P = 0.04; and VASP-PRI: 45.2 ± 2.6% vs. 32.0 ± 2.0%; P < 0.001) and to aspirin (RPA: 3.6 ± 1.5% vs. 0.4 ± 0.1%; P = 0.004 and ARU: 442 ± 11 vs. 407 ± 5; P = 0.002) compared with non-HIV. HIV-infection was independently associated with increased platelet reactivity regardless of the test used (RPA: P = 0.005; PRU: P < 0.001 and VASP-PRI: P < 0.001) and a higher proportion of HPR (OR = 7.6; P < 0.001; OR = 2.06; P = 0.06; OR = 2.91; P = 0.004, respectively) in response to P2Y12 inhibitors. Similar results were found with aspirin. Protease inhibitors use was associated with increased platelet reactivity and higher rate of HPR. Acute coronary syndrome patients infected with HIV have increased levels of platelet reactivity and higher prevalence of HPR to P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin than non-HIV patients. These results could provide potential explanations for the observed increase risk of recurrent ischemic events in the HIV-infected population. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All

Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Event Diary in a Sample of Dutch Women With Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.

PubMed

van Nes, Yvonne; Bloemers, Jos; Kessels, Rob; van der Heijden, Peter G M; van Rooij, Kim; Gerritsen, Jeroen; DeRogatis, Leonard; Tuiten, Adriaan

2018-05-01

Efficacy of on-demand drugs for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder or female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) should be assessed using a validated instrument that assesses the discrete sexual events during which the on-demand drug is taken, because this type of assessment is more proximate to an on-demand drug's efficacy compared to instruments that assess sexual function over longer periods of time. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the previously validated 11-item Sexual Event Diary (SED) for measuring sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning during discrete sexual events. Psychometric assessment was performed on data of 1,840 SEDs from 139 women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder/FSIAD, collected during a randomized clinical cross-over trial conducted in the Netherlands. Item scores of the SED at the event level, and at subject level, summarized item scores during the placebo run-in period (PRI) and active treatment period, and score changes from PRI to active treatment period. Reliability and convergent validity were confirmed. All item scores showed the ability to discriminate between known groups. Larger mean score changes from PRI were observed in groups with known benefit from the medication, as compared to those with no benefit. Guyatt effect sizes ranged from 0.51-1.02, thereby demonstrating ability to detect change. The Dutch version of the SED is an excellent instrument for assessing female sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction during discrete sexual events and for assessing these concepts over longer periods of time. Data were collected in a randomized, well-controlled trial. The large number of data points gave high statistical power, and the results confirmed previous findings. However, care is needed when generalizing the SED's validity to other areas of research, eg, recreational drug use and sexual risky behaviors, since the current validation study has not used

Management of reticular oral lichen planus patients with burning mouth syndrome-like oral symptoms: a pilot study.

PubMed

Adamo, Daniela; Mignogna, Michele Davide; Pecoraro, Giuseppe; Aria, Massimo; Fortuna, Giulio

2018-01-31

We sought to determine the efficacy of psychotropic drug in the management of BMS-like oral symptoms in patients with reticular oral lichen planus (R-OLP) refractory to conventional therapies, and its impact on anxious and depressive symptoms. We enrolled 28 cases of symptomatic R-OLP. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), the Hamilton rating scales for Depression (HAM-D) and Anxiety (HAM-A) were performed at baseline (time 0), after 2 months of topical clonazepam (time 1) and after 6 months of benzodiazepine and antidepressant drugs (time 2). R-OLP patients showed a statistically significant improvement in the NRS and T-PRI scores from time 0 [median: 9.0 (IQR: 7.2-10.0) and 10.5 (IQR: 7.0-13.0), respectively] to time 2 [(median: 2.0 (IQR: 2.0-3.0) (p < .001) and 3.0 (IQR: 2.0-4.7) (p < .001), respectively]. Similarly, the HAM-A and HAM-D scores showed an improvement from time 0 [(median: 15.0 (IQR: 10.2-17.8) and 13.0 (IQR: 12.0-15.0), respectively] to time 2 [median: 6.0 (IQR: 4.0-7.0) (p < .001) and 5.5 (IQR: 4.25-6.0) (p < .001), respectively]. Psychotropic drugs turned out to be effective in the management of BMS-like oral symptoms in R-OLP patients refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy, although in a long-term period.

Relation of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Sensitive Reflectance Ratios to Carbon Flux Measurements of Montanne Grassland and Norway Spruce Forest Ecosystems in the Temperate Zone

PubMed Central

Ač, Alexander; Malenovský, Zbyněk; Urban, Otmar; Hanuš, Jan; Zitová, Martina; Navrátil, Martin; Vráblová, Martina; Olejníčková, Julie; Špunda, Vladimír; Marek, Michal

2012-01-01

We explored ability of reflectance vegetation indexes (VIs) related to chlorophyll fluorescence emission (R 686/R 630, R 740/R 800) and de-epoxidation state of xanthophyll cycle pigments (PRI, calculated as (R 531 − R 570)/(R 531 − R 570)) to track changes in the CO2 assimilation rate and Light Use Efficiency (LUE) in montane grassland and Norway spruce forest ecosystems, both at leaf and also canopy level. VIs were measured at two research plots using a ground-based high spatial/spectral resolution imaging spectroscopy technique. No significant relationship between VIs and leaf light-saturated CO2 assimilation (A MAX) was detected in instantaneous measurements of grassland under steady-state irradiance conditions. Once the temporal dimension and daily irradiance variation were included into the experimental setup, statistically significant changes in VIs related to tested physiological parameters were revealed. ΔPRI and Δ(R 686/R 630) of grassland plant leaves under dark-to-full sunlight transition in the scale of minutes were significantly related to A MAX (R 2 = 0.51). In the daily course, the variation of VIs measured in one-hour intervals correlated well with the variation of Gross Primary Production (GPP), Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), and LUE estimated via the eddy-covariance flux tower. Statistical results were weaker in the case of the grassland ecosystem, with the strongest statistical relation of the index R 686/R 630 with NEE and GPP. PMID:22701368

Sjögren Syndrome Antigen B (SSB)/La Promotes Global MicroRNA Expression by Binding MicroRNA Precursors through Stem-Loop Recognition*

PubMed Central

Liang, Chunyang; Xiong, Ke; Szulwach, Keith E.; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Zhaohui; Peng, Junmin; Fu, Mingui; Jin, Peng; Suzuki, Hiroshi I.; Liu, Qinghua

2013-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNA) control numerous physiological and pathological processes. Typically, the primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts are processed by nuclear Drosha complex into ∼70-nucleotide stem-loop precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNA), which are further cleaved by cytoplasmic Dicer complex into ∼21-nucleotide mature miRNAs. However, it is unclear how nascent pre-miRNAs are protected from ribonucleases, such as MCPIP1, that degrade pre-miRNAs to abort miRNA production. Here, we identify Sjögren syndrome antigen B (SSB)/La as a pre-miRNA-binding protein that regulates miRNA processing in vitro. All three RNA-binding motifs (LAM, RRM1, and RRM2) of La/SSB are required for efficient pre-miRNA binding. Intriguingly, La/SSB recognizes the characteristic stem-loop structure of pre-miRNAs, of which the majority lack a 3′ UUU terminus. Moreover, La/SSB associates with endogenous pri-/pre-miRNAs and promotes miRNA biogenesis by stabilizing pre-miRNAs from nuclease (e.g. MCPIP1)-mediated decay in mammalian cells. Accordingly, we observed positive correlations between the expression status of La/SSB and Dicer in human cancer transcriptome and prognosis. These studies identify an important function of La/SSB as a global regulator of miRNA expression, and implicate stem-loop recognition as a major mechanism that mediates association between La/SSB and diverse RNA molecules. PMID:23129761

Sjogren syndrome antigen B (SSB)/La promotes global microRNA expression by binding microRNA precursors through stem-loop recognition.

PubMed

Liang, Chunyang; Xiong, Ke; Szulwach, Keith E; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Zhaohui; Peng, Junmin; Fu, Mingui; Jin, Peng; Suzuki, Hiroshi I; Liu, Qinghua

2013-01-04

MicroRNAs (miRNA) control numerous physiological and pathological processes. Typically, the primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts are processed by nuclear Drosha complex into ~70-nucleotide stem-loop precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNA), which are further cleaved by cytoplasmic Dicer complex into ~21-nucleotide mature miRNAs. However, it is unclear how nascent pre-miRNAs are protected from ribonucleases, such as MCPIP1, that degrade pre-miRNAs to abort miRNA production. Here, we identify Sjögren syndrome antigen B (SSB)/La as a pre-miRNA-binding protein that regulates miRNA processing in vitro. All three RNA-binding motifs (LAM, RRM1, and RRM2) of La/SSB are required for efficient pre-miRNA binding. Intriguingly, La/SSB recognizes the characteristic stem-loop structure of pre-miRNAs, of which the majority lack a 3' UUU terminus. Moreover, La/SSB associates with endogenous pri-/pre-miRNAs and promotes miRNA biogenesis by stabilizing pre-miRNAs from nuclease (e.g. MCPIP1)-mediated decay in mammalian cells. Accordingly, we observed positive correlations between the expression status of La/SSB and Dicer in human cancer transcriptome and prognosis. These studies identify an important function of La/SSB as a global regulator of miRNA expression, and implicate stem-loop recognition as a major mechanism that mediates association between La/SSB and diverse RNA molecules.

Evaluating the prevalence and impact of examiner errors on the Wechsler scales of intelligence: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Styck, Kara M; Walsh, Shana M

2016-01-01

The purpose of the present investigation was to conduct a meta-analysis of the literature on examiner errors for the Wechsler scales of intelligence. Results indicate that a mean of 99.7% of protocols contained at least 1 examiner error when studies that included a failure to record examinee responses as an error were combined and a mean of 41.2% of protocols contained at least 1 examiner error when studies that ignored errors of omission were combined. Furthermore, graduate student examiners were significantly more likely to make at least 1 error on Wechsler intelligence test protocols than psychologists. However, psychologists made significantly more errors per protocol than graduate student examiners regardless of the inclusion or exclusion of failure to record examinee responses as errors. On average, 73.1% of Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores changed as a result of examiner errors, whereas 15.8%-77.3% of scores on the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index changed as a result of examiner errors. In addition, results suggest that examiners tend to overestimate FSIQ scores and underestimate VCI scores. However, no strong pattern emerged for the PRI and WMI. It can be concluded that examiner errors occur frequently and impact index and FSIQ scores. Consequently, current estimates for the standard error of measurement of popular IQ tests may not adequately capture the variance due to the examiner. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

The Design of Shape from Motion Constraints

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

appel(ar ill I lie illt (’liol’ of’ t lec closed(l 0i1 pull t race lorilued 1) ’ y Ile ’onv\\olult ion of’ t W4 ( losvld ill plil 1 laces". 1i ot tier...Conclusion Chaipter G 6.1 Summary Tllile p~rI IIIa I-Y goalI of’ tIIIIs researchI was to a rgue f’or the valii I vIII of’ t lie I ’pot leiets 1 liat iflot ioll

Nuclear Air Blast Effects.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

AD-All? 43 SCIENCE APPLICATZOhu INC NCLAA VA F/6 19/4I NUICLEAR AIR BLAST IFPCTS(U) JUR " PRY UNCLASSIFID SAI-63-636-VA NLOOI I-C lit? I. 1174~ 132...SiCuftIt, CLASSFICA?1lOw OF fl.IS PAQ-C( fhbl Dal. Lnt.,.d, REPORT DOCUMENTATION4 PAGE apoI ct~ NUCLEAR AIR BLAST EFFECTS FINAL REPORT SAI-83-836-WA...TUCSON a WASHINGTON NUCLEAR AIR BLAST EFFECTS FINAL REPORT SAI-83-836-WA Submitted to: Laboratory for Computational Physics Naval Research Laboratory

Atmospheric Optical Communication Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

alternate anoch to deftr:iing absorp on and scatztn coeciet is to calcaiat dun wsing either of two comuoter models developed by A.FGL. LOWMRAN [2-251...where Ar is the receiver avertore area and 60A is de~ned analOgous to Ob in (2-68). The z - dependenc is absen for the OA ren since the receiver =or= is...model issu-es a beam divergence angie PELT (6), mpied by the user. If the user- supplied tt 7iolates the d frac..ou LLimJ±, a warning is pri.. Also

The Dynamics o f Institutional Reform in Contemporary Italian Politics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

equilibrium," the Christian Democrats promised a "renewal" with top officials who could translate fresh ideas into effective 2 "L’Italia al voto della verita...34 Corriere della Sera, 5 April 1992, 1. ŗ "Forlani contro il Pri e le Leghe," Ii f, 30 March 1992, 3. 13 action, They even left open the possibility...drawn were mixed. They foreshadowed 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid. 11 "Sfiduciati, pero alle urne," Corriere della 5a, 25 March 1992, 4. 16 disaster for two members

Observation of Dihalide Elimination Upon Electron Attachment to Oxalyl Chloride and Oxalyl Bromide, 300-550 K

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-10

fragment CC120 and bromine The positive ion chemistry of oxalyl chloride has been analog CBrO. Total energies, enthalpies, and zero-point energy ( ZPE ...that Ar+ reacting with oxalyl bromide produced System G3a G2 b 70% CBrO+ and 30% Br+. trants-C2C1202(C2h, Ag) ZPE 0.019 93 0.019 93 COMPUTATIONAL...secondary ZPE 0.01708 0.01708 ions were carried out using the G3 compound method, pri- Total energy (0 K) -1146.717 00 -1145.904 66 marily in order to

Stochastic-Constraints Method in Nonstationary Hot-Clutter Cancellation Part I: Fundamentals and Supervised Training Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-04-01

any of the P interfering sources, and Hkt i (1) (P)] T is defined below. The P-variate vector = t kt , • t J consists of complex waveforms radiated by...line. More precisely, the (i, j ) t element of the matrix Hke is a complex 4-4 coefficient which is practically constant over the kth PRI, and is a...multivariate auto-regressive (AR) model of order n: Ykt + Z Bj Yk- j , t = tkt (25) j =l In the above equation, Bj are the M-variate matrices which are the

Combustion and Heat Transfer Studies Utilizing Advanced Diagnostics: Fuels Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-11-01

octanol ), through the addition of additives to typical JP-8. Fuel and ketone (2- octanone ) were added to the fuel, and the Pri~F-2827 is a non-hydx-o-treated...40.97 propylbenzene 59. 41.30 propynylbenzene 60. 42.02 3,4-dimethyl2,5-furnandione 61. 42.43 1- octanol ? 62. 42.69 I-phenylethanone 63. 42.76 ? 64...23. 17.47 3-methylcyclopentanone 24. 19.51 2-heptanone 25. 19.86 cyclohexanone 26. 20.56 Incomplete MS, pentyl acetate? 27. 22.43 2- octanone 11 0 CD

Methodological Preliminaries to the Development of an Expert System for Aerial Photo Interpretation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

Region prl.7.2 Colorado Plateaus Province prl.7.2.1 High Plateaus of Utah Region prl.7.2.2 Uinta Basin Region prl.7.2.3 Canyon Lands Region prI.7.2.4...have a flat to undulating basin --does it?). If a majority of the questions generate negative answers some other hypothesis is sought. % (13) All...rf2.2 Lineaments rf2.3 Troughs -f2.4 Joints f2.5 Escarpments rf2.6 Gorges rfZ.7 Folds Rock Forms 3 Domes Rock Forms 4 Canyons Rock Forms 5 Basins

USSR Report, International Affairs

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-02-18

ENVIO, 1983, No 24, p 11. 14. " Estado y Clases Sociales en Managua," Managua, 1982, p 78. 15. Ibid., p 78. 16. Ibid., p 79. 17. AREITO, New York, 1983...1984, p 115. 26. AREITO, 1983, Vol IX, No 34, p 14. 27. D. Ortega, Saavedra, Nicaragua. "La Primera Deraocracia," Managua, 1983» p 5. 28. " Estado y...Clases Sociales en Nicaragua," p 15. 29. Ibid., pp 82-83. 30. PENSAMIENTO PR0PRI0, 1984, No 15, p 20. 31. " Estado y Clases Sociales en Nicaragua

The Politics of Parental Involvement: How Opportunity Hoarding and Prying Shape Educational Opportunity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyken-Segosebe, Dawn; Hinz, Serena E.

2015-01-01

As more state legislatures join the debate on school-choice and parent-trigger legislation, their discussions draw attention to an evolving landscape outside school walls where parental action shapes educational opportunity. Parents wield their political, social, economic, and cultural capital to secure the best educational outcomes for their…

Development and application of a novel crop stress and quality instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Wengjiang; Sun, Gang; Wang, Jihua; Liu, Liangyun; Zheng, Wengang

2005-12-01

In this paper, a portable diagnostic instrument for crop quality analysis was designed and tested, which can measure the normalized difference vegetation index (PRI) and structure insensitive pigment index (NRI) of crop canopy in the field. The instrument have a valid survey area of 1m×1m when the height between instrument and the ground was fixed to 1.3 meter. The crop quality can be assessed based on their PRI and NRI values, so it will be very important for crop management to get these values. The instrument uses sunlight as its light source. There are six special different photoelectrical detectors within red, blue and near infrared bands, which are used for detecting incidence sunlight and reflex light from the canopy of crop. This optical instrument includes photoelectric detector module, signal process and A/D convert module, the data storing and transmission module and human-machine interface module. The detector is the core of the instrument which measures the spectrums at special bands. The microprocessor calculates the NDVI and SIPI value based on the A/D value. And the value can be displayed on the instrument's LCD, stored in the flash memory of instrument and can also be uploaded to PC through the PC's RS232 serial interface. The prototype was tested in the crop field at different view directions. It reveals the on-site and non-sampling mode of crop growth monitoring by fixed on the agricultural machine traveling in the field. Such simple instruments can diagnose the plant growth status by the acquired spectral response.

Determination of trace uranium by resonance fluorescence method coupled with photo-catalytic technology and dual cloud point extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiekang; Li, Guirong; Han, Qian

2016-12-01

In this paper, two kinds of salophens (Sal) with different solubilities, Sal1 and Sal2, have been respectively synthesized, and they all can combine with uranyl to form stable complexes: [UO22 +-Sal1] and [UO22 +-Sal2]. Among them, [UO22 +-Sal1] was used as ligand to extract uranium in complex samples by dual cloud point extraction (dCPE), and [UO22 +-Sal2] was used as catalyst for the determination of uranium by photocatalytic resonance fluorescence (RF) method. The photocatalytic characteristic of [UO22 +-Sal2] on the oxidized pyronine Y (PRY) by potassium bromate which leads to the decrease of RF intensity of PRY were studied. The reduced value of RF intensity of reaction system (ΔF) is in proportional to the concentration of uranium (c), and a novel photo-catalytic RF method was developed for the determination of trace uranium (VI) after dCPE. The combination of photo-catalytic RF techniques and dCPE procedure endows the presented methods with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Under optimal conditions, the linear calibration curves range for 0.067 to 6.57 ng mL- 1, the linear regression equation was ΔF = 438.0 c (ng mL- 1) + 175.6 with the correlation coefficient r = 0.9981. The limit of detection was 0.066 ng mL- 1. The proposed method was successfully applied for the separation and determination of uranium in real samples with the recoveries of 95.0-103.5%. The mechanisms of the indicator reaction and dCPE are discussed.

Identification of an miRNA candidate reflects the possible significance of transcribed microsatellites in the hairpin precursors of black pepper.

PubMed

Joy, Nisha; Soniya, Eppurathu Vasudevan

2012-06-01

Plant miRNAs (18-24nt) are generated by the RNase III-type Dicer endonuclease from the endogenous hairpin precursors ('pre-miRNAs') with significant regulatory functions. The transcribed regions display a higher frequency of microsatellites, when compared to other regions of the genomic DNA. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) resulting from replication slippage occurring in transcripts affect the expression of genes. The available experimental evidence for the incidence of SSRs in the miRNA precursors is limited. Considering the potential significance of SSRs in the miRNA genes, we carried out a preliminary analysis to verify the presence of SSRs in the pri-miRNAs of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). We isolated a (CT) dinucleotide SSR bearing transcript using SMART strategy. The transcript was predicted to be a 'pri-miRNA candidate' with Dicer sites based on miRNA prediction tools and MFOLD structural predictions. The presence of this 'miRNA candidate' was confirmed by real-time TaqMan assays. The upstream sequence of the 'miRNA candidate' by genome walking when subjected to PlantCARE showed the presence of certain promoter elements, and the deduced amino acid showed significant similarity with NAP1 gene, which affects the transcription of many genes. Moreover the hairpin-like precursor overlapped the neighbouring NAP1 gene. In silico analysis revealed distinct putative functions for the 'miRNA candidate', of which majority were related to growth. Hence, we assume that this 'miRNA candidate' may get activated during transcription of NAP gene, thereby regulating the expression of many genes involved in developmental processes.

MicroRNAs and cancer.

PubMed

Cowland, Jack B; Hother, Christoffer; Grønbaek, Kirsten

2007-10-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered group of small RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression. Analogously to mRNAs, the non-protein-encoding pri-miRNAs are synthesized by RNA polymerase II and post-transcriptionally modified by addition of a 5'-cap and a 3'-poly (A) tail. Subsequently, the pri-miRNA undergoes a number of processing steps in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and ends up as a mature approximately 22 nt miRNA, which can exert its function by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of a subset of mRNAs. Binding of the miRNA to the mRNA results in a reduced translation rate and/or increased degradation of the mRNA. In this way a large number of cellular pathways, such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, are regulated by mi-RNAs. As corruption of these pathways is the hallmark of many cancers, dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis or expression levels may lead to tumorigenesis. The mechanisms that alter the expression of miRNAs are similar to those that change the expression levels of mRNAs of tumor suppressor- and oncogenes, i.e. gross genomic aberrations, epigenetic changes, and minor mutations affecting the expression level, processing, or target-interaction potential of the miRNA. Furthermore, expression profiling of miRNAs has been found to be useful for classification of different tumor types. Taken together, miRNAs can be classified as onco-miRs or tumor suppressor-miRs, and may turn out to be potential targets for cancer therapy.

Effect of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition on intellectual functioning in early school-aged children in rural western China

PubMed Central

Li, Chao; Zhu, Ni; Zeng, Lingxia; Dang, Shaonong; Zhou, Jing; Yan, Hong

2016-01-01

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition on the intellectual functioning of early school-aged children. We followed the offspring of women who had participated in a trial of prenatal supplementation with different combinations of micronutrients and who remained resident in the study field. We measured their intellectual functioning using the Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC-IV). Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were used as anthropometric nutritional status indices. Four of the 5 composite scores derived from the WISC-IV, except for working memory index (WMI), were significantly lower in low birth weight children after adjusting for confounds. All 5 composite scores, including full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), verbal comprehension index (VCI), WMI, perceptual reasoning index (PRI), and processing speed index (PSI) were significant lower in stunted and underweight children. The differences in the means of WISC-IV test scores were greatest between stunted and nonstunted children. The means for FSIQ, VCI, WMI, PRI, and PSI were as follows: 5.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.84–8.92), 5.08 (95% CI: 1.12–8.41), 4.71 (95% CI: 1.78–7.66), 6.13 (95% CI: 2.83–9.44), and 5.81 (95% CI: 2.61–9.00). These means were lower in stunted children after adjusting for confounds. Our results suggest the important influences of low birth weight and postnatal malnutrition (stunting, low body weight) on intellectual functioning in early school-aged children. PMID:27495020

Effect of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition on intellectual functioning in early school-aged children in rural western China.

PubMed

Li, Chao; Zhu, Ni; Zeng, Lingxia; Dang, Shaonong; Zhou, Jing; Yan, Hong

2016-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prenatal and postnatal malnutrition on the intellectual functioning of early school-aged children. We followed the offspring of women who had participated in a trial of prenatal supplementation with different combinations of micronutrients and who remained resident in the study field. We measured their intellectual functioning using the Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC-IV). Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were used as anthropometric nutritional status indices. Four of the 5 composite scores derived from the WISC-IV, except for working memory index (WMI), were significantly lower in low birth weight children after adjusting for confounds. All 5 composite scores, including full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), verbal comprehension index (VCI), WMI, perceptual reasoning index (PRI), and processing speed index (PSI) were significant lower in stunted and underweight children. The differences in the means of WISC-IV test scores were greatest between stunted and nonstunted children. The means for FSIQ, VCI, WMI, PRI, and PSI were as follows: 5.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.84-8.92), 5.08 (95% CI: 1.12-8.41), 4.71 (95% CI: 1.78-7.66), 6.13 (95% CI: 2.83-9.44), and 5.81 (95% CI: 2.61-9.00). These means were lower in stunted children after adjusting for confounds. Our results suggest the important influences of low birth weight and postnatal malnutrition (stunting, low body weight) on intellectual functioning in early school-aged children.

Gene flow on ice: the role of sea ice and whaling in shaping Holarctic genetic diversity and population differentiation in bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus)

PubMed Central

Elizabeth Alter, S; Rosenbaum, Howard C; Postma, Lianne D; Whitridge, Peter; Gaines, Cork; Weber, Diana; Egan, Mary G; Lindsay, Melissa; Amato, George; Dueck, Larry; Brownell, Robert L; Heide-Jørgensen, Mads-Peter; Laidre, Kristin L; Caccone, Gisella; Hancock, Brittany L

2012-01-01

Sea ice is believed to be a major factor shaping gene flow for polar marine organisms, but it remains unclear to what extent it represents a true barrier to dispersal for arctic cetaceans. Bowhead whales are highly adapted to polar sea ice and were targeted by commercial whalers throughout Arctic and subarctic seas for at least four centuries, resulting in severe reductions in most areas. Both changing ice conditions and reductions due to whaling may have affected geographic distribution and genetic diversity throughout their range, but little is known about range-wide genetic structure or whether it differed in the past. This study represents the first examination of genetic diversity and differentiation across all five putative stocks, including Baffin Bay-Davis Strait, Hudson Bay-Foxe Basin, Bering-Beaufort-Chukchi, Okhotsk, and Spitsbergen. We also utilized ancient specimens from Prince Regent Inlet (PRI) in the Canadian Arctic and compared them with modern stocks. Results from analysis of molecular variance and demographic simulations are consistent with recent and high gene flow between Atlantic and Pacific stocks in the recent past. Significant genetic differences between ancient and modern populations suggest PRI harbored unique maternal lineages in the past that have been recently lost, possibly due to loss of habitat during the Little Ice Age and/or whaling. Unexpectedly, samples from this location show a closer genetic relationship with modern Pacific stocks than Atlantic, supporting high gene flow between the central Canadian Arctic and Beaufort Sea over the past millennium despite extremely heavy ice cover over much of this period. PMID:23170222

[Association between intelligence development and facial expression recognition ability in children with autism spectrum disorder].

PubMed

Pan, Ning; Wu, Gui-Hua; Zhang, Ling; Zhao, Ya-Fen; Guan, Han; Xu, Cai-Juan; Jing, Jin; Jin, Yu

2017-03-01

To investigate the features of intelligence development, facial expression recognition ability, and the association between them in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 27 ASD children aged 6-16 years (ASD group, full intelligence quotient >70) and age- and gender-matched normally developed children (control group) were enrolled. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition and Chinese Static Facial Expression Photos were used for intelligence evaluation and facial expression recognition test. Compared with the control group, the ASD group had significantly lower scores of full intelligence quotient, verbal comprehension index, perceptual reasoning index (PRI), processing speed index（PSI), and working memory index (WMI) (P<0.05). The ASD group also had a significantly lower overall accuracy rate of facial expression recognition and significantly lower accuracy rates of the recognition of happy, angry, sad, and frightened expressions than the control group (P<0.05). In the ASD group, the overall accuracy rate of facial expression recognition and the accuracy rates of the recognition of happy and frightened expressions were positively correlated with PRI (r=0.415, 0.455, and 0.393 respectively; P<0.05). The accuracy rate of the recognition of angry expression was positively correlated with WMI (r=0.397; P<0.05). ASD children have delayed intelligence development compared with normally developed children and impaired expression recognition ability. Perceptual reasoning and working memory abilities are positively correlated with expression recognition ability, which suggests that insufficient perceptual reasoning and working memory abilities may be important factors affecting facial expression recognition ability in ASD children.

Some characteristics about marriage and childbearing of Tibetan population in Tibet.

PubMed

Gu, J

1992-02-01

The Tibetans are a major ethnic group in China. Tibet lies in the southwestern section of China at an altitude of 4000 m above sea level. Between 1951-90, its population grew from 1.15 to 2.19 million. Tibetans make up 95% of the population in Tibet. 33.02% of Tibetans =or 15 years old are not married. Males are more likely to be unmarried than females (36.08% vs. 29.98%). The high percentage of unmarrieds in Tibet is 5.3%, 4.7%, and 5.8% higher than the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, and Guizhou, respectively. When the Population Research Institute (PRI) standardized data according to the age structure, the differences between Tibet and Guizhou widened (33.54% vs. 26.8%). The proportion of the married population in Tibet is quite low especially for females. The PRI attributes this lower proportion of married females to the high ratio of spontaneous abortions, high maternal mortality, and high infant and child mortality. Since many young and adult Tibetans become lamas who cannot marry, Buddhism contributes to the high rate of unmarried in Tibet. In 1951, 9.5% (110,000) of the population were lamas. Women can have 1 husband. Tibet has a high mean age at 1st marriage (24.6 years for males and 23.1 years for females). It also has a low sex ratio (97.84, 1982) and age specific sex ratios compared with other major ethnic groups in China. The sex ratio is growing, however (100.13, 1990).

Mycotoxins' activity at toxic and sub-toxic concentrations: differential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of single and combined administration of sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A and citrinin on the hepatocellular cancer cell line Hep3B.

PubMed

Anninou, Nikolia; Chatzaki, Ekaterini; Papachristou, Fotini; Pitiakoudis, Muichail; Simopoulos, Constantinos

2014-02-07

Food safety organizations indicate the likelihood of constant human and animal exposure to mycotoxin mixtures as a possible negative public health impact. Risk assessment demonstrates that certain mycotoxins of Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. are toxic and hold a significant genotoxic efficacy at nanomolar concentrations. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential cytogenetic effects of sterigmatocystin (STER), ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CTN) alone or in combination, at pM to μΜ concentrations, on the human hepatocellular cancer cell line Hep3B. MTT reduction, mitotic divisions, cell cycle delays and sister chromatid exchange rates (SCE) were determined as endpoints of metabolic activity, cytotoxicity, cytostaticity, and genotoxicity, respectively. All mycotoxin treatments induce SCE rates from 10-12 M, while their cytotoxic and cytostatic potential varies. In PRI and MI assays, but not at MTT, STER alone or in combination with OTA + CTN appeared cytostatic and cytotoxic, even at 10-12 M, while CTN alone and all other combinations displayed substantial cellular survival inhibition in doses ≥ 10-8 M. Co-administration of STER + OTA or STER + CTN in concentrations ≤ 10-1 M, increased the MI and MTT activity, while it did not affect the PRI. Mycotoxin co-treatments revealed in general similar-to-additive or antagonistic genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Our results for the first time describe that STER alone or in combination with OTA and/or CTN share a cytotoxic and cytogenetic potential even at picoMolar concentrations on human hepatoma cells in vitro.

In vivo synergistic cytogenetic effects of aminophylline on lymphocyte cultures from patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

PubMed

Mylonaki, Effie; Manika, Katerina; Zarogoulidis, Paul; Domvri, Kalliopi; Voutsas, Vasilis; Zarogoulidis, Kostas; Mourelatos, Dionysios

2012-12-01

The anti-cancer and cytogenetic effects of aminophylline (AM) have been demonstrated in several clinical trials. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo cytogenetic effects of AM in newly diagnosed patients with small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), receiving chemotherapy for the first time. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and proliferation rate index (PRI) were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures from six patients with SCLC and six patients with NSCLC after the in vitro addition of AM and after the in vivo administration of AM in patients receiving chemotherapy. The in vitro addition of AM significantly increased SCEs only in SCLC patients (p<0.001). The in vivo administration of AM after chemotherapy increased SCEs in both cancer types (SCLC: p<0.001, NSCLC: p=0.003) and this increase was synergistic, the rates of SCEs in the presence of AM were higher than the expected SCE values if the increases above background for chemotherapy and AM were independent and additive (SCLC: p<0.001, NSCLC: p=0.008). Although in both groups of patients cell division delays were observed after the combined chemotherapy plus in vivo AM treatment, the correlation between the magnitude of the SCE response and the PRI depression was not statistically significant (p>0.05). These observations suggest that AM enhances the results of concurrently administered chemotherapy by synergistically increasing its cytogenetic effects in patients with lung cancer. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Regulation of P-element transposase activity in Drosophila melanogaster by hobo transgenes that contain KP elements.

PubMed Central

Simmons, Michael J; Haley, Kevin J; Grimes, Craig D; Raymond, John D; Fong, Joseph C L

2002-01-01

Fusions between the Drosophila hsp70 promoter and three different incomplete P elements, KP, SP, and BP1, were inserted into the Drosophila genome by means of hobo transformation vectors and the resulting transgenic stocks were tested for repression of P-element transposase activity. Only the H(hsp/KP) transgenes repressed transposase activity, and the degree of repression was comparable to that of a naturally occurring KP element. The KP transgenes repressed transposase activity both with and without heat-shock treatments. Both the KP element and H(hsp/KP) transgenes repressed the transposase activity encoded by the modified P element in the P(ry(+), Delta2-3)99B transgene more effectively than that encoded by the complete P element in the H(hsp/CP)2 transgene even though the P(ry(+), Delta2-3)99B transgene was the stronger transposase source. Repression of both transposase sources appeared to be due to a zygotic effect of the KP element or transgene. There was no evidence for repression by a strictly maternal effect; nor was there any evidence for enhancement of KP repression by the joint maternal transmission of H(hsp/KP) and H(hsp/CP) transgenes. These results are consistent with the idea that KP-mediated repression of P-element activity involves a KP-repressor polypeptide that is not maternally transmitted and that KP-mediated repression is not strengthened by the 66-kD repressor produced by complete P elements through alternate splicing of their RNA. PMID:12019235

A novel mobile dual-wavelength laser altimetry system for improved site-specific Nitrogen fertilizer applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eitel, J.; Magney, T. S.; Vierling, L. A.; Brown, T. T.; Huggins, D. R.

2012-12-01

Reducing fertilizer inputs while maintaining yield would increase farmer's profits and similarly lessen the adverse environmental effects of production agriculture. The development of technologies that allow precise, site-specific application of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer has thus been an important research goal over the past decades. Remote sensing of foliar crop properties and function with tractor-mountable optical sensors has thought to be useful to optimize N fertilizer applications. However, on-the-go sensing of foliar crop properties and function has proven difficult, particularly during early crop growth stages when fertilizer decisions are often made. This difficulty arises from the fact that the spectral signal measured by on-the-go sensors is dominated by soil reflectance during early crop growth stages. Here, we present the basic principles behind a novel, dual-wavelength, tractor mountable laser altimetry system that measures the laser return intensity of the reflected green and red laser light. The green (532 nm) and the red (660 nm) wavelength combination allows calculation of a modified Photochemical Reflectance Index (mPRI) that have shown to be sensitive to both crop function and foliar chemistry. The small field of view of the laser points (diameter: 4 mm) combined with its high sampling rate (1000 points sec-1) allows vegetation returns to be isolated from ground returns by using simple thresholds. First tests relating foliar N of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with laser derived mPRI are promising (r2 = 0.72). Further research is needed to test the relationship between laser derived spectral indices and crop function.

Optical Sensing of Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes Combining Spectral Reflectance Indices with Solar Induced Fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huemmrich, K. F.; Middleton, E.; Corp, L. A.; Campbell, P. K.; Kustas, W. P.

2014-12-01

Optical sampling of spectral reflectance and solar induced fluorescence provide information on the physiological status of vegetation that can be used to infer stress responses and estimates of production. Multiple repeated observations are required to observe the effects of changing environmental conditions on vegetation. This study examines the use of optical signals to determine inputs to a light use efficiency (LUE) model describing productivity of a cornfield where repeated observations of carbon flux, spectral reflectance and fluorescence were collected. Data were collected at the Optimizing Production Inputs for Economic and Environmental Enhancement (OPE3) fields (39.03°N, 76.85°W) at USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Agricultural Research Service researchers measured CO2 fluxes using eddy covariance methods throughout the growing season. Optical measurements were made from the nearby tower supporting the NASA FUSION sensors. The sensor system consists of two dual channel, upward and downward looking, spectrometers used to simultaneously collect high spectral resolution measurements of reflected and fluoresced light from vegetation canopies. Estimates of chlorophyll fluorescence, combined with measures of vegetation pigment content and the Photosynthetic Reflectance Index (PRI) derived from the spectral reflectance are compared with CO2 fluxes over diurnal periods for multiple days. PRI detects changes in Xanthophyll cycle pigments using reflectance at 531 nm compared to a reference band at 570 nm. The relationships among the different optical measurements indicate that they are providing different types of information on the vegetation and that combinations of these measurements provide improved retrievals of CO2 fluxes than any index alone.

Optical Sensing of Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes Combining Spectral Reflectance Indices with Solar Induced Fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huemmrich, K. F.; Corp, L.; Campbell, P. K.; Cook, B. D.; Middleton, E.; Cheng, Y.; Zhang, Q.; Russ, A.; Kustas, W. P.

2013-12-01

Optical sampling of spectral reflectance and solar induced fluorescence provide information on the physiological status of vegetation that can be used to infer stress responses and estimates of production. Multiple repeated observations can observe the effects of changing environmental conditions on vegetation. This study examines the use of optical signals to determine inputs to a light use efficiency (LUE) model describing productivity of a cornfield where repeated observations of carbon flux, spectral reflectance and fluorescence were collected. Data were collected at the Optimizing Production Inputs for Economic and Environmental Enhancement (OPE3) fields (39.03°N, 76.85°W) at USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Agricultural Research Service researchers measured CO2 fluxes using eddy covariance methods throughout the growing season. Optical measurements were made from the nearby tower supporting the NASA FUSION sensors. This sensor system consists of two dual channel, upward and downward looking, spectrometers used to simultaneously collect high spectral resolution measurements of reflected and fluoresced light from vegetation canopies. Estimates of chlorophyll fluorescence, combined with measures of vegetation pigment content and the Photosynthetic Reflectance Index (PRI) derived from the spectral reflectance are compared with CO2 fluxes over diurnal periods for multiple days. PRI detects changes in Xanthophyll cycle pigments using reflectance at 531 nm compared to a reference band at 570 nm. The relationships among the different optical measurements indicate that they are providing different types of information on the vegetation and that combinations of these measurements provide improved retrievals of CO2 fluxes than any index alone.

Why do pregnant women participate in research? A patient participation investigation using Q-Methodology.

PubMed

Meshaka, Riwa; Jeffares, Stephen; Sadrudin, Farah; Huisman, Nicole; Saravanan, Ponnusamy

2017-04-01

Patient participation in study design is paramount to design studies that are acceptable to patients. Despite an increase in research involving pregnant women, relatively little is known about the motivational factors that govern their decision to be involved in a clinical trial, compared to other patient groups. To better understand the viewpoints of pregnant women who take part in clinical trials. We chose to use Q-Methodology, a method of exploring the structure of opinions surrounding a topic. We developed a set of 40 statements that encompassed the reasons why pregnant women might want to take part in research and 30 research participants from the PRiDE study (an observational trial investigating the role of micronutrients in gestational diabetes) were asked to rank them in order of agreement. The finished matrices from each participant were compared and analysed to produce capturing viewpoints. About 30 women aged 19-40 involved in the PRiDE study completed the questionnaire. There were two overarching motivators that emerged: a willingness to help medical research and improve our knowledge of medical science, and having a personal connection to the disease, therefore a potential fear of being affected by it. A third, less significant viewpoint, was that of a lack of inconvenience being a motivating factor. Understanding what motivates pregnant women to decide to take part in a research study is valuable and helps researchers maximize their uptake and retention rates when designing a trial involving pregnant women. © 2016 The Authors. Health Expectations Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of Prasugrel and Ticagrelor Antiplatelet Effects in Korean Patients Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

PubMed

Lee, Young Seok; Jin, Cai De; Kim, Moo Hyun; Guo, Long Zhe; Cho, Young-Rak; Park, Kyungil; Park, Jong Sung; Park, Tae-Ho; Kim, Young Dae

2015-01-01

There is insufficient data on the efficacy of prasugrel and ticagrelor in Korean patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). I n the current double-blind, prospective pilot study, 39 patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to receive prasugrel 60 mg loading dose (LD) followed by 10 mg daily maintenance dose (n=19), or ticagrelor 180 mg LD followed by 90 mg twice daily maintenance dose (n=20). We assessed platelet reactivity with the VerifyNow and Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein (VASP) P2Y12 assays. Compared to baseline platelet reactivity, both prasugrel and ticagrelor groups achieved similar and significantly lower P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) (259 [IQR: 230 to 281] vs. 28 [12 to 55] for prasugrel; 261 [196 to 286] vs. 43 [11 to 61] for ticagrelor), and platelet reactivity indexes (PRI) (51.2% [39.3 to 61.3] vs. 8.1% [6.1 to 14.7] for prasugrel; 47.5% [38.4 to 50.4] vs. 11.2% [7.1 to 15.5] for ticagrelor, all P values <0.001) at 48 h post-LD. Most patients had low platelet reactivity with 95% PRU values <85 and 82% with PRI <16%. Both prasugrel and ticagrelor were effective for platelet inhibition in Korean STEMI patients with almost no patients exhibiting high platelet reactivity at 48 h after the LD. Our finding of a high number of patients with very low platelet reactivity deserves further studies to assess the safety of the drugs (Prasugrel and Ticagrelor in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Study, NCT02075125).

Report of Operation FITZWILLIAM. Volume 2. Nuclear Detection by Airborne Filters

DTIC Science & Technology

1948-01-01

filter device w.a~ designed so as to expoBe a pai,r or filter papers simultaneous:ty. 10ne in each side of th.$ assembly.. The un11;. vaa mounted...m:inut.e at the normal cruising ~:rpeed of’ the air- eril!t. The filter devi1r.:e ~ras designed to operate on the veQ.turi. pri:ncipl,e. 6 Comparison...radioactivity by a spt!c1.al vrap-around Gei ger-MueUer ccunter designed specifically for ~~s purpo~e. Measur ed acti vitjes of filter papers at any one

Abnormal carbene-silicon halide complexes.

PubMed

Wang, Yuzhong; Xie, Yaoming; Wei, Pingrong; Schaefer, Henry F; Robinson, Gregory H

2016-04-14

Reaction of the anionic N-heterocyclic dicarbene (NHDC), [:C{[N(2,6-Pr(i)2C6H3)]2CHCLi}]n (1), with SiCl4 gives the trichlorosilyl-substituted (at the C4 carbon) N-heterocyclic carbene complex (7). Abnormal carbene-SiCl4 complex (8) may be conveniently synthesized by combining 7 with HCl·NEt3. In addition, 7 may react with CH2Cl2 in warm hexane, giving the abnormal carbene-complexed SiCl3(+) cation (9). The nature of the bonding in 9 was probed with complementary DFT computations.

The American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) has started 2018 with noteworthy initiatives. A recap of just a few will be beneficial for members, as well as non-members, who will hopefully be inspired to join our burgeoning society.

PubMed

Baum, Seth J

2018-05-21

First, we have continued and augmented our Town Hall Series exploring and solving medication access problems in the US. The 2016 and 2017 meetings were an extraordinary success as we led the nation in the mission to help appropriate patients gain access to PCSK9i, while simultaneously creating methods to ease the massive burdens on our offices. Continuing such advocacy efforts, the ASPC organized five 2018 programs to convene at the ACC, PriMed California, ASPC, CMHC, and the AHA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Defense Systems Management Review, Volume I. Numbers 7-8. Autumn 1978,

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-01-01

prvicvl management iscommon. (‘ut ,m’st pri ’g,ani ,‘!flcrs ha;c been .‘rgans.rct! along thc lines of a s::;g le-tier (h aiti ; ii; th,s anne/c . Pr $3...I i nt~ urinal ton with A MIS , iieedt’d mm it ~urmiiat ion con Id 1w imicl uded on all comsi tact s atl mii iiiist ered b~ th u’ l)eIense ‘st i l t...program office as.’couuplishes its mission: the preparing activities amid assoc iatest specialist coatntunities, through which thc ’ sp ‘ilk’ati tms and

Electromagnetic Properties of Materials and Metamaterials

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-20

sm-meta l int e rface. The di sr e rs ion of the pri s m-Illetal asymptoticall y approaches "’:j;" where (’l"", is the plas illa frequ ency for the...nj; IOn Rd. Il an~"m Al’li , MAOI1ll -2m Klflj!\\lnn. RI mllill II llk:rM;a. MA 011121 Iktlfurd. MA Ol7l0 9. SPONSORING I MON ITORI NG AGENCY NAM E(S...etching. A 0.29 eV shift in the Ba binding energy is seen from (a) to (b) . ... ........ .......... ... ... ...... ......... ....... ..... 8 Figure 8

The need for an improved risk index for phosphorus losses to water from tile-drained agricultural land

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulén, Barbro; Djodjic, Faruk; Etana, Araso; Johansson, Göran; Lindström, Jan

2011-03-01

SummaryA refined version of a conditional phosphorus risk index (PRI) for P losses to waters was developed based on monitoring and analyses of PRI factors from an agricultural catchment in Sweden. The catchment has a hummocky landscape of heavy glacial till overlying moraine and an overall balanced soil P level. Single P source factors and combinations of factors were tested and discussed together with water movement and water management factors important for catchments dominated by drained clay soils. An empirical relationship was established (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.861, p < 0.001) between phosphorus sorption index (PSI-CaCl 2), measured in a weak calcium chloride solution, and iron (Fe-AL) aluminium (Al-AL) and phosphorus (P-AL) in soil extract with acid ammonium lactate. Differing relationships were found for a field that had not received any manure in the last 15 years and a field that had received chicken litter very recently. In addition, a general relationship (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.839, p < 0.001) was found between the ratio of phosphorus extracted from fresh soil in water (Pw) to PSI-CaCl 2 and the degree of phosphorus saturation in lactate extract (DPS-AL). One exception was a single field, representing 7% of agricultural land in the catchment, that had been treated with glyphosate shortly before soil sampling. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC) in heavy clay in contact with the moraine base (at 1 m depth) was on average 0.06 m day -1. In clay not in contact with moraine, SHC was significantly lower (mean 0.007 m day -1). A reduction in the present tile drain spacing (from 14-16 m to 11 m) is theoretically required to maintain satisfactory water discharge and groundwater level. Up to 10% of the arable land was estimated to be a potential source area for P, based on different indices. Parts of a few fields close to farm buildings (1% of total arable land) were identified as essential P source areas, with high DPS-AL values and

Pathology of Endometrial Carcinoma.

PubMed

Lax, Sigurd F

2017-01-01

On a clinicopathological and molecular level, two distinctive types of endometrial carcinoma, type I and type II, can be distinguished. Endometrioid carcinoma, the typical type I carcinoma, seems to develop through an estrogen-driven "adenoma carcinoma" pathway from atypical endometrial hyperplasia/endometrioid intraepithelial neoplasia (AEH/EIN). It is associated with elevated serum estrogen and high body mass index and expresses estrogen and progesterone receptors. They are mostly low grade and show a favorable prognosis. A subset progresses into high-grade carcinoma which is accompanied by loss of receptor expression and accumulation of TP53 mutations and behaves poorly. Other frequently altered genes in type I carcinomas are K-Ras, PTEN, and ß-catenin. Another frequent feature of type I carcinomas is microsatellite instability mainly caused by methylation of the MLH1 promoter. In contrast, the typical type II carcinoma, serous carcinoma, is not estrogen related since it usually occurs in a small uterus with atrophic endometrium. It is often associated with a flat putative precursor lesion called serous endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma (SEIC). The molecular pathogenesis of serous carcinoma seems to be driven by TP53 mutations, which are present in SEIC. Other molecular changes in serous carcinoma detectable by immunohistochemistry involve cyclin E and p16. Since many of the aforementioned molecular changes can be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, they are useful ancillary diagnostic tools and may further contribute to a future molecular classification of endometrial carcinoma as recently suggested based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data.

Water Stress Detection using Temperature, Emissivity, and Reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerhards, Max; Rock, Gilles; Schlerf, Martin; Udelhoven, Thomas

2017-04-01

Water stress is one of the most critical abiotic stressors limiting crop development. The main imaging and non-imaging remote sensing based techniques for the detection of plant stress (water stress and other types of stress) are thermography, visible (VIS), near- and shortwave infrared (NIR/SWIR) reflectance, and fluorescence. Just very recently, in addition to broadband thermography, narrowband (hyperspectral) thermal imaging has become available, which even facilitates the retrieval of spectral emissivity as an additional measure of plant stress. It is, however, still unclear at what stage plant stress is detectable with the various techniques. During summer 2014 a water treatment experiment was run on 60 potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. Cilena) with one half of the plants watered and the other half stressed. Crop response was measured using broadband and hyperspectral thermal cameras and a VNIR/SWIR spectrometer. Stomatal conductance was measured using a leaf porometer. Various measures and indices were computed and analysed for their sensitivity towards water stress (Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), Moisture Stress Index (MSI), Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), and spectral emissivity, amongst others). The results show that water stress as measured through stomatal conductance started on day 2 after watering was stopped. The fastest reacting, i.e., starting on day 7, indices were temperature based measures (e.g., CWSI) and NIR/SWIR reflectance based indices related to plant water content (e.g., MSI). Spectral emissivity reacted equally fast. Contrarily, visual indices (e.g., PRI) either did not respond at all or responded in an inconsistent manner. This experiment shows that pre-visual water stress detection is feasible using indices depicting leaf temperature, leaf water content and spectral emissivity.

Overexpression of microRNA-95-3p suppresses brain metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma through downregulation of cyclin D1.

PubMed

Hwang, Su Jin; Lee, Hye Won; Kim, Hye Ree; Song, Hye Jin; Lee, Dong Heon; Lee, Hong; Shin, Chang Hoon; Joung, Je-Gun; Kim, Duk-Hwan; Joo, Kyeung Min; Kim, Hyeon Ho

2015-08-21

Despite great efforts to improve survival rates, the prognosis of lung cancer patients is still very poor, mainly due to high invasiveness. We developed brain metastatic PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells through intracardiac injection of lung adenocarcinoma PC14PE6 cells. Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells had mesenchymal characteristics and higher invasiveness than PC14PE6 cells. We found that cyclin D1 was upregulated, miR-95-3p was inversely downregulated, and pri-miR-95 and its host gene, ABLIM2, were consistently decreased in PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells. MiR-95-3p suppressed cyclin D1 expression through direct binding to the 3' UTR of cyclin D1 mRNA and suppressed invasiveness, proliferation, and clonogenicity of PC14PE6/LvBr4 cells. Ectopic cyclin D1 reversed miR-95-3p-mediated inhibition of invasiveness and clonogenicity, demonstrating cyclin D1 downregulation is involved in function of miR-95-3p. Using bioluminescence imaging, we found that miR-95-3p suppressed orthotopic tumorigenicity and brain metastasis in vivo and increased overall survival and brain metastasis-free survival. Consistent with in vitro metastatic cells, the levels of miR-95-3p, pri-miR-95, and ABLIM2 mRNA were decreased in brain metastatic tissues compared with lung cancer tissues and higher cyclin D1 expression was involved in poor prognosis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-95-3p is a potential therapeutic target for brain metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Leaf trait variations associated with habitat affinity of tropical karst tree species.

PubMed

Geekiyanage, Nalaka; Goodale, Uromi Manage; Cao, Kunfang; Kitajima, Kaoru

2018-01-01

Karst hills, that is, jagged topography created by dissolution of limestone and other soluble rocks, are distributed extensively in tropical forest regions, including southern parts of China. They are characterized by a sharp mosaic of water and nutrient availability, from exposed hilltops with poor soil development to valleys with occasional flooding, to which trees show species-specific distributions. Here we report the relationship of leaf functional traits to habitat preference of tropical karst trees. We described leaf traits of 19 tropical tree species in a seasonal karst rainforest in Guangxi Province, China, 12 species in situ and 13 ex situ in a non-karst arboretum, which served as a common garden, with six species sampled in both. We examined how the measured leaf traits differed in relation to species' habitat affinity and evaluated trait consistency between natural habitats vs . the arboretum. Leaf mass per area (LMA) and optical traits (light absorption and reflectance characteristics between 400 and 1,050 nm) showed significant associations with each other and habitats, with hilltop species showing high values of LMA and low values of photochemical reflectance index (PRI). For the six species sampled in both the karst forest and the arboretum, LMA, leaf dry matter content, stomatal density, and vein length per area showed inconsistent within-species variations, whereas some traits (stomatal pore index and lamina thickness) were similar between the two sites. In conclusion, trees specialized in exposed karst hilltops with little soils are characterized by thick leaves with high tissue density indicative of conservative resources use, and this trait syndrome could potentially be sensed remotely with PRI.

Neuropsychological deficits associated with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure are not exacerbated by ADHD.

PubMed

Glass, Leila; Ware, Ashley L; Crocker, Nicole; Deweese, Benjamin N; Coles, Claire D; Kable, Julie A; May, Philip A; Kalberg, Wendy O; Sowell, Elizabeth R; Jones, Kenneth Lyons; Riley, Edward P; Mattson, Sarah N

2013-11-01

Neuropsychological functioning of individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or heavy prenatal alcohol exposure has been well documented independently. This study examined the interaction between both factors on cognitive performance in children. As part of a multisite study, 344 children (8-16 y, M = 12.28, SD = 2.52) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Four subject groups were tested: children with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (AE) and ADHD (AE+, n = 90), alcohol-exposed without ADHD, (AE-, n = 38), nonexposed with ADHD (ADHD, n = 80), and nonexposed without ADHD (CON, n = 136). Separate 2(AE) × 2(ADHD) MANCOVAs revealed significant main and interactive effects of ADHD and AE on overall WISC-IV, D-KEFS, and CANTAB performance. Individual ANOVAs revealed significant interactions on 2 WISC-IV indices [Verbal Comprehension (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning (PRI)], and four D-KEFS and CANTAB subtests [Design Fluency, Verbal Fluency, Trail Making, Spatial Working Memory]. Follow-up analyses demonstrated no difference between AE+ and AE- groups on these measures. The combined AE+/- group demonstrated more severe impairment than the ADHD group on VCI and PRI, but there were no other differences between clinical groups. These results support a combined AE+/- group for neuropsychological research and indicate that, in some cases, the neuropsychological effects seen in ADHD are altered by prenatal alcohol exposure. The effects of alcohol exposure on verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning were greater than those related to having ADHD without alcohol exposure, although both conditions independently resulted in cognitive impairment compared to controls. Clinically, these findings demonstrate task-dependent patterns of impairment across clinical disorders. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.

WAIS-IV Seven-Subtest Short Form: Validity and Clinical Use in Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Bulzacka, Ewa; Meyers, John E; Boyer, Laurent; Le Gloahec, Tifenn; Fond, Guillaume; Szöke, Andrei; Leboyer, Marion; Schürhoff, Franck

2016-09-01

This study assesses the psychometric properties of Ward's seven-subtest short form (SF) for WAIS-IV in a sample of adults with schizophrenia (SZ) and schizoaffective disorder. Seventy patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were administered the full version of the WAIS-IV. Four different versions of the Ward's SF were then calculated. The subtests used were: Similarities, Digit Span, Arithmetic, Information, Coding, Picture Completion, and Block Design (BD version) or Matrix Reasoning (MR version). Prorated and regression-based formulae were assessed for each version. The actual and estimated factorial indexes reflected the typical pattern observed in schizophrenia. The four SFs correlated significantly with their full-version counterparts, but the Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) correlated below the acceptance threshold for all four versions. The regression-derived estimates showed larger differences compared to the full form. The four forms revealed comparable but generally low clinical category agreement rates for factor indexes. All SFs showed an acceptable reliability, but they were not correlated with clinical outcomes. The WAIS-IV SF offers a good estimate of WAIS-IV intelligence quotient, which is consistent with previous results. Although the overall scores are comparable between the four versions, the prorated forms provided a better estimation of almost all indexes. MR can be used as an alternative for BD without substantially changing the psychometric properties of the SF. However, we recommend a cautious use of these abbreviated forms when it is necessary to estimate the factor index scores, especially PRI, and Processing Speed Index. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Different sensitivities of rat skeletal muscles and brain to novel anti-cholinesterase agents, alkylammonium derivatives of 6-methyluracil (ADEMS)

PubMed Central

Petrov, Konstantin A; Yagodina, Lilia O; Valeeva, Guzel R; Lannik, Natalya I; Nikitashina, Alexandra D; Rizvanov, Albert A; Zobov, Vladimir V; Bukharaeva, Ellya A; Reznik, Vladimir S; Nikolsky, Eugeny E; Vyskočil, František

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The rat respiratory muscle diaphragm has markedly lower sensitivity than the locomotor muscle extensor digitorum longus (EDL) to the new acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, alkylammonium derivatives of 6-methyluracil (ADEMS). This study evaluated several possible reasons for differing sensitivity between the diaphragm and limb muscles and between the muscles and the brain. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Increased amplitude and prolonged decay time of miniature endplate currents were used to assess anti-cholinesterase activity in muscles. In hippocampal slices, induction of synchronous network activity was used to follow cholinesterase inhibition. The inhibitor sensitivities of purified AChE from the EDL and brain were also estimated. KEY RESULTS The intermuscular difference in sensitivity to ADEMS is partly explained caused by a higher level of mRNA and activity of 1,3-bis[5(diethyl-o-nitrobenzylammonium)pentyl]-6-methyluracildibromide (C-547)-resistant BuChE in the diaphragm. Moreover, diaphragm AChE was more than 20 times less sensitive to C-547 than that from the EDL. Sensitivity of the EDL to C-547 dramatically decreased after treadmill exercises that increased the amount of PRiMA AChE(G4), but not ColQ AChE(A12) molecular forms. The A12 form present in muscles appeared more sensitive to C-547. The main form of AChE in brain, PRiMA AChE(G4), was apparently less sensitive because brain cholinesterase activity was almost three orders of magnitude more resistant to C-547 than that of the EDL. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that ADEMS compounds could be used for the selective inhibition of AChEs and as potential therapeutic tools. PMID:21232040

The Perchlorate Reduction Genomic Island: Mechanisms and Pathways of Evolution by Horizontal Gene Transfer.

PubMed

Melnyk, Ryan A; Coates, John D

2015-10-26

Perchlorate is a widely distributed anion that is toxic to humans, but serves as a valuable electron acceptor for several lineages of bacteria. The ability to utilize perchlorate is conferred by a horizontally transferred piece of DNA called the perchlorate reduction genomic island (PRI). We compared genomes of perchlorate reducers using phylogenomics, SNP mapping, and differences in genomic architecture to interrogate the evolutionary history of perchlorate respiration. Here we report on the PRI of 13 genomes of perchlorate-reducing bacteria from four different classes of Phylum Proteobacteria (the Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma- and Epsilonproteobacteria). Among the different phylogenetic classes, the island varies considerably in genetic content as well as in its putative mechanism and location of integration. However, the islands of the densely sampled genera Azospira and Magnetospirillum have striking nucleotide identity despite divergent genomes, implying horizontal transfer and positive selection within narrow phylogenetic taxa. We also assess the phylogenetic origin of accessory genes in the various incarnations of the island, which can be traced to chromosomal paralogs from phylogenetically similar organisms. These observations suggest a complex phylogenetic history where the island is rarely transferred at the class level but undergoes frequent and continuous transfer within narrow phylogenetic groups. This restricted transfer is seen directly by the independent integration of near-identical islands within a genus and indirectly due to the acquisition of lineage-specific accessory genes. The genomic reversibility of perchlorate reduction may present a unique equilibrium for a metabolism that confers a competitive advantage only in the presence of an electron acceptor, which although widely distributed, is generally present at low concentrations in nature.

Determination of trace uranium by resonance fluorescence method coupled with photo-catalytic technology and dual cloud point extraction.

PubMed

Li, Jiekang; Li, Guirong; Han, Qian

2016-12-05

In this paper, two kinds of salophens (Sal) with different solubilities, Sal1 and Sal2, have been respectively synthesized, and they all can combine with uranyl to form stable complexes: [UO2(2+)-Sal1] and [UO2(2+)-Sal2]. Among them, [UO2(2+)-Sal1] was used as ligand to extract uranium in complex samples by dual cloud point extraction (dCPE), and [UO2(2+)-Sal2] was used as catalyst for the determination of uranium by photocatalytic resonance fluorescence (RF) method. The photocatalytic characteristic of [UO2(2+)-Sal2] on the oxidized pyronine Y (PRY) by potassium bromate which leads to the decrease of RF intensity of PRY were studied. The reduced value of RF intensity of reaction system (ΔF) is in proportional to the concentration of uranium (c), and a novel photo-catalytic RF method was developed for the determination of trace uranium (VI) after dCPE. The combination of photo-catalytic RF techniques and dCPE procedure endows the presented methods with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Under optimal conditions, the linear calibration curves range for 0.067 to 6.57ngmL(-1), the linear regression equation was ΔF=438.0 c (ngmL(-1))+175.6 with the correlation coefficient r=0.9981. The limit of detection was 0.066ngmL(-1). The proposed method was successfully applied for the separation and determination of uranium in real samples with the recoveries of 95.0-103.5%. The mechanisms of the indicator reaction and dCPE are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Animal models of ulcerative colitis and their application in drug research

PubMed Central

Low, Daren; Nguyen, Deanna D; Mizoguchi, Emiko

2013-01-01

The specific pathogenesis underlying inflammatory bowel disease is complex, and it is even more difficult to decipher the pathophysiology to explain for the similarities and differences between two of its major subtypes, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Animal models are indispensable to pry into mechanistic details that will facilitate better preclinical drug/therapy design to target specific components involved in the disease pathogenesis. This review focuses on common animal models that are particularly useful for the study of UC and its therapeutic strategy. Recent reports of the latest compounds, therapeutic strategies, and approaches tested on UC animal models are also discussed. PMID:24250223

(3H)-Saxitoxinol Metabolism and Elimination in the Rat

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

Pnrne cn. 31,a BNo p. 90-)Q,19 T IC PfmnPn t 1Z in I I I Pri imt kntanE L E C T E 3 SEP23 1993I ~E" [3’H-SAXITOXINOL METABOLISM AND ELIMINATION IN... clious , Fort __Detrick. Frederick. MD 21701-501 I. t’.SA. €R ecenred 8 Aprpe 1992: atuepwud 5 January 1993) l H. B. HINES. S. M. NASEEM and R. W...48. 72 and 144 hr post-injection. A 0.1 ml aliquot of each urine sample was assayed for total radioactivity. The remainder was frozen at - 20’ C until

Immunohistochemical Study of ER, PR, Ki67 and p53 in Endometrial Hyperplasias and Endometrial Carcinomas

PubMed Central

Masjeed, Nayar Musfera Abdul; Joshi, Avinash R; Kulkarni, Maithili Mandar; Pandya, Nidhi

2017-01-01

Introduction Endometrial carcinoma is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in the developing countries. Endometrial Hyperplasia (EH) is a precursor to Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma (EMAC). A 23% of Atypical Hyperplasias (AEH) progress to EMAC. Aim This study was undertaken to analyse ER, PR, p53 and Ki67 in EH and endometrial carcinomas and attempt correlation with clinical and histopathological findings. Materials and Methods The present study was conducted over a period of seven years. A manual tissue array technique was employed for cases subjected to IHC. Analysis of the expression of IHC markers (ER, PR, p53, Ki67) in EH and endometrial carcinoma was attempted. Results were subjected to statistical analysis. The results were considered to be significant when the p-value <0.05. Results A total of 85 cases of EH and 28 cases of endometrial carcinoma were included in the study. EH (75.22%) was more common than endometrial carcinoma (24.78%). Among 28 cases of endometrial carcinomas, EMAC was most common (78.57%) followed by Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC) (14.28%), and Uterine Serous Carcinoma (USC) (7.14%). ER and PR expression decreased as lesion progressed from EH to EMAC. ER and PR expression was negative in USC and CCC. The p53 expression and mean Ki67 labelling index increased as the severity of lesion increased from EH to endometrial carcinoma. Conclusion The ER, PR, p53, Ki67 IHC markers may be included in every case of endometrial carcinoma to understand the tumour biological behavior which in turn could help individual treatment strategies. PMID:28969139

Immunohistochemical Study of ER, PR, Ki67 and p53 in Endometrial Hyperplasias and Endometrial Carcinomas.

PubMed

Masjeed, Nayar Musfera Abdul; Khandeparkar, Siddhi Gaurish Sinai; Joshi, Avinash R; Kulkarni, Maithili Mandar; Pandya, Nidhi

2017-08-01

Endometrial carcinoma is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in the developing countries. Endometrial Hyperplasia (EH) is a precursor to Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma (EMAC). A 23% of Atypical Hyperplasias (AEH) progress to EMAC. This study was undertaken to analyse ER, PR, p53 and Ki67 in EH and endometrial carcinomas and attempt correlation with clinical and histopathological findings. The present study was conducted over a period of seven years. A manual tissue array technique was employed for cases subjected to IHC. Analysis of the expression of IHC markers (ER, PR, p53, Ki67) in EH and endometrial carcinoma was attempted. Results were subjected to statistical analysis. The results were considered to be significant when the p-value <0.05. A total of 85 cases of EH and 28 cases of endometrial carcinoma were included in the study. EH (75.22%) was more common than endometrial carcinoma (24.78%). Among 28 cases of endometrial carcinomas, EMAC was most common (78.57%) followed by Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC) (14.28%), and Uterine Serous Carcinoma (USC) (7.14%). ER and PR expression decreased as lesion progressed from EH to EMAC. ER and PR expression was negative in USC and CCC. The p53 expression and mean Ki67 labelling index increased as the severity of lesion increased from EH to endometrial carcinoma. The ER, PR, p53, Ki67 IHC markers may be included in every case of endometrial carcinoma to understand the tumour biological behavior which in turn could help individual treatment strategies.

Prying the Gates Wide Open: Academic Freedom and Gender Equality at Brown University, 1974-1977

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porwancher, Andrew

2013-01-01

In 1974, Brown University's Department of Anthropology denied tenure to assistant professor Louise Lamphere. Convinced that her dismissal was the product of sex discrimination, Lamphere filed suit against Brown. Lamphere and three other female scholars who joined her suit successfully pressed Brown into an out-of-court settlement in 1977.…

Directional hyperspectral observations to detect plant stress with the PRI and SIF in a cornfield

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We examined the impact of drought stress and temperature on plant hyperspectral, fluorescence, and photosynthetic responses during the 2012 growing season at an experimental USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) cornfield in Beltsville, MD USA. The manipulations included 4 nitrogen (N) appl...

Comparison of cytotoxic and anti-platelet activities of polyphenolic extracts from Arnica montana flowers and Juglans regia husks.

PubMed

Rywaniak, Joanna; Luzak, Boguslawa; Podsedek, Anna; Dudzinska, Dominika; Rozalski, Marcin; Watala, Cezary

2015-01-01

Polyphenolic compounds of plant origin are well known to be beneficial to human health: they exert protective effects on haemostasis and have a particular influence on blood platelets. However, the anti-platelet properties of polyphenolic compounds observed so far have not been weighed against their potential cytotoxic action against platelets. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that anti-platelet and cytotoxic effects on blood platelets may interfere and therefore, may often lead to confusion when evaluating the properties of plant extracts or other agents towards blood platelets. The anti-platelet and cytotoxic in vitro effects of plant extracts obtained from the husks of walnuts (J. regia) and flowers of arnica (A. montana) on platelet reactivity and viability were examined. Platelet function was assessed using standard methods (flow cytometry: P-selectin expression, activation of GPIIbIIIa complex, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, VASP index; turbidimetric and impedance aggregometry) and newly set assays (flow cytometric monitoring of platelet cytotoxicity). The results reveal that none of the studied plant extracts demonstrated cytotoxicity towards blood platelets. The phenolic acid-rich extract of A. montana (7.5 and 15 µg/ml) significantly reduced the ADP-induced aggregation in both whole blood and PRP, and decreased the platelet reactivity index (PRI; VASP phosphorylation) in whole blood, while showing excellent antioxidant capacity. The extract of J. regia husks significantly reduced ADP-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood when applied at 7.5 µg/ml, and only slightly decreased the PRI at 15 µg/ml. Both examined extracts suppressed platelet hyper-reactivity, and such influence did not interfere with cytotoxic effects of the extracts. Thus, its high polyphenol content, excellent antioxidant capacity and distinct anti-platelet properties, in combination with its lack of toxicity, make the extract of A. montana flowers a possible

Microbial communities in natural rubber coagula during maturation: impacts on technological properties of dry natural rubber.

PubMed

Salomez, M; Subileau, M; Vallaeys, T; Santoni, S; Bonfils, F; Sainte-Beuve, J; Intapun, J; Granet, F; Vaysse, L; Dubreucq, É

2018-02-01

To characterize microbial communities present in natural rubber (NR) coagula from Hevea brasiliensis latex during maturation and identify microbial taxa (bacteria and fungi) having an impact on dry NR properties. Microbial community dynamics in NR coagula maturated under controlled conditions were compared and related with the evolution of dry NR properties. The pyrosequencing of 16S (119 837 effective reads) and 18S (131 879 effective reads) rRNA gene regions was performed on 21 samples covering different maturation times and two aeration conditions. Results showed a relatively high bacterial richness (Chao1 estimates of 200-1000) associated with significant bacterial dynamics. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were dominant in the first days of maturation. Then, in aerobic conditions, development of Actinobacteria represented by the family Microbacteriaceae was associated with alkalinization of the samples and a higher sensitivity of NR to thermo-oxidation as evaluated by its plasticity retention index (PRI). In anaerobiosis, the reduced development of bacteria, mostly LAB present, was associated with improved NR properties (higher initial plasticity P 0 and PRI). The involvement of micro-organisms in the evolution of dry NR properties during the maturation of NR coagula was confirmed. The importance of the structure and dynamics of microbial communities is specifically highlighted. Natural rubber is a key elastomer for the tyre industry and for a variety of other applications. The majority of raw NR is obtained by natural coagulation of H. brasiliensis latex under the activity of micro-organisms. An improved understanding of the microbial communities involved in the maturation of NR coagula may lead to an improvement in the production process of raw NR to provide a better consistency in NR quality. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Mother's Emotional and Posttraumatic Reactions after a Preterm Birth: The Mother-Infant Interaction Is at Stake 12 Months after Birth.

PubMed

Petit, Anne-Cécile; Eutrope, Julien; Thierry, Aurore; Bednarek, Nathalie; Aupetit, Laurence; Saad, Stéphanie; Vulliez, Lauriane; Sibertin-Blanc, Daniel; Nezelof, Sylvie; Rolland, Anne-Catherine

2016-01-01

Very preterm infants are known to be at risk of developmental disabilities and behavioural disorders. This condition is supposed to alter mother-infant interactions. Here we hypothesize that the parental coping with the very preterm birth may greatly influence mother-infant interactions. 100 dyads were included in 3 university hospitals in France. Preterm babies at higher risk of neurodevelopmental sequelae (PRI>10) were excluded to target the maternal determinants of mother-infant interaction. We report the follow-up of this cohort during 1 year after very preterm birth, with regular assessment of infant somatic state, mother psychological state and the assessment of mother-infant interaction at 12 months by validated scales (mPPQ, HADS, EPDS, PRI, DDST and PIPE). We show that the intensity of post-traumatic reaction of the mother 6 months after birth is negatively correlated with the quality of mother-infant interaction at 12 months. Moreover, the anxious and depressive symptoms of the mother 6 and 12 months after birth are also correlated with the quality of mother-infant interaction at 12 months. By contrast, this interaction is not influenced by the initial affective state of the mother in the 2 weeks following birth. In this particular population of infants at low risk of sequelae, we also show that the quality of mother-infant interaction is not correlated with the assessment of the infant in the neonatal period but is correlated with the fine motor skills of the baby 12 months after birth. This study suggests that mothers' psychological condition has to be monitored during the first year of very preterm infants' follow-up. It also suggests that parental interventions have to be proposed when a post-traumatic, anxious or depressive reaction is suspected.

Phenotypic and genotypic description of Sedimenticola selenatireducens strain CUZ, a marine (per)chlorate-respiring gammaproteobacterium, and its close relative the chlorate-respiring Sedimenticola strain NSS.

PubMed

Carlström, Charlotte I; Loutey, Dana E; Wang, Ouwei; Engelbrektson, Anna; Clark, Iain; Lucas, Lauren N; Somasekhar, Pranav Y; Coates, John D

2015-04-01

Two (per)chlorate-reducing bacteria, strains CUZ and NSS, were isolated from marine sediments in Berkeley and San Diego, CA, respectively. Strain CUZ respired both perchlorate and chlorate [collectively designated (per)chlorate], while strain NSS respired only chlorate. Phylogenetic analysis classified both strains as close relatives of the gammaproteobacterium Sedimenticola selenatireducens. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) preparations showed the presence of rod-shaped, motile cells containing one polar flagellum. Optimum growth for strain CUZ was observed at 25 to 30 °C, pH 7, and 4% NaCl, while strain NSS grew optimally at 37 to 42 °C, pH 7.5 to 8, and 1.5 to 2.5% NaCl. Both strains oxidized hydrogen, sulfide, various organic acids, and aromatics, such as benzoate and phenylacetate, as electron donors coupled to oxygen, nitrate, and (per)chlorate or chlorate as electron acceptors. The draft genome of strain CUZ carried the requisite (per)chlorate reduction island (PRI) for (per)chlorate respiration, while that of strain NSS carried the composite chlorate reduction transposon responsible for chlorate metabolism. The PRI of strain CUZ encoded a perchlorate reductase (Pcr), which reduced both perchlorate and chlorate, while the genome of strain NSS included a gene for a distinct chlorate reductase (Clr) that reduced only chlorate. When both (per)chlorate and nitrate were present, (per)chlorate was preferentially utilized if the inoculum was pregrown on (per)chlorate. Historically, (per)chlorate-reducing bacteria (PRB) and chlorate-reducing bacteria (CRB) have been isolated primarily from freshwater, mesophilic environments. This study describes the isolation and characterization of two highly related marine halophiles, one a PRB and the other a CRB, and thus broadens the known phylogenetic and physiological diversity of these unusual metabolisms. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights

Effects of music therapy on pain among female breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy: results from a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Mei; Yan, Hong; Zhou, Kai-Na; Dang, Shao-Nong; Wang, Duo-Lao; Zhang, Yin-Ping

2011-07-01

Music therapy has been used in multiple health care settings to reduce patient pain, anxiety, and stress. However, few available studies have investigated its effect on pain among breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of music therapy on pain reduction in patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy. This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Surgical Department of Oncology Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from March to November 2009. A total of 120 breast cancer patients who received Personal Controlled Analgesia (PCA) following surgery (mastectomy) were randomly allocated to two groups, an intervention group and a control group (60 patients in each group). The intervention group accepted music therapy from the first day after radical mastectomy to the third admission to hospital for chemotherapy in addition to the routine nursing care, while the control group received only routine nursing care. Pain scores were measured at baseline and three post-tests using the General Questionnaire and Chinese version of Short-Form of McGill Pain Questionnaire. The primary endpoint was the change in the Pain Rating Index (PRI-total) score from baseline. Music therapy was found to reduce the PRI-total score in the intervention group significantly compared with the control group with a mean difference (95% CI) of -2.38 (-2.80, -1.95), -2.41 (-2.85, -1.96), and -1.87 (-2.33, -1.42) for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd post-tests, respectively. Similar results were found for Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Present Pain Intensity (PPI) scores. The findings of the study provide some evidence that music therapy has both short- and long-term positive effects on alleviating pain in breast cancer patients following radical mastectomy.

Effects of stress from mine drainage on diversity, biomass, and function of primary producers in mountain streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Niyogi, Dev K.; Lewis, William M.; McKnight, Diane M.

2002-01-01

This paper proposes a hypothesis that relates biodi- versity, community biomass, and ecosystem func- tion to a gradient of stress. According to this hy- pothesis, biodiversity has a low threshold of response to stress, whereas biomass and function are stable or increase under low to moderate stress and decrease only under high stress. This hypothe- sis was tested by examining communities of pri- mary producers in streams under stress from mine drainage in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. Mine drainage exerts chemical stress (low pH, dis- solved metals) as well as physical stress (deposition of metal oxides) on stream biota. Diversity of pri- mary producers was usually more sensitive to stress from mine drainage than community biomass (chlorophyll a) or primary production. Diversity was negatively related to all stresses from mine drainage, but it was especially low in streams with low pH or high concentration of dissolved zinc. Biomass and production were high in streams with only chemical stress, but they were often low in streams with physical stress caused by metal oxide deposition. Stream sites with aluminum oxide dep- osition usually had very little algal biomass. The rate of metal oxide deposition, presence of alumi- num oxides, and pH together explained 65% of the variation in biomass. The rate of net primary pro- duction was highly correlated with biomass and had a similar response to stress from mine drainage. Overall, chemical stresses (low pH, high concentra- tion of zinc) generally led to the hypothesized trends in our model of ecosystems under stress. Physical stress (deposition of metal oxides), how- ever, led to variable responses, and often decreased biomass and function even at low intensity, con- trary to the original hypothesis. Thus, the nature of ecosystem response to stress may differ for chemical and physical stresses

[A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation-induced Sciatica by Acupuncture Stimulation of Sciatic Nerve Trunk].

PubMed

Qiu, Ling; Hu, Xiao-Li; Zhao, Xue-Yu; Zheng, Xu; Zhang, Ji; Zhang, Min; He, Liu

2016-10-25

To observe the efficacy of acupuncture stimulation of the sciatic nerve trunk in the treatment of patients suffering from sciatica induced by lumbar disc herniation (LDH). A total of 60 LDH sciatica patients met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, with 30 cases in each. Patients of the treatment group were treated by directly needling the sciatic nerve and routine acupuncture of Ashi -points, Lumbar Jiaji (EX-B 2), Dachangshu (BL 28), etc., and those of the control group treated by simple routine acupuncture. The treatment was conducted once a day, 5 times a week, 4 weeks altogether. The clinical effect was evaluated according to the "Standards for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Syndromes of Chinese Medicine" and the pain intensity was assessed by using simplified Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) containing pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI). After the treatment, of the two 30 cases of LDH sciatica patients in the control and treatment groups, 11 and 18 were cured, 7 and 7 experienced marked improvement, 10 and 4 were effective, 2 and 1 was invalid, with the effective rate being 93.3% and 96.7%, respectively. The cured+markedly effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P <0.05, 83.3% vs 60.0%). Compared with pre-treatment, the scores of PRI, VAS and PPI were evidently lowered in both groups ( P <0.01), and the effect of the treatment group was notably better than that of the control group ( P <0.01). Acupuncture stimulation of the sciatic nerve trunk is effective in relieving sciatica in LDH patients, and is superior to simple routine acupuncture in the clinical efficacy.

Bayesian estimation and use of high-throughput remote sensing indices for quantitative genetic analyses of leaf growth.

PubMed

Baker, Robert L; Leong, Wen Fung; An, Nan; Brock, Marcus T; Rubin, Matthew J; Welch, Stephen; Weinig, Cynthia

2018-02-01

We develop Bayesian function-valued trait models that mathematically isolate genetic mechanisms underlying leaf growth trajectories by factoring out genotype-specific differences in photosynthesis. Remote sensing data can be used instead of leaf-level physiological measurements. Characterizing the genetic basis of traits that vary during ontogeny and affect plant performance is a major goal in evolutionary biology and agronomy. Describing genetic programs that specifically regulate morphological traits can be complicated by genotypic differences in physiological traits. We describe the growth trajectories of leaves using novel Bayesian function-valued trait (FVT) modeling approaches in Brassica rapa recombinant inbred lines raised in heterogeneous field settings. While frequentist approaches estimate parameter values by treating each experimental replicate discretely, Bayesian models can utilize information in the global dataset, potentially leading to more robust trait estimation. We illustrate this principle by estimating growth asymptotes in the face of missing data and comparing heritabilities of growth trajectory parameters estimated by Bayesian and frequentist approaches. Using pseudo-Bayes factors, we compare the performance of an initial Bayesian logistic growth model and a model that incorporates carbon assimilation (A max ) as a cofactor, thus statistically accounting for genotypic differences in carbon resources. We further evaluate two remotely sensed spectroradiometric indices, photochemical reflectance (pri2) and MERIS Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (mtci) as covariates in lieu of A max , because these two indices were genetically correlated with A max across years and treatments yet allow much higher throughput compared to direct leaf-level gas-exchange measurements. For leaf lengths in uncrowded settings, including A max improves model fit over the initial model. The mtci and pri2 indices also outperform direct A max measurements. Of particular

Efficacy of compression of different capacitance beds in the amelioration of orthostatic hypotension

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denq, J. C.; Opfer-Gehrking, T. L.; Giuliani, M.; Felten, J.; Convertino, V. A.; Low, P. A.

1997-01-01

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is the most disabling and serious manifestation of adrenergic failure, occurring in the autonomic neuropathies, pure autonomic failure (PAF) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). No specific treatment is currently available for most etiologies of OH. A reduction in venous capacity, secondary to some physical counter maneuvers (e.g., squatting or leg crossing), or the use of compressive garments, can ameliorate OH. However, there is little information on the differential efficacy, or the mechanisms of improvement, engendered by compression of specific capacitance beds. We therefore evaluated the efficacy of compression of specific compartments (calves, thighs, low abdomen, calves and thighs, and all compartments combined), using a modified antigravity suit, on the end-points of orthostatic blood pressure, and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. Fourteen patients (PAF, n = 9; MSA, n = 3; diabetic autonomic neuropathy, n = 2; five males and nine females) with clinical OH were studied. The mean age was 62 years (range 31-78). The mean +/- SEM orthostatic systolic blood pressure when all compartments were compressed was 115.9 +/- 7.4 mmHg, significantly improved (p < 0.001) over the head-up tilt value without compression of 89.6 +/- 7.0 mmHg. The abdomen was the only single compartment whose compression significantly reduced OH (p < 0.005). There was a significant increase of peripheral resistance index (PRI) with compression of abdomen (p < 0.001) or all compartments (p < 0.001); end-diastolic index and cardiac index did not change. We conclude that denervation increases vascular capacity, and that venous compression improves OH by reducing this capacity and increasing PRI. Compression of all compartments is the most efficacious, followed by abdominal compression, whereas leg compression alone was less effective, presumably reflecting the large capacity of the abdomen relative to the legs.

Prenatal Micronutrient Supplementation Is Not Associated with Intellectual Development of Young School-Aged Children.

PubMed

Li, Chao; Zeng, Lingxia; Wang, Duolao; Yang, Wenfang; Dang, Shaonong; Zhou, Jing; Yan, Hong

2015-08-01

Micronutrient supplementation is often prescribed during pregnancy. The effects of prenatal iron and multimicronutrient supplementation on intellectual development in young school-aged children are less than clear. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of prenatal iron plus folic acid or multiple micronutrient (including iron and folic acid) supplementation vs. folic acid supplementation on the intellectual development of young school-aged children in rural China. Young school-aged children (aged 7-10 y, n = 1744) of women who had participated in a trial of prenatal supplementation with various combinations of micronutrients and remained residents in 2 rural counties in China were followed. We measured their intellectual development by Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). The WISC-IV generated the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Working Memory Index (WMI), Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI). Multilevel analyses were used to assess the effect of prenatal micronutrient supplementation on the intellectual development of children. The mean differences in FSIQ, VCI, WMI, PRI, and PSI, respectively, were not significant between prenatal folic acid supplementation and either iron plus folic acid [-0.34 (P = 0.65), -0.06 (P = 0.95), -0.22 (P = 0.76), -0.01 (P = 0.99), and -1.26 (P = 0.11)] or multimicronutrient [-0.39 (P = 0.60), -0.64 (P = 0.48), 0.11 (P = 0.87), -0.43 (P = 0.59), and -0.34; (P = 0.65)] supplementation after adjusting for confounders. There is no evidence to suggest a different effect on intellectual development between prenatal iron plus folic acid, multimicronutrient supplementation, and prenatal folic acid supplementation in children aged 7-10 y. This trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN08850194. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Constraining the SIF - GPP relationship via estimation of NPQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, C. E.; Yang, X.; Tang, J.; Lee, J. E.; Cushman, K.; Toh Yuan Kun, L.; Kellner, J. R.

2016-12-01

Airborne and satellite measurements of solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) have the potential to improve estimates of gross primary production (GPP). Plants dissipate absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) among three de-excitation pathways: SIF, photochemical quenching (PQ), which results in electron transport and the production of ATP and NADPH consumed during carbon fixation (i.e., GPP), and heat dissipation via conversion of xanthophyll pigments (non-photochemical quenching: NPQ). As a result, the relationship between SIF and GPP is a function of NPQ and may vary temporally and spatially with environmental conditions (e.g., light and water availability) and plant traits (e.g., leaf N content). Accurate estimates of any one of the de-excitation pathways require measurement of the other two. Here we combine half-hourly measurements of canopy APAR and SIF with eddy covariance estimates of GPP at Harvard Forest to close the canopy radiation budget and infer canopy NPQ throughout the 2013 growing season. We use molecular-level photosynthesis equations to compute PQ (umol photons m-2s-1) from GPP (umol CO2 m-2s-1) and invert an integrated canopy radiative transfer and leaf-level photosynthesis/fluorescence model (SCOPE) to quantify hemispherically and spectrally-integrated SIF emission (umol photons m-2s-1) from single band (760 nm) top-of-canopy SIF measurements. We estimate half-hourly NPQ as the residual required to close the radiation budget (NPQ = APAR - SIF - PQ). Our future work will test estimated NPQ against simultaneously acquired measurements of the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), a spectral index sensitive to xanthopyll pigments. By constraining two of the three de-excitation pathways, simultaneous SIF and PRI measurements are likely to improve GPP estimates, which are crucial to the study of climate - carbon cycle interactions.

Percutaneous closure of hypertensive ductus arteriosus.

PubMed

Zabal, Carlos; García-Montes, José Antonio; Buendía-Hernández, Alfonso; Calderón-Colmenero, Juan; Patiño-Bahena, Emilia; Juanico-Enriquez, Antonio; Attie, Fause

2010-04-01

The Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) has been used with success to close large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), but some problems exist especially with hypertensive PDAs, such as incomplete closure, haemolysis, left pulmonary artery stenosis, obstruction of the descending aorta and progressive pulmonary vascular disease. We analysed a group of 168 patients with isolated PDA and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PSAP) > or =50 mm Hg. Mean age was 10.3 +/- 14.3 years (median 3.9), PDA diameter was 6.4 +/- 2.9 mm (median 5.9), PASP was 63.5 +/- 16.2 mm Hg (median 60), Qp/Qs was 2.7 +/- 1.2 (median 2.5), total pulmonary resistance index (PRI) was 3.69 +/- 2.15 (median 3.35) and vascular PRI was 2.73 +/- 1.72 (median 2.37). We used ADOs in 145 (86.3%) cases, Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluders (AMVSDO) in 18 (10.7%), Amplatzer septal occluders (ASO) in three (1.8%) and the Gianturco-Grifka device in two (1.2%) cases. Device diameter was 106.3% +/- 51% higher than PDA diameter. PASP decreased after occlusion to 42.5 +/- 13.3 mm Hg (p<0.00001). Immediately after closure, no or trivial shunt was present in 123 (74.5%) cases. Immediate complications were device embolisation in five (3%) cases and descending aortic obstruction in one case. The overall success rate was 98.2%. Follow-up in 145 (86.3%) cases for 37.1 +/- 24 months (median 34.1) showed further decrease of the PASP to 30.1 +/- 7.7 mm Hg (p<0.0001). Percutaneous treatment of hypertensive PDA is safe and effective. ADO works well for most cases, but sometimes other devices (MVSDO or ASO) have to be used. When cases are selected adequately, pulmonary pressures decrease immediately and continue to fall with time.

Effects of rabeprazole on the antiplatelet effects and pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Funck-Brentano, Christian; Szymezak, Jean; Steichen, Olivier; Ducint, Dominique; Molimard, Mathieu; Remones, Véronique; Azizi, Michel; Gaussem, Pascale

2013-12-01

Several studies have suggested that proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), mostly omeprazole, interact with clopidogrel efficacy by inhibiting the formation of its active metabolite via CYP2C19 inhibition. Whether this occurs with all PPIs is a matter of debate. As rabeprazole is a less potent CYP2C19 inhibitor than other PPIs, we studied the interaction between rabeprazole and the antiplatelet actions and pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel. To demonstrate the non-inferiority of rabeprazole over placebo using change in platelet reactivity index (PRI; vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein [VASP] assay) in a predefined population of good clopidogrel responders. Omeprazole was used as the positive control. In this randomized three-period crossover study in healthy volunteers, 36 healthy men received clopidogrel (75 mg/day for 7 days) with placebo, omeprazole (20mg/day) or rabeprazole (20mg/day). Clopidogrel antiplatelet effects and disposition kinetics were assessed on day 7 of combination therapy. Non-inferiority threshold was predefined as an upper limit of the 90% confidence interval for the difference in change in PRI between placebo and rabeprazole of<10% in good clopidogrel responders. In good clopidogrel responders (inhibition of VASP index>30%), the clopidogrel antiplatelet effect remained non-inferior to placebo during rabeprazole (difference 3.4% [-1.7; 8.5]) but not omeprazole (difference 7.5% [2.5; 12.6]) co-administration. The AUC0-24 and Cmax of active clopidogrel metabolite decreased with both omeprazole and rabeprazole, and conditions of bioequivalence were not met, except for AUC0-24 with rabeprazole. Rabeprazole does not interact with clopidogrel to the same extent as omeprazole. However, under our experimental conditions and proton-pump inhibitor doses, there was no significant pharmacodynamic interaction between rabeprazole or omeprazole and clopidogrel, despite a significant decrease in the formation of clopidogrel active metabolite. Copyright © 2013

Ruthenium chalcogenonitrosyl and bridged nitrido complexes containing chelating sulfur and oxygen ligands.

PubMed

Ng, Ho-Yuen; Cheung, Wai-Man; Kwan Huang, Enrique; Wong, Kang-Long; Sung, Herman H-Y; Williams, Ian D; Leung, Wa-Hung

2015-11-14

Ruthenium thio- and seleno-nitrosyl complexes containing chelating sulfur and oxygen ligands have been synthesised and their de-chalcogenation reactions have been studied. The reaction of mer-[Ru(N)Cl3(AsPh3)2] with elemental sulfur and selenium in tetrahydrofuran at reflux afforded the chalcogenonitrosyl complexes mer-[Ru(NX)Cl3(AsPh3)2] [X = S (1), Se (2)]. Treatment of 1 with KN(R2PS)2 afforded trans-[Ru(NS)Cl{N(R2PS)2}2] [R = Ph (3), Pr(i) (4), Bu(t) (5)]. Alternatively, the thionitrosyl complex 5 was obtained from [Bu(n)4N][Ru(N)Cl4] and KN(Bu(t)2PS)2, presumably via sulfur atom transfer from [N(Bu(t)2PS)2](-) to the nitride. Reactions of 1 and 2 with NaLOEt (LOEt(-) = [Co(η(5)-C5H5){P(O)(LOEt)2}3](-)) gave [Ru(NX)LOEtCl2] (X = S (8), Se (9)). Treatment of [Bu(n)4N][Ru(N)Cl4] with KN(R2PS)2 produced Ru(IV)-Ru(IV)μ-nitrido complexes [Ru2(μ-N){N(R2PS)2}4Cl] [R = Ph (6), Pr(i) (7)]. Reactions of 3 and 9 with PPh3 afforded 6 and [Ru(NPPh3)LOEtCl2], respectively. The desulfurisation of 5 with [Ni(cod)2] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) gave the mixed valance Ru(III)-Ru(IV)μ-nitrido complex [Ru2(μ-N){N(Bu(t)2PS)2}4] (10) that was oxidised by [Cp2Fe](PF6) to give the Ru(IV)-Ru(IV) complex [Ru2(μ-N){N(Bu(t)2PS)2}4](PF6) ([10]PF6). The crystal structures of 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10 have been determined.

Department of the Navy Justification of Estimates for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 Submitted to Congress January 1987. Operation & Maintenance, Navy. Book 1. Budget Activity 1. Strategic Forces Budget Activity 2. General Purpose Forces Budget Activity 4. Airlift and Sealift.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

166 174 170 167 Config Change Rqsts 45 54 53 52 Config Audits 20 26 26 25 Manual Change Rqsts 516 500 489 477 Work Years 91 90 90 90 7) Noise Reduction... manual methods. 771 ’ 1 1-50 3442f/7 Activity Group: Space Systems Operations (cont’d) AMOUNT C. Other Program Growth in FY 1989 (878) 1) Space...P+WS htp ~ h Na vy lr,(j Ma? itf’ to a nri rt. r 1’r f 1, Pri y t, i lu, iwe, a t ion, t a t H % ;, i rndi t 04 l I r k 4, PMfi , . j(I l j ,’Ř

Development and Application of Decision Aid for Tactical Control of Battlefield Operations: Bibliographic Sort of the Decision Aiding Literature

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-12-01

THEORY GAML THE’RY GROUP PROb SQL= U tIC PMLTRIC3b 63 C.LARKSON G a DEC MAK IN SMALL GROUPS A SIM STUDY bLHt SCI 6t0 13 2081 bRUNER J b STUDIES IN...MAK IN SMALL GROUPS A SIN STUDY : BLH 5(1 6d 13 2861 DODSON j 0 AS SIN RES FACILITYz SIN SYS DGN FOR TE AkCRL 111 PRI9I4• FLEEING R ASKS PROC.CONFLICTING...POU315IC HF. 66 MAR 7-1 SHURL ( H NNUAtCENTER FOR COMP BASED BEH STUDIES UCLA SEMIA NTIS-AD 731059 713 CLARKSON b DEC MAK IN SMALL GROUPS A SIM STUDY

Impact of the Geoplasma on a Spaceborne GPS(Global Positioning System) Receiver System - A Preliminary Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-28

valug vhich *dvrivv the A044 1 hý’we not met with mucth suktflV. Klobutchsr Ot al (1987) have obtained ThC data for tho first ti=# "t a polar cap sit...ntudy in 1984. found teei s vaiblty int TE. as-pri trainsg of ehnmntof the -ardor of J-O1gtffs~ fltpt riqd4 al ghlort a; tpný mrl’seO Were nbtrvud... ALE ) THEN ENC - V3 * ZEC ELSE EAR - (SIN (P1(3) - ALH) * 2.92) **6 F3 - EXP (- EAR) "V3 - V3 * F3 F3 - 1.0 - F3C* C* S3 - SOLAR CYCLE FUNCTION IF(1.1

Salmonella Typhi-specific multifunctional CD8+ T cells play a dominant role in protection from typhoid fever in humans.

PubMed

Fresnay, Stephanie; McArthur, Monica A; Magder, Laurence; Darton, Thomas C; Jones, Claire; Waddington, Claire S; Blohmke, Christoph J; Angus, Brian; Levine, Myron M; Pollard, Andrew J; Sztein, Marcelo B

2016-03-01

Typhoid fever, caused by the human-restricted organism Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi), is a major public health problem worldwide. Development of novel vaccines remains imperative, but is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the immune responses that correlate with protection. Recently, a controlled human infection model was re-established in which volunteers received ~10(3) cfu wild-type S. Typhi (Quailes strain) orally. Twenty-one volunteers were evaluated for their cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. Ex vivo PBMC isolated before and up to 1 year after challenge were exposed to three S. Typhi-infected targets, i.e., autologous B lymphoblastoid cell-lines (B-LCL), autologous blasts and HLA-E restricted AEH B-LCL cells. CMI responses were evaluated using 14-color multiparametric flow cytometry to detect simultaneously five intracellular cytokines/chemokines (i.e., IL-17A, IL-2, IFN-g, TNF-a and MIP-1b) and a marker of degranulation/cytotoxic activity (CD107a). Herein we provide the first evidence that S. Typhi-specific CD8+ responses correlate with clinical outcome in humans challenged with wild-type S. Typhi. Higher multifunctional S. Typhi-specific CD8+ baseline responses were associated with protection against typhoid and delayed disease onset. Moreover, following challenge, development of typhoid fever was accompanied by decreases in circulating S. Typhi-specific CD8+ T effector/memory (TEM) with gut homing potential, suggesting migration to the site(s) of infection. In contrast, protection against disease was associated with low or no changes in circulating S. Typhi-specific TEM. These studies provide novel insights into the protective immune responses against typhoid disease that will aid in selection and development of new vaccine candidates.

Low-maturity Kulthieth Formation coal: A possible source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in benthic sediment of the northern Gulf of Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Kooten, G. K.; Short, J.W.; Kolak, J.J.

2002-01-01

The successful application of forensic geology to contamination studies involving natural systems requires identification of appropriate endmembers and an understanding of the geologic setting and processes affecting the systems. Studies attempting to delineate the background, or natural, source for hydrocarbon contamination in Gulf of Alaska (GOA) benthic sediments have invoked a number of potential sources, including seep oils, source rocks, and coal. Oil seeps have subsequently been questioned as significant sources of hydrocarbons present in benthic sediments of the GOA in part because the pattern of relative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) abundance characteristic of benthic GOA sediments is inconsistent with patterns typical of weathered seep oils. Likewise, native coal has been dismissed in part because ratios of labile hydrocarbons to total organic carbon (e.g. PAH:TOC) for Bering River coal field (BRCF) sources are too low - i.e. the coals are over mature - to be consistent with GOA sediments. We present evidence here that native coal may have been prematurely dismissed, because BRCF coals do not adequately represent the geochemical signatures of coals elsewhere in the Kulthieth Formation. Contrary to previous thought, Kulthieth Formation coals east of the BRCF have much higher PAH: TOC ratios, and the patterns of labile hydrocarbons in these low thermal maturity coals suggest a possible genetic relationship between Kulthieth Formation coals and nearby oil seeps on the Sullivan anticline. Analyses of low-maturity Kulthieth Formation coal indicate the low maturity coal is a significant source of PAH. Source apportionment models that neglect this source will underestimate the contribution of native coals to the regional background hydrocarbon signature. ?? Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. on behalf of AEHS.

GPER and ERα expression in abnormal endometrial proliferations.

PubMed

Tica, Andrei Adrian; Tica, Oana Sorina; Georgescu, Claudia Valentina; Pirici, Daniel; Bogdan, Maria; Ciurea, Tudorel; Mogoantă, Stelian ŞtefăniŢă; Georgescu, Corneliu Cristian; Comănescu, Alexandru Cristian; Bălşeanu, Tudor Adrian; Ciurea, Raluca Niculina; Osiac, Eugen; Buga, Ana Maria; Ciurea, Marius Eugen

2016-01-01

G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER), a particular extranuclear estrogen receptor (ER), seems not to be significantly involved in normal female phenotype development but especially associated with severe genital malignancies. This study investigated the GPER expression in different types of normal and abnormal proliferative endometrium, and the correlation with the presence of ERα. GPER was much highly expressed in cytoplasm (than onto cell membrane), contrary to ERα, which was almost exclusively located in the nucleus. Both ERs' densities were higher in columnar epithelial then in stromal cells, according with higher estrogen-sensitivity of epithelial cells. GPER and ERα density decreased as follows: complex endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) > simple endometrial hyperplasia (SHE) > normal proliferative endometrium (NPE) > atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH), ERα' density being constantly higher. In endometrial adenocarcinomas, both ERs were significant lower expressed, and widely varied, but GPER÷ERα ratio was significantly increased in high-grade lesions. The nuclear ERα is responsible for the genomic (the most important) mechanism of action of estrogens, involved in cell growth and multiplication. In normal and benign proliferations, ERα expression is increased as an evidence of its effects on cells with conserved architecture, in atypical and especially in malignant cells ERα's (and GPER's) density being much lower. Cytoplasmic GPER probably interfere with different tyrosine÷protein kinases signaling pathways, also involved in cell growth and proliferation. In benign endometrial lesions, GPER's presence is, at least partially, the result of an inductor effect of ERα on GPER gene transcription. In high-grade lesions, GPER÷ERα ratio was increased, demonstrating that GPER is involved per se in malignant endometrial proliferations.

Examining Physics Career Interests: Recruitment and Persistence into College

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lock, R. M.; Hazari, Z.; Sadler, P. M.; Sonnert, G.

2012-03-01

Compared to the undergraduate population, the number of students obtaining physics degrees has been declining since the 1960s. This trend continues despite the increasing number of students taking introductory physics courses in high school and college. Our work uses an ex-post facto design to study the factors that influence students' decision to pursue a career in physics at the beginning of college. These factors include high school physics classroom experiences, other science-related experiences, and students' career motivations. The data used in this study is drawn from the Persistence Research in Science and Engineering (PRiSE) Project, a large-scale study that surveyed a nationally representative sample of college/university students enrolled in introductory English courses about their interests and prior experiences in science.

Geographic List of Prime Contract Awards. Oct 1992-Sep 1993. FY 1993. (Air Force Academy, Colorado-Washington, DC). Part 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-03-01

0 0 a a. aL OC I ccN( N NjN W4~)4l~4v)4 (4(Vf) qq nn %V) 4(4f) V) t4)m (W aN in(0cl N r bPP % Pr. .r% 4ý a. PI% N.r.r Pr%I. P.. r... ar..a r, .. P a...J4 It) 0 Ut00 .1 IfI WOW04 160.4 .4 -4.4 .4 .4C4n -4.-4.4 (n -4 N-4 N P, Ln W Lfl40q 4OD Y 0) -0. 0 M Cn6 6 100400 11. O ffa I W6 co0 o it >- iI U I

Extremely bulky secondary phosphinoamines as substituents for sterically hindered aminosilanes.

PubMed

Böttcher, Tobias; Jones, Cameron

2015-09-07

The synthesis of a series of extremely bulky secondary amines with a phosphine function, Ar(†)(PR2)NH (Ar(†) = C6H2{C(H)Ph2}2Pr(i)-2,6,4; R = Ph, NEt2, NPr(i)2) is described. Deprotonation with either n-BuLi or KH yields the respective alkali metal amides in some cases. Their reaction with the chlorosilanes SiCl4, HSiCl3, Cl2SiPh2, Cl3Si-SiCl3 and Si5Cl10 allows access to monomeric molecular compounds bearing the extremely bulky amino substituents via salt elimination. The products obtained may serve as precursors for subsequent reduction reactions to access sterically protected low valent and low coordinate silicon compounds.

Epigenetic medicine and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

PubMed Central

Resendiz, Marisol; Chen, Yuanyuan; Öztürk, Nail C; Zhou, Feng C

2013-01-01

Epigenetic medicine is still in its infancy. To date, only a handful of diseases have documented epigenetic correlates upstream of gene regulation including cancer, developmental syndromes and late-onset diseases. The finding that epigenetic markers are dynamic and heterogeneous at tissue and cellular levels, combined with recent identification of a new form of functionally distinct DNA methylation has opened a wider window for investigators to pry into the epigenetic world. It is anticipated that many diseases will be elucidated through this epigenetic inquiry. In this review, we discuss the normal course of DNA methylation during development, taking alcohol as a demonstrator of the epigenetic impact of environmental factors in disease etiology, particularly the growth retardation and neurodevelopmental deficits of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. PMID:23414322

Factors that encourage females to pursue physical science careers: Testing five common hypotheses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazari, Zahra; Potvin, Geoff; Lock, Robynne M.; Lung, Florin; Sadler, Philip M.; Sonnert, Gerhard

2012-03-01

There are many hypotheses regarding factors that may encourage female students to pursue careers in the physical sciences. Using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) on national data (n=7505) drawn from the Persistence Research in Science and Engineering (PRiSE) project, we test five commonly held beliefs including having a single-sex physics class, having a female physics teacher, having female scientist guest speakers in physics class, discussing the work of women scientists in physics class, and discussing the under-representation of women in physics class. The effect of these experiences is compared for female students who are matched on several factors, including parental education, prior science/math interests, and academic background, thereby controlling for the effect of many confounding variables.