Foreword to special issue: Papers from the 57th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics, November 16–20, 2015, Savannah, Georgia, USA

DOE PAGES

Meyerhofer, D. D.; Mauel, M. E.

2016-05-18

The 57th annual meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) was held November 16–20, 2015 in Savannah, Georgia. The meeting brings together researchers (undergraduate students through retirees) from all areas of plasma physics. 1887 abstracts were included in the program, approximately 200 more than the previous year. The presentations included five invited review talks, 97 invited talks, three invited postdeadline talks, and four tutorials. Furthermore, there were approximately 1780 contributed presentations, with about 40% oral and 60% poster. Three mini-conferences were held concurrently.

Foreword to special issue: Papers from the 57th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics, November 16–20, 2015, Savannah, Georgia, USA

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

Meyerhofer, D. D.; Mauel, M. E.

The 57th annual meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) was held November 16–20, 2015 in Savannah, Georgia. The meeting brings together researchers (undergraduate students through retirees) from all areas of plasma physics. 1887 abstracts were included in the program, approximately 200 more than the previous year. The presentations included five invited review talks, 97 invited talks, three invited postdeadline talks, and four tutorials. Furthermore, there were approximately 1780 contributed presentations, with about 40% oral and 60% poster. Three mini-conferences were held concurrently.

SEPTUM MAGNET DESIGN FOR THE APS-U

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

Abliz, M.; Jaski, M.; Xiao, A.

2017-06-25

The Advanced Photon Source is in the process of upgrading its storage ring from a double-bend to a multi-bend lattice as part of the APS Upgrade Project (APS-U). A swap-out injection scheme is planned for the APS-U to keep a constant beam current and to enable a small dynamic aperture. A septum magnet with a minimum thickness of 2 mm and an injection field of 1.06 T has been designed, delivering the required total deflecting angle is 89 mrad with a ring energy of 6 GeV. The stored beam chamber has an 8 mm x 6 mm super-ellipsoidal aperture. Themore » magnet is straight; however, it is tilted in yaw, roll, and pitch from the stored beam chamber to meet the on axis swap out injection requirements for the APS-U lattice. In order to minimize the leakage field inside the stored beam chamber, four different techniques were utilized in the design. As a result, the horizontal deflecting angle of the stored beam was held to only 5 µrad, and the integrated skew quadrupole inside the stored beam chamber was held to 0.09 T. The detailed techniques that were applied to the design, field multipoles, and resulting trajectories of the injected and stored beams are reported.« less

Fault-tolerant building-block computer study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rennels, D. A.

1978-01-01

Ultra-reliable core computers are required for improving the reliability of complex military systems. Such computers can provide reliable fault diagnosis, failure circumvention, and, in some cases serve as an automated repairman for their host systems. A small set of building-block circuits which can be implemented as single very large integration devices, and which can be used with off-the-shelf microprocessors and memories to build self checking computer modules (SCCM) is described. Each SCCM is a microcomputer which is capable of detecting its own faults during normal operation and is described to communicate with other identical modules over one or more Mil Standard 1553A buses. Several SCCMs can be connected into a network with backup spares to provide fault-tolerant operation, i.e. automated recovery from faults. Alternative fault-tolerant SCCM configurations are discussed along with the cost and reliability associated with their implementation.

Characterization of Doped Amorphous Silicon Thin Films through the Investigation of Dopant Elements by Glow Discharge Spectrometry. A Correlation of Conductivity and Bandgap Energy Measurements

PubMed Central

Sánchez, Pascal; Lorenzo, Olaya; Menéndez, Armando; Menéndez, Jose Luis; Gomez, David; Pereiro, Rosario; Fernández, Beatriz

2011-01-01

The determination of optical parameters, such as absorption and extinction coefficients, refractive index and the bandgap energy, is crucial to understand the behavior and final efficiency of thin film solar cells based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). The influence of small variations of the gas flow rates used for the preparation of the p-a-SiC:H layer on the bandgap energy, as well as on the dopant elements concentration, thickness and conductivity of the p-layer, is investigated in this work using several complementary techniques. UV-NIR spectrophotometry and ellipsometry were used for the determination of bandgap energies of four p-a-SiC:H thin films, prepared by using different B2H6 and SiH4 fluxes (B2H6 from 12 sccm to 20 sccm and SiH4 from 6 sccm to 10 sccm). Moreover, radiofrequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry technique was used for depth profiling characterization of p-a-SiC:H thin films and valuable information about dopant elements concentration and distribution throughout the coating was found. Finally, a direct relationship between the conductivity of p-a-SiC:H thin films and the dopant elements concentration, particularly boron and carbon, was observed for the four selected samples. PMID:21731436

The 12th I. E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium: host plant resistance and disease management, current status and future outlook

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The 12th I. E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium was held on 6 August 2012 during the Annual meeting of the American Phytopathological Society (APS) in Providence, RI. The theme for this symposium was “Host Plant Resistance and Disease Management: Current Status and Future Outlook”. The APS Host R...

A Pilot Review of Gradual Versus Goal Re-initiation of Enteral Nutrition after Burn Surgery in the Hemodynamically Stable Patient

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

benefits of enteral nutrition (EN), the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM...instances where parenteral nutrition was used rather than EN or the subject consumed food orally). Because the change in clinical practice included only...therapy in the adult critically ill patient: Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N

Neurotransmitter Release Can Be Stabilized by a Mechanism That Prevents Voltage Changes Near the End of Action Potentials from Affecting Calcium Currents

PubMed Central

Clarke, Stephen G.; Scarnati, Matthew S.

2016-01-01

At chemical synapses, presynaptic action potentials (APs) activate voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium to enter and trigger neurotransmitter release. The duration, peak amplitude, and shape of the AP falling phase alter calcium entry, which can affect neurotransmitter release significantly. In many neurons, APs do not immediately return to the resting potential, but instead exhibit a period of depolarization or hyperpolarization referred to as an afterpotential. We hypothesized that presynaptic afterpotentials should alter neurotransmitter release by affecting the electrical driving force for calcium entry and calcium channel gating. In support of this, presynaptic calcium entry is affected by afterpotentials after standard instant voltage jumps. Here, we used the mouse calyx of Held synapse, which allows simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic patch-clamp recording, to show that the postsynaptic response is affected significantly by presynaptic afterpotentials after voltage jumps. We therefore tested the effects of presynaptic afterpotentials using simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic recordings and AP waveforms or real APs. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials after AP stimuli did not alter calcium channel responses or neurotransmitter release appreciably. We show that the AP repolarization time course causes afterpotential-induced changes in calcium driving force and changes in calcium channel gating to effectively cancel each other out. This mechanism, in which electrical driving force is balanced by channel gating, prevents changes in calcium influx from occurring at the end of the AP and therefore acts to stabilize synaptic transmission. In addition, this mechanism can act to stabilize neurotransmitter release when the presynaptic resting potential changes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The shape of presynaptic action potentials (APs), particularly the falling phase, affects calcium entry and small changes in calcium influx can produce large changes in postsynaptic responses. We hypothesized that afterpotentials, which often follow APs, affect calcium entry and neurotransmitter release. We tested this in calyx of Held nerve terminals, which allow simultaneous recording of presynaptic calcium currents and postsynaptic responses. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials did not alter calcium current or neurotransmitter release. We show that the AP falling phase causes afterpotential-induced changes in electrical driving force and calcium channel gating to cancel each other out. This mechanism regulates calcium entry at the end of APs and therefore stabilizes synaptic transmission. This also stabilizes responses when the presynaptic resting potential changes. PMID:27911759

Neurotransmitter Release Can Be Stabilized by a Mechanism That Prevents Voltage Changes Near the End of Action Potentials from Affecting Calcium Currents.

PubMed

Clarke, Stephen G; Scarnati, Matthew S; Paradiso, Kenneth G

2016-11-09

At chemical synapses, presynaptic action potentials (APs) activate voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium to enter and trigger neurotransmitter release. The duration, peak amplitude, and shape of the AP falling phase alter calcium entry, which can affect neurotransmitter release significantly. In many neurons, APs do not immediately return to the resting potential, but instead exhibit a period of depolarization or hyperpolarization referred to as an afterpotential. We hypothesized that presynaptic afterpotentials should alter neurotransmitter release by affecting the electrical driving force for calcium entry and calcium channel gating. In support of this, presynaptic calcium entry is affected by afterpotentials after standard instant voltage jumps. Here, we used the mouse calyx of Held synapse, which allows simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic patch-clamp recording, to show that the postsynaptic response is affected significantly by presynaptic afterpotentials after voltage jumps. We therefore tested the effects of presynaptic afterpotentials using simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic recordings and AP waveforms or real APs. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials after AP stimuli did not alter calcium channel responses or neurotransmitter release appreciably. We show that the AP repolarization time course causes afterpotential-induced changes in calcium driving force and changes in calcium channel gating to effectively cancel each other out. This mechanism, in which electrical driving force is balanced by channel gating, prevents changes in calcium influx from occurring at the end of the AP and therefore acts to stabilize synaptic transmission. In addition, this mechanism can act to stabilize neurotransmitter release when the presynaptic resting potential changes. The shape of presynaptic action potentials (APs), particularly the falling phase, affects calcium entry and small changes in calcium influx can produce large changes in postsynaptic responses. We hypothesized that afterpotentials, which often follow APs, affect calcium entry and neurotransmitter release. We tested this in calyx of Held nerve terminals, which allow simultaneous recording of presynaptic calcium currents and postsynaptic responses. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials did not alter calcium current or neurotransmitter release. We show that the AP falling phase causes afterpotential-induced changes in electrical driving force and calcium channel gating to cancel each other out. This mechanism regulates calcium entry at the end of APs and therefore stabilizes synaptic transmission. This also stabilizes responses when the presynaptic resting potential changes. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/3611559-14$15.00/0.

How do the Institutes on Teaching and Learning (ITLs) nurture the members of the Physiology Educators Community of Practice (PECOP)?

PubMed

Goodman, Barbara E

2017-09-01

Do you teach physiology? Do you use best practices when you teach physiology? Have you ever thought about conducting educational research? Do you need collaborators to help with ideas for educational research or to expand your research populations? The American Physiological Society (APS) Teaching Section has developed a biennial Institute on Teaching and Learning (ITL) through the APS Conference Program to address these issues. The first institute was held in June 2014, and the second institute was held in June 2016. A Physiology Education Community of Practice (PECOP) was created to help connect the institute participants and other physiology educators and to share evidence-based teaching in physiology at all education levels. The 2018 APS ITL will be the next meeting to learn best practices, to share ideas with colleagues, and to find collaborators in improving the teaching of physiology for students. The meeting will include workshops modeling best practices, plenary talks about hot new issues in physiology and science education, and poster sessions and informal meals to discuss interests with colleagues. Even if one's primary responsibility is bench research or administration, the training from the institute will improve efficiency and effectiveness when teaching. The two prior ITLs (2014 and 2016) were highly evaluated by educators of both undergraduate and professional students who spent a week together emphasizing improvement in their teaching. This paper reports the outcomes of the 2016 ITL and encourages participation in the upcoming ITL in Madison, WI, June 18-22, 2018. Watch the APS Conference site for more information about the 2018 ITL (http://www.the-aps.org/mm/Conferences/APS-Conferences). Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Influence of Nitrogen Flow Rate on Friction Coefficient and Surface Roughness of TiN Coatings Deposited on Tool Steel Using Arc Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamzah, Esah; Ourdjini, Ali; Ali, Mubarak; Akhter, Parvez; Hj. Mohd Toff, Mohd Radzi; Abdul Hamid, Mansor

In the present study, the effect of various N2 gas flow rates on friction coefficient and surface roughness of TiN-coated D2 tool steel was examined by a commercially available cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (CAPVD) technique. A Pin-on-Disc test was carried out to study the Coefficient of friction (COF) versus sliding distance. A surface roughness tester measured the surface roughness parameters. The minimum values for the COF and surface roughness were recorded at a N2 gas flow rate of 200 sccm. The increase in the COF and surface roughness at a N2 gas flow rate of 100 sccm was mainly attributed to an increase in both size and number of titanium particles, whereas the increase at 300 sccm was attributed to a larger number of growth defects generated during the coating process. These ideas make it possible to optimize the coating properties as a function of N2 gas flow rate for specific applications, e.g. cutting tools for automobiles, aircraft, and various mechanical parts.

Influence of oxygen flow rate on metal-insulator transition of vanadium oxide thin films grown by RF magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xu; Liu, Xinkun; Li, Haizhu; Zhang, Angran; Huang, Mingju

2017-03-01

High-quality vanadium oxide ( VO2) films have been fabricated on Si (111) substrates by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition method. The sheet resistance of VO2 has a significant change (close to 5 orders of magnitude) in the process of the metal-insulator phase transition (MIT). The field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) results show the grain size of VO2 thin films is larger with the increase of oxygen flow. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate the thin films fabricated at different oxygen flow rates grow along the (011) crystalline orientation. As the oxygen flow rate increases from 3 sccm to 6 sccm, the phase transition temperature of the films reduces from 341 to 320 K, the width of the thermal hysteresis loop decreases from 32 to 9 K. The thin films fabricated in the condition of 5 sccm have a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) -3.455%/K with a small resistivity of 2.795 ρ/Ω cm.

Futile and Potentially Inappropriate Interventions: Semantics Matter.

PubMed

Kon, Alexander A

2018-01-01

In 1997, the Society for Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) published a statement regarding futile and inadvisable treatments. Recently, five critical care organizations published a consensus statement supporting and expanding upon the 1997 SCCM statement, and the SCCM issued a companion statement defining futile and potentially inappropriate interventions. In all of these statements, there is agreement that the term futile should be used only when an intervention cannot accomplish the intended physiologic goal. The organizations provide recommendations for optimizing communication, however even when clinicians use excellent communication techniques, there are times when competing ethical considerations mean that a surrogate persists in requesting an intervention that the clinician does not believe is justified. In such cases, clinicians should not label the requested intervention as futile, because doing so is disrespectful to patients and families, overly empowers clinicians, and stifles communication. When clinicians believe that they are justified in declining such a request due to differences in values or beliefs, they should refer to the requested treatment as "potentially inappropriate," indicating that the disagreement is based on values, and that any decision to withhold the requested intervention is preliminary until reviewed through a fair process.

Drug Abuse Prevention. Further Efforts Needed to Identify Programs that Work.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

Depart- ment of Education, the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention within HHS, and AMTON were the primary beneficiaries of the increased federal effort... Abuse ( SAi Office of Substance Abuse and Prevention VISTA Volunteers in Service to America Page 8 GAO’ HRDN-W26 Drug Abuse Preven tion Programs...osAP held a national strategy conference attended by substance abuse prevention experts who provided guidance and recom- mendations to help osAP refine

Action Potential Energy Efficiency Varies Among Neuron Types in Vertebrates and Invertebrates

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Biswa; Stemmler, Martin; Laughlin, Simon B.; Niven, Jeremy E.

2010-01-01

The initiation and propagation of action potentials (APs) places high demands on the energetic resources of neural tissue. Each AP forces ATP-driven ion pumps to work harder to restore the ionic concentration gradients, thus consuming more energy. Here, we ask whether the ionic currents underlying the AP can be predicted theoretically from the principle of minimum energy consumption. A long-held supposition that APs are energetically wasteful, based on theoretical analysis of the squid giant axon AP, has recently been overturned by studies that measured the currents contributing to the AP in several mammalian neurons. In the single compartment models studied here, AP energy consumption varies greatly among vertebrate and invertebrate neurons, with several mammalian neuron models using close to the capacitive minimum of energy needed. Strikingly, energy consumption can increase by more than ten-fold simply by changing the overlap of the Na+ and K+ currents during the AP without changing the APs shape. As a consequence, the height and width of the AP are poor predictors of energy consumption. In the Hodgkin–Huxley model of the squid axon, optimizing the kinetics or number of Na+ and K+ channels can whittle down the number of ATP molecules needed for each AP by a factor of four. In contrast to the squid AP, the temporal profile of the currents underlying APs of some mammalian neurons are nearly perfectly matched to the optimized properties of ionic conductances so as to minimize the ATP cost. PMID:20617202

Action potential energy efficiency varies among neuron types in vertebrates and invertebrates.

PubMed

Sengupta, Biswa; Stemmler, Martin; Laughlin, Simon B; Niven, Jeremy E

2010-07-01

The initiation and propagation of action potentials (APs) places high demands on the energetic resources of neural tissue. Each AP forces ATP-driven ion pumps to work harder to restore the ionic concentration gradients, thus consuming more energy. Here, we ask whether the ionic currents underlying the AP can be predicted theoretically from the principle of minimum energy consumption. A long-held supposition that APs are energetically wasteful, based on theoretical analysis of the squid giant axon AP, has recently been overturned by studies that measured the currents contributing to the AP in several mammalian neurons. In the single compartment models studied here, AP energy consumption varies greatly among vertebrate and invertebrate neurons, with several mammalian neuron models using close to the capacitive minimum of energy needed. Strikingly, energy consumption can increase by more than ten-fold simply by changing the overlap of the Na(+) and K(+) currents during the AP without changing the APs shape. As a consequence, the height and width of the AP are poor predictors of energy consumption. In the Hodgkin-Huxley model of the squid axon, optimizing the kinetics or number of Na(+) and K(+) channels can whittle down the number of ATP molecules needed for each AP by a factor of four. In contrast to the squid AP, the temporal profile of the currents underlying APs of some mammalian neurons are nearly perfectly matched to the optimized properties of ionic conductances so as to minimize the ATP cost.

Proceedings of the ARO Planning Workshop on Embedded Systems and Network Security Held in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 22-23, 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-28

Shin (U Mich) John Stankovic (UVA) Phil Koopman (CMU) Wenliang Du (Syracuse U.) Virgil Gligor (UMD) Radha Poovendran ( UW ) Adrian Perrig (CMU...Department of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison , WI 53706, USA Email: suman@cs.wisc.edu 1 Introduction Wireless communication...NetworkinG Systems (WiNGS) Laboratory Wireless localization Madison municipal WiFi mesh network • • 9 square miles area • 200+ APs 2 Wireless AP radio

Reactive ion etching of GaN using BCl 3, BCl 3/Ar and BCl 3/ N 2 gas plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basak, D.; Nakanishi, T.; Sakai, S.

2000-04-01

Reactive ion etching (RIE) of GaN has been performed using BCl 3 and additives, Ar and N 2, to BCl 3 plasma. The etch rate, surface roughness and the etch profile have been investigated. The etch rate of GaN is found to be 104 nm/min at rf power of 200 W, pressure of 2 Pa, with 9.5 sccm flow rate of BCl 3. The addition of 5 sccm of Ar to 9.5 sccm of BCl 3 reduces the etch rate of GaN while the addition of N 2 does not influence the etch rate significantly. The RIE of GaN layer with BCl 3/Ar and BCl 3/N 2 results in a smoother surface compared to surfaces etched with BCl 3 only. The etched side-wall in BCl 3 plasma makes an angle of 60° with the normal surface, and the angle of inclination is more in cases of BCl 3/Ar and BCl 3/N 2 plasmas. The RIE induced damage to the surface is measured qualitatively by PL measurements. It is observed that the damage to the etched surfaces is similar for all the plasmas.

Relationship Between Crystalline Structure and Hardness of Ti-Si-N-O Coatings Fabricated by dc Sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-González, Leandro; Hernández-Torres, Julián; Mendoza-Barrera, Claudia; Meléndez-Lira, Miguel; García-Ramírez, Pedro J.; Martínez-Castillo, Jaime; Sauceda, Ángel; Herrera-May, Agustin L.; Muñoz Saldaña, Juan; Espinoza-Beltrán, Francisco J.

2008-08-01

Ti-Si-N-O coatings were deposited on AISI D2 tool steel and silicon substrates by dc reactive magnetron co-sputtering using a target of Ti-Si with a constant area ratio of 0.2. The substrate temperature was 400 °C and reactive atmosphere of nitrogen and argon. For all samples, argon flow was maintained constant at 25 sccm, while the flow of the nitrogen was varied to analyze the structural changes related to chemical composition and resistivity. According to results obtained by x-ray diffraction and stoichiometry calculations by x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy the Ti-Si-N-O coatings contain two solid solutions. The higher crystalline part corresponds to titanium oxynitrure. Hardness tests on the coatings were carried out using the indentation work model and the hardness value was determined. Finally, the values of hardness were corroborated by nanoindentation test, and values of Young’s modulus and elastic recovery were discussed. We concluded that F2TSN sample ( F Ar = 25 sccm, F N = 5 sccm, P = 200 W, and P W = 8.9 × 10-3 mbar) presented the greatest hardness and the lowest resistivity values, due to its preferential crystalline orientation.

The History of the APS Shock Compression of Condensed Matter Topical Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forbes, Jerry W.

2001-06-01

To provide broader scientific recognition and to advance the science of shock-compressed condensed matter, a group of APS members worked within the Society to make this technical field an active part of APS. Individual papers were given at APS meetings starting in the 1950’s and then later whole sessions were organized starting at the 1967 Pasadena meeting. Topical conferences began in 1979 in Pullman, WA where George Duvall and Dennis Hayes were co-chairs. Most all early topical conferences were sanctioned by the APS while those held after 1985 were official APS meetings. In 1984, after consulting with a number of people in the shock wave field, Robert Graham circulated a petition to form an APS topical group. He obtained signatures from a balanced cross-section of the community. William Havens, the executive secretary of APS, informed Robert Graham by letter on November 28, 1984 that the APS Council had officially accepted the formation of this topical group at its October 28, 1984 meeting. The first election occurred July 23, 1985 where Robert Graham was elected chairman, William Nellis vice-chairman, and Jerry Forbes secretary/treasurer. The topical group remains viable today by holding a topical conference in odd numbered years and shock wave sessions at APS general meetings in even numbered years A major benefit of being an official unit of APS is the allotment of APS fellows every year. The APS shock compression award established in 1987, has also provided broad recognition of many major scientific accomplishments in this field.

PREFACE: Asia-Pacific Interdisciplinary Research Conference 2011 (AP-IRC 2011)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandhu, Adarsh; Okada, Hiroshi; Maekawa, Toru; Okano, Ken

2012-03-01

AP-IRC Logo Scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and policymakers gather at the first truly interdisciplinary conference held in Asia-Pacific http://www.apirc.jp/ The inaugural Asia-Pacific Interdisciplinary Research Conference 2011 (AP-IRC 2011) was held at Toyohashi University of Technology (Toyohashi Tech) on 17-18 November 2011. The conference is a forum for enhancing mutual understanding between scientists, engineers, policymakers and experts from a wide spectrum of pure and applied sciences, to resolve the daunting global issues facing mankind. The conference attracted approximately 300 participants including delegates from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam. AP-IRC 2011 was chaired by Dr Yoshiyuki Sakaki, President of Toyohashi Tech, who opened the proceedings by stressing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to research, to resolve global scientific and technical issues. Recalling his own experience as the leader of Japan's efforts in the Human Genome Project, Sakaki also encouraged participants to make an effort to try to understand the sometimes difficult concepts and terminology of other areas of research. The presentations at AP-IRC 2011 were divided into three focus sessions: innovative mechano-magneto-electronic systems, life sciences, and green science and technology. A total of 174 papers were presented over the two-day conference including eight by invited speakers. Highlights of AP-IRC 2011 included a first-hand account of the damage caused by the massive earthquake in March 2011 to experimental facilities at Tohoku University by Masayoshi Esashi; the fascinating world of bees and the inborn numerical competence of humans and animals by Hans J Gross; research on robots and cognition-enabled technical systems at Technische Universität München by Sandra Hirche; the history of events leading to the invention of the world's strongest NdFeB permanent magnet by Masato Sagawa; a novel method for the synthesis of graphene using bacteria extracted from a riverside in Toyohashi by Toyohashi Tech scientists; and ambitious plans to harvest energy by laying massive numbers of solar cells in North Africa as part of the 'Sahara Solar Breeder (SSB) Plan' for a global clean-energy superhighway, described by Hideomi Koinuma. In addition to the technical sessions, the conference banquet included a short session during which the invited speakers described notable trends in research and policy in their part of the world. The short speeches led to animated discussions between the delegates, particularly the young scientists and graduate students, who were able to talk directly with veteran researchers for a first-hand view of the issues raised during the day's presentations. In closing the conference, Professor Makoto Ishida, co-chair of the conference and vice-president of Toyohashi Tech announced that this conference will be held annually at the same time each year, with AP-IRC 2012 scheduled for 15-16 November 2012 at the Irago Sea-Park & Spa Hotel in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. AP-IRC group The PDF also contains lists of the Committees involved.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory two-stage light-gas gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, A. C.; Nellis, W. J.; Trinor, R. J.

1981-10-01

The APS conference on shock waves in condensed matter was held at Menlo Park, Ca, USA on 23 June 1981. The diagnostics and experimental program of a facility used to study condensed matter at high pressures are described.

Symposium: Ionic and Respiratory Interaction in Aquatic Animals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Physiologist, 1976

1976-01-01

Presented are eight abstracts of a symposium held in conjunction with the American Physiological Society (APS) and the American Society of Zoologists (ASZ). Fish gill structure and function, renal function, acid-base balance and ionic sensitivity are topics discussed. (EB)

KSC-02pd0974

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-06-13

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 2002 Florida Press Association and Florida Society of Newspaper Editors Convention offers a panel on space. At the podium is Bob Stover, managing editor, Florida Today. Panel participants enjoying a laugh are (left to right) Craig Covault, senior editor, Aviation Week; Howard Benedict, retired AP reporter; JoAnn Morgan, director, External Relations and Business Development, Kennedy Space Center; Marcia Dunn, AP reporter. The convention was held at the Debus Center, KSC Visitors Complex. Also speaking at the convention were Center Director Roy Bridges and NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Daniel Mulville

JANNAF 35th Combustion Subcommittee and 17th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee Meeting: Joint Sessions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fry, Ronald S. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor); Rognan, Melanie (Editor)

1998-01-01

This publication is a compilation of 15 unclassified/unlimited technical papers presented at the 1998 meeting of the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Combustion Subcommittee (CS) and Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS) held jointly with the Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS). The meeting was held on 7 - 11 December 1 998 at Raytheon Systems Company and the Marriott Hotel, Tucson, AZ. Topics covered include advanced ingredients and reaction kinetics in solid propellants and experimental diagnostic techniques.

A Novel Hand-Held Optical Imager with Real-Time Co-registration Facilities toward Diagnostic Mammography

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

hence not differentiable from the background. A multilocation scanning ap- proach is currently developed in our laboratory for differentiating deeply...after subtracting the excitation back- ground signal. On applying our multilocation scanning approach, the targets were differentiable under

Inorganic, Radioisotopic, and Organic Analysis of 241-AP-101 Tank Waste

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

Fiskum, S.K.; Bredt, P.R.; Campbell, J.A.

2000-10-17

Battelle received five samples from Hanford waste tank 241-AP-101, taken at five different depths within the tank. No visible solids or organic layer were observed in the individual samples. Individual sample densities were measured, then the five samples were mixed together to provide a single composite. The composite was homogenized and representative sub-samples taken for inorganic, radioisotopic, and organic analysis. All analyses were performed on triplicate sub-samples of the composite material. The sample composite did not contain visible solids or an organic layer. A subsample held at 10 C for seven days formed no visible solids.

Understanding of gas phase deposition of reactive magnetron sputtered TiO2 thin films and its correlation with bactericidal efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panda, A. B.; Mahapatra, S. K.; Barhai, P. K.; Das, A. K.; Banerjee, I.

2012-10-01

Nanostructured TiO2 thin films were deposited using RF reactive magnetron sputtering at different O2 flow rates (20, 30, 50 and 60 sccm) and constant RF power of 200 W. In situ investigation of the nucleation and growth of the films was made by Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). The nano amorphous nature as revealed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the as deposited films and abundance of the Ti3+ surface oxidation states and surface hydroxyl group (OH-) in the films deposited at 50 sccm as determined from X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) was explained on the basis of emission spectra studies. The increase in band gap and decrease in particle size with O2 flow rate was observed from transmission spectra of UV-vis spectroscopy. Photoinduced hydrophilicity has been studied using Optical Contact Angle (OCA) measurement. The post irradiated films showed improved hydrophilicity. The bactericidal efficiency of these films was investigated taking Escherichia coli as model bacteria. The films deposited at 50 sccm shows better bactericidal activity as revealed from the optical density (OD) measurement. The qualitative analysis of the bactericidal efficiency was depicted from Scanning Electron Microscope images. A correlation between bactericidal efficiency and the deposited film has been established and explained on the basis of nucleation growth, band gap and hydrophilicity of the films.

Synthesis and characterization of CrCN-DLC composite coatings by cathodic arc ion-plating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, R. Y.; Wang, L. L.; Liu, H. D.; Yan, S. J.; Chen, Y. M.; Fu, D. J.; Yang, B.

2013-07-01

CrCN-DLC composite coatings were deposited onto silicon (1 0 0) and cemented carbides substrates using pure Cr targets under C2H2 ambient by cathodic arc ion plating system. The influence of C2H2 flow rate on the structure and mechanical properties of the coatings was investigated systemically. The coatings structure and bonding state were characterized by XRD, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The chemical composition was measured by EDS. The mechanical performance and tribological behaviour of the coatings were studied by a hardness tester and ball-on-disc wear tester. The results showed that with increasing C2H2 flow rate from 50 to 100 sccm, the corresponding hardness of coatings increased firstly and then decreased with further addition of C2H2 flow rate. The coatings deposited at lower C2H2 flow rate (less than 200 sccm) exhibited a relatively higher hardness value (more than HV0.0252000) and then the hardness decrease with increasing C2H2 flow rate. The friction coefficient also exhibited similar variation trend, when the C2H2 flow rate was higher than 100 sccm, the friction coefficient decreased and then maintained in a relatively lower value from 0.18 to 0.24, which may be attribute to the increasing carbon content and the coating exhibited more diamond-like structure.

PREFACE: Second Meeting of the APS Topical Group on Hadronic Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ernst, David; de Jager, Kees; Roberts, Craig; Sheldon, Paul; Swanson, Eric

2007-06-01

The Second Meeting of the APS Topical Group on Hadronic Physics was held on 22-24 October 2006 at the Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. Keeping with tradition, the meeting was held in conjunction with the Fall meeting of the APS Division of Nuclear Physics. Approximately 90 physicists participated in the meeting, presenting 25 talks in seven plenary sessions and 48 talks in 11 parallel sessions. These sessions covered a wide range of topics related to strongly interacting matter. Among these were charm spectroscopy, gluonic exotics, nucleon resonance physics, RHIC physics, electroweak and spin physics, lattice QCD initiatives, and new facilities. Brad Tippens and Brad Keister provided perspective from the funding agencies. The organisers are extremely grateful to the following institutions for financial and logistical support: the American Physical Society, Jefferson Lab, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Vanderbilt University. We thank the following persons for assisting in organising the parallel sessions: Ted Barnes, Jian-Ping Chen, Ed Kinney, Krishna Kumar, Harry Lee, Mike Leitch, Kam Seth, and Dennis Weygand. We also thank Gerald Ragghianti for designing the conference poster, Will Johns for managing the audio-visual equipment and for placing the talks on the web, Sandy Childress for administrative expertise, and Vanderbilt graduate students Eduardo Luiggi and Jesus Escamillad for their assistance. David Ernst, Kees de Jager, Craig Roberts (Chair), Paul Sheldon and Eric Swanson Editors

Embedded Cohesive Elements (ECE) Approach to the Simulation of Spall Fracture Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonora, Nicola; Esposito, Luca; Ruggiero, Andrew

2007-06-01

Discrepancies between the calculated and observed velocity vs time plot, relatively to the spall signal portion in terms of both signal amplitude and frequency, in numerical simulations of flyer plate impact test are usually shown. These are often ascribed either to material model or the numerical scheme used. Bonora et al. (2003 )[Bonora N., Ruggiero A. and Milella P.P., 2003, Fracture energy effect on spall signal, Proc. of 13^th APS SCCM03, Portland, USA] showed that, for ductile metals, these differences can be the imputed to the dissipation process during fracturing due to the viscous separation of spall fracture plane surfaces. In this work that concept has been further developed implementing an embedded cohesive elements (ECE) technology into FEM. The ECE method consists in embedding cohesive elements (normal and shear forces only) into standard isoparametric 2D or 3D FEM continuum elements. The cohesive elements remain silent and inactive until the continuum element fails. At failure, the continuum element is removed while the ECE becomes active until the separation energy is dissipated. Here, the methodology is presented and applied to simulate soft spall in ductile metals such as OHFC copper. Results of parametric study on mesh size and cohesive law shape effect are presented.

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

Saw, C K

To date a global kinetic rate law has not been written to accurately describe solid-solid phase transformations of HMX and TATB where contributions from grain size effects, binder contents, and impurity levels are explicitly defined. Our recent work presented at the 2001 SCCM topical APS meeting, Atlanta, GA, demonstrated one can not confidently use the second harmonic generation (SHG) diagnostic to study energetic material phase transitions where non-uniform grain size distributions are present. For example, in HMX, the early arrival of SHG before the XRD in the SHG/XRD simultaneous high temperature experiment clearly indicates the partial molecular conversion from centrosymmetricmore » to non-centrosymmetric without any structural changes as exhibit by the XRD pattern. This conversion is attributed to the changes of the surface molecules due to the differences in potential between the surface and the bulk. The present paper reports on accurate XRD measurements following changes of {beta}-HMX to {delta}-HMX at elevated temperature. The results are compared for sample with 2 different grain sizes for HMX. We report accurate temperature dependent lattice parameters and hence volume and linear thermal expansion coefficients along each crystallographic axis. We have also conducted kinetic studies of the behavior of 2 grain-sizes of HMX and concluded that their kinetics, are drastically different.« less

Analysis of trickle-bed reactor for ethanol production from syngas using Clostridium ragsdalei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devarapalli, Mamatha

The conversion of syngas components (CO, CO2 and H2) to liquid fuels such as ethanol involves complex biochemical reactions catalyzed by a group of acetogens such as Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium carboxidivorans and Clostridium ragsdalei. The low ethanol productivity in this process is associated with the low solubility of gaseous substrates CO and H2 in the fermentation medium. In the present study, a 1-L trickle-bed reactor (TBR) was analyzed to understand its capabilities to improve the mass transfer of syngas in fermentation medium. Further, semi-continuous and continuous syngas fermentations were performed using C. ragsdalei to evaluate the ability of the TBR for ethanol production. In the mass transfer studies, using 6-mm glass beads, it was found that the overall mass transfer coefficient (kLa/V L) increased with the increase in gas flow rate from 5.5 to 130.5 sccm. Further, an increase in the liquid flow rate in the TBR decreased the kLa/VL due to the increase in liquid hold up volume (VL) in the packing. The highest kLa/VL values of 421 h-1 and 178 h-1 were achieved at a gas flow rate of 130.5 sccm for 6-mm and 3-mm glass beads, respectively. Semi-continuous fermentations were performed with repetitive medium replacement in counter-current and co-current modes. In semi-continuous fermentations with syngas consisting of 38% CO, 5% N2, 28.5% CO2 and 28.5% H2 (by volume), the increase in H2 conversion (from 18 to 55%) and uptake (from 0.7 to 2.2 mmol/h) were observed. This increase was attributed to more cell attachment in the packing that reduced CO inhibition to hydrogenase along the column length and increased the H2 uptake. The maximum ethanol produced during counter-current and co-current modes were 3.0 g/L and 5.7 g/L, respectively. In continuous syngas fermentation, the TBR was operated at dilution rates between 0.006 h-1and 0.012 h -1 and gas flow rates between 1.5 sccm and 18.9 sccm. The highest ethanol concentration of 13 g/L was achieved at dilution and gas flow rates of 0.012 h-1 and 18.9 sccm, respectively. The molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid of 4:1 was obtained during continuous fermentation which was 7.7 times higher than in semi-continuous fermentations. The improvement of the reactor performance in continuous mode gives scope to explore the TBR as a potential bioreactor design for large scale biofuels production.

Analytical performance specifications for external quality assessment - definitions and descriptions.

PubMed

Jones, Graham R D; Albarede, Stephanie; Kesseler, Dagmar; MacKenzie, Finlay; Mammen, Joy; Pedersen, Morten; Stavelin, Anne; Thelen, Marc; Thomas, Annette; Twomey, Patrick J; Ventura, Emma; Panteghini, Mauro

2017-06-27

External Quality Assurance (EQA) is vital to ensure acceptable analytical quality in medical laboratories. A key component of an EQA scheme is an analytical performance specification (APS) for each measurand that a laboratory can use to assess the extent of deviation of the obtained results from the target value. A consensus conference held in Milan in 2014 has proposed three models to set APS and these can be applied to setting APS for EQA. A goal arising from this conference is the harmonisation of EQA APS between different schemes to deliver consistent quality messages to laboratories irrespective of location and the choice of EQA provider. At this time there are wide differences in the APS used in different EQA schemes for the same measurands. Contributing factors to this variation are that the APS in different schemes are established using different criteria, applied to different types of data (e.g. single data points, multiple data points), used for different goals (e.g. improvement of analytical quality; licensing), and with the aim of eliciting different responses from participants. This paper provides recommendations from the European Federation of Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Task and Finish Group on Performance Specifications for External Quality Assurance Schemes (TFG-APSEQA) and on clear terminology for EQA APS. The recommended terminology covers six elements required to understand APS: 1) a statement on the EQA material matrix and its commutability; 2) the method used to assign the target value; 3) the data set to which APS are applied; 4) the applicable analytical property being assessed (i.e. total error, bias, imprecision, uncertainty); 5) the rationale for the selection of the APS; and 6) the type of the Milan model(s) used to set the APS. The terminology is required for EQA participants and other interested parties to understand the meaning of meeting or not meeting APS.

External defibrillation in the left lateral position--a comparison of manual paddles with self-adhesive pads.

PubMed

Dodd, Tamsin E L; Deakin, Charles D; Petley, Graham W; Clewlow, Frank

2004-12-01

Firm paddle force during defibrillation lowers transthoracic impedance (TTI) and increases transmyocardial current, increasing the chances of successful cardioversion. Current protocols recommend that if defibrillation using the anterior-apical (AA) paddle position fails, the anterior-posterior (AP) position should be used. This generally requires the patient to be placed in the left lateral position with the operator leaning over the patient. Avoiding physical contact with the patient during defibrillation subjectively makes application of firm paddle force difficult in the AP position. We compared TTI between the AA and AP positions and between manual paddles and self-adhesive pads to establish if the AP position precludes firm paddle force and to compare TTI between paddles and self-adhesive pads. Twenty-one consecutive patients undergoing elective cardioversion (age 39-82) were studied. TTI was measured between pairs of manually held paddles and self-adhesive pads using AA placement with the patient supine, and AP placement with the patient left lateral position. Mean TTI using the AP electrode position was lower using manual paddles (66.5 Omega; 95% CI 60.2-72.9 Omega) than that using self-adhesive pads (92.1 Omega; 95% CI 81.5-102.7 Omega; 95% CI between the mean =15.8-35.5 Omega; P <0.0001). TTI was significantly less using the manual paddles compared with self-adhesive pads in both AA and AP positions (P <0.0001). Despite the subjective difficulties of defibrillating patients in the AP position whilst leaning over them, use of manual paddles achieves a lower TTI than that achieved with self-adhesive pads.

Proceedings of the Advanced Photon Source renewal workshop.

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

Gibson, J. M.; Mills, D. M.; Kobenhavns Univ.

2008-12-01

Beginning in March 2008, Advanced Photon Source (APS) management engaged users, facility staff, the distinguished members of the APS Scientific Advisory Committee, and other outside experts in crafting a renewal plan for this premier synchrotron x-ray research facility. It is vital that the investment in the APS renewal begin as soon as possible in order to keep this important U.S. facility internationally competitive. The APS renewal plan encompasses innovations in the beamlines and the x-ray source that are needed for major advances in science - advances that promise to further extend the impact of x-ray science on energy research, technologymore » development, materials innovation, economic competitiveness, health, and far-reaching fundamental knowledge. A planning milestone was the APS Renewal Workshop held on October 20-21, 2008. Organized by the APS Renewal Steering Committee, the purpose of the workshop was to provide a forum where leading researchers could present the broad outlines of forward-looking plans for science at the APS in all major disciplines serviced by x-ray techniques. Two days of scientific presentations, discussions, and dialogue involved more than 180 scientists representing 41 institutions. The scientific talks and breakout/discussion sessions provided a forum for Science Team leaders to present the outlines of forward-looking plans for experimentation in all the major scientific disciplines covered by photon science. These proceedings comprise the reports from the Science Teams that were commissioned by the APS Renewal Steering Committee, having been edited by the Science Teams after discussion at the workshop.« less

Treatment of Streptococcus mutans bacteria by a plasma needle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xianhui; Huang, Jun; Liu, Xiaodi; Peng, Lei; Guo, Lihong; Lv, Guohua; Chen, Wei; Feng, Kecheng; Yang, Si-ze

2009-03-01

A dielectric barrier discharge plasma needle was realized at atmospheric pressure with a funnel-shaped nozzle. The preliminary characteristics of the plasma plume and its applications in the inactivation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the most important microorganism causing dental caries, were presented in this paper. The temperature of the plasma plume does not reach higher than 315 K when the power is below 28 W. Oxygen was injected downstream in the plasma afterglow region through the powered steel tube. Its effect was studied via optical-emission spectroscopy, both in air and in agar. Results show that addition of 26 SCCM O2 does not affect the plume length significantly (SCCM denotes cubic centimeter per minute at STP). The inactivation of S. mutans is primarily attributed to ultraviolet light emission, O, OH, and He radicals.

Treatment of Streptococcus mutans bacteria by a plasma needle

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

Zhang Xianhui; School of Science, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin 130022; Fujian Key Lab of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Department of Aeronautics School of Physics and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005

2009-03-15

A dielectric barrier discharge plasma needle was realized at atmospheric pressure with a funnel-shaped nozzle. The preliminary characteristics of the plasma plume and its applications in the inactivation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the most important microorganism causing dental caries, were presented in this paper. The temperature of the plasma plume does not reach higher than 315 K when the power is below 28 W. Oxygen was injected downstream in the plasma afterglow region through the powered steel tube. Its effect was studied via optical-emission spectroscopy, both in air and in agar. Results show that addition of 26 SCCM O{submore » 2} does not affect the plume length significantly (SCCM denotes cubic centimeter per minute at STP). The inactivation of S. mutans is primarily attributed to ultraviolet light emission, O, OH, and He radicals.« less

Microwave plasma enabled synthesis of free standing carbon nanostructures at atmospheric pressure conditions.

PubMed

Bundaleska, N; Tsyganov, D; Dias, A; Felizardo, E; Henriques, J; Dias, F M; Abrashev, M; Kissovski, J; Tatarova, E

2018-05-23

An experimental and theoretical study on microwave (2.45 GHz) plasma enabled assembly of carbon nanostructures, such as multilayer graphene sheets and nanoparticles, was performed. The carbon nanostructures were fabricated at different Ar-CH4 gas mixture composition and flows at atmospheric pressure conditions. The synthesis method is based on decomposition of the carbon-containing precursor (CH4) in the "hot" microwave plasma environment into carbon atoms and molecules, which are further converted into solid carbon nuclei in the "colder" plasma zones. By tailoring of the plasma environment, a controlled synthesis of graphene sheets and diamond-like nanoparticles was achieved. Selective synthesis of graphene flakes was achieved at a microwave power of 1 kW, Ar and methane flow rates of 600 sccm and 2 sccm respectively, while the predominant synthesis of diamond-like nanoparticles was obtained at the same power, but with higher flow rates, i.e. 1000 and 7.5 sccm, respectively. Optical emission spectroscopy was applied to detect the plasma emission related to carbon species from the 'hot' plasma zone and to determine the main plasma parameters. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy have been applied to characterize the synthesized nanostructures. A previously developed theoretical model was further updated and employed to understand the mechanism of CH4 decomposition and formation of the main building units, i.e. C and C2, of the carbon nanostructures. An insight into the physical chemistry of carbon nanostructure formation in a high energy density microwave plasma environment is presented.

Requirements Engineering and Analysis Workshop Proceedings Held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 12-14 March 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

urally. 6.5 Summary of Current or Potential Approaches Many approaches to context analysis were discussed by the group, including: * Causal Trees * SWOT ... Apple Computer, 1988 1 Aseltine, J., Beam, W.R., Palmer, J.D., Sage, A.P., 1989, Introduction To Computer Systems: Analysis, Design and Application

JANNAF Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee and 35th Combustion Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fry, Ronald S. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor); Rognan, Melanie (Editor)

1998-01-01

This document, CPIA Publication 682, Volume 1, is a compilation of 5 unclassified/unlimited technical papers (approved for public release) which were presented at the 1 998 meeting of the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS) and Combustion Subcommittee (CS) held jointly with the Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS). The meeting was held on 7-11 December 1998 at Raytheon Systems Company and the Marriott Hotel, Tucson, AZ. Topics covered include HyTech technology development, hydrocarbon fuel development for hypersonic applications, pulse detonation propulsion system development and arc heaters for direct-connect scramjet testing.

Report of the APS Ad-Hoc Committee on LGBT Issues - Presentation of Findings and Recommendations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falk, Michael

In 2014 the Executive Officer of the American Physical Society (APS), Kate Kirby, created an Ad-Hoc Committee on LGBT Issues (C-LGBT) charged with reporting on the obstacles to inclusion of LGBT physicists, a term which for the purpose of this report refers to persons who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual, as well as other sexual and gender minorities. The full charge was as follows: ``The committee will advise the APS on the current status of LGBT issues in physics, provide recommendations for greater inclusion, and engage physicists in laying the foundation for a more inclusive physics community. ?More specifically, the committee will investigate LGBT representation in physics, assess the educational and professional climate in physics, recommend changes in policies and practices that impact LGBT physicists, and address other issues that affect inclusion.'' We will present the findings and recommendations of the C-LGBT final report, and a panel discussion will be held following the presentation to discuss the future of APS efforts toward LGBT inclusion in physics.

Report of the APS Ad-Hoc Committee on LGBT Issues - Presentation of Findings and Recommendations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Elena

2016-03-01

In 2014 the Executive Officer of the American Physical Society (APS), Kate Kirby, created an Ad-Hoc Committee on LGBT Issues (C-LGBT) charged with reporting on the obstacles to inclusion of LGBT physicists, a term which for the purpose of this report refers to persons who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual, as well as other sexual and gender minorities. The full charge was as follows: ``The committee will advise the APS on the current status of LGBT issues in physics, provide recommendations for greater inclusion, and engage physicists in laying the foundation for a more inclusive physics community? More specifically, the committee will investigate LGBT representation in physics, assess the educational and professional climate in physics, recommend changes in policies and practices that impact LGBT physicists, and address other issues that affect inclusion.'' We will present the findings and recommendations of the C-LGBT final report, and a panel discussion will be held following the presentation to discuss the future of APS efforts toward LGBT inclusion in physics.

Proceedings of Technology Showcase Held in Huntsville, Alabama on 7-9 August 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-09

Miese desirable daracteristics are as valid today as they were when the 1553 bus was created, but today IAN tecnology offers an order of magnitude...AP dust) and a dryer (to remove any water) to a compressor which recompresses the vapor before it is pumped into a condenser. The fourth step of the

76 FR 37788 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-28

... meeting of its Law Enforcement AP in Orlando, FL. DATES: The meeting will take place July 20, 2011. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Marriott Renaissance Orlando Hotel, 5445 Forbes Place, Orlando, FL 32812; telephone: (407) 240-1000. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson...

High current DC negative ion source for cyclotron.

PubMed

Etoh, H; Onai, M; Aoki, Y; Mitsubori, H; Arakawa, Y; Sakuraba, J; Kato, T; Mitsumoto, T; Hiasa, T; Yajima, S; Shibata, T; Hatayama, A; Okumura, Y

2016-02-01

A filament driven multi-cusp negative ion source has been developed for proton cyclotrons in medical applications. In Cs-free operation, continuous H(-) beam of 10 mA and D(-) beam of 3.3 mA were obtained stably at an arc-discharge power of 3 kW and 2.4 kW, respectively. In Cs-seeded operation, H(-) beam current reached 22 mA at a lower arc power of 2.6 kW with less co-extracted electron current. The optimum gas flow rate, which gives the highest H(-) current, was 15 sccm in the Cs-free operation, while it decreased to 4 sccm in the Cs-seeded operation. The relationship between H(-) production and the design/operating parameters has been also investigated by a numerical study with KEIO-MARC code, which gives a reasonable explanation to the experimental results of the H(-) current dependence on the arc power.

AlGaAs growth by OMCVD using an excimer laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warner, Joseph D.; Wilt, David M.; Pouch, John J.; Aron, Paul R.

1986-01-01

AlGaAs has been grown on GaAs by laser assisted OMCVD using an excimer laser, wavelength 193 nm, and a Cambridge OMCVD reactor. Films were grown at temperatures of 450 and 500 C with the laser beam parallel to the surface and impinging onto the surface at 15 deg from parallel. The samples were heated by RF coils while the laser beam was perpendicular to the gas flow. Typical gas flow parameters are 12 slm of H2, 15 sccm of Ga(CH3)3, 13 sccm of Al(CH3)3, and a pressure of 250 mbar. The initial energy density of the beam at the surface was 40 mJ/sq cm, the pulse rate was 20 pps, and the growth time was 7 min. The films were analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy for the aluminum concentration and by TEM for the surface morphology.

The Schrödinger Sessions: Science for Science Fiction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orzel, Chad; Edwards, Emily; Rolston, Steven

In July 2015, we held a workshop for 17 science fiction writers working in a variety of media at the Joint Quantum Institute at the University of Maryland, College Park. ''The Schrödinger Sessions,'' funded by an outreach grant from APS, provided a three-day ''crash course'' on quantum physics and technology, including lectures from JQI scientists and tours of JQI labs. The goal was to better inform and inspire stories making use of quantum physics, as a means of outreach to inspire a broad audience of future scientists. We will report on the contents of the workshop, reactions from the attendees and presenters, and future plans. Funded by an Outreach Mini-Grant from the APS.

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

Anand, Venu, E-mail: venuanand@cense.iisc.ernet.in, E-mail: venuanand83@gmail.com; Shivashankar, S. A.; Nair, Aswathi R.

Gas discharge plasmas used for thinfilm deposition by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) must be devoid of contaminants, like dust or active species which disturb the intended chemical reaction. In atmospheric pressure plasma systems employing an inert gas, the main source of such contamination is the residual air inside the system. To enable the construction of an atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) system with minimal contamination, we have carried out fluid dynamic simulation of the APP chamber into which an inert gas is injected at different mass flow rates. On the basis of the simulation results, we have designed and builtmore » a simple, scaled APP system, which is capable of holding a 100 mm substrate wafer, so that the presence of air (contamination) in the APP chamber is minimized with as low a flow rate of argon as possible. This is examined systematically by examining optical emission from the plasma as a function of inert gas flow rate. It is found that optical emission from the plasma shows the presence of atmospheric air, if the inlet argon flow rate is lowered below 300 sccm. That there is minimal contamination of the APP reactor built here, was verified by conducting an atmospheric pressure PECVD process under acetylene flow, combined with argon flow at 100 sccm and 500 sccm. The deposition of a polymer coating is confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the polymer coating contains only 5% of oxygen, which is comparable to the oxygen content in polymer deposits obtained in low-pressure PECVD systems.« less

Green binary and phase shifting mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shy, S. L.; Hong, Chao-Sin; Wu, Cheng-San; Chen, S. J.; Wu, Hung-Yu; Ting, Yung-Chiang

2009-12-01

SixNy/Ni thin film green mask blanks were developed , and are now going to be used to replace general chromium film used for binary mask as well as to replace molydium silicide embedded material for AttPSM for I-line (365 nm), KrF (248 nm), ArF (193 nm) and Contact/Proximity lithography. A bilayer structure of a 1 nm thick opaque, conductive nickel layer and a SixNy layer is proposed for binary and phase-shifting mask. With the good controlling of plasma CVD of SixNy under silane (50 sccm), ammonia (5 sccm) and nitrogen (100 sccm), the pressure is 250 mTorr. and RF frequency 13.56 MHz and power 50 W. SixNy has enough deposition latitude to meet the requirements as an embedded layer for required phase shift 180 degree, and the T% in 193, 248 and 365 nm can be adjusted between 2% to 20% for binary and phase shifting mask usage. Ni can be deposited by E-gun, its sheet resistance Rs is less than 1.435 kΩ/square. Jeol e-beam system and I-line stepper are used to evaluate these thin film green mask blanks, feature size less than 200 nm half pitch pattern and 0.558 μm pitch contact hole can be printed. Transmission spectrums of various thickness of SixNy film are inspected by using UV spectrometer and FTIR. Optical constants of the SixNy film are measured by n & k meter and surface roughness is inspected by using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM).

The MEMS process of a micro friction sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Ming-Quan; Lei, Qiang; Wang, Xiong

2018-02-01

The research and testing techniques of friction sensor is an important support for hypersonic aircraft. Compared with the conventional skin friction sensor, the MEMS skin friction sensor has the advantages of small size, high sensitivity, good stability and dynamic response. The MEMS skin friction sensor can be integrated with other flow field sensors whose process is compatible with MEMS skin friction sensor to achieve multi-physical measurement of the flow field; and the micro-friction balance sensor array enable to achieve large area and accurate measurement for the near-wall flow. A MEMS skin friction sensor structure is proposed, which sensing element not directly contacted with the flow field. The MEMS fabrication process of the sensing element is described in detail. The thermal silicon oxide is used as the mask to solve the selection ratio problem of silicon DRIE. The optimized process parameters of silicon DRIE: etching power 1600W/LF power 100 W; SF6 flux 360 sccm; C4F8 flux 300 sccm; O2 flux 300 sccm. With Cr/Au mask, etch depth of glass shallow groove can be controlled in 30°C low concentration HF solution; the spray etch and wafer rotate improve the corrosion surface quality of glass shallow groove. The MEMS skin friction sensor samples were fabricated by the above MEMS process, and results show that the error of the length and width of the elastic cantilever is within 2 μm, the depth error of the shallow groove is less than 0.03 μm, and the static capacitance error is within 0.2 pF, which satisfy the design requirements.

Continuous Spectrum LEDs Promote Seedling Quality Traits and Performance of Quercus ithaburensis var. macrolepis

PubMed Central

Smirnakou, Sonia; Ouzounis, Theoharis; Radoglou, Kalliopi M.

2017-01-01

Regulation of the growth, development, and quality of plants by the control of light quality has attracted extensive attention worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of continuous LED spectrum for indoor plant pre-cultivation and to investigate the morphological and physiological responses of a common broadleaved tree species in Mediterranean environment, Quercus ithaburensis var. macrolepis at seedling developmental stage. Thus, the seedlings were pre-cultivated for 28 days, under five different LED light qualities: (1) Fluorescent (FL) as control light (2) L20AP67 (high in green and moderate in far-red), (3) AP673L (high in green and red), (4) G2 (highest in red and far-red), AP67 (high in blue, red, and far-red), and (5) NS1 (highest in blue and green and lowest in far-red) LEDs. Further examination was held at the nursery for 1 year, on several seedling quality traits. Indeed, AP67 and AP673L triggered higher leaf formation, while L20AP67 positively affected seedling shoot development. NS1 and AP67 LED pre-cultivated seedlings showed significantly higher root fibrosity than those of FL light. Furthermore, NS1 and AP673L LEDs induced fourfold increase on seedling root dry weight than FL light. Hence, evaluating the seedling nursery performance attributes, most of those photomorphogenetic responses previously obtained were still detectable. Even more so, LED pre-cultivated seedlings showed higher survival and faster growth indicating better adaptation even under natural light conditions, a fact further reinforced by the significantly higher Dickson’s quality index acquired. In conclusion, the goal of each nursery management program is the production of high quality seedlings with those desirable traits, which in turn satisfy the specific needs for a particular reforestation site. Thus, the enhanced oak seedling quality traits formed under continuous LEDs spectrum especially of NS1 and AP673L pre-cultivation may potentially fulfill this goal. PMID:28261244

The International Cytokine Conference (11th) Held in Dublin (Ireland) on September 20-24 2003 (European Cytokine Network, Volume 14, Number 3, September 2003)

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

Fisiologia Celular UNAM, Mexico City/ Mexico specific marker of bacterial sepsis. Despite the increasing clinical importance of PCT the knowledge about its...about their function or scription factor NF-kappaB. Likewise, Varicella -zoster virus strongly mechanism of action. activates the AP- 1 components Jun and

77 FR 69931 - Art Advisory Panel; Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-21

... 6, 2012, at 290 Broadway, Foley Square, New York, New York 10007 at 9:30 a.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth M. Vriend, C:AP:SO:ART, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone... Advisory Panel will be held on December 6, 2012, at 290 Broadway, Foley Square at 9:30 a.m., New York, NY...

Report of the Physics Gender Equity Workshop (May 2007) at APS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berrah, Nora

2008-04-01

The Committee of the Status of Women in Physics (CSWP) of the American Physical Society (APS) organized and held a national workshop entitled ``Gender Equity: Strengthening the Physics Enterprise in Universities and National Laboratories'' to focus on addressing the gender gap in the field of physics. The major aim of the workshop was to facilitate a doubling of the number of women in physics, in both academia and national laboratories, over the next 15 years. The active participation of physics department chairs, national laboratory managers, and federal agencies allowed exciting collective work that enabled new ideas to emerge, both to make the field of physics more attractive to women and men, and to find effective ways to retain women in physics. The group also generated a set of recommendations that can be applied at any physics department or national laboratory unit [1]. A report from this workshop will be presented. [1] http://www.aps.org/programs/women/workshops/gender-equity/index.cfm

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.

Thermal and Evolved Gas Analysis of Calcite Under Reduced Operating Pressures: Implications for the 2011 MSL Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauer, H. V. Jr.; Ming, D. W.; Sutter, B.; Mahaffy, P. R.

2010-01-01

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is scheduled for launch in 2011. The science objectives for MSL are to assess the past or present biological potential, to characterize the geology, and to investigate other planetary processes that influence habitability at the landing site. The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) is a key instrument on the MSL payload that will explore the potential habitability at the landing site [1]. In addition to searching for organic compounds, SAM will have the capability to characterized evolved gases as a function of increasing temperature and provide information on the mineralogy of volatile-bearing phases such as carbonates, sulfates, phyllosilicates, and Fe-oxyhydroxides. The operating conditions in SAM ovens will be maintained at 30 mb pressure with a He carrier gas flowing at 1 sccm. We have previously characterized the thermal and evolved gas behaviors of volatile-bearing species under reduced pressure conditions that simulated operating conditions of the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) that was onboard the 2007 Mars Phoenix Scout Mission [e.g., 2-8]. TEGA ovens operated at 12 mb pressure with a N2 carrier gas flowing at 0.04 sccm. Another key difference between SAM and TEGA is that TEGA was able to perform differential scanning calorimetry whereas SAM only has a pyrolysis oven. The operating conditions for TEGA and SAM have several key parameter differences including operating pressure (12 vs 30 mb), carrier gas (N2 vs. He), and carrier gas flow rate (0.04 vs 1 sccm). The objectives of this study are to characterize the thermal and evolved gas analysis of calcite under SAM operating conditions and then compare it to calcite thermal and evolved gas analysis under TEGA operating conditions.

Physical Intrepretation of Mathematically Invariant K(r,P) Type Equations of State for Hydrodynamically Driven Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrbek, George

2001-06-01

At SCCM Shock 99, Lie Group Theory was applied to the problem of temperature independent, hydrodynamic shock in a Birch-Murnaghan continuum. (1) Ratios of the group parameters were shown to be linked to the physical parameters specified in the second, third, and fourth order BM-EOS approximations. This effort has subsequently been extended to provide a general formalism for a wide class of mathematical forms (i.e., K(r,P)) of the equation of state. Variations in material expansion and resistance (i.e., counter pressure) are shown to be functions of compression and material variation ahead of the expanding front. Specific examples included the Birch-Murnaghan, Vinet, Brennan-Stacey, Shanker, Tait, Poirier, and Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) forms. (2) With these ratios defined, the next step is to predict the behavior of these K(r,P) type solids. To do this, one must introduce the group ratios into a numerical simulation for the flow and generate the density, pressure, and particle velocity profiles as the shock moves through the material. This will allow the various equations of state, and their respective fitting coefficients, to be compared with experiments, and additionally, allow the empirical coefficients for these EOS forms to be adjusted accordingly. (1) Hrbek, G. M., Invariant Functional Forms For The Second, Third, And Fourth Order Birch-Murnaghan Equation of State For Materials Subject to Hydrodynamic Shock, Proceedings of the 11th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 99), Snowbird, Utah (2) Hrbek, G. M., Invariant Functional Forms For K(r,P) Type Equations Of State For Hydrodynamically Driven Flows, Submitted to the 12th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 01), Atlanta, Georgia

Iron-Doped Carbon Aerogels: Novel Porous Substrates for Direct Growth of Carbon Nanotubes

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Steiner, S. A.; Baumann, T. F.; Kong, J.; Satcher, J. H.; Dresselhaus, M. S.

2007-02-20

We present the synthesis and characterization of Fe-doped carbon aerogels (CAs) and demonstrate the ability to grow carbon nanotubes directly on monoliths of these materials to afford novel carbon aerogel-carbon nanotube composites. Preparation of the Fe-doped CAs begins with the sol-gel polymerization of the potassium salt of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid with formaldehyde, affording K{sup +}-doped gels that can then be converted to Fe{sup 2+}- or Fe{sup 3+}-doped gels through an ion exchange process, dried with supercritical CO{sub 2} and subsequently carbonized under an inert atmosphere. Analysis of the Fe-doped CAs by TEM, XRD and XPS revealed that the doped iron species are reduced during carbonization to form metallic iron and iron carbide nanoparticles. The sizes and chemical composition of the reduced Fe species were related to pyrolysis temperature as well as the type of iron salt used in the ion exchange process. Raman spectroscopy and XRD analysis further reveal that, despite the presence of the Fe species, the CA framework is not significantly graphitized during pyrolysis. The Fe-doped CAs were subsequently placed in a thermal CVD reactor and exposed to a mixture of CH{sub 4} (1000 sccm), H{sub 2} (500 sccm), and C{sub 2}H{sub 4} (20 sccm) at temperatures ranging from 600 to 800 C for 10 minutes, resulting in direct growth of carbon nanotubes on the aerogel monoliths. Carbon nanotubes grown by this method appear to be multiwalled ({approx}25 nm in diameter and up to 4 mm long) and grow through a tip-growth mechanism that pushes catalytic iron particles out of the aerogel framework. The highest yield of CNTs were grown on Fe-doped CAs pyrolyzed at 800 C treated at CVD temperatures of 700 C.

JANNAF 17th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cocchiaro, James E. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor); Rognan, Melanie (Editor)

1998-01-01

Volume 1, the first of two volumes is a compilation of 16 unclassified/unlimited technical papers presented at the 17th meeting of the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS) held jointly with the 35th Combustion Subcommittee (CS) and Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS). The meeting was held on 7 - 11 December 1998 at Raytheon Systems Company and the Marriott Hotel, Tucson, AZ. Topics covered include projectile and shaped charge jet impact vulnerability of munitions; thermal decomposition and cookoff behavior of energetic materials; damage and hot spot initiation mechanisms with energetic materials; detonation phenomena of solid energetic materials; and hazard classification, insensitive munitions, and propulsion systems safety.

High current DC negative ion source for cyclotron

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

Etoh, H., E-mail: Hrh-Etoh@shi.co.jp; Aoki, Y.; Mitsubori, H.

2016-02-15

A filament driven multi-cusp negative ion source has been developed for proton cyclotrons in medical applications. In Cs-free operation, continuous H{sup −} beam of 10 mA and D{sup −} beam of 3.3 mA were obtained stably at an arc-discharge power of 3 kW and 2.4 kW, respectively. In Cs-seeded operation, H{sup −} beam current reached 22 mA at a lower arc power of 2.6 kW with less co-extracted electron current. The optimum gas flow rate, which gives the highest H{sup −} current, was 15 sccm in the Cs-free operation, while it decreased to 4 sccm in the Cs-seeded operation. Themore » relationship between H{sup −} production and the design/operating parameters has been also investigated by a numerical study with KEIO-MARC code, which gives a reasonable explanation to the experimental results of the H{sup −} current dependence on the arc power.« less

Optimization of silicon oxynitrides by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for an interferometric biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choo, Sung Joong; Lee, Byung-Chul; Lee, Sang-Myung; Park, Jung Ho; Shin, Hyun-Joon

2009-09-01

In this paper, silicon oxynitride layers deposited with different plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) conditions were fabricated and optimized, in order to make an interferometric sensor for detecting biochemical reactions. For the optimization of PECVD silicon oxynitride layers, the influence of the N2O/SiH4 gas flow ratio was investigated. RF power in the PEVCD process was also adjusted under the optimized N2O/SiH4 gas flow ratio. The optimized silicon oxynitride layer was deposited with 15 W in chamber under 25/150 sccm of N2O/SiH4 gas flow rates. The clad layer was deposited with 20 W in chamber under 400/150 sccm of N2O/SiH4 gas flow condition. An integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometric biosensor based on optical waveguide technology was fabricated under the optimized PECVD conditions. The adsorption reaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the silicon oxynitride surface was performed and verified with this device.

Quantitative analysis of oxygen content in copper oxide films using ultra microbalance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Yonghua; Wang, Lianhong; Liu, Chong; Fan, Jing

2014-12-01

Copper oxide films were prepared on quartz substrates through electron beam physical vapor deposition in a vacuum chamber, and the films were observed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The oxygen content of the films were analyzed using an ultra microbalance. Results indicated that when the substrate was heated to 600°C and the oxygen flow rate was 5 sccm, the film was composed of 47% Cu and 53% Cu2O (mass percent), and the oxidation ratio of copper was 25%. After the deposition process at the same condition, i.e. the substrate at temperature of 600°C and blowed by oxygen flowrate of 5 sccm, then in-stu annealed at 600°C in low oxygen pressure of 10 Pa for 30 minutes, the film composition became 22% Cu2O and 78% CuO (mass percent), and the oxidation ratio of copper greatly increased to about 88%.

Impact of oxygen precursor flow on the forward bias behavior of MOCVD-Al2O3 dielectrics grown on GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Silvia H.; Bisi, Davide; Liu, Xiang; Yeluri, Ramya; Tahhan, Maher; Keller, Stacia; DenBaars, Steven P.; Meneghini, Matteo; Mishra, Umesh K.

2017-11-01

This paper investigates the effects of the oxygen precursor flow supplied during metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of Al2O3 films on the forward bias behavior of Al2O3/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors. The low oxygen flow (100 sccm) delivered during the in situ growth of Al2O3 on GaN resulted in films that exhibited a stable capacitance under forward stress, a lower density of stress-generated negative fixed charges, and a higher dielectric breakdown strength compared to Al2O3 films grown under high oxygen flow (480 sccm). The low oxygen grown Al2O3 dielectrics exhibited lower gate current transients in stress/recovery measurements, providing evidence of a reduced density of trap states near the GaN conduction band and an enhanced robustness under accumulated gate stress. This work reveals oxygen flow variance in MOCVD to be a strategy for controlling the dielectric properties and performance.

Structural changes of a-CNx thin films induced by thermal annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, Siti Aisyah Abd; Awang, Rozidawati

2018-04-01

In this work, amorphous carbon nitride (a-CNx) thin films were deposited by radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) technique at different RF powers of 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 W for 30 min. These films were prepared using a mixture of acetylene (C2H2) at 20 sccm and nitrogen (N2) gases at 50 sccm. The films were then annealed at 400 °C in a quartz tube furnace in argon (Ar) gas. The chemical bondings of the film were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) while surface morphology and film roughness were determined by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The FTIR analysis reveals that annealing resulted in the loss of C-H and C-N bonds and formation of graphitic sp2C cluster with the dissociation of N and C in the films. AFM indicates that the film surface becomes less rough which effectually enhances structural modifications and the rearrangement of the microstructure of the films after annealing.

Promising prospects for 44Sc-/47Sc-based theragnostics: application of 47Sc for radionuclide tumor therapy in mice.

PubMed

Müller, Cristina; Bunka, Maruta; Haller, Stephanie; Köster, Ulli; Groehn, Viola; Bernhardt, Peter; van der Meulen, Nicholas; Türler, Andreas; Schibli, Roger

2014-10-01

In recent years, (47)Sc has attracted attention because of its favorable decay characteristics (half-life, 3.35 d; average energy, 162 keV; Eγ, 159 keV) for therapeutic application and for SPECT imaging. The aim of the present study was to investigate the suitability of (47)Sc for radionuclide therapy in a preclinical setting. For this purpose a novel DOTA-folate conjugate (cm10) with an albumin-binding entity was used. (47)Sc was produced via the (46)Ca(n,γ)(47)Ca[Formula: see text](47)Sc nuclear reaction at the high-flux reactor at the Institut Laue-Langevin. Separation of the (47)Sc from the target material was performed by a semi-automated process using extraction chromatography and cation exchange chromatography. (47)Sc-labeled cm10 was tested on folate receptor-positive KB tumor cells in vitro. Biodistribution and SPECT imaging experiments were performed in KB tumor-bearing mice. Radionuclide therapy was conducted with two groups of mice, which received either (47)Sc-cm10 (10 MBq) or only saline. Tumor growth and survival time were compared between the two groups of mice. Irradiation of (46)Ca resulted in approximately 1.8 GBq of (47)Ca, which subsequently decayed to (47)Sc. Separation of (47)Sc from (47)Ca was obtained with 80% yield in only 10 min. The (47)Sc was then available in a small volume (∼500 μL) of an ammonium acetate/HCl (pH 4.5) solution suitable for direct radiolabeling. (47)Sc-cm10 was prepared with a radiochemical yield of more than 96% at a specific activity of up to 13 MBq/nmol. In vitro (47)Sc-cm10 showed folate receptor-specific binding and uptake into KB tumor cells. In vivo SPECT/CT images allowed the visualization of accumulated radioactivity in KB tumors and in the kidneys. The therapy study showed a significantly delayed tumor growth in mice, which received (47)Sc-cm10 (10 MBq, 10 Gy) resulting in a more than 50% increase in survival time, compared with untreated control mice. With this study, we demonstrated the suitability of using (47)Sc for therapeutic purposes. On the basis of our recent results obtained with (44)Sc-folate, the present work confirms the applicability of (44)Sc/(47)Sc as an excellent matched pair of nuclides for PET imaging and radionuclide therapy. © 2014 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

Foreword: 18th Aps-Sccm and 24th Airapt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, Gilbert; Moore, David S.; Yoo, Choong-Shik

2014-05-01

This second joint conference between the APS Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter and the International Association for the Advancement of High Pressure Science and Technology (AIRAPT) demonstrates that static and dynamic compression of condensed matter continues to be a vibrant field of science and engineering. It is also by its nature an interdisciplinary field, incorporating chemistry, materials science, solid mechanics, plasma physics, and condensed matter physics, and utilizes theoretical, computational, and experimental tools. Recent years have brought about many advances in loading platforms, diagnostics, and computations that are leading to the emergence of many new avenues of research. These advances are also breathing new life into traditional topics such as equations of state, phase transformations, and chemistry at extreme conditions. The plenary lectures by Gennady Kanel, Karl Syassen, David Ceperley, Jon Eggert, Duck Young Kim, and Richard Kraus spanned the disciplines of static and dynamic high pressure physics and illustrated the breadth of the field. They also showed that interesting and important problems remain for researchers of the future to solve. The main guiding principal in the organization of this conference was to intertwine static and dynamical experimental alongside computational and theoretical studies of similar materials. To achieve this goal, we arranged the conference to include static, dynamic, and computational components in the same sessions, quite often taking presenters out of their comfort zone. The three special sessions on Deep Carbon Budget (organized by Giulia Galli and Rus Hemley), High Energy Density Materials (organized by Raymond Jeanloz and Jon Eggert), and Dynamic Response of Materials (organized by Yogendra Gupta and John Sarrao) furthered this guiding principal. We also endeavored to represent the breadth of static and dynamic high pressure science and technology, notably beyond that done at national laboratories. To this end, a significant fraction of the plenary, invited and contributed presentations showcased work done in academia, defense laboratories and industry, as well as internationally. Although travel distance and visa issues always present difficulties, the conference had strong representation from a record number of international participants, including sizable groups from Russia and China (thanks to Tony Zocher and Frank Cherne), as well as Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, Israel, and Italy. It is our sincere hope that international interactions that occurred at the conference will lead to further collaborations in the future. Finally, we strived to increase student participation at the conference. Through the leadership of Scott Alexander and his committee, a new all-day student symposium was held the day before the main conference, with only student attendees and presenters, in order to acclimate the students to conference participation and help them network with their peers. In cooperation with the APS Topical Group and the AIRAPT and with additional support from DTRA and the AWE, the conference was able to provide financial assistance to a large number of students to attend the conference and present their research. This aid helped increase the number of student attendees significantly over previous conferences. Finally, the conference sponsored a networking lunch for students and representatives from a number of laboratories and other institutions, which was well attended. Seattle proved itself to be an excellent venue for the conference. The international flavor of the city provided ample dining options and numerous activity choices outside of the conference sessions. The major international airport made travel as easy as possible, as Seattle is a convenient central location for attendees from Europe and Asia. The conference was truly a team effort with critical contributions from many individuals. We deeply appreciate their contributions to the success of the conference and the publication of these proceedings. Gilbert (RIP) Collins David S Moore Choong-Shik Yoo

2007 Armaments Technology Seminar and Exhibition - Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-13

MTOP APS LOS-KE TBX Ceramic Barrel Novel Energetic Materials for the Future Force Multimode HPM and Laser Induced Plasma Channel Technology T Force...in one item • Enhanced incendiary device • Replacement of environmentally unfriendly materials • Insensitive munitions compliance 12 Pyrotechnics...simulators • Pocket sized hand held signals • Replacement of environmentally unfriendly materials • Improve pyrotechnic characteristics with nanotechnologies

Reports by the Members of the Institution of Defectology of the APS USSR/Moscow/to the First Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Mental Deficiency.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Inst. of Defectology.

Presented are 14 reports given by members of the Institute of Defectology in Moscow to the First Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Mental Deficiency held in Montpellier, France, in 1967. The papers have the following titles: "The Soviet Education Scheme for Mentally Retarded Children", "Main…

Dispersal, density dependence, and population dynamics of a fungal microbe on leaf surfaces.

PubMed

Woody, Scott T; Ives, Anthony R; Nordheim, Erik V; Andrews, John H

2007-06-01

Despite the ubiquity and importance of microbes in nature, little is known about their natural population dynamics, especially for those that occupy terrestrial habitats. Here we investigate the dynamics of the yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans (Ap) on apple leaves in an orchard. We asked three questions. (1) Is variation in fungal population density among leaves caused by variation in leaf carrying capacities and strong density-dependent population growth that maintains densities near carrying capacity? (2) Do resident populations have competitive advantages over immigrant cells? (3) Do Ap dynamics differ at different times during the growing season? To address these questions, we performed two experiments at different times in the growing season. Both experiments used a 2 x 2 factorial design: treatment 1 removed fungal cells from leaves to reveal density-dependent population growth, and treatment 2 inoculated leaves with an Ap strain engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP), which made it possible to track the fate of immigrant cells. The experiments showed that natural populations of Ap vary greatly in density due to sustained differences in carrying capacities among leaves. The maintenance of populations close to carrying capacities indicates strong density-dependent processes. Furthermore, resident populations are strongly competitive against immigrants, while immigrants have little impact on residents. Finally, statistical models showed high population growth rates of resident cells in one experiment but not in the other, suggesting that Ap experiences relatively "good" and "bad" periods for population growth. This picture of Ap dynamics conforms to commonly held, but rarely demonstrated, expectations of microbe dynamics in nature. It also highlights the importance of local processes, as opposed to immigration, in determining the abundance and dynamics of microbes on surfaces in terrestrial systems.

26th JANNAF Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fry, Ronald S. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor)

2002-01-01

This volume, the first of four volumes, is a collection of 28 unclassified/unlimited-distribution papers which were presented at the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) 26th Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS) was held jointly with the 38th Combustion Subcommittee (CS), 20th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS), and 2nd Modeling and Simulation Subcommittee. The meeting was held 8-12 April 2002 at the Bayside Inn at The Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort and Eglin Air Force Base, Destin, Florida. Topics covered include: scramjet and ramjet R&D program overviews; tactical propulsion; space access; NASA GTX status; PDE technology; actively cooled engine structures; modeling and simulation of complex hydrocarbon fuels and unsteady processes; and component modeling and simulation.

JANNAF 35th Combustion Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fry, Ronald S. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor); Rognan, Melanie (Editor)

1998-01-01

Volume 1, the first of two volumes is a compilation of 63 unclassified/unlimited distribution technical papers presented at the 35th meeting of the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Combustion Subcommittee (CS) held jointly with the 17th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS) and Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS). The meeting was held on 7-11 December 1998 at Raytheon Systems Company and the Marriott Hotel, Tucson, AZ. Topics covered include solid gun propellant processing, ignition and combustion, charge concepts, barrel erosion and flash, gun interior ballistics, kinetics and molecular modeling, ETC gun modeling, simulation and diagnostics, and liquid gun propellant combustion; solid rocket motor propellant combustion, combustion instability fundamentals, motor instability, and measurement techniques; and liquid and hybrid rocket combustion.

JANNAF 18th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cocchiaro, James E. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor)

1999-01-01

This volume, the first of two volumes is a compilation of 18 unclassified/unlimited-distribution technical papers presented at the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) 18th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS) meeting held jointly with the 36th Combustion Subcommittee (CS) and 24th Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS) meetings. The meeting was held 18-21 October 1999 at NASA Kennedy Space Center and The DoubleTree Oceanfront Hotel, Cocoa Beach, Florida. Topics covered at the PSHS meeting include: shaped charge jet and kinetic energy penetrator impact vulnerability of gun propellants; thermal decomposition and cookoff behavior of energetic materials; violent reaction; detonation phenomena of solid energetic materials subjected to shock and impact stimuli; and hazard classification, insensitive munitions, and propulsion systems safety.

Fifth International Conference on High Energy Density Physics

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

Beg, Farhat

The Fifth International Conference on High Energy Density Physics (ICHED 2015) was held in the Catamaran Hotel in San Diego from August 23-27, 2015. This meeting was the fifth in a series which began in 2008 in conjunction with the April meeting of the American Physical Society (APS). The main goal of this conference has been to bring together researchers from all fields of High Energy Density Science (HEDS) into one, unified meeting.

The DISAM Journal of International Security Assistance Management. Volume 30, Number 3, September 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

a U.S. inter-agency delegation to the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Central American Integration System, or SICA, Dialogue on Security held in ...WTO] including making China a member in 2001. We also have strongly promoted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum [ APEC ] and fashioned high...President Bush endorsed a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific [FTA AP] during his visit to the APEC leaders meeting

Specifications of the High-Flux Solar Furnace | Concentrating Solar Power |

Science.gov Websites

Non-imaging compound parabolic Acceptance angle: 14 degrees Entrance diameter: 6 cm Exit diameter secondary concentrator configurations are possible depending on the experimental needs. Back to top XYZ controllers ranging from 2,000 to 30,000 sccm Exhaust hood above experimental area Drill press and hand tools

An Easy to Manufacture Micro Gas Preconcentrator for Chemical Sensing Applications.

PubMed

McCartney, Mitchell M; Zrodnikov, Yuriy; Fung, Alexander G; LeVasseur, Michael K; Pedersen, Josephine M; Zamuruyev, Konstantin O; Aksenov, Alexander A; Kenyon, Nicholas J; Davis, Cristina E

2017-08-25

We have developed a simple-to-manufacture microfabricated gas preconcentrator for MEMS-based chemical sensing applications. Cavities and microfluidic channels were created using a wet etch process with hydrofluoric acid, portions of which can be performed outside of a cleanroom, instead of the more common deep reactive ion etch process. The integrated heater and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) were created with a photolithography-free technique enabled by laser etching. With only 28 V DC (0.1 A), a maximum heating rate of 17.6 °C/s was observed. Adsorption and desorption flow parameters were optimized to be 90 SCCM and 25 SCCM, respectively, for a multicomponent gas mixture. Under testing conditions using Tenax TA sorbent, the device was capable of measuring analytes down to 22 ppb with only a 2 min sample loading time using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. Two separate devices were compared by measuring the same chemical mixture; both devices yielded similar peak areas and widths (fwhm: 0.032-0.033 min), suggesting reproducibility between devices.

Ethanol production during semi-continuous syngas fermentation in a trickle bed reactor using Clostridium ragsdalei.

PubMed

Devarapalli, Mamatha; Atiyeh, Hasan K; Phillips, John R; Lewis, Randy S; Huhnke, Raymond L

2016-06-01

An efficient syngas fermentation bioreactor provides a mass transfer capability that matches the intrinsic kinetics of the microorganism to obtain high gas conversion efficiency and productivity. In this study, mass transfer and gas utilization efficiencies of a trickle bed reactor during syngas fermentation by Clostridium ragsdalei were evaluated at various gas and liquid flow rates. Fermentations were performed using a syngas mixture of 38% CO, 28.5% CO2, 28.5% H2 and 5% N2, by volume. Results showed that increasing the gas flow rate from 2.3 to 4.6sccm increased the CO uptake rate by 76% and decreased the H2 uptake rate by 51% up to Run R6. Biofilm formation after R6 increased cells activity with over threefold increase in H2 uptake rate. At 1662h, the final ethanol and acetic acid concentrations were 5.7 and 12.3g/L, respectively, at 200ml/min of liquid flow rate and 4.6sccm gas flow rate. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Insight into the effect of screw dislocations and oxygen vacancy defects on the optical nonlinear refraction response in chemically grown ZnO/Al2O3 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Arpana; Saroj, Rajendra K.; Dar, Tanveer A.; Baraskar, Priyanka; Sen, Pratima; Dhar, Subhabrata

2017-11-01

We report the effect of screw dislocations and oxygen vacancy defects on the optical nonlinear refraction response of ZnO films grown on a sapphire substrate at various oxygen flow rates using the chemical vapor deposition technique. The nonlinear refraction response was investigated in the off-resonant regime using a CW He-Ne laser source to examine the role of the intermediate bandgap states. It has been observed that the structural defects strongly influence the optical nonlinearity in the off-resonant regime. Nonlinearity has been found to improve as the oxygen flow rate is lowered from 2 sccm to 0.3 sccm. From photoluminescence studies, we observe that the enhanced defect density of the electronic defect levels due to the increased concentration of structural defects (with the decrease in the oxygen flow rate) is responsible for this improved optical nonlinearity along with the thermal effect. This suggests that defect engineering is an effective way to tailor the nonlinearity of ZnO films and their utility for optoelectronic device applications.

Dependence of Laminar Flow Fluctuation on Indium Composition in In0.07GaAs/GaAs Quantum Wells for 940-nm Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dae-Kwang; Lee, Hyung-Joo; An, Won-Chan; Kim, Hong-Gun; Kwac, Lee-Ku

2018-05-01

The effect of laminar flow fluctuation on the indium composition of In0.07GaAs quantum wells was investigated in order to obtain a higher output power from infrared lighting-emitting diodes (IR-LEDs) having a 940-nm wavelength. By controlling the injection pressure, we obtained various laminar flow conditions. Through subsequent photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, a noticeable improvement in the optical and the crystalline characteristics of the In0.07GaAs quantum wells was observed at an optimum laminar flow. This result could be attributed to a reduction of non-crystallization in InGaAs quantum wells that had their indium composition improved via the optimized laminar flow. Overall, a significantly improved output power (11.2 mW) was obtained from a 940-nm IR-LED chip fabricated at an optimum laminar flow of 500 sccm, and a remarkable increase of approximately 250% was displayed compared to a conventional chip (3.9 mW) fabricated at a laminar flow of 100 sccm.

Dynamic Response of CoSb2O6 Trirutile-Type Oxides in a CO2 Atmosphere at Low-Temperatures

PubMed Central

Guillén-Bonilla, Alex; Rodríguez-Betancourtt, Verónica-María; Flores-Martínez, Martín; Blanco-Alonso, Oscar; Reyes-Gómez, Juan; Gildo-Ortiz, Lorenzo; Guillén-Bonilla, Héctor

2014-01-01

Experimental work on the synthesis of the CoSb2O6 oxide and its CO2 sensing properties is presented here. The oxide was synthesized by a microwave-assisted colloidal method in presence of ethylenediamine after calcination at 600 °C. This CoSb2O6 oxide crystallized in a tetragonal structure with cell parameters a = 4.6495 and c = 9.2763 Å, and space group P42/mnm. To prove its physical, chemical and sensing properties, the oxide was subjected to a series of tests: Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and impedance (Z) measurements. Microstructures, like columns, bars and hollow hemispheres, were observed. For the CO2 sensing test, a thick film of CoSb2O6 was used, measuring the impedance variations on the presence of air/CO2 flows (0.100 sccm/0.100 sccm) using AC (alternating current) signals in the frequency-range 0.1–100 kHz and low relative temperatures (250 and 300 °C). The CO2 sensing results were quite good. PMID:25162232

High density flux of Co nanoparticles produced by a simple gas aggregation apparatus.

PubMed

Landi, G T; Romero, S A; Santos, A D

2010-03-01

Gas aggregation is a well known method used to produce clusters of different materials with good size control, reduced dispersion, and precise stoichiometry. The cost of these systems is relatively high and they are generally dedicated apparatuses. Furthermore, the usual sample production speed of these systems is not as fast as physical vapor deposition devices posing a problem when thick samples are needed. In this paper we describe the development of a multipurpose gas aggregation system constructed as an adaptation to a magnetron sputtering system. The cost of this adaptation is negligible and its installation and operation are both remarkably simple. The gas flow for flux in the range of 60-130 SCCM (SCCM denotes cubic centimeter per minute at STP) is able to completely collimate all the sputtered material, producing spherical nanoparticles. Co nanoparticles were produced and characterized using electron microscopy techniques and Rutherford back-scattering analysis. The size of the particles is around 10 nm with around 75 nm/min of deposition rate at the center of a Gaussian profile nanoparticle beam.

JANNAF 19th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cocchiaro, James E. (Editor); Kuckels, Melanie C. (Editor)

2000-01-01

This volume, the first of two volumes is a compilation of 25 unclassified/unlimited-distribution technical papers presented at the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) 19th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS) meeting held jointly with the 37th Combustion Subcommittee (CS) and 25th Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS), and 1st Modeling and Simulation Subcommittee (MSS) meetings. The meeting was held 13-17 November 2000 at the Naval Postgraduate School and Hyatt Regency Hotel, Monterey, California. Topics covered at the PSHS meeting include: impact and thermal vulnerability of gun propellants; thermal decomposition and cookoff behavior of energetic materials; violent reaction and detonation phenomena of solid energetic materials subjected to shock and impact loading; and hazard classification, and insensitive munitions testing of propellants and propulsion systems.

Initial Thrust Measurements of Marshall's Ion-ioN Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caruso, Natalie R. S.; Scogin, Tyler; Liu, Thomas M.; Walker, Mitchell L. R.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Dankanich, John W.

2015-01-01

Electronegative ion thrusters are a variation of traditional gridded ion thruster technology differentiated by the production and acceleration of both positive and negative ions. Benefits of electronegative ion thrusters include the elimination of lifetime-limiting cathodes from the thruster architecture and the ability to generate appreciable thrust from both charge species. While much progress has been made in the development of electronegative ion thruster technology, direct thrust measurements are required to unambiguously demonstrate the efficacy of the concept and support continued development. In the present work, direct thrust measurements of the thrust produced by the MINT (Marshall's Ion-ioN Thruster) are performed using an inverted-pendulum thrust stand in the High-Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory's Vacuum Test Facility-1 at the Georgia Institute of Technology with operating pressures ranging from 4.8 x 10(exp -5) and 5.7 x 10(exp -5) torr. Thrust is recorded while operating with a propellant volumetric mixture ratio of 5:1 argon to nitrogen with total volumetric flow rates of 6, 12, and 24 sccm (0.17, 0.34, and 0.68 mg/s). Plasma is generated using a helical antenna at 13.56 MHz and radio frequency (RF) power levels of 150 and 350 W. The acceleration grid assembly is operated using both sinusoidal and square waveform biases of +/-350 V at frequencies of 4, 10, 25, 125, and 225 kHz. Thrust is recorded for two separate thruster configurations: with and without the magnetic filter. No thrust is discernable during thruster operation without the magnetic filter for any volumetric flow rate, RF forward Power level, or acceleration grid biasing scheme. For the full thruster configuration, with the magnetic filter installed, a brief burst of thrust of approximately 3.75 mN +/- 3 mN of error is observed at the start of grid operation for a volumetric flow rate of 24 sccm at 350 W RF power using a sinusoidal waveform grid bias at 125 kHz and +/- 350 V. Similar bursts in thrust are observed using a square waveform grid bias at 10 kHz and +/- 350 V for volumetric flow rates of 6, 10, and 12 sccm at 150, 350, and 350 W respectively. The only operating condition that exhibits repeated thrust spikes throughout thruster operation is the 24 sccm condition with a 5:1 mixture ratio at 150 W RF power using the 10 kHz square waveform acceleration grid bias. Thrust spikes for this condition measure 3 mN with an error of +/- 2.5 mN. There are no operating conditions tested that show continuous thrust production.

On-line atomic data access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, David R.; Nash, Jeffrey K.

1996-07-01

The need for atomic data is one which continues to expand in a wide variety of applications including fusion energy, astrophysics, laser-produced plasma research, and plasma processing. Modern computer database and communications technology enables this data to be placed on-line and obtained by users over the INTERNET. Presented here is a summary of the observations and conclusions regarding such on-line atomic data access derived from a forum held at the Tenth APS Topical Conference on Atomic Processes in Plasmas.

Proceedings of the Shipbuilding Design/Production Integration Workshop held January 18-21, 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia. Volume 1 and 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

Jorud Ralf Ohlin Intershipping Consultants Ltd. Roger Vaughan A&P Appledore Ltd. Paul Wiedenhaefer Grumman Aerospace, Inc. Yoshinobu Ichinose Yukinori...We have high absenteeism which disrupts the flow of production. Our turnover rates are very high , so we don’t have a large pool of experienced...support blocks, etc. Vendor Relations. Both Intershipping and IHI emphasized the impor- tance of good relationships between shipbuilders and vendors

Noise in a phosphorelay drives stochastic entry into sporulation in Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Russell, Jonathan R; Cabeen, Matthew T; Wiggins, Paul A; Paulsson, Johan; Losick, Richard

2017-10-02

Entry into sporulation in Bacillus subtilis is governed by a phosphorelay in which phosphoryl groups from a histidine kinase are successively transferred via relay proteins to the response regulator Spo0A. Spo0A~P, in turn, sets in motion events that lead to asymmetric division and activation of the cell-specific transcription factor σ F , a hallmark for entry into sporulation. Here, we have used a microfluidics-based platform to investigate the activation of Spo0A and σ F in individual cells held under constant, sporulation-inducing conditions. The principal conclusions were that: (i) activation of σ F occurs with an approximately constant probability after adaptation to conditions of nutrient limitation; (ii) activation of σ F is tightly correlated with, and preceded by, Spo0A~P reaching a high threshold level; (iii) activation of Spo0A takes place abruptly just prior to asymmetric division; and (iv) the primary source of noise in the activation of Spo0A is the phosphorelay. We propose that cells exhibit a constant probability of attaining a high threshold level of Spo0A~P due to fluctuations in the flux of phosphoryl groups through the phosphorelay. © 2017 The Authors.

Consensus of official position of IOF/ISCD FRAX initiatives in Asia-Pacific region.

PubMed

Wu, Chih-Hsing; McCloskey, Eugene V; Lee, Joon Kiong; Itabashi, Akira; Prince, Richard; Yu, Wei; Li-Yu, Julie; Chionh, Siok Bee; Zhao, Yanling; Shin, Chan Soo; Gunawan, Tirtarahardja; Tsai, Keh-Sung; Chieng, Poon-Ung; Changlai, Sheng-Pin; Chan, Ding-Cheng; Chen, Jung-Fu; Tanner, S Bobo; Hans, Didier B; Kanis, John A; Chang, Yin-Fan; Sun, Zih-Jie; Yang, Rong-Sen

2014-01-01

The fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX(®)) has been developed for the identification of individuals with high risk of fracture in whom treatment to prevent fractures would be appropriate. FRAX models are not yet available for all countries or ethnicities, but surrogate models can be used within regions with similar fracture risk. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) are nonprofit multidisciplinary international professional organizations. Their visions are to advance the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. In November 2010, the IOF/ISCD FRAX initiative was held in Bucharest, bringing together international experts to review and create evidence-based official positions guiding clinicians for the practical use of FRAX. A consensus meeting of the Asia-Pacific (AP) Panel of the ISCD recently reviewed the most current Official Positions of the Joint Official Positions of ISCD and IOF on FRAX in view of the different population characteristics and health standards in the AP regions. The reviewed position statements included not only the key spectrum of positions but also unique concerns in AP regions. Copyright © 2014 The International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

1993 CAT workshop on beamline optical designs

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

Not Available

1993-11-01

An Advanced Photon Source (APS) Collaborative Access Team (CAT) Workshop on Beamline Optical Designs was held at Argonne National Laboratory on July 26--27, 1993. The goal of this workshop was to bring together experts from various synchrotron sources to provide status reports on crystal, reflecting, and polarizing optics as a baseline for discussions of issues facing optical designers for CAT beamlines at the APS. Speakers from the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), the University of Chicago, the National Synchrotron Light Source, and the University of Manchester (England) described single- and double-crystal monochromators, mirrors, glass capillaries, and polarizing optics. Following thesemore » presentations, the 90 participants divided into three working groups: Crystal Optics Design, Reflecting Optics, and Optics for Polarization Studies. This volume contains copies of the presentation materials from all speakers, summaries of the three working groups, and a ``catalog`` of various monochromator designs.« less

Proceedings of the International Symposium on Shock Tubes and Waves (12th) Held at Jerusalem on 16-19 July 1979.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-01

is also gratefully acknowledged. REFERENCES 1. P.H. Azoury, An Introduction to the Dna-iic Pressure S&c-h’c:4 . Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. 180, (Pt. 1...crosscorrelation parameters. Practical examples of the ap- plicability to flow fields and combustion diagnostics are presented. INTRODUCTION The appearance of the...laser and its introduction into the field of spec- troscopy was a turning point in the development of light scattering diagnostic techniques. In a

7TH Annual Anesthesia and Critical Care Symposium (7th) Held in Paris (France) on 22-24 April 1994,

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-30

4006 6. AUTHOR(S) Christopher M. Grande, M.D. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION International Trauma...Anesthesia & Critical REPORT NUMBER Care Society (ITACCS) P.O. Box 4826 Baltimore, Maryland 21211 9. SPONSORING/ MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ...nan accessibas la Iscompressian direare - sortagraphie p r usie pour usage parentbral, bolites de 1 I or-D SORT DU OCLICAMlT De-.i ap lasmar que courre

Handheld chemiresistive gas sensor readout system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joubert, Trudi-Heleen; du Toit, Jurie; Mkwakikunga, Bonex; Bosscha, Peter

2016-02-01

Low-cost and non-invasive diabetes diagnosis is increasingly important [1], and this paper presents a handheld readout system for chemiresistive gas sensors in a breath acetone diagnostic application. The sensor contains reference and detection devices, used for the detection of gas concentration. Fabrication is by dropcasting a metaloxide nanowire solution onto gold interdigitated electrodes, which had been manufactured on silicon. The resulting layer is a wide bandgap n-type semiconductor material sensitive to acetone, producing a change in resistance between the electrode terminals [2]. Chemiresistive sensors typically require temperatures of 300-500 °C, while variation of sensing temperature is also employed for selective gas detection. The nano-structured functional material requires low temperatures due to large surface area, but heating is still required for acceptable recovery kinetics. Furthermore, UV illumination improves the sensor recovery [3], and is implemented in this system. Sensor resistances range from 100 Ω to 50 MΩ, while the sensor response time require a sampling frequency of 10Hz. Sensor resistance depends on temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. The GE CC2A23 temperature sensor is used over a range of -10°C to 60°C, the Honeywell HIH5031 humidity sensor operates up to 85% over this temperature range, and the LPS331AP barometric pressure sensor measures up to 1.25 bar. Honeywell AWM43300V air flow sensors monitor the flow rate up to 1000 sccm. An LCD screen displays all the sensor data, as well as real time date and time, while all measurements are also logged in CSV-format. The system operates from a rechargeable battery.

Synthesis of Nanoporous Activated Iridium Oxide Films by Anodized Aluminum Oxide Templated Atomic Layer Deposition

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

number of deposition strategies, including sputtering [10–12] and electrodeposition [13,14]. With all synthesis strategies, control of the film...to 10% ozone in 400 sccm O2 for 10 min. A 20 Å Al2O3 film was then deposited as a nucleation layer by iterative exposures of trimethyla- luminum and

Requirements for long-life operation of inert gas hollow cathodes: Preliminary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verhey, Timothy R.; Macrae, Gregory S.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation was initiated to establish conditioning procedures for reliable hollow cathode operation via the characterization of critical parameters in a representative cathode test facility. From vacuum pumpdown rates, it was found that approximately 1.5 hours were required to achieve pressure levels within 5 percent of the lowest attainable pressure for this facility, depending on the purge conditions. The facility atmosphere was determined by a residual gas analyzer to be composed of primarily air and water vapor. The effects of vacuum pumping and inert gas purging were evaluated. A maximum effective leakage rate of 2.0 x 10(exp -3)sccm was observed and its probable causes were examined. An extended test of a 0.64 cm diameter Mo-Re hollow cathode was successfully completed. This test ran for 504 hours at an emission current of 23.0 amperes and a xenon flow rate of 6.1 sccm. Discharge voltage rose continuously from 15 to 21 volts over the course of the test. The temperature of the cathode body during the test was relatively stable at 1160 C. Post-test examination revealed ion-bombardment texturing of the orifice plate to be the only detectable sign of wear on the hollow cathode.

Measurement of hydroxyl radical density generated from the atmospheric pressure bioplasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Y. J.; Nam, C. J.; Song, K. B.; Cho, G. S.; Uhm, H. S.; Choi, D. I.; Choi, E. H.

2012-03-01

Atmospheric pressure bioplasmas are being used in a variety of bio-medical and material processing applications, surface modifications of polymers. This plasma can generate the various kinds of radicals when it contacs with the water. Especially, hydroxyl radical species have very important role in the biological and chemical decontamination of media in this situation. It is very important to investigate the hydroxyl radical density in needle-typed plasma jet since it plays a crucial role in interaction between the living body and plasma. We have generated the needle-typed plasma jet bombarding the water surface by using an Ar gas flow and investigated the emission lines by OES (optical emission spectroscopy). It is noted that the electron temperature and plasma density are measured to be about 1.7 eV and 3.4 × 1012 cm-3, respectively, under Ar gas flow ranged from 80 to 300 sccm (standard cubic centimeter per minute) in this experiment. The hydroxyl radical density has also been investigated and measured to be maximum value of 2.6 × 1015 cm-3 for the gas flow rate of 150 sccm in the needle-typed plasma jet by the ultraviolet optical absorption spectroscopy.

Low temperature growth of heavy boron-doped hydrogenated Ge epilayers and its application in Ge/Si photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Wei-Cheng; Lee, Ming Jay; Wu, Mount-Learn; Lee, Chien-Chieh; Tsao, I.-Yu; Chang, Jenq-Yang

2017-04-01

In this study, heavily boron-doped hydrogenated Ge epilayers are grown on Si substrates at a low growth temperature (220 °C). The quality of the boron-doped epilayers is dependent on the hydrogen flow rate. The optical emission spectroscopic, X-ray diffraction and Hall measurement results demonstrate that better quality boron-doped Ge epilayers can be obtained at low hydrogen flow rates (0 sccm). This reduction in quality is due to an excess of hydrogen in the source gas, which breaks one of the Ge-Ge bonds on the Ge surface, leading to the formation of unnecessary dangling bonds. The structure of the boron doped Ge epilayers is analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. In addition, the performance, based on the I-V characteristics, of Ge/Si photodetectors fabricated with boron doped Ge epilayers produced under different hydrogen flow rates was examined. The photodetectors with boron doped Ge epilayers produced with a low hydrogen flow rate (0 sccm) exhibited a higher responsivity of 0.144 A/W and a lower dark current of 5.33 × 10-7 A at a reverse bias of 1 V.

Effect of annealing time and NH3 flow on GaN films deposited on amorphous SiO2 by MOCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tianbao; Liu, Chenyang; Zhang, Zhe; Yu, Bin; Dong, Hailiang; Jia, Wei; Jia, Zhigang; Yu, Chunyan; Xu, Bingshe

2018-05-01

GaN polycrystalline films were successfully grown on amorphous SiO2 by metal-organic chemical vapour deposition to fabricate transferable devices using inorganic films. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images show that by prolonging the annealing time, re-evaporation is enhanced, which reduced the uniformity of the nucleation layer and GaN films. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the decomposition rate of the nucleation layer increases when the annealing flow rate of NH3 is 500 sccm, which makes the unstable plane and amorphous domains decompose rapidly, thereby improving the crystallinity of the GaN films. Photoluminescence spectra also indicate the presence of fewer defects when the annealing flow rate of NH3 is 500 sccm. The excellent crystal structure of the GaN films grown under optimized conditions was revealed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. More importantly, the crystal structure and orientation of GaN grown on SiO2 are the same as that of GaN grown on conventional sapphire substrate when a buffer layer is used. This work can aid in the development of transferable devices using GaN films.

Two decades (1993-2012) of adult intensive care unit design: a comparative study of the physical design features of the best practice examples.

PubMed

Rashid, Mahbub

2014-01-01

In 2006, Critical Care Nursing Quarterly published a study of the physical design features of a set of best practice example adult intensive care units (ICUs). These adult ICUs were awarded between 1993 and 2003 by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, and the American Institute of Architects/Academy of Architecture for Health for their efforts to promote the critical care unit environment through design. Since 2003, several more adult ICUs were awarded by the same organizations for similar efforts. This study includes these newer ICUs along with those of the previous study to cover a period of 2 decades from 1993 to 2012. Like the 2006 study, this study conducts a systematic content analysis of the materials submitted by the award-winning adult ICUs. On the basis of the analysis, the study compares the 1993-2002 and 2003-2012 adult ICUs in relation to construction type, unit specialty, unit layout, unit size, patient room size and design, support and service area layout, and family space design. The study also compares its findings with the 2010 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities of the Facility Guidelines Institute and the 2012 Guidelines for Intensive Care Unit Design of the SCCM. The study indicates that the award-winning ICUs of both decades used several design features that were associated with positive outcomes in research studies. The study also indicates that the award-winning ICUs of the second decade used more evidence-based design features than those of the first decades. In most cases, these ICUs exceeded the requirements of the Facility Guidelines Institute Guidelines to meet those of the SCCM Guidelines. Yet, the award-winning ICUs of both decades also used several features that had very little or no supporting research evidence. Since they all were able to create an optimal critical care environment for which they were awarded, having knowledge of the physical design of these award-winning ICUs may help design better ICUs.

Effect of the gas flow rate on the spatiotemporal distribution of Ar(1s5) absolute densities in a ns pulsed plasma jet impinging on a glass surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gazeli, K.; Bauville, G.; Fleury, M.; Jeanney, P.; Neveu, O.; Pasquiers, S.; Santos Sousa, J.

2018-06-01

This work presents spatial (axial-z and transversal-y) and temporal distributions of Ar(1s5) metastable absolute densities in an atmospheric pressure argon micro-plasma jet impinging on an ungrounded glass surface. Guided streamers are generated with a DBD device driven by pulsed positive high voltages of 6 kV in amplitude, 224 +/- 3 ns in FWHM and 20 kHz in frequency. The argon flow rate is varied between 200 and 600 sccm. The glass plate is placed at 5 mm away from the reactor’s nozzle and perpendicular to the streamers propagation. At these conditions, a diffuse stable discharge is established after the passage of the streamers allowing the quantification of the Ar(1s5) absolute density by means of a conventional TDLAS technique coupled with emission spectroscopy and ICCD imaging. The good reproducibility of the absorption signals is demonstrated. The experiments show the strong dependence of the maximum density ({0.5-4}× {10}13 {{{cm}}}-3) on the gas flow rate and the axial and transversal position. At 200 sccm, high maximum densities (> 2.4× {10}13 {{{cm}}}-3) are obtained in a small area close to the plasma source, while with increasing flow rate this area expands towards the glass plate. In the transversal direction, density maxima are obtained in a small zone around the propagation axis of the streamers. Finally, a noticeable increase is measured on the Ar(1s5) effective lifetime close to the glass surface by varying the flow rate from 200 to 600 sccm. In overall, the effective lifetime varies between ∼25 and ∼550 ns, depending on the gas flow rate and the values of z and y coordinates. The results obtained suggest that the present system can be implemented in various applications and particularly in what concerns the detection of weakly volatile organic compounds present in trace amounts on different surfaces.

JANNAF 37th Combustion Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fry, Ronald S. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor)

2000-01-01

This volume, the first of two volumes is a compilation of 59 unclassified/unlimited-distribution technical papers presented at the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) 37th Combustion Subcommittee (CS) meeting held jointly with the 25th Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS), 19th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS), and 1st Modeling and Simulation Subcommittee (MSS) meetings. The meeting was held 13-17 November 2000 at the Naval Postgraduate School and Hyatt Regency Hotel, Monterey, California. Topics covered at the CS meeting include: a keynote address on the Future Combat Systems, and review of a new JANNAF Modeling and Simulation Subcommittee, and technical papers on gun propellant burning rate, gun tube erosion, advanced gun propulsion concepts, ETC guns, novel gun propellants; liquid, hybrid and novel propellant combustion; solid propellant combustion kinetics, GAP, ADN and RDX combustion, sandwich combustion, metal combustion, combustion instability, and motor combustion instability.

Proceedings of the Antenna Applications Symposium Held on 23-25 September 1992. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

Kahrizi, S. M. Rao, and A . R. Djordjevic, "Analysis of arbitrarily shaped microstrip patch anten- nas using the Sommerfeld formulation," Int. J...Trans. Antennas Propagat., vol. AP-34, pp. 905-911, July 1986. [231 W. C. Chew, Z. Nie, and Y. T. Lo, "The effect of feed on the input impedance of a ...microstrip antenna," Microwave & Opt. Technol. Lett., vol. 3, pp. 79-83, Mar. 1990. [24] W. C. Chew, " A quick way to approximate a Sommerfeld -Weyl-type

Soft X-Ray Projection Lithography. Organization of the Photonics Science Topical Meetings Held in Monterey, California on May 10-12, 1993

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-10

00 pm MA3 Two aspheric mirror system design development MB2 Condenser optics for SXPL, Steve Vernon. Vernon Ap- for SXPL, T. E Jewell. Optical Design...Consultant A generalized plied Physics, Gary Sommargren. Lynn Seppala. David Gaines, procedure for an optical design of a two aspheric mirror system...necessary to develop high-rollectance, tionat Laboratories: J. E, B3jorkhotm. R. R. Freeman, M. 0. Himet, normaltýincidence x-ray mirrors tar projection

Using Hand-Held Computers When Conducting National Security Background Interviews: Utility Test Results

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

Tablet computers resemble ordinary notebook computers but can be set up as a flat display for handwriting by means of a stylus (digital pen). When used...PC accessories, and often strongly resemble notebook computers. However, all tablets can be set up as a flat display for handwriting by means of a...P3: “Depending on how the tablet handles the post-interview process, it would save time over paper.”  P4: “I hoped you were going to say that this

AAAI (American Association on Artificial Intelligence) Workshop on AI (Artificial Intelligence) Simulation Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 11, 1986,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-08-01

is then applied in i ABSTRCT : ,.:,.vu knowledge acquisition from those multiple sources for a specific design, for example, an expert system for...67. N 181.1 47.U3 a75 269;9.6 % A. %3 3 Genetic Explanations: For the concept of a genetic explanation (see .d -. above) to apply to the Gaither...Simulation Research Unit (Acock,1985; Baker,1983; Baker,1985). -. MD’,EX srves as an inner shell for apPlying Artificial Intelligence and E:pert System

Workshop on ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Ignition of Composite Solid Propellants Held on April 18-19, 1989 in Nashville, Tennessee

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

field) leads to microarcs, involving local breakdowns of At 2 0 3 layers on the At particles within the propellant. Cracks appear at this point, and...Propellants with AP and binder, causes a) 17. Point Breakdown an avalanche effect at a high E-field point, through) 18. Alumina Layers also angstroms, which...E-field point, through) 18. Alumina Layers (also angstroms, which then goes on to create a) 19. Discharge Path (which, given the correct conditions) D

The impact of dynamic balance measures on walking performance in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Fritz, Nora E; Marasigan, Rhul Evans R; Calabresi, Peter A; Newsome, Scott D; Zackowski, Kathleen M

2015-01-01

Static posture imbalance and gait dysfunction are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the impact of strength and static balance on walking has been examined, the impact of dynamic standing balance on walking in MS remains unclear. To determine the impact of dynamic balance, static balance, sensation, and strength measures on walking in individuals with MS. Fifty-two individuals with MS (27 women; 26 relapsing-remitting; mean age = 45.6 ± 10.3 years; median Expanded Disability Status Scale score = 3.5) participated in posturography testing (Kistler-9281 force plate), hip flexion, hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion strength (Microfet2 hand-held dynamometer), sensation (Vibratron II), and walk velocity (Optotrak Motion Analysis System). Analyses included, Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. All measures were abnormal in individuals with MS when compared with norms (P < .05). Static balance (eyes open, feet together [EOFT]), anterior-posterior (AP) dynamic sway, and hip extension strength were strongly correlated with walking velocity (AP sway r = 0.68; hip extension strength r = 0.73; EOFT r = -0.40). Together, AP dynamic sway (ρr = 0.71; P < .001), hip extension strength (ρr = 0.54; P < .001), and EOFT static balance (ρr = -0.41; P = .01) explained more than 70% of the variance in walking velocity (P < .001). AP dynamic sway affects walking performance in MS. A combined evaluation of dynamic balance, static balance, and strength may lead to a better understanding of walking mechanisms and the development of strategies to improve walking. © The Author(s) 2014.

Preparation of a porous conductive scaffold from aniline pentamer-modified polyurethane/PCL blend for cardiac tissue engineering.

PubMed

Baheiraei, Nafiseh; Yeganeh, Hamid; Ai, Jafar; Gharibi, Reza; Ebrahimi-Barough, Somayeh; Azami, Mahmoud; Vahdat, Sadaf; Baharvand, Hossein

2015-10-01

A novel biodegradable electroactive polyurethane containing aniline pentamer (AP) was blended with polycaprolactone (PCL). The prepared blend (PB) and PCL were further fabricated in to scaffolds using a mixture of poly(ethylene glycol) and salt particles in a double porogen particulate leaching and compression molding methodology. Scaffolds held open and interconnected pores having pore size ranging from several μm to 150 µm. PB scaffolds had compression modulus and strength of 4.1 and 1.3 MPa, respectively. The conductivity of the scaffold was measured as 10(-5) ± 0.09 S .cm(-1) and preserved for at least 100 h post fabrication. Scaffolds supported neonatal cardiomyocytes adhesion and growth with PB showing more extensive effect on the expression of the cardiac genes involved in muscle contraction and relaxation (troponin-T) and cytoskeleton alignment (actinin-4). Our results highlight the potential of incorporation of AP as an electroactive moiety for induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation and repair of damaged heart tissue. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

High-Power Ion Thruster Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beattie, J. R.; Matossian, J. N.

1996-01-01

Performance data are presented for the NASA/Hughes 30-cm-diam 'common' thruster operated over the power range from 600 W to 4.6 kW. At the 4.6-kW power level, the thruster produces 172 mN of thrust at a specific impulse of just under 4000 s. Xenon pressure and temperature measurements are presented for a 6.4-mm-diam hollow cathode operated at emission currents ranging from 5 to 30 A and flow rates of 4 sccm and 8 sccm. Highly reproducible results show that the cathode temperature is a linear function of emission current, ranging from approx. 1000 C to 1150 C over this same current range. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements obtained from a 30-cm-diam thruster are presented, suggesting that LIF could be a valuable diagnostic for real-time assessment of accelerator-arid erosion. Calibration results of laminar-thin-film (LTF) erosion badges with bulk molybdenum are presented for 300-eV xenon, krypton, and argon sputtering ions. Facility-pressure effects on the charge-exchange ion current collected by 8-cm-diam and 30-cm-diam thrusters operated on xenon propellant are presented to show that accel current is nearly independent of facility pressure at low pressures, but increases rapidly under high-background-pressure conditions.

In/ITO whisker and optoelectronic properties of ITO films deposited by ion beam sputtering

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

Shen, Jung-Hsiung; Yeh, Sung-Wei; Teoh, Lay Gaik

2012-07-15

ITO films were deposited on a glass substrate using ion beam sputtering, with oxygen flow rates from 0.5 to 2 sccm. The films consisted of randomly oriented ITO nanoparticles and metallic indium (In) with {l_brace}101{r_brace} facets, following the specific crystallographic relationship of [010]{sub In}//[110]{sub ITO}; (001){sub In}//(001){sub ITO} with habit planes (100){sub In}//(011){sub ITO}, when fabricated using a low oxygen flow rate. Oxygen flow rate in excess of 2.0 sccm results in the growth of amorphous films. The epitaxial In nanoparticles probably act as seeds for the development of curved ITO whiskers as small as 10 nm and extend upmore » to 100 nm in length along the [100] direction, with poorly defined shape, possibly due to the tapering and bending of the whisker to form a tilt boundary about the [011] zone axis of the ITO. The ITO whisker growth was facilitated by the In globular tips in the vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism. The films prepared using a series of oxygen flow rates showed different chemical-bonding states, electric resistivity and optical transparency; as a result of phase and microstructural changes.« less

Molecular basis for methoxyamine initiated mutagenesis. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance studies of base-modified oligodeoxynucleotides.

PubMed

Stone, M J; Nedderman, A N; Williams, D H; Lin, P K; Brown, D M

1991-12-05

In order to reach a more detailed understanding of the mechanism of the mutagenic action of methoxyamine and of N4-methoxycytidine and its 2'-deoxyribo-analogue, the solution structures of the self-complementary octanucleotide, d(CGAATTCG) and its analogues, d(CGAATCCG), d(CGAATMCG) and d(CGAATPCG) (designated 8mer-AT, 8mer-AC, 8mer-AM, and 8mer-AP, respectively), were investigated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; M is N4-methoxycytosine (mo4C) and P is an analogue, the bicyclic dihydropyrimido[4,5-c][1,2]oxazin-7-one, in which the N-O bond is held in the anti configuration with respect to N3 of the cytosine ring. Correlated spectroscopy and nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy allowed assignment of the base, anomeric and H2'/H2" protons in 8mers-AT, -AM and -AP, and showed that all three had features consistent with a regular B-DNA duplex structure. Duplex-to-coil transition temperatures were determined to be 52(+/- 2) degrees C (8mer-AT), 51(+/- 2) degrees C (8mer-AP), 32(+/- 2) degrees C (8mer-AM); on the chemical shift timescale, the melting transition was fast for 8mer-AT and 8mer-AP, but slow for 8mer-AM. Imino proton spectra were indicative of Watson-Crick base-pairing in 8mers-AT, -AP and -AM. The 8mer-AP duplex had a structure and melting characteristics virtually identical with those of the 8mer-AT duplex. The preferred syn configuration of the methoxyl group in M had a destabilising effect on the 8mer-AM duplex. At low temperatures, the A.M base-pair was in fast equilibrium between Watson-Crick and wobble configurations, with the methoxyl function anti-oriented, but the melting transition was accompanied by isomerization of the methoxyl group to the syn conformation. This syn-anti isomerization was the rate-determining step in the duplex-to-coil transition. The 8mer-AC oligomer did not form a stable duplex.

Quantification of Fugitive Methane Emissions with Spatially Correlated Measurements Collected with Novel Plume Camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Tracy; Rella, Chris; Crosson, Eric

2013-04-01

Quantification of fugitive methane emissions from unconventional natural gas (i.e. shale gas, tight sand gas, etc.) production, processing, and transport is essential for scientists, policy-makers, and the energy industry, because methane has a global warming potential of at least 21 times that of carbon dioxide over a span of 100 years [1]. Therefore, fugitive emissions reduce any environmental benefits to using natural gas instead of traditional fossil fuels [2]. Current measurement techniques involve first locating all the possible leaks and then measuring the emission of each leak. This technique is a painstaking and slow process that cannot be scaled up to the large size of the natural gas industry in which there are at least half a million natural gas wells in the United States alone [3]. An alternative method is to calculate the emission of a plume through dispersion modeling. This method is a scalable approach since all the individual leaks within a natural gas facility can be aggregated into a single plume measurement. However, plume dispersion modeling requires additional knowledge of the distance to the source, atmospheric turbulence, and local topography, and it is a mathematically intensive process. Therefore, there is a need for an instrument capable of simple, rapid, and accurate measurements of fugitive methane emissions on a per well head scale. We will present the "plume camera" instrument, which simultaneously measures methane at different spatial points or pixels. The spatial correlation between methane measurements provides spatial information of the plume, and in addition to the wind measurement collected with a sonic anemometer, the flux can be determined. Unlike the plume dispersion model, this approach does not require knowledge of the distance to the source and atmospheric conditions. Moreover, the instrument can fit inside a standard car such that emission measurements can be performed on a per well head basis. In a controlled experiment with known releases from a methane tank, a 2-pixel plume camera measured 496 ± 160 sccm from a release of 650 sccm located 21 m away, and 4,180 ± 962 sccm from a release of 3,400 sccm located 49 m away. These results in addition to results with a higher-pixel camera will be discussed. Field campaign data collected with the plume camera pixels mounted onto a vehicle and driven through the natural gas fields in the Uintah Basin (Utah, United States) will also be presented along with the limitations and advantages of the instrument. References: 1. S. Solomon, D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M.Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.). IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis of the Fourth Assessment Report. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. 2. R.W. Howarth, R. Santoro, and A. Ingraffea. "Methane and the greenhouse-gas footprint of natural gas from shale formations." Climate Change, 106, 679 (2011). 3. U.S. Energy Information Administration. "Number of Producing Wells." . Accessed 6 January 2013.

Corrosion-Mitigating, Bondable, Fluorinated Barrier Coating for Anodized Magnesium

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

transport the precursor vapor throughout the study was set at 9,500 sccm. The setup also incorporated a 38- × 54- × 0.6-cm stainless steel moveable...evaporated and that silane crosslinking had occurred, samples were allowed to sit uncovered in a fume hood for 1 h prior to electrochemical...measurement, contact-angle measurement, or plasma treatment. Samples were stored in a fume hood for approximately 24 h before applying an epoxy topcoat

Studies of CO oxidation on Pt/SnO2 catalyst in a surrogate CO2 laser facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batten, Carmen E.; Miller, Irvin M.; Paulin, Patricia A.; Schryer, Jacqueline

1987-01-01

Samples of 1% Pt/SnO2 catalyst were exposed to a stoichiometric gas mixture of 1% CO and 1.2% O2 in helium over a range of flowrates from 5 to 15 sccm and temperatures from 338 to 394 Kelvin. Reaction rate constants for the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide and their temperature dependence were determined and compared with previous literature values.

The impact of dynamic balance measures on walking performance in multiple sclerosis

PubMed Central

Fritz, Nora E.; Marasigan, Rhul Evans R.; Calabresi, Peter A.; Newsome, Scott D.; Zackowski, Kathleen M.

2014-01-01

Background Static posture imbalance and gait dysfunction are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the impact of strength and static balance on walking has been examined, little is known about the impact of dynamic standing balance on walking in MS. Objective To determine the impact of dynamic balance, static balance, sensation, and strength measures to walking in individuals with MS. Methods 52 individuals with MS (27 females; 26 relapsing-remitting; mean age 45.6±10.3 years; median EDSS 3.5 (range 0-7) participated in testing for dynamic and static posturography (Kistler 9281 force plate), hip flexion, hip extension, and ankle dorsiflexion strength (Microfet2 hand-held dynamometer), sensation (Vibratron II) and walk velocity (Optotrak Motion Analysis System). Mann-Whitney tests, Spearman correlation coefficients, and forward stepwise multiple regression were used to assess statistical significance. Results All measures were significantly abnormal in MS subjects when compared to age and sex-matched norms (p<0.05 for all). Static balance (eyes open, feet together [EOFT]), anterior- posterior (AP) dynamic sway, and hip extension strength were strongly correlated with fast walking velocity (AP sway r=0.68; hip extension strength r=0.73; EOFT r=-0.40). Together, AP dynamic sway (ρr=0.71, p<0.001), hip extension strength (ρr=0.54, p<0.001), and EOFT static balance (ρr=-0.41, p=0.01) explained more than 70% of the variance in fast walking velocity (p<0.001). Conclusions These data suggest that AP dynamic sway impacts walking performance in MS. A combined evaluation of dynamic balance, static balance and strength may lead to a better understanding of walking mechanisms as well as the development of strategies to improve walking. PMID:24795162

Proceedings of the Second International Congress on Recent Developments in Air- and Structure-Borne Sound and Vibration (2nd) Held in Auburn University, Alabama on 4-6 March 1992. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-06

convected at high speed ". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A , Vol. 255, 1963, pp. 469-503. 16. DOWLING, A.P., FFOWCS WILLIAMS, J.E. and...atmosphere Af, 1 , M,2 convective Mach number of large scale turbulence structures on the high and low speed sides, respec- tively, of a two-dimensional...level of aerodynamic detuning (0 gust frequency 113 INTRODUCTION In the design of high performance gas turbine engines, acoustic analyses are a

Symposium on Turbulent Shear Flows (8th) Held in Munich, Germany on 9-11 September 1991. Volume 2. Sessions 19-31, Poster Sessions

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

FLAMES IN THE ATrR)S1]1 IERE USING A SECOND MOMNT TURBULENCE MODEL Hermilo RAMIREZ -LEON, Claude REY and Jean-Frangois SINI LABORATOIRE DE MECANIQUE DES...65 directly satisfied by an extended version of the C= F , ax6 aX5 artificial compressibility implicit method ( Ramirez -Leon et al,, 1991). 08 2 IR ap...the isotropization-of-production concept. For the compressible fluid case, Ramirez -Leon et al (1990) With regard to Eq (2), the right-hand side of

Proceedings of the 1995 Particle Accelerator Conference and international Conference on High-Energy Accelerators

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

None

1996-01-01

Papers from the sixteenth biennial Particle Accelerator Conference, an international forum on accelerator science and technology held May 1–5, 1995, in Dallas, Texas, organized by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), jointly sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS), the American Physical Society (APS) Division of Particles and Beams (DPB), and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), and conducted with support from the US Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Naval Research.

Control of ion content and nitrogen species using a mixed chemistry plasma for GaN grown at extremely high growth rates >9 μm/h by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunning, Brendan P.; Clinton, Evan A.; Merola, Joseph J.; Doolittle, W. Alan; Bresnahan, Rich C.

2015-10-01

Utilizing a modified nitrogen plasma source, plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) has been used to achieve higher growth rates in GaN. A higher conductance aperture plate, combined with higher nitrogen flow and added pumping capacity, resulted in dramatically increased growth rates up to 8.4 μm/h using 34 sccm of N2 while still maintaining acceptably low operating pressure. It was further discovered that argon could be added to the plasma gas to enhance growth rates up to 9.8 μm/h, which was achieved using 20 sccm of N2 and 7.7 sccm Ar flows at 600 W radio frequency power, for which the standard deviation of thickness was just 2% over a full 2 in. diameter wafer. A remote Langmuir style probe employing the flux gauge was used to indirectly measure the relative ion content in the plasma. The use of argon dilution at low plasma pressures resulted in a dramatic reduction of the plasma ion current by more than half, while high plasma pressures suppressed ion content regardless of plasma gas chemistry. Moreover, different trends are apparent for the molecular and atomic nitrogen species generated by varying pressure and nitrogen composition in the plasma. Argon dilution resulted in nearly an order of magnitude achievable growth rate range from 1 μm/h to nearly 10 μm/h. Even for films grown at more than 6 μm/h, the surface morphology remained smooth showing clear atomic steps with root mean square roughness less than 1 nm. Due to the low vapor pressure of Si, Ge was explored as an alternative n-type dopant for high growth rate applications. Electron concentrations from 2.2 × 1016 to 3.8 × 1019 cm-3 were achieved in GaN using Ge doping, and unintentionally doped GaN films exhibited low background electron concentrations of just 1-2 × 1015 cm-3. The highest growth rates resulted in macroscopic surface features due to Ga cell spitting, which is an engineering challenge still to be addressed. Nonetheless, the dramatically enhanced growth rates demonstrate great promise for the future of III-nitride devices grown by PAMBE.

Quartz Crystal Microbalance Based System for High-Sensitivity Differential Sputter Yield Measurements (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-20

at low ion energies require appropriate ion sources. For example, past work using QCM sensors employed a magnetron as an ion source 32,33 . The...and for data logging. Detailed discussion of the QCM sensor is provided in Section IID. Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the experimental set-up...mass flow rate of 0.5 sccm. The PBN was biased negatively relative to ground potential. D. QCM Sensor and Temperature Control In deposition mode

Nanoscale Reactive Ion Etching of Silicon Nitride Thin Films for Embedded Nanomagnetic Device Fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hibbard-Lubow, David Luke

The demands of digital memory have increased exponentially in recent history, requiring faster, smaller and more accurate storage methods. Two promising solutions to this ever-present problem are Bit Patterned Media (BPM) and Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory (STT-MRAM). Producing these technologies requires difficult and expensive fabrication techniques. Thus, the production processes must be optimized to allow these storage methods to compete commercially while continuing to increase their information storage density and reliability. I developed a process for the production of nanomagnetic devices (which can take the form of several types of digital memory) embedded in thin silicon nitride films. My focus was on optimizing the reactive ion etching recipe required to embed the device in the film. Ultimately, I found that recipe 37 (Power: 250W, CF4 nominal/actual flow rate: 25/25.4 sccm, O2 nominal/actual flow rate: 3.1/5.2 sccm, which gave a maximum pressure around 400 mTorr) gave the most repeatable and anisotropic results. I successfully used processes described in this thesis to make embedded nanomagnets, which could be used as bit patterned media. Another promising application of this work is to make embedded magnetic tunneling junctions, which are the storage medium used in MRAM. Doing so will require still some tweaks to the fabrication methods. Techniques for making these changes and their potential effects are discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of AlTiSiN/CrSiN multilayer coatings by cathodic arc ion-plating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, B.; Tian, C. X.; Wan, Q.; Yan, S. J.; Liu, H. D.; Wang, R. Y.; Li, Z. G.; Chen, Y. M.; Fu, D. J.

2014-09-01

AlTiSiN/CrSiN multilayer coatings were deposited on Si (1 0 0) and cemented carbide substrates using Cr, AlTi cathodes and SiH4 gases by cathodic arc ion plating system. The influences of SiH4 gases flowrate on the structural and mechanical properties of the coatings were investigated, systematically. AlTiSiN/CrSiN coatings exhibit a B1 NaCl-type nano-multilayered structure in which the CrSiN nano-layers alternate with AlTiSiN nano-layers with multiple orientations of crystal planes indicated by XRD patterns and TEM. Si contents of the coatings increase with increasing SiH4 flowrate. The hardness of the coatings increases to the maximum value of 3500 Hv0.05 with increasing SiH4 flowrate from 20 to 40 sccm and then decreases with further addition of SiH4 gases. A higher adhesive force of 73 N is obtained at the flowrate of 48 sccm. The coatings exhibit different tribological performance when the mating materials were varied from Si3N4 to cemented carbide balls and the variation of friction coefficients of the coatings against Si3N4 influenced by SiH4 flowrate are not obvious as against cemented carbide balls.

Vertical and bevel-structured SiC etching techniques incorporating different gas mixture plasmas for various microelectronic applications.

PubMed

Sung, Ho-Kun; Qiang, Tian; Yao, Zhao; Li, Yang; Wu, Qun; Lee, Hee-Kwan; Park, Bum-Doo; Lim, Woong-Sun; Park, Kyung-Ho; Wang, Cong

2017-06-20

This study presents a detailed fabrication method, together with validation, discussion, and analysis, for state-of-the-art silicon carbide (SiC) etching of vertical and bevelled structures by using inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) for microelectronic applications. Applying different gas mixtures, a maximum bevel angle of 87° (almost vertical), large-angle bevels ranging from 40° to 80°, and small-angel bevels ranging from 7° to 17° were achieved separately using distinct gas mixtures at different ratios. We found that SF 6 with additive O 2 was effective for vertical etching, with a best etching rate of 3050 Å/min. As for the large-angle bevel structures, BCl 3  + N 2 gas mixtures show better characteristics, exhibiting a controllable and large etching angle range from 40° to 80° through the adjustment of the mixture ratio. Additionally, a Cl 2  + O 2 mixture at different ratios is applied to achieve a small-angel bevels ranging from 7° to 17°. A minimum bevel angel of approximately 7° was achieved under the specific volume of 2.4 sccm Cl 2 and 3.6 sccm O 2 . These results can be used to improve performance in various microelectronic applications including MMIC via holes, PIN diodes, Schottky diodes, JFETs' bevel mesa, and avalanche photodiode fabrication.

Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI): a narrative review from a Multispecialty Task Force of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM).

PubMed

Annane, Djillali; Pastores, Stephen M; Arlt, Wiebke; Balk, Robert A; Beishuizen, Albertus; Briegel, Josef; Carcillo, Joseph; Christ-Crain, Mirjam; Cooper, Mark S; Marik, Paul E; Meduri, Gianfranco Umberto; Olsen, Keith M; Rochwerg, Bram; Rodgers, Sophia C; Russell, James A; Van den Berghe, Greet

2017-12-01

To provide a narrative review of the latest concepts and understanding of the pathophysiology of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). A multispecialty task force of international experts in critical care medicine and endocrinology and members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). Medline, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Three major pathophysiologic events were considered to constitute CIRCI: dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, altered cortisol metabolism, and tissue resistance to glucocorticoids. The dysregulation of the HPA axis is complex, involving multidirectional crosstalk between the CRH/ACTH pathways, autonomic nervous system, vasopressinergic system, and immune system. Recent studies have demonstrated that plasma clearance of cortisol is markedly reduced during critical illness, explained by suppressed expression and activity of the primary cortisol-metabolizing enzymes in the liver and kidney. Despite the elevated cortisol levels during critical illness, tissue resistance to glucocorticoids is believed to occur due to insufficient glucocorticoid alpha-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Novel insights into the pathophysiology of CIRCI add to the limitations of the current diagnostic tools to identify at-risk patients and may also impact how corticosteroids are used in patients with CIRCI.

Looking Back at International Synchrotron Radiation Instrumentation

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

Williams, Gwyn

2012-03-01

With the 11th International Synchrotron Radiation Instrumentation coming up in July 2012 in Lyons, France, we thought it might be of interest to our readers to review all the past meetings in this series. We thank Denny Mills of the APS, Argonne for putting the list together. Prior to these larger meetings, and in the early days, facilities held their own meetings similar to the user meetings of today. However, the meeting held at ACO in Orsay, France in 1977 was the first such meeting with an international flavor and so it is on the list. However it is notmore » counted as number 1 since it was agreed way back to start the numbering with the 1982 DESY meeting. The 2005 USA National Meeting scheduled at CAMD in Baton Rouge had to be canceled due to Hurricane Katrina. It was ultimately held in 2007, with the CLS hosted meeting the following year. And a personal note from the magazine - Synchrotron Radiation News was born at the 1987 meeting in Madison, Wisconsin with a proposal that was put to a special session of the meeting organized by Susan Lord. Initial proposals were to model it after the CERN Courier, but it soon adopted its own distinct flavor.« less

Novel Engineered Compound Semiconductor Heterostructures for Advanced Electronics Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-22

and using an optimal 100 A set-back layer. This is an indication that carbon exhibits a low diffusivity in Ino.53GaO.47As films , too. Several issues...number of hydrocar- CC14 flow of 100 sccm. The p-type carrier concentration is bon sources has either not been successful, or has led to films highest...in InP by measuring the acceptor luminescence in undoped InP grown by LPE , PH3-VPE and LEC techniques and in intentionally doped material prepared by

Apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoff, Brad W.; French, David M.; Reid, Remington R.; Lawrance, Julie E.; Lepell, P. David; Maestas, Sabrina S.

2016-03-01

An apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas has been designed, constructed, and tested. The plasma is driven by a multi-kW, ˜5 GHz microwave beam focused at the center of a vacuum chamber using a Koch-type metal plate lens. Sustained plasma discharges have been generated in argon at pressures ranging from 150 to 200 mTorr, at beam power levels ranging from 5 to 10 kW, and at gas flow rates of approximately 200 SCCM.

Octupole correlations in the 144Ba nucleus described with symmetry-conserving configuration-mixing calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, Rémi N.; Robledo, Luis M.; Rodríguez, Tomás R.

2016-06-01

We study the interplay of quadrupole and octupole degrees of freedom in the structure of the isotope 144Ba. A symmetry-conserving configuration-mixing method (SCCM) based on a Gogny energy density functional (EDF) has been used. The method includes particle number, parity, and angular momentum restoration as well as axial quadrupole and octupole shape mixing within the generator coordinate method. Predictions both for excitation energies and electromagnetic transition probabilities are in good agreement with the most recent experimental data.

Apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas

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

Hoff, Brad W.; French, David M.; Reid, Remington R.

An apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas has been designed, constructed, and tested. The plasma is driven by a multi-kW, ∼5 GHz microwave beam focused at the center of a vacuum chamber using a Koch-type metal plate lens. Sustained plasma discharges have been generated in argon at pressures ranging from 150 to 200 mTorr, at beam power levels ranging from 5 to 10 kW, and at gas flow rates of approximately 200 SCCM.

Apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas.

PubMed

Hoff, Brad W; French, David M; Reid, Remington R; Lawrance, Julie E; Lepell, P David; Maestas, Sabrina S

2016-03-01

An apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas has been designed, constructed, and tested. The plasma is driven by a multi-kW, ∼5 GHz microwave beam focused at the center of a vacuum chamber using a Koch-type metal plate lens. Sustained plasma discharges have been generated in argon at pressures ranging from 150 to 200 mTorr, at beam power levels ranging from 5 to 10 kW, and at gas flow rates of approximately 200 SCCM.

International Infantry and Joint Services Small Arms Systems Section Symposium, Exhibition and Firing Demonstration. Held in Atlantic City, NJ on 13-16 May 2002. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-05-13

Mount • Install Large Capacity Ammo Container On Mount • Add Actuators And Resolvers For Laying OCSW Independent Of Main Gun t ti f t ti...FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 4 5 6 SI Prod Block II (2K FLIR,Dual Feed, CPU Upgrade, AP Enhancements, MEMS) IOT &E LFT&E LUT...PQT Fielding (T) SDD C&TD Production LRIP SDD Prototypes Prototype Build BDENET MS B FRP MS C LRIP FCS S D D P ro to ty p es IOTE SD LRIP OCSW

Handbook of Maintenance Instructions for a Replacement Pressurized R-F Unit to be used with Model AN/APS-15A Aircraft Radar Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

1946-04-10

i I ? I Turn search LO hm kling Mrrw all ihr way out luv ssrtneh ilam|>nl on side of AH. chassis), thit HM ihr Lf) easily to ihr high trrt...roughly t" masimi/r ihr sifnal (See wasr forms of last para graph I i llli ’lurn oil transmittrr and turn ihr AH:- M m twiuh to AH:. Ill) Starting...DOCUMENTS DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AIR MATERIEL COMMAND WRIGHT HELD, DAYTON, OHIO mm m "*■■*■ i - •’A ■wsr ». 5^ USGOVERNMENT IS ABSOLVED

Workshop on Energy Research Opportunities for Physics Graduates & Postdocs

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

Kate Kirby

Young people these days are very concerned about the environment. There is also a great deal of interest in using technology to improve energy efficiency. Many physics students share these concerns and would like to find ways to use their scientific and quantitative skills to help overcome the environmental challenges that the world faces. This may be particularly true for female students. Showing physics students how they can contribute to environmental and energy solutions while doing scientific research which excites them is expected to attract more physicists to work on these very important problems and to retain more of themore » best and the brightest in physical science. This is a major thrust of the 'Gathering Storm' report, the 'American Competitiveness Initiative' report, and several other studies. With these concerns in mind, the American Physical Society (APS) and more specifically, the newly formed APS Topical Group on Energy Research and Applications (GERA), organized and conducted a one-day workshop for graduate students and post docs highlighting the contributions that physics-related research can make to meeting the nation's energy needs in environmentally friendly ways. A workshop program committee was formed and met four times by conference call to determine session topics and to suggest appropriate presenters for each topic. Speakers were chosen not only for their prominence in their respective fields of energy research but also for their ability to relate their work to young people. The workshop was held the day before the APS March Meeting on March 14, 2009 in Portland, OR. The workshop was restricted to approximately 80 young physicists to encourage group discussion. Talks were planned and presented at a level of participants with a physics background but no special knowledge of energy research. Speakers were asked to give a broad overview of their area of research before talking more specifically about their own work. The format was designed with plenary talks but allowed significant time for questions and answers, and discussion. A 'Lunch with the Experts' and a 'Networking Reception' were held specifically to provide opportunities for participants to interact with the presenters and to network with each other. These proved to be very successful activities, as noted in the follow-up participant survey that was conducted shortly after the workshop.« less

Interface studies of N2 plasma-treated ZnSnO nanowire transistors using low-frequency noise measurements.

PubMed

Kim, Seongmin; Kim, Hwansoo; Janes, David B; Ju, Sanghyun

2013-08-02

Due to the large surface-to-volume ratio of nanowires, the quality of nanowire-insulator interfaces as well as the nanowire surface characteristics significantly influence the electrical characteristics of nanowire transistors (NWTs). To improve the electrical characteristics by doping or post-processing, it is important to evaluate the interface characteristics and stability of NWTs. In this study, we have synthesized ZnSnO (ZTO) nanowires using the chemical vapor deposition method, characterized the composition of ZTO nanowires using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and fabricated ZTO NWTs. We have characterized the current-voltage characteristics and low-frequency noise of ZTO NWTs in order to investigate the effects of interface states on subthreshold slope (SS) and the noise before and after N2 plasma treatments. The as-fabricated device exhibited a SS of 0.29 V/dec and Hooge parameter of ~1.20 × 10(-2). Upon N2 plasma treatment with N2 gas flow rate of 40 sccm (20 sccm), the SS improved to 0.12 V/dec (0.21 V/dec) and the Hooge parameter decreased to ~4.99 × 10(-3) (8.14 × 10(-3)). The interface trap densities inferred from both SS and low-frequency noise decrease upon plasma treatment, with the highest flow rate yielding the smallest trap density. These results demonstrate that the N2 plasma treatment decreases the interface trap states and defects on ZTO nanowires, thereby enabling the fabrication of high-quality nanowire interfaces.

Influence of trimethylsilane flow on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of CrSiCN coatings in water lubrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhiwei; Zhou, Fei; Wang, Qianzhi; Zhou, Zhifeng; Yan, Jiwang; Li, Lawrence Kwok-Yan

2015-11-01

CrSiCN coatings with different silicon and carbon contents were deposited on silicon wafers and 316L stainless steels using unbalanced magnetron sputtering via adjusting trimethylsilane (TMS) flow, and their microstructure and mechanical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy(XPS) and nano-indenter, respectively. The tribological properties of CrSiCN coatings sliding against SiC balls in water were investigated using ball-on-disk tribometer. The results showed that the CrSiCN coatings had fine composite microstructure consisting of nanocrystallites of Cr(C, N) crystal and amorphous phases such as a-Si3N4 and a-C(a-CNx). The typical columnar structures changed from fine cluster to coarse ones when the Si content was beyond 3.4 at.%. With an increase in the TMS flow, the hardness and Young's modulus of Corsican coatings all first increased, and then rapidly decreased, but the compressive stress in the coatings varied in the range of 2.8-4.8 GPa. When the TMS flow was 10 sccm, the CrSiCN coatings exhibited the highest hardness of 21.3 GPa and the lowest friction coefficient (0.11) and wear rate (8.4 × 10-8 mm3/N m). But when the TMS flow was beyond 15 sccm, the tribological properties of CrSiCN coatings in water became poor.

Capacitively Coupled RF Plasmas for the Synthesis of Silicon Nanocrystals: Scaling and Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markosyan, Aram H.; Le Picard, Romain; Porter, David H.; Girshick, Steven L.; Kushner, Mark J.

2015-09-01

Silicon nanocrystals (SNCs) are of interest for light emitting electronics, photovoltaics, and biotechnology. SNCs are produced in low pressure capacitively coupled plasmas (CCPs) sustained in SiH4 containing mixtures. To optimize these applications, it is necessary to control the size distribution of the SNCs. Particles 3-5 nm diameter are typically tailored by flow rates and power, however the fundamental processes responsible for this size control are not well understood. We developed a 2-d computer model for RF powered CCPs to predict the synthesis of SNCs. An aerosol sectional model was incorporated into the Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model. The reactor is a quartz tube a few mm in diameter through which 100 sccm Ar and 15 sccm He/SiH4 = 95/5 at 2 Torr are flowed. The SNC residence time is 1-2 ms in the dense plasma region near the electrodes. We found that the distribution of plasma potential is important in determining the growth and size distribution of the SNCs. The SNCs having long residence times in the plasma, thereby enabling growth, are usually negatively charged. To ultimately allow these SNCs to flow out of the plasma, the distribution of the plasma potential must enable the particles to be entrained in the neutral gas flow without a significant potential barrier. We also found that agglomeration of particles of <1 nm is important in the rate of growth of SNCs. Work supported by DOE (DE-SC0001939) and NSF (CHE-124752).

Response-only method for damage detection of beam-like structures using high accuracy frequencies with auxiliary mass spatial probing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Shuncong; Oyadiji, S. Olutunde; Ding, Kang

2008-04-01

This paper proposes a new approach based on auxiliary mass spatial probing using spectral centre correction method (SCCM), to provide a simple solution for damage detection by just using the response time history of beam-like structures. The natural frequencies of a damaged beam with a traversing auxiliary mass change due to change in the inertia of the beam as the auxiliary mass is traversed along the beam, as well as the point-to-point variations in the flexibility of the beam. Therefore the auxiliary mass can enhance the effects of the crack on the dynamics of the beam and, therefore, facilitate the identification and location of damage in the beam. That is, the auxiliary mass can be used to probe the dynamic characteristic of the beam by traversing the mass from one end of the beam to the other. However, it is impossible to obtain accurate modal frequencies by the direct operation of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the response data of the structure because the frequency spectrum can be only calculated from limited sampled time data which results in the well-known leakage effect. SCCM is identical to the energy centrobaric correction method (ECCM) which is a practical and effective method used in rotating mechanical fault diagnosis and which resolves the shortcoming of FFT and can provide high accuracy estimate of frequency, amplitude and phase. In the present work, the modal responses of damaged simply supported beams with auxiliary mass are computed using the finite element method (FEM). The graphical plots of the natural frequencies calculated by SCCM versus axial location of auxiliary mass are obtained. However, it is difficult to locate the crack directly from the curve of natural frequencies. A simple and fast method, the derivatives of natural frequency curve, is proposed in the paper which can provide crack information for damage detection of beam-like structures. The efficiency and practicability of the proposed method is illustrated via numerical simulation. For real cases, experimental noise is expected to corrupt the response data and, ultimately, the natural frequencies of beam-like structures. Therefore, the response data with a normally distributed random noise is also studied. Also, the effects of crack depth, auxiliary mass and damping ratios on the proposed method are investigated. From the simulated results, the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method is demonstrated. The results show that the proposed method has low computational cost and high precision.

Control of ion content and nitrogen species using a mixed chemistry plasma for GaN grown at extremely high growth rates >9 μm/h by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

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

Gunning, Brendan P.; Clinton, Evan A.; Merola, Joseph J.

2015-10-21

Utilizing a modified nitrogen plasma source, plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) has been used to achieve higher growth rates in GaN. A higher conductance aperture plate, combined with higher nitrogen flow and added pumping capacity, resulted in dramatically increased growth rates up to 8.4 μm/h using 34 sccm of N{sub 2} while still maintaining acceptably low operating pressure. It was further discovered that argon could be added to the plasma gas to enhance growth rates up to 9.8 μm/h, which was achieved using 20 sccm of N{sub 2} and 7.7 sccm Ar flows at 600 W radio frequency power, for which themore » standard deviation of thickness was just 2% over a full 2 in. diameter wafer. A remote Langmuir style probe employing the flux gauge was used to indirectly measure the relative ion content in the plasma. The use of argon dilution at low plasma pressures resulted in a dramatic reduction of the plasma ion current by more than half, while high plasma pressures suppressed ion content regardless of plasma gas chemistry. Moreover, different trends are apparent for the molecular and atomic nitrogen species generated by varying pressure and nitrogen composition in the plasma. Argon dilution resulted in nearly an order of magnitude achievable growth rate range from 1 μm/h to nearly 10 μm/h. Even for films grown at more than 6 μm/h, the surface morphology remained smooth showing clear atomic steps with root mean square roughness less than 1 nm. Due to the low vapor pressure of Si, Ge was explored as an alternative n-type dopant for high growth rate applications. Electron concentrations from 2.2 × 10{sup 16} to 3.8 × 10{sup 19} cm{sup −3} were achieved in GaN using Ge doping, and unintentionally doped GaN films exhibited low background electron concentrations of just 1–2 × 10{sup 15} cm{sup −3}. The highest growth rates resulted in macroscopic surface features due to Ga cell spitting, which is an engineering challenge still to be addressed. Nonetheless, the dramatically enhanced growth rates demonstrate great promise for the future of III-nitride devices grown by PAMBE.« less

Low Temperature Deposition and Characterization of N- and P-Type Silicon Carbide Thin Films and Associated Ohmic and Schottky Contacts

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

properties which make it an attractive material for electronic devices used in high temperature and power applications. In order to make useful...remote plasma chamber. The processing parameters were a pressure of 18 mTorr and a power output of 20 Watts; a flow of 10 sccm of hydrogen gas was...Table I. Growth Conditions for the AIN films Temperature 1050 C Al evaporation temperature 1260 "C Nitrogen flow rate 3.5 sccrn Microwave power 100W

Proceedings of the Second NASA Aviation Safety Program Weather Accident Prevention Review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martzaklis, K. Gus (Compiler)

2003-01-01

The Second NASA Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) Weather Accident Prevention (WxAP) Annual Project Review held June 5-7, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio, presented the NASA technical plans and accomplishments to the aviation community. NASA-developed technologies presented included an Aviation Weather Information System with associated digital communications links, electronic atmospheric reporting technologies, forward-looking turbulence warning systems, and turbulence mitigation procedures. The meeting provided feedback and insight from the aviation community of diverse backgrounds and assisted NASA in steering its plans in the direction needed to meet the national safety goal of 80-percent reduction of aircraft accidents by 2007. The proceedings of the review are enclosed.

Multi-component testing using HZ-PAN and AgZ-PAN Sorbents for OSPREY Model validation

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

Garn, Troy G.; Greenhalgh, Mitchell; Lyon, Kevin L.

2015-04-01

In efforts to further develop the capability of the Off-gas SeParation and RecoverY (OSPREY) model, multi-component tests were completed using both HZ-PAN and AgZ-PAN sorbents. The primary purpose of this effort was to obtain multi-component xenon and krypton capacities for comparison to future OSPREY predicted multi-component capacities using previously acquired Langmuir equilibrium parameters determined from single component isotherms. Experimental capacities were determined for each sorbent using two feed gas compositions of 1000 ppmv xenon and 150 ppmv krypton in either a helium or air balance. Test temperatures were consistently held at 220 K and the gas flowrate was 50 sccm.more » Capacities were calculated from breakthrough curves using TableCurve® 2D software by Jandel Scientific. The HZ-PAN sorbent was tested in the custom designed cryostat while the AgZ-PAN was tested in a newly installed cooling apparatus. Previous modeling validation efforts indicated the OSPREY model can be used to effectively predict single component xenon and krypton capacities for both engineered form sorbents. Results indicated good agreement with the experimental and predicted capacity values for both krypton and xenon on the sorbents. Overall, the model predicted slightly elevated capacities for both gases which can be partially attributed to the estimation of the parameters and the uncertainty associated with the experimental measurements. Currently, OSPREY is configured such that one species adsorbs and one does not (i.e. krypton in helium). Modification of OSPREY code is currently being performed to incorporate multiple adsorbing species and non-ideal interactions of gas phase species with the sorbent and adsorbed phases. Once these modifications are complete, the sorbent capacities determined in the present work will be used to validate OSPREY multicomponent adsorption predictions.« less

Deposition of a-C/B films from o-carborane and trimethyl boron precursors

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

Geddes, J.B.; Getty, W.D.

1996-12-31

Vacuum wall deposition of a-B/C films has had tremendous positive impact on the performance of tokamak fusion reactors. In this work, precursor vapor and helium carrier gas have been used to create a plasma using a novel plasma source. Either trimethyl boron (TMB) or sublimed vapor from o-carborane solid can be used as deposition precursors. The plasma operates in a pressure range of 5 to 15 mTorr and typical flow rates are 5 sccm He plus 0.5-1 sccm o-carborane or TMB vapor. The film deposition rate ranges from less than 100 {angstrom}/minute to over 1,000 {angstrom}/minute. Microwave power levels rangemore » from 300--400 W at 2.45 GHz. The temperature and bias of the substrate can be varied, and the temperature of the substrate is recorded during deposition. The films have been analyzed using XPS. The atomic composition of the films has been measured. The o-carborane films have a much higher boron concentration than those deposited from TMB. The chemical bond characteristics of the different species have also been examined for each type of film. The thickness of the films is measured by profilometry, and this is combined with measurements of the film area and weight to calculate the film density. X-ray diffraction analysis has been performed; no evidence of any crystalline structure was found. Films with a thickness of a few thousand {angstrom} are routinely obtained. Deposition rates were 350 {angstrom}/minute on average.« less

Vacuum testing of a miniaturised switch mode amplifier powering an electrothermal plasma micro-thruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charles, Christine; Liang, Wei; Raymond, Luke; Rivas-Davila, Juan; Boswell, Roderick W.

2017-08-01

A structurally supportive miniaturised low-weight (≤150 g) radiofrequency switch mode amplifier developed to power the small diameter Pocket Rocket electrothermal plasma micro-thruster called MiniPR is tested in vacuum conditions representative of space to demonstrate its suitability for use on nano-satellites such as `CubeSats'. Argon plasma characterisation is carried out by measuring the optical emission signal seen through the plenum window versus frequency (12.8-13.8 MHz) and the plenum cavity pressure increase (indicative of thrust generation from volumetric gas heating in the plasma cavity) versus power (1-15 Watts) with the amplifier operating at atmospheric pressure and a constant flow rate of 20 sccm. Vacuum testing is subsequently performed by measuring the operational frequency range of the amplifier as a function of gas flow rate. The switch mode amplifier design is finely tuned to the input impedance of the thruster ˜16 pF) to provide a power efficiency of 88 % at the resonant frequency and a direct feed to a low-loss (˜ 10 %) impedance matching network. This system provides successful plasma coupling at 1.54 Watts for all investigated flow rates (10-130 sccm) for cryogenic pumping speeds of the order of 6000 l.s^{-1} and a vacuum pressure of the order of ˜ 2x10^{-5} Torr during operation. Interestingly, the frequency bandwidth for which a plasma can be coupled increases from 0.04 to 0.4 MHz when the gas flow rate is increased, probably as a result of changes in the plasma impedance.

Detailed study of SiOxNy:H/Si interface properties for high quality surface passivation of crystalline silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Peng; Lei, Dong; Yu, Xuegong; Huang, Chunlai; Li, Mo; Dai, Gang; Zhang, Jian; Yang, Deren

2018-01-01

In this work, we present a detailed study on the interface and passivation properties of the hydrogenated silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy:H) on the crystalline silicon (c-Si) and their correlations with the film composition. The SiOxNy:H films were synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at various N2O flow rates, which results in different film composition, in particular the different H-related bonds, such as Sisbnd H and Nsbnd H bonds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements show that the concentration of Nsbnd H bonds increases with the N2O flows from 0 to 30 sccm, while drops below the detection limit at N2O flows above 30 sccm. This changing trend of Nsbnd H bonds correlates well with the evolution of carrier lifetime of silicon substrate passivated by SiOxNy:H film, indicating the crucial role of Nsbnd H bonds in surface passivation. It is inferred that during the film deposition and forming gas anneal (FGA) a considerable amount of hydrogen atoms are liberated from the weak type of Nsbnd H bonds rather than Sisbnd H bonds, and then passivate the dangling bonds at the interface, thus resulting in the significant reduction of interface state density and the improved passivation quality. In detail, the interface state density is reduced from ∼5 × 1012 to ∼2 × 1012 cm-2 eV-1 after the FGA, as derived from the high frequency capacitance-voltage (Csbnd V) measurements.

Does the world need a global project on artificial photosynthesis?

PubMed Central

Faunce, Thomas

2015-01-01

This paper introduces a theme issue of Interface Focus derived from papers presented at the Royal Society supported meeting ‘Do we need a global project on artificial photosynthesis?’ held at Chicheley Hall in July 2014. At that meeting, leaders of national solar fuels and chemicals projects and research presented ‘state of the art’ on artificial photosynthesis (AP) in the context of the policy challenges for globalizing a practical technology to address climate change and energy and food security concerns. The discussions included contributions from many experts with legal and policy skills and uniquely focused on producing principles for prioritizing and specializing work while enhancing the funding and attendant public policy profile. To this end, representatives of major public, philanthropic and private potential stakeholders in such a project (such as the Wellcome Trust, the Moore Foundation, Shell, the Leighty Foundation, the EPSRC and Deutsche Alternative Asset Management) were invited to provide feedback at various points in the meeting. For this Interface Focus issue, speakers at the Chicheley Hall meeting were required to present a snapshot of their cutting edge research related to AP and then draw upon the Chicheley Hall discussions to innovatively analyse how their research could best be advanced by a global AP project. Such multidisciplinary policy analysis was not a skill many of these researchers were experienced or trained in. Nonetheless their efforts here represent one of the first published collections to attempt such a significant task. This introduction contains a brief summary of those papers, focusing particularly on their policy aspects. It then summarizes the core discussions that took place at the Chicheley Hall meeting and sets out some of the central ethical principles that were considered during those discussions.

Low Temperature Pulsed Plasma Deposition. Part 2. The Production of Novel Amorphous Compounds of Germanium in Thin Film

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-12

been suggested to occur in amorphous GeS thin films [13]. A change in bond energy and band gap could also account for the measured decrease in optical...the financial support of the US Naval Weapons Center, China Lake and US SDI/IST through the Office of Naval Research. We also acknowledge the...forward power, 210 sTorr chamber pressure, gas flows GeH4/PH3/H2S in acca as given in table, together with 500 sccm Ar. DC bias potential approx. 2kV

Effect of Target Composition and Sputtering Deposition Parameters on the Functional Properties of Nitrogenized Ag-Permalloy Flexible Thin Films Deposited on Polymer Substrates

PubMed Central

Wang, Qun; Jin, Xin

2018-01-01

We report the first results of functional properties of nitrogenized silver-permalloy thin films deposited on polyethylene terephthalic ester {PETE (C10H8O4)n} flexible substrates by magnetron sputtering. These new soft magnetic thin films have magnetization that is comparable to pure Ni81Fe19 permalloy films. Two target compositions (Ni76Fe19Ag5 and Ni72Fe18Ag10) were used to study the effect of compositional variation and sputtering parameters, including nitrogen flow rate on the phase evolution and surface properties. Aggregate flow rate and total pressure of Ar+N2 mixture was 60 sccm and 0.55 Pa, respectively. The distance between target and the substrate was kept at 100 mm, while using sputtering power from 100–130 W. Average film deposition rate was confirmed at around 2.05 nm/min for argon atmosphere and was reduced to 1.8 nm/min in reactive nitrogen atmosphere. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and contact angle measurements were used to characterize the functional properties. Nano sized character of films was confirmed by XRD and SEM. It is found that the grain size was reduced by the formation of nitride phase, which in turns enhanced the magnetization and lowers the coercivity. Magnetic field coupling efficiency limit was determined from 1.6–2 GHz frequency limit. The results of comparable magnetic performance, lowest magnetic loss, and highest surface free energy, confirming that 15 sccm nitrogen flow rate at 115 W is optimal for producing Ag-doped permalloy flexible thin films having excellent magnetic field coupling efficiency. PMID:29562603

Effects of high source flow and high pumping speed on gas source molecular beam epitaxy / chemical beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCollum, M. J.; Jackson, S. L.; Szafranek, I.; Stillman, G. E.

1990-10-01

We report the growth of GaAs by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), gas source molecular beam epitaxy (GSMBE), and chemical beam epitaxy (CBE) in an epitaxial III-V reactor which features high pumping speed. The system is comprised of a modified Perkin-Elmer 430P molecular beam epitaxy system and a custom gas source panel from Emcore. The growth chamber is pumped with a 7000 1/s (He) diffusion pump (Varian VHS-10 with Monsanto Santovac 5 oil). The gas source panel includes pressure based flow controllers (MKS 1150) allowing triethylaluminum (TEA), triethylgallium (TEG), and trimethylindium (TMI) to be supplied without the use of hydrogen. All source lines, including arsine and phosphine, are maintained below atmospheric pressure. The high pumping speed allows total system flow rates as high as 100 SCCM and V/III ratios as high as 100. The purity of GaAs grown by MBE in this system increases with pumping speed. GaAs layers grown by GSMBE with arsine flows of 10 and 20 SCCM have electron concentrations of 1 × 10 15 cm -3 (μ 77=48,000 cm 2/V·) and 2 × 10 14 cm -3 (μ 77=78,000 cm 2/V·s) respectively. El ectron concentration varies with hydride injector temperature such that the minimum in electron concentration occurs for less than complete cracking. The effect of V/III ratio and the use of a metal eutectic bubbler on residual carrier concentration in GaAs grown by CBE is presented. Intentional Si and Be doping of CBE grown GaAs is demonstrated at a high growth rate of 5.4 μm/h.

Comparative study on the deposition of silicon oxide permeation barrier coatings for polymers using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitschker, F.; Schücke, L.; Hoppe, Ch; Jaritz, M.; Dahlmann, R.; de los Arcos, T.; Hopmann, Ch; Grundmeier, G.; Awakowicz, P.

2018-06-01

The effect of the selection of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) as a precursor in a microwave driven low pressure plasma on the deposition of silicon oxide barrier coatings and silicon based organic interlayers on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) substrates is investigated. Mass spectrometry is used to quantify the absolute gas density and the degree of depletion of neutral precursor molecules under variation of oxygen admixture. On average, HMDSN shows a smaller density, a higher depletion and the production of smaller fragments. Subsequently, this is correlated with barrier performance and chemical structure as a function of barrier layer thickness and oxygen admixture on PET. For this purpose, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is measured and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is performed. HMDSN based coatings exhibit significantly higher barrier performances for high admixtures of oxygen (200 sccm). In comparison to HMDSO based processes, however, a higher supply of oxygen is necessary to achieve a sufficient degree of oxidation, cross-linking and, therefore, barrier performance. FTIR and XPS reveal a distinct carbon content for low oxygen admixtures (10 and 20 sccm) in case of HMDSN based coatings. The variation of interlayer thickness also reveals significantly higher OTR for HMDSO based coatings on PET and PP. Barrier performance of HMDSO based coatings improves with increasing interlayer thickness up to 10 nm for PET and PP. HMDSN based coatings exhibit a minimum of OTR without interlayer on PP and for 2 nm interlayer thickness on PET. Furthermore, HMDSN based coatings show distinctly higher bond strengths to the PP substrate.

Ion Energy Distribution Studies of Ions and Radicals in an Ar/H2 Radio Frequency Magnetron Discharge During a-Si:H Deposition Using Energy-Resolved Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mensah, Samuel; Abu-Safe, Husam; Naseem, Hameed; Gordon, Matt

2012-02-01

Ion energy distributions of sputtered Si particles have been measured by an energy-resolved mass spectrometer, and we correlate the results with measured thin film properties. The plasmas have been generated in a conventional magnetron chamber powered at 150W, 13.56MHz at hydrogen flow rates ranging from 0-25sccm. Various Hn^+, SiHn^+, SiHn fragments (with n = 1, 2, 3) together with Ar^+ and ArH^+ species were detected in the discharge. The most important species for the film deposition is SiHn with n = 0,1,2, and H fragments affect the hydrogen content in the material. The flux of Ar^+ decreases and that of ArH^+ increases when the hydrogen flow rate was increased. However both fluxes saturate at hydrogen flow rates above 15sccm. Plasma parameters, such as plasma potential Vp, electron density ne and electron energy Te, are measured with the Langmuir probe. The ion energy distribution (IED) of all prominent species in the plasma is measured with an energy resolved mass analyzer. The plasma parameters decreased with increasing hydrogen flow rate; Vp, ne and Te decreased from 36.5V, 7.2x10^15 m-3, 5.6eV to 32.8, 2.2x10^15m-3 and 3.8eV respectively. The ion energy of the heavy species, Ar, Ar^+, ArH, ArH^+, SiHn and SiHn^+ radicals have ion energies comparable to the plasma potential. Analysis of the IEDs shows an inter-dependence of the species and their contribution to the thin film growth and properties.

Compliance with nutrition support guidelines in acutely burned patients.

PubMed

Holt, Brennen; Graves, Caran; Faraklas, Iris; Cochran, Amalia

2012-08-01

Adequate and timely provision of nutritional support is a crucial component of care of the critically ill burn patient. The goal of this study was to assess a single center's consistency with Society of Critical Care Medicine/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SCCM/ASPEN) guidelines for nutritional support in critically ill patients. Acutely burned patients >45kg in weight admitted to a regional burn center during a two-year period and who required 5 or more days of full enteral nutritional support were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective review. Specific outcomes evaluated include time from admission to feeding tube placement and enteral feeding initiation and percent of nutritional goal received within the first week of hospital stay. Descriptive statistics were used for all analyses. IRB approval was obtained. Thirty-seven patients were included in this retrospective review. Median age of patients was 44.9 years (IQR: 24.2-55.1), and median burn injury size was 30% (IQR: 19-47). Median time to feeding tube placement was 31.1h post admission (IQR: 23.6-50.2h), while median time to initiation of EN was 47.9h post admission (IQR: 32.4-59.9h). The median time required for patients to reach 60% of caloric goal was 3 days post-admission (IQR: 3-4.5). The median time for initiation of enteral nutrition was within the SCCM/ASPEN guidelines for initial nutrition in the critically ill patient. This project identified a 16h time lag between placement of enteral access and initiation of enteral nutrition. Development of a protocol for feeding tube placement and enteral nutrition management may optimize early nutritional support in the acutely injured burn patient. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Invariant Functional Forms for K(r,P) Type Equations of State for Hydrodynamically Driven Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrbek, George

2001-06-01

At the 11th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter, Group Theoretic Methods, as defined by Lie were applied to the problem of temperature independent, hydrodynamic shock in a Birch-Murnaghan continuum. (1) Group parameter ratios were linked to the physical quantities (i.e., KT, K'T, and K''T) specified for the various order Birch-Murnaghan approximations. This technique has now been generalized to provide a mathematical formalism applicable to a wide class of forms (i.e., K(r,P)) for the equation of state. Variations in material expansion and resistance (i.e., counter pressure) are shown to be functions of compression and material variation ahead of the expanding front. Illustrative examples include the Birch-Murnaghan, Vinet, Brennan-Stacey, Shanker, Tait, Poirier, and Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) forms. The results of this study will allow the various equations of state, and their respective fitting coefficients, to be compared with experiments. To do this, one must introduce the group ratios into a numerical simulation for the flow and generate the density, pressure, and particle velocity profiles as the shock moves through the material. (2) (1) Hrbek, G. M., Invariant Functional Forms For The Second, Third, And Fourth Order Birch-Murnaghan Equation of State For Materials Subject to Hydrodynamic Shock, Proceedings of the 11th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 99), Snowbird, Utah (2) Hrbek, G. M., Physical Interpretation of Mathematically Invariant K(r,P) Type Equations Of State For Hydrodynamically Driven Flows, Submitted to the 12th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 01), Atlanta, Georgia

20th JANNAF Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cocchiaro, James E. (Editor); Eggleston, Debra S. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor); Inzar, Jeanette M. (Editor)

2002-01-01

This volume, the first of two volumes, is a collection of 24 unclassified/unlimited-distribution papers which were presented at the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) 20th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS), 38th Combustion Subcommittee (CS), 26th Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS), and 21 Modeling and Simulation Subcommittee meeting. The meeting was held 8-12 April 2002 at the Bayside Inn at The Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort and Eglin Air Force Base, Destin, Florida. Topics covered include: insensitive munitions and hazard classification testing of solid rocket motors and other munitions; vulnerability of gun propellants to impact stimuli; thermal decomposition and cookoff properties of energetic materials; burn-to-violent reaction phenomena in energetic materials; and shock-to-detonation properties of solid propellants and energetic materials.

Student Support for EIPBN 2016 Conference - Final Report

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

Farrow, Reginald C.

The 60th International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon Beam Technology and Nanofabrication (EIPBN) was held in Pittsburgh, PA, from May 31st to June 3rd, 2016. The conference received technical co-sponsorship from the American Vacuum Society (AVS) in cooperation with the Optical Society of America (OSA), and the American Physical Society (APS). The conference was a great success in large part because financial support allowed robust participation from students. The students gave oral and poster presentations of their research and many published peer-reviewed articles in a special conference issue of the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B. The Departmentmore » of Energy Office of Basic Energy Sciences supported 10 students from US universities with a $5,000 grant (DE-SC0015555).« less

Rare Earth Doped GaN Laser Structures Using Metal Modulated Epitaxy

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-30

from Eu-doped GaN,” Appl. Phys. Lett., vol. 75, pp. 1189–1191, 1999. 24. D. S . Lee and A. J. Steckl, “Room-temperature-grown rare- earth -doped GaN...luminescent thin films,” Appl. Phys. Lett., vol. 79, pp. 1962–1964,2001. 25. D. S . Lee and A. J. Steckl, “Lateral color integration on rare- earth doped... s . 0.259nm/ s =1.14E13cm-2/ s =1 ML/ s .Our plasma source was optimized to work at 1.5 sccm and 230 W RF power and it provides a growth rate of 0.8 ML/ s

Hafnium Oxide Film Etching Using Hydrogen Chloride Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habuka, Hitoshi; Yamaji, Masahiko; Kobori, Yoshitsugu; Horii, Sadayoshi; Kunii, Yasuo

2009-12-01

Hydrogen chloride gas removes the hafnium oxide film formed by atomic layer deposition at the etch rate of about 1 nm/min. A 100 nm-thick hafnium oxide film was perfectly etched off at 1173 K for 60 min by 100% hydrogen chloride gas at 100 sccm. A weight decrease in the hafnium oxide film was observed at temperatures higher than ca. 600 K, which corresponds to the sublimation point of hafnium tetrachloride. The etching by-product is considered to be hafnium tetrachloride. The etching technique developed in this study is expected to be applicable to various processes, such as the cleaning of a hafnium oxide film deposition reactor.

Low-pressure chemical vapor deposition of low in situ phosphorus doped silicon thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarret, M.; Liba, A.; Bonnaud, O.

1991-09-01

In situ low phosphorus doped silicon films are deposited onto glass substrates by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition method. The deposition parameters, temperature, total pressure, and pure silane gas flow are, respectively, fixed at 550 °C, 0.08 Torr, and 50 sccm. The varying deposition parameter is phosphine/silane mole ratio; when this ratio varies from 2×10-6 to 4×10-4, the phosphorus concentration and the resistivity after annealing, respectively, vary from 2×1018 to 3×1020 atoms cm-3 and from 1.5 Ω cm to 2.5×10-3 Ω cm.

Nitrogen-doped diamond thin films: potential application in Fabry-Pérot interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosowska, M.; Majchrowicz, D.; Sankaran, K. J.; Ficek, M.; Jedrzejewska-Szczerska, M.; Haenen, M. K.

2018-04-01

In this paper we present results of preliminary research of using nitrogen-doped diamond (NDD) films as reflective layer in Fabry-Pérot interferometer. NDD films were deposited on Si substrates by Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPECVD) with the use of CH4, H2 and N2 gas mixtures. During deposition process methane flow rate varied while nitrogen flow was constant. We performed series of measurements which showed that NDD can be used as a mirror in Fabry-Pérot interferometer. The best signal visibility and repeatability of measurements were obtained for sample made with 3 sccm methane flow rate.

Implementing Family-Centered Care Through Facilitated Sensemaking.

PubMed

Davidson, Judy E; Zisook, Sidney

2017-01-01

The Society of Critical Care Medicine has released updated recommendations for care of the family in neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care units. Translation of the recommendations into practice may benefit from a supporting theoretical framework. Facilitated sensemaking is a mid-range theory built from the same literature that formed the basis for recommendations within the guidelines. The process of facilitated sensemaking may be used to help nurses adopt the SCCM recommendations into practice through the development of caring relationships, promoting family presence, teaching family engagement strategies, and supporting families with communication, information gathering, and participation in decision-making. ©2017 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

Cajal's second great battle for the neuron doctrine: the nature and function of neurofibrils.

PubMed

Frixione, Eugenio

2009-03-01

One hundred years ago, a novel kind of reticularism threatened to displace the neuron doctrine as the established model of functional organization of the nervous system. The challenging paradigm, championed by Stephan von Apáthy and Albrecht Bethe, held that nerve impulses propagate along neurofibrils connected in a continuous network throughout all nerve cells. Santiago Ramón y Cajal, a leading figure in the conception of the neuron doctrine, headed again the battle against this return of reticularism. Dissatisfied with the available staining techniques, he devised the "reduced silver nitrate method" that even Camillo Golgi recognized as the best at the time for revealing the neurofibrils. In 1904 Cajal already published over a dozen papers in three languages describing neurofibril distributions in the nervous systems of diverse vertebrates and invertebrates, under both normal and experimental conditions. Next he investigated the involvement of neurofibrils in the process of nerve regeneration. This unprecedented survey led him to the conclusion that the neurofibrils are linear "colonies" of particles constituting a semi-solid, dynamic internal skeleton of the nerve cell. Apáthy reacted with a long invective paper that Cajal had no choice but acknowledging. His comprehensive reply, published in 1908, meant the effective end of the renewed reticularist campaign against the neuron doctrine. Along the way, a visionary and today almost forgotten chapter in the history of the cytoskeleton had also been written.

Synchrotron Radiation and Neutrons in Art and Archaeology (SR2A) Conference 2016

DOE PAGES

Pouyet, Emeline; Rose, Volker; Soriano, Carmen; ...

2017-01-25

Here, the seventh edition of the international conference on Synchrotron Radiation and Neutrons in Art and Archaeology (SR2A 2016) was held September 6–8, 2016, at the Stock Exchange Room of The Art Institute of Chicago, USA. The conference was jointly organized by seven research laboratories and museums; more precisely, the Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS) of Northwestern University, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum Chicago, the Advanced Photon Source (APS), the Oriental Institute Chicago, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, in close interaction with the SR2A International Committee. Nine yearsmore » after the organization of the first SR2A conference in Grenoble, the Art Institute hosted the second biennial interdisciplinary meeting in the US.« less

Chemical applications of synchrotron radiation: Workshop report

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

Not Available

1989-04-01

The most recent in a series of topical meetings for Advanced Photon Source user subgroups, the Workshop on Chemical Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (held at Argonne National Laboratory, October 3-4, 1988) dealt with surfaces and kinetics, spectroscopy, small-angle scattering, diffraction, and topography and imaging. The primary objectives were to provide an educational resource for the chemistry community on the scientific research being conducted at existing synchrotron sources and to indicate some of the unique opportunities that will be made available with the Advanced Photon Source. The workshop organizers were also interested in gauging the interest of chemists in the fieldmore » of synchrotron radiation. Interest expressed at the meeting has led to initial steps toward formation of a Chemistry Users Group at the APS. Individual projects are processed separately for the data bases.« less

Synchrotron Radiation and Neutrons in Art and Archaeology (SR2A) Conference 2016

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

Pouyet, Emeline; Rose, Volker; Soriano, Carmen

Here, the seventh edition of the international conference on Synchrotron Radiation and Neutrons in Art and Archaeology (SR2A 2016) was held September 6–8, 2016, at the Stock Exchange Room of The Art Institute of Chicago, USA. The conference was jointly organized by seven research laboratories and museums; more precisely, the Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS) of Northwestern University, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum Chicago, the Advanced Photon Source (APS), the Oriental Institute Chicago, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, in close interaction with the SR2A International Committee. Nine yearsmore » after the organization of the first SR2A conference in Grenoble, the Art Institute hosted the second biennial interdisciplinary meeting in the US.« less

Synaptic transmission and short-term plasticity at the calyx of Held synapse revealed by multielectrode array recordings.

PubMed

Haustein, Martin D; Reinert, Thomas; Warnatsch, Annika; Englitz, Bernhard; Dietz, Beatrice; Robitzki, Andrea; Rübsamen, Rudolf; Milenkovic, Ivan

2008-09-30

We assessed the potential of using multielectrode arrays (MEAs) to investigate several physiological properties of the calyx of Held synapse in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body of gerbil. Due to the large size of the synapse, it became widely employed in studies on synaptic mechanisms. Electrical stimulation at the midline evoked a characteristic compound signal consisting of a presynaptic volley (C(1)) and a postsynaptic response (C(2)). The C(1) was blocked by tetrodotoxin, whilst the C(2) was blocked by perfusion of low Ca(2+) external solution, or the AMPA-R antagonists CNQX, and GYKI52466. NMDA-R blocker D-AP5, partially inhibited the postsynaptic response at P12, but showed no effect in P30 animals. The inhibitory effects of GABA or glycine on postsynaptic responses were reciprocal with regard to animal's maturity: GABA caused a pronounced reduction of C(2) amplitude in P20-22 animals, while glycine showed a stronger inhibition in P27-28 animals. Low-frequency super-threshold stimulation of the afferents induced facilitation of the postsynaptic C(2) amplitudes and only minor changes in temporal characteristics of the signals. At stimulation frequencies >200 Hz, however, significant depression occurs accompanied by increases in transmission delay and in the width of the postsynaptic response. This study suggests MEAs as a useful tool to study calyx of Held synapse by simultaneous recordings of pre- and postsynaptic elements of synaptically interconnected neurons in the auditory brainstem. Moreover, MEAs enable convenient analysis of activity-dependent depression and modulation of neuronal activity by glycine and GABA at later developmental stages not accessible to patch recordings.

Study the effect of nitrogen flow rate on tribological properties of tantalum nitride based coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, Dharmesh B.; Chauhan, Kamlesh V.; Sonera, Akshay L.; Makwana, Nishant S.; Dave, Divyeshkumar P.; Rawal, Sushant K.

2018-05-01

Tantalum Nitride (TaN) based coatings are well-known for their high temperature stability and chemical inertness. We have studied the effect of nitrogen flow rate variation on the structural and tribological properties of TaN based coating deposited by RF magnetron sputtering process. The nitrogen flow rate was varied from 5 to 30 sccm. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to determine structure and surface topography of coating. Pin on disc tribometer was used to determine tribological properties of coating. TaN coated brass and mild steel substrates shows higher wear resistance compared to uncoated substrates of brass and mild steel.

Structural and optical properties of Ga auto-incorporated InAlN epilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, E.; Smith, M. D.; Sadler, T. C.; Lorenz, K.; Li, H. N.; Alves, E.; Parbrook, P. J.; Martin, R. W.

2014-12-01

InAlN epilayers deposited on thick GaN buffer layers grown by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) revealed an auto-incorporation of Ga when analysed by wavelength dispersive x-ray (WDX) spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). Samples were grown under similar conditions with the change in reactor flow rate resulting in varying Ga contents of 12-24%. The increase in flow rate from 8000 to 24 000 sccm suppressed the Ga auto-incorporation which suggests that the likely cause is from residual Ga left behind from previous growth runs. The luminescence properties of the resultant InAlGaN layers were investigated using cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements.

Peculiar Traits of Coarse AP (Briefing Charts)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

coarse AP Bircumshaw, Newman Active centers are sources of AP decomposition gases AP low temperature decomposition (LTD) Most unstable AP particles ...delay before coarse AP ejection *Coarse AP particle flame retardancy 19 Air Force Research Laboratory Distribution A: Approved for public release...distribution unlimited. PA clearance #. Combustion bomb trials 2 AP phase change may enable coarse particle breakage Fractured coarse AP ejection agrees

Acute Pancreatitis and Use of Pancreatitis-Associated Drugs: A 10-Year Population-Based Cohort Study.

PubMed

Bertilsson, Sara; Kalaitzakis, Evangelos

2015-10-01

To assess the use of acute pancreatitis (AP)-associated drugs in patients with AP, the relation between sales of these drugs and the incidence of AP, and the potential impact on AP severity and recurrence. All patients with incident AP between 2003 and 2012, in a well-defined area, were retrospectively identified. Data regarding AP etiology, severity, and recurrence and use of AP-associated drugs were extracted from medical records. Drugs were classified according to an evidence-based classification system. Annual drug sales data were obtained from the Swedish drug administration service. Overall, 1457 cases of incident AP were identified. Acute pancreatitis-associated drug users increased from 32% in 2003 to 51% in 2012, reflecting increasing user rates in the general population. The incidence of AP increased during the study period but was not related to AP-associated drug user rates (P > 0.05). Recurrent AP occurred in 23% but was unrelated to AP-associated drug use (P > 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for comorbidity, AP-associated drug use was not related to AP severity (P > 0.05). Use of AP-associated drugs is increasingly frequent in patients with AP. However, it does not have any major impact on the observed epidemiological changes in occurrence, severity, or recurrence of AP.

Effect of clothing type on validity of air-displacement plethysmography.

PubMed

King, George A; Fulkerson, Bethany; Evans, Michael J; Moreau, Kerrie L; McLaughlin, James E; Thompson, Dixie L

2006-02-01

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the validity of an air-displacement plethysmography system (AP) within the general population, while wearing (1) a racing-type swimsuit (AP(SS)) and (2) participant's personal undergarments (AP(UG)), against hydrodensitometry (HW). Fifty women and 50 men were measured for body volume, density, and fat percentage by HW and compared with AP(SS) and AP(UG). For women, AP(UG) and AP(SS) were similar, although significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between AP(UG) and HW and between AP(SS) and HW. For men, there was no significant difference between AP(UG) and HW; however, significant differences (P < or = 0.01) were found between AP(UG) and AP(SS) and between AP(SS) and HW. The small discrepancy in measured values between AP and HW are within the measurement error for the instrumentation and these data support the use of AP for determination of body composition in adults across a wide range of body size (body mass index [BMI] 17.7-35.2 kg.m(-2)) and age (18-57 y). Participants' personal undergarments provide a practical alternative to a spandex swimsuit when measuring body composition by AP in women but not in men.

Purification, characterisation and protective effects of polysaccharides from alfalfa on hepatocytes.

PubMed

Wang, Shaopu; Dong, Xiaofang; Ma, Hao; Cui, Yaoming; Tong, Jianming

2014-11-04

The objective of this study was to determine the preliminary characteristics and protective effects of alfalfa polysaccharides (APS) on hepatocytes in vitro. The crude APS was purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography, resulting in the four purified fractions: APS-1, APS-2, APS-3 and APS-4. The results indicated that APS-3 had higher carbohydrate and uronic acid contents and that APS-4 had a more complicated monosaccharide composition compared to the other purified fractions. The average molecular weights of APS-1, APS-2, APS-3 and APS-4 were 48,536, 6,221, 66,559 and 13,076 Da, respectively. Furthermore, APS (crude and its purified fractions) restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased the total antioxidant capacity of hepatocytes subjected to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, APS treatment counteracted the increases in lactic dehydrogenase and malonaldehyde in the culture supernatant. These results clearly demonstrate that APS possesses a protective effect against oxidative injury in hepatocytes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of SiNx Barrier Layer on the Performances of Polyimide Ga2O3-doped ZnO p-i-n Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Fang-Hsing; Kuo, Hsin-Hui; Yang, Cheng-Fu; Liu, Min-Chu

2014-01-01

In this study, silicon nitride (SiNx) thin films were deposited on polyimide (PI) substrates as barrier layers by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. The gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films were deposited on PI and SiNx/PI substrates at room temperature (RT), 100 and 200 °C by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The thicknesses of the GZO and SiNx thin films were controlled at around 160 ± 12 nm and 150 ± 10 nm, respectively. The optimal deposition parameters for the SiNx thin films were a working pressure of 800 × 10−3 Torr, a deposition power of 20 W, a deposition temperature of 200 °C, and gas flowing rates of SiH4 = 20 sccm and NH3 = 210 sccm, respectively. For the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI structures we had found that the GZO thin films deposited at 100 and 200 °C had higher crystallinity, higher electron mobility, larger carrier concentration, smaller resistivity, and higher optical transmittance ratio. For that, the GZO thin films deposited at 100 and 200 °C on PI and SiNx/PI substrates with thickness of ~000 nm were used to fabricate p-i-n hydrogenated amorphous silicon (α-Si) thin film solar cells. 0.5% HCl solution was used to etch the surfaces of the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI substrates. Finally, PECVD system was used to deposit α-Si thin film onto the etched surfaces of the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI substrates to fabricate α-Si thin film solar cells, and the solar cells’ properties were also investigated. We had found that substrates to get the optimally solar cells’ efficiency were 200 °C-deposited GZO-SiNx/PI. PMID:28788494

Improving Health Care for Critically Ill Patients Using an Evidence-Based Collaborative Approach to ABCDEF Bundle Dissemination and Implementation.

PubMed

Barnes-Daly, Mary Ann; Pun, Brenda T; Harmon, Lori A; Byrum, Diane G; Kumar, Vishakha K; Devlin, John W; Stollings, Joanna L; Puntillo, Kathleen A; Engel, Heidi J; Posa, Patricia J; Barr, Juliana; Schweickert, William D; Esbrook, Cheryl L; Hargett, Ken D; Carson, Shannon S; Aldrich, J Matthew; Ely, E Wesley; Balas, Michele C

2018-06-01

Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) often experience pain, oversedation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, delirium, and weakness. These conditions are important in that they often lead to protracted physical, neurocognitive, and mental health sequelae now termed postintensive care syndrome. Changing current ICU practice will not only require the adoption of evidence-based interventions but the development of effective and reliable teams to support these new practices. To build on the success of bundled care and bridge an ongoing evidence-practice gap, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) recently launched the ICU Liberation ABCDEF Bundle Improvement Collaborative. The Collaborative aimed to foster the bedside application of the SCCM's Pain, Agitation, and Delirium Guidelines via the ABCDEF bundle. The purpose of this paper is to describe the history of the Collaborative, the evidence-based implementation strategies used to foster change and teamwork, and the performance and outcome metrics used to monitor progress. Collaborative participants were required to attend four in-person meetings, monthly colearning calls, database training sessions, an e-Community listserv, and select in-person site visits. Teams submitted patient-level data and completed pre- and postimplementation questionnaires focused on the assessment of teamwork and collaboration, work environment, and overall ICU care. Faculty shared the evidence used to derive each bundle element as well as team-based implementation strategies for improvement and sustainment. Retention in the Collaborative was high, with 67 of 69 adult and eight of nine pediatric ICUs fully completing the program. Baseline and prospective data were collected on over 17,000 critically ill patients. A variety of evidence-based professional behavioral change interventions and novel implementation techniques were utilized and shared among Collaborative members. Hospitals and health systems can use the Collaborative structure, strategies, and tools described in this paper to help successfully implement the ABCDEF bundle in their ICUs. © 2018 Sigma Theta Tau International.

DNA Microarray Profiling of a Diverse Collection of Nosocomial Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Assigns the Majority to the Correct Sequence Type and Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) Type and Results in the Subsequent Identification and Characterization of Novel SCCmec-SCCM1 Composite Islands

PubMed Central

Brennan, Orla M.; Deasy, Emily C.; Rossney, Angela S.; Kinnevey, Peter M.; Ehricht, Ralf; Monecke, Stefan; Coleman, David C.

2012-01-01

One hundred seventy-five isolates representative of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones that predominated in Irish hospitals between 1971 and 2004 and that previously underwent multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing were characterized by spa typing (175 isolates) and DNA microarray profiling (107 isolates). The isolates belonged to 26 sequence type (ST)-SCCmec types and subtypes and 35 spa types. The array assigned all isolates to the correct MLST clonal complex (CC), and 94% (100/107) were assigned an ST, with 98% (98/100) correlating with MLST. The array assigned all isolates to the correct SCCmec type, but subtyping of only some SCCmec elements was possible. Additional SCCmec/SCC genes or DNA sequence variation not detected by SCCmec typing was detected by array profiling, including the SCC-fusidic acid resistance determinant Q6GD50/fusC. Novel SCCmec/SCC composite islands (CIs) were detected among CC8 isolates and comprised SCCmec IIA-IIE, IVE, IVF, or IVg and a ccrAB4-SCC element with 99% DNA sequence identity to SCCM1 from ST8/t024-MRSA, SCCmec VIII, and SCC-CI in Staphylococcus epidermidis. The array showed that the majority of isolates harbored one or more superantigen (94%; 100/107) and immune evasion cluster (91%; 97/107) genes. Apart from fusidic acid and trimethoprim resistance, the correlation between isolate antimicrobial resistance phenotype and the presence of specific resistance genes was ≥97%. Array profiling allowed high-throughput, accurate assignment of MRSA to CCs/STs and SCCmec types and provided further evidence of the diversity of SCCmec/SCC. In most cases, array profiling can accurately predict the resistance phenotype of an isolate. PMID:22869569

Overexpression of two PsnAP1 genes from Populus simonii × P. nigra causes early flowering in transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Zheng, Tangchun; Li, Shuang; Zang, Lina; Dai, Lijuan; Yang, Chuanping; Qu, Guan-Zheng

2014-01-01

In Arabidopsis, AP1 is a floral meristem identity gene and plays an important role in floral organ development. In this study, PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 were isolated from the male reproductive buds of poplar (Populus simonii × P. nigra), which are the orthologs of AP1 in Arabidopsis, by sequence analysis. Northern blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed that PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 exhibited high expression level in early inflorescence development of poplar. Subcellular localization showed the PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 proteins are localized in the nucleus. Overexpression of PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 in tobacco under the control of a CaMV 35S promoter significantly enhanced early flowering. These transgenic plants also showed much earlier stem initiation and higher rates of photosynthesis than did wild-type tobacco. qRT-PCR analysis further indicated that overexpression of PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 resulted in up-regulation of genes related to flowering, such as NtMADS4, NtMADS5 and NtMADS11. Overexpression of PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 in Arabidopsis also induced early flowering, but did not complement the ap1-10 floral morphology to any noticeable extent. This study indicates that PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 play a role in floral transition of poplar.

[Effects of acupotomy, electroacupuncture or round-sharp acupuncture needle interventions on expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 proteins of rectus femoris in rabbits with knee ostarthritis].

PubMed

Huang, Yi-Ran; Jin, Ying-Li; Li, Na; Lei, Lin-Dan; Yu, Fei; Li, Yu-Bo; Tao, Lin; Zhang, Qian; Guo, Chang-Qing

2014-04-01

To observe the effect of acupotomy, electroacupuncture (EA) or round-sharp acupuncture needle intervention on the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and Caspase-3 proteins in the rectus femoris in rabbits with knee ostarthritis (KOA), so as to explore their mechanisms underlying improvement of braking-induced joint damage from the cellular apoptosis. Forty-five New Zealand rabbits were equally and randomized into control group, model group, acupotomy (AP) group, EA group and round-sharp acupuncture needle (RSAN) group (n = 9 in each group). The knee-joint injury model was established by fixing the left knee joint in extention position with plaster bandage. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 3 mA, 20 min each time) was applied to the left "Yanglingquan" (GB 34)- "Yinlingquan" (SP 9) and left "Neixiyan" (EX-LE 4)- "Waixiyan"(ST 35) for rabbits in the EA group. The EA treatment was given once daily, 3 times a week, 3 weeks in total. For rabbits of the AP group, a needle-knife was held to insert into the front edge of the midpoint, the starting point and the stopping point of the left medial collateral ligamen, lateral collateral ligament and the patellar ligament of the knee to make a loosening manipulation for 5 times in a session of treatment, once a week, 3 times altogether. For rabbits of the RSAN group, a round-sharp needle was performed in the same way to the needle-knife including the stimulation point, the manipulation method and treatment sessions. At the end of the experiment, the left rectus femoris was taken out for detecting the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 proteins with Western blot. In comparison with the control group, the passive range of motion (PROM) level was significantly decreased 4, 8 and 12 weeks after modeling (P < 0.01), and the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins in the rectus femoris were considerably upregulated in the model group (P < 0.05), while the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was notably down-regulated (P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the PROM level at week 12 after modeling in the AP, EA and RSAN groups were significantly increased (P < 0.01); while Bax and Caspase-3 expression levels in both AP and RSAN groups were considerably downregulated (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the five groups in Bcl-2 expression levels (P > 0.05), and between the EA and model groups in Bax and Caspase-3 expression levels and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (P > 0.05). AP, RSAN and EA interventions are effective in improving the knee-joint motion range in KOA rabbits, and this effect of both AP and RSAN is closely associated with their actions in lowering the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins of the rectus femoris and in raising ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein (reducing muscular cellular apoptosis). The mechanism of EA intervention in improving PROM may be different.

P alpha-chiral phosphorothioate analogues of bis(5'-adenosyl)tetraphosphate (Ap4A); their enzymatic synthesis and degradation.

PubMed Central

Lazewska, D; Guranowski, A

1990-01-01

Synthesis of Sp and Rp diastereomers of Ap4A alpha S has been characterized in two enzymatic systems, the lysyl-tRNA synthetase from Escherichia coli and the Ap4A alpha, beta-phosphorylase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The synthetase was able to use both (Sp)ATP alpha S and (Rp)ATP alpha S as acceptors of adenylate thus yielding corresponding monothioanalogues of Ap4A,(Sp) Ap4A alpha S and (Rp)Ap4A alpha S. No dithiophosphate analogue was formed. Relative synthetase velocities of the formation of Ap4A,(Sp) Ap4A alpha S and (Rp)Ap4A alpha S were 1:0.38:0.15, and the computed Km values for (Sp)ATP alpha S and (Rp)ATP alpha S were 0.48 and 1.34 mM, respectively. The yeast Ap4A phosphorylase synthesized (Sp)Ap4A alpha S and (Rp)Ap4A alpha S using adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) as source of adenylate. The adenylate was accepted by corresponding thioanalogues of ATP. In that system, relative velocities of Ap4A, (Sp)Ap4A alpha S and (Rp)Ap4A alpha S formation were 1:0.15:0.60. The two isomeric phosphorothioate analogues of Ap4A were tested as substrates for the following specific Ap4A-degrading enzymes: (asymmetrical) Ap4A hydrolase (EC 3.6.1.17) from yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus) seeds hydrolyzed each of the analogues to AMP and the corresponding isomer of ATP alpha S; (symmetrical) Ap4A hydrolase (EC 3.6.1.41) from E. coli produced ADP and the corresponding diastereomer of ADP alpha S; and Ap4A phosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.53) from S. cerevisiae cleaved the Rp isomer only at the unmodified end yielding ADP and (Rp)ATP alpha S whereas the Sp isomer was degraded non-specifically yielding a mixture of ADP, (Sp)ADP alpha S, ATP and (Sp)ATP alpha S. For all the Ap4A-degrading enzymes, the Rp isomer of Ap4A alpha S appeared to be a better substrate than its Sp counterpart; stereoselectivity of the three enzymes for the Ap4A alpha S diastereomers is 51, 6 and 2.5, respectively. Basic kinetic parameters of the degradation reactions are presented and structural requirements of the Ap4A-metabolizing enzymes with respect to the potential substrates modified at the Ap4A-P alpha are discussed. PMID:2172926

75 FR 57920 - Kerr-Philpott System

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-23

... schedules VA-1-B, VA-2-B, VA-3- B, VA-4-B, CP&L-1-B, CP&L-2-B, CP&L-3-B, CP&L-4-B, AP-1-B, AP-2-B, AP- 3-B..., CP&L-1-A, CP&L-2-A, CP&L-3-A, CP&L-4-A, AP-1-A, AP-2-A, AP-3-A, AP-4-A, NC-1-A, and Replacement-2... Schedules VA-1-A, VA-2-A, VA-3-A, VA-4-A, CP&L-1- A, CP&L-2-A, CP&L-3-A, CP&L-4-A, AP-1-A, AP-2-A, AP-3-A...

[AIDS in Russia. It is still possible to stop the epidemic. Interview with Dr. A.P. Koslov].

PubMed

Bertrand, P

1996-01-01

According to A.P. Koslov, president of the Fourth International Conference on AIDS, Cancer, and Associated Diseases held in Russia in 1996, the conference represents the first high level discussion of AIDS risk management in Russia. Russia has a strong potential for development of a vaccine, having been a key player in the smallpox eradication program in the late 1950s. Conditions are difficult at present, but it is possible that Russia will be able to develop a practical vaccine for distribution in the Third World. Efforts to develop an HIV vaccine underway in different countries have been examined, and a list has been compiled of Russian institutions able to participate in HIV vaccine development. International assistance for vaccine development in Russia would help both the medical establishment in Russia, which has suffered because of the economic and social crisis, and the international community. A meeting is planned for December 1996 in St. Petersburg to organize an AIDS control organization for all of Russia. Mobilization of support for AIDS prevention activities is necessary but very difficult. If nothing is done, the epidemic in Ukraine will soon spread to Russia. But Russia and China are among the few countries where an HIV epidemic could still be prevented or stopped. The association in St. Petersburg cooperates with other former Soviet republics in AIDS control activities, although attendance at international meetings and conferences is frequently curtailed for financial reasons.

In search of acceptable alternatives to the murine histamine sensitisation test (HIST): what is possible and practical?

PubMed

Wagner, L; Isbrucker, R; Locht, C; Arciniega, J; Costanzo, A; McFarland, R; Oh, H; Hoonakker, M; Descamps, J; Andersen, S R; Gupta, R K; Markey, K; Chapsal, J M; Lidster, K; Casey, W; Allen, D

2016-01-01

The 'International Workshop on Alternatives to the Murine Histamine Sensitization Test for Acellular Pertussis Vaccines: In Search of Acceptable Alternatives to the Murine Histamine Sensitization Test (HIST): What is Possible and Practical?' was held on 4 and 5 March 2015 in London, United Kingdom. Participants discussed the results of the data generated from an international collaborative study (BSP114 Phase 2) sponsored by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Health Care (EDQM) to determine if a modified Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-based clustering assay is a suitable alternative to replace HIST. Workshop participants agreed that protocol transferability demonstrated in the collaborative study indicates that a standardised CHO cell assay is adequate for measuring pure PTx in reference preparations. However, vaccine manufacturers would still need to demonstrate that the method is valid to detect or measure residual PTx in their specific adjuvanted products. The 2 modified CHO cell protocols included in the study (the Direct and the Indirect Methods) deserve further consideration as alternatives to HIST. Using the CHO cell assay, an in vitro alternative, for acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine batch release testing would reduce the number of animals used for aP vaccine safety testing. A strategic, stepwise adoption plan was proposed, in which the alternative test would be used for release purposes first, and then, once sufficient confidence in its suitable performance has been gained, its use would be extended to stability testing.

Statistical Evaluation of Airport Pavement Condition Survey Data for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

21...COUNTY SQUIRE AIRPARK, OREGON 12 70 22...FLORENCE MUNICIPAL AP, OREGON 3 95 23...HERMISTON MUNICIPAL AP, OREGON 11 87 24...HOOD RIVER AP, OREGON...12 87 33...OROFINO MUNICIPAL AP, IDAHO 17 81 34...PRIEST RIVER MUNICIPAL AP, IDAHO 11 86 *NUgU**MmUU~tNUINNNNNNNffWUU0W NUU EU*UI** **-28 -28- TABLE 3...3 88 8...BAKER MUNICIPAL AP, OREGON 3 90 9...BEND MUNICIPAL AP, OREGON 9 89 10..CRESWELL MUNICIPAL AP, OREGON 1 98 11..HOOD RIVER AP, OREGON 1 96 12

Diadenosine polyphosphates Ap3A and Ap4A, but not Ap5A or Ap6A, induce proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Bobbert, Peter; Schlüter, Hartmut; Schultheiss, Heinz Peter; Reusch, Hans Peter

2008-05-15

Depending on the number of phosphate groups, diadenosine polyphosphates (ApnA, Ap3A, Ap4A, Ap5A and Ap6A) differ in properties such as proliferation, apoptosis, vasoconstriction and vasodilatation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Possible signaling pathways leading to effects such as proliferation are still unknown. This study examined the proliferative effects of diadenosine polyphosphates on VSMCs and their intracellular pathways. Proliferation of VSMCs was measured by the cell count and [(3)H] thymidine incorporation. Phosphorylation of the MAP kinases ERK1/2 was determined by Western blotting. Single-cell [Ca(2+)](i) measurements were done to determine the influence of [Ca(2+)](i) on intracellular signaling. Stress fiber formation was assessed by fluorescence microscopy to detect an influence of G alpha(12). Ap3A and Ap4A, but not Ap5A or Ap6A, were shown to increase proliferation of VSMCs by activating P2Y receptors, which leads to stimulation of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK1/2 cascade. Ap3A- and Ap4A-induced activation of the MAP kinases ERK1/2 was dependent on a signaling pathway that included the EGF receptor, PKC, PLCbeta and the increase of [Ca(2+)](i). In conclusion, Ap3A and Ap4A, but not Ap5A or Ap6A, induce proliferation of VSMCs by a signaling pathway that begins with activation of P2Y receptors and leads to stimulation of the MAP kinases ERK1/2.

Overexpression of Two PsnAP1 Genes from Populus simonii × P. nigra Causes Early Flowering in Transgenic Tobacco and Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Zheng, Tangchun; Li, Shuang; Zang, Lina; Dai, Lijuan; Yang, Chuanping; Qu, Guan-Zheng

2014-01-01

In Arabidopsis, AP1 is a floral meristem identity gene and plays an important role in floral organ development. In this study, PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 were isolated from the male reproductive buds of poplar (Populus simonii × P. nigra), which are the orthologs of AP1 in Arabidopsis, by sequence analysis. Northern blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed that PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 exhibited high expression level in early inflorescence development of poplar. Subcellular localization showed the PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 proteins are localized in the nucleus. Overexpression of PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 in tobacco under the control of a CaMV 35S promoter significantly enhanced early flowering. These transgenic plants also showed much earlier stem initiation and higher rates of photosynthesis than did wild-type tobacco. qRT-PCR analysis further indicated that overexpression of PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 resulted in up-regulation of genes related to flowering, such as NtMADS4, NtMADS5 and NtMADS11. Overexpression of PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 in Arabidopsis also induced early flowering, but did not complement the ap1-10 floral morphology to any noticeable extent. This study indicates that PsnAP1-1 and PsnAP1-2 play a role in floral transition of poplar. PMID:25360739

ParamAP: Standardized Parameterization of Sinoatrial Node Myocyte Action Potentials.

PubMed

Rickert, Christian; Proenza, Catherine

2017-08-22

Sinoatrial node myocytes act as cardiac pacemaker cells by generating spontaneous action potentials (APs). Much information is encoded in sinoatrial AP waveforms, but both the analysis and the comparison of AP parameters between studies is hindered by the lack of standardized parameter definitions and the absence of automated analysis tools. Here we introduce ParamAP, a standalone cross-platform computational tool that uses a template-free detection algorithm to automatically identify and parameterize APs from text input files. ParamAP employs a graphic user interface with automatic and user-customizable input modes, and it outputs data files in text and PDF formats. ParamAP returns a total of 16 AP waveform parameters including time intervals such as the AP duration, membrane potentials such as the maximum diastolic potential, and rates of change of the membrane potential such as the diastolic depolarization rate. ParamAP provides a robust AP detection algorithm in combination with a standardized AP parameter analysis over a wide range of AP waveforms and firing rates, owing in part to the use of an iterative algorithm for the determination of the threshold potential and the diastolic depolarization rate that is independent of the maximum upstroke velocity, a parameter that can vary significantly among sinoatrial APs. Because ParamAP is implemented in Python 3, it is also highly customizable and extensible. In conclusion, ParamAP is a powerful computational tool that facilitates quantitative analysis and enables comparison of sinoatrial APs by standardizing parameter definitions and providing an automated work flow. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ap4A induces apoptosis in human cultured cells.

PubMed

Vartanian, A; Alexandrov, I; Prudowski, I; McLennan, A; Kisselev, L

1999-07-30

Diadenosine oligophosphates (Ap(n)A) have been proposed as intracellular and extracellular signaling molecules in animal cells. The ratio of diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P3-triphosphate to diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap3A/Ap4A) is sensitive to the cellular status and alters when cultured cells undergo differentiation or are treated with interferons. In cells undergoing apoptosis induced by DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor VP16, the concentration of Ap3A decreases significantly while that of Ap4A increases. Here, we have examined the effects of exogenously added Ap3A and Ap4A on apoptosis and morphological differentiation. Penetration of Ap(n)A into cells was achieved by cold shock. Ap4A at 10 microM induced programmed cell death in human HL60, U937 and Jurkat cells and mouse VMRO cells and this effect appeared to require Ap4A breakdown as hydrolysis-resistant analogues of Ap4A were inactive. On its own, Ap3A induced neither apoptosis nor cell differentiation but did display strong synergism with the protein kinase C activators 12-deoxyphorbol-13-O-phenylacetate and 12-deoxyphorbol-13-O-phenylacetate-20-acetate in inducing differentiation of HL60 cells. We propose that Ap4A and Ap3A are physiological antagonists in determination of the cellular status: Ap4A induces apoptosis whereas Ap3A is a co-inductor of differentiation. In both cases, the mechanism of signal transduction remains unknown.

Differential recognition of a dileucine-based sorting signal by AP-1 and AP-3 reveals a requirement for both BLOC-1 and AP-3 in delivery of OCA2 to melanosomes

PubMed Central

Sitaram, Anand; Dennis, Megan K.; Chaudhuri, Rittik; De Jesus-Rojas, Wilfredo; Tenza, Danièle; Setty, Subba Rao Gangi; Wood, Christopher S.; Sviderskaya, Elena V.; Bennett, Dorothy C.; Raposo, Graça; Bonifacino, Juan S.; Marks, Michael S.

2012-01-01

Cell types that generate unique lysosome-related organelles (LROs), such as melanosomes in melanocytes, populate nascent LROs with cargoes that are diverted from endosomes. Cargo sorting toward melanosomes correlates with binding via cytoplasmically exposed sorting signals to either heterotetrameric adaptor AP-1 or AP-3. Some cargoes bind both adaptors, but the relative contribution of each adaptor to cargo recognition and their functional interactions with other effectors during transport to melanosomes are not clear. Here we exploit targeted mutagenesis of the acidic dileucine–based sorting signal in the pigment cell–specific protein OCA2 to dissect the relative roles of AP-1 and AP-3 in transport to melanosomes. We show that binding to AP-1 or AP-3 depends on the primary sequence of the signal and not its position within the cytoplasmic domain. Mutants that preferentially bound either AP-1 or AP-3 each trafficked toward melanosomes and functionally complemented OCA2 deficiency, but AP-3 binding was necessary for steady-state melanosome localization. Unlike tyrosinase, which also engages AP-3 for optimal melanosomal delivery, both AP-1– and AP-3–favoring OCA2 variants required BLOC-1 for melanosomal transport. These data provide evidence for distinct roles of AP-1 and AP-3 in OCA2 transport to melanosomes and indicate that BLOC-1 can cooperate with either adaptor during cargo sorting to LROs. PMID:22718909

Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and triphosphate (Ap3A) signaling of human sperm motility.

PubMed

Chan, P J; Su, B C; Tredway, D R

1991-01-01

The ubiquitous dinucleotide polyphosphate, diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), has been shown to be a signal molecule for DNA replication in mammalian cells. In this study, Ap4A and a related compound, diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A), were tested for possible signaling functions in human spermatozoa. A computerized automated semen analyzer was used to detect changes in spermatozoa motility parameters. Cryopreserved-thawed donor spermatozoa were washed and incubated in 0.1 mM Ap4A, 0.1 mM Ap3A, or control medium. The data indicated that both Ap4A and Ap3A decreased the percentage of motile spermatozoa after 4 or more hours of incubation in vitro. The two dinucleotide polyphosphates caused an increase in the amplitude of lateral spermatozoa head displacement parameter only at the start of incubation. The other spermatozoa kinematic parameters were unaffected. No opposing ying-yang dual actions of Ap4A to Ap3A were seen. From the results, Ap4A and Ap3A were observed to be potential inhibitory signals of spermatozoa motility after prolonged exposure.

Diadenosine tetra- and pentaphosphates affect contractility and bioelectrical activity in the rat heart via P2 purinergic receptors.

PubMed

Pustovit, Ksenia B; Kuzmin, Vladislav S; Abramochkin, Denis V

2016-03-01

Diadenosine polyphosphates (Ap(n)As) are endogenously produced molecules which have been identified in various tissues of mammalian organism, including myocardium. Ap(n)As contribute to the blood clotting and are also widely accepted as regulators of blood vascular tone. Physiological role of Ap(n)As in cardiac muscle has not been completely elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of diadenosine tetra- (Ap4A) and penta- (Ap5A) polyphosphates on contractile function and action potential (AP) waveform in rat supraventricular and ventricular myocardium. We have also demonstrated the effects of A4pA and Ap5A in myocardial sleeves of pulmonary veins (PVs), which play a crucial role in genesis of atrial fibrillation. APs were recorded with glass microelectrodes in multicellular myocardial preparations. Contractile activity was measured in isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Both Ap4A and Ap5A significantly reduced contractility of isolated Langendorff-perfused heart and produced significant reduction of AP duration in left and right auricle, interatrial septum, and especially in right ventricular wall myocardium. Ap(n)As also shortened APs in rat pulmonary veins and therefore may be considered as potential proarrhythmic factors. Cardiotropic effects of Ap4A and Ap5A were strongly antagonized by selective blockers of P2 purine receptors suramin and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), while P1 blocker DPCPX was not effective. We conclude that Ap(n)As may be considered as new class of endogenous cardioinhibitory compounds. P2 purine receptors play the central role in mediation of Ap4A and Ap5A inhibitory effects on electrical and contractile activity in different regions of the rat heart.

Effect of rapid thermal annealing on the electrical, optical and structural properties of ZnO-doped In2O3 films grown by linear facing target sputtering.

PubMed

Cho, Chung-Ki; Kim, Han-Ki

2012-04-01

We investigated the effect of rapid thermal annealing on the electrical, optical, and structural properties of ZnO-doped In2O3 (ZIO) films grown at different Ar/O2 flow ratios (15/0 and 15/1 sccm) by using linear facing target sputtering. It was found that the ZIO films grown at different Ar/O2, flow ratios showed different electrical and optical behavior with increasing rapid thermal annealing temperature. Synchrotron X-ray scattering examination showed that the different electrical and optical properties of the ZIO films could be attributed to the difference in preferred orientation with an increase in rapid thermal annealing temperature.

Noble gas storage and delivery system for ion propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Back, Dwight Douglas (Inventor); Ramos, Charlie (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A method and system for storing and delivering a noble gas for an ion propulsion system where an adsorbent bearing a noble gas is heated within a storage vessel to desorb the noble gas which is then flowed through a pressure reduction device to a thruster assembly. The pressure and flow is controlled using a flow restrictor and low wattage heater which heats an adsorbent bed containing the noble gas propellant at low pressures. Flow rates of 5-60 sccm can be controlled to within about 0.5% or less and the required input power is generally less than 50 W. This noble gas storage and delivery system and method can be used for earth orbit satellites, and lunar or planetary space missions.

Localized Plasma Processing of Materials Using Atmospheric-Pressure Microplasma Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshiki, Hiroyuki; Ikeda, Koichi; Wakaki, Akihiro; Togashi, Seisuke; Taniguchi, Kazutake; Horiike, Yasuhiro

2003-06-01

An atmospheric-pressure microplasma jet (μ-PJ) using RF (13.56 MHz) corona discharge was generated at the tip of a stainless steel surgical needle of 0.4 mm outer diameter at a RF power of 6-14 W. The needle functions as both a powered electrode and a narrow nozzle. The μ-PJ with a gas mixture of He/SF6/O2 was applied to localized Si etching. The etched profile exhibited an isotropic shape and the etch rate had a maximum value at the total gas flow rate of about 600 sccm and the SF6 concentration of 5%. The etch rate of 170 μm/min was obtained at a RF power of 14 W.

Effects of the ultra-high pressure on structure and α-glucosidase inhibition of polysaccharide from Astragalus.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhen-Yuan; Luo, You; Dong, Guo-Ling; Ren, Yuan-Yuan; Chen, Li-Jing; Guo, Ming-Zhu; Wang, Xiao-Ting; Yang, Xue-Ying; Zhang, Yongmin

2016-06-01

A novel homogeneous polysaccharide fraction (APS) was extracted from Astragalus by hot water and purified by Sephadex G-100 and G-75 column. Its molecular weight was 693kDa. APS and APS with ultra-high pressure treatment exhibited significant inhibitory abilities on a-glucosidase, inhibition rate from high to low in order was 400MPa-APS, 300MPa-APS, 500MPa-APS and APS. The inhibition ​percentage of 400MPa-APS (1.5mg/mL) was 49% (max.). This suggested that the inhibitory activity of APS on a-glucosidase was improved by ultra-high pressure treatment. FT-IR, SEM, CD spectra, atomic force microscope and Congo red test analysis of APS and 400MPa-APS showed ultra-high pressure treatment didn't change the preliminary structure but had an effect on its advanced structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Almost All Antipsychotics Result in Weight Gain: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Bak, Maarten; Fransen, Annemarie; Janssen, Jouke; van Os, Jim; Drukker, Marjan

2014-01-01

Introduction Antipsychotics (AP) induce weight gain. However, reviews and meta-analyses generally are restricted to second generation antipsychotics (SGA) and do not stratify for duration of AP use. It is hypothesised that patients gain more weight if duration of AP use is longer. Method A meta-analysis was conducted of clinical trials of AP that reported weight change. Outcome measures were body weight change, change in BMI and clinically relevant weight change (7% weight gain or loss). Duration of AP-use was stratified as follows: ≤6 weeks, 6–16 weeks, 16–38 weeks and >38 weeks. Forest plots stratified by AP as well as by duration of use were generated and results were summarised in figures. Results 307 articles met inclusion criteria. The majority were AP switch studies. Almost all AP showed a degree of weight gain after prolonged use, except for amisulpride, aripiprazole and ziprasidone, for which prolonged exposure resulted in negligible weight change. The level of weight gain per AP varied from discrete to severe. Contrary to expectations, switch of AP did not result in weight loss for amisulpride, aripiprazole or ziprasidone. In AP-naive patients, weight gain was much more pronounced for all AP. Conclusion Given prolonged exposure, virtually all AP are associated with weight gain. The rational of switching AP to achieve weight reduction may be overrated. In AP-naive patients, weight gain is more pronounced. PMID:24763306

Almost all antipsychotics result in weight gain: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Bak, Maarten; Fransen, Annemarie; Janssen, Jouke; van Os, Jim; Drukker, Marjan

2014-01-01

Antipsychotics (AP) induce weight gain. However, reviews and meta-analyses generally are restricted to second generation antipsychotics (SGA) and do not stratify for duration of AP use. It is hypothesised that patients gain more weight if duration of AP use is longer. A meta-analysis was conducted of clinical trials of AP that reported weight change. Outcome measures were body weight change, change in BMI and clinically relevant weight change (7% weight gain or loss). Duration of AP-use was stratified as follows: ≤6 weeks, 6-16 weeks, 16-38 weeks and >38 weeks. Forest plots stratified by AP as well as by duration of use were generated and results were summarised in figures. 307 articles met inclusion criteria. The majority were AP switch studies. Almost all AP showed a degree of weight gain after prolonged use, except for amisulpride, aripiprazole and ziprasidone, for which prolonged exposure resulted in negligible weight change. The level of weight gain per AP varied from discrete to severe. Contrary to expectations, switch of AP did not result in weight loss for amisulpride, aripiprazole or ziprasidone. In AP-naive patients, weight gain was much more pronounced for all AP. Given prolonged exposure, virtually all AP are associated with weight gain. The rational of switching AP to achieve weight reduction may be overrated. In AP-naive patients, weight gain is more pronounced.

Identification of Major Enzymes Involved in the Synthesis of Diadenosine Tetraphosphate and/or Adenosine Tetraphosphate in Myxococcus xanthus.

PubMed

Kimura, Yoshio; Tanaka, Chihiro; Oka, Manami

2018-07-01

Myxococcus xanthus generates diadenosine tetraphosphates (Ap 4 A) and diadenosine pentaphosphates (Ap 5 A) under various stress conditions. M. xanthus lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysS) efficiently synthesizes Ap 4 A from ATP, Ap 5 A from ATP and adenosine tetraphosphate (Ap 4 ), and Ap 4 from ATP and triphosphate. To identify other M. xanthus enzymes that can catalyze Ap 4 A and Ap 4 synthesis, 15 M. xanthus aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), four acyl-CoA synthetases (Acys), three acetyl-CoA synthetases (Aces), phosphoglycerate kinase (Pgk), and adenylate kinase (Adk) were expressed in Escherichia coli and examined for Ap 4 A or Ap 4 synthetase activity using ATP or ATP and triphosphate as substrates. Among the tested enzymes, LysS had the highest Ap 4 A synthetase activity. AlaRS, SerRS, and LeuRS1 showed high ADP synthetase activity with ATP as a substrate in the presence of pyrophosphatase, and also demonstrated the ability to produce Ap 4 from ATP and triphosphate in the absence of pyrophosphatase. Ap 4 formation by AlaRS, SerRS, and LeuRS1 was approximately 4- to 13-fold higher compared with that of Ap 4 A, suggesting that these enzymes prefer triphosphate over ATP as a substrate in the second reaction. Some of the recombinant M. xanthus Acys and Aces also synthesized Ap 4 from ATP and triphosphate. However, Pgk was capable of catalyzing the production of Ap 4 from ATP and 3-phosphoglycerate in the presence of Mg 2+ and did not require triphosphate, suggesting that this enzyme is mainly responsible for Ap 4 synthesis in M. xanthus.

Clinical significance of the summating potential-action potential ratio and the action potential latency difference for condensation and rarefaction clicks in Meniere's disease.

PubMed

Ohashi, Toru; Nishino, Hirohito; Arai, Yoko; Hyodo, Makoto; Takatsu, Mitsuharu

2009-04-01

This study was aimed to elucidate the diagnostic significance of the summating potential (SP)-action potential (AP) ratio and the AP latency difference between condensation and rarefaction clicks (AP con-rar difference) in Meniere's disease. The AP and SP were recorded transtympanically in 67 patients with definite Meniere's disease. The SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference were assessed in terms of 1) their interrelationship, 2) their relationship to hearing level, and 3) the rate of occurrence of abnormal values according to the stages of Meniere's disease. No correlation was found between the SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference. Neither the SP/AP ratio in general nor the AP con-rar difference was correlated with the hearing level. However, enhanced values of the SP/AP ratio (0.35 or higher) were moderately correlated with the hearing level (r = 0.51), and their occurrence rate was 55.2%. An increased AP con-rar difference (0.13 ms or longer) was not correlated with the hearing level, and its occurrence rate was 50.2%; it appeared most frequently at stage 3 (p <0.05). An enhanced SP/AP ratio might not always indicate the presence of endolymphatic hydrops associated with an increase in endolymphatic pressure. An increased AP con-rar difference might reflect the presence of a biased basilar membrane resulting from an increased endolymphatic pressure, and hence it is diagnostically essential to simultaneously evaluate the SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference.

Influence of N-alkylation on organ distribution of radioiodinated amphetamines

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

Machulla, H.J.; Schmidt, U.; Mehdorn, H.M.

1985-05-01

In spite of numerous animal data and the widespread clinical application of p-(I-123)-N-isopropyl-amphetamine, questions remain open about the role of N-alkylation. Therefore, amphetamine (AP), N-methyl- (MeAP), and N-isopropyl-amphetamine (IsAP) were radioiodinated in the para position and the organ distribution was determined in male mice (Freiburg tribe) 10 weeks of age. In the lungs, all derivatives showed principally the same kinetics. In brain, the maximum uptake was reached after 30 min with 12%/g for AP and MeAP, and 10.5%/g for IsAP. In liver, the radioactivity similarly increased during the first 15 min to approx. 12%/g; afterwards, AP clearly decreased but MeAPmore » remained almost constant up to 120 min and, even more, IsAP increased to a maximum of 18%/g at 30 min. The same brain uptake kinetics for all 3 substances exclude the importance of lipophilicity increased by the N-alkylation. Furthermore, the differences in the liver kinetics of AP and both MeAP and IsAP indicate the importance of liver metabolism on the alkylated amphetamines. The results support the hypothesis that the first important metabolite of the N-alkylated derivatives is the amphetamine which accumulates in the brain as do MeAP and IsAP. On the basis of these findings, AP was applied clinically showing the same efficient brain uptake and distribution in SPECT as IsAP.« less

Polysorbate 80-coated PLGA nanoparticles improve the permeability of acetylpuerarin and enhance its brain-protective effects in rats.

PubMed

Sun, Deqing; Xue, Aiying; Zhang, Bin; Lou, Haiyan; Shi, Huanying; Zhang, Xiumei

2015-12-01

Acetylpuerarin (AP) is an acetylated derivative of puerarin (PUE). The study aimed to prepare polysorbate 80-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to improve the permeability of AP across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enhance its brain-protective effects. AP-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (AP-PLGA-NPs) were prepared using a solvent diffusion methodology. The NPs were characterized. The pharmacokinetics, tissue distributions and brain-protective effects of AP-PLGA-NPs were evaluated in animals. AP-PLGA-NPs were successfully prepared with a mean particle size of 145.0 nm and a zeta potential of -14.81 mV. The in-vitro release of AP from the PLGA-NPs showed a biphasic release profile. AP was metabolized into PUE in rats. The AUC0-∞ values of AP and PUE for AP-PLGA-NPs were 2.90- and 2.29-fold as great as those for AP solution, respectively. The values of the relative targeting efficiency in the brain were 2.40 and 2.58 for AP and PUE, and the ratios of peak concentration were 1.91 and 1.89 for AP and PUE, respectively. Compared with the crude drug, AP-PLGA-NPs showed better brain-protective effects in rats. Polysorbate 80-coated PLGA-NPs can improve the permeability of AP cross the BBB and enhance its brain-protective effects in rats. © 2015 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Identification and embryonic expression of a new AP-2 transcription factor, AP-2 epsilon.

PubMed

Wang, Hao-Ven; Vaupel, Kristina; Buettner, Reinhard; Bosserhoff, Anja-Katrin; Moser, Markus

2004-09-01

AP-2 proteins comprise a family of highly related transcription factors, which are expressed during mouse embryogenesis in a variety of ectodermal, neuroectodermal, and mesenchymal tissues. AP-2 transcription factors were shown to be involved in morphogenesis of craniofacial, urogenital, neural crest-derived, and placental tissues. By means of a partial cDNA fragment identified during an expressed sequence tag search for AP-2 genes, we identified a fifth, previously unknown AP-2-related gene, AP-2 epsilon. AP-2 epsilon encodes an open reading frame of 434 amino acids, which reveals the typical modular structure of AP-2 transcription factors with highly conserved C-terminal DNA binding and dimerization domains. Although the N-terminally localized activation domain is less homologous, position and identity of amino acids essential for transcriptional transactivation are conserved. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses of murine embryos revealed AP-2 epsilon expression from gestational stage embryonic day 7.5 throughout all later embryonic stages until birth. Whole-mount in situ hybridization using a specific AP-2 epsilon cDNA fragment demonstrated that during embryogenesis, expression of AP-2 epsilon is mainly restricted to neural tissue, especially the midbrain, hindbrain, and olfactory bulb. This expression pattern was confirmed by immunohistochemistry with an AP-2 epsilon-specific antiserum. By using this antiserum, we could further localize AP-2 epsilon expression in a hypothalamic nucleus and the neuroepithelium of the vomeronasal organ, suggesting an important function of AP-2 epsilon for the development of the olfactory system.

Ectopic expression of Jatropha curcas APETALA1 (JcAP1) caused early flowering in Arabidopsis, but not in Jatropha

PubMed Central

Tang, Mingyong; Tao, Yan-Bin

2016-01-01

Jatropha curcas is a promising feedstock for biofuel production because Jatropha oil is highly suitable for the production of biodiesel and bio-jet fuels. However, Jatropha exhibits a low seed yield as a result of unreliable and poor flowering. APETALA1 (AP1) is a floral meristem and organ identity gene in higher plants. The flower meristem identity genes of Jatropha have not yet been identified or characterized. To better understand the genetic control of flowering in Jatropha, an AP1 homolog (JcAP1) was isolated from Jatropha. An amino acid sequence analysis of JcAP1 revealed a high similarity to the AP1 proteins of other perennial plants. JcAP1 was expressed in inflorescence buds, flower buds, sepals and petals. The highest expression level was observed during the early developmental stage of the flower buds. The overexpression of JcAP1 using the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter resulted in extremely early flowering and abnormal flowers in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Several flowering genes downstream of AP1 were up-regulated in the JcAP1-overexpressing transgenic plant lines. Furthermore, JcAP1 overexpression rescued the phenotype caused by the Arabidopsis AP1 loss-of-function mutant ap1-11. Therefore, JcAP1 is an ortholog of AtAP1, which plays a similar role in the regulation of flowering in Arabidopsis. However, the overexpression of JcAP1 in Jatropha using the same promoter resulted in little variation in the flowering time and floral organs, indicating that JcAP1 may be insufficient to regulate flowering by itself in Jatropha. This study helps to elucidate the function of JcAP1 and contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of flower development in Jatropha. PMID:27168978

The duality of LysU, a catalyst for both Ap4A and Ap3A formation.

PubMed

Wright, Michael; Boonyalai, Nonlawat; Tanner, Julian A; Hindley, Alison D; Miller, Andrew D

2006-08-01

Heat shock inducible lysyl-tRNA synthetase of Escherichia coli (LysU) is known to be a highly efficient diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) synthase. However, we use an ion-exchange HPLC technique to demonstrate that active LysU mixtures actually have a dual catalytic activity, initially producing Ap4A from ATP, before converting that tetraphosphate to a triphosphate. LysU appears to be an effective diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P3-triphosphate (Ap3A) synthase. Mechanistic investigations reveal that Ap3A formation requires: (a) that the second step of Ap4A formation is slightly reversible, thereby leading to a modest reappearance of adenylate intermediate; and (b) that phosphate is present to trap the intermediate (either as inorganic phosphate, as added ADP, or as ADP generated in situ from inorganic phosphate). Ap3A forms readily from Ap4A in the presence of such phosphate-based adenylate traps (via a 'reverse-trap' mechanism). LysU is also clearly demonstrated to exist in a phosphorylated state that is more physically robust as a catalyst of Ap4A formation than the nonphosphorylated state. However, phosphorylated LysU shows only marginally improved catalytic efficiency. We note that Ap3A effects have barely been studied in prokaryotic organisms. By contrast, there is a body of literature that describes Ap3A and Ap4A having substantially different functions in eukaryotic cells. Our data suggest that Ap3A and Ap4A biosynthesis could be linked together through a single prokaryotic dual 'synthase' enzyme. Therefore, in our view there is a need for new research into the effects and impact of Ap3A alone and the intracellular [Ap3A]/[Ap4A] ratio on prokaryotic organisms.

Changes in extracellular pH and myocardial ischaemia alter the cardiac effects of diadenosine tetraphosphate and pentaphosphate

PubMed Central

Stavrou, Brigitte M; Beck, Caroline; Flores, Nicholas A

2001-01-01

The structural conformation of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and pentaphosphate (Ap5A) has been reported to alter as pH is reduced. As such, it is possible that the cardiac effects of Ap4A and Ap5A vary during acidosis and myocardial ischaemia due to changes in ligand structure, receptor proteins or intracellular signalling. We investigated whether the cardiac electrophysiological and coronary vasomotor effects of Ap4A and Ap5A are preserved under conditions of extracellular acidosis (pH 6.5) and alkalosis (pH 8.5) and whether Ap4A has any electrophysiological or antiarrhythmic effects during ischaemia. Transmembrane right ventricular action potentials, refractory periods and coronary perfusion pressure were recorded from isolated, Langendorff-perfused guinea-pig hearts under constant flow conditions. The effects of 1 nM and 1 μM Ap4A and Ap5A were studied at pH 7.4, 6.5 and 8.5. The effects of 1 μM Ap4A were studied during global low-flow ischaemia and reperfusion. At pH 7.4, Ap4A and Ap5A increased action potential duration (APD95) and refractory period (RP) and reduced coronary perfusion pressure. The electrophysiological effects were absent at pH 6.5 while the reductions in perfusion pressure were attenuated. At pH 8.5, Ap4A increased RP but the effects of Ap4A and Ap5A on perfusion pressure were attenuated. During ischaemia, Ap4A had no antiarrhythmic or electrophysiological effects. These data demonstrate the importance of extracellular pH in influencing the effects of Ap4A and Ap5A on the heart and indicate that any potentially cardioprotective effects of these compounds during normal perfusion at physiological pH are absent during ischaemia. PMID:11588119

Functional Identification and Characterization of the Brassica Napus Transcription Factor Gene BnAP2, the Ortholog of Arabidopsis Thaliana APETALA2

PubMed Central

Xiong, Zhiyong; Chen, Chunli; Wang, Lijun; Yu, Jingyin; Lu, Changming; Wei, Wenhui

2012-01-01

BnAP2, an APETALA2 (AP2)-like gene, has been isolated from Brassica napus cultivar Zhongshuang 9. The cDNA of BnAP2, with 1, 299 bp in length, encoded a transcription factor comprising of 432 amino acid residues. Results from complementary experiment indicated that BnAP2 was completely capable of restoring the phenotype of Arabidopsis ap2-11 mutant. Together with the sequence and expression data, the complementation data suggested that BnAP2 encodes the ortholog of AtAP2. To address the transcriptional activation of BnAP2, we performed transactivation assays in yeast. Fusion protein of BnAP2 with GAL4 DNA binding domain strongly activated transcription in yeast, and the transactivating activity of BnAP2 was localized to the N-terminal 100 amino acids. To further study the function of BnAP2 involved in the phenotype of B. napus, we used a transgenic approach that involved targeted RNA interference (RNAi) repression induced by ihp-RNA. Floral various phenotype defectives and reduced female fertility were observed in B. napus BnAP2-RNAi lines. Loss of the function of BnAP2 gene also resulted in delayed sepal abscission and senescence with the ethylene-independent pathway. In the strong BnAP2-RNAi lines, seeds showed defects in shape, structure and development and larger size. Strong BnAP2-RNAi and wild-type seeds initially did not display a significant difference in morphology at 10 DAF, but the development of BnAP2-RNAi seeds was slower than that of wild type at 20 DAF, and further at 30 DAF, wild-type seeds were essentially at their final size, whereas BnAP2-RNAi seeds stopped growing and developing and gradually withered. PMID:22479468

Functional identification and characterization of the Brassica napus transcription factor gene BnAP2, the ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana APETALA2.

PubMed

Yan, Xiaohong; Zhang, Lei; Chen, Bo; Xiong, Zhiyong; Chen, Chunli; Wang, Lijun; Yu, Jingyin; Lu, Changming; Wei, Wenhui

2012-01-01

BnAP2, an APETALA2 (AP2)-like gene, has been isolated from Brassica napus cultivar Zhongshuang 9. The cDNA of BnAP2, with 1, 299 bp in length, encoded a transcription factor comprising of 432 amino acid residues. Results from complementary experiment indicated that BnAP2 was completely capable of restoring the phenotype of Arabidopsis ap2-11 mutant. Together with the sequence and expression data, the complementation data suggested that BnAP2 encodes the ortholog of AtAP2. To address the transcriptional activation of BnAP2, we performed transactivation assays in yeast. Fusion protein of BnAP2 with GAL4 DNA binding domain strongly activated transcription in yeast, and the transactivating activity of BnAP2 was localized to the N-terminal 100 amino acids. To further study the function of BnAP2 involved in the phenotype of B. napus, we used a transgenic approach that involved targeted RNA interference (RNAi) repression induced by ihp-RNA. Floral various phenotype defectives and reduced female fertility were observed in B. napus BnAP2-RNAi lines. Loss of the function of BnAP2 gene also resulted in delayed sepal abscission and senescence with the ethylene-independent pathway. In the strong BnAP2-RNAi lines, seeds showed defects in shape, structure and development and larger size. Strong BnAP2-RNAi and wild-type seeds initially did not display a significant difference in morphology at 10 DAF, but the development of BnAP2-RNAi seeds was slower than that of wild type at 20 DAF, and further at 30 DAF, wild-type seeds were essentially at their final size, whereas BnAP2-RNAi seeds stopped growing and developing and gradually withered.

Activation of the Arabidopsis B class homeotic genes by APETALA1.

PubMed

Ng, M; Yanofsky, M F

2001-04-01

Proper development of petals and stamens in Arabidopsis flowers requires the activities of APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI), whose transcripts can be detected in the petal and stamen primordia. Localized expression of AP3 and PI requires the activities of at least three genes: APETALA1 (AP1), LEAFY (LFY), and UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO). It has been proposed that UFO provides spatial cues and that LFY specifies competence for AP3 and PI expression in the developing flower. To understand the epistatic relationship among AP1, LFY, and UFO in regulating AP3 and PI expression, we generated two versions of AP1 that have strong transcriptional activation potential. Genetic and molecular analyses of transgenic plants expressing these activated AP1 proteins show that the endogenous AP1 protein acts largely as a transcriptional activator in vivo and that AP1 specifies petals by regulating the spatial domains of AP3 and PI expression through UFO.

Anodal sensory nerve action potentials: From physiological understanding to potential clinical applicability.

PubMed

Leote, Joao; Pereira, Pedro; Cabib, Christopher; Cipullo, Federica; Valls-Sole, Josep

2016-06-01

Low-intensity electrical stimuli of digital nerves may generate a double peak potential (DPp), composed of a cathodal (caAP) and an anodal (anAP) potential in orthodromic recordings. We studied the effects on caAP and anAP of stimuli of variable intensity, duration, and frequency. We also applied a conditioning stimulus to study potential differences in recovery time. The anAP was obtained in 33 of 40 healthy subjects (82.5%) and 4 of 20 patients with various types of sensory neuropathies (20%). Changes in stimulus duration and intensity had reciprocal effects on the amplitude of the anAP and the caAP. There were significant differences in recovery time between caAP and anAP after a conditioning stimulus. The caAP and anAP are 2 interdependent waveforms generated by different effects of the same stimulus over axons at the verge of depolarization. Muscle Nerve 53: 897-905, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gender, Academics and Interscholastic Sports Participation at the School Level: A Gender-specific Analysis of the Relationship between Interscholastic Sports Participation and AP Enrollment

PubMed Central

Veliz, Philip; Shakib, Sohaila

2014-01-01

While literature demonstrates that interscholastic sports participation is associated with positive academic outcomes, this relationship is rarely analyzed at a macro-level (the school-level). To date, there is no research examining whether increases in schools’ female and male interscholastic sports participation rates is associated with increases in female and male AP enrollment rates. Using a national sample of 4,644 public high schools during the 2009-2010 school year, we test several gender-specific hypotheses linked with the association between schools’ sport participation rates and advanced placement enrollment rates (AP math, AP science, AP foreign language, and overall AP enrollment). The findings reveal that schools’ female and male sports participation rates have a positive association with schools’ female and male AP math, AP science, AP foreign language, and overall AP enrollment rates. Moreover, the findings suggest that females benefit more than males in regard to the positive relationship between interscholastic sports and AP enrollment. PMID:24910475

Functions of Adaptor Protein (AP)-3 and AP-1 in Tyrosinase Sorting from Endosomes to MelanosomesD⃞

PubMed Central

Theos, Alexander C.; Tenza, Danièle; Martina, José A.; Hurbain, Ilse; Peden, Andrew A.; Sviderskaya, Elena V.; Stewart, Abigail; Robinson, Margaret S.; Bennett, Dorothy C.; Cutler, Daniel F.; Bonifacino, Juan S.; Marks, Michael S.; Raposo, Graça

2005-01-01

Specialized cells exploit adaptor protein complexes for unique post-Golgi sorting events, providing a unique model system to specify adaptor function. Here, we show that AP-3 and AP-1 function independently in sorting of the melanocyte-specific protein tyrosinase from endosomes to the melanosome, a specialized lysosome-related organelle distinguishable from lysosomes. AP-3 and AP-1 localize in melanocytes primarily to clathrin-coated buds on tubular early endosomes near melanosomes. Both adaptors recognize the tyrosinase dileucine-based melanosome sorting signal, and tyrosinase largely colocalizes with each adaptor on endosomes. In AP-3-deficient melanocytes, tyrosinase accumulates inappropriately in vacuolar and multivesicular endosomes. Nevertheless, a substantial fraction still accumulates on melanosomes, concomitant with increased association with endosomal AP-1. Our data indicate that AP-3 and AP-1 function in partially redundant pathways to transfer tyrosinase from distinct endosomal subdomains to melanosomes and that the AP-3 pathway ensures that tyrosinase averts entrapment on internal membranes of forming multivesicular bodies. PMID:16162817

Advances in Bacterial Methionine Aminopeptidase Inhibition

PubMed Central

Helgren, Travis R.; Wangtrakuldee, Phumvadee; Staker, Bart L.; Hagen, Timothy J.

2016-01-01

Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) are metalloenzymes that cleave the N-terminal methionine from newly synthesized peptides and proteins. These MetAP enzymes are present in bacteria, and knockout experiments have shown that MetAP activity is essential for cell life, suggesting that MetAPs are good antibacterial drug targets. MetAP enzymes are also present in the human host and selectivity is essential. There have been significant structural biology efforts and over 65 protein crystal structures of bacterial MetAPs are deposited into the PDB. This review highlights the available crystallographic data for bacterial MetAPs. Structural comparison of bacterial MetAPs with human MetAPs highlights differences that can lead to selectivity. In addition, this review includes the chemical diversity of molecules that bind and inhibit the bacterial MetAP enzymes. Analysis of the structural biology and chemical space of known bacterial MetAP inhibitors leads to a greater understanding of this antibacterial target and the likely development of potential antibacterial agents. PMID:26268344

Characterization and subcellular localization of aminopeptidases in senescing barley leaves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thayer, S. S.; Choe, H. T.; Rausser, S.; Huffaker, R. C.

1988-01-01

Four aminopeptidases (APs) were separated using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cell-free extracts and the stromal fractions of isolated chloroplasts prepared from primary barley (Hordeum vulgare L., var Numar) leaves. Activities were identified using a series of aminoacyl-beta-naphthylamide derivatives as substrates. AP1, 2, and 3 were found in the stromal fraction of isolated chloroplasts with respective molecular masses of 66.7, 56.5, and 54.6 kilodaltons. AP4 was found only in the cytoplasmic fraction. No AP activity was found in vacuoles of these leaves. It was found that 50% of the L-Leu-beta-naphthylamide and 25% of the L-Arg-beta-naphthylamide activities were localized in the chloroplasts. Several AP activities were associated with the membranes of the thylakoid fraction of isolated chloroplasts. AP1, 2, and 4 reacted against a broad range of substrates, whereas AP3 hydrolyzed only L-Arg-beta-naphthylamide. Only AP2 hydrolyzed L-Val-beta-naphthylamide. Since AP2 and AP3 were the only ones reacting against Val-beta-naphthylamide and Arg-beta-naphthylamide, respectively, several protease inhibitors were tested against these substrates using a stromal fraction from isolated chloroplasts as the source of the two APs. Both APs were sensitive to both metallo and sulfhydryl type inhibitors. Although AP activity decreased as leaves senesced, no new APs appeared on gels during senescence and none disappeared.

Next-generation transcriptome analysis in transgenic birch overexpressing and suppressing APETALA1 sheds lights in reproduction development and diterpenoid biosynthesis.

PubMed

Huang, Haijiao; Chen, Su; Li, Huiyu; Jiang, Jing

2015-09-01

Overexpression of BpAP1 could cause early flowering in birch. BpAP1 affected the expression of many flowering-related unigenes and diterpenoid biosynthesis in transgenic birch, and BpPI was a putative target gene of BpAP1. APETALA1 (AP1) is an MADS-box transcription factor that is involved in the flowering process in plants and has been a focus of genetic studies examining flower development. Here, we carried out transcriptome analysis of birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.), including BpAP1 overexpression lines, BpAP1 suppression lines, and non-transgenic line (NT). Compared with NT, we detected 8302 and 7813 differentially expressed unigenes in 35S::BpAP1 and 35S::BpAP1RNAi transgenic lines, respectively. Overexpression and suppression of BpAP1 in birch affected diterpenoid biosynthesis and altered expression of many flowering-related unigenes. Moreover, combining information from the RNA-seq database and the birch genome, we predicted downstream target genes of BpAP1. Among the 166 putative target genes of BpAP1, there was a positive correlation between BpAP1 and BpPI. These results provide references for further examining the relationship between BpAP1 and its target genes, and reveal that BpAP1 functions as a transcription regulator in birch.

Molecular and biochemical characterisation of two aspartic proteinases TcAP1 and TcAP2 from Theobroma cacao seeds.

PubMed

Laloi, Maryse; McCarthy, James; Morandi, Olivia; Gysler, Christof; Bucheli, Peter

2002-09-01

Aspartic proteinase (EC 3.4.23) activity plays a pivotal role in the degradation of Theobroma cacao L. seed proteins during the fermentation step of cacao bean processing. Therefore, this enzyme is believed to be critical for the formation of the peptide and amino acid cocoa flavor precursors that occurs during fermentation. Using cDNA cloning and northern blot analysis, we show here that there are at least two distinct aspartic proteinase genes ( TcAP1 and TcAP2) expressed during cacao seed development. Both genes are expressed early during seed development and their mRNA levels decrease towards the end of seed maturation. TcAP2 is expressed at a much higher level than TcAP1, although the expression of TcAP1 increases slightly during germination. The proteins encoded by TcAP1 and TcAP2 are relatively different from each other (73% identity). This, and the fact that the two corresponding genes have different expression patterns, suggests that the TcAP1 and TcAP2 proteins may have different functions in the maturing seeds and during germination. Because the TcAP2 gene is expressed at a much higher level during seed development than TcAP1, it is likely that the TcAP2 protein is primarily responsible for the majority of the industrially important protein hydrolysis that occurs during cacao bean fermentation. Finally, TcAP2 has been functionally expressed in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. The secreted recombinant protein is able to hydrolyse bovine haemoglobin at acidic pH and is sensitive to pepstatin A, confirming that TcAP2 encodes an aspartic proteinase, and strongly suggests that this gene encodes the well-characterized aspartic proteinase of mature cacao seeds.

Prevention of Breast Cell Transformation by Blockade of the AP-1 Transcription Factor

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-10-01

Distribution Unlimited 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words) In this study, we are investigating the role of AP- M in controlling breast cell growth and...serum and these growth factors depend on AP-1 to transduce proliferative signal. AP- M blockade induced by the expression of TAM67 inhibits breast...demonstrated that TAM67 inhibits basal AP-1 activity and AP- M activity stimulated by several different growth factors. We have also discovered that AP-1

77 FR 19229 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-30

...; Joint Shrimp and Deepwater Shrimp AP; Dolphin Wahoo AP; King and Spanish Mackerel AP; and Coral AP in... Recreational Information Program and discuss allocation issues. 5. King and Spanish Mackerel AP Meeting: April 24-25, 2012 Members of the King and Spanish Mackerel AP will meet from 1:30 p.m. on April 24, 2012...

An exploration of the experiences of recent graduates from an interprofessional foundation degree.

PubMed

Norrie, Caroline; Hasselder, Alison; Manning, Chris

2012-11-01

This short report describes a study which aimed to explore the experiences of newly qualified assistant practitioners (APs) from an interprofessional foundation degree in long-term conditions. Interviews were carried out with one cohort of newly qualified APs and their employee mentors, 6-9 months after the APs had re-entered full-time practice. Three major themes were identified after analysis of the interview transcripts: widened AP horizons, poor AP pay and conditions and friction between APs and their colleagues. The course was highly praised by the APs and their workplace mentors. Unfortunately, the workplace infrastructure needed to support the APs was reported to be inadequate.

Comparative Ballistic Performance of 20mm AP M95 and 20mm AP M75 Projectiles against Rolled Homogeneous Steel Armor

DTIC Science & Technology

1960-05-01

Dominic A. Piccione, " Comparative Ballistic Performanceof 20mm AP M95 and 20mm AP M75 Projectiles againstRolled Homogeneous Steel Armor (U)’\\ WAL-TR-160.1/1... COMPARATIVE BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE OF 20MM AP M95 AND 20MM AP M75 PROJECTILES AGAINST ROLLED HOMOGENEOUS STEEL ARMOR (U) TECHNICAL REPORT NO. WAL TR I60.l/I(c...o > -< Abt9sortf bl O *_, o o -o WATERTOWN ARSENAL LABORATORIES co COMPARATIVE BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE OF 20MM AP M95 AND 20MM AP M75

Systematic review of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis: A more virulent etiology?

PubMed

Carr, Rosalie A; Rejowski, Benjamin J; Cote, Gregory A; Pitt, Henry A; Zyromski, Nicholas J

2016-01-01

We sought to define the severity and natural history of hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP), specifically whether HTG-AP causes more severe AP than that caused by other etiologies. Systematic review of the English literature. Thirty-four studies (15 countries; 1972-2015) included 1340 HTG-AP patients (weighted mean prevalence of 9%). The median admission triglyceride concentration was 2622 mg/dl (range 1160-9769). Patients with HTG have a 14% weighted mean prevalence of AP. Plasmapheresis decreased circulating triglycerides, but did not conclusively affect AP mortality. Only 7 reports (n = 392 patients) compared severity of HTG-AP to that of AP from other etiologies. Of these, 2 studies found no difference in severity, while 5 suggested that HTG-AP patients may have increased severity compared to AP of other etiology. 1) hypertriglyceridemia is a relatively uncommon (9%) cause of acute pancreatitis; however, patients with hypertriglyceridemia have a high (14%) incidence of acute pancreatitis; 2) plasmapheresis may offer specific therapy unique to this patient population; and 3) data specifically comparing the severity of HTG-AP with AP caused by other etiologies are heterogeneous and scarce. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Evaluation of dose‐area product of common radiographic examinations towards establishing a preliminary diagnostic reference levels (PDRLs) in Southwestern Nigeria

PubMed Central

Jibiri, Nnamdi N.

2016-01-01

In Nigeria, a large number of radiographic examinations are conducted yearly for various diagnostic purposes. However, most examinations carried out do not have records of doses received by the patients, and the employed exposure parameters used are not documented; therefore, adequate radiation dose management is hindered. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dose‐area product (DAP) of patients examined in Nigeria, and to propose regional reference dose levels for nine common examinations (chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP, skull AP, leg AP, knee AP, hand AP, and thigh AP) undertaken in Nigeria. Measurement of entrance surface dose (ESD) was carried out using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). Measured ESDS were converted into DAP using the beam area of patients in 12 purposely selected hospitals. Results of the study show that the maximum/minimum ratio ranged from 3 for thigh AP to 57 in abdomen AP. The range of determined mean and 75th percentile DAPs were 0.18–17.16, and 0.25–28.59 Gy cm2, respectively. Data available for comparison show that 75th percentile DAPs in this study (in chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP) are higher than NRPB‐HPE reference values. The DAP in this study is higher by factor of 31.4 (chest PA), 9.9 (abdomen AP), 2.2 (pelvis AP), and 2.1 (lumbar AP) than NRPB‐HPE values. The relative higher dose found in this study shows nonoptimization of practice in Nigeria. It is expected that regular dose auditing and dose optimization implementation in Nigeria would lead to lower DAP value, especially in abdomen AP. The 75th percentile DAP distribution reported in this study could be taken as regional diagnostic reference level in the Southwestern Nigeria; however, a more extensive nationwide dose survey is required to establish national reference dose. PACS number(s): 87.53.Bn, 87.59.B PMID:27929511

Identifying risk factors for progression to critical care admission and death among individuals with acute pancreatitis: a record linkage analysis of Scottish healthcare databases

PubMed Central

Mole, Damian J; Gungabissoon, Usha; Johnston, Philip; Cochrane, Lynda; Hopkins, Leanne; Wyper, Grant M A; Skouras, Christos; Dibben, Chris; Sullivan, Frank; Morris, Andrew; Ward, Hester J T; Lawton, Andrew M; Donnan, Peter T

2016-01-01

Objectives Acute pancreatitis (AP) can initiate systemic complications that require support in critical care (CC). Our objective was to use the unified national health record to define the epidemiology of AP in Scotland, with a specific focus on deterministic and prognostic factors for CC admission in AP. Setting Health boards in Scotland (n=4). Participants We included all individuals in a retrospective observational cohort with at least one episode of AP (ICD10 code K85) occurring in Scotland from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2012. 3340 individuals were coded as AP. Methods Data from 16 sources, spanning general practice, community prescribing, Accident and Emergency attendances, hospital in-patient, CC and mortality registries, were linked by a unique patient identifier in a national safe haven. Logistic regression and gamma models were used to define independent predictive factors for severe AP (sAP) requiring CC admission or leading to death. Results 2053 individuals (61.5% (95% CI 59.8% to 63.2%)) met the definition for true AP (tAP). 368 patients (17.9% of tAP (95% CI 16.2% to 19.6%)) were admitted to CC. Predictors of sAP were pre-existing angina or hypertension, hypocalcaemia and age 30–39 years, if type 2 diabetes mellitus was present. The risk of sAP was lower in patients with multiple previous episodes of AP. In-hospital mortality in tAP was 5.0% (95% CI 4.1% to 5.9%) overall and 21.7% (95% CI 19.9% to 23.5%) in those with tAP necessitating CC admission. Conclusions National record-linkage analysis of routinely collected data constitutes a powerful resource to model CC admission and prognosticate death during AP. Mortality in patients with AP who require CC admission remains high. PMID:27311912

Mutations at the S1 sites of methionine aminopeptidases from Escherichia coli and Homo sapiens reveal the residues critical for substrate specificity.

PubMed

Li, Jing-Ya; Cui, Yong-Mei; Chen, Ling-Ling; Gu, Min; Li, Jia; Nan, Fa-Jun; Ye, Qi-Zhuang

2004-05-14

Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) catalyzes the removal of methionine from newly synthesized polypeptides. MetAP carries out this cleavage with high precision, and Met is the only natural amino acid residue at the N terminus that is accepted, although type I and type II MetAPs use two different sets of residues to form the hydrophobic S1 site. Characteristics of the S1 binding pocket in type I MetAP were investigated by systematic mutation of each of the seven S1 residues in Escherichia coli MetAP type I (EcMetAP1) and human MetAP type I (HsMetAP1). We found that Tyr-65 and Trp-221 in EcMetAP1, as well as the corresponding residues Phe-197 and Trp-352 in HsMetAP1, were essential for the hydrolysis of a thiopeptolide substrate, Met-S-Gly-Phe. Mutation of Phe-191 to Ala in HsMetAP1 caused inactivity in contrast to the full activity of EcMetAP1(Y62A), which may suggest a subtle difference between the two type I enzymes. The more striking finding is that mutation of Cys-70 in EcMetAP1 or Cys-202 in HsMetAP1 opens up the S1 pocket. The thiopeptolides Leu-S-Gly-Phe and Phe-S-Gly-Phe, with previously unacceptable Leu or Phe as the N-terminal residue, became efficient substrates of EcMetAP1(C70A) and HsMetAP1(C202A). The relaxed specificity shown in these S1 site mutants for the N-terminal residues was confirmed by hydrolysis of peptide substrates and inhibition by reaction products. The structural features at the enzyme active site will be useful information for designing specific MetAP inhibitors for therapeutic applications.

Evaluation of dose-area product of common radiographic examinations towards establishing a preliminary diagnostic reference levels (PDRLs) in Southwestern Nigeria.

PubMed

Jibiri, Nnamdi N; Olowookere, Christopher J

2016-11-08

In Nigeria, a large number of radiographic examinations are conducted yearly for various diagnostic purposes. However, most examinations carried out do not have records of doses received by the patients, and the employed exposure parameters used are not documented; therefore, adequate radiation dose management is hin-dered. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dose-area product (DAP) of patients examined in Nigeria, and to propose regional reference dose levels for nine common examinations (chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP, skull AP, leg AP, knee AP, hand AP, and thigh AP) undertaken in Nigeria. Measurement of entrance surface dose (ESD) was carried out using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). Measured ESDS were converted into DAP using the beam area of patients in 12 purposely selected hospitals. Results of the study show that the maximum/ minimum ratio ranged from 3 for thigh AP to 57 in abdomen AP. The range of determined mean and 75th percentile DAPs were 0.18-17.16, and 0.25-28.59 Gy cm2, respectively. Data available for comparison show that 75th percentile DAPs in this study (in chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP) are higher than NRPB-HPE reference values. The DAP in this study is higher by factor of 31.4 (chest PA), 9.9 (abdomen AP), 2.2 (pelvis AP), and 2.1 (lumbar AP) than NRPB-HPE values. The relative higher dose found in this study shows nonoptimization of practice in Nigeria. It is expected that regular dose auditing and dose optimization implementation in Nigeria would lead to lower DAP value, especially in abdomen AP. The 75th percentile DAP distribution reported in this study could be taken as regional diagnostic reference level in the Southwestern Nigeria; however, a more extensive nationwide dose survey is required to establish national reference dose. © 2016 The Authors.

Adaptation effects in static postural control by providing simultaneous visual feedback of center of pressure and center of gravity.

PubMed

Takeda, Kenta; Mani, Hiroki; Hasegawa, Naoya; Sato, Yuki; Tanaka, Shintaro; Maejima, Hiroshi; Asaka, Tadayoshi

2017-07-19

The benefit of visual feedback of the center of pressure (COP) on quiet standing is still debatable. This study aimed to investigate the adaptation effects of visual feedback training using both the COP and center of gravity (COG) during quiet standing. Thirty-four healthy young adults were divided into three groups randomly (COP + COG, COP, and control groups). A force plate was used to calculate the coordinates of the COP in the anteroposterior (COP AP ) and mediolateral (COP ML ) directions. A motion analysis system was used to calculate the coordinates of the center of mass (COM) in both directions (COM AP and COM ML ). The coordinates of the COG in the AP direction (COG AP ) were obtained from the force plate signals. Augmented visual feedback was presented on a screen in the form of fluctuation circles in the vertical direction that moved upward as the COP AP and/or COG AP moved forward and vice versa. The COP + COG group received the real-time COP AP and COG AP feedback simultaneously, whereas the COP group received the real-time COP AP feedback only. The control group received no visual feedback. In the training session, the COP + COG group was required to maintain an even distance between the COP AP and COG AP and reduce the COG AP fluctuation, whereas the COP group was required to reduce the COP AP fluctuation while standing on a foam pad. In test sessions, participants were instructed to keep their standing posture as quiet as possible on the foam pad before (pre-session) and after (post-session) the training sessions. In the post-session, the velocity and root mean square of COM AP in the COP + COG group were lower than those in the control group. In addition, the absolute value of the sum of the COP - COM distances in the COP + COG group was lower than that in the COP group. Furthermore, positive correlations were found between the COM AP velocity and COP - COM parameters. The results suggest that the novel visual feedback training that incorporates the COP AP -COG AP interaction reduces postural sway better than the training using the COP AP alone during quiet standing. That is, even COP AP fluctuation around the COG AP would be effective in reducing the COM AP velocity.

Structural characterization of the N-terminal mineral modification domains from the molluscan crystal-modulating biomineralization proteins, AP7 and AP24.

PubMed

Wustman, Brandon A; Morse, Daniel E; Evans, John Spencer

2004-08-05

The AP7 and AP24 proteins represent a class of mineral-interaction polypeptides that are found in the aragonite-containing nacre layer of mollusk shell (H. rufescens). These proteins have been shown to preferentially interfere with calcium carbonate mineral growth in vitro. It is believed that both proteins play an important role in aragonite polymorph selection in the mollusk shell. Previously, we demonstrated the 1-30 amino acid (AA) N-terminal sequences of AP7 and AP24 represent mineral interaction/modification domains in both proteins, as evidenced by their ability to frustrate calcium carbonate crystal growth at step edge regions. In this present report, using free N-terminal, C(alpha)-amide "capped" synthetic polypeptides representing the 1-30 AA regions of AP7 (AP7-1 polypeptide) and AP24 (AP24-1 polypeptide) and NMR spectroscopy, we confirm that both N-terminal sequences possess putative Ca (II) interaction polyanionic sequence regions (2 x -DD- in AP7-1, -DDDED- in AP24-1) that are random coil-like in structure. However, with regard to the remaining sequences regions, each polypeptide features unique structural differences. AP7-1 possesses an extended beta-strand or polyproline type II-like structure within the A11-M10, S12-V13, and S28-I27 sequence regions, with the remaining sequence regions adopting a random-coil-like structure, a trait common to other polyelectrolyte mineral-associated polypeptide sequences. Conversely, AP24-1 possesses random coil-like structure within A1-S9 and Q14-N16 sequence regions, and evidence for turn-like, bend, or loop conformation within the G10-N13, Q17-N24, and M29-F30 sequence regions, similar to the structures identified within the putative elastomeric proteins Lustrin A and sea urchin spicule matrix proteins. The similarities and differences in AP7 and AP24 N-terminal domain structure are discussed with regard to joint AP7-AP24 protein modification of calcium carbonate growth. Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The complement of family M1 aminopeptidases of Haemonchus contortus--Biotechnological implications.

PubMed

Mohandas, Namitha; Young, Neil D; Jabbar, Abdul; Korhonen, Pasi K; Koehler, Anson V; Hall, Ross S; Hu, Min; Hofmann, Andreas; Gasser, Robin B

2016-01-01

Although substantial research has been focused on the 'hidden antigen' H11 of Haemonchus contortus as a vaccine against haemonchosis in small ruminants, little is know about this and related aminopeptidases. In the present article, we reviewed genomic and transcriptomic data sets to define, for the first time, the complement of aminopeptidases (designated Hc-AP-1 to Hc-AP-13) of the family M1 with homologues in Caenorhabditis elegans, characterised by zinc-binding (HEXXH) and exo-peptidase (GAMEN) motifs. The three previously published H11 isoforms (accession nos. X94187, FJ481146 and AJ249941) had most sequence similarity to Hc-AP-2 and Hc-AP-8, whereas unpublished isoforms (accession nos. AJ249942 and AJ311316) were both most similar to Hc-AP-3. The aminopeptidases characterised here had homologues in C. elegans. Hc-AP-1 to Hc-AP-8 were most similar in amino acid sequence (28-41%) to C. elegans T07F10.1; Hc-AP-9 and Hc-AP-10 to C. elegans PAM-1 (isoform b) (53-54% similar); Hc-AP-11 and Hc-AP-12 to C. elegans AC3.5 and Y67D8C.9 (26% and 50% similar, respectively); and Hc-AP-13 to C. elegans C42C1.11 and ZC416.6 (50-58% similar). Comparative analysis suggested that Hc-AP-1 to Hc-AP-8 play roles in digestion, metabolite excretion, neuropeptide processing and/or osmotic regulation, with Hc-AP-4 and Hc-AP-7 having male-specific functional roles. The analysis also indicated that Hc-AP-9 and Hc-AP-10 might be involved in the degradation of cyclin (B3) and required to complete meiosis. Hc-AP-11 represents a leucyl/cystinyl aminopeptidase, predicted to have metallopeptidase and zinc ion binding activity, whereas Hc-AP-12 likely encodes an aminopeptidase Q homologue also with these activities and a possible role in gonad function. Finally, Hc-AP-13 is predicted to encode an aminopeptidase AP-1 homologue of C. elegans with hydrolase activity, suggested to operate, possibly synergistically with a PEPT-1 ortholog, as an oligopeptide transporter in the gut for protein uptake and normal development and/or reproduction of the worm. An appraisal of structure-based amino acid sequence alignments revealed that all conceptually translated Hc-AP proteins, with the exception of Hc-AP-12, adopt a topology similar to those observed for the two subgroups of mammalian M1 aminopeptidases, which possess either three (I, II and IV) or four (I-IV) domains. In contrast, Hc-AP-12 lacks the N-terminal domain (I), but possesses a substantially expanded domain III. Although further work needs to be done to assess amino acid sequence conservation of the different aminopeptidases among individual worms within and among H. contortus populations, we hope that these insights will support future localisation, structural and functional studies of these molecules in H. contortus as well as facilitate future assessments of a recombinant subunit or cocktail vaccine against haemonchosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Theoretical studies on the electronic and optoelectronic properties of [A.2AP(w)/A*.2AP(WC)/C.2AP(w)/C*.2AP(WC)/C.A(w)/C*.A(WC)]-Au8 mismatch nucleobase complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, Ruby

2018-01-01

The electronic and optoelectronic properties of [A.2AP(w)/A*.2AP(WC)/C.2AP(w)/C*.2AP(WC)/C.A(w)/ C*.A(WC)]-Au8 metal-mismatch nucleobase complexes are investigated by means of density functional theory and time-dependent methods. We selected these mispairs as 2-aminopurine (2AP) produces incorporation errors when binding with cytosine (C) into the wobble (w) C.2AP(w) mispair, and is tautomerised into Watson-Crick (WC)-like base mispair C*.2AP(WC) and less effectively produces A.2AP(w)/A*.2AP(WC) mispairs. The vertical ionisation potential, vertical electron affinity, hardness and electrophilicity index of these complexes have also been discussed. The modifications of energy levels and charge density distributions of the frontier orbitals are also analysed. The absorption spectra of these complexes lie in the visible region, which suggests their application in fluorescent-bio imaging. The mechanism of cooperativity effect is studied by molecular orbital potential (MEP), atoms-in-molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital analyses. Most metalated pairs have smaller HOMO-LUMO band gaps than the isolated mismatch nucleobases which suggest interesting consequences for electron transfer through DNA duplexes.

New method for estimating clustering of DNA lesions induced by physical/chemical mutagens using fluorescence anisotropy.

PubMed

Akamatsu, Ken; Shikazono, Naoya; Saito, Takeshi

2017-11-01

We have developed a new method for estimating the localization of DNA damage such as apurinic/apyrimidinic sites (APs) on DNA using fluorescence anisotropy. This method is aimed at characterizing clustered DNA damage produced by DNA-damaging agents such as ionizing radiation and genotoxic chemicals. A fluorescent probe with an aminooxy group (AlexaFluor488) was used to label APs. We prepared a pUC19 plasmid with APs by heating under acidic conditions as a model for damaged DNA, and subsequently labeled the APs. We found that the observed fluorescence anisotropy (r obs ) decreases as averaged AP density (λ AP : number of APs per base pair) increases due to homo-FRET, and that the APs were randomly distributed. We applied this method to three DNA-damaging agents, 60 Co γ-rays, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), and neocarzinostatin (NCS). We found that r obs -λ AP relationships differed significantly between MMS and NCS. At low AP density (λ AP  < 0.001), the APs induced by MMS seemed to not be closely distributed, whereas those induced by NCS were remarkably clustered. In contrast, the AP clustering induced by 60 Co γ-rays was similar to, but potentially more likely to occur than, random distribution. This simple method can be used to estimate mutagenicity of ionizing radiation and genotoxic chemicals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Developments in Assisting Countries in Implementing the IAEA Additional Protocol

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

Killinger, Mark H.; Hansen, Linda H.; Cain, Ronald A.

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) began assisting selected non-nuclear weapon states in planning and preparing for implementation of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol (AP). Since then, the AP international implementation program has contributed to the substantial progress made by Vietnam, Thailand, Iraq, and Malaysia in preparing for entry-into-force of the AP. An overall engagement plan has been developed with components designed to train government AP implementing agencies, inform policy makers, conduct outreach to industry and universities, make AP reporting software available and useful, and plan a detailed approach for implementing the declaration and complementary accessmore » provisions of the AP. DOE recently began collaborating with Indonesia, which has already entered the AP into force, requiring a second method of engagement somewhat different from that taken with countries that have not entered the AP into force. The AP international implementation program, administered by the International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program, is working more closely with DOE’s International Nonproliferation Export Control Program to ensure countries are aware of and prepared to implement the export/import provisions of the AP. As the AP implementation program matures and helps move countries closer to entry-into-force or improved AP implementation, it is identifying characteristics of a country’s “end-state” that indicate that DOE assistance is no longer required. The U.S. AP Implementation Act and Senate Resolution of Ratification require the Administration to report annually to Congress on measures taken to achieve the adoption of the AP in non-nuclear weapon states. DOE’s AP international implementation program is a significant part of these measures. This paper describes recent developments to increase the scope and effectiveness of the program.« less

Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Induces Self-Ubiquitination of the E6AP Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase

PubMed Central

Kao, Wynn H.; Beaudenon, Sylvie L.; Talis, Andrea L.; Huibregtse, Jon M.; Howley, Peter M.

2000-01-01

The E6 protein of the high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and the cellular ubiquitin-protein ligase E6AP form a complex which causes the ubiquitination and degradation of p53. We show here that HPV16 E6 promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of E6AP itself. The half-life of E6AP is shorter in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells than in HPV-negative cervical cancer cells, and E6AP is stabilized in HPV-positive cancer cells when expression of the viral oncoproteins is repressed. Expression of HPV16 E6 in cells results in a threefold decrease in the half-life of transfected E6AP. E6-mediated degradation of E6AP requires (i) the binding of E6 to E6AP, (ii) the catalytic activity of E6AP, and (iii) activity of the 26S proteasome, suggesting that E6-E6AP interaction results in E6AP self-ubiquitination and degradation. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that E6AP self-ubiquitination results primarily from an intramolecular transfer of ubiquitin from the active-site cysteine to one or more lysine residues; however, intermolecular transfer can also occur in the context of an E6-mediated E6AP multimer. Finally, we demonstrate that an E6 mutant that is able to immortalize human mammary epithelial cells but is unable to degrade p53 retains its ability to bind and degrade E6AP, raising the possibility that E6-mediated degradation of E6AP contributes to its ability to transform mammalian cells. PMID:10864652

Glaucoma patients present increased levels of diadenosine tetraphosphate, Ap(4)A, in the aqueous humour.

PubMed

Castany, Marta; Jordi, Isabel; Catala, Jaume; Gual, Arcadi; Morales, Miguel; Gasull, Xavier; Pintor, Jesus

2011-03-01

Previous studies have shown the presence of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A) and pentaphosphate (Ap(5)A) in the aqueous humour (AH) of different species. When topically applied to the rabbit cornea, Ap(4)A decreased IOP while Ap(5)A increased it. Here we study the presence of dinucleoside polyphosphates in the AH from human patients with or without glaucoma. AH was obtained at the time of cataract surgery from patients with (n=16) or without (n=10) primary open-angle glaucoma. AH (0.1-0.2 ml) was collected at the beginning of surgery through a corneal paracentesis and immediately cooled in liquid nitrogen, kept frozen and protected from light. AH aliquots were analyzed by HPLC for the presence of Ap(4)A and Ap(5)A. Both, Ap(4)A and Ap(5)A were detected in the AH of both experimental groups. No significant differences were found for Ap(5)A. In contrast, Ap(4)A levels were increased by ∼15-fold in the AH from glaucomatous eyes ranging from 19.5±9.2 nM in normal individuals to 286.03±30.9 nM in glaucomatous patients. In conclusion, both Ap(4)A and Ap(5)A were detected for the first time in human AH. Interestingly, glaucomatous eyes presented elevated concentrations of Ap(4)A compared to controls. The role of Ap(4)A needs to be elucidated but it may help to protect the autonomic innervation in the ciliary body/trabecular meshwork. Also, because of its higher levels in glaucoma patients it may be considered as a possible glaucoma biomarker. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

APETALA2 like genes from Picea abies show functional similarities to their Arabidopsis homologues.

PubMed

Nilsson, Lars; Carlsbecker, Annelie; Sundås-Larsson, Annika; Vahala, Tiina

2007-02-01

In angiosperm flower development the identity of the floral organs is determined by the A, B and C factors. Here we present the characterisation of three homologues of the A class gene APETALA2 (AP2) from the conifer Picea abies (Norway spruce), Picea abies APETALA2 LIKE1 (PaAP2L1), PaAP2L2 and PaAP2L3. Similar to AP2 these genes contain sequence motifs complementary to miRNA172 that has been shown to regulate AP2 in Arabidopsis. The genes display distinct expression patterns during plant development; in the female-cone bud PaAP2L1 and PaAP2L3 are expressed in the seed-bearing ovuliferous scale in a pattern complementary to each other, and overlapping with the expression of the C class-related gene DAL2. To study the function of PaAP2L1 and PaAP2L2 the genes were expressed in Arabidopsis. The transgenic PaAP2L2 plants were stunted and flowered later than control plants. Flowers were indeterminate and produced an excess of floral organs most severely in the two inner whorls, associated with an ectopic expression of the meristem-regulating gene WUSCHEL. No homeotic changes in floral-organ identities occurred, but in the ap2-1 mutant background PaAP2L2 was able to promote petal identity, indicating that the spruce AP2 gene has the capacity to substitute for an A class gene in Arabidopsis. In spite of the long evolutionary distance between angiosperms and gymnosperms and the fact that gymnosperms lack structures homologous to sepals and petals our data supports a functional conservation of AP2 genes among the seed plants.

One animal among many: Veterinarians in the global community

PubMed Central

Waltner-Toews, David

1989-01-01

Evidence from chemistry, physics, the biological sciences and the earth sciences is now accumulating that the earth functions as a living organism, with all the implications of circulatory and homeostatic systems which that implies. As veterinarians, we are more than simply handmaidens to agribusiness, the academic, pet and food industries, or government regulatory agencies. While our jobs may be specific, dependent, and circumscribed, our vocation can be nothing less than the health-care of all animal life — and hence by direct implication, the care of the earth, as a living organism, itself. Imagesp13-ap14-ap15-ap16-ap17-ap18-ap19-ap20-ap20-b PMID:17423204

AP reclamation and reuse in RSRM propellant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miks, Kathryn F.; Harris, Stacey A.

1995-01-01

A solid propellant ingredient reclamation pilot plant has been evaluated at the Strategic Operations of Thiokol Corporation, located in Brigham City, Utah. The plant produces AP wet cake (95 percent AP, 5 percent water) for recycling at AP vendors. AP has been obtained from two standard propellant binder systems (PBAN and HTPB). Analytical work conducted at Thiokol indicates that the vendor-recrystallized AP meets Space Shuttle propellant specification requirements. Thiokol has processed 1-, 5-, and 600-gallon propellant mixes with the recrystallized AP. Processing, cast, cure, ballistic, mechanical, and safety properties have been evaluated. Phillips Laboratory static-test-fired 70-pound and 800-pound BATES motors. The data indicate that propellant processed with reclaimed AP has nominal properties.

Evidence for effective structure-based neuromodulatory effects of new analogues of neurosteroid allopregnanolone.

PubMed

Taleb, O; Patte-Mensah, C; Meyer, L; Kemmel, V; Geoffroy, P; Miesch, M; Mensah-Nyagan, A-G

2018-02-01

The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) modulates neuroendocrine/neurobiological processes, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activities, pain, anxiety, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. These observations raised the hope of developing AP-based therapies against neuroendocrine and/or neurodegenerative disorders. However, the pleiotropic actions of AP, particularly its cell-proliferation-promoting effects, hamper the development of selective/targeted therapies. For example, although AP-induced neurogenesis may serve to compensate neuronal loss in degenerative brains, AP-evoked cell-proliferation is contraindicated for steroid-sensitive cancer patients. To foster progress, we synthesised 4 novel AP analogues of neurosteroids (ANS) designated BR053 (12-oxo-epi-AP), BR297 (O-allyl-epi-AP), BR351 (O-allyl-AP) and BR338 (12-oxo-AP). First, because AP is well-known as allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors (GABAA-R), we used the electrophysiological patch-clamp technique to determine the structure-activity relationship of our ANS on GABAA-activated current in NCB20 cells expressing functional GABAA-R. We found that the addition of 12-oxo-group did not significantly change the respective positive or negative allosteric effects of 3α-AP or 3β-(epi)-AP analogues. Importantly, substitution of the 3α-hydroxyl-group by 3α-O-allyl highly modified the ANS activities. Unlike AP, BR351 induced a long-lasting desensitisation/inhibition of GABAA-R. Interestingly, replacement of the 3β-hydroxyl by 3β-O-allyl (BR297) completely reversed the activity from negative to positive allosteric action. In a second step, we compared the actions of AP and ANS on SH-SY5Y neuronal cell viability/proliferation using MTT-reduction assays. Different dose-response curves were demonstrated for AP and the ANS. By contrast to AP, BR297 was totally devoid of cell-proliferative effect. Finally, we compared AP and ANS abilities to protect against oxidative stress-induced neuronal death pivotally involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Both BR351 and BR297 had notable advantages over AP in protecting SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress-induced death. Thus, BR297 appears to be a potent neuroprotective compound devoid of cell-proliferative activity. Altogether, our results suggest promising perspectives for the development of neurosteroid-based selective and effective strategies against neuroendocrine and/or neurodegenerative disorders. © 2017 British Society for Neuroendocrinology.

Adaptor protein complexes-1 and 3 are involved at distinct stages of flavivirus life-cycle

PubMed Central

Agrawal, Tanvi; Schu, Peter; Medigeshi, Guruprasad R.

2013-01-01

Intracellular protein trafficking pathways are hijacked by viruses at various stages of viral life-cycle. Heterotetrameric adaptor protein complexes (APs) mediate vesicular trafficking at distinct intracellular sites and are essential for maintaining the organellar homeostasis. In the present study, we studied the effect of AP-1 and AP-3 deficiency on flavivirus infection in cells functionally lacking these proteins. We show that AP-1 and AP-3 participate in flavivirus life-cycle at distinct stages. AP-3-deficient cells showed delay in initiation of Japanese encephalitis virus and dengue virus RNA replication, which resulted in reduction of infectious virus production. AP-3 was found to colocalize with RNA replication compartments in infected wild-type cells. AP-1 deficiency affected later stages of dengue virus infection where increased intracellular accumulation of infectious virus was observed. Therefore, our results propose a novel role for AP-1 and AP-3 at distinct stages of infection of some of the RNA viruses. PMID:23657274

Adaptor protein complexes-1 and 3 are involved at distinct stages of flavivirus life-cycle.

PubMed

Agrawal, Tanvi; Schu, Peter; Medigeshi, Guruprasad R

2013-01-01

Intracellular protein trafficking pathways are hijacked by viruses at various stages of viral life-cycle. Heterotetrameric adaptor protein complexes (APs) mediate vesicular trafficking at distinct intracellular sites and are essential for maintaining the organellar homeostasis. In the present study, we studied the effect of AP-1 and AP-3 deficiency on flavivirus infection in cells functionally lacking these proteins. We show that AP-1 and AP-3 participate in flavivirus life-cycle at distinct stages. AP-3-deficient cells showed delay in initiation of Japanese encephalitis virus and dengue virus RNA replication, which resulted in reduction of infectious virus production. AP-3 was found to colocalize with RNA replication compartments in infected wild-type cells. AP-1 deficiency affected later stages of dengue virus infection where increased intracellular accumulation of infectious virus was observed. Therefore, our results propose a novel role for AP-1 and AP-3 at distinct stages of infection of some of the RNA viruses.

Tank 241-AP-106, Grab samples, 6AP-98-1, 6AP-98-2 and 6AP-98-3 Analytical results for the final report

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

FULLER, R.K.

1999-02-23

This document is the final report for tank 241-AP-106 grab samples. Three grab samples 6AP-98-1, 6AP-98-2 and 6AP-98-3 were taken from riser 1 of tank 241-AP-106 on May 28, 1998 and received by the 222-S Laboratory on May 28, 1998. Analyses were performed in accordance with the ''Compatability Grab Sampling and Analysis Plan'' (TSAP) (Sasaki, 1998) and the ''Data Quality Objectives for Tank Farms Waste Compatability Program (DQO). The analytical results are presented in the data summary report. No notification limits were exceeded. The request for sample analysis received for AP-106 indicated that the samples were polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) suspects.more » The results of this analysis indicated that no PCBs were present at the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) regulated limit of 50 ppm. The results and raw data for the PCB analysis are included in this document.« less

Adipocyte aminopeptidases in obesity and fasting.

PubMed

Alponti, Rafaela Fadoni; Silveira, Paulo Flavio

2015-11-05

This study checked the existence of a diverse array of aminopeptidase (AP) enzymes in high (HDM) and low (LDM) density microsomal and plasma membrane (MF) fractions from adipocytes of control, monosodium glutamate obese and food deprived rats. Gene expression was detected for ArgAP, AspAP, MetAP, and two AlaAP (APM and PSA). APM and PSA had the highest catalytic efficiency, whereas AspAP the highest affinity. Subcellular distribution of AP activities depended on metabolic status. Comparing catalytic levels, AspAP in HDM, LDM and MF was absent in obese and control under food deprivation; PSA in LDM was 3.5-times higher in obese than in normally fed control and control and obese under food deprivation; MetAP in MF was 4.5-times higher in obese than in food deprived obese. Data show new AP enzymes genetically expressed in subcellular compartments of adipocytes, three of them with altered catalytic levels that respond to whole-body energetic demands. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sulfate-activating enzymes of Penicillium chrysogenum. The ATP sulfurylase. adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate complex does not serve as a substrate for adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase

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

Renosto, F.; Martin, R.L.; Segel, I.H.

1989-06-05

At a noninhibitory steady state concentration of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS), increasing the concentration of Penicillium chrysogenum ATP sulfurylase drives the rate of the APS kinase-catalyzed reaction toward zero. The result indicates that the ATP sulfurylase.APS complex does not serve as a substrate for APS kinase, i.e. there is no ''substrate channeling'' of APS between the two sulfate-activating enzymes. APS kinase had no effect on the (S)0.5 values, nH values, or maximum isotope trapping in the single turnover of ATP sulfurylase-bound (/sup 35/S)APS. Equimolar APS kinase (+/- MgATP or APS) also had no effect on the rate constants for the inactivationmore » of ATP sulfurylase by phenylglyoxal, diethylpyrocarbonate, or N-ethylmaleimide. Similarly, ATP sulfurylase (+/- ligands) had no effect on the inactivation of equimolar APS kinase by trinitrobenzene sulfonate, diethylpyrocarbonate, or heat. (The last promotes the dissociation of dimeric APS kinase to inactive monomers.) ATP sulfurylase also had no effect on the reassociation of APS kinase subunits at low temperature. The cumulative results suggest that the two sulfate activating enzymes do not associate to form a ''3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthetase'' complex.« less

Long-term prognostic impact of the attenuated plaque in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Okura, Hiroyuki; Kataoka, Toru; Yoshiyama, Minoru; Yoshikawa, Junichi; Yoshida, Kiyoshi

2016-01-01

Several intravascular ultrasound studies have reported that culprit lesion-attenuated plaque (AP) is related to slow flow/no reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Long-term prognostic impact of the AP is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate acute and long-term clinical impact of the AP in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A total of 110 ACS patients who underwent successful PCI were enrolled. Acute and long-term clinical outcomes were compared between patients with AP (AP group: n = 73) and those without AP (non-AP group: n = 37). Long-term cardiac event was defined as a composite of death and ACS. Baseline characteristics in 2 groups were similar. AP was associated with higher TIMI frame count immediately after the first balloon inflation. After thrombectomy and intracoronary drug administration, final TIMI frame count became similar between AP and non-AP group. Although AP was associated with higher incidence of fatal arrhythmia during hospitalization, in-hospital mortality did not differ between the 2 groups. During follow-up (median 6.2 years), cardiac event-free survival did not differ between the 2 groups. Despite the initial unfavorable effect on coronary reflow, presence of AP did not affect acute as well as long-term clinical outcome in patients with ACS.

Thrombopoietin as Early Biomarker of Disease Severity in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis.

PubMed

Lupia, Enrico; Pigozzi, Luca; Pivetta, Emanuele; Bosco, Ornella; Vizio, Barbara; Loiacono, Maria; Lucchiari, Manuela; Battista, Stefania; Morello, Fulvio; Moiraghi, Corrado; Mengozzi, Giulio; Montrucchio, Giuseppe

2017-02-01

To study the concentrations of thrombopoietin (TPO), a growth factor recently involved in the pathogenesis of experimental acute pancreatitis (AP), and its potential role as an early diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with AP. Thrombopoietin was measured in 44 AP patients, 18 patients with nonpancreatic acute abdominal pain, and 18 healthy volunteers. Acute pancreatitis severity was classified on the basis of the 2012 International Atlanta Symposium on Acute Pancreatitis criteria. Thrombopoietin levels did not differ between AP patients and control subjects, whereas these were higher in patients with moderately severe or severe AP compared with those with mild AP. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of TPO for severe AP diagnosis showed an area under the curve of 0.80. A cutoff value of 31.48 pg/mL showed the highest sensitivity, allowing to rule out severe AP when TPO was lower, whereas TPO higher than 98.23 pg/mL was associated with severe AP with high specificity (93.5%). Furthermore, TPO levels were greater in AP patients developing organ dysfunction or sepsis and in nonsurvivors compared with survivors. Our data provide the first evidence for TPO as potential early prognostic biomarker in AP patients. High TPO levels at hospital admission may predict organ dysfunction, sepsis, and fatal outcome in AP patients.

Stimulatory effect of exogenous diadenosine tetraphosphate on insulin and glucagon secretion in the perfused rat pancreas

PubMed Central

Silvestre, Ramona A; Rodríguez-Gallardo, Jovita; Egido, Eva M; Marco, José

1999-01-01

Diadenosine triphosphate (AP3A) and diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) are released by various cells (e.g. platelets and chromaffin cells), and may act as extracellular messengers. In pancreatic B-cells, AP3A and AP4A are inhibitors of the ATP-regulated K+ channels, and glucose increases intracellular levels of both substances.We have studied the effect of exogenous AP3A and AP4A on insulin and glucagon secretion by the perfused rat pancreas.AP3A did not significantly modify insulin or glucagon release, whereas AP4A induced a prompt, short-lived insulin response (≈4 fold higher than basal value; P<0.05) in pancreases perfused at different glucose concentrations (3.2, 5.5 or 9 mM). AP4A-induced insulin release was abolished by somatostatin and by diazoxide. These two substances share the capacity to activate ATP-dependent K+ channels, suggesting that these channels are a potential target for AP4A in the B-cell.AP4A stimulated glucagon release at both 3.2 and 5.5 mM glucose. This effect was abolished by somatostatin.The results suggest that extracellular AP4A may play a physiological role in the control of insulin and glucagon secretion. PMID:10516664

Stimulatory effect of exogenous diadenosine tetraphosphate on insulin and glucagon secretion in the perfused rat pancreas.

PubMed

Silvestre, R A; Rodríguez-Gallardo, J; Egido, E M; Marco, J

1999-10-01

1. Diadenosine triphosphate (AP3A) and diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) are released by various cells (e.g. platelets and chromaffin cells), and may act as extracellular messengers. In pancreatic B-cells, AP3A and AP4A are inhibitors of the ATP-regulated K+ channels, and glucose increases intracellular levels of both substances. 2. We have studied the effect of exogenous AP3A and AP4A on insulin and glucagon secretion by the perfused rat pancreas. 3. AP3A did not significantly modify insulin or glucagon release, whereas AP4A induced a prompt, short-lived insulin response ( approximately 4 fold higher than basal value; P<0.05) in pancreases perfused at different glucose concentrations (3.2, 5.5 or 9 mM). AP4A-induced insulin release was abolished by somatostatin and by diazoxide. These two substances share the capacity to activate ATP-dependent K+ channels, suggesting that these channels are a potential target for AP4A in the B-cell. 4. AP4A stimulated glucagon release at both 3.2 and 5.5 mM glucose. This effect was abolished by somatostatin. 5. The results suggest that extracellular AP4A may play a physiological role in the control of insulin and glucagon secretion.

Recessive loss-of-function mutations in AP4S1 cause mild fever-sensitive seizures, developmental delay and spastic paraplegia through loss of AP-4 complex assembly

PubMed Central

Hardies, Katia; May, Patrick; Djémié, Tania; Tarta-Arsene, Oana; Deconinck, Tine; Craiu, Dana; Helbig, Ingo; Suls, Arvid; Balling, Rudy; Weckhuysen, Sarah; De Jonghe, Peter; Hirst, Jennifer; Afawi, Zaid; Barisic, Nina; Baulac, Stéphanie; Caglayan, Hande; Depienne, Christel; De Kovel, Carolien G.F.; Dimova, Petia; Guerrero-López, Rosa; Guerrini, Renzo; Hjalgrim, Helle; Hoffman-Zacharska, Dorota; Jahn, Johanna; Klein, Karl Martin; Koeleman, Bobby P.C.; Leguern, Eric; Lehesjoki, Anna-Elina; Lemke, Johannes; Lerche, Holger; Marini, Carla; Muhle, Hiltrud; Rosenow, Felix; Serratosa, Jose M.; Møller, Rikke S.; Stephani, Ulrich; Striano, Pasquale; Talvik, Tiina; Von Spiczak, Sarah; Weber, Yvonne; Zara, Federico

2015-01-01

We report two siblings with infantile onset seizures, severe developmental delay and spastic paraplegia, in whom whole-genome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the AP4S1 gene, encoding the σ subunit of the adaptor protein complex 4 (AP-4). The effect of the predicted loss-of-function variants (p.Gln46Profs*9 and p.Arg97*) was further investigated in a patient's fibroblast cell line. We show that the premature stop mutations in AP4S1 result in a reduction of all AP-4 subunits and loss of AP-4 complex assembly. Recruitment of the AP-4 accessory protein tepsin, to the membrane was also abolished. In retrospect, the clinical phenotype in the family is consistent with previous reports of the AP-4 deficiency syndrome. Our study reports the second family with mutations in AP4S1 and describes the first two patients with loss of AP4S1 and seizures. We further discuss seizure phenotypes in reported patients, highlighting that seizures are part of the clinical manifestation of the AP-4 deficiency syndrome. We also hypothesize that endosomal trafficking is a common theme between heritable spastic paraplegia and some inherited epilepsies. PMID:25552650

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of multiple NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductases from Andrographis paniculata.

PubMed

Lin, Huixin; Wang, Jian; Qi, Mengdie; Guo, Juan; Rong, Qixian; Tang, Jinfu; Wu, Yisheng; Ma, Xiaojing; Huang, Luqi

2017-09-01

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees is widely used as medicinal herb in Southern and Southeastern Asia and andrographolide is its main medicinal constituent. Based on the structure of andrographolide, it has been proposed that cytochrome P450 enzymes play vital roles on its biosynthesis. NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is the most important redox partner of multiple P450s. In this study, three CPRs were identified in the genomic data of A. paniculata (namely ApCPR1, ApCPR2, and ApCPR3), and their coding regions were cloned. They varied from 62% to 70% identities to each other at the amino acid sequence level. ApCPR1 belongs to Class I of dicotyledonous CPR while both ApCPR2 and ApCPR3 are grouped to Class II. The recombinant enzymes ApCPR1 and ApCPR2 reduced cytochrome c and ferricyanide in an NADPH-dependent manner. In yeast, they supported the activity of CYP76AH1, a ferruginol-forming enzyme. However, ApCPR3 did not show any enzymatic activities either in vitro or in vivo. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that both ApCPR1 and ApCPR2 expressed in all tissues examined, but ApCPR2 showed higher expression in leaves. Expression of ApCPR2 was inducible by MeJA and its pattern matched with andrographolide accumulation. Present investigation suggested ApCPR2 involves in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites including andrographolide. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Mannose-coated gadolinium liposomes for improved magnetic resonance imaging in acute pancreatitis.

PubMed

Tian, Bing; Liu, Ri; Chen, Shiyue; Chen, Luguang; Liu, Fang; Jia, Guorong; Dong, Yinmei; Li, Jing; Chen, Huaiwen; Lu, Jianping

2017-01-01

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory condition of the pancreas. The symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of mild and severe AP are different, and severe AP is a potentially life-threatening disease with a high incidence of complications and high mortality rate. Thus, it is urgent to develop an effective approach to reliably discriminate between mild and severe AP. We have developed novel gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (Gd-DTPA)-loaded mannosylated liposomes (named thereafter M-Gd-NL) that preferably target macrophages in AP. The targeting ability of M-Gd-NL toward macrophages in AP and its ability to discriminate between mild and severe AP were evaluated. The liposomes were of desired particle size (~100 nm), Gd-DTPA encapsulation efficiency (~85%), and stability. M-Gd-NL and non-targeted Gd-DTPA-loaded liposomes (Gd-NL) exhibited increased relaxivity compared with Gd-DTPA. Compared with Gd-NL and Gd-DTPA, M-Gd-NL showed increased uptake in macrophages, resulting in increased T 1 imaging ability both in vitro (macrophage cell line) and in vivo (severe AP model). Importantly, M-Gd-NL had the ability to discriminate between mild and severe AP, as reflected by a significantly higher T 1 magnetic resonance imaging signal in severe AP than in mild AP. M-Gd-NL did not show severe organ toxicity in rats. Our data suggest that M-Gd-NL had enhanced magnetic resonance imaging ability by targeting macrophages in AP and good ability to discriminate between mild and severe AP. We believe that M-Gd-NL could shed new light on the diagnosis of AP in the near future.

Role of ubiquitin and the HPV E6 oncoprotein in E6AP-mediated ubiquitination

PubMed Central

Mortensen, Franziska; Schneider, Daniel; Barbic, Tanja; Sladewska-Marquardt, Anna; Kühnle, Simone; Marx, Andreas; Scheffner, Martin

2015-01-01

Deregulation of the ubiquitin ligase E6 associated protein (E6AP) encoded by the UBE3A gene has been associated with three different clinical pictures. Hijacking of E6AP by the E6 oncoprotein of distinct human papillomaviruses (HPV) contributes to the development of cervical cancer, whereas loss of E6AP expression or function is the cause of Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, and increased expression of E6AP has been involved in autism spectrum disorders. Although these observations indicate that the activity of E6AP has to be tightly controlled, only little is known about how E6AP is regulated at the posttranslational level. Here, we provide evidence that the hydrophobic patch of ubiquitin comprising Leu-8 and Ile-44 is important for E6AP-mediated ubiquitination, whereas it does not affect the catalytic properties of the isolated catalytic HECT domain of E6AP. Furthermore, we show that the HPV E6 oncoprotein rescues the disability of full-length E6AP to use a respective hydrophobic patch mutant of ubiquitin for ubiquitination and that it stimulates E6AP-mediated ubiquitination of Ring1B, a known substrate of E6AP, in vitro and in cells. Based on these data, we propose that E6AP exists in at least two different states, an active and a less active or latent one, and that the activity of E6AP is controlled by noncovalent interactions with ubiquitin and allosteric activators such as the HPV E6 oncoprotein. PMID:26216987

Genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analysis of the aspartic protease gene superfamily in grape

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Aspartic proteases (APs) are a large family of proteolytic enzymes found in almost all organisms. In plants, they are involved in many biological processes, such as senescence, stress responses, programmed cell death, and reproduction. Prior to the present study, no grape AP gene(s) had been reported, and their research on woody species was very limited. Results In this study, a total of 50 AP genes (VvAP) were identified in the grape genome, among which 30 contained the complete ASP domain. Synteny analysis within grape indicated that segmental and tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the grape AP family. Additional analysis between grape and Arabidopsis demonstrated that several grape AP genes were found in the corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, suggesting that these genes arose before the divergence of grape and Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic relationships of the 30 VvAPs with the complete ASP domain and their Arabidopsis orthologs, as well as their gene and protein features were analyzed and their cellular localization was predicted. Moreover, expression profiles of VvAP genes in six different tissues were determined, and their transcript abundance under various stresses and hormone treatments were measured. Twenty-seven VvAP genes were expressed in at least one of the six tissues examined; nineteen VvAPs responded to at least one abiotic stress, 12 VvAPs responded to powdery mildew infection, and most of the VvAPs responded to SA and ABA treatments. Furthermore, integrated synteny and phylogenetic analysis identified orthologous AP genes between grape and Arabidopsis, providing a unique starting point for investigating the function of grape AP genes. Conclusions The genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analyses of grape AP genes provide a framework for future analysis of AP genes in defining their roles during stress response. Integrated synteny and phylogenetic analyses provide novel insight into the functions of less well-studied genes using information from their better understood orthologs. PMID:23945092

Unusual interaction of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) with abasic sites via the Schiff-base-dependent mechanism.

PubMed

Ilina, Ekaterina S; Khodyreva, Svetlana N; Lavrik, Olga I

2018-05-03

Clustered apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites are more cytotoxic than isolated AP lesions because double strand breaks (DSB) can be formed during repair of closely positioned bistranded AP sites. Formation of DSB due to simultaneous cleavage of bistranded AP sites may be regulated by proteins specifically interacting with this complex lesion. A set of AP DNA duplexes containing AP sites in both strands in different mutual orientation (BS-AP DNAs) was used for search in the extracts of human cells proteins specifically recognizing clustered AP sites. A protein, which formed the Schiff-base-dependent covalent products having an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa with the subset of BS-AP DNAs, was identified by mass spectrometry as apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1). The identity of trapped protein was confirmed by Western blot analysis with anti-APE1 antibodies. Purified recombinant human APE1 is also capable of forming the 50 kDa-adducts with efficiency of BS-AP DNAs cross-linking to APE1 being dependent on the mutual orientation of AP sites. In spite of formation of the Schiff-base-dependent intermediate, which is prerequisite for the β-elimination mechanism, APE1 is unable to cleave AP sites. APE1 lacking the first 34 amino acids at the N-terminus, unlike wild type enzyme, is unable to form cross-links with BS-AP DNAs that testifies to the involvement of disordered N-terminal extension, which is enriched in lysine residues, in the interaction with AP sites. The yield of APE1-AP DNA cross-links was found to correlate with the enzyme amount in the extracts estimated by the immunochemical approach; therefore the BS-AP DNA-probes can be useful for comparative analysis of APE1 content in cell extracts. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of pressure on structure and NO sub X formation in CO-air diffusion flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maahs, H. G.; Miller, I. M.

1979-01-01

A study was made of nitric oxide formation in a laminar CO-air diffusion flame over a pressure range from 1 to 50 atm. The carbon monoxide (CO) issued from a 3.06 mm diameter port coaxially into a coflowing stream of air confined within a 20.5 mm diameter chimney. Nitric oxide concentrations from the flame were measured at two carbon monoxide (fuel) flow rates: 73 standard cubic/min and 146 sccm. Comparison of the present data with data in the literature for a methane-air diffusion flame shows that for flames of comparable flame height (8 to 10 mm) and pseudoequivalence ratio (0.162), the molar emission index of a CO-air flame is significantly greater than that of a methane-air flame.

Low temperature ECR-CVD of SiN X for III-V device passivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J. W.; MacKenzie, K.; Johnson, D.; Shul, R. J.; Pearton, S. J.; Ren, F.

1998-06-01

Electron Cyclotron Resonance SiH 4/N 2 and SiH 4/NH 3 discharges have been employed for deposition of SiN X over a range of temperatures (25-120°C), source powers (200-700 W), pressures (15-40 mTorr), SiH 4 percentages (20-50%) and additional Ar flow rates (0-30 sccm). Deposition rates were in the range 100-700 Å min -1, with refractive indices of 1.7-2.3. The SiH 4/N 2 chemistry allowed a wider process window for tailoring the stress in the SiN X films, with chuck temperature, ECR source power, chamber pressure, SiH 4 composition and Ar addition all producing a transition from compressive to tensile stress, or vice-versa.

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

Pak, S.; Sites, J.R.

A Kaufman-type broad beam ion source, used for sputtering and etching purposes, has been operated with Ar, Kr,O/sub 2/ and N/sub 2/ gas inputs over a wide range of beam energies (200-1200 eV) and gas flow rates (1-10 sccm). The maximum ion beam current density for each gas saturates at about 2.5 mA/sq. cm. as gas flow is increased. The discharge threshold voltage necessary to produce a beam and the beam efficiency (beam current/molecular current), however, varied considerably. Kr had the lowest threshold and highest efficiency, Ar next, then N/sub 2/ and O/sub 2/. The ion beam current varied onlymore » weakly with beam energy for low gas flow rates, but showed a factor of two increase when the gas flow was higher.« less

SHINE Vacuum Pump Test Verification

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

Morgan, Gregg A; Peters, Brent

2013-09-30

Normetex pumps used world-wide for tritium service are no longer available. DOE and other researchers worldwide have spent significant funds characterizing this pump. Identification of alternate pumps is required for performance and compatibility with tritium gas. Many of the pumps that could be used to meet the functional performance requirements (e.g. pressure and flow conditions) of the Normetex pump have features that include the use of polymers or oils and greases that are not directly compatible with tritium service. This study assembles a test system to determine the flow characteristics for candidate alternate pumps. These tests are critical to themore » movement of tritium through the SHINE Tritium Purification System (TPS). The purpose of the pump testing is two-fold: (1) obtain baseline vacuum pump characteristics for an alternate (i.e. ''Normetex replacement'') pump intended for use in tritium service; and (2) verify that low pressure hydrogen gas can be transported over distances up to 300 feet by the candidate pumps. Flow rates and nominal system pressures have been identified for the SHINE Mo-99 production process Tritium Purification System (TPS). To minimize the line sizes for the transfer of low pressure tritium from the Neutron Driver Accelerator System (NDAS) to the primary processing systems in the TPS, a ''booster'' pump has been located near the accelerator in the design. A series of pump tests were performed at various configurations using hydrogen gas (no tritium) to ensure that this concept is practical and maintains adequate flow rates and required pressures. This report summarizes the results of the tests that have been performed using various pump configurations. The current design of the Tritium Purification System requires the ''booster'' pump to discharge to or to be backed by another vacuum pump. Since Normetex pumps are no longer manufactured, a commercially available Edwards scroll pump will be used to back the booster pump. In this case the ''booster pump'' is an Adixen Molecular Drag Pump (MDP 5011) and the backing pump is an Edwards (nXDS15iC) scroll pump. Various configurations of the two pumps and associated lengths of 3/4 inch tubing (0 feet to 300 feet) were used in combination with hydrogen and nitrogen flow rates ranging from 25-400 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm) to determine whether the proposed pump configuration meets the design criteria for SHINE. The results of this study indicate that even under the most severe conditions (300 feet of tubing and 400 sccm flow rate) the Adixen 5011 MDP can serve as a booster pump to transport gases from the accelerator (NDAS) to the TPS. The Target Gas Receiving System pump (Edwards nXDS15iC) located approximately 300 feet from the accelerator can effectively back the Adixen MDP. The molecular drag pump was able to maintain its full rotational speed even when the flow rate was 400 sccm hydrogen or nitrogen and 300 feet of tubing was installed between the drag pump and the Edwards scroll pump. In addition to maintaining adequate rotation, the pressure in the system was maintained below the target pressure of 30 torr for all flow rates, lengths of tubing, and process gases. This configuration is therefore adequate to meet the SHINE design requirements in terms of flow and pressure.« less

78 FR 4129 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-18

... regulatory and law enforcement issues with officers and field offices. Information & Education AP Agenda... of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Information & Education Advisory Panel (AP); Law Enforcement AP; Joint Meeting of the Information & Education AP and Law Enforcement AP; and meeting of the...

Power Saving Control for Battery-Powered Portable WLAN APs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Masakatsu; Hiraguri, Takefumi

This paper proposes a power saving control function for battery-powered portable wireless LAN (WLAN) access points (APs) to extend the battery life. The IEEE802.11 standard does not support power saving control for APs. To enable a sleep state for an AP, the AP forces the stations (STAs) to refrain from transmitting frames using the network allocation vector (NAV) while the AP is sleeping. Thus the sleep state for the AP can be employed without causing frame loss at the STAs. Numerical analysis and computer simulation reveal that the newly proposed control technique conserves power compared to the conventional control.

An Investigation of Experimental Techniques for Obtaining Particulate Behavior in Metallized Solid Propellant Combustion.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-01

Additive Particle Size Propellant Binder Oxidizer Metal Mean Metal Diameter, Designation % Weight % Weight* % Weight Microns WGS-5A HTPB 12 AP 83 AL 5 75...88 4 WGS-6A HTPB 12 AP 83 AL 5 45-62 WGS-7A HTPB 12 AP 83 AL 5 23-37 WGS-7 HTPB 12 AP 83 AL 5 6-7 WGS-9 HTPB 12 AP 78 AL 10 23-27 WGS-1O HTPB 12 AP 73...AL 15 23-27 WGS-ZrC HTPB 14 AP 84 ZrC 2 23, irregularly shaped WGS-G HTPB 14 AP 84 G 2 50x20x7, flakes * 65% 180 jim/35% 26 tim These propellants

Mechanism of aminopyridine-induced release of [3H]dopamine from rat brain synaptosomes.

PubMed

Scheer, H W; Lavoie, P A

1991-01-01

1. Aminopyridines (APs) induced the release of [3H]dopamine (3H-DA) from rat synaptosomal preparations. 2. 4-AP and 3,4-DAP were of equal efficacy in inducing release of 3H-DA; 3-AP, 2-AP and 2,6-AP were less active; pyridine and pyridine-4-carboxylamide were inactive. 3. Cd2+ was more effective in inhibiting 4-AP-induced release of 3H-DA (IC50 approximately 4 microM) than Co2+ and Ni2+ (IC50s approximately 500 microM). 4. While 4-AP increased the 45Ca2+ content of whole synaptosomal preparations, no effect of 4-AP on 45Ca2+ content was observed in lysed synaptosomal preparations. 5. 4-AP-induced 45Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by Cd2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ in concentration ranges similar to those inhibiting 3H-DA release.

Pyridinylquinazolines Selectively Inhibit Human Methionine Aminopeptidase-1 in Cells

PubMed Central

Zhang, Feiran; Bhat, Shridhar; Gabelli, Sandra B.; Chen, Xiaochun; Miller, Michelle S.; Nacev, Benjamin A.; Cheng, Yim Ling; Meyers, David J.; Tenney, Karen; Shim, Joong Sup; Crews, Phillip; Amzel, L. Mario; Ma, Dawei; Liu, Jun O.

2013-01-01

Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) which remove the initiator methionine from nascent peptides are essential in all organisms. While MetAP2 has been demonstrated to be a therapeutic target for inhibiting angiogenesis in mammals, MetAP1 seems to be vital for cell proliferation. Our earlier efforts identified two structural classes of human MetAP1 (HsMetAP1)-selective inhibitors (1–4). But all of them failed to inhibit cellular HsMetAP1. Using Mn(II) or Zn(II) to activate HsMetAP1, we found that 1–4 could only effectively inhibit purified HsMetAP1 in the presence of physiologically unachievable concentrations of Co(II). In an effort to seek Co(II)-independent inhibitors, a novel structural class containing a 2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinazoline core has been discovered. Many compounds in this class potently and selectively inhibited HsMetAP1 without Co(II). Subsequently, we demonstrated that 11j, an auxiliary metal-dependent inhibitor, effectively inhibited HsMetAP1 in primary cells. This is the first report that an HsMetAP1-selective inhibitor is effective against its target in cells. PMID:23634668

Comparison of expression and enzymatic properties of Aspergillus oryzae lysine aminopeptidases ApsA and ApsB.

PubMed

Marui, Junichiro; Matsushita-Morita, Mayumi; Tada, Sawaki; Hattori, Ryota; Suzuki, Satoshi; Amano, Hitoshi; Ishida, Hiroki; Yamagata, Youhei; Takeuchi, Michio; Kusumoto, Ken-Ichi

2012-08-01

The apsA and apsB genes encoding family M1 aminopeptidases were identified in the industrial fungus Aspergillus oryzae. The apsB was transcriptionally up-regulated up to 2.5-fold in response to the deprivation of nitrogen or carbon sources in growth media, while up-regulation of apsA was less significant. The encoded proteins were bacterially expressed and purified to characterize their enzymatic properties. ApsA and ApsB were optimally active at pH 7.0 and 35 °C and stable at pH ranges of 6-10 and 4-10, respectively, up to 40 °C. The enzymes were inhibited by bestatin and EDTA, as has been reported for family M1 aminopeptidases that characteristically contain a zinc-binding catalytic motif. Both enzymes preferentially liberated N-terminal lysine, which is an essential amino acid and an important additive to animal feed. Enzymes that efficiently release N-terminal lysine from peptides could be useful for food and forage industries. Examination of the reactivity toward peptide substrate of varying length revealed that ApsB exhibited broader substrate specificity than ApsA although the reactivity of ApsB decreased as the length of peptide substrate decreased.

Improvement of the Shock Absorption Ability of a Face Guard by Incorporating a Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic and Buffering Space

PubMed Central

Churei, Hiroshi; Takayanagi, Haruka; Iwasaki, Naohiko; Takahashi, Hidekazu; Uo, Motohiro

2018-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the shock absorption ability of trial face guards (FGs) incorporating a glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (GF) and buffering space. The mechanical properties of 3.2 mm and 1.6 mm thick commercial medical splint materials (Aquaplast, AP) and experimental GF prepared from 1.6 mm thick AP and fiberglass cloth were determined by a three-point bending test. Shock absorption tests were conducted on APs with two different thicknesses and two types of experimental materials, both with a bottom material of 1.6 mm thick AP and a buffering space of 30 mm in diameter (APS) and with either (i) 1.6 mm thick AP (AP-APS) or (ii)  1.6 mm thick GF (GF-APS) covering the APS. The GF exhibited significantly higher flexural strength (64.4 MPa) and flexural modulus (7.53 GPa) than the commercial specimens. The maximum load of GF-APS was 75% that of 3.2 mm AP, which is widely used clinically. The maximum stress of the GF-APS only could not be determined as its maximum stress is below the limits of the analysis materials used (<0.5 MPa). Incorporating a GF and buffering space would enhance the shock absorption ability; thus, the shock absorption ability increased while the total thickness and weight decreased. PMID:29854774

Improvement of the Shock Absorption Ability of a Face Guard by Incorporating a Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic and Buffering Space.

PubMed

Wada, Takahiro; Churei, Hiroshi; Takayanagi, Haruka; Iwasaki, Naohiko; Ueno, Toshiaki; Takahashi, Hidekazu; Uo, Motohiro

2018-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the shock absorption ability of trial face guards (FGs) incorporating a glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (GF) and buffering space. The mechanical properties of 3.2 mm and 1.6 mm thick commercial medical splint materials (Aquaplast, AP) and experimental GF prepared from 1.6 mm thick AP and fiberglass cloth were determined by a three-point bending test. Shock absorption tests were conducted on APs with two different thicknesses and two types of experimental materials, both with a bottom material of 1.6 mm thick AP and a buffering space of 30 mm in diameter (APS) and with either (i) 1.6 mm thick AP (AP-APS) or (ii)  1.6 mm thick GF (GF-APS) covering the APS. The GF exhibited significantly higher flexural strength (64.4 MPa) and flexural modulus (7.53 GPa) than the commercial specimens. The maximum load of GF-APS was 75% that of 3.2 mm AP, which is widely used clinically. The maximum stress of the GF-APS only could not be determined as its maximum stress is below the limits of the analysis materials used (<0.5 MPa). Incorporating a GF and buffering space would enhance the shock absorption ability; thus, the shock absorption ability increased while the total thickness and weight decreased.

U.S. Additional Protocol Outreach Program-Tabletop Exercises to Implement the AP.

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

Langner, D. C.; Thomas, K. E.; Smith, M. K.

2005-01-01

The Office of International Regimes and Agreement (NA-243) is the lead office in the Department of Energy (DOE) to assist DOE and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) sites in the preparation of providing declarations on relevant civilian, nuclear fuel cycle-related research and development activities to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This is in accordance to the implementation of the ''Protocol Additional to the AGreement between the United STates and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Applications of Safeguards in the United States. In preparation for entry-into-force, NA-243 conducted two tabletop exercises under the Additional Protocol Outreach Program. Themore » first one, held in May 2004 at Los Alamos National Laboratory, focused on the factors important to protect national security assets and intellectual property. The other, held in August 2004 at the Idaho National Laboratory explored the level of detail or granularity for reporting declarable activities. Both tabletops invited participants from the national laboratories and DOE/NNSA organizations. Discussions were based around the process to identify potential declarable activities relating to the nuclear fuel cycle-related R and D projects from the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative program. The two tabletop exercises provided recommendations and conclusions that would be helpful to other DOE/NNSA locations for preparing for and reporting relevant and concise information to the IAEA under the Additional Protocol. This paper provides details on the events, discussions, observations, and lessons learned from both the LANL and INL tabletop exercises.« less

Characterization of a diadenosine tetraphosphate-receptor distinct from the ATP-purinoceptor in human tracheal gland cells.

PubMed

Saleh, A; Picher, M; Kammouni, W; Figarella, C; Merten, M D

1999-11-12

Human submucosal tracheal glands are now believed to play a major role in the physiopathology of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease in which ATP is used as a therapeutic agent. However, actions of ATP on tracheal gland cells are not well known. ATP binds to P2 receptors and induced secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) secretion through formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and mobilization of intracellular [Ca(2+)]. Since diadenosine polyphosphates (ApnA) are also endogenous effectors of P2 receptors, we investigated their effects in a cell line (MM39) of human tracheal gland cells. Diadenosine tetraphosphates (Ap4A) induced significant stimulation (+50+/-12%) of SLPI secretion and to a similar extent to that of ATP (+65+/-10%). No significant effects were observed with diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A), diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A), ADP and 2-methylthio-adenosine triphosphate (2-MeS-ATP). Since Ap4A was weakly hydrolyzed (<2% of total), and the hydrolysis product was only inosine which is ineffective on cells, this Ap4A effect was not due to Ap4A hydrolysis in ATP and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). A mixture of Ap4A and ATP elicited only partial additive effects on SLPI secretion. ADP was shown to be a potent antagonist of ATP and Ap4A receptors, with IC(50)s of 0.8 and 2 microM, respectively. 2-MeS-ATP also showed antagonistic properties with IC(50)s of 20 and 30 microM for ATP- and Ap4A-receptors, respectively. Single cell intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) measurements showed similar transient increases of [Ca(2+)](i) after ATP or Ap4A challenges. ATP desensitized the cell [Ca(2+)](i) responses to ATP and Ap4A, and Ap4A also desensitized the cell response to Ap4A. Nevertheless, Ap4A did not desensitize the cell [Ca(2+)](i) responses to ATP. In conclusion, both P2Y2-ATP-receptors and Ap4A-P2D-receptors seem to be present in tracheal gland cells. Ap4A may only bind to P2D-receptors whilst ATP may bind to both Ap4A- and ATP-receptors.

The interaction of diadenosine polyphosphates with P2x-receptors in the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens.

PubMed

Westfall, T D; McIntyre, C A; Obeid, S; Bowes, J; Kennedy, C; Sneddon, P

1997-05-01

1. The site(s) at which diadenosine 5',5"'-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (AP4A) and diadenosine 5', 5"'-P1,P5-pentaphosphate (AP5A) act to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens was studied by use of a series of P2-receptor antagonists and the ecto-ATPase inhibitor 6-N,N-diethyl-D-beta,gamma-dibromomethyleneATP (ARL 67156). 2. Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS) (300 nM - 30 microM), suramin (3-100 microM) and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P-5-P) (3-1000 microM) inhibited contractions evoked by equi-effective concentrations of AP5A (3 microM), AP4A (30 microM) and alpha,beta-methyleneATP (alpha,beta-meATP) (1 microM), in a concentration-dependent manner and abolished them at the highest concentrations used. 3. PPADS was more potent than suramin, which in turn was more potent than P-5-P. PPADS inhibited AP5A, AP4A and alpha,beta-meATP with similar IC50 values. No significant difference was found between IC50 values for suramin against alpha,beta-meATP and AP5A or alpha,beta-meATP and AP4A, but suramin was more than 2.5 times more potent against AP4A than AP5A. P-5-P showed the same pattern of antagonism. 4. Desensitization of the P2xi-receptor by alpha,beta-meATP abolished contractions evoked by AP5A (3 microM) and AP4A (30 microM), but had no effect on those elicited by noradrenaline (100 microM). 5. ARL 67156 (100 microM) reversibly potentiated contractions evoked by AP4A (30 microM) by 61%, but caused a small, significant decrease in the mean response to AP5A (3 microM). 6. It is concluded that AP4A and AP5A act at the P2xi-receptor, or a site similar to the P2xi-receptor, to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens. Furthermore, the potency of AP4A, but not AP5A, appears to be inhibited by an ecto-enzyme which is sensitive to ARL 67156.

In vivo levels of diadenosine tetraphosphate and adenosine tetraphospho-guanosine in Physarum polycephalum during the cell cycle and oxidative stress.

PubMed Central

Garrison, P N; Mathis, S A; Barnes, L D

1986-01-01

Cellular levels of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and adenosine tetraphospho-guanosine (Ap4G) were specifically measured during the cell cycle of Physarum polycephalum by a high-pressure liquid chromatographic method. Ap4A was also measured indirectly by a coupled phosphodiesterase-luciferase assay. No cell cycle-specific changes in either Ap4A or Ap4G were detected in experiments involving different methods of assay, different strains of P. polycephalum, or different methods of fixation of macroplasmodia. Our results on Ap4A are in contrast with those reported previously (C. Weinmann-Dorsch, G. Pierron, R. Wick, H. Sauer, and F. Grummt, Exp. Cell Res. 155:171-177, 1984). Weinmann-Dorsch et al. reported an 8- to 30-fold increase in Ap4A in early S phase in P. polycephalum, as measured by the phosphodiesterase-luciferase assay. We also measured levels of Ap4A, Ap4G, and ATP in macroplasmodia treated with 0.1 mM dinitrophenol. Ap4A and Ap4G transiently increased three- to sevenfold after 1 h and then decreased concomitantly with an 80% decrease in the level of ATP after 2 h in the presence of dinitrophenol. These results do not support the hypothesis that Ap4A is a positive pleiotypic activator that modulates DNA replication, but they are consistent with the hypothesis proposed for procaryotes that Ap4A and Ap4G are signal nucleotides or alarmones of oxidative stress (B.R. Bochner, P.C. Lee, S.W. Wilson, C.W. Cutler, and B.N. Ames, Cell 37:225-232, 1984). PMID:3785160

LaAP2L1, a heterosis-associated AP2/EREBP transcription factor of Larix, increases organ size and final biomass by affecting cell proliferation in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Li, Ai; Zhou, Yanan; Jin, Chuan; Song, Wenqin; Chen, Chengbin; Wang, Chunguo

2013-11-01

In Larix and in some crops, heterosis is prevalent and has been widely used in breeding to produce excellent varieties. However, the molecular basis of heterosis in Larix remains ambiguous. LaAP2L1, a member of the AP2/EREBP transcription factor family, has been suggested to be involved in heterosis in Larix hybrids. Here, the function and regulation of LaAP2L1 were further explored. Overexpression of LaAP2L1 led to markedly enlarged organs and heterosis-like traits in Arabidopsis. Fresh weight of leaves was almost twice as great as in vector controls. Likewise, seed yield of 35S::LaAP2L1 individual plants was >200% greater than that of control plants. The enlarged organs and heterosis-like traits displayed by 35S::LaAP2L1 plants were mainly due to enhanced cell proliferation and prolonged growth duration. At the molecular level, LaAP2L1 upregulated the expression of ANT, EBP1, and CycD3;1 and inhibited the expression of ARGOS in 35S::LaAP2L1 plants, suggesting an important molecular role of LaAP2L1 in regulating plant organ development. These findings provide new insights into the formation of heterosis in woody plants and suggest that LaAP2L1 has potential applications in breeding high-yielding crops and energy plants. In addition, 50 AP2/EREBP transcription factors, including LaAP2L1, in Larix were identified by transcriptome sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. This provided information that will be important in further revealing the functions of these transcription factors.

AFRICAN ABORIGINAL THERAPY

PubMed Central

Sheppard, Philip A. E.

1920-01-01

No other man in America has so complete a knowledge of the aborigines of South Africa as Dr. Sheppard. For twenty-one years he spent his vacations in their kraals. He is a blood-brother in two tribes, and a chief, and sits on his own mat at tribal councils. His picture of their aboriginal therapy is unique. Imagesp228-ap228-bp229-ap229-bp231-ap232-ap232-bp233-ap235-ap235-b PMID:18010265

Molecular Basis for Enhancement of the Meiotic DMCI Recombinase by RAD51AP1

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

Dray, Eloise; Dunlop, Myun Hwa; Kauppi, Liisa

Homologous recombination is needed for meiotic chromosome segregation, genome maintenance, and tumor suppression. RAD51AP1 (RAD51 Associated Protein 1) has been shown to interact with and enhance the recombinase activity of RAD51. Accordingly, genetic ablation of RAD51AP1 leads to enhanced sensitivity to and also chromosome aberrations upon DNA damage, demonstrating a role for RAD51AP1 in mitotic homologous recombination. Here we show physical association of RAD51AP1 with the meiosis-specific recombinase DMC1 and a stimulatory effect of RAD51AP1 on the DMC1-mediated D-loop reaction. Mechanistic studies have revealed that RAD51AP1 enhances the ability of the DMC1 presynaptic filament to capture the duplex DNA partnermore » and to assemble the synaptic complex, in which the recombining DNA strands are homologously aligned. We also provide evidence that functional co-operation is dependent on complex formation between DMC1 and RAD51AP1, and that distinct epitopes in RAD51AP1 mediate interactions with RAD51 and DMC1. Finally, we show that RAD51AP1 is expressed in mouse testes, and that RAD51AP1 foci co-localize with a subset of DMC1 foci in spermatocytes. These results suggest that RAD51AP1 also serves an important role in meiotic homologous recombination.« less

An aspartic proteinase gene family in the filamentous fungus Botrytis cinerea contains members with novel features.

PubMed

ten Have, Arjen; Dekkers, Ester; Kay, John; Phylip, Lowri H; van Kan, Jan A L

2004-07-01

Botrytis cinerea, an important fungal plant pathogen, secretes aspartic proteinase (AP) activity in axenic cultures. No cysteine, serine or metalloproteinase activity could be detected. Proteinase activity was higher in culture medium containing BSA or wheat germ extract, as compared to minimal medium. A proportion of the enzyme activity remained in the extracellular glucan sheath. AP was also the only type of proteinase activity in fluid obtained from B. cinerea-infected tissue of apple, pepper, tomato and zucchini. Five B. cinerea genes encoding an AP were cloned and denoted Bcap1-5. Features of the encoded proteins are discussed. BcAP1, especially, has novel characteristics. A phylogenetic analysis was performed comprising sequences originating from different kingdoms. BcAP1 and BcAP5 did not cluster in a bootstrap-supported clade. BcAP2 clusters with vacuolar APs. BcAP3 and BcAP4 cluster with secreted APs in a clade that also contains glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteinases from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. All five Bcap genes are expressed in liquid cultures. Transcript levels of Bcap1, Bcap2, Bcap3 and Bcap4 are subject to glucose and peptone repression. Transcripts from all five Bcap genes were detected in infected plant tissue, indicating that at least part of the AP activity in planta originates from the pathogen.

The Effects of Different Purifying Methods on the Chemical Properties, in Vitro Anti-Tumor and Immunomodulatory Activities of Abrus cantoniensis Polysaccharide Fractions

PubMed Central

Wu, Shaowei; Fu, Xiong; Brennan, Margaret A.; Brennan, Charles S.; Chun, Chen

2016-01-01

Abrus cantoniensis (Hance) is a popular Chinese vegetable consumed as a beverage, soup or folk medicine. To fully exploit the potential of the polysaccharide in Abrus cantoniensis, nine polysaccharide fractions of Abrus cantoniensis were isolated and purified (AP-AOH30-1, AP-AOH30-2, AP-AOH80-1, AP-AOH80-2, AP-ACl-1, AP-ACl-2, AP-ACl-3, AP-H and AP-L). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography (GC) were used to characterize these Abrus polysaccharides fractions (APF). In vitro anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities were also investigated and compared using the rank-sum ratio (RSR) method. Results demonstrated significant differences in the structure and bioactivities among APF, which were associated to the process used for their purification. Among the APF, AP-ACl-3 yield was 613.5 mg/kg of product and consisted of rhamnose (9.8%), arabinose (8.9%), fructose (3.0%), galactose (9.9%), glucose (4.3%), galacturonic acid (3.0%) and glucuronic acid (61.1%) with a molecular weight of 4.4 × 104 Da. Furthermore, AP-ACl-3 exhibited considerable bioactivities significantly preventing the migration of MCF-7 cells and stimulating lymphocyte proliferation along with nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophages. AP-ACl-3 could be explored as a novel potential anti-tumor and immunomodulatory agent. PMID:27058538

A population-based study of severity in patients with acute on chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Akshintala, Venkata S; Hutfless, Susan M; Yadav, Dhiraj; Khashab, Mouen A; Lennon, Anne Marie; Makary, Martin A; Hirose, Kenzo; Andersen, Dana K; Kalloo, Anthony N; Singh, Vikesh K

2013-11-01

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the severity of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) on chronic pancreatitis (CP) and compare this to patients with AP without CP. The Maryland Health Services database was queried for all adult inpatient discharges with a primary diagnosis of AP from 1994 to 2010. Acute pancreatitis on CP and AP without CP were defined by the presence of the associated diagnosis code for CP. Severity was defined as organ failure, intensive care unit stay, or mortality. Acute pancreatitis on CP accounted for 13.7% of all AP discharges (9747/70,944). The proportion of AP-on-CP discharges doubled during the study period (8.8% to 17.6%; P < 0.0001). When compared with patients with AP without CP, AP-on-CP patients were younger, were more likely to be male and black, had higher rates of alcohol and drug abuse, and had less severe disease with lower rates of mortality, organ failure, need for mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit stay. Among AP-on-CP patients, significant predictors of severity included advanced age, weight loss, and 2 or more comorbidities. Patients with AP on CP have less severe disease than do those with AP without CP. Weight loss, advanced age, and comorbidity increase the risk of severity in patients with AP on CP.

Relation of Angina Pectoris to Outcomes, Quality of Life and Response to Exercise Training in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (from HF-ACTION)

PubMed Central

Parikh, Kishan S.; Coles, Adrian; Schulte, Phillip J.; Kraus, William E.; Fleg, Jerome L.; Keteyian, Steven J.; Piña, Ileana L.; Fiuzat, Mona; Whellan, David J.; O’Connor, Christopher M.; Mentz, Robert J.

2016-01-01

Angina pectoris (AP) is associated with worse outcomes in heart failure (HF). We investigated the association of AP with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), exercise capacity, and clinical outcomes, and its interaction with exercise training in a HF population. We grouped 2,331 HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) in the HF-ACTION trial of usual care +/− exercise training according to whether they had self-reported AP by Canadian classification score (CCS). HRQoL and clinical outcomes were assessed by AP status. In HF-ACTION, 406 (17%) patients had AP at baseline (44% with CCS ≥ II) with HF severity similar to those without AP. Patients with AP had similar baseline exercise capacity but worse depressive symptoms and HRQoL. AP was associated with 22% greater adjusted risk for all-cause mortality/hospitalizations, driven by hospitalizations. There was significant interaction between baseline AP and exercise training peak VO2 change (P=0.019), but not other endpoints. Exercise training was associated with greater peak VO2 improvement after 3 months in patients with AP (treatment effect=1.25 mL/kg/min, 95% CI=0.6–1.9). In conclusion, AP was associated with worse HRQoL and depressive symptoms. Despite greater peak VO2 improvement with exercise training, patients with AP experienced more adverse outcomes. PMID:27561194

All-Cause and Acute Pancreatitis Health Care Costs in Patients With Severe Hypertriglyceridemia.

PubMed

Rashid, Nazia; Sharma, Puza P; Scott, Ronald D; Lin, Kathy J; Toth, Peter P

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess health care utilization and costs related to acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) levels. Patients with sHTG levels 1000 mg/dL or higher were identified from January 1, 2007, to June 30, 2013. The first identified incident triglyceride level was labeled as index date. All-cause, AP-related health care visits, and mean total all-cause costs in patients with and without AP were compared during 12 months postindex. A generalized linear model regression was used to compare costs while controlling for patient characteristics and comorbidities. Five thousand five hundred fifty sHTG patients were identified, and 5.4% of these patients developed AP during postindex. Patients with AP had significantly (P < 0.05) more all-cause outpatient visits, hospitalizations, longer length of stays during the hospital visits, and emergency department visits versus patients without AP. Mean (SD) unadjusted all-cause health care costs in the 12 months postindex were $25,343 ($33,139) for patients with AP compared with $15,195 ($24,040) for patients with no AP. The regression showed annual all-cause costs were 49.9% higher (P < 0.01) for patients with AP versus without AP. Patients who developed AP were associated with higher costs; managing patients with sHTG at risk of developing AP may help reduce unnecessary costs.

77 FR 24480 - Application for New Awards; Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee Program-Reopening the AP Test Fee...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-24

... DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Application for New Awards; Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee Program--Reopening the AP Test Fee Fiscal Year 2012 Competition AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), Department of Education. ACTION: Notice reopening the AP Test Fee fiscal year 2012 competition...

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND TREG DEPLETION IN LUPUS PATIENTS WITH ANTI-PHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

PubMed Central

Lai, Zhi-wei; Marchena-Mendez, Ivan; Perl, Andras

2015-01-01

Anti-phospholipid antibodies (APLA) represent a diagnostic criterion of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cause morbidity, termed anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). Activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been recently associated with APS. mTOR is a sensor of oxidative stress. Therefore, we examined mitochondrial mass, superoxide production, mTOR and FoxP3 expression in 72 SLE patients, twelve of whom also had APS, and 54 healthy controls by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial mass was increased in CD4−CD8− double-negative (DN) T cells of SLE patients with APS (2.7-fold) in comparison to those without APS (1.7-fold; p=0.014). Superoxide production was increased in all lymphocyte subsets of APS patients. FoxP3+ cells were depleted within CD4+CD25+ Tregs in patients with APS (28.4%) relative to those without APS (46.3%, p=0.008). mTOR activity was similar between SLE patients with and without APS. Thus, oxidative stress and Treg depletion rather than mTOR activation underlie APS in patients with SLE. PMID:25862984

Molecular and electronic structure of octahedral o-aminophenolato and o-iminobenzosemiquinonato complexes of V(V), Cr(III), Fe(III), and Co(III). Experimental determination of oxidation levels of ligands and metal ions.

PubMed

Chun, H; Verani, C N; Chaudhuri, P; Bothe, E; Bill, E; Weyhermüller, T; Wieghardt, K

2001-08-13

The coordination chemistry of the ligands 2-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, H[L(AP)], and N,N"'-bis[2-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol]diethylenetriamine, H(2)[(L(AP))N(L(AP))], has been studied with the first-row transition metal ions V, Cr, Fe, and Co. The ligands are noninnocent in the sense that the aminophenolato parts, [L(AP)](-) and [L(AP)-H](2)(-), can be readily oxidized to their o-iminobenzosemiquinonato, [L(ISQ)](-), and o-iminobenzoquinone, [L(ISB)], forms. The following neutral octahedral complexes have been isolated as crystalline materials, and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography at 100 K: [Cr(III)(L(ISQ))(3)] (1), [Fe(III)(L(ISQ))(3)] (2), [Co(III)(L(ISQ))(3)] (3), [V(V)(L(ISQ))(L(AP)-H)(2)] (4), [V(V)(L(AP)-H)(2)(L(AP))] (5), and [V(V)O[(L(AP))N(L(AP)-H)

Project W-211, initial tank retrieval systems, description of operations for 241-AP-102 and 241-AP-104

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

RIECK, C.A.

1999-02-25

The primary purpose of the Initial Tank Retrieval Systems (ITRS) is to provide systems for retrieval of radioactive wastes stored in underground double-shell tanks (DSTS) for transfer to alternate storage, evaporation, pretreatment or treatment, while concurrently reducing risks associated with safety watch list and other DSTs. This Description of Operations (DOO) defines the control philosophy for the waste retrieval system for tanks 241-AP-102 (AP-102) and 241-AP-104 (AP-104). This DOO will provide a basis for the detailed design of the Retrieval Control System (RCS) for AP-102 and AP-104 and establishes test criteria for the RCS. The test criteria will be usedmore » during qualification testing and acceptance testing to verify operability.« less

Study of an efficient conversion of 1,3-dimethyl-5-(Arylazo)-6-Amino-Uracils to 1,3-dimethyl-8-(Aryl)-Azapurin-2,6-Diones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debnath, Diptanu; Purkayastha, Atanu; Kirillov, Alexander; Ganguly, Rakesh; Misra, Tarun Kumar

2017-12-01

6-Aminouracils have extensively been used as precursors for synthesizing numerous uracil derivatives of biological and pharmaceutical significance. This study describes an application of 1,3-dimethyl-5-(arylazo)-6-aminouracils (Uazo: Uazo1-Uazo4, precursors) for an efficient synthesis of a series of 8-substituted-azapurins (AP), namely 1,3-dimethyl-8-(aryl)-azapurin-2,6-diones (aryl = p-HC6H4 (AP1), -MeC6H4 (AP2), sbnd ClC6H4 (AP3), and sbnd SO2NH2C6H4 (AP4)) following an oxidation method in the presence of copper (II) nitrate and in alkaline medium. The obtained compounds were isolated in good yields as crystalline air-stable products and have been fully characterized in the solution by UV-vis and NMR spectroscopy, as well as in the solid state by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for AP2 and AP4). UV-vis study evidences that the conversion of the 6-aminouracil precursors occurs via an intermediate, Cu(II)-complex and a plausible mechanism for the formation of AP1-AP4 has been proposed. Unlike AP2 the crystal structure of AP4 reveals the formation of interdigitated 1D H-bonded chains that has been topologically classified within the 2C1 type. The 1H NMR spectra of the products have proton signals that completely devoid of hydrazone (sbnd NHsbnd) and imine (=NH) signals of their parent Uazo derivatives, thus confirming their full conversion and a stability of the AP1-AP4 in solution. The excitation and emission spectra of AP1-AP4 were also recorded in solution, revealing electronic transitions between similar vibrational energy levels of S0 (singlet ground state) and S1 (singlet first excited state).

Structural characteristics of alkaline phosphatase from the moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. 593

PubMed Central

Arai, Shigeki; Yonezawa, Yasushi; Ishibashi, Matsujiro; Matsumoto, Fumiko; Adachi, Motoyasu; Tamada, Taro; Tokunaga, Hiroko; Blaber, Michael; Tokunaga, Masao; Kuroki, Ryota

2014-01-01

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) from the moderate halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. 593 (HaAP) catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphomonoesters over a wide salt-concentration range (1–4 M NaCl). In order to clarify the structural basis of its halophilic characteristics and its wide-range adaptation to salt concentration, the tertiary structure of HaAP was determined by X-ray crystallography to 2.1 Å resolution. The unit cell of HaAP contained one dimer unit corresponding to the biological unit. The monomer structure of HaAP contains a domain comprised of an 11-stranded β-sheet core with 19 surrounding α-helices similar to those of APs from other species, and a unique ‘crown’ domain containing an extended ‘arm’ structure that participates in formation of a hydrophobic cluster at the entrance to the substrate-binding site. The HaAP structure also displays a unique distribution of negatively charged residues and hydrophobic residues in comparison to other known AP structures. AP from Vibrio sp. G15-21 (VAP; a slight halophile) has the highest similarity in sequence (70.0% identity) and structure (Cα r.m.s.d. of 0.82 Å for the monomer) to HaAP. The surface of the HaAP dimer is substantially more acidic than that of the VAP dimer (144 exposed Asp/Glu residues versus 114, respectively), and thus may enable the solubility of HaAP under high-salt conditions. Conversely, the monomer unit of HaAP formed a substantially larger hydrophobic interior comprising 329 C atoms from completely buried residues, whereas that of VAP comprised 264 C atoms, which may maintain the stability of HaAP under low-salt conditions. These characteristics of HaAP may be responsible for its unique functional adaptation permitting activity over a wide range of salt concentrations. PMID:24598750

Neuronal Activity and the Expression of Clathrin Assembly Protein AP180

PubMed Central

Wu, Fangbai; Mattson, Mark P.; Yao, Pamela J.

2010-01-01

The clathrin assembly protein AP180 is known to promote the assembly of clathrin-coated vesicles in the neuron. However, it is unknown whether the expression of AP180 is influenced by neuronal activity. In this study, we report that chronic depolarization results in a reduction of AP180 from hippocampal neurons, while acute depolarization causes a dispersed synaptic distribution of AP180. Activity-induced effects are observed only for AP180, but not for the structurally-related clathrin assembly proteins CALM, epsin1, or HIP1. These findings suggest that AP180 levels and synaptic distribution are highly sensitive to neuronal activity. PMID:20937255

Dynamics of action potential backpropagation in basal dendrites of prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons.

PubMed

Zhou, Wen-Liang; Yan, Ping; Wuskell, Joseph P; Loew, Leslie M; Antic, Srdjan D

2008-02-01

Basal dendrites of neocortical pyramidal neurons are relatively short and directly attached to the cell body. This allows electrical signals arising in basal dendrites to strongly influence the neuronal output. Likewise, somatic action potentials (APs) should readily propagate back into the basilar dendritic tree to influence synaptic plasticity. Two recent studies, however, determined that sodium APs are severely attenuated in basal dendrites of cortical pyramidal cells, so that they completely fail in distal dendritic segments. Here we used the latest improvements in the voltage-sensitive dye imaging technique (Zhou et al., 2007) to study AP backpropagation in basal dendrites of layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the rat prefrontal cortex. With a signal-to-noise ratio of > 15 and minimal temporal averaging (only four sweeps) we were able to sample AP waveforms from the very last segments of individual dendritic branches (dendritic tips). We found that in short- (< 150 microm) and medium (150-200 microm in length)-range basal dendrites APs backpropagated with modest changes in AP half-width or AP rise-time. The lack of substantial changes in AP shape and dynamics of rise is inconsistent with the AP-failure model. The lack of substantial amplitude boosting of the third AP in the high-frequency burst also suggests that in short- and medium-range basal dendrites backpropagating APs were not severely attenuated. Our results show that the AP-failure concept does not apply in all basal dendrites of the rat prefrontal cortex. The majority of synaptic contacts in the basilar dendritic tree actually received significant AP-associated electrical and calcium transients.

Diadenosine tetraphosphate stimulates atrial ANP release via A(1) receptor: involvement of K(ATP) channel and PKC.

PubMed

Yuan, Kuichang; Cao, Chunhua; Bai, Guang Yi; Kim, Sung Zoo; Kim, Suhn Hee

2007-07-01

Diadenosine polyphosphates (APnAs) are endogenous compounds and exert diverse cardiovascular functions. However, the effects of APnAs on atrial ANP release and contractility have not been studied. In this study, the effects of diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) on atrial ANP release and contractility, and their mechanisms were studied using isolated perfused rat atria. Treatment of atria with AP4A resulted in decreases in atrial contractility and extracellular fluid (ECF) translocation whereas ANP secretion and cAMP levels in perfusate were increased in a dose-dependent manner. These effects of AP4A were attenuated by A(1) receptor antagonist but not by A(2A) or A(3) receptor antagonist. Other purinoceptor antagonists also did not show any effects on AP4A-induced ANF release and contractility. The increment of ANP release and negative inotropy induced by AP4A was similar to those induced by AP3A, AP5A, and AP6A. Protein kinase A inhibitors accentuated AP4A-induced ANP secretion. In contrast, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, protein kinase C or sarcolemma K(ATP) channel completely blocked AP4A-induced ANP secretion. However, an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase or mitochondria K(ATP) channel had no significant modification of AP4A effects. These results suggest that AP4A regulates atrial inotropy and ANP release mainly through A(1) receptor signaling involving phospholipase C-protein kinase C and sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel and that protein kinase A negatively modulates the effects of AP4A.

Risk Factor Differences in Calcified and Non-Calcified Aortic Plaque: The Framingham Heart Study

PubMed Central

Chuang, Michael L.; Gona, Philimon; Oyama-Manabe, Noriko; Manders, Emily S.; Salton, Carol J.; Hoffmann, Udo; Manning, Warren J.; O'Donnell, Christopher J.

2014-01-01

Objective Determine the prevalence and risk factor (RF) correlates of aortic plaque (AP) detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), which mainly shows noncalcified plaques, and by noncontrast computed tomography (CT), which best depicts calcified plaques, in community-dwelling adults. Approach and Results 1016 Framingham Offspring cohort members (64±9y, 474 men) underwent CMR and CT of the aorta. Potential RFs for AP (age; sex; BMI; blood pressure; LDL and HDL cholesterol; fasting glucose; C-reactive protein; prevalent hypertension, diabetes, smoking; use of antihypertensive, diabetes or lipid-lowering drugs) were compared between participants with zero versus nonzero AP by CMR and by CT. Candidate RFs attaining p<0.05 for difference with either imaging modality were entered into multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex and other RFs. Odds ratios were calculated for modality-specific prevalence of AP. Associations between RFs and continuous measures of AP were assessed using Tobit regression. Prevalences of CMR and CT AP were 49% and 82% respectively. AP burdens by CMR and CT were correlated, r=0.28, p<0.0001. Increasing age and smoking were associated with prevalent AP by both CMR and CT. Additionally, prevalent AP by CMR was associated with female sex and fasting glucose, prevalent AP by CT with hypertension treatment and with adverse lipid profile. Conclusions AP by CMR and CT are both associated with smoking and increasing age, but other risk factors differ between calcified and noncalcified AP. The relative predictive value of AP detected by CMR versus by CT for incident cardiovascular events remains to be determined. PMID:24833796

Advanced Practitioners Are Peers in Trauma Performance Improvement Peer Review.

PubMed

Collins, Tara Ann; Sicoutris, Corinna P; McNicholas, Amanda; Krumrie, Nicole; Eddinger, Abby; Fernandez, Forrest B; Schwab, C William; Reilly, Patrick M; Kim, Patrick K

2016-01-01

Advanced practitioners (APs) have been successfully integrated into the clinical care of injured patients. Given the expanding role of APs in trauma care, we hypothesized that APs can perform Performance Improvement and Patient Safety (PIPS) peer review at a level comparable with trauma surgeons. For Phase 1, cases previously reviewed by a trauma surgeon were randomly selected by the PIPS coordinator and peer reviewed by an AP. The trauma surgeons' and APs' reviews were compared. For Phase 2, cases requiring concurrent review were peer reviewed by both an AP and an MD, who were blinded to each other's review. Both the APs' and trauma surgeons' reviews of the same medical record were presented at a bimonthly performance improvement (PI) meeting. In Phase 1, 46 PI cases were reviewed including 22 deaths. Trauma surgeons and APs had high concordance (96.0%) regarding appropriateness or inappropriateness of care (κ = 0.774). Among disagreements, APs were 3 times more likely than trauma surgeons to determine care to be inappropriate. Trauma surgeons and APs had similarly high concordance (95.5%) regarding preventability of mortality (κ = 0.861). In Phase 2, 38 PI cases were reviewed, including 31 deaths. Trauma surgeons and APs had high concordance (89.0%) regarding appropriateness or inappropriateness of care (κ = 0.585). Among disagreements, trauma surgeons and APs had similarly high concordance (86.2%) regarding preventability of mortality (κ = 0.266). We found that APs had high concordance with trauma surgeons regarding medical record reviews and are thus able to effectively review medical records for the purposes of PIPS.

Absolute pitch does not depend on early musical training.

PubMed

Ross, David A; Olson, Ingrid R; Gore, John C

2003-11-01

The etiology and defining characteristics of absolute pitch (AP) have been controversial. To test the importance of musical training in the development of this skill, we developed a new paradigm for identifying AP that is independent of a subject's musical experience. We confirm the efficacy of the paradigm using classically defined AP and non-AP musicians. We then present data from a nonmusician who nevertheless appears to possess AP. We conclude that musical training is not necessary for the development of AP.

[Nutritional therapy in acute pancreatitis: a practical guide for the initial enteral nutritional support.].

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Salmeán, G; Peláez-Luna, M

2010-01-01

Nutritional support is a cornerstone in acute pancreatitis (AP) treatment, which is a catabolic state that can result in patient's nutritional depletion. First step in the management of AP is to asses its severity. Despite mild AP cases usually do not require nutritional support severe cases benefit from its early initiation. Total enteral nutrition (TEN) decreases the frequency of complications and is the preferred nutrition modality in AP. Availability of nutrition specialists is often limited and usually the primary care physician decides when and how to start nutritional support in AP. To perform a systematic review about nutritional support in AP and create a TEN guide to aid the non nutrition specialist involved in the treatment of AP patients. The search for eligible studies was carried out using the Pub Med and the National Library of Medicine electronic data bases. Controlled clinical trials, treatment guidelines and systematic review articles were selected. It is recommended to initiate nutritional support in AP cases that will be without oral intake longer than a week and TEN is the election modality. We created a TEN guide explaining how to choose and initiate TEN in AP. Early TEN improves AP prognosis and is the nutritional modality of choice in every AP patients that will remain without oral intake longer than a week.

Crystal structures of Salmonella typhimurium propionate kinase and its complex with Ap4A: evidence for a novel Ap4A synthetic activity.

PubMed

Simanshu, Dhirendra K; Savithri, H S; Murthy, M R N

2008-03-01

Propionate kinase catalyses the last step in the anaerobic breakdown of L-threonine to propionate in which propionyl phosphate and ADP are converted to propionate and ATP. Here we report the structures of propionate kinase (TdcD) in the native form as well as in complex with diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) by X-ray crystallography. Structure of TdcD obtained after cocrystallization with ATP showed Ap4A bound to the active site pocket suggesting the presence of Ap4A synthetic activity in TdcD. Binding of Ap4A to the enzyme was confirmed by the structure determination of a TdcD-Ap4A complex obtained after cocrystallization of TdcD with commercially available Ap4A. Mass spectroscopic studies provided further evidence for the formation of Ap4A by propionate kinase in the presence of ATP. In the TdcD-Ap4A complex structure, Ap4A is present in an extended conformation with one adenosine moiety present in the nucleotide binding site and other in the proposed propionate binding site. These observations tend to support direct in-line transfer of phosphoryl group during the kinase reaction. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Progression from acute to chronic pancreatitis: prognostic factors, mortality, and natural course.

PubMed

Nøjgaard, Camilla; Becker, Ulrik; Matzen, Peter; Andersen, Jens Rikardt; Holst, Claus; Bendtsen, Flemming

2011-11-01

Knowledge of the natural course of acute pancreatitis (AP) and risk of progression to chronic pancreatitis (CP) is limited. The aims were to describe: (1) the incidence of progression from AP to CP, (2) prognostic factors for progression, and (3) the natural course and mortality of progressive AP. During 1977 to 1982, patients admitted to hospitals in Copenhagen with a diagnosis of AP or CP were included in a prospective cohort and followed up by the Danish registries in 2008. The subcohort analyses comprised 352 AP patients. Progressive AP was found in 85 patients (24.1%) during follow-up; 48.2% developed from alcoholic AP, 47.0% from idiopathic AP, and 4.8% from other causes. The mortality rate for patients with progressive AP was 2.7 times higher than in patients with nonprogressive acute pancreatitis, and 5.3 to 6.5 times higher than in the background population. In Cox regression analyses corrected for age, only smoking was of significance for the progression from AP to CP. Acute pancreatitis can progress to CP, not only from alcoholic but also from nonalcoholic AP. Smoking was the strongest risk factor associated with progression. The mortality rate for these patients was 5 to 6 times the mortality rate in the population.

Repeated pulses of serotonin required for long-term facilitation activate mitogen-activated protein kinase in sensory neurons of Aplysia

PubMed Central

Michael, Dan; Martin, Kelsey C.; Seger, Rony; Ning, Ming-Ming; Baston, Rene; Kandel, Eric R.

1998-01-01

Long-term facilitation of the connections between the sensory and motor neurons of the gill-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia requires five repeated pulses of serotonin (5-HT). The repeated pulses of 5-HT initiate a cascade of gene activation that leads ultimately to the growth of new synaptic connections. Several genes in this process have been identified, including the transcriptional regulators apCREB-1, apCREB-2, apC/EBP, and the cell adhesion molecule apCAM, which is thought to be involved in the formation of new synaptic connections. Here we report that the transcriptional regulators apCREB-2 and apC/EBP, as well as a peptide derived from the cytoplasmic domain of apCAM, are phosphorylated in vitro by Aplysia mitogen-activated protein kinase (apMAPK). We have cloned the cDNA encoding apMAPK and show that apMAPK activity is increased in sensory neurons treated with repeated pulses of 5-HT and by the cAMP pathway. These results suggest that apMAPK may participate with cAMP-dependent protein kinase during long-term facilitation in sensory cells by modifying some of the key elements involved in the consolidation of short- to long-lasting changes in synaptic strength. PMID:9465108

Structure of the endonuclease IV homologue from Thermotoga maritima in the presence of active-site divalent metal ions

PubMed Central

Tomanicek, Stephen J.; Hughes, Ronny C.; Ng, Joseph D.; Coates, Leighton

2010-01-01

The most frequent lesion in DNA is at apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites resulting from DNA-base losses. These AP-site lesions can stall DNA replication and lead to genome instability if left unrepaired. The AP endonucleases are an important class of enzymes that are involved in the repair of AP-site intermediates during damage-general DNA base-excision repair pathways. These enzymes hydrolytically cleave the 5′-phosphodiester bond at an AP site to generate a free 3′-­hydroxyl group and a 5′-terminal sugar phosphate using their AP nuclease activity. Specifically, Thermotoga maritima endonuclease IV is a member of the second conserved AP endonuclease family that includes Escherichia coli endonuclease IV, which is the archetype of the AP endonuclease superfamily. In order to more fully characterize the AP endonuclease family of enzymes, two X-­ray crystal structures of the T. maritima endonuclease IV homologue were determined in the presence of divalent metal ions bound in the active-site region. These structures of the T. maritima endonuclease IV homologue further revealed the use of the TIM-barrel fold and the trinuclear metal binding site as important highly conserved structural elements that are involved in DNA-binding and AP-site repair processes in the AP endonuclease superfamily. PMID:20823514

Changes in the contents of four active diterpenoids at different growth stages in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Chuanxinlian)

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The therapeutic activities of Andrographis paniculata are attributed to four major active diterpenoids: andrographolide (AP1), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (AP3), neoandrographolide (AP4), and 14-deoxyandrographolide (AP6). This study aims to quantify the four active diterpenoids in various plant organs of A. paniculata at different growth stages in greenhouse and field experiments, with a developed HPLC-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method for simultaneous determination of these diterpenoids. Methods Plants were grown in greenhouse and in field conditions, harvested at different growth stages, and separated into different organs for determination of the four active diterpenoids by an HPLC-DAD method. Results The most abundant diterpenoid was AP6 between seedling and vegetative stages in the greenhouse experiment (13.38 to 23.71 mg/g in 2006 and 10.67 to 24.54 mg/g in 2007). High levels of AP6 were also detected in leaves at the transfer stage in the greenhouse experiment (36.05 ± 0.69 mg/g) and field experiment (30.59 ± 1.39 mg/g). The levels of AP6 then decreased as plants matured. The highest content of AP4 was in cotyledons (16.65 ± 4.48 mg/g) at the transfer stage. The highest contents of AP1 were detected in leaves at seed-forming stage in greenhouse experiment (24.72 ± 1.89 mg/g) and vegetative stage in field experiment (43.16 ± 0.92 mg/g). Flowers of A. paniculata contained high levels of AP1 (21.42 ± 3.74 mg/g). AP3 and AP4 were at low levels in leaves at all growth stages. Conclusion In A. paniculata, AP6 was at the highest level in leaves at transfer stage in both greenhouse and field experiments. AP1 was at the highest level in leaves at vegetative stage and seed-forming stage in field and greenhouse experiments, respectively. The contents of AP3 and AP4 in leaves were low at all growth stages. PMID:23320627

An Insider's History of Some of the Significant Changes In the APS from the 1960s to Today

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, Brian

2014-03-01

It has been over 50 years since I first joined the American Physical Society. A lot has changed. The APS in the 60s did not have a single Forum and all divisions were related to sub-field of physics research plus the History of Physics Division. The APS governance and meeting's structure did not provide for issues relate to physics and society, undergraduate and graduate education, minorities, women, industrial physics, international physics, communication of science, and many more subjects quite typical of APS in 2014. From the start, I was a very active member of APS and one of the original petitioners for the Division on Physics and Society. Ultimately this led to the APS Forum structure, the Panel on Public Affairs and many APS formal committees. Two of the major impetuses for change in the late 60s were the need to debate the role of science in the unpopular war in Vietnam and the overproduction and poor employment prospects for new Ph.D.s. I, and colleagues, (with little original encouragement from the APS leadership), arranged for the discussion on many new topics at the meeting and proposed changes within the governance of the Society. In the late 1980s I joined the APS and was involved in many changes over the next 20 years. ultimately as Associate Executive Officer and Director of the APS Centennial in 1999. As indicated earlier, I've been with the APS for over 50 years and will present its history as a participant-insider. Topic covered include my surprise election to the APS governance in 1972, the establishment of the Forum on Physics and Society (and the restrictions imposed on its governance), my role as the father (or mother) of the women's movement at APS, the complexities and politics of the move of APS headquarters from New York to College Park, the establishment of the tabloid APS News and many more subjects. Currently I am producing staged-readings of science-based plays at the March and April 2014 APS meetings for the Forum on History of Physics. Supported in part by the National Science Foundation.

Teaching Glucocorticoid Negative Feedback and Adrenocortical Regulation Using a Classic Paper by Dr. Dwight Ingle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raff, Hershel

2005-01-01

The American Physiological Society (APS) Legacy Project and its accompanying Essays on APS Classic Papers have allowed the scientific community on-line access to the entire collection of APS publications since their inception in 1898 (http://www.the-aps.org/publications/legacy/ and http://www.the-aps.org/publications/classics/). The availability…

78 FR 23224 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-18

... (AP); Coral AP; Joint Meeting of the Habitat & Environmental Protection AP and Coral AP; and Deepwater.... Coral AP Agenda, Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 1 p.m. Until 5 p.m. 1. Receive an update from NOAA Fisheries Habitat Conservation Division. 2. Receive an update on Coral Nursery Restoration Work and Utilization. 3...

Coaching Strategies for AP: Building a Successful AP European History Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fornaciari, Jim

2014-01-01

The October 2013 special issue of "Social Education" dealt with almost all AP social studies subjects, but omitted AP European History. This is one of the most fascinating AP subjects for students and teachers alike. In this article, the author shares his experiences since hewas given the responsibility of building his school's Advanced…

Antiprogestin-releasing intrauterine devices

PubMed Central

Nayak, NR; Slayden, OD; Mah, K; Chwalisz, K; Brenner, Robert M

2007-01-01

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release progestins are highly effective contraceptives, but they induce breakthrough bleeding that some women find unacceptable. Because progesterone (P) antagonists (AP) are known to suppress the endometrium, induce amenorrhea, and inhibit fertility, AP IUDs may provide an effective contraceptive that also controls endometrial bleeding. Here we assessed the effects of empty (blank) vs AP-releasing (ZK 230 211) IUDs on bleeding patterns and endometrial growth in ovariectomized, artificially cycled macaques. The AP IUDs (but not the blank controls) induced extended, frank menstruation when inserted during the late luteal phase, an indication of local AP action. Over time, endometrial glandular and arterial proliferation were inhibited, steroid receptors were elevated, spiral arteries showed degenerative changes, progesterone withdrawal bleeding was prevented and estradiol-dependent proliferation was suppressed by the AP IUDs. In sum, AP IUDs suppressed the effects of P on endometrial progestational development and blocked the effects of estradiol on endometrial proliferation as previously shown for systemic treatment with APs. Therefore, AP IUDs may provide novel contraceptive devices with minimal breakthrough bleeding. PMID:17531599

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Spatial structure of young stellar clusters. III. (Kuhn+, 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhn, M. A.; Feigelson, E. D.; Getman, K. V.; Sills, A.; Bate, M. R.; Borissova, J.

2017-10-01

This paper uses the Paper I (Kuhn et al. 2014, J/ApJ/787/107) catalog of 142 subclusters of young stars in 17 MYStIX star-forming regions. These subclusters were found and characterized using the stars in the MYStIX Probable Complex Member (MPCM) catalogs from Broos et al. (2013, J/ApJS/209/32). The multiwavelength data analysis efforts that went into this catalog are described by Feigelson et al. (2013, J/ApJS/209/26), King et al. (2013, J/ApJS/209/28), Kuhn et al. (2013, J/ApJS/209/27; 2013, J/ApJS/209/29), Naylor et al. (2013, J/ApJS/209/30), Povich et al. (2013, J/ApJS/209/31), and Townsley et al. (2014, J/ApJS/213/1), which provided uniform data coverage across the 17 star-forming regions investigated here, including the most comprehensive and reliable lists of young stars in many of the nearest MSFRs. (3 data files).

Effects of organic acids and essential oils blend on growth, gut microbiota, immune response and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

PubMed

He, Wangquan; Rahimnejad, Samad; Wang, Ling; Song, Kai; Lu, Kangle; Zhang, Chunxiao

2017-11-01

An 8-week feeding trial was undertaken to evaluate supplemental effects of AviPlus ® (AP), a blend of organic acids [citric acid, 25%; sorbic acid, 16.7%] and essential oils [thymol, 1.7%; vanillin, 1.0%], on growth, gut microbiota, innate immunity and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A basal experimental diet was formulated and supplemented with 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 g kg -1  AP to produce five test diets (Con, AP0.3, AP0.6, AP0.9 and AP1.2). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of shrimp (0.2 ± 0.01 g, mean ± SE) to apparent satiation three times daily. Growth performance and survival rate were not significantly influenced by AP supplementation (P > 0.05). Significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum total protein was found in groups fed ≥ 0.6 g kg -1  AP compared to control. Serum alkaline phosphatase and phenoloxidase activities were significantly increased in AP0.9 and AP1.2 groups. Also, the group received AP0.6 diet showed significantly higher glutathione peroxidase activity than control. Expression of gut pro-inflammatory genes including TNF-α, LITAF and RAB6A were down-regulated by AP administration. Gut microbiota analysis showed the significant enhancement of the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity and richness indices by AP application. AP supplementation led to increased abundance of Firmicutes and a reduction in abundance of Proteobacteria. Also, dietary inclusion of 1.2 g kg -1  AP led to a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus in shrimp gut. The group offered AP0.3 diet showed significantly higher disease resistance than control group. Furthermore, AP application significantly enhanced relative expression of immune related genes including lysozyme, penaeidin and catalase at 48 h post challenge. In conclusion, these findings show that the tested organic acids and essential oils mixture beneficially affects intestinal microflora and improves immune response and disease resistance of L. vannamei. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural characteristics of alkaline phosphatase from the moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. 593

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

Arai, Shigeki; Yonezawa, Yasushi; Ishibashi, Matsujiro

2014-03-01

In order to clarify the structural basis of the halophilic characteristics of an alkaline phosphatase derived from the moderate halophile Halomonas sp. 593 (HaAP), the tertiary structure of HaAP was determined to 2.1 Å resolution by X-ray crystallography. The structural properties of surface negative charge and core hydrophobicity were shown to be intermediate between those characteristic of halophiles and non-halophiles, and may explain the unique functional adaptation to a wide range of salt concentrations. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) from the moderate halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. 593 (HaAP) catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphomonoesters over a wide salt-concentration range (1–4 M NaCl). Inmore » order to clarify the structural basis of its halophilic characteristics and its wide-range adaptation to salt concentration, the tertiary structure of HaAP was determined by X-ray crystallography to 2.1 Å resolution. The unit cell of HaAP contained one dimer unit corresponding to the biological unit. The monomer structure of HaAP contains a domain comprised of an 11-stranded β-sheet core with 19 surrounding α-helices similar to those of APs from other species, and a unique ‘crown’ domain containing an extended ‘arm’ structure that participates in formation of a hydrophobic cluster at the entrance to the substrate-binding site. The HaAP structure also displays a unique distribution of negatively charged residues and hydrophobic residues in comparison to other known AP structures. AP from Vibrio sp. G15-21 (VAP; a slight halophile) has the highest similarity in sequence (70.0% identity) and structure (C{sup α} r.m.s.d. of 0.82 Å for the monomer) to HaAP. The surface of the HaAP dimer is substantially more acidic than that of the VAP dimer (144 exposed Asp/Glu residues versus 114, respectively), and thus may enable the solubility of HaAP under high-salt conditions. Conversely, the monomer unit of HaAP formed a substantially larger hydrophobic interior comprising 329 C atoms from completely buried residues, whereas that of VAP comprised 264 C atoms, which may maintain the stability of HaAP under low-salt conditions. These characteristics of HaAP may be responsible for its unique functional adaptation permitting activity over a wide range of salt concentrations.« less

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

Sominsky, Sophia, E-mail: sophia.tab@gmail.com; Kuslansky, Yael, E-mail: ykuslansky@gmail.com; Shapiro, Beny, E-mail: benyshap@gmail.com

The present study investigated the roles of E6 and E6AP in the Wnt pathway. We showed that E6 levels are markedly reduced in cells in which Wnt signaling is activated. Coexpression of wild-type or mutant E6AP (C820A) in Wnt-activated cells stabilized E6 and enhanced Wnt/β-catenin/TCF transcription. Expression of E6AP alone in nonstimulated cells elevated β-catenin level, promoted its nuclear accumulation, and activated β-catenin/TCF transcription. A knockdown of E6AP lowered β-catenin levels. Coexpression with E6 intensified the activities of E6AP. Further experiments proved that E6AP/E6 stabilize β-catenin by protecting it from proteasomal degradation. This function was dependent on the catalytic activitymore » of E6AP, the kinase activity of GSK3β and the susceptibility of β-catenin to GSK3β phosphorylation. Thus, this study identified E6AP as a novel regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, capable of cooperating with E6 in stimulating or augmenting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby possibly contributing to HPV carcinogenesis. - Highlights: • The roles of E6 and E6AP in the Wnt pathway were investigated. • E6AP stabilizes E6 and enhances E6 activity in augmentation of Wnt signaling. • E6AP cooperates with E6 to stabilize β-catenin and stimulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling. • E6AP and E6 act through different mechanisms to augment or stimulate Wnt signaling.« less

ATP6AP2 over-expression causes morphological alterations in the hippocampus and in hippocampus-related behaviour.

PubMed

Bracke, A; Schäfer, S; von Bohlen Und Halbach, V; Klempin, F; Bente, K; Bracke, K; Staar, D; van den Brandt, J; Harzsch, S; Bader, M; Wenzel, U O; Peters, J; von Bohlen Und Halbach, O

2018-02-23

The (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR], also known as ATP6AP2 [ATPase 6 accessory protein 2], is highly expressed in the brain. ATP6AP2 plays a role in early brain development, adult hippocampal neurogenesis and in cognitive functions. Lack of ATP6AP2 has deleterious effects, and mutations of ATP6AP2 in humans are associated with, e.g. X-linked intellectual disability. However, little is known about the effects of over-expression of ATP6AP2 in the adult brain. We hypothesized that mice over-expressing ATP6AP2 in the brain might exhibit altered neuroanatomical features and behavioural responses. To this end, we investigated heterozygous transgenic female mice and confirmed increased levels of ATP6AP2 in the brain. Our data show that over-expression of ATP6AP2 does not affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis, exercise-induced cell proliferation, or dendritic spine densities in the hippocampus. Only a reduced ventricular volume on the gross morphological level was found. However, ATP6AP2 over-expressing mice displayed altered exploratory behaviour with respect to the hole-board and novel object recognition tests. Moreover, primary adult hippocampal neural stem cells over-expressing ATP6AP2 exhibit a faster cell cycle progression and increased cell proliferation. Together, in contrast to the known deleterious effects of ATP6AP2 depletion, a moderate over-expression results in moderate behavioural changes and affects cell proliferation rate in vitro.

Ecto-diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A)-hydrolase is expressed as an ectoenzyme in a variety of mammalian and human cells and adds new aspects to the turnover of Ap4A.

PubMed

von Drygalski, A; Ogilvie, A

2000-01-01

Ap4A and other dinucleotides participate in the regulation of hemostasis and blood pressure control. With the exception of two previously reported surface anchored ectoAp4A-hydrolases on bovine aortic endothelial and chromaffine cells, all Ap4A-hydrolases reported are intracellular or freely soluble. We demonstrated that ectoAp4A-hydrolases are present on a broad variety of cell types of different species: rat mesangial, bovine corneal epithelial, human Hep-G2 and peridontal cells. Ectoenzyme properties were evaluated on rat mesangium cells. Chromatography of purified plasma membranes on Sephacel 300 resulted in enrichment of ectoAp4A-hydrolase and in separation from ectoATPase. In contrast to ATPase, Ap4A-hydrolase was stable at room temperature. EctoAp4A-hydrolase also recognized ATP as substrate, and therefore is not highly specific. The molecular weight was 180 kD. Unlike ectoAMPase ectoAp4A-hydrolase was not attached via a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-moiety. Concentrations of PI-PLC 10-100-fold higher than effective for ectoAMPase cleavage (10-100 mU/ml) plus extensively extended incubation times up to eight hours did not result in cleavage of ectoAp4A-hydrolase. The enzyme ectoAp4A-hydrolase might presage a direction for pharmaceutical manipulation in the control of blood pressure and hemostasis.

Proactive AP Selection Method Considering the Radio Interference Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taenaka, Yuzo; Kashihara, Shigeru; Tsukamoto, Kazuya; Yamaguchi, Suguru; Oie, Yuji

In the near future, wireless local area networks (WLANs) will overlap to provide continuous coverage over a wide area. In such ubiquitous WLANs, a mobile node (MN) moving freely between multiple access points (APs) requires not only permanent access to the Internet but also continuous communication quality during handover. In order to satisfy these requirements, an MN needs to (1) select an AP with better performance and (2) execute a handover seamlessly. To satisfy requirement (2), we proposed a seamless handover method in a previous study. Moreover, in order to achieve (1), the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is usually employed to measure wireless link quality in a WLAN system. However, in a real environment, especially if APs are densely situated, it is difficult to always select an AP with better performance based on only the RSSI. This is because the RSSI alone cannot detect the degradation of communication quality due to radio interference. Moreover, it is important that AP selection is completed only on an MN, because we can assume that, in ubiquitous WLANs, various organizations or operators will manage APs. Hence, we cannot modify the APs for AP selection. To overcome these difficulties, in the present paper, we propose and implement a proactive AP selection method considering wireless link condition based on the number of frame retransmissions in addition to the RSSI. In the evaluation, we show that the proposed AP selection method can appropriately select an AP with good wireless link quality, i.e., high RSSI and low radio interference.

Novel humic acid-bonded magnetite nanoparticles for protein immobilization.

PubMed

Bayrakci, Mevlut; Gezici, Orhan; Bas, Salih Zeki; Ozmen, Mustafa; Maltas, Esra

2014-09-01

The present paper is the first report that introduces (i) a useful methodology for chemical immobilization of humic acid (HA) to aminopropyltriethoxysilane-functionalized magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (APS-MNPs) and (ii) human serum albumin (HSA) binding to the obtained material (HA-APS-MNPs). The newly prepared magnetite nanoparticle was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. Results indicated that surface modification of the bare magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and HA was successfully performed. The protein binding studies that were evaluated in batch mode exhibited that HA-APS-MNPs could be efficiently used as a substrate for the binding of HSA from aqueous solutions. Usually, recovery values higher than 90% were found to be feasible by HA-APS-MNPs, while that value was around 2% and 70% in the cases of MNPs and APS-MNPs, respectively. Hence, the capacity of MNPs was found to be significantly improved by immobilization of HA. Furthermore, thermal degradation of HA-APS-MNPs and HSA bonded HA-APS-MNPs was evaluated in terms of the Horowitz-Metzger equation in order to determine kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition. Activation energies calculated for HA-APS-MNPs (20.74 kJmol(-1)) and HSA bonded HA-APS-MNPs (33.42 kJmol(-1)) implied chemical immobilization of HA to APS-MNPs, and tight interactions between HA and HA-APS-MNPs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of Single Cathode Cascaded Bias Voltage Arc Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Wei; Deng, Baiquan; Zeng, Xianjun; Gou, Fujun; Xue, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Weiwei; Cao, Xiaogang; Yang, Dangxiao; Cao, Zhi

2016-06-01

A single cathode with a cascaded bias voltage arc plasma source has been developed with a new quartz cathode chamber, instead of the previous copper chambers, to provide better diagnostic observation and access to the plasma optical emission. The cathode chamber cooling scheme is also modified to be naturally cooled only by light emission without cooling water to improve the optical thin performance in the optical path. A single-parameter physical model has been developed to describe the power dissipated in the cascaded bias voltage arc discharge argon plasmas, which have been investigated by utilizing optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and Langmuir probe. In the experiments, discharge currents from 50 A to 100 A, argon flow rates from 800 sccm to 2000 sccm and magnetic fields of 0.1 T and 0.2 T were chosen. The results show: (a) the relationship between the averaged resistivity and the averaged current density exhibits an empirical scaling law as \\barη \\propto \\bar {j}-0.63369 and the power dissipated in the arc has a strong relation with the filling factor; (b) through the quartz, the argon ions optical emission lines have been easily observed and are dominating with wavelengths between 340 nm and 520 nm, which are the emissions of Ar+-434.81 nm and Ar+-442.60 nm line, and the intensities are increasing with the arc current and decreasing with the inlet argon flow rate; and (c) the electron density and temperature can reach 2.0 × 1019 m-3 and 0.48 eV, respectively, under the conditions of an arc current of 90 A and a magnetic field of 0.2 T. The half-width of the ne radial profile is approximatively equal to a few Larmor radii of electrons and can be regarded as the diameter of the plasma jet in the experiments. supported by the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Program Special of Ministry of Science and Technology (No. 2013GB114003), and National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 11275135, 11475122)

Validation of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Recommendations for Caloric Provision to Critically Ill Obese Patients: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Mogensen, Kris M; Andrew, Benjamin Y; Corona, Jasmine C; Robinson, Malcolm K

2016-07-01

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) recommend that obese, critically ill patients receive 11-14 kcal/kg/d using actual body weight (ABW) or 22-25 kcal/kg/d using ideal body weight (IBW), because feeding these patients 50%-70% maintenance needs while administering high protein may improve outcomes. It is unknown whether these equations achieve this target when validated against indirect calorimetry, perform equally across all degrees of obesity, or compare well with other equations. Measured resting energy expenditure (MREE) was determined in obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m(2)), critically ill patients. Resting energy expenditure was predicted (PREE) using several equations: 12.5 kcal/kg ABW (ASPEN-Actual BW), 23.5 kcal/kg IBW (ASPEN-Ideal BW), Harris-Benedict (adjusted-weight and 1.5 stress-factor), and Ireton-Jones for obesity. Correlation of PREE to 65% MREE, predictive accuracy, precision, bias, and large error incidence were calculated. All equations were significantly correlated with 65% MREE but had poor predictive accuracy, had excessive large error incidence, were imprecise, and were biased in the entire cohort (N = 31). In the obesity cohort (n = 20, BMI 30-50 kg/m(2)), ASPEN-Actual BW had acceptable predictive accuracy and large error incidence, was unbiased, and was nearly precise. In super obesity (n = 11, BMI >50 kg/m(2)), ASPEN-Ideal BW had acceptable predictive accuracy and large error incidence and was precise and unbiased. SCCM/ASPEN-recommended body weight equations are reasonable predictors of 65% MREE depending on the equation and degree of obesity. Assuming that feeding 65% MREE is appropriate, this study suggests that patients with a BMI 30-50 kg/m(2) should receive 11-14 kcal/kg/d using ABW and those with a BMI >50 kg/m(2) should receive 22-25 kcal/kg/d using IBW. © 2015 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Clinical practice guidelines for support of the family in the patient-centered intensive care unit: American College of Critical Care Medicine Task Force 2004-2005.

PubMed

Davidson, Judy E; Powers, Karen; Hedayat, Kamyar M; Tieszen, Mark; Kon, Alexander A; Shepard, Eric; Spuhler, Vicki; Todres, I David; Levy, Mitchell; Barr, Juliana; Ghandi, Raj; Hirsch, Gregory; Armstrong, Deborah

2007-02-01

To develop clinical practice guidelines for the support of the patient and family in the adult, pediatric, or neonatal patient-centered ICU. A multidisciplinary task force of experts in critical care practice was convened from the membership of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) to include representation from adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units. The task force members reviewed the published literature. The Cochrane library, Cinahl, and MedLine were queried for articles published between 1980 and 2003. Studies were scored according to Cochrane methodology. Where evidence did not exist or was of a low level, consensus was derived from expert opinion. The topic was divided into subheadings: decision making, family coping, staff stress related to family interactions, cultural support, spiritual/religious support, family visitation, family presence on rounds, family presence at resuscitation, family environment of care, and palliative care. Each section was led by one task force member. Each section draft was reviewed by the group and debated until consensus was achieved. The draft document was reviewed by a committee of the Board of Regents of the ACCM. After steering committee approval, the draft was approved by the SCCM Council and was again subjected to peer review by this journal. More than 300 related studies were reviewed. However, the level of evidence in most cases is at Cochrane level 4 or 5, indicating the need for further research. Forty-three recommendations are presented that include, but are not limited to, endorsement of a shared decision-making model, early and repeated care conferencing to reduce family stress and improve consistency in communication, honoring culturally appropriate requests for truth-telling and informed refusal, spiritual support, staff education and debriefing to minimize the impact of family interactions on staff health, family presence at both rounds and resuscitation, open flexible visitation, way-finding and family-friendly signage, and family support before, during, and after a death.

The interaction of diadenosine polyphosphates with P2X-receptors in the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens

PubMed Central

Westfall, T D; McIntyre, C A; Obeid, S; Bowes, J; Kennedy, C; Sneddon, P

1997-01-01

The site(s) at which diadenosine 5′,5′′′-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (AP4A) and diadenosine 5′, 5′′′-P1,P5-pentaphosphate (AP5A) act to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens was studied by use of a series of P2-receptor antagonists and the ecto-ATPase inhibitor 6-N,N-diethyl-D-β,γ-dibromomethyleneATP (ARL 67156). Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS) (300 nM–30 μM), suramin (3–100 μM) and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (P-5-P) (3–1000 μM) inhibited contractions evoked by equi-effective concentrations of AP5A (3 μM), AP4A (30 μM) and α,β-methyleneATP (α,β-meATP) (1 μM), in a concentration-dependent manner and abolished them at the highest concentrations used. PPADS was more potent than suramin, which in turn was more potent than P-5-P. PPADS inhibited AP5A, AP4A and α,β-meATP with similar IC50 values. No significant difference was found between IC50 values for suramin against α,β-meATP and AP5A or α,β-meATP and AP4A, but suramin was more than 2.5 times more potent against AP4A than AP5A. P-5-P showed the same pattern of antagonism. Desensitization of the P2X1-receptor by α,β-meATP abolished contractions evoked by AP5A (3 μM) and AP4A (30 μM), but had no effect on those elicited by noradrenaline (100 μM). ARL 67156 (100 μM) reversibly potentiated contractions evoked by AP4A (30 μM) by 61%, but caused a small, significant decrease in the mean response to AP5A (3 μM). It is concluded that AP4A and AP5A act at the P2X1-receptor, or a site similar to the P2X1-receptor, to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens. Furthermore, the potency of AP4A, but not AP5A, appears to be inhibited by an ecto-enzyme which is sensitive to ARL 67156. PMID:9146887

Oligonucleotide synthesis catalyzed by the Zn/2+/ ion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawai, H.; Orgel, L. E.

1975-01-01

Results of experiments are reported in which Zn(2+) ion catalyzed the formation of oligonucleotides from nucleoside phosphorimidazolides in aqueous solution, even in the absence of a template. Specifically, the imidazolides (ImpU or ImpA) polymerized to form ImpApA, and pApA, pApApA, and pApApApA, or the analogous uracil compounds. In addition, the expected hydrolysis products of the hydrolysis of ImpA were formed (pA, imidazole). Judging from the ratio of pA(n) over pA (with and without zinc ion), this ion increased the efficiency of phosphodiester-bond formation by up to 10 times. Possible mechanisms for the reaction are tentatively proposed.

Carbonate Hydroxyapatite and Silicon-Substituted Carbonate Hydroxyapatite: Synthesis, Mechanical Properties, and Solubility Evaluations

PubMed Central

Bang, L. T.; Long, B. D.; Othman, R.

2014-01-01

The present study investigates the chemical composition, solubility, and physical and mechanical properties of carbonate hydroxyapatite (CO3Ap) and silicon-substituted carbonate hydroxyapatite (Si-CO3Ap) which have been prepared by a simple precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques were used to characterize the formation of CO3Ap and Si-CO3Ap. The results revealed that the silicate (SiO4 4−) and carbonate (CO3 2−) ions competed to occupy the phosphate (PO4 3−) site and also entered simultaneously into the hydroxyapatite structure. The Si-substituted CO3Ap reduced the powder crystallinity and promoted ion release which resulted in a better solubility compared to that of Si-free CO3Ap. The mean particle size of Si-CO3Ap was much finer than that of CO3Ap. At 750°C heat-treatment temperature, the diametral tensile strengths (DTS) of Si-CO3Ap and CO3Ap were about 10.8 ± 0.3 and 11.8 ± 0.4 MPa, respectively. PMID:24723840

Diadenosine polyphosphate-stimulated gluconeogenesis in isolated rat proximal tubules.

PubMed Central

Edgecombe, M; Craddock, H S; Smith, D C; McLennan, A G; Fisher, M J

1997-01-01

Diadenosine polyphosphates released into the extracellular environment influence a variety of metabolic and other cellular activities in a wide range of target tissues. Here we have studied the impact of these novel nucleotides on gluconeogenesis in isolated rat proximal tubules. Gluconeogenesis was stimulated following exposure of isolated proximal tubules to a range of adenine-containing nucleotides including ADP, ATP, Ap3A, Ap4A, Ap5A and Ap6A. The concentration-dependence of ATP-, Ap3A- and Ap4A-mediated stimulation of gluconeogenesis was similar and was consistent with a role for these agents in the physiological control of renal metabolism. Nucleotide-stimulated gluconeogenesis was diminished in the presence of agents that interfere with phospholipase C activation or intracellular Ca2+ metabolism, indicative of a role for polyphosphoinositide-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in the mechanism of action of ATP, Ap3A and Ap4A. The characteristics of binding of [2-3H]Ap4A to renal plasma-membrane preparations suggest that Ap4A mediates its effects on proximal tubule gluconeogenesis via interaction with P2y-like purinoceptor(s) also recognized by extracellular ATP. PMID:9163337

The adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein aP2 is required in allergic airway inflammation

PubMed Central

Shum, Bennett O.V.; Mackay, Charles R.; Gorgun, Cem Z.; Frost, Melinda J.; Kumar, Rakesh K.; Hotamisligil, Gökhan S.; Rolph, Michael S.

2006-01-01

The adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein aP2 regulates systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. We report that aP2, in addition to being abundantly expressed by adipocytes, is also expressed by human airway epithelial cells and shows a striking upregulation following stimulation of epithelial cells with the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Regulation of aP2 mRNA expression by Th2 cytokines was highly dependent on STAT6, a transcription factor with a major regulatory role in allergic inflammation. We examined aP2-deficient mice in a model of allergic airway inflammation and found that infiltration of leukocytes, especially eosinophils, into the airways was highly dependent on aP2 function. T cell priming was unaffected by aP2 deficiency, suggesting that aP2 was acting locally within the lung, and analysis of bone marrow chimeras implicated non-hematopoietic cells, most likely bronchial epithelial cells, as the site of action of aP2 in allergic airway inflammation. Thus, aP2 regulates allergic airway inflammation and may provide a link between fatty acid metabolism and asthma. PMID:16841093

Effect of diadenosine tetraphosphate microinjection on heat shock protein synthesis in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

PubMed Central

Guedon, G; Sovia, D; Ebel, J P; Befort, N; Remy, P

1985-01-01

Bisnucleosides polyphosphates are thought to be chemical messengers signalling to the cell the onset of various stresses. Diadenosine tri- and tetraphosphates (respectively, Ap3A and Ap4A) accumulate in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells under heat shock conditions, suggesting they could trigger the synthesis of heat shock proteins (hsps). In this study, Ap4A, Ap3A and, as a control, Ap4 (adenosine tetraphosphate) were injected into Xenopus oocytes. Whereas none of these compounds is able to trigger the synthesis of hsps in the absence of hyperthermic treatment, nuclear microinjection of Ap4A after a mild heat shock specifically enhances the synthesis of the 70-kd hsp, which is involved in the regulation and possibly the termination of the heat shock response. The microinjection of Ap4A prior to the hyperthermic treatment results in a strong inhibition of hsps synthesis (with the exception of the 70-kd hsp) suggesting that Ap4A is involved in the regulation and/or termination of the heat shock response. Ap3A and Ap4 do not induce any detectable modification of hsps expression. Images Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 4. Fig. 5. PMID:4092696

COP9 signalosome subunit 6 (CSN6) regulates E6AP/UBE3A in cervical cancer.

PubMed

Gao, Shujun; Fang, Lekun; Phan, Liem Minh; Qdaisat, Aiham; Yeung, Sai-Ching J; Lee, Mong-Hong

2015-09-29

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the major cause in almost 99.7% of cervical cancer. E6 oncoprotein of HPV and E6-associated protein (E6AP) are critical in causing p53 degradation and malignancy. Understanding the E6AP regulation is critical to develop treating strategy for cervical cancer patients. The COP9 signalosome subunit 6 (CSN6) is involved in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. We found that both CSN6 and E6AP are overexpressed in cervical cancer. We characterized that CSN6 associated with E6AP and stabilized E6AP expression by reducing E6AP poly-ubiquitination, thereby regulating p53 activity in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed that CSN6-E6AP axis can be regulated by EGF/Akt signaling. Furthermore, inhibition of CSN6-E6AP axis hinders cervical cancer growth in mice. Taken together, our results indicate that CSN6 is a positive regulator of E6AP and is important for cervical cancer development.

Amorphous silicon photovoltaic manufacturing technology, phase 2A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duran, G.; Mackamul, K.; Metcalf, D.

1995-01-01

Utility Power Group (UPG), and its lower-tier subcontractor, Advanced Photovoltaic Systems, Inc. (APS) have conducted efforts in developing their manufacturing lines. UPG has focused on the automation of encapsulation and termination processes developed in Phase 1. APS has focused on completion of the encapsulation and module design tasks, while continuing the process and quality control and automation projects. The goal is to produce 55 watt (stabilized) EP50 modules in a new facility. In the APS Trenton EUREKA manufacturing facility, APS has: (1) Developed high throughput lamination procedures; (2) Optimized existing module designs; (3) Developed new module designs for architectural applications; (4) Developed enhanced deposition parameter control; (5) Designed equipment required to manufacture new EUREKA modules developed during Phase II; (6) Improved uniformity of thin-film materials deposition; and (7) Improved the stabilized power output of the APS EP50 EUREKA module to 55 watts. In the APS Fairfield EUREKA manufacturing facility, APS has: (1) Introduced the new products developed under Phase 1 into the APS Fairfield EUREKA module production line; (2) Increased the extent of automation in the production line; (3) Introduced Statistical Process Control to the module production line; and (4) Transferred-progress made in the APS Trenton facility into the APS Fairfield facility.

A Knockout Screen of ApiAP2 Genes Reveals Networks of Interacting Transcriptional Regulators Controlling the Plasmodium Life Cycle.

PubMed

Modrzynska, Katarzyna; Pfander, Claudia; Chappell, Lia; Yu, Lu; Suarez, Catherine; Dundas, Kirsten; Gomes, Ana Rita; Goulding, David; Rayner, Julian C; Choudhary, Jyoti; Billker, Oliver

2017-01-11

A family of apicomplexa-specific proteins containing AP2 DNA-binding domains (ApiAP2s) was identified in malaria parasites. This family includes sequence-specific transcription factors that are key regulators of development. However, functions for the majority of ApiAP2 genes remain unknown. Here, a systematic knockout screen in Plasmodium berghei identified ten ApiAP2 genes that were essential for mosquito transmission: four were critical for the formation of infectious ookinetes, and three were required for sporogony. We describe non-essential functions for AP2-O and AP2-SP proteins in blood stages, and identify AP2-G2 as a repressor active in both asexual and sexual stages. Comparative transcriptomics across mutants and developmental stages revealed clusters of co-regulated genes with shared cis promoter elements, whose expression can be controlled positively or negatively by different ApiAP2 factors. We propose that stage-specific interactions between ApiAP2 proteins on partly overlapping sets of target genes generate the complex transcriptional network that controls the Plasmodium life cycle. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Pancreas and biliary tract: recent developments].

PubMed

de-Madaria, Enrique

2014-09-01

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common disease that is associated with significant morbidity and considerable mortality. In this article, developments relating to this disease that were presented in DDW 2014 are reviewed. Pancreatic steatosis could be a cause of recurrent AP. Patients with DM have an increased incidence of AP and pancreatic cancer. The use of anti-TNF drugs in inflammatory bowel disease may protect against the occurrence of AP. The presence of pancreas divisum protects against acute biliary pancreatitis. The PANCODE system for describing local complications of AP has good interobserver agreement, when the new definitions of the revised Atlanta classification are applied. The use of prophylactic antibiotics in early-stage AP predisposes the development of intra-abdominal fungal infections. Fluid sequestration in AP is linked with young age, alcoholism and indicators of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The most common cause of mortality in AP is early onset of multiple organ failure, not pancreatic necrosis infection. Patients with AP and vitamin D deficiency could benefit from taking vitamin D supplements. Moderate fluid administration in emergencies (500-1000 mL) could be associated with better AP development. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Anti-Hypertensive Effects of Acacia Polyphenol in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

PubMed Central

Ikarashi, Nobutomo; Toda, Takahiro; Hatakeyama, Yusuke; Kusunoki, Yoshiki; Kon, Risako; Mizukami, Nanaho; Kaneko, Miho; Ogawa, Sosuke; Sugiyama, Kiyoshi

2018-01-01

We have previously demonstrated that acacia polyphenol (AP) exerts strong anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-atopic dermatitis effects. In the present study, we investigated the anti-hypertensive effects of AP. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with hypertension and control Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were used. WKY and SHR were fed AP-containing food or AP-free food (control group) ad libitum for 4 weeks, and their blood pressures were measured. After AP administration, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower in the SHR group than in the control group. There were no differences in the systolic or diastolic blood pressure of WKY between the AP group and the control group. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase expression, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in SHR kidneys were not altered by AP administration. Blood SOD activity in SHR was significantly higher in the AP group than in the control group. AP exerts anti-hypertensive effects on hypertension but has almost no effect on normal blood pressure. The anti-hypertensive effects of AP may be related to the anti-oxidative effects of increased blood SOD activity. PMID:29494506

Abbreviated MRI Protocols for Detecting Breast Cancer in Women with Dense Breasts.

PubMed

Chen, Shuang-Qing; Huang, Min; Shen, Yu-Ying; Liu, Chen-Lu; Xu, Chuan-Xiao

2017-01-01

To evaluate the validity of two abbreviated protocols (AP) of MRI in breast cancer screening of dense breast tissue. This was a retrospective study in 356 participants with dense breast tissue and negative mammography results. The study was approved by the Nanjing Medical University Ethics Committee. Patients were imaged with a full diagnostic protocol (FDP) of MRI. Two APs (AP-1 consisting of the first post-contrast subtracted [FAST] and maximum-intensity projection [MIP] images, and AP-2 consisting of AP-1 combined with diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI]) and FDP images were analyzed separately, and the sensitivities and specificities of breast cancer detection were calculated. Of the 356 women, 67 lesions were detected in 67 women (18.8%) by standard MR protocol, and histological examination revealed 14 malignant lesions and 53 benign lesions. The average interpretation time of AP-1 and AP-2 were 37 seconds and 54 seconds, respectively, while the average interpretation time of the FDP was 3 minutes and 25 seconds. The sensitivities of the AP-1, AP-2, and FDP were 92.9, 100, and 100%, respectively, and the specificities of the three MR protocols were 86.5, 95.0, and 96.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference among the three MR protocols in the diagnosis of breast cancer ( p > 0.05). However, the specificity of AP-1 was significantly lower than that of AP-2 ( p = 0.031) and FDP ( p = 0.035), while there was no difference between AP-2 and FDP ( p > 0.05). The AP may be efficient in the breast cancer screening of dense breast tissue. FAST and MIP images combined with DWI of MRI are helpful to improve the specificity of breast cancer detection.

Acute pancreatitis with gradient echo T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Tang, Meng Yue; Chen, Tian Wu; Huang, Xiao Hua; Li, Xing Hui; Wang, Si Yue; Liu, Nian

2016-01-01

Background To study gradient recalled echo (GRE) T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) for normal pancreas and acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods Fifty-one patients without any pancreatic disorders (control group) and 117 patients with AP were recruited. T2* values derived from T2*WI of the pancreas were measured for the two groups. The severity of AP was graded by the magnetic resonance severity index (MRSI) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Healthy Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the T2* values and AP severity. The usefulness of the T2* value for diagnosing AP and the relationship between the T2* values and the severity of AP were analyzed. Results On GRE-T2*WI, the normal pancreas showed a well-marinated and consistently homogeneous isointensity. Edematous AP, as well as the non-necrotic area in necrotizing AP, showed ill-defined but homogeneous signal intensity. AP with pancreatic hemorrhage showed a decreased T2* value and a signal loss on the signal decay curve. The T2* value of pancreas in the AP group was higher than that of the control group (t=−8.20, P<0.05). The T2* value tended to increase along with the increase in MRSI scores but not with the APACHE II scores (P>0.05). AP was associated with a one standard deviation increment in the T2* value (OR =1.37; 95% CI: 1.216–1.532). Conclusions T2*WI demonstrates a few characteristics of the normal pancreas and AP, which could potentially be helpful for detecting hemorrhage, and contributes to diagnosing AP and its severity. PMID:27190768

Synthesis and binding properties of new selective ligands for the nucleobase opposite the AP site.

PubMed

Abe, Yukiko; Nakagawa, Osamu; Yamaguchi, Rie; Sasaki, Shigeki

2012-06-01

DNA is continuously damaged by endogenous and exogenous factors such as oxidative stress or DNA alkylating agents. These damaged nucleobases are removed by DNA N-glycosylase and form apurinic/apyrimidinic sites (AP sites) as intermediates in the base excision repair (BER) pathway. AP sites are also representative DNA damages formed by spontaneous hydrolysis. The AP sites block DNA polymerase and a mismatch nucleobase is inserted opposite the AP sites by polymerization to cause acute toxicities and mutations. Thus, AP site specific compounds have attracted much attention for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. In this study, we have developed nucleobase-polyamine conjugates as the AP site binding ligand by expecting that the nucleobase part would play a role in the specific recognition of the nucleobase opposite the AP site by the Watson-Crick base pair formation and that the polyamine part should contribute to the access of the ligand to the AP site by a non-specific interaction to the DNA phosphate backbone. The nucleobase conjugated with 3,3'-diaminodipropylamine (A-ligand, G-ligand, C-ligand, T-ligand and U-ligand) showed a specific stabilization of the duplex containing the AP site depending on the complementary combination with the nucleobase opposite the AP site; that is A-ligand to T, G-ligand to C, C-ligand to G, T- and U-ligand to A. The thermodynamic binding parameters clearly indicated that the specific stabilization is due to specific binding of the ligands to the complementary AP site. These results have suggested that the complementary base pairs of the Watson-Crick type are formed at the AP site. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Risk factor differences in calcified and noncalcified aortic plaque: the Framingham Heart Study.

PubMed

Chuang, Michael L; Gona, Philimon; Oyama-Manabe, Noriko; Manders, Emily S; Salton, Carol J; Hoffmann, Udo; Manning, Warren J; O'Donnell, Christopher J

2014-07-01

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factor (RF) correlates of aortic plaque (AP) detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), which mainly shows noncalcified plaques, and by noncontrast computed tomography (CT), which best depicts calcified plaques, in community-dwelling adults. A total of 1016 Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort members (64 ± 9 years; 474 men) underwent CMR and CT of the aorta. Potential RFs for AP (age; sex; body mass index; blood pressure; low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; fasting glucose; C-reactive protein; prevalent hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking; use of antihypertensive, diabetes mellitus, or lipid-lowering drugs) were compared between participants, with zero versus nonzero AP by CMR and by CT. Candidate RFs attaining P<0.05 for difference with either imaging modality were entered into multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, and other RFs. Odds ratios were calculated for modality-specific prevalence of AP. Associations between RFs and continuous measures of AP were assessed using Tobit regression. Prevalence of CMR and CT AP was 49% and 82%, respectively. AP burdens by CMR and CT were correlated, r=0.28, P<0.0001. Increasing age and smoking were associated with prevalent AP by both CMR and CT. Additionally, prevalent AP by CMR was associated with female sex and fasting glucose and prevalent AP by CT with hypertension treatment and adverse lipid profile. AP by CMR and CT are both associated with smoking and increasing age, but other RFs differ between calcified and noncalcified AP. The relative predictive value of AP detected by CMR versus by CT for incident cardiovascular events remains to be determined. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Detection of endogenous alkaline phosphatase activity in intact cells by flow cytometry using the fluorogenic ELF-97 phosphatase substrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Telford, W. G.; Cox, W. G.; Stiner, D.; Singer, V. L.; Doty, S. B.

1999-01-01

BACKGROUND: The alkaline phosphatase (AP) substrate 2-(5'-chloro-2'-phosphoryloxyphenyl)-6-chloro-4-(3H)-quinazolinone (ELF((R))-97 for enzyme-labeled fluorescence) has been found useful for the histochemical detection of endogenous AP activity and AP-tagged proteins and oligonucleotide probes. In this study, we evaluated its effectiveness at detecting endogenous AP activity by flow cytometry. METHODS: The ELF-97 phosphatase substrate was used to detect endogenous AP activity in UMR-106 rat osteosarcoma cells and primary cultures of chick chondrocytes. Cells were labeled with the ELF-97 reagent and analyzed by flow cytometry using an argon ultraviolet (UV) laser. For comparison purposes, cells were also assayed for AP using a Fast Red Violet LB azo dye assay previously described for use in detecting AP activity by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The ELF-97 phosphatase substrate effectively detected endogenous AP activity in UMR-106 cells, with over 95% of the resulting fluorescent signal resulting from AP-specific activity (as determined by levamisole inhibition of AP activity). In contrast, less than 70% of the fluorescent signal from the Fast Red Violet LB (FRV) assay was AP-dependent, reflecting the high intrinsic fluorescence of the unreacted components. The ELF-97 phosphatase assay was also able to detect very low AP activity in chick chondrocytes that was undetectable by the azo dye method. CONCLUSIONS: The ELF-97 phosphatase assay was able to detect endogenous AP activity in fixed mammalian and avian cells by flow cytometry with superior sensitivity to previously described assays. This work also shows the applicability of ELF-97 to flow cytometry, supplementing its previously demonstrated histochemical applications. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Relationship between molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and immunobiologic activity of Astragalus polysaccharides.

PubMed

Jiang, Yiping; Qi, Xiaohui; Gao, Kai; Liu, Wenjun; Li, Na; Cheng, Ningbo; Ding, Gang; Huang, Wenzhe; Wang, Zhenzhong; Xiao, Wei

2016-10-01

Four Astragalus polysaccharides (APS1-APS4) were isolated from the water extract of Radix Astragali and purified through ethanol precipitation with 20 %, 40 %, 60 % and 80 % ethanol, respectively. The total sugar content was measured by sulfuric acid-phenol method. Their molecular weight was determined using high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and their monosaccharide composition was analyzed by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after pre-column derivatization. Then the immunobiologic activity of APS was evaluated by the experiment of spleen lymphocytes proliferation in vitro. The data suggested that precipitation by different concentration of ethanol will obtain different molecular weight APS, the higher concentration of ethanol the smaller molecular weight for APS. The molecular weights of four APS were 257.7 kDa, 40.1 kDa, 15.3 kDa and 3.2 kDa. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that APS1 consisted of glucose only, and APS2 all consisted of arabinose. APS3 consisted of rhamnose, glucose, galactose and arabinose and APS4 consisted of galactose and arabinose, in a molar ratio of 1:10.76:6.55:12 and 3.02:1. The result of immunobiologic activity assay showed that both APS2 and APS3 can effectively stimulate normal spleen lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. Apart from this, the effect of APS2 also showed dose dependent tendency from 6.25 μg/mL to 800 μg/mL. The result of this research indicated that Astragalus polysaccharides, which consist of arabinose and their molecular weight between 15.2 kDa to 40.1 kDa, neither too high nor too low, had significant immune activity.

A Rab5 GTPase module is important for autophagosome closure

PubMed Central

Lipatova, Zhanna; Sun, Dan; Zhu, Xiaolong; Li, Rui; Wu, Zulin; You, Weiming; Cong, Xiaoxia; Zhou, Yiting; Gyurkovska, Valeriya; Liu, Yutao; Li, Qunli; Li, Wenjing; Cheng, Jie; Segev, Nava

2017-01-01

In the conserved autophagy pathway, the double-membrane autophagosome (AP) engulfs cellular components to be delivered for degradation in the lysosome. While only sealed AP can productively fuse with the lysosome, the molecular mechanism of AP closure is currently unknown. Rab GTPases, which regulate all intracellular trafficking pathways in eukaryotes, also regulate autophagy. Rabs function in GTPase modules together with their activators and downstream effectors. In yeast, an autophagy-specific Ypt1 GTPase module, together with a set of autophagy-related proteins (Atgs) and a phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) kinase, regulates AP formation. Fusion of APs and endosomes with the vacuole (the yeast lysosome) requires the Ypt7 GTPase module. We have previously shown that the Rab5-related Vps21, within its endocytic GTPase module, regulates autophagy. However, it was not clear which autophagy step it regulates. Here, we show that this module, which includes the Vps9 activator, the Rab5-related Vps21, the CORVET tethering complex, and the Pep12 SNARE, functions after AP expansion and before AP closure. Whereas APs are not formed in mutant cells depleted for Atgs, sealed APs accumulate in cells depleted for the Ypt7 GTPase module members. Importantly, depletion of individual members of the Vps21 module results in a novel phenotype: accumulation of unsealed APs. In addition, we show that Vps21-regulated AP closure precedes another AP maturation step, the previously reported PI3P phosphatase-dependent Atg dissociation. Our results delineate three successive steps in the autophagy pathway regulated by Rabs, Ypt1, Vps21 and Ypt7, and provide the first insight into the upstream regulation of AP closure. PMID:28934205

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of milks, yoghurts, fermented milks and cheeses: a narrative review of evidence.

PubMed

Fardet, Anthony; Rock, Edmond

2018-06-01

The antioxidant potential (AP) is an important nutritional property of foods, as increased oxidative stress is involved in most diet-related chronic diseases. In dairy products, the protein fraction contains antioxidant activity, especially casein. Other antioxidants include: antioxidant enzymes; lactoferrin; conjugated linoleic acid; coenzyme Q10; vitamins C, E, A and D3; equol; uric acid; carotenoids; and mineral activators of antioxidant enzymes. The AP of dairy products has been extensively studied in vitro, with few studies in animals and human subjects. Available in vivo studies greatly differ in their design and objectives. Overall, on a 100 g fresh weight-basis, AP of dairy products is close to that of grain-based foods and vegetable or fruit juices. Among dairy products, cheeses present the highest AP due to their higher protein content. AP of milk increases during digestion by up to 2·5 times because of released antioxidant peptides. AP of casein is linked to specific amino acids, whereas β-lactoglobulin thiol groups play a major role in the AP of whey. Thermal treatments such as ultra-high temperature processing have no clear effect on the AP of milk. Raw fat-rich milks have higher AP than less fat-rich milk, because of lipophilic antioxidants. Probiotic yoghurts and fermented milks have higher AP than conventional yoghurt and milk because proteolysis by probiotics releases antioxidant peptides. Among the probiotics, Lactobacillus casei/acidophilus leads to the highest AP. The data are insufficient for cheese, but fermentation-based changes appear to make a positive impact on AP. In conclusion, AP might participate in the reported dairy product-protective effects against some chronic diseases.

CD studies on ribonuclease A - oligonucleotides interactions.

PubMed Central

White, M D; Keren-Zur, M; Lapidot, Y

1977-01-01

The interaction of ApU, Aps4U, Aps4Up, ApAps4Up and Gps4U with RNase A was studied by CD difference spectroscopy. The use of 4-thiouridine (s4U) containing oligonucleotides enables to distinguish between the interaction of the different components of the ligand with the enzyme. The mode of binding of the oligonucleotides to the enzyme is described. From this mode of binding it is explained why Aps4U, for example, inhibits RNase A, while s4UpA serves as a substrate. PMID:866194

AP Physics 1 & 2; Some Things Old and Some Things New

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morse, Robert

2015-04-01

In fall September 2014, AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 replaced the AP Physics B curriculum, with the first exams in the new courses coming up in May 2015. In this talk I will give an overview of the history and rationale for the changes, describe the process of developing the new Curriculum Framework, discuss changes in emphasis compared to AP Physics B, including the emphasis on laboratory work. Finally, I will give examples of the difference in the style of the questions to be used in the new AP exams.

Caffeine protects against experimental acute pancreatitis by inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-mediated Ca2+ release

PubMed Central

Huang, Wei; Cane, Matthew C; Mukherjee, Rajarshi; Szatmary, Peter; Zhang, Xiaoying; Elliott, Victoria; Ouyang, Yulin; Chvanov, Michael; Latawiec, Diane; Wen, Li; Booth, David M; Haynes, Andrea C; Petersen, Ole H; Tepikin, Alexei V; Criddle, David N

2017-01-01

Objective Caffeine reduces toxic Ca2+ signals in pancreatic acinar cells via inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-mediated signalling, but effects of other xanthines have not been evaluated, nor effects of xanthines on experimental acute pancreatitis (AP). We have determined effects of caffeine and its xanthine metabolites on pancreatic acinar IP3R-mediated Ca2+ signalling and experimental AP. Design Isolated pancreatic acinar cells were exposed to secretagogues, uncaged IP3 or toxins that induce AP and effects of xanthines, non-xanthine phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cAMP/cGMP) determined. The intracellular cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]C), mitochondrial depolarisation and necrosis were assessed by confocal microscopy. Effects of xanthines were evaluated in caerulein-induced AP (CER-AP), taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate-induced AP (TLCS-AP) or palmitoleic acid plus ethanol-induced AP (fatty acid ethyl ester AP (FAEE-AP)). Serum xanthines were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results Caffeine, dimethylxanthines and non-xanthine PDE inhibitors blocked IP3-mediated Ca2+ oscillations, while monomethylxanthines had little effect. Caffeine and dimethylxanthines inhibited uncaged IP3-induced Ca2+ rises, toxin-induced Ca2+ release, mitochondrial depolarisation and necrotic cell death pathway activation; cAMP/cGMP did not inhibit toxin-induced Ca2+ rises. Caffeine significantly ameliorated CER-AP with most effect at 25 mg/kg (seven injections hourly); paraxanthine or theophylline did not. Caffeine at 25 mg/kg significantly ameliorated TLCS-AP and FAEE-AP. Mean total serum levels of dimethylxanthines and trimethylxanthines peaked at >2 mM with 25 mg/kg caffeine but at <100 µM with 25 mg/kg paraxanthine or theophylline. Conclusions Caffeine and its dimethylxanthine metabolites reduced pathological IP3R-mediated pancreatic acinar Ca2+ signals but only caffeine ameliorated experimental AP. Caffeine is a suitable starting point for medicinal chemistry. PMID:26642860

Physico-chemical profiles of the wobble ↔ Watson-Crick G*·2AP(w) ↔ G·2AP(WC) and A·2AP(w) ↔ A*·2AP(WC) tautomerisations: a QM/QTAIM comprehensive survey.

PubMed

Brovarets', Ol'ha O; Voiteshenko, Ivan S; Hovorun, Dmytro M

2017-12-20

This study is intended to clarify in detail the tautomeric transformations of the wobble (w) G*·2AP(w) and A·2AP(w) nucleobase mispairs involving 2-aminopurine (2AP) into the Watson-Crick (WC) G·2AP(WC) and A*·2AP(WC) base mispairs (asterisks denote mutagenic tautomers of the DNA bases), respectively, by quantum-mechanical methods and Bader's Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules. Our previously reported methodology has been used, which allows the evolution of the physico-chemical parameters to be tracked along the entire internal reaction coordinate (IRC), not exclusively in the stationary states of these reactions. These biologically important G*·2AP(w) ↔ G·2AP(WC) and A·2AP(w) ↔ A*·2AP(WC) w ↔ WC tautomerisations, which are involved in mutagenic tautomerically-conformational pathways, determine the origin of the transitions and transversions induced by 2AP. In addition, it is established that they proceed through planar, highly stable, zwitterionic transition states and they exhibit similar physico-chemical profiles and stages of sequential intrapair proton transfer, followed by spatial rearrangement of the nucleobases relative to each other within the base pairs. These w ↔ WC tautomerisations occur non-dissociatively and are accompanied by a significant alteration in geometry (from wobble to Watson-Crick and vice versa) and redistribution of the specific intermolecular interactions, which can be divided into 10 patterns including AHB H-bonds and loosened A-H-B covalent bridges along the IRC of tautomerisation. Based on the redistribution of the geometrical and electron-topological parameters of the intrapair hydrogen bonds, exactly 9 key points have been allocated to characterize the evolution of these reactions.

Conditional depletion of intellectual disability and Parkinsonism candidate gene ATP6AP2 in fly and mouse induces cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration

PubMed Central

Dubos, Aline; Castells-Nobau, Anna; Meziane, Hamid; Oortveld, Merel A.W.; Houbaert, Xander; Iacono, Giovanni; Martin, Christelle; Mittelhaeuser, Christophe; Lalanne, Valérie; Kramer, Jamie M.; Bhukel, Anuradha; Quentin, Christine; Slabbert, Jan; Verstreken, Patrik; Sigrist, Stefan J.; Messaddeq, Nadia; Birling, Marie-Christine; Selloum, Mohammed; Stunnenberg, Henk G.; Humeau, Yann; Schenck, Annette; Herault, Yann

2015-01-01

ATP6AP2, an essential accessory component of the vacuolar H+ ATPase (V-ATPase), has been associated with intellectual disability (ID) and Parkinsonism. ATP6AP2 has been implicated in several signalling pathways; however, little is known regarding its role in the nervous system. To decipher its function in behaviour and cognition, we generated and characterized conditional knockdowns of ATP6AP2 in the nervous system of Drosophila and mouse models. In Drosophila, ATP6AP2 knockdown induced defective phototaxis and vacuolated photoreceptor neurons and pigment cells when depleted in eyes and altered short- and long-term memory when depleted in the mushroom body. In mouse, conditional Atp6ap2 deletion in glutamatergic neurons (Atp6ap2Camk2aCre/0 mice) caused increased spontaneous locomotor activity and altered fear memory. Both Drosophila ATP6AP2 knockdown and Atp6ap2Camk2aCre/0 mice presented with presynaptic transmission defects, and with an abnormal number and morphology of synapses. In addition, Atp6ap2Camk2aCre/0 mice showed autophagy defects that led to axonal and neuronal degeneration in the cortex and hippocampus. Surprisingly, axon myelination was affected in our mutant mice, and axonal transport alterations were observed in Drosophila. In accordance with the identified phenotypes across species, genome-wide transcriptome profiling of Atp6ap2Camk2aCre/0 mouse hippocampi revealed dysregulation of genes involved in myelination, action potential, membrane-bound vesicles and motor behaviour. In summary, ATP6AP2 disruption in mouse and fly leads to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, mimicking aspects of the neuropathology associated with ATP6AP2 mutations in humans. Our results identify ATP6AP2 as an essential gene for the nervous system. PMID:26376863

Conditional depletion of intellectual disability and Parkinsonism candidate gene ATP6AP2 in fly and mouse induces cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration.

PubMed

Dubos, Aline; Castells-Nobau, Anna; Meziane, Hamid; Oortveld, Merel A W; Houbaert, Xander; Iacono, Giovanni; Martin, Christelle; Mittelhaeuser, Christophe; Lalanne, Valérie; Kramer, Jamie M; Bhukel, Anuradha; Quentin, Christine; Slabbert, Jan; Verstreken, Patrik; Sigrist, Stefan J; Messaddeq, Nadia; Birling, Marie-Christine; Selloum, Mohammed; Stunnenberg, Henk G; Humeau, Yann; Schenck, Annette; Herault, Yann

2015-12-01

ATP6AP2, an essential accessory component of the vacuolar H+ ATPase (V-ATPase), has been associated with intellectual disability (ID) and Parkinsonism. ATP6AP2 has been implicated in several signalling pathways; however, little is known regarding its role in the nervous system. To decipher its function in behaviour and cognition, we generated and characterized conditional knockdowns of ATP6AP2 in the nervous system of Drosophila and mouse models. In Drosophila, ATP6AP2 knockdown induced defective phototaxis and vacuolated photoreceptor neurons and pigment cells when depleted in eyes and altered short- and long-term memory when depleted in the mushroom body. In mouse, conditional Atp6ap2 deletion in glutamatergic neurons (Atp6ap2(Camk2aCre/0) mice) caused increased spontaneous locomotor activity and altered fear memory. Both Drosophila ATP6AP2 knockdown and Atp6ap2(Camk2aCre/0) mice presented with presynaptic transmission defects, and with an abnormal number and morphology of synapses. In addition, Atp6ap2(Camk2aCre/0) mice showed autophagy defects that led to axonal and neuronal degeneration in the cortex and hippocampus. Surprisingly, axon myelination was affected in our mutant mice, and axonal transport alterations were observed in Drosophila. In accordance with the identified phenotypes across species, genome-wide transcriptome profiling of Atp6ap2(Camk2aCre/0) mouse hippocampi revealed dysregulation of genes involved in myelination, action potential, membrane-bound vesicles and motor behaviour. In summary, ATP6AP2 disruption in mouse and fly leads to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, mimicking aspects of the neuropathology associated with ATP6AP2 mutations in humans. Our results identify ATP6AP2 as an essential gene for the nervous system. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Tumor-targeting peptide conjugated pH-responsive micelles as a potential drug carrier for cancer therapy.

PubMed

Wu, Xiang Lan; Kim, Jong Ho; Koo, Heebeom; Bae, Sang Mun; Shin, Hyeri; Kim, Min Sang; Lee, Byung-Heon; Park, Rang-Woon; Kim, In-San; Choi, Kuiwon; Kwon, Ick Chan; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Lee, Doo Sung

2010-02-17

Herein, we prepared tumor-targeting peptide (AP peptide; CRKRLDRN) conjugated pH-responsive polymeric micelles (pH-PMs) in cancer therapy by active and pH-responsive tumor targeting delivery systems, simultaneously. The active tumor targeting and tumoral pH-responsive polymeric micelles were prepared by mixing AP peptide conjugated PEG-poly(d,l-lactic acid) block copolymer (AP-PEG-PLA) into the pH-responsive micelles of methyl ether poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG)-poly(beta-amino ester) (PAE) block copolymer (MPEG-PAE). These mixed amphiphilic block copolymers were self-assembled to form stable AP peptide-conjugated and pH-responsive AP-PEG-PLA/MPEG-PAE micelles (AP-pH-PMs) with an average size of 150 nm. The AP-pH-PMs containing 10 wt % of AP-PEG-PLA showed a sharp pH-dependent micellization/demicellization transition at the tumoral acid pH. Also, they presented the pH-dependent drug release profile at the acidic pH of 6.4. The fluorescence dye, TRITC, encapsulated AP-pH-PMs (TRITC-AP-pH-PMs) presented the higher tumor-specific targeting ability in vitro cancer cell culture system and in vivo tumor-bearing mice, compared to control pH-responsive micelles of MPEG-PAE. For the cancer therapy, the anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), was efficiently encapsulated into the AP-pH-PMs (DOX-AP-pH-PMs) with a higher loading efficiency. DOX-AP-pH-PMs efficiently deliver anticancer drugs in MDA-MB231 human breast tumor-bearing mice, resulted in excellent anticancer therapeutic efficacy, compared to free DOX and DOX encapsulated MEG-PAE micelles, indicating the excellent tumor targeting ability of AP-pH-PMs. Therefore, these tumor-targeting peptide-conjugated and pH-responsive polymeric micelles have great potential application in cancer therapy.

Glutathione-S-transferase profiles in the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis.

PubMed

Rajarapu, Swapna Priya; Mittapalli, Omprakash

2013-05-01

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire is a recently discovered invasive insect pest of ash, Fraxinus spp. in North America. Glutathione-S-transferases (GST) are a multifunctional superfamily of enzymes which function in conjugating toxic compounds to less toxic and excretable forms. In this study, we report the molecular characterization and expression patterns of different classes of GST genes in different tissues and developmental stages plus their specific activity. Multiple sequence alignment of all six A. planipennis GSTs (ApGST-E1, ApGST-E2, ApGST-E3, ApGST-O1, ApGST-S1 and ApGST-μ1) revealed conserved features of insect GSTs and a phylogenetic analysis grouped the GSTs within the epsilon, sigma, omega and microsomal classes of GSTs. Real time quantitative PCR was used to study field collected samples. In larval tissues high mRNA levels for ApGST-E1, ApGST-E3 and ApGST-O1 were obtained in the midgut and Malpighian tubules. On the other hand, ApGST-E2 and ApGST-S1 showed high mRNA levels in fat body and ApGST-μ1 showed constitutive levels in all the tissues assayed. During development, mRNA levels for ApGST-E2 were observed to be the highest in feeding instars, ApGST-S1 in prepupal instars; while the others showed constitutive patterns in all the developmental stages examined. At the enzyme level, total GST activity was similar in all the tissues and developmental stages assayed. Results obtained suggest that A. planipennis is potentially primed with GST-driven detoxification to metabolize ash allelochemicals. To our knowledge this study represents the first report of GSTs in A. planipennis and also in the family of wood boring beetles. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of alkaline phosphatase activity in seminal plasma and in fresh and frozen-thawed stallion spermatozoa.

PubMed

Bucci, Diego; Giaretta, Elisa; Spinaci, Marcella; Rizzato, Giovanni; Isani, Gloria; Mislei, Beatrice; Mari, Gaetano; Tamanini, Carlo; Galeati, Giovanna

2016-01-15

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) has been studied in several situations to elucidate its role in reproductive biology of the male from different mammalian species; at present, its role in horse sperm physiology is not clear. The aim of the present work was to measure AP activity in seminal plasma and sperm extracts from freshly ejaculated as well as in frozen-thawed stallion spermatozoa and to verify whether relationship exists between AP activity and sperm quality parameters. Our data on 40 freshly ejaculated samples from 10 different stallions demonstrate that the main source of AP activity is seminal plasma, whereas sperm extracts contribution is very low. In addition, we found that AP activity at physiological pH (7.0) is significantly lower than that observed at pH 8.0, including the optimal AP pH (pH 10.0). Alkaline phosphatase did not exert any effect on sperm-oocyte interaction assessed by heterologous oocyte binding assay. Additionally, we observed a thermal stability of seminal plasma AP, concluding that it is similar to that of bone isoforms. Positive correlations were found between seminal plasma AP activity and sperm concentration, whereas a negative correlation was present between both spermatozoa extracts and seminal plasma AP activity and seminal plasma protein content. A significant decrease in sperm extract AP activity was found in frozen-thawed samples compared with freshly ejaculated ones (n = 21), concomitantly with the decrease in sperm quality parameters. The positive correlation between seminal plasma AP activity measured at pH 10 and viability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa suggests that seminal plasma AP activity could be used as an additional predictive parameter for stallion sperm freezability. In conclusion, we provide some insights into AP activity in both seminal plasma and sperm extracts and describe a decrease in AP after freezing and thawing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Versus Without Diabetes Mellitus and With Versus Without Angina Pectoris (from the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease).

PubMed

Banks, Adam; Broderick, Samuel; Chiswell, Karen; Shaw, Linda; Devore, Adam; Fiuzat, Mona; O'Connor, Christopher; Felker, Gary Michael; Velazquez, Eric; Mentz, Robert

2017-06-01

Angina pectoris (AP) has different prognostic implications in various populations. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may experience neuropathy such that AP may not be perceived in the setting of coronary artery disease (CAD). The prognostic utility of AP in DM patients with CAD is not well known. We analyzed patients with CAD who underwent coronary angiography at Duke University from 2002 to 2011 and compared patients with and without AP within the previous 6 weeks stratified by DM status. We used multivariable Cox regression to assess the association between AP and the outcomes of cardiovascular (CV) hospitalization/revascularization, all-cause mortality/myocardial infarction/revascularization, and all-cause mortality. Of 17,211 patients with CAD, 5,284 (31%) had DM and AP was present in 69% of DM and 67% of non-DM. After risk adjustment, the risk of CV hospitalization/revascularization and all-cause mortality/myocardial infarction/revascularization in patients with and without AP was similar regardless of DM status (all p ≥0.05). In patients with or without DM, AP was associated with lower all-cause mortality compared with no AP (adjusted hazard ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.82 to 0.97, p = 0.005 for DM patients). The relation between AP status and clinical outcomes was not dependent on DM status (all interaction p >0.10). In conclusion, in patients with CAD, AP was associated with similar risk for CV hospitalization and revascularization and lower all-cause mortality compared with patients without AP regardless of DM status. Future studies are needed to assess whether these findings are related to increased severity of disease in those without AP or whether AP leads to differential management that improves survival. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Empirical radiation belt models: Comparison with in situ data and implications for environment definition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Soria-Santacruz Pich, Maria; Jun, Insoo; Evans, Robin

2017-09-01

The empirical AP8/AE8 model has been the de facto Earth's radiation belts engineering reference for decades. The need from the community for a better model incubated the development of AP9/AE9/SPM, which addresses several shortcomings of the old model. We provide additional validation of AP9/AE9 by comparing in situ electron and proton data from Jason-2, Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), and the Van Allen Probes spacecraft with the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles from AE9/AP9 and with the model outputs from AE8/AP8. The relatively short duration of Van Allen Probes and Jason-2 missions means that their measurements are most certainly the result of specific climatological conditions. In low Earth orbit (LEO), the Jason-2 proton flux is better reproduced by AP8 compared to AP9, while the POES electron data are well enveloped by AE9 5th and 95th percentiles. The shape of the South Atlantic anomaly (SAA) from Jason-2 data is better captured by AP9 compared to AP8, while the peak SAA flux is better reproduced by AP8. The <1.5 MeV inner belt electrons from Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) are well enveloped by AE9 5th and 95th percentiles, while AE8 overpredicts the measurements. In the outer radiation belt, MagEIS and Relativistic Electron and Proton Telescope (REPT) electrons closely follow the median estimate from AE9, while AP9 5th and 95th percentiles generally envelope REPT proton measurements in the inner belt and slot regions. While AE9/AP9 offer the flexibility to specify the environment with different confidence levels, the dose and trapped proton peak flux for POES and Jason-2 trajectories from the AE9/AP9 50th percentile and above are larger than the estimates from the AE8/AP8 models.

The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in human leukemia Molt-4 cells and experimental tumor.

PubMed

Bhushan, Shashi; Kakkar, Vandita; Pal, Harish Chandra; Mondhe, D M; Kaur, Indu Pal

2016-01-25

AP9-cd, a novel lignan composition from Cedrus deodara has significant anticancer potential, and to further enhance its activity, it was lucratively encumbered into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). These nanoparticles were formulated by micro-emulsion technique with 70% drug trap competence. AP9-cd-SLNs were regular, solid, globular particles in the range of 100-200 nm, which were confirmed by electron microscopic studies. Moreover, AP9-cd-SLNs were found to be stable for up to six months in terms of color, particle size, zeta potential, drug content and entrapment. AP9-cd-SLNs have 30-50% higher cytotoxic and apoptotic potential than the AP9-cd alone. The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd-SLNs was observed in cytotoxic IC50 value, apoptosis signaling cascade and in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model. AP9-cd-SLNs induce apoptosis in Molt-4 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. Moreover, the dummy nanoparticles (SLNs without AP9-cd) did not have any cytotoxic effect in cancer as well as in normal cells. Consequently, SLNs of AP9-cd significantly augment the apoptotic and antitumor potential of AP9-cd. The present study provides a podium for ornamental the remedial latent via novel delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cytokine Autoantibody Screening in the Swedish Addison Registry Identifies Patients With Undiagnosed APS1.

PubMed

Eriksson, Daniel; Dalin, Frida; Eriksson, Gabriel Nordling; Landegren, Nils; Bianchi, Matteo; Hallgren, Åsa; Dahlqvist, Per; Wahlberg, Jeanette; Ekwall, Olov; Winqvist, Ola; Catrina, Sergiu-Bogdan; Rönnelid, Johan; Hulting, Anna-Lena; Lindblad-Toh, Kerstin; Alimohammadi, Mohammad; Husebye, Eystein S; Knappskog, Per Morten; Rosengren Pielberg, Gerli; Bensing, Sophie; Kämpe, Olle

2018-01-01

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a monogenic disorder that features autoimmune Addison disease as a major component. Although APS1 accounts for only a small fraction of all patients with Addison disease, early identification of these individuals is vital to prevent the potentially lethal complications of APS1. To determine whether available serological and genetic markers are valuable screening tools for the identification of APS1 among patients diagnosed with Addison disease. We systematically screened 677 patients with Addison disease enrolled in the Swedish Addison Registry for autoantibodies against interleukin-22 and interferon-α4. Autoantibody-positive patients were investigated for clinical manifestations of APS1, additional APS1-specific autoantibodies, and DNA sequence and copy number variations of AIRE. In total, 17 patients (2.5%) displayed autoantibodies against interleukin-22 and/or interferon-α4, of which nine were known APS1 cases. Four patients previously undiagnosed with APS1 fulfilled clinical, genetic, and serological criteria. Hence, we identified four patients with undiagnosed APS1 with this screening procedure. We propose that patients with Addison disease should be routinely screened for cytokine autoantibodies. Clinical or serological support for APS1 should warrant DNA sequencing and copy number analysis of AIRE to enable early diagnosis and prevention of lethal complications. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

Pharmacokinetics of aniracetam and its metabolites in rat brain.

PubMed

Ogiso, T; Uchiyama, K; Suzuki, H; Yoshimoro, M; Tanino, T; Iwakai, M; Uno, S

2000-04-01

The pharmacokinetics of aniracetam (AP) and its main metabolites, 4-p-anisamidobutyric acid (ABA), 2-pyrrolidinone (PD) and p-anisic acid (AA), in 3 brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus) was investigated after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral administrations of AP to rats. AP, AA and PD were rapidly distributed into the 3 brain regions after i.v. administration of AP, but the amounts of AP were low. The concentrations of AP and AA in brain regions rapidly declined, whereas PD levels were higher and more sustained than those of AP and AA. ABA levels in the regions were below the detection limit. There were no significant differences in the distribution of these compounds in the 3 brain regions. The AUCbrain/AUCplasma ratio of PD was 53--55%, in contrast to the low ratio of AP (2.4--3.2%) and AA (3.9--4.2%). On oral administration of AP, the AUCbrain/AUCplasma ratio of PD was also higher than that of AA. When the transport of PD was tested using the in situ brain perfusion technique, it was clarified that PD was not transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by a neutral amino acid carrier system. The high brain levels of PD and the low levels of AP suggest that the clinical efficacy of dosed AP may partly result from PD penetrating into the brain.

Isolation and characterization of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) hydrolase from Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

PubMed

Robinson, A K; de la Peña, C E; Barnes, L D

1993-02-13

An enzyme that catalyzes the asymmetric hydrolysis of Ap4A has been partially purified from the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The crude supernatant fraction from log-phase cells was fractionated by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Red A dye-ligand and QAE-Sepharose resins. Two peaks of Ap4A hydrolase activity, designated major and minor, were separated on the Red A dye-ligand resin. Both the major and minor Ap4A hydrolase have an apparent molecular mass of 49 kDa based on gel filtration chromatography. On a SDS polyacrylamide gel, a protein of 22 kDa exhibited Ap4A hydrolase activity. Both forms of the enzyme have a Km value in the range of 22 to 36 microM for Ap4A. Both forms of the enzyme asymmetrically hydrolyze Ap4A to AMP and ATP as determined by HPLC. Ap4A is the optimal substrate among several nucleotides and dinucleoside polyphosphates tested at 10 microM. A divalent metal cation is required for activity. Concentrations of Pi below 30 mM stimulate Ap4A hydrolase while higher concentrations inhibit the activity. Pi is not a substrate for this Ap4A-degradative enzyme. Fluoride, from 50 microM to 20 mM, has no significant effect on Ap4A hydrolase activity.

An Alkaline Phosphatase Paradox in a Shelf Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, C. E.; Mahaffey, C.

2016-02-01

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is an ubiquitous hydrolytic phosphoenzyme that hydrolyses phosphomonester bonds. In the open ocean, the generally accepted paradigm is that when phosphate concentrations are sufficiently depleted (less than 50 nM), AP is produced by organisms to enable utilisation of dissolved organic phosphorus to meet the phosphorus demands of biological processes such as growth and carbon fixation. At higher phosphate concentrations (greater than 100 nM), AP is repressed implying that the excess product competes for active sites at enzyme surfaces. However, our ongoing work on phosphorus cycling in the Celtic Sea, a temperate shelf sea, has challenged this paradigm. We find elevated rates of AP below the thermocline where phosphate concentrations are greater than 700 nM, and a significant correlation between AP and total dissolved phosphorus. Using enzyme labelled fluorescence (ELF) and particle concentrate bioassays, we show that the AP is associated with large detrital and sinking particulate matter, suggesting that rather than AP being induced by the lack of phosphate, it plays an important role in organic matter cycling in this nitrogen limited environment. At the shelf edge, AP was found to be associated with diatoms, which have been found in culture studies to express AP under silica limitation. Our study highlights the need to consider the environmental conditions under which AP is induced or repressed and presents an opportunity to use AP as an indicator of organic phosphorus recycling in high phosphate environments.

P1,P4-diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) inhibits proximal tubular reabsorption of sodium in rats.

PubMed

Stiepanow-Trzeciak, Anna; Jankowski, Maciej; Angielski, Stefan; Szczepanska-Konkel, Miroslawa

2007-01-01

P1,P4-diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) is a vasoactive dinucleotide possessing natriuretic activity. It is unclear, however, which part of the nephron is the target site of action for Ap4A. We evaluated the tubular sites of Ap4A action using the lithium clearance technique. Ap4A at a priming dose of 2 micromol/kg with subsequent infusion at 20 nmol/kg/min increased fractional water and sodium excretion 2.5- and 5.6-fold, respectively. Moreover, Ap4A increased lithium clearance 1.9-fold and fractional lithium excretion 2.8-fold. Fractional water and sodium excretion from distal nephron segments was not significantly affected by Ap4A. These results suggest that Ap4A induces natriuresis mainly through inhibition of proximal tubular reabsorption of sodium. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Regulation of rat mesangial cell growth by diadenosine phosphates.

PubMed Central

Heidenreich, S; Tepel, M; Schlüter, H; Harrach, B; Zidek, W

1995-01-01

The newly recognized human endogenous vasoconstrictive dinucleotides, diadenosine pentaphosphate (AP5A) and diadenosine hexaphosphate (AP6A), were tested for growth stimulatory effects in rat mesangial cells (MC). Both AP5A and AP6A stimulated growth in micromolar concentrations. The growth stimulatory effect exceeded that of ATP, alpha,beta-methylene ATP, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate and UTP. Both diadenosine phosphates potentiated the growth response to platelet-derived growth factor, but not to insulin-like growth factor-1. To further elucidate the site of action in the cell cycle, RNA and protein synthesis were assessed. AP5 and AP6A stimulated protein synthesis, but not RNA formation. Furthermore, both agents increased cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. It is concluded that AP5A and AP6A may play a regulatory role in MC growth as progression factors and possibly modify MC proliferation in glomerular disease. PMID:7769127

Isolation and characterization of two immunochemically distinct alkaline phosphatases from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Tan, A S; Worobec, E A

1993-02-01

We have isolated two alkaline phosphatases (H-AP and L-AP, for high and low molecular mass, respectively) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01. These two enzymes were found to differ in mobility on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels (H-AP, M(r) = 51,000 and L-AP, M(r) = 39,500), amino-terminal amino acid sequence and did not cross-react. Both enzymes were active as phosphomonoesterases while only L-AP demonstrated any phosphodiesterase activity. Both enzymes were purified from P. aeruginosa grown in phosphate limiting conditions using the same protocol and were identified in both periplasmic and extracellular locations. A low level of H-AP was produced constitutively whereas L-AP was produced only after induction by reduced phosphate concentration in the growth medium. An L-AP-like enzyme has been previously described, however, this is the first report of a second P. aeruginosa alkaline phosphatase.

38th JANNAF Combustion Subcommittee Meeting. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fry, Ronald S. (Editor); Eggleston, Debra S. (Editor); Gannaway, Mary T. (Editor)

2002-01-01

This volume, the first of two volumes, is a collection of 55 unclassified/unlimited-distribution papers which were presented at the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) 38th Combustion Subcommittee (CS), 26 th Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee (APS), 20th Propulsion Systems Hazards Subcommittee (PSHS), and 21 Modeling and Simulation Subcommittee. The meeting was held 8-12 April 2002 at the Bayside Inn at The Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort and Eglin Air Force Base, Destin, Florida. Topics cover five major technology areas including: 1) Combustion - Propellant Combustion, Ingredient Kinetics, Metal Combustion, Decomposition Processes and Material Characterization, Rocket Motor Combustion, and Liquid & Hybrid Combustion; 2) Liquid Rocket Engines - Low Cost Hydrocarbon Liquid Rocket Engines, Liquid Propulsion Turbines, Liquid Propulsion Pumps, and Staged Combustion Injector Technology; 3) Modeling & Simulation - Development of Multi- Disciplinary RBCC Modeling, Gun Modeling, and Computational Modeling for Liquid Propellant Combustion; 4) Guns Gun Propelling Charge Design, and ETC Gun Propulsion; and 5) Airbreathing - Scramjet an Ramjet- S&T Program Overviews.

1999 NASA High-Speed Research Program Aerodynamic Performance Workshop. Volume 2; High Lift

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hahne, David E. (Editor)

1999-01-01

The High-Speed Research Program sponsored the NASA High-Speed Research Program Aerodynamic Performance Review on February 8-12, 1999 in Anaheim, California. The review was designed to bring together NASA and industry High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) Aerodynamic Performance technology development participants in areas of: Configuration Aerodynamics (transonic and supersonic cruise drag prediction and minimization) and High-Lift. The review objectives were to: (1) report the progress and status of HSCT aerodynamic performance technology development; (2) disseminate this technology within the appropriate technical communities; and (3) promote synergy among the scientist and engineers working HSCT aerodynamics. The HSR AP Technical Review was held simultaneously with the annual review of the following airframe technology areas: Materials and Structures, Environmental Impact, Flight Deck, and Technology Integration Thus, a fourth objective of the Review was to promote synergy between the Aerodynamic Performance technology area and the other technology areas within the airframe element of the HSR Program. This Volume 2/Part 1 publication presents the High-Lift Configuration Development session.

A protein phosphatase network controls the temporal and spatial dynamics of differentiation commitment in human epidermis

PubMed Central

Walko, Gernot; Viswanathan, Priyalakshmi; Tihy, Matthieu; Nijjher, Jagdeesh; Dunn, Sara-Jane; Lamond, Angus I

2017-01-01

Epidermal homeostasis depends on a balance between stem cell renewal and terminal differentiation. The transition between the two cell states, termed commitment, is poorly understood. Here, we characterise commitment by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data from disaggregated primary human keratinocytes held in suspension to induce differentiation. Cell detachment induces several protein phosphatases, five of which - DUSP6, PPTC7, PTPN1, PTPN13 and PPP3CA – promote differentiation by negatively regulating ERK MAPK and positively regulating AP1 transcription factors. Conversely, DUSP10 expression antagonises commitment. The phosphatases form a dynamic network of transient positive and negative interactions that change over time, with DUSP6 predominating at commitment. Boolean network modelling identifies a mandatory switch between two stable states (stem and differentiated) via an unstable (committed) state. Phosphatase expression is also spatially regulated in vivo and in vitro. We conclude that an auto-regulatory phosphatase network maintains epidermal homeostasis by controlling the onset and duration of commitment. PMID:29043977

Celebrating the First One Hundred Years of The American Physical Society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merzbacher, Eugen

1998-11-01

In the past few years physicists have had the occasion to observe a number of centennials: the one hundredth anniversaries of the discoveries of x rays, the electron, and radioactivity, and other milestones. The first Nobel Prize in Physics was given to Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1901. The first meeting of The American Physical Society was held on 20 May 1899 at 10:30 a.m. The centenary of the Society will be celebrated at an extraordinary meeting on 20-26 March, 1999, in Atlanta. All units of the APS - Divisions, Topical Groups, Forums, as well as Sections - will contribute special symposia and exhibits, highlighting the achievements of physicists and the role played by the Society in this century. The Centennial Meeting and the concurrent Festival of Physics in the City of Atlanta are intended to appeal to the entire physics community and to the students, who will carry the torch of science into the next century.

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

Sequis, Julietta E.; Cain, Ronald A.; Burbank, Roberta L.

The Philippines entered into force the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol (AP) in February 2010. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) is the government agency responsible for implementing the AP. In June 2010 the IAEA invited the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help conduct a joint national training seminar on the AP. DOE presented to PNRI its AP international technical assistance program, administered by the International Nuclear Safeguards and Engagement Program (INSEP), which helps partner countries implement the AP. In coordination with the IAEA, DOE established this program in 2008 to complement IAEA AP seminars with long-termmore » country-specific cooperation from the perspective of a Member State. The US version of the AP is the same version as that of non-nuclear weapon states except for the addition of a national security exclusion. Due to this, DOE cooperation with other countries enables the sharing of valuable lessons learned in implementing the AP. DOE/INSEP described to PNRI the various areas of cooperation it offers to interested countries, whether they are preparing for entry into force or already implementing the AP. Even countries that have entered the AP into force are sometimes not fully prepared to implement it well, and welcome cooperation to improve their implementation process. PNRI and DOE/INSEP subsequently agreed to cooperate in several areas to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Philippines AP implementation. These areas include providing working-level training to PNRI staff and preparing an information document that details that training for future reference, assisting with the development of an outreach program and procedures for AP reporting and complementary access, and identifying Annex II equipment and non-nuclear materials whose export must be reported under the AP. DOE laboratory representatives, funded by INSEP, met again with PNRI in February 2011 to provide training for PNRI AP staff and investigate specific ways to improve implementation. Another meeting in July 2011 focused on preparations for outreach to industry and universities. In this paper PNRI describes current implementation of the AP in the Philippines, and both DOE/INSEP and PNRI provide their perspectives on their cooperation to enhance that implementation.« less

Frequency and correlates of DSM-5 attenuated psychosis syndrome in a sample of adolescent inpatients with nonpsychotic psychiatric disorders.

PubMed

Gerstenberg, Miriam; Hauser, Marta; Al-Jadiri, Aseel; Sheridan, Eva M; Kishimoto, Taishiro; Borenstein, Yehonatan; Vernal, Ditte L; David, Lisa; Saito, Ema; Landers, Sara E; Carella, Morgan; Singh, Sukhbir; Carbon, Maren; Jiménez-Fernández, Sara; Birnbaum, Michael L; Auther, Andrea; Carrión, Ricardo E; Cornblatt, Barbara A; Kane, John M; Walitza, Susanne; Correll, Christoph U

2015-11-01

DSM-5 conceptualized attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS) as self-contained rather than as a risk syndrome, including it under "Conditions for Further Study," but also as a codable/billable condition in the main section. Since many major mental disorders emerge during adolescence, we assessed the frequency and characteristics of APS in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Consecutively recruited adolescents hospitalized for nonpsychotic disorders (September 2009-May 2013) were divided into APS youth versus non-APS youth, based on the Structured Interview of Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS) and according to DSM-5 criteria, and compared across multiple characteristics. Of 89 adolescents (mean ± SD age = 15.1 ± 1.6 years), 21 (23.6%) had APS. Compared to non-APS, APS was associated with more comorbid disorders (2.7 ± 1.0 vs 2.2 ± 1.3), major depressive disorder (61.9% vs 27.9%), oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (52.4% vs 25.0%), and personality disorder traits (57.1% vs 7.4%, the only diagnostic category surviving Bonferroni correction). APS youth were more severely ill, having higher SIPS total positive, negative, and general symptoms; Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total and positive scores; depression and global illness ratings; and lower Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Conversely, Young Mania Rating Scale scores, suicidal behavior, prescribed psychotropic medications, and mental disorder awareness were similar between APS and non-APS groups. In multivariable analysis, lowest GAF score in the past year (odds ratio [OR] = 51.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.46-2,439.0) and social isolation (OR = 27.52; 95% CI, 3.36-313.87) were independently associated with APS (r(2) = 0.302, P < .0001). Although psychotic disorders were excluded, 65.2% (APS = 57.1%, non-APS = 67.7%, P = .38) received antipsychotics. One in 4 nonpsychotic adolescent inpatients met DSM-5 criteria for APS. APS youth were more impaired, showing a complex entanglement with a broad range of psychiatric symptoms and disorders, including depression, impulse-control, and, especially, emerging personality disorders. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01383915. © Copyright 2015 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

Epidemiology and outcome of acute pancreatitis in end-stage renal disease dialysis patients: a 10-year national cohort study.

PubMed

Chen, Hung-Jui; Wang, Jhi-Joung; Tsay, Wen-Ing; Her, Shwu-Huey; Lin, Cheng-Heng; Chien, Chih-Chiang

2017-10-01

The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis and whether the dialysis modality [hemodialysis (HD) versus peritoneal dialysis (PD)] confers a higher risk for AP as well as complications or mortality related to AP. We analyzed national health insurance claims data of 67 078 ESRD patients initiating dialysis between 1999 and 2007 in Taiwan. All patients were followed up from the start of their dialysis to first AP diagnosis, death, end of dialysis or 31 December 2008. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors. The cumulative incidence rates of AP were 0.6, 1.7, 2.6, 3.4 and 4% at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 years, respectively. ESRD patients on HD and PD had an AP incidence of 5.11 and 5.86 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Independent risk factors for AP in this population were being elderly, being female, having biliary stones or liver disease, and being on PD. Severe AP occurred in 44.9% of the HD patients and in 36% of the PD patients. Patients with AP on HD had a higher incidence of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding than those on PD (P = 0.002). In contrast, those with AP on PD had a higher incidence of need for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) support than those on HD (P = 0.072). Overall in-hospital mortality was 8.1%. The risk factors for mortality after an AP attack were male gender, increased age, AP severity, and the presence of diabetes mellitus or liver disease. ESRD patients on PD were at higher risk for AP than those on HD. HD patients with AP attacks had a greater incidence of UGI bleeding and PD patients with AP attacks a more frequent need for TPN support. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Preclinical medical students’ understandings of academic and medical professionalism: visual analysis of mind maps

PubMed Central

Rees, Charlotte E

2017-01-01

Introduction Several studies have begun to explore medical students’ understandings of professionalism generally and medical professionalism specifically. Despite espoused relationships between academic (AP) and medical professionalism (MP), previous research has not yet investigated students’ conceptualisations of AP and MP and the relationships between the two. Objectives The current study, based on innovative visual analysis of mind maps, therefore aims to contribute to the developing literature on how professionalism is understood. Methods We performed a multilayered analysis of 98 mind maps from 262 first-year medical students, including analysing textual and graphical elements of AP, MP and the relationships between AP and MP. Results The most common textual attributes of AP were learning, lifestyle and personality, while attributes of MP were knowledge, ethics and patient-doctor relations. Images of books, academic caps and teachers were used most often to represent AP, while images of the stethoscope, doctor and red cross were used to symbolise MP. While AP-MP relations were sometimes indicated through co-occurring text, visual connections and higher-order visual metaphors, many students struggled to articulate the relationships between AP and MP. Conclusions While the mind maps’ textual attributes shared similarities with those found in previous research, suggesting the universality of some professionalism attributes, our study provides new insights into students’ conceptualisations of AP, MP and AP-MP relationships. We encourage medical educators to help students develop their understandings of AP, MP and AP-MP relationships, plus consider the feasibility and value of mind maps as a source of visual data for medical education research. PMID:28821520

Serum creatinine and albumin decline predict the contraction of nosocomial aspiration pneumonia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PubMed

Minakuchi, Hitoshi; Wakino, Shu; Hayashi, Koichi; Inamoto, Hajime; Itoh, Hiroshi

2014-08-01

Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is prevalent in older adults and the hemodialysis (HD) population has been getting older. Therefore, it is speculated that increasing number of HD patients would suffer from AP. However, the clinical aspects of AP in HD patients have not been elucidated. Consecutive HD patients with nosocomial AP hospitalized in our university hospital from April 2007 to December 2008 were recruited. Their clinical characteristics, risk factors for contraction, and the fatality of AP and treatment options were described. Nineteen out of 356 hospitalized HD patients had AP and 8 out of 19 AP patients died, indicating the incidence rate and fatality rate were 5.34% and 42.1%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for contracting AP included age, body mass index, serum creatinine levels (Cre) and the monthly decline rate of Cre. It also revealed that serum albumin (Alb) and basal total cholesterol levels, the decline rate of Alb and Cre levels, and the duration of AP were independent risk factors for fatality. Survivors were most often treated with tube feeding. Both contraction rate and fatality of nosocomial AP were high among HD patients. Both the malnutrition as well as the decline rate for nutrition and muscle volume indicated by falls in Alb and Cre, respectively, had clinical relevance in AP. Maintaining nutritional state by tube feeding and muscle volume seems to be the mainstay for the prevention and the treatment of AP in HD patients. © 2013 The Authors. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis © 2013 International Society for Apheresis.

AP@home: a novel European approach to bring the artificial pancreas home.

PubMed

Heinemann, Lutz; Benesch, Carsten; DeVries, J Hans

2011-11-01

The development of an artificial pancreas (AP) made huge strides from 2006 to 2008 and a large number of activities are going on in this area of research. Until now, most AP systems under development were tested only under highly controlled conditions. The aim of our project, funded by the European Union, is to develop an AP system to such a level that it can be studied under daily life conditions at the home of patients with diabetes (hence AP@home). Based on a subcutaneous-subcutaneous closed-loop strategy (i.e., glucose sensing and insulin infusion in the subcutaneous tissue), two different approaches will be taken to achieve this aim: a two-port AP system and a single-port AP system. The two-port AP system will use off-the-shelf-components for the glucose sensor and insulin pump in combination with closed-loop algorithms generated in Europe. As to the single-port AP system, two different innovative single-port systems will be developed; in this case, continuous glucose monitoring and insulin infusion will take place via a single catheter. The first clinical trials with the two-port AP system under controlled clinical conditions have started and good progress has been made in the development of the single-port AP systems. We believe that our consortium of 12 European partners, which builds on existing achievements and close cooperation between academic centers and industry, can contribute substantially to the development of an AP system that can be used by patients in daily life. © 2011 Diabetes Technology Society.

Antifouling Activity of Synthetic Alkylpyridinium Polymers Using the Barnacle Model

PubMed Central

Piazza, Veronica; Dragić, Ivanka; Sepčić, Kristina; Faimali, Marco; Garaventa, Francesca; Turk, Tom; Berne, Sabina

2014-01-01

Polymeric alkylpyridinium salts (poly-APS) isolated from the Mediterranean marine sponge, Haliclona (Rhizoniera) sarai, effectively inhibit barnacle larva settlement and natural marine biofilm formation through a non-toxic and reversible mechanism. Potential use of poly-APS-like compounds as antifouling agents led to the chemical synthesis of monomeric and oligomeric 3-alkylpyridinium analogues. However, these are less efficient in settlement assays and have greater toxicity than the natural polymers. Recently, a new chemical synthesis method enabled the production of poly-APS analogues with antibacterial, antifungal and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. The present study examines the antifouling properties and toxicity of six of these synthetic poly-APS using the barnacle (Amphibalanus amphitrite) as a model (cyprids and II stage nauplii larvae) in settlement, acute and sub-acute toxicity assays. Two compounds, APS8 and APS12-3, show antifouling effects very similar to natural poly-APS, with an anti-settlement effective concentration that inhibits 50% of the cyprid population settlement (EC50) after 24 h of 0.32 mg/L and 0.89 mg/L, respectively. The toxicity of APS8 is negligible, while APS12-3 is three-fold more toxic (24-h LC50: nauplii, 11.60 mg/L; cyprids, 61.13 mg/L) than natural poly-APS. This toxicity of APS12-3 towards nauplii is, however, 60-fold and 1200-fold lower than that of the common co-biocides, Zn- and Cu-pyrithione, respectively. Additionally, exposure to APS12-3 for 24 and 48 h inhibits the naupliar swimming ability with respective IC50 of 4.83 and 1.86 mg/L. PMID:24699112

Effects of atmospheric pressure dynamics on abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture onset.

PubMed

Opacic, Dragan; Ilic, Nikola; Sladojevic, Milos; Schönleitner, Patrick; Markovic, Dragan; Kostic, Dusan; Davidovic, Lazar

2018-02-01

The effect of atmospheric pressure (AP) on the onset of abdominal aorta aneurysm rupture (RAAA) remains an unanswered question. We have investigated the seasonal variation and the effect of AP dynamics on RAAA by analysing the largest series of intraoperatively confirmed RAAA. To realize this study we have performed a retrospective analysis of 546 patients with RAAA, operated within 503 days at the Clinic for vascular and endovascular surgery CCS between 1.1.2003 and 31.12.2012. AP data for Belgrade city were obtained from meteorological yearbooks published by the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia measured at the hydrometeorological station "Belgrade Observatory". Only patients with a residence within the extended Belgrade region, exposed to the similar AP values, were included in the analysis of the AP effect on RAAA. RAAA were observed more frequently during winter and autumn months but without significant difference in comparison to other seasons. Months with higher AP values were associated with a higher RAAA rate (p = 0.0008, R2 = 0.665). A similar trend was observed for the monthly AP variability (p = 0.0311, R2 = 0.374). Average AP values did not differ between days with and without RAAA. However, during the three and seven days periods preceding RAAA AP variability parameters were greater and AP was rising. Although these pressure differences are very small, higher AP values over longer periods of time as well as greater variability are associated with RAAA. The exact mechanism behind this association remains unclear. The postulation that low AP may precipitate RAAA based on the Laplace law should be discarded.

Measuring subjective complaints of attention and performance failures - development and psychometric validation in tinnitus of the self-assessment scale APSA

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background There is a need for a validated self-assessment questionnaire for cognitive impairment in subjects reporting subjective tinnitus. The objective was to develop a patient-reported outcome measure. Methods This was a prospective, non-interventional, multicultural study. The 30-item “Attention and Performance Self-Assessment Scale” (APSA) was linguistically validated in Germany, Mexico and USA and was analyzed for content and structure. The analysis included descriptive statistics of baseline data, item characteristics, test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficients, ICC), definition of internal consistency (Cronbach’ s alpha), and explorative and confirmatory factor analysis to define the structure of the scale. Correlations with various tinnitus scales and subscales from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were done to estimate convergent validity. Results The data for 211 subjects aged 30 through 60 years, (mean= 48.5 years, SD= 8.3) with mild to moderate tinnitus (mean Tinnitus Handicap Inventory-12 (THI-12) total score 11.2, SD= 5.3) were analyzed. The majority of subjects had sub-clinical scores for anxiety and depression (HADS below 11 points). Sequential principal factor analyses of the APSA resulted in a subscale which included 20 (APS20) of the original 30 items and two correlated subscales (AP-F1, AP-F2) defined by 9 items each. Both factor solutions were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Test retest reliability of the APS20, AP-F1 and AP-F2 (ICC ≥ 0.87) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.89) are high. APS20 correlated moderately high with HADS (depression: 0.54; anxiety: 0.62) and THI-12 total (0.52). In a few cases, AP-F2 correlated higher than AP-F1 with other scales (e.g. HADS-depression with AP-F1: only 0.46, but AP-F2: 0.59). Conclusions APS20, AP-F1, and AP-F2 have good psychometrical properties. The scales will add value to the assessment of cognitive aspects of quality of life and mental health in the population with subjective tinnitus. The subscales AP-F1 and AP-F2 may be helpful for detecting specific cognitive failures and may be sensitive to different interventional effects. PMID:23714398

Economic considerations and health in all policies initiatives: evidence from interviews with key informants in Sweden, Quebec and South Australia.

PubMed

Pinto, Andrew D; Molnar, Agnes; Shankardass, Ketan; O'Campo, Patricia J; Bayoumi, Ahmed M

2015-02-18

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is a form of intersectoral action that aims to include the promotion of health in government initiatives across sectors. To date, there has been little study of economic considerations within the implementation of HiAP. As part of an ongoing program of research on the implementation of HiAP around the world, we examined how economic considerations influence the implementation of HiAP. By economic considerations we mean the cost and financial gain (or loss) of implementing a HiAP process or structure within government, or the cost and financial gain (or loss) of the policies that emerge from such a HiAP process or structure. We examined three jurisdictions: Sweden, Quebec and South Australia. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 12 to 14 key informants in each jurisdiction. Two investigators separately coded transcripts to identify relevant statements. Initial readings of transcripts led to the development of a coding framework for statements related to economic considerations. First, economic evaluations of HiAP are viewed as important for prompting HiAP and many forms of economic evaluation were considered. However, economic evaluations were often absent, informal, or incomplete. Second, funding for HiAP initiatives is important, but is less important than a high-level commitment to intersectoral collaboration. Furthermore, having multiple sources of funding of HiAP can be beneficial, if it increases participation across government, but can also be disadvantageous, if it exposes underlying tensions. Third, HiAP can also highlight the challenge of achieving both economic and social objectives. Our results are useful for elaborating propositions for use in realist multiple explanatory case studies. First, we propose that economic considerations are currently used primarily as a method by health sectors to promote and legitimize HiAP to non-health sectors with the goal of securing resources for HiAP. Second, allocating resources and making funding decisions regarding HiAP are inherently political acts that reflect tensions within government sectors. This study contributes important insights into how intersectoral action works, how economic evaluations of HiAP might be structured, and how economic considerations can be used to both promote HiAP and to present barriers to implementation.

The stochastic nature of action potential backpropagation in apical tuft dendrites.

PubMed

Short, Shaina M; Oikonomou, Katerina D; Zhou, Wen-Liang; Acker, Corey D; Popovic, Marko A; Zecevic, Dejan; Antic, Srdjan D

2017-08-01

In cortical pyramidal neurons, backpropagating action potentials (bAPs) supply Ca 2+ to synaptic contacts on dendrites. To determine whether the efficacy of AP backpropagation into apical tuft dendrites is stable over time, we performed dendritic Ca 2+ and voltage imaging in rat brain slices. We found that the amplitude of bAP-Ca 2+ in apical tuft branches was unstable, given that it varied from trial to trial (termed "bAP-Ca 2+ flickering"). Small perturbations in dendritic physiology, such as spontaneous synaptic inputs, channel inactivation, or temperature-induced changes in channel kinetics, can cause bAP flickering. In the tuft branches, the density of Na + and K + channels was sufficient to support local initiation of fast spikelets by glutamate iontophoresis. We quantified the time delay between the somatic AP burst and the peak of dendritic Ca 2+ transient in the apical tuft, because this delay is important for induction of spike-timing dependent plasticity. Depending on the frequency of the somatic AP triplets, Ca 2+ signals peaked in the apical tuft 20-50 ms after the 1st AP in the soma. Interestingly, at low frequency (<20 Hz), the Ca 2+ peaked sooner than at high frequency, because only the 1st AP invaded tuft. Activation of dendritic voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels is sensitive to the duration of the dendritic voltage transient. In apical tuft branches, small changes in the duration of bAP voltage waveforms cause disproportionately large increases in dendritic Ca 2+ influx (bAP-Ca 2+ flickering). The stochastic nature of bAP-Ca 2+ adds a new perspective on the mechanisms by which pyramidal neurons combine inputs arriving at different cortical layers. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The bAP-Ca 2+ signal amplitudes in some apical tuft branches randomly vary from moment to moment. In repetitive measurements, successful AP invasions are followed by complete failures. Passive spread of voltage from the apical trunk into the tuft occasionally reaches the threshold for local Na + spike, resulting in stronger Ca 2+ influx. During a burst of three somatic APs, the peak of dendritic Ca 2+ in the apical tuft occurs with a delay of 20-50 ms depending on AP frequency. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Enzymatic characterization of a class II lysyl-tRNA synthetase, LysS, from Myxococcus xanthus.

PubMed

Oka, Manami; Takegawa, Kaoru; Kimura, Yoshio

2015-08-01

Lysyl-tRNA synthetases efficiently produce diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) from lysyl-AMP with ATP in the absence of tRNA. We characterized recombinant class II lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysS) from Myxococcus xanthus and found that it is monomeric and requires Mn(2+) for the synthesis of Ap4A. Surprisingly, Zn(2+) inhibited enzyme activity in the presence of Mn(2+). When incubated with ATP, Mn(2+), lysine, and inorganic pyrophosphatase, LysS first produced Ap4A and ADP, then converted Ap4A to diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A), and finally converted Ap3A to ADP, the end product of the reaction. Recombinant LysS retained Ap4A synthase activity without lysine addition. Additionally, when incubated with Ap4A (minus pyrophosphatase), LysS converted Ap4A mainly ATP and AMP, or ADP in the presence or absence of lysine, respectively. These results demonstrate that M. xanthus LysS has different enzymatic properties from class II lysyl-tRNA synthetases previously reported. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) level in germ cells and embryos of sea urchin and Xenopus and its effect on DNA synthesis.

PubMed

Weinmann-Dorsch, C; Grummt, F

1985-09-01

Ap4A levels in sperms, eggs and different developmental stages of sea urchin (Psammechinus miliaris) and (Xenopus laevis) were determined by a method based on ATP measurement with luciferin/luciferase after splitting diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) into ATP and AMP. Appreciable storage pools of Ap4A were found in unfertilized eggs of Psammechinus and Xenopus as well as in sea urchin sperms. The actual Ap4A concentration of 28 microM in sperm represents the highest Ap4A level so far observed in eukaryotic cells. Upon fertilization an instant onset of de novo synthesis of Ap4A was demonstrated. Ap4A levels during early embryogenesis of P. miliaris and X. laevis (2.5-4 microM) are higher than those in exponentially growing mammalian culture cells and mammalian fetuses. Microinjection of Ap4A into unfertilized eggs of Psammechinus miliaris caused a 3-7 fold increase of DNA synthesis in comparison with mock-injected eggs.

Sequential ASE extraction of alkylphenols from sediments: Occurrence and environmental implications.

PubMed

Gong, Jian; Xu, Lei; Yang, Yu; Chen, Di-Yun; Ran, Yong

2011-08-30

The occurrence of alkylphenols (APs) including nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) in the riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China was investigated and compared by Soxhlet extraction (S-APs) with dichloromethane and by sequential accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) (A-APs) with 1:6 toluene/methanol, respectively. Concentrations of OP and NP range from <1 to 463ng/g dw and 31-21,885ng/g dw, respectively, demonstrating that the contamination level of APs in the PRD is one of the highest in the world. Moreover, the A-APs contents are highly significantly related to and on average 1.5 times the S-APs contents. For sequential two ASE extractions, APs in the first extract accounts for 82.2-99.2% of their total contents in the sequential two extractions. The correlation analysis shows that S-APs and A-APs are both significantly associated with the contents of total organic carbon (TOC), suggesting that the variable extraction efficiency of these two methods is related to the presence of condensed organic matter in the sediments. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AfAP2-1, An Age-Dependent Gene of Aechmea fasciata, Responds to Exogenous Ethylene Treatment

PubMed Central

Lei, Ming; Li, Zhi-Ying; Wang, Jia-Bin; Fu, Yun-Liu; Ao, Meng-Fei; Xu, Li

2016-01-01

The Bromeliaceae family is one of the most morphologically diverse families with a pantropical distribution. To schedule an appropriate flowering time for bromeliads, ethylene is commonly used to initiate flower development in adult plants. However, the mechanism by which ethylene induces flowering in adult bromeliads remains unknown. Here, we identified an APETALA2 (AP2)-like gene, AfAP2-1, in Aechmea fasciata. AfAP2-1 contains two AP2 domains and is a nuclear-localized protein. It functions as a transcriptional activator, and the activation domain is located in the C-terminal region. The expression level of AfAP2-1 is higher in juvenile plants than in adult plants, and the AfAP2-1 transcript level was rapidly and transiently reduced in plants treated with exogenous ethylene. Overexpression of AfAP2-1 in Arabidopsis thaliana results in an extremely delayed flowering phenotype. These results suggested that AfAP2-1 responds to ethylene and is a putative age-dependent flowering regulator in A. fasciata. PMID:26927090

Auditory processing in absolute pitch possessors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKetton, Larissa; Schneider, Keith A.

2018-05-01

Absolute pitch (AP) is a rare ability in classifying a musical pitch without a reference standard. It has been of great interest to researchers studying auditory processing and music cognition since it is seldom expressed and sheds light on influences pertaining to neurodevelopmental biological predispositions and the onset of musical training. We investigated the smallest frequency that could be detected or just noticeable difference (JND) between two pitches. Here, we report significant differences in JND thresholds in AP musicians and non-AP musicians compared to non-musician control groups at both 1000 Hz and 987.76 Hz testing frequencies. Although the AP-musicians did better than non-AP musicians, the difference was not significant. In addition, we looked at neuro-anatomical correlates of musicianship and AP using structural MRI. We report increased cortical thickness of the left Heschl's Gyrus (HG) and decreased cortical thickness of the inferior frontal opercular gyrus (IFO) and circular insular sulcus volume (CIS) in AP compared to non-AP musicians and controls. These structures may therefore be optimally enhanced and reduced to form the most efficient network for AP to emerge.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Brown dwarf surface gravities with Keck/NIRSPEC (Martin , 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, E. C.; Mace, G. N.; McLean, I. S.; Logsdon, S. E.; Rice, E. L.; Kirkpatrick, J. D.; Burgasser, A. J.; McGovern, M. R.; Prato, L.

2017-10-01

In this paper, we follow up on prior NIR spectroscopy by our group and use a modified Allers & Liu (A13, 2013ApJ...772...79A) method to determine surface gravities for 228 M, L, and T dwarfs. We present medium-resolution (R~20000) J-band spectra of 85 M dwarfs, 92 L dwarfs, and 51 T dwarfs obtained as part of the Keck NIRSPEC Brown Dwarf Spectroscopic Survey (BDSS). Ninety-seven spectra were published previously in McLean+ (2003ApJ...596..561M), Burgasser+ (2003ApJ...592.1186B), McGovern+ (2004ApJ...600.1020M), Rice+ (2010ApJS..186...63R), Kirkpatrick+ (2010, J/ApJS/190/100), Luhman (2012ARA&A..50...65L), Thompson+ (2013PASP..125..809T), Mace+ (2013, J/ApJS/205/6), Mace+ (2013ApJ...777...36M), and Kirkpatrick+ (2014, J/ApJ/783/122), and the remaining 131 are presented here for the first time. Observation information (spanning 1999 Apr to 2015 Mar) for all of the targets in our sample is listed in Table 1. (4 data files).

An Analysis of the Relationship between School-Level AP® Professional Development Activity and Subsequent Student AP Performance. Research Report No. 2012-8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laitusis, Vytas

2012-01-01

The overarching purpose behind this evaluation was to gauge the impact of AP professional development (PD) on AP student outcomes in a state with a significant rate of PD implementation. The evaluation attempted to predict the level of student AP performance by the number of AP professional development events attended by teachers in that school in…

Zinc Regulation of Aminopeptidase B Involved in Neuropeptide Production

PubMed Central

Hwang, Shin-Rong; Hook, Vivian

2009-01-01

Aminopeptidase B (AP-B) is a metallopeptidase that removes basic residues from the N-termini of neuropeptide substrates in secretory vesicles. This study assessed zinc regulation of AP-B activity, since secretory vesicles contain endogenous zinc. AP-B was inhibited by zinc at concentrations typically present in secretory vesicles. Zinc effects were dependent on concentration, incubation time, and the molar ratio of zinc to enzyme. AP-B activity was recovered upon removal of zinc. AP-B with zinc became susceptible to degradation by trypsin, suggesting that zinc alters enzyme conformation. Zinc regulation demonstrates the metallopeptidase property of AP-B. PMID:18571504

The absorption and transport of magnolol in Caco-2 cell model.

PubMed

Wu, An-Guo; Zeng, Bao; Huang, Meng-Qiu; Li, Sheng-Mei; Chen, Jian-Nan; Lai, Xiao-Ping

2013-03-01

To investigate the absorption and transport mechanism of magnolol in Caco-2 cell model. A human intestinal epithelial cell model Caco-2 cell in vitro cultured was applied to study the absorption and transport of magnolol, the effects of time, donor concentration, P-gp inhibitor verapamil, pH and temperature on the absorption and transport of magnolol were investigated. The determination of magnolol was performed by high performance liquid chromatography, then the values of apparent permeability coefficient (P app ) and P ratio Basolateral-to-Apical (BL-to-AP)/Apical-to-Basolateral (AP-to-BL) were calculated. In Caco-2 cell model, comparing the amounts of transport of AP-to-BL and BL-to-AP, the latter was larger. At the same donor concentration, either the amounts of transport of AP-to-BL or BL-to-AP increased with increase in donor concentration and incubation time. Verapamil could significantly improve the amounts of transport of AP-to-BL. The transport of AP-to-BL and BL-to-AP depended on temperature, and there was no significant effect of pH on the transport of AP-to-BL. Magnolol could be transported through the intestinal mucosa via a passive diffusion mechanism primarily, coexisting with a carrier-mediated transport, at the same time, the efflux mechanism could be involved.

bZIP transcription factor CgAP1 is essential for oxidative stress tolerance and full virulence of the poplar anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

PubMed

Sun, Yingjiao; Wang, Yonglin; Tian, Chengming

2016-10-01

Yeast AP1 transcription factor is a regulator of oxidative stress response. Here, we report the identification and characterization of CgAP1, an ortholog of YAP1 in poplar anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The expression of CgAP1 was highly induced by reactive oxygen species. CgAP1 deletion mutants displayed enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress compared with the wild-type strain, and their poplar leaf virulence was obviously reduced. However, the mutants exhibited no obvious defects in aerial hyphal growth, conidia production, and appressoria formation. CgAP1::eGFP fusion protein localized to the nucleus after TBH (tert-Butyl hydroperoxide) treatment, suggesting that CgAP1 functions as a redox sensor in C. gloeosporioides. In addition, CgAP1 prevented the accumulation of ROS during early stages of biotrophic growth. CgAP1 also acted as a positive regulator of several ROS-related genes (i.e., Glr1, Hyr1, and Cyt1) involved in the antioxidative response. These results highlight the key regulatory role of CgAP1 transcription factor in oxidative stress response and provide insights into the function of ROS detoxification in virulence of C. gloeosporioides. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Late-type targets in Taurus, Cha I, and Upper Sco (Todorov+, 2014)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorov, K. O.; Luhman, K. L.; Konopacky, Q. M.; McLeod, K. K.; Apai, D.; Ghez, A. M.; Pascucci, I.; Robberto, M.

2017-07-01

To characterize the multiplicity of low-mass stars and brown dwarfs in Taurus and Chamaeleon I, we combine the results from our survey with those from previous high-resolution images in these regions. The latter were collected with WFPC2 (Kraus et al. 2006ApJ...649..306K), Keck speckle imaging (Konopacky et al. 2007ApJ...663..394K), and Keck AO imaging (Kraus & Hillenbrand 2012, J/ApJ/757/141) in Taurus and with WFPC2 (Neuhauser et al. 2002A&A...384..999N), the Advanced Camera for Surveys on Hubble (Luhman 2007, J/ApJS/173/104), and AO at the Very Large Telescope (Ahmic et al. 2007ApJ...671.2074A; Lafreniere et al. 2008ApJ...683..844L) in Chamaeleon I. For comparison to these two regions, we also have compiled binary data measured for late-type members of the Upper Sco association ({tau}~11 Myr; Pecaut et al. 2012, J/ApJ/746/154) with WFPC2 and Keck AO (Kraus et al. 2005ApJ...633..452K; Biller et al. 2011ApJ...730...39B; Kraus & Hillenbrand 2012, J/ApJ/757/141). (1 data file).

Cannabis-Induced Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Barkin, Jodie A; Nemeth, Zsuzsanna; Saluja, Ashok K; Barkin, Jamie S

2017-09-01

Cannabis is the most frequently consumed illicit drug in the world, with higher prevalence under the age of 35 years. Cannabis was first reported as a possible cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) in 2004. The aim of this systematic review is to examine cannabis use as an etiology of AP. A search using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane was performed without language or year limitations to May 1, 2016. Search terms were "Cannabis" and "Acute Pancreatitis" with all permutations. The search yielded 239 results. Acute pancreatitis was defined by meeting 2 of 3 Revised Atlanta Classification criteria. Cannabis-induced AP was defined by preceding use of cannabis and exclusion of common causes of AP when reported. Sixteen papers met inclusion criteria dating from 2004 to 2016. There were 26 cases of cannabis-induced AP (23/26 men; 24/26 under the age of 35 y). Acute pancreatitis correlated with increased cannabis use in 18 patients. Recurrent AP related temporally to cannabis use was reported in 15 of 26. There are 13 reports of no further AP episodes after cannabis cessation. Cannabis is a possible risk factor for AP and recurrent AP, occurring primarily in young patients under the age of 35 years. Toxicology screens should be considered in all patients with idiopathic AP.

The relevance of "non-criteria" clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome: 14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Technical Task Force Report on Antiphospholipid Syndrome Clinical Features.

PubMed

Abreu, Mirhelen M; Danowski, Adriana; Wahl, Denis G; Amigo, Mary-Carmen; Tektonidou, Maria; Pacheco, Marcelo S; Fleming, Norma; Domingues, Vinicius; Sciascia, Savino; Lyra, Julia O; Petri, Michelle; Khamashta, Munther; Levy, Roger A

2015-05-01

The purpose of this task force was to critically analyze nine non-criteria manifestations of APS to support their inclusion as APS classification criteria. The Task Force Members selected the non-criteria clinical manifestations according to their clinical relevance, that is, the patient-important outcome from clinician perspective. They included superficial vein thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, renal microangiopathy, heart valve disease, livedo reticularis, migraine, chorea, seizures and myelitis, which were reviewed by this International Task Force collaboration, in addition to the seronegative APS (SN-APS). GRADE system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence of medical literature of each selected item. This critical appraisal exercise aimed to support the debate regarding the clinical picture of APS. We found that the overall GRADE analysis was very low for migraine and seizures, low for superficial venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, chorea, longitudinal myelitis and the so-called seronegative APS and moderate for APS nephropathy, heart valve lesions and livedo reticularis. The next step can be a critical redefinition of an APS gold standard, for instance derived from the APS ACTION registry that will include not only current APS patients but also those with antiphospholipid antibodies not meeting current classification criteria. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structure of a microsporidian methionine aminopeptidase type 2 complexed with fumagillin and TNP-470

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

Alvarado, J.; Nemkal, A; Sauder, J

2009-01-01

Microsporidia are protists that have been reported to cause infections in both vertebrates and invertebrates. They have emerged as human pathogens particularly in patients that are immunosuppressed and cases of gastrointestinal infection, encephalitis, keratitis, sinusitis, myositis and disseminated infection are well described in the literature. While benzimidazoles are active against many species of microsporidia, these drugs do not have significant activity against Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Fumagillin and its analogues have been demonstrated to have activity in vitro and in animal models of microsporidiosis and human infections due to E. bieneusi. Fumagillin and its analogues inhibit methionine aminopeptidase type 2. Encephalitozoon cuniculimore » MetAP2 (EcMetAP2) was cloned and expressed as an active enzyme using a baculovirus system. The crystal structure of EcMetAP2 was determined with and without the bound inhibitors fumagillin and TNP-470. This structure classifies EcMetAP2 as a member of the MetAP2c family. The EcMetAP2 structure was used to generate a homology model of the E. bieneusi MetAP2. Comparison of microsporidian MetAP2 structures with human MetAP2 provides insights into the design of inhibitors that might exhibit specificity for microsporidian MetAP2.« less

Improved solubility and oral bioavailability of apigenin via Soluplus/Pluronic F127 binary mixed micelles system.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenhai; Cui, Changchang; Wei, Fang; Lv, Huixia

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to develop a novel mix micelles system composing of two biocompatible copolymers of Soluplus ® and Pluronic F127 to improve the solubility, oral bioavailability of insoluble drug apigenin (AP) as model drug. The AP-loaded mixed micelles (AP-M) were prepared by ethanol thin-film hydration method. The formed optimal formulation of AP-M were provided with small size (178.5 nm) and spherical shape at ratio of 4:1 (Soluplus ® :Pluronic F127), as well as increasing solubility of to 5.61 mg/mL in water which was about 3442-fold compared to that of free AP. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading of AP-M were 95.72 and 5.32%, respectively, and a sustained release of AP-M was obtained as in vitro release study indicated. Transcellular transport study showed that the cell uptake of AP was increased in Caco-2 cell transport models. The oral bioavailability of AP-M was 4.03-fold of free AP in SD rats, indicating the mixed micelles of Soluplus ® and Pluronic F127 is an industrially feasible drug delivery system to promote insoluble drug oral absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

CFTR and/or pancreatitis susceptibility genes mutations as risk factors of pancreatitis in cystic fibrosis patients?

PubMed

Gaitch, Natacha; Hubert, Dominique; Gameiro, Christine; Burgel, Pierre-Régis; Houriez, Florence; Martinez, Brigitte; Honoré, Isabelle; Chapron, Jeanne; Kanaan, Reem; Dusser, Daniel; Girodon, Emmanuelle; Bienvenu, Thierry

2016-01-01

Currently, factors that promote the occurrence of pancreatitis episodes in patients affected with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic sufficiency (PS) are largely unknown. Six genes involved in pancreatitis or in ion transport into the pancreatic duct were investigated by next generation sequencing in 59 adult CF-PS patients with two identified CF mutations. Data on predisposing environmental factors were also recorded. 19 experienced at least one episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) (AP+) and 40 patients did not (AP-). No influence of environmental factor was evidenced. No specific CFTR genotype was found predictive of pancreatitis. Patients sharing the same CFTR genotype may or may not experience AP episodes. Frequent and rare missense variants were found in 78.9% patients in group AP+ and 67.5% in group AP- but a few of them were pathogenic. AP or recurrent AP (RAP) is a frequent complication in our series of adult CF-PS patients. The majority of mild CFTR mutations found in group AP+ were located in the first transmembrane region. No clear other genetic factor could be found predictive of AP/RAP. Further experiments in large homogenous cohorts of CF-PS patients, including whole genome sequencing, may identify genetic predisposing factors to pancreatitis. Copyright © 2016 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurements of the Received Signal Level and Service Coverage Area at the IEEE 802.11 Access Point in the Building

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunantara, N.; Sudiarta, P. K.; Prasetya, AAN A. I.; Dharma, A.; Gde Antara, I. N.

2018-04-01

Access point (AP) is part of a Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN) with its communications using WiFi. AP is used to transmit and receive data to users/clients. The ability of AP to serve users/clients depends on many factors. Moreover, if AP is applied in conditions inside the building. In this study, AP is installed at two points inside the building and then measured in the form of the received signal level (RSL) and service coverage area. One AP measured its performance by 26 measurement points and the other AP measured its performance by 20 measurement points. When AP has measured its performance then another AP position is switched off. Based on the measurement result, the received signal level value is the highest value is about -47 dBm at a distance of 3.2 m, while the lowest is about -79 dBm at a 9.21 m because it is on barrier 2 walls. While based on service coverage area, the area which is far away from the AP then the quality of service becomes bad because the transmitted signal is weakening caused by the distance and the loss of the wall.

AP1S3 Mutations Are Associated with Pustular Psoriasis and Impaired Toll-like Receptor 3 Trafficking

PubMed Central

Setta-Kaffetzi, Niovi; Simpson, Michael A.; Navarini, Alexander A.; Patel, Varsha M.; Lu, Hui-Chun; Allen, Michael H.; Duckworth, Michael; Bachelez, Hervé; Burden, A. David; Choon, Siew-Eng; Griffiths, Christopher E.M.; Kirby, Brian; Kolios, Antonios; Seyger, Marieke M.B.; Prins, Christa; Smahi, Asma; Trembath, Richard C.; Fraternali, Franca; Smith, Catherine H.; Barker, Jonathan N.; Capon, Francesca

2014-01-01

Adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) is an evolutionary conserved heterotetramer that promotes vesicular trafficking between the trans-Golgi network and the endosomes. The knockout of most murine AP-1 complex subunits is embryonically lethal, so the identification of human disease-associated alleles has the unique potential to deliver insights into gene function. Here, we report two founder mutations (c.11T>G [p.Phe4Cys] and c.97C>T [p.Arg33Trp]) in AP1S3, the gene encoding AP-1 complex subunit σ1C, in 15 unrelated individuals with a severe autoinflammatory skin disorder known as pustular psoriasis. Because the variants are predicted to destabilize the 3D structure of the AP-1 complex, we generated AP1S3-knockdown cell lines to investigate the consequences of AP-1 deficiency in skin keratinocytes. We found that AP1S3 silencing disrupted the endosomal translocation of the innate pattern-recognition receptor TLR-3 (Toll-like receptor 3) and resulted in a marked inhibition of downstream signaling. These findings identify pustular psoriasis as an autoinflammatory phenotype caused by defects in vesicular trafficking and demonstrate a requirement of AP-1 for Toll-like receptor homeostasis. PMID:24791904

Serum Uromodulin Levels in Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury in the Early Phase of Acute Pancreatitis.

PubMed

Kuśnierz-Cabala, Beata; Gala-Błądzińska, Agnieszka; Mazur-Laskowska, Małgorzata; Dumnicka, Paulina; Sporek, Mateusz; Matuszyk, Aleksandra; Gil, Krzysztof; Ceranowicz, Piotr; Walocha, Jerzy; Kucharz, Jakub; Pędziwiatr, Michał; Bartuś, Krzysztof; Trąbka, Rafał; Kuźniewski, Marek

2017-06-14

In health, uromodulin is the main protein of urine. Serum uromodulin concentrations (sUMOD) have been shown to correlate with kidney function. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is among the main complications of severe acute pancreatitis (AP). No reports exist on sUMOD in patients with AP, including the diagnostic usefulness for early prediction of AP severity. We measured sUMOD during first 72 h of AP. Sixty-six adult patients with AP were recruited at the surgical ward of the District Hospital in Sucha Beskidzka, Poland. AP was diagnosed according to the Revised Atlanta Classification. Blood samples were collected at 24, 48 and 72 h of AP, and sUMOD concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent test. sUMOD decreased non-significantly during the study. Patients with severe AP had non-significantly lower sUMOD concentrations than those with mild disease. Significant positive correlation was observed between sUMOD and estimated glomerular filtration rate on each day of the study and negative correlations were shown between sUMOD and age, serum creatinine, cystatin C and urea. Patients with AKI tended to have lower sUMOD. Although sUMOD correlated significantly with kidney function in the early phase of AP, measuring sUMOD did not allow to reliably predict AP severity or development of AKI.

Alkaline Phosphatase-Positive Immortal Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts Are Cells in a Transitional Reprogramming State Induced to Face Environmental Stresses.

PubMed

Evangelista, Monica; Baroudi, Mariama El; Rizzo, Milena; Tuccoli, Andrea; Poliseno, Laura; Pellegrini, Marco; Rainaldi, Giuseppe

2015-01-01

In this study, we report that immortal mouse embryonic fibroblasts (I-MEFs) have a baseline level of cells positive for alkaline phosphatase (AP(+)) staining. Environmental stresses, including long-lasting growth in the absence of expansion and treatment with drugs, enhance the frequency of AP(+) I-MEFs. By adapting fast red AP staining to the sorting procedure, we separated AP(+) and AP(-) I-MEFs and demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes are consistent with a reprogrammed phenotype. In particular, we found that sestrin 1 is upregulated in AP(+) I-MEFs. We focused on this gene and demonstrated that increased sestrin 1 expression is accompanied by the growth of I-MEFs in the absence of expansion and occurs before the formation of AP(+) I-MEFs. Together with sestrin 1 upregulation, we found that AP(+) I-MEFs accumulated in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, suggesting that the two events are causally related. Accordingly, we found that silencing sestrin 1 expression reduced the frequency and G1 accumulation of AP(+) I-MEFs. Taken together, our data suggested that I-MEFs stressed by environmental changes acquire the AP(+) phenotype and achieve a quiescent state characterized by a new transcriptional network.

The prognostic value of the strong ion gap in acute pancreatitis.

PubMed

Shen, Xiao; Ke, Lu; Yang, Dongliang; Sun, Jing; Tong, Zhihui; Li, Baiqiang; Li, Gang; Li, Weiqin; Li, Jieshou; Bellomo, Rinaldo

2016-12-01

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of Stewart-derived parameters for the development of severe type of acute pancreatitis (AP) and for AP-related mortality. We studied 186 patients admitted to the hospital with AP. We performed blood gas and biochemical analysis for each patient on admission. We calculated multiple metrics according to the Stewart's acid-base theory and assessed their accuracy as predictors of AP severity and mortality. Of the 186 patients presenting with AP, 85 (45.7%) developed severe AP and 33 (17.7%) died during hospitalization. Patients with severe AP had significantly higher median strong ion gap (SIG) than did patients with mild or moderate AP (7.88 vs 2.11 mEq/L, P< .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, SIG had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.56 (P< .001). In addition, SIG had good predictive power for mortality (OR, 1.26; P= .014) as well as acute kidney injury (OR, 1.34; P< .001). In a cohort of patients with AP, SIG was a strong independent predictor of severity and mortality. Besides, SIG might also be an early marker for acute kidney injury in AP patients. Additional research is needed to identify the nature of the unmeasured anions responsible for such findings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparative analysis of multiple inducible phages from Mannheimia haemolytica.

PubMed

Niu, Yan D; Cook, Shaun R; Wang, Jiaying; Klima, Cassidy L; Hsu, Yu-hung; Kropinski, Andrew M; Turner, Dann; McAllister, Tim A

2015-08-30

Mannheimia haemolytica is a commensal bacterium that resides in the upper respiratory tract of cattle that can play a role in bovine respiratory disease. Prophages are common in the M. haemolytica genome and contribute significantly to host diversity. The objective of this research was to undertake comparative genomic analysis of phages induced from strains of M. haemolytica serotype A1 (535A and 2256A), A2 (587A and 1127A) and A6 (1152A and 3927A). Overall, four P2-like (535AP1, 587AP1, 1127AP1 and 2256AP1; genomes: 34.9-35.7 kb; G+C content: 41.5-42.1 %; genes: 51-53 coding sequences, CDSs), four λ-like (535AP2, 587AP2, 1152AP2 and 3927AP1; genomes: 48.6-52.1 kb; 41.1-41.4 % mol G+C; genes: 77-83 CDSs and 2 tRNAs) and one Mu-like (3927AP2; genome: 33.8 kb; 43.1 % mol G+C; encoding 50 CDSs) phages were identified. All P2-like phages are collinear with the temperate phage φMhaA1-PHL101 with 535AP1, 2256AP1 and 1152AP1 being most closely related, followed by 587AP1 and 1127AP1. Lambdoid phages are not collinear with any other known λ-type phages, with 587AP2 being distinct from 535AP2, 3927AP1 and 1152AP2. All λ-like phages contain genes encoding a toxin-antitoxin (TA) system and cell-associated haemolysin XhlA. The Mu-like phage induced from 3927A is closely related to the phage remnant φMhaMu2 from M. haemolytica PHL21, with similar Mu-like phages existing in the genomes of M. haemolytica 535A and 587A. This is among the first reports of both λ- and Mu-type phages being induced from M. haemolytica. Compared to phages induced from commensal strains of M. haemolytica serotype A2, those induced from the more virulent A1 and A6 serotypes are more closely related. Moreover, when P2-, λ- and Mu-like phages co-existed in the M. haemolytica genome, only P2- and λ-like phages were detected upon induction, suggesting that Mu-type phages may be more resistant to induction. Toxin-antitoxin gene cassettes in λ-like phages may contribute to their genomic persistence or the establishment of persister subpopulations of M. haemolytica. Further work is required to determine if the cell-associated haemolysin XhlA encoded by λ-like phages contributes to the pathogenicity and ecological fitness of M. haemolytica.

Severe hypertriglyceridemia and factors associated with acute pancreatitis in an integrated health care system.

PubMed

Rashid, Nazia; Sharma, Puza P; Scott, Ronald D; Lin, Kathy J; Toth, Peter P

2016-01-01

To evaluate patient characteristics, treatment patterns, comorbidities, and risk factors associated with the development of acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in an integrated health care delivery system. We identified a retrospective cohort of severe HTG patients with a fasting triglyceride level ≥ 1000 mg/dL during January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2013 (index date) in an integrated health care delivery system. Patients were aged ≥18 years on index date and had 12 months of continuous membership and drug eligibility before the index date and during postindex including index date. Baseline patient characteristics, comorbidities, and risk factors were evaluated during 12-month preindex. Outcomes such as development of AP, treatment patterns, adherence to index therapy, and change in triglyceride (TG) laboratory levels were evaluated during postindex. Descriptive statistics were used to identify differences between patients developing AP vs no development of AP. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression and backward elimination method were used to assess statistically significant predictive factors associated with development of AP vs no AP. We identified 5550 patients with severe HTG, and 5.4% of these patients developed AP during postindex. Patients were mostly male (≥70%) in both groups; however, younger in the AP group (45 years ± 10.6) vs no AP group (50 years ± 11.4) with P value < .0001. The AP group had higher baseline Charslon Comorbidity Index score, alcohol abuse history (42.2%), any pancreatitis history (51.5%), diabetes (47%), and hypertension (55%), vs the no AP group (P values < .05). Patients in the AP group had higher baseline mean TG levels (2148, SD ± 1578) vs the no AP group (1559, SD ± 861), P value < .0001. Over 50% of the patients were prescribed their index therapy by a primary care provider. Predictive factors associated with the development of AP included younger age, alcohol use, and prior history of any pancreatitis, hypertension, renal disease stage 4, and other prescriber specialty. From parameters estimates, for each 100 mg/dL unit of increase in the TG level above 1000 mg/dL, there was a 3 percent increase in risk of developing AP. Patients with severe HTG are at a higher risk of developing AP. A number of comorbidities, risk factors, and baseline TG levels are associated with an increased incidence of AP. Patients with severe HTG are underdiagnosed, undertreated and are nonadherent to their index lipid therapy. There is a need to better define optimal approaches to treating severe HTG so as to reduce the incidence of AP. Economic studies are also needed to evaluate the burden of AP on various health care systems. Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chromosome localization of human genes for clathrin adaptor polypeptides AP2{beta} and AP50 and the clathrin-binding protein, VCP

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

Druck, T.; Gu, Y.; Prabhala, G.

1995-11-01

Clathrin-coated vesicles, involved in endocytosis and Golgi processing, have a surface lattice containing clathrin triskelia and stoichiometric amounts of additional components termed {open_quotes}assembly proteins,{close_quotes} or APs. The AP form at the plasma membrane, AP2, is composed of two large subunits of 100-115 kDa, denoted AP2{alpha} and AP2{beta}, a medium chain of 50 kDa, designated AP50, and a small chain. We have determined human chromosomal locations of genes for a large AP2{beta} (CLAPB1) and a medium (CLAPM1) AP subunit and of a novel clathrin-binding protein, VCP, that binds clathrin simultaneously with A1`s. Chromosomal in situ hybridization of a human genomic clonemore » demonstrated that the CLAPM1 gene mapped to chromosome region 3q28. The gene for the CLAPB1 large subunit was mapped to 17q11.2-q12 by PCR amplification of an AP2{beta} fragment from a panel of rodent-human hybrid DNAs. To map the human VCP sequence, a human-specific probe was made by RT-PCR of human mRNA using oligonucleotide primers from conserved regions of the porcine sequence. The amplified human fragment served as probe on Southern blots of hybrid DNAs to determine that the human VCP locus maps to chromosome region 9pter-q34. 13 refs., 2 figs.« less

Secure Indoor Localization Based on Extracting Trusted Fingerprint

PubMed Central

Yin, Xixi; Zheng, Yanliu; Wang, Chun

2018-01-01

Indoor localization based on WiFi has attracted a lot of research effort because of the widespread application of WiFi. Fingerprinting techniques have received much attention due to their simplicity and compatibility with existing hardware. However, existing fingerprinting localization algorithms may not resist abnormal received signal strength indication (RSSI), such as unexpected environmental changes, impaired access points (APs) or the introduction of new APs. Traditional fingerprinting algorithms do not consider the problem of new APs and impaired APs in the environment when using RSSI. In this paper, we propose a secure fingerprinting localization (SFL) method that is robust to variable environments, impaired APs and the introduction of new APs. In the offline phase, a voting mechanism and a fingerprint database update method are proposed. We use the mutual cooperation between reference anchor nodes to update the fingerprint database, which can reduce the interference caused by the user measurement data. We analyze the standard deviation of RSSI, mobilize the reference points in the database to vote on APs and then calculate the trust factors of APs based on the voting results. In the online phase, we first make a judgment about the new APs and the broken APs, then extract the secure fingerprints according to the trusted factors of APs and obtain the localization results by using the trusted fingerprints. In the experiment section, we demonstrate the proposed method and find that the proposed strategy can resist abnormal RSSI and can improve the localization accuracy effectively compared with the existing fingerprinting localization algorithms. PMID:29401755

Secure Indoor Localization Based on Extracting Trusted Fingerprint.

PubMed

Luo, Juan; Yin, Xixi; Zheng, Yanliu; Wang, Chun

2018-02-05

[-5]Indoor localization based on WiFi has attracted a lot of research effort because of the widespread application of WiFi. Fingerprinting techniques have received much attention due to their simplicity and compatibility with existing hardware. However, existing fingerprinting localization algorithms may not resist abnormal received signal strength indication (RSSI), such as unexpected environmental changes, impaired access points (APs) or the introduction of new APs. Traditional fingerprinting algorithms do not consider the problem of new APs and impaired APs in the environment when using RSSI. In this paper, we propose a secure fingerprinting localization (SFL) method that is robust to variable environments, impaired APs and the introduction of new APs. In the offline phase, a voting mechanism and a fingerprint database update method are proposed. We use the mutual cooperation between reference anchor nodes to update the fingerprint database, which can reduce the interference caused by the user measurement data. We analyze the standard deviation of RSSI, mobilize the reference points in the database to vote on APs and then calculate the trust factors of APs based on the voting results. In the online phase, we first make a judgment about the new APs and the broken APs, then extract the secure fingerprints according to the trusted factors of APs and obtain the localization results by using the trusted fingerprints. In the experiment section, we demonstrate the proposed method and find that the proposed strategy can resist abnormal RSSI and can improve the localization accuracy effectively compared with the existing fingerprinting localization algorithms.

Diadenosine 5', 5'''-P(1),P(4)-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) is synthesized in response to DNA damage and inhibits the initiation of DNA replication.

PubMed

Marriott, Andrew S; Copeland, Nikki A; Cunningham, Ryan; Wilkinson, Mark C; McLennan, Alexander G; Jones, Nigel J

2015-09-01

The level of intracellular diadenosine 5', 5'''-P(1),P(4)-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) increases several fold in mammalian cells treated with non-cytotoxic doses of interstrand DNA-crosslinking agents such as mitomycin C. It is also increased in cells lacking DNA repair proteins including XRCC1, PARP1, APTX and FANCG, while >50-fold increases (up to around 25 μM) are achieved in repair mutants exposed to mitomycin C. Part of this induced Ap4A is converted into novel derivatives, identified as mono- and di-ADP-ribosylated Ap4A. Gene knockout experiments suggest that DNA ligase III is primarily responsible for the synthesis of damage-induced Ap4A and that PARP1 and PARP2 can both catalyze its ADP-ribosylation. Degradative proteins such as aprataxin may also contribute to the increase. Using a cell-free replication system, Ap4A was found to cause a marked inhibition of the initiation of DNA replicons, while elongation was unaffected. Maximum inhibition of 70-80% was achieved with 20 μM Ap4A. Ap3A, Ap5A, Gp4G and ADP-ribosylated Ap4A were without effect. It is proposed that Ap4A acts as an important inducible ligand in the DNA damage response to prevent the replication of damaged DNA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diadenosine Tetraphosphate Hydrolase Is Part of the Transcriptional Regulation Network in Immunologically Activated Mast Cells▿

PubMed Central

Carmi-Levy, Irit; Yannay-Cohen, Nurit; Kay, Gillian; Razin, Ehud; Nechushtan, Hovav

2008-01-01

We previously discovered that microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) each forms a complex with its inhibitor histidine triad nucleotide-binding 1 (Hint-1) and with lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS). Moreover, we showed that the dinucleotide diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), previously shown to be synthesized by LysRS, binds to Hint-1, and as a result the transcription factors are released from their suppression. Thus, transcriptional activity is regulated by Ap4A, suggesting that Ap4A is a second messenger in this context. For Ap4A to be unambiguously established as a second messenger, several criteria have to be fulfilled, including the presence of a metabolizing enzyme. Since several enzymes are able to hydrolize Ap4A, we provided here evidence that the “Nudix” type 2 gene product, Ap4A hydrolase, is responsible for Ap4A degradation following the immunological activation of mast cells. The knockdown of Ap4A hydrolase modulated Ap4A accumulation, resulting in changes in the expression of MITF and USF2 target genes. Moreover, our observations demonstrated that the involvement of Ap4A hydrolase in gene regulation is not a phenomenon exclusive to mast cells but can also be found in cardiac cells activated with the β-agonist isoproterenol. Thus, we have provided concrete evidence establishing Ap4A as a second messenger in the regulation of gene expression. PMID:18644867

Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) - an E. coli alarmone or a damage metabolite?

PubMed

Despotović, Dragana; Brandis, Alexander; Savidor, Alon; Levin, Yishai; Fumagalli, Laura; Tawfik, Dan S

2017-07-01

Under stress, metabolism is changing: specific up- or down-regulation of proteins and metabolites occurs as well as side effects. Distinguishing specific stress-signaling metabolites (alarmones) from side products (damage metabolites) is not trivial. One example is diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) - a side product of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases found in all domains of life. The earliest observations suggested that Ap4A serves as an alarmone for heat stress in Escherichia coli. However, despite 50 years of research, the signaling mechanisms associated with Ap4A remain unknown. We defined a set of criteria for distinguishing alarmones from damage metabolites to systematically classify Ap4A. In a nutshell, no indications for a signaling cascade that is triggered by Ap4A were found; rather, we found that Ap4A is efficiently removed in a constitutive, nonregulated manner. Several fold perturbations in Ap4A concentrations have no effect, yet accumulation at very high levels is toxic due to disturbance of zinc homeostasis, and also because Ap4A's structural overlap with ATP can result in spurious binding and inactivation of ATP-binding proteins. Overall, Ap4A met all criteria for a damage metabolite. While we do not exclude any role in signaling, our results indicate that the damage metabolite option should be considered as the null hypothesis when examining Ap4A and other metabolites whose levels change upon stress. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Diadenosine tetraphosphate hydrolase is part of the transcriptional regulation network in immunologically activated mast cells.

PubMed

Carmi-Levy, Irit; Yannay-Cohen, Nurit; Kay, Gillian; Razin, Ehud; Nechushtan, Hovav

2008-09-01

We previously discovered that microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) each forms a complex with its inhibitor histidine triad nucleotide-binding 1 (Hint-1) and with lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS). Moreover, we showed that the dinucleotide diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A), previously shown to be synthesized by LysRS, binds to Hint-1, and as a result the transcription factors are released from their suppression. Thus, transcriptional activity is regulated by Ap(4)A, suggesting that Ap(4)A is a second messenger in this context. For Ap(4)A to be unambiguously established as a second messenger, several criteria have to be fulfilled, including the presence of a metabolizing enzyme. Since several enzymes are able to hydrolyze Ap(4)A, we provided here evidence that the "Nudix" type 2 gene product, Ap(4)A hydrolase, is responsible for Ap(4)A degradation following the immunological activation of mast cells. The knockdown of Ap(4)A hydrolase modulated Ap(4)A accumulation, resulting in changes in the expression of MITF and USF2 target genes. Moreover, our observations demonstrated that the involvement of Ap(4)A hydrolase in gene regulation is not a phenomenon exclusive to mast cells but can also be found in cardiac cells activated with the beta-agonist isoproterenol. Thus, we have provided concrete evidence establishing Ap(4)A as a second messenger in the regulation of gene expression.

Disease progression of acute pancreatitis in pediatric patients.

PubMed

Hao, Fabao; Guo, Hongjie; Luo, Qianfu; Guo, Chunbao

2016-05-15

Approximately 10% of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) progress to chronic pancreatitis. Little is known about the factors that affect recurrence of pancreatitis after an initial episode. We retrospectively investigated patients with AP, focusing on their outcomes and the predictors for disease progression. Between July 2003 and June 2015, we retrospectively enrolled first-time AP patients with medical records on disease etiology, severity (according to the Atlanta classifications), and recurrence of AP. Independent predictors of recurrent AP (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis were identified using the logistic regression model. Of the total 159 patients, 45 (28.3%) developed RAP, including two episodes of RAP in 19 patients, and 9 (5.7%) developed chronic pancreatitis. The median duration from the time of AP to the onset of RAP was 5.6 ± 2.3 months. RAP patients were identified as more common among patients with idiopathic first-time AP. The presence of severe ascites, pancreatic necrosis, and systemic complications was independent predictors of RAP in pediatric patients. Experiencing over two RAP episodes was the predictor for developing chronic pancreatitis. No influence of age or number of AP episodes was found on the occurrence of abdominal pain, pain severity, and the prevalence of any pain. Severity of first-time AP and idiopathic first-time AP are related to RAP. Recurrence increases risk for progression to chronic pancreatitis. The risk of recurrence increased with increasing numbers of AP episodes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Absolute pitch memory: its prevalence among musicians and dependence on the testing context.

PubMed

Wong, Yetta Kwailing; Wong, Alan C-N

2014-04-01

Absolute pitch (AP) is widely believed to be a rare ability possessed by only a small group of gifted and special individuals (AP possessors). While AP has fascinated psychologists, neuroscientists, and musicians for more than a century, no theory can satisfactorily explain why this ability is so rare and difficult to learn. Here, we show that AP ability appears rare because of the methodological issues of the standard pitch-naming test. Specifically, the standard test unnecessarily poses a high decisional demand on AP judgments and uses a testing context that is highly inconsistent with one's musical training. These extra cognitive challenges are not central to AP memory per se and have thus led to consistent underestimation of AP ability in the population. Using the standard test, we replicated the typical findings that the accuracy for general violinists was low (12.38 %; chance level = 0 %). With identical stimuli, scoring criteria, and participants, violinists attained 25 % accuracy in a pitch verification test in which the decisional demand of AP judgment was reduced. When the testing context was increasingly similar to their musical experience, verification accuracy improved further and reached 39 %, three times higher than that for the standard test. Results were replicated with a separate group of pianists. Our findings challenge current theories about AP and suggest that the prevalence of AP among musicians has been highly underestimated in prior work. A multimodal framework is proposed to better explain AP memory.

Optimization and analysis of NF3 in situ chamber cleaning plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Bing; Yang, James H.; Badowski, Peter R.; Karwacki, Eugene J.

2004-04-01

We report on the optimization and analysis of a dilute NF3 in situ plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition chamber cleaning plasma for an Applied Materials P-5000 DxL chamber. Using design of experiments methodology, we identified and optimized operating conditions within the following process space: 10-15 mol % NF3 diluted with helium, 200-400 sccm NF3 flow rate, 2.5-3.5 Torr chamber pressure, and 950 W rf power. Optical emission spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to endpoint the cleaning processes and to quantify plasma effluent emissions, respectively. The results demonstrate that dilute NF3-based in situ chamber cleaning can be a viable alternative to perfluorocarbon-based in situ cleans with added benefits. The relationship between chamber clean time and fluorine atom density in the plasma is also investigated.

Long-term ageing and materials degradation of hybrid mica compressive seals for solid oxide fuel cells

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

Chou, Y. S.; Stevenson, Jeffry W.

2009-06-15

Hybrid phlogopite mica seals with silver interlayers were evaluated in long term isothermal ageing tests in a dual environment consisting of dilute hydrogen vs. air at 800 degrees C. High-temperature leak tests with helium showed very stable leakage of 0.01-0.02 sccm/cm for 28366 hrs under a low applied compressive stress of 82 kPa (12 psi). Post-mortem SEM and EDS analyses of the mica showed minimum degradation in terms of changes in microstructure and chemical composition, although there appeared to be some Ag migration and segregation at interstices between mica flakes. Fluorine was also found to be released from mica. Overall,more » the low, constant leakage through the hybrid mica/Ag seals clearly demonstrated a very promising candidate for SOFC sealing.« less

A method of semi-quantifying β-AP in brain PET-CT 11C-PiB images.

PubMed

Jiang, Jiehui; Lin, Xiaoman; Wen, Junlin; Huang, Zhemin; Yan, Zhuangzhi

2014-01-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common health problem for elderly populations. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT)11C-PiB for beta-P (amyloid-β peptide, β-AP) imaging is an advanced method to diagnose AD in early stage. However, in practice radiologists lack a standardized value to semi-quantify β-AP. This paper proposes such a standardized value: SVβ-AP. This standardized value measures the mean ratio between the dimension of β-AP areas in PET and CT images. A computer aided diagnosis approach is also proposed to achieve SVβ-AP. A simulation experiment was carried out to pre-test the technical feasibility of the CAD approach and SVβ-AP. The experiment results showed that it is technically feasible.

Preclinical medical students' understandings of academic and medical professionalism: visual analysis of mind maps.

PubMed

Janczukowicz, Janusz; Rees, Charlotte E

2017-08-18

Several studies have begun to explore medical students' understandings of professionalism generally and medical professionalism specifically. Despite espoused relationships between academic (AP) and medical professionalism (MP), previous research has not yet investigated students' conceptualisations of AP and MP and the relationships between the two. The current study, based on innovative visual analysis of mind maps, therefore aims to contribute to the developing literature on how professionalism is understood. We performed a multilayered analysis of 98 mind maps from 262 first-year medical students, including analysing textual and graphical elements of AP, MP and the relationships between AP and MP. The most common textual attributes of AP were learning, lifestyle and personality, while attributes of MP were knowledge, ethics and patient-doctor relations. Images of books, academic caps and teachers were used most often to represent AP, while images of the stethoscope, doctor and red cross were used to symbolise MP. While AP-MP relations were sometimes indicated through co-occurring text, visual connections and higher-order visual metaphors, many students struggled to articulate the relationships between AP and MP. While the mind maps' textual attributes shared similarities with those found in previous research, suggesting the universality of some professionalism attributes, our study provides new insights into students' conceptualisations of AP, MP and AP-MP relationships. We encourage medical educators to help students develop their understandings of AP, MP and AP-MP relationships, plus consider the feasibility and value of mind maps as a source of visual data for medical education research. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

A glossary of terms for understanding political aspects in the implementation of Health in All Policies (HiAP).

PubMed

Oneka, Goldameir; Vahid Shahidi, Faraz; Muntaner, Carles; Bayoumi, Ahmed M; Mahabir, Deb Finn; Freiler, Alix; O'Campo, Patricia; Shankardass, Ketan

2017-08-01

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is a strategy that seeks to integrate health considerations into the development, implementation and evaluation of policies across various non-health sectors of the government. Over the past 15 years, there has been an increase in the uptake of HiAP by local, regional and national governments. Despite the growing popularity of this approach, most existing literature on HiAP implementation remains descriptive rather than explanatory in its orientation. Moreover, prior research has focused on the more technical aspects of the implementation process. Thus, studies that aim to 'build capacity to promote, implement and evaluate HiAP' abound. Conversely, there is little emphasis on the political aspects of HiAP implementation. Neglecting the role of politics in shaping the use of HiAP is problematic, since health and the strategies by which it is promoted are partially political.This glossary addresses the politics gap in the existing literature by drawing on theoretical concepts from political, policy, and public health sciences to articulate a framework for studying how political mechanisms influence HiAP implementation. To this end, the glossary forms part of an on-going multiple explanatory case study of HiAP implementation, HARMONICS (HiAP Analysis using Realist Methods on International Case Studies, harmonics-hiap.ca), and is meant to expand on a previously published glossary addressing the topic of HiAP implementation more broadly. Collectively, these glossaries offer a conceptual toolkit for understanding how politics explains implementation outcomes of HiAP. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Prospective, Multicentre, Nationwide Clinical Data from 600 Cases of Acute Pancreatitis

PubMed Central

Párniczky, Andrea; Kui, Balázs; Szentesi, Andrea; Balázs, Anita; Szűcs, Ákos; Mosztbacher, Dóra; Czimmer, József; Sarlós, Patrícia; Bajor, Judit; Gódi, Szilárd; Vincze, Áron; Illés, Anita; Szabó, Imre; Pár, Gabriella; Takács, Tamás; Czakó, László; Szepes, Zoltán; Rakonczay, Zoltán; Izbéki, Ferenc; Gervain, Judit; Halász, Adrienn; Novák, János; Crai, Stefan; Hritz, István; Góg, Csaba; Sümegi, János; Golovics, Petra; Varga, Márta; Bod, Barnabás; Hamvas, József; Varga-Müller, Mónika; Papp, Zsuzsanna; Sahin-Tóth, Miklós; Hegyi, Péter

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis (AP) in a prospectively collected, large, multicentre cohort and to validate the major recommendations in the IAP/APA evidence-based guidelines for the management of AP. Design Eighty-six different clinical parameters were collected using an electronic clinical research form designed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group. Patients 600 adult patients diagnosed with AP were prospectively enrolled from 17 Hungarian centres over a two-year period from 1 January 2013. Main Results With respect to aetiology, biliary and alcoholic pancreatitis represented the two most common forms of AP. The prevalence of biliary AP was higher in women, whereas alcoholic AP was more common in men. Hyperlipidaemia was a risk factor for severity, lack of serum enzyme elevation posed a risk for severe AP, and lack of abdominal pain at admission demonstrated a risk for mortality. Abdominal tenderness developed in all the patients with severe AP, while lack of abdominal tenderness was a favourable sign for mortality. Importantly, lung injury at admission was associated with mortality. With regard to laboratory parameters, white blood cell count and CRP were the two most sensitive indicators for severe AP. The most common local complication was peripancreatic fluid, whereas the most common distant organ failure in severe AP was lung injury. Deviation from the recommendations in the IAP/APA evidence-based guidelines on fluid replacement, enteral nutrition and timing of interventions increased severity and mortality. Conclusions Analysis of a large, nationwide, prospective cohort of AP cases allowed for the identification of important determinants of severity and mortality. Evidence-based guidelines should be observed rigorously to improve outcomes in AP. PMID:27798670

The Cost-Effectiveness of Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Patients at Risk of Infective Endocarditis.

PubMed

Franklin, Matthew; Wailoo, Allan; Dayer, Mark J; Jones, Simon; Prendergast, Bernard; Baddour, Larry M; Lockhart, Peter B; Thornhill, Martin H

2016-11-15

In March 2008, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended stopping antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for those at risk of infective endocarditis (IE) undergoing dental procedures in the United Kingdom, citing a lack of evidence of efficacy and cost-effectiveness. We have performed a new economic evaluation of AP on the basis of contemporary estimates of efficacy, adverse events, and resource implications. A decision analytic cost-effectiveness model was used. Health service costs and benefits (measured as quality-adjusted life-years) were estimated. Rates of IE before and after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance were available to estimate prophylactic efficacy. AP adverse event rates were derived from recent UK data, and resource implications were based on English Hospital Episode Statistics. AP was less costly and more effective than no AP for all patients at risk of IE. The results are sensitive to AP efficacy, but efficacy would have to be substantially lower for AP not to be cost-effective. AP was even more cost-effective in patients at high risk of IE. Only a marginal reduction in annual IE rates (1.44 cases in high-risk and 33 cases in all at-risk patients) would be required for AP to be considered cost-effective at £20 000 ($26 600) per quality-adjusted life-year. Annual cost savings of £5.5 to £8.2 million ($7.3-$10.9 million) and health gains >2600 quality-adjusted life-years could be achieved from reinstating AP in England. AP is cost-effective for preventing IE, particularly in those at high risk. These findings support the cost-effectiveness of guidelines recommending AP use in high-risk individuals. © 2016 The Authors.

Altered distribution of ATG9A and accumulation of axonal aggregates in neurons from a mouse model of AP-4 deficiency syndrome

PubMed Central

De Pace, Raffaella; Damme, Markus; Mattera, Rafael; Jarnik, Michal; Hoffmann, Victoria; Morris, H. Douglas; Han, Tae-Un; Mancini, Grazia M. S.; Buonanno, Andrés

2018-01-01

The hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by progressive lower limb spasticity. Mutations in subunits of the heterotetrameric (ε-β4-μ4-σ4) adaptor protein 4 (AP-4) complex cause an autosomal recessive form of complicated HSP referred to as “AP-4 deficiency syndrome”. In addition to lower limb spasticity, this syndrome features intellectual disability, microcephaly, seizures, thin corpus callosum and upper limb spasticity. The pathogenetic mechanism, however, remains poorly understood. Here we report the characterization of a knockout (KO) mouse for the AP4E1 gene encoding the ε subunit of AP-4. We find that AP-4 ε KO mice exhibit a range of neurological phenotypes, including hindlimb clasping, decreased motor coordination and weak grip strength. In addition, AP-4 ε KO mice display a thin corpus callosum and axonal swellings in various areas of the brain and spinal cord. Immunohistochemical analyses show that the transmembrane autophagy-related protein 9A (ATG9A) is more concentrated in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and depleted from the peripheral cytoplasm both in skin fibroblasts from patients with mutations in the μ4 subunit of AP-4 and in various neuronal types in AP-4 ε KO mice. ATG9A mislocalization is associated with increased tendency to accumulate mutant huntingtin (HTT) aggregates in the axons of AP-4 ε KO neurons. These findings indicate that the AP-4 ε KO mouse is a suitable animal model for AP-4 deficiency syndrome, and that defective mobilization of ATG9A from the TGN and impaired autophagic degradation of protein aggregates might contribute to neuroaxonal dystrophy in this disorder. PMID:29698489

One-step affinity tag purification of full-length recombinant human AP-1 complexes from bacterial inclusion bodies using a polycistronic expression system

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei-Ming; Lee, A-Young; Chiang, Cheng-Ming

2008-01-01

The AP-1 transcription factor is a dimeric protein complex formed primarily between Jun (c-Jun, JunB, JunD) and Fos (c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2) family members. These distinct AP-1 complexes are expressed in many cell types and modulate target gene expression implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation, and stress responses. Although the importance of AP-1 has long been recognized, the biochemical characterization of AP-1 remains limited in part due to the difficulty in purifying full-length, reconstituted dimers with active DNA-binding and transcriptional activity. Using a combination of bacterial coexpression and epitope-tagging methods, we successfully purified all 12 heterodimers (3 Jun × 4 Fos) of full-length human AP-1 complexes as well as c-Jun/c-Jun, JunD/JunD, and c-Jun/JunD dimers from bacterial inclusion bodies using one-step nickel-NTA affinity tag purification following denaturation and renaturation of coexpressed AP-1 subunits. Coexpression of two constitutive components in a dimeric AP-1 complex helps stabilize the proteins when compared with individual protein expression in bacteria. Purified dimeric AP-1 complexes are functional in sequence-specific DNA binding, as illustrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting, and are also active in transcription with in vitro-reconstituted human papillomavirus (HPV) chromatin containing AP-1-binding sites in the native configuration of HPV nucleosomes. The availability of these recombinant full-length human AP-1 complexes has greatly facilitated mechanistic studies of AP-1-regulated gene transcription in many biological systems. PMID:18329890

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

Yamaguchi, Kizashi; Nishihara, Satomichi; Saito, Toru

First principle calculations of effective exchange integrals (J) in the Heisenberg model for diradical species were performed by both symmetry-adapted (SA) multi-reference (MR) and broken-symmetry (BS) single reference (SR) methods. Mukherjee-type (Mk) state specific (SS) MR coupled-cluster (CC) calculations by the use of natural orbital (NO) references of ROHF, UHF, UDFT and CASSCF solutions were carried out to elucidate J values for di- and poly-radical species. Spin-unrestricted Hartree Fock (UHF) based coupled-cluster (CC) computations were also performed to these species. Comparison between UHF-NO(UNO)-MkMRCC and BS UHF-CC computational results indicated that spin-contamination of UHF-CC solutions still remains at the SD level.more » In order to eliminate the spin contamination, approximate spin-projection (AP) scheme was applied for UCC, and the AP procedure indeed corrected the error to yield good agreement with MkMRCC in energy. The CC double with spin-unrestricted Brueckner's orbital (UBD) was furthermore employed for these species, showing that spin-contamination involved in UHF solutions is largely suppressed, and therefore AP scheme for UBCCD removed easily the rest of spin-contamination. We also performed spin-unrestricted pure- and hybrid-density functional theory (UDFT) calculations of diradical and polyradical species. Three different computational schemes for total spin angular momentums were examined for the AP correction of the hybrid (H) UDFT. HUDFT calculations followed by AP, HUDFT(AP), yielded the S-T gaps that were qualitatively in good agreement with those of MkMRCCSD, UHF-CC(AP) and UB-CC(AP). Thus a systematic comparison among MkMRCCSD, UCC(AP) UBD(AP) and UDFT(AP) was performed concerning with the first principle calculations of J values in di- and poly-radical species. It was found that BS (AP) methods reproduce MkMRCCSD results, indicating their applicability to large exchange coupled systems.« less

Beta-hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Dogs with Acute Pancreatitis and Without Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Hurrell, F E; Drobatz, K J; Hess, R S

2016-05-01

β-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) concentrations have not been quantified in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to investigate BOHB concentrations in dogs with AP. A total of 154 client-owned dogs without DM. Prospective clinical study. Dogs were enrolled into 1 of 3 groups: AP, sick without an AP diagnosis, or fasted. Dogs were diagnosed with AP (44) if they had vomiting or anorexia, and either ultrasonographic findings consistent with AP or increased pancreatic lipase. Sick dogs without AP (68) had vomiting or anorexia but a diagnosis of AP was either not suspected or was excluded based on ultrasonographic findings or a normal pancreatic lipase. Dogs without anorexia or vomiting that were fasted for over 10 hours for a procedure were also enrolled (42). BOHB was measured on whole blood with a portable ketone meter. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare BOHB in the 3 groups. Pair-wise comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney test and Bonferroni corrected P-values are reported. Median BOHB concentration was significantly higher in dogs with AP (0.3 mmol/L, range 0-2.9 mmol/L) compared to sick dogs without AP (0.20 mmol/L, range 0-0.9 mmol/L, P = .007) and fasted dogs (0.1 mmol/L, range 0-0.4 mmol/L, P = .0001). Median BOHB concentration was significantly higher in sick dogs without AP compared to fasted dogs (P = .0002). In dogs without DM, BOHB is significantly higher in dogs with AP compared to other dogs. The diagnostic utility of this finding remains to be investigated. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Influence of atmospheric pressure on the incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax.

PubMed

Díaz, Raúl; Díez, Manuel Mariano; Medrano, María José; Vera, Cristina; Guillamot, Paloma; Sánchez, Ana; Ratia, Tomás; Granell, Javier

2014-01-01

This study analyses the relationship between the incidence of idiopathic spontaneous pneumothorax (ISP) and atmospheric pressure (AP). A total of 288 cases of ISP were included, 229 men and 59 women. The AP of the day of diagnosis, of the 3 prior days and the monthly average was registered. The association between the incidence of ISP and AP was analyzed by calculating standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and Poisson regression. The AP on the day of admission (mean±standard deviation) (1,017.9±7 hectopascals [hPa]) was higher than the monthly average AP (1,016.9±4.1 hPa) (P=.005). There was a monthly distribution pattern of ISP with the highest incidence in the months of January, February and September and the lowest in April. When AP was less than 1,014 hPa, there were fewer cases registered than what would statistically have been expected (58/72 cases). In contrast, when the pressure was higher than 1,019 hPa, the registered cases were more than expected (109/82 cases) (SIR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.51). The risk of ISP increased 1.15 times (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.25, P=.001) for each hPa of AP, regardless of sex, age and monthly average AP. A dose-response relationship was observed, with progressive increases in risk (IRR=1.06 when the AP was 1,014-1016 hPa; 1.17 hPa when the AP was 1,016-1,019 hPa and 1.69 when AP was superior to 1,019 hPa) (P for trend=.089). The AP is a risk factor for the onset of idiopathic spontaneous pneumothorax. Copyright © 2012 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Transcription Factor Interplay between LEAFY and APETALA1/CAULIFLOWER during Floral Initiation1

PubMed Central

Zheng, Beibei; Kwaśniewska, Kamila; Thomson, Bennett

2017-01-01

The transcription factors LEAFY (LFY) and APETALA1 (AP1), together with the AP1 paralog CAULIFLOWER (CAL), control the onset of flower development in a partially redundant manner. This redundancy is thought to be mediated, at least in part, through the regulation of a shared set of target genes. However, whether these genes are independently or cooperatively regulated by LFY and AP1/CAL is currently unknown. To better understand the regulatory relationship between LFY and AP1/CAL and to obtain deeper insights into the control of floral initiation, we monitored the activity of LFY in the absence of AP1/CAL function. We found that the regulation of several known LFY target genes is unaffected by AP1/CAL perturbation, while others appear to require AP1/CAL activity. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that LFY and AP1/CAL control the expression of some genes in an antagonistic manner. Notably, these include key regulators of floral initiation such as TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1), which had been previously reported to be directly repressed by both LFY and AP1. We show here that TFL1 expression is suppressed by AP1 but promoted by LFY. We further demonstrate that LFY has an inhibitory effect on flower formation in the absence of AP1/CAL activity. We propose that LFY and AP1/CAL act as part of an incoherent feed-forward loop, a network motif where two interconnected pathways or transcription factors act in opposite directions on a target gene, to control the establishment of a stable developmental program for the formation of flowers. PMID:28385730

Transcription Factor Interplay between LEAFY and APETALA1/CAULIFLOWER during Floral Initiation.

PubMed

Goslin, Kevin; Zheng, Beibei; Serrano-Mislata, Antonio; Rae, Liina; Ryan, Patrick T; Kwaśniewska, Kamila; Thomson, Bennett; Ó'Maoiléidigh, Diarmuid S; Madueño, Francisco; Wellmer, Frank; Graciet, Emmanuelle

2017-06-01

The transcription factors LEAFY (LFY) and APETALA1 (AP1), together with the AP1 paralog CAULIFLOWER (CAL), control the onset of flower development in a partially redundant manner. This redundancy is thought to be mediated, at least in part, through the regulation of a shared set of target genes. However, whether these genes are independently or cooperatively regulated by LFY and AP1/CAL is currently unknown. To better understand the regulatory relationship between LFY and AP1/CAL and to obtain deeper insights into the control of floral initiation, we monitored the activity of LFY in the absence of AP1/CAL function. We found that the regulation of several known LFY target genes is unaffected by AP1/CAL perturbation, while others appear to require AP1/CAL activity. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that LFY and AP1/CAL control the expression of some genes in an antagonistic manner. Notably, these include key regulators of floral initiation such as TERMINAL FLOWER1 ( TFL1 ), which had been previously reported to be directly repressed by both LFY and AP1. We show here that TFL1 expression is suppressed by AP1 but promoted by LFY. We further demonstrate that LFY has an inhibitory effect on flower formation in the absence of AP1/CAL activity. We propose that LFY and AP1/CAL act as part of an incoherent feed-forward loop, a network motif where two interconnected pathways or transcription factors act in opposite directions on a target gene, to control the establishment of a stable developmental program for the formation of flowers. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

[Role of CD2-associated protein in podocyte differentiation.].

PubMed

Jiang, Hua-Jun; Chang, Ying; Zhu, Zhong-Hua; Liu, Jian-She; Deng, An-Guo; Zhang, Chun

2008-02-25

To study the cellular changes and the potential role of CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) in podocyte differentiation, conditionally immortalized murine podocyte cell line was cultured in RPMI 1640 medium under permissive condition at 33 °C. After transfection with CD2AP small interfering RNA (siRNA) the cells were shifted to non-permissive condition at 37 °C. Simultaneously, untransfected cells were taken as differentiation control. The podocyte proliferation rate was determined by MTT method. The expressions of CD2AP, WT1, synaptopodin and nephrin mRNAs were examined by RT-PCR. CD2AP, WT1 and nephrin protein expressions were examined by Western blot. The distribution of CD2AP, nephrin, F-actin and tubulin in differentiated and undifferentiated podocytes was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The results showed: (1) CD2AP, WT1 and nephrin were stably expressed in differentiated and undifferentiated podocytes while synaptopodin was only expressed in differentiated podocytes. (2) CD2AP and nephrin mRNA and protein expressions were up-regulated during podocyte differentiation (P<0.05). (3) CD2AP and tubulin were distributed in the cytoplasm and perinulcear region in undifferentiated podocytes, and F-actin was predominantly localized to a cortical belt and paralleled to the cell axis. Under differentiation condition, CD2AP distribution profile was presented as peripheral accumulation, tubulin took on fascicular style and F-actin extended into foot processes in podocytes. CD2AP colocalized with nephrin and F-actin in undifferentiated podocytes. (4) After transfection with CD2AP siRNA, the expression of CD2AP was partially inhibited and cell growth was arrested; Synaptopodin, the differentiation podocyte marker, was apparently down-regulated; The differentiation of podocytes was delayed. The results demonstrate that podocyte differentiation is accompanied by cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell morphology change. CD2AP might play an essential role in podocyte differentiation.

Adiponectin attenuates kidney injury and fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt and angiotensin II induced CKD mice.

PubMed

Tian, Mi; Tang, Li; Wu, Yuanyuan; Beddhu, Srinivasan; Huang, Yufeng

2018-06-06

Adiponectin (ApN) is a multifunctional adipokine. However high, rather than low, concentrations of ApN are unexpectedly found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) via an as yet unknown mechanism and the role of ApN in CKD is unclear. We, herein, investigated the effect of ApN overexpression on the progressive renal injury resulted from deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA) and angiotensin II (Ang-II) infusion using a transgenic, inducible ApN-overexpressing mouse model. Three groups of mice (wild type receiving no infusion (WT), WT and cyp1a1 ApN transgenic mice (ApN-Tg) receiving DOCA+Ang-II infusion (WT/DOCA+Ang-II and ApN-Tg/DOCA+Ang-II)) were assigned to receive a normal food containing 0.15% of the transgene inducer indol-3-carbinol (I3C) for 3 weeks. The I3C-induced ApN-Tg/DOCA+Ang-II mice, not the WT or WT/DOCA+Ang-II mice, overexpressing ApN in liver resulted in 3.15-fold increases in circulating ApN than non-transgenic controls. Of note, these transgenic mice receiving DOCA+Ang-II infusion were still hypertensive but had much less albuminuria and glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which were associated with ameliorated podocyte injury determined by ameliorated podocyte loss and foot process effacement; and alleviated tubular injury determined by ameliorated mRNA overexpression of KIM-1 and NGAL and mRNA decreases of cubilin and megalin in tubular cells, compared with WT/DOCA+Ang-II mice. In addition, renal production of NF-kB-p65, NAPDH oxidase-2 and p47phox, and MAPK-related cellular proliferation, which were induced in WT/DOCA+Ang-II mice, were markedly reduced in ApN-Tg/DOCA+Ang-II mice. These results indicate that elevated ApN in CKD mouse model is renal protective. Enhancing adiponectin production or signaling may have therapeutic potential for CKD.

Inotropic effects of diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) in human and animal cardiac preparations.

PubMed

Vahlensieck, U; Bokník, P; Gombosová, I; Huke, S; Knapp, J; Linck, B; Lüss, H; Müller, F U; Neumann, J; Deng, M C; Scheld, H H; Jankowski, H; Schlüter, H; Zidek, W; Zimmermann, N; Schmitz, W

1999-02-01

Diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) is an endogenous compound and exerts diverse physiological effects in animal systems. However, the effects of AP4A on inotropy in ventricular cardiac preparations have not yet been studied. The effects of AP4A on force of contraction (FOC) were studied in isolated electrically driven guinea pig and human cardiac preparations. Furthermore, the effects of AP4A on L-type calcium current and [Ca]i were studied in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. In guinea pig left atria, AP4A (0.1-100 microM) reduced FOC maximally by 36.5 +/- 4.3%. In guinea pig papillary muscles, AP4A (100 microM) alone was ineffective, but reduced isoproterenol-stimulated FOC maximally by 29.3 +/- 3.4%. The negative inotropic effects of AP4A in atria and papillary muscles were abolished by the A1-adenosine receptor antagonist 1, 3-dipropyl-cyclopentylxanthine. In guinea pig ventricular myocytes, AP4A (100 microM) attenuated isoproterenol-stimulated L-type calcium current and [Ca]i. In human atrial and ventricular preparations, AP4A (100 microM) alone increased FOC to 158.3 +/- 12.4% and 167.5 +/- 25.1%, respectively. These positive inotropic effects were abolished by the P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin. On the other hand, AP4A (100 microM) reduced FOC by 27.2 +/- 7.4% in isoproterenol-stimulated human ventricular trabeculae. The latter effect was abolished by 1,3-dipropyl-cyclopentylxanthine. In summary, after beta adrenergic stimulation AP4A exerts negative inotropic effects in animal and human ventricular preparations via stimulation of A1-adenosine receptors. In contrast, AP4A alone can exert positive inotropic effects via P2-purinoceptors in human ventricular myocardium. Thus, P2-purinoceptor stimulation might be a new positive inotropic principle in the human myocardium.

Heart rate informed artificial pancreas system enhances glycemic control during exercise in adolescents with T1D.

PubMed

DeBoer, Mark D; Cherñavvsky, Daniel R; Topchyan, Katarina; Kovatchev, Boris P; Francis, Gary L; Breton, Marc D

2017-11-01

To evaluate the safety and performance of using a heart rate (HR) monitor to inform an artificial pancreas (AP) system during exercise among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In a randomized, cross-over trial, adolescents with T1D age 13 - 18 years were enrolled to receive on separate days either the unmodified UVa AP (stdAP) or an AP system connected to a portable HR monitor (AP-HR) that triggered an exercise algorithm for blood glucose (BG) control. During admissions participants underwent a structured exercise regimen. Hypoglycemic events and CGM tracings were compared between the two admissions, during exercise and for the full 24-hour period. Eighteen participants completed the trial. While number of hypoglycemic events during exercise and rest was not different between visits (0.39 AP-HR vs 0.50 stdAP), time below 70 mg dL -1 was lower on AP-HR compared to stdAP, 0.5±2.1% vs 7.4±12.5% (P = 0.028). Time with BG within 70-180 mg dL -1 was higher for the AP-HR admission vs stdAP during the exercise portion and overall (96% vs 87%, and 77% vs 74%), but these did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.075 and P = 0.366). Heart rate signals can safely and efficaciously be integrated in a wireless AP system to inform of physical activity. While exercise contributes to hypoglycemia among adolescents, even when using an AP system, informing the system of exercise via a HR monitor improved time <70 mg dL -1 . Nonetheless, it did not significantly reduce the total number of hypoglycemic events, which were low in both groups. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Use and Characteristics of Antipsychotic/Methylphenidate Combination Therapy in Children and Adolescents with a Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Scholle, Oliver; Banaschewski, Tobias; Enders, Dirk; Garbe, Edeltraut; Riedel, Oliver

2018-05-16

Children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently have comorbidities that are potential indications for antipsychotics (APs). Some studies have suggested that the combined use of methylphenidate (MPH) and APs is increasing in this population group. Longitudinal analyses and in-depth investigations on the substance level are lacking. This study aimed to estimate the cumulative proportion of concomitant AP/MPH use in children and adolescents with ADHD over a follow-up of up to 9 years and to describe patient characteristics stratified by specific AP drug. Based on claims data, concomitant AP/MPH use was identified among 67,595 children and adolescents with ADHD starting MPH treatment between 2005 and 2013. Characteristics and diagnoses-including those indicating appropriateness of AP use according to approved indications and/or guidelines-were examined at the time of first AP/MPH combination therapy. In addition, subsequent use of AP/MPH combination therapy was evaluated. The cumulative proportion of individuals with any AP/MPH combination therapy rose to over 6% within 9 years after initiating MPH. The most frequent APs first used in combination with MPH were risperidone (72%), pipamperone (15%), and tiapride (8%). Percentages of psychiatric hospitalization in the year preceding the first combination therapy with MPH were 33%, 43%, and 19%, respectively. The proportion of individuals with potentially appropriate use was high (>72%) in risperidone/MPH and tiapride/MPH and low (15%) in pipamperone/MPH combination users. Conduct disorders and tic disorders were frequent in users who were prescribed MPH with risperidone and tiapride, respectively. One-quarter of patients with AP/MPH combination therapy were one-time-only combination users. Our study suggests that a considerable proportion of children and adolescents with ADHD receive MPH in combination with APs and that this is a factor not only during the first years of MPH treatment. ADHD guidelines should specify algorithms concerning the use of AP medication.

Genome-wide investigation and expression analysis of AP2-ERF gene family in salt tolerant common bean

PubMed Central

Kavas, Musa; Kizildogan, Aslihan; Gökdemir, Gökhan; Baloglu, Mehmet Cengiz

2015-01-01

Apetala2-ethylene-responsive element binding factor (AP2-ERF) superfamily with common AP2-DNA binding domain have developmentally and physiologically important roles in plants. Since common bean genome project has been completed recently, it is possible to identify all of the AP2-ERF genes in the common bean genome. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide in silico analysis identified 180 AP2-ERF superfamily genes in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Based on the amino acid alignment and phylogenetic analyses, superfamily members were classified into four subfamilies: DREB (54), ERF (95), AP2 (27) and RAV (3), as well as one soloist. The physical and chemical characteristics of amino acids, interaction between AP2-ERF proteins, cis elements of promoter region of AP2-ERF genes and phylogenetic trees were predicted and analyzed. Additionally, expression levels of AP2-ERF genes were evaluated by in silico and qRT-PCR analyses. In silico micro-RNA target transcript analyses identified nearly all PvAP2-ERF genes as targets of by 44 different plant species' miRNAs were identified in this study. The most abundant target genes were PvAP2/ERF-20-25-62-78-113-173. miR156, miR172 and miR838 were the most important miRNAs found in targeting and BLAST analyses. Interactome analysis revealed that the transcription factor PvAP2-ERF78, an ortholog of Arabidopsis At2G28550, was potentially interacted with at least 15 proteins, indicating that it was very important in transcriptional regulation. Here we present the first study to identify and characterize the AP2-ERF transcription factors in common bean using whole-genome analysis, and the findings may serve as a references for future functional research on the transcription factors in common bean. PMID:27152109

Baseline grey matter volume of non-transitioned "ultra high risk" for psychosis individuals with and without attenuated psychotic symptoms at long-term follow-up.

PubMed

Cropley, Vanessa L; Lin, Ashleigh; Nelson, Barnaby; Reniers, Renate L E P; Yung, Alison R; Bartholomeusz, Cali F; Klauser, Paul; Velakoulis, Dennis; McGorry, Patrick; Wood, Stephen J; Pantelis, Christos

2016-06-01

Two thirds of individuals identified as ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis do not transition to psychosis over the medium to long-term (non-transition; UHR-NT). Nevertheless, many of these individuals have persistent attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS). The current study examined whether there were differences in baseline grey matter volume (i.e. at initial identification as UHR) in UHR-NT individuals whom had APS compared to those without APS (No-APS) at medium to long-term follow-up. Participants were help-seeking individuals who were identified as being at UHR for psychosis between 2 and 12years previously (mean=7.5). The sample consisted of 109 participants who underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan at baseline and who had not been observed to develop a psychotic disorder over the follow-up period (UHR-NT). Using voxel-based morphometry, baseline grey matter volume (GMV) was compared between participants with (N=30) and without (N=79) APS at follow-up. At baseline, the APS and No-APS groups were clinically indistinguishable. At follow-up, the APS group had significantly worse symptoms and impaired functioning. Individuals with APS had reduced baseline GMV in frontal, temporal, posterior and cingulate regions compared to those without APS at follow-up. Reduced GMV was associated with more severe positive, negative and depressive symptoms and lower global functioning in the combined UHR-NT cohort. These associations were independent of later APS outcome. This study found that differences in regional GMV are discernible at an early stage of UHR and may be specific to individuals who have APS and psychopathology at follow-up. Our findings suggest that lower GMV at baseline may confer neurobiological risk for later APS and/or increased psychopathology while the absence of these structural abnormalities might be protective. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

APS8, a Polymeric Alkylpyridinium Salt Blocks α7 nAChR and Induces Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Zovko, Ana; Viktorsson, Kristina; Lewensohn, Rolf; Kološa, Katja; Filipič, Metka; Xing, Hong; Kem, William R.; Paleari, Laura; Turk, Tom

2013-01-01

Naturally occurring 3-alkylpyridinium polymers (poly-APS) from the marine sponge Reniera sarai, consisting of monomers containing polar pyridinium and nonpolar alkyl chain moieties, have been demonstrated to exert a wide range of biological activities, including a selective cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. APS8, an analog of poly-APS with defined alkyl chain length and molecular size, non-competitively inhibits α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at nanomolar concentrations that are too low to be acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory or generally cytotoxic. In the present study we show that APS8 inhibits NSCLC tumor cell growth and activates apoptotic pathways. APS8 was not toxic for normal lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, in NSCLC cells, APS8 reduced the adverse anti-apoptotic, proliferative effects of nicotine. Our results suggest that APS8 or similar compounds might be considered as lead compounds to develop antitumor therapeutic agents for at least certain types of lung cancer. PMID:23880932

Diadenosine polyphosphates (Ap3A and Ap4A) behave as alarmones triggering the synthesis of enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Pietrowska-Borek, Małgorzata; Nuc, Katarzyna; Zielezińska, Małgorzata; Guranowski, Andrzej

2011-12-01

It is known that cells under stress accumulate various dinucleoside polyphosphates, compounds suggested to function as alarmones. In plants, the phenylpropanoid pathways yield metabolites protecting these organisms against various types of stress. Observations reported in this communication link these two phenomena and provide an example of a metabolic "addressee" for an "alarm" signaled by diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A) or diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A). In response to added Ap3A or Ap4A, seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana incubated in full nutrition medium increased both the expression of the genes for and the specific activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase, enzymes that control the beginning of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Neither adenine mononucleotides (AMP, ADP or ATP) nor adenosine evoked such effects. Reactions catalyzed in vitro by these enzymes were not affected by Ap3A or Ap4A.

Stargazin regulates AMPA receptor trafficking through adaptor protein complexes during long-term depression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuda, Shinji; Kakegawa, Wataru; Budisantoso, Timotheus; Nomura, Toshihiro; Kohda, Kazuhisa; Yuzaki, Michisuke

2013-11-01

Long-term depression (LTD) underlies learning and memory in various brain regions. Although postsynaptic AMPA receptor trafficking mediates LTD, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here we show that stargazin, a transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein, forms a ternary complex with adaptor proteins AP-2 and AP-3A in hippocampal neurons, depending on its phosphorylation state. Inhibiting the stargazin-AP-2 interaction disrupts NMDA-induced AMPA receptor endocytosis, and inhibiting that of stargazin-AP-3A abrogates the late endosomal/lysosomal trafficking of AMPA receptors, thereby upregulating receptor recycling to the cell surface. Similarly, stargazin’s interaction with AP-2 or AP-3A is necessary for low-frequency stimulus-evoked LTD in CA1 hippocampal neurons. Thus, stargazin has a crucial role in NMDA-dependent LTD by regulating two trafficking pathways of AMPA receptors—transport from the cell surface to early endosomes and from early endosomes to late endosomes/lysosomes—through its sequential binding to AP-2 and AP-3A.

NECAPs are negative regulators of the AP2 clathrin adaptor complex.

PubMed

Beacham, Gwendolyn M; Partlow, Edward A; Lange, Jeffrey J; Hollopeter, Gunther

2018-01-18

Eukaryotic cells internalize transmembrane receptors via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, but it remains unclear how the machinery underpinning this process is regulated. We recently discovered that membrane-associated muniscin proteins such as FCHo and SGIP initiate endocytosis by converting the AP2 clathrin adaptor complex to an open, active conformation that is then phosphorylated (Hollopeter et al., 2014). Here we report that loss of ncap-1 , the sole C. elegans gene encoding an adaptiN Ear-binding Coat-Associated Protein (NECAP), bypasses the requirement for FCHO-1. Biochemical analyses reveal AP2 accumulates in an open, phosphorylated state in ncap-1 mutant worms, suggesting NECAPs promote the closed, inactive conformation of AP2. Consistent with this model, NECAPs preferentially bind open and phosphorylated forms of AP2 in vitro and localize with constitutively open AP2 mutants in vivo. NECAPs do not associate with phosphorylation-defective AP2 mutants, implying that phosphorylation precedes NECAP recruitment. We propose NECAPs function late in endocytosis to inactivate AP2. © 2018, Beacham et al.

NECAPs are negative regulators of the AP2 clathrin adaptor complex

PubMed Central

Beacham, Gwendolyn M; Partlow, Edward A; Lange, Jeffrey J

2018-01-01

Eukaryotic cells internalize transmembrane receptors via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, but it remains unclear how the machinery underpinning this process is regulated. We recently discovered that membrane-associated muniscin proteins such as FCHo and SGIP initiate endocytosis by converting the AP2 clathrin adaptor complex to an open, active conformation that is then phosphorylated (Hollopeter et al., 2014). Here we report that loss of ncap-1, the sole C. elegans gene encoding an adaptiN Ear-binding Coat-Associated Protein (NECAP), bypasses the requirement for FCHO-1. Biochemical analyses reveal AP2 accumulates in an open, phosphorylated state in ncap-1 mutant worms, suggesting NECAPs promote the closed, inactive conformation of AP2. Consistent with this model, NECAPs preferentially bind open and phosphorylated forms of AP2 in vitro and localize with constitutively open AP2 mutants in vivo. NECAPs do not associate with phosphorylation-defective AP2 mutants, implying that phosphorylation precedes NECAP recruitment. We propose NECAPs function late in endocytosis to inactivate AP2. PMID:29345618

Numerical Test of the Additivity Principle in Anomalous Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamaki, Shuji

2017-10-01

The additivity principle (AP) is one of the remarkable predictions that systematically generates all information on current fluctuations once the value of average current in the linear response regime is input. However, conditions to justify the AP are still ambiguous. We hence consider three tractable models, and discuss possible conditions. The models include the harmonic chain (HC), momentum exchange (ME) model, and momentum flip (MF) model, which respectively show ballistic, anomalous, and diffusive transport. We compare the heat current cumulants predicted by the AP with exact numerical data obtained for these models. The HC does not show the AP, whereas the MF model satisfies it, as expected, since the AP was originally proposed for diffusive systems. Surprisingly, the ME model also shows the AP. The ME model is known to show the anomalous transport similar to that shown in nonlinear systems such as the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam model. Our finding indicates that general nonlinear systems may satisfy the AP. Possible conditions for satisfying the AP are discussed.

A seven-year northern sky survey of Ap stars for rapid variability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, Matthew J.; Kreidl, Tobias J.

1993-01-01

A high-speed photometric survey of 120 Ap stars in the northern sky, has been conducted, between 1985 and 1991, in order to search for rapid variability. Stars of spectral types, namely from B8 to F4, have been selected for the survey. The selected pulsational variable stars occupy the hotter regions of the instability strip of the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram. Noted is the absence of pulsations in the hotter B8-A3 Ap stars; this does not, however, preclude the existence of pulsations, since HD 218495 was recently discovered to be a rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) star. The primary result of this study is that various combinations of photometric indices, while pointing towards roAp stars having the characteristic signatures of cool, SrCrEu stars, still fail to isolate the roAp phenomenon from similar nonpulsating Ap stars. Color-magnitude and color-color diagrams are presented in order to complete this survey.

Genome-Wide Investigation and Expression Profiling of AP2/ERF Transcription Factor Superfamily in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)

PubMed Central

Lata, Charu; Mishra, Awdhesh Kumar; Muthamilarasan, Mehanathan; Bonthala, Venkata Suresh; Khan, Yusuf; Prasad, Manoj

2014-01-01

The APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding factor (AP2/ERF) family is one of the largest transcription factor (TF) families in plants that includes four major sub-families, namely AP2, DREB (dehydration responsive element binding), ERF (ethylene responsive factors) and RAV (Related to ABI3/VP). AP2/ERFs are known to play significant roles in various plant processes including growth and development and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Considering this, a comprehensive genome-wide study was conducted in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). A total of 171 AP2/ERF genes were identified by systematic sequence analysis and were physically mapped onto nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis grouped AP2/ERF genes into six classes (I to VI). Duplication analysis revealed that 12 (∼7%) SiAP2/ERF genes were tandem repeated and 22 (∼13%) were segmentally duplicated. Comparative physical mapping between foxtail millet AP2/ERF genes and its orthologs of sorghum (18 genes), maize (14 genes), rice (9 genes) and Brachypodium (6 genes) showed the evolutionary insights of AP2/ERF gene family and also the decrease in orthology with increase in phylogenetic distance. The evolutionary significance in terms of gene-duplication and divergence was analyzed by estimating synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates. Expression profiling of candidate AP2/ERF genes against drought, salt and phytohormones revealed insights into their precise and/or overlapping expression patterns which could be responsible for their functional divergence in foxtail millet. The study showed that the genes SiAP2/ERF-069, SiAP2/ERF-103 and SiAP2/ERF-120 may be considered as potential candidate genes for further functional validation as well for utilization in crop improvement programs for stress resistance since these genes were up-regulated under drought and salinity stresses in ABA dependent manner. Altogether the present study provides new insights into evolution, divergence and systematic functional analysis of AP2/ERF gene family at genome level in foxtail millet which may be utilized for improving stress adaptation and tolerance in millets, cereals and bioenergy grasses. PMID:25409524

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase in the colonic mucosa of children with inflammatory bowel disease

PubMed Central

Molnár, Kriszta; Vannay, Ádám; Szebeni, Beáta; Bánki, Nóra Fanni; Sziksz, Erna; Cseh, Áron; Győrffy, Hajnalka; Lakatos, Péter László; Papp, Mária; Arató, András; Veres, Gábor

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iAP) in the intestinal mucosa of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Colonic biopsy samples were taken from 15 newly diagnosed IBD patients and from 10 healthy controls. In IBD patients, specimens were obtained both from inflamed and non-inflamed areas. The iAP mRNA and protein expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Tissue localization of iAP and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 was investigated by immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: The iAP protein level in the inflamed mucosa of children with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was significantly decreased when compared with controls (both P < 0.05). Similarly, we found a significantly decreased level of iAP protein in the inflamed mucosa in CD compared with non-inflamed mucosa in CD (P < 0.05). In addition, the iAP protein level in inflamed colonic mucosa in patients with UC was decreased compared with non-inflamed mucosa in patients with CD (P < 0.05). iAP protein levels in the non-inflamed mucosa of patients with CD were similar to controls. iAP mRNA expression in inflamed colonic mucosa of children with CD and UC was not significantly different from that in non-inflamed colonic mucosa with CD. Expression of iAP mRNA in patients with non-inflamed mucosa and in controls were similar. Co-localization of iAP with TLR4 showed intense staining with a dotted-like pattern. iAP was present in the inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa of patients with CD, UC, and in control biopsy specimens, irrespective of whether it was present in the terminal ileum or in the colon. However, the fluorescent signal of TLR4 was more pronounced in the colon compared with the terminal ileum in all groups studied. CONCLUSION: Lower than normal iAP protein levels in inflamed mucosa of IBD patients may indicate a role for iAP in inflammatory lesions in IBD. Based on our results, administration of exogenous iAP enzyme to patients with the active form of IBD may be a therapeutic option. PMID:22783049

Parental report of abdominal pain and abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders from a community survey.

PubMed

Saps, Miguel; Adams, Papa; Bonilla, Silvana; Chogle, Ashish; Nichols-Vinueza, Diana

2012-12-01

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children. Abdominal pain (AP) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) symptom in children. The severity of AP drives medical consultations and quality of life in adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Thirty-eight percent of 8- to 15-year-old schoolchildren report AP weekly with 24% of those children reporting persistence of AP >8 weeks. Despite the high prevalence of AP, only 2% of school children seek medical attention for AP. Lack of parental knowledge on their child's symptoms may constitute one of the factors affecting the low ratio of consultation in children reporting AP. The aim was to assess parental reports of AP symptoms in a population of healthy community children. Data of 5 studies with identical methodology to assess GI symptoms in children with celiac disease (CD), cow's milk allergy (CMA), pyloric stenosis (PS), Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), and stem cell transplant (SC) and their healthy siblings were reviewed: a phone questionnaire on GI symptoms and Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rome III version questionnaire (QPGS-RIII). Inclusion criteria were healthy children 4 to 18 years of age with a sibling previously diagnosed with CD, CMA, PS, HSP, or SC. Data on 246 healthy children, mean age (9.8 years, range 3-24, 112 girls) were obtained. Parents reported presence of AP in the last 8 weeks before the telephone contact in 20 (8.1%) children (age range 4-18 years, 11 girls). There was no significant difference in AP prevalence between boys and girls (P = 0.64). Six children (2.4%) met QPGS-RIII diagnostic criteria for FGIDs: 3 functional abdominal pain (FAP) and 3 IBS. AP was common in community children. FAP was the most common FGID among healthy community children. The prevalence of AP by parental report is lower than the previously published prevalence of AP reported by children. Lack of awareness of children's symptoms may play a role in the low ratio of consultation for AP in symptomatic children. Future prospective studies should confirm our findings and investigate the factors influencing the medical consultation decision including parental awareness of children's symptoms.

Genome-wide investigation and expression profiling of AP2/ERF transcription factor superfamily in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.).

PubMed

Lata, Charu; Mishra, Awdhesh Kumar; Muthamilarasan, Mehanathan; Bonthala, Venkata Suresh; Khan, Yusuf; Prasad, Manoj

2014-01-01

The APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding factor (AP2/ERF) family is one of the largest transcription factor (TF) families in plants that includes four major sub-families, namely AP2, DREB (dehydration responsive element binding), ERF (ethylene responsive factors) and RAV (Related to ABI3/VP). AP2/ERFs are known to play significant roles in various plant processes including growth and development and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Considering this, a comprehensive genome-wide study was conducted in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). A total of 171 AP2/ERF genes were identified by systematic sequence analysis and were physically mapped onto nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis grouped AP2/ERF genes into six classes (I to VI). Duplication analysis revealed that 12 (∼7%) SiAP2/ERF genes were tandem repeated and 22 (∼13%) were segmentally duplicated. Comparative physical mapping between foxtail millet AP2/ERF genes and its orthologs of sorghum (18 genes), maize (14 genes), rice (9 genes) and Brachypodium (6 genes) showed the evolutionary insights of AP2/ERF gene family and also the decrease in orthology with increase in phylogenetic distance. The evolutionary significance in terms of gene-duplication and divergence was analyzed by estimating synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates. Expression profiling of candidate AP2/ERF genes against drought, salt and phytohormones revealed insights into their precise and/or overlapping expression patterns which could be responsible for their functional divergence in foxtail millet. The study showed that the genes SiAP2/ERF-069, SiAP2/ERF-103 and SiAP2/ERF-120 may be considered as potential candidate genes for further functional validation as well for utilization in crop improvement programs for stress resistance since these genes were up-regulated under drought and salinity stresses in ABA dependent manner. Altogether the present study provides new insights into evolution, divergence and systematic functional analysis of AP2/ERF gene family at genome level in foxtail millet which may be utilized for improving stress adaptation and tolerance in millets, cereals and bioenergy grasses.

The effect of a concurrent cognitive task on cortical potentials evoked by unpredictable balance perturbations

PubMed Central

Quant, Sylvia; Adkin, Allan L; Staines, W Richard; Maki, Brian E; McIlroy, William E

2004-01-01

Background Although previous studies suggest that postural control requires attention and other cognitive resources, the central mechanisms responsible for this relationship remain unclear. To address this issue, we examined the effects of altered attention on cortical activity and postural responses following mechanical perturbations to upright stance. We hypothesized that cortical activity would be attenuated but not delayed when mechanical perturbations were applied during a concurrent performance of a cognitive task (i.e. when attention was directed away from the perturbation). We also hypothesized that these cortical changes would be accompanied by alterations in the postural response, as evidenced by increases in the magnitude of anteroposterior (AP) centre of pressure (COP) peak displacements and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle activity. Healthy young adults (n = 7) were instructed to continuously track (cognitive task) or not track (control task) a randomly moving visual target using a hand-held joystick. During each of these conditions, unpredictable translations of a moving floor evoked cortical and postural responses. Scalp-recorded cortical activity, COP, and TA electromyographic (EMG) measures were collected. Results Results revealed a significant decrease in the magnitude of early cortical activity (the N1 response, the first negative peak after perturbation onset) during the tracking task compared to the control condition. More pronounced AP COP peak displacements and EMG magnitudes were also observed for the tracking task and were possibly related to changes in the N1 response. Conclusion Based on previous notions that the N1 response represents sensory processing of the balance disturbance, we suggest that the attenuation of the N1 response is an important central mechanism that may provide insight into the relationship between attention and postural control. PMID:15147586

The effect of a concurrent cognitive task on cortical potentials evoked by unpredictable balance perturbations.

PubMed

Quant, Sylvia; Adkin, Allan L; Staines, W Richard; Maki, Brian E; McIlroy, William E

2004-05-17

Although previous studies suggest that postural control requires attention and other cognitive resources, the central mechanisms responsible for this relationship remain unclear. To address this issue, we examined the effects of altered attention on cortical activity and postural responses following mechanical perturbations to upright stance. We hypothesized that cortical activity would be attenuated but not delayed when mechanical perturbations were applied during a concurrent performance of a cognitive task (i.e. when attention was directed away from the perturbation). We also hypothesized that these cortical changes would be accompanied by alterations in the postural response, as evidenced by increases in the magnitude of anteroposterior (AP) centre of pressure (COP) peak displacements and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle activity. Healthy young adults (n = 7) were instructed to continuously track (cognitive task) or not track (control task) a randomly moving visual target using a hand-held joystick. During each of these conditions, unpredictable translations of a moving floor evoked cortical and postural responses. Scalp-recorded cortical activity, COP, and TA electromyographic (EMG) measures were collected. Results revealed a significant decrease in the magnitude of early cortical activity (the N1 response, the first negative peak after perturbation onset) during the tracking task compared to the control condition. More pronounced AP COP peak displacements and EMG magnitudes were also observed for the tracking task and were possibly related to changes in the N1 response. Based on previous notions that the N1 response represents sensory processing of the balance disturbance, we suggest that the attenuation of the N1 response is an important central mechanism that may provide insight into the relationship between attention and postural control.

[Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a population with elevated transaminases and level of accuracy of the diagnosis in Primary Care].

PubMed

Samperio-González, María Amelia; Selvi-Blasco, Marta; Manzano-Montero, Mónica; Méndez-Gómez, Judit; Gil-Prades, Montserrat; Azagra, Rafael

2016-05-01

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of elevated transaminases in adults. Determine the prevalence of NASH in patients with sustained hypertransaminasemia, and Know the adequacy of the registered in Primary Care (AP) diagnosis. 1) Cross-sectional study with a random sample of patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) held (ALT> 32 for ≥6 months), ruling out other causes of liver disease, according to clinical, laboratory and ultrasound scan criteria in AP and 2) cross-sectional description of all cases diagnosed with NASH recorded (K76 - ICD10) with diagnostic adequacy analysis according to standard criteria. 290 patients were analyzed: 76 were diagnosed as NASH (26.1%), 44 women (57.9%). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex showed no association between NASH and male gender (OR: 0.5; CI95%: 0.3-0.9), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 2.42; CI95%: 1.2-4.9) and hypertension blood pressure (HBP) (OR: 3.07; CI 95% 1.6-5.6). Of the 209 diagnosed with NASH record: 51 (24.4%) met the criteria for NASH. The rest had insufficient records. 53.1% lacked sustained hypertransaminasemia; 48% of viral serology; 11% supported and 53.1% abdominal ultrasound registration of alcohol. Severe NASH is frequent among patients with sustained hypertransaminasemia. The DM and hypertension significantly increase the risk of NASH. The diagnosis of NASH is recorded without considering all criteria and mainly NASH made by ultrasonography. They should unify diagnostic criteria in the register of NASH. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Moving beyond quiet stance: applicability of the inverted pendulum model to stooping and crouching postures.

PubMed

Weaver, Tyler B; Glinka, Michal N; Laing, Andrew C

2014-11-07

Currently, it is unknown whether the inverted pendulum model is applicable to stooping or crouching postures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the degree of applicability of the inverted pendulum model to these postures, via examination of the relationship between the centre of mass (COM) acceleration and centre of pressure (COP)-COM difference. Ten young adults held static standing, stooping and crouching postures, each for 20s. For both the anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions, the time-varying COM acceleration and the COP-COM were computed, and the relationship between these two variables was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Additionally, in both directions, the average absolute COM acceleration, average absolute COP-COM signal, and the inertial component (i.e., -I/Wh) were compared across postures. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed a significant negative relationship between the COM acceleration and COP-COM signal for all comparisons, regardless of the direction (p<0.001). While no effect of posture was observed in the AP direction (p=0.463), in the ML direction, the correlation coefficients for stooping were different (i.e., stronger) than standing (p=0.008). Regardless of direction, the average absolute COM acceleration for both the stooping and crouching postures was greater than standing (p<0.002). The high correlations indicate that the inverted pendulum model is applicable to stooping and crouching postures. Due to their importance in completing activities of daily living, there is merit in determining what type of motor strategies are used to control such postures and whether these strategies change with age. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metallized solid rocket propellants based on AN/AP and PSAN/AP for access to space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levi, S.; Signoriello, D.; Gabardi, A.; Molinari, M.; Galfetti, L.; Deluca, L. T.; Cianfanelli, S.; Klyakin, G. F.

2009-09-01

Solid rocket propellants based on dual mixes of inorganic crystalline oxidizers (ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium perchlorate (AP)) with binder and a mixture of micrometric-nanometric aluminum were investigated. Ammonium nitrate is a low-cost oxidizer, producing environment friendly combustion products but with lower specific impulse compared to AP. The better performance obtained with AP and the low quantity of toxic emissions obtained by using AN have suggested an interesting compromise based on a dual mixture of the two oxidizers. To improve the thermal response of raw AN, different types of phase stabilized AN (PSAN) and AN/AP co-crystals were investigated.

The dyad palindromic glutathione transferase P enhancer binds multiple factors including AP1.

PubMed Central

Diccianni, M B; Imagawa, M; Muramatsu, M

1992-01-01

Glutathione Transferase P (GST-P) gene expression is dominantly regulated by an upstream enhancer (GPEI) consisting of a dyad of palindromically oriented imperfect TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate)-responsive elements (TRE). GPEI is active in AP1-lacking F9 cells as well in AP1-containing HeLa cells. Despite GPEI's similarity to a TRE, c-jun co-transfection has only a minimal effect on transactivation. Antisense c-jun and c-fos co-transfection experiments further demonstrate the lack of a role for AP1 in GPEI mediated trans-activation in F9 cells, although endogenously present AP1 can influence GPEI in HeLa cells. Co-transfection of delta fosB with c-jun, which forms an inactive c-Jun/delta FosB heterodimer that binds TRE sequences, inhibits GPEI-mediated transcription in AP1-lacking F9 cells as well as AP1-containing HeLa cells. These data suggest novel factor(s) other than AP1 are influencing GPEI. Binding studies reveal multiple nucleoproteins bind to GPEI. These factors are likely responsible for the high level of GPEI-mediated transcription observed in the absence of AP1 and during hepatocarcinogenesis. Images PMID:1408831

The dyad palindromic glutathione transferase P enhancer binds multiple factors including AP1.

PubMed

Diccianni, M B; Imagawa, M; Muramatsu, M

1992-10-11

Glutathione Transferase P (GST-P) gene expression is dominantly regulated by an upstream enhancer (GPEI) consisting of a dyad of palindromically oriented imperfect TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate)-responsive elements (TRE). GPEI is active in AP1-lacking F9 cells as well in AP1-containing HeLa cells. Despite GPEI's similarity to a TRE, c-jun co-transfection has only a minimal effect on transactivation. Antisense c-jun and c-fos co-transfection experiments further demonstrate the lack of a role for AP1 in GPEI mediated trans-activation in F9 cells, although endogenously present AP1 can influence GPEI in HeLa cells. Co-transfection of delta fosB with c-jun, which forms an inactive c-Jun/delta FosB heterodimer that binds TRE sequences, inhibits GPEI-mediated transcription in AP1-lacking F9 cells as well as AP1-containing HeLa cells. These data suggest novel factor(s) other than AP1 are influencing GPEI. Binding studies reveal multiple nucleoproteins bind to GPEI. These factors are likely responsible for the high level of GPEI-mediated transcription observed in the absence of AP1 and during hepatocarcinogenesis.

HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS Method for the Rapid and Sensitive Quantitation of 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline in Single Rice Kernels.

PubMed

Hopfer, Helene; Jodari, Farman; Negre-Zakharov, Florence; Wylie, Phillip L; Ebeler, Susan E

2016-05-25

Demand for aromatic rice varieties (e.g., Basmati) is increasing in the US. Aromatic varieties typically have elevated levels of the aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP). Due to its very low aroma threshold, analysis of 2AP provides a useful screening tool for rice breeders. Methods for 2AP analysis in rice should quantitate 2AP at or below sensory threshold level, avoid artifactual 2AP generation, and be able to analyze single rice kernels in cases where only small sample quantities are available (e.g., breeding trials). We combined headspace solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS) for analysis of 2AP, using an extraction temperature of 40 °C and a stable isotopologue as internal standard. 2AP calibrations were linear between the concentrations of 53 and 5380 pg/g, with detection limits below the sensory threshold of 2AP. Forty-eight aromatic and nonaromatic, milled rice samples from three harvest years were screened with the method for their 2AP content, and overall reproducibility, observed for all samples, ranged from 5% for experimental aromatic lines to 33% for nonaromatic lines.

Astragalus polysaccharides inhibits PCV2 replication by inhibiting oxidative stress and blocking NF-κB pathway.

PubMed

Xue, Hongxia; Gan, Fang; Zhang, Zheqian; Hu, Junfa; Chen, Xingxiang; Huang, Kehe

2015-11-01

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD). Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), as one kind of biological macromolecule extracted from Astragalus, has antiviral activities. This study was undertaken to explore the effect of APS on PCV2 replication in vitro and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that adding APS before PCV2 infection decreased significantly PCV2 DNA copies, the number of infected cells, MDA level, ROS level and NF-κB activation in PK15 cells and increased significantly GSH contents and SOD activity compared to control without APS. Oxidative stress induced by BSO could eliminate the effect of PCV2 replication inhibition by APS. LPS, as a NF-κB activator, could attenuate the effect of PCV2 replication inhibition by APS. BAY 11-7082, as a NF-κB inhibitor, could increase the effect of PCV2 replication inhibition by APS. In conclusion, APS inhibits PCV2 replication by decreasing oxidative stress and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, which suggests that APS might be employed for the prevention of PCV2 infection. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Robo-AO Kepler Planetary Candidate Survey. III. (Ziegler+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziegler, C.; Law, N. M.; Morton, T.; Baranec, C.; Riddle, R.; Atkinson, D.; Baker, A.; Roberts, S.; Ciardi, D. R.

2018-04-01

KOI targets were selected from the KOI catalog based on Q1-Q17 Kepler data (Borucki et al. 2010ApJ...713L.126B, 2011, J/ApJ/728/117, J/ApJ/736/19; Batalha et al. 2013, J/ApJS/204/24; Burke et al. 2014, J/ApJS/210/19; Rowe et al. 2014, J/ApJ/784/45; Thompson et al. 2015, J/ApJ/812/46). We selected targets not observed in Law et al. 2014ApJ...791...35L and Baranec et al. 2016, J/AJ/152/18, with the objective of completing the Robo-AO survey of all KOIs, including those with already detected companions. We obtained high-angular-resolution images of the 1629 KOIs during 55 separate nights of observations between 2012 July 16 and 2015 June 12 (UT), detailed in Table 9 in the Appendix. The observations were performed using the Robo-AO laser adaptive optics system (Riddle et al. 2012SPIE.8447E..2OR; Baranec et al. 2013JVE....7250021B, 2014ApJ...790L...8B) mounted on the Palomar 1.5 m telescope. (6 data files).

Diadenosine pentaphosphate affects electrical activity in guinea pig atrium via activation of potassium acetylcholine-dependent inward rectifier.

PubMed

Abramochkin, Denis V; Karimova, Viktoria M; Filatova, Tatiana S; Kamkin, Andre

2017-07-01

Diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A) belongs to the family of diadenosine polyphosphates, endogenously produced compounds that affect vascular tone and cardiac performance when released from platelets. The previous findings indicate that Ap5A shortens action potentials (APs) in rat myocardium via activation of purine P2 receptors. The present study demonstrates alternative mechanism of Ap5A electrophysiological effects found in guinea pig myocardium. Ap5A (10 -4  M) shortens APs in guinea pig working atrial myocardium and slows down pacemaker activity in the sinoatrial node. P1 receptors antagonist DPCPX (10 -7  M) or selective GIRK channels blocker tertiapin (10 -6  M) completely abolished all Ap5A effects, while P2 blocker PPADS (10 -4  M) was ineffective. Patch-clamp experiments revealed potassium inward rectifier current activated by Ap5A in guinea pig atrial myocytes. The current was abolished by DPCPX or tertiapin and therefore was considered as potassium acetylcholine-dependent inward rectifier (I KACh ). Thus, unlike rat, in guinea pig atrium Ap5A produces activation of P1 receptors and subsequent opening of KACh channels leading to negative effects on cardiac electrical activity.

Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Methionine Aminopeptidases by Bengamide Derivatives

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

Lu, Jing-Ping; Yuan, Xiu-Hua; Yuan, Hai

Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) carries out an essential function of protein N-terminal processing in many bacteria and is a promising target for the development of novel antitubercular agents. Natural bengamides potently inhibit the proliferation of mammalian cells by targeting MetAP enzymes, and the X-ray crystal structure of human type 2 MetAP in complex with a bengamide derivative reveals the key interactions at the active site. By preserving the interactions with the conserved residues inside the binding pocket while exploring the differences between bacterial and human MetAPs around the binding pocket, seven bengamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of MtMetAP1amore » and MtMetAP1c in different metalloforms, inhibition of M. tuberculosis growth in replicating and non-replicating states, and inhibition of human K562 cell growth. Potent inhibition of MtMetAP1a and MtMetAP1c and modest growth inhibition of M. tuberculosis were observed for some of these derivatives. Crystal structures of MtMetAP1c in complex with two of the derivatives provided valuable structural information for improvement of these inhibitors for potency and selectivity.« less

In vivo toxic and lethal cardiovascular effects of a synthetic polymeric 1,3-dodecylpyridinium salt in rodents

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

Grandic, Marjana; Sepcic, Kristina; Turk, Tom

2011-08-15

APS12-2 is one in a series of synthetic analogs of the polymeric alkylpyridinium salts isolated from the marine sponge Reniera sarai. As it is a potential candidate for treating non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we have studied its possible toxic and lethal effects in vivo. The median lethal dose (LD{sub 50}) of APS12-2 in mice was determined to be 11.5 mg/kg. Electrocardiograms, arterial blood pressure and respiratory activity were recorded under general anesthesia in untreated, pharmacologically vagotomized and artificially ventilated rats injected with APS12-2. In one group, the in vivo effects of APS12-2 were studied on nerve-evoked muscle contraction.more » Administration of APS12-2 at a dose of 8 mg/kg caused a progressive reduction of arterial blood pressure to a mid-circulatory value, accompanied by bradycardia, myocardial ischemia, ventricular extrasystoles, and second degree atrio-ventricular block. Similar electrocardiogram and arterial blood pressure changes caused by APS12-2 (8 mg/kg) were observed in animals pretreated with atropine and in artificially ventilated animals, indicating that hypoxia and cholinergic effects do not play a crucial role in the toxicity of APS12-2. Application of APS12-2 at sublethal doses (4 and 5.5 mg/kg) caused a decrease of arterial blood pressure, followed by an increase slightly above control values. We found that APS12-2 causes lysis of rat erythrocytes in vitro, therefore it is reasonable to expect the same effect in vivo. Indeed, hyperkalemia was observed in the blood of experimental animals. Hyperkalemia probably plays an important role in APS12-2 cardiotoxicity since no evident changes in histopathology of the heart were found. However, acute lesions were observed in the pulmonary vessels of rats after application of 8 mg/kg APS12-2. Predominant effects were dilation of interalveolar blood vessels and lysis of aggregated erythrocytes within their lumina. - Highlights: > LD{sub 50} estimated in mice (11.5 mg/kg) revealed that toxicity of APS12-2 is low. > APS12-2 causes dose dependent hemolysis of rat erythrocytes in vivo and in vitro. > Cardiac arrest by APS12-2 is caused by the high blood potassium concentration. > APS12-2 causes mild acute pulmonary edema.« less

Development and Operations of the Astrophysics Data System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murray, Stephen S.; Oliversen, Ronald (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

The ADS was represented at the AAS meeting with 3 poster papers and a demonstration booth. We have setup a mirror site of the Vizier data base system at the CDS. functionality of the ADC at Goddard. This will replace the Preparations for the APS and LPSC meetings in March started. We will have demonstrations at both meetings. Preparations for the APS and LPSC meetings in March continued. We will have demonstrations at both meetings. The ADS was represented with a poster at the joint AGUEGU meeting in Nice, France. Discussions about the on-going collaboration between the ADS and the CDS in Strasbourg, France were held in Strasbourg. The ADS was invited to organize a session about the ADS and its mirror sites at the next United Nations Workshop on Basic Space Sciences in the Developing World. Efforts are under way to enter the tables of contents of all conference proceedings in the SA0 library into the ADS. This requires copying the tables of contents from all volumes in the library and have them typed in. This will greatly enhance the coverage of the literature in the ADS. We started the development of a search system for the full text of all scanned material in the ADS. This will eventually allow our users search capabilities that so far do not exist in any form. I order to enable the full text searching, we have purchased OCR software and are in the process of OCRing the scanned pages in the ADS. Efforts are in progress to handle the inclusion of data set identifiers in article manuscripts. The ADS will be the central system that will allow the journals to verify data set identifiers. The "master verifier" has been implemented in prototype form at the ADS. We started to include more journals in Geosciences/Geophysics in the ADS. The Royal astronomical Society has decided to archive their on-line journals in the ADS three years after publication. We have started to process these older on-line articles in order to archive them in the ADS. Our mirror site in Korea now has a full article mirror. We developed XML output capability in the ADS. This will make it easier to exchange data with other data systems. We started the development of new indexing software that will eventually reduce the indexing time for a database from days to hours or less. The ADS was represented at the IAU General Assembly with a poster. Discussions with the IAU management were held about extending the ADS IAU collaborations.

AP Music Theory Applied

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spieker, Matthew H.

2016-01-01

Some American high schools include Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory within their course offerings. Students who pass the AP exam can receive college credit either as a music or humanities credit. An AP class, however, offers music students more than future college credit; it ultimately improves musicianship skills and promotes deeper…

78 FR 39724 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-02

... Trading North America, LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (NY), LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (IL), LLC, EDF Industrial Power Services (CA), LLC, Tanner Street Generation, LLC. Description: Notice of...: AP Holdings, LLC, AP Gas & Electric (PA), LLC, AP Gas & Electric (TX), LLC, AP Gas & Electric (MD...

Anticancer activity of Astragalus polysaccharide in human non-small cell lung cancer cells.

PubMed

Wu, Chao-Yan; Ke, Yuan; Zeng, Yi-Fei; Zhang, Ying-Wen; Yu, Hai-Jun

2017-01-01

We have reported that Chinese herbs Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) can inhibit nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) activity during the development of diabetic nephropathy in mice. NF-κB plays important roles in genesis, growth, development and metastasis of cancer. NF-κB is also involved in the development of treatment resistance in tumors. Here we investigated the antitumor activity of APS in human non-small cell lung cells (A549 and NCI-H358) and the related mechanisms of action. The dose-effect and time-effect of antitumor of APS were determined in human lung cancer cell line A549 and NCI-H358. The inhibition effect of APS on the P65 mRNA and protein was detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot in A549 cells respectively. The inhibition effect of APS on the p50, CyclinD1 and Bcl-xL protein was detected by Western blot in A549 cells respectively. The effect of APS on NF-κB transcription activity was measured with NF-κB luciferase detection. Finally, the nude mice A549 xenograft was introduced to confirm the antitumor activity of APS in vivo. Cell viability detection results indicated that APS can inhibit the proliferation of human lung cancer cell line A549 and NCI-H358 in the concentration of 20 and 40 mg/mL. NF-κB activator Phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA) can attenuate the antitumor activity of APS in both cell lines, but NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 (Bay) can enhance the effect of APS in both cell lines. In vivo APS can delay the growth of A549 xenograft in BALB/C nude mice. APS can down-regulate the expression of P65 mRNA and protein of A549 cells and decrease the expression of p50, CyclinD1 and Bcl-xL protein. The luciferase detection showed that the APS could reduce the P65 transcription activity in A549 cells. PMA can partially alleviate the inhibition activity of P65 transcription activity of APS in A549 cells, and Bay can enhance the down-regulation of the P65 transcription activity induced by APS in A549 cells. APS has a significant antitumor activity in human lung cancer cells A549 and NCI-H358. NF-κB inhibition may mediate the antitumor effect.

X Linkage of AP3A, a Homolog of the Y-Linked MADS-Box Gene AP3Y in Silene latifolia and S. dioica

PubMed Central

Penny, Rebecca H.; Montgomery, Benjamin R.; Delph, Lynda F.

2011-01-01

Background The duplication of autosomal genes onto the Y chromosome may be an important element in the evolution of sexual dimorphism.A previous cytological study reported on a putative example of such a duplication event in a dioecious tribe of Silene (Caryophyllaceae): it was inferred that the Y-linked MADS-box gene AP3Y originated from a duplication of the reportedly autosomal orthologAP3A. However, a recent study, also using cytological methods, indicated that AP3A is X-linked in Silenelatifolia. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we hybridized S. latifolia and S. dioicato investigate whether the pattern of X linkage is consistent among distinct populations, occurs in both species, and is robust to genetic methods. We found inheritance patterns indicative of X linkage of AP3A in widely distributed populations of both species. Conclusions/Significance X linkage ofAP3A and Y linkage of AP3Yin both species indicates that the genes' ancestral progenitor resided on the autosomes that gave rise to the sex chromosomesand that neither gene has moved between chromosomes since species divergence.Consequently, our results do not support the contention that inter-chromosomal gene transfer occurred in the evolution of SlAP3Y from SlAP3A. PMID:21533056

Heavy Smoking Is Associated With Lower Age at First Episode of Acute Pancreatitis and a Higher Risk of Recurrence.

PubMed

Munigala, Satish; Conwell, Darwin L; Gelrud, Andres; Agarwal, Banke

2015-08-01

There is limited data on cigarette smoking and the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). We evaluated the influence of cigarette smoking on AP risk and clinical presentation in a large cohort of Veteran's Administration (VA) patients. Retrospective study of VA patients from 1998 to 2007. Exclusion criteria included (1) history of chronic pancreatitis (n = 3222) or gallstones (n = 14,574) and (2) age younger than 15 years (n = 270). A 2-year washout period was used to exclude patients with pre-existing recurrent AP. The study included 484,624 patients. From 2001 to 2007, a total of 6799 (1.4%) patients had AP. Alcohol (risk ratio, 4.20) and smoking (risk ratio, 1.78) were independent significant risk factors of AP on multiple regression analysis. Smoking increased the risk of AP in both nonalcoholics (0.57% vs 1.1%) and alcoholics (2.6% vs 4.1%). Smoking was associated with younger mean age at first episode of AP and higher likelihood of recurrent AP (≥4 episodes) in both nonalcoholics and alcoholics. The interval between recurrent episodes was not altered by alcohol or smoking. In a large cohort of VA patients, smoking is an independent risk factor for AP and augmented the effect of alcohol on the risk, age of onset, and recurrence of AP.

Risk factors for pancreatitis in older women: the Iowa Women's Health Study.

PubMed

Prizment, Anna E; Jensen, Eric H; Hopper, Anne M; Virnig, Beth A; Anderson, Kristin E

2015-07-01

Pancreatitis-an inflammation of pancreas-is a severe and costly disease. Although many risk factors for pancreatitis are known, many pancreatitis cases, especially in elderly women, are of unknown etiology. Risk factors for acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) were assessed in a prospective cohort (n = 36,436 women, aged ≥ 65 years). Exposures were self-reported at baseline. Pancreatitis was ascertained by linkage to Medicare claims (1986-2004) categorized by a physician as follows: "AP", one AP episode (n = 511) or "CP", 2+ AP or 1+ CP episodes (n = 149). Multivariable odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for AP and CP were calculated using multinomial logistic regression. Alcohol use was not associated with AP or CP. Heavy smoking (40+ vs. 0 pack-years) was associated with a twofold increased OR for CP. For body mass index greater than or equal to 30 versus less than 25 kg/m(2), the ORs were 1.35 (1.07-1.70) for AP (P trend = .009) and 0.59 (0.37-0.94) for CP (P trend = .01). ORs for AP and CP were increased for hormone replacement therapy use, heart disease, and hypertension. There were positive significant associations between protein and total fat intake for CP and AP. We identified factors associated with AP and CP that may be specific to older women. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

AP1S3 mutations are associated with pustular psoriasis and impaired Toll-like receptor 3 trafficking.

PubMed

Setta-Kaffetzi, Niovi; Simpson, Michael A; Navarini, Alexander A; Patel, Varsha M; Lu, Hui-Chun; Allen, Michael H; Duckworth, Michael; Bachelez, Hervé; Burden, A David; Choon, Siew-Eng; Griffiths, Christopher E M; Kirby, Brian; Kolios, Antonios; Seyger, Marieke M B; Prins, Christa; Smahi, Asma; Trembath, Richard C; Fraternali, Franca; Smith, Catherine H; Barker, Jonathan N; Capon, Francesca

2014-05-01

Adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) is an evolutionary conserved heterotetramer that promotes vesicular trafficking between the trans-Golgi network and the endosomes. The knockout of most murine AP-1 complex subunits is embryonically lethal, so the identification of human disease-associated alleles has the unique potential to deliver insights into gene function. Here, we report two founder mutations (c.11T>G [p.Phe4Cys] and c.97C>T [p.Arg33Trp]) in AP1S3, the gene encoding AP-1 complex subunit σ1C, in 15 unrelated individuals with a severe autoinflammatory skin disorder known as pustular psoriasis. Because the variants are predicted to destabilize the 3D structure of the AP-1 complex, we generated AP1S3-knockdown cell lines to investigate the consequences of AP-1 deficiency in skin keratinocytes. We found that AP1S3 silencing disrupted the endosomal translocation of the innate pattern-recognition receptor TLR-3 (Toll-like receptor 3) and resulted in a marked inhibition of downstream signaling. These findings identify pustular psoriasis as an autoinflammatory phenotype caused by defects in vesicular trafficking and demonstrate a requirement of AP-1 for Toll-like receptor homeostasis. Copyright © 2014 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antiviral activity of acidic polysaccharides from Coccomyxa gloeobotrydiformi, a green alga, against an in vitro human influenza A virus infection.

PubMed

Komatsu, Takayuki; Kido, Nobuo; Sugiyama, Tsuyoshi; Yokochi, Takashi

2013-02-01

The extracts prepared from green algae are reported to possess a variety of biological activities including antioxidant, antitumor and antiviral activities. The acidic polysaccharide fraction from a green alga Coccomyxa gloeobotrydiformi (CmAPS) was isolated and the antiviral action on an in vitro infection of influenza A virus was examined. CmAPS inhibited the growth and yield of all influenza A virus strains tested, such as A/H1N1, A/H2N2, A/H3N2 and A/H1N1 pandemic strains. The 50% inhibitory concentration of CmAPS on the infection of human influenza A virus strains ranged from 26 to 70 µg/mL and the antiviral activity of CmAPS against influenza A/USSR90/77 (H1N1) was the strongest. The antiviral activity of CmAPS was not due to the cytotoxicity against host cells. The antiviral activity of CmAPS required its presence in the inoculation of virus onto MDCK cells. Pretreatment and post-treatment with CmAPS was ineffective for the antiviral activity. CmAPS inhibited influenza A virus-induced erythrocyte hemagglutination and hemolysis. Taken together, CmAPS was suggested to exhibit the anti-influenza virus activity through preventing the interaction of virus and host cells. The detailed antiviral activity of CmAPS is discussed.

5',5'''-P1, P4 diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A): a putative initiator of DNA replication.

PubMed

Baril, E F; Coughlin, S A; Zamecnik, P C

1985-01-01

The proposal that Ap4A acts as an inducer of DNA replication is based primarily on two pieces of evidence (7). The intracellular levels of Ap4A increase ten- to 1000-fold as cells progress into S phase and the introduction of Ap4A into nonproliferating cells stimulated DNA synthesis. There is also some additional suggestive evidence such as the binding of Ap4A to a protein that is associated with multiprotein forms of the replicative DNA polymerase alpha and the ability of this enzyme to use Ap4A as a primer for DNA synthesis in vitro with single-stranded DNA templates. These observations have stimulated interest in the cellular metabolism of Ap4A. This is well since there is a great need for additional experimentation in order to clearly establish Ap4A as an inducer of DNA replication. Microinjection experiments of Ap4A into quiescent cells are needed in order to ascertain if Ap4A will stimulate DNA replication and possibly cell division in intact cells. Studies of the effects of nonhydrolyzable analogs of Ap4A on DNA replication in intact quiescent cells could also prove valuable. Although Ap4A can function as a primer for in vitro DNA synthesis by DNA polymerase alpha this may not be relevant in regard to its in vivo role in DNA replication. Ap4A in vivo could interact with key protein(s) in DNA replication and in this way act as an effector molecule in the initiation of DNA replication. In this regard the interaction of Ap4A with a protein associated with a multiprotein form of DNA polymerase alpha isolated from S-phase cells is of interest. More experiments are required to determine if there is a specific target protein(s) for Ap4A in vivo and what its role in DNA replication is. The cofractionation of tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase with the replicative DNA polymerase alpha from animal and plant cells is of interest. The DNA polymerase alpha from synchronized animal cells also interacted with Ap4A. Although the plant cell alpha-like DNA polymerase did not interact with Ap4A this DNA polymerase was not a multiprotein form of polymerase alpha and the synchrony of the wheat germ embryos was not known. A possible tie between protein-synthesizing systems and the regulation of proteins involved in DNA replication may exist. The requirement of protein synthesis for the initiation of DNA replication has long been known. Also, it is well established that many temperature-sensitive mutants for tRNA synthetases are also DNA-synthesizing mutants. More investigation in this area may be warranted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Tuning of Terahertz Resonances of Pyridyl Benzamide Derivatives by Electronegative Atom Substitution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dash, Jyotirmayee; Ray, Shaumik; Devi, Nirmala; Basutkar, Nitin; Gonnade, Rajesh G.; Ambade, Ashootosh V.; Pesala, Bala

2018-05-01

N-(pyridin-2-yl) benzamide (Ph2AP)-based organic molecules with prominent terahertz (THz) signatures (less than 5 THz) have been synthesized. The THz resonances are tuned by substituting the most electronegative atom, fluorine, at ortho (2F-Ph2AP), meta (3F-Ph2AP), and para (4F-Ph2AP) positions in a Ph2AP molecule. Substitution of fluorine helps in varying the charge distribution of the atoms forming hydrogen bond and hence strength of the hydrogen bond is varied which helps in tuning the THz resonances. The tuning of lower THz resonances of 2F-Ph2AP, 3F-Ph2AP, and 4F-Ph2AP has been explained in terms of compliance constant (relaxed force constant). Four-molecule cluster simulations have been carried out using Gaussian09 software to calculate the compliance constant of the hydrogen bonds. Crystal structure simulations of the above molecules using CRYSTAL14 software have been carried out to understand the origin of THz resonances. It has been observed that THz resonances are shifted to higher frequencies with stronger hydrogen bonds. The study shows that 3F-Ph2AP and 4F-Ph2AP have higher hydrogen bond strength and hence the THz resonances originating due to stretching of intermolecular hydrogen bonds have been shifted to higher frequencies compared to 2F-Ph2AP. The methodology presented here will help in designing novel organic molecules by substituting various electronegative atoms in order to achieve prominent THz resonances.

Loss of AP-5 results in accumulation of aberrant endolysosomes: defining a new type of lysosomal storage disease

PubMed Central

Hirst, Jennifer; Edgar, James R.; Esteves, Typhaine; Darios, Frédéric; Madeo, Marianna; Chang, Jaerak; Roda, Ricardo H.; Dürr, Alexandra; Anheim, Mathieu; Gellera, Cinzia; Li, Jun; Züchner, Stephan; Mariotti, Caterina; Stevanin, Giovanni; Blackstone, Craig; Kruer, Michael C.; Robinson, Margaret S.

2015-01-01

Adaptor proteins (AP 1–5) are heterotetrameric complexes that facilitate specialized cargo sorting in vesicular-mediated trafficking. Mutations in AP5Z1, encoding a subunit of the AP-5 complex, have been reported to cause hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), although their impact at the cellular level has not been assessed. Here we characterize three independent fibroblast lines derived from skin biopsies of patients harbouring nonsense mutations in AP5Z1 and presenting with spastic paraplegia accompanied by neuropathy, parkinsonism and/or cognitive impairment. In all three patient-derived lines, we show that there is complete loss of AP-5 ζ protein and a reduction in the associated AP-5 µ5 protein. Using ultrastructural analysis, we show that these patient-derived lines consistently exhibit abundant multilamellar structures that are positive for markers of endolysosomes and are filled with aberrant storage material organized as exaggerated multilamellar whorls, striated belts and ‘fingerprint bodies’. This phenotype can be replicated in a HeLa cell culture model by siRNA knockdown of AP-5 ζ. The cellular phenotype bears striking resemblance to features described in a number of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Collectively, these findings reveal an emerging picture of the role of AP-5 in endosomal and lysosomal homeostasis, illuminates a potential pathomechanism that is relevant to the role of AP-5 in neurons and expands the understanding of recessive HSPs. Moreover, the resulting accumulation of storage material in endolysosomes leads us to propose that AP-5 deficiency represents a new type of LSDs. PMID:26085577

[Atp6ap2/ (Pro) renin Receptor is Required for Laminar Formation during Retinal Development in Mice].

PubMed

Kanda, Atsuhiro

2015-11-01

(Pro) renin receptor [(P) RR], a key molecule for tissue renin-angiotensin system, was originally identified as Atp6ap2, an accessory subunit for vacuolar H(+)-ATPase that is a multi-subunit proton pump involved in fundamental cellular physiology. In this study, to elucidate the physiological functions of Atp6ap2/ (P) RR during retinal development in mammals, we used Cre-LoxP system to generate photoreceptor-specific conditional knock-out (CKO) mice, and revealed a critical role of Atp6ap2/(P) RR in photoreceptor development. Deletion of photoreceptor Atp6ap2/ (P) RR did not affect retinal cell differentiation, but led to laminar disorganization in the photoreceptor layer with dysfunction of photoreceptors. Cell adhesion and polarity molecules, all of which were co-localized with Atp6ap2 at the apical edge of the developing retina, were dispersed together with mislocalization of retinal progenitors apart from the apical surface in Atp6ap2 conditional knockout mice. Among these molecules, co-immunoprecipitation using retinal homogenates and Atp6ap2/(P) RR-transfected cells showed that Atp6ap2/(P) RR interacted with partitioning defective 3 homolog (Par3) protein, known to play a pivotal role in planar cell polarity in the Par-atypical protein kinase C system. Atp6ap2 interacted with Par3 protein that plays a pivotal role in planar cell polarity. Our data provide a novel function of Atp6ap2 required as a cell polarity determinant for retinal laminar formation.

Rosiglitazone Improves Survival and Hastens Recovery from Pancreatic Inflammation in Obese Mice

PubMed Central

Pini, Maria; Rhodes, Davina H.; Castellanos, Karla J.; Cabay, Robert J.; Grady, Eileen F.; Fantuzzi, Giamila

2012-01-01

Obesity increases severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) by unclear mechanisms. We investigated the effect of the PPAR-gamma agonist rosiglitazone (RGZ, 0.01% in the diet) on severity of AP induced by administration of IL-12+ IL-18 in male C57BL6 mice fed a low fat (LFD) or high fat diet (HFD), under the hypothesis that RGZ would reduce disease severity in HFD-fed obese animals. In both LFD and HFD mice without AP, RGZ significantly increased body weight and % fat mass, with significant upregulation of adiponectin and suppression of erythropoiesis. In HFD mice with AP, RGZ significantly increased survival and hastened recovery from pancreatic inflammation, as evaluated by significantly improved pancreatic histology, reduced saponification of visceral adipose tissue and less severe suppression of erythropoiesis at Day 7 post-AP. This was associated with significantly lower circulating and pancreas-associated levels of IL-6, Galectin-3, osteopontin and TIMP-1 in HFD + RGZ mice, particularly at Day 7 post-AP. In LFD mice with AP, RGZ significantly worsened the degree of intrapancreatic acinar and fat necrosis as well as visceral fat saponification, without affecting other parameters of disease severity or inflammation. Induction of AP lead to major suppression of adiponectin levels at Day 7 in both HFD and HFD + RGZ mice. In conclusion, RGZ prevents development of severe AP in obese mice even though it significantly increases adiposity, indicating that obesity can be dissociated from AP severity by improving the metabolic and inflammatory milieu. However, RGZ worsens selective parameters of AP severity in LFD mice. PMID:22815875

Endotoxin- and ATP-neutralizing activity of alkaline phosphatase as a strategy to limit neuroinflammation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme which can neutralize endotoxin as well as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an endogenous danger signal released during brain injury. In this study we assessed a potential therapeutic role for AP in inhibiting neuroinflammation using three complementary approaches. Methods Mice were immunized to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and treated with AP for seven days during different phases of disease. In addition, serological assays to determine AP activity, endotoxin levels and endotoxin-reactive antibodies were performed in a cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and controls. Finally, the expression of AP and related enzymes CD39 and CD73 was investigated in brain tissue from MS patients and control subjects. Results AP administration during the priming phase, but not during later stages, of EAE significantly reduced neurological signs. This was accompanied by reduced proliferation of splenocytes to the immunogen, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide. In MS patients, AP activity and isoenzyme distribution were similar to controls. Although endotoxin-reactive IgM was reduced in primary-progressive MS patients, plasma endotoxin levels were not different between groups. Finally, unlike AP and CD73, CD39 was highly upregulated on microglia in white matter lesions of patients with MS. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that: 1) pre-symptomatic AP treatment reduces neurological signs of EAE; 2) MS patients do not have altered circulating levels of AP or endotoxin; and 3) the expression of the AP-like enzyme CD39 is increased on microglia in white matter lesions of MS patients. PMID:23231745

Electrophysiological mechanisms of sophocarpine as a potential antiarrhythmic agent.

PubMed

Yang, Zhi-fang; Li, Ci-zhen; Wang, Wei; Chen, Ying-min; Zhang, Ying; Liu, Yuan-mou; Wang, Hong-wei

2011-03-01

To examine the electrophysiological effects of sophocarpine on action potentials (AP) and ionic currents of cardiac myocytes and to compare some of these effects with those of amiodarone. Langendorff perfusion set-up was used in isolated guinea pig heart, and responses to sophocarpine were monitored using electrocardiograph. Conventional microelectrode, voltage clamp technique and perforated patch were employed to record fast response AP (fAP), slow response AP (sAP) and ionic currents in guinea pig papillary muscle or rabbit sinus node cells. Tachyarrhythmia produced by isoprenaline (15 μmol/L) could be reversed by sophocarpine (300 μmol/L). Sophocarpine (10 μmol/L) decreased the amplitude by 4.0%, maximal depolarization velocity (V(max)) of the fAP by 24.4%, and Na(+) current (I(Na)) by 18.0%, while it prolonged the effective refractory period (ERP) by 21.1%. The same concentration of sophocarpine could also decrease the amplitude and V(max) of the sAP, by 26.8% and 25.7%, respectively, and attenuated the Ca(2+) current (I(CaL)) and the K(+) tail current substantially. Comparison of sophocarpine with amiodarone demonstrated that both prolonged the duration and the ERP of fAP and sAP, both decreased the amplitude and V(max) of the fAP and sAP, and both slowed the automatic heart rate. Sophocarpine could reverse isoprenaline-induced arrhythmia and inhibit I(Na), I(CaL), and I(Kr) currents. The electrophysiological effects of sophocarpine are similar to those of amiodarone, which might be regarded as a prospective antiarrhythmic agent.

Age-related location of manifest accessory pathway and clinical consequences.

PubMed

Brembilla-Perrot, Béatrice; Huttin, Olivier; Olivier, Arnaud; Sellal, Jean Marc; Villemin, Thibaut; Manenti, Vladimir; Moulin-Zinsch, Anne; Marçon, François; Simon, Gauthier; Andronache, Marius; Beurrier, Daniel; de Chillou, Christian; Girerd, Nicolas

2015-01-01

Accessory pathway (AP) ablation is not always easy. Our purpose was to assess the age-related prevalence of AP location, electrophysiological and prognostic data according to this location. Electrophysiologic study (EPS) was performed in 994 patients for a pre-excitation syndrome. AP location was determined on a 12 lead ECG during atrial pacing at maximal preexcitation and confirmed at intracardiac EPS in 494 patients. AP location was classified as anteroseptal (AS)(96), right lateral (RL)(54), posteroseptal (PS)(459), left lateral (LL)(363), nodoventricular (NV)(22). Patients with ASAP or RLAP were younger than patients with another AP location. Poorly-tolerated arrhythmias were more frequent in patients with LLAP than in other patients (0.009 for ASAP, 0.0037 for RLAP, <0.0001 for PSAP). Maximal rate conducted over AP was significantly slower in patients with ASAP and RLAP than in other patients. Malignant forms at EPS were more frequent in patients with LLAP than in patients with ASAP (0.002) or PSAP (0.001). Similar data were noted when AP location was confirmed at intracardiac EPS. Among untreated patients, poorly-tolerated arrhythmia occurred in patients with LLAP (3) or PSAP (6). Failures of ablation were more frequent for AS or RL AP than for LL or PS AP. AS and RLAP location in pre-excitation syndrome was more frequent in young patients. Maximal rate conducted over AP was lower than in other locations. Absence of poorly-tolerated arrhythmias during follow-up and higher risk of ablation failure should be taken into account for indications of AP ablation in children with few symptoms.

Inhibition of benzopyrene diol epoxide-induced apoptosis by cadmium (II) is AP-1-independent: role of extracelluler signal related kinase

PubMed Central

Mukherjee, Jagat J.; Gupta, Suresh K.; Kumar, Subodh

2010-01-01

Cadmium, a major metal constituent of tobacco smoke, elicits synergistic enhancement of cell transformation when combined with benzo[a]pyrene (BP) or other PAHs. The mechanism underlying this synergism is not clearly understood. We observed that (+/−)-anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), an ultimate carcinogen of BP, induces apoptosis in promotion sensitive mouse epidermal JB6 Cl41 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations. BPDE also activates AP-1 several folds in AP-1 reporter JB6 cells. Cadmium at non-cytotoxic concentrations inhibits both AP-1 activation and apoptosis in response to BPDE. Since AP-1 is known to be involved in stress-induced apoptosis we investigated whether inhibition of AP-1 by cadmium has any role in the inhibition of BPDE-induced apoptosis. MAP kinases (particularly ERKs, p38 and JNKs) are known to have important role in DNA damage-induced AP-1 activation. We observed that ERK and JNK, but not p38 MAP kinase, are involved in BPDE-induced AP-1 activation. Effect of cadmium on MAP kinases and the effect of inhibition of above three MAP kinases on BPDE-induced AP-1 activation and apoptosis indicate that AP-1 is probably not involved in BPDE-induced apoptosis. Cadmium up-regulates BPDE-activated ERKs and ERK inhibition by U0126 relieves cadmium-mediated inhibition of BPDE-induced apoptosis. We suggest that cadmium inhibits BPDE-induced apoptosis not involving AP-1 but probably through a different mechanism by up-regulating ERK which is known to promote cell survival. PMID:18093576

An AP Calculus Classroom Amusement Park

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferguson, Sarah

2016-01-01

Throughout the school year, AP Calculus teachers strive to teach course content comprehensively and swiftly in an effort to finish all required material before the AP Calculus exam. As early May approaches and the AP Calculus test looms, students and teachers nervously complete lessons, assignments, and assessments to ensure student preparation.…

75 FR 75666 - Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-06

... DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [CFDA No. 84.330B] Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee Program AGENCY: Office... AP Test Fee fiscal year (FY) 2011 competition. SUMMARY: On September 1, 2010, we published in the Federal Register (75 FR 53681) a notice inviting applications for the AP Test Fee FY 2011 competition...

38 CFR 58.12 - VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. 58.12 Section 58.12 Pensions, Bonuses, and...—Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. ER29AP09.145 ER29AP09.146 ER29AP09.147 ER29AP09.148 ER29AP09...

38 CFR 58.12 - VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. 58.12 Section 58.12 Pensions, Bonuses, and...—Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. ER29AP09.145 ER29AP09.146 ER29AP09.147 ER29AP09.148 ER29AP09...

38 CFR 58.12 - VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. 58.12 Section 58.12 Pensions, Bonuses, and...—Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. ER29AP09.145 ER29AP09.146 ER29AP09.147 ER29AP09.148 ER29AP09...

38 CFR 58.12 - VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false VA Forms 10-10EZ and 10-10EZR-Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. 58.12 Section 58.12 Pensions, Bonuses, and...—Application for Health Benefits and Renewal Form. ER29AP09.145 ER29AP09.146 ER29AP09.147 ER29AP09.148 ER29AP09...

Using Computer Models to Identify Common Therapeutic Targets in Host Adapted Bacterial Threat Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

tetraphosphatase[c]  :   ap4a  +   2o  -­‐-­‐>  (2)  adp  +  (2)  hNucleo d  Salvage  Pathways Nucleo(deBMA_1991 ApaH EC...tetraphosphatase[c] : ap4a + h2o --> (2) adp + (2) h BPSL2687 ApaH AP5AH Ap5A hydrolase [c] : ap5a + h2o --> adp + atp + (2) h BPSL2687 ApaH CSND Cytosine deaminase

Glossary for the implementation of Health in All Policies (HiAP).

PubMed

Freiler, Alix; Muntaner, Carles; Shankardass, Ketan; Mah, Catherine L; Molnar, Agnes; Renahy, Emilie; O'Campo, Patricia

2013-12-01

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is becoming increasingly popular as a governmental strategy to improve population health by coordinating action across health and non-health sectors. A variety of intersectoral initiatives may be used in HiAP that frame health determinants as the bridge between policies and health outcomes. The purpose of this glossary is to present concepts and terms useful in understanding the implementation of HiAP as a cross-sectoral policy. The concepts presented here were applied and elaborated over the course of case studies of HiAP in multiple jurisdictions, which used key informant interviews and the systematic review of literature to study the implementation of specific HiAP initiatives.

Novel fluorescent labelled affinity probes for diadenosine-5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A)-binding studies.

PubMed

Wright, Michael; Miller, Andrew D

2006-02-15

Tandem synthetic-biosynthetic procedures were used to prepare two novel fluorescent labelled affinity probes for diadenosine-5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A)-binding studies. These compounds (dial-mant-Ap4A and azido-mant-Ap4A) are shown to clearly distinguish known Ap4A-binding proteins from Escherichia coli (LysU and GroEL) and a variety of other control proteins. Successful labelling of chaperonin GroEL appears to be allosteric with respect to the well-characterized adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-binding site, suggesting that GroEL possesses a distinct Ap4A-binding site.

AP-1 subunits: quarrel and harmony among siblings.

PubMed

Hess, Jochen; Angel, Peter; Schorpp-Kistner, Marina

2004-12-01

The AP-1 transcription factor is mainly composed of Jun, Fos and ATF protein dimers. It mediates gene regulation in response to a plethora of physiological and pathological stimuli, including cytokines, growth factors, stress signals, bacterial and viral infections, as well as oncogenic stimuli. Studies in genetically modified mice and cells have highlighted a crucial role for AP-1 in a variety of cellular events involved in normal development or neoplastic transformation causing cancer. However, emerging evidence indicates that the contribution of AP-1 to determination of cell fates critically depends on the relative abundance of AP-1 subunits, the composition of AP-1 dimers, the quality of stimulus, the cell type and the cellular environment. Therefore, AP-1-mediated regulation of processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and transformation should be considered within the context of a complex dynamic network of signalling pathways and other nuclear factors that respond simultaneously.

Perfect pitch reconsidered.

PubMed

Moulton, Calum

2014-10-01

Perfect pitch, or absolute pitch (AP), is defined as the ability to identify or produce the pitch of a sound without need for a reference pitch, and is generally regarded as a valuable asset to the musician. However, there has been no recent review of the literature examining its aetiology and its utility taking into account emerging scientific advances in AP research, notably in functional imaging. This review analyses the key empirical research on AP, focusing on genetic and neuroimaging studies. The review concludes that: AP probably has a genetic predisposition, although this is based on limited evidence; early musical training is almost certainly essential for AP acquisition; and, although there is evidence that it may be relevant to speech processing, AP can interfere with relative pitch, an ability on which humans rely to communicate effectively. The review calls into question the value of AP to musicians and non-musicians alike. © 2014 Royal College of Physicians.

Tracking individual action potentials throughout mammalian axonal arbors.

PubMed

Radivojevic, Milos; Franke, Felix; Altermatt, Michael; Müller, Jan; Hierlemann, Andreas; Bakkum, Douglas J

2017-10-09

Axons are neuronal processes specialized for conduction of action potentials (APs). The timing and temporal precision of APs when they reach each of the synapses are fundamentally important for information processing in the brain. Due to small diameters of axons, direct recording of single AP transmission is challenging. Consequently, most knowledge about axonal conductance derives from modeling studies or indirect measurements. We demonstrate a method to noninvasively and directly record individual APs propagating along millimeter-length axonal arbors in cortical cultures with hundreds of microelectrodes at microsecond temporal resolution. We find that cortical axons conduct single APs with high temporal precision (~100 µs arrival time jitter per mm length) and reliability: in more than 8,000,000 recorded APs, we did not observe any conduction or branch-point failures. Upon high-frequency stimulation at 100 Hz, successive became slower, and their arrival time precision decreased by 20% and 12% for the 100th AP, respectively.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: NGVS. XX. RedGOLD background galaxy clusters (Licitra+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Licitra, R.; Mei, S.; Raichoor, A.; Erben, T.; Hildebrandt, H.; Munoz, R. P.; van Waerbeke, L.; Cote, P.; Cuillandre, J.-C.; Duc, P.-A.; Ferrarese, L.; Gwyn, S. D. J.; Huertas-Company, M.; Lancon, A.; Parroni, C.; Puzia, T. H.

2017-03-01

The Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey (NGVS) observations were performed with the MegaCam instrument, the optical imager mounted on MegaPrime, at the prime focus of the CFHT. In our analysis, we use the data reduction and photometric catalog from Raichoor+ (2014ApJ...797..102R). We refer to this work for further details. The NGVS observations were obtained from 01/03/2008 until 12/06/2013, under several CFHT programs (P.I. L. Ferrarese: 08AC16, 09AP03, 09AP04, 09BP03, 09BP04, 10AP03, 10BP03, 11AP03, 11BP03, 12AP03, 12BP03, 13AC02, 13AP03; P.I. S. Mei: 08AF20; P.I. J.-C. Cuillandre: 10AD99, 12AD99 and P.I. Y.-T. Chen: 10AT06). (2 data files).

Selective inhibition by harmane of the apurinic apyrimidinic endonuclease activity of phage T4-induced UV endonuclease.

PubMed

Warner, H R; Persson, M L; Bensen, R J; Mosbaugh, D W; Linn, S

1981-11-25

1-Methyl-9H-pyrido-[3,4-b]indole (harmane) inhibits the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease activity of the UV endonuclease induced by phage T4, whereas it stimulates the pyrimidine dimer-DNA glycosylase activity of that enzyme. E. coli endonuclease IV, E. coli endonuclease VI (the AP endonuclease activity associated with E. coli exonuclease III), and E. coli uracil-DNA glycosylase were not inhibited by harmane. Human fibroblast AP endonucleases I and II also were only slightly inhibited. Therefore, harmane is neither a general inhibitor of AP endonucleases, nor a general inhibitor of Class I AP endonucleases which incise DNA on the 3'-side of AP sites. However, E. coli endonuclease III and its associated dihydroxythymine-DNA glycosylase activity were both inhibited by harmane. This observation suggests that harmane may inhibit only AP endonucleases which have associated glycosylase activities.

Selective inhibition by harmane of the apurinic apyrimidinic endonuclease activity of phage T4-induced UV endonuclease.

PubMed Central

Warner, H R; Persson, M L; Bensen, R J; Mosbaugh, D W; Linn, S

1981-01-01

1-Methyl-9H-pyrido-[3,4-b]indole (harmane) inhibits the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease activity of the UV endonuclease induced by phage T4, whereas it stimulates the pyrimidine dimer-DNA glycosylase activity of that enzyme. E. coli endonuclease IV, E. coli endonuclease VI (the AP endonuclease activity associated with E. coli exonuclease III), and E. coli uracil-DNA glycosylase were not inhibited by harmane. Human fibroblast AP endonucleases I and II also were only slightly inhibited. Therefore, harmane is neither a general inhibitor of AP endonucleases, nor a general inhibitor of Class I AP endonucleases which incise DNA on the 3'-side of AP sites. However, E. coli endonuclease III and its associated dihydroxythymine-DNA glycosylase activity were both inhibited by harmane. This observation suggests that harmane may inhibit only AP endonucleases which have associated glycosylase activities. PMID:6273822

Importin Beta Plays an Essential Role in the Regulation of the LysRS-Ap4A Pathway in Immunologically Activated Mast Cells ▿

PubMed Central

Carmi-Levy, Irit; Motzik, Alex; Ofir-Birin, Yifat; Yagil, Zohar; Yang, Christopher Maolin; Kemeny, David Michael; Han, Jung Min; Kim, Sunghoon; Kay, Gillian; Nechushtan, Hovav; Suzuki, Ryo; Rivera, Juan; Razin, Ehud

2011-01-01

We recently reported that diadenosine tetraphosphate hydrolase (Ap4A hydrolase) plays a critical role in gene expression via regulation of intracellular Ap4A levels. This enzyme serves as a component of our newly described lysyl tRNA synthetase (LysRS)-Ap4A biochemical pathway that is triggered upon immunological challenge. Here we explored the mechanism of this enzyme's translocation into the nucleus and found its immunologically dependent association with importin beta. Silencing of importin beta prevented Ap4A hydrolase nuclear translocation and affected the local concentration of Ap4A, which led to an increase in microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) transcriptional activity. Furthermore, immunological activation of mast cells resulted in dephosphorylation of Ap4A hydrolase, which changed the hydrolytic activity of the enzyme. PMID:21402779

Developing an undue influence screening tool for Adult Protective Services.

PubMed

Quinn, Mary Joy; Nerenberg, Lisa; Navarro, Adria E; Wilber, Kathleen H

2017-03-01

The study purpose was to develop and pilot an undue influence screening tool for California's Adult Protective Services (APS) personnel based on the definition of undue influence enacted into California law January 1, 2014. Methods included four focus groups with APS providers (n = 33), piloting the preliminary tool by APS personnel (n = 15), and interviews with four elder abuse experts and two APS administrators. Social service literature-including existing undue influence models-was reviewed, as were existing screening and assessment tools. Using the information from these various sources, the California Undue Influence Screening Tool (CUIST) was developed. It can be applied to APS cases and potentially adapted for use by other professionals and for use in other states. Implementation of the tool into APS practice, policy, procedures, and training of personnel will depend on the initiative of APS management. Future work will need to address the reliability and validity of CUIST.

Antiasthmic effect of fermented Artemisia princeps in asthmic mice induced by ovalbumin.

PubMed

Bae, Eun-Ah; Min, Sung-Won; Lee, Bomi; Kim, Nam-Jae; Baek, Nam-In; Han, Eun-Joo; Chung, Hae-Gon; Kim, Dong-Hyun

2007-09-01

Artemisia princeps Pampanini (AP) was fermented with Bifidobacterium infantis K-525 and its antiasthmic effect investigated. AP and fermented AP (FAP) reduced the IgE level in the blood of ovalbumin-induced asthmic mice. Moreover, FAP reduced the IgE, proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, and IL-4 levels in the trachea, as well as in the lung of the experimental asthmic mice, whereas AP only reduced the IgE and IL-6 levels in the lungs. Nonetheless, AP and FAP both inhibited the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in IgE-induced RBL-2H3 cells. The in vivo antiasthmic effect of FAP was more potent than that of AP. Therefore, these findings suggest that the enhanced antiasthmic effect of AP after bifidus fermentation was possibly due to the regulation of the proinflammatory cytokine biosynthesis of IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

I "hear" what you're "saying": Auditory perceptual simulation, reading speed, and reading comprehension.

PubMed

Zhou, Peiyun; Christianson, Kiel

2016-01-01

Auditory perceptual simulation (APS) during silent reading refers to situations in which the reader actively simulates the voice of a character or other person depicted in a text. In three eye-tracking experiments, APS effects were investigated as people read utterances attributed to a native English speaker, a non-native English speaker, or no speaker at all. APS effects were measured via online eye movements and offline comprehension probes. Results demonstrated that inducing APS during silent reading resulted in observable differences in reading speed when readers simulated the speech of faster compared to slower speakers and compared to silent reading without APS. Social attitude survey results indicated that readers' attitudes towards the native and non-native speech did not consistently influence APS-related effects. APS of both native speech and non-native speech increased reading speed, facilitated deeper, less good-enough sentence processing, and improved comprehension compared to normal silent reading.

77 FR 8249 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-14

...: ER12-999-000. Applicants: AP Gas & Electric (MD), LLC. Description: AP Gas & Electric (MD), LLC...: 20120206-5105. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/27/12. Docket Numbers: ER12-1002-000. Applicants: AP Gas & Electric (NJ), LLC. Description: AP Gas & Electric (NJ), LLC--Petition for Approval of Market-Based Ra...

Greenhouse evaluation of Bacillus subtilis AP-01 and Trichoderma harzianum AP-001 in controlling tobacco diseases.

PubMed

Maketon, Monchan; Apisitsantikul, Jirasak; Siriraweekul, Chatchai

2008-04-01

Two biological control agents, Bacillus subtilis AP-01 (Larminar(™)) and Trichoderma harzianum AP-001 (Trisan(™)) alone or/in combination were investigated in controlling three tobacco diseases, including bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), damping-off (Pythium aphanidermatum), and frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora nicotiana). Tests were performed in greenhouse by soil sterilization prior to inoculation of the pathogens. Bacterial-wilt and damping off pathogens were drenched first and followed with the biological control agents and for comparison purposes, two chemical fungicides. But for frogeye leaf spot, which is an airborne fungus, a spraying procedure for every treatment including a chemical fungicide was applied instead of drenching. Results showed that neither B. subtilis AP-01 nor T harzianum AP-001 alone could control the bacterial wilt, but when combined, their controlling capabilities were as effective as a chemical treatment. These results were also similar for damping-off disease when used in combination. In addition, the combined B. subtilis AP-01 and T. harzianum AP-001 resulted in a good frogeye leaf spot control, which was not significantly different from the chemical treatment.

Crystal structures and biochemical analyses suggest a unique mechanism and role for human glycyl-tRNA synthetase in Ap4A homeostasis.

PubMed

Guo, Rey-Ting; Chong, Yeeting E; Guo, Min; Yang, Xiang-Lei

2009-10-16

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases catalyze the attachment of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs for protein synthesis. However, the aminoacylation reaction can be diverted to produce diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), a universal pleiotropic signaling molecule needed for cell regulation pathways. The only known mechanism for Ap4A production by a tRNA synthetase is through the aminoacylation reaction intermediate aminoacyl-AMP, thus making Ap4A synthesis amino acid-dependent. Here, we demonstrate a new mechanism for Ap4A synthesis. Crystal structures and biochemical analyses show that human glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) produces Ap4A by direct condensation of two ATPs, independent of glycine concentration. Interestingly, whereas the first ATP-binding pocket is conserved for all class II tRNA synthetases, the second ATP pocket is formed by an insertion domain that is unique to GlyRS, suggesting that GlyRS is the only tRNA synthetase catalyzing direct Ap4A synthesis. A special role for GlyRS in Ap4A homeostasis is proposed.

Crystal Structures and Biochemical Analyses Suggest a Unique Mechanism and Role for Human Glycyl-tRNA Synthetase in Ap4A Homeostasis*

PubMed Central

Guo, Rey-Ting; Chong, Yeeting E.; Guo, Min; Yang, Xiang-Lei

2009-01-01

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases catalyze the attachment of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs for protein synthesis. However, the aminoacylation reaction can be diverted to produce diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), a universal pleiotropic signaling molecule needed for cell regulation pathways. The only known mechanism for Ap4A production by a tRNA synthetase is through the aminoacylation reaction intermediate aminoacyl-AMP, thus making Ap4A synthesis amino acid-dependent. Here, we demonstrate a new mechanism for Ap4A synthesis. Crystal structures and biochemical analyses show that human glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) produces Ap4A by direct condensation of two ATPs, independent of glycine concentration. Interestingly, whereas the first ATP-binding pocket is conserved for all class II tRNA synthetases, the second ATP pocket is formed by an insertion domain that is unique to GlyRS, suggesting that GlyRS is the only tRNA synthetase catalyzing direct Ap4A synthesis. A special role for GlyRS in Ap4A homeostasis is proposed. PMID:19710017

Overexpression of AtAP1M3 regulates flowering time and floral development in Arabidopsis and effects key flowering-related genes in poplar.

PubMed

Chen, Zhong; Ye, Meixia; Su, Xiaoxing; Liao, Weihua; Ma, Huandi; Gao, Kai; Lei, Bingqi; An, Xinmin

2015-08-01

APETALA1 plays a crucial role in the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase and in floral development. In this study, to determine the effect of AP1 expression on flowering time and floral organ development, transgenic Arabidopsis and poplar overexpressing of AtAP1M3 (Arabidopsis AP1 mutant by dominant negative mutation) were generated. Transgenic Arabidopsis with e35Spro::AtAP1M3 displayed phenotypes with delayed-flowering compared to wild-type and flowers with abnormal sepals, petals and stamens. In addition, transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited reduced growth vigor compared to the wild-type plants. Ectopic expression of AtAP1M3 in poplar resulted in up- or down-regulation of some endogenous key flowering-related genes, including floral meristems identity gene LFY, B-class floral organ identity genes AP3 and PI, flowering pathway integrator FT1 and flower repressors TFL1 and SVP. These results suggest that AtAP1M3 regulates flowering time and floral development in plants.

Alkaline Phosphatase, an Unconventional Immune Protein.

PubMed

Rader, Bethany A

2017-01-01

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of studies focusing on alkaline phosphatases (APs), revealing an expanding complexity of function of these enzymes. Of the four human AP (hAP) proteins, most is known about tissue non-specific AP (TNAP) and intestinal AP (IAP). This review highlights current understanding of TNAP and IAP in relation to human health and disease. TNAP plays a role in multiple processes, including bone mineralization, vitamin B6 metabolism, and neurogenesis, is the genetic cause of hypophosphatasia, influences inflammation through regulation of purinergic signaling, and has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease. IAP regulates fatty acid absorption and has been implicated in the regulation of diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. IAP and TNAP can dephosphorylate bacterial-derived lipopolysaccharide, and IAP has been identified as a potential regulator of the composition of the intestinal microbiome, an evolutionarily conserved function. Endogenous and recombinant bovine APs and recombinant hAPs are currently being explored for their potential as pharmacological agents to treat AP-associated diseases and mitigate multiple sources of inflammation. Continued research on these versatile proteins will undoubtedly provide insight into human pathophysiology, biochemistry, and the human holobiont.

Influence of thyroid disorders on the kidney expression and plasma activity of aminopeptidase A.

PubMed

Wangensteen, R; Segarra, A B; Ramirez-Sanchez, M; Gasparo, M De; Dominguez, G; Banegas, I; Vargas, F; Vives, F; Prieto, I

2015-04-01

Thyroid disorders may affect blood pressure and renal function modifying factors of the plasmatic and kidney renin-angiotensin system such as aminopeptidase A (AP A) that metabolizes angiotensin II to angiotensin III. We investigated the expression of AP A in the kidney, as well as its enzymatic activity in the plasma of euthyroid, hyperthyroid, and hypothyroid adult male rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous injections of tetraiodothyronine. Hypothyroid rats were obtained by administration of methimazole in drinking water. Expression of AP A was determined by Western blot analysis. Plasma AP A activity was measured fluorometrically using glutamyl-β-naphthylamide as substrate. While hyperthyroid rats exhibited lower levels of plasma AP A activity than controls, the kidney of hyperthyroid animals expressed significantly higher AP A than controls and hypothyroid animals. A discrepancy between the high expression of AP A in kidney of hyperthyroid rats and the low activity of AP A measured in plasma and kidney of hyperthyroid animals was found. The posttranslational influence of environmental biochemical factors may be in part responsible for that divergence.

Typing of mutans streptococci by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction.

PubMed

Saarela, M; Hannula, J; Mättö, J; Asikainen, S; Alaluusua, S

1996-01-01

The discriminative power of the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) in differentiating between Streptococcus mutans and Strep. sobrinus species, serotypes and clones was investigated. Mutans streptococcal isolates (12(7)) obtained from 65 individuals (1-10 isolates per individual) were AP-PCR typed separately with two random primers, OPA-05 and OPA-13. Bacterial cell lysates were used as a template in PCR reactions, which made AP-PCR easy and fast to perform. Eighty-one isolates from 19 individuals were also ribotyped to compare the discriminative ability of ribotyping and AP-PCR techniques. AP-PCR performed with the two primers differentiated between Strep. mutans and Strep. sobrinus isolates, but neither primer detected serotype-specific amplification products. OPA-05 distinguished two main AP-PCR patterns among Strep. mutans isolates and one main pattern among Strep. sobrinus isolates, whereas OPA-13 found one main AP-PCR pattern among Strep. mutans isolates and two main patterns among Strep. sobrinus isolates. Ribotyping and AP-PCR revealed 40 and 33 different types among 81 selected isolates, respectively. Both techniques detected intra-individual heterogeneity in 16 out of 19 participants. The results indicate that AP-PCR has good discriminative ability in differentiating between mutans streptococcal clones and that the technique is suitable for epidemiological studies on mutans streptococci.

Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein as a Marker of Necrosis and Severity in Acute Pancreatitis.

PubMed

Kupčinskas, Juozas; Gedgaudas, Rolandas; Hartman, Hannes; Sippola, Tomi; Lindström, Outi; Johnson, Colin D; Regnér, Sara

2018-07-01

The aim of this study was to study intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-FABP) as a potential biomarker in predicting severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). In a prospective multicenter cohort study, plasma levels of i-FABP were measured in 402 patients with AP. Severity of AP was determined based on the 1992 Atlanta Classification. Admission levels of plasma i-FABP were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic necrosis, in patients having systemic complications, in patients treated invasively, in patients treated in the intensive care unit, in patients with severe AP, and in deceased patients. Plasma i-FABP levels on admission yielded an area under curve (AUC) of 0.732 in discriminating patients with or without pancreatic necrosis and AUC of 0.669 in predicting severe AP. Combination of levels of i-FABP and venous lactate on the day of admission showed higher discriminative power in severe AP-AUC of 0.808. Higher i-FABP levels on admission were associated with pancreatic necrosis, systemic complications, and severe AP. Low levels of i-FABP had a high negative predictive value for pancreatic necrosis and severe AP. Combination of levels of i-FABP and venous lactates on admission were superior to either of markers used alone in predicting severe AP.