ala admin code: Topics by Science.gov

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78 FR 49512 - Clean Water Act Class II: Proposed Administrative Settlement, Penalty Assessment and Opportunity...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-14

....gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means the EPA will not know your identity or... request exemptions in accordance with Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-3-14- 01(1) and (5). Respondent operated... Title 129 of Neb. Admin. Code 17-001.01. Respondent operated an emergency generator at its facility...
Conversion of the agent-oriented domain-specific language ALAS into JavaScript

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sredojević, Dejan; Vidaković, Milan; Okanović, Dušan; Mitrović, Dejan; Ivanović, Mirjana

2016-06-01

This paper shows generation of JavaScript code from code written in agent-oriented domain-specific language ALAS. ALAS is an agent-oriented domain-specific language for writing software agents that are executed within XJAF middleware. Since the agents can be executed on various platforms, they must be converted into a language of the target platform. We also try to utilize existing tools and technologies to make the whole conversion process as simple as possible, as well as faster and more efficient. We use the Xtext framework that is compatible with Java to implement ALAS infrastructure - editor and code generator. Since Xtext supports Java, generation of Java code from ALAS code is straightforward. To generate a JavaScript code that will be executed within the target JavaScript XJAF implementation, Google Web Toolkit (GWT) is used.
ODM2 Admin Pilot Project- a Data Management Application for Observations of the Critical Zone.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leon, M.; McDowell, W. H.; Mayorga, E.; Setiawan, L.; Hooper, R. P.

2017-12-01

ODM2 Admin is a tool to manage data stored in a relational database using the Observation Data Model 2 (ODM2) information model. Originally developed by the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) to manage a wide range of Earth observations, it has now been deployed at 6 projects: the Catalina Jemez CZO, the Dry Creek Experimental Forest, Au Sable and Manistee River sites managed by Michigan State, Tropical Response to Altered Climate Experiment (TRACE) and the Critical Zone Integrative Microbial Ecology Activity (CZIMEA) EarthCube project; most of these deployments are hosted on a Microsoft Azure cloud server managed by CUAHSI. ODM2 Admin is a web application built on the Python open-source Django framework and available for download from GitHub and DockerHub. It provides tools for data ingestion, editing, QA/QC, data visualization, browsing, mapping and documentation of equipment deployment, methods, and citations. Additional features include the ability to generate derived data values, automatically or manually create data annotations and create datasets from arbitrary groupings of results. Over 22 million time series values for more than 600 time series are being managed with ODM2 Admin across the 6 projects as well as more than 12,000 soil profiles and other measurements. ODM2 Admin links with external identifier systems through DOIs, ORCiDs and IGSNs, so cited works, details about researchers and earth sample meta-data can be accessed directly from ODM2 Admin. This application is part of a growing open source ODM2 application ecosystem under active development. ODM2 Admin can be deployed alongside other tools from the ODM2 ecosystem, including ODM2API and WOFpy, which provide access to the underlying ODM2 data through a Python API and Water One Flow web services.
Towards Understanding the Tandem Mass Spectra of Protonated Oligopeptides. 2: The Proline Effect in Collision-Induced Dissociation of Protonated Ala-Ala-Xxx-Pro-Ala (Xxx = Ala, Ser, Leu, Val, Phe, and Trp)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bleiholder, Christian; Suhai, Sándor; Harrison, Alex G.; Paizs, Béla

2011-06-01

The product ion spectra of proline-containing peptides are commonly dominated by y n ions generated by cleavage at the N-terminal side of proline residues. This proline effect is investigated in the current work by collision-induced dissociation (CID) of protonated Ala-Ala-Xxx-Pro-Ala (Xxx includes Ala, Ser, Leu, Val, Phe, and Trp) in an electrospray/quadrupole/time-of-flight (QqTOF) mass spectrometer and by quantum chemical calculations on protonated Ala-Ala-Ala-Pro-Ala. The CID spectra of all investigated peptides show a dominant y 2 ion (Pro-Ala sequence). Our computational results show that the proline effect mainly arises from the particularly low threshold energy for the amide bond cleavage N-terminal to the proline residue, and from the high proton affinity of the proline-containing C-terminal fragment produced by this cleavage. These theoretical results are qualitatively supported by the experimentally observed y 2 / b 3 abundance ratios for protonated Ala-Ala-Xxx-Pro-Ala (Xxx = Ala, Ser, Leu, Val, Phe, and Trp). In the post-cleavage phase of fragmentation the N-terminal oxazolone fragment with the Ala-Ala-Xxx sequence and Pro-Ala compete for the ionizing proton for these peptides. As the proton affinity of the oxazolone fragment increases, the y 2 / b 3 abundance ratio decreases.
Towards understanding the tandem mass spectra of protonated oligopeptides. 2: The proline effect in collision-induced dissociation of protonated Ala-Ala-Xxx-Pro-Ala (Xxx = Ala, Ser, Leu, Val, Phe, and Trp).

PubMed

Bleiholder, Christian; Suhai, Sándor; Harrison, Alex G; Paizs, Béla

2011-06-01

The product ion spectra of proline-containing peptides are commonly dominated by y(n) ions generated by cleavage at the N-terminal side of proline residues. This proline effect is investigated in the current work by collision-induced dissociation (CID) of protonated Ala-Ala-Xxx-Pro-Ala (Xxx includes Ala, Ser, Leu, Val, Phe, and Trp) in an electrospray/quadrupole/time-of-flight (QqTOF) mass spectrometer and by quantum chemical calculations on protonated Ala-Ala-Ala-Pro-Ala. The CID spectra of all investigated peptides show a dominant y(2) ion (Pro-Ala sequence). Our computational results show that the proline effect mainly arises from the particularly low threshold energy for the amide bond cleavage N-terminal to the proline residue, and from the high proton affinity of the proline-containing C-terminal fragment produced by this cleavage. These theoretical results are qualitatively supported by the experimentally observed y(2)/b(3) abundance ratios for protonated Ala-Ala-Xxx-Pro-Ala (Xxx = Ala, Ser, Leu, Val, Phe, and Trp). In the post-cleavage phase of fragmentation the N-terminal oxazolone fragment with the Ala-Ala-Xxx sequence and Pro-Ala compete for the ionizing proton for these peptides. As the proton affinity of the oxazolone fragment increases, the y(2)/b(3) abundance ratio decreases.
Engineering an ATP-dependent D-Ala:D-Ala ligase for synthesizing amino acid amides from amino acids.

PubMed

Miki, Yuta; Okazaki, Seiji; Asano, Yasuhisa

2017-05-01

We successfully engineered a new enzyme that catalyzes the formation of D-Ala amide (D-AlaNH 2 ) from D-Ala by modifying ATP-dependent D-Ala:D-Ala ligase (EC 6.3.2.4) from Thermus thermophilus, which catalyzes the formation of D-Ala-D-Ala from two molecules of D-Ala. The new enzyme was created by the replacement of the Ser293 residue with acidic amino acids, as it was speculated to bind to the second D-Ala of D-Ala-D-Ala. In addition, a replacement of the position with Glu performed better than that with Asp with regards to specificity for D-AlaNH 2 production. The S293E variant, which was selected as the best enzyme for D-AlaNH 2 production, exhibited an optimal activity at pH 9.0 and 40 °C for D-AlaNH 2 production. The apparent K m values of this variant for D-Ala and NH 3 were 7.35 mM and 1.58 M, respectively. The S293E variant could catalyze the synthesis of 9.3 and 35.7 mM of D-AlaNH 2 from 10 and 50 mM D-Ala and 3 M NH 4 Cl with conversion yields of 93 and 71.4 %, respectively. This is the first report showing the enzymatic formation of amino acid amides from amino acids.
Expression Levels of ALA Dehydratase as a Marker of ALA-PDT Efficacy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avital, Schauder; Tamar, Feuerstein; Zvi, Malik

2010-05-01

Accelerated synthesis of protoporphyrinIX (PpIX) following ALA pre-treatment followed by light irradiation is the principle of ALA-PDT. Several limiting enzymes were suggested to control PpIX accumulation and PDT efficacy, among them porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) and ferrochelatase. Here we reveal the centrality of ALA dehydratase (ALAD) activity in predicting ALA-PDT efficacy. Silencing of ALAD expression and activity was carried out in leukemic cells using shRNA plasmid transfection or Pb2+ intoxication. ALAD activity, porphyrin synthesis and mitochondrial activity were determined versus PDT efficacy. In K562 ALAD-silenced cells, ALAD activity and expression were reduced and as a result, PpIX synthesis was almost abolished. Following ALA treatment and irradiation, ALAD-silenced cells depicted normal mitochondrial activity, in contrast to control and non-silencing transfected cells where accumulated PpIX and irradiation caused ROS formation and mitochondrial damage. Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of ALA-PDT treated cells showed no morphological changes in ALAD-silenced cells, while controls exhibited cell deformations and lysis. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining as well as LDH-L leakage testing showed that membrane integrity was undamaged following ALA-PDT in ALAD silenced cells. Pb2+ treatment in MEL cells impaired ALAD activity and reduced PpIX synthesis but to a lesser extent. In conclusion, we show that a dramatic reduction in PpIX accumulation following down regulation of ALAD expression prevents an efficient PDT. Thus, ALAD has a major role in regulating PpIX synthesis and ALA-PDT therapeutic outcome. Monitoring ALAD expression or activity in various tumors may be useful as prognostic tool to predict PDT efficacy.
ALA-Butyrate prodrugs for Photo-Dynamic Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berkovitch, G.; Nudelman, A.; Ehenberg, B.; Rephaeli, A.; Malik, Z.

2010-05-01

The use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) administration has led to many applications of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer. However, the hydrophilic nature of ALA limits its ability to penetrate the cells and tissues, and therefore the need for ALA derivatives became an urgent research target. In this study we investigated the activity of novel multifunctional acyloxyalkyl ester prodrugs of ALA that upon metabolic hydrolysis release active components such as, formaldehyde, and the histone deacetylase inhibitory moiety, butyric acid. Evaluation of these prodrugs under photo-irradiation conditions showed that butyryloxyethyl 5-amino-4-oxopentanoate (ALA-BAC) generated the most efficient photodynamic destruction compared to ALA. ALA-BAC stimulated a rapid biosynthesis of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in human glioblastoma U-251 cells which resulted in generation of intracellular ROS, reduction of mitochondrial activity, leading to apoptotic and necrotic death of the cells. The apoptotic cell death induced by ALA / ALA-BAC followed by PDT equally activate intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signals and both pathways may occur simultaneously. The main advantage of ALA-BAC over ALA stems from its ability to induce photo-damage at a significantly lower dose than ALA.
ALA Pretreatment Improves Waterlogging Tolerance of Fig Plants

PubMed Central

An, Yuyan; Qi, Lin; Wang, Liangju

2016-01-01

5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a natural and environmentally friendly plant growth regulator, can improve plant tolerance to various environmental stresses. However, whether ALA can improve plant waterlogging tolerance is unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of ALA pretreatment on the waterlogging-induced damage of fig (Ficus carica Linn.) plants, which often suffer from waterlogging stress. ALA pretreatment significantly alleviated stress-induced morphological damage, increased leaf relative water content (RWC), and reduced leaf superoxide anion (O2⋅¯) production rate and malonaldehyde (MDA) content in fig leaves, indicating ALA mitigates waterlogging stress of fig plants. We further demonstrated that ALA pretreatment largely promoted leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic electron transfer ability, and photosynthetic performance index, indicating ALA significantly improves plant photosynthetic efficiency under waterlogging stress. Moreover, ALA pretreatment significantly increased activities of leaf superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), root vigor, and activities of root alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), indicating ALA also significantly improves antioxidant ability and root function of fig plants under waterlogging stress. Taken together, ALA pretreatment improves waterlogging tolerance of fig plants significantly, and the promoted root respiration, leaf photosynthesis, and antioxidant ability may contribute greatly to this improvement. Our data firstly shows that ALA can improve plant waterlogging tolerance. PMID:26789407
Expression of the alaE gene is positively regulated by the global regulator Lrp in response to intracellular accumulation of l-alanine in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Ihara, Kohei; Sato, Kazuki; Hori, Hatsuhiro; Makino, Yumiko; Shigenobu, Shuji; Ando, Tasuke; Isogai, Emiko; Yoneyama, Hiroshi

2017-04-01

The alaE gene in Escherichia coli encodes an l-alanine exporter that catalyzes the active export of l-alanine using proton electrochemical potential. In our previous study, alaE expression was shown to increase in the presence of l-alanyl-l-alanine (Ala-Ala). In this study, the global regulator leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) was identified as an activator of the alaE gene. A promoter less β-galactosidase gene was fused to an alaE upstream region (240 nucleotides). Cells that were lacZ-deficient and harbored this reporter plasmid showed significant induction of β-galactosidase activity (approximately 17-fold) in the presence of 6 mM l-alanine, l-leucine, and Ala-Ala. However, a reporter plasmid possessing a smaller alaE upstream region (180 nucleotides) yielded transformants with strikingly low enzyme activity under the same conditions. In contrast, lrp-deficient cells showed almost no β-galactosidase induction, indicating that Lrp positively regulates alaE expression. We next performed an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and a DNase I footprinting assay using purified hexahistidine-tagged Lrp (Lrp-His). Consequently, we found that Lrp-His binds to the alaE upstream region spanning nucleotide -161 to -83 with a physiologically relevant affinity (apparent K D , 288.7 ± 83.8 nM). Furthermore, the binding affinity of Lrp-His toward its cis-element was increased by l-alanine and l-leucine, but not by Ala-Ala and d-alanine. Based on these results, we concluded that the gene expression of the alaE is regulated by Lrp in response to intracellular levels of l-alanine, which eventually leads to intracellular homeostasis of l-alanine concentrations. Copyright © 2016 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Loss of the Arabidopsis thaliana P4-ATPases ALA6 and ALA7 impairs pollen fitness and alters the pollen tube plasma membrane.

PubMed

McDowell, Stephen C; López-Marqués, Rosa L; Cohen, Taylor; Brown, Elizabeth; Rosenberg, Alexa; Palmgren, Michael G; Harper, Jeffrey F

2015-01-01

Members of the P4 subfamily of P-type ATPases are thought to create and maintain lipid asymmetry in biological membranes by flipping specific lipids between membrane leaflets. In Arabidopsis, 7 of the 12 Aminophospholipid ATPase (ALA) family members are expressed in pollen. Here we show that double knockout of ALA6 and ALA7 (ala6/7) results in siliques with a ~2-fold reduction in seed set with a high frequency of empty seed positions near the bottom. Seed set was reduced to near zero when plants were grown under a hot/cold temperature stress. Reciprocal crosses indicate that the ala6/7 reproductive deficiencies are due to a defect related to pollen transmission. In-vitro growth assays provide evidence that ala6/7 pollen tubes are short and slow, with ~2-fold reductions in both maximal growth rate and overall length relative to wild-type. Outcrosses show that when ala6/7 pollen are in competition with wild-type pollen, they have a near 0% success rate in fertilizing ovules near the bottom of the pistil, consistent with ala6/7 pollen having short and slow growth defects. The ala6/7 phenotypes were rescued by the expression of either an ALA6-YFP or GFP-ALA6 fusion protein, which showed localization to both the plasma membrane and highly-mobile endomembrane structures. A mass spectrometry analysis of mature pollen grains revealed significant differences between ala6/7 and wild-type, both in the relative abundance of lipid classes and in the average number of double bonds present in acyl side chains. A change in the properties of the ala6/7 plasma membrane was also indicated by a ~10-fold reduction of labeling by lipophilic FM-dyes relative to wild-type. Together, these results indicate that ALA6 and ALA7 provide redundant activities that function to directly or indirectly change the distribution and abundance of lipids in pollen, and support a model in which ALA6 and ALA7 are critical for pollen fitness under normal and temperature-stress conditions.
Loss of the Arabidopsis thaliana P4-ATPases ALA6 and ALA7 impairs pollen fitness and alters the pollen tube plasma membrane

PubMed Central

McDowell, Stephen C.; López-Marqués, Rosa L.; Cohen, Taylor; Brown, Elizabeth; Rosenberg, Alexa; Palmgren, Michael G.; Harper, Jeffrey F.

2015-01-01

Members of the P4 subfamily of P-type ATPases are thought to create and maintain lipid asymmetry in biological membranes by flipping specific lipids between membrane leaflets. In Arabidopsis, 7 of the 12 Aminophospholipid ATPase (ALA) family members are expressed in pollen. Here we show that double knockout of ALA6 and ALA7 (ala6/7) results in siliques with a ~2-fold reduction in seed set with a high frequency of empty seed positions near the bottom. Seed set was reduced to near zero when plants were grown under a hot/cold temperature stress. Reciprocal crosses indicate that the ala6/7 reproductive deficiencies are due to a defect related to pollen transmission. In-vitro growth assays provide evidence that ala6/7 pollen tubes are short and slow, with ~2-fold reductions in both maximal growth rate and overall length relative to wild-type. Outcrosses show that when ala6/7 pollen are in competition with wild-type pollen, they have a near 0% success rate in fertilizing ovules near the bottom of the pistil, consistent with ala6/7 pollen having short and slow growth defects. The ala6/7 phenotypes were rescued by the expression of either an ALA6-YFP or GFP-ALA6 fusion protein, which showed localization to both the plasma membrane and highly-mobile endomembrane structures. A mass spectrometry analysis of mature pollen grains revealed significant differences between ala6/7 and wild-type, both in the relative abundance of lipid classes and in the average number of double bonds present in acyl side chains. A change in the properties of the ala6/7 plasma membrane was also indicated by a ~10-fold reduction of labeling by lipophilic FM-dyes relative to wild-type. Together, these results indicate that ALA6 and ALA7 provide redundant activities that function to directly or indirectly change the distribution and abundance of lipids in pollen, and support a model in which ALA6 and ALA7 are critical for pollen fitness under normal and temperature-stress conditions. PMID:25954280
Impact of charged amino acid substitution in the transmembrane domain of L-alanine exporter, AlaE, of Escherichia coli on the L-alanine export.

PubMed

Kim, Seryoung; Ihara, Kohei; Katsube, Satoshi; Ando, Tasuke; Isogai, Emiko; Yoneyama, Hiroshi

2017-01-01

The Escherichia coli alaE gene encodes the L-alanine exporter, AlaE, that catalyzes active export of L-alanine using proton electrochemical potential. The transporter comprises only 149 amino acid residues and four predicted transmembrane domains (TMs), which contain three charged amino acid residues. The AlaE-deficient L-alanine non-metabolizing cells (ΔalaE cells) appeared hypersusceptible to L-alanyl-L-alanine showing a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 µg/ml for the dipeptide due to a toxic accumulation of L-alanine. To elucidate the mechanism by which AlaE exports L-alanine, we replaced charged amino acid residues in the TMs, glutamic acid-30 (TM-I), arginine-45 (TM-II), and aspartic acid-84 (TM-III) with their respective charge-conserved amino acid or a net neutral cysteine. The ΔalaE cells producing R45K or R45C appeared hypersusceptible to the dipeptide, indicating that arginine-45 is essential for AlaE activity. MIC of the dipeptide in the ΔalaE cells expressing E30D and E30C was 156 µg/ml and >10,000 µg/ml, respectively, thereby suggesting that a negative charge at this position is not essential. The ΔalaE cells expressing D84E or D84C showed an MIC >10,000 and 78 µg/ml, respectively, implying that a negative charge is required at this position. These results were generally consistent with that of the L-alanine accumulation experiments in intact cells. We therefore concluded that charged amino acid residues (R45 and D84) in the AlaE transmembrane domain play a pivotal role in L-alanine export. Replacement of three cysteine residues at C22, C28 (both in TM-I), and C135 (C-terminal region) with alanine showed only a marginal effect on L-alanine export.
Monitoring blood flow responses during topical ALA-PDT

PubMed Central

Becker, Theresa L.; Paquette, Anne D.; Keymel, Kenneth R.; Henderson, Barbara W.; Sunar, Ulas

2011-01-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is currently used as a clinical treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers. In order to optimize PDT treatment, vascular disruption early in treatment must be identified and prevented. We present blood flow responses to topical ALA-PDT in a preclinical model and basal cell carcinoma patients assessed by diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). Our results show that ALA-PDT induced early blood flow changes and these changes were irradiance dependent. It is clear that there exists considerable variation in the blood flow responses in patients from lesion to lesion. Monitoring blood flow parameter may be useful for assessing ALA-PDT response and planning. PMID:21326642
IL6R Variation Asp358Ala Is a Potential Modifier of Lung Function in Asthma

PubMed Central

Hawkins, Gregory A; Robinson, Mac B; Hastie, Annette T; Li, Xingnan; Li, Huashi; Moore, Wendy C; Howard, Timothy D; Busse, William W.; Erzurum, Serpil C.; Wenzel, Sally E.; Peters, Stephen P; Meyers, Deborah A; Bleecker, Eugene R

2012-01-01

Background The IL6R SNP rs4129267 has recently been identified as an asthma susceptibility locus in subjects of European ancestry but has not been characterized with respect to asthma severity. The SNP rs4129267 is in linkage disequilibrium (r2=1) with the IL6R coding SNP rs2228145 (Asp358Ala). This IL6R coding change increases IL6 receptor shedding and promotes IL6 transsignaling. Objectives To evaluate the IL6R SNP rs2228145 with respect to asthma severity phenotypes. Methods The IL6R SNP rs2228145 was evaluated in subjects of European ancestry with asthma from the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP). Lung function associations were replicated in the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Asthma (CSGA) cohort. Serum soluble IL6 receptor (sIL6R) levels were measured in subjects from SARP. Immunohistochemistry was used to qualitatively evaluate IL6R protein expression in BAL cells and endobronchial biopsies. Results The minor C allele of IL6R SNP rs2228145 was associated with lower ppFEV1 in the SARP cohort (p=0.005), the CSGA cohort (0.008), and in combined cohort analysis (p=0.003). Additional associations with ppFVC, FEV1/FVC, and PC20 were observed. The rs2228145 C allele (Ala358) was more frequent in severe asthma phenotypic clusters. Elevated serum sIL6R was associated with lower ppFEV1 (p=0.02) and lower ppFVC (p=0.008) (N=146). IL6R protein expression was observed in BAL macrophages, airway epithelium, vascular endothelium, and airway smooth muscle. Conclusions The IL6R coding SNP rs2228145 (Asp358Ala) is a potential modifier of lung function in asthma and may identify subjects at risk for more severe asthma. IL6 transsignaling may have a pathogenic role in the lung. PMID:22554704
Evidence for a Contribution of ALA Synthesis to Plastid-To-Nucleus Signaling

PubMed Central

Czarnecki, Olaf; Gläßer, Christine; Chen, Jin-Gui; Mayer, Klaus F. X.; Grimm, Bernhard

2012-01-01

The formation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis is widely controlled by environmental and metabolic feedback cues that determine the influx into the entire metabolic path. Because of its central role as the rate-limiting step, we hypothesized a potential role of ALA biosynthesis in tetrapyrrole-mediated retrograde signaling and exploited the direct impact of ALA biosynthesis on nuclear gene expression (NGE) by using two different approaches. Firstly, the Arabidopsis gun1, hy1 (gun2), hy2 (gun3), gun4 mutants showing uncoupled NGE from the physiological state of chloroplasts were thoroughly examined for regulatory modifications of ALA synthesis and transcriptional control in the nucleus. We found that reduced ALA-synthesizing capacity is common to analyzed gun mutants. Inhibition of ALA synthesis by gabaculine (GAB) that inactivates glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase and ALA feeding of wild-type and mutant seedlings corroborate the expression data of gun mutants. Transcript level of photosynthetic marker genes were enhanced in norflurazon (NF)-treated seedlings upon additional GAB treatment, while enhanced ALA amounts diminish these RNA levels in NF-treated wild-type in comparison to the solely NF-treated seedlings. Secondly, the impact of posttranslationally down-regulated ALA synthesis on NGE was investigated by global transcriptome analysis of GAB-treated Arabidopsis seedlings and the gun4-1 mutant, which is also characterized by reduced ALA formation. A common set of significantly modulated genes was identified indicating ALA synthesis as a potential signal emitter. The over-represented gene ontology categories of genes with decreased or increased transcript abundance highlight a few biological processes and cellular functions, which are remarkably affected in response to plastid-localized ALA biosynthesis. These results support the hypothesis that ALA biosynthesis correlates with retrograde signaling-mediated control of NGE
Finite size effect on hydrogen bond cooperativity in (Ala)n polypeptides: A DFT study using numeric atom-centered orbitals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blum, Volker; Ireta, Joel; Scheffler, Matthias

2007-03-01

An accurate representation of the energetic contribution Ehb of hydrogen bonds to structure formation is paramount to understand the secondary structure stability of proteins, both qualitatively and quantitatively. However, Ehb depends strongly on its environment, and even on the surrounding peptide conformation itself. For instance, a short α-helical polypeptide (Ala)4 can not be stabilized by its single hydrogen bond, whereas an infinite α-helical chain (Ala)∞ is clearly energetically stable over a fully extended conformation. We here use all-electron density functional calculations in the PBE generalized gradient approximation by a recently developed, computationally efficient numeric atom-centered orbital based code^1 to investigate this H-bond cooperativity that is intrinsic to Alanine-based polypeptides (Ala)n (n=1-20,∞). We compare finite and infinite prototypical helical conformations (α, π, 310) on equal footing, with both neutral and ionic termination for finite (Ala)n peptides. Moderately sized NAO basis sets allow to capture Ehb with meV accuracy, revealing a clear jump in Ehb (cooperativity) when two H-bonds first appear in line, followed by slower and more continuous increase of Ehb towards n->∞. ^1 V. Blum, R. Gehrke, P. Havu, V. Havu, M. Scheffler, The FHI Ab Initio Molecular Simulations (aims) Project, Fritz-Haber-Institut, Berlin (2006).
Delta-ALA urine test

MedlinePlus

... hours. Normal value ranges may vary slightly from one lab to another. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results Mean An increased level of urinary delta-ALA may ...
ALA-induced fluorescence in the canine oral cavity.

PubMed

Vaidyanathan, Vijay; Wiggs, Robert; Stohl, Josh; Baxi, Mehul

2006-06-01

We examined whether 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) could enhance the spectroscopic contrast between normal and diseased oral tissues, without prolonged photosensitivity. ALA is a promising photosensitizing agent. Adose of 25 mg/kg of ALA was administered intravenously to five dogs with gingivitis and three dogs with oral cancer, respectively. Fluorescence was recorded from the diseased sites in the oral cavity in addition to normal sites. ALA-induced proto-porphyrin IX fluorescence at all gingivitis sites reached a peak in 2-3 h and returned to baseline in 24 h. Fluorescence from the gingivitis site was observed earlier and was higher than the fluorescence from the normal site. For dogs with cancer, fluorescence from the cancerous sites occurred earlier in time compared to gingivitis sites and was comparatively higher in intensity. The fluorescence from the diseased sites was found to be higher than the normal site. Clinical and fluorescence data suggest that a dose of 25 mg/kg may be satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and would have minimal side effects.
Fluorescence-Guided Resection of Malignant Glioma with 5-ALA

PubMed Central

Kaneko, Sadahiro

2016-01-01

Malignant gliomas are extremely difficult to treat with no specific curative treatment. On the other hand, photodynamic medicine represents a promising technique for neurosurgeons in the treatment of malignant glioma. The resection rate of malignant glioma has increased from 40% to 80% owing to 5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic diagnosis (ALA-PDD). Furthermore, ALA is very useful because it has no serious complications. Based on previous research, it is apparent that protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulates abundantly in malignant glioma tissues after ALA administration. Moreover, it is evident that the mechanism underlying PpIX accumulation in malignant glioma tissues involves an abnormality in porphyrin-heme metabolism, specifically decreased ferrochelatase enzyme activity. During resection surgery, the macroscopic fluorescence of PpIX to the naked eye is more sensitive than magnetic resonance imaging, and the alert real time spectrum of PpIX is the most sensitive method. In the future, chemotherapy with new anticancer agents, immunotherapy, and new methods of radiotherapy and gene therapy will be developed; however, ALA will play a key role in malignant glioma treatment before the development of these new treatments. In this paper, we provide an overview and present the results of our clinical research on ALA-PDD. PMID:27429612

33 CFR 110.194 - Mobile Bay, Ala., at entrance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Mobile Bay, Ala., at entrance. 110.194 Section 110.194 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Anchorage Grounds § 110.194 Mobile Bay, Ala., at entrance. (a) The anchorage...
Ex-vivo absorption study of lysine R-lipoate salt, a new pharmaceutical form of R-ALA.

PubMed

Amenta, Francesco; Buccioni, Michela; Ben, Diego Dal; Lambertucci, Catia; Navia, Aleix Martí; Ngouadjeu Ngnintedem, Michael A; Ricciutelli, Massimo; Spinaci, Andrea; Volpini, Rosaria; Marucci, Gabriella

2018-06-15

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) oral supplements were used in many pathologies associated with increased oxidative stress. Although only R-ALA is considered the biologically active form, R,S-ALA is used in therapeutic applications even showing poor water solubility. The aim of this work was to study the absorption and transport mechanism across the intestinal barrier of new R-ALA stable and water soluble form, consisting in the lysine R-ALA salt, in presence and absence of specific inhibitors of Na + /multivitamin (SMVT) and monocarboxylic acids (MCT). The absorption of a new ALA form was investigated at rat everted sacs in comparison with R-ALA, S-ALA, and R,S-ALA. Results showed that duodenum is the best portion of intestine for ALA forms absorption. The absorption percentage of R-ALA, S-ALA, R,S-ALA, and lysine R-ALA salt was 66%, 43%, 55%, and 70%, respectively. The modest effect of the SMVT inhibitor biotin demonstrated that this transporter system is not principally involved in the absorption of lysine R-lipoate salt across the rat intestinal barrier. On the contrary, the MCT inhibitor octanoic acid significantly reduced the transport of this salt, whit an absorption decrease of R-ALA and lysine R-lipoate salt of 28% and 24%, respectively. Since the highest concentration of these inhibitors did not completely inhibit the absorption of lysine R-lipoate salt, other transport mechanisms probably operate for its intracellular delivery. The new form of ALA, lysine R-lipoate salt, was the most absorbed respect to the other ALA forms demonstrating that this compound is more suitable for oral administration. This new salt could represent a promising candidate for ALA oral supplementation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of ALA-induced PpIX as a photosensitizer for PDT in cats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucroy, Michael D.; Edwards, Benjamin F.; Peavy, George M.; Krasieva, Tatiana B.; Griffey, Stephen M.; Madewell, Bruce R.

1998-07-01

Given exogenously, ALA defeats intrinsic regulatory feedback mechanisms allowing intracellular accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), a highly efficient photosensitizer. In vivo, PpIX synthesis in neoplastic mammary tissues averages 20-fold higher than in normal mammary tissues. PpIX is retained intracellularly, unlike perivascular localization of other photosensitizers, and it is then cleared quickly from the body. In vitro, ALA induced PpIX production in our laboratory in 6 cell lines tested, including an established feline kidney cell line and dermal fibroblasts from primary skin biopsy explant, resulting in photosensitization. Fluorescent microscopy confirmed PpIX production in skin adnexae following ALA administration in a normal cat. To evaluate toxicity, three cats were treated with a single i.v. dose of ALA (either 100, 200, of 400 mg/kg) and followed for 7 days. Cats receiving 100 or 200 mg/kg ALA i.v. had elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin within 24 hours. Histopathology revealed hydropic changes in the liver and renal fibrosis. The cat receiving 400 mg/kg ALA intravenously had cutaneous flush, bradycardia and apnea associated with ALA administration; within 24 hours the cat was lethargic, anorectic and icteric. ALT, AST and bilirubin concentrations had increased significantly. At necropsy the liver had a prominent lobular pattern; histopathology revealed severe periportal hepatitis and splenic necrosis. Systemically administered ALA induces PpIX production, but toxicity may preclude its clinical application in the cat. PpIX levels seem to be more time dependent than those dependent at these three ALA doses and they are well beyond the saturation point for adequate PpIX conversion. The literature is scant regarding toxicity associated with parenteral administration of ALA.
In vivo study of ALA PLGA nanoparticles-mediated PDT for treating cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaojie; Shi, Lei; Huang, Zheng; Wang, Xiuli

2014-09-01

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer and its treatment is still a challenge. Although topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective for treating in situ and superficial SCC, the effectiveness of topical ALA delivery to thick SCC can be limited by its bioavailability. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid nanopartieles (PLGA NPs) might provide a promising ALA delivery strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ALA PLGA NPs PDT for the treatment of cutaneous SCC in a mouse model. Methods: ALA loaded PLGA NPs were prepared and characterized. The therapeutic efficacy of ALA PLGA NP mediated PDT in treating UV-induced cutaneous SCC in the mice model were examined. Results: In vivo study showed that ALA PLGA NPs PDT were more effective than free ALA of the same concentration in treating mouse cutaneous SCC. Conclusion: ALA PLGA NPs provides a promising strategy for delivering ALA and treating cutaneous SCC.
GIS-based accident location and analysis system (GIS-ALAS) : project report : phase I

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-04-06

This report summarizes progress made in Phase I of the geographic information system (GIS) based Accident Location and Analysis System (GIS-ALAS). The GIS-ALAS project builds on PC-ALAS, a locationally-referenced highway crash database query system d...
A study of parallelism of the occlusal plane and ala-tragus line.

PubMed

Sadr, Katayoun; Sadr, Makan

2009-01-01

Orientation of the occlusal plane is one of the most important clinical procedures in prostho-dontic rehabilitation of edentulous patients. The aim of this study was to define the best posterior reference point of ala-tragus line for orientation of occlusal plane for complete denture fabrication. Fifty-three dental students (27 females and 26 males) with complete natural dentition and Angel's Class I occlusal relationship were selected. The subjects were photographed in natural head position while clenching on a Fox plane. After tracing the photographs, the angles between the following lines were measured: the occlusal plane (Fox plane) and the superior border of ala-tragus, the occlusal plane (Fox plane) and the middle of ala-tragus as well as the occlusal plane (Fox plane) and the inferior border of ala-tragus. Descriptive statistics, one sample t-test and independent t-test were used. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. There was no parallelism between the occlusal plane and ala-tragus line with three different posterior ends and one sample t-test showed that the angles between them were significantly different from zero (p<0.05). However, the supe-rior border of ala-tragus line had the lowest mean angle, 1.80° (3.12) and was almost parallel to the occlusal plane. The superior border of the tragus is suggested as the posterior reference for ala-tragus line.
A Study of Parallelism of the Occlusal Plane and Ala-Tragus Line

PubMed Central

Sadr, Katayoun; Sadr, Makan

2009-01-01

Background and aims Orientation of the occlusal plane is one of the most important clinical procedures in prostho-dontic rehabilitation of edentulous patients. The aim of this study was to define the best posterior reference point of ala-tragus line for orientation of occlusal plane for complete denture fabrication. Materials and methods Fifty-three dental students (27 females and 26 males) with complete natural dentition and Angel’s Class I occlusal relationship were selected. The subjects were photographed in natural head position while clenching on a Fox plane. After tracing the photographs, the angles between the following lines were measured: the occlusal plane (Fox plane) and the superior border of ala-tragus, the occlusal plane (Fox plane) and the middle of ala-tragus as well as the occlusal plane (Fox plane) and the inferior border of ala-tragus. Descriptive statistics, one sample t-test and independent t-test were used. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results There was no parallelism between the occlusal plane and ala-tragus line with three different posterior ends and one sample t-test showed that the angles between them were significantly different from zero (p<0.05). However, the supe-rior border of ala-tragus line had the lowest mean angle, 1.80° (3.12) and was almost parallel to the occlusal plane. Conclusion The superior border of the tragus is suggested as the posterior reference for ala-tragus line. PMID:23230496
Substitution of the Lys Linker with the β-Ala Linker Dramatically Decreased the Renal Uptake of 99mTc-Labeled Arg-X-Asp-Conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-Conjugated α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Peptides

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the substitution of the Lys linker with the β-Ala could reduce the renal uptake of 99mTc-labeled Arg-X-Asp-conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptides. RSD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (1) {c[Arg-Ser-Asp-dTyr-Asp]-β-Ala-Cys-Cys-Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2}, RTD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (2), RVD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (3), RAD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (4), NAD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (5), and EAD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (6) peptides were synthesized and evaluated for their melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptor binding affinities in B16/F1 melanoma cells. The biodistribution of their 99mTc-conjugates were determined in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice. The substitution of the Lys linker with β-Ala linker dramatically reduced the renal uptake of all six 99mTc-peptides. 99mTc-4 exhibited the highest melanoma uptake (15.66 ± 6.19% ID/g) and the lowest kidney uptake (20.18 ± 3.86% ID/g) among these 99mTc-peptides at 2 h postinjection. The B16/F1 melanoma lesions could be clearly visualized by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT using 99mTc-4 as an imaging probe. PMID:25290883
Substitution of the Lys linker with the β-Ala linker dramatically decreased the renal uptake of 99mTc-labeled Arg-X-Asp-conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone peptides.

PubMed

Flook, Adam M; Yang, Jianquan; Miao, Yubin

2014-11-13

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the substitution of the Lys linker with the β-Ala could reduce the renal uptake of (99m)Tc-labeled Arg-X-Asp-conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptides. RSD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (1) {c[Arg-Ser-Asp-dTyr-Asp]-β-Ala-Cys-Cys-Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2}, RTD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (2), RVD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (3), RAD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (4), NAD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (5), and EAD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (6) peptides were synthesized and evaluated for their melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptor binding affinities in B16/F1 melanoma cells. The biodistribution of their (99m)Tc-conjugates were determined in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice. The substitution of the Lys linker with β-Ala linker dramatically reduced the renal uptake of all six (99m)Tc-peptides. (99m)Tc-4 exhibited the highest melanoma uptake (15.66 ± 6.19% ID/g) and the lowest kidney uptake (20.18 ± 3.86% ID/g) among these (99m)Tc-peptides at 2 h postinjection. The B16/F1 melanoma lesions could be clearly visualized by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT using (99m)Tc-4 as an imaging probe.
ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence in epileptogenic tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleen, Jonathan K.; Valdes, Pablo A.; Harris, Brent T.; Holmes, Gregory L.; Paulsen, Keith D.; Roberts, David W.

2011-03-01

Astrogliotic tissue displays markedly increased levels of ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence, making it useful for fluorescence-guided resection in glioma surgery. In patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and corresponding animal models, there are areas of astrogliosis that often co-localize with the epileptic focus, which can be resected to eliminate seizures in the majority of treated patients. If this epileptogenic tissue can exhibit PpIX fluorescence that is sufficiently localized, it could potentially help identify margins in epilepsy surgery. We tested the hypothesis that ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence could visually accentuate epileptogenic tissue, using an established animal model of chronic TLE. An acute dose of pilocarpine was used to induce chronic seizure activity in a rat. This rat and a normal control were given ALA, euthanized, and brains examined post-mortem for PpIX fluorescence and neuropathology. Preliminary evidence indicates increased PpIX fluorescence in areas associated with chronic epileptic changes and seizure generation in TLE, including the hippocampus and parahippocampal areas. In addition, strong PpIX fluorescence was clearly observed in layer II of the piriform cortex, a region known for epileptic reorganization and involvement in the generation of seizures in animal studies. We are further investigating whether ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence can consistently identify epileptogenic zones, which could warrant the extension of this technique to clinical studies for use as an adjuvant guidance technology in the resection of epileptic tissue.
Stimulation of respiratory changes in alae nasi length by chemoreceptor activation.

PubMed

Van Lunteren, E; Haxhiu, M A; Cherniack, N S

1986-03-01

Respiratory-related changes in length of the nasal dilator muscle, the alae nasi muscle, were measured using sonomicrometry in ten anesthetized (pentobarbital), tracheostomized, spontaneously breathing dogs. Piezoelectric crystals were inserted 7-25 mm apart along the direction of the alae nasi muscle fibers, and the effects of progressive hyperoxic hypercapnia and a peripheral and central chemoreceptor stimulant, nicotine (10-500 micrograms intravenously), were ascertained. The alae nasi shortened during inspiration in all animals, started to lengthen again towards the end of inspiration, returned to resting length during the first portion of expiration (Te-1), and remained at resting length for the remainder of expiration (Te-2). The amount of alae nasi inspiratory shortening was increased by occluding the airway for a single breath. Progressive hypercapnia caused progressive increases in the amount and velocity of nasal muscle inspiratory shortening during both unoccluded and occluded breaths; similar stimulatory effects on inspiratory shortening were seen following nicotine administration. Furthermore, both chemoreceptor stimulants caused a delay in the return of the muscle to its resting length during expiration, resulting in a significant increase in Te-1 relative to Te (Te-1/Te), and a greater amount of nasal muscle shortening to be present during Te-1. In some animals these agents also caused tonic shortening of the alae nasi, so that the muscle never returned to its resting length. These results suggest that inspiratory shortening of the alae nasi is inhibited by vagal inputs, but that chemoreceptor activation increases the amount of muscle shortening during both inspiration and early expiration.
Treating cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma using ALA PLGA nanoparticle-mediated photodynamic therapy in a mouse model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaojie; Shi, Lei; Tu, Qingfeng; Wang, Hongwei; Zhang, Haiyan; Wang, Peiru; Zhang, Linglin; Huang, Zheng; Wang, Xiuli; Zhao, Feng; Luan, Hansen

2015-03-01

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer and its treatment is still difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nanoparticle (NP)-assisted ALA delivery for topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cutaneous SCC. Methods: UV-induced cutaneous SCCs were established in hairless mice. ALA loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs were prepared and characterized. The kinetics of ALA PLGA NPs-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence in SCCs, therapeutic efficacy of ALA NP-mediated PDT, and immune responses were examined. Results: PLGA NPs could enhance PpIX production in SCC. ALA PLGA NP mediated topical PDT was more effective than free ALA of the same concentration in treating cutaneous SCC. Conclusion: PLGA NPs provide a promising strategy for delivering ALA in topical PDT of cutaneous SCC.
ALA-PDT mediated DC vaccine for skin squamous cell carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Jie; Fan, Zhixia; Zhou, Feifan; Wang, Xiaojie; Shi, Lei; Zhang, Haiyan; Wang, Peiru; Yang, Degang; Zhang, Linglin; Wang, Xiuli; Chen, Wei R.

2015-03-01

Dendritic cell (DC) based vaccine has emerged as a promising immunotherapy for cancers. However, most DC vaccines so far have only achieved limited success in cancer treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), an established cancer treatment strategy, can cause immunogenic apoptosis to induce an effective antitumor immune response. In this study, we developed a DC-based cancer vaccine using immunogenic apoptotic tumor cells induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) mediated PDT. The maturation of DCs induced by PDT-treated apoptotic cells was evaluated. The anti-tumor immunity of ALA-PDT-DC vaccine was tested with mouse model. We observed the maturations of DCs potentiated by ALA-PDT treated tumor cells, including phenotypic maturation (upregulation of surface expression of MHC-II, DC80, and CD86), and functional maturation (enhanced capability to secret INF-Υ and IL-12). ALA-PDT-DC vaccine mediated by apoptotic cells provided protection against tumor in mice, far stronger than that of DC vaccine obtained from freeze/thaw treated tumor cells. Our results indicate that immunogenic apoptotic tumor cells can be more effective in enhancing DC-based cancer vaccine, which could improve the clinical application of PDT- DC vaccines.
The role of DAMPS in ALA-PDT for skin squamous cell carcinoma (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiuli; Wang, Xiaojie; Ji, Jie; Zhang, Haiyan; Shi, Lei

2016-03-01

5-Aminolevulinic acid mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an established local approach for skin squamous cell carcinoma. It is believed that dangerous signals damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) play an important role in ALA-PDT. In this study, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo expressions of major DAMPs, calreticulin (CRT), heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), induced by ALA-PDT using immunohistochemistry, western blot, and ELISA in a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) mouse model. The role of DAMPs in the maturation of DCs potentiated by ALA-PDT-treated tumor cells was detected by FACS and ELISA. Our results showed that ALA-PDT enhanced the expression of CRT, HSP70, and HMGB1. These induced DAMPs played an important role in activating DCs by PDT-treated tumor cells, including phenotypic maturation (upregulation of surface expression of MHC-II, CD80, and CD86) and functional maturation (enhanced capability to secrete IFN-γ and IL-12). Furthermore, injecting ALA-PDT-treated tumor cells into naïve mice resulted in complete protection against cancer cells of the same origin. Our findings indicate that ALA-PDT can upregulate DAMPs and enhance tumor immunogenicity, providing a promising strategy for inducing a systemic anticancer immune response.
Application of 5-ALA for differential diagnostics of stomach diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okhotnikova, Natalja L.; Dadvany, Sergey A.; Kuszin, Michail I.; Kharnas, Sergey S.; Zavodnov, Victor Y.; Sklyanskaya, Olga A.; Loschenov, Victor B.; Volkova, Anna I.; Agafonov, Valery V.

2001-01-01

59 patients with stomach diseases including gastric cancer or polyp, gastritis, esofagus disease were investigated. Before gastroscopy all patients were given 5-ALA in doses 5mg, 10mg and 20mg per 1kg of body weight orally. Fluorescence diagnostics which estimates concentration of ALA-induced PPIX in regular and alternated tissues of gastric mucosa were carried out in 2-4 hours. Using of 5-ALA has shown high diagnostic effectiveness for differential diagnostics of stomach diseases. This technique has proved 10 diagnosis of cancer and revealed 15 malignant stomach diseases including 4 cancer in situ for patients with preliminary diagnosis of gastric ulcer. It also revealed 5 patients with enhanced fluorescence for which aimed biopsy has shown high degree of inflammation process. The latter were assigned as a risk group.
Latest results of 5-ALA-based fluorescence diagnosis and other medical disciplines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgartner, Reinhold

1999-02-01

Preclinical and clinical studies on 5-aminolevulinic acid (5- ALA) induced Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) are performed in various departments now following promising clinical results for the detection of bladder cancer in urology. This paper provides an overview on the progress of 5-ALA assisted fluorescence diagnosis in urology, pulmonology, neurosurgery, gynecology and ENT coordinated by the Laser Research Laboratory of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich. 5-ALA can be applied either topically or systematically to induce an intracellular accumulation of fluorescing PPIX. With appropriate dosage of 5-ALA, malignant tissue can be stained selectively, and irradiation with violet light excites a bright red fluorescence of the tumor visible with naked eyes. Optical properties of the tissue tend to hamper the precise identification and demarcation of suspect areas in fluorescence images. Multicolor remission and fluorescence imaging, therefore, should improve tumor localization in future.
Properties of myelin altered peptide ligand cyclo(87-99)(Ala91,Ala96)MBP87-99 render it a promising drug lead for immunotherapy of multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Deraos, George; Rodi, Maria; Kalbacher, Hubert; Chatzantoni, Kokona; Karagiannis, Fotios; Synodinos, Loukas; Plotas, Panayiotis; Papalois, Apostolos; Dimisianos, Nikolaos; Papathanasopoulos, Panagiotis; Gatos, Dimitrios; Tselios, Theodore; Apostolopoulos, Vasso; Mouzaki, Athanasia; Matsoukas, John

2015-08-28

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, and it has been established that autoreactive T helper (Th) cells play a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Myelin basic protein (MBP) epitopes are major autoantigens in MS, and the sequence MBP87-99 is an immunodominant epitope. We have previously reported that MBP87-99 peptides with modifications at principal T-cell receptor (TCR) contact sites suppressed the induction of EAE symptoms in rats and SJL/J mice, diverted the immune response from Th1 to Th2 and generated antibodies that did not cross react with the native MBP protein. In this study, the linear and cyclic analogs of the MBP87-99 epitope, namely linear (Ala91,Ala96)MBP87-99 (P2) and cyclo(87-99)(Ala91,Ala96)MBP87-99 (P3), were evaluated for their binding to HLA-DR4, stability to lysosomal enzymes, their effect on cytokine secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from MS patients or healthy subjects (controls), and their effect in rat EAE. P1 peptide (wild-type, MBP87-99) was used as control. P2 and P3 did not alter significantly the cytokine secretion by control PBMC, in contrast to P1 that induced moderate IL-10 production. In MS PBMC, P2 and P3 induced the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ, with a simultaneous decrease of IL-10, whereas P1 caused a reduction of IL-10 secretion only. The cellular response to P3 indicated that cyclization did not affect the critical TCR contact sites in MS PBMC. Interestingly, the cyclic P3 analog was found to be a stronger binder to HLA-DR4 compared to linear P2. Moreover, cyclic P3 was more stable to proteolysis compared to linear P2. Finally, both P2 and P3 suppressed EAE induced by an encephalitogenic guinea pig MBP74-85 epitope in Lewis rats whereas P1 failed to do so. In conclusion, cyclization of myelin altered peptide ligand (Ala91,Ala96)MBP87-99 improved binding affinity to HLA-DR4, resistance to proteolysis and antigen-specific immunomodulation
AlaScan: A Graphical User Interface for Alanine Scanning Free-Energy Calculations.

PubMed

Ramadoss, Vijayaraj; Dehez, François; Chipot, Christophe

2016-06-27

Computation of the free-energy changes that underlie molecular recognition and association has gained significant importance due to its considerable potential in drug discovery. The massive increase of computational power in recent years substantiates the application of more accurate theoretical methods for the calculation of binding free energies. The impact of such advances is the application of parent approaches, like computational alanine scanning, to investigate in silico the effect of amino-acid replacement in protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes, or probe the thermostability of individual proteins. Because human effort represents a significant cost that precludes the routine use of this form of free-energy calculations, minimizing manual intervention constitutes a stringent prerequisite for any such systematic computation. With this objective in mind, we propose a new plug-in, referred to as AlaScan, developed within the popular visualization program VMD to automate the major steps in alanine-scanning calculations, employing free-energy perturbation as implemented in the widely used molecular dynamics code NAMD. The AlaScan plug-in can be utilized upstream, to prepare input files for selected alanine mutations. It can also be utilized downstream to perform the analysis of different alanine-scanning calculations and to report the free-energy estimates in a user-friendly graphical user interface, allowing favorable mutations to be identified at a glance. The plug-in also assists the end-user in assessing the reliability of the calculation through rapid visual inspection.
An extension of the coevolution theory of the origin of the genetic code

PubMed Central

Di Giulio, Massimo

2008-01-01

Background The coevolution theory of the origin of the genetic code suggests that the genetic code is an imprint of the biosynthetic relationships between amino acids. However, this theory does not seem to attribute a role to the biosynthetic relationships between the earliest amino acids that evolved along the pathways of energetic metabolism. As a result, the coevolution theory is unable to clearly define the very earliest phases of genetic code origin. In order to remove this difficulty, I here suggest an extension of the coevolution theory that attributes a crucial role to the first amino acids that evolved along these biosynthetic pathways and to their biosynthetic relationships, even when defined by the non-amino acid molecules that are their precursors. Results It is re-observed that the first amino acids to evolve along these biosynthetic pathways are predominantly those codified by codons of the type GNN, and this observation is found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, the close biosynthetic relationships between the sibling amino acids Ala-Ser, Ser-Gly, Asp-Glu, and Ala-Val are not random in the genetic code table and reinforce the hypothesis that the biosynthetic relationships between these six amino acids played a crucial role in defining the very earliest phases of genetic code origin. Conclusion All this leads to the hypothesis that there existed a code, GNS, reflecting the biosynthetic relationships between these six amino acids which, as it defines the very earliest phases of genetic code origin, removes the main difficulty of the coevolution theory. Furthermore, it is here discussed how this code might have naturally led to the code codifying only for the domains of the codons of precursor amino acids, as predicted by the coevolution theory. Finally, the hypothesis here suggested also removes other problems of the coevolution theory, such as the existence for certain pairs of amino acids with an unclear biosynthetic relationship between
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) effects on subchorionic hematoma: preliminary clinical results.

PubMed

Porcaro, G; Brillo, E; Giardina, I; Di Iorio, R

2015-09-01

The clinic use of alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is linked to its capability to exert antioxidant effects and, more interestingly, to counteract the pathologic changes of complex networks of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, restoring their physiological state. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to test the contribution of oral supplementation of ALA to the standard treatment with Progesterone vaginal suppositories, in healing subchorionic hematomas in patients with threatened miscarriage. Controls were administered only Progesterone suppositories. Nineteen pregnant women in the first trimester of gestation, with threatened miscarriage and ultrasound evidence of subchorionic hematoma, were included in the trial and randomly divided in two groups: controls, treated with 400 mg Progesterone (200 mg 2 times per day), given by vaginal suppositories, and case study treated with the same Progesterone dosage, plus ALA, given orally at the dose of 600 mg (300 mg 2 times per day, DAV®, Lo.Li. Pharma srl, Italy). Sixteen patients completed the trial. Treatment was performed until complete resolution of the clinical picture. In both groups, the subjects improved significantly but, in general, a better and faster evolution in the major signs of threatened miscarriage was observed in the subjects treated with ALA and Progesterone. In these patients, the speed of resorption of subchorionic hematoma was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) superior compared to controls. The ALA and Progesterone group showed a faster decrease or disappearance of all symptoms than that observed in the control group, however the difference was not significant. These preliminary results suggest that ALA supplementation significantly contributes to speed up the process of restoration of physiological conditions in threatened miscarriage and ameliorates the medical conditions of both the mothers and the foetus, probably modulating the networks of cytokines, growth factors and other

Glacier lake outburst floods caused by glacier shrinkage: case study of Ala-Archa valley, Kyrgyz Ala Too, northern Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrakov, D.; Erochin, S. A.; Harbor, J.; Ivanov, M.; Rogozhina, I.; Stroeven, A. P.; Usubaliev, R.

2012-12-01

Changes in glacier extent and runoff in Central Asia increase socio-economic stress and may result in political conflict between donors of freshwater (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) and recipients of freshwater (Uzbekistan, China). Glaciers in the Pamir and Tian Shan regions have experienced an unprecedented downwasting due to regional climate changes over the past decades. This is because air temperature increases are in some areas accompanied by a decrease in precipitation. Such conditions have already resulted in a reduction of glacier runoff, especially in the northern and western Tian Shan, and an increase of the number and area of glacial lakes in Kyrgyzstan. Even though glacial lakes in the mountains are in general relatively small and located far from densely populated areas, their outbursts often produce destructive debris flows. Such debris flows are especially common in Kyrgyzstan because of its steep river channels and abundance of Holocene and Quaternary glacier deposits that can be remobilized. The glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in the Shakhimardan river catchment in 1999, for example, resulted in 100 fatalities in Uzbekistan, and the GLOF from the Zyndan glacial lake led to substantial economic losses in 2009. According to the latest inventory, there are more than 350 glacial lakes in Kyrgyzstan of which about 70 occur in the Kyrgyz Ala Too. The Ala-Archa valley is among the most important glacierized catchments in Kyrgyzstan. Despite the presence of a relatively small glacier-covered area of 36 km2, the Ala-Archa river is of critical importance to the Bishkek area, its agriculture, and its population which currently exceeds one million. GLOFs are therefore a threat to both numerous settlements of touristic value in the Ala-Archa headwaters and to Bishkek. The Teztor lake in the Adygene catchment of the Ala-Archa river system experienced an outburst during 1988 and 2005. On the early morning of July 31, 2012, this lake began draining through a dam
5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) Alleviated Salinity Stress in Cucumber Seedlings by Enhancing Chlorophyll Synthesis Pathway.

PubMed

Wu, Yue; Jin, Xin; Liao, Weibiao; Hu, Linli; Dawuda, Mohammed M; Zhao, Xingjie; Tang, Zhongqi; Gong, Tingyu; Yu, Jihua

2018-01-01

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a common precursor of tetrapyrroles as well as a crucial growth regulator in higher plants. ALA has been proven to be effective in improving photosynthesis and alleviating the adverse effects of various abiotic stresses in higher plants. However, little is known about the mechanism of ALA in ameliorating the photosynthesis of plant under abiotic stress. In this paper, we studied the effects of exogenous ALA on salinity-induced damages of photosynthesis in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings. We found that the morphology (plant height, leave area), light utilization capacity of PS II [qL, Y(II)] and gas exchange capacity (Pn, gs, Ci, and Tr) were significantly retarded under NaCl stress, but these parameters were all recovered by the foliar application of 25 mg L -1 ALA. Besides, salinity caused heme accumulation and up-regulation of gene expression of ferrochelatase ( HEMH ) with suppression of other genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis pathway. Exogenously application of ALA under salinity down-regulated the heme content and HEMH expression, but increased the gene expression levels of glutamyl-tRNA reductase ( HEMA1 ), Mg-chelatase ( CHLH ), and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase ( POR ). Moreover, the contents of intermediates involved in chlorophyll branch were increased by ALA, including protoporphyrin IX (Proto IX), Mg-protoporphyrin IX (Mg-Proto IX, protochlorophyllide (Pchlide), and chlorophyll (Chl a and Chl b ) under salt stress. Ultrastructural observation of mesophyll cell showed that the damages of photosynthetic apparatus under salinity were fixed by ALA. Collectively, the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway was enhanced by exogenous ALA to improve the tolerance of cucumber under salinity.
SLC6A3 coding variant Ala559Val found in two autism probands alters dopamine transporter function and trafficking.

PubMed

Bowton, E; Saunders, C; Reddy, I A; Campbell, N G; Hamilton, P J; Henry, L K; Coon, H; Sakrikar, D; Veenstra-VanderWeele, J M; Blakely, R D; Sutcliffe, J; Matthies, H J G; Erreger, K; Galli, A

2014-10-14

Emerging evidence associates dysfunction in the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) with the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The human DAT (hDAT; SLC6A3) rare variant with an Ala to Val substitution at amino acid 559 (hDAT A559V) was previously reported in individuals with bipolar disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We have demonstrated that this variant is hyper-phosphorylated at the amino (N)-terminal serine (Ser) residues and promotes an anomalous DA efflux phenotype. Here, we report the novel identification of hDAT A559V in two unrelated ASD subjects and provide the first mechanistic description of its impaired trafficking phenotype. DAT surface expression is dynamically regulated by DAT substrates including the psychostimulant amphetamine (AMPH), which causes hDAT trafficking away from the plasma membrane. The integrity of DAT trafficking directly impacts DA transport capacity and therefore dopaminergic neurotransmission. Here, we show that hDAT A559V is resistant to AMPH-induced cell surface redistribution. This unique trafficking phenotype is conferred by altered protein kinase C β (PKCβ) activity. Cells expressing hDAT A559V exhibit constitutively elevated PKCβ activity, inhibition of which restores the AMPH-induced hDAT A559V membrane redistribution. Mechanistically, we link the inability of hDAT A559V to traffic in response to AMPH to the phosphorylation of the five most distal DAT N-terminal Ser. Mutation of these N-terminal Ser to Ala restores AMPH-induced trafficking. Furthermore, hDAT A559V has a diminished ability to transport AMPH, and therefore lacks AMPH-induced DA efflux. Pharmacological inhibition of PKCβ or Ser to Ala substitution in the hDAT A559V background restores AMPH-induced DA efflux while promoting intracellular AMPH accumulation. Although hDAT A559V is a rare variant, it has been found in multiple probands with neuropsychiatric disorders associated with imbalances in DA neurotransmission
The Caenorhabditis elegans interneuron ALA is (also) a high-threshold mechanosensor

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background To survive dynamic environments, it is essential for all animals to appropriately modulate their behavior in response to various stimulus intensities. For instance, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans suppresses the rate of egg-laying in response to intense mechanical stimuli, in a manner dependent on the mechanosensory neurons FLP and PVD. We have found that the unilaterally placed single interneuron ALA acted as a high-threshold mechanosensor, and that it was required for this protective behavioral response. Results ALA was required for the inhibition of egg-laying in response to a strong (picking-like) mechanical stimulus, characteristic of routine handling of the animals. Moreover, ALA did not respond physiologically to less intense touch stimuli, but exhibited distinct physiological responses to anterior and posterior picking-like touch, suggesting that it could distinguish between spatially separated stimuli. These responses required neither neurotransmitter nor neuropeptide release from potential upstream neurons. In contrast, the long, bilaterally symmetric processes of ALA itself were required for producing its physiological responses; when they were severed, responses to stimuli administered between the cut and the cell body were unaffected, while responses to stimuli administered posterior to the cut were abolished. Conclusion C. elegans neurons are typically classified into three major groups: sensory neurons with specialized sensory dendrites, interneurons, and motoneurons with neuromuscular junctions. Our findings suggest that ALA can autonomously sense intense touch and is thus a dual-function neuron, i.e., an interneuron as well as a novel high-threshold mechanosensor. PMID:24341457
The Caenorhabditis elegans interneuron ALA is (also) a high-threshold mechanosensor.

PubMed

Sanders, Jarred; Nagy, Stanislav; Fetterman, Graham; Wright, Charles; Treinin, Millet; Biron, David

2013-12-17

To survive dynamic environments, it is essential for all animals to appropriately modulate their behavior in response to various stimulus intensities. For instance, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans suppresses the rate of egg-laying in response to intense mechanical stimuli, in a manner dependent on the mechanosensory neurons FLP and PVD. We have found that the unilaterally placed single interneuron ALA acted as a high-threshold mechanosensor, and that it was required for this protective behavioral response. ALA was required for the inhibition of egg-laying in response to a strong (picking-like) mechanical stimulus, characteristic of routine handling of the animals. Moreover, ALA did not respond physiologically to less intense touch stimuli, but exhibited distinct physiological responses to anterior and posterior picking-like touch, suggesting that it could distinguish between spatially separated stimuli. These responses required neither neurotransmitter nor neuropeptide release from potential upstream neurons. In contrast, the long, bilaterally symmetric processes of ALA itself were required for producing its physiological responses; when they were severed, responses to stimuli administered between the cut and the cell body were unaffected, while responses to stimuli administered posterior to the cut were abolished. C. elegans neurons are typically classified into three major groups: sensory neurons with specialized sensory dendrites, interneurons, and motoneurons with neuromuscular junctions. Our findings suggest that ALA can autonomously sense intense touch and is thus a dual-function neuron, i.e., an interneuron as well as a novel high-threshold mechanosensor.
Ala397Asp mutation of myosin VIIA gene segregating in a Spanish family with type-Ib Usher syndrome.

PubMed

Espinós, C; Millán, J M; Sánchez, F; Beneyto, M; Nájera, C

1998-06-01

In the current study, 12 Spanish families affected by type-I Usher syndrome, that was previously linked to chromosome 11q, were screened for the presence of mutations in the N-terminal coding portion of the motor domain of the myosin VIIA gene by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of the first 14 exons. A mutation (Ala397Asp) segregating with the disease was identified, and several polymorphisms were also detected. It is presumed that the other USHIB mutations in these families could be located in the unscreened regions of the gene.
Improve efficacy of topical ALA-PDT by calcipotriol through up-regulation of coproporphyrinogen oxidase.

PubMed

Yang, Deng-Fu; Chen, Jia-Haur; Chiang, Chun-Pin; Huang, Zheng; Lee, Jeng-Woei; Liu, Chung-Ji; Chang, Junn-Liang; Hsu, Yih-Chih

2014-09-01

Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (topical ALA-PDT) is effective for treating oral precancerous lesions. The aim of this in vivo and in vitro study was to examine whether the efficacy of topical ALA-PDT could be further improved by calcipotriol (CAL). Precancerous lesions in the buccal pouch of hamsters were induced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Lesions were treated with multiple topical ALA-PDT with or without CAL pretreatment. ALA-induced protoporphyrine IX (PpIX) was monitored by in situ fluorescence measurement. The effect of CAL on heme-related enzymes (CPOX, PPOX, and FECH) were examined in an in vitro model using human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells (SCC4, SAS) using Western blots. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that PpIX reached its peak level in precancerous epithelial cells of buccal pouch at 2.5 or 3.5h without or with CAL pretreatment, respectively. Both treatment regimens showed similar response rates, but the complete response was achieved after 5 times of ALA-PDT and 3 times of CAL-ALA-PDT (p<0.001). Pretreatment of SCC cells with 10(-8) or 10(-7)M CAL could result in a significant cell death (p<0.05) and an elevation of CPOX protein level. Topical CAL can improve the efficacy of ALA-PDT in treating precancerous lesions, likely through the increase in CPOX level and in PpIX production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Vibrational and chiroptical spectroscopic characterization of gamma-turn model cyclic tetrapeptides containing two beta-Ala residues.

PubMed

Vass, Elemér; Majer, Zsuzsa; Kohalmy, Krisztina; Hollósi, Miklós

2010-08-01

The optical spectroscopic characterization of gamma-turns in solution is uncertain and their distinction from beta-turns is often difficult. This work reports systematic ECD and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopic studies on gamma-turn model cyclic tetrapeptides cyclo(Ala-beta-Ala-Pro-beta-Ala) (1), cyclo(Pro-beta-Ala-Pro-beta-Ala) (2) and cyclo(Ala-beta-Ala-Ala-beta-Ala) (3). Conformational analysis performed at the 6-31G(d)/B3LYP level of theory using an adequate PCM solvent model predicted one predominant conformer for 1-3, featuring two inverse gamma-turns. The ECD spectra in ACN of 1 and 2 are characterized by a negative n-->pi* band near 230 nm and a positive pi-->pi* band below 200 nm with a long wavelength shoulder. The ECD spectra in TFE of 1-3 show similar spectra with blue-shifted bands. The VCD spectra in ACN-d(3) of 1 and 2 show a +/-/+/- amide I sign pattern resulting from four uncoupled vibrations in the case of 1 and a sequence of two positive couplets in the case of 2. A -/+/+/- amide I VCD pattern was measured for 3 in TFE-d(2). All three peptides give a positive couplet or couplet-like feature (+/-) in the amide II region. VCD spectroscopy, in agreement with theoretical calculations revealed that low frequency amide I vibrations (at approximately 1630 cm(-1) or below) are indicative of a C(7) H-bonded inverse gamma-turns with Pro in position 2, while gamma-turns encompassing Ala absorb at higher frequency (above 1645 cm(-1)). Copyright 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
5-ALA photopreparation using pulsed NIR enhances skin fluorescence via temperature-independent cell signaling pathways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barolet, Augustin C.; Cormack, Gregory; Barolet, Daniel

2018-02-01

The effect of near infrared light (940 nm) on the conversion of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to PpIX, a compound involved in photodynamic therapy (PDT), was examined. The back skin of three test subjects was irradiated with continuous wavelength and pulsed infrared light at 940 nm. These irradiations took place 50-53, 24-29, and 8-14 hours prior to the application of the 5-ALA. After a three-hour incubation period with 5-ALA, a FluoDerm™device was used to measure the fluorescence of the skin (emitting wavelength: 400-420 nm; measuring excitation wavelength: 610-720 nm), a direct indication of the activity of 5-ALA. 5-ALA must penetrate the skin and then be converted to PpIX before any fluorescence increase can be observed. Results: For two patients (one was disqualified), the continuous wavelength, 50 hour pre-irradiation condition, the FluoDerm readings showed a 19 to 23% increase in fluorescence (p = 0.05) compared to the no-irradiation, 5-ALA only control.
Controlled self-assembling structures of ferrocene-dipeptide conjugates composed of Ala-Pro-NHCH2CH2SH chain.

PubMed

Moriuchi, Toshiyuki; Nishiyama, Taiki; Tayano, Yoshiki; Hirao, Toshikazu

2017-12-01

Bioorganometallic ferrocene-dipeptide conjugates with the Ala-Pro-cysteamine chain, Fc-L-Ala-L-Pro-NHCH 2 CH 2 SH (2) and Fc-L-Ala-D-Pro-NHCH 2 CH 2 SH (4) (Fc=ferrocenoyl), were prepared by the reduction of the ferrocene-dipeptide conjugates, Fc-L-Ala-L-Pro-cystamine-L-Pro-L-Ala-Fc (1) or Fc-L-Ala-D-Pro-cystamine-D-Pro-L-Ala-Fc (3), respectively. Control of the self-assembling structures of the ferrocene-dipeptide conjugates was demonstrated by changing the chirality of the amino acid. The molecular structure of 2 composed of the L-Ala-L-Pro-NHCH 2 CH 2 SH chain confirmed the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond of N-H⋯N pattern between the NH of cysteamine moiety and the nitrogen of Pro moiety. Furthermore, intermolecular hydrogen bonds between NH (Ala) and CO (Pro of another molecule) and between NH (cysteamine) and CO (the ferrocenoyl moiety of another molecule) were formed, wherein each molecule is connected to four neighboring molecules by continuous intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form the hydrogen-bonded molecular assembling structure. On the contrary, the left-handed helical assembly through an intermolecular hydrogen-bonding network of 15-membered intermolecularly hydrogen-bonded ring between NH (Ala) and CO (the ferrocenoyl moiety of another molecule) and between NH (the cysteamine moiety of another molecule) and CO (Ala) was observed in the crystal packing of 4 composed of the L-Ala-D-Pro-NHCH 2 CH 2 SH chain. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Surviving the Tremors: ALA in San Francisco.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson Library Bulletin, 1992

1992-01-01

Reports on the American Library Association (ALA) 1992 Annual Conference. Highlights include awards given; libraries' futures; bibliographic instruction; NREN (National Research and Education Network); telecommunications; lack of status in librarianship; proposed guidelines for patron behavior; interlibrary loan; the Americans with Disabilities…
Topical application of ALA PDT for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiu-Li; Wang, Hong-Wei; Zhang, Ling-Lin; Su, Lina; Guo, Ming-Xia; Huang, Zheng

2009-06-01

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)- medicated photodynamic therapy (ALA PDT) for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Methods: Sixteen Chinese patients with moderate to severe facial acne were treated with 1-3 courses of ALA PDT. ALA cream (3%) was freshly prepared and applied to acne lesions for 3-4 h. The lesions were irradiated by a 635 nm diode laser at dose levels of 60 - 80 J/cm2 at 100 mW/cm2. Clinical assessments were conducted before and after treatment up to 3 months. Results: All patents showed response to ALA PDT. Complete clearance was seen in 10 patients (62.5%) and partial clearance in 6 patients (37.5%). One case showed recurrence after complete clearance at 2 months and another two showed recurrence after complete clearance at 3 months. However, the number of new lesions were significantly reduced. Adverse effects were minimal. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary clinical study is encouraging. ALA PDT is a simple, safe and useful therapeutic option for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. Further studies to evaluate the treatment with a larger number of patients and for a longer period of follow-up are needed.
The 1993 AIA/ALA Building Award Recipients.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, Karen

1993-01-01

Describes the eight library buildings that won the 1993 Awards of Excellence for Library Architecture from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) including one adaptive reuse, four expansions, two new buildings, and one temporary building. (EAM)
Combination therapies in adjuvant with topical ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy for DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch premalignant lesions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Deng-Fu; Hsu, Yih-Chih

2012-03-01

In Taiwan, oral cancer has becomes the fastest growth male cancer disease due to the betel nut chewing habit combing with smoking and alcohol-drinking lifestyle of people. In order to eliminate the systemic phototoxic effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), this study was designed to use a topical ALA-mediated PDT for treatment of DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch precancerous lesions. DMBA was applied to one of the buccal pouches of hamsters thrice a week for 10 to 12 weeks. Cancerous lesions were induced and proven by histological examination. These DMBA-induced cancerous lesions were used for testing the efficacy of topical ALA-mediated PDT. Before PDT, fluorescence spectroscopy was used to determine when ALA reached its peak level in the lesional epithelial cells after topical application of ALA gel. We found that ALA reached its peak level in precancerous lesions about 2.5 hrs after topical application of ALA gel. The cancerous lesions in hamsters were then treated with topical ALA -mediated PDT with light exposure dose of 150 J/cm2 using LED 635 nm fiber-guided light device. Visual examination demonstrated that adjuvant topical ALA -mediated PDT group has shown better therapeutic results in compared to those of non-adjuvant topical ALA-mediated PDT group for DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch precancerous lesions.
New developments in fluorescence detection of ALA-induced protoporphyrin IX for cancer localization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepp, Herbert G.; Baumgartner, Reinhold; Betz, Christian; Bise, Karl; Brand, P.; Gamarra, Fernando; Haeussinger, Karl; Hillemanns, Peter; Huber, Rudolf M.; Knuechel, Ruth; Kriegmair, M.; Leunig, Andreas; Pichler, J.; Rick, Kai; Schulz, H.; Stanzel, F.; Stocker, Susanne; Wagner, Simon; Weigandt, H.

1997-12-01

After the very promising clinical results for the detection of bladder cancer in urology, preclinical and clinical studies on aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) are preformed in various disciplines now. This paper provides a brief overview of the progress on 5-ALA assisted fluorescence diagnosis in urology, pulmonology, neurosurgery, gynecology and ENT performed in collaboration with the Laser Research Laboratory at the Department of Urology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich. Five-ALA can be applied either topically or systemically to induce an intracellular accumulation of fluorescing PPIX. With appropriate dosage of 5-ALA, malignant tissue can be stained selectively, and irradiation with violet light excites a bright red fluorescence of the tumor. Optical properties of the tissue tend to hamper the precise identification and demarcation of suspect areas in fluorescence images. Multicolor remission and fluorescence imaging, therefore, seems to be indispensable for a reliable tumor localization.
PPARγ2Pro12Ala Polymorphism and Human Health

PubMed Central

He, Weimin

2009-01-01

The nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is an important transcription factor regulating adipocyte differentiation, lipid and glucose homeostasis, and insulin sensitivity. Numerous genetic mutations of PPARγ have been identified and these mutations positively or negatively regulate insulin sensitivity. Among these, a relatively common polymorphism of PPARγ, Pro12Ala of PPARγ2, the isoform expressed only in adipose tissue has been shown to be associated with lower body mass index, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and resistance to the risk of type 2 diabetes in human subjects carrying this mutation. Subsequent studies in different ethnic populations, however, have revealed conflicting results, suggesting a complex interaction between the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and environmental factors such as the ratio of dietary unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids and/or between the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and genetic factors such as polymorphic mutations in other genes. In addition, this polymorphic mutation in PPARγ2 is associated with other aspects of human diseases, including cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome, Alzheimer disease and aging. This review will highlight findings from recent studies. PMID:19390629
Scavengers modifying the phototoxicity induced by ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Adriana; Perotti, Christian; Fukuda, Haydee; Batlle, Alcira

2001-04-01

The exogenously stimulated formation of intracellularly generated Protoporphyrin IX, a precursor of heme, is becoming one of the fastest developing areas in the field of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). We have examined the degree of protection of several scavengers, aminoacids and compounds related to glutathione metabolism, to the photodamage induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated PDT, employing the LM2 cell line, derived from a mammary murine adenocarcinoma. We have exposed the cells to different concentrations of the scavengers, 24 before PDT, during PDT, and 19 hr after treatment. We defined the protection grade (PG) as the ratio between cell survival after ALA-PDT treatment in the presence of the protector and cell survival after ALA-PDT treatment. We found that L-tryptophan (PG=8.3 at 2mM), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (PG= 7.9 at 30 mM), L-cysteine (PG=7.81 at 8mM), S-adenosyl-L-methionine (PG= 7.86 at 8mM), melatonin (PG=6.81 at 8mM) and glycine (PG=6.8 at 40 mM) are the best protectors to PDT damage, followed by L-methionine (PG=4.38 at 0.8 mM), mannitol (PG=2.32 at 2 mM) and reduced glutathione (PG=3.41 at 0.8 mM), whereas oxidized glutathione does not exert any protection. The implications of these results in the photodamage induced by ALA-PDT is discussed.
Harnessing cellular differentiation to improve ALA-based photodynamic therapy in an artificial skin model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maytin, Edward; Anand, Sanjay; Sato, Nobuyuki; Mack, Judith; Ortel, Bernhard

2005-04-01

During ALA-based photodynamic therapy (PDT), a pro-drug (aminolevulinic acid; ALA) is taken up by tumor cells and metabolically converted to a photosensitizing intermediate (protoporphyrin IX; PpIX). ALA-based PDT, while an emerging treatment modality, remains suboptimal for most cancers (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma of the skin). Many treatment failures may be largely due to insufficient conversion of ALA to PpIX within cells. We discovered a novel way to increase the conversion of ALA to PpIX, by administering agents that can drive terminal differentiation (i.e., accelerate cellular maturation). Terminally-differentiated epithelial cells show higher levels of intracellular PpIX, apparently via increased levels of a rate-limiting enzyme, coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO). To study these mechanisms in a three-dimensional tissue, we developed an organotypic model that mimics true epidermal physiology in a majority of respects. A line of rat epidermal keratinocytes (REKs), when grown in raft cultures, displays all the features of a fully-differentiated epidermis. Addition of ALA to the culture medium results in ALA uptake and PpIX synthesis, with subsequent death of keratinocytes upon exposure to blue light. Using this model, we can manipulate cellular differentiation via three different approaches. (1) Vitamin D, a hormone that enhances keratinocyte differentiation; (2) Hoxb13, a nuclear transcription factor that affects the genetically-controlled differentiation program of stratifying cells (3) Hyaluronan, an abundant extracellular matrix molecule that regulates epidermal differentiation. Because the raft cultures contain only a single cell type (no blood, fibroblasts, etc.) the effects of terminal differentiation upon CPO, PpIX, and keratinocyte cell death can be specifically defined.
Bacterial resistance to vancomycin: overproduction, purification, and characterization of VanC2 from Enterococcus casseliflavus as a D-Ala-D-Ser ligase.

PubMed

Park, I S; Lin, C H; Walsh, C T

1997-09-16

The VanC phenotype for clinical resistance of enterococci to vancomycin is exhibited by Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus casseliflavus. Based on the detection of the cell precursor UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid pentapeptide intermediate terminating in D-Ala-D-Ser instead of D-Ala-D-Ala, it has been predicted that the VanC ligase would be a D-Ala-D-Ser rather than a D-Ala-D-Ala ligase. Overproduction of the E. casseliflavus ATCC 25788 vanC2 gene in Escherichia coli and its purification to homogeneity allowed demonstration of ATP-dependent D-Ala-D-Ser ligase activity. The kcat/Km2 (Km2 = Km for D-Ser or C-terminal D-Ala) ratio for D-Ala-D-Ser/D-Ala-D-Ala dipeptide formation is 270/0.69 for a 400-fold selection against D-Ala in the C-terminal position. VanC2 also has substantial D-Ala-D-Asn ligase activity (kcat/Km2 = 74 mM-1min-1).
ALA-PDT of the normal rat esophagus: efficiency and safety largely depends on the timing of illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Boogert, Jolanda; de Bruin, Ron W. F.; van Staveren, Hugo J.; Siersema, Peter D.; van Hillegersberg, Richard

1999-02-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an experimental treatment modality for (pre)malignant oesophageal lesions. 5- Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)- mediated photo-sensitization could be very useful as ALA- induced porphrin accumulation selectively occurs in the oesophageal epithelium. The present study aimed to optimize the time between illumination and the administration of ALA. 200 mg/kg ALA was given orally to 24 rats (allocated to 6 groups of 4 animals each). Four animals served as controls and received phosphate buffered saline orally. The animals were illuminated at various time-points (either 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 12 hours) after ALA administration. Illumination was performed with a cylindrical diffuser placed in a balloon catheter. The device was originally made for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and consisted of a semi-flexible catheter and an inflatable cylindric optically clear balloon. The diffuser was placed centrally in the catheter. The same illumination parameters (633 nm, 25 J radiant energy/cm diffuser, power output 100 mW/cm diffuser) were used for each animal. During illumination, fluorescence measurements and light dosimetry were performed. The animals were sacrificed at 48 hours after PDT for histological assessment. Highest PpIX fluorescence was found at 2, 3, and 4 hours after ALA administration. Dosimetric measurements showed a 2 - 3 times higher in vivo fluence rate compared to the estimated fluence rate. Histology at 48 hours after PDT showed diffuse epithelial damage at the laser site only in rats illuminated at 2 hours after ALA administration. Illumination at 3, 4, and 6 hours after ALA administration resulted in diffuse epithelial damage in only one of four rats. In none of the rats illuminated at 1 and 12 hours after administration of ALA epithelial damage was found. These results show that illumination at 2 hours after oral ALA administration provides an efficient and safe scheme for ALA-PDT in the

D2-Thr92Ala, thyroid hormone levels and biochemical hypothyroidism in preeclampsia.

PubMed

Procopciuc, Lucia Maria; Caracostea, Gabriela; Hazi, Georgeta; Nemeti, Georgiana; Stamatian, Florin

2017-02-01

To identify if there is a relationship between the deiodinase D2-Thr92Ala genetic variant, thyroid hormone levels and biochemical hypothyroidism in preeclampsia. We genotyped 125 women with preeclampsia and 131 normal pregnant women using PCR-RFLP. Serum thyroid hormone levels were determined using ELISA. Our study showed higher TSH and FT4 levels and lower FT3 levels in women with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant women, with statistical significance for women with mild and severe preeclampsia. The risk to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), mild or severe preeclampsia was increased in carriers of at least one D2-Ala92 allele. TSH and FT4 levels were significantly higher and FT3 levels were significantly lower in preeclamptic women with severe preeclampsia if they carried the D2-Ala92 allele compared to non-carriers. Pregnant women with PIH and mild preeclampsia, carriers of at least one D2-Ala92 allele, delivered at lower gestational age neonates with a lower birth weight compared to non-carriers, but the results were statistically significant only in severe preeclampsia. The D2-Thr92Ala genetic variant is associated with the severity and the obstetric outcome of preeclampsia, and it also influences thyroid hormone levels. The study demonstrates non-thyroidal biochemical hypothyroidism - as a result of deiodination effects due to D2 genotypes.
Shark island pedicle flap for repair of combined nasal ala-perialar defects.

PubMed

Cvancara, Joseph L; Wentzell, J Michael

2006-05-01

The combined nasal ala-perialar defect involving the concave intersection of the lateral nasal ala, nasal sidewall, cheek, and upper cutaneous lip is a problem for reconstructive surgery. During repair of combined cheek and nose defects, it is important not to blunt the alar facial sulcus. Defects involving these adjacent cosmetic units can be repaired by using combination procedures such as a flap/graft. Our purpose is to introduce, describe, and illustrate a one-stage flap repair descriptively named the "shark" island pedicle flap (SIPF). The SIPF was developed for a specific combined nasal ala-perialar defect. This reconstruction restores the natural contours, preserves cosmetic boundaries, and eliminates the need for pexing sutures and graft/flap combinations. The SIPF is an island pedicle flap with a superior arm that rotates 90 degrees into the wound. This arm repairs the alar portion of the defect. The advancing island pedicle flap repairs the alar facial sulcus. The 90 degrees rotation of the superior arm forces the alar portion of the flap to tilt 90 degrees relative to the remaining body of the flap, forming an inverted cone of redundancy. Natural re-creation of the lateral ala and the alar facial sulcus results. Illustrative examples with a descriptive technique are provided for the SIPF. A well-planned SIPF reconstruction can provide exceptional cosmetic and functional results. Cutaneous reconstructive surgeons will find the SIPF useful and reproducible in their armamentarium for single-stage aesthetic and functional repair of a specific combined lateral ala-adjacent perialar tissue defect.
Using the ALA's "Evaluating Library Instruction" (1996).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roselle, Ann

1997-01-01

Using a multi-method approach--student and faculty surveys and a comparison of bibliographies from senior nursing students--to evaluate the Information Literacy Skills Program at the University of Botswana, this study found that information about the impact of instruction can be discovered through more open-ended questions; the ALA's…
The complex filling of alae crater, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Swanson, D.A.; Duffield, W.A.; Jackson, D.B.; Peterson, D.W.

1972-01-01

Since February 1969 Alae Crater, a 165-m-deep pit crater on the east rift of Kilauea Volcano, has been completely filled with about 18 million m3 of lava. The filling was episodic and complex. It involved 13 major periods of addition of lava to the crater, including spectacular lava falls as high as 100 m, and three major periods of draining of lava from the crater. Alae was nearly filled by August 3, 1969, largely drained during a violent ground-cracking event on August 4, 1969, and then filled to the low point on its rim on October 10, 1969. From August 1970 to May 1971, the crater acted as a reservoir for lava that entered through subsurface tubes leading from the vent fissure 150 m away. Another tube system drained the crater and carried lava as far as the sea, 11 km to the south. Much of the lava entered Alae by invading the lava lake beneath its crust and buoying the crust upward. This process, together with the overall complexity of the filling, results in a highly complicated lava lake that would doubtless be misinterpreted if found in the fossil record. ?? 1972 Stabilimento Tipografico Francesco Giannini & Figli.
THE FUNDUS PHENOTYPE ASSOCIATED WITH THE p.Ala243Val BEST1 MUTATION.

PubMed

Khan, Kamron N; Islam, Farrah; Moore, Anthony T; Michaelides, Michel

2018-03-01

To describe a highly recognizable and reproducible retinal phenotype associated with a specific BEST1 mutation-p.Ala243Val. Retrospective review of consecutive cases where genetic testing has identified p.Ala243Val BEST1 as the cause of disease. Electronic patient records were used to extract demographic, as well as functional and anatomical data. These data were compared with those observed with the most common BEST1 genotype, p.Arg218Cys. Eight individuals (six families) were identified with the p.Ala243Val BEST1 mutation and seven patients with the pathologic variant p.Arg218Cys. No patients with mutation of codon 243 knowingly had a family history of retinal disease, whereas all patients with the p.Arg218Cys variant did. The maculopathy was bilateral in all cases. The p.Ala243Val mutation was associated with a pattern dystrophy-type appearance, most visible with near-infrared reflectance and fundus autofluorescence imaging. This phenotype was never observed with any other genotype. This mutation was associated with an older median age of symptom onset (median = 42, interquartile range = 22) compared with those harboring the p.Arg218Cys mutation (median = 18, interquartile range = 12; Mann-Whitney U test; P < 0.05). Despite their older age, the final recorded acuity seemed to be better in the p.Ala243Val group (median = 0.55, interquartile range = 0.6475; median = 0.33, interquartile range = 0.358), although this did not reach statistical significance (Mann-Whitney U test; P > 0.05). The mutation p.Ala243Val is associated with highly recognizable and reproducible pattern dystrophy-like phenotype. Patients develop symptoms at a later age and tend to have better preservation of electrooculogram amplitudes.
ALA 2010: Where to Eat in DC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Library Journal, 2010

2010-01-01

As host to visitors and transplants from around the world, Washington, DC, benefits from the constant infusion of different cultures. Although most neighborhoods lack a unified culinary flavor, make no mistake: DC is a city of distinctive areas, each with its own style, ensuring that hungry American Library Association (ALA) 2010 conference…
Pro12Ala PPAR γ2 gene polymorphism in PCOS women: the role of compounds regulating satiety.

PubMed

Bidzińska-Speichert, Bożena; Lenarcik, Agnieszka; Tworowska-Bardzińska, Urszula; Slęzak, Ryszard; Bednarek-Tupikowska, Grażyna; Milewicz, Andrzej

2012-03-01

Five to ten percent of women of reproductive age suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Leptin, NPY, galanin, cholecystokinin (CCK) are involved in the regulation of eating behavior. PPARγ are receptors that are probably involved in hyperandrogenism. This study was designed to assess associations between the Pro12Ala PPARγ2 gene polymorphism and satiety factors in PCOS. Fifty-four PCOS women and 51 healthy women were studied. Leptin, NPY, galanin, CCK levels, and genetic studies to detect Pro12Ala PPARγ2 gene polymorphism were assessed. The leptin levels in the PCOS women carrying Pro12Ala genotype were higher than in those with Pro12Pro and Ala12Ala. The PCOS women had higher leptin and NPY levels and lower galanin levels. Obese PCOS patients had lower CCK levels. In the PCOS women, a single Ala allele may have a protective role as far as hyperleptinemia is concerned. The PCOS women may reveal a disrupted central leptin/NPY feedback loop with some shifts in food intake.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodiagnosis (PD) using endogenous photosensitization induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA): current clinical and development status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcus, Stuart L.; Sobel, Russel S.; Golub, Allyn L.; Carroll, Ronald L.; Lundahl, Scott L.; Shulman, D. Geoffrey

1996-04-01

Exogenous provision of ALA to many tissues results in the accumulation of sufficient quantities of the endogenous photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX, (PpIX), to produce a photodynamic effect. Therefore, ALA may be considered the only current PDT agent in clinical development which is a biochemical precursor of a photosensitizer. Topical ALA application, followed by exposure to activating light (ALA PDT), has been reported effective for the treatment of a variety of dermatologic diseases including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, superficial basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, and actinic (solar) keratoses, and is also being examined for treatment of acne and hirsutism. PpIX induced by ALA application also may serve as a fluorescence detection marker for photodiagnosis (PD) of malignant and pre- malignant conditions of the urinary bladder and other organs. Local internal application of ALA has also been used for selective endometrial ablation in animal model systems and is beginning to be examined in human clinical studies. Systemic, oral administration of ALA has been used for ALA PDT of superficial head and neck cancer, various gastrointestinal cancers, and the condition known as Barrett's esophagus. This brief paper reviews the current clinical and development status of ALA PDT.
Potentiation of ALA-PDT antitumor activity in mice using topical DMXAA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrero, Allison; Sunar, Ulas; Sands, Theresa; Oseroff, Allan; Bellnier, David

2009-06-01

Photodynamic treatment of subcutaneously implanted Colon 26 tumors in BALB/c mice using the aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) was shown to be enhanced by the addition of the vascular disrupting agent 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic-acid (DMXAA; Novartis ASA404). DMXAA increases vascular permeability and decreases blood flow in both murine and human tumors. Sufficiently high parenteral DMXAA doses can lead to tumor collapse and necrosis. We have previously reported marked enhancement of antitumor activity when PDT, using either Photofrin or HPPH, is combined with low-dose intraperitoneal DMXAA. We now describe the first attempt to combine topically-applied DMXAA with PDT. For this, DMXAA was applied two hours before PpIX-activating light delivery. PDT with ALA-PDT alone (ALA 20%; 80 J/cm2 delivered at 75 mW/cm2) caused a 39% decrease in tumor volume compared to unirradiated controls. Addition of topical DMXAA to ALA-PDT resulted in a 74% reduction in tumor volume. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), a non-invasive blood flow imaging method, is being used to understand the mechanism of this effect and to aid in the proper design of the therapy. For instance, our most recent DCS data suggests that the 2-hour interval between the DMXAA and light applications may not be optimum. This preliminary study suggests a potential role for topical DMXAA in combination with PDT for dermatologic tumors.
Fluorescence spectroscopy of gastrointestinal tumors using δ-ALA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisova, E. G.; Vladimirov, B. G.; Angelov, I. G.; Avramov, L. A.

2007-03-01

In the recent study delta-aminolevulinic acid/Protoporphyrin IX (δ-ALA/PpIX) is used as fluorescent marker for dysplasia and tumor detection in esophagus and stomach. The δ-ALA is administered per os six hours before measurements at dose 20mg/kg weight. High-power light-emitting diode at 405 nm is used as an excitation source. Special opto-mechanical device is built to use the light guide of standard video-endoscopic system (Olimpus Corp.). Through endoscopic instrumental channel a fiber is applied to return information about fluorescence to microspectrometer (USB4000, OceanOptics Inc.). The fluorescence detected from tumor sites has very complex spectral origins. It consists of autofluorescence, fluorescence from exogenous fluorophores and re-absorption from the chromophores accumulated in the tissue investigated. Mucosa autofluorescence lies at 450-600 nm region. The fluorescence of PpIX is clearly pronounced at the 630-710 nm region. Deep minima in the tumor fluorescence signals are observed in the region 540-575 nm, related to hemoglobin re-absorption. Such high hemoglobin content is an indication of the tumors neovascularisation and it is clearly pronounced in all dysplastic and tumor sites investigated. The lack of fluorescence peaks in the red spectral area for normal mucosa is an indication for selective accumulation of δ-ALA/PpIX only in abnormal sites and gives high contrast when lesion borders are determined from clinicians during video observation in the process of diagnostic procedure. Very good correlation between fluorescence signals and histology examination results of the lesions investigated is achieved.
Association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 and inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhi-Feng; Yang, Ning; Zhao, Gang; Zhu, Lei; Wang, Li-Xia

2012-01-01

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a nuclear receptor, has been implicated playing a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, previous studies evaluating the association between the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and IBD are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala mutation was associated with the presence of IBD. Electronic databases were searched for case-control studies evaluating the association between the Pro12Ala mutation and the presence of IBD. Effects were summarized with the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. A total of 7 studies including 1002 ulcerative colitis (UC) cases, 1090 Crohǹs disease (CD) cases and 1983 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, no significant association of this polymorphism with UC or CD was found. In the subgroup analyses in different populations, AlaAla genotype seemed to protect the European Caucasian population against the development of CD (Pro vs Ala: OR = 1.135, 95%CI = 0.951-1.354, P = 0.162, Bon = 1.000; ProPro vs ProAla: OR = 1.042, 95%CI = 0.852-1.273, P = 0.690, Bon = 1.000; ProPro vs AlaAla: OR = 2.379, 95%CI = 1.110-5.100, P = 0.026, Bon = 0.156; ProAla vs AlaAla: OR = 2.315, 95%CI = 1.064-5.037, P = 0.034, Bon = 0.204; Pro homozygotes vs Ala positives: OR = 1.094, 95%CI = 0.899-1.330, P = 0.371, Bon = 1.000; Pro positives vs Ala homozygotes: OR = 2.360, 95%CI = 1.103-5.053, P = 0.027, Bon = 0.162; heterozygotes vs all homozygotes: OR = 0.976, 95%CI = 0.799-1.192, P = 0.809, Bon = 1.000). There was no significant association of this polymorphism with UC or CD in the East Asian population and the Turkish population. AlaAla genotype may be a protective factor in the European Caucasian population against the development of CD in a recessive way.
Lifelong imbalanced LA/ALA intake impairs emotional and cognitive behavior via changes in brain endocannabinoid system

PubMed Central

Zamberletti, Erica; Piscitelli, Fabiana; De Castro, Valentina; Murru, Elisabetta; Gabaglio, Marina; Colucci, Paola; Fanali, Chiara; Prini, Pamela; Bisogno, Tiziana; Maccarrone, Mauro; Campolongo, Patrizia; Banni, Sebastiano; Rubino, Tiziana; Parolaro, Daniela

2017-01-01

Imbalanced dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFA content has been associated with a number of neurological conditions. Endocannabinoids are n-6 PUFA derivatives, whose brain concentrations are sensitive to modifications of fatty acid composition of the diet and play a central role in the regulation of mood and cognition. As such, the endocannabinoid system appears to be an ideal candidate for mediating the effects of dietary fatty acids on mood and cognition. Lifelong administration of isocaloric α-linolenic acid (ALA)-deficient and -enriched diets induced short-term memory deficits, whereas only dietary ALA enrichment altered emotional reactivity in adult male rats compared with animals fed a standard diet that was balanced in ALA/linoleic acid (LA) ratio. In the prefrontal cortex, both diets reduced 2-AG levels and increased MAG lipase expression, whereas only the enriched diet reduced AEA levels, simultaneously increasing FAAH expression. In the hippocampus, an ALA-enriched diet decreased AEA content and NAPE-PLD expression, and reduced 2-AG content while increasing MAG lipase expression. These findings highlight the importance of a diet balanced in fatty acid content for normal brain functions and to support a link between dietary ALA, the brain endocannabinoid system, and behavior, which indicates that dietary ALA intake is a sufficient condition for altering the endocannabinoid system in brain regions modulating mood and cognition. PMID:27903595
Basic principles of fluorescence detection with use of 5-ALA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgartner, Reinhold; Stepp, Herbert G.

2000-06-01

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been proven to induce selective accumulation of flourescent Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in many types of malignant tissue. According to the target to treatment different routes of topical and systemical application of 5-ALA can be chosen. They include techniques like inhalation, installation and rinsing. For fluorescence detection a lamp based system have been developed in the laser-Forschungslabor in Munich together with Storz company. By skillful balancing of excitation filter centered around 400 nm and the observation filter with transmission above 450 nm images with high color contrast can be obtained. The universal application of the D-LIGHT could be demonstrated in different clinical disciplines like urology, neurosurgery, ENT clinic, gynecology and others.
Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism in lead exposed Bangladeshi children and its effect on urinary aminolevulinic acid (ALA)

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

Tasmin, Saira, E-mail: rimzim1612@yahoo.com; Furusawa, Hana; Ahmad, Sk. Akhtar

Background and objective: Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant. People in developing countries like Bangladesh still have a higher risk of lead exposure. Previous research has suggested that the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) genotype can modify lead toxicity and individual susceptibility. As children are more susceptible to lead-induced toxicity, this study investigated whether the ALAD genotype influenced urinary excretion of delta-aminolevulinic acid (U-ALA) among children exposed to environmental lead in Bangladesh. Methods: Subjects were elementary schoolchildren from a semi-urban industrialized area in Bangladesh. A total of 222 children were studied. Blood and urine were collected tomore » determine ALAD genotypes, blood lead levels and urinary aminolevulinic acid (U-ALA). Results: The mean BPb level was 9.7 µg/dl for the study children. BPb was significantly positively correlated with hemoglobin (p<0.01). In total, allele frequency for ALAD 1 and 2 was 0.83 and 0.17 respectively. The mean U-ALA concentration was lower in ALAD1-2/2-2 carriers than ALAD1-1 carriers for boys (p=0.001). But for girls, U-ALA did not differ significantly by genotype (p=0.26). When U-ALA was compared by genotype at the same exposure level in a multiple linear regression analysis, boys who were ALAD1-2/2-2 carriers still had a lower level of U-ALA compared to ALAD1-1carriers. Conclusion: This study provides information about the influence of ALAD polymorphism and its association with U-ALA in Bangladeshi children. Our results indicate that the ALAD1-2/2-2 genotype may have a protective effect in terms of U-ALA for environmentally lead exposed boys. - Highlights: • High blood lead level for the environmentally exposed schoolchildren. • BPb was significantly correlated with U-ALA and Hb. • Effect of ALAD genotype on U-ALA is differed by sex. • Lower U-ALA in ALAD2 than ALAD1 carriers only for boys at same exposure.« less
Evidence for greater oxidative substrate flexibility in male carriers of the Pro 12 Ala polymorphism in PPARgamma2.

PubMed

Thamer, C; Haap, M; Volk, A; Maerker, E; Becker, R; Bachmann, O; Machicao, F; Häring, H U; Stumvoll, M

2002-03-01

The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) gene is associated with reduced type 2 diabetes risk and increased insulin sensitivity. It is possible that the oxidative shift from lipid to glucose as a fuel is more efficient in Ala allele carriers. To test this hypothesis, we examined carbohydrate and lipid oxidation by indirect calorimetry in lean, glucose tolerant subjects with (X/Ala, n = 25) and without the Pro12Ala polymorphism (Pro/Pro, n = 73) basally and after insulin stimulation during a 2-hour eugylcaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Insulin sensitivity was non-significantly greater in X/Ala (0.13 +/- 0.01 micromol/kg/min/pM) than in Pro/Pro (0.12 +/- 0.01 micromol/kg/min/pM, p = 0.27). Basally, there were no lipid nor carbohydrate oxidation differences between the groups. Interestingly, the decrease in lipid oxidation during insulin stimulation was significantly greater in male X/Ala (- 0.51 +/- 0.06 mg/kg/min) than in male Pro/Pro (- 0.35 +/- 0.04 mg/kg/min, p = 0.03). No difference was observed in females. Analogously, the change in carbohydrate oxidation in male X/Ala (1.34 +/- 0.2 mg/kg/min) was significantly greater than in male Pro/Pro (1.03 +/- 0.12 mg/kg/min, p = 0.05). The respiratory quotient increased more, but not significantly more, in male X/Ala (0.11 +/- 0.01) than in male Pro/Pro subjects (0.08 +/- 0.01, p = 0.08) but similarly in females. These results indicate that the mechanism by which the Ala allele improves insulin sensitivity might involve enhanced suppression of lipid oxidation permitting more efficient (predominantly non-oxidative) glucose disposal. It is unclear why this could be demonstrated only in males, although gender differences in substrate oxidation are well documented.
Association between the Pro12Ala Polymorphism of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma 2 and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Zhao, Gang; Zhu, Lei; Wang, Li-Xia

2012-01-01

Background Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a nuclear receptor, has been implicated playing a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, previous studies evaluating the association between the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and IBD are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether the PPARγ2 Pro12Ala mutation was associated with the presence of IBD. Methods and Findings Electronic databases were searched for case-control studies evaluating the association between the Pro12Ala mutation and the presence of IBD. Effects were summarized with the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. A total of 7 studies including 1002 ulcerative colitis (UC) cases, 1090 Crohǹs disease (CD) cases and 1983 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, no significant association of this polymorphism with UC or CD was found. In the subgroup analyses in different populations, AlaAla genotype seemed to protect the European Caucasian population against the development of CD (Pro vs Ala: OR = 1.135, 95%CI = 0.951–1.354, P = 0.162, Bon = 1.000; ProPro vs ProAla: OR = 1.042, 95%CI = 0.852–1.273, P = 0.690, Bon = 1.000; ProPro vs AlaAla: OR = 2.379, 95%CI = 1.110–5.100, P = 0.026, Bon = 0.156; ProAla vs AlaAla: OR = 2.315, 95%CI = 1.064–5.037, P = 0.034, Bon = 0.204; Pro homozygotes vs Ala positives: OR = 1.094, 95%CI = 0.899–1.330, P = 0.371, Bon = 1.000; Pro positives vs Ala homozygotes: OR = 2.360, 95%CI = 1.103–5.053, P = 0.027, Bon = 0.162; heterozygotes vs all homozygotes: OR = 0.976, 95%CI = 0.799–1.192, P = 0.809, Bon = 1.000). There was no significant association of this polymorphism with UC or CD in the East Asian population and the Turkish population. Conclusion AlaAla genotype may be a protective factor in the European Caucasian population against the
Comparsion of light dose on topical ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy for DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch premalignant lesions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Deng-Fu; Tseng, Meng-Ke; Liu, Chung-Ji; Hsu, Yih-Chih

2012-03-01

Oral cancer has becomes the most prominent male cancer disease due to the local betel nut chewing habit combing with smoking and alcohol-drinking lifestyle. In order to minimize the systemic phototoxic effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), this study was designed to use a topical ALA-mediated PDT for treatment of DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch cancerous lesions. DMBA was applied to one of the buccal pouches of hamsters thrice a week for 8 to 10 weeks. Precancerous lesions were induced and proven by histological examination. These DMBA-induced cancerous lesions were used for testing the efficacy of topical ALA -mediated PDT. We found that ALA reached its peak level in cancerous lesions about 2.5 hrs after topical application of ALA gel. The precancerous lesions in hamsters were then treated with topical ALA -mediated PDT with light exposure dose of 75 and 100 J/cm2 using LED 635 nm Wonderlight device. It is suggesting that optimization of the given light dose is critical to the success of PDT results.
Association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene and strength athlete status.

PubMed

Maciejewska-Karlowska, Agnieszka; Sawczuk, Marek; Cieszczyk, Pawel; Zarebska, Aleksandra; Sawczyn, Stanislaw

2013-01-01

The 12Ala allele of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma gene (PPARG) Pro12Ala polymorphism produces a decreased binding affinity of the PPARγ2 protein, resulting in low activation of the target genes. The 12Ala allele carriers display a significantly improved insulin sensitivity that may result in better glucose utilisation in working skeletal muscles. We hypothesise that the PPARG 12Ala allele could be associated with strength athlete status in Polish athletes. The genotype distribution of PPARG Pro12Ala was examined in 660 Polish athletes. The athletes were stratified into four subgroups: endurance, strength-endurance, sprint-strength and strength. Control samples were prepared from 684 unrelated sedentary volunteers. A χ(2) test was used to compare the PPARG Pro12Ala allele and genotype frequencies between the different groups of athletes and control subjects. Bonferroni's correction for multiple testing was applied. A statistically significant higher frequency of PPARG 12Ala alleles was observed in the subgroup of strength athletes performing short-term and very intense exertion characterised by predominant anaerobic energy production (13.2% vs. 7.5% in controls; P = 0.0007). The PPARG 12Ala allele may be a relevant genetic factor favouring strength abilities in professional athletes, especially in terms of insulin-dependent metabolism, a shift of the energy balance towards glucose utilisation and the development of a favourable weight-to-strength ratio.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Kucukgoncu, S; Zhou, E; Lucas, K B; Tek, C

2017-05-01

Obesity is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Even modest weight loss may be associated with health benefits. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant. Studies have suggested anti-obesity properties of ALA; however, results are inconsistent. The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of the effect of ALA on weight and body mass index (BMI). A comprehensive, systematic literature search identified 10 articles on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving ALA. We conducted a meta-analysis of mean weight and BMI change differences between ALA and placebo treatment groups. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment coincided with a statistically significant 1.27 kg (confidence interval = 0.25 to 2.29) greater mean weight loss compared with the placebo group. A significant overall mean BMI difference of -0.43 kg/ m 2 (confidence interval = -0.82 to -0.03) was found between the ALA and placebo groups. Meta-regression analysis showed no significance in ALA dose on BMI and weight changes. Study duration significantly affected BMI change, but not weight change. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment showed small, yet significant short-term weight loss compared with placebo. Further research is needed to examine the effect of different doses and the long-term benefits of ALA on weight management. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.
Characterization of the Ala62Pro polymorphic variant of human cytochrome P450 1A1 using recombinant protein expression

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

Lee, Seung Heon; Kang, Sukmo; Dong, Mi Sook

2015-06-15

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 is a heme-containing enzyme involved in detoxification of hydrophobic pollutants. Its Ala62Pro variant has been identified previously. Ala62 is located in α-helix A of CYP1A1. Residues such as Pro and Gly are α-helix breakers. In this study, the Ala62Pro variant was characterized using heterologous expression. E. coli expressing the Ala62Pro variant, and the purified variant protein, had lower CYP (i.e. holoenzyme) contents than their wild-type (WT) equivalents. The CYP variant from E. coli and mammalian cells exhibited lower 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation (EROD) and benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylation activities than the WT. Enhanced supplementation of a heme precursor during E.more » coli culture did not increase CYP content in E. coli expressing the variant, but did for the WT. As for Ala62Pro, E. coli expressing an Ala62Gly variant had a lower CYP content than the WT counterpart, but substitution of Ala62 with α-helix-compatible residues such as Ser and Val partially recovered the level of CYP produced. Microsomes from mammalian cells expressing Ala62Pro and Ala62Gly variants exhibited lower EROD activities than those expressing the WT or Ala62Val variant. A region harboring α-helix A has interactions with another region containing heme-interacting residues. Site-directed mutagenesis analyses suggest the importance of interactions between the two regions on holoenzyme expression. Together, these findings suggest that the Ala62Pro substitution leads to changes in protein characteristics and function of CYP1A1 via structural disturbance of the region where the residue is located. - Highlights: • Ala62 is located in α-helix A of the carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme CYP1A1. • Pro acts as an α-helix breaker. • A variant protein of CYP1A1, Ala62Pro, had lower heme content than the wild-type. • The variant of CYP1A1 had lower enzyme activities than the wild-type.« less

ALA-PDT elicits oxidative damage and apoptosis in UVB-induced premature senescence of human skin fibroblasts.

PubMed

Zhou, Bing-Rong; Zhang, Li-Chao; Permatasari, Felicia; Liu, Juan; Xu, Yang; Luo, Dan

2016-06-01

5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) has been used for the treatment of skin photoaging. It can significantly improve the appearance of fine lines, dotted pigmentation, and roughness of photoaged skin. However, the mechanisms by which ALA-PDT yields rejuvenating effects on photoaged skin have not been well elucidated. Thus, in this study we explored the effects of ALA-PDT in photoaged fibroblasts. We established a stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model by repeated exposures of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Cells were irradiated by red light laser at 635nm wavelength (50mW/cm(2)). Intracellular protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) was detected by confocal microscopy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) change were detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Morphological changes were observed by optical microscopy. Proliferative activity was measured by a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell apoptosis was detected by fluorescence microscopy using Hoechst staining and flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium Iodide double staining. Intracellular PpIX fluorescence in UVB-induced premature senescent HDFs (UVB-SIPS-HDFs) reached the highest intensity after incubation with 1.00mmol/L ALA for 6h (P<0.05). Compared with control group, intracellular ROS level, MMP, and apoptotic rate were increased (P<0.05) and proliferative activity was decreased (P<0.05) in UVB-SIPS-HDFs treated with ALA-PDT, which were positively correlated to ALA incubation time and red light laser dose. Our study demonstrated that ALA-PDT elicits oxidative damage and apoptosis in photoaged fibroblasts in vitro, which may be the basis for the rejuvenating effects on photoaged skin. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Lifelong imbalanced LA/ALA intake impairs emotional and cognitive behavior via changes in brain endocannabinoid system.

PubMed

Zamberletti, Erica; Piscitelli, Fabiana; De Castro, Valentina; Murru, Elisabetta; Gabaglio, Marina; Colucci, Paola; Fanali, Chiara; Prini, Pamela; Bisogno, Tiziana; Maccarrone, Mauro; Campolongo, Patrizia; Banni, Sebastiano; Rubino, Tiziana; Parolaro, Daniela

2017-02-01

Imbalanced dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFA content has been associated with a number of neurological conditions. Endocannabinoids are n-6 PUFA derivatives, whose brain concentrations are sensitive to modifications of fatty acid composition of the diet and play a central role in the regulation of mood and cognition. As such, the endocannabinoid system appears to be an ideal candidate for mediating the effects of dietary fatty acids on mood and cognition. Lifelong administration of isocaloric α-linolenic acid (ALA)-deficient and -enriched diets induced short-term memory deficits, whereas only dietary ALA enrichment altered emotional reactivity in adult male rats compared with animals fed a standard diet that was balanced in ALA/linoleic acid (LA) ratio. In the prefrontal cortex, both diets reduced 2-AG levels and increased MAG lipase expression, whereas only the enriched diet reduced AEA levels, simultaneously increasing FAAH expression. In the hippocampus, an ALA-enriched diet decreased AEA content and NAPE-PLD expression, and reduced 2-AG content while increasing MAG lipase expression. These findings highlight the importance of a diet balanced in fatty acid content for normal brain functions and to support a link between dietary ALA, the brain endocannabinoid system, and behavior, which indicates that dietary ALA intake is a sufficient condition for altering the endocannabinoid system in brain regions modulating mood and cognition. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
RNAi-mediated silencing of hepatic Alas1 effectively prevents and treats the induced acute attacks in acute intermittent porphyria mice.

PubMed

Yasuda, Makiko; Gan, Lin; Chen, Brenden; Kadirvel, Senkottuvelan; Yu, Chunli; Phillips, John D; New, Maria I; Liebow, Abigail; Fitzgerald, Kevin; Querbes, William; Desnick, Robert J

2014-05-27

The acute hepatic porphyrias are inherited disorders of heme biosynthesis characterized by life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks. Factors that induce the expression of hepatic 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) result in the accumulation of the neurotoxic porphyrin precursors 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG), which recent studies indicate are primarily responsible for the acute attacks. Current treatment of these attacks involves i.v. administration of hemin, but a faster-acting, more effective, and safer therapy is needed. Here, we describe preclinical studies of liver-directed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting Alas1 (Alas1-siRNAs) in a mouse model of acute intermittent porphyria, the most common acute hepatic porphyria. A single i.v. dose of Alas1-siRNA prevented the phenobarbital-induced biochemical acute attacks for approximately 2 wk. Injection of Alas1-siRNA during an induced acute attack significantly decreased plasma ALA and PBG levels within 8 h, more rapidly and effectively than a single hemin infusion. Alas1-siRNA was well tolerated and a therapeutic dose did not cause hepatic heme deficiency. These studies provide proof-of-concept for the clinical development of RNA interference therapy for the prevention and treatment of the acute attacks of the acute hepatic porphyrias.
Desleucyl-Oritavancin with a Damaged d-Ala-d-Ala Binding Site Inhibits the Transpeptidation Step of Cell-Wall Biosynthesis in Whole Cells of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Joon; Singh, Manmilan; Sharif, Shasad; Schaefer, Jacob

2017-03-14

We have used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance to characterize the exact nature of the dual mode of action of oritavancin in preventing cell-wall assembly in Staphylococcus aureus. Measurements performed on whole cells labeled selectively in vivo have established that des-N-methylleucyl-N-4-(4-fluorophenyl)benzyl-chloroeremomycin, an Edman degradation product of [ 19 F]oritavancin, which has a damaged d-Ala-d-Ala binding aglycon, is a potent inhibitor of the transpeptidase activity of cell-wall biosynthesis. The desleucyl drug binds to partially cross-linked peptidoglycan by a cleft formed between the drug aglycon and its biphenyl hydrophobic side chain. This type of binding site is present in other oritavancin-like glycopeptides, which suggests that for these drugs a similar transpeptidase inhibition occurs.
Impact of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ2 gene on diabetes and obesity in a highly consanguineous population

PubMed Central

Bener, Abdulbari; Zirie, M; Al-Hamaq, AOAA; Nawaz, Z; Samson, N; Mohammad, R

2015-01-01

Background: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor subfamily of transcription factors. It has been reported that they play important roles in obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out among 764 Qatari patients with diabetes and 764 healthy subjects above 20 years of age at Primary Healthcare Clinics (PHCs) from January 2011 to December 2012. Face-to-face interviews were based on a questionnaire that included variables such as age, sex, sociodemographic status, body mass index (BMI) and other clinical parameters. The Pro12Ala in the PPARγ2 gene was detected on the LightCycler using two specific probes. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed. Results: The study revealed that in the diabetes group, Pro/(10.2% vs 9.4%; P = 0.606) and Ala/Ala (1.4% vs 0.9%; P = 0.343) were higher than in controls, whereas Pro/Pro (88.4% vs 89.7%;P = 0.413) was lower in diabetes patients, but no significant difference was observed among the genotype groups. In obese patients with diabetes, Pro/Pro (89% vs 89.9%;P = 0.792) and Pro/Ala (8.9% vs 10.1%;P = 0.671) were lower than in obese healthy subjects. No homozygous Ala/Ala was found in obese healthy subjects, whereas 6 Ala/Ala homozygotes were in obese diabetes group. But in diabetes group, obese patients had higher homozygous of Pro/Pro (89.3% vs 87.8%;P = 0.523) and Ala/Ala (1.8% vs 1.2%;P = 0.771) compared to non-obese patients. Conclusion: The current study did not reveal an association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR γ2 gene and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Qatari's population. PMID:25593831
ALA PDT for high grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus: review of a decade's experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bown, Stephen G.; Mackenzie, Gary D.; Dunn, Jason M.; Thorpe, Sally M.; Lovat, Laurence B.

2009-06-01

We have been investigating PDT with 5 aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) for the treatment of high grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's oesophagus (BO) for over a decade. This drug has inherent advantages over porfimer sodium (Photofrin), the current approved photosensitiser in the UK and USA, which causes strictures in 18-50% and light sensitivity for up to three months. ALA has a lower rate of oesophageal strictures due to its preferential activity in the mucosa, sparing the underlying muscle, and patients are only light sensitive for 1-2 days. Within a randomised controlled trial, we demonstrated that an ALA dose of 60mg/kg activated by 1000J/cm red laser light is the most effective. Using these values we achieved complete reversal of HGD at 1 year in 89% of 27 patients. A randomised controlled trial of ALA vs porfimer sodium PDT for HGD is currently under way with end points of efficacy and safety. 50 of 66 patients have been recruited. Preliminary data suggest ALA PDT is safer with a trend to higher efficacy. Late relapse can occur in 20% of patients. New prognostic markers, in particular aneuploidy, are helping us to identify and target patients at risk of late relapse. Furthermore optical biopsy techniques such as elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) may allow detection of nuclear abnormalities in vivo and enable us to target areas of interest whilst reducing sampling error. PDT faces new challenges for the treatment of HGD in BO, with the recent introduction of balloon based radiofrequency ablation. This technique appears simpler and as effective as PDT, but follow up is currently short and long term safety data is lacking. In our experience ALA PDT is currently the most effective minimally invasive treatment for HGD in BO. This work was undertaken at UCLH/UCL who received a proportion of funding from the Department of Health's NIHR Biomedical Research Centres funding scheme.
ALA 2010 Midwinter Meeting: The Price to Participate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, John N., III

2009-01-01

While the library economy continues its downward slide, the cost of attending the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting seems as high as ever. That is the price of professional participation. These days it seems a bit too high and tends to limit involvement in the old association to librarians in the higher echelons of the field.…
Thermally activated persistent photoconductivity & donor binding energy in high mobility AlAs QWs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, S.; Knaak, C.; Fontcuberta, A.; Bichler, M.; Abstreiter, G.; Grayson, M.

2008-03-01

In AlAs, valley index is important quantum number which can help understand interactions. However, important parameters for growth such as donor binding energy and Si δ-doping efficiency were unknown and AlAs quantum wells (QWs) typically did not conduct in dark. We grew series of (001) and (110) oriented double-sided doped n-type AlAs QWs and deduced Si donor binding energy δ in Al0.45Ga0.55 As and doping efficiency η. They work in dark possibly because dilute charge traps in substrate are screened by backside doping. From dark saturation density for doping series we deduced δdk=65.2 meV [1]. Our studies show thermally activated PPC where sample is illuminated at 4 K and returned to dark without appreciable density increase. As temperature is increased to 30 K, density doubles, indicating shallow binding energy δPIA=0 meV post-illumination anneal (PIA). Doping efficiency after illumination for (001) facet was found to be η=n2D/nSi=35% and for (110) η=17%. With this understanding, we designed (001) AlAs QW with PIA density n=2.4 x 10^11 cm-2 and mobility μ=4.3 x 10^5 cm^2/Vs(330 mK), improvement of almost an order of magnitude over published results. [1] Dasgupta, et al. APL (2007)
Modulatory effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) administration on insulin sensitivity in obese PCOS patients.

PubMed

Genazzani, A D; Shefer, K; Della Casa, D; Prati, A; Napolitano, A; Manzo, A; Despini, G; Simoncini, T

2018-05-01

To evaluate the efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) administration on hormonal and metabolic parameters of obese PCOS patients. A group of 32 obese PCOS patients were selected after informed consent. 20 patients referred to have first grade relatives with diabetes type I or II. Hormonal and metabolic parameters as well as OGTT were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of ALA integrative administration (400 mg per os every day). ALA administration significantly decreased insulin, glucose, BMI and HOMA index. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin response to OGTT decreased both as maximal response (Δmax) and as AUC. PCOS with diabetes relatives showed the decrease also of triglyceride and GOT. Interestingly in all PCOS no changes occurred on all hormonal parameters involved in reproduction such as LH, FSH, and androstenedione. ALA integrative administration at a low dosage as 400 mg daily improved the metabolic impairment of all PCOS patients especially in those PCOS with familiar diabetes who have a higher grade of risk of NAFLD and predisposition to diabetes.
Proteomics and SSH Analyses of ALA-Promoted Fruit Coloration and Evidence for the Involvement of a MADS-Box Gene, MdMADS1

PubMed Central

Feng, Xinxin; An, Yuyan; Zheng, Jie; Sun, Miao; Wang, Liangju

2016-01-01

Skin color is a key quality attribute of fruits and how to improve fruit coloration has long been a major concern. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a natural plant growth regulator, can significantly increase anthocyanin accumulation in fruit skin and therefore effectively improve coloration of many fruits, including apple. However, the molecular mechanism how ALA stimulates anthocyanin accumulation in fruit skin remains unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of ALA on apple skin at the protein and mRNA levels. A total of 85 differentially expressed proteins in apple skins between ALA and water treatment (control) were identified by complementary gel-based and gel-free separation techniques. Most of these differentially expressed proteins were up-regulated by ALA. Function analysis suggested that 87.06% of the ALA-responsive proteins were associated with fruit ripening. To further screen ALA-responsive regulators, we constructed a subtracted cDNA library (tester: ALA treatment; driver: control) and obtained 104 differentially expressed unigenes, of which 38 unigenes were indicators for the fruit ripening-related genes. The differentially changed proteins and transcripts did not correspond well at an individual level, but showed similar regulated direction in function at the pathway level. Among the identified fruit ripening-related genes, the expression of MdMADS1, a developmental transcription regulator of fruit ripening, was positively correlated with expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (MdCHS, MdDFR, MdLDOX, and MdUFGT) in apple skin under ALA treatment. Moreover, overexpression of MdMADS1 enhanced anthocyanin content in transformed apple calli, which was further enhanced by ALA. The anthocyanin content in MdMADS1-silenced calli was less than that in the control with ALA treatment, but higher than that without ALA treatment. These results indicated that MdMADS1 is involved in ALA-induced anthocyanin accumulation. In addition, anthocyanin
Improvements in glucose homeostasis in response to regular exercise are influenced by the PPARG Pro12Ala variant: results from the HERITAGE Family Study.

PubMed

Ruchat, S-M; Rankinen, T; Weisnagel, S J; Rice, T; Rao, D C; Bergman, R N; Bouchard, C; Pérusse, L

2010-04-01

Exercise training improves glucose homeostasis, but large inter-individual differences are reported, suggesting a role of genetic factors. We investigated whether variants either confirmed or newly identified as diabetes susceptibility variants through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) modulate changes in phenotypes derived from an IVGTT in response to an endurance training programme. We analysed eight polymorphisms in seven type 2 diabetes genes (CDKAL1 rs7756992; CDKN2A and CDKN2B rs10811661 and rs564398; HHEX rs7923837; IGF2BP2 rs4402960; KCNJ11 rs5215; PPARG rs1801282; and TCF7L2 rs7903146) in a maximum of 481 sedentary, non-diabetic white individuals, who participated in a 20-week endurance training programme. Associations were tested between the variants and changes in IVGTT-derived phenotypes. The only evidence of association with training response was found with PPARG rs1801282 (Pro12Ala). We observed that Ala carriers experienced greater increase in overall glucose tolerance (Deltaglucose disappearance index Ala/Ala 0.22 +/- 0.22, Pro/Ala 0.14 +/- 0.06, Pro/Pro 0.004 +/- 0.03; p = 0.0008), glucose effectiveness (Ala/Ala 0.28 +/- 0.41, Pro/Ala 0.44 +/- 0.14, Pro/Pro 0.09 +/- 0.06; p = 0.004), acute insulin response to glucose (Ala/Ala 64.21 +/- 37.73, Pro/Ala -11.92 +/- 40.30, Pro/Pro -46.30 +/- 14.70; p = 0.03) and disposition index (Ala/Ala 551.8 +/- 448.5, Pro/Ala 534.6 +/- 218.3, Pro/Pro -7.44 +/- 88.18; p = 0.003). Compared with Pro/Pro individuals, PPARG Ala carriers experienced greater improvements in glucose and insulin metabolism in response to regular endurance training. However, we did not find evidence of association between type 2 diabetes susceptibility variants recently identified through GWAS and glucose homeostasis response to exercise. Our results extend those of previous studies showing that Ala carriers appear to be more responsive to beneficial health effects of lifestyle interventions.
Accumulation of polyubiquitylated proteins in response to Ala-Ala-Phe-chloromethylketone is independent of the inhibition of Tripeptidyl peptidase II.

PubMed

Villasevil, Eugenia M; Guil, Sara; López-Ferreras, Lorena; Sánchez, Carlos; Del Val, Margarita; Antón, Luis C

2010-09-01

In the present study we have addressed the issue of proteasome independent cytosolic protein degradation. Tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPPII) has been suggested to compensate for a reduced proteasome activity, partly based on evidence using the inhibitor Ala-Ala-Phe-chloromethylketone (AAF-cmk). Here we show that AAF-cmk induces the formation of polyubiquitin-containing accumulations in osteosarcoma and Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines. These accumulations meet many of the landmarks of the aggresomes that form after proteasome inhibition. Using a combination of experiments with chemical inhibitors and interference of gene expression, we show that TPPII inhibition is not responsible for these accumulations. Our evidence suggests that the relevant target(s) is/are in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, most likely upstream the proteasome. We obtained evidence supporting this model by inhibition of Hsp90, which also acts upstream the proteasome. Although our data suggest that Hsp90 is not a target of AAF-cmk, its inhibition resulted in accumulations similar to those obtained with AAF-cmk. Therefore, our results question the proposed role for TPPII as a prominent alternative to the proteasome in cellular proteolysis. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics of basal cell carcinomas of the skin following topical ALA application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

af Klinteberg, Claes; Nilsson, Annika M.; Wang-Nordman, Ingrid; Andersson-Engels, Stefan; Svanberg, Sune; Svanberg, Katarina

1996-12-01

Fourteen patients with superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and fifteen patients with nodular BCCs were investigated by means of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in connection with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Topical application of (delta) -amino levulinic acid (ALA) was performed six hours prior to the treatment session. Fluorescence spectra were recorded, using a point-monitoring system with an excitation wavelength of 405 nm. The measurements were performed in scans over the lesion and the surrounding normal skin before application of ALA, and immediately before and after the laser treatment. The selective uptake of the photosensitive resulted in a fluorescence intensity ratio of 2.4:1 for superficial BCCs and 2.5:1 for nodular BCCs. If the fluorescence intensity was divided by the autofluorescence, this resulted in a contrast enhancement of about a factor 6 for tumor tissue. In seven patients (five with nodular BCC and two with superficial BCC), additional fluorescence measurements were performed two and four hours following the ALA application, and two hours after the PDT procedure. Thus, the kinetics of the transformation of ALA to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) could be followed, which indicated that the synthesis of PpIX was more rapid in the tumor than in the normal tissue. After four hours, the PpIX level inside the tumour was saturated, while there still was an accumulation in the surrounding skin. The highest contrast between tumor and normal skin was reached within two hours after the ALA application.
P12.105-ALA GUIDED REMOVAL AND COMBINED TREATMENT IN MALIGNANT GLIOMA

PubMed Central

Oppido, P.A.; Carapella, C.M.; Pompili, A.; Vidiri, A.; Pace, A.; Villani, V.

2014-01-01

INTRODUCTION: Malignant gliomas are the most unfavourable brain tumours. Recent evidence suggests that extensive tumour removal is associated with better survival. The current treatment is complete as possible resection of the contrast-enhancing tumour tissue, followed by adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As it appears difficult to distinguish between infiltration tumour and normal tissue, specially in recurrent tumours, the radical removal becomes harmful. Techniques to visualize the borderline tumour intraoperatively are helpful. More recently, fluorescence guidance has taken advantage of intrinsic metabolic and structural changes that occur within malignant glioma by exploiting the eme biosynthetic pathway and a natural biochemical in that pathway, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). METHODS: Since the end of 2009, in our Institute 54 patients were operated on using fluorescence guided tumour resection. Preoperatively, all enrolled patients had MRI showing contrast enhancing lesions. MRI within 72 hours after surgery and thereafter at 3-month interval was performed. 32 patients were newly diagnosed tumour, 22 were recurrent malignant glioma. An oral dose of 20 mg 5-ALA /kg body weight was administered to each patient. By a NC4 OPMI Pentero operating microscope (Zeiss), enabled switching from xenon light to violet-blue light for visualizing fluorescence, the surgical resection was performed. Histology was in 48 glioblastoma (1 gliosarcoma), in 4 anaplastic oligodendroglioma, in 1 oligodendroglioma I WHO and in 1 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. All the patients, as first line treatment, were submitted to radiotherapy and chemotherapy; in recurrent tumours second and in some cases third line treatments were administered. The follow-up ranged from 2 years to 8 months. RESULTS: In all cases the yellow fluorescence due to 5-ALA in cortical vessels was seen. In 47 glioblastoma, 4 anaplastic oligodendroglioma and 1 xanthoastrocytoma the tumour tissue
Identification of a novel loss-of-function PHEX mutation, Ala720Ser, in a sporadic case of adult-onset hypophosphatemic osteomalacia.

PubMed

Goljanek-Whysall, Katarzyna; Tridimas, Andreas; McCormick, Rachel; Russell, Nicki-Jayne; Sloman, Melissa; Sorani, Alan; Fraser, William D; Hannan, Fadil M

2018-01-01

Adults presenting with sporadic hypophosphatemia and elevations in circulating fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) concentrations are usually investigated for an acquired disorder of FGF23 excess such as tumor induced osteomalacia (TIO). However, in some cases the underlying tumor is not detected, and such patients may harbor other causes of FGF23 excess. Indeed, coding-region and 3'UTR mutations of phosphate-regulating neutral endopeptidase (PHEX), which encodes a cell-surface protein that regulates circulating FGF23 concentrations, can lead to alterations in phosphate homeostasis, which are not detected until adulthood. Here, we report an adult female who presented with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia and raised serum FGF23 concentrations. The patient and her parents, who were her only first-degree relatives, had no history of rickets. The patient was thus suspected of having TIO. However, no tumor had been identified following extensive localization studies. Mutational analysis of the PHEX coding-region and 3'UTR was undertaken, and this revealed the patient to be heterozygous for a novel germline PHEX mutation (c.2158G>T; p.Ala720Ser). In vitro studies involving the expression of WT and mutant PHEX proteins in HEK293 cells demonstrated the Ala720Ser mutation to impair trafficking of PHEX, with ~20% of the mutant protein being expressed at the cell surface, compared to ~80% cell surface expression for WT PHEX (p<0.05). Thus, our studies have identified a pathogenic PHEX mutation in a sporadic case of adult-onset hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, and these findings highlight a role for PHEX gene analysis in some cases of suspected TIO, particularly when no tumor has been identified. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A new optical intra-tissue fiber irradiation ALA-PDT in the treatment of acne vulgaris in rabbit model: improved safety and tolerability.

PubMed

Wang, Qian; Jiang, Can; Liu, Wei; Chen, Jin; Lin, Xinyu; Huang, Xiangning; Duan, Xiling

2017-01-01

Photodynamic therapy with topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDT) has been suggested to be effective in treatment of acne vulgaris. However, adverse events occur during and after treatment. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of optical intra-tissue fiber irradiation (OFI) ALA-PDT versus traditional ALA-PDT in treatment of acne vulgaris in rabbit models. Twenty-five rabbits of clean grade were used. Twenty rabbits were randomly selected to establish acne model and the other five were used as control. Rabbits in model group (40 ears) were further divided into four groups (10 ears/group): I, OFI-ALA-PDT with the head of optical fiber inserted into the target lesion (intra-tissue); II, traditional ALA-PDT group; III, OFI group; IV, blank control group without any treatment. Uncomfortable symptoms, adverse events, and effectiveness rates were recorded on post-treatment day 14, 30, and 45. On post-treatment day 14, the effectiveness rate in OFI-ALA-PDT group was obviously higher than that of the other three groups (P<0.05). However, no improved effects were observed in OFI-ALA-PDT group on day 30 and 45. During the period of treatment, the frequencies of uncomfortable symptoms in ALA-PDT group were obviously higher than those in the other three groups (P<0.05). The adverse event rate in OFI-ALA-PDT group was obviously lower than that of the ALA-PDT group (P<0.05). The unblindness of the study and temporary animal models of acne induced may hamper the assessment and monitoring of the results, and future studies are still needed to clarify it further. The OFI-ALA-PDT group (intra-tissue irradiation) showed no improved efficacy on treating rabbit ear acne but had higher safety and better tolerability.
Prevalence of the Pro12Ala missense mutation in the PPARG2 gene in Kuwaiti patients with primary knee osteoarthritis

PubMed Central

Al-Jarallah, Khaled F.; Shehab, Diaa K.; Haider, Mohammad Z.

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs) play an important role in a number of cellular and metabolic functions. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of a missense mutation (Pro12Ala) in the PPARG2 gene in Kuwaiti Arab patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls with the aim of identifying a possible association. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective cross-sectional study carried out at three major teaching hospitals (referral centers) in the country over a one-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prevalence of PPARG2 gene Pro12Ala missense mutation was determined in 104 Kuwaiti Arab patients with primary knee OA and 111 ethnically matched healthy controls. The prevalence of this Pro12Ala missense mutation was also determined in clinical subgroups of OA patients divided on the basis of age at onset, function and radiologic grading. RESULTS The Pro-Pro genotype of the PPARG2 gene Pro12Ala missense mutation was detected in 95/104 (91.3%) cases compared to 111/111 (100%) in the control subjects. The heterozygous Pro-Ala genotype was detected in 9/104 (8.7%) of the OA patients, while it was not detected in any of the controls. The Ala-Ala genotype was not detected in any of the OA patients or the controls. No significant differences were detected in the PPARG2 gene Pro12Ala genotypes in the subgroups of patients classified on the basis of age at onset, functional assessment using Lequesne’s functional index, and radiological grading using Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading. CONCLUSIONS This study found no significant association between the PPARG2 gene Pro12Ala missense mutation and knee OA. However, the presence of the Pro-Pro genotype of the PPARG2 gene mutation has a protective effect against development of OA. PMID:21245597
Modification of the photodynamic action of delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) on rat pancreatoma cells by mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor ligands.

PubMed Central

Ratcliffe, S. L.; Matthews, E. K.

1995-01-01

We have shown that addition of exogenous delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) to rat pancreatoma AR4-2J cells in culture leads to the increased production of porphobilinogen (PBG) and the accumulation of photoactive protoporphyrin IX (PPix) in these cells. Exposure to light (lambda > 400 nm) at an intensity of 0.2 mW cm-2 for 8 min resulted in an ALA dose-dependent cytolysis of the cells, with an EC50 of 6.6 +/- 0.7 microM. This cytolytic effect was light intensity dependent, with greater cell destruction after exposure to light at an intensity of 0.47 mW cm-2 than at 0.2 mW cm-2; it was also dependent on the duration of illumination, cell survival decreasing with increasing illumination times. The photodestruction of the AR4-2J cells following exposure to ALA can be attributed to the production of endogenous PPix, a photoactive porphyrin that we have shown to generate singlet oxygen upon illumination, whereas ALA itself does not. Further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the photodynamic action of ALA demonstrated the involvement of the mitochondrial (peripheral) benzodiazepine receptor (MBR), a high-affinity recognition site for dicarboxylic porphyrins, and especially PPix. The centrally acting benzodiazepine compounds clonazepam and flumazenil, which have negligible affinities for the MBR, had no effect on ALA-mediated phototoxicity. In contrast, both the isoquinoline carboxamide PK11195 and the benzodiazepine Ro 5-4864 ligands, displaying a high affinity for the MBR, did affect ALA-mediated phototoxicity, each markedly increasing the EC50 for cell photodestruction and thus exerting a photoprotective effect. It is concluded that the MBR may play an important role in the expression of ALA-mediated PPix phototoxicity and that MBR ligands, by diminishing the actions of endogenous PPix, have the potential to rescue cells from porphyrin-induced photolysis. PMID:7841044
5-ALA based photodynamic management of glioblastoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rühm, Adrian; Stepp, Herbert; Beyer, Wolfgang; Hennig, Georg; Pongratz, Thomas; Sroka, Ronald; Schnell, Oliver; Tonn, Jörg-Christian; Kreth, Friedrich-Wilhelm

2014-03-01

Objective: Improvement of the clinical outcome of glioblastoma (GBM) patients by employment of fluorescence and photosensitization on the basis of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Methods: In this report the focus is laid on the use of tumor selective PpIX fluorescence for stereotactic biopsy sampling and intra-operative treatment monitoring. In addition, our current concept for treatment planning is presented. For stereotactic interstitial photodynamic therapy (iPDT), radial diffusers were implanted into the contrast enhancing tumor volume. Spectroscopic measurements of laser light transmission and fluorescence between adjacent fibers were performed prior, during and post PDT. Results: PpIX concentrations in primary glioblastoma tissue show high intra- and inter-patient variability, but are usually sufficient for an effective PDT. During individual treatment attempts with 5-ALA based GBM-iPDT, transmission and fluorescence measurements between radial diffusers gave the following results: 1. In some cases, transmission after PDT is considerably reduced compared to the value before PDT, which may be attributable to a depletion of oxygenated hemoglobin and/or diffuse bleeding. 2. PpIX fluorescence is efficiently photobleached during PDT in all cases. Conclusion: iPDT with assessment of PpIX fluorescence and photobleaching is a promising treatment option. Individualization of treatment parameters appears to bear a potential to further improve clinical outcomes.
Leading by Example? ALA Division Publications, Open Access, and Sustainability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Nathan; Arnold-Garza, Sara; Gong, Regina; Shorish, Yasmeen

2016-01-01

This investigation explores scholarly communication business models in American Library Association (ALA) division peer-reviewed academic journals. Previous studies reveal the numerous issues organizations and publishers face in the academic publishing environment. Through an analysis of documented procedures, policies, and finances of five ALA…

LJ Q&A "ALA Candidates": Library Advocacy x 2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, John N., III

2008-01-01

Library advocacy in one of two directions is the top priority of both Camila Alire and J. Linda Williams, the candidates campaigning to capture the 2009-10 term as president of the American Library Association (ALA). Alire, dean emeritus of the libraries of both the University of New Mexico and Colorado State University, will push for enhancements…
Sperm quality after swim up and density gradient centrifugation sperm preparation with supplementation of alpha lipoic acid (ALA): A preliminary study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestari, Silvia W.; Lestari, Sarah H.; Pujianto, Dwi A.

2018-02-01

Intra uterine insemination (IUI) as one of the treatment for infertility, persists low success rate. A factor that contributes to the unsuccessful of IUI is sperm preparation, performed through Swim-up (SU) and Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) methods. Furthermore, studies have shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant that could enhance the sperm motility and protect the DNA integrity of the sperm [1]. This study is aimed to re-evaluate the efficiency of the DGC and SU methods in selecting sperm before being transferred for IUI by the supplementation of ALA based on the sperm DNA integrity. Semen samples were obtained from 13 men from partners of women who are infertile (normozoospermia) and underwent IUI. Semen analysis based on the guideline of World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 was performed to measure the sperm motility and velocity, before and after sperm preparation. Then, samples were incubated with Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in 0.625 mg (ALA 1), 1.25 mg (ALA 2) and 2.5 mg (ALA 3). The Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) test was performed to evaluate the sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI). The percentage of motile sperm was higher in prepared sperm (post-DGC and post-SU) than in whole semen. Furthermore, the percentage of motile sperm was higher in post-DGC compared to post-SU. The level of DFI after the supplementation of ALA was decreased in prepared sperm compared to the whole semen. ALA was proved capable to select the better sperm quality with decreased sperm DNA fragmentation of prepared sperm in the all of DFI category.
Challenges for community-based forest management in the KoloAla site Manompana.

PubMed

Urech, Zora Lea; Sorg, Jean-Pierre; Felber, Hans Rudolph

2013-03-01

Following the IUCN 5th World Congress on Protected Areas in 2003, the then-President of Madagascar decided to increase the area of Madagascar's protected areas from 1.7 to 6 million ha. To combine the aims of protection and timber production, a new concept was developed through the establishment of community-based forest management (CBFM) sites, called KoloAla. However, experience shows that similar management transfers to communities in Madagascar have only been successful in a very few cases. We aimed to explore the success to be expected of this new approach in the particular case of the Manompana corridor at Madagascar's eastern coast. In a first step, the readiness of the corridor's resource users for CBFM has been analysed according to the seven resource users' attributes developed by Ostrom that predict an effective self-organized resource management. In a second step, we explored how KoloAla addresses known challenges of Madagascar's CBFM. Analyses lead in a rather sober conclusion. Although KoloAla attempts to address the goals of poverty alleviation, biodiversity conservation and timber production under a single umbrella, it does so in a rather non-innovative way. Challenges with regard to the state's environmental governance, agricultural inefficiency and thus deforestation remain unsolved.
Challenges for Community-Based Forest Management in the KoloAla Site Manompana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urech, Zora Lea; Sorg, Jean-Pierre; Felber, Hans Rudolph

2013-03-01

Following the IUCN 5th World Congress on Protected Areas in 2003, the then-President of Madagascar decided to increase the area of Madagascar's protected areas from 1.7 to 6 million ha. To combine the aims of protection and timber production, a new concept was developed through the establishment of community-based forest management (CBFM) sites, called KoloAla. However, experience shows that similar management transfers to communities in Madagascar have only been successful in a very few cases. We aimed to explore the success to be expected of this new approach in the particular case of the Manompana corridor at Madagascar's eastern coast. In a first step, the readiness of the corridor's resource users for CBFM has been analysed according to the seven resource users' attributes developed by Ostrom that predict an effective self-organized resource management. In a second step, we explored how KoloAla addresses known challenges of Madagascar's CBFM. Analyses lead in a rather sober conclusion. Although KoloAla attempts to address the goals of poverty alleviation, biodiversity conservation and timber production under a single umbrella, it does so in a rather non-innovative way. Challenges with regard to the state's environmental governance, agricultural inefficiency and thus deforestation remain unsolved.
Evaluation of Partial Cut-out of Sacroiliac Screws From the Sacral Ala Slope via Pelvic Inlet and Outlet View.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingwei; Hamilton, Ryan; Li, Ming; Ebraheim, Nabil A; He, Xianfeng; Liu, Jiayong; Zhu, Limei

2015-12-01

An anatomic and radiographic study of placement of sacroiliac screws. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the risk of partial cut-out of sacroiliac screws from the sacral ala slope via inlet and outlet view. The partial cut-out of sacroiliac screws from the superior surface of sacral ala can jeopardize the L5 nerve root, which is difficult to identify on the pelvic inlet and outlet views. Computed tomography images of 60 patients without pelvic ring deformity or injury were used to measure the width (on inlet view) and height (on outlet view) of the sacral ala. The angle of the sacral ala slope was measured on lateral view. According to the measured parameters, the theoretical safe trajectories of screw placement were calculated using inverse trigonometric functions. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a sacroiliac screw was placed close to the midline on both inlet and outlet views, including posterosuperior, posteroinferior, anterosuperior, and anteroinferior regions to the midline. The incidence of screw partial cut-out from the superior surface of sacral ala was identified. The measured widths and heights of the sacral alas were 28.1 ± 2.8 and 29.8 ± 3.1 mm, respectively. The average angle between the superior aspect of the S1 vertebral body and the superior aspect of the sacral ala was 37.2 ± 2.5 degrees. The rate of partial cut-out of the screws from the superior surface of sacral ala slope was 12.5% (5/40) in posterosuperior, 0% (0/40) in posteroinferior, 70% (28/40) in anterosuperior, and 20% (8/40) in anteroinferior. To avoid the risk of partial cut-out from sacroiliac screw placement, more precise description should be added to the conventional description: the sacroiliac screws should be placed at the inferior half portion on outlet view and at the posterior half portion on inlet view. 4.
Association between PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala genotype and insulin resistance is modified by circulating lipids in Mexican children

PubMed Central

Stryjecki, Carolina; Peralta-Romero, Jesus; Alyass, Akram; Karam-Araujo, Roberto; Suarez, Fernando; Gomez-Zamudio, Jaime; Burguete-Garcia, Ana; Cruz, Miguel; Meyre, David

2016-01-01

The Pro12Ala (rs1801282) polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) has been convincingly associated with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Europeans, in interaction with a high-fat diet. Mexico is disproportionally affected by obesity and T2D however, whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with early metabolic complications in this population is unknown. We assessed the association of PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala with metabolic traits in 1457 Mexican children using linear regression models. Interactions between PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala and circulating lipids on metabolic traits were determined by adding an interaction term to regression models. We observed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity (49.2%), dyslipidemia (34.9%) and IR (11.1%). We detected nominally significant/significant interactions between lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol), the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala genotype and waist-to-hip ratio, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and IR (9.30 × 10−4 ≤ Pinteraction ≤ 0.04). Post-hoc subgroup analyses evidenced that the association between the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala genotype and fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and IR was restricted to children with total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol values higher than the median (0.02 ≤ P ≤ 0.03). Our data support an association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism with IR in Mexican children and suggest that this relationship is modified by dyslipidemia. PMID:27075119
Inferior oblique muscle origin: horizontal location in relation to ala nasi and its gender difference.

PubMed

Takahashi, Yasuhiro; Kakizaki, Hirohiko; Kohjima, Kiwamu; Nakano, Takashi; Asamoto, Ken; Ichinose, Akihiro; Iwaki, Masayoshi

2013-01-01

We studied the horizontal location of the inferior oblique muscle (IOM) origin in relation to the ipsilateral ala nasi and compared the results between genders in 76 orbits of 38 Japanese cadavers. Consequently, the IOM origin was located 1.2 mm laterally to the vertical line through the lateral margin of the ipsilateral ala nasi. No significant difference was noted between genders (males, 1.3 mm; females, 0.9 mm; P = 0.257, Student t test) or between sides (right, 1.1 mm; left, 1.3 mm; P = 0.570, Student t test). In contrast, the mean interalae-nasi distance was 39.8 mm and was significantly greater in males than that in females (males, 40.8 mm; females, 38.6 mm; P = 0.049, Student t test). The ala nasi can be used as a reference point irrespective of gender or side for identifying the IOM origin during oculoplastic surgery.
Impact of the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala Polymorphism and ACE Inhibitor Therapy on New-Onset Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From BENEDICT

PubMed Central

De Cosmo, Salvatore; Motterlini, Nicola; Prudente, Sabrina; Pellegrini, Fabio; Trevisan, Roberto; Bossi, Antonio; Remuzzi, Giuseppe; Trischitta, Vincenzo; Ruggenenti, Piero

2009-01-01

OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional studies found less microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients with the Ala12 allele of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) Pro12Ala polymorphism. We prospectively evaluated the association between Pro12Ala polymorphism (rs1801282) and new-onset microalbuminuria. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Pro12Ala polymorphism was genotyped by TaqMan-based assay in genomic DNA of 1,119 consenting patients from BErgamo NEphrologic DIabetic Complications Trial (BENEDICT)—a prospective, randomized trial evaluating ACE inhibition effect on new-onset microalbuminuria (albuminuria 20–200 μg/min in at least two of three consecutive overnight urine collections in two consecutive visits) in hypertensive type 2 diabetes with albuminuria <20 μg/min at inclusion. RESULTS Baseline characteristics of Ala (Ala/Ala or Ala/Pro) carriers and Pro/Pro homozygotes were similar, with a nonsignificant trend to lower albuminuria (P = 0.1107) in the 177 Ala carriers. Over a median (interquartile range) of 44.0 (17.1–51.9) months, 7 (4%) Ala carriers and 86 (9.1%) Pro/Pro homozygotes developed microalbuminuria (hazard ratio [HR] 0.45 [95% CI 0.21–0.97]; P = 0.042). Final albuminuria was significantly lower in Ala carriers than Pro/Pro homozygotes (7.3 ± 9.1 vs. 10.5 ± 24.9 μg/min, respectively), even after adjustment for baseline albuminuria (P = 0.048). Baseline and follow-up blood pressure and metabolic control were similar in both groups. Incidence of microalbuminuria was significantly decreased by ACE versus non-ACE inhibitor therapy in Pro/Pro homozygotes (6.3 vs. 11.9%, respectively, HR 0.46 [0.29–0.72]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In type 2 diabetes, the Ala allele protects from worsening albuminuria and new-onset microalbuminuria, and ACE inhibition blunts the excess risk of microalbuminuria associated with the Pro/Pro genotype. Evaluating Pro12Ala polymorphism may help identifying patients at risk who may benefit the most from
Effects of Ala-Gln feeding strategies on growth, metabolism, and crowding stress resistance of juvenile Cyprinus carpio var. Jian.

PubMed

Chen, Xiu-Mei; Guo, Gui-Liang; Sun, Li; Yang, Qiu-Shi; Wang, Gui-Qin; Qin, Gui-Xin; Zhang, Dong-Ming

2016-04-01

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different L-alanyl-l-glutamine (Ala-Gln) feeding strategies on the growth performance, metabolism and crowding stress resistance related parameters in juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) under crowded condition (80 g/L). Juvenile Jian carp (initial weight 26.1 ± 0.6 g) were distributed into five groups which fed with graded concentrations (0% or 1.0%) of Ala-Gln for eight weeks. Control group (I, 0/0) fed with control diet (0% Ala-Gln) throughout the feeding trial. The other four groups employed different control and experimental diet feeding strategies ranging from two weeks control diet fed and two weeks experimental diet (1% Ala-Gln) fed (II, 0/2) to eight weeks experimental diet fed (V, 4/4). Results revealed that Mean weight gain (MEG) under all different feeding strategies of Ala-Gln were significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05), and MEG of group II (201.90%) was even higher than that of group IV (184.70%). Liver glycogen and blood total protein of groups II, III and V were significantly higher than that in groups I and IV (p < 0.05). The highest level of serum thyroxine (10.07 ng/ml), insulin-like growth factor-I (52.40 ng/ml) and insulin (9.73 μ IU/mL) were observed in group V. However, diet supplemented with Ala-Gln did not affect the levels of serum glucose, cortisol and catecholamine in fish. The mRNA expression of GR1a, GR1b and GR2 were also significantly changed in Ala-Gln supplementation groups compared with control group (p < 0.05). After fish intraperitoneally injected with virulent Aeromonas hydrophila, the fish survival rates were significantly increased in all Ala-Gln supplementation groups compared with control group (p < 0.05). Results from the present experiment showed the importance of dietary supplementation of Ala-Gln in benefaction of the growth performance, metabolism and crowding stress resistance in Jian carp breeding. The
Structural and functional analysis of the ASM p.Ala359Asp mutant that causes acid sphingomyelinase deficiency.

PubMed

Acuña, Mariana; Castro-Fernández, Víctor; Latorre, Mauricio; Castro, Juan; Schuchman, Edward H; Guixé, Victoria; González, Mauricio; Zanlungo, Silvana

2016-10-21

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) type A and B are recessive hereditary disorders caused by deficiency in acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). The p.Ala359Asp mutation has been described in several patients but its functional and structural effects in the protein are unknown. In order to characterize this mutation, we modeled the three-dimensional ASM structure using the recent available crystal of the mammalian ASM as a template. We found that the p.Ala359Asp mutation is localized in the hydrophobic core and far from the sphingomyelin binding site. However, energy function calculations using statistical potentials indicate that the mutation causes a decrease in ASM stability. Therefore, we investigated the functional effect of the p.Ala359Asp mutation in ASM expression, secretion, localization and activity in human fibroblasts. We found a 3.8% residual ASM activity compared to the wild-type enzyme, without changes in the other parameters evaluated. These results support the hypothesis that the p.Ala359Asp mutation causes structural alterations in the hydrophobic environment where ASM is located, decreasing its enzymatic activity. A similar effect was observed in other previously described NPDB mutations located outside the active site of the enzyme. This work shows the first full size ASM mutant model describe at date, providing a complete analysis of the structural and functional effects of the p.Ala359Asp mutation over the stability and activity of the enzyme. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PPARγ Pro12Ala interacts with fat intake for obesity and weight loss in a behavioural treatment based on the Mediterranean diet

PubMed Central

Garaulet, Marta; Smith, Caren E; Hernández-González, Teresa; Lee, Yu-Chi; Ordovás, Jose M.

2014-01-01

Scope The goal of this study was to examine whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and weight loss and to analyze potential interactions between fat intake and PPARγ polymorphism in a Spanish overweight/obese population. Materials and methods We recruited 1465 subjects enrolled in a behavioural treatment program for obesity based on a Mediterranean diet, which included the following: dietary treatment, physical activity, nutritional education and behavioral techniques. A significant association was found between PPARγ2 Pro12Ala genotype and plasma insulin concentration and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance. Subjects with the Ala12 genotype had lower insulin levels than those with the Pro12Pro genotype. We detected a gene–diet interaction between the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and MUFA for BMI and body fat. Furthermore, we detected an interaction between the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and fat intake for total weight loss (p<0.001). When total fat intake was high, Ala12-carriers exhibited a significantly lower percentage of total weight loss than major-allele-carriers (p=0.037). Conclusion Data are consistent with previous results showing a protective role for the Ala12 allele against insulin resistance, and replicate an earlier study that detected an interaction between dietary MUFA and PPARγ2 for BMI. Our detection of a gene–diet interaction between PPARγ Pro12Ala and fat intake for weight loss may explain previous discrepancies among different studies. PMID:22102511
An organic solvent-stable lipase from a newly isolated Staphylococcus aureus ALA1 strain with potential for use as an industrial biocatalyst.

PubMed

Ben Bacha, Abir; Moubayed, Nadine Ms; Al-Assaf, Alaa

2016-05-01

In this study, a new strain, ALA1, was identified as Staphylococcus aureus by biochemical tests, and its 16S ribosomal DNA sequence was isolated from dromedary milk. ALA1 lipase production was optimized in shake flask experiments and measured with varying pH (3-11), temperature (20-55 °C) and substrate concentrations. The maximum lipase production was recorded at pH 8 and 30 °C for up to 30 H of culture period for the S. aureus ALA1 strain. Among the substrates tested, selected carbon sources, xylose, nitrogen source, yeast extract, and olive oil (1%) were suitable for maximizing lipase production. The effects of surfactants were investigated and showed that Tween 20, Tween 80, and Triton X-100 prevented lipase production. Interestingly, isolate ALA1 was able to grow in high concentrations of benzene or toluene (up to 50% (v/v)). Moreover, the lipolytic activity of the S. aureus ALA1 lipase was stimulated by diethyl ether, whereas almost 100% of S. aureus ALA1 lipase activity was retained in 25% acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, 2-propanol, ethanol, methanol, or toluene. Because of its stability in organic solvent, the S. aureus ALA1 lipase was used as a biocatalyst to synthesize high levels of added value molecules. S. aureus ALA1 lipase could be considered as an ideal choice for applications in detergent formulations because of its high stability and compatibility with various surfactants, oxidizing agents, and commercial detergents. © 2015 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
A novel tumor-activated ALA fusion protein for specific inhibition on the growth and invasion of breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231.

PubMed

Liu, Xiufeng; Liu, Xintong; Sunchen, Suwen; Liu, Meixia; Shen, Chen; Wu, Juanjuan; Zhao, Wanli; Yu, Boyang; Liu, Jihua

2017-11-01

The aim of this research was to develop a novel ALA fusion protein for target to the malignant cells surface with high uPAR expression and locally release of the scorpion toxin AGAP in an uPA-cleavable manner. It will provide an effective approach for controlled release of the peptide toxins to treat cancerous cells. The ALA fusion proteins were expressed in pichia pastoris, and the recombinant proteins were purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The proteins were added to human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) in order to investigate the characteristic of selective targeting and releasing of scorpion toxin AGAP in cancer cells with high uPAR expression. The inhibitory effect of ALA on MDA-MB-231, MCF7, LO2 and HEK-293 was evaluated by MTT assay. Moreover, the antiproliferation mechanism of ALA was determined by flow cytometric and western blot analysis. The results showed that ALA could target MDA-MB-231 cells and the scorpion toxin AGAP could be released with high efficiency and selectivity. ALA inhibited the growth and invasion of breast cancer cells MDA-MB231. Also, cell apoptosis pathway was found to be associated with the inhibition mechanism of ALA according to the data of flow cytometric and western blot analysis. Therefore, ALA could be a novel antitumor candidate for targeting treatment of malignant cell. This study successfully demonstrated that fusion of biotoxins with tumor target domain could provide a simple yet effective way to delivery of peptide or protein drugs.
Infraorbital foramen: horizontal location in relation to ala nasi.

PubMed

Takahashi, Yasuhiro; Kakizaki, Hirohiko; Nakano, Takashi

2011-01-01

To examine the horizontal location of the infraorbital foramen in relation to the ala nasi. Fifty-six orbits of 28 Japanese cadavers (18 male and 10 female cadavers; average death age, 79.7 years), fixed in 10% buffered formalin, were used. The horizontal distance from the vertical line through the lateral margin of the ala nasi to the medial margin of the infraorbital foramen (the horizontal distance) and the transverse diameter of the infraorbital foramen (the transverse diameter) were examined. Values were compared between genders and sides using Student's t test. The mean horizontal distance was 4.9 mm, with no significant difference between genders (male, 5.2 mm; female, 4.4 mm; p = 0.150) or sides (right, 4.9 mm; left, 4.9 mm; p = 0.944). The mean transverse diameter was 5.5 mm. Although there was no significant difference in this diameter between sides (right, 5.3 mm; left, 5.6 mm; p = 0.358), there was a significant difference between genders (male, 5.7 mm; female, 5.1 mm; p = 0.033). The horizontal distance had no gender difference. This value is available irrespective of gender in surgery.
Manganese superoxide dismutase Ala-9Val polymorphism and risk of breast cancer in a population-based case–control study of African Americans and whites

PubMed Central

Millikan, Robert C; Player, Jon; de Cotret, Allan René; Moorman, Patricia; Pittman, Gary; Vannappagari, Vani; Tse, Chiu-Kit J; Keku, Temitope

2004-01-01

Introduction A polymorphism in the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene, Ala-9Val, has been examined in association with breast cancer risk in several epidemiologic studies. Results suggest that the Ala allele increases the risk of breast cancer and modifies the effects of environmental exposures that produce oxidative damage to DNA. Methods We examined the role of the MnSOD Ala-9Val polymorphism in a population-based case–control study of invasive and in situ breast cancer in North Carolina. Genotypes were evaluated for 2025 cases (760 African Americans and 1265 whites) and for 1812 controls (677 African Americans and 1135 whites). Results The odds ratio for MnSOD Ala/Ala versus any MnSOD Val genotypes was not elevated in African Americans (odds ratio = 0.9, 95% confidence interval = 0.7–1.2) or in whites (odds ratio = 1.0, 95% confidence interval = 0.8–1.2). Greater than additive joint effects were observed for the Ala/Ala genotype and smoking, radiation to the chest, and occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. Antagonism was observed between the Ala/Ala genotype and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusions The MnSOD genotype may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer in the presence of specific environmental exposures. These results provide further evidence for the importance of reactive oxygen species and of oxidative DNA damage in the etiology of breast cancer. PMID:15217492
ALA-induced PpIX spectroscopy for brain tumor image-guided surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdes, Pablo A.; Leblond, Frederic; Kim, Anthony; Harris, Brent T.; Wilson, Brian C.; Paulsen, Keith D.; Roberts, David W.

2011-03-01

Maximizing the extent of brain tumor resection correlates with improved survival and quality of life outcomes in patients. Optimal surgical resection requires accurate discrimination between normal and abnormal, cancerous tissue. We present our recent experience using quantitative optical spectroscopy in 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence-guided resection. Exogenous administration of ALA leads to preferential accumulation in tumor tissue of the fluorescent compound, PpIX, which can be used for in vivo surgical guidance. Using the state of the art approach with a fluorescence surgical microscope, we have been able to visualize a subset of brain tumors, but the sensitivity and accuracy of fluorescence detection for tumor tissue with this system are low. To take full advantage of the biological selectivity of PpIX accumulation in brain tumors, we used a quantitative optical spectroscopy system for in vivo measurements of PpIX tissue concentrations. We have shown that, using our quantitative approach for determination of biomarker concentrations, ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence-guidance can achieve accuracies of greater than 90% for most tumor histologies. Here we show multivariate analysis of fluorescence and diffuse reflectance signals in brain tumors with comparable diagnostic performance to our previously reported quantitative approach. These results are promising, since they show that technological improvements in current fluorescence-guided surgical technologies and more biologically relevant approaches are required to take full advantage of fluorescent biomarkers, achieve better tumor identification, increase extent of resection, and subsequently, lead to improve survival and quality of life in patients.
A Circle of Colleagues Meet in the Loop: ALA Midwinter Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson Library Bulletin, 1987

1987-01-01

Highlights the American Library Association (ALA) 1987 Midwinter Conference, including the aftermath of the Attorney General's report on pornography; Congressional pay equity bills; library copying rights; federal librarians' decline in membership and privatization; public library planning, role setting, and output measures manuals; and summaries…
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is inversely related to development of adiposity in school-age children

PubMed Central

Perng, Wei; Villamor, Eduardo; Mora-Plazas, Mercedes; Marin, Constanza; Baylin, Ana

2015-01-01

Background/Objectives Studies in adults indicate that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition may play a role in development of adiposity. Because adipocyte quantity is established between late childhood and early adolescence, understanding the impact of PUFAs on weight gain during the school-age years is crucial to developing effective interventions. Subjects/Methods We quantified N-3 and N-6 PUFAs in serum samples of 668 Colombian schoolchildren aged 5–12 years at the time of recruitment into a cohort study, using gas-liquid chromatography. Serum concentrations of N-3 (ALA, EPA, DHA) and N-6 PUFAs (LA, GLA, DGLA, AA) were determined as % total fatty acids. Children’s anthropometry was measured annually for a median of 30 months. We used mixed-effects models with restricted cubic splines to construct population body mass index-for-age z-score (BAZ) growth curves for age-and sex-specific quartiles of each PUFA. Results N-3 ALA was inversely related to BAZ gain after adjustment for sex, baseline age and weight status, and household socioeconomic level. Estimated BAZ change between 6 and 14 years among children in the highest quartile of ALA compared to those in the lowest quartile was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.83) lower (P-trend=0.006). Conclusions N-3 ALA may be protective against weight gain in school-age children. Whether improvement in PUFA status reduces adiposity in pediatric populations deserves evaluation in randomized trials. PMID:25271016
ALA-based fluorescent diagnosis of malignant oral lesions in the presence of bacterial porphyrin formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schleier, P.; Berndt, A.; Zinner, K.; Zenk, W.; Dietel, W.; Pfister, W.

2006-02-01

The aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) -based fluorescence diagnosis has been found to be promising for an early detection and demarcation of superficial oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). This method has previously demonstrated high sensitivity, however this clinical trial showed a specificity of approximately 62 %. This specificity was mainly restricted by tumor detection in the oral cavity in the presence of bacteria. After topical ALA application in the mouth of patients with previously diagnosed OSSC, red fluorescent areas were observed which did not correlate to confirm histological findings. Swabs and plaque samples were taken from 44 patients and cultivated microbiologically. Fluorescence was investigated (OMA-system) from 32 different bacteria strains found naturally in the oral cavity. After ALA incubation, 30 of 32 strains were found to synthesize fluorescent porphyrins, mainly Protoporphyrin IX. Also multiple fluorescent spectra were obtained having peak wavelengths of 636 nm and around 618 nm - 620 nm indicating synthesis of different porphyrins, such as the lipophylic Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and hydrophylic porphyrins (water soluble porphyrins, wsp). Of the 32 fluorescent bacterial strains, 18 produced wsp, often in combination with PpIX, and 5 produced solely wsp. These results clarify that ALA-based fluorescence diagnosis without consideration or suppression of bacteria fluorescence may lead to false-positive findings. It is necessary to suppress bacteria fluorescence with suitable antiseptics before starting the procedure. In this study, when specific antiseptic pre-treatment was performed bacterial associated fluorescence was significantly reduced.
Intestinal fatty acid binding protein Ala54Thr polymorphism is associated with peripheral atherosclerosis combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Khattab, Salma A; Abo-Elmatty, Dina M; Ghattas, Maivel H; Mesbah, Noha M; Mehanna, Eman T

2017-09-01

Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) is expressed in enterocytes and binds saturated and unsaturated long-chain fatty acids. The FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism has been reported to effect lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between this polymorphism and peripheral atherosclerosis combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in an Egyptian population. The study was performed on 100 T2DM patients with peripheral atherosclerosis and 100 control subjects. The Ala54Thr polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, whereas serum FABP2 levels were determined using ELISA. Fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin concentrations, HbA1c, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) were determined. There was a higher frequency of the Thr54 allele among the patient group (P = 0.002). In Ala54/Thr54 heterozygotes and carriers of the rare Thr54/Thr54 genotype, there were significant increases in BMI and FABP2. Those with the Thr54/Thr54 genotype had significantly decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations; in addition, those with the Thr54/Thr54 genotype had significantly higher SBP and DBP than subjects with the Ala54/Ala54 and Ala54/Thr54 genotypes. There was a positive correlation between FABP2 levels and BMI, SBP and DBP, and a negative correlation with HDL-C. The Thr54 allele of the FABP2 Ala54Thr polymorphism was associated with an increased incidence of peripheral atherosclerosis combined with T2DM in the population studied. © 2016 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Exome-Wide Association Study Identifies New Low-Frequency and Rare UGT1A1 Coding Variants and UGT1A6 Coding Variants Influencing Serum Bilirubin in Elderly Subjects

PubMed Central

Oussalah, Abderrahim; Bosco, Paolo; Anello, Guido; Spada, Rosario; Guéant-Rodriguez, Rosa-Maria; Chery, Céline; Rouyer, Pierre; Josse, Thomas; Romano, Antonino; Elia, Maurizzio; Bronowicki, Jean-Pierre; Guéant, Jean-Louis

2015-01-01

Abstract Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified loci contributing to total serum bilirubin level. However, no exome-wide approaches have been performed to address this question. Using exome-wide approach, we assessed the influence of protein-coding variants on unconjugated, conjugated, and total serum bilirubin levels in a well-characterized cohort of 773 ambulatory elderly subjects from Italy. Coding variants were replicated in 227 elderly subjects from the same area. We identified 4 missense rare (minor allele frequency, MAF < 0.5%) and low-frequency (MAF, 0.5%–5%) coding variants located in the first exon of the UGT1A1 gene, which encodes for the substrate-binding domain (rs4148323 [MAF = 0.06%; p.Gly71Arg], rs144398951 [MAF = 0.06%; p.Ile215Val], rs35003977 [MAF = 0.78%; p.Val225Gly], and rs57307513 [MAF = 0.06%; p.Ser250Pro]). These variants were in strong linkage disequilibrium with 3 intronic UGT1A1 variants (rs887829, rs4148325, rs6742078), which were significantly associated with total bilirubin level (P = 2.34 × 10−34, P = 7.02 × 10−34, and P = 8.27 × 10−34), as well as unconjugated, and conjugated bilirubin levels. We also identified UGT1A6 variants in association with total (rs6759892, p.Ser7Ala, P = 1.98 × 10−26; rs2070959, p.Thr181Ala, P = 2.87 × 10−27; and rs1105879, p.Arg184Ser, P = 3.27 × 10−29), unconjugated, and conjugated bilirubin levels. All UGT1A1 intronic variants (rs887829, rs6742078, and rs4148325) and UGT1A6 coding variants (rs6759892, rs2070959, and rs1105879) were significantly associated with gallstone-related cholecystectomy risk. The UGT1A6 variant rs2070959 (p.Thr181Ala) was associated with the highest risk of gallstone–related cholecystectomy (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.58–13.28; P = 3.21 × 10−3). Using an exome-wide approach we identified coding variants on UGT1A1 and UGT1A6 genes in association with serum bilirubin
ALA10, a Phospholipid Flippase, Controls FAD2/FAD3 Desaturation of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER and Affects Chloroplast Lipid Composition in Arabidopsis thaliana1

PubMed Central

Sautron, Emeline; Boudiere, Laurence; Michaud, Morgane; Dubots, Emmanuelle; Albrieux, Catherine; Marechal, Eric; Jouhet, Juliette

2016-01-01

The biogenesis of photosynthetic membranes relies on galactoglycerolipids, which are synthesized via pathways that are dispatched over several cell compartments. This membrane biogenesis requires both trafficking of lipid intermediates and a tight homeostatic regulation. In this work, we address the role of ALA10 (for aminophospholipid ATPase), a P4-type ATPase, in a process counteracting the monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) shortage in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. ALA10 can interact with protein partners, ALIS1 (for ALA-interacting subunit1) or ALIS5, leading to differential endomembrane localizations of the interacting proteins, close to the plasma membrane with ALIS1 or to chloroplasts with ALIS5. ALA10 interacts also with FATTY ACID DESATURASE2 (FAD2), and modification of ALA10 expression affects phosphatidylcholine (PC) fatty acyl desaturation by disturbing the balance between FAD2 and FAD3 activities. Modulation of ALA10 expression downstream impacts the fatty acyl composition of chloroplast PC. ALA10 expression also enhances leaf growth and improves the MGDG-PC ratio, possibly through MGDG SYNTHASE1 (MGD1) activation by phosphatidic acid. The positive effect of ALA10 on leaf development is significant in conditions such as upon treatment of plants with Galvestine-1, an inhibitor of MGDG synthases, or when plants are grown at chilling temperature. PMID:26620528
[Peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and interferon gamma: their role in immune response during aging].

PubMed

Lin'kova, N S; Kuznik, B I; Khavinson, V Kh

2012-01-01

The decrease of lymphocyte interferon gamma expression during aging is one of the main mechanisms leading to the immunodeficiency state in the elderly. Cell penetrating geroprotective peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly has the capability to activate the proliferation of lymphocytes in thymus during its aging. The nucleotide sequence which is complementary contacted with peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly was found in promoter region of interferon gamma gene. Thus, the immune protection of this peptide can be explained by its activation of the interferon gamma production in T-cells.
76 FR 42138 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-18

... generation, transportation, treatment, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous wastes, Fla. Admin. Code... Consent Decree, may also be examined on the following Department of Justice Web site, http://www.usdoj.gov...
Evaluation of glucose metabolism and reproductive hormones in polycystic ovary syndrome on the basis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma2 Pro12Ala genotype.

PubMed

Tok, E C; Aktas, A; Ertunc, D; Erdal, E M; Dilek, S

2005-06-01

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma2 Pro12Ala polymorphism has been suggested as a protective factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, we aimed to investigate metabolic features and reproductive hormones in women with PCOS and compare these features with control women on the basis of Pro12Ala genotype. This study involved 60 randomly selected women with PCOS and 60 controls. Main outcome measures were anthropometric measures, variables of glucose metabolism and reproductive hormones. All the patients were genotyped for Pro12Ala variant of PPAR-gamma2 gene. Patients with Pro12Ala polymorphism were more obese in both groups. Furthermore, they had lower fasting insulin levels, were less insulin-resistant and were less glucose-intolerant as demonstrated by 2 h glucose concentrations. However, there was no difference in reproductive hormone levels on the basis of Pro12Ala genotype. Both control women and women with PCOS had significant differences in glucose metabolism on the basis of PPAR-gamma2 Pro12Ala polymorphism. Pro12Ala variant may break the process that leads to PCOS in susceptible women, instead of being a direct causal relationship between Pro12Ala polymorphism and PCOS.
Femtosecond laser induced photodynamic therapy on 5-ALA treated SKMEL-30 cells: an efficient theranostic strategy to combat melanoma.

PubMed

Kars, Meltem Demirel; Kara, Reyhan; Gündoğdu, Yasemin; Kepceoğlu, Abdullah; Kılıç, Hamdi Şükür

2014-06-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of photo-chemotherapy that is based on the application of photosensitizer and irradiation of the region by laser sources. Photosensitizer and light interaction will develop reactive oxygen radicals ((1)O2) in the cells and elimination of cells by apoptosis or necrosis. Metastatic skin cancer cells SKMEL-30 were treated by 5-ALA in dark and then they were irradiated by 90-femtosecond (fs) laser with different pulse powers for different durations. The effects of 5-ALA mediated photodynamic therapy on the cells were determined by XTT proliferation kit and by flow cytometry measurements of Annexin V, 7-AAD and mitochondrial membrane potential alterations. Fluorescent accumulation of protoporphyrin IX was investigated by fluorometry and confocal laser microscope. The viability tests for SKMEL-30 cells treated with different 5-ALA doses and femtosecond laser power and durations demonstrated that 635 nm, 45 mW pulse energy at 90 fs laser pulse applications for 60 sec to 1mM 5-ALA exposed cells decreased the cell proliferation by 30%. Flow cytometric measurements exhibit that PDT caused 63% of mitochondria membrane potential alteration, 30% of cell death in the population by apoptosis and 39% of cells by necrosis. There was 1mM 5-ALA exposure that also exhibited about 32% accumulation of fluorescence in the cells. The pretreatment of the cells with the precursor 5-ALA lets the imaging due to increased protoporphyrin IX fluorescence. This treatment method may be proposed as an effective theranostic strategy for melanoma because of its rapid and effective anticancer consequences. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Breast-Feeding Modulates the Influence of the Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ (PPARG2) Pro12Ala Polymorphism on Adiposity in Adolescents

PubMed Central

Verier, Caroline; Meirhaeghe, Aline; Bokor, Szilvia; Breidenassel, Christina; Manios, Yannis; Molnár, Dénes; Artero, Enrique G.; Nova, Esther; De Henauw, Stefaan; Moreno, Luis A.; Amouyel, Philippe; Labayen, Idoia; Bevilacqua, Noemi; Turck, Dominique; Béghin, Laurent; Dallongeville, Jean; Gottrand, Frédéric

2010-01-01

OBJECTIVE The peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ2 (PPARG2) Pro12Ala polymorphism has been associated with a higher BMI and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The association between adiposity and PPARG variants can be influenced by environmental factors such as early growth, dietary fat, and (as recently shown) breast-feeding. The objectives of this study were to assess 1) the influence of the PPARG2 Pro12Ala polymorphism on adiposity markers in adolescents and 2) a possible modulating effect of breast-feeding on these associations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data on breast-feeding duration, BMI, and genotypes for the Pro12Ala polymorphism were available for 945 adolescents (mean age 14.7 years). The breast-feeding duration was obtained from parental records. We measured weight, height, waist circumference, and six skinfold thicknesses. RESULTS No significant associations between the Pro12Ala polymorphism and any of the above-mentioned anthropometric parameters were found. There were significant interactions between the PPARG2 Pro12Ala polymorphism and breast-feeding with regard to adiposity measurements (all adjusted P < 0.05). Indeed, in children who had not been breast-fed, Ala12 allele carriers had higher adiposity parameters (e.g., Δ BMI +1.88 kg/m2, adjusted for age, sex, and center, P = 0.007) than Pro12Pro adolescents. In contrast, in breast-fed subjects, there was no significant difference between Ala12 allele carriers and Pro12Pro children in terms of adiposity measurements, whatever the duration of breast-feeding. CONCLUSIONS Breast-feeding appears to counter the deleterious effect of the PPARG2 Pro12Ala polymorphism on anthropometric parameters in adolescents. PMID:19846795
Association of Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PubMed Central

Tariq, Khadija; Malik, Saira Bano; Ali, Syeda Hafiza Benish; Maqsood, Sundas Ejaz; Azam, Aisha; Muslim, Irfan; Khan, Muhammad Shakil; Azam, Maleeha; Waheed, Nadia Khalida

2013-01-01

Purpose The association of non-synonymous substitution polymorphism rs1801282 (c.34C>G, p.Pro12Ala) in exon 4 of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma gene with diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been reported inconsistently. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to understand the population-specific role of the Pro12Ala polymorphism in DR susceptibility in Pakistani subjects. Methods A total of 180 subjects with DR, 193 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with no diabetic retinopathy, and 200 healthy normoglycemic non-retinopathic Pakistani individuals were genotyped for the rs1801282 (c.34C>G) polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results We found the individuals with T2DM carrying 12Ala were at a reduced risk of developing DR (odds ratio [OR]=0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.33–0.87). Upon stratified analysis regarding disease severity, we observed this protective effect was confined to proliferative DR (OR=0.4; 95% CI=0.2–0.8) with non-significant effects on the susceptibility of non-proliferative DR (OR=0.67; 95% CI=0.37–1.19). Conclusions We report a protective role of the 12Ala polymorphism against proliferative DR in individuals with T2DM in Pakistan. PMID:23559865
Effect of Ala54Thr polymorphism of FABP2 on anthropometric and biochemical variables in response to a moderate-fat diet.

PubMed

Martinez-Lopez, Erika; Garcia-Garcia, Maritza R; Gonzalez-Avalos, Jorge M; Maldonado-Gonzalez, Montserrat; Ruiz-Madrigal, Bertha; Vizmanos, Barbara; Hernandez-Nazara, Zamira; Roman, Sonia; Panduro, Arturo

2013-01-01

To analyze the effect of the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP2) gene Ala54Thr polymorphism on anthropometric and biochemical variables in response to a moderate-fat diet in overweight or obese subjects. One hundred nine subjects with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2) were studied. Participants underwent a dietary intervention that consisted of 30% fat (saturated fat <7% of total calories), 15% protein, and 55% carbohydrates. The FABP2 genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Anthropometric and biochemical data were measured at baseline, 1 mo, and 2 mo of nutritional intervention. The mean age was 38.6 ± 11.3 y and the mean body mass index 32.7 ± 6.1 kg/m(2), with 20 men (18%) and 89 women (82%). Fifty-three patients (48.6%) had genotype Ala54Ala (wild-type group) and 56 patients had genotype Ala54Thr/Thr54Thr (51.4%, mutant group). At baseline, no significant difference was found between the FABP2 genotypes groups, except for the carbohydrate intake and resting metabolic rate, which were higher in the Ala54Thr/Thr54Thr group (P < 0.05). At 2 mo, participants had lost 6.8% of their initial weight. The Ala54Thr/Thr54Thr group compared with the Ala54Ala group showed significant decreases in the parameters of weight (-7.5 versus -4.2 kg), body mass index (-2.1 versus -1.2 kg/m(2)), waist circumference (-7.6 versus -5.2 cm), waist-to-hip ratio (-0.04 versus -0.02), and C-reactive protein (-1.4 versus -0.76 mg/L), respectively (P < 0.05). After the resting metabolic rate was adjusted, the decreases in waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and C-reactive protein remained significant between the two groups. This study showed that the Thr54 allele carriers responded better to a moderate-fat diet. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Relationship Between Occlusal Plane and Three Levels of Ala Tragus line in Dentulous and Partially Dentulous Patients in Different Age Groups: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Shaikh, Saquib Ahmed; K, Lekha

2015-01-01

Statement of problem: Correct orientation of the occlusal plane plays a vital role in achieving optimal aesthetics, occlusal balance and function of complete dentures. The use of ala tragus line for determination of occlusal plane has been a topic of debate over past many years. Also, the effect of age on level of ala tragal line has not been investigated in the past. Purpose: To determine the effect of age on location of Ala-Tragus line. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 patients (90 males and 90 females) were selected with complete dentition and were grouped according to their age in three age groups with 60 subjects in each age group (Group A: 20-35 y, Group B: 36-50 y, Group C: 51-65 y). Right lateral profile photographs were taken with subjects having fox plane placed intraorally parallel to occlusal plane. Reference points corresponding to inferior border, middle or superior border of tragus and inferior border of ala of nose were marked on photographs. These were joined to get three different levels of Ala-Tragus line. Images were analysed photometrically and most parallel relationship was determined in between arms of fox plane (that represented the occlusal plane) and three different levels of ala tragus line. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using Pearson chi-square and Likelihood-ratio chi-square test. Results: Significant correlation was found between age and level of Ala-Tragus line. The occlusal plane was found to be more parallel to Ala-tragus line when inferior border of tragus was considered as posterior reference point in young adult age group (20-35 y). In older age groups, occlusal plane was found to be more parallel to Ala-tragus line when middle of tragus was considered as posterior reference point. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that a definite relationship exists in between age and level of ala tragus line. PMID:25859523
Association of PPARγ2 gene variant Pro12Ala polymorphism with hypertension and obesity in the aboriginal Qatari population known for being consanguineous

PubMed Central

Bener, Abdulbari; Darwish, Sarah; Al-Hamaq, Abdulla OAA; Mohammad, Ramzi M; Yousafzai, Mohammad T

2013-01-01

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) gene with hypertension and obesity in a highly consanguineous aboriginal Qatari population. Design A cross-sectional survey conducted from January 2011–December 2012. Setting Primary health care clinics. Subjects A random sample of 1,528 Qatari male and female population older than 20 years of age. Materials and methods Data on age, sex, income, level of education, occupation status, body mass index, and blood pressure and lipid profile were obtained. The Pro12Ala in the PPARγ2 gene was detected on the LightCycler® using two specific probes: (Sensor [G] 5′-CTC CTA TTG ACG CAG AAA GCG-FL and PPAR Anchor 5′ LC Red 640- TCC TTC ACT GAT ACA CTG TCT GCA AAC ATA TC-PH). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Result Out of a total 1,528 participants, 220 were diagnosed with essential hypertension, and 420 were obese. Participants with consanguinity were significantly higher among hypertensive than normotensive (41.9% versus 30.8%; P=0.001). Altogether, more than three-fourths (89%) of the participants had a wild genotype (Pro12Pro), 9.8% were heterozygous with Pro12Ala, and only 1.2% was homozygous with the Ala12Ala genotype. The frequency of the Pro allele was 94.5% in normotensive versus 90.5% in hypertensive, while the distribution of the Ala allele was 5.5% in normotensive versus 9.5% in the hypertensive group (P=0.001). The odds of hypertension were 1.7 times higher among the participants with the Ala allele as compared to those with the Pro, while adjusting for other potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.69; 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.55; P=0.012). There was no association between the PPARγ2Ala allele and obesity (P=0.740). Conclusion The current study revealed an association between the PPARγ2Ala allele and hypertension in Qatar’s population. On the other
Frequency and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Presenilin 1 Gly206Ala Mutation in Puerto Rican Hispanics with Dementia

PubMed Central

Arnold, Steven E.; Vega, Irving E.; Karlawish, Jason H.; WoIk, David A.; Nunez, Jessica; Negron, Mirna; Xie, Sharon X.; Wang, Li-San; Dubroff, Jacob G.; McCarty-Wood, Elisabeth; Trojanowski, John Q.; Van Deerlin, Vivianna

2012-01-01

The frequency and clinical and pathological characteristics associated with the Gly206Ala presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation in Puerto Rican and non-Puerto Rican Hispanics were evaluated at the University of Pennsylvania’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center. DNAs from all cohort subjects were genotyped for the Gly206Ala PSEN1 mutation. Carriers and non-carriers with neurodegenerative disease dementias were compared for demographic, clinical, psychometric, and biomarker variables. Nineteen (12.6%) of 151 unrelated subjects with dementia were discovered to carry the PSEN1 Gly 206Ala mutation. Microsatellite marker genotyping determined a common ancestral haplotype for all carriers. Carriers were all of Puerto Rican heritage with significantly younger age of onset, but otherwise were clinically and neuropsychologically comparable to those of non-carriers with AD. Three subjects had extensive topographic and biochemical biomarker assessments that were also typical of non-carriers with AD. Neuropathological examination in one subject revealed severe, widespread plaque and tangle pathology without other meaningful disease lesions. The PSEN1 Gly206Ala mutation is notably frequent in unrelated Puerto Rican immigrants with dementia in Philadelphia. Considered together with the increased prevalence and mortality of AD reported in Puerto Rico, these high rates may reflect hereditary risk concentrated in the island which warrants further study. PMID:23114514
Enhancement of tumor responsiveness to aminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) using differentiation-promoting agents in mouse models of skin carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anand, Sanjay; Honari, Golara; Paliwal, Akshat; Hasan, Tayyaba; Maytin, Edward V.

2009-06-01

Aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an emerging treatment for cancers. ALA, given as a prodrug, selectively accumulates and is metabolized in cancer cells to form protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Targeted local irradiation with light induces cell death. Since the efficacy of ALA-PDT for large or deep tumors is currently limited, we are developing a new approach that combines differentiation-inducing agents with ALA-PDT to improve the clinical response. Here, we tested this new combination paradigm in the following two models of skin carcinoma in mice: 1) tumors generated by topical application of chemical carcinogens (DMBA-TPA); 2) human SCC cells (A431) implanted subcutaneously. To achieve a differentiated state of the tumors, pretreatment with a low concentration of methotrexate (MTX) or Vitamin D (Vit D) was administered for 72 h prior to exposure to ALA. Confocal images of histological sections were captured and digitally analyzed to determine relative PpIX levels. PpIX in the tumors was also monitored by real-time in vivo fluorescence dosimetry. In both models, a significant increase in levels of PpIX was observed following pretreatment with MTX or Vit D, as compared to no-pretreatment controls. This enhancing effect was observed at very low, non-cytotoxic concentrations, and was highly specific to cancer cells as compared to normal cells. These results suggest that use of differentiating agents such as MTX or Vit D, as a short-term combination therapy given prior to ALA-PDT, can increase the production of PpIX photosensitizer and enhance the therapeutic response of skin cancers.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) Pro12Ala polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Shao, Yan; Tang, Shenhua; Cheng, Xianyong; Lian, Haifeng; Qin, Chengyong

2015-01-01

The association between the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) Pro12Ala polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk was inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism and CRC risk. We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 17 case-control studies with 12635 and 15803 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism was associated with CRC risk (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94, P = 0.003, I(2) = 35%). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significant association was found among Caucasians (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96, P = 0.007, I(2) = 38%) but not among Asians (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.51-1.12, P = 0.17, I(2) = 28%). In the subgroup analysis by CRC site, a significant association was found among colon cancer (OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.66-0.98, P = 0.03, I(2) = 16%) but not among rectal cancer (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.57-1.21, P = 0.34, I(2) = 63%). The sensitivity analysis did not influence the result by omitting low-quality studies (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.63-0.93, P = 0.006, I(2) = 51%). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism was significant associated with CRC risk.
Shifting with the Paradigm: LJ's Picks & Pans for ALA in Disneyland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, John N., III

2008-01-01

The feelings of librarians planning for the American Library Association (ALA) conference at Disneyland (aka Anaheim, California, June 26-July 2) range from moderate pleasure to dread. Some remember the joys and difficulties of Orlando, especially the exorbitant cab fares and mediocre restaurants. Others quail at screaming kids and tourists in…
Direct observation of a Γ -X energy spectrum transition in narrow AlAs quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khisameeva, A. R.; Shchepetilnikov, A. V.; Muravev, V. M.; Gubarev, S. I.; Frolov, D. D.; Nefyodov, Yu. A.; Kukushkin, I. V.; Reichl, C.; Tiemann, L.; Dietsche, W.; Wegscheider, W.

2018-03-01

Spectra of magnetoplasma excitations have been investigated in two-dimensional electron systems in AlAs quantum wells (QWs) of different widths. The magnetoplasma spectrum has been found to change profoundly when the quantum well width becomes thinner than 5.5 nm, indicating a drastic change in the conduction electron energy spectrum. The transformation can be interpreted in terms of transition from the in-plane strongly anisotropic Xx-Xy valley occupation to the out-of-plane isotropic Xz valley in the QW plane. Strong enhancement of the cyclotron effective mass over the band value in narrow AlAs QWs is reported.
Creating Tomorrow's Technologists: Contrasting Information Technology Curriculum in North American Library and Information Science Graduate Programs against Code4lib Job Listings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maceli, Monica

2015-01-01

This research study explores technology-related course offerings in ALA-accredited library and information science (LIS) graduate programs in North America. These data are juxtaposed against a text analysis of several thousand LIS-specific technology job listings from the Code4lib jobs website. Starting in 2003, as a popular library technology…
ALA-PpIX variability quantitatively imaged in A431 epidermoid tumors using in vivo ultrasound fluorescence tomography and ex vivo assay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DSouza, Alisha V.; Flynn, Brendan P.; Gunn, Jason R.; Samkoe, Kimberley S.; Anand, Sanjay; Maytin, Edward V.; Hasan, Tayyaba; Pogue, Brian W.

2014-03-01

Treatment monitoring of Aminolevunilic-acid (ALA) - Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) calls for superficial and subsurface imaging techniques. While superficial imagers exist for this purpose, their ability to assess PpIX levels in thick lesions is poor; additionally few treatment centers have the capability to measure ALA-induced PpIX production. An area of active research is to improve treatments to deeper and nodular BCCs, because treatment is least effective in these. The goal of this work was to understand the logistics and technical capabilities to quantify PpIX at depths over 1mm, using a novel hybrid ultrasound-guided, fiber-based fluorescence molecular spectroscopictomography system. This system utilizes a 633nm excitation laser and detection using filtered spectrometers. Source and detection fibers are collinear so that their imaging plane matches that of ultrasound transducer. Validation with phantoms and tumor-simulating fluorescent inclusions in mice showed sensitivity to fluorophore concentrations as low as 0.025μg/ml at 4mm depth from surface, as presented in previous years. Image-guided quantification of ALA-induced PpIX production was completed in subcutaneous xenograft epidermoid cancer tumor model A431 in nude mice. A total of 32 animals were imaged in-vivo, using several time points, including pre-ALA, 4-hours post-ALA, and 24-hours post-ALA administration. On average, PpIX production in tumors increased by over 10-fold, 4-hours post-ALA. Statistical analysis of PpIX fluorescence showed significant difference among all groups; p<0.05. Results were validated by exvivo imaging of resected tumors. Details of imaging, analysis and results will be presented to illustrate variability and the potential for imaging these values at depth.
Loss of the Arabidopsis thaliana P₄-ATPase ALA3 reduces adaptability to temperature stresses and impairs vegetative, pollen, and ovule development.

PubMed

McDowell, Stephen C; López-Marqués, Rosa L; Poulsen, Lisbeth R; Palmgren, Michael G; Harper, Jeffrey F

2013-01-01

Members of the P4 subfamily of P-type ATPases are thought to help create asymmetry in lipid bilayers by flipping specific lipids between the leaflets of a membrane. This asymmetry is believed to be central to the formation of vesicles in the secretory and endocytic pathways. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a P4-ATPase associated with the trans-Golgi network (ALA3) was previously reported to be important for vegetative growth and reproductive success. Here we show that multiple phenotypes for ala3 knockouts are sensitive to growth conditions. For example, ala3 rosette size was observed to be dependent upon both temperature and soil, and varied between 40% and 80% that of wild-type under different conditions. We also demonstrate that ala3 mutants have reduced fecundity resulting from a combination of decreased ovule production and pollen tube growth defects. In-vitro pollen tube growth assays showed that ala3 pollen germinated ∼2 h slower than wild-type and had approximately 2-fold reductions in both maximal growth rate and overall length. In genetic crosses under conditions of hot days and cold nights, pollen fitness was reduced by at least 90-fold; from ∼18% transmission efficiency (unstressed) to less than 0.2% (stressed). Together, these results support a model in which ALA3 functions to modify endomembranes in multiple cell types, enabling structural changes, or signaling functions that are critical in plants for normal development and adaptation to varied growth environments.
Monitoring blood flow and photobleaching during topical ALA PDT treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sands, Theresa L.; Sunar, Ulas; Foster, Thomas H.; Oseroff, Allan R.

2009-02-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is currently used as a clinical treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers. In order to optimize PDT treatment, vascular shutdown early in treatment must be identified and prevented. This is especially important for topical ALA PDT where vascular shutdown is only temporary and is not a primary method of cell death. Shutdown in vasculature would limit the delivery of oxygen which is necessary for effective PDT treatment. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) was used to monitor relative blood flow changes in Balb/C mice undergoing PDT at fluence rates of 10mW/cm2 and 75mW/cm2 for colon-26 tumors implanted intradermally. DCS is a preferable method to monitor the blood flow during PDT of lesions due to its ability to be used noninvasively throughout treatment, returning data from differing depths of tissue. Photobleaching of the photosensitizer was also monitored during treatment as an indirect manner of monitoring singlet oxygen production. In this paper, we show the conditions that cause vascular shutdown in our tumor model and its effects on the photobleaching rate.

"LJ" Report "Anaheim, ALA 2008": Amid the Fantasy, Doses of Reality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blumenstein, Lynn; Berry, John; Fialkoff, Francine; Fox, Bette-Lee; Hadro, Josh; Horrocks, Norman; Oder, Norman; Roncevic, Mirela

2008-01-01

If the resort city of Anaheim, California, home of Disneyland and its "imagineers," marked a departure from the urban reality of the typical American Library Association (ALA) annual conference, it was impossible, at this 2008 meeting, to avoid urgent library issues. How do libraries maintain their value and cultural presence as users…
Exploring the Core: An Examination of Required Courses in ALA-Accredited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Russell A.

2009-01-01

This paper examines the required courses of ALA-accredited Library and Information Science programs as published on their websites. The study expands on previous research in this area. Findings show that the typical core curriculum has grown to include both research and information technology in addition to the more traditional subjects. The…
Bioavailability of Pb and Zn from mine tailings as indicated by erythrocyte aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activity in suckers (Pisces: catostomidae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schmitt, Christopher J.; Dwyer, F. James; Finger, Susan E.

1984-01-01

The activity of the erythrocyte enzyme δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) was measured in 35 catostomids (black redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei; golden redhorse, M. erythrurum; northern hogsucker, Hypentelium nigricans) collected from three sites on a stream contaminated with Pb-, Cd-, and Zn-rich mine tailings and from an uncontaminated site upstream. Enzyme activity was expressed in terms of hemoglobin (Hb), DNA, and protein concentrations; these variables can be determined in the laboratory on once-frozen blood samples. Concentrations of Pb and Zn in blood and of Pb in edible tissues were significantly higher, and ALA-D activity was significantly lower, at all three contaminated sites than upstream. At the most contaminated site, ALA-D activity was 62–67% lower than upstream. Lead concentrations in the edible tissues and in blood were positively correlated (r = 0.80), whereas ALA-D activity was negatively correlated with Pb in blood (r = −0.70) and in edible tissues (r = −0.59). Five statistically significant relations between Pb and Zn in blood and ALA-D activity were determined. The two models that explained the highest percentage (> 74%) of the total variance also included factors related to Hb concentration. All five significant models included negative coefficients for variables that represented Pb in blood and positive coefficients for Zn in blood. The ALA-D assay with results standardized to Hb concentration represents an expedient alternative to the more traditional hematocrit standardization, and the measurement of ALA-D activity by this method can be used to document exposure of fish to environmental Pb.
Biofortification of safflower: an oil seed crop engineered for ALA-targeting better sustainability and plant based omega-3 fatty acids.

PubMed

Rani, Arti; Panwar, Asha; Sathe, Manjary; Chandrashekhara, Karunakara Alageri; Kush, Anil

2018-05-11

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency and a skewed n6:n3 fatty acid ratio in the diet is a major explanation for the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. There is mounting evidence of the health benefits associated with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA's). Although present in abundance in fish, a number of factors limit our consumption of fish based omega-3 PUFA's. To name a few, overexploitation of wild fish stocks has reduced their sustainability due to increased demand of aquaculture for fish oil and meal; the pollution of marine food webs has raised concerns over the ingestion of toxic substances such as heavy metals and dioxins; vegetarians do not consider fish-based sources for supplemental nutrition. Thus alternative sources are being sought and one approach to the sustainable supply of LC-PUFAs is the metabolic engineering of transgenic plants with the capacity to synthesize n3 LC-PUFAs. The present investigation was carried out with the goal of developing transgenic safflower capable of producing pharmaceutically important alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3, n3). This crop was selected as the seeds accumulate ~ 78% of the total fatty acids as linoleic acid (LA, C18:2, n6), the immediate precursor of ALA. In the present work, ALA production was achieved successfully in safflower seeds by transforming safflower hypocotyls with Arabidopsis specific delta 15 desaturase (FAD3) driven by truncated seed specific promoter. Transgenic safflower fortified with ALA is not only potentially valuable nutritional superior novel oil but also has reduced ratio of LA to ALA which is required for good health.
The influence of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) on J-774A.1 macrophage cell line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawczyk-Krupka, Aleksandra; Czuba, Zenon; Ledwon, Aleksandra; Latos, Wojciech; Sliszka, Ewelina; Mianowska, Marta; Krol, Wojciech; Sieron, Aleksander

2008-02-01

Introduction. The whole mechanism of the cellular level of tumor destruction by photodynamic therapy (PDT) is still unknown. Despite necrotic and apoptotic ways of cell death, there is a variety of events leading to and magnifying the inactivation of tumor cells. Material and methods. J-774A.1 were incubated with δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) at different concentrations (125, 250, 500, 1000 μM) and then irradiated with VIS (400 - 750 nm) at the dose of 5,10 and 30 J/cm2 delivered from the incoherent light source. The effects of the application of ALA-PDT were evaluated on the basis of cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α- (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) produced by the J-774A.1 cells. Results. The cell viability (assessed using MTT test) was comparable with control group at 5,10 and 30 J/cm2. At these doses of energy using different concentrations of ALA we have observed that at the higher energy doses, the greater increase of TNF-α release, lowering of the level of IL-1β production and decrease of NO release were observed. There was also observed the dependence of the secretional activity of the cells on the ALA concentrations. Conclusion. The cell viability and production of cytokines depended on ALA concentrations and energy doses of the light. The higher some cytokines' release after PDT could be an additional factor for the complete eradication of tumor.
Impact of an AlAs window layer upon the optical properties of Al x Ga1-x As photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, T.; Chen, X. J.; Johnson, E. B.; Christian, J. F.; Lee, K.; Hammig, M. D.

2016-05-01

Recently developed advanced scintillators, which have the ability to distinguish gamma-ray interaction events from those that accompany neutron impact, require improved quantum efficiency in the blue to near UV region of the spectrum. We utilize GaAs/Al0.8Ga0.2As photodiode elements as components in a wide band-gap solid-state photomultiplier as a lower-cost, lower logistical burden, and higher quantum efficiency replacement for the photomultiplier tube. An AlAs window layer is employed as a means to increase the diode’s optical performance. Relative to structures absent the window layer, simulations and measurements demonstrate that the AlAs layer produces a spatial coincidence between regions of large drift fields with regions of high photon absorption. In addition to the AlAs layer, secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements show that an unexpected high degree of inter-diffusion of GaAs and AlAs quenches the photon-detection efficiency, a decrease that can be avoided by its post-growth removal. With the AlAs layer, the peak external quantum efficiency of 49% is achieved at 450 nm with 10 V reverse bias, which does not fully deplete the device. Simulations show that full depletion can result in efficiencies exceeding 90%. In order to enhance the optical response, a simple anti-reflective coating layer is designed using the existing passivation layer components that successfully minimizes the reflection at the wavelength range of interest (300 nm-500 nm).
The Simplified Aircraft-Based Paired Approach With the ALAS Alerting Algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, Raleigh B.; Madden, Michael M.; Torres-Pomales, Wilfredo; Butler, Ricky W.

2013-01-01

This paper presents the results of an investigation of a proposed concept for closely spaced parallel runways called the Simplified Aircraft-based Paired Approach (SAPA). This procedure depends upon a new alerting algorithm called the Adjacent Landing Alerting System (ALAS). This study used both low fidelity and high fidelity simulations to validate the SAPA procedure and test the performance of the new alerting algorithm. The low fidelity simulation enabled a determination of minimum approach distance for the worst case over millions of scenarios. The high fidelity simulation enabled an accurate determination of timings and minimum approach distance in the presence of realistic trajectories, communication latencies, and total system error for 108 test cases. The SAPA procedure and the ALAS alerting algorithm were applied to the 750-ft parallel spacing (e.g., SFO 28L/28R) approach problem. With the SAPA procedure as defined in this paper, this study concludes that a 750-ft application does not appear to be feasible, but preliminary results for 1000-ft parallel runways look promising.
5-ALA/PpIX fluorescence detection of gastrointestinal neoplasia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisova, Ekaterina G.; Vladimirov, Borislav; Terziev, Ivan; Ivanova, Radina; Avramov, Latchezar

2009-07-01

In the recent study delta-ALA/PpIX is used as fluorescent marker for dysplasia and tumor detection in esophagus, stomach and colon. ALA is administered per os six to eight (depending on the lesion location) hours before measurements at dose 20mg/kg weight. High-power light-emitting diode at 405 nm is used as an excitation source. Special opto-mechanical device is built for the LED to use the light guide of standard video-endoscopic system. Through endoscopic instrumental channel a fiber is applied to return information about fluorescence to microspectrometer. The fluorescence detected from tumor sites has very complex spectral origins. It consists of autofluorescence, fluorescence from exogenous fluorophores and re-absorption from the chromophores accumulated in the tissue investigated. Spectral features observed during endoscopic investigations could be distinct as the next regions: 450-630 nm region, where tissue autofluorescence is observed; 630-710 nm region, where fluorescence of PpIX is clearly pronounced; 530-580 nm region, where minima in the autofluorescence signal are observed, related to re-absorption of oxy-hemoglobin in this spectral area. Endogenous and exogenous fluorescence spectra are used to develop simple but effective algorithm, based on dimensionless ratio of the signals at 560 and 635 nm, for differentiation of normal/abnormal gastrointestinal tissues. Very good correlation between fluorescence signals and histology examination of the lesions investigated is achieved.
Feasibility of Raman spectroscopy in vitro after 5-ALA-based fluorescence diagnosis in the bladder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimbergen, M. C. M.; van Swol, C. F. P.; van Moorselaar, R. J. A.; Mahadevan-Jansen, A.,; Stone, N.

2006-02-01

Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) has become popular in bladder cancer detection. Several studies have however shown an increased false positive biopsies rate under PDD guidance compared to conventional cystoscopy. Raman spectroscopy is an optical technique that utilizes molecular specific, inelastic scattering of light photons to interrogate biological tissues, which can successfully differentiate epithelial neoplasia from normal tissue and inflammations in vitro. This investigation was performed to show the feasibility of NIR Raman spectroscopy in vitro on biopsies obtained under guidance of 5-ALA induced PPIX fluorescence imaging. Raman spectra of a PPIX solution was measured to obtain a characteristic signature for the photosensitzer without contributions from tissue constituents. Biopsies were obtained from patients with known bladder cancer instilled with 50ml, 5mg 5-ALA two hours prior to trans-urethral resection of tumor (TURT). Additional biopsies were obtained at a fluorescent and non-fluorescent area, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 °C. Each biopsy was thawed before measurements (10sec integration time) with a confocal Raman system (Renishaw Gloucestershire, UK). The 830 nm excitation (300mW) source is focused on the tissue by a 20X ultra-long-working-distance objective. Differences in fluorescence background between the two groups were removed by means of a special developed fluorescence subtraction algorithm. Raman spectra from ALA biopsies showed different fluorescence background which can be effectively removed by a fluorescence subtraction algorithm. This investigation shows that the interaction of the ALA induced PPIX with Raman spectroscopy in bladder samples. Combination of these techniques in-vivo may lead to a viable method of optical biopsies in bladder cancer detection.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) modulates expression of apoptosis associated proteins in hippocampus of rats exposed during postnatal period to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2).

PubMed

Dixit, Shilpi; Dhar, Pushpa; Mehra, Raj D

2015-01-01

The present study focused on the role of exogenous alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in amelioration of inorganic arsenic ( iAs ) induced effects on apoptosis and apoptosis associated proteins in developing rat hippocampus. NaAsO 2 (1.5/2.0 mg/kg bw) alone or along with ALA (70 mg/kg bw) was administered to rat pups (experimental groups) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route from postnatal day (PND) 4-15. Controls received no treatment/distilled water/ALA. On PND 16, the animals were perfusion fixed and the brains were processed for paraffin embedding (CV and TUNEL staining) and cryopreservation (immunohistochemistry). The fresh brain tissue was used for Western blotting. Significant increase was observed in TUNEL positive cells and Bax (pro-apoptotic protein) expression in hippocampal sub-regions of iAs alone treated groups, whereas Bcl-2 expression was intensified in animals receiving ALA with iAs . Densitometric analysis (Western blots) revealed optimal restoration of Bax and Bcl-2 ratio in animals receiving ALA with iAs , thereby suggesting the protective role of ALA in iAs induced developmental neurotoxicity.
MTHFR-Ala222Val and male infertility: a study in Iranian men, an updated meta-analysis and an in silico-analysis.

PubMed

Nikzad, Hossein; Karimian, Mohammad; Sareban, Kobra; Khoshsokhan, Maryam; Hosseinzadeh Colagar, Abasalt

2015-11-01

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) functions as a main regulatory enzyme in folate metabolism. The association of MTHFR gene Ala222Val polymorphism with male infertility in an Iranian population was investigated by undertaking a meta-analysis and in-silico approach. A genetic association study included 497 men; 242 had unexplained infertility and 255 were healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for genotyping MTHFR-Ala222Val. OpenMeta[Analyst] software was used to conduct the analysis; 22 studies were identified by searching PubMed and the currently reported genetic association study. A novel in-silico approach was used to analyse the effects of Ala222Val substitution on the structure of mRNA and protein. Genetic association study revealed a significant association of MTHFR-222Val/Val genotype with oligozoospermia (OR 2.32; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.78; P = 0.0451) and azoospermia (OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.09 to 6.17; P = 0.0314). Meta-analysis for allelic, dominant and codominant models showed a significant association between Ala222Val polymorphism and the risk of male infertility (P < 0.001). In silico-analysis showed MTHFR-Ala222Val affects enzyme structure and could also change the mRNA properties (P = 0.1641; P < 0.2 is significant). The meta-analysis suggested significant association of MTHFR-Ala222Val with risk of male infertility, especially in Asian populations. Copyright © 2015 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Lack of association between uncoupling protein-2 Ala55Val polymorphism and incident diabetes in the atherosclerosis risk in communities study.

PubMed

Bielinski, Suzette J; Pankow, James S; Boerwinkle, Eric; Bray, Molly S; Kao, W H Linda; Folsom, Aaron R

2008-09-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by impaired insulin secretion, peripheral insulin resistance, and increased hepatic glucose production. Genes that contribute to genetic susceptibility to T2DM function in numerous biochemical pathways. Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) functions as a negative regulator of insulin secretion. Animal studies show induction of UCP2 plays a pathogenic role in the progression of obesity-induced T2DM and some human studies have shown an association between a common UCP2 polymorphism, Ala55Val (rs660339), and T2DM, obesity, and resting metabolic rate with the Val/Val genotype conferring increased risk. We investigated the relationship between the Ala55Val variant and incidence of T2DM among 12,056 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study aged 45-64 years at baseline. Incident T2DM (n = 1,406) cases were identified over 9 years of follow-up. The Val55 allele frequency was 44% in blacks and 41% in whites. The rate of T2DM per 1,000 person was 15.0, 15.6, and 15.6 yearsfor Ala/Ala, Ala/Val, and Val/Val genotypes, respectively. We found no significant association between UCP2 genotypes and incident T2DM in the whole cohort, in race-gender subgroups, or in categories of body mass index (normal, overweight and obese). The Ala55Val polymorphism of UCP2 was not associated with incident T2DM in the ARIC cohort.
Idiopathic elastosis perforans serpiginosa with satisfactory response after 5-ALA photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Alique-García, S; Company-Quiroga, J; Horcajada-Reales, C; Echeverría-García, B; Tardío-Dovao, J C; Borbujo, J

2018-03-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of photochemical reactions mediated through the interaction of photosensitizing agents, light, and oxygen for the treatment of malignant or benign diseases. Topical photosensitizers employed in dermatology are 5-aminolevulinic acid (5 ALA) and methyl aminolevulinate, classically used for the treatment of superficial non-melanoma skin cancer and their precursors. Recently the efficacy of PDT has been introduced in other benign diseases. Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare skin disorder characterized by transepidermal elimination of abnormal elastic fibers. Management of this condition is complicated, various methods have been used but with limited success. We report a case of EPS in a 30-yeard-old woman treated with 5 ALA-PDT. After 4 sessions the lesions have almost completely disappeared with no residual side effects. Therefore we present an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of EPS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Loss of the Arabidopsis thaliana P4-ATPase ALA3 Reduces Adaptability to Temperature Stresses and Impairs Vegetative, Pollen, and Ovule Development

PubMed Central

McDowell, Stephen C.; López-Marqués, Rosa L.; Poulsen, Lisbeth R.; Palmgren, Michael G.; Harper, Jeffrey F.

2013-01-01

Members of the P4 subfamily of P-type ATPases are thought to help create asymmetry in lipid bilayers by flipping specific lipids between the leaflets of a membrane. This asymmetry is believed to be central to the formation of vesicles in the secretory and endocytic pathways. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a P4-ATPase associated with the trans-Golgi network (ALA3) was previously reported to be important for vegetative growth and reproductive success. Here we show that multiple phenotypes for ala3 knockouts are sensitive to growth conditions. For example, ala3 rosette size was observed to be dependent upon both temperature and soil, and varied between 40% and 80% that of wild-type under different conditions. We also demonstrate that ala3 mutants have reduced fecundity resulting from a combination of decreased ovule production and pollen tube growth defects. In-vitro pollen tube growth assays showed that ala3 pollen germinated ∼2 h slower than wild-type and had approximately 2-fold reductions in both maximal growth rate and overall length. In genetic crosses under conditions of hot days and cold nights, pollen fitness was reduced by at least 90-fold; from ∼18% transmission efficiency (unstressed) to less than 0.2% (stressed). Together, these results support a model in which ALA3 functions to modify endomembranes in multiple cell types, enabling structural changes, or signaling functions that are critical in plants for normal development and adaptation to varied growth environments. PMID:23667493
Photodynamic diagnosis following intravesical instillation of aminolevulinic acid (ALA): first clinical experiences in urology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgartner, Reinhold; Kriegmair, M.; Stepp, Herbert G.; Lumper, W.; Heil, Peter; Riesenberg, Rainer; Stocker, Susanne; Hofstetter, Alfons G.

1993-06-01

Delta Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a precursor of Protoporphyrin IX (PP IX) in hem biosynthesis has been topically applied in urinary bladders in order to study its potential as fluorescent tumor marker. Preclinical experiments have been performed on chemically induced tumors in rats, revealing a ratio of PP IX-fluorescence intensity up to 20:1 in tumors as compared to healthy urothelium. Synthesis of PP IX has been stimulated in 56 patients by intravesical instillation of a pH-neutral ALA-solution. After an incubation time of two to four hours strong red fluorescence was endoscopically observed even in tiny superficial tumors. Brightness and contrast allows visualization of early stage urothelial diseases with naked eyes and without the necessity suppressing background fluorescence or violet excitation light.
Meta-analysis of association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 gene and diabetic retinopathy in Caucasians and Asians.

PubMed

Ma, Jinlan; Li, Yan; Zhou, Fang; Xu, Xiaoyi; Guo, Gang; Qu, Yi

2012-01-01

The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPARγ2) gene is reported to be associated with diabetes. However, the gene's association with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been investigated in numerous epidemiologic studies with controversial results. This meta-analysis aimed to collectively assess the association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism with DR in T2DM. An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, and the China National Knowledge Internet. A dominant model [(Pro/Ala +Ala/Ala) versus Pro/Pro] was used to ensure adequate statistical power. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the fixed effect model. Potential sources of heterogeneity and bias were explored. This meta-analysis included genotype data from 2,720 cases with DR and 2,450 controls free of DR from eight eligible publications. The results showed the Ala allele had a protective effect on DR in T2DM (OR=0.81; 95% CI: 0.68-0.98, p=0.03). There was no significant evidence against homogeneity (I(2)=46%, P(heterogeneity)=0.07). The sensitivity analysis showed a robust association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism with DR in T2DM after a study involving Caucasians that presented a big effect on heterogeneity (OR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.62-0.91, p=0.003) was excluded. Possible ethnic differences in the association of the Pro12Ala single nucleotide polymorphism and DR were demonstrated; a significant association was illustrated in the Caucasian subgroup (OR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.59-0.94, p=0.01) but was not found in the Asian subgroup (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.55-1.07, p=0.12). No publication bias was observed. This meta-analysis suggested a significant association exists between the Pro12Ala polymorphism and DR in T2DM with ethnic differences. The Ala allele had a significant protective effect against DR in T2DM.
The association between the Pro12Ala variant in the PPARγ2 gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Wang, Xia; Liu, Jun; Ouyang, Yingying; Fang, Min; Gao, Hui; Liu, Liegang

2013-01-01

Conflicting results have been reported on the association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ2 gene with the risk of type 2 diabetes or obesity. A total of 3146 subjects with 1145 cases of type 2 diabetes and 2001 healthy controls were included in the study. Genomic DNA was obtained from blood samples and the screening for the gene polymorphisms was done using an allelic discrimination assay-by-design TaqMan method. Overall, the Ala allele frequency was 5.6% in control subjects and 3.9% in diabetes subjects (P = 0.023). We found a statistically significant association of carriers of the Ala allele with greater homoeostasis model assessment of beta cell function index in all subjects (P = 0.046). After controlling for confounders, carriers of the Ala allele had a decreased risk of diabetes compared with noncarriers [odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.83; P = 0.001]. A beneficial effect of the Ala allele was also observed for obesity (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.96; P = 0.030). Our results suggested that the presence of the Ala allele may contribute to improved insulin secretory capacity and may confer protection from type 2 diabetes and obesity in the Chinese population.
Functional analysis of the missense APOC3 mutation Ala23Thr associated with human hypotriglyceridemia.

PubMed

Sundaram, Meenakshi; Zhong, Shumei; Bou Khalil, Maroun; Zhou, Hu; Jiang, Zhenghui G; Zhao, Yang; Iqbal, Jahangir; Hussain, M Mahmood; Figeys, Daniel; Wang, Yuwei; Yao, Zemin

2010-06-01

We have shown that expression of apolipoprotein (apo) C-III promotes VLDL secretion from transfected McA-RH7777 cells under lipid-rich conditions. To determine structural elements within apoC-III that confer to this function, we contrasted wild-type apoC-III with a mutant Ala23Thr originally identified in hypotriglyceridemia subjects. Although synthesis of [(3)H]glycerol-labeled TAG was comparable between cells expressing wild-type apoC-III (C3wt cells) or Ala23Thr mutant (C3AT cells), secretion of [(3)H]TAG from C3AT cells was markedly decreased. The lowered [(3)H]TAG secretion was associated with an inability of C3AT cells to assemble VLDL(1). Moreover, [(3)H]TAG within the microsomal lumen in C3AT cells was 60% higher than that in C3wt cells, yet the activity of microsomal triglyceride-transfer protein in C3AT cells was not elevated. The accumulated [(3)H]TAG in C3AT microsomal lumen was mainly associated with lumenal IDL/LDL-like lipoproteins. Phenotypically, this [(3)H]TAG fractionation profiling resembled what was observed in cells treated with brefeldin A, which at low dose specifically blocked the second-step VLDL(1) maturation. Furthermore, lumenal [(35)S]Ala23Thr protein accumulated in IDL/LDL fractions and was absent in VLDL fractions in C3AT cells. These results suggest that the presence of Ala23Thr protein in lumenal IDL/LDL particles might prevent effective fusion between lipid droplets and VLDL precursors. Thus, the current study reveals an important structural element residing within the N-terminal region of apoC-III that governs the second step VLDL(1) maturation.
[Ala12]MCD peptide: a lead peptide to inhibitors of immunoglobulin E binding to mast cell receptors.

PubMed

Buku, A; Condie, B A; Price, J A; Mezei, M

2005-09-01

An effort was made to discover mast cell degranulating (MCD) peptide analogs that bind with high affinity to mast cell receptors without triggering secretion of histamine or other mediators of the allergic reaction initiated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) after mast cell activation. Such compounds could serve as inhibitors of IgE binding to mast cell receptors. An alanine scan of MCD peptide reported previously showed that the analog [Ala12]MCD was 120-fold less potent in histamine-releasing activity and fivefold more potent in binding affinity to mast cell receptors than the parent MCD peptide. Because this analog showed marginal intrinsic activity and good binding affinity it was subsequently tested in the present study as an IgE inhibitor. In contrast to MCD peptide, [Ala12]MCD showed a 50% inhibition of IgE binding to the Fc epsilon RI alpha mast cell receptor by using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) mast cells and fluorescence polarization. Furthermore, in a beta-hexosaminidase secretory assay, the peptide also showed a 50% inhibition of the secretion of this enzyme caused by IgE. An attempt was made to relate structural changes and biologic differences between the [Ala12]MCD analog and the parent MCD peptide. The present results show that [Ala12]MCD may provide a base for designing agents to prevent IgE/Fc epsilon RI alpha interactions and, consequently, allergic conditions.
Studying Online: Student Motivations and Experiences in ALA-Accredited LIS Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oguz, Fatih; Chu, Clara M.; Chow, Anthony S.

2015-01-01

This paper presents a large scale study of online MLIS students (n = 910), who completed at least one online course and were enrolled in 36 of the 58 ALA-accredited MLIS programs in Canada and the United States. The results indicate that the typical student is female, White, lives in an urban setting, and is in her mid-30s. Online students were…

The Short Life and Ignominious Death of ALA Video and Special Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Handman, Gary

1991-01-01

Discussion of videocassettes in our culture and the function of video collections in libraries focuses on the creation and demise of a unit sponsored by the American Library Association, the ALA Video and Special Projects. The unit's role is discussed and funding decisions that led to its demise are explained. (LRW)
The Thr92Ala 5′ Type 2 Deiodinase Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with a Delayed Triiodothyronine Secretion in Response to the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone–Stimulation Test: A Pharmacogenomic Study

PubMed Central

Butler, Peter W.; Smith, Sheila M.; Linderman, Joyce D.; Brychta, Robert J.; Alberobello, Anna Teresa; Dubaz, Ornella M.; Luzon, Javier A.; Skarulis, Monica C.; Cochran, Craig S.; Wesley, Robert A.; Pucino, Frank

2010-01-01

Background The common Thr92Ala D2 polymorphism has been associated with changes in pituitary–thyroid axis homeostasis, but published results are conflicting. To investigate the effects of the Thr92Ala polymorphism on intrathyroidal thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) conversion, we designed prospective pharmacogenomic intervention aimed to detect differences in T3 levels after thyrotropin (TSH)-releasing hormone (TRH)–mediated TSH stimulation of the thyroid gland. Methods Eighty-three healthy volunteers were screened and genotyped for the Thr92Ala polymorphism. Fifteen volunteers of each genotype (Thr/Thr, Thr/Ala, and Ala/Ala) underwent a 500 mcg intravenous TRH stimulation test with serial measurements of serum total T3 (TT3), free T4, and TSH over 180 minutes. Results No differences in baseline thyroid hormone levels were seen among the study groups. Compared to the Thr/Thr group, the Ala/Ala group showed a significantly lower TRH-stimulated increase in serum TT3 at 60 minutes (12.07 ± 2.67 vs. 21.07 ± 2.86 ng/dL, p = 0.029). Thr/Ala subjects showed an intermediate response. Compared to Thr/Thr subjects, the Ala/Ala group showed a blunted rate of rise in serum TT3 as measured by mean time to 50% maximum delta serum TT3 (88.42 ± 6.84 vs. 69.56 ± 6.06 minutes, p = 0.028). Subjects attained similar maximal (180 minutes) TRH-stimulated TT3 levels. TRH-stimulated TSH and free T4 levels were not significantly different among the three genotype groups. Conclusions The commonly occurring Thr92Ala D2 variant is associated with a decreased rate of acute TSH-stimulated T3 release from the thyroid consistent with a decrease in intrathyroidal deiodination. These data provide a proof of concept that the Thr92Ala polymorphism is associated with subtle changes in thyroid hormone homeostasis. PMID:21054208
Roles of Ala-149 in the catalytic activity of diadenosine tetraphosphate phosphorylase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv.

PubMed

Mori, Shigetarou; Kim, Hyun; Rimbara, Emiko; Arakawa, Yoshichika; Shibayama, Keigo

2015-01-01

Diadenosine 5',5'''-P(1),P(4)-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) phosphorylase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (MtAPA) belongs to the histidine triad motif (HIT) superfamily, but is the only member with an alanine residue at position 149 (Ala-149). Enzymatic analysis revealed that the Ala-149 deletion mutant displayed substrate specificity for diadenosine 5',5'''-P(1),P(5)-pentaphosphate and was inactive on Ap4A and other substrates that are utilized by the wild-type enzyme.
Effects of Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 gene on metabolic syndrome risk: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruyi; Wang, Jiao; Yang, Rui; Sun, Jia; Chen, Rongping; Luo, Haizhao; Liu, Duan; Cai, Dehong

2014-02-01

Associations between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome risk remained controversial and ambiguous. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPARγ2 gene and metabolic syndrome susceptibility. An electronic literature search was conducted on Medline, OVID, Cochrane Library database, and the China National Knowledge Internet up to March 2013. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the strength of association in the fixed or random effects model. Ten studies involving a total of 4456 cases and 10343 controls were included in this meta-analysis. No statistical evidence of association was found between Pro12Ala polymorphism and metabolic syndrome risk in all genetic models (homozygote model: OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.62-1.12; heterozygote model: OR=1.04, 95% CI=0.94-1.14; dominant model: OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.93-1.12; recessive model: OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.62-1.11). No statistical evidence of significant association was observed when stratified by ethnicity, definition of metabolic syndrome, source of control groups and quality score of the selected articles. All in all, the results did not support a major role of the Pro12Ala variant of the PPARγ2 gene in metabolic syndrome risk. This meta-analysis suggested that the effect of Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPARγ2 gene may not be related to metabolic syndrome as an entity. However, Pro12Ala may affect the single component of metabolic syndrome. A large, well designed study is required to more adequately assess the role for Pro12Ala polymorphism on metabolic syndrome. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Reactivity of Ala-Gly dipeptide with β-turn secondary structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Craig P.; Gerlei, Klára Z.; Rágyanszki, Anita; Jensen, Svend J. Knak; Viskolcz, Béla; Csizmadia, Imre G.

2018-01-01

The conformational space of β-turns of Ala-Gly dipeptide is analyzed theoretically using quantum mechanical methods. A number of potential minima are obtained and characterized. The potential energy surface suggests that β-turn conformers are susceptible to rapid radical formation, which leads to potential L and D epimerization. The calculated thermodynamics show that the radical mediated epimerization is possible and that the estimated barrier height for hydrogen abstraction on the Cα is the lowest for the Gly residue.
Meta-analysis of association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ2 gene and diabetic retinopathy in Caucasians and Asians

PubMed Central

Ma, Jinlan; Li, Yan; Zhou, Fang; Xu, Xiaoyi; Guo, Gang

2012-01-01

Purpose The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ2 (PPARγ2) gene is reported to be associated with diabetes. However, the gene’s association with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been investigated in numerous epidemiologic studies with controversial results. This meta-analysis aimed to collectively assess the association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism with DR in T2DM. Methods An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, and the China National Knowledge Internet. A dominant model [(Pro/Ala +Ala/Ala) versus Pro/Pro] was used to ensure adequate statistical power. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the fixed effect model. Potential sources of heterogeneity and bias were explored. Results This meta-analysis included genotype data from 2,720 cases with DR and 2,450 controls free of DR from eight eligible publications. The results showed the Ala allele had a protective effect on DR in T2DM (OR=0.81; 95% CI: 0.68–0.98, p=0.03). There was no significant evidence against homogeneity (I2=46%, Pheterogeneity=0.07). The sensitivity analysis showed a robust association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism with DR in T2DM after a study involving Caucasians that presented a big effect on heterogeneity (OR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.62–0.91, p=0.003) was excluded. Possible ethnic differences in the association of the Pro12Ala single nucleotide polymorphism and DR were demonstrated; a significant association was illustrated in the Caucasian subgroup (OR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.59–0.94, p=0.01) but was not found in the Asian subgroup (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.55–1.07, p=0.12). No publication bias was observed. Conclusions This meta-analysis suggested a significant association exists between the Pro12Ala polymorphism and DR in T2DM with ethnic differences. The Ala allele had a significant protective effect against DR in T2DM. PMID:22993484
75 FR 12254 - Official Trail Marker for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-15

... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Official Trail Marker for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Official Insignia, Designation. Authority: National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C. 1241(a) and l246(c) and Protection of Official Badges...
ALA/LA ameliorates glucose toxicity on HK-2 cells by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis through the ROS/p38/TGF-β1 pathway.

PubMed

Jiang, Mingxia; Zhang, Haifen; Zhai, Lijie; Ye, Bianliang; Cheng, Yin; Zhai, Chengkai

2017-11-16

Growing evidence indicates that oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in Diabetic nephropathy (DN). In a previous study we demonstrated that ALA/LA protected HK-2 cells against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity. So we aimed to establish the glucose injury model of HK-2 cells and investigate the beneficial effects of ALA/LA on high glucose-induced excessive production of TGF-β1 and the possible mechanisms mediating the effects. The expression of OS markers in high glucose-induced HK-2 cells treated with ALA/LA., including the antioxidant enzymes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the apoptosis rate were assayed by ELISA and flow cytometry. The p38/transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF-β 1 ) signal pathway were measured by real-time RT-PCR and western blot. The modeling condition of glucose toxicity on HK-2 cells was at the glucose concentration of 40.9 mM. ALA/LA can significantly increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decrease ROS production stimulated by high glucose. The study also found that ALA/LA caused a decrease in the apoptosis rate and TGF-β 1 level of HK-2 cells under high glucose stress through the ROS/p38 pathway. ALA/LA exerts protective effects in vitro through inhibition of ROS generation, down regulation of the activation of the p38MAPK pathway and the expression of TGF-β 1 in HK-2 cells.
ALA16VAL-MnSOD gene polymorphism and stroke: Association with dyslipidemia and glucose levels.

PubMed

Flores, Ariane Ethur; Pascotini, Eduardo Tanuri; Kegler, Aline; Gabbi, Patricia; Bochi, Guilherme Vargas; Barbisan, Fernanda; Duarte, Thiago; Prado, Ana Lucia Cervi; Duarte, Marta M M F; da Cruz, Ivana B M; Moresco, Rafael Noal; Santos, Adair Roberto Soares; Bresciani, Guilherme; Royes, Luiz Fernando Freire; Fighera, Michele Rechia

2017-09-05

Stroke risk has been associated to the progression of carotid plaques due to high glucose levels and lipid accumulation, which are greatly associated to cerebral injury, brain oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The ALA16VAL-MnSOD gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has shown to modulate risk factors of several metabolic and vascular diseases, such as blood glucose (GLU) and lipid levels. However, the association of these factors in stroke patients has not been studied to date. Thus, we evaluated the influence of the Ala16Val-MnSOD SNP on lipid profile, GLU levels, oxidative and DNA damage of 44 patients in a late phase of stroke (>6months). The statistical analysis showed a greater proportion of VV carries in stroke patients. The results also indicated that stroke patients had higher cholesterol (CHO) and GLU levels when compared to healthy counterparts. Interestingly, V allele carriers with stroke showed higher levels of CHO and GLU when compared to AA stroke and healthy counterparts. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress markers are still increased even after 6 months of cerebral injury. Furthermore, we propose that the Ala16Val-MnSOD SNPs may contribute to hypercholesterolemia and higher GLU levels, increasing the risk to neurovascular events that may lead to stroke. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Role of Superoxide Dismutase 2 Gene Ala16Val Polymorphism and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Diabetes and its Complications

PubMed Central

Pourvali, Katayoun; Abbasi, Mehrnaz; Mottaghi, Azadeh

2016-01-01

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic heterogeneous disorder and oxidative stress is a key participant in the development and progression of it and its complications. Anti-oxidant status can affect vulnerability to oxidative damage, onset and progression of diabetes and diabetes complications. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) is one of the major antioxidant defense systems against free radicals. SOD2 is encoded by the nuclear SOD2 gene located on the human chromosome 6q25 and the Ala16Val polymorphism has been identified in exon 2 of the human SOD2 gene. Ala16Val (rs4880) is the most commonly studied SOD2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SOD2 gene. This SNP changes the amino acid at position 16 from valine (Val) to alanine (Ala), which has been shown to cause a conformational change in the target sequence of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and also affects MnSOD activity in mitochondria. Ala16Val SNP and changes in the activity of the SOD2 antioxidant enzyme have been associated with altered progression and risk of different diseases. Association of this SNP with diabetes and some of its complications have been studied in numerous studies. This review evaluated how rs4880, oxidative stress and antioxidant status are associated with diabetes and its complications although some aspects of this line still remain unclear. PMID:27141263
Assay for identification of heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism (Ala67Thr) in human poliovirus receptor gene.

PubMed

Nandi, Shyam Sundar; Sharma, Deepa Kailash; Deshpande, Jagadish M

2016-07-01

It is important to understand the role of cell surface receptors in susceptibility to infectious diseases. CD155 a member of the immunoglobulin super family, serves as the poliovirus receptor (PVR). Heterozygous (Ala67Thr) polymorphism in CD155 has been suggested as a risk factor for paralytic outcome of poliovirus infection. The present study pertains to the development of a screening test to detect the single nucleotide (SNP) polymorphism in the CD155 gene. New primers were designed for PCR, sequencing and SNP analysis of Exon2 of CD155 gene. DNAs extracted from either whole blood (n=75) or cells from oral cavity (n=75) were used for standardization and validation of the SNP assay. DNA sequencing was used as the gold standard method. A new SNP assay for detection of heterozygous Ala67Thr genotype was developed and validated by testing 150 DNA samples. Heterozygous CD155 was detected in 27.33 per cent (41/150) of DNA samples tested by both SNP detection assay and sequencing. The SNP detection assay was successfully developed for identification of Ala67Thr polymorphism in human PVR/CD155 gene. The SNP assay will be useful for large scale screening of DNA samples.
Cephalometrically assessing the validity of superior, middle and inferior tragus points on ala-tragus line while establishing the occlusal plane in edentulous patient

PubMed Central

Thombare, Ram

2013-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to decide the most appropriate point on tragus to be used as a reference point at time of marking ala tragus line while establishing occlusal plane. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data was collected in two groups of subjects: 1) Dentulous 2) Edentulous group having sample size of 30 for each group with equal gender distribution (15 males, 15 females each). Downs analysis was used for base value. Lateral cephalographs were taken for all selected subjects. Three points were marked on tragus as Superior (S), Middle (M), and Inferior (I) and were joined with ala (A) of the nose to form ala-tragus lines. The angle formed by each line (SA plane, MA plane, IA plane) with Frankfort Horizontal (FH) plane was measured by using custom made device and modified protractor in all dentulous and edentulous subjects. Also, in dentulous subjects angle between Frankfort Horizontal plane and natural occlusal plane was measured. The measurements obtained were subjected to the following statistical tests; descriptive analysis, Student's unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS The results demonstrated, the mean angle COO (cant of occlusal plane) as 9.76°, inferior point on tragus had given the mean angular value of IFH [Angle between IA plane (plane formed by joining inferior point-I on tragus and ala of nose- A) and FH plane) as 10.40° and 10.56° in dentulous and edentulous subjects respectively which was the closest value to the angle COO and was comparable with the values of angle COO value in Downs analysis. Angulations of ala-tragus line marked from inferior point with occlusal plane in dentulous subject had given the smallest value 2.46° which showed that this ala-tragus line was nearly parallel to occlusal plane. CONCLUSION The inferior point marked on tragus is the most appropriate point for marking ala-tragus line. PMID:23508068
ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom: Who We Are and How We Help Librarians

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pekoll, Kristin

2015-01-01

The American Library Association's (ALA's) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) strives to educate librarians and the public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries, and it will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in 2017. Libraries are a forum for information and ideas (under the First Amendment), and librarians are…
Ala67Thr mutation in the poliovirus receptor CD155 is a potential risk factor for vaccine and wild-type paralytic poliomyelitis.

PubMed

Kindberg, Elin; Ax, Cecilia; Fiore, Lucia; Svensson, Lennart

2009-05-01

Poliovirus infections can be asymptomatic or cause severe paralysis. Why some individuals develop paralytic poliomyelitis is unknown, but a role for host genetic factors has been suggested. To investigate if a polymorphism, Ala67Thr, in the poliovirus receptor, which has been found to facilitate increased resistance against poliovirus-induced cell lysis and apoptosis, is associated with increased risk of paralytic poliomyelitis, poliovirus receptor genotyping was undertaken among Italian subjects with vaccine-associated (n = 9), or with wild-type paralytic poliomyelitis (n = 6), and control subjects (n = 71), using RFLP-PCR and pyrosequencing. Heterozygous poliovirus receptor Ala67Thr genotype was found in 13.3% of the patients with paresis and in 8.5% of the controls (Odds Ratio = 1.667). The frequency of Ala67Thr among the controls is in agreement with earlier published data. It is concluded that the Ala67Thr mutation in the poliovirus receptor is a possible risk factor for the development of vaccine-associated or paralytic poliomyelitis associated with wild-type virus. Copyright 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PVR/CD155 Ala67Thr Mutation and Cleft Lip/Palate.

PubMed

Vieira, Alexandre R; Letra, Ariadne; Silva, Renato M; Granjeiro, Jose M; Shimizu, Takehiko; Poletta, Fernando A; Mereb, Juan C; Castilla, Eduardo E; Orioli, Iêda M

2018-03-01

The 19q13 locus has been linked to cleft lip and palate by our group and independently by others. Here we fine mapped the region in an attempt to identify an etiological variant that can explain cleft lip and palate occurrence. A total of 2739 individuals born with cleft lip and palate, related to individuals born with cleft lip and palate, and unrelated were studied. We used linkage and association approaches to fine map the interval between D19S714 and D19S433 and genotypes were defined by the use of TaqMan chemistry. We confirmed our previous findings that markers in PVR/CD155 are associated with cleft lip and palate. We studied the mutation Ala67Thr further and calculated its penetrance. We also attempted to detect PVR/CD155 expression in human whole saliva. Our results showed that markers in PVR/CD155 are associated with cleft lip and palate and the penetrance of the Ala67Thr is very low (between 1% and 5%). We could not detect PVR/CD155 expression in adult human whole saliva and PVR/CD155 possibly interacts with maternal infection to predispose children to cleft lip only.
[Study on association of FABP2 gene Ala54Thr polymorphism with risk of obesity, body fat mass and physical activity].

PubMed

Nasibulina, É S; Borisova, A V; Akhmetov, I I

2013-01-01

Obesity is a multifactorial disease which depends on the interaction between genome and environment. Fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) regulates lipid transport, intestinal absorption and metabolism. The aim of the study was to investigate the interrelation between the FABP2 gene Ala54Thr polymorphism, body mass index and body fat mass and to study distribution of genotypes and alleles frequencies of FABP2 gene in athletes and individuals who are not involved in sports. 315 athletes of different sport disciplines and levels and 612 controls (predominantly students) participated in the study. Genotyping for the FABP2 gene Ala54Thr polymorphism was performed by PCR. Body composition was analyzed by bioimpedance method. The study did not confirm the association of FABP2 gene Ala54Thr polymorphism with the risk of obesity and body fat mass. However, the frequency of the Thr54 allele was significantly higher in elite stayers (50.0%, p = 0.025) and combat athletes (46.2%, p = 0.013) in comparison with controls (32.2%). Thus, FABP2 gene Ala54Thr polymorphism is associated with the predisposition to endurance athletic performance.
Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy of ALA-induced protoporphyrin IX preferentially accumulated in tumor tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepp, Herbert G.; Baumgartner, Reinhold; Beyer, Wolfgang; Knuechel, Ruth; Koerner, T. O.; Kriegmair, M.; Rick, Kai; Steinbach, Pia; Hofstetter, Alfons G.

1995-12-01

In a clinical pilot study performed on 104 patients suffering from bladder cancer it could be shown that intravesical instillation of a solution of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) induces a tumorselective accumulation of Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). Malignant lesions could be detected with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 67%. The Kr+-laser as excitation light source could successfully be replaced by a filtered short arc Xe-lamp. Its emission wavelength band (375 nm - 440 nm) leads to an efficiency of 58% for PPIX- excitation compared to the laser. Two-hundred-sixty mW of output power at the distal end of a slightly modified cystoscope could be obtained. This is sufficient for recording fluorescence images with a target integrating color CCD-camera. Red fluorescence and blue remitted light are displayed simultaneously. Standard white light observation is possible with the same instrumentation. Pharmacokinetic measurements were performed on 18 patients after different routes of 5-ALA application (oral, inhalation and intravesical instillation). PPIX-fluorescence measurements were made on the skin and on the blood plasma. Pharmacokinetic of 5-ALA could be performed on blood plasma. Endoscopical florescence spectroscopy showed the high fluorescence contrast between tumor and normal tissue with a mean value of 10.7. Forthcoming clinical multicenter studies require an objective measure of the fluorescence intensity. Monte Carlo computer simulations showed that artifacts due to observation geometry and varying absorption can largely be reduced by ratioing fluorescence (red channel of camera) to remission (blue channel). Real time image ratioing provides false color images with a reliable fluorescence information.
Cellular pH and PI3K signaling as determinants of Protoporphyrin IX conversion and ALA PDT response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Michael; El-Hamidi, Hamid; Celli, Jonathan

2018-02-01

ALA PDT is a FDA approved cancer treatment. The general model is that excess exogenous ALA is eventually converted to the active photosensitizer, PpIX, and accumulates PpIX to concentrations well above baseline. This accumulation, however, varies considerable from person to person and even intra-tumorally due to a high number of factors that are involved. Due to this there is an increasing desire to pair ALA PDT with other treatments to enhance the efficacy of PDT. This idea itself isn't new as the labs of Bin Chen and Edward Maytin have a long history of using biology to enhance PpIX accumulation. The PI3K pathway is a long-studied cancer treatment target due to it being one of the most ubiquitous over expressed pathways in cancer and that many treatments have demonstrated enhanced efficacy upon PI3K inhibition. In this paper we show that the PI3K pathway inhibitor, LY294002, alters PpIX accumulation in cells (decreased for A431 and increases for Panc-1 and Panc-1 OR) and significantly increases the efficacy of ALA PDT in every case for both monolayer and spheroid cultures. Additionally, we show that PDT treatments using the nonendogenous photosensitizer, verteporfin, also have enhanced efficacy upon PI3K inhibition. Beyond the treatment synergy of PI3K inhibition and PDT, this work presents a cell pairing model that is perfect to study the previously, to our knowledge, undocumented connection between the PI3K pathway and PpIX accumulation.
Vitamin D Combined with Aminolevulinate (ALA)-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Human Psoriasis: A Proof-of-Principle Study

PubMed Central

Maytin, Edward V.; Honari, Golara; Khachemoune, Amor; Taylor, Charles R.; Ortel, Bernhard; Pogue, Brian W.; Sznycer-Taub, Nathaniel; Hasan, Tayyaba

2012-01-01

We previously showed that select agents (methotrexate or Vitamin D), when administered as a preconditioning regimen, are capable of promoting cellular differentiation of epithelial cancer cells while simultaneously enhancing the efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). In solid tumors, pretreatment with Vitamin D simultaneously promotes cellular differentiation and leads to selective accumulation of target porphyrins (mainly protoporphyrin IX, PpIX) within diseased tissue. However, questions of whether or not the effects upon cellular differentiation are inexorably linked to PpIX accumulation, and whether these effects might occur in hyperproliferative noncancerous tissues, have remained unanswered. In this paper, we reasoned that psoriasis, a human skin disease in which abnormal cellular proliferation and differentiation plays a major role, could serve as a useful model to test the effects of pro-differentiating agents upon PpIX levels in a non-neoplastic setting. In particular, Vitamin D, a treatment for psoriasis that restores (increases) differentiation, might increase PpIX levels in psoriatic lesions and facilitate their responsiveness to ALA-PDT. This concept was tested in a pilot study of 7 patients with bilaterally-matched psoriatic plaques. A regimen in which calcipotriol 0.005% ointment was applied for 3 days prior to ALA-PDT with blue light, led to preferential increases in PpIX (~130%), and reductions in thickness, redness, scaling, and itching in the pretreated plaques. The results suggest that a larger clinical trial is warranted to confirm a role for combination treatments with Vitamin D and ALA-PDT for psoriasis. PMID:23264699
Long-term (6 and 12 months) follow-up of two prospective, randomized, controlled phase III trials of photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA and methyl aminolaevulinate for the treatment of actinic keratosis

PubMed Central

Dirschka, T; Radny, P; Dominicus, R; Mensing, H; Brüning, H; Jenne, L; Karl, L; Sebastian, M; Oster-Schmidt, C; Klövekorn, W; Reinhold, U; Tanner, M; Gröne, D; Deichmann, M; Simon, M; Hübinger, F; Hofbauer, G; Krähn-Senftleben, G; Borrosch, F; Reich, K; Berking, C; Wolf, P; Lehmann, P; Moers-Carpi, M; Hönigsmann, H; Wernicke-Panten, K; Hahn, S; Pabst, G; Voss, D; Foguet, M; Schmitz, B; Lübbert, H; Szeimies, R-M

2013-01-01

Background Two phase III trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with BF-200 ALA, a recently approved nanoemulsion formulation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) demonstrated high clearance rates in mild-to-moderate actinic keratosis (AK). The comparison to a registered methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) cream demonstrated significantly superior total patient clearance rates. Objectives To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of PDT for AK 6 and 12 months after the last PDT with BF-200 ALA, MAL or placebo. Methods The follow-up phase (FUP) was performed with patients of two phase III studies. Both studies compared BF-200 ALA with placebo, one of the studies additionally with MAL. Overall recurrence rates and various subgroups (light source, lesion severity, lesion location, complete responders after first PDT) were assessed 6 and 12 months after the last PDT. Results Recurrence rates were similar for BF-200 ALA and MAL, with a tendency to lower recurrence rates for BF-200 ALA. The proportion of patients who were fully cleared during PDT and remained completely clear for at least 12 months after PDT were 47% for BF-200 ALA (both studies) and 36% for MAL treatment. The subgroup that was illuminated with narrow wavelength LED lamps reached 69% and 53% for BF-200 ALA (both studies, respectively) and 41% for MAL. No safety concerns were reported. Conclusions The FUP data confirmed the high efficacy and safety of PDT with BF-200 ALA. The slightly lower recurrence rates after BF-200 ALA treatment compared with MAL treatment enhanced the better treatment outcome due to the significantly superior efficacy. PMID:23252768

5-ALA-induced fluorescence as a marker for diagnostic tissue in stereotactic biopsies of intracranial lymphomas: experience in 41 patients.

PubMed

Kiesel, Barbara; Millesi, Matthias; Woehrer, Adelheid; Furtner, Julia; Bavand, Anahita; Roetzer, Thomas; Mischkulnig, Mario; Wolfsberger, Stefan; Preusser, Matthias; Knosp, Engelbert; Widhalm, Georg

2018-06-01

OBJECTIVE Stereotactic needle biopsies are usually performed for histopathological confirmation of intracranial lymphomas to guide adequate treatment. During biopsy, intraoperative histopathology is an effective tool to avoid acquisition of nondiagnostic samples. In the last years, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced fluorescence has been increasingly used for visualization of diagnostic brain tumor tissue during stereotactic biopsies. Recently, visible fluorescence was reported in the first cases of intracranial lymphomas as well. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the technical and clinical utility of 5-ALA-induced fluorescence in a large series of stereotactic biopsies for intracranial lymphoma. METHODS This prospective study recruited adult patients who underwent frameless stereotactic needle biopsy for a radiologically suspected intracranial lymphoma after oral 5-ALA administration. During biopsy, samples from the tumor region were collected for histopathological analysis, and presence of fluorescence (strong, vague, or no fluorescence) was assessed with a modified neurosurgical microscope. In tumors with available biopsy samples from at least 2 different regions the intratumoral fluorescence homogeneity was additionally investigated. Furthermore, the influence of potential preoperative corticosteroid treatment or immunosuppression on fluorescence was analyzed. Histopathological tumor diagnosis was established and all collected biopsy samples were screened for diagnostic lymphoma tissue. RESULTS The final study cohort included 41 patients with intracranial lymphoma. Stereotactic biopsies with assistance of 5-ALA were technically feasible in all cases. Strong fluorescence was found as maximum level in 30 patients (75%), vague fluorescence in 2 patients (4%), and no visible fluorescence in 9 patients (21%). In 28 cases, samples were obtained from at least 2 different tumor regions; homogenous intratumoral fluorescence was found in 16 of those cases
α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an anti-inflammatory agent in inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Reifen, Ram; Karlinsky, Anna; Stark, Aliza H; Berkovich, Zipi; Nyska, Abraham

2015-12-01

Studies suggest that consumption of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) plays a protective role in inflammatory bowel disease; however, the use of plant-derived oils rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA) has not been widely investigated. The aims of this study were to test the effects of two different sources of (n-3) PUFA, fish and plant-derived oils, in two animal models of experimental colitis and to determine whether the (n-3) PUFA-enriched diets could ameliorate the inflammatory status. Rats were fed diets rich in corn, fish or sage oil with or without vitamin A supplementation for 3weeks then colitis was induced by adding dextran sodium sulfate to the drinking water or by injecting 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. We show that colitic rats fed the sage oil diets had a lower inflammatory response, improved histological repair and had less necrotic damage in the mucosa when compared to the corn and fish oil groups. Colonic damage and myeloperoxidase activity were significantly lower. Colonic mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes including interleukin IL-6, cyclooxygenase 2 and tumor necrosis factor α were markedly down-regulated in rats fed fish and sage oils compared to control. These results were supported by experiments in the human colonic epithelial cell line Caco-2, where ALA supplementation was shown to be effective in inhibiting inflammation induced by IL-1β by down-regulating mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes including IL-8, COX2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Taken together, these results suggest that plant-derived oil rich in ALA could ameliorate the inflammatory damage in colitis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Ala42S100A8 Ameliorates Psychological-Stress Impaired Cutaneous Wound Healing

PubMed Central

Sroussi, Herve Y.; Williams, Richard L.; Zhang, Qing. L.; Villines, Dana.; Marucha, Phillip. T.

2009-01-01

Although wound healing is generally a successful, carefully orchestrated and evolutionary sound process, it can be disregulated by extrinsic factors such as psychological stress. In the SKH-1 restraint stress model of cutaneous wound healing, the rate of wound closure is approximately 30% slower in stressed mice. Delay in healing is associated with exaggerated acute inflammation and deficient bacterial clearance at the wound site. It has been suggested that wound hypoxia may contribute to the mechanisms of impaired cutaneous wound healing in the mouse SKH-1 model. Optimal healing of a cutaneous wound is a stepwise repair program. In its early phase, an inflammatory oxidative burst generated by neutrophils is observed. 40% of neutrophils cytosolic protein weight is comprised of two calcium binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9. Our previous work has shown that S100A8 act as an oxidation sensitive repellent of human neutrophils in-vitro. Ala42S100A8, a site-directed mutant protein is resistant to oxidative inhibition and inhibits neutrophil recruitment in-vivo. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that S100A8 may ameliorate wound healing in this model. We examined the effect of wild type and ala42S100A8 for their ability to ameliorate wound closure rates. The data indicated that a single local application of ala42S100A8 ameliorated the decreased rate of wound closure resulting from stress. This occurred without significantly affecting wound bacterial clearance. Wild type S100A8 only had a partial beneficial effect on the rate of wound closure. Those findings support further translational studies of S100 based intervention to ameliorate impaired wound healing. PMID:19336252
Ala42S100A8 ameliorates psychological-stress impaired cutaneous wound healing.

PubMed

Sroussi, Herve Y; Williams, Richard L; Zhang, Qing L; Villines, Dana; Marucha, Phillip T

2009-08-01

Although wound healing is generally a successful, carefully orchestrated and evolutionary sound process, it can be disregulated by extrinsic factors such as psychological-stress. In the SKH-1 restraint stress model of cutaneous wound healing, the rate of wound closure is approximately 30% slower in stressed mice. Delay in healing is associated with exaggerated acute inflammation and deficient bacterial clearance at the wound site. It has been suggested that wound hypoxia may contribute to the mechanisms of impaired cutaneous wound healing in the mouse SKH-1 model. Optimal healing of a cutaneous wound is a stepwise repair program. In its early phase, an inflammatory oxidative burst generated by neutrophils is observed. About 40% of neutrophils cytosolic protein weight is comprised of two calcium binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9. Our previous work has shown that S100A8 act as an oxidation-sensitive repellent of human neutrophils in-vitro. Ala(42)S100A8, a site-directed mutant protein is resistant to oxidative inhibition and inhibits neutrophil recruitment in-vivo. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that S100A8 may ameliorate wound healing in this model. We examined the effect of wild-type and ala(42)S100A8 for their ability to ameliorate wound closure rates. The data indicated that a single local application of ala(42)S100A8 ameliorated the decreased rate of wound closure resulting from stress. This occurred without significantly affecting wound bacterial clearance. Wild-type S100A8 only had a partial beneficial effect on the rate of wound closure. Those findings support further translational studies of S100 based intervention to ameliorate impaired wound healing.
Association of PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism with insulin sensitivity and body mass index in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Baldani, Dinka Pavicic; Skrgatic, Lana; Cerne, Jasmina Z; Ferk, Polonca; Simunic, Velimir; Gersak, Ksenija

2014-03-01

Insulin resistance is one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) plays a role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to establish a possible association of the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism with PCOS and its effect on family and personal history, as well as on the metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS patients. A total of 151 PCOS patients and 179 healthy women of reproductive age were enrolled. History, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio and the presence of phenotypic hyperandrogenism were recorded. Hormonal, metabolic and biochemical profiles were assessed. A molecular analysis for the genetic polymorphism was performed. One third (29.8%) of the PCOS patients were found to be carriers of at least one variant of the Ala allele (X/Ala), while 70.2% carried two wild-type Pro alleles (Pro/Pro), with an equal distribution observed in the control group. The PCOS patients carrying the X/Ala alleles exhibited lower serum fasting insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and BMI compared to Pro/Pro carriers. This finding was significant only in the lean PCOS group. The polymorphic genotype exerted no effect on history, hormonal and clinical hyperandrogenism, lipid status or C-reactive protein, leptin, adiponectin, resistin and ghrelin serum levels in women with PCOS. In conclusion, although the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism is not a major determinant of PCOS in the Croatian population, it may exert a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and BMI. As these associations were recorded exclusively in the lean group of patients with PCOS, this polymorphism potentially contributes to a protective role against hyperinsulinemia and obesity.
78 FR 13496 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware; Prevention of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-28

... modifies Delaware's PSD program at 7 DE Admin. Code 1125 to establish appropriate emission thresholds for..., Sulfur oxides, Volatile organic compounds. Dated: February 8, 2013. W.C. Early, Acting Regional...-approved baseline dates for sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide in the definition of...
Comparison of the crystal structure and function to wild-type and His25Ala mutant human heme oxygenase-1.

PubMed

Zhou, Wen-Pu; Zhong, Wen-Wei; Zhang, Xue-Hong; Ding, Jian-Ping; Zhang, Zi-Li; Xia, Zhen-Wei

2009-03-01

Human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in heme metabolism. It regulates serum bilirubin level. Site-directed mutagenesis studies indicate that the proximal residue histidine 25 (His25) plays a key role in hHO-1 activity. A highly purified hHO-1 His25Ala mutant was generated and crystallized with a new expression system. The crystal structure of the mutant was determined by X-ray diffraction technology and molecular replacement at the resolution of 2.8 A, and the model of hHO-1 His25Ala mutant was refined. The final crystallographic and free R factors were 0.245 and 0.283, respectively. The standard bond length deviation was 0.007 A, and the standard bond angle deviation was 1.3 degrees . The mutation of His25 to Ala led to an empty pocket underneath the ferric ion in the heme, leading to loss of binding iron ligand. Although this did not cause an overall structural change, the enzymatic activity of the mutant hHO-1 was reduced by 90%. By supplementing imidazole, the HO-1 activity was restored approximately 90% to its normal level. These data suggest that Ala25 remains unchanged in the structure compared to His25, but the important catalytic function of hHO-1 is lost. Thus, it appears that His25 is a crucial residue for proper hHO-1 catalysis.
Spontaneous abortion and functional polymorphism (Val16Ala) in the manganese SOD gene.

PubMed

Eskafi Sabet, E; Salehi, Z; Khodayari, S; Sabouhi Zarafshan, S; Zahiri, Z

2015-02-01

Spontaneous abortion is the most common complication of early pregnancy. Genetic factors have been hypothesised to play a role in spontaneous abortion. Since it is possible that the balance of oxidants and antioxidants can be affected by different genetic variants, gene polymorphisms have been proposed as a susceptibility factor that increases the chance of miscarriage. Manganese superoxide dismutase is an important antioxidant enzyme encoded by manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene. The aim of this experiment was to assess whether Val16Ala polymorphism of MnSOD gene is associated with miscarriage in northern Iran. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for genotyping. Statistical analyses were conducted using the χ(2)-test. The genetic distributions did not differ significantly between cases and controls, however slightly more Val/Val genotypes were found among the patients compared with control subjects (p = 0.059). No correlation was observed between susceptibility to abortion and MnSOD Val16Ala polymorphism. Larger population-based studies are needed for clarifying the relationship between abortion and MnSOD genotypes.
Novel Association of WNK4 Gene, Ala589Ser Polymorphism in Essential Hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Malaysia.

PubMed

Ghodsian, Nooshin; Ismail, Patimah; Ahmadloo, Salma; Heidari, Farzad; Haghvirdizadeh, Polin; Ataollahi Eshkoor, Sima; Etemad, Ali

2016-01-01

With-no-lysine (K) Kinase-4 (WNK4) consisted of unique serine and threonine protein kinases, genetically associated with an autosomal dominant form of hypertension. Argumentative consequences have lately arisen on the association of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms of WNK4 gene and essential hypertension (EHT). The aim of this study was to determine the association of Ala589Ser polymorphism of WNK4 gene with essential hypertensive patients in Malaysia. WNK4 gene polymorphism was specified utilizing mutagenically separated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method in 320 subjects including 163 cases and 157 controls. Close relation between Ala589Ser polymorphism and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) was recognized. Sociodemographic factors including body mass index (BMI), age, the level of fasting blood sugar (FBS), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride (TG) in the cases and healthy subjects exhibited strong differences (p < 0.05). The distribution of allele frequency and genotype of WNK4 gene Ala589Ser polymorphism showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between EHT subjects with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and normotensive subjects, statistically. The WNK4 gene variation influences significantly blood pressure increase. Ala589Ser probably has effects on the enzymic activity leading to enhanced predisposition to the disorder.
Genetic polymorphisms in extracellular superoxide dismutase Leu53Leu, Arg213Gly, and Ala40Thr and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Yang, Y M; Xie, X R; Jin, A L

2016-12-02

The most common type of endocrine disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); genetic factors contribute to the development to T2DM. In this study, we investigated the role of the Leu53Leu, Arg213Gly, and Ala40Thr polymorphisms in extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) gene in the development of T2DM in a Chinese population. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples obtained from 256 T2DM patients and 324 control subjects recruited from our hospital between January 2013 and March 2015. DNA was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The obtained data was then statistically analyzed. The chi-square test revealed a statistically significant difference in the genotype frequencies of EC-SOD Ala40Thr (χ 2 = 13.26, P = 0.001) between the patients and controls. Unconditional regression analysis indicated that the GA and AA genotypes of EC-SOD Ala40Thr were associated with an increased risk of T2DM compared to the GG genotype {adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.46 (1.01-2.11) and 2.67 (1.48-4.85), respectively}. In the dominant model, the GA+AA genotype of EC-SOD Ala40Thr was correlated with a higher risk of T2DM, in comparison with the GG genotype (OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.16-2.33). In the recessive model, AA of EC-SOD Ala40Thr showed a 2.19-fold higher risk of developing T2DM than the GG+GA genotype. In conclusion, people with the Ala40Thr polymorphism in EC-SOD are at a higher risk of developing T2DM; therefore, this may be utilized as a biomarker for early screening of T2DM in a Chinese population.
Long-term (6 and 12 months) follow-up of two prospective, randomized, controlled phase III trials of photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA and methyl aminolaevulinate for the treatment of actinic keratosis.

PubMed

Dirschka, T; Radny, P; Dominicus, R; Mensing, H; Brüning, H; Jenne, L; Karl, L; Sebastian, M; Oster-Schmidt, C; Klövekorn, W; Reinhold, U; Tanner, M; Gröne, D; Deichmann, M; Simon, M; Hübinger, F; Hofbauer, G; Krähn-Senftleben, G; Borrosch, F; Reich, K; Berking, C; Wolf, P; Lehmann, P; Moers-Carpi, M; Hönigsmann, H; Wernicke-Panten, K; Hahn, S; Pabst, G; Voss, D; Foguet, M; Schmitz, B; Lübbert, H; Szeimies, R-M

2013-04-01

Two phase III trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with BF-200 ALA, a recently approved nanoemulsion formulation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) demonstrated high clearance rates in mild-to-moderate actinic keratosis (AK). The comparison to a registered methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) cream demonstrated significantly superior total patient clearance rates. To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of PDT for AK 6 and 12 months after the last PDT with BF-200 ALA, MAL or placebo. The follow-up phase (FUP) was performed with patients of two phase III studies. Both studies compared BF-200 ALA with placebo, one of the studies additionally with MAL. Overall recurrence rates and various subgroups (light source, lesion severity, lesion location, complete responders after first PDT) were assessed 6 and 12 months after the last PDT. Recurrence rates were similar for BF-200 ALA and MAL, with a tendency to lower recurrence rates for BF-200 ALA. The proportion of patients who were fully cleared during PDT and remained completely clear for at least 12 months after PDT were 47% for BF-200 ALA (both studies) and 36% for MAL treatment. The subgroup that was illuminated with narrow wavelength LED lamps reached 69% and 53% for BF-200 ALA (both studies, respectively) and 41% for MAL. No safety concerns were reported. The FUP data confirmed the high efficacy and safety of PDT with BF-200 ALA. The slightly lower recurrence rates after BF-200 ALA treatment compared with MAL treatment enhanced the better treatment outcome due to the significantly superior efficacy. © 2012 Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH BJD © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.
Modeling of phase velocity and frequency spectrum of guided Lamb waves in piezoelectric-semiconductor multilayered structures made of AlAs and GaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othmani, Cherif; Takali, Farid; Njeh, Anouar

2017-11-01

Modeling of guided Lamb waves propagation in piezoelectric-semiconductor multilayered structures made of AlAs and GaAs is evaluated in this paper. Here, the Legendre polynomial method is used to calculate dispersion curves, frequency spectrum and field distributions of guided Lamb waves propagation modes in AlAs, GaAs, AlAs/GaAs and AlAs/GaAs/AlAs-1/2/1 structures. In fact, formulations are given for open-circuit surface. Consequently, the polynomial method is numerically stable according to the total number of layers and the frequency range. This analysis is meaningful for the applications of the piezoelectric-semiconductor multilayered structures made of AlAs and GaAs such as in novel acoustic devices.
A patient with scirrhous stomach cancer treated with combination of hyperthermotherapy and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA).

PubMed

Saito, Masashi; Yano, Kazuhito; Kamigaki, Takashi; Goto, Shigenori

2013-07-01

A 35-year-old female with scirrhous stomach cancer (stage IV) was treated with a combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), sodium dichloroacetate (DCA), hyperthermotherapy, and immunotherapy as terminal care. The patient survived for one year and seven months, during which her quality of life was markedly improved and she returned to work. The patient was diagnosed with poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma and progressive signet-ring cell carcinoma, accompanied by left ovarian metastasis, peritoneal dissemination, and right hydronephrosis stage IV, and treated with combination chemotherapy with tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil potassium (TS-1) and docetaxel. Oral ALA and DCA were concomitantly administered at 50 mg each three times a day (150 mg/day, respectively). In addition, hyperthermotherapy using thermotron was concomitantly performed at 2- to 3-week intervals. Cellular immunotherapy with αβ T- and immature dendritic cells was also performed. The disease did not progress for 11 months, her quality of life was markedly improved, and she was able to return to work. However, the signs of enlargement of the ovarian metastatic lesion were noted later, for which chemotherapy with four cycles of second-line paclitaxel and a half dose of irinotecan and cisplatin as third-line treatment were performed. Combination of ALA/DCA, hyperthermotherapy, and cellular immunotherapy may be a low-invasive palliative therapy superior in maintaining quality of life of tumor-bearing terminally ill individuals.
Evaluating the role of the FSH receptor gene Thr307-Ala and Asn680-Ser polymorphisms in male infertility and their association with semen quality and reproductive hormones.

PubMed

Safarinejad, Mohammad Reza; Shafiei, Nayyer; Safarinejad, Saba

2011-07-01

To determine whether Thr(307)-Asn(680) and Ala(307)-Ser(680) polymorphisms of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) gene are associated with male infertility, semen quality, and reproductive hormones. The FSH-R polymorphisms at codons 680 and 307 were analysed by restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) in 172 infertile men and in an equal number of age-matched healthy fertile men. Genotyping of the FSH-R gene was performed using the polymerase chain reaction RFLP technique. All of the participants underwent semen analysis, and reproductive hormones were also measured. Allelic frequencies were 29.7% serine (Ser) and 70.3% asparagine (Asn) for fertile men (the control group), and 33.1% Ser and 66.9% Asn for infertile men (P > 0.05). The FSH-R genotype at position 680 was 49.4% (Asn/Asn), 41.9% (Asn/Ser), and 8.7% (Ser/Ser) in the control group and 40.1% (Asn/Asn), 46.5% (Asn/Ser), and 13.4% (Ser/Ser) in infertile men, respectively (P > 0.05, chi-squared test). Allelic frequencies were 33.1% alanine (Ala) and 66.9% threonine (Thr) for the control group, and 37.8% Ala and 62.2% Thr for the infertile men. The frequencies of genotypes at position 307 were 45.5% Thr/Thr, 43% Thr/Ala, and 11.6% Ala/Ala for the control group and 36.1% Thr/Thr, 52.3% Thr/Ala, and 11.6% Ala/Ala for infertile men. No significant association between codon 680 and codon 307 genotypes and infertility was observed (P = 0.076 and P = 0.073, respectively). The odds ratio (OR) values indicated that individuals with the Thr/Thr + Asn/Ser combined genotypes had a > 50% decreased risk for developing infertility (OR = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.77; P = 0.006). The patients with heterozygous Thr/Ala + Asn/Ser combined genotype were 2.65 times more susceptible to infertility than the control group (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.74-3.82; P = 0.0053). The FSH-R codon 680 and codon 307 genotypes did not result in different serum FSH levels either in men with normal spermatogenesis
A determination of occlusal plane comparing different levels of the tragus to form ala-tragal line or Camper's line: A photographic study.

PubMed

Kumar, Sandeep; Garg, Sandeep; Gupta, Seema

2013-02-01

The purpose of this study was to determine accurately the part of the tragus to be used to form the Ala-Tragal line or Camper's line in orthognathic profile patients. 150 dentate subjects with age of 18-40 years with orthognathic profile were sampled. Life-size lateral digital photographs of the face with fox plane were taken in natural head position. Different angles between Eye-Ear plane and occlusal plane (OT1-OP), Eye-Ear plane and ala-superior border of tragus (OT1-AT1), Eye-Ear plane and ala-middle border of tragus (OT1-AT2) and Eye-Ear plane and ala-inferior border of tragus (OT1-AT3) were calculated using computer software package, AutoCAD 2004. From the three angles formed by the Eye-ear plane (OT1 or FH plane) and the ala-tragal lines, the one closest to the angle formed between Eye-Ear plane (OT1) and occlusal plane (OP) was used to determine the occlusal plane of orientation. The obtained results were subjected to ANOVA F test, Tukey's Honestly significant difference test, followed by Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation test. P values of less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. The mean of base line angle i.e. OT1-OP angle (11.96 ± 4.36) was found to be close to OT1-AT2 angle (13.67 ± 1.93) and OT1-AT3 angle (10.31 ± 2.03), but OT1-OP angle was found to be more closer to OT1-AT3 angle. Comparison of mean angles showed that OT1-OP angle in both males (11.68) and females (12.51) is close to OT1-AT3 angle (males- 11.01, females- 11.95). The line joining from ala to the lower border of the tragus was parallel to the occlusal plane in 53.3% of the subjects. There was no influence of the sex on the level of occlusal plane.
A determination of occlusal plane comparing different levels of the tragus to form ala-tragal line or Camper's line: A photographic study

PubMed Central

Garg, Sandeep; Gupta, Seema

2013-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine accurately the part of the tragus to be used to form the Ala-Tragal line or Camper's line in orthognathic profile patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS 150 dentate subjects with age of 18-40 years with orthognathic profile were sampled. Life-size lateral digital photographs of the face with fox plane were taken in natural head position. Different angles between Eye-Ear plane and occlusal plane (OT1-OP), Eye-Ear plane and ala-superior border of tragus (OT1-AT1), Eye-Ear plane and ala-middle border of tragus (OT1-AT2) and Eye-Ear plane and ala-inferior border of tragus (OT1-AT3) were calculated using computer software package, AutoCAD 2004. From the three angles formed by the Eye-ear plane (OT1 or FH plane) and the ala-tragal lines, the one closest to the angle formed between Eye-Ear plane (OT1) and occlusal plane (OP) was used to determine the occlusal plane of orientation. The obtained results were subjected to ANOVA F test, Tukey's Honestly significant difference test, followed by Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation test. P values of less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. RESULTS The mean of base line angle i.e. OT1-OP angle (11.96 ± 4.36) was found to be close to OT1-AT2 angle (13.67 ± 1.93) and OT1-AT3 angle (10.31 ± 2.03), but OT1-OP angle was found to be more closer to OT1-AT3 angle. Comparison of mean angles showed that OT1-OP angle in both males (11.68) and females (12.51) is close to OT1-AT3 angle (males- 11.01, females- 11.95). CONCLUSION The line joining from ala to the lower border of the tragus was parallel to the occlusal plane in 53.3% of the subjects. There was no influence of the sex on the level of occlusal plane. PMID:23508203
Influence of ALA54THR polymorphism of fatty acid binding protein 2 on lifestyle modification response in obese subjects.

PubMed

de Luis, D A; Aller, R; Izaola, O; Sagrado, M Gonzalez; Conde, R

2006-01-01

It has been found that the expression of fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2) mRNA is under dietary control. A G-to-A transition at codon 54 of FABP2 results in an amino acid substitution (from Ala 54 to Thr 54). This polymorphism was associated with high insulin resistance and high fasting insulin concentrations. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of Thr54 polymorphism in the FABP2 protein on the response to a lifestyle modification (Mediterranean hypocaloric diet and exercise) in obese patients. A population of 69 obese (body mass index > 30) nondiabetic outpatients was analyzed in a prospective way. Before and after 3 months of the lifestyle modification program, indirect calorimetry, tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance measurement, blood pressure recording, serial assessment of the nutritional intake (3 days of written food records), and biochemical analysis were performed. The lifestyle modification program consisted of a hypocaloric diet (1,520 kcal; 52% carbohydrates, 25% lipids, and 23% proteins). The exercise program consisted of aerobic exercise for at least three times/week (60 min each). Statistical analysis was performed for combined Ala54/Thr54 and Thr54/Thr54 as a mutant group and wild-type Ala54/Ala54 as second group. The mean age was 45.5 +/- 16.7 years, the mean body mass index was 34.1 +/- 5.1, and there were 14 males (20.3%) and 55 females (79.7%) with a weight loss of 3.17 +/- 3.5 kg (3.5%). Thirty-seven patients (53.6%) had the genotype Ala54/Ala54 (wild-type group) and 32 (46.4%) patients either the genotype Ala54/Thr54 (26 patients, 30.2%) or the genotype Thr54/Thr54 (6 patients, 16.2%). The percentage of responders (weight loss) was similar in both groups (89.2 vs. 90.6%). In the wild-type group, body mass index, weight, fat mass, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and waist circumference decreased, whereas the VO2 (oxygen consumption) increased. In the mutant group, glucose, body mass index, weight, waist
A cephalometric study to establish the relationship of the occlusal plane to the three different ala-tragal lines and the Frankfort horizontal plane in different head forms.

PubMed

Subhas, S; Rupesh, P L; Devanna, R; Kumar, D R V; Paliwal, A; Solanki, P

2017-04-01

The aim of the study is to compare the relationship of the occlusal plane to 3 different ala-tragal lines, namely the superior, middle and inferior lines, in individuals having different head forms and its relation to the Frankfort horizontal plane. A total of 75 lateral cephalometric radiographs of subjects with natural dentition, having full complement of teeth, between the age group of 18-25 were screened and selected. Lateral cephalogram were made for each subjects in an open mouth position. Prior to making the lateral cephalogram, radiopaque markers were placed on the superior, middle and inferior tragus points and on the inferior border of the ala of the nose. Cephalometric tracing was done over each cephalogram. In mesiocephalic head form the middle ala-tragal line was most parallel to the occlusal plane having a mean angle of (1.96°). In dolichocephalic headform, the superior ala-tragal line was most parallel to the occlusal plane having a mean angle of (0.48°). In brachycephalic head form, the middle ala-tragal line was most parallel to the occlusal plane having a mean angle of (2.08°). The mean angulations of occlusal plane to FH plane is 11.04°, 10.16° and 10.60° in mesiocephalic, dolichocephalic and brachycephalic head forms, respectively. The study concludes that the middle ala-tragal line can be used as a reference for the mesiocephalic head form and the superior ala-tragal line for the dolichocephalic and brachycephalic head form as a reference to establish the occlusal plane. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.
Role of 5-ALA in improving extent of tumour resection in patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PubMed

Waqas, Muhammad; Khan, Inamullah; Shamim, Muhammad Shahzad

2017-10-01

Goal of surgery for patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is gross total resection with no new neurological deficits. Surgical resection is often restricted due the difficulty in differentiating the tumour from surrounding normal brain using either naked eye, or standard intra-operative white light microscopy. GBM uptakes orally administered 5-ALA becomes fluorescent when viewed by a special light, and this property has been used to improve intra-operative tumour identification. This technique should therefore allow better extent of tumour resection. The hypothesis has been tested through several studies and even though most studies are of low quality, they strongly favour the use of 5- ALA in improving the extent of resection when compared to white light microscopy. A systematic review on the topic had a similar conclusion. Few studies have also hinted on a high false negative rate with the use of this technique..
A low insertion loss GaAs pHEMT switch utilizing dual n +-doping AlAs etching stop layers design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chien, Feng-Tso; Lin, Da-Wei; Yang, Chih-Wei; Fu, Jeffrey S.; Chiu, Hsien-Chin

2010-03-01

A low insertion loss single-pole-single-throw (SPST) pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) switch utilizing the n +-type doping in AlAs etching stop layer was fabricated and investigated. This novel design reduces device sheet resistance resulting in an improvement of dc and rf power performance. In addition, the gate recess selectivity for GaAs/AlAs interface was not sacrificed after highly n +-type doping in AlAs etching stop layer. The pHEMT with n +-AlAs etching stop layer, also named Modified pHEMT (M-pHEMT), demonstrated a lower sheet resistance ( Rsh) of 65.9 Ω/γ, a higher maximum drain-to-source current ( Idmax) of 317.8 mA/mm and a higher peak transconductance ( gm) of 259.3 mS/mm which are superior to standard pHEMT performance with values of 71.9 Ω/γ, 290.3 mA/mm and 252.1 mS/mm, respectively. Due to a significant sheet resistance improvement from this novel epitaxial design, an SPST pHEMT switch was realized to manifest its industrial application potential. The results achieved an on-state insertion loss of 1.42 dB, an off-state isolation of 13.02 dB at 0.9 GHz, which were superior to traditional pHEMT switch under same condition of operation with values of 1.68 dB and 11.42 dB, respectively. It is proved that dual n +-doping AlAs etching stop layers scheme is beneficial for low loss microwave switches applications.

H2O2 mediates ALA-induced glutathione and ascorbate accumulation in the perception and resistance to oxidative stress in Solanum lycopersicum at low temperatures.

PubMed

Liu, Tao; Hu, Xiaohui; Zhang, Jiao; Zhang, Junheng; Du, Qingjie; Li, Jianming

2018-02-15

Low temperature is a crucial factor influencing plant growth and development. The chlorophyll precursor, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is widely used to improve plant cold tolerance. However, the interaction between H 2 O 2 and cellular redox signaling involved in ALA-induced resistance to low temperature stress in plants remains largely unknown. Here, the roles of ALA in perceiving and regulating low temperature-induced oxidative stress in tomato plants, together with the roles of H 2 O 2 and cellular redox states, were characterized. Low concentrations (10-25 mg·L - 1 ) of ALA enhanced low temperature-induced oxidative stress tolerance of tomato seedlings. The most effective concentration was 25 mg·L - 1 , which markedly increased the ratio of reduced glutathione and ascorbate (GSH and AsA), and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase. Furthermore, gene expression of respiratory burst oxidase homolog1 and H 2 O 2 content were upregulated with ALA treatment under normal conditions. Treatment with exogenous H 2 O 2 , GSH, and AsA also induced plant tolerance to oxidative stress at low temperatures, while inhibition of GSH and AsA syntheses significantly decreased H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress tolerance. Meanwhile, scavenging or inhibition of H 2 O 2 production weakened, but did not eliminate, GSH- or AsA- induced tomato plant tolerance to oxidative stress at low temperatures. Appropriate concentrations of ALA alleviated the low temperature-induced oxidative stress in tomato plants via an antioxidant system. The most effective concentration was 25 mg·L - 1 . The results showed that H 2 O 2 induced by exogenous ALA under normal conditions is crucial and may be the initial step for perception and signaling transmission, which then improves the ratio of GSH and AsA. GSH and AsA may then interact with H 2 O 2 signaling, resulting in enhanced antioxidant capacity
Insights on the structural perturbations in human MTHFR Ala222Val mutant by protein modeling and molecular dynamics.

PubMed

Abhinand, P A; Shaikh, Faraz; Bhakat, Soumendranath; Radadiya, Ashish; Bhaskar, L V K S; Shah, Anamik; Ragunath, P K

2016-01-01

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) protein catalyzes the only biochemical reaction which produces methyltetrahydrofolate, the active form of folic acid essential for several molecular functions. The Ala222Val polymorphism of human MTHFR encodes a thermolabile protein associated with increased risk of neural tube defects and cardiovascular disease. Experimental studies have shown that the mutation does not affect the kinetic properties of MTHFR, but inactivates the protein by increasing flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) loss. The lack of completely solved crystal structure of MTHFR is an impediment in understanding the structural perturbations caused by the Ala222Val mutation; computational modeling provides a suitable alternative. The three-dimensional structure of human MTHFR protein was obtained through homology modeling, by taking the MTHFR structures from Escherichia coli and Thermus thermophilus as templates. Subsequently, the modeled structure was docked with FAD using Glide, which revealed a very good binding affinity, authenticated by a Glide XP score of -10.3983 (kcal mol(-1)). The MTHFR was mutated by changing Alanine 222 to Valine. The wild-type MTHFR-FAD complex and the Ala222Val mutant MTHFR-FAD complex were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation over 50 ns period. The average difference in backbone root mean square deviation (RMSD) between wild and mutant variant was found to be ~.11 Å. The greater degree of fluctuations in the mutant protein translates to increased conformational stability as a result of mutation. The FAD-binding ability of the mutant MTHFR was also found to be significantly lowered as a result of decreased protein grip caused by increased conformational flexibility. The study provides insights into the Ala222Val mutation of human MTHFR that induces major conformational changes in the tertiary structure, causing a significant reduction in the FAD-binding affinity.
Association between the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma Pro12Ala Variant and Haplotype and Pancreatic Cancer in a High-Risk Cohort of Smokers: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Fesinmeyer, Megan Dann; Stanford, Janet L.; Brentnall, Teresa A.; Mandelson, Margaret T.; Farin, Federico M.; Srinouanprachanh, Sengkeo; Afsharinejad, Zahra; Goodman, Gary E.; Barnett, Matt J.; Austin, Melissa A.

2010-01-01

Objectives The Pro12Ala variant in the proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) gene has been associated with diabetes and several cancers. This pilot study tested for the association between Pro12Ala and pancreatic cancer risk in a high-risk sample of smokers. Methods A nested case-control study was conducted in 83 incident cases of pancreatic cancer and 166 matched controls originally recruited into a cohort chemoprevention study of lung cancer. Associations between Pro12Ala and pancreatic cancer risk were measured using conditional logistic regression. Results Carriers of the G allele (Ala) of the Pro12Ala variant had a borderline increased relative risk of pancreatic cancer compared to homozygous carriers of the C allele (Pro), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.79 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96–3.33, p-value: 0.06). Among subjects randomized to high-dose vitamin A, the OR was 2.80 (95: CI: 1.16–6.74, p-value 0.02) versus 1.20 (95% CI: 0.45–3.23, p-value 0.71) in the placebo group. A haplotype including Pro12Ala was also significantly associated with pancreatic cancer risk in all subjects and in subjects randomized to vitamin A. Conclusions This analysis presents the first evidence that PPARG may be associated with pancreatic cancer risk, and this candidate gene should be investigated in future, larger studies. PMID:19436234
The effects of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma2 gene on glucose/insulin metabolism interact with prenatal exposure to famine.

PubMed

de Rooij, Susanne R; Painter, Rebecca C; Phillips, David I W; Osmond, Clive; Tanck, Michael W T; Defesche, Joep C; Bossuyt, Patrick M M; Michels, Robert P J; Bleker, Otto P; Roseboom, Tessa J

2006-05-01

An adverse fetal environment may permanently modify the effects of specific genes on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. In the present study, we assessed a possible interaction of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma2 Pro12Ala polymorphism with prenatal exposure to famine on glucose and insulin metabolism. We measured plasma glucose and insulin concentrations after an oral glucose tolerance test and determined the PPAR-gamma2 genotype among 675 term singletons born around the time of the 1944-1945 Dutch famine. A significant interaction effect between exposure to famine during midgestation and the PPAR-gamma2 Pro12Ala polymorphism was found on the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. The Ala allele of the PPAR-gamma2 gene was associated with a higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes but only in participants who had been prenatally exposed to famine during midgestation. Similar interactions were found for area under the curve for insulin and insulin increment ratio, which were lower for Ala carriers exposed to famine during midgestation. The effects of the PPAR-gamma2 Pro12Ala polymorphism on glucose and insulin metabolism may be modified by prenatal exposure to famine during midgestation. This is possibly due to a combined deficit in insulin secretion, as conferred by pancreatic beta-cell maldevelopment and carrier type of the Ala allele in the PPAR-gamma2 gene.
Distinct effects of dietary ALA, EPA and DHA on rat adipose oxylipins vary by depot location and sex.

PubMed

Mendonça, Anne M; Cayer, Lucien G J; Pauls, Samantha D; Winter, Tanja; Leng, Shan; Taylor, Carla G; Zahradka, Peter; Aukema, Harold M

2018-02-01

Dietary EPA and DHA given together alter oxylipins in adipose tissue. To compare the separate effects of individual dietary n-3 PUFA on oxylipins in different adipose depots (gonadal, mesenteric, perirenal, subcutaneous) in males and females, rats were provided diets containing higher levels of α-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA or DHA. Each n-3 PUFA enhanced its respective oxylipins the most, while effects on other n-3 oxylipins varied. For example: in perirenal and subcutaneous depots, more DHA oxylipins were higher with dietary ALA than with EPA; dietary EPA uniquely decreased 14-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid, in contrast to increasing many other DHA oxylipins. The n-3 PUFAs also reduced oxylipins from n-6 PUFAs in order of effectiveness: DHA > EPA > ALA. Diet by sex interactions in all depots except the perirenal depot resulted in higher oxylipins in males given DHA, and higher oxylipins in females given the other diets. Diet and sex effects on oxylipins did not necessarily reflect effects on either their tissue phospholipid or neutral lipid PUFA precursors. These varying diet and sex effects on oxylipins in the different adipose sites indicate that they may have distinct effects on adipose function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Spinal antinociceptive effects of [D-Ala2]deltorphin II, a novel and highly selective delta-opioid receptor agonist.

PubMed

Improta, G; Broccardo, M

1992-01-01

Pharmacological assays in isolated tissues and binding tests have recently shown that two peptides, with the sequence Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Asp-(or Glu)- Val-Val-Gly-NH2, isolated from skin extracts of Phyllomedusa bicolor and named [D-Ala2]deltorphin I and II, respectively, possess a higher affinity and selectivity for delta-opioid receptors than any other known natural compound. Since much evidence supports the role of spinal delta-opioid sites in producing antinociceptive effects, we investigated whether analgesia might be detected by direct spinal cord administration of [D-Ala2]deltorphin II (DADELT II) in the rat. The thermal antinociceptive effects of intrathecal DADELT II and dermorphin, a potent mu-selective agonist, were compared at different postinjection times by means of the tail-flick test. The DADELT II produced a dose-related inhibition of the tail-flick response, which lasted 10-60 min depending on the dose and appeared to be of shorter duration than the analgesia produced in rats after intrathecal injection of dermorphin (20-120 min). The analgesic effect of infused or injected DADELT II was completely abolished by naltrindole, the highly selective delta antagonist. These results confirm the involvement of delta receptors in spinal analgesic activity in the rat.
Hey, Small Spender: An Insider's Guide to Navigating ALA's Chicago Conference on the Cheap

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

School Library Journal, 2009

2009-01-01

This article presents an insider's guide to navigating the American Library Association's (ALA) annual conference in Chicago on July 9-15. As for the extracurricular activities, Chicago has a lot to offer. This article provides tips from the arts and entertainment bible "Time Out Chicago" on where to go and what to do (on a limited…
Predicting the "usefulness" of 5-ALA-derived tumor fluorescence for fluorescence-guided resections in pediatric brain tumors: a European survey.

PubMed

Stummer, Walter; Rodrigues, Floriano; Schucht, Philippe; Preuss, Matthias; Wiewrodt, Dorothee; Nestler, Ulf; Stein, Marco; Artero, José Manuel Cabezudo; Platania, Nunzio; Skjøth-Rasmussen, Jane; Della Puppa, Alessandro; Caird, John; Cortnum, Søren; Eljamel, Sam; Ewald, Christian; González-García, Laura; Martin, Andrew J; Melada, Ante; Peraud, Aurelia; Brentrup, Angela; Santarius, Thomas; Steiner, Hans Herbert

2014-12-01

Five-aminolevulinic acid (Gliolan, medac, Wedel, Germany, 5-ALA) is approved for fluorescence-guided resections of adult malignant gliomas. Case reports indicate that 5-ALA can be used for children, yet no prospective study has been conducted as of yet. As a basis for a study, we conducted a survey among certified European Gliolan users to collect data on their experiences with children. Information on patient characteristics, MRI characteristics of tumors, histology, fluorescence qualities, and outcomes were requested. Surgeons were further asked to indicate whether fluorescence was "useful", i.e., leading to changes in surgical strategy or identification of residual tumor. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used for defining cohorts with high or low likelihoods for useful fluorescence. Data on 78 patients <18 years of age were submitted by 20 centers. Fluorescence was found useful in 12 of 14 glioblastomas (85 %), four of five anaplastic astrocytomas (60 %), and eight of ten ependymomas grades II and III (80 %). Fluorescence was found inconsistently useful in PNETs (three of seven; 43 %), gangliogliomas (two of five; 40 %), medulloblastomas (two of eight, 25 %) and pilocytic astrocytomas (two of 13; 15 %). RPA of pre-operative factors showed tumors with supratentorial location, strong contrast enhancement and first operation to have a likelihood of useful fluorescence of 64.3 %, as opposed to infratentorial tumors with first surgery (23.1 %). Our survey demonstrates 5-ALA as being used in pediatric brain tumors. 5-ALA may be especially useful for contrast-enhancing supratentorial tumors. These data indicate controlled studies to be necessary and also provide a basis for planning such a study.
76 FR 68788 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Water Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-07

... (``Dupont'') violations of (1) Sections 301(a), 309(b) and (d), and 402 of the Federal Water Pollution... Regulations Governing the Control of Water Pollution, 7 Del. Admin. Code Sec. 7201. The United States and... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Water Act Notice is...
Healthy reduced-fat Bologna sausages enriched in ALA and DHA and stabilized with Melissa officinalis extract.

PubMed

Berasategi, Izaskun; Navarro-Blasco, Iñigo; Calvo, Maria Isabel; Cavero, Rita Yolanda; Astiasarán, Iciar; Ansorena, Diana

2014-03-01

Reduced-energy and reduced-fat Bologna products enriched with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were formulated by replacing the pork back-fat by an oil-in-water emulsion containing a mixture of linseed-algae oil stabilized with a lyophilized Melissa officinalis extract. Healthier composition and lipid profile was obtained: 85 kcal/100 g, 3.6% fat, 0.6 g ALA and 0.44 g DHA per 100 g of product and ω-6/ω-3 ratio of 0.4. Technological and sensory problems were not detected in the new formulations. Reformulation did not cause oxidation problems during 32 days of storage under refrigeration. The results suggest that it is possible to obtain reduced-fat Bologna-type sausages rich in ALA and DHA and stabilized with natural antioxidants, applying the appropriate technology without significant effects on the sensory quality, yielding interesting products from a nutritional point of view. © 2013.
cDNAs encoding [D-Ala2]deltorphin precursors from skin of Phyllomedusa bicolor also contain genetic information for three dermorphin-related opioid peptides.

PubMed

Richter, K; Egger, R; Negri, L; Corsi, R; Severini, C; Kreil, G

1990-06-01

We present the structure of four precursors for [D-Ala2]deltorphins I and II as deduced from cDNAs cloned from skin of the frog Phyllomedusa bicolor. These contain the genetic information for one copy of [D-Ala2]deltorphin II and zero, one, or three copies of [D-Ala2]deltorphin I. In each case, the D-alanine of the end product is encoded by a normal GCG codon for L-alanine. In addition, the existence of three peptides related to dermorphin was predicted from the amino acid sequence of the precursors. These peptides were synthesized with a D-alanine in position 2 and their pharmacological properties were tested. Two of them, [Lys7]dermorphin-OH and [Trp4,Asn7]dermorphin-OH, were found to have roughly the same affinity and selectivity for mu-type opioid receptors as dermorphin.
Revisiting the ALA/N (alpha-lipoic acid/low-dose naltrexone) protocol for people with metastatic and nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer: a report of 3 new cases.

PubMed

Berkson, Burton M; Rubin, Daniel M; Berkson, Arthur J

2009-12-01

The authors, in a previous article, described the long-term survival of a man with pancreatic cancer and metastases to the liver, treated with intravenous alpha-lipoic acid and oral low-dose naltrexone (ALA/N) without any adverse effects. He is alive and well 78 months after initial presentation. Three additional pancreatic cancer case studies are presented in this article. At the time of this writing, the first patient, GB, is alive and well 39 months after presenting with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with metastases to the liver. The second patient, JK, who presented to the clinic with the same diagnosis was treated with the ALA/N protocol and after 5 months of therapy, PET scan demonstrated no evidence of disease. The third patient, RC, in addition to his pancreatic cancer with liver and retroperitoneal metastases, has a history of B-cell lymphoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. After 4 months of the ALA/N protocol his PET scan demonstrated no signs of cancer. In this article, the authors discuss the poly activity of ALA: as an agent that reduces oxidative stress, its ability to stabilize NF(k)B, its ability to stimulate pro-oxidant apoptosic activity, and its discriminative ability to discourage the proliferation of malignant cells. In addition, the ability of lowdose naltrexone to modulate an endogenous immune response is discussed. This is the second article published on the ALA/N protocol and the authors believe the protocol warrants clinical trial.
Relation between iron metabolism and antioxidants enzymes and δ-ALA-D activity in rats experimentally infected by Fasciola hepatica.

PubMed

Bottari, Nathieli B; Mendes, Ricardo E; Baldissera, Matheus D; Bochi, Guilherme V; Moresco, Rafael N; Leal, Marta L R; Morsch, Vera M; Schetinger, Maria R C; Christ, Ricardo; Gheller, Larissa; Marques, Éder J; Da Silva, Aleksandro S

2016-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the iron metabolism in serum, as well as antioxidant enzymes, in addition to the Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity in the liver of rats experimentally infected by Fasciola hepatica. Thirty male adult rats (Wistar) specific pathogen free were divided into four groups: two uninfected group (CTRL 1 and CTRL 2) with five animals each and two infected groups (INF 1 and INF 2) with 10 animals each. Infection was performed orally with 20 metacercariae at day 1. On day 15 (CTRL 1 and INF 1 groups) and 87 PI (CTRL 2 and INF 2 groups) blood and bone marrow were collected and the animals were subsequently euthanized for liver sampling. Blood was allocated in tubes without anticoagulant for serum acquisition to measure iron, transferrin and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC). δ-ALA-D, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in the liver. A decrease in iron, transferrin and UIBC levels was observed in all infected animals compared to control groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, iron accumulation was observed in bone marrow of infected mice. Infected animals showed an increase in δ-ALA-D activity at 87 post-infection (PI) (INF 2) as well as in SOD activity at days 15 (INF 1) and 87 PI (INF 2). On the other hand, CAT activity was reduced in rats infected by F. hepatica during acute and chronic phase of fasciolosis (INF 1 and INF 2 groups), when moderate (acute) and severe necrosis in the liver histopathology were observed. These results may suggest that oxidative damage to tissues along with antioxidant mechanisms might have taken part in fasciolosis pathogenesis and are also involved in iron deficiency associated to changes in δ-ALA-D activity during chronic phase of disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Ambulant photodynamic therapy of superficial malignomas with 5-ALA in combination with folic acid and use of noncoherent light.

PubMed

Jindra, R H; Kubin, A; Kolbabek, H; Alth, G; Dobrowsky, W

1999-01-01

This study reports our first results of ambulant photodynamic treatment with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in combination with folic acid and subsequent illumination with a noncoherent light source. The compound was topically applied to avoid total body skin sensitivity which occurs in the case of systemic administration. If no therapeutic response could be proved, we added folic acid to 5-ALA for a further treatment attempt. Illumination was performed by broad band red thermic light to also excitate reaction products with absorption bands located near to that of the sensitizer. As a result, we observed a response in all cases, however, in some cases only after the addition of folic acid.
Dietary ALA, EPA and DHA have distinct effects on oxylipin profiles in female and male rat kidney, liver and serum.

PubMed

Leng, Shan; Winter, Tanja; Aukema, Harold M

2018-04-18

There is much data on the effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids on tissue fatty acid compositions, but comparable comprehensive data on their oxygenated metabolites (oxylipins) is limited. The effects of providing female and male rats with diets high in α-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA or DHA for 6 weeks on oxylipins and fatty acids in kidney, liver and serum were therefore examined. The oxylipin profile generally reflected fatty acids, but it also revealed unique effects of individual n-3 fatty acids that were not apparent from fatty acid data alone. Dietary ALA increased renal and serum DHA oxylipins even though DHA itself did not increase, while dietary EPA did not increase DHA oxylipins in kidney or liver, suggesting that high EPA may inhibit this conversion. Oxylipin data generally corroborated fatty acid data that indicated that DHA can be retroconverted to EPA and that further retroconversion to ALA is limited. Dietary n-3 fatty acids decreased n-6 fatty acids and their oxylipins (except linoleic acid and its oxylipins), in order of effectiveness of DHA > EPA > ALA, with some exceptions: several arachidonic acid oxylipins modified at carbon 15 were not lower in all three sites, and EPA had a greater effect on 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid and its metabolites in the liver. Oxylipins were predominantly higher in males, which was not reflective of fatty acids. Tissue-specific oxylipin profiles, therefore, provide further information on individual dietary n-3 fatty acid and sex effects that may help explain their unique physiological effects and have implications for dietary recommendations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Quantitative fluorescence in intracranial tumor: implications for ALA-induced PpIX as an intraoperative biomarker

PubMed Central

Valdés, Pablo A.; Leblond, Frederic; Kim, Anthony; Harris, Brent T.; Wilson, Brian C.; Fan, Xiaoyao; Tosteson, Tor D.; Hartov, Alex; Ji, Songbai; Erkmen, Kadir; Simmons, Nathan E.; Paulsen, Keith D.; Roberts, David W.

2011-01-01

Object Accurate discrimination between tumor and normal tissue is crucial for optimal tumor resection. Qualitative fluorescence of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), synthesized endogenously following δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) administration, has been used for this purpose in high-grade glioma (HGG). The authors show that diagnostically significant but visually imperceptible concentrations of PpIX can be quantitatively measured in vivo and used to discriminate normal from neoplastic brain tissue across a range of tumor histologies. Methods The authors studied 14 patients with diagnoses of low-grade glioma (LGG), HGG, meningioma, and metastasis under an institutional review board–approved protocol for fluorescence-guided resection. The primary aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic capabilities of a highly sensitive, spectrally resolved quantitative fluorescence approach to conventional fluorescence imaging for detection of neoplastic tissue in vivo. Results A significant difference in the quantitative measurements of PpIX concentration occurred in all tumor groups compared with normal brain tissue. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of PpIX concentration as a diagnostic variable for detection of neoplastic tissue yielded a classification efficiency of 87% (AUC = 0.95, specificity = 92%, sensitivity = 84%) compared with 66% (AUC = 0.73, specificity = 100%, sensitivity = 47%) for conventional fluorescence imaging (p < 0.0001). More than 81% (57 of 70) of the quantitative fluorescence measurements that were below the threshold of the surgeon's visual perception were classified correctly in an analysis of all tumors. Conclusions These findings are clinically profound because they demonstrate that ALA-induced PpIX is a targeting biomarker for a variety of intracranial tumors beyond HGGs. This study is the first to measure quantitative ALA-induced PpIX concentrations in vivo, and the results have broad implications for guidance during resection of
cDNAs encoding [D-Ala2]deltorphin precursors from skin of Phyllomedusa bicolor also contain genetic information for three dermorphin-related opioid peptides.

PubMed Central

Richter, K; Egger, R; Negri, L; Corsi, R; Severini, C; Kreil, G

1990-01-01

We present the structure of four precursors for [D-Ala2]deltorphins I and II as deduced from cDNAs cloned from skin of the frog Phyllomedusa bicolor. These contain the genetic information for one copy of [D-Ala2]deltorphin II and zero, one, or three copies of [D-Ala2]deltorphin I. In each case, the D-alanine of the end product is encoded by a normal GCG codon for L-alanine. In addition, the existence of three peptides related to dermorphin was predicted from the amino acid sequence of the precursors. These peptides were synthesized with a D-alanine in position 2 and their pharmacological properties were tested. Two of them, [Lys7]dermorphin-OH and [Trp4,Asn7]dermorphin-OH, were found to have roughly the same affinity and selectivity for mu-type opioid receptors as dermorphin. PMID:2352951
Impact of the green tea ingredient epigallocatechin gallate and a short pentapeptide (Ile-Ile-ala-Glu-Lys) on the structural organization of mixed micelles and the related uptake of cholesterol.

PubMed

Giangreco, Francesco; Höfinger, Siegfried; Bakalis, Evangelos; Zerbetto, Francesco

2018-06-07

High levels of blood cholesterol are conventionally linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (Grundy, 1986). Here we examine the molecular mode of action of natural products with known cholesterol-lowering activity, such as for example the green tea ingredient epigallocatechin gallate and a short pentapeptide, Ile-Ile-Ala-Glu-Lys. Molecular Dynamics simulations are used to gain insight into the formation process of mixed micelles and, correspondingly, how active agents epigallocatechin gallate and Ile-Ile-Ala-Glu-Lys could possibly interfere with it. Self-assembly of physiological micelles occurs on the order of 35-50 ns; most of the structural properties of mixed micelles are unaffected by epigallocatechin gallate or Ile-Ile-Ala-Glu-Lys which integrate into the micellar surface; the diffusive motion of constituting lipids palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol is significantly down-regulated by both epigallocatechin gallate and Ile-Ile-Ala-Glu-Lys; CONCLUSIONS: The molecular mode of action of natural compounds epigallocatechin gallate and Ile-Ile-Ala-Glu-Lys is a significant down-regulation of the diffusive motion of micellar lipids. Natural compounds like the green tea ingredient epigallocatechin gallate and a short pentapeptide, Ile-Ile-Ala-Glu-Lys, lead to a significant down-regulation of the diffusive motion of micellar lipids thereby modulating cholesterol absorption into physiological micelles. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of intraoperative imaging in high-grade glioma resection; a comparative review of intraoperative ALA, fluorescein, ultrasound and MRI.

PubMed

Eljamel, M Sam; Mahboob, Syed Osama

2016-12-01

Surgical resection of high-grade gliomas (HGG) is standard therapy because it imparts significant progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, HGG-tumor margins are indistinguishable from normal brain during surgery. Hence intraoperative technology such as fluorescence (ALA, fluorescein) and intraoperative ultrasound (IoUS) and MRI (IoMRI) has been deployed. This study compares the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these technologies. Critical literature review and meta-analyses, using MEDLINE/PubMed service. The list of references in each article was double-checked for any missing references. We included all studies that reported the use of ALA, fluorescein (FLCN), IoUS or IoMRI to guide HGG-surgery. The meta-analyses were conducted according to statistical heterogeneity between studies. If there was no heterogeneity, fixed effects model was used; otherwise, a random effects model was used. Statistical heterogeneity was explored by χ 2 and inconsistency (I 2 ) statistics. To assess cost-effectiveness, we calculated the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Gross total resection (GTR) after ALA, FLCN, IoUS and IoMRI was 69.1%, 84.4%, 73.4% and 70% respectively. The differences were not statistically significant. All four techniques led to significant prolongation of PFS and tended to prolong OS. However none of these technologies led to significant prolongation of OS compared to controls. The cost/QALY was $16,218, $3181, $6049 and $32,954 for ALA, FLCN, IoUS and IoMRI respectively. ALA, FLCN, IoUS and IoMRI significantly improve GTR and PFS of HGG. Their incremental cost was below the threshold for cost-effectiveness of HGG-therapy, denoting that each intraoperative technology was cost-effective on its own. Copyright Â© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 with decreased basic metabolic rate in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Koika, Vasiliki; Marioli, Dimitra J; Saltamavros, Alexandros D; Vervita, Vasiliki; Koufogiannis, Kleanthis D; Adonakis, George; Decavalas, George; Georgopoulos, Neoklis A

2009-08-01

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma is a transcription factor involved in glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism. A missense mutation at codon 12 in the PPARgamma2 has been associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and attenuated insulin resistance (IR) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We have recently shown a decreased basic metabolic rate (BMR) in PCOS. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARgamma2 gene and its associations with indices of IR and BMR in lean and slightly overweight PCOS women. Case-control association study involving 156 PCOS women with biochemical hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology in ultrasound and 56 unrelated healthy controls. Hormonal determinations were performed by electrochemiluminescence quantitation or RIA. BMR was measured by indirect calorimetry. All subjects were genotyped by a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Genotype frequencies of the Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPARgamma2 did not differ among PCOS women and control subjects. The presence of Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARgamma2 was associated with lower BMR (P=0.04). This finding was valid in our subgroup of lean PCOS (BMI<25 kg/m(2)), in which the Ala variant was also associated with higher total testosterone values. The Pro12Ala polymorphism in the PPARgamma2 gene is associated with decreased BMR in women with PCOS and biochemical hyperandrogenemia. These young women are therefore at risk to increase their body weight and should restrict their energy intake by diet and enhance their energy expenditure by exercise.

THz emission of donor and acceptor doped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well structures with inserted thin AlAs monolayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Dommelen, Paphavee; Daengngam, Chalongrat; Kalasuwan, Pruet

2018-04-01

In this paper, we explore THz range optical intersubband transition energies in a donor doped quantum well of a GaAs/AlGaAs system as a function of the insertion position of an AlAs monolayer in the GaAs quantum well. In simulated models, the optical transition energies between electron subband levels 1 and 2 were higher in the doped structure than in the undoped structure. This may be because the envelope wave function of the second electron subband strongly overlapped the envelope wave function of the first electron subband and influenced the optical intersubband transition between the two levels in the THz range. At different levels of bias voltage at the Schottky barrier on the donor doped structure, the electric field in the growth direction of the structure linearly increased the further away the AlAs monolayer was placed from the reference position. We also simulated the optical transition energies between acceptor energy levels of the acceptor doped structure as a function of the insertion position of the AlAs monolayer. The acceptor doped structure induced THz range emission whereas the undoped structure induced mid-IR emission.
Effects Ala54Thr polymorphism of FABP2 on obesity index and biochemical variable in response to a aerobic exercise training

PubMed Central

Han, Tae Kyung

2013-01-01

The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether or not the FABP2 gene polymorphism modulated obesity indices, hemodynamic factor, blood lipid factor, and insulin resistance markers through 12-week aerobic exercise training in abdominal obesity group of Korean mid-life women. A total of 243 abdominally obese subjects of Korean mid-life women voluntarily participated in aerobic exercise training program for 12 weeks. Polymerase Chain Reaction with Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was used to assess the FABP2 genotype of the participants (117 of AA homozygotes, 100 of AT heterozygotes, 26 of TT homozygotes). Prior to the participation of the exercise training program, baseline obesity indices, hemodynamic factor, blood lipid factor, and insulin resistance markers were measured. All the measurements were replicated following the 12-week aerobic exercise training program, and then the following results were found. After 12-week aerobic exercise training program, wild type (Ala54Ala) and mutant type (Ala54Thr+Thr54Thr) significantly decreased weight (P > .001), BMI (P > .001), %bf (P > .001), waist circumference (P > .001), WHR (P > .001), muscle mass (wild type p < .022; mutant type P > .001), RHR (P > .001), viseceral adipose area (wild type p < .005; mutant type P > .001), subcutaneous area (P > .001), insulin (wild type p < .005; mutant type P > .001) and significantly increased VO2max (P > .001). And wild type significantly decresed NEFA (P > .05), glucose (P > .05), OGTT 120min glucose (P > .05) and significantly increased HDLC (p > .005). Mutant type significantly decreased SBP (P > .001), DBP (P > .01), TC (P > .01), LPL (P > .05), LDL (P > .001), HOMA index (P > .01). The result of the present study represents that regular aerobic exercise training may beneficially prevent obesity index, blood pressure, blood lipids and insulin resistance markers independent of FABP Ala54Thr wild type and mutant type. PMID:25566432
Relationship between the occlusal plane corresponding to the lateral borders of the tongue and ala-tragus line in edentulous patients.

PubMed

Ghosn, Carole Abi; Zogheib, Carla; Makzoumé, Joseph E

2012-09-01

Definitions of the ala-tragus line (ATL) cause confusion, because the exact points of reference for this line do not agree. This study determined the relationship between the prosthetic occlusal plane (OP) corresponding to the lateral borders of the tongue and ATL which was established by using the inferior border of the ala of the nose and (1) the superior border of the tragus (ATL 1), (2) the tip (ATL 2) and (3) the inferior border of the tragus (ATL 3). Neutral zone moldings using phonation and autopolymerizing acrylic resin were recorded and leveled with the lateral borders of the tongue. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken of each subject by a standard method. Tracings were obtained on acetate paper to show the prosthetic OP and the three ATLs. The relationship between the prosthetic OP and each of ATL was measured for each subject. Mean and standard deviation values were then calculated for the relationship. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measure analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni pairwise comparisons and Student's t-test (α = 0.05). Significant difference was found between the three mean angles (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean angle (5.00° ± 4.38) formed by OP and ATL 2, and the mean angle (4.90° ± 3.50) formed by OP and ATL 3 (p = 1.00) which revealed the smallest. The findings of this study indicated that ATLs, extending from the inferior border of the ala of the nose to (1) the tip of the tragus of the ear, and (2) the inferior border of the tragus presented the closest relationship to the prosthetic OP corresponding to the lateral borders of the tongue. When the ATL is used for orientation of the OP in denture construction, it would seem preferable to define it as running from the inferior border of the ala of the nose to the tip or to the inferior border of the tragus of the ear.
Xgrid admin guide

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

Strauss, Charlie E M

2010-01-01

Xgrid, with a capital-X is the name for Apple's grid computing system. With a lower case x, xgrid is the name of the command line utility that clients can use, among other ways, to submit jobs to a controller. An Xgrid divides into three logical components: Agent, Controller and Client. Client computers submit jobs (a set of tasks) they want run to a Controller computer. The Controller queues the Client jobs and distributes tasks to Agent computers. Agent computers run the tasks and report their output and status back to the controller where it is stored until deleted by themore » Client. The Clients can asynchronously query the controller about the status of a job and the results. Any OSX computer can be any of these. A single mac can be more than one: it's possible to be Agent, Controller and Client at the same time. There is one Controller per Grid. Clients can submit jobs to Controllers of different grids. Agents can work for more than one grid. Xgrid's setup has a pleasantly small palette of choices. The first two decisions to make are the kind of authentication & authorization to use and if a shared file system is needed. A shared file system that all the agents can access can be very beneficial for many computing problems, but it is not appropriate for every network.« less
The Simultaneous Electrochemical Detection of Catechol and Hydroquinone with [Cu(Sal-β-Ala)(3,5-DMPz)2]/SWCNTs/GCE

PubMed Central

Alshahrani, Lina Abdullah; Li, Xi; Luo, Hui; Yang, Linlin; Wang, Mengmeng; Yan, Songling; Liu, Peng; Yang, Yuqin; Li, Quanhua

2014-01-01

A glassy carbon electrode was modified with a copper(II) complex [Cu(Sal-β-Ala) (3,5-DMPz)2] (Sal = salicylaldehyde, β-Ala = β-alanine, 3,5-DMPz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The modified electrode was used to detect catechol (CT) and hydroquinone (HQ) and exhibited good electrocatalytic activities toward the oxidation of CT and HQ. The peak currents were linear with the CT and HQ concentrations over the range of 5–215 μmol·L−1 and 5–370 μmol·L−1 with corresponding detection limits of 3.5 μmol·L−1 and 1.46 μmol·L−1 (S/N = 3) respectively. Moreover, the modified electrode exhibited good sensitivity, stability and reproducibility for the determination of CT and HQ, indicating the promising applications of the modified electrode in real sample analysis. PMID:25429411
ALA-induced photodynamic effect on vitality, apoptosis, and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by colon cancer cells in normoxic environment in vitro.

PubMed

Kawczyk-Krupka, A; Sieroń-Stołtny, K; Latos, W; Czuba, Z P; Kwiatek, B; Potempa, M; Wasilewska, K; Król, W; Stanek, A

2016-03-01

Cancer therapy is often based on combination of conventional methods of cancer treatment with immunotherapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the immunomodulating methods used in oncology. We examined how PDT influences the secretory activity of colon cancer cells in vitro, especially the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in aerobic conditions. We used two cancer cell lines with different malignancy potentials: a metastatic SW620 line and a non-metastatic SW480 line. In the first stage of the experiment, we exposed each cell line to three different concentrations of photosensitizer's precursor: 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and varying levels of light radiation, after which we assessed cell viability and apoptosis induction in these lines, using the MTT and LDH assays. Then, we determined the secretion of VEGF by these cells in aerobic conditions and under the ALA-PDT parameters at which cells presented the highest viability. Photodynamic treatment with ALA did not influence on VEGF secretion by the non-metastatic SW480 cells, but caused a decrease in VEGF secretion by the metastatic SW 620 cell line by 29% (p<0.05). SW 620 cell line secreted more actively VEGF than the SW480 cells, both before and after photo dynamic therapy (p<0.05). The outcome of this in vitro study presented a beneficial effect of ALA-PDT, resulting in a decrease of VEGF secretion in the more malignant SW620 cell lines. Further studies should be considered to confirm the clinical relevance of this finding. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
In-vivo kinetics of ALA-induced fluorescence in the canine oral cavity: influence of drug dose and tissue type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaidyanathan, Vijay; Rastegar, Sohi; Fossum, Theresa W.; Flores, P.; van der Breggen, E. W. J.; Egger, N. G.; Jacques, Steven L.; Motamedi, Massoud

1997-06-01

Fluorescence spectroscopic detection and photodynamic therapy may provide an effective approach for early detection and treatment of oral cancer. Thus the development of a safe photosensitizer that could enhance the spectroscopic contrast between normal and neoplastic tissue, while allowing for selective photosensitization and treatment of pre-malignant and malignant lesions in the oral cavity, is highly desired. In this study, the pharmacokinetics and a safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) that could induce an endogenous precursor of protoporphyrin IX and heme in the biosynthetic pathway was investigated. Two doses of ALA:25 and 75 mg/kg were administered intravenously to 4 and 3 dogs, respectively. A 'wash-out' period of 1 week between administration of each does was allowed to ensure against PpIX build-up. Using an optical multichannel analyzer, the fluorescence from the oral cavity was recorded at 3 sites: buccal mucosa, gums, and the tongue, and also from a remote site, the skin. A fiber optic probe was used to deliver excitation and collect the emitted fluorescence. Results showed that the ALA-induced fluorescence reached a peak at 2-4 hours, and returned to baseline in 24-31 hours. The dogs were stable during the course of the study, minimal vomiting was noted. In conclusion, the study showed that higher doses result in a higher peak at a later time.It was observed that different tissues have different pharmacokinetic response, the tongue and the gums have the highest peak fluorescence values, followed by the buccal mucosa and skin.
Interaction between the mu-agonist dermorphin and the delta-agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin in supraspinal antinociception and delta-opioid receptor binding.

PubMed Central

Negri, L.; Improta, G.; Lattanzi, R.; Potenza, R. L.; Luchetti, F.; Melchiorri, P.

1995-01-01

1. In rats, the interaction between the mu-opioid agonist dermorphin and the delta-opioid agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin was studied in binding experiments to delta-opioid receptors and in the antinociceptive test to radiant heat. 2. When injected i.c.v., doses of [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin higher than 20 nmol produced antinociception in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat. Lower doses were inactive. None of the doses tested elicited the maximum achievable response. This partial antinociception was accomplished with an in vivo occupancy of more than 97% of brain delta-opioid receptors and of 17% of mu-opioid receptors. Naloxone (0.1 mg kg-1, s.c.), and naloxonazine (10 mg kg-1, i.v., 24 h before), but not the selective delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole, antagonized the antinociception. 3. In vitro competitive inhibition studies in rat brain membranes showed that [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin displaced [3H]-naltrindole from two delta-binding sites of high and low affinity. The addition of 100 microM Gpp[NH]p produced a three fold increase in the [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin Ki value for both binding sites. The addition of 10 nM dermorphin increased the Ki value of the delta-agonist for the high affinity site five times. When Gpp[NH]p was added to the incubation medium together with 10 nM dermorphin, the high affinity Ki of the delta-agonist increased 15 times. 4. Co-administration into the rat brain ventricles of subanalgesic doses of dermorphin and [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin resulted in synergistic antinociceptive responses. 5. Pretreatment with naloxone or with the non-equilibrium mu-antagonists naloxonazine and beta-funaltrexamine completely abolished the antinociceptive response of the mu-delta agonist combinations. 6. Pretreatment with the delta-opioid antagonists naltrindole and DALCE reduced the antinociceptive response of the dermorphin-[D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin combinations to a value near that observed after the mu-agonist alone. At the dosage used, naltrindole
Lack of association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR-gamma 2 gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Qatari consanguineous population.

PubMed

Badii, Ramin; Bener, Abdulbari; Zirie, Mahmoud; Al-Rikabi, Ammar; Simsek, Mehmet; Al-Hamaq, Abdulla O A A; Ghoussaini, Maya; Froguel, Philippe; Wareham, Nick J

2008-03-01

Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is a nuclear hormone receptor that serves as a master regulator for adipocytes-specific genes contributing to adipocytes differentiation, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. The substitution of proline to alanine at codon 12 of the PPAR gamma 2 gene (Pro12Ala polymorphism) is most widely studied, and the associations with diabetes, obesity, and other clinical parameters have been reported and discussed in several ethnic groups. Among native Qatar ethnicity, however, there is no report about this polymorphism. The aim of this study was to estimate the allele frequency of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPAR gamma 2 gene among Qatari population and investigate the association between this polymorphism and obesity or type 2 diabetes. This is a matched case-control study. It was carried out among diabetic patients and healthy subjects at the Primary Healthcare Clinics, and the survey was conducted from February 2003 to March 2006 in Qatari male and female nationals aged 35 to 60 years. The study was based on matched age, sex, and ethnicity of 400 cases (with diabetes) and 450 controls (without diabetes). Face-to-face interviews were based on a questionnaire that included variables such as age, sex, sociodemographic status, body mass index (BMI), and obesity. Their health status was assessed by medical conditions, family history, and blood pressure measurements. The allele frequency of Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR gamma 2 gene among Qataris is lower than that in many Caucasian ethnic groups. No association is seen between the Pro12Ala and type 2 Diabetes (0.055 vs 0.059, OR = 1.1311, P = 0.669). Nearly half of the diabetic type 2 patients (48.5%) were obese (BMI > 30) compared to nondiabetic subjects (29.8%) (P < 0.001). In this study, no association is seen between the Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR gamma 2 gene and the type 2 diabetes in Qatar.
Identification of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs involved in fatty acid biosynthesis in tree peony seeds.

PubMed

Yin, Dan-Dan; Li, Shan-Shan; Shu, Qing-Yan; Gu, Zhao-Yu; Wu, Qian; Feng, Cheng-Yong; Xu, Wen-Zhong; Wang, Liang-Sheng

2018-08-05

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as important molecular regulators in a wide range of biological processes during plant development and seed formation, including oil production. Tree peony seeds contain >90% unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and high proportions of α-linolenic acid (ALA, > 40%). To dissect the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) pathway involved in fatty acids synthesis in tree peony seeds, we construct six small RNA libraries and six transcriptome libraries from developing seeds of two cultivars (J and S) containing different content of fatty acid compositions. After deep sequencing the RNA libraries, the ncRNA expression profiles of tree peony seeds in two cultivars were systematically and comparatively analyzed. A total of 318 known and 153 new miRNAs and 22,430 lncRNAs were identified, among which 106 conserved and 9 novel miRNAs and 2785 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the two cultivars. In addition, potential target genes of the microRNA and lncRNAs were also predicted and annotated. Among them, 9 miRNAs and 39 lncRNAs were predicted to target lipid related genes. Results showed that all of miR414, miR156b, miR2673b, miR7826, novel-m0027-5p, TR24651|c0_g1, TR24544|c0_g15, and TR27305|c0_g1 were up-regulated and expressed at a higher level in high-ALA cultivar J when compared to low-ALA cultivar S, suggesting that these ncRNAs and target genes are possibly involved in different fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism through post-transcriptional regulation. These results provide a better understanding of the roles of ncRNAs during fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism in tree peony seeds. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Paleoglaciology of the Ala-Archa and Ak-Shyrak areas, Kyrgyz Tian Shan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blomdin, R.; Beel, C.; Caffee, M. W.; Codilean, A.; Gribenski, N.; Harbor, J.; Heyman, J.; Hattestrand, C.; Ivanov, M.; Kassab, C.; Lifton, N. A.; Petrakov, D.; Rogozhina, I.; Stroeven, A. P.; Usubaliev, R.

2012-12-01

We employed detailed glacial geomorphological mapping of the Ala-Archa and Ak-Shyrak areas, Kyrgyz Tian Shan (Shan = Mountains) to build a paleoglaciological reconstruction. These two areas were selected because their glaciers constitute important freshwater reservoirs for downstream communities (the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, and cities along the Syr Darja which drains towards the Aral Sea, respectively), and because fluctuations in their extent cause both variations in water supply and risks for glacial hazards. Five landform categories were mapped; glacial valleys, marginal moraines, glacial lineations, hummocky terrain, and melt-water channels. These landforms were mapped using a SRTM digital elevation model (DEM) with a 90 m resolution, Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite imagery with a 30 m resolution, Aster GDEM with a 30 m resolution, and Google Earth. This remotely sensed mapping was also checked and complemented by field mapping. The distribution of mapped landforms indicates restricted glaciations, mainly concentrated to the mountain areas. In both ranges marginal moraines extend beyond the furthest extent of glacial valleys. Furthermore, extensive areas of hummocky moraine in Ak-Shyrak extending beyond montane glacial valleys indicate glacial extents into the intermontane basins. Several series of lateral and terminal moraines in the Ala-Archa and Ak-Shyrak ranges have been identified and sampled for cosmogenic nuclide 10Be dating, while associated glaciofluvial sediment was sampled for optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) and electron spin resonance (ESR) dating. Future work will involve using these samples to build a consistent chronology for glaciation and investigation of contrasts between paleoglaciological reconstructions of valleys within a single range but with different aspects, as well as between ranges. In the final stages of the project we will use intermediate complexity glacier flow models to examine paleoclimatic implications of the observed spatial
Investigation of genes coding for inflammatory components in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Håkansson, Anna; Westberg, Lars; Nilsson, Staffan; Buervenich, Silvia; Carmine, Andrea; Holmberg, Björn; Sydow, Olof; Olson, Lars; Johnels, Bo; Eriksson, Elias; Nissbrandt, Hans

2005-05-01

Several findings obtained recently indicate that inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic variants of genes coding for components involved in immune reactions in the brain might therefore influence the risk of developing PD or the age of disease onset. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes coding for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma; T874A in intron 1), interferon-gamma receptor 2 (IFN-gamma R2; Gln64Arg), interleukin-10 (IL-10; G1082A in the promoter region), platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH; Val379Ala), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1; Lys469Glu) were genotyped, using pyrosequencing, in 265 patients with PD and 308 controls. None of the investigated SNPs was found to be associated with PD; however, the G1082A polymorphism in the IL-10 gene promoter was found to be related to the age of disease onset. Linear regression showed a significantly earlier onset with more A-alleles (P = 0.0095; after Bonferroni correction, P = 0.048), resulting in a 5-year delayed age of onset of the disease for individuals having two G-alleles compared with individuals having two A-alleles. The results indicate that the IL-10 G1082A SNP could possibly be related to the age of onset of PD. Copyright 2005 Movement Disorder Society.
Synthesis and pharmacology of halogenated δ-opioid-selective [d-Ala(2)]deltorphin II peptide analogues.

PubMed

Pescatore, Robyn; Marrone, Gina F; Sedberry, Seth; Vinton, Daniel; Finkelstein, Netanel; Katlowitz, Yitzchak E; Pasternak, Gavril W; Wilson, Krista R; Majumdar, Susruta

2015-06-17

Deltorphins are naturally occurring peptides produced by the skin of the giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). They are δ-opioid receptor-selective agonists. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a peptide, Tyr-d-Ala-(pI)Phe-Glu-Ile-Ile-Gly-NH2 3 (GATE3-8), based on the [d-Ala(2)]deltorphin II template, which is δ-selective in in vitro radioligand binding assays over the μ- and κ-opioid receptors. It is a full agonist in [(35)S]GTPγS functional assays and analgesic when administered supraspinally to mice. Analgesia of 3 (GATE3-8) is blocked by the selective δ receptor antagonist naltrindole, indicating that the analgesic action of 3 is mediated by the δ-opioid receptor. We have established a radioligand in which (125)I is incorporated into 3 (GATE3-8). The radioligand has a KD of 0.1 nM in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the δ receptor. Additionally, a series of peptides based on 3 (GATE3-8) was synthesized by incorporating various halogens in the para position on the aromatic ring of Phe(3). The peptides were characterized for binding affinity at the μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors, which showed a linear correlation between binding affinity and the size of the halogen substituent. These peptides may be interesting tools for probing δ-opioid receptor pharmacology.
Synthesis and Pharmacology of Halogenated δ-Opioid-Selective [D-Ala2]Deltorphin II Peptide Analogues

PubMed Central

Pescatore, Robyn; Marrone, Gina F.; Sedberry, Seth; Vinton, Daniel; Finkelstein, Netanel; Katlowitz, Yitzchak E.; Pasternak, Gavril W.; Wilson, Krista R.; Majumdar, Susruta

2015-01-01

Deltorphins are naturally occurring peptides produced by the skin of the giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). They are δ-opioid receptor-selective agonists. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a peptide, Tyr-D-Ala-(pI)Phe-Glu-Ile-Ile-Gly-NH2 3 (GATE3-8), based on the [D-Ala2]deltorphin II template, which is δ-selective in in vitro radioligand binding assays over the μ- and κ-opioid receptors. It is a full agonist in [35S]GTPγS functional assays and analgesic when administered supraspinally to mice. Analgesia of 3 (GATE3-8) is blocked by the selective δ receptor antagonist naltrindole, indicating that the analgesic action of 3 is mediated by the δ-opioid receptor. We have established a radioligand in which 125I isincorporated into 3 (GATE3-8). The radioligand has a KD of 0.1 nM in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the δ receptor. Additionally, a series of peptides based on 3 (GATE3-8) was synthesized by incorporating various halogens in the para position on the aromatic ring of Phe3. The peptides were characterized for binding affinity at the μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors, which showed a linear correlation between binding affinity and the size of the halogen substituent. These peptides may be interesting tools for probing δ-opioid receptor pharmacology. PMID:25844930
The novel RAF1 mutation p.(Gly361Ala) located outside the kinase domain of the CR3 region in two patients with Noonan syndrome, including one with a rare brain tumor.

PubMed

Harms, Frederike L; Alawi, Malik; Amor, David J; Tan, Tiong Y; Cuturilo, Goran; Lissewski, Christina; Brinkmann, Julia; Schanze, Denny; Kutsche, Kerstin; Zenker, Martin

2018-02-01

Noonan syndrome is characterized by typical craniofacial dysmorphism, postnatal growth retardation, congenital heart defect, and learning difficulties and belongs to the RASopathies, a group of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by germline mutations in genes encoding components of the RAS-MAPK pathway. Mutations in the RAF1 gene are associated with Noonan syndrome, with a high prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). RAF1 mutations cluster in exons encoding the conserved region 2 (CR2), the kinase activation segment of the CR3 domain, and the C-terminus. We present two boys with Noonan syndrome and the identical de novo RAF1 missense variant c.1082G>C/p.(Gly361Ala) affecting the CR3, but located outside the kinase activation segment. The p.(Gly361Ala) mutation has been identified as a RAF1 allele conferring resistance to RAF inhibitors. This amino acid change favors a RAF1 conformation that allows for enhanced RAF dimerization and increased intrinsic kinase activity. Both patients with Noonan syndrome showed typical craniofacial dysmorphism, macrocephaly, and short stature. One individual developed HCM and was diagnosed with a disseminated oligodendroglial-like leptomeningeal tumor (DOLT) of childhood at the age of 9 years. While there is a well-established association of NS with malignant tumors, especially childhood hemato-oncological diseases, brain tumors have rarely been reported in Noonan syndrome. Our data demonstrate that mutation scanning of the entire coding region of genes associated with Noonan syndrome is mandatory not to miss rare variants located outside the known mutational hotspots. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical resolution of phenylthiohydantoin-amino acids by capillary electrophoresis and identification of the phenylthiohydantoin-D-amino acid residue of [D-Ala2]-methionine enkephalin.

PubMed

Kurosu, Y; Murayama, K; Shindo, N; Shisa, Y; Ishioka, N

1996-11-01

This is an initial report to propose a protein sequence analysis system with DL differentiation using capillary electrophoresis (CE). This system consists of a protein sequencer and a CE system. After fractionation of phenyl-thiohydantoin (PTH)-amino acids using a protein sequencer, optical resolution for each PTH-amino acid is performed by CE using some chiral selectors such as digitonin, beta-escin and others. As a model peptide, [D-Ala2]-methionine enkephalin (L-Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-L-Phe-L-Met), was used and the sequence with DL differentiation was determined, with the exception of the fourth amino acid, L-Phe, using our proposed system.
Effect of peptides Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly on the morphology of the thymus in hypophysectomized young and old birds.

PubMed

Pateyk, A V; Baranchugova, L M; Rusaeva, N S; Obydenko, V I; Kuznik, B I

2013-03-01

Investigations were carried out on chicks of different age. It was found that the most pronounced changes in the morphology of the thymus occurred after neonatal hypophysectomy. These changes are least pronounced in old chicks. Peptides Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly synthesized on the basis of amino acid composition of peptide complexes of the anterior and posterior pituitary lobes administered to hypophysectomized birds regardless of age promoted recovery of the morphological structures of the thymus. The anterior pituitary peptide (Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly) had more pronounced effect on the recovery of thymic structure than posterior pituitary peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly).
Structural and kinetic studies on the Ser101Ala variant of choline oxidase: Catalysis by compromise

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

Finnegan, S.; Orville, A.; Yuan, H.

2010-09-15

The oxidation of choline catalyzed by choline oxidase includes two reductive half-reactions where FAD is reduced by the alcohol substrate and by an aldehyde intermediate transiently formed in the reaction. Each reductive half-reaction is followed by an oxidative half-reaction where the reduced flavin is oxidized by oxygen. Here, we have used mutagenesis to prepare the Ser101Ala mutant of choline oxidase and have investigated the impact of this mutation on the structural and kinetic properties of the enzyme. The crystallographic structure of the Ser101Ala enzyme indicates that the only differences between the mutant and wild-type enzymes are the lack of amore » hydroxyl group on residue 101 and a more planar configuration of the flavin in the mutant enzyme. Kinetics established that replacement of Ser101 with alanine yields a mutant enzyme with increased efficiencies in the oxidative half-reactions and decreased efficiencies in the reductive half-reactions. This is accompanied by a significant decrease in the overall rate of turnover with choline. Thus, this mutation has revealed the importance of a specific residue for the optimization of the overall turnover of choline oxidase, which requires fine-tuning of four consecutive half-reactions for the conversion of an alcohol to a carboxylic acid.« less
Rationally designed chimeric peptide of met-enkephalin and FMRFa-[D-Ala2,p-Cl-Phe4]YFa induce multiple opioid receptors mediated antinociception and up-regulate their expression.

PubMed

Vats, Ishwar Dutt; Chaudhary, Snehlata; Sharma, Ahuti; Nath, Mahendra; Pasha, Santosh

2010-07-25

The physiological role of NPFF/FMRFa family of peptides appears to be complex and exact mechanism of action of these peptides is not yet completely understood. In same line of scrutiny, another analog of YGGFMKKKFMRFamide (YFa), a chimeric peptide of met-enkephalin and FMRFamide, was rationally designed and synthesized which contain D-alanine and p-Cl-phenylalanine residues at 2nd and 4th positions, respectively i.e., Y-(D-Ala)-G-(p-Cl-Phe)-MKKKFMRFamide ([D-Ala(2), p-Cl-Phe(4)]YFa) in order to achieve improved bioavailability and blood brain barrier penetration. Therefore, present study investigates the possible antinociceptive effect of [D-Ala(2), p-Cl-Phe(4)]YFa on intra-peritoneal (i.p.) administration using tail-flick test in rats followed by its opioid receptor(s) specificity using mu, delta and kappa receptor antagonists. Further, its antinociceptive effect was examined during 6 days of chronic i.p. treatment and assessed effect of this treatment on differential expression of opioid receptors. [D-Ala(2), p-Cl-Phe(4)]YFa in comparison to parent peptide YFa, induce significantly higher dose dependent antinociception in rats which was mediated by all three opioid receptors (mu, delta and kappa). Importantly, it induced comparable antinociception in rats throughout the chronic i.p. treatment and significantly up-regulated the overall expression (mRNA and protein) of mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors. Therefore, pharmacological and molecular behavior of [D-Ala(2), p-Cl-Phe(4)]YFa demonstrate that incorporation of D-alanine and p-Cl-phenylalanine residues at appropriate positions in chimeric peptide leads to altered opioid receptor selectivity and enhanced antinociceptive potency, relative to parent peptide. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The folding of acetyl(Ala)28NH2 and acetyl(Ala)40NH2 extended strand peptides into antiparallel β-sheets. A density functional theory study of β-sheets with β-turns.

PubMed

Ali-Torres, Jorge; Dannenberg, J J

2012-12-06

We report ONIOM calculations using B3LYP/D95** and AM1 on β-sheet formation from acetyl(Ala)(N)NH(2) (N = 28 or 40). The sheets contain from one to four β-turns for N = 28 and up to six for N = 40. We have obtained four types of geometrically optimized structures. All contain only β-turns. They differ from each other in the types of β-turns formed. The unsolvated sheets containing two turns are most stable. Aqueous solvation (using the SM5.2 and CPCM methods) reduces the stabilities of the folded structures compared to the extended strands.

A retrospective review of pain control by a two-step irradiance schedule during topical ALA-photodynamic therapy of non-melanoma skin cancer.

PubMed

Zeitouni, Nathalie C; Paquette, Anne D; Housel, Joseph P; Shi, Yi; Wilding, Gregory E; Foster, Thomas H; Henderson, Barbara W

2013-02-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) of non-melanoma skin cancers is often associated with treatment-limiting pain. A previous study on basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute evaluated a two-step irradiance scheme as a means of minimizing pain, preserving outcomes, and limiting treatment time. We used an initial low irradiance until 90% of the protoporphyrin IX was photobleached, followed by a high irradiance interval until the prescribed fluence was delivered. Success of this pilot investigation motivated integration of the protocol into routine practice. Here, we present a retrospective review of recent clinical experience in a broad patient population. This was a retrospective review of an existing dermatology database. Fourteen caucasion patients-nine men and five women, ages 18-80, with a total of 51 superficial and 73 nodular BCCs, and three Bowen's disease lesions-were included. ALA was applied to each lesion for approximately 4 hours. Lesions received an initial irradiance of 30-50 mW/cm(2) for 20 J/cm(2) , followed by 150 mW/cm(2) for a total fluence of 200-300 J/cm(2) . Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Clinical outcome was determined at 6-12 months. Median VAS scores were 1.0 for both irradiances. Five of 127 lesions required pain control with 1% xylocaine. Pain was strongly influenced by lesion location but not by lesion type, number, or size. Complete responses were achieved in 84.1% of BCCs, which compares favorably with reported results for single ALA-PDT treatments. Two of three Bowen's disease lesions showed a complete response. Complete responses for nodular BCCs were 37%, which are also within the range of reported outcomes. A two-step irradiance protocol in ALA-PDT effectively minimizes pain, maintains excellent clinical outcomes in superficial lesions, and adds minimal treatment time. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Retrospective Review of Pain Control by a Two-Step Irradiance Schedule During Topical ALA-Photodynamic Therapy of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer

PubMed Central

Zeitouni, Nathalie C.; Paquette, Anne D.; Housel, Joseph P.; Shi, Yi; Wilding, Gregory; Foster, Thomas H.; Henderson, Barbara W.

2013-01-01

Background and Objective Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) of non-melanoma skin cancers is often associated with treatment-limiting pain. A previous study on basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute evaluated a two-step irradiance scheme as a means of minimizing pain, preserving outcomes, and limiting treatment time. We used an initial low irradiance until 90% of the protoporphyrin IX was photobleached, followed by a high irradiance interval until the prescribed fluence was delivered. Success of this pilot investigation motivated integration of the protocol into routine practice. Here we present a retrospective review of recent clinical experience in a broad patient population. Study Design/Materials and Methods This was a retrospective review of an existing dermatology data base. Fourteen caucasion patients - 9 men and 5 women, ages 18 to 80, with a total of 51 superficial and 73 nodular BCCs, and three Bowen's disease lesions – were included. ALA was applied to each lesion for approximately 4h. Lesions received an initial irradiance of 30 - 50 mW/cm2 for 20 J/cm2, followed by 150 mW/cm2 for a total fluence of 200-300 J/cm2. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Clinical outcome was determined at 6-12 months. Results Median VAS scores were 1.0 for both irradiances. Five of 127 lesions required pain control with 1% xylocaine. Pain was strongly influenced by lesion location but not by lesion type, number, or size. Complete responses were achieved in 84.1% of BCCs, which compares favorably with reported results for single ALA-PDT treatments. Two of three Bowen's disease lesions showed a complete response. Complete responses for nodular BCCs were 37%, which are also within the range of reported outcomes. Conclusions A two-step irradiance protocol in ALA-PDT effectively minimizes pain, maintains excellent clinical outcomes in superficial lesions, and adds minimal treatment time. PMID:23390058
N-Protonated Isomers and Coulombic Barriers to Dissociation of Doubly Protonated Ala8Arg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haeffner, Fredrik; Irikura, Karl K.

2017-10-01

Collision-induced dissociation (or tandem mass spectrometry, MS/MS) of a protonated peptide results in a spectrum of fragment ions that is useful for inferring amino acid sequence. This is now commonplace and a foundation of proteomics. The underlying chemical and physical processes are believed to be those familiar from physical organic chemistry and chemical kinetics. However, first-principles predictions remain intractable because of the conflicting necessities for high accuracy (to achieve qualitatively correct kinetics) and computational speed (to compensate for the high cost of reliable calculations on such large molecules). To make progress, shortcuts are needed. Inspired by the popular mobile proton model, we have previously proposed a simplified theoretical model in which the gas-phase fragmentation pattern of protonated peptides reflects the relative stabilities of N-protonated isomers, thus avoiding the need for transition-state information. For singly protonated Ala n ( n = 3-11), the resulting predictions were in qualitative agreement with the results from low-energy MS/MS experiments. Here, the comparison is extended to a model tryptic peptide, doubly protonated Ala8Arg. This is of interest because doubly protonated tryptic peptides are the most important in proteomics. In comparison with experimental results, our model seriously overpredicts the degree of backbone fragmentation at N9. We offer an improved model that corrects this deficiency. The principal change is to include Coulombic barriers, which hinder the separation of the product cations from each other. Coulombic barriers may be equally important in MS/MS of all multiply charged peptide ions. [Figure not available: see fulltext.
Research of ALA combined with HpD-PDT which induced s180 ascitic tumor cells, death or apoptosis on cytology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jing; Yan, Min; Zhang, Hui-Guo; Li, Enling; Luo, Hongyu

2005-07-01

To ascertain the adequate dosage of ALA combined with HpD-PDT which induced tumor cell death or apoptosis on cytology. And to study the different effect of ALA-PDT and HPD-PDT used only. Rat ascitic tumor cells(S180) were randomly divided into several groups and incubated with ALA（20μg/ml 、40μg/ml、80μg/ml 、160μg/ml）、HPD（2.5μg/ml、5μg/ml、10μg/ml）and their combination dosages. 630nm light (total output 2W) was delivered to tumor cells at a constant fluence rate: 200mw/cm2 and a constant irradiated time period: 20 minutes. We set 3 groups (no photosensitizers or no irradiation or neither) to be the control groups. We used inversion microscopy to observe the morphological change of tumor cells and flow cytometry technology to detect the death or apoptosis of tumor cells during the experiment. ..
Analysis of Management Control Techniques for the Data Processing Department at the Navy Finance Center, Cleveland, Ohio.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

Sysiem are: Order processinq coordinators Order processing management Credit and collections Accounts receivable Support management Admin ianagemenr...or sales secretary, then by order processing (OP). Phone-in orders go directly to OP. The infor- mation is next Transcribed onto an order entry... ORDER PROCESSING : The central systems validate The order items and codes t!, processing them against the customer file, the prodicT or PA? ts file, and
Temperature- and Length-Dependent Energetics of Formation for Polyalanine Helices in Water: Assignment of wAla(n,T) and Temperature-Dependent CD Ellipticity Standards

PubMed Central

Job, Gabriel E.; Kennedy, Robert J.; Heitmann, Björn; Miller, Justin S.; Walker, Sharon M.; Kemp*, Daniel S.

2006-01-01

Length-dependent helical propensities wAla(n,T) at T = 10, 25, and 60 °C are assigned from t/c values and NMR 13C chemical shifts for series 1 peptides TrpLysmInp2tLeu–AlantLeuInp2LysmNH2, n = 15, 19, and 25, m = 5, in water. Van’t Hoff analysis of wAla(n,T) show that α-helix formation is primarily enthalpy-driven. For series 2 peptides Ac–Trp Lys5Inp2tLeu–βAspHel–Alan–beta–tLeuInp2Lys5NH2, n = 12 and 22, which contain exceptionally helical Alan cores, protection factor-derived fractional helicities FH are assigned in the range 10–30 °C in water and used to calibrate temperature-dependent CD ellipticities [θ]λ,H,n,T. These are applied to CD data for series 1 peptides, 12 ≤ n ≤ 45, to confirm the wAla(n,T) assignments at T = 25 and 60 °C. The [θ]λ,H,n,T are temperature dependent within the wavelength region, 222 ± 12 nm, and yield a temperature correction for calculation of FH from experimental values of [θ]222,n,T,Exp. PMID:16787087
Structures of an alanine racemase from Bacillus anthracis (BA0252) in the presence and absence of (R)-1-aminoethylphosphonic acid (l-Ala-P)

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

Au, Kinfai; Ren, Jingshan; Division of Structural Biology, The Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN

2008-05-01

Structures of BA0252, an alanine racemase from B. anthracis, in the presence and absence of the inhibitor (R)-1-aminoethylphosphonic acid (l-Ala-P) and determined by X-ray crystallography to resolutions of 2.1 and 1.47 Å, respectively, are described. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, has been targeted by the Oxford Protein Production Facility to validate high-throughput protocols within the Structural Proteomics in Europe project. As part of this work, the structures of an alanine racemase (BA0252) in the presence and absence of the inhibitor (R)-1-aminoethylphosphonic acid (l-Ala-P) have determined by X-ray crystallo@@graphy to resolutions of 2.1 and 1.47 Å, respectively. Difficulties inmore » crystallizing this protein were overcome by the use of reductive methylation. Alanine racemase has attracted much interest as a possible target for anti-anthrax drugs: not only is d-alanine a vital component of the bacterial cell wall, but recent studies also indicate that alanine racemase, which is accessible in the exosporium, plays a key role in inhibition of germination in B. anthracis. These structures confirm the binding mode of l-Ala-P but suggest an unexpected mechanism of inhibition of alanine racemase by this compound and could provide a basis for the design of improved alanine racemase inhibitors with potential as anti-anthrax therapies.« less
ALA-mediated PDT of melanoma tumors: light-sensitizer interactions determined by a novel spectral imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malik, Zvi; Dishi, M.

1995-05-01

The subcellular localization of endogenous protoporphyrin (endo- PP) during photosensitization in B-16 melanoma cells was analyzed by a novel spectral imaging system, the SpectraCube 1000. The melanoma cells were incubated with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), and then the fluorescence of endo-PP was recorded in individual living cells by three modes: conventional fluorescence imaging, multipixel point by point fluorescence spectroscopy, and image processing, by operating a function of spectral similarity mapping and reconstructing new images derived from spectral information. The fluorescence image of ALA-treated cells revealed vesicular distribution of endo-PP all over the cytosol, with mitochondrial, lysosomal, as well as endoplasmic reticulum cisternael accumulation. Two main spectral fluorescence peaks were demonstrated at 635 and 705 nm, with intensities that differed from one subcellular site to another. Photoirradiation of the cells included point-specific subcellular fluorescence spectrum changes and demonstrated photoproduct formation. Spectral image reconstruction revealed the local distribution of a chosen spectrum in the photosensitized cells. On the other hand, B 16 cells treated with exogenous protoporphyrin (exo-PP) showed a dominant fluorescence peak at 670 nm and a minor peak at 630 nm. Fluorescence was localized at a perinuclear=Golgi region. Light exposure induced photobleaching and photoproduct-spectral changes followed by relocalization. The new localization at subcellular compartments showed pH dependent spectral shifts and photoproduct formation on a subcellular level.
The Folding of Acetyl(Ala)28NH2 and Acetyl(Ala)40NH2 Extended Strand Peptides into Antiparallel β-Sheets. A Density Functional Theory Study of β-Sheets with β-Turns

PubMed Central

Ali-Torres, Jorge

2012-01-01

We report ONIOM calculations using B3LYP/D95** and AM1 on β-sheet formation from acetyl(Ala)NNH2 (N=28 or 40). The sheets contain from one to four β-turns for N=28 and up to six for N=40. We have obtained four types of geometrically optimized structures. All contain only β-turns. They differ from each other in the types of β-turns formed. The unsolvated sheets containing two turns are most stable. Aqueous solvation (using the SM5.2 and CPCM methods) reduces the stabilities of the folded structures compared to the extended strands. PMID:23157432
Effect of the PPARG2 Pro12Ala Polymorphism on Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time with Markers of Insulin Sensitivity in Those with an Elevated Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Yates, Thomas; Davies, Melanie J; Henson, Joseph; Edwardson, Charlotte; Webb, David; Bodicoat, Danielle H; Webb, M'Balu; Howard, Philip; Cooper, Jackie A; Humphries, Steve E; Khunti, Kamlesh; Talmud, Philippa

2015-01-01

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is an important regulator of metabolic health and a common polymorphism in the PPAR-γ2 gene (PPARG2) may modify associations between lifestyle behaviour and health. To investigate whether the PPARG2 Pro12Ala genotype modifies the associations of sedentary behaviour and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) with common measures of insulin sensitivity. Participants with a high risk of impaired glucose regulation were recruited, United Kingdom, 2010-2011. Sedentary and MVPA time were objectively measured using accelerometers. Fasting and 2-hour post-challenge insulin and glucose were assessed; insulin sensitivity was calculated using Matsuda-ISI and HOMA-IS. DNA was extracted from whole blood. Linear regression examined associations of sedentary time and MVPA with insulin sensitivity and examined interactions by PPARG2 Pro12Ala genotype. 541 subjects were included (average age = 65 years, female = 33%); 18% carried the Ala12 allele. Both sedentary time and MVPA were strongly associated with HOMA-IS and Matsuda-ISI after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, medication, smoking status and accelerometer wear time. After further adjustment for each other and BMI, only associations with Matsuda-ISI were maintained. Every 30 minute difference in sedentary time was inversely associated with a 4% (0, 8%; p = 0.043) difference in Matsuda-ISI, whereas every 30 minutes in MVPA was positively associated with a 13% (0, 26%; p = 0.048) difference. The association of MVPA with Matsuda-ISI was modified by genotype (p = 0.005) and only maintained in Ala12 allele carriers. Conversely, sedentary time was not modified by genotype and remained inversely associated with insulin sensitivity in Pro12 allele homozygotes. The association of MVPA with Matsuda-ISI was modified by PPARG2 Pro12Ala genotype with significant associations only observed in the 18% of the population who carried the Ala12 allele, whereas
GaAs, AlAs, and AlxGa1-xAs: Material parameters for use in research and device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adachi, Sadao

1985-08-01

The AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs heterostructure system is potentially useful material for high-speed digital, high-frequency microwave, and electro-optic device applications. Even though the basic AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs heterostructure concepts are understood at this time, some practical device parameters in this system have been hampered by a lack of definite knowledge of many material parameters. Recently, Blakemore has presented numerical and graphical information about many of the physical and electronic properties of GaAs [J. S. Blakemore, J. Appl. Phys. 53, R123 (1982)]. The purpose of this review is (i) to obtain and clarify all the various material parameters of AlxGa1-xAs alloy from a systematic point of view, and (ii) to present key properties of the material parameters for a variety of research works and device applications. A complete set of material parameters are considered in this review for GaAs, AlAs, and AlxGa1-xAs alloys. The model used is based on an interpolation scheme and, therefore, necessitates known values of the parameters for the related binaries (GaAs and AlAs). The material parameters and properties considered in the present review can be classified into sixteen groups: (1) lattice constant and crystal density, (2) melting point, (3) thermal expansion coefficient, (4) lattice dynamic properties, (5) lattice thermal properties, (6) electronic-band structure, (7) external perturbation effects on the band-gap energy, (8) effective mass, (9) deformation potential, (10) static and high-frequency dielectric constants, (11) magnetic susceptibility, (12) piezoelectric constant, (13) Fröhlich coupling parameter, (14) electron transport properties, (15) optical properties, and (16) photoelastic properties. Of particular interest is the deviation of material parameters from linearity with respect to the AlAs mole fraction x. Some material parameters, such as lattice constant, crystal density, thermal expansion coefficient, dielectric constant, and elastic constant
[Effects of Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptides on hormonal activity and thyroid morphology in hypophysectomized mature and old birds].

PubMed

Kuznik, B I; Pateiuk, A V; Rusaeva, N S; Baranchugova, L M; Obydenko, V I

2011-01-01

The aim of the paper was to investigate effects of Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptides which were designed and synthesized on the basis of amino acid study of the hypophyseal anterior and posterior lobe peptides on the thyroid morphology and hormonal activity in mature chicken and old birds. Hypophysectomy was established to produce atrophic changes in the thyroid gland and development of secondary hypothyrosis. Administration of Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly tetrapeptides significantly prevented these impairments by increasing the levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as well as T3 and T4. Restoration of the thyroid functions and morphology was registered to be greater in one-year-old chicken as compared to five-year-old ones.
BigWig and BigBed: enabling browsing of large distributed datasets.

PubMed

Kent, W J; Zweig, A S; Barber, G; Hinrichs, A S; Karolchik, D

2010-09-01

BigWig and BigBed files are compressed binary indexed files containing data at several resolutions that allow the high-performance display of next-generation sequencing experiment results in the UCSC Genome Browser. The visualization is implemented using a multi-layered software approach that takes advantage of specific capabilities of web-based protocols and Linux and UNIX operating systems files, R trees and various indexing and compression tricks. As a result, only the data needed to support the current browser view is transmitted rather than the entire file, enabling fast remote access to large distributed data sets. Binaries for the BigWig and BigBed creation and parsing utilities may be downloaded at http://hgdownload.cse.ucsc.edu/admin/exe/linux.x86_64/. Source code for the creation and visualization software is freely available for non-commercial use at http://hgdownload.cse.ucsc.edu/admin/jksrc.zip, implemented in C and supported on Linux. The UCSC Genome Browser is available at http://genome.ucsc.edu.
An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the local people of Alaşehir (Manisa) in Turkey.

PubMed

Sargın, Seyid Ahmet; Akçicek, Ekrem; Selvi, Selami

2013-12-12

This paper represents the first large-scale ethnobotanical study in the Alaşehir and its surrounding (Manisa/Turkey). There are scarcely any studies for using plants. There is urgency in recording such data. This is the first ethnobotanical study in which statistical calculations about plants are done by ICF (Informant Consensus Factor) method. This study aimed to identify plants collected for medicinal purposes by the local people of Alaşehir, located in the Aegean Region of Turkey, and to document the traditional names, preparation and uses of these plants. Field study was carried out over a period of approximately 2 years (2010-2012) in Alaşehir. During this period, 137 vascular plant specimens were collected. Demographic characteristics of participants, local plant names, utilized parts and preparation methods of the plants were investigated and recorded. In the scope of the study, medicinal plant species and related information were collected; herbarium materials were prepared; and the specimens were entitled. Field research was conducted by collecting ethnobotanical information during structured and semi-structured interviews with native knowledgeable people in territory. In addition, the relative importance value of species was determined and ICF was calculated for the medicinal plants included in the study. A total of 137 medicinal plants belonging to 58 families were identified in the region. Among them, 105 species are wild and 32 species are cultivated plant. The most dominant medicinal plant families were Asteraceae (>13%), Lamiaceae (>11%), Rosaceae (>7%), and Fabaceae (>4%), again; the most common preparations were infusion and decoction. It was found that Origanum onites L., Urtica urens, Thymus zygioides Griseb., Matricaria chamomilla L., Salvia tomentosa Mill., Cerasus avium (L.), Tilia argentea Desf. ex DC., Hyoscyamus niger L., Urtica pilulifera L., Anethum graveolens L., Euphorbia rigida Bieb., Hypericum perforatum L., Paliurus spina
A novel nuclear genetic code alteration in yeasts and the evolution of codon reassignment in eukaryotes.

PubMed

Mühlhausen, Stefanie; Findeisen, Peggy; Plessmann, Uwe; Urlaub, Henning; Kollmar, Martin

2016-07-01

The genetic code is the cellular translation table for the conversion of nucleotide sequences into amino acid sequences. Changes to the meaning of sense codons would introduce errors into almost every translated message and are expected to be highly detrimental. However, reassignment of single or multiple codons in mitochondria and nuclear genomes, although extremely rare, demonstrates that the code can evolve. Several models for the mechanism of alteration of nuclear genetic codes have been proposed (including "codon capture," "genome streamlining," and "ambiguous intermediate" theories), but with little resolution. Here, we report a novel sense codon reassignment in Pachysolen tannophilus, a yeast related to the Pichiaceae. By generating proteomics data and using tRNA sequence comparisons, we show that Pachysolen translates CUG codons as alanine and not as the more usual leucine. The Pachysolen tRNACAG is an anticodon-mutated tRNA(Ala) containing all major alanine tRNA recognition sites. The polyphyly of the CUG-decoding tRNAs in yeasts is best explained by a tRNA loss driven codon reassignment mechanism. Loss of the CUG-tRNA in the ancient yeast is followed by gradual decrease of respective codons and subsequent codon capture by tRNAs whose anticodon is not part of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase recognition region. Our hypothesis applies to all nuclear genetic code alterations and provides several testable predictions. We anticipate more codon reassignments to be uncovered in existing and upcoming genome projects. © 2016 Mühlhausen et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
Effect of sodium benzoate preservative on micronucleus induction, chromosome break, and Ala40Thr superoxide dismutase gene mutation in lymphocytes.

PubMed

Pongsavee, Malinee

2015-01-01

Sodium benzoate is food preservative that inhibits microbial growth. The effects of sodium benzoate preservative on micronucleus induction, chromosome break, and Ala40Thr superoxide dismutase gene mutation in lymphocytes were studied. Sodium benzoate concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/mL were treated in lymphocyte cell line for 24 and 48 hrs, respectively. Micronucleus test, standard chromosome culture technique, PCR, and automated sequencing technique were done to detect micronucleus, chromosome break, and gene mutation. The results showed that, at 24- and 48-hour. incubation time, sodium benzoate concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/mL increased micronucleus formation when comparing with the control group (P < 0.05). At 24- and 48-hour. incubation time, sodium benzoate concentrations of 2.0 mg/mL increased chromosome break when comparing with the control group (P < 0.05). Sodium benzoate did not cause Ala40Thr (GCG→ACG) in superoxide dismutase gene. Sodium benzoate had the mutagenic and cytotoxic toxicity in lymphocytes caused by micronucleus formation and chromosome break.
Structure-activity relationships of the unique and potent agouti-related protein (AGRP)-melanocortin chimeric Tyr-c[beta-Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH2 peptide template.

PubMed

Wilczynski, Andrzej; Wilson, Krista R; Scott, Joseph W; Edison, Arthur S; Haskell-Luevano, Carrie

2005-04-21

The melanocortin receptor system consists of endogenous agonists, antagonists, G-protein coupled receptors, and auxiliary proteins that are involved in the regulation of complex physiological functions such as energy and weight homeostasis, feeding behavior, inflammation, sexual function, pigmentation, and exocrine gland function. Herein, we report the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a new chimeric hAGRP-melanocortin agonist peptide template Tyr-c[beta-Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH(2) that was characterized using amino acids previously reported in other melanocortin agonist templates. Twenty peptides were examined in this study, and six peptides were selected for (1)H NMR and computer-assisted molecular modeling structural analysis. The most notable results include the identification that modification of the chimeric template at the His position with Pro and Phe resulted in ligands that were nM mouse melanocortin-3 receptor (mMC3R) antagonists and nM mouse melanocortin-4 receptor (mMC4R) agonists. The peptides Tyr-c[beta-Asp-His-DPhe-Ala-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH(2) and Tyr-c[beta-Asp-His-DNal(1')-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH(2) resulted in 730- and 560-fold, respectively, mMC4R versus mMC3R selective agonists that also possessed nM agonist potency at the mMC1R and mMC5R. Structural studies identified a reverse turn occurring in the His-DPhe-Arg-Trp domain, with subtle differences observed that may account for the differences in melanocortin receptor pharmacology. Specifically, a gamma-turn secondary structure involving the DPhe(4) in the central position of the Tyr-c[beta-Asp-Phe-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn-Ala-Phe-Dpr]-Tyr-NH(2) peptide may differentiate the mixed mMC3R antagonist and mMC4R agonist pharmacology.
A novel presenilin 1 mutation (Ala275Val) as cause of early-onset familial Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Luedecke, Daniel; Becktepe, Jos S; Lehmbeck, Jan T; Finckh, Ulrich; Yamamoto, Raina; Jahn, Holger; Boelmans, Kai

2014-04-30

Mutations in the presenilin 1 (PS1) gene (PSEN1) are associated with familial Alzheimer disease (FAD). Here, we report on a 50-year-old patient presenting with progressive deterioration of his short-term memory and a family history of early-onset dementia. Diagnostic workup included a neuropsychological examination, structural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers including total tau, phosphorylated tau, and Aβ42 levels, as well as sequencing relevant fragments of the genes PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP. Additionally, we were able to obtain archival paraffin-embedded cerebellar tissue from the patient's father for cosegregation analysis. Clinical, neuropsychological and MR imaging data were indicative of early-onset Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, CSF biomarkers showed a typical pattern for Alzheimer disease. DNA sequencing revealed a heterozygous nucleotide transition (c.824C>T) in exon 8 of PSEN1, leading to an amino acid change from alanine to valine at codon 275 (Ala275Val). The same mutation was found in an archival brain specimen of the patient's demented father, but not in a blood sample of the non-demented mother. This mutation alters a conserved residue in the large hydrophilic loop of PS1, suggesting pathogenic relevance. Cosegregegation analysis and the structural as well as the presumed functional role of the mutated and highly conserved residue suggest FAD causing characteristics of the novel PSEN1 mutation Ala275Val. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Generating code adapted for interlinking legacy scalar code and extended vector code

DOEpatents

Gschwind, Michael K

2013-06-04

Mechanisms for intermixing code are provided. Source code is received for compilation using an extended Application Binary Interface (ABI) that extends a legacy ABI and uses a different register configuration than the legacy ABI. First compiled code is generated based on the source code, the first compiled code comprising code for accommodating the difference in register configurations used by the extended ABI and the legacy ABI. The first compiled code and second compiled code are intermixed to generate intermixed code, the second compiled code being compiled code that uses the legacy ABI. The intermixed code comprises at least one call instruction that is one of a call from the first compiled code to the second compiled code or a call from the second compiled code to the first compiled code. The code for accommodating the difference in register configurations is associated with the at least one call instruction.
Mixed tumour of ala-nasi: a rare case report and review.

PubMed

Kallam, Anji Reddy; Krishna, R; Thumma, Rayapa Reddy; Setty, Vidya Kedar

2013-09-01

A chondroid syringoma or a mixed tumour of skin, is a rare, benign skin adnexal tumour of sweat gland origin, which is most commonly seen in the head and neck region of patients who are in the sixth and seventh decades. These tumours usually present as asymptomatic, slowly growing masses. We are reporting a rare case of a chondroid syringoma of Rt. ala nasi in a 50 years old female. The swelling had started 4 years back as a small nodule and it had gradually increased in size to 2x2 cms. It was located subcutaneously and it was projecting into the anterior nares. A clinical diagnosis of a benign adnexal tumour (adenoma) or a solitary neurofibroma was made and an excision was planned. Histopathology revealed features of a chondroid adenoma. We are reporting this case because of its rare and unusual site of occurrence and so far, in the available literature, no such case has been reported on tumours of alanasi.

The relationship between MnSOD Val16Ala gene polymorphism and the level of serum total antioxidant capacity with the risk of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients: a nested case-control study in the Tehran lipid glucose study.

PubMed

Abbasi, Mehrnaz; Daneshpour, Maryam S; Hedayati, Mehdi; Mottaghi, Azadeh; Pourvali, Katayoun; Azizi, Fereidoun

2018-01-01

Several studies have shown significant associations between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) Val16Ala polymorphism and diabetic complications, but this association has not been explored in relation with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level changes in diabetic condition and may play important role in onset or progression of the disease and its complications. The present study investigated the association of MnSOD Val16Ala polymorphism and serum TAC with the risk of CKD in T2DM patients. This nested case-control study included 280 type 2 diabetic patients with CKD and 280 age, sex and diabetes duration-matched control subjects selected from the participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. MnSOD val16Ala (rs4880) SNP was genotyped by the Tetra-Primer ARMS-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Serum TAC was measured using ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA statistical package v.12.0 or SPSS (Version 22.0). The Ala allele of the MnSOD Val16Ala polymorphism was associated with a lower risk of CKD (odds ratio (OR), 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.36-0.84; P = 0.006). Median serum TAC in CKD group was 920 μmol/L and was significantly lower ( p < 0.001) compared to the control group (1045 μmol/L). Using an adjusted conditional logistic regression, we didn't observe any significant interaction between MnSOD Val16Ala SNP with quartiles of serum TAC in relation to CKD. A significant association was found between the MnSOD Val16Ala polymorphism and CKD, but this association is not affected by serum TAC level in T2DM patients.
Admin on the Fly

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raths, David

2009-01-01

Students at Tompkins Cortland Community College (commonly known as TC3) in upstate New York can use mobile phones to check their grades and course schedules, sign up for text alerts about class cancellations, and view a campus weather cam. They can even view their debit card account balances--all courtesy of the TC3 Mobile portal. The students at…
Preventing pressure sores of the nasal ala after nasotracheal tube intubation: from animal model to clinical application.

PubMed

Huang, Tze-Ta; Tseng, Chih-En; Lee, Tsan-Mu; Yeh, Jen-Ying; Lai, Yu-Yung

2009-03-01

Nasal-ala pressure sores induced by nasotracheal intubation are common complications of oral and maxillofacial surgery, but are easily ignored. To determine whether such sores could be prevented, we studied the effects of a combination of cushioning material in an animal model, and then analyzed the efficacy of this combination clinically. Four pigs received nasotracheal intubation. Each pig received intubation for 4, 8, 12, or 16 hours. Outcomes from pigs undergoing 500-gram-weight compression on each nostril were compared: one nostril received an application of cushioning materials, and the contralateral nostril did not. After the required study period, clinical assessment and further evaluation were performed by measuring pressure-sore dimensions and performing incisional biopsies. Clinical applications of this protective technique were then undertaken. Eight patients who underwent intubation without Soft Liner (GC Co, Tokyo, Japan) and DuoDERM CGF (ConvaTec, Inc, Princeton, NJ) protection, and 10 patients with Soft Liner and DuoDERM protection, were evaluated. The protective efficacy of the cushioning materials was significant in the animal model as well as in clinical practice. Pressure sores were avoided on the protected side, with severe tissue necrosis documented on the control side. We found that the combined use of Soft Liner and DuoDERM reduced the size and severity of nasal-ala pressure sores attributable to nasotracheal intubation during oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Continuing evolution of canine parvovirus in China: Isolation of novel variants with an Ala5Gly mutation in the VP2 protein.

PubMed

Wang, Jianke; Lin, Peng; Zhao, Hang; Cheng, Yuening; Jiang, Zhong; Zhu, Hongwei; Wu, Hua; Cheng, Shipeng

2016-03-01

Canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2c is a new antigenic variant of CPV-2. Since the year 2000 it has spread to several countries, causing severe hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs. In 2014 and 2015, 58 fecal samples were collected from dogs in Beijing with suspected CPV infection. Regardless of the vaccination status of the dogs, 43 samples were found positive for CPV according to PCR results; i.e., 18, 7, and 18 respectively belonged to antigenic types new CPV-2a, new CPV-2b, and CPV-2c. A phylogenetic tree based on their VP2 gene sequences indicated that the Chinese CPV-2c strains form a separate cluster. In addition to synonymous mutations, the CPV-2c strains also contain a unique coding mutation in VP2 that leads to glycine at residue 5, instead of the highly conserved alanine at this position in all other CPV-2c strains sequenced to date. Using F81 cells, several novel isolates of CPV-2c, each with the Ala5Gly mutation, were obtained. One of these was used to infect experimentally beagle dogs, which subsequently developed the typical clinical symptoms of CPV infection. Hence, it appears that CPV-2c is still evolving in China, a finding that warrants continuous surveying and the eventual adaptation of current vaccines. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
5-ALA induced fluorescent image analysis of actinic keratosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Yong-Jin; Bae, Youngwoo; Choi, Eung-Ho; Jung, Byungjo

2010-02-01

In this study, we quantitatively analyzed 5-ALA induced fluorescent images of actinic keratosis using digital fluorescent color and hyperspectral imaging modalities. UV-A was utilized to induce fluorescent images and actinic keratosis (AK) lesions were demarcated from surrounding the normal region with different methods. Eight subjects with AK lesion were participated in this study. In the hyperspectral imaging modality, spectral analysis method was utilized for hyperspectral cube image and AK lesions were demarcated from the normal region. Before image acquisition, we designated biopsy position for histopathology of AK lesion and surrounding normal region. Erythema index (E.I.) values on both regions were calculated from the spectral cube data. Image analysis of subjects resulted in two different groups: the first group with the higher fluorescence signal and E.I. on AK lesion than the normal region; the second group with lower fluorescence signal and without big difference in E.I. between two regions. In fluorescent color image analysis of facial AK, E.I. images were calculated on both normal and AK lesions and compared with the results of hyperspectral imaging modality. The results might indicate that the different intensity of fluorescence and E.I. among the subjects with AK might be interpreted as different phases of morphological and metabolic changes of AK lesions.
Evaluation of Acoustic Emission NDE of Composite Crew Module Service Module/Alternate Launch Abort System (CCM SM/ALAS) Test Article Failure Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horne, Michael R.; Madaras, Eric I.

2010-01-01

Failure tests of CCM SM/ALAS (Composite Crew Module Service Module / Alternate Launch Abort System) composite panels were conducted during July 10, 2008 and July 24, 2008 at Langley Research Center. This is a report of the analysis of the Acoustic Emission (AE) data collected during those tests.
State Dependency of Chemosensory Coding in the Gustatory Thalamus (VPMpc) of Alert Rats

PubMed Central

Liu, Haixin

2015-01-01

The parvicellular portion of the ventroposteromedial nucleus (VPMpc) is the part of the thalamus that processes gustatory information. Anatomical evidence shows that the VPMpc receives ascending gustatory inputs from the parabrachial nucleus (PbN) in the brainstem and sends projections to the gustatory cortex (GC). Although taste processing in PbN and GC has been the subject of intense investigation in behaving rodents, much less is known on how VPMpc neurons encode gustatory information. Here we present results from single-unit recordings in the VPMpc of alert rats receiving multiple tastants. Thalamic neurons respond to taste with time-varying modulations of firing rates, consistent with those observed in GC and PbN. These responses encode taste quality as well as palatability. Comparing responses to tastants either passively delivered, or self-administered after a cue, unveiled the effects of general expectation on taste processing in VPMpc. General expectation led to an improvement of taste coding by modulating response dynamics, and single neuron ability to encode multiple tastants. Our results demonstrate that the time course of taste coding as well as single neurons' ability to encode for multiple qualities are not fixed but rather can be altered by the state of the animal. Together, the data presented here provide the first description that taste coding in VPMpc is dynamic and state-dependent. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Over the past years, a great deal of attention has been devoted to understanding taste coding in the brainstem and cortex of alert rodents. Thanks to this research, we now know that taste coding is dynamic, distributed, and context-dependent. Alas, virtually nothing is known on how the gustatory thalamus (VPMpc) processes gustatory information in behaving rats. This manuscript investigates taste processing in the VPMpc of behaving rats. Our results show that thalamic neurons encode taste and palatability with time-varying patterns of activity
Effect of fatty acid-binding protein 2 Ala54Thr genotype on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors after a high-polyunsaturated fat diet in obese patients.

PubMed

de Luis, Daniel; Aller, Rocio; Izaola, Olatz; Sagrado, Manuel Gonzalez; de la Fuente, Beatriz; Conde, Rosa; Primo, David

2012-12-01

It has been found that the expression of fatty acid-binding protein 2 messenger RNA is under dietary control. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of Thr54 polymorphism in the FABP2 gene on weight loss and secondarily in cardiovascular risk factors and serum adipokine after an enriched polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet in obese patients. A sample of 111 obese patients was analyzed. The enriched polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet during 3 months' intervention consisted of 1459 kcal, 45.7% carbohydrates, 34.4% lipids, and 19.9% proteins. The distribution of fats was as follows: 21.8% saturated fats, 55.5% monounsaturated fats, and 22.7% polyunsaturated fats. Level of significance was P < 0.05. In Ala54Ala genotype, body mass index (-1.6 ± 1.5 kg/m(2)), weight (-3.2 ± 3.3 kg), fat mass (-3.1 ± 3.5 kg), and waist circumference (-3.3 ± 2.1 cm) decreased. In carriers of the Thr54 allele, body mass index (-1.9 ± 1.6 kg/m(2)), weight (- 4.7 ± 1.4 kg), and waist circumference (-3.9 ± 3.7 cm) decreased. These changes were significantly higher in the carriers of the Thr54 allele than noncarriers. Only in the carriers of Thr54 allele, total cholesterol levels (-11.4 ± 20.6 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (-5.4 ± 10.6 mg/dL), insulin (-2.6 ± 3.4 MUI/L), and the level of homeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity (-0.9 ± 1.7 U) decreased. Carriers of Thr54 allele have a better metabolic response than obese carriers with Ala54Ala genotype, with a decrease of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin levels, leptin levels, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity.
The Naval Aviation Enterprise Type/Model/Series Team and Its Effect on AH-1W Readiness

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-23

ABSTRACT Unclass c . THIS PAGE Unclass 19b. TELEPONE NUMBER (Include area code) (703) 784-3330 (Admin Office) United States Marine Corps...has lower readiness for that section. The unit’s core level ( C -Level) corresponds to the lowest readiness rating of the four categories.16 Squadrons...are required to deploy at a C -1 level and non-deploying units are required to maintain a C -2 level. Since DRRS is only a reporting tool, it does not
Computational Prediction of the Protonation Sites of Ac-Lys-(Ala)n-Lys-NH2 Peptides through Conceptual DFT Descriptors.

PubMed

Sastre, Sebastián; Frau, Juan; Glossman-Mitnik, Daniel

2017-03-13

Six density functionals (M11, M11L, MN12L, MN12SX, N12, and N12SX) in connection with the Def2TZVP basis set and the SMD solvation model (water as a solvent) have been assessed for the calculation of the molecular structure and properties of several peptides with the general formulaAc-Lys-(Ala)n-Lys-NH2,withn=0to5 [...].
Benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp (OMe) fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD.FMK) inhibits apoptosis by blocking the processing of CPP32.

PubMed Central

Slee, E A; Zhu, H; Chow, S C; MacFarlane, M; Nicholson, D W; Cohen, G M

1996-01-01

Interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE)-like proteases, which are synthesized as inactive precursors, play a key role in the induction of apoptosis. We now demonstrate that benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp (OMe) fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD.FMK), an ICE-like protease inhibitor, inhibits apoptosis by preventing the processing of CPP32 to its active form. These results suggest that novel inhibitors of apoptosis can be developed which prevent processing of proforms of ICE-like proteases. PMID:8670109
An evaluation of relation between the relative parallelism of occlusal plane to ala-tragal line and variation in the angulation of Po-Na-ANS angle in dentulous subjects: A cephalometric study

PubMed Central

Shetty, Sanath; Shenoy, K. Kamalakanth; Ninan, Justin; Mahaseth, Pranay

2015-01-01

Aims: The aim was to evaluate if any correlation exists between variation in angulation of Po-Na-ANS angle and relative parallelism of the occlusal plane to the different tragal levels of the ear in dentulous subjects. Methodology: A total of 200 subjects were selected for the study. A custom made occlusal plane analyzer was used to determine the posterior point of the ala-tragal line. The lateral cephalogram was shot for each of the subjects. The points Porion, Nasion, and Anterior Nasal Spine were located and the angle formed between these points was measured. Statistical Analysis Used: Fischer's exact test was used to find the correlation between Po-Na-ANS angle and relative parallelism of the occlusal plane to the ala-tragal line at different tragal levels. Results: Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between Po-Na-ANS angle and relative parallelism of an occlusal plane at different tragal levels, and an inferior point on the tragus was the most common. Conclusion: Irrespective of variations in the Po-Na-ANS angle, no correlation exists between the variation in the angulations of Po-Na-ANS angle and the relative parallelism of occlusal plane to the ala-tragal line at different tragal levels. Furthermore, in a large number of subjects (54%), the occlusal plane was found parallel to a line joining the inferior border of the ala of the nose and the inferior part of the tragus. PMID:26929506
Risk for myasthenia gravis maps to a (151) Pro→Ala change in TNIP1 and to human leukocyte antigen-B*08.

PubMed

Gregersen, Peter K; Kosoy, Roman; Lee, Annette T; Lamb, Janine; Sussman, Jon; McKee, David; Simpfendorfer, Kim R; Pirskanen-Matell, Ritva; Piehl, Frederik; Pan-Hammarstrom, Qiang; Verschuuren, Jan J G M; Titulaer, Maarten J; Niks, Erik H; Marx, Alexander; Ströbel, Philipp; Tackenberg, Björn; Pütz, Michael; Maniaol, Angelina; Elsais, Ahmed; Tallaksen, Chantal; Harbo, Hanne F; Lie, Benedicte A; Raychaudhuri, Soumya; de Bakker, Paul I W; Melms, Arthur; Garchon, Henri-Jean; Willcox, Nicholas; Hammarstrom, Lennart; Seldin, Michael F

2012-12-01

The objective of this study is to comprehensively define the genetic basis of early onset myasthenia gravis (EOMG). We have carried out a 2-stage genome-wide association study on a total of 649 North European EOMG patients. Cases were matched 1:4 with controls of European ancestry. We performed imputation and conditional analyses across the major histocompatibility complex, as well as in the top regions of association outside the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. We observed the strongest association in the HLA class I region at rs7750641 (p = 1.2 × 10(-92) ; odds ratio [OR], 6.25). By imputation and conditional analyses, HLA-B*08 proves to be the major associated allele (p = 2.87 × 10(-113) ; OR, 6.41). In addition to the expected association with PTPN22 (rs2476601; OR, 1.71; p = 8.2 × 10(-10) ), an imputed coding variant (rs2233290) at position 151 (Pro→Ala) in the TNFAIP3-interacting protein 1, TNIP1, confers even stronger risk than PTPN22 (OR, 1.91; p = 3.2 × 10(-10) ). The association at TNIP1 in EOMG implies disease mechanisms involving ubiquitin-dependent dysregulation of NF-κB signaling. The localization of the major HLA signal to the HLA-B*08 allele suggests that CD8(+) T cells may play a key role in disease initiation or pathogenesis. Copyright © 2012 American Neurological Association.
Dexamethasone alone and in combination with desipramine, phenytoin, valproic acid or levetiracetam interferes with 5-ALA-mediated PpIX production and cellular retention in glioblastoma cells.

PubMed

Lawrence, Johnathan E; Steele, Christopher J; Rovin, Richard A; Belton, Robert J; Winn, Robert J

2016-03-01

Extent of resection of glioblastoma (GBM) correlates with overall survival. Fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) can improve the extent of resection. Unfortunately not all patients given 5-ALA accumulate sufficient quantities of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) for successful FGR. In this study, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone, desipramine, phenytoin, valproic acid, and levetiracetam on the production and accumulation of PpIX in U87MG cells. All of these drugs, except levetiracetam, reduce the total amount of PpIX produced by GBM cells (p < 0.05). When dexamethasone is mixed with another drug (desipramine, phenytoin, valproic acid or levetiracetam) the amount of PpIX produced is further decreased (p < 0.01). However, when cells are analyzed for PpIX cellular retention, dexamethasone accumulated significantly more PpIX than the vehicle control (p < 0.05). Cellular retention of PpIX was not different from controls in cells treated with dexamethasone plus desipramine, valproic acid or levetiracetam, but was significantly less for dexamethasone plus phenytoin (p < 0.01). These data suggest that medications given before and during surgery may interfere with PpIX accumulation in malignant cells. At this time, levetiracetam appears to be the best medication in its class (anticonvulsants) for patients undergoing 5-ALA-mediated FGR.
The History of the Foundation of the Iranian National Blood Transfusion Service in 1974 and the Biography of its Founder; Professor Fereydoun Ala.

PubMed

Azizi, Mohammad Hossein; Nayernouri, Touraj; Bahadori, Moslem

2015-06-01

The history of early attempts of blood transfusion in Iran traces back to the 1940s; however, around three decades later in 1974, the Iranian National Blood Transfusion Service (Sazeman-e Melli-e Enteqal-e Khun-e Iran) was founded by the outstanding hematologist, Professor Fereydoun Ala. The main goals of this centralized organization were to collect blood from healthy voluntary donors, to screen the donated blood and to provide various safe blood products based on scientific and ethical standards. In due course, a new era of blood transfusion service in Iran had begun to such a degree that after more than four decades of its activity, it is now considered the best-developed blood service in the eastern Mediterranean region. Here, a brief historical account of the early blood transfusion efforts and the establishment of the modern Iranian National Blood Transfusion Service in Iran is discussed in addition to the life and career of its founder and first director, Professor Fereydoun Ala.
ON THE RELATIONSHIPS OF SUBSTRATE ORIENTATION, HYDROGEN ABSTRACTION AND PRODUCT STEREOCHEMISTRY IN SINGLE AND DOUBLE DIOXYGENATIONS BY SOYBEAN LIPOXYGENASE-1 AND ITS ALA542GLY MUTANT*

PubMed Central

Coffa, Gianguido; Imber, Ann N.; Maguire, Brendan C.; Laxmikanthan, Gurunathan; Schneider, Claus; Gaffney, Betty J.; Brash, Alan R.

2005-01-01

Recent findings associate the control of stereochemistry in lipoxygenase (LOX) catalysis with a conserved active site alanine for S configuration hydroperoxide products, or a corresponding glycine for R stereoconfiguration. To further elucidate the mechanistic basis for this stereocontrol we compared the stereoselectivity of the initiating hydrogen abstraction in soybean LOX-1 and an Ala542Gly mutant that converts linoleic acid to both 13S and 9R configuration hydroperoxide products. Using 11R-3H- and 11S-3H-labeled linoleic acid substrates to examine the initial hydrogen abstraction, we found that all the primary hydroperoxide products were formed with an identical and highly stereoselective proS hydrogen abstraction from C-11 of the substrate (97–99% pro-S selective). This strongly suggests that 9R and 13S oxygenations occur with the same binding orientation of substrate in the active site, and as the equivalent 9R and 13S products were formed from a bulky ester derivative (1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine), one can infer that the orientation is tail-first. Both the EPR spectrum and the reaction kinetics were altered by the R product-inducing Ala-Gly mutation, indicating a substantial influence of this Ala-Gly substitution extending to the environment of the active site iron. To examine also the reversed orientation of substrate binding, we studied oxygenation of the 15S-hydroperoxide of arachidonic acid by the Ala542Gly mutant soybean LOX-1. In addition to the usual 5S,15S- and 8S,15S-dihydroperoxides, a new product was formed and identified by HPLC, UV, GC-MS and NMR as 9R , 1 5 S -dihydroperoxy-eicosa-5Z,7E,11Z,13E-tetraenoic acid, the R configuration “partner” of the normal 5S,15S product. This provides evidence that both tail-first and carboxylate end-first binding of substrate can be associated with S or R partnerships in product formation in the same active site. PMID:16157595
Deciphering a molecular mechanism of neonatal diabetes mellitus by the chemical synthesis of a protein diastereomer, [D-AlaB8]human proinsulin.

PubMed

Avital-Shmilovici, Michal; Whittaker, Jonathan; Weiss, Michael A; Kent, Stephen B H

2014-08-22

Misfolding of proinsulin variants in the pancreatic β-cell, a monogenic cause of permanent neonatal-onset diabetes mellitus, provides a model for a disease of protein toxicity. A hot spot for such clinical mutations is found at position B8, conserved as glycine within the vertebrate insulin superfamily. We set out to investigate the molecular basis of the aberrant properties of a proinsulin clinical mutant in which residue Gly(B8) is replaced by Ser(B8). Modular total chemical synthesis was used to prepare the wild-type [Gly(B8)]proinsulin molecule and three analogs: [D-Ala(B8)]proinsulin, [L-Ala(B8)]proinsulin, and the clinical mutant [L-Ser(B8)]proinsulin. The protein diastereomer [D-Ala(B8)]proinsulin produced higher folding yields at all pH values compared with the wild-type proinsulin and the other two analogs, but showed only very weak binding to the insulin receptor. The clinical mutant [L-Ser(B8)]proinsulin impaired folding at pH 7.5 even in the presence of protein-disulfide isomerase. Surprisingly, although [L-Ser(B8)]proinsulin did not fold well under the physiological conditions investigated, once folded the [L-Ser(B8)]proinsulin protein molecule bound to the insulin receptor more effectively than wild-type proinsulin. Such paradoxical gain of function (not pertinent in vivo due to impaired secretion of the mutant insulin) presumably reflects induced fit in the native mechanism of hormone-receptor engagement. This work provides insight into the molecular mechanism of a clinical mutation in the insulin gene associated with diabetes mellitus. These results dramatically illustrate the power of total protein synthesis, as enabled by modern chemical ligation methods, for the investigation of protein folding and misfolding. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Hydrogeological Modelling of the Geothermal Waters of Alaşehir in the Continental Rift Zone of the Gediz, Western Anatolia, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ӧzgür, Nevzat; Bostancı, Yesim; Anilır Yürük, Ezgi

2017-12-01

In western Anatolia, Turkey, the continental rift zones of the Büyük Menderes, Küçük Menderes and Gediz were formed by extensional tectonic features striking E-W generally and representing a great number of active geothermal systems, epithermal mineralizations and volcanic rocks from Middle Miocene to recent. The geothermal waters are associated with the faults which strike preferentially NW-SE and NE-SW and locate diagonal to general strike of the rift zones of the Menderes Massif. These NW-SE and NE-SW striking faults were probably generated by compressional tectonic regimes which leads to the deformation of uplift between two extensional rift zones in the Menderes Massif. The one of these rift zones is Gediz which is distinguished by a great number of geothermal waters such as Alaşehir, Kurşunlu, Çamurlu, Pamukkale and Urganlı. The geothermal waters of Alaşehir form the biggest potential in the rift zone of Gediz with a capacity of about 100 to 200 MWe. Geologically, the gneisses from the basement rocks in the study area which are overlain by an Paleozoic to Mesozoic intercalation of mica schists, quartzites and marbles, a Miocene intercalation of conglomerates, sandstones and clay stones and Plio-Quaternary intercalation of conglomerates, sandstones and clay stones discordantly. In the study area, Paleozoic to Mesozoic quartzites and marbles form the reservoir rocks hydrogeologically. The geothermal waters anions with Na+K>Ca>Mg dominant cations and HCO3>Cl> dominant anions are of Na-HCO3 type and can be considered as partial equilibrated waters. According to the results of geochemical thermometers, the reservoir temperatures area of about 185°C in accordance with measured reservoir temperatures. Stabile isotopes of δ18O versus δ2H of geothermal waters of Alaşehir deviate from the meteoric water line showing an intensive water-rock interaction under high temperature conditions. These data are well correlated with the results of the
Absence of coding mutations in the X-linked genes neuroligin 3 and neuroligin 4 in individuals with autism from the IMGSAC collection.

PubMed

Blasi, Francesca; Bacchelli, Elena; Pesaresi, Giulia; Carone, Simona; Bailey, Anthony J; Maestrini, Elena

2006-04-05

Neuroligin abnormalities have been recently implicated in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), given the finding of point mutations in the two X-linked genes NLGN3 and NLGN4X and the important role of neuroligins in synaptogenesis. To enquire on the relevance and frequency of neuroligin mutations in ASD, we performed a mutation screening of NLGN3 and NLGN4X in a sample of 124 autism probands from the International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism Consortium (IMGSAC). We identified a new non-synonymous variant in NLGN3 (Thr632Ala), which is likely to be a rare polymorphism. Our data indicate that coding mutations in these genes are very rarely associated to ASD. Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Evolution and Future of Marine Corps Medical Evacuation and Casualty Evacuation Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-16

PERSON Marine Corps University I Comm~nd and Staff College 19b. TELEPONE NUMBER (Include area code) (703) 784-3330 (Admin Office) Standard Form...they appear in the report, e.g. 001; AFAPL304801 05. 6. AUTHOR(S). Enter name(s) of person (s) responsible for writing the report, performing the...commanders assigned-three squ~ drons (HMM- · 161, HMM -286, and HtviM-364) to a rotation to cover CASEY AC and MEDEY AC operations for all forc~s serving

Retinal phenotypic characterization of patients with ABCA4 retinopathydue to the homozygous p.Ala1773Val mutation

PubMed Central

López-Rubio, Salvador; Chacon-Camacho, Oscar F.; Matsui, Rodrigo; Guadarrama-Vallejo, Dalia; Astiazarán, Mirena C.

2018-01-01

Purpose To describe the retinal clinical features of a group of Mexican patients with Stargardt disease carrying the uncommon p.Ala1773Val founder mutation in ABCA4. Methods Ten patients carrying the p.Ala1773Val mutation, nine of them homozygously, were included. Visual function studies included best-corrected visual acuity, electroretinography, Goldmann kinetic visual fields, and full-field electroretinography (ERG). In addition, imaging studies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), short-wave autofluorescence imaging, and quantitative analyses of hypofluorescence, were performed in each patient. Results Best-corrected visual acuities ranged from 20/200 to 4/200. The median age of the patients at diagnosis was 23.3 years. The majority of the patients had photophobia and nyctalopia, and were classified as Fishman stage 4 (widespread choriocapillaris atrophy, resorption of flecks, and greatly reduced ERG amplitudes). An atypical retinal pigmentation pattern was observed in the patients, and the majority showed cone-rod dystrophy on full-field ERG. In vivo retinal microstructure assessment with OCT demonstrated central retinal thinning, variable loss of photoreceptors, and three different patterns of structural retinal degeneration. Two dissimilar patterns of abnormal autofluorescence were observed. No apparent age-related differences in the pattern of retinal degeneration were observed. Conclusions The results indicate that this particular mutation in ABCA4 is associated with a severe retinal phenotype and thus, could be classified as null. Careful phenotyping of patients carrying specific mutations in ABCA4 is essential to enhance our understanding of disease expression linked to particular mutations and the resulting genotype–phenotype correlations. PMID:29422768
Structure and Dynamics of End-to-End Loop Formation of the Penta-Peptide Cys-Ala-Gly-Gln-Trp in Implicit Solvents

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

implicit solvents on peptide structure and dynamics , we performed extensive molecular dynamics simulations on the penta-peptide Cys-Ala-Gly-Gln-Trp. Two...end-to-end distances and dihedral angles obtained from molecular dynamics simulations with implicit solvent models were in a good agreement with those...to maintain the temperature of the systems. Introduction Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation techniques are widely used to study structure and
Association of Pro12Ala Polymorphism of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) Gene with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Ethnic Kashmiri Population.

PubMed

Majid, Misbah; Masood, Akbar; Kadla, Showkat Ahmad; Hameed, Iqra; Ganai, Bashir A

2017-02-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia associated with insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. T2DM is believed to be attributable to the combined effect of genetic and environmental factors. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) is one of the main candidate genes that are implicated in T2DM. A common proline 12 alanine (Pro12Ala) polymorphism in PPARγ2 has been shown to be associated with T2DM. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible role of PPARγ2 gene polymorphism, as a genetic risk factor for T2DM. The study comprised 200 ethnic unrelated subjects (100 T2DM patients and 100 controls). PCR-RFLP technique was used for genotyping analysis. The frequency of the Pro allele was 79 and 91.5 % for controls and cases, respectively (P < 0.05; OR 3.2; 95 % CI 1.64-6.3). The Pro12Ala polymorphism was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both patients and controls (χ 2 = 0.13, P > 0.05). We found a significant association of Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARγ2 gene with T2DM, however the genotypes showed statistically significant association only with few clinical parameters including body mass index, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05). The study signifies that Pro allele in PPARγ2 may be a genotypic risk factor that confers susceptibility to T2DM in ethnic Kashmiri population.
EPA and DHA, but not ALA, have antidepressant effects with 17β-estradiol injection via regulation of a neurobiological system in ovariectomized rats.

PubMed

Choi, Jeong-Eun; Park, Yongsoon

2017-11-01

Our previous studies found that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and estrogen had synergistic antidepressant-like effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that three major n-3 PUFAs, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), individually had antidepressant effects combined with 17β-estradiol-3-benzoate (E) through a neurobiological pathway in ovariectomized rats. Rats were fed a modified American Institute of Nutrition-93G diet with 0% n-3 PUFAs and 1% ALA, EPA and DHA relative to total energy intake for 12 weeks and were injected with corn oil or E every 4 days during the last 3 weeks. Supplementation of EPA, DHA and E increased serum concentrations of serotonin and climbing behavior, and decreased immobility during a forced swimming test. Supplementation with EPA, DHA and E also decreased hippocampal expressions of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and increased cAMP response element binding protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and estrogen receptor-α. Immunofluorescence staining consistently showed elevated expressions of BDNF. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that E increased glucose and decreased glutamate, glutamine and myo-inositol concentrations regardless of n-3 PUFA supplementation. In addition, supplementation with EPA, DHA and E decreased levels of nitrite and nitrate. However, ALA had no antidepressant effect. The present study suggested that the antidepressant-like effects of EPA and DHA supplementation and E injection could be due to the regulation of serotonergic neurotransmission and inflammatory cytokines rather than due to the antioxidative system. Supplementation with n-3 PUFA and E had the additional function of modulating neurometabolites in the hippocampus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Concatenated Coding Using Trellis-Coded Modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Michael W.

1997-01-01

In the late seventies and early eighties a technique known as Trellis Coded Modulation (TCM) was developed for providing spectrally efficient error correction coding. Instead of adding redundant information in the form of parity bits, redundancy is added at the modulation stage thereby increasing bandwidth efficiency. A digital communications system can be designed to use bandwidth-efficient multilevel/phase modulation such as Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), Phase Shift Keying (PSK), Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM). Performance gain can be achieved by increasing the number of signals over the corresponding uncoded system to compensate for the redundancy introduced by the code. A considerable amount of research and development has been devoted toward developing good TCM codes for severely bandlimited applications. More recently, the use of TCM for satellite and deep space communications applications has received increased attention. This report describes the general approach of using a concatenated coding scheme that features TCM and RS coding. Results have indicated that substantial (6-10 dB) performance gains can be achieved with this approach with comparatively little bandwidth expansion. Since all of the bandwidth expansion is due to the RS code we see that TCM based concatenated coding results in roughly 10-50% bandwidth expansion compared to 70-150% expansion for similar concatenated scheme which use convolution code. We stress that combined coding and modulation optimization is important for achieving performance gains while maintaining spectral efficiency.
Impact of dietary precursor ALA versus preformed DHA on fatty acid profiles of eggs, liver and adipose tissue and expression of genes associated with hepatic lipid metabolism in laying hens.

PubMed

Neijat, M; Eck, P; House, J D

2017-04-01

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and preformed longer chain PUFA (LCPUFA, particularly docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) differ in their egg LCPUFA enrichment efficiency. However, mechanisms leading to these differences are unclear. To this end, omega-3 PUFA contents in different lipid classes, including triacylglycerol (TAG) and total phospholipid (PL) in yolk, liver and adipose, as well as the expression of key hepatic enzymes in lipid metabolism were evaluated in laying hens in response to changes in dietary supply. Seventy Lohmann hens (n=10/treatment) consumed either a control diet (0.03% total omega-3 PUFA), or the control with supplementation (0.20%, 0.40% and 0.60% total omega-3 PUFA) from either flaxseed oil or algal product, as sources of ALA (precursor) or DHA (preformed), respectively. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design, and data were analyzed using the Proc Mixed procedure of SAS. ALA accumulated as a function of intake (P<0.0001) in total and lipid classes of yolk, liver and adipose (TAG only) for ALA- and DHA-fed hens. Unlike flaxseed oil, preformed-DHA contributed to greater (P<0.0001) accumulation of LCPUFA in yolk total PL and TAG pool, as well as adipose TAG. This may relate to elevated (P<0.0001) expression of acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL1). No difference in hepatic EPA level in total lipids was noted between both treatment groups; EPA liver =2.1493x-0.0064; R 2 =0.70, P<0.0001 (x=dietary omega-3 PUFA). The latter result may highlight the role of hepatic EPA in the regulation of LCPUFA metabolism in laying hens. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Structural Perturbations in the Ala → Val Polymorphism of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase: How Binding of Folates May Protect against Inactivation†‡

PubMed Central

Pejchal, Robert; Campbell, Elizabeth; Guenther, Brian D.; Lennon, Brett W.; Matthews, Rowena G.; Ludwig, Martha L.

2006-01-01

In human methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) the Ala222Val (677C → T) polymorphism encodes a heat-labile gene product that is associated with elevated levels of homocysteine and possibly with risk for cardiovascular disease. Generation of the equivalent Ala to Val mutation in Escherichia coli MTHFR, which is 30% identical to the catalytic domain of the human enzyme, creates a protein with enhanced thermolability. In both human and E. coli MTHFR, the A → V mutation increases the rate of dissociation of FAD, and in both enzymes, loss of FAD is linked to changes in quaternary structure [Yamada, K., Chen, Z., Rozen, R., and Matthews, R. G. (2001) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98, 14853–14858; Guenther, B. D., Sheppard, C. A., Tran, P., Rozen, R., Matthews, R. G., and Ludwig, M. L. (1999) Nat. Struct. Biol. 6, 359–365]. Folates have been shown to protect both human and bacterial enzymes from loss of FAD. Despite its effect on affinity for FAD, the A → V mutation is located at the bottom of the (βα)8 barrel of the catalytic domain in a position that does not contact the bound FAD prosthetic group. Here we report the structures of the Ala177Val mutant of E. coli MTHFR and of its complex with the 5,10-dideazafolate analogue, LY309887, and suggest mechanisms by which the mutation may perturb FAD binding. Helix α5, which immediately precedes the loop bearing the mutation, carries several residues that interact with FAD, including Asn168, Arg171, and Lys172. In the structures of the mutant enzyme this helix is displaced, perturbing protein–FAD interactions. In the complex with LY309887, the pterin-like ring of the analogue stacks against the si face of the flavin and is secured by hydrogen bonds to residues Gln183 and Asp120 that adjoin this face. The direct interactions of bound folate with the cofactor provide one mechanism for linkage between binding of FAD and folate binding that could account in part for the protective action of folates
Distribution and genotype frequency of the C1431T and pro12ala polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma gene in an Iranian population

PubMed Central

Rooki, Hassan; Haerian, Monir-Sadat; Azimzadeh, Pedram; Ebrahimi, Mahmoud; Mirhafez, Reza; Ferns, Gordon; Ghayour-Mobarhan, Majid; Zali, Mohammad-Reza

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear transcription factor regulating multiple genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and energy production. Several genetic variations in the PPARγ gene have been identified to be associated with diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease. The present study was designed to explore the distribution of two common single nucleotide polymorphisms of the PPARγ gene (C1431T and Pro12Ala) in an Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotype frequencies for these two polymorphisms were compared for 160 healthy Iranian individuals with reports from other populations. The Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The genotype distribution of the C1431T PPARγ polymorphism was 0.869 for the CC genotype, 0.119 for the CT genotype and 0.013 for uncommon TT genotype. Allelic frequencies were 0.93 for C and 0.07 for T allele respectively. For the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARγ gene, genotypic distributions and allelic frequencies were, 0.813 for CC, 0.181 for CG and 0.06 for GG and 0.903 for C and 0.097 for G respectively. Allelic and genotypic frequencies for both polymorphisms of PPARγ gene were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: Iran is a country with an ethnically diverse population and a comparison of allelic and genotypic frequencies of PPARγ C1431T and Pro12Ala polymorphisms between our population and others showed significant differences. PMID:24497707
Nanoscale assembly of silicon-like [Al(As1-xNx)]ySi5-2y alloys: Fundamental theoretical and experimental studies of structural and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, L.; Sims, P. E.; Grzybowski, G.; Beeler, R. T.; Chizmeshya, A. V. G.; Smith, D. J.; Kouvetakis, J.; Menéndez, J.

2013-07-01

Ab initio theoretical simulations of Al(As1-xNx)Si3 alloys, a new class of optoelectronic materials, confirm that these compounds are likely to be disordered via a mechanism that preserves the integrity of the constituent III-V-Si3 tetrahedra but randomizes their orientation in the average diamond lattice of the compound. This type of disorder is consistent with experimental structural data and with the proposed growth mechanism for such alloys, according to which “III:V(SiH3)3” intermediate complexes are formed in the gas phase from reactions between group-III atomic beams and V(SiH3)3 molecules, delivering the entire III-V-Si3 tetrahedra to the growing film. Experimental optical studies of these Al(As1-xNx)Si3 alloys as well as more general [Al(As1-xNx)]ySi5-2y compounds grown on Si substrates were carried out using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The resulting dielectric functions are found to be similar to broadened versions of their counterparts in pure Si. This broadening may have important practical applications, particularly in photovoltaics, because it dramatically enhances the optical absorption of Si in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. A critical point analysis reveals the existence of direct optical transitions at energies as low as 2.5 eV, well below the lowest direct absorption edge of Si at 3.3 eV. Such transitions are predicted theoretically for perfectly ordered III-V-Si3 compounds, and the experimental results suggest that they are robust against tetrahedra orientational disorder.
Synthesis, structural and optical properties of (ALa)(FeMn)O6 (A = Ba and Sr) double perovskites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Dinesh; Sudarshan, V.; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar

2018-05-01

Here, we report structural and optical properties of ALaFeMnO6 (A = Ba and Sr) double perovskite synthesized via auto-combustion followed by calcinations process. Rietveld refinement of structure using x-ray diffraction data reveals that BaLaFeMnO6 crystallizes into cubic crystal structure with space group Pm-3m while SrLaFeMnO6 crystallizes into rhombohedral crystal structure having space group R-3c. The absorption spectrum measurement using UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals that these samples are prefect insulator having energy band gap between conduction and valence band of the order of 6 eV.
Tessier No. 3 and No. 4 clefts: Sequential treatment in infancy by pre-surgical orthopedic skeletal contraction, comprehensive reconstruction, and novel surgical lengthening of the ala base-canthal distance.

PubMed

Spolyar, John L; Hnatiuk, Mark; Shaheen, Kenneth W; Mertz, Jennifer K; Handler, Lawrence F; Jarial, Ravinder; Roldán, J Camilo

2015-09-01

Repair of facial clefts implies wide tissue mobilization with multi-stage surgical treatment. Authors propose pre-surgical orthopedic correction for naso-oro-ocular clefts and a novel surgical option for Tessier No. 3 cleft. Two male infants, a Tessier No. 3 cleft (age 7 months) and another Tessier No. 4 (age 3 months), were treated with a modified orthopedic Latham device with additional septo-premaxillary molding and observed to age four years. Tessier No. 3 orthopedic measurements were obtained by image corrected cephalometric analysis. Subsequent repair included tissue expansion on Tessier No. 4 and naso-frontal Rieger flap combined with myocutaneous upper lid flap on Tessier No. 3. Orthopedic movements ranged from 18.5 mm in bi-planar to 33 mm in oblique analyses. Tissue margins became aligned with platform normalization. Tissue expansion on Tessier No. 4 improved distances from ala base-lower lid and subalar base-lip. The naso-frontal flap combined with myocutaneous upper lid flap on Tessier No. 3 had similar achievement, but also sufficiently lengthened ala base-canthal distance. Repairs were facilitated by pre-surgical orthopedic correction. The naso-frontal flap combined with an upper lid myocutaneous flap seems viable as a single-stage option to lengthen ala base-canthal distance to advance repair achievement in unilateral Tessier No. 3. Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Deputy Admin. Tours Orbital Sciences

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-11

NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, left, and White House Office of Science and Technology Chief of Staff Jim Kohlenberger, right, listen to Mr. David W. Thompson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Orbital Sciences Corporation as he gives a tour of the Orbital Sciences facilities on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 in Dulles, VA. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Preliminary Validation of a High Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and -Linolenic Acid (ALA) Dietary Oil Blend: Tissue Fatty Acid Composition and Liver Proteome Response in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Smolts.

PubMed

Nuez-Ortín, Waldo G; Carter, Chris G; Wilson, Richard; Cooke, Ira; Nichols, Peter D

2016-01-01

Marine oils are important to human nutrition as the major source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a key omega-3 long-chain (≥C20) polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) that is low or lacking in terrestrial plant or animal oils. The inclusion of fish oil as main source of n-3 LC-PUFA in aquafeeds is mostly limited by the increasing price and decreasing availability. Fish oil replacement with cheaper terrestrial plant and animal oils has considerably reduced the content of n-3 LC-PUFA in flesh of farmed Atlantic salmon. Novel DHA-enriched oils with high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content will be available from transgenic oilseeds plants in the near future as an alternative for dietary fish oil replacement in aquafeeds. As a preliminary validation, we formulated an oil blend (TOFX) with high DHA and ALA content using tuna oil (TO) high in DHA and the flaxseed oil (FX) high in ALA, and assessed its ability to achieve fish oil-like n-3 LC-PUFA tissue composition in Atlantic salmon smolts. We applied proteomics as an exploratory approach to understand the effects of nutritional changes on the fish liver. Comparisons were made between fish fed a fish oil-based diet (FO) and a commercial-like oil blend diet (fish oil + poultry oil, FOPO) over 89 days. Growth and feed efficiency ratio were lower on the TOFX diet. Fish muscle concentration of n-3 LC-PUFA was significantly higher for TOFX than for FOPO fish, but not higher than for FO fish, while retention efficiency of n-3 LC-PUFA was promoted by TOFX relative to FO. Proteomics analysis revealed an oxidative stress response indicative of the main adaptive physiological mechanism in TOFX fish. While specific dietary fatty acid concentrations and balances and antioxidant supplementation may need further attention, the use of an oil with a high content of DHA and ALA can enhance tissue deposition of n-3 LC-PUFA in relation to a commercially used oil blend.
Preliminary Validation of a High Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and -Linolenic Acid (ALA) Dietary Oil Blend: Tissue Fatty Acid Composition and Liver Proteome Response in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Smolts

PubMed Central

Nuez-Ortín, Waldo G.; Carter, Chris G.; Wilson, Richard; Cooke, Ira; Nichols, Peter D.

2016-01-01

Marine oils are important to human nutrition as the major source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a key omega-3 long-chain (≥C20) polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) that is low or lacking in terrestrial plant or animal oils. The inclusion of fish oil as main source of n-3 LC-PUFA in aquafeeds is mostly limited by the increasing price and decreasing availability. Fish oil replacement with cheaper terrestrial plant and animal oils has considerably reduced the content of n-3 LC-PUFA in flesh of farmed Atlantic salmon. Novel DHA-enriched oils with high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content will be available from transgenic oilseeds plants in the near future as an alternative for dietary fish oil replacement in aquafeeds. As a preliminary validation, we formulated an oil blend (TOFX) with high DHA and ALA content using tuna oil (TO) high in DHA and the flaxseed oil (FX) high in ALA, and assessed its ability to achieve fish oil-like n-3 LC-PUFA tissue composition in Atlantic salmon smolts. We applied proteomics as an exploratory approach to understand the effects of nutritional changes on the fish liver. Comparisons were made between fish fed a fish oil-based diet (FO) and a commercial-like oil blend diet (fish oil + poultry oil, FOPO) over 89 days. Growth and feed efficiency ratio were lower on the TOFX diet. Fish muscle concentration of n-3 LC-PUFA was significantly higher for TOFX than for FOPO fish, but not higher than for FO fish, while retention efficiency of n-3 LC-PUFA was promoted by TOFX relative to FO. Proteomics analysis revealed an oxidative stress response indicative of the main adaptive physiological mechanism in TOFX fish. While specific dietary fatty acid concentrations and balances and antioxidant supplementation may need further attention, the use of an oil with a high content of DHA and ALA can enhance tissue deposition of n-3 LC-PUFA in relation to a commercially used oil blend. PMID:27556399
Self-complementary circular codes in coding theory.

PubMed

Fimmel, Elena; Michel, Christian J; Starman, Martin; Strüngmann, Lutz

2018-04-01

Self-complementary circular codes are involved in pairing genetic processes. A maximal [Formula: see text] self-complementary circular code X of trinucleotides was identified in genes of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, plasmids and viruses (Michel in Life 7(20):1-16 2017, J Theor Biol 380:156-177, 2015; Arquès and Michel in J Theor Biol 182:45-58 1996). In this paper, self-complementary circular codes are investigated using the graph theory approach recently formulated in Fimmel et al. (Philos Trans R Soc A 374:20150058, 2016). A directed graph [Formula: see text] associated with any code X mirrors the properties of the code. In the present paper, we demonstrate a necessary condition for the self-complementarity of an arbitrary code X in terms of the graph theory. The same condition has been proven to be sufficient for codes which are circular and of large size [Formula: see text] trinucleotides, in particular for maximal circular codes ([Formula: see text] trinucleotides). For codes of small-size [Formula: see text] trinucleotides, some very rare counterexamples have been constructed. Furthermore, the length and the structure of the longest paths in the graphs associated with the self-complementary circular codes are investigated. It has been proven that the longest paths in such graphs determine the reading frame for the self-complementary circular codes. By applying this result, the reading frame in any arbitrary sequence of trinucleotides is retrieved after at most 15 nucleotides, i.e., 5 consecutive trinucleotides, from the circular code X identified in genes. Thus, an X motif of a length of at least 15 nucleotides in an arbitrary sequence of trinucleotides (not necessarily all of them belonging to X) uniquely defines the reading (correct) frame, an important criterion for analyzing the X motifs in genes in the future.
Coset Codes Viewed as Terminated Convolutional Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fossorier, Marc P. C.; Lin, Shu

1996-01-01

In this paper, coset codes are considered as terminated convolutional codes. Based on this approach, three new general results are presented. First, it is shown that the iterative squaring construction can equivalently be defined from a convolutional code whose trellis terminates. This convolutional code determines a simple encoder for the coset code considered, and the state and branch labelings of the associated trellis diagram become straightforward. Also, from the generator matrix of the code in its convolutional code form, much information about the trade-off between the state connectivity and complexity at each section, and the parallel structure of the trellis, is directly available. Based on this generator matrix, it is shown that the parallel branches in the trellis diagram of the convolutional code represent the same coset code C(sub 1), of smaller dimension and shorter length. Utilizing this fact, a two-stage optimum trellis decoding method is devised. The first stage decodes C(sub 1), while the second stage decodes the associated convolutional code, using the branch metrics delivered by stage 1. Finally, a bidirectional decoding of each received block starting at both ends is presented. If about the same number of computations is required, this approach remains very attractive from a practical point of view as it roughly doubles the decoding speed. This fact is particularly interesting whenever the second half of the trellis is the mirror image of the first half, since the same decoder can be implemented for both parts.
Effect of tetrapeptides Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly on the structure and function of the thyroid gland in neonatally hypophysectomized chickens.

PubMed

Kuznik, B I; Pateyuk, A V; Rusaeva, N S

2008-01-01

Tetrapeptides Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly were synthesized on the basis of amino acid composition of pituitary cytomedins. Administration of these tetrapeptides to hypophysectomized chickens for 40 days was followed by an increase in the concentrations of thyrotropic hormone and thyroid hormones and recovery of thyroid gland structure.
Combinatorial neural codes from a mathematical coding theory perspective.

PubMed

Curto, Carina; Itskov, Vladimir; Morrison, Katherine; Roth, Zachary; Walker, Judy L

2013-07-01

Shannon's seminal 1948 work gave rise to two distinct areas of research: information theory and mathematical coding theory. While information theory has had a strong influence on theoretical neuroscience, ideas from mathematical coding theory have received considerably less attention. Here we take a new look at combinatorial neural codes from a mathematical coding theory perspective, examining the error correction capabilities of familiar receptive field codes (RF codes). We find, perhaps surprisingly, that the high levels of redundancy present in these codes do not support accurate error correction, although the error-correcting performance of receptive field codes catches up to that of random comparison codes when a small tolerance to error is introduced. However, receptive field codes are good at reflecting distances between represented stimuli, while the random comparison codes are not. We suggest that a compromise in error-correcting capability may be a necessary price to pay for a neural code whose structure serves not only error correction, but must also reflect relationships between stimuli.
Geroprotective effect of ala-glu-asp-gly peptide in male rats exposed to different illumination regimens.

PubMed

Vinogradova, I A; Bukalev, A V; Zabezhinski, M A; Semenchenko, A V; Khavinson, V Kh; Anisimov, V N

2008-04-01

Exposure of male rats to permanent or natural illumination of North-Western Russia accelerated their death in comparison with animals exposed to standard (12 h) light. Permanent illumination promoted the development of spontaneous tumors in comparison with the standard photoregimen. Injection of epithalone (synthetic Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptide; subcutaneously 0.1 microg/rat 5 times a week from the age of 4 months until natural death) virtually did not change the mean lifespan of male rats, but was associated with a significant (p<0.05) normalization of population aging rate and hence, time of mortality rate doubling in groups exposed to natural or constant illumination. Epithalone injected to rats exposed to any photoregimen significantly inhibited the development of spontaneous tumors, primarily testicular leydigomas and leukemias.
Software Certification - Coding, Code, and Coders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Havelund, Klaus; Holzmann, Gerard J.

2011-01-01

We describe a certification approach for software development that has been adopted at our organization. JPL develops robotic spacecraft for the exploration of the solar system. The flight software that controls these spacecraft is considered to be mission critical. We argue that the goal of a software certification process cannot be the development of "perfect" software, i.e., software that can be formally proven to be correct under all imaginable and unimaginable circumstances. More realistically, the goal is to guarantee a software development process that is conducted by knowledgeable engineers, who follow generally accepted procedures to control known risks, while meeting agreed upon standards of workmanship. We target three specific issues that must be addressed in such a certification procedure: the coding process, the code that is developed, and the skills of the coders. The coding process is driven by standards (e.g., a coding standard) and tools. The code is mechanically checked against the standard with the help of state-of-the-art static source code analyzers. The coders, finally, are certified in on-site training courses that include formal exams.

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence guided surgery of high-grade gliomas in eloquent areas assisted by functional mapping. Our experience and review of the literature.

PubMed

Della Puppa, Alessandro; De Pellegrin, Serena; d'Avella, Elena; Gioffrè, Giorgio; Rossetto, Marta; Gerardi, Alessandra; Lombardi, Giuseppe; Manara, Renzo; Munari, Marina; Saladini, Marina; Scienza, Renato

2013-06-01

Only few data are available on the specific topic of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) guided surgery of high-grade gliomas (HGG) located in eloquent areas. Studies focusing specifically on the post-operative clinical outcome of such patients are yet not available, and it has not been so far explored whether such approach could be more suitable for some particular subgroups of patients. Patients affected by HGG in eloquent areas who underwent surgery assisted by 5-ALA fluorescence and intra-operative monitoring were prospectively recruited in our Department between June 2011 and August 2012. Resection rate was reported as complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET), gross total resection (GTR) >98 % and GTR > 90 %. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery. Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Resection was complete (CRET) in 74 % of patients. Tumor removal was stopped to avoid neurological impairment in 26 % of cases. GTR > 98 % and GTR > 90 % was achieved in 93 % and 100 % of cases, respectively. First surgery and awake surgery had a CRET rate of 80 % and 83 %, respectively. Even though at the first-week assessment 64 % of patients presented neurological impairment, there was a 3 % rate of severe morbidity at the 90th day assessment. Newly diagnosed patients had a significantly lower morbidity (0 %) and post-operative higher median KPS. Both pre-operative neurological condition and improvement after corticosteroids resulted significantly predictive of post-operative functional outcome. 5-ALA surgery assisted by functional mapping makes high HGG resection in eloquent areas feasible , through a reasonable rate of late morbidity. This emerges even more remarkably for selected patients.
Discussion on LDPC Codes and Uplink Coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, Ken; Divsalar, Dariush; Dolinar, Sam; Moision, Bruce; Hamkins, Jon; Pollara, Fabrizio

2007-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the progress that the workgroup on Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) for space link coding. The workgroup is tasked with developing and recommending new error correcting codes for near-Earth, Lunar, and deep space applications. Included in the presentation is a summary of the technical progress of the workgroup. Charts that show the LDPC decoder sensitivity to symbol scaling errors are reviewed, as well as a chart showing the performance of several frame synchronizer algorithms compared to that of some good codes and LDPC decoder tests at ESTL. Also reviewed is a study on Coding, Modulation, and Link Protocol (CMLP), and the recommended codes. A design for the Pseudo-Randomizer with LDPC Decoder and CRC is also reviewed. A chart that summarizes the three proposed coding systems is also presented.
Sex-specific effect of CPB2 Ala147Thr but not Thr325Ile variants on the risk of venous thrombosis: A comprehensive meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Zwingerman, Nora; Medina-Rivera, Alejandra; Kassam, Irfahan; Wilson, Michael D.; Morange, Pierre-Emmanuel; Trégouët, David-Alexandre; Gagnon, France

2017-01-01

Background Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), encoded by the Carboxypeptidase B2 gene (CPB2), is an inhibitor of fibrinolysis and plays a role in the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis. Experimental findings support a functional role of genetic variants in CPB2, while epidemiological studies have been unable to confirm associations with risk of venous thrombosis. Sex-specific effects could underlie the observed inconsistent associations between CPB2 genetic variants and venous thrombosis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted for associations between Ala147Thr and Thr325Ile variants with venous thrombosis. Authors were contacted to provide sex-specific genotype counts from their studies. Combined and sex-specific random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate a pooled effect estimate for primary and secondary genetic models. Results A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. A sex-specific meta-analysis applying a dominant model supported a protective effect of Ala147Thr on venous thrombosis in females (OR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.68,0.97; p = 0.018), but not in males (OR = 1.06, 95%CI:0.96–1.16; p = 0.263). The Thr325Ile did not show a sex-specific effect but showed variation in allele frequencies by geographic region. A subgroup analysis of studies in European countries showed decreased risk, with a recessive model (OR = 0.83, 95%CI:0.71–0.97, p = 0.021) for venous thrombosis. Conclusions A comprehensive literature review, including unpublished data, provided greater statistical power for the analyses and decreased the likelihood of publication bias influencing the results. Sex-specific analyses explained apparent discrepancies across genetic studies of Ala147Thr and venous thrombosis. While, careful selection of genetic models based on population genetics, evolutionary and biological knowledge can increase power by decreasing the need to adjust for testing multiple models. PMID:28552956
Sex-specific effect of CPB2 Ala147Thr but not Thr325Ile variants on the risk of venous thrombosis: A comprehensive meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zwingerman, Nora; Medina-Rivera, Alejandra; Kassam, Irfahan; Wilson, Michael D; Morange, Pierre-Emmanuel; Trégouët, David-Alexandre; Gagnon, France

2017-01-01

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), encoded by the Carboxypeptidase B2 gene (CPB2), is an inhibitor of fibrinolysis and plays a role in the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis. Experimental findings support a functional role of genetic variants in CPB2, while epidemiological studies have been unable to confirm associations with risk of venous thrombosis. Sex-specific effects could underlie the observed inconsistent associations between CPB2 genetic variants and venous thrombosis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted for associations between Ala147Thr and Thr325Ile variants with venous thrombosis. Authors were contacted to provide sex-specific genotype counts from their studies. Combined and sex-specific random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate a pooled effect estimate for primary and secondary genetic models. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. A sex-specific meta-analysis applying a dominant model supported a protective effect of Ala147Thr on venous thrombosis in females (OR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.68,0.97; p = 0.018), but not in males (OR = 1.06, 95%CI:0.96-1.16; p = 0.263). The Thr325Ile did not show a sex-specific effect but showed variation in allele frequencies by geographic region. A subgroup analysis of studies in European countries showed decreased risk, with a recessive model (OR = 0.83, 95%CI:0.71-0.97, p = 0.021) for venous thrombosis. A comprehensive literature review, including unpublished data, provided greater statistical power for the analyses and decreased the likelihood of publication bias influencing the results. Sex-specific analyses explained apparent discrepancies across genetic studies of Ala147Thr and venous thrombosis. While, careful selection of genetic models based on population genetics, evolutionary and biological knowledge can increase power by decreasing the need to adjust for testing multiple models.
Identification and Functional Characterization of G6PC2 Coding Variants Influencing Glycemic Traits Define an Effector Transcript at the G6PC2-ABCB11 Locus

PubMed Central

Mahajan, Anubha; Sim, Xueling; Ng, Hui Jin; Manning, Alisa; Rivas, Manuel A.; Highland, Heather M.; Locke, Adam E.; Grarup, Niels; Im, Hae Kyung; Cingolani, Pablo; Flannick, Jason; Fontanillas, Pierre; Fuchsberger, Christian; Gaulton, Kyle J.; Teslovich, Tanya M.; Rayner, N. William; Robertson, Neil R.; Beer, Nicola L.; Rundle, Jana K.; Bork-Jensen, Jette; Ladenvall, Claes; Blancher, Christine; Buck, David; Buck, Gemma; Burtt, Noël P.; Gabriel, Stacey; Gjesing, Anette P.; Groves, Christopher J.; Hollensted, Mette; Huyghe, Jeroen R.; Jackson, Anne U.; Jun, Goo; Justesen, Johanne Marie; Mangino, Massimo; Murphy, Jacquelyn; Neville, Matt; Onofrio, Robert; Small, Kerrin S.; Stringham, Heather M.; Syvänen, Ann-Christine; Trakalo, Joseph; Abecasis, Goncalo; Bell, Graeme I.; Blangero, John; Cox, Nancy J.; Duggirala, Ravindranath; Hanis, Craig L.; Seielstad, Mark; Wilson, James G.; Christensen, Cramer; Brandslund, Ivan; Rauramaa, Rainer; Surdulescu, Gabriela L.; Doney, Alex S. F.; Lannfelt, Lars; Linneberg, Allan; Isomaa, Bo; Tuomi, Tiinamaija; Jørgensen, Marit E.; Jørgensen, Torben; Kuusisto, Johanna; Uusitupa, Matti; Salomaa, Veikko; Spector, Timothy D.; Morris, Andrew D.; Palmer, Colin N. A.; Collins, Francis S.; Mohlke, Karen L.; Bergman, Richard N.; Ingelsson, Erik; Lind, Lars; Tuomilehto, Jaakko; Hansen, Torben; Watanabe, Richard M.; Prokopenko, Inga; Dupuis, Josee; Karpe, Fredrik; Groop, Leif; Laakso, Markku; Pedersen, Oluf; Florez, Jose C.; Morris, Andrew P.; Altshuler, David; Meigs, James B.; Boehnke, Michael; McCarthy, Mark I.; Lindgren, Cecilia M.; Gloyn, Anna L.

2015-01-01

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) for fasting glucose (FG) and insulin (FI) have identified common variant signals which explain 4.8% and 1.2% of trait variance, respectively. It is hypothesized that low-frequency and rare variants could contribute substantially to unexplained genetic variance. To test this, we analyzed exome-array data from up to 33,231 non-diabetic individuals of European ancestry. We found exome-wide significant (P<5×10-7) evidence for two loci not previously highlighted by common variant GWAS: GLP1R (p.Ala316Thr, minor allele frequency (MAF)=1.5%) influencing FG levels, and URB2 (p.Glu594Val, MAF = 0.1%) influencing FI levels. Coding variant associations can highlight potential effector genes at (non-coding) GWAS signals. At the G6PC2/ABCB11 locus, we identified multiple coding variants in G6PC2 (p.Val219Leu, p.His177Tyr, and p.Tyr207Ser) influencing FG levels, conditionally independent of each other and the non-coding GWAS signal. In vitro assays demonstrate that these associated coding alleles result in reduced protein abundance via proteasomal degradation, establishing G6PC2 as an effector gene at this locus. Reconciliation of single-variant associations and functional effects was only possible when haplotype phase was considered. In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that, paradoxically, glucose-raising alleles at this locus are protective against type 2 diabetes (T2D), the p.Val219Leu G6PC2 variant displayed a modest but directionally consistent association with T2D risk. Coding variant associations for glycemic traits in GWAS signals highlight PCSK1, RREB1, and ZHX3 as likely effector transcripts. These coding variant association signals do not have a major impact on the trait variance explained, but they do provide valuable biological insights. PMID:25625282
Identification and functional characterization of G6PC2 coding variants influencing glycemic traits define an effector transcript at the G6PC2-ABCB11 locus.

PubMed

Mahajan, Anubha; Sim, Xueling; Ng, Hui Jin; Manning, Alisa; Rivas, Manuel A; Highland, Heather M; Locke, Adam E; Grarup, Niels; Im, Hae Kyung; Cingolani, Pablo; Flannick, Jason; Fontanillas, Pierre; Fuchsberger, Christian; Gaulton, Kyle J; Teslovich, Tanya M; Rayner, N William; Robertson, Neil R; Beer, Nicola L; Rundle, Jana K; Bork-Jensen, Jette; Ladenvall, Claes; Blancher, Christine; Buck, David; Buck, Gemma; Burtt, Noël P; Gabriel, Stacey; Gjesing, Anette P; Groves, Christopher J; Hollensted, Mette; Huyghe, Jeroen R; Jackson, Anne U; Jun, Goo; Justesen, Johanne Marie; Mangino, Massimo; Murphy, Jacquelyn; Neville, Matt; Onofrio, Robert; Small, Kerrin S; Stringham, Heather M; Syvänen, Ann-Christine; Trakalo, Joseph; Abecasis, Goncalo; Bell, Graeme I; Blangero, John; Cox, Nancy J; Duggirala, Ravindranath; Hanis, Craig L; Seielstad, Mark; Wilson, James G; Christensen, Cramer; Brandslund, Ivan; Rauramaa, Rainer; Surdulescu, Gabriela L; Doney, Alex S F; Lannfelt, Lars; Linneberg, Allan; Isomaa, Bo; Tuomi, Tiinamaija; Jørgensen, Marit E; Jørgensen, Torben; Kuusisto, Johanna; Uusitupa, Matti; Salomaa, Veikko; Spector, Timothy D; Morris, Andrew D; Palmer, Colin N A; Collins, Francis S; Mohlke, Karen L; Bergman, Richard N; Ingelsson, Erik; Lind, Lars; Tuomilehto, Jaakko; Hansen, Torben; Watanabe, Richard M; Prokopenko, Inga; Dupuis, Josee; Karpe, Fredrik; Groop, Leif; Laakso, Markku; Pedersen, Oluf; Florez, Jose C; Morris, Andrew P; Altshuler, David; Meigs, James B; Boehnke, Michael; McCarthy, Mark I; Lindgren, Cecilia M; Gloyn, Anna L

2015-01-01

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) for fasting glucose (FG) and insulin (FI) have identified common variant signals which explain 4.8% and 1.2% of trait variance, respectively. It is hypothesized that low-frequency and rare variants could contribute substantially to unexplained genetic variance. To test this, we analyzed exome-array data from up to 33,231 non-diabetic individuals of European ancestry. We found exome-wide significant (P<5×10-7) evidence for two loci not previously highlighted by common variant GWAS: GLP1R (p.Ala316Thr, minor allele frequency (MAF)=1.5%) influencing FG levels, and URB2 (p.Glu594Val, MAF = 0.1%) influencing FI levels. Coding variant associations can highlight potential effector genes at (non-coding) GWAS signals. At the G6PC2/ABCB11 locus, we identified multiple coding variants in G6PC2 (p.Val219Leu, p.His177Tyr, and p.Tyr207Ser) influencing FG levels, conditionally independent of each other and the non-coding GWAS signal. In vitro assays demonstrate that these associated coding alleles result in reduced protein abundance via proteasomal degradation, establishing G6PC2 as an effector gene at this locus. Reconciliation of single-variant associations and functional effects was only possible when haplotype phase was considered. In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that, paradoxically, glucose-raising alleles at this locus are protective against type 2 diabetes (T2D), the p.Val219Leu G6PC2 variant displayed a modest but directionally consistent association with T2D risk. Coding variant associations for glycemic traits in GWAS signals highlight PCSK1, RREB1, and ZHX3 as likely effector transcripts. These coding variant association signals do not have a major impact on the trait variance explained, but they do provide valuable biological insights.
Practices in Code Discoverability: Astrophysics Source Code Library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, A.; Teuben, P.; Nemiroff, R. J.; Shamir, L.

2012-09-01

Here we describe the Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL), which takes an active approach to sharing astrophysics source code. ASCL's editor seeks out both new and old peer-reviewed papers that describe methods or experiments that involve the development or use of source code, and adds entries for the found codes to the library. This approach ensures that source codes are added without requiring authors to actively submit them, resulting in a comprehensive listing that covers a significant number of the astrophysics source codes used in peer-reviewed studies. The ASCL now has over 340 codes in it and continues to grow. In 2011, the ASCL has on average added 19 codes per month. An advisory committee has been established to provide input and guide the development and expansion of the new site, and a marketing plan has been developed and is being executed. All ASCL source codes have been used to generate results published in or submitted to a refereed journal and are freely available either via a download site or from an identified source. This paper provides the history and description of the ASCL. It lists the requirements for including codes, examines the advantages of the ASCL, and outlines some of its future plans.
A CCTV system with SMS alert (CMDSA): An implementation of pixel processing algorithm for motion detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Nurul Hidayah Ab; Abdullah, Nurul Azma; Hamid, Isredza Rahmi A.; Wen, Chuah Chai; Jelani, Mohamad Shafiqur Rahman Mohd

2017-10-01

Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) system is one of the technologies in surveillance field to solve the problem of detection and monitoring by providing extra features such as email alert or motion detection. However, detecting and alerting the admin on CCTV system may complicate due to the complexity to integrate the main program with an external Application Programming Interface (API). In this study, pixel processing algorithm is applied due to its efficiency and SMS alert is added as an alternative solution for users who opted out email alert system or have no Internet connection. A CCTV system with SMS alert (CMDSA) was developed using evolutionary prototyping methodology. The system interface was implemented using Microsoft Visual Studio while the backend components, which are database and coding, were implemented on SQLite database and C# programming language, respectively. The main modules of CMDSA are motion detection, capturing and saving video, image processing and Short Message Service (SMS) alert functions. Subsequently, the system is able to reduce the processing time making the detection process become faster, reduce the space and memory used to run the program and alerting the system admin instantly.
Elucidation of hydrolysis mechanisms for fatty acid amide hydrolase and its Lys142Ala variant via QM/MM simulations.

PubMed

Tubert-Brohman, Ivan; Acevedo, Orlando; Jorgensen, William L

2006-12-27

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a serine hydrolase that degrades anandamide, an endocannabinoid, and oleamide, a sleep-inducing lipid, and has potential applications as a therapeutic target for neurological disorders. Remarkably, FAAH hydrolyzes amides and esters with similar rates; however, the normal preference for esters reemerges when Lys142 is mutated to alanine. To elucidate the hydrolysis mechanisms and the causes behind this variation of selectivity, mixed quantum and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations were carried out to obtain free-energy profiles for alternative mechanisms for the enzymatic hydrolyses. The methodology features free-energy perturbation calculations in Monte Carlo simulations with PDDG/PM3 as the QM method. For wild-type FAAH, the results support a mechanism, which features proton transfer from Ser217 to Lys142, simultaneous proton transfer from Ser241 to Ser217, and attack of Ser241 on the substrate's carbonyl carbon to yield a tetrahedral intermediate, which subsequently undergoes elimination with simultaneous protonation of the leaving group by a Lys142-Ser217 proton shuttle. For the Lys142Ala mutant, a striking multistep sequence is proposed with simultaneous proton transfer from Ser241 to Ser217, attack of Ser241 on the carbonyl carbon of the substrate, and elimination of the leaving group and its protonation by Ser217. Support comes from the free-energy results, which well reproduce the observation that the Lys142Ala mutation in FAAH decreases the rate of hydrolysis for oleamide significantly more than for methyl oleate.
New quantum codes constructed from quaternary BCH codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Gen; Li, Ruihu; Guo, Luobin; Ma, Yuena

2016-10-01

In this paper, we firstly study construction of new quantum error-correcting codes (QECCs) from three classes of quaternary imprimitive BCH codes. As a result, the improved maximal designed distance of these narrow-sense imprimitive Hermitian dual-containing quaternary BCH codes are determined to be much larger than the result given according to Aly et al. (IEEE Trans Inf Theory 53:1183-1188, 2007) for each different code length. Thus, families of new QECCs are newly obtained, and the constructed QECCs have larger distance than those in the previous literature. Secondly, we apply a combinatorial construction to the imprimitive BCH codes with their corresponding primitive counterpart and construct many new linear quantum codes with good parameters, some of which have parameters exceeding the finite Gilbert-Varshamov bound for linear quantum codes.
The conformation of cyclo(-D-Pro-Ala4-) as a model for cyclic pentapeptides of the DL4 type.

PubMed

Heller, Markus; Sukopp, Martin; Tsomaia, Natia; John, Michael; Mierke, Dale F; Reif, Bernd; Kessler, Horst

2006-10-25

The conformation of the cyclic pentapeptide cyclo(-D-Pro-Ala(4)-) in solution and in the solid state was reinvestigated using modern NMR techniques. To allow unequivocal characterization of hydrogen bonds, relaxation behavior, and intramolecular distances, differently labeled isotopomers were synthesized. The NMR results, supported by extensive MD simulations, demonstrate unambiguously that the preferred conformation previously described by us, but recently questioned, is indeed correct. The validation of the conformational preferences of this cyclic peptide is important given that this system is a template for several bioactive compounds and for controlled "spatial screening" for the search of bioactive conformations.
Intraoperative monopolar mapping during 5-ALA-guided resections of glioblastomas adjacent to motor eloquent areas: evaluation of resection rates and neurological outcome.

PubMed

Schucht, Philippe; Seidel, Kathleen; Beck, Jürgen; Murek, Michael; Jilch, Astrid; Wiest, Roland; Fung, Christian; Raabe, Andreas

2014-12-01

Resection of glioblastoma adjacent to motor cortex or subcortical motor pathways carries a high risk of both incomplete resection and postoperative motor deficits. Although the strategy of maximum safe resection is widely accepted, the rates of complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET) and the exact causes for motor deficits (mechanical vs vascular) are not always known. The authors report the results of their concept of combining monopolar mapping and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-guided surgery in patients with glioblastoma adjacent to eloquent tissue. The authors prospectively studied 72 consecutive patients who underwent 5-ALA-guided surgery for a glioblastoma adjacent to the corticospinal tract (CST; < 10 mm) with continuous dynamic monopolar motor mapping (short-train interstimulus interval 4.0 msec, pulse duration 500 μsec) coupled to an acoustic motor evoked potential (MEP) alarm. The extent of resection was determined based on early (< 48 hours) postoperative MRI findings. Motor function was assessed 1 day after surgery, at discharge, and at 3 months. Five patients were excluded because of nonadherence to protocol; thus, 67 patients were evaluated. The lowest motor threshold reached during individual surgery was as follows (motor threshold, number of patients): > 20 mA, n = 8; 11-20 mA, n = 13; 6-10 mA, n = 10; 4-5 mA, n = 13; and 1-3 mA, n = 23. Motor deterioration at postsurgical Day 1 and at discharge occurred in 30% (n = 20) and 10% (n = 7) of patients, respectively. At 3 months, 3 patients (4%) had a persisting postoperative motor deficit, 2 caused by vascular injury and 1 by mechanical injury. The rates of intra- and postoperative seizures were 1% and 0%, respectively. Complete resection of enhancing tumor was achieved in 73% of patients (49/67) despite proximity to the CST. A rather high rate of CRET can be achieved in glioblastomas in motor eloquent areas via a combination of 5-ALA for tumor identification and intraoperative mapping for
Molecular Characterization of Enterococcus faecalis N06-0364 with Low-Level Vancomycin Resistance Harboring a Novel d-Ala-d-Ser Gene Cluster, vanL▿

PubMed Central

Boyd, David A.; Willey, Barbara M.; Fawcett, Darlene; Gillani, Nazira; Mulvey, Michael R.

2008-01-01

Enterococcus faecalis N06-0364, exhibiting a vancomycin MIC of 8 μg/ml, was found to harbor a novel d-Ala-d-Ser gene cluster, designated vanL. The vanL gene cluster was similar in organization to the vanC operon, but the VanT serine racemase was encoded by two separate genes, vanTmL (membrane binding) and vanTrL (racemase). PMID:18458129
Cleavage of the actin-capping protein alpha -adducin at Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp633-Ala by caspase-3 is preceded by its phosphorylation on serine 726 in cisplatin-induced apoptosis of renal epithelial cells.

PubMed

van de Water, B; Tijdens, I B; Verbrugge, A; Huigsloot, M; Dihal, A A; Stevens, J L; Jaken, S; Mulder, G J

2000-08-18

Decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and paxillin is associated with loss of focal adhesions and stress fibers and precedes the onset of apoptosis (van de Water, B., Nagelkerke, J. F., and Stevens, J. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 13328-13337). The cortical actin cytoskeletal network is also lost during apoptosis, yet little is known about the temporal relationship between altered phosphorylation of proteins that are critical in the regulation of this network and their potential cleavage by caspases during apoptosis. Adducins are central in the cortical actin network organization. Cisplatin caused apoptosis of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells, which was associated with the cleavage of alpha-adducin into a 74-kDa fragment; this was blocked by a general caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone (z-VAD-fmk). Hemagglutinin-tagged human alpha-adducin was cleaved into a similar 74-kDa fragment by caspase-3 in vitro but not by caspase-6 or -7. Asp-Arg-Val-Asp(29)-Glu, Asp-Ile-Val-Asp(208)-Arg, and Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp(633)-Ala were identified as the principal caspase-3 cleavage sites; Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp(633)-Ala was key in the formation of the 74-kDa fragment. Cisplatin also caused an increased phosphorylation of alpha-adducin and gamma-adducin in the MARCKS domain that preceded alpha-adducin cleavage and was associated with loss of adducins from adherens junctions; this was not affected by z-VAD-fmk. In conclusion, the data support a model in which increased phosphorylation of alpha-adducin due to cisplatin leads to dissociation from the cytoskeleton, a situation rendered irreversible by caspase-3-mediated cleavage of alpha-adducin at Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp(633)-Ala.
Val-->Ala mutations selectively alter helix-helix packing in the transmembrane segment of phage M13 coat protein.

PubMed Central

Deber, C M; Khan, A R; Li, Z; Joensson, C; Glibowicka, M; Wang, J

1993-01-01

Val-->Ala mutations within the effective transmembrane segment of a model single-spanning membrane protein, the 50-residue major coat (gene VIII) protein of bacteriophage M13, are shown to have sequence-dependent impacts on stabilization of membrane-embedded helical dimeric structures. Randomized mutagenesis performed on the coat protein hydrophobic segment 21-39 (YIGYAWAMV-VVIVGATIGI) produced a library of viable mutants which included those in which each of the four valine residues was replaced by an alanine residue. Significant variations found among these Val-->Ala mutants in the relative populations and thermal stabilities of monomeric and dimeric helical species observed on SDS/PAGE, and in the range of their alpha-helix-->beta-sheet transition temperatures confirmed that intramembranous valine residues are not simply universal contributors to membrane anchoring. Additional analyses of (i) nonmutatable sites in the mutant protein library, (ii) the properties of the double mutant V29A-V31A obtained by recycling mutant V31A DNA through mutagenesis procedures, and (iii) energy-minimized helical dimer structures of wild-type and mutant V31A transmembrane regions indicated that the transmembrane hydrophobic core helix of the M13 coat protein can be partitioned into alternating pairs of potential protein-interactive residues (V30, V31; G34, A35; G38, I39) and membrane-interactive residues (M28, V29; I32, V33; T36, I37). The overall results consitute an experimental approach to categorizing the distinctive contributions to structure of the residues comprising a protein-protein packing interface vs. those facing lipid and confirm the sequence-dependent capacity of specific residues within the transmembrane domain to modulate protein-protein interactions which underlie regulatory events in membrane proteins. Images Fig. 2 Fig. 4 PMID:8265602
Val-->Ala mutations selectively alter helix-helix packing in the transmembrane segment of phage M13 coat protein.

PubMed

Deber, C M; Khan, A R; Li, Z; Joensson, C; Glibowicka, M; Wang, J

1993-12-15

Val-->Ala mutations within the effective transmembrane segment of a model single-spanning membrane protein, the 50-residue major coat (gene VIII) protein of bacteriophage M13, are shown to have sequence-dependent impacts on stabilization of membrane-embedded helical dimeric structures. Randomized mutagenesis performed on the coat protein hydrophobic segment 21-39 (YIGYAWAMV-VVIVGATIGI) produced a library of viable mutants which included those in which each of the four valine residues was replaced by an alanine residue. Significant variations found among these Val-->Ala mutants in the relative populations and thermal stabilities of monomeric and dimeric helical species observed on SDS/PAGE, and in the range of their alpha-helix-->beta-sheet transition temperatures confirmed that intramembranous valine residues are not simply universal contributors to membrane anchoring. Additional analyses of (i) nonmutatable sites in the mutant protein library, (ii) the properties of the double mutant V29A-V31A obtained by recycling mutant V31A DNA through mutagenesis procedures, and (iii) energy-minimized helical dimer structures of wild-type and mutant V31A transmembrane regions indicated that the transmembrane hydrophobic core helix of the M13 coat protein can be partitioned into alternating pairs of potential protein-interactive residues (V30, V31; G34, A35; G38, I39) and membrane-interactive residues (M28, V29; I32, V33; T36, I37). The overall results consitute an experimental approach to categorizing the distinctive contributions to structure of the residues comprising a protein-protein packing interface vs. those facing lipid and confirm the sequence-dependent capacity of specific residues within the transmembrane domain to modulate protein-protein interactions which underlie regulatory events in membrane proteins.
The GLO1 C332 (Ala111) allele confers autism vulnerability: family-based genetic association and functional correlates.

PubMed

Gabriele, Stefano; Lombardi, Federica; Sacco, Roberto; Napolioni, Valerio; Altieri, Laura; Tirindelli, Maria Cristina; Gregorj, Chiara; Bravaccio, Carmela; Rousseau, Francis; Persico, Antonio M

2014-12-01

Glyoxalase I (GLO1) is a homodimeric Zn(2+)-dependent isomerase involved in the detoxification of methylglyoxal and in limiting the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE). We previously found the rs4746 A332 (Glu111) allele of the GLO1 gene, which encodes for glyoxalase I, associated with "unaffected sibling" status in families with one or more children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To identify and characterize this protective allele, we sequenced GLO1 exons and exon-intron junctions, detecting two additional SNPs (rs1049346, rs1130534) in linkage disequilibrium with rs4746. A family-based association study involving 385 simplex and 20 multiplex Italian families yielded a significant association with autism driven only by the rs4746 C332 (Ala111) allele itself (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 under additive and dominant/recessive models, respectively). Glyoxalase enzymatic activity was significantly reduced both in leukocytes and in post-mortem temporocortical tissue (N = 38 and 13, respectively) of typically developing C332 allele carriers (P < 0.05 and <0.01), with no difference in Glo1 protein levels. Conversely, AGE amounts were significantly higher in the same C332 post-mortem brains (P = 0.001), with a strong negative correlation between glyoxalase activity and AGE levels (τ = -0.588, P < 0.01). Instead, 19 autistic brains show a dysregulation of the glyoxalase-AGE axis (τ = -0.209, P = 0.260), with significant blunting of glyoxalase activity and AGE amounts compared to controls (P < 0.05), and loss of rs4746 genotype effects. In summary, the GLO1 C332 (Ala111) allele confers autism vulnerability by reducing brain glyoxalase activity and enhancing AGE formation, but years after an autism diagnosis the glyoxalase-AGE axis appears profoundly disrupted, with loss of C332 allelic effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, and automated docking of constrained analogues of the opioid peptide H-Dmt-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-NH₂ using the 4- or 5-methyl substituted 4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one scaffold.

PubMed

De Wachter, Rien; de Graaf, Chris; Keresztes, Atilla; Vandormael, Bart; Ballet, Steven; Tóth, Géza; Rognan, Didier; Tourwé, Dirk

2011-10-13

The Phe(3) residue of the N-terminal tetrapeptide of dermorphin (H-Dmt-d-Ala-Phe-Gly-NH(2)) was conformationally constrained using 4- or 5-methyl-substituted 4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba) stereoisomeric scaffolds. Several of the synthesized peptides were determined to be high affinity agonists for the μ opioid receptor (OPRM) with selectivity over the δ opioid receptor (OPRD). Interesting effects of the Aba configuration on ligand binding affinity were observed. H-Dmt-d-Ala-erythro-(4S,5S)-5-Me-Aba-Gly-NH(2)9 and H-Dmt-threo-(4R,5S)-5-Me-Aba-Gly-NH(2)12 exhibited subnanomolar affinity for OPRM, while they possess an opposite absolute configuration at position 4 of the Aba ring. However, in the 4-methyl substituted analogues, H-Dmt-d-Ala-(4R)-Me-Aba-Gly-NH(2)14 was significantly more potent than the (4S)-derivative 13. These unexpected results were rationalized using the binding poses predicted by molecular docking simulations. Interestingly, H-Dmt-d-Ala-(4R)-Me-Aba-Gly-NH(2)14 is proposed to bind in a different mode compared with the other analogues. Moreover, in contrast to Ac-4-Me-Aba-NH-Me, which adopts a β-turn in solution and in the crystal structure, the binding mode of this analogue suggests an alternative receptor-bound conformation.
Low Density Parity Check Codes: Bandwidth Efficient Channel Coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Wai; Lin, Shu; Maki, Gary; Yeh, Pen-Shu

2003-01-01

Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) Codes provide near-Shannon Capacity performance for NASA Missions. These codes have high coding rates R=0.82 and 0.875 with moderate code lengths, n=4096 and 8176. Their decoders have inherently parallel structures which allows for high-speed implementation. Two codes based on Euclidean Geometry (EG) were selected for flight ASIC implementation. These codes are cyclic and quasi-cyclic in nature and therefore have a simple encoder structure. This results in power and size benefits. These codes also have a large minimum distance as much as d,,, = 65 giving them powerful error correcting capabilities and error floors less than lo- BER. This paper will present development of the LDPC flight encoder and decoder, its applications and status.
78 FR 29147 - Federal Property Suitable as Facilities To Assist the Homeless

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-17

...: Excess Comments: off-site removal only; 9,822 sf.; BDE HQ; repairs needed; asbestos; secured area....; Admin.; repairs needed; asbestos; secured area; contact Army for access/removal requirements Building...: Excess Comments: off-site removal only; 15,484 sf.; Admin.; 4 months vacant; repairs needed; asbestos...

Both Perelmans Thrown Down Gauntlets Versus Would-Be ``Science'' But Alas Sadly Mere ``SEANCES'' Put Jargonial-Obfuscation Sociological-Dysfunctionality(S-D) Ridden/Dominated Would-Be ``Sciences'' But Alas Sadly Mere SEANCES in ``Peril, Man''!!!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, J.; Young, F.; Clay, London; Siegel, Edward Carl-Ludwig (Physical-Mathematicist/Mathsicist)

2011-03-01

Both Perelman (Grigory[Poincare-conjecture: partial(with Richard Hamilton!!!)-"sole"-prover: by turning down first the Fields Medal at International Congress of [S-D right there: not mathematICS, but mathematicIANS!!!] Mathematicians (2007: Madrid); then the million-dollar Clay-Institute of Mathemat"ICS" (but really mathematicIANS POLITICIANS: Carlson, Yau,...et. al.) millennium-problem prize, revealing that it and its INSIDER POLITICS/POLITICIANS has/have "Feet of Clay"!!!], as sumarized by Naser-Gruber[Manfold-Destiny, The New Yorker, (August, 2007)] and separately Carlos Castro[with Corredoira: Against the Tid (2008)] put, by revealing the Jargonial-Obfuscation(J.-O.) (Bradshaw[Healing the SHAME that BINDS You, Hazelden(1980s)]-Martin[Brian, Wollongong University]-...ad INFINITUM (i.e. most if not all scientists), ad NAUSEUM!!! (disgusted with "games people play!!!)) S-D ridden/ dominated "games people play" would-be "sciences" (maths, physics,...: ad infinitum; ad NAUSEUM!!!) but alas sadly only mere Bradshaw-Martin S-D DOMINATED "SEANCES"!!!, in "peril, man"!!!
Error-correction coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinds, Erold W. (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

This report describes the progress made towards the completion of a specific task on error-correcting coding. The proposed research consisted of investigating the use of modulation block codes as the inner code of a concatenated coding system in order to improve the overall space link communications performance. The study proposed to identify and analyze candidate codes that will complement the performance of the overall coding system which uses the interleaved RS (255,223) code as the outer code.
One ancestor for two codes viewed from the perspective of two complementary modes of tRNA aminoacylation

PubMed Central

Rodin, Andrei S; Szathmáry, Eörs; Rodin, Sergei N

2009-01-01

Background The genetic code is brought into action by 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. These enzymes are evenly divided into two classes (I and II) that recognize tRNAs from the minor and major groove sides of the acceptor stem, respectively. We have reported recently that: (1) ribozymic precursors of the synthetases seem to have used the same two sterically mirror modes of tRNA recognition, (2) having these two modes might have helped in preventing erroneous aminoacylation of ancestral tRNAs with complementary anticodons, yet (3) the risk of confusion for the presumably earliest pairs of complementarily encoded amino acids had little to do with anticodons. Accordingly, in this communication we focus on the acceptor stem. Results Our main result is the emergence of a palindrome structure for the acceptor stem's common ancestor, reconstructed from the phylogenetic trees of Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. In parallel, for pairs of ancestral tRNAs with complementary anticodons, we present updated evidence of concerted complementarity of the second bases in the acceptor stems. These two results suggest that the first pairs of "complementary" amino acids that were engaged in primordial coding, such as Gly and Ala, could have avoided erroneous aminoacylation if and only if the acceptor stems of their adaptors were recognized from the same, major groove, side. The class II protein synthetases then inherited this "primary preference" from isofunctional ribozymes. Conclusion Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that the genetic code per se (the one associated with the anticodons) and the operational code of aminoacylation (associated with the acceptor) diverged from a common ancestor that probably began developing before translation. The primordial advantage of linking some amino acids (most likely glycine and alanine) to the ancestral acceptor stem may have been selective retention in a protocell surrounded by a leaky membrane for use in nucleotide and coenzyme
Levator alae nasi muscle V-Y island flap for nasal tip reconstruction.

PubMed

La Padula, Simone; Abbate, Vincenzo; Di Monta, Gianluca; Schonauer, Fabrizio

2017-03-01

Nasal tip reconstruction can be very challenging. It requires close attention to skin texture, colour and thickness matching, with the respect of the nasal aesthetic units and symmetry. Flaps are usually preferred to skin grafts where possible. Based on different donor areas, various flaps have been described for reconstruction of this region. Here we present a new V-Y myocutaneous island flap based on the levator alae nasi muscle (LAN muscle) blood supply. This flap may represent an alternative to the nasalis myocutaneous sliding V-Y flap previously described by Rybka. As its pivot point it is located more cranially than the nasalis flap, and it can advance more medially than the Rybka flap, with the possibility of covering larger defects of the nasal tip area, up to 1.8 cm in diameter. Over the past 5 years, 24 patients received nasal tip reconstruction with this flap following the resection of basal cell carcinomas. Good tip projection was maintained, and the aesthetic outcome was satisfactory, with well healed scars. We recommend this technique as an alternative to other flaps for nasal tip defects, especially if paramedian. Copyright © 2016 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In search of best fitted composite model to the ALAE data set with transformed Gamma and inversed transformed Gamma families

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maghsoudi, Mastoureh; Bakar, Shaiful Anuar Abu

2017-05-01

In this paper, a recent novel approach is applied to estimate the threshold parameter of a composite model. Several composite models from Transformed Gamma and Inverse Transformed Gamma families are constructed based on this approach and their parameters are estimated by the maximum likelihood method. These composite models are fitted to allocated loss adjustment expenses (ALAE). In comparison to all composite models studied, the composite Weibull-Inverse Transformed Gamma model is proved to be a competitor candidate as it best fit the loss data. The final part considers the backtesting method to verify the validation of VaR and CTE risk measures.
Fabrication of GaAs symmetric pyramidal mesas prepared by wet-chemical etching using AlAs interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kicin, S.; Cambel, V.; Kuliffayová, M.; Gregušová, D.; Kováčová, E.; Novák, J.; Kostič, I.; Förster, A.

2002-01-01

We present a wet-chemical-etching method developed for the preparation of GaAs four-sided pyramid-shaped mesas. The method uses a fast lateral etching of AlAs interlayer that influences the cross-sectional profiles of etched structures. We have tested the method using H3PO4:H2O2:H2O etchant for the (100) GaAs patterning. The sidewalls of the prepared pyramidal structures together with the (100) bottom facet formed the cross-sectional angles 25° and 42° for mask edges parallel, resp. perpendicular to {011} cleavage planes. For mask edges turned in 45° according to the cleavage planes, 42° cross-sectional angles were obtained. Using the method, symmetric and more than 10-μm-high GaAs "Egyptian" pyramids with smooth tilted facets were prepared.
78 FR 53821 - Federal Property Suitable as Facilities To Assist the Homeless

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-30

...: Excess Comments: Off-site removal only; 8,736 sq. ft.; current use: Administrative office; fair....; Admin. 3 mons. vacant; fair conditions; w/in secured area; contact Army for accessibility/ removal reqs... Number: 21201310012 Status: Excess Comments: Off-site removal only; 2,100 sf.; Admin.; fair conditions; w...
Rate-compatible punctured convolutional codes (RCPC codes) and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagenauer, Joachim

1988-04-01

The concept of punctured convolutional codes is extended by punctuating a low-rate 1/N code periodically with period P to obtain a family of codes with rate P/(P + l), where l can be varied between 1 and (N - 1)P. A rate-compatibility restriction on the puncturing tables ensures that all code bits of high rate codes are used by the lower-rate codes. This allows transmission of incremental redundancy in ARQ/FEC (automatic repeat request/forward error correction) schemes and continuous rate variation to change from low to high error protection within a data frame. Families of RCPC codes with rates between 8/9 and 1/4 are given for memories M from 3 to 6 (8 to 64 trellis states) together with the relevant distance spectra. These codes are almost as good as the best known general convolutional codes of the respective rates. It is shown that the same Viterbi decoder can be used for all RCPC codes of the same M. The application of RCPC codes to hybrid ARQ/FEC schemes is discussed for Gaussian and Rayleigh fading channels using channel-state information to optimize throughput.
Amino acid codes in mitochondria as possible clues to primitive codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jukes, T. H.

1981-01-01

Differences between mitochondrial codes and the universal code indicate that an evolutionary simplification has taken place, rather than a return to a more primitive code. However, these differences make it evident that the universal code is not the only code possible, and therefore earlier codes may have differed markedly from the previous code. The present universal code is probably a 'frozen accident.' The change in CUN codons from leucine to threonine (Neurospora vs. yeast mitochondria) indicates that neutral or near-neutral changes occurred in the corresponding proteins when this code change took place, caused presumably by a mutation in a tRNA gene.
Analysis of quantum error-correcting codes: Symplectic lattice codes and toric codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrington, James William

Quantum information theory is concerned with identifying how quantum mechanical resources (such as entangled quantum states) can be utilized for a number of information processing tasks, including data storage, computation, communication, and cryptography. Efficient quantum algorithms and protocols have been developed for performing some tasks (e.g. , factoring large numbers, securely communicating over a public channel, and simulating quantum mechanical systems) that appear to be very difficult with just classical resources. In addition to identifying the separation between classical and quantum computational power, much of the theoretical focus in this field over the last decade has been concerned with finding novel ways of encoding quantum information that are robust against errors, which is an important step toward building practical quantum information processing devices. In this thesis I present some results on the quantum error-correcting properties of oscillator codes (also described as symplectic lattice codes) and toric codes. Any harmonic oscillator system (such as a mode of light) can be encoded with quantum information via symplectic lattice codes that are robust against shifts in the system's continuous quantum variables. I show the existence of lattice codes whose achievable rates match the one-shot coherent information over the Gaussian quantum channel. Also, I construct a family of symplectic self-dual lattices and search for optimal encodings of quantum information distributed between several oscillators. Toric codes provide encodings of quantum information into two-dimensional spin lattices that are robust against local clusters of errors and which require only local quantum operations for error correction. Numerical simulations of this system under various error models provide a calculation of the accuracy threshold for quantum memory using toric codes, which can be related to phase transitions in certain condensed matter models. I also present
Study of false positives in 5-ALA induced photodynamic diagnosis of bladder carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Draga, Ronald O. P.; Grimbergen, Matthijs C. M.; Kok, Esther T.; Jonges, Trudy G. N.; Bosch, J. L. H. R.

2009-02-01

Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) is a technique that enhances the detection of tumors during cystoscopy using a photosensitizer which accumulates primarily in cancerous cells and will fluoresce when illuminated by violetblue light. A disadvantage of PDD is the relatively low specificity. In this retrospective study we aimed to identify predictors for false positive findings in PDD. Factors such as gender, age, recent transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT), previous intravesical therapy (IVT) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) were examined for association with the false positive rates in a multivariate analysis. Data of 366 procedures and 200 patients were collected. Patients were instilled with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) intravesically and 1253 biopsies were taken from tumors and suspicious lesions. Female gender and TURBT are independent predictors of false positives in PDD. However, previous intravesical therapy with Bacille Calmette-Guérin is also an important predictor of false positives. The false positive rate decreases during the first 9-12 weeks after the latest TURBT and the latest intravesical chemotherapy. Although shortly after IVT and TURBT false positives increase, PDD improves the diagnostic sensitivity and results in more adequate treatment strategies in a significant number of patients.
d-Ala-d-Ser VanN-Type Transferable Vancomycin Resistance in Enterococcus faecium▿

PubMed Central

Lebreton, François; Depardieu, Florence; Bourdon, Nancy; Fines-Guyon, Marguerite; Berger, Pierre; Camiade, Sabine; Leclercq, Roland; Courvalin, Patrice; Cattoir, Vincent

2011-01-01

Enterococcus faecium UCN71, isolated from a blood culture, was resistant to low levels of vancomycin (MIC, 16 μg/ml) but susceptible to teicoplanin (MIC, 0.5 μg/ml). No amplification was observed with primers specific for the previously described glycopeptide resistance ligase genes, but a PCR product corresponding to a gene called vanN was obtained using degenerate primers and was sequenced. The deduced VanN protein was related (65% identity) to the d-alanine:d-serine VanL ligase. The organization of the vanN gene cluster, determined using degenerate primers and by thermal asymmetric interlaced (TAIL)-PCR, was similar to that of the vanC operons. A single promoter upstream from the resistance operon was identified by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)-PCR. The presence of peptidoglycan precursors ending in d-serine and d,d-peptidase activities in the absence of vancomycin indicated constitutive expression of the resistance operon. VanN-type resistance was transferable by conjugation to E. faecium. This is the first report of transferable d-Ala-d-Ser-type resistance in E. faecium. PMID:21807981
Number of minimum-weight code words in a product code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, R. L.

1978-01-01

Consideration is given to the number of minimum-weight code words in a product code. The code is considered as a tensor product of linear codes over a finite field. Complete theorems and proofs are presented.
Uplink Coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollara, Fabrizio; Hamkins, Jon; Dolinar, Sam; Andrews, Ken; Divsalar, Dariush

2006-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews uplink coding. The purpose and goals of the briefing are (1) Show a plan for using uplink coding and describe benefits (2) Define possible solutions and their applicability to different types of uplink, including emergency uplink (3) Concur with our conclusions so we can embark on a plan to use proposed uplink system (4) Identify the need for the development of appropriate technology and infusion in the DSN (5) Gain advocacy to implement uplink coding in flight projects Action Item EMB04-1-14 -- Show a plan for using uplink coding, including showing where it is useful or not (include discussion of emergency uplink coding).
Multiple component codes based generalized LDPC codes for high-speed optical transport.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Ivan B; Wang, Ting

2014-07-14

A class of generalized low-density parity-check (GLDPC) codes suitable for optical communications is proposed, which consists of multiple local codes. It is shown that Hamming, BCH, and Reed-Muller codes can be used as local codes, and that the maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) decoding of these local codes by Ashikhmin-Lytsin algorithm is feasible in terms of complexity and performance. We demonstrate that record coding gains can be obtained from properly designed GLDPC codes, derived from multiple component codes. We then show that several recently proposed classes of LDPC codes such as convolutional and spatially-coupled codes can be described using the concept of GLDPC coding, which indicates that the GLDPC coding can be used as a unified platform for advanced FEC enabling ultra-high speed optical transport. The proposed class of GLDPC codes is also suitable for code-rate adaption, to adjust the error correction strength depending on the optical channel conditions.
78 FR 23581 - Federal Property Suitable as Facilities To Assist the Homeless

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2013-04-19

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Model Children's Code.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque. American Indian Law Center.

The Model Children's Code was developed to provide a legally correct model code that American Indian tribes can use to enact children's codes that fulfill their legal, cultural and economic needs. Code sections cover the court system, jurisdiction, juvenile offender procedures, minor-in-need-of-care, and termination. Almost every Code section is…
New quantum codes derived from a family of antiprimitive BCH codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Li, Ruihu; Lü, Liangdong; Guo, Luobin

The Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes have been studied for more than 57 years and have found wide application in classical communication system and quantum information theory. In this paper, we study the construction of quantum codes from a family of q2-ary BCH codes with length n=q2m+1 (also called antiprimitive BCH codes in the literature), where q≥4 is a power of 2 and m≥2. By a detailed analysis of some useful properties about q2-ary cyclotomic cosets modulo n, Hermitian dual-containing conditions for a family of non-narrow-sense antiprimitive BCH codes are presented, which are similar to those of q2-ary primitive BCH codes. Consequently, via Hermitian Construction, a family of new quantum codes can be derived from these dual-containing BCH codes. Some of these new antiprimitive quantum BCH codes are comparable with those derived from primitive BCH codes.
Surface acoustic wave coding for orthogonal frequency coded devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malocha, Donald (Inventor); Kozlovski, Nikolai (Inventor)

2011-01-01

Methods and systems for coding SAW OFC devices to mitigate code collisions in a wireless multi-tag system. Each device producing plural stepped frequencies as an OFC signal with a chip offset delay to increase code diversity. A method for assigning a different OCF to each device includes using a matrix based on the number of OFCs needed and the number chips per code, populating each matrix cell with OFC chip, and assigning the codes from the matrix to the devices. The asynchronous passive multi-tag system includes plural surface acoustic wave devices each producing a different OFC signal having the same number of chips and including a chip offset time delay, an algorithm for assigning OFCs to each device, and a transceiver to transmit an interrogation signal and receive OFC signals in response with minimal code collisions during transmission.
Reflections on Ethics in Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Helen R.

2009-01-01

Each profession has its own code of ethics. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2008) defines professional ethics as "the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group." The Code of Ethics of the American Library Association (ALA Council 2008) has served librarians for seventy years and reflects the ideals toward which all librarians…

Ethics Today: Are Our Principles Still Relevant?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garnar, Martin

2015-01-01

In 1939 technological advances included the first handheld electric slicing knife, the first mass-produced helicopter, and the first transmission of a picture via a cable system (Science and Technology 2001). That year also saw the first Code of Ethics adopted by the American Library Association (ALA OIF 2010, 311). Can an ethical code first…
Understanding Mixed Code and Classroom Code-Switching: Myths and Realities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, David C. S.

2008-01-01

Background: Cantonese-English mixed code is ubiquitous in Hong Kong society, and yet using mixed code is widely perceived as improper. This paper presents evidence of mixed code being socially constructed as bad language behavior. In the education domain, an EDB guideline bans mixed code in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to stick to…
MarFS-Requirements-Design-Configuration-Admin

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

Kettering, Brett Michael; Grider, Gary Alan

This document will be organized into sections that are defined by the requirements for a file system that presents a near-POSIX (Portable Operating System Interface) interface to the user, but whose data is stored in whatever form is most efficient for the type of data being stored. After defining the requirement the design for meeting the requirement will be explained. Finally there will be sections on configuring and administering this file system. More and more, data dominates the computing world. There is a “sea” of data out there in many different formats that needs to be managed and used. “Mar”more » means “sea” in Spanish. Thus, this product is dubbed MarFS, a file system for a sea of data.« less
QR Codes 101

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crompton, Helen; LaFrance, Jason; van 't Hooft, Mark

2012-01-01

A QR (quick-response) code is a two-dimensional scannable code, similar in function to a traditional bar code that one might find on a product at the supermarket. The main difference between the two is that, while a traditional bar code can hold a maximum of only 20 digits, a QR code can hold up to 7,089 characters, so it can contain much more…
The random coding bound is tight for the average code.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallager, R. G.

1973-01-01

The random coding bound of information theory provides a well-known upper bound to the probability of decoding error for the best code of a given rate and block length. The bound is constructed by upperbounding the average error probability over an ensemble of codes. The bound is known to give the correct exponential dependence of error probability on block length for transmission rates above the critical rate, but it gives an incorrect exponential dependence at rates below a second lower critical rate. Here we derive an asymptotic expression for the average error probability over the ensemble of codes used in the random coding bound. The result shows that the weakness of the random coding bound at rates below the second critical rate is due not to upperbounding the ensemble average, but rather to the fact that the best codes are much better than the average at low rates.
Making your code citable with the Astrophysics Source Code Library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Alice; DuPrie, Kimberly; Schmidt, Judy; Berriman, G. Bruce; Hanisch, Robert J.; Mink, Jessica D.; Nemiroff, Robert J.; Shamir, Lior; Shortridge, Keith; Taylor, Mark B.; Teuben, Peter J.; Wallin, John F.

2016-01-01

The Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL, ascl.net) is a free online registry of codes used in astronomy research. With nearly 1,200 codes, it is the largest indexed resource for astronomy codes in existence. Established in 1999, it offers software authors a path to citation of their research codes even without publication of a paper describing the software, and offers scientists a way to find codes used in refereed publications, thus improving the transparency of the research. It also provides a method to quantify the impact of source codes in a fashion similar to the science metrics of journal articles. Citations using ASCL IDs are accepted by major astronomy journals and if formatted properly are tracked by ADS and other indexing services. The number of citations to ASCL entries increased sharply from 110 citations in January 2014 to 456 citations in September 2015. The percentage of code entries in ASCL that were cited at least once rose from 7.5% in January 2014 to 17.4% in September 2015. The ASCL's mid-2014 infrastructure upgrade added an easy entry submission form, more flexible browsing, search capabilities, and an RSS feeder for updates. A Changes/Additions form added this past fall lets authors submit links for papers that use their codes for addition to the ASCL entry even if those papers don't formally cite the codes, thus increasing the transparency of that research and capturing the value of their software to the community.
76 FR 77549 - Lummi Nation-Title 20-Code of Laws-Liquor Code

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-13

... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Lummi Nation--Title 20--Code of Laws--Liquor... amendment to Lummi Nation's Title 20--Code of Laws--Liquor Code. The Code regulates and controls the... this amendment to Title 20--Lummi Nation Code of Laws--Liquor Code by Resolution 2011-038 on March 1...
Accumulate repeat accumulate codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbasfar, A.; Divsalar, D.; Yao, K.

2004-01-01

In this paper we propose an innovative channel coding scheme called Accumulate Repeat Accumulate codes. This class of codes can be viewed as trubo-like codes, namely a double serial concatenation of a rate-1 accumulator as an outer code, a regular or irregular repetition as a middle code, and a punctured accumulator as an inner code.
Accumulate repeat accumulate codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbasfar, Aliazam; Divsalar, Dariush; Yao, Kung

2004-01-01

In this paper we propose an innovative channel coding scheme called 'Accumulate Repeat Accumulate codes' (ARA). This class of codes can be viewed as serial turbo-like codes, or as a subclass of Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes, thus belief propagation can be used for iterative decoding of ARA codes on a graph. The structure of encoder for this class can be viewed as precoded Repeat Accumulate (RA) code or as precoded Irregular Repeat Accumulate (IRA) code, where simply an accumulator is chosen as a precoder. Thus ARA codes have simple, and very fast encoder structure when they representing LDPC codes. Based on density evolution for LDPC codes through some examples for ARA codes, we show that for maximum variable node degree 5 a minimum bit SNR as low as 0.08 dB from channel capacity for rate 1/2 can be achieved as the block size goes to infinity. Thus based on fixed low maximum variable node degree, its threshold outperforms not only the RA and IRA codes but also the best known LDPC codes with the dame maximum node degree. Furthermore by puncturing the accumulators any desired high rate codes close to code rate 1 can be obtained with thresholds that stay close to the channel capacity thresholds uniformly. Iterative decoding simulation results are provided. The ARA codes also have projected graph or protograph representation that allows for high speed decoder implementation.
Error floor behavior study of LDPC codes for concatenated codes design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Weigang; Yin, Liuguo; Lu, Jianhua

2007-11-01

Error floor behavior of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes using quantized decoding algorithms is statistically studied with experimental results on a hardware evaluation platform. The results present the distribution of the residual errors after decoding failure and reveal that the number of residual error bits in a codeword is usually very small using quantized sum-product (SP) algorithm. Therefore, LDPC code may serve as the inner code in a concatenated coding system with a high code rate outer code and thus an ultra low error floor can be achieved. This conclusion is also verified by the experimental results.
Intense pulse light and 5-ALA PDT: phototoxic effects in vitro depend on the spectral overlap with protoporphyrine IX but do not match cut-off filter notations.

PubMed

Maisch, Tim; Moor, Anne C E; Regensburger, Johannes; Ortland, Christoph; Szeimies, Rolf-Markus; Bäumler, Wolfgang

2011-02-01

Successful photodynamic therapy (PDT) requires a light source by which light is absorbed by the photosensitizer. Such absorption is achieved by adapting the emission spectrum of the lamp to the absorption-spectrum of the photosensitizer. Intense pulsed light sources (IPLs) are widely used in dermatology, but a standardized protocol for IPL-PDT is not available. Five different IPLs were chosen to evaluate their efficacy for PDT in vitro and the possibility for developing a standard protocol for PDT. Emission-spectra of IPLs were measured with an optical spectrograph and compared with the absorption spectrum of protoporphyrine IX (PpIX). Keratinocytes were incubated with 5-ALA and illuminated with the IPLs. Cell viability was determined for radiant exposures ranging from 0 to 504 J/cm(2) and pulse durations from 8 to 100 milliseconds. A standard LED light source was used as a reference. Cell viability is less effectively reduced by 5-ALA-PDT with IPLs than by a LED light source. Radiant exposures of the five IPLs ranged between 80 and 311 J/cm(2) to achieve the EC(50) value. This value correlated with the spectral overlap of the respective IPL and the absorption-spectrum of PpIX but not with the cut-off filter notations supplied by the manufacturer. All IPLs assessed emit different spectra because of different filter technologies. Different radiant exposures (J/cm(2) ) were necessary to achieve a photodynamic effect with 5-ALA in vitro depending on these spectra similar to the photodynamic effect of the standard LED light source. IPLs may be applicable in clinical PDT but radiant exposure protocols must be separately evaluated for each single IPL despite similar cut-off filter specifications. Such protocols are highly important for clinical practice to avoid a potential mismatch of excitation wavelengths and to prevent photothermal side effects when light intensities of up to hundreds of W/cm(2) are applied. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
77 FR 17467 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-26

... Interconnection, L.L.C. Description: Admin. Filing to Re-instate Missing Language in PJM Tariff Attach Q (V-0.1.0.... Filing to Re-instate Missing Language in PJM Tariff Attach Q (V-2.1.0) to be effective 1/1/2011. Filed...-1284-002. Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Description: Admin. Filing to Re-instate Missing...
Mechanical code comparator

DOEpatents

Peter, Frank J.; Dalton, Larry J.; Plummer, David W.

2002-01-01

A new class of mechanical code comparators is described which have broad potential for application in safety, surety, and security applications. These devices can be implemented as micro-scale electromechanical systems that isolate a secure or otherwise controlled device until an access code is entered. This access code is converted into a series of mechanical inputs to the mechanical code comparator, which compares the access code to a pre-input combination, entered previously into the mechanical code comparator by an operator at the system security control point. These devices provide extremely high levels of robust security. Being totally mechanical in operation, an access control system properly based on such devices cannot be circumvented by software attack alone.
The EDIT-COMGEOM Code

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-01

This report assumes a familiarity with the GIFT and MAGIC computer codes. The EDIT-COMGEOM code is a FORTRAN computer code. The EDIT-COMGEOM code...converts the target description data which was used in the MAGIC computer code to the target description data which can be used in the GIFT computer code
Surface code implementation of block code state distillation.

PubMed

Fowler, Austin G; Devitt, Simon J; Jones, Cody

2013-01-01

State distillation is the process of taking a number of imperfect copies of a particular quantum state and producing fewer better copies. Until recently, the lowest overhead method of distilling states produced a single improved [formula: see text] state given 15 input copies. New block code state distillation methods can produce k improved [formula: see text] states given 3k + 8 input copies, potentially significantly reducing the overhead associated with state distillation. We construct an explicit surface code implementation of block code state distillation and quantitatively compare the overhead of this approach to the old. We find that, using the best available techniques, for parameters of practical interest, block code state distillation does not always lead to lower overhead, and, when it does, the overhead reduction is typically less than a factor of three.
Surface code implementation of block code state distillation

PubMed Central

Fowler, Austin G.; Devitt, Simon J.; Jones, Cody

2013-01-01

State distillation is the process of taking a number of imperfect copies of a particular quantum state and producing fewer better copies. Until recently, the lowest overhead method of distilling states produced a single improved |A〉 state given 15 input copies. New block code state distillation methods can produce k improved |A〉 states given 3k + 8 input copies, potentially significantly reducing the overhead associated with state distillation. We construct an explicit surface code implementation of block code state distillation and quantitatively compare the overhead of this approach to the old. We find that, using the best available techniques, for parameters of practical interest, block code state distillation does not always lead to lower overhead, and, when it does, the overhead reduction is typically less than a factor of three. PMID:23736868
Using Coding Apps to Support Literacy Instruction and Develop Coding Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hutchison, Amy; Nadolny, Larysa; Estapa, Anne

2016-01-01

In this article the authors present the concept of Coding Literacy and describe the ways in which coding apps can support the development of Coding Literacy and disciplinary and digital literacy skills. Through detailed examples, we describe how coding apps can be integrated into literacy instruction to support learning of the Common Core English…
Design of specific peptide inhibitors of phospholipase A2: structure of a complex formed between Russell's viper phospholipase A2 and a designed peptide Leu-Ala-Ile-Tyr-Ser (LAIYS).

PubMed

Chandra, Vikas; Jasti, Jayasankar; Kaur, Punit; Dey, Sharmistha; Srinivasan, A; Betzel, Ch; Singh, T P

2002-10-01

Phospholipase A(2) (EC 3.1.1.4) is a key enzyme of the cascade mechanism involved in the production of proinflammatory compounds known as eicosanoids. The binding of phospholipase A(2) to membrane surfaces and the hydrolysis of phospholipids are thought to involve the formation of a hydrophobic channel into which a single substrate molecule diffuses before cleavage. In order to regulate the production of proinflammatory compounds, a specific peptide inhibitor of PLA(2), Leu-Ala-Ile-Tyr-Ser, has been designed. Phospholipase A(2) from Daboia russelli pulchella (DPLA(2)) and peptide Leu-Ala-Ile-Tyr-Ser (LAIYS) have been co-crystallized. The structure of the complex has been determined and refined to 2.0 A resolution. The structure contains two crystallographically independent molecules of DPLA(2), with one molecule of peptide specifically bound to one of them. The overall conformations of the two molecules are essentially similar except in three regions; namely, the calcium-binding loop including Trp31 (residues 25-34), the beta-wing consisting of two antiparallel beta-strands (residues 74-85) and the C-terminal region (residues 119-133). Of these, the most striking difference pertains to the orientation of Trp31 in the two molecules. The conformation of Trp31 in molecule A was suitable to allow the binding of peptide LAIYS, while that in molecule B prevented the entry of the ligand into the hydrophobic channel. The structure of the complex clearly showed that the OH group of Tyr of the inhibitor formed hydrogen bonds with both His48 N(delta1) and Asp49 O(delta1), while O(gamma)H of Ser was involved in a hydrogen bond with Trp31. Other peptide backbone atoms interact with protein through water molecules, while Leu, Ala and Ile form strong hydrophobic interactions with the residues of the hydrophobic channel.
Performance analysis of a cascaded coding scheme with interleaved outer code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, S.

1986-01-01

A cascaded coding scheme for a random error channel with a bit-error rate is analyzed. In this scheme, the inner code C sub 1 is an (n sub 1, m sub 1l) binary linear block code which is designed for simultaneous error correction and detection. The outer code C sub 2 is a linear block code with symbols from the Galois field GF (2 sup l) which is designed for correcting both symbol errors and erasures, and is interleaved with a degree m sub 1. A procedure for computing the probability of a correct decoding is presented and an upper bound on the probability of a decoding error is derived. The bound provides much better results than the previous bound for a cascaded coding scheme with an interleaved outer code. Example schemes with inner codes ranging from high rates to very low rates are evaluated. Several schemes provide extremely high reliability even for very high bit-error rates say 10 to the -1 to 10 to the -2 power.
High rate concatenated coding systems using bandwidth efficient trellis inner codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deng, Robert H.; Costello, Daniel J., Jr.

1989-01-01

High-rate concatenated coding systems with bandwidth-efficient trellis inner codes and Reed-Solomon (RS) outer codes are investigated for application in high-speed satellite communication systems. Two concatenated coding schemes are proposed. In one the inner code is decoded with soft-decision Viterbi decoding, and the outer RS code performs error-correction-only decoding (decoding without side information). In the other, the inner code is decoded with a modified Viterbi algorithm, which produces reliability information along with the decoded output. In this algorithm, path metrics are used to estimate the entire information sequence, whereas branch metrics are used to provide reliability information on the decoded sequence. This information is used to erase unreliable bits in the decoded output. An errors-and-erasures RS decoder is then used for the outer code. The two schemes have been proposed for high-speed data communication on NASA satellite channels. The rates considered are at least double those used in current NASA systems, and the results indicate that high system reliability can still be achieved.

Industrial Code Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shapiro, Wilbur

1991-01-01

The industrial codes will consist of modules of 2-D and simplified 2-D or 1-D codes, intended for expeditious parametric studies, analysis, and design of a wide variety of seals. Integration into a unified system is accomplished by the industrial Knowledge Based System (KBS), which will also provide user friendly interaction, contact sensitive and hypertext help, design guidance, and an expandable database. The types of analysis to be included with the industrial codes are interfacial performance (leakage, load, stiffness, friction losses, etc.), thermoelastic distortions, and dynamic response to rotor excursions. The first three codes to be completed and which are presently being incorporated into the KBS are the incompressible cylindrical code, ICYL, and the compressible cylindrical code, GCYL.
New optimal asymmetric quantum codes constructed from constacyclic codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Gen; Li, Ruihu; Guo, Luobin; Lü, Liangdong

2017-02-01

In this paper, we propose the construction of asymmetric quantum codes from two families of constacyclic codes over finite field 𝔽q2 of code length n, where for the first family, q is an odd prime power with the form 4t + 1 (t ≥ 1 is integer) or 4t - 1 (t ≥ 2 is integer) and n1 = q2+1 2; for the second family, q is an odd prime power with the form 10t + 3 or 10t + 7 (t ≥ 0 is integer) and n2 = q2+1 5. As a result, families of new asymmetric quantum codes [[n,k,dz/dx
Quantum error-correcting codes from algebraic geometry codes of Castle type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munuera, Carlos; Tenório, Wanderson; Torres, Fernando

2016-10-01

We study algebraic geometry codes producing quantum error-correcting codes by the CSS construction. We pay particular attention to the family of Castle codes. We show that many of the examples known in the literature in fact belong to this family of codes. We systematize these constructions by showing the common theory that underlies all of them.
Schroedinger’s code: Source code availability and transparency in astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, PW; Allen, Alice; Teuben, Peter

2018-01-01

Astronomers use software for their research, but how many of the codes they use are available as source code? We examined a sample of 166 papers from 2015 for clearly identified software use, then searched for source code for the software packages mentioned in these research papers. We categorized the software to indicate whether source code is available for download and whether there are restrictions to accessing it, and if source code was not available, whether some other form of the software, such as a binary, was. Over 40% of the source code for the software used in our sample was not available for download.As URLs have often been used as proxy citations for software, we also extracted URLs from one journal’s 2015 research articles, removed those from certain long-term, reliable domains, and tested the remainder to determine what percentage of these URLs were still accessible in September and October, 2017.
Two-terminal video coding.

PubMed

Yang, Yang; Stanković, Vladimir; Xiong, Zixiang; Zhao, Wei

2009-03-01

Following recent works on the rate region of the quadratic Gaussian two-terminal source coding problem and limit-approaching code designs, this paper examines multiterminal source coding of two correlated, i.e., stereo, video sequences to save the sum rate over independent coding of both sequences. Two multiterminal video coding schemes are proposed. In the first scheme, the left sequence of the stereo pair is coded by H.264/AVC and used at the joint decoder to facilitate Wyner-Ziv coding of the right video sequence. The first I-frame of the right sequence is successively coded by H.264/AVC Intracoding and Wyner-Ziv coding. An efficient stereo matching algorithm based on loopy belief propagation is then adopted at the decoder to produce pixel-level disparity maps between the corresponding frames of the two decoded video sequences on the fly. Based on the disparity maps, side information for both motion vectors and motion-compensated residual frames of the right sequence are generated at the decoder before Wyner-Ziv encoding. In the second scheme, source splitting is employed on top of classic and Wyner-Ziv coding for compression of both I-frames to allow flexible rate allocation between the two sequences. Experiments with both schemes on stereo video sequences using H.264/AVC, LDPC codes for Slepian-Wolf coding of the motion vectors, and scalar quantization in conjunction with LDPC codes for Wyner-Ziv coding of the residual coefficients give a slightly lower sum rate than separate H.264/AVC coding of both sequences at the same video quality.
More box codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, G.

1992-01-01

A new investigation shows that, starting from the BCH (21,15;3) code represented as a 7 x 3 matrix and adding a row and column to add even parity, one obtains an 8 x 4 matrix (32,15;8) code. An additional dimension is obtained by specifying odd parity on the rows and even parity on the columns, i.e., adjoining to the 8 x 4 matrix, the matrix, which is zero except for the fourth column (of all ones). Furthermore, any seven rows and three columns will form the BCH (21,15;3) code. This box code has the same weight structure as the quadratic residue and BCH codes of the same dimensions. Whether there exists an algebraic isomorphism to either code is as yet unknown.
Coding in Muscle Disease.

PubMed

Jones, Lyell K; Ney, John P

2016-12-01

Accurate coding is critically important for clinical practice and research. Ongoing changes to diagnostic and billing codes require the clinician to stay abreast of coding updates. Payment for health care services, data sets for health services research, and reporting for medical quality improvement all require accurate administrative coding. This article provides an overview of administrative coding for patients with muscle disease and includes a case-based review of diagnostic and Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding principles in patients with myopathy. Procedural coding for electrodiagnostic studies and neuromuscular ultrasound is also reviewed.
Anatomical relationships of the procerus with the nasal ala and the nasal muscles: transverse part of the nasalis and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi.

PubMed

Hur, Mi-Sun

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to clarify the anatomical relationship of the procerus with the nose, especially focusing on the transverse part of the nasalis, the nasal ala, and the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN). The 53 faces from Korean cadavers were examined anatomically. The procerus originated from the superficial and deep layers in all specimens. Some fibers of the lateral part of the superficial layer extended to connect to the transverse part of the nasalis, while other such fibers extended to attach to the skin of the upper nasal ala in all specimens. The superficial and deep layers of the procerus merged and then intermingled with the frontalis. The anatomical relationship between the superficial layer of the procerus and the LLSAN was classified into the following two categories according to their connections. Some medial originating fibers of the LLSAN extended superomedially to blend in the area between the superficial layer of the procerus and the depressor supercilii (13.5%). And, some medial originating fibers of the LLSAN extended superomedially and then constituted the lateral portion of the superficial layer of the procerus (7.7%). This study has yielded crucial data for understanding the anatomical relationships and functions of the procerus in relation to the nose. They will be helpful when designing effective therapies involving botulinum toxin type A, performing various types of rhinoplasty and facial surgeries, and in electromyography analyses.
cncRNAs: Bi-functional RNAs with protein coding and non-coding functions

PubMed Central

Kumari, Pooja; Sampath, Karuna

2015-01-01

For many decades, the major function of mRNA was thought to be to provide protein-coding information embedded in the genome. The advent of high-throughput sequencing has led to the discovery of pervasive transcription of eukaryotic genomes and opened the world of RNA-mediated gene regulation. Many regulatory RNAs have been found to be incapable of protein coding and are hence termed as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). However, studies in recent years have shown that several previously annotated non-coding RNAs have the potential to encode proteins, and conversely, some coding RNAs have regulatory functions independent of the protein they encode. Such bi-functional RNAs, with both protein coding and non-coding functions, which we term as ‘cncRNAs’, have emerged as new players in cellular systems. Here, we describe the functions of some cncRNAs identified from bacteria to humans. Because the functions of many RNAs across genomes remains unclear, we propose that RNAs be classified as coding, non-coding or both only after careful analysis of their functions. PMID:26498036
Interface requirements to couple thermal-hydraulic codes to 3D neutronic codes

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

Langenbuch, S.; Austregesilo, H.; Velkov, K.

1997-07-01

The present situation of thermalhydraulics codes and 3D neutronics codes is briefly described and general considerations for coupling of these codes are discussed. Two different basic approaches of coupling are identified and their relative advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The implementation of the coupling for 3D neutronics codes in the system ATHLET is presented. Meanwhile, this interface is used for coupling three different 3D neutronics codes.
Synthesizing Certified Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whalen, Michael; Schumann, Johann; Fischer, Bernd

2002-01-01

Code certification is a lightweight approach to demonstrate software quality on a formal level. Its basic idea is to require producers to provide formal proofs that their code satisfies certain quality properties. These proofs serve as certificates which can be checked independently. Since code certification uses the same underlying technology as program verification, it also requires many detailed annotations (e.g., loop invariants) to make the proofs possible. However, manually adding theses annotations to the code is time-consuming and error-prone. We address this problem by combining code certification with automatic program synthesis. We propose an approach to generate simultaneously, from a high-level specification, code and all annotations required to certify generated code. Here, we describe a certification extension of AUTOBAYES, a synthesis tool which automatically generates complex data analysis programs from compact specifications. AUTOBAYES contains sufficient high-level domain knowledge to generate detailed annotations. This allows us to use a general-purpose verification condition generator to produce a set of proof obligations in first-order logic. The obligations are then discharged using the automated theorem E-SETHEO. We demonstrate our approach by certifying operator safety for a generated iterative data classification program without manual annotation of the code.
Ensemble coding of face identity is not independent of the coding of individual identity.

PubMed

Neumann, Markus F; Ng, Ryan; Rhodes, Gillian; Palermo, Romina

2018-06-01

Information about a group of similar objects can be summarized into a compressed code, known as ensemble coding. Ensemble coding of simple stimuli (e.g., groups of circles) can occur in the absence of detailed exemplar coding, suggesting dissociable processes. Here, we investigate whether a dissociation would still be apparent when coding facial identity, where individual exemplar information is much more important. We examined whether ensemble coding can occur when exemplar coding is difficult, as a result of large sets or short viewing times, or whether the two types of coding are positively associated. We found a positive association, whereby both ensemble and exemplar coding were reduced for larger groups and shorter viewing times. There was no evidence for ensemble coding in the absence of exemplar coding. At longer presentation times, there was an unexpected dissociation, where exemplar coding increased yet ensemble coding decreased, suggesting that robust information about face identity might suppress ensemble coding. Thus, for face identity, we did not find the classic dissociation-of access to ensemble information in the absence of detailed exemplar information-that has been used to support claims of distinct mechanisms for ensemble and exemplar coding.
Syndrome-source-coding and its universal generalization. [error correcting codes for data compression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ancheta, T. C., Jr.

1976-01-01

A method of using error-correcting codes to obtain data compression, called syndrome-source-coding, is described in which the source sequence is treated as an error pattern whose syndrome forms the compressed data. It is shown that syndrome-source-coding can achieve arbitrarily small distortion with the number of compressed digits per source digit arbitrarily close to the entropy of a binary memoryless source. A 'universal' generalization of syndrome-source-coding is formulated which provides robustly effective distortionless coding of source ensembles. Two examples are given, comparing the performance of noiseless universal syndrome-source-coding to (1) run-length coding and (2) Lynch-Davisson-Schalkwijk-Cover universal coding for an ensemble of binary memoryless sources.
Transthyretin Ala36Pro mutation in a Chinese pedigree of familial transthyretin amyloidosis with elevated vitreous and serum vascular endothelial growth factor.

PubMed

Zou, Xuan; Dong, Fangtian; Zhang, Shuying; Tian, Rong; Sui, Ruifang

2013-05-01

The familial transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (FTA) demonstrates variable penetrance of clinical features associated with mutations in the plasma thyroid hormone-binding protein TTR gene. The purpose of this study was to assess the ocular features, to analyze vitreous and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and to identify the genetic defect in a Chinese family with TTR FTA. The pedigree of interest was a three-generation family with eleven members. The primary ocular signs were vitreous opacities, beginning from the third or fourth decade, accompanied by retinal vasculitis, hemorrhages, and widespread pinpoint deposits in the peripheral retina. Two patients underwent vitrectomy with marked improvement of visual acuity postoperatively. Vitreous and serum samples for VEGF were analyzed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Forty-eight healthy adult volunteers were enrolled as a control group for the analysis of serum VEGF. Eight subjects who underwent vitrectomy for a macular epiretinal membrane or macular hole were enrolled as control for the analysis of vitreous VEGF. Both serum and vitreous VEGF levels of patients were raised compared to that of controls. Venous blood was collected from family members and the genomic DNA was extracted. All exons and exon-intron boundaries of the TTR gene were sequenced. A previously-described pathogenic transversion in exon 2 (c.G106C, p.Ala36Pro) was identified. Within this family eight individuals were confirmed as affected. In conclusion, a Chinese family with TTR Ala36Pro associated FTA is characterized by early ocular involvement. Widespread pinpoint lesions indicate RPE lesions caused by TTR deposition. FTA is associated with increased VEGF levels, both in serum and vitreous. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cracking the code: the accuracy of coding shoulder procedures and the repercussions.

PubMed

Clement, N D; Murray, I R; Nie, Y X; McBirnie, J M

2013-05-01

Coding of patients' diagnosis and surgical procedures is subject to error levels of up to 40% with consequences on distribution of resources and financial recompense. Our aim was to explore and address reasons behind coding errors of shoulder diagnosis and surgical procedures and to evaluate a potential solution. A retrospective review of 100 patients who had undergone surgery was carried out. Coding errors were identified and the reasons explored. A coding proforma was designed to address these errors and was prospectively evaluated for 100 patients. The financial implications were also considered. Retrospective analysis revealed the correct primary diagnosis was assigned in 54 patients (54%) had an entirely correct diagnosis, and only 7 (7%) patients had a correct procedure code assigned. Coders identified indistinct clinical notes and poor clarity of procedure codes as reasons for errors. The proforma was significantly more likely to assign the correct diagnosis (odds ratio 18.2, p < 0.0001) and the correct procedure code (odds ratio 310.0, p < 0.0001). Using the proforma resulted in a £28,562 increase in revenue for the 100 patients evaluated relative to the income generated from the coding department. High error levels for coding are due to misinterpretation of notes and ambiguity of procedure codes. This can be addressed by allowing surgeons to assign the diagnosis and procedure using a simplified list that is passed directly to coding.
Trace-shortened Reed-Solomon codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mceliece, R. J.; Solomon, G.

1994-01-01

Reed-Solomon (RS) codes have been part of standard NASA telecommunications systems for many years. RS codes are character-oriented error-correcting codes, and their principal use in space applications has been as outer codes in concatenated coding systems. However, for a given character size, say m bits, RS codes are limited to a length of, at most, 2(exp m). It is known in theory that longer character-oriented codes would be superior to RS codes in concatenation applications, but until recently no practical class of 'long' character-oriented codes had been discovered. In 1992, however, Solomon discovered an extensive class of such codes, which are now called trace-shortened Reed-Solomon (TSRS) codes. In this article, we will continue the study of TSRS codes. Our main result is a formula for the dimension of any TSRS code, as a function of its error-correcting power. Using this formula, we will give several examples of TSRS codes, some of which look very promising as candidate outer codes in high-performance coded telecommunications systems.
Variation of SNOMED CT coding of clinical research concepts among coding experts.

PubMed

Andrews, James E; Richesson, Rachel L; Krischer, Jeffrey

2007-01-01

To compare consistency of coding among professional SNOMED CT coders representing three commercial providers of coding services when coding clinical research concepts with SNOMED CT. A sample of clinical research questions from case report forms (CRFs) generated by the NIH-funded Rare Disease Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) were sent to three coding companies with instructions to code the core concepts using SNOMED CT. The sample consisted of 319 question/answer pairs from 15 separate studies. The companies were asked to select SNOMED CT concepts (in any form, including post-coordinated) that capture the core concept(s) reflected in the question. Also, they were asked to state their level of certainty, as well as how precise they felt their coding was. Basic frequencies were calculated to determine raw level agreement among the companies and other descriptive information. Krippendorff's alpha was used to determine a statistical measure of agreement among the coding companies for several measures (semantic, certainty, and precision). No significant level of agreement among the experts was found. There is little semantic agreement in coding of clinical research data items across coders from 3 professional coding services, even using a very liberal definition of agreement.
Deductive Glue Code Synthesis for Embedded Software Systems Based on Code Patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Jian; Fu, Jicheng; Zhang, Yansheng; Bastani, Farokh; Yen, I-Ling; Tai, Ann; Chau, Savio N.

2006-01-01

Automated code synthesis is a constructive process that can be used to generate programs from specifications. It can, thus, greatly reduce the software development cost and time. The use of formal code synthesis approach for software generation further increases the dependability of the system. Though code synthesis has many potential benefits, the synthesis techniques are still limited. Meanwhile, components are widely used in embedded system development. Applying code synthesis to component based software development (CBSD) process can greatly enhance the capability of code synthesis while reducing the component composition efforts. In this paper, we discuss the issues and techniques for applying deductive code synthesis techniques to CBSD. For deductive synthesis in CBSD, a rule base is the key for inferring appropriate component composition. We use the code patterns to guide the development of rules. Code patterns have been proposed to capture the typical usages of the components. Several general composition operations have been identified to facilitate systematic composition. We present the technique for rule development and automated generation of new patterns from existing code patterns. A case study of using this method in building a real-time control system is also presented.
Joint design of QC-LDPC codes for coded cooperation system with joint iterative decoding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shunwai; Yang, Fengfan; Tang, Lei; Ejaz, Saqib; Luo, Lin; Maharaj, B. T.

2016-03-01

In this paper, we investigate joint design of quasi-cyclic low-density-parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes for coded cooperation system with joint iterative decoding in the destination. First, QC-LDPC codes based on the base matrix and exponent matrix are introduced, and then we describe two types of girth-4 cycles in QC-LDPC codes employed by the source and relay. In the equivalent parity-check matrix corresponding to the jointly designed QC-LDPC codes employed by the source and relay, all girth-4 cycles including both type I and type II are cancelled. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations show that the jointly designed QC-LDPC coded cooperation well combines cooperation gain and channel coding gain, and outperforms the coded non-cooperation under the same conditions. Furthermore, the bit error rate performance of the coded cooperation employing jointly designed QC-LDPC codes is better than those of random LDPC codes and separately designed QC-LDPC codes over AWGN channels.
Discrete Cosine Transform Image Coding With Sliding Block Codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divakaran, Ajay; Pearlman, William A.

1989-11-01

A transform trellis coding scheme for images is presented. A two dimensional discrete cosine transform is applied to the image followed by a search on a trellis structured code. This code is a sliding block code that utilizes a constrained size reproduction alphabet. The image is divided into blocks by the transform coding. The non-stationarity of the image is counteracted by grouping these blocks in clusters through a clustering algorithm, and then encoding the clusters separately. Mandela ordered sequences are formed from each cluster i.e identically indexed coefficients from each block are grouped together to form one dimensional sequences. A separate search ensues on each of these Mandela ordered sequences. Padding sequences are used to improve the trellis search fidelity. The padding sequences absorb the error caused by the building up of the trellis to full size. The simulations were carried out on a 256x256 image ('LENA'). The results are comparable to any existing scheme. The visual quality of the image is enhanced considerably by the padding and clustering.

Coding of Neuroinfectious Diseases.

PubMed

Barkley, Gregory L

2015-12-01

Accurate coding is an important function of neurologic practice. This contribution to Continuum is part of an ongoing series that presents helpful coding information along with examples related to the issue topic. Tips for diagnosis coding, Evaluation and Management coding, procedure coding, or a combination are presented, depending on which is most applicable to the subject area of the issue.
Diagnostic Coding for Epilepsy.

PubMed

Williams, Korwyn; Nuwer, Marc R; Buchhalter, Jeffrey R

2016-02-01

Accurate coding is an important function of neurologic practice. This contribution to Continuum is part of an ongoing series that presents helpful coding information along with examples related to the issue topic. Tips for diagnosis coding, Evaluation and Management coding, procedure coding, or a combination are presented, depending on which is most applicable to the subject area of the issue.
Integration of seismic and petrophysics to characterize reservoirs in "ALA" oil field, Niger Delta.

PubMed

Alao, P A; Olabode, S O; Opeloye, S A

2013-01-01

In the exploration and production business, by far the largest component of geophysical spending is driven by the need to characterize (potential) reservoirs. The simple reason is that better reservoir characterization means higher success rates and fewer wells for reservoir exploitation. In this research work, seismic and well log data were integrated in characterizing the reservoirs on "ALA" field in Niger Delta. Three-dimensional seismic data was used to identify the faults and map the horizons. Petrophysical parameters and time-depth structure maps were obtained. Seismic attributes was also employed in characterizing the reservoirs. Seven hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs with thickness ranging from 9.9 to 71.6 m were delineated. Structural maps of horizons in six wells containing hydrocarbon-bearing zones with tops and bottoms at range of -2,453 to -3,950 m were generated; this portrayed the trapping mechanism to be mainly fault-assisted anticlinal closures. The identified prospective zones have good porosity, permeability, and hydrocarbon saturation. The environments of deposition were identified from log shapes which indicate a transitional-to-deltaic depositional environment. In this research work, new prospects have been recommended for drilling and further research work. Geochemical and biostratigraphic studies should be done to better characterize the reservoirs and reliably interpret the depositional environments.
Report number codes

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

Nelson, R.N.

This publication lists all report number codes processed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information. The report codes are substantially based on the American National Standards Institute, Standard Technical Report Number (STRN)-Format and Creation Z39.23-1983. The Standard Technical Report Number (STRN) provides one of the primary methods of identifying a specific technical report. The STRN consists of two parts: The report code and the sequential number. The report code identifies the issuing organization, a specific program, or a type of document. The sequential number, which is assigned in sequence by each report issuing entity, is not included in thismore » publication. Part I of this compilation is alphabetized by report codes followed by issuing installations. Part II lists the issuing organization followed by the assigned report code(s). In both Parts I and II, the names of issuing organizations appear for the most part in the form used at the time the reports were issued. However, for some of the more prolific installations which have had name changes, all entries have been merged under the current name.« less
Speech coding

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

Ravishankar, C., Hughes Network Systems, Germantown, MD

Speech is the predominant means of communication between human beings and since the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, speech services have remained to be the core service in almost all telecommunication systems. Original analog methods of telephony had the disadvantage of speech signal getting corrupted by noise, cross-talk and distortion Long haul transmissions which use repeaters to compensate for the loss in signal strength on transmission links also increase the associated noise and distortion. On the other hand digital transmission is relatively immune to noise, cross-talk and distortion primarily because of the capability to faithfullymore » regenerate digital signal at each repeater purely based on a binary decision. Hence end-to-end performance of the digital link essentially becomes independent of the length and operating frequency bands of the link Hence from a transmission point of view digital transmission has been the preferred approach due to its higher immunity to noise. The need to carry digital speech became extremely important from a service provision point of view as well. Modem requirements have introduced the need for robust, flexible and secure services that can carry a multitude of signal types (such as voice, data and video) without a fundamental change in infrastructure. Such a requirement could not have been easily met without the advent of digital transmission systems, thereby requiring speech to be coded digitally. The term Speech Coding is often referred to techniques that represent or code speech signals either directly as a waveform or as a set of parameters by analyzing the speech signal. In either case, the codes are transmitted to the distant end where speech is reconstructed or synthesized using the received set of codes. A more generic term that is applicable to these techniques that is often interchangeably used with speech coding is the term voice coding. This term is more generic in the sense that
Crystal structure of an EfPDF complex with Met-Ala-Ser based on crystallographic packing.

PubMed

Nam, Ki Hyun; Kim, Kook-Han; Kim, Eunice Eun Kyeong; Hwang, Kwang Yeon

2009-04-17

PDF (peptide deformylase) plays a critical role in the production of mature proteins by removing the N-formyl polypeptide of nascent proteins in the prokaryote cell system. This protein is essential for bacterial growth, making it an attractive target for the design of new antibiotics. Accordingly, PDF has been evaluated as a drug target; however, architectural mechanism studies of PDF have not yet fully elucidated its molecular function. We recently reported the crystal structure of PDF produced by Enterococcus faecium [K.H. Nam, J.I. Ham, A. Priyadarshi, E.E. Kim, N. Chung, K.Y. Hwang, "Insight into the antibacterial drug design and architectural mechanism of peptide recognition from the E. faecium peptide deformylase structure", Proteins 74 (2009) 261-265]. Here, we present the crystal structure of the EfPDF complex with MAS (Met-Ser-Ala), thereby not only delineating the architectural mechanism for the recognition of mimic-peptides by N-terminal cleaved expression peptide, but also suggesting possible targets for rational design of antibacterial drugs. In addition to their implications for drug design, these structural studies will facilitate elucidation of the architectural mechanism responsible for the peptide recognition of PDF.
Multidimensional Trellis Coded Phase Modulation Using a Multilevel Concatenation Approach. Part 1; Code Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rajpal, Sandeep; Rhee, Do Jun; Lin, Shu

1997-01-01

The first part of this paper presents a simple and systematic technique for constructing multidimensional M-ary phase shift keying (MMK) trellis coded modulation (TCM) codes. The construction is based on a multilevel concatenation approach in which binary convolutional codes with good free branch distances are used as the outer codes and block MPSK modulation codes are used as the inner codes (or the signal spaces). Conditions on phase invariance of these codes are derived and a multistage decoding scheme for these codes is proposed. The proposed technique can be used to construct good codes for both the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and fading channels as is shown in the second part of this paper.
User's manual for Axisymmetric Diffuser Duct (ADD) code. Volume 1: General ADD code description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, O. L.; Hankins, G. B., Jr.; Edwards, D. E.

1982-01-01

This User's Manual contains a complete description of the computer codes known as the AXISYMMETRIC DIFFUSER DUCT code or ADD code. It includes a list of references which describe the formulation of the ADD code and comparisons of calculation with experimental flows. The input/output and general use of the code is described in the first volume. The second volume contains a detailed description of the code including the global structure of the code, list of FORTRAN variables, and descriptions of the subroutines. The third volume contains a detailed description of the CODUCT code which generates coordinate systems for arbitrary axisymmetric ducts.
ARA type protograph codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush (Inventor); Abbasfar, Aliazam (Inventor); Jones, Christopher R. (Inventor); Dolinar, Samuel J. (Inventor); Thorpe, Jeremy C. (Inventor); Andrews, Kenneth S. (Inventor); Yao, Kung (Inventor)

2008-01-01

An apparatus and method for encoding low-density parity check codes. Together with a repeater, an interleaver and an accumulator, the apparatus comprises a precoder, thus forming accumulate-repeat-accumulate (ARA codes). Protographs representing various types of ARA codes, including AR3A, AR4A and ARJA codes, are described. High performance is obtained when compared to the performance of current repeat-accumulate (RA) or irregular-repeat-accumulate (IRA) codes.
Legacy Code Modernization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hribar, Michelle R.; Frumkin, Michael; Jin, Haoqiang; Waheed, Abdul; Yan, Jerry; Saini, Subhash (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

Over the past decade, high performance computing has evolved rapidly; systems based on commodity microprocessors have been introduced in quick succession from at least seven vendors/families. Porting codes to every new architecture is a difficult problem; in particular, here at NASA, there are many large CFD applications that are very costly to port to new machines by hand. The LCM ("Legacy Code Modernization") Project is the development of an integrated parallelization environment (IPE) which performs the automated mapping of legacy CFD (Fortran) applications to state-of-the-art high performance computers. While most projects to port codes focus on the parallelization of the code, we consider porting to be an iterative process consisting of several steps: 1) code cleanup, 2) serial optimization,3) parallelization, 4) performance monitoring and visualization, 5) intelligent tools for automated tuning using performance prediction and 6) machine specific optimization. The approach for building this parallelization environment is to build the components for each of the steps simultaneously and then integrate them together. The demonstration will exhibit our latest research in building this environment: 1. Parallelizing tools and compiler evaluation. 2. Code cleanup and serial optimization using automated scripts 3. Development of a code generator for performance prediction 4. Automated partitioning 5. Automated insertion of directives. These demonstrations will exhibit the effectiveness of an automated approach for all the steps involved with porting and tuning a legacy code application for a new architecture.
A novel concatenated code based on the improved SCG-LDPC code for optical transmission systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Jian-guo; Xie, Ya; Wang, Lin; Huang, Sheng; Wang, Yong

2013-01-01

Based on the optimization and improvement for the construction method of systematically constructed Gallager (SCG) (4, k) code, a novel SCG low density parity check (SCG-LDPC)(3969, 3720) code to be suitable for optical transmission systems is constructed. The novel SCG-LDPC (6561,6240) code with code rate of 95.1% is constructed by increasing the length of SCG-LDPC (3969,3720) code, and in a way, the code rate of LDPC codes can better meet the high requirements of optical transmission systems. And then the novel concatenated code is constructed by concatenating SCG-LDPC(6561,6240) code and BCH(127,120) code with code rate of 94.5%. The simulation results and analyses show that the net coding gain (NCG) of BCH(127,120)+SCG-LDPC(6561,6240) concatenated code is respectively 2.28 dB and 0.48 dB more than those of the classic RS(255,239) code and SCG-LDPC(6561,6240) code at the bit error rate (BER) of 10-7.
Phonological coding during reading

PubMed Central

Leinenger, Mallorie

2014-01-01

The exact role that phonological coding (the recoding of written, orthographic information into a sound based code) plays during silent reading has been extensively studied for more than a century. Despite the large body of research surrounding the topic, varying theories as to the time course and function of this recoding still exist. The present review synthesizes this body of research, addressing the topics of time course and function in tandem. The varying theories surrounding the function of phonological coding (e.g., that phonological codes aid lexical access, that phonological codes aid comprehension and bolster short-term memory, or that phonological codes are largely epiphenomenal in skilled readers) are first outlined, and the time courses that each maps onto (e.g., that phonological codes come online early (pre-lexical) or that phonological codes come online late (post-lexical)) are discussed. Next the research relevant to each of these proposed functions is reviewed, discussing the varying methodologies that have been used to investigate phonological coding (e.g., response time methods, reading while eyetracking or recording EEG and MEG, concurrent articulation) and highlighting the advantages and limitations of each with respect to the study of phonological coding. In response to the view that phonological coding is largely epiphenomenal in skilled readers, research on the use of phonological codes in prelingually, profoundly deaf readers is reviewed. Finally, implications for current models of word identification (activation-verification model (Van Order, 1987), dual-route model (e.g., Coltheart, Rastle, Perry, Langdon, & Ziegler, 2001), parallel distributed processing model (Seidenberg & McClelland, 1989)) are discussed. PMID:25150679
Pyramid image codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Andrew B.

1990-01-01

All vision systems, both human and machine, transform the spatial image into a coded representation. Particular codes may be optimized for efficiency or to extract useful image features. Researchers explored image codes based on primary visual cortex in man and other primates. Understanding these codes will advance the art in image coding, autonomous vision, and computational human factors. In cortex, imagery is coded by features that vary in size, orientation, and position. Researchers have devised a mathematical model of this transformation, called the Hexagonal oriented Orthogonal quadrature Pyramid (HOP). In a pyramid code, features are segregated by size into layers, with fewer features in the layers devoted to large features. Pyramid schemes provide scale invariance, and are useful for coarse-to-fine searching and for progressive transmission of images. The HOP Pyramid is novel in three respects: (1) it uses a hexagonal pixel lattice, (2) it uses oriented features, and (3) it accurately models most of the prominent aspects of primary visual cortex. The transform uses seven basic features (kernels), which may be regarded as three oriented edges, three oriented bars, and one non-oriented blob. Application of these kernels to non-overlapping seven-pixel neighborhoods yields six oriented, high-pass pyramid layers, and one low-pass (blob) layer.
ALA-mediated fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) and PDT of glioma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johansson, Ann; Stepp, Herbert; Beck, Tobias; Beyer, Wolfgang; Pongratz, Thomas; Sroka, Ronald; Meinel, Thomas; Stummer, Walter; Kreth, Friedrich-Wilhelm; Tonn, Jörg-Christian; Baumgartner, Reinhold

2009-06-01

A summary of clinical trials employing photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the diagnosis and treatment of brain malignancies is presented. Intra-cavity PDT has been performed within the surgical cavity following FGR, employing oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), either targeting fluorescing tissue regions that were not removed during FGR due to safety reasons (referred to as focal PDT, n=20) or illuminating the entire resection cavity (referred to as integral PDT, n=9). Both approaches proved technically feasible and safe. Spectroscopic measurements performed pre-, during and post-PDT revealed Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-photobleaching of more than 95% after the delivery of 200 J/cm2. This light dose did not induce any side effects. Furthermore, interstitial PDT (iPDT) has been employed within one feasibility trial (n=10) and one Phase I/II trial (n=15). Here, three to six cylindrical light diffusors (20-30 mm length, 200 mW/cm, 720 J/cm) were positioned within the target tissue under stereotactic guidance. Pre-treatment planning was performed with the intent to target the entire tumour volume with a sufficient light dose while also minimising the risk of any light-induced temperature increase. For the feasibility trial patients with small, recurrent gliomas were included, resulting in a median survival of 15 months as well as some unexpected longterm survivals (up to 5 years). The Phase I/II trial employed the same clinical procedures. Here, the 12-month survival was 35% and the median progression-free survival was 6 months. In summary, stereotactic iPDT in combination with treatment-planning could be shown to be a safe and feasible treatment modality. These trials are presently being extended to also include on-line monitoring of PpIX fluorescence and photobleaching kinetics. Preliminary data has revealed dramatically different PpIX levels and photobleaching kinetics. Such data could possibly be employed for realtime
A Review on Spectral Amplitude Coding Optical Code Division Multiple Access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Navpreet; Goyal, Rakesh; Rani, Monika

2017-06-01

This manuscript deals with analysis of Spectral Amplitude Coding Optical Code Division Multiple Access (SACOCDMA) system. The major noise source in optical CDMA is co-channel interference from other users known as multiple access interference (MAI). The system performance in terms of bit error rate (BER) degrades as a result of increased MAI. It is perceived that number of users and type of codes used for optical system directly decide the performance of system. MAI can be restricted by efficient designing of optical codes and implementing them with unique architecture to accommodate more number of users. Hence, it is a necessity to design a technique like spectral direct detection (SDD) technique with modified double weight code, which can provide better cardinality and good correlation property.
Accumulate-Repeat-Accumulate-Accumulate Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush; Dolinar, Samuel; Thorpe, Jeremy

2007-01-01

Accumulate-repeat-accumulate-accumulate (ARAA) codes have been proposed, inspired by the recently proposed accumulate-repeat-accumulate (ARA) codes. These are error-correcting codes suitable for use in a variety of wireless data-communication systems that include noisy channels. ARAA codes can be regarded as serial turbolike codes or as a subclass of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, and, like ARA codes they have projected graph or protograph representations; these characteristics make it possible to design high-speed iterative decoders that utilize belief-propagation algorithms. The objective in proposing ARAA codes as a subclass of ARA codes was to enhance the error-floor performance of ARA codes while maintaining simple encoding structures and low maximum variable node degree.
Comparative genomics of biotechnologically important yeasts

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ascomycete yeasts are metabolically diverse, with great potential for biotechnology. Here, we report the comparative genome analysis of 29 taxonomically and biotechnologically important yeasts, including 16 newly sequenced. We identify a genetic code change, CUG-Ala, in Pachysolen tannophilus in the...
Manually operated coded switch

DOEpatents

Barnette, Jon H.

1978-01-01

The disclosure relates to a manually operated recodable coded switch in which a code may be inserted, tried and used to actuate a lever controlling an external device. After attempting a code, the switch's code wheels must be returned to their zero positions before another try is made.
Phonological coding during reading.

PubMed

Leinenger, Mallorie

2014-11-01

The exact role that phonological coding (the recoding of written, orthographic information into a sound based code) plays during silent reading has been extensively studied for more than a century. Despite the large body of research surrounding the topic, varying theories as to the time course and function of this recoding still exist. The present review synthesizes this body of research, addressing the topics of time course and function in tandem. The varying theories surrounding the function of phonological coding (e.g., that phonological codes aid lexical access, that phonological codes aid comprehension and bolster short-term memory, or that phonological codes are largely epiphenomenal in skilled readers) are first outlined, and the time courses that each maps onto (e.g., that phonological codes come online early [prelexical] or that phonological codes come online late [postlexical]) are discussed. Next the research relevant to each of these proposed functions is reviewed, discussing the varying methodologies that have been used to investigate phonological coding (e.g., response time methods, reading while eye-tracking or recording EEG and MEG, concurrent articulation) and highlighting the advantages and limitations of each with respect to the study of phonological coding. In response to the view that phonological coding is largely epiphenomenal in skilled readers, research on the use of phonological codes in prelingually, profoundly deaf readers is reviewed. Finally, implications for current models of word identification (activation-verification model, Van Orden, 1987; dual-route model, e.g., M. Coltheart, Rastle, Perry, Langdon, & Ziegler, 2001; parallel distributed processing model, Seidenberg & McClelland, 1989) are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).
Prioritized LT Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woo, Simon S.; Cheng, Michael K.

2011-01-01

The original Luby Transform (LT) coding scheme is extended to account for data transmissions where some information symbols in a message block are more important than others. Prioritized LT codes provide unequal error protection (UEP) of data on an erasure channel by modifying the original LT encoder. The prioritized algorithm improves high-priority data protection without penalizing low-priority data recovery. Moreover, low-latency decoding is also obtained for high-priority data due to fast encoding. Prioritized LT codes only require a slight change in the original encoding algorithm, and no changes at all at the decoder. Hence, with a small complexity increase in the LT encoder, an improved UEP and low-decoding latency performance for high-priority data can be achieved. LT encoding partitions a data stream into fixed-sized message blocks each with a constant number of information symbols. To generate a code symbol from the information symbols in a message, the Robust-Soliton probability distribution is first applied in order to determine the number of information symbols to be used to compute the code symbol. Then, the specific information symbols are chosen uniform randomly from the message block. Finally, the selected information symbols are XORed to form the code symbol. The Prioritized LT code construction includes an additional restriction that code symbols formed by a relatively small number of XORed information symbols select some of these information symbols from the pool of high-priority data. Once high-priority data are fully covered, encoding continues with the conventional LT approach where code symbols are generated by selecting information symbols from the entire message block including all different priorities. Therefore, if code symbols derived from high-priority data experience an unusual high number of erasures, Prioritized LT codes can still reliably recover both high- and low-priority data. This hybrid approach decides not only "how to encode

Bar Code Labels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

American Bar Codes, Inc. developed special bar code labels for inventory control of space shuttle parts and other space system components. ABC labels are made in a company-developed anodizing aluminum process and consecutively marketed with bar code symbology and human readable numbers. They offer extreme abrasion resistance and indefinite resistance to ultraviolet radiation, capable of withstanding 700 degree temperatures without deterioration and up to 1400 degrees with special designs. They offer high resistance to salt spray, cleaning fluids and mild acids. ABC is now producing these bar code labels commercially or industrial customers who also need labels to resist harsh environments.
Concatenated coding systems employing a unit-memory convolutional code and a byte-oriented decoding algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, L.-N.

1977-01-01

Concatenated coding systems utilizing a convolutional code as the inner code and a Reed-Solomon code as the outer code are considered. In order to obtain very reliable communications over a very noisy channel with relatively modest coding complexity, it is proposed to concatenate a byte-oriented unit-memory convolutional code with an RS outer code whose symbol size is one byte. It is further proposed to utilize a real-time minimal-byte-error probability decoding algorithm, together with feedback from the outer decoder, in the decoder for the inner convolutional code. The performance of the proposed concatenated coding system is studied, and the improvement over conventional concatenated systems due to each additional feature is isolated.
Concatenated coding systems employing a unit-memory convolutional code and a byte-oriented decoding algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, L. N.

1976-01-01

Concatenated coding systems utilizing a convolutional code as the inner code and a Reed-Solomon code as the outer code are considered. In order to obtain very reliable communications over a very noisy channel with relatively small coding complexity, it is proposed to concatenate a byte oriented unit memory convolutional code with an RS outer code whose symbol size is one byte. It is further proposed to utilize a real time minimal byte error probability decoding algorithm, together with feedback from the outer decoder, in the decoder for the inner convolutional code. The performance of the proposed concatenated coding system is studied, and the improvement over conventional concatenated systems due to each additional feature is isolated.
Albumin Redhill (-1 Arg, 320 Ala----Thr): a glycoprotein variant of human serum albumin whose precursor has an aberrant signal peptidase cleavage site.

PubMed

Brennan, S O; Myles, T; Peach, R J; Donaldson, D; George, P M

1990-01-01

Albumin Redhill is an electrophoretically slow genetic variant of human serum albumin that does not bind 63Ni2+ and has a molecular mass 2.5 kDa higher than normal albumin. Its inability to bind Ni2+ was explained by the finding of an additional residue of Arg at position -1. This did not explain the molecular basis of the genetic variation (since proalbumin contains adjacent Arg residues at -1 and -2) or the increase in apparent molecular mass. Fractionation of tryptic digests on concanavalin A-Sepharose followed by peptide mapping of the bound and unbound fractions and sequence analysis of the glycopeptides identified a mutation of 320 Ala----Thr. This introduces an Asn-Tyr-Thr oligosaccharide attachment sequence centered on Asn-318 and explains the increase in molecular mass. This, however, did not satisfactorily explain the presence of the additional Arg residue at position -1. DNA sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified genomic DNA encoding the prepro sequence of albumin indicated an additional mutation of -2 Arg----Cys. This introduces a prepro sequence, Met-Lys-Trp-Val-Thr-Phe-Ile-Ser-Leu-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe-Ser-Ser-Ala-Tyr- Ser-Arg-Gly-Val-Phe-Cys-Arg (cf.-Tyr-Ser-Arg-Gly-Val-Phe-Arg-Arg- in normal human pre-proalbumin). We propose that the new Phe-Cys-Arg sequence in the propeptide is an aberrant signal peptidase cleavage site and that the signal peptidase cleaves the propeptide of albumin Redhill in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum before it reaches the Golgi vesicles, the site of the diarginyl-specific proalbumin convertase.
Subspace-Aware Index Codes

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

Kailkhura, Bhavya; Theagarajan, Lakshmi Narasimhan; Varshney, Pramod K.

In this paper, we generalize the well-known index coding problem to exploit the structure in the source-data to improve system throughput. In many applications (e.g., multimedia), the data to be transmitted may lie (or can be well approximated) in a low-dimensional subspace. We exploit this low-dimensional structure of the data using an algebraic framework to solve the index coding problem (referred to as subspace-aware index coding) as opposed to the traditional index coding problem which is subspace-unaware. Also, we propose an efficient algorithm based on the alternating minimization approach to obtain near optimal index codes for both subspace-aware and -unawaremore » cases. In conclusion, our simulations indicate that under certain conditions, a significant throughput gain (about 90%) can be achieved by subspace-aware index codes over conventional subspace-unaware index codes.« less
Subspace-Aware Index Codes

DOE PAGES

Kailkhura, Bhavya; Theagarajan, Lakshmi Narasimhan; Varshney, Pramod K.

2017-04-12

In this paper, we generalize the well-known index coding problem to exploit the structure in the source-data to improve system throughput. In many applications (e.g., multimedia), the data to be transmitted may lie (or can be well approximated) in a low-dimensional subspace. We exploit this low-dimensional structure of the data using an algebraic framework to solve the index coding problem (referred to as subspace-aware index coding) as opposed to the traditional index coding problem which is subspace-unaware. Also, we propose an efficient algorithm based on the alternating minimization approach to obtain near optimal index codes for both subspace-aware and -unawaremore » cases. In conclusion, our simulations indicate that under certain conditions, a significant throughput gain (about 90%) can be achieved by subspace-aware index codes over conventional subspace-unaware index codes.« less
Constructions for finite-state codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollara, F.; Mceliece, R. J.; Abdel-Ghaffar, K.

1987-01-01

A class of codes called finite-state (FS) codes is defined and investigated. These codes, which generalize both block and convolutional codes, are defined by their encoders, which are finite-state machines with parallel inputs and outputs. A family of upper bounds on the free distance of a given FS code is derived from known upper bounds on the minimum distance of block codes. A general construction for FS codes is then given, based on the idea of partitioning a given linear block into cosets of one of its subcodes, and it is shown that in many cases the FS codes constructed in this way have a d sub free which is as large as possible. These codes are found without the need for lengthy computer searches, and have potential applications for future deep-space coding systems. The issue of catastropic error propagation (CEP) for FS codes is also investigated.
Job Attitudes of USAF Administrative Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-01

34opportunities for training, giving supervisory feedback, and -developing future leaders. Their findings were bas-ed on researrch Sdate similar to those upon...chance to move in and out of this rewarding functional area, could have a significant effect on the outcome of future attitudinal surveys of the admin...admin personnal to mission accomplishment at newcomer orientetions , commander’s calls, and similar gatherings, especially when families are present. (c
Identification of coding and non-coding mutational hotspots in cancer genomes.

PubMed

Piraino, Scott W; Furney, Simon J

2017-01-05

The identification of mutations that play a causal role in tumour development, so called "driver" mutations, is of critical importance for understanding how cancers form and how they might be treated. Several large cancer sequencing projects have identified genes that are recurrently mutated in cancer patients, suggesting a role in tumourigenesis. While the landscape of coding drivers has been extensively studied and many of the most prominent driver genes are well characterised, comparatively less is known about the role of mutations in the non-coding regions of the genome in cancer development. The continuing fall in genome sequencing costs has resulted in a concomitant increase in the number of cancer whole genome sequences being produced, facilitating systematic interrogation of both the coding and non-coding regions of cancer genomes. To examine the mutational landscapes of tumour genomes we have developed a novel method to identify mutational hotspots in tumour genomes using both mutational data and information on evolutionary conservation. We have applied our methodology to over 1300 whole cancer genomes and show that it identifies prominent coding and non-coding regions that are known or highly suspected to play a role in cancer. Importantly, we applied our method to the entire genome, rather than relying on predefined annotations (e.g. promoter regions) and we highlight recurrently mutated regions that may have resulted from increased exposure to mutational processes rather than selection, some of which have been identified previously as targets of selection. Finally, we implicate several pan-cancer and cancer-specific candidate non-coding regions, which could be involved in tumourigenesis. We have developed a framework to identify mutational hotspots in cancer genomes, which is applicable to the entire genome. This framework identifies known and novel coding and non-coding mutional hotspots and can be used to differentiate candidate driver regions from
Is SOD2 Ala16Val Polymorphism Associated with Migraine with Aura Phenotype?

PubMed Central

Barbanti, Piero; De Marchis, Maria Laura; Egeo, Gabriella; Aurilia, Cinzia; Fofi, Luisa; Ialongo, Cristiano; Valente, Maria Giovanna; Ferroni, Patrizia; Della-Morte, David; Guadagni, Fiorella

2015-01-01

Abstract Several studies suggest a role of oxidative stress in the physiopathology of migraine, particularly in the form with aura. In a case-control study, we investigated the association between migraine and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) genes in a cohort of 490 consecutive unrelated Caucasian migraineurs (migraine with aura [MwA], n=107; migraine without aura [MwoA], n=246; chronic migraine [CM], n=137) and 246 healthy controls recruited at our Headache and Pain Unit and stored in the Interinstitutional Multidisciplinary BioBank (BioBIM). Migraine phenotype was carefully detailed using face-to-face interviews. We examined polymorphisms of SOD1 gene (A/C substitution—rs2234694) and SOD2 gene (C/T transition—rs4880—Ala16Val). The rs4880 TT (Val/Val) genotype was associated (p=0.042) with the presence of unilateral cranial autonomic symptoms (UAs) in MwA patients. We also found a mild correlation between SOD2 rs4880 genotype and the type of acute migraine treatment (p=0.048) in MwA patients. Our findings suggest that SOD2 is a disease-modifier gene influencing oxidative mechanisms in MwA. These observations lead to the hypothesis that SOD2 polymorphism may cause a defective control of the oxidative phenomena linked to cortical spreading depression, the neurophysiological hallmark of migraine aura, causing an overstimulation of trigeminal neurons and UAs triggering. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 22, 275–279. PMID:25295643
Measuring diagnoses: ICD code accuracy.

PubMed

O'Malley, Kimberly J; Cook, Karon F; Price, Matt D; Wildes, Kimberly Raiford; Hurdle, John F; Ashton, Carol M

2005-10-01

To examine potential sources of errors at each step of the described inpatient International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding process. The use of disease codes from the ICD has expanded from classifying morbidity and mortality information for statistical purposes to diverse sets of applications in research, health care policy, and health care finance. By describing a brief history of ICD coding, detailing the process for assigning codes, identifying where errors can be introduced into the process, and reviewing methods for examining code accuracy, we help code users more systematically evaluate code accuracy for their particular applications. We summarize the inpatient ICD diagnostic coding process from patient admission to diagnostic code assignment. We examine potential sources of errors at each step and offer code users a tool for systematically evaluating code accuracy. Main error sources along the "patient trajectory" include amount and quality of information at admission, communication among patients and providers, the clinician's knowledge and experience with the illness, and the clinician's attention to detail. Main error sources along the "paper trail" include variance in the electronic and written records, coder training and experience, facility quality-control efforts, and unintentional and intentional coder errors, such as misspecification, unbundling, and upcoding. By clearly specifying the code assignment process and heightening their awareness of potential error sources, code users can better evaluate the applicability and limitations of codes for their particular situations. ICD codes can then be used in the most appropriate ways.
A new code for Galileo

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dolinar, S.

1988-01-01

Over the past six to eight years, an extensive research effort was conducted to investigate advanced coding techniques which promised to yield more coding gain than is available with current NASA standard codes. The delay in Galileo's launch due to the temporary suspension of the shuttle program provided the Galileo project with an opportunity to evaluate the possibility of including some version of the advanced codes as a mission enhancement option. A study was initiated last summer to determine if substantial coding gain was feasible for Galileo and, is so, to recommend a suitable experimental code for use as a switchable alternative to the current NASA-standard code. The Galileo experimental code study resulted in the selection of a code with constant length 15 and rate 1/4. The code parameters were chosen to optimize performance within cost and risk constraints consistent with retrofitting the new code into the existing Galileo system design and launch schedule. The particular code was recommended after a very limited search among good codes with the chosen parameters. It will theoretically yield about 1.5 dB enhancement under idealizing assumptions relative to the current NASA-standard code at Galileo's desired bit error rates. This ideal predicted gain includes enough cushion to meet the project's target of at least 1 dB enhancement under real, non-ideal conditions.
Structure of N-terminal sequence Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser of Aβ-peptide with phospholipase A2 from venom of Andaman Cobra sub-species Naja naja sagittifera at 2.0 Å resolution.

PubMed

Mirza, Zeenat; Pillai, Vikram Gopalakrishna; Zhong, Wei-Zhu

2014-03-10

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most significant social and health burdens of the present century. Plaques formed by extracellular deposits of amyloid β (Aβ) are the prime player of AD's neuropathology. Studies have implicated the varied role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in brain where it contributes to neuronal growth and inflammatory response. Overall contour and chemical nature of the substrate-binding channel in the low molecular weight PLA2s are similar. This study involves the reductionist fragment-based approach to understand the structure adopted by N-terminal fragment of Alzheimer's Aβ peptide in its complex with PLA2. In the current communication, we report the structure determined by X-ray crystallography of N-terminal sequence Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser (DAEFRHDS) of Aβ-peptide with a Group I PLA2 purified from venom of Andaman Cobra sub-species Naja naja sagittifera at 2.0 Å resolution (Protein Data Bank (PDB) Code: 3JQ5). This is probably the first attempt to structurally establish interaction between amyloid-β peptide fragment and hydrophobic substrate binding site of PLA2 involving H bond and van der Waals interactions. We speculate that higher affinity between Aβ and PLA2 has the therapeutic potential of decreasing the Aβ-Aβ interaction, thereby reducing the amyloid aggregation and plaque formation in AD.
Theory of epigenetic coding.

PubMed

Elder, D

1984-06-07

The logic of genetic control of development may be based on a binary epigenetic code. This paper revises the author's previous scheme dealing with the numerology of annelid metamerism in these terms. Certain features of the code had been deduced to be combinatorial, others not. This paradoxical contrast is resolved here by the interpretation that these features relate to different operations of the code; the combinatiorial to coding identity of units, the non-combinatorial to coding production of units. Consideration of a second paradox in the theory of epigenetic coding leads to a new solution which further provides a basis for epimorphic regeneration, and may in particular throw light on the "regeneration-duplication" phenomenon. A possible test of the model is also put forward.
Bandwidth efficient coding for satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Shu; Costello, Daniel J., Jr.; Miller, Warner H.; Morakis, James C.; Poland, William B., Jr.

1992-01-01

An error control coding scheme was devised to achieve large coding gain and high reliability by using coded modulation with reduced decoding complexity. To achieve a 3 to 5 dB coding gain and moderate reliability, the decoding complexity is quite modest. In fact, to achieve a 3 dB coding gain, the decoding complexity is quite simple, no matter whether trellis coded modulation or block coded modulation is used. However, to achieve coding gains exceeding 5 dB, the decoding complexity increases drastically, and the implementation of the decoder becomes very expensive and unpractical. The use is proposed of coded modulation in conjunction with concatenated (or cascaded) coding. A good short bandwidth efficient modulation code is used as the inner code and relatively powerful Reed-Solomon code is used as the outer code. With properly chosen inner and outer codes, a concatenated coded modulation scheme not only can achieve large coding gains and high reliability with good bandwidth efficiency but also can be practically implemented. This combination of coded modulation and concatenated coding really offers a way of achieving the best of three worlds, reliability and coding gain, bandwidth efficiency, and decoding complexity.
Accumulate Repeat Accumulate Coded Modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbasfar, Aliazam; Divsalar, Dariush; Yao, Kung

2004-01-01

In this paper we propose an innovative coded modulation scheme called 'Accumulate Repeat Accumulate Coded Modulation' (ARA coded modulation). This class of codes can be viewed as serial turbo-like codes, or as a subclass of Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes that are combined with high level modulation. Thus at the decoder belief propagation can be used for iterative decoding of ARA coded modulation on a graph, provided a demapper transforms the received in-phase and quadrature samples to reliability of the bits.
Measuring Diagnoses: ICD Code Accuracy

PubMed Central

O'Malley, Kimberly J; Cook, Karon F; Price, Matt D; Wildes, Kimberly Raiford; Hurdle, John F; Ashton, Carol M

2005-01-01

Objective To examine potential sources of errors at each step of the described inpatient International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding process. Data Sources/Study Setting The use of disease codes from the ICD has expanded from classifying morbidity and mortality information for statistical purposes to diverse sets of applications in research, health care policy, and health care finance. By describing a brief history of ICD coding, detailing the process for assigning codes, identifying where errors can be introduced into the process, and reviewing methods for examining code accuracy, we help code users more systematically evaluate code accuracy for their particular applications. Study Design/Methods We summarize the inpatient ICD diagnostic coding process from patient admission to diagnostic code assignment. We examine potential sources of errors at each step and offer code users a tool for systematically evaluating code accuracy. Principle Findings Main error sources along the “patient trajectory” include amount and quality of information at admission, communication among patients and providers, the clinician's knowledge and experience with the illness, and the clinician's attention to detail. Main error sources along the “paper trail” include variance in the electronic and written records, coder training and experience, facility quality-control efforts, and unintentional and intentional coder errors, such as misspecification, unbundling, and upcoding. Conclusions By clearly specifying the code assignment process and heightening their awareness of potential error sources, code users can better evaluate the applicability and limitations of codes for their particular situations. ICD codes can then be used in the most appropriate ways. PMID:16178999
Coding and decoding for code division multiple user communication systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Healy, T. J.

1985-01-01

A new algorithm is introduced which decodes code division multiple user communication signals. The algorithm makes use of the distinctive form or pattern of each signal to separate it from the composite signal created by the multiple users. Although the algorithm is presented in terms of frequency-hopped signals, the actual transmitter modulator can use any of the existing digital modulation techniques. The algorithm is applicable to error-free codes or to codes where controlled interference is permitted. It can be used when block synchronization is assumed, and in some cases when it is not. The paper also discusses briefly some of the codes which can be used in connection with the algorithm, and relates the algorithm to past studies which use other approaches to the same problem.
Characterization of serine hydroxymethyltransferase GlyA as a potential source of D-alanine in Chlamydia pneumoniae

PubMed Central

De Benedetti, Stefania; Bühl, Henrike; Gaballah, Ahmed; Klöckner, Anna; Otten, Christian; Schneider, Tanja; Sahl, Hans-Georg; Henrichfreise, Beate

2014-01-01

For intracellular Chlamydiaceae, there is no need to withstand osmotic challenges, and a functional cell wall has not been detected in these pathogens so far. Nevertheless, penicillin inhibits cell division in Chlamydiaceae resulting in enlarged aberrant bodies, a phenomenon known as chlamydial anomaly. D-alanine is a unique and essential component in the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls. In free-living bacteria like Escherichia coli, penicillin-binding proteins such as monofunctional transpeptidases PBP2 and PBP3, the putative targets of penicillin in Chlamydiaceae, cross-link adjacent peptidoglycan strands via meso-diaminopimelic acid and D-Ala-D-Ala moieties of pentapeptide side chains. In the absence of genes coding for alanine racemase Alr and DadX homologs, the source of D-Ala and thus the presence of substrates for PBP2 and PBP3 activity in Chlamydiaceae has puzzled researchers for years. Interestingly, Chlamydiaceae genomes encode GlyA, a serine hydroxymethyltransferase that has been shown to exhibit slow racemization of D- and L-alanine as a side reaction in E. coli. We show that GlyA from Chlamydia pneumoniae can serve as a source of D-Ala. GlyA partially reversed the D-Ala auxotrophic phenotype of an E. coli racemase double mutant. Moreover, purified chlamydial GlyA had racemase activity on L-Ala in vitro and was inhibited by D-cycloserine, identifying GlyA, besides D-Ala ligase MurC/Ddl, as an additional target of this competitive inhibitor in Chlamydiaceae. Proof of D-Ala biosynthesis in Chlamydiaceae helps to clarify the structure of cell wall precursor lipid II and the role of chlamydial penicillin-binding proteins in the development of non-dividing aberrant chlamydial bodies and persistence in the presence of penicillin. PMID:24616885
Characterization of serine hydroxymethyltransferase GlyA as a potential source of D-alanine in Chlamydia pneumoniae.

PubMed

De Benedetti, Stefania; Bühl, Henrike; Gaballah, Ahmed; Klöckner, Anna; Otten, Christian; Schneider, Tanja; Sahl, Hans-Georg; Henrichfreise, Beate

2014-01-01

For intracellular Chlamydiaceae, there is no need to withstand osmotic challenges, and a functional cell wall has not been detected in these pathogens so far. Nevertheless, penicillin inhibits cell division in Chlamydiaceae resulting in enlarged aberrant bodies, a phenomenon known as chlamydial anomaly. D-alanine is a unique and essential component in the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls. In free-living bacteria like Escherichia coli, penicillin-binding proteins such as monofunctional transpeptidases PBP2 and PBP3, the putative targets of penicillin in Chlamydiaceae, cross-link adjacent peptidoglycan strands via meso-diaminopimelic acid and D-Ala-D-Ala moieties of pentapeptide side chains. In the absence of genes coding for alanine racemase Alr and DadX homologs, the source of D-Ala and thus the presence of substrates for PBP2 and PBP3 activity in Chlamydiaceae has puzzled researchers for years. Interestingly, Chlamydiaceae genomes encode GlyA, a serine hydroxymethyltransferase that has been shown to exhibit slow racemization of D- and L-alanine as a side reaction in E. coli. We show that GlyA from Chlamydia pneumoniae can serve as a source of D-Ala. GlyA partially reversed the D-Ala auxotrophic phenotype of an E. coli racemase double mutant. Moreover, purified chlamydial GlyA had racemase activity on L-Ala in vitro and was inhibited by D-cycloserine, identifying GlyA, besides D-Ala ligase MurC/Ddl, as an additional target of this competitive inhibitor in Chlamydiaceae. Proof of D-Ala biosynthesis in Chlamydiaceae helps to clarify the structure of cell wall precursor lipid II and the role of chlamydial penicillin-binding proteins in the development of non-dividing aberrant chlamydial bodies and persistence in the presence of penicillin.

An Interactive Concatenated Turbo Coding System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Ye; Tang, Heng; Lin, Shu; Fossorier, Marc

1999-01-01

This paper presents a concatenated turbo coding system in which a Reed-Solomon outer code is concatenated with a binary turbo inner code. In the proposed system, the outer code decoder and the inner turbo code decoder interact to achieve both good bit error and frame error performances. The outer code decoder helps the inner turbo code decoder to terminate its decoding iteration while the inner turbo code decoder provides soft-output information to the outer code decoder to carry out a reliability-based soft- decision decoding. In the case that the outer code decoding fails, the outer code decoder instructs the inner code decoder to continue its decoding iterations until the outer code decoding is successful or a preset maximum number of decoding iterations is reached. This interaction between outer and inner code decoders reduces decoding delay. Also presented in the paper are an effective criterion for stopping the iteration process of the inner code decoder and a new reliability-based decoding algorithm for nonbinary codes.
Pressure dependence of backbone chemical shifts in the model peptides Ac-Gly-Gly-Xxx-Ala-NH2.

PubMed

Erlach, Markus Beck; Koehler, Joerg; Crusca, Edson; Kremer, Werner; Munte, Claudia E; Kalbitzer, Hans Robert

2016-06-01

For a better understanding of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detected pressure responses of folded as well as unstructured proteins the availability of data from well-defined model systems are indispensable. In this work we report the pressure dependence of chemical shifts of the backbone atoms (1)H(α), (13)C(α) and (13)C' in the protected tetrapeptides Ac-Gly-Gly-Xxx-Ala-NH2 (Xxx one of the 20 canonical amino acids). Contrary to expectation the chemical shifts of these nuclei have a nonlinear dependence on pressure in the range from 0.1 to 200 MPa. The polynomial pressure coefficients B 1 and B 2 are dependent on the type of amino acid studied. The coefficients of a given nucleus show significant linear correlations suggesting that the NMR observable pressure effects in the different amino acids have at least partly the same physical cause. In line with this observation the magnitude of the second order coefficients of nuclei being direct neighbors in the chemical structure are also weakly correlated.
Forms of n-3 (ALA, C18:3n-3 or DHA, C22:6n-3) Fatty Acids Affect Carcass Yield, Blood Lipids, Muscle n-3 Fatty Acids and Liver Gene Expression in Lambs.

PubMed

Ponnampalam, Eric N; Lewandowski, Paul A; Fahri, Fahri T; Burnett, Viv F; Dunshea, Frank R; Plozza, Tim; Jacobs, Joe L

2015-11-01

The effects of supplementing diets with n-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on plasma metabolites, carcass yield, muscle n-3 fatty acids and liver messenger RNA (mRNA) in lambs were investigated. Lambs (n = 120) were stratified to 12 groups based on body weight (35 ± 3.1 kg), and within groups randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: basal diet (BAS), BAS with 10.7 % flaxseed supplement (Flax), BAS with 1.8 % algae supplement (DHA), BAS with Flax and DHA (FlaxDHA). Lambs were fed for 56 days. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and day 56, and plasma analysed for insulin and lipids. Lambs were slaughtered, and carcass traits measured. At 30 min and 24 h, liver and muscle samples, respectively, were collected for determination of mRNA (FADS1, FADS2, CPT1A, ACOX1) and fatty acid composition. Lambs fed Flax had higher plasma triacylglycerol, body weight, body fat and carcass yield compared with the BAS group (P < 0.001). DHA supplementation increased carcass yield and muscle DHA while lowering plasma insulin compared with the BAS diet (P < 0.01). Flax treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle ALA concentration, while DHA treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle DHA concentration. Liver mRNA FADS2 was higher and CPT1A lower in the DHA group (P < 0.05). The FlaxDHA diet had additive effects, including higher FADS1 and ACOX1 mRNA than for the Flax or DHA diet. In summary, supplementation with ALA or DHA modulated plasma metabolites, muscle DHA, body fat and liver gene expression differently.
Building Columbia from the SysAdmin View

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, David

2005-01-01

Project Columbia was built at NASA Ames Research Center in partnership with SGI and Intel. Columbia consists of 20 512 processor Altix machines with 440TB of storage and achieved 51.87 TeraPlops to be ranked the second fastest on the top 500 at SuperComputing 2004. Columbia was delivered, installed and put into production in 3 months. On average, a new Columbia node was brought into production in less than a week. Columbia's configuration, installation, and future plans will be discussed.
Facilitating Internet-Scale Code Retrieval

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bajracharya, Sushil Krishna

2010-01-01

Internet-Scale code retrieval deals with the representation, storage, and access of relevant source code from a large amount of source code available on the Internet. Internet-Scale code retrieval systems support common emerging practices among software developers related to finding and reusing source code. In this dissertation we focus on some…
Accumulate-Repeat-Accumulate-Accumulate-Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush; Dolinar, Sam; Thorpe, Jeremy

2004-01-01

Inspired by recently proposed Accumulate-Repeat-Accumulate (ARA) codes [15], in this paper we propose a channel coding scheme called Accumulate-Repeat-Accumulate-Accumulate (ARAA) codes. These codes can be seen as serial turbo-like codes or as a subclass of Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes, and they have a projected graph or protograph representation; this allows for a high-speed iterative decoder implementation using belief propagation. An ARAA code can be viewed as a precoded Repeat-and-Accumulate (RA) code with puncturing in concatenation with another accumulator, where simply an accumulator is chosen as the precoder; thus ARAA codes have a very fast encoder structure. Using density evolution on their associated protographs, we find examples of rate-lJ2 ARAA codes with maximum variable node degree 4 for which a minimum bit-SNR as low as 0.21 dB from the channel capacity limit can be achieved as the block size goes to infinity. Such a low threshold cannot be achieved by RA or Irregular RA (IRA) or unstructured irregular LDPC codes with the same constraint on the maximum variable node degree. Furthermore by puncturing the accumulators we can construct families of higher rate ARAA codes with thresholds that stay close to their respective channel capacity thresholds uniformly. Iterative decoding simulation results show comparable performance with the best-known LDPC codes but with very low error floor even at moderate block sizes.
Error-correction coding for digital communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, G. C., Jr.; Cain, J. B.

This book is written for the design engineer who must build the coding and decoding equipment and for the communication system engineer who must incorporate this equipment into a system. It is also suitable as a senior-level or first-year graduate text for an introductory one-semester course in coding theory. Fundamental concepts of coding are discussed along with group codes, taking into account basic principles, practical constraints, performance computations, coding bounds, generalized parity check codes, polynomial codes, and important classes of group codes. Other topics explored are related to simple nonalgebraic decoding techniques for group codes, soft decision decoding of block codes, algebraic techniques for multiple error correction, the convolutional code structure and Viterbi decoding, syndrome decoding techniques, and sequential decoding techniques. System applications are also considered, giving attention to concatenated codes, coding for the white Gaussian noise channel, interleaver structures for coded systems, and coding for burst noise channels.
Code Team Training: Demonstrating Adherence to AHA Guidelines During Pediatric Code Blue Activations.

PubMed

Stewart, Claire; Shoemaker, Jamie; Keller-Smith, Rachel; Edmunds, Katherine; Davis, Andrew; Tegtmeyer, Ken

2017-10-16

Pediatric code blue activations are infrequent events with a high mortality rate despite the best effort of code teams. The best method for training these code teams is debatable; however, it is clear that training is needed to assure adherence to American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Guidelines and to prevent the decay that invariably occurs after Pediatric Advanced Life Support training. The objectives of this project were to train a multidisciplinary, multidepartmental code team and to measure this team's adherence to AHA guidelines during code simulation. Multidisciplinary code team training sessions were held using high-fidelity, in situ simulation. Sessions were held several times per month. Each session was filmed and reviewed for adherence to 5 AHA guidelines: chest compression rate, ventilation rate, chest compression fraction, use of a backboard, and use of a team leader. After the first study period, modifications were made to the code team including implementation of just-in-time training and alteration of the compression team. Thirty-eight sessions were completed, with 31 eligible for video analysis. During the first study period, 1 session adhered to all AHA guidelines. During the second study period, after alteration of the code team and implementation of just-in-time training, no sessions adhered to all AHA guidelines; however, there was an improvement in percentage of sessions adhering to ventilation rate and chest compression rate and an improvement in median ventilation rate. We present a method for training a large code team drawn from multiple hospital departments and a method of assessing code team performance. Despite subjective improvement in code team positioning, communication, and role completion and some improvement in ventilation rate and chest compression rate, we failed to consistently demonstrate improvement in adherence to all guidelines.
Visual pattern image sequence coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silsbee, Peter; Bovik, Alan C.; Chen, Dapang

1990-01-01

The visual pattern image coding (VPIC) configurable digital image-coding process is capable of coding with visual fidelity comparable to the best available techniques, at compressions which (at 30-40:1) exceed all other technologies. These capabilities are associated with unprecedented coding efficiencies; coding and decoding operations are entirely linear with respect to image size and entail a complexity that is 1-2 orders of magnitude faster than any previous high-compression technique. The visual pattern image sequence coding to which attention is presently given exploits all the advantages of the static VPIC in the reduction of information from an additional, temporal dimension, to achieve unprecedented image sequence coding performance.
Entanglement-assisted quantum convolutional coding

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

Wilde, Mark M.; Brun, Todd A.

2010-04-15

We show how to protect a stream of quantum information from decoherence induced by a noisy quantum communication channel. We exploit preshared entanglement and a convolutional coding structure to develop a theory of entanglement-assisted quantum convolutional coding. Our construction produces a Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) entanglement-assisted quantum convolutional code from two arbitrary classical binary convolutional codes. The rate and error-correcting properties of the classical convolutional codes directly determine the corresponding properties of the resulting entanglement-assisted quantum convolutional code. We explain how to encode our CSS entanglement-assisted quantum convolutional codes starting from a stream of information qubits, ancilla qubits, and shared entangled bits.
Coding for urologic office procedures.

PubMed

Dowling, Robert A; Painter, Mark

2013-11-01

This article summarizes current best practices for documenting, coding, and billing common office-based urologic procedures. Topics covered include general principles, basic and advanced urologic coding, creation of medical records that support compliant coding practices, bundled codes and unbundling, global periods, modifiers for procedure codes, when to bill for evaluation and management services during the same visit, coding for supplies, and laboratory and radiology procedures pertinent to urology practice. Detailed information is included for the most common urology office procedures, and suggested resources and references are provided. This information is of value to physicians, office managers, and their coding staff. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Layered Wyner-Ziv video coding.

PubMed

Xu, Qian; Xiong, Zixiang

2006-12-01

Following recent theoretical works on successive Wyner-Ziv coding (WZC), we propose a practical layered Wyner-Ziv video coder using the DCT, nested scalar quantization, and irregular LDPC code based Slepian-Wolf coding (or lossless source coding with side information at the decoder). Our main novelty is to use the base layer of a standard scalable video coder (e.g., MPEG-4/H.26L FGS or H.263+) as the decoder side information and perform layered WZC for quality enhancement. Similar to FGS coding, there is no performance difference between layered and monolithic WZC when the enhancement bitstream is generated in our proposed coder. Using an H.26L coded version as the base layer, experiments indicate that WZC gives slightly worse performance than FGS coding when the channel (for both the base and enhancement layers) is noiseless. However, when the channel is noisy, extensive simulations of video transmission over wireless networks conforming to the CDMA2000 1X standard show that H.26L base layer coding plus Wyner-Ziv enhancement layer coding are more robust against channel errors than H.26L FGS coding. These results demonstrate that layered Wyner-Ziv video coding is a promising new technique for video streaming over wireless networks.
Error coding simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noble, Viveca K.

1993-01-01

There are various elements such as radio frequency interference (RFI) which may induce errors in data being transmitted via a satellite communication link. When a transmission is affected by interference or other error-causing elements, the transmitted data becomes indecipherable. It becomes necessary to implement techniques to recover from these disturbances. The objective of this research is to develop software which simulates error control circuits and evaluate the performance of these modules in various bit error rate environments. The results of the evaluation provide the engineer with information which helps determine the optimal error control scheme. The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) recommends the use of Reed-Solomon (RS) and convolutional encoders and Viterbi and RS decoders for error correction. The use of forward error correction techniques greatly reduces the received signal to noise needed for a certain desired bit error rate. The use of concatenated coding, e.g. inner convolutional code and outer RS code, provides even greater coding gain. The 16-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code is recommended by CCSDS for error detection.
Critical Care Coding for Neurologists.

PubMed

Nuwer, Marc R; Vespa, Paul M

2015-10-01

Accurate coding is an important function of neurologic practice. This contribution to Continuum is part of an ongoing series that presents helpful coding information along with examples related to the issue topic. Tips for diagnosis coding, Evaluation and Management coding, procedure coding, or a combination are presented, depending on which is most applicable to the subject area of the issue.
FERRET data analysis code

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

Schmittroth, F.

1979-09-01

A documentation of the FERRET data analysis code is given. The code provides a way to combine related measurements and calculations in a consistent evaluation. Basically a very general least-squares code, it is oriented towards problems frequently encountered in nuclear data and reactor physics. A strong emphasis is on the proper treatment of uncertainties and correlations and in providing quantitative uncertainty estimates. Documentation includes a review of the method, structure of the code, input formats, and examples.
Certifying Auto-Generated Flight Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denney, Ewen

2008-01-01

Model-based design and automated code generation are being used increasingly at NASA. Many NASA projects now use MathWorks Simulink and Real-Time Workshop for at least some of their modeling and code development. However, there are substantial obstacles to more widespread adoption of code generators in safety-critical domains. Since code generators are typically not qualified, there is no guarantee that their output is correct, and consequently the generated code still needs to be fully tested and certified. Moreover, the regeneration of code can require complete recertification, which offsets many of the advantages of using a generator. Indeed, manual review of autocode can be more challenging than for hand-written code. Since the direct V&V of code generators is too laborious and complicated due to their complex (and often proprietary) nature, we have developed a generator plug-in to support the certification of the auto-generated code. Specifically, the AutoCert tool supports certification by formally verifying that the generated code is free of different safety violations, by constructing an independently verifiable certificate, and by explaining its analysis in a textual form suitable for code reviews. The generated documentation also contains substantial tracing information, allowing users to trace between model, code, documentation, and V&V artifacts. This enables missions to obtain assurance about the safety and reliability of the code without excessive manual V&V effort and, as a consequence, eases the acceptance of code generators in safety-critical contexts. The generation of explicit certificates and textual reports is particularly well-suited to supporting independent V&V. The primary contribution of this approach is the combination of human-friendly documentation with formal analysis. The key technical idea is to exploit the idiomatic nature of auto-generated code in order to automatically infer logical annotations. The annotation inference algorithm
The Mystery Behind the Code: Differentiated Instruction with Quick Response Codes in Secondary Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adkins, Megan; Wajciechowski, Misti R.; Scantling, Ed

2013-01-01

Quick response codes, better known as QR codes, are small barcodes scanned to receive information about a specific topic. This article explains QR code technology and the utility of QR codes in the delivery of physical education instruction. Consideration is given to how QR codes can be used to accommodate learners of varying ability levels as…
QR Code Mania!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shumack, Kellie A.; Reilly, Erin; Chamberlain, Nik

2013-01-01

space, has error-correction capacity, and can be read from any direction. These codes are used in manufacturing, shipping, and marketing, as well as in education. QR codes can be created to produce…
Code-Switching: L1-Coded Mediation in a Kindergarten Foreign Language Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Zheng

2012-01-01

This paper is based on a qualitative inquiry that investigated the role of teachers' mediation in three different modes of coding in a kindergarten foreign language classroom in China (i.e. L2-coded intralinguistic mediation, L1-coded cross-lingual mediation, and L2-and-L1-mixed mediation). Through an exploratory examination of the varying effects…
Design of convolutional tornado code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Hui; Yang, Yao; Gao, Hongmin; Tan, Lu

2017-09-01

As a linear block code, the traditional tornado (tTN) code is inefficient in burst-erasure environment and its multi-level structure may lead to high encoding/decoding complexity. This paper presents a convolutional tornado (cTN) code which is able to improve the burst-erasure protection capability by applying the convolution property to the tTN code, and reduce computational complexity by abrogating the multi-level structure. The simulation results show that cTN code can provide a better packet loss protection performance with lower computation complexity than tTN code.

Preliminary Assessment of Turbomachinery Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazumder, Quamrul H.

2007-01-01

This report assesses different CFD codes developed and currently being used at Glenn Research Center to predict turbomachinery fluid flow and heat transfer behavior. This report will consider the following codes: APNASA, TURBO, GlennHT, H3D, and SWIFT. Each code will be described separately in the following section with their current modeling capabilities, level of validation, pre/post processing, and future development and validation requirements. This report addresses only previously published and validations of the codes. However, the codes have been further developed to extend the capabilities of the codes.
Industrial Computer Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shapiro, Wilbur

1996-01-01

This is an overview of new and updated industrial codes for seal design and testing. GCYLT (gas cylindrical seals -- turbulent), SPIRALI (spiral-groove seals -- incompressible), KTK (knife to knife) Labyrinth Seal Code, and DYSEAL (dynamic seal analysis) are covered. CGYLT uses G-factors for Poiseuille and Couette turbulence coefficients. SPIRALI is updated to include turbulence and inertia, but maintains the narrow groove theory. KTK labyrinth seal code handles straight or stepped seals. And DYSEAL provides dynamics for the seal geometry.
Aeroacoustic Prediction Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gliebe, P; Mani, R.; Shin, H.; Mitchell, B.; Ashford, G.; Salamah, S.; Connell, S.; Huff, Dennis (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This report describes work performed on Contract NAS3-27720AoI 13 as part of the NASA Advanced Subsonic Transport (AST) Noise Reduction Technology effort. Computer codes were developed to provide quantitative prediction, design, and analysis capability for several aircraft engine noise sources. The objective was to provide improved, physics-based tools for exploration of noise-reduction concepts and understanding of experimental results. Methods and codes focused on fan broadband and 'buzz saw' noise and on low-emissions combustor noise and compliment work done by other contractors under the NASA AST program to develop methods and codes for fan harmonic tone noise and jet noise. The methods and codes developed and reported herein employ a wide range of approaches, from the strictly empirical to the completely computational, with some being semiempirical analytical, and/or analytical/computational. Emphasis was on capturing the essential physics while still considering method or code utility as a practical design and analysis tool for everyday engineering use. Codes and prediction models were developed for: (1) an improved empirical correlation model for fan rotor exit flow mean and turbulence properties, for use in predicting broadband noise generated by rotor exit flow turbulence interaction with downstream stator vanes: (2) fan broadband noise models for rotor and stator/turbulence interaction sources including 3D effects, noncompact-source effects. directivity modeling, and extensions to the rotor supersonic tip-speed regime; (3) fan multiple-pure-tone in-duct sound pressure prediction methodology based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis; and (4) low-emissions combustor prediction methodology and computer code based on CFD and actuator disk theory. In addition. the relative importance of dipole and quadrupole source mechanisms was studied using direct CFD source computation for a simple cascadeigust interaction problem, and an empirical combustor
Some partial-unit-memory convolutional codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdel-Ghaffar, K.; Mceliece, R. J.; Solomon, G.

1991-01-01

The results of a study on a class of error correcting codes called partial unit memory (PUM) codes are presented. This class of codes, though not entirely new, has until now remained relatively unexplored. The possibility of using the well developed theory of block codes to construct a large family of promising PUM codes is shown. The performance of several specific PUM codes are compared with that of the Voyager standard (2, 1, 6) convolutional code. It was found that these codes can outperform the Voyager code with little or no increase in decoder complexity. This suggests that there may very well be PUM codes that can be used for deep space telemetry that offer both increased performance and decreased implementational complexity over current coding systems.
Beam-dynamics codes used at DARHT

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

Ekdahl, Jr., Carl August

Several beam simulation codes are used to help gain a better understanding of beam dynamics in the DARHT LIAs. The most notable of these fall into the following categories: for beam production – Tricomp Trak orbit tracking code, LSP Particle in cell (PIC) code, for beam transport and acceleration – XTR static envelope and centroid code, LAMDA time-resolved envelope and centroid code, LSP-Slice PIC code, for coasting-beam transport to target – LAMDA time-resolved envelope code, LSP-Slice PIC code. These codes are also being used to inform the design of Scorpius.
Interface requirements to couple thermal hydraulics codes to severe accident codes: ICARE/CATHARE

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

Camous, F.; Jacq, F.; Chatelard, P.

1997-07-01

In order to describe with the same code the whole sequence of severe LWR accidents, up to the vessel failure, the Institute of Protection and Nuclear Safety has performed a coupling of the severe accident code ICARE2 to the thermalhydraulics code CATHARE2. The resulting code, ICARE/CATHARE, is designed to be as pertinent as possible in all the phases of the accident. This paper is mainly devoted to the description of the ICARE2-CATHARE2 coupling.
NASA Rotor 37 CFD Code Validation: Glenn-HT Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ameri, Ali A.

2010-01-01

In order to advance the goals of NASA aeronautics programs, it is necessary to continuously evaluate and improve the computational tools used for research and design at NASA. One such code is the Glenn-HT code which is used at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) for turbomachinery computations. Although the code has been thoroughly validated for turbine heat transfer computations, it has not been utilized for compressors. In this work, Glenn-HT was used to compute the flow in a transonic compressor and comparisons were made to experimental data. The results presented here are in good agreement with this data. Most of the measures of performance are well within the measurement uncertainties and the exit profiles of interest agree with the experimental measurements.
Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Library Association, Chicago, IL. Office of Intellectual Freedom.

The American Library Association (ALA) expresses the basic principles of librarianship in its "Code of Ethics" and in the "Library Bill of Rights" and its interpretations. All library system and network policies, procedures or regulations relating to electronic resources and services should be scrutinized for potential…
78 FR 18321 - International Code Council: The Update Process for the International Codes and Standards

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions. ICC 700: National Green Building Standard The..., coordinated, and necessary to regulate the built environment. Federal agencies frequently use these codes and... International Codes and Standards consist of the following: ICC Codes International Building Code. International...
75 FR 19944 - International Code Council: The Update Process for the International Codes and Standards

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-16

... for Residential Construction in High Wind Areas. ICC 700: National Green Building Standard. The... Codes and Standards that are comprehensive, coordinated, and necessary to regulate the built environment... International Codes and Standards consist of the following: ICC Codes International Building Code. International...
Impacts of Model Building Energy Codes

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

Athalye, Rahul A.; Sivaraman, Deepak; Elliott, Douglas B.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) periodically evaluates national and state-level impacts associated with energy codes in residential and commercial buildings. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), funded by DOE, conducted an assessment of the prospective impacts of national model building energy codes from 2010 through 2040. A previous PNNL study evaluated the impact of the Building Energy Codes Program; this study looked more broadly at overall code impacts. This report describes the methodology used for the assessment and presents the impacts in terms of energy savings, consumer cost savings, and reduced CO 2 emissions atmore » the state level and at aggregated levels. This analysis does not represent all potential savings from energy codes in the U.S. because it excludes several states which have codes which are fundamentally different from the national model energy codes or which do not have state-wide codes. Energy codes follow a three-phase cycle that starts with the development of a new model code, proceeds with the adoption of the new code by states and local jurisdictions, and finishes when buildings comply with the code. The development of new model code editions creates the potential for increased energy savings. After a new model code is adopted, potential savings are realized in the field when new buildings (or additions and alterations) are constructed to comply with the new code. Delayed adoption of a model code and incomplete compliance with the code’s requirements erode potential savings. The contributions of all three phases are crucial to the overall impact of codes, and are considered in this assessment.« less
Application of Quantum Gauss-Jordan Elimination Code to Quantum Secret Sharing Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diep, Do Ngoc; Giang, Do Hoang; Phu, Phan Huy

2017-12-01

The QSS codes associated with a MSP code are based on finding an invertible matrix V, solving the system vATMB (s a) = s. We propose a quantum Gauss-Jordan Elimination Procedure to produce such a pivotal matrix V by using the Grover search code. The complexity of solving is of square-root order of the cardinal number of the unauthorized set √ {2^{|B|}}.
Application of Quantum Gauss-Jordan Elimination Code to Quantum Secret Sharing Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diep, Do Ngoc; Giang, Do Hoang; Phu, Phan Huy

2018-03-01

The QSS codes associated with a MSP code are based on finding an invertible matrix V, solving the system vATMB (s a)=s. We propose a quantum Gauss-Jordan Elimination Procedure to produce such a pivotal matrix V by using the Grover search code. The complexity of solving is of square-root order of the cardinal number of the unauthorized set √ {2^{|B|}}.
The novel endomorphin degradation blockers Tyr-Pro-DClPhe-Phe-NH (EMDB-1) and Tyr-Pro-Ala-NH (EMDB-2) prolong endomorphin-2 action in rat ileum in vitro.

PubMed

Fichna, Jakub; Perlikowska, Renata; Gach, Katarzyna; do-Rego, Jean-Claude; Cravezic, Aurore; Janecka, Anna; Storr, Martin A

2010-07-01

The endogenous opioid system is involved in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) motility. The potential use of endogenous MOR ligands, endomorphins (EMs), as therapeutics is limited because of their rapid enzymatic degradation and short duration of action. Targeting enzymatic degradation is an approach to prolong EM activity. In the present study, we characterized the effects of novel blockers of EM degradation in GI tissue preparation in vitro. The effects of actinonin, diprotin A (DIP) and the novel peptide EM degradation blockers Tyr-Pro-DClPhe-Phe-NH(2) (EMDB-1), Tyr-Pro-Ala-NH(2) (EMDB-2) and Tyr-Pro-Ala-OH (EMDB-3) on EM-2-mediated inhibition of electrically induced cholinergic twitch contractions were compared in rat ileum in vitro using an organ bath. EMDB-1 and EMDB-2 significantly prolonged the inhibitory effect of EM-2 on smooth muscle contractility in rat ileum. EMDB-2 extended the EM-2 action for up to 60 min compared to 10 min in controls and was more potent than the conventional peptidase inhibitor DIP. EMDB-1 and EMDB-2 are potent EM degradation blockers, which prolong the inhibitory effects of EM-2 on smooth muscle contractility in rat ileum. These novel compounds may be of future use when targeting the endogenous opioid system in the treatment of GI motility disorders such as diarrhea.
Towers of generalized divisible quantum codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haah, Jeongwan

2018-04-01

A divisible binary classical code is one in which every code word has weight divisible by a fixed integer. If the divisor is 2ν for a positive integer ν , then one can construct a Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) code, where X -stabilizer space is the divisible classical code, that admits a transversal gate in the ν th level of Clifford hierarchy. We consider a generalization of the divisibility by allowing a coefficient vector of odd integers with which every code word has zero dot product modulo the divisor. In this generalized sense, we construct a CSS code with divisor 2ν +1 and code distance d from any CSS code of code distance d and divisor 2ν where the transversal X is a nontrivial logical operator. The encoding rate of the new code is approximately d times smaller than that of the old code. In particular, for large d and ν ≥2 , our construction yields a CSS code of parameters [[O (dν -1) ,Ω (d ) ,d ] ] admitting a transversal gate at the ν th level of Clifford hierarchy. For our construction we introduce a conversion from magic state distillation protocols based on Clifford measurements to those based on codes with transversal T gates. Our tower contains, as a subclass, generalized triply even CSS codes that have appeared in so-called gauge fixing or code switching methods.
Coded diffraction system in X-ray crystallography using a boolean phase coded aperture approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinilla, Samuel; Poveda, Juan; Arguello, Henry

2018-03-01

Phase retrieval is a problem present in many applications such as optics, astronomical imaging, computational biology and X-ray crystallography. Recent work has shown that the phase can be better recovered when the acquisition architecture includes a coded aperture, which modulates the signal before diffraction, such that the underlying signal is recovered from coded diffraction patterns. Moreover, this type of modulation effect, before the diffraction operation, can be obtained using a phase coded aperture, just after the sample under study. However, a practical implementation of a phase coded aperture in an X-ray application is not feasible, because it is computationally modeled as a matrix with complex entries which requires changing the phase of the diffracted beams. In fact, changing the phase implies finding a material that allows to deviate the direction of an X-ray beam, which can considerably increase the implementation costs. Hence, this paper describes a low cost coded X-ray diffraction system based on block-unblock coded apertures that enables phase reconstruction. The proposed system approximates the phase coded aperture with a block-unblock coded aperture by using the detour-phase method. Moreover, the SAXS/WAXS X-ray crystallography software was used to simulate the diffraction patterns of a real crystal structure called Rhombic Dodecahedron. Additionally, several simulations were carried out to analyze the performance of block-unblock approximations in recovering the phase, using the simulated diffraction patterns. Furthermore, the quality of the reconstructions was measured in terms of the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR). Results show that the performance of the block-unblock phase coded apertures approximation decreases at most 12.5% compared with the phase coded apertures. Moreover, the quality of the reconstructions using the boolean approximations is up to 2.5 dB of PSNR less with respect to the phase coded aperture reconstructions.
Coding for reliable satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, S.

1984-01-01

Several error control coding techniques for reliable satellite communications were investigated to find algorithms for fast decoding of Reed-Solomon codes in terms of dual basis. The decoding of the (255,223) Reed-Solomon code, which is used as the outer code in the concatenated TDRSS decoder, was of particular concern.
Visual search asymmetries within color-coded and intensity-coded displays.

PubMed

Yamani, Yusuke; McCarley, Jason S

2010-06-01

Color and intensity coding provide perceptual cues to segregate categories of objects within a visual display, allowing operators to search more efficiently for needed information. Even within a perceptually distinct subset of display elements, however, it may often be useful to prioritize items representing urgent or task-critical information. The design of symbology to produce search asymmetries (Treisman & Souther, 1985) offers a potential technique for doing this, but it is not obvious from existing models of search that an asymmetry observed in the absence of extraneous visual stimuli will persist within a complex color- or intensity-coded display. To address this issue, in the current study we measured the strength of a visual search asymmetry within displays containing color- or intensity-coded extraneous items. The asymmetry persisted strongly in the presence of extraneous items that were drawn in a different color (Experiment 1) or a lower contrast (Experiment 2) than the search-relevant items, with the targets favored by the search asymmetry producing highly efficient search. The asymmetry was attenuated but not eliminated when extraneous items were drawn in a higher contrast than search-relevant items (Experiment 3). Results imply that the coding of symbology to exploit visual search asymmetries can facilitate visual search for high-priority items even within color- or intensity-coded displays. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved.
Under-coding of secondary conditions in coded hospital health data: Impact of co-existing conditions, death status and number of codes in a record.

PubMed

Peng, Mingkai; Southern, Danielle A; Williamson, Tyler; Quan, Hude

2017-12-01

This study examined the coding validity of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and depression related to the presence of their co-existing conditions, death status and the number of diagnosis codes in hospital discharge abstract database. We randomly selected 4007 discharge abstract database records from four teaching hospitals in Alberta, Canada and reviewed their charts to extract 31 conditions listed in Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices. Conditions associated with the four study conditions were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Coding validity (i.e. sensitivity, positive predictive value) of the four conditions was related to the presence of their associated conditions. Sensitivity increased with increasing number of diagnosis code. Impact of death on coding validity is minimal. Coding validity of conditions is closely related to its clinical importance and complexity of patients' case mix. We recommend mandatory coding of certain secondary diagnosis to meet the need of health research based on administrative health data.
Interframe vector wavelet coding technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wus, John P.; Li, Weiping

1997-01-01

Wavelet coding is often used to divide an image into multi- resolution wavelet coefficients which are quantized and coded. By 'vectorizing' scalar wavelet coding and combining this with vector quantization (VQ), vector wavelet coding (VWC) can be implemented. Using a finite number of states, finite-state vector quantization (FSVQ) takes advantage of the similarity between frames by incorporating memory into the video coding system. Lattice VQ eliminates the potential mismatch that could occur using pre-trained VQ codebooks. It also eliminates the need for codebook storage in the VQ process, thereby creating a more robust coding system. Therefore, by using the VWC coding method in conjunction with the FSVQ system and lattice VQ, the formulation of a high quality very low bit rate coding systems is proposed. A coding system using a simple FSVQ system where the current state is determined by the previous channel symbol only is developed. To achieve a higher degree of compression, a tree-like FSVQ system is implemented. The groupings are done in this tree-like structure from the lower subbands to the higher subbands in order to exploit the nature of subband analysis in terms of the parent-child relationship. Class A and Class B video sequences from the MPEG-IV testing evaluations are used in the evaluation of this coding method.

Convolutional coding techniques for data protection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massey, J. L.

1975-01-01

Results of research on the use of convolutional codes in data communications are presented. Convolutional coding fundamentals are discussed along with modulation and coding interaction. Concatenated coding systems and data compression with convolutional codes are described.
24 CFR 200.926c - Model code provisions for use in partially accepted code jurisdictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Minimum Property Standards § 200.926c Model code provisions for use in partially accepted code... partially accepted, then the properties eligible for HUD benefits in that jurisdiction shall be constructed..., those portions of one of the model codes with which the property must comply. Schedule for Model Code...
24 CFR 200.926c - Model code provisions for use in partially accepted code jurisdictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Minimum Property Standards § 200.926c Model code provisions for use in partially accepted code... partially accepted, then the properties eligible for HUD benefits in that jurisdiction shall be constructed..., those portions of one of the model codes with which the property must comply. Schedule for Model Code...
Universal Noiseless Coding Subroutines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlutsmeyer, A. P.; Rice, R. F.

1986-01-01

Software package consists of FORTRAN subroutines that perform universal noiseless coding and decoding of integer and binary data strings. Purpose of this type of coding to achieve data compression in sense that coded data represents original data perfectly (noiselessly) while taking fewer bits to do so. Routines universal because they apply to virtually any "real-world" data source.
Moisture-Absorption and Water Dynamics in the Powder of Egg Albumen Peptide, Met-Pro-Asp-Ala-His-Leu.

PubMed

Yang, Shuailing; Liu, Xuye; Zhang, Mingdi; Lin, Songyi; Chen, Feng

2017-01-01

Moisture absorbed into the powder of Met-Pro-Asp-Ala-His-Leu (MPDAHL)-a novel egg albumen antioxidant peptide-profoundly affects its properties. In this study, we elucidated water dynamics in MPDAHL using DVS, DSC, and low-field 1 H NMR. Based on the DVS data, we found that MPDAHL sorption kinetics obey a parallel exponential model. DSC results indicated that both water and heating could change the microstructure of MPDAHL. The T 2 parameters of NMR reflected the different phases of moisture absorption revealed that there were 4 categories of water with different states or mobility in the MPDAHL during the moisture absorption process. The fastest fraction T 2b mainly dominated the hygroscopicity of MPDAHL and the absorbed water significantly changed the proton distribution and structure of MPDAHL. Thus, this study shows that DVS, DSC, and low-field 1 H NMR are effective methods for monitoring water mobility and distribution in synthetic peptides. It can be used to improve the quality assurance of functional peptides. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®.
Superluminal Labview Code

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

Wheat, Robert; Marksteiner, Quinn; Quenzer, Jonathan

2012-03-26

This labview code is used to set the phase and amplitudes on the 72 antenna of the superluminal machine, and to map out the radiation patter from the superluminal antenna.Each antenna radiates a modulated signal consisting of two separate frequencies, in the range of 2 GHz to 2.8 GHz. The phases and amplitudes from each antenna are controlled by a pair of AD8349 vector modulators (VMs). These VMs set the phase and amplitude of a high frequency signal using a set of four DC inputs, which are controlled by Linear Technologies LTC1990 digital to analog converters (DACs). The labview codemore » controls these DACs through an 8051 microcontroller.This code also monitors the phases and amplitudes of the 72 channels. Near each antenna, there is a coupler that channels a portion of the power into a binary network. Through a labview controlled switching array, any of the 72 coupled signals can be channeled in to the Tektronix TDS 7404 digital oscilloscope. Then the labview code takes an FFT of the signal, and compares it to the FFT of a reference signal in the oscilloscope to determine the magnitude and phase of each sideband of the signal. The code compensates for phase and amplitude errors introduced by differences in cable lengths.The labview code sets each of the 72 elements to a user determined phase and amplitude. For each element, the code runs an iterative procedure, where it adjusts the DACs until the correct phases and amplitudes have been reached.« less
Cu(II) Binding to the Peptide Ala-His-His, a Chimera of the Canonical Cu(II)-Binding Motifs Xxx-His and Xxx-Zzz-His.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Paulina; Vileno, Bertrand; Bossak, Karolina; El Khoury, Youssef; Hellwig, Petra; Bal, Wojciech; Hureau, Christelle; Faller, Peter

2017-12-18

Peptides and proteins with the N-terminal motifs NH 2 -Xxx-His and NH 2 -Xxx-Zzz-His form well-established Cu(II) complexes. The canonical peptides are Gly-His-Lys and Asp-Ala-His-Lys (from the wound healing factor and human serum albumin, respectively). Cu(II) is bound to NH 2 -Xxx-His via three nitrogens from the peptide and an external ligand in the equatorial plane (called 3N form here). In contrast, Cu(II) is bound to NH 2 -Xxx-Zzz-His via four nitrogens from the peptide in the equatorial plane (called 4N form here). These two motifs are not mutually exclusive, as the peptides with the sequence NH 2 -Xxx-His-His contain both of them. However, this chimera has never been fully explored. In this work, we use a multispectroscopic approach to analyze the Cu(II) binding to the chimeric peptide Ala-His-His (AHH). AHH is capable of forming the 3N- and 4N-type complexes in a pH dependent manner. The 3N form predominates at pH ∼ 4-6.5 and the 4N form at ∼ pH 6.5-10. NMR experiments showed that at pH 8.5, where Cu(II) is almost exclusively bound in the 4N form, the Cu(II)-exchange between AHH or the amidated AHH-NH 2 is fast, in comparison to the nonchimeric 4N form (AAH). Together, the results show that the chimeric AHH can access both Cu(II) coordination types, that minor changes in the second (or further) coordination sphere can impact considerably the equilibrium between the forms, and that Cu kinetic exchange is fast even when Cu-AHH is mainly in the 4N form.
Protograph-Based Raptor-Like Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush; Chen, Tsung-Yi; Wang, Jiadong; Wesel, Richard D.

2014-01-01

Theoretical analysis has long indicated that feedback improves the error exponent but not the capacity of pointto- point memoryless channels. The analytic and empirical results indicate that at short blocklength regime, practical rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) codes achieve low latency with the use of noiseless feedback. In 3GPP, standard rate-compatible turbo codes (RCPT) did not outperform the convolutional codes in the short blocklength regime. The reason is the convolutional codes for low number of states can be decoded optimally using Viterbi decoder. Despite excellent performance of convolutional codes at very short blocklengths, the strength of convolutional codes does not scale with the blocklength for a fixed number of states in its trellis.
Hanford meteorological station computer codes: Volume 9, The quality assurance computer codes

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

Burk, K.W.; Andrews, G.L.

1989-02-01

The Hanford Meteorological Station (HMS) was established in 1944 on the Hanford Site to collect and archive meteorological data and provide weather forecasts and related services for Hanford Site approximately 1/2 mile east of the 200 West Area and is operated by PNL for the US Department of Energy. Meteorological data are collected from various sensors and equipment located on and off the Hanford Site. These data are stored in data bases on the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VAX 11/750 at the HMS (hereafter referred to as the HMS computer). Files from those data bases are routinely transferred to themore » Emergency Management System (EMS) computer at the Unified Dose Assessment Center (UDAC). To ensure the quality and integrity of the HMS data, a set of Quality Assurance (QA) computer codes has been written. The codes will be routinely used by the HMS system manager or the data base custodian. The QA codes provide detailed output files that will be used in correcting erroneous data. The following sections in this volume describe the implementation and operation of QA computer codes. The appendices contain detailed descriptions, flow charts, and source code listings of each computer code. 2 refs.« less
Functional studies of the Ciona intestinalis myogenic regulatory factor reveal conserved features of chordate myogenesis.

PubMed

Izzi, Stephanie A; Colantuono, Bonnie J; Sullivan, Kelly; Khare, Parul; Meedel, Thomas H

2013-04-15

Ci-MRF is the sole myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, an invertebrate chordate. In order to investigate its properties we developed a simple in vivo assay based on misexpressing Ci-MRF in the notochord of Ciona embryos. We used this assay to examine the roles of three structural motifs that are conserved among MRFs: an alanine-threonine (Ala-Thr) dipeptide of the basic domain that is known in vertebrates as the myogenic code, a cysteine/histidine-rich (C/H) domain found just N-terminal to the basic domain, and a carboxy-terminal amphipathic α-helix referred to as Helix III. We show that the Ala-Thr dipeptide is necessary for normal Ci-MRF function, and that while eliminating the C/H domain or Helix III individually has no demonstrable effect on Ci-MRF, simultaneous loss of both motifs significantly reduces its activity. Our studies also indicate that direct interaction between CiMRF and an essential E-box of Ciona Troponin I is required for the expression of this muscle-specific gene and that multiple classes of MRF-regulated genes exist in Ciona. These findings are consistent with substantial conservation of MRF-directed myogenesis in chordates and demonstrate for the first time that the Ala/Thr dipeptide of the basic domain of an invertebrate MRF behaves as a myogenic code. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Energy Codes at a Glance

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

Cole, Pamala C.; Richman, Eric E.

2008-09-01

Feeling dim from energy code confusion? Read on to give your inspections a charge. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Energy Codes Program addresses hundreds of inquiries from the energy codes community every year. This article offers clarification for topics of confusion submitted to BECP Technical Support of interest to electrical inspectors, focusing on the residential and commercial energy code requirements based on the most recently published 2006 International Energy Conservation Code® and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA1 Standard 90.1-2004.
Triangular with Ala Nasi (TAN) II repair of unilateral cleft lips with severe nasal deformity.

PubMed

Tan, Onder

2014-10-01

With our previous technique called triangular with ala nasi (TAN) repair, we combined the superiorities of these 2 popular techniques by approaching the skin, as in Tennison-Randall, and the muscle and nose, as in Millard. Although good results have been obtained in most patients, cleft lip nose (CLN) deformity could not entirely be corrected particularly in serious cleft patients. Therefore, we revised the technique, called the TAN II repair, by adding some nasal maneuvers including the bivectoral suspension sutures, alar buckling resection, and alar web resection. Forty-two consecutive patients (26 male and 16 female) with unilateral cleft lips were operated on using the TAN II technique in the last 5 years. The mean age at repair was 11.95 months (range, 3 to 120). The postoperative outcomes were assessed subjectively by Williams test and objectively by Lindsay-Farkas method. The mean follow-up time was 16.3 months. No early complication involving hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, or partial or total flap loss was encountered. The recoveries of 92.42% and 88.89% on average, when compared with the noncleft side, were obtained postoperatively. With these modifications, the TAN II technique was able to correct the severe unilateral CLN deformities. We obtained good to excellent outcomes in late postoperative follow-up by means of a long-term suspension effect.
Combustion chamber analysis code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Przekwas, A. J.; Lai, Y. G.; Krishnan, A.; Avva, R. K.; Giridharan, M. G.

1993-01-01

A three-dimensional, time dependent, Favre averaged, finite volume Navier-Stokes code has been developed to model compressible and incompressible flows (with and without chemical reactions) in liquid rocket engines. The code has a non-staggered formulation with generalized body-fitted-coordinates (BFC) capability. Higher order differencing methodologies such as MUSCL and Osher-Chakravarthy schemes are available. Turbulent flows can be modeled using any of the five turbulent models present in the code. A two-phase, two-liquid, Lagrangian spray model has been incorporated into the code. Chemical equilibrium and finite rate reaction models are available to model chemically reacting flows. The discrete ordinate method is used to model effects of thermal radiation. The code has been validated extensively against benchmark experimental data and has been applied to model flows in several propulsion system components of the SSME and the STME.
Bring out your codes! Bring out your codes! (Increasing Software Visibility and Re-use)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, A.; Berriman, B.; Brunner, R.; Burger, D.; DuPrie, K.; Hanisch, R. J.; Mann, R.; Mink, J.; Sandin, C.; Shortridge, K.; Teuben, P.

2013-10-01

Progress is being made in code discoverability and preservation, but as discussed at ADASS XXI, many codes still remain hidden from public view. With the Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL) now indexed by the SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS), the introduction of a new journal, Astronomy & Computing, focused on astrophysics software, and the increasing success of education efforts such as Software Carpentry and SciCoder, the community has the opportunity to set a higher standard for its science by encouraging the release of software for examination and possible reuse. We assembled representatives of the community to present issues inhibiting code release and sought suggestions for tackling these factors. The session began with brief statements by panelists; the floor was then opened for discussion and ideas. Comments covered a diverse range of related topics and points of view, with apparent support for the propositions that algorithms should be readily available, code used to produce published scientific results should be made available, and there should be discovery mechanisms to allow these to be found easily. With increased use of resources such as GitHub (for code availability), ASCL (for code discovery), and a stated strong preference from the new journal Astronomy & Computing for code release, we expect to see additional progress over the next few years.
STS-6 MISSION OPERATIONS CONTROL ROOM (MOCR) ACTIVITIES - DAY 5 - JSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1983-04-09

Various views of STS-6 MOCR activities during Day-5 with Vice-Pres. George Bush, Cap Communicator Bridges, JSC Director Gerald Griffin, Eugene F. Kranz, NASA Admin. James M. Beggs, Cap Com Astronaut O'Connor, Flight Directors Jay H. Greene, Gary E. Coen, and Harold Draughon. 1. BUSH, GEORGE, VICE-PRES. - STS-6 MOCR 2. DIR. GRIFFIN, GERALD D. - STS-6 MOCR 3. ADMIN. BEGGS, JAMES M. - STS-6 MOCR 4. FLT. DIRECTORS - STS-6 JSC, HOUSTON, TX Also available in 35 CN
Local Laplacian Coding From Theoretical Analysis of Local Coding Schemes for Locally Linear Classification.

PubMed

Pang, Junbiao; Qin, Lei; Zhang, Chunjie; Zhang, Weigang; Huang, Qingming; Yin, Baocai

2015-12-01

Local coordinate coding (LCC) is a framework to approximate a Lipschitz smooth function by combining linear functions into a nonlinear one. For locally linear classification, LCC requires a coding scheme that heavily determines the nonlinear approximation ability, posing two main challenges: 1) the locality making faraway anchors have smaller influences on current data and 2) the flexibility balancing well between the reconstruction of current data and the locality. In this paper, we address the problem from the theoretical analysis of the simplest local coding schemes, i.e., local Gaussian coding and local student coding, and propose local Laplacian coding (LPC) to achieve the locality and the flexibility. We apply LPC into locally linear classifiers to solve diverse classification tasks. The comparable or exceeded performances of state-of-the-art methods demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using intratumoral injection of the 5- aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for the treatment of eye cancer in cattle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hage, Raduan; Mancilha, Geraldo; Zângaro, Renato A.; Munin, Egberto; Plapler, Hélio

2007-02-01

A six-year old Holstein cow with an eye cancer (ocular squamous cell carcinoma) involving the third eyelid and conjunctiva was submitted to photodynamic therapy using intratumoral 20% aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA - Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, USA) and a light emitting diode (LED - VET LED - MMOptics (R)) with wavelength between 600 and 700 nm, 2 cm diameter circular light beam, power of 150 mW, light dose of 50 J/cm2 as a source of irradiation. Fifteen days after the experimental procedure we observed about 50% tumor reduction and complete remission after 3 months. Relapse was not observed up to 12 months after the treatment. Although the study only includes one animal not allowing definite conclusions, it indicates that PDT represents a safe and technically feasible approach in the treatment of eye cancer in cattle.
Civil Code, 11 December 1987.

PubMed

1988-01-01

Article 162 of this Mexican Code provides, among other things, that "Every person has the right freely, responsibly, and in an informed fashion to determine the number and spacing of his or her children." When a marriage is involved, this right is to be observed by the spouses "in agreement with each other." The civil codes of the following states contain the same provisions: 1) Baja California (Art. 159 of the Civil Code of 28 April 1972 as revised in Decree No. 167 of 31 January 1974); 2) Morelos (Art. 255 of the Civil Code of 26 September 1949 as revised in Decree No. 135 of 29 December 1981); 3) Queretaro (Art. 162 of the Civil Code of 29 December 1950 as revised in the Act of 9 January 1981); 4) San Luis Potosi (Art. 147 of the Civil Code of 24 March 1946 as revised in 13 June 1978); Sinaloa (Art. 162 of the Civil Code of 18 June 1940 as revised in Decree No. 28 of 14 October 1975); 5) Tamaulipas (Art. 146 of the Civil Code of 21 November 1960 as revised in Decree No. 20 of 30 April 1975); 6) Veracruz-Llave (Art. 98 of the Civil Code of 1 September 1932 as revised in the Act of 30 December 1975); and 7) Zacatecas (Art. 253 of the Civil Code of 9 February 1965 as revised in Decree No. 104 of 13 August 1975). The Civil Codes of Puebla and Tlaxcala provide for this right only in the context of marriage with the spouses in agreement. See Art. 317 of the Civil Code of Puebla of 15 April 1985 and Article 52 of the Civil Code of Tlaxcala of 31 August 1976 as revised in Decree No. 23 of 2 April 1984. The Family Code of Hidalgo requires as a formality of marriage a certification that the spouses are aware of methods of controlling fertility, responsible parenthood, and family planning. In addition, Article 22 the Civil Code of the Federal District provides that the legal capacity of natural persons is acquired at birth and lost at death; however, from the moment of conception the individual comes under the protection of the law, which is valid with respect to the
Development of new two-dimensional spectral/spatial code based on dynamic cyclic shift code for OCDMA system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jellali, Nabiha; Najjar, Monia; Ferchichi, Moez; Rezig, Houria

2017-07-01

In this paper, a new two-dimensional spectral/spatial codes family, named two dimensional dynamic cyclic shift codes (2D-DCS) is introduced. The 2D-DCS codes are derived from the dynamic cyclic shift code for the spectral and spatial coding. The proposed system can fully eliminate the multiple access interference (MAI) by using the MAI cancellation property. The effect of shot noise, phase-induced intensity noise and thermal noise are used to analyze the code performance. In comparison with existing two dimensional (2D) codes, such as 2D perfect difference (2D-PD), 2D Extended Enhanced Double Weight (2D-Extended-EDW) and 2D hybrid (2D-FCC/MDW) codes, the numerical results show that our proposed codes have the best performance. By keeping the same code length and increasing the spatial code, the performance of our 2D-DCS system is enhanced: it provides higher data rates while using lower transmitted power and a smaller spectral width.
Facial expression coding in children and adolescents with autism: Reduced adaptability but intact norm-based coding.

PubMed

Rhodes, Gillian; Burton, Nichola; Jeffery, Linda; Read, Ainsley; Taylor, Libby; Ewing, Louise

2018-05-01

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have difficulty recognizing emotional expressions. Here, we asked whether the underlying perceptual coding of expression is disrupted. Typical individuals code expression relative to a perceptual (average) norm that is continuously updated by experience. This adaptability of face-coding mechanisms has been linked to performance on various face tasks. We used an adaptation aftereffect paradigm to characterize expression coding in children and adolescents with autism. We asked whether face expression coding is less adaptable in autism and whether there is any fundamental disruption of norm-based coding. If expression coding is norm-based, then the face aftereffects should increase with adaptor expression strength (distance from the average expression). We observed this pattern in both autistic and typically developing participants, suggesting that norm-based coding is fundamentally intact in autism. Critically, however, expression aftereffects were reduced in the autism group, indicating that expression-coding mechanisms are less readily tuned by experience. Reduced adaptability has also been reported for coding of face identity and gaze direction. Thus, there appears to be a pervasive lack of adaptability in face-coding mechanisms in autism, which could contribute to face processing and broader social difficulties in the disorder. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

Code Switching and Code Superimposition in Music. Working Papers in Sociolinguistics, No. 63.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slobin, Mark

This paper illustrates how the sociolinguistic concept of code switching applies to the use of different styles of music. The two bases for the analogy are Labov's definition of code-switching as "moving from one consistent set of co-occurring rules to another," and the finding of sociolinguistics that code switching tends to be part of…
Ethics and the Early Childhood Educator: Using the NAEYC Code. 2005 Code Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, Nancy; Feeney, Stephanie

2005-01-01

With updated language and references to the 2005 revision of the Code of Ethical Conduct, this book, like the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, seeks to inform, not prescribe, answers to tough questions that teachers face as they work with children, families, and colleagues. To help everyone become well acquainted with the Code and use it in one's…
A genetic scale of reading frame coding.

PubMed

Michel, Christian J

2014-08-21

The reading frame coding (RFC) of codes (sets) of trinucleotides is a genetic concept which has been largely ignored during the last 50 years. A first objective is the definition of a new and simple statistical parameter PrRFC for analysing the probability (efficiency) of reading frame coding (RFC) of any trinucleotide code. A second objective is to reveal different classes and subclasses of trinucleotide codes involved in reading frame coding: the circular codes of 20 trinucleotides and the bijective genetic codes of 20 trinucleotides coding the 20 amino acids. This approach allows us to propose a genetic scale of reading frame coding which ranges from 1/3 with the random codes (RFC probability identical in the three frames) to 1 with the comma-free circular codes (RFC probability maximal in the reading frame and null in the two shifted frames). This genetic scale shows, in particular, the reading frame coding probabilities of the 12,964,440 circular codes (PrRFC=83.2% in average), the 216 C(3) self-complementary circular codes (PrRFC=84.1% in average) including the code X identified in eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes (PrRFC=81.3%) and the 339,738,624 bijective genetic codes (PrRFC=61.5% in average) including the 52 codes without permuted trinucleotides (PrRFC=66.0% in average). Otherwise, the reading frame coding probabilities of each trinucleotide code coding an amino acid with the universal genetic code are also determined. The four amino acids Gly, Lys, Phe and Pro are coded by codes (not circular) with RFC probabilities equal to 2/3, 1/2, 1/2 and 2/3, respectively. The amino acid Leu is coded by a circular code (not comma-free) with a RFC probability equal to 18/19. The 15 other amino acids are coded by comma-free circular codes, i.e. with RFC probabilities equal to 1. The identification of coding properties in some classes of trinucleotide codes studied here may bring new insights in the origin and evolution of the genetic code. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier
Development of authentication code for multi-access optical code division multiplexing based quantum key distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taiwo, Ambali; Alnassar, Ghusoon; Bakar, M. H. Abu; Khir, M. F. Abdul; Mahdi, Mohd Adzir; Mokhtar, M.

2018-05-01

One-weight authentication code for multi-user quantum key distribution (QKD) is proposed. The code is developed for Optical Code Division Multiplexing (OCDMA) based QKD network. A unique address assigned to individual user, coupled with degrading probability of predicting the source of the qubit transmitted in the channel offer excellent secure mechanism against any form of channel attack on OCDMA based QKD network. Flexibility in design as well as ease of modifying the number of users are equally exceptional quality presented by the code in contrast to Optical Orthogonal Code (OOC) earlier implemented for the same purpose. The code was successfully applied to eight simultaneous users at effective key rate of 32 bps over 27 km transmission distance.
Top ten reasons to register your code with the Astrophysics Source Code Library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Alice; DuPrie, Kimberly; Berriman, G. Bruce; Mink, Jessica D.; Nemiroff, Robert J.; Robitaille, Thomas; Schmidt, Judy; Shamir, Lior; Shortridge, Keith; Teuben, Peter J.; Wallin, John F.; Warmels, Rein

2017-01-01

With 1,400 codes, the Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL, ascl.net) is the largest indexed resource for codes used in astronomy research in existence. This free online registry was established in 1999, is indexed by Web of Science and ADS, and is citable, with citations to its entries tracked by ADS. Registering your code with the ASCL is easy with our online submissions system. Making your software available for examination shows confidence in your research and makes your research more transparent, reproducible, and falsifiable. ASCL registration allows your software to be cited on its own merits and provides a citation that is trackable and accepted by all astronomy journals and journals such as Science and Nature. Registration also allows others to find your code more easily. This presentation covers the benefits of registering astronomy research software with the ASCL.
Quantum computing with Majorana fermion codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litinski, Daniel; von Oppen, Felix

2018-05-01

We establish a unified framework for Majorana-based fault-tolerant quantum computation with Majorana surface codes and Majorana color codes. All logical Clifford gates are implemented with zero-time overhead. This is done by introducing a protocol for Pauli product measurements with tetrons and hexons which only requires local 4-Majorana parity measurements. An analogous protocol is used in the fault-tolerant setting, where tetrons and hexons are replaced by Majorana surface code patches, and parity measurements are replaced by lattice surgery, still only requiring local few-Majorana parity measurements. To this end, we discuss twist defects in Majorana fermion surface codes and adapt the technique of twist-based lattice surgery to fermionic codes. Moreover, we propose a family of codes that we refer to as Majorana color codes, which are obtained by concatenating Majorana surface codes with small Majorana fermion codes. Majorana surface and color codes can be used to decrease the space overhead and stabilizer weight compared to their bosonic counterparts.
Genetic Code Analysis Toolkit: A novel tool to explore the coding properties of the genetic code and DNA sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraljić, K.; Strüngmann, L.; Fimmel, E.; Gumbel, M.

2018-01-01

The genetic code is degenerated and it is assumed that redundancy provides error detection and correction mechanisms in the translation process. However, the biological meaning of the code's structure is still under current research. This paper presents a Genetic Code Analysis Toolkit (GCAT) which provides workflows and algorithms for the analysis of the structure of nucleotide sequences. In particular, sets or sequences of codons can be transformed and tested for circularity, comma-freeness, dichotomic partitions and others. GCAT comes with a fertile editor custom-built to work with the genetic code and a batch mode for multi-sequence processing. With the ability to read FASTA files or load sequences from GenBank, the tool can be used for the mathematical and statistical analysis of existing sequence data. GCAT is Java-based and provides a plug-in concept for extensibility. Availability: Open source Homepage:http://www.gcat.bio/
Astrophysics Source Code Library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, A.; DuPrie, K.; Berriman, B.; Hanisch, R. J.; Mink, J.; Teuben, P. J.

2013-10-01

The Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL), founded in 1999, is a free on-line registry for source codes of interest to astronomers and astrophysicists. The library is housed on the discussion forum for Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) and can be accessed at http://ascl.net. The ASCL has a comprehensive listing that covers a significant number of the astrophysics source codes used to generate results published in or submitted to refereed journals and continues to grow. The ASCL currently has entries for over 500 codes; its records are citable and are indexed by ADS. The editors of the ASCL and members of its Advisory Committee were on hand at a demonstration table in the ADASS poster room to present the ASCL, accept code submissions, show how the ASCL is starting to be used by the astrophysics community, and take questions on and suggestions for improving the resource.
Capping Parallel β-Sheets of Acetyl(Ala)6NH2 with an Acetyl(Ala)5ProNH2 Can Arrest the Growth of the Sheet, Suggesting a Potential for Curtailing Amyloid Growth. An ONIOM and Density Functional Theory Study

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

We present ONIOM calculations using B3LYP/d95(d,p) as the high level and AM1 as the medium level on parallel β-sheets containing four strands of Ac-AAAAAA-NH2 capped with either Ac-AAPAAA-NH2 or Ac-AAAPAA-NH2. Because Pro can form H-bonds from only one side of the peptide linkage (that containing the C=O H-bond acceptor), only one of the two Pro-containing strands can favorably add to the sheet on each side. Surprisingly, when the sheet is capped with AAPAAA-NH2 at one edge, the interaction between the cap and sheet is slightly more stabilizing than that of another all Ala strand. Breaking down the interaction enthalpies into H-bonding and distortion energies shows the favorable interaction to be due to lower distortion energies in both the strand and the four-stranded sheet. Because another strand would be inhibited for attachment to the other side of the capping (Pro-containing) strand, we suggest the possible use of Pro residues in peptides designed to arrest the growth of many amyloids. PMID:24422496
Code Verification Results of an LLNL ASC Code on Some Tri-Lab Verification Test Suite Problems

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

Anderson, S R; Bihari, B L; Salari, K

As scientific codes become more complex and involve larger numbers of developers and algorithms, chances for algorithmic implementation mistakes increase. In this environment, code verification becomes essential to building confidence in the code implementation. This paper will present first results of a new code verification effort within LLNL's B Division. In particular, we will show results of code verification of the LLNL ASC ARES code on the test problems: Su Olson non-equilibrium radiation diffusion, Sod shock tube, Sedov point blast modeled with shock hydrodynamics, and Noh implosion.
Spatial transform coding of color images.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pratt, W. K.

1971-01-01

The application of the transform-coding concept to the coding of color images represented by three primary color planes of data is discussed. The principles of spatial transform coding are reviewed and the merits of various methods of color-image representation are examined. A performance analysis is presented for the color-image transform-coding system. Results of a computer simulation of the coding system are also given. It is shown that, by transform coding, the chrominance content of a color image can be coded with an average of 1.0 bits per element or less without serious degradation. If luminance coding is also employed, the average rate reduces to about 2.0 bits per element or less.
Effects of peptides Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly on hormonal activity and structure of the thyroid gland in hypophysectomized young chickens and old hens.

PubMed

Kuznik, B I; Pateyuk, A V; Rusaeva, N S; Baranchugova, L M; Obydenko, V I

2011-02-01

Hypophysectomy in 5-days chickens and old hens was followed by hormonal disturbances and structural changes in the thyroid gland. Administration of peptides Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly synthesized on the basis the amino acid composition of extracts from the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland, respectively, to hypophysectomized birds for 40 days significantly reduced the degree of these changes. The normalizing effect of synthetic peptides on the concentration of thyrotrophic hormone and thyroid hormones in old hens was less pronounced than in chickens.
Codes and morals: is there a missing link? (The Nuremberg Code revisited).

PubMed

Hick, C

1998-01-01

Codes are a well known and popular but weak form of ethical regulation in medical practice. There is, however, a lack of research on the relations between moral judgments and ethical Codes, or on the possibility of morally justifying these Codes. Our analysis begins by showing, given the Nuremberg Code, how a typical reference to natural law has historically served as moral justification. We then indicate, following the analyses of H. T. Engelhardt, Jr., and A. MacIntyre, why such general moral justifications of codes must necessarily fail in a society of "moral strangers." Going beyond Engelhardt we argue, that after the genealogical suspicion in morals raised by Nietzsche, not even Engelhardt's "principle of permission" can be rationally justified in a strong sense--a problem of transcendental argumentation in morals already realized by I. Kant. Therefore, we propose to abandon the project of providing general justifications for moral judgements and to replace it with a hermeneutical analysis of ethical meanings in real-world situations, starting with the archetypal ethical situation, the encounter with the Other (E. Levinas).
The neutral emergence of error minimized genetic codes superior to the standard genetic code.

PubMed

Massey, Steven E

2016-11-07

The standard genetic code (SGC) assigns amino acids to codons in such a way that the impact of point mutations is reduced, this is termed 'error minimization' (EM). The occurrence of EM has been attributed to the direct action of selection, however it is difficult to explain how the searching of alternative codes for an error minimized code can occur via codon reassignments, given that these are likely to be disruptive to the proteome. An alternative scenario is that EM has arisen via the process of genetic code expansion, facilitated by the duplication of genes encoding charging enzymes and adaptor molecules. This is likely to have led to similar amino acids being assigned to similar codons. Strikingly, we show that if during code expansion the most similar amino acid to the parent amino acid, out of the set of unassigned amino acids, is assigned to codons related to those of the parent amino acid, then genetic codes with EM superior to the SGC easily arise. This scheme mimics code expansion via the gene duplication of charging enzymes and adaptors. The result is obtained for a variety of different schemes of genetic code expansion and provides a mechanistically realistic manner in which EM has arisen in the SGC. These observations might be taken as evidence for self-organization in the earliest stages of life. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
NR-code: Nonlinear reconstruction code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yu; Pen, Ue-Li; Zhu, Hong-Ming

2018-04-01

NR-code applies nonlinear reconstruction to the dark matter density field in redshift space and solves for the nonlinear mapping from the initial Lagrangian positions to the final redshift space positions; this reverses the large-scale bulk flows and improves the precision measurement of the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) scale.
Error coding simulations in C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noble, Viveca K.

1994-01-01

When data is transmitted through a noisy channel, errors are produced within the data rendering it indecipherable. Through the use of error control coding techniques, the bit error rate can be reduced to any desired level without sacrificing the transmission data rate. The Astrionics Laboratory at Marshall Space Flight Center has decided to use a modular, end-to-end telemetry data simulator to simulate the transmission of data from flight to ground and various methods of error control. The simulator includes modules for random data generation, data compression, Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) transfer frame formation, error correction/detection, error generation and error statistics. The simulator utilizes a concatenated coding scheme which includes CCSDS standard (255,223) Reed-Solomon (RS) code over GF(2(exp 8)) with interleave depth of 5 as the outermost code, (7, 1/2) convolutional code as an inner code and CCSDS recommended (n, n-16) cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code as the innermost code, where n is the number of information bits plus 16 parity bits. The received signal-to-noise for a desired bit error rate is greatly reduced through the use of forward error correction techniques. Even greater coding gain is provided through the use of a concatenated coding scheme. Interleaving/deinterleaving is necessary to randomize burst errors which may appear at the input of the RS decoder. The burst correction capability length is increased in proportion to the interleave depth. The modular nature of the simulator allows for inclusion or exclusion of modules as needed. This paper describes the development and operation of the simulator, the verification of a C-language Reed-Solomon code, and the possibility of using Comdisco SPW(tm) as a tool for determining optimal error control schemes.
Coding for reliable satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaarder, N. T.; Lin, S.

1986-01-01

This research project was set up to study various kinds of coding techniques for error control in satellite and space communications for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. During the project period, researchers investigated the following areas: (1) decoding of Reed-Solomon codes in terms of dual basis; (2) concatenated and cascaded error control coding schemes for satellite and space communications; (3) use of hybrid coding schemes (error correction and detection incorporated with retransmission) to improve system reliability and throughput in satellite communications; (4) good codes for simultaneous error correction and error detection, and (5) error control techniques for ring and star networks.
Bandwidth efficient CCSDS coding standard proposals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Costello, Daniel J., Jr.; Perez, Lance C.; Wang, Fu-Quan

1992-01-01

The basic concatenated coding system for the space telemetry channel consists of a Reed-Solomon (RS) outer code, a symbol interleaver/deinterleaver, and a bandwidth efficient trellis inner code. A block diagram of this configuration is shown. The system may operate with or without the outer code and interleaver. In this recommendation, the outer code remains the (255,223) RS code over GF(2 exp 8) with an error correcting capability of t = 16 eight bit symbols. This code's excellent performance and the existence of fast, cost effective, decoders justify its continued use. The purpose of the interleaver/deinterleaver is to distribute burst errors out of the inner decoder over multiple codewords of the outer code. This utilizes the error correcting capability of the outer code more efficiently and reduces the probability of an RS decoder failure. Since the space telemetry channel is not considered bursty, the required interleaving depth is primarily a function of the inner decoding method. A diagram of an interleaver with depth 4 that is compatible with the (255,223) RS code is shown. Specific interleaver requirements are discussed after the inner code recommendations.
The optimal code searching method with an improved criterion of coded exposure for remote sensing image restoration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Lirong; Cui, Guangmang; Feng, Huajun; Xu, Zhihai; Li, Qi; Chen, Yueting

2015-03-01

Coded exposure photography makes the motion de-blurring a well-posed problem. The integration pattern of light is modulated using the method of coded exposure by opening and closing the shutter within the exposure time, changing the traditional shutter frequency spectrum into a wider frequency band in order to preserve more image information in frequency domain. The searching method of optimal code is significant for coded exposure. In this paper, an improved criterion of the optimal code searching is proposed by analyzing relationship between code length and the number of ones in the code, considering the noise effect on code selection with the affine noise model. Then the optimal code is obtained utilizing the method of genetic searching algorithm based on the proposed selection criterion. Experimental results show that the time consuming of searching optimal code decreases with the presented method. The restoration image is obtained with better subjective experience and superior objective evaluation values.
Nonlinear, nonbinary cyclic group codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, G.

1992-01-01

New cyclic group codes of length 2(exp m) - 1 over (m - j)-bit symbols are introduced. These codes can be systematically encoded and decoded algebraically. The code rates are very close to Reed-Solomon (RS) codes and are much better than Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes (a former alternative). The binary (m - j)-tuples are identified with a subgroup of the binary m-tuples which represents the field GF(2 exp m). Encoding is systematic and involves a two-stage procedure consisting of the usual linear feedback register (using the division or check polynomial) and a small table lookup. For low rates, a second shift-register encoding operation may be invoked. Decoding uses the RS error-correcting procedures for the m-tuple codes for m = 4, 5, and 6.

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