Determination of geohydrologic framework and extent of d- water contamination using surface geophysical techniques at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lacombe, Pierre

1986-01-01

Seismic-refraction, electric-resistivity sounding, and electromagnetic conductivity techniques were used to determine the geohydrologic framework and extent of groundwater contamination at Picatinny Arsenal in northern New Jersey. The area studied encompasses about 4 sq mi at the southern end of the Arsenal. The bedrock surface beneath the glacial sediments was delineated by seismic-refraction techniques. Data for 12 seismic lines were collected using a 12-channel engineering seismograph. Competent bedrock crops out on both sides of the valley, but is about 290 ft below land surface in the deepest part of the topographic valley. Where the exposed bedrock surface forms steep slopes on the valley side, it remains steep below the valley fill. Likewise, gentle bedrock valley slopes have gentle subsurface slopes. The deepest part of the bedrock valley is along the southern extension of the Green Pond fault. The electric-resistivity sounding technique was used to determine the sediment types. Data were collected from four sites using the offset Wenner electrode configuration. Below the surface layer, the sediments have apparent and computed resistivity values of 120 to 170 ohm-meters. These values correspond to a saturated fine-grained sediment such as silt or interbedded sand and clay. Groundwater contamination was by electromagnetic conductivity techniques using transmitting and receiving coils separated by 32.8 ft and 12 ft. Thirteen sites have apparent conductivity values exceeding 15 millimhos/m. Of these, seven sites indicate groundwater contamination from a variety of sources including a sanitary landfill, pyrotechnic testing ground, burning area, former domestic sewage field, salt storage facility, hazardous waste disposal lagoon, sewage treatment plant, and fertilizer storage shed. Three areas underlain by clay or muck are interpreted to be free of contamination. (Author 's abstract)

Electric structure of the Copahue Volcano (Neuquén Province, Argentina), from magnetotelluric soundings: 1D and 2D modellings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamaní, M. J.; Borzotta, E.; Venencia, J. E.; Maidana, A.; Moyano, C. E.; Castiglione, B.

2000-05-01

Four magnetotelluric soundings were carried out in 1993 in the region of the Copahue active volcano located at the border between Chile and Argentina (37°45'S, 71°18'W). Three soundings were located inside the caldera of the ancient stratovolcano (east of Copahue) and the fourth outside it. The soundings inside the caldera were situated at about 6, 11, and 14 km from the volcano. Digital data were obtained covering the range of periods from 1 sec to 10,000 sec using induction coils and a flux-gate magnetometer to obtain the magnetic data and Cu-SO 4Cu electrodes for electric field measurements. The apparent resistivity curves corresponding to principal directions were analyzed in conjunction with the geological background in order to eliminate distortion — which is very important in this hot volcanic region. Then, 1D modellings were performed using the "normal" curves — i.e., curves without distortions. Using the apparent resistivity curves with distortions, 2D modelling was also performed along a profile perpendicular to the regional tectonic trend suggested by MT soundings into the caldera. Results show low resistivity values of about 3-15 Ωm between 9 km to 20 km depth in the crust, suggesting high temperatures, with minimum values of about 700°C with partially melted zones in the upper crust between 9 km to 20 km depth under the caldera. The presence of a possible sulphide-carbonaceous layer (SC layer) in the upper basement could play an important role in lowering the electrical resistivities because of its high electronic conductivity.

A new-generation 5-nitroimidazole can induce highly metronidazole-resistant Giardia lamblia in vitro

PubMed Central

Dunn, Linda A.; Burgess, Anita G.; Krauer, Kenia G.; Eckmann, Lars; Vanelle, Patrice; Crozet, Maxime D.; Gillin, Frances D.; Upcroft, Peter; Upcroft, Jacqueline A.

2010-01-01

The 5-nitroimidazole (NI) compound C17, with a side chain carrying a remote phenyl group in the 2-position of the imidazole ring, is at least 14-fold more active against the gut protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia than the 5-NI drug metronidazole (MTR), with a side chain in the 1-position of the imidazole ring, which is the primary drug for the treatment of giardiasis. Over 10 months, lines resistant to C17 were induced in vitro and were at least 12-fold more resistant to C17 than the parent strains. However, these lines had ID90 values (concentration of drug at which 10% of control parasite ATP levels are detected) for MTR of >200 μM, whilst lines induced to be highly resistant to MTR in vitro have maximum ID90 values around 100 μM (MTR-susceptible isolates typically have an ID90 of 5–12.8 μM). The mechanism of MTR activation in Giardia apparently involves reduction to toxic radicals by the activity of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) and the electron acceptor ferredoxin. MTR-resistant Giardia have decreased PFOR activity, which is consistent with decreased activation of MTR in these lines, but C17-resistant lines have normal levels of PFOR. Therefore, an alternative mechanism of resistance in Giardia must account for these super-MTR-resistant cells. PMID:20456926

A study of building the hydrogeological apparent model with geoelectrical measurements for the Chia-Nan Coastal Plain of SW Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, P. Y.; Tsai, J. P.; Chang, L. C.

2016-12-01

In the study we used the resistivity measurements collected in the Chia-Nan coastal plain of SW Taiwan to establish a three-dimensional (3D) hydrogeological apparent model. The resistivity measurements include data from half-Schlumberger surveys conducted during the year of 1990-2000 across the entire area and from the recent two-dimensional resistivity surveys for characterizing the recharge zone boundaries. Core records from monitoring wells in the area were used for the training data to help determining the resistivity ranges of the gavel, sand, and muddy sediments in the coastal plain. These resistivity measurements were inverted and converted into 1-D data form and interpolated for rendering a three dimensional resistivity volume that represents the general resistivity distribution in the coastal-plain systems. In addition we used water resistivity data from the observation wells to calculating the formation factors (FI) and to render the FI model. We then compared the FIs with indexed core records near some of the resistivity surveys sites, and concluded the range of the FIs for different materials in a statistical sense. Lastly we transfer the FI model into the gravel-sand-clay apparent model with the classification criteria from previous petrophysical analysis. Because there are more resistivity measurements than the limited geological boreholes, the apparent model is better to represent the detailed sedimentary structures than the traditional over-simplified conceptual models.

The theoretical relationship between foliage temperature and canopy resistance in sparse crops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuttleworth, W. James; Gurney, Robert J.

1990-01-01

One-dimensional, sparse-crop interaction theory is reformulated to allow calculation of the canopy resistance from measurements of foliage temperature. A submodel is introduced to describe eddy diffusion within the canopy which provides a simple, empirical simulation of the reported behavior obtained from a second-order closure model. The sensitivity of the calculated canopy resistance to the parameters and formulas assumed in the model is investigated. The calculation is shown to exhibit a significant but acceptable sensitivity to extreme changes in canopy aerodynamics, and to changes in the surface resistance of the substrate beneath the canopy at high and intermediate values of leaf area index. In very sparse crops changes in the surface resistance of the substrate are shown to contaminate the calculated canopy resistance, tending to amplify the apparent response to changes in water availability. The theory is developed to allow the use of a measurement of substrate temperature as an option to mitigate this contamination.

Publications - IC 51 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Mapping Advisory Board STATEMAP Publications Geophysics Program Information Geophysical Survey Photography; Aeromagnetic; Aeromagnetic Data; Aeromagnetic Survey; Airborne Geophysical Survey; Alaska Data; Apparent Resistivity Map; Apparent Resistivity Survey; Arctic Deposit; Arsenic; Arsenopyrite

Hole-to-surface resistivity measurements.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Daniels, J.J.

1983-01-01

Hole-to-surface resistivity measurements over a layered volcanic tuff sequence illustrate procedures for gathering, reducing, and interpreting hole-to-surface resistivity data. The magnitude and direction of the total surface electric field resulting from a buried current source is calculated from orthogonal potential difference measurements for a grid of closely spaced stations. A contour map of these data provides a detailed map of the distribution of the electric field away from the drill hole. Resistivity anomalies can be enhanced by calculating the difference between apparent resistivities calculated from the total surface electric field and apparent resistivities for a layered earth model.-from Author

Characterization of Radiation-Resistant Vegetative Bacteria in Beef1

PubMed Central

Welch, Ardyce B.; Maxcy, R. B.

1975-01-01

Ground beef contains numerous microorganisms of various types. The commonly recognized bacteria are associated with current problems of spoilage. Irradiation, however, contributes a new factor through selective destruction of the microflora. The residual microorganisms surviving a nonsterilizing dose are predominantly gram-negative coccobacilli. Various classifications have been given, e.g., Moraxella, Acinetobacter, Achromobacter, etc. For a more detailed study of these radiation-resistant bacteria occurring in ground beef, an enrichment procedure was used for isolation. By means of morphological and biochemical tests, most of the isolates were found to be Moraxella, based on current classifications. The range of growth temperatures was from 2 to 50 C. These bacteria were relatively heat sensitive, e.g., D10 of 5.4 min at 70 C or less. The radiation resistance ranged from D10 values of 273 to 2,039 krad. Thus, some were more resistant than any presently recognized spores. A reference culture of Moraxella osloensis was irradiated under conditions comparable to the enrichment procedure used with the ground beef. The only apparent changes were in morphology and penicillin sensitivity. However, after a few subcultures these bacteria reverted to the characteristics of the parent strain. Thus, it is apparent that these isolates are a part of the normal flora of ground beef and not aberrant forms arising from the irradiation procedure. The significance, if any, of these bacteria is not presently recognized. Images PMID:1164011

Characterization of radiation-resistant vegetative bacteria in beef.

PubMed

Welch, A B; Maxcy, R B

1975-08-01

Ground beef contains numerous microorganisms of various types. The commonly recognized bacteria are associated with current problems of spoilage. Irradiation, however, contributes a new factor through selective destruction of the microflora. The residual microorganisms surviving a nonsterilizing dose are predominantly gram-negative coccobacilli. Various classifications have been given, e.g., Moraxella, Acinetobacter, Achromobacter, etc. For a more detailed study of these radiation-resistant bacteria occurring in ground beef, an enrichment procedure was used for isolation. By means of morphological and biochemical tests, most of the isolates were found to be Moraxella, based on current classifications. The range of growth temperatures was from 2 to 50 C. These bacteria were relatively heat sensitive, e.g., D10 of 5.4 min at 70 C or less. The radiation resistance ranged from D10 values of 273 to 2,039 krad. Thus, some were more resistant than any presently recognized spores. A reference culture of Moraxella osloensis was irradiated under conditions comparable to the enrichment procedure used with the ground beef. The only apparent changes were in morphology and penicillin sensitivity. However, after a few subcultures these bacteria reverted to the characteristics of the parent strain. Thus, it is apparent that these isolates are a part of the normal flora of ground beef and not aberrant forms arising from the irradiation procedure. The significance, if any, of these bacteria is not presently recognized.

Poor Sleep Quality is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women With and Without Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Kline, Christopher E; Hall, Martica H; Buysse, Daniel J; Earnest, Conrad P; Church, Timothy S

2018-05-01

Poor sleep quality has previously been shown to be related to insulin resistance in apparently healthy adults. However, it is unclear whether an association between sleep quality and insulin resistance exists among adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Participants included 347 overweight/obese postmenopausal women without type 2 diabetes (age: 57.5 ± 6.5 years; body mass index [BMI]: 31.7 ± 3.7 kg/m 2 ; 54% with MetS). Sleep quality was assessed with the six-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale; values were categorized into quartiles. Insulin resistance was calculated from fasting glucose and insulin with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) method. Analysis of covariance models were used to examine the association between sleep quality and HOMA2-IR after accounting for MetS and covariates (e.g., BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness, and energy intake). Women with the worst sleep quality had significantly higher HOMA2-IR values than women in all other quartiles (P ≤ 0.05 for each), and women with MetS had significantly higher HOMA2-IR values than women without MetS (P < 0.0001), but the relationship between sleep quality and HOMA2-IR did not differ between those with or without MetS (P = 0.26). Women with MetS in the worst quartile of sleep quality had higher HOMA2-IR values than all other women (P < 0.02). Taking >30 min to fall asleep, frequent restless sleep, and frequent daytime drowsiness were each related to higher HOMA2-IR values (each P < 0.04). Sleep quality is an important correlate of insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with and without MetS. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether improving sleep improves insulin resistance in populations at elevated cardiometabolic risk.

Non-destructive testing principles and accurate evaluation of the hydraulic measure impact range using the DC method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Liming; Shen, Rongxi; Song, Dazhao; Wang, Enyuan; Liu, Zhentang; Niu, Yue; Jia, Haishan; Xia, Shankui; Zheng, Xiangxin

2017-12-01

An accurate and non-destructive evaluation method for the hydraulic measure impact range in coal seams is urgently needed. Aiming at the application demands, a theoretical study and field test are presented using the direct current (DC) method to evaluate the impact range of coal seam hydraulic measures. We firstly analyzed the law of the apparent resistivity response of an abnormal conductive zone in a coal seam, and then investigated the principle of non-destructive testing of the coal seam hydraulic measure impact range using the DC method, and used an accurate evaluation method based on the apparent resistivity cloud chart. Finally, taking hydraulic fracturing and hydraulic flushing as examples, field experiments were carried out in coal mines to evaluate the impact ranges. The results showed that: (1) in the process of hydraulic fracturing, coal conductivity was enhanced by high-pressure water in the coal seam, and after hydraulic fracturing, the boundary of the apparent resistivity decrease area was the boundary impact range. (2) In the process of hydraulic flushing, coal conductivity was reduced by holes and cracks in the coal seam, and after hydraulic flushing, the boundary of the apparent resistivity increase area was the boundary impact range. (3) After the implementation of the hydraulic measures, there may be some blind zones in the coal seam; in hydraulic fracturing blind zones, the apparent resistivity increased or stayed constant, while in hydraulic flushing blind zones, the apparent resistivity decreased or stayed constant. The DC method realized a comprehensive and non-destructive evaluation of the impact range of the hydraulic measures, and greatly reduced the time and cost of evaluation.

Large 3D resistivity and induced polarization acquisition using the Fullwaver system: towards an adapted processing methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leite, Orlando; Gance, Julien; Texier, Benoît; Bernard, Jean; Truffert, Catherine

2017-04-01

Driven by needs in the mineral exploration market for ever faster and ever easier set-up of large 3D resistivity and induced polarization, autonomous and cableless recorded systems come to the forefront. Opposite to the traditional centralized acquisition, this new system permits a complete random distribution of receivers on the survey area allowing to obtain a real 3D imaging. This work presents the results of a 3 km2 large experiment up to 600m of depth performed with a new type of autonomous distributed receivers: the I&V-Fullwaver. With such system, all usual drawbacks induced by long cable set up over large 3D areas - time consuming, lack of accessibility, heavy weight, electromagnetic induction, etc. - disappear. The V-Fullwavers record the entire time series of voltage on two perpendicular axes, for a good determination of the data quality although I-Fullwaver records injected current simultaneously. For this survey, despite good assessment of each individual signal quality, on each channel of the set of Fullwaver systems, a significant number of negative apparent resistivity and chargeability remains present in the dataset (around 15%). These values are commonly not taken into account in the inversion software although they may be due to complex geological structure of interest (e.g. linked to the presence of sulfides in the earth). Taking into account that such distributed recording system aims to restitute the best 3D resistivity and IP tomography, how can 3D inversion be improved? In this work, we present the dataset, the processing chain and quality control of a large 3D survey. We show that the quality of the data selected is good enough to include it into the inversion processing. We propose a second way of processing based on the modulus of the apparent resistivity that stabilizes the inversion. We then discuss the results of both processing. We conclude that an effort could be made on the inclusion of negative apparent resistivity in the inversion code.

Interpretation of magnetotelluric resistivity and phase soundings over horizontal layers

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

Patella, D.

1976-02-01

The present paper deals with a new inverse method for quantitatively interpreting magnetotelluric apparent resistivity and phase-lag sounding curves over horizontally stratified earth sections. The recurrent character of the general formula relating the wave impedance of an (n-l)-layered medium to that of an n-layered medium suggests the use of the method of reduction to a lower boundary plane, as originally termed by Koefoed in the case of dc resistivity soundings. The layering parameters are so directly derived by a simple iterative procedure. The method is applicable for any number of layers but only when both apparent resistivity and phase-lag soundingmore » curves are jointly available. Moreover no sophisticated algorithm is required: a simple desk electronic calculator together with a sheet of two-layer apparent resistivity and phase-lag master curves are sufficient to reproduce earth sections which, in the range of equivalence, are all consistent with field data.« less

[Thin layer agar represents a cost-effective alternative for the rapid diagnosis of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis].

PubMed

Hernández-Sarmiento, José M; Martínez-Negrete, Milton A; Castrillón-Velilla, Diana M; Mejía-Espinosa, Sergio A; Mejía-Mesa, Gloria I; Zapata-Fernández, Elsa M; Rojas-Jiménez, Sara; Marín-Castro, Andrés E; Robledo-Restrepo, Jaime A

2014-01-01

Using cost-benefit analysis for comparing the thin-layer agar culture method to the standard multiple proportion method used in diagnosing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). A cost-benefit evaluation of two diagnostic tests was made at the Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) in Medellín, Colombia. 100 patients were evaluated; 10.8% rifampicin resistance and 14.3% isoniazid resistance were found. A computer-based decision tree model was used for cost-effectiveness analysis (Treeage Pro); the thin-layer agar culture method was most cost-effective, having 100% sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for detecting rifampicin and isoniazid resistance. The multiple proportion method value was calculated as being US$ 71 having an average 49 day report time compared to US$ 18 and 14 days for the thin-layer agar culture method. New technologies have been developed for diagnosing tuberculosis which are apparently faster and more effective; their operating characteristics must be evaluated as must their effectiveness in terms of cost-benefit. The present study established that using thin-layer agar culture was cheaper, equally effective and could provide results more quickly than the traditional method. This implies that a patient could receive MDR TB treatment more quickly.

The identification of cattle nematode parasites resistant to multiple classes of anthelmintics in a commercial cattle population in the US.

PubMed

Gasbarre, Louis C; Smith, Larry L; Lichtenfels, J Ralph; Pilitt, Patricia A

2009-12-23

Resistance to modern anthelmintics by ruminant nematode parasites is an increasing problem throughout the world. To date the problem has largely been reported in parasites of small ruminants, but there are increasing reports of such resistance in nematodes recovered from cattle. Until now there have been no published reports of drug resistant parasites from cattle in North America. In 2002 a producer in the upper Midwest who backgrounds young cattle acquired from the southeastern US experienced lower than expected weight gain as well as apparent parasitic gastroenteritis in his cattle during the fall. Fecal sample results supported the suspicion that decreased productivity and diarrhea were the result of GI nematode parasitism. The operation used intensive grazing management and practiced strategically timed deworming for >17 year. In 2003, all animals were dewormed the first week of May with Ivomec Plus, then with Dectomax Injectable on 4 June and 17 July. On 31 July, 10 randomly taken fecal samples showed EPG values from 0 to 55. To assess whether the apparent decreased drug efficacy was the result of drug resistance in the nematode population, on 18 August approximately 150 heads, previously strategic timed dewormed, of 9-11 month old cattle from one pasture were selected for study. The calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatment groups: untreated (U), ivermectin injectable (I), moxidectin pour-on (M), doramectin injectable (D), eprinomectin pour-on (E), albendazole oral (A). Cattle were weighed prior to treatment and the drug was dosed according to label directions. Seven days later, 3 calves from each group were slaughtered for worm recovery. Fecal samples taken from the remaining animals at 14 days after treatment showed that the reduction of mean fecal EPG value for each group was: U-46%, I-52%, M-72%, D-61%, E-8%, and A-68%. Worm recovery from the slaughter calves showed that all groups harbored significant numbers of Haemonchus placei and H. contortus. In addition, all avermectin-treated groups contained significant numbers of Cooperia punctata, and smaller numbers of C. oncophora and C. spatulata. These results imply that the pastures studied contain substantial numbers of H. contortus resistant to both avermectins and benzimidazoles, and H. placei and Cooperia sp. resistant to all the commonly used avermectin anthelmintics. This is the first report of anthelmintic resistance in American cattle parasites.

Body temperature and resistance to evaporative water loss in tropical Australian frogs.

PubMed

Tracy, Christopher R; Christian, Keith A; Betts, Gregory; Tracy, C Richard

2008-06-01

Although the skin of most amphibians measured to date offers no resistance to evaporative water loss (EWL), some species, primarily arboreal frogs, produce skin secretions that increase resistance to EWL. At high air temperatures, it may be advantageous for amphibians to increase EWL as a means to decrease body temperature. In Australian hylid frogs, most species do not decrease their resistance at high air temperature, but some species with moderate resistance (at moderate air temperatures) gradually decrease resistance with increasing air temperature, and some species with high resistance (at moderate air temperatures) abruptly decrease resistance at high air temperatures. Lower skin resistance at high air temperatures decreases the time to desiccation, but the lower body temperatures allow the species to avoid their critical thermal maximum (CT(Max)) body temperatures. The body temperatures of species with low to moderate resistances to EWL that do not adjust resistance at high air temperatures do not warm to their CT(Max), although for some species, this is because they have high CT(Max) values. As has been reported previously for resistance to EWL generally, the response pattern of change of EWL at high air temperatures has apparently evolved independently among Australian hylids. The mechanisms involved in causing resistance and changes in resistance are unknown.

LONG-TERM STARVATION-INDUCTED LOSS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN BACTERIA

EPA Science Inventory

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and a Pseudomonas sp. strain 133B containing the pSa plasmid were starved in well water for up to 523 days. here were two patterns of apparent antibiotic resistance loss observed. n Pseudomonas sp. strain 133B, there was no apparent loss...

Kinetics and mass-transfer phenomena in anaerobic granular sludge.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Gil, G; Seghezzo, L; Lettinga, G; Kleerebezem, R

2001-04-20

The kinetic properties of acetate-degrading methanogenic granular sludge of different mean diameters were assessed at different up-flow velocities (V(up)). Using this approach, the influence of internal and external mass transfer could be estimated. First, the apparent Monod constant (K(S)) for each data set was calculated by means of a curve-fitting procedure. The experimental results revealed that variations in the V(up) did not affect the apparent K(S)-value, indicating that external mass-transport resistance normally can be neglected. With regard to the granule size, a clear increase in K(S) was found at increasing granule diameters. The experimental data were further used to validate a dynamic mathematical biofilm model. The biofilm model was able to describe reaction-diffusion kinetics in anaerobic granules, using a single value for the effective diffusion coefficient in the granules. This suggests that biogas formation did not influence the diffusion-rates in the granular biomass. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Theoretical and experimental errors for in situ measurements of plant water potential.

PubMed

Shackel, K A

1984-07-01

Errors in psychrometrically determined values of leaf water potential caused by tissue resistance to water vapor exchange and by lack of thermal equilibrium were evaluated using commercial in situ psychrometers (Wescor Inc., Logan, UT) on leaves of Tradescantia virginiana (L.). Theoretical errors in the dewpoint method of operation for these sensors were demonstrated. After correction for these errors, in situ measurements of leaf water potential indicated substantial errors caused by tissue resistance to water vapor exchange (4 to 6% reduction in apparent water potential per second of cooling time used) resulting from humidity depletions in the psychrometer chamber during the Peltier condensation process. These errors were avoided by use of a modified procedure for dewpoint measurement. Large changes in apparent water potential were caused by leaf and psychrometer exposure to moderate levels of irradiance. These changes were correlated with relatively small shifts in psychrometer zero offsets (-0.6 to -1.0 megapascals per microvolt), indicating substantial errors caused by nonisothermal conditions between the leaf and the psychrometer. Explicit correction for these errors is not possible with the current psychrometer design.

Theoretical and Experimental Errors for In Situ Measurements of Plant Water Potential 1

PubMed Central

Shackel, Kenneth A.

1984-01-01

Errors in psychrometrically determined values of leaf water potential caused by tissue resistance to water vapor exchange and by lack of thermal equilibrium were evaluated using commercial in situ psychrometers (Wescor Inc., Logan, UT) on leaves of Tradescantia virginiana (L.). Theoretical errors in the dewpoint method of operation for these sensors were demonstrated. After correction for these errors, in situ measurements of leaf water potential indicated substantial errors caused by tissue resistance to water vapor exchange (4 to 6% reduction in apparent water potential per second of cooling time used) resulting from humidity depletions in the psychrometer chamber during the Peltier condensation process. These errors were avoided by use of a modified procedure for dewpoint measurement. Large changes in apparent water potential were caused by leaf and psychrometer exposure to moderate levels of irradiance. These changes were correlated with relatively small shifts in psychrometer zero offsets (−0.6 to −1.0 megapascals per microvolt), indicating substantial errors caused by nonisothermal conditions between the leaf and the psychrometer. Explicit correction for these errors is not possible with the current psychrometer design. PMID:16663701

No evidence of insulin resistance in normal weight vegetarians. A case control study.

PubMed

Valachovicová, Martina; Krajcovicová-Kudlácková, Marica; Blazícek, Pavel; Babinská, Katarína

2006-02-01

Diets rich in carbohydrates with a low glycemic index and with high fiber content are associated with flat post-prandial rises of blood glucose, minimal post-prandial insulin secretion and maintenance of insulin sensitivity. Protective food commodities in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance syndrome or diabetes are crucial components of the vegetarian diet. Insulin resistance values were assessed in relation to different nutrition. Metabolic abnormality is a predictor of age-related diseases and can be more pronounced in obese subjects. Insulin resistance values in normal weight subjects of two different nutritional habits were correlated with age. Fasting concentrations of glucose and insulin as well as calculated values of insulin resistance IR (HOMA) were assessed in two nutritional groups of apparently healthy adult subjects (age range 19 - 64 years) with normal weight (body mass index 18.6 - 25.0 kg/m(2)): a vegetarian group (95 long-term lacto-ovo-vegetarians; duration of vegetarianism 10.2 +/- 0.5 years) and a non-vegetarian control group (107 subjects of general population on traditional western diet). Intake of energy and main nutrients (fats, saccharides, proteins) was similar in both groups. Glucose and insulin concentrations and IR (HOMA) values were significantly lower in vegetarians (glucose 4.47 +/- 0.05 vs. 4.71 +/- 0.07 mmol/l; insulin 4.96 +/- 0.23 vs. 7.32 +/- 0.41 mU/l; IR (HOMA) 0.99 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.59 +/- 0.10). IR (HOMA) dependence on age was only significant in subjects on a western diet. A significant increase of IR was found already in the age range 31-40 years, compared to vegetarians and it continued in later age decades. Age independent and low insulin resistance values in vegetarians are a consequence of an effective diet prevention by long-term frequent consumption of protective food. Vegetarians had a significantly higher consumption of whole grain products, pulses, products from oat and barley. The results of age independent and low values of insulin resistance document a beneficial effect of long-term vegetarian nutrition in prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Characterization of radiation-resistant vegetative bacteria in beef

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

Welch, A.B.; Maxcy, R.B.

1975-08-01

Ground beef contains numerous microorganisms of various types. The commonly recognized bacteria are associated with current problems of spoilage. Irradiation, however, contributes a new factor through selective destruction of the microflora. The residual microorganisms surviving a nonsterilizing dose are predominantly gram-negative coccobacilli. Various classifications have been given, e.g., Moraxella, Acinetobacter, Achromobacter, etc. For a more detailed study of these radiation-resistant bacteria occurring in ground beef, an enrichment procedure was used for isolation. By means of morphological and biochemical tests, most of the isolates were found to be Moraxella, based on current classifications. The range of growth temperatures was from 2more » to 50 C. These bacteria were relatively heat sensitive, e.g., D$sub 10$ of 5.4 min at 70$sup 0$C or less. The radiation resistance ranged from D$sub 10$ values of 273 to 2,039 krad. Thus, some were more resistant than any presently recognized spores. A reference culture of Moraxella osloensis was irradiated under conditions comparable to the enrichment procedure used with the ground beef. The only apparent changes were in morphology and penicillin sensitivity. However, after a few subcultures these bacteria reverted to the characteristics of the parent strain. Thus, it is apparent that these isolates are a part of the normal flora of ground beef and not aberrant forms arising from the irradiation procedure. The significance, if any, of these bacteria is not presently recognized. (auth)« less

A 3D Resistivity Model of the Pyramid of La Luna (Teotihuacan, Mexico) Subsoil by Employing Non-Conventional ERT Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chavez, R. E.; Tejero, A.; Cifuentes, G.; Garcia-Serrano, A.; Argote-Espino, D. L.; HernaNdez-Quintero, J. E.; Ortega, V.

2017-12-01

The Pyramid of La Luna is found within the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, located to the NE of Mexico City. This pre-Hispanic city was developed between 250 AD and 450 AD, with a population of 100,000 people. The most important edifices are the pyramids of El Sol and La Luna. The pyramid of El Sol is one of the largest pre-Hispanic structures found nowadays in Mexico (a square basement of approximately 200m X 225 m). The pyramid of La Luna (with a base of 140m X 150m), smaller in size is located towards the northern portion of this ancient city. At its front, a big plaza is found surrounded by pyramids of different ages. Previous archaeological studies carried out within the plaza, discovered small shallow pipes for water discharge. Then, it is possible to find deeper structures within the Square. A geophysical work was carried out in the Plaza of La Luna employing the ERT-3D to build a 3D resistivity model. Four ERT profiles were deployed in the area in the E-W direction, with a length of 80 m each; electrodes were inserted 3 m apart. A roll-along technique was employed to obtain a 3D view of the plaza subsoil. Gradient (G), Equatorial (Eq), and Minimum Coupling (MC) arrays were applied. A total of 2,600 apparent resistivity observations were acquired. Also, the pyramid was surrounded with 105 electrodes to illuminate this structure subsoil, employing the 'L' and 'Corner' arrays and the already mentioned settings. Electrodes were separated 5 m for the E and N sides, and 6 m for the W and S sides, topographic correction was added to the interpretation. 7,200 apparent resistivity values were obtained. Processing of the data included noise filtering, real electrode position and removing of spikes. Finally, the data were inverted to compute a 3D resistivity distribution of the subsoil. Preliminary results obtained indicate the presence of high resistivity anomalies probably associated to infill or archaeological features. However, an interesting resistivity signature was determined at 8m deep, which possesses a SW-NE direction and apparently ends beneath the NE portion of the Pyramid of La Luna. Beneath the pyramid's center, the resistivity model interpreted depicts an important resistivity anomaly (about 350 Ohm-m and 10 m in diameter), which may indicate the presence of a cavity(?).

Preparation of sintered foam materials by alkali-activated coal fly ash.

PubMed

Zhao, Yelong; Ye, Junwei; Lu, Xiaobin; Liu, Mangang; Lin, Yuan; Gong, Weitao; Ning, Guiling

2010-02-15

Coal fly ash from coal fired power stations is a potential raw material for the production of ceramic tiles, bricks and blocks. Previous works have demonstrated that coal fly ash consists mainly of glassy spheres that are relatively resistant to reaction. An objective of this research was to investigate the effect of alkali on the preparation process of the foam material. Moreover, the influence of foam dosage on the water absorption, apparent density and compressive strength was evaluated. The experimental results showed that homogenous microstructures of interconnected pores could be obtained by adding 13 wt.% foaming agent at 1050 degrees C, leading to foams presenting water absorption, apparent density and compressive strength values of about 126.5%, 0.414 g/cm(3), 6.76 MPa, respectively.

Dimension- and shape-dependent thermal transport in nano-patterned thin films investigated by scanning thermal microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Yunfei; Zhang, Yuan; Weaver, Jonathan M. R.; Dobson, Phillip S.

2017-12-01

Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) is a technique which is often used for the measurement of the thermal conductivity of materials at the nanometre scale. The impact of nano-scale feature size and shape on apparent thermal conductivity, as measured using SThM, has been investigated. To achieve this, our recently developed topography-free samples with 200 and 400 nm wide gold wires (50 nm thick) of length of 400-2500 nm were fabricated and their thermal resistance measured and analysed. This data was used in the development and validation of a rigorous but simple heat transfer model that describes a nanoscopic contact to an object with finite shape and size. This model, in combination with a recently proposed thermal resistance network, was then used to calculate the SThM probe signal obtained by measuring these features. These calculated values closely matched the experimental results obtained from the topography-free sample. By using the model to analyse the dimensional dependence of thermal resistance, we demonstrate that feature size and shape has a significant impact on measured thermal properties that can result in a misinterpretation of material thermal conductivity. In the case of a gold nanowire embedded within a silicon nitride matrix it is found that the apparent thermal conductivity of the wire appears to be depressed by a factor of twenty from the true value. These results clearly demonstrate the importance of knowing both probe-sample thermal interactions and feature dimensions as well as shape when using SThM to quantify material thermal properties. Finally, the new model is used to identify the heat flux sensitivity, as well as the effective contact size of the conventional SThM system used in this study.

Integrated geophysical investigations for the delineation of source and subsurface structure associated with hydro-uranium anomaly: A case study from South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ), India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, S. P.; Biswas, A.

2012-12-01

South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) is an important region for prospecting of uranium mineralization. Geological studies and hydro-uranium anomaly suggest the presence of Uranium deposit around Raghunathpur village which lies about 8 km north of SPSZ. However, detailed geophysical investigations have not been carried out in this region for investigation of uranium mineralization. Since surface signature of uranium mineralization is not depicted near the location, a deeper subsurface source is expected for hydro uranium anomaly. To delineate the subsurface structure and to investigate the origin of hydro-uranium anomaly present in the area, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using Schlumberger array and Gradient Resistivity Profiling (GRP) were performed at different locations along a profile perpendicular to the South Purulia Shear Zone. Apparent resistivity computed from the measured sounding data at various locations shows a continuously increasing trend. As a result, conventional apparent resistivity data is not able to detect the possible source of hydro uranium anomaly. An innovative approach is applied which depicts the apparent conductivity in the subsurface revealed a possible connection from SPSZ to Raghunathpur. On the other hand resistivity profiling data suggests a low resistive zone which is also characterized by low Self-Potential (SP) anomaly zone. Since SPSZ is characterized by the source of uranium mineralization; hydro-uranium anomaly at Raghunathpur is connected with the SPSZ. The conducting zone has been delineated from SPSZ to Raghunathpur at deeper depths which could be uranium bearing. Since the location is also characterized by a low gravity and high magnetic anomaly zone, this conducting zone is likely to be mineralized zone. Keywords: Apparent resistivity; apparent conductivity; Self Potential; Uranium mineralization; shear zone; hydro-uranium anomaly.

Optimal one-dimensional inversion and bounding of magnetotelluric apparent resistivity and phase measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, Robert L.; Booker, John R.

1996-12-01

The properties of the log of the admittance in the complex frequency plane lead to an integral representation for one-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) apparent resistivity and impedance phase similar to that found previously for complex admittance. The inverse problem of finding a one-dimensional model for MT data can then be solved using the same techniques as for complex admittance, with similar results. For instance, the one-dimensional conductivity model that minimizes the χ2 misfit statistic for noisy apparent resistivity and phase is a series of delta functions. One of the most important applications of the delta function solution to the inverse problem for complex admittance has been answering the question of whether or not a given set of measurements is consistent with the modeling assumption of one-dimensionality. The new solution allows this test to be performed directly on standard MT data. Recently, it has been shown that induction data must pass the same one-dimensional consistency test if they correspond to the polarization in which the electric field is perpendicular to the strike of two-dimensional structure. This greatly magnifies the utility of the consistency test. The new solution also allows one to compute the upper and lower bounds permitted on phase or apparent resistivity at any frequency given a collection of MT data. Applications include testing the mutual consistency of apparent resistivity and phase data and placing bounds on missing phase or resistivity data. Examples presented demonstrate detection and correction of equipment and processing problems and verification of compatibility with two-dimensional B-polarization for MT data after impedance tensor decomposition and for continuous electromagnetic profiling data.

The Nature and Subsurface Geometry of Late Holocene Coquina Rocks, Karaburun-Istanbul, NW Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekinci, Y. L.; Demirci, A.; Erginal, A. E.; Kaya, H.; Ekinci, R.

2012-04-01

The so-called coquina defines moderately to hardly amalgamated shell debris by calcium carbonate cement. Even though its some depositional features are similar to intertidal beachrocks and carbonate-cemented dune rocks or eolianites, coquina occurs in shoal environments and is, in some cases, representative of tectonically uplifted coasts when it exposes remarkably above sea-level. In this study (supported financially by the Research Foundation of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University under project number COMUBAP: 2011/41), we discuss diagenetic features, radiocarbon age and subsurface geometry of coquina on Black Sea coast of Istanbul, NW Turkey, where such a Late Holocene occurrence has not been recorded so far. Having a visible thickness of 1 m, the coquina beds crop out on a slightly inclined wide beach formed mostly of shell fragments less than 5 cm in size. It contains calcite and aragonite as connective cement and broken or unbroken shells of Donacilla sp., Pecten glaucum and Ostrea edulis together with various foraminifera such as Elphidium macellum Ammonia compacta and coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Radiocarbon ages from four bulk samples yielded calibrated ages ranging between 3.7 and 2.8 ka BP. Electrical resistivity tomography survey along three distinct transects perpendicular to the coastline were carried out in order to understand the thickness of coquina and its subsurface extensions along the beach. The apparent resistivity data were acquired along the survey lines of 21 electrodes with electrode spacing of 2 m, to give a total length of the line of 40 m. Dipole-dipole electrode configuration was used for 9 data levels. Topographic changes at the locations of each electrode points were determined by means of optical leveling technique for a more accurate calculation and interpretation. Apparent resistivity data were inverted by using 2D smoothness-constrained least squares algorithm. Similar electrical resistivity tomograms were obtained for three lines after the inversion process. The 2D resistivity images displayed a depth range of ~ 4.5 m and showed a strong resistivity contrast between coquina beach material (composed of shell fragments) and coquina rocks. Low resistivity values located at the northern lowermost part of tomograms point to seawater saturated material whilst the highest resistivity values indicate coquina beach material, having larger pore spaces between the grains. The northern uppermost parts of the tomograms, having a moderate resistivity range, mark the coquina rocks with a thickness of ~ 1-1.5 m. Additionally, the images also showed that the landward extension of the coquina rocks reaches ~ 22 m. Keywords: Coquina rocks, diagenetic features, radiocarbon age, subsurface geometry, İstanbul-Turkey

The role of grain size in He bubble formation: Implications for swelling resistance

DOE PAGES

El-Atwani, Osman; Nathaniel, II, James E.; Leff, Asher C.; ...

2016-12-07

Here, nanocrystalline metals are postulated as radiation resistant materials due to their high defect and particle (e.g. Helium) sink density. Here, the performance of nanocrystalline iron films is investigated in-situ in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) using He irradiation at 700 K. Automated crystal orientation mapping is used in concert with in-situ TEM to explore the role of grain orientation and grain boundary character on bubble density trends. Bubble density as a function of three key grain size regimes is demonstrated. While the overall trend revealed an increase in bubble density up to a saturation value, grains with areas rangingmore » from 3000 to 7500 nm 2 show a scattered distribution. An extrapolated swelling resistance based on bubble size and areal density indicated that grains with sizes less than 2000 nm 2 possess the greatest apparent resistance. Moreover, denuded zones are found to be independent of grain size, grain orientation, and grain boundary misorientation angle.« less

Improved 2-D resistivity imaging of features in covered karst terrain with arrays of implanted electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiflu, H. G.; Kruse, S. E.; Harro, D.; Loke, M. H.; Wilkinson, P. B.

2013-12-01

Electrical resistivity tomography is commonly used to identify geologic features associated with sinkhole formation. In covered karst terrain, however, it can be difficult to resolve the depth to top of limestone with this method. This is due to the fact that array lengths, and hence depth of resolution, are often limited by residential or commercial lot dimensions in urban environments. Furthermore, the sediments mantling the limestone are often clay-rich and highly conductive. The resistivity method has limited sensitivity to resistive zones beneath conductive zones. This sensitivity can be improved significantly with electrodes implanted at depth in the cover sediments near the top of limestone. An array of deep electrodes is installed with direct push technology in the karst cover. When combined with a surface array in which each surface electrode is underlain by a deep electrode, the array geometry is similar to a borehole array turned on its side. This method, called the Multi-Electrode Resistivity Implant Technique (MERIT), offers the promise of significantly improved resolution of epikarst and cover collapse development zones in the overlying sediment, the limestone or at the sediment-bedrock interface in heterogeneous karst environments. With a non-traditional array design, the question of optimal array geometries arises. Optimizing array geometries is complicated by the fact that many plausible 4-electrode readings will produce negative apparent resistivity values, even in homogeneous terrain. Negative apparent resistivities cannot be used in inversions based on the logarithm of the apparent resistivity. New algorithms for seeking optimal array geometries have been developed by modifying the 'Compare R' method of Wilkinson and Loke. The optimized arrays show significantly improved resolution over basic arrays adapted from traditional 2D surface geometries. Several MERIT case study surveys have been conducted in covered karst in west-central Florida, with 28-electrode arrays with electrodes 2-5 meters apart, and the deep arrays buried at 4-8 meters depth. Ground penetrating radar surveys, SPT borings and coring data provide selected 'ground truthing'. The case studies show that inclusion of the deep electrode array permits karst features such as undulations at the top of limestone and raveling zones within surficial sediments to be imaged. These features are not accessible from surface arrays with equivalent surface footprints. The method also has better resolution at depth at the ends of the lines, where surface arrays are typically plotted with a trapezoidal truncation due to poor resolution at the lower corners of the profile.

Reconnaissance electrical surveys in the Coso Range, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, Dallas B.; O'Donnell, James E.

1980-05-01

Telluric current, audiomagnetotelluric (AMT), and direct current (dc) methods were used to study the electrical structure of the Coso Range and Coso geothermal area. Telluric current mapping outlined major resistivity lows associated with conductive valley fill of the Rose Valley basin, the Coso Basin, and the northern extension of the Coso Basin east of Coso Hot Springs. A secondary resistivity low with a north-south trend runs through the Coso Hot Springs-Devil's Kitchen geothermal area. The secondary low in the geothermal area, best defined by the 7.5-Hz AMT map and dc soundings, is caused by a shallow conductive zone (5-30 ohm m) interpreted to be hydrothermally altered Sierra Nevada basement rocks containing saline water of a hot water geothermal system. This zone of lowest apparent resistivities over the basement rocks lies within a closed contour of a heat flow anomaly where all values are greater than 10 heat flow units.

Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to leachate infiltration using electrical resistivity method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosuro, G. O.; Omosanya, K. O.; Bayewu, O. O.; Oloruntola, M. O.; Laniyan, T. A.; Atobi, O.; Okubena, M.; Popoola, E.; Adekoya, F.

2017-09-01

This aim of this work is to assess the degree of leachate infiltration at a dumpsite in Agbara industrial estate, Southwestern Nigeria using electrical resistivity techniques. Around the dumpsite were 45 vertical electrical sounding (VES) stations and 3 electrical resistivity tomography profiles. Current electrode spread varied from 300 to 600 m for the electrical sounding. Electrode configuration includes Schlumberger and Wenner array for sounding and profiling. The state of leachate contamination was tested using parameters such as aquifer vulnerability index, overburden protective capacity and longitudinal unit conductance (S i) derived from the apparent resistivity values. Four principal geoelectric layers inferred from the VES data include the topsoil, sand, clayey sand, and clay/shale. Resistivity values for these layers vary from 3 to 1688, 203 to 3642 123 to 388, and 67 to 2201 Ω m with corresponding thickness of 0.8-2.4, 2.5-140, 3-26 m and infinity, respectively. The leachate plume occurs at a maximum depth of 10 m on the 2-D inverse models of real electrical resistivity with an average depth of infiltration being 6 m in the study area. The correlation between longitudinal conductance and overburden protective capacity show that aquifers around the dumpsite have poor protective capacity and are vulnerable to leachate contamination. Leachate infiltration is favored by the absence of lithological barriers such as clay which in the study area are either mixed with sand or positioned away from the aquifer.

Magnetotelluric studies of the Caldas Novas geothermal reservoir, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Lugão, Patricia Pastana; LaTerra, Emanuele Francesco; Kriegshäuser, Berthold; Fontes, Sergio L.

2002-01-01

A magnetotelluric (MT) survey was conducted on the Caldas Novas geothermal reservoir located in the state of Goiás, Central Brazil. The region of Caldas Novas is a popular tourist spot because of the occurrence of hot water springs. The purpose of the first MT survey in this area is to provide more information on the geoelectrical structure of this important geothermal reservoir. The MT method is a frequency domain technique that utilizes naturally occurring magnetic and electric signals as source to obtain a resistivity map of the subsurface. Since temperature and permeability are some of the factors controlling electrical resistivity, MT is widely utilized for surveying geothermal areas such as Caldas Novas. Data were acquired along two profiles crossing the Serra de Caldas (Caldas Mountains) with a total of 25 MT stations. Frequencies of acquisition were in the range from 0.008 to 176 Hz. Spacing between stations were usually around 5 km. Apparent resistivity and phase data from the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes were computed for both profiles. Very high (100,000 Ω m) apparent resistivity values in the TM mode indicate distortion, possibly caused by 3-D resistive structures. In this work, we focus on Profile 2, which was acquired aligned at N40°E, approximately following the direction of weakness N50°E. Two-dimensional (2-D) inversion suggests a basin-like model with very high-resistivity block structures associated with concentric faulting below the Caldas Mountains inside a resistive basin that extends to depths of approximately 25-30 km. This model is in good agreement with gravity data and the available geological information in the area and can help delineate areas of new geothermal reservoirs. The high resistivity associated with the depression in the MT model can be interpreted as caused by the low-permeability quartzites that form the Caldas Mountains. Although the survey configuration does not allow for a full three-dimensional (3-D) interpretation, a 3-D resistivity model was constructed and the MT responses computed. The 3-D synthetic data explains the behavior of both the TE and TM modes in this faulted resistive environment.

Mechanism of Sulfonylurea Herbicide Resistance in the Broadleaf Weed, Kochia scoparia

PubMed Central

Saari, Leonard L.; Cotterman, Josephine C.; Primiani, Michael M.

1990-01-01

Selection of kochia (Kochia scoparia) biotypes resistant to the sulfonylurea herbicide chlorsulfuron has occurred through the continued use of this herbicide in monoculture cereal-growing areas in the United States. The apparent sulfonylurea resistance observed in kochia was confirmed in greenhouse tests. Fresh and dry weight accumulation in the resistant kochia was 2- to >350-fold higher in the presence of four sulfonylurea herbicides as compared to the susceptible biotype. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity isolated from sulfonylurea-resistant kochia was less sensitive to inhibition by three classes of ALS-inhibiting herbicides, sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, and sulfonanilides. The decrease in ALS sensitivity to inhibition (as measured by the ratio of resistant I50 to susceptible I50) was 5- to 28-fold, 2- to 6-fold, and 20-fold for sulfonylurea herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, and a sulfonanilide herbicide, respectively. No differences were observed in the ALS-specific activities or the rates of [14C]chlorsulfuron uptake, translocation, and metabolism between susceptible and resistant kochia biotypes. The Km values for pyruvate using ALS from susceptible and resistant kochia were 2.13 and 1.74 mm, respectively. Based on these results, the mechanism of sulfonylurea resistance in this kochia biotype is due solely to a less sulfonylurea-sensitive ALS enzyme. PMID:16667465

Mechanism of sulfonylurea herbicide resistance in the broadleaf weed, Kochia scoparia

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

Saari, L.L.; Cotterman, J.C.; Primiani, M.M.

Selection of kochia (Kochia scoparia) biotypes resistant to the sulfonylurea herbicide chlorsulfuron has occurred through the continued use of this herbicide in monoculture cereal-growing areas in the United States. The apparent sulfonylurea resistance observed in kochia was confirmed in greenhouse tests. Fresh and dry weight accumulation in the resistance kochia was 2- to >350-fold higher in the presence of four sulfonylurea herbicides as compared to the susceptible biotype. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity isolated from sulfonylurea-resistant kochia was less sensitive to inhibition by three classes of ALS-inhibiting herbicides, sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, and sulfonanilides. The decrease in ALS sensitivity to inhibition (as measuredmore » by the ratio of resistant I{sub 50} to susceptible I{sub 50}) was 5- to 28-fold, 2- to 6-fold, and 20-fold for sulfonylurea herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, and a sulfonanilide herbicide, respectively. No differences were observed in the ALS-specific activities or the rates of ({sup 14}C)chlorsulfuron uptake, translocation, and metabolism between susceptible and resistant kochia biotypes. The K{sub m} values for pyruvate using ALS from susceptible and resistant kochia were 2.13 and 1.74 mM, respectively. Based on these results, the mechanism of sulfonylurea resistance in this kochia biotype is due solely to a less sulfonylurea-sensitive ALS enzyme.« less

High-Temperature Extensometry and PdCr Temperature-Compensated Wire Resistance Strain Gages Compared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

A detailed experimental evaluation is underway at the NASA Lewis Research Center to compare and contrast the performance of the PdCr/Pt dual-element temperature-compensated wire resistance strain gage with that of conventional high-temperature extensometry. The advanced PdCr gage, developed by researchers at Lewis, exhibits desirable properties and a relatively small and repeatable apparent strain to 800 C. This gage represents a significant advance in technology because existing commercial resistance strain gages are not reliable for quasi-static strain measurements above approx. 400 C. Various thermal and mechanical loading spectra are being applied by a high-temperature thermomechanical uniaxial testing system to evaluate the two strain-measurement systems. This is being done not only to compare and contrast the two strain sensors, but also to investigate the applicability of the PdCr strain gage to the coupon-level specimen testing environment typically employed when the high-temperature mechanical behavior of structural materials is characterized. Strain measurement capabilities to 800 C are being investigated with a nickel-base superalloy, Inconel 100 (IN 100), substrate material and application to TMC's is being examined with the model system, SCS-6/Ti-15-3. Furthermore, two gage application techniques are being investigated in the comparison study: namely, flame-sprayed and spot welding. The apparent strain responses of both the weldable and flame-sprayed PdCr wire strain gages were found to be cyclically repeatable on both IN 100 and SCS-6/Ti-15-3 [0]_8. In general, each gage exhibited some uniqueness with respect to apparent strain behavior. Gages mounted on the IN 100 specimens tended to show a repeatable apparent strain within the first few cycles, because the thermal response of IN 100 was stable. This was not the case, however, for the TMC specimens, which typically required several thermal cycles to stabilize the thermal strain response. Thus, progressive changes in the apparent strain behavior were corroborated by the extensometer, which unlike the mounted gage can distinguish quantitative changes in the material's thermal strain response. One specimen was instrumented with both a fixed and floating gage. From the difference in output of these two gages, the thermal expansion strains were calculated. These data, which are given in the figure, show excellent agreement with the values measured by the high-temperature extensometry.

Estimation of metabolic factors related to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in young people.

PubMed

Płaczkowska, Sylwia; Pawlik-Sobecka, Lilla; Kokot, Izabela; Piwowar, Agnieszka

2018-05-09

Civilizational developments occurring during recent decades have resulted in an increased incidence of a variety of metabolic disorders related to insulin resistance in younger people. The determination of decision limits for insulin resistance indices, especially among young people, is a significant challenge in clinical practice. The aim of this study was the estimation of metabolic factors related to their relationship to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MS) features in young, apparently healthy people. Moreover, we evaluated the optimal decision limits for patients with MS identification for HOMA1-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA2 obtained from C-peptide concentrations. 349 apparently healthy people aged 18-31 (260 women and 89 men), were enrolled in this study. The present analysis of metabolic, anthropometric and clinical parameters observed them in clusters covering the criteria of MS recognition, but MS in this group was only partially related to insulin resistance. The HOMA1-IR decision limit estimation is likely to became be useful in the prognostication of metabolic disturbances in young, apparently healthy people. A measure of insulin resistance that can provide a reliable early prediction of MS is likely to provide an opportunity for instigating preventive measures of significant clinical utility.

Mechanisms of insecticide resistance in field populations of Aedes aegypti (L.) from Quintana Roo, Southern Mexico.

PubMed

Flores, Adriana E; Grajales, Jaime Salomon; Salas, Ildefonso Fernandez; Garcia, Gustavo Ponce; Becerra, Ma Haydee Loaiza; Lozano, Saul; Brogdon, William G; Black, William C; Beaty, Barry

2006-12-01

Potential insecticide-resistance mechanisms were studied with the use of biochemical assays in Aedes aegypti (L.) collected from 5 municipalities representing the north part of Quintana Roo: Benito Juarez, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Lazaro Cardenas, and Solidaridad. The activities of alpha and beta esterases, mixed-function oxidases (MFO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acethylcholinesterase (AChE), and insensitive acethylcholinesterase (iAChE) were assayed in microplates. Three replicates were performed for each enzyme and 60 males and 60 females were analyzed in each population. The New Orleans (NO) susceptible strain of Ae. aegypti was used as a susceptible reference and the threshold criteria for each enzyme were the highest NO absorbance values. In none of the 6 tests were absorbance values correlated in males and females. alpha esterases were elevated in Benito Juarez, Cozumel females and in Lazaro Cardenas males and females. beta esterases were elevated in Benito Juarez, Cozumel females and in Cozumel and Lazaro Cardenas males. Elevated esterases suggest potential insecticide-resistance mechanisms against organophosphate, carbamate, and some pyrethroid insecticides. Slightly elevated levels of MFOs appeared in Lazaro Cardenas females and in Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Solidaridad males. Mechanisms involving iAChE or GST were not apparent.

Development of the radiation-resistant strain of Moraxella osloensis and effect of penicillin G on its growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Sangyong; Yun, Hyejeong; Joe, Minho; Kim, Dongho

2009-07-01

A series of repeated exposures to γ-radiation with intervening outgrowth of survivors was used to develop radioresistant cultures of Moraxella osloensis that have been recognized as potential pathogenic microorganism. The D10 value of the radiation-resistant strain, 5.903±0.006 kGy, was increased by four-fold compared to the parent wild-type strain, 1.637±0.004 kGy. Since most strains of M. osloensis are sensitive to penicillin, we have surveyed the sensitivity of radiation-resistant strain to this antibiotic. When the optical density was monitored after the addition of penicillin G, the radioresistant strain appeared to be more resistant to only a low concentration of penicillin G (0.5 U/ml) than the parent strain. Interestingly, however, there was no apparent difference in the number of viable cells between both strains. Scanning electron microscope data showed that the resistance cells were generally larger than the parent cells, suggesting that this increase in size may cause a higher optical density of radioresistant cells. In conclusion, radiation mutation does not affect the penicillin resistance of M. osloensis.

Alterations of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the brain of rats chronically exposed to lead acetate.

PubMed

López-Larrubia, Pilar; Cauli, Omar

2011-03-15

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) allows the assessment of the water apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), a measure of tissue water diffusivity which is altered during different pathological conditions such as cerebral oedema. By means of DWI, we repeatedly measured in the same rats apparent diffusion coefficient ADC in different brain areas (motor cortex (MCx), somato-sensory cortex (SCx), caudate-putamen (CPu), hippocampus (Hip), mesencephalic reticular formation (RF), corpus callosum (CC) and cerebellum (Cb)) after 1 week, 4 and 12 weeks of lead acetate exposure via drinking water (50 or 500 ppm). After 12 weeks of lead exposure rats received albumin-Evans blue complex administration and were sacrificed 1h later. Blood-brain barrier permeability and water tissue content were determined in order to evaluate their relationship with ADC changes. Chronic exposure to lead acetate (500 ppm) for 4 weeks increased ADC values in Hip, RF and Cb but no in other brain areas. After 12 weeks of lead acetate exposure at 500 ppm ADC is significantly increased also in CPu and CC. Brain areas displaying high ADC values after lead exposure showed also an increased water content and increased BBB permeability to Evans blue-albumin complex. Exposure to 50 ppm for 12 weeks increased ADC values and BBB permeability in the RF and Cb. In summary, chronic lead exposure induces cerebral oedema in the adult brain depending on the brain area and the dose of exposure. RF and Cb appeared the most sensitive brain areas whereas cerebral cortex appears resistant to lead-induced cerebral oedema. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Field-scale comparison of frequency- and time-domain spectral induced polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurya, P. K.; Fiandaca, G.; Christiansen, A. V.; Auken, E.

2018-05-01

In this paper we present a comparison study of the time-domain (TD) and frequency-domain (FD) spectral induced polarization (IP) methods in terms of acquisition time, data quality, and spectral information retrieved from inversion. We collected TDIP and FDIP surface measurements on three profiles with identical electrode setups, at two different field sites with different lithology. In addition, TDIP data were collected in two boreholes using the El-Log drilling technique, in which apparent formation resistivity and chargeability values are measured during drilling using electrodes integrated within the stem auger.

Geoelectrical and hydrochemical study for the assessment of seawater intrusion evolution in coastal aquifers of Oualidia, Morocco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fadili, Ahmed; Najib, Saliha; Mehdi, Khalid; Riss, Joëlle; Malaurent, Philippe; Makan, Abdelhadi

2017-11-01

This study aims to assess the evolution of seawater intrusion between 1992 and 2011 periods in the coastal aquifers of Oualidia. To achieve this objective, the combination of geoelectrical and hydrochemical methods was adopted. Apparent resistivity maps, using 74 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) performed on 1992, allowed to distinguish two different zones. The conductive one, with apparent resistivity ranging between 4 and 86 Ω·m, is limited to 1 km with respect to the ocean. Meanwhile, the resistant one is much farther from the coastline. Besides, results of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) profiles performed during 2011 are in good agreement with those obtained by apparent resistivity maps. The ERT profiles show a conductive level characterized by low resistivity below 30 Ω·m assigned to seawater intrusion effect. Moreover, hydrochemical analysis, performed on 19 wells during three different periods, on June, December 2010 and May 2011, indicates that the most affected part with marine waters was at that time localized in the first kilometer from the ocean, with high amounts of Na+ and Cl- ions. Beyond this fringe, mineralization becomes very weak. Overall, the comparison of old VES with recent ERT coupled with hydrochemical results suggest no important evolution of the salt wedge since 1992.

Influence of external mass transfer limitation on apparent kinetic parameters of penicillin G acylase immobilized on nonporous ultrafine silica particles.

PubMed

Kheirolomoom, Azadeh; Khorasheh, Farhad; Fazelinia, Hossein

2002-01-01

Immobilization of enzymes on nonporous supports provides a suitable model for investigating the effect of external mass transfer limitation on the reaction rate in the absence of internal diffusional resistance. In this study, deacylation of penicillin G was investigated using penicillin acylase immobilized on ultrafine silica particles. Kinetic studies were performed within the low-substrate-concentration region, where the external mass transfer limitation becomes significant. To predict the apparent kinetic parameters and the overall effectiveness factor, knowledge of the external mass transfer coefficient, k(L)a, is necessary. Although various correlations exist for estimation of k(L)a, in this study, an optimization scheme was utilized to obtain this coefficient. Using the optimum values of k(L)a, the initial reaction rates were predicted and found to be in good agreement with the experimental data.

Resistivity Correction Factor for the Four-Probe Method: Experiment I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Masato; Yamaguchi, Shoji; Enjoji, Hideo

1988-05-01

Experimental verification of the theoretically derived resistivity correction factor (RCF) is presented. Resistivity and sheet resistance measurements by the four-probe method are made on three samples: isotropic graphite, ITO film and Au film. It is indicated that the RCF can correct the apparent variations of experimental data to yield reasonable resistivities and sheet resistances.

Bypass Flow Resistance in Prismatic Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactors

DOE PAGES

McEligot, Donald M.; Johnson, Richard W.

2016-12-20

Available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of pressure distributions in the vertical bypass flow between blocks in a prismatic gas-cooled reactor (GCR) have been analyzed to deduce apparent friction factors and loss coefficients for systems and network codes. We performed calculations for vertical gap spacings "s" of 2, 6 and 10 mm, horizontal gaps between the blocks of two mm and two flow rates, giving a range of gap Reynolds numbers Re Dh of about 40 to 5300. Laminar predictions of the fully-developed friction factor f fd were about three to ten per cent lower than the classical infinitely-wide channelmore » In the entry region, the local apparent friction factor was slightly higher than the classic idealized case but the hydraulic entry length L hy was approximately the same. The per cent reduction in flow resistance was greater than the per cent increase in flow area at the vertical corners of the blocks. The standard k-ϵ model was employed for flows expected to be turbulent. Its predictions of f fd and flow resistance were significantly higher than direct numerical simulations for the classic case; the value of L hy was about thirty gap spacings. Initial quantitative information for entry coefficients and loss coefficients for the expansion-contraction junctions between blocks is also presented. Our study demonstrates how CFD predictions can be employed to provide integral quantities needed in systems and network codes.« less

Bypass Flow Resistance in Prismatic Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactors

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

McEligot, Donald M.; Johnson, Richard W.

Available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of pressure distributions in the vertical bypass flow between blocks in a prismatic gas-cooled reactor (GCR) have been analyzed to deduce apparent friction factors and loss coefficients for systems and network codes. We performed calculations for vertical gap spacings "s" of 2, 6 and 10 mm, horizontal gaps between the blocks of two mm and two flow rates, giving a range of gap Reynolds numbers Re Dh of about 40 to 5300. Laminar predictions of the fully-developed friction factor f fd were about three to ten per cent lower than the classical infinitely-wide channelmore » In the entry region, the local apparent friction factor was slightly higher than the classic idealized case but the hydraulic entry length L hy was approximately the same. The per cent reduction in flow resistance was greater than the per cent increase in flow area at the vertical corners of the blocks. The standard k-ϵ model was employed for flows expected to be turbulent. Its predictions of f fd and flow resistance were significantly higher than direct numerical simulations for the classic case; the value of L hy was about thirty gap spacings. Initial quantitative information for entry coefficients and loss coefficients for the expansion-contraction junctions between blocks is also presented. Our study demonstrates how CFD predictions can be employed to provide integral quantities needed in systems and network codes.« less

Development and characterization of PdCr temperature-compensated wire resistance strain gage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lei, Jih-Fen

1989-01-01

A temperature-compensated resistance static strain gage with potential to be used to 600 C was recently developed. Gages were fabricated from specially developed palladium-13 w/o chromium (Pd-13Cr) wire and platinum (Pt) compensator. When bonded to high temperature Hastelloy X, the apparent strain from room temperature to 600 C was within 400 microstrain for gages with no preheat treatment and within 3500 microstrain for gages with 16 hours prestabilization at 640 C. The apparent strain versus temperature relationship of stabilized PdCr gages were repeatable with the reproducibility within 100 microstrain during three thermal cycles to 600 C and an 11 hours soak at 600 C. The gage fabrication, construction and installation is described. Also, the coating system used for this compensated resistance strain gage is explained. The electrical properties of the strain sensing element and main characteristics of the compensated gage including apparent strain, drift and reproducibility are discussed.

Creep and stress rupture of oxide dispersion strengthened mechanically alloyed Inconel alloy MA 754

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howson, T. E.; Tien, J. K.; Stulga, J. E.

1980-01-01

The creep and stress rupture behavior of the mechanically alloyed oxide dispersion strengthened nickel-base alloy MA 754 was studied at 760, 982 and 1093 C. Tensile specimens with a fine, highly elongated grain structure, oriented parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal grain direction were tested at various stresses in air under constant load. It was found that the apparent stress dependence was large, with power law exponents ranging from 19 to 33 over the temperature range studied. The creep activation energy, after correction for the temperature dependence of the elastic modulus, was close to but slightly larger than the activation energy for self diffusion. Rupture was intergranular and the rupture ductility as measured by percentage elongation was generally low, with values ranging from 0.5 to 16 pct. The creep properties are rationalized by describing the creep rates in terms of an effective stress which is the applied stress minus a resisting stress consistent with the alloy microstructure. Values of the resisting stress obtained through a curve fitting procedure are found to be close to the values of the particle by-pass stress for this oxide dispersion strengthened alloy, as calculated from the measured oxide particle distribution.

[Factors influencing bonding fixed restorations].

PubMed

Medić, Vesna; Obradović-Djuricić, Kosovka

2008-01-01

Crown displacement often occurs because the features of tooth preparations do not counteract the forces directed against restorations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preparation designs on retention and resistance of fixed restorations. The study was performed on 64 differently sized stainless steel dies. Also, caps which were used for evaluated retention were made of stainless steel for each die. After cementing the caps on experimental dies, measuring of necessary tensile forces to separate cemented caps from dies was done. Caps, which were made of a silver-palladium alloy with a slope of 600 to the longitudinal axis formed on the occlusal surface, were used for evaluating resistance. A sudden drop in load pressure recorded by the test machine indicated failure for that cap. A significant difference was found between the tensile force required to remove the caps from the dies with different length (p < 0.05) and different taper (p < 0.01). The greatest retentive strengths (2579.2 N and 2989.8 N) were noticed in experimental dies with the greatest length and smallest taper. No statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between tensile loads for caps cemented on dies with different diameter. Although there was an apparent slight increase in resistance values for caps on dies with smaller tapers, the increase in resistance for those preparation designs was not statistically significant. There was a significant difference among the resistance values for caps on dies with different length (p < 0.01) and diameter (p < 0.05). In the light of the results obtained, it could be reasonably concluded that retention and resistance of the restoration is in inverse proportion to convergence angle of the prepared teeth. But, at a constant convergence angle, retention and resistance increase with rising length and diameter.

Application of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) for the assessment of Ground Water Potential at Madi Phant, Palpa District, Western Nepal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khatiwada, B.; Ghimire, H.; Bhusal, U. C.; Shrestha, S. R.; Upadhyay, K.; Khanal, A.; Pandey, D.

2017-12-01

Ground Water Resources Development Board (GWRDB), Government of Nepal, is the sole authority for systematize investigation, and management of ground water in the country. This study was conducted by GWRDB to create a data base of the groundwater potential in the hilly area. The main purpose of the study was to assess the groundwater potential at the Madi Phant Valley, Lesser Himalaya Region, Plapa District, Nepal. Data were acquired from WDJD-4 and analyzed using computer aided software called IPI2win, which yield an automatic interpretation of the apparent resistivity and data were correlated with lithologs of the vertical section. The simulated results of the ten VES points conducted using Schlumberger Configuration with AB/2 varying from 2 to 400 m and MN/2 varying from 0.5 to 50m reveal the presence of 4 to 8 geo-electric layers. Results obtained from software were rechecked by plotting the apparent resistivity value on Log-Log transparent graph sheet and manually interpreted using master curves and auxiliary curves. The resistivity values of the different layers' ranges from 3 Ωm to 3700 Ωm and were statistically analyzed from Golden Software Grapher. Representative resistivity sounding curves with modeled layer obtained after inversion was used to delineate the aquifer and 1D geoelectric sections. The geoelectrical sections for the study area consists of: the topsoil, sandy silt, sand and gravel, fractured rock and the fresh basement rock. The groundwater bearing layer of fractured rock varies between depth of 8-65 meters across foothill site (Eastern Corner) of the study area and groundwater bearing layer of sand and gravel/fractured rock varies between depth of 20-100 m in the central part of the Madi Phant valley. Contour map and 3D map of bedrock and water bearing layers for the conceptual model were prepared with the help of surfer shows that the gradient of the contour is high in the surrounding parts and flat in the center of Valley.

Influence of mass transfer resistance on overall nitrate removal rate in upflow sludge bed reactors.

PubMed

Ting, Wen-Huei; Huang, Ju-Sheng

2006-09-01

A kinetic model with intrinsic reaction kinetics and a simplified model with apparent reaction kinetics for denitrification in upflow sludge bed (USB) reactors were proposed. USB-reactor performance data with and without sludge wasting were also obtained for model verification. An independent batch study showed that the apparent kinetic constants k' did not differ from the intrinsic k but the apparent Ks' was significantly larger than the intrinsic Ks suggesting that the intra-granule mass transfer resistance can be modeled by changes in Ks. Calculations of the overall effectiveness factor, Thiele modulus, and Biot number combined with parametric sensitivity analysis showed that the influence of internal mass transfer resistance on the overall nitrate removal rate in USB reactors is more significant than the external mass transfer resistance. The simulated residual nitrate concentrations using the simplified model were in good agreement with the experimental data; the simulated results using the simplified model were also close to those using the kinetic model. Accordingly, the simplified model adequately described the overall nitrate removal rate and can be used for process design.

Introgression of resistance-conferring ALS mutations in herbicide-resistant weedy rice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Weedy red rice (Oryza sativa) competes aggressively with rice, reducing yields and grain quality. Clearfield™ rice, a nontransgenic, herbicide-resistant (HR) rice introduced in 2002 to control weedy rice, has resulted in some ALS-resistant weedy rice apparently due to gene flow. Studies were conduct...

Extrinsic origins of the apparent relaxorlike behavior in CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics at high temperatures: A cautionary tale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ming; Sinclair, Derek C.; West, Anthony R.

2011-04-01

Although the origins of the high effective permittivity observed in CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics and single crystals at ˜100-400 K have been resolved, the relaxorlike temperature- and frequency-dependence of permittivity obtained from fixed frequency capacitance measurements at higher temperatures reported in the literature remains unexplained, especially as CCTO adopts a centrosymmetric cubic crystal structure in the range of ˜35-1273 K. Impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that this type of relaxorlike behavior is an artifact induced mainly by a nonohmic sample-electrode contact impedance. In addition, an instrument-related parasitic series inductance and resistance effect modifies the measured capacitance values as the sample resistance decreases with increasing temperature. This can lead to an underestimation of the sample capacitance and, in extreme cases, to so-called `negative capacitance.' Such a relaxorlike artifact and negative capacitance behavior are not unique to CCTO and may be expected in other leaky dielectrics whose resistance is low.

Probable chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria from Mozambique A case report.

PubMed

Pillay, N; Bhoola, R L

1975-08-16

A female patient with Plasmodium falciparum malaria apparently resistant to chloroquine is descirbed. She had recently returned from Mozambique, which may prove to be a new endemic are with resistant strains. The infection was successfully treated with quinine.

Developments of the Physical and Electrical Properties of NiCr and NiCrSi Single-Layer and Bi-Layer Nano-Scale Thin-Film Resistors.

PubMed

Cheng, Huan-Yi; Chen, Ying-Chung; Li, Chi-Lun; Li, Pei-Jou; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2016-02-25

In this study, commercial-grade NiCr (80 wt % Ni, 20 wt % Cr) and NiCrSi (55 wt % Ni, 40 wt % Cr, 5 wt % Si) were used as targets and the sputtering method was used to deposit NiCr and NiCrSi thin films on Al₂O₃ and Si substrates at room temperature under different deposition time. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films were amorphous phase, and the field-effect scanning electronic microscope observations showed that only nano-crystalline grains were revealed on the surfaces of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films. The log (resistivity) values of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin-film resistors decreased approximately linearly as their thicknesses increased. We found that the value of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR value) of the NiCr thin-film resistors was positive and that of the NiCrSi thin-film resistors was negative. To investigate these thin-film resistors with a low TCR value, we designed a novel bi-layer structure to fabricate the thin-film resistors via two different stacking methods. The bi-layer structures were created by depositing NiCr for 10 min as the upper (or lower) layer and depositing NiCrSi for 10, 30, or 60 min as the lower (or upper) layer. We aim to show that the stacking method had no apparent effect on the resistivity of the NiCr-NiCrSi bi-layer thin-film resistors but had large effect on the TCR value.

Developments of the Physical and Electrical Properties of NiCr and NiCrSi Single-Layer and Bi-Layer Nano-Scale Thin-Film Resistors

PubMed Central

Cheng, Huan-Yi; Chen, Ying-Chung; Li, Chi-Lun; Li, Pei-Jou; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2016-01-01

In this study, commercial-grade NiCr (80 wt % Ni, 20 wt % Cr) and NiCrSi (55 wt % Ni, 40 wt % Cr, 5 wt % Si) were used as targets and the sputtering method was used to deposit NiCr and NiCrSi thin films on Al2O3 and Si substrates at room temperature under different deposition time. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films were amorphous phase, and the field-effect scanning electronic microscope observations showed that only nano-crystalline grains were revealed on the surfaces of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films. The log (resistivity) values of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin-film resistors decreased approximately linearly as their thicknesses increased. We found that the value of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR value) of the NiCr thin-film resistors was positive and that of the NiCrSi thin-film resistors was negative. To investigate these thin-film resistors with a low TCR value, we designed a novel bi-layer structure to fabricate the thin-film resistors via two different stacking methods. The bi-layer structures were created by depositing NiCr for 10 min as the upper (or lower) layer and depositing NiCrSi for 10, 30, or 60 min as the lower (or upper) layer. We aim to show that the stacking method had no apparent effect on the resistivity of the NiCr-NiCrSi bi-layer thin-film resistors but had large effect on the TCR value. PMID:28344296

Hypothesis: leukocyte endogenous mediator/endogenous pyrogen/lymphocyte-activating factor modulates the development of nonspecific and specific immunity and affects nutritional status.

PubMed

Powanda, M C; Beisel, W R

1982-04-01

We postulate that leukocyte endogenous mediator/endogenous pyrogen/lymphocyte-activating factor (LEM/EP/LAF) integrates the host's nonspecific and specific immune responses to infection by virtue of the panoply of physiological and metabolic activities it is capable of eliciting. The alterations in systemic metabolism modulated by LEM/EP/LAF, although apparently of value to the host in the defense against infection and the repair of tissue damage, result in negative nutrient balances. Severe infections, alone or in conjunction with injury, may result in malnutrition unless the patient is adequately nourished. Preexisting nutritional deficits can compromise host resistance to infection, in part by preventing production of LEM/EP/LAF. Additional studies of the sequelae of LEM/EP/LAF action and effects of nutrition on host resistance to infection appear warranted.

Delayed clearance of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins in young, healthy obese subjects†

PubMed Central

Goll, R.; Lekahl, S.; Moen, O. S.; Florholmen, J.

2015-01-01

Summary Obesity is associated with the metabolic syndrome. The aims were, first, to study the postprandial triglyceride clearance in young, healthy obese subjects and, second, to investigate if fasting triglycerides can predict delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance. Eighteen apparently healthy, obese subjects with no clinical signs of metabolic disturbances participated. Controls were age‐ and sex‐matched, healthy, normal weight subjects. Subclinical markers of metabolic disturbances were assessed by measuring postprandial triglycerides in serum and in chylomicrons by oral fat tolerance test. Postprandial triglyceride clearance for 8 h was assessed indirectly as removal of the lipid from serum during the oral fat tolerance test. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Twelve (66%) of the apparently healthy obese individuals had insulin resistance measured by HOMA‐IR. There was a delayed clearance of serum triglycerides and chylomicron triglycerides at 6 h when compared with the control group, while, at 8 h, the differences were only detected for the chylomicron triglyceride clearance. Triglyceride response was significantly greater in the obese subjects. Fasting triglycerides in upper normal level predicted a delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance and insulin resistance. In young, apparently healthy obese subjects early metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance and delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance can be detected. Fasting serum triglyceride in upper normal level predicted delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance and insulin resistance. PMID:26469529

Geoelectrical mapping and groundwater contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blum, Rainer

Specific electrical resistivity of near-surface materials is mainly controlled by the groundwater content and thus reacts extremely sensitive to any change in the ion content. Geoelectric mapping is a well-established, simple, and inexpensive technique for observing areal distributions of apparent specific electrical resistivities. These are a composite result of the true resistivities in the underground, and with some additional information the mapping of apparent resistivities can help to delineate low-resistivity groundwater contaminations, typically observed downstream from sanitary landfills and other waste sites. The presence of other good conductors close to the surface, mainly clays, is a serious noise source and has to be sorted out by supporting observations of conductivities in wells and geoelectric depth soundings. The method may be used to monitor the extent of groundwater contamination at a specific time as well as the change of a contamination plume with time, by carrying out repeated measurements. Examples for both are presented.

Synthetic resistivity calculations for the canonical depth-to-bedrock problem: A critical examination of the thin interbed problem and electrical equivalence theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, C. J.; Knight, R.

2009-05-01

One of the key factors in the sensible inference of subsurface geologic properties from both field and laboratory experiments is the ability to quantify the linkages between the inherently fine-scale structures, such as bedding planes and fracture sets, and their macroscopic expression through geophysical interrogation. Central to this idea is the concept of a "minimal sampling volume" over which a given geophysical method responds to an effective medium property whose value is dictated by the geometry and distribution of sub- volume heterogeneities as well as the experiment design. In this contribution we explore the concept of effective resistivity volumes for the canonical depth-to-bedrock problem subject to industry-standard DC resistivity survey designs. Four models representing a sedimentary overburden and flat bedrock interface were analyzed through numerical experiments of six different resistivity arrays. In each of the four models, the sedimentary overburden consists of a thinly interbedded resistive and conductive laminations, with equivalent volume-averaged resistivity but differing lamination thickness, geometry, and layering sequence. The numerical experiments show striking differences in the apparent resistivity pseudo-sections which belie the volume-averaged equivalence of the models. These models constitute the synthetic data set offered for inversion in this Back to Basics Resistivity Modeling session and offer the promise to further our understanding of how the sampling volume, as affected by survey design, can be constrained by joint-array inversion of resistivity data.

Differences in trans-stimulated chloroquine efflux kinetics are linked to PfCRT in Plasmodium falciparum

PubMed Central

Sanchez, Cecilia P.; Rohrbach, Petra; McLean, Jeremy E.; Fidock, David A.; Stein, Wilfred D.; Lanzer, Michael

2010-01-01

Summary The mechanism underpinning chloroquine drug resistance in the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum has remained controversial. Currently discussed models include a carrier or a channel for chloroquine, the former actively expelling the drug, the latter facilitating its passive diffusion, out of the parasite’s food vacuole, where chloroquine accumulates and inhibits haem detoxification. Here we have challenged both models using an established trans-stimulation efflux protocol. While carriers may demonstrate trans-stimulation, channels do not. Our data reveal that extracellular chloroquine stimulates chloroquine efflux in the presence and absence of metabolic energy in both chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant parasites, resulting in a hyperbolic increase in the apparent initial efflux rates as the concentration of external chloroquine increases. In the absence of metabolic energy, the apparent initial efflux rates were comparable in both parasites. Significant differences were only observed in the presence of metabolic energy, where consistently higher apparent initial efflux rates were found in chloroquine-resistant parasites. As trans-stimulation is characteristic of a carrier, and not a channel, we interpret our data in favour of a carrier for chloroquine being present in both chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant parasites, however, with different transport modalities. PMID:17493125

Geophysical Electromagnetic Sounding Using HAARP

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-03-01

apparent resistivity vs. frequency can be converted into true resistivity vs. depth, This grant involved an investigation into the HAARP virtual antenna pattern out to 200 km, and its use as a CSAMT transmitter.

Agricultural Geophysics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The four geophysical methods predominantly used for agricultural purposes are resistivity, electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and time domain reflectometry (TDR). Resistivity and electromagnetic induction methods are typically employed to map lateral variations of apparent so...

Role of the membrane cortex in neutrophil deformation in small pipets.

PubMed Central

Zhelev, D V; Needham, D; Hochmuth, R M

1994-01-01

The simplest model for a neutrophil in its "passive" state views the cell as consisting of a liquid-like cytoplasmic region surrounded by a membrane. The cell surface is in a state of isotropic contraction, which causes the cell to assume a spherical shape. This contraction is characterized by the cortical tension. The cortical tension shows a weak area dilation dependence, and it determines the elastic properties of the cell for small curvature deformations. At high curvature deformations in small pipets (with internal radii less than 1 micron), the measured critical suction pressure for cell flow into the pipet is larger than its estimate from the law of Laplace. A model is proposed where the region consisting of the cytoplasm membrane and the underlying cortex (having a finite thickness) is introduced at the cell surface. The mechanical properties of this region are characterized by the apparent cortical tension (defined as a free contraction energy per unit area) and the apparent bending modulus (introduced as a bending free energy per unit area) of its middle plane. The model predicts that for small curvature deformations (in pipets having radii larger than 1.2 microns) the role of the cortical thickness and the resistance for bending of the membrane-cortex complex is negligible. For high curvature deformations, they lead to elevated suction pressures above the values predicted from the law of Laplace. The existence of elevated suction pressures for pipets with radii from 1 micron down to 0.24 micron is found experimentally. The measured excess suction pressures cannot be explained only by the modified law of Laplace (for a cortex with finite thickness and negligible bending resistance), because it predicts unacceptable high cortical thicknesses (from 0.3 to 0.7 micron). It is concluded that the membrane-cortex complex has an apparent bending modulus from 1 x 10(-18) to 2 x 10(-18) J for a cortex with a thickness from 0.1 micron down to values much smaller than the radius of the smallest pipet (0.24 micron) used in this study. Images FIGURE 1 PMID:7948682

The non-static effect of near-surface inhomogeneity on CSAMT data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Da; Fayemi, Busayo; Yang, Liangyong; Meng, Xiaohong

2017-04-01

Controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) method has several advantages over magnetotelluric (MT) method, which includes the recording of lower noise signal and higher resolution data. However, CSAMT field data can still be distorted by the effect of near surface inhomogeneous body. It may be confused with static effect just like in MT, if three-dimensional subsurface geological body is buried under the receiver. Traditionally, the method used in static correction is adopted similar to that used in MT method for many years. In comparison, MT are the natural electric and magnetic fields in the frequency range of 0.0001 Hz to 500 Hz, while CSAMT fields are applied at frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 kHz. Hence, in this paper, the non-static effect of near-surface inhomogeneity in CSAMT was simulated through theoretical modeling and we summarized its characteristics. If the skin depth is much larger than the size of the near-surface inhomogeneous body that is close to the measurement point, the anomalous body causes a static effect which is represented by vertical shift in apparent resistivity curves for all frequencies from their expected values, but when the skin depth is much smaller than the size of the near-surface inhomogeneous body in the vicinity of the measurement point, the apparent resistivity curve at high frequencies remains unchanged, while at lower frequencies shift in value is observed. The near-surface effect may be confused with static effect in data processing; however, it cannot be corrected using previous static correction methods, but by using the two-dimensional inversion method. Hence, for such CSAMT data, both effective processing technique and inversion process is of great significance.

Selected physical properties of rocks from the Baid al Jimalah West tungsten deposit, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and recommendations for geophysical surveys

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gettings, M.E.

1983-01-01

Bulk density and magnetic susceptibility of 11 outcrop samples representing the Proterozoic lithologic units at the Baid al Jimalah West tungsten deposit, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were measured. Induced polarization response, apparent resistivity, and electromagnetic conductivity were determined for four specimens of the sample suite. Measurements show that there is a negative density contrast of about -0.17 g-cm^-3 between metasedimentary rocks of the Murdama group and the Bald al Jimalah graaite and that this contrast decreases with increasing mineralization of the granite. Similarly, the bulk magnetic susceptibility of the granite is about one-third that of the Murdama rocks for this sample suite; however, magnetic susceptibility increases with increasing mineralization in the granite specimens. Electromagnetic conductivities are uniformly low, in part because the specimens are weathered, but probably also because intense silicification accompanies the mineralization. Induced polarization chargeability increases in the granitic specimens with increasing mineralization and reflects higher percentages of sulfide minerals. Chargeability for the mineralized rocks is about four times higher than for the Murdama host rocks, and apparent resistivity values are about one-fifth the values of host rocks. Based on these results, it is recommended that during reconnaissance exploration of the area 15 detailed high-precision gravity profiles at 10 m to 50 m station spacing and eight induced polarization dipole-dipole profiles at 25 m dipole spacing and maximum 'n' of 6 be measured. To help define subsurface structure, a high-precision, ground-magnetic survey (map at 2-gamma contour interval) and a four-channel gamma ray spectrometric survey on a 25x50 m grid covering the area of the profiles are recommended.

Effect of transmitter turn-off time on transient soundings

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fitterman, D.V.; Anderson, W.L.

1987-01-01

A general procedure for computing the effect of non-zero turn-off time on the transient electromagnetic response is presented which can be applied to forward and inverse calculation methods for any transmitter-receiver configuration. We consider in detail the case of a large transmitter loop which has a receiver coil located at the center of the loop (central induction or in-loop array). For a linear turn-off ramp of width t0, the voltage response is shown to be the voltage due to an ideal step turn-off averaged over windows of width t0. Thus the effect is similar to that obtained by using averaging windows in the receiver. In general when time zero is taken to be the end of the ramp, the apparent resistivity increases for a homogeneous half-space over a limited time range. For time zero taken to be the start of the ramp the apparent resistivity is affected in the opposite direction. The effect of the ramp increases with increasing t0 and first-layer resistivity, is largest during the intermediate stage, and decreases with increasing time. It is shown that for a ramp turn-off, there is no effect in the early and late stages. For two-layered models with a resistive first layer (??1>??2), the apparent resistivity is increased in the intermediate stage. When the first layer is more conductive than the second layer (??1

The data preprocessing in apparent resistivity pesudo-section construction of two-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Q.

2015-12-01

Although three-dimensional (3-D) electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey has become a popular practice in the site characterization and process monitoring, the two-dimensional (2-D) ERT survey is still often used in the field. This is because that the 2-D ERT survey is relatively easy to do and the focus of site characterization is on the information of 2-D cross section, not necessarily of the 3-D subsurface structure. Examples of such practice include tunnel line and crossing fault survey. In these cases, depending on the property of surface soil to be surveyed, the 2-D ERT survey with pole-pole array may occasionally make us obtain quality good data, however it often gives us a suit of data set both with real and erroneous ones that incorporated the effects of electrode contact and not far enough far electrodes. Without preprocessing, the apparent resistivity pseudo-section constructed from this kind of data set may quite deviate from the real one and the information obtained from it may be misleading and even completely incorrect. In this study, we developed a method of far electrode dynamic correction that is appropriate for raw data preprocessing from 2-D pole-pole array ERT survey. Based on this method, we not only can find and delete the abnormal data points easily, but also can position the coordinates of far electrodes actually working in the field, thus delete the far electrode effects and make best use of the looked strange data points. The method also makes us to be able to judge the effects of electrode contact and avoid using such data points in the following apparent resistivity pseudo-section construction. With this preprocessing to the data set, the constructed apparent resistivity pseudo-section is demonstrated to be more approximate to the real one. This makes the following reversion calculation more robust. We'll introduce this far electrode dynamic correction method and show application examples in the meeting.

Transport conductivity of graphene at RF and microwave frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awan, S. A.; Lombardo, A.; Colli, A.; Privitera, G.; Kulmala, T. S.; Kivioja, J. M.; Koshino, M.; Ferrari, A. C.

2016-03-01

We measure graphene coplanar waveguides from direct current (DC) to a frequency f = 13.5 GHz and show that the apparent resistance (in the presence of parasitic impedances) has an {ω }2 dependence (where ω =2π f), but the intrinsic conductivity (without the influence of parasitic impedances) is frequency-independent. Consequently, in our devices the real part of the complex alternating current (AC) conductivity is the same as the DC value and the imaginary part is ˜0. The graphene channel is modeled as a parallel resistive-capacitive network with a frequency dependence identical to that of the Drude conductivity with momentum relaxation time ˜2.1 ps, highlighting the influence of AC electron transport on the electromagnetic properties of graphene. This can lead to optimized design of high-speed analog field-effect transistors, mixers, frequency doublers, low-noise amplifiers and radiation detectors.

Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance Monitored in Surveillance Analysis of Blood Stream Infections in Febrile Neutropenic Pediatric Oncology Patients.

PubMed

El-Mahallawy, Hadir A; Hassan, Safaa Shawky; El-Wakil, Mohamed; Moneer, Manar M; Shalaby, Lobna

2015-01-01

Continuous surveillance of pattern of blood stream infection is necessary in febrile neutropenia (FN)especially with the recent escalating trend in the management of pediatric cancer patients towards intensified regimens and with the increase in infections caused by resistant organisms limiting the choice of antibiotics. To monitor change in pattern of blood stream infections (BSI) in FN pediatric cancer patients. Surveillance of FN episodes with positive BSI was prospectively monitored and compared to a previous surveillance in the same pediatric oncology unit. A total of 232 BSI positive episodes were documented in 192 patients during a 6 months period. The results of recent surveillance analysis showed an increase in intensified regimens of chemotherapy, antimicrobial resistance, fungal infections, and prolonged duration of episodes when compared to previous surveillance, with p value sof <0.001, 0.005, 0.021, and <0.001, respectively. There was an apparent decrease in the crude mortality but this was not statistically significant, to 6% in 2011 from 10 % in 2006. The pattern of BSI at our institution is still inclining towards gram positive organisms but is showing a shift towards more antibiotic resistance and fungal infections.

Three-dimensional numerical modeling of full-space transient electromagnetic responses of water in goaf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jiang-Hao; Yu, Jing-Cun; Liu, Zhi-Xin

2016-09-01

The full-space transient electromagnetic response of water-filled goaves in coal mines were numerically modeled. Traditional numerical modeling methods cannot be used to simulate the underground full-space transient electromagnetic field. We used multiple transmitting loops instead of the traditional single transmitting loop to load the transmitting loop into Cartesian grids. We improved the method for calculating the z-component of the magnetic field based on the characteristics of full space. Then, we established the fullspace 3D geoelectrical model using geological data for coalmines. In addition, the transient electromagnetic responses of water-filled goaves of variable shape at different locations were simulated by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Moreover, we evaluated the apparent resistivity results. The numerical modeling results suggested that the resistivity differences between the coal seam and its roof and floor greatly affect the distribution of apparent resistivity, resulting in nearly circular contours with the roadway head at the center. The actual distribution of apparent resistivity for different geoelectrical models of water in goaves was consistent with the models. However, when the goaf water was located in one side, a false low-resistivity anomaly would appear on the other side owing to the full-space effect but the response was much weaker. Finally, the modeling results were subsequently confirmed by drilling, suggesting that the proposed method was effective.

Virulence of Meloidogyne spp. and Induced Resistance in Grape Rootstocks.

PubMed

McKenry, Michael V; Anwar, Safdar A

2007-03-01

Harmony grape rootstock displays resistance to several Meloidogyne spp. but that resistance is not durable in commercial vineyard settings. A 2-year experiment in a microplot setting revealed host specificities of two virulent populations of Meloidogyne arenaria and an avirulent population of Meloidogyne incognita. In a subsequent split-root experiment, the avirulent nematode population was demonstrated to induce resistance to the virulent nematode population. To quantify the level of resistance, reproduction of the virulent nematode population was determined 63 days after being challenged by an avirulent nematode population using a range of inoculum densities and timeframes. Induction of resistance became apparent when the virulent nematode population was inoculated 7 days after the avirulent nematode population and increased thereafter. The level of induced resistance increased with increased inoculum levels of the avirulent nematode population. Root systems of perennial crops are commonly fed upon simultaneously by multiple nematode species. These two studies indicate that field populations can become preferentially virulent upon one or multiple rootstocks and that co-inhabiting populations may induce existing resistance mechanisms. In perennial crops, it is common for numerous nematode species besides Meloidogyne spp. to be present, including some that feed without causing apparent damage.

Using Soil Apparent Electrical Conductivity to Optimize Sampling of Soil Penetration Resistance and to Improve the Estimations of Spatial Patterns of Soil Compaction

PubMed Central

Siqueira, Glécio Machado; Dafonte, Jorge Dafonte; Bueno Lema, Javier; Valcárcel Armesto, Montserrat; Silva, Ênio Farias França e

2014-01-01

This study presents a combined application of an EM38DD for assessing soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and a dual-sensor vertical penetrometer Veris-3000 for measuring soil electrical conductivity (ECveris) and soil resistance to penetration (PR). The measurements were made at a 6 ha field cropped with forage maize under no-tillage after sowing and located in Northwestern Spain. The objective was to use data from ECa for improving the estimation of soil PR. First, data of ECa were used to determine the optimized sampling scheme of the soil PR in 40 points. Then, correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between soil PR and ECa, ranging from −0.36 to −0.70 for the studied soil layers. The spatial dependence of soil PR was best described by spherical models in most soil layers. However, below 0.50 m the spatial pattern of soil PR showed pure nugget effect, which could be due to the limited number of PR data used in these layers as the values of this parameter often were above the range measured by our equipment (5.5 MPa). The use of ECa as secondary variable slightly improved the estimation of PR by universal cokriging, when compared with kriging. PMID:25610899

Plasma triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk in young adults

PubMed Central

Murguía-Romero, Miguel; Jiménez-Flores, J. Rafael; Sigrist-Flores, Santiago C.; Espinoza-Camacho, Miguel A.; Jiménez-Morales, Mayra; Piña, Enrique; Méndez-Cruz, A. René; Villalobos-Molina, Rafael; Reaven, Gerald M.

2013-01-01

Studies in mature adults suggest that the plasma concentration ratio of triglyceride (TG)/HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) provides a simple way to identify apparently healthy individuals who are insulin resistant (IR) and at increased cardiometabolic risk. This study extends these observations by examining the clinical utility of the TG/HDL-C ratio and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 2,244 healthy college students (17–24 years old) of Mexican Mestizo ancestry. The TG/HDL-C ratio separating the 25% with the highest value was used to identify IR and increased cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk factors were more adverse in men and women whose TG/HDL-C ratios exceeded 3.5 and 2.5, respectively, and approximately one third were identified as being IR. The MetS identified fewer individuals as being IR, but their risk profile was accentuated. In conclusion, both a higher TG/HDL-C ratio and a diagnosis of the MetS identify young IR individuals with an increased cardiometabolic risk profile. The TG/HDL-C ratio identified a somewhat greater number of “high risk” subjects, whereas the MetS found a group whose risk profile was somewhat magnified. These findings suggest that the TG/HDL-C ratio may serve as a simple and clinically useful approach to identify apparently healthy, young individuals who are IR and at increased cardiometabolic risk. PMID:23863983

On the expected relationships among apparent stress, static stress drop, effective shear fracture energy, and efficiency

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beeler, N.M.; Wong, T.-F.; Hickman, S.H.

2003-01-01

We consider expected relationships between apparent stress ??a and static stress drop ????s using a standard energy balance and find ??a = ????s (0.5 - ??), where ?? is stress overshoot. A simple implementation of this balance is to assume overshoot is constant; then apparent stress should vary linearly with stress drop, consistent with spectral theories (Brune, 1970) and dynamic crack models (Madariaga, 1976). Normalizing this expression by the static stress drop defines an efficiency ??sw = ??sa/????s as follows from Savage and Wood (1971). We use this measure of efficiency to analyze data from one of a number of observational studies that find apparent stress to increase with seismic moment, namely earthquakes recorded in the Cajon Pass borehole by Abercrombie (1995). Increases in apparent stress with event size could reflect an increase in seismic efficiency; however, ??sw for the Cajon earthquakes shows no such increase and is approximately constant over the entire moment range. Thus, apparent stress and stress drop co-vary, as expected from the energy balance at constant overshoot. The median value of ??sw for the Cajon earthquakes is four times lower than ??sw for laboratory events. Thus, these Cajon-recorded earthquakes have relatively low and approximately constant efficiency. As the energy balance requires ??sw = 0.5 - ??, overshoot can be estimated directly from the Savage-Wood efficiency; overshoot is positive for Cajon Pass earthquakes. Variations in apparent stress with seismic moment for these earthquakes result primarily from systematic variations in static stress drop with seismic moment and do not require a relative decrease in sliding resistance with increasing event size (dynamic weakening). Based on the comparison of field and lab determinations of the Savage-Wood efficiency, we suggest the criterion ??sw > 0.3 as a test for dynamic weakening in excess of that seen in the lab.

Effects of deformability of RBCs on their dynamics and blood flow passing through a stenosed microvessel: an immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alizadeh, As'ad; Dadvand, Abdolrahman

2018-02-01

In this paper, the motion of high deformable (healthy) and low deformable (sick) red blood cells in a microvessel with and without stenosis is simulated using a combined lattice Boltzmann-immersed boundary method. The RBC is considered as neo-Hookean elastic membrane with bending resistance. The motion and deformation of the RBC under different values of the Reynolds number are evaluated. In addition, the variations of blood flow resistance and time-averaged pressure due to the motion and deformation of the RBC are assessed. It was found that a healthy RBC moves faster than a sick one. The apparent viscosity and blood flow resistance are greater for the case involving the sick RBC. Blood pressure at the presence of stenosis and low deformable RBC increases, which is thought of as the reason of many serious diseases including cardiovascular diseases. As the Re number increases, the RBC deforms further and moves easier and faster through the stenosis. The results of this study were compared to the available experimental and numerical results, and good agreements were observed.

Getting to Darwin: Obstacles to Accepting Evolution by Natural Selection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thagard, Paul; Findlay, Scott

2010-06-01

Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is central to modern biology, but is resisted by many people. This paper discusses the major psychological obstacles to accepting Darwin’s theory. Cognitive obstacles to adopting evolution by natural selection include conceptual difficulties, methodological issues, and coherence problems that derive from the intuitiveness of alternative theories. The main emotional obstacles to accepting evolution are its apparent conflict with valued beliefs about God, souls, and morality. We draw on the philosophy of science and on a psychological theory of cognitive and emotional belief revision to make suggestions about what can be done to improve acceptance of Darwinian ideas.

Fracture processes and mechanisms of crack growth resistance in human enamel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bajaj, Devendra; Park, Saejin; Quinn, George D.; Arola, Dwayne

2010-07-01

Human enamel has a complex micro-structure that varies with distance from the tooth’s outer surface. But contributions from the microstructure to the fracture toughness and the mechanisms of crack growth resistance have not been explored in detail. In this investigation the apparent fracture toughness of human enamel and the mechanisms of crack growth resistance were evaluated using the indentation fracture approach and an incremental crack growth technique. Indentation cracks were introduced on polished surfaces of enamel at selected distances from the occlusal surface. In addition, an incremental crack growth approach using compact tension specimens was used to quantify the crack growth resistance as a Junction of distance from the occlusal surface. There were significant differences in the apparent toughness estimated using the two approaches, which was attributed to the active crack length and corresponding scale of the toughening mechanisms.

Assessment of peak power and short-term work capacity.

PubMed

MacIntosh, Brian R; Rishaug, Peter; Svedahl, Krista

2003-02-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate conditions for conducting a 30 s Wingate test such as load selection, and the method of starting the test (stationary or flying start). Nine male and four female athletes volunteered to be tested on four laboratory visits. Tests were performed on a modified Monark cycle ergometer (Varberg, Sweden) equipped with force transducers on the friction belt and an optical encoder for velocity measurement. Power was calculated with the moment of inertia (I) of the flywheel taken into consideration. One laboratory visit was used to determine individualized optimal resistance conditions. The other three visits were for performance of one of three Wingate tests: a flying start with 0.834 N x kg(-1) [85 g x kg(-1) body weight (BW)] resistance (FLY-0.8); a stationary start with 0.834 N x kg(-1) BW resistance (ST-0.8), or a stationary start with optimal resistance (ST-OPT). FLY-0.8 gave a lower (P<0.05) value for short-term work capacity [19,986 (827) J] than either ST-OPT [23,014 (1,167) J] or ST-0.8 [22,321 (1075) J]. Peak power output per pedal revolution was lower ( P<0.005) for FLY-0.8 [833 (40) W] than for either ST-0.8 [974 (57) W] or ST-OPT [989 (61) W]. The results of this study demonstrate that higher values for peak power and short-term work capacity are obtained with a test from a stationary start. It is apparently not necessary to use an individualized optimal resistance when I is considered in a Wingate test initiated from a standstill.

Web-based application for inverting one-dimensional magnetotelluric data using Python

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suryanto, Wiwit; Irnaka, Theodosius Marwan

2016-11-01

One-dimensional modeling of magnetotelluric (MT) data has been performed using an online application on a web-based virtual private server. The application was developed with the Python language using the Django framework with HTML and CSS components. The input data, including the apparent resistivity and phase as a function of period or frequency with standard deviation, can be entered through an interactive web page that can be freely accessed at https://komputasi.geofisika.ugm.ac.id. The subsurface models, represented by resistivity as a function of depth, are iteratively improved by changing the model parameters, such as the resistivity and the layer depth, based on the observed apparent resistivity and phase data. The output of the application displayed on the screen presents resistivity as a function of depth and includes the RMS error for each iteration. Synthetic and real data were used in comparative tests of the application's performance, and it is shown that the application developed accurate subsurface resistivity models. Hence, this application can be used for practical one-dimensional modeling of MT data.

[Features of metabolic syndrome in patients with depressive disorder].

PubMed

Zeman, M; Jirák, R; Zák, A; Jáchymová, M; Vecka, M; Tvrzická, E; Vávrová, L; Kodydková, J; Stanková, B

2009-01-01

Depressive disorder is a serious illness with a high incidence, proxime accessit after anxiety disorders among the psychiatric diseases. It is accompanied by an increased risk of development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and by increased all-cause mortality. Recently published data have suggested that factors connected with the insulin resistance are at the background of this association. In this pilot study we have investigated parameters of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in consecutively admitted patients suffering from depressive disorder (DD) (group of 42 people), in 57 patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and in a control group of 49 apparently healthy persons (CON). Depressive patients did not differ from the control group by age or body mass index (BMI) value, but they had statistically significantly higher concentrations of serum insulin, C-peptide, glucose, triglycerides (TG), conjugated dienes in LDL particles (CD-LDL), higher value of microalbuminuria and of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. They simultaneously had significantly lower value of the insulin sensitivity (QUICKI) index. In comparison with the MetS group the depressive patients were characterized by significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI , serum TG, apolipoprotein B, uric acid, C-peptide and by higher concentrations of apolipoprotein A-I and HDL-cholesterol. On the contrary, we have not found statistically significant differences between the DD and MetS groups in the concentrations of serum insulin, glucose, HOMA and QUICKI indices, in CD-LDL and MAU. In this pilot study, we have found in patients with depressive disorder certain features of metabolic syndrome, especially insulin resistance and oxidative stress.

Resistance to Alzheimer Disease Neuropathologic Changes and Apparent Cognitive Resilience in the Nun and Honolulu-Asia Aging Studies.

PubMed

Latimer, Caitlin S; Keene, C Dirk; Flanagan, Margaret E; Hemmy, Laura S; Lim, Kelvin O; White, Lon R; Montine, Kathleen S; Montine, Thomas J

2017-06-01

Two population-based studies key to advancing knowledge of brain aging are the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (HAAS) and the Nun Study. Harmonization of their neuropathologic data allows cross comparison, with findings common to both studies likely generalizable, while distinct observations may point to aging brain changes that are dependent on sex, ethnicity, environment, or lifestyle factors. Here, we expanded the neuropathologic evaluation of these 2 studies using revised NIA-Alzheimer's Association guidelines and compared directly the neuropathologic features of resistance and apparent cognitive resilience. There were significant differences in prevalence of Alzheimer disease neuropathologic change, small vessel vascular brain injury, and Lewy body disease between these 2 studies, suggesting that sex, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors may significantly influence resistance to developing brain injury with age. In contrast, hippocampal sclerosis prevalence was very similar, but skewed to poorer cognitive performance, suggesting that hippocampal sclerosis could act sequentially with other diseases to impair cognitive function. Strikingly, despite these observed differences, the proportion of individuals resistant to all 4 diseases of brain or displaying apparent cognitive resilience was virtually identical between HAAS and Nun Study participants. Future in vivo validation of these results awaits comprehensive biomarkers of these 4 brain diseases. © 2017 American Association of Neuropathologists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrical resistivity of ultrafine-grained copper with nanoscale growth twins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, X. H.; Lu, L.; Lu, K.

2007-10-01

We have investigated electrical resistivities of high-purity ultrafine-grained Cu containing different concentrations of nanoscale growth twins, but having identical grain size. The samples were synthesized by pulsed electrodeposition, wherein the density of twins was varied systematically by adjusting the processing parameters. The electrical resistivity of the Cu specimen with a twin spacing of 15nm at room temperature (RT) is 1.75μΩcm (the conductivity is about 97% IACS), which is comparable to that of coarse-grained (CG) pure Cu specimen. A reduction in twin density for the same grain size (with twin lamellar spacings of 35 and 90nm, respectively) results in an increment in electrical resistivity from 1.75to2.12μΩcm. However, the temperature coefficient of resistivity at RT for these Cu specimens is insensitive to the twin spacing and shows a consistent value of ˜3.78×10-3/K, which is slightly smaller than that of CG Cu (3.98×10-3/K). The increased electrical resistivities of the Cu samples were ascribed dominantly to the intrinsic grain boundary (GB) scattering, while the GB defects and GB energy would decrease with increasing twin density. Transmission electron microscope observations revealed the GB configuration difference from the Cu samples with various twin densities. Plastic deformation would induce an apparent increase in the resistivity. The higher of the twin density, the higher increment of RT resistivity was detected in the Cu specimens subjected to 40% rolling strain. Both the deviated twin boundaries and strained GBs may give rise to an increase in the resistivity.

Quantification of spore resistance for assessment and optimization of heating processes: a never-ending story.

PubMed

Mafart, P; Leguérinel, I; Couvert, O; Coroller, L

2010-08-01

The assessment and optimization of food heating processes require knowledge of the thermal resistance of target spores. Although the concept of spore resistance may seem simple, the establishment of a reliable quantification system for characterizing the heat resistance of spores has proven far more complex than imagined by early researchers. This paper points out the main difficulties encountered by reviewing the historical works on the subject. During an early period, the concept of individual spore resistance had not yet been considered and the resistance of a strain of spore-forming bacterium was related to a global population regarded as alive or dead. A second period was opened by the introduction of the well-known D parameter (decimal reduction time) associated with the previously introduced z-concept. The present period has introduced three new sources of complexity: consideration of non log-linear survival curves, consideration of environmental factors other than temperature, and awareness of the variability of resistance parameters. The occurrence of non log-linear survival curves makes spore resistance dependent on heating time. Consequently, spore resistance characterisation requires at least two parameters. While early resistance models took only heating temperature into account, new models consider other environmental factors such as pH and water activity ("horizontal extension"). Similarly the new generation of models also considers certain environmental factors of the recovery medium for quantifying "apparent heat resistance" ("vertical extension"). Because the conventional F-value is no longer additive in cases of non log-linear survival curves, the decimal reduction ratio should be preferred for assessing the efficiency of a heating process. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of metabolisable energy values of different foodstuffs determined in ostriches and poultry.

PubMed

Cilliers, S C; Sales, J; Hayes, J P; Chwalibog, A; Du Preez, J J

1999-09-01

Apparent (AMEn) and true (TMEn) metabolisable energy values, corrected for nitrogen retention, of wheat bran, saltbush (Atriplex nummularia), common reed (Phragmites australis), lupins, soyabean oil cake meal (SBOCM), sunflower oil cake meal (SFOCM) and fishmeal were compared in 7 successive trials using 12 mature South African Black ostriches and 10 adult Australorp cockerels per ingredient. TMEn values of 11.91, 7.09, 8.67, 14.61, 13.44, 10.79 and 15.13 MJ/kg for wheat bran, saltbush, common reed, lupins, SBOCM, SFOCM and fishmeal, respectively, were found for ostriches in comparison to lower (P<0.05) values of 8.55, 4.50, 2.79, 9.40, 9.04, 8.89 and 13.95 MJ/kg for cockerels. The higher (P<0.05) ME values for ostriches confirm that the ostrich is capable of digesting foodstuffs, especially those with high fibre concentrations such as drought-resistant fodders, more effectively than poultry. Plant protein sources could make a considerable energy contribution to diets for ostriches. It is concluded that it is essential to use energy values of foodstuffs determined using ostriches and not extrapolated values derived from poultry in diet formulation for ostriches.

Evaluation of fasting plasma insulin concentration as an estimate of insulin action in nondiabetic individuals: comparison with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

PubMed

Abbasi, Fahim; Okeke, QueenDenise; Reaven, Gerald M

2014-04-01

Insulin-mediated glucose disposal varies severalfold in apparently healthy individuals, and approximately one-third of the most insulin resistant of these individuals is at increased risk to develop various adverse clinical syndromes. Since direct measurements of insulin sensitivity are not practical in a clinical setting, several surrogate estimates of insulin action have been proposed, including fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentration and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated by a formula employing fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and FPI concentrations. The objective of this study was to compare FPI as an estimate of insulin-mediated glucose disposal with values generated by HOMA-IR in 758 apparently healthy nondiabetic individuals. Measurements were made of FPG, FPI, triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations, and insulin-mediated glucose uptake was quantified by determining steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test. FPI and HOMA-IR were highly correlated (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). The SSPG concentration also correlated to a similar degree (P < 0.001) with FPI (r = 0.60) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.64). Furthermore, the relationship between FPI and TG (r = 0.35) and HDL-C (r = -0.40) was comparable to that between HOMA-IR and TG (r = 0.39) and HDL-C (r = -0.41). In conclusion, FPI and HOMA-IR are highly correlated in nondiabetic individuals, with each estimate accounting for ~40% of the variability (variance) in a direct measure of insulin-mediated glucose disposal. Calculation of HOMA-IR does not provide a better surrogate estimate of insulin action, or of its associated dyslipidemia, than measurement of FPI.

Morphological Changes and Antibiotic-Induced Thermal Resistance in Vegetative Cells of Bacillus subtilis

PubMed Central

Dul, Michael J.; McDonald, William C.

1971-01-01

The morphology and thermal resistance of vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis W168 were examined after growth at 37 and 53 C. Vegetative cells grown at 37 C exhibited a typical trilaminar morphology, whereas cells grown at 53 C exhibited a cell wall which was apparently thicker and more loosely organized and had a poorly defined periphery. A concurrent increase in thermal resistance to a heat shock of 60 C occurs with the change in cell wall morphology. The change to the aberrant cell wall form, or its reversal to the normal form, is always accompanied by the gain or the loss of thermal resistance, respectively. The inhibition of protein synthesis by chloramphenicol has little effect upon the acquisition of thermal resistance at 53 C. Addition of the disaccharide pentapeptide subunit to the cell wall peptidoglycan is apparently essential to growth at 53 C and the acquisition of thermal resistance, since both growth and thermal resistance are inhibited by bacitracin. Two antibiotics, penicillin and cycloserine, which inhibit the final cross-linking of the cell wall peptidoglycan at two separate points, do not affect the acquisition of thermal resistance at 53 C. These same antibiotics induce a high degree of thermal resistance at 37 C. It is proposed that a change in the cell wall structure is related to an increased thermal resistance. Images PMID:4995654

Pattern of Antibiotic Resistance Among Community Derived Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae Using Urine Sample: A Study From Northern India

PubMed Central

Lohiya, Ayush; Kapil, Arti; Gupta, Sanjeev Kumar; Misra, Puneet; Rai, Sanjay K.

2015-01-01

Background Despite world-wide evidence of increased antibiotic resistance, there is scarce data on antibiotic resistance in community settings. One of the reason being difficulty in collection of biological specimen (traditionally stool) in community from apparently healthy individuals. Hence, finding an alternative specimen that is easier to obtain in a community setting or in large scale surveys for the purpose, is crucial. We conducted this study to explore the feasibility of using urine samples for deriving community based estimates of antibiotic resistance and to estimate the magnitude of resistance among urinary isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia against multiple antibiotics in apparently healthy individuals residing in a rural community of Haryana, North India. Materials and Methods Eligible individuals were apparently healthy, aged 18 years or older. Using the health management information system (HMIS) of Ballabgarh Health Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), sampling frame was prepared. Potential individuals were identified using simple random sampling. Random urine sample was collected in a sterile container and transported to laboratory under ambient condition. Species identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing for Enterobacteriaceae was done using Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI) 2012 guidelines. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae, Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae, and Carbapenem producing Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) were identified from the urine samples. Results A total of 433 individuals participated in the study (non-response rate – 13.4%), out of which 58 (13.4%) were positive for Enterobacteriaceae, 8.1% for E. coli and 5.3% for K. pneumoniae. Resistance against penicillin (amoxicillin/ampicillin) for E. coli and K. pneumoniae was 62.8% and 100.0% respectively. Isolates resistant to co-trimoxazole were 5.7% and 0.0% respectively. None of the isolates were resistant to imipenem, and meropenem. Conclusion and recommendations It is feasible to use urine sample to study magnitude of antibiotic resistance in population based surveys. At community level, resistance to amoxicillin was considerable, negligible for co-trimoxazole, and to higher antibiotics including carbapenems. PMID:26393150

Volumetric and acoustical behaviour of sodium saccharin in aqueous system over temperature range (20.0-45.0)°C.

PubMed

Jamal, Muhammad Asghar; Rashad, Muhammad; Khosa, Muhammad Kaleem; Bhatti, Haq Nawaz

2015-04-15

Densities and ultrasonic velocity values for aqueous solutions of sodium saccharin (SS) has been measured as a function of concentration at 20.0-45.0 °C and atmospheric pressure using DSA-5000 M. The density and ultrasonic velocity values have been further used to calculate apparent molar volume, apparent specific volume, isentropic apparent molar compressibility and compressibility hydration numbers and reported. The values for apparent molar volume obtained at given temperatures showed negative deviations from Debye-Hückel limiting law and used as a direct measure of the ion-ion and ion-solvent interactions. The apparent specific volumes of the solute were calculated and it was found that these values of the investigated solutions lie on the borderline between the values reported for sweet substances. The sweetness response of the sweeteners is then explained in terms of their solution behaviours. Furthermore, the partial molar expansibility, its second derivative, (∂(2)V°/∂T(2)) as Hepler's constant and thermal expansion coefficient have been estimated. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RX-P873, a Novel Protein Synthesis Inhibitor, Accumulates in Human THP-1 Monocytes and Is Active against Intracellular Infections by Gram-Positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-Negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) Bacteria

PubMed Central

Buyck, Julien M.; Peyrusson, Frédéric

2015-01-01

The pyrrolocytosine RX-P873, a new broad-spectrum antibiotic in preclinical development, inhibits protein synthesis at the translation step. The aims of this work were to study RX-P873's ability to accumulate in eukaryotic cells, together with its activity against extracellular and intracellular forms of infection by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a pharmacodynamic approach allowing the determination of maximal relative efficacies (Emax values) and bacteriostatic concentrations (Cs values) on the basis of Hill equations of the concentration-response curves. RX-P873's apparent concentration in human THP-1 monocytes was about 6-fold higher than the extracellular one. In broth, MICs ranged from 0.125 to 0.5 mg/liter (S. aureus) and 2 to 8 mg/liter (P. aeruginosa), with no significant shift in these values against strains resistant to currently used antibiotics being noted. In concentration-dependent experiments, the pharmacodynamic profile of RX-P873 was not influenced by the resistance phenotype of the strains. Emax values (expressed as the decrease in the number of CFU from that in the initial inoculum) against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa reached more than 4 log units and 5 log units in broth, respectively, and 0.7 log unit and 2.7 log units in infected THP-1 cells, respectively, after 24 h. Cs values remained close to the MIC in all cases, making RX-P873 more potent than antibiotics to which the strains were resistant (moxifloxacin, vancomycin, and daptomycin for S. aureus; ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime for P. aeruginosa). Kill curves in broth showed that RX-P873 was more rapidly bactericidal against P. aeruginosa than against S. aureus. Taken together, these data suggest that RX-P873 may constitute a useful alternative for infections involving intracellular bacteria, especially Gram-negative species. PMID:26014952

Resistivity variations related to the large March 9, 1998 eruption at La Fournaise volcano inferred by continuous MT monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wawrzyniak, Pierre; Zlotnicki, Jacques; Sailhac, Pascal; Marquis, Guy

2017-11-01

The 2645 m-high La Fournaise volcano, located in the Southwest of Réunion Island (Indian Ocean), is a shield basaltic volcano where effusive eruptions generally occur along long fissures starting from the summit, alongside major fractures that characterize the eruptions' dynamism and effusivity. Between 1992 and 1998, the volcano underwent a quiet period during which few earthquakes were recorded. Minor seismic activity returned after 1997 and picked up in March 1998 during the 35 h preceding the March 9 eruption. From 1996, two autonomous stations (CSV and BAV) were installed on the volcano. CSV was located inside the Enclos Fouqué caldera while BAV was positioned 8.2 km NW of the volcano summit. Horizontal components of the electric and magnetic fields were sampled every 20 s. Continuous time-series were available from 1996 to 1999 at CSV, and from 1997 to March 1998 at BAV. Data have been processed using both single-station and remote-reference processing. Both results show apparent resistivity variations synchronous to the eruption. Time-lapse impedance estimates are computed on overlapping time windows of about two days at both stations. The only major decrease of the observed impedance coincides with the March 1998 eruption. At CSV, the resistivity started to drop about five days before the eruption, reached several local minima until April, and then slowly increased as the volcanic crisis reduced in activity. After the end of the crisis in September 1998, the apparent resistivity recovered its pre-crisis value. The time-lapse results also show variability in directionality: sharp and elongated phase tensor ellipse residuals appear during the eruption with a N105° orientation, suggesting the emergence of an almost NS-striking dyke. A 1D background model built from MT soundings performed during the quiet period (1996 to February 1998) on which a 3D NS-striking dyke was added shows a good agreement with phase tensor residuals and spatial distribution of the resistivity variations observed during the eruption.

Commonsense Conceptions of Emergent Processes: Why Some Misconceptions Are Robust

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chi, Michelene T. H.

2005-01-01

This article offers a plausible domain-general explanation for why some concepts of processes are resistant to instructional remediation although other, apparently similar concepts are more easily understood. The explanation assumes that processes may differ in ontological ways: that some processes (such as the apparent flow in diffusion of dye in…

Lack of control of hypertension in primary cardiovascular disease prevention in Europe: Results from the EURIKA study.

PubMed

Borghi, Claudio; Tubach, Florence; De Backer, Guy; Dallongeville, Jean; Guallar, Eliseo; Medina, Jesús; Perk, Joep; Roy, Carine; Banegas, José R; Rodriguez-Artalejo, Fernando; Halcox, Julian P

2016-09-01

The prevalence of and factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension and apparent resistant hypertension were assessed in the European Study on Cardiovascular Risk Prevention and Management in Usual Daily Practice (EURIKA; NCT00882336). EURIKA was a cross-sectional observational study including patients being treated for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in 12 European countries. Patients were assessed if they were being treated for hypertension (N=5220). Blood pressure control was defined according to European guidelines, with sensitivity analysis taking account of patients' age and diabetes status. Associated factors were assessed using multivariate analysis. In the primary analysis, a total of 2691 patients (51.6%) had uncontrolled hypertension. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of having uncontrolled hypertension included female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93-2.73), body mass index (BMI; OR per kg/m(2): 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), and geographic location. A total of 749 patients (14.3%) had apparent resistant hypertension. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of having apparent resistant hypertension included BMI (OR per kg/m(2): 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04-1.08), diabetes (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06-1.53), use of statins (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.15-1.62), serum uric acid levels (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09-1.23), and geographic location. Similar results were seen in sensitivity analyses. Over 50% of patients treated for hypertension continued to have uncontrolled blood pressure and 14.3% had apparent resistant hypertension. Positive associations were seen with other cardiovascular risk factors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with true resistant hypertension in central and Eastern Europe: data from the BP-CARE study.

PubMed

Brambilla, Gianmaria; Bombelli, Michele; Seravalle, Gino; Cifkova, Renata; Laurent, Stephane; Narkiewicz, Krzysztof; Facchetti, Rita; Redon, Josep; Mancia, Giuseppe; Grassi, Guido

2013-10-01

Scanty information is available on the clinical characteristics of resistant hypertension in Central and East European countries. The Blood Pressure (BP) control rate and CArdiovascular Risk profilE (BP-CARE) study allowed us to assess the prevalence and the main clinical features of resistant hypertension in this population. The study was carried out in 1312 treated hypertensive patients living in nine Central and East European countries. Four hundred and twenty-three patients had apparent resistant hypertension, of whom 168 had pseudo-resistant hypertension (noncompliant/white-coat) and 255 were true treatment-resistant hypertension patients (TRH). Clinical BP values in TRH amounted to 157.4±16.9/91.8±10.0 mmHg despite the daily use of 3.6±0.7 drugs. Their 24-h BP values were 149.5±16.5/97.5±9.8 mmHg. Compared to controlled hypertensive patients (n=368) and uncontrolled nonresistant hypertensive patients (n=521), TRH were older with a greater prevalence of women. They showed a higher rate of previous cardiovascular events and a very high cardiovascular risk profile. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in TRH as compared to controlled hypertensive patients and uncontrolled nonresistant hypertensive patients. Overall, target organ damage was more frequently detected in TRH than in controlled hypertensive patients and uncontrolled nonresistant hypertensive patients. The factor most frequently associated with TRH was severity of hypertension followed by age, total cholesterol, BMI and history of heart failure. The present study provides evidence that the prevalence of TRH in Central and East European countries is similar to that found in Western Europe and USA. It also shows the very high cardiovascular risk of TRH and the elevated association of this condition with obesity, renal failure, organ damage and history of cardiovascular events.

Apparent and true resistant hypertension: definition, prevalence and outcomes

PubMed Central

Judd, E; Calhoun, DA

2014-01-01

Resistant hypertension, defined as blood pressure (BP) remaining above goal despite the use of ≥3 antihypertensive medications at maximally tolerated doses (one ideally being a diuretic) or BP that requires ≥4 agents to achieve control, has received more attention with increased efforts to improve BP control rates and the emergence of device-based therapies for hypertension. This classically defined resistant group consists of patients with true resistant hypertension, controlled resistant hypertension and pseudo-resistant hypertension. In studies where pseudo-resistant hypertension cannot be excluded (for example, 24-h ambulatory BP not obtained), the term apparent resistant hypertension has been used to identify ‘apparent’ lack of control on ≥3 medications. Large, well-designed studies have recently reported the prevalence of resistant hypertension. Pooling prevalence data from these studies and others within North America and Europe with a combined sample size of >600 000 hypertensive participants, the prevalence of resistant hypertension is 14.8% of treated hypertensive patients and 12.5% of all hypertensives. However, the prevalence of true resistant hypertension, defined as uncontrolled both by office and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring with confirmed medication adherence, may be more meaningful in terms of identifying risk and estimating benefit from newer therapies like renal denervation. Rates of cardiovascular events and mortality follow mean 24-h ambulatory BPs in patients with resistant hypertension, and true resistant hypertension represents the highest risk. The prevalence of true resistant hypertension has not been directly measured in large trials; however, combined data from smaller studies suggest that true resistant hypertension is present in half of the patients with resistant hypertension who are uncontrolled in the office. Our pooled analysis shows prevalence rates of 10.1% and 7.9% for uncontrolled resistant hypertension among individuals treated for hypertension and all hypertensive individuals, respectively. PMID:24430707

Monitoring of Leachate Recirculation in a Bioreactor Using Electrical Resistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grellier, S.; Bureau, N.; Robain, H.; Tabbagh, A.; Camerlynck, C.; Guerin, R.

2004-05-01

The bioreactor is a concept of waste landfill management consisting in speeding up the biodegradation by optimizing the moisture content through leachate recirculation. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is carried out with fast resistivity-meter (Syscal Pro, IRIS Instruments, developed in the framework of the research project CERBERE 01V0665-69, funded by the French Research Ministry) to monitor leachate recirculation. During a recirculation period waste moisture increases, so that electrical resistivity may decrease, but at the same time temperature and mineralization of both waste and leachate become intermixed. If waste temperature is much higher than leachate temperature electrical resistivity will not decrease as much as if the temperature difference was smaller. If leachate mineralization (i.e. leachate conductivity) is higher than that of wet waste in the landfill, electrical resistivity will tend to decrease. Otherwise for example after an addition of rain water into the leachate storage or in case of very wet waste, the resistivities of each medium (leachate and wet waste) can be almost the same, so that leachate mineralization will not have a great influence on waste resistivity. Resistivity measurements were performed during 85 minutes injection trials (with a discharge of 20 m3 h-1) where leachate was injected through a vertical borehole perforated between 1.85 and 4.15 m. Three first measurements are made during the injection (3, 30 and 60 minutes from the beginning of the injection) and the two other after the injection period (8 and 72 minutes after the end of the injection). Apparent and interpreted resistivity variations that occurred during injection trials, expressed as the relative differences (in %) between apparent, respectively interpreted, resistivity during injection and apparent, respectively interpreted, resistivity before injection (reference measurement) show the formation of a plume (a negative anomaly: resistivity decreases with increasing moisture content). The positive anomaly could be explained by an increasing of biogas proportion in waste porosity. For this experiment, leachate temperature is relatively cold (between 5 and 10° C, as the injection trials take place at the end of October), leachate conductivity is about 9200 μ S cm-1 (i.e. a resistivity of 1.1 Ω m) and waste resistivity in the borehole region is about 80 Ω m. This is a situation where the temperature difference between waste and leachate is large and the resistivity difference between waste and leachate is high. The resistivity variation is essentially due to waste moisture increase. ERT method allows leachate diffusion to be seen through the waste mass and the influence zone of the leachate recirculation system to be determined.

Resistivity Correction Factor for the Four-Probe Method: Experiment II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Masato; Yamaguchi, Shoji; Nishii, Toshifumi; Kurihara, Hiroshi; Enjoji, Hideo

1989-05-01

Experimental verification of the theoretically derived resistivity correction factor F is presented. Factor F can be applied to a system consisting of a disk sample and a four-probe array. Measurements are made on isotropic graphite disks and crystalline ITO films. Factor F can correct the apparent variations of the data and lead to reasonable resistivities and sheet resistances. Here factor F is compared to other correction factors; i.e. FASTM and FJIS.

Dietary raw versus retrograded resistant starch enhances apparent but not true magnesium absorption in rats.

PubMed

Heijnen, M L; van den Berg, G J; Beynen, A C

1996-09-01

Dietary raw (RS2) vs. retrograded resistant starch (RS3) raises apparent magnesium absorption in rats. The mechanism proposed is that RS2 enhances magnesium avaibility for absorption; it does this by increasing ileal solubility of magnesium due to a reduction in pH as a consequence of RS2 fermentation in the gut. The mechanism implies that dietary RS2 vs. RS3 would raise true magnesium absorption and stimulate reabsorption of endogenous magnesium, leading to a lower fecal excretion of endogenous magnesium. Dietary lactulose vs. glucose raises apparent magnesium absorption, and the mechanism proposed is similar to that for the stimulatory effect of RS2 vs. RS3. Thus, we measured in rats fed RS3, RS2, glucose or lactulose true magnesium absorption on the basis of the retention of the orally and intraperitoneally administered radiotracer 28Mg. Feeding rats RS2 instead of RS3 significantly enhanced apparent but not true magnesium absorption, because RS2 lowered fecal excretion of endogenous magnesium. When compared with dietary glucose, lactulose significantly raised both apparent and true magnesium absorption, but did not affect fecal excretion of endogenous magnesium. It is suggested that the proposed mechanism by which RS2 and lactulose would enhance magnesium absorption is disproved by the present data.

Innovative Procedure for the, in Situ, Measurement of the Resistive Thermal Coefficient of H(D)/Pd during Electrolysis:. Cross-Comparison of New Elements Detected in the Th-Hg-Pd-D(H) Electrolytic Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celani, Francesco; Spallone, A.; Righi, E.; Trenta, G.; Catena, C.; D'Agostaro, G.; Quercia, P.; Andreassi, V.; Marini, P.; di Stefano, V.; Nakamura, M.; Mancini, A.; Sona, P. G.; Fontana, F.; Gamberale, L.; Garbelli, D.; Celia, E.; Falcioni, F.; Marchesini, M.; Novaro, E.; Mastromatteo, U.

2006-02-01

In the framework of cold fusion studies one of the most important parameters is the deuterium (D) to palladium (Pd) ratio, D/Pd. It is well known that the value of this parameter is related to the normalised resistivity (R/R0) of the D-Pd system. When at high D/Pd ratios (i.e. at low R/R0 values) some excess heat occurs, the Pd wire temperature increase and, as a consequence, the apparent R/R0 value also increases. This effect might give raise to ambiguous data interpretation: similar results are in fact expected in case of a Pd wire degassing (i.e. decreasing of D/Pd ratio). To solve this problem, we developed an innovative procedure and a suitable experimental set-up for the in situ measurement of the Resistive Temperature Coefficient (which is affected only by the real D/Pd ratio) during electrolysis. We will report the results on the hydrogen and deuterium loading of thin (50 μm), and long (60cm) Pd wires, immersed in a solution of C2H5OD (or C2H5OH) and D2O (or H2O), with addition of thorium (Th) and mercury (Hg) salts at micromolar concentrations. Evidence of "transmutations" of some elements occasionally present on the Pd surface, and sometimes also in the electrolytic solution, have often been claimed in cold fusion experiments. In the present work, unexpected elements have been detected by high-resolution ICP-MS analysis. Some of these elements have also an isotopic composition different from the natural one.

Preliminary Microstructural and Microscratch Results of Ni-Cr-Fe and Cr3C2-NiCr Coatings on Magnesium Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Istrate, B.; Munteanu, C.; Lupescu, S.; Benchea, M.; Vizureanu, P.

2017-06-01

Thermal coatings have a large scale application in aerospace and automotive field, as barriers improving wear mechanical characteristics and corrosion resistance. In present research, there have been used two types of coatings, Ni-Cr-Fe, respectively Cr3C2-NiCr which were deposited on magnesium based alloys (pure magnesium and Mg-30Y master alloy). There have been investigated the microstructural aspects through scanning electronic microscopy and XRD analysis and also a series of mechanical characteristics through microscratch and indentation determinations. The results revealed the formation of some adherent layers resistant to the penetration of the metallic indenter, the coatings did not suffer major damages. Microstructural analysis highlighted the formation of Cr3C2, Cr7C3, Cr3Ni2, Cr7Ni3, FeNi3, Cr-Ni phases. Also, the apparent coefficient of friction for Ni-Cr-Fe coatings presents superior values than Cr3C2-NiCr coatings.

Apparent diffusion coefficient evaluation for secondary changes in the cerebellum of rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion

PubMed Central

Yang, Yunjun; Gao, Lingyun; Fu, Jun; Zhang, Jun; Li, Yuxin; Yin, Bo; Chen, Weijian; Geng, Daoying

2013-01-01

Supratentorial cerebral infarction can cause functional inhibition of remote regions such as the cerebellum, which may be relevant to diaschisis. This phenomenon is often analyzed using positron emission tomography and single photon emission CT. However, these methods are expensive and radioactive. Thus, the present study quantified the changes of infarction core and remote regions after unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion using apparent diffusion coefficient values. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed that the area of infarction core gradually increased to involve the cerebral cortex with increasing infarction time. Diffusion weighted imaging signals were initially increased and then stabilized by 24 hours. With increasing infarction time, the apparent diffusion coefficient value in the infarction core and remote bilateral cerebellum both gradually decreased, and then slightly increased 3–24 hours after infarction. Apparent diffusion coefficient values at remote regions (cerebellum) varied along with the change of supratentorial infarction core, suggesting that the phenomenon of diaschisis existed at the remote regions. Thus, apparent diffusion coefficient values and diffusion weighted imaging can be used to detect early diaschisis. PMID:25206615

( sup 3 H)opipramol labels a novel binding site and sigma receptors in rat brain membranes

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

Ferris, C.D.; Hirsch, D.J.; Brooks, B.P.

1991-02-01

Opipramol (OP), a clinically effective antidepressant with a tricyclic structure, is inactive as an inhibitor of biogenic amine uptake. ({sup 3}H)Opipramol binds saturably to rat brain membranes (apparent KD = 4 nM, Bmax = 3 pmol/mg of protein). ({sup 3}H)Opipramol binding can be differentiated into haloperidol-sensitive and -resistant components, with Ki values for haloperidol of 1 nM (Bmax = 1 pmol/mg of protein) and 350 nM (Bmax = 1.9 pmol/mg of protein), respectively. The drug specificity of the haloperidol-sensitive component is the same as that of sigma receptors labeled with (+)-({sup 3}H)3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperdine. The haloperidol-resistant component does not correspond to anymore » known neurotransmitter receptor or uptake recognition site. It displays high affinity for phenothiazines and related structures such as perphenazine, clopenthixol, and flupenthixol, whose potencies are comparable to that of opipramol. Because certain of these drugs are more potent at the haloperidol-resistant opipramol site than in exerting any other action, it is possible that this opipramol-selective site may mediate their therapeutic effects.« less

Identification of anaerobic threshold by analysis of heart rate variability during discontinuous dynamic and resistance exercise protocols in healthy older men.

PubMed

Simões, Rodrigo Polaquini; Castello-Simões, Viviane; Mendes, Renata Gonçalves; Archiza, Bruno; Dos Santos, Daniel Augusto; Bonjorno, José Carlos; de Oliveira, Claudio Ricardo; Catai, Aparecida Maria; Arena, Ross; Borghi-Silva, Audrey

2014-03-01

The purposes of this study were to determine anaerobic threshold (AT) during discontinuous dynamic and resistive exercise protocols by analysing of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood lactate (BL) in healthy elderly subjects and compare the cardiovascular, metabolic and autonomic variables obtained from these two forms of exercise. Fourteen elderly (70 ± 4 years) apparently healthy males underwent the following tests: (i) incremental ramp test on cycle ergometer, (ii) one repetition maximum (1RM) leg press at 45°, (iii) a discontinuous exercise test on a cycle ergometer (DET-C) protocol and (iv) a resistance exercise leg press (DET-L) protocol. Heart rate, blood pressure and BL were obtained during each increment of exercise intensity. No significant differences (P>0·05) were found between methods of AT determination (BL and HRV) nor the relative intensity corresponding to AT (30% of maximum intensity) between the types of exercise (DET-C and DET-L). Furthermore, no significant differences (P>0·05) were found between the DET-C and DET-L in relation to HRV, however, the DET-L provided higher values of systolic blood pressure and BL (P<0·05) from the intensity corresponding to AT. We conclude that HRV was effective in determination of AT, and the parasympathetic modulation responses obtained during dynamic and resistive exercise protocols were similar when compared at the same relative intensity. However, DET-L resulted in higher values of blood pressure and BL at workloads beyond AT. © 2013 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

3D linear inversion of magnetic susceptibility data acquired by frequency domain EMI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiesson, J.; Tabbagh, A.; Simon, F.-X.; Dabas, M.

2017-01-01

Low induction number EMI instruments are able to simultaneously measure a soil's apparent magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity. This family of dual measurement instruments is highly useful for the analysis of soils and archeological sites. However, the electromagnetic properties of soils are found to vary over considerably different ranges: whereas their electrical conductivity varies from ≤ 0.1 to ≥ 100 mS/m, their relative magnetic permeability remains within a very small range, between 1.0001 and 1.01 SI. Consequently, although apparent conductivity measurements need to be inverted using non-linear processes, the variations of the apparent magnetic susceptibility can be approximated through the use of linear processes, as in the case of the magnetic prospection technique. Our proposed 3D inversion algorithm starts from apparent susceptibility data sets, acquired using different instruments over a given area. A reference vertical profile is defined by considering the mode of the vertical distributions of both the electrical resistivity and of the magnetic susceptibility. At each point of the mapped area, the reference vertical profile response is subtracted to obtain the apparent susceptibility variation dataset. A 2D horizontal Fourier transform is applied to these variation datasets and to the dipole (impulse) response of each instrument, a (vertical) 1D inversion is performed at each point in the spectral domain, and finally the resulting dataset is inverse transformed to restore the apparent 3D susceptibility variations. It has been shown that when applied to synthetic results, this method is able to correct the apparent deformations of a buried object resulting from the geometry of the instrument, and to restore reliable quantitative susceptibility contrasts. It also allows the thin layer solution, similar to that used in magnetic prospection, to be implemented. When applied to field data it initially delivers a level of contrast comparable to that obtained with a non-linear 3D inversion. Over four different sites, this method is able to produce, following an acceptably short computation time, realistic values for the lateral and vertical variations in susceptibility, which are significantly different to those given by a point-by-point 1D inversion.

Impact of colistin sulfate treatment of broilers on the presence of resistant bacteria and resistance genes in stored or composted manure.

PubMed

Le Devendec, Laetitia; Mourand, Gwenaelle; Bougeard, Stéphanie; Léaustic, Julien; Jouy, Eric; Keita, Alassane; Couet, William; Rousset, Nathalie; Kempf, Isabelle

2016-10-15

The application of manure may result in contamination of the environment with antimicrobials, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, resistance genes and plasmids. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the administration of colistin and of manure management on (i) the presence of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and (ii) the prevalence of various antimicrobial resistance genes in feces and in composted or stored manure. One flock of chickens was treated with colistin at the recommended dosage and a second flock was kept as an untreated control. Samples of feces, litter and stored or composted manure from both flocks were collected for isolation and determination of the colistin-susceptibility of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa and quantification of genes coding for resistance to different antimicrobials. The persistence of plasmids in stored or composted manure from colistin-treated broilers was also evaluated by plasmid capturing experiments. Results revealed that colistin administration to chickens had no apparent impact on the antimicrobial resistance of the dominant Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa populations in the chicken gut. Composting stimulated an apparently limited decrease in genes coding for resistance to different antimicrobial families. Importantly, it was shown that even after six weeks of composting or storage, plasmids carrying antimicrobial resistance genes could still be transferred to a recipient E. coli. In conclusion, composting is insufficient to completely eliminate the risk of spreading antimicrobial resistance through chicken manure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detecting insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: purposes and pitfalls.

PubMed

Legro, Richard S; Castracane, V Daniel; Kauffman, Robert P

2004-02-01

Approximately 50% to 70% of all women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have some degree of insulin resistance, and this hormone insensitivity probably contributes to the hyperandrogenism that is responsible for the signs and symptoms of PCOS. Although uncertainty exists, early detection and treatment of insulin resistance in this population could ultimately reduce the incidence or severity of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Even if that proves to be the case, there are still several problems with our current approach to insulin sensitivity assessment in PCOS, including the apparent lack of consensus on what defines PCOS and "normal" insulin sensitivity, ethnic and genetic variability, the presence of other factors contributing to insulin resistance such as obesity, stress, and aging, and concern about whether simplified models of insulin sensitivity have the precision to predict treatment needs, responses, and future morbidity. Although the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique is the gold standard for measuring insulin sensitivity, it is too expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive to be of practical use in an office setting. Homeostatic measurements (fasting glucose/insulin ratio or homeostatic model assessment [HOMA] value) and minimal model tests (particularly the oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]) represent the easiest office-based assessments of insulin resistance in the PCOS patient. The OGTT is probably the best simple, office-based method to assess women with PCOS because it provides information about both insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. The diagnosis of glucose intolerance holds greater prognostic and treatment implications. All obese women with PCOS should be screened for the presence of insulin resistance by looking for other stigmata of the insulin resistance syndrome such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, central obesity, and glucose intolerance.

3D Marine MT Modeling for a Topographic Seafloor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, B., Sr.; Yin, C.; Ren, X.; Liu, Y.; Huang, X.; Liu, L.

2017-12-01

As an effective geophysical tool, marine magnetotelluric (MMT) exploration has been widely used in offshore oil and gas exploration. Accordingly, the MMT forward modelling has made big progress. However, most of the researches are focused on a flat seafloor. In this paper, we present a 3D finite-element (FE) algorithm for marine MT forward modelling based on unstructured grids that can accurately model the MMT responses for a topographic seafloor. The boundary value problem for the forward modelling is described by an Helmholtz equation together with the boundary conditions derived by assuming the electrical polarizations respectively along the x- and y-direction on the top surface of the modelling domain. Applying the Galerkin method to the boundary value problem and substituting the unstructured finite-element vector shape function into the equation, we derive the final large linear system for the two polarizations, from which the EM fields is obtained for the calculation of impedance apparent resistivities and phases. To verify the effectiveness of our algorithm, we compare our modelling results with those by Key's (2013) 2D marine MT open source code of Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Figure 1). From Figure 1, one sees that the two agree well, implying that our 3D modelling method based unstructured FE is an effective modelling tool for topographic seafloor. From the MMT modelling responses for other topographic seafloor models (not shown here), we further observe that 1) the apparent resistivities have a similar profile pattern to the topography at the seafloor; 2) at the edges of the topography, there exist sharp changes; 3) the seafloor topography may dominate the responses from the abnormal bodies under the seafloor. This paper is supported by Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (41530320), China Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists (41404093), and Key National Research Project of China (2016YFC0303100, 2017YFC0601900)

The apparency hypothesis applied to a local pharmacopoeia in the Brazilian northeast

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Data from an ethnobotanical study were analyzed to see if they were in agreement with the biochemical basis of the apparency hypothesis based on an analysis of a pharmacopeia in a rural community adjacent to the Araripe National Forest (Floresta Nacional do Araripe - FLONA) in northeastern Brazil. The apparency hypothesis considers two groups of plants, apparent and non-apparent, that are characterized by conspicuity for herbivores (humans) and their chemical defenses. Methods This study involved 153 interviewees and used semi-structured interviews. The plants were grouped by habit and lignification to evaluate the behavior of these categories in terms of ethnospecies richness, use value and practical and commercial importance. Information about sites for collecting medicinal plants was also obtained. The salience of the ethnospecies was calculated. G-tests were used to test for differences in ethnospecies richness among collection sites and the Kruskal-Wallis test to identify differences in the use values of plants depending on habit and lignifications (e.g. plants were classes as woody or non-woody, the first group comprising trees, shrubs, and lignified climbers (vines) and the latter group comprising herbs and non-lignified climbers). Spearman’s correlation test was performed to relate salience to use value and these two factors with the commercial value of the plants. Results A total of 222 medicinal plants were cited. Herbaceous and woody plants exhibited the highest ethnospecies richness, the non-woody and herbaceous plants had the most practical value (current use), and anthropogenic areas were the main sources of woody and non-woody medicinal plants; herbs and trees were equally versatile in treating diseases and did not differ with regard to use value. Trees were highlighted as the most commercially important growth habit. Conclusions From the perspective of its biochemical fundamentals, the apparency hypothesis does not have predictive potential to explain the use value and commercial value of medicinal plants. In other hand, the herbaceous habit showed the highest ethnospecies richness in the community pharmacopeia, which is an expected prediction, corroborating the apparency hypothesis. PMID:24410756

Usefulness of the apparent diffusion coefficient for the evaluation of the white matter to differentiate between glioblastoma and brain metastases.

PubMed

Miquelini, L A; Pérez Akly, M S; Funes, J A; Besada, C H

2016-01-01

To determine whether there are significant differences in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) between the apparently normal peritumor white matter surrounding glioblastomas and that surrounding brain metastases. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with histologically confirmed glioblastomas and 42 patients with a single cerebral metastasis. We measured the signal intensity in the apparently normal peritumor white matter and in the abnormal peritumor white matter on the ADC maps. We used mean ADC values in the contralateral occipital white matter as a reference from which to design normalized ADC indices. We compared mean values between the two tumor types. We calculated the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and estimated the sensitivity and specificity of the measurements taken. Supratentorial lesions and compromise of the corpus callosum were more common in patients with glioblastoma than in patients with brain metastases. The maximum diameter of the enhanced area after injection of a contrast agent was greater in the glioblastomas (p<0.001). The minimum ADC value measured in the apparently normal peritumor white matter was higher for the glioblastomas than for the metastases (p=0.002). Significant differences in the ADC index were found only for the minimum ADC value in apparently normal peritumor white matter. The sensitivity and specificity were less than 70% for all variables analyzed. There are differences in the ADC values of apparently normal peritumor white matter between glioblastomas and cerebral metastases, but the magnitude of these differences is slight and the application of these differences in clinical practice is still limited. Copyright © 2015 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Invariants for correcting field polarisation effect in MT-VLF resistivity mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guérin, Roger; Tabbagh, Alain; Benderitter, Yves; Andrieux, Pierre

1994-12-01

MT-VLF resistivity mapping is well suited to perform hydrology and environment studies. However, the apparent anistropy generated by the polarisation of the primary field requires the use of two transmitters at a right angle to each other in order to prevent errors in interpretation. We propose a processing technique that uses approximate invariants derived from classical developments in tensor magnetotellurics. They consist of the calculation at each station of ?. Both synthetic and field cases show that they give identical results and correct perfectly for the apparent anisotropy generated by the polarisation of the transmitted field. They should be preferred to verticalization of the electric field which remains of interest when only transmitter data are available.

WSJointInv2D-MT-DCR: An efficient joint two-dimensional magnetotelluric and direct current resistivity inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amatyakul, Puwis; Vachiratienchai, Chatchai; Siripunvaraporn, Weerachai

2017-05-01

An efficient joint two-dimensional direct current resistivity (DCR) and magnetotelluric (MT) inversion, referred to as WSJointInv2D-MT-DCR, was developed with FORTRAN 95 based on the data space Occam's inversion algorithm. Our joint inversion software can be used to invert just the MT data or the DCR data, or invert both data sets simultaneously to get the electrical resistivity structures. Since both MT and DCR surveys yield the same resistivity structures, the two data types enhance each other leading to a better interpretation. Two synthetic and a real field survey are used here to demonstrate that the joint DCR and MT surveys can help constrain each other to reduce the ambiguities occurring when inverting the DCR or MT alone. The DCR data increases the lateral resolution of the near surface structures while the MT data reveals the deeper structures. When the MT apparent resistivity suffers from the static shift, the DCR apparent resistivity can serve as a replacement for the estimation of the static shift factor using the joint inversion. In addition, we also used these examples to show the efficiency of our joint inversion code. With the availability of our new joint inversion software, we expect the number of joint DCR and MT surveys to increase in the future.

Role of Exercise and Nutrition in the Prevention of Sarcopenia.

PubMed

Makanae, Yuhei; Fujita, Satoshi

2015-01-01

The age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) has been shown to increase the risk of injury due to falls and incidence of metabolic complications including insulin resistance and diabetes, which subsequently becomes a significant factor to disability among the elderly population. Nutrient intake is the most important anabolic stimulus for skeletal muscle. Specifically, the amino acid leucine and meal-induced insulin both independently stimulate muscle protein synthesis. However, age-specific changes in muscle anabolic responses to leucine become apparent when sub-maximal amounts of amino acids are administered in older subjects. Furthermore, insulin resistance of muscle protein metabolism with aging has been demonstrated in healthy non-diabetic older subjects. Resistance exercise is another anabolic stimulus which increases myofibrillar muscle protein synthesis in both young and older individuals. The increased muscle anabolism is apparent within 2-3 h after a single bout of heavy resistance exercise and remains elevated up to 2 d following the exercise. The mTOR signaling pathway in skeletal muscle is associated with an increased rate of muscle protein synthesis during the early recovery phase following a bout of resistance exercise. Finally, recent evidence on the cumulative effect of resistance exercise in combination with nutritional supplement on muscle protein metabolism will be discussed to propose a possible preventative measure against sarcopenia.

Processing grounded-wire TEM signal in time-frequency-pseudo-seismic domain: A new paradigm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, M. Y.; Xue, G. Q.; Chen, W.; Huasen, Z.

2017-12-01

Grounded-wire TEM has received great attention in mineral, hydrocarbon and hydrogeological investigations for the last several years. Conventionally, TEM soundings have been presented as apparent resistivity curves as function of time. With development of sophisticated computational algorithms, it became possible to extract more realistic geoelectric information by applying inversion programs to 1-D & 3-D problems. Here, we analyze grounded-wire TEM data by carrying out analysis in time, frequency and pseudo-seismic domain supported by borehole information. At first, H, K, A & Q type geoelectric models are processed using a proven inversion program (1-D Occam inversion). Second, time-to-frequency transformation is conducted from TEM ρa(t) curves to magneto telluric MT ρa(f) curves for the same models based on all-time apparent resistivity curves. Third, 1-D Bostick's algorithm was applied to the transformed resistivity. Finally, EM diffusion field is transformed into propagating wave field obeying the standard wave equation using wavelet transformation technique and constructed pseudo-seismic section. The transformed seismic-like wave indicates that some reflection and refraction phenomena appear when the EM wave field interacts with geoelectric interface at different depth intervals due to contrast in resistivity. The resolution of the transformed TEM data is significantly improved in comparison to apparent resistivity plots. A case study illustrates the successful hydrogeophysical application of proposed approach in recovering water-filled mined-out area in a coal field located in Ye county, Henan province, China. The results support the introduction of pseudo-seismic imaging technology in short-offset version of TEM which can also be an useful aid if integrated with seismic reflection technique to explore possibilities for high resolution EM imaging in future.

Reexamination of Basal Plane Thermal Conductivity of Suspended Graphene Samples Measured by Electro-Thermal Micro-Bridge Methods

DOE PAGES

Jo, Insun; Pettes, Michael; Lindsay, Lucas R.; ...

2015-05-18

Thermal transport in suspended graphene samples has been measured in prior works and this work with the use of a suspended electro-thermal micro-bridge method. These measurement results are analyzed here to evaluate and eliminate the errors caused by the extrinsic thermal contact resistance. It is noted that the thermal resistance measured in a recent work increases linearly with the suspended length of the single-layer graphene samples synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and that such a feature does not reveal the failure of Fourier s law despite the increase in the apparent thermal conductivity with length. The re-analyzed thermal conductivitymore » of a single-layer CVD graphene sample reaches about ( 1680 180 )Wm-1K-1 at room temperature, which is close to the highest value reported for highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. In comparison, the thermal conductivity values measured for two suspended exfoliated bi-layer graphene samples are about ( 880 60 ) and ( 730 60 ) Wm-1K-1 at room temperature, and approach that of the natural graphite source above room temperature. However, the low-temperature thermal conductivities of these suspended graphene samples are still considerably lower than the graphite values, with the peak thermal conductivities shifted to much higher temperatures. Analysis of the thermal conductivity data reveals that the low temperature behavior is dominated by phonon scattering by polymer residue instead of by the lateral boundary.« less

Insulin Resistance and Glucose Levels in Subjects with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Khan, Sikandar Hayat; Fazal, Nadeem; Ijaz, Aamir; Manzoor, Syed Mohsin; Asif, Naveed; Rafi, Tariq; Yasir, Muhammad; Niazi, Najmusaquib Khan

2017-06-01

To compare insulin resistance and glycemic indicators among subjects with euthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. Comparative cross-sectional study. Department of Pathology and Medicine, PNS Hafeez, Islamabad, in collaboration with the Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from December 2015 to September 2016. Subjects referred for executive screening of apparently healthy population (without any known history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or other chronic ailments), were included. Subjects were grouped as euthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. Median (IQR) insulin resistance indices including fasting insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance in subjects with group-1 (n=176, 87%, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: 0.5 - 3.5 mIU/L) and group-2 (n=26, 13%, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: 3.51 - 15 mIU/L) were 7.6 (6.70) vs. 11.4 (13.72, p=0.040) and 1.77 (1.79) vs. 2.8 (3.07, p=0.071). The median differences for fasting plasma glucose were 5.0 (1.0) in group-1 vs. 5.0 (1.47) for Group-2 [p=0.618], and glycated hemoglobin was 5.60 (1.1) vs. 5.60 (1.7, p=0.824). Homeostasis Model Assessment for beta sensitivity index in paradox showed slightly higher values for group-2 [median (IQR) 86.67 (92.94)] than group-1 [111.6 (189.64, p= 0.040)]. Measures of insulin resistance including Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance and fasting insulin levels were significantly different between subjects with euthyroidism and having subclinical hypothyroidism.

Improved Pseudo-section Representation for CSAMT Data in Geothermal Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grandis, Hendra; Sumintadireja, Prihadi

2017-04-01

Controlled-Source Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) is a frequency domain sounding technique employing typically a grounded electric dipole as the primary electromagnetic (EM) source to infer the subsurface resistivity distribution. The use of an artificial source provides coherent signals with higher signal-to-noise ratio and overcomes the problems with randomness and fluctuation of the natural EM fields used in MT. However, being an extension of MT, the CSAMT data still uses apparent resistivity and phase for data representation. The finite transmitter-receiver distance in CSAMT leads to a somewhat “distorted” response of the subsurface compared to MT data. We propose a simple technique to present CSAMT data as an apparent resistivity pseudo-section with more meaningful information for qualitative interpretation. Tests with synthetic and field CSAMT data showed that the simple technique is valid only for sounding curves exhibiting a transition from high - low - high resistivity (i.e. H-type) prevailing in data from a geothermal prospect. For quantitative interpretation, we recommend the use of the full-solution of CSAMT modelling since our technique is not valid for more general cases.

Search for the source of an apparent interfacial resistance to mass transfer of CnEm surfactants to the water/oil interface.

PubMed

Huston, Kyle J; Kiemen, Ashley; Larson, Ronald G

2018-06-12

Experiments have shown that relaxation of oil/water interfacial tension by adsorption of alkyl ethoxylate surfactants from water onto an oil droplet is delayed relative to diffusion-controlled adsorption. We examine possible causes of this delay, and we show that several are implausible. We find that re-dissolution of the surfactant in the oil droplet cannot explain the apparent interfacial resistance at short times, because the interface will preferentially fill before any such re-dissolution occurs. We also perform umbrella sampling with molecular dynamics simulation and do not find any evidence of a free energy barrier or low-diffusivity zone near the interface. Nor do we find evidence from simulation that pre-micellar aggregation slows diffusion enough to cause the observed resistance to interfacial adsorption. We are therefore unable to pinpoint the cause of the resistance, but we suggest that "dead time" associated with the experimental method could be responsible - specifically a local depletion of surfactant by the ejected droplet when creating the fresh interface between the oil and water.

Antimicrobial activity of spices.

PubMed

Arora, D S; Kaur, J

1999-08-01

Spices have been shown to possess medicinal value, in particular, antimicrobial activity. This study compares the sensitivity of some human pathogenic bacteria and yeasts to various spice extracts and commonly employed chemotherapeutic substances. Of the different spices tested only garlic and clove were found to possess antimicrobial activity. The bactericidal effect of garlic extract was apparent within 1 h of incubation and 93% killing of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Salmonella typhi was achieved within 3 h. Yeasts were totally killed in 1 h by garlic extract but in 5 h with clove. Some bacteria showing resistance to certain antibiotics were sensitive to extracts of both garlic and clove. Greater anti-candidal activity was shown by garlic than by nystatin. Spices might have a great potential to be used as antimicrobial agents.

Speed and Deceleration Trials of U.S.S. Los Angeles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De France, S J; Burgess, C P

1930-01-01

The trials reported in this report were instigated by the Bureau of Aeronautics of the Navy Department for the purpose of determining accurately the speed and resistance of the U. S. S. "Los Angeles" with and without water recovery apparatus, and to clear up the apparent discrepancies between the speed attained in service and in the original trials in Germany. The trials proved very conclusively that the water recovery apparatus increases the resistance about 20 per cent, which is serious, and shows the importance of developing a type of recovery having less resistance. Between the American and the German speed trials without water recovery there remains an unexplained discrepancy of nearly 6 per cent in speed at a given rate of engine revolutions. Warping of the propeller blades and small cumulative errors of observation seem the most probable causes of the discrepancy. It was found that the customary resistance coefficients C, are 0.0242 and 0.0293 without and with the water recovery apparatus, respectively. The corresponding values of the propulsive coefficient K, are 56.7 and 44.6. If there is an error in these figures, it is probably in a slight overestimate of C, and an underestimate of K. The maximum errors are almost certainly less than 5 per cent. No scale effect was detected indicating variation of C with respect to velocity (author)

Effect of temperature and heating rate on apparent lethal concentrations of pyrolysis products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilado, C. J.; Solis, A. N.; Marcussen, W. H.; Furst, A.

1976-01-01

The apparent lethal concentrations for 50 percent of the test animals of the pyrolysis products from twelve polymeric materials were studied as a function of temperature and heating rate. The materials were polyethylene, nylon 6, ABS, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyaryl sulfone, wool fabric, aromatic polyamide fabric, polychloroprene foam, polyvinyl fluoride film, Douglas fir, and red oak. The apparent lethal concentration values of most materials vary significantly with temperature and heating rate. The apparent lethal concentration values, based on weight of sample charged, appears to effectively integrate the thermophysical, thermochemical, and physiological responses from a known quantity of material under specified imposed conditions.

The Lr34 adult plant rust resistance gene provides seedling resistance in durum wheat without senescence.

PubMed

Rinaldo, Amy; Gilbert, Brian; Boni, Rainer; Krattinger, Simon G; Singh, Davinder; Park, Robert F; Lagudah, Evans; Ayliffe, Michael

2017-07-01

The hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) adult plant resistance gene, Lr34/Yr18/Sr57/Pm38/Ltn1, provides broad-spectrum resistance to wheat leaf rust (Lr34), stripe rust (Yr18), stem rust (Sr57) and powdery mildew (Pm38) pathogens, and has remained effective in wheat crops for many decades. The partial resistance provided by this gene is only apparent in adult plants and not effective in field-grown seedlings. Lr34 also causes leaf tip necrosis (Ltn1) in mature adult plant leaves when grown under field conditions. This D genome-encoded bread wheat gene was transferred to tetraploid durum wheat (T. turgidum) cultivar Stewart by transformation. Transgenic durum lines were produced with elevated gene expression levels when compared with the endogenous hexaploid gene. Unlike nontransgenic hexaploid and durum control lines, these transgenic plants showed robust seedling resistance to pathogens causing wheat leaf rust, stripe rust and powdery mildew disease. The effectiveness of seedling resistance against each pathogen correlated with the level of transgene expression. No evidence of accelerated leaf necrosis or up-regulation of senescence gene markers was apparent in these seedlings, suggesting senescence is not required for Lr34 resistance, although leaf tip necrosis occurred in mature plant flag leaves. Several abiotic stress-response genes were up-regulated in these seedlings in the absence of rust infection as previously observed in adult plant flag leaves of hexaploid wheat. Increasing day length significantly increased Lr34 seedling resistance. These data demonstrate that expression of a highly durable, broad-spectrum adult plant resistance gene can be modified to provide seedling resistance in durum wheat. © 2016 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

β-Glucans and Resistant Starch Alter the Fermentation of Recalcitrant Fibers in Growing Pigs.

PubMed

de Vries, Sonja; Gerrits, Walter J J; Kabel, Mirjam A; Vasanthan, Thava; Zijlstra, Ruurd T

2016-01-01

Interactions among dietary ingredients are often assumed non-existent when evaluating the nutritive value and health effects of dietary fiber. Specific fibers can distinctly affect digestive processes; therefore, digestibility and fermentability of the complete diet may depend on fiber types present. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of readily fermentable fibers (β-glucans and resistant starch) on the degradation of feed ingredients containing more persistent, recalcitrant, fibers. Six semi-synthetic diets with recalcitrant fibers from rapeseed meal (pectic polysaccharides, xyloglucans, and cellulose) or corn distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS; (glucurono)arabinoxylans and cellulose) with or without inclusion of β-glucans (6%) or retrograded tapioca (40%) substituted for corn starch were formulated. Six ileal-cannulated pigs (BW 28±1.4 kg) were assigned to the diets according to a 6×6 Latin square. β-glucan-extract increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of non-glucosyl polysaccharides (accounting for ~40% of the fiber-fraction) from rapeseed meal (6%-units, P<0.001), but did not affect non-glucosyl polysaccharides from DDGS. Retrograded tapioca reduced ATTD of non-glucosyl polysaccharides from rapeseed meal and DDGS (>10%-units, P<0.001), indicating that the large amount of resistant starch entering the hindgut was preferentially degraded over recalcitrant fibers from rapeseed meal and DDGS, possibly related to reduced hindgut-retention time following the increased intestinal bulk. Fermentation of fiber sources was not only dependent on fiber characteristics, but also on the presence of other fibers in the diet. Hence, interactions in the gastrointestinal tract among fibrous feed ingredients should be considered when evaluating their nutritive value.

Saline tracer visualized with three-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography: Field-scale spatial moment analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Singha, Kamini; Gorelick, Steven M.

2005-01-01

Cross-well electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used to monitor the migration of a saline tracer in a two-well pumping-injection experiment conducted at the Massachusetts Military Reservation in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After injecting 2200 mg/L of sodium chloride for 9 hours, ERT data sets were collected from four wells every 6 hours for 20 days. More than 180,000 resistance measurements were collected during the tracer test. Each ERT data set was inverted to produce a sequence of 3-D snapshot maps that track the plume. In addition to the ERT experiment a pumping test and an infiltration test were conducted to estimate horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity values. Using modified moment analysis of the electrical conductivity tomograms, the mass, center of mass, and spatial variance of the imaged tracer plume were estimated. Although the tomograms provide valuable insights into field-scale tracer migration behavior and aquifer heterogeneity, standard tomographic inversion and application of Archie's law to convert electrical conductivities to solute concentration results in underestimation of tracer mass. Such underestimation is attributed to (1) reduced measurement sensitivity to electrical conductivity values with distance from the electrodes and (2) spatial smoothing (regularization) from tomographic inversion. The center of mass estimated from the ERT inversions coincided with that given by migration of the tracer plume using 3-D advective-dispersion simulation. The 3-D plumes seen using ERT exhibit greater apparent dispersion than the simulated plumes and greater temporal spreading than observed in field data of concentration breakthrough at the pumping well.

Chemistry of coast live oak response to Phytophthora ramorum infection

Treesearch

Frances S. Ockels; Alieta Eyles; Brice A. McPherson; David L. Wood; Pierluigi Bonello

2008-01-01

Since the mid 1990s, Phytophthora ramorum has been responsible for the widespread mortality of tanoaks, as well as several oak species throughout California and Oregon forests. However, not all trees die, even in areas with high disease pressure, suggesting that some trees may be resistant to the pathogen. The apparent resistance to P....

Characterizing Facesheet/Core Disbonding in Honeycomb Core Sandwich Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rinker, Martin; Ratcliffe, James G.; Adams, Daniel O.; Krueger, Ronald

2013-01-01

Results are presented from an experimental investigation into facesheet core disbonding in carbon fiber reinforced plastic/Nomex honeycomb sandwich structures using a Single Cantilever Beam test. Specimens with three, six and twelve-ply facesheets were tested. Specimens with different honeycomb cores consisting of four different cell sizes were also tested, in addition to specimens with three different widths. Three different data reduction methods were employed for computing apparent fracture toughness values from the test data, namely an area method, a compliance calibration technique and a modified beam theory method. The compliance calibration and modified beam theory approaches yielded comparable apparent fracture toughness values, which were generally lower than those computed using the area method. Disbonding in the three-ply facesheet specimens took place at the facesheet/core interface and yielded the lowest apparent fracture toughness values. Disbonding in the six and twelve-ply facesheet specimens took place within the core, near to the facesheet/core interface. Specimen width was not found to have a significant effect on apparent fracture toughness. The amount of scatter in the apparent fracture toughness data was found to increase with honeycomb core cell size.

A 3D resistivity model derived from the transient electromagnetic data observed on the Araba fault, Jordan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rödder, A.; Tezkan, B.

2013-01-01

72 inloop transient electromagnetic soundings were carried out on two 2 km long profiles perpendicular and two 1 km and two 500 m long profiles parallel to the strike direction of the Araba fault in Jordan which is the southern part of the Dead Sea transform fault indicating the boundary between the African and Arabian continental plates. The distance between the stations was on average 50 m. The late time apparent resistivities derived from the induced voltages show clear differences between the stations located at the eastern and at the western part of the Araba fault. The fault appears as a boundary between the resistive western (ca. 100 Ωm) and the conductive eastern part (ca. 10 Ωm) of the survey area. On profiles parallel to the strike late time apparent resistivities were almost constant as well in the time dependence as in lateral extension at different stations, indicating a 2D resistivity structure of the investigated area. After having been processed, the data were interpreted by conventional 1D Occam and Marquardt inversion. The study using 2D synthetic model data showed, however, that 1D inversions of stations close to the fault resulted in fictitious layers in the subsurface thus producing large interpretation errors. Therefore, the data were interpreted by a 2D forward resistivity modeling which was then extended to a 3D resistivity model. This 3D model explains satisfactorily the time dependences of the observed transients at nearly all stations.

Thermal performance characterization of residential wall systems using a calibrated hot box with airflow induced by differential pressures

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

Jones, D.C.; Ober, D.G.; Goodrow, J.T.

1995-09-01

ASTM E 283 ad ASTM E 1424 in conjunction with ASTM C 976 were used to study the effect of airflow on thermal performance of the wall. A typical residential 2 {times} 4 stud wall was constructed and placed on top of a subfloor, making a 2.44 {times} 2.74 m (8 by 9 ft) test specimen. This base wall assembly was then covered with two types of XPS sheathing, various housewraps, a 15{number_sign} felt, and a polyethylene vapor retarder film in 40 different configurations and tested individually per ASTM E 283 and per ASTM C 976. For 24 of themore » 40 C 976 tests, a differential pressure was induced across the test wall as per and ASTM E 1424. Airflows ranged from undetectable airflow at 0 {center_dot} Pa {Delta}P to 1.63 L/s {center_dot} m{sup 2} for the base wall assembly alone. Difference in airflow resistance performance between the ASTM E 283 and ASTM E 1424 test methods were noted. Thermal testing results incorporating both ASTM C 976 and ASTM E 1424 for tests 1--28 produced apparent thermal conductances (C-values) in the range of 0.40 W/m{sup 2} {center_dot} K for a nondetectable airflow level to 1.81 W/m{sup 2} {center_dot} K for an airflow of 1.53 L/s {center_dot} m{sup 2} for the base wall assembly alone with a 20-Pa {Delta}P. The calculated C-value for this base wall assembly was 0.40 W/m{sup 2} {center_dot} K. Test results reveal that airflow rates as low as 0.2 L/s {center_dot} m{sup 2} could produce a 46% increase in apparent C-value. Similar thermal performance differences were revealed when thicker shiplap XPS sheathing was used. Tests were also conducted using an Air-Tight Drywall configuration showing the effect of wind washing on thermal performance. By sealing the gypsum drywall on the base wall assembly tested, the apparent C-value, when exposed to a 12.5 Pa wind pressure, was found to be equivalent to a base wall assembly configuration which allows 0.15 L/s {center_dot} m{sup 2} airflow to penetrate completely through.« less

DCE-MRI-Derived Volume Transfer Constant (Ktrans) and DWI Apparent Diffusion Coefficient as Predictive Markers of Short- and Long-Term Efficacy of Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Esophageal Cancer.

PubMed

Ye, Zhi-Min; Dai, Shu-Jun; Yan, Feng-Qin; Wang, Lei; Fang, Jun; Fu, Zhen-Fu; Wang, Yue-Zhen

2018-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate both the short- and long-term efficacies of chemoradiotherapy in relation to the treatment of esophageal cancer . This was achieved through the use of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging-derived volume transfer constant and diffusion weighted imaging-derived apparent diffusion coefficient . Patients with esophageal cancer were assigned into the sensitive and resistant groups based on respective efficacies in chemoradiotherapy. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted imaging were used to measure volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient, while computed tomography was used to calculate tumor size reduction rate. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to analyze correlation between volume transfer constant, apparent diffusion coefficient, and the tumor size reduction rate. Receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to analyze the short-term efficacy of volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient, while Kaplan-Meier curve was employed for survival rate analysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used for the risk factors for prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. Our results indicated reduced levels of volume transfer constant, while increased levels were observed in ADC min , ADC mean , and ADC max following chemoradiotherapy. A negative correlation was determined between ADC min , ADC mean , and ADC max , as well as in the tumor size reduction rate prior to chemoradiotherapy, whereas a positive correlation was uncovered postchemoradiotherapy. Volume transfer constant was positively correlated with tumor size reduction rate both before and after chemoradiotherapy. The 5-year survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer having high ADC min , ADC mean , and ADC max and volume transfer constant before chemoradiotherapy was greater than those with respectively lower values. According to the Cox proportional hazard model, ADC mean , clinical stage, degree of differentiation, and tumor stage were all confirmed as being independent risk factors in regard to the prognosis of patients with EC. The findings of this study provide evidence suggesting that volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient as being tools allowing for the evaluation of both the short- and long-term efficacies of chemoradiotherapy esophageal cancer treatment.

An empirical study of scanner system parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landgrebe, D.; Biehl, L.; Simmons, W.

1976-01-01

The selection of the current combination of parametric values (instantaneous field of view, number and location of spectral bands, signal-to-noise ratio, etc.) of a multispectral scanner is a complex problem due to the strong interrelationship these parameters have with one another. The study was done with the proposed scanner known as Thematic Mapper in mind. Since an adequate theoretical procedure for this problem has apparently not yet been devised, an empirical simulation approach was used with candidate parameter values selected by the heuristic means. The results obtained using a conventional maximum likelihood pixel classifier suggest that although the classification accuracy declines slightly as the IFOV is decreased this is more than made up by an improved mensuration accuracy. Further, the use of a classifier involving both spatial and spectral features shows a very substantial tendency to resist degradation as the signal-to-noise ratio is decreased. And finally, further evidence is provided of the importance of having at least one spectral band in each of the major available portions of the optical spectrum.

Transport of decursin and decursinol angelate across Caco-2 and MDR-MDCK cell monolayers: in vitro models for intestinal and blood-brain barrier permeability.

PubMed

Madgula, Vamsi L; Avula, Bharathi; Reddy V L, Niranjan; Khan, Ikhlas A; Khan, Shabana I

2007-04-01

Decursin (DE) and decursinol angelate (DA) were isolated from the roots of Angelica gigas (Apiaceae) and purified by HPLC. DE and DA have been reported to exhibit significant neuropharmacological activities, but their intestinal transport and permeability in terms of CNS penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are unknown. This study was undertaken to evaluate the IN VITRO intestinal and BBB transport of DE and DA using Caco-2 and MDR-MDCK cell monolayer models, respectively. The bidirectional transport of DE and DA across Caco-2 and MDR-MDCK monolayers was examined for 2 hours. Integrity of the monolayer was determined by TEER value and by monitoring the transport of Lucifer yellow (Ly) across the monolayers. Quantitation of DE and DA was performed by HPLC. DE and DA exhibited bidirectional transport with a Papp value in the range of 9.0-12.0x10(-6) cm/sec and 7.2-11.7x10(-6) cm/sec in Caco-2 and MDR-MDCK monolayers, respectively. The TEER values were in the range of 410-440 and 1170-1230 ohm cm2 for Caco-2 and MDR-MDCK monolayers, respectively. Ly measurement, the fluorescent marker of passive paracellular diffusion, resulted in Papp values of 2.5-5.0x10(-6) in Caco-2 and 6.0-8.0x10(-6) cm/sec in MDR-MDCK monolayers, confirming that the monolayer integrity was intact at the end of the experiment. Caco-2:human colonic adenocarcinoma DA:decursinol angelate DE:decursin Ly:Lucifer yellow MDCK:Madin-Darby canine kidney MDR:multidrug resistant Papp:apparent permeability TEER:transepithelial electrical resistance.

Altered K+ fluxes and insulin release in pancreatic islets from omega3 fatty acid-depleted rats.

PubMed

Sener, Abdullah; Zhang, Ying; Louchami, Karim; Oguzhan, Berrin; Courtois, Philippe; Portois, Laurence; Chardigny, Jean-Michel; Carpentier, Yvon A; Malaisse, Willy J

2006-10-01

A low intake of long-chain polyunsaturated omega3 fatty acid often prevails in Western populations. Its consequences in terms of the control of fuel homeostasis led us to explore functional events in pancreatic islets isolated from either normal or omega3-depleted rats (second generation). In the latter rats, the inflow of K+ by both ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-resistant modalities was decreased, this coinciding with an impaired insulin secretory response to ouabain. The intravenous injection of a medium-chain triglyceride:fish oil emulsion to omega3-depleted rats 2 h before sacrifice restored a normal value for the inflow of K+ by the ouabainsensitive modality, i.e., that linked to the activity of the Na,K-ATPase, but failed to correct the entry of K+ by the ouabain-resistant modality and the defect of the insulin secretory response to ouabain. In conclusion, an impaired activity of the Na,K-ATPase in insulin-producing cells apparently represents a key determinant of altered islet function in omega3-depleted rats.

Polymer-Reinforced, Non-Brittle, Lightweight Cryogenic Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, David M.

2013-01-01

The primary application for cryogenic insulating foams will be fuel tank applications for fueling systems. It is crucial for this insulation to be incorporated into systems that survive vacuum and terrestrial environments. It is hypothesized that by forming an open-cell silica-reinforced polymer structure, the foam structures will exhibit the necessary strength to maintain shape. This will, in turn, maintain the insulating capabilities of the foam insulation. Besides mechanical stability in the form of crush resistance, it is important for these insulating materials to exhibit water penetration resistance. Hydrocarbon-terminated foam surfaces were implemented to impart hydrophobic functionality that apparently limits moisture penetration through the foam. During the freezing process, water accumulates on the surfaces of the foams. However, when hydrocarbon-terminated surfaces are present, water apparently beads and forms crystals, leading to less apparent accumulation. The object of this work is to develop inexpensive structural cryogenic insulation foam that has increased impact resistance for launch and ground-based cryogenic systems. Two parallel approaches will be pursued: a silica-polymer co-foaming technique and a post foam coating technique. Insulation characteristics, flexibility, and water uptake can be fine-tuned through the manipulation of the polyurethane foam scaffold. Silicate coatings for polyurethane foams and aerogel-impregnated polyurethane foams have been developed and tested. A highly porous aerogel-like material may be fabricated using a co-foam and coated foam techniques, and can insulate at liquid temperatures using the composite foam

A study of insulin resistance by HOMA-IR and its cut-off value to identify metabolic syndrome in urban Indian adolescents.

PubMed

Singh, Yashpal; Garg, M K; Tandon, Nikhil; Marwaha, Raman Kumar

2013-01-01

Insulin resistance (IR) and associated metabolic abnormalities are increasingly being reported in the adolescent population. Cut-off value of homeostasis model of assessment IR (HOMA-IR) as an indicator of metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents has not been established. This study aimed to investigate IR by HOMA-IR in urban Indian adolescents and to establish cut-off values of HOMA-IR for defining MS. A total of 691 apparently healthy adolescents (295 with normal body mass index (BMI), 205 overweight, and 199 obese) were included in this cross-sectional study. MS in adolescents was defined by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. IR was calculated using the HOMA model. Mean height, waist circumference (WC), waist/hip ratio (WHR), waist/height ratio (WHtR), and blood pressure were significantly higher in boys as compared to girls. The HOMA-IR values increased progressively from normal weight to obese adolescents in both sexes. Mean HOMA-IR values increased progressively according to sexual maturity rating in both sexes. HOMA-IR value of 2.5 had a sensitivity of >70% and specificity of >60% for MS. This cut-off identified larger number of adolescents with MS in different BMI categories (19.7% in normal weight, 51.7% in overweight, and 77.0% in obese subjects) as compared to the use of IDF or ATP III criteria for diagnosing MS. Odds ratio for having IR (HOMA-IR of >2.5) was highest with WHtR (4.9, p p<0.0001) and WC (4.8, p p<0.0001), compared to WHR (3.3, p p<0.0001). In Indian adolescents, HOMA-IR increased with sexual maturity and with progression from normal to obese. A HOMA-IR cut-off of 2.5 provided the maximum sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing MS in both genders as per ATP III and IDF criteria.

A Study of Insulin Resistance by HOMA-IR and its Cut-off Value to Identify Metabolic Syndrome in Urban Indian Adolescents

PubMed Central

Singh, Yashpal; Garg, MK; Tandon, Nikhil; Marwaha, Raman Kumar

2013-01-01

Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) and associated metabolic abnormalities are increasingly being reported in the adolescent population. Cut-off value of homeostasis model of assessment IR (HOMA-IR) as an indicator of metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents has not been established. This study aimed to investigate IR by HOMA-IR in urban Indian adolescents and to establish cut-off values of HOMA-IR for defining MS. Methods: A total of 691 apparently healthy adolescents (295 with normal body mass index (BMI), 205 overweight, and 199 obese) were included in this cross-sectional study. MS in adolescents was defined by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. IR was calculated using the HOMA model. Results: Mean height, waist circumference (WC), waist/hip ratio (WHR), waist/height ratio (WHtR), and blood pressure were significantly higher in boys as compared to girls. The HOMA-IR values increased progressively from normal weight to obese adolescents in both sexes. Mean HOMA-IR values increased progressively according to sexual maturity rating in both sexes. HOMA-IR value of 2.5 had a sensitivity of >70% and specificity of >60% for MS. This cut-off identified larger number of adolescents with MS in different BMI categories (19.7% in normal weight, 51.7% in overweight, and 77.0% in obese subjects) as compared to the use of IDF or ATP III criteria for diagnosing MS. Odds ratio for having IR (HOMA-IR of >2.5) was highest with WHtR (4.9, p <0.0001) and WC (4.8, p <0.0001), compared to WHR (3.3, p <0.0001). Conclusions: In Indian adolescents, HOMA-IR increased with sexual maturity and with progression from normal to obese. A HOMA-IR cut-off of 2.5 provided the maximum sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing MS in both genders as per ATP III and IDF criteria. Conflict of interest:None declared. PMID:24379034

1H-Benzo[d]imidazoles and 3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-ones: Design, synthesis and antitubercular activity.

PubMed

Macchi, Fernanda Souza; Pissinate, Kenia; Villela, Anne Drumond; Abbadi, Bruno Lopes; Rodrigues-Junior, Valnês; Nabinger, Débora Dreher; Altenhofen, Stefani; Sperotto, Nathalia; da Silva Dadda, Adílio; Subtil, Fernanda Teixeira; de Freitas, Talita Freitas; Erhart Rauber, Ana Paula; Borsoi, Ana Flávia; Bonan, Carla Denise; Bizarro, Cristiano Valim; Basso, Luiz Augusto; Santos, Diógenes Santiago; Machado, Pablo

2018-06-02

Using a classical hybridization approach, a series of 1H-benzo[d]imidazoles and 3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-ones were synthesized (39 examples) and evaluated as inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. Chemical modification studies yielded potent antitubercular agents with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 0.24 μM against M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Further, the synthesized compounds were active against four drug-resistant strains containing different levels of resistance for the first line drugs. These molecules were devoid of apparent toxicity to HepG2, HaCat, and Vero cells with IC 50s  > 30 μM. Viability in mammalian cell cultures was evaluated using MTT and neutral red assays. In addition, some 3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-ones showed low risk of cardiac toxicity, no signals of neurotoxicity or morphological alteration in zebrafish (Danio rerio) toxicity models. 3,4-Dihydroquinazolin-4-ones 9q and 9w were considered the lead compounds of these series of molecules with MIC values of 0.24 μM and 0.94 μM against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, respectively. Taken together, these data indicate that this class of compounds may furnish candidates for future development of novel anti-TB drugs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Impact of insulin resistance, insulin and adiponectin on kidney stones in the Japanese population.

PubMed

Ando, Ryosuke; Suzuki, Sadao; Nagaya, Teruo; Yamada, Tamaki; Okada, Atsushi; Yasui, Takahiro; Tozawa, Keiichi; Tokudome, Shinkan; Kohri, Kenjiro

2011-02-01

It has been reported that kidney stones are linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterized by insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of insulin resistance, insulin and adiponectin with kidney stones in a Japanese population. From February 2007 to March 2008, 1036 (529 men and 507 women) apparently healthy Japanese subjects, aged 35-79 years, were analyzed. Weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. Overnight fasting blood was collected to measure insulin and adiponectin levels. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated to assess insulin resistance. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for a self-reported history of kidney stones across tertiles of HOMA-IR, insulin and adiponectin. Of the participants, 84 men (15.6%) and 35 women (6.9%) had a history of kidney stones. Age, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, HOMA-IR and insulin were significantly higher in women with than in women without kidney stones. There was no difference in adiponectin level between subjects with and without a history of kidney stones in either sex. Furthermore, a significant positive trend was observed in the age-adjusted OR for a history of kidney stones across insulin tertiles (P-value for trend = 0.04) in women. For Japanese women, HOMA-IR and insulin are associated with a history of kidney stones. The findings suggest that MetS components could increase the risk of kidney stones through subclinical hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. © 2010 The Japanese Urological Association.

Assessing the Risk for Resistance and Elucidating the Genetics of Colletotrichum truncatum That Is Only Sensitive to Some DMI Fungicides.

PubMed

Zhang, Can; Diao, Yongzhao; Wang, Weizhen; Hao, Jianjun; Imran, Muhammad; Duan, Hongxia; Liu, Xili

2017-01-01

The genus Colletotrichum contains a wide variety of important plant pathogens, and Colletotrichum truncatum is one of the most prevalent species of Colletotrichum on chili in China. Demethylation-inhibitor fungicides (DMIs) are currently registered chemical agents for the management of the anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. To assess the risk for DMI resistance development, 112 C. truncatum isolates were collected from infected pepper in 13 regions of China. The sensitivity of C. truncatum isolates to five DMI fungicides was determined based on mycelial growth inhibition assay. C. truncatum was sensitive to prochloraz, epoxiconazole, and difenoconazole, but not to tebuconazole or myclobutanil. Baseline sensitivity using the 112 C. truncatum isolates was established for the first three effective DMIs. Prochloraz, epoxiconazole, and difenoconazole EC 50 values were 0.053 ± 0.023, 1.956 ± 0.815, and 1.027 ± 0.644 μg/ml, respectively. Eleven stable DMI-resistant mutants all exhibited lower fitness levels than their wild-type parents, suggesting a low risk of DMI resistance in C. truncatum . By inducing gene expression, CtCYP51 expression increased slightly in the resistant mutants as compared to wild-types when exposed to DMI fungicides and thus contributed at least partially to resistance. Molecular docking with CYP51 structure models was used to explain differential sensitivity of the DMI fungicides in C. truncatum . Our results suggest that the M376L/H373N mutations in CYP51 changed the conformation of DMIs in the binding pocket. These changes prevented the formation of the Fe - N coordinate bond between the heme iron active site and tebuconazole or myclobutanil, and apparently contributed to tebuconazole and myclobutanil insensitivity of C. truncatum .

Assessing the Risk for Resistance and Elucidating the Genetics of Colletotrichum truncatum That Is Only Sensitive to Some DMI Fungicides

PubMed Central

Zhang, Can; Diao, Yongzhao; Wang, Weizhen; Hao, Jianjun; Imran, Muhammad; Duan, Hongxia; Liu, Xili

2017-01-01

The genus Colletotrichum contains a wide variety of important plant pathogens, and Colletotrichum truncatum is one of the most prevalent species of Colletotrichum on chili in China. Demethylation-inhibitor fungicides (DMIs) are currently registered chemical agents for the management of the anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. To assess the risk for DMI resistance development, 112 C. truncatum isolates were collected from infected pepper in 13 regions of China. The sensitivity of C. truncatum isolates to five DMI fungicides was determined based on mycelial growth inhibition assay. C. truncatum was sensitive to prochloraz, epoxiconazole, and difenoconazole, but not to tebuconazole or myclobutanil. Baseline sensitivity using the 112 C. truncatum isolates was established for the first three effective DMIs. Prochloraz, epoxiconazole, and difenoconazole EC50 values were 0.053 ± 0.023, 1.956 ± 0.815, and 1.027 ± 0.644 μg/ml, respectively. Eleven stable DMI-resistant mutants all exhibited lower fitness levels than their wild-type parents, suggesting a low risk of DMI resistance in C. truncatum. By inducing gene expression, CtCYP51 expression increased slightly in the resistant mutants as compared to wild-types when exposed to DMI fungicides and thus contributed at least partially to resistance. Molecular docking with CYP51 structure models was used to explain differential sensitivity of the DMI fungicides in C. truncatum. Our results suggest that the M376L/H373N mutations in CYP51 changed the conformation of DMIs in the binding pocket. These changes prevented the formation of the Fe – N coordinate bond between the heme iron active site and tebuconazole or myclobutanil, and apparently contributed to tebuconazole and myclobutanil insensitivity of C. truncatum. PMID:28970822

Resistant Starch: Variation among High Amylose Rice Varieties and Its Relationship with Apparent Amylose Content, Pasting Properties and Cooking Methods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Resistant starch (RS), which is not hydrolyzed in the small intestines, has proposed health benefits. We evaluated a set of 40 high amylose rice varieties for RS levels in cooked rice and approximately a 1.9-fold difference was found. The highest ones had more than two-fold greater RS concentration ...

Estimating heritability of disease resistance and factors that contribute to long-term survival in butternut (Juglans cinerea L.)

Treesearch

Nicholas R. LaBonte; Michael E. Ostry; Amy Ross-Davis; Keith E. Woeste

2015-01-01

For most wild species affected by exotic pests or pathogens, the relative importance of heritable genetic differences in determining apparent variation in disease resistance is unknown. This is true in particular for butternut, a North American hardwood affected by butternut canker disease and undergoing demographic contraction. Little is known about site effects on...

Degradation of (La(0.8)Sr(0.2))(0.98)MnO(3-δ)-Zr(0.84)Y(0.16)O(2-γ) composite electrodes during reversing current operation.

PubMed

Hughes, Gareth A; Railsback, Justin G; Yakal-Kremski, Kyle J; Butts, Danielle M; Barnett, Scott A

2015-01-01

Reversing-current operation of solid oxide cell (La(0.8)Sr(0.2))(0.98)MnO(3-δ)-Zr(0.84)Y(0.16)O(2-γ) (LSM-YSZ) oxygen electrodes is described. Degradation was characterized by impedance spectroscopy in symmetric cells tested at 800 °C in air with a symmetric current cycle with a period of 12 hours. No change in cell resistance could be detected, in 1000 h tests with a sensitivity of ∼1% per kh, at a current density of 0.5 A cm(-2) corresponding to an overpotential of 0.18 V. At a current density to 0.6 A cm(-2) (0.33 V overpotential) measurable resistance degradation at a rate of 3% per kh was observed, while higher current/overpotential values led to faster degradation. Degradation was observed mainly in the ohmic resistance for current densities of 0.6, 0.8 and 0.9 A cm(-2), with little change in the polarization resistance. Polarization degradation, mainly observed at higher current density, was present as an increase in an impedance response at ∼30 kHz, apparently associated with the resistance of YSZ grain boundaries within the electrode. Microstructural and chemical analysis showed significant changes in electrode structure after the current cycling, including an increase in LSM particle size and a reduction in the amount of YSZ and LSM at the electrode/electrolyte interface - the latter presumably a precursor to delamination.

Measurements for the BETC in-situ combustion experiment. [Post test surveys

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

Wayland, J.R.; Bartel, L.C.

The Bartlesville Energy Technology Center (BETC) in situ combustion pilot project near Bartlette, Kansas, was studied using controlled source audio-magnetotelluric (CSAMT) mapping, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), conventional geophysical logging and modeling of the fireflood. Measurements of formation resistivity changes induced by in situ combustion indicate that CSAMT resistivity maps should show an increase in apparent resistivity. The substantial decrease of apparent resistivity measured within the five spot pattern indicated a complex sequence of events. Using the results from the CSAMT surveys the fire front was located and posttest core samples were obtained. The posttest core samples were examined using TGAmore » techniques, and using information from combustion tube runs as standards, the location of the fire front in the core samples from the posttest holes was inferred. Models of the reservoir in situ combustion process were developed to help analyze the field results. The combustion kinematics, when used in conjunction with CSAMT and TGA techniques, indicated that considerable bypass of injected air occurred with an influx of brine into previously burned zones. This experiment offered an opportunity to integrate several new techniques into a systematic study of a difficult problem.« less

Analysis of the moments of the sensitivity function for resistivity over a homogeneous half-space: Rules of thumb for pseudoposition, offline sensitivity and resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, S. L.

2017-08-01

It is instructive to consider the sensitivity function for a homogeneous half space for resistivity since it has a simple mathematical formula and it does not require a priori knowledge of the resistivity of the ground. Past analyses of this function have allowed visualization of the regions that contribute most to apparent resistivity measurements with given array configurations. The horizontally integrated form of this equation gives the sensitivity function for an infinitesimally thick horizontal slab with a small resistivity contrast and analysis of this function has admitted estimates of the depth of investigation for a given electrode array. Recently, it has been shown that the average of the vertical coordinate over this function yields a simple formula that can be used to estimate the depth of investigation. The sensitivity function for a vertical inline slab has also been previously calculated. In this contribution, I show that the sensitivity function for a homogeneous half-space can also be integrated so as to give sensitivity functions to semi-infinite vertical slabs that are perpendicular to the array axis. These horizontal sensitivity functions can, in turn, be integrated over the spatial coordinates to give the mean horizontal positions of the sensitivity functions. The mean horizontal positions give estimates for the centres of the regions that affect apparent resistivity measurements for arbitrary array configuration and can be used as horizontal positions when plotting pseudosections even for non-collinear arrays. The mean of the horizontal coordinate that is perpendicular to a collinear array also gives a simple formula for estimating the distance over which offline resistivity anomalies will have a significant effect. The root mean square (rms) widths of the sensitivity functions are also calculated in each of the coordinate directions as an estimate of the inverse of the resolution of a given array. For depth and in the direction perpendicular to the array, the rms thickness is shown to be very similar to the mean distance. For the direction parallel to the array, the rms thickness is shown to be proportional to the array length and similar to the array length divided by 2 for many arrays. I expect that these formulas will provide useful rules of thumb for estimating the centres and extents of regions influencing apparent resistivity measurements for survey planning and for education.

Comparing the use of sewage sludge ash and glass powder in cement mortars.

PubMed

Chen, Zhen; Poon, Chi Sun

2017-06-01

This study explored the suitability of using sewage sludge ash (SSA) and mixed-colored glass powder (MGP) as construction materials in cement mortars. Positive findings from this study may help promote the recycling of waste SSA and MGP in construction works. The results indicated that the SSA decreased while MGP improved the mortar workability. The SSA exhibited very low pozzolanic activity, but the cement mortar prepared with 20% SSA yielded strength values slightly superior to those of the glass mortars due to its water absorption ability. MGP can serve as a pozzolan and when 20% of cement was replaced by MGP, apparent compressive strength gains were found at later curing ages. The SSA could be used to mitigate ASR expansion while the MGP was superior in resisting drying shrinkage.

Development of Maximum Bubble Pressure Method for Surface Tension Measurement of High Viscosity Molten Silicate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Osamu; Iwamoto, Hirone; Sakashita, Ryota; Iseki, Chiaki; Zhu, Hongmin

2017-07-01

A surface tension measurement method based on the maximum bubble pressure (MBP) method was developed in order to precisely determine the surface tension of molten silicates in this study. Specifically, the influence of viscosity on surface tension measurements was quantified, and the criteria for accurate measurement were investigated. It was found that the MBP apparently increased with an increase in viscosity. This was because extra pressure was required for the flowing liquid inside the capillary due to viscous resistance. It was also expected that the extra pressure would decrease by decreasing the fluid velocity. For silicone oil with a viscosity of 1000 \\hbox {mPa}{\\cdot }\\hbox {s}, the error on the MBP could be decreased to +1.7 % by increasing the bubble detachment time to 300 \\hbox {s}. However, the error was still over 1 % even when the bubble detachment time was increased to 600 \\hbox {s}. Therefore, a true value of the MBP was determined by using a curve-fitting technique with a simple relaxation function, and that was succeeded for silicone oil at 1000 \\hbox {mPa}{\\cdot } \\hbox {s} of viscosity. Furthermore, for silicone oil with a viscosity as high as 10 000 \\hbox {mPa}{\\cdot }\\hbox {s}, the apparent MBP approached a true value by interrupting the gas introduction during the pressure rising period and by re-introducing the gas at a slow flow rate. Based on the fundamental investigation at room temperature, the surface tension of the \\hbox {SiO}2-40 \\hbox {mol}%\\hbox {Na}2\\hbox {O} and \\hbox {SiO}2-50 \\hbox {mol}%\\hbox {Na}2\\hbox {O} melts was determined at a high temperature. The obtained value was slightly lower than the literature values, which might be due to the influence of viscosity on surface tension measurements being removed in this study.

Medication adherence in patients with apparent resistant hypertension: findings from the SYMPATHY trial.

PubMed

de Jager, Rosa L; van Maarseveen, Erik M; Bots, Michiel L; Blankestijn, Peter J

2018-01-01

Hypertension is only controlled in approximately 35% of the patients, which could be partially due to nonadherence. Recently, bioanalytical assessment of adherence to blood pressure (BP) lowering drugs has gaining interest. Our aim was to explore possible determinants of nonadherence in treatment resistant hypertension, assessed by objective screening for antihypertensive agents in serum. The secondary aim was to study the effect of adherence on the change in BP. This project was a substudy of SYMPATHY; an open-label randomized-controlled trial to assess the effect of renal denervation on BP 6 months after treatment compared to usual care in patients with resistant hypertension. Stored serum samples were screened for antihypertensive agents to assess adherence at baseline and 6 months after intervention, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Office and 24-h BP were measured on the same day as blood was sampled. Patients and physicians were unaware of adherence measurements. Ninety-eight baseline and 83 6-month samples were available for analysis. Sixty-eight percent [95% confidence interval (CI) 59-78%] of the patients was nonadherent (n = 67). For every onw pill more prescribed, 0.785 [95%CI 0.529-0.891] prescribed pill was less detected in blood. A decrease of one pill in adherence between baseline and 6 months was associated with a significant rise in office systolic BP of 4 (95%CI 0.230-8.932) mmHg. Objective measurement of BP lowering drugs in serum, as a tool to assess adherence, showed that nonadherence was very common in patients with apparent resistant hypertension. Furthermore, the assessment results were related to (changes in) blood pressure. Our findings provide direct and objective methodology to help the physician to understand and to improve the condition of apparent resistant hypertension. © 2017 The British Pharmacological Society.

The within-host population dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis vary with treatment efficacy.

PubMed

Trauner, Andrej; Liu, Qingyun; Via, Laura E; Liu, Xin; Ruan, Xianglin; Liang, Lili; Shi, Huimin; Chen, Ying; Wang, Ziling; Liang, Ruixia; Zhang, Wei; Wei, Wang; Gao, Jingcai; Sun, Gang; Brites, Daniela; England, Kathleen; Zhang, Guolong; Gagneux, Sebastien; Barry, Clifton E; Gao, Qian

2017-04-19

Combination therapy is one of the most effective tools for limiting the emergence of drug resistance in pathogens. Despite the widespread adoption of combination therapy across diseases, drug resistance rates continue to rise, leading to failing treatment regimens. The mechanisms underlying treatment failure are well studied, but the processes governing successful combination therapy are poorly understood. We address this question by studying the population dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment with different combinations of antibiotics. By combining very deep whole genome sequencing (~1000-fold genome-wide coverage) with sequential sputum sampling, we were able to detect transient genetic diversity driven by the apparently continuous turnover of minor alleles, which could serve as the source of drug-resistant bacteria. However, we report that treatment efficacy has a clear impact on the population dynamics: sufficient drug pressure bears a clear signature of purifying selection leading to apparent genetic stability. In contrast, M. tuberculosis populations subject to less drug pressure show markedly different dynamics, including cases of acquisition of additional drug resistance. Our findings show that for a pathogen like M. tuberculosis, which is well adapted to the human host, purifying selection constrains the evolutionary trajectory to resistance in effectively treated individuals. Nonetheless, we also report a continuous turnover of minor variants, which could give rise to the emergence of drug resistance in cases of drug pressure weakening. Monitoring bacterial population dynamics could therefore provide an informative metric for assessing the efficacy of novel drug combinations.

A one-dimensional model of solid-earth electrical resistivity beneath Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blum, Cletus; Love, Jeffrey J.; Pedrie, Kolby; Bedrosian, Paul A.; Rigler, E. Joshua

2015-11-19

An estimated one-dimensional layered model of electrical resistivity beneath Florida was developed from published geological and geophysical information. The resistivity of each layer is represented by plausible upper and lower bounds as well as a geometric mean resistivity. Corresponding impedance transfer functions, Schmucker-Weidelt transfer functions, apparent resistivity, and phase responses are calculated for inducing geomagnetic frequencies ranging from 10−5 to 100 hertz. The resulting one-dimensional model and response functions can be used to make general estimates of time-varying electric fields associated with geomagnetic storms such as might represent induction hazards for electric-power grid operation. The plausible upper- and lower-bound resistivity structures show the uncertainty, giving a wide range of plausible time-varying electric fields.

β-Glucans and Resistant Starch Alter the Fermentation of Recalcitrant Fibers in Growing Pigs

PubMed Central

Gerrits, Walter J. J.; Kabel, Mirjam A.; Vasanthan, Thava; Zijlstra, Ruurd T.

2016-01-01

Interactions among dietary ingredients are often assumed non-existent when evaluating the nutritive value and health effects of dietary fiber. Specific fibers can distinctly affect digestive processes; therefore, digestibility and fermentability of the complete diet may depend on fiber types present. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of readily fermentable fibers (β-glucans and resistant starch) on the degradation of feed ingredients containing more persistent, recalcitrant, fibers. Six semi-synthetic diets with recalcitrant fibers from rapeseed meal (pectic polysaccharides, xyloglucans, and cellulose) or corn distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS; (glucurono)arabinoxylans and cellulose) with or without inclusion of β-glucans (6%) or retrograded tapioca (40%) substituted for corn starch were formulated. Six ileal-cannulated pigs (BW 28±1.4 kg) were assigned to the diets according to a 6×6 Latin square. β-glucan-extract increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of non-glucosyl polysaccharides (accounting for ~40% of the fiber-fraction) from rapeseed meal (6%-units, P<0.001), but did not affect non-glucosyl polysaccharides from DDGS. Retrograded tapioca reduced ATTD of non-glucosyl polysaccharides from rapeseed meal and DDGS (>10%-units, P<0.001), indicating that the large amount of resistant starch entering the hindgut was preferentially degraded over recalcitrant fibers from rapeseed meal and DDGS, possibly related to reduced hindgut-retention time following the increased intestinal bulk. Fermentation of fiber sources was not only dependent on fiber characteristics, but also on the presence of other fibers in the diet. Hence, interactions in the gastrointestinal tract among fibrous feed ingredients should be considered when evaluating their nutritive value. PMID:27911928

Direct quantification of transendothelial electrical resistance in organs-on-chips.

PubMed

van der Helm, Marinke W; Odijk, Mathieu; Frimat, Jean-Philippe; van der Meer, Andries D; Eijkel, Jan C T; van den Berg, Albert; Segerink, Loes I

2016-11-15

Measuring transendothelial or transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a widely used method to monitor cellular barrier tightness in organs-on-chips. Unfortunately, integrated electrodes close to the cellular barrier hamper visual inspection of the cells or require specialized cleanroom processes to fabricate see-through electrodes. Out-of-view electrodes inserted into the chip's outlets are influenced by the fluid-filled microchannels with relatively high resistance. In this case, small changes in temperature or medium composition strongly affect the apparent TEER. To solve this, we propose a simple and universally applicable method to directly determine the TEER in microfluidic organs-on-chips without the need for integrated electrodes close to the cellular barrier. Using four electrodes inserted into two channels - two on each side of the porous membrane - and six different measurement configurations we can directly derive the isolated TEER independent of channel properties. We show that this method removes large variation of non-biological origin in chips filled with culture medium. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of our method by quantifying the TEER of a monolayer of human hCMEC/D3 cerebral endothelial cells, mimicking the blood-brain barrier inside our microfluidic organ-on-chip device. We found stable TEER values of 22 Ω cm(2)±1.3 Ω cm(2) (average ± standard error of the mean of 4 chips), comparable to other TEER values reported for hCMEC/D3 cells in well-established Transwell systems. In conclusion, we demonstrate a simple and robust way to directly determine TEER that is applicable to any organ-on-chip device with two channels separated by a membrane. This enables stable and easily applicable TEER measurements without the need for specialized cleanroom processes and with visibility on the measured cell layer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anisotropic models to account for large borehole washouts to estimate gas hydrate saturations in the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II Alaminos 21 B well

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, M.W.; Collett, T.S.; Lewis, K.A.

2012-01-01

Through the use of 3-D seismic amplitude mapping, several gashydrate prospects were identified in the Alaminos Canyon (AC) area of the Gulf of Mexico. Two locations were drilled as part of the Gulf of MexicoGasHydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II (JIP Leg II) in May of 2009 and a comprehensive set of logging-while-drilling (LWD) logs were acquired at each well site. LWD logs indicated that resistivity in the range of ~2 ohm-m and P-wave velocity in the range of ~1.9 km/s were measured in the target sand interval between 515 and 645 feet below sea floor. These values were slightly elevated relative to those measured in the sediment above and below the target sand. However, the initial well log analysis was inconclusive regarding the presence of gashydrate in the logged sand interval, mainly because largewashouts caused by drilling in the target interval degraded confidence in the well log measurements. To assess gashydratesaturations in the sedimentary section drilled in the Alaminos Canyon 21B (AC21-B) well, a method of compensating for the effect of washouts on the resistivity and acoustic velocities was developed. The proposed method models the washed-out portion of the borehole as a vertical layer filled with sea water (drilling fluid) and the apparent anisotropic resistivity and velocities caused by a vertical layer are used to correct the measured log values. By incorporating the conventional marine seismic data into the well log analysis, the average gashydratesaturation in the target sand section in the AC21-Bwell can be constrained to the range of 8–28%, with 20% being our best estimate.

CARRIAGE OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM AND ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY HUMANS.

PubMed

Adesida, Solayide A; Ezenta, Cynthia C; Adagbada, Ajoke O; Aladesokan, Amudat A; Coker, Akitoye O

2017-01-01

Enterococci are indigenous flora of the gastro-intestinal tracts of animals and humans. Recently, interest in two major species, E. faecium and E. faecalis , has heightened because of their ability to cause serious infections and their intrinsic resistance to antimicrobials. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of E . faecium and E . faecalis in human faecal samples and evaluating the susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics. One hundred faecal samples were collected from apparently healthy individuals and analysed using conventionalbacteriological methods. The susceptibility profile of the isolates to nine antibiotics were determined using disk diffusion method. Seventy-three (73) Enterococcus were phenotypically identified and 65 of the isolates were differentiated into 36 (55.4%) E. faecium and 29 (44.6%) E. faecalis . Eight (8) isolates could not be identified by the conventional biochemical methods employed. No dual colonization by the E. faecalis and E. faecium was observed and isolation rate was not dependent on sex of the participants. All the isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, cefuroxime and ceftizoxime. Enterococcus faecium exhibited resistance toerythromycin (88.9%), gentamicin (77.8%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (63.9%), ofloxacin (44.4%), teicoplanin (19.4%) and vancomycin (16.7%). Enterococcus faecalis showed the least resistance to vancomycin (13.8%) and teicoplanin (27.7%). Remarkable multiple antibiotic resistances to the classes of antibiotic tested were observed among the two species. The high carriage rate of antibiotic resistant E. faecium and E. faecalis in this study provides information on the local antibiotic patterns of our enterococci isolates thereby suggesting that they could present as important reservoir and vehicle for dissemination of resistant genes in our community.

Microstructural changes in memory and reticular formation neural pathway after simple concussion☆

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Lin; Shi, Rongyue; Xiao, Yuhui; Meng, Jiarong; Guo, Yihe; Lu, Guangming

2012-01-01

Patients with concussion often present with temporary disturbance of consciousness. The microstructural and functional changes in the brain associated with concussion, as well as the relationship with transient cognitive disorders, are currently unclear. In the present study, a rabbit model of simple concussion was established. Magnetic resonance-diffusion tensor imaging results revealed that the corona radiata and midbrain exhibited significantly decreased fractional anisotropy values in the neural pathways associated with memory and the reticular formation. In addition, the apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly increased following injury compared with those before injury. Following a 1-hour period of quiet rest, the fractional anisotropy values significantly increased, and apparent diffusion coefficient values significantly decreased, returning to normal pre-injury levels. In contrast, the fractional anisotropy values and apparent diffusion coefficient values in the corpus callosum, thalamus and hippocampus showed no statistical significant alterations following injury. These findings indicate that the neural pathways associated with memory and the reticular formation pathway exhibit reversible microstructural white matter changes when concussion occurs, and these changes are exhibited to a different extent in different regions. PMID:25538741

Microstructural changes in memory and reticular formation neural pathway after simple concussion.

PubMed

Ouyang, Lin; Shi, Rongyue; Xiao, Yuhui; Meng, Jiarong; Guo, Yihe; Lu, Guangming

2012-10-05

Patients with concussion often present with temporary disturbance of consciousness. The microstructural and functional changes in the brain associated with concussion, as well as the relationship with transient cognitive disorders, are currently unclear. In the present study, a rabbit model of simple concussion was established. Magnetic resonance-diffusion tensor imaging results revealed that the corona radiata and midbrain exhibited significantly decreased fractional anisotropy values in the neural pathways associated with memory and the reticular formation. In addition, the apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly increased following injury compared with those before injury. Following a 1-hour period of quiet rest, the fractional anisotropy values significantly increased, and apparent diffusion coefficient values significantly decreased, returning to normal pre-injury levels. In contrast, the fractional anisotropy values and apparent diffusion coefficient values in the corpus callosum, thalamus and hippocampus showed no statistical significant alterations following injury. These findings indicate that the neural pathways associated with memory and the reticular formation pathway exhibit reversible microstructural white matter changes when concussion occurs, and these changes are exhibited to a different extent in different regions.

Radiation resistance of asporogenous bacteria in frozen beef. Final report, Sep 1974--Feb 1975

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

Maxcy, R.B.; Rowley, D.B.; Annellis, A.

1976-03-01

A scheme was developed to isolate the most radiation resistant vegetative microbial cells occurring in beef. Selection of pure cultures and enrichment provided 16 apparently different isolates with higher radiation resistance than spores of Clostridium botulinum. Most of these bacteria were found to be Moraxella or Acinetobacter. They grew over a temperature range of 2 - 50 C. Preliminary data indicated the isolates to be relatively sensitive to heat and to limited oxygen. It would appear these organisms are rather widespread and frequent in nature. (GRA)

Recent progress toward the clinical development of new anti-MRSA antibiotics.

PubMed

Long, Timothy E

2003-04-01

The escalation in drug resistance is well documented for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the urgency to discover new antibiotic treatments is more apparent with the growing incidences of vancomycin-intermediate and vancomycin-resistant S aureus. Much of the current research into finding new remedies focuses on chemical modification of existing antibiotics (ie, glycopeptides and cephalosporins) and developing synthetic molecules with novel mechanisms of action (ie, oxazolidinones and N-thiolated b-lactams). This review describes recent progress toward the clinical development of new drug therapies for MRSA.

Quantitative analysis of frequency-domain induced polarization soundings over horizontal beds

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

Patella, D.; Schiavone, D.

1976-06-01

Following up a recent study of an indirect procedure for the practical determination of the maximum frequency-effect, defined as fe = I - rho/sub infinity//rho/sub dc/ with rho/sub infinity/ the resistivity at infinite frequency, it is shown at first how, through the Laplace transform theory, rho/sub infinity/ can be related to stationary field vectors in the simple form of Ohm's law. Then applying the equation of continuity for stationary currents with a suitable set of boundary conditions, the integral expression of the apparent resistivity at infinite frequency is derived rho/sub infinity,a/ in the case of a horizontally layered earth. Finally,more » from the definition of the maximum apparent frequency-effect, analytical expressions of fe/sub a/ are obtained for both Schlumberger and dipole arrays placed on the surface of the multi-layered earth section in the most general situation of vertical changes in induced polarization together with dc resistivity variations not at the same interfaces. Direct interpretation procedures are suggested for obtaining the layering parameters directly from the analysis of the sounding curves.« less

Nevirapine-Resistant HIV-1 DNA in Breast Milk After Single-Dose Nevirapine With or Without Zidovudine for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission.

PubMed

Gantt, Soren; Payant, Rachel; Carlsson, Jacquelyn; Micek, Mark A; Blanco, Ana Judith; Beck, Ingrid A; Matunha, Laurinda; Montoya, Pablo; Matediana, Eduardo; Gloyd, Stephen; Frenkel, Lisa M

2012-09-01

Among 30 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected women who received single-dose nevirapine (NVP), 17 (57%) had NVP-resistant HIV-1 detected in breast milk. NVP resistance in breast milk persisted for at least 8 months postpartum and was apparently transmitted to at least 1 infant. NVP resistance was detected less often in women who also received zidovudine. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

An accidental geophysical discovery of an Iron Age archaeological site on the western shore of Lake Baikal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozhevnikov, Nikolai O.; Kharinsky, Arthur V.; Kozhevnikov, Oleg K.

2001-06-01

Slowly decaying transients were measured during a TEM survey over crystalline metamorphic rocks in the vicinity of the village of Chernorud, on the western shore of Lake Baikal. Once converted to apparent resistivities, these transients resulted in values of about 2-5 Ω m. Because neither in-field nor laboratory DC resistivity measurements indicate conductive rocks, the TEM results are confusing. It is hypothesized that the anomalous transients were caused by the relaxation of the magnetization of extremely fine ferri- and/or ferromagnetic particles concentrated in the near-surface layer. In 1997, in the soil thrown out of a gopher burrow, slags and charcoal fragments were found which suggested ancient metallurgical activity. Despite the slags being electrically poorly conductive, once placed into a small coil, they produced slowly decaying transients caused by magnetic viscosity effects. On the basis of their chemical and mineral composition, the Chernorud site slags proved to be identical to those which are known to have been formed during the production of iron in ancient bloomery furnaces. An excavation carried out at the site of the gopher burrow resulted in the discovery of a large bloomery furnace, much slag, charcoal, and baked clay fragments. In 1999, reconnaissance magnetic field and galvanic resistivity profiling measurements were conducted, focused on the site's archaeological potential. Data were taken over a 96×100 m area at 4 m intervals along parallel profiles spaced at 4 m. The magnetic field contour and surface maps exhibited an isometrically shaped positive anomaly with an amplitude of 40-50 nT, that was 30-40 m in diameter. The bloomery and other archaeometallurgical structures fall within the central part of the magnetic anomaly. The galvanic profiling has revealed a resistivity high (1000-1500 Ω m against 300-500 Ω m) which might be attributed to ancient human activity. Radiocarbon dating of three charcoal fragments sampled during the excavation from different depth intervals has given uncalibrated ages of 1915±35, 2050±35 and 2180±30 years BP. These results make it apparent that the Iron Age on the western shore of Lake Baikal started about 700-900 years earlier than is generally accepted. Occurrence of slags over an area of no less than 15 ha suggests that iron production in the Barun-Khal valley was performed on a large scale.

On the theory of gaseous transport to plant canopies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bache, D. H.

Solutions of the convection-diffusion equations are developed to show the relationship between bulk transport parameters affecting gaseous transfer to plant canopies and local rates of transfer within the canopy. Foliage density is considered to be uniform and the drag coefficient of elements is specified by cd = γu- n with u as the local wind-speed and γ and n constants. Under conditions of high surface resistance, the bulk deposition velocity at the top of the canopy vg( h) approaches a limit defined by v g(h) = v̂gL p(1-ψ v̂gL p/u ∗) , where v̂g is the local deposition rate, Lp the effective foliage area, u ∗ the friction velocity and ψ a structure coefficient. From this, a criterion is proposed for defining the conditions in which the local resistances may be added in parallel. Comparisons with the external model for the bulk transport resistance rp = ra + rb + rc (where r p = 1/v g(h) and ra is a diffusive resistance between the apparent momentum sink and height h) shows that the bulk surface resistance r c = r̂s/L p( r̂s being a local surface resistance due to internal properties of the surface) and r b = overliner̂p-r a, appearing as an excess aerodynamic component; overliner̂p refers to the depth-averaged value of r̂p—the resistance to transfer through the laminar sublayer enveloping individual canopy elements. In conditions of zero surface resistance the bulk transport rate rp, o can be specified by r p,o/r a = E( r̂p/r̂∗) hq with E and q as constants, the term r̂p/r̂∗ referring to the resistances to mass and momentum transfer to canopy elements. A general expression is formulated for the sublayer Stanton number B -1  r bu ∗ at the extremes of high and zero surface resistance. In conditions of low surface resistance, it is shown that the terms rb + rc cannot be conveniently separated into equivalent aerodynamic and surface components as at the limit of high surface resistance. This conclusion is a departure from previous analyses and emphasizes the hidden dangers of adding resistances 'in parallel' in conditions of low surface resistance.

Parasites resistant to the antimalarial atovaquone fail to transmit by mosquitoes.

PubMed

Goodman, Christopher D; Siregar, Josephine E; Mollard, Vanessa; Vega-Rodríguez, Joel; Syafruddin, Din; Matsuoka, Hiroyuki; Matsuzaki, Motomichi; Toyama, Tomoko; Sturm, Angelika; Cozijnsen, Anton; Jacobs-Lorena, Marcelo; Kita, Kiyoshi; Marzuki, Sangkot; McFadden, Geoffrey I

2016-04-15

Drug resistance compromises control of malaria. Here, we show that resistance to a commonly used antimalarial medication, atovaquone, is apparently unable to spread. Atovaquone pressure selects parasites with mutations in cytochrome b, a respiratory protein with low but essential activity in the mammalian blood phase of the parasite life cycle. Resistance mutations rescue parasites from the drug but later prove lethal in the mosquito phase, where parasites require full respiration. Unable to respire efficiently, resistant parasites fail to complete mosquito development, arresting their life cycle. Because cytochrome b is encoded by the maternally inherited parasite mitochondrion, even outcrossing with wild-type strains cannot facilitate spread of resistance. Lack of transmission suggests that resistance will be unable to spread in the field, greatly enhancing the utility of atovaquone in malaria control. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Utility of Clinical Parameters and Multiparametric MRI as Predictive Factors for Differentiating Uterine Sarcoma From Atypical Leiomyoma.

PubMed

Bi, Qiu; Xiao, Zhibo; Lv, Fajin; Liu, Yao; Zou, Chunxia; Shen, Yiqing

2018-02-05

The objective of this study was to find clinical parameters and qualitative and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for differentiating uterine sarcoma from atypical leiomyoma (ALM) preoperatively and to calculate predictive values for uterine sarcoma. Data from 60 patients with uterine sarcoma and 88 patients with ALM confirmed by surgery and pathology were collected. Clinical parameters, qualitative MRI features, diffusion-weighted imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient values, and quantitative parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of these two tumor types were compared. Predictive values for uterine sarcoma were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Patient clinical manifestations, tumor locations, margins, T2-weighted imaging signals, mean apparent diffusion coefficient values, minimum apparent diffusion coefficient values, and time-signal intensity curves of solid tumor components were obvious significant parameters for distinguishing between uterine sarcoma and ALM (all P <.001). Abnormal vaginal bleeding, tumors located mainly in the uterine cavity, ill-defined tumor margins, and mean apparent diffusion coefficient values of <1.272 × 10 -3  mm 2 /s were significant preoperative predictors of uterine sarcoma. When the overall scores of these four predictors were greater than or equal to 7 points, the sensitivity, the specificity, the accuracy, and the positive and negative predictive values were 88.9%, 99.9%, 95.7%, 97.0%, and 95.1%, respectively. The use of clinical parameters and multiparametric MRI as predictive factors was beneficial for diagnosing uterine sarcoma preoperatively. These findings could be helpful for guiding treatment decisions. Copyright © 2018 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tools for proximal soil sensing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proximal soil sensing (i.e. near-surface geophysical methods) are used to study soil phenomena across spatial scales. Geophysical methods exploit contrasts in physical properties (dielectric permittivity, apparent electrical conductivity or resistivity, magnetic susceptibility) to indirectly measur...

Estimating SPT-N Value Based on Soil Resistivity using Hybrid ANN-PSO Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Asmawisham Alel, Mohd; Ruben Anak Upom, Mark; Asnida Abdullah, Rini; Hazreek Zainal Abidin, Mohd

2018-04-01

Standard Penetration Resistance (N value) is used in many empirical geotechnical engineering formulas. Meanwhile, soil resistivity is a measure of soil’s resistance to electrical flow. For a particular site, usually, only a limited N value data are available. In contrast, resistivity data can be obtained extensively. Moreover, previous studies showed evidence of a correlation between N value and resistivity value. Yet, no existing method is able to interpret resistivity data for estimation of N value. Thus, the aim is to develop a method for estimating N-value using resistivity data. This study proposes a hybrid Artificial Neural Network-Particle Swarm Optimization (ANN-PSO) method to estimate N value using resistivity data. Five different ANN-PSO models based on five boreholes were developed and analyzed. The performance metrics used were the coefficient of determination, R2 and mean absolute error, MAE. Analysis of result found that this method can estimate N value (R2 best=0.85 and MAEbest=0.54) given that the constraint, Δ {\\bar{l}}ref, is satisfied. The results suggest that ANN-PSO method can be used to estimate N value with good accuracy.

Magnetotelluric Investigations in Tuwa-Godhra Region, Gujarat (India)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohan, Kapil; Chaudhary, Peush; Kumar, G. Pavan; Kothyari, Girish Ch.; Choudhary, Virender; Nagar, Mehul; Patel, Pruthul; Gandhi, Drasti; Kushwaha, Dilip; Rastogi, B. K.

2018-05-01

Magnetotelluric (MT) data have been acquired at 40 locations in Tuwa and its surrounding region (200 km east of Ahmedabad and 15 km north-northwest of Godhra) in the Mainland Gujarat with an average station spacing of 1.5 km. MT impedance tensors have been estimated in the period range of 0.001-100 s. The data have been modeled using non-linear conjugate gradient scheme taking both apparent resistivity and phase into account. From the 2D models of the MT data, the weathered granite with Quaternary sediments (with resistivity of < 700 Ω m) have been inferred up to a depth of 500 m followed by Godhra granite (having resistivity up to 105 Ω m) with a thickness 6.5 km. The Aravalli supergroup has been inferred below Godhra granite. The Lunavada group of rocks have been inferred in the eastern part of the study area (having resistivity value ranging from 103 to 104 Ω m) separated from the Godhra granite by a contact zone. The comparatively very low-resistivity rocks (< 400 Ω m) of Udaipur formation followed by Paleoproterozoic carbonate rocks with fluid have been inferred below 8-10 km depth. The percolation of water from the surface through the contact zone of Lunavada and Champaner groups has been suggested. The presence of hot water springs in 10 km SW from the center of the study area (at the contact zone of Godhra granite and basalt) might be due to the western trending lithostratigraphic slope, hydrostatic pressure generated due to heat produced from interaction of water with the carbonate rocks at deeper depth and high subsurface temperature due to high geothermal gradient. The segmented nature of Himmatnagar Fault (HnF) is identified in the central portion of the study area.

Structure-activity relationship of antiparasitic and cytotoxic indoloquinoline alkaloids, and their tricyclic and bicyclic analogues.

PubMed

Van Baelen, Gitte; Hostyn, Steven; Dhooghe, Liene; Tapolcsányi, Pál; Mátyus, Péter; Lemière, Guy; Dommisse, Roger; Kaiser, Marcel; Brun, Reto; Cos, Paul; Maes, Louis; Hajós, György; Riedl, Zsuzsanna; Nagy, Ildikó; Maes, Bert U W; Pieters, Luc

2009-10-15

Based on the indoloquinoline alkaloids cryptolepine (1), neocryptolepine (2), isocryptolepine (3) and isoneocryptolepine (4), used as lead compounds for new antimalarial agents, a series of tricyclic and bicyclic analogues, including carbolines, azaindoles, pyrroloquinolines and pyrroloisoquinolines was synthesized and biologically evaluated. None of the bicyclic compounds was significantly active against the chloroquine-resistant strain Plasmodium falciparum K1, in contrast to the tricyclic derivatives. The tricyclic compound 2-methyl-2H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (9), or 2-methyl-beta-carboline, showed the best in vitro activity, with an IC(50) value of 0.45 microM against P. falciparum K1, without apparent cytotoxicity against L6 cells (SI>1000). However, this compound was not active in the Plasmodium berghei mouse model. Structure-activity relationships are discussed and compared with related naturally occurring compounds.

Modelling bioaccumulation of semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) from air in plants based on allometric principles.

PubMed

Steyaert, Nils L L; Hauck, Mara; Van Hulle, Stijn W H; Hendriks, A Jan

2009-10-01

A model was developed for gaseous plant-air exchange of semi-volatile organic compounds. Based on previous soil-plant modelling, uptake and elimination kinetics were scaled as a function of plant mass and octanol-air partition ratios. Exchange of chemicals was assumed to be limited by resistances encountered during diffusion through a laminar boundary layer of air and permeation through the cuticle of the leaf. The uptake rate constant increased and the elimination rate constant decreased with the octanol-air partition ratio both apparently levelling off at high values. Differences in kinetics between species could be explained by their masses. Validation on independent data showed that bio-concentration factors of PCBs, chlorobenzenes and other chemicals were predicted well by the model. For pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins deviations occurred.

Use of apparent thickness for preprocessing of low-frequency electromagnetic data in inversion-based multibarrier evaluation workflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, Saad; Omeragic, Dzevat

2018-04-01

The concept of apparent thicknesses is introduced for the inversion-based, multicasing evaluation interpretation workflow using multifrequency and multispacing electromagnetic measurements. A thickness value is assigned to each measurement, enabling the development of two new preprocessing algorithms to remove casing collar artifacts. First, long-spacing apparent thicknesses are used to remove, from the pipe sections, artifacts ("ghosts") caused by the transmitter crossing a casing collar or corrosion. Second, a collar identification, localization, and assignment algorithm is developed to enable robust inversion in collar sections. Last, casing eccentering can also be identified on the basis of opposite deviation of short-spacing phase and magnitude apparent thicknesses from the nominal value. The proposed workflow can handle an arbitrary number of nested casings and has been validated on synthetic and field data.

Ugly bugs in healthy guts! Carriage of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing commensal Enterobacteriaceae in the intestine of healthy Nepalese adults.

PubMed

Maharjan, Anjila; Bhetwal, Anjeela; Shakya, Shreena; Satyal, Deepa; Shah, Shashikala; Joshi, Govardhan; Khanal, Puspa Raj; Parajuli, Narayan Prasad

2018-01-01

Fecal carriage of multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is one of the important risk factors for infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this report, we examined the prevalence of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing common enterobacterial strains colonizing the intestinal tract of apparently healthy adults in Kathmandu, Nepal. During a 6-month period (February-July 2016), a total of 510 stool specimens were obtained from apparently healthy students of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal. Stool specimens were cultured, and the most common enterobacterial isolates ( Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests according to the standard microbiologic guidelines. Multidrug-resistant isolates were selected for ESBL confirmation by combined disk test and E-test methods. Molecular characterization of plasmid-borne ESBL genes was performed by using specific primers of cefotaximase Munich (CTX-M), sulfhydryl variant (SHV), and temoniera (TEM) by polymerase chain reaction. Among 510 bacterial strains, E. coli (432, 84.71%) was the predominant organism followed by Klebsiella oxytoca (48, 9.41%) and K. pneumoniae (30, 5.88%). ESBLs were isolated in 9.8% of the total isolates including K. oxytoca (29.17%), E. coli (7.87%), and K. pneumoniae (6.67%). Among ESBLs, bla -TEM was the predominant type (92%) followed by bla -CTX-M (60%) and bla -SHV (4%). Multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing enterobacterial commensal strains among healthy individuals are of serious concern. Persistent carriage of ESBL organisms in healthy individuals suggests the possibility of sustained ESBL carriage among the diseased and hospitalized patients. We recommend similar types of epidemiologic surveys in larger communities and in hospital settings to ascertain the extent of ESBL resistance.

Detection of anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goat against fenbendazole by faecal egg count reduction test.

PubMed

Singh, Ramandeep; Bal, M S; Singla, L D; Kaur, Paramjit

2017-06-01

Anthelmintic resistance against commonly used anthelmintic fenbendazole was evaluated by employing faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in naturally occurring gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes in the semi organized sheep and goat farms of Ludhiana and Amritsar districts. A total of 80 animals (20 each for sheep and goat in both districts) were randomly selected and their faecal samples were examined by qualitative and quantitative parasitological techniques. Results indicate presence of high level of resistance against fenbendazole in both sheep and goat population of Ludhiana and Amritsar districts. More resistance was observed in the GI nematodes from animals reared in Amritsar district as compared to Ludhiana district. The level of anthelmintic resistance observed was apparently more in sheep than goats.

New flange correction formula applied to interfacial resistance measurements of ohmic contacts to GaAs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lieneweg, Udo; Hannaman, David J.

1987-01-01

A quasi-two-dimensional analytical model is developed to account for vertical and horizontal current flow in and adjacent to a square ohmic contact between a metal and a thin semiconducting strip which is wider than the contact. The model includes side taps to the contact area for voltage probing and relates the 'apparent' interfacial resistivity to the (true) interfacial resistivity, the sheet resistance of the semiconducting layer, the contact size, and the width of the 'flange' around the contact. This relation is checked against numerical simulations. With the help of the model, interfacial resistivities of ohmic contacts to GaAs were extracted and found independent of contact size in the range of 1.5-10 microns.

High resolution electrical resistivity tomography of golf course greens irrigated with reclaimed wastewater: Hydrological approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tapias, Josefina C.; Lovera, Raúl; Himi, Mahjoub; Gallardo, Helena; Sendrós, Alexandre; Marguí, Eva; Queralt, Ignasi; Casas, Albert

2014-05-01

Actually, there are over 300 golf courses and more than three thousand licensed players in Spain. For this reason golf cannot be considered simply a hobby or a sport, but a very significant economic activity. Considered as one of the most rapidly expanding land-use and water demanding business in the Mediterranean, golf course development generates controversy. In the recent years there has been a considerable demand for golf courses to adopt environmentally sustainable strategies and particularly water authorities are forcing by law golf managers to irrigate with alternative water resources, mainly reclaimed wastewater. Watering practices must be based on soil properties that are characterized by samples removed from the different zones of the golf course and submitted to an accredited physical soil testing laboratory. Watering schedules are critical on greens with poor drainage or on greens with excessively high infiltration rates. The geophysical survey was conducted over the greens of the Girona Golf Club. Eighteen electrical resistivity tomographies were acquired using a mixed Wenner-Schlumberger configuration with electrodes placed 0.5 meter apart. Small stainless-steel nails were used as electrodes to avoid any damage in the fine turfgrass of greens The resistivity meter was set for systematically and automatically selects current electrodes and measurement electrodes to sample apparent resistivity values. Particle size analysis (PSA) has been performed on soil materials of any putting green. The PSA analysis has been composed of two distinct phases. The first has been the textural analysis of the soils for determining the content of sand, silt, and clay fraction via the use of a stack of sieves with decreasing sized openings from the top sieve to the bottom. Subsequently, the hydraulic conductivity of the substrates has been evaluated by means of Bredding and Hazen empirical relationships. The results of this research show that the electrical resistivity tomography is a non-invasive and cost-effective technique for high resolution characterizing the subsurface below golf course greens. The obtained models have provided detailed information on the lateral and vertical variability of each the subsurface and from an empirical correlation between the values of electrical resistivity and hydraulic permeability to assess the preferred areas of drainage that could pose in risk to the vulnerability of the underlying aquifers.

Electrical resistivity imaging study of near-surface infiltration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lampousis, Angelos

High resolution electrical resistivity images (ERI method) were obtained during vadose zone infiltration experiments on agricultural soils in cooperation with Cornell University's Agricultural Stewardship Program, Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Extension Education Center, Riverhead, New York [ as well as Cornell University's Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center (LIHREC) in Riverhead, New York]. One natural soil was also studied. Infiltration was monitored by means of image analysis of two-dimensional array resistivity generated by a Syscal Kid Switch resistivity system (Griffiths et al., 1990). The data was inverted with the computer program RES2DINV (Loke, 2004). The agricultural soils considered were Riverhead sandy loam (RdA), Haven loam (HaA), and Bridgehampton silt loam (BgA). The natural site was located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. The soils there are classified as Schoharie silty clay loam. The electrical images of the three sites were compared against established soil properties, including particle size distribution, available water capacity, and soluble salts (from the literature), as well as against site-specific soil samples and penetrometer data, which were collected along with the geophysical measurements. This research evaluates the potential of acquiring high resolution, non-destructive measurements of infiltration in the uppermost 1.5 meter of the vadose zone. The results demonstrate that resistivity differences can detect infiltration in soils typical of the north-eastern United States. Temporal and spatial variations of soil water content in the upper 1.5 meters (relevant to agriculture) of the subsurface can be monitored successfully and non-destructively with ERI. The sensitivity of the method is higher in subsurface environments that demonstrate high overall apparent resistivity values (e.g. high sand content). Under conditions of increased soil heterogeneity, instead of the formation of a continuous water plume as occurred in the homogeneous agricultural soils, the location of the infiltrated water seems to be highly influenced by the soil heterogeneity, and the water front is scattered into discontinuous layers and travels in additional directions. The geophysical results during infiltration correlate well with soil compaction data. It follows that the ERI method can be used as a proxy for soil compaction and water content variations in agricultural applications. In a natural environment, ERI successfully maps the tree root zone of mature trees. Applications include continuous water content monitoring in high value cash crops, such as viticulture (precision agriculture).

Conductive films of silver nanoparticles as novel susceptors for induction welding of thermoplastic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dermanaki Farahani, Rouhollah; Janier, Mathieu; Dubé, Martine

2018-03-01

In the present work, a conductive film of silver nanoparticles (nAg) as a novel heating element type, called susceptor, was developed and tested for induction welding of carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) thermoplastic composites, i.e., unidirectional pre-impregnated 16 plies of CF/PPS compression-molded in a quasi-isotropic stacking sequence. The nAg were synthesized, dispersed in deionized (DI) water and casted onto a pure PPS film, resulting in a conductive film upon the evaporation of DI water and thermal post-annealing. The thermal annealing at 250 °C significantly (by 7 orders) decreased the film’s electrical resistivity from 9.4 × 103 down to 3.1 × 10-4 Ω cm. The new susceptors led to fast heating rates in induction welding when compared to the standard stainless steel mesh susceptors under similar welding conditions. Lap shear mechanical testing revealed that the apparent lap shear strength (LSS) is sensitive to the susceptors’ resistivity and the input current. A relatively high LSS value was achieved for the specimens welded using the new susceptors which exceeded the value of those welded using stainless steel mesh susceptors (28.3 MPa compared to 20 MPa). The weld interface and specimens’ cross-section observation revealed that the nAg were dispersed and embedded into the resin upon welding. This study contains preliminary results that show high potential of nanoparticles as effective susceptors to further improve the mechanical performance of the joints in welding of thermoplastic composites.

Tertiary work-up of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension.

PubMed

Heimark, Sondre; Eskås, Per Anders; Mariampillai, Julian Eek; Larstorp, Anne Cecilie K; Høieggen, Aud; Fadl Elmula, Fadl Elmula M

2016-10-01

Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) has regained attention with development of new methods for treatment. However, the prevalence of TRH varies considerably from primary to secondary and tertiary care. We aimed to assess the prevalence of true TRH in a population of patients with apparent TRH in a university hospital setting of tertiary work-up and also investigate reasons for poor BP control and evaluate how work-up can be performed in general practice and secondary care. In this cohort study, we characterize a study population from Oslo Renal Denervation (RDN) Study. Patients (n = 83) were referred for RDN from secondary care. All patients underwent thorough medical investigation and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements (24ABPM) after directly observed therapy (DOT). We then assessed reasons for lack of BP control. Fifty-three of 83 patients did not have true TRH. Main reasons for non-TRH were poor drug adherence (32%), secondary hypertension (30%) and white coat hypertension (15%). Forty-seven percent achieved blood pressure control after DOT with subsequent 24ABPM. There were otherwise no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics between the true TRH and the non-TRH group. Despite being a highly selected cohort referred for tertiary work-up of apparent TRH, BP control was achieved or secondary causes were identified in almost two thirds of the patients. Thorough investigation according to guidelines and DOT with subsequent 24ABPM is needed in work-up of apparent TRH.

Time-domain electromagnetic soundings collected in Dawson County, Nebraska, 2007-09

USGS Publications Warehouse

Payne, Jason; Teeple, Andrew

2011-01-01

Between April 2007 and November 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Central Platte Natural Resources District, collected time-domain electro-magnetic (TDEM) soundings at 14 locations in Dawson County, Nebraska. The TDEM soundings provide information pertaining to the hydrogeology at each of 23 sites at the 14 locations; 30 TDEM surface geophysical soundings were collected at the 14 locations to develop smooth and layered-earth resistivity models of the subsurface at each site. The soundings yield estimates of subsurface electrical resistivity; variations in subsurface electrical resistivity can be correlated with hydrogeologic and stratigraphic units. Results from each sounding were used to calculate resistivity to depths of approximately 90-130 meters (depending on loop size) below the land surface. Geonics Protem 47 and 57 systems, as well as the Alpha Geoscience TerraTEM, were used to collect the TDEM soundings (voltage data from which resistivity is calculated). For each sounding, voltage data were averaged and evaluated statistically before inversion (inverse modeling). Inverse modeling is the process of creating an estimate of the true distribution of subsurface resistivity from the mea-sured apparent resistivity obtained from TDEM soundings. Smooth and layered-earth models were generated for each sounding. A smooth model is a vertical delineation of calculated apparent resistivity that represents a non-unique estimate of the true resistivity. Ridge regression (Interpex Limited, 1996) was used by the inversion software in a series of iterations to create a smooth model consisting of 24-30 layers for each sounding site. Layered-earth models were then generated based on results of smooth modeling. The layered-earth models are simplified (generally 1 to 6 layers) to represent geologic units with depth. Throughout the area, the layered-earth models range from 2 to 4 layers, depending on observed inflections in the raw data and smooth model inversions. The TDEM data collected were considered good results on the basis of root mean square errors calculated after inversion modeling, comparisons with borehole geophysical logging, and repeatability.

Observations of instability, hysteresis, and oscillation in low-Reynolds-number flow past polymer gels.

PubMed

Eggert, Matthew D; Kumar, Satish

2004-10-01

We perform a set of experiments to study the nonlinear nature of an instability that arises in low-Reynolds-number flow past polymer gels. A layer of a viscous liquid is placed on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) gel in a parallel-plate rheometer which is operated in stress-controlled mode. As the shear stress on the top plate increases, the apparent viscosity stays relatively constant until a transition stress where it sharply increases. If the stress is held at a level slightly above the transition stress, the apparent viscosity oscillates with time. If the stress is increased to a value above the transition stress and then decreased back to zero, the apparent viscosity shows hysteretic behavior. If the stress is instead decreased to a constant value and held there, the apparent viscosity is different from its pretransition value and exhibits sustained oscillations. This can happen even if the stress is held at values below the transition stress. Our observations suggest that the instability studied here is subcritical and leads to a flow that is oscillatory and far from viscometric. The phenomena reported here may be useful in applications such as microfluidics, membrane separations, and polymer processing. They may also provide insight into the rheological behavior of complex fluids that undergo flow-induced gelation.

Correlation of Resistivity Value with Geotechnical N-Value of Sedimentary Area in Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akip Tan, S. N. Mohd; Edy Tonnizam, M.; Saad, R.; Dan, M. F. Md; Nordiana, M. M.; Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Madun, A.

2018-04-01

Electrical resistivity survey and the geotechnical SPT blow counts (N-value) were carried out simultaneously on the tropically weathered sedimentary rock mass for an excavation project at Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia. This study aims to determine subsurface profile by using 2D-resistivity methods and correlate with N-value derived from boring works. Four boreholes were investigated in five survey lines that revealed the site is underlain by moderately to completely weathered sandstone, clay, silt and shale. Data analysis from 2D-resistivity image shows that zones with high resistivity value generally have high N-value, and vice versa. Five zones have inversed the proportional relation between N-value and resistivity Ωm value due to different types of soil lithology. It indicates that 2D-resistivity is significance to detect bodies of anomalous materials or estimating the depth of bedrock. As a conclusion, the integration of geophysical and geotechnical analysis provides a promise approach to understand some relationship concerning the subsurface subsurface ground through the combination of 2D-resistivity and N-value.

Kinetic study of the effects of calcium ions on cationic artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) peroxidase: calcium binding, steady-state kinetics and reactions with hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Hiner, Alexander N P; Sidrach, Lara; Chazarra, Soledad; Varón, Ramón; Tudela, José; García-Cánovas, Francisco; Rodríguez-López, José Neptuno

2004-01-01

The apparent catalytic constant (k(cat)) of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) peroxidase (AKPC) with 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) increased 130-fold in the presence of calcium ions (Ca2+) but the affinity (K(m)) of the enzyme for ABTS was 500 times lower than for Ca2+-free AKPC. AKPC is known to exhibit an equilibrium between 6-aquo hexa-coordinate and penta-coordinate forms of the haem iron that is modulated by Ca2+ and affects compound I formation. Measurements of the Ca2+ dissociation constant (K(D)) were complicated by the water-association/dissociation equilibrium yielding a global value more than 1000 times too high. The value for the Ca2+ binding step alone has now been determined to be K(D) approximately 10 nM. AKPC-Ca2+ was more resistant to inactivation by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and exhibited increased catalase activity. An analysis of the complex H(2)O(2) concentration dependent kinetics of Ca2+-free AKPC is presented.

Effect of high-pressure treatment on the structural and rheological properties of resistant corn starch/locust bean gum mixtures.

PubMed

Hussain, Raza; Vatankhah, Hamed; Singh, Ajaypal; Ramaswamy, Hosahalli S

2016-10-05

In this study, effects of a 30min high pressure (HP) treatment (200-600MPa) at room temperature on the rheological, thermal and morphological properties of resistant corn starch (RS) (5% w/w) and locust bean gum (LBG) (0.25, 0.50 and 1.0% w/v) dispersions were evaluated. Results showed that the storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G''), and apparent viscosity values of starch/gum (RS/LBG) mixtures were enhanced with an increase pressure level, and demonstrated a bi-phasic behavior. HP treated RS/LBG samples were predominantly either solid like (G'>G'') or viscous (G''>G'), depending on the pressure level and LBG concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the pressurized mixtures showed a major effect on gelatinization temperatures (To, Tp,), and it was observed that RS/LBG mixtures gelatinized completely at ≥400MPa with a 30min holding time. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images confirmed that at 600MPa, RS/LBG mixtures retained granular structures and their complete disintegration was not observed even at the endpoint of the gelatinization. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of a soluble cocoa fiber-enriched diet in Zucker fatty rats.

PubMed

Sánchez, David; Moulay, Leila; Muguerza, Begoña; Quiñones, Mar; Miguel, Marta; Aleixandre, Amaya

2010-06-01

The effects of a soluble cocoa fiber (SCF) were studied in Zucker fatty rats. Two groups of Zucker fatty rats were fed the following diets: standard diet and 5% SCF-enriched diet. A group of Zucker lean rats fed the standard diet was used for results comparison with obese Zucker animals. Solid and liquid intakes, body weight, plasma glucose, lipid profile, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were recorded weekly. At the end of the experimental period insulin was determined, and fat apparent digestibility (FAD) and insulin resistance were calculated. The Zucker fatty rats fed 5% SCF-enriched diet showed less weight gain and food intake than those fed the standard diet. The group fed the fiber-enriched diet showed lower values of the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and triglyceride levels than the standard group. FAD was also lower in the fiber group. Both SBP and DBP were decreased. In addition, SCF reduced plasma glucose and insulin, and as a consequence the insulin resistance was also decreased. Our data demonstrate that SCF resulted in an improvement of the studied risk factors associated with cardiometabolic disorders.

Formation MicroScanner (FMS) data and orbital cycle records: preliminary interpretation from the Asian Monsoon IODP Expedition 346

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johanna, Lofi; Grizel, Jimenez Soto; Ryuji, Tada; Murray Richard, W.; Alvarez Zarikian Carlos, A.; Martin, Ziegler

2015-04-01

Recently, IODP Expedition 346 (29 July-27 September 2013) drilled seven sites in in the marginal sea bordered by the Eurasian continent, the Korean Peninsula, and the Japanese Islands, as well as two closely spaced sites in the East China Sea. Expedition 346 was the first scientific drilling expedition ever to focus exclusively on the climate system in this region. During the expedition, the Formation MicroScanner (FMS) downhole logging tool was deployed, providing high-resolution electrical resistivity-based images of borehole walls. Features such as bedding, slump folding and bioturbation can be resolved. Here we analyze FMS image resistivity data collected at Site U1425 that extend back to the Miocene. Analysis allowed the recognition of several FMS intervals, with vertical extension ranging from several tens of centimeters to a few meters, with an apparent cyclicity. These FMS intervals correlate well with other downhole logs (Total Gamma Ray, Uranium, Thorium, Potassium and density). Conductive intervals generally correlate with low gamma ray and low density log values. Conversely, more resistive intervals generally correlate with higher values in the gamma ray and bulk density logs. This relationship can be interpreted in terms of the relative abundance of terrigenous clay/diatoms in the sediment. Clay has high K and Th contents and relatively higher density and lower porosity than higher diatom-rich sediment. Consequently, with the exception of sporadic ash and dolomite layers, conductive intervals in the FMS images tend to reflect intervals enriched in diatoms, whereas resistive intervals reflect relative high-terrigenous clay content. An apparent cyclic nature, with several orders of cycles on the FMS images, is locally clearly observed. The cyclic pattern consists of ~4-8 m thick resistive intervals alternating with conductive intervals, generally correlating in core with laminated (diatomite or carbonate rich) intervals. These conductive intervals often contain higher frequency, smaller scale interbedded layers. The transition between resistive and conductive intervals is marked by an intermediate level of medium conductivity in the FMS images, possibly indicating relative changes in productivity conditions. The FMS images have been interpreted in term of FMS facies (low, medium, high conductivity) and their thickness measured along a 100-m long interval since the late Miocene. Vertical changes in thickness of FMS facies are plotted vs. depth, and we propose an attempt of orbital tuning based on the Site U1425 preliminary age model. In the future, the FMS data will be compared to other proxies measured on cores, and physical and chemical properties of sediments such as color reflectance or XRF data. This research project is undertaken as part of IODP Expedition 346. IODP Expedition 346 Scientists: W.T. Anderson, M.-A. Bassetti, B.J. Brace, S.C. Clemens, G.R. Dickens, A.G. Dunlea, S.J. Gallagher, L.Giosan, M.H. da Costa Gurgel, A.C.G. Henderson, A.E. Holbourn, K. Ikehara, T. Irino, T. Itaki, A. Karasuda, C.W. Kinsley, Y. Kubota, G.S. Lee, K.E. Lee, C.I.C.D. Lopes, M. Saavedra Pellitero, L.C. Peterson, T. Sagawa, R.K. Singh, S. Sugisaki, S. Toucanne, S. Wan, C. Xuan, H. Zheng, C.H. Lee

Rules of Thumb for Depth of Investigation, Pseudo-Position and Resolution of the Electrical Resistivity Method from Analysis of the Moments of the Sensitivity Function for a Homogeneous Half-Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, S. L.

2017-12-01

The electrical resistivity method is now highly developed with 2D and even 3D surveys routinely performed and with available fast inversion software. However, rules of thumb, based on simple mathematical formulas, for important quantities like depth of investigation, horizontal position and resolution have not previously been available and would be useful for survey planning, preliminary interpretation and general education about the method. In this contribution, I will show that the sensitivity function for the resistivity method for a homogeneous half-space can be analyzed in terms of its first and second moments which yield simple mathematical formulas. The first moment gives the sensitivity-weighted center of an apparent resistivity measurement with the vertical center being an estimate of the depth of investigation. I will show that this depth of investigation estimate works at least as well as previous estimates based on the peak and median of the depth sensitivity function which must be calculated numerically for a general four electrode array. The vertical and horizontal first moments can also be used as pseudopositions when plotting 1, 2 and 3D pseudosections. The appropriate horizontal plotting point for a pseudosection was not previously obvious for nonsymmetric arrays. The second moments of the sensitivity function give estimates of the spatial extent of the region contributing to an apparent resistivity measurement and hence are measures of the resolution. These also have simple mathematical formulas.

Apparent mineralcorticoid excess syndrome, an often forgotten or unrecognized cause of hypokalemia and hypertension: case report and appraisal of the pathophysiology.

PubMed

Bisogni, Valeria; Rossi, Gian Paolo; Calò, Lorenzo A

2014-06-01

The glicyrrhizic acid, contained in licorice, has a mineralcorticoid-like effect. Chronic excess intake of licorice induces the rare syndrome of "apparent mineralcorticoid excess", due to the inhibitory effect of glicyrrhizic acid on 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 determining clinical/biochemical manifestations as resistant hypertension, metabolic alkalosis and severe hypokalemia. We report a typical clinical case of licorice abuse to emphasize the importance of a detailed anamnesis, which is essential for the diagnosis, avoid unnecessary and expensive investigations, and reduce the duration of hospitalization. We also provide an appraisal of the pathophysiology of "apparent mineralcorticoid excess" syndrome, still an often forgotten or unrecognized cause of hypokalemia and hypertension.

THE RESISTANCE TO $gamma$ RADIATION OF THE WORKER BEE (in French)

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

Courtois, G.; Lecomte, J.

The worker bee which has been subjected to gamma radiation from a Co/ sup 60/ source can withstand without apparent physical damage a dose of 18,000 r. At 90,000 r there is, however, appreciable damage. At a dose of 200,000 r, death is immediate in 100% of the cases. The physiological state of the bee plays an important role in determining its resistance to gamma radiation. (auth)

Nearly extremal apparent horizons in simulations of merging black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovelace, Geoffrey; Scheel, Mark A.; Owen, Robert; Giesler, Matthew; Katebi, Reza; Szilágyi, Béla; Chu, Tony; Demos, Nicholas; Hemberger, Daniel A.; Kidder, Lawrence E.; Pfeiffer, Harald P.; Afshari, Nousha

2015-03-01

The spin angular momentum S of an isolated Kerr black hole is bounded by the surface area A of its apparent horizon: 8π S≤slant A, with equality for extremal black holes. In this paper, we explore the extremality of individual and common apparent horizons for merging, rapidly spinning binary black holes. We consider simulations of merging black holes with equal masses M and initial spin angular momenta aligned with the orbital angular momentum, including new simulations with spin magnitudes up to S/{{M}2}=0.994. We measure the area and (using approximate Killing vectors) the spin on the individual and common apparent horizons, finding that the inequality 8π S\\lt A is satisfied in all cases but is very close to equality on the common apparent horizon at the instant it first appears. We also evaluate the Booth-Fairhurst extremality, whose value for a given apparent horizon depends on the scaling of the horizon’s null normal vectors. In particular, we introduce a gauge-invariant lower bound on the extremality by computing the smallest value that Booth and Fairhurst’s extremality parameter can take for any scaling. Using this lower bound, we conclude that the common horizons are at least moderately close to extremal just after they appear. Finally, following Lovelace et al (2008 Phys. Rev. D 78 084017), we construct quasiequilibrium binary-black hole initial data with ‘overspun’ marginally trapped surfaces with 8π S\\gt A. We show that the overspun surfaces are indeed superextremal: our lower bound on their Booth-Fairhurst extremality exceeds unity. However, we confirm that these superextremal surfaces are always surrounded by marginally outer trapped surfaces (i.e., by apparent horizons) with 8π S\\lt A. The extremality lower bound on the enclosing apparent horizon is always less than unity but can exceed the value for an extremal Kerr black hole.

Effect of substrate roughness on the apparent surface free energy of sputter deposited superhydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene coatings: A comparison of experimental data with different theoretical models

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

Selvakumar, N.; Barshilia, Harish C.; Rajam, K. S.

2010-07-15

We have studied the effect of substrate roughness on the wettability and the apparent surface free energy (SFE) of sputter deposited polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings deposited on untreated glass (average roughness, R{sub a}=2.0 nm), plasma etched glass (R{sub a}=7.4 nm), and sandblasted glass (R{sub a}=4500 nm) substrates. The wettability of the PTFE coatings deposited on substrates with varying roughnesses was evaluated by measuring the apparent contact angle (CA) using a series of probe liquids from nonpolar aprotic to polar protic. The wettability measurements indicate that an apparent water CA of 152 deg. with a sliding angle of 8 deg. was achievedmore » for PTFE coatings deposited on a substrate with R{sub a}=4500 nm. The superhydrophobicity observed in these coatings is attributed to the presence of dual scale roughness, densely packed microstructure and the presence of CF{sub 3} groups. Unlike the bulk PTFE which is mainly dispersive, the sputter deposited PTFE coatings are expected to have some degree of polar component due to the plasma treatment. In order to calculate the dispersive SFE of PTFE coatings, we have used the Girifalco-Good-Fowkes (GGF) method and validated it with the Zisman model. Furthermore, the Owens-Wendt model has been used to calculate the dispersive and the polar components of the apparent SFE of the PTFE coatings. These results are further corroborated using the Fowkes method. Finally, an ''equation of state'' theory proposed by Neumann has been used to calculate the apparent SFE values of the PTFE coatings. The results indicate that the apparent SFE values of the PTFE coatings obtained from the Owens-Wendt and the Fowkes methods are comparable to those obtained from the Neumann's method. The analyses further demonstrate that the GGF and the Zisman methods underestimate the apparent SFE values of the sputter deposited PTFE coatings.« less

Carbon dioxide stripping in aquaculture. part 1: terminology and reporting

USGS Publications Warehouse

Colt, John; Watten, Barnaby; Pfeiffer, Tim

2012-01-01

The removal of carbon dioxide gas in aquacultural systems is much more complex than for oxygen or nitrogen gas because of liquid reactions of carbon dioxide and their kinetics. Almost all published carbon dioxide removal information for aquaculture is based on the apparent removal value after the CO2(aq) + HOH ⇔ H2CO3 reaction has reached equilibrium. The true carbon dioxide removal is larger than the apparent value, especially for high alkalinities and seawater. For low alkalinity freshwaters (<2000 μeq/kg), the difference between the true and apparent removal is small and can be ignored for many applications. Analytical and reporting standards are recommended to improve our understanding of carbon dioxide removal.

Comparison of soil thickness in a zero-order basin in the Oregon Coast Range using a soil probe and electrical resistivity tomography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morse, Michael S.; Lu, Ning; Godt, Jonathan W.; Revil, André; Coe, Jeffrey A.

2012-01-01

Accurate estimation of the soil thickness distribution in steepland drainage basins is essential for understanding ecosystem and subsurface response to infiltration. One important aspect of this characterization is assessing the heavy and antecedent rainfall conditions that lead to shallow landsliding. In this paper, we investigate the direct current (DC) resistivity method as a tool for quickly estimating soil thickness over a steep (33–40°) zero-order basin in the Oregon Coast Range, a landslide prone region. Point measurements throughout the basin showed bedrock depths between 0.55 and 3.2 m. Resistivity of soil and bedrock samples collected from the site was measured for degrees of saturation between 40 and 92%. Resistivity of the soil was typically higher than that of the bedrock for degrees of saturation lower than 70%. Results from the laboratory measurements and point-depth measurements were used in a numerical model to evaluate the resistivity contrast at the soil-bedrock interface. A decreasing-with-depth resistivity contrast was apparent at the interface in the modeling results. At the field site, three transects were surveyed where coincident ground truth measurements of bedrock depth were available, to test the accuracy of the method. The same decreasing-with-depth resistivity trend that was apparent in the model was also present in the survey data. The resistivity contour of between 1,000 and 2,000 Ωm that marked the top of the contrast was our interpreted bedrock depth in the survey data. Kriged depth-to-bedrock maps were created from both the field-measured ground truth obtained with a soil probe and interpreted depths from the resistivity tomography, and these were compared for accuracy graphically. Depths were interpolated as far as 16.5 m laterally from the resistivity survey lines with root mean squared error (RMSE) = 27 cm between the measured and interpreted depth at those locations. Using several transects and analysis of the subsurface material properties, the direct current (DC) resistivity method is shown to be able to delineate bedrock depth trends within the drainage basin.

Long-term trends in Anopheles gambiae insecticide resistance in Côte d'Ivoire.

PubMed

Edi, Constant A V; Koudou, Benjamin G; Bellai, Louise; Adja, Akre M; Chouaibou, Mouhamadou; Bonfoh, Bassirou; Barry, Sarah J E; Johnson, Paul C D; Müller, Pie; Dongus, Stefan; N'Goran, Eliezer K; Ranson, Hilary; Weetman, David

2014-11-28

Malaria control is heavily dependent on the use of insecticides that target adult mosquito vectors via insecticide treated nets (ITNs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS). Four classes of insecticide are approved for IRS but only pyrethroids are available for ITNs. The rapid rise in insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors has raised alarms about the sustainability of existing malaria control activities. This problem might be particularly acute in Côte d'Ivoire where resistance to all four insecticide classes has recently been recorded. Here we investigate temporal trends in insecticide resistance across the ecological zones of Côte d'Ivoire to determine whether apparent pan-African patterns of increasing resistance are detectable and consistent across insecticides and areas. We combined data on insecticide resistance from a literature review, and bioassays conducted on field-caught Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes for the four WHO-approved insecticide classes for ITN/IRS. The data were then mapped using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the IR mapper tool to provide spatial and temporal distribution data on insecticide resistance in An. gambiae sensu lato from Côte d'Ivoire between 1993 and 2014. Bioassay mortality decreased over time for all insecticide classes, though with significant spatiotemporal variation, such that stronger declines were observed in the southern ecological zone for DDT and pyrethroids than in the central zone, but with an apparently opposite effect for the carbamate and organophosphate. Variation in relative abundance of the molecular forms, coupled with dramatic increase in kdr 1014F frequency in M forms (An. coluzzii) seems likely to be a contributory factor to these patterns. Although records of resistance across insecticide classes have become more common, the number of classes tested in studies has also increased, precluding a conclusion that multiple resistance has also increased. Our analyses attempted synthesis of 22 years of bioassay data from Côte d'Ivoire, and despite a number of caveats and potentially confounding variables, suggest significant but spatially-variable temporal trends in insecticide resistance. In the light of such spatio-temporal dynamics, regular, systematic and spatially-expanded monitoring is warranted to provide accurate information on insecticide resistance for control programme management.

Development of apparent viscosity test for hot-poured crack sealants.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-11-01

Current crack sealant specifications focuses on utilizing simple empirical tests such as penetration, : resilience, flow, and bonding to cement concrete briquettes (ASTM D3405) to measure the ability of the material : to resist cohesive and adhesion ...

Testing the apparent resistance of three dominant plants to chronic drought on the Colorado Plateau

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoover, David L.; Duniway, Michael C.; Belnap, Jayne

2016-01-01

Many drylands, including the south-western United States, are projected to become more water-limited as these regions become warmer and drier with climate change. Such chronic drought may push individual species or plant functional types beyond key thresholds leading to reduced growth or even mortality. Indeed, recent observational and experimental evidence from the Colorado Plateau suggests that C3 grasses are the most vulnerable to chronic drought, while C4 grasses and C3 shrubs appear to have greater resistance.The effects of chronic, or press-drought are predicted to begin at the physiological level and translate up to higher hierarchical levels. To date, the drought resistance of C4grasses and C3 shrubs in this region has been only evaluated at the community level and thus we lack information on whether there are sensitivities to drought at lower hierarchical levels. In this study, we tested the apparent drought resistance of three dominant species (Pleuraphis jamesii, a C4 rhizomatous grass; Coleogyne ramosissima, a C3 drought-deciduous shrub; and Ephedra viridis, a C3 evergreen shrub) to an ongoing experimental press-drought (-35% precipitation) by comparing individual-level responses (ecophysiology and growth dynamics) to community-level responses (plant cover).For all three species, we observed consistent responses across all hierarchical levels:P. jamesii was sensitive to drought across all measured variables, while the shrubsC. ramosissima and E. viridis had little to no responses to the experimental press-drought at any given level.Synthesis. Our findings suggest that the apparent drought resistance at higher hierarchical levels, such as cover, may serve as good proxies for lower-level responses. Furthermore, it appears the shrubs are avoiding drought, possibly by utilizing moisture at deeper soil layers, while the grasses are limited to shallower layers and must endure the drought conditions. Give this differential sensitivity to drought, a future with less precipitation and higher temperatures may increase the dominance of shrubs on the Colorado Plateau, as grasses succumb to chronic water stress.

Influence of rete testis fluid deprivation on the kinetic parameters of goat epididymal 5 alpha-reductase.

PubMed

Kelce, W R; Lubis, A M; Braun, W F; Youngquist, R S; Ganjam, V K

1990-01-01

A surgical technique to cannulate the rete testis of the goat was utilized to examine the effects of rete testis fluid (RTF) deprivation on the enzymatic activity of epididymal 5 alpha-reductase. Kinetic techniques were used to determine whether the regional enzymatic effect of RTF deprivation is to decrease the apparent number of 5 alpha-reductase active sites or the catalytic activity of each active site within the epididymal epithelium. Paired comparisons of (Vmax)app and (Km)app values between control and RTF-deprived epididymides indicated that RTF deprivation affected the value of (Vmax)app with no apparent change in the values of (Km)app in caput, corpus, and cauda epididymal regions. We conclude that RTF deprivation in the goat epididymis for 7 days results in a decreased number of apparent 5 alpha-reductase active sites within the epididymal epithelium.

Mixing effects on apparent reaction rates and isotope fractionation during denitrification in a heterogeneous aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Green, Christopher T.; Böhlke, John Karl; Bekins, Barbara A.; Phillips, Steven P.

2010-01-01

Gradients in contaminant concentrations and isotopic compositions commonly are used to derive reaction parameters for natural attenuation in aquifers. Differences between field‐scale (apparent) estimated reaction rates and isotopic fractionations and local‐scale (intrinsic) effects are poorly understood for complex natural systems. For a heterogeneous alluvial fan aquifer, numerical models and field observations were used to study the effects of physical heterogeneity on reaction parameter estimates. Field measurements included major ions, age tracers, stable isotopes, and dissolved gases. Parameters were estimated for the O2 reduction rate, denitrification rate, O2 threshold for denitrification, and stable N isotope fractionation during denitrification. For multiple geostatistical realizations of the aquifer, inverse modeling was used to establish reactive transport simulations that were consistent with field observations and served as a basis for numerical experiments to compare sample‐based estimates of “apparent” parameters with “true“ (intrinsic) values. For this aquifer, non‐Gaussian dispersion reduced the magnitudes of apparent reaction rates and isotope fractionations to a greater extent than Gaussian mixing alone. Apparent and true rate constants and fractionation parameters can differ by an order of magnitude or more, especially for samples subject to slow transport, long travel times, or rapid reactions. The effect of mixing on apparent N isotope fractionation potentially explains differences between previous laboratory and field estimates. Similarly, predicted effects on apparent O2threshold values for denitrification are consistent with previous reports of higher values in aquifers than in the laboratory. These results show that hydrogeological complexity substantially influences the interpretation and prediction of reactive transport.

NEW TYPE OF STREPTOMYCIN RESISTANCE RESULTING FROM ACTION OF THE EPISOMELIKE MUTATOR FACTOR IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

PubMed Central

Gundersen, Wenche B.

1963-01-01

Gundersen, Wenche B. (Oslo University, Oslo, Norway). New type of streptomycin resistance resulting from action of the episomelike mutator factor in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 86:510–516. 1963.—Analyses have been performed to elucidate the genetic nature of the streptomycin resistance that results from the action of the previously described episomelike mutator factor in Escherichia coli. This streptomycin resistance has been found to differ from ordinary one-step streptomycin resistance. The new type of streptomycin resistance, “mutator resistance,” can be lost, either spontaneously or by treatment with ultraviolet light and acriflavine. It is more stable in a K-12 strain than in the original E. coli strain 635. Mutator resistance segregates like a chromosomal marker in genetic crosses, and is located near the ordinary streptomycin locus. The locus for mutator resistance is distinct from that of ordinary streptomycin resistance, apparently located further toward the threonine region. Mutator resistance, unlike ordinary one-step streptomycin resistance, appears as a dominant character. The possibilities of its being a suppressor or regulator mutation are discussed. PMID:14066430

Apparent directional selection by biased pleiotropic mutation.

PubMed

Tanaka, Yoshinari

2010-07-01

Pleiotropic effects of deleterious mutations are considered to be among the factors responsible for genetic constraints on evolution by long-term directional selection acting on a quantitative trait. If pleiotropic phenotypic effects are biased in a particular direction, mutations generate apparent directional selection, which refers to the covariance between fitness and the trait owing to a linear association between the number of mutations possessed by individuals and the genotypic values of the trait. The present analysis has shown how the equilibrium mean value of the trait is determined by a balance between directional selection and biased pleiotropic mutations. Assuming that genes act additively both on the trait and on fitness, the total variance-standardized directional selection gradient was decomposed into apparent and true components. Experimental data on mutation bias from the bristle traits of Drosophila and life history traits of Daphnia suggest that apparent selection explains a small but significant fraction of directional selection pressure that is observed in nature; the data suggest that changes induced in a trait by biased pleiotropic mutation (i.e., by apparent directional selection) are easily compensated for by (true) directional selection.

Simultaneous control of apparent extract and volatile compounds concentrations in low-malt beer fermentation.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Michiko; Nagahisa, Keisuke; Shimizu, Hiroshi; Shioya, Suteaki

2006-12-01

Volatile compounds cause undesirable flavor when their concentrations exceed threshold values in beer fermentation. The objective of this study is to develop a system for controlling apparent extract concentration, which indicates the fermentation degree and which should be decreased below a targeted value at a fixed time under a constraint of tolerable amounts of volatile compounds. In beer fermentation, even though the production of volatile compounds is suppressed by maintaining a low fermentation temperature, a low temperature causes a delay in the control of apparent extract concentration. Volatile compound concentration was estimated on-line, and the simulation of apparent extract consumption and volatile compound production was performed. To formulate various beer tastes and conserve energy for attemperation, optimal temperature profiles were determined using a genetic algorithm (GA). The developed feedback control of the brewing temperature profile was successfully applied, and apparent extract and volatile compound concentrations at a fixed time reached their target concentrations. Additionally, the control technique developed in this study enables us to brew a wide variety of beers with different tastes.

Mapping apparent stress and energy radiation over fault zones of major earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGarr, A.; Fletcher, Joe B.

2002-01-01

Using published slip models for five major earthquakes, 1979 Imperial Valley, 1989 Loma Prieta, 1992 Landers, 1994 Northridge, and 1995 Kobe, we produce maps of apparent stress and radiated seismic energy over their fault surfaces. The slip models, obtained by inverting seismic and geodetic data, entail the division of the fault surfaces into many subfaults for which the time histories of seismic slip are determined. To estimate the seismic energy radiated by each subfault, we measure the near-fault seismic-energy flux from the time-dependent slip there and then multiply by a function of rupture velocity to obtain the corresponding energy that propagates into the far-field. This function, the ratio of far-field to near-fault energy, is typically less than 1/3, inasmuch as most of the near-fault energy remains near the fault and is associated with permanent earthquake deformation. Adding the energy contributions from all of the subfaults yields an estimate of the total seismic energy, which can be compared with independent energy estimates based on seismic-energy flux measured in the far-field, often at teleseismic distances. Estimates of seismic energy based on slip models are robust, in that different models, for a given earthquake, yield energy estimates that are in close agreement. Moreover, the slip-model estimates of energy are generally in good accord with independent estimates by others, based on regional or teleseismic data. Apparent stress is estimated for each subfault by dividing the corresponding seismic moment into the radiated energy. Distributions of apparent stress over an earthquake fault zone show considerable heterogeneity, with peak values that are typically about double the whole-earthquake values (based on the ratio of seismic energy to seismic moment). The range of apparent stresses estimated for subfaults of the events studied here is similar to the range of apparent stresses for earthquakes in continental settings, with peak values of about 8 MPa in each case. For earthquakes in compressional tectonic settings, peak apparent stresses at a given depth are substantially greater than corresponding peak values from events in extensional settings; this suggests that crustal strength, inferred from laboratory measurements, may be a limiting factor. Lower bounds on shear stresses inferred from the apparent stress distribution of the 1995 Kobe earthquake are consistent with tectonic-stress estimates reported by Spudich et al. (1998), based partly on slip-vector rake changes.

Salmonella serotypes and their antimicrobial susceptibility in apparently healthy dogs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Kiflu, Bitsu; Alemayehu, Haile; Abdurahaman, Mukarim; Negash, Yohannes; Eguale, Tadesse

2017-05-19

The close bond between pet animals and family members poses risk of infection with zoonotic bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella. No data is available on occurrence of Salmonella in dogs in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence, serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella from feces of apparently healthy dogs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Of the total 360 dogs examined, 42 (11.7%; 95% Confidence limit of 8.5%-15.4%) were positive for Salmonella. Fourteen serotypes were detected and the predominant ones were S. Bronx (n = 7; 16.7%), S. Newport (n = 6; 14.3%), followed by S. Typhimurium, S. Indiana, S. Kentucky, S. Saintpaul and S. Virchow (n = 4; 9.5%) each. Salmonella infection status was significantly associated with history of symptom of diarrhea during the past 60 days (OR = 3.78; CI = 1.76-8.13; p = 0). Highest resistance rates were found for oxytetracycline (59.5%), neomycin (50%), streptomycin (38.1%), cephalothin (33.3%), doxycycline (30.9%), ampicillin (30.9%) and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (26.2%). Thirty eight (90.5%) of the isolates were resistant or intermediately resistant to at least one of the 16 antimicrobials tested. Resistance to two or more antimicrobials was detected in 30 (71.4%) of the isolates. Resistance to three or more antimicrobials was detected in 19 (45.2%) of the isolates. This study demonstrated high carriage rate of Salmonella serotypes known for causing human salmonellosis and large proportion of them were resistant to antimicrobials used in public and veterinary medicine for management of various bacterial infections, suggesting the possible risk of infection of human population in close contact with these dogs by drug resistant pathogens. Therefore, it is vital to work on raising public awareness on zoonotic canine diseases prevention measures and good hygienic practices.

Prevalence and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes in two municipal wastewater treatment plants.

PubMed

Mao, Daqing; Yu, Shuai; Rysz, Michal; Luo, Yi; Yang, Fengxia; Li, Fengxiang; Hou, Jie; Mu, Quanhua; Alvarez, P J J

2015-11-15

The propagation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is an emerging health concern worldwide. Thus, it is important to understand and mitigate their occurrence in different systems. In this study, 30 ARGs that confer resistance to tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones or macrolides were detected in two activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in northern China. Bacteria harboring ARGs persisted through all treatment units, and survived disinfection by chlorination in greater percentages than total Bacteria (assessed by 16S rRNA genes). Although the absolute abundances of ARGs were reduced from the raw influent to the effluent by 89.0%-99.8%, considerable ARG levels [(1.0 ± 0.2) × 10(3) to (9.5 ± 1.8) × 10(5) copies/mL)] were found in WWTP effluent samples. ARGs were concentrated in the waste sludge (through settling of bacteria and sludge dewatering) at (1.5 ± 2.3) × 10(9) to (2.2 ± 2.8) × 10(11) copies/g dry weight. Twelve ARGs (tetA, tetB, tetE, tetG, tetH, tetS, tetT, tetX, sul1, sul2, qnrB, ermC) were discharged through the dewatered sludge and plant effluent at higher rates than influent values, indicating overall proliferation of resistant bacteria. Significant antibiotic concentrations (2%-50% of raw influent concentrations) remained throughout all treatment units. This apparently contributed selective pressure for ARG replication since the relative abundance of resistant bacteria (assessed by ARG/16S rRNA gene ratios) was significantly correlated to the corresponding effluent antibiotic concentrations. Similarly, the concentrations of various heavy metals (which induce a similar bacterial resistance mechanism as antibiotics - efflux pumps) were also correlated to the enrichment of some ARGs. Thus, curtailing the release of antibiotics and heavy metals to sewage systems (or enhancing their removal in pre-treatment units) may alleviate their selective pressure and mitigate ARG proliferation in WWTPs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two-level magnetovariational measurements for the determination of underground resistivity distributions

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

Patella, D.; Siniscalchi, A.

1994-07-01

The authors investigate, from a theoretical point of view, the possibility of performing marine two-level magnetovariational measurements. An apparent resistivity function is defined and calculated after solving the differential equation governing the behavior of the natural magnetic field variations inside a one-dimensional earth. In order to generalize the problem, a frequency-dependent resistivity is assumed to characterize the layers and the distortions caused by the polarization effects are carefully analyzed. The computation of three-layer amplitude and phase diagrams for the apparent resistivity function shows that, in the case of an intermediate polarizable layer, sandwiched between a non-dispersive overburden and substratum, themore » H-type sequence results are the most affected by the dispersion phenomenon as it occurs in magnetotellurics. Finally they consider the problem of the sensitivity of the method, since, in practice, it requires top and bottom sensors separated by a vertical finite distance. It is found that in the higher-frequency range, due to the strong attenuation of the relative components of the field, the depth of the bottom sensor must be small enough to guarantee detectable signals, well above the full-scale resolution of the acquisition system. Conversely, in the lower-frequency range such a depth must be large enough to allow the difference between the top and bottom signals to be above the same recording sensitivity threshold.« less

Rheological properties of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked collagen solutions analyzed quantitatively using mechanical models.

PubMed

Tian, Zhenhua; Duan, Lian; Wu, Lei; Shen, Lirui; Li, Guoying

2016-06-01

Understanding the rheological behavior of collagen solutions crosslinked by various amounts of glutaraldehyde (GTA) [GTA/collagen (w/w)=0-0.1] is fundamental either to design optimized products or to ensure stable flow. Under steady shear, all the samples exhibited pseudoplasticity with shear-thinning behavior, and the flow curves were well described by Ostwald-de Waele model and Carreau model. With increased amounts of GTA, the viscosity increased from 6.15 to 168.54 Pa·s at 0.1s(-1), and the pseudoplasticity strengthened (the flow index decreased from 0.549 to 0.117). Additionally, hysteresis loops were evaluated to analyze the thixotropy of the native and crosslinked collagen solutions, and indicated that stronger thixotropic behavior was associated with higher amount of GTA. Furthermore, the values of apparent yield stress were negative, and a flow index <1 for all the systems obtained via Herschel-Bulkley model confirmed that the native and crosslinked collagen solutions belonged to pseudoplastic fluid without apparent yield stress. However, the increment of dynamic denaturation temperature determined by dynamic temperature sweep was not obvious. The viscoelastic properties were examined based on creep-recovery measurements and then simulated using Burger model and a semi-empirical model. The increase in the proportion of recoverable compliance (instantaneous and retardant compliance) reflected that the crosslinked collagen solutions were more resistant to the deformation and exhibited more elastic behavior than the native collagen solution, accompanied by the fact that the compliance value decreased from 39.317 to 0.152 Pa(-1) and the recovery percentage increased from 1.128% to 87.604%. These data indicated that adjusting the amount of GTA could be a suitable mean for manipulating mechanical properties of collagen-based biomaterials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Establishment of MDCK-pHaMDR cell model and standard operation procedure for assessing blood-brain barrier permeability of chemical components of traditional Chinese medicine].

PubMed

Yang, Yan-Fang; Wu, Ni; Yang, Xiu-Wei

2016-07-01

To establish MDCK-pHaMDR cell model and standard operation procedure for assessing the blood-brain barrier permeability of chemical components of traditional Chinese medicine. MDCK-pHaMDR cell model was evaluated by determining the morphology features, transepithelial electrical resistance, bidirectional transport and intracellular accumulation of Rhodamine 123 and the apparent permeability of positive control drugs caffeine and atenolol. The MDCK-pHaMDR cell model had satisfactory integrity and tightness, and stable expression of P-gp. In addition, the transport results of the positive control drugs were consistent with the reported values in literature. All the parameters tested of the MDCK-pHaMDR cell model were consistent with the requirements, so the model can be used to study the blood-brain barrier permeability of chemical components of traditional Chinese medicine. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Hillslope run-off thresholds with shrink–swell clay soils

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stewart, Ryan D.; Abou Najm, Majdi R.; Rupp, David E.; Lane, John W.; Uribe, Hamil C.; Arumí, José Luis; Selker, John S.

2015-01-01

Irrigation experiments on 12 instrumented field plots were used to assess the impact of dynamic soil crack networks on infiltration and run-off. During applications of intensity similar to a heavy rainstorm, water was seen being preferentially delivered within the soil profile. However, run-off was not observed until soil water content of the profile reached field capacity, and the apertures of surface-connected cracks had closed >60%. Electrical resistivity measurements suggested that subsurface cracks persisted and enhanced lateral transport, even in wet conditions. Likewise, single-ring infiltration measurements taken before and after irrigation indicated that infiltration remained an important component of the water budget at high soil water content values, despite apparent surface sealing. Overall, although the wetting and sealing of the soil profile showed considerable complexity, an emergent property at the hillslope scale was observed: all of the plots demonstrated a strikingly similar threshold run-off response to the cumulative precipitation amount. 

Antimicrobial drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle in Brazil.

PubMed

Pereira, M S; Siqueira-Júnior, J P

1995-06-01

Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from apparently healthy cattle in the State of Paraiba, Brazil were characterized in relation to resistance to 21 antimicrobial agents. Among the 46 isolates obtained, resistance to penicillin was most frequent, followed by resistance to cadmium, streptomycin, arsenate, tetracycline, mercury, erythromycin and kanamycin/neomycin. All isolates were susceptible to fusidic acid, ethidium bromide, cetrimide, chloramphenicol, benzalkonium chloride, doxycycline, gentamicin, methicillin, minocycline, novobiocin, rifamycin, tylosin and vancomycin. Only six isolates were susceptible to all the drugs tested. With respect to the antibiotics, multi-resistant isolates were uncommon. These results are probably a consequence of the peculiarities of local drug usage pressures. In relation to metal ions, resistance to mercury was rare while resistance to arsenate was relatively frequent, which contrasts with the situation for human Staph. aureus strains. After treatment with ethidium bromide, elimination of resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin and cadmium was observed, which was consistent with the genetic determinants being plasmid-borne.

Selected biomarkers of age-related diseases in older subjects with different nutrition.

PubMed

Krajcovicova-Kudlackova, M; Babinska, K; Blazicek, P; Valachovicova, M; Spustova, V; Mislanova, C; Paukova, V

2011-01-01

The nutritionists introduce on the base of epidemiological and clinical studies that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Aging belongs to the main risks of cardiovascular disease. Markers of age-related diseases (cardiovascular, metabolic syndrome, diabetes) were assessed in two nutritional groups of older apparently healthy non-obese non-smoking women aged 60-70 years, 45 vegetarians (lacto-ovo-vegetarians and semi-vegetarians) and 38 non-vegetarians (control group on a traditional mixed diet, general population). Vegetarian values of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, C-reactive protein, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance are significantly reduced. Non-vegetarian average values of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and C-reactive protein are risk. Vegetarians have a better antioxidative status (significantly increased vitamin C, lipid-standardized vitamine E and beta-carotene plasma concentrations). Favourable values of cardiovascular risk markers in older vegetarian women document a beneficial effect of vegetarian nutrition in prevention of this disease as well as the vegetarian diet can be an additional factor in therapy. Vegetarians suffer from mild hyperhomocysteinemia; it is due to the lower vitamin B12 concentration. Vitamin B12 supplements are inevitable for the hyperhomocysteinemia prevention (Tab. 2, Ref. 26).

A "caliper" type of controlled-source, frequency-domain, electromagnetic sounding method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, W.; Lin, J.; Zhou, F.; Liu, C.; Chen, J.; Xue, K.; Liu, L.; Wu, Y.

2011-12-01

We developed a special measurement manner for controlled-source, frequency-domain, electromagnetic sounding method that can improve resolution and efficiency, called as "caliper". This manner is base on our array electromagnetic system DPS-I, which consists of 53 channels and can cover 2500 m survey line at one arrangement. There are several steps to apply this method. First, a rough measurement is carried out, using large dynamic range but sparse frequencies. The ratio of adjacent frequency is set to be 2 or 4. The frequency points cover the entire frequency band that is required according to the geological environment, and are almost equidistantly distributed at logarithmic axis. Receivers array are arranged in one or more survey lines to measure the amplitude and phase of electromagnetic field components simultaneously. After all frequency points for rough measurement are measured, data in each sub-receiver are transmitted to the controller and the apparent resistivity and phase are calculated in field quickly. Then the pseudo section diagrams of apparent resistivity and phase are drew. By the pseudo section we can roughly lock the abnormal zone and determine the frequency band required for detail investigation of abnormal zone. Next, the measurement using high density of frequencies in this frequency band is carried out, which we called "detailed measurement". The ratio of adjacent frequency in this time is m which lies between 1 and 2. The exact value of m will depend on how detailed that the user expected. After "detailed measurement" is finished, the pseudo section diagrams of apparent resistivity and phase are drew in the same way with the first step. We can see more detailed information about the abnormal zone and decide whether further measurement is necessary. If it is necessary, we can repeat the second step using smaller m until the resolution meet the requirements to distinguish the target. By simulation, we know that high density of frequencies really help us to improve resolution. But we also need to say that the improvement is limited and it will do no help to add frequencies if the frequency is already dense enough. This method not only improves efficiency, but also improves the ability to distinguish the abnormal body. This measurement mode consisting of rough measurement and detailed measurement is similar to the caliper measurement of length, so called "caliper" type. It is accurate and fast. It not only can be applied to frequency-domain sounding, such as controlled source audio -frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT), but also can be extended to the spectral induced polarization method. By using this measurement manner, high resolution and high-efficiency can be expected.

Increased frequency of chloroquine resistant P. falciparum on a rubber estate in Peninsular Malaysia during two years of systematic chloroquine treatment.

PubMed

Dondero, T J; Parsons, R E; O'Holohan, D R

1975-12-01

Chloroquine pressure was applied over a 22 month period on a somewhat isolated, malarious rubber estate by examination of residents at 4-week intervals and treatment of parasitaemias with chloroquine. During this time the monthly attack rate for P. falciparum rose four-fold to an average of nearly 18% per month, while that of P. vivax remained relatively constant at about 8%. Eight in vivo chloroquine resistance studies, which allowed both detection of late recrudescing R-I resistance and estimation of the risk of reinfection, showed an apparent rise in the drug resistance rate, from 12% to 20% prior to the study to the range of 40-50%. Virtually all resistance encountered was R-I in nature. There was no convincing evidence of chloroquine resistance among 148 tested P. vivax infections.

Persistence and inheritance of costs of resistance to imidacloprid in Colorado potato beetle.

PubMed

Baker, Mitchell B; Alyokhin, Andrei; Porter, Adam H; Ferro, David N; Dastur, Shana R; Galal, Nehal

2007-12-01

Reduced fitness among resistant versus susceptible individuals slows resistance evolution and makes it easier to manage. A loss of resistance costs could indicate novel adaptations or mutations contributing to resistance. We measured costs of resistance to imidacloprid in a Massachusetts resistant population compared with a Massachusetts susceptible population in 1999 in terms of fecundity, hatching success, egg development time, and sprint speed. Resistance was additive and seemed to be polygenic with high heritability. The fecundity cost appeared overdominant in 1999, and the hatch rate cost was partly recessive in 1999, but neither was significantly different from dominant or recessive. In 2004, we repeated our measures of resistance costs in Massachusetts in terms of fecundity and hatching success, and we added a new resistant population from Maine. In 2005, we compared development time of Maine resistant and the laboratory susceptible colony eggs. Significant fecundity costs of resistance were found in both population in both 1999 and 2004, and significant egg developmental time costs were found in 1999 and 2005. However, the hatching success costs of resistance were significant in 1999 and not apparent in 2004, suggesting some modification or replacement of the resistance genes in the intervening time.

Participation of S. Typhimurium cysJIH Operon in the H2S-mediated Ciprofloxacin Resistance in Presence of Sulfate as Sulfur Source

PubMed Central

Álvarez, Ricardo; Frávega, Jorge; Rodas, Paula I.; Fuentes, Juan A.; Paredes-Sabja, Daniel; Calderón, Iván L.; Gil, Fernando

2015-01-01

H2S production has been proposed as a mechanism to explain bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In this work, we present evidence for the role of the cysJIH operon in resistance to ciprofloxacin mediated by H2S production with different sulfate as the only sulfur source. We found that the products of the cysJIH operon are involved in ciprofloxacin resistance by increasing both, the levels of H2S and reduced thiols apparently counteracting antimicrobial-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). This protective effect was observed only when bacteria were cultured in the presence of sulfate, but not with cysteine, as the sole sulfur source.

Quantitative genetics of taura syndrome resistance in pacific white shrimp (penaeus vannamei): a cure model approach

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background In aquaculture breeding, resistance against infectious diseases is commonly assessed as time until death under exposure to a pathogen. For some diseases, a fraction of the individuals may appear as "cured" (non-susceptible), and the resulting survival time may thus be a result of two confounded underlying traits, i.e., endurance (individual hazard) and susceptibility (whether at risk or not), which may be accounted for by fitting a cure survival model. We applied a cure model to survival data of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) challenged with the Taura syndrome virus, which is one of the major pathogens of Panaeid shrimp species. Methods In total, 15,261 individuals of 513 full-sib families from three generations were challenge-tested in 21 separate tests (tanks). All challenge-tests were run until mortality naturally ceased. Time-until-event data were analyzed with a mixed cure survival model using Gibbs sampling, treating susceptibility and endurance as separate genetic traits. Results Overall mortality at the end of test was 28%, while 38% of the population was considered susceptible to the disease. The estimated underlying heritability was high for susceptibility (0.41 ± 0.07), but low for endurance (0.07 ± 0.03). Furthermore, endurance and susceptibility were distinct genetic traits (rg = 0.22 ± 0.25). Estimated breeding values for endurance and susceptibility were only moderately correlated (0.50), while estimated breeding values from classical models for analysis of challenge-test survival (ignoring the cured fraction) were closely correlated with estimated breeding values for susceptibility, but less correlated with estimated breeding values for endurance. Conclusions For Taura syndrome resistance, endurance and susceptibility are apparently distinct genetic traits. However, genetic evaluation of susceptibility based on the cure model showed clear associations with standard genetic evaluations that ignore the cure fraction for these data. Using the current testing design, genetic variation in observed survival time and absolute survival at the end of test were most likely dominated by genetic variation in susceptibility. If the aim is to reduce susceptibility, earlier termination of the challenge-test or back-truncation of the follow-up period should be avoided, as this may shift focus of selection towards endurance rather than susceptibility. PMID:21418636

[Diagnostic efficiency of decline rate of signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient with different b values for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions on diffusion-weighted 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging].

PubMed

Jiang, Jing; Liu, Wanhua; Ye, Yuanyuan; Wang, Rui; Li, Fengfang; Peng, Chengyu

2014-06-17

To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of decline rate of signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient with different b values for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions on diffusion-weighted 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 152 patients with 162 confirmed histopathologically breast lesions (85 malignant and 77 benign) underwent 3.0 T diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Four b values (0, 400, 800 and 1 000 s/mm²) were used. The signal intensity and ADC values of breast lesions were measured respectively. The signal intensity decline rate (SIDR) and apparent diffusion coefficient decline rate (ADCDR) were calculated respectively. SIDR = (signal intensity of lesions with low b value-signal intensity of lesions with high b value)/signal intensity of lesions with low b value, ADCDR = (ADC value of lesions with low b value-ADC value of lesions with high b value) /ADC value of lesions with low b value. The independent sample t-test was employed for statistical analyses and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for evaluating the diagnosis efficiency of SIDR and ADCDR values. Significant differences were observed in SIDR between benign and malignant breast lesions with b values of 0-400, 400-800 and 800-1 000 s/mm². The sensitivities of SIDR for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions were 61.2%, 68.2% and 67.1%, the specificities 74.0%, 85.7% and 67.5%, the diagnosis accordance rates 67.3%, 76.5% and 67.3%, the positive predictive values 72.2%, 84.1% and 69.5% and the negative predictive values 63.3%, 71.0% and 65.0% respectively. Significant differences were observed in ADCDR between benign and malignant breast lesions with b values of 400-800 s/mm² and 800-1 000 s/mm². The sensitivities of SDR for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions were 80.0% and 65.9%, the specificities 72.7% and 65.0%, the diagnostic accordance rates 76.5% and 65.4%, the positive predictive values 76.4% and 67.5% and the negative predictive values 76.7% and 63.3% respectively. The decline rate of signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient with different b values may be used for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. And the diagnostic efficiency with b values of 400-800 s/mm² is optimal.

Intestinal absorption of forsythoside A in in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion and in vitro Caco-2 cell models

PubMed Central

Zhou, Wei; Di, Liu-qing; Wang, Juan; Shan, Jin-jun; Liu, Shi-jia; Ju, Wen-zheng; Cai, Bao-chang

2012-01-01

Aim: To investigate the mechanisms underlying the intestinal absorption of the major bioactive component forsythoside A (FTA) extracted from Forsythiae fructus. Methods: An in vitro Caco-2 cell model and a single-pass intestinal perfusion in situ model in SD rats were used. Results: In the in vitro Caco-2 cell model, the mean apparent permeability value (Papp-value) was 4.15×10-7 cm/s in the apical-to-basolateral (AP-BL) direction. At the concentrations of 2.6–10.4 μg/mL, the efflux ratio of FTA in the bi-directional transport experiments was approximately 1.00. After the transport, >96% of the apically loaded FTA was retained on the apical side, while >97% of the basolaterally loaded FTA was retained on the basolateral side. The Papp-values of FTA were inversely correlated with the transepithelial electrical resistance. The paracellular permeability enhancers sodium caprate and EDTA, the P-gp inhibitor verapamil and the multidrug resistance related protein (MRP) inhibitors cyclosporine and MK571 could concentration-dependently increase the Papp-values, while the uptake (OATP) transporter inhibitors diclofenac sodium and indomethacin could concentration-dependently decrease the Papp-values. The intake transporter SGLT1 inhibitor mannitol did not cause significant change in the Papp-values. In the in situ intestinal perfusion model, both the absorption rate constant (Ka) and the effective permeability (Peff-values) following perfusion of FTA 2.6, 5.2 and 10.4 μg/mL via the duodenum, jejunum and ileum had no significant difference, although the values were slightly higher for the duodenum as compared to those in the jejunum and ileum. The low, medium and high concentrations of verapamil caused the largest increase in the Peff-values for duodenum, jejunum and ileum, respectively. Sodium caprate, EDTA and cyclosporine resulted in concentration-dependent increase in the Peff-values. Diclofenac sodium and indomethacin caused concentration-dependent decrease in the Peff-values. Mannitol did not cause significant change in the Papp-values for the duodenum, jejunum or ileum. Conclusion: The results suggest that the intestinal absorption of FTA may occur through passive diffusion, and the predominant absorption site may be in the upper part of small intestine. Paracellular transport route is also involved. P-gp, MRPs and OATP may participate in the absorption of FTA in the intestine. The low permeability of FTA contributes to its low oral bioavailability. PMID:22773077

Relationship of cooked rice nutritionally-important starch fractions with other physicochemical properties.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sixteen rice cultivars representing 5 cytosine-thymine repeat (CTn) microsatellite genetic marker groups were analyzed for their cooked rice nutritionally-important starch fractions (rapidly digestible, slowly digestible, and resistant starch), basic grain quality indices (apparent amylose, crude pr...

Definition of new cut‐offs of BMI and waist circumference based on body composition and insulin resistance: differences between children, adolescents and adults

PubMed Central

Hübers, M.; Pourhassan, M.; Braun, W.; Geisler, C.

2017-01-01

Summary Objective This study aims to determine associations between anthropometric traits, regional fat depots and insulin resistance in children, adolescents and adults to define new cut‐offs of body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC). Design Cross‐sectional data were assessed in 433 children, adolescents and adults (aged: 6–60 years, BMI: 23.6 [21.0–27.7] kg m−2). Total adipose tissue (TAT), regional subcutaneous adipose tissue (SATtotal, SATtrunk) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were determined by whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging, fat mass by air‐displacement plethysmography. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Bivariate as well as partial correlations and regression analyses were used. Cut‐off values of BMI and WC related to regional fat depots and HOMA‐IR were analysed by receiver operating characteristics curve. Results In adults, TAT, SATtotal and SATtrunk increased linearly with increasing BMI and WC, whereas they followed a cubic function in children and adolescents with a steep increase at BMI and WC ≥1 standard deviation score and VAT at WC ≥2 standard deviation score. Sex differences were apparent in adults with women having higher masses of TAT and SAT and men having higher VAT. Using established BMI or WC cut‐offs, correspondent masses of TAT, SATtotal, SATtrunk and VAT increased from childhood to adulthood. In all age groups, there were positive associations between BMI, WC, SATtrunk, VAT and HOMA‐IR. When compared with normative cut‐offs of BMI or WC, HOMA‐IR‐derived cut‐offs of regional fat depots were lower in all age groups. Conclusions Associations between BMI, WC and regional fat depots varied between children, adolescents, young and older adults. When compared with BMI‐derived and WC‐derived values, an insulin resistance‐derived cut‐off corresponded to lower masses of regional fat depots. Thus, established BMI and WC cut‐offs are not appropriate to assess metabolic disturbances associated with obesity; therefore, new cut‐offs of BMI and WC are needed for clinical practice. PMID:29071103

Photometric immersion refractometry of bacterial spores.

PubMed Central

Gerhardt, P; Beaman, T C; Corner, T R; Greenamyre, J T; Tisa, L S

1982-01-01

Photometric immersion refractometry was used to determine the average apparent refractive index (n) of five types of dormant Bacillus spores representing a 600-fold range in moist-heat resistance determined as a D100 value. The n of a spore type increased as the molecular size of various immersion solutes decreased. For comparison of the spore types, the n of the entire spore and of the isolated integument was determined by use of bovine serum albumin, which is excluded from permeating into them. The n of the sporoplast (the structures bounded by the outer pericortex membrane) was determined by use of glucose, which was shown to permeate into the spore only as deeply as the pericortex membrane. Among the various spore types, an exponential increase in the heat resistance correlated with the n of the entire spore and of the sporoplast, but not of the isolated perisporoplast integument. Correlation of the n with the solids content of the entire spore provided a method of experimentally obtaining the refractive index increment (dn/dc), which was constant for the various spore types and enables the calculation of solids and water content from an n. Altogether, the results showed that the total water content is distributed unequally within the dormant spore, with less water in the sporoplast than in the perisporoplast integument, and that the sporoplast becomes more refractile and therefore more dehydrated as the heat resistance becomes greater among the various spore types. PMID:6802796

Determination of the apparent transfer coefficient for CO oxidation on Pt(poly), Pt(111), Pt(665) and Pt(332) using a potential modulation technique.

PubMed

Wang, Han-Chun; Ernst, Siegfried; Baltruschat, Helmut

2010-03-07

The apparent transfer coefficient, which gives the magnitude of the potential dependence of the electrochemical reaction rates, is the key quantity for the elucidation of electrochemical reaction mechanisms. We introduce the application of an ac method to determine the apparent transfer coefficient alpha' for the oxidation of pre-adsorbed CO at polycrystalline and single-crystalline Pt electrodes in sulfuric acid. The method allows to record alpha' quasi continuously as a function of potential (and time) in cyclic voltammetry or at a fixed potential, with the reaction rate varying with time. At all surfaces (Pt(poly), Pt(111), Pt(665), and Pt(332)) we clearly observed a transition of the apparent transfer coefficient from values around 1.5 at low potentials to values around 0.5 at higher potentials. Changes of the apparent transfer coefficients for the CO oxidation with potential were observed previously, but only from around 0.7 to values as low as 0.2. In contrast, our experimental findings completely agree with the simulation by Koper et al., J. Chem. Phys., 1998, 109, 6051-6062. They can be understood in the framework of a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. The transition occurs when the sum of the rate constants for the forward reaction (first step: potential dependent OH adsorption, second step: potential dependent oxidation of CO(ad) with OH(ad)) exceeds the rate constant for the back-reaction of the first step. We expect that the ac method for the determination of the apparent transfer coefficient, which we used here, will be of great help also in many other cases, especially under steady conditions, where the major limitations of the method are avoided.

History Teaches Us That Confronting Antibiotic Resistance Requires Stronger Global Collective Action.

PubMed

Podolsky, Scott H; Bud, Robert; Gradmann, Christoph; Hobaek, Bård; Kirchhelle, Claas; Mitvedt, Tore; Santesmases, María Jesús; Thoms, Ulrike; Berild, Dag; Kveim Lie, Anne

2015-01-01

Antibiotic development and usage, and antibiotic resistance in particular, are today considered global concerns, simultaneously mandating local and global perspectives and actions. Yet such global considerations have not always been part of antibiotic policy formation, and those who attempt to formulate a globally coordinated response to antibiotic resistance will need to confront a history of heterogeneous, often uncoordinated, and at times conflicting reform efforts, whose legacies remain apparent today. Historical analysis permits us to highlight such entrenched trends and processes, helping to frame contemporary efforts to improve access, conservation and innovation. © 2015 American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, Inc.

Alternatives to vancomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

PubMed

Micek, Scott T

2007-09-15

Vancomycin remains the reference standard for the treatment of systemic infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, as a result of limited tissue distribution, as well as the emergence of isolates with reduced susceptibility and in vitro resistance to vancomycin, the need for alternative therapies that target MRSA has become apparent. New treatment options for invasive MRSA infections include linezolid, daptomycin, tigecycline, and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Additionally, a number of new anti-MRSA compounds are in development, including novel glycopeptides (dalbavancin, telavancin, and oritavancin), ceftobiprole, and iclaprim. The present article will review clinical issues surrounding the newly marketed and investigational agents with activity against MRSA.

Diffusion-weighted imaging of breast lesions: Region-of-interest placement and different ADC parameters influence apparent diffusion coefficient values.

PubMed

Bickel, Hubert; Pinker, Katja; Polanec, Stephan; Magometschnigg, Heinrich; Wengert, Georg; Spick, Claudio; Bogner, Wolfgang; Bago-Horvath, Zsuzsanna; Helbich, Thomas H; Baltzer, Pascal

2017-05-01

To investigate the influence of region-of-interest (ROI) placement and different apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameters on ADC values, diagnostic performance, reproducibility and measurement time in breast tumours. In this IRB-approved, retrospective study, 149 histopathologically proven breast tumours (109 malignant, 40 benign) in 147 women (mean age 53.2) were investigated. Three radiologists independently measured minimum, mean and maximum ADC, each using three ROI placement approaches:1 - small 2D-ROI, 2 - large 2D-ROI and 3 - 3D-ROI covering the whole lesion. One reader performed all measurements twice. Median ADC values, diagnostic performance, reproducibility, and measurement time were calculated and compared between all combinations of ROI placement approaches and ADC parameters. Median ADC values differed significantly between the ROI placement approaches (p < .001). Minimum ADC showed the best diagnostic performance (AUC .928-.956), followed by mean ADC obtained from 2D ROIs (.926-.94). Minimum and mean ADC showed high intra- (ICC .85-.94) and inter-reader reproducibility (ICC .74-.94). Median measurement time was significantly shorter for the 2D ROIs (p < .001). ROI placement significantly influences ADC values measured in breast tumours. Minimum and mean ADC acquired from 2D-ROIs are useful for the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions, and are highly reproducible, with rapid measurement. • Region of interest placement significantly influences apparent diffusion coefficient of breast tumours. • Minimum and mean apparent diffusion coefficient perform best and are reproducible. • 2D regions of interest perform best and provide rapid measurement times.

A data variance technique for automated despiking of magnetotelluric data with a remote reference

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

Kappler, K.

2011-02-15

The magnetotelluric method employs co-located surface measurements of electric and magnetic fields to infer the local electrical structure of the earth. The frequency-dependent 'apparent resistivity' curves can be inaccurate at long periods if input data are contaminated - even when robust remote reference techniques are employed. Data despiking prior to processing can result in significantly more reliable estimates of long period apparent resistivities. This paper outlines a two-step method of automatic identification and replacement for spike-like contamination of magnetotelluric data; based on the simultaneity of natural electric and magnetic field variations at distant sites. This simultaneity is exploited both tomore » identify windows in time when the array data are compromised, and to generate synthetic data that replace observed transient noise spikes. In the first step, windows in data time series containing spikes are identified via intersite comparison of channel 'activity' - such as the variance of differenced data within each window. In the second step, plausible data for replacement of flagged windows is calculated by Wiener filtering coincident data in clean channels. The Wiener filters - which express the time-domain relationship between various array channels - are computed using an uncontaminated segment of array training data. Examples are shown where the algorithm is applied to artificially contaminated data, and to real field data. In both cases all spikes are successfully identified. In the case of implanted artificial noise, the synthetic replacement time series are very similar to the original recording. In all cases, apparent resistivity and phase curves obtained by processing the despiked data are much improved over curves obtained from raw data.« less

High-temperature MIRAGE XL (LFRA) IRSP system development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McHugh, Steve; Franks, Greg; LaVeigne, Joe

2017-05-01

The development of very-large format infrared detector arrays has challenged the IR scene projector community to develop larger-format infrared emitter arrays. Many scene projector applications also require much higher simulated temperatures than can be generated with current technology. This paper will present an overview of resistive emitterbased (broadband) IR scene projector system development, as well as describe recent progress in emitter materials and pixel designs applicable for legacy MIRAGE XL Systems to achieve apparent temperatures >1000K in the MWIR. These new high temperature MIRAGE XL (LFRA) Digital Emitter Engines (DEE) will be "plug and play" equivalent with legacy MIRAGE XL DEEs, the rest of the system is reusable. Under the High Temperature Dynamic Resistive Array (HDRA) development program, Santa Barbara Infrared Inc. (SBIR) is developing a new infrared scene projector architecture capable of producing both very large format (>2k x 2k) resistive emitter arrays and improved emitter pixel technology capable of simulating very high apparent temperatures. During earlier phases of the program, SBIR demonstrated materials with MWIR apparent temperatures in excess of 1500 K. These new emitter materials can be utilized with legacy RIICs to produce pixels that can achieve 7X the radiance of the legacy systems with low cost and low risk. A 'scalable' Read-In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) is also being developed under the same HDRA program to drive the high temperature pixels. This RIIC will utilize through-silicon via (TSV) and Quilt Packaging (QP) technologies to allow seamless tiling of multiple chips to fabricate very large arrays, and thus overcome the yield limitations inherent in large-scale integrated circuits. These quilted arrays can be fabricated in any N x M size in 512 steps.

Conductive films of silver nanoparticles as novel susceptors for induction welding of thermoplastic composites.

PubMed

Farahani, Rouhollah Dermanaki; Janier, Mathieu; Dubé, Martine

2018-03-23

In the present work, a conductive film of silver nanoparticles (nAg) as a novel heating element type, called susceptor, was developed and tested for induction welding of carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) thermoplastic composites, i.e., unidirectional pre-impregnated 16 plies of CF/PPS compression-molded in a quasi-isotropic stacking sequence. The nAg were synthesized, dispersed in deionized (DI) water and casted onto a pure PPS film, resulting in a conductive film upon the evaporation of DI water and thermal post-annealing. The thermal annealing at 250 °C significantly (by 7 orders) decreased the film's electrical resistivity from 9.4 × 10 3 down to 3.1 × 10 -4 Ω cm. The new susceptors led to fast heating rates in induction welding when compared to the standard stainless steel mesh susceptors under similar welding conditions. Lap shear mechanical testing revealed that the apparent lap shear strength (LSS) is sensitive to the susceptors' resistivity and the input current. A relatively high LSS value was achieved for the specimens welded using the new susceptors which exceeded the value of those welded using stainless steel mesh susceptors (28.3 MPa compared to 20 MPa). The weld interface and specimens' cross-section observation revealed that the nAg were dispersed and embedded into the resin upon welding. This study contains preliminary results that show high potential of nanoparticles as effective susceptors to further improve the mechanical performance of the joints in welding of thermoplastic composites.

Functional co-expression of two insect nicotinic receptor subunits (Nlalpha3 and Nlalpha8) reveals the effects of a resistance-associated mutation (Nlalpha3) on neonicotinoid insecticides.

PubMed

Yixi, Zhang; Liu, Zewen; Han, Zhaojun; Song, Feng; Yao, Xiangmei; Shao, Ying; Li, Jian; Millar, Neil S

2009-09-01

Neonicotinoid insecticides, such as imidacloprid, are selective agonists of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are used extensively to control a variety of insect pest species. Previously, we have identified a nAChR point mutation (Y151S) associated with insecticide resistance in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. Although this mutation has been identified in two different N. lugens nAChR subunits (Nlalpha1 and Nlalpha3) because of difficulties in heterologous expression of Nlalpha3; its influence on agonist potency has been examined only in Nlalpha1-containing nAChRs. Here we describe the cloning of a novel nAChR subunit from N. lugens (Nlalpha8), together with evidence for its co-assembly with Nlalpha3 in native and recombinant nAChRs. This has, for the first time, enabled the functional effects of the Nlalpha3(Y151S) mutation to be examined. The Nlalpha3(Y151S) mutation has little effect on agonist potency of acetylcholine but has a dramatic effect on neonicotinoid insecticides (reducing I(max) values and increasing EC(50) values). The apparent affinity of neonicotinoids was higher and the effect of the Y151S mutation on neonicotinoid agonist potency was more profound in Nlalpha3-containing, rather than Nlalpha1-containing nAChR. We conclude that Nlalpha3- and Nlalpha1-containing nAChRs may be representative of two distinct insect nAChR populations.

In vitro early changes in intercellular junctions by treatment with a chemical carcinogen.

PubMed

Tachikawa, T; Kohno, Y; Matsui, Y; Yoshiki, S

1986-06-01

To examine early intercellular junction changes caused by treatment with 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA), rat lingual epithelium was cultivated in isolation and observed by electrophysiological, freeze-fracture and whole-mount electron microscopy. Electrophysiological measurements showed a transient decrease in membrane potential of -10.2 mV 6 h after the treatment. It returned to almost the same level as that of the control group 1 day later. Six hours after treatment, input resistance decreased rapidly to 5.3 M omega but increased to 18.0 M omega 12 h after treatment. Transient reduction of input resistance and membrane potential occurred prior to the decrease in the coupling ratio 6 h after treatment with DMBA. In freeze-fracture replicas, the number of gap junctions decreased by approximately 45% of the control value 6 h after treatment with DMBA. At 12 h and thereafter, the number and area of gap junctions subsequently decreased by 60-80% of the control value. Alterations in the number and area of desmosomes were similar to those of the gap junctions. The formation of epithelial cytoskeletons, partially devoid of the 2-4 and 5-8 nm filaments was also observed. A decrease in the density of filament networks beneath the plasma membranes was especially apparent. Treatment with a carcinogen brought about morphological cellular changes as early as 6 h after treatment, and such early changes might trigger metabolic cellular abnormalities. Affected cells appear to move away from normal cells in a process of repeated destruction and revision of intercellular junctions, and cytoskeletons.

Validation of membrane vesicle-based breast cancer resistance protein and multidrug resistance protein 2 assays to assess drug transport and the potential for drug-drug interaction to support regulatory submissions.

PubMed

Elsby, Robert; Smith, Veronica; Fox, Lisa; Stresser, David; Butters, Caroline; Sharma, Pradeep; Surry, Dominic D

2011-09-01

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) can play a role in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs, impacting on the potential for drug-drug interactions. This study has characterized insect cell- and mammalian cell-derived ABC-transporter-expressing membrane vesicle test systems and validated methodologies for evaluation of candidate drugs as substrates or inhibitors of BCRP or MRP2. Concentration-dependent uptake of BCRP ([³H]oestrone 3-sulfate, [³H]methotrexate, [³H]rosuvastatin) and MRP2 ([³H]oestradiol 17β-glucuronide, [³H]pravastatin, carboxydichlorofluorescein) substrates, and inhibitory potencies (IC₅₀) of BCRP (sulfasalazine, novobiocin, fumitremorgin C) and MRP2 (benzbromarone, MK-571, terfenadine) inhibitors were determined. The apparent K(m) for probes [³H]oestrone 3-sulfate and [³H]oestradiol 17β-glucuronide was determined in insect cell vesicles to be 7.4 ± 1.7 and 105 ± 8.3 µM, respectively. All other substrates exhibited significant uptake ratios. Positive control inhibitors sulfasalazine and benzbromarone gave IC₅₀ values of 0.74 ± 0.18 and 36 ± 6.1 µM, respectively. All other inhibitors exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition. There was no significant difference in parameters generated between test systems. On the basis of the validation results, acceptance criteria to identify substrates/inhibitors of BCRP and MRP2 were determined for insect cell vesicles. The approach builds on earlier validations to support drug registration and extends from those cell-based systems to encompass assay formats using membrane vesicles.

Isotropic, anisotropic, and borehole washout analyses in Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II, Alaminos Canyon well 21-A

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Myung W.

2012-01-01

Through the use of three-dimensional seismic amplitude mapping, several gas hydrate prospects were identified in the Alaminos Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico. Two of the prospects were drilled as part of the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Program Leg II in May 2009, and a suite of logging-while-drilling logs was acquired at each well site. Logging-while-drilling logs at the Alaminos Canyon 21–A site indicate that resistivities of approximately 2 ohm-meter and P-wave velocities of approximately 1.9 kilometers per second were measured in a possible gas-hydrate-bearing target sand interval between 540 and 632 feet below the sea floor. These values are slightly elevated relative to those measured in the hydrate-free sediment surrounding the sands. The initial well log analysis is inconclusive in determining the presence of gas hydrate in the logged sand interval, mainly because large washouts in the target interval degraded well log measurements. To assess gas-hydrate saturations, a method of compensating for the effect of washouts on the resistivity and acoustic velocities is required. To meet this need, a method is presented that models the washed-out portion of the borehole as a vertical layer filled with seawater (drilling fluid). Owing to the anisotropic nature of this geometry, the apparent anisotropic resistivities and velocities caused by the vertical layer are used to correct measured log values. By incorporating the conventional marine seismic data into the well log analysis of the washout-corrected well logs, the gas-hydrate saturation at well site AC21–A was estimated to be in the range of 13 percent. Because gas hydrates in the vertical fractures were observed, anisotropic rock physics models were also applied to estimate gas-hydrate saturations.

Collateral damage of flomoxef therapy: in vivo development of porin deficiency and acquisition of blaDHA-1 leading to ertapenem resistance in a clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing CTX-M-3 and SHV-5 beta-lactamases.

PubMed

Lee, Chen-Hsiang; Chu, Chishih; Liu, Jien-Wei; Chen, Yi-Shung; Chiu, Chiung-Jung; Su, Lin-Hui

2007-08-01

The study aimed to characterize the genetic basis of flomoxef and collateral ertapenem resistance in a clinical isolate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) after flomoxef exposure. Four ESBL-KP isolates (Lkp11-14) were recovered sequentially from four episodes of bacteraemia in an elderly patient. Laboratory investigations included genotyping by PFGE, resistance gene analysis by PCR and sequencing, and outer membrane protein analysis by SDS-PAGE. Plasmid analysis by DNA-DNA hybridization, electroporation and conjugation was also performed. Lkp14 was recovered after 21 days of flomoxef therapy. It demonstrated an indistinguishable PFGE pattern when compared with those produced by Lkp11-13. However, resistance to both flomoxef and ertapenem emerged in Lkp14. Molecular characterization revealed that, in addition to the pre-existing ESBL production (CTX-M-3 and SHV-5) and OmpK35 deficiency found in Lkp11-13, Lkp14 had acquired an extra plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase gene (blaDHA-1) and failed to express OmpK36, because of insertional inactivation by an insertion sequence IS5. Other resistance mechanisms, such as production of carbapenem-hydrolysing enzymes or expression of chromosomal efflux, were apparently not involved. Conjugational transfer of the plasmid-mediated blaDHA-1 gene into Lkp11 resulted in a significant increase in the MICs of cephamycins and beta-lactamase inhibitors, but not in those of carbapenems. Lkp14 was apparently derived from the previously flomoxef-susceptible isolates, Lkp11-13. After flomoxef exposure, the in vivo acquisition of the plasmid-mediated blaDHA-1 gene has led to flomoxef resistance in Lkp14, and the concomitant depletion of OmpK36 expression has resulted in a collateral effect of ertapenem resistance and diminished susceptibilities to imipenem and meropenem.

Genetic Diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Peru and Exploration of Phylogenetic Associations with Drug Resistance

PubMed Central

Sheen, Patricia; Couvin, David; Grandjean, Louis; Zimic, Mirko; Dominguez, Maria; Luna, Giannina; Gilman, Robert H.; Rastogi, Nalin; Moore, David A. J.

2013-01-01

Background There is limited available data on the strain diversity of M tuberculosis in Peru, though there may be interesting lessons to learn from a setting where multidrug resistant TB has emerged as a major problem despite an apparently well-functioning DOTS control programme. Methods Spoligotyping was undertaken on 794 strains of M tuberculosis collected between 1999 and 2005 from 553 community-based patients and 241 hospital-based HIV co-infected patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Lima, Peru. Phylogenetic and epidemiologic analyses permitted identification of clusters and exploration of spoligotype associations with drug resistance. Results Mean patient age was 31.9 years, 63% were male and 30.4% were known to be HIV+. Rifampicin mono-resistance, isoniazid mono-resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) were identified in 4.7%, 8.7% and 17.3% of strains respectively. Of 794 strains from 794 patients there were 149 different spoligotypes. Of these there were 27 strains (3.4%) with novel, unique orphan spoligotypes. 498 strains (62.7%) were clustered in the nine most common spoligotypes: 16.4% SIT 50 (clade H3), 12.3% SIT 53 (clade T1), 8.3% SIT 33 (LAM3), 7.4% SIT 42 (LAM9), 5.5% SIT 1 (Beijing), 3.9% SIT 47 (H1), 3.0% SIT 222 (clade unknown), 3.0% SIT1355 (LAM), and 2.8% SIT 92 (X3). Amongst HIV-negative community-based TB patients no associations were seen between drug resistance and specific spoligotypes; in contrast HIV-associated MDRTB, but not isoniazid or rifampicin mono-resistance, was associated with SIT42 and SIT53 strains. Conclusion Two spoligotypes were associated with MDR particularly amongst patients with HIV. The MDR-HIV association was significantly reduced after controlling for SIT42 and SIT53 status; residual confounding may explain the remaining apparent association. These data are suggestive of a prolonged, clonal, hospital-based outbreak of MDR disease amongst HIV patients but do not support a hypothesis of strain-specific propensity for the acquisition of resistance-conferring mutations. PMID:23826083

Phylogenomics and antimicrobial resistance of the leprosy bacillus Mycobacterium leprae.

PubMed

Benjak, Andrej; Avanzi, Charlotte; Singh, Pushpendra; Loiseau, Chloé; Girma, Selfu; Busso, Philippe; Fontes, Amanda N Brum; Miyamoto, Yuji; Namisato, Masako; Bobosha, Kidist; Salgado, Claudio G; da Silva, Moisés B; Bouth, Raquel C; Frade, Marco A C; Filho, Fred Bernardes; Barreto, Josafá G; Nery, José A C; Bührer-Sékula, Samira; Lupien, Andréanne; Al-Samie, Abdul R; Al-Qubati, Yasin; Alkubati, Abdul S; Bretzel, Gisela; Vera-Cabrera, Lucio; Sakho, Fatoumata; Johnson, Christian R; Kodio, Mamoudou; Fomba, Abdoulaye; Sow, Samba O; Gado, Moussa; Konaté, Ousmane; Stefani, Mariane M A; Penna, Gerson O; Suffys, Philip N; Sarno, Euzenir Nunes; Moraes, Milton O; Rosa, Patricia S; Baptista, Ida M F Dias; Spencer, John S; Aseffa, Abraham; Matsuoka, Masanori; Kai, Masanori; Cole, Stewart T

2018-01-24

Leprosy is a chronic human disease caused by the yet-uncultured pathogen Mycobacterium leprae. Although readily curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), over 200,000 new cases are still reported annually. Here, we obtain M. leprae genome sequences from DNA extracted directly from patients' skin biopsies using a customized protocol. Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of 154 genomes from 25 countries provides insight into evolution and antimicrobial resistance, uncovering lineages and phylogeographic trends, with the most ancestral strains linked to the Far East. In addition to known MDT-resistance mutations, we detect other mutations associated with antibiotic resistance, and retrace a potential stepwise emergence of extensive drug resistance in the pre-MDT era. Some of the previously undescribed mutations occur in genes that are apparently subject to positive selection, and two of these (ribD, fadD9) are restricted to drug-resistant strains. Finally, nonsense mutations in the nth excision repair gene are associated with greater sequence diversity and drug resistance.

Kinetic studies on the reduction of iron ore nuggets by devolatilization of lean-grade coal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Chanchal; Gupta, Prithviraj; De, Arnab; Chaudhuri, Mahua Ghosh; Dey, Rajib

2016-12-01

An isothermal kinetic study of a novel technique for reducing agglomerated iron ore by volatiles released by pyrolysis of lean-grade non-coking coal was carried out at temperature from 1050 to 1200°C for 10-120 min. The reduced samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and chemical analysis. A good degree of metallization and reduction was achieved. Gas diffusion through the solid was identified as the reaction-rate-controlling resistance; however, during the initial period, particularly at lower temperatures, resistance to interfacial chemical reaction was also significant, though not dominant. The apparent rate constant was observed to increase marginally with decreasing size of the particles constituting the nuggets. The apparent activation energy of reduction was estimated to be in the range from 49.640 to 51.220 kJ/mol and was not observed to be affected by the particle size. The sulfur and carbon contents in the reduced samples were also determined.

Nicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticide resistance in houseflies (Diptera: Muscidae) collected from Florida dairies.

PubMed

Kaufman, Phillip E; Nunez, Sonia C; Mann, Rajinder S; Geden, Christopher J; Scharf, Michael E

2010-03-01

The housefly, Musca domestica L., continues to be a major pest of confined livestock operations. Houseflies have developed resistance to most chemical classes, and new chemistries for use in animal agriculture are increasingly slow to emerge. Five adult housefly strains from four Florida dairy farms were evaluated for resistance to four insecticides (beta-cyfluthrin, permethrin, imidacloprid and nithiazine). Significant levels of tolerance were found in most field strains to all insecticides, and in some cases substantial resistance was apparent (as deduced from comparison with prior published results). At the LC(90) level, greater than 20-fold resistance was found in two of the fly strains for permethrin and one fly strain for imidacloprid. Beta-cyfluthrin LC(90) resistance ratios exceeded tenfold resistance in three fly strains. The relatively underutilized insecticide nithiazine had the lowest resistance ratios; however, fourfold LC(90) resistance was observed in one southern Florida fly strain. Farm insecticide use and its impact on resistance selection in Florida housefly populations are discussed. Housefly resistance to pyrethroids is widespread in Florida. Imidacloprid resistance is emerging, and tolerance was observed to both imidacloprid and nithiazine. If these insecticides are to retain efficacy, producer use must be restrained.

Evaluation of manometric temperature measurement, a process analytical technology tool for freeze-drying: part II measurement of dry-layer resistance.

PubMed

Tang, Xiaolin Charlie; Nail, Steven L; Pikal, Michael J

2006-01-01

The purpose of this work was to study the factors that may cause systematic errors in the manometric temperature measurement (MTM) procedure used to determine product dry-layer resistance to vapor flow. Product temperature and dry-layer resistance were obtained using MTM software installed on a laboratory freeze-dryer. The MTM resistance values were compared with the resistance values obtained using the "vial method." The product dry-layer resistances obtained by MTM, assuming fixed temperature difference (DeltaT; 2 degrees C), were lower than the actual values, especially when the product temperatures and sublimation rates were low, but with DeltaT determined from the pressure rise data, more accurate results were obtained. MTM resistance values were generally lower than the values obtained with the vial method, particularly whenever freeze-drying was conducted under conditions that produced large variations in product temperature (ie, low shelf temperature, low chamber pressure, and without thermal shields). In an experiment designed to magnify temperature heterogeneity, MTM resistance values were much lower than the simple average of the product resistances. However, in experiments where product temperatures were homogenous, good agreement between MTM and "vial-method" resistances was obtained. The reason for the low MTM resistance problem is the fast vapor pressure rise from a few "warm" edge vials or vials with low resistance. With proper use of thermal shields, and the evaluation of DeltaT from the data, MTM resistance data are accurate. Thus, the MTM method for determining dry-layer resistance is a useful tool for freeze-drying process analytical technology.

The Risk of Some Veterinary Antimicrobial Agents on Public Health Associated with Antimicrobial Resistance and their Molecular Basis

PubMed Central

Hao, Haihong; Sander, Pascal; Iqbal, Zahid; Wang, Yulian; Cheng, Guyue; Yuan, Zonghui

2016-01-01

The risk of antimicrobial agents used in food-producing animals on public health associated with antimicrobial resistance continues to be a current topic of discussion as related to animal and human public health. In the present review, resistance monitoring data, and risk assessment results of some important antimicrobial agents were cited to elucidate the possible association of antimicrobial use in food animals and antimicrobial resistance in humans. From the selected examples, it was apparent from reviewing the published scientific literature that the ban on use of some antimicrobial agents (e.g., avoparcin, fluoroquinolone, tetracyclines) did not change drug resistance patterns and did not mitigate the intended goal of minimizing antimicrobial resistance. The use of some antimicrobial agents (e.g., virginiamycin, macrolides, and cephalosporins) in food animals may have an impact on the antimicrobial resistance in humans, but it was largely depended on the pattern of drug usage in different geographical regions. The epidemiological characteristics of resistant bacteria were closely related to molecular mechanisms involved in the development, fitness, and transmission of antimicrobial resistance. PMID:27803693

Next-generation approaches to understand and combat the antibiotic resistome.

PubMed

Crofts, Terence S; Gasparrini, Andrew J; Dantas, Gautam

2017-07-01

Antibiotic resistance is a natural feature of diverse microbial ecosystems. Although recent studies of the antibiotic resistome have highlighted barriers to the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between habitats, the rapid global spread of genes that confer resistance to carbapenem, colistin and quinolone antibiotics illustrates the dire clinical and societal consequences of such events. Over time, the study of antibiotic resistance has grown from focusing on single pathogenic organisms in axenic culture to studying antibiotic resistance in pathogenic, commensal and environmental bacteria at the level of microbial communities. As the study of antibiotic resistance advances, it is important to incorporate this comprehensive approach to better inform global antibiotic resistance surveillance and antibiotic development. It is increasingly becoming apparent that although not all resistance genes are likely to geographically and phylogenetically disseminate, the threat presented by those that are is serious and warrants an interdisciplinary research focus. In this Review, we highlight seminal work in the resistome field, discuss recent advances in the studies of resistomes, and propose a resistome paradigm that can pave the way for the improved proactive identification and mitigation of emerging antibiotic resistance threats.

Gas Phase Pressure Effects on the Apparent Thermal Conductivity of JSC-1A Lunar Regolith Simulant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuan, Zeng-Guang; Kleinhenz, Julie E.

2011-01-01

Gas phase pressure effects on the apparent thermal conductivity of a JSC-1A/air mixture have been experimentally investigated under steady state thermal conditions from 10 kPa to 100 kPa. The result showed that apparent thermal conductivity of the JSC-1A/air mixture decreased when pressure was lowered to 80 kPa. At 10 kPa, the conductivity decreased to 0.145 W/m/degree C, which is significantly lower than 0.196 W/m/degree C at 100 kPa. This finding is consistent with the results of previous researchers. The reduction of the apparent thermal conductivity at low pressures is ascribed to the Knudsen effect. Since the characteristic length of the void space in bulk JSC-1A varies over a wide range, both the Knudsen regime and continuum regime can coexist in the pore space. The volume ratio of the two regimes varies with pressure. Thus, as gas pressure decreases, the gas volume controlled by Knudsen regime increases. Under Knudsen regime the resistance to the heat flow is higher than that in the continuum regime, resulting in the observed pressure dependency of the apparent thermal conductivity.

Application of the [3H]Leucine Incorporation Technique for Quantification of Bacterial Secondary Production Associated with Decaying Wetland Plant Litter

PubMed Central

Gillies, Jane E.; Kuehn, Kevin A.; Francoeur, Steven N.; Neely, Robert K.

2006-01-01

The radiolabeled leucine incorporation technique for quantifying rates of bacterial production has increased in popularity since its original description for bacterioplankton communities. Prior studies addressing incorporation conditions (e.g., substrate saturation) for bacterial communities in other habitats, such as decaying plant litter, have reported a wide range of final leucine concentrations (400 nM to 50 μM) required to achieve saturation-level uptake. We assessed the application of the [3H]leucine incorporation procedure for measuring bacterial production on decaying wetland plant litter. Substrate saturation experiments (nine concentrations, 10 nM to 50 μM final leucine concentration) were conducted on three dates for microbial communities colonizing the submerged litter of three emergent plant species (Typha angustifolia, Schoenoplectus validus, and Phragmites australis). A modified [3H]leucine protocol was developed by coupling previously described incubation and alkaline extraction protocols with microdialysis (500 molecular weight cutoff membrane) of the final radiolabeled protein extract. The incorporation of [3H]leucine into protein exhibited a biphasic saturation curve, with lower apparent Km values ranging from 400 nM to 4.2 μM depending on the plant species studied. Upper apparent Km values ranged from 1.3 to 59 μM. These results suggest differential uptake by litter-associated microbial assemblages, with the lower apparent Km values possibly representing bacterial uptake and higher apparent Km values representing a combination of both bacterial and nonbacterial (e.g., eukaryotic) uptake. PMID:16957215

Deep Learning Role in Early Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Reda, Islam; Khalil, Ashraf; Elmogy, Mohammed; Abou El-Fetouh, Ahmed; Shalaby, Ahmed; Abou El-Ghar, Mohamed; Elmaghraby, Adel; Ghazal, Mohammed; El-Baz, Ayman

2018-01-01

The objective of this work is to develop a computer-aided diagnostic system for early diagnosis of prostate cancer. The presented system integrates both clinical biomarkers (prostate-specific antigen) and extracted features from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging collected at multiple b values. The presented system performs 3 major processing steps. First, prostate delineation using a hybrid approach that combines a level-set model with nonnegative matrix factorization. Second, estimation and normalization of diffusion parameters, which are the apparent diffusion coefficients of the delineated prostate volumes at different b values followed by refinement of those apparent diffusion coefficients using a generalized Gaussian Markov random field model. Then, construction of the cumulative distribution functions of the processed apparent diffusion coefficients at multiple b values. In parallel, a K-nearest neighbor classifier is employed to transform the prostate-specific antigen results into diagnostic probabilities. Finally, those prostate-specific antigen–based probabilities are integrated with the initial diagnostic probabilities obtained using stacked nonnegativity constraint sparse autoencoders that employ apparent diffusion coefficient–cumulative distribution functions for better diagnostic accuracy. Experiments conducted on 18 diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data sets achieved 94.4% diagnosis accuracy (sensitivity = 88.9% and specificity = 100%), which indicate the promising results of the presented computer-aided diagnostic system. PMID:29804518

Misdiagnosis of resistant hypertension: Real frequency of true resistant hypertension in patients with suspected resistance to treatment.

PubMed

Doménech, Mónica; Sastre, Enric; Camafort, Miguel; Sierra, Cristina; Coca, Antonio

2018-01-12

Resistant hypertension(RH) has been defined as failure to control office blood pressure (BP) despite the use of≥3 different antihypertensive agents at optimal doses, including, ideally, a diuretic. Apparent RH, defines patients with an incorrect diagnosis of RH due to different causes. The objective was to determine whether most patients with RH in fact have apparent but not true RH. Observational study involving 93 patients with suspected RH, being 60 patients finally included. Screening for secondary causes of hypertension was perfomed. True RH was defined as office BP>140/90mmHg despite full doses of 3 antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. Mean age 63.7±9.8years, 68.3%were male. Office BP 154.3±14.4/84.4±13.7mmHg. Of the 60 patients, 23.3% had white coat effect, 3.3% didn't have a diuretic and 8.3% were non-adherent-to-treatment. Accordingly, 58.3% were classified as true RH. Spironolactone was added in 62.5% of patients of whom 78.4% achieved ambulatory BP control. Almost half of the patients with suspected RH were not really true RH. We provide more evidence of excess of fluid retention as an underlying cause of lack of BP control in patients with RH, reinforce the relevant paper of spironolactone for the management in those patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Fabric filter model sensitivity analysis. Final report Jun 1978-Feb 1979

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

Dennis, R.; Klemm, H.A.; Battye, W.

1979-04-01

The report gives results of a series of sensitivity tests of a GCA fabric filter model, as a precursor to further laboratory and/or field tests. Preliminary tests had shown good agreement with field data. However, the apparent agreement between predicted and actual values was based on limited comparisons: validation was carried out without regard to optimization of the data inputs selected by the filter users or manufactures. The sensitivity tests involved introducing into the model several hypothetical data inputs that reflect the expected ranges in the principal filter system variables. Such factors as air/cloth ratio, cleaning frequency, amount of cleaning,more » specific resistence coefficient K2, the number of compartments, and inlet concentration were examined in various permutations. A key objective of the tests was to determine the variables that require the greatest accuracy in estimation based on their overall impact on model output. For K2 variations, the system resistance and emission properties showed little change; but the cleaning requirement changed drastically. On the other hand, considerable difference in outlet dust concentration was indicated when the degree of fabric cleaning was varied. To make the findings more useful to persons assessing the probable success of proposed or existing filter systems, much of the data output is presented in graphs or charts.« less

Inhibition of protease-resistant prion protein formation by porphyrins and phthalocyanines

PubMed Central

Caughey, Winslow S.; Raymond, Lynne D.; Horiuchi, Motohiro; Caughey, Byron

1998-01-01

A central aspect of pathogenesis in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion diseases is the conversion of normal protease-sensitive prion protein (PrP-sen) to the abnormal protease-resistant form, PrP-res. Here we identify porphyrins and phthalocyanines as inhibitors of PrP-res accumulation. The most potent of these tetrapyrroles had IC50 values of 0.5–1 μM in scrapie-infected mouse neuroblastoma (ScNB) cell cultures. Inhibition was observed without effects on protein biosynthesis in general or PrP-sen biosynthesis in particular. Tetrapyrroles also inhibited PrP-res formation in a cell-free reaction composed predominantly of hamster PrP-res and PrP-sen. Inhibitors were found among phthalocyanines, deuteroporphyrins IX, and meso-substituted porphines; examples included compounds containing anionic, neutral protic, and cationic peripheral substituents and various metals. We conclude that certain tetrapyrroles specifically inhibit the conversion of PrP-sen to PrP-res without apparent cytotoxic effects. The inhibition observed in the cell-free conversion reaction suggests that the mechanism involved direct interactions of the tetrapyrrole with PrP-res and/or PrP-sen. These findings introduce a new class of inhibitors of PrP-res formation that represents a potential source of therapeutic agents for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. PMID:9770449

Application of electromagnetic techniques in survey of contaminated groundwater at an abandoned mine complex in southwestern Indiana, U.S.A.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brooks, G.A.; Olyphant, G.A.; Harper, D.

1991-01-01

In part of a large abandoned mining complex, electromagnetic geophysical surveys were used along with data derived from cores and monitoring wells to infer sources of contamination and subsurface hydrologic connections between acidic refuse deposits and adjacent undisturbed geologic materials. Electrical resistivity increases sharply along the boundary of an elevated deposit of pyritic coarse refuse, which is highly contaminated and electrically conductive, indicating poor subsurface hydrologic connections with surrounding deposits of fine refuse and undisturbed glacial material. Groundwater chemistry, as reflected in values of specific conductance, also differs markedly across the deposit's boundary, indicating that a widespread contaminant plume has not developed around the coarse refuse in more than 40 yr since the deposit was created. Most acidic drainage from the coarse refuse is by surface runoff and is concentrated around stream channels. Although most of the contaminated groundwater within the study area is concentrated within the surficial refuse deposits, transects of apparent resistivity and phase angle indicate the existence of an anomalous conductive layer at depth (>4 m) in thick alluvial sediments along the northern boundary of the mining complex. Based on knowledge of local geology, the anomaly is interpreted to represent a subsurface connection between the alluvium and a flooded abandoned underground mine. ?? 1991 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

Application of electromagnetic techniques in survey of contaminated groundwater at an abandoned mine complex in southwestern Indiana, U.S.A.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brooks, Glenn A.; Olyphant, Greg A.; Harper, Denver

1991-07-01

In part of a large abandoned mining complex, electromagnetic geophysical surveys were used along with data derived from cores and monitoring wells to infer sources of contamination and subsurface hydrologic connections between acidic refuse deposits and adjacent undisturbed geologic materials. Electrical resistivity increases sharply along the boundary of an elevated deposit of pyritic coarse refuse, which is highly contaminated and electrically conductive, indicating poor subsurface hydrologic connections with surrounding deposits of fine refuse and undisturbed glacial material. Groundwater chemistry, as reflected in values of specific conductance, also differs markedly across the deposit's boundary, indicating that a widespread contaminant plume has not developed around the coarse refuse in more than 40 yr since the deposit was created. Most acidic drainage from the coarse refuse is by surface runoff and is concentrated around stream channels. Although most of the contaminated groundwater within the study area is concentrated within the surficial refuse deposits, transects of apparent resistivity and phase angle indicate the existence of an anomalous conductive layer at depth (>4 m) in thick alluvial sediments along the northern boundary of the mining complex. Based on knowledge of local geology, the anomaly is interpreted to represent a subsurface connection between the alluvium and a flooded abandoned underground mine.

Loss from variation in sawing precision

Treesearch

1964-01-01

A major loss sustained by small mills results from inaccurately cut lumber. Such lumber sells only at reduced prices and encounters stiffer sales resistance than lumber from the more accurately cutting band mills. A less apparent loss is the excessive loss of material that results from inaccurate cutting.

IN SITU APPARENT CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENTS AND MICROBIAL POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AT A HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATED SITE

EPA Science Inventory

We investigated the bulk electrical conductivity and microbial population distribution in sediments at a site contaminated with light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL). The bulk conductivity was measured using in situ vertical resistivity probes, while the most probable number met...

Analysis of one year time-lapse electrical data to unravel hydrological processes acting on a clayey landslide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gance, J.; Sailhac, P.; Malet, J.; Supper, R.; Jochum, B.; Ottowitz, D.; Grandjean, G.

2013-12-01

Movements of water in the topsoil (infiltration, run-off and evaporation) influence changes in slope stability which is the main controlling factor of landslide triggering (e.g. van Asch et al., 1999). Among the petrophysical parameters that can provide time-lapse sections of the topsoil, we consider the electrical conductivity for its sensitivity to soil water contents. Based on recent works which showed the possibility of monitoring the hydrological response of a clay-shale slope to a controlled rainfall experiment (Travelletti et al., 2012), we installed a permanent electrical monitoring experiment at the Super-Sauze landslide for long-term monitoring (one year) of natural meteorological events. We used the GEOMON4D resistivimeter, developed by the Austrian Geological Survey (Vienna, Austria) for experiments needing high rate of data acquisition, records of full signal samples for noise detection, remote controlled management and automatic data transfer (Supper et al., 2002, 2003 & 2004). The electrode positions varying with time, we installed two terrestrial optical cameras to characterize the changes in dipole geometry. Several hydrological sensors were installed along the profile to measure soil temperature, water temperature and conductivity, ground water level and soil humidity in the vadose zone. The main challenge is the processing of ca. 4.2 million of electrical resistivity data. In this difficult context, the potential factors influencing electrical resistivity with time without modification of soil saturation are the relative changes in the dipole geometry (linked to the displacement of the electrodes), changes in soil and water temperature, change in material porosity due to compaction/dilatation caused by the landslide movement. Therefore, before any inversion of data, we verify the presence of possible 3D effects, and assess the measurement accuracy and uncertainty. An apparent resistivity variation threshold, from which a modification of the saturation can be attributed, is determined. From those first results, we first investigate changes in the apparent resistivity. Responses to different hydrological processes (such as soil freezing/thawing, snow melting, high intensity rainfall, debris flow events) occurring during the monitoring period are detectable on the inversed resistivities over short periods. For example The results of the study highlight the difficulty to monitor hydrological changes on a clay-shale landslide, and will permit to improve such future device. Although a quantitative interpretation of the apparent resistivity is impossible, typical responses are clearly detectable and allows a first qualitative interpretation of hydrological changes in the landslide

Colistin-resistant Escherichia coli clinical isolate harbouring the mcr-1 gene in Ecuador.

PubMed

Ortega-Paredes, D; Barba, P; Zurita, J

2016-10-01

Colistin resistance mediated by the mcr-1 gene has been reported worldwide, but to date not from the Andean region, South America. We report the first clinical isolate of Escherichia coli harbouring the mcr-1 gene in Ecuador. The strain was isolated from peritoneal fluid from a 14-year-old male with acute appendicitis, and subjected to molecular analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration of colistin for the strain was 8 mg/ml and it was susceptible to carbapenems but resistant to tigecycline. The strain harboured mcr-1 and bla CTX-M-55 genes and was of sequence type 609. The recognition of an apparently commensal strain of E. coli harbouring mcr-1 serves as an alert to the presence in the region of this recently described resistance mechanism to one of the last line of drugs available for the treatment of multi-resistant Gram-negative infections.

Multiple populations of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in Cambodia

PubMed Central

Miotto, Olivo; Almagro-Garcia, Jacob; Manske, Magnus; MacInnis, Bronwyn; Campino, Susana; Rockett, Kirk A; Amaratunga, Chanaki; Lim, Pharath; Suon, Seila; Sreng, Sokunthea; Anderson, Jennifer M; Duong, Socheat; Nguon, Chea; Chuor, Char Meng; Saunders, David; Se, Youry; Lon, Chantap; Fukuda, Mark M; Amenga-Etego, Lucas; Hodgson, Abraham VO; Asoala, Victor; Imwong, Mallika; Takala-Harrison, Shannon; Nosten, Francois; Su, Xin-zhuan; Ringwald, Pascal; Ariey, Frédéric; Dolecek, Christiane; Hien, Tran Tinh; Boni, Maciej F; Thai, Cao Quang; Amambua-Ngwa, Alfred; Conway, David J; Djimdé, Abdoulaye A; Doumbo, Ogobara K; Zongo, Issaka; Ouedraogo, Jean-Bosco; Alcock, Daniel; Drury, Eleanor; Auburn, Sarah; Koch, Oliver; Sanders, Mandy; Hubbart, Christina; Maslen, Gareth; Ruano-Rubio, Valentin; Jyothi, Dushyanth; Miles, Alistair; O’Brien, John; Gamble, Chris; Oyola, Samuel O; Rayner, Julian C; Newbold, Chris I; Berriman, Matthew; Spencer, Chris CA; McVean, Gilean; Day, Nicholas P; White, Nicholas J; Bethell, Delia; Dondorp, Arjen M; Plowe, Christopher V; Fairhurst, Rick M; Kwiatkowski, Dominic P

2013-01-01

We describe an analysis of genome variation in 825 Plasmodium falciparum samples from Asia and Africa that reveals an unusual pattern of parasite population structure at the epicentre of artemisinin resistance in western Cambodia. Within this relatively small geographical area we have discovered several distinct but apparently sympatric parasite subpopulations with extremely high levels of genetic differentiation. Of particular interest are three subpopulations, all associated with clinical resistance to artemisinin, which have skewed allele frequency spectra and remarkably high levels of haplotype homozygosity, indicative of founder effects and recent population expansion. We provide a catalogue of SNPs that show high levels of differentiation in the artemisinin-resistant subpopulations, including codon variants in various transporter proteins and DNA mismatch repair proteins. These data provide a population genetic framework for investigating the biological origins of artemisinin resistance and for defining molecular markers to assist its elimination. PMID:23624527

Adaptation or Resistance: a classification of responses to sea-level rise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, J. A.

2016-02-01

Societal responses to sea level rise and associated coastal change are apparently diverse in nature and motivation. Most are commonly referred to as 'adaptation'. Based on a review of current practice, however, it is argued that many of these responses do not involve adaptation, but are rather resisting change. There are several instances where formerly adaptive initiatives involving human adaptability are being replaced by initiatives that resist change. A classification is presented that recognises a continuum of responses ranging from adaptation to resistance, depending upon the willingness to change human activities to accommodate environmental change. In many cases climate change adaptation resources are being used for projects that are purely resistant and which foreclose future adaptation options. It is argued that a more concise definition of adaptation is needed if coastal management is to move beyond the current position of holding the shoreline, other tah n in a few showcase examples.

Results of Electrical Resistivity Data Collected near the Town of Guernsey, Platte County, Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

McDougal, Robert R.; Abraham, Jared D.; Bisdorf, Robert J.

2004-01-01

As part of a study to investigate subsurface geologic conditions as they relate to ground-water flow in an abandoned landfill near the town of Guernsey, Wyoming, geophysical direct current (DC) resistivity data were collected. Eight vertical resistivity soundings and eight horizontal resistivity profiles were made using single channel and multi-channel DC instruments. Data collected in the field were converted from apparent resistivity to inverted resistivity with depth using a numerical inversion of the data. Results of the inverted resistivity data are presented as horizontal profiles and as profiles derived from the combined horizontal profile and vertical sounding data. The data sets collected using the single-channel and multi-channel DC systems provided for the resistivity investigation to extend to greater depth. Similarity of the electrical properties of the bedrock formations made interpretation of the resistivity profiles more difficult. High resistivity anomalies seen in the profiles are interpreted as quartzite lenses and as limestone or metadolomite structures in the eastern part of the study area. Terrace gravels were mapped as resistive where dry and less resistive in the saturated zone. The DC resistivity methods used in this study illustrate that multi-electrode DC resistivity surveying and more traditional methodologies can be merged and used to efficiently map anomalies of hydrologic interest in geologically complex terrain.

Achieving ultra-high temperatures with a resistive emitter array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danielson, Tom; Franks, Greg; Holmes, Nicholas; LaVeigne, Joe; Matis, Greg; McHugh, Steve; Norton, Dennis; Vengel, Tony; Lannon, John; Goodwin, Scott

2016-05-01

The rapid development of very-large format infrared detector arrays has challenged the IR scene projector community to also develop larger-format infrared emitter arrays to support the testing of systems incorporating these detectors. In addition to larger formats, many scene projector users require much higher simulated temperatures than can be generated with current technology in order to fully evaluate the performance of their systems and associated processing algorithms. Under the Ultra High Temperature (UHT) development program, Santa Barbara Infrared Inc. (SBIR) is developing a new infrared scene projector architecture capable of producing both very large format (>1024 x 1024) resistive emitter arrays and improved emitter pixel technology capable of simulating very high apparent temperatures. During earlier phases of the program, SBIR demonstrated materials with MWIR apparent temperatures in excess of 1400 K. New emitter materials have subsequently been selected to produce pixels that achieve even higher apparent temperatures. Test results from pixels fabricated using the new material set will be presented and discussed. A 'scalable' Read In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) is also being developed under the same UHT program to drive the high temperature pixels. This RIIC will utilize through-silicon via (TSV) and Quilt Packaging (QP) technologies to allow seamless tiling of multiple chips to fabricate very large arrays, and thus overcome the yield limitations inherent in large-scale integrated circuits. Results of design verification testing of the completed RIIC will be presented and discussed.

In Vitro Evaluation of CBR-2092, a Novel Rifamycin-Quinolone Hybrid Antibiotic: Microbiology Profiling Studies with Staphylococci and Streptococci ▿

PubMed Central

Robertson, Gregory T.; Bonventre, Eric J.; Doyle, Timothy B.; Du, Qun; Duncan, Leonard; Morris, Timothy W.; Roche, Eric D.; Yan, Dalai; Lynch, A. Simon

2008-01-01

We present data from antimicrobial assays performed in vitro that pertain to the potential clinical utility of a novel rifamycin-quinolone hybrid antibiotic, CBR-2092, for the treatment of infections mediated by gram-positive cocci. The MIC90s for CBR-2092 against 300 clinical isolates of staphylococci and streptococci ranged from 0.008 to 0.5 μg/ml. Against Staphylococcus aureus, CBR-2092 exhibited prolonged postantibiotic effects (PAEs) and sub-MIC effects (SMEs), with values of 3.2, 6.5, and >8.5 h determined for the PAE (3× MIC), SME (0.12× MIC), and PAE-SME (3× MIC/0.12× MIC) periods, respectively. Studies of genetically defined mutants of S. aureus indicate that CBR-2092 is not a substrate for the NorA or MepA efflux pumps. In minimal bactericidal concentration and time-kill studies, CBR-2092 exhibited bactericidal activity against staphylococci that was retained against rifampin- or intermediate quinolone-resistant strains, with apparent paradoxical cidal characteristics against rifampin-resistant strains. In spontaneous resistance studies, CBR-2092 exhibited activity consistent with balanced contributions from its composite pharmacophores, with a mutant prevention concentration of 0.12 μg/ml and a resistance frequency of <10−12 determined at 1 μg/ml in agar for S. aureus. Similarly, CBR-2092 suppressed the emergence of preexisting rifamycin resistance in time-kill studies undertaken at a high cell density. In studies of the intracellular killing of S. aureus, CBR-2092 exhibited prolonged bactericidal activity that was superior to the activities of moxifloxacin, rifampin, and a cocktail of moxifloxacin and rifampin. Overall, CBR-2092 exhibited promising activity in a range of antimicrobial assays performed in vitro that pertain to properties relevant to the effective treatment of serious infections mediated by gram-positive cocci. PMID:18443106

Time-lapse electrical resistivity imaging of the thermally affected zone of a Borehole Thermal Energy Storage system near Torino (Northern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordano, N.; Arato, A.; Comina, C.; Mandrone, G.

2017-05-01

A Borehole Thermal Energy Storage living lab was built up nearby Torino (Northern Italy). This living lab aims at testing the ability of the alluvial deposits of the north-western Po Plain to store the thermal energy collected by solar thermal panels and the efficiency of energy storage systems in this climatic context. Different monitoring approaches have been tested and analyzed since the start of the thermal injection in April 2014. Underground temperature monitoring is constantly undertaken by means of several temperature sensors located along the borehole heat exchangers and within the hydraulic circuit. Nevertheless, this can provide only pointwise information about underground temperature distribution. For this reason, a geophysical approach is proposed in order to image the thermally affected zone (TAZ) caused by the heat injection: surface electrical resistivity measurements were carried out with this purpose. In the present paper, results of time-lapse acquisitions during a heating day are reported with the aim of imaging the thermal plume evolution within the subsoil. Resistivity data, calibrated on local temperature measurements, have shown their potentiality in imaging the heated plume of the system and depicting its evolution throughout the day. Different types of data processing were adopted in order to face issues mainly related to a highly urbanized environment. The use of apparent resistivity proved to be in valid agreement with the results of different inversion approaches. The inversion processes did not significantly improve the qualitative and quantitative TAZ imaging in comparison to the pseudo-sections. This suggested the usefulness of apparent resistivity data alone for a rough monitoring of TAZ in this kind of applications.

On coincident loop transient electromagnetic induction logging

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

Swidinsky, Andrei; Weiss, Chester J.

Coincident loop transient induction wireline logging is examined as the borehole analog of the well-known land and airborne time-domain electromagnetic (EM) method. The concept of whole-space late-time apparent resistivity is modified from the half-space version commonly used in land and airborne geophysics and applied to the coincident loop voltages produced from various formation, borehole, and invasion models. Given typical tool diameters, off-time measurements with such an instrument must be made on the order of nanoseconds to microseconds — much more rapidly than for surface methods. Departure curves of the apparent resistivity for thin beds, calculated using an algorithm developed tomore » model the transient response of a loop in a multilayered earth, indicate that the depth of investigation scales with the bed thickness. Modeled resistivity logs are comparable in accuracy and resolution with standard frequency-domain focused induction logs. However, if measurement times are longer than a few microseconds, the thicknesses of conductors can be overestimated, whereas resistors are underestimated. Thin-bed resolution characteristics are explained by visualizing snapshots of the EM fields in the formation, where a conductor traps the electric field while two current maxima are produced in the shoulder beds surrounding a resistor. Radial profiling is studied using a concentric cylinder earth model. Results found that true formation resistivity can be determined in the presence of either oil- or water-based mud, although in the latter case, measurements must be taken several orders of magnitude later in time. Lastly, the ability to determine true formation resistivity is governed by the degree that the EM field heals after being distorted by borehole fluid and invasion, a process visualized and particularly evident in the case of conductive water-based mud.« less

On coincident loop transient electromagnetic induction logging

DOE PAGES

Swidinsky, Andrei; Weiss, Chester J.

2017-05-31

Coincident loop transient induction wireline logging is examined as the borehole analog of the well-known land and airborne time-domain electromagnetic (EM) method. The concept of whole-space late-time apparent resistivity is modified from the half-space version commonly used in land and airborne geophysics and applied to the coincident loop voltages produced from various formation, borehole, and invasion models. Given typical tool diameters, off-time measurements with such an instrument must be made on the order of nanoseconds to microseconds — much more rapidly than for surface methods. Departure curves of the apparent resistivity for thin beds, calculated using an algorithm developed tomore » model the transient response of a loop in a multilayered earth, indicate that the depth of investigation scales with the bed thickness. Modeled resistivity logs are comparable in accuracy and resolution with standard frequency-domain focused induction logs. However, if measurement times are longer than a few microseconds, the thicknesses of conductors can be overestimated, whereas resistors are underestimated. Thin-bed resolution characteristics are explained by visualizing snapshots of the EM fields in the formation, where a conductor traps the electric field while two current maxima are produced in the shoulder beds surrounding a resistor. Radial profiling is studied using a concentric cylinder earth model. Results found that true formation resistivity can be determined in the presence of either oil- or water-based mud, although in the latter case, measurements must be taken several orders of magnitude later in time. Lastly, the ability to determine true formation resistivity is governed by the degree that the EM field heals after being distorted by borehole fluid and invasion, a process visualized and particularly evident in the case of conductive water-based mud.« less

A magnetotelluric study from over Dharwar cratonic nucleus into Billigiri Rangan charnockitic massif, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pratap, A.; Kusham; Pradeep Naick, B.; Naganjaneyulu, K.

2018-07-01

The electrical resistivity structure of the crust beneath the Dharwar craton in southern India was investigated by magnetotelluric method. In the present study, a northwest-southeast oriented 220 km long profile of 18 stations with a station spacing of ∼10-15 km is used. The profile extends from Dharwar cratonic nucleus in the north to Billigiri Rangan charnockitic massifs in the south. Time series data are processed to get the apparent resistivity and phase. The dominant geoelectric strike direction (75°) was calculated in a period range of 0.01-1000 s. The data are rotated to 75° strike direction. Two-dimensional inversion is carried out by using the non-linear conjugate gradient scheme for both apparent resistivity and phase. Our inversion results show a conductor in the northern side of the profile and two distinct prominent conductors in southern part of the profile. The mid-lower crust in southern part of the profile shows less resistive (<300 ohm-m) nature in the depth range of 20-50 km and is related with the Chitradurga shear zone and Billigiri Rangan charnockite massif. These zones were interpreted as CO2 flushed terranes. Regional-scale carbonation occurred in Late Archaean is associated with Chitradurga shear zone and in Late Proterozoic is associated with Salem-Attur shear zone. The CO2 rich fluids derived during that time might have exhausted in dehydration reactions. Later events such as the Indian plate passing over several hotspots and the metasomatized fluids associated with the Cretaceous-Tertiary magmatism in the region is the reason for observed low resistivity near Billigiri Rangan massif and surrounding regions in the south.

29 CFR 1926.1413 - Wire rope-inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... Apparent deficiencies in this category are: (A) Visible broken wires, as follows: (1) In running wire ropes: Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope... around the rope. (2) In rotation resistant ropes: Two randomly distributed broken wires in six rope...

29 CFR 1926.1413 - Wire rope-inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... Apparent deficiencies in this category are: (A) Visible broken wires, as follows: (1) In running wire ropes: Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope... around the rope. (2) In rotation resistant ropes: Two randomly distributed broken wires in six rope...

29 CFR 1926.1413 - Wire rope-inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.... Apparent deficiencies in this category are: (A) Visible broken wires, as follows: (1) In running wire ropes: Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope... around the rope. (2) In rotation resistant ropes: Two randomly distributed broken wires in six rope...

Pre-weld heat treatment improves welds in Rene 41

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prager, M.

1968-01-01

Cooling of Rene 41 prior to welding reduces the incidence of cracking during post-weld heat treatment. The microstructure formed during the slow cooling rate favors elevated temperature ductility. Some vestiges of this microstructure are apparently retained during welding and thus enhance strain-age crack resistance in air.

Mediating Gendered Performances: Young People Negotiating Embodiment in Research Discussions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phoenix, Ann; Pattman, Rob; Croghan, Rosaleen; Griffin, Christine

2013-01-01

Gender inequalities in schools have implications for life chances, emotional well-being and educational policies and practices, but are apparently resistant to change. This paper employs Judith Butler's conceptualisation of performativity in a study of young people and consumption to provide insights into gendered inequities. It argues that how…

Phosphorene/rhenium disulfide heterojunction-based negative differential resistance device for multi-valued logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shim, Jaewoo; Oh, Seyong; Kang, Dong-Ho; Jo, Seo-Hyeon; Ali, Muhammad Hasnain; Choi, Woo-Young; Heo, Keun; Jeon, Jaeho; Lee, Sungjoo; Kim, Minwoo; Song, Young Jae; Park, Jin-Hong

2016-11-01

Recently, negative differential resistance devices have attracted considerable attention due to their folded current-voltage characteristic, which presents multiple threshold voltage values. Because of this remarkable property, studies associated with the negative differential resistance devices have been explored for realizing multi-valued logic applications. Here we demonstrate a negative differential resistance device based on a phosphorene/rhenium disulfide (BP/ReS2) heterojunction that is formed by type-III broken-gap band alignment, showing high peak-to-valley current ratio values of 4.2 and 6.9 at room temperature and 180 K, respectively. Also, the carrier transport mechanism of the BP/ReS2 negative differential resistance device is investigated in detail by analysing the tunnelling and diffusion currents at various temperatures with the proposed analytic negative differential resistance device model. Finally, we demonstrate a ternary inverter as a multi-valued logic application. This study of a two-dimensional material heterojunction is a step forward toward future multi-valued logic device research.

Phosphorene/rhenium disulfide heterojunction-based negative differential resistance device for multi-valued logic

PubMed Central

Shim, Jaewoo; Oh, Seyong; Kang, Dong-Ho; Jo, Seo-Hyeon; Ali, Muhammad Hasnain; Choi, Woo-Young; Heo, Keun; Jeon, Jaeho; Lee, Sungjoo; Kim, Minwoo; Song, Young Jae; Park, Jin-Hong

2016-01-01

Recently, negative differential resistance devices have attracted considerable attention due to their folded current–voltage characteristic, which presents multiple threshold voltage values. Because of this remarkable property, studies associated with the negative differential resistance devices have been explored for realizing multi-valued logic applications. Here we demonstrate a negative differential resistance device based on a phosphorene/rhenium disulfide (BP/ReS2) heterojunction that is formed by type-III broken-gap band alignment, showing high peak-to-valley current ratio values of 4.2 and 6.9 at room temperature and 180 K, respectively. Also, the carrier transport mechanism of the BP/ReS2 negative differential resistance device is investigated in detail by analysing the tunnelling and diffusion currents at various temperatures with the proposed analytic negative differential resistance device model. Finally, we demonstrate a ternary inverter as a multi-valued logic application. This study of a two-dimensional material heterojunction is a step forward toward future multi-valued logic device research. PMID:27819264

Multiple-class antimicrobial resistance surveillance in swine Escherichia coli F4, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis isolates from Ontario and the impact of the 2004-2006 Porcine Circovirus type-2 Associated Disease outbreak.

PubMed

Glass-Kaastra, Shiona K; Pearl, David L; Reid-Smith, Richard; McEwen, Beverly; Slavic, Durda; Fairles, Jim; McEwen, Scott A

2014-02-01

The objective of this work was to describe trends in multiple-class antimicrobial resistance present in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli F4, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis from Ontario swine 1998-2010. Temporal changes in multiple-class resistance varied by the pathogens examined; significant yearly changes were apparent for the E. coli and P. multocida data. Although not present in the E. coli data, significant increases in multiple-class resistance within P. multocida isolates occurred from 2003 to 2005, coinciding with the expected increase in antimicrobials used to treat clinical signs of Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD) before it was confirmed. Prospective temporal scan statistics for multiple-class resistance suggest that significant clusters of increased resistance may have been found in the spring of 2004; months before the identification of the PCVAD outbreak in the fall of 2004. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/nanofiber Arrays as Conductive and Dry Adhesive Interface Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tong, Tao; Zhao, Yang; Delzeit, Lance; Majumdar, Arun; Kashani, Ali

2004-01-01

We demonstrate the possibility of making conductive and dry adhesive interfaces between multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) and nanofiber (MWNF) arrays grown by chemical vapor deposition with transition-metal as catalyst on highly Boron doped silicon substrates. The maximum observed adhesion force between MWNT and MWNF surfaces is 3.5 mN for an apparent contact area of 2 mm by 4 mm. The minimum contact resistance measured at the same time is approx.20 Omega. Contact resistances of MWNT-MWNT and MWNT-gold interfaces were also measured as pressure forces around several mN were applied at the interface. The resulting minimum contact resistances are on the same order but with considerable variation from sample to sample. For MWNT-MWNT contacts, a minimum contact resistance of approx.1 Omega is observed for a contact area of 2 mm by 1 mm. The relatively high contact resistances, considering the area density of the nanotubes, might be explained by the high cross-tube resistances at the contact interfaces.

Glyphosate degradation in glyphosate-resistant and -susceptible crops and weeds.

PubMed

Duke, Stephen O

2011-06-08

High levels of aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), the main glyphosate metabolite, have been found in glyphosate-treated, glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybean, apparently due to plant glyphosate oxidoreductase (GOX)-like activity. AMPA is mildly phytotoxic, and under some conditions the AMPA accumulating in GR soybean correlates with glyphosate-caused phytotoxicity. A bacterial GOX is used in GR canola, and an altered bacterial glyphosate N-acetyltransferase is planned for a new generation of GR crops. In some weed species, glyphosate degradation could contribute to natural resistance. Neither an isolated plant GOX enzyme nor a gene for it has yet been reported in plants. Gene mutation or amplification of plant genes for GOX-like enzyme activity or horizontal transfer of microbial genes from glyphosate-degrading enzymes could produce GR weeds. Yet, there is no evidence that metabolic degradation plays a significant role in evolved resistance to glyphosate. This is unexpected, considering the extreme selection pressure for evolution of glyphosate resistance in weeds and the difficulty in plants of evolving glyphosate resistance via other mechanisms.

Correlation of human papillomavirus status with apparent diffusion coefficient of diffusion-weighted MRI in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

PubMed

Driessen, Juliette P; van Bemmel, Alexander J M; van Kempen, Pauline M W; Janssen, Luuk M; Terhaard, Chris H J; Pameijer, Frank A; Willems, Stefan M; Stegeman, Inge; Grolman, Wilko; Philippens, Marielle E P

2016-04-01

Identification of prognostic patient characteristics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is of great importance. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive HNSCCs have favorable response to (chemo)radiotherapy. Apparent diffusion coefficient, derived from diffusion-weighted MRI, has also shown to predict treatment response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between HPV status and apparent diffusion coefficient. Seventy-three patients with histologically proven HNSCC were retrospectively analyzed. Mean pretreatment apparent diffusion coefficient was calculated by delineation of total tumor volume on diffusion-weighted MRI. HPV status was analyzed and correlated to apparent diffusion coefficient. Six HNSCCs were HPV-positive. HPV-positive HNSCC showed significantly lower apparent diffusion coefficient compared to HPV-negative. This correlation was independent of other patient characteristics. In HNSCC, positive HPV status correlates with low mean apparent diffusion coefficient. The favorable prognostic value of low pretreatment apparent diffusion coefficient might be partially attributed to patients with a positive HPV status. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E613-E618, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Apparent diffusion coefficient in the analysis of prostate cancer: determination of optimal b-value pair to differentiate normal from malignant tissue.

PubMed

Adubeiro, Nuno; Nogueira, Maria Luísa; Nunes, Rita G; Ferreira, Hugo Alexandre; Ribeiro, Eduardo; La Fuente, José Maria Ferreira

Determining optimal b-value pair for differentiation between normal and prostate cancer (PCa) tissues. Forty-three patients with diagnosis or PCa symptoms were included. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was estimated using minimum and maximum b-values of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 500s/mm2 and 500, 800, 1100, 1400, 1700 and 2000s/mm2, respectively. Diagnostic performances were evaluated when Area-under-the-curve (AUC)>95%. 15 of the 35 b-values pair surpassed this AUC threshold. The pair (50, 2000s/mm2) provided the highest AUC (96%) with ADC cutoff 0.89×10- 3 mm 2 /s, sensitivity 95.5%, specificity 93.2% and accuracy 94.4%. The best b-value pair was b=50, 2000s/mm2. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-assembled patches in PtSi/n-Si (111) diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afandiyeva, I. M.; Altιndal, Ş.; Abdullayeva, L. K.; Bayramova, A. İ.

2018-05-01

Using the effect of the temperature on the capacitance–voltage (C–V) and conductance–voltage (G/ω–V) characteristics of PtSi/n-Si (111) Schottky diodes the profile of apparent doping concentration (N Dapp), the potential difference between the Fermi energy level and the bottom of the conduction band (V n), apparent barrier height (Φ Bapp), series resistance (R s) and the interface state density N ss have been investigated. From the temperature dependence of (C–V) it was found that these parameters are non-uniformly changed with increasing temperature in a wide temperature range of 79–360 K. The voltage and temperature dependences of apparent carrier distribution we attributed to the existence of self-assembled patches similar the quantum wells, which formed due to the process of PtSi formation on semiconductor and the presence of hexagonal voids of Si (111).

A Fractal Interpretation of Controlled-Source Helicopter Electromagnetic Survey Data: Seco Creek, Edwards Aquifer, TX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Decker, K. T.; Everett, M. E.

2009-12-01

The Edwards aquifer lies in the structurally complex Balcones fault zone and supplies water to the growing city of San Antonio. To ensure that future demands for water are met, the hydrological and geophysical properties of the aquifer must be well-understood. In most settings, fracture lengths and displacements occur in power-law distributions. Fracture distribution plays an important role in determining electrical and hydraulic current flowpaths. 1-D synthetic models of the controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) response for layered models with a fractured layer at depth described by the roughness parameter βV, such that 0≤βV<1, associated with the power-law length-scale dependence of electrical conductivity are developed. A value of βV = 0 represents homogeneous, continuous media, while a value of 0<βV<1 shows that roughness exists. The Seco Creek frequency-domain helicopter electromagnetic survey data set is analyzed by introducing the similarly defined roughness parameter βH to detect lateral roughness along survey lines. Fourier transforming the apparent resistivity as a function of position along flight line into wavenumber domain using a 256-point sliding window gives the power spectral density (PSD) plot for each line. The value of βH is the slope of the least squares regression for the PSD in each 256-point window. Changes in βH with distance along the flight line are plotted. Large values of βH are found near well-known large fractures and maps of βH produced by interpolating values of βH along survey lines suggest previously undetected structure at depth.

Resistant Hypertension, Time-Updated Blood Pressure Values and Renal Outcome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Viazzi, Francesca; Piscitelli, Pamela; Ceriello, Antonio; Fioretto, Paola; Giorda, Carlo; Guida, Pietro; Russo, Giuseppina; De Cosmo, Salvatore; Pontremoli, Roberto

2017-09-22

Apparent treatment resistant hypertension (aTRH) is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and entails worse cardiovascular prognosis. The impact of aTRH and long-term achievement of recommended blood pressure (BP) values on renal outcome remains largely unknown. We assessed the role of aTRH and BP on the development of chronic kidney disease in patients with T2D and hypertension in real-life clinical practice. Clinical records from a total of 29 923 patients with T2D and hypertension, with normal baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and regular visits during a 4-year follow-up, were retrieved and analyzed. The association between time-updated BP control (ie, 75% of visits with BP <140/90 mm Hg) and the occurrence of estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 and/or a reduction ≥30% from baseline was assessed. At baseline, 17% of patients had aTRH. Over the 4-year follow-up, 19% developed low estimated glomerular filtration rate and 12% an estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction ≥30% from baseline. Patients with aTRH showed an increased risk of developing both renal outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 1.31 and 1.43; P <0.001 respectively), as compared with those with non-aTRH. No association was found between BP control and renal outcomes in non-aTRH, whereas in aTRH, BP control was associated with a 30% ( P =0.036) greater risk of developing the renal end points. ATRH entails a worse renal prognosis in T2D with hypertension. BP control is not associated with a more-favorable renal outcome in aTRH. The relationship between time-updated BP and renal function seems to be J-shaped, with optimal systolic BP values between 120 and 140 mm Hg. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Influence of the chemical and electronic structure on the electrical behavior of zirconium oxynitride films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, P.; Chappé, J. M.; Cunha, L.; Lanceros-Méndez, S.; Alpuim, P.; Vaz, F.; Alves, E.; Rousselot, C.; Espinós, J. P.; González-Elipe, A. R.

2008-05-01

This work is devoted to the investigation of decorative zirconium oxynitride, ZrOxNy, films prepared by dc reactive magnetron sputtering, using a 17:3 nitrogen-to-oxygen-ratio gas mixture. The color of the films changed from metallic-like, very bright yellow pale, and golden yellow, for low gas mixture flows [from 0 to about 9SCCM (SCCM denotes cubic centimeter per minute at STP)] to red brownish for intermediate gas flows (values up to 12SCCM). Associated to this color change there is a significant decrease of brightness. With further increase of the reactive gas flow, the color of the samples changed from red brownish to dark blue (samples prepared with 13 and 14SCCM). The films deposited with gas flows above 14SCCM showed only apparent colorations due to interference effects. This change in optical behavior from opaque to transparent (characteristic of a transition from metallic to insulating-type materials), promoted by the change in gas flow values, revealed that significant changes were occurring in the film structure and electronic properties, thus opening new potential applications for the films, beyond those of purely decorative ones. Taking this into account, the electrical behavior of the films was investigated as a function of the reactive gas flow and correlated with the observed chemical, electronic, and structural features. The variations in composition disclosed the existence of four different zones, which were correlated to different crystalline structures. For the so-called zone I, x-ray diffraction revealed the development of films with a B1 NaCl face-centered cubic zirconium nitride-type phase, with some texture changes. Increasing the reactive gas flow, the structure of the films is that of a poorly crystallized overstoichiometric nitride phase, which may be similar to that of Zr3N4, but with some probable oxygen inclusions within nitrogen positions. This region was characterized as zone II. Zone III was indexed as an oxynitride-type phase, similar to that of γ-Zr2ON2 with some oxygen atoms occupying some of the nitrogen positions. Finally, occurring at the highest flow rates, zone IV was assigned to a ZrO2 monoclinic-type structure. The composition/structure variations were consistent with the chemical bonding analysis carried out by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which showed oxygen doping in both Zr3N4- and ZrN-type grown films. The electronic properties of the films exhibited significant changes from zone to zone. Resistivity measurements revealed a very wide range of values, varying from relatively highly conductive materials (for zone I) with resistivity values around few hundreds of μΩcm to highly insulating films within zones III and IV, which presented resistivity values in the order of 1015μΩcm. Regarding zone II, corresponding to oxygen doped Zr3N4-type compounds, the observed behavior revealed resistivity values increasing steeply from about 103 up to 1015μΩcm, indicating a systematic transition from metallic to insulating regimes.

Porometric properties of siliciclastic marine sand: A comparison of traditional laboratory measurements with image analysis and effective medium modeling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, A.H.; Briggs, K.B.; Lavoie, D.L.

2002-01-01

During the 1999 sediment acoustics experiment (SAX99), porometric properties were measured and predicted for a well sorted, medium sand using standard laboratory geotechnical methods and image analysis of resin-impregnated sediments. Sediment porosity measured by laboratory water-weight-loss methods (0.372 ?? 0.0073 for mean ??1 standard deviation) is 0.026 lower than determined by microscopic image analysis of resin-impregnated sediments (0.398 ?? 0.029). Values of intrinsic permeability (m2) determined from constant-head permeameter measurements (3.29 ?? 10-11 ?? 0.60 ?? 10-11) and by microscopic image analysis coupled with effective medium theory modeling (2.78 ?? 10-11 ?? 1.01 ?? 10-11) are nearly identical within measurement error. The mean value of tortuosity factor measured from images is 1.49 ?? 0.09, which is in agreement with tortuosity factor determined from electrical resistivity measurements. Slight heterogeneity and anisotropy are apparent in the top three centimeters of sediment as determined by image-based porometric property measurements. However, the overall similarity for both measured and predicted values of porosity and permeability among and within SAX99 sites indicates sediments are primarily homogeneous and isotropic and pore size distributions are fairly uniform. The results indicate that an effective medium theory technique and two-dimensional image analysis accurately predicts bulk permeability in resin-impregnated sands.

Broadening of resistive transition and irreversibility line for epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao-jun, Xu; Ke-bin, Li; Jun, Fang; Zhi-he, Wang; Xiao-wen, Cao

1996-04-01

The broadening of resistive transition of c axis oriented epitaxial YBCO thin film has been measured for three configurations: (1) Hparc and H ⊥ I; (2) Hparab plane and H ⊥ I; (3) Hparab plane and HparI in magnetic field up to 8 Tesla(T), and for different angle θ of magnetic field relative to the ab plane with H = 4T. The results obtained indicate that the broadening of resistive transition is mainly determined by the angle θ, but is hardly related to the angle α made between magnetic field and tran sport current in ab plane. This means that the broadening of resistive transition is not determined by flux motion drived by apparent Lorentz force. An expression of angular dependence of irreversibility line has been given.

Association of Plasma Ghrelin Levels with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Saudi Subjects

PubMed Central

Al Qarni, Ali Ahmed; Joatar, Faris Elbahi; Das, Nagalla; Awad, Mohamed; Eltayeb, Mona; Al-Zubair, Ahmed Gasim; Ali, Muhalab E.; Al Masaud, Abdulaziz; Shire, Abdirashid M.; Gumaa, Khalid

2017-01-01

Background Although the exact mechanism of insulin resistance (IR) has not yet been established, IR is the hallmark characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and IR in Saudi subjects with T2DM. Methods Patients with T2DM (n=107, cases) and non-diabetic apparently healthy subjects (n=101, controls) from Saudi Arabia were included in this study. The biochemical profiles and plasma insulin levels of all subjects were analyzed, and IR was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Active ghrelin levels in plasma were measured using the radioimmunoassay technique. Results Only 46.7% (50 of 107) of the T2DM subjects had IR, including 26% (28 of 107) with severe IR (HOMA-IR ≥5), while 5.9% (six of 101) of the controls had moderate IR (3 ≤HOMA-IR <5). HOMA-IR values were not associated with age, disease duration, or gender. Importantly, T2DM itself and the co-occurrence of IR with T2DM were significantly associated with low plasma ghrelin levels. However, ghrelin levels were inversely correlated with the HOMA-IR index, body weight, and fasting plasma insulin levels, mainly in the control subjects, which was indicative of the breakdown of metabolic homeostasis in T2DM. Conclusion The prevalence of IR was relatively low, and IR may be inversely associated with plasma ghrelin levels among Saudi patients with T2DM. PMID:28555463

Changes in Bone Biomarkers, BMC, and Insulin Resistance Following a 10-Week Whole Body Vibration Exercise Program in Overweight Latino Boys.

PubMed

Erceg, David N; Anderson, Lindsey J; Nickles, Chun M; Lane, Christianne J; Weigensberg, Marc J; Schroeder, E Todd

2015-01-01

With the childhood obesity epidemic, efficient methods of exercise are sought to improve health. We tested whether whole body vibration (WBV) exercise can positively affect bone metabolism and improve insulin/glucose dynamics in sedentary overweight Latino boys. Twenty Latino boys 8-10 years of age were randomly assigned to either a control (CON) or 3 days/wk WBV exercise (VIB) for 10-wk. Significant increases in BMC (4.5 ± 3.2%; p=0.01) and BMD (1.3 ± 1.3%; p<0.01) were observed for the VIB group when compared to baseline values. For the CON group BMC significantly increased (2.0 ± 2.2%; p=0.02), with no change in BMD (0.8 ± 1.3%; p=0.11). There were no significant between group changes in BMC or BMD. No significant change was observed for osteocalcin and (collagen type I C-telopeptide) CTx for the VIB group. However, osteocalcin showed a decreasing trend (p=0.09) and CTx significantly increased (p<0.03) for the CON group. This increase in CTx was significantly different between groups (p<0.02) and the effect size of between-group difference in change was large (-1.09). There were no significant correlations between osteocalcin and measures of fat mass or insulin resistance for collapsed data. Although bone metabolism was altered by WBV training, no associations were apparent between osteocalcin and insulin resistance. These findings suggest WBV exercise may positively increase BMC and BMD by decreasing bone resorption in overweight Latino boys.

Sutures and an Anomalous Deep Lithospheric Electrical Resistor in the Southeastern United States as Revealed by EarthScope Magnetotelluric Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, B. S.; Egbert, G. D.

2016-12-01

We use newly acquired long-period magnetotelluric data to examine lithospheric structure beneath the modern Southern Appalachian Mountains and the adjacent Piedmont. The New York-Alabama Lineament is clearly visible both in inverse models and in the data themselves as a major Appalachian-parallel, mid- to lower-crustal conductive feature. This observation supports geologically-based interpretations of the NY-AL Lineament as a major Grenville suture. We also discern several other suture zones in our inverse models, including the Central Piedmont Suture. Interestingly, we do not observe any geoelectric signature of the Suwannee Suture. Most strikingly, we find a zone of exceptionally high resistivity (>1000 μm) that extends to a depth of more than 200 km beneath the modern Piedmont. This resistive block abuts more conductive lithosphere ( 100 μm, as would be expected for Phanerozoic lithosphere) to the northwest. The boundary between these two distinct domains coincides with the modern Appalachian topographic escarpment to within our resolution. The high resistivity values would seem to require completely dry, highly depleted lithosphere at anomalously cold temperatures; however, corresponding seismically fast lithospheric mantle that would be expected for such a structure has not been observed in any previous studies. The exact nature of this feature therefore remains uncertain at present. Regardless, as it is a persistent feature in inversions and it is also readily apparent in the impedance data, this geoelectric structure likely holds important implications for the past, present, and future tectonic evolution of the Southeastern United States.

Effects of different cooling treatments on water diffusion, microcirculation, and water content within exercised muscles: evaluation by magnetic resonance T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging.

PubMed

Yanagisawa, Osamu; Takahashi, Hideyuki; Fukubayashi, Toru

2010-09-01

In this study, we determined the effects of different cooling treatments on exercised muscles. Seven adults underwent four post-exercise treatments (20-min ice-bag application, 60-min gel-pack application at 10 degrees C and 17 degrees C, and non-cooling treatment) with at least 1 week between treatments. Magnetic resonance diffusion- and T2-weighted images were obtained to calculate the apparent diffusion coefficients (apparent diffusion coefficient 1, which reflects intramuscular water diffusion and microcirculation, and apparent diffusion coefficient 2, which is approximately equal to the true diffusion coefficient that excludes as much of the effect of intramuscular microcirculation as possible) and the T2 values (intramuscular water content level) of the ankle dorsiflexors, respectively, before and after ankle dorsiflexion exercise and after post-exercise treatment. The T2 values increased significantly after exercise and returned to pre-exercise values after each treatment; no significant differences were observed among the four post-exercise treatments. Both apparent diffusion coefficients also increased significantly after exercise and decreased significantly after the three cooling treatments; no significant difference was detected among the three cooling treatments. Local cooling suppresses both water diffusion and microcirculation within exercised muscles. Moreover, although the treatment time was longer, adequate cooling effects could be achieved using the gel-pack applications at relatively mild cooling temperatures.

Next-generation approaches to understand and combat the antibiotic resistome

PubMed Central

Crofts, Terence S.; Gasparrini, Andrew J.; Dantas, Gautam

2017-01-01

Antibiotic resistance is a natural feature of diverse microbial ecosystems. Although recent studies of the antibiotic resistome have highlighted barriers to the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between habitats, the rapid global spread of genes that confer resistance to carbapenem, colistin and quinolone antibiotics illustrates the dire clinical and societal consequences of such events. Over time, the study of antibiotic resistance has grown from focusing on single pathogenic organisms in axenic culture to studying antibiotic resistance in pathogenic, commensal and environmental bacteria at the level of microbial communities. As the study of antibiotic resistance advances, it is important to incorporate this comprehensive approach to better inform global antibiotic resistance surveillance and antibiotic development. It is increasingly becoming apparent that although not all resistance genes are likely to geographically and phylogenetically disseminate, the threat presented by those that are is serious and warrants an interdisciplinary research focus. In this Review, we highlight seminal work in the resistome field, discuss recent advances in the studies of resistomes, and propose a resistome paradigm that can pave the way for the improved proactive identification and mitigation of emerging antibiotic resistance threats. PMID:28392565

Temporal variations in patterns of Escherichia coli strain diversity and antimicrobial resistance in the migrant Egyptian vulture

PubMed Central

Maherchandani, Sunil; Shringi, B. N.; Kashyap, Sudhir Kumar

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Aims: Multiple antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli of wild vertebrates is a global concern with scarce assessments on the subject from developing countries that have high human-wild species interactions. We studied the ecology of E. coli in a wintering population of Egyptian Vultures in India to understand temporal changes in both E. coli strains and patterns of antimicrobial resistance. Methods and Results: We ribotyped E. coli strains and assessed antimicrobial resistance from wintering vultures at a highly synanthropic carcass dump in north-west India. Both E. coli occurence (90.32%) and resistance to multiple antimicrobials (71.43%) were very high. Clear temporal patterns were apparent. Diversity of strains changed and homogenized at the end of the Vultures’ wintering period, while the resistance pattern showed significantly difference inter-annually, as well as between arrival and departing individuals within a wintering cycle. Significance of study: The carcass dump environment altered both E. coli strains and multiple antimicrobial resistance in migratory Egyptian Vultures within a season. Long-distance migratory species could therefore disseminate resistant E. coli strains across broad geographical scales rendering regional mitigation strategies to control multiple antimicrobial resistance in bacteria ineffective. PMID:29755700

Parallel evolution or purifying selection, not introgression, explain similarity in the pyrethroid detoxification linked GSTE4 of Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis

PubMed Central

Wilding, C.S.; Weetman, D.; Rippon, E.J.; Steen, K.; Mawejje, H.D.; Barsukov, I.; Donnelly, M.J.

2014-01-01

Insecticide resistance is a major impediment to the control of vectors and pests of public health importance and is a strongly selected trait capable of rapid spread, sometimes even between closely-related species. Elucidating the mechanisms generating insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors of disease, and understanding the spread of resistance within and between populations and species are vital for the development of robust resistance management strategies. Here we studied the mechanisms of resistance in two sympatric members of the Anopheles gambiae species complex – the major vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa – in order to understand how resistance has developed and spread in eastern Uganda, a region with some of the highest levels of malaria. In eastern Uganda, where the mosquitoes Anopheles arabiensis and An. gambiae can be found sympatrically, low levels of hybrids (0.4%) occur, offering a route for introgression of adaptively important variants between species. In independent microarray studies of insecticide resistance, Gste4, an insect-specific glutathione S-transferase, was among the most significantly up-regulated genes in both species. To test the hypothesis of interspecific introgression, we sequenced 2.3kbp encompassing Gste4. Whilst this detailed sequencing ruled out introgression, we detected strong positive selection acting on Gste4. However, these sequences, followed by haplotype-specific qPCR, showed that the apparent up-regulation in An. arabiensis is a result of allelic variation across the microarray probe binding sites which artefactually elevates the gene expression signal. Thus, face-value acceptance of microarray data can be misleading and it is advisable to conduct a more detailed investigation of the causes and nature of such signal. The identification of positive selection acting on this locus led us to functionally express and characterise allelic variants of GSTE4. Although the in vitro data do not support a direct role for GSTE4 in metabolism, they do support a role for this enzyme in insecticide sequestration. Thus, the demonstration of a role for an up-regulated gene in metabolic resistance to insecticides should not be limited to simply whether it can metabolise insecticide; such a strict criterion would argue against the involvement of GSTE4 despite the weight of evidence to the contrary. PMID:25213601

[Mechanisms of beta-lactam and quinolone resistance in Haemophilus influenzae].

PubMed

Ubukata, Kimiko

2012-02-01

Haemophilus influenzae is one of the important pathogens causing respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, and meningitis. Genotypic(g) beta-lactamase-nonproducing ampicillin resistance (gBLNAR) H. influenzae has rapidly increased since 2000 years in Japan. The resistant percentage exceeded 60% in Hib isolates from meningitis in 2009. The affinity of beta-lactam antibiotics for penicillin-binding proteins-3 (PBP3) that involved in septal peptidoglycan synthesis deceased in the resistant strains. Three amino acid substitutions, Ser385Thr, Asn526Lys and Arg517His in PBP3 encoded by ftsI gene are especially responsible for beta-lactam resistance in the gBLNAR. Susceptibilities of cephalosporin agents including cefotaxime for gBLNAR were apparently decreased than the ampicillin and carbapenem antibiotics. Though fluoroquinolone resistant isolates are rare (< 1%) in H. influenzae, strains of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin MIC with > or = 8 microg/mL were isolated from elderly patients with CAP. These strains possessed amino acid substitutions of Ser84Phe and Asp88Asn in GyrA and Glu88Lys in ParC. It is important to practice rapidly identification of these resistant strains at routine work.

Discrimination of excess toxicity from baseline level for ionizable compounds: Effect of pH.

PubMed

Li, Jin J; Zhang, Xu J; Wang, Xiao H; Wang, Shuo; Yu, Yang; Qin, Wei C; Su, Li M; Zhao, Yuan H

2016-03-01

The toxic effect can be affected by pH in water through affecting the degree of ionization of ionizable compounds. Wrong classification of mode of action can be made from the apparent toxicities. In this paper, the toxicity data of 61 compounds to Daphnia magna determined at three pH values were used to investigate the effect of pH on the discrimination of excess toxicity. The results show that the apparent toxicities are significantly less than the baseline level. Analysis on the effect of pH on bioconcentration factor (BCF) shows that the log BCF values are significantly over-estimated for the strongly ionizable compounds, leading to the apparent toxicities greatly less than the baseline toxicities and the toxic ratios greatly less than zero. A theoretical equation between the apparent toxicities and pH has been developed basing on the critical body residue (CBR). The apparent toxicities are non-linearly related to pH, but linearly to fraction of unionized form. The determined apparent toxicities are well fitted with the toxicities predicted by the equation. The toxicities in the unionized form calculated from the equation are close to, or greater than the baseline level for almost all the strongly ionizable compounds, which are very different from the apparent toxicities. The studied ionizable compounds can be either classified as baseline, less inert or reactive compounds in D. magna toxicity. Some ionizable compounds do not exhibit excess toxicity at a certain pH, due not to their poor reactivity with target molecules, but because of the ionization in water. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of Sungai Batu Sediment using 2-D Resistivity Imaging and Seismic Refraction Methods for Ancient River Mapping at Kedah, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andika, F.; Saad, R.; Saidin, M. M.; Muztaza, N. M.; Amsir

2018-04-01

Sungai Batu is an earliest civilization in Southeast Asia with evidenced by the discovery of riverside jetty, iron smelting, and ritual monuments. The evidences can lead to prediction of buried river caused by geological and sedimentation process. This study was conducted to study sediment deposit characteristic and to map thickness of the sediments using 2-D resistivity imaging and seismic refraction for ancient river mapping. A total of thirty, 2-D resistivity and nine seismic survey lines were conducted at the study area. Four of the lines R1-R4 and S1-S4 were correlated and validated with existing on site boreholes BH1-BH4 to identify sediment type and thickness. The validated values applied to the remaining survey lines which no borehole record to map the subsurface of the study area. Based on the results, Sungai Batu area consist of clay with resistivity value of 6.6-25.9 Ω.m and velocity value of 716.9-1606.9 m/s; sandy clay with resistivity value of 6-265.1 Ω.m and velocity value of 1003.6-1901.4 m/s; while shale was identified with resistivity value of >668.6 Ω.m and velocity value of >2051.7 m/s. Boundary between clay/sandy clay with shale was identified with resistivity value of 314 Ω.m and velocity value of 1822 m/s. The integration of the 2-D resistivity and seismic refraction identified that the thickness of Sungai Batu sediment is 0-150 m and Sungai Batu ancient river was successfully map based on thickness of sediment which is >45 m.

Apparent mineral retention is similar in control and hyperinsulinemic men after consumption of high amylose cornstarch.

PubMed

Behall, Kay M; Howe, Juliette C; Anderson, Richard A

2002-07-01

The effects on apparent mineral retention after long-term consumption of a high amylose diet containing 30 g resistant starch (RS) were investigated in 10 control and 14 hyperinsulinemic men. Subjects consumed products (bread, muffins, cookies, corn flakes and cheese puffs) made with standard (70% amylopectin, 30% amylose; AP) or high amylose (70% amylose, 30% amylopectin; AM) cornstarch for two 14-wk periods in a crossover pattern. Starch products replaced usual starches in the habitual diet for 10 wk followed by 4 wk of consuming the controlled diets. During wk 12, all urine, feces and duplicate foods were collected for 7 d. Urinary chromium losses after a glucose tolerance test or 24-h collections of the hyperinsulinemic and control subjects did not differ and were not altered by diet. Except for zinc, the two subject types did not differ significantly in apparent mineral balance. Apparent retentions of calcium and magnesium were not significantly affected by diet (AM vs. AP) or type-by-diet interaction. Apparent iron retention tended to be greater after AM than AP consumption (P < 0.09). Apparent copper retention was greater after consuming AP than after AM (P < 0.02), whereas apparent zinc retention was greater after consuming AM than after AP (P < 0.018). Zinc also showed a significant type-by-diet interaction (P < 0.034) with control subjects retaining less zinc after consuming AP than after AM. In summary, a high amylose cornstarch diet containing 30 g RS could be consumed long term without markedly affecting, and possibly enhancing, retention of some minerals.

Associations of antimicrobial use with antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter coli from grow-finish pigs in Japan.

PubMed

Ozawa, M; Makita, K; Tamura, Y; Asai, T

2012-10-01

To determine associations between antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter coli, 155 isolates were obtained from the feces of apparently healthy grow-finish pigs in Japan. In addition, data on the use of antibiotics collected through the national antimicrobial resistance monitoring system in Japan were used for the analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors to antimicrobial resistance in C. coli in pigs for the following antimicrobials: ampicillin, dihydrostreptomycin, erythromycin, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin. The data suggested the involvement of several different mechanisms of resistance selection. The statistical relationships were suggestive of co-selection; use of macrolides was associated with enrofloxacin resistance (OR=2.94; CI(95%): 0.997, 8.68) and use of tetracyclines was associated with chloramphenicol resistance (OR=2.37; CI(95%): 1.08, 5.19). The statistical relationships were suggestive of cross-resistance: use of macrolides was associated with erythromycin resistance (OR=9.36; CI(95%): 2.96, 29.62) and the use of phenicols was associated with chloramphenicol resistance (OR=11.83; CI(95%): 1.41, 99.44). These data showed that the use of antimicrobials in pigs selects for resistance in C. coli within and between classes of antimicrobials. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of biofilm formation and the interaction between Candida albicans and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

PubMed

Zago, Chaiene Evelin; Silva, Sónia; Sanitá, Paula Volpato; Barbugli, Paula Aboud; Dias, Carla Maria Improta; Lordello, Virgínia Barreto; Vergani, Carlos Eduardo

2015-01-01

Polymicrobial biofilms are an understudied and a clinically relevant problem. This study evaluates the interaction between C. albicans, and methicillin- susceptible (MSSA) and resistant (MRSA) S. aureus growing in single- and dual-species biofilms. Single and dual species adhesion (90 min) and biofilms (12, 24, and 48 h) were evaluated by complementary methods: counting colony-forming units (CFU mL-1), XTT-reduction, and crystal violet staining (CV). The secretion of hydrolytic enzymes by the 48 h biofilms was also evaluated using fluorimetric kits. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess biofilm structure. The results from quantification assays were compared using two-way ANOVAs with Tukey post-hoc tests, while data from enzymatic activities were analyzed by one-way Welch-ANOVA followed by Games-Howell post hoc test (α = 0.05). C. albicans, MSSA and MRSA were able to adhere and to form biofilm in both single or mixed cultures. In general, all microorganisms in both growth conditions showed a gradual increase in the number of cells and metabolic activity over time, reaching peak values between 12 h and 48 h (ρ<0.05). C. albicans single- and dual-biofilms had significantly higher total biomass values (ρ<0.05) than single biofilms of bacteria. Except for single MRSA biofilms, all microorganisms in both growth conditions secreted proteinase and phospholipase-C. SEM images revealed extensive adherence of bacteria to hyphal elements of C. albicans. C. albicans, MSSA, and MRSA can co-exist in biofilms without antagonism and in an apparent synergistic effect, with bacteria cells preferentially associated to C. albicans hyphal forms.

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)-mediated glyburide transport: effect of the C421A/Q141K BCRP single-nucleotide polymorphism.

PubMed

Pollex, Erika K; Anger, Gregory; Hutson, Janine; Koren, Gideon; Piquette-Miller, Micheline

2010-05-01

The antidiabetic agent glyburide (glibenclamide) is frequently used for the treatment of type II diabetes and is increasingly being used for the treatment of gestational diabetes. Evidence suggests that breast cancer resistance protein/ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, member 2 (ABCG2) expressed in the placenta protects the fetus against the accumulation of glyburide. A number of studies have investigated the significance of several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ABCG2 gene. Associations between the Q141K (C421A) SNP and ABCG2 protein expression, membrane surface translocation, efflux activity, or ATPase activity have been shown. Therefore, alterations in glyburide transport across the placenta, resulting in increased fetal glyburide exposure, may be seen in individuals carrying the C421A allele. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the Q141K SNP causes alterations in ABCG2-mediated glyburide transport. Glyburide accumulation assays were carried out with stably transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells expressing wild-type ABCG2 (Arg482) and polymorphic ABCG2 (Q141K). Glyburide kinetic parameters were determined for comparison of wild-type and SNP ABCG2 activity by simultaneously fitting data for ABCG2-expressing cells (saturable transport) and empty vector-expressing cells (nonsaturable transport) by nonlinear regression analysis. The apparent K(t) and V(max) values for the transfected HEK-293 cells expressing the polymorphic variant (Q141K) of ABCG2 were significantly higher than those values determined for the wild-type ABCG2-expressing cells (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that the Q141K variant of ABCG2 may have the potential to alter the placental pharmacokinetics of glyburide used in pregnancy.

ERT and Well Data Tie for Nickel Laterite Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aswad, Sabrianto; Mamela Mais, Difar; Syamsuddin; Wanni

2018-03-01

The need of ERT method in nickel latentes exploration can’t be deny. This method have capability to make exploration more effective and efficient. In reality this method still remain ambiguity in its application, especially for geologist and mining expert. These ambiguity related with layer zone determination (limonite, saprolite and bedrock), the same resistivity values in the different zones and determination of bedrock. This paper try to expose interesting fact to overcome this ambiguity by using ERT data and drill data tie. This tie will show characteristic of nickel lateric based on resisitivity value and the contribution of chemistry element for resistivity value. Data ERT was collected by using gradient configuration and well data consist of mayor element and minor element. Tie result showed difference resistivity value in limonite layer influence by Fe, H2O and Ni, where resistivity value from saprolite layer influenced by Fe, H2O, Si02, MgO, Al, Cr, and Ni in certain accumulation. In bedrock layer, almost all drill data did not reach bedrock but only reached the boulder alone, it is supported by the value of the resistivity of rock unserpentinized peridotite which should show a relatively large resistivity value

Methods to determine metabolizable energy and digestibility of feed ingredients in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica).

PubMed

Sales, J; Janssens, G P J

2003-09-01

The influence of length of excreta collection period (1, 3, 6, 10, 14 d) and prefeeding protocol (7 d either individual feeding in collection cages or group feeding in housing cages) on AMEn, nitrogen retention (NR), and apparent DM, organic matter and ether extract digestibility of corn and peas were evaluated in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica). In addition, the use of internal markers [acid-insoluble ash (AIA) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)] to determine AMEn, NR, and apparent digestibility was compared with the method of measuring total feed input and excreta output. A quadratic (y = a + bx + cx2) trend in the CV for AMEn, NR, and apparent digestibility coefficients found over collection periods with corn presented evidence that excreta collection for a period of 3 d will produce a CV of 5% less than the minimum CV. Although no trend could be detected in CV for peas, a 3-d excreta collection period resulted in relatively low variation. Both AIA and ADL, when used as internal markers, resulted in AMEn, NR, and digestibility values below (P < 0.05) those obtained with total collection with corn. However, values between markers were comparable (P > 0.05) for all components evaluated. The ADL was unsuccessful as marker with peas. Group prefeeding of pigeons in housing cages resulted in lower feed intake, excreta output, NR, and apparent digestibility than when birds were adapted individually to collection cages. This study presents evidence that the method of measuring total feed intake and excreta output for a period of 3 d, with individual adaptation of birds to collection cages, resulted in the most reliable values for AMEn, NR, and apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter and ether extract of feed ingredients in pigeons.

Elastic behavior of brain simulants in comparison to porcine brain at different loading velocities.

PubMed

Falland-Cheung, Lisa; Scholze, Mario; Hammer, Niels; Waddell, J Neil; Tong, Darryl C; Brunton, Paul A

2018-01-01

Blunt force impacts to the head and the resulting internal force transmission to the brain and other cranial tissue are difficult to measure. To model blunt force impact scenarios, the compressive properties resembling tissue elasticity are of importance. Therefore, this study investigated and compared the elastic behavior of gelatin, alginate, agar/glycerol and agar/glycerol/water simulant materials to that of porcine brain in a fresh and unfixed condition. Specimens, 10 × 10 × 10mm 3 , were fabricated and tested at 22°C, apart from gelatin which was conditioned to 4°C prior to testing. For comparison, fresh porcine brains were sourced and prepared to the same dimensions as the simulants. Specimens underwent compression tests at crosshead displacement rates of 2.5, 10 and 16mms -1 (equivalent to strain rates of 0.25, 1 and 1.6s -1 ), obtaining apparent elastic moduli values at different strain rate intervals (0-0.2, 0.2-0.4 and 0.4-0.5). The results of this study indicate that overall all simulant materials had an apparent elastic moduli similar in magnitude across all strain ranges compared to brain, even though comparatively higher, especially the apparent elastic moduli values of alginate. In conclusion, while agar/glycerol/water and agar/glycerol had similar apparent elastic moduli in magnitude and the closest apparent elastic moduli in the initial strain range (E 1 ), gelatin showed the most similar values to fresh porcine brain at the transitional (E 2 ) and higher strain range (E 3 ). The simulant materials and the fresh porcine brain exhibited strain rate dependent behavior, with increasing elastic moduli upon increasing loading velocities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Challenges in Teaching the Mechanics of Breathing to Medical and Graduate Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

West, John B.

2008-01-01

The mechanics of breathing has always been a difficult topic for some medical and graduate students. The subject is very quantitative and contains a number of concepts that some students have trouble with, including physical principles such as pressure, flow, volume, resistance, elasticity, and compliance. Apparently, present-day students find the…

The Feel of Mobility: How Children Use Sedentary Lifestyles as a Site of Resistance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Martha

2011-01-01

The consequences of the neo-liberal societal "speed-up" are lived at the apparently contradictory intersection of mobile lifestyles and obesogenic environments. The focus for public health interventions is the bodies of children. Recent interpretive research into how pre-teenaged children talk about watching television suggests that…

Curriculum Gatekeeping in Global Education: Global Educators' Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Robert W.

2013-01-01

Teaching social studies from a global perspective has been resisted by many since its inception (Kirkwood, 2009). Critics have labeled the theory anti-American and unpatriotic (Schlafly, 1986; Burack, 2001). Others are concerned with its shifting perspectives and apparent lack of core facts (Finn, 1988). Over time, some critics have changed their…

Austenitic stainless steel alloys having improved resistance to fast neutron-induced swelling

DOEpatents

Bloom, Everett E.; Stiegler, James O.; Rowcliffe, Arthur F.; Leitnaker, James M.

1979-01-01

The present invention is based on the discovery that radiation-induced voids which occur during fast neutron irradiation can be controlled by small but effective additions of titanium and silicon. The void-suppressing effect of these metals in combination is demonstrated and particularly apparent in austenitic stainless steels.

Austenitic stainless steel alloys having improved resistance to fast neutron-induced swelling

DOEpatents

Bloom, Everett E.; Stiegler, James O.; Rowcliffe, Arthur F.; Leitnaker, James M.

1977-03-08

The present invention is based on the discovery that radiation-induced voids which occur during fast neutron irradiation can be controlled by small but effective additions of titanium and silicon. The void-suppressing effect of these metals in combination is demonstrated and particularly apparent in austenitic stainless steels.

Dissolution-resistance of glass-added hydroxyapatite composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Dong Seok; Lee, Jong Kook

2009-04-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has generated a great deal of interest as a promising implant material. However, its poor mechanical properties induced by severe dissolution in biological milieu limit medical applications and lead to clinical failure. In this study, HA ceramics with 30P2O5-30CaO-40Na2O glass (1.0 wt.% and 2.5 wt.%) were prepared to improve the resistance of monophase HA. The monophase HA sintered body showed microstructural degradation due to grain boundary dissolution in buffered water. However, the dissolution-resistance of HA/glass composites was significantly improved and showed no apparent evidence of dissolution. This suggests that a less soluble glass phase should be placed at grain boundaries to protect HA from dissolution.

Dandy-Walker syndrome with psychotic symptoms: a case report.

PubMed

Buonaguro, Elisabetta F; Cimmarosa, Sara; de Bartolomeis, Andrea

2014-01-01

Here we report the case of a patient with psychotic symptoms apparently resistant to antipsychotic treatments. Since the last admission in a psychiatric division the patient was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type I and then referred to our Outpatients Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, where she was subsequently re-diagnosed with Dandy-Walker Syndrome. The Dandy Walker Complex is a congenital brain malformation involving the fourth ventricle and the cerebellum. We investigated the cognitive impairment of the patient and found deficits prominently in executive functions. This report may add further evidence on the importance of a correct diagnosis prior to defining a patient as treatment resistant and highlights cerebellar dysfunctions that may contribute to neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment.

A simplified multiplex PCR assay for fast and easy discrimination of globally distributed staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types in meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Ghaznavi-Rad, Ehsanollah; Nor Shamsudin, Mariana; Sekawi, Zamberi; van Belkum, Alex; Neela, Vasanthakumari

2010-10-01

A multiplex PCR assay was developed for the identification of major types and subtypes of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) in meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The method uses a novel 9 valent multiplex PCR plus two primer pairs for S. aureus identification and detection of meticillin resistance. All 389 clinical MRSA isolates from Malaysia and 18 European isolates from the Harmony collection harbouring different SCCmec types that we tested were correctly characterized by our PCR assay. SCCmec type III and V were by far the most common types among both hospital- and community-acquired Malaysian MRSA isolates, with an apparent emergence of MRSA harbouring the IVh type.

Heat activation of Phycomyces blakesleeanus spores: theromdynamics and effect of alcohols, furfural, and high pressure.

PubMed

Thevelein, J M; Van Assche, J A; Carlier, A R; Heremans, K

1979-08-01

The thermodynamic parameters for the heat activation of the sporangiospores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus were determined. For the apparent activation enthalpy (DeltaH(#)) a value of 1,151 kJ/mol was found, whereas a value of 3,644 J./ degrees K.mol was calculated for the apparent activation entropy (DeltaS(#)). n-Alcohols (from methanol to octanol), phenethyl alcohol, and furfural lowered the activation temperature of P. blakesleeanus spores. The heat resistance of the spores was lowered concomitantly. The effect of the alcohols was a linear function of the concentration in the range that could be applied. When the log of the concentration needed to produce an equal shift of the activation temperature was plotted for each alochol against the log of the octanol/water partition coefficient, a straight line was obtained. The free energy of adsorption of the n-alcohols to their active sites was calculated to be -2,487 J/mol of CH(2) groups. Although still inconclusive, this points toward an involvement of protein in the activation process. The effect of phenethyl alcohol was similar to the effect of n-alcohols, but furfural produced a greater shift than would be expected from the value of its partition coefficient. When the heat activation of the spores was performed under high pressure, the activation temperature was raised by 2 to 4 degrees K/1,000 atm. However, with pressures higher than 1,000 atm (1.013 x 10(5) kPa) the activation temperature was lowered until the pressure became lethal (more than 2,500 atm). It is known that membrane phase transition temperatures are shifted upward by about 20 degrees K/1,000 atm and that protein conformational changes are shifted upward by 2 to 6 degrees K/1,000 atm. Consequently, heat activation of fungal spores seems to be triggered by a protein conformational change and not by a membrane phase transition. Activation volumes of -54.1 cm(3)/mol at 38 degrees C and -79.3 cm(2)/mol at 40 degrees C were found for the lowering effect of high pressure on the heat activation temperature.

Heat Activation of Phycomyces blakesleeanus Spores: Thermodynamics and Effect of Alcohols, Furfural, and High Pressure

PubMed Central

Thevelein, Johan M.; Van Assche, Jozef A.; Carlier, Albert R.; Heremans, Karel

1979-01-01

The thermodynamic parameters for the heat activation of the sporangiospores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus were determined. For the apparent activation enthalpy (ΔH#) a value of 1,151 kJ/mol was found, whereas a value of 3,644 J./°K·mol was calculated for the apparent activation entropy (ΔS#). n-Alcohols (from methanol to octanol), phenethyl alcohol, and furfural lowered the activation temperature of P. blakesleeanus spores. The heat resistance of the spores was lowered concomitantly. The effect of the alcohols was a linear function of the concentration in the range that could be applied. When the log of the concentration needed to produce an equal shift of the activation temperature was plotted for each alochol against the log of the octanol/water partition coefficient, a straight line was obtained. The free energy of adsorption of the n-alcohols to their active sites was calculated to be −2,487 J/mol of CH2 groups. Although still inconclusive, this points toward an involvement of protein in the activation process. The effect of phenethyl alcohol was similar to the effect of n-alcohols, but furfural produced a greater shift than would be expected from the value of its partition coefficient. When the heat activation of the spores was performed under high pressure, the activation temperature was raised by 2 to 4°K/1,000 atm. However, with pressures higher than 1,000 atm (1.013 × 105 kPa) the activation temperature was lowered until the pressure became lethal (more than 2,500 atm). It is known that membrane phase transition temperatures are shifted upward by about 20°K/1,000 atm and that protein conformational changes are shifted upward by 2 to 6°K/1,000 atm. Consequently, heat activation of fungal spores seems to be triggered by a protein conformational change and not by a membrane phase transition. Activation volumes of −54.1 cm3/mol at 38°C and −79.3 cm2/mol at 40°C were found for the lowering effect of high pressure on the heat activation temperature. PMID:88438

Resistant starch: Variation among high amylose rice varieties and its relationship with apparent amylose content, pasting properties and cooking methods.

PubMed

Chen, Ming-Hsuan; Bergman, Christine J; McClung, Anna M; Everette, Jace D; Tabien, Rodante E

2017-11-01

Resistant starch (RS), which is not hydrolyzed in the small intestine, has proposed health benefits. We evaluated 40 high amylose rice varieties for RS content in cooked rice and a 1.9-fold difference was found. Some varieties had more than two-fold greater RS content than a US long-grain intermediate-amylose rice. The high amylose varieties were grouped into four classes according to paste viscosity and gelatinization temperature based on genetic variants of the Waxy and Starch Synthase IIa genes, respectively. RS content was not different between the four paste viscosity-gelatinization temperature classes. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that apparent amylose content and pasting temperature were strong predictors of RS within each class. Two cooking methods, fixed water-to-rice ratio/time and in excess-water/minimum-cook-time, were compared using six rice varieties that were extremes in RS in each of the genetic variant classes, no difference in RS content due to cooking method was observed. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Laboratory-based geoelectric monitoring of water infiltration in consolidated ground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Lining; Sun, Qiang; Yang, Haiping

2018-04-01

Infiltration usually plays a significant role in construction failures and transfer of contaminants. Therefore, it is very important to monitor underground water migration. In this study, a soil infiltration experiment was carried out using an indoor model test. The water infiltration characteristics were recorded and analyzed based on the response of the geoelectric field, including the primary field potential, self-potential, excitation current and apparent resistivity. The phreatic water surface and the infiltration velocity were determined. The inversion results were compared with direct observations. The results showed that the changes in the geoelectric field parameters explain the principles of groundwater flow. The infiltration velocity and the phreatic surface can be determined based on the primary field potential response and the excitation current. When the phreatic surface reached the location of the electrodes, the primary field potential and self-potential decreased rapidly whereas the excitation current increased rapidly. The height of the phreatic surface and the infiltration time exhibited a linear relationship for both the observation data and the calculations of the excitation current. The apparent resistivity described the infiltration status in the soil and tracked the phreatic surface accurately.

A dye-binding assay for measurement of the binding of Cu(II) to proteins.

PubMed

Wilkinson-White, Lorna E; Easterbrook-Smith, Simon B

2008-10-01

We analysed the theory of the coupled equilibria between a metal ion, a metal ion-binding dye and a metal ion-binding protein in order to develop a procedure for estimating the apparent affinity constant of a metal ion:protein complex. This can be done by analysing from measurements of the change in the concentration of the metal ion:dye complex with variation in the concentration of either the metal ion or the protein. Using experimentally determined values for the affinity constant of Cu(II) for the dye, 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylaxo)-5-(N-propyl-N-sulfopropylamino) aniline (5-Br-PSAA), this procedure was used to estimate the apparent affinity constants for formation of Cu(II):transthyretin, yielding values which were in agreement with literature values. An apparent affinity constant for Cu(II) binding to alpha-synuclein of approximately 1 x 10(9)M(-1) was obtained from measurements of tyrosine fluorescence quenching by Cu(II). This value was in good agreement with that obtained using 5-Br-PSAA. Our analysis and data therefore show that measurement of changes in the equilibria between Cu(II) and 5-Br-PSAA by Cu(II)-binding proteins provides a general procedure for estimating the affinities of proteins for Cu(II).

Water content estimated from point scale to plot scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akyurek, Z.; Binley, A. M.; Demir, G.; Abgarmi, B.

2017-12-01

Soil moisture controls the portioning of rainfall into infiltration and runoff. Here we investigate measurements of soil moisture using a range of techniques spanning different spatial scales. In order to understand soil water content in a test basin, 512 km2 in area, in the south of Turkey, a Cosmic Ray CRS200B soil moisture probe was installed at elevation of 1459 m and an ML3 ThetaProbe (CS 616) soil moisture sensor was established at 5cm depth used to get continuous soil moisture. Neutron count measurements were corrected for the changes in atmospheric pressure, atmospheric water vapour and intensity of incoming neutron flux. The calibration of the volumetric soil moisture was performed, from the laboratory analysis, the bulk density varies between 1.719 (g/cm3) -1.390 (g/cm3), and the dominant soil texture is silty clay loam and silt loamThe water content reflectometer was calibrated for soil-specific conditions and soil moisture estimates were also corrected with respect to soil temperature. In order to characterize the subsurface, soil electrical resistivity tomography was used. Wenner and Schlumberger array geometries were used with electrode spacing varied from 1m- 5 m along 40 m and 200 m profiles. From the inversions of ERT data it is apparent that within 50 m distance from the CRS200B, the soil is moderately resistive to a depth of 2m and more conductive at greater depths. At greater distances from the CRS200B, the ERT results indicate more resistive soils. In addition to the ERT surveys, ground penetrating radar surveys using a common mid-point configuration was used with 200MHz antennas. The volumetric soil moisture obtained from GPR appears to overestimate those based on TDR observations. The values obtained from CS616 (at a point scale) and CRS200B (at a mesoscale) are compared with the values obtained at a plot scale. For the field study dates (20-22.06.2017) the volumetric moisture content obtained from CS616 were 25.14%, 25.22% and 25.96% respectively. The values obtained from CRS200B were 23.23%, 22.81% and 23.26% for the same dates. Whereas the values obtained from GPR were between 32%-44%. Soil moisture observed by CRS200B is promising to monitor the water content in the soil at the mesoscale and ERT surveys help to understand the spatial variability of the soil water content within the footprint of CRS200B.

Electrochemical Quantification of the Antioxidant Capacity of Medicinal Plants Using Biosensors

PubMed Central

Rodríguez-Sevilla, Erika; Ramírez-Silva, María-Teresa; Romero-Romo, Mario; Ibarra-Escutia, Pedro; Palomar-Pardavé, Manuel

2014-01-01

The working area of a screen-printed electrode, SPE, was modified with the enzyme tyrosinase (Tyr) using different immobilization methods, namely entrapment with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linking using glutaraldehyde (GA), and cross-linking using GA and human serum albumin (HSA); the resulting electrodes were termed SPE/Tyr/PVA, SPE/Tyr/GA and SPE/Tyr/HSA/GA, respectively. These biosensors were characterized by means of amperometry and EIS techniques. From amperometric evaluations, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, Km′, of each biosensor was evaluated while the respective charge transfer resistance, Rct, was assessed from impedance measurements. It was found that the SPE/Tyr/GA had the smallest Km′ (57 ± 7) μM and Rct values. This electrode also displayed both the lowest detection and quantification limits for catechol quantification. Using the SPE/Tyr/GA, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was determined from infusions prepared with “mirto” (Salvia microphylla), “hHierba dulce” (Lippia dulcis) and “salve real” (Lippia alba), medicinal plants commonly used in Mexico. PMID:25111237

Iodine Intercalation of Bundles of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigorian, L.; Fang, S. L.; Williams, K. A.; Sumanasekera, G. U.; Dickey, E. C.; Eklund, P. C.; Pennycock, S.; Rinzler, A. G.; Smalley, R. E.

1998-03-01

We have been able to intercalate iodine into the interstitial channels within the rope lattice by direct contact of SWNT mats with molten iodine. These continuously filled channels were observed by Z-contrast STEM imaging. The intercalated iodine atoms provide a ``chemical wedge'' which expands the rope lattice as found from x-ray powder diffraction. At low doping level, Raman-active modes and photoluminescence were used to identify the intercalated species as (I_3)^-I2 linear polyiodide chains. The observed upshift of the high-frequency tangential Raman mode, as well as decreased values of four-probe electrical resistance and thermopower are all consistent with electron transfer from SWNT to iodine. At higher doping level, another iodine-SWNT compound was formed as evidenced by a different x-ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectrum. This new compound exhibits a number of new Raman lines, apparently unrelated to the intercalated iodine, in addition to the usual SWNT Raman modes. We discuss possible mechanisms responsible for activating new Raman modes in SWNT.

An upper bound on the radius of a highly electrically conducting lunar core

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hobbs, B. A.; Hood, L. L.; Herbert, F.; Sonett, C. P.

1983-01-01

Parker's (1980) nonlinear inverse theory for the electromagnetic sounding problem is converted to a form suitable for analysis of lunar day-side transfer function data by: (1) transforming the solution in plane geometry to that in spherical geometry; and (2) transforming the theoretical lunar transfer function in the dipole limit to an apparent resistivity function. The theory is applied to the revised lunar transfer function data set of Hood et al. (1982), which extends in frequency from 10 to the -5th to 10 to the -3rd Hz. On the assumption that an iron-rich lunar core, whether molten or solid, can be represented by a perfect conductor at the minimum sampled frequency, an upper bound of 435 km on the maximum radius of such a core is calculated. This bound is somewhat larger than values of 360-375 km previously estimated from the same data set via forward model calculations because the prior work did not consider all possible mantle conductivity functions.

Electrochemical quantification of the antioxidant capacity of medicinal plants using biosensors.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Sevilla, Erika; Ramírez-Silva, María-Teresa; Romero-Romo, Mario; Ibarra-Escutia, Pedro; Palomar-Pardavé, Manuel

2014-08-08

The working area of a screen-printed electrode, SPE, was modified with the enzyme tyrosinase (Tyr) using different immobilization methods, namely entrapment with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linking using glutaraldehyde (GA), and cross-linking using GA and human serum albumin (HSA); the resulting electrodes were termed SPE/Tyr/PVA, SPE/Tyr/GA and SPE/Tyr/HSA/GA, respectively. These biosensors were characterized by means of amperometry and EIS techniques. From amperometric evaluations, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, Km', of each biosensor was evaluated while the respective charge transfer resistance, Rct, was assessed from impedance measurements. It was found that the SPE/Tyr/GA had the smallest Km' (57 ± 7) µM and Rct values. This electrode also displayed both the lowest detection and quantification limits for catechol quantification. Using the SPE/Tyr/GA, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was determined from infusions prepared with "mirto" (Salvia microphylla), "hHierba dulce" (Lippia dulcis) and "salve real" (Lippia alba), medicinal plants commonly used in Mexico.

Molecular mechanisms of the naringin low uptake by intestinal Caco-2 cells.

PubMed

Tourniaire, Franck; Hassan, Meryl; André, Marc; Ghiringhelli, Odette; Alquier, Christian; Amiot, Marie-Josèphe

2005-10-01

Naringin, the main flavanone of grapefruit, was reported to display numerous biological effects: antioxidant, hypocholesteremic, anti-atherogenic and favoring drug absorption. Naringin absorption mechanisms were studied in Caco-2 cells (TC7 clone). We investigated the possible involvement of several membrane transporters implicated in polyphenolic compounds intestinal transport (sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1, monocarboxylate transporter, multidrug-associated resistance proteins 1 and 2, and P-glycoprotein). Naringin was poorly absorbed by Caco-2 cells, according to its low value of apparent permeability coefficient (P(app) = 8.1 +/- 0.9 x 10(-8) cm/s). In the presence of verapamil, a specific inhibitor of P-glycoprotein, cellular uptake was increased by almost threefold after 5 min, and P(app) was doubled after 30 min. Our results indicated the involvement of P-glycoprotein, an ATP-driven efflux pump, capable of transporting naringin from the Caco-2 cell to the apical side. This phenomenon could explain, at least in part, the low absorption of this flavanone at the upper intestinal level.

[Measurement of maternal plasma volume during pregnancy].

PubMed

Uzan, S; Beaufils, M; Uzan, M; Donsimoni, R; Mareck, A; Salat-Baroux, J; Sureau, C

1988-02-01

An increased maternal plasma volume (PV) is a characteristic phenomenon of normal pregnancy, which may be related to a physiological decrease of peripheral resistances. The authors have studied the plasma volume of 1,105 patients distributed as follows: normal (387), permanently hypertensive patients (84), hypertensive patients during pregnancy (390), patients with apparently isolated RCIU (154) or with a pathological past-history during previous pregnancies (90). It appears that the PV is a sign of a severe HBP, and presents a rather early and good predictive value regarding the weight of the fetus and some complications such as severe UCIU and fetal death in utero. In case of pathological past events or pre-existing hypertension, the PV enables to differentiate rather well patients who will be prone to a complicated pregnancy. In view of these results, utilization and interpretation criteria of this parameter during pregnancies with hypertension or pregnancies in which there is a suspicion or a risk of intra-uterine growth delay, are defined.

Flow resistance dynamics in step‐pool channels: 2. Partitioning between grain, spill, and woody debris resistance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilcox, Andrew C.; Nelson, Jonathan M.; Wohl, Ellen E.

2006-01-01

In step‐pool stream channels, flow resistance is created primarily by bed sediments, spill over step‐pool bed forms, and large woody debris (LWD). In order to measure resistance partitioning between grains, steps, and LWD in step‐pool channels we completed laboratory flume runs in which total resistance was measured with and without grains and steps, with various LWD configurations, and at multiple slopes and discharges. Tests of additive approaches to resistance partitioning found that partitioning estimates are highly sensitive to the order in which components are calculated and that such approaches inflate the values of difficult‐to‐measure components that are calculated by subtraction from measured components. This effect is especially significant where interactions between roughness features create synergistic increases in resistance such that total resistance measured for combinations of resistance components greatly exceeds the sum of those components measured separately. LWD contributes large proportions of total resistance by creating form drag on individual pieces and by increasing the spill resistance effect of steps. The combined effect of LWD and spill over steps was found to dominate total resistance, whereas grain roughness on step treads was a small component of total resistance. The relative contributions of grain, spill, and woody debris resistance were strongly influenced by discharge and to a lesser extent by LWD density. Grain resistance values based on published formulas and debris resistance values calculated using a cylinder drag approach typically underestimated analogous flume‐derived values, further illustrating sources of error in partitioning methods and the importance of accounting for interaction effects between resistance components.

Flow resistance dynamics in step-pool channels: 2. Partitioning between grain, spill, and woody debris resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilcox, Andrew C.; Nelson, Jonathan M.; Wohl, Ellen E.

2006-05-01

In step-pool stream channels, flow resistance is created primarily by bed sediments, spill over step-pool bed forms, and large woody debris (LWD). In order to measure resistance partitioning between grains, steps, and LWD in step-pool channels we completed laboratory flume runs in which total resistance was measured with and without grains and steps, with various LWD configurations, and at multiple slopes and discharges. Tests of additive approaches to resistance partitioning found that partitioning estimates are highly sensitive to the order in which components are calculated and that such approaches inflate the values of difficult-to-measure components that are calculated by subtraction from measured components. This effect is especially significant where interactions between roughness features create synergistic increases in resistance such that total resistance measured for combinations of resistance components greatly exceeds the sum of those components measured separately. LWD contributes large proportions of total resistance by creating form drag on individual pieces and by increasing the spill resistance effect of steps. The combined effect of LWD and spill over steps was found to dominate total resistance, whereas grain roughness on step treads was a small component of total resistance. The relative contributions of grain, spill, and woody debris resistance were strongly influenced by discharge and to a lesser extent by LWD density. Grain resistance values based on published formulas and debris resistance values calculated using a cylinder drag approach typically underestimated analogous flume-derived values, further illustrating sources of error in partitioning methods and the importance of accounting for interaction effects between resistance components.

Nanocomposite Strain Gauges Having Small TCRs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, Otto; Chen, Ximing

2009-01-01

Ceramic strain gauges in which the strain-sensitive electrically conductive strips made from nanocomposites of noble metal and indium tin oxide (ITO) are being developed for use in gas turbine engines and other power-generation systems in which gas temperatures can exceed 1,500 F (about 816 C). In general, strain gauges exhibit spurious thermally induced components of response denoted apparent strain. When temperature varies, a strain-gauge material that has a nonzero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) exhibits an undesired change in electrical resistance that can be mistaken for the change in resistance caused by a change in strain. It would be desirable to formulate straingauge materials having TCRs as small as possible so as to minimize apparent strain. Most metals exhibit positive TCRs, while most semiconductors, including ITO, exhibit negative TCRs. The present development is based on the idea of using the negative TCR of ITO to counter the positive TCRs of noble metals and of obtaining the benefit of the ability of both ITO and noble metals to endure high temperatures. The noble metal used in this development thus far has been platinum. Combinatorial libraries of many ceramic strain gauges containing nanocomposites of various proportions of ITO and platinum were fabricated by reactive co-sputtering from ITO and platinum targets onto alumina- and zirconia-based substrates mounted at various positions between the targets.

Strike-slip earthquakes in the oceanic lithosphere: Observations of exceptionally high apparent stress

USGS Publications Warehouse

Choy, George; McGarr, A.

2002-01-01

The radiated energies, ES, and seismic moments, M0, for 942 globally distributed earthquakes that occurred between 1987 to 1998 are examined to find the earthquakes with the highest apparent stresses (τa=μES/M0, where μ is the modulus of rigidity). The globally averaged τa for shallow earthquakes in all tectonic environments and seismic regions is 0.3 MPa. However, the subset of 49 earthquakes with the highest apparent stresses (τa greater than about 5.0 MPa) is dominated almost exclusively by strike-slip earthquakes that occur in oceanic environments. These earthquakes are all located in the depth range 7–29 km in the upper mantle of the young oceanic lithosphere. Many of these events occur near plate-boundary triple junctions where there appear to be high rates of intraplate deformation. Indeed, the small rapidly deforming Gorda Plate accounts for 10 of the 49 high-τa events. The depth distribution of τa, which shows peak values somewhat greater than 25 MPa in the depth range 20–25 km, suggests that upper bounds on this parameter are a result of the strength of the oceanic lithosphere. A recently proposed envelope for apparent stress, derived by taking 6 per cent of the strength inferred from laboratory experiments for young (less than 30 Ma) deforming oceanic lithosphere, agrees well with the upper-bound envelope of apparent stresses over the depth range 5–30 km. The corresponding depth-dependent shear strength for young oceanic lithosphere attains a peak value of about 575 MPa at a depth of 21 km and then diminishes rapidly as the depth increases. In addition to their high apparent stresses, which suggest that the strength of the young oceanic lithosphere is highest in the depth range 10–30 km, our set of high-τa earthquakes show other features that constrain the nature of the forces that cause interplate motion. First, our set of events is divided roughly equally between intraplate and transform faulting with similar depth distributions of τa for the two types. Secondly, many of the intraplate events have focal mechanisms with the T-axes that are normal to the nearest ridge crest or subduction zone and P-axes that are normal to the proximate transform fault. These observations suggest that forces associated with the reorganization of plate boundaries play an important role in causing high-τa earthquakes inside oceanic plates. Extant transform boundaries may be misaligned with current plate motion. To accommodate current plate motion, the pre-existing plate boundaries would have to be subjected to large horizontal transform push forces. A notable example of this is the triple junction near which the second large aftershock of the 1992 April Cape Mendocino, California, sequence occurred. Alternatively, subduction zone resistance may be enhanced by the collision of a buoyant lithosphere, a process that also markedly increases the horizontal stress. A notable example of this is the Aleutian Trench near which large events occurred in the Gulf of Alaska in late 1987 and the 1998 March Balleny Sea M= 8.2 earthquake within the Antarctic Plate.

Quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli in Poultry Farming.

PubMed

Hricová, Kristýna; Röderová, Magdaléna; Pudová, Vendula; Hanulík, Vojtěch; Halová, Dana; Julínková, Pavla; Dolejská, Monika; Papoušek, Ivo; Bardoň, Jan

2017-06-01

Increasing bacterial resistance to quinolone antibiotics is apparent in both humans and animals. For humans, a potential source of resistant bacteria may be animals or their products entering the human food chain, for example poultry. Between July 2013 and September 2014, samples were collected and analyzed in the Moravian regions of the Czech Republic to isolate the bacterium Escherichia coli. As a result, 212 E. coli isolates were obtained comprising 126 environmental isolates from poultry houses and 86 isolates from cloacal swabs from market-weight turkeys. Subsequently, the E. coli isolates were tested for susceptibility to selected antibiotics. Resistance of the poultry isolates to quinolones ranged from 53% to 73%. Additionally, the presence of plasmid-mediated resistance genes was studied. The genes were confirmed in 58% of the tested strains. The data on resistance of isolates from poultry were compared with results of resistance tests in human isolates obtained in the same regions. The high levels of resistance determined by both phenotyping and genotyping methods and reported in the present study confirm the fact that the use of fluoroquinolones in poultry should be closely monitored. Copyright© by the National Institute of Public Health, Prague 2017.

The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in sympatric wild rodents varies by season and host.

PubMed

Williams, N J; Sherlock, C; Jones, T R; Clough, H E; Telfer, S E; Begon, M; French, N; Hart, C A; Bennett, M

2011-04-01

  To investigate the prevalence and temporal patterns of antimicrobial resistance in wild rodents with no apparent exposure to antimicrobials.   Two sympatric populations of bank voles and wood mice were trapped and individually monitored over a 2- year period for faecal carriage of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli. High prevalences of ampicillin-, chloramphenicol-, tetracycline- and trimethoprim-resistant E. coli were observed. A markedly higher prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli was found in wood mice than in bank voles, with the prevalence in both increasing over time. Superimposed on this trend was a seasonal cycle with a peak prevalence of resistant E. coli in mice in early- to mid-summer and in voles in late summer and early autumn.   These sympatric rodent species had no obvious contact with antimicrobials, and the difference in resistance profiles between rodent species and seasons suggests that factors present in their environment are unlikely to be drivers of such resistance.   These findings suggest that rodents may represent a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, transmissible to livestock and man. Furthermore, such findings have implications for human and veterinary medicine regarding antimicrobial usage and subsequent selection of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pancreatic Cancer: Characteristics and Correlation With Histopathologic Parameters.

PubMed

Ma, Wanling; Li, Na; Zhao, Weiwei; Ren, Jing; Wei, Mengqi; Yang, Yong; Wang, Yingmei; Fu, Xin; Zhang, Zhuoli; Larson, Andrew C; Huan, Yi

2016-01-01

To clarify diffusion and perfusion abnormalities and evaluate correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), MR perfusion and histopathologic parameters of pancreatic cancer (PC). Eighteen patients with PC underwent diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Parameters of DCE-MRI and ADC of cancer and non-cancerous tissue were compared. Correlation between the rate constant that represents transfer of contrast agent from the arterial blood into the extravascular extracellular space (K, volume of the extravascular extracellular space per unit volume of tissue (Ve), and ADC of PC and histopathologic parameters were analyzed. The rate constant that represents transfer of contrast agent from the extravascular extracellular space into blood plasma, K, tissue volume fraction occupied by vascular space, and ADC of PC were significantly lower than nontumoral pancreases. Ve of PC was significantly higher than that of nontumoral pancreas. Apparent diffusion coefficient and K values of PC were negatively correlated to fibrosis content and fibroblast activation protein staining score. Fibrosis content was positively correlated to Ve. Apparent diffusion coefficient values and parameters of DCE-MRI can differentiate PC from nontumoral pancreases. There are correlations between ADC, K, Ve, and fibrosis content of PC. Fibroblast activation protein staining score of PC is negatively correlated to ADC and K. Apparent diffusion coefficient, K, and Ve may be feasible to predict prognosis of PC.

An in vitro and in silico study on the flavonoid-mediated modulation of the transport of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) through Caco-2 monolayers

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

Schutte, Maaike E.; Freidig, Andreas P.; Sandt, Johannes J.M. van de

The present study describes the effect of different flavonoids on the absorption of the pro-carcinogen PhIP through Caco-2 monolayers and the development of an in silico model describing this process taking into account passive diffusion and active transport of PhIP. Various flavonoids stimulated the apical to basolateral PhIP transport. Using the in silico model for flavone, kaempferol and chrysoeriol, the apparent Ki value for inhibition of the active transport to the apical side was estimated to be below 53 {mu}M and for morin, robinetin and taxifolin between 164 and 268 {mu}M. For myricetin, luteolin, naringenin and quercetin, the apparent Kimore » values were determined more accurately and amounted to 37.3, 12.2, 11.7 and 5.6 {mu}M respectively. Additional experiments revealed that the apical to basolateral PhIP transport was also increased in the presence of a typical BCRP or MRP inhibitor with apparent Ki values in the same range as those of the flavonoids. This observation together with the fact that flavonoids are known to be inhibitors of MRPs and BCRP, corroborates that inhibition of these apical membrane transporters is involved in the flavonoid-mediated increased apical to basolateral PhIP transport. Based on the apparent Ki values obtained, it is concluded that the flavonols, at the levels present in the regular Western diet, are capable of stimulating the transport of PhIP through Caco-2 monolayers from the apical to the basolateral compartment. This points to flavonoid-mediated stimulation of the bioavailability of PhIP and, thus, a possible adverse effect of these supposed beneficial food ingredients.« less

The utility of serum CA-125 in predicting extra-uterine disease in apparent early-stage endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Nicklin, James; Janda, Monika; Gebski, Val; Jobling, Thomas; Land, Russell; Manolitsas, Tom; McCartney, Anthony; Nascimento, Marcelo; Perrin, Lewis; Baker, Jannah F; Obermair, Andreas

2012-08-15

Surgical staging in early-stage uterine cancer is controversial. Preoperative serum CA-125 may be of clinical value in predicting the presence of extra-uterine disease in patients with apparent early-stage endometrial cancer. Between October 6, 2005, and June 17, 2010, 760 patients were enrolled in an international, multicentre, prospective randomized trial (LACE) comparing laparotomy with laparoscopy in the management of endometrial cancer apparently confined to the uterus. Of these, 657 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma had a preoperative serum CA-125 value recorded. Multiple cross-validation analysis was undertaken to correlate preoperative serum CA-125 with stage of disease (Stage I vs. Stage II+) after surgery. Patients' median preoperative serum CA-125 was 14 U/ml. A cutoff point of 30 U/ml was associated with the smallest misclassification error, and using this cutoff, 98 patients (14.9%) had elevated CA-125 levels. Of those, 36 (36.7%) had evidence of extra-uterine disease. Of the 116 patients (17.7%) with evidence of extra-uterine disease, 31.0% had an elevated CA-125 level. On univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, only preoperative CA-125 level, but no other preoperative clinical characteristics were found to be associated with extra-uterine spread of disease. Utilizing a cutoff point of 30 U/ml achieved a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 31.0, 88.5, 36.7 and 85.7%, respectively. Elevated CA-125 above 30 U/ml in patients with apparent early-stage disease is a risk factor for the presence of extra-uterine disease and may assist clinicians in the management of patients with clinical Stage I endometrial cancer. Copyright © 2011 UICC.

An effective medium approach to predict the apparent contact angle of drops on super-hydrophobic randomly rough surfaces.

PubMed

Bottiglione, F; Carbone, G

2015-01-14

The apparent contact angle of large 2D drops with randomly rough self-affine profiles is numerically investigated. The numerical approach is based upon the assumption of large separation of length scales, i.e. it is assumed that the roughness length scales are much smaller than the drop size, thus making it possible to treat the problem through a mean-field like approach relying on the large-separation of scales. The apparent contact angle at equilibrium is calculated in all wetting regimes from full wetting (Wenzel state) to partial wetting (Cassie state). It was found that for very large values of the roughness Wenzel parameter (r(W) > -1/ cos θ(Y), where θ(Y) is the Young's contact angle), the interface approaches the perfect non-wetting condition and the apparent contact angle is almost equal to 180°. The results are compared with the case of roughness on one single scale (sinusoidal surface) and it is found that, given the same value of the Wenzel roughness parameter rW, the apparent contact angle is much larger for the case of a randomly rough surface, proving that the multi-scale character of randomly rough surfaces is a key factor to enhance superhydrophobicity. Moreover, it is shown that for millimetre-sized drops, the actual drop pressure at static equilibrium weakly affects the wetting regime, which instead seems to be dominated by the roughness parameter. For this reason a methodology to estimate the apparent contact angle is proposed, which relies only upon the micro-scale properties of the rough surface.

Phase slips in superconducting films with constrictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Sang L.; Bollinger, A. T.; Bezryadin, A.

2004-12-01

A system of two coplanar superconducting films seamlessly connected by a bridge is studied. We observe two distinct resistive transitions as the temperature is reduced. The first one, occurring in the films, shows some properties of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition. The second apparent transition (which is in fact a crossover) is related to freezing out of thermally activated phase slips (TAPS) localized on the bridge. We also propose a powerful indirect experimental method allowing an extraction of the sample’s zero-bias resistance from high-current-bias measurements. Using direct and indirect measurements, we have determined the resistance R(T) of the bridges within a range of eleven orders of magnitude. Over such broad range the resistance follows a simple relation R(T)=RNexp[-(c/t)(1-t)3/2] , where c=ΔF(0)/kTc is the normalized free energy of a phase slip at zero temperature, t=T/Tc is normalized temperature, and RN is the normal resistance of the bridge.

The commensal infant gut meta-mobilome as a potential reservoir for persistent multidrug resistance integrons.

PubMed

Ravi, Anuradha; Avershina, Ekaterina; Foley, Steven L; Ludvigsen, Jane; Storrø, Ola; Øien, Torbjørn; Johnsen, Roar; McCartney, Anne L; L'Abée-Lund, Trine M; Rudi, Knut

2015-10-28

Despite the accumulating knowledge on the development and establishment of the gut microbiota, its role as a reservoir for multidrug resistance is not well understood. This study investigated the prevalence and persistence patterns of an integrase gene (int1), used as a proxy for integrons (which often carry multiple antimicrobial resistance genes), in the fecal microbiota of 147 mothers and their children sampled longitudinally from birth to 2 years. The study showed the int1 gene was detected in 15% of the study population, and apparently more persistent than the microbial community structure itself. We found int1 to be persistent throughout the first two years of life, as well as between mothers and their 2-year-old children. Metagenome sequencing revealed integrons in the gut meta-mobilome that were associated with plasmids and multidrug resistance. In conclusion, the persistent nature of integrons in the infant gut microbiota makes it a potential reservoir of mobile multidrug resistance.

The commensal infant gut meta-mobilome as a potential reservoir for persistent multidrug resistance integrons

PubMed Central

Ravi, Anuradha; Avershina, Ekaterina; Foley, Steven L.; Ludvigsen, Jane; Storrø, Ola; Øien, Torbjørn; Johnsen, Roar; McCartney, Anne L.; L’Abée-Lund, Trine M.; Rudi, Knut

2015-01-01

Despite the accumulating knowledge on the development and establishment of the gut microbiota, its role as a reservoir for multidrug resistance is not well understood. This study investigated the prevalence and persistence patterns of an integrase gene (int1), used as a proxy for integrons (which often carry multiple antimicrobial resistance genes), in the fecal microbiota of 147 mothers and their children sampled longitudinally from birth to 2 years. The study showed the int1 gene was detected in 15% of the study population, and apparently more persistent than the microbial community structure itself. We found int1 to be persistent throughout the first two years of life, as well as between mothers and their 2-year-old children. Metagenome sequencing revealed integrons in the gut meta-mobilome that were associated with plasmids and multidrug resistance. In conclusion, the persistent nature of integrons in the infant gut microbiota makes it a potential reservoir of mobile multidrug resistance. PMID:26507767

Accumulation and resistance to copper of two biotypes of Cynodon dactylon.

PubMed

Wang, Youbao; Zhang, Li; Yao, Jing; Huang, Yongjie; Yan, Mi

2009-04-01

The effects of copper accumulation and resistance in two biotypes of Cynodon dactylon were studied. Results showed that at a low concentration of copper (<100 mg/kg), the growth of Cynodon dactylon was generally unaffected. As copper concentration increased, negative effects on the growth of Cynodon dactylon became apparent. The critical concentration at which the plant exhibited poisoning symptoms was different for the two biotypes of Cynodon dactylon. At 500 mg/kg copper concentration in soil, the biotype from the polluted area showed significantly higher tolerance of copper than the biotype from the unpolluted area.

Apparent Endless Extraction of Energy from the Vacuum by Cyclic Manipulation of Casimir Cavity Dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forward, Robert L.

1999-01-01

In 1983, Ambjorn and Wolfram produced plots of the energy density of the quantum mechanical electromagnetic fluctuations in a volume of vacuum bounded by perfectly conducting walls in the shape of a rectangular cavity of dimensions a(1), a(2), and a(3), as a function of the ratios a(2)/a(1) and a(3)/a(1). Portions of these plots are double-valued, in that they allow rectangular cavities with the same, value of a(2)/a(1), but different values of a(3)/a(1), to have the saint total energy. Using these double-valued regions of the plots, I show that it is possible to define a "Casimir Vacuum Energy Extraction Cycle" which apparently would allow for the endless extraction of energy from the vacuum in the Casimir cavity by cyclic manipulation of the Casimir cavity dimensions.

Interpretation of time-domain electromagnetic soundings in the Calico Hills area, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kauahikaua, J.

A controlled source, time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) sounding survey was conducted in the Calico Hills area of the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The geoelectric structure was determined as an aid in the evaluation of the site for possible future storage of spent nuclear fuel or high level nuclear waste. The data were initially interpreted with a simple scheme that produces an apparent resistivity versus depth curve from the vertical magnetic field data. These curves are qualitatively interpreted much like standard Schlumberger resistivity sounding curves. Final interpretation made use of a layered earth Marquardt inversion computer program. The results combined with those from a set of Schlumberger soundings in the area show that there is a moderately resistive basement at a depth no greater than 800 meters. The basement resistivity is greater than 100 ohm meters.

Turbulent transports over tundra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitzjarrald, David R.; Moore, Kathleen E.

1992-01-01

An extensive period of eddy correlation surface flux measurements was conducted at a site distant from the coast on the western Alaskan tundra. The surface exchange of heat and moisture over tundra during the summer was limited by a strong resistance to transfer from the upper soil layer through the ground cover, with canopy resistances to evaporation observed to be approximately 200 s/m. Though July 1988 was anomalously warm and dry in the region and August was close to normal temperature and rainfall, there was no appreciable difference in the canopy resistance between the periods. During the dry sunny period at the end of July, the observed evaporation rate was 2 mm/d. High canopy resistance led to an approximate equipartition of net radiation between latent and sensible heat, each accounting for 40 percent of the available energy, with heat balance apparently going into soil heat flux.

Treatment-refractory anxiety; definition, risk factors, and treatment challenges.

PubMed

Roy-Byrne, Peter

2015-06-01

A sizable proportion of psychiatric patients will seek clinical evaluation and treatment for anxiety symptoms reportedly refractory to treatment. This apparent lack of response is either due to "pseudo-resistance" (a failure to have received and adhered to a recognized and effective treatment or treatments for their condition) or to true "treatment resistance." Pseudo-resistance can be due to clinician errors in selecting and delivering an appropriate treatment effectively, or to patient nonadherence to a course of treatment. True treatment resistance can be due to unrecognized exogenous anxiogenic factors (eg, caffeine overuse, sleep deprivation, use of alcohol or marijuana) or an incorrect diagnosis (eg, atypical bipolar illness, occult substance abuse, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Once the above factors are eliminated, treatment should focus on combining effective medications and cognitive behavioral therapy, combining several medications (augmentation), or employing novel medications or psychotherapies not typically indicated as first-line evidence-based anxiety treatments.

Rapid changes in the electrical state of the 1999 Izmit earthquake rupture zone

PubMed Central

Honkura, Yoshimori; Oshiman, Naoto; Matsushima, Masaki; Barış, Şerif; Kemal Tunçer, Mustafa; Bülent Tank, Sabri; Çelik, Cengiz; Çiftçi, Elif Tolak

2013-01-01

Crustal fluids exist near fault zones, but their relation to the processes that generate earthquakes, including slow-slip events, is unclear. Fault-zone fluids are characterized by low electrical resistivity. Here we investigate the time-dependent crustal resistivity in the rupture area of the 1999 Mw 7.6 Izmit earthquake using electromagnetic data acquired at four sites before and after the earthquake. Most estimates of apparent resistivity in the frequency range of 0.05 to 2.0 Hz show abrupt co-seismic decreases on the order of tens of per cent. Data acquired at two sites 1 month after the Izmit earthquake indicate that the resistivity had already returned to pre-seismic levels. We interpret such changes as the pressure-induced transition between isolated and interconnected fluids. Some data show pre-seismic changes and this suggests that the transition is associated with foreshocks and slow-slip events before large earthquakes. PMID:23820970

Improved Medium for Selecting Nitrate-Nonutilizing (nit) Mutants of Verticillium dahliae.

PubMed

Korolev, N; Katan, T

1997-10-01

ABSTRACT Nitrate-nonutilizing (nit) mutants are commonly used to determine vegetative compatibility between isolates of Verticillium dahliae by complementation (heterokaryon) testing. These mutants emerge spontaneously as chlorate-resistant sectors growing out of partially restricted, wild-type colonies on chlorate-amended media. The commonly used chlorate media are based on minimal medium (MMC) or cornmeal agar (CMC), amended with potassium chlorate. nit mutants recovered on these media constituted 10 to 36%(on MMC) and 25 to 45%(on CMC) of the apparently resistant sectors. An improved water agar chlorate medium (WAC) is described that is more effective for selecting chlorate-resistant nit mutants. WAC medium consists of agar (2%), glucose (0.02%), and potassium chlorate (2 to 5%). On WAC, growth of most V. dahliae isolates was strongly inhibited, and 66 to 100%(average >80%) of the chlorate-resistant sectors formed were nit mutants. Most mutants were characterized as nit1, and about 6% as NitM.

Segment-specific resistivity improves body fluid volume estimates from bioimpedance spectroscopy in hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Zhu, F; Kuhlmann, M K; Kaysen, G A; Sarkar, S; Kaitwatcharachai, C; Khilnani, R; Stevens, L; Leonard, E F; Wang, J; Heymsfield, S; Levin, N W

2006-02-01

Discrepancies in body fluid estimates between segmental bioimpedance spectroscopy (SBIS) and gold-standard methods may be due to the use of a uniform value of tissue resistivity to compute extracellular fluid volume (ECV) and intracellular fluid volume (ICV). Discrepancies may also arise from the exclusion of fluid volumes of hands, feet, neck, and head from measurements due to electrode positions. The aim of this study was to define the specific resistivity of various body segments and to use those values for computation of ECV and ICV along with a correction for unmeasured fluid volumes. Twenty-nine maintenance hemodialysis patients (16 men) underwent body composition analysis including whole body MRI, whole body potassium (40K) content, deuterium, and sodium bromide dilution, and segmental and wrist-to-ankle bioimpedance spectroscopy, all performed on the same day before a hemodialysis. Segment-specific resistivity was determined from segmental fat-free mass (FFM; by MRI), hydration status of FFM (by deuterium and sodium bromide), tissue resistance (by SBIS), and segment length. Segmental FFM was higher and extracellular hydration of FFM was lower in men compared with women. Segment-specific resistivity values for arm, trunk, and leg all differed from the uniform resistivity used in traditional SBIS algorithms. Estimates for whole body ECV, ICV, and total body water from SBIS using segmental instead of uniform resistivity values and after adjustment for unmeasured fluid volumes of the body did not differ significantly from gold-standard measures. The uniform tissue resistivity values used in traditional SBIS algorithms result in underestimation of ECV, ICV, and total body water. Use of segmental resistivity values combined with adjustment for body volumes that are neglected by traditional SBIS technique significantly improves estimations of body fluid volume in hemodialysis patients.

Effects of spatially variable resolution on field-scale estimates of tracer concentration from electrical inversions using Archie's law

USGS Publications Warehouse

Singha, Kamini; Gorelick, Steven M.

2006-01-01

Two important mechanisms affect our ability to estimate solute concentrations quantitatively from the inversion of field-scale electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data: (1) the spatially variable physical processes that govern the flow of current as well as the variation of physical properties in space and (2) the overparameterization of inverse models, which requires the imposition of a smoothing constraint (regularization) to facilitate convergence of the inverse solution. Based on analyses of field and synthetic data, we find that the ability of ERT to recover the 3D shape and magnitudes of a migrating conductive target is spatially variable. Additionally, the application of Archie's law to tomograms from field ERT data produced solute concentrations that are consistently less than 10% of point measurements collected in the field and estimated from transport modeling. Estimates of concentration from ERT using Archie's law only fit measured solute concentrations if the apparent formation factor is varied with space and time and allowed to take on unreasonably high values. Our analysis suggests that the inability to find a single petrophysical relation in space and time between concentration and electrical resistivity is largely an effect of two properties of ERT surveys: (1) decreased sensitivity of ERT to detect the target plume with increasing distance from the electrodes and (2) the smoothing imprint of regularization used in inversion.

Electrical properties of n-type GaSb substrates and p-type GaSb buffer layers for InAs/InGaSb superlattice infrared detectors

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

Mitchel, W. C., E-mail: William.Mitchel.1@us.af.mil; Haugan, H. J.; Mou, Shin

2015-09-15

Lightly doped n-type GaSb substrates with p-type GaSb buffer layers are the preferred templates for growth of InAs/InGaSb superlattices used in infrared detector applications because of relatively high infrared transmission and a close lattice match to the superlattices. We report here temperature dependent resistivity and Hall effect measurements of bare substrates and substrate-p-type buffer layer structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Multicarrier analysis of the resistivity and Hall coefficient data demonstrate that high temperature transport in the substrates is due to conduction in both the high mobility zone center Γ band and the low mobility off-center L band. High overallmore » mobility values indicate the absence of close compensation and that improved infrared and transport properties were achieved by a reduction in intrinsic acceptor concentration. Standard transport measurements of the undoped buffer layers show p-type conduction up to 300 K indicating electrical isolation of the buffer layer from the lightly n-type GaSb substrate. However, the highest temperature data indicate the early stages of the expected p to n type conversion which leads to apparent anomalously high carrier concentrations and lower than expected mobilities. Data at 77 K indicate very high quality buffer layers.« less

Alkali activated slag mortars provide high resistance to chloride-induced corrosion of steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Criado, Maria; Provis, John L.

2018-06-01

The pore solutions of alkali-activated slag cements and Portland-based cements are very different in terms of their chemical and redox characteristics, particularly due to the high alkalinity and high sulfide content of alkali-activated slag cement. Therefore, differences in corrosion mechanisms of steel elements embedded in these cements could be expected, with important implications for the durability of reinforced concrete elements. This study assesses the corrosion behaviour of steel embedded in alkali-activated blast furnace slag (BFS) mortars exposed to alkaline solution, alkaline chloride-rich solution, water, and standard laboratory conditions, using electrochemical techniques. White Portland cement (WPC) mortars and blended cement mortars (white Portland cement and blast furnace slag) were also tested for comparative purposes. The steel elements embedded in immersed alkali-activated slag mortars presented very negative redox potentials and high apparent corrosion current values; the presence of sulfide reduced the redox potential, and the oxidation of the reduced sulfur-containing species within the cement itself gave an electrochemical signal that classical electrochemical tests for reinforced concrete durability would interpret as being due to steel corrosion processes. However, the actual observed resistance to chloride-induced corrosion was very high, as measured by extraction and characterisation of the steel at the end of a 9-month exposure period, whereas the steel embedded in white Portland cement mortars was significantly damaged under the same conditions.

Intracellular diffusion in the presence of mobile buffers. Application to proton movement in muscle.

PubMed

Irving, M; Maylie, J; Sizto, N L; Chandler, W K

1990-04-01

Junge and McLaughlin (1987) derived an expression for the apparent diffusion constant of protons in the presence of both mobile and immobile buffers. Their derivation applies only to cases in which the values of pH are considerably greater than the largest pK of the individual buffers, a condition that is not expected to hold in skeletal muscle or many other cell types. Here we show that, if the pH gradients are small, the same expression for the apparent diffusion constant of protons can be derived without such constraints on the values of the pK's. The derivation is general and can be used to estimate the apparent diffusion constant of any substance that diffuses in the presence of both mobile and immobile buffers. The apparent diffusion constant of protons is estimated to be 1-2 x 10(-6) cm2/s at 18 degrees C inside intact frog twitch muscle fibers. It may be smaller inside cut fibers, owing to a reduction in the concentration of mobile myoplasmic buffers, so that in this preparation a pH gradient, if established within a sarcomere following action potential stimulation, could last 10 ms or longer after stimulation ceased.

Thermal Dependence of the Apparent Km of Glutathione Reductases from Three Plant Species

PubMed Central

Mahan, James R.; Burke, John J.; Orzech, Karen A.

1990-01-01

The thermal dependencies of the apparent Km of the glutathione reductases from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) corn (Zea mays L.), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were determined. The apparent Km of the enzymes were found to vary up to 9-fold between 12.5 and 45°C. Values of the apparent Km in excess of 200% of the observed minimum are suggested to be detrimental to the normal function of the enzyme. We propose the term “thermal kinetic window” to describe to the range of temperatures over which the apparent Km of the glutathione reductase is within 200% of its minimum and suggest that it may be a useful indicator of the limits of thermal stress for a given species. The thermal kinetic windows determined in this study are: <16°C for spinach, 23 to 32°C for corn, and 35 to 41°C for cucumber. PMID:16667543

Structural and functional analysis of the yeast N-acetyltransferase Mpr1 involved in oxidative stress tolerance via proline metabolism

PubMed Central

Nasuno, Ryo; Hirano, Yoshinori; Itoh, Takafumi; Hakoshima, Toshio; Hibi, Takao; Takagi, Hiroshi

2013-01-01

Mpr1 (sigma1278b gene for proline-analog resistance 1), which was originally isolated as N-acetyltransferase detoxifying the proline analog l-azetidine-2-carboxylate, protects yeast cells from various oxidative stresses. Mpr1 mediates the l-proline and l-arginine metabolism by acetylating l-Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, leading to the l-arginine–dependent production of nitric oxide, which confers oxidative stress tolerance. Mpr1 belongs to the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily, but exhibits poor sequence homology with the GNAT enzymes and unique substrate specificity. Here, we present the X-ray crystal structure of Mpr1 and its complex with the substrate cis-4-hydroxy-l-proline at 1.9 and 2.3 Å resolution, respectively. Mpr1 is folded into α/β-structure with eight-stranded mixed β-sheets and six α-helices. The substrate binds to Asn135 and the backbone amide of Asn172 and Leu173, and the predicted acetyl-CoA–binding site is located near the backbone amide of Phe138 and the side chain of Asn178. Alanine substitution of Asn178, which can interact with the sulfur of acetyl-CoA, caused a large reduction in the apparent kcat value. The replacement of Asn135 led to a remarkable increase in the apparent Km value. These results indicate that Asn178 and Asn135 play an important role in catalysis and substrate recognition, respectively. Such a catalytic mechanism has not been reported in the GNAT proteins. Importantly, the amino acid substitutions in these residues increased the l-Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate level in yeast cells exposed to heat stress, indicating that these residues are also crucial for its physiological functions. These studies provide some benefits of Mpr1 applications, such as the breeding of industrial yeasts and the development of antifungal drugs. PMID:23818613

Insecticide Resistance in Eggs and First Instars of the Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).

PubMed

Campbell, Brittany E; Miller, Dini M

2015-01-15

Two strains of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., eggs and first instars collected from pyrethroid-resistant adults were evaluated for insecticide resistance and compared to a susceptible strain. Dose-response bioassays were conducted using two insecticide formulations (Temprid: imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin, and Transport: acetamiprid/ bifenthrin). The lethal concentration (LC50) for the two resistant egg strains exposed to imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin ranged from 3 to 5-fold higher than susceptible strain eggs. Resistant strain eggs dipped into formulations of acetamiprid/bifenthrin had LC50 values which were significantly greater (39 to 1,080-fold) than susceptible strain eggs. Similar to eggs, resistant strain first instars exposed to residual applications of imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin had LC50 values ranging from 121 to 493-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. When resistant strain first instars were treated with acetamiprid/bifenthrin, they had LC50 values that were 99 to >1,900-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. To determine differences between egg and first instar resistance, stage resistance ratios (SRR) were compared between the two stages. There was little difference between the egg and first instar stages, indicated by small SRR values ranging from 1.1 to 10.0. This study suggests that insecticide resistance is expressed early during bed bug development.

Insecticide Resistance in Eggs and First Instars of the Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

PubMed Central

Campbell, Brittany E.; Miller, Dini M.

2015-01-01

Two strains of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., eggs and first instars collected from pyrethroid-resistant adults were evaluated for insecticide resistance and compared to a susceptible strain. Dose-response bioassays were conducted using two insecticide formulations (Temprid: imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin, and Transport: acetamiprid/bifenthrin). The lethal concentration (LC50) for the two resistant egg strains exposed to imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin ranged from 3 to 5-fold higher than susceptible strain eggs. Resistant strain eggs dipped into formulations of acetamiprid/bifenthrin had LC50 values which were significantly greater (39 to 1,080-fold) than susceptible strain eggs. Similar to eggs, resistant strain first instars exposed to residual applications of imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin had LC50 values ranging from 121 to 493-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. When resistant strain first instars were treated with acetamiprid/bifenthrin, they had LC50 values that were 99 to >1,900-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. To determine differences between egg and first instar resistance, stage resistance ratios (SRR) were compared between the two stages. There was little difference between the egg and first instar stages, indicated by small SRR values ranging from 1.1 to 10.0. This study suggests that insecticide resistance is expressed early during bed bug development. PMID:26463070

Total individual ion activity coefficients of calcium and carbonate in seawater at 25°C and 35%. salinity, and implications to the agreement between apparent and thermodynamic constants of calcite and aragonite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Plummer, Niel; Sundquist, Eric T.

1982-01-01

We have calculated the total individual ion activity coefficients of carbonate and calcium,  and , in seawater. Using the ratios of stoichiometric and thermodynamic constants of carbonic acid dissociation and total mean activity coefficient data measured in seawater, we have obtained values which differ significantly from those widely accepted in the literature. In seawater at 25°C and 35%. salinity the (molal) values of  and  are 0.038 ± 0.002 and 0.173 ± 0.010, respectively. These values of  and  are independent of liquid junction errors and internally consistent with the value . By defining  and  on a common scale (), the product  is independent of the assigned value of  and may be determined directly from thermodynamic measurements in seawater. Using the value  and new thermodynamic equilibrium constants for calcite and aragonite, we show that the apparent constants of calcite and aragonite are consistent with the thermodynamic equilibrium constants at 25°C and 35%. salinity. The demonstrated consistency between thermodynamic and apparent constants of calcite and aragonite does not support a hypothesis of stable Mg-calcite coatings on calcite or aragonite surfaces in seawater, and suggests that the calcite critical carbonate ion curve of Broecker and Takahashi (1978,Deep-Sea Research25, 65–95) defines the calcite equilibrium boundary in the oceans, within the uncertainty of the data.

Evidence for a purifying selection acting on the β-lactamase locus in epidemic clones of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Milheiriço, Catarina; Portelinha, Ana; Krippahl, Ludwig; de Lencastre, Hermínia; Oliveira, Duarte C

2011-04-15

The β-lactamase (bla) locus, which confers resistance to penicillins only, may control the transcription of mecA, the central element of methicillin resistance, which is embedded in a polymorphic heterelogous chromosomal cassette (the SCCmec element). In order to assess the eventual correlation between bla allotypes and genetic lineages, SCCmec types and/or β-lactam resistance phenotypes, the allelic variation on the bla locus was evaluated in a representative collection of 54 international epidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical strains and, for comparative purposes, also in 24 diverse methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strains. Internal fragments of blaZ (the β-lactamase structural gene) were sequenced for all strains. A subset of strains, representative of blaZ allotypes, was further characterized by sequencing of internal fragments of the blaZ transcriptional regulators, blaI and blaR1. Thirteen allotypes for blaZ, nine for blaI and 12 for blaR1 were found. In a total of 121 unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) detected, no frameshift mutations were identified and only one nonsense mutation within blaZ was found in a MRSA strain. On average, blaZ alleles were more polymorphic among MSSA than in MRSA (14.7 vs 11.4 SNP/allele). Overall, blaR1 was the most polymorphic gene with an average of 24.8 SNP/allele. No correlation could be established between bla allotypes and genetic lineages, SCCmec types and/or β-lactam resistance phenotypes. In order to estimate the selection pressure acting on the bla locus, the average dN/dS values were computed. In the three genes and in both collections dN/dS ratios were significantly below 1. The data strongly suggests the existence of a purifying selection to maintain the bla locus fully functional even on MRSA strains. Although, this is in agreement with the notion that in most clinical MRSA strains mecA gene is under the control of the bla regulatory genes, these findings also suggest that the apparently redundant function of blaZ gene for the MRSA resistant phenotype is still important for these strains. In addition, the data shows that the sensor-inducer blaR1 is the primary target for the accumulation of mutations in the bla locus, presumably to modulate the response to the presence of β-lactam antibiotic.

Smoked: Why Joe Camel Is Still Smiling. The Read & Resist Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Males, Mike A.

Between the mid 1970s and 1992, daily cigarette use by high school seniors dropped by 60%. Since then, two factors have become apparent that have added to an increase in cigarette use by teenagers. First, instead of supporting tax increases and smoking bans, health lobbyists and Clinton administration officials aimed criticism at youth and their…

Inappropriate Use of Homeostasis Model Assessment Cutoff Values for Diagnosing Insulin Resistance in Pediatric Studies.

PubMed

Fox, Carrie; Bernardino, Lourdes; Cochran, Jill; Essig, Mary; Bridges, Kristie Grove

2017-11-01

Assessing pediatric patients for insulin resistance is one way to identify those who are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) is a measure of insulin resistance based on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Although this measure is widely used in research, cutoff values for pediatric populations have not been established. To assess the validity of HOMA cutoff values used in pediatric studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies published from January 2010 to December 2015 were identified through MEDLINE. Initial screening of abstracts was done to select studies that were conducted in pediatric populations and used HOMA to assess insulin resistance. Subsequent full-text review narrowed the list to only those studies that used a specific HOMA score to diagnose insulin resistance. Each study was classified as using a predetermined fixed HOMA cutoff value or a cutoff that was a percentile specific to that population. For studies that used a predetermined cutoff value, the references cited to provide evidence in support of that cutoff were evaluated. In the 298 articles analyzed, 51 different HOMA cutoff values were used to classify patients as having insulin resistance. Two hundred fifty-five studies (85.6%) used a predetermined fixed cutoff value, but only 72 (28.2%) of those studies provided a reference that supported its use. One hundred ten studies (43%) that used a fixed cutoff either cited a study that did not mention HOMA or provided no reference at all. Tracing of citation history indicated that the most commonly used cutoff values were ultimately based on studies that did not validate their use for defining insulin resistance. Little evidence exists to support HOMA cutoff values commonly used to define insulin resistance in pediatric studies. These findings highlight the importance of validating study design elements when training medical students and novice investigators. Using available data to generate population ranges for HOMA would improve its clinical utility.

Cyanide-insensitive quinol oxidase (CIO) from Gluconobacter oxydans is a unique terminal oxidase subfamily of cytochrome bd.

PubMed

Miura, Hiroshi; Mogi, Tatsushi; Ano, Yoshitaka; Migita, Catharina T; Matsutani, Minenosuke; Yakushi, Toshiharu; Kita, Kiyoshi; Matsushita, Kazunobu

2013-06-01

Cyanide-insensitive terminal quinol oxidase (CIO) is a subfamily of cytochrome bd present in bacterial respiratory chain. We purified CIO from the Gluconobacter oxydans membranes and characterized its properties. The air-oxidized CIO showed some or weak peaks of reduced haemes b and of oxygenated and ferric haeme d, differing from cytochrome bd. CO- and NO-binding difference spectra suggested that haeme d serves as the ligand-binding site of CIO. Notably, the purified CIO showed an extraordinary high ubiquinol-1 oxidase activity with the pH optimum of pH 5-6. The apparent Vmax value of CIO was 17-fold higher than that of G. oxydans cytochrome bo3. In addition, compared with Escherichia coli cytochrome bd, the quinol oxidase activity of CIO was much more resistant to cyanide, but sensitive to azide. The Km value for O2 of CIO was 7- to 10-fold larger than that of G. oxydans cytochrome bo3 or E. coli cytochrome bd. Our results suggest that CIO has unique features attributable to the structure and properties of the O2-binding site, and thus forms a new sub-group distinct from cytochrome bd. Furthermore, CIO of acetic acid bacteria may play some specific role for rapid oxidation of substrates under acidic growth conditions.

Effect of Surface-active Additives on Physical Properties of Slurries of Vapor-process Magnesium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinns, Murray L

1955-01-01

The presence of 3 to 5 percent surface-active additive gave the lowest Brookfield apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, and yield value that were obtained for slurry fuels containing approximately 50 percent vapor-process magnesium in JP-1 fuel. The slurries settled little and were easily remixed. A polyoxyethylene dodecyl alcohol was the most effective of 13 additives tested in reducing the Brookfield apparent viscosity and the yield value of the slurry. The seven most effective additives all had a hydroxyl group plus an ester or polyoxethylene group in the molecule. The densities of some of the slurries were measured.

Deleterious Mutations, Apparent Stabilizing Selection and the Maintenance of Quantitative Variation

PubMed Central

Kondrashov, A. S.; Turelli, M.

1992-01-01

Apparent stabilizing selection on a quantitative trait that is not causally connected to fitness can result from the pleiotropic effects of unconditionally deleterious mutations, because as N. Barton noted, ``... individuals with extreme values of the trait will tend to carry more deleterious alleles ....'' We use a simple model to investigate the dependence of this apparent selection on the genomic deleterious mutation rate, U; the equilibrium distribution of K, the number of deleterious mutations per genome; and the parameters describing directional selection against deleterious mutations. Unlike previous analyses, we allow for epistatic selection against deleterious alleles. For various selection functions and realistic parameter values, the distribution of K, the distribution of breeding values for a pleiotropically affected trait, and the apparent stabilizing selection function are all nearly Gaussian. The additive genetic variance for the quantitative trait is kQa(2), where k is the average number of deleterious mutations per genome, Q is the proportion of deleterious mutations that affect the trait, and a(2) is the variance of pleiotropic effects for individual mutations that do affect the trait. In contrast, when the trait is measured in units of its additive standard deviation, the apparent fitness function is essentially independent of Q and a(2); and β, the intensity of selection, measured as the ratio of additive genetic variance to the ``variance'' of the fitness curve, is very close to s = U/k, the selection coefficient against individual deleterious mutations at equilibrium. Therefore, this model predicts appreciable apparent stabilizing selection if s exceeds about 0.03, which is consistent with various data. However, the model also predicts that β must equal V(m)/V(G), the ratio of new additive variance for the trait introduced each generation by mutation to the standing additive variance. Most, although not all, estimates of this ratio imply apparent stabilizing selection weaker than generally observed. A qualitative argument suggests that even when direct selection is responsible for most of the selection observed on a character, it may be essentially irrelevant to the maintenance of variation for the character by mutation-selection balance. Simple experiments can indicate the fraction of observed stabilizing selection attributable to the pleiotropic effects of deleterious mutations. PMID:1427047

Biological cost of fosfomycin resistance in Escherichia coli in a murine model of urinary tract infection.

PubMed

Pourbaix, A; Guérin, F; Lastours, V de; Chau, F; Auzou, M; Boulley, E; Cattoir, V; Fantin, B

2017-12-01

Prevalence of fosfomycin resistance in E. coli clinical isolates from UTIs remains very low. Our hypothesis was that fosfomycin resistance may be associated with a biological cost. Three groups of strains of E. coli belonging to the B2 phylogenetic group were used: clinical wild-type (WT) isolates, clinical multidrug-resistant isolates and in vitro fosfomycin-resistant derivatives from the uropathogen clinical strain E. coli CFT073. In each group fosfomycin-susceptible and -resistant isolates were compared. In vitro, we found a significantly decreased growth rate for fosfomycin-resistant strains as compared with susceptible strains in the WT group. In a murine model of ascending UTI, there was a significant reduction in infection rates with fosfomycin-resistant isolates as compared with susceptible ones, in all 3 study groups, ranging from 28 to 39% (P<0.03). All fosfomycin-susceptible clinical strains were virulent in vivo (13/13), while fosfomycin-resistant clinical strains were either virulent (2/7) or non-virulent (5/7) (P<0.002). This difference was not explained by the number of virulence factors or pathogenicity-associated islands. In conclusion, fosfomycin resistance appears to carry some biological cost in E. coli, which may explain in part the apparent paradox of the low prevalence of fosfomycin resistance despite a high rate of spontaneous mutants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Development of MATLAB Scripts for the Calculation of Thermal Manikin Regional Resistance Values

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

CALCULATION OF THERMAL MANIKIN REGIONAL RESISTANCE VALUES DISCLAIMER The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the...USARIEM TECHNICAL NOTE TN16-1 DEVELOPMENT OF MATLAB® SCRIPTS FOR THE CALCULATION OF THERMAL MANIKIN REGIONAL RESISTANCE VALUES...performed by thermal manikin and modeling personnel. Steps to operate the scripts as well as the underlying calculations are outlined in detail

Induction and adaptation of chaperone-assisted selective autophagy CASA in response to resistance exercise in human skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Ulbricht, Anna; Gehlert, Sebastian; Leciejewski, Barbara; Schiffer, Thorsten; Bloch, Wilhelm; Höhfeld, Jörg

2015-01-01

Chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA) is a tension-induced degradation pathway essential for muscle maintenance. Impairment of CASA causes childhood muscle dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. However, the importance of CASA for muscle function in healthy individuals has remained elusive so far. Here we describe the impact of strength training on CASA in a group of healthy and moderately trained men. We show that strenuous resistance exercise causes an acute induction of CASA in affected muscles to degrade mechanically damaged cytoskeleton proteins. Moreover, repeated resistance exercise during 4 wk of training led to an increased expression of CASA components. In human skeletal muscle, CASA apparently acts as a central adaptation mechanism that responds to acute physical exercise and to repeated mechanical stimulation.

The Measurement of Values: Effects of Different Assessment Procedures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feather, N. T.

1973-01-01

Rating and pair-comparison procedures for assessing the importance of terminal and instrumental values were compared with the standard ranking procedure developed by Rokeach. Effects of order of presentation of of the value sets were also investigated. Neither procedure nor order had replicable effect though some sex differences were apparent. (TO)

Electrically Variable Resistive Memory Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Shangqing; Wu, Nai-Juan; Ignatiev, Alex; Charlson, E. J.

2010-01-01

Nonvolatile electronic memory devices that store data in the form of electrical- resistance values, and memory circuits based on such devices, have been invented. These devices and circuits exploit an electrically-variable-resistance phenomenon that occurs in thin films of certain oxides that exhibit the colossal magnetoresistive (CMR) effect. It is worth emphasizing that, as stated in the immediately preceding article, these devices function at room temperature and do not depend on externally applied magnetic fields. A device of this type is basically a thin film resistor: it consists of a thin film of a CMR material located between, and in contact with, two electrical conductors. The application of a short-duration, low-voltage current pulse via the terminals changes the electrical resistance of the film. The amount of the change in resistance depends on the size of the pulse. The direction of change (increase or decrease of resistance) depends on the polarity of the pulse. Hence, a datum can be written (or a prior datum overwritten) in the memory device by applying a pulse of size and polarity tailored to set the resistance at a value that represents a specific numerical value. To read the datum, one applies a smaller pulse - one that is large enough to enable accurate measurement of resistance, but small enough so as not to change the resistance. In writing, the resistance can be set to any value within the dynamic range of the CMR film. Typically, the value would be one of several discrete resistance values that represent logic levels or digits. Because the number of levels can exceed 2, a memory device of this type is not limited to binary data. Like other memory devices, devices of this type can be incorporated into a memory integrated circuit by laying them out on a substrate in rows and columns, along with row and column conductors for electrically addressing them individually or collectively.

Potential Risks Associated with the Proposed Widespread Use of Tamiflu

PubMed Central

Singer, Andrew C.; Nunn, Miles A.; Gould, Ernest A.; Johnson, Andrew C.

2007-01-01

Background The threat of pandemic influenza has focused attention and resources on virus surveillance, prevention, and containment. The World Health Organization has strongly recommended the use of the antiviral drug Tamiflu both to treat and prevent pandemic influenza infection. A major concern for the long-term efficacy of this strategy is to limit the development of Tamiflu-resistant influenza strains. However, in the event of a pandemic, hundreds of millions of courses of Tamiflu, stockpiled globally, will be rapidly deployed. Given its apparent resistance to biodegradation and hydrophilicity, oseltamivir carboxylate (OC), the active antiviral and metabolite of Tamiflu, is predicted to enter receiving riverwater from sewage treatment works in its active form. Objective Our objective in this study was to determine the likely concentrations of OC released into U.S. and U.K. river catchments using hydrologic modeling and current assumptions about the course and management of an influenza pandemic. Discussion We predict that high concentrations of OC (micrograms per liter) capable of inhibiting influenza virus replication would be sustained for periods of several weeks, presenting an increased risk for the generation of antiviral resistance and genetic exchange between influenza viruses in wildfowl. Owing to the apparent recalcitrance of OC in sewage treatment works, widespread use of Tamiflu during an influenza pandemic also poses a potentially significant, uncharacterized, ecotoxicologic risk in each affected nation’s waterways. Conclusion To gauge the hazard presented by Tamiflu use during a pandemic, we recommend a) direct measurement of Tamiflu persistence, biodegradation, and transformation in the environment; b) further modeling of likely drug concentrations in the catchments of countries where humans and waterfowl come into frequent close contact, and where significant Tamiflu deployment is envisaged; and c) further characterization of the risks of generating Tamiflu-resistant viruses in OC-exposed wildfowl. PMID:17366827

Molecular evolution of the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene in mammals: implications for adaptations to the subterranean niche and cancer resistance

PubMed Central

Faulkes, Christopher G.; Davies, Kalina T. J.; Rossiter, Stephen J.; Bennett, Nigel C.

2015-01-01

The naked mole-rat (NMR) Heterocephalus glaber is a unique and fascinating mammal exhibiting many unusual adaptations to a subterranean lifestyle. The recent discovery of their resistance to cancer and exceptional longevity has opened up new and important avenues of research. Part of this resistance to cancer has been attributed to the fact that NMRs produce a modified form of hyaluronan—a key constituent of the extracellular matrix—that is thought to confer increased elasticity of the skin as an adaptation for living in narrow tunnels. This so-called high molecular mass hyaluronan (HMM-HA) stems from two apparently unique substitutions in the hyaluronan synthase 2 enzyme (HAS2). To test whether other subterranean mammals with similar selection pressures also show molecular adaptation in their HAS2 gene, we sequenced the HAS2 gene for 11 subterranean mammals and closely related species, and combined these with data from 57 other mammals. Comparative screening revealed that one of the two putatively important HAS2 substitutions in the NMR predicted to have a significant effect on hyaluronan synthase function was uniquely shared by all African mole-rats. Interestingly, we also identified multiple other amino acid substitutions in key domains of the HAS2 molecule, although the biological consequences of these for hyaluronan synthesis remain to be determined. Despite these results, we found evidence of strong purifying selection acting on the HAS2 gene across all mammals, and the NMR remains unique in its particular HAS2 sequence. Our results indicate that more work is needed to determine whether the apparent cancer resistance seen in NMR is shared by other members of the African mole-rat clade. PMID:25948568

Amplified DNAs in laboratory stocks of Leishmania tarentolae: extrachromosomal circles structurally and functionally similar to the inverted-H-region amplification of methotrexate-resistant Leishmania major

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

Petrillo-Peixoto, M.L.; Beverley, S.M.

1988-12-01

We describe the structure of amplified DNA that was discovered in two laboratory stocks of the protozoan parasite Leishmania tarentolae. Restriction mapping and molecular cloning revealed that a region of 42 kilobases was amplified 8- to 30-fold in these lines. Southern blot analyses of digested DNAs or chromosomes separated by pulsed-field electrophoresis showed that the amplified DNA corresponded to the H region, a locus defined originally by its amplification in methotrexate-resistant Leishmania major. Similarities between the amplified DNA of the two species included (i) extensive cross-hybridization; (ii) approximate conservation of sequence order; (iii) extrachromosomal localization; (iv) an overall inverted, head-to-headmore » configuration as a circular 140-kilobase tetrameric molecule; (v) two regions of DNA sequence rearrangement, each of which was closely associated with the two centers of the inverted repeats; (vi) association with methotrexate resistance; and (vii) phenotypically conservative amplification, in which the wild-type chromosomal arrangement was retained without apparent modification. Our data showed that amplified DNA mediating drug resistance arose in unselected L. tarentolae, although the pressures leading to apparently spontaneous amplification and maintenance of the H region are not known. The simple structure and limited extent of DNA amplified in these and other Leishmania lines suggests that the study of gene amplification in Leishmania spp. offers an attractive model system for the study of amplification in cultured mammalian cells and tumors. We also introduced a method for measuring the size of large circular DNAs, using gamma-irradiation to introduce limited double-strand breaks followed by sizing of the linear DNAs by pulsed-field electrophoresis.« less

Prevalence and characterization of multi-drug resistant Salmonella Enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum and Gallinarum from chicken

PubMed Central

Parvej, Md. Shafiullah; Nazir, K. H. M. Nazmul Hussain; Rahman, M. Bahanur; Jahan, Mueena; Khan, Mohammad Ferdousur Rahman; Rahman, Marzia

2016-01-01

Aim: Salmonella is an important zoonotic pathogen responsible for animal and human diseases. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and stereotyping of Salmonella isolates isolated from apparently healthy poultry. Furthermore, the clonal relatedness among the isolated Salmonella serovars was assessed. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 cloacal swab samples from apparently healthy chickens were collected, and were subjected for the isolation and identification of associated Salmonella organisms. The isolated colonies were identified and characterized on the basis of morphology, cultural characters, biochemical tests, slide agglutination test, polymerase chain reaction, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Antibiotic sensitivity patterns were also investigated using commonly used antibiotics. Results: Of the 150 samples, 11 (7.33%) produced characteristics pink colony with black center on XLD agar medium, and all were culturally and biochemically confirmed to be Salmonella. All possessed serovar-specific gene SpeF and reacted uniformly with group D antisera, suggesting that all of the isolates were Salmonella Enterica serovar Gallinarum, biovar Pullorum and/or Gallinarum. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 54.54% of the isolated Salmonella Enterica serovars were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin, whereas the 81.81% isolates were resistant to amoxycillin, doxycycline, kanamycin, gentamycin, and tetracycline. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the XbaI-digested genomic DNA exhibited identical banding patterns, suggesting that the multidrug resistant Salmonella Enterica serovars occurring in commercial layers are highly clonal in Bangladesh. Conclusion: The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of poultry Salmonella in layer chicken and to find out the clonal relationship among them. The data in this study suggest the prevalence of Salmonella Enterica, which is multidrug resistant and highly clonal for commercial layers of Bangladesh. PMID:27051187

[Insecticide susceptibility evaluation in Aedes aegypti populations of Caldas, Colombia, in 2007 and 2011].

PubMed

Conde, Marcela; Orjuela, Lorena I; Castellanos, César Augusto; Herrera-Varela, Manuela; Licastro, Susana; Quiñones, Martha L

2015-01-01

Continuous use of insecticides for the control of dengue transmission may lead to decreased susceptibility levels in mosquito vector populations. Timely monitoring is necessary to ensure detection of any potential resistance problems. To determine the susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti to insecticides used in public health in Caldas, Colombia, during 2007 and 2011. Susceptibility tests to the organophosphates temephos, malathion, fenitrothion and pirimiphos methyl, as well as to the pyrethroid deltamethrin, were carried out using standard World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols. In 2007, resistance to temephos was detected in Ae. aegypti populations from La Dorada with resistance ratios of 11.5 and 13.3, prompting the Caldas Health Department to suspend the use of this larvicide. A reduction in resistance ratios to temephos was observed in 2011, as well as an apparent resistance to pirimiphos methyl. All Ae. aegypti populations tested were susceptible to deltamethrin, malathion and fenitrothion in both years. Evaluating the resistance ratios during two distinct periods allowed a decrease in resistance to be detected after suspension of the use of temephos. Surveillance of mosquito populations for changes in susceptibility levels to the insecticides used in dengue control programs is therefore recommended.

Management of Resistance to Crizotinib in Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Positive Non-Small-cell Lung Cancer.

PubMed

Matikas, Alexios; Kentepozidis, Nikolaos; Georgoulias, Vassilis; Kotsakis, Athanasios

2016-11-01

During the past decade, the recognition of an ever-expanding list of driver oncogenic mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer has resulted in rapid therapeutic advances. Since the first description of the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) rearrangement in 4% of cases of non-small-cell lung cancer in 2007, a highly potent and selective ALK inhibitor, crizotinib, was developed and approved in record time. However, it soon became apparent that although the responses can be dramatic and durable and primary intrinsic resistance to crizotinib is uncommon, the emergence of secondary resistance is inevitable. Efforts to elucidate the specific mechanisms that confer acquired resistance to crizotinib are underway. These have led to the recognition of the role of secondary resistance mutations, of ALK amplification, and of activation of bypass signaling, all of which contribute to resistance to crizotinib. Moreover, the rapid preclinical and clinical development of multiple second-generation ALK inhibitors that exhibit significant clinical activity against crizotinib-resistant disease has provided multiple options to treating physicians, with the ultimate goal the delivery of tailored medicine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparing measurement response and inverted results of electrical resistivity tomography instruments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parsekian, Andrew D.; Claes, Niels; Singha, Kamini; Minsley, Burke J.; Carr, Bradley; Voytek, Emily; Harmon, Ryan; Kass, Andy; Carey, Austin; Thayer, Drew; Flinchum, Brady

2017-01-01

In this investigation, we compare the results of electrical resistivity measurements made by six commercially available instruments on the same line of electrodes to determine if there are differences in the measured data or inverted results. These comparisons are important to determine whether measurements made between different instruments are consistent. We also degraded contact resistance on one quarter of the electrodes to study how each instrument responds to different electrical connection with the ground. We find that each instrument produced statistically similar apparent resistivity results, and that any conservative assessment of the final inverted resistivity models would result in a similar interpretation for each. We also note that inversions, as expected, are affected by measurement error weights. Increased measurement errors were most closely associated with degraded contact resistance in this set of experiments. In a separate test we recorded the full measured waveform for a single four-electrode array to show how poor electrode contact and instrument-specific recording settings can lead to systematic measurement errors. We find that it would be acceptable to use more than one instrument during an investigation with the expectation that the results would be comparable assuming contact resistance remained consistent.

Influence of physicochemical properties of rice flour on oil uptake of tempura frying batter.

PubMed

Nakamura, Sumiko; Ohtsubo, Ken'ichi

2010-01-01

The physicochemical properties of rice flour and wheat flour influenced the oil uptake of tempura frying batter. Rice flour was better than wheat flour in the overall quality and crispness of the fried tempura batter. Rice flour resisted oil absorption more than wheat flour, and a higher level of apparent starch amylose and higher consistency/breakdown ratio of the pasting properties led to a lower oil uptake of the batter. Super hard EM10 rice showed the highest apparent amylose content and higher consistency/breakdown ratio than the other flour samples, the batter from EM10 revealing the lowest oil content after frying among all the batters examined. The apparent amylose content, consistency/breakdown ratio and oil absorption index are proposed as useful guides for oil absorption when frying from among the physicochemical properties that influence the oil content of fried batter. Our proposal for the "oil absorption index" could be a simple, although not perfect method for estimating the oil content of batter flour.

[Sodium restriction during pregnancy: an outdated advice].

PubMed

de Leeuw, P W; Peeters, L L

1999-10-23

Even in an early phase of pregnancy marked haemodynamic changes occur, including a fall in vascular resistance and blood pressure and a rise in cardiac output. To compensate for the increased intravascular capacity the kidney retains more sodium and water. Apparently, the set point of sodium homeostasis shifts to a higher level at the expense of an expansion of extracellular volume. Studies during the normal menstrual cycle have shown that these changes, albeit smaller, also occur during the luteal phase. These fluctuations with the menstrual cycle are less apparent if salt intake is low, suggesting that a high salt intake is needed to facilitate the process of sodium retention. In pregnancies complicated by hypertension and/or pre-eclampsia body fluid volumes are low with an enhanced tendency to retain sodium after a volume challenge. These data, together with the lack of an apparent benefit of sodium restriction, suggest that the practice of prescribing a low-salt diet to hypertensive pregnant women should be abandoned.

Nucleobase recognition at alkaline pH and apparent pKa of single DNA bases immobilised within a biological nanopore.

PubMed

Franceschini, Lorenzo; Mikhailova, Ellina; Bayley, Hagan; Maglia, Giovanni

2012-02-01

The four DNA bases are recognized in immobilized DNA strands at high alkaline pH by nanopore current recordings. Ionic currents through the biological nanopores are also employed to measure the apparent pK(a) values of single nucleobases within the immobilised DNA strands. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

Characterization of Soil Heterogeneity Across Scales in an Intensively Investigated Soil Volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patterson, Matthew; Gimenez, Daniel; Nemes, Attila; Dathe, Annette; French, Helen; Bloem, Esther; Koestel, John; Jarvis, Nick

2016-04-01

Heterogeneous water flow in undisturbed soils is a natural occurrence that is complex to model due to potential changes in hydraulic properties in soils over changes in space. The use of geophysical methods, such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), can provide a minimally-invasive approximation of the spatial heterogeneity of the soil. This spatial distribution can then be combined with measured hydraulic properties to inform a model. An experiment was conducted on an Intensively Investigated Soil Volume (IISV), with dimensions of 2m x 1m x 0.8m, located in an agricultural field that is part of the Gryteland catchment in Ås, Norway. The location of the IISV was determined through surface ERT runs at two sequential resolutions. The first run was used to find an area of higher apparent electrical resistivity in a 23.5 x 11.5 m area with 0.5 m spacing. The second run measured apparent electrical resistivity in a 4.7 x 1 m area with 0.1 m spacing, from which the final IISV volume was derived. Distinct features found in the higher resolution run of the IISV, including a recent tire track from a harvester, were used as a spatial reference point for the installation of 20 pairs of TDR probes and tensiometers. The instruments measured water content, temperature and pressure potential at 10 minute intervals and ran continuously for a period of two weeks. After completion of the data collection the IISV was intensively sampled, with 30 samples taken for bulk density, 62 for hydraulic property measurements, and 20 to be used for both CT scanning and hydraulic property measurements. The measurement of hydraulic properties is ongoing and retention will be measured in the 0 - 100 cm range on a sand table, and from 100 - approx. 900 cm with an automated evaporation method. The formation of spatial clusters to represent the soil heterogeneity as relatively homogeneous units based on mesoscale properties like apparent electrical resistivity, bulk density, texture, in-situ measurements and image-derived properties at the microscale will be presented and discussed. Work combining the spatial clusters with estimated and measured hydraulic properties to inform the HYDRUS 3D model will also be discussed.

The effect of drying method temperature, collection method, and marker type on apparent ileal amino acid digestibility in 21-day-old broilers fed corn-soybean meal-barley based diet.

PubMed

Olojede, O C; Ford, M J; Jacob, J P; Ao, T; Pescatore, A J; Adedokun, S A

2018-06-01

For accurate estimation of nutrient digestibility, an ideal drying and sampling method is required to preserve the quality of the digesta. A standard corn-soybean meal (corn-SBM) broiler starter diet was fed from d 0 to 10 before birds were placed on the experimental diets until d 21. One hundred and sixty-eight male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effect of two drying methods (freeze-dryer vs. forced air-oven) and two drying temperatures (40 vs. 55°C) (Exp 1), while ninety-six chicks were used to evaluate the effect of flushing and squeezing as well as marker types (titanium vs. chromium) on apparent ileal DM, N, Ca, P, and AA digestibility (Exp 2). There were seven (Exp 1) or eight (Exp 2) replicate cages per treatment with 6 birds/cage. Digesta from the distal two thirds of the ileum was obtained from birds following euthanasia on d 21 by squeezing (Exp 1) and squeezing or flushing (Exp 2). Samples collected were stored in the freezer at -20°C until they were either freeze-dried (FD) or oven-dried (OD) at 40 or 55°C. There were no interactions between the drying methods and drying temperatures (Exp 1) on apparent ileal DM, N, and AA digestibility. Met had the highest (92.3%) while Cys had the lowest (73.8%) digestibility value. In Exp 2, no interaction between sampling methods and marker types was observed. The effect of sampling methods was not significant except for Arg and Met where squeezing resulted in higher (P < 0.05) digestibility values. Furthermore, apparent ileal His, Ile, Cys, Ser, and Tyr digestibility tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in squeezed digesta compared to the flushed digesta. Results from these studies showed that OD ileal digesta at 40 or 55°C had no negative effect on apparent ileal AA digestibility. Likewise, marker type did not influence apparent ileal AA digestibility values.

ATP- and glutathione-dependent transport of chemotherapeutic drugs by the multidrug resistance protein MRP1

PubMed Central

Renes, Johan; de Vries, Elisabeth G E; Nienhuis, Edith F; Jansen, Peter L M; Müller, Michael

1999-01-01

The present study was performed to investigate the ability of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP1) to transport different cationic substrates in comparison with MDR1-P-glycoprotein (MDR1). Transport studies were performed with isolated membrane vesicles from in vitro selected multidrug resistant cell lines overexpressing MDR1 (A2780AD) or MRP1 (GLC4/Adr) and a MRP1-transfected cell line (S1(MRP)). As substrates we used 3H-labelled derivatives of the hydrophilic monoquaternary cation N-(4′,4′-azo-n-pentyl)-21-deoxy-ajmalinium (APDA), the basic drug vincristine and the more hydrophobic basic drug daunorubicin. All three are known MDR1-substrates. MRP1 did not mediate transport of these substrates per se. In the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH), there was an ATP-dependent uptake of vincristine and daunorubicin, but not of APDA, into GLC4/Adr and S1(MRP) membrane vesicles which could be inhibited by the MRP1-inhibitor MK571. ATP- and GSH-dependent transport of daunorubicin and vincristine into GLC4/Adr membrane vesicles was inhibited by the MRP1-specific monoclonal antibody QCRL-3. MRP1-mediated daunorubicin transport rates were dependent on the concentration of GSH and were maximal at concentrations ⩾10 mM. The apparent KM value for GSH was 2.7 mM. Transport of daunorubicin in the presence of 10 mM GSH was inhibited by MK571 with an IC50 of 0.4 μM. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that MRP1 transports vincristine and daunorubicin in an ATP- and GSH-dependent manner. APDA is not a substrate for MRP1. PMID:10188979

Effective flow resistivity of highway pavements.

PubMed

Rochat, Judith L; Read, David R

2013-12-01

In the case of highway traffic noise, propagating sound is influenced by the ground over which it travels, whether it is the pavement itself or the ground between the highway and nearby communities. Properly accounting for ground type in modeling can increase accuracy in noise impact determinations and noise abatement design. Pavement-specific effective flow resistivity values are being investigated for inclusion in the Federal Highway Administration Traffic Noise Model, which uses these values in the sound propagation algorithms and currently applies a single effective flow resistivity value to all pavement. Pavement-specific effective flow resistivity values were obtained by applying a modified version of the American National Standards Institute S1.18 standard. The data analysis process was tailored to allow for increased sensitivity and extraction of effective flow resistivity values for a broad range of pavements (sound absorptive to reflective). For porous pavements (sound absorptive), it was determined that examination of the measured data can reveal influence from an underlying structure. Use of such techniques can aid in the design of quieter pavements.

Effect of reactivity loss on apparent reaction order of burning char particles

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

Murphy, Jeffrey J.; Shaddix, Christopher R.

Considerable debate still exists in the char combustion community over the expected and observed reaction orders of carbon reacting with oxygen. In particular, very low values of the reaction order (approaching zero) are commonly observed in char combustion experiments. These observations appear to conflict with porous catalyst theory as first expressed by Thiele, which suggests that the apparent reaction order must be greater than 0.5. In this work, we propose that this conflict may be resolved by considering the decrease in char reactivity with burnout due to ash effects, thermal annealing, or other phenomena. Specifically, the influence of ash dilutionmore » of the available surface area on the apparent reaction order is explored. Equations describing the ash dilution effect are combined with a model for particle burnout based on single-film nth-order Arrhenius char combustion and yield an analytical expression for the effective reaction order. When this expression is applied for experimental conditions reflecting combustion of individual pulverized coal particles in an entrained flow reactor, the apparent reaction order is shown to be lower than the inherent char matrix reaction order, even for negligible extents of char conversion. As char conversion proceeds and approaches completion, the apparent reaction order drops precipitously past zero to negative values. Conversely, the inclusion of the ash dilution model has little effect on the char conversion profile or char particle temperature until significant burnout has occurred. Taken together, these results suggest that the common experimental observation of low apparent reaction orders during char combustion is a consequence of the lack of explicit modeling of the decrease in char reactivity with burnout. (author)« less

Determination of Flow Resistance Coefficient for Vegetation in Open Channel: Laboratory study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aliza Ahmad, Noor; Ali, ZarinaMd; Arish, Nur Aini Mohd; Munirah Mat Daud, Azra; Fatin Amirah Alias, Nur

2018-04-01

This study focused on determination of flow resistances coefficient for grass in an open channel. Laboratory works were conducted to examine the effects of varying of roughness elements on the flume to determine flow resistance coefficient and also to determine the optimum flow resistance with five different flow rate, Q. Laboratory study with two type of vegetation which are Cow Grass and Pearl Grass were implementing to the bed of a flume. The roughness coefficient, n value is determine using Manning’s equation while Soil Conservation Services (SCS) method was used to determine the surface resistance. From the experiment, the flow resistance coefficient for Cow Grass in range 0.0008 - 0.0039 while Pearl Grass value for the flow resistance coefficient are in between 0.0013 - 0.0054. As a conclusion the vegetation roughness value in open channel are depends on density, distribution type of vegetation used and physical characteristic of the vegetation itself

Parallel Evolution of High-Level Aminoglycoside Resistance in Escherichia coli Under Low and High Mutation Supply Rates.

PubMed

Ibacache-Quiroga, Claudia; Oliveros, Juan C; Couce, Alejandro; Blázquez, Jesus

2018-01-01

Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in public health worldwide, thus there is much interest in characterizing the mutational pathways through which susceptible bacteria evolve resistance. Here we use experimental evolution to explore the mutational pathways toward aminoglycoside resistance, using gentamicin as a model, under low and high mutation supply rates. Our results show that both normo and hypermutable strains of Escherichia coli are able to develop resistance to drug dosages > 1,000-fold higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration for their ancestors. Interestingly, such level of resistance was often associated with changes in susceptibility to other antibiotics, most prominently with increased resistance to fosfomycin. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that all resistant derivatives presented diverse mutations in five common genetic elements: fhuA, fusA and the atpIBEFHAGDC, cyoABCDE , and potABCD operons. Despite the large number of mutations acquired, hypermutable strains did not pay, apparently, fitness cost. In contrast to recent studies, we found that the mutation supply rate mainly affected the speed (tempo) but not the pattern (mode) of evolution: both backgrounds acquired the mutations in the same order, although the hypermutator strain did it faster. This observation is compatible with the adaptive landscape for high-level gentamicin resistance being relatively smooth, with few local maxima; which might be a common feature among antibiotics for which resistance involves multiple loci.

Parallel Evolution of High-Level Aminoglycoside Resistance in Escherichia coli Under Low and High Mutation Supply Rates

PubMed Central

Ibacache-Quiroga, Claudia; Oliveros, Juan C.; Couce, Alejandro; Blázquez, Jesus

2018-01-01

Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in public health worldwide, thus there is much interest in characterizing the mutational pathways through which susceptible bacteria evolve resistance. Here we use experimental evolution to explore the mutational pathways toward aminoglycoside resistance, using gentamicin as a model, under low and high mutation supply rates. Our results show that both normo and hypermutable strains of Escherichia coli are able to develop resistance to drug dosages > 1,000-fold higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration for their ancestors. Interestingly, such level of resistance was often associated with changes in susceptibility to other antibiotics, most prominently with increased resistance to fosfomycin. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that all resistant derivatives presented diverse mutations in five common genetic elements: fhuA, fusA and the atpIBEFHAGDC, cyoABCDE, and potABCD operons. Despite the large number of mutations acquired, hypermutable strains did not pay, apparently, fitness cost. In contrast to recent studies, we found that the mutation supply rate mainly affected the speed (tempo) but not the pattern (mode) of evolution: both backgrounds acquired the mutations in the same order, although the hypermutator strain did it faster. This observation is compatible with the adaptive landscape for high-level gentamicin resistance being relatively smooth, with few local maxima; which might be a common feature among antibiotics for which resistance involves multiple loci. PMID:29615988

Tetracycline resistance in semi-arid agricultural soils under long-term swine effluent application.

PubMed

Popova, Inna E; Josue, Rosemarie D R; Deng, Shiping; Hattey, Jeffory A

2017-05-04

Annually, millions pounds of antibiotics are released unmetabolized into environment along with animal wastes. Accumulation of antibiotics in soils could potentially induce the persistence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Antibiotics such as tetracyclines and tetracycline-resistant bacteria have been previously detected in fields fertilized with animal manure. However, little is known about the accumulation of tetracyclines and the development of tetracycline resistance in semi-arid soils. Here we demonstrate that continuous land application with swine effluent, containing trace amounts of chlortetracycline, does not necessarily induce tetracycline resistance in soil bacteria. Based on the testing of more than 3,000 bacteria isolated from the amended soils, we found no significant increase in the occurrence and level of chlortetracycline resistant bacteria in soils after 15 years of continuous swine effluent fertilization. To account for a possible transfer of tetracycline-resistant bacteria originated from the swine effluent to soils, we analyzed two commonly found tetracycline resistant genes, tet(O) and tet(M), in the swine effluent and fertilized soils. Both genes were present in the swine effluent, however, they were not detectable in soils applied with swine effluent. Our data demonstrate that agronomic application of manure from antibiotic treated swine effluent does not necessarily result in the development of antibiotic bacterial resistance in soils. Apparently, concentrations of chlortetracycline present in manure are not significant enough to induce the development of antibiotic bacterial resistance.

Effect of interaction range on phonon relaxation in Fermi-Pasta-Ulam beta chain.

PubMed

Santhosh, G; Kumar, Deepak

2007-08-01

We study the effect of increasing the range of interactions on phonon relaxation in a chain of atoms with quartic anharmonicity. The study is motivated by recent numerical studies, showing that the value of the exponent alpha characterizing the divergence of conductivity with system size apparently depends on the presence of second neighbor couplings. We perform a quantum calculation of the wave-vector (q) dependent relaxation rate gamma(q) in the second order perturbation theory. The nonanalytic dependence of gamma(q) arises due to small-q singularity of the collision integral. We find that gamma(q) proportional to Aq(5/3) + Bq2. This gives rise to an asymptotic value alpha = 0.4, but the q2 terms lead to a higher apparent value of alpha at small sizes of the chain.

Nano-Advantage in Enhanced Drug Delivery with Biodegradable Nanoparticles: Contribution of Reduced Clearance

PubMed Central

Kadam, Rajendra S.; Bourne, David W. A.

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of reduced apparent clearance to the enhanced exposure reported for biodegradable nanoparticles after extravascular and intravascular routes of administration. Plasma concentration profiles for drug and nanoparticle formulations after administration by intravenous, intraduodenal, and oral routes were extracted from the literature. Data were fit to pharmacokinetic models using BOOMER. The compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of literature data for six drugs (camptothecin, 9-nitrocamptothecin, epirubicin, vinpocetine, clozapine, and cyclosporine) showed that the encapsulation of drug molecules in nanoparticles significantly reduced the apparent clearance and prolonged the apparent circulation half-life compared with those for the plain drug. Positively charged nanoparticles assessed in this study had lower apparent clearance, lower elimination rate constant values, and longer apparent circulation half-life than neutral and negatively charged nanoparticles. After oral administration, a reduction in apparent clearance contributed substantially to elevations in plasma drug exposure with nanoparticles. For the drugs and delivery systems examined, the nano-advantage in drug delivery enhancement can be explained, in part, by reduced clearance. PMID:22498894

Effects of dietary supplementation with antimicrobial peptide-P5 on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, faecal and intestinal microflora and intestinal morphology of weanling pigs.

PubMed

Yoon, Jung Ho; Ingale, Santosh Laxman; Kim, Jin Soo; Kim, Kwang Hyun; Lohakare, Jayant; Park, Yoon Kyung; Park, Jun Cheol; Kwon, Ill Kyong; Chae, Byung Jo

2013-02-01

The increase in drug-resistant bacteria and the ban on antibiotic growth promoters worldwide make the search for novel means of preventing bacterial infection and promoting growth performance imperative. In this sense, antimicrobial peptides are thought to be ideal candidates owing to their antimicrobial properties, broad spectrum of activity and low propensity for development of bacterial resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with antimicrobial peptide-P5 (AMP-P5) on weanling pig nutrition. A total of 240 weanling pigs were allotted to four treatments on the basis of initial body weight. There were four replicates in each treatment, with 15 pigs per replicate. Dietary treatments were negative control (NC, basal diet without antimicrobial), positive control (PC, basal diet + 1.5 g kg(-1) apramycin), basal diet with 40 mg kg(-1) AMP-P5 (P5-40) and basal diet with 60 mg kg(-1) AMP-P5 (P5-60). Pigs fed the PC or P5-60 diet showed improved (P < 0.05) overall growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy and reduced (P < 0.05) faecal and intestinal coliforms compared with pigs fed the NC diet. The results obtained in this study indicate that dietary supplementation with 60 mg kg(-1) AMP-P5 has the potential to improve the growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and reduce coliforms in weanling pigs. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Can Vocational Programmes Change Use and Exchange Value Attributions of School Leavers: A Kenyan Case Study?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saunders, Murray; Sambili, Helen

1995-01-01

A survey of Kenyan school leavers (200 responses) and 34 interviews show that the exchange value of school-leaving exams is predominant and the use value of vocational programs has little impact. Apparently, 80% of school effort has actual exchange value for only 20% of school leavers, whereas 20% of effort directed at self-employment has…

Ethnic differences in microvascular function in apparently healthy South African men and women.

PubMed

Pienaar, P R; Micklesfield, L K; Gill, J M R; Shore, A C; Gooding, K M; Levitt, N S; Lambert, E V

2014-07-01

Microvascular dysfunction precedes the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease. Given the ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease, we aimed to investigate ethnic differences in microvascular endothelial function in a group of young (18-33 years old), apparently healthy individuals (n = 33, nine Black African, 12 mixed ancestry and 12 Caucasian). Microvascular endothelium-dependent and -independent function was assessed by laser Doppler imagery and iontophoresis of ACh and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively, adjusting for skin resistance. Microvascular reactivity was expressed as maximum absolute perfusion, percentage change from baseline and area under the curve (AUC). Skin resistance was significantly lower in the Caucasian group in response to ACh (Caucasian, mean 0.16 ± 0.03 Ω versus Black, 0.21 ± 0.04 Ω and mixed ancestry, 0.20 ± 0.02 Ω, P < 0.01) and SNP (Caucasian, 0.08 ± 0.01 Ω versus Black, 0.11 ± 0.02 Ω and mixed ancestry, 0.12 ± 0.01 Ω, P < 0.01). Microvascular function in response to ACh was significantly higher in the Caucasian group compared with the other two groups; however, after adjusting for skin resistance these differences were no longer significant. Conversely, the microvascular SNP response remained significantly higher in the Caucasian group, even after adjusting for skin resistance (P < 0.01). Diastolic blood pressure was inversely associated with the AUC of ACh (r = -0.4) and all SNP responses (r = -0.3 to -0.6). Skin resistance was inversely associated with AUC and maximum absolute ACh response (r = -0.59 and -0.64, respectively) and all SNP responses (r = -0.37 to -0.79). Ethnic differences in endothelium-independent microvascular function may contribute to ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease. Moreover, skin resistance plays a significant role in the interpretation of the microvascular response to outcomes of iontophoresis in a multiethnic group. © 2014 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2014 The Physiological Society.

Preliminary Results of a Magnetotelluric Survey in the Center of Hawaii Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lienert, B. R.; Thomas, D. M.; Wallin, E.

2014-12-01

From 2013 up to the present we have been recording magnetotelluric (MT) data at 25 sites in a 35x25 km region (elev. 1943 m) on the saddle between the active volcano of Mauna Loa (4169 m) and the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea (4205 m) on Hawai'i Island. The MT data, particularly the electric fields, are frequently contaminated by spurious components that are not due to the plane-wave magnetic signals required for derivation of the MT impedance tensor. We therefore developed interactive graphical software (MTPlot) to plot and analyze the MT signals in the field. MTPlot allows us to quickly examine records in both the time and frequency domain to in order to judge their quality. It also transforms the data into estimates of apparent resistivity and their error in the frequency range 0.001-500 Hz. This has proved very useful for selecting suitable records for subsequent analysis. We then use multi-taper remote reference processing to obtain our final apparent resistivity estimates and their errors. We present preliminary results of one and two dimensional modeling of these estimates to obtain the three-dimensional distribution of subsurface resistivities down to depths of 5 km. The results are compared to temperatures and properties of cores obtained when we drilled a research hole to a depth of 1760 m in this same region. We shall discuss how our results relate to the extent of the fresh-water and geothermal energy reservoirs that we discovered during drilling.

Attitudes and Values: Concerns of Middle Managers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Appelbaum, Steven H.

1978-01-01

Total individual satisfaction is not the organization's responsibility, but does assume increasing importance when corporate commitment is apparent. Studies have examined employees' values, attitudes, and job satisfaction and often found that individuals feel job dissatisfaction. In remedying this, organizations should develop an interdependent…

Prognostic Value of the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Newborns with Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia.

PubMed

Heursen, Eva-Marie; Zuazo Ojeda, Amaya; Benavente Fernández, Isabel; Jimenez Gómez, Gema; Campuzano Fernández-Colima, Rosalía; Paz-Expósito, José; Lubián López, Simón Pedro

2017-01-01

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) quantification has been proven to be of prognostic value in term newborns with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) who were treated under normothermia. To evaluate the prognostic value of ADC in standardized brain regions in neonates with HIE who were treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH). This prospective cohort study included 54 term newborns who were admitted with HIE and treated with TH. All magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed between days 4 and 6 of life, and ADC values were measured in 13 standardized regions of the brain. At 2 years of age we explored whether ADC values were related to composite outcomes (death or survival with abnormal neurodevelopment). The severity of HIE is inversely related to ADC values in different brain regions. We found that lower ADC values in the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), the thalami, the semioval centre, and frontal and parietal white matter were related to adverse outcomes. ADC values in the PLIC and thalami are good predictors of adverse outcomes (AUC 0.86 and 0.76). Low ADC values in the PLIC, thalamus, semioval centre, and frontal and parietal white matter in full-term infants with HIE treated with TH were associated with a poor outcome. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Fitness costs and stability of Cry1Fa resistance in Brazilian populations of Spodoptera frugiperda.

PubMed

Santos-Amaya, Oscar F; Tavares, Clébson S; Rodrigues, João Victor C; Campos, Silverio O; Guedes, Raul Narciso C; Alves, Analiza P; Pereira, Eliseu José G

2017-01-01

The presence of fitness costs of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins in insect populations may delay or even reverse the local selection of insect resistance to Bt transgenic crops, and deserves rigorous investigation. Here we assessed the fitness costs associated with Cry1Fa resistance in two strains of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), derived from field collections in different Brazilian regions and further selected in the laboratory for high levels of resistance to Cry1Fa using leaves of TC1507 corn. Fitness components were compared using paired resistant and susceptible strains with similar genetic backgrounds and F 1 generations from reciprocal crosses, all of them reared on non-transgenic corn leaves. No apparent life history costs in the larval stage were observed in the Bt-resistant strains. Moreover, the resistance remained stable for seven generations in the absence of selection, with no decrease in the proportion of resistant individuals. Larval respiration rates were also similar between resistant and susceptible homozygotes, and heterozygotes displayed respiration rates and demographic performance equal or superior to those of susceptible homozygotes. In combination, these results indicate the lack of strong fitness costs associated with resistance to Cry1Fa in the fall armyworm strains studied. These findings suggest that Cry1Fa resistance in S. frugiperda populations is unlikely to be counterselected in Cry1Fa-free environments. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genetic association analysis of ATP binding cassette protein family reveals a novel association of ABCB1 genetic variants with epilepsy risk, but not with drug-resistance.

PubMed

Balan, Shabeesh; Bharathan, Sumitha Prameela; Vellichiramal, Neetha Nanoth; Sathyan, Sanish; Joseph, Vijai; Radhakrishnan, Kurupath; Banerjee, Moinak

2014-01-01

Epilepsy constitutes a heterogeneous group of disorders that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures due to widely different etiologies. Multidrug resistance remains a major issue in clinical epileptology, where one third of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures. Role of efflux transporters in multidrug resistant epilepsy has been attributed to drug-resistant epilepsy although, with discrepant observation in genetic studies. These discrepancies could be attributed to variety of factors such as variable definition of the anti-epileptic drug (AED)-resistance, variable epilepsy phenotypes and ethnicities among the studies. In the present study we inquired the role of multidrug transporters ABCB1 and ABCG2 variants in determining AED-resistance and susceptibility to epilepsy in three well-characterized cohorts comprising of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) (prototype for AED-resistant epilepsy); juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) (prototype for AED-responsive epilepsy); and healthy non-epileptic controls, in 738 subjects of Malayalam speaking south Indian ancestry. ABCB1 and ABCG2 variants were not found to be associated with drug resistance when AED-resistant and AED-responsive cohorts were compared. However, a significant association was observed between ABCB1 (C3435T) rs1045642 and risk of having epilepsy (MTLE-HS and JME pooled cohort; genotypic p-value = 0.0002; allelic p-value = 0.004). This association was seen persistent with MTLE-HS (genotypic p-value = 0.0008; allelic p-value = 0.004) and also with JME (genotypic p-value = 0.01; allelic p-value = 0.05) cohort individually. In-silico functional prediction indicated that ABCB1 rs1045642 has a deleterious impact on protein coding function and in splicing regulation. We conclude that the ABCB1 and ABCG2 variants do not confer to AED-resistance in the study population. However, ABCB1 rs1045642 increases vulnerability to epilepsy with greater tendency for MTLE-HS in south Indian ancestry from Kerala.

Narrowband noise study of sliding charge density waves in NbSe3 nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onishi, Seita; Jamei, Mehdi; Zettl, Alex

2017-02-01

Transport properties (dc electrical resistivity, threshold electric field, and narrow-band noise) are reported for nanoribbon specimens of NbSe3 with thicknesses as low as 18 nm. As the sample thickness decreases, the resistive anomalies characteristic of the charge density wave (CDW) state are suppressed and the threshold fields for nonlinear CDW conduction apparently diverge. Narrow-band noise measurements allow determination of the concentration of carriers condensed in the CDW state n c , reflective of the CDW order parameter Δ. Although the CDW transition temperatures are relatively independent of sample thickness, in the lower CDW state Δ decreases dramatically with decreasing sample thickness.

Vaccination refusal: ethics, individual rights, and the common good.

PubMed

Schwartz, Jason L; Caplan, Arthur L

2011-12-01

Among the obstacles to the success of vaccination programs is the apparent recent increase in hesitancy and outright resistance to the recommended vaccination schedule by some parents and patients. This article reviews the spectrum of patient or parental attitudes that may be described as vaccine refusal, explores related ethical considerations in the context of the doctor-patient relationship and public health, and evaluates the possible responses of physicians when encountering resistance to vaccination recommendations. Health care providers should view individuals hesitant about or opposed to vaccines not as frustrations or threats to public health, but as opportunities to educate and inform. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fault Zone Resistivity Structure and Monitoring at the Taiwan Chelungpu Drilling Project from AMT data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiang, C.-W.; Unsworth, M. J.; Chen, C.-S.; Chen, C.-C.; Lin, A.-T.; Hsu, H.-L.

2009-04-01

The Chi-Chi earthquake occurred on September 21st, 1999 in the Western Foothills of central Taiwan. This Mw=7.6 earthquake produced a 90 km long surface rupture and caused severe damage across Taiwan. The coseismic displacement on the Chelungpu fault was one of the largest ever observed. The Taiwan Chelungpu drilling project (TCDP) began in 2003 and resulted in a 2,000 m well that recovered cores from the fault zone at A-hole and finished in 2005 with two boreholes (A-hole and B-hole) being completed. The Chelungpu fault that caused the Chi-Chi earthquake was observed in the core at a depth of 1,111 m (FAZ1111). Another fault zone (Sanyi Fault - FAZ1710) was observed at depths of 1,500~1,710 m. Since the electrical resistivity of rocks is sensitive to the presence of fluids, geophysical methods that remotely sense sub-surface resistivity, such as Magnetotellurics (MT), can be a powerful tool in investigating the fluid distribution in the shallow crust. The effectiveness of MT in imaging fault zones has been demonstrated by studies of the San Andreas Fault zone in California, the U.S. and elsewhere. In magnetotellurics, the depth of exploration increases as the signal frequency decreases. Thus for imaging shallow fault zone structure at the TCDP site, the higher frequency audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) method is the most suitable. In this paper, AMT data collected at the TCDP site from 2004 to 2006 are presented. Spatial and temporal variations are described and interpreted in terms of the tectonic setting. Audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) measurements were used to investigate electrical resistivity structure at the TCDP site from 2004~2006. These data show a geoelectric strike direction of N15°E to N30°E. Inversion and forward modeling of the AMT data were used to generate a 1-D resistivity model that has a prominent low resistivity zone (< 10 ohm-m) between depths of 1,100 and 1,500 m. When combined with porosity measurements, the AMT measurements imply that the ground water has a resistivity of 0.55 ohm-m at the depth of the fault zone. Time variations in the measured AMT data were observed from 2004~2005 with maximum changes of 43% in apparent resistivity and 18° in phase. The change in apparent resistivity is greatest in the 1,000~100 Hz frequency band. These frequencies are sensitive to the resistivity structure of the upper 500 m of the hanging wall of the Chelungpu Fault. The decrease in resistivity over time appears to be robust and could be caused by an increase in porosity and a re-distribution of the groundwater.

Evaluation results of the 700 deg C Chinese strain gauges. [for gas turbine engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hobart, H. F.

1985-01-01

Gauges fabricated from specially developed Fe-Cr-Al-V-Ti-Y alloy wire in the Republic of China were evaluated for use in static strain measurement of hot gas turbine engines. Gauge factor variation with temperature, apparent strain, and drift were included. Results of gauge factor versus temperature tests show gauge factor decreasing with increasing temperature. The average slope is -3-1/2 percent/100 K, with an uncertainty band of + or - 8 percent. Values of room temperature gauge factor for the Chinese and Kanthal A-1 gauges averaged 2.73 and 2.12, respectively. The room temperature gauge factor of the Chinese gauges was specified to be 2.62. The apparent strain data for both the Chinese alloy and Kanthal A-1 showed large cycle to cycle nonrepeatability. All apparent strain curves had a similar S-shape, first going negative and then rising to positive value with increasing temperatures. The mean curve for the Chinese gauges between room temperature and 100 K had a total apparent strain of 1500 microstrain. The equivalent value for Kanthal A-1 was about 9000 microstrain. Drift tests at 950 K for 50 hr show an average drift rate of about -9 microstrain/hr. Short-term (1 hr) rates are higher, averaging about -40 microstrain for the first hour. In the temperature range 700 to 870 K, however, short-term drift rates can be as high as 1700 microstrain for the first hour. Therefore, static strain measurements in this temperature range should be avoided.

Slope monitoring by using 2-D resistivity method at Sungai Batu, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azman, Muhamad Iqbal Mubarak Faharul; Yusof, Azim Hilmy Mohd; Ismail, Nur Azwin; Ismail, Noer El Hidayah

2017-07-01

Slope is a dynamic system of geo-environmental phenomena that related to the movement of the soil and rock masses. In Pulau Pinang, the occurrence of slope related phenomena such as landslide and rock fall has become a huge issue especially during rainy season as the government would have to invest more for the people safety. 2-D resistivity method is one of the geophysical methods that can be applied to overcome this issue thus prepare countermeasure actions. Monitoring is one of the common acquisition technique that has been used in solving such issue. This technique was applied to identify and monitor changes at the suspected area and thus, countermeasure steps can be taken accordingly and not blindfolded. Starting from August until November 2016, a 200 m survey line of 2-D resistivity survey had been conducted monthly at Sungai Batu, Pulau Pinang slope for monitoring purpose. Three resistivity ranges were able to detect within the subsurface. Resistivity value of 250 - 400 Ωm indicated the low resistivity value and interpreted as the weak zone located at distance of 90 - 120 m with depth of 10 m. Intermediate resistivity value was interpreted as weathered granite zone with resistivity value of 400 - 1500 Ωm was found at almost along survey line. High resistivity value was > 5000 Ωm and interpreted as granitic bedrock located at depth of > 20 m. Aside from weathered granite zone and weak zone, a fracture was found develop over time at distance of 130 - 140 m. The features found have the potential to be the cause for slope failure phenomena to occur. As a conclusion, monitoring slope using 2-D resistivity method is a success and indeed helpful in overcome landslide and rock fall issue as a pre-countermeasure action.

Stewart analysis of apparently normal acid-base state in the critically ill.

PubMed

Moviat, Miriam; van den Boogaard, Mark; Intven, Femke; van der Voort, Peter; van der Hoeven, Hans; Pickkers, Peter

2013-12-01

This study aimed to describe Stewart parameters in critically ill patients with an apparently normal acid-base state and to determine the incidence of mixed metabolic acid-base disorders in these patients. We conducted a prospective, observational multicenter study of 312 consecutive Dutch intensive care unit patients with normal pH (7.35 ≤ pH ≤ 7.45) on days 3 to 5. Apparent (SIDa) and effective strong ion difference (SIDe) and strong ion gap (SIG) were calculated from 3 consecutive arterial blood samples. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to analyze factors potentially associated with levels of SIDa and SIG. A total of 137 patients (44%) were identified with an apparently normal acid-base state (normal pH and -2 < base excess < 2 and 35 < PaCO2 < 45 mm Hg). In this group, SIDa values were 36.6 ± 3.6 mEq/L, resulting from hyperchloremia (109 ± 4.6 mEq/L, sodium-chloride difference 30.0 ± 3.6 mEq/L); SIDe values were 33.5 ± 2.3 mEq/L, resulting from hypoalbuminemia (24.0 ± 6.2 g/L); and SIG values were 3.1 ± 3.1 mEq/L. During admission, base excess increased secondary to a decrease in SIG levels and, subsequently, an increase in SIDa levels. Levels of SIDa were associated with positive cation load, chloride load, and admission SIDa (multivariate r(2) = 0.40, P < .001). Levels of SIG were associated with kidney function, sepsis, and SIG levels at intensive care unit admission (multivariate r(2) = 0.28, P < .001). Intensive care unit patients with an apparently normal acid-base state have an underlying mixed metabolic acid-base disorder characterized by acidifying effects of a low SIDa (caused by hyperchloremia) and high SIG combined with the alkalinizing effect of hypoalbuminemia. © 2013.

Apparent chlorofluorocarbon age of ground water of the shallow aquifer system, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Yorktown, Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelms, David L.; Harlow, George E.; Brockman, Allen R.

2001-01-01

Apparent ages of ground water are useful in the analysis of various components of flow systems, and results of this analysis can be incorporated into investigations of potential pathways of contaminant transport. This report presents the results of a study in 1997 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Base Civil Engineer, Environmental Directorate, to describe the apparent age of ground water of the shallow aquifer system at the Station. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), tritium (3H), dissolved gases, stable isotopes, and water-quality field properties were measured in samples from 14 wells and 16 springs on the Station in March 1997.Nitrogen-argon recharge temperatures range from 5.9°C to 17.3°C with a median temperature of 10.9°C, which indicates that ground-water recharge predominantly occurs in the cold months of the year. Concentrations of excess air vary depending upon geohydrologic setting (recharge and discharge areas). Apparent ground-water ages using a CFC-based dating technique range from 1 to 48 years with a median age of 10 years. The oldest apparent CFC ages occur in the upper parts of the Yorktown-Eastover aquifer, whereas the youngest apparent ages occur in the Columbia aquifer and the upper parts of the discharge area setting, especially springs. The vertical distribution of apparent CFC ages indicates that groundwater movement between aquifers is somewhat retarded by the leaky confining units, but the elapsed time is relatively short (generally less than 35 years), as evidenced by the presence of CFCs at depth. The identification of binary mixtures by CFC-based dating indicates that convergence of flow lines occurs not only at the actual point of discharge, but also in the subsurface.The CFC-based recharge dates are consistent with expected 3H concentrations measured in the water samples from the Station. The concentration of 3H in ground water ranges from below the USGS laboratory minimum reporting limit of 0.3 to 15.9 tritium units (TU) with a median value of 10.8 TU. Water-quality field properties are highly variable for ground water with apparent CFC ages less than 15 years because of geochemical processes within local flow systems. Ground water with apparent CFC ages greater than 15 years represents more stable conditions in subregional flow systems.The range of apparent CFC ages is slightly greater than the ranges in time of travel of ground water calculated for shallow wells (less than 60- feet deep) from flow-path analysis. Calculated travel times to springs can be up to two orders of magnitude greater than the CFC-based apparent ages. Reasonable assumptions of values for hydraulic parameters can result in substantial overestimates for time of travel to springs.Recharge rates computed from apparent CFC ages range from 0.29 to 0.89 feet per year (ft/ yr) with an average value of 0.54 ft/yr. The analysis of apparent CFC ages in conjunction with geohydrologic data indicates that young water (less than 50 years) is present at depth (nearly 120 feet) and that both local and subregional flow systems occur in the shallow aquifer system at the Station. The addition of the dimension of time to the three-dimensional framework of Brockman and others (1997) will benefit current (2001) and future remediation activities by providing estimates of advective transport rates and how these rates vary depending upon geohydrologic setting and position within the ground-water-flow system. Estimated ground-water apparent ages and recharge rates can be used as calibration criteria in simulations of ground-water flow on the Station to refine and constrain future ground-water-flow models of the shallow aquifer system.

Distribution of apparent activation energy counterparts during thermo - And thermo-oxidative degradation of Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry).

PubMed

Janković, Bojan; Marinović-Cincović, Milena; Janković, Marija

2017-09-01

Kinetics of degradation for Aronia melanocarpa fresh fruits in argon and air atmospheres were investigated. The investigation was based on probability distributions of apparent activation energy of counterparts (ε a ). Isoconversional analysis results indicated that the degradation process in an inert atmosphere was governed by decomposition reactions of esterified compounds. Also, based on same kinetics approach, it was assumed that in an air atmosphere, the primary compound in degradation pathways could be anthocyanins, which undergo rapid chemical reactions. A new model of reactivity demonstrated that, under inert atmospheres, expectation values for ε a occured at levels of statistical probability. These values corresponded to decomposition processes in which polyphenolic compounds might be involved. ε a values obeyed laws of binomial distribution. It was established that, for thermo-oxidative degradation, Poisson distribution represented a very successful approximation for ε a values where there was additional mechanistic complexity and the binomial distribution was no longer valid. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extent and origin of resistance to antituberculosis drugs in the Netherlands, 1993 to 2011.

PubMed

Ruesen, C; van Gageldonk-Lafeber, A B; de Vries, G; Erkens, C G; van Rest, J; Korthals Altes, H; de Neeling, H; Kamst, M; van Soolingen, D

2014-03-20

The elimination of tuberculosis (TB) is threatened by an apparent increase in the level of resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the Netherlands, where the majority of TB patients are migrants, resistance may also be increasing. We conducted a retrospective study, using 18,294 M. tuberculosis isolates from TB cases notified between 1993 and 2011. We investigated the trends in antituberculosis drug resistance, focusing on the country of birth of the patients and whether resistance had developed during treatment or was the result of transmission of resistant M. tuberculosis strains. For both scenarios, we determined whether this had happened in or outside the Netherlands. Antituberculosis drug resistance was found in 13% of all cases analysed and showed an increasing trend among patients who had been born in the Netherlands (p<0.001) and a decreasing trend among foreign-born (p=0.02) over the study period. Since 2005, the proportion of M. tuberculosis resistant strains among all strains tested has increased in both groups (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively). Overall, we found a significantly increasing trend when excluding streptomycin resistance (p<0.001). The trend was most markedly increased for isoniazid resistance (p = 0.01). Although resistance was mainly due to transmission of resistant strains, mostly outside the Netherlands or before 1993 (when DNA fingerprinting was not systematically performed), in some cases (n=45), resistance was acquired in the Netherlands. We conclude that antituberculosis drug resistance is increasing in the Netherlands, mostly related to migration from high TB-incidence countries, but also to domestic acquisition.

Slope failures evaluation and landslides investigation using 2-D resistivity method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordiana, M. M.; Azwin, I. N.; Nawawi, M. N. M.; Khalil, A. E.

2018-06-01

Slope failure is a complex phenomenon that may caused to landslides. Buildings and infrastructure such as transportation facilities and pipelines located within the boundaries of a landslide can be damaged or destroyed. Slope failure classification and various factors contributing to the instability using 2-D resistivity survey conducted in Selangor, Malaysia are described. Six 2-D resistivity survey lines with 5 m minimum electrode spacing using Pole-dipole array were performed. The data were processed using Res2Dinv and surfer10 software to evaluate the subsurface characteristics. The 2-D resistivity results show that the subsurface consist of two main zones. The first zone was alluvium or highly weathered with resistivity value of 100-1000 Ω m and depth of >30 m. This zone consists of saturated area with resistivity value of 1-100 Ω m and boulders with resistivity value of 1200-7000 Ω m. The second zone with resistivity value of >7000 Ω m was interpreted as granitic bedrock. The study area was characterized by saturated zones, highly weathered zone, highly contain of sand and boulders that will trigger slope failure in the survey area. This will cause to low strength of soil, debris flow and movement of earth. On the basis of the case examples described, 2-D resistivity method is categorized into desirable and useful method in determination of slope failure and future assessments.

[Molecular epidemiologic study on Mycobacterium tuberculosis from drug resistance monitoring sites of Guangdong Province, 2015].

PubMed

Huang, X C; Guo, H X; Wu, Z H; Guo, C X; Wei, W J; Li, H C; Sun, Q; Zhang, C C; Li, Z Y; Chen, T; Zhong, Q; Zhou, L

2017-05-12

Objective: To understand the characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in epidemiology and distribution from Guangdong Province, and to explore the risk factors associated with drug resistance. Methods: A total of 225 clinical strains of MTB collected from 5 drug resistance monitoring sites of Guangdong Province in 2015 were tested by Regions of Difference 105 (RD105) deletion test and 15 loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU) were used for genotyping. Gene clustering was analyzed using BioNumerics7.6. Drug susceptibility test was tested by proportion method. The statistical analysis used chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results: There were 158 (70.2%) Beijing family strains from the 225 cases. Hunter-gaston index of MIRU loci varied from each other. The MTBs from Guangdong Province were categorized into 2 gene clusters by clustering analysis in which the rate of cluster of complexⅠwas significantly higher than complexⅡ(χ(2) values were 9.331, P values were 0.020). It was found by multivariate logistic regression that Qub11b was associated with resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid ( P values were 0.013, 0.012 respectively.), ETR F with resistance to isoniazid, streptomycin, ethambutol and ofloxacin ( P values were 0.039, 0.040, 0.023 and 0.003 respectively), Mtub21 with resistance to capreomycin ( P values were 0.040), and QUB26 with resistance to ethionamide ( P values were 0.047). Conclusions: The genes of MTB from Guangdong Province were of polymorphisms and the distribution of strains were stable. QUB11b, ETR F, Mtub21 and QUB26 could be related to biomarkers for predicting drug resistance.

Electrical Resistivity Tomography Monitoring of Soil Remediation for a Garbage Dump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

shi, X.; Luo, Z.; Zhang, Y.; Fu, Q.; Xu, Z.

2011-12-01

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey was firstly used to investigate the distribution of contaminated soil in a garbage dump area, Wuhan city, China. The result shows that sulfated soil resistivity is about 4 to 7 ohm-m, which is relatively lower than normal soil resistivity of about 15 to 25 ohm-m. The distribution of contaminated soil was delineated using ERT images. Then, ERT survey was carried out in this area for monitoring of remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. Werner measurements with 60 electrodes of 1 m spacing were taken during the 9-well oxygen injection and nutrition liquid injection period. The difference of apparent resistivity between before gas injection and after gas injection was used to delineate the channel of gas and the trace of gas migration in the porous garbage dump. The electrical resitivity changes between before and after nutrition liquid injection were used to analyze the liquid migration and distribution. The dynamic procedures of gas and water migration are outlined. The results suggest that ERT is a powerful technique for monitoring of soil remediation.

Efflux drug transporters at the forefront of antimicrobial resistance.

PubMed

Rahman, Tahmina; Yarnall, Benjamin; Doyle, Declan A

2017-10-01

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is rapidly becoming a major world health consideration. To combat antibiotics, microorganisms employ their pre-existing defence mechanisms that existed long before man's discovery of antibiotics. Bacteria utilise levels of protection that range from gene upregulation, mutations, adaptive resistance, and production of resistant phenotypes (persisters) to communal behaviour, as in swarming and the ultimate defence of a biofilm. A major part of all of these responses involves the use of antibiotic efflux transporters. At the single cell level, it is becoming apparent that the use of efflux pumps is the first line of defence against an antibiotic, as these pumps decrease the intracellular level of antibiotic while the cell activates the various other levels of protection. This frontline of defence involves a coordinated network of efflux transporters. In the future, inhibition of this efflux transporter network, as a target for novel antibiotic therapy, will require the isolation and then biochemical/biophysical characterisation of each pump against all known and new antibiotics. This depth of knowledge is required so that we can fully understand and tackle the mechanisms of developing antimicrobial resistance.

Cardiopulmonary responses to acute hypoxia, head-down tilt and fluid loading in anesthetized dogs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loeppky, J. A.; Scotto, P.; Riedel, C.; Avasthi, P.; Koshukosky, V.; Chick, T. W.

1991-01-01

Cardiopulmonary responses to acute hypoxia (HY), fluid loading by saline infusion (FL), and head-down tilt (HD) of mechanically ventilated anesthetized dogs were investigated by measuring thermodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange. It was found that HD decreased the total respiratory compliance both during HY and normoxia (NO) and that the reduction in compliance by FL was twice as large as by HD. Superimposing HD on HY doubled the increase in vascular resistance due to HY alone. In the systemic circulation, HD lowered the resistance to below NO levels. There was a significant positive correlation between the changes in blood volume and in pulmonary artery pressure for experimental transitions, suggesting that a shift in blood volume from systemic to pulmonary circulations and changes in the total blood volume may contribute substantially to these apparent changes in resistance.

Deposition of conductive TiN shells on SiO2 nanoparticles with a fluidized bed ALD reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Didden, Arjen; Hillebrand, Philipp; Wollgarten, Markus; Dam, Bernard; van de Krol, Roel

2016-02-01

Conductive TiN shells have been deposited on SiO2 nanoparticles (10-20 nm primary particle size) with fluidized bed atomic layer deposition using TDMAT and NH3 as precursors. Analysis of the powders confirms that shell growth saturates at approximately 0.4 nm/cycle at TDMAT doses of >1.2 mmol/g of powder. TEM and XPS analysis showed that all particles were coated with homogeneous shells containing titanium. Due to the large specific surface area of the nanoparticles, the TiN shells rapidly oxidize upon exposure to air. Electrical measurements show that the partially oxidized shells are conducting, with apparent resistivity of approximately 11 kΩ cm. The resistivity of the powders is strongly influenced by the NH3 dose, with a smaller dose giving an order-of-magnitude higher resistivity.

Are preference and resistance to change convergent expressions of stimulus value?

PubMed

Podlesnik, Christopher A; Jimenez-Gomez, Corina; Shahan, Timothy A

2013-07-01

Behavioral momentum theory asserts that preference and relative resistance to disruption depend on reinforcement rates and provide converging expressions of the conditioned value of discriminative stimuli. However, preference and resistance to disruption diverge when assessing preference during brief extinction probes. We expanded upon this opposing relation by arranging target stimuli signaling equal variable-interval schedules across components of a multiple schedule. We paired one target stimulus with a richer reinforced alternative and the other with a leaner alternative. Furthermore, we varied reinforcement rates for the paired alternatives to assess the effects of manipulating relative conditioned value on preference and resistance to disruption by presession feeding, intercomponent food, and extinction. We replicated the opposing relation between preference and resistance to disruption but varying reinforcement rates for the paired alternatives did not systematically affect preference or resistance to disruption beyond levels observed in our initial condition. Importantly, we found that only preference between the target stimuli was related to relative baseline response rates in the presence of those stimuli. These findings suggest that preference during extinction probes might reveal more about baseline response rates between concurrently available alternatives than relative conditioned value. Resistance to disruption, conversely, appears to better reflect conditioned value because it is less confounded with baseline response rates and is a function of all sources of reinforcement obtained in the presence of a stimulus context. © Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Long-Term Resistance of Drosophila melanogaster to the Mushroom Toxin Alpha-Amanitin.

PubMed

Mitchell, Chelsea L; Yeager, Roger D; Johnson, Zachary J; D'Annunzio, Stephanie E; Vogel, Kara R; Werner, Thomas

2015-01-01

Insect resistance to toxins exerts not only a great impact on our economy, but also on the ecology of many species. Resistance to one toxin is often associated with cross-resistance to other, sometimes unrelated, chemicals. In this study, we investigated mushroom toxin resistance in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen). This fruit fly species does not feed on mushrooms in nature and may thus have evolved cross-resistance to α-amanitin, the principal toxin of deadly poisonous mushrooms, due to previous pesticide exposure. The three Asian D. melanogaster stocks used in this study, Ama-KTT, Ama-MI, and Ama-KLM, acquired α-amanitin resistance at least five decades ago in their natural habitats in Taiwan, India, and Malaysia, respectively. Here we show that all three stocks have not lost the resistance phenotype despite the absence of selective pressure over the past half century. In response to α-amanitin in the larval food, several signs of developmental retardation become apparent in a concentration-dependent manner: higher pre-adult mortality, prolonged larva-to-adult developmental time, decreased adult body size, and reduced adult longevity. In contrast, female fecundity nearly doubles in response to higher α-amanitin concentrations. Our results suggest that α-amanitin resistance has no fitness cost, which could explain why the resistance has persisted in all three stocks over the past five decades. If pesticides caused α-amanitin resistance in D. melanogaster, their use may go far beyond their intended effects and have long-lasting effects on ecosystems.

Anesthetic-resistant spontaneous mutant of Drosophila melanogaster: intensified response to /sup 60/Cobalt radiation damage

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

Gamo, S.; Nakashima-Tanaka, E.; Megumi, T.

1985-02-25

Accumulating evidence suggests that the extent of acute damage by ionizing irradiation is closely related to the state of membrane orderliness. Decreased orderliness apparently protects organisms from ionizing irradiation. Because anesthetics decrease membrane orderliness, anesthesia is expected to affect damages caused by ionizing irradiation. The present study compared the effects of /sup 60/Co irradiation on Drosophila melanogaster between an anesthetic-resistant spontaneous mutant and an anesthetic-sensitive strain. An anesthetic-resistant mutant strain, Eth-29, of Drosophila melanogaster has previously been established. Eth-29 is resistant to diethyl-ether, chloroform and halothane. The anesthetic-resistant strain was found to be radiosensitive when evaluated by survival at themore » eighth day after irradiation or by dyskinesia (knock-down) at the second day. The results indicate that anesthetic resistance may be related to an increase in orderliness. The findings in reciprocal crosses between Eth-29 and the control strain indicate that the mechanism of survival is different from that of knock-down. Presumably, knock-down is the direct sequela of irradiation, and the present result suggests that membrane damage may be involved in inducing knock-down. 18 references, 3 figures.« less

Resistance Potential of Bread Wheat Genotypes Against Yellow Rust Disease Under Egyptian Climate.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Amer F; Hassan, Mohamed I; Amein, Karam A

2015-12-01

Yellow rust (stripe rust), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of wheat in Egypt and worldwide. In order to identify wheat genotypes resistant to yellow rust and develop molecular markers associated with the resistance, fifty F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between resistant and susceptible bread wheat landraces were obtained. Artificial infection of Puccinia striiformis was performed under greenhouse conditions during two growing seasons and relative resistance index (RRI) was calculated. Two Egyptian bread wheat cultivars i.e. Giza-168 (resistant) and Sakha-69 (susceptible) were also evaluated. RRI values of two-year trial showed that 10 RILs responded with RRI value >6 <9 with an average of 7.29, which exceeded the Egyptian bread wheat cultivar Giza-168 (5.58). Thirty three RILs were included among the acceptable range having RRI value >2 <6. However, only 7 RILs showed RRI value <2. Five RILs expressed hypersensitive type of resistance (R) against the pathogen and showed the lowest Average Coefficient of Infection (ACI). Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) with eight simple sequence repeat (SSR), eight sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and sixteen random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers revealed that three SSR, three SRAP and six RAPD markers were found to be associated with the resistance to yellow rust. However, further molecular analyses would be performed to confirm markers associated with the resistance and suitable for marker-assisted selection. Resistant RILs identified in the study could be efficiently used to improve the resistance to yellow rust in wheat.

A new method for the automatic interpretation of Schlumberger and Wenner sounding curves

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zohdy, A.A.R.

1989-01-01

A fast iterative method for the automatic interpretation of Schlumberger and Wenner sounding curves is based on obtaining interpreted depths and resistivities from shifted electrode spacings and adjusted apparent resistivities, respectively. The method is fully automatic. It does not require an initial guess of the number of layers, their thicknesses, or their resistivities; and it does not require extrapolation of incomplete sounding curves. The number of layers in the interpreted model equals the number of digitized points on the sounding curve. The resulting multilayer model is always well-behaved with no thin layers of unusually high or unusually low resistivities. For noisy data, interpretation is done in two sets of iterations (two passes). Anomalous layers, created because of noise in the first pass, are eliminated in the second pass. Such layers are eliminated by considering the best-fitting curve from the first pass to be a smoothed version of the observed curve and automatically reinterpreting it (second pass). The application of the method is illustrated by several examples. -Author

Parallel arms races between garter snakes and newts involving tetrodotoxin as the phenotypic interface of coevolution.

PubMed

Brodie, Edmund D; Feldman, Chris R; Hanifin, Charles T; Motychak, Jeffrey E; Mulcahy, Daniel G; Williams, Becky L; Brodie, Edmund D

2005-02-01

Parallel "arms races" involving the same or similar phenotypic interfaces allow inference about selective forces driving coevolution, as well as the importance of phylogenetic and phenotypic constraints in coevolution. Here, we report the existence of apparent parallel arms races between species pairs of garter snakes and their toxic newt prey that indicate independent evolutionary origins of a key phenotype in the interface. In at least one area of sympatry, the aquatic garter snake, Thamnophis couchii, has evolved elevated resistance to the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX), present in the newt Taricha torosa. Previous studies have shown that a distantly related garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, has coevolved with another newt species that possesses TTX, Taricha granulosa. Patterns of within population variation and phenotypic tradeoffs between TTX resistance and sprint speed suggest that the mechanism of resistance is similar in both species of snake, yet phylogenetic evidence indicates the independent origins of elevated resistance to TTX.

Event-Based Prospective Memory Is Resistant but Not Immune to Proactive Interference.

PubMed

Oates, Joyce M; Peynircioglu, Zehra F

2016-01-01

Recent evidence suggests that proactive interference (PI) does not hurt event-based prospective memory (ProM) the way it does retrospective memory (RetroM) (Oates, Peynircioglu, & Bates, 2015). We investigated this apparent resistance further. Introduction of a distractor task to ensure we were testing ProM rather than vigilance in Experiment 1 and tripling the number of lists to provide more opportunity for PI buildup in Experiment 2 still did not produce performance decrements. However, when the ProM task was combined with a RetroM task in Experiment 3, a comparable buildup and release was observed also in the ProM task. It appears that event based ProM is indeed somewhat resistant to PI, but this resistance can break down when the ProM task comprises the same stimuli as in an embedded RetroM task. We discuss the results using the ideas of cue overload and distinctiveness as well as shared attentional and working memory resources.

Effect of various sintering temperature on resistivity behaviour and magnetoresistance of La{sub 0.67}Ba{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3}

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

Pratama, R.; Kurniawan, B., E-mail: bkuru07@gmail.com; Manaf, A.

2016-04-19

A detail work was conducted in order to investigate effect of various sintering temperature on resistivity behavior and its relation with the magneto-resistance effect of La{sub 0.67}Ba{sub 0.33}MnO{sub 3} (LBMO). The LBMO samples were synthesized using solid state reaction. Characterization using X-ray diffraction shows that all LBMO samples have a single phase for each variation. Variation of sintering temperature on the LBMO samples affects its lattice parameters. The resistivity measurement in an absence and under applied magnetic field resulted in a highly significant different values. In one of the sintering temperature variation of LBMO, an increasing resistivity had shown atmore » a low temperature and had reached its maximum value at a specific temperature, and then the resistivity decreases to the lowest value near the room temperature. Similar result observed at higher varieties of sintering temperature but with significant lower maximum resistivity.« less

Determination of malignancy and characterization of hepatic tumor type with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient and intravoxel incoherent motion-derived measurements.

PubMed

Doblas, Sabrina; Wagner, Mathilde; Leitao, Helena S; Daire, Jean-Luc; Sinkus, Ralph; Vilgrain, Valérie; Van Beers, Bernard E

2013-10-01

The objective of this study was to compare the value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) determined with 3 b values and the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)-derived parameters in the determination of malignancy and characterization of hepatic tumor type. Seventy-six patients with 86 solid hepatic lesions, including 8 hemangiomas, 20 lesions of focal nodular hyperplasia, 9 adenomas, 30 hepatocellular carcinomas, 13 metastases, and 6 cholangiocarcinomas, were assessed in this prospective study. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired with 11 b values to measure the ADCs (with b = 0, 150, and 500 s/mm) and the IVIM-derived parameters, namely, the pure diffusion coefficient and the perfusion-related diffusion fraction and coefficient. The diffusion parameters were compared between benign and malignant tumors and between tumor types, and their diagnostic value in identifying tumor malignancy was assessed. The apparent and pure diffusion coefficients were significantly higher in benign than in malignant tumors (benign: 2.32 [0.87] × 10 mm/s and 1.42 [0.37] × 10 mm/s vs malignant: 1.64 [0.51] × 10 mm/s and 1.14 [0.28] × 10 mm/s, respectively; P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0005), whereas the perfusion-related diffusion parameters did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The apparent and pure diffusion coefficients provided similar accuracy in assessing tumor malignancy (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.770 and 0.723, respectively). In the multigroup analysis, the ADC was found to be significantly higher in hemangiomas than in hepatocellular carcinomas, metastases, and cholangiocarcinomas. In the same manner, it was higher in lesions of focal nodular hyperplasia than in metastases and cholangiocarcinomas. However, the pure diffusion coefficient was significantly higher only in hemangiomas versus hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinomas. Compared with the ADC, the diffusion parameters derived from the IVIM model did not improve the determination of malignancy and characterization of hepatic tumor type.

Quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient as a noninvasive imaging biomarker for the differentiation of invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ.

PubMed

Bickel, Hubert; Pinker-Domenig, Katja; Bogner, Wolfgang; Spick, Claudio; Bagó-Horváth, Zsuzsanna; Weber, Michael; Helbich, Thomas; Baltzer, Pascal

2015-02-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained through diffusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T can be used as an imaging biomarker to differentiate invasive breast cancer from noninvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). One hundred seventy-six histopathologically verified primary malignant breast tumors were retrospectively evaluated in 170 patients. All patients had undergone a standardized 3-T magnetic resonance imaging protocol, containing a diffusion-weighted sequence with 2 b values and a series of dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. Apparent diffusion coefficient was measured manually by a reader blinded to the histopathological results. The ADC values were correlated with histopathological results. Mean ADC values were compared between invasive cancers and DCIS as well as between different tumor grades. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to calculate diagnostic performance. There were 155 invasive cancers and 21 noninvasive DCIS. Mean (SD) values differed significantly between the invasive cancers (0.9 [0.15] ×10 mm/s) and the DCIS (1.24 [0.23] ×10 mm/s, P < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.895 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.840-0.936). A threshold of 1.01 ×10 mm/s or less allowed an identification of invasive cancers with a sensitivity of 78.06% (95% CI, 70.7%-84.3%) and a specificity of 90.5% (95% CI, 69.6%-98.8%). No significant ADC differences were found among different tumor grades (P > 0.05). Apparent diffusion coefficient could be used as an imaging biomarker for the diagnosis of breast cancer. It seems to be a valuable noninvasive quantitative biomarker to assess breast cancer invasiveness. Thus, ADC measurements provide the potential to reduce overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment.

3D imaging of soil apparent electrical conductivity from VERIS data using a 1D spatially constrained inversion algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jesús Moral García, Francisco; Rebollo Castillo, Francisco Javier; Monteiro Santos, Fernando

2016-04-01

Maps of apparent electrical conductivity of the soil are commonly used in precision agriculture to indirectly characterize some important properties like salinity, water, and clay content. Traditionally, these studies are made through an empirical relationship between apparent electrical conductivity and properties measured in soil samples collected at a few locations in the experimental area and at a few selected depths. Recently, some authors have used not the apparent conductivity values but the soil bulk conductivity (in 2D or 3D) calculated from measured apparent electrical conductivity through the application of an inversion method. All the published works used data collected with electromagnetic (EM) instruments. We present a new software to invert the apparent electrical conductivity data collected with VERIS 3100 and 3150 (or the more recent version with three pairs of electrodes) using the 1D spatially constrained inversion method (1D SCI). The software allows the calculation of the distribution of the bulk electrical conductivity in the survey area till a depth of 1 m. The algorithm is applied to experimental data and correlations with clay and water content have been established using soil samples collected at some boreholes. Keywords: Digital soil mapping; inversion modelling; VERIS; soil apparent electrical conductivity.

Metabolism of deltamethrin and cis- and trans-permethrin by human expressed cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase enzymes.

PubMed

Hedges, Laura; Brown, Susan; MacLeod, A Kenneth; Vardy, Audrey; Doyle, Edward; Song, Gina; Moreau, Marjory; Yoon, Miyoung; Osimitz, Thomas G; Lake, Brian G

2018-06-04

The metabolism of the pyrethroids deltamethrin (DLM), cis-permethrin (CPM) and trans-permethrin (TPM) was studied in human expressed cytochrome P450 (CYP) and carboxylesterase (CES) enzymes. DLM, CPM and TPM were metabolised by human CYP2B6 and CYP2C19, with the highest apparent intrinsic clearance (CL int ) values for pyrethroid metabolism being observed with CYP2C19. Other CYP enzymes contributing to the metabolism of one or more of the three pyrethroids were CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9*1, CYP2D6*1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. None of the pyrethroids were metabolised by CYP2A6, CYP2E1, CYP3A7 or CYP4A11. DLM, CPM and TPM were metabolised by both human CES1 and CES2 enzymes. Apparent CL int values for pyrethroid metabolism by CYP and CES enzymes were scaled to per gram of adult human liver using abundance values for microsomal CYP enzymes and for CES enzymes in liver microsomes and cytosol. TPM had the highest and CPM the lowest apparent CL int values for total metabolism (CYP and CES enzymes) per gram of adult human liver. Due to their higher abundance, all three pyrethroids were extensively metabolised by CES enzymes in adult human liver, with CYP enzymes only accounting for 2%, 10% and 1% of total metabolism for DLM, CPM and TPM, respectively.

A reliable method of manufacturing metallic hierarchical superhydrophobic surfaces

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

Pogreb, Roman; Whyman, Gene; Barayev, Reuven

2009-06-01

A method of manufacturing hierarchical metallic surfaces demonstrating superhydrophobic properties is presented. The surfaces showed apparent contact angles as high as 153 deg. and sliding angles of 10 deg. for 50-100 {mu}l droplets. The Cassie-like model [A. B. D. Cassie and S. Baxter, Trans. Faraday Soc. 40, 546 (1944)], considering the hierarchical topography of the relief, predicts apparent contact angles in a satisfactory agreement with the measured values.

Electrical and magnetic properties of rock and soil

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scott, J.H.

1983-01-01

Field and laboratory measurements have been made to determine the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and magnetic permeability of rock and soil in areas of interest in studies of electromagnetic pulse propagation. Conductivity is determined by making field measurements of apparent resisitivity at very low frequencies (0-20 cps), and interpreting the true resistivity of layers at various depths by curve-matching methods. Interpreted resistivity values are converted to corresponding conductivity values which are assumed to be applicable at 10^2 cps, an assumption which is considered valid because the conductivity of rock and soil is nearly constant at frequencies below 10^2 cps. Conductivity is estimated at higher frequencies (up to 10^6 cps) by using statistical correlations of three parameters obtained from laboratory measurements of rock and soil samples: conductivity at 10^2 cps, frequency and conductivity measured over the range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. Conductivity may also be estimated in this frequency range by using field measurements of water content and correlations of laboratory sample measurements of the three parameters: water content, frequency, and conductivity measured over the range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. This method is less accurate because nonrandom variation of ion concentration in natural pore water introduces error. Dielectric constant is estimated in a similar manner from field-derived conductivity values applicable at 10^2 cps and statistical correlations of three parameters obtained from laboratory measurements of samples: conductivity measured at 10^2 cps, frequency, and dielectric constant measured over the frequency range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. Dielectric constant may also be estimated from field measurements of water content and correlations of laboratory sample measurements of the three parameters: water content, frequency, and dielectric constant measured from 10^2 to 10^6 cps, but again, this method is less accurate because of variation of ion concentration of pore water. Special laboratory procedures are used to measure conductivity and dielectric constant of rock and soil samples. Electrode polarization errors are minimized by using an electrode system that is electrochemically reversible-with ions in pore water.

Dual design resistor for high voltage conditioning and transmission lines

DOEpatents

Siggins, Timothy Lynn [Newport News, VA; Murray, Charles W [Hayes, VA; Walker, Richard L [Norfolk, VA

2007-01-23

A dual resistor for eliminating the requirement for two different value resistors. The dual resistor includes a conditioning resistor at a high resistance value and a run resistor at a low resistance value. The run resistor can travel inside the conditioning resistor. The run resistor is capable of being advanced by a drive assembly until an electrical path is completed through the run resistor thereby shorting out the conditioning resistor and allowing the lower resistance run resistor to take over as the current carrier.

An Investigation of Language Teachers' Explorations of the Use of Corpus Tools in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bunting, John David

2013-01-01

Despite claims that the use of corpus tools can have a major impact in language classrooms (e.g., Conrad, 2000, 2004; Davies, 2004; O'Keefe, McCarthy, & Carter, 2007; Sinclair, 2004b; Tsui, 2004), many language teachers express apparent apathy or even resistance towards adding corpus tools to their repertoire (Cortes, 2013b). This study…

Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-18

polonium 210 from Moscow, through Germany, to London, apparently carried by one of the Russians Litvinenko met November 1. Russian authorities deny...radio under tight state control and virtually eliminated effective political opposition. Federal forces have suppressed large-scale military resistance...Russia’s needs — food and food processing, oil and gas extraction technology, computers, communications, transportation, and investment capital — are

The reinforcing value and liking of resistance training and aerobic exercise as predictors of adult's physical activity.

PubMed

Flack, Kyle D; Johnson, LuAnn; Roemmich, James N

2017-10-01

Reinforcing value (motivating value) is a stronger predictor than hedonic value (liking) for engaging in drug use, gambling, and eating. The associations of reinforcing value and liking with physical activity of adults have not yet been studied and may depend on the modes of exercise (e.g., aerobic/cardiovascular exercise, resistance training) under consideration. The purpose of this study was to test associations of the reinforcing value and liking of aerobic exercise training (AT) and resistance exercise training (RT) modes of exercise with usual participation in aerobic and resistance exercise in adults. Men (n=38) and women (n=50) were measured for their liking and relative reinforcing value (RRV) of AT and RT, for their usual vigorous physical activity (VPA) participation, and for usual resistance exercise behavior (Yale physical activity questionnaire). The RRV of AT (RRVAT) and liking of AT were correlated, (r=0.22, p<0.04), as were the RRV of RT (RRVRT) and liking of RT (r=0.42, p˂0.01). The reinforcing value for, but not the liking of, a mode of exercise predicted how much an individual engaged in that mode of exercise. RRVAT (p˂0.01) was positively associated with usual VPA. RRVRT (p˂0.01) was positively associated with RT behavior. The hedonic value of AT and of RT were not associated (p>0.30) with VPA or RT behavior. Reinforcing value of a mode of exercise is a stronger predictor than the liking of that mode of exercise for usual amount of participation in the exercise. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Data Acquisition and Analyses of Magnetotelluric Sounding in Lujiang-Zongyang Ore Concentrated Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, J.; Xiao, X.; Zhou, C.; Lu, Q.

2010-12-01

It is really challenging to perform MT data acquisition and processing in the Lujiang-Zongyang ore concentrated area, where severe and complicated noise is mixed with the useful data. Dense population, well-developed water systems, transport networks, communication and power grids, and some in-exploiting mines are main sources of the noise. However, to conduct MT sounding in this area is not only helpful to the study of geological structure and tectonics of this zone, but also brings valuable experience of data analysis and processing in real field work with heavy interference. This work has been accomplished by us in 5 survey lines with 500 sounding stations in total. In order to verify the consistency of the 6 V5-2000 data acquisition systems employed in our study, a consistency experiment was conducted in a test area with weak interference. Curves of apparent resistivity and phase obtained from these 6 instruments are plotted in Fig.1, in which acceptable consistency is showed, except for a few high noise frequencies. To determine the optimal interval for data acquisition in this noise-heavy survey area, a comparison experiment was implemented in a single sounding station for comparing the data quality by different intervals. We found 20 hours or more were required for each acquisition. The evaluation was based on degree of coherence and signal-to-noise ratio. With analysis of the MT data in both time and frequency domain, noise was categorized into several patterns according to the characteristic of various noise sources, and then corresponding filters were adopted. After removing flying-spot, cubic spline smoothing and spacial filtering to all the sounding curves, apparent resistivity profiles were obtained. Further studies including 2D and 3D inverse analysis are on processing. Fig 1. Consistency experiment of the apparatus (a) and (b) are apparent resistivity curves of yx and xy direction;(c) and (d) are phase curves of yx and xy direction;J1,J2,J3,J4,J5,J6 are marks of the 6 apparatus respectively.

Collateral Ventilation to Congenital Hyperlucent Lung Lesions Assessed on Xenon-Enhanced Dynamic Dual-Energy CT: an Initial Experience

PubMed Central

Yang, Dong Hyun; Kim, Namkug; Park, Seung Il; Kim, Dong Kwan; Kim, Ellen Ai-Rhan

2011-01-01

Objective We wanted to evaluate the resistance to collateral ventilation in congenital hyperlucent lung lesions and to correlate that with the anatomic findings on xenon-enhanced dynamic dual-energy CT. Materials and Methods Xenon-enhanced dynamic dual-energy CT was successfully and safely performed in eight children (median age: 5.5 years, 4 boys and 4 girls) with congenital hyperlucent lung lesions. Functional assessment of the lung lesions on the xenon map was done, including performing a time-xenon value curve analysis and assessing the amplitude of xenon enhancement (A) value, the rate of xenon enhancement (K) value and the time of arrival value. Based on the A value, the lung lesions were categorized into high or low (A value > 10 Hounsfield unit [HU]) resistance to collateral ventilation. In addition, the morphologic CT findings of the lung lesions, including cyst, mucocele and an accessory or incomplete fissure, were assessed on the weighted-average CT images. The xenon-enhanced CT radiation dose was estimated. Results Five of the eight lung lesions were categorized into the high resistance group and three lesions were categorized into the low resistance group. The A and K values in the normal lung were higher than those in the low resistance group. The time of arrival values were delayed in the low resistance group. Cysts were identified in five lesions, mucocele in four, accessory fissure in three and incomplete fissure in two. Either cyst or an accessory fissure was seen in four of the five lesions showing high resistance to collateral ventilation. The xenon-enhanced CT radiation dose was 2.3 ± 0.6 mSv. Conclusion Xenon-enhanced dynamic dual-energy CT can help visualize and quantitate various degrees of collateral ventilation to congenital hyperlucent lung lesions in addition to assessing the anatomic details of the lung. PMID:21228937

Collateral ventilation to congenital hyperlucent lung lesions assessed on xenon-enhanced dynamic dual-energy CT: an initial experience.

PubMed

Goo, Hyun Woo; Yang, Dong Hyun; Kim, Namkug; Park, Seung Il; Kim, Dong Kwan; Kim, Ellen Ai-Rhan

2011-01-01

We wanted to evaluate the resistance to collateral ventilation in congenital hyperlucent lung lesions and to correlate that with the anatomic findings on xenon-enhanced dynamic dual-energy CT. Xenon-enhanced dynamic dual-energy CT was successfully and safely performed in eight children (median age: 5.5 years, 4 boys and 4 girls) with congenital hyperlucent lung lesions. Functional assessment of the lung lesions on the xenon map was done, including performing a time-xenon value curve analysis and assessing the amplitude of xenon enhancement (A) value, the rate of xenon enhancement (K) value and the time of arrival value. Based on the A value, the lung lesions were categorized into high or low (A value > 10 Hounsfield unit [HU]) resistance to collateral ventilation. In addition, the morphologic CT findings of the lung lesions, including cyst, mucocele and an accessory or incomplete fissure, were assessed on the weighted-average CT images. The xenon-enhanced CT radiation dose was estimated. Five of the eight lung lesions were categorized into the high resistance group and three lesions were categorized into the low resistance group. The A and K values in the normal lung were higher than those in the low resistance group. The time of arrival values were delayed in the low resistance group. Cysts were identified in five lesions, mucocele in four, accessory fissure in three and incomplete fissure in two. Either cyst or an accessory fissure was seen in four of the five lesions showing high resistance to collateral ventilation. The xenon-enhanced CT radiation dose was 2.3 ± 0.6 mSv. Xenon-enhanced dynamic dual-energy CT can help visualize and quantitate various degrees of collateral ventilation to congenital hyperlucent lung lesions in addition to assessing the anatomic details of the lung.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of nasal potential difference in hypoxia-induced lung injury.

PubMed

Su, Zhenlei; Zhu, Lili; Wu, Jing; Zhao, Runzhen; Ji, Hong-Long

2016-08-04

Nasal potential difference (NPD), a well-established in vivo clinical test for cystic fibrosis, reflects transepithelial cation and anion transport in the respiratory epithelium. To analyze whether NPD can be applied to diagnose hypoxic lung injury, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, and analyzed data retrieved from eleven unbiased studies for high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) using the software RevMan and R. There was a significant reduction in overall basal (WMD -5.27 mV, 95% CI: -6.03 to -4.52, P < 0.00001, I(2) = 42%), amiloride-sensitive (ENaC) (-2.87 mV, 95% CI: -4.02 to -1.72, P < 0.00001, I(2) = 51%), and -resistant fractions (-3.91 mV, 95% CI: -7.64 to -0.18, P = 0.04, I(2) = 95%) in lung injury patients. Further analysis of HAPE and RDS separately corroborated these observations. Moreover, SpO2 correlated with ENaC-associated NPD positively in patients only, but apparently related to CFTR-contributed NPD level inversely. These correlations were confirmed by the opposite associations between NPD values and altitude, which had a negative regression with SpO2 level. Basal NPD was significantly associated with amiloride-resistant but not ENaC fraction. Our analyses demonstrate that acute lung injury associated with systemic hypoxia is characterized by dysfunctional NPD.

Effects of advanced treatment systems on the removal of antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment plants from Hangzhou, China.

PubMed

Chen, Hong; Zhang, Mingmei

2013-08-06

This study aimed at quantifying the concentration and removal of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in three municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) employing different advanced treatment systems [biological aerated filter, constructed wetland, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection]. The concentrations of tetM, tetO, tetQ, tetW, sulI, sulII, intI1, and 16S rDNA genes were examined in wastewater and biosolid samples. In municipal WWTPs, ARG reductions of 1-3 orders of magnitude were observed, and no difference was found among the three municipal WWTPs with different treatment processes (p > 0.05). In advanced treatment systems, 1-3 orders of magnitude of reductions in ARGs were observed in constructed wetlands, 0.6-1.2 orders of magnitude of reductions in ARGs were observed in the biological aerated filter, but no apparent decrease by UV disinfection was observed. A significant difference was found between constructed wetlands and biological filter (p < 0.05) and between constructed wetlands and UV disinfection (p < 0.05). In the constructed wetlands, significant correlations were observed in the removal of ARGs and 16S rDNA genes (R(2) = 0.391-0.866; p < 0.05). Constructed wetlands not only have the comparable ARG removal values with WWTP (p > 0.05) but also have the advantage in ARG relative abundance removal, and it should be given priority to be an advanced treatment system for further ARG attenuation from WWTP.

Scaling effects of a graphene field effect transistor for radiation detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shollar, Zachary Frank

Radiation detectors based on graphene is a burgeoning research topic within the immense field of graphene research. Although papers continue to parse out their mysteries, the devices remain simplistic and small. New fabrication techniques have allowed for millimeter scale and larger monolayer graphene sheets to be grown with increasingly better quality. It is the goal of this thesis to investigate the scaling effects of millimeter scale graphene for radiation detection purposes. To this end, chemical vapor deposition grown monolayer graphene was purchased and transferred to Si/SiO2 substrates. The devices were patterned into simple rectangular strips varying in size from 3000 x 500 mum, 600 x 100 mum, 300 x 50 mum, and 60 x 11 mum. Four metal contacts were patterned onto each strip for electrical characterization. Two probe resistance measurements were performed on all four sizes, at three different lengths along the graphene. Using the field effect, the graphene resistance response was measured at 0 V back-gate voltage to obtain graphene resistivity on SiO2, which showed an increase in resistivity as the graphene strip size increased. Further, the response was measured for varying back-gate sweep ranges and speeds. This lead to the conclusion that strong p-doping was inherent in the graphene strips, as evidenced by charge neutral points located above +50 V. Strong hysteresis observed in those tests alluded to trapped charge having a major effect on voltage sweeps. Mobility values for the graphene strips were extracted from the back-gate voltage sweeps and fixed gate voltage stabilization curves. Mobility values overall were less than 400 cm2 V-1 s-1, and showed a modest increase in mobility as graphene length increased. Lastly, the largest graphene strip had a light response and radiation response measured. Light response showed a dependence on gate voltage magnitude that favored positive gate voltages, on an n-type Silicon substrate. A saturation effect above +15 V seemed apparent with a resistance increase of only 0.61% +/- 0.062% for +15 V to 0.69% +/- 0.097% for the +50 V back-gate. Response of the largest graphene strip size to forward facing alpha irradiation showed a modest 0.32% +/- 0.082% increase in response, for a -15 V back- gate. Overall, millimeter scale graphene field effect devices showed a light and radiation response, proving their viability. However, results showed fabricated samples had numerous defects and were far from pristine. Fabrication of pristine graphene strips at millimeter scales is of concern. Further work into large scale GFET patterning, testing at more length and width dimensions, and further investigating metal contact and carrier transport in millimeter scales is needed.

Analysis of mutational resistance to trimethoprim in Staphylococcus aureus by genetic and structural modelling techniques.

PubMed

Vickers, Anna A; Potter, Nicola J; Fishwick, Colin W G; Chopra, Ian; O'Neill, Alex J

2009-06-01

This study sought to expand knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of mutational resistance to trimethoprim in Staphylococcus aureus, and the fitness costs associated with resistance. Spontaneous trimethoprim-resistant mutants of S. aureus SH1000 were recovered in vitro, resistance genotypes characterized by DNA sequencing of the gene encoding the drug target (dfrA) and the fitness of mutants determined by pair-wise growth competition assays with SH1000. Novel resistance genotypes were confirmed by ectopic expression of dfrA alleles in a trimethoprim-sensitive S. aureus strain. Molecular models of S. aureus dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) were constructed to explore the structural basis of trimethoprim resistance, and to rationalize the observed in vitro fitness of trimethoprim-resistant mutants. In addition to known amino acid substitutions in DHFR mediating trimethoprim resistance (F(99)Y and H(150)R), two novel resistance polymorphisms (L(41)F and F(99)S) were identified among the trimethoprim-resistant mutants selected in vitro. Molecular modelling of mutated DHFR enzymes provided insight into the structural basis of trimethoprim resistance. Calculated binding energies of the substrate (dihydrofolate) for the mutant and wild-type enzymes were similar, consistent with apparent lack of fitness costs for the resistance mutations in vitro. Reduced susceptibility to trimethoprim of DHFR enzymes carrying substitutions L(41)F, F(99)S, F(99)Y and H(150)R appears to result from structural changes that reduce trimethoprim binding to the enzyme. However, the mutations conferring trimethoprim resistance are not associated with fitness costs in vitro, suggesting that the survival of trimethoprim-resistant strains emerging in the clinic may not be subject to a fitness disadvantage.

Cross-resistance relationships between neonicotinoids and pymetrozine in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

PubMed

Gorman, Kevin; Slater, Russell; Blande, James D; Clarke, Alison; Wren, Jodie; McCaffery, Alan; Denholm, Ian

2010-11-01

Although cross-resistance between compounds in the same insecticide group is a frequently observed phenomenon, cross-resistance between groups that differ in structural and functional characteristics can be extremely unpredictable. In the case of controlling the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, neonicotinoids and the pyridine azomethine antifeedant pymetrozine represent independent lines of discovery that should be suited for alternation to avoid prolonged selection for the same resistance mechanism. Reports of an association between responses to neonicotinoids and pymetrozine were investigated by resistance profiling of seven B. tabaci strains and complementary reciprocal selection experiments. All strains demonstrated a consistent correlation between responses to three neonicotinoid compounds: thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and acetamiprid. Responses to neonicotinoids for six field strains clearly correlated with responses to pymetrozine. Reciprocal selection experiments confirmed an unexpected case of intergroup cross-resistance. A seventh strain exhibited a so far unique phenotype of strong resistance to pymetrozine but full susceptibility to neonicotinoids. Selection experiments confirmed that in this strain the mechanism of pymetrozine resistance is specific and has no implications for neonicotinoids. Cross-resistance between neonicotinoids and pymetrozine in B. tabaci probably reflects the overexpression of a cytochrome-P450-dependent monooxygenase capable of metabolising both types of compound in spite of their apparent structural dissimilarity. Given the predominance of this mechanism in B. tabaci, both can contribute to resistance management but should be placed within the same treatment 'window'. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

Flat growth of 7075, 7475, 7050 and 7049 aluminum alloy plate in stress corrosion environments: 2-year marine atmosphere results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorward, R. C.; Hasse, K. R.

1978-01-01

Marine atmospheric exposure of smooth and precracked specimens from 7075, 7475, 7050 and 7049 plates support the conclusion that for a given strength level, the short transverse stress corrosion resistance of 7050-T7X and 7049-T7X is superior to that of 7075-T7X. The threshold stress intensity (K sub Iscc) for these alloys is about 25 MPa square root m at a yield strength of about 460 MPa; the corresponding yield strength level for 7075-T7X at this SCR level is about 425 MPa. Additional tests on two lots of high-toughness 7475 plate indicate that this alloy is capable of achieving K sub Iscc values of about 35 MPa square root m at yield strengths of 400-450 MPa. Precracked specimens from all these 7XXX-series alloys are subject to self loading from corrosion product wedging. This effect causes stress corrosion cracks to continue growing at very low apparent stress intensities, and should therefore be considered a potential driving force for stress corrosion in design and materials selection.

Characterization of the transport properties of channel delta-doped structures by light-modulated Shubnikov-de Haas measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mena, R. A.; Schacham, S. E.; Haugland, E. J.; Alterovitz, S. A.; Young, P. G.; Bibyk, S. B.; Ringel, S. A.

1995-01-01

The transport properties of channel delta-doped quantum well structures were characterized by conventional Hall effect and light-modulated Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) effect measurements. The large number of carriers that become available due to the delta-doping of the channel, leads to an apparent degeneracy in the well. As a result of this degeneracy, the carrier mobility remains constant as a function of temperature from 300 K down to 1.4 K. The large amount of impurity scattering, associated with the overlap of the charge carriers and the dopants, resulted in low carrier mobilities and restricted the observation of the oscillatory magneto-resistance used to characterize the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) by conventional SdH measurements. By light-modulating the carriers, we were able to observe the SdH oscillation at low magnetic fields, below 1.4 tesla, and derive a value for the quantum scattering time. Our results for the ratio of the transport and quantum scattering times are lower than those previously measured for similar structures using much higher magnetic fields.

Characterization of Gold-Sputtered Zinc Oxide Nanorods-a Potential Hybrid Material.

PubMed

Perumal, Veeradasan; Hashim, Uda; Gopinath, Subash C B; Rajintra Prasad, Haarindraprasad; Wei-Wen, Liu; Balakrishnan, S R; Vijayakumar, Thivina; Rahim, Ruslinda Abdul

2016-12-01

Generation of hybrid nanostructures has been attested as a promising approach to develop high-performance sensing substrates. Herein, hybrid zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod dopants with different gold (Au) thicknesses were grown on silicon wafer and studied for their impact on physical, optical and electrical characteristics. Structural patterns displayed that ZnO crystal lattice is in preferred c-axis orientation and proved the higher purities. Observations under field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the coverage of ZnO nanorods by Au-spots having diameters in the average ranges of 5-10 nm, as determined under transmission electron microscopy. Impedance spectroscopic analysis of Au-sputtered ZnO nanorods was carried out in the frequency range of 1 to 100 MHz with applied AC amplitude of 1 V RMS. The obtained results showed significant changes in the electrical properties (conductance and dielectric constant) with nanostructures. A clear demonstration with 30-nm thickness of Au-sputtering was apparent to be ideal for downstream applications, due to the lowest variation in resistance value of grain boundary, which has dynamic and superior characteristics.

Richard Peters and Valuing Authenticity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Degenhardt, M. A. B.

2009-01-01

Richard Peters has been praised for the authenticity of his philosophy, and inquiry into aspects of the development of his philosophy reveals a profound authenticity. Yet authenticity is something he seems not to favour. The apparent paradox is resolved by observing historical changes in the understanding of authenticity as an important value.…

Nearly extremal apparent horizons in simulations of merging black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovelace, Geoffrey; Scheel, Mark; Owen, Robert; Giesler, Matthew; Katebi, Reza; Szilagyi, Bela; Chu, Tony; Demos, Nicholas; Hemberger, Daniel; Kidder, Lawrence; Pfeiffer, Harald; Afshari, Nousha; SXS Collaboration

2015-04-01

The spin S of a Kerr black hole is bounded by the surface area A of its apparent horizon: 8 πS <= A . We present recent results (arXiv:1411.7297) for the extremality of apparent horizons for merging, rapidly rotating black holes with equal masses and equal spins aligned with the orbital angular momentum. Measuring the area and (using approximate Killing vectors) the spin on the individual and common apparent horizons, we find that the inequality 8 πS < A is satisfied but is very close to equality on the common apparent horizon at the instant it first appears--even for initial spins as large as S /M2 = 0 . 994 . We compute the smallest value e0 that Booth and Fairhurst's extremality parameter can take for any scaling of the horizon's null normal vectors, concluding that the common horizons are at least moderately close to extremal just after they appear. We construct binary-black-hole initial data with marginally trapped surfaces with 8 πS > A and e0 > 1 , but these surfaces are always surrounded by apparent horizons with 8 πS < A and e0 < 1 .

Molecular typing and resistance analysis of travel-associated Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi.

PubMed

Tatavarthy, A; Sanderson, R; Peak, K; Scilabro, G; Davenhill, P; Cannons, A; Amuso, P

2012-08-01

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi is a human pathogen causing 12 to 30% mortality and requiring antibiotic therapy to control the severity of the infection. Typhoid fever in United States is often associated with foreign travel to areas of endemicity. Increasing resistance to multiple drugs, including quinolones, is associated with decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (DCS). We investigated 31 clinical strains isolated in Florida from 2007 to 2010, associated with travel to six countries, to examine the clonal distribution of the organism and apparent nalidixic acid (NAL) resistance. The strains were isolated from blood or stool of patients aged 2 to 68 years. The isolates were subtyped by ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Susceptibilities to 15 antimicrobials were determined, and the isolates were screened for integrons and gyrase A gene mutations. Both typing techniques effectively segregated the strains. Identical clones were associated with different countries, while diverse types coexisted in the same geographic location. Fifty-one percent of the strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and five were resistant to three or more drugs (multidrug resistant [MDR]). All 12 isolates from the Indian subcontinent were resistant to at least one drug, and 83% of those were resistant to NAL. Three of the MDR strains harbored a 750-bp integron containing the dfr7 gene. Ninety-three percent of the resistant strains showed a DCS profile. All the NAL-resistant strains contained point mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of gyrA. This study affirms the global clonal distribution, concomitant genetic heterogeneity, and increased NAL resistance of S. enterica serovar Typhi.

[Grain Size Distribution Characteristics of Suspended Particulate Matter as Influenced by the Apparent Pollution in the Eutrophic Urban Landscape Water Body].

PubMed

Gong, Dan-yan; Pan, Yang; Huang, Yong; Bao, Wei; Li, Qian-qian

2016-03-15

Grain size distribution characteristics of suspended particulate matter (SPM) reflects the apparent polluted condition of the urban landscape water. In order to explore the internal relationship between the eutrophication of urban landscape water's apparent pollution and grain size distribution of SPM, and its influencing factors, this paper selected five representative sampling sites in Feng Jin River which is a typical eutrophication river in Suzhou City, measured the grain size distribution of SPM, sensation pollution index (SPI) and water quality index, and analyzed their correlation. The results showed that: The rich nutrient water possessed a similar characteristics in grain size distribution. The grain size distribution of SPM in water was multimodal, and the the peak position was roughly the same; the grain size distribution of SPM was composed by multiple components. It could be roughly divided into six parts with the particle size range of every group being < 1.5 µm, 1.5-8 µm, 8-35 µm, 35-186 µm, 186-516 µm, > 516 µm. The component III was superior (with an average volume fraction of 38.3%-43.2%), and its volume fraction had a significant positive relation with the SPI value and the Chl-a content. The increase of component III volume fraction was the reflection of particle size's result of increasing SPI value. The increase of component III volume fraction was mainly derived from the increasing algal content. The volume fraction of group IV + group VI + group V was significantly higher under the condition of exogenous enter. When there was no exogenous component, the volume fraction of group IV + group VI + group V had a significant negative correlation with SPI value; when there were exogenous components, the volume fraction of group IV + group VI + group V had a weak positive correlation with SPI value, but the correlation did not reach a significant level. Environmental factors (Fv/Fm and DO) and exogenous factors had an influence by functioning on the algal content which signified the polluted material, and then affected the volume fraction of particle size's components and the quality of apparent water. Hydrodynamic conditions mainly had a certain influence on the median particle size, and had no effect on the apparent polluted condition of water.

Species-barrier-independent prion replication in apparently resistant species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, Andrew F.; Joiner, Susan; Linehan, Jackie; Desbruslais, Melanie; Lantos, Peter L.; Collinge, John

2000-08-01

Transmission of prions between mammalian species is thought to be limited by a "species barrier," which depends on differences in the primary structure of prion proteins in the infecting inoculum and the host. Here we demonstrate that a strain of hamster prions thought to be nonpathogenic for conventional mice leads to prion replication to high levels in such mice but without causing clinical disease. Prions pathogenic in both mice and hamsters are produced. These results demonstrate the existence of subclinical forms of prion infection with important public health implications, both with respect to iatrogenic transmission from apparently healthy humans and dietary exposure to cattle and other species exposed to bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions. Current definitions of the species barrier, which have been based on clinical end-points, need to be fundamentally reassessed.

Non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes increase the performance of broiler chickens fed wheat of low apparent metabolizable energy.

PubMed

Choct, M; Hughes, R J; Trimble, R P; Angkanaporn, K; Annison, G

1995-03-01

The effect of a commercial glycanase product (Avizyme TX) on the performance of 4-wk-old broiler chickens fed wheats with low and normal apparent metabolizable energy values was studied. Controls were fed a corn-based diet. Supplementation with the enzyme product significantly (P < 0.01) increased the apparent metabolizable energy of the low metabolizable energy wheat from 12.02 to 14.94 MJ/kg dry matter. The apparent metabolizable energy value of the normal wheat was increased from 14.52 to 14.83 MJ/kg dry matter; this was, however, not significant. Birds fed the low metabolizable energy wheat diet had significantly (P < 0.01) higher digesta viscosity and lower small intestinal starch and protein digestibilities than birds fed the normal wheat diet. Chickens fed the low metabolizable energy wheat tended to grow less than those fed the normal wheat diet. When the low metabolizable energy wheat+enzyme diet was fed, digesta viscosity was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (20.28 vs. 10.36 mPa.s), and small intestinal digestibility coefficient of starch was significantly (P < 0.01) greater (0.584 vs. 0.861) relative to values in birds fed the low metabolizable energy wheat diet alone. Although the protein digestibility coefficient also increased from 0.689 to 0.745, the difference was not significant. Weight gain and feed efficiency of birds fed the low metabolizable energy wheat+enzyme equaled those of controls. The enzyme product significantly (P < 0.01) increased the solubilization of non-starch polysaccharides within the gastrointestinal tract of birds fed both types of wheat diets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phenolic compound profiles and antioxidant capacity of Persea americana Mill. peels and seeds of two varieties.

PubMed

Kosińska, Agnieszka; Karamać, Magdalena; Estrella, Isabel; Hernández, Teresa; Bartolomé, Begoña; Dykes, Gary A

2012-05-09

Avocado processing by the food and cosmetic industries yields a considerable amount of phenolic-rich byproduct such as peels and seeds. Utilization of these byproducts would be favorable from an economic point of view. Methanolic (80%) extracts obtained from lyophilized ground peels and seeds of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) of the Hass and Shepard varieties were characterized for their phenolic compound profiles using the HPLC-PAD technique. The structures of the identified compounds were subsequently unambiguously confirmed by ESI-MS. Compositional analysis revealed that the extracts contained four polyphenolic classes: flavanol monomers, proanthocyanidins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonol glycosides. The presence of 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, and procyanidin A trimers was identified in seeds of both varieties. Intervarietal differences were apparent in the phenolic compound profiles of peels. Peels of the Shepard variety were devoid of (+)-catechin and procyanidin dimers, which were present in the peels of the Hass variety. Peels of both varieties contained 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin derivatives. The differences in the phenolic profiles between varietals were also apparent in the different antioxidant activity of the extracts. The peel extracts had a higher total phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity when compared to the seed extracts. The highest TEAC and ORAC values were apparent in peels of the Haas variety in which they amounted to 0.16 and 0.47 mmol Trolox/g DW, respectively. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were apparent between the TEAC values of seeds of the two varieties but the ORAC values differed significantly (p < 0.05). Overall these findings indicate that both the seeds and peel of avocado can be utilized as a functional food ingredient or as an antioxidant additive.

Use of resistant ACCase mutants to screen for novel inhibitors against resistant and susceptible forms of ACCase from grass weeds.

PubMed

Shukla, Amit; Nycholat, Corwin; Subramanian, Mani V; Anderson, Richard J; Devine, Malcolm D

2004-08-11

The aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid (AOPP) and cyclohexanedione (CHD) herbicides inhibit the first committed enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis, acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase). The frequent use of AOPP and CHD herbicides has resulted in the development of resistance to these herbicides in many grass weed species. New herbicides that inhibit both the susceptible and resistant forms of ACCase in grass weeds would have obvious commercial appeal. In the present study, an attempt was made to identify molecules that target both the herbicide-sensitive and -resistant forms of ACCase. Seven experimental compounds, either CHD-like or AOPP-CHD hybrids, were synthesized and assayed against previously characterized susceptible and resistant forms of ACCase. All seven compounds inhibited ACCase from sensitive biotypes of Setaria viridis and Eleusine indica (I50 values from 6.4 to >100 microM) but were not particularly potent compared to some commercialized herbicides (I50 values of 0.08-5.6 microM). In almost all cases, the I50 values for each compound assayed against the resistant ACCases were higher than those against the corresponding sensitive ACCase, indicating reduced binding to the resistant ACCases. One compound, a CHD analogue, was almost equally effective against the resistant and susceptible ACCases, although it was not a very potent ACCase inhibitor per se (I50 of 51 and 76 microM against susceptible ACCase from S. viridis and E. indica, respectively). The AOPP-CHD hybrid molecules also inhibited some of the resistant ACCases, with I50 values ranging from 6.4 to 50 microM. These compounds may be good leads for developing ACCase inhibitors that target a wider range of ACCase isoforms, including those found in AOPP- and CHD-resistant weed biotypes.

Insulin resistance and associated factors: a cross-sectional study of bank employees.

PubMed

Salaroli, Luciane Bresciani; Cattafesta, Monica; Molina, Maria Del Carmen Bisi; Zandonade, Eliana; Bissoli, Nazaré Souza

2017-04-01

Insulin resistance is characterized by the failure of target cells to respond to normal levels of circulating insulin, and this condition is related to cardiovascular disease. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of insulin resistance and its association with markers of metabolic abnormalities and metabolic syndrome in bank employees. A cross-sectional study was performed on 498 working men and women aged ≥20 years old. The Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to determine the presence of insulin resistance based on cut-off values of ≤2.71 for normal insulin levels and >2.71 for insulin resistance, as established for the adult Brazilian population. It was observed that the 52 (10.4%) overweight individuals with insulin resistance were 4.97 times (95%CI 1.31-18.83) more likely to have high HOMA-IR values than the normal-weight participants; among those who were obese, the likelihood increased to 17.87 (95%CI 4.36-73.21). Individuals with large waist circumferences were 3.27 times (95%CI 1.03-10.38) more likely to develop insulin resistance than those who were within normal parameters. The HOMA-IR values differed between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, with values of 2.83±2.5 and 1.10±0.81 (p=0.001), respectively. The levels of insulin, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and uric acid were also associated with insulin resistance. The prevalence of insulin resistance among bank employees is high, and insulin resistance is associated with and serves as a marker of metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome-associated metabolic abnormalities were observed, and insulin resistance may be a risk factor in this group of professionals.

Insulin resistance and associated factors: a cross-sectional study of bank employees

PubMed Central

Salaroli, Luciane Bresciani; Cattafesta, Monica; Molina, Maria del Carmen Bisi; Zandonade, Eliana; Bissoli, Nazaré Souza

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance is characterized by the failure of target cells to respond to normal levels of circulating insulin, and this condition is related to cardiovascular disease. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of insulin resistance and its association with markers of metabolic abnormalities and metabolic syndrome in bank employees. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 498 working men and women aged ≥20 years old. The Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to determine the presence of insulin resistance based on cut-off values of ≤2.71 for normal insulin levels and >2.71 for insulin resistance, as established for the adult Brazilian population. RESULTS: It was observed that the 52 (10.4%) overweight individuals with insulin resistance were 4.97 times (95%CI 1.31-18.83) more likely to have high HOMA-IR values than the normal-weight participants; among those who were obese, the likelihood increased to 17.87 (95%CI 4.36-73.21). Individuals with large waist circumferences were 3.27 times (95%CI 1.03-10.38) more likely to develop insulin resistance than those who were within normal parameters. The HOMA-IR values differed between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, with values of 2.83±2.5 and 1.10±0.81 (p=0.001), respectively. The levels of insulin, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and uric acid were also associated with insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of insulin resistance among bank employees is high, and insulin resistance is associated with and serves as a marker of metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome-associated metabolic abnormalities were observed, and insulin resistance may be a risk factor in this group of professionals. PMID:28492722

Effect of EEG electrode density on dipole localization accuracy using two realistically shaped skull resistivity models.

PubMed

Laarne, P H; Tenhunen-Eskelinen, M L; Hyttinen, J K; Eskola, H J

2000-01-01

The effect of number of EEG electrodes on the dipole localization was studied by comparing the results obtained using the 10-20 and 10-10 electrode systems. Two anatomically detailed models with resistivity values of 177.6 omega m and 67.0 omega m for the skull were applied. Simulated potential values generated by current dipoles were applied to different combinations of the volume conductors and electrode systems. High and low resistivity models differed slightly in favour of the lower skull resistivity model when dipole localization was based on noiseless data. The localization errors were approximately three times larger using low resistivity model for generating the potentials, but applying high resistivity model for the inverse solution. The difference between the two electrode systems was minor in favour of the 10-10 electrode system when simulated, noiseless potentials were used. In the presence of noise the dipole localization algorithm operated more accurately using the denser electrode system. In conclusion, increasing the number of recording electrodes seems to improve the localization accuracy in the presence of noise. The absolute skull resistivity value also affects the accuracy, but using an incorrect value in modelling calculations seems to be the most serious source of error.

Comparison of three inert markers in measuring apparent nutrient digestibility of juvenile abalone under different culture condition and temperature regimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur, K. U.; Adams, L.; Stone, D.; Savva, N.; Adams, M.

2018-03-01

A comparative research using three inert markers, chromic oxide, yttrium and ytterbium to measure the apparent nutrient digestibility of experimental feed in juvenile Hybrid abalone (Haliotis rubra X H. laevigata) and Greenlip abalone (H.laevigata) revealed that apparent digestibility of crude protein (ADCP) measured using yttrium and ytterbium in hybrid abalone were significantly different across the treatments. Protein digestibility measured in experimental tanks was higher than those measured in indoor and outdoor commercial tanks, regardless of inert marker used. Chromic oxide led to overestimated ADCP compared to when measured using yttrium and ytterbium. There were no significant interactions between temperature and inert markers when measuring ADCP and apparent digestibility of gross energy (ADGE). However, there was a significant difference of ADCP amongst inert markers when measured in greenlip abalone cultured at two temperatures. While measurements of ADge calculated using three inert markers shared the same value.

A Self-Alignment Algorithm for SINS Based on Gravitational Apparent Motion and Sensor Data Denoising

PubMed Central

Liu, Yiting; Xu, Xiaosu; Liu, Xixiang; Yao, Yiqing; Wu, Liang; Sun, Jin

2015-01-01

Initial alignment is always a key topic and difficult to achieve in an inertial navigation system (INS). In this paper a novel self-initial alignment algorithm is proposed using gravitational apparent motion vectors at three different moments and vector-operation. Simulation and analysis showed that this method easily suffers from the random noise contained in accelerometer measurements which are used to construct apparent motion directly. Aiming to resolve this problem, an online sensor data denoising method based on a Kalman filter is proposed and a novel reconstruction method for apparent motion is designed to avoid the collinearity among vectors participating in the alignment solution. Simulation, turntable tests and vehicle tests indicate that the proposed alignment algorithm can fulfill initial alignment of strapdown INS (SINS) under both static and swinging conditions. The accuracy can either reach or approach the theoretical values determined by sensor precision under static or swinging conditions. PMID:25923932

Rescaling the complementary relationship for land surface evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crago, R.; Szilagyi, J.; Qualls, R.; Huntington, J.

2016-11-01

Recent research into the complementary relationship (CR) between actual and apparent potential evaporation has resulted in numerous alternative forms for the CR. Inspired by Brutsaert (2015), who derived a general CR in the form y = function (x), where x is the ratio of potential evaporation to apparent potential evaporation and y is the ratio of actual to apparent potential evaporation, an equation is proposed to calculate the value of x at which y goes to zero, denoted xmin. The value of xmin varies even at an individual observation site, but can be calculated using only the data required for the Penman (1948) equation as expressed here, so no calibration of xmin is required. It is shown that the scatter in x-y plots using experimental data is reduced when x is replaced by X = (x - xmin)/(1 - xmin). This rescaling results in data falling along the line y = X, which is proposed as a new version of the CR. While a reinterpretation of the fundamental boundary conditions proposed by Brutsaert (2015) is required, the physical constraints behind them are still met. An alternative formulation relating y to X is also discussed.

A comparison of capillary and rotational viscometry of aqueous solutions of hypromellose.

PubMed

Sklubalová, Z; Zatloukal, Z

2007-10-01

A comparison of capillary and rotational viscometry of gentle pseudoplastic solutions of hypromellose (HPMC 4000) by using only single-point value of viscosity is difficult. Single-point comparison becomes topical in consequence to the pharmacopoeial requirement that the apparent viscosity of 2% hypromellose solution should be read at the shear rate of approximately 10 s(-1). This communication is focused on the estimation of the suitable shear rate, D eta, at which the apparent viscosity read using the rotational viscometer is numerically equal to the dynamic viscosity read using a capillary viscometer. For the solutions of HPMC in concentrations up to 2% w/v, the non-linear regression equations generated showed the influencing of the D eta value by the dynamic viscosity and/or by the originally derived linear velocity of the solution flowing through the capillary viscometer tube. To compare the apparent viscosity read using the rotational viscometer with the dynamic viscosity read using capillary viscometer, the exact estimation of the shear rate D eta at which both viscosities are numerically equal is essential since it is markedly affected by the concentration of HPMC solution.

The concept of apparent polarizability for calculating the extinction of electromagnetic radiation by porous aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haspel, C.; Adler, G.

2017-04-01

In the current study, the electromagnetic properties of porous aerosol particles are calculated in two ways. In the first, a porous target input file is generated by carving out voids in an otherwise homogeneous particle, and the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) is used to compute the extinction efficiency of the particle assuming that the voids are near vacuum dielectrics and assuming random particle orientation. In the second, an effective medium approximation (EMA) style approach is employed in which an apparent polarizability of the voids is defined based on the well-known solution to the problem in classical electrostatics of a spherical cavity within a dielectric. It is found that for porous particles with smaller overall diameter with respect to the wavelength of incident radiation, describing the voids as near vacuum dielectrics within the DDA sufficiently reproduces measured values of extinction efficiency, whereas for porous particles with moderate to larger overall diameters with respect to the wavelength of the radiation, the apparent polarizability EMA approach better reproduces the measured values of extinction efficiency.

Narrowband noise study of sliding charge density waves in NbSe 3 nanoribbons

DOE PAGES

Onishi, Seita; Jamei, Mehdi; Zettl, Alex

2017-01-12

Transport properties (dc electrical resistivity, threshold electric field, and narrow-band noise) are reported for nanoribbon specimens of NbSe 3 with thicknesses as low as 18 nm. As the sample thickness decreases, the resistive anomalies characteristic of the charge density wave (CDW) state are suppressed and the threshold fields for nonlinear CDW conduction apparently diverge. Narrow-band noise measurements allow determination of the concentration of carriers condensed in the CDW state n c , reflective of the CDW order parameter Δ. Although the CDW transition temperatures are relatively independent of sample thickness, in the lower CDW state Δ decreases dramatically with decreasingmore » sample thickness.« less

Influence of a parallel magnetic field on the microwave photoconductivity in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, C. L.; Du, R. R.; Pfeiffer, L. N.; West, K. W.

2006-07-01

Using a two-axis magnet, we have studied experimentally the influence of a parallel magnetic field (B//) on microwave-induced resistance oscillations (MIROs) and zero-resistance states (ZRS) previously discovered in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron system. We have observed a strong suppression of MIRO/ZRS by a modest B//˜1T . In Hall bar samples, magnetoplasmon resonance (MPR) has also been observed concurrently with the MIRO/ZRS. In contrast to the suppression of MIRO/ZRS, the MPR peak is apparently enhanced by B// . These findings cannot be explained by a simple modification of single-particle energy spectrum and/or scattering parameters by B// .

The NASA Lewis Strain Gauge Laboratory: An update

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hobart, H. F.

1986-01-01

Efforts continue in the development and evaluation of electrical resistance strain gauges of the thin film and small diameter wire type. Results obtained early in 1986 on some Chinese gauges and Kanthal A-1 gauges mounted on a Hastelloy-X substrate are presented. More recent efforts include: (1) the determination of the uncertainty in the ability to establish gauge factor, (2) the evaluation of sputtered gauges that were fabricated at Lewis, (3) an investigation of the efficacy of dual element temperature compensated gauges when using strain gauge alloys having large thermal coefficients of resistance, and (4) an evaluation of the practical methods of stabilizing gauges whose apparent strain is dependent on cooling rate (e.g., FeCrAl gauges).

Trypanosome resistance to human innate immunity: targeting Achilles’ heel

PubMed Central

Stephens, Natalie A.; Kieft, Rudo; MacLeod, Annette; Hajduk, Stephen L.

2015-01-01

Trypanosome lytic factors (TLFs) are powerful, naturally-occurring toxins in humans that provide sterile protection against infection by several African trypanosomes. These trypanocidal complexes predominantly enter the parasite by binding to the trypanosome haptoglobin/hemoglobin receptor (HpHbR), trafficking to the lysosome, causing membrane damage and ultimately, cell lysis. Despite TLF-mediated immunity, the parasites that cause human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, have developed independent mechanisms of resistance to TLF killing. Here we describe the parasite defenses that allow trypanosome infections of humans and discuss how targeting these apparent strengths of the parasite may reveal their Achilles’ heel, leading to new approaches in the treatment of HAT. PMID:23059119

Appearance and partial purification of a high molecular weight protein in crabs exposed to saxitoxin.

PubMed

Barber, K G; Kitts, D D; Townsley, P M; Smith, D S

1988-01-01

This paper provides evidence for a protein component which appears to be involved in the seasonal resistance of small shore crabs, Hemigrapsus oregonesis and Hemigrapsus nudus to saxitoxin, a principle neurotoxin involved in paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). This unique protein complex was isolated and partially purified by ion exchange chromatography using DEAE-cellulose from visceral tissue extracts of resistant crabs. The complex was absent in control crabs that were sensitive to saxitoxin. In addition, the protein complex was induced in the crab after acute administration of low doses of saxitoxin. Results indicate that the protein complex is acidic in nature and has an apparent mol. wt of 145,000.

SHORT COMMUNICATION: Correlation between the Resistance Ratios of Platinum Resistance Thermometers at the Melting Point of Gallium and the Triple Point of Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Y. P.; Maas, H.; Edler, F.; Zaidi, Z. H.

1994-01-01

A set of resistance ratios (W) for platinum resistance thermometers was obtained at the triple point of Hg and the melting point of Ga in order to study their relationship. It was found that using measured values for one of the fixed points, a linear equation will predict the value of the other. These measurements also indicate that the fixed points of Hg and of Ga are inconsistent by about 1,5 mK in the sense that either the melting point of Ga or the triple point of Hg was assigned too high a value on the ITS-90.

Insulin resistance in offspring of hypertensive subjects.

PubMed

Mino, D; Wacher, N; Amato, D; Búrbano, G; Fonseca, M E; Revilla, C; Gordon, F; Lifshitz, A

1996-10-01

To assess whether apparently healthy subjects with a family history of systemic hypertension have a higher risk of presenting the insulin resistance syndrome. Three hundred and eighty-six subjects aged 20-65 years. A middle socio-economic class urban community from Mexico City. All subjects and, when necessary, their first-degree relatives, answered a questionnaire and underwent a physical examination with measurement of height, weight and blood pressure. Serum insulin, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides were measured during fasting and 2 h after an oral load of 75 g glucose. A family history of systemic hypertension was present for 167 (43%) of the subjects, of whom 123 (31%) were obese. Subjects with a family history of hypertension had higher systolic blood pressures than did those without such a history (120 +/- 15 versus 115 +/- 10 mmHg). In the logistic regression model, the body mass index and age showed statistically significant effects on the fasting glucose:insulin ratio and on serum insulin levels after an oral load of glucose. When men and women were analysed separately, only in men were higher systolic and mean blood pressures and lower glucose:insulin ratios observed. In the logistic regression analysis the body mass index was a significant predictor of the glucose:insulin ratio and serum insulin levels after an oral load of glucose, especially in men. Apparently healthy male offspring of hypertensive parents have higher blood pressure levels and lower insulin sensitivities than do offspring of normotensive parents. Insulin resistance was related to obesity, but not to a family history of hypertension, as had previously been reported by other research groups.

Heat shock and thermotolerance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a model beef gravy system and ground beef.

PubMed

Juneja, V K; Klein, P G; Marmer, B S

1998-04-01

Duplicate beef gravy or ground beef samples inoculated with a suspension of a four-strain cocktail of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were subjected to sublethal heating at 46 degrees C for 15-30 min, and then heated to a final internal temperature of 60 degrees C. Survivor curves were fitted using a linear model that incorporated a lag period (TL), and D-values and 'time to a 4D inactivation' (T4D) were calculated. Heat-shocking allowed the organism to survive longer than non-heat-shocked cells; the T4D values at 60 degrees C increased 1.56- and 1.50-fold in beef gravy and ground beef, respectively. In ground beef stored at 4 degrees C, thermotolerance was lost after storage for 14 h. However, heat-shocked cells appeared to maintain their thermotolerance for at least 24 h in ground beef held to 15 or 28 degrees C. A 25 min heat shock at 46 degrees C in beef gravy resulted in an increase in the levels of two proteins with apparent molecular masses of 60 and 69 kDa. These two proteins were shown to be immunologically related to GroEL and DnaK, respectively. Increased heat resistance due to heat shock must be considered while designing thermal processes to assure the microbiological safety of thermally processed foods.

Entropy of Vaidya Black Hole on Apparent Horizon with Minimal Length Revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Hao; Wu, Bin; Sun, Cheng-yi; Song, Yu; Yue, Rui-hong

2018-03-01

By considering the generalized uncertainty principle, the degrees of freedom near the apparent horizon of Vaidya black hole are calculated with the thin film model. The result shows that a cut-off can be introduced naturally rather than taking by hand. Furthermore, if the minimal length is chosen to be a specific value, the statistical entropy will satisfy the conventional area law at the horizon, which might reveal some deep things of the minimal length.

Entropy of Vaidya Black Hole on Apparent Horizon with Minimal Length Revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Hao; Wu, Bin; Sun, Cheng-yi; Song, Yu; Yue, Rui-hong

2018-07-01

By considering the generalized uncertainty principle, the degrees of freedom near the apparent horizon of Vaidya black hole are calculated with the thin film model. The result shows that a cut-off can be introduced naturally rather than taking by hand. Furthermore, if the minimal length is chosen to be a specific value, the statistical entropy will satisfy the conventional area law at the horizon, which might reveal some deep things of the minimal length.

Impact of concentration and species of sulfamethoxazole and ofloxacin on their adsorption kinetics on sediments.

PubMed

Wang, Peng; Zhang, Di; Zhang, Huang; Li, Hao; Ghosh, Saikat; Pan, Bo

2017-05-01

Antibiotics are used widely in human and veterinary medicine and are ubiquitous in environmental matrices worldwide. The influence of the concentration of antibiotics on adsorption kinetics is still unclear. This study used sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and ofloxacin (OFL) as adsorbates to investigate the adsorption kinetics on sediment affected by varying concentrations of antibiotics adsorbable species. At the experimental pH values, the major adsorbed species of SMX and OFL on sediment were SMX 0 and OFL + by hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic attraction, respectively. The apparent adsorption rate of SMX was not affected by the initial concentration and the pH values because the hydrophobic interactions were concentration-independent and charge-independent. However, the apparent adsorption rate of OFL significantly slowed down as the initial concentration increased. The adsorbed OFL + effectively neutralized the negative charges of the sediment, leading to a reduced adsorption rate of subsequent OFL + . The neutralization effect was greatly enhanced due to the increased OFL + with the increasing OFL concentration. Additionally, the apparent adsorption rate of OFL significantly increased at higher pH due to the reduced neutralization effect that resulted from the decreased OFL + and increased negative charges of the sediment surface. This study implied that the adsorption kinetics of antibiotics was greatly dominated by the concentration of adsorbable species rather than apparent overall concentration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Some observations on value and greatness in drama.

PubMed

Mandelbaum, George

2011-04-01

This paper argues that value in drama partly results from the nature of the resistance in a scene, resistance used in its common, everyday meaning. A playwright's ability to imagine and present such resistance rests on several factors, including his sublimation of the fantasies that underpin his work. Such sublimation is evident in Chekhov's continuing reworking in his plays of a fantasy that found its initial embodiment for him in one of the central scenes in Hamlet. The increasingly higher value of the scenes Chekhov wrote as he repeatedly reworked Shakespeare's scene resulted from his increasing sublimation of the initial fantasy and is reflected in the ever more complex nature of the resistance found in Chekhov's scenes, resistance that, in turn, created an ever more life-like, three-dimensional central character in the scenes. Copyright © 2011 Institute of Psychoanalysis.

TEM measurement in a low resistivity overburden performed by using low temperature SQUID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yanju; Du, Shangyu; Xie, Lijun; Chang, Kai; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Yi; Xie, Xiaoming; Wang, Yuan; Lin, Jun; Rong, Liangliang

2016-12-01

Exploration of areas with thick low resistivity overburden is still a challenge for time domain transient electromagnetic method (TEM). We report modeling of a sandwich-layered earth by simulating the B field response with different conductive target layer thicknesses, thus obtaining a relationship between the resolution of the B field and the exploration depth. A low temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) is an ideal sensor for measuring the secondary magnetic field B in TEM measurements, because its sensitivity of several fT/√Hz is independent of frequency. In our TEM experiments, we utilized two different coils as receivers, a simple SQUID system, and a large transmitter loop of 200 × 200 m2 to compare the detected decay curves. At some measurement points, a decay signal of more than 300 ms duration was obtained by using the SQUID. Apparent resistivity profiles of about 9 km length are presented.

Antifungal resistance in mucorales.

PubMed

Dannaoui, E

2017-11-01

The order Mucorales, which includes the agents of mucormycosis, comprises a large number of species. These fungi are characterised by high-level resistance to most currently available antifungal drugs. Standardised antifungal susceptibility testing methods are now available, allowing a better understanding of the in vitro activity of antifungal drugs against members of Mucorales. Such tests have made apparent that antifungal susceptibility within this group may be species-specific. Experimental animal models of mucormycosis have also been developed and are of great importance in bridging the gap between in vitro results and clinical trials. Amphotericin B, posaconazole and isavuconazole are currently the most active agents against Mucorales; however, their activity remains suboptimal and new therapeutic strategies are needed. Combination therapy could be a promising approach to overcome resistance, but further studies are required to confirm its benefits and safety for patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Treatment-refractory anxiety; definition, risk factors, and treatment challenges

PubMed Central

Roy-Byrne, Peter

2015-01-01

A sizable proportion of psychiatric patients will seek clinical evaluation and treatment for anxiety symptoms reportedly refractory to treatment. This apparent lack of response is either due to “pseudo-resistance” (a failure to have received and adhered to a recognized and effective treatment or treatments for their condition) or to true “treatment resistance.” Pseudo-resistance can be due to clinician errors in selecting and delivering an appropriate treatment effectively, or to patient nonadherence to a course of treatment. True treatment resistance can be due to unrecognized exogenous anxiogenic factors (eg, caffeine overuse, sleep deprivation, use of alcohol or marijuana) or an incorrect diagnosis (eg, atypical bipolar illness, occult substance abuse, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Once the above factors are eliminated, treatment should focus on combining effective medications and cognitive behavioral therapy, combining several medications (augmentation), or employing novel medications or psychotherapies not typically indicated as first-line evidence-based anxiety treatments. PMID:26246793

Chemotherapy of Rodent Malaria.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-07-01

Table 15 and detailed report sheets are appended as Tables 16 through 21. 3.1.1 WR 251855 AA This lepidine, an analogue of primaquine, is very active...has an ED9 0 of 2.7 mg/kg X 4 sc, a value very similar to that of chloroquine . When used against the moderately chloroquine -resistant NS line, the ED 9...0 value increased significantly to 25.5 mg/kg - a resistance factor of 9.4. Our highly chloroquine -resistant RC strain was also highly resistant to

Characterization of resistant hypertension: association between resistant hypertension, aldosterone, and persistent intravascular volume expansion.

PubMed

Gaddam, Krishna K; Nishizaka, Mari K; Pratt-Ubunama, Monique N; Pimenta, Eduardo; Aban, Inmaculada; Oparil, Suzanne; Calhoun, David A

2008-06-09

Resistant hypertension is a common clinical problem and greatly increases the risk of target organ damage. We evaluated the characteristics of 279 consecutive patients with resistant hypertension (uncontrolled despite the use of 3 antihypertensive agents) and 53 control subjects (with normotension or hypertension controlled by using

Subterranean Termite Resistance of Polystyrene-Treated Wood from Three Tropical Wood Species.

PubMed

Hadi, Yusuf Sudo; Massijaya, Muh Yusram; Arinana, A

2016-07-21

The objective of this work was to investigate the resistance of three Indonesian wood species to termite attack. Samples from sengon (Falcataria moluccana), mangium (Acacia mangium), and pine (Pinus merkusii) were treated with polystyrene at loading levels of 26.0%, 8.6%, and 7.7%, respectively. Treated and untreated samples were exposed to environmental conditions in the field for 3 months. Untreated specimens of sengon, mangium, and pine had resistance ratings of 3.0, 4.6, and 2.4, respectively, based on a 10-point scale from 0 (no resistance) to 10 (complete or near-complete resistance). Corresponding resistance values of 7.8, 7.2, and 8.2 were determined for specimens treated with polystyrene. Overall weight loss values of 50.3%, 23.3%, and 66.4% were found for untreated sengon, mangium, and pine samples, respectively; for treated samples, the values were 7.6%, 14.4%, and 5.1%, respectively. Based on the findings in this study, overall resistance to termite attack was higher for treated samples compared to untreated samples.

Subterranean Termite Resistance of Polystyrene-Treated Wood from Three Tropical Wood Species

PubMed Central

Hadi, Yusuf Sudo; Massijaya, Muh Yusram; Arinana, A.

2016-01-01

The objective of this work was to investigate the resistance of three Indonesian wood species to termite attack. Samples from sengon (Falcataria moluccana), mangium (Acacia mangium), and pine (Pinus merkusii) were treated with polystyrene at loading levels of 26.0%, 8.6%, and 7.7%, respectively. Treated and untreated samples were exposed to environmental conditions in the field for 3 months. Untreated specimens of sengon, mangium, and pine had resistance ratings of 3.0, 4.6, and 2.4, respectively, based on a 10-point scale from 0 (no resistance) to 10 (complete or near-complete resistance). Corresponding resistance values of 7.8, 7.2, and 8.2 were determined for specimens treated with polystyrene. Overall weight loss values of 50.3%, 23.3%, and 66.4% were found for untreated sengon, mangium, and pine samples, respectively; for treated samples, the values were 7.6%, 14.4%, and 5.1%, respectively. Based on the findings in this study, overall resistance to termite attack was higher for treated samples compared to untreated samples. PMID:27455331

Variation in host resistance and pathogen selective value in the interaction between Pinus sylvestris and the fungus Crumenulopsis sororia.

PubMed

Ennos, R A; McConnell, K C

2003-09-01

There have been many studies of plant pathogen evolution in systems showing gene-for-gene control of host resistance. However little is known about situations, exemplified by Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris, and its fungal pathogen Crumenulopsis sororia, where variation in host resistance is quantitative. In a field experiment genetically marked isolates of C. sororia from three natural populations were reciprocally inoculated on 1- and 2-year-old branch tissue of P. sylvestris in the three sites from which they had been collected. Quantitative variation in host resistance was measured by comparing the performance of the same inocula on different host populations, individuals and tissues. The selective value of isolates derived from different populations was estimated by comparing the frequency of genotypes in lesion re-isolations with those in the initial inoculum mixtures. Host resistance varied significantly among populations, individuals within populations and between 1- and 2-year-old branch tissue of P. sylvestris. Large differences in the relative selective values of C. sororia isolates from different populations were detected. The selective value of pathogens was independent of the host population on which they were inoculated. However, their selective value did depend on the age of the tissue on which they grew. The implications of these results for modelling evolution in pathogen-host interactions that lack gene-for-gene determination of host resistance are discussed.

Detection of knockdown resistance mutations in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), in Australia.

PubMed

Dang, Kai; Toi, Cheryl S; Lilly, David G; Bu, Wenjun; Doggett, Stephen L

2015-07-01

Pyrethroid resistance in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., has been reported worldwide. An important resistance mechanism is via knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, notably V419L and L925I. Information regarding this kdr-type resistance mechanism is unknown in Australia. This study aims to examine the status of kdr mutations in Australian C. lectularius strains. Several modern field-collected strains and museum-preserved reference collections of Australian C. lectularius were examined. Of the field strains (2007-2013), 96% had the known kdr mutations (L925I or both V419L/L925I). The 'Adelaide' strain (2013) and samples from the preserved reference collections (1994-2002) revealed no known kdr mutations. A novel mutation I936F was apparent in the insecticide-resistant 'Adelaide' strain, one strain from Perth (with L925I) and the majority of the reference collection specimens. The laboratory insecticide-resistant 'Sydney' strain showed a mixture of no kdr mutations (20%) and L925I (80%). The novel mutation I936F may be a kdr mutation but appeared to contribute less resistance to the pyrethroids than the V419L and L925I mutations. The detection of high frequencies of kdr mutations indicates that kdr-type resistance is widespread across Australia. Hence, there should be a reduced reliance on pyrethroid insecticides and an integrated management approach for the control of C. lectularius infestations. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model To Evaluate Intramuscular Tetracycline Treatment Protocols To Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance in Pigs

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Amais; Græsbøll, Kaare; Christiansen, Lasse Engbo; Toft, Nils; Matthews, Louise

2014-01-01

High instances of antimicrobial resistance are linked to both routine and excessive antimicrobial use, but excessive or inappropriate use represents an unnecessary risk. The competitive growth advantages of resistant bacteria may be amplified by the strain dynamics; in particular, the extent to which resistant strains outcompete susceptible strains under antimicrobial pressure may depend not only on the antimicrobial treatment strategies but also on the epidemiological parameters, such as the composition of the bacterial strains in a pig. This study evaluated how variation in the dosing protocol for intramuscular administration of tetracycline and the composition of bacterial strains in a pig affect the level of resistance in the intestine of a pig. Predictions were generated by a mathematical model of competitive growth of Escherichia coli strains in pigs under specified plasma concentration profiles of tetracycline. All dosing regimens result in a clear growth advantage for resistant strains. Short treatment duration was found to be preferable, since it allowed less time for resistant strains to outcompete the susceptible ones. Dosing frequency appeared to be ineffective at reducing the resistance levels. The number of competing strains had no apparent effect on the resistance level during treatment, but possession of fewer strains reduced the time to reach equilibrium after the end of treatment. To sum up, epidemiological parameters may have more profound influence on growth dynamics than dosing regimens and should be considered when designing improved treatment protocols. PMID:25547361

Effects of mycoplasma contamination on phenotypic expression of mitochondrial mutants in human cells.

PubMed

Doersen, C J; Stanbridge, E J

1981-04-01

HeLa cells sensitive to the mitochondrial protein synthesis inhibitors erythromycin (ERY) and chloramphenicol (CAP) and HeLa variants resistant to the effects of these drugs were purposefully infected with drug-sensitive and -resistant mycoplasma strains. Mycoplasma hyorhinis and the ERY-resistant strain of Mycoplasma orale, MO-ERYr, did not influence the growth of HeLa and ERY-resistant ERY2301 cells in the presence or absence of ERY. M. hyorhinis also did not affect the growth of HeLa and CAP-resistant Cap-2 cells in the presence or absence of CAP. However, both HeLa and Cap-2 cells infected with the CAP-resistant strain of M. hyorhinis, MH-CAPr, were more sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of CAP. This may be due to the glucose dependence of the cells, which was compromised by the increased utilization of glucose by MH-CAPr in these infected cell cultures. In vitro protein synthesis by isolated mitochondria was significantly altered by mycoplasma infection of the various cell lines. A substantial number of mycoplasmas copurified with the mitochondria, resulting in up to a sevenfold increase in the incorporation of [3H]leucine into the trichloroacetic acid-insoluble material. More importantly, the apparent drug sensitivity or resistance of mitochondrial preparations from mycoplasma-infected cells reflected the drug sensitivity or resistance of the contaminating mycoplasmas. These results illustrate the hazards in interpreting mitochondrial protein synthesis data derived from mycoplasma-infected cell lines, particularly putative mitochondrially encoded mutants resistant to inhibitors of mitochondrial protein synthesis.

FIEFDom: A Transparent Domain Boundary Recognition System using a Fuzzy Mean Operator

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-04

to search for matching fragments by running the PSI-BLAST program a second time. During this step, the expectation value threshold ( e -value) is set at...statistical significance (or low e -value), and therefore have low scores. Finally, the domain boundaries (if any) are predicted using the scored...neighbor (match) is weighted by its e -value, the relative contribution of each neighbor is apparent. This is contrary to black-box models in which the

Resistance to CO2 diffusion in cuticular membranes of amphibious plants and the implication for CO2 acquisition.

PubMed

Frost-Christensen, Henning; Floto, Franz

2007-01-01

Cuticular membranes (CMs) were isolated from leaves of amphibious and submerged plants and their CO2 resistances were determined as a contribution to establish quantitatively the series of resistances met by CO2 diffusing from bulk water to the chloroplasts of submerged leaves. The isolation was performed enzymatically; permeabilities were determined and converted to resistances. The range of permeance values was 3 to 43 x 10(-6) m s(-1) corresponding to resistance values of 23 to 295 x 10(3) s m(-1), i.e. of the same order of magnitude as boundary layer resistances. The sum of boundary layer, CM, leaf cell and carboxylation resistances could be contained within the total diffusion resistance as determined from the photosynthetic CO2 affinity of the leaf. From the same species, the aerial leaf CM resistance was always higher than the aquatic leaf CM resistance. In a terrestrial plant, the CM resistance to CO2 diffusion was found lower in leaves developed submerged.

Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in obese adolescents.

PubMed

Gobato, Amanda Oliva; Vasques, Ana Carolina J; Zambon, Mariana Porto; Barros Filho, Antonio de Azevedo; Hessel, Gabriel

2014-03-01

To verify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in obese adolescents and its relationship with different body composition indicators. A cross-sectional study comprising 79 adolescents aged ten to 18 years old. The assessed body composition indicators were: body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, abdominal circumference, and subcutaneous fat. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by Cook et al. The insulin resistance was determined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index for values above 3.16. The analysis of ROC curves was used to assess the BMI and the abdominal circumference, aiming to identify the subjects with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. The cutoff point corresponded to the percentage above the reference value used to diagnose obesity. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 45.5% of the patients and insulin resistance, in 29.1%. Insulin resistance showed association with HDL-cholesterol (p=0.032) and with metabolic syndrome (p=0.006). All body composition indicators were correlated with insulin resistance (p<0.01). In relation to the cutoff point evaluation, the values of 23.5 and 36.3% above the BMI reference point allowed the identification of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The best cutoff point for abdominal circumference to identify insulin resistance was 40%. All body composition indicators, HDL-cholesterol and metabolic syndrome showed correlation with insulin resistance. The BMI was the most effective anthropometric indicator to identify insulin resistance.

Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in obese adolescents

PubMed Central

Gobato, Amanda Oliva; Vasques, Ana Carolina J.; Zambon, Mariana Porto; Barros, Antonio de Azevedo; Hessel, Gabriel

2014-01-01

Objective: To verify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in obese adolescents and its relationship with different body composition indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising 79 adolescents aged ten to 18 years old. The assessed body composition indicators were: body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, abdominal circumference, and subcutaneous fat. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by Cook et al. The insulin resistance was determined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index for values above 3.16. The analysis of ROC curves was used to assess the BMI and the abdominal circumference, aiming to identify the subjects with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. The cutoff point corresponded to the percentage above the reference value used to diagnose obesity. Results: The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 45.5% of the patients and insulin resistance, in 29.1%. Insulin resistance showed association with HDL-cholesterol (p=0.032) and with metabolic syndrome (p=0.006). All body composition indicators were correlated with insulin resistance (p<0.01). In relation to the cutoff point evaluation, the values of 23.5 and 36.3% above the BMI reference point allowed the identification of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The best cutoff point for abdominal circumference to identify insulin resistance was 40%. Conclusions: All body composition indicators, HDL-cholesterol and metabolic syndrome showed correlation with insulin resistance. The BMI was the most effective anthropometric indicator to identify insulin resistance. PMID:24676191

Glucan-Induced Enhancement of Host Resistance to Selected Infectious Diseases

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

infectious foci. J. Exp. Med. 133:1090-1104. to bacterial endotoxin and Sabmnoiefa emteridu ia bfc 2. Burgaleta, C., and D. W. Golde. 1977. The effect of...aerosol with Pseudomonas pseudomalei, whereas intravenous glucan pretreatment did not increase survival. Mice given glucan combined with a marginally...Its effects can be catego- , responses been recognized (14). Apparently, rized as macrophage-mediated immunotimula- macrophages not only are capable

Synergistic effect of EDTA and boric acid on corneal penetration of CS-088.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Takayuki; Suzuki, Masahiko; Kusai, Akira; Iseki, Ken; Sasaki, Hitoshi

2005-02-16

In order to investigate the effects of EDTA and boric acid (EDTA/boric acid) on the corneal penetration of CS-088, an ophthalmic agent, the apparent permeability coefficient of CS-088 in the presence of EDTA/boric acid across the isolated corneal membranes of rabbits was measured using an in vitro penetration chamber system. FITC-dextran (M.W. 4400) and an electrical method based on membrane resistance were used to provide a quantitative assessment of the enhancing effect of EDTA/boric acid. The corneal penetration of CS-088 was significantly enhanced in the presence of EDTA/boric acid by approximately 1.6-fold. The permeability-enhancing effect of EDTA/boric acid was apparently synergistic and concentration-dependent on both EDTA and boric acid. The penetration of FITC-dextran, a paracellular marker, and electrical resistance of corneal membranes were not affected in the presence of EDTA/boric acid. Furthermore, no enhancing effect of EDTA/boric acid was observed in de-epithelialized corneas, although de-epithelialized corneas exhibited a markedly higher permeability of CS-088 that was 24-fold greater than that for intact corneas. In conclusion, EDTA/boric acid synergistically enhances the transcellular permeability of CS-088 in the outer layer but not in the inner layers of the corneal membrane.

Charge mobility retrieval approach from apparent charge packet movements based on the negative differential resistance theory.

PubMed

Meng, Jia; Zhang, Yewen; Holé, Stéphane; Zheng, Feihu; An, Zhenlian

2018-04-12

Space charge migration characteristics play an important role in the evaluation of polymer insulation performance. However, an accurate description of charge carrier mobility in several typical insulating polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene is currently not available. Recently, with the observation of a series of negative charge packet movements associated with the negative differential resistance characteristic of charge mobility in LDPE films, the extraction of charge mobility from the apparent charge packet movement has been attempted using appropriate methods. Based on the previous report of the successful derivation of charge mobility from experimental results using numerical methods, the present research improves the derivation accuracy and describes the details of the charge mobility derivation procedure. Back simulation results under several typical polarizing fields using the derived charge mobility are exhibited. The results indicate that both the NDR theory and the simulation models for the polyethylene materials are reasonable. A significant migration velocity difference between the charge carrier and the charge packet is observed. Back simulations of the charge packet under several typical polarizing fields using the obtained E-v curve show good agreement with the experimental results. The charge packet shapes during the migrations were also found to vary with the polarizing field.

N-terminal ProBNP distribution and correlations with biological characteristics in apparently healthy Greek population: ATTICA study.

PubMed

Fragopoulou, Elizabeth; Panagiotakos, Demosthenes B; Pitsavos, Christos; Chrysohoou, Christina; Nomikos, Tzortzis; Evangelopoulos, Angelos; Katsagoni, Christina; Skoumas, John; Antonopoulou, Smaragdi; Stefanadis, Christodoulos

2010-05-01

Brain natriuretic peptides are widely used as biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases and mainly heart failure. However, these markers are often found to be high even in apparently healthy participants, and little is known about which factors contribute to physiological change in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) concentration in general populations. In this study, a random subsample of the ATTICA study was used (486 individuals) and serum NT-proBNP was measured. Approximately 20% of the participants had no detectable NT-proBNP values. Women had higher values of NT-proBNP than men (median [25th-75th percentiles]: 30.2 [15.8-54.3] vs 14.9 [4.0-28.1] pg/mL, P < .001]. Amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide values were positively correlated with age (rho = .140, P = .006) and inversely with body mass index (BMI; rho = -.142, P = .005), creatinine (Cr) clearance (rho = -.349, P < .001), and hemoglobin (rho = -.249, P < .001) values. Linear regression analysis revealed that gender is the main contributor of NT-proBNP levels, followed by age, BMI, and Cr values.

Comparison of Absolute Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) Values in ADC Maps Generated Across Different Postprocessing Software: Reproducibility in Endometrial Carcinoma.

PubMed

Ghosh, Adarsh; Singh, Tulika; Singla, Veenu; Bagga, Rashmi; Khandelwal, Niranjan

2017-12-01

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps are usually generated by builtin software provided by the MRI scanner vendors; however, various open-source postprocessing software packages are available for image manipulation and parametric map generation. The purpose of this study is to establish the reproducibility of absolute ADC values obtained using different postprocessing software programs. DW images with three b values were obtained with a 1.5-T MRI scanner, and the trace images were obtained. ADC maps were automatically generated by the in-line software provided by the vendor during image generation and were also separately generated on postprocessing software. These ADC maps were compared on the basis of ROIs using paired t test, Bland-Altman plot, mountain plot, and Passing-Bablok regression plot. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean ADC values obtained from the different postprocessing software programs when the same baseline trace DW images were used for the ADC map generation. For using ADC values as a quantitative cutoff for histologic characterization of tissues, standardization of the postprocessing algorithm is essential across processing software packages, especially in view of the implementation of vendor-neutral archiving.

Reticular Appearance on Gadolinium-enhanced T1- and Diffusion-weighted MRI, and Low Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Microcystic Meningioma Cysts.

PubMed

Terada, Yukinori; Toda, Hiroki; Okumura, Ryosuke; Ikeda, Naokado; Yuba, Yoshiaki; Katayama, Toshiro; Iwasaki, Koichi

2018-03-01

Microcystic meningioma, a rare meningioma subtype, can present diagnostic difficulty. We aimed to investigate the historadiological properties of microcystic meningioma using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) analysis. We retrospectively analyzed conventional MRI and DWI results of six microcystic meningioma cases by examining their appearance and determining their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The ADC values of the intratumoral components were normalized with ADC values of the cerebrospinal fluid in the lateral ventricle (ADC ratios). As cystic formations are frequently associated with microcystic meningiomas, their MRI characteristics were compared with the imaging data from 11 cystic meningiomas of non-microcystic subtypes. We found that cysts in microcystic meningioma tended to have a reticular appearance on DWI, as they did on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. Additionally, these reticular cysts had significantly lower ADC ratios than microcystic non-reticular and non-microcystic cysts. These DWI characteristics likely reflect the histological properties of microcystic meningioma. A reticular appearance on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI and DWI, and cyst formation with relatively low ADC values can be diagnostic markers of microcystic meningiomas.

Visual Argument for Social Ends: "Captain Planet" and the Integration of Environmental Values.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muir, Star A.

While "Captain Planet and the Planeteers" has won numerous awards and is currently the number one rate household animated children's television program in the United States, the contradictions and complications of instilling environmental values in children through the medium of television are apparent. A content analysis of 15 episodes…

Communicating Hydrocephalus Associated with Small- to Medium-Sized Vestibular Schwannomas: Clinical Significance of the Tumor Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Map.

PubMed

Taniguchi, Masaaki; Nakai, Tomoaki; Kohta, Masaaki; Kimura, Hidehito; Kohmura, Eiji

2016-10-01

The etiology of hydrocephalus associated with the small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas is still controversial. We investigated tumor-specific factors related to the association of hydrocephalus with small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas. Among the 77 patients with vestibular schwannoma smaller than 30 mm, 9 patients demonstrated associated communicating hydrocephalus. Patient medical records, radiologic data, and histopathologic specimens were reviewed retrospectively. The age of the patients, and size, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and histologic features of the tumors were compared with those of patients without hydrocephalus. The symptoms related to hydrocephalus improved in all patients after tumor removal. Both the mean size and ADC values exhibited a statistically significant difference between the tumors with and without hydrocephalus (P < 0.01). The size and ADC value of the tumor were significantly related to the association with hydrocephalus. The increased tumor ADC value was considered to be the result of degenerative change and suggested the involvement of protein sloughing in the etiology of the associated hydrocephalus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Geological mapping and analysis in determining resource recitivity limestone rocks in the village of Mersip and surrounding areas, district Limun, Sorolangun Regency, Jambi Province

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dona, Obie Mario; Ibrahim, Eddy; Susilo, Budhi Kuswan

2017-11-01

The research objective is to describe potential, to analyze the quality and quantity of limestone, and to know the limit distribution of rocks based on the value of resistivity, the pattern of distribution of rocks by drilling, the influence mineral growing on rock against resistivity values, the model deposition of limestone based on the value resistivity of rock and drilling, and the comparison between the interpretation resistivity values based on petrographic studies by drilling. Geologic Formations study area consists of assays consisting of altered sandstone, phyllite, slate, siltstone, grewake, and inset limestone. Local quartz sandstone, schist, genealogy, which is Member of Mersip Stylists Formation, consists of limestone that formed in shallow seas. Stylists Formation consists of slate, shale, siltstone and sandstone. This research methodology is quantitative using experimental observation by survey. This type of research methodology by its nature is descriptive analysis.

Discovery of Cepheids in NGC 5253: Absolute peak brightness of SN Ia 1895B and SN Ia 1972E and the value of H(sub 0)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saha, A.; Sandage, Allan; Labhardt, Lukas; Schwengeler, Hans; Tammann, G. A.; Panagia, N.; Macchetto, F. D.

1995-01-01

Observations of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) between 1993 May 31 and 1993 July 19 in 20 epochs in the F555W passband and five epochs in the F785LP passband have led to the discovery of 14 Cepheids in the Amorphous galaxy NGC 5253. The apparent V distance modulus is (m-M)(sub AV) = 28.08 +/- 0.10 determined from the 12 Cepheids with normal amplitudes. The distance modulus using the F785LP data is consistent with the V value to within the errors. Five methods used to determine the internal reddening are consistent with zero differential reddening, accurate to a level of E(B-V) less than 0.05 mag, over the region occupied by Cepheids and the two supernovae (SNe) produced by NGC 5253. The apparent magnitudes at maximum for the two SNe in NGC 5253 are adopted as B(sub max) = 8.33 +/- 0.2 mag for SN 1895B, and B(sub max) = 8.56 +/- 0.1 and V(sub max) = 8.60 +/- 0.1 for SN 1972E which is a prototype SN of Type Ia. The apparent magnitude system used by Walker (1923) for SN 1859B has been corrected to the modern B scale and zero point to determine its adopted B(sub max) value.

Mount St. Helens: Controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) data and inversions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wynn, Jeff; Pierce, Herbert A.

2015-01-01

The apparent conductivity (or its inverse, apparent resistivity) measured by a geoelectrical system is caused by several factors. The most important of these are water-filled rock porosity and the presence of water-filled fractures; however, rock type and minerals (for instance, sulfides and clay content) also contribute to apparent conductivity. In situations with little recharge (for instance, in arid regions), variations in ionic content of water occupying pore space and fractures sampled by the measurement system must also be factored in (Wynn, 2006). Variations in ionic content may also be present in hydrothermal fluids surrounding volcanoes in wet regions. In unusual cases, temperature may also affect apparent conductivity (Keller, 1989; Palacky, 1989). There is relatively little hydrothermal alteration (and thus fewer clay minerals that might add to the apparent conductivity) in the eruptive products of Mount St. Helens (Reid and others, 2010), so conductors observed in the Fischer, Occam, and Marquardt inversion results later in this report are thus believed to map zones with significant water content. Geoelectrical surveys thus have the potential to reveal subsurface regions with significant groundwater content, including perched and regional aquifers. Reid and others (2001) and Reid (2004) have suggested that groundwater involvement may figure in both the scale and the character of some if not all volcanic edifice collapse events. Ongoing research by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and others aims to better understand the contribution of groundwater to both edifice pore pressure and rock alteration as well as its direct influence on eruption processes by violent interaction with magma (Schmincke, 1998).

Comparison of biochemical properties of liver arginase from streptozocin-induced diabetic and control mice.

PubMed

Spolarics, Z; Bond, J S

1989-11-01

Arginase activity is elevated in livers of diabetic animals compared to controls and there is evidence that this is due in part to increased specific activity (activity/mg arginase protein). To investigate the molecular basis of this increased activity, the physicochemical and kinetic properties of hepatic arginase from diabetic and control mice were compared. Two types of arginase subunits with molecular weights of 35,000 and 38,000 were found in both the diabetic and control animals and the subunits in these animals had similar, multiple ionic forms. Kinetic parameters of purified preparations of arginase for arginine (apparent Km and Vmax values) and the thermal stability of these preparations from diabetics and controls were also similar. Furthermore, no difference was found in the distribution of arginase activity among different subcellular liver fractions. Separation of basic and acidic oligomeric forms of arginase by fast-protein liquid chromatography resulted in a slightly different distribution of activity among the forms in the normal and diabetic group. The apparent Km values for Mn2+ of the basic form of the enzyme were 25 and 33 microM for the enzyme from normal and diabetic animals, respectively; for acidic forms, for which two apparent Km values were measured, the values were 8 and 197 microM for arginase from controls and 35 and 537 microM from diabetics. These results indicate that in diabetes, while no marked changes in the physicochemical characteristics of arginase are obvious, some changes are found in the interaction of arginase with its cofactor Mn.