Sample records for b2b inter-organisational digitalisation

  1. Barriers of inter-organisational integration in vocational rehabilitation.

    PubMed

    Wihlman, Ulla; Lundborg, Cecilia Stålsby; Axelsson, Runo; Holmström, Inger

    2008-06-19

    A project of vocational rehabilitation was studied in Sweden between 1999 and 2002. The project included four public organisations: the social insurance office, the local health services, the municipal social service and the office of the state employment service. The aim of this paper was to analyse perceived barriers in the development of inter-organisational integration. Theories of inter-professional and inter-organisational integration, and theories on organisational change. In total, 51 semi-structured interviews and 14 focus group discussions were performed with actors within the project between 1999 and 2002. A thematic approach was used for the analysis of the data. THREE DIFFERENT MAIN THEMES OF BARRIERS EMERGED FROM THE DATA: A Uncertainty, B Prioritising own organisation and C Lack of communication. The themes are interconnected in an intricate web and hence not mutually exclusive. The barriers found are all related partly to organisational change in general and partly to the specific development of organisational integration. Prioritising of own organisation led to flaws in communication, which in turn led to a high degree of uncertainty within the project. This can be seen as a circular relationship, since uncertainty might increase focus on own organisation and lack of communication. A way to overcome these barriers would be to take the needs of the clients as a point of departure in the development of joint services and to also involve them in the development of inter-organisational integration.

  2. Inter-organisational response to disasters.

    PubMed

    Paturas, James L; Smith, Stewart R; Albanese, Joseph; Waite, Geraldine

    2016-01-01

    Inter-organisational communication failures during times of real-world disasters impede the collaborative response of agencies responsible for ensuring the public's health and safety. In the best of circumstances, communications across jurisdictional boundaries are ineffective. In times of crisis, when communities are grappling with the impact of a disaster, communications become critically important and more complex. Important factors for improving inter-organisational communications are critical thinking and problem-solving skills; inter-organisational relationships; as well as strategic, tactical and operational communications. Improving communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making requires a review of leadership skills. This discussion begins with an analysis of the existing disaster management research and moves to an examination of the importance of inter-organisational working relationships. Before a successful resolution of a disaster by multiple levels of first responders, the group of organisations must have a foundation of trust, collegiality, flexibility, expertise, openness, relational networking and effective communications. Leaders must also be prepared to improve leadership skills through continual development in each of these foundational areas.

  3. The impact of e-marketing orientation on performance in Asian SMEs: a B2B perspective

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chong, Woon Kian; Man, Ka Lok; Kim, Mucheol

    2018-01-01

    Business-to-business (B2B) organisations are increasingly utilising electronic devices in their business operations in order to succeed in increasingly competitive markets. This trend is prevalent in the growing Asian markets, especially in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector. While prior research has focused on this issue in the context of large business-to-customer (B2C) organisations in Asia, there have hardly been any studies that have shed light on the B2B sector in the SME setting. This study aims to critically explore B2B e-marketing critical success factors (B2B-eM-CSFs) for SMEs operating in the Asian B2B marketplace. A key finding is the development of a theoretical framework for SMEs, emerging from the analysis of 406 companies from various industrial sectors. The study shows that interaction with the B2B-eM-CSFs is an important dimension and has a positive and significant impact on e-business efficiency and marketing improvements for Asian SMEs.

  4. The structure, stability, and infrared spectrum of B 2N, B 2N +, B 2N -, BO, B 2O and B 2N 2.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin, J. M. L.; François, J. P.; Gijbels, R.

    1992-05-01

    The structure, infrared spectrum, and heat of formation of B 2N, B 2N -, BO, and B 2O have been studied ab initio. B 2N is very stable; B 2O even more so. B 2N, B 2N -, B 2O, and probably B 2N + have symmetric linear ground-state structures; for B 2O, an asymmetric linear structure lies about 12 kcal/mol above the ground state. B 2N +, B 2N - and B 2O have intense asymmetric stretching frequencies, predicted near 870, 1590 and 1400 cm -1, respectively. Our predicted harmonic frequencies and isotopic shifts for B 2O confirm the recent experimental identification by Andrews and Burkholder. Absorptions at 1889.5 and 1998.5 cm -1 in noble-gas trapped boron nitride vapor belong the BNB and BNBN ( 3Π), respectively; a tentative assignment of 882.5 cm -1 to BNB + is proposed. Total atomization energies Σ De (Σ D0) are computed (accuracy ±2 kcal/mol) as: BO 193.1 (190.4), B 2O 292.5 (288.7), B 2N 225.0 (250.3) kcal/mol. The ionization potential and electron affinity of B 2N are predicted to be 8.62±0.1 and 3.34±0.1 eV. The MP4-level additivity approximations involved in G1 theory results in errors on the order of 1 kcal/mol in the Σ De values.

  5. Diversity in genomic organisation, developmental regulation and distribution of the murine PR72/B" subunits of protein phosphatase 2A

    PubMed Central

    Zwaenepoel, Karen; Louis, Justin V; Goris, Jozef; Janssens, Veerle

    2008-01-01

    Background Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine-specific phosphatase displaying vital functions in growth and development through its role in various signalling pathways. PP2A holoenzymes comprise a core dimer composed of a catalytic C and a structural A subunit, which can associate with a variable B-type subunit. The importance of the B-type subunits for PP2A regulation cannot be overestimated as they determine holoenzyme localisation, activity and substrate specificity. Three B-type subunit families have been identified: PR55/B, PR61/B' and PR72/B", of which the latter is currently the least characterised. Results We deduced the sequences and genomic organisation of the different murine PR72/B" isoforms: three genes encode nine isoforms, five of which are abundantly expressed and give rise to genuine PP2A subunits. Thereby, one novel subunit was identified. Using Northern blotting, we examined the tissue-specific and developmental expression of these subunits. All subunits are highly expressed in heart, suggesting an important cardiac function. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a striated expression pattern of PR72 and PR130 in heart and skeletal muscle, but not in bladder smooth muscle. The subcellular localisation and cell cycle regulatory ability of several PR72/B" isoforms were determined, demonstrating differences as well as similarities. Conclusion In contrast to PR55/B and PR61/B', the PR72/B" family seems evolutionary more divergent, as only two of the murine genes have a human orthologue. We have integrated these results in a more consistent nomenclature of both human and murine PR72/B" genes and their transcripts/proteins. Our results provide a platform for the future generation of PR72/B" knockout mice. PMID:18715506

  6. InterB multigenic family, a gene repertoire associated with subterminal chromosome regions of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and conserved in several human-infecting microsporidian species.

    PubMed

    Dia, Ndongo; Lavie, Laurence; Méténier, Guy; Toguebaye, Bhen S; Vivarès, Christian P; Cornillot, Emmanuel

    2007-03-01

    Microsporidia are fungi-related obligate intracellular parasites that infect numerous animals, including man. Encephalitozoon cuniculi harbours a very small genome (2.9 Mbp) with about 2,000 coding sequences (CDSs). Most repeated CDSs are of unknown function and are distributed in subterminal regions that mark the transitions between subtelomeric rDNA units and chromosome cores. A potential multigenic family (interB) encoding proteins within a size range of 579-641 aa was investigated by PCR and RT-PCR. Thirty members were finally assigned to the E. cuniculi interB family and a predominant interB transcript was found to originate from a newly identified gene on chromosome III. Microsporidian species from eight different genera infecting insects, fishes or mammals, were tested for a possible intra-phylum conservation of interB genes. Only representatives of the Encephalitozoon, Vittaforma and Brachiola genera, differing in host range but all able to invade humans, were positive. Molecular karyotyping of Brachiola algerae showed a complex set of chromosome bands, providing a haploid genome size estimate of 15-20 Mbp. In spite of this large difference in genome complexity, B. algerae and E. cuniculi shared some similar interB gene copies and a common location of interB genes in near-rDNA subterminal regions.

  7. Pharmacological characterization of the bradykinin B2 receptor: inter-species variability and dissociation between binding and functional responses

    PubMed Central

    Paquet, J -L; Luccarini, J -M; Fouchet, C; Defrêne, E; Loillier, B; Robert, C; Bélichard, P; Cremers, B; Pruneau, D

    1999-01-01

    native bradykinin B2 receptor in human (pKi of 8.66 and 8.59, respectively) and in rat (pKi 9.67 and 9.81, respectively). In conclusion, we suggest that the binding buffer composition has to be taken into account when screening new compounds and that inter-species differences should be considered when setting up animal models with the aim of developing bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists as therapeutic agents. PMID:10204994

  8. Inter-rater reliability of surgical reviews for AREN03B2: a COG renal tumor committee study.

    PubMed

    Hamilton, Thomas E; Barnhart, Douglas; Gow, Kenneth; Ferrer, Fernando; Kandel, Jessica; Glick, Richard; Dasgupta, Roshni; Naranjo, Arlene; He, Ying; Gratias, Eric; Geller, James; Mullen, Elizabeth; Ehrlich, Peter

    2014-01-01

    The Children's Oncology Group (COG) renal tumor study (AREN03B2) requires real-time central review of radiology, pathology, and the surgical procedure to determine appropriate risk-based therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the surgical reviews. Of the first 3200 enrolled AREN03B2 patients, a sample of 100 enriched for blood vessel involvement, spill, rupture, and lymph node involvement was selected for analysis. The surgical assessment was then performed independently by two blinded surgical reviewers and compared to the original assessment, which had been completed by another of the committee surgeons. Variables assessed included surgeon-determined local tumor stage, overall disease stage, type of renal procedure performed, presence of tumor rupture, occurrence of intraoperative tumor spill, blood vessel involvement, presence of peritoneal implants, and interpretation of residual disease. Inter-rater reliability was measured using the Fleiss' Kappa statistic two-sided hypothesis tests (Kappa, p-value). Local tumor stage correlated in all 3 reviews except in one case (Kappa=0.9775, p<0.001). Similarly, overall disease stage had excellent correlation (0.9422, p<0.001). There was strong correlation for type of renal procedure (0.8357, p<0.001), presence of tumor rupture (0.6858, p<0.001), intraoperative tumor spill (0.6493, p<0.001), and blood vessel involvement (0.6470, p<0.001). Variables that had lower correlation were determination of the presence of peritoneal implants (0.2753, p<0.001) and interpretation of residual disease status (0.5310, p<0.001). The inter-rater reliability of the surgical review is high based on the great consistency in the 3 independent review results. This analysis provides validation and establishes precedent for real-time central surgical review to determine treatment assignment in a risk-based stratagem for multimodal cancer therapy. © 2014.

  9. Linking Action Learning and Inter-Organisational Learning: The Learning Journey Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schumacher, Thomas

    2015-01-01

    The article presents and illustrates the learning journey (LJ)--a new management development approach to inter-organisational learning based on observation, reflection and problem-solving. The LJ involves managers from different organisations and applies key concepts of action learning and systemic organisational development. Made up of…

  10. The Vaporization of B2O3(l) to B2O3(g) and B2O2(g)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jacobson, Nathan S.; Myers, Dwight L.

    2011-01-01

    The vaporization of B2O3 in a reducing environment leads to formation of both B2O3(g) and B2O2(g). While formation of B2O3(g) is well understood, many questions about the formation of B2O2(g) remain. Previous studies using B(s) + B2O3(l) have led to inconsistent thermodynamic data. In this study, it was found that after heating, B(s) and B2O3(l) appear to separate and variations in contact area likely led to the inconsistent vapor pressures of B2O2(g). To circumvent this problem, an activity of boron is fixed with a two-phase mixture of FeB and Fe2B. Both second and third law enthalpies of formation were measured for B2O2(g) and B2O3(g). From these the enthalpies of formation at 298.15 K are calculated to be -479.9 +/- 41.5 kJ/mol for B2O2(g) and -833.4 +/- 13.1 kJ/mol for B2O3(g). Ab initio calculations to determine the enthalpies of formation of B2O2(g) and B2O3(g) were conducted using the W1BD composite method and show good agreement with the experimental values.

  11. Quantitation of fumonisin B1 and B2 in feed using FMOC pre-column derivatization with HPLC and fluorescence detection.

    PubMed

    Smith, Lori L; Francis, Kyle A; Johnson, Joseph T; Gaskill, Cynthia L

    2017-11-01

    Pre-column derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl) was determined to be effective for quantitation of fumonisins B 1 and B 2 in feed. Liquid-solid extraction, clean-up using immunoaffinity solid phase extraction chromatography, and FMOC-derivatization preceded analysis by reverse phase HPLC with fluorescence. Instrument response was unchanged in the presence of matrix, indicating no need to use matrix-matched calibrants. Furthermore, high method recoveries indicated calibrants do not need to undergo clean-up to account for analyte loss. Established method features include linear instrument response from 0.04-2.5µg/mL and stable derivatized calibrants over 7days. Fortified cornmeal method recoveries from 0.1-30.0μg/g were determined for FB 1 (75.1%-109%) and FB 2 (96.0%-115.2%). Inter-assay precision ranged from 1.0%-16.7%. Method accuracy was further confirmed using certified reference material. Inter-laboratory comparison with naturally-contaminated field corn demonstrated equivalent results with conventional derivatization. These results indicate FMOC derivatization is a suitable alternative for fumonisins B 1 and B 2 quantitation in corn-based feeds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. High-Resolution Synchrotron Infrared Spectroscopy of Thiophosgene: the νb{1}, νb{5}, 2νb{4}, and νb{2} + 2νb{6} bands

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McKellar, Bob; Billinghurst, Brant E.

    2015-06-01

    Thiophosgene (Cl_2CS) is a favorite model system for studies of photophysics, vibrational dynamics, and intersystem interactions. But at high resolution its infrared spectrum is very congested due to hot bands and multiple isotopic species. Previously, we reported the first high resolution IR study of this molecule, analyzing the νb{2} (504 wn) and νb{4} (471 wn) fundamental bands. Here we continue, with analysis of the νb{1} (1139 wn) and νb{5} (820 wn) fundamentals for the two most abundant isotopologues, 35Cl2CS and 35Cl37ClCS, based on spectra with a resolution of about 0.001 wn obtained at the Canadian Light Source far-infrared beamline using synchrotron radiation and a Bruker IFS125 Fourier transform spectrometer. The νb{2} + νb{4} (942 wn) and νb{2} + 2νb{6} (1104 wn) bands are also studied here. But so far the νb{2} + νb{6} combination band (795 wn) resists analysis, as do the weak νb{3} (292.9 wn) and νb{6} (≈300? wn) fundamentals. A.R.W. McKellar, B.E.Billinghurst, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 260, 66 (2010).

  13. B11 NMR in the layered diborides OsB2 and RuB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suh, B. J.; Zong, X.; Singh, Y.; Niazi, A.; Johnston, D. C.

    2007-10-01

    B11 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements have been performed on B11 enriched OsB2 and RuB2 polycrystalline powder samples in an external field of 4.7T and in the temperature range, 4.2KB2 and RuB2 , respectively. The experimental results indicate that a p character dominates the conduction electron wave function at the B site with a negligibly small s character in both compounds.

  14. Community annotation experiment for ground truth generation for the i2b2 medication challenge

    PubMed Central

    Solti, Imre; Xia, Fei; Cadag, Eithon

    2010-01-01

    Objective Within the context of the Third i2b2 Workshop on Natural Language Processing Challenges for Clinical Records, the authors (also referred to as ‘the i2b2 medication challenge team’ or ‘the i2b2 team’ for short) organized a community annotation experiment. Design For this experiment, the authors released annotation guidelines and a small set of annotated discharge summaries. They asked the participants of the Third i2b2 Workshop to annotate 10 discharge summaries per person; each discharge summary was annotated by two annotators from two different teams, and a third annotator from a third team resolved disagreements. Measurements In order to evaluate the reliability of the annotations thus produced, the authors measured community inter-annotator agreement and compared it with the inter-annotator agreement of expert annotators when both the community and the expert annotators generated ground truth based on pooled system outputs. For this purpose, the pool consisted of the three most densely populated automatic annotations of each record. The authors also compared the community inter-annotator agreement with expert inter-annotator agreement when the experts annotated raw records without using the pool. Finally, they measured the quality of the community ground truth by comparing it with the expert ground truth. Results and conclusions The authors found that the community annotators achieved comparable inter-annotator agreement to expert annotators, regardless of whether the experts annotated from the pool. Furthermore, the ground truth generated by the community obtained F-measures above 0.90 against the ground truth of the experts, indicating the value of the community as a source of high-quality ground truth even on intricate and domain-specific annotation tasks. PMID:20819855

  15. Barriers to the Integration of Care in Inter-Organisational Settings: A Literature Review

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    Introduction: In recent years, inter-organisational collaboration between healthcare organisations has become of increasingly vital importance in order to improve the integration of health service delivery. However, different barriers reported in academic literature seem to hinder the formation and development of such collaboration. Theory and methods: This systematic literature review of forty studies summarises and categorises the barriers to integrated care in inter-organisational settings as reported in previous studies. It analyses how these barriers operate. Results: Within these studies, twenty types of barriers have been identified and then categorised in six groups (barriers related to administration and regulation, barriers related to funding, barriers related to the inter-organisational domain, barriers related to the organisational domain, barriers related to service delivery, and barriers related to clinical practices). Not all of these barriers emerge passively, some are set up intentionally. They are not only context-specific, but are also often related and influence each other. Discussion and conclusion: The compilation of these results allows for a better understanding of the characteristics and reasons for the occurrence of barriers that impede collaboration aiming for the integration of care, not only for researchers but also for practitioners. It can help to explain and counteract the slow progress and limited efficiency and effectiveness of some of the inter-organisational collaboration in healthcare settings. PMID:29632455

  16. Investigation of Inter-Node B Macro Diversity for Single-Carrier Based Radio Access in Evolved UTRA Uplink

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kawai, Hiroyuki; Morimoto, Akihito; Higuchi, Kenichi; Sawahashi, Mamoru

    This paper investigates the gain of inter-Node B macro diversity for a scheduled-based shared channel using single-carrier FDMA radio access in the Evolved UTRA (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) uplink based on system-level simulations. More specifically, we clarify the gain of inter-Node B soft handover (SHO) with selection combining at the radio frame length level (=10msec) compared to that for hard handover (HHO) for a scheduled-based shared data channel, considering the gains of key packet-specific techniques including channel-dependent scheduling, adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), hybrid automatic repeat request (ARQ) with packet combining, and slow transmission power control (TPC). Simulation results show that the inter-Node B SHO increases the user throughput at the cell edge by approximately 10% for a short cell radius such as 100-300m due to the diversity gain from a sudden change in other-cell interference, which is a feature specific to full scheduled-based packet access. However, it is also shown that the gain of inter-Node B SHO compared to that for HHO is small in a macrocell environment when the cell radius is longer than approximately 500m due to the gains from hybrid ARQ with packet combining, slow TPC, and proportional fairness based channel-dependent scheduling.

  17. Managing security risks for inter-organisational information systems: a multiagent collaborative model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Nan; Wu, Harris; Li, Minqiang; Wu, Desheng; Chen, Fuzan; Tian, Jin

    2016-09-01

    Information sharing across organisations is critical to effectively managing the security risks of inter-organisational information systems. Nevertheless, few previous studies on information systems security have focused on inter-organisational information sharing, and none have studied the sharing of inferred beliefs versus factual observations. In this article, a multiagent collaborative model (MACM) is proposed as a practical solution to assess the risk level of each allied organisation's information system and support proactive security treatment by sharing beliefs on event probabilities as well as factual observations. In MACM, for each allied organisation's information system, we design four types of agents: inspection agent, analysis agent, control agent, and communication agent. By sharing soft findings (beliefs) in addition to hard findings (factual observations) among the organisations, each organisation's analysis agent is capable of dynamically predicting its security risk level using a Bayesian network. A real-world implementation illustrates how our model can be used to manage security risks in distributed information systems and that sharing soft findings leads to lower expected loss from security risks.

  18. B2B Models for DoD Acquisition

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-01-15

    unlimited. Prepared for: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California 93943 B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 15 January 2008 by Magdi N...TYPE AND DATES COVERED 1 Oct 2006 through 30 Sept 2007 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 5. FUNDING 6. AUTHOR (S...public release; distribution is unlimited 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words.) A central vision of B2B e-commerce is that

  19. Bu-2470, a new peptide antibiotic complex. II. Structure determination of Bu-2470 A, B1, B2a and B2b.

    PubMed

    Sugawara, K; Yonemoto, T; Konishi, M; Matsumoto, K; Miyaki, T; Kawaguchi, H

    1983-06-01

    The structures of Bu-2470 A, B1, B2a, and B2b have been determined. Bu-2470 A is a simple octapeptide having no fatty acid moiety, while Bu-2470 B1, B2a and B2b are octapeptides that have been acylated with a beta-hydroxy C11 or C10 fatty acid. The octapeptide structure of Bu-2470 components was found identical with that of octapeptin C1, hence generic names of octapeptin C0, C2, C3 and C4 are proposed for Bu-2470 A, B1, B2a and B2b, respectively.

  20. B2B Models for DoD Acquisition

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-07-30

    Internet, extranets, intranets, or private networks • In 2003 it represented about 11% of total B2B trade estimated at $13.5 trillion • Predicted to... B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 30 July 2007 by Magdi N. Kamel, Associate Professor Graduate School of Operational & Information Sciences...number. 1. REPORT DATE 30 JUL 2007 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2007 to 00-00-2007 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE B2B Models for DoD

  1. PI-RADS version 2: evaluation of diffusion-weighted imaging interpretation between b = 1000 and b = 1500 s mm-2.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Mi-Ri; Kim, Chan Kyo; Kim, Jae-Hun

    2017-11-01

    To investigate the variability of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) interpretation of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 (v2) in evaluating prostate cancer (PCa). 154 patients with PCa underwent multiparametric 3T MRI, followed by radical prostatectomy. DWI with different b values (b = 0, 100, 1000 and 1500 s mm - 2 ) was obtained. Using the PI-RADS v2, two radiologists independently scored suspicious lesions in each patient and compared DWI of b = 1000 (DWI 1000 ) with 1500 (DWI 1500 ) s mm - 2 . On DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 , the intermethod and interobserver agreements of DWI scores were excellent in all patients (κ ≥ 0.873). In each peripheral zone and transition zone DWI scores, both observers showed excellent intermethod agreement between DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 (κ ≥ 0.897), and interobserver agreement for DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 was good to excellent (κ ≥ 0.796). For estimating clinically significant cancer, the area under receiver operating characteristics curves of DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 were 0.710 and 0.724 for observer 1 (p = 0.11), and 0.649 and 0.656 for observer 2 (p = 0.12), respectively. The PI-RADS v2 scoring at 3T shows excellent agreement between DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 in evaluating PCa, with excellent inter-observer agreement. Advance in knowledge: DWI using b = 1000 s mm -2 instead of b = 1500 s mm -2 reduces examination time or image distortion, with improved the signal-to-noise ratio.

  2. Grb2 regulates B-cell maturation, B-cell memory responses and inhibits B-cell Ca2+ signalling.

    PubMed

    Ackermann, Jochen A; Radtke, Daniel; Maurberger, Anna; Winkler, Thomas H; Nitschke, Lars

    2011-04-20

    Grb2 is a ubiquitously expressed adaptor protein, which activates Ras and MAP kinases in growth factor receptor signalling, while in B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling this role is controversial. In B cell lines it was shown that Grb2 can inhibit BCR-induced Ca(2+) signalling. Nonetheless, the physiological role of Grb2 in primary B cells is still unknown. We generated a B-cell-specific Grb2-deficient mouse line, which had a severe reduction of mature follicular B cells in the periphery due to a differentiation block and decreased B-cell survival. Moreover, we found several changes in important signalling pathways: enhanced BCR-induced Ca(2+) signalling, alterations in mitogen-activated protein kinase activation patterns and strongly impaired Akt activation, the latter pointing towards a defect in PI3K signalling. Interestingly, B-cell-specific Grb2-deficient mice showed impaired IgG and B-cell memory responses, and impaired germinal centre formation. Thus, Grb2-dependent signalling pathways are crucial for lymphocyte differentiation processes, as well as for control of secondary humoral immune responses.

  3. Intrinsic fluorescence spectra characteristics of vitamin B1, B2, and B6

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Hui; Xiao, Xue; Zhao, Xuesong; Hu, Lan; Lv, Caofang; Yin, Zhangkun

    2015-11-01

    This paper presents the intrinsic fluorescence characteristics of vitamin B1, B2 and B6 measured with 3D fluorescence Spectrophotometer. Three strong fluorescence areas of vitamin B2 locate at λex/λem=270/525nm, 370/525nm and 450/525nm, one fluorescence areas of vitamin B1 locates at λex/λem=370/460nm, two fluorescence areas of vitamin B6 locates at λex/λem=250/370nm and 325/370nm were found. The influence of pH of solution to the fluorescence profile was also discussed. Using the PARAFAC algorithm, 10 vitamin B1, B2 and B6 mixed solutions were successfully decomposed, and the emission profiles, excitation profiles, central wavelengths and the concentration of the three components were retrieved precisely through about 5 iteration times.

  4. Evidence for the η(b)(2S) and observation of h(b)(1P)→η(b)(1S)γ and h(b)(2P)→η(b)(1S)γ.

    PubMed

    Mizuk, R; Asner, D M; Bondar, A; Pedlar, T K; Adachi, I; Aihara, H; Arinstein, K; Aulchenko, V; Aushev, T; Aziz, T; Bakich, A M; Bay, A; Belous, K; Bhardwaj, V; Bhuyan, B; Bischofberger, M; Bonvicini, G; Bozek, A; Bračko, M; Brodzicka, J; Browder, T E; Chekelian, V; Chen, A; Chen, P; Cheon, B G; Chilikin, K; Chistov, R; Cho, I-S; Cho, K; Choi, S-K; Choi, Y; Dalseno, J; Danilov, M; Doležal, Z; Drásal, Z; Drutskoy, A; Eidelman, S; Epifanov, D; Fast, J E; Gaur, V; Gabyshev, N; Garmash, A; Golob, B; Haba, J; Hara, T; Hayasaka, K; Hayashii, H; Horii, Y; Hoshi, Y; Hou, W-S; Hsiung, Y B; Hyun, H J; Iijima, T; Ishikawa, A; Itoh, R; Iwabuchi, M; Iwasaki, Y; Iwashita, T; Jaegle, I; Julius, T; Kang, J H; Kapusta, P; Kawasaki, T; Kim, H J; Kim, H O; Kim, J H; Kim, K T; Kim, M J; Kim, Y J; Kinoshita, K; Ko, B R; Koblitz, S; Kodyš, P; Korpar, S; Kouzes, R T; Križan, P; Krokovny, P; Kuhr, T; Kumita, T; Kuzmin, A; Kwon, Y-J; Lange, J S; Lee, S-H; Li, J; Libby, J; Liu, C; Liu, Y; Liu, Z Q; Liventsev, D; Louvot, R; Matvienko, D; McOnie, S; Miyabayashi, K; Miyata, H; Mohanty, G B; Mohapatra, D; Moll, A; Muramatsu, N; Mussa, R; Nakao, M; Natkaniec, Z; Ng, C; Nishida, S; Nishimura, K; Nitoh, O; Nozaki, T; Ohshima, T; Okuno, S; Olsen, S L; Onuki, Y; Pakhlov, P; Pakhlova, G; Park, C W; Park, H; Pestotnik, R; Petrič, M; Piilonen, L E; Poluektov, A; Röhrken, M; Sakai, Y; Sandilya, S; Santel, D; Sanuki, T; Sato, Y; Schneider, O; Schwanda, C; Senyo, K; Seon, O; Sevior, M E; Shapkin, M; Shen, C P; Shibata, T-A; Shiu, J-G; Shwartz, B; Sibidanov, A; Simon, F; Smerkol, P; Sohn, Y-S; Sokolov, A; Solovieva, E; Stanič, S; Starič, M; Sumihama, M; Sumiyoshi, T; Tanida, K; Tatishvili, G; Teramoto, Y; Tikhomirov, I; Trabelsi, K; Tsuboyama, T; Uchida, M; Uehara, S; Uglov, T; Unno, Y; Uno, S; Vanhoefer, P; Varner, G; Varvell, K E; Vinokurova, A; Vorobyev, V; Wang, C H; Wang, M-Z; Wang, P; Wang, X L; Watanabe, M; Watanabe, Y; Williams, K M; Won, E; Yabsley, B D; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, Y; Yuan, C Z; Zhang, Z P; Zhilich, V

    2012-12-07

    We report the first evidence for the η(b)(2S) using the h(b)(2P)→η(b)(2S)γ transition and the first observation of the h(b)(1P)→η(b)(1S)γ and h(b)(2P)→η(b)(1S)γ transitions. The mass and width of the η(b)(1S) and η(b)(2S) are measured to be m(η(b)(1S))=(9402.4±1.5±1.8) MeV/c(2), m(η(b)(2S))=(9999.0±3.5(-1.9)(+2.8)) MeV/c(2), and Γ(η(b)(1S))=(10.8(-3.7-2.0)(+4.0+4.5)) MeV. We also update the h(b)(1P) and h(b)(2P) mass measurements. We use a 133.4 fb(-1) data sample collected at energies near the Υ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider.

  5. ORM-Based Semantics of B2B Transactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balsters, H.; van Blommestein, F.

    After widespread implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning and Personal Information Management, the next wave in the application of ICT is headed towards business to business (B2B) communication. B2B has a number of specific aspects, one of them being negotiation. This aspect has been largely neglected by present implementations of standard EDI- or XML-messaging and by B2B webservice implementations. In this paper a precise model is given of the negotiation process. The requirements of a potential Buyer and the offer of a potential Seller are matched and, if the negotiation is successful, a contract is concluded. The negotiation process model is represented in ORM, extended with dynamic constraints. Our model may be implemented in the databases of the trading partners and in message- or service definitions.

  6. Action Learning: Towards a Framework in Inter-Organisational Settings

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coughlan, Paul; Coghlan, David

    2004-01-01

    While much of the literature on action learning focuses on managers developing their capacity to learn and transform their own organizations, this article explores how action learning has been used in inter-organisational settings. Two settings are presented: the first an EU-funded management development programme called the National Action…

  7. CARDIO-i2b2: integrating arrhythmogenic disease data in i2b2.

    PubMed

    Segagni, Daniele; Tibollo, Valentina; Dagliati, Arianna; Napolitano, Carlo; G Priori, Silvia; Bellazzi, Riccardo

    2012-01-01

    The CARDIO-i2b2 project is an initiative to customize the i2b2 bioinformatics tool with the aim to integrate clinical and research data in order to support translational research in cardiology. In this work we describe the implementation and the customization of i2b2 to manage the data of arrhytmogenic disease patients collected at the Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri of Pavia in a joint project with the NYU Langone Medical Center (New York, USA). The i2b2 clinical research chart data warehouse is populated with the data obtained by the research database called TRIAD. The research infrastructure is extended by the development of new plug-ins for the i2b2 web client application able to properly select and export phenotypic data and to perform data analysis.

  8. Structure investigation of maltacine B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b: cyclic peptide lactones of the maltacine complex from Bacillus subtilis.

    PubMed

    Hagelin, Gunnar

    2005-04-01

    A new complex of cyclic peptide lactone antibiotics from Bacillus subtilis, which we named maltacines, has recently been described. The structure elucidation of four of them is reported in this paper. The amino acid sequences and structures of the peptides were found by MSn of the ring-opened linear peptides that gave uninterrupted sequences of Bn and Y''n ions. The identities of three unknown residues in the sequences were solved by a combination of derivatization with phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC), high-resolution mass spectrometry and H/D exchange. The nature and position of the cyclic structure were revealed by a chemoselective ring opening with Na18OH and was found to be a lactone formed between a hydroxyl of residue number 4 and the C-terminal amino acid number 12. For verification of the structure of the B2+ ion, peptides with different combinations of P/Q and P/K at the N-terminus were synthesized. The structures of the four peptides were found to be as follows: B1a/B2a, cyclo-4,12(P-Q-Y-HNLeu-A-E-T-Y-Orn-103-Y-I-OH); and B1b/B2b, cyclo-4,12(P-Q-Y-HNLeu-A-E-T-Y-K-103-Y-I-OH). Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  9. 75 FR 79988 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-21

    ... Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA..., 2009, for the Model AS350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, and B3 helicopters (ASB 80.00.07); and ASB No. 80A003... authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39...

  10. 75 FR 34062 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-16

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2... AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with certain main... an unsafe condition for certain Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D, and...

  11. 75 FR 65222 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-22

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2... adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D... 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2...

  12. Inter- and intra-cellular mechanism of NF-kB-dependent survival advantage and clonal expansion of radio-resistant cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Yu, Hui; Aravindan, Natarajan; Xu, Ji; Natarajan, Mohan

    2017-02-01

    Understanding the underlying mechanism by which cancer cells acquire resistance to radiation and favorably selected for its clonal expansion will provide molecular insight into tumor recurrence at the treatment site. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms prompted in MCF-7 breast cancer cells in response to clinical radiation and the associated coordination of intra- and inter-cellular signaling that orchestrate radio-resistance and tumor relapse/recurrence. Our findings showed that 2 or 10Gy of 137 Cs γ-rays at a dose rate of 1.03Gy/min trigger the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), its DNA-binding activity and recycles its own transcription. NF-κB DNA-binding kinetic analysis demonstrated both sustained and dual phase NF-κB activation with radiation. Gene manipulation approach revealed that radiation triggered NF-κB-mediated TNF-α transcriptional activity. TNF-α blocking approach confirmed that the de novo synthesis and secretion of TNF-α serves as a pre-requisite for the second phase of NF-κB activation and sustained maintenance. Radiation-associated NF-κB-dependent secretion of TNF-α from irradiated cells, in parallel, activates NF-κB in the non-targeted un-irradiated bystander cells. Together, these findings demonstrated that radiation-triggered NF-κB-dependent TNFα secretion is critical for self-sustenance of NF-κB (through autocrine positive feedback signaling) and for coordinating bystander response (through inter-cellular paracrine mechanism) after radiation exposure. Further, the data suggest that this self-sustained NF-κB in the irradiated cells determines radio-resistance, survival advantage and clonal expansion of the tumor cells at the treatment site. Parallel maintenance of NF-ΚB-TNF-α-NF-κB feedback-cycle in the un-irradiated non-targeted bystander cells initiates supportive mechanism for the promotion and progression of surviving tumor cells. Intervening this molecular pathway would help us to

  13. Electronic Commerce in Tourism in China: B2B or B2C?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Hongxiu; Suomi, Reima

    E-commerce has significantly changed the distribution channels of travel products in the world including China. Online channels are growing important in travel service distribution. In China tourism industry has been developed rapidly with the economic development, more and more international travel service providers are trying to expand their Chinese market through the Internet. This paper sheds lights on the e-commerce development models in China for international travel service providers. It explores the current e-tourism in China from the three different participants in the value chain in tourism industry - consumer, travel agent and travel service provider. The paper also identifies the barriers in B2C arena in international outbound travel market, and discusses the possible approaches for international travel service providers to develop their e-commerce in the huge Chinese market. The results in this study reveal that international travel service providers should focus on B2B model to expand their electronic market in China. B2C development in tourism largely depends on the change of Chinese customers' behavior and the change of international tourism regulations. The findings of the study are expected to assist international travel service providers to understand current e-tourism in China and to support their planning for future e-commerce development in China.

  14. Genotype and environment effects on the contents of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 in wheat grain.

    PubMed

    Shewry, Peter R; Van Schaik, Frank; Ravel, Catherine; Charmet, Gilles; Rakszegi, Mariann; Bedo, Zoltan; Ward, Jane L

    2011-10-12

    The total contents of thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (B2), and pyridoxine (B6) and the bioavailable forms of niacin (B3) were determined on wholemeal flours of 24 winter wheat varieties grown on four sites (United Kingdom, Poland, France, and Hungary) in 2007 and of two spring varieties grown on the same sites with the exception of Poland. The contents of vitamins B1 (5.53-13.55 μg/g dw), B2 (0.77-1.40 μg/g dw), and B6 (1.27-2.97 μg/g dw) were within the ranges reported previously, while the content of bioavailable vitamin B3 (0.16-1.74 μg/g dw) was about 10-15% of the total contents of vitamin B3 reported in previous studies. Strong correlations were observed between the contents of vitamins B1, B3, and B6, and partitioning of the variance in the contents of these three B vitamins showed that between 48 and 70% was accounted for by the environment. By contrast, the content of vitamin B2 was not correlated with the contents of other B vitamins, and 73% of the variance was ascribed to the error term, which suggests that this trait may be influenced by genotype × environment interactions. Whereas the contents of vitamins B1, B3, and B6 were correlated positively with the mean temperature from heading to harvest (r > 0.8), the content of vitamin B2 was positively correlated with precipitation during the 3 months prior to heading. These results are discussed in relation to the development of new wheat varieties with enhanced health benefits.

  15. [In vitro study of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 adsorption on zeolite].

    PubMed

    Basić, Zorica; Kilibarda, Vesna; Dobrić, Silva; Resanović, Radmila

    2011-01-01

    Zeolites are the hydratised alumosilicates of alcali and earthalcali cations, which have a long three-dimensional crystal structure. Preparations on the basis of zeolites are used for adsorption of organic and nonorganic toxic substances and they, also, find more and more use in veterinary and human medicine and pharmacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibilities of zeolite to adsorb vitamins B1, B2 and B6 in acid and neutral solutions, as well as the characteristics of the process (saturability, reversibility and competitiveness). The specific and sensitive HPLC method with fluorescent detector was used for determination of vitamins B1, B2 and B6. Analyte separation and detection were carried out by applying the reverse-phase method on column C18. An in vitro experiment was done by testing the influence of pH value (2 and 7), concentration of vitamin solution (1, 2 and 5 mg/L), the length of contact with zeolite (10-180 min) and cation competitiveness on the exchange capacity, which is achieved by media and zeolite contact, as well as a possible vitamins desorption through changing pH value of the solution at 37 degrees C. Jon competitiveness was examined by adding commercial feed mixture (grower) with a defined content of the examined vitamins in zeolite solutions the pH = 2 and pH = 7. Vitamins B1, B2 and B6 were stable in both pH=2 and pH = 7 solutions at 37 degrees C, in the defined time intervals. In acid solution concentrations of vitamins significantly declined in the first 10 min, with no significant decline in further 30 min for all the three concentrations tests. In neutral solution, after the addition of 1% zeolite, decrease in vitamins concentrations was slightly lower than in acid solution, but also significant in the first 10 min of the contact with zeolite. It was found that zeolite, which adsorbed vitamins in acid solution, transferred in the neutral one released a significant quantity of adsorbed vitamins after 30 min of extraction

  16. 76 FR 70046 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1; and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-10

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, N... France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1 helicopters; and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2... (AD 2003- 22-06), for Eurocopter Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1; and Model AS355E, F, F1...

  17. Experiences and Future Expectations towards Online Courses--An Empirical Study of the B2C-and B2B-Segments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Krämer, Andreas; Böhrs, Sandra

    2016-01-01

    This article explores the future potential for the development of online courses. The findings are based on an empirical study with 3 sample groups: (1) B2C segment in Germany, (2) B2C segment in the United States, and (3) B2B segment (international). In the first step the status quo of the use of e-learning in general and online courses in…

  18. Agent-based services for B2B electronic commerce

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fong, Elizabeth; Ivezic, Nenad; Rhodes, Tom; Peng, Yun

    2000-12-01

    The potential of agent-based systems has not been realized yet, in part, because of the lack of understanding of how the agent technology supports industrial needs and emerging standards. The area of business-to-business electronic commerce (b2b e-commerce) is one of the most rapidly developing sectors of industry with huge impact on manufacturing practices. In this paper, we investigate the current state of agent technology and the feasibility of applying agent-based computing to b2b e-commerce in the circuit board manufacturing sector. We identify critical tasks and opportunities in the b2b e-commerce area where agent-based services can best be deployed. We describe an implemented agent-based prototype system to facilitate the bidding process for printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly. These activities are taking place within the Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (ICM) project, the NIST- sponsored project working with industry to create an environment where small manufacturers of mechanical and electronic components may participate competitively in virtual enterprises that manufacture printed circuit assemblies.

  19. Role of the UGT2B17 deletion in exemestane pharmacogenetics

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Shaman; Chen, Gang; Truica, Cristina; Baird, Cynthia C.; Leitzel, Kim; Lazarus, Philip

    2017-01-01

    Exemestane (EXE) is an aromatase inhibitor used for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. The major metabolic pathway for EXE is reduction to form the active 17β-dihydro-EXE (17β-DHE) and subsequent glucuronidation to 17β-hydroxy-EXE-17-O-β-D-glucuronide (17β-DHE-Gluc) by UGT2B17. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of UGT2B17 copy number variation on the levels of urinary and plasma 17β-DHE-Gluc and 17β-DHE in patients taking EXE. Ninety-six post-menopausal Caucasian breast cancer patients with ER+ breast tumors taking 25 mg EXE daily were recruited into this study. UGT2B17 copy number was determined by a real-time PCR copy number variant assay and the levels of EXE, 17β-DHE and 17β-DHE-Gluc were quantified by UPLC/MS in patients’ urine and plasma. A 39-fold decrease (P<0.0001) in the levels of creatinine-adjusted urinary 17β-DHE-Gluc was observed among UGT2B17 (*2/*2) subjects vs. subjects with the UGT2B17 (*1/*1) genotype. The plasma levels of 17β-DHE-Gluc was decreased 29-fold (P<0.0001) in subjects with the UGT2B17 (*2/*2) genotype vs. subjects with UGT2B17 (*1/*1) genotype. The levels of plasma EXE-adjusted 17β-DHE was 28% higher (P=0.04) in subjects with the UGT2B17 (*2/*2) genotype vs. subjects with the UGT2B17 (*1/*1) genotype. These data indicate that UGT2B17 is the major enzyme responsible for 17β-DHE-Gluc formation in vivo and that the UGT2B17 copy number variant may play a role in inter-individual variability in 17β-DHE levels in vivo. PMID:28534527

  20. Role of the UGT2B17 deletion in exemestane pharmacogenetics.

    PubMed

    Luo, S; Chen, G; Truica, C; Baird, C C; Leitzel, K; Lazarus, P

    2018-04-01

    Exemestane (EXE) is an aromatase inhibitor used for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. The major metabolic pathway for EXE is reduction to form the active 17β-dihydro-EXE (17β-DHE) and subsequent glucuronidation to 17β-hydroxy-EXE-17-O-β-D-glucuronide (17β-DHE-Gluc) by UGT2B17. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of UGT2B17 copy number variation on the levels of urinary and plasma 17β-DHE-Gluc and 17β-DHE in patients taking EXE. Ninety-six post-menopausal Caucasian breast cancer patients with ER+ breast tumors taking 25 mg EXE daily were recruited into this study. UGT2B17 copy number was determined by a real-time PCR copy number variant assay and the levels of EXE, 17β-DHE and 17β-DHE-Gluc were quantified by UPLC/MS in patients' urine and plasma. A 39-fold decrease (P<0.0001) in the levels of creatinine-adjusted urinary 17β-DHE-Gluc was observed among UGT2B17 (*2/*2) subjects vs subjects with the UGT2B17 (*1/*1) genotype. The plasma levels of 17β-DHE-Gluc was decreased 29-fold (P<0.0001) in subjects with the UGT2B17 (*2/*2) genotype vs subjects with UGT2B17 (*1/*1) genotype. The levels of plasma EXE-adjusted 17β-DHE was 28% higher (P=0.04) in subjects with the UGT2B17 (*2/*2) genotype vs subjects with the UGT2B17 (*1/*1) genotype. These data indicate that UGT2B17 is the major enzyme responsible for 17β-DHE-Gluc formation in vivo and that the UGT2B17 copy number variant may play a role in inter-individual variability in 17β-DHE levels in vivo.

  1. Argonaute2 and LaminB modulate gene expression by controlling chromatin topology

    PubMed Central

    Nazer, Ezequiel; Dale, Ryan K.; Chinen, Madoka; Radmanesh, Behram

    2018-01-01

    Drosophila Argonaute2 (AGO2) has been shown to regulate expression of certain loci in an RNA interference (RNAi)-independent manner, but its genome-wide function on chromatin remains unknown. Here, we identified the nuclear scaffolding protein LaminB as a novel interactor of AGO2. When either AGO2 or LaminB are depleted in Kc cells, similar transcription changes are observed genome-wide. In particular, changes in expression occur mainly in active or potentially active chromatin, both inside and outside LaminB-associated domains (LADs). Furthermore, we identified a somatic target of AGO2 transcriptional repression, no hitter (nht), which is immersed in a LAD located within a repressive topologically-associated domain (TAD). Null mutation but not catalytic inactivation of AGO2 leads to ectopic expression of nht and downstream spermatogenesis genes. Depletion of either AGO2 or LaminB results in reduced looping interactions within the nht TAD as well as ectopic inter-TAD interactions, as detected by 4C-seq analysis. Overall, our findings reveal coordination of AGO2 and LaminB function to dictate genome architecture and thereby regulate gene expression. PMID:29529026

  2. Lattice Thermal Conductivity from Atomistic Simulations: ZrB2 and HfB2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lawson, John W.; Daw, Murray S.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.

    2012-01-01

    Ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC) including ZrB2 and HfB2 have a number of properties that make them attractive for applications in extreme environments. One such property is their high thermal conductivity. Computational modeling of these materials will facilitate understanding of fundamental mechanisms, elucidate structure-property relationships, and ultimately accelerate the materials design cycle. Progress in computational modeling of UHTCs however has been limited in part due to the absence of suitable interatomic potentials. Recently, we developed Tersoff style parameterizations of such potentials for both ZrB2 and HfB2 appropriate for atomistic simulations. As an application, Green-Kubo molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the lattice thermal conductivity for single crystals of ZrB2 and HfB2. The atomic mass difference in these binary compounds leads to oscillations in the time correlation function of the heat current, in contrast to the more typical monotonic decay seen in monoatomic materials such as Silicon, for example. Results at room temperature and at elevated temperatures will be reported.

  3. Heightened clinical utility of smartphone versus body-worn inertial system for shoulder function B-B score.

    PubMed

    Pichonnaz, Claude; Aminian, Kamiar; Ancey, Céline; Jaccard, Hervé; Lécureux, Estelle; Duc, Cyntia; Farron, Alain; Jolles, Brigitte M; Gleeson, Nigel

    2017-01-01

    The B-B Score is a straightforward kinematic shoulder function score including only two movements (hand to the Back + lift hand as to change a Bulb) that demonstrated sound measurement properties for patients for various shoulder pathologies. However, the B-B Score results using a smartphone or a reference system have not yet been compared. Provided that the measurement properties are comparable, the use of a smartphone would offer substantial practical advantages. This study investigated the concurrent validity of a smartphone and a reference inertial system for the measurement of the kinematic shoulder function B-B Score. Sixty-five patients with shoulder conditions (with rotator cuff conditions, adhesive capsulitis and proximal humerus fracture) and 20 healthy participants were evaluated using a smartphone and a reference inertial system. Measurements were performed twice, alternating between two evaluators. The B-B Score differences between groups, differences between devices, relationship between devices, intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility were analysed. The smartphone mean scores (SD) were 94.1 (11.1) for controls and 54.1 (18.3) for patients (P < 0.01). The difference between devices was non-significant for the control (P = 0.16) and the patient group (P = 0.81). The analysis of the relationship between devices showed 0.97 ICC, -0.6 bias and -13.2 to 12.0 limits of agreement (LOA). The smartphone intra-evaluator ICC was 0.92, the bias 1.5 and the LOA -17.4 to 20.3. The smartphone inter-evaluator ICC was 0.92, the bias 1.5 and the LOA -16.9 to 20.0. The B-B Score results measured with a smartphone were comparable to those of an inertial system. While single measurements diverged in some cases, the intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility was excellent and was equivalent between devices. The B-B score measured with a smartphone is straightforward and as efficient as a reference inertial system measurement.

  4. Heightened clinical utility of smartphone versus body-worn inertial system for shoulder function B-B score

    PubMed Central

    Aminian, Kamiar; Ancey, Céline; Jaccard, Hervé; Lécureux, Estelle; Duc, Cyntia; Farron, Alain; Jolles, Brigitte M.; Gleeson, Nigel

    2017-01-01

    Background The B-B Score is a straightforward kinematic shoulder function score including only two movements (hand to the Back + lift hand as to change a Bulb) that demonstrated sound measurement properties for patients for various shoulder pathologies. However, the B-B Score results using a smartphone or a reference system have not yet been compared. Provided that the measurement properties are comparable, the use of a smartphone would offer substantial practical advantages. This study investigated the concurrent validity of a smartphone and a reference inertial system for the measurement of the kinematic shoulder function B-B Score. Methods Sixty-five patients with shoulder conditions (with rotator cuff conditions, adhesive capsulitis and proximal humerus fracture) and 20 healthy participants were evaluated using a smartphone and a reference inertial system. Measurements were performed twice, alternating between two evaluators. The B-B Score differences between groups, differences between devices, relationship between devices, intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility were analysed. Results The smartphone mean scores (SD) were 94.1 (11.1) for controls and 54.1 (18.3) for patients (P < 0.01). The difference between devices was non-significant for the control (P = 0.16) and the patient group (P = 0.81). The analysis of the relationship between devices showed 0.97 ICC, −0.6 bias and −13.2 to 12.0 limits of agreement (LOA). The smartphone intra-evaluator ICC was 0.92, the bias 1.5 and the LOA −17.4 to 20.3. The smartphone inter-evaluator ICC was 0.92, the bias 1.5 and the LOA −16.9 to 20.0. Conclusions The B-B Score results measured with a smartphone were comparable to those of an inertial system. While single measurements diverged in some cases, the intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility was excellent and was equivalent between devices. The B-B score measured with a smartphone is straightforward and as efficient as a reference inertial system

  5. Do project management and network governance contribute to inter-organisational collaboration in primary care? A mixed methods study.

    PubMed

    Schepman, Sanneke; Valentijn, Pim; Bruijnzeels, Marc; Maaijen, Marlies; de Bakker, Dinny; Batenburg, Ronald; de Bont, Antoinette

    2018-06-07

    The need for organisational development in primary care has increased as it is accepted as a means of curbing rising costs and responding to demographic transitions. It is only within such inter-organisational networks that small-scale practices can offer treatment to complex patients and continuity of care. The aim of this paper is to explore, through the experience of professionals and patients, whether, and how, project management and network governance can improve the outcomes of projects which promote inter-organisational collaboration in primary care. This paper describes a study of projects aimed at improving inter-organisational collaboration in Dutch primary care. The projects' success in project management and network governance was monitored by interviewing project leaders and board members on the one hand, and improvement in the collaboration by surveying professionals and patients on the other. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied to assess the projects. These were analysed, finally, using multi-level models in order to account for the variation in the projects, professionals and patients. Successful network governance was associated positively with the professionals' satisfaction with the collaboration; but not with improvements in the quality of care as experienced by patients. Neither patients nor professionals perceived successful project management as associated with the outcomes of the collaboration projects. This study shows that network governance in particular makes a difference to the outcomes of inter-organisational collaboration in primary care. However, project management is not a predictor for successful inter-organisational collaboration in primary care.

  6. 76 FR 28637 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-18

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters AGENCY... Register as of June 22, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http... available data, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as...

  7. Adhesive and Cohesive Strength in FeB/Fe2B Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meneses-Amador, A.; Blancas-Pérez, D.; Corpus-Mejía, R.; Rodríguez-Castro, G. A.; Martínez-Trinidad, J.; Jiménez-Tinoco, L. F.

    2018-05-01

    In this work, FeB/Fe2B systems were evaluated by the scratch test. The powder-pack boriding process was performed on the surface of AISI M2 steel. The mechanical parameters, such as yield stress and Young's modulus of the boride layer, were obtained by the instrumented indentation technique. Residual stresses produced on the boride layer were estimated by using the x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The scratch test was performed in order to evaluate the cohesive/adhesive strength of the FeB/Fe2B coating. In addition, a numerical evaluation of the scratch test on boride layers was performed by the finite element method. Maximum principal stresses were related to the failure mechanisms observed by the experimental scratch test. Shear stresses at the interfaces of the FeB/Fe2B/substrate system were also evaluated. Finally, the results obtained provide essential information about the effect of the layer thickness, the residual stresses, and the resilience modulus on the cohesive/adhesive strength in FeB/Fe2B systems.

  8. Telecom 2-B and 2-C (TC2B and TC2C)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dulac, J.; Alvarez, H.

    1991-01-01

    The DSN (Deep Space Network) mission support requirements for Telecom 2-B and 2-C (TC2B and TC2C) are summarized. These Telecom missions will provide high-speed data link applications, telephone, and television service between France and overseas territories as a follow-on to TC2A. Mission objectives are outlined and the DSN support requirements are defined through the presentation of tables and narratives describing the spacecraft flight profile; DSN support coverage; frequency assignments; support parameters for telemetry, command and support systems; and tracking support responsibility.

  9. HSD3B2, HSD17B1, HSD17B2, ESR1, ESR2 and AR expression in infertile women with endometriosis.

    PubMed

    Osiński, Maciej; Wirstlein, Przemysław; Wender-Ożegowska, Ewa; Mikołajczyk, Mateusz; Jagodziński, Paweł Piotr; Szczepańska, Małgorzata

    2018-01-01

    The development of endometriosis is associated with changes in the expression of genes encoding the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (HSD3B2) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (HSD17B2), estrogen receptors 1 (ESR1) and 2 (ESR2) and the androgen receptor (AR). However, little is known about the expression of HSD3B2, HSD17B1, HSD17B2, ESR1 ESR2 and AR during the endometrial phases in eutopic endometrium from infertile women with endometriosis. Using RT-qPCR analysis, we assessed the expression of the studied genes in the follicular and luteal phases in eutopic endometrium from fertile women (n = 17) and infertile women (n = 35) with endometriosis. In the mid-follicular eutopic endometrium, we observed a significant increase in HSD3B2 transcript levels in all infertile women with endometriosis (p = 0.003), in infertile women with stage I/II endometriosis (p = 0.008) and in infertile women with stage III/IV endometriosis (p = 0.009) compared to all fertile women. There was a significant increase in ESR1 tran-scripts in all infertile women with endometriosis (p = 0.008) and in infertile women with stage I/II endometriosis (p = 0.019) and in infertile women with stage III/IV endometriosis (p = 0.023) compared to all fertile women. In the mid-luteal eutopic endometrium, we did not observe significant differences in HSD3B2, HSD17B1, HSD17B2, ESR1, ESR2 and AR transcripts between infertile women with endometriosis and fertile women. Observed significant increase in HSD3B2 and ESR1 transcripts in follicular eutopic endometrium from infer-tile women with endometriosis may be related to abnormal biological effect of E2 in endometrium, further affecting the development of human embryos.

  10. Preparation of dimeric procyanidins B1, B2, B5, and B7 from a polymeric procyanidin fraction of black chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ).

    PubMed

    Esatbeyoglu, Tuba; Winterhalter, Peter

    2010-04-28

    A semisynthetic approach has been used for the preparative formation of dimeric procyanidins B1, B2, B5, and B7. As starting material for the semisynthesis, polymeric procyanidins from black chokeberry were applied. These polymers were found to consist almost exclusively of (-)-epicatechin units. Under acidic conditions the interflavanoid linkages of the polymeric procyanidins are cleaved and the liberated (-)-epicatechin can react with nucleophiles, such as (+)-catechin or (-)-epicatechin. In this way, the polymeric procyanidins are degraded while dimeric procyanidins are formed. During this reaction only dimeric procyanidins are formed that contain (-)-epicatechin in the upper unit, that is, B1 [(-)-EC-4beta-->8-(+)-C)], B2 [(-)-EC-4beta-->8-(-)-EC], B5 [(-)-EC-4beta-->6-(-)-EC], and B7 [(-)-EC-4beta-->6-(+)-C]. The reaction mixtures of the semisynthesis can be successfully fractionated with high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), and it is possible to isolate pure procyanidins B1, B2, B5, and B7 on a preparative scale.

  11. Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments Increment 2B (DCAPES Inc 2B)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-01

    2016 Major Automated Information System Annual Report Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments Increment 2B (DCAPES Inc 2B...Defense Acquisition Management Information Retrieval (DAMIR) UNCLASSIFIED DCAPES Inc 2B 2016 MAR UNCLASSIFIED 2 Table of Contents Common...Logistics DCAPES Inc 2B 2016 MAR UNCLASSIFIED 3 Lt Col Christopher Thrower 201 East Moore Drive Building 856, Room 154 Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter

  12. Plasma vitamins B2, B6, B12, and related genetic variants as predictors of colorectal cancer risk

    PubMed Central

    Eussen, Simone JPM; Vollset, Stein Emil; Hustad, Steinar; Midttun, Øivind; Meyer, Klaus; Fredriksen, Åse; Ueland, Per Magne; Jenab, Mazda; Slimani, Nadia; Boffetta, Paolo; Overvad, Kim; Thorlacius-Ussing, Ole; Tjønneland, Anne; Olsen, Anja; Clavel-Chapelon, Françoise; Boutron-Ruault, Marie-Christine; Morois, Sophie; Weikert, Cornelia; Pischon, Tobias; Linseisen, Jakob; Kaaks, Rudolf; Trichopoulou, Antonia; Zilis, Demosthenes; Katsoulis, Michael; Palli, Domenico; Pala, Valeria; Vineis, Paolo; Tumino, Rosario; Panico, Salvatore; Peeters, Petra HM; Bueno-de-Mesquita, H Bas; van Duijnhoven, Fränzel JB; Skeie, Guri; Muñoz, Xavier; Martínez, Carmen; Dorronsoro, Miren; Ardanaz, Eva; Navarro, Carmen; Rodríguez, Laudina; Van Guelpen, Bethany; Palmqvist, Richard; Manjer, Jonas; Ericson, Ulrika; Bingham, Sheila; Khaw, Kay-Tee; Norat, Teresa; Riboli, Elio

    2010-01-01

    Background B-vitamins are essential for one-carbon metabolism and have been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Although associations with folate have frequently been studied, studies on other plasma vitamins B2, B6, and B12 and CRC are scarce or inconclusive. Methods Nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, including 1365 incident CRC cases and 2319 controls matched for study center, age, and sex. We measured the sum of B2 species riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide, and the sum of B6 species pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, pyridoxal, and 4-pyridoxic acid as indicators for vitamin B2 and B6 status, as well as vitamin B12 in plasma samples collected at baseline. In addition, we determined eight polymorphisms related to one-carbon metabolism. Relative risks (RRs) for CRC were estimated using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for smoking, education, physical activity, BMI, alcohol consumption, and intakes of fiber, red- and processed meat. Results RRs comparing highest to lowest quintile (95% confidence interval, Ptrend) were: 0.71 (0.56–0.91, 0.02) for vitamin B2, 0.68 (0.53–0.87, <0.001) for vitamin B6, and 1.02 (0.80–1.29, 0.19) for vitamin B12. The associations for vitamin B6 were stronger in males who consumed ≥ 30g alcohol/day. The polymorphisms were not associated with CRC. Conclusions Higher plasma concentrations of vitamins B2 and B6 are associated with a lower CRC risk. Impact This European population-based study is the first to indicate that vitamin B2 is inversely associated with CRC, and is in agreement to previously suggested inverse associations of vitamin B6 with CRC. PMID:20813848

  13. Secondary Use of Claims Data from the Austrian Health Insurance System with i2b2: A Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Endel, Florian; Duftschmid, Georg

    2016-01-01

    In conformity with increasing international efforts to reuse routine health data for scientific purposes, the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Organisations provides pseudonymized claims data of the Austrian health care system for clinical research. We aimed to examine, whether an integration of the corresponding database into i2b2 would be possible and provide benefits. We applied docker-based software containers and data transformations to set up the system. To assess the benefits of i2b2 we plan to reenact the task of cohort formation of an earlier research project. The claims database was successfully integrated into i2b2. The docker-based installation approach will be published as git repository. The assessment of i2b2's benefits is currently work in progress and will be presented at the conference. Docker enables a flexible, reproducible, and resource-efficient installation of i2b2 within the restricted environment implied by our highly secured target system. First preliminary tests indicated several potential benefits of i2b2 compared to the methods applied during the earlier research project.

  14. Genetic variations in UGT2B28, UGT2B17, UGT2B15 genes and the risk of prostate cancer: A case-control study.

    PubMed

    Habibi, Mohsen; Mirfakhraie, Reza; Khani, Maryam; Rakhshan, Azadeh; Azargashb, Eznollah; Pouresmaeili, Farkhondeh

    2017-11-15

    Glucuronidation is a major pathway for elimination of exogenous and endogenous compounds such as environmental carcinogens and androgens from the body. This biochemical pathway is mediated by enzymes called uridine diphosphoglucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). Null (del/del) genes polymorphisms in UGT2B17, and UGT2B28 and D85Y single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of UGT2B15 have been reported to increase the risk of prostate cancer. The goal of this study was to determine the association of mentioned genetic variants with the risk of prostate cancer. We investigated the copy number variations (CNVs) of UGT2B17 and UGT2B28 loci and the association between rs1902023 polymorphism of UGT2B15 gene in 360 subjects consisted of 120 healthy controls, 120 prostate cancer (PC) patients and 120 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. No association was detected for the mentioned polymorphisms and the risk of PC. However, a significant association was detected between UGT2B17 copy number variation and BPH risk (OR=2.189; 95% CI, 1.303-3.675; p=0.003). Furthermore, we observed that the D85Y polymorphism increases the risk of BPH when analyzed in combination with the copy number variation of UGT2B17 gene (OR=0.135; 95% CI, 0.036-0.512; p=0.003). Our findings suggest that the D85Y polymorphism of UGT2B15 and CNVs in UGT2B28 and UGT2B17 genes is not associated with prostate cancer risk in Iranian patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report that implicates the role of CNV of UGT2B17 gene in BPH. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Downregulation of kinin B1 receptor function by B2 receptor heterodimerization and signaling.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xianming; Brovkovych, Viktor; Zhang, Yongkang; Tan, Fulong; Skidgel, Randal A

    2015-01-01

    Signaling through the G protein-coupled kinin receptors B1 (kB1R) and B2 (kB2R) plays a critical role in inflammatory responses mediated by activation of the kallikrein-kinin system. The kB2R is constitutively expressed and rapidly desensitized in response to agonist whereas kB1R expression is upregulated by inflammatory stimuli and it is resistant to internalization and desensitization. Here we show that the kB1R heterodimerizes with kB2Rs in co-transfected HEK293 cells and natively expressing endothelial cells, resulting in significant internalization and desensitization of the kB1R response in cells pre-treated with kB2R agonist. However, pre-treatment of cells with kB1R agonist did not affect subsequent kB2R responses. Agonists of other G protein-coupled receptors (thrombin, lysophosphatidic acid) had no effect on a subsequent kB1R response. The loss of kB1R response after pretreatment with kB2R agonist was partially reversed with kB2R mutant Y129S, which blocks kB2R signaling without affecting endocytosis, or T342A, which signals like wild type but is not endocytosed. Co-endocytosis of the kB1R with kB2R was dependent on β-arrestin and clathrin-coated pits but not caveolae. The sorting pathway of kB1R and kB2R after endocytosis differed as recycling of kB1R to the cell surface was much slower than that of kB2R. In cytokine-treated human lung microvascular endothelial cells, pre-treatment with kB2R agonist inhibited kB1R-mediated increase in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) caused by kB1R stimulation (to generate nitric oxide) and blocked the profound drop in TER caused by kB1R activation in the presence of pyrogallol (a superoxide generator). Thus, kB1R function can be downregulated by kB2R co-endocytosis and signaling, suggesting new approaches to control kB1R signaling in pathological conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Downregulation of kinin B1 receptor function by B2 receptor heterodimerization and signaling

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Xianming; Brovkovych, Viktor; Zhang, Yongkang; Tan, Fulong; Skidgel, Randal A.

    2014-01-01

    Signaling through the G protein-coupled kinin receptors B1 (kB1R) and B2 (kB2R) plays a critical role in inflammatory responses mediated by activation of the kallikrein-kinin system. The kB2R is constitutively expressed and rapidly desensitized in response to agonist whereas kB1R expression is upregulated by inflammatory stimuli and it is resistant to internalization and desensitization. Here we show that the kB1R heterodimerizes with kB2Rs in co-transfected HEK293 cells and natively expressing endothelial cells, resulting in significant internalization and desensitization of the kB1R response in cells pre-treated with kB2R agonist. However, pre-treatment of cells with kB1R agonist did not affect subsequent kB2R responses. Agonists of other G protein-coupled receptors (thrombin, lysophosphatidic acid) had no effect on a subsequent kB1R response. The loss of kB1R response after pretreatment with kB2R agonist was partially reversed with kB2R mutant Y129S, which blocks kB2R signaling without affecting endocytosis, or T342A, which signals like wild type but is not endocytosed. Co-endocytosis of the kB1R with kB2R was dependent on β-arrestin and clathrin-coated pits but not caveolae. The sorting pathway of kB1R and kB2R after endocytosis differed as recycling of kB1R to the cell surface was much slower than that of kB2R. In cytokine-treated human lung microvascular endothelial cells, pre-treatment with kB2R agonist inhibited kB1R-mediated increase in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) caused by kB1R stimulation (to generate nitric oxide) and blocked the profound drop in TER caused by kB1R activation in the presence of pyrogallol (a superoxide generator). Thus, kB1R function can be downregulated by kB2R co-endocytosis and signaling, suggesting new approaches to control kB1R signaling in pathological conditions. PMID:25289859

  17. 77 FR 3380 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-24

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2... Register as of February 8, 2012. We must receive comments on this AD by March 26, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may..., 2009, specifying MOD 073330 for the Model SA350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, BB, D, and L1 helicopters. ECF has...

  18. Interferon Alfa-2b Injection

    MedlinePlus

    Interferon alfa-2b injection is used to treat a number of conditions.Interferon alfa-2b injection is used alone or in combination ... lymphoma (NHL; a slow-growing blood cancer). Interferon alfa-2b is in a class of medications called ...

  19. 30 CFR 57.22238 - Actions at 2.0 percent methane (I-B, II-B, V-B, and VI mines).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Actions at 2.0 percent methane (I-B, II-B, V-B, and VI mines). 57.22238 Section 57.22238 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION... Actions at 2.0 percent methane (I-B, II-B, V-B, and VI mines). If methane reaches 2.0 percent in the mine...

  20. 30 CFR 57.22238 - Actions at 2.0 percent methane (I-B, II-B, V-B, and VI mines).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Actions at 2.0 percent methane (I-B, II-B, V-B... AND NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22238 Actions at 2.0 percent methane (I-B, II-B, V-B, and VI mines). If methane reaches 2.0 percent in the mine...

  1. Identification of UGT2B9*2 and UGT2B33 isolated from female rhesus monkey liver.

    PubMed

    Dean, Brian; Arison, Byron; Chang, Steve; Thomas, Paul E; King, Christopher

    2004-06-01

    Two UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT2B9(*)2 and UGT2B33) have been isolated from female rhesus monkey liver. Microsomal preparations of the cell lines expressing the UGTs catalyzed the glucuronidation of the general substrate 7-hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin in addition to selected estrogens (beta-estradiol and estriol) and opioids (morphine, naloxone, and naltrexone). UGT2B9(*)2 displayed highest efficiency for beta-estradiol-17-glucuronide production and did not catalyze the glucuronidation of naltrexone. UGT2B33 displayed highest efficiency for estriol and did not catalyze the glucuronidation of beta-estradiol. UGT2B9(*)2 was found also to catalyze the glucuronidation of 4-hydroxyestrone, 16-epiestriol, and hyodeoxycholic acid, while UGT2B33 was capable of conjugating 4-hydroxyestrone, androsterone, diclofenac, and hyodeoxycholic acid. Three glucocorticoids (cortisone, cortisol, and corticosterone) were not substrates for glucuronidation by liver or kidney microsomes or any expressed UGTs. Our current data suggest the use of beta-estradiol-3-glucuronidation, beta-estradiol-17-glucuronidation, and estriol-17-glucuronidation to assay UGT1A01, UGT2B9(*)2, and UGT2B33 activity in rhesus liver microsomes, respectively.

  2. Electronic and elastic properties of new semiconducting oP(12)-type RuB(2) and OsB(2).

    PubMed

    Hao, Xianfeng; Xu, Yuanhui; Gao, Faming

    2011-03-30

    Using first-principles total energy calculations we investigate the structural, elastic and electronic properties of new hypothetical oP(12)-type phase RuB(2) and OsB(2). The calculations indicate that the oP(12)-type phase RuB(2) and OsB(2) are thermodynamically and mechanically stable. Remarkably, the new phases RuB(2) and OsB(2) are predicted to be semiconductors, and the appearance of band gaps is ascribed to the enhanced B-B covalent hybridization. Compared to metallic oP(6)-type RuB(2) and OsB(2) phases, the new phases possess similar mechanical properties and hardness. The combination of the probability of tunable electronic properties, strong stiffness and high hardness make RuB(2) and OsB(2) attractive and interesting for advanced applications. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd

  3. Combustion synthesis of AlB2-Al2O3 composite powders with AlB2 nanowire structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Pan; Xiao, Guoqing; Ding, Donghai; Ren, Yun; Yang, Shoulei; Lv, Lihua; Hou, Xing

    2018-05-01

    Using of Al and B2O3 powders as starting materials, and Mg-Al alloy as additives, AlB2-Al2O3 composite powders with AlB2 nanowire structures were successfully fabricated via combustion synthesis method in Ar atmosphere at a pressure of 1.5 MPa. The effect of different amount of Mg-Al alloy on the phase compositions and morphology of the combustion products was investigated. The results revealed that AlB2 and Al2O3 increased, whereas Al decreased with the content of Mg-Al alloy increasing. The impurities MgAl2O4 and AlB12 would exist in the sample with adding of 18 wt% Mg-Al alloy. Interestingly, FESEM/TEM/EDS results showed that AlB2 nanowires were observed in the products when the content of Mg-Al alloy is 6 wt% and 12 wt%. The more AlB2 nanowires can be found as the content of Mg-Al alloy increased. And the yield of AlB2 nanowires with the diameter of about 200 nanometers (nm) and the length up to several tens of micrometers (μm) in the combustion product is highest when the content of Mg-Al alloy is 12 wt%. The vapor, such as Mg-Al (g), B2O2 (g), AlO (g) and Al2O (g), produced during the process of combustion synthesis, reacted with each other to yield AlB2 nanowires by vapor-solid (VS) mechanism and the corresponding model was also proposed.

  4. Influence of nanosized amorphous silica on assimilation of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 in rats.

    PubMed

    Gmoshinsky, I V; Vrzhesinskaya, O A; Shumakova, A A; Shipelin, V A; Kodentsova, V M; Khotimchenko, S A

    2016-01-01

    Amorphous silica (SiO2) in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) is widely used as a food additive E551 in many enriched foods and food supplements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of SiO2 NPs on assimilation and metabolism of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 in laboratory rats. Amorphous SiO2 «Orisil-300 ®» was used with the size of the primary NPs 20-60 nm according to the electronic, atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The experiment was conducted on 8 groups of growing male Wistar rats (with initial body weight 70-80g) number, respectively, 7, 7, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14 and 16 animals. Animals of the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th groups received through­out the experiment balanced semi-synthetic diet. Animals of the 2nd group received a diet depleted of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 until day 21; animals of the 6th, 7th and 8th groups -the same diet from the 1st to the 21th day, and then, before the closure of the experiment, the diet provided with the indicated B vitamins at 100% of normal level. From day 22 of experiment and until the end at day 29 the animals of the 3rd and 6th groups received deionized water (placebo) through intragastric gavage; rat of the 4th and 7th groups -aqueous suspension of SiO2 dose of 1 mg/kg body weight /day, and the 5th and 8th group -100 mg/kg/day. Urinary excretion of thiamine, riboflavin, 4-pyridoxilic acid and liver and brain content of vitamins B1 and B2 (after acid and enzyme hydrolysis) were deter­mined by fluorimetric methods. It was found that rats in group 2 lagged in weight gain at day 21 significantly compared to group 1, and developed a marked deficiency of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 according to studied safety parameters. In groups from 6 to 8 at day 29 par­tial recovery was achieved in vitamin status. Administration of SiO2 to animal of groups 4 and 5, with normal consumption of B vitamins, had no significant effect on any param­eters of vitamin status in comparison to group 3. However

  5. 75 FR 22508 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1; AS 355E...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-29

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1; AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N... (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D and D1; and AS 355E..., both dated November 16, 2005, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 14, 2010...

  6. Heat shock factors HsfB1 and HsfB2b are involved in the regulation of Pdf1.2 expression and pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Mukesh; Busch, Wolfgang; Birke, Hannah; Kemmerling, Birgit; Nürnberger, Thorsten; Schöffl, Friedrich

    2009-01-01

    In order to assess the functional roles of heat stress-induced class B-heat shock factors in Arabidopsis, we investigated T-DNA knockout mutants of AtHsfB1 and AtHsfB2b. Micorarray analysis of double knockout hsfB1/hsfB2b plants revealed as strong an up-regulation of the basal mRNA-levels of the defensin genes Pdf1.2a/b in mutant plants. The Pdf expression was further enhanced by jasmonic acid treatment or infection with the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola. The single mutant hsfB2b and the double mutant hsfB1/B2b were significantly improved in disease resistance after A. brassicicola infection. There was no indication for a direct interaction of Hsf with the promoter of Pdf1.2, which is devoid of perfect HSE consensus Hsf-binding sequences. However, changes in the formation of late HsfA2-dependent HSE binding were detected in hsfB1/B2b plants. This suggests that HsfB1/B2b may interact with class A-Hsf in regulating the shut-off of the heat shock response. The identification of Pdf genes as targets of Hsf-dependent negative regulation is the first evidence for an interconnection of Hsf in the regulation of biotic and abiotic responses.

  7. Heat Shock Factors HsfB1 and HsfB2b Are Involved in the Regulation of Pdf1.2 Expression and Pathogen Resistance in Arabidopsis

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, Mukesh; Busch, Wolfgang; Birke, Hannah; Kemmerling, Birgit; Nürnberger, Thorsten; Schöffl, Friedrich

    2009-01-01

    In order to assess the functional roles of heat stress-induced class B-heat shock factors in Arabidopsis, we investigated T-DNA knockout mutants of AtHsfB1 and AtHsfB2b. Micorarray analysis of double knockout hsfB1/hsfB2b plants revealed as strong an up-regulation of the basal mRNA-levels of the defensin genes Pdf1.2a/b in mutant plants. The Pdf expression was further enhanced by jasmonic acid treatment or infection with the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola. The single mutant hsfB2b and the double mutant hsfB1/B2b were significantly improved in disease resistance after A. brassicicola infection. There was no indication for a direct interaction of Hsf with the promoter of Pdf1.2, which is devoid of perfect HSE consensus Hsf-binding sequences. However, changes in the formation of late HsfA2-dependent HSE binding were detected in hsfB1/B2b plants. This suggests that HsfB1/B2b may interact with class A-Hsf in regulating the shut-off of the heat shock response. The identification of Pdf genes as targets of Hsf-dependent negative regulation is the first evidence for an interconnection of Hsf in the regulation of biotic and abiotic responses. PMID:19529832

  8. Phase and Physicochemical Properties Diagrams of Quaternary System Li2B4O7 + Na2B4O7 + Mg2B6O11 + H2O

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Shi-qiang; Du, Xue-min; Jing, Yan; Guo, Ya-fei; Deng, Tian-long

    2017-12-01

    The phase and physicochemical properties diagrams of the quaternary system (Li2B4O7 + Na2B4O7 + Mg2B6O11) at 288.15 K and 0.1 MPa were constructed using the solubilities, densities, and refractive indices measured. In the phase diagrams of the system there are one invariant point, three univariant isothermic dissolution curves, and three crystallization regions corresponding to Li2B4O7 · 3H2O, Na2B4O7 · 10H2O, and Mg2B6O11 · 15H2O, respectively. The solution density, refractive index of the quaternary system changes regularly with the increasing of Li2B4O7 concentration. The calculated values of density and refractive index using empirical equations of the quaternary system are in good agreement with the experimental values.

  9. 75 FR 80293 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-22

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2... identified in the Applicability section, Table 1, of the AD. As published, two part numbers shown in Table 1... corrected to read as follows: Table 1 Component Part No. (P/N) Serial No. (S/N) Main rotor servo-control...

  10. 75 FR 16664 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca ARRIEL 1B, 1D, 1D1, 2B, and 2B1 Turboshaft Engines

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-02

    ... limited to, Eurocopter AS 350 B, AS 350 BA, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, and EC 130 B4 helicopters... an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: During production of Arriel 1 and... by Turbom[eacute]ca. Potentially non-conforming PT blades have been traced as having been installed...

  11. Synthesis of Substituted 2,3,5,6-tetraarylbenzo(1,2-b:5,4-b')difurans

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abdul-Aziz, Mahmoud; Auping, Judith V.; Meador, Michael A.

    1995-01-01

    A series of substituted 2,3,5,6-tetraarylbenzo(l,2-b:5,4-b')difurans 1 was synthesized. This synthesis is based upon the photocyclization of 2,5-dibenzoylresorcinol dibenzyl ethers to the corresponding tetrahydrobenzo(1,2-b:5,4-b')difurans. Treatment of the photoproducts with methanesulfonyl chloride in pyridine afforded 1 in overall yields ranging from 30-72%. A number of these compounds have high fluorescence quantum yields (of phi(sub f) = 0.76-0.90), and their fluorescence spectra exhibit large solvatochromic shifts. These compounds may be suitable for use as fluorescent probes.

  12. Thermal stability of hexagonal OsB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Zhilin; Blair, Richard G.; Orlovskaya, Nina; Cullen, David A.; Andrew Payzant, E.

    2014-11-01

    The synthesis of novel hexagonal ReB2-type OsB2 ceramic powder was performed by high energy ball milling of elemental Os and B powders. Two different sources of B powder have been used for this mechanochemical synthesis. One B powder consisted of a mixture of amorphous and crystalline phases and a mixture of 10B and 11B isotopes with a fine particle size, while another B powder was a purely crystalline (rhombohedral) material consisting of enriched 11B isotope with coarse particle size. The same Os powder was used for the synthesis in both cases. It was established that, in the first case, the hexagonal OsB2 phase was the main product of synthesis with a small quantity of Os2B3 phase present after synthesis as an intermediate product. In the second case, where coarse crystalline 11B powder was used as a raw material, only Os2B3 boride was synthesized mechanochemically. The thermal stability of hexagonal OsB2 powder was studied by heating under argon up to 876 °C and cooling in vacuo down to -225 °C. During the heating, the sacrificial reaction 2OsB2+3O22Os+2B2O3 took place due to presence of O2/water vapor molecules in the heating chamber, resulting in the oxidation of B atoms and formation of B2O3 and precipitation of Os metal out of the OsB2 lattice. As a result of such phase changes during heating, the lattice parameters of hexagonal OsB2 changed significantly. The shrinkage of the a lattice parameter was recorded in 276-426 °C temperature range upon heating, which was attributed to the removal of B atoms from the OsB2 lattice due to oxidation followed by the precipitation of Os atoms and formation of Os metal. While significant structural changes occurred upon heating due to presence of O2, the hexagonal OsB2 ceramic demonstrated good phase stability upon cooling in vacuo with linear shrinkage of the lattice parameters and no phase changes detected during cooling.

  13. The physical and chemical structure of Sagittarius B2. II. Continuum millimeter emission of Sgr B2(M) and Sgr B2(N) with ALMA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sánchez-Monge, Á.; Schilke, P.; Schmiedeke, A.; Ginsburg, A.; Cesaroni, R.; Lis, D. C.; Qin, S.-L.; Müller, H. S. P.; Bergin, E.; Comito, C.; Möller, Th.

    2017-07-01

    Context. The two hot molecular cores Sgr B2(M) and Sgr B2(N), which are located at the center of the giant molecular cloud complex Sagittarius B2, have been the targets of numerous spectral line surveys, revealing a rich and complex chemistry. Aims: We seek to characterize the physical and chemical structure of the two high-mass star-forming sites Sgr B2(M) and Sgr B2(N) using high-angular resolution observations at millimeter wavelengths, reaching spatial scales of about 4000 au. Methods: We used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to perform an unbiased spectral line survey of both regions in the ALMA band 6 with a frequency coverage from 211 GHz to 275 GHz. The achieved angular resolution is 0.̋4, which probes spatial scales of about 4000 au, I.e., able to resolve different cores and fragments. In order to determine the continuum emission in these line-rich sources, we used a new statistical method, STATCONT, which has been applied successfully to this and other ALMA datasets and to synthetic observations. Results: We detect 27 continuum sources in Sgr B2(M) and 20 sources in Sgr B2(N). We study the continuum emission variation across the ALMA band 6 (I.e., spectral index) and compare the ALMA 1.3 mm continuum emission with previous SMA 345 GHz and VLA 40 GHz observations to study the nature of the sources detected. The brightest sources are dominated by (partially optically thick) dust emission, while there is an important degree of contamination from ionized gas free-free emission in weaker sources. While the total mass in Sgr B2(M) is distributed in many fragments, most of the mass in Sgr B2(N) arises from a single object, with filamentary-like structures converging toward the center. There seems to be a lack of low-mass dense cores in both regions. We determine H2 volume densities for the cores of about 107-109 cm-3 (or 105-107 M⊙ pc-3), I.e., one to two orders of magnitude higher than the stellar densities of super star clusters. We

  14. 7 CFR 1b.2 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Policy. 1b.2 Section 1b.2 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 1b.2 Policy. (a) All policies and programs of... environment for present and future generations. (b) Each USDA agency is responsible for compliance with this...

  15. 7 CFR 1b.2 - Policy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Policy. 1b.2 Section 1b.2 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 1b.2 Policy. (a) All policies and programs of... environment for present and future generations. (b) Each USDA agency is responsible for compliance with this...

  16. Gluten-Free Flours from Different Raw Materials as the Source of Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6.

    PubMed

    Rybicka, Iga; Gliszczynska-Swiglo, Anna

    2017-01-01

    Gluten-free (GF) products are those with a natural absence or acceptable level (<20 mg/kg) of gluten. They should be a part of a diet for people with gluten-related disorders, like celiac disease. Recently the popularity of a gluten-free diet (GFD) has risen extremely, because a lot of healthy individuals exclude gluten from their menus. According to the literature data on nutritional deficiencies in the GFD, this trend seems to be risky. This paper describes the nutritional value of 14 flours from different GF raw materials from the aspect of B-group vitamin content (B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 6 ). Vitamins were determined using high performance liquid chromatography after enzymatic and acid hydrolysis of the samples. The vitamin contents significantly differed in the analysed flours. The content (in 100 g of the product) of vitamin B 1 ranged from 0.01 mg (amaranth flour) to 0.60 mg (teff flour), vitamin B 2 from 0.03 mg (GF flour with oats) to 0.22 mg (buckwheat flour), vitamin B 3 from below 0.01 mg (amaranth flour) to 6.02 mg (millet flour), and vitamin B 6 from 0.03 mg (acorn flour) to 0.69 mg (amaranth flour). The content of vitamins in the analysed GF flours was also compared to gluten-containing flours. Obtained results indicate that flours from teff, millet, chestnut, buckwheat, and amaranth are better sources of certain B-group vitamins than flours from corn, rice, and some flours with gluten.

  17. Quench dynamics in MgB2 Rutherford cables

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cubero, A.; Navarro, R.; Kováč, P.; Kopera, L.; Rindfleisch, M.; Martínez, E.

    2018-04-01

    The generation and propagation of quench induced by a local heat disturbance or by overcurrents in MgB2 Rutherford cables have been studied experimentally. The analysed cable is composed of 12 strands of monocore MgB2/Nb/Cu10Ni wire and has a transposition length of about 27 mm. Measurements of intra- and inter-strand voltages have been performed to analyse the superconducting-to-normal transition behaviour of these cables during quench. In case of external hot-spots, two different time-dynamic regimes have been observed, a slow stage for the formation of the minimum propagation zone (MPZ), and a fast dynamics once the quench is triggered and propagates to the rest of the cable. Significant local variations of the quench propagation velocity across the strands around the MPZ have been observed, but with average quench propagation velocities closely correlated with the predictions given by one-dimensional-geometry models. For quench induced by overcurrents (i.e. with applied currents higher than the critical current) the nucleation of many normal zones distributed within the cable, which overlap during quench propagation, gives a distinctive and faster quench dynamics.

  18. Oxidation of ZrB2-and HfB2-Based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics: Effects of Ta Additions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Opila, Elizabeth; Levine, Stanley; Lorinez, Jonathan

    2003-01-01

    Several compositions of ZrB2- and HfB2-based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) were oxidized in stagnant air at 1627 C in ten minute cycles for times up to 100 minutes. These compositions include: ZrB2 - 20v% SiC, HfB2 - 20v% SiC, ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2, ZrB2 - 33v% SiC, HfB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2, and ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaC. The weight change due to oxidation was recorded. The ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2 composition was also oxidized in stagnant air at 1927 C and in an arc jet atmosphere. Samples were analyzed after oxidation by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine the reaction products and to observe the microstructure. The ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2 showed the lowest oxidation rate at 1627 C, but performed poorly under the more extreme tests due to liquid phase formation. Effects of Ta-additions on the oxidation of the diboride-based UHTC are discussed.

  19. Comparative analysis of B7-1 and B7-2 costimulatory ligands: expression and function

    PubMed Central

    1994-01-01

    Antigen-specific T cell activation requires the engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) with antigen as well as the engagement of appropriate costimulatory molecules. The most extensively characterized pathway of costimulation has been that involving the interaction of CD28 and CTLA4 on the T cell with B7 (now termed B7-1) on antigen presenting cells. Recently, B7-2 a second costimulatory ligand for CTLA4, was described, demonstrating the potential complexity of costimulatory interactions. This report examines and compares the expression and function of B7-1 and B7-2. Overall these results indicate that (a) B7-1 and B7-2 can be expressed by multiple cell types, including B cells, T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, all of which are therefore candidate populations for delivering costimulatory signals mediated by these molecules; (b) stimulating B cells with either LPS or anti-IgD-dextran induced expression of both B7- 1 and B7-2, and peak expression of both costimulatory molecules occurred after 18-42 h of culture. Expression of B7-2 on these B cell populations was significantly higher than expression of B7-1 at all times assayed after stimulation; (c) blocking of B7-2 costimulatory activity inhibited TCR-dependent T cell proliferation and cytokine production, without affecting early consequences of TCR signaling such as induction of CD69 or interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL-2R alpha); and (d) expression of B7-1 and of B7-2 can be regulated by a variety of stimuli. Moreover, expression of B7-1 and B7-2 can be independently regulated by the same stimulus, providing an additional complexity in the mechanisms available for regulating costimulation and hence immune response. PMID:7519245

  20. Inter-organisational communication networks in healthcare: centralised versus decentralised approaches.

    PubMed

    Pirnejad, Habibollah; Bal, Roland; Stoop, Arjen P; Berg, Marc

    2007-05-16

    To afford efficient and high quality care, healthcare providers increasingly need to exchange patient data. The existence of a communication network amongst care providers will help them to exchange patient data more efficiently. Information and communication technology (ICT) has much potential to facilitate the development of such a communication network. Moreover, in order to offer integrated care interoperability of healthcare organizations based upon the exchanged data is of crucial importance. However, complications around such a development are beyond technical impediments. To determine the challenges and complexities involved in building an Inter-organisational Communication network (IOCN) in healthcare and the appropriations in the strategies. Interviews, literature review, and document analysis were conducted to analyse the developments that have taken place toward building a countrywide electronic patient record and its challenges in The Netherlands. Due to the interrelated nature of technical and non-technical problems, a socio-technical approach was used to analyse the data and define the challenges. Organisational and cultural changes are necessary before technical solutions can be applied. There are organisational, financial, political, and ethicolegal challenges that have to be addressed appropriately. Two different approaches, one "centralised" and the other "decentralised" have been used by Dutch healthcare providers to adopt the necessary changes and cope with these challenges. The best solutions in building an IOCN have to be drawn from both the centralised and the decentralised approaches. Local communication initiatives have to be supervised and supported centrally and incentives at the organisations' interest level have to be created to encourage the stakeholder organisations to adopt the necessary changes.

  1. [Fundamental evaluation of apolipoprotein B-48 by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay--identification of apolipoprotein B-48 with immunoblotting].

    PubMed

    Sato, Itsuko; Fujioka, Yoshio; Hayashi, Fujio; Mukai, Masahiko; Kawano, Seiji; Ishikawa, Yuichi; Yamashita, Shizuya; Kumagai, Shunichi

    2007-06-01

    Apolipoprotein B-48 (apo B-48) is a constituent of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants, and its fasting concentration has been reported to be a marker of postprandial hyperlipidemia, which is thought to be a risk factor of atherosclerosis. We evaluated the serum apo B-48 concentrations by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA), which was recently introduced as Lumipulse f fully automated immunosaasy analyzer by Fujirebio Inc (Tokyo, Japan), and performed immunoblotting on agarose gel electrophoresis with anti-apo B-48 antibody. Apo B-48 assay was intra-assay reproducible (CVs: 1.9-3.1%) and inter-assay reproducible (CVs: 2.2-4.4%). The assay range for apo B-48 was from 0.2 to 40.0 microg/ml. The effects of interfering substances such as free/conjugated birirubin, hemoglobin, Intrafat, ascorbic acid and rheumatoid factor were negligible. For storage, it was preferable to freeze, and to avoid frozen-thaw process as much as possible. Anti-apo B-48 antibody was reactive over a wide range from origin to the position of very-low-density lipoproteins in immunoblotting after agarose gel electrophoresis. Apo B-48 measurement by CLEIA was feasible to clinical use for the assessment of lipoprotein metabolism.

  2. Mutational Analysis of the Stability of the H2A and H2B Histone Monomers

    PubMed Central

    Stump, Matthew R.; Gloss, Lisa M.

    2008-01-01

    The eukaryotic histone heterodimer H2A-H2B folds through an obligatory dimeric intermediate that forms in a nearly diffusion-limited association reaction in the stopped-flow dead time. It is unclear whether there is partial folding of the isolated monomers before association. To address the possible contributions of structure in the monomers to the rapid association, we characterized H2A and H2B monomers in the absence of their heterodimeric partner. By far-UV circular dichroism, the H2A and H2B monomers are 15% and 31% helical, respectively—significantly less than observed in X-ray crystal structures. Acrylamide quenching of the intrinsic Tyr fluorescence was indicative of tertiary structure. The H2A and H2B monomers exhibit free energies of unfolding of 2.5 and 2.9 kcal mol−1, respectively; at 10 μM, the sum of the stability of the monomers is ~60% of the stability of the native dimer. The helical content, stability and m values indicate that H2B has a more stable, compact structure than H2A. The monomer m values are larger than expected for the extended histone fold motif, suggesting that the monomers adopt an overly-collapsed structure. Stopped-flow refolding—initiated from urea-denatured monomers or the partially folded monomers populated at low denaturant concentrations—yielded essentially identical rates, indicating that monomer folding is productive in the rapid association and folding of the heterodimer. A series of Ala and Gly mutations were introduced into H2A and H2B to probe the importance of helix propensity on the structure and stability of the monomers. The mutational studies show that the central α-helix of the histone fold, which makes extensive inter-monomer contacts, is structured in H2B but only partially folded in H2A. PMID:18976667

  3. H2-K(b) and H2-D(b) regulate cerebellar long-term depression and limit motor learning.

    PubMed

    McConnell, Michael J; Huang, Yanhua H; Datwani, Akash; Shatz, Carla J

    2009-04-21

    There are more than 50 class I MHC (MHCI) molecules in the mouse genome, some of which are now known to be expressed in neurons; however, the role of classical MHCI molecules in synaptic plasticity is unknown. We report that the classical MHCI molecules, H2-K(b) and H2-D(b), are co-expressed by Purkinje cells (PCs). In the cerebellum of mice deficient for both H2-K(b) and H2-D(b) (K(b)D(b-/-)), there is a lower threshold for induction of long-term depression (LTD) at parallel fiber to PC synapses. This change may be a result of additional glutamate release observed at K(b)D(b-/-) CF to PC synapses, which are thought to "train" the cerebellar circuit. A behavioral correlate of cerebellar LTD is motor learning; acquisition and retention of a Rotarod behavioral task is significantly better in K(b)D(b-/-) mice than in WT cohorts. These physiological and behavioral phenotypes in K(b)D(b-/-) mice reveal a surprising role for classical MHCI molecules in synaptic plasticity and motor learning.

  4. Peginterferon Alfa-2b (PEG-Intron)

    MedlinePlus

    Peginterferon alfa-2b is used alone or in combination with ribavirin (a medication) to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis ... treated with interferon alpha (medication similar to peginterferon alfa-2b) in the past. Peginterferon alfa-2b is ...

  5. CD22 Promotes B-1b Cell Responses to T Cell-Independent Type 2 Antigens.

    PubMed

    Haas, Karen M; Johnson, Kristen L; Phipps, James P; Do, Cardinal

    2018-03-01

    CD22 (Siglec-2) is a critical regulator of B cell activation and survival. CD22 -/- mice generate significantly impaired Ab responses to T cell-independent type 2 (TI-2) Ags, including haptenated Ficoll and pneumococcal polysaccharides, Ags that elicit poor T cell help and activate BCR signaling via multivalent epitope crosslinking. This has been proposed to be due to impaired marginal zone (MZ) B cell development/maintenance in CD22 -/- mice. However, mice expressing a mutant form of CD22 unable to bind sialic acid ligands generated normal TI-2 Ab responses, despite significantly reduced MZ B cells. Moreover, mice treated with CD22 ligand-binding blocking mAbs, which deplete MZ B cells, had little effect on TI-2 Ab responses. We therefore investigated the effects of CD22 deficiency on B-1b cells, an innate-like B cell population that plays a key role in TI-2 Ab responses. B-1b cells from CD22 -/- mice had impaired BCR-induced proliferation and significantly increased intracellular Ca 2+ concentration responses following BCR crosslinking. Ag-specific B-1b cell expansion and plasmablast differentiation following TI-2 Ag immunization was significantly impaired in CD22 -/- mice, consistent with reduced TI-2 Ab responses. We generated CD22 -/- mice with reduced CD19 levels (CD22 -/- CD19 +/- ) to test the hypothesis that augmented B-1b cell BCR signaling in CD22 -/- mice contributes to impaired TI-2 Ab responses. BCR-induced proliferation and intracellular Ca 2+ concentration responses were normalized in CD22 -/- CD19 +/- B-1b cells. Consistent with this, TI-2 Ag-specific B-1b cell expansion, plasmablast differentiation, survival, and Ab responses were rescued in CD22 -/- CD19 +/- mice. Thus, CD22 plays a critical role in regulating TI-2 Ab responses through regulating B-1b cell signaling thresholds. Copyright © 2018 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  6. Oxidation Resistance, Electrical and Thermal Conductivity, and Spectral Emittance of Fully Dense HfB2 and ZrB2 with SiC, TaSi2, and LaB6 Additives

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-26

    Resistance , Electrical and Thermal Conductivity, and Spectral Emittance of Fully Dense HfB2 and ZrB2 "With SiC, TaSi2, and LaB6 Additives Sb. GRANT NUMBER... RESISTANCE , ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY, AND SPECTRAL EMITTANCE OF FULLY DENSE HfB2 AND ZrB2 WITH SiC, TaSi2, AND LaB6 ADDITIVES Air Force Office...thickened regions with dry 220 grit SiC sandpaper so that a low- resistance electrical connection could be achieved. A handheld multimeter was used to measure

  7. Substantial photovoltaic response and morphology tuning in benzo[1,2-b:6,5-b']dithiophene (bBDT) molecular donors.

    PubMed

    Harschneck, Tobias; Zhou, Nanjia; Manley, Eric F; Lou, Sylvia J; Yu, Xinge; Butler, Melanie R; Timalsina, Amod; Turrisi, Riccardo; Ratner, Mark A; Chen, Lin X; Chang, Robert P H; Facchetti, Antonio; Marks, Tobin J

    2014-04-21

    The influence of solubilizing substituents on the photovoltaic performance and thin-film blend morphology of new benzo[1,2-b:6,5-b']dithiophene (bBDT) based small molecule donor semiconductors is investigated. Solar cells based on bBDT(TDPP)2-PC71BM with two different types of side chains exhibit high power conversion efficiencies, up to 5.53%.

  8. Scratch Testing of Hot-Pressed Monolithic Chromium Diboride (CrB2) and CrB2 + MoSi2 Composite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhatt, B.; Murthy, T. S. R. Ch.; Singh, K.; Sashanka, A.; Vishwanadh, B.; Sonber, J. K.; Sairam, K.; Nageswara Rao, G. V. S.; Srinivasa Rao, T.; Kain, Vivekanand

    2017-10-01

    The tribological performance of hot-pressed monolithic CrB2 and a newly developed CrB2 + 20 vol.% MoSi2 composite was investigated by using scratch test. The test was carried out under progressive loading ranging from 0.9 to 30 N over a scratch distance of 3 mm. In situ values of coefficient of friction (COF), depth of penetration and acoustic emission were recorded. The wear volume and fracture toughness were also calculated. COF of both materials is increased with increasing the scratch length and progressive load. COF of the composite was observed to be slightly higher compared to the monolithic CrB2. The wear volume of the composite is 60% higher compared to monolithic CrB2. Fracture toughness values of 2.48 and 2.81 MPa m1/2 were calculated for monolithic CrB2 and CrB2 + 20 vol.% MoSi2 composite, respectively. Microstructural characterization indicates that the abrasive wear is the dominant wear mechanism in both the materials.

  9. Absence of B1-B2 structural transition in lithium halides under hydrostatic pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de Coss, Romeo; Murrieta, Gabriel

    2005-03-01

    We have investigated the B1-B2 structural transition in LiF, LiCl, LiBr, and LiI under hydrostatic pressure by means of first-principles total-energy calculations using the Full- Potential LAPW method. In order to analyze the gradient effects, we have performed calculations using the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), for the exchange and correlation potential. In agreement with the experimental observations, we find that even for pressures higher than 100 GPa, the Li halides do not present the B1-B2 structural transition. In order to understand this behavior, we have calculated the distribution of the electron densities. From the analysis of the distribution of electron densities for the Li halides in the B1 and B2 phases, we find that for this group of ionic compounds the B1 phase have a distribution of electron densities more homogeneous than in the B2 phase, preventing the B1-B2 structural transition. This work was partially supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnolog'ia (CONACYT, M'exico) under Grant No. 43830-F.

  10. Practical methodological guide for hydrometric inter-laboratory organisation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Besson, David; Bertrand, Xavier

    2015-04-01

    Discharge measurements performed by the French governmental hydrometer team feed a national database. This data is available for general river flows knowkedge, flood forecasting, low water survey, statistical calculations flow, control flow regulatory and many other uses. Regularly checking the measurements quality and better quantifying its accuracy is therefore an absolute need. The practice of inter-laboratory comparison in hydrometry particularly developed during the last decade. Indeed, discharge measurement can not easily be linked to a standard. Therefore, on-site measurement accuracy control is very difficult. Inter-laboratory comparison is thus a practical solution to this issue. However, it needs some regulations in order to ease its practice and legitimize its results. To do so, the French government hydrometrics teams produced a practical methodological guide for hydrometric inter-laboratory organisation in destination of hydrometers community in view of ensure the harmonization of inter-laboratory comparison practices for different materials (ADCP, current meter on wadind rod or gauging van, tracer dilution, surface speed) and flow range (flood, low water). Ensure the results formalization and banking. The realisation of this practice guide is grounded on the experience of the governmental teams & their partners (or fellows), following existing approaches (Doppler group especially). The guide is designated to validate compliance measures and identify outliers : Hardware, methodological, environmental, or human. Inter-laboratory comparison provides the means to verify the compliance of the instruments (devices + methods + operators) and provides methods to determine an experimental uncertainty of the tested measurement method which is valid only for the site and the measurement conditions but does not address the calibration or periodic monitoring of the few materials. After some conceptual definitions, the guide describes the different stages of an

  11. Kinetic analysis of MgB2 layer formation in advanced internal magnesium infiltration (AIMI) processed MgB2 wires

    PubMed Central

    Li, G. Z.; Sumption, M. D.; Collings, E. W.

    2015-01-01

    Significantly enhanced critical current density (Jc) for MgB2 superconducting wires can be obtained following the advanced internal Mg infiltration (AIMI) route. But unless suitable precautions are taken, the AIMI-processed MgB2 wires will exhibit incomplete MgB2 layer formation, i.e. reduced superconductor core size and hence suppressed current-carrying capability. Microstructural characterization of AIMI MgB2 wires before and after the heat treatment reveals that the reaction mechanism changes from a “Mg infiltration-reaction” at the beginning of the heat treatment to a “Mg diffusion-reaction” once a dense MgB2 layer is formed. A drastic drop in the Mg transport rate from infiltration to diffusion causes the termination of the MgB2 core growth. To quantify this process, a two-stage kinetic model is built to describe the MgB2 layer formation and growth. The derived kinetic model and the associated experimental observations indicate that fully reacted AIMI-processed MgB2 wires can be achieved following the optimization of B particle size, B powder packing density, MgB2 reaction activation energy and its response to the additions of dopants. PMID:26973431

  12. B1 to B2 structural phase transition in LiF under pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jain, Aayushi; Dixit, R. C.

    2018-05-01

    In the last few decades the alkali halides emerged as crystals with useful applications and their high-pressure behaviour is the most intensively studied subject in high-pressure physics/chemistry, material science, and geosciences. Most alkali halides follow the B1 (NaCl-type)→B2 (CsCl-type) phase-transition route under pressure. In the present paper, we have investigated the characteristics of structural phase transition that occurred in Lithium Florid compound under high pressure. The transition pressure of B1-B2 was calculated using an effective interionic interaction potential (EIOP). The changes of the characteristics of crystals like, Gibbs free energy, cohesive energy, volume collapse, and lattice constant are calculated for the B1 and B2 structures. These data were compared with the available experimental and theoretical data.

  13. Inter-organisational communication networks in healthcare: centralised versus decentralised approaches

    PubMed Central

    Pirnejad, Habibollah; Bal, Roland; Stoop, Arjen P.; Berg, Marc

    2007-01-01

    Background To afford efficient and high quality care, healthcare providers increasingly need to exchange patient data. The existence of a communication network amongst care providers will help them to exchange patient data more efficiently. Information and communication technology (ICT) has much potential to facilitate the development of such a communication network. Moreover, in order to offer integrated care interoperability of healthcare organizations based upon the exchanged data is of crucial importance. However, complications around such a development are beyond technical impediments. Objectives To determine the challenges and complexities involved in building an Inter-organisational Communication network (IOCN) in healthcare and the appropriations in the strategies. Case study Interviews, literature review, and document analysis were conducted to analyse the developments that have taken place toward building a countrywide electronic patient record and its challenges in The Netherlands. Due to the interrelated nature of technical and non-technical problems, a socio-technical approach was used to analyse the data and define the challenges. Results Organisational and cultural changes are necessary before technical solutions can be applied. There are organisational, financial, political, and ethicolegal challenges that have to be addressed appropriately. Two different approaches, one “centralised” and the other “decentralised” have been used by Dutch healthcare providers to adopt the necessary changes and cope with these challenges. Conclusion The best solutions in building an IOCN have to be drawn from both the centralised and the decentralised approaches. Local communication initiatives have to be supervised and supported centrally and incentives at the organisations' interest level have to be created to encourage the stakeholder organisations to adopt the necessary changes. PMID:17627296

  14. Bond deformation paths and electronic instabilities of ultraincompressible transition metal diborides: Case study of OsB2 and IrB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, R. F.; Legut, D.; Wen, X. D.; Veprek, S.; Rajan, K.; Lookman, T.; Mao, H. K.; Zhao, Y. S.

    2014-09-01

    The energetically most stable orthorhombic structure of OsB2 and IrB2 is dynamically stable for OsB2 but unstable for IrB2. Both diborides have substantially lower shear strength in their easy slip systems than their metal counterparts. This is attributed to an easy sliding facilitated by out-of-plane weakening of metallic Os-Os bonds in OsB2 and by an in-plane bond splitting instability in IrB2. A much higher shear resistance of Os-B and B-B bonds than Os-Os ones is found, suggesting that the strengthened Os-B and B-B bonds are responsible for hardness enhancement in OsB2. In contrast, an in-plane electronic instability in IrB2 limits its strength. The electronic structure of deformed diborides suggests that the electronic instabilities of 5d orbitals are their origin of different bond deformation paths. Neither IrB2 nor OsB2 can be intrinsically superhard.

  15. A study of TiB2/TiB gradient coating by laser cladding on titanium alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Yinghua; Lei, Yongping; Li, Xueqiao; Zhi, Xiaohui; Fu, Hanguang

    2016-07-01

    TiB2/TiB gradient coating has been fabricated by a laser cladding technique on the surface of a Ti-6Al-4V substrate using TiB2 powder as the cladding material. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the gradient coating were analyzed by SEM, EPMA, XRD, TEM and an instrument to measure hardness. With the increasing distance from the coating surface, the content of TiB2 particles gradually decreased, but the content of TiB short fibers gradually increased. Meanwhile, the micro-hardness and the elastic modulus of the TiB2/TiB coating showed a gradient decreasing trend, but the fracture toughness showed a gradient increasing trend. The fracture toughness of the TiB2/TiB coating between the center and the bottom was improved, primarily due to the debonding of TiB2 particles and the high fracture of TiB short fibers, and the fracture position of TiB short fiber can be moved to an adjacent position. However, the debonding of TiB2 particles was difficult to achieve at the surface of the TiB2/TiB coating.

  16. Acousto-optic interaction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4)and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals.

    PubMed

    Martynyuk-Lototska, Irina; Mys, Oksana; Dudok, Taras; Adamiv, Volodymyr; Smirnov, Yevgen; Vlokh, Rostyslav

    2008-07-01

    Experimental studies and analysis of acousto-optic diffraction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are given. Ultrasonic wave velocity, elastic compliance and stiffness coefficients, and piezo-optic and photoelastic coefficients of alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are determined. The acousto-optic figure of merit has been estimated for different possible geometries of acousto-optic interaction. It is shown that the acousto-optic figures of merit for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) crystals reach the value M(2)=(270 +/- 70) x 10(-15) s(3)/kg for the case of interaction with the slowest ultrasonic wave. The directions of propagation and polarization of those acoustic waves are obtained on the basis of construction of acoustic slowness surfaces. The acousto-optic diffraction is experimentally studied for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals.

  17. 15 CFR 8b.2 - Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Application. 8b.2 Section 8b.2 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE HANDICAPPED IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE General Provisions § 8b.2...

  18. 15 CFR 8b.2 - Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Application. 8b.2 Section 8b.2 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE HANDICAPPED IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE General Provisions § 8b.2...

  19. 15 CFR 8b.2 - Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Application. 8b.2 Section 8b.2 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE HANDICAPPED IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE General Provisions § 8b.2...

  20. 15 CFR 8b.2 - Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Application. 8b.2 Section 8b.2 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE HANDICAPPED IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE General Provisions § 8b.2...

  1. 15 CFR 8b.2 - Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Application. 8b.2 Section 8b.2 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE HANDICAPPED IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE General Provisions § 8b.2...

  2. 18 CFR 1b.2 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Scope. 1b.2 Section 1b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.2 Scope. This part applies to investigations...

  3. 18 CFR 1b.2 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Scope. 1b.2 Section 1b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.2 Scope. This part applies to investigations...

  4. 18 CFR 1b.2 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Scope. 1b.2 Section 1b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.2 Scope. This part applies to investigations...

  5. 18 CFR 1b.2 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Scope. 1b.2 Section 1b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.2 Scope. This part applies to investigations...

  6. 42 CFR 52b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Definitions. 52b.2 Section 52b.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS § 52b.2 Definitions. As used in this part: Act means the Public Health Service Act, as...

  7. 42 CFR 52b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Definitions. 52b.2 Section 52b.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS § 52b.2 Definitions. As used in this part: Act means the Public Health Service Act, as...

  8. Olfactomedin-like 2 A and B (OLFML2A and OLFML2B) expression profile in primates (human and baboon).

    PubMed

    Pérez-Ibave, Diana Cristina; González-Alvarez, Rafael; de La Luz Martinez-Fierro, Margarita; Ruiz-Ayma, Gabriel; Luna-Muñoz, Maricela; Martínez-De-Villarreal, Laura Elia; De Lourdes Garza-Rodríguez, María; Reséndez-Pérez, Diana; Mohamed-Noriega, Jibran; Garza-Guajardo, Raquel; Bautista-De-Lucío, Víctor Manuel; Mohamed-Noriega, Karim; Barboza-Quintana, Oralia; Arámburo-De-La-Hoz, Carlos; Barrera-Saldaña, Hugo Alberto; Rodríguez-Sánchez, Irám Pablo

    2016-11-08

    The olfactomedin-like domain (OLFML) is present in at least four families of proteins, including OLFML2A and OLFML2B, which are expressed in adult rat retina cells. However, no expression of their orthologous has ever been reported in human and baboon. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in ocular tissues of baboons (Papio hamadryas) and humans, as a key to elucidate OLFML function in eye physiology. OLFML2A and OLFML2B cDNA detection in ocular tissues of these species was performed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced, phylogenetically analyzed and their proteins products were confirmed by immunofluorescence assays. OLFML2A and OLFML2B transcripts were found in human cornea, lens and retina and in baboon cornea, lens, iris and retina. The baboon OLFML2A and OLFML2B ORF sequences have 96% similarity with their human's orthologous. OLFML2A and OLFML2B evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis shows clear orthology in OLFML2A genes, while OLFML2B orthology is not clear. Expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in human and baboon ocular tissues, including their high similarity, make the baboon a powerful model to deduce the physiological and/or metabolic function of these proteins in the eye.

  9. 12 CFR 261b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definitions. 261b.2 Section 261b.2 Banks and... REGARDING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS § 261b.2 Definitions. For purposes of this part, the following... bank capital and surplus which may be represented by loans secured by stock and bond collateral under...

  10. Metallic Borides, La 2 Re 3 B 7 and La 3 Re 2 B 5 , Featuring Extensive Boron–Boron Bonding

    DOE PAGES

    Bugaris, Daniel E.; Malliakas, Christos D.; Chung, Duck Young; ...

    2016-01-26

    We synthesized La 2Re 3B 7 and La 3Re 2B 5 in single-crystalline form from a molten La/Ni eutectic at 1000°C, in the first example of the flux crystal growth of ternary rare-earth rhenium borides. Both compounds crystallize in their own orthorhombic structure types, with La 2Re 3B 7 (space group Pcca) having lattice parameters a = 7.657(2) Å, b = 6.755(1) Å, and c = 11.617(2) Å, and La 3Re 2B 5 (space group Pmma) having lattice parameters a = 10.809(2) Å, b = 5.287(1) Å, and c = 5.747(1) Å. Furthermore, the compounds possess three-dimensional framework structures thatmore » are built up from rhenium boride polyhedra and boron-boron bonding. La 3Re 2B 5 features fairly common B 2 dumbbells, whereas La 2Re 3B 7 has unique one-dimensional subunits composed of alternating triangular B3 and trans-B4 zigzag chain fragments. Also observed in La 3Re 2B 5 is an unusual coordination of B by an octahedron of La atoms. Electronic band structure calculations predict that La 2Re 3B 7 is a semimetal, which is observed in the electrical resistivity data as measured on single crystals, with behavior obeying the Bloch-Grüneisen model and a room-temperature resistivity ρ300K of ~ 375 μΩ cm. The electronic band structure calculations also suggest that La 3Re 2B 5 is a regular metal.« less

  11. Metallic Borides, La 2 Re 3 B 7 and La 3 Re 2 B 5 , Featuring Extensive Boron–Boron Bonding

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

    Bugaris, Daniel E.; Malliakas, Christos D.; Chung, Duck Young

    We synthesized La 2Re 3B 7 and La 3Re 2B 5 in single-crystalline form from a molten La/Ni eutectic at 1000°C, in the first example of the flux crystal growth of ternary rare-earth rhenium borides. Both compounds crystallize in their own orthorhombic structure types, with La 2Re 3B 7 (space group Pcca) having lattice parameters a = 7.657(2) Å, b = 6.755(1) Å, and c = 11.617(2) Å, and La 3Re 2B 5 (space group Pmma) having lattice parameters a = 10.809(2) Å, b = 5.287(1) Å, and c = 5.747(1) Å. Furthermore, the compounds possess three-dimensional framework structures thatmore » are built up from rhenium boride polyhedra and boron-boron bonding. La 3Re 2B 5 features fairly common B 2 dumbbells, whereas La 2Re 3B 7 has unique one-dimensional subunits composed of alternating triangular B3 and trans-B4 zigzag chain fragments. Also observed in La 3Re 2B 5 is an unusual coordination of B by an octahedron of La atoms. Electronic band structure calculations predict that La 2Re 3B 7 is a semimetal, which is observed in the electrical resistivity data as measured on single crystals, with behavior obeying the Bloch-Grüneisen model and a room-temperature resistivity ρ300K of ~ 375 μΩ cm. The electronic band structure calculations also suggest that La 3Re 2B 5 is a regular metal.« less

  12. Structural and functional characterizations of activin type 2B receptor (acvr2b) ortholog from the marine fish, gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata: evidence for gene duplication of acvr2b in fish.

    PubMed

    Funkenstein, Bruria; Krol, Ekaterina; Esterin, Elena; Kim, Yong-Soo

    2012-12-01

    Myostatin (MSTN), a negative regulator of muscle growth and a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, can bind the two activin type 2 receptors (ACVR2). It has been previously shown that WT mice injected with ACVR2B extracellular domain (ACVR2B-ECD) had higher muscle mass. Likewise, fish larvae immersed in Pichia pastoris culture supernatant, containing goldfish Acvr2b-ECD, showed enhanced larval growth. However, it is not clear whether fish Mstn1 and Mstn2 signal through the same receptor and whether fish express more than one acvr2b gene. In the current study, three cDNAs encoding acvr2b (saacvr2b-1, saacvr2b-2a, and saacvr2b-2b) were cloned from gilthead sea bream. All three contain the short extracellular binding domain, a short transmembrane region, and a conserved catalytic domain of serine/threonine protein kinase. Bioinformatics analysis provided evidence for the existence of two acvr2b genes (acvr2b-1 and acvr2b-2) in several other fish species as well, probably as a result of gene or genome duplication. The two isoforms differ in their amino acid sequences. The direct inhibitory effect of Acvr2b-ECD on Mstn activity was tested in vitro. The saAcvr2b-1-ECD was expressed in the yeast P. pastoris. Evidence is provided for N-glycosylation of Acvr2b-1-ECD. The affinity-purified Acvr2b-1-ECD inhibited recombinant mouse/rat/human mature MSTN activity when determined in vitro using the CAGA-luciferase assay in A204 cells. A lower inhibitory activity was obtained when unprocessed purified, furin-digested, and activated saMstn1 was used. Results of this study demonstrate for the first time the existence of two acvr2b genes in fish. In addition, the study shows that bioactive fish Acvr2b-ECD can be produced from P. pastoris.

  13. Transplantation of A2 and A2B kidneys from deceased donors into B waiting list candidates increases their transplantation rate.

    PubMed

    Bryan, Christopher F; Nelson, Paul W; Shield, Charles F; Ross, Gilbert; Warady, Bradley; Murillo, Daniel; Winklhofer, Franz T

    2004-01-01

    Transplant centers in the Midwest Transplant Network began transplanting kidneys from A2 or A2B donors into blood group B and O patients in 1986. Since 1991, an OPTN/UNOS variance has permitted us to allocate these kidneys preferentially into B and O waiting list patients. With more than 10 years of experience we have noted the following: 1. Thirty-one percent more blood group B patients were transplanted by allocating them A2 or A2B kidneys from our deceased donors. 2. Ten-year graft survival for B recipients of an A2 or A2B kidney (72%) was equivalent to that for B recipients of a B kidney (69%). 3. Type B recipients of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (n=4) also did well with A2 or A2B organs. 4. Non-A recipients were transplanted only when their anti-A IgG titer history was consistently low (< or =4). 5. Most (90%) blood group B patients had a low anti-A IgG titer history; whereas, only one-third of blood group O patients had a low titer history. 6. Neither ethnicity nor HLA class I sensitization level influenced the anti-A IgG titer history. 7. In an OPO with mostly (87%) white donors, nearly 20% of blood group A donors were A2. 8. Waiting time until transplantation was lower for B patients who received an A2 or A2B kidney than for those who received a B or O kidney. 9. Our OPO blood group B waiting list was reduced from 25 low PRA (<40%) B candidates in 1994 to 4 in July, 2004. 10. Blood group A candidates received 6.4% fewer transplants with our A2/A2B--> B allocation algorithm. 11. Minority patients were transplanted at the same rate when using the A2/A2B--> B allocation algorithm as when using the standard UNOS algorithm for allocating B and O kidneys--> B patients.

  14. 76 FR 2930 - International Product Change-Global Plus 1B and 2B Negotiated Service Agreements

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-18

    ... POSTAL SERVICE International Product Change--Global Plus 1B and 2B Negotiated Service Agreements... the Postal Regulatory Commission to add Global Plus 1B and 2B Negotiated Service Agreements to the... United States Postal Service to Add Global Plus 1B and 2B Negotiated Service Agreements to the...

  15. Requirement for ErbB2/ErbB signaling in developing cartilage and bone.

    PubMed

    Fisher, Melanie C; Clinton, Gail M; Maihle, Nita J; Dealy, Caroline N

    2007-08-01

    During endochondral ossification, the skeletal elements of vertebrate limbs form and elongate via coordinated control of chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation and proliferation. The role of signaling by the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which consists of ErbB1 (epidermal growth factor receptor or EGFR), ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4, has been little studied during cartilage and bone development. Signaling by the ErbB network generates a diverse array of cellular responses via formation of ErbB dimers activated by distinct ligands that produce distinct signal outputs. Herstatin is a soluble ErbB2 receptor that acts in a dominant negative fashion to inhibit ErbB signaling by binding to endogenous ErbB receptors, preventing functional dimer formation. Here, we examine the effects of Herstatin on limb skeletal element development in transgenic mice, achieved via Prx1 promoter-driven expression in limb cartilage and bone. The limb skeletal elements of Prx1-Herstatin embryos are shortened, and chondrocyte maturation and osteoblast differentiation are delayed. In addition, proliferation by chondrocytes and periosteal cells of Prx1-Herstatin limb skeletal elements is markedly reduced. Our study identifies requirements for ErbB signaling in the maintenance of chondrocyte and osteoblast proliferation involved in the timely progression of chondrocyte maturation and periosteal osteoblast differentiation.

  16. Evaluation of FlaB1, FlaB2, FlaB3, and Tp0463 of Treponema pallidum for serodiagnosis of syphilis.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Chuanhao; Xiao, Jinhong; Xie, Yafeng; Xiao, Yongjian; Wang, Chuan; Kuang, Xingxing; Xu, Man; Li, Ranhui; Zeng, Tiebing; Liu, Shuanquan; Yu, Jian; Zhao, Feijun; Wu, Yimou

    2016-02-01

    Syphilis is a multistage disease caused by the invasive spirochete Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, and accurate diagnosis is important for the prevention and treatment of syphilis. Here, to identify appropriate diagnostic antigens for serodiagnosis of syphilis, 6 recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified, including flagellins (FlaB1 [Tp0868], FlaB2 [Tp0792], and FlaB3 [Tp0870]), Tp0463, Tp0751, and Tp1038. The sensitivities were determined by screening sera from individuals with primary (n=82), secondary (n=115), latent (n=105), and congenital (n=65) syphilis. The specificities were determined by screening sera from uninfected controls (n=30) and potentially cross-reactive infections including Lyme disease (n=30), leptospirosis (n=5), and hepatitis B (n=30). Our data showed that FlaB1, FlaB2, FlaB3, Tp0463, and Tp1038 exhibited higher overall sensitivities and specificities for detecting IgG antibody, with 95.4% and 98.9%, 92.6% and 95.8%, 95.1% and 95.8%, 92.6% and 97.9%, and 95.9% and 98.9%, respectively. In contrast, Tp0751 demonstrated only an overall sensitivity of 39.2%. For comparison, the sensitivity and specificity of Architect Syphilis TP were determined to be 98.1% and 93.7%, respectively. In addition, FlaB1, FlaB2, FlaB3, and Tp0463 demonstrated excellent performance for detecting IgM antibody in primary and congenital syphilis, with sensitivities of 76.8% and 83.1%, 72.0% and 87.7%, 74.4% and 89.2%, and 64.6% and 75.3%, respectively. These results indicate that FlaB1, FlaB2, FlaB3, and Tp0463 could be as novel diagnostic candidates for serodiagnosis of syphilis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. SMART-on-FHIR implemented over i2b2

    PubMed Central

    Mandel, Joshua C; Klann, Jeffery G; Wattanasin, Nich; Mendis, Michael; Chute, Christopher G; Mandl, Kenneth D; Murphy, Shawn N

    2017-01-01

    We have developed an interface to serve patient data from Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) repositories in the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) format, referred to as a SMART-on-FHIR cell. The cell serves FHIR resources on a per-patient basis, and supports the “substitutable” modular third-party applications (SMART) OAuth2 specification for authorization of client applications. It is implemented as an i2b2 server plug-in, consisting of 6 modules: authentication, REST, i2b2-to-FHIR converter, resource enrichment, query engine, and cache. The source code is freely available as open source. We tested the cell by accessing resources from a test i2b2 installation, demonstrating that a SMART app can be launched from the cell that accesses patient data stored in i2b2. We successfully retrieved demographics, medications, labs, and diagnoses for test patients. The SMART-on-FHIR cell will enable i2b2 sites to provide simplified but secure data access in FHIR format, and will spur innovation and interoperability. Further, it transforms i2b2 into an apps platform. PMID:27274012

  18. The purification step is not crucial in EIA measurements of thromboxane B2 and 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Sadilkova, Lenka; Paluch, Zoltan; Mottlova, Jirina; Bednar, Frantisek; Alusik, Stefan

    2012-01-01

    Thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and particularly 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-dTxB2) are widely used as prognostic risk markers of platelet activation in cardiovascular diseases. The main errors in TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 determination include either low concentrations of circulating TxB2 (1 - 2 pg/mL) and 11-dTxB2 (0.9 - 4.3 pg/mL) or rather high transiency (mean TxB2 half-life is approximately 5 minutes) as well as an incorrect pre-analytical phase set up. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a widely used purification step on the results of enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA)--based measurement of the two selected thromboxanes. For the purpose of this study, 20 plasma samples (10 healthy donors, 10 patients under treatment with acetylsalicylic acid) were screened for TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 concentrations using commercial competitive EIA kits (Cayman Chemicals, Tallinn, Estonia; Neogen, Lexington, KY, USA) with or without the introduction of the purification procedure. The purification step does not significantly affect the results of EIA measurements of the two of TxA2 metabolites (TxB2, 11-dTxB2) in human plasma. The levels of TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 determined in the plasma samples were not significantly changed (p < 0.05) when the purification step was omitted compared to the purified samples. This study establishes a protocol allowing for reliable and reproducible plasma TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 EIA measurement for routine basic screening of platelet function.

  19. E-hubs: the new B2B (business-to-business) marketplaces.

    PubMed

    Kaplan, S; Sawhney, M

    2000-01-01

    Electronic hubs--Internet-based intermediaries that host electronic marketplaces and mediate transactions among businesses--are generating a lot of interest. Companies like Ariba, Chemdex, and Commerce One have already attained breathtaking stock market capitalizations. Venture capitalists are pouring money into more business-to-business start-ups. Even industrial stalwarts like GM and Ford are making plans to set up their own Web markets. As new entrants with new business models pour into the business-to-business space, it's increasingly difficult to make sense of the landscape. This article provides a blueprint of the e-hub arena. The authors start by looking at the two dimensions of purchasing: what businesses buy--manufacturing inputs or operating inputs--and how they buy--through systematic sourcing or spot sourcing. They classify B2B e-hubs into four categories: MRO hubs, yield managers, exchanges, and catalog hubs, and they discuss each type in detail. Drilling deeper into this B2B matrix, the authors look at how e-hubs create value--through aggregation and matching--and explain when each mechanism works best. They also examine the biases of e-hubs. Although many e-hubs are neutral--they're operated by independent third parties--some favor the buyers or sellers. The authors explain the differences and discuss the pros and cons of each position. The B2B marketplace is changing rapidly. This framework helps buyers, sellers, and market makers navigate the landscape by explaining what the different hubs do and how they add the most value.

  20. Genetic polymorphism of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT2B15) and glucuronidation of paracetamol in healthy population.

    PubMed

    Mehboob, Huma; Iqbal, Tahira; Jamil, Amer; Khaliq, Tanweer

    2016-05-01

    Inter individual variability in polymorphic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT2B15) has been associated with varied glucuronidation level. The present project was designed to determine the genetic polymorphism of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT2B15) and glucuronidation of paracetamol in healthy (male=59 and female=50) population. The association between genotype (UGT2B15) and phenotype (paracetamol glucuronidation) has been evaluated. According to trimodal model, genotypes and phenotypes were categorized as fast, intermediate and slow glucuronidators. Presence of wild type allele illustrated a UGT2B15 genotype as fast glucuronidator. The glucuronidation status was investigated by HPLC analysis of paracetamol. Ratio of paracetamol glucuronide to paracetamol was determined with two antimodes at glucuronidation ratio of 0.3 and 1.8. In our study, 7% and 12% of population was distributed as slow glucuronidators by phenotype and genotype, respectively and association between phenotype and genotype was good for analysis of glucuronidation status as displayed by kappa value (0.792).

  1. High-pressure behavior of A 2 B 2 O 7 pyrochlore (A=Eu, Dy; B=Ti, Zr)

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

    Rittman, Dylan R.; Turner, Katlyn M.; Park, Sulgiye

    2017-01-28

    In situ high-pressure X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the influence of composition on the high-pressure behavior of A 2B 2O 7 pyrochlore (A=Eu, Dy; B=Ti, Zr) up to ~50GPa. Based on X-ray diffraction results, all compositions transformed to the high-pressure cotunnite structure. The B-site cation species had a larger effect on the transition pressure than the A-site cation species, with the onset of the phase transformation occurring at ~41 GPa for B=Ti and ~16 GPa B=Zr. However, the A-site cation affected the kinetics of the phase transformation, with the transformation for compositions with the smaller ionicmore » radii, i.e., A=Dy, proceeding faster than those with a larger ionic radii, i.e., A=Eu. These results were consistent with previous work in which the radius-ratio of the A- and B-site cations determined the energetics of disordering, and compositions with more similarly sized A- and B-site cations had a lower defect formation energy. Raman spectra revealed differences in the degree of short-range order of the different compositions. Due to the large phase fraction of cotunnite at high pressure for B=Zr compositions, Raman modes for cotunnite could be observed, with more modes recorded for A=Eu than A=Dy. These additional modes are attributed to increased short-to-medium range ordering in the initially pyrochlore structured Eu 2Zr 2O 7 as compared with the initially defect-fluorite structured Dy 2Zr 2O 7.« less

  2. Measurement of the ratios of branching fractions B(B0s --> Ds- pi+ pi+ pi-)/B(B0-->D- pi+ pi+ pi-) and B(B0s --> Ds- pi+)/B(B0-->D- pi+).

    PubMed

    Abulencia, A; Adelman, J; Affolder, T; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Ambrose, D; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Anikeev, K; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Aoki, M; Apollinari, G; Arguin, J-F; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Bedeschi, F; Behari, S; Belforte, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Budroni, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carillo, S; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, I; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciljak, M; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Coca, M; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Cyr, D; DaRonco, S; D'Auria, S; Davies, T; D'Onofrio, M; Dagenhart, D; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; Dell'Orso, M; Delli Paoli, F; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; Dituro, P; Dörr, C; Donati, S; Donega, M; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, I; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Foland, A; Forrester, S; Foster, G W; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garcia, J E; Garberson, F; Garfinkel, A F; Gay, C; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giannetti, P; Gibson, A; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Goldstein, J; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Griffiths, M; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Holloway, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ishizawa, Y; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jensen, H; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kemp, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kovalev, A; Kraan, A C; Kraus, J; Kravchenko, I; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Loverre, P; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Manca, G; Margaroli, F; Marginean, R; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Matsunaga, H; Mattson, M E; Mazini, R; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyamoto, A; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Mohr, B; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Nachtman, J; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nigmanov, T; Nodulman, L; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ranjan, N; Rappoccio, S; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Sabik, S; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Saltzberg, D; Sánchez, C; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savard, P; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Sjolin, J; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; Staveris-Polykalas, A; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Takikawa, K; Tanaka, M; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tsuchiya, R; Tsuno, S; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Unverhau, T; Uozumi, S; Usynin, D; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Veramendi, G; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vollrath, I; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, J; Wagner, W; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waschke, S; Waters, D; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zhou, J; Zucchelli, S

    2007-02-09

    Using 355 pb;{-1} of data collected by the CDF II detector in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron, we study the fully reconstructed hadronic decays B_{(s)};{0}-->D_{(s)};{-}pi;{+} and B_{(s)};{0}-->D_{(s)};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-}. We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})/B(B;{0}-->D;{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})=1.05+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.22(syst). We also update our measurement of B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+})/B(B;{0}-->D;{-}pi;{+}) to 1.13+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.23(syst), improving the statistical uncertainty by more than a factor of 2. We find B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+})=[3.8+/-0.3(stat)+/-1.3(syst)]x10;{-3} and B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})=[8.4+/-0.8(stat)+/-3.2(syst)]x10;{-3}.

  3. Two regimes in the magnetic field response of superconducting MgB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kohen, A.; Giubileo, F.; Proslier, Th.; Bobba, F.; Cucolo, A. M.; Sacks, W.; Noat, Y.; Troianovski, A.; Roditchev, D.

    2007-05-01

    Using Scanning Tunneling Microscope at low temperature we explore the superconducting phase diagram in the π-band of the two-band superconductor MgB2. In this band the peculiar shape of the local tunneling spectra and their dynamics in the magnetic field reveal the complex character of the quasiparticle density of states (DOS). The gap in the DOS is first rapidly filled with states in raising the magnetic field up to 0.5 T and then slowly approaches the normal state value: the gap is observed up to 2 T. Such a change in the DOS dynamics suggests the existence of two terms in the DOS of the π-band: a first one, reflecting an intrinsic superconductivity in the band and a second one, originating from an inter-band coupling to the σ-band. Our findings allow a deeper understanding of the unique phase diagram of MgB2.

  4. Intron retention and transcript chimerism conserved across mammals: Ly6g5b and Csnk2b-Ly6g5b as examples

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Alternative splicing (AS) is a major mechanism for modulating gene expression of an organism, allowing the synthesis of several structurally and functionally distinct mRNAs and protein isoforms from a unique gene. Related to AS is the Transcription Induced Chimerism (TIC) or Tandem Chimerism, by which chimeric RNAs between adjacent genes can be found, increasing combinatorial complexity of the proteome. The Ly6g5b gene presents particular behaviours in its expression, involving an intron retention event and being capable to form RNA chimera transcripts with the upstream gene Csnk2b. We wanted to characterise these events more deeply in four tissues in six different mammals and analyse their protein products. Results While canonical Csnk2b isoform was widely expressed, Ly6g5b canonical isoform was less ubiquitous, although the Ly6g5b first intron retained transcript was present in all the tissues and species analysed. Csnk2b-Ly6g5b chimeras were present in all the samples analysed, but with restricted expression patterns. Some of these chimeric transcripts maintained correct structural domains from Csnk2b and Ly6g5b. Moreover, we found Csnk2b, Ly6g5b, and Csnk2b-Ly6g5b transcripts that present exon skipping, alternative 5' and 3' splice site and intron retention events. These would generate truncated or aberrant proteins whose role remains unknown. Some chimeric transcripts would encode CSNK2B proteins with an altered C-terminus, which could affect its biological function broadening its substrate specificity. Over-expression of human CSNK2B, LY6G5B, and CSNK2B-LY6G5B proteins, show different patterns of post-translational modifications and cell distribution. Conclusions Ly6g5b intron retention and Csnk2b-Ly6g5b transcript chimerism are broadly distributed in tissues of different mammals. PMID:23521802

  5. Sentinel 2B: the image quality performances at the beginning of the mission

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Trémas, T.; Lonjou, V.; Dick, A.; Languille, F.; Gaudel-Vacaresse, A.; Vidal, B.; Revel, C.

    2017-09-01

    Launched on March 6th, 2017 from Kourou, Sentinel 2B has passed the phase of commissioning. Sentinel 2B will work together with Sentinel 2A launched in June 2015. The building and implementation of the satellite has been made under the responsibility of ESA, for the European Commission. The subset of Image Quality commissioning was delegated by ESA to CNES, referring to the experience of the French Space Agency on previous imagers. This phase lasted 4 months after the launch, a little longer than the formal In Orbit Calibration period conducted by ESA, some Image Quality parameters requiring several months before converging to a stable state. This paper presents the status of the satellite, from an IQ prospective, just before it entered its operational phase. The radiometric and geometric performances are listed, including: the absolute radiometric calibration, the equalization, the SNR, the absolute and the multi-temporal location accuracy. The performances of both satellites Sentinel and Sentinel 2B working together, will be addressed. A particular focus will be done on multi-temporal location performances, homogeneity of radiometric inter calibrations. The accomplishment of the Global Reference Image over Europe is evoked as well. The IQ commissioning phase ended on June 2017. From this date, the monitoring of IQ parameters is under the responsibility of ESA/ESRIN. Nevertheless, CNES continues to support ESA to survey the accuracy of S2A and S2B performances. The article ends by dealing with the prospective offered by the couple Sentinel 2A + Sentinel 2B.

  6. [Interferon alpha-2b modified with polyethylene glycol].

    PubMed

    Wu, Yingxin; Zhai, Yanqin; Lei, Jiandu; Ma, Guanghui; Su, Zhiguo

    2008-09-01

    In order to obtain a more stable PEGylated interferon alpha-2b, and prolong its half life, interferon alpha-2b (IFN alpha-2b) was modified with monomethoxy polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde (mPEG-ALD) 20000. It was found that the optimized reaction condition for the maximum bioactivity and highest PEGylation degree of the mono PEGylated interferon alpha-2b was as follows: in 20 mmol/L, pH 6.5, citric acid and sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer, the concentration of IFN alpha-2b was 4 mg/mL, and the molar ratio of PEG/IFN alpha-2b was 8:1, and the reaction time was 20 h at 4 degrees C. Under the optimized reaction condition, the mono PEGylation degree reached to 55%. Ion exchange chromatography was used to separate and purify mono PEGylated interferon alpha-2b from the reaction mixture. The purity of mono PEGylated interferon alpha-2b was higher than 97% characterized by HPLC. The bioactivity of the mono PEGylated interferon alpha-2b was 13.4% of the native IFN alpha-2b, while its half life in SD rat is much longer than the native IFN alpha-2b. The mono PEGylated interferon alpha-2b is also stable in aqueous.

  7. 40 CFR Table B-2 to Subpart B of... - Test Atmospheres

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... of ASTM Standards, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA..., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. ... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Test Atmospheres B Table B-2 to Subpart...

  8. 40 CFR Table B-2 to Subpart B of... - Test Atmospheres

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... of ASTM Standards, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA..., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. ... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Test Atmospheres B Table B-2 to Subpart...

  9. 40 CFR Table B-2 to Subpart B of... - Test Atmospheres

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... of ASTM Standards, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA..., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. ... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Test Atmospheres B Table B-2 to Subpart...

  10. A Cross-Industry Review of B2B Critical Success Factors.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eid, Riyad; Trueman, Myfanwy; Ahmed, Abdel Moneim

    2002-01-01

    Presents a comprehensive review of B2B (business-to- business) international Internet marketing and identifies 21 critical success factors in five categories: marketing strategy, including management support, strategic goals, and collaboration; Web site factors, including Web site design; global factors, including multilanguage sites and cultural…

  11. Impacts of the Glucuronidase Genotypes UGT1A4, UGT2B7, UGT2B15 and UGT2B17 on Tamoxifen Metabolism in Breast Cancer Patients

    PubMed Central

    Romero-Lorca, Alicia; Novillo, Apolonia; Gaibar, María; Bandrés, Fernando; Fernández-Santander, Ana

    2015-01-01

    Tamoxifen is used to prevent and treat estrogen-dependent breast cancer. It is described as a prodrug since most of its antiestrogen effects are exerted through its hydroxylated metabolites 4-OH-tamoxifen and endoxifen. In prior work, we correlated optimal plasma levels of these metabolites with certain genotypes of CYP2D6 and SULT1A2. This descriptive study examines correlations between concentrations of tamoxifen's glucuronide metabolites and genotypes UGT1A4 Pro24Thr, UGT1A4 Leu48Val, UGT2B7 His268Tyr, UGT2B15 Asp85YTyr UGT2B15 Lys523Thr and UGT2B17del in 132 patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer under treatment with tamoxifen. Patients were genotyped by real-time and conventional PCR-RFLP. The glucuronides 4-OH-tamoxifen-N-glucuronide, 4-OH-tamoxifen-O-glucuronide and endoxifen-O-glucuronide were isolated from blood plasma and quantified using a high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. Individuals who were homozygous for UGT1A448VAL showed significantly lower mean concentrations of both glucuronide metabolites compared to subjects genotyped as wt/wt plus wt/48Val (p=0.037 and p=0.031, respectively). Women homozygous for UGT2B7268Tyr also showed mean substrate/product ratios of 4-OH-tamoxifen/4-OH-tamoxifen-O-glucuronide and 4-OH-tamoxifen/4-OH-tamoxifen-N-glucuronide indicative of reduced glucuronidase activity compared to wt homozygotes or to heterozygotes for the polymorphism (p=0.005 and p=0.003, respectively). In contrast, UGT2B15 Lys523Thr and UGT2B17del were associated with possibly increased enzyme activity. Patients with at least one variant allele UGT2B15523Thr showed significantly higher 4-OH-tamoxifen-O-glucuronide and endoxifen-glucuronide levels (p=0.023 and p=0.025, respectively) indicating a variant gene-dose effect. Higher 4-OH-tamoxifen-N-glucuronide levels observed in UGT2B17del genotypes (p=0.042) could be attributed to a mechanism that compensates for the greater expression of other genes in UGT2B

  12. Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) ZrB2 and HfB2 from Atomistic Simulations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lawson, JOhn W.; Daw, Murray S.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.

    2011-01-01

    Ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC) including ZrB2 and HfB2 are candidate materials for applications in extreme environments because of their high melting point, good mechanical properties and reasonable oxidation resistance. Unlike many ceramics, these materials have high thermal conductivity which can be advantageous, for example, to reduce thermal shock. Recently, we developed Tersoff style interatomic potentials for both ZrB2 and HfB2 appropriate for atomistic simulations. As an application, Green-Kubo molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the lattice thermal conductivity for single crystals of ZrB2 and HfB2. The atomic mass difference in these binary compounds leads to oscillations in the time correlation function of the heat current. Results at room temperature and at elevated temperatures will be reported.

  13. High-pressure behavior of A 2 B 2 O 7 pyrochlore (A=Eu, Dy; B=Ti, Zr)

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

    Rittman, Dylan R.; Turner, Katlyn M.; Park, Sulgiye

    2017-01-24

    In situ high-pressure X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the influence of composition on the high-pressure behavior of A 2B 2O 7 pyrochlore (A = Eu, Dy; B = Ti, Zr) up to ~50 GPa. Based on X-ray diffraction results, all compositions transformed to the high-pressure cotunnite structure. The B-site cation species had a larger effect on the transition pressure than the A-site cation species, with the onset of the phase transformation occurring at ~41 GPa for B = Ti and ~16 GPa B = Zr. But, the A-site cation affected the kinetics of the phase transformation,more » with the transformation for compositions with the smaller ionic radii, i.e., A = Dy, proceeding faster than those with a larger ionic radii, i.e., A = Eu. Our results were consistent with previous work in which the radius-ratio of the A- and B-site cations determined the energetics of disordering, and compositions with more similarly sized A- and B-site cations had a lower defect formation energy. Raman spectra revealed differences in the degree of short-range order of the different compositions. Due to the large phase fraction of cotunnite at high pressure for B = Zr compositions, Raman modes for cotunnite could be observed, with more modes recorded for A = Eu than A = Dy. These additional modes are attributed to increased short-to-medium range ordering in the initially pyrochlore structured Eu 2Zr 2O 7 as compared with the initially defect-fluorite structured Dy 2Zr 2O 7.« less

  14. HsfB2b-mediated repression of PRR7 directs abiotic stress responses of the circadian clock.

    PubMed

    Kolmos, Elsebeth; Chow, Brenda Y; Pruneda-Paz, Jose L; Kay, Steve A

    2014-11-11

    The circadian clock perceives environmental signals to reset to local time, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here we present data revealing that a member of the heat shock factor (Hsf) family is involved in the input pathway to the plant circadian clock. Using the yeast one-hybrid approach, we isolated several Hsfs, including Heat Shock Factor B2b (HsfB2b), a transcriptional repressor that binds the promoter of Pseudo Response Regulator 7 (PRR7) at a conserved binding site. The constitutive expression of HsfB2b leads to severely reduced levels of the PRR7 transcript and late flowering and elongated hypocotyls. HsfB2b function is important during heat and salt stress because HsfB2b overexpression sustains circadian rhythms, and the hsfB2b mutant has a short circadian period under these conditions. HsfB2b is also involved in the regulation of hypocotyl growth under warm, short days. Our findings highlight the role of the circadian clock as an integrator of ambient abiotic stress signals important for the growth and fitness of plants.

  15. High temperature Ir segregation in Ir-B ceramics: Effect of oxygen presence on stability of IrB 2 and other Ir-B phases

    DOE PAGES

    Xie, Zhilin; Terracciano, Anthony C.; Cullen, David A.; ...

    2015-05-13

    The formation of IrB 2, IrB 1.35, IrB 1.1 and IrB monoboride phases in the Ir–B ceramic nanopowder was confirmed during mechanochemical reaction between metallic Ir and elemental B powders. The Ir–B phases were analysed after 90 h of high energy ball milling and after annealing of the powder for 72 h at 1050°C in vacuo. The iridium monoboride (IrB) orthorhombic phase was synthesised experimentally for the first time and identified by powder X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the ReB 2 type IrB 2 hexagonal phase was also produced for the first time and identified by high resolution transmission electron microscope. Irmore » segregation along disordered domains of the boron lattice was found to occur during high temperature annealing. Furthermore, these nanodomains may have useful catalytic properties.« less

  16. Enhanced expression of rat hepatic CYP2B1/2B2 and 2E1 by pyridine: differential induction kinetics and molecular basis of expression.

    PubMed

    Kim, H; Putt, D; Reddy, S; Hollenberg, P F; Novak, R F

    1993-11-01

    Expression of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B subfamily in rat and rabbit hepatic tissues after pyridine (PY) treatment has been examined, and the molecular basis for enhanced 2B1/2B2 expression has been determined. P450 expression was monitored using metabolic activity, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses, and the identity of the proteins was confirmed through N-terminus microsequence analysis. PY caused a dose-dependent elevation of hepatic CYP2B1/B2B levels in rats, which ranged from 4- to 22-fold over the dosing regimen of 100 to 400 mg PY/kg/day, for 3 days, respectively. PY at low dose failed to induce CYP2B in rabbit hepatic tissue, suggesting a species-dependent response in 2B expression. Anti-2B1 IgG addition to PY-induced microsomes inhibited benzphetamine N-demethylase activity by only approximately 15%, in sharp contrast to the approximately 73% inhibition observed for phenobarbital-induced microsomes, suggesting the induction of other form(s) of P450 having benzphetamine N-demethylase activity. Northern blot analysis revealed that PY treatment increased 2B1 and 2B2 poly(A)+ RNA levels approximately 69- and approximately 34-fold, respectively, whereas the 2E1 poly(A)+ RNA levels failed to increase. The results of this study show that PY induces CYP2B1/2B2 and that induction is species-dependent and kinetically distinguishable from 2E1 induction. Moreover, 2B1/2B2 induction occurs as a result of elevated mRNA levels associated with either transcriptional activation or mRNA stabilization, and it differs from the mechanism of hepatic 2E1 induction by PY.

  17. Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and enzymatic activity of 4b,9b-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-4bH-indeno[1,2-b]benzofuran-9,10(6H,9bH)-dione

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mehdi, Sayed Hasan; Hashim, Rokiah; Ghalib, Raza Murad; Fátima C. Guedes da Silva, M.; Sulaiman, Othman; Rahman, Syed Ziaur; Murugaiyah, Vikneswaran; Marimuthu, Mani Maran

    2011-12-01

    The crystal structure of the title compound, 4b,9b-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-4bH-indeno[1,2-b]benzofuran-9,10(6H,9bH)-dione has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/c with Z = 4. The FTIR as well as the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the compound were also recorded and briefly discussed. The compound showed potential antimicrobial activity comparable to that of clinically used antimicrobial agents against selected microorganisms. It has selective and moderate inhibitory activity on butyryl cholinesterase enzyme and could serve as potential lead compound for synthesis of more bioactive derivatives.

  18. Translational studies support a role for serotonin 2B receptor (HTR2B) gene in aggression-related cannabis response.

    PubMed

    Montalvo-Ortiz, Janitza L; Zhou, Hang; D'Andrea, Ivana; Maroteaux, Luc; Lori, Adriana; Smith, Alicia; Ressler, Kerry J; Nuñez, Yaira Z; Farrer, Lindsay A; Zhao, Hongyu; Kranzler, Henry R; Gelernter, Joel

    2018-06-06

    Cannabis use is increasing in the United States, as are its adverse effects. We investigated the genetics of an adverse consequence of cannabis use: cannabis-related aggression (CRA) using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) design. Our GWAS sample included 3269 African Americans (AAs) and 2546 European Americans (EAs). An additional 89 AA subjects from the Grady Trauma Project (GTP) were also examined using a proxy-phenotype replication approach. We identified genome-wide significant risk loci contributing to CRA in AAs at the serotonin receptor 2B receptor gene (HTR2B), and the lead SNP, HTR2B*rs17440378, showed nominal association to aggression in the GTP cohort of cannabis-exposed subjects. A priori evidence linked HTR2B to impulsivity/aggression but not to cannabis response. Human functional data regarding the HTR2B variant further supported our finding. Treating an Htr2b -/- knockout mouse with THC resulted in increased aggressive behavior, whereas wild-type mice following THC administration showed decreased aggression in the resident-intruder paradigm, demonstrating that HTR2B variation moderates the effects of cannabis on aggression. These concordant findings in mice and humans implicate HTR2B as a major locus associated with cannabis-induced aggression.

  19. A Model-based B2B (Batch to Batch) Control for An Industrial Batch Polymerization Process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ogawa, Morimasa

    This paper describes overview of a model-based B2B (batch to batch) control for an industrial batch polymerization process. In order to control the reaction temperature precisely, several methods based on the rigorous process dynamics model are employed at all design stage of the B2B control, such as modeling and parameter estimation of the reaction kinetics which is one of the important part of the process dynamics model. The designed B2B control consists of the gain scheduled I-PD/II2-PD control (I-PD with double integral control), the feed-forward compensation at the batch start time, and the model adaptation utilizing the results of the last batch operation. Throughout the actual batch operations, the B2B control provides superior control performance compared with that of conventional control methods.

  20. Function of brain α2B-adrenergic receptor characterized with subtype-selective α2B antagonist and KO mice.

    PubMed

    Luhrs, Lauren; Manlapaz, Cynthia; Kedzie, Karen; Rao, Sandhya; Cabrera-Ghayouri, Sara; Donello, John; Gil, Daniel

    2016-12-17

    Noradrenergic signaling, through the α 2A and α 2C adrenergic receptors modulates the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of disorders such as schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and addiction. However, it is unknown whether the α 2B receptor has any significant role in CNS function. The present study elucidates the potential role of the α 2B receptor in CNS function via the discovery and use of the first subtype-selective α 2B antagonist (AGN-209419), and behavioral analyses of α-receptor knockout (KO) mice. Using AGN-209419 as radioligand, α 2B receptor binding sites were identified within the olfactory bulb, cortex, thalamus, cerebellum, and striatum. Based on the observed expression patterns of α 2 subtypes in the brain, we compared α 2B KO, α 2A KO and α 2C KO mice behavioral phenotypes with their respective wild-type lines in anxiety (plus maze), compulsive (marble burying), and sensorimotor (prepulse inhibition) tasks. α 2B KO mice exhibited increased marble burying and α 2C KO mice exhibited an increased startle response to a pulse stimulus, but otherwise intact prepulse inhibition. To further explore compulsive behavior, we evaluated novelty-induced locomotor hyperactivity and found that α 2B KO and α 2C KO mice exhibited increased locomotion in the open field. Interestingly, when challenged with amphetamine, α 2C KO mice increased activity at lower doses relative to either α 2A KO or WT mice. However, α 2B KO mice exhibited stereotypy at doses of amphetamine that were only locomotor stimulatory to all other genotypes. Following co-administration of AGN-209419 with low-dose amphetamine in WT mice, stereotypy was observed, mimicking the α 2B KO phenotype. These findings suggest that the α 2B receptor is involved in CNS behaviors associated with sensorimotor gating and compulsivity, and may be therapeutically relevant for disorders such as schizophrenia, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and

  1. Anticancer activity of celastrol in combination with ErbB2-targeted therapeutics for treatment of ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancers

    PubMed Central

    Clubb, Robert J; Ortega-Cava, Cesar; Williams, Stetson H; Bailey, Tameka A; Duan, Lei; Zhao, Xiangshan; Reddi, Alagarasamy L; Nyong, Abijah M; Natarajan, Amarnath; Band, Vimla

    2011-01-01

    The receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2 is overexpressed in up to a third of breast cancers, allowing targeted therapy with ErbB2-directed humanized antibodies such as Trastuzumab. Concurrent targeting of ErbB2 stability with HSP90 inhibitors is synergistic with Trastuzumab, suggesting that pharmacological agents that can inhibit HSP90 as well as signaling pathways activated by ErbB2 could be useful against ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancers. The triterpene natural product Celastrol inhibits HSP90 and several pathways relevant to ErbB2-dependent oncogenesis including the NFκB pathway and the proteasome, and has shown promising activity in other cancer models. Here, we demonstrate that Celastrol exhibits in vitro antitumor activity against a panel of human breast cancer cell lines with selectivity towards those overexpressing ErbB2. Celastrol strongly synergized with ErbB2-targeted therapeutics Trastuzumab and Lapatinib, producing higher cytotoxicity with substantially lower doses of Celastrol. Celastrol significantly retarded the rate of growth of ErbB2-overexpressing human breast cancer cells in a mouse xenograft model with only minor systemic toxicity. Mechanistically, Celastrol not only induced the expected ubiquitinylation and degradation of ErbB2 and other HSP90 client proteins, but it also increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our studies show that the Michael Acceptor functionality in Celastrol is important for its ability to destabilize ErbB2 and exert its bioactivity against ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. These studies suggest the potential use of Michael acceptor-containing molecules as novel therapeutic modalities against ErbB2-driven breast cancer by targeting multiple biological attributes of the driver oncogene. PMID:21088503

  2. Mass Customized Technical Textiles in the B2B Sector

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gebhardt, R.; Barteld, M.; Grafmüller, L.; Mosig, T.; Weiß, M.

    2017-10-01

    Mass Customization is a great opportunity for textile companies for both staying competitive in high-wage countries and offering inexpensive, customized products. Within the area of Technical Textiles, this study focuses on the B2B sector and shows the status quo, potentials and strengths. Both management and technological issues are addressed. For the former, business models and the value co-creation process are dealt with, for the latter, the focus is on modelling.

  3. Mutant Analysis Reveals Allosteric Regulation of ClpB Disaggregase

    PubMed Central

    Franke, Kamila B.; Bukau, Bernd; Mogk, Axel

    2017-01-01

    The members of the hexameric AAA+ disaggregase of E. coli and S. cerevisiae, ClpB, and Hsp104, cooperate with the Hsp70 chaperone system in the solubilization of aggregated proteins. Aggregate solubilization relies on a substrate threading activity of ClpB/Hsp104 fueled by ATP hydrolysis in both ATPase rings (AAA-1, AAA-2). ClpB/Hsp104 ATPase activity is controlled by the M-domains, which associate to the AAA-1 ring to downregulate ATP hydrolysis. Keeping M-domains displaced from the AAA-1 ring by association with Hsp70 increases ATPase activity due to enhanced communication between protomers. This communication involves conserved arginine fingers. The control of ClpB/Hsp104 activity is crucial, as hyperactive mutants with permanently dissociated M-domains exhibit cellular toxicity. Here, we analyzed AAA-1 inter-ring communication in relation to the M-domain mediated ATPase regulation, by subjecting a conserved residue of the AAA-1 domain subunit interface of ClpB (A328) to mutational analysis. While all A328X mutants have reduced disaggregation activities, their ATPase activities strongly differed. ClpB-A328I/L mutants have reduced ATPase activity and when combined with the hyperactive ClpB-K476C M-domain mutation, suppress cellular toxicity. This underlines that ClpB ATPase activation by M-domain dissociation relies on increased subunit communication. The ClpB-A328V mutant in contrast has very high ATPase activity and exhibits cellular toxicity on its own, qualifying it as novel hyperactive ClpB mutant. ClpB-A328V hyperactivity is however, different from that of M-domain mutants as M-domains stay associated with the AAA-1 ring. The high ATPase activity of ClpB-A328V primarily relies on the AAA-2 ring and correlates with distinct conformational changes in the AAA-2 catalytic site. These findings characterize the subunit interface residue A328 as crucial regulatory element to control ATP hydrolysis in both AAA rings. PMID:28275610

  4. B2, B7 or B10: Which palm-based blend mandate wise to be chosen in Malaysia?

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

    Applanaidu, Shri-Dewi, E-mail: dewi@uum.edu.my; Ali, Anizah Md., E-mail: anizah@uum.edu.my; Abidin, Norhaslinda Zainal, E-mail: nhaslinda@uum.edu.my

    The diminishing fossil energy resources, coupled with heightened interest in the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions and concerns about energy security have motivated Malaysia to produce palm-based biodiesel and it has been started to be exported since 2006. In line with this issue, the government in Malaysia launched the palm-based biodiesel blending mandate of five percent (B5) in the federal administration of Putrajaya on 1{sup st} June 2011. This was then followed by four states: Malacca on July 11, Negeri Sembilan on August 1, Kuala Lumpur on September 1 and Selangor on October 1 of the same year but itmore » is yet to be implemented nationwide. However what is the wise blend mandate to be chosen? Thus, this paper seeks to examine the possible impact of various blend mandates implementation (B2, B7 and B10) on the palm oil industry market variables (stock and price) since the main aim of biodiesel industry in Malaysia is to reduce domestic palm oil stock to below one million tones and provide a floor price to support Crude Palm Oil (CPO) prices at RM2,000 per tonne. A structural econometric model consisting of nine structural equations and three identities was proposed in this study. The model has been estimated by two stage least squares (2SLS) method using annual data for the period 1976-2013. The study indicates that counterfactual simulation of a decrease from B5 to B2 predicts a decrease (11.2 per cent) in CPO domestic consumption for biodiesel usage, 731.02 per cent reduction in CPO stock and an increase of 27.41 percent in domestic price of CPO. However the increase in the blend mandate from B5 to B7 and B10 suggest that domestic consumption of CPO for biodiesel purpose increase 7.40 and 18.55 percent respectively. The interesting findings in this study suggest that no matter whether Malaysian government increase or decrease the blend mandate the increase in the price of CPO are the same with an increase of is 27.41 percent. Hence, this study

  5. B2, B7 or B10: Which palm-based blend mandate wise to be chosen in Malaysia?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Applanaidu, Shri-Dewi; Abidin, Norhaslinda Zainal; Ali, Anizah Md.

    2015-12-01

    The diminishing fossil energy resources, coupled with heightened interest in the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions and concerns about energy security have motivated Malaysia to produce palm-based biodiesel and it has been started to be exported since 2006. In line with this issue, the government in Malaysia launched the palm-based biodiesel blending mandate of five percent (B5) in the federal administration of Putrajaya on 1st June 2011. This was then followed by four states: Malacca on July 11, Negeri Sembilan on August 1, Kuala Lumpur on September 1 and Selangor on October 1 of the same year but it is yet to be implemented nationwide. However what is the wise blend mandate to be chosen? Thus, this paper seeks to examine the possible impact of various blend mandates implementation (B2, B7 and B10) on the palm oil industry market variables (stock and price) since the main aim of biodiesel industry in Malaysia is to reduce domestic palm oil stock to below one million tones and provide a floor price to support Crude Palm Oil (CPO) prices at RM2,000 per tonne. A structural econometric model consisting of nine structural equations and three identities was proposed in this study. The model has been estimated by two stage least squares (2SLS) method using annual data for the period 1976-2013. The study indicates that counterfactual simulation of a decrease from B5 to B2 predicts a decrease (11.2 per cent) in CPO domestic consumption for biodiesel usage, 731.02 per cent reduction in CPO stock and an increase of 27.41 percent in domestic price of CPO. However the increase in the blend mandate from B5 to B7 and B10 suggest that domestic consumption of CPO for biodiesel purpose increase 7.40 and 18.55 percent respectively. The interesting findings in this study suggest that no matter whether Malaysian government increase or decrease the blend mandate the increase in the price of CPO are the same with an increase of is 27.41 percent. Hence, this study suggests that the

  6. Extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy of G191-B2B - Direct observation of ionization edges

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wilkinson, Erik; Green, James C.; Cash, Webster

    1992-01-01

    We present the first spectrum of the hot, DA white dwarf G191-B2B (wd 0501 + 527) between 200 and 330 A. The spectrum, which has about 2 A resolution, was obtained with a sounding rocket-borne, grazing incidence spectrograph. The spectrum shows no evidence of He II, the expected primary opacity source in this wavelength region. Three ionization edges and one absorption feature were observed and are suggestive of O III existing in the photosphere of G191-B2B. Also noted is a broad spectral depression that may result from Fe VI in the photosphere.

  7. A PCV2 vaccine based on genotype 2b is more effective than a 2a-based vaccine to protect against PCV2b or combined PCV2a/2b viremia in pigs with concurrent PCV2, PRRSV and PPV infection.

    PubMed

    Opriessnig, Tanja; O'Neill, Kevin; Gerber, Priscilla F; de Castro, Alessandra M M G; Gimenéz-Lirola, Luis G; Beach, Nathan M; Zhou, Lei; Meng, Xiang-Jin; Wang, Chong; Halbur, Patrick G

    2013-01-07

    The predominant genotype of porcine circovirus (PCV) in the pig population today is PCV2b yet PCV2a-based commercial vaccines are considered effective in protecting against porcine circovirus associated disease. The objective of this study was to compare the ability of PCV2a- and PCV2b-based vaccines to control PCV2b viremia in a challenge model that mimics the U.S. field situation. Sixty-three pigs were randomly assigned to one of eight groups. Sixteen pigs were vaccinated with an experimental live-attenuated chimeric PCV1-2a vaccine based on genotype 2a and another 16 pigs with a chimeric PCV1-2b vaccine based on genotype 2b. Challenge was done 28 days post vaccination (dpv) using PCV2b (or a combination of PCV2a and PCV2b), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and porcine parvovirus (PPV) to mimic what commonly occurs in the field. The experiment was terminated 21 days post challenge (dpc) or 49dpv. Pigs vaccinated with the chimeric PCV1-2b vaccine had significantly higher levels of PCV1-2b viremia and shedding of the PCV1-2b vaccine virus in feces and nasal secretions but also a more robust humoral immune response as evidenced by significantly higher ELISA S/P ratios compared to the PCV1-2a vaccination. Regardless of challenge, the PCV1-2b vaccination significantly reduced the prevalence and amount of PCV2 viremia compared to the PCV1-2a vaccination. Interestingly, in the non-vaccinated pigs concurrent PCV2a infection resulted in clinical disease and increased macroscopic lung lesions compared to pigs challenged with PCV2b alone, further supporting the idea that concurrent PCV2a/PCV2b infection is necessary for optimal PCV2 replication. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Emergence of canine parvovirus subtype 2b (CPV-2b) infections in Australian dogs.

    PubMed

    Clark, Nicholas J; Seddon, Jennifer M; Kyaw-Tanner, Myat; Al-Alawneh, John; Harper, Gavin; McDonagh, Phillip; Meers, Joanne

    2018-03-01

    Tracing the temporal dynamics of pathogens is crucial for developing strategies to detect and limit disease emergence. Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is an enteric virus causing morbidity and mortality in dogs around the globe. Previous work in Australia reported that the majority of cases were associated with the CPV-2a subtype, an unexpected finding since CPV-2a was rapidly replaced by another subtype (CPV-2b) in many countries. Using a nine-year dataset of CPV-2 infections from 396 dogs sampled across Australia, we assessed the population dynamics and molecular epidemiology of circulating CPV-2 subtypes. Bayesian phylogenetic Skygrid models and logistic regressions were used to trace the temporal dynamics of CPV-2 infections in dogs sampled from 2007 to 2016. Phylogenetic models indicated that CPV-2a likely emerged in Australia between 1973 and 1988, while CPV-2b likely emerged between 1985 and 1998. Sequences from both subtypes were found in dogs across continental Australia and Tasmania, with no apparent effect of climate variability on subtype occurrence. Both variant subtypes exhibited a classical disease emergence pattern of relatively high rates of evolution during early emergence followed by subsequent decreases in evolutionary rates over time. However, the CPV-2b subtype maintained higher mutation rates than CPV-2a and continued to expand, resulting in an increase in the probability that dogs will carry this subtype over time. Ongoing monitoring programs that provide molecular epidemiology surveillance will be necessary to detect emergence of new variants and make informed recommendations to develop reliable detection and vaccine methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Unusual behaviour of (Np,Pu)B2C

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Klimczuk, Tomasz; Boulet, Pascal; Griveau, Jean-Christophe; Colineau, Eric; Bauer, Ernst; Falmbigl, Matthias; Rogl, Peter; Wastin, Franck

    2015-02-01

    Two transuranium metal boron carbides, NpB2C and PuB2C have been synthesized by argon arc melting. The crystal structures of the {Np,Pu}B2C compounds were determined from single-crystal X-ray data to be isotypic with the ThB2C-type (space group ?, a = 0.6532(2) nm; c = 1.0769(3) nm for NpB2C and a = 0.6509(2) nm; c = 1.0818(3) nm for PuB2C; Z = 9). Physical properties have been derived from polycrystalline bulk material in the temperature range from 2 to 300 K and in magnetic fields up to 9 T. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity data indicate the occurrence of antiferromagnetic ordering for NpB2C with a Neel temperature TN = 68 K. PuB2C is a Pauli paramagnet most likely due to a strong hybridization of s(p,d) electrons with the Pu-5f states. A pseudo-gap, as concluded from the Sommerfeld value and the electronic transport, is thought to be a consequence of the hybridization. The magnetic behaviour of {Np,Pu}B2C is consistent with the criterion of Hill.

  10. Evaluation of synergistic antimicrobial effect of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E and K) with antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains.

    PubMed

    Shahzad, Shakeel; Ashraf, M Adnan; Sajid, M; Shahzad, Aqeel; Rafique, Azhar; Mahmood, M Shahid

    2018-02-02

    Multiple drug resistant super bugs of Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are becoming challenge for healthcare professionals. In this study, vitamins were evaluated for synergistic activity with the antibiotics. Synergistic effect between antibiotic and stock solutions of vitamins is evaluated by using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Distilled water and propylene glycol were used as solvent for water soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins respectively. The final concentration of 10mg/ml of each water-soluble vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B6 (Pyridoxine) B12 (Methylcobalamin), C (Ascorbic acid) and 0.1mg/ml of each fat soluble vitamin A (retinol), D (cholecalciferol) E (αTocopherol) K (Menadione) were used with the antibiotics. The results depicted that vitamin K and E have better synergistic activity with piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem and doripenem antibiotics against A. baumannii. While vitamin B1, B2 and B12 showed remarkable synergistic activity with linezolid against MRSA. Vitamin B1 was further tested to have better synergism with antibiotics oxacillin, tetracycline, rifampicin and linezolid against MRSA. The fat-soluble vitamins E and K were good in synergism against Gram negative A. baumannii while water soluble vitamins as B1, B2 and B12 were effective against MRSA but not against A. baumannii. This synergistic action of vitamins with the antibiotics can be used as a tool to treat multiple drug resistant super bugs with further evaluation at molecular level. Copyright © 2018 International Society for Chemotherapy of Infection and Cancer. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Peginterferon Alfa-2b Injection (Sylatron)

    MedlinePlus

    Peginterferon alfa-2b injection is used in people with malignant melanoma (a life-threatening cancer that begins in certain ... started within 84 days of the surgery. Peginterferon alfa-2b injection is in a class of medications ...

  12. Photo-Activated Psoralen Binds the ErbB2 Catalytic Kinase Domain, Blocking ErbB2 Signaling and Triggering Tumor Cell Apoptosis

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Wenle; Gooden, David; Liu, Leihua; Zhao, Sumin; Soderblom, Erik J.; Toone, Eric J.; Beyer, Wayne F.; Walder, Harold; Spector, Neil L.

    2014-01-01

    Photo-activation of psoralen with UVA irradiation, referred to as PUVA, is used in the treatment of proliferative skin disorders. The anti-proliferative effects of PUVA have been largely attributed to psoralen intercalation of DNA, which upon UV treatment, triggers the formation of interstrand DNA crosslinks (ICL) that inhibit transcription and DNA replication. Here, we show that PUVA exerts antitumor effects in models of human breast cancer that overexpress the ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase oncogene, through a new mechanism. Independent of ICL formation, the antitumor effects of PUVA in ErbB2+ breast cancer models can instead be mediated through inhibition of ErbB2 activation and signaling. Using a mass spectroscopy-based approach, we show for the first time that photo-activated 8MOP (8-methoxypsoralen) interacts with the ErbB2 catalytic autokinase domain. Furthermore, PUVA can reverse therapeutic resistance to lapatinib and other ErbB2 targeted therapies, including resistance mediated via expression of a phosphorylated, truncated form of ErbB2 (p85ErbB2) that is preferentially expressed in tumor cell nuclei. Current ErbB2 targeted therapies, small molecule kinase inhibitors or antibodies, do not block the phosphorylated, activated state of p85ErbB2. Here we show that PUVA reduced p85ErbB2 phosphorylation leading to tumor cell apoptosis. Thus, in addition to its effects on DNA and the formation of ICL, PUVA represents a novel ErbB2 targeted therapy for the treatment of ErbB2+ breast cancers, including those that have developed resistance to other ErbB2 targeted therapies. PMID:24551203

  13. Compressibility behaviour of conducting ceramic TiB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arpita Aparajita, A. N.; Kumar, N. R. Sanjay; Shekar, N. V. Chandra; Kalavathi, S.

    2017-09-01

    To address the large spread in the bulk modulus value of TiB2 reported in literature, high pressure compressibility study of a phase pure polycrystalline sample has been carried out using in situ high pressure x-ray diffraction technique (HPXRD) in angle dispersive mode. The study has been done up to 23 GPa at ambient temperature with methanol-ethanol-water (MEW) as pressure transmitting medium. The hexagonal lattice has been found to be stable in the pressure range studied. The isothermal bulk modulus is estimated to be 333(6) GPa by employing 3rd order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. The obtained high value of bulk modulus is understood in terms of band filling effect, and the nature of bonding between B-B and Ti-B in TiB2. Compressibility along ‘a’ and ‘c’ axis is found to be anisotropic with compressibility values of 0.93(2) TPa-1 and 1.14(2) TPa-1 respectively. From the estimated bond lengths for Ti-B and B-B it is found that B-B bonds are less compressible compared to Ti-B bonds which is in accordance with the respective nature of Ti-B and B-B bonds. A change in the rate of bond contraction was seen around 12 GPa which is due to the bond hardening for both Ti-B and B-B bonds with pressure.

  14. Regulation of normal B-cell differentiation and malignant B-cell survival by OCT2

    PubMed Central

    Hodson, Daniel J.; Shaffer, Arthur L.; Xiao, Wenming; Wright, George W.; Schmitz, Roland; Phelan, James D.; Yang, Yandan; Webster, Daniel E.; Rui, Lixin; Kohlhammer, Holger; Nakagawa, Masao; Waldmann, Thomas A.; Staudt, Louis M.

    2016-01-01

    The requirement for the B-cell transcription factor OCT2 (octamer-binding protein 2, encoded by Pou2f2) in germinal center B cells has proved controversial. Here, we report that germinal center B cells are formed normally after depletion of OCT2 in a conditional knockout mouse, but their proliferation is reduced and in vivo differentiation to antibody-secreting plasma cells is blocked. This finding led us to examine the role of OCT2 in germinal center-derived lymphomas. shRNA knockdown showed that almost all diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines are addicted to the expression of OCT2 and its coactivator OCA-B. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis and gene-expression profiling revealed the broad transcriptional program regulated by OCT2 that includes the expression of STAT3, IL-10, ELL2, XBP1, MYC, TERT, and ADA. Importantly, genetic alteration of OCT2 is not a requirement for cellular addiction in DLBCL. However, we detected amplifications of the POU2F2 locus in DLBCL tumor biopsies and a recurrent mutation of threonine 223 in the DNA-binding domain of OCT2. This neomorphic mutation subtly alters the DNA-binding preference of OCT2, leading to the transactivation of noncanonical target genes including HIF1a and FCRL3. Finally, by introducing mutations designed to disrupt the OCT2–OCA-B interface, we reveal a requirement for this protein–protein interface that ultimately might be exploited therapeutically. Our findings, combined with the predominantly B-cell–restricted expression of OCT2 and the absence of a systemic phenotype in our knockout mice, suggest that an OCT2-targeted therapeutic strategy would be efficacious in both major subtypes of DLBCL while avoiding systemic toxicity. PMID:26993806

  15. InterCon Travel Health: Case B

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Truman, Gregory E.; Pachamanova, Dessislava A.; Goldstein, Michael A.

    2010-01-01

    InterCon provides services to health insurers of foreign tourists who travel to the United States and Canada. Management wants to implement a new information system that will deal with several operational problems, but it is having difficulty securing the capital resources to fund the system's development. After an initial failure, the chief…

  16. TFAP2B mutation and dental anomalies.

    PubMed

    Tanasubsinn, Natchaya; Sittiwangkul, Rekwan; Pongprot, Yupada; Kawasaki, Katsushige; Ohazama, Atsushi; Sastraruji, Thanapat; Kaewgahya, Massupa; Kantaputra, Piranit Nik

    2017-08-01

    Mutations inTFAP2B has been reported in patients with isolated patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and Char syndrome. We performed mutation analysis of TFAP2B in 43 patients with isolated PDA, 7 patients with PDA with other congenital heart defects and 286 patients with isolated tooth agenesis with or without other dental anomalies. The heterozygous c.1006G>A mutation was identified in 20 individuals. Those mutation carriers consisted of 1 patient with term PDA (1/43), 16 patients with isolated tooth agenesis with or without other dental anomalies (16/286; 5.6%), 1 patient with PDA and severe valvular aortic stenosis and tooth agenesis (1/4) and 2 normal controls (2/100; 1%). The mutation is predicted to cause an amino-acid substitution p.Val336Ile in the TFAP2B protein. Tfap2b expression during early mouse tooth development supports the association of TFAP2B mutation and dental anomalies. It is hypothesized that this incidence might have been the result of founder effect. Here we report for the first time that TFAP2B mutation is associated with tooth agenesis, microdontia, supernumerary tooth and root maldevelopment. In addition, we also found that TFAP2B mutations, the common causes of PDA in Caucasian, are not the common cause of PDA in Thai population.

  17. 32 CFR 806b.2 - Basic guidelines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Basic guidelines. 806b.2 Section 806b.2 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM Overview of the Privacy Act Program § 806b.2 Basic guidelines. This part implements the Privacy Act of 1974...

  18. Characterization and Genomic Study of Phage vB_EcoS-B2 Infecting Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Yue; Yu, Xinyan; Gu, Yu; Huang, Xu; Liu, Genyan; Liu, Xiaoqiu

    2018-01-01

    The potential of bacteriophage as an alternative antibacterial agent has been reconsidered for control of pathogenic bacteria due to the widespread occurrence of multi-drug resistance bacteria. More and more lytic phages have been isolated recently. In the present study, we isolated a lytic phage named vB_EcoS-B2 from waste water. VB_EcoS-B2 has an icosahedral symmetry head and a long tail without a contractile sheath, indicating that it belongs to the family Siphoviridae. The complete genome of vB_EcoS-B2 is composed of a circular double stranded DNA of 44,283 bp in length, with 54.77% GC content. vB_EcoS-B2 is homologous to 14 relative phages (such as Escherichia phage SSL-2009a, Escherichia phage JL1, and Shigella phage EP23), but most of these phages exhibit different gene arrangement. Our results serve to extend our understanding toward phage evolution of family Siphoviridae of coliphages. Sixty-five putative open reading frames were predicted in the complete genome of vB_EcoS-B2. Twenty-one of proteins encoded by vB_EcoS-B2 were determined in phage particles by Mass Spectrometry. Bacteriophage genome and proteome analysis confirmed the lytic nature of vB_EcoS-B2, namely, the absence of toxin-coding genes, islands of pathogenicity, or genes through lysogeny or transduction. Furthermore, vB_EcoS-B2 significantly reduced the growth of E. coli MG1655 and also inhibited the growth of several multi-drug resistant clinical stains of E. coli. Phage vB_EcoS-B2 can kill some of the MRD E. coli entirely, strongly indicating us that it could be one of the components of phage cocktails to treat multi-drug resistant E. coli. This phage could be used to interrupt or reduce the spread of multi-drug resistant E. coli. PMID:29780362

  19. HLA-B40, B18, B27, and B37 allele discrimination using group-specific amplification and SSCP method.

    PubMed

    Bannai, M; Tokunaga, K; Lin, L; Ogawa, A; Fujisawa, K; Juji, T

    1996-04-01

    We developed a system for discriminating HLA-B40, B18, B27, and B37 alleles using a two-step PCR method followed by SSCP analysis. Fragments (0.8 kb) including exon 2, intron 2, and exon 3 were amplified in the first PCR. We used two sets of primers, one specific for HLA-B60-related alleles and the other specific for HLA-B61-related, B18, B27, and B37 alleles. No amplifications of other class I genes or pseudogenes were observed. In the second PCR, exon 2 and exon 3 were amplified separately, using diluents of the first PCR products as templates. HLA-B61-related, B18, B27, B37, and B60-related alleles were clearly discriminated in the SSCP analysis of the second PCR products. In a population study in which B61 alleles were analyzed, B*4003 was detected in two Japanese individuals in addition to two B61 alleles previously reported to occur in Japanese, B*4002 and B*4006. The relative frequencies of B*4002, B*4006, and B*4003 in Japanese were 58, 35, and 6%, respectively. The individuals having B*4003 are the first non-South Americans in whom this allele has been detected. The SSCP banding patterns of 18 HLA-B60-positive Japanese population samples were identical to those of a B*40012 sample for both exon 2 and exon 3. We also demonstrated that the B37 allele occurring in some Japanese is B*3701.

  20. Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) ZrB2 and HfB2 from Atomistic Simulations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lawson, John W.; Daw, Murray S.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.

    2012-01-01

    Ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC) including ZrB2 and HfB2 have a number of properties that make them attractive for applications in extreme environments. One such property is their high thermal conductivity. Computational modeling of these materials will facilitate understanding of fundamental mechanisms, elucidate structure-property relationships, and ultimately accelerate the materials design cycle. Progress in computational modeling of UHTCs however has been limited in part due to the absence of suitable interatomic potentials. Recently, we developed Tersoff style parameterizations of such potentials for both ZrB2 and HfB2 appropriate for atomistic simulations. As an application, Green-Kubo molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the lattice thermal conductivity for single crystals of ZrB2 and HfB2. The atomic mass difference in these binary compounds leads to oscillations in the time correlation function of the heat current, in contrast to the more typical monotonic decay seen in monoatomic materials such as Silicon, for example. Results at room temperature and at elevated temperatures will be reported.

  1. Transcriptional Regulation of JARID1B/KDM5B Histone Demethylase by Ikaros, Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), and Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) in B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia*

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Haijun; Song, Chunhua; Ding, Yali; Pan, Xiaokang; Ge, Zheng; Tan, Bi-Hua; Gowda, Chandrika; Sachdev, Mansi; Muthusami, Sunil; Ouyang, Hongsheng; Lai, Liangxue; Francis, Olivia L.; Morris, Christopher L.; Abdel-Azim, Hisham; Dorsam, Glenn; Xiang, Meixian; Payne, Kimberly J.; Dovat, Sinisa

    2016-01-01

    Impaired function of the Ikaros (IKZF1) protein is associated with the development of high-risk B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The mechanisms of Ikaros tumor suppressor activity in leukemia are unknown. Ikaros binds to the upstream regulatory elements of its target genes and regulates their transcription via chromatin remodeling. Here, we report that Ikaros represses transcription of the histone H3K4 demethylase, JARID1B (KDM5B). Transcriptional repression of JARID1B is associated with increased global levels of H3K4 trimethylation. Ikaros-mediated repression of JARID1B is dependent on the activity of the histone deacetylase, HDAC1, which binds to the upstream regulatory element of JARID1B in complex with Ikaros. In leukemia, JARID1B is overexpressed, and its inhibition results in cellular growth arrest. Ikaros-mediated repression of JARID1B in leukemia is impaired by pro-oncogenic casein kinase 2 (CK2). Inhibition of CK2 results in increased binding of the Ikaros-HDAC1 complex to the promoter of JARID1B, with increased formation of trimethylated histone H3 lysine 27 and decreased histone H3 Lys-9 acetylation. In cases of high-risk B-ALL that carry deletion of one Ikaros (IKZF1) allele, targeted inhibition of CK2 restores Ikaros binding to the JARID1B promoter and repression of JARID1B. In summary, the presented data suggest a mechanism through which Ikaros and HDAC1 regulate the epigenetic signature in leukemia: via regulation of JARID1B transcription. The presented data identify JARID1B as a novel therapeutic target in B-ALL and provide a rationale for the use of CK2 inhibitors in the treatment of high-risk B-ALL. PMID:26655717

  2. 76 FR 9515 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. ARRIEL 2B and 2B1 Turboshaft Engines

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-18

    .... ARRIEL 2B and 2B1 Turboshaft Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice... (GG) Turbine Blade rupture occurred in service on ARRIEL 2 twin engine applications and recently one on a single engine helicopter. For the case occurring in flight on a single engine helicopter (ARRIEL...

  3. New ternary tantalum borides containing boron dumbbells: Experimental and theoretical studies of Ta2OsB2 and TaRuB

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mbarki, Mohammed; Touzani, Rachid St.; Rehorn, Christian W. G.; Gladisch, Fabian C.; Fokwa, Boniface P. T.

    2016-10-01

    The new ternary transition metal-rich borides Ta2OsB2 and TaRuB have been successfully synthesized by arc-melting the elements in a water-cooled crucible under an argon atmosphere. The crystal structures of both compounds were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and their metal compositions were confirmed by EDX analysis. It was found that Ta2OsB2 and TaRuB crystallize in the tetragonal Nb2OsB2 (space group P4/mnc, no. 128) and the orthorhombic NbRuB (space group Pmma, no. 51) structure types with lattice parameters a=5.878(2) Å, c=6.857(2) Å and a=10.806(2) Å, b=3.196(1) Å, c=6.312(2) Å, respectively. Furthermore, crystallographic, electronic and bonding characteristics have been studied by density functional theory (DFT). Electronic structure relaxation has confirmed the crystallographic parameters while COHP bonding analysis indicates that B2-dummbells are the strongest bonds in both compounds. Moreover, the formation of osmium dumbbells in Ta2OsB2 through a Peierls distortion along the c-axis, is found to be the origin of superstructure formation. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the two phases are Pauli paramagnets, thus confirming the theoretical DOS prediction of metallic character. Also hints of superconductivity are found in the two phases, however lack of single phase samples has prevented confirmation. Furthermore, the thermodynamic stability of the two modifications of AMB (A=Nb, Ta; M =Ru, Os) are studied using DFT, as new possible phases containing either B4- or B2-units are predicted, the former being the most thermodynamically stable modification.

  4. SULT2B1b Sulfotransferase: Induction by Vitamin D Receptor and Reduced Expression in Prostate Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Seo, Young-Kyo; Mirkheshti, Nooshin; Song, Chung S.; Kim, Soyoung; Dodds, Sherry; Ahn, Soon C.; Christy, Barbara; Mendez-Meza, Rosario; Ittmann, Michael M.; Abboud-Werner, Sherry

    2013-01-01

    An elevated tumor tissue androgen level, which reactivates androgen receptor in recurrent prostate cancer, arises from the intratumor synthesis of 5α-dihydrotestosterone through use of the precursor steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is fueled by the steroidogenic enzymes 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD1), aldoketoreductase (AKR1C3), and steroid 5-alpha reductase, type 1 (SRD5A1) present in cancer tissue. Sulfotransferase 2B1b (SULT2B1b) (in short, SULT2B) is a prostate-expressed hydroxysteroid SULT that converts cholesterol, oxysterols, and DHEA to 3β-sulfates. DHEA metabolism involving sulfonation by SULT2B can potentially interfere with intraprostate androgen synthesis due to reduction of free DHEA pool and, thus, conversion of DHEA to androstenedione. Here we report that in prostatectomy specimens from treatment-naive patients, SULT2B expression is markedly reduced in malignant tissue (P < .001, Mann-Whitney U test) compared with robust expression in adjacent nonmalignant glands. SULT2B was detected in formalin-fixed specimens by immunohistochemistry on individual sections and tissue array. Immunoblotting of protein lysates of frozen cancer and matched benign tissue confirmed immunohistochemistry results. An in-house–developed rabbit polyclonal antibody against full-length human SULT2B was validated for specificity and used in the analyses. Ligand-activated vitamin D receptor induced the SULT2B1 promoter in vivo in mouse prostate and increased SULT2B mRNA and protein levels in vitro in prostate cancer cells. A vitamin D receptor/retinoid X receptor-α–bound DNA element (with a DR7 motif) mediated induction of the transfected SULT2B1 promoter in calcitriol-treated cells. SULT2B knockdown caused an increased proliferation rate of prostate cancer cells upon stimulation by DHEA. These results suggest that the tumor tissue SULT2B level may partly control prostate cancer growth, and its induction in a therapeutic setting may inhibit disease

  5. 18 CFR 3b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Definitions. 3b.2 Section 3b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE PERSONAL...

  6. 18 CFR 3b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Definitions. 3b.2 Section 3b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE PERSONAL...

  7. 18 CFR 3b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Definitions. 3b.2 Section 3b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE PERSONAL...

  8. 18 CFR 3b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Definitions. 3b.2 Section 3b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE PERSONAL...

  9. Microwave surface resistance of MgB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhukov, A. A.; Purnell, A.; Miyoshi, Y.; Bugoslavsky, Y.; Lockman, Z.; Berenov, A.; Zhai, H. Y.; Christen, H. M.; Paranthaman, M. P.; Lowndes, D. H.; Jo, M. H.; Blamire, M. G.; Hao, Ling; Gallop, J.; MacManus-Driscoll, J. L.; Cohen, L. F.

    2002-04-01

    The microwave power and frequency dependence of the surface resistance of MgB2 films and powder samples were studied. Sample quality is relatively easy to identify by the breakdown in the ω2 law for poor-quality samples at all temperatures. The performance of MgB2 at 10 GHz and 21 K was compared directly with that of high-quality YBCO films. The surface resistance of MgB2 was found to be approximately three times higher at low microwave power and showed an onset of nonlinearity at microwave surface fields ten times lower than the YBCO film. It is clear that MgB2 films are not yet optimized for microwave applications.

  10. Haplotypes frequencies of CYP2B6 in Malaysia.

    PubMed

    Musa, N; Zulkafli, M I; Talib, N; Mohamad, N; Fauzi, H; Ismail, R

    2012-01-01

    Drugs with complex pharmacology are used in the management of drug use disorder (DUD) and HIV/AIDS in Malaysia and in parts of South-East Asia. Their multiethnic populations suggest complexity due to the genetic polymorphism, such as CYP2B6 that metabolizes methadone and anti-retroviral. Our aim was to explore the genetic polymorphism of CYP2B6 among Malays, Chinese, Indians, and opiate-dependent individuals in Malaysia. The study utilized DNA from our previous studies on CYPs and new recruitments from opiate-dependent individuals. For the new recruitment, after obtaining consent and baseline demography, 5 ml blood was obtained from patients attending methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) Clinics. Genomic DNA was extracted using standard methods. 10 nucleotide changes associated with CYP2B6*10, CYP2B6*2, CYP2B6*17, CYP2B6*11, CYP2B6*8, CYP2B6*14, CYP2B6*9, CYP2B6*4, CYP2B6*6, CYP2B6*27, and CYP2B6*20 were determined using multiplex nested allele-specific PCR. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic data. Differences in allele frequencies between populations were tested using Chi-squared test and were corrected using the Bonferroni test. CYP2B6 polymorphism in Malaysia is variable with trends that suggest an ethnic difference. Reduced activity CYP2B6*6 occurred in 13% to 26% among Malays, Chinese, Indians and opiate-dependent individuals. Another 'reduced activity', CYP2B6*2 allele, was found at much lower percentages in the groups. The relative commonness of reduced-activity CYP2B6 alleles in our study called for attention in terms of dosage requirements for MMT and ARV in Malaysia. It also implored follow-up association studies to determine its relevance and consequences in personalized medicine for drug use disorder and HIV/AIDS.

  11. Assessment of intake and nutritional status of vitamin b1, b2, and b6 in men and women with different physical activity levels.

    PubMed

    Malara, M; Hübner-Wozniak, E; Lewandowska, I

    2013-06-01

    The purpose of the present study was to examine the nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6 in respect to dietary intake of these vitamins and activity coefficients of the erythrocyte enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase, and aspartic aminotransferase in young men and women with different physical activity levels. The participants of this study were 20 women and 20 men with high physical activity (groups HAW and HAM, respectively), and 20 women and 20 men with low physical activity (groups LAW and LAM, respectively). The intake of vitamins B1, B2, B6, proteins, and calorie content of the diet was based on the average of the 4-day dietary recalls. To assess nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6, the activity coefficients (α) of erythrocyte transketolase (ETK), erythrocyte glutathione reductase (EGR), and erythrocyte aspartic aminotransferase (EAST) were estimated in blood hemolysates. The intake of the studied vitamins in the diet was statistically significantly lower in the female groups compared with the respective male groups. Deficiency of vitamin B6 in the diet was present more often in women than in men (in terms of the recommended dietary allowances [RDA]). Values of the activity coefficient αETK indicated that none of the groups in this study suffered the risk of vitamin B1 deficiency. The value of the activity coefficient αEGR indicated that the groups of women and men with low physical activity were more prone to vitamin B2 deficiency compared with the high physical activity groups. The risk of vitamin B6 deficiency (αEAST) in both male groups was higher than in both female groups. The obtained results do not allow for unequivocal determination of the impact of sex and the level of physical activity on intake and nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6. Independently of sex and the level of physical activity, the women and men consumed insufficient quantities of vitamins B1 and B6, although this was not always related to

  12. "Send & hold" clinical decision support rules improvement to reduce unnecessary testing of vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Borja, Enrique; Corchon-Peyrallo, Africa; Barba-Serrano, Esther; Villalba Martínez, Celia; Carratala Calvo, Arturo

    2018-06-27

    We assessed the impact of several "send & hold" clinical decision support rules (CDSRs) within the electronical request system for vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C for all outpatients at a large health department. When ordered through electronical request, providers (except for all our primary care physicians who worked as a non-intervention control group) were always asked to answer several compulsory questions regarding main indication, symptomatology, suspected diagnosis, vitamin active treatments, etc., for each vitamin test using a drop-down list format. After samples arrival, tests were later put on hold internally by our laboratory information system (LIS) until review for their appropriateness was made by two staff pathologists according to the provided answers and LIS records (i.e. "send & hold"). The number of tests for each analyte was compared between the 10-month period before and after CDSRs implementation in both groups. After implementation, vitamins test volumes decreased by 40% for vitamin A, 29% for vitamin E, 42% for vitamin K, 37% for vitamin B1, 85% for vitamin B2, 68% for vitamin B3, 65% for vitamin B6 and 59% for vitamin C (all p values 0.03 or lower except for vitamin B3), whereas in control group, the majority increased or remained stable. In patients with rejected vitamins, no new requests and/or adverse clinical outcome comments due to this fact were identified. "Send & hold" CDSRs are a promising informatics tool that can support in utilization management and enhance the pathologist's leadership role as tests specialist.

  13. Differential Conductance Measurements of MgB2/I/Pb Heterojunctions and all-MgB2 Junctions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cusick, David; Eckhardt, Matthew; Dai, Wenqing; Li, Qi; Chen, Ke; Cunnane, Daniel; Zhuang, C. G.; Xi, X. X.; Naito, Michio; Ramos, Roberto

    2015-03-01

    We present our work characterizing several types of Magnesium Diboride Josephson junctions, including MgB2/I/Pb heterojunctions and all-MgB2 junctions. We will report on the I-V and dI/dV-V data collected at various temperatures using both a cryocooler-based experimental platform between 2 and 20 Kelvin and using a 3He probe platform between 0.3 and 1.0 Kelvin. These were both developed by undergraduates in a liberal arts university. Using high-sampling rates with a 24-bit data acquisition card and access to a broad of range of temperatures, we track and report energy gap distributions and temperature-dependent features of dI/dV peaks of MgB2, comparing these with theoretical predictions. R.C.R. acknowledges support from National Science Foundation Grant # DMR-1206561.

  14. Effects of HfB2 and HfN Additions on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of TiB2-Based Ceramic Tool Materials

    PubMed Central

    An, Jing; Song, Jinpeng; Liang, Guoxing; Gao, Jiaojiao; Xie, Juncai; Cao, Lei; Wang, Shiying; Lv, Ming

    2017-01-01

    The effects of HfB2 and HfN additions on the microstructures and mechanical properties of TiB2-based ceramic tool materials were investigated. The results showed that the HfB2 additive not only can inhibit the TiB2 grain growth but can also change the morphology of some TiB2 grains from bigger polygons to smaller polygons or longer ovals that are advantageous for forming a relatively fine microstructure, and that the HfN additive had a tendency toward agglomeration. The improvement of flexural strength and Vickers hardness of the TiB2-HfB2 ceramics was due to the relatively fine microstructure; the decrease of fracture toughness was ascribed to the formation of a weaker grain boundary strength due to the brittle rim phase and the poor wettability between HfB2 and Ni. The decrease of the flexural strength and Vickers hardness of the TiB2-HfN ceramics was due to the increase of defects such as TiB2 coarse grains and HfN agglomeration; the enhancement of fracture toughness was mainly attributed to the decrease of the pore number and the increase of the rim phase and TiB2 coarse grains. The toughening mechanisms of TiB2-HfB2 ceramics mainly included crack bridging and transgranular fracture, while the toughening mechanisms of TiB2-HfN ceramics mainly included crack deflection, crack bridging, transgranular fracture, and the core-rim structure. PMID:28772821

  15. Aurora-B Regulates RNA Methyltransferase NSUN2

    PubMed Central

    Sakita-Suto, Shiho; Kanda, Akifumi; Suzuki, Fumio; Sato, Sunao; Takata, Takashi

    2007-01-01

    Disassembly of the nucleolus during mitosis is driven by phosphorylation of nucleolar proteins. RNA processing stops until completion of nucleolar reformation in G1 phase. Here, we describe the RNA methyltransferase NSUN2, a novel substrate of Aurora-B that contains an NOL1/NOP2/sun domain. NSUN2 was concentrated in the nucleolus during interphase and was distributed in the perichromosome and cytoplasm during mitosis. Aurora-B phosphorylated NSUN2 at Ser139. Nucleolar proteins NPM1/nucleophosmin/B23 and nucleolin/C23 were associated with NSUN2 during interphase. In mitotic cells, association between NPM1 and NSUN2 was inhibited, but NSUN2-S139A was constitutively associated with NPM1. The Aurora inhibitor Hesperadin induced association of NSUN2 with NPM1 even in mitosis, despite the silver staining nucleolar organizer region disassembly. In vitro methylation experiments revealed that the Aurora-B-phosphorylation and the phosphorylation-mimic mutation (S139E) suppressed methyltransferase activities of NSUN2. These results indicate that Aurora-B participates to regulate the assembly of nucleolar RNA-processing machinery and the RNA methyltransferase activity of NSUN2 via phosphorylation at Ser139 during mitosis. PMID:17215513

  16. Quantitative assessment of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 expression in aldosterone-producing adenomas.

    PubMed

    Fallo, F; Pezzi, V; Barzon, L; Mulatero, P; Veglio, F; Sonino, N; Mathis, J M

    2002-12-01

    The presence and pathophysiological role of CYP11B1 (11beta-hydroxylase) gene in the zona glomerulosa of human adrenal cortex is still controversial. In order to specifically quantify CYP11B1, CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) and CYP17(17alpha-hydroxylase) mRNA levels, we developed a real-time RT-PCR assay and examined the expression in a series of adrenal tIssues, including six normal adrenals from patients adrenalectomized for renal cancer and twelve aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) from patients with primary aldosteronism. CYP11B1 mRNA levels were clearly detected in normal adrenals, which comprised both zona glomerulosa and fasciculata/reticularis cells, but were also measured at a lower range (P<0.05) in APA. The levels of CYP11B2 mRNA were lower (P<0.005) in normal adrenals than in APA. CYP17 mRNAlevels were similar in normal adrenals and in APA. In patients with APA, CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 mRNA levels were not correlated either with basal aldosterone or with the change from basal aldosterone in response to posture or to dexamethasone. No correlation between CYP11B1 mRNA or CYP11B2 mRNA and the percentage of zona fasciculata-like cells was observed in APA. Real-time RT-PCR can be reliably used to quantify CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in adrenal tIssues. Expression of CYP11B1 in hyperfunctioning zona glomerulosa suggests an additional formation of corticosterone via 11beta-hydroxylase, providing further substrate for aldosterone biosynthesis. CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in APA are not related to the in vivo secretory activity of glomerulosa cells, where post-transcriptional factors might ultimately regulate aldosterone production.

  17. Demagnetization of Nd 2Fe 14B, Pr 2Fe 14B, and Sm 2Co 17 Permanent Magnets in Spallation Irradiation Fields

    DOE PAGES

    Simos, Nikolaos; Ozaki, S.; Mokhov, N.; ...

    2018-02-27

    Prompted by the need for radiation-resistant permanent magnets for insertion devices (IDs) of high-brilliance next-generation synchrotrons such as the National Synchrotron Light Source II, the demagnetization of Nd 2Fe 14B and Pr 2Fe 14B was studied after exposure to a mixed irradiating field. Degradation and damage of the permanent magnetic material by components of electromagnetic showers induced in magnets by intense high-energy electron beams will alter the magnetic field structure of the IDs. Plate-like Nd 2Fe 14B magnets were irradiated to 1.8 Grad dose and were evaluated against Pr 2Fe 14B magnets irradiated to a lower dose of 20 Mrad.more » In addition, annular Sm 2Co 17 and Nd 2Fe 14B magnets integrated within a ferrofluidic feedthrough (FFFT) rotary seal were also irradiated to dose levels of 2 Grad for Sm 2Co 17 and 20 Mrad for Nd 2Fe 14B. Post-irradiation measurements of the magnetic intensity revealed that severe demagnetization exceeding 85% occurs in Nd 2Fe 14B magnets after only 50 Mrad dose and over 87% for Pr 2Fe 14B after 10 Mrad dose. The annular-shaped Sm 2Co 17 magnets of the FFFTs were almost insensitive to irradiation up to a dose of 2 Grad. Annular-shaped Nd 2Fe 14B magnets also showed resistance to demagnetization, a direct consequence of the annular shape which is characterized by the removal of the stronger demagnetizing field present at the center of a disk-like magnet. As a result, the sensitivity of boron-based permanent magnets to neutron energy (thermal versus fast) was also assessed via specifically designed experiments and discussed.« less

  18. Demagnetization of Nd 2Fe 14B, Pr 2Fe 14B, and Sm 2Co 17 Permanent Magnets in Spallation Irradiation Fields

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

    Simos, Nikolaos; Ozaki, S.; Mokhov, N.

    Prompted by the need for radiation-resistant permanent magnets for insertion devices (IDs) of high-brilliance next-generation synchrotrons such as the National Synchrotron Light Source II, the demagnetization of Nd 2Fe 14B and Pr 2Fe 14B was studied after exposure to a mixed irradiating field. Degradation and damage of the permanent magnetic material by components of electromagnetic showers induced in magnets by intense high-energy electron beams will alter the magnetic field structure of the IDs. Plate-like Nd 2Fe 14B magnets were irradiated to 1.8 Grad dose and were evaluated against Pr 2Fe 14B magnets irradiated to a lower dose of 20 Mrad.more » In addition, annular Sm 2Co 17 and Nd 2Fe 14B magnets integrated within a ferrofluidic feedthrough (FFFT) rotary seal were also irradiated to dose levels of 2 Grad for Sm 2Co 17 and 20 Mrad for Nd 2Fe 14B. Post-irradiation measurements of the magnetic intensity revealed that severe demagnetization exceeding 85% occurs in Nd 2Fe 14B magnets after only 50 Mrad dose and over 87% for Pr 2Fe 14B after 10 Mrad dose. The annular-shaped Sm 2Co 17 magnets of the FFFTs were almost insensitive to irradiation up to a dose of 2 Grad. Annular-shaped Nd 2Fe 14B magnets also showed resistance to demagnetization, a direct consequence of the annular shape which is characterized by the removal of the stronger demagnetizing field present at the center of a disk-like magnet. As a result, the sensitivity of boron-based permanent magnets to neutron energy (thermal versus fast) was also assessed via specifically designed experiments and discussed.« less

  19. K2-30 b and K2-34 b: Two inflated hot Jupiters around solar-type stars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lillo-Box, J.; Demangeon, O.; Santerne, A.; Barros, S. C. C.; Barrado, D.; Hébrard, G.; Osborn, H. P.; Armstrong, D. J.; Almenara, J.-M.; Boisse, I.; Bouchy, F.; Brown, D. J. A.; Courcol, B.; Deleuil, M.; Delgado Mena, E.; Díaz, R. F.; Kirk, J.; Lam, K. W. F.; McCormac, J.; Pollacco, D.; Rajpurohit, A.; Rey, J.; Santos, N. C.; Sousa, S. G.; Tsantaki, M.; Wilson, P. A.

    2016-10-01

    We report the discovery of the two hot Jupiters K2-30 b and K2-34 b. The two planets were detected during campaigns 4 and 5 of the extension of the Kepler mission, K2; they transit their main-sequence stars with periods of ~4.099 and ~2.996 days. Subsequent ground-based radial velocity follow-up with SOPHIE, HARPS-N, and CAFE established the planetary nature of the transiting objects. We analyzed the transit signal, radial velocity, and spectral energy distributions of the two systems to characterize their properties. Both planets (K2-30 b and K2-34 b) are bloated hot Jupiters (1.20 RJup and 1.22 RJup) around relatively bright (V = 13.5 and V = 11.5) slow rotating main-sequence (G8 and F9) stars. Thus, these systems are good candidates for detecting the Rossiter-MacLaughlin effect in order to measure their obliquity and for atmospheric studies. Full Tables 1 and 2 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/594/A50

  20. Zebrafish Lmx1b.1 and Lmx1b.2 are required for maintenance of the isthmic organizer.

    PubMed

    O'Hara, F Patrick; Beck, Ernestine; Barr, Lauren K; Wong, Lily L; Kessler, Daniel S; Riddle, Robert D

    2005-07-01

    The mesencephalic and metencephalic region (MMR) of the vertebrate central nervous system develops in response to signals produced by the isthmic organizer (IsO). We have previously reported that the LIM homeobox transcription factor Lmx1b is expressed within the chick IsO, where it is sufficient to maintain expression of the secreted factor wnt1. In this paper, we show that zebrafish express two Lmx1b orthologs, lmx1b.1 and lmx1b.2, in the rostral IsO, and demonstrate that these genes are necessary for key aspects of MMR development. Simultaneous knockdown of Lmx1b.1 and Lmx1b.2 using morpholino antisense oligos results in a loss of wnt1, wnt3a, wnt10b, pax8 and fgf8 expression at the IsO, leading ultimately to programmed cell death and the loss of the isthmic constriction and cerebellum. Single morpholino knockdown of either Lmx1b.1 or Lmx1b.2 has no discernible effect on MMR development. Maintenance of lmx1b.1 and lmx1b.2 expression at the isthmus requires the function of no isthmus/pax2.1, as well as Fgf signaling. Transient misexpression of Lmx1b.1 or Lmx1b.2 during early MMR development induces ectopic wnt1 and fgf8 expression in the MMR, as well as throughout much of the embryo. We propose that Lmx1b.1- and Lmx1b.2-mediated regulation of wnt1, wnt3a, wnt10b, pax8 and fgf8 maintains cell survival in the isthmocerebellar region.

  1. Microstructure and mechanical properties investigation of in situ TiB2 and ZrB2 reinforced Al-4Cu composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lutfi Anis, Ahmad; Ramli, Rosmamuhammadani; Darham, Widyani; Zakaria, Azlan; Talari, Mahesh Kumar

    2016-02-01

    Conventional Al-Cu alloys exhibit coarse grain structure leading to inferior mechanical properties in as-cast condition. Expensive thermo-mechanical treatments are needed to improve microstructure and corresponding mechanical properties. In situ Al-based composites were developed to improve mechanical properties by dispersion strengthening and grain refinement obtained by the presence of particulates in the melt during solidification. In this work Al-4Cu - 3TiB2 and Al-4Cu-3ZrB2 in situ composites were prepared by liquid casting method. XRD, electron microscopy and mechanical tests were performed on suitably sectioned and metallographically prepared surfaces to investigate the phase distribution, hardness and tensile properties. It was found that the reinforcement particles were segregated along the grain boundaries of Al dendrites. Tensile fracture morphology for both Al-4Cu - 3TiB2 and Al-4Cu-3ZrB2 were analyzed and compared to determine the fracture propagation mechanism in the composites. Al-4Cu-3ZrB2 in situ composites displayed higher strength and hardness compared to Al-4Cu-3TiB2 which could be ascribed to the stronger interfacial bonding between the Al dendrites and ZrB2 particulates as evidenced from fractographs.

  2. ZrB 2-HfB 2 solid solutions as electrode materials for hydrogen reaction in acidic and basic solutions

    DOE PAGES

    Sitler, Steven J.; Raja, Krishnan S.; Charit, Indrajit

    2016-11-09

    Spark plasma sintered transition metal diborides such as HfB 2, ZrB 2 and their solid solutions were investigated as electrode materials for electrochemical hydrogen evolutions reactions (HER) in 1 M H 2SO 4 and 1 M NaOH electrolytes. HfB 2 and ZrB 2 formed complete solid solutions when mixed in 1:1, 1:4, and 4:1 ratios and they were stable in both electrolytes. The HER kinetics of the diborides were slower in the basic solution than in the acidic solutions. The Tafel slopes in 1 M H 2SO 4 were in the range of 0.15 - 0.18 V/decade except for puremore » HfB 2 which showed a Tafel slope of 0.38 V/decade. In 1 M NaOH the Tafel slopes were in the range of 0.12 - 0.27 V/decade. The composition of Hf xZr 1-xB 2 solid solutions with x = 0.2 - 0.8, influenced the exchange current densities, overpotentials and Tafel slopes of the HER. As a result, the EIS data were fitted with a porous film equivalent circuit model in order to better understand the HER behavior. In addition, modeling calculations, using density functional theory approach, were carried out to estimate the density of states and band structure of the boride solid solutions.« less

  3. Microstructure and properties of TiB2-TiB reinforced titanium matrix composite coating by laser cladding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Yinghua; Yao, Jianhua; Lei, Yongping; Fu, Hanguang; Wang, Liang

    2016-11-01

    TiB2 particle and TiB short fiber reinforced titanium matrix composite coatings were prepared utilizing in situ synthesized technique by laser cladding on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy. Through the experiment, it was found that the surface of the single-track coatings appeared in the depression, but it can be improved by laser track overlapping. With the increase of laser power density, the amount of TiB short fiber was increased, and the distribution of TiB2 and TiB became more uniform from the top to bottom. The micro-hardness of TiB2/TiB coating showed a gradient decreasing trend, and the average micro-hardness of the coatings was two-fold higher than that of the substrate. Due to the strengthening effect of TiB2 particle and TiB short fiber, the wear volume loss of the center of the coating was approximately 30% less than that of the Ti-6Al-4V substrate, and the wear mechanism of the coating was mild fatigue particle detachment.

  4. Glimpses of Dialogue: Transitional Practices in Digitalised Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Skaftun, Atle; Igland, Mari-Ann; Husebø, Dag; Nome, Sture; Nygard, Arne Olav

    2018-01-01

    This socio-culturally informed qualitative study examines digitalised classrooms in Norwegian secondary schools, with a focus on the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and dialogic aspects of literacy practices. In the article, we foreground two cases: one on the use of digital mind maps and one on a writing…

  5. Kinase activation through dimerization by human SH2-B.

    PubMed

    Nishi, Masahiro; Werner, Eric D; Oh, Byung-Chul; Frantz, J Daniel; Dhe-Paganon, Sirano; Hansen, Lone; Lee, Jongsoon; Shoelson, Steven E

    2005-04-01

    The isoforms of SH2-B, APS, and Lnk form a family of signaling proteins that have been described as activators, mediators, or inhibitors of cytokine and growth factor signaling. We now show that the three alternatively spliced isoforms of human SH2-B readily homodimerize in yeast two-hybrid and cellular transfections assays, and this is mediated specifically by a unique domain in its amino terminus. Consistent with previous reports, we further show that the SH2 domains of SH2-B and APS bind JAK2 at Tyr813. These findings suggested a model in which two molecules of SH2-B or APS homodimerize with their SH2 domains bound to two JAK2 molecules, creating heterotetrameric JAK2-(SH2-B)2-JAK2 or JAK2-(APS)2-JAK2 complexes. We further show that APS and SH2-B isoforms heterodimerize. At lower levels of SH2-B or APS expression, dimerization approximates two JAK2 molecules to induce transactivation. At higher relative concentrations of SH2-B or APS, kinase activation is blocked. SH2-B or APS homodimerization and SH2-B/APS heterodimerization thus provide direct mechanisms for activating and inhibiting JAK2 and other kinases from the inside of the cell and for potentiating or attenuating cytokine and growth factor receptor signaling when ligands are present.

  6. Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-07-01

    progress has been made toward the clinic. An IND has been obtained for sEphbB4- HSA, an albumin stabilized soluble EphB4 decoy receptor that efficiently...for activated HER2/HER family receptors , angiogenic markers (EphrinB2, EphB1,2,3,4,6, VEGF, VEGFR-1, 2, 3 and PDGFR), vessel density, signal...ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE 2. REPORT TYPE 3 . DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b

  7. Clinical relevance of ErbB-2/HER2 nuclear expression in breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Schillaci, Roxana; Guzmán, Pablo; Cayrol, Florencia; Beguelin, Wendy; Díaz Flaqué, María C; Proietti, Cecilia J; Pineda, Viviana; Palazzi, Jorge; Frahm, Isabel; Charreau, Eduardo H; Maronna, Esteban; Roa, Juan C; Elizalde, Patricia V

    2012-02-22

    The biological relevance of nuclear ErbB-2/HER2 (NuclErbB-2) presence in breast tumors remains unexplored. In this study we assessed the clinical significance of ErbB-2 nuclear localization in primary invasive breast cancer. The reporting recommendations for tumor marker prognostic studies (REMARK) guidelines were used as reference. Tissue microarrays from a cohort of 273 primary invasive breast carcinomas from women living in Chile, a Latin American country, were examined for membrane (MembErbB-2) and NuclErbB-2 expression by an immunofluorescence (IF) protocol we developed. ErbB-2 expression was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a series of antibodies. Correlation between NuclErbB-2 and MembErbB-2, and between NuclErbB-2 and clinicopathological characteristics of tumors was studied. The prognostic value of NuclErbB-2 in overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox model was used to explore NuclErbB-2 as independent prognostic factor for OS. The IF protocol we developed showed significantly higher sensitivity for detection of NuclErbB-2 than IHC procedures, while its specificity and sensitivity to detect MembErbB-2 were comparable to those of IHC procedures. We found 33.6% NuclErbB-2 positivity, 14.2% MembErbB-2 overexpression by IF, and 13.0% MembErbB-2 prevalence by IHC in our cohort. We identified NuclErbB-2 positivity as a significant independent predictor of worse OS in patients with MembErbB-2 overexpression. NuclErbB-2 was also a biomarker of lower OS in tumors that overexpress MembErbB-2 and lack steroid hormone receptors. We revealed a novel role for NuclErbB-2 as an independent prognostic factor of poor clinical outcome in MembErbB-2-positive breast tumors. Our work indicates that patients presenting NuclErbB-2 may need new therapeutic strategies involving specific blockage of ErbB-2 nuclear migration.

  8. Decoy receptor 3 suppresses TLR2-mediated B cell activation by targeting NF-κB.

    PubMed

    Huang, Zi-Ming; Kang, Jhi-Kai; Chen, Chih-Yu; Tseng, Tz-Hau; Chang, Chien-Wen; Chang, Yung-Chi; Tai, Shyh-Kuan; Hsieh, Shie-Liang; Leu, Chuen-Miin

    2012-06-15

    Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is a soluble protein in the TNFR superfamily. Its known ligands include Fas ligand, homologous to lymphotoxin, showing inducible expression, and competing with HSV glycoprotein D for herpes virus entry mediator, a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes, TNF-like molecule 1A, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. DcR3 has been reported to modulate the functions of T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages; however, its role in regulating B cell activation is largely unknown. In this study, we found that the DcR3.Fc fusion protein bound to human and mouse B cells and suppressed the activation of B cells. DcR3.Fc attenuated Staphylococcus aureus, IgM-, Pam(3)CSK(4)-, and LPS-mediated B cell proliferation but did not affect cytokine-induced B cell growth. In the presence of these mitogens, DcR3.Fc did not induce B cell apoptosis, suggesting that DcR3 may inhibit the signal(s) important for B cell activation. Because the combination of Fas.Fc, LT-βR.Fc (homologous to lymphotoxin, showing inducible expression, and competing with HSV glycoprotein D for herpes virus entry mediator, a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes receptor), and DR3.Fc (TNF-like molecule 1A receptor) did not suppress B cell proliferation and because the biological effect of DcR3.Fc on B cells was not blocked by heparin, we hypothesize that a novel ligand(s) of DcR3 mediates its inhibitory activity on B cells. Moreover, we found that TLR2-stimulated NF-κB p65 activation and NF-κB-driven luciferase activity were attenuated by DcR3.Fc. The TLR2-induced cytokine production by B cells was consistently reduced by DcR3. These results imply that DcR3 may regulate B cell activation by suppressing the activation of NF-κB.

  9. Digitalisation, Educational and Social Development in Greater China

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mok, Ka Ho; Leung, Dennis

    2012-01-01

    This new century has witnessed the rapid and frequent emergence of many new information and communications technologies (ICTs). On one hand, digitalisation enhances our economic, social and political lives. But on the other hand, it leads to certain negative social impacts. One prevalent problem is digital divide--the gap between different social…

  10. Targeting Sulfotransferase (SULT) 2B1b as a Regulator of Cholesterol Metabolism in Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0588 TITLE: Targeting Sulfotransferase (SULT) 2B1b as a regulator of Cholesterol Metabolism in Prostate Cancer...October 2015 30Sep2014 - 29Sep2015 W81XWH-14-1-0588Targeting Sulfotransferase (SULT) 2B1b as a regulator of Cholesterol Metabolism in Prostate...epidemiological and experimental evidence establishes alterations in cholesterol metabolism as a key driver of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness

  11. Effects of TiB2 Particle and Short Fiber Sizes on the Microstructure and Properties of TiB2-Reinforced Composite Coatings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Yinghua; Yao, Jianhua; Wang, Liang; Zhang, Qunli; Li, Xueqiao; Lei, Yongping; Fu, Hanguang

    2018-03-01

    In this study, particle and short fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite coatings are prepared via laser in situ technique using (0.5 and 50 μm) TiB2 and Ti powder as cladding materials. The microstructure and properties of the composite coatings are studied, and the changing mechanism of the microstructure is discussed. The results reveal that particle agglomeration is prone to appear with using fine TiB2 particles. Decomposition of the particles preferentially occurs with using coarse TiB2 particles. The cracks and pores on the surface of the coating are formed at a lower laser energy density. With the increase in the laser energy density, cracking on the surface of the coating diminishes, but the coating exhibits depression behavior. The depression extent of the coating using fine TiB2 particle as the reinforcement is much less than that of the coating using coarse TiB2 particle. Moreover, the size of the aggregate and the tendency of cracking can be reduced with the increase in Ti addition. Meanwhile, short TiB fiber bundles are formed by the diffusion mechanism of rod aggregate, and randomly oriented TiB short fibers are formed mainly by the dissolution-precipitation mechanism of fine TiB2 particles. Moreover, the growth of short TiB fibers can be in an alternating manner between B27 and Bf structures. The micro-hardness and wear resistance of the coatings are evidently higher than that of the titanium alloy substrate. The wear resistance of the large size TiB2 coating is higher than that of the small size TiB2 coating under the condition of low load.

  12. Targeting Sulfotransferase (SULT) 2B1b as a regulator of Cholesterol Metabolism in Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and...and PCa cell lines and that genetic knock down suppresses LNCaP growth and diminishes androgen receptor ( AR ) activity. It is hypothesized that SULT2B1b...knock down suppresses LNCaP growth and diminishes androgen receptor ( AR ) activity. It is hypothesized that SULT2B1b modulates PCa growth and

  13. Densification, Microstructural Evolution, Mechanical Properties and Oxidation Study of CrB2 + EuB6 Composite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raju, K.; Sonber, J. K.; Murthy, T. S. R. Ch.; Sairam, K.; Majumdar, S.; Kain, V.; Nageswar Rao, G. V. S.

    2018-05-01

    This paper reports the results of investigation on densification, microstructural evolution, mechanical properties and oxidation study of CrB2 + EuB6 composite. CrB2 + EuB6 (10 and 20 wt.%) composites have been fabricated by hot pressing at a temperature of 1700 °C and 35 MPa pressure. The hardness and flexural strength were measured in the range of 21.25-24.48 GPa and 171-199 MPa, respectively. The fracture toughness increased from 3.3 to 4.01 MPa m1/2 by the addition of 20% EuB6. Microstructural evolution revealed the uniform distribution of EuB6 and absence of any reaction product. Fracture surface analysis confirmed the presence of transgranular mode of fracture. Oxidation study at 1200 °C revealed that the developed composites have good oxidation resistance and followed the parabolic rate of oxidation.

  14. Adjuvant therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b versus observation in resected stage III melanoma: a phase III randomized controlled trial of health-related quality of life and symptoms by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group.

    PubMed

    Bottomley, Andrew; Coens, Corneel; Suciu, Stefan; Santinami, Mario; Kruit, Willem; Testori, Alessandro; Marsden, Jeremy; Punt, Cornelis; Salès, François; Gore, Martin; Mackie, Rona; Kusic, Zvonko; Dummer, Reinhard; Patel, Poulam; Schadendorf, Dirk; Spatz, Alain; Keilholz, Ulrich; Eggermont, Alexander

    2009-06-20

    Interferon (IFN) -based adjuvant therapy in melanoma is associated with significant side effects, which necessitates evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Our trial examined the HRQOL effects of adjuvant pegylated IFN-alpha-2b (PEG-IFN-alpha-2b) versus observation in patients with stage III melanoma. A total of 1,256 patients with stage III melanoma were randomly assigned after full lymphadenectomy to receive either observation (n = 629) or PEG-IFN-alpha-2b (n = 627): induction 6 micrograms/kg/wk [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] for 8 weeks then maintenance 3 micrograms/kg/wk [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] for an intended total duration of 5 years. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 was used to assess HRQOL. At 3.8 years of median follow-up, for the primary end point, recurrence-free survival (RFS), risk was reduced by 18% (hazard rate = 0.82; P = .01) in the PEG-IFN-alpha-2b arm compared with observation. Significant and clinically meaningful differences occurred with the PEG-IFN-alpha-2b treatment arm compared with the observation group, showing decreased global HRQOL at month 3 (-11.6 points; 99% CI, -8.2 to -15.0) and year 2 (-10.5 points; 99% CI, -6.6 to -14.4). Many of the other scales showed statistically significant differences between scores when comparing the two arms. From a clinical point of view, important differences were found for five scales: two functioning scales (social and role functioning) and three symptom scales (appetite loss, fatigue, and dyspnea), with the PEG-IFN-alpha-2b arm being most impaired. PEG-IFN-alpha-2b leads to a significant and sustained improvement in RFS. There is an expected negative effect on global HRQOL and selected symptoms when patients undergo PEG-IFN-alpha-2b treatment.

  15. Membrane Proteomics of Arabidopsis Glucosinolate Mutants cyp79B2/B3 and myb28/29

    PubMed Central

    Mostafa, Islam; Yoo, Mi-Jeong; Zhu, Ning; Geng, Sisi; Dufresne, Craig; Abou-Hashem, Maged; El-Domiaty, Maher; Chen, Sixue

    2017-01-01

    Glucosinolates (Gls) constitute a major group of natural metabolites represented by three major classes (aliphatic, indolic and aromatic) of more than 120 chemical structures. In our previous work, soluble proteins and metabolites in Arabidopsis mutants deficient of aliphatic (myb28/29) and indolic Gls (cyp79B2B3) were analyzed. Here we focus on investigating the changes at the level of membrane proteins in these mutants. Our LC/MS-MS analyses of tandem mass tag (TMT) labeled peptides derived from the cyp79B2/B3 and myb28/29 relative to wild type resulted in the identification of 4,673 proteins, from which 2,171 are membrane proteins. Fold changes and statistical analysis showed 64 increased and 74 decreased in cyp79B2/B3, while 28 increased and 17 decreased in myb28/29. As to the shared protein changes between the mutants, one protein was increased and eight were decreased. Bioinformatics analysis of the changed proteins led to the discovery of three cytochromes in glucosinolate molecular network (GMN): cytochrome P450 86A7 (At1g63710), cytochrome P450 71B26 (At3g26290), and probable cytochrome c (At1g22840). CYP86A7 and CYP71B26 may play a role in hydroxyl-indolic Gls production. In addition, flavone 3′-O-methyltransferase 1 represents an interesting finding as it is likely to participate in the methylation process of the hydroxyl-indolic Gls to form methoxy-indolic Gls. The analysis also revealed additional new nodes in the GMN related to stress and defense activity, transport, photosynthesis, and translation processes. Gene expression and protein levels were found to be correlated in the cyp79B2/B3, but not in the myb28/29. PMID:28443122

  16. Occurrence of Ochratoxins, Fumonisin B2 , Aflatoxins (B1 and B2 ), and Other Secondary Fungal Metabolites in Dried Date Palm Fruits from Egypt: A Mini-Survey.

    PubMed

    Abdallah, Mohamed F; Krska, Rudolf; Sulyok, Michael

    2018-02-01

    This study was conducted to investigate the natural co-occurrence of 295 fungal and bacterial metabolites in 28 samples of dried date palm fruits collected from different shops distributed in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt in 2016. Extraction and quantification of the target analytes were done using the "dilute and shoot" approach followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. In total, 30 toxic fungal metabolites were detected. Among these metabolites, 4 types of ochratoxins including ochratoxin type A and B were quantified in 3 samples (11%) with a contamination range from 1.48 to 6070 μg/kg for ochratoxin A and from 0.28 to 692 μg/kg for ochratoxin B. In addition, fumonisin B 2 was observed in 2 (7%) samples with contamination levels ranging from 4.99 to 16.2 μg/kg. The simultaneous detection of fumonisin B 2 in the same contaminated samples with ochratoxins indicates the fungal attack by Aspergillus niger species during storage. Only 1 sample was contaminated with aflatoxin B 1 (14.4 μg/kg) and B 2 (2.44 μg/kg). The highest maximum concentration (90400 μg/kg) was for kojic acid that contaminated 43% of the samples. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the natural co-occurrence of fumonisin B 2 and ochratoxin A and B in addition to a wide range of other fungal metabolites in date palm fruits. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by different fungi. These metabolites pose a potential risk on human health since they contaminate many food commodities. Among these, date palm fruits which are an integral part of diet in several countries. Therefore, detection of mycotoxins is a prerequisite to insure the safety of food. Here, different types of mycotoxins have been detected in levels that may have health hazard. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®.

  17. Identification of four novel HLA-B alleles, B*1590, B*1591, B*2726, and B*4705, from an East African population by high-resolution sequence-based typing.

    PubMed

    Luo, M; Mao, X; Plummer, F A

    2005-02-01

    We report here four novel HLA-B alleles, B*1590, B*1591, B*2726, and B*4705, identified from an East African population during sequence-based HLA-B typing. The novel alleles were confirmed by sequencing two separate polymerase chain reaction products, and by molecular cloning and sequencing multiple clones. B*1590 is identical to B*1510 at exon 2 and exon 3, except for a difference (GCCGTC) at codon 158. Sequence differences at codon 152 (GAGGTG) and codon 167 (TGGTCG) differentiate B*1591 from B*1503 at exon 3. B*2726 is identical to B*2708 at exon 2 and exon 3, except for a difference (AAGCAG) at codon 70. B*4705 was identified in three Kenyan women. The allele is identical to B*47010101/02 at exon 2 and exon 3, except for differences at codon 97 (AGGAAT) and codon 99 (TTTTAT). These new alleles have been named by the WHO Nomenclature Committee. Identification of these novel HLA-B alleles reflects the genetic diversity of this East African population.

  18. Simultaneous Determination of Total Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 in Infant Formula and Related Nutritionals by Enzymatic Digestion and LC-MS/MS: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2015.14.

    PubMed

    Salvati, Louis M; McClure, Sean C; Reddy, Todime M; Cellar, Nicholas A

    2016-05-01

    This method provides simultaneous determination of total vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 in infant formula and related nutritionals (adult and infant). The method was given First Action for vitamins B1, B2, and B6, but not B3, during the AOAC Annual Meeting in September 2015. The method uses acid phosphatase to dephosphorylate the phosphorylated vitamin forms. It then measures thiamine (vitamin B1); riboflavin (vitamin B2); nicotinamide and nicotinic acid (vitamin B3); and pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine (vitamin B6) from digested sample extract by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A single-laboratory validation was performed on 14 matrixes provided by the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) to demonstrate method effectiveness. The method met requirements of the AOAC SPIFAN Standard Method Performance Requirement for each of the three vitamins, including average over-spike recovery of 99.6 ± 3.5%, average repeatability of 1.5 ± 0.8% relative standard deviation, and average intermediate precision of 3.9 ± 1.3% relative standard deviation.

  19. 18 CFR Appendix B to Part 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Part 2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES GENERAL POLICY AND INTERPRETATIONS Appendix B to Part 2 [Reserved] ...

  20. 18 CFR Appendix B to Part 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Part 2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES GENERAL POLICY AND INTERPRETATIONS Appendix B to Part 2 [Reserved] ...

  1. 18 CFR Appendix B to Part 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Part 2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES GENERAL POLICY AND INTERPRETATIONS Appendix B to Part 2 [Reserved] ...

  2. 18 CFR Appendix B to Part 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Part 2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES GENERAL POLICY AND INTERPRETATIONS Appendix B to Part 2 [Reserved] ...

  3. The boron conundrum: Bonding in the bowl B30 and B36, fullerene B40 and triple ring B42 clusters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pham, Hung Tan; Duong, L. V.; Tam, Nguyen Minh; Pham-Ho, M. P.; Nguyen, Minh Tho

    2014-07-01

    Geometries and bonding of B30, B36, B40 and B42 clusters were studied using quantum chemical computations. The bowl B30 and B36 and planar B42 clusters exhibit disk aromaticity. Diatropic ring current is strong in B30 and weaker in B42. A fullerene-like B40 (D2d) having two hexagons and four heptagons was found as the lowest-lying isomer. Such a fullerene whose MOs closely mimic those of the buckyball B80, represents novel structural feature of boron clusters. The most stable B42 (C2h) isomer is a triple ring tube with consistent σ + π diatropic magnetic responses making it a tubular aromatic species.

  4. The origin of the split B800 absorption peak in the LH2 complexes from Allochromatium vinosum.

    PubMed

    Löhner, Alexander; Carey, Anne-Marie; Hacking, Kirsty; Picken, Nichola; Kelly, Sharon; Cogdell, Richard; Köhler, Jürgen

    2015-01-01

    The absorption spectrum of the high-light peripheral light-harvesting (LH) complex from the photosynthetic purple bacterium Allochromatium vinosum features two strong absorptions around 800 and 850 nm. For the LH2 complexes from the species Rhodopseudomonas acidophila and Rhodospirillum molischianum, where high-resolution X-ray structures are available, similar bands have been observed and were assigned to two pigment pools of BChl a molecules that are arranged in two concentric rings (B800 and B850) with nine (acidophila) or eight (molischianum) repeat units, respectively. However, for the high-light peripheral LH complex from Alc. vinosum, the intruiging feature is that the B800 band is split into two components. We have studied this pigment-protein complex by ensemble CD spectroscopy and polarisation-resolved single-molecule spectroscopy. Assuming that the high-light peripheral LH complex in Alc. vinosum is constructed on the same modular principle as described for LH2 from Rps. acidophila and Rsp. molischianum, we used those repeat units as a starting point for simulating the spectra. We find the best agreement between simulation and experiment for a ring-like oligomer of 12 repeat units, where the mutual arrangement of the B800 and B850 rings resembles those from Rsp. molischianum. The splitting of the B800 band can be reproduced if both an excitonic coupling between dimers of B800 molecules and their interaction with the B850 manifold are taken into account. Such dimers predict an interesting apoprotein organisation as discussed below.

  5. 48 CFR 47.305-2 - Solicitations f.o.b. origin and f.o.b. destination-lowest overall cost.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Solicitations f.o.b. origin and f.o.b. destination-lowest overall cost. 47.305-2 Section 47.305-2 Federal Acquisition... Contracts 47.305-2 Solicitations f.o.b. origin and f.o.b. destination—lowest overall cost. (a) Solicitations...

  6. Structural and low temperature transport properties of Fe2B and FeB systems at high pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, P. Anand; Satya, A. T.; Reddy, P. V. Sreenivasa; Sekar, M.; Kanchana, V.; Vaitheeswaran, G.; Mani, Awadhesh; Kalavathi, S.; Shekar, N. V. Chandra

    2017-10-01

    The evolution of crystal structure and the ground state properties of Fe2B and FeB have been studied by performing high pressure X-ray diffraction up to a pressure of ∼24 GPa and temperature dependent (4.2-300 K range) high-pressure resistivity measurements up to ∼ 2 GPa. While a pressure induced reversible structural phase transition from tetragonal to orthorhombic structure is observed at ∼6.3 GPa in Fe2B, FeB has been found to be stable in its orthorhombic phase up to the pressure of 24 GPa. In the case of Fe2B, both parent and daughter phases coexist beyond the transition pressure. The bulk modulus of FeB and Fe2B (tetragonal) have been found to be 248 GPa and 235 GPa respectively. First principle electronic structure calculations have been performed using the present experimental inputs and the calculated ground state properties agree quite well with the major findings of the experiments. Debye temperature extracted from the analysis of low temperature resistivity data is observed to decrease with pressure indicating softening of phonons in both the systems.

  7. 26 CFR 1.367(b)-2 - Definitions and special rules.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... (QBU) (B1) in France, whose functional currency is the euro. FC2, an unrelated foreign corporation... functional currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 is the euro. (ii) Result. FC2's acquisition of... currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 after the exchange is the euro, B2 is deemed to have...

  8. 26 CFR 1.367(b)-2 - Definitions and special rules.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... (QBU) (B1) in France, whose functional currency is the euro. FC2, an unrelated foreign corporation... functional currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 is the euro. (ii) Result. FC2's acquisition of... currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 after the exchange is the euro, B2 is deemed to have...

  9. 26 CFR 1.367(b)-2 - Definitions and special rules.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... (QBU) (B1) in France, whose functional currency is the euro. FC2, an unrelated foreign corporation... functional currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 is the euro. (ii) Result. FC2's acquisition of... currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 after the exchange is the euro, B2 is deemed to have...

  10. 26 CFR 1.367(b)-2 - Definitions and special rules.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... (QBU) (B1) in France, whose functional currency is the euro. FC2, an unrelated foreign corporation... functional currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 is the euro. (ii) Result. FC2's acquisition of... currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 after the exchange is the euro, B2 is deemed to have...

  11. 26 CFR 1.367(b)-2 - Definitions and special rules.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... (QBU) (B1) in France, whose functional currency is the euro. FC2, an unrelated foreign corporation... functional currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 is the euro. (ii) Result. FC2's acquisition of... currency of the combined operations of B1 and B2 after the exchange is the euro, B2 is deemed to have...

  12. In-situ studies of Fe2B phase formation in MgB2 wires and tapes by means of high-energy x-ray diffraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grivel, J. C.; Andersen, N. H.; Pinholt, R.; Ková, P.; Husek, I.; Hässler, W.; Herrmann, M.; Perner, O.; Rodig, C.; Homeyer, J.

    2006-06-01

    The phase transformations occurring in the ceramic core of Fe-sheathed MgB2 wires and tapes prepared by in-situ reaction of Mg and B precursor powders, have been studied by means of high-energy x-ray diffraction. In particular, the time evolution of the Fe2B phase, forming at the interface between the sheath and the ceramic, was studied at different sintering temperatures. The reactivity of the sheath towards Fe2B formation is strongly dependent on powder pre-treatment. In wires produced with commercial Mg and B powders without additional mechanical activation, the Fe2B phase starts forming around 650°C. In contrast, in tapes produced from a mixture of Mg and B powders subjected to high-energy ball milling, the interfacial Fe2B layer forms readily at 600°C. The increase of Fe2B volume fraction is linear to first approximation, showing that the interfacial layer does not act as a diffusion barrier against further reaction between the sheath and the ceramic core. If the ceramic core is converted to MgB2 at a temperature, which is low enough to avoid Fe2B formation, the interface is stable during further annealing at temperatures up to 700°C at least. However, too high annealing temperatures (T > 800°C), would result in formation of Fe2B, probably following the partial decomposition of MgB2.

  13. Microhardness and microstructure evolution of TiB2 reinforced Inconel 625/TiB2 composite produced by selective laser melting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Baicheng; Bi, Guijun; Nai, Sharon; Sun, Chen-nan; Wei, Jun

    2016-06-01

    In this study, micron-size TiB2 particles were utilized to reinforce Inconel 625 produced by selective laser melting. Exceptional microhardness 600-700 HV0.3 of the composite was obtained. In further investigation, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel 625/TiB2 composite can be significantly influenced by addition of TiB2 particles during SLM. It was found that the long directional columnar grains observed from SLM-processed Inconel 625 were totally changed to fine dendritic matrix due to the addition of TiB2 particles. Moreover, with laser energy density (LED) of 1200 J/m, a Ti, Mo rich interface around TiB2 particles with fine thickness can be observed by FESEM and EDS. The microstructure evolution can be determined by different laser energy density (LED): under 1200 J/m, γ phase in dendrite grains; under 600 J/m, γ phase in combination of dendritic and acicular grains; under 400 J/m, γ phase acicular grains. Under optimized LED 1200 J/m, the dynamic nanohardness (8.62 GPa) and elastic modulus (167 GPa) of SLM-processed Inconel 625/TiB2 composite are higher compared with those of SLM-processed Inconel 625 (3.97 GPa and 135 GPa, respectively).

  14. Thieno[3,2-b]- and thieno[2,3-b]pyrrole bioisosteric analogues of the hallucinogen and serotonin agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine.

    PubMed

    Blair, J B; Marona-Lewicka, D; Kanthasamy, A; Lucaites, V L; Nelson, D L; Nichols, D E

    1999-03-25

    The synthesis and biological activity of 6-[2-(N, N-dimethylamino)ethyl]-4H-thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole (3a) and 4-[2-(N, N-dimethylamino)ethyl]-6H-thieno[2,3-b]pyrrole (3b), thienopyrroles as potential bioisosteres of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (1a), are reported. Hallucinogen-like activity was evaluated in the two-lever drug discrimination paradigm using LSD- and DOI-trained rats. Neither 3a nor 3b substituted for LSD or DOI up to doses of 50 micromol/kg. By comparison, 1a fully substituted in LSD-trained rats. However, 3a and 3b fully substituted for the 5-HT1A agonist LY293284 ((-)-(4R)-6-acetyl-4-(di-n-propylamino)-1,3,4, 5-tetrahydrobenz[c,d]indole). Both 3a and 3b induced a brief "serotonin syndrome" and salivation, an indication of 5-HT1A receptor activation. At the cloned human 5-HT2A receptor 3b had about twice the affinity of 3a. At the cloned human 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors, however, 3a had about twice the affinity of 3b. Therefore, thiophene lacks equivalence as a replacement for the phenyl ring in the indole nucleus of tryptamines that bind to 5-HT2 receptor subtypes and possess LSD-like behavioral effects. Whereas both of the thienopyrroles had lower affinity than the corresponding 1a at 5-HT2 receptors, 3a and 3b had significantly greater affinity than 1a at the 5-HT1A receptor. Thus, thienopyrrole does appear to serve as a potent bioisostere for the indole nucleus in compounds that bind to the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. These differences in biological activity suggest that serotonin receptor isoforms are very sensitive to subtle changes in the electronic character of the aromatic systems of indole compounds.

  15. Photoactuation behavior of styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene filled with covalently modified carbon nanotubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mosnáček, Jaroslav; Ilčíková, Markéta; Chorvát, Dušan; Czaniková, Klaudia; Krupa, Igor

    2012-07-01

    Styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene (Kraton) was used as polymer matrix for preparation of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) based nanocomposites. In order to suppress aggregation of the he carbon nanotubes and to improve the interations with the Kraton matrix, the MWCNT were modified with cholesteryl molecules and/or polystyrene chains. The effect of the modification on the composite materials was evaluated by using DMTA. The nanocomposite materials were thermoformed to achieve Braille text elements and their elastic response to light (photoactuation) was tested by atomic force microscopy in a contact mode.

  16. Integrating Multimodal Radiation Therapy Data into i2b2.

    PubMed

    Zapletal, Eric; Bibault, Jean-Emmanuel; Giraud, Philippe; Burgun, Anita

    2018-04-01

     Clinical data warehouses are now widely used to foster clinical and translational research and the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) platform has become a de facto standard for storing clinical data in many projects. However, to design predictive models and assist in personalized treatment planning in cancer or radiation oncology, all available patient data need to be integrated into i2b2, including radiation therapy data that are currently not addressed in many existing i2b2 sites.  To use radiation therapy data in projects related to rectal cancer patients, we assessed the feasibility of integrating radiation oncology data into the i2b2 platform.  The Georges Pompidou European Hospital, a hospital from the Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris group, has developed an i2b2-based clinical data warehouse of various structured and unstructured clinical data for research since 2008. To store and reuse various radiation therapy data-dose details, activities scheduling, and dose-volume histogram (DVH) curves-in this repository, we first extracted raw data by using some reverse engineering techniques and a vendor's application programming interface. Then, we implemented a hybrid storage approach by combining the standard i2b2 "Entity-Attribute-Value" storage mechanism with a "JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) document-based" storage mechanism without modifying the i2b2 core tables. Validation was performed using (1) the Business Objects framework for replicating vendor's application screens showing dose details and activities scheduling data and (2) the R software for displaying the DVH curves.  We developed a pipeline to integrate the radiation therapy data into the Georges Pompidou European Hospital i2b2 instance and evaluated it on a cohort of 262 patients. We were able to use the radiation therapy data on a preliminary use case by fetching the DVH curve data from the clinical data warehouse and displaying them in a R chart.

  17. Charm-beauty meson bound states from B (B*)D (D*) and B (B*)D \\xAF(D\\xAF*) interaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sakai, S.; Roca, L.; Oset, E.

    2017-09-01

    We evaluate the s -wave interaction of pseudoscalar and vector mesons with both charm and beauty to investigate the possible existence of molecular B D , B*D , B D*, B*D*, B D ¯, B*D ¯, B D¯*, or B*D¯* meson states. The scattering amplitude is obtained implementing unitarity starting from a tree level potential accounting for the dominant vector meson exchange. The diagrams are evaluated using suitable extensions to the heavy flavor sector of the hidden gauge symmetry Lagrangians involving vector and pseudoscalar mesons, respecting heavy quark spin symmetry. We obtain bound states at energies above 7 GeV for B D (JP=0+), B*D (1+), B D* (1+), and B*D* (0+, 1+, 2+), all in isospin 0. For B D ¯ (0+), B*D ¯ (1+), B D¯* (1+), and B*D¯* (0+, 1+, 2+) we also find similar bound states in I =0 , but much less bound, which would correspond to exotic meson states with b ¯ and c ¯ quarks, and for the I =1 we find a repulsive interaction. We also evaluate the scattering lengths in all cases, which can be tested in current investigations of lattice QCD.

  18. [Inter-observes agreement of Ishak and Metavir scores in histological evaluation of chronic viral hepatitis B and C].

    PubMed

    Rammeh, Soumaya; Khadra, Hajer Ben; Znaidi, Nadia Sabbegh; Romdhane, Neila Attia; Najjar, Taoufik; Bouzaidi, Slim; Zermani, Rachida

    2014-01-01

    Many classification systems are currently used for histological evaluation of the severity of chronic viral hepatitis, including the Ishak and Metavir scores, but there is not a consensus classification. The objective of this work was to study the intra and inter-observers agreement of these two scores in the histopathological analysis of liver biopsies in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B or C. Fifty nine patients were included in the study, 26 had chronic hepatitis C and 33 had chronic hepatitis B. To investigate the inter-observers agreement, the liver biopsies were analyzed separately by two pathologists without prior consensus reading. The two pathologists conducted then a consensual reading before reviewing all cases independently. Cohen's kappa coefficient was calculated and in case of asymmetry Spearman's rho coefficient. Before the consensus reading, the agreement was moderate for the analysis of histological activity with both scores (Metavir: kappa=0.41, Ishak: rho=0.58). For the analysis of fibrosis, the agreement was good with both scores (Metavir: kappa=0.61, Ishak: rho=0.86). The consensus reading has improved the reproducibility of the activity that has become good with both scores (Metavir: kappa=0.77, Ishak: rho=0.76). For fibrosis improvement was observed with the Ishak score which agreement became excellent (kappa=0.81). In conclusion, we recommend in routine practice, a combined score: Metavir for activity and Ishak for fibrosis and to make a double reading for each biopsy.

  19. VizieR Online Data Catalog: Sgr B2(N) and Sgr B2(M) IRAM 30m line survey (Belloche+, 2013)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belloche, A.; Mueller, H. S. P.; Menten, K. M.; Schilke, P.; Comito, C.

    2013-08-01

    The list of line identifications corresponding to the blue labels in Figs. 2 to 7 where the labels are often too crowded to be easily readable are available in ASCII format. The lists are split into six files, three for Sgr B2(N) and three for Sgr B2(M). For each source, there is one file per atmospheric window (3, 2, and 1mm). Each file is ordered by increasing frequency. The observed and synthetic spectra of Sgr B2(N) and Sgr B2(M) between 80 and 116GHz are available both in ASCII and FITS formats. The synthetic spectra were resampled to the same frequency channels as the observed spectra. The blanking value is -1000K for the ASCII files. There is one ASCII file per source. There are two FITS files per source, one for the observed spectrum and one for the synthetic spectrum. The intensities are in main-beam temperature scale in K. The blanking value is 42.75234K for the observed spectrum of SgrB2(N) and 53.96533K for the observed spectrum of SgrB2(M). (9 data files).

  20. Linkage of genes for laminin B1 and B2 subunits on chromosome 1 in mouse.

    PubMed

    Elliott, R W; Barlow, D; Hogan, B L

    1985-08-01

    We have used cDNA clones for the B1 and B2 subunits of laminin to find restriction fragment length DNA polymorphisms for the genes encoding these polypeptides in the mouse. Three alleles were found for LamB2 and two for LamB1 among the inbred mouse strains. The segregation of these polymorphisms among recombinant inbred strains showed that these genes are tightly linked in the central region of mouse Chromosome 1 between Sas-1 and Ly-m22, 7.4 +/- 3.2 cM distal to the Pep-3 locus. There is no evidence in the mouse for pseudogenes for these proteins.

  1. OsB 2 and RuB 2, ultra-incompressible, hard materials: First-principles electronic structure calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chiodo, S.; Gotsis, H. J.; Russo, N.; Sicilia, E.

    2006-07-01

    Recently it has been reported that osmium diboride has an unusually large bulk modulus combined with high hardness, and consequently is a most interesting candidate as an ultra-incompressible and hard material. The electronic and structural properties of the transition metal diborides OsB 2 and RuB 2 have been calculated within the local density approximation (LDA). It is shown that the high hardness is the result of covalent bonding between transition metal d states and boron p states in the orthorhombic structure.

  2. 2B4-SAP signaling is required for the priming of naive CD8+ T cells by antigen-expressing B cells and B lymphoma cells

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Mutations in SH2D1A gene that encodes SAP (SLAM-associated protein) result in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), a rare primary immunodeficiency disease defined by exquisite sensitivity to the B-lymphotropic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and B cell lymphomas. However, the precise mechanism of how the loss of SAP function contributes to extreme vulnerability to EBV and the development of B cell lymphomas remains unclear. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that SAP is critical for CD8+ T cell immune surveillance of antigen (Ag)-expressing B cells or B lymphoma cells under conditions of defined T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Sh2d1a−/− CD8+ T cells exhibited greatly diminished proliferation relative to wild type when Ag-presenting-B cells or -B lymphoma cells served as the primary Ag-presenting cell (APC). By contrast, Sh2d1a−/− CD8+ T cells responded equivalently to wild-type CD8+ T cells when B cell-depleted splenocytes, melanoma cells or breast carcinoma cells performed Ag presentation. Through application of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptor blocking antibodies or SLAM family receptor-deficient CD8+ T cells and APCs, we found that CD48 engagement on the B cell surface by 2B4 is crucial for initiating SAP-dependent signaling required for the Ag-driven CD8+ T cell proliferation and differentiation. Altogether, a pivotal role for SAP in promoting the expansion and differentiation of B cell-primed viral-specific naive CD8+ T cells may explain the selective immune deficiency of XLP patients to EBV and B cell lymphomas. PMID:28344876

  3. 2B4-SAP signaling is required for the priming of naive CD8+ T cells by antigen-expressing B cells and B lymphoma cells.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yu-Hsuan; Tsai, Kevin; Tan, Sara Y; Kang, Sohyeong; Ford, Mandy L; Harder, Kenneth W; Priatel, John J

    2017-01-01

    Mutations in SH2D1A gene that encodes SAP (SLAM-associated protein) result in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), a rare primary immunodeficiency disease defined by exquisite sensitivity to the B-lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and B cell lymphomas. However, the precise mechanism of how the loss of SAP function contributes to extreme vulnerability to EBV and the development of B cell lymphomas remains unclear. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that SAP is critical for CD8 + T cell immune surveillance of antigen (Ag)-expressing B cells or B lymphoma cells under conditions of defined T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Sh2d1a - / - CD8 + T cells exhibited greatly diminished proliferation relative to wild type when Ag-presenting-B cells or -B lymphoma cells served as the primary Ag-presenting cell (APC). By contrast, Sh2d1a - / - CD8 + T cells responded equivalently to wild-type CD8 + T cells when B cell-depleted splenocytes, melanoma cells or breast carcinoma cells performed Ag presentation. Through application of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptor blocking antibodies or SLAM family receptor-deficient CD8 + T cells and APCs, we found that CD48 engagement on the B cell surface by 2B4 is crucial for initiating SAP-dependent signaling required for the Ag-driven CD8 + T cell proliferation and differentiation. Altogether, a pivotal role for SAP in promoting the expansion and differentiation of B cell-primed viral-specific naive CD8 + T cells may explain the selective immune deficiency of XLP patients to EBV and B cell lymphomas.

  4. L1-mediated retrotransposition of murine B1 and B2 SINEs recapitulated in cultured cells.

    PubMed

    Dewannieux, Marie; Heidmann, Thierry

    2005-06-03

    SINEs are short interspersed nucleotide elements with transpositional activity, present at a high copy number (up to a million) in mammalian genomes. They are 80-400 bp long, non-coding sequences which derive either from the 7SL RNA (e.g. human Alus, murine B1s) or tRNA (e.g. murine B2s) polymerase III-driven genes. We have previously demonstrated that Alus very efficiently divert the enzymatic machinery of the autonomous L1 LINE (long interspersed nucleotide element) retrotransposons to transpose at a high rate. Here we show, using an ex vivo assay for transposition, that both B1 and B2 SINEs can be mobilized by murine LINEs, with the hallmarks of a bona fide retrotransposition process, including target site duplications of varying lengths and integrations into A-rich sequences. Despite different phylogenetic origins, transposition of the tRNA-derived B2 sequences is as efficient as that of the human Alus, whereas that of B1s is 20-100-fold lower despite a similar high copy number of these elements in the mouse genome. We provide evidence, via an appropriate nucleotide substitution within the B1 sequence in a domain essential for its intracellular targeting, that the current B1 SINEs are not optimal for transposition, a feature most probably selected for the host sake in the course of evolution.

  5. The arthritis-associated HLA-B*27:05 allele forms more cell surface B27 dimer and free heavy chain ligands for KIR3DL2 than HLA-B*27:09

    PubMed Central

    Shaw, Jacqueline; Giles, Joanna; Hatano, Hiroko; Rysnik, Oliwia; Payeli, Sravan; McHugh, Kirsty; Dessole, Grazia; Porru, Giovanni; Desogus, Elisabetta; Fiedler, Sarah; Hölper, Soraya; Carette, Amanda; Blanco-Gelaz, Miguel Angel; Vacca, Alessandra; Piga, Matteo; Ibba, Valentina; Garau, Pietro; La Nasa, Giorgio; López-Larrea, Carlos; Mathieu, Alessandro; Renner, Christoph; Bowness, Paul; Kollnberger, Simon

    2013-01-01

    Objectives. HLA-B*27:05 is associated with AS whereas HLA-B*27:09 is not associated. We hypothesized that different interactions with KIR immune receptors could contribute to the difference in disease association between HLA-B*27:05 and HLAB*27:09. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the formation of β2m-free heavy chain (FHC) including B27 dimers (B272) by HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 and their binding to KIR immunoreceptors. Methods. We studied the formation of HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 heterotrimers and FHC forms including dimers in vitro and in transfected cells. We investigated HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 binding to KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2 and LILRB2 by FACS staining with class I tetramers and by quantifying interactions with KIR3DL2CD3ε-reporter cells and KIR3DL2-expressing NK cells. We also measured KIR expression on peripheral blood NK and CD4 T cells from 18 HLA-B*27:05 AS patients, 8 HLA-B27 negative and 12 HLA-B*27:05+ and HLA-B*27:09+ healthy controls by FACS staining. Results. HLA-B*27:09 formed less B272 and FHC than HLA-B*27:05. HLA-B*27:05-expressing cells stimulated KIR3DL2CD3ε-reporter T cells more effectively. Cells expressing HLA-B*27:05 promoted KIR3DL2+ NK cell survival more strongly than HLA-B*27:09. HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 dimer tetramers stained KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2 and LILRB2 equivalently. Increased proportions of NK and CD4 T cells expressed KIR3DL2 in HLA-B*27:05+ AS patients compared with HLA-B*27:05+, HLA-B*27:09+ and HLA-B27− healthy controls. Conclusion. Differences in the formation of FHC ligands for KIR3DL2 by HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 could contribute to the differential association of these alleles with AS. PMID:23804219

  6. Stimulation of EphB2/ephrin-B1 signalling by tumour necrosis factor alpha in human dental pulp stem cells.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Lifang; Dissanayaka, Waruna Lakmal; Green, David William; Zhang, Chengfei

    2015-04-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate whether in vitro stimulation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) would induce secretion of EphB2/ephrin-B1 signalling. Dental pulp stem cells isolated from human dental pulp were treated with TNF-α (5-100 ng/ml) over 2-48 h. EphB2/ephrin-B1 mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis respectively. Additionally, DPSCs were pre-incubated with TNF-α receptor neutralizing antibodies or infected with nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB) inhibitor, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor and MEK inhibitor before TNF-α treatment. Results were analysed by one-way ANOVA. Tumour necrosis factor alpha increased EphB2 mRNA expression in DPSCs at concentrations up to 20 ng/ml and ephrin-B1 at concentrations up to 40 ng/ml (P < 0.05). Its mRNA expression reached maximum at 24 h when treated with TNF-α at 20 ng/ml (P < 0.05). EphB2/ephrin-B1 protein expression levels were high at 16 and 24 h as shown by western blotting. Neutralizing antibodies for TNFR1/2 receptors down-regulated EphB2/ephrin-B1 mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and ephrin-B1 protein expression, but not EphB2 protein expression. JNK-inhibitor inhibited EphB2 mRNA expression only (P < 0.05). EphB2/ephrin-B1 were invoked in DPSCs with TNF-α treatment via the JNK-dependent pathway, but not NF-ĸB, p38 MAPK or MEK signalling. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. 43 CFR Appendix B to Part 2 - Internet Addresses

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Internet Addresses B Appendix B to Part 2 Public Lands: Interior Office of the Secretary of the Interior RECORDS AND TESTIMONY; FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Pt. 2, App. B Appendix B to Part 2—Internet Addresses 1. Department of the Interior (DOI) Home...

  8. Determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in spices using a multifunctional column clean-up.

    PubMed

    Akiyama, H; Goda, Y; Tanaka, T; Toyoda, M

    2001-10-12

    A rapid and simple method using a multifunctional column, which contains lipophilic and charged active sites, was developed to analyse aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in various spices, such as red pepper and nutmeg. After extraction by acetonitrile:water (9:1) and clean-up using MultiSep #228 column, the aflatoxins and aflatoxin-TFA derivatives are determined using LC with fluorescence detection. Recoveries of each aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 spiked to red pepper, white pepper, black pepper, nutmeg and tear grass at the level of 10 ng/g were over 80-85% in all instances. The minimum detectable concentration for aflatoxins in red pepper was 0.5 ng/g.

  9. The Development and Evaluation of an Information Technology Support System to Facilitate Inter-Organisational Collaboration in HRD

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ford, Norma J.

    2006-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the diffusion of and user response to an information technology support system (ITSS) which was designed to facilitate inter-organisational coordination and collaboration in the professional development of officers employed by local authorities (LAs). Design/methodology/approach: An action…

  10. Production of B atoms and BH radicals from B2H6/He/H2 mixtures activated on heated W wires.

    PubMed

    Umemoto, Hironobu; Kanemitsu, Taijiro; Tanaka, Akihito

    2014-07-17

    B atoms and BH radicals could be identified by laser-induced fluorescence when B2H6/He/H2 mixtures were activated on heated tungsten wires. The densities of these radical species increased not only with the wire temperature but also with the partial pressure of H2. The densities in the presence of 0.026 Pa of B2H6 and 2.6 Pa of H2 were on the order of 10(11) cm(-3) both for B and BH when the wire temperature was 2000 K. Densities in the absence of a H2 flow were much smaller, suggesting that the direct production of these species on wire surfaces is minor. B and BH must be produced in the H atom shifting reactions, BH(x) + H → BH(x-1) + H2 (x = 1-3), in the gas phase, while H atoms are produced from H2 on wire surfaces. The B atom density increased monotonously with the H atom density, while the BH density showed saturation. These tendencies could be reproduced by simple modeling based on ab initio potential energy calculations and the transition-state theoretical calculations of the rate constants. The absolute densities could also be reproduced within a factor of 2.5.

  11. Interferon-alpha 2b quantification in inclusion bodies using reversed phase-ultra performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC).

    PubMed

    Cueto-Rojas, H F; Pérez, N O; Pérez-Sánchez, G; Ocampo-Juárez, I; Medina-Rivero, E

    2010-04-15

    Interferon-alpha 2b (IFN-alpha 2b) is a recombinant therapeutic cytokine produced as inclusion bodies using a strain of Escherichia coli as expression system. After fermentation and recovery, it is necessary to know the amount of recombinant IFN-alpha 2b, in order to determine the yield and the load for solubilization, and chromatographic protein purification steps. The present work details the validation of a new short run-time and fast sample-preparation method to quantify IFN-alpha 2b in inclusion bodies using Reversed Phase-Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-UPLC). The developed method demonstrated an accuracy of 100.28%; the relative standard deviations for method precision, repeatability and inter-day precision tests were found to be 0.57%, 1.54% and 1.83%, respectively. Linearity of the method was assessed in the range of concentrations from 0.05 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL, the curve obtained had a determination coefficient (r(2)) of 0.9989. Detection and quantification limits were found to be 0.008 mg/mL and 0.025 mg/mL, respectively. The method also demonstrated robustness for changes in column temperature, and specificity against host proteins and other recombinant protein expressed in the same E. coli strain. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Pre-S2 Start Codon Mutation of Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotype B3 Effects on NF-κB Expression and Activation in Huh7 Cell Lines.

    PubMed

    Siburian, Marlinang Diarta; Suriapranata, Ivet Marita; Wanandi, Septelia Inawati

    2018-03-19

    A cross-sectional study on hepatitis B patients in Indonesia showed association of pre-S2 start codon mutation (M120 V) with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which was dissimilar from studies from other populations where pre-S2 deletion mutation was more prevalent. Different mutation patterns were attributed to different hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes in each population study. HBV surface proteins are reported to induce the activation of NF-κB, a transcriptional factor known to play an important role in the development of liver disease. This study aimed to see the effects of HBs variants in HBV subgenotype B3 on the expression and activation of NF-κB as one of the mechanisms in inducing advanced liver disease. HBV subgenotypes B3, each carrying wild-type (wt) HBs, M120 V, and pre-S2 deletion mutation were isolated from three HCC patients. HBs genes were amplified and cloned into pcDNA3.1 and were transfected using Lipofectamine into a Huh7 cell line. NF-κB activation was measured through IκB-α expression, which is regulated by NF-κB. RNA expressions for HBs, IκB-α, and NF-κB subunit (p50) were evaluated using real-time PCR. M120 V mutant had a significantly higher mRNA level compared with wt and pre-S2 deletion mutant; however, there were no significant differences in HBs protein expressions. The transcription level of p50 was higher in M120 V mutation compared with HBs wild-type and pre-S2 deletion mutant. NF-κB activation was higher in HBs wild-type compared with the two mutant variants. Pre-S2 mutations had no effect on the increment of NF-κB activation. However, M120 V mutation may utilize a different pathway in liver disease progression that involves high expression of NF-κB subunit, p50.

  13. A Cross-Talk Between NFAT and NF-κB Pathways is Crucial for Nickel-Induced COX-2 Expression in Beas-2B Cells

    PubMed Central

    Cai, T.; Li, X.; Ding, J.; Luo, W.; Li, J.; Huang, C.

    2013-01-01

    Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a critical enzyme implicated in chronic inflammation-associated cancer development. Our studies have shown that the exposure of Beas-2B cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, to lung carcinogenic nickel compounds results in increased COX-2 expression. However, the signaling pathways leading to nickel-induced COX-2 expression are not well understood. In the current study, we found that the exposure of Beas-2B cells to nickel compounds resulted in the activation of both nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The expression of COX-2 induced upon nickel exposure was inhibited by either a NFAT pharmacological inhibitor or the knockdown of NFAT3 by specific siRNA. We further found that the activation of NFAT and NF-κB was dependent on each other. Since our previous studies have shown that NF-κB activation is critical for nickel-induced COX-2 expression in Beas-2B cells exposed to nickel compounds under same experimental condition, we anticipate that there might be a cross-talk between the activation of NFAT and NF-κB for the COX-2 induction due to nickel exposure in Beas-2B cells. Furthermore, we showed that the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by introduction of mitochondrial catalase inhibited the activation of both NFAT and NF-κB, and the induction of COX-2 due to nickel exposure. Taken together, our results defining the evidence showing a key role of the cross-talk between NFAT and NF-κB pathways in regulating nickel-induced COX-2 expression, further provide insight into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking nickel exposure to its lung carcinogenic effects. PMID:21486220

  14. Fractographic Analysis of HfB2-SiC and ZrB2-SiC Composites

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mecholsky, J.J., Jr.; Ellerby, D. T.; Johnson, S. M.; Stackpoole, M. M.; Loehman, R. E.; Arnold, Jim (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Hafnium diboride-silicon carbide and zirconium diboride-silicon carbide composites are potential materials for high temperature leading edge applications on reusable launch vehicles. In order to establish material constants necessary for evaluation of in-situ fracture, bars fractured in four point flexure were examined using fractographic principles. The fracture toughness was determined from measurements of the critical crack sizes and the strength values, and the crack branching constants were established to use in forensic fractography of materials for future flight applications. The fracture toughnesses range from about 13 MPam (sup 1/2) at room temperature to about 6 MPam (sup 1/2) at 1400 C for ZrB2-SiC composites and from about 11 MPam (sup 1/2) at room temperature to about 4 MPam (sup 1/2) at 1400 C for HfB2-SiC composites.

  15. The CVD ZrB2 as a selective solar absorber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Randich, E.; Allred, D. D.

    Coatings of ZrB2 and TiB2 for photothermal solar absorber applications were prepared using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. Oxidation tests suggest a maximum temperature limit for air exposure of 600 K for TiB2 and 800 K for Z4B2. Both materials exhibit innate spectral selectivity with emittance at 375 K ranging from 0.06 to 0.09 and solar absorptance for ZrB2 ranging from 0.67 to 0.77 and solar absorptance for TiB2 ranging from 0.46 to 0.58. ZrB2 has better solar selectivity and more desirable oxidation behavior than TiB2. A 0.071 micrometer antireflection coating of Si3N4 deposited on the ZrB2 coating leads to an increase in absorptance from 0.77 to 0.93, while the emittance remains unchanged.

  16. Bu-2470, a new peptide antibiotic complex. I. Production, isolation and properties of Bu-2470 A, B1 and B2.

    PubMed

    Konishi, M; Sugawara, K; Tomita, K; Matsumoto, K; Miyaki, T; Fujisawa, K; Tsukiura, H; Kawaguchi, H

    1983-06-01

    A strain of Bacillus circulans produced a complex of basic peptide antibiotics designated Bu-2470, which was found to contain four active components, A, B1, B2a and B2b. Bu-2470 A specifically inhibited various Pseudomonas species including P. aeruginosa, P. maltophilia and P. putida, but otherwise its antibacterial spectrum was limited to certain Gram-negative organisms. Bu-2470 B1 and B2 (B2a + B2b) showed broad antibiotic activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas species. The physicochemical and biological properties of Bu-2470 B1 and B2 are very similar to those of the octapeptin group of antibiotics.

  17. Possible detection of an emission feature near 584 A in the direction of G191-B2B

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Green, James; Bowyer, Stuart; Jelinsky, Patrick

    1990-01-01

    A possible spectral emission feature is reported in the direction of the nearby hot white dwarf G191-B2B at 581.5 + or - 6 A with a significance of 3.8 sigma. This emission has been identified as He I 584.3 A. The emission cannot be due to local geocoronal emission or interplanetary backscatter of solar He I 584 A emission because the feature is not detected in a nearby sky exposure. Possible sources for this emission are examined, including the photosphere of G191-B2B, the comparison star G191-B2A, and a possible nebulosity near or around G191-B2B. The parameters required to explain the emission are derived for each case. All of these explanations require unexpected physical conditions; hence we believe this result must receive confirming verification despite the statistical likelihood of the detection.

  18. The emergence of porcine circovirus 2b genotype (PCV-2b) in swine in Canada

    PubMed Central

    Gagnon, Carl A.; Tremblay, Donald; Tijssen, Peter; Venne, Marie-Hélène; Houde, Alain; Elahi, Seyyed Mehdy

    2007-01-01

    Since late 2004, the swine industry in the province of Quebec has experienced a significant increase in death rate related to postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). To explain this phenomenon, 2 hypotheses were formulated: 1) the presence of a 2nd pathogen could be exacerbating the porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) infection, or 2) a new and more virulent PCV-2 strain could be infecting swine. In 2005, 13 PMWS cases were submitted to the Quebec provincial diagnostic laboratory and PCV-2 was the only virus that could be found consistently by PCR in all 13 samples. The PCR detection results obtained for other viruses revealed the following: 61.5% were positive for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, 30.8% for swine influenza virus, 15.4% for porcine parvovirus, 69.2% for swine torque teno virus (swTTV), 38.5% for swine hepatitis E virus (swHEV) and 84.6% for Mycoplasma hyorhinis; transmissible gastroenteritis virus and porcine respiratory coronavirus (TGEV/PRCV) was not detected. Sequences of the entire genome revealed that these PCV-2 strains belonged to a genotype (named PCV-2b) that has never been reported in Canada. Further sequence analyses on 83 other Canadian PCV-2 positive cases submitted to the provincial diagnostic laboratory during years 2005 and 2006 showed that 79.5% of the viral sequences obtained clustered in the PCV-2b genotype. The appearance of the PCV-2b genotype in Canada may explain the death rate increase related to PMWS, but this relationship has to be confirmed. PMID:17824323

  19. Conservation, expression, and knockdown of zebrafish plxnb2a and plxnb2b.

    PubMed

    Perälä, Nina; Peitsaro, Nina; Sundvik, Maria; Koivula, Henri; Sainio, Kirsi; Sariola, Hannu; Panula, Pertti; Immonen, Tiina

    2010-10-01

    In mice lacking Plexin B2, a receptor of the axon guidance molecules Semaphorin 4C and Semaphorin 4D, the closure of the neural tube and structural organization of the cerebellum are severely impaired. We cloned two Plexin B2 orthologs, plxnb2a and plxnb2b, in zebrafish, which is a widely used model for the development of the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). The predicted proteins, Plexin B2a and Plexin B2b, contain all the conserved and functional domains of the plexin B-subfamily. During embryonic development, plxnb2a is expressed, e.g., in pharyngeal arches while plxnb2b expression is more confined to neuronal structures like the cerebellum. However, both plxnb2a and plxnb2b are expressed at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary, in the otic vesicles, facial ganglia, and pectoral fins. Knockdown of both plxnb2a and plxnb2b simultaneously (>95% and 45%, respectively) resulted in normal CNS structure, axon guidance and swimming performance of the morphants.

  20. An Empirical Examination of Reverse Auction Appropriateness in B2B Source Selection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-01-01

    Measures of Marketing Constructs," Journal of Marketing Research , Vol. 16, No.2, pp. 64 - 73. Cohn, L. (2000), "B2B: The Hottest Net Bet Yet...34 Psycholgical Bulletin, Vol. 103, No.3, pp. 411-423. Armstrong, J.S. and T.S. Overton (1977), "Estimating Nonresponse Bias in Mail Surveys," Journal of Marketing ... Research , Vol.14, No.3, pp. 396-402. Bagozzi, R. (1983), "Issues in the Application of Covariance Structure Analysis: A Further Comment," Journal of

  1. The B(E2;4^+1->2^+1) / B(E2;2^+1->0^+1) Ratio in Even-Even Nuclei

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Loelius, C.; Sharon, Y. Y.; Zamick, L.; G"Urdal, G.

    2009-10-01

    We considered 207 even-even nuclei throughout the chart of nuclides for which the NNDC Tables had data on the energies and lifetimes of the 2^+1 and 4^+1 states. Using these data we calculated for each nucleus the electric quadrupole transition strengths B(E2;4^+1->2^+1) and B(E2;2^+1->0^+1), as well as their ratio. The internal conversion coefficients were obtained by using the NNDC HSICC calculator. For each nucleus we plotted the B(E2) ratio against A, N, and Z. We found that for close to 90% of the nuclei considered the ratio had values between 0.5 and 2.5. Most of the outliers had magic numbers of protons or neutrons. Our ratio results were compared with the theoretical predictions for this ratio by different models--10/7 in the rotational model and 2 in the simplest vibrational model. In the rotational regions (for 150 < A < 180 and A > 220) the ratios were indeed close to 10/7. For the few nuclei thought to be vibrational the ratios were usually less than 2. Otherwise, we got a wide scatter of ratio values. Hence other models, including the NpNn scheme, must be considered in interpreting these results.

  2. The rat ErbB2 tyrosine kinase receptor produced in plants is immunogenic in mice and confers protective immunity against ErbB2(+) mammary cancer.

    PubMed

    Matić, Slavica; Quaglino, Elena; Arata, Lucia; Riccardo, Federica; Pegoraro, Mattia; Vallino, Marta; Cavallo, Federica; Noris, Emanuela

    2016-01-01

    The rat ErbB2 (rErbB2) protein is a 185-kDa glycoprotein belonging to the epidermal growth factor-related proteins (ErbB) of receptor tyrosine kinases. Overexpression and mutations of ErbB proteins lead to several malignancies including breast, lung, pancreatic, bladder and ovary carcinomas. ErbB2 is immunogenic and is an ideal candidate for cancer immunotherapy. We investigated the possibility of expressing the extracellular (EC) domain of rErbB2 (653 amino acids, aa) in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, testing the influence of the 23 aa transmembrane (TM) sequence on protein accumulation. Synthetic variants of the rErbB2 gene portion encoding the EC domain, optimized with a human codon usage and either linked to the full TM domain (rErbB2_TM, 676 aa), to a portion of it (rErbB2-pTM, 662 aa), or deprived of it (rErbB2_noTM, 653 aa) were cloned in the pEAQ-HT expression vector as 6X His tag fusions. All rErbB2 variants (72-74.5 kDa) were transiently expressed, but the TM was detrimental for rErbB2 EC accumulation. rERbB2_noTM was the most expressed protein; it was solubilized and purified with Nickel affinity resin. When crude soluble extracts expressing rErbB2_noTM were administered to BALB/c mice, specific rErbB2 immune responses were triggered. A potent antitumour activity was induced when vaccinated mice were challenged with syngeneic transplantable ErbB2(+) mammary carcinoma cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of expression of rErbB2 in plants and of its efficacy in inducing a protective antitumour immune response, opening interesting perspectives for further immunological testing. © 2015 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. Plexin-B2 promotes invasive growth of malignant glioma

    PubMed Central

    Pingle, Sandeep C.; Kesari, Santosh; Wang, Huaien; Yong, Raymund L.; Zou, Hongyan; Friedel, Roland H.

    2015-01-01

    Invasive growth is a major determinant of the high lethality of malignant gliomas. Plexin-B2, an axon guidance receptor important for mediating neural progenitor cell migration during development, is upregulated in gliomas, but its function therein remains poorly understood. Combining bioinformatic analyses, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry of patient samples, we demonstrate that Plexin-B2 is consistently upregulated in all types of human gliomas and that its expression levels correlate with glioma grade and poor survival. Activation of Plexin-B2 by Sema4C ligand in glioblastoma cells induced actin-based cytoskeletal dynamics and invasive migration in vitro. This proinvasive effect was associated with activation of the cell motility mediators RhoA and Rac1. Furthermore, costimulation of Plexin-B2 and the receptor tyrosine kinase Met led to synergistic Met phosphorylation. In intracranial glioblastoma transplants, Plexin-B2 knockdown hindered invasive growth and perivascular spreading, and resulted in decreased tumor vascularity. Our results demonstrate that Plexin-B2 promotes glioma invasion and vascularization, and they identify Plexin-B2 as a potential novel prognostic marker for glioma malignancy. Targeting the Plexin-B2 pathway may represent a novel therapeutic approach to curtail invasive growth of glioblastoma. PMID:25762646

  4. The effect of organic anion-transporting polypeptides 1B1, 1B3 and 2B1 on the antitumor activity of flavopiridol in breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Brenner, Stefan; Riha, Juliane; Giessrigl, Benedikt; Thalhammer, Theresia; Grusch, Michael; Krupitza, Georg; Stieger, Bruno; Jäger, Walter

    2015-01-01

    The contribution of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) to the cellular uptake of flavopiridol was investigated in OATP1B1-, OATP1B3- and OATP2B1-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Uptake of flavopiridol into these cells showed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with much higher transport capacity for OATP1B3 compared to OATP1B1 and OATP2B1 (Vmax/Km, 33.9 vs. 8.84 and 2.41 µl/mg/min, respectively). The predominant role of OATPs was further supported by a dramatic inhibition of flavopiridol uptake in the presence of the OATP substrate rifampicin. Uptake of flavopiridol by OATPs also seems to be an important determinant in breast cancer cells. The much higher mRNA level for OATP1B1 found in wild-type compared to ZR-75-1 OATP1B1 knockdown cells correlated with higher flavopiridol initial uptake leading to 4.6-fold decreased IC50 values in the cytotoxicity assay (IC50, 1.45 vs. 6.64 µM). Cell cycle profile also showed a clear incidence for a stronger cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase for ZR-75-1 wild-type cells compared to OATP1B1 knockdown cells, further indicating an active uptake via OATP1B1. In conclusion, our results revealed OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 as uptake transporters for flavopiridol in cancer cells, which may also apply in patients during cancer therapy.

  5. Mechanical and thermal properties of bulk ZrB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakamori, Fumihiro; Ohishi, Yuji; Muta, Hiroaki; Kurosaki, Ken; Fukumoto, Ken-ichi; Yamanaka, Shinsuke

    2015-12-01

    ZrB2 appears to have formed in the fuel debris at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster site, through the reaction between Zircaloy cladding materials and the control rod material B4C. Since ZrB2 has a high melting point of 3518 K, the ceramic has been widely studied as a heat-resistant material. Although various studies on the thermochemical and thermophysical properties have been performed for ZrB2, significant differences exist in the data, possibly due to impurities or the porosity within the studied samples. In the present study, we have prepared a ZrB2 bulk sample with 93.1% theoretical density by sintering ZrB2 powder. On this sample, we have comprehensively examined the thermal and mechanical properties of ZrB2 by the measurement of specific heat, ultrasonic sound velocities, thermal diffusivity, and thermal expansion. Vickers hardness and fracture toughness were also measured and found to be 13-23 GPa and 1.8-2.8 MPa m0.5, respectively. The relationships between these properties were carefully examined in the present study.

  6. Requirement of SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 for paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B (PIR-B)-mediated inhibitory signal.

    PubMed

    Maeda, A; Kurosaki, M; Ono, M; Takai, T; Kurosaki, T

    1998-04-20

    Paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B (PIR-B) (p91) molecule has been proposed to function as an inhibitory receptor in B cells and myeloid lineage cells. We demonstrate here that the cytoplasmic region of PIR-B is capable of inhibiting B cell activation. Mutational analysis of five cytoplasmic tyrosines indicate that tyrosine 771 in the motif VxYxxL plays the most crucial role in mediating the inhibitory signal. PIR-B-mediated inhibition was markedly reduced in the SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 double-deficient DT40 B cells, whereas this inhibition was unaffected in the inositol polyphosphate 5'-phosphatase SHIP-deficient cells. These data demonstrate that PIR-B can negatively regulate B cell receptor activation and that this PIR-B-mediated inhibition requires redundant functions of SHP-1 and SHP-2.

  7. 76 FR 63177 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, A300 B2-203, A300 B2K-3C, A300-B4-103, A300 B4...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-12

    ... available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011... B4-2C Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT...

  8. Organisation of lymphocytic infiltrates in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis.

    PubMed

    Brix, Silke R; Noriega, Mercedes; Herden, Elisabeth M; Goldmann, Birgit; Langbehn, Ulrike; Busch, Martin; Jabs, Wolfram J; Steinmetz, Oliver M; Panzer, Ulf; Huber, Tobias B; Stahl, Rolf A K; Wiech, Thorsten

    2018-06-01

    Renal involvement in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in patients. In chronic inflammation, B cells are recruited to the inflamed tissue and organised lymphoid structures have been described in several autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to correlate the lymphoid organisation in renal biopsies with renal outcome in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (GN). We investigated 112 renal biopsies from patients with newly diagnosed ANCA-associated necrotising GN. We identified four different levels of the intrarenal organisation of lymphocytes: T cells without B cells, scattered B and T cells, clustered lymphocytic infiltrates and nodular compartmentally arranged B and T cell aggregates. Almost half the patients showed clusters of B and T lymphocytes in their biopsies. In 15 of these biopsies, a higher degree of organisation with lymphocytic compartments was detected. Inflammatory cell organisation was associated with renal failure, but not with tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Patients with organised lymphocytic infiltrates in their biopsy had worse renal function during follow-up and were more likely to develop end stage renal disease. In the present study, we show that the renal lymphocytic organisation is associated with renal outcome in ANCA-associated GN. The organisation of the lymphocytic infiltrate may be a morphological correlate of a perpetual and exaggerated inflammation in renal ANCA disease. Classifying the lymphocytic infiltrate could help to predict renal outcome, and might therefore be used for individualised adjustments in the intensity and duration of immunosuppressive therapy. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. Porcine circovirus type 2 induces the activation of nuclear factor kappa B by I{kappa}B{alpha} degradation

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

    Wei Li; Kwang, Jimmy; Wang Jin

    The transcription factor NF-{kappa}B is commonly activated upon virus infection and a key player in the induction and regulation of the host immune response. The present study demonstrated for the first time that porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), which is the primary causative agent of an emerging swine disease, postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, can activate NF-{kappa}B in PCV2-infected PK15 cells. In PCV2-infected cells, NF-{kappa}B was activated concomitantly with viral replication, which was characterized by increased DNA binding activity, translocation of NF-{kappa}B p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, as well as degradation and phosphorylation of I{kappa}B{alpha} protein. We further demonstratedmore » PCV2-induced activation of NF-{kappa}B and colocalization of p65 nuclear translocation with virus replication in cultured cells. Treatment of cells with CAPE, a selective inhibitor of NF-{kappa}B activation, reduced virus protein expression and progeny production followed by decreasing PCV2-induced apoptotic caspase activity, indicating the involvement of this transcription factor in induction of cell death. Taken together, these data suggest that NF-{kappa}B activation is important for PCV2 replication and contributes to virus-mediated changes in host cells. The results presented here provide a basis for understanding molecular mechanism of PCV2 infection.« less

  10. 32 CFR 806b.2 - Basic guidelines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Basic guidelines. 806b.2 Section 806b.2 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM.... (d) Air Force members will: (1) Keep paper and electronic records that are retrieved by name or...

  11. 32 CFR 806b.2 - Basic guidelines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Basic guidelines. 806b.2 Section 806b.2 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM.... (d) Air Force members will: (1) Keep paper and electronic records that are retrieved by name or...

  12. MicroRNA-29b-2-5p inhibits cell proliferation by directly targeting Cbl-b in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

    PubMed

    Li, Ce; Dong, Qian; Che, Xiaofang; Xu, Ling; Li, Zhi; Fan, Yibo; Hou, Kezuo; Wang, Shuo; Qu, Jinglei; Xu, Lu; Wen, Ti; Yang, Xianghong; Qu, Xiujuan; Liu, Yunpeng

    2018-06-25

    MicroRNAs can be used in the prognosis of malignancies; however, their regulatory mechanisms are unknown, especially in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In 120 PDAC specimens, miRNA levels were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Then, the role of miR-29b-2-5p in cell proliferation was evaluated both in vitro (Trypan blue staining and cell cycle analysis in the two PDAC cell lines SW1990 and Capan-2) and in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. Next, bioinformatics methods, a luciferase reporter assay, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were applied to assess the biological effects of Cbl-b inhibition by miR-29b-2-5p. Moreover, the relationship between Cbl-b and p53 was evaluated by immunoprecipitation (IP), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. From the 120 PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection, ten patients with longest survival and ten with shortest survival were selected. We found that high miR-29b-2-5p expression was associated with good prognosis (p = 0.02). The validation cohort confirmed miR-29b-2-5p as an independent prognostic factor in PDAC (n = 100, 95% CI = 0.305-0.756, p = 0.002). Furthermore, miR-29b-2-5p inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and promoted apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, miR-29b-2-5p directly bound the Cbl-b gene, down-regulating its expression and reducing Cbl-b-mediated degradation of p53. Meanwhile, miR-29b-2-5p expression was negatively correlated with Cbl-b in PDAC tissues (r = - 0.33, p = 0.001). Taken together, these findings indicated that miR-29b-2-5p improves prognosis in PDAC by targeting Cbl-b to promote p53 expression, and would constitute an important prognostic factor in PDAC.

  13. Type VII collagen regulates expression of OATP1B3, promotes front-to-rear polarity and increases structural organisation in 3D spheroid cultures of RDEB tumour keratinocytes

    PubMed Central

    Dayal, Jasbani H. S.; Cole, Clare L.; Pourreyron, Celine; Watt, Stephen A.; Lim, Yok Zuan; Salas-Alanis, Julio C.; Murrell, Dedee F.; McGrath, John A.; Stieger, Bruno; Jahoda, Colin; Leigh, Irene M.; South, Andrew P.

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT Type VII collagen is the main component of anchoring fibrils, structures that are integral to basement membrane homeostasis in skin. Mutations in the gene encoding type VII collagen COL7A1 cause recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) an inherited skin blistering condition complicated by frequent aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). OATP1B3, which is encoded by the gene SLCO1B3, is a member of the OATP (organic anion transporting polypeptide) superfamily responsible for transporting a wide range of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. OATP1B3 expression is limited to the liver in healthy tissues, but is frequently detected in multiple cancer types and is reported to be associated with differing clinical outcome. The mechanism and functional significance of tumour-specific expression of OATP1B3 has yet to be determined. Here, we identify SLCO1B3 expression in tumour keratinocytes isolated from RDEB and UV-induced cSCC and demonstrate that SLCO1B3 expression and promoter activity are modulated by type VII collagen. We show that reduction of SLCO1B3 expression upon expression of full-length type VII collagen in RDEB cSCC coincides with acquisition of front-to-rear polarity and increased organisation of 3D spheroid cultures. In addition, we show that type VII collagen positively regulates the abundance of markers implicated in cellular polarity, namely ELMO2, PAR3, E-cadherin, B-catenin, ITGA6 and Ln332. PMID:24357722

  14. 7 CFR Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision Reached at the Meeting B Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900... REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-2 Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable...

  15. 7 CFR Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision Reached at the Meeting B Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900... REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-2 Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable...

  16. 7 CFR Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision Reached at the Meeting B Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900... REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-2 Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable...

  17. 7 CFR Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision Reached at the Meeting B Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900... REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-2 Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable...

  18. Stronger enhancer II/core promoter activities of hepatitis B virus isolates of B2 subgenotype than those of C2 subgenotype

    PubMed Central

    Qin, Yanli; Zhou, Xueshi; Jia, Haodi; Chen, Chaoyang; Zhao, Weifeng; Zhang, Jiming; Tong, Shuping

    2016-01-01

    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C causes prolonged chronic infection and increased risk for liver cancer than genotype B. Our previous work revealed lower replication capacity of wild-type genotype C2 than B2 isolates. HBV DNA replication is driven by pregenomic RNA, which is controlled by core promoter (CP) and further augmented by enhancer I (ENI) and enhancer II (ENII). DNA fragments covering these regulatory elements were amplified from B2 and C2 isolates to generate luciferase reporter constructs. As ENII is fully embedded in CP, we inserted HBV DNA fragments in the sense orientation to determine their combined activities, and in the antisense orientation to measure enhancer activities alone. Genotype B2 isolates displayed higher ENI+ENII+CP, ENII+CP, and ENII activities, but not ENI or ENI+ENII activity, than C2 isolates. The higher ENII+CP activity was partly attributable to 4 positions displaying genotype-specific variability. Exchanging CP region was sufficient to revert the replication phenotypes of several B2 and C2 clones tested. These results suggest that a weaker ENII and/or CP at least partly accounts for the lower replication capacities of wild-type C2 isolates, which could drive the subsequent acquisition of CP mutations. Such mutations increase genome replication and are implicated in liver cancer development. PMID:27461034

  19. Stronger enhancer II/core promoter activities of hepatitis B virus isolates of B2 subgenotype than those of C2 subgenotype.

    PubMed

    Qin, Yanli; Zhou, Xueshi; Jia, Haodi; Chen, Chaoyang; Zhao, Weifeng; Zhang, Jiming; Tong, Shuping

    2016-07-27

    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C causes prolonged chronic infection and increased risk for liver cancer than genotype B. Our previous work revealed lower replication capacity of wild-type genotype C2 than B2 isolates. HBV DNA replication is driven by pregenomic RNA, which is controlled by core promoter (CP) and further augmented by enhancer I (ENI) and enhancer II (ENII). DNA fragments covering these regulatory elements were amplified from B2 and C2 isolates to generate luciferase reporter constructs. As ENII is fully embedded in CP, we inserted HBV DNA fragments in the sense orientation to determine their combined activities, and in the antisense orientation to measure enhancer activities alone. Genotype B2 isolates displayed higher ENI+ENII+CP, ENII+CP, and ENII activities, but not ENI or ENI+ENII activity, than C2 isolates. The higher ENII+CP activity was partly attributable to 4 positions displaying genotype-specific variability. Exchanging CP region was sufficient to revert the replication phenotypes of several B2 and C2 clones tested. These results suggest that a weaker ENII and/or CP at least partly accounts for the lower replication capacities of wild-type C2 isolates, which could drive the subsequent acquisition of CP mutations. Such mutations increase genome replication and are implicated in liver cancer development.

  20. 26 CFR 1.904(b)-2 - Special rules for application of section 904(b) to alternative minimum tax foreign tax credit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...) to alternative minimum tax foreign tax credit. 1.904(b)-2 Section 1.904(b)-2 Internal Revenue... alternative minimum tax foreign tax credit. (a) Application of section 904(b)(2)(B) adjustments. Section 904(b)(2)(B) shall apply for purposes of determining the alternative minimum tax foreign tax credit under...

  1. Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics ZrB2 and HfB2 from Atomistic Simulations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lawson, John W.; Murray, Daw S.; Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.

    2011-01-01

    Atomistic Green-Kubo simulations are performed to evaluate the lattice thermal conductivity for single crystals of the ultra high temperature ceramics ZrB2 and HfB2 for a range of temperatures. Recently developed interatomic potentials are used for these simulations. Heat current correlation functions show rapid oscillations which can be identified with mixed metal-Boron optical phonon modes. Agreement with available experimental data is good.

  2. Hexagonal OsB 2 reduction upon heating in H 2 containing environment

    DOE PAGES

    Xie, Zhilin; Blair, Richard G.; Orlovskaya, Nina; ...

    2014-10-23

    The stability of hexagonal ReB 2 type OsB 2 powder upon heating under reforming gas was investigated. Pure Os metal particles were detected by powder X-ray diffraction starting at 375⁰ C and complete transformation of OsB 2 to metallic Os was observed at 725⁰ C. The mechanisms of precipitation of metallic Os is proposed and changes in the lattice parameters of OsB 2 upon heating are analysed in terms of the presence of oxygen or water vapour in the heating chamber. Previous studies suggested that Os atoms possess (0) valence, while B atoms possess both (+3) and ( 3) valencesmore » in the alternating boron/osmium sheet structure of hexagonal (P63/mmc, No. 194) OsB 2; if controllable method for Os removal from the lattice could be found, the opportunity would arise to form two-dimensional (2D) layers consisting of pure B atoms.« less

  3. Comparison between layering NbSe2 and rod characteristic of MgB2 by investigation of elastic constants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shokri, Asiye; Yazdani, Ahmad; Barakati, Behrad

    2018-03-01

    The delicate balancing of strong anisotropy on strength of hybridisation resulted to CDW- order “TCDW=33K” and finally emerging superconductivity at “Tc = 7.2K” are the most intriguing question in characteristic behaviour of NbSe2. On other hand, the original mechanism of MgB2 old superconductor, which has unlike the cuprates a lower anisotropy on strength hybridisation is still unknown. We believe this could result to bond exchange and larger coherence length of the grain boundary to current. Since the cause and the mechanism of band strengths of two original layering and rod structures are consequence of bond- rupturing-atomic displacement, here the stability of crystalline structure of inter atomic potential through the elasticity-compressibility is investigated. Consequently, in order to clear out the strong difference between the layering NbSe2 and domination of rod-character of MgB2 the stability of both crystal structures through the cohesive energy c/a, czz and c33 are investigated. The proposed investigations are more evident on different characteristic behaviour of calculated parameters.

  4. Vitamin B2, vitamin B12 and total homocysteine status in children and their associations with dietary intake of B-vitamins from different food groups: the Healthy Growth Study.

    PubMed

    Manios, Yannis; Moschonis, George; Dekkers, Renske; Mavrogianni, Christina; Grammatikaki, Eva; van den Heuvel, Ellen

    2017-02-01

    To examine the associations between the dietary intakes of certain B-vitamins from different food sources with the relevant plasma status indices in children. A representative subsample of 600 children aged 9-13 years from the Healthy Growth Study was selected. Dietary intakes of vitamins B 2 , B 12 , B 6 and folate derived from different food sources were estimated. Plasma levels of vitamin B 2 (or riboflavin), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine (tHcy) were also measured. Plasma concentrations of vitamin B 2 below 3 μg/L were found in 22.8 % of the children. Children in the lower quartile of dietary vitamin B 2 intake were found to have the lowest plasma vitamin B 2 levels compared to children in the upper three quartiles (5.06 ± 7.63 vs. 6.48 ± 7.88, 6.34 ± 7.63 and 6.05 ± 4.94 μg/L respectively; P = 0.003). Regarding vitamin B 12 children in the lower quartile of dietary intake had higher mean plasma tHcy levels compared to children in the upper two quartiles, respectively (6.00 ± 1.79 vs. 5.41 ± 1.43 and 5.46 ± 1.64 μmol/L; P = 0.012). Positive linear associations were observed between plasma vitamin B 2 levels and dietary vitamin B 2 derived from milk and fruits (β = 0.133; P = 0.001 and β = 0.086; P = 0.037). Additionally, nonlinear associations were also observed between plasma vitamin B 2 levels and vitamin B 2 derived from red meat, as well as between tHcy levels and vitamins B 12 and B 6 derived from milk; vitamins B 12 , B 6 and folate derived from cereal products and folate derived from fruits. A considerably high prevalence of poor plasma vitamin B 2 status was observed in children. The intake of milk, fruits and cereals was associated with more favorable tHcy levels, while the intake of milk and fruits with more favorable plasma B2 levels. However, these findings need to be further confirmed from controlled dietary intervention studies examining the modulation of biomarkers of B-vitamins.

  5. The nido-osmaboranes [2,2,2-(CO)(PPh(3))(2)-nido-2-OsB(5)H(9)] and [6,6,6-(CO)(PPh(3))(2)-nido-6-OsB(9)H(13)].

    PubMed

    Bould, J; Kennedy, J D; Thomas, R L; Rath, N P; Barton, L

    2001-11-01

    The structural characterization of the osmahexaborane 2-carbonyl-2,2-bis(triphenylphosphine)-nido-2-osmahexaborane(9), [Os(B(5)H(9))(C(18)H(15)P)(2)(CO)], (I), a metallaborane analogue of B(6)H(10), confirms the structure proposed from NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the osmadecaborane 6-carbonyl-6,6-bis(triphenylphosphine)-nido-6-osmadecaborane(13), [Os(B(9)H(13))(C(18)H(15)P)(2)(CO)], (IV), is similarly confirmed. The short basal B-B distance of 1.652 (8) A in (I), not bridged by an H atom, mirrors that in the parent hexaborane(10) [1.626 (4) A].

  6. Betacellulin-Induced Beta Cell Proliferation and Regeneration Is Mediated by Activation of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 Receptors

    PubMed Central

    Oh, Yoon Sin; Shin, Seungjin; Lee, Youn-Jung; Kim, Eung Hwi; Jun, Hee-Sook

    2011-01-01

    Background Betacellulin (BTC), a member of the epidermal growth factor family, is known to play an important role in regulating growth and differentiation of pancreatic beta cells. Growth-promoting actions of BTC are mediated by epidermal growth factor receptors (ErbBs), namely ErbB-1, ErbB-2, ErbB-3 and ErbB-4; however, the exact mechanism for beta cell proliferation has not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated which ErbBs are involved and some molecular mechanisms by which BTC regulates beta cell proliferation. Methodology/Principal Findings The expression of ErbB-1, ErbB-2, ErbB-3, and ErbB-4 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in both a beta cell line (MIN-6 cells) and C57BL/6 mouse islets. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting analysis showed that BTC treatment of MIN-6 cells induced phosphorylation of only ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 among the four EGF receptors. BTC treatment resulted in DNA synthetic activity, cell cycle progression, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive staining. The proliferative effect was blocked by treatment with AG1478 or AG825, specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2, respectively. BTC treatment increased mRNA and protein levels of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), and this was blocked by the ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 inhibitors. Inhibition of IRS-2 by siRNA blocked cell cycle progression induced by BTC treatment. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice injected with a recombinant adenovirus expressing BTC and treated with AG1478 or AG825 showed reduced islet size, reduced numbers of BrdU-positive cells in the islets, and did not attain BTC-mediated remission of diabetes. Conclusions/Significance These results suggest that BTC exerts proliferative activity on beta cells through the activation of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 receptors, which may increase IRS-2 expression, contributing to the regeneration of beta cells. PMID:21897861

  7. Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-09-01

    soluble EphB4 decoy receptor that efficiently blocks EphB4/EphB2 signaling. A phase I study for solid tumors using this agent given intravenously...June 2013 3 . DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-11-1-0471 5b. GRANT...13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Multiple receptor pathways allow for redundancy in growth pathways that are dysregulated in cancer and lead to

  8. Thermoluminescence properties of Li2B4O7:Cu, B phosphor synthesized using solution combustion technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ozdemir, A.; Altunal, V.; Kurt, K.; Depci, T.; Yu, Y.; Lawrence, Y.; Nur, N.; Guckan, V.; Yegingil, Z.

    2017-12-01

    To determine the effects of various concentrations of the activators copper (Cu) and boron (B) on the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of lithium tetraborate, the phosphor was first synthesized and doped with five different concentrations of copper (0.1-0.005 wt%) using solution combustion method. 0.01 wt% Cu was the concentration which showed the most significant increase in the sensitivity of the phosphor. The second sort of Li2B4O7:Cu material was prepared by adding B (0.001-0.03 wt%) to it. The newly developed copper-boron activated lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7:Cu, B) material with 0.01 wt% Cu and 0.001 wt% B impurity concentrations was shown to have promise as a TL phosphor. The material formation was examined using powder x-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of the synthesized polycrystalline powder sample was also recorded. The TL glow curves were analyzed to determine various dosimetric characteristics of the synthesized luminophosphors. The dose response increased in a ;linear; way with the beta-ray exposure between 0.1-20 Gy, a dose range being interested in medical dosimetry. The response with changing photon and electron energy was studied. The rate of decay of the TL signal was investigated both for dark storage and under direct sunlight. Li2B4O7:Cu, B showed no individual variation of response in 9 recycling measurements. The fluorescence spectrum was determined. The kinetic parameters were estimated by different methods and the results discussed. The studied properties of synthesized Li2B4O7:Cu, B were found all favorable for dosimetric purposes.

  9. Dry cryomagnetic system with MgB2 coil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abin, D. A.; Mineev, N. A.; Osipov, M. A.; Pokrovskii, S. V.; Rudnev, I. A.

    2017-12-01

    MgB2 may be the future superconducting wire material for industrial magnets due to it’s higher operation temperature and potentially lower cost than low temperature superconductors (LTS) have. We designed a compact cryomagnetic system with the use of MgB2. The possibility of creating a magnet with a central field of 5 T from a commercial MgB2 wire by the “react and wound” method was investigated. The magnetic system is cooled by a cryocooler through a copper bus. The magnet has a warm bore diameter of 4 cm. The design of a magnet consisting of three concentric solenoids is proposed: an internal one of high-temperature superconductor (HTS), an average of MgB2, and an external of NbTi. The operating current of the system is 100 A. Two pairs of current leads are used. A separate pair of current leads for power supplying NbTi coil allows testing of MgB2 and HTS coils in an external field. The load curves for each of the magnets are calculated.

  10. Destabilization of B2 RNA by EZH2 activates the stress response

    PubMed Central

    Zovoilis, Athanasios; Cifuentes-Rojas, Catherine; Chu, Hsueh-Ping; Hernandez, Alfredo J.; Lee, Jeannie T.

    2017-01-01

    SUMMARY More than 98% of the mammalian genome is noncoding and interspersed transposable elements account for ~50% of noncoding space. Here, we demonstrate that a specific interaction between the Polycomb protein, EZH2, and RNA made from B2 SINE retrotransposons controls stress-responsive genes in mouse cells. In the heat shock model, B2 RNA binds stress genes and suppresses their transcription. Upon stress, EZH2 is recruited and triggers cleavage of B2 RNA. B2 degradation in turn upregulates stress genes. Evidence indicates that B2 RNA operates as “speed bump” against advancement of RNA Polymerase II, and temperature stress releases the brakes on transcriptional elongation. These data attribute a new function to EZH2 that is independent of its histone methyltransferase activity and reconcile how EZH2 can be associated with both gene repression and activation. Our study reveals that EZH2 and B2 together control activation of a large network of genes involved in thermal stress. PMID:27984727

  11. Reductive Detoxication of Arylhydroxylamine Carcinogens by Human NADH Cytochrome b5 Reductase and Cytochrome b5

    PubMed Central

    Kurian, Joseph R.; Chin, Nathaniel A.; Longlais, Brett J.; Hayes, Kristie L.; Trepanier, Lauren A.

    2008-01-01

    Heterocyclic and aromatic amine carcinogens are thought to lead to tumor initiation via the formation of DNA adducts, and bioactivation to arylhydroxylamine metabolites is necessary for reactivity with DNA. Carcinogenic arylhydroxylamine metabolites are cleared by a microsomal, NADH-dependent, oxygen-insensitive reduction pathway in humans, which may be a source of inter-individual variability in response to aromatic amine carcinogens. The purpose of this study was to characterize the identity of this reduction pathway in human liver. Based on our findings with structurally similar arylhydroxylamine metabolites of therapeutic drugs, we hypothesized that the reductive detoxication of arylhydroxylamine carcinogens was catalyzed by NADH cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R) and cytochrome b5 (cyt b5). We found that reduction of the carcinogenic hydroxylamines of the aromatic amine 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP; found in cigarette smoke) and the heterocyclic amine 2- amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP; found in grilled meats) was indeed catalyzed by a purified system containing only human b5R and cyt b5. Specific activities were 56 to 346-fold higher in the purified system compared to human liver microsomes (HLM), with similar Michaelis-Menten constants (Km values) in both systems. The stoichiometry for b5R and cyt b5 that yielded the highest activity in the purified system was also similar to that found in native HLM (∼1:8 to 1:10). Polyclonal antisera to either b5R or cyt b5 significantly inhibited N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (NHOH-4-ABP) reduction by 95 and 89%, respectively, and immunoreactive cyt b5 protein content in individual HLM was significantly correlated with individual reduction of both NHOH-4-ABP and N-hydroxy-PhIP (NHOH-PhIP). Finally, titration of HLM into the purified b5R/cyt b5 system did not enhance the efficiency of reduction activity. We conclude that b5R and cyt b5 are together solely capable of the reduction of arylhydroxylamine carcinogens

  12. Superconducting MgB2 wires with vanadium diffusion barrier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hušek, I.; Kováč, P.; Melišek, T.; Kulich, M.; Rosová, A.; Kopera, L.; Szundiová, B.

    2017-10-01

    Single-core MgB2 wires with a vanadium barrier and Cu stabilization have been made by the in situ powder-in-tube (PIT) and internal magnesium diffusion (IMD) into boron processes. Heat treatment of PIT wires was done at the temperature range of 650 °C-850 °C/30 min. Critical currents of differently treated MgB2/V/Cu wires have been measured and related with the structure of MgB2. It was found that critical current density of MgB2/V wire annealed above 700 °C decreases rapidly. The obtained results clearly show that vanadium is a well formable metal and can be applied as an effective diffusion barrier for MgB2 wires heat-treated at temperatures ≤700 °C. This temperature limit is well applicable for MgB2 wires with high current densities made by PIT and also by the IMD process.

  13. 7 CFR Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision Reached at the Meeting B Exhibit B-2 to Subpart B of Part 1900 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS... REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-2 Exhibit B-2 to...

  14. Epithelial reticulon 4B (Nogo-B) is an endogenous regulator of Th2-driven lung inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Wright, Paulette L.; Yu, Jun; Di, Y.P. Peter; Homer, Robert J.; Chupp, Geoffrey; Elias, Jack A.; Cohn, Lauren

    2010-01-01

    Nogo-B is a member of the reticulon family of proteins (RTN-4B) that is highly expressed in lung tissue; however, its function remains unknown. We show that mice with Th2-driven lung inflammation results in a loss of Nogo expression in airway epithelium and smooth muscle compared with nonallergic mice, a finding which is replicated in severe human asthma. Mice lacking Nogo-A/B (Nogo-KO) display an exaggerated asthma-like phenotype, and epithelial reconstitution of Nogo-B in transgenic mice blunts Th2-mediated lung inflammation. Microarray analysis of lungs from Nogo-KO mice reveals a marked reduction in palate lung and nasal clone (PLUNC) gene expression, and the levels of PLUNC are enhanced in epithelial Nogo-B transgenic mice. Finally, transgenic expression of PLUNC into Nogo-KO mice rescues the enhanced asthmatic-like responsiveness in these KO mice. These data identify Nogo-B as a novel protective gene expressed in lung epithelia, and its expression regulates the levels of the antibacterial antiinflammatory protein PLUNC. PMID:20975041

  15. 26 CFR 31.3406(b)(2)-2 - Original issue discount.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Original issue discount. 31.3406(b)(2)-2... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3406(b)(2)-2 Original issue discount. (a) Original issue discount subject to backup withholding. The amount of original issue discount, treated as interest, subject...

  16. Optimization of chromatographic conditions for determination of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 by using liquid chromatography-mass Spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ramadhaningtyas, Dillani Putri; Aryana, Nurhani; Aristiawan, Yosi; Styarini, Dyah

    2017-11-01

    The optimization of instrument condition and chromatographic separation for analysis of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 using liquid chromatography tandem with mass spectrometer detector was conducted in the aim to provide more accurate and reliable analysis results. The aflatoxin known to be serious threat for human health as it is classified as the carcinogenic compounds. The aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 were selected due to its extensive contamination in various agricultural commodities. The best chromatographic separation was obtained using C-18 column with gradient elution of solvent 5 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid in methanol at 7 minutes runtime analysis. The linearity of the detector showed satisfied results as the coefficient determination found to be 0.9994, 0.9996, 0.9998 and 0.9987 for aflatoxin B1, G1, B2, and G2 respectively in the range concentration from 1 to 20 ng/g. The quantifier ion selected for the aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 was m/z 285.1, 259, 243 and 313 respectively. The instrument precision at these quantifier ions also showed satisfied result with %RSD was around 3.4 to 6.8%. The optimized method present in this study can be used for further sample analysis.

  17. Synaptotagmin C2B Domain Regulates Ca2+-triggered Fusion in Vitro

    PubMed Central

    Gaffaney, Jon D.; Dunning, F. Mark; Wang, Zhao; Hui, Enfu; Chapman, Edwin R.

    2008-01-01

    Synaptotagmin (syt) 1 is localized to synaptic vesicles, binds Ca2+, and regulates neuronal exocytosis. Syt 1 harbors two Ca2+-binding motifs referred to as C2A and C2B. In this study we examine the function of the isolated C2 domains of Syt 1 using a reconstituted, SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor)-mediated, fusion assay. We report that inclusion of phosphatidylethanolamine into reconstituted SNARE vesicles enabled isolated C2B, but not C2A, to regulate Ca2+-triggered fusion. The isolated C2B domain had a 6-fold lower EC for Ca2+ 50-activated fusion than the intact cytosolic domain of Syt 1 (C2AB). Phosphatidylethanolamine increased both the rate and efficiency of C2AB- and C2B-regulated fusion without affecting their abilities to bind membrane-embedded syntaxin-SNAP-25 (t-SNARE) complexes. At equimolar concentrations, the isolated C2A domain was an effective inhibitor of C2B-, but not C2AB-regulated fusion; hence, C2A has markedly different effects in the fusion assay depending on whether it is tethered to C2B. Finally, scanning alanine mutagenesis of C2AB revealed four distinct groups of mutations within the C2B domain that play roles in the regulation of SNARE-mediated fusion. Surprisingly, substitution of Arg-398 with alanine, which lies on the opposite end of C2B from the Ca2+/membrane-binding loops, decreases C2AB t-SNARE binding and Ca2+-triggered fusion in vitro without affecting Ca2+-triggered interactions with phosphatidylserine or vesicle aggregation. In addition, some mutations uncouple the clamping and stimulatory functions of syt 1, suggesting that these two activities are mediated by distinct structural determinants in C2B. PMID:18784080

  18. Effects of configurational disorder on the elastic properties of icosahedral boron-rich alloys based on B6O, B13C2, and B4C, and their mixing thermodynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ektarawong, A.; Simak, S. I.; Hultman, L.; Birch, J.; Tasnádi, F.; Wang, F.; Alling, B.

    2016-04-01

    The elastic properties of alloys between boron suboxide (B6O) and boron carbide (B13C2), denoted by (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x, as well as boron carbide with variable carbon content, ranging from B13C2 to B4C are calculated from first-principles. Furthermore, the mixing thermodynamics of (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x is studied. A superatom-special quasirandom structure approach is used for modeling different atomic configurations, in which effects of configurational disorder between the carbide and suboxide structural units, as well as between boron and carbon atoms within the units, are taken into account. Elastic properties calculations demonstrate that configurational disorder in B13C2, where a part of the C atoms in the CBC chains substitute for B atoms in the B12 icosahedra, drastically increase the Young's and shear modulus, as compared to an atomically ordered state, B12(CBC). These calculated elastic moduli of the disordered state are in excellent agreement with experiments. Configurational disorder between boron and carbon can also explain the experimentally observed almost constant elastic moduli of boron carbide as the carbon content is changed from B4C to B13C2. The elastic moduli of the (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x system are also practically unchanged with composition if boron-carbon disorder is taken into account. By investigating the mixing thermodynamics of the alloys, in which the Gibbs free energy is determined within the mean-field approximation for the configurational entropy, we outline the pseudo-binary phase diagram of (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x. The phase diagram reveals the existence of a miscibility gap at all temperatures up to the melting point. Also, the coexistence of B6O-rich as well as ordered or disordered B13C2-rich domains in the material prepared through equilibrium routes is predicted.

  19. Clonidine preconditioning improved cerebral ischemia-induced learning and memory deficits in rats via ERK1/2-CREB/ NF-κB-NR2B pathway.

    PubMed

    Li, Yanli; Yu, Min; Zhao, Bo; Wang, Yan; Zha, Yunhong; Li, Zicheng; Yu, Lingling; Yan, Lingling; Chen, Zhangao; Zhang, Wenjuan; Zeng, Xiaoli; He, Zhi

    2018-01-05

    Clonidine, a classical α-2 adrenergic agonists, has been shown to antagonize brain damage caused by hypoxia, cerebral ischemia and excitotoxicity and reduce cerebral infarction volume in recent studies. We herein investigate the regulatory effect and possible underlying mechanism of clonidine on learning and memory in rats with cerebral ischemia. The cerebral ischemia rat model was established by right middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2h and reperfusion for 28 days. Drugs were administrated to the rats for consecutive 7 days intraperitoneally and once again on the day of surgery. The learning and memory in rats was assayed by Morris water maze. Moreover, protein expression levels of NMDAR2B (NR2B)/ phosphor - NR2B, ERK1/2/phosphor- ERK1/2, CREB/phosphor-CREB and NF-κB/phosphor-NF-κB in the cortex and hippocampus of the rats were assayed by western blotting. Our results demonstrated that clonidine treatment significantly abrogated the negative effect induced by cerebral ischemia on the learning and memory in the rats. In the Western blotting assay, clonidine treatment led to significant up-regulation of the expression level of NR2B and Phospho-NR2B in the hippocampus of the rats when compared with the cerebral ischemia group. Furthermore, clonidine also significantly decreased the protein expression levels of ERK1/2, Phospho-ERK1/2, CREB, Phospho-CREB and Phospho-NF-κB in the hippocampus of the rats when compared with the cerebral ischemia group. In conclusion, clonidine could improve the learning and memory ability of rats with cerebral ischemia, and NR2B, ERK1/2, CREB, NF-κB were involved in this effect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. 48 CFR Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false [Reserved] B Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 [Reserved] ...

  1. 48 CFR Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false [Reserved] B Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 [Reserved] ...

  2. 48 CFR Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false [Reserved] B Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 [Reserved] ...

  3. 48 CFR Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 - [Reserved

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false [Reserved] B Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Appendixes B-E to Chapter 2 [Reserved] ...

  4. A new superhard material: Osmium diboride OsB 2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hebbache, M.; Stuparević, L.; Živković, D.

    2006-08-01

    Superhard materials have many industrial applications, wherever resistance to abrasion and wear are important. The synthesis of new superhard materials is one of the great challenges to scientists. We re-examined the phase diagram of the binary osmium-boron system and confirmed the existence of two hexagonal phases, OsB 1.1, Os 2B 3, and an orthorhombic phase, OsB 2. Almost nothing is known about the physical properties of osmium borides. Microhardness measurements show that OsB 2 is extremely hard. Ab initio calculations show that this is due to formation of covalent bonds between boron atoms. OsB 2 is also a low compressibility material. It can be used as hard coating.

  5. D1((2)B2g) to D0((2)Au) Fluorescence from the Matrix-Isolated Perylene Cation Following Laser Excitation into the D5(2)B3g) and D2 ((2)B3g) Electronic States

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chillier, Xavier D. F.; Stone, Bradley M.; Joblin, Christine; Salama, Farid; Allamandola, Louis J.; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Fluorescence spectra of the perylene cation, pumped by direct laser excitation via the D(sub 2)((2)B(sub 3g)) (left arrow) D(sub 0)((2)A(sub u)) and D(sub 5)(2)B(sub 3g)) (left arrow) D(sub 0)((2)A(sub u)) transitions, are presented. Direct excitation into the D5 or D2 states is followed by rapid non-radiative relaxation to D1 that, in turn,relaxes radiatively. Excitation spectroscopy across the D(sub 2)((2)B(sub 3g)) (left arrow) D(sub 0)((2)A(sub u)) transition near 730 nm shows that site splitting plays little or no role in determining the spectral substructure in the ion spectra. Tentative assignments for ground state vibrational frequencies are made by comparison of spectral intervals with calculated normal mode frequencies.

  6. Structural, optical, and thermal properties of MAX-phase Cr2AlB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xiao-Hong; Cui, Hong-Ling; Zhang, Rui-Zhou

    2018-04-01

    First-principles calculations of the structural, optical, and thermal properties of Cr2AlB2 are performed using the pseudopotential plane-wave method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Calculation of the elastic constant and phonon dispersion indicates that Cr2AlB2 is mechanically and thermodynamically stable. Analysis of the band structure and density of states indicates that Cr2AlB2 is metallic. The thermal properties under increasing temperature and pressure are investigated using the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The results show that anharmonic effects on Cr2AlB2 are important at low temperature and high pressure. The calculated equilibrium primitive cell volume is 95.91 Å3 at T = 300 K, P = 0 GPa. The ability of Cr2AlB2 to resist volume changes becomes weaker with increasing temperature and stronger with increasing pressure. Analysis of optical properties of Cr2AlB2 shows that the static dielectric function of Cr2AlB2 is 53.1, and the refractive index n 0 is 7.3. If the incident light has a frequency exceeding 16.09 eV, which is the plasma frequency of Cr2AlB2, Cr2AlB2 changes from metallic to dielectric material.

  7. 8 CFR 343b.2 - Number of applications required.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Number of applications required. 343b.2 Section 343b.2 Aliens and Nationality DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY NATIONALITY REGULATIONS SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION FOR RECOGNITION BY A FOREIGN STATE § 343b.2 Number of applications required. A...

  8. 8 CFR 343b.2 - Number of applications required.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Number of applications required. 343b.2 Section 343b.2 Aliens and Nationality DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY NATIONALITY REGULATIONS SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION FOR RECOGNITION BY A FOREIGN STATE § 343b.2 Number of applications required. A...

  9. Contribution of B2 receptors for bradykinin in Arthus reaction-induced plasma extravasation in wild-type or B2 transgenic knockout mice

    PubMed Central

    Samadfam, R; Teixeira, C; Bkaily, G; Sirois, P; de Brum-Fernandes, A; D'Orleans-Juste, P

    2000-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the contribution of bradykinin (BK) B1 and B2 receptors in a model of type III hypersensitivity, the reverse passive Arthus reaction (RPA), in wild-type mice and transgenic B2 knockout littermates.BK (10 μg mouse−1) or bovine serum albumin (0.5 mg mouse−1) induced a sustained Evans blue extravasation for more than 80 min in naive or rabbit anti-bovine serum albumin-treated mice (RPA model), respectively. The response to the two stimuli was prevented by the B2 receptor antagonist, HOE-140, but not by [Leu8]desArg9-BK (B1 receptor antagonist).In contrast to the wild-type littermates, RPA and bradykinin were unable to trigger an increase in plasma extravasation in B2 knockout mice.Furthermore, endothelin-1 (5 μg mouse−1) and a selective NK-1 receptor agonist [Sar9,Met (O2)11]-SP (20 μg mouse−1), triggered a significant increase in peritoneal plasma extravasation in both wild-type and B2 knockout animals.A pretreatment with indomethacin (200 μg mouse−1) significantly reduced the RPA-induced but not the BK-induced increase in Evans blue extravasation. Furthermore, RPA, but not BK, triggered a significant indomethacin-sensitive increase in peritoneal prostaglandin E2 content.Our results suggest a pivotal role for B2 receptors in the mechanism of plasma extravasation which occurs during the reverse passive Arthus reaction in the mouse. Moreover, our results suggest an important contribution of prostanoids in the plasma leakage mechanisms triggered by RPA but not by bradykinin. PMID:10780980

  10. Mechanistic and signaling analysis of Muc4-ErbB2 signaling module: new insights into the mechanism of ligand-independent ErbB2 activity.

    PubMed

    Kozloski, Goldi A; Carraway, Coralie A Carothers; Carraway, Kermit L

    2010-09-01

    The membrane mucin Muc4 is aberrantly expressed in numerous epithelial carcinomas and is currently used as a cancer diagnostic and prognostic tool. Muc4 can also potentiate signal transduction by modulating differential ErbB2 phosphorylation in the absence and in the presence of the ErbB3 soluble ligand heregulin (HRG-beta1). These features of Muc4 suggest that Muc4 is not merely a cancer marker, but an oncogenic factor with a unique-binding/activation relationship with the receptor ErbB2. In the present study, we examined the signaling mechanisms that are associated with the Muc4-ErbB2 module by analyzing ErbB2 differential signaling in response to Muc4 expression. Our study was carried out in the A375 human melanoma and BT-474 breast cancer cell lines as our model systems. Quantitative and comparative signaling modulations were evaluated by immunoblot using phospho-specific antibodies, and densitometry analysis. Signaling complex components were identified by chemical cross-linking, fractionation by gel filtration, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting. Activated downstream signaling pathways were analyzed by an antibody microarray screen and immunoblot analyses. Our results indicate that Muc4 modulates ErbB2 signaling potential significantly by stabilizing and directly interacting with the ErbB2-ErbB3 heterodimer. Further analyses indicate that Muc4 promotes ErbB2 autocatalysis, but it has no effect on ErbB3 phosphorylation, although the chemical cross-linking data indicated that the signaling module is composed of Muc4, ErbB2, and ErbB3. Our microarray analysis indicates that Muc4 expression promotes cell migration by increasing the phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase and also through an increase in the levels of beta-catenin. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  11. Dietary intake of the water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and C in 10 countries in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

    PubMed

    Olsen, A; Halkjaer, J; van Gils, C H; Buijsse, B; Verhagen, H; Jenab, M; Boutron-Ruault, M C; Ericson, U; Ocké, M C; Peeters, P H M; Touvier, M; Niravong, M; Waaseth, M; Skeie, G; Khaw, K T; Travis, R; Ferrari, P; Sanchez, M J; Agudo, A; Overvad, K; Linseisen, J; Weikert, C; Sacerdote, C; Evangelista, A; Zylis, D; Tsiotas, K; Manjer, J; van Guelpen, B; Riboli, E; Slimani, N; Bingham, S

    2009-11-01

    To describe the intake of vitamins thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamine) and C (ascorbic acid) and their food sources among 27 centres in 10 countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Between 1995 and 2000, 36 034 persons aged between 35 and 74 years were administered a standardized 24-h dietary recall using a computerized interview software programme (EPIC-SOFT). Intakes of the four B vitamins and vitamin C were estimated using the standardized EPIC Nutrient Database (ENDB). Mean intakes were adjusted for age and weighted by season and day of recall. Intake of B vitamins did not vary considerably between centres, except in the UK health-conscious cohort, in which substantially higher intakes of thiamine and lower intakes of vitamin B12 were reported compared with other centres. Overall, meat was the most important contributor to the B vitamins in all centres except in the UK health-conscious group. Vitamin C showed a clear geographical gradient, with higher intakes in the southern centres as compared with the northern ones; this was more pronounced in men than in women. Vegetables and fruits were major contributors to vitamin C in all centres, but juices and potatoes were also important sources in the northern centres. This study showed no major differences across centres in the mean intakes of B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, B6, B12), whereas a tendency towards a north-south gradient was observed for vitamin C.

  12. MicroRNA-128b suppresses tumor growth and promotes apoptosis by targeting A2bR in gastric cancer

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

    Wang, Ping; Guo, Xueyan; Zong, Wei

    2015-11-27

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the development and progression of human cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). The discovery of miRNAs may provide a new and powerful tool for studying the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of GC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-128b in the development and progression of GC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression level of miR-128b in GC tissues and cell lines. We found that miR-128b was significantly down-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines. In addition, over-expression of miR-128b inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration andmore » invasion of GC cells in vitro. Gain-of-function in vitro experiments further showed that the miR-128b mimic significantly promoted GC cell apoptosis. Subsequent dual-luciferase reporter assay identified one of the proto-oncogene A2bR as direct target of miR-128b. Therefore, our results indicate that miR-128b is a proto-oncogene miRNA that can suppresses GC proliferation and migration through down-regulation of the oncogene gene A2bR. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-128b could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic option for human GC in the near future. - Highlights: • The expression of MiR-128b is significantly down-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines. • Ectopic expression of miR-128b directly affects cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. • Overexpression of miR-128b increases apoptosis in GC cells. • A2bR is a candidate target gene of miR-128b. • MiR-128b represses cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promotes apoptosis by targeting A2bR in GC.« less

  13. The Analysis of Inter-calibration Between FY-3C/TOU, NPP/OMPS and Metop/GOME-2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, H.; Hu, X.

    2017-12-01

    Total ozone unit (TOU), one of the main payloads on FY-3C satellite, is the instrument for daily global coverage of total ozone monitoring in China. It has been in-orbit for about four years since October 2013. However, its solar irradiance is not correct because all of three diffuser boards cannot work normally. Therefore, in-orbit inter-calibration of radiance and reflectance are studied for TOU measurement. A method is introduced for inter-calibration between FY-3C/TOU and NPP/OMPS, Metop-B/GOME-2. It includes orbit forecast, temporal concurrent, spatial collocation, geometrical alignement, uniform filtration, and spectral consistent. Then, it is used for TOU data of 3 years from 2014 to 2016. The slopes of radiance inter-calibration equations of 360 nm between TOU (y-axis) and NPP/OMPS (x-axis) decrease gradually from 1 to 0.96. The slopes of radiance inter-calibration equations of 360 nm between TOU (y-axis) and Metop-B/GOME2 (x-axis) increased gradually from 1.12 to 1.72, while the slopes between TOU and Metop-A/GOME2 varied within 2.1-2.3. Most relation coefficients (R2) of them are >0.8. The inter-calibration results, combining with the solar irradiance of OMPS/GOME-2, will be used for the attenuation analysis of TOU measurements.

  14. Involvement of I-A-restricted B-B cell interaction in the polyclonal B cell differentiation induced by lipopolysaccharide

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

    Takahama, Y.; Ono, S.; Ishihara, K.

    1990-01-01

    The present study has examined a functional role of Ia molecules expressed on murine B cells in polyclonal B cell differentiation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Reverse, IgM PFC responses of unprimed B cells induced by LPS in the apparent absence of T cells and adherent accessory cells were markedly inhibited in a haplotype-specific manner by Fab monomer fragment of anti-class II (Ia) but not anti-class I MHC monoclonal antibody (mAb). However, the degree of inhibition of LPS responses of H-2-heterozygous F1 B cells expressing both parental I-A products by either one of anti-I-A mAb was at best half that ofmore » the parental B cells. Interestingly, when (B10 x B10.-BR)F1 (H-2b/k) B cells were fractionated into adherent and nonadherent populations by their ability to bind to parental B10 B cell monolayers, LPS responses of F1 B cells adherent to and nonadherent to the B10 B cell monolayers were selectively inhibited by anti-I-Ab and anti-I-Ak mAb, respectively. These results suggest that LPS-responsive F1 B cells comprise at least two separate populations with restriction specificity for only one of the parental I-A products expressed on B cells. In addition, it was demonstrated that the I-A-restriction specificity of LPS-responsive B cells is plastic and determined by H-2-genotype of bone marrow cells present during B cell ontogeny but not by that of radiation-resistant host elements. Namely, the LPS responses of B10-derived B cells from (B10 + B10.BR) (H-2b x H - 2k)F1 radiation bone marrow chimeras but not from B10 (H-2b x H-2k)F1 chimeras became sensitive to the inhibition of anti-I-Ak mAb in the presence of mitomycin C-treated I-Ak-positive B cells, supporting a notion of receptor-Ia molecules interactions rather than like-like interactions.« less

  15. Characterization of ursodeoxycholic and norursodeoxycholic acid as substrates of the hepatic uptake transporters OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1 and NTCP.

    PubMed

    König, Jörg; Klatt, Sabine; Dilger, Karin; Fromm, Martin F

    2012-08-01

    Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only approved treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis, and norursodeoxycholic acid (norUDCA) is currently tested in clinical trials for future treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis because of beneficial effects in cholestatic Mdr2 knock-out mice. Uptake of UDCA and norUDCA into hepatocytes is believed to be a prerequisite for subsequent metabolism and therapeutic action. However, the molecular determinants of hepatocellular uptake of UDCA and norUDCA are poorly understood. We therefore investigated whether UDCA and norUDCA are substrates of the hepatic uptake transporters OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1 and Na(+) -taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), which are localized in the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes. Uptake of [(3) H]UDCA and [(14) C]norUDCA into Human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1 or NTCP was investigated and compared with uptake into vector control cells. Uptake ratios were calculated by dividing uptake into transporter-transfected cells by uptake into respective control cells. Uptake ratios of OATP1B1-, OATP1B3- and OATP2B1-mediated UDCA and norUDCA uptake were at maximum 1.23 and 1.49, respectively. Uptake of UDCA was significantly higher into HEK-NTCP cells only at the lowest tested concentration (1 μM, p < 0.001) compared with the control cells with an uptake ratio of 1.34-fold. NorUDCA was not significantly transported by NTCP. The low uptake rates suggest that OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1 and NTCP are not relevant for hepatocellular uptake and effects of UDCA and norUDCA in human beings. © 2012 The Authors Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology © 2012 Nordic Pharmacological Society.

  16. CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 encode gibberellin 13-oxidases that reduce gibberellin activity in rice.

    PubMed

    Magome, Hiroshi; Nomura, Takahito; Hanada, Atsushi; Takeda-Kamiya, Noriko; Ohnishi, Toshiyuki; Shinma, Yuko; Katsumata, Takumi; Kawaide, Hiroshi; Kamiya, Yuji; Yamaguchi, Shinjiro

    2013-01-29

    Bioactive gibberellins (GAs) control many aspects of growth and development in plants. GA(1) has been the most frequently found bioactive GA in various tissues of flowering plants, but the enzymes responsible for GA(1) biosynthesis have not been fully elucidated due to the enzymes catalyzing the 13-hydroxylation step not being identified. Because of the lack of mutants defective in this enzyme, biological significance of GA 13-hydroxylation has been unknown. Here, we report that two cytochrome P450 genes, CYP714B1 and CYP714B2, encode GA 13-oxidase in rice. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants that overexpress CYP714B1 or CYP714B2 show semidwarfism. There was a trend that the levels of 13-OH GAs including GA(1) were increased in these transgenic plants. Functional analysis using yeast or insect cells shows that recombinant CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 proteins can convert GA(12) into GA(53) (13-OH GA(12)) in vitro. Moreover, the levels of 13-OH GAs including GA(1) were decreased, whereas those of 13-H GAs including GA(4) (which is more active than GA(1)) were increased, in the rice cyp714b1 cyp714b2 double mutant. These results indicate that CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 play a predominant role in GA 13-hydroxylation in rice. The double mutant plants appear phenotypically normal until heading, but show elongated uppermost internode at the heading stage. Moreover, CYP714B1 and CYP714B2 expression was up-regulated by exogenous application of bioactive GAs. Our results suggest that GA 13-oxidases play a role in fine-tuning plant growth by decreasing GA bioactivity in rice and that they also participate in GA homeostasis.

  17. 7 CFR 301.85-2b - Exempted articles. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 5 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Exempted articles. 1 301.85-2b Section 301.85-2b... § 301.85-2b Exempted articles. 1 1 The articles hereby exempted remain subject to applicable restrictions under other quarantines and other provisions of this subpart. (a) The following articles are...

  18. 7 CFR 301.85-2b - Exempted articles. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Exempted articles. 1 301.85-2b Section 301.85-2b... § 301.85-2b Exempted articles. 1 1 The articles hereby exempted remain subject to applicable restrictions under other quarantines and other provisions of this subpart. (a) The following articles are...

  19. 7 CFR 301.85-2b - Exempted articles. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Exempted articles. 1 301.85-2b Section 301.85-2b... § 301.85-2b Exempted articles. 1 1 The articles hereby exempted remain subject to applicable restrictions under other quarantines and other provisions of this subpart. (a) The following articles are...

  20. 7 CFR 301.85-2b - Exempted articles. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 5 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Exempted articles. 1 301.85-2b Section 301.85-2b... § 301.85-2b Exempted articles. 1 1 The articles hereby exempted remain subject to applicable restrictions under other quarantines and other provisions of this subpart. (a) The following articles are...

  1. 7 CFR 301.85-2b - Exempted articles. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 5 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Exempted articles. 1 301.85-2b Section 301.85-2b... § 301.85-2b Exempted articles. 1 1 The articles hereby exempted remain subject to applicable restrictions under other quarantines and other provisions of this subpart. (a) The following articles are...

  2. 40 CFR Figure B-1 to Subpart B of... - Example

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Example B Figure B-1 to Subpart B of Part 53 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED... of Automated Methods for SO2, CO, O3, and NO2 Pt. 53, Subpt. B, Fig. B-1 Figure B-1 to Subpart B of...

  3. 40 CFR Figure B-1 to Subpart B of... - Example

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Example B Figure B-1 to Subpart B of Part 53 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED... of Automated Methods for SO2, CO, O3, and NO2 Pt. 53, Subpt. B, Fig. B-1 Figure B-1 to Subpart B of...

  4. 40 CFR Figure B-1 to Subpart B of... - Example

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 6 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Example B Figure B-1 to Subpart B of Part 53 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED... of Automated Methods for SO2, CO, O3, and NO2 Pt. 53, Subpt. B, Fig. B-1 Figure B-1 to Subpart B of...

  5. Pinning in high performance MgB2 thin films and bulks: Role of Mg-B-O nano-scale inhomogeneities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prikhna, Tatiana; Shapovalov, Andrey; Eisterer, Michael; Shaternik, Vladimir; Goldacker, Wilfried; Weber, Harald W.; Moshchil, Viktor; Kozyrev, Artem; Sverdun, Vladimir; Boutko, Viktor; Grechnev, Gennadiy; Gusev, Alexandr; Kovylaev, Valeriy; Shaternik, Anton

    2017-02-01

    The comparison of nano-crystalline MgB2 oxygen-containing thin film (140 nm) and highly dense bulk materials showed that the critical current density, Jc, depends on the distribution of Mg-B-O nano-scale inhomogeneities. It has been shown that MgB2 bulks with high Jc in low (∼106 A/cm2 in 0-1 T at 10 K) and medium magnetic fields contain MgB0.6-0.8O0.8-0.9 nano-inclusions, where δTc or a combined δTc (dominant) / δl pinning mechanism prevails, while in bulk MgB2 with high Jc in high magnetic fields (Birr(18.5 K) = 15 T, Bc2(0 K) = 42.1 T) MgB1.2-2.7O1.8-2.5 nano-layers are present and δl pinning prevails. The structure of oxygen-containing films with high Jc in low and high magnetic fields (Jc (0 Т) = 1.8 × 107 А/сm2 and Jc (5 Т) = 2 × 106 А/сm2 at 10 К) contains very fine oxygen-enriched Mg-B-O inhomogeneities and δl pinning is realized. The results of DOS calculations in MgB2-xOx cells for x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 demonstrate that all compounds are conductors with metal-like behaviour. In the case of ordered oxygen substitution for boron the binding energy, Eb, does not increase sufficiently as compared with that for MgB2, while when oxygen atoms form zigzag chains the calculated Eb is even lower (Eb = -1.15712 Ry).

  6. Cytokine response to selected MTB antigens in Ghanaian TB patients, before and at 2 weeks of anti-TB therapy is characterized by high expression of IFN-γ and Granzyme B and inter- individual variation.

    PubMed

    Mensah, Gloria Ivy; Addo, Kennedy Kwasi; Tetteh, John Amissah; Sowah, Sandra; Loescher, Thomas; Geldmacher, Christof; Jackson-Sillah, Dolly

    2014-09-10

    There has been a long held belief that patients with drug-susceptible TB are non-infectious after two weeks of therapy. Recent microbiological and epidemiological evidence has challenged this dogma, however, the nature of the Mtb-specific cellular immune response during this period has not been adequately investigated. This knowledge could be exploited in the development of immunological biomarkers of early treatment response. Cellular response to four Mtb infection phase-dependent antigens, ESAT-6/CFP-10 fusion protein and three DosR encoded proteins (Rv1733c, Rv2029c, Rv2628) were evaluated in a Ghanaian TB cohort (n=20) before and after 2 weeks of anti TB therapy. After 6-days in vitro stimulation, Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatant was harvested and the concentration of IFN-γ, Granzyme B, IL-10, IL-17, sIL2Rα and TNF-α were determined in a 6-plex Luminex assay. Frequencies of IFN-γ + CD4 and CD8 T cells were also determined in an intracellular cytokine assay. All antigens induced higher levels of IFN-γ, followed by Granzyme B, TNF-α and IL-17 and low levels of IL-10 and sIL-2R-α in PBMC before treatment and after 2 weeks of treatment. Median cytokine levels of IFN-γ, Granzyme B, IL-17 and sIL-2R-α increased during week two, but it was significant for only Rv1733-specific production of Granzyme B (P = 0. 013). The median frequency of antigen specific IFN-γ + CD4 T cells increased at week two; however, only the increase in the ESAT-6/CFP-10-specific response was significant (P = 0. 0008). In contrast, the median frequency of ESAT-6/CFP-10- specific IFN-γ + CD8 T cell responses declined during week two (P = 0. 0024). Additionally, wide inter-individual variation with three distinct patterns were observed; increase in all cytokine levels, decrease in all cytokine levels and fluctuating cytokine levels after 2 weeks of treatment. The second week of effective chemotherapy was characterized by a general increase in cytokine

  7. Oxidation resistant Mo-Mo2B-silica and Mo-Mo2B-silicate composites for high temperature applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cochran, J. K.; Daloz, W. L.; Marshall, P. E.

    2011-12-01

    Development of Mo composites based on the Mo-Si-B system has been demonstrated as a possible new route to achieving a high temperature Mobased material. In this new system, the silicide phases are replaced directly with silica or other silicate materials. These composites avoid the high ductile to brittle transition temperature observed for Mo-Si-B alloys by removing the Si that exists in solid solution in Mo at equilibrium with its silicides. A variety of compositions is tested for room temperature ductility and oxidation resistance. A system based upon Mo, Mo2B, and SrO·Al2O3·(SiO2)2 is shown to possess both ductility at 80 vol.% Mo and oxidation resistance at 60 vol.%. These composites can be produced using a powder processing approach and fired to greater than 95% theoretical density with a desirable microstructure of isolated boride and silicate phases within a ductile Mo matrix.

  8. Crystal structures of the coil 2B fragment and the globular tail domain of human lamin B1

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

    Ruan, Jianbin; Xu, Chao; Bian, Chuanbing

    2012-07-18

    We present here the crystal structures of human lamin B1 globular tail domain and coiled 2B domain, which adopt similar folds to Ig-like domain and coiled-coil domain of lamin A, respectively. Despite the overall similarity, we found an extra intermolecular disulfide bond in the lamin B1 coil 2B domain, which does not exist in lamin A/C. In addition, the structural analysis indicates that interactions at the lamin B1 homodimer interface are quite different from those of lamin A/C. Thus our research not only reveals the diversely formed homodimers among lamin family members, but also sheds light on understanding the importantmore » roles of lamin B1 in forming the nuclear lamina matrix.« less

  9. Using the Internet for B2B Activities: A Review and Future Directions for Research.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gattiker, Urs E.; Perlusz, Stefano; Bohmann, Kristoffer

    2000-01-01

    Illustrates some of the challenges that electronic commerce practitioners and researchers face, focusing on business to business (B2B) transactions. Highlights include a conceptual framework of Web user behavior; purchasing context; socio-demographic characteristics; cultural factors; economic factors; attitudes toward information technology;…

  10. Combustion of Na 2B 4O 7 + Mg + C to synthesis B 4C powders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guojian, Jiang; Jiayue, Xu; Hanrui, Zhuang; Wenlan, Li

    2009-09-01

    Boron carbide powder was fabricated by combustion synthesis (CS) method directly from mixed powders of borax (Na 2B 4O 7), magnesium (Mg) and carbon. The adiabatic temperature of the combustion reaction of Na 2B 4O 7 + 6 Mg + C was calculated. The control of the reactions was achieved by selecting reactant composition, relative density of powder compact and gas pressure in CS reactor. The effects of these different influential factors on the composition and morphologies of combustion products were investigated. The results show that, it is advantageous for more Mg/Na 2B 4O 7 than stoichiometric ratio in Na 2B 4O 7 + Mg + C system and high atmosphere pressure in the CS reactor to increase the conversion degree of reactants to end product. The final product with the minimal impurities' content could be fabricated at appropriate relative density of powder compact. At last, boron carbide without impurities could be obtained after the acid enrichment and distilled water washing.

  11. Detection of magnetic field in the B2 star ρ Ophiuchi A with ESO FORS2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pillitteri, I.; Fossati, L.; Castro Rodriguez, N.; Oskinova, L.; Wolk, S. J.

    2018-02-01

    Circumstantial evidence suggests that magnetism and enhanced X-ray emission are likely correlated in early B-type stars: similar fractions of them ( 10%) are strong and hard X-ray sources and possess strong magnetic fields. It is also known that some B-type stars have spots on their surface. Yet up to now no X-ray activity associated with spots on early-type stars was detected. In this Letter we report the detection of a magnetic field on the B2V star ρ Oph A. Previously, we assessed that the X-ray activity of this star is associated with a surface spot, herewith we establish its magnetic origin. We analyze spectra of ρ Oph A obtained with the FORS2 spectrograph at ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) at two epochs, and detect a longitudinal component of the magnetic field of the order of 500 G in one of the datasets. The detection of the magnetic field only at one epoch can be explained by stellar rotation which is also invoked to explain observed periodic X-ray activity. From archival HARPS ESO VLT high resolution spectra we derived the fundamental stellar parameters of ρ Oph A and further constrained its age. We conclude that ρ Oph A provides strong evidence for the presence of active X-ray emitting regions on young magnetized early type stars. Based on observations collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere under ESO programmes 099.D-0067(A) and 078.C-0403(A).

  12. A new link between transcriptional initiation and pre-mRNA splicing: The RNA binding histone variant H2A.B

    PubMed Central

    Hart-Smith, Gene; Tay, Ying Jin; Tng, Wei-Quan; Wilkins, Marc; Ryan, Daniel

    2017-01-01

    The replacement of histone H2A with its variant forms is critical for regulating all aspects of genome organisation and function. The histone variant H2A.B appeared late in evolution and is most highly expressed in the testis followed by the brain in mammals. This raises the question of what new function(s) H2A.B might impart to chromatin in these important tissues. We have immunoprecipitated the mouse orthologue of H2A.B, H2A.B.3 (H2A.Lap1), from testis chromatin and found this variant to be associated with RNA processing factors and RNA Polymerase (Pol) II. Most interestingly, many of these interactions with H2A.B.3 (Sf3b155, Spt6, DDX39A and RNA Pol II) were inhibited by the presence of endogenous RNA. This histone variant can bind to RNA directly in vitro and in vivo, and associates with mRNA at intron—exon boundaries. This suggests that the ability of H2A.B to bind to RNA negatively regulates its capacity to bind to these factors (Sf3b155, Spt6, DDX39A and RNA Pol II). Unexpectedly, H2A.B.3 forms highly decompacted nuclear subdomains of active chromatin that co-localizes with splicing speckles in male germ cells. H2A.B.3 ChIP-Seq experiments revealed a unique chromatin organization at active genes being not only enriched at the transcription start site (TSS), but also at the beginning of the gene body (but being excluded from the +1 nucleosome) compared to the end of the gene. We also uncover a general histone variant replacement process whereby H2A.B.3 replaces H2A.Z at intron-exon boundaries in the testis and the brain, which positively correlates with expression and exon inclusion. Taken together, we propose that a special mechanism of splicing may occur in the testis and brain whereby H2A.B.3 recruits RNA processing factors from splicing speckles to active genes following its replacement of H2A.Z. PMID:28234895

  13. LOXL2 induces aberrant acinar morphogenesis via ErbB2 signaling

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Introduction Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a matrix-remodeling enzyme that has been shown to play a key role in invasion and metastasis of breast carcinoma cells. However, very little is known about its role in normal tissue homeostasis. Here, we investigated the effects of LOXL2 expression in normal mammary epithelial cells to gain insight into how LOXL2 mediates cancer progression. Methods LOXL2 was expressed in MCF10A normal human mammary epithelial cells. The 3D acinar morphogenesis of these cells was assessed, as well as the ability of the cells to form branching structures on extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated surfaces. Transwell-invasion assays were used to assess the invasive properties of the cells. Clinically relevant inhibitors of ErbB2, lapatinib and Herceptin (traztuzumab), were used to investigate the role of ErbB2 signaling in this model. A retrospective study on a previously published breast cancer patient dataset was carried out by using Disease Specific Genomic Analysis (DSGA) to investigate the correlation of LOXL2 mRNA expression level with metastasis and survival of ErbB2-positive breast cancer patients. Results Fluorescence staining of the acini revealed increased proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and disrupted polarity, leading to abnormal lumen formation in response to LOXL2 expression in MCF10A cells. When plated onto ECM, the LOXL2-expressing cells formed branching structures and displayed increased invasion. We noted that LOXL2 induced ErbB2 activation through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ErbB2 inhibition by using Herceptin or lapatinib abrogated the effects of LOXL2 on MCF10A cells. Finally, we found LOXL2 expression to be correlated with decreased overall survival and metastasis-free survival in breast cancer patients with ErbB2-positive tumors. Conclusions These findings suggest that LOXL2 expression in normal epithelial cells can induce abnormal changes that resemble oncogenic transformation and cancer progression

  14. Pt-B System Revisited: Pt2B, a New Structure Type of Binary Borides. Ternary WAl12-Type Derivative Borides.

    PubMed

    Sologub, Oksana; Salamakha, Leonid; Rogl, Peter; Stöger, Berthold; Bauer, Ernst; Bernardi, Johannes; Giester, Gerald; Waas, Monika; Svagera, Robert

    2015-11-16

    On the basis of a detailed study applying X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was possible to resolve existing uncertainties in the Pt-rich section (≥65 atom % Pt) of the binary Pt-B phase diagram above 600 °C. The formation of a unique structure has been observed for Pt2B [X-ray single-crystal data: space group C2/m, a = 1.62717(11) nm, b = 0.32788(2) nm, c = 0.44200(3) nm, β = 104.401(4)°, RF2 = 0.030]. Within the homogeneity range of "Pt3B", X-ray powder diffraction phase analysis prompted two structural modifications as a function of temperature. The crystal structure of "hT-Pt3B" complies with the hitherto reported structure of anti-MoS2 [space group P63/mmc, a = 0.279377(2) nm, c = 1.04895(1) nm, RF = 0.075, RI = 0.090]. The structure of the new "[Formula: see text]T-Pt3B" is still unknown. The formation of previously reported Pt∼4B has not been confirmed from binary samples. Exploration of the Pt-rich section of the Pt-Cu-B system at 600 °C revealed a new ternary compound, Pt12CuB6-y [X-ray single-crystal data: space group Im3̅, a = 0.75790(2) nm, y = 3, RF2 = 0.0129], which exhibits the filled WAl12-type structure accommodating boron in the interstitial trigonal-prismatic site 12e. The isotypic platinum-aluminum-boride was synthesized and studied. The solubility of copper in binary platinum borides has been found to attain ∼7 atom % Cu for Pt2B but to be insignificant for "[Formula: see text]T-Pt3B". The architecture of the new Pt2B structure combines puckered layers of boron-filled and empty [Pt6] octahedra (anti-CaCl2-type fragment) alternating along the x axis with a double layer of boron-semifilled [Pt6] trigonal prisms interbedded with a layer of empty tetrahedra and tetragonal pyramids (B-deficient α-T[Formula: see text]I fragment). Assuming boron vacancies ordering (space group R3), the Pt12CuB6-y structure exhibits serpentine-like columns of edge

  15. Li2 B12 and Li3 B12 : Prediction of the Smallest Tubular and Cage-like Boron Structures.

    PubMed

    Dong, Xue; Jalife, Said; Vásquez-Espinal, Alejandro; Ravell, Estefanía; Pan, Sudip; Cabellos, José Luis; Liang, Wei-Yan; Cui, Zhong-Hua; Merino, Gabriel

    2018-04-16

    An intriguing structural transition from the quasi-planar form of B 12 cluster upon the interaction with lithium atoms is reported. High-level computations show that the lowest energy structures of LiB 12 , Li 2 B 12 , and Li 3 B 12 have quasi-planar (C s ), tubular (D 6d ), and cage-like (C s ) geometries, respectively. The energetic cost of distorting the B 12 quasi-planar fragment is overcompensated by an enhanced electrostatic interaction between the Li cations and the tubular or cage-like B 12 fragments, which is the main reason of such drastic structural changes, resulting in the smallest tubular (Li 2 B 12 ) and cage-like (Li 3 B 12 ) boron structures reported to date. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Role of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in memory consolidation during the aging process of mice.

    PubMed

    Lemos, Mayra Tolentino Resk; Amaral, Fabio Agostini; Dong, Karis Ester; Bittencourt, Maria Fernanda Queiroz Prado; Caetano, Ariadiny Lima; Pesquero, João Bosco; Viel, Tania Araujo; Buck, Hudson Sousa

    2010-04-01

    Under physiological conditions, elderly people present memory deficit associated with neuronal loss. This pattern is also associated with Alzheimer's disease but, in this case, in a dramatically intensified level. Kinin receptors have been involved in neurodegeneration and increase of amyloid-beta concentration, associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Considering these findings, this work evaluated the role of kinin receptors in memory consolidation during the aging process. Male C57Bl/6 (wt), knock-out B1 (koB1) or B2 (koB2) mice (3, 6, 12 and 18-month-old - mo; n=10 per group) were submitted to an acquisition session, reinforcement to learning (24h later: test 1) and final test (7days later: test 2), in an active avoidance apparatus, to evaluate memory. Conditioned avoidance responses (CAR, % of 50 trials) were registered. In acquisition sessions, similar CAR were obtained among age matched animals from all strains. However, a significant decrease in CAR was observed throughout the aging process (3mo: 8.8+/-2.3%; 6mo: 4.1+/-0.6%; 12mo: 2.2+/-0.6%, 18mo: 3.6+/-0.6%, P<0.01), indicating a reduction in the learning process. In test 1, as expected, memory retention increased significantly (P<0.05) in all 3- and 6-month-old animals as well as in 12-month-old-wt and 12-month-old-koB1 (P<0.01), compared to the training session. However, 12-month-old-koB2 and all 18-month-old animals did not show an increase in memory retention. In test 2, 3- and 6-month-old wt and koB1 mice of all ages showed a significant improvement in memory (P<0.05) compared to test 1. However, 12-month-old wt and koB2 mice of all ages showed no difference in memory retention. We suggest that, during the aging process, the B1 receptor could be involved in neurodegeneration and memory loss. Nevertheless, the B2 receptor is apparently acting as a neuroprotective factor. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Measurement of the decays B--> phiK and B--> phiK*.

    PubMed

    Aubert, B; Boutigny, D; Gaillard, J M; Hicheur, A; Karyotakis, Y; Lees, J P; Robbe, P; Tisserand, V; Palano, A; Chen, G P; Chen, J C; Qi, N D; Rong, G; Wang, P; Zhu, Y S; Eigen, G; Reinertsen, P L; Stugu, B; Abbott, B; Abrams, G S; Borgland, A W; Breon, A B; Brown, D N; Button-Shafer, J; Cahn, R N; Clark, A R; Fan, Q; Gill, M S; Gowdy, S J; Gritsan, A; Groysman, Y; Jacobsen, R G; Kadel, R W; Kadyk, J; Kerth, L T; Kluth, S; Kolomensky, Y G; Kral, J F; LeClerc, C; Levi, M E; Liu, T; Lynch, G; Meyer, A B; Momayezi, M; Oddone, P J; Perazzo, A; Pripstein, M; Roe, N A; Romosan, A; Ronan, M T; Shelkov, V G; Telnov, A V; Wenzel, W A; Bright-Thomas, P G; Harrison, T J; Hawkes, C M; Kirk, A; Knowles, D J; O'Neale, S W; Penny, R C; Watson, A T; Watson, N K; Deppermann, T; Koch, H; Krug, J; Kunze, M; Lewandowski, B; Peters, K; Schmuecker, H; Steinke, M; Andress, J C; Barlow, N R; Bhimji, W; Chevalier, N; Clark, P J; Cottingham, W N; De Groot, N; Dyce, N; Foster, B; Mass, A; McFall, J D; Wallom, D; Wilson, F F; Abe, K; Hearty, C; Mattison, T S; McKenna, J A; Thiessen, D; Camanzi, B; Jolly, S; McKemey, A K; Tinslay, J; Blinov, V E; Bukin, A D; Bukin, D A; Buzykaev, A R; Dubrovin, M S; Golubev, V B; Ivanchenko, V N; Korol, A A; Kravchenko, E A; Onuchin, A P; Salnikov, A A; Serednyakov, S I; Skovpen, Y I; Telnov, V I; Yushkov, A N; Lankford, A J; Mandelkern, M; McMahon, S; Stoker, D P; Ahsan, A; Arisaka, K; Buchanan, C; Chun, S; Branson, J G; MacFarlane, D B; Prell, S; Rahatlou, S; Raven, G; Sharma, V; Campagnari, C; Dahmes, B; Hart, P A; Kuznetsova, N; Levy, S L; Long, O; Lu, A; Richman, J D; Verkerke, W; Witherell, M; Yellin, S; Beringer, J; Dorfan, D E; Eisner, A M; Frey, A; Grillo, A A; Grothe, M; Heusch, C A; Johnson, R P; Kroeger, W; Lockman, W S; Pulliam, T; Sadrozinski, H; Schalk, T; Schmitz, R E; Schumm, B A; Seiden, A; Turri, M; Walkowiak, W; Williams, D C; Wilson, M G; Chen, E; Dubois-Felsmann, G P; Dvoretskii, A; Hitlin, D G; Metzler, S; Oyang, J; Porter, F C; Ryd, A; Samuel, A; Weaver, M; Yang, S; Zhu, R Y; Devmal, S; Geld, T L; Jayatilleke, S; Mancinelli, G; Meadows, B T; Sokoloff, M D; Bloom, P; Fahey, S; Ford, W T; Gaede, F; Johnson, D R; Michael, A K; Nauenberg, U; Olivas, A; Park, H; Rankin, P; Roy, J; Sen, S; Smith, J G; van Hoek, W C; Wagner, D L; Blouw, J; Harton, J L; Krishnamurthy, M; Soffer, A; Toki, W H; Wilson, R J; Zhang, J; Brandt, T; Brose, J; Colberg, T; Dahlinger, G; Dickopp, M; Dubitzky, R S; Maly, E; Müller-Pfefferkorn, R; Otto, S; Schubert, K R; Schwierz, R; Spaan, B; Wilden, L; Behr, L; Bernard, D; Bonneaud, G R; Brochard, F; Cohen-Tanugi, J; Ferrag, S; Roussot, E; T'Jampens, S; Thiebaux, C; Vasileiadis, G; Verderi, M; Anjomshoaa, A; Bernet, R; Di Lodovico, F; Khan, A; Muheim, F; Playfer, S; Swain, J E; Falbo, M; Bozzi, C; Dittongo, S; Folegani, M; Piemontese, L; Treadwell, E; Anulli, F; Baldini-Ferroli, R; Calcaterra, A; de Sangro, R; Falciai, D; Finocchiaro, G; Patteri, P; Peruzzi, I M; Piccolo, M; Xie, Y; Zallo, A; Bagnasco, S; Buzzo, A; Contri, R; Crosetti, G; Fabbricatore, P; Farinon, S; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M; Monge, M R; Musenich, R; Pallavicini, M; Parodi, R; Passaggio, S; Pastore, F C; Patrignani, C; Pia, M G; Priano, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Morii, M; Bartoldus, R; Dignan, T; Hamilton, R; Mallik, U; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Fischer, P A; Lamsa, J; Meyer, W T; Rosenberg, E I; Benkebil, M; Grosdidier, G; Hast, C; Höcker, A; Lacker, H M; LePeltier, V; Lutz, A M; Plaszczynski, S; Schune, M H; Trincaz-Duvoid, S; Valassi, A; Wormser, G; Bionta, R M; Brigljevic, V; Fackler, O; Fujino, D; Lange, D J; Mugge, M; Shi, X; van Bibber, K; Wenaus, T J; Wright, D M; Wuest, C R; Carroll, M; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; George, M; Kay, M; Payne, D J; Sloane, R J; Touramanis, C; Aspinwall, M L; Bowerman, D A; Dauncey, P D; Egede, U; Eschrich, I; Gunawardane, N J; Martin, R; Nash, J A; Sanders, P; Smith, D; Azzopardi, D E; Back, J J; Dixon, P; Harrison, P F; Potter, R J; Shorthouse, H W; Strother, P; Vidal, P B; Williams, M I; Cowan, G; George, S; Green, M G; Kurup, A; Marker, C E; McGrath, P; McMahon, T R; Ricciardi, S; Salvatore, F; Scott, I; Vaitsas, G; Brown, D; Davis, C L; Allison, J; Barlow, R J; Boyd, J T; Forti, A; Fullwood, J; Jackson, F; Lafferty, G D; Savvas, N; Simopoulos, E T; Weatherall, J H; Farbin, A; Jawahery, A; Lillard, V; Olsen, J; Roberts, D A; Schieck, J R; Blaylock, G; Dallapiccola, C; Flood, K T; Hertzbach, S S; Kofler, R; Lin, C S; Moore, T B; Staengle, H; Willocq, S; Wittlin, J; Brau, B; Cowan, R; Sciolla, G; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Britton, D I; Milek, M; Patel, P M; Trischuk, J; Lanni, F; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Booke, M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Kroeger, R; Reidy, J; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Martin, J P; Nief, J Y; Seitz, R; Taras, P; Zacek, V; Nicholson, H; Sutton, C S; Cartaro, C; Cavallo, N; De Nardo, G; Fabozzi, F; Gatto, C; Lista, L; Paolucci, P; Piccolo, D; Sciacca, C; LoSecco, J M; Alsmiller, J R; Gabriel, T A; Handler, T; Brau, J; Frey, R; Iwasaki, M; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Colecchia, F; Dal Corso, F; Dorigo, A; Galeazzi, F; Margoni, M; Michelon, G; Morandin, M; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Torassa, E; Voci, C; Benayoun, M; Briand, H; Chauveau, J; David, P; De La Vaissière, C; Del Buono, L; Hamon, O; Le Diberder, F; Leruste, P; Lory, J; Roos, L; Stark, J; Versillé, S; Manfredi, P F; Re, V; Speziali, V; Frank, E D; Gladney, L; Guo, Q H; Panetta, J H; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Bondioli, M; Carpinelli, M; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Martinez-Vidal, F; Morganti, M; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rama, M; Rizzo, G; Sandrelli, F; Simi, G; Triggiani, G; Walsh, J; Haire, M; Judd, D; Paick, K; Turnbull, L; Wagoner, D E; Albert, J; Bula, C; Lu, C; McDonald, K T; Miftakov, V; Schaffner, S F; Smith, A J; Tumanov, A; Varnes, E W; Cavoto, G; del Re, D; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Fratini, K; Lamanna, E; Leonardi, E; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Piredda, G; Safai Tehrani, F; Serra, M; Voena, C; Christ, S; Waldi, R; Adye, T; Franek, B; Geddes, N I; Gopal, G P; Xella, S M; Aleksan, R; De Domenico, G; Emery, S; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Giraud, P F; Hamel De Monchenault, G; Kozanecki, W; Langer, M; London, G W; Mayer, B; Serfass, B; Vasseur, G; Yeche, C; Zito, M; Copty, N; Purohit, M V; Singh, H; Yumiceva, F X; Adam, I; Anthony, P L; Aston, D; Baird, K; Bartelt, J; Bloom, E; Boyarski, A M; Bulos, F; Calderini, G; Claus, R; Convery, M R; Coupal, D P; Coward, D H; Dorfan, J; Doser, M; Dunwoodie, W; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Godfrey, G L; Grosso, P; Himel, T; Huffer, M E; Innes, W R; Jessop, C P; Kelsey, M H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Langenegger, U; Leith, D W; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; Manzin, G; Marsiske, H; Menke, S; Messner, R; Moffeit, K C; Mount, R; Muller, D R; O'Grady, C P; Petrak, S; Quinn, H; Ratcliff, B N; Robertson, S H; Rochester, L S; Roodman, A; Schietinger, T; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Serbo, V V; Snyder, A; Soha, A; Spanier, S M; Stahl, A; Stelzer, J; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Talby, M; Tanaka, H A; Trunov, A; Va'vra, J; Wagner, S R; Weinstein, A J; Wisniewski, W J; Young, C C; Burchat, P R; Cheng, C H; Kirkby, D; Meyer, T I; Roat, C; De Silva, A; Henderson, R; Bugg, W; Cohn, H; Hart, E; Weidemann, A W; Benninger, T; Izen, J M; Kitayama, I; Lou, X C; Turcotte, M; Bianchi, F; Bona, M; Di Girolamo, B; Gamba, D; Smol, A; Zanin, D; Bosisio, L; Della Ricca, G; Lanceri, L; Pompili, A; Poropat, P; Prest, M; Vallazza, E; Vuagnin, G; Panvini, R S; Brown, C M; Kowalewski, R; Roney, J M; Band, H R; Charles, E; Dasu, S; Elmer, P; Hu, H; Johnson, J R; Liu, R; Nielsen, J; Orejudos, W; Pan, Y; Prepost, R; Scott, I J; Sekula, S J; von Wimmersperg-Toeller, J H; Wu, S L; Yu, Z; Zobering, H; Kordich, T M; Neal, H

    2001-10-08

    We have observed the decays B--> phiK and phiK(*) in a sample of over 45 million B mesons collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II collider. The measured branching fractions are B(B+--> phiK+) = (7.7(+1.6)(-1.4)+/-0.8)x10(-6), B(B0--> phiK0) = (8.1(+3.1)(-2.5)+/-0.8)x10(-6), B(B+--> phiK(*+)) = (9.7(+4.2)(-3.4)+/-1.7)x10(-6), and B(B0--> phiK(*0)) = (8.7(+2.5)(-2.1)+/-1.1)x10(-6). We also report the upper limit B(B+--> phipi(+))<1.4x10(-6) ( 90% C.L.).

  18. Observation of the Heavy Baryons Sigma b and Sigma b*.

    PubMed

    Aaltonen, T; Abulencia, A; Adelman, J; Affolder, T; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Anikeev, K; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Aoki, M; Apollinari, G; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carillo, S; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, I; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Cilijak, M; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Coca, M; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; DaRonco, S; Datta, M; D'Auria, S; Davies, T; Dagenhart, D; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'Orso, M; Delli Paoli, F; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Dörr, C; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, I; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Forrester, S; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garcia, J E; Garberson, F; Garfinkel, A F; Gay, C; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Goldstein, J; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Holloway, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kemp, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kraan, A C; Kraus, J; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marginean, R; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Matsunaga, H; Mattson, M E; Mazini, R; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyamoto, A; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Mohr, B; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savard, P; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; Staveris-Polykalas, A; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Tesarek, R J; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tsuno, S; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Uozumi, S; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vazquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Veramendi, G; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Vollrath, I; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, J; Wagner, W; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zhou, J; Zucchelli, S

    2007-11-16

    We report an observation of new bottom baryons produced in pp collisions at the Tevatron. Using 1.1 fb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II detector, we observe four Lambda b 0 pi+/- resonances in the fully reconstructed decay mode Lambda b 0-->Lambda c + pi-, where Lambda c+-->pK* pi+. We interpret these states as the Sigma b(*)+/- baryons and measure the following masses: m Sigma b+=5807.8 -2.2 +2.0(stat.)+/-1.7(syst.) MeV/c2, m Sigma b- =5815.2+/-1.0(stat.)+/-1.7(syst.) MeV/c2, and m(Sigma b*)-m(Sigma b)=21.2-1.9 +2.0(stat.)-0.3+0.4(syst.) MeV/c2.

  19. Effect of UGT2B10, UGT2B17, FMO3, and OCT2 Genetic Variation on Nicotine and Cotinine Pharmacokinetics and Smoking in African Americans

    PubMed Central

    Taghavi, Taraneh; St. Helen, Gideon; Benowitz, Neal L.; Tyndale, Rachel F.

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVES Nicotine metabolism rates differ greatly among individuals, even after controlling for variation in the major nicotine metabolizing enzyme, CYP2A6. In this study, the impact of genetic variation in alternative metabolic enzymes and transporters on nicotine and cotinine pharmacokinetics and smoking was investigated. METHODS We examined the impact of UGT2B10, UGT2B17, FMO3, NAT1, and OCT2 variation on pharmacokinetics and smoking (total nicotine equivalents and topography), before and after stratifying by CYP2A6 genotype in 60 African American smokers who received a simultaneous intravenous infusion of deuterium-labeled nicotine and cotinine. RESULTS Variants in UGT2B10 and UGT2B17 were associated with urinary glucuronidation ratios (glucuronide/free substrate). UGT2B10 rs116294140 was associated with significant alterations in cotinine and modest alterations in nicotine pharmacokinetics. These alterations, however, were not sufficient to change nicotine intake or topography. Neither UGT2B10 rs61750900, UGT2B17*2, FMO3 rs2266782, nor NAT1 rs13253389 altered nicotine or cotinine pharmacokinetics among all subjects (n=60); or among individuals with reduced CYP2A6 activity (n=23). The organic cation transporter OCT2 rs316019 significantly increased nicotine and cotinine Cmax (p=0.005, p=0.02, respectively) and decreased nicotine clearance (p=0.05). UGT2B10 rs116294140 had no significant impact on the plasma or urinary trans-3’-hydroxycotinine/cotinine ratio, commonly used as a biomarker of CYP2A6 activity. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that polymorphisms in genes other than CYP2A6 represent minor sources of variation in nicotine pharmacokinetics, insufficient to alter smoking in African Americans. The change in cotinine pharmacokinetics with UGT2B10 rs116294140 highlights the UGT2B10 gene as a source of variability in cotinine as a biomarker of tobacco exposure among African American smokers. PMID:28178031

  20. Remaining Sites Verification Package for the 1607-B2 Septic System and 100-B-14:2 Sanitary Sewer System, Waste Site Reclassification Form 2006-055

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

    L. M. Dittmer

    The 1607-B2 waste site is a former septic system associated with various 100-B facilities, including the 105-B, 108-B, 115-B/C, and 185/190-B buildings. The site was evaluated based on confirmatory results for feeder lines within the 100-B-14:2 subsite and determined to require remediation. The 1607-B2 waste site has been remediated to achieve the remedial action objectives specified in the Remaining Sites ROD. The results of verification sampling show that residual contaminant concentrations do not preclude any future uses and allow for unrestricted use of shallow zone soils. The results also demonstrate that residual contaminant concentrations are protective of groundwater and themore » Columbia River.« less

  1. RETRACTED ARTICLE: Precipitation behavior of B2-ordered aluminide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Chang-Suk

    2006-12-01

    Fine dispersion of disordered phases is obtained in Ni-Al-Cr and Fe-Al-Co temary systems. A transmission electron microscope investigation has been performed on the precipitation of α-Cr in B2-ordered β-NiAl with different stoichiometry and α-Fe in B2-FeAl(Co) compound. Precipitation behavior and hardening were investigated by measuring the hardness variation. The hardness of NiAl and FeAl increases appreciably with the fine precipitation of α-Cr and α-Fe, and over-age softening occurs after prolonged aging. In the case of B2-NiAl(Cr), perfect lattice coherency is maintained at the interfaces between the α-Cr particles and the matrix during the initial stage of aging. After prolonged aging, a loss of coherency occurs by the attraction of matrix dislocations to the particle/matrix interface, followed by climbing around the particles. On the other hand, in the case of B2-FeAl(Co), the disordered α-Fe phase is present as a precipitate in the B2-FeAl(Co) matrix and has a cubic-cubic orientation with the matrix. At the early aging periods, prismatic dislocation loops formed in the B2-FeAl(Co) matrix. B2-FeAl(Co) matrix is typically hardened by the precipitation of α-Fe.

  2. PTK2b function during fertilization of the mouse oocyte

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

    Luo, Jinping; McGinnis, Lynda K.; Carlton, Carol

    Highlights: • PTK2b is expressed in oocytes and is activated following fertilization. • PTK2b suppression in oocytes prevents fertilization, but not parthenogenetic activation. • PTK2b suppression prevents the oocyte from fusing with or incorporating bound sperm. • PTK2b suppressed oocytes that fail to fertilize do not exhibit calcium oscillations. - Abstract: Fertilization triggers rapid changes in intracellular free calcium that serve to activate multiple signaling events critical to the initiation of successful development. Among the pathways downstream of the fertilization-induced calcium transient is the calcium-calmodulin dependent protein tyrosine kinase PTK2b or PYK2 kinase. PTK2b plays an important role in fertilizationmore » of the zebrafish oocyte and the objective of the present study was to establish whether PTK2b also functions in mammalian fertilization. PTK2b was activated during the first few hours after fertilization of the mouse oocyte during the period when anaphase resumption was underway and prior to the pronuclear stage. Suppression of PTK2b kinase activity in oocytes blocked sperm incorporation and egg activation although sperm-oocyte binding was not affected. Oocytes that failed to incorporate sperm after inhibitor treatment showed no evidence of a calcium transient and no evidence of anaphase resumption suggesting that egg activation did not occur. The results indicate that PTK2b functions during the sperm-egg fusion process or during the physical incorporation of sperm into the egg cytoplasm and is therefore critical for successful development.« less

  3. Electronic structure of scandium-doped MgB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de La Peña, Omar; Agrestini, Stefano

    2005-03-01

    Recently has been reported the synthesis of a new superconducting alloy based on MgB2, where Mg is partially substituted with Sc. In order to analyze the effect of Sc doping on the structural and superconducting properties of Mg1-xScxB2, we have performed a detailed study of the electronic structure for this new diboride. The calculations have been done using the first-principles LAPW method, within the supercell approach for modeling the doping. In this work we report results for the electronic band structure, Fermi surface, and density of states. The effect of the Sc-d orbitals on the structural and electronic properties of Mg1-xScxB2 is analyzed. Increasing the Sc concentration (x) the σ-band is gradually filled, because Sc have one valence electron more than Mg. Interestingly, the analysis of the band structure shows that even for ScB2 the top of the σ-band remain above the Fermi level, nevertheless the σ-band presents high dispersion and has an important contribution of d states. In this way, in addition to the band filling effect, Sc doping gradually reduces the two-dimensional character of the σ- band in Mg1-xScxB2 as a result of increasing the sp(B)-d(Sc) hybridization. This research was partially supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnolog'ia (CONACYT, M'exico) under Grant. No. 43830-F

  4. Neuroradiological findings in GM2 gangliosidosis variant B1.

    PubMed

    Bano, Shahina; Prasad, Akhila; Yadav, Sachchida Nand; Chaudhary, Vikas; Garga, Umesh Chandra

    2011-07-01

    GM2 gangliosidosis variant B1 is a very rare lysosomal disorder. As per our knowledge, to date, only one article depicting the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of GM2 gangliosidosis variant B1 is available in the literature. We are the first to describe the neuroradiological findings in an Indian patient diagnosed with GM2 gangliosidosis variant B1.

  5. Fragmentation-fraction ratio f_{Ξ _b}/f_{Λ _b} in b- and c-baryon decays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Hua-Yu; Yu, Fu-Sheng

    2018-03-01

    We study the ratio of fragmentation fractions, f_{Ξ _b}/f_{Λ _b}, from the measurement of Ξ _b^0→ Ξ _c^+π ^- and Λ _b^0→ Λ _c^+π ^- with Ξ c+/Λ c+→ p K^-π ^+. With the branching fraction B(Ξ _c^+→ pK^-π ^+)=(2.2± 0.8)% obtained under the U-spin symmetry, the fragmentation ratio is determined as f_{Ξ _b}/f_{Λ _b} =0.054± 0.020. To reduce the above uncertainties, we suggest to measure the branching fractions of Ξ _c^+→ p \\overline{K}^{*0} and Λ _c^+→ Σ ^+ K^{*0} at BESIII, Belle II and LHCb.

  6. Variability of vitamins B1, B2 and minerals content in baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaves in East and West Africa

    PubMed Central

    Hyacinthe, Traoré; Charles, Parkouda; Adama, Korbo; Diarra, Compaoré-Sérémé; Dicko, Mamoudou H; Svejgaard, Jan J; Diawara, Bréhima

    2015-01-01

    The regional variability and age–age correlation on vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and minerals (Ca, Mg, P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn) concentration in baobab leaves were investigated. Baobab was cultivated from seeds from 11 countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Tanzania, Togo, Senegal, and Sudan. Vitamins B1 and B2 content were assessed using microbiological VitaFast kits methods and minerals by atomic absorption and flame spectrometry methods. Overall, the results showed a higher content of vitamin B2 compared to vitamin B1 with the highest vitamin B2 content (1.04 ± 0.05 mg/100 g DM) from Senegal. The highest iron (Fe) content of 26.39 mg/100 g was found in baobab leaves from Mali. For age–age correlation, adult baobab leaves of Nankoun in Burkina Faso provided the highest calcium (Ca) content of 3373 mg/100 g. However, for provenance trial, young plants from three communities of Burkina Faso showed the highest calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) content. The study demonstrated that vitamins B1 and B2 and mineral contents in baobab leaves vary with the country and the age of the tree. Vitamin B1 content was higher in baobab leaves from ascendants compared to those from descendants, while in contrast vitamin B2 content was higher in the leaves from the descendants compared to their ascendants (mother tree). PMID:25649547

  7. Acute liver failure during treatment of interferon alpha 2a chronic hepatitis B and coinfection of parvovirus B19

    PubMed

    Sobala-Szczygieł, Barbara; Boroń-Kaczmarska, Anna; Kępa, Lucjan; Oczko-Grzesik, Barbara; Piotrowski, Damian; Stolarz, Wojciech

    Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations among which some are well known but others remain controversial. The role of this infection as a cause of acute hepatitis or exacerbation of chronic liver disease requires discussion regarding its significance in a strategy of prevention and treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis. Clinical importance of this infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2a is still unclear but exactly in this population significant complications during treatment may arise. Parvovirus B19 infection is not rare among persons with chronic hepatitis B, therefore searching for co-infection should be placed in standard diagnostic procedures especially in case of exacerbation of chronic hepatitis, pancytopaenia or anaemia of unknown origin. Pegylated interferon alpha 2a still remains a gold standard of therapy of patients with chronic hepatitis B according to European (EASL) and Polish guidelines. We present a case of 35 years old woman treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2a who developed acute liver failure in 23rd week of chronic hepatitis B therapy. An exacerbation of hepatitis with encephalopathy and pancytopaenia have been observed. Parvovirus B19 and HBV co-infection does not increase the frequency of liver function abnormalities in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Further investigations should be done to describe the natural course of co-infection with parvovirus B19 and HBV and to establish possible association between parvovirus B19 infection and chronic hepatitis B and also the influence of interferon alpha 2a on the infections course.

  8. Erythrocyte concentrations of B1, B2, B6 but not plasma C and E are reliable indicators of nutrition status in the presence of systemic inflammation.

    PubMed

    Ghashut, Rawia A; McMillan, Donald C; Kinsella, John; Talwar, Dinesh

    2017-02-01

    There is increasing evidence that the plasma concentration of vitamin D, carotenoids, zinc and selenium are associated with the magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response. In order to examine whether other vitamins may be affected and whether red cell concentrations are less affected by systemic inflammation the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the systemic inflammatory response on red cell measurements of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, and plasma concentration of vitamin C and E in a large cohort of patients referred for a nutritional screen. Patients referred for nutritional assessment of B1 (n = 551), B2 (n = 251), B6 (n = 313), ascorbic acid (n = 494) and α-tocopherol (n = 395) concentrations. These vitamins were measured using routine laboratory methods. The median concentrations of vitamin B1 grouped according to C-reactive protein concentrations ≤10, 11-80 and >80 mg/L were 543, 664 and 766 ng/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 41% higher). The median concentration of vitamin B1 grouped according to albumin concentrations ≥35, 25-34 and <25 g/l were 547, 664 and 701 ng/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 28% higher). The median concentrations of red cell vitamin B2 grouped according to CRP concentrations ≤10, 11-80 and >80 mg/L were 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 nmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 9% higher). The median red cell concentrations of vitamin B2 grouped according to albumin concentrations ≥35, 25-34 and <25 g/l were 2.1, 2.4 and 2.3 nmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 14% higher). The median concentrations of red cell vitamin B6 grouped according to CRP concentrations ≤10, 11-80 and >80 mg/L were 534, 548 and 767 pmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 44% higher). The median red cell concentrations of vitamin B6 grouped according to albumin concentrations ≥35, 25-34 and <25 g/l were 462, 644 and 840 pmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 82% higher). In contrast, the median plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid

  9. Structures of two intermediate phases between the B1 and B2 phases of PbS under high pressure

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

    Li, Yanchun, E-mail: liyc@ihep.ac.cn, E-mail: liuj@ihep.ac.cn; Lin, Chuanlong; Li, Xiaodong

    2014-12-15

    The structural transitions of PbS were investigated at pressures up to 50 GPa using synchrotron powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods in diamond anvil cells. We found two intermediate phases between the B1 phase under atmospheric pressure and the B2 phase at 21.1 GPa, which is different to previous reports. The structures of these two intermediate phases were indexed as B27 and B33, respectively. Their structural parameters were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results provide a new insight into understanding the transition pathway between the B1 and B2 phases in PbS.

  10. The E3 ubiquitin ligase mind bomb-2 (MIB2) protein controls B-cell CLL/lymphoma 10 (BCL10)-dependent NF-κB activation.

    PubMed

    Stempin, Cinthia C; Chi, Liying; Giraldo-Vela, Juan P; High, Anthony A; Häcker, Hans; Redecke, Vanessa

    2011-10-28

    B-cell CLL/lymphoma 10 (BCL10) is crucial for the activation of NF-κB in numerous immune receptor signaling pathways, including the T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor signaling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms that lead to signal transduction from BCL10 to downstream NF-κB effector kinases, such as TAK1 and components of the IKK complex, are not entirely understood. Here we used a proteomic approach and identified the E3 ligase MIB2 as a novel component of the activated BCL10 complex. In vitro translation and pulldown assays suggest direct interaction between BCL10 and MIB2. Overexpression experiments show that MIB2 controls BCL10-mediated activation of NF-κB by promoting autoubiquitination and ubiquitination of IKKγ/NEMO, as well as recruitment and activation of TAK1. Knockdown of MIB2 inhibited BCL10-dependent NF-κB activation. Together, our results identify MIB2 as a novel component of the activated BCL10 signaling complex and a missing link in the BCL10-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway.

  11. HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes are downregulated in the cadmium-induced omphalocele in the chick model.

    PubMed

    Doi, Takashi; Puri, Prem; Bannigan, John; Thompson, Jennifer

    2010-10-01

    In the chick embryo, administration of cadmium (Cd) induces omphalocele phenotype. HoxB2 and HoxB4, expressed in cell types that contribute to ventral body wall (VBW) formation, act together to mediate proper closure of the VBW, involving a key downstream transcription factor, Alx4. HoxB2 and HoxB4 knockout mice display VBW defects with specific downregulation of Alx4 gene expression, while homozygous Alx4 knockouts show omphalocele phenotype. Although the earliest histological changes in the Cd chick model occur commencing at 4H post treatment, the exact timing and molecular mechanism by which Cd acts is still unclear. We hypothesized that HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes are downregulated during the critical timing of very early embryogenesis in the Cd-induced omphalocele chick model. After 60H incubation, chick embryos were harvested at 1H, 4H and 8H after treatment with saline or Cd and divided into controls and Cd group (n = 24 for each group). RT-PCR was performed to investigate the gene expression of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 and statistically analyzed (significance was accepted at p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining was also performed to evaluate the protein expression/distribution of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 in the chick embryo. The expression levels of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 gene at 4H were significantly downregulated in the Cd group as compared to controls, whereas there were no significant differences at the other time points. Immunoreactivity of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 at 4H is also markedly decreased in the ectoderm and the dermomyotome in the Cd chick model as compared to controls. Downregulation of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 expression during the narrow window of early embryogenesis may cause omphalocele in the Cd chick model by interfering with molecular signaling required for proper VBW formation. Furthermore, these results support the concept that HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes work together to mediate proper VBW formation.

  12. Novel high pressure hexagonal OsB2 by mechanochemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Zhilin; Graule, Moritz; Orlovskaya, Nina; Andrew Payzant, E.; Cullen, David A.; Blair, Richard G.

    2014-07-01

    Hexagonal OsB2, a theoretically predicted high-pressure phase, has been synthesized for the first time by a mechanochemical method, i.e., high energy ball milling. X-ray diffraction indicated that formation of hexagonal OsB2 begins after 2.5 h of milling, and the reaction reaches equilibrium after 18 h of milling. Rietveld refinement of the powder data indicated that hexagonal OsB2 crystallizes in the P63/mmc space group (No. 194) with lattice parameters of a=2.916 Å and c=7.376 Å. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the appearance of the hexagonal OsB2 phase after high energy ball milling. in situ X-ray diffraction experiments showed that the phase is stable from -225 °C to 1050 °C. The hexagonal OsB2 powder was annealed at 1050 °C for 6 days in vacuo to improve crystallinity and remove strain induced during the mechanochemical synthesis. The structure partially converted to the orthorhombic phase (20 wt%) after fast current assisted sintering of hexagonal OsB2 at 1500 °C for 5 min. Mechanochemical approaches to the synthesis of hard boride materials allow new phases to be produced that cannot be prepared using conventional methods.

  13. The Ins and Outs of Aurora B Inner Centromere Localization

    PubMed Central

    Hindriksen, Sanne; Lens, Susanne M. A.; Hadders, Michael A.

    2017-01-01

    Error-free chromosome segregation is essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity during cell division. Aurora B, the enzymatic subunit of the Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC), plays a crucial role in this process. In early mitosis Aurora B localizes predominantly to the inner centromere, a specialized region of chromatin that lies at the crossroads between the inter-kinetochore and inter-sister chromatid axes. Two evolutionarily conserved histone kinases, Haspin and Bub1, control the positioning of the CPC at the inner centromere and this location is thought to be crucial for the CPC to function. However, recent studies sketch a subtler picture, in which not all functions of the CPC require strict confinement to the inner centromere. In this review we discuss the molecular pathways that direct Aurora B to the inner centromere and deliberate if and why this specific localization is important for Aurora B function. PMID:29312936

  14. Qatar Exoplanet Survey : Qatar-3b, Qatar-4b, and Qatar-5b

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alsubai, Khalid; Mislis, Dimitris; Tsvetanov, Zlatan I.; Latham, David W.; Bieryla, Allyson; Buchhave, Lars A.; Esquerdo, Gilbert A.; Bramich, D. M.; Pyrzas, Stylianos; Vilchez, Nicolas P. E.; Mancini, Luigi; Southworth, John; Evans, Daniel F.; Henning, Thomas; Ciceri, Simona

    2017-04-01

    We report the discovery of Qatar-3b, Qatar-4b, and Qatar-5b, three new transiting planets identified by the Qatar Exoplanet Survey. The three planets belong to the hot Jupiter family, with orbital periods of {P}{{Q}3{{b}}} = 2.50792 days, {P}{{Q}4{{b}}} = 1.80539 days, and {P}{{Q}5{{b}}} = 2.87923 days. Follow-up spectroscopic observations reveal the masses of the planets to be {M}{{Q}3{{b}}} = 4.31 ± 0.47 {M}{{J}}, {M}{{Q}4{{b}}} = 6.10 ± 0.54 {M}{{J}}, and {M}{{Q}5{{b}}} = 4.32 ± 0.18 {M}{{J}}, while model fits to the transit light curves yield radii of {R}{{Q}3{{b}}} = 1.096 ± 0.14 {R}{{J}}, {R}{{Q}4{{b}}} = 1.135 ± 0.11 {R}{{J}}, and {R}{{Q}5{{b}}} = 1.107 ± 0.064 {R}{{J}}. The host stars are low-mass main sequence stars with masses and radii M Q3 = 1.145 ± 0.064 M ⊙, M Q4 = 0.896 ± 0.048 M ⊙, M Q5 = 1.128 ± 0.056 M ⊙ and R Q3 = 1.272 ± 0.14 R ⊙, R Q4 = 0.849 ± 0.063 R ⊙, and R Q5 = 1.076 ± 0.051 R ⊙ for Qatar-3, 4, and 5 respectively. The V magnitudes of the three host stars are V Q3 = 12.88, V Q4 = 13.60, and V Q5 = 12.82. All three new planets can be classified as heavy hot Jupiters (M > 4 M J).

  15. Superconducting and Normal State Properties of OsB2*

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Yogesh; Niazi, A.; Zong, X.; Suh, B. J.; Vannette, M. W.; Prozorov, R.; Johnston, D. C.

    2007-03-01

    OsB2 is a layered superhard metallic material that was found to superconduct below Tc= 2.1 K.^1 We report the first detailed measurements of the static and dynamic magnetic susceptibilities χ, electrical resistivity, heat capacity Cp, penetration depth, and ^11B NMR on OsB2 to characterize its superconducting and normal state properties. The results confirm that OsB2 is a bulk superconductor below Tc= 2.1 K@. Its properties can be described by a close to weak-coupling s-wave BCS model with an electron-phonon coupling constant λ= 0.4--0.5, δ(0)/(kBTc) 1.9, a small Ginzburg-Landau parameter κ of order 5 or less, and a small zero-temperature critical magnetic field of roughly 500 Oe. The ^11B NMR measurements in the normal state show a nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time T1= 2.1 s at room temperature and a Korringa law with T1T = 610 s.K at lower T, and a correspondingly small T-independent Knight shift. These results indicate a small s character of the conduction electron wave function at the B site at the Fermi level. Our results will be compared to corresponding data for MgB2.1. J. K. Vandenberg et al., Mater. Res. Bull. 10, 889 (1975).^*Supported by the USDOE under Contract No. W-7405-Eng-82. Permanent address: Dept. Phys., The Catholic Univ. Korea.

  16. The B2 Alternatively Spliced Isoform of Nonmuscle Myosin II-B Lacks Actin-activated MgATPase Activity and In Vitro Motility

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Kye-Young; Kawamoto, Sachiyo; Bao, Jianjun; Sellers, James R.; Adelstein, Robert S.

    2008-01-01

    We report the initial biochemical characterization of an alternatively spliced isoform of nonmuscle heavy meromyosin (HMM) II-B2 and compare it with HMM II-B0, the non-spliced isoform. HMM II-B2 is the HMM derivative of an alternatively spliced isoform of endogenous nonmuscle myosin (NM) II-B, which has 21-amino acids inserted into loop 2, near the actin-binding region. NM II-B2 is expressed in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum as well as in other neuronal cells (Ma et al., Mol. Biol. Cell 15 (2006) 2138-2149). In contrast to any of the previously described isoforms of NM II (II-A, II-B0, II-B1, II-C0 and II-C1) or to smooth muscle myosin, the actin-activated MgATPase activity of HMM II-B2 is not significantly increased from a low, basal level by phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC-20). Moreover, although HMM II-B2 can bind to actin in the absence of ATP and is released in its presence, it cannot propel actin in the sliding actin filament assay following MLC-20 phosphorylation. Unlike HMM II-B2, the actin-activated MgATPase activity of a chimeric HMM with the 21-amino acids II-B2 sequence inserted into the homologous location in the heavy chain of HMM II-C is increased following MLC-20 phosphorylation. This indicates that the effect of the II-B2 insert is myosin heavy chain specific. PMID:18060863

  17. Contribution of CYP2B6 alleles in explaining extreme (S)-methadone plasma levels: a CYP2B6 gene resequencing study.

    PubMed

    Dobrinas, Maria; Crettol, Séverine; Oneda, Beatrice; Lahyani, Rachel; Rotger, Margalida; Choong, Eva; Lubomirov, Rubin; Csajka, Chantal; Eap, Chin B

    2013-02-01

    (S)-Methadone, metabolized mainly by CYP2B6, shows a wide interindividual variability in its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Resequencing of the CYP2B6 gene was performed in 12 and 35 selected individuals with high (S)-methadone plasma exposure and low (S)-methadone plasma exposure, respectively, from a previously described cohort of 276 patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Selected genetic polymorphisms were then analyzed in the complete cohort. The rs35303484 (*11; c136A>G; M46V) polymorphism was overrepresented in the high (S)-methadone level group, whereas the rs3745274 (*9; c516G>T; Q172H), rs2279344 (c822+183G>A), and rs8192719 (c1294+53C>T) polymorphisms were underrepresented in the low (S)-methadone level group, suggesting an association with decreased CYP2B6 activity. Conversely, the rs3211371 (*5; c1459C>T; R487C) polymorphism was overrepresented in the low-level group, indicating an increased CYP2B6 activity. A higher allele frequency was found in the high-level group compared with the low-level group for rs3745274 (*9; c516G>T; Q172H), rs2279343 (*4; c785A>G; K262R) (together representing CYP2B6*6), rs8192719 (c1294+53C>T), and rs2279344 (c822+183G>A), suggesting their involvement in decreased CYP2B6 activity. These results should be replicated in larger independent cohorts. Known genetic polymorphisms in CYP2B6 contribute toward explaining extreme (S)-methadone plasma levels observed in a cohort of patients following methadone maintenance treatment.

  18. Vaccination of dogs with canine parvovirus type 2b (CPV-2b) induces neutralising antibody responses to CPV-2a and CPV-2c.

    PubMed

    Wilson, Stephen; Illambas, Joanna; Siedek, Elisabeth; Stirling, Catrina; Thomas, Anne; Plevová, Edita; Sture, Gordon; Salt, Jeremy

    2014-09-22

    Since the identification of canine parvovirus type 2, three variants have subsequently been observed differing from the historical CPV-2 and each other by 1-2 amino acids only. As a result there has been considerable research into differential diagnostics, with some researchers indicating there is a need for new vaccines containing different strains of CPV-2. In this study we investigated whether vaccination with a CPV-2b containing vaccine would induce cross-reactive antibody responses to the other CPV-2 variants. Two studies where dogs were vaccinated with a multivalent vaccine, subsequently challenged with CPV-2b and sera samples analysed are presented. Six week old pups with defined serological status were vaccinated twice, three weeks apart and challenged either 5 weeks (MDA override study) or one year after vaccination (duration of immunity study). Sera samples were collected before each vaccination and at periods throughout each study. In each study the antibody profiles were very similar; serological responses against CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c were higher than those for CPV-2. Nevertheless, responses against CPV-2 were well above levels considered clinically protective. In each study dogs also showed a rapid increase in antibody titres following vaccination, reached a plateau following second vaccination with a slight decline to challenge after which rapid anamnestic responses were seen. Evaluation of the serological responses suggests vaccination with CPV-2b would cross-protect against CPV-2a and CPV-2c, as well as against CPV-2 which is now extinct in the field. In conclusion we have demonstrated that vaccination of minimum aged dogs with a multivalent vaccine containing the CPV-2b variant strain will induce serological responses which are cross-reactive against all currently circulating field strains, CPV-2a and CPV-2c, and the now extinct field strain CPV-2. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. The Kinetics of G2 and M Transitions Regulated by B Cyclins

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Yehong; Sramkoski, R. Michael; Jacobberger, James W.

    2013-01-01

    B cyclins regulate G2-M transition. Because human somatic cells continue to cycle after reduction of cyclin B1 (cycB1) or cyclin B2 (cycB2) by RNA interference (RNAi), and because cycB2 knockout mice are viable, the existence of two genes should be an optimization. To explore this idea, we generated HeLa BD™ Tet-Off cell lines with inducible cyclin B1- or B2-EGFP that were RNAi resistant. Cultures were treated with RNAi and/or doxycycline (Dox) and bromodeoxyuridine. We measured G2 and M transit times and 4C cell accumulation. In the absence of ectopic B cyclin expression, knockdown (kd) of either cyclin increased G2 transit. M transit was increased by cycB1 kd but decreased by cycB2 depletion. This novel difference was further supported by time-lapse microscopy. This suggests that cycB2 tunes mitotic timing, and we speculate that this is through regulation of a Golgi checkpoint. In the presence of endogenous cyclins, expression of active B cyclin-EGFPs did not affect G2 or M phase times. As previously shown, B cyclin co-depletion induced G2 arrest. Expression of either B cyclin-EGFP completely rescued knockdown of the respective endogenous cyclin in single kd experiments, and either cyclin-EGFP completely rescued endogenous cyclin co-depletion. Most of the rescue occurred at relatively low levels of exogenous cyclin expression. Therefore, cycB1 and cycB2 are interchangeable for ability to promote G2 and M transition in this experimental setting. Cyclin B1 is thought to be required for the mammalian somatic cell cycle, while cyclin B2 is thought to be dispensable. However, residual levels of cyclin B1 or cyclin B2 in double knockdown experiments are not sufficient to promote successful mitosis, yet residual levels are sufficient to promote mitosis in the presence of the dispensible cyclin B2. We discuss a simple model that would explain most data if cyclin B1 is necessary. PMID:24324638

  20. Ubiquitination and sumoylation of the HTLV-2 Tax-2B protein regulate its NF-κB activity: a comparative study with the HTLV-1 Tax-1 protein

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Retroviruses HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 have homologous genomic structures but differ significantly in pathogenicity. HTLV-1 is associated with Adult T cell Leukemia (ATL), whereas infection by HTLV-2 has no association with neoplasia. Transformation of T lymphocytes by HTLV-1 is linked to the capacity of its oncoprotein Tax-1 to alter cell survival and cell cycle control mechanisms. Among these functions, Tax-1-mediated activation of cellular gene expression via the NF-κB pathway depends on Tax-1 post-translational modifications by ubiquitination and sumoylation. The Tax-2 protein of HTLV-2B (Tax-2B) is also modified by ubiquitination and sumoylation and activates the NF-κB pathway to a level similar to that of Tax-1. The present study aims to understand whether ubiquitination and sumoylation modifications are involved in Tax-2B-mediated activation of the NF-κB pathway. Results The comparison of Tax-1 and Tax-2B lysine to arginine substitution mutants revealed conserved patterns and levels of ubiquitination with notable difference in the lysine usage for sumoylation. Neither Tax-1 nor Tax-2B ubiquitination and sumoylation deficient mutants could activate the NF-κB pathway and fusion of ubiquitin or SUMO-1 to the C-terminus of the ubiquitination and sumoylation deficient Tax-2B mutant strikingly restored transcriptional activity. In addition, ubiquitinated forms of Tax-2B colocalized with RelA and IKKγ in prominent cytoplasmic structures associated with the Golgi apparatus, whereas colocalization of Tax-2B with the RelA subunit of NF-κB and the transcriptional coactivator p300 in punctate nuclear structures was dependent on Tax-2B sumoylation, as previously observed for Tax-1. Conclusions Both Tax-1 and Tax-2 activate the NF-κB pathway via similar mechanisms involving ubiquitination and sumoylation. Therefore, the different transforming potential of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 is unlikely to be related to different modes of activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway

  1. Planar dicyclic B{sub 6}S{sub 6}, B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup −}, and B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup 2−} clusters: Boron sulfide analogues of naphthalene

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

    Li, Da-Zhi; Bai, Hui; Ou, Ting

    2015-01-07

    Inorganic analogues of hydrocarbons or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of current interest in chemistry. Based upon global structural searches and B3LYP and CCSD(T) calculations, we present herein the perfectly planar dicyclic boron sulfide clusters: D{sub 2h} B{sub 6}S{sub 6} (1, {sup 1}A{sub g}), D{sub 2h} B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup −} (2, {sup 2}B{sub 3u}), and D{sub 2h} B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup 2−} (3, {sup 1}A{sub g}). These are the global minima of the systems, being at least 0.73, 0.81, and 0.53 eV lower in energy, respectively, than their alternative isomers at the CCSD(T) level. The D{sub 2h} structures feature twin B{submore » 3}S{sub 2} five-membered rings, which are fused together via a B{sub 2} unit and terminated by two BS groups. Bonding analyses show that the closed-shell B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup 2−} (3) cluster possesses 10 delocalized π electrons, closely analogous to the bonding pattern of the aromatic naphthalene C{sub 10}H{sub 8}. The B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup −} (2) and B{sub 6}S{sub 6} (1) species are readily obtained upon removal of one or two π electrons from B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup 2−} (3). The results build a new analogous relationship between boron sulfide clusters and their PAH counterparts. The B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup −} (2) monoanion and B{sub 6}S{sub 6}{sup 2−} (3) dianion can be effectively stabilized in neutral LiB{sub 6}S{sub 6} and Li{sub 2}B{sub 6}S{sub 6} salts, respectively.« less

  2. Revisiting Grodzins systematics of B(E2) values

    DOE PAGES

    Pritychenko, B.; Birch, M.; Singh, B.

    2017-04-03

    Using Grodzins formalism, we analyze systematics of our latest evaluated B(E2) data for all the even–even nuclei in Z=2–104. The analysis indicates a low predictive power of systematics for a large number of cases, and a strong correlation between B(E2) fit values and nuclear structure effects. These findings provide a strong rationale for introduction of individual or elemental (grouped by Z) fit parameters. The current estimates of quadrupole collectivities for systematics of even–even nuclei yield complementary values for comparison with experimental results and theoretical calculations. Furthermore, the lists of fit parameters and predicted B(E2) values are given and possible implicationsmore » are discussed.« less

  3. ZrB2-CNTs Nanocomposites Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Hua; Meng, Songhe; Xie, Weihua; Xu, Chenghai; Niu, Jiahong

    2016-01-01

    ZrB2-based nanocomposites with and without carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcement were prepared at 1600 °C by spark plasma sintering. The effects of CNTs on the microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-ZrB2 matrix composites were studied. The results indicated that adding CNTs can inhibit the abnormal grain growth of ZrB2 grains and improve the fracture toughness of the composites. The toughness mechanisms were crack deflection, crack bridging, debonding, and pull-out of CNTs. The experimental results of the nanograined ZrB2-CNTs composites were compared with those of the micro-grained ZrB2-CNTs composites. Due to the small size and surface effects, the nanograined ZrB2-CNTs composites exhibited stronger mechanical properties: the hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness were 18.7 ± 0.2 GPa, 1016 ± 75 MPa, and 8.5 ± 0.4 MPa·m1/2, respectively. PMID:28774087

  4. Inhibition of EphB4-ephrin-B2 signaling enhances response to Cetuximab-radiation therapy in head and neck cancers.

    PubMed

    Bhatia, Shilpa; Sharma, Jaspreet; Bukkapatnam, Sanjana; Oweida, Ayman; Lennon, Shelby; Phan, Andy V; Milner, Dallin; Uyanga, Nomin; Jimeno, Antonio; Raben, David; Somerset, Hilary; Heasley, Lynn; Karam, Sana D

    2018-05-30

    The clinical success of targeted therapies such as cetuximab and radiation (RT) is hampered by the low response rates and development of therapeutic resistance. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of EphB4-ephrin-B2 pro-tumorigenic signaling in mediating resistance to EGFR inhibition and radiation therapy in head and neck cancers. We used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and HNSCC cell lines to test our hypothesis. Tumor tissues were subjected to PhosphoRTK array, and western blotting to detect changes in EphB4-ephrin-B2 targets. mRNA sequencing and microarray data analysis was performed on PDX tumors and HNSCC cell lines respectively to determine differences in gene expression of molecules involved in tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival pathways. Effects on cell growth were determined by MTT assay on HNSCC cells downregulated for EphB4/ephrin-B2 expression, with and without EGFR inhibitor and radiation. Our data from locally-advanced HNSCC patients treated with standard of care definitive chemo-RT show elevated EphB4 and ephrin-B2 levels after failure of treatment. We observed significant response towards cetuximab and radiation therapy following EphB4-ephrin-B2 inhibition resulting in improved survival in tumor-bearing mice. Tumor growth inhibition was accompanied by decrease in the levels of proliferation and pro-survival molecules and increased apoptosis. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting rational drug combinations to enhance therapeutic effect. Our study documenting enhanced response of HNSCC to cetuximab-RT therapy with EphB4-ephrin-B2 blockade has the potential to translate into clinic to benefit this patient population. Copyright ©2018, American Association for Cancer Research.

  5. Major antigenic determinants of F and ColB2 pili.

    PubMed Central

    Finlay, B B; Frost, L S; Paranchych, W; Parker, J M; Hodges, R S

    1985-01-01

    F-like conjugative pili are expressed by plasmids with closely related transfer systems. They are tubular filaments that are composed of repeating pilin subunits arranged in a helical array. Both F and ColB2 pilin have nearly identical protein sequences, and both contain an acetylated amino-terminal alanine residue. However, they differ by a few amino acid residues at their amino termini. Rabbit antisera raised against purified F and ColB2 pili are immunologically cross-reactive by only 25%, as measured by a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A tryptic peptide corresponding to the first 15 amino acid residues of ColB2 pilin was isolated and found to remove nearly 80% of ColB2 pilus-directed rabbit antibodies. The corresponding tryptic peptide from F pilin, which reacted with anti-F pilus antibodies to remove 80%, was less than 20% reactive with anti-ColB2 pilus antiserum. Cleavage of these peptides with cyanogen bromide (at a methionine residue approximately in the middle of the peptide) did not affect the antigenicity of these peptides. Synthetic N alpha-acetylated peptides corresponding to the first eight amino acids of F pilin (Ac-Ala-Gly-Ser-Ser-Gly-Gln-Asp-Leu-COOH) and the first six amino acids of ColB2 pilin (Ac-Ala-Gln-Gly-Gln-Asp-Leu-COOH) were prepared and tested by competition ELISA with homologous and heterologous anti-pilus antisera. The F peptide F(1-8) inhibited the interaction of F pili and anti-F pilus antiserum to 80%, while the ColB2 peptide ColB2(1-6) inhibited anti-ColB2 pilus antiserum reacting with ColB2 pili by greater than 60%. The two peptides F(1-8) and ColB2(1-6) were inactive by competition ELISAs with heterologous antisera. These results suggest that the major antigenic determinant of both F and ColB2 pili is at the amino terminus of the pilin subunit and that 80% of antibodies raised against these pili are specific for this region of the pilin molecule. PMID:2409073

  6. Improvement in the transport critical current density and microstructure of isotopic Mg11B2 monofilament wires by optimizing the sintering temperature

    PubMed Central

    Qiu, Wenbin; Jie, Hyunseock; Patel, Dipak; Lu, Yao; Luzin, Vladimir; Devred, Arnaud; Somer, Mehmet; Shahabuddin, Mohammed; Kim, Jung Ho; Ma, Zongqing; Dou, Shi Xue; Hossain, Md. Shahriar Al

    2016-01-01

    Superconducting wires are widely used in fabricating magnetic coils in fusion reactors. In consideration of the stability of 11B against neutron irradiation and lower induced radio-activation properties, MgB2 superconductor with 11B serving as boron source is an alternative candidate to be used in fusion reactor with severe irradiation environment. In present work, a batch of monofilament isotopic Mg11B2 wires with amorphous 11B powder as precursor were fabricated using powder-in-tube (PIT) process at different sintering temperature, and the evolution of their microstructure and corresponding superconducting properties was systemically investigated. Accordingly, the best transport critical current density (Jc) = 2 × 104 A/cm2 was obtained at 4.2 K and 5 T, which is even comparable to multi-filament Mg11B2 isotope wires reported in other work. Surprisingly, transport Jc vanished in our wire which was heat-treated at excessively high temperature (800 °C). Combined with microstructure observation, it was found that lots of big interconnected microcracks and voids that can isolate the MgB2 grains formed in this whole sample, resulting in significant deterioration in inter-grain connectivity. The results can be a constructive guide in fabricating Mg11B2 wires to be used as magnet coils in fusion reactor systems such as ITER-type tokamak magnet. PMID:27824144

  7. ATP1B3 Protein Modulates the Restriction of HIV-1 Production and Nuclear Factor κ Light Chain Enhancer of Activated B Cells (NF-κB) Activation by BST-2*

    PubMed Central

    Nishitsuji, Hironori; Sugiyama, Ryuichi; Abe, Makoto; Takaku, Hiroshi

    2016-01-01

    Here, we identify ATP1B3 and fibrillin-1 as novel BST-2-binding proteins. ATP1B3 depletion in HeLa cells (BST-2-positive cells), but not 293T cells (BST-2-negative cells), induced the restriction of HIV-1 production in a BST-2-dependent manner. In contrast, fibrillin-1 knockdown reduced HIV-1 production in 293T and HeLa cells in a BST-2-independent manner. Moreover, NF-κB activation was enhanced by siATP1B3 treatment in HIV-1- and HIV-1ΔVpu-infected HeLa cells. In addition, ATP1B3 silencing induced high level BST-2 expression on the surface of HeLa cells. These results indicate that ATP1B3 is a co-factor that accelerates BST-2 degradation and reduces BST-2-mediated restriction of HIV-1 production and NF-κB activation. PMID:26694617

  8. Retinal plasma extravasation in streptozotocin-diabetic rats mediated by kinin B1 and B2 receptors

    PubMed Central

    Abdouh, M; Talbot, S; Couture, R; Hasséssian, H M

    2008-01-01

    Background and purpose: We investigated whether or not kinin receptors play a role in diabetic blood–retinal barrier breakdown, which is a leading cause of vision loss. Experimental approach: Blood–retinal barrier breakdown was quantified using Evans blue, and expression of kinin B1 receptor mRNA was measured using quantitative reverse transcrition-PCR. Diabetic rats (streptozotocin (STZ), 65 mg kg−1) received a single intraocular injection of bradykinin (BK) or des-Arg9-BK, alone, or in combination with antagonists for B1 (des-Arg10-Hoe140, R-715) and/or B2 (Hoe140) receptors, given intraocularly or intravenously (i.v.). Key results: In control rats, BK (0.1–10 nmol) dose-dependently increased plasma extravasation, which was inhibited by Hoe140 (0.2 nmol), whereas des-Arg9-BK (0.1 and 1 nmol) was without effect. B1 receptor mRNA was markedly increased in retinas of diabetic rats, and this was prevented by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (1 g kg−1 day−1 for 7 days). Plasma extravasation in retinas of STZ-diabetic rats was higher than in controls and enhanced by des-Arg9-BK. Response to des-Arg9-BK was inhibited by intraocular or i.v. injection of B1 receptor antagonists. Diabetes-induced plasma extravasation was inhibited only by a combination of des-Arg10-Hoe140 and Hoe 140 (100 nmol kg−1, i.v. 15 min earlier) or by R-715 (1 μmol kg−1, i.v.) injected daily for 7 days. Conclusions and implications: Kinin B1 receptors are upregulated in retinas of STZ-diabetic rats through a mechanism involving oxidative stress. Both kinin B1 and B2 receptors contribute to increased plasma extravasation in diabetic retinopathy. Chronic inhibition of both kinin receptors, possibly with antioxidant adjuvants, may be a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic retinopathy. PMID:18311190

  9. B kinase 2 determines oligodendrocyte loss by non-cell-autonomous activation of NF-κB in the central nervous system

    PubMed Central

    Raasch, Jenni; Zeller, Nicolas; van Loo, Geert; Merkler, Doron; Mildner, Alexander; Erny, Daniel; Knobeloch, Klaus-Peter; Bethea, John R.; Waisman, Ari; Knust, Markus; Del Turco, Domenico; Deller, Thomas; Blank, Thomas; Priller, Josef; Brück, Wolfgang

    2011-01-01

    The IκB kinase complex induces nuclear factor kappa B activation and has recently been recognized as a key player of autoimmunity in the central nervous system. Notably, IκB kinase/nuclear factor kappa B signalling regulates peripheral myelin formation by Schwann cells, however, its role in myelin formation in the central nervous system during health and disease is largely unknown. Surprisingly, we found that brain-specific IκB kinase 2 expression is dispensable for proper myelin assembly and repair in the central nervous system, but instead plays a fundamental role for the loss of myelin in the cuprizone model. During toxic demyelination, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation by conditional ablation of IκB kinase 2 resulted in strong preservation of central nervous system myelin, reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators and a significantly attenuated glial response. Importantly, IκB kinase 2 depletion in astrocytes, but not in oligodendrocytes, was sufficient to protect mice from myelin loss. Our results reveal a crucial role of glial cell-specific IκB kinase 2/nuclear factor kappa B signalling for oligodendrocyte damage during toxic demyelination. Thus, therapies targeting IκB kinase 2 function in non-neuronal cells may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of distinct demyelinating central nervous system diseases. PMID:21310728

  10. Effects of clopidogrel and clarithromycin on the disposition of sibutramine and its active metabolites M1 and M2 in relation to CYP2B6*6 polymorphism.

    PubMed

    Pan, Wei; Bae, Soo-Kyung; Shim, Eon-Jeong; Park, Sung-Eun; Lee, Sang-Seop; Park, Soo-Jin; Yeo, Chang-Woo; Zhou, Hong-Hao; Shon, Ji-Hong; Shin, Jae-Gook

    2013-02-01

    Plasma concentrations of sibutramine and its two active metabolites after single oral dose of sibutramine were determined in Korean healthy male subjects with different CYP2B6 genotypes (CYP2B6*1/*1, *1/*6 and *6/*6), either alone or after four-day pretreatment with clopidogrel or clarithromycin. The pretreatment with clopidogrel and clarithromycin raised the mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of sibutramine by 163% and 255%, respectively. Co-administration of clarithromycin, combined with CYP2B6*6/*6 genotype, led to highest concentration of sibutramine. The molar sum AUC (M1 + M2) was raised by 35% in the clopidogrel phase but not significantly affected by clarithromycin or CYP2B6 genotype. The CYP2B6*6/*6 subjects in the clopidogrel phase showed the highest molar AUC (M1 + M2) among three genotype groups throughout the three phases. The exposure of sibutramine and its metabolites seemed to be associated with the CYP2B6 genotype. The treatment of clopidogrel significantly altered the disposition of active metabolites as well as sibutramine, but clarithromycin only affects the disposition of sibutramine. These results suggest that the perturbation of CYP2B6 activity may contribute to the inter-individual variation of sibutramine drug responses although the clinical relevance is remained to be established.

  11. Oxygen interaction with hexagonal OsB 2 at high temperature

    DOE PAGES

    Xie, Zhilin; Blair, Richard G.; Orlovskaya, Nina; ...

    2016-08-10

    The stability of ReB 2-type hexagonal OsB 2 powder at high temperature with oxygen presence has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, SEM, EDS, and high-temperature scanning transmission electron microscopy and XRD. Results of the study revealed that OsB 2 ceramics interact readily with oxygen present in reducing atmosphere, especially at high temperature and produces boric acid, which decomposes on the surface of the powder resulting in the formation of boron vacancies in the hexagonal OsB 2 lattice as well as changes in the stoichiometry of the compound. It was also found that under low oxygen partial pressure,more » sintering of OsB 2 powders occurred at a relatively low temperature (900°C). Finally, hexagonal OsB 2 ceramic is prone to oxidation and it is very sensitive to oxygen partial pressures, especially at high temperatures.« less

  12. Oxygen interaction with hexagonal OsB 2 at high temperature

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

    Xie, Zhilin; Blair, Richard G.; Orlovskaya, Nina

    The stability of ReB 2-type hexagonal OsB 2 powder at high temperature with oxygen presence has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, SEM, EDS, and high-temperature scanning transmission electron microscopy and XRD. Results of the study revealed that OsB 2 ceramics interact readily with oxygen present in reducing atmosphere, especially at high temperature and produces boric acid, which decomposes on the surface of the powder resulting in the formation of boron vacancies in the hexagonal OsB 2 lattice as well as changes in the stoichiometry of the compound. It was also found that under low oxygen partial pressure,more » sintering of OsB 2 powders occurred at a relatively low temperature (900°C). Finally, hexagonal OsB 2 ceramic is prone to oxidation and it is very sensitive to oxygen partial pressures, especially at high temperatures.« less

  13. A Gammaherpesvirus Bcl-2 Ortholog Blocks B Cell Receptor-Mediated Apoptosis and Promotes the Survival of Developing B Cells In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Coleman, Carrie B.; McGraw, Jennifer E.; Feldman, Emily R.; Roth, Alexa N.; Keyes, Lisa R.; Grau, Katrina R.; Cochran, Stephanie L.; Waldschmidt, Thomas J.; Liang, Chengyu; Forrest, J. Craig; Tibbetts, Scott A.

    2014-01-01

    Gammaherpesviruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, HHV-8) establish lifelong latency in their hosts and are associated with the development of several types of malignancies, including a subset of B cell lymphomas. These viruses are thought to co-opt the process of B cell differentiation to latently infect a fraction of circulating memory B cells, resulting in the establishment of a stable latency setpoint. However, little is known about how this infected memory B cell compartment is maintained throughout the life of the host. We have previously demonstrated that immature and transitional B cells are long-term latency reservoirs for murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), suggesting that infection of developing B cells contributes to the maintenance of lifelong latency. During hematopoiesis, immature and transitional B cells are subject to B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated negative selection, which results in the clonal deletion of autoreactive B cells. Interestingly, numerous gammaherpesviruses encode homologs of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, suggesting that virus inhibition of apoptosis could subvert clonal deletion. To test this, we quantified latency establishment in mice inoculated with MHV68 vBcl-2 mutants. vBcl-2 mutant viruses displayed a marked decrease in the frequency of immature and transitional B cells harboring viral genome, but this attenuation could be rescued by increased host Bcl-2 expression. Conversely, vBcl-2 mutant virus latency in early B cells and mature B cells, which are not targets of negative selection, was remarkably similar to wild-type virus. Finally, in vivo depletion of developing B cells during chronic infection resulted in decreased mature B cell latency, demonstrating a key role for developing B cells in the maintenance of lifelong latency. Collectively, these findings support a model in which gammaherpesvirus latency in circulating mature B cells is sustained in part through the

  14. i3b3: Infobuttons for i2b2 as a Mechanism for Investigating the Information Needs of Clinical Researchers.

    PubMed

    Kennell, Timothy; Dempsey, Donald M; Cimino, James J

    2016-01-01

    The information needs of clinicians, as they interact with the EHR, are well-studied. Clinical researchers also interact with the EHR and, while they might be expected to have some similar needs, the unique needs that arise due to nature of their work remain largely unstudied. For clinicians, infobuttons (context-aware hyperlinks) provide a mechanism of studying these information needs. Here we describe the integration of infobuttons into i2b2, a popular data warehouse commonly used by clinical researchers, using a plugin. A preliminary survey of i2b2 developers suggests a general interest in infobuttons for i2b2 and indicates good likelihood for their deployment, where they may be used as a tool for further studying these needs in greater detail.

  15. Kinetics of temperature response of PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA triblock terpolymer aggregates and of their complexes with lysozyme

    DOE PAGES

    Papagiannopoulos, Aristeidis; Meristoudi, Anastasia; Hong, Kunlun; ...

    2015-12-18

    We present the kinetics of temperature response of a PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA triblock terpolymer and of its complexes with lysozyme in aqueous solution. It is found that during the coil-to-globule transition of PNIPAM new bonds within the polymer aggregates are created, making the transition of the aggregates partially irreversible. This effect is also found for the protein loaded PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA aggregates whereas in this case protein globules appear to enhance the formation of bonds, making the transition totally irreversible. The internal dynamics of both aggregates and complexes are “frozen” once the temperature is increased upon PINIPAM's LCST in water and remain so evenmore » when the temperature drops below LCST. As a result, we investigate the complexation kinetics of lysozyme and PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA and observe that it occurs in two stages, one where protein globules adsorb on single pre-formed aggregates and one where protein globules cause inter-aggregate clustering.« less

  16. Kinetics of temperature response of PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA triblock terpolymer aggregates and of their complexes with lysozyme

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

    Papagiannopoulos, Aristeidis; Meristoudi, Anastasia; Hong, Kunlun

    We present the kinetics of temperature response of a PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA triblock terpolymer and of its complexes with lysozyme in aqueous solution. It is found that during the coil-to-globule transition of PNIPAM new bonds within the polymer aggregates are created, making the transition of the aggregates partially irreversible. This effect is also found for the protein loaded PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA aggregates whereas in this case protein globules appear to enhance the formation of bonds, making the transition totally irreversible. The internal dynamics of both aggregates and complexes are “frozen” once the temperature is increased upon PINIPAM's LCST in water and remain so evenmore » when the temperature drops below LCST. As a result, we investigate the complexation kinetics of lysozyme and PEO-b-PNIPAM-b-PAA and observe that it occurs in two stages, one where protein globules adsorb on single pre-formed aggregates and one where protein globules cause inter-aggregate clustering.« less

  17. Metallaborane reaction chemistry. A predicted and found tailored facile and reversible capture of SO2 by a B-frame-supported bimetallic: structures of [(PMe2Ph)2PtPd(phen)B10H10] and [(PMe2Ph)2Pt(SO2)Pd(phen)B10H10].

    PubMed

    Bould, Jonathan; Kennedy, John D

    2008-06-07

    The formally closo twelve-vertex {ortho-M2B10} dimetallaborane system has been predictively tailored for reversible uptake of SO2 across the metal-metal bond, as exemplified by the formation of [(PMe2Ph)2Pt(SO2)Pd(phen)B10H10] from [(PMe2Ph)2PtPd(phen)B10H10].

  18. Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of Pr-lean Pr2Fe14B/Fe3B nanocomposite alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mingxiang, Pan; Pengyue, Zhang; Hongliang, Ge; Hangfu, Yang; Qiong, Wu

    2012-09-01

    The lean rare-earth Pr4.5Fe77-xTixB18.5 (x=0, 1, 4, 5) nanocomposite alloys were prepared by melt spinning method and subsequent thermal annealing. The effect of Ti content and annealing temperature on the magnetic properties and the microstructure of these magnets were investigated. The enhancing coercivity Hc from 211.4 to 338.2 kA/m has been observed at the optimal annealing temperature of 700 °C by the addition of 5 at% Ti in Pr2Fe14B/Fe3B alloys. It was also found that increasing Ti content leads to marked grain refinement in the annealed alloys, resulting in strong exchange-coupling interaction between the hard and the soft phases in these ribbons. In addition, the magnetization reversal behaviors of Pr2Fe14B/Fe3B nanocomposites were discussed in detail.

  19. ROSAT EUV and soft X-ray studies of atmospheric composition and structure in G191-B2B

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barstow, M. A.; Fleming, T. A.; Finley, D. S.; Koester, D.; Diamond, C. J.

    1993-01-01

    Previous studies of the hot DA white dwarf GI91-B2B have been unable to determine whether the observed soft X-ray and EUV opacity arises from a stratified hydrogen and helium atmosphere or from the presence of trace metals in the photosphere. New EUV and soft X-ray photometry of this star, made with the ROSAT observatory, when analyzed in conjunction with the earlier data, shows that the stratified models cannot account for the observed fluxes. Consequently, we conclude that trace metals must be a substantial source of opacity in the photosphere of G191-B2B.

  20. 26 CFR 53.4942(b)-2 - Alternative tests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 17 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Alternative tests. 53.4942(b)-2 Section 53.4942....4942(b)-2 Alternative tests. (a) Assets test—(1) In general. A private foundation will satisfy the assets test under the provisions of this paragraph if substantially more than half of the foundation's...

  1. [Application study of qualitatively diagnosing prostate cancer using ultrahigh b-value DWI].

    PubMed

    Ji, L B; Lu, Z H; Yao, H H; Cao, Y; Lu, W W; Qian, W X; Wang, X M; Hu, C H

    2017-07-18

    Objective: To explore the value of ultrahigh b-value DWI in diagnosis of prostate cancer. Methods: From October 2015 to October 2016, a total of 84 cases from Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Soochow University(39 cases of prostate cancer with a total of 57 lesions, 45 cases of benign prostate hyperplasia) were examined with T(2)WI, high b-value DWI (b=1 000 s/mm(2)) and ultrahigh b-value DWI (b=2 000 s/mm(2)) .Three image sets were rated respectively based on PI-RADS V2 by two radiologists and the scores were compared with biopsy results.The differences of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) among the three groups of each observer were compared by Z test. Results: The difference of AUC between ultrahigh b-value DWI and T(2)WI in the diagnosis of peripheral and transitional zone cancer was statistically significant between the two observers ( P =0.009 9, 0.008 2, 0.010 8 and 0.004 5 respectively), and there was no significant difference of AUC between ultrahigh b-value DWI and high b-value DWI in the diagnosis of peripheral and transitional zone cancer.The inter-reader agreement was found to be perfect for all lesions, peripheral zone lesions and transition zone lesions at ultrahigh b-value DWI ( kappa values were 0.738, 0.709 and 0.768 respectively). Conclusion: The diagnostic performance of ultrahigh b-value DWI is superior to high b-value DWI and T(2)WI in both peripheral zone and transition zone cancers.

  2. 21 CFR 73.3123 - 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one. 73.3123 Section 73.3123 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

  3. 21 CFR 73.3123 - 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one. 73.3123 Section 73.3123 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

  4. 21 CFR 73.3123 - 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one. 73.3123 Section 73.3123 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

  5. 21 CFR 73.3123 - 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one. 73.3123 Section 73.3123 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

  6. 21 CFR 73.3123 - 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false 6-Ethoxy-2-(6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen-3 (2H)-one. 73.3123 Section 73.3123 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

  7. Runx2 mediates epigenetic silencing of the bone morphogenetic protein-3B (BMP-3B/GDF10) in lung cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The Runt-related transcription factor Runx2 is essential for bone development but is also implicated in progression of several cancers of breast, prostate and bone, where it activates cancer-related genes and promotes invasive properties. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family member bone morphogenetic protein-3B (BMP-3B/GDF10) is regarded as a tumor growth inhibitor and a gene silenced in lung cancers; however the regulatory mechanisms leading to its silencing have not been identified. Results Here we show that Runx2 is highly expressed in lung cancer cells and downregulates BMP-3B. This inverse relationship between Runx2 and BMP-3B expression is further supported by increased expression of BMP-3B in mesenchymal cells from Runx2 deficient mice. The ectopic expression of Runx2, but not DNA binding mutant Runx2, in normal lung fibroblast cells and lung cancer cells resulted in suppression of BMP-3B levels. The chromatin immunoprecipitation studies identified that the mechanism of Runx2-mediated suppression of BMP-3B is due to the recruitment of Runx2 and histone H3K9-specific methyltransferase Suv39h1 to BMP-3B proximal promoter and a concomitant increase in histone methylation (H3K9) status. The knockdown of Runx2 in H1299 cells resulted in decreased histone H3K9 methylation on BMP-3B promoter and increased BMP-3B expression levels. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation studies showed a direct interaction of Runx2 and Suv39h1 proteins. Phenotypically, Runx2 overexpression in H1299 cells increased wound healing response to TGFβ treatment. Conclusions Our studies identified BMP-3B as a new Runx2 target gene and revealed a novel function of Runx2 in silencing of BMP-3B in lung cancers. Our results suggest that Runx2 is a potential therapeutic target to block tumor suppressor gene silencing in lung cancer cells. PMID:22537242

  8. Electrochemical synthesis of superconductive MgB 2 from molten salts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoshii, Kenji; Abe, Hideki

    2003-05-01

    We have found that superconductive MgB2 can be electrochemically synthesized from molten salts. The electrolysis was performed in an Ar flow at 600 °C on fused mixtures composed of MgCl2, MgB2O4, Na2B2O4 and alkali halides such as KCl, NaCl, and LiCl. Superconductivity was observed for a wide variety of electrolytes. It was also found that the magnetic and electrical transport properties are the most improved for samples prepared from MgCl2-NaCl-KCl-MgB2O4 electrolytes.

  9. Structure and properties of ZrB2, ZrSiB and ZrAlSiB cathode materials and coatings obtained by their magnetron sputtering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iatsyuk, I. V.; Lemesheva, M. V.; Kiryukhantsev-Korneev, Ph V.; Levashov, E. A.

    2018-04-01

    The ceramic ZrB2, ZrSiB, and ZrAlSiB cathodes were manufactured by means of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). The parameters of SHS process including dependence of the combustion temperature and rate on the initial temperature of the reaction mixtures, as well as values of effective activation energy were estimated. Cathodes were subjected to the magnetron sputtering in the argon atmosphere. The structure and properties of cathodes and coatings were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. Bulk ceramic samples and coatings were characterised in terms of their hardness, elastic modulus, elastic recovery, density, and residual porosity. Results obtained shows that cathodes posses homogeneous structure with low porosity level in range 2-6% and hardness between 10 and 17 GPa. Coatings demonstrate dense defect-free structure and contain nanocrystallites of h-ZrB2 phase. The grain size and hardness decrease from 8 down to 2 nm and from 37 down to 16 GPa with the addition of the silicon and aluminum dopes.

  10. Effect of Nicotine on CYP2B1 Expression in a Glioma Animal Model and Analysis of CYP2B6 Expression in Pediatric Gliomas.

    PubMed

    Nava-Salazar, Sonia; Gómez-Manzo, Saúl; Marcial-Quino, Jaime; Marhx-Bracho, Alfonso; Phillips-Farfán, Bryan V; Diaz-Avalos, Carlos; Vanoye-Carlo, America

    2018-06-16

    Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is a pro-drug commonly used in the chemotherapeutic schemes for glioma treatment but has high toxicity and the side effects include brain damage and even death. Since CPA is activated mainly by CY2B6, over-expression of the enzyme in the tumor cells has been proposed to enhance CPA activation. In this study, we explored the induction of the Cyp2b1 (homologous to CYP2B6 ) by nicotine in an animal rat model with glioma. Gene expression and protein levels were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot. Nicotine treatment increased CYP2B1 protein levels in the healthy animals’ brain tissue. In the brain tissue of animals with glioma, the CYP2B1 showed a high expression, even before nicotine treatment. Nicotine did not increase significantly the CYP2B1 protein expression in the tumor, but increased its expression in the tumor vicinity, especially around blood vessels in the cortex. We also explored CY2B6 expression in glioma samples derived from pediatric patients. Tumor tissue showed a variable expression of the enzyme, which could depend on the tumor malignancy grade. Induction of the CYP2B6 in pediatric gliomas with lower expression of the enzyme, could be an alternative to improve the antitumoral effect of CPA treatment.

  11. B1 Cell IgE Impedes Mast Cell-Mediated Enhancement of Parasite Expulsion through B2 IgE Blockade.

    PubMed

    Martin, Rebecca K; Damle, Sheela R; Valentine, Yolander A; Zellner, Matthew P; James, Briana N; Lownik, Joseph C; Luker, Andrea J; Davis, Elijah H; DeMeules, Martha M; Khandjian, Laura M; Finkelman, Fred D; Urban, Joseph F; Conrad, Daniel H

    2018-02-13

    Helminth infection is known for generating large amounts of poly-specific IgE. Here we demonstrate that innate-like B1 cells are responsible for this IgE production during infection with the nematode parasites Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri. In vitro analysis of B1 cell immunoglobulin class switch recombination to IgE demonstrated a requirement for anti-CD40 and IL-4 that was further enhanced when IL-5 was added or when the B1 source was helminth infected mice. An IL-25-induced upregulation of IgE in B1 cells was also demonstrated. In T cell-reconstituted RAG1 -/- mice, N. brasiliensis clearance was enhanced with the addition of B2 cells in an IgE-dependent manner. This enhanced clearance was impeded by reconstitution with IgE sufficient B1 cells. Mucosal mast cells mediated the B2 cell enhancement of clearance in the absence of B1 cells. The data support B1 cell IgE secretion as a regulatory response exploited by the helminth. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Persistent electrochemical performance in epitaxial VO 2(B)

    DOE PAGES

    Lee, Shinbuhm; Sun, Xiao -Guang; Lubimtsev, Andrew A.; ...

    2017-03-07

    Discovering high-performance energy storage materials is indispensable for renewable energy, electric vehicle performance, and mobile computing. Owing to the open atomic framework and good room temperature conductivity, bronze-phase vanadium dioxide [VO 2(B)] has been regarded as a highly promising electrode material for Li ion batteries. However, previous attempts were unsuccessful to show the desired cycling performance and capacity without chemical modification. Here, we show with epitaxial VO 2(B) films that one can accomplish the theoretical limit for capacity with persistent charging–discharging cyclability owing to the high structural stability and unique open pathways for Li ion conduction. Atomic-scale characterization by scanningmore » transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory calculations also reveal that the unique open pathways in VO 2(B) provide the most stable sites for Li adsorption and diffusion. Furthermore, this work ultimately demonstrates that VO 2(B) is a highly promising energy storage material and has no intrinsic hindrance in achieving superior cyclability with a very high power and capacity in a Li-ion conductor.« less

  13. Aspirin Hydrolysis in Plasma Is a Variable Function of Butyrylcholinesterase and Platelet-activating Factor Acetylhydrolase 1b2 (PAFAH1b2)*

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Gang; Marathe, Gopal K.; Hartiala, Jaana; Hazen, Stanley L.; Allayee, Hooman; Tang, W. H. Wilson; McIntyre, Thomas M.

    2013-01-01

    Aspirin is rapidly hydrolyzed within erythrocytes by a heterodimer of PAFAH1b2/PAFAH1b3 but also in plasma by an unidentified activity. Hydrolysis in both compartments was variable, with a 12-fold variation in plasma among 2226 Cleveland Clinic GeneBank patients. Platelet inhibition by aspirin was suppressed in plasma that rapidly hydrolyzed aspirin. Plasma aspirin hydrolysis was significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease compared with control subjects (16.5 ± 4.4 versus 15.1 ± 3.7 nmol/ml/min; p = 3.4 × 10−8). A genome-wide association study of 2054 GeneBank subjects identified a single locus immediately adjacent to the BCHE (butyrylcholinesterase) gene associated with plasma aspirin hydrolytic activity (lead SNP, rs6445035; p = 9.1 × 10−17). However, its penetrance was low, and plasma from an individual with an inactivating mutation in BCHE still effectively hydrolyzed aspirin. A second aspirin hydrolase was identified in plasma, the purification of which showed it to be homomeric PAFAH1b2. This is distinct from the erythrocyte PAFAH1b2/PAFAH1b3 heterodimer. Inhibitors showed that both butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and PAFAH1b2 contribute to aspirin hydrolysis in plasma, with variation primarily reflecting non-genetic variation of BChE activity. Therefore, aspirin is hydrolyzed in plasma by two enzymes, BChE and a new extracellular form of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, PAFAH1b2. Hydrolytic effectiveness varies widely primarily from non-genetic variation of BChE activity that affects aspirin bioavailability in blood and the ability of aspirin to inhibit platelet aggregation. PMID:23508960

  14. Non-B DB v2.0: a database of predicted non-B DNA-forming motifs and its associated tools.

    PubMed

    Cer, Regina Z; Donohue, Duncan E; Mudunuri, Uma S; Temiz, Nuri A; Loss, Michael A; Starner, Nathan J; Halusa, Goran N; Volfovsky, Natalia; Yi, Ming; Luke, Brian T; Bacolla, Albino; Collins, Jack R; Stephens, Robert M

    2013-01-01

    The non-B DB, available at http://nonb.abcc.ncifcrf.gov, catalogs predicted non-B DNA-forming sequence motifs, including Z-DNA, G-quadruplex, A-phased repeats, inverted repeats, mirror repeats, direct repeats and their corresponding subsets: cruciforms, triplexes and slipped structures, in several genomes. Version 2.0 of the database revises and re-implements the motif discovery algorithms to better align with accepted definitions and thresholds for motifs, expands the non-B DNA-forming motifs coverage by including short tandem repeats and adds key visualization tools to compare motif locations relative to other genomic annotations. Non-B DB v2.0 extends the ability for comparative genomics by including re-annotation of the five organisms reported in non-B DB v1.0, human, chimpanzee, dog, macaque and mouse, and adds seven additional organisms: orangutan, rat, cow, pig, horse, platypus and Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, the non-B DB v2.0 provides an overall improved graphical user interface and faster query performance.

  15. Strategies for maintaining patient privacy in i2b2.

    PubMed

    Murphy, Shawn N; Gainer, Vivian; Mendis, Michael; Churchill, Susanne; Kohane, Isaac

    2011-12-01

    The re-use of patient data from electronic healthcare record systems can provide tremendous benefits for clinical research, but measures to protect patient privacy while utilizing these records have many challenges. Some of these challenges arise from a misperception that the problem should be solved technically when actually the problem needs a holistic solution. The authors' experience with informatics for integrating biology and the bedside (i2b2) use cases indicates that the privacy of the patient should be considered on three fronts: technical de-identification of the data, trust in the researcher and the research, and the security of the underlying technical platforms. The security structure of i2b2 is implemented based on consideration of all three fronts. It has been supported with several use cases across the USA, resulting in five privacy categories of users that serve to protect the data while supporting the use cases. The i2b2 architecture is designed to provide consistency and faithfully implement these user privacy categories. These privacy categories help reflect the policy of both the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the provisions of the National Research Act of 1974, as embodied by current institutional review boards. By implementing a holistic approach to patient privacy solutions, i2b2 is able to help close the gap between principle and practice.

  16. Micromagnetic finite element simulation of nanocrystalline α-Fe/Nd2Fe14B/Fe3B magnets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saiden, N. M.; Schrefl, T.; Davies, H. A.; Hrkac, G.

    2014-09-01

    Nanocomposite Nd2Fe14B permanent magnets with Fe3B and α-Fe as the soft phase have been simulated using micromagnetic modelling. This paper reviews extensively the results from the simulation point of view. The magnetization configuration along the hysteresis loop is discussed in details. It was clear that the grain size and phase distribution play important roles in determining the magnetic properties. By changing the size of the grain and the volume fraction of the hard and soft phase, the magnetic properties change and the relationship between microstructure and properties is investigated. The remanence, Jr increases with decreasing of grain size, but oppositely for coercivity, Hc. The highest Jr, 1.46 T was obtained with a grain size 10 nm, and volume fraction of α-Fe, 40%. Whereas, the highest Hc with combination Nd2Fe14B 80% and 20% Fe3B, 947 kA/m. On the other hand, if Nd2Fe14B alone, the Hc able to reach up to 1000 kA/m. From this study, micromagnetic modelling contributes to a better understanding how microstructure and phase distribution influences the magnetic properties.

  17. Positive regulation of raphe serotonin neurons by serotonin 2B receptors.

    PubMed

    Belmer, Arnauld; Quentin, Emily; Diaz, Silvina L; Guiard, Bruno P; Fernandez, Sebastian P; Doly, Stéphane; Banas, Sophie M; Pitychoutis, Pothitos M; Moutkine, Imane; Muzerelle, Aude; Tchenio, Anna; Roumier, Anne; Mameli, Manuel; Maroteaux, Luc

    2018-06-01

    Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in many psychiatric diseases. In humans, a lack of 5-HT 2B receptors is associated with serotonin-dependent phenotypes, including impulsivity and suicidality. A lack of 5-HT 2B receptors in mice eliminates the effects of molecules that directly target serotonergic neurons including amphetamine derivative serotonin releasers, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that 5-HT 2B receptors directly and positively regulate raphe serotonin neuron activity. By ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, we report that stimulation by the 5-HT 2B receptor agonist, BW723C86, increased the firing frequency of serotonin Pet1-positive neurons. Viral overexpression of 5-HT 2B receptors in these neurons increased their excitability. Furthermore, in vivo 5-HT 2B -receptor stimulation by BW723C86 counteracted 5-HT 1A autoreceptor-dependent reduction in firing rate and hypothermic response in wild-type mice. By a conditional genetic ablation that eliminates 5-HT 2B receptor expression specifically and exclusively from Pet1-positive serotonin neurons (Htr2b 5-HTKO mice), we demonstrated that behavioral and sensitizing effects of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), as well as acute behavioral and chronic neurogenic effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine, require 5-HT 2B receptor expression in serotonergic neurons. In Htr2b 5-HTKO mice, dorsal raphe serotonin neurons displayed a lower firing frequency compared to control Htr2b lox/lox mice as assessed by in vivo extracellular recordings and a stronger hypothermic effect of 5-HT 1A -autoreceptor stimulation was observed. The increase in head-twitch response to DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine) further confirmed the lower serotonergic tone resulting from the absence of 5-HT 2B receptors in serotonin neurons. Together, these observations indicate that the 5-HT 2B receptor acts as a direct positive modulator of serotonin Pet1

  18. TSA-induced JMJD2B downregulation is associated with cyclin B1-dependent survivin degradation and apoptosis in LNCap cells.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Shan; Li, Yueyang; Zhao, Li; Hou, Pingfu; Shangguan, Chenyan; Yao, Ruosi; Zhang, Weina; Zhang, Yu; Tan, Jiang; Huang, Baiqu; Lu, Jun

    2012-07-01

    Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are emerging as a novel class of anti-tumor agents and have manifested the ability to induce apoptosis of cancer cells, and a significant number of genes have been identified as potential effectors responsible for HDAC inhibitor-induced apoptosis. However, the mechanistic actions of these HDAC inhibitors in this process remain largely undefined. We here report that the treatment of LNCap prostate cancer cells with HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) resulted in downregulation of the Jumonji domain-containing protein 2B (JMJD2B). We also found that the TSA-mediated decrease in survivin expression in LNCap cells was partly attributable to downregulation of JMJD2B expression. This effect was attributable to the promoted degradation of survivin protein through inhibition of Cyclin B1/Cdc2 complex-mediated survivin Thr34 phosphorylation. Consequently, knockdown of JMJD2B enhanced TSA-induced apoptosis by regulating the Cyclin B1-dependent survivin degradation to potentiate the apoptosis pathways. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Blockade of epidermal growth factor- or heregulin-dependent ErbB2 activation with the anti-ErbB2 monoclonal antibody 2C4 has divergent downstream signaling and growth effects.

    PubMed

    Jackson, James G; St Clair, Patricia; Sliwkowski, Mark X; Brattain, Michael G

    2004-04-01

    Due to heterodimerization and a variety of stimulating ligands, the ErbB receptor system is both diverse and flexible, which proves particularly advantageous to the aberrant signaling of cancer cells. However, specific mechanisms of how a particular receptor contributes to generating the flexibility that leads to aberrant growth regulation have not been well described. We compared the utilization of ErbB2 in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heregulin stimulation in colon carcinoma cells. Anti-ErbB2 monoclonal antibody 2C4 blocked heregulin-stimulated phosphorylation of ErbB2 and ErbB3; activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K), and Akt; proliferation; and anchorage-independent growth. 2C4 blocked EGF-mediated phosphorylation of ErbB2 and inhibited PI3K/Akt and anchorage-independent growth but did not affect ErbB1 or MAPK. Immunoprecipitations showed that ErbB3 and Grb2-associated binder (Gab) 1 were phosphorylated and associated with PI3K activity after heregulin treatment and that Gab1 and Gab2, but not ErbB3, were phosphorylated and associated with PI3K activity after EGF treatment. These data show that monoclonal antibody 2C4 inhibited all aspects of heregulin signaling as well as anchorage-independent and monolayer growth. Furthermore, we identify ErbB2 as a critical component of EGF signaling to the Gab1/Gab2-PI3K-Akt pathway and anchorage-independent growth, but EGF stimulation of MAPK and monolayer growth can occur efficiently without the contribution of ErbB2.

  20. Remaining Sites Verification Package for the 1607-B2 Septic System and 100-B-14:2 Sanitary Sewer System, Waste Site Reclassification Form 2004-006

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

    L. M. Dittmer

    The 100-B-14:2 subsite encompasses the former sanitary sewer feeder lines associated with the 1607-B2 and 1607-B7 septic systems. Feeder lines associated with the 185/190-B building have also been identified as the 100-B-14:8 subsite, and feeder lines associated with the 1607-B7 septic system have also been identified as the 100-B-14:9 subsite. These two subsites have been administratively cancelled to resolve the redundancy. The results of verification sampling show that residual contaminant concentrations do not preclude any future uses and allow for unrestricted use of shallow zone soils. The results also demonstrate that residual contaminant concentrations are protective of groundwater and themore » Columbia River.« less

  1. Flux-pinning and inhomogeneity in MgB 2 /Fe wires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Husnjak, O.; Babić, E.; Kušević, I.; Wang, X. L.; Soltanian, S.; Dou, S. X.

    2007-08-01

    Transport critical current densities Jc and irreversibility fields B of undoped and nanoparticle doped (10 wt% SiC) Fe-sheathed MgB 2 wires were measured from 2 to 40 K in magnetic field B≤16 T. For the best segments of wires (≤1 cm) both the magnitude and field variations of Jc and the pinning force density Fp=JcB depend only on the magnitude of B, hence the strength of flux-pinning. B of doped wire for T≤30 K is ˜1.4 times larger than that of undoped and reaches that of NbTi (10 T at 4.2 K) already at 20 K. Accordingly, its high-field Jcs and Fps are large, typically three times larger than the best literature results, and are limited by the porosity and inhomogeneity of the superconducting cores in present-day MgB 2 wires.

  2. 26 CFR 1.669(b)-2 - Manner of exercising election.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Manner of exercising election. 1.669(b)-2 Section 1.669(b)-2 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED... Years Beginning Before January 1, 1969 § 1.669(b)-2 Manner of exercising election. (a) By whom election...

  3. Vasopressor meets vasodepressor: The AT1-B2 receptor heterodimer.

    PubMed

    Quitterer, Ursula; AbdAlla, Said

    2014-04-01

    The AT1 receptor for the vasopressor angiotensin II is one of the most important drug targets for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Sensitization of the AT1 receptor system is a common feature contributing to the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular disorders but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. More than a decade ago, evidence was provided for control of AT1R activation by heterodimerization with the B2 receptor for the vasodepressor peptide, bradykinin, a physiological counterpart of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. AT1-B2 receptor heterodimerization was shown to enhance AT1R-stimulated signaling under pathophysiological conditions such as experimental and human pregnancy hypertension. Notably, AT1R signal sensitization of patients with preeclampsia hypertension was attributed to AT1R-B2R heterodimerization. Vice versa, transgenic mice lacking the AT1-B2 receptor heterodimer due to targeted deletion of the B2R gene showed a significantly reduced AT1R-stimulated vasopressor response compared to transgenic mice with abundant AT1R-B2R heterodimerization. Biophysical methods such as BRET and FRET confirmed those data by demonstrating efficient AT1-B2 receptor heterodimerization in transfected cells and transgenic mice. Recently, a study on AT1R-specific biased agonism directed the focus to the AT1-B2 receptor heterodimer again. The β-arrestin-biased [Sar1,Ile4,Ile8]-angiotensin II promoted not only the recruitment of β-arrestin to the AT1R but also stimulated the down-regulation of the AT1R-associated B2 receptor by co-internalization. Thereby specific targeting of the AT1R-B2R heterodimer became feasible and could open the way to a new class of drugs, which specifically interfere with pathological angiotensin II-AT1 receptor system activation. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. In search of the elusive IrB{sub 2}: Can mechanochemistry help?

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

    Xie, Zhilin; Blair, Richard G.; Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816

    The previously unknown hexagonal ReB{sub 2}-type IrB{sub 2} diboride and orthorhombic IrB monoboride phases were produced by mechanochemical syntheses. High energy ball milling of elemental Ir and B powder for 30 h, followed by annealing of the powder at 1050 °C for 48 h, resulted in the formation of the desired phases. Both traditional laboratory and high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used for phase identification of the synthesized powder. In addition to XRD, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to further characterize the microstructure of the phases produced. - Graphical abstract: ReB{sub 2}-type IrB{submore » 2} and a new IrB have been successfully synthesized for the first time using mechanochemical method. Crystal structures of IrB{sub 2} and IrB were studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Microstructures of the new phases were characterized by SEM and TEM. - Highlights: • ReB{sub 2}-type IrB{sub 2} and a new IrB have been synthesized by mechanochemical method. • Crystal structures of IrB{sub 2} and IrB were studied by synchrotron XRD. • Microstructures of the new phases were characterized by SEM and TEM.« less

  5. Uncoupling of the ITIM receptor G6b-B from the tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2 disrupts platelet homeostasis in mice.

    PubMed

    Geer, Mitchell J; van Geffen, Johanna P; Gopalasingam, Piraveen; Vögtle, Timo; Smith, Christopher W; Heising, Silke; Kuijpers, Marijke J E; Tullemans, Bibian M E; Jarvis, Gavin E; Eble, Johannes A; Jeeves, Mark; Overduin, Michael; Heemskerk, Johan W M; Mazharian, Alexandra; Senis, Yotis A

    2018-06-11

    The immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-containing receptor G6b-B has emerged as a key regulator of platelet homeostasis. However, it remains unclear how it mediates its effects. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the ITIM and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM) within the cytoplasmic tail of G6b-B provides a docking site for SH2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatases Shp1 and Shp2, which are also critical regulators of platelet production and function. In this study, we investigate the physiological consequences of uncoupling G6b-B from Shp1 and Shp2. To address this, we generated a transgenic mouse model expressing a mutant form of G6b-B in which tyrosine (Y) residues 212 and 238 within the ITIM and ITSM were mutated to phenylalanine (F), respectively. Mice homozygous for the mutation (G6b-B diY/F) were macrothrombocytopenic, due to a reduction in platelet production, had large clusters of megakaryocytes and myelofibrosis at sites of hematopoiesis, similar to that observed in G6b knockout (G6b KO) mice. Platelets from G6b-B diY/F mice were hypo-responsive to collagen, due to a significant reduction in expression of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing collagen receptor complex GPVI-FcR γ-chain, and thrombin, that could be partially rescued by co-stimulating the platelets with ADP. In contrast, platelets from G6b-B diY/F, G6b KO and megakaryocyte-specific Shp2 KO mice were hyper-responsive to antibody-mediated cross-linking of the hemi-ITAM-containing podoplanin receptor CLEC-2, suggesting that G6b-B inhibits CLEC-2-mediated platelet activation through Shp2. Findings from this study demonstrate that G6b-B must engage with Shp1 and Shp2 in order to mediate its regulatory effects on platelet homeostasis. Copyright © 2018 American Society of Hematology.

  6. Observation of b 2 symmetry vibrational levels of the SO 2C 1B 2 state: Vibrational level staggering, Coriolis interactions, and rotation-vibration constants

    DOE PAGES

    Park, G. Barratt; Jiang, Jun; Saladrigas, Catherine A.; ...

    2016-04-14

    Here, the C 1B 2 state of SO 2 has a double-minimum potential in the antisymmetric stretch coordinate, such that the minimum energy geometry has nonequivalent SO bond lengths. However, low-lying levels with odd quanta of antisymmetric stretch (b 2 vibrational symmetry) have not previously been observed because transitions into these levels from the zero-point level of the X ~ state are vibronically forbidden. We use IR-UV double resonance to observe the b 2 vibrational levels of the C state below 1600 cm –1 of vibrational excitation. This enables a direct characterization of the vibrational level staggering that results frommore » the double-minimum potential. In addition, it allows us to deperturb the strong c-axis Coriolis interactions between levels of a 1 and b 2 vibrational symmetry, and to determine accurately the vibrational dependence of the rotational constants in the distorted C electronic state.« less

  7. Observation of b 2 symmetry vibrational levels of the SO 2C 1B 2 state: Vibrational level staggering, Coriolis interactions, and rotation-vibration constants

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

    Park, G. Barratt; Jiang, Jun; Saladrigas, Catherine A.

    Here, the C 1B 2 state of SO 2 has a double-minimum potential in the antisymmetric stretch coordinate, such that the minimum energy geometry has nonequivalent SO bond lengths. However, low-lying levels with odd quanta of antisymmetric stretch (b 2 vibrational symmetry) have not previously been observed because transitions into these levels from the zero-point level of the X ~ state are vibronically forbidden. We use IR-UV double resonance to observe the b 2 vibrational levels of the C state below 1600 cm –1 of vibrational excitation. This enables a direct characterization of the vibrational level staggering that results frommore » the double-minimum potential. In addition, it allows us to deperturb the strong c-axis Coriolis interactions between levels of a 1 and b 2 vibrational symmetry, and to determine accurately the vibrational dependence of the rotational constants in the distorted C electronic state.« less

  8. A theoretical investigation of mixing thermodynamics, age-hardening potential, and electronic structure of ternary M11–xM2xB2 alloys with AlB2 type structure

    PubMed Central

    Alling, B.; Högberg, H.; Armiento, R.; Rosen, J.; Hultman, L.

    2015-01-01

    Transition metal diborides are ceramic materials with potential applications as hard protective thin films and electrical contact materials. We investigate the possibility to obtain age hardening through isostructural clustering, including spinodal decomposition, or ordering-induced precipitation in ternary diboride alloys. By means of first-principles mixing thermodynamics calculations, 45 ternary M11–xM2xB2 alloys comprising MiB2 (Mi = Mg, Al, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta) with AlB2 type structure are studied. In particular Al1–xTixB2 is found to be of interest for coherent isostructural decomposition with a strong driving force for phase separation, while having almost concentration independent a and c lattice parameters. The results are explained by revealing the nature of the electronic structure in these alloys, and in particular, the origin of the pseudogap at EF in TiB2, ZrB2, and HfB2. PMID:25970763

  9. Ibrutinib (ImbruvicaTM) potently inhibits ErbB receptor phosphorylation and cell viability of ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Grabinski, Nicole; Ewald, Florian

    2014-12-01

    Ibrutinib (formerly PCI-32765) is a specific, irreversible, and potent inhibitor of Burton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) developed for the treatment of several forms of blood cancer. It is now an FDA-approved drug marketed under the name Imbruvica(TM) (Pharmacyclics, Inc.) and successfully used as an orally administered second-line drug in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. Since BTK is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells, the sensitivity of solid tumor cells to Ibrutinib has not been analyzed. In this study, we determined the effect of Ibrutinib on breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that Ibrutinib efficiently reduces the phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine kinases ErbB1, ErbB2 and ErbB3, thereby suppressing AKT and MAPK signaling in ErbB2-positive (ErbB2+) breast cancer cell lines. Treatment with Ibrutinib significantly reduced the viability of ErbB2+ cell lines with IC50 values at nanomolar concentrations, suggesting therapeutic potential of Ibrutinib in breast cancer. Combined treatment with Ibrutinib and the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 synergistically reduces cell viability of ErbB2+ breast cancer cells. Combination indices below 0.25 at 50% inhibition of cell viability were determined by the Chou-Talalay method. Therefore, the combination of Ibrutinib and canonical PI3K pathway inhibitors could be a new and effective approach in the treatment of breast cancer with activated ErbB receptors. Ibrutinib could thus become a valuable component of targeted therapy in aggressive ErbB2+ breast cancer.

  10. Gene-specific characterization of human histone H2B by electron capture dissociation.

    PubMed

    Siuti, Nertila; Roth, Michael J; Mizzen, Craig A; Kelleher, Neil L; Pesavento, James J

    2006-02-01

    The basis set of protein forms expressed by human cells from the H2B gene family was determined by Top Down Mass Spectrometry. Using Electron Capture Dissociation for MS/MS of H2B isoforms, direct evidence for the expression of unmodified H2B.Q, H2B.A, H2B.K/T, H2B.J, H2B.E, H2B.B, H2B.F, and monoacetylated H2B.A was obtained from asynchronous HeLa cells. H2B.A was the most abundant form, with the overall expression profile not changing significantly in cells arrested in mitosis by colchicine or during mid-S, mid-G2, G2/M, and mid-G1 phases of the cell cycle. Modest hyperacetylation of H2B family members was observed after sodium butyrate treatment.

  11. Peginterferon alfa-2b in the treatment of Chinese patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: a randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Jun; Wang, Yuming; Hou, Jinlin; Luo, Duande; Xie, Qing; Ning, Qin; Ren, Hong; Ding, Huiguo; Sheng, Jifang; Wei, Lai; Chen, Shijun; Fan, Xiaoling; Huang, Wenxiang; Pan, Chen; Gao, Zhiliang; Zhang, Jiming; Zhou, Boping; Chen, Guofeng; Wan, Mobin; Tang, Hong; Wang, Guiqiang; Yang, Yuxiu; Mohamed, Rosmawati; Guan, Richard; Lee, Tzong-Hsi; Chang, Wen-Hsiung; Zhenfei, Huang; Ye, Zhang; Xu, Daozhen

    2014-12-01

    In mainland China, peginterferon (PEG-IFN) alfa-2b 1.0μg/kg/wk for 24 weeks is the approved treatment for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. This multicenter, randomized trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of regimens utilizing increased dose or treatment duration in treatment-naive Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B. 670 HBeAg-positive patients from China, Malaysia, Taiwan area, Singapore, and Thailand were enrolled. Patients received PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.0μg/kg/wk (arm A) or 1.5μg/kg/wk (arm B) for 24 weeks, or 1.5μg/kg/wk for 48 weeks (arm C). The primary end point was loss of HBeAg 24 weeks after end of treatment. At the end of follow-up, HBeAg loss was significantly greater in arm C compared with arm A (31.3% vs. 17.3%; P=0.001) and arm B (31.3% vs. 18.1%; P=0.001). No significant difference in the rate of HBeAg loss was observed between arms A and B. The proportions of patients with HBe seroconversion, HBV DNA levels <20,000IU/mL, and ALT normalization at the end of follow-up were significantly higher in arm C compared with arm A and arm B. In arms A, B, and C, rates of early treatment discontinuation were 6.3%, 4.9%, and 8.9%; of discontinuation due to an AE, 2%, 3%, and 3%; and of AEs requiring dose modification, 3%, 6%, and 10%, respectively. In Chinese patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B, PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5μg/kg/wk for 48 weeks is more efficacious compared with 1.0 and 1.5μg/kg/wk for 24 weeks. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Infralimbic EphB2 Modulates Fear Extinction in Adolescent Rats

    PubMed Central

    Cruz, Emmanuel; Soler-Cedeño, Omar; Negrón, Geovanny; Criado-Marrero, Marangelie; Chompré, Gladys

    2015-01-01

    Adolescent rats are prone to impaired fear extinction, suggesting that mechanistic differences in extinction could exist in adolescent and adult rats. Since the infralimbic cortex (IL) is critical for fear extinction, we used PCR array technology to identify gene expression changes in IL induced by fear extinction in adolescent rats. Interestingly, the ephrin type B receptor 2 (EphB2), a tyrosine kinase receptor associated with synaptic development, was downregulated in IL after fear extinction. Consistent with the PCR array results, EphB2 levels of mRNA and protein were reduced in IL after fear extinction compared with fear conditioning, suggesting that EphB2 signaling in IL regulates fear extinction memory in adolescents. Finally, reducing EphB2 synthesis in IL with shRNA accelerated fear extinction learning in adolescent rats, but not in adult rats. These findings identify EphB2 in IL as a key regulator of fear extinction during adolescence, perhaps due to the increase in synaptic remodeling occurring during this developmental phase. PMID:26354908

  13. Infralimbic EphB2 Modulates Fear Extinction in Adolescent Rats.

    PubMed

    Cruz, Emmanuel; Soler-Cedeño, Omar; Negrón, Geovanny; Criado-Marrero, Marangelie; Chompré, Gladys; Porter, James T

    2015-09-09

    Adolescent rats are prone to impaired fear extinction, suggesting that mechanistic differences in extinction could exist in adolescent and adult rats. Since the infralimbic cortex (IL) is critical for fear extinction, we used PCR array technology to identify gene expression changes in IL induced by fear extinction in adolescent rats. Interestingly, the ephrin type B receptor 2 (EphB2), a tyrosine kinase receptor associated with synaptic development, was downregulated in IL after fear extinction. Consistent with the PCR array results, EphB2 levels of mRNA and protein were reduced in IL after fear extinction compared with fear conditioning, suggesting that EphB2 signaling in IL regulates fear extinction memory in adolescents. Finally, reducing EphB2 synthesis in IL with shRNA accelerated fear extinction learning in adolescent rats, but not in adult rats. These findings identify EphB2 in IL as a key regulator of fear extinction during adolescence, perhaps due to the increase in synaptic remodeling occurring during this developmental phase. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/3512394-10$15.00/0.

  14. Genetic loss of SH2B3 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

    PubMed

    Perez-Garcia, Arianne; Ambesi-Impiombato, Alberto; Hadler, Michael; Rigo, Isaura; LeDuc, Charles A; Kelly, Kara; Jalas, Chaim; Paietta, Elisabeth; Racevskis, Janis; Rowe, Jacob M; Tallman, Martin S; Paganin, Maddalena; Basso, Giuseppe; Tong, Wei; Chung, Wendy K; Ferrando, Adolfo A

    2013-10-03

    The SH2B adaptor protein 3 (SH2B3) gene encodes a negative regulator of cytokine signaling with a critical role in the homeostasis of hematopoietic stem cells and lymphoid progenitors. Here, we report the identification of germline homozygous SH2B3 mutations in 2 siblings affected with developmental delay and autoimmunity, one in whom B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) developed. Mechanistically, loss of SH2B3 increases Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling, promotes lymphoid cell proliferation, and accelerates leukemia development in a mouse model of NOTCH1-induced ALL. Moreover, extended mutation analysis showed homozygous somatic mutations in SH2B3 in 2 of 167 ALLs analyzed. Overall, these results demonstrate a Knudson tumor suppressor role for SH2B3 in the pathogenesis of ALL and highlight a possible link between genetic predisposition factors in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity and leukemogenesis.

  15. An ErbB2-Muc4 complex in rat ocular surface epithelia.

    PubMed

    Swan, Jeremy S; Arango, Maria E; Carothers Carraway, Coralie A; Carraway, Kermit L

    2002-05-01

    To show the presence and localization of type 1 growth factor receptors (ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4) in rat corneal and conjunctival epithelia and investigate the association of ErbB2 with its intramembrane ligand Muc4. Methacarn-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of corneas and eyelids from female adult rats were immunocytochemically stained using antibodies against the ErbB receptors and Muc4. Sequential immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses were performed on epithelial lysates to investigate the presence of a complex of Muc4 and ErbB2 in corneal and conjunctival epithelia. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated the presence of ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 growth factor receptors throughout the rat corneal and conjunctival epithelia. Co-immunoprecipitation of the epithelial lysates demonstrated that Muc4 and ErbB2 are present as a complex. The three type 1 growth factor receptors (ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4) are present in the rat corneal and conjunctival epithelia, and ErbB2 is at least partly associated with Muc4. This demonstration of the presence and localization of these three type 1 growth factor receptors may help in understanding how these receptors contribute to ocular epithelial behavior and functions.

  16. Note: Progress on the use of MgB2 superconducting joint technique for the development of MgB2 magnets for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    PubMed

    Kim, Y G; Song, J B; Kim, J C; Kim, J M; Yoo, B H; Yun, S B; Hwang, D Y; Lee, H G

    2017-08-01

    This note presents a superconducting joint technique for the development of MgB 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnets. The MgB 2 superconducting joint was fabricated by a powder processing method using Mg and B powders to establish a wire-bulk-wire connection. The joint resistance measured using a field-decay method was <10 -14 Ω, demonstrating that the proposed joint technique could be employed for developing "next-generation" MgB 2 MRI magnets operating in the persistent current mode.

  17. Studies on the biosynthesis of vitamin B sub 2 and vitamin B sub 12

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

    Chen, H.C.

    1988-01-01

    Feeding experiments with Ashbya gossypii followed by NMR analysis of the resulting riboflavin showed incorporation of deuterium from D-(2-{sup 2}H)ribose at C-2{prime} and from D-(1-{sup 2}H)ribose in the pro-R position at C-1{prime} of the ribityl side chain. The results rule out an Amadori rearrangement mechanism for the reduction of the ribosylamino to the ribitylamino linkage and point to formation of a Schiff base that is reduced stereospecifically opposite to the face from which the oxygen has departed. As prerequisite for the analysis, the {sup 1}H NMR signals for the pro-R and pro-S hydrogens at C-1{prime} of riboflavin and its tetraacetatemore » were assigned with the aid of synthetic stereospecifically deuteriated samples. Feeding experiments with Propionibacterium shermianii followed by NMR analysis of the resulting vitamin B{sub 12} showed: (1) 5-methylbenzimidazole (5MBI) incorporated and only one regioisomer (B6-demethylcyanocobalamin)formed. (2) 8-demethylriboflavin incorporated and the same regioisomer was obtained as 5MBI experiment. (3) (1{prime}-{sup 13}C, 5-{sup 15}N)riboflavin incorporated and {sup 13}C-NMR showed that {sup 13}C at the B2 position of cyanocobalamin coupled to both adjacent nitrogen-15 atoms at about the same ratio.« less

  18. [Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus].

    PubMed

    Tavares Bello, Carlos; Capitão, Ricardo Miguel; Sequeira Duarte, João; Azinheira, Jorge; Vasconcelos, Carlos

    2017-10-31

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common disease, affecting up to 13.1% of the Portuguese population. In addition to the known micro and macrovascular complications, drug side effects constitute a major concern, leading to changes in the treatment guidelines, which favor safety over efficacy. Metformin is the first-line pharmacological treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, it has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in up to 30% of treated patients. The authors describe the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in a diabetic population and explore the possible underlying factors. Retrospective, observational study. Clinical and laboratory data of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients whose vitamin B12 status was evaluated in the last decade (2005 - 2016) were analyzed. Patients with known malabsorptive syndromes or having undergone bariatric surgery were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis of the data was done and the results were considered statistically significant at p values < 0.05. The study included a total of 1007 patients (58% women) with a mean age of 66.4 ± 12.2 years and 11 ± 10.4 years of type 2 diabetes mellitus duration. These patients had a high prevalence of complications: diabetic renal disease 47.7%, neuropathy 9.2%, retinopathy 14.9%, coronary artery disease 8.4%, cerebrovascular disease 10.9%, and peripheral arterial disease 5.5%. Vitamin B12 deficiency (< 174 ng / dL) was present in 21.4% of the population and this subgroup was older (68.4 vs 65.8 years, p = 0.006), had a longer type 2 diabetes mellitus duration (13.35 vs 10.36 years; p = 0.001), higher prevalence of retinopathy (20.9% vs 13.3%; p = 0.005) and thyroid dysfunction (34% vs 23.7%; p = 0.002). Vitamin B12 deficiency was also more frequent in patients treated with metformin (24.7% vs 15.8%; p = 0.017), antiplatelet agents (25.4% vs 16.2%, p < 0.001), and calcium channel blockers (26.8% vs 18.2%; p = 0.001). After adjustment for possible

  19. Bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors, tumour necrosis factor α and inflammatory hyperalgesia

    PubMed Central

    Poole, S; Lorenzetti, B B; Cunha, J M; Cunha, F Q; Ferreira, S H

    1999-01-01

    The effects of BK agonists and antagonists, and other hyperalgesic/antihyperalgesic drugs were measured (3 h after injection of hyperalgesic drugs) in a model of mechanical hyperalgesia (the end-point of which was indicated by a brief apnoea, the retraction of the head and forepaws, and muscular tremor). DALBK inhibited responses to carrageenin, bradykinin, DABK, and kallidin. Responses to kallidin and DABK were inhibited by indomethacin or atenolol and abolished by the combination of indomethacin+atenolol. DALBK or HOE 140, given 30 min before, but not 2 h after, carrageenin, BK, DABK and kallidin reduced hyperalgesic responses to these agents. A small dose of DABK+a small dose of BK evoked a response similar to the response to a much larger dose of DABK or BK, given alone. Responses to BK were antagonized by HOE 140 whereas DALBK antagonized only responses to larger doses of BK. The combination of a small dose of DALBK with a small dose of HOE 140 abolished the response to BK. The hyperalgesic response to LPS (1 μg) was inhibited by DALBK or HOE 140 and abolished by DALBK+HOE 140. The hyperalgesic response to LPS (5 μg) was not antagonized by DALBK+HOE 140. These data suggest: (a) a predominant role for B2 receptors in mediating hyperalgesic responses to BK and to drugs that stimulate BK release, and (b) activation of the hyperalgesic cytokine cascade independently of both B1 and B2 receptors if the hyperalgesic stimulus is of sufficient magnitude. PMID:10188975

  20. [Insulin pump in type 2 diabetes: B-cell focused treatment].

    PubMed

    Picková, Klára; Rušavý, Zdeněk

    Type 2 diabetes is a disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive deterioration of B-cell insulin secretion. B-cell protective strategies for lowering glucolipotoxicity by rapid achievement of normoglycemia using exogenous insulin improve their function and prolong diabetes remission. Insulin pump is an effective treatment method in newly diagnosed diabetes, where even short-term pump therapy is B-cell protective. Combination therapy with insulin pump and antidiabetics targeting the incretin system acts in synergy to protect the B-cell. While the positive effect of insulin pump is apparent even a year after stopping the therapy, the effect of incretins lasts only while on the medication. Short-term insulin treatment, especially delivered by insulin pump, is an effective method of B-cell protection in recent type 2 diabetes.Key words: B-cell function - diabetes mellitus - insulin pump - insulin resistance - type 2 diabetes.

  1. Pharmacogenetic-Based Efavirenz Dose Modification: Suggestions for an African Population and the Different CYP2B6 Genotypes

    PubMed Central

    Mukonzo, Jackson K.; Owen, Joel S.; Ogwal-Okeng, Jasper; Kuteesa, Ronald B.; Nanzigu, Sarah; Sewankambo, Nelson; Thabane, Lehana; Gustafsson, Lars L.; Ross, Colin; Aklillu, Eleni

    2014-01-01

    Background Pharmacogenetics contributes to inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics (PK) of efavirenz (EFV), leading to variations in both efficacy and toxicity. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of genetic factors on EFV pharmacokinetics, treatment outcomes and genotype based EFV dose recommendations for adult HIV-1 infected Ugandans. Methods In total, 556 steady-state plasma EFV concentrations from 99 HIV infected patients (64 female) treated with EFV/lamivudine/zidovidine were analyzed. Patient genotypes for CYP2B6 (*6 & *11), CYP3A5 (*3,*6 & *7) and ABCB1 c.4046A>G, baseline biochemistries and CD4 and viral load change from baseline were determined. A one-compartment population PK model with first-order absorption (NONMEM) was used to estimate genotype effects on EFV pharmacokinetics. PK simulations were performed based upon population genotype frequencies. Predicted AUCs were compared between the product label and simulations for doses of 300 mg, 450 mg, and 600 mg. Results EFV apparent clearance (CL/F) was 2.2 and 1.74 fold higher in CYP2B6*6 (*1/*1) and CYP2B6*6 (*1/*6) compared CYP2B6*6 (*6/*6) carriers, while a 22% increase in F1 was observed for carriers of ABCB1 c.4046A>G variant allele. Higher mean AUC was attained in CYP2B6 *6/*6 genotypes compared to CYP2B6 *1/*1 (p<0.0001). Simulation based AUCs for 600 mg doses were 1.25 and 2.10 times the product label mean AUC for the Ugandan population in general and CYP2B6*6/*6 genotypes respectively. Simulated exposures for EFV daily doses of 300 mg and 450 mg are comparable to the product label. Viral load fell precipitously on treatment, with only six patients having HIV RNA >40 copies/mL after 84 days of treatment. No trend with exposure was noted for these six patients. Conclusion Results of this study suggest that daily doses of 450 mg and 300 mg might meet the EFV treatment needs of HIV-1 infected Ugandans in general and individuals homozygous for CYP2B6*6 mutation, respectively

  2. Functional role of human NK cell receptor 2B4 (CD244) isoforms.

    PubMed

    Mathew, Stephen O; Rao, Krithi K; Kim, Jong R; Bambard, Nowland D; Mathew, Porunelloor A

    2009-06-01

    2B4 (CD244), a member of the signaling lymphocyte-activation molecule (SLAM/CD150), is expressed on all NK cells, a subpopulation of T cells, monocytes and basophils. Human NK cells express two isoforms of 2B4, h2B4-A and h2B4-B that differ in a small portion of the extracellular domain. In the present investigation, we have studied the functions of h2B4-A and h2B4-B. Our study demonstrated that these two isoforms differ in their binding affinity for CD48, which results in differential cytotoxic activity as well as intracellular calcium release by NK cells upon target cell recognition. Analysis of the predicted 3-D structure of the two isoforms showed conformational differences that could account for their differences in binding affinity to CD48. h2B4-A was able to mediate natural cytotoxicity against CD48-expressing K562 target cells and induce intracellular calcium release, whereas h2B4-B showed no effects. NK-92MI, U937, THP-1, KU812, primary monocytes, basophils and NK cells showed expression of both h2B4-A and h2B4-B whereas YT and IL-2-activated NK cells did not show any h2B4-B expression. Stimulation of NK cells through 2B4 resulted in decreased mRNA levels of both h2B4-A and h2B4-B indicating that down-regulation of 2B4 isoforms may be an important factor in controlling NK cell activation during immune responses.

  3. KDM4B/JMJD2B is a p53 target gene that modulates the amplitude of p53 response after DNA damage

    PubMed Central

    Moon, Eui Jung; Razorenova, Olga V.; Krieg, Adam J.; von Eyben, Rie

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The p53 tumor suppressor protein plays a critical role in orchestrating the genomic response to various stress signals by acting as a master transcriptional regulator. Differential gene activity is controlled by transcription factors but also dependent on the underlying chromatin structure, especially on covalent histone modifications. After screening different histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases, we identified JMJD2B/KDM4B as a p53-inducible gene in response to DNA damage. p53 directly regulates JMJD2B gene expression by binding to a canonical p53-consensus motif in the JMJD2B promoter. JMJD2B induction attenuates the transcription of key p53 transcriptional targets including p21, PIG3 and PUMA, and this modulation is dependent on the catalytic capacity of JMJD2B. Conversely, JMJD2B silencing led to an enhancement of the DNA-damage driven induction of p21 and PIG3. These findings indicate that JMJD2B acts in an auto-regulatory loop by which p53, through JMJD2B activation, is able to influence its own transcriptional program. Functionally, exogenous expression of JMJD2B enhanced subcutaneous tumor growth of colon cancer cells in a p53-dependent manner, and genetic inhibition of JMJD2B impaired tumor growth in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the regulatory effect exerted by JMJD2B on tumor growth through the modulation of p53 target genes. PMID:28073943

  4. HLA-B73: An atypical HLA-B molecule carrying a Bw6-epitope motif variant and a B pocket identical to HLA-B27

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

    Vilches, C.; Pablo, R. de; Herrero, M.J.

    1994-12-31

    HLA-B73, first described by Mayr and Kirnbauer (1981), is a poorly characterized allospecificity, serologically related to the B7-CREG. We polymerase chain reaction-amplified, cloned and sequenced the HLA-B alleles of the B-LCL LE023, established from a Spanish Caucasoid individual expressing HLA-B73. 5 refs., 2 figs.

  5. Regulation of NucB2/Nesfatin-1 throughout rat pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Garcés, María F; Poveda, Natalia E; Sanchez, Elizabeth; Sánchez, Ángel Y; Bravo, Susana B; Vázquez, María J; Diéguez, Carlos; Nogueiras, Rubén; Caminos, Jorge E

    2014-06-22

    Nesfatin-1 is an anorexigenic neuropeptide derived by post-translational cleavage from the N-terminus region DNA binding/EF-hand/acidic amino acid rich region (NEFA)/nucleobindin2 (NucB2) protein through proteolytic prohormone convertases. This neuropeptide was originally localized in different appetite controlling areas such as the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, lateral hypothalamic area, and nucleus tractus solitarius. The objective of this study was to determine the expression and the changes that occur to mRNA and protein of NucB2 and Nesfatin-1 serum levels during gestation. This study utilized molecular and immunological approaches to investigate the expression and regulation of NucB2/Nesfatin-1 protein throughout gestation in rat fed under ad libitum and food restricted conditions (30% nutrient restriction). NucB2 was immunolocalized in the amnion and decidua of the rat placenta. Nesfatin-1 serum levels were measured by radioimmunoassay on gestational days 12, 16, 19 and 21, showing a significant (p<0.01) decrease in serum levels after day 12 until the end of gestation in rats fed ad libitum. These results were correlated with the analysis of NucB2 mRNA, with a significant (p<0.01) reduction observed in both the mRNA and protein of NucB2 during the gestational days 12, 16 and 21. It was also observed that food restriction decreases Nesfatin-1 serum levels and NucB2 placental expression at day 16 of gestation when compared to pregnant rats fed ad libitum. This study illustrates for the first time through molecular and immunological approaches the NucB2 expression and regulation on rat placenta and that this peptide is regulated throughout pregnancy. Consistent with previous reports, our results provide additional evidence supporting the role of NucB2 protein as an anorexigenic peptide that may contribute to the regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. NucB2/Nesfatin-1 might play an important metabolic

  6. Fine-Filament MgB2 Superconductor Wire

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cantu, Sherrie

    2015-01-01

    Hyper Tech Research, Inc., has developed fine-filament magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconductor wire for motors and generators used in turboelectric aircraft propulsion systems. In Phase I of the project, Hyper Tech demonstrated that MgB2 multifilament wires (<10 micrometers) could reduce alternating current (AC) losses that occur due to hysteresis, eddy currents, and coupling losses. The company refined a manufacturing method that incorporates a magnesium-infiltration process and provides a tenfold enhancement in critical current density over wire made by a conventional method involving magnesium-boron powder mixtures. Hyper Tech also improved its wire-drawing capability to fabricate fine multifilament strands. In Phase II, the company developed, manufactured, and tested the wire for superconductor and engineering current density and AC losses. Hyper Tech also fabricated MgB2 rotor coil packs for a superconducting generator. The ultimate goal is to enable low-cost, round, lightweight, low-AC-loss superconductors for motor and generator stator coils operating at 25 K in next-generation turboelectric aircraft propulsion systems.

  7. Observation of the Decays Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-} and Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-}.

    PubMed

    Aaij, R; Adeva, B; Adinolfi, M; Ajaltouni, Z; Akar, S; Albrecht, J; Alessio, F; Alexander, M; Ali, S; Alkhazov, G; Alvarez Cartelle, P; Alves, A A; Amato, S; Amerio, S; Amhis, Y; An, L; Anderlini, L; Andreassi, G; Andreotti, M; Andrews, J E; Appleby, R B; Archilli, F; d'Argent, P; Arnau Romeu, J; Artamonov, A; Artuso, M; Aslanides, E; Auriemma, G; Baalouch, M; Babuschkin, I; Bachmann, S; Back, J J; Badalov, A; Baesso, C; Baker, S; Balagura, V; Baldini, W; Baranov, A; Barlow, R J; Barschel, C; Barsuk, S; Barter, W; Baryshnikov, F; Baszczyk, M; Batozskaya, V; Battista, V; Bay, A; Beaucourt, L; Beddow, J; Bedeschi, F; Bediaga, I; Beiter, A; Bel, L J; Bellee, V; Belloli, N; Belous, K; Belyaev, I; Ben-Haim, E; Bencivenni, G; Benson, S; Beranek, S; Berezhnoy, A; Bernet, R; Bertolin, A; Betancourt, C; Betti, F; Bettler, M-O; van Beuzekom, M; Bezshyiko, Ia; Bifani, S; Billoir, P; Birnkraut, A; Bitadze, A; Bizzeti, A; Blake, T; Blanc, F; Blouw, J; Blusk, S; Bocci, V; Boettcher, T; Bondar, A; Bondar, N; Bonivento, W; Bordyuzhin, I; Borgheresi, A; Borghi, S; Borisyak, M; Borsato, M; Bossu, F; Boubdir, M; Bowcock, T J V; Bowen, E; Bozzi, C; Braun, S; Britton, T; Brodzicka, J; Buchanan, E; Burr, C; Bursche, A; Buytaert, J; Cadeddu, S; Calabrese, R; Calvi, M; Calvo Gomez, M; Camboni, A; Campana, P; Campora Perez, D H; Capriotti, L; Carbone, A; Carboni, G; Cardinale, R; Cardini, A; Carniti, P; Carson, L; Carvalho Akiba, K; Casse, G; Cassina, L; Castillo Garcia, L; Cattaneo, M; Cavallero, G; Cenci, R; Chamont, D; Charles, M; Charpentier, Ph; Chatzikonstantinidis, G; Chefdeville, M; Chen, S; Cheung, S F; Chobanova, V; Chrzaszcz, M; Chubykin, A; Cid Vidal, X; Ciezarek, G; Clarke, P E L; Clemencic, M; Cliff, H V; Closier, J; Coco, V; Cogan, J; Cogneras, E; Cogoni, V; Cojocariu, L; Collins, P; Comerma-Montells, A; Contu, A; Cook, A; Coombs, G; Coquereau, S; Corti, G; Corvo, M; Costa Sobral, C M; Couturier, B; Cowan, G A; Craik, D C; Crocombe, A; Cruz Torres, M; Cunliffe, S; Currie, R; 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Ratnikov, F; Raven, G; Ravonel Salzgeber, M; Reboud, M; Redi, F; Reichert, S; Dos Reis, A C; Remon Alepuz, C; Renaudin, V; Ricciardi, S; Richards, S; Rihl, M; Rinnert, K; Rives Molina, V; Robbe, P; Rodrigues, A B; Rodrigues, E; Rodriguez Lopez, J A; Rodriguez Perez, P; Rogozhnikov, A; Roiser, S; Rollings, A; Romanovskiy, V; Romero Vidal, A; Ronayne, J W; Rotondo, M; Rudolph, M S; Ruf, T; Ruiz Valls, P; Saborido Silva, J J; Sadykhov, E; Sagidova, N; Saitta, B; Salustino Guimaraes, V; Sanchez Gonzalo, D; Sanchez Mayordomo, C; Sanmartin Sedes, B; Santacesaria, R; Santamarina Rios, C; Santimaria, M; Santovetti, E; Sarti, A; Satriano, C; Satta, A; Saunders, D M; Savrina, D; Schael, S; Schellenberg, M; Schiller, M; Schindler, H; Schlupp, M; Schmelling, M; Schmelzer, T; Schmidt, B; Schneider, O; Schopper, A; Schreiner, H F; Schubert, K; Schubiger, M; Schune, M-H; Schwemmer, R; Sciascia, B; Sciubba, A; Semennikov, A; Sergi, A; Serra, N; Serrano, J; Sestini, L; Seyfert, P; Shapkin, M; Shapoval, I; Shcheglov, Y; Shears, T; Shekhtman, L; Shevchenko, V; Siddi, B G; Silva Coutinho, R; Silva de Oliveira, L; Simi, G; Simone, S; Sirendi, M; Skidmore, N; Skwarnicki, T; Smith, E; Smith, I T; Smith, J; Smith, M; Soares Lavra, L; Sokoloff, M D; Soler, F J P; Souza De Paula, B; Spaan, B; Spradlin, P; Sridharan, S; Stagni, F; Stahl, M; Stahl, S; Stefko, P; Stefkova, S; Steinkamp, O; Stemmle, S; Stenyakin, O; Stevens, H; Stoica, S; Stone, S; Storaci, B; Stracka, S; Stramaglia, M E; Straticiuc, M; Straumann, U; Sun, L; Sutcliffe, W; Swientek, K; Syropoulos, V; Szczekowski, M; Szumlak, T; T'Jampens, S; Tayduganov, A; Tekampe, T; Tellarini, G; Teubert, F; Thomas, E; van Tilburg, J; Tilley, M J; Tisserand, V; Tobin, M; Tolk, S; Tomassetti, L; Tonelli, D; Topp-Joergensen, S; Toriello, F; Tourinho Jadallah Aoude, R; Tournefier, E; Tourneur, S; Trabelsi, K; Traill, M; Tran, M T; Tresch, M; Trisovic, A; Tsaregorodtsev, A; Tsopelas, P; Tully, A; Tuning, N; Ukleja, A; Ustyuzhanin, A; Uwer, U; Vacca, C; Vagnoni, V; Valassi, A; Valat, S; Valenti, G; Vazquez Gomez, R; Vazquez Regueiro, P; Vecchi, S; van Veghel, M; Velthuis, J J; Veltri, M; Veneziano, G; Venkateswaran, A; Verlage, T A; Vernet, M; Vesterinen, M; Viana Barbosa, J V; Viaud, B; Vieira, D; Vieites Diaz, M; Viemann, H; Vilasis-Cardona, X; Vitti, M; Volkov, V; Vollhardt, A; Voneki, B; Vorobyev, A; Vorobyev, V; Voß, C; de Vries, J A; Vázquez Sierra, C; Waldi, R; Wallace, C; Wallace, R; Walsh, J; Wang, J; Ward, D R; Wark, H M; Watson, N K; Websdale, D; Weiden, A; Whitehead, M; Wicht, J; Wilkinson, G; Wilkinson, M; Williams, M; Williams, M P; Williams, M; Williams, T; Wilson, F F; Wimberley, J; Winn, M A; Wishahi, J; Wislicki, W; Witek, M; Wormser, G; Wotton, S A; Wraight, K; Wyllie, K; Xie, Y; Xu, Z; Yang, Z; Yang, Z; Yao, Y; Yin, H; Yu, J; Yuan, X; Yushchenko, O; Zarebski, K A; Zavertyaev, M; Zhang, L; Zhang, Y; Zhelezov, A; Zheng, Y; Zhu, X; Zhukov, V; Zonneveld, J B; Zucchelli, S

    2017-08-11

    The first observation of the decays Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-} and Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-} is reported using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The following ratios of branching fractions are measured: B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-})=0.242±0.014±0.013±0.009,B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-})=0.248±0.020±0.014±0.009,B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-})=1.02±0.10±0.02±0.05,where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third due to the uncertainty on the branching fractions of the χ_{c1}→J/ψγ and χ_{c2}→J/ψγ decays. Using both decay modes, the mass of the Λ_{b}^{0} baryon is also measured to be m_{Λ_{b}^{0}}=5619.44±0.28±0.26  MeV/c^{2}, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

  8. Higher efficacy of pegylated interferon-α2b add-on therapy in hepatitis B envelope antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients on tenofovir monotherapy.

    PubMed

    Jindal, Ankur; Vyas, Ashish Kumar; Kumar, Devesh; Kumar, Guresh; Sharma, Manoj Kumar; Sarin, Shiv Kumar

    2018-05-01

    Monotherapy with pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFNα) or the nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA) currently approved for treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has limited efficacy. Studies on the combination of Peg-IFNα/NA have shown conflicting results. We investigated whether sequentially adding on Peg-IFNα to tenofovir enhances serological response rates. Treatment-naïve, hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients with moderately elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 48-200 IU/mL) were started on tenofovir (300 mg/day) and enrolled at week 12 in a 1:1 ratio to either receive Peg-IFNα2b add-on (1.5 μg/kg/week) from week 12 to 36 (n = 53) or continue tenofovir monotherapy (n = 53). Both treatment arms received tenofovir consolidation therapy until week 72. The primary end-point was HBeAg loss at week 72. At week 72, the rate of HBeAg loss was higher in the Peg-IFNα2b add-on group (35.8%) compared to the tenofovir monotherapy group (17%) (P = 0.028; odds ratio, 2.73, 95% confidence interval, 1.09-6.79), and considerably higher in patients with a baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA level >6 log IU/mL (32.6% vs 11.4%; P = 0.021). Rates of HBV-DNA loss (77.4% vs 71.7%; P = 0.51), ALT normalization (62.3% vs 52.8%; P = 0.32), and sustained virologic response (20.8% vs 11.3%; P = 0.18) at week 72 were comparable between the two groups. Significantly more patients in the add-on group had >3 log HBV-DNA reduction at week 36 (92.5% vs 66%; P = 0.001). Four patients treated with Peg-IFNα2b add-on achieved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss compared with one patient receiving tenofovir monotherapy. Decline of HBV-DNA of >2 log at week 4 led to higher HBeAg loss at week 72, independent of treatment arm. No patient had treatment-related adverse effects requiring treatment discontinuation. Twenty-four weeks of Peg-IFNα2b as an add-on sequential regimen to tenofovir is safe and resulted in greater loss of HBeAg and HBs

  9. SLCO2B1 and SLCO1B3 May Determine Time to Progression for Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Ming; Xie, Wanling; Mostaghel, Elahe; Nakabayashi, Mari; Werner, Lillian; Sun, Tong; Pomerantz, Mark; Freedman, Matthew; Ross, Robert; Regan, Meredith; Sharifi, Nima; Figg, William Douglas; Balk, Steven; Brown, Myles; Taplin, Mary-Ellen; Oh, William K.; Lee, Gwo-Shu Mary; Kantoff, Philip W.

    2011-01-01

    Purpose Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), an important treatment for advanced prostate cancer, is highly variable in its effectiveness. We hypothesized that genetic variants of androgen transporter genes, SLCO2B1 and SLCO1B3, may determine time to progression on ADT. Patients and Methods A cohort of 538 patients with prostate cancer treated with ADT was genotyped for SLCO2B1 and SLCO1B3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The biologic function of a SLCO2B1 coding SNP in transporting androgen was examined through biochemical assays. Results Three SNPs in SLCO2B1 were associated with time to progression (TTP) on ADT (P < .05). The differences in median TTP for each of these polymorphisms were about 10 months. The SLCO2B1 genotype, which allows more efficient import of androgen, enhances cell growth and is associated with a shorter TTP on ADT. Patients carrying both SLCO2B1 and SLCO1B3 genotypes, which import androgens more efficiently, exhibited a median 2-year shorter TTP on ADT, demonstrating a gene-gene interaction (Pinteraction = .041). Conclusion Genetic variants of SLCO2B1 and SLCO1B3 may function as pharmacogenomic determinants of resistance to ADT in prostate cancer. PMID:21606417

  10. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review.

    PubMed

    Kennedy, David O

    2016-01-27

    The B-vitamins comprise a group of eight water soluble vitamins that perform essential, closely inter-related roles in cellular functioning, acting as co-enzymes in a vast array of catabolic and anabolic enzymatic reactions. Their collective effects are particularly prevalent to numerous aspects of brain function, including energy production, DNA/RNA synthesis/repair, genomic and non-genomic methylation, and the synthesis of numerous neurochemicals and signaling molecules. However, human epidemiological and controlled trial investigations, and the resultant scientific commentary, have focused almost exclusively on the small sub-set of vitamins (B9/B12/B6) that are the most prominent (but not the exclusive) B-vitamins involved in homocysteine metabolism. Scant regard has been paid to the other B vitamins. This review describes the closely inter-related functions of the eight B-vitamins and marshals evidence suggesting that adequate levels of all members of this group of micronutrients are essential for optimal physiological and neurological functioning. Furthermore, evidence from human research clearly shows both that a significant proportion of the populations of developed countries suffer from deficiencies or insufficiencies in one or more of this group of vitamins, and that, in the absence of an optimal diet, administration of the entire B-vitamin group, rather than a small sub-set, at doses greatly in excess of the current governmental recommendations, would be a rational approach for preserving brain health.

  11. Differential localization of ErbB2 in different tissues of the rat female reproductive tract: implications for the use of specific antibodies for ErbB2 analysis.

    PubMed

    Idris, N; Carothers Carraway, C A; Carraway, K L

    2001-11-01

    ErbB2 has been implicated in numerous functions, including normal and aberrant development of a variety of tissues. Although no soluble ligand has been identified for ErbB2, we have recently shown that ASGP-2, the transmembrane subunit of the cell surface glycoprotein Muc4 (also called sialomucin complex, SMC), can act as an intramembrane ligand for ErbB2 and modulate its activity. Muc4/SMC is abundantly expressed at the apical surface of most epithelia of the rat female reproductive tract. Since Muc4/SMC can interact with ErbB2 when they are expressed in the same cell and membrane, we investigated whether these two proteins are co-expressed and co-localized in tissues of the female reproductive tract. Using an anti-ErbB2 antibody from Dako, we found moderate staining at the basolateral surface of the oviduct and also around the cell membrane of the most superficial and medial layers of the stratified epithelia of the vagina. In contrast, Neomarkers neu Ab1 antibody intensely stained the apical surface of the epithelium of the oviduct and the medial and basal layers of the stratified epithelia of the vagina, substantially overlapping the distribution of Muc4/SMC. Furthermore, Muc4/SMC and ErbB2 association in different tissues of the female reproductive tract was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation analysis. Interestingly, phosphorylated ErbB2 detected by anti-phospho-ErbB2 is primarily present at the apical surface of the oviduct. Thus, our results show that differentially localized forms of ErbB2 are recognized by different antibodies and raise interesting questions about the nature of the different forms of ErbB2, the mechanism for differential localization, and possible functions of ErbB2 in the female reproductive tract. They also raise a cautionary note about the use of different ErbB2 antibodies for expression and localization studies. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  12. Neuronal SH2B1 is essential for controlling energy and glucose homeostasis.

    PubMed

    Ren, Decheng; Zhou, Yingjiang; Morris, David; Li, Minghua; Li, Zhiqin; Rui, Liangyou

    2007-02-01

    SH2B1 (previously named SH2-B), a cytoplasmic adaptor protein, binds via its Src homology 2 (SH2) domain to a variety of protein tyrosine kinases, including JAK2 and the insulin receptor. SH2B1-deficient mice are obese and diabetic. Here we demonstrated that multiple isoforms of SH2B1 (alpha, beta, gamma, and/or delta) were expressed in numerous tissues, including the brain, hypothalamus, liver, muscle, adipose tissue, heart, and pancreas. Rat SH2B1beta was specifically expressed in neural tissue in SH2B1-transgenic (SH2B1(Tg)) mice. SH2B1(Tg) mice were crossed with SH2B1-knockout (SH2B1(KO)) mice to generate SH2B1(TgKO) mice expressing SH2B1 only in neural tissue but not in other tissues. Systemic deletion of the SH2B1 gene resulted in metabolic disorders in SH2B1(KO) mice, including hyperlipidemia, leptin resistance, hyperphagia, obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. Neuron-specific restoration of SH2B1beta not only corrected the metabolic disorders in SH2B1(TgKO) mice, but also improved JAK2-mediated leptin signaling and leptin regulation of orexigenic neuropeptide expression in the hypothalamus. Moreover, neuron-specific overexpression of SH2B1 dose-dependently protected against high-fat diet-induced leptin resistance and obesity. These observations suggest that neuronal SH2B1 regulates energy balance, body weight, peripheral insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis at least in part by enhancing hypothalamic leptin sensitivity.

  13. Targeted Segment Transfer from Rye Chromosome 2R to Wheat Chromosomes 2A, 2B, and 7B.

    PubMed

    Ren, Tianheng; Li, Zhi; Yan, Benju; Tan, Feiquan; Tang, Zongxiang; Fu, Shulan; Yang, Manyu; Ren, Zhenglong

    2017-01-01

    Increased chromosome instability was induced by a rye (Secale cereale L.) monosomic 2R chromosome into wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Centromere breakage and telomere dysfunction result in high rates of chromosome aberrations, including breakages, fissions, fusions, deletions, and translocations. Plants with target traits were sequentially selected to produce a breeding population, from which 3 translocation lines with target traits have been selected. In these lines, wheat chromosomes 2A, 2B, and 7B recombined with segments of the rye chromosome arm 2RL. This was detected by FISH analysis using repeat sequences pSc119.2, pAs1 and genomic DNA of rye together as probes. The translocation chromosomes in these lines were named as 2ASMR, 2BSMR, and 7BSMR. The small segments that were transferred into wheat consisted of pSc119.2 repeats and other chromatin regions that conferred resistance to stripe rust and expressed target traits. These translocation lines were highly resistant to stripe rust, and expressed several typical traits that were associated with chromosome arm 2RL, which are better than those of its wheat parent, disomic addition, and substitution lines that show agronomic characteristics. The integration of molecular methods and conventional techniques to improve wheat breeding schemes are discussed. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  14. Detection of H-alpha emission in the hot white dwarf G191-B2B

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reid, Neill; Wegner, Gary

    1988-12-01

    High-resolution spectra of G191-B2B, the hottest known DA white dwarf were obtained which reveal emission in the core of the H-alpha line. The observations show little variation in the line profile over a period of four days, ruling out line-doubling in a close binary as an explanation. The observed emission cannot be due to a nearby red dwarf companion, while the absence of any spatially extended emission argues against either a planetary nebula remnant or local ionization of the interstellar medium. The determination of the systemic velocity, using the companion red dwarf G191-B2A, is 5 + or - 2 km/s and shows that both the H-alpha emission and the high-excitation species observed in the ultraviolet are redshifted by 19 + or - 3 km/s, suggesting a photospheric origin. The low redshift implies a mass of 0.45 solar mass for this hot white dwarf, although the uncertainties in the effective temperature and parallax permit masses in the range 0.29 to 0.60 solar mass.

  15. Methadone pharmacogenetics: CYP2B6 polymorphisms determine plasma concentrations, clearance and metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Kharasch, Evan D.; Regina, Karen J.; Blood, Jane; Friedel, Christina

    2015-01-01

    Background Interindividual variability in methadone disposition remains unexplained, and methadone accidental overdose in pain therapy is a significant public health problem. Cytochrome P4502B6 (CYP2B6) is the principle determinant of clinical methadone elimination. The CYP2B6 gene is highly polymorphic, with several variant alleles. CYP2B6.6, the protein encoded by the CYP2B6*6 polymorphism, deficiently catalyzes methadone metabolism in vitro. This investigation determined the influence of CYP2B6*6, and other allelic variants encountered, on methadone concentrations, clearance, and metabolism. Methods Healthy volunteers in genotype cohorts CYP2B6*1/*1 (n=21), CYP2B6*1/*6 (n=20), and CYP2B6*6/*6 (n=17), and also CYP2B6*1/*4 (n=1), CYP2B6*4/*6 (n=3), CYP2B6*5/*5 (n=2) subjects received single doses of intravenous and oral methadone. Plasma and urine methadone and metabolite concentrations were determined by tandem mass spectrometry. Results Average S-methadone apparent oral clearance was 35 and 45% lower in CYP2B6*1/*6 and CYP2B6*6/*6 genotypes, respectively, compared with CYP2B6*1/*1, and R-methadone apparent oral clearance was 25 and 30% lower. R- and S-methadone apparent oral clearance was 3- and 4-fold greater in CYP2B6*4 carriers. Intravenous and oral R- and S-methadone metabolism was significantly lower in CYP2B6*6 carriers compared with CYP2B6*1 homozygotes, and greater in CYP2B6*4 carriers. Methadone metabolism and clearance were lower in African-Americans due to the CYP2B6*6 genetic polymorphism. Conclusions CYP2B6 polymorphisms influence methadone plasma concentrations, due to altered methadone metabolism and thus clearance. Genetic influence is greater for oral than intravenous, and S- than R-methadone. CYP2B6 pharmacogenetics explains, in part, interindividual variability in methadone elimination. CYP2B6 genetic effects on methadone metabolism and clearance may identify subjects at risk for methadone toxicity and drug interactions. PMID:26389554

  16. Anti-Ephrin Type-B Receptor 2 (EphB2) and Anti-Three Prime Histone mRNA EXonuclease 1 (THEX1) Autoantibodies in Scleroderma and Lupus

    PubMed Central

    Azzouz, Doua F.; Martin, Gabriel V.; Arnoux, Fanny; Balandraud, Nathalie; Martin, Thierry; Dubucquoi, Sylvain; Hachulla, Eric; Farge-Bancel, Dominique; Tiev, Kiet; Cabane, Jean; Bardin, Nathalie; Chiche, Laurent; Martin, Marielle; Caillet, Eléonore C.; Kanaan, Sami B.; Harlé, Jean Robert; Granel, Brigitte; Diot, Elisabeth; Roudier, Jean; Auger, Isabelle; Lambert, Nathalie C.

    2016-01-01

    In a pilot ProtoArray analysis, we identified 6 proteins out of 9483 recognized by autoantibodies (AAb) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We further investigated the 6 candidates by ELISA on hundreds of controls and patients, including patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), known for high sera reactivity and overlapping AAb with SSc. Only 2 of the 6 candidates, Ephrin type-B receptor 2 (EphB2) and Three prime Histone mRNA EXonuclease 1 (THEX1), remained significantly recognized by sera samples from SSc compared to controls (healthy or with rheumatic diseases) with, respectively, 34% versus 14% (P = 2.10−4) and 60% versus 28% (P = 3.10−8). Above all, EphB2 and THEX1 revealed to be mainly recognized by SLE sera samples with respectively 56%, (P = 2.10−10) and 82% (P = 5.10−13). As anti-EphB2 and anti-THEX1 AAb were found in both diseases, an epitope mapping was realized on each protein to refine SSc and SLE diagnosis. A 15-mer peptide from EphB2 allowed to identify 35% of SLE sera samples (N = 48) versus only 5% of any other sera samples (N = 157), including SSc sera samples. AAb titers were significantly higher in SLE sera (P<0.0001) and correlated with disease activity (p<0.02). We could not find an epitope on EphB2 protein for SSc neither on THEX1 for SSc or SLE. We showed that patients with SSc or SLE have AAb against EphB2, a protein involved in angiogenesis, and THEX1, a 3’-5’ exoribonuclease involved in histone mRNA degradation. We have further identified a peptide from EphB2 as a specific and sensitive tool for SLE diagnosis. PMID:27617966

  17. Memory Enhancement by Targeting Cdk5 Regulation of NR2B

    PubMed Central

    Plattner, Florian; Hernandéz, Adan; Kistler, Tara M.; Pozo, Karine; Zhong, Ping; Yuen, Eunice Y.; Tan, Chunfeng; Hawasli, Ammar H.; Cooke, Sam F.; Nishi, Akinori; Guo, Ailan; Wiederhold, Thorsten; Yan, Zhen; Bibb, James A.

    2014-01-01

    SUMMARY Many psychiatric and neurological disorders are characterized by learning and memory deficits, for which cognitive enhancement is considered a valid treatment strategy. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a prime target for the development of cognitive enhancers due to its fundamental role in learning and memory. In particular, the NMDAR subunit NR2B improves synaptic plasticity and memory when over-expressed in neurons. However, NR2B regulation is not well understood and no therapies potentiating NMDAR function have been developed. Here, we show that serine 1116 of NR2B is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5). Cdk5-dependent NR2B phosphorylation is regulated by neuronal activity and controls the receptor’s cell surface expression. Disrupting NR2B-Cdk5 interaction using a small interfering peptide (siP) increases NR2B surface levels, facilitates synaptic transmission, and improves memory formation in vivo. Our results reveal a novel regulatory mechanism critical to NR2B function that can be targeted for the development of cognitive enhancers. PMID:24607229

  18. CD86 and beta2-adrenergic receptor signaling pathways, respectively, increase Oct-2 and OCA-B Expression and binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer in B cells.

    PubMed

    Podojil, Joseph R; Kin, Nicholas W; Sanders, Virginia M

    2004-05-28

    Stimulation of CD86 (formerly known as B7-2) and/or the beta2-adrenergic receptor on a CD40 ligand/interleukin-4-activated B cell increased the rate of mature IgG1 transcription. To identify the mechanism responsible for this effect, we determined whether CD86 and/or beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation regulated transcription factor expression and binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer in vitro and in vivo. We showed that CD86 stimulation increased the nuclear localization of NF-kappaB1 (p50) and phosphorylated RelA (p65) and increased Oct-2 expression and binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer, in a protein kinase C-dependent manner. These effects were lost when CD86-deficient or NF-kappaB1-deficient B cells were used. CD86 stimulation also increased the level of IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation but in a protein kinase C-independent manner. Beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation increased CREB phosphorylation, OCA-B expression, and OCA-B binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer in a protein kinase A-dependent manner, an effect lost when beta2-adrenergic receptor-deficient B cells were used. Also, the beta2-adrenergic receptor-induced increase in the level of mature IgG1 transcript was lost when OCA-B-deficient B cells were used. These data are the first to show that CD86 stimulation up-regulates the expression of the transcription factor Oct-2 in a protein kinase C- and NF-kappaB1-dependent manner, and that beta2-adrenergic receptor stimulation up-regulates the expression of the coactivator OCA-B in a protein kinase A-dependent manner to cooperate with Oct-2 binding to the 3'-IgH enhancer.

  19. Splicing-related single nucleotide polymorphism of RAB, member of RAS oncogene family like 2B (RABL2B) jeopardises semen quality in Chinese Holstein bulls.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiuge; Cui, Xiaohui; Zhang, Yan; Hao, Haisheng; Ju, Zhihua; Liu, Deyu; Jiang, Qiang; Yang, Chunhong; Sun, Yan; Wang, Changfa; Huang, Jinming; Zhu, Huabin

    2017-11-01

    RAB, member of RAS oncogene family like 2B (RABL2B) is a member of a poorly characterised clade of the RAS GTPase superfamily, which plays an essential role in male fertility, sperm intraflagellar transport and tail assembly. In the present study, we identified a novel RABL2B splice variant in bovine testis and spermatozoa. This splice variant, designated RABL2B-TV, is characterised by exon 2 skipping. Moreover, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), namely c.125G>A, was found within the exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) motif, indicating that the SNP caused the production of the RABL2B-TV aberrant splice variant. This was demonstrated by constructing a pSPL3 exon capturing vector with different genotypes and transfecting these vectors into murine Leydig tumour cell line (MLTC-1) cells. Expression of the RABL2B-TV transcript was lower in semen from high- versus low-performance bulls. Association analysis showed that sperm deformity rate was significantly lower in Chinese Holstein bulls with the GG or GA genotype than in bulls with the AA genotype (P<0.05). In addition, initial sperm motility was significantly higher in individuals with the GG or GA genotype than in individuals with the AA genotype (P<0.05). The findings of the present study suggest that the difference in semen quality in bulls with different RABL2B genotypes is generated via an alternative splicing mechanism caused by a functional SNP within the ESE motif.

  20. First principle study of UHTC ternary diboride, Cr2AlB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rastogi, Anugya; Rajpoot, Priyanka; Verma, U. P.

    2018-04-01

    In this paper ab-initio study of the structural, electronic and optical properties of ternary metal boride Cr2AlB2 using full potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on the density functional theory (DFT). The study of structural properties shows that Cr2AlB2 is metallic in nature and have orthorhombic crystal structure. The optical properties show that it possess anisotropic behavior, which have wide applications in electricity production through concentration of solar power (CSP) technology. To the best of our knowledge, theoretical study of the optical properties of Cr2AlB2 is reported for the first time.

  1. Enhanced B doping in CVD-grown GeSn:B using B δ-doping layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kohen, David; Vohra, Anurag; Loo, Roger; Vandervorst, Wilfried; Bhargava, Nupur; Margetis, Joe; Tolle, John

    2018-02-01

    Highly doped GeSn material is interesting for both electronic and optical applications. GeSn:B is a candidate for source-drain material in future Ge pMOS device because Sn adds compressive strain with respect to pure Ge, and therefore can boost the Ge channel performances. A high B concentration is required to obtain low contact resistivity between the source-drain material and the metal contact. To achieve high performance, it is therefore highly desirable to maximize both the Sn content and the B concentration. However, it has been shown than CVD-grown GeSn:B shows a trade-off between the Sn incorporation and the B concentration (increasing B doping reduces Sn incorporation). Furthermore, the highest B concentration of CVD-grown GeSn:B process reported in the literature has been limited to below 1 × 1020 cm-3. Here, we demonstrate a CVD process where B δ-doping layers are inserted in the GeSn layer. We studied the influence of the thickness between each δ-doping layers and the δ-doping layers process conditions on the crystalline quality and the doping density of the GeSn:B layers. For the same Sn content, the δ-doping process results in a 4-times higher B doping than the co-flow process. In addition, a B doping concentration of 2 × 1021 cm-3 with an active concentration of 5 × 1020 cm-3 is achieved.

  2. Selenidation of epitaxial silicene on ZrB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wiggers, F. B.; Yamada-Takamura, Y.; Kovalgin, A. Y.; de Jong, M. P.

    2018-01-01

    The deposition of elemental Se on epitaxial silicene on ZrB2 thin films was investigated with synchrotron-based core-level photoelectron spectroscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. The deposition of Se at room temperature caused the appearance of Si 2p peaks with chemical shifts of n × 0.51 ± 0.04 eV (n = 1-4), suggesting the formation of SiSe2. This shows that capping the silicene monolayer, without affecting its structural and electronic properties, is not possible with Se. The annealing treatments that followed caused the desorption of Se and Si, resulting in the etching of the Si atoms formerly part of the silicene layer, and the formation of bare ZrB2(0001) surface area. In addition, a ZrB2(0001)-(√7 × 3)R40.9° surface reconstruction was observed, attributed to a Se-termination of the surface of the transition metal diboride thin film.

  3. Submicron R2Fe14B particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Koylu-Alkan, O.; Barandiaran, J. M.; Salazar, D.; Hadjipanayis, G. C.

    2016-05-01

    Mechanochemical synthesis of submicron R2Fe14B particles with R = Dy, Nd, Pr has been performed successfully via high energy ball milling of rare-earth oxides, iron oxide and boron oxide in the presence of a reducing agent (Ca) and a dispersant material (CaO), followed by annealing at 800 - 900 °C. In the R = Nd system, we were able to fabricate particles embedded in a CaO matrix with coercivity (Hc) of 10.3 kOe after annealing at 900 °C for 5 min. After washing off the dispersant, the Hc was decreased to below 1 kOe because of hydrogen absorption that leads to the formation of the hydrated R2Fe14BHx phase that has a lower anisotropy. Upon removal of the hydrogen the coercivity was increased to 3.3 kOe. The average size of the Nd2Fe14B particles increases from 100 nm in a sample synthesized at 800 °C to 158 nm at 900 °C. The isotropic Dy2Fe14B particles showed a higher coercivity of 21 kOe in washed samples after annealing at 900 °C for 5 min. An average size of 71 nm is measured in samples synthesized at 800 °C and 107 nm at 900 °C. Fitting the high field M(H) measurements in Nd2Fe14B to the law of approach to saturation gave values for the magnetocrystalline anisotropy for the washed sample 2.23 × 107 erg/cm3 and for the vacuum annealed sample 4.15 × 107 erg/cm3, both of which are lower than the bulk values. This would explain the lower values of Hc observed in the particles.

  4. Fully-human Monoclonal Antibodies Against Human EphrinB2 and EphB4 | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

    Cancer.gov

    The National Cancer Institute's Cancer and Inflammation Program is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in licensing fully-human monoclonal antibodies against human EphrinB2 and EphB4.

  5. Readiness for organisational change among general practice staff.

    PubMed

    Christl, B; Harris, M F; Jayasinghe, U W; Proudfoot, J; Taggart, J; Tan, J

    2010-10-01

    Increasing demands on general practice to manage chronic disease may warrant organisational change at the practice level. Staff's readiness for organisational change can act as a facilitator or barrier to implementing interventions aimed at organisational change. To explore general practice staff readiness for organisational change and its association with staff and practices characteristics. This is a cross-sectional study of practices in three Australian states involved in a randomised control trial on the effectiveness of an intervention to enhance the role of non-general practitioner staff in chronic disease management. Readiness for organisational change, job satisfaction and practice characteristics were assessed using questionnaires. 502 staff from 58 practices completed questionnaires. Practice characteristics were not associated with staff readiness for change. A multilevel regression analysis showed statistically significant associations between staff readiness for organisational change (range 1 to 5) and having a non-clinical staff role (vs general practitioner; B=-0.315; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.16; p<0.001), full-time employment (vs part-time; B=0.175, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.29; p<0.01) and lower job satisfaction (B=-0.277, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.15; p<0.001). The results suggest that different approaches are needed to facilitate change which addresses the mix of practice staff. Moderately low job satisfaction may be an opportunity for organisational change.

  6. Diversity in peptide recognition by the SH2 domain of SH2B1.

    PubMed

    McKercher, Marissa A; Guan, Xiaoyang; Tan, Zhongping; Wuttke, Deborah S

    2018-02-01

    SH2B1 is a multidomain protein that serves as a key adaptor to regulate numerous cellular events, such as insulin, leptin, and growth hormone signaling pathways. Many of these protein-protein interactions are mediated by the SH2 domain of SH2B1, which recognizes ligands containing a phosphorylated tyrosine (pY), including peptides derived from janus kinase 2, insulin receptor, and insulin receptor substrate-1 and -2. Specificity for the SH2 domain of SH2B1 is conferred in these ligands either by a hydrophobic or an acidic side chain at the +3 position C-terminal to the pY. This specificity for chemically disparate species suggests that SH2B1 relies on distinct thermodynamic or structural mechanisms to bind to peptides. Using binding and structural strategies, we have identified unique thermodynamic signatures for each peptide binding mode, and several SH2B1 residues, including K575 and R578, that play distinct roles in peptide binding. The high-resolution structure of the SH2 domain of SH2B1 further reveals conformationally plastic protein loops that may contribute to the ability of the protein to recognize dissimilar ligands. Together, numerous hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, in addition to backbone conformational flexibility, permit the recognition of diverse peptides by SH2B1. An understanding of this expanded peptide recognition will allow for the identification of novel physiologically relevant SH2B1/peptide interactions, which can contribute to the design of obesity and diabetes pharmaceuticals to target the ligand-binding interface of SH2B1 with high specificity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Crystal growth, crystal structure of new polymorphic modification, β-Bi 2B 8O 15 and thermal expansion of α-Bi 2B 8O 15

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bubnova, R. S.; Alexandrova, J. V.; Krivovichev, S. V.; Filatov, S. K.; Egorysheva, A. V.

    2010-02-01

    Single crystals of α- and β-polymorphs of Bi 2B 8O 15 were grown by Czochralski method from a charge of the stoichiometric composition. The crystal structure of β-Bi 2B 8O 15 was solved by direct methods from a twinned crystal and refined to R1=0.081 (w R=0.198) on the basis of 1584 unique observed reflections ( I>2 σ( I)). The compound is triclinic, space group P1¯, a=4.3159(8), b=6. 4604(12), c=22.485(4) Å, α=87.094(15)°, β=86.538(15)°, γ=74.420(14)°, V=602.40(19) Å 3, Z=2. The B-O layered anion of β-Bi 2B 8O 15 is topologically identical to the anion of α-Bi 2B 8O 15 but the orientation of neighboring layers is different. Thermal expansion of α-Bi 2B 8O 15 has been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction in air in temperature range from 20 to 700 °C. It is strongly anisotropic, which can be explained by the hinge mechanism applied to chains of Bi-O polyhedra. While the anisotropy of thermal expansion is rather high, the volume thermal expansion coefficient α V=40×10 6 °C -1 for α-Bi 2B 8O 15 is close to those of other bismuth borates.

  8. B-70 Aircraft Study. Volume 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1972-01-01

    Volume 2 of the final report on the B-70 aircraft study is presented here. The B-70 Program, at the onset, was a full weapon system capable of sustained Mach 3 flight for the major portion of its design missions. The weapon system was to enter the SAC inventory as an RS-70 with the first intercontinental resonnaissance/bomber wing scheduled to go operational in July, 1964. After several redirections, a two XB-70 air vehicle program emerged with its prime objective being to demonstrate the technical feasibility of sustained Mach 3 flight. This section describes the original Weapon System 110A concepts, the evolution of the RS-70 design, and the XB-70 air vehicles which demonstrated the design, fabrication, and technical feasibility of long range Mach 3 flights at high altitude. The data presented shows that a very large step forward in the state-of-the-art of manned aircraft design was achieved during the B-70 development program and that advances were made and incorporated in every area, including design, materials application, and manufacturing techniques.

  9. Effects of configurational disorder on the elastic properties of icosahedral boron-rich alloys based on B{sub 6}O, B{sub 13}C{sub 2}, and B{sub 4}C, and their mixing thermodynamics

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

    Ektarawong, A., E-mail: anekt@ifm.liu.se; Hultman, L.; Birch, J.

    The elastic properties of alloys between boron suboxide (B{sub 6}O) and boron carbide (B{sub 13}C{sub 2}), denoted by (B{sub 6}O){sub 1−x}(B{sub 13}C{sub 2}){sub x}, as well as boron carbide with variable carbon content, ranging from B{sub 13}C{sub 2} to B{sub 4}C are calculated from first-principles. Furthermore, the mixing thermodynamics of (B{sub 6}O){sub 1−x}(B{sub 13}C{sub 2}){sub x} is studied. A superatom-special quasirandom structure approach is used for modeling different atomic configurations, in which effects of configurational disorder between the carbide and suboxide structural units, as well as between boron and carbon atoms within the units, are taken into account. Elastic propertiesmore » calculations demonstrate that configurational disorder in B{sub 13}C{sub 2}, where a part of the C atoms in the CBC chains substitute for B atoms in the B{sub 12} icosahedra, drastically increase the Young’s and shear modulus, as compared to an atomically ordered state, B{sub 12}(CBC). These calculated elastic moduli of the disordered state are in excellent agreement with experiments. Configurational disorder between boron and carbon can also explain the experimentally observed almost constant elastic moduli of boron carbide as the carbon content is changed from B{sub 4}C to B{sub 13}C{sub 2}. The elastic moduli of the (B{sub 6}O){sub 1−x}(B{sub 13}C{sub 2}){sub x} system are also practically unchanged with composition if boron-carbon disorder is taken into account. By investigating the mixing thermodynamics of the alloys, in which the Gibbs free energy is determined within the mean-field approximation for the configurational entropy, we outline the pseudo-binary phase diagram of (B{sub 6}O){sub 1−x}(B{sub 13}C{sub 2}){sub x}. The phase diagram reveals the existence of a miscibility gap at all temperatures up to the melting point. Also, the coexistence of B{sub 6}O-rich as well as ordered or disordered B{sub 13}C{sub 2}-rich domains in the material

  10. Synthesis, Structure, Bonding, and Reactivity of Metal Complexes Comprising Diborane(4) and Diborene(2): [{Cp*Mo(CO)2 }2 {μ-η22 -B2 H4 }] and [{Cp*M(CO)2 }2 B2 H2 M(CO)4 ], M=Mo,W.

    PubMed

    Mondal, Bijan; Bag, Ranjit; Ghorai, Sagar; Bakthavachalam, K; Jemmis, Eluvathingal D; Ghosh, Sundargopal

    2018-07-02

    The reaction of [(Cp*Mo) 2 (μ-Cl) 2 B 2 H 6 ] (1) with CO at room temperature led to the formation of the highly fluxional species [{Cp*Mo(CO) 2 } 2 {μ-η 22 -B 2 H 4 }] (2). Compound 2, to the best of our knowledge, is the first example of a bimetallic diborane(4) conforming to a singly bridged C s structure. Theoretical studies show that 2 mimics the Cotton dimolybdenum-alkyne complex [{CpMo(CO) 2 } 2 C 2 H 2 ]. In an attempt to replace two hydrogen atoms of diborane(4) in 2 with a 2e [W(CO) 4 ] fragment, [{Cp*Mo(CO) 2 } 2 B 2 H 2 W(CO) 4 ] (3) was isolated upon treatment with [W(CO) 5 ⋅thf]. Compound 3 shows the intriguing presence of [B 2 H 2 ] with a short B-B length of 1.624(4) Å. We isolated the tungsten analogues of 3, [{Cp*W(CO) 2 } 2 B 2 H 2 W(CO) 4 ] (4) and [{Cp*W(CO) 2 } 2 B 2 H 2 Mo(CO) 4 ] (5), which provided direct proof of the existence of the tungsten analogue of 2. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Determination of the Rate Constants for the NH 2 (X 2 B 1 ) + NH 2 (X 2 B 1 ) and NH 2 (X 2 B 1 ) + H Recombination Reactions in N 2 as a Function of Temperature and Pressure

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

    Altinay, Gokhan; Macdonald, R. Glen

    2015-07-16

    The recombination rate constants for the reactions NH2 + NH2 → N2H4 (reaction k1b) and NH2 + H → NH3 (reaction k2b) with N2 as a third-body have been measured as a function of temperature and pressure. The temperature range was from 292 to 533 K and the pressure range from a few Torr up to 300–400 Torr, well within the pressure falloff region. The NH2 radical was produced by 193 nm pulsed-laser photolysis of NH3 in a temperature controlled flow chamber. High-resolution time-resolved laser absorption spectroscopy was used to follow the temporal concentration profiles of both NH2 and NH3, simultaneously. The NH2 radical was monitored at 14800.65 cm–1 using the 1231 (0,7,0)Ã2A1 ← 1331 (0,0,0)more » $$\\tilde{X}$$2B1 ro-vibronic transition, and NH3 monitored at 3336.39 cm–1 on the qQ3(3)s (1,0,0,0) ← (0,0,0,0) ro-vibrational transition. The necessary collisional broadening parameters for each molecule were measured in separate experiments. The pressure and temperature dependence of k1b can be represented by the Troe parameters: k0, the low-pressure three-body recombination rate constant, k0(T) = (1.14 ± 0.59) × 10–19T–(3.41±0.28) cm6 molecule–2 s–1, and Fcent, the pressure broadening parameter, Fcent = 0.15 ± 0.12, independent of temperature. The data could not be fit by three-independent parameters, and the high-pressure limiting rate constant k∞(T) = 9.33 × 10–10T–0.414 e33/T cm3 molecule–1 s–1 was taken from the high-quality theoretical calculations of Klippenstein et al. (J. Phys. Chem A 2009, 113, 10241). The pressure and temperature dependence of k2b, can be represented by the Troe parameters: k0(T) = (9.95 ± 0.58) × 10–26T(-1.76±0.092) cm6 molecule–2 s–1, Fcent = 0.5 ± 0.2, k∞ = 2.6 × 10–10 cm3 molecule–1 s–1. Again, the data could not be fit with three independent parameters, and k2b∞ was chosen to be 2.6 × 10–10 cm3 molecule–1 s–1 and fixed in the analysis.« less

  12. Inelastic scattering matrix elements for the nonadiabatic collision B(2P1/2)+H2(1Sigmag+,j)<-->B(2P3/2)+H2(1Sigmag+,j').

    PubMed

    Weeks, David E; Niday, Thomas A; Yang, Sang H

    2006-10-28

    Inelastic scattering matrix elements for the nonadiabatic collision B(2P1/2)+H2(1Sigmag+,j)<-->B(2P3/2)+H2(1Sigmag+,j') are calculated using the time dependent channel packet method (CPM). The calculation employs 1 2A', 2 2A', and 1 2A" adiabatic electronic potential energy surfaces determined by numerical computation at the multireference configuration-interaction level [M. H. Alexander, J. Chem. Phys. 99, 6041 (1993)]. The 1 2A' and 2 2A', adiabatic electronic potential energy surfaces are transformed to yield diabatic electronic potential energy surfaces that, when combined with the total B+H2 rotational kinetic energy, yield a set of effective potential energy surfaces [M. H. Alexander et al., J. Chem. Phys. 103, 7956 (1995)]. Within the framework of the CPM, the number of effective potential energy surfaces used for the scattering matrix calculation is then determined by the size of the angular momentum basis used as a representation. Twenty basis vectors are employed for these calculations, and the corresponding effective potential energy surfaces are identified in the asymptotic limit by the H2 rotor quantum numbers j=0, 2, 4, 6 and B electronic states 2Pja, ja=1/2, 3/2. Scattering matrix elements are obtained from the Fourier transform of the correlation function between channel packets evolving in time on these effective potential energy surfaces. For these calculations the H2 bond length is constrained to a constant value of req=1.402 a.u. and state to state scattering matrix elements corresponding to a total angular momentum of J=1/2 are discussed for j=0<-->j'=0,2,4 and 2P1/2<-->2P1/2, 2P3/2 over a range of total energy between 0.0 and 0.01 a.u.

  13. Space shuttle: Heat transfer rate measurements on Convair booster (B-15B-2) and North American Rockwell orbiter (161B) at nominal Mach number of 8

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Warmbrod, J. D.; Martindale, W. R.; Matthews, R. K.

    1971-01-01

    Plotted and tabulated data from the thin-skin thermocouple phase of an experimental test program are presented. These data are representative of three events of simulated flight and are described as booster-orbiter ascent heating data, booster reentry heating data, and orbiter reentry heating data. The test was conducted in a 50-inch hypersonic tunnel b at a nominal Mach number of 8 and free-stream Reynolds number range of 700,000 to 3,700,000 per foot. The model employed was a 0.009 scale replica of the Convair B-15B-2 booster and North American Rockwell 161B orbiter.

  14. 7 CFR 51.1576 - U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large. 51.1576 Section 51.1576 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of... Potatoes Grades § 51.1576 U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade...

  15. 7 CFR 51.1576 - U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large. 51.1576 Section 51.1576 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of... Potatoes Grades § 51.1576 U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade...

  16. 7 CFR 51.1576 - U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large. 51.1576 Section 51.1576 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of... Potatoes Grades § 51.1576 U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade...

  17. Activity patterns of the B31/B32 pattern initiators innervating the I2 muscle of the buccal mass during normal feeding movements in Aplysia californica.

    PubMed

    Hurwitz, I; Neustadter, D; Morton, D W; Chiel, H J; Susswein, A J

    1996-04-01

    1. B31 and B32 are pattern-initiator neurons in the buccal ganglia of Aplysia. Along with the B61/B62 neurons, B31/B32 are also motor neurons that innervate the 12 buccal muscle via the I2 nerve. This research was aimed at determining the physiological functions of the B31/B32 and B61/B62 neurons, and of the I2 muscle. 2. Stimulating the I2 muscle in the radula rest position produces radula protraction. In addition, in behaving animals lesioning either the muscle or the I2 nerve greatly reduces radula protraction. 3. During buccal motor programs in reduced preparations, B31/B32 and B61/62 fire preceding activity in neuron B4, whose firing indicates the onset of radula retraction. In addition, during both ingestion-like and rejection-like patterns the activity in the I2 nerve is correlated with protraction. 4. B31/B32 fire at frequencies of 15-25 Hz. Neither B31/B32 nor B61/B62 elicit facilitating end-junction potentials (EJPs) and electromyograms (EMGs) in the I2 muscle. EMGs from B31/B32 are smaller than those from B61/B62. B31/B32 and B61/B62 innervate all areas of the muscle approximately uniformly. 5. In behaving animals, EMGs consistent with B31/B32 activity are seen in the I2 muscle during the protraction phase of biting, swallowing, and rejection movements. In addition, the I2 muscle receives inputs that cannot be attributed to either the B31/B32 or B61/B62 neurons, either because the potentials are too large, firing frequencies are too low, or a prominent facilitation is seen. Such potentials are associated with lip movements, and also with radula retraction. 6. EMGs were recorded from the I2 muscle during feeding behavior after a lesion of the I2 nerve. Animals that had severe deficits in protraction showed no activity consistent with B31/B32 or B61/B62, but did show activity during retraction. 7. Our data indicate that the I2 muscle and the B31/B32 motor neurons are essential constituents contributing to protraction movements. Activity in these neurons is

  18. Boron uptake in tumors, cerebrum and blood from [10B]NA4B24H22S2

    DOEpatents

    Slatkin, Daniel N.; Micca, Peggy L.; Fairchild, Ralph G.

    1988-08-02

    A stable boronated (.sup.10 B-labeled) compound, sodium mercaptoundecahydrododecaborate is infused in the form of the disulfide dimer, [.sup.10 B]Na.sub.4 B.sub.24 H.sub.22 S.sub.2, at a dose of about 200 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight. The infusion is performed into the blood or peritoneal cavity of the patient slowly over a period of many days, perhaps one week or more, at the rate of roughly 1 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight per hour. Use of this particular boronated dimer in the manner or similarly to the manner so described permits radiotherapeutically effective amounts of boron to accumulate in tumors to be treated by boron neutron capture radiation therapy and also permits sufficient retention of boron in tumor after the cessation of the slow infusion, so as to allow the blood concentration of .sup.10 B to drop or to be reduced artificially to a radiotherapeutically effective level, less than one-half of the concentration of .sup.10 B in the tumor.

  19. Boron uptake in tumors, cerebrum and blood from [10B]NA4B24H22S2

    DOEpatents

    Slatkin, Daniel N.; Micca, Peggy L.; Fairchild, Ralph G.

    1988-01-01

    A stable boronated (.sup.10 B-labeled) compound, sodium mercaptoundecahydrododecaborate is infused in the form of the disulfide dimer, [.sup.10 B]Na.sub.4 B.sub.24 H.sub.22 S.sub.2, at a dose of about 200 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight. The infusion is performed into the blood or peritoneal cavity of the patient slowly over a period of many days, perhaps one week or more, at the rate of roughly 1 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight per hour. Use of this particular boronated dimer in the manner or similarly to the manner so described permits radiotherapeutically effective amounts of boron to accumulate in tumors to be treated by boron neutron capture radiation therapy and also permits sufficient retention of boron in tumor after the cessation of the slow infusion, so as to allow the blood concentration of .sup.10 B to drop or to be reduced artificially to a radiotherapeutically effective level, less than one-half of the concentration of .sup.10 B in the tumor.

  20. 26 CFR 301.7701(b)-2 - Closer connection exception.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... (e) of this section, the individual has a closer connection during the current year to a single... 26 Internal Revenue 18 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Closer connection exception. 301.7701(b)-2...) PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION Definitions § 301.7701(b)-2 Closer connection...

  1. Thermodynamic consideration and ground-state search of icosahedral boron subselenide B12(B1-xSex) 2 from a first-principles cluster expansion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ektarawong, A.

    2018-05-01

    The phase stability of icosahedral boron subselenide B12(B1-xSex) 2 , where 0.5 ≤x ≤1 , is explored using a first-principles cluster expansion. The results shows that, instead of a continuous solid solution, B12(B1-xSex) 2 is thermodynamically stable as an individual line compound at the composition of B9.5Se . The ground-state configuration of B9.5Se is represented by a mixture of B12(Se-Se), B12(B-Se), and B12(Se-B) with a ratio of 1:1:1, where they form a periodic A B C A B C ⋯ stacking sequence of B12(Se-Se), B12(B-Se), and B12(Se-B) layers along the c axis of the hexagonal conventional unit cell. The structural and electronic properties of the ground-state B9.5Se are also derived and discussed. By comparing the derived ground-state properties of B9.5Se to the existing experimental data of boron subselenide B˜13Se , I proposed that the as-synthesized boron subselenide B˜13Se , as reported in the literature, has the actual composition of B9.5Se .

  2. Mechanical properties of ZrB2- and HfB2-based ultra-high temperature ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering

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

    Zapata-Solvas, E.; Jayaseelan, D.; Lin, Hua-Tay

    2013-01-01

    Flexural strengths at room temperature, at 1400 C in air and at room temperature after 1 h oxidation at 1400 C were determined for ZrB2- and HfB2-based ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs). Defects caused by electrical discharge machining (EDM) lowered measured strengths significantly and were used to calculate fracture toughness via a fracture mechanics approach. ZrB2 with 20 vol.% SiC had room temperature strength of 700 90 MPa, fracture toughness of 6.4 0.6 MPa, Vickers hardness at 9.8 N load of 21.1 0.6 GPa, 1400 C strength of 400 30 MPa and room temperature strength after 1 h oxidation at 1400more » C of 678 15 MPa with an oxide layer thickness of 45 5 m. HfB2 with 20 vol.% SiC showed room temperature strength of 620 50 MPa, fracture toughness of 5.0 0.4 MPa, Vickers hardness at 9.8 N load of 27.0 0.6 GPa, 1400 C strength of 590 150 MPa and room temperature strength after 1 h oxidation at 1400 C of 660 25 MPa with an oxide layer thickness of 12 1 m. 2 wt.% La2O3 addition to UHTCs slightly reduced mechanical performance while increasing tolerance to property degradation after oxidation and effectively aided internal stress relaxation during spark plasma sintering (SPS) cooling, as quantified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Slow crack growth was suggested as the failure mechanism at high temperatures as a consequence of sharp cracks formation during oxidation.« less

  3. Role of PTP1B in HER2 Signaling in Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    AD_________________ Award Number: W81XWH-10-1-1005 TITLE: Role of PTP1B in HER2 Signaling in...AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Role of PTP1B in HER2 Signaling in Breast Cancer 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-10-1-1005 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT...pathways. Recent reports have shown that Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B ( PTP1B ) plays a positive role in ErbB2-induced breast cancer in vitroand

  4. First observation of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+)/B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-)).

    PubMed

    Aaltonen, T; Adelman, J; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Alvarez González, B; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Apollinari, G; Apresyan, A; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzurri, P; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Bednar, P; Beecher, D; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Bridgeman, A; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Calancha, C; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carrillo, S; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavaliere, V; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Cox, D J; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Dagenhart, D; Datta, M; Davies, T; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'Orso, M; Deluca, C; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; Derwent, P F; di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Elagin, A; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Ferrazza, C; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garberson, F; Garcia, J E; Garfinkel, A F; Genser, K; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Gessler, A; Giagu, S; Giakoumopoulou, V; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C M; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Group, R C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hewamanage, S; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; James, E; Jayatilaka, B; Jeon, E J; Jha, M K; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Kar, D; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kephart, R; Keung, J; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Koay, S A; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krop, D; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kurata, M; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, E; Lee, H S; Lee, S W; Leone, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C S; Linacre, J; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, C; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lovas, L; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lueck, J; Luci, C; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis-Katsikakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Mattson, M E; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyake, H; Moggi, N; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M J; Morlok, J; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagai, Y; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norman, M; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oakes, L; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagan Griso, S; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Pianori, E; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Pueschel, E; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rodriguez, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, A; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shiraishi, S; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thompson, G A; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Totaro, P; Tourneur, S; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner-Kuhr, J; Wagner, W; Wakisaka, T; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Xie, S; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zheng, Y; Zucchelli, S

    2009-11-06

    A combined mass and particle identification fit is used to make the first observation of the decay B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measure the branching fraction of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) relative to B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-). This analysis uses 1.2 fb(-1) integrated luminosity of pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We observe a B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) signal with a statistical significance of 8.1 sigma and measure B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) /B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-) 0.097+/-0.018(stat) +/- 0.009(syst).

  5. Superconducting MgB2 films via precursor postprocessing approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paranthaman, M.; Cantoni, C.; Zhai, H. Y.; Christen, H. M.; Aytug, T.; Sathyamurthy, S.; Specht, E. D.; Thompson, J. R.; Lowndes, D. H.; Kerchner, H. R.; Christen, D. K.

    2001-06-01

    Superconducting MgB2 films with Tc=38.6 K were prepared using a precursor-deposition, ex situ postprocessing approach. Precursor films of boron, ˜0.5 μm thick, were deposited onto Al2O3 (102) substrates by electron-beam evaporation; a postanneal at 890 °C in the presence of bulk MgB2 and Mg metal produced highly crystalline MgB2 films. X-ray diffraction indicated that the films exhibit some degree of c-axis alignment, but are randomly oriented in plane. Transport current measurements of the superconducting properties show high values of the critical current density and yield an irreversibility line that exceeds that determined by magnetic measurements on bulk polycrystalline materials.

  6. H2MBH2 and M(μ-H)2BH2 Molecules Isolated in Solid Argon: Interelement M-B and M-H-B Bonds (M = Ge, Sn).

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jie; Beckers, Helmut; Huang, Tengfei; Wang, Xuefeng; Riedel, Sebastian

    2018-02-19

    Laser-ablated boron atoms react with GeH 4 molecules to form novel germylidene borane H 2 GeBH 2 , which undergoes a photochemical rearrangement to the germanium tetrahydroborate Ge(μ-H) 2 BH 2 upon irradiation with light of λ = 405 nm. For comparison, the boron atom reactions with SnH 4 only gave the tin tetrahydroborate Sn(μ-H) 2 BH 2 . Infrared matrix-isolation spectroscopy with deuterium substitution and the state-of-the-art quantum-chemical calculations are used to identify these species in solid argon. A planar structure of H 2 GeBH 2 with an electron-deficient B-Ge bond with a partial multiple bond character (bond order = 1.5) is predicted by quantum-chemical calculations. In the case of M(μ-H) 2 BH 2 (M = Ge, Sn) two 3c-2e B-H-M hydrogen bridged bonds are formed by donation of electrons from the B-H σ-bonds into empty p-orbitals of M.

  7. Exposure assessment to fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 through consumption of gluten-free foodstuffs intended for people affected by celiac disease.

    PubMed

    Esposito, Francesco; Fasano, Evelina; Scognamiglio, Gelsomina; Nardone, Antonio; Triassi, Maria; Cirillo, Teresa

    2016-11-01

    Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species and affecting maize crops. Some analogues of fumonisins are known for their toxic and possible carcinogenic effects on humans and animals. Because of their occurrence in corn-based food, diet is the main source of exposure to these mycotoxins, especially among people affected by celiac disease. Hence, the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the amount of fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 in maize-based products and to assess the exposure of people affected by celiac disease to fumonisins. The sample consisted of 154 gluten-free products analyzed according to method UNI EN 14352:2005. Results showed a heterogeneous contamination by fumoninisin B1, B2 and B3, although below limits of Commission Regulation No 1126/2007 and consistent with other European literature data. Exposure to fumonisins was evaluated for different age groups. In some cases exposure to fumonisins could not be ignored since the total intake could exceed EFSA Provisional Maximum Tolerable Intake up to 150%. Therefore, in the light of an overall contamination by fumonisins the total dietary exposure could be underrated not only in people affected by celiac disease, but also in non-celiac population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Anti-H-Y responses of H-2b mutant mice.

    PubMed

    Simpson, E; Gordon, R D; Chandler, P R; Bailey, D

    1978-10-01

    Two strains of H-2b mutant mice, H-2ba and H-2bf, in which the mutational event took place at H-2K, make anti-H-Y cytotoxic T cell responses which are H-2-restricted, Db-associated and indistinguishable in target cell specificity from those of H-2b mice. Thus, alteration of the H-2K molecule affects neither the Ir gene controlling the response, nor the associative antigen. On the other hand, one H-2Db mutant strain, H-2bo, although it makes a good anti-H-Y cytotoxic response, shows target cell specificity restricted to its own Dbo antigen(s), and neither H-2b, H-2ba or H-2bf anti-H-Y cytotoxic cells kill H-2bo male target cells. Thus, the alteration of the H-2Db molecule does not affect the Ir gene of H-2b mice, but it does alter the H-2Db-associative antigen.

  9. The conformations of 13-vertex ML2C2B10 metallacarboranes: experimental and computational studies.

    PubMed

    Dalby, Kelly J; Ellis, David; Erhardt, Stefan; McIntosh, Ruaraidh D; Macgregor, Stuart A; Rae, Karen; Rosair, Georgina M; Settels, Volker; Welch, Alan J; Hodson, Bruce E; McGrath, Thomas D; Stone, F Gordon A

    2007-03-21

    The docosahedral metallacarboranes 4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,6-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(12), 4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,10-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(12), and [N(PPh(3))2][4,4-cod-4,1,10-closo-RhC(2)B(10)H(12)] were prepared by reduction/metalation of either 1,2-closo-C(2)B(10)H(12) or 1,12-closo-C(2)B(10)H(12). All three species were fully characterized, with a particular point of interest of the latter being the conformation of the {ML2} fragment relative to the carborane ligand face. Comparison with conformations previously established for six other ML(2)C(2)B(10) species of varying heteroatom patterns (4,1,2-MC(2)B(10), 4,1,6-MC(2)B(10), 4,1,10-MC(2)B(10), and 4,1,12-MC(2)B(10)) reveals clear preferences. In all cases a qualitative understanding of these was afforded by simple MO arguments applied to the model heteroarene complexes [(PH3)2PtC(2)B(4)H(6)]2- and [(PH3)2PtCB(5)H(6)]3-. Moreover, DFT calculations on [(PH3)2PtC(2)B(4)H(6)]2- in its various isomeric forms approximately reproduced the observed conformations in the 4,1,2-, 4,1,6-, and 4,1,10-MC(2)B(10) species, although analogous calculations on [(PH3)2PtCB(5)H(6)]3- did not reproduce the conformation observed in the 4,1,12-MC(2)B(10) metallacarborane. DFT calculations on (PH3)2PtC(2)B(10)H(12) yielded good agreement with experimental conformations in all four isomeric cases. Apparent discrepancies between observed and computed Pt-C distances were probed by further refinement of the 4,1,2- model to 1,2-(CH2)3-4,4-(PMe3)2-4,1,2-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(10). This still has a more distorted structure than measured experimentally for 1,2-(CH2)3-4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,2-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(10), but the structural differences lie on a very shallow potential energy surface. For the model compound a henicosahedral transition state was located 8.3 kcal mol(-1) above the ground-state structure, consistent with the fluxionality of 1,2-(CH2)3-4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,2-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(10) in solution.

  10. M2-F2 Mated to B-52 Mothership on Ramp

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1965-01-01

    A head-on view of the M2-F2 lifting body mounted on the wing pylon of its B-52 mothership in 1965. This was for a captive flight made the following month. The M2-F2 remained attached to the B-52 throughout the flight to test its on-board systems. NASA B-52, Tail Number 008, is an air launch carrier aircraft, 'mothership,' as well as a research aircraft platform that has been used on a variety of research projects. The aircraft, a 'B' model built in 1952 and first flown on June 11, 1955, is the oldest B-52 in flying status and has been used on some of the most significant research projects in aerospace history. Some of the significant projects supported by B-52 008 include the X-15, the lifting bodies, HiMAT (highly maneuverable aircraft technology), Pegasus, validation of parachute systems developed for the space shuttle program (solid-rocket-booster recovery system and the orbiter drag chute system), and the X-38. The B-52 served as the launch vehicle on 106 X-15 flights and flew a total of 159 captive-carry and launch missions in support of that program from June 1959 to October 1968. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo human spaceflight programs as well as space shuttle development. Between 1966 and 1975, the B-52 served as the launch aircraft for 127 of the 144 wingless lifting body flights. In the 1970s and 1980s, the B-52 was the launch aircraft for several aircraft at what is now the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, to study spin-stall, high-angle-of attack, and maneuvering characteristics. These included the 3/8-scale F-15/spin research vehicle (SRV), the HiMAT (Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology) research vehicle, and the DAST (drones for aerodynamic and structural testing). The aircraft supported the development of parachute recovery systems used to recover the space shuttle solid rocket booster casings. It also supported eight orbiter (space shuttle) drag chute

  11. Electromechanical properties of superconducting MgB2 wire

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salama, K.; Zhou, Y. X.; Hanna, M.; Alessandrini, M.; Putman, P. T.; Fang, H.

    2005-12-01

    The current-carrying capability of superconducting wires is degraded by stress. Therefore electromechanical properties are one of the key feedback parameters needed for progress in conductor applications. In this work, uniaxial tensile stresses and bending stresses were applied to Fe /MgB2 wires at room temperature, followed by measurement of critical current using a transport method at 4.2 K. Basic mechanical properties were calculated from the measured stress-strain characteristics. The irreversible tensile strain at which the critical current density of MgB2 wire starts to degrade was found to be 0.5%. In addition, the degradation of Ic with decreasing bending diameters was found to be very rapid for wires that were deformed after the heat treatment that forms the MgB2 compound, while not much degradation of Ic was found for wires that were bent before being annealed. SEM observations confirmed that cracks could be healed by post-annealing.

  12. Building Customized University-to-Business (U2B) Partnerships

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Irvine, George; Verma, Lisa

    2013-01-01

    Continuing education (CE) units throughout the United States have successfully built University-to-Business (U2B) partnerships to provide greater value to their community partners and to increase revenue for the university. Our experience in building U2B partnerships and feedback from our partners--businesses, corporations, state agencies, and…

  13. New potent and selective cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) inhibitors based on three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) analysis

    PubMed Central

    Korhonen, L E; Turpeinen, M; Rahnasto, M; Wittekindt, C; Poso, A; Pelkonen, O; Raunio, H; Juvonen, R O

    2007-01-01

    Background and purpose: The cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) enzyme metabolises a number of clinically important drugs. Drug-drug interactions resulting from inhibition or induction of CYP2B6 activity may cause serious adverse effects. The aims of this study were to construct a three-dimensional structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of the CYP2B6 protein and to identify novel potent and selective inhibitors of CYP2B6 for in vitro research purposes. Experimental approach: The inhibition potencies (IC50 values) of structurally diverse chemicals were determined with recombinant human CYP2B6 enzyme. Two successive models were constructed using Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA). Key results: Three compounds proved to be very potent and selective competitive inhibitors of CYP2B6 in vitro (IC50<1 μM): 4-(4-chlorobenzyl)pyridine (CBP), 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine (NBP), and 4-benzylpyridine (BP). A complete inhibition of CYP2B6 activity was achieved with 0.1 μM CBP, whereas other CYP-related activities were not affected. Forty-one compounds were selected for further testing and construction of the final CoMFA model. The created CoMFA model was of high quality and predicted accurately the inhibition potency of a test set (n=7) of structurally diverse compounds. Conclusions and implications: Two CoMFA models were created which revealed the key molecular characteristics of inhibitors of the CYP2B6 enzyme. The final model accurately predicted the inhibitory potencies of several structurally unrelated compounds. CBP, BP and NBP were identified as novel potent and selective inhibitors of CYP2B6 and CBP especially is a suitable inhibitor for in vitro screening studies. PMID:17325652

  14. 26 CFR 301.7701(b)-0 - Outline of regulation provision for section 7701(b)-1 through (b)-9.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... with filing requirements. (A) General rule. (B) Exception. (d) Examples. (e) No lapse. (1) Residency in... statement. (1) General rule. (2) Exception. (e) Filing requirement disregarded. § 301.7701(b)-9Effective...) Application to aliens. (2) Non-application to citizens. (e) Examples. § 301.7701(b)-2Closer connection...

  15. Transition Metal Complexes of Quinolino[3,2-b]benzodiazepine and Quinolino[3,2-b]benzoxazepine: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Studies

    PubMed Central

    Basavaraju, B.; Bhojya Naik, Halehatty S.; Prabhakara, Mustur C.

    2007-01-01

    The synthesis and characterization of title complexes of the ligand Quinolino[3,2-b]benzodiazepine (QBD) and Quinolino[3,2-b]benzoxazepine (QBO) are reported. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic studies, IR, H1 NMR, and UV-visible studies. They have the stoichiometry [ML2C12], where M=Co(II)/Ni(II), L=QBD/QBO, and [MLC12], where M=Zn(II)/Cd(II), L=QBD/QBO. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the metal complexes has been investigated. The complexes were found to have higher antimicrobial activity than the parent ligand. PMID:18273383

  16. Transition metal complexes of quinolino[3,2-b]benzodiazepine and quinolino[3,2-b]benzoxazepine: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial studies.

    PubMed

    Basavaraju, B; Naik, Halehatty S Bhojya; Prabhakara, Mustur C

    2007-01-01

    The synthesis and characterization of title complexes of the ligand Quinolino[3,2-b]benzodiazepine (QBD) and Quinolino[3,2-b]benzoxazepine (QBO) are reported. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic studies, IR, H1 NMR, and UV-visible studies. They have the stoichiometry [ML2C12], where M=Co(II)/Ni(II), L=QBD/QBO, and [MLC12], where M=Zn(II)/Cd(II), L=QBD/QBO. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the metal complexes has been investigated. The complexes were found to have higher antimicrobial activity than the parent ligand.

  17. Second-harmonic generation studies in the B2 and B4 phases of a banana-shaped liquid crystal.

    PubMed

    Ortega, J; Pereda, N; Folcia, C L; Etxebarria, J; Ros, M B

    2001-01-01

    Second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements have been performed in the B2 phase of the achiral banana-shaped molecule with n=12 alkoxy end chains (P-12-O-PIMB). A quantitative value of the nonlinear efficiency has been obtained from SHG curves at oblique incidences, taking into account that the signal is generated by a random orientation of different domains. In the B4 phase, circular dichroism, optical absorption and SHG studies have been carried out. It has been found that there are no simple helical arrangements giving rise to selective reflection in the visible region of the spectrum. In addition, some unusual features of the SHG behavior are pointed out. It is concluded that the phase is intrinsically inactive for the SHG process. The detected signal is due to the presence of some birefringent inclusions that are created at the B2 to B4 transition and slowly disappear while the sample is maintained within the B4 phase. A structural model for these inclusions is presented.

  18. Second-harmonic generation studies in the B2 and B4 phases of a banana-shaped liquid crystal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ortega, J.; Pereda, N.; Folcia, C. L.; Etxebarria, J.; Ros, M. B.

    2001-01-01

    Second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements have been performed in the B2 phase of the achiral banana-shaped molecule with n=12 alkoxy end chains (P-12-O-PIMB). A quantitative value of the nonlinear efficiency has been obtained from SHG curves at oblique incidences, taking into account that the signal is generated by a random orientation of different domains. In the B4 phase, circular dichroism, optical absorption and SHG studies have been carried out. It has been found that there are no simple helical arrangements giving rise to selective reflection in the visible region of the spectrum. In addition, some unusual features of the SHG behavior are pointed out. It is concluded that the phase is intrinsically inactive for the SHG process. The detected signal is due to the presence of some birefringent inclusions that are created at the B2 to B4 transition and slowly disappear while the sample is maintained within the B4 phase. A structural model for these inclusions is presented.

  19. Penetration depth of MgB2 measured using Josephson junctions and SQUIDs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cunnane, Daniel; Zhuang, Chenggang; Chen, Ke; Xi, X. X.; Yong, Jie; Lemberger, T. R.

    2013-02-01

    The penetration depth of MgB2 was measured using two methods of different mechanisms. The first method used MgB2 Josephson junctions and the magnetic field dependence of the junction critical current. The second method deduced the penetration depth from the inductance of a MgB2 microstrip used to modulate the voltage of a MgB2 DC SQUID. The two methods showed a consistent value of the low-temperature penetration depth for MgB2 to be about 40 nm. Both the small penetration depth value and its temperature dependence are in agreement with a microscopic theory for MgB2 in the clean limit.

  20. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ErbB2 Translocates into Mitochondria and Regulates Cellular Metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Yan; Liu, Zixing; Desai, Shruti; Zhao, Yuhua; Liu, Hao; Pannell, Lewis K; Yi, Hong; Wright, Elizabeth R; Owen, Laurie B; Dean-Colomb, Windy; Fodstad, Oystein; Lu, Jianrong; LeDoux, Susan P; Wilson, Glenn L; Tan, Ming

    2012-01-01

    It is well known that ErbB2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, localizes on the plasma membrane. Here we describe a novel observation that ErbB2 also localizes in mitochondria of cancer cells and patient samples. We found that ErbB2 translocates into mitochondria through the association with mtHSP70. Additionally, mitochondrial ErbB2 (mtErbB2) negatively regulates mitochondrial respiratory functions. Oxygen consumption and activities of complexes of the mitochondrial electron transport chain were decreased in mtErbB2-overexpressing cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential and the cellular ATP level also were decreased. In contrast, mtErbB2 enhanced cellular glycolysis. The translocation of ErbB2 and its impact on mitochondrial function are kinase dependent. Interestingly, cancer cells with higher levels of mtErbB2 were more resistant to ErbB2 targeting antibody trastuzumab. Our study provides a novel perspective on the metabolic regulatory function of ErbB2 and reveals that mtErbB2 plays an important role in the regulation of cellular metabolism and cancer cell resistance to therapeutics. PMID:23232401

  1. Transactivation of the Brassica napus napin promoter by ABI3 requires interaction of the conserved B2 and B3 domains of ABI3 with different cis-elements: B2 mediates activation through an ABRE, whereas B3 interacts with an RY/G-box.

    PubMed

    Ezcurra, I; Wycliffe, P; Nehlin, L; Ellerström, M; Rask, L

    2000-10-01

    The transcriptional activator ABI3 is a key regulator of gene expression during embryo maturation in crucifers. In monocots, the related VP1 protein regulates the Em promoter synergistically with abscisic acid (ABA). We identified cis-elements in the Brassica napus napin napA promoter mediating regulation by ABI3 and ABA, by analyzing substitution mutation constructs of napA in transgenic tobacco plantlets ectopically expressing ABI3. In transient analysis using particle bombardment of tobacco leaf sections, a tetramer of the distB ABRE (abscisic acid-responsive element) mediated transactivation by ABI3 and ABI3-dependent response to ABA, whereas a tetramer of the composite RY/G complex, containing RY repeats and a G-box, mediated only ABA-independent transactivation by ABI3. Deletion of the conserved B2 and B3 domains of ABI3 abolished transactivation of napA by ABI3. The two domains of ABI3 interact with different cis-elements: B2 is necessary for ABA-independent and ABA-dependent activations through the distB ABRE, whereas B3 interacts with the RY/G complex. Thus B2 mediates the interaction of ABI3 with the protein complex at the ABRE. The regulation of napA by ABI3 differs from Em regulation by VP1, in that the B3 domain of ABI3 is essential for the ABA-dependent regulation of napA.

  2. MEASUREMENT OF sin 2φ1 IN b → c And b → s DECAYS AT Belle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hastings, Nicholas C.

    Measurements of time-dependent CP asymmetries in B0 → J/ψK0, φK0, K+K- KS, η' KS, f0 (980) KS and ωKS decays based on 386 × 106 Bbar{B} pairs collected by the Belle detector are presented. With this data sample, the J/ψK0 mode provides a precision measurement of sin2 φ1. The other modes, which proceed via b → s penguin (loop) diagrams are sensitive to new physics phases which may appear within the loop. Differing sin2 φ1 measurements between J/ψK0 and the b → s penguin modes could be a signature of such phases.

  3. Wind and React MgB2 Rotor Coils

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bohnenstiehl, S. D.; Sumption, M. D.; Majoros, M.; Tomsic, M.; Rindfleisch, M.; Phillips, J.; Yue, J.; Collings, E. W.

    2008-03-01

    Five rotor coils (four plus a spare) intended for a prototype 2 MW generator were fabricated and tested. For each coil, multifilamentary MgB2 strand was wound around a stepped former in a wind and react mode using S-glass insulation in combination with vacuum epoxy impregnation. The stepped, ellipsoidal coils had maximum in-plane dimensions of 26.7 cm×13.1 cm and a total thickness of 5.4 cm, and were wound with approximately 580 m of MgB2 strand per coil. Each of the coils were measured separately for Ic and magnetic field in the bore at 4.2 K and for one coil Ic and B were also measured as a function of temperature. The bore field as a function of position along the z-axis was also determined near the critical current at 4.2 K. The coils typically reached 186 A at 4.2 K generating a 1.7 T field, while at 20 K the Ic was 117 A with a bore field of 1.1 T field.

  4. Hepatitis B Foundation

    MedlinePlus

    ... worldwide 2 Billion People have been infected with Hepatitis B Worldwide The Hepatitis B Foundation is working ... of people living with hepatitis B. Learn About Hepatitis B in 11 Other Languages . Resource Video See ...

  5. Directed Self-Assembly of Poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) Triblock Copolymer with Sub-15 nm Spacing Line Patterns Using a Nanoimprinted Photoresist Template.

    PubMed

    Sun, Zhiwei; Chen, Zhenbin; Zhang, Wenxu; Choi, Jaewon; Huang, Caili; Jeong, Gajin; Coughlin, E Bryan; Hsu, Yautzong; Yang, XiaoMin; Lee, Kim Y; Kuo, David S; Xiao, Shuaigang; Russell, Thomas P

    2015-08-05

    Low molecular weight P2VP-b-PS-b-P2VP triblock copolymer (poly(2-vinlypyridine)-block-polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)] is doped with copper chloride and microphase separated into lamellar line patterns with ultrahigh area density. Salt-doped P2VP-b-PS-b-P2VP triblock copolymer is self-assembled on the top of the nanoimprinted photoresist template, and metallic nanowires with long-range ordering are prepared with platinum-salt infiltration and plasma etching. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. A role of nesfatin-1/NucB2 in dehydration-induced anorexia.

    PubMed

    Yoshimura, Mitsuhiro; Matsuura, Takanori; Ohkubo, Junichi; Maruyama, Takashi; Ishikura, Toru; Hashimoto, Hirofumi; Kakuma, Tetsuya; Mori, Masatomo; Ueta, Yoichi

    2014-07-15

    Nesfatin-1/NucB2, an anorexigenic molecule, is expressed mainly in the hypothalamus, particularly in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Nesfatin-1/NucB2 is also expressed in the subfornical organ (SFO). Because the SON and PVN are involved in body fluid regulation, nesfatin-1/NucB2 may be involved in dehydration-induced anorexia. To clarify the effects of endogenous nesfatin-1/NucB2, we studied changes in nesfatin-1/NucB2 mRNA levels in the SFO, SON, and PVN in adult male Wistar rats after exposure to osmotic stimuli by using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Significant increases in nesfatin-1/NucB2 mRNA levels, ∼2- to 3-fold compared with control, were observed in the SFO, SON, and PVN following water deprivation for 48 h, consumption of 2% NaCl hypertonic saline in drinking water for 5 days, and polyethylene glycol-induced hypovolemia. In addition, nesfatin-1/NucB2 expression was increased in response to water deprivation in a time-dependent manner. These changes in nesfatin-1/NucB2 mRNA expression were positively correlated with plasma sodium concentration, plasma osmolality, and total protein levels in all of the examined nuclei. Immunohistochemistry for nesfatin-1/NucB2 revealed that nesfatin-1/NucB2 protein levels were also increased after 48 h of dehydration and attenuated by 24 h of rehydration. Moreover, intracerebroventricular administration of nesfatin-1/NucB2-neutralizing antibody after 48 h of water deprivation resulted in a significant increase in food intake compared with administration of vehicle alone. These results suggested that nesfatin-1/NucB2 is a crucial peptide in dehydration-induced anorexia. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

  7. EOS MLS Level 1B Data Processing, Version 2.2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Perun, Vincent; Jarnot, Robert; Pickett, Herbert; Cofield, Richard; Schwartz, Michael; Wagner, Paul

    2009-01-01

    A computer program performs level- 1B processing (the term 1B is explained below) of data from observations of the limb of the Earth by the Earth Observing System (EOS) Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), which is an instrument aboard the Aura spacecraft. This software accepts, as input, the raw EOS MLS scientific and engineering data and the Aura spacecraft ephemeris and attitude data. Its output consists of calibrated instrument radiances and associated engineering and diagnostic data. [This software is one of several computer programs, denoted product generation executives (PGEs), for processing EOS MLS data. Starting from level 0 (representing the aforementioned raw data, the PGEs and their data products are denoted by alphanumeric labels (e.g., 1B and 2) that signify the successive stages of processing.] At the time of this reporting, this software is at version 2.2 and incorporates improvements over a prior version that make the code more robust, improve calibration, provide more diagnostic outputs, improve the interface with the Level 2 PGE, and effect a 15-percent reduction in file sizes by use of data compression.

  8. [Evaluation of hepatitis B virus genotyping EIA kit].

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Yasuhito; Sugauchi, Fuminaka; Matsuuraa, Kentaro; Naganuma, Hatsue; Tatematsu, Kanako; Takagi, Kazumi; Hiramatsu, Kumiko; Kani, Satomi; Gotoh, Takaaki; Wakimoto, Yukio; Mizokami, Masashi

    2009-01-01

    Clinical significance of Hepatitis B virus(HBV) genotyping is increasingly recognized. The aim of this study was to evaluate reproducibility, accuracy, and sensitivity of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) based HBV genotyping kit, which designed to discriminate between genotypes to A, B, C, or D by detecting genotype-specific epitopes in PreS2 region. Using the four genotypes panels, the EIA demonstrated complete inter and intra-assay genotyping reproducibility. Serum specimens had stable results after 8 days at 4 degrees C, or 10 cycles of freezing-thawing. In 91 samples that have been genotyped by DNA sequencing, 87(95.6%) were in complete accordance with EIA genotyping. Of examined 344 HBsAg-positive serum specimens, genotypes A, B, C and D were determined in 26 (7.6%), 62 (18.0%), 228 (66.3%), and 9 (2.6%) cases, respectively. Of 19 (5.5%) specimens unclassified by the EIA, 13 were found to have low titer of HBsAg concentration (< 3 IU/ml), and the other 5 had amino acid mutations or deletions within targeted PreS2 epitopes. The EIA allowed genotyping even in HBV DNA negative samples (96.2%). In conclusion, HBV genotype EIA is reliable, sensitive and easy assay for HBV genotyping. The assay would be useful for clinical use.

  9. Textured Nd2Fe14B flakes with enhanced coercivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cui, B. Z.; Zheng, L. Y.; Marinescu, M.; Liu, J. F.; Hadjipanayis, G. C.

    2012-04-01

    Morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of the [001] textured Nd2Fe14B nanocrystalline flakes prepared by surfactant-assisted high energy ball milling (HEBM) and subsequent annealing were studied. These flakes have a thickness of 80-200 nm, a length of 0.5-10 μm, and an average grain size of 10-14 nm. The addition of some amount of Dy, Nd70Cu30 alloy, and an appropriate post annealing increased the coercivity iHc of the Nd2Fe14B flakes. iHc was 3.7, 4.3, and 5.7 kOe for the Nd15.5Fe78.5B6, Nd14Dy1.5Fe78.5B6 and 83.3 wt.% Nd14Dy1.5Fe78.5B6 + 16.7 wt.% Nd70Cu30 flakes prepared by HEBM for 5 h in heptane with 20 wt.% oleylamine, respectively. After annealing at 450 °C for 0.5 h, their iHc increased to 5.1, 6.2, and 7.0 kOe, respectively. Anisotropic magnetic behavior was found in all of the as-milled and annealed flakes. Both, the thickening of Nd-rich phase at grain boundaries via diffusion of Nd70Cu30 and the surface modification of the Nd2Fe14B flake could be the main reasons for the coercivity enhancement in the as-milled and annealed Nd70Cu30-added Nd2Fe14B flakes.

  10. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review

    PubMed Central

    Kennedy, David O.

    2016-01-01

    The B-vitamins comprise a group of eight water soluble vitamins that perform essential, closely inter-related roles in cellular functioning, acting as co-enzymes in a vast array of catabolic and anabolic enzymatic reactions. Their collective effects are particularly prevalent to numerous aspects of brain function, including energy production, DNA/RNA synthesis/repair, genomic and non-genomic methylation, and the synthesis of numerous neurochemicals and signaling molecules. However, human epidemiological and controlled trial investigations, and the resultant scientific commentary, have focused almost exclusively on the small sub-set of vitamins (B9/B12/B6) that are the most prominent (but not the exclusive) B-vitamins involved in homocysteine metabolism. Scant regard has been paid to the other B vitamins. This review describes the closely inter-related functions of the eight B-vitamins and marshals evidence suggesting that adequate levels of all members of this group of micronutrients are essential for optimal physiological and neurological functioning. Furthermore, evidence from human research clearly shows both that a significant proportion of the populations of developed countries suffer from deficiencies or insufficiencies in one or more of this group of vitamins, and that, in the absence of an optimal diet, administration of the entire B-vitamin group, rather than a small sub-set, at doses greatly in excess of the current governmental recommendations, would be a rational approach for preserving brain health. PMID:26828517

  11. 7 CFR 51.1576 - U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large. 51.1576 Section 51.1576 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of...) United States Consumer Standards for Potatoes Grades § 51.1576 U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U...

  12. 7 CFR 51.1576 - U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U.S. Grade B Medium to Large; U.S. Grade B Large. 51.1576 Section 51.1576 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of...) United States Consumer Standards for Potatoes Grades § 51.1576 U.S. Grade B Small; U.S. Grade B Medium; U...

  13. Inhomogeneous Phase Effect of Smart Meta-Superconducting MgB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yongbo; Chen, Honggang; Qi, Weichang; Chen, Guowei; Zhao, Xiaopeng

    2018-05-01

    The inhomogeneous phase of a smart meta-superconductor has a great effect on its superconductivity. In this paper, the effect of concentration, dimensions, electroluminescence (EL) intensity, and distribution of the inhomogeneous phase on the superconducting critical temperature (TC) has been systematically investigated. An ex situ solid sintering was utilized to prepare smart meta-superconducting MgB2 doped with six kinds of electroluminescent materials, such as YVO4{:}Eu^{3+} and Y2O3{:}Eu^{3+} flakes. Elemental mappings through energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) show that the inhomogeneous phase is comparatively uniformly dispersed around the MgB2 particles; thus V, Y, and Eu were accumulated at a small area. The measurement results show that the optimum doping concentration of the meta-superconducting MgB2 is 2.0 wt%. The offset temperature (TC^{{ off}}) of the sample doped with 2.0 wt% dopant A is 1.6 K higher than that of pure MgB2. The improvement in TC^{{ off}} is likely related to the sizes, thickness, and EL intensity of the inhomogeneous phase of MgB2 smart meta-superconductor. This experiment provides a novel approach to enhance TC.

  14. Mg/Ca-temperature calibration for costate Bulimina species (B. costata, B. inflata, B. mexicana): A paleothermometer for hypoxic environments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grunert, Patrick; Rosenthal, Yair; Jorissen, Frans; Holbourn, Ann; Zhou, Xiaoli; Piller, Werner E.

    2018-01-01

    Costate species of Bulimina are cosmopolitan, infaunal benthic foraminifers which are common in the fossil record since the Paleogene. In the present study, we evaluate the temperature dependency of Mg/Ca ratios in Bulimina inflata, B. mexicana and B. costata from an extensive set of core-top samples from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The results show no significant offset in Mg/Ca values between costate morphospecies when present in the same sample. The apparent lack of significant inter-specific/inter-morphotype differences amongst the analyzed costate buliminids allows for the combined use of their data-sets for our core-top calibration. Over a bottom-water temperature (BWT) range of 3-13 °C, the Bulimina species show a sensitivity of ∼0.12 mmol/mol/°C which is comparable to that of epifaunal Cibicidoides species and higher than that of the shallow infaunal Uvigerina spp., the most commonly used taxon in Mg/Ca-based palaeotemperature reconstruction. The reliability and accuracy of the new Mg/Ca-temperature calibration is corroborated in the fossil record by a case study in the Timor Sea which demonstrates the presence of southern-sourced waters at intermediate depths for the past 26,000 years. Costate species of Bulimina might thus provide a valuable alternative for BWT reconstruction in mesotrophic to eutrophic settings where many of the commonly used (more oligotrophic) species are rare or absent, and be particularly useful in hypoxic settings such as permanent upwelling zones where costate buliminids often dominate foraminiferal assemblages. The evaluation further reveals a mean positive offset of ∼0.2 mmol/mol of the Atlantic data-set over the Indo-Pacific data-set which contributes to the scatter in our calibration. Although an explanation for this offset is not straightforward and further research is necessary, we hypothesize that different levels of export production and carbonate ion concentrations in pore waters are likely reasons.

  15. Carbon dioxide-dependent regulation of NF-κB family members RelB and p100 gives molecular insight into CO2-dependent immune regulation.

    PubMed

    Keogh, Ciara E; Scholz, Carsten C; Rodriguez, Javier; Selfridge, Andrew C; von Kriegsheim, Alexander; Cummins, Eoin P

    2017-07-07

    CO 2 is a physiological gas normally produced in the body during aerobic respiration. Hypercapnia (elevated blood pCO 2 >≈50 mm Hg) is a feature of several lung pathologies, e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hypercapnia is associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and suppression of inflammatory signaling. The NF-κB pathway has been implicated in these effects; however, the molecular mechanisms underpinning cellular sensitivity of the NF-κB pathway to CO 2 are not fully elucidated. Here, we identify several novel CO 2 -dependent changes in the NF-κB pathway. NF-κB family members p100 and RelB translocate to the nucleus in response to CO 2 A cohort of RelB protein-protein interactions ( e.g. with Raf-1 and IκBα) are altered by CO 2 exposure, although others are maintained ( e.g. with p100). RelB is processed by CO 2 in a manner dependent on a key C-terminal domain located in its transactivation domain. Loss of the RelB transactivation domain alters NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity, and loss of p100 alters sensitivity of RelB to CO 2 Thus, we provide molecular insight into the CO 2 sensitivity of the NF-κB pathway and implicate altered RelB/p100-dependent signaling in the CO 2 -dependent regulation of inflammatory signaling. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  16. Tribology study on TiB2+WSi2 composite against WC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murthy, T. S. R. Ch.; Basha, M. M.; Sonber, J. K.; Singh, K.; Raju, K.; Sairam, K.; Nagaraj, A.; Majumdar, S.; Rao, G. V. S. Nageswara; Kain, Vivekanand

    2018-04-01

    Titanium diboride (TiB2) is one of the potential material for green energy applications such as neutron absorber in high temperature/advanced nuclear reactors, receiver materials for second generation concentrated solar power. We developed the process flow sheet for synthesis and consolidation of various series of TiB2 based materials in our laboratory. Amongst these, TiB2+WSi2 exhibited better sinterability and oxidation resistance properties. In the present work, tribology properties of TiB2+2.5%WSi2 composite was studied against WC-Co ball using different normal loads (5, 10 and 20 N) and frequencies (10, 15 Hz) under dry condition. Coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate was measured at all test conditions. Wear mechanism was analyzed by microstructural characterization. It was found that COF is decreased from 0.46 to 0.36 with increasing load (5 to 20 N) at 15 Hz frequency; whereas at 10 Hz frequency COF is measured a constant average value of 0.49. The specific wear rate measured was minimum at 5 N load and 15 Hz frequency combination and was found to be 2.84×10-6 mm3/N m. The wear mechanisms identified during reciprocative sliding wear of composite were abrasion and surface tribo-oxidative reactions with delamination from tribo-zone.

  17. 26 CFR 31.3406(b)(2)-3 - Window transactions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Window transactions. 31.3406(b)(2)-3 Section 31... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3406(b)(2)-3 Window transactions. (a) Requirement to backup withhold. Withholding under section 3406 applies to a window transaction (as defined in paragraph...

  18. 26 CFR 1.167(b)-2 - Declining balance method.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Declining balance method. 1.167(b)-2 Section 1... Declining balance method. (a) Application of method. Under the declining balance method a uniform rate is... declining balance rate may be determined without resort to formula. Such rate determined under section 167(b...

  19. 26 CFR 1.167(b)-2 - Declining balance method.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Declining balance method. 1.167(b)-2 Section 1... Declining balance method. (a) Application of method. Under the declining balance method a uniform rate is... declining balance rate may be determined without resort to formula. Such rate determined under section 167(b...

  20. Photocatalytic self-cleaning transparent 2Bi2O3-B2O3 glass ceramics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Sumeet Kumar; Singh, V. P.; Chauhan, Vishal S.; Kushwaha, H. S.; Vaish, Rahul

    2017-09-01

    Photocatalytic response of as-quenched and heat-treated 2Bi2O3-B2O3 glasses was studied. X ray diffraction reveals that the controlled heat treatment of glasses at 380 °C for 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h shows the formation of Bi4B2O9 crystals embedded in 2Bi2O3-B2O3 the host glass matrix. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal the presence of nanocrystallization in as-quenched glass. Significant photocatalytic activities were observed in as-quenched transparent glass. Photocatalytic activities were studied using the degradation of Resazurin as well as pharmaceutical 17 β-Estradiol under UV irradiation. Measurement of contact angle shows enhanced hydrophilicity with the increase in crystallization of the samples. Further, for as quenched 2Bi2O3-B2O3 glass ceramic, under UV irradiation, the water contact angle decreased from 92.7° to 39.5° and the sample surface transformed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. Effective photocatalytic performance along with photoinduced hydrophilicity promotes 2Bi2O3-B2O3 glass ceramics in self-cleaning applications.

  1. Synthesis of ultrafine ZrB2 powders by sol-gel process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Li-Juan; Zhu, Shi-Zhen; Xu, Qiang; Yan, Zhen-Yu; Liu, Ling

    2010-09-01

    Ultrafine zirconium diboride (ZrB2) powders have been synthesized by sol-gel process using zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2·8H2O), boric acid (H3BO3) and phenolic resin as sources of zirconia, boron oxide and carbon, respectively. The effects of the reaction temperature, B/Zr ratio, holding time, and EtOH/H2O ratio on properties of the synthesized ZrB2 powders were investigated. It was revealed that ultrafine (average crystallite size between 100 and 400 nm) ZrB2 powders can be synthesized with the optimum processing parameters as follows: (i) the ratio of B/Zr is 4; (ii) the solvent is pure ethanol; (iii) the condition of carbothermal reduction heat treatment is at 1550°C for 20 min.

  2. Microstructures and superconducting properties of high performance MgB2 thin films deposited from a high-purity, dense Mg-B target.

    PubMed

    Li, G Z; Susner, M A; Bohnenstiehl, S D; Sumption, M D; Collings, E W

    2015-12-01

    High quality, c -axis oriented, MgB 2 thin films were successfully grown on 6H-SiC substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with subsequent in situ annealing. To obtain high purity films free from oxygen contamination, a dense Mg-B target was specially made from a high temperature, high pressure reaction of Mg and B to form large-grained (10~50 µm) MgB 2 . Microstructural analysis via electron microscopy found that the resulting grains of the film were composed of ultrafine columnar grains of 19-30 nm. XRD analysis showed the MgB 2 films to be c -axis oriented; the a -axis and c -axis lattice parameters were determined to be 3.073 ± 0.005 Å and 3.528 ± 0.010 Å, respectively. The superconducting critical temperature, T c,onset , increased monotonically as the annealing temperature was increased, varying from 25.2 K to 33.7 K. The superconducting critical current density as determined from magnetic measurements, J cm , at 5 K, was 10 5 A/cm 2 at 7.8 T; at 20 K, 10 5 A/cm 2 was reached at 3.1 T. The transport and pinning properties of these films were compared to "powder-in-tube" (PIT) and "internal-infiltration" (AIMI) processed wires. Additionally, examination of the pinning mechanism showed that when scaled to the peak in the pinning curve, the films follow the grain boundary, or surface, pinning mechanism quite well, and are similar to the response seen for C doped PIT and AIMI strands, in contrast to the behavior seen in undoped PIT wires, in which deviations are seen at high b ( b = B/B c2 ). On the other hand, the magnitude of the pinning force was similar for the thin films and AIMI conductors, unlike the values from connectivity-suppressed PIT strands.

  3. Transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B) mediates noradrenergic neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma.

    PubMed

    Ikram, Fakhera; Ackermann, Sandra; Kahlert, Yvonne; Volland, Ruth; Roels, Frederik; Engesser, Anne; Hertwig, Falk; Kocak, Hayriye; Hero, Barbara; Dreidax, Daniel; Henrich, Kai-Oliver; Berthold, Frank; Nürnberg, Peter; Westermann, Frank; Fischer, Matthias

    2016-02-01

    Neuroblastoma is an embryonal pediatric tumor that originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system and shows a broad range of clinical behavior, ranging from fatal progression to differentiation into benign ganglioneuroma. In experimental neuroblastoma systems, retinoic acid (RA) effectively induces neuronal differentiation, and RA treatment has been therefore integrated in current therapies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation are still poorly understood. We here investigated the role of transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B), a key factor in sympathetic nervous system development, in neuroblastoma pathogenesis and differentiation. Microarray analyses of primary neuroblastomas (n = 649) demonstrated that low TFAP2B expression was significantly associated with unfavorable prognostic markers as well as adverse patient outcome. We also found that low TFAP2B expression was strongly associated with CpG methylation of the TFAP2B locus in primary neuroblastomas (n = 105) and demethylation with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine resulted in induction of TFAP2B expression in vitro, suggesting that TFAP2B is silenced by genomic methylation. Tetracycline inducible re-expression of TFAP2B in IMR-32 and SH-EP neuroblastoma cells significantly impaired proliferation and cell cycle progression. In IMR-32 cells, TFAP2B induced neuronal differentiation, which was accompanied by up-regulation of the catecholamine biosynthesizing enzyme genes DBH and TH, and down-regulation of MYCN and REST, a master repressor of neuronal genes. By contrast, knockdown of TFAP2B by lentiviral transduction of shRNAs abrogated RA-induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-BE(2)c neuroblastoma cells almost completely. Taken together, our results suggest that TFAP2B is playing a vital role in retaining RA responsiveness and mediating noradrenergic neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma. Copyright © 2015 Federation of European Biochemical Societies

  4. Measurement of sigma(Lambda(b)0) / sigma(anti-B 0) x B(Lambda0(b) ---> Lambda+(c) pi-) / B(anti-B0 ---> D+ pi-) in p anti-p collisions at S**(1/2) = 1.96-TeV

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

    Abulencia, A.; Acosta, D.; Adelman, Jahred A.

    2006-01-01

    The authors present the first observation of the baryon decay {Lambda}{sub b}{sup 0} {yields} {Lambda}{sub c}{sup +} {pi}{sup -} followed by {Lambda}{sub c}{sup +} {yields} pK{sup -} {pi}{sup +} in 106 pb{sup -1} p{bar p} collisions at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV in the CDF experiment. IN order to reduce systematic error, the measured rate for {Lambda}{sub b}{sup 0} decay is normalized to the kinematically similar meson decay {bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup +}{pi}{sup -} followed by D{sup +} {yields} {pi}{sup +}K{sup -}{pi}{sup +}. They report the ratio of production cross sections ({sigma}) times the ratio of branching fractions ({Beta}) formore » the momentum region integrated above p{sub T} > 6 GeV/c and pseudorapidity range |{eta}| < 1.3: {sigma}(p{bar p} {yields} {Lambda}{sub b}{sup 0}X)/{sigma}(p{bar p} {yields} {bar B}{sup 0} X) x {Beta}({Lambda}{sub b}{sup 0} {yields} {Lambda}{sub c}{sup +}{pi}{sup -})/{Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup +}{pi}{sup -}) = 0.82 {+-} 0.08(stat) {+-} 0.11(syst) {+-} 0.22 ({Beta}({Lambda}{sub c}{sup +} {yields} pK{sup -} {pi}{sup +})).« less

  5. Slow Epidemic of Lymphogranuloma Venereum L2b Strain

    PubMed Central

    Spaargaren, Joke; Schachter, Julius; Moncada, Jeanne; de Vries, Henry J.C.; Fennema, Han S.A.; Peña, A. Salvador; Coutinho, Roel A.

    2005-01-01

    We traced the Chlamydia trachomatis L2b variant in Amsterdam and San Francisco. All recent lymphogranuloma venereum cases in Amsterdam were caused by the L2b variant. This variant was also present in the 1980s in San Francisco. Thus, the current "outbreak" is most likely a slowly evolving epidemic. PMID:16318741

  6. Interactions of phytochromes A, B1 and B2 in light-induced competence for adventitious shoot formation in hypocotyl of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

    PubMed

    Lercari, B; Bertram, L

    2004-02-01

    The interactions of phytochrome A (phyA), phytochrome B1 (phyB1) and phytochrome B2 (phyB2) in light-dependent shoot regeneration from the hypocotyl of tomato was analysed using all eight possible homozygous allelic combinations of the null mutants. The donor plants were pre-grown either in the dark or under red or far-red light for 8 days after sowing; thereafter hypocotyl segments (apical, middle and basal portions) were transferred onto hormone-free medium for culture under different light qualities. Etiolated apical segments cultured in vitro under white light showed a very high frequency of regeneration for all of the genotypes tested besides phyB1phyB2, phyAphyB1 and phyAphyB1phyB2 mutants. Evidence is provided of a specific interference of phyB2 with phyA-mediated HIR to far-red and blue light in etiolated explants. Pre-treatment of donor plants by growth under red light enhanced the competence of phyB1phyB2, phyAphyB1 and phyAphyB1phyB2 mutants for shoot regeneration, whereas pre-irradiation with far-red light enhanced the frequency of regeneration only in the phyAphyB1 mutant. Multiple phytochromes are involved in red light- and far-red light-dependent acquisition of competence for shoot regeneration. The position of the segments along the hypocotyl influenced the role of the various phytochromes and the interactions between them. The culture of competent hypocotyl segments under red, far-red or blue light reduced the frequency of explants forming shoots compared to those cultured under white light, with different genotypes having different response patterns.

  7. Hexagonal OsB 2: Sintering, microstructure and mechanical properties

    DOE PAGES

    Xie, Zhilin; Lugovy, Mykola; Orlovskaya, Nina; ...

    2015-02-07

    In this study, the metastable high pressure ReB 2-type hexagonal OsB 2 bulk ceramics was produced by spark plasma sintering. The phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical behavior of the sintered OsB 2 were studied by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, TEM, SEM, EDS, and nanoindentation. The produced ceramics was rather porous and contained a mixture of hexagonal (~80 wt.%) and orthorhombic (~20 wt.%) phases as identified by X-ray diffraction and EBSD analysis. Two boron-rich phases, which do not contain Os, were also identified by TEM and SEM/EDS analysis. Nanoindentation measurements yielded a hardness of 31 ± 9 GPa and Young’s modulusmore » of 574 ± 112 GPa, indicating that the material is rather hard and very stiff; but, it is very prone to crack formation and propagation, which is indicative of a very brittle nature of this material. Improvements in the sintering regime are required in order to produce dense, homogeneous and single phase hexagonal OsB 2 bulk ceramics.« less

  8. Observation of the Hadronic transitions chi(b1,2)(2P)-->omegaUpsilon(1S).

    PubMed

    Cronin-Hennessy, D; Park, C S; Park, W; Thayer, J B; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Stroynowski, R; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Blusk, S; Dambasuren, E; Dorjkhaidav, O; Mountain, R; Muramatsu, H; Nandakumar, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Mahmood, A H; Csorna, S E; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Bornheim, A; Lipeles, E; Pappas, S P; Shapiro, A; Sun, W M; Weinstein, A J; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Boisvert, V; Cassel, D G; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hsu, L; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Magerkurth, A; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Mistry, N B; Patterson, J R; Pedlar, T K; Peterson, D; Pivarski, J; Richichi, S J; Riley, D; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shepherd, M R; Thayer, J G; Urner, D; Wilksen, T; Warburton, A; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Eisenstein, B I; Gollin, G D; Karliner, I; Lowrey, N; Plager, C; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; Thaler, J J; Williams, J; Edwards, K W; Besson, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Kubota, Y; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Stepaniak, C J; Urheim, J; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Ernst, J; Arms, K; Eckhart, E; Gan, K K; Gwon, C; Severini, H; Skubic, P; Dytman, S A; Mueller, J A; Nam, S; Savinov, V; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shibata, E I; Shipsey, I P J; Danko, I

    2004-06-04

    The CLEO Collaboration has made the first observations of hadronic transitions among bottomonium (bbmacr;) states other than the dipion transitions among Upsilon(nS) states. In our study of Upsilon(3S) decays, we find a significant signal for Upsilon(3S)-->gammaomegaUpsilon(1S) that is consistent with radiative decays Upsilon(3S)-->gammachi(b1,2)(2P), followed by chi(b1,2)(2P)-->omegaUpsilon(1S). The branching ratios we obtain are B[chi(b1)(2P)-->omegaUpsilon(1S)]=(1.63(+0.35+0.16)(-0.31-0.15))% and B[chi(b2)(2P)-->omegaUpsilon(1S)]=(1.10(+0.32+0.11)(-0.28-0.10))%, in which the first error is statistical and the second is systematic.

  9. Antitumor and Angiostatic Activities of the Antimicrobial Peptide Dermaseptin B2

    PubMed Central

    van Zoggel, Hanneke; Carpentier, Gilles; Dos Santos, Célia; Hamma-Kourbali, Yamina; Courty, José; Amiche, Mohamed; Delbé, Jean

    2012-01-01

    Recently, we have found that the skin secretions of the Amazonian tree frog Phyllomedusa bicolor contains molecules with antitumor and angiostatic activities and identified one of them as the antimicrobial peptide dermaseptin (Drs) B2. In the present study we further explored the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of this molecule and investigated its mechanism of action. We showed that Drs B2 inhibits the proliferation and colony formation of various human tumor cell types, and the proliferation and capillary formation of endothelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, Drs B2 inhibited tumor growth of the human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line PC3 in a xenograft model in vivo. Research on the mechanism of action of Drs B2 on tumor PC3 cells demonstrated a rapid increasing amount of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase, no activation of caspase-3, and no changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that Drs B2 can interact with the tumor cell surface, aggregate and penetrate the cells. These data together indicate that Drs B2 does not act by apoptosis but possibly by necrosis. In conclusion, Drs B2 could be considered as an interesting and promising pharmacological and therapeutic leader molecule for the treatment of cancer. PMID:23028527

  10. Antitumor and angiostatic activities of the antimicrobial peptide dermaseptin B2.

    PubMed

    van Zoggel, Hanneke; Carpentier, Gilles; Dos Santos, Célia; Hamma-Kourbali, Yamina; Courty, José; Amiche, Mohamed; Delbé, Jean

    2012-01-01

    Recently, we have found that the skin secretions of the Amazonian tree frog Phyllomedusa bicolor contains molecules with antitumor and angiostatic activities and identified one of them as the antimicrobial peptide dermaseptin (Drs) B2. In the present study we further explored the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of this molecule and investigated its mechanism of action. We showed that Drs B2 inhibits the proliferation and colony formation of various human tumor cell types, and the proliferation and capillary formation of endothelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, Drs B2 inhibited tumor growth of the human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line PC3 in a xenograft model in vivo. Research on the mechanism of action of Drs B2 on tumor PC3 cells demonstrated a rapid increasing amount of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase, no activation of caspase-3, and no changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that Drs B2 can interact with the tumor cell surface, aggregate and penetrate the cells. These data together indicate that Drs B2 does not act by apoptosis but possibly by necrosis. In conclusion, Drs B2 could be considered as an interesting and promising pharmacological and therapeutic leader molecule for the treatment of cancer.

  11. [Determination of fumonisins B1 and B2 in corn by high performance liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization method].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaoxu; Xiao, Zhiyong; Zhang, Hongyan; Yang, Lili; Ma, Liyan

    2012-08-01

    A high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection with post-column derivatization method was developed to detect fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) in corn. Several factors, such as the pH of derivatization buffer, concentration and flow rate of derivatization reagents, excitation wavelength, emission wavelength, which affected the detection of fumonisins were optimized. The separation was performed on a ZORBAX SB C18 column operated at 40 degrees C with the gradient elution by two mobile phases of 0.1 mol/L sodium dihydrogen phosphate solution (pH 3.3) and methanol at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The derivatization was performed at ambient temperature. The o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) flow rate was 0.4 mL/min. The results showed that the optimum conditions were pH 10.5 of the derivatization reagent, OPA concentration at 2 g/L, and excitation wavelength of 335 nm, emission wavelength of 440 nm. The linear plots of FB1 and FB2 were obtained between 0.2 to 20 mg/L, with the correlation coefficients above 0.999 for both FB1 and FB2. The limits of detection of fumonisins B1 and B2 were 0.02 mg/kg. The mean recoveries at the three spiked levels of 0.1 - 4.0 mg/kg were 82.5% - 89.8%. This method is accurate, simple, rapid and suitable for the determination of fumonisins B1 and B2 in corn.

  12. 17 CFR 240.13b2-1 - Falsification of accounting records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Falsification of accounting records. 240.13b2-1 Section 240.13b2-1 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE... Required Reports § 240.13b2-1 Falsification of accounting records. No person shall directly or indirectly...

  13. Effect of cryopreservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on the variability of an antigen-specific memory B cell ELISpot.

    PubMed

    Trück, Johannes; Mitchell, Ruth; Thompson, Amber J; Morales-Aza, Begonia; Clutterbuck, Elizabeth A; Kelly, Dominic F; Finn, Adam; Pollard, Andrew J

    2014-01-01

    The ELISpot assay is used in vaccine studies for the quantification of antigen-specific memory B cells (B(MEM)), and can be performed using cryopreserved samples. The effects of cryopreservation on B(MEM) detection and the consistency of cultured ELISpot assays when performed by different operators or laboratories are unknown. In this study, blood was taken from healthy volunteers, and a cultured ELISpot assay was used to count B(MEM) specific for 2 routine vaccine antigens (diphtheria and tetanus toxoid). Results were assessed for intra- and inter-operator variation, and the effects of cryopreservation. Cryopreserved samples were shipped to a second laboratory in order to assess inter-laboratory variation. B(MEM) frequencies were very strongly correlated when comparing fresh and frozen samples processed by the same operator, and were also very strongly correlated when comparing 2 operators in the same laboratory. Results were slightly less consistent when samples were processed in different laboratories but correlation between the 2 measurements was still very strong. Although cell viability was reduced in some cryopreserved samples due to higher temperatures during transportation, B(MEM) could still be quantified. These results demonstrate the reproducibility of the ELISpot assay across operators and laboratories, and support the use of cryopreserved samples in future B(MEM) studies.

  14. Pharmacophore modeling and in silico / in vitro screening for human cytochrome P450 11B1 & cytochrome P450 11B2 inhibitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akram, Muhammad; Waratchareeyakul, Watcharee; Haupenthal, Joerg; Hartmann, Rolf W.; Schuster, Daniela

    2017-12-01

    Cortisol synthase (CYP11B1) is the main enzyme for the endogenous synthesis of cortisol and its inhibition is a potential way for the treatment of diseases associated with increased cortisol levels, such as Cushing’s syndrome, metabolic diseases, and delayed wound healing. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is the key enzyme for aldosterone biosynthesis and its inhibition is a promising approach for the treatment of congestive heart failure, cardiac fibrosis, and certain forms of hypertension. Both CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 are structurally very similar and expressed in the adrenal cortex. To facilitate the identification of novel inhibitors of these enzymes, ligand-based pharmacophore models of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 inhibition were developed. A virtual screening of the SPECS database was performed with our pharmacophore queries. Biological evaluation of the selected hits lead to the discovery of three potent novel inhibitors of both CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 in the submicromolar range (compounds 8-10), one selective CYP11B1 inhibitor (Compound 11, IC50 = 2.5 µM), and one selective CYP11B2 inhibitor (compound 12, IC50 = 1.1 µM), respectively. The overall success rate of this prospective virtual screening experiment is 20.8% indicating good predictive power of the pharmacophore models.

  15. 17 CFR 200.80b - Appendix B-SEC releases.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Appendix B-SEC releases. 200.80b Section 200.80b Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ORGANIZATION... corporate reorganization releases, and the litigation releases are contained in the SEC Docket, which may be...

  16. 17 CFR 200.80b - Appendix B-SEC releases.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Appendix B-SEC releases. 200.80b Section 200.80b Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ORGANIZATION... corporate reorganization releases, and the litigation releases are contained in the SEC Docket, which may be...

  17. 17 CFR 200.80b - Appendix B-SEC releases.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Appendix B-SEC releases. 200.80b Section 200.80b Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ORGANIZATION... corporate reorganization releases, and the litigation releases are contained in the SEC Docket, which may be...

  18. 17 CFR 200.80b - Appendix B-SEC releases.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Appendix B-SEC releases. 200.80b Section 200.80b Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ORGANIZATION... corporate reorganization releases, and the litigation releases are contained in the SEC Docket, which may be...

  19. SLCO2B1 and SLCO1B3 as New Targets for Enhancing Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    that statins block DHEAS uptake by competitively binding to SLCO2B1. We examined the effect of four different statins ( atorvastatin , fluvastatin...300 pmol/mg compared to ~60 pmol/mg protein for LNCaP (Fig. 2B). 100 µM atorvastatin significantly decreased DHEAS influx by ~50% in both cell...or even 100 µM atorvastatin or simvastatin was insufficient to inhibit DHEAS uptake in LNCaP, which has a relatively low level of SLCO2B1 expression

  20. 18 CFR 3b.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Section 3b.2 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE PERSONAL... or the granting of access to a record, by oral, written, electronic or mechanical communication. ...