BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) deficiency ameliorates TNBS colitis in mice: role of M2 macrophages and heme oxygenase-1.

PubMed

Harusato, Akihito; Naito, Yuji; Takagi, Tomohisa; Uchiyama, Kazuhiko; Mizushima, Katsura; Hirai, Yasuko; Higashimura, Yasuki; Katada, Kazuhiro; Handa, Osamu; Ishikawa, Takeshi; Yagi, Nobuaki; Kokura, Satoshi; Ichikawa, Hiroshi; Muto, Akihiko; Igarashi, Kazuhiko; Yoshikawa, Toshikazu

2013-01-01

BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) is a transcriptional repressor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which plays an important role in the protection of cells and tissues against acute and chronic inflammation. However, the role of Bach1 in the gastrointestinal mucosal defense system remains little understood. HO-1 supports the suppression of experimental colitis and localizes mainly in macrophages in colonic mucosa. This study was undertaken to elucidate the Bach1/HO-1 system's effects on the pathogenesis of experimental colitis. This study used C57BL/6 (wild-type) and homozygous Bach1-deficient C57BL/6 mice in which colonic damage was induced by the administration of an enema of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Subsequently, they were evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. Peritoneal macrophages from the respective mice were isolated and analyzed. Then, wild-type mice were injected with peritoneal macrophages from the respective mice. Acute colitis was induced similarly. TNBS-induced colitis was inhibited in Bach1-deficient mice. TNBS administration increased the expression of HO-1 messenger RNA and protein in colonic mucosa in Bach1-deficient mice. The expression of HO-1 mainly localized in F4/80-immunopositive and CD11b-immunopositive macrophages. Isolated peritoneal macrophages from Bach1-deficient mice highly expressed HO-1 and also manifested M2 macrophage markers, such as Arginase-1, Fizz-1, Ym1, and MRC1. Furthermore, TNBS-induced colitis was inhibited by the transfer of Bach1-deficient macrophages into wild-type mice. Deficiency of Bach1 ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis. Bach1-deficient macrophages played a key role in protection against colitis. Targeting of this mechanism is applicable to cell therapy for human inflammatory bowel disease.

ALT-114 and ALT-118 Alternative Approaches to NIST ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In 2016, US EPA approved two separate alternatives (ALT 114 and ALT 118) for the preparation and certification of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) and Mercury (Hg) cylinder reference gas standards that can serve as EPA Protocol gases where EPA Protocol are required, but unavailable. The alternatives were necessary due to the unavailability of NIST reference materials (SRM, NTRM, CRM or RGM) or VSL reference materials (VSL PRM or VSL CRM), reference materials identified in EPA’s Green Book as necessary to establish the traceability of EPA protocol gases. ALT 114 and ALT 118 provides a pathway for gas vendors to prepare and certify traceable gas cylinder standards for use in certifying Hg and HCl CEMS. In this presentation, EPA will describe the mechanics and requirements of the performance-based approach, provide an update on the availability of these gas standards and also discuss the potential for producing and certifying gas standards for other compounds using this approach. This presentation discusses the importance of NIST-traceable reference gases relative to regulatory source compliance emissions monitoring. Specifically this presentation discusses 2 new approaches for making necessary reference gases available in the absence of NIST reference materials. Moreover, these approaches provide an alternative approach to rapidly make available new reference gases for additional HAPS regulatory compliance emissions measurement and monitoring.

T cell fates ‘zipped up’: how the Bach2 basic leucine zipper transcriptional repressor directs T cell differentiation and function1

PubMed Central

Richer, Martin J.; Lang, Mark L.; Butler, Noah S.

2016-01-01

Recent data illustrate a key role for the transcriptional regulator Bach2 in orchestrating T cell differentiation and function. Although Bach2 has a well-described role in B cell differentiation, emerging data show that Bach2 is a prototypical member of a novel class of transcription factors that regulates transcriptional activity in T cells at super enhancers, or regions of high transcriptional activity. Accumulating data demonstrate specific roles for Bach2 in favoring regulatory T cell generation, restraining effector T cell differentiation and potentiating memory T cell development. Evidence suggests that Bach2 regulates various facets of T cell function by repressing other key transcriptional regulator such as Blimp-1. This review examines our current understanding of the role of Bach2 in T cell function and highlights the growing evidence that this transcriptional repressor functions as a key regulator involved in maintenance of T cell quiescence, T cell subset differentiation and memory T cell generation. PMID:27496973

ALT-114 and ALT-118 Alternative Approaches to NIST-Traceable Reference Gases

EPA Science Inventory

In 2016, US EPA approved two separate alternatives (ALT 114 and ALT 118) for the preparation and certification of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) and Mercury (Hg) cylinder reference gas standards that can serve as EPA Protocol gases where EPA Protocol are required, but unavailable. The a...

Wolfgang Schott (1905-1989): the founder of quantitative paleoceanography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dullo, Wolf-Christian; Pfaffl, Fritz A.

2016-11-01

Wolfgang Schott is the pioneer in paleoceanography and has established this research field within marine geology. His papers from the first half of the twentieth century are all published in German; therefore, the most inspiring results are given here as original quotes in English, since they paved the ground for all scientific discussions on climate stratigraphy, past ocean currents, and glacial interglacial cycles.

Bach2 Promotes Regulatory T-cell Development by Limiting Effector Differentiation | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

A number of allergic and autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, asthma, type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis, are associated with polymorphisms in a gene encoding the transcription factor, BACH2. Despite this, the mechanism Bach2 uses to prevent immune-mediated diseases was not known. To function appropriately, the immune system relies on a delicate balance between immune-stimulating and immune-regulating cells. When immune-stimulating cells become too active, or immune-regulating cells become ineffective, autoimmune and allergic diseases can ensue.

Regulation of Bach2 by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a mechanism for suppression of B-cell differentiation by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

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

De Abrew, K. Nadira; Phadnis, Ashwini S.; Genetics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

2011-04-15

Exposure to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) alters B-cell differentiation and suppresses antibody production. Previous genomic studies in mouse B cells identified Bach2 as a direct target of the AHR. Bach2 is known to repress expression of Prdm1, a key transcription factor involved in B-cell differentiation, by binding to Maf elements (MAREs) in the regulatory regions of the gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative PCR in TCDD-treated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B cells showed increased binding of the AHR within the first intron in the Bach2 gene. The binding was further confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). TCDDmore » also induced expression of Bach2 in activated as well as resting B cells from 2 to 24 h post-treatment in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Expression of Prdm1 was decreased by TCDD at 24 h and was consistent with repression by Bach2. Increased DNA binding activity to the intron 5 MARE with increasing TCDD concentrations was observed by EMSA. Supershifts identified the presence of Bach2 in the DNA binding complex associated with the intron 5 MARE of Prdm1. Functional validation of the role of Bach2 in the suppression of B-cell differentiation by TCDD was performed using RNA interference (RNAi). Knockdown of Bach2 showed approximately 40% reversal in the TCDD-induced suppression of IgM secretion when compared to controls. The results suggest that the transcriptional regulation of Bach2 by the AHR is one of the mechanisms involved in the suppression of B-cell differentiation by TCDD.« less

Regulation of Bach2 by the Aryl-hydrocarbon Receptor as a Mechanism for Suppression of B-cell Differentiation by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

PubMed Central

De Abrew, K. Nadira; Phadnis, Ashwini S.; Crawford, Robert B.; Kaminski, Norbert E.; Thomas, Russell S.

2011-01-01

Exposure to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), alters B cell differentiation and suppresses antibody production. Previous genomic studies in mouse B cells identified Bach2 as a direct target of the AHR. Bach2 is known to repress expression of Prdm1, a key transcription factor involved in B cell differentiation, by binding to Maf elements (MAREs) in the regulatory regions of the gene. Chromatin immunopreciptiation followed by quantitative PCR in TCDD-treated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B cells showed increased binding of the AHR within the first intron in the Bach2 gene. The binding was further confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). TCDD also induced expression of Bach2 in activated as well as resting B cells from 2 to 24 h post-treatment in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Expression of Prdm1 was decreased by TCDD at 24 h and was consistent with repression by Bach2. Increased DNA binding activity to the intron 5 MARE with increasing TCDD concentration was observed by EMSA. Supershifts identified the presence of Bach2 in the DNA binding complex associated with the intron5 MARE of Prdm1. Functional validation of the role of Bach2 in the suppression of B-cell differentiation by TCDD was performed using RNAi. Knockdown of Bach2 showed approximately 40% reversal in the TCDD-induced suppression of IgM secretion when compared to controls. The results suggest that the transcriptional regulation of Bach2 by the AHR is one of the mechanisms involved in the suppression of B-cell differentiation by TCDD. PMID:21296099

Mutation analysis of FANCD2, BRIP1/BACH1, LMO4 and SFN in familial breast cancer.

PubMed

Lewis, Aaron G; Flanagan, James; Marsh, Anna; Pupo, Gulietta M; Mann, Graham; Spurdle, Amanda B; Lindeman, Geoffrey J; Visvader, Jane E; Brown, Melissa A; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia

2005-01-01

Mutations in known predisposition genes account for only about a third of all multiple-case breast cancer families. We hypothesized that germline mutations in FANCD2, BRIP1/BACH1, LMO4 and SFN may account for some of the unexplained multiple-case breast cancer families. The families used in this study were ascertained through the Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer (kConFab). Denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) analysis of the coding regions of these four genes was conducted in the youngest affected cases of 30 to 267 non-BRCA1/2 breast cancer families. In addition, a further 399 index cases were also screened for mutations in two functionally significant regions of the FANCD2 gene and 253 index cases were screened for two previously reported mutations in BACH1 (p. P47A and p. M299I). DHPLC analysis of FANCD2 identified six silent exonic variants, and a large number of intronic variants, which tagged two common haplotypes. One protein truncating variant was found in BRIP1/BACH1, as well as four missense variants, a silent change and a variant in the 3' untranslated region. No missense or splice site mutations were found in LMO4 or SFN. Analysis of the missense, silent and frameshift variants of FANCD2 and BACH1 in relatives of the index cases, and in a panel of controls, found no evidence suggestive of pathogenicity. There is no evidence that highly penetrant exonic or splice site mutations in FANCD2, BRIP1/BACH1, LMO4 or SFN contribute to familial breast cancer. Large scale association studies will be necessary to determine whether any of the polymorphisms or haplotypes identified in these genes contributes to breast cancer risk.

Wolfgang Klafki's Concept of "Didaktik" and Its Reception in Russia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyer, Meinert A.; Rakhkochkine, Anatoli

2018-01-01

We take the reception of Wolfgang Klafki's didactics in Russia as our example for the difficult relations between knowledge transfer and knowledge transformation. We start with a description, analysis and evaluation of Klafki's two didactical models, categorical didactics and critical-constructive didactics, and then describe and evaluate their…

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Differential Functionalization of Presumed ScALT1 and ScALT2 Alanine Transaminases Has Been Driven by Diversification of Pyridoxal Phosphate Interactions

PubMed Central

Rojas-Ortega, Erendira; Aguirre-López, Beatriz; Reyes-Vivas, Horacio; González-Andrade, Martín; Campero-Basaldúa, Jose C.; Pardo, Juan P.; González, Alicia

2018-01-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae arose from an interspecies hybridization (allopolyploidiza-tion), followed by Whole Genome Duplication. Diversification analysis of ScAlt1/ScAlt2 indicated that while ScAlt1 is an alanine transaminase, ScAlt2 lost this activity, constituting an example in which one of the members of the gene pair lacks the apparent ancestral physiological role. This paper analyzes structural organization and pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) binding properties of ScAlt1 and ScAlt2 indicating functional diversification could have determined loss of ScAlt2 alanine transaminase activity and thus its role in alanine metabolism. It was found that ScAlt1 and ScAlt2 are dimeric enzymes harboring 67% identity and intact conservation of the catalytic residues, with very similar structures. However, tertiary structure analysis indicated that ScAlt2 has a more open conformation than that of ScAlt1 so that under physiological conditions, while PLP interaction with ScAlt1 allows the formation of two tautomeric PLP isomers (enolimine and ketoenamine) ScAlt2 preferentially forms the ketoenamine PLP tautomer, indicating a modified polarity of the active sites which affect the interaction of PLP with these proteins, that could result in lack of alanine transaminase activity in ScAlt2. The fact that ScAlt2 forms a catalytically active Schiff base with PLP and its position in an independent clade in “sensu strictu” yeasts suggests this protein has a yet undiscovered physiological function. PMID:29867852

ALT Blood Test: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information

MedlinePlus

... https://medlineplus.gov/labtests/altbloodtest.html ALT Blood Test To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. What is an ALT Blood Test? ALT, which stands for alanine transaminase, is an ...

Extended exome sequencing identifies BACH2 as a novel major risk locus for Addison's disease.

PubMed

Eriksson, D; Bianchi, M; Landegren, N; Nordin, J; Dalin, F; Mathioudaki, A; Eriksson, G N; Hultin-Rosenberg, L; Dahlqvist, J; Zetterqvist, H; Karlsson, Å; Hallgren, Å; Farias, F H G; Murén, E; Ahlgren, K M; Lobell, A; Andersson, G; Tandre, K; Dahlqvist, S R; Söderkvist, P; Rönnblom, L; Hulting, A-L; Wahlberg, J; Ekwall, O; Dahlqvist, P; Meadows, J R S; Bensing, S; Lindblad-Toh, K; Kämpe, O; Pielberg, G R

2016-12-01

Autoimmune disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands are targeted by destructive autoimmunity. Despite being the most common cause of primary adrenal failure, little is known about its aetiology. To understand the genetic background of Addison's disease, we utilized the extensively characterized patients of the Swedish Addison Registry. We developed an extended exome capture array comprising a selected set of 1853 genes and their potential regulatory elements, for the purpose of sequencing 479 patients with Addison's disease and 1394 controls. We identified BACH2 (rs62408233-A, OR = 2.01 (1.71-2.37), P = 1.66 × 10 -15 , MAF 0.46/0.29 in cases/controls) as a novel gene associated with Addison's disease development. We also confirmed the previously known associations with the HLA complex. Whilst BACH2 has been previously reported to associate with organ-specific autoimmune diseases co-inherited with Addison's disease, we have identified BACH2 as a major risk locus in Addison's disease, independent of concomitant autoimmune diseases. Our results may enable future research towards preventive disease treatment. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Internal Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association for Publication of The Journal of Internal Medicine.

International Research and Development in Systems Biology

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-10-01

Poolla K., P. Khargonekar, A. Tikku, J. Krause , and K. Nagpal. 1994. A Time-Domain Approach to Model Validation. IEEE Trans Automat Contr 39: 951...Another European researcher modeling chemotaxis and cell motility is Wolfgang Alt (Bonn, Germany), although the panel did not visit his laboratory...Center/Hepatocyte Project Heidelberg, Germany Otmar Wiestler, Siegfried Neumann, Ursula Klingmüller, Willi Jager, Wolfgang Driever, Matthias Reuss

A pre-marketing ALT signal predicts post-marketing liver safety.

PubMed

Moylan, Cynthia A; Suzuki, Ayako; Papay, Julie I; Yuen, Nancy A; Ames, Michael; Hunt, Christine M

2012-08-01

Drug induced liver injury during drug development is evidenced by a higher incidence of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations in treated versus placebo populations and termed an "ALT signal". We sought to quantify whether an ALT signal in pre-marketing clinical trials predicted post-marketing hepatotoxicity. Incidence of ALT elevations (ALT ≥ 3 times upper limits normal [× ULN]) for drug and placebo of new chemical entities and approved drugs associated with hepatotoxicity was calculated using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Post-marketing liver safety events were identified using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). The association of FDA AERS signal score (EB05 ≥ 2) and excess risk of pre-marketing ALT elevation (difference in incidence of ALT ≥ 3× ULN in treated versus placebo) was examined. An ALT signal of ≥ 1.2% was significantly associated with a post-marketing liver safety signal (p ≤ 0.013) and a 71.4% positive predictive value. An absent ALT signal was associated with a high likelihood of post-marketing liver safety; negative predictive value of 89.7%. Daily drug dose information improved the prediction of post-marketing liver safety. A cut-off of 1.2% increase in ALT ≥ 3× ULN in treated versus placebo groups provides an easily calculated method for predicting post-marketing liver safety. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Association of ALT and the metabolic syndrome among Mexican children.

PubMed

Elizondo-Montemayor, Leticia; Ugalde-Casas, Patricia A; Lam-Franco, Lorena; Bustamante-Careaga, Humberto; Serrano-González, Mónica; Gutiérrez, Norma G; Martínez, Ubaldo

2014-01-01

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS); Hispanics being particularly predisposed. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is considered a marker of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associations between ALT elevations and MetS in normal-weight, overweight and obese Mexican children and adolescents, since data in Mexico is scarce. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), percentage body fat, blood pressure, glucose, lipid profiles, ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in 236, 6-12yo normal-weight, overweight and obese Mexicans from eight public schools. The results showed that elevated ALT (>40 IU/L) was found in 17.7% of the obese and overweight population, with no gender difference. The prevalence of elevated ALT increased linearly across BMI categories (p = 0.001), from 0.0% for the normal-weight group (95%CI 0.0-€“8.0) to 22.4% for the obese one (95%CI 16.2-€“30.2). AST/ALT ratio <1 also increased linearly, as did the prevalence of MetS (p = 0.001), from 0.0% for the normal-weight group to 40.3% for the obese one. The prevalence of MetS was strongly associated with elevated ALT (p = 0.002), 50% in the elevated ALT group (95%CI 34.1-€“65.9) and 24.1% in the normal ALT one (95%CI 18.1-€“31.3). There was also a strong association between MetS and an AST/ALT ratio <1. WC was the best predictor of elevated ALT (AOR = 7.13). Pearson correlation showed that MetS components were significantly correlated with elevated ALT. Therefore elevated ALT levels were highly prevalent and strongly associated with MetS in Mexican children, it should be screened in overweight and obese children. © 2014 Asian Oceanian Association for the Study of Obesity . Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes in erectile dysfunction over time in relation to Framingham cardiovascular risk in the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey.

PubMed

Fang, Shona C; Rosen, Raymond C; Vita, Joseph A; Ganz, Peter; Kupelian, Varant

2015-01-01

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the association between change in ED status over time and future underlying CVD risk is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between change in ED status and Framingham CVD risk, as well change in Framingham risk. We studied 965 men free of CVD in the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey, a longitudinal cohort study with three assessments. ED was assessed with the five-item International Index of Erectile Function at BACH I (2002-2005) and BACH II (2007-2010) and classified as no ED/transient ED/persistent ED. CVD risk was assessed with 10-year Framingham CVD risk algorithm at BACH I and BACH III (2010-2012). Linear regression models controlled for baseline age, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as baseline Framingham risk. Models were also stratified by age (≥/< 50 years). Framingham CVD risk and change in Framingham CVD risk were the main outcome measures. Transient and persistent ED was significantly associated with increased Framingham risk and change in risk over time in univariate and age-adjusted models. In younger men, persistent ED was associated with a Framingham risk that was 1.58 percentage points higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11, 3.06) and in older men, a Framingham risk that was 2.54 percentage points higher (95% CI: -1.5, 6.59), compared with those without ED. Change in Framingham risk over time was also associated with transient and persistent ED in men <50 years, but not in older men. Data suggest that even after taking into account other CVD risk factors, transient and persistent ED is associated with Framingham CVD risk and a greater increase in Framingham risk over time, particularly in younger men. Findings further support clinical assessment of CVD risk in men presenting with ED, especially those under 50 years. © 2014 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

No Time to be Brief - A scientific biography of Wolfgang Pauli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enz, Charles P.

2002-11-01

This book retraces the life of the physicist Wolfgang Pauli, analyses his scientific work, and describes the evolution of his thinking. Pauli spent 30 years as a professor at the Federal Institute of Technology ETH in Zurich, which occupy a central place in this biography. It would be incomplete, however, without a rendering of Pauli's sarcastic wit and, most importantly, of the world of his dreams. It is through the latter that quite a different aspect of Pauli's life comes in, namely his association with the psychology of C.G. Jung and his school.

APPROACH & LANDING TEST (ALT) - SHUTTLE PATCH

NASA Image and Video Library

1976-11-01

S76-30340 (1976) --- This circular, red, white and blue emblem has been chosen as the official insignia for the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Test (ALT) flights. A picture of the Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" is superimposed over a red triangle, which in turn is superimposed over a large inner circle of dark blue. The surnames of the members of the two ALT crews are in white in the field of blue. The four crew men are astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander of the first crew; Joe H. Engle, commander of the second crew; and Richard H. Truly, pilot of the second crew. ALT is a series of flights with a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) as a ferry aircraft and airborne launch platform for the 67,300 kilogram (75-ton) "Enterprise". The Shuttle Orbiter atmospheric testing is in preparation for the first Earth-orbital flights scheduled in 1979.

A Variant in the BACH2 Gene Is Associated With Susceptibility to Autoimmune Addison's Disease in Humans.

PubMed

Pazderska, Agnieszka; Oftedal, Bergithe E; Napier, Catherine M; Ainsworth, Holly F; Husebye, Eystein S; Cordell, Heather J; Pearce, Simon H S; Mitchell, Anna L

2016-11-01

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is a rare but highly heritable condition. The BACH2 protein plays a crucial role in T lymphocyte maturation, and allelic variation in its gene has been associated with a number of autoimmune conditions. We aimed to determine whether alleles of the rs3757247 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the BACH2 gene are associated with AAD. This case-control association study was performed in two phases using Taqman chemistry. In the first phase, the rs3757247 SNP was genotyped in 358 UK AAD subjects and 166 local control subjects. Genotype data were also available from 5154 healthy UK controls from the Wellcome Trust (WTCCC2) for comparison. In the second phase, the SNP was genotyped in a validation cohort comprising 317 Norwegian AAD subjects and 365 controls. The frequency of the minor T allele was significantly higher in subjects with AAD from the United Kingdom compared to both the local and WTCCC2 control cohorts (58% vs 45 and 48%, respectively) (local controls, P = 1.1 × 10 -4 ; odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-2.18; WTCCC2 controls, P = 1.4 × 10 -6 ; OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.69). This finding was replicated in the Norwegian validation cohort (P = .0015; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14-1.75). Subgroup analysis showed that this association is present in subjects with both isolated AAD (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.22-1.92) and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.69) in the UK cohort, and with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 in the Norwegian cohort (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22-2.06). We have demonstrated, for the first time, that allelic variability at the BACH2 locus is associated with susceptibility to AAD. Given its association with multiple autoimmune conditions, BACH2 can be considered a "universal" autoimmune susceptibility locus.

The ALTE mysteries: who's to blame?

PubMed

Wickham, Sara

2016-02-01

In this column, Sara Wickham takes a sideways look at issues relevant to midwives, students, women and families, inviting us to sit down with a cup of tea and ponder what we think we know. A recent paper on apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) in newborn babies brought to mind an experience from practice, the cause of which remains a mystery. As many similar events are unexplained, is it acceptable that there is a tendency in the literature to claim that skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are risk factors for ALTEs?

[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A urological pathography].

PubMed

Hatzinger, M; Häcker, A; Langbein, S; Bross, S; Honeck, P; Alken, P

2006-04-01

The death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was mysterious from the very first day, and cause of wildest speculation and adventurous assertions. Over the last 100 years, medical science has investigated the physical sufferings and the mysterious death of Mozart with increasing intensity. By means of letters from his father Leopold, his sister "Nannerl", himself and reports from his physicians and contemporaries, we would like to create a medical pathography. The rumour that Mozart was poisoned appeared soon after his early death at the age of 35 on December 5th 1791, and was kept up persistently. Accused were the physician van Swieten, Mozart's freemason's loge and the royal band master Salieri. Mozart, however, died due to chronic kidney disease and ultimately due to uraemia. Once the renal damage has reached a certain point, a minimum of additional stress leads to decompensation. This catastrophe occurs typically within the fourth decade of life. When listening to Mozart's music, we should remember that this apparently happy person was actually a premature adult robbed of his childhood, whose short life was an endless chain of indisposition, over fatigue, misery, concern and illness.

A Variant in the BACH2 Gene Is Associated With Susceptibility to Autoimmune Addison's Disease in Humans

PubMed Central

Oftedal, Bergithe E.; Napier, Catherine M.; Ainsworth, Holly F.; Husebye, Eystein S.; Cordell, Heather J.; Pearce, Simon H. S.; Mitchell, Anna L.

2016-01-01

Context: Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is a rare but highly heritable condition. The BACH2 protein plays a crucial role in T lymphocyte maturation, and allelic variation in its gene has been associated with a number of autoimmune conditions. Objective: We aimed to determine whether alleles of the rs3757247 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the BACH2 gene are associated with AAD. Design, Setting, and Patients: This case-control association study was performed in two phases using Taqman chemistry. In the first phase, the rs3757247 SNP was genotyped in 358 UK AAD subjects and 166 local control subjects. Genotype data were also available from 5154 healthy UK controls from the Wellcome Trust (WTCCC2) for comparison. In the second phase, the SNP was genotyped in a validation cohort comprising 317 Norwegian AAD subjects and 365 controls. Results: The frequency of the minor T allele was significantly higher in subjects with AAD from the United Kingdom compared to both the local and WTCCC2 control cohorts (58% vs 45 and 48%, respectively) (local controls, P = 1.1 × 10−4; odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–2.18; WTCCC2 controls, P = 1.4 × 10−6; OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23–1.69). This finding was replicated in the Norwegian validation cohort (P = .0015; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14–1.75). Subgroup analysis showed that this association is present in subjects with both isolated AAD (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.22–1.92) and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12–1.69) in the UK cohort, and with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 in the Norwegian cohort (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22–2.06). Conclusion: We have demonstrated, for the first time, that allelic variability at the BACH2 locus is associated with susceptibility to AAD. Given its association with multiple autoimmune conditions, BACH2 can be considered a “universal” autoimmune susceptibility locus. PMID:27680876

Aerodynamic challenges of ALT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooks, I.; Homan, D.; Romere, P. O.

1985-01-01

The approach and landing test (ALT) of the Space Shuttle Orbiter presented a number of unique challenges in the area of aerodynamics. The purpose of the ALT program was both to confirm the use of the Boeing 747 as a transport vehicle for ferrying the Orbiter across the country and to demonstrate the flight characteristics of the Orbiter in its approach and landing phase. Concerns for structural fatigue and performance dictated a tailcone be attached to the Orbiter for ferry and for the initial landing tests. The Orbiter with a tailcone attached presented additional challenges to the normal aft sting concept of wind tunnel testing. The landing tests required that the Orbiter be separated from the 747 at approximately 20,000 feet using aerodynamic forces to fly the vehicles apart. The concept required a complex test program to determine the relative effects of the two vehicles on each other. Also of concern, and tested, was the vortex wake created by the 747 and the means for the Orbiter to avoid it following separation.

Alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test

MedlinePlus

... the levels of substances checked by other liver blood tests have also increased. An increased ALT level may be due to any of the following: Scarring of the liver ( cirrhosis ) Death of liver tissue Swollen and inflamed liver ( ...

Characterisation of a flavonoid ligand of the fungal protein Alt a 1

PubMed Central

Garrido-Arandia, María; Silva-Navas, Javier; Ramírez-Castillejo, Carmen; Cubells-Baeza, Nuria; Gómez-Casado, Cristina; Barber, Domingo; Pozo, Juan C.; Melendi, Pablo G.; Pacios, Luis F.; Díaz-Perales, Araceli

2016-01-01

Spores of pathogenic fungi are virtually ubiquitous and cause human disease and severe losses in crops. The endophytic fungi Alternaria species produce host-selective phytotoxins. Alt a 1 is a strongly allergenic protein found in A. alternata that causes severe asthma. Despite the well-established pathogenicity of Alt a 1, the molecular mechanisms underlying its action and physiological function remain largely unknown. To gain insight into the role played by this protein in the pathogenicity of the fungus, we studied production of Alt a 1 and its activity in spores. We found that Alt a 1 accumulates inside spores and that its release with a ligand is pH-dependent, with optimum production in the 5.0–6.5 interval. The Alt a 1 ligand was identified as a methylated flavonoid that inhibits plant root growth and detoxifies reactive oxygen species. We also found that Alt a 1 changes its oligomerization state depending on the pH of the surrounding medium and that these changes facilitate the release of the ligand. Based on these results, we propose that release of Alt a 1 should be a pathogenic target in approaches used to block plant defenses and consequently to favor fungal entry into the plant. PMID:27633190

Characterisation of a flavonoid ligand of the fungal protein Alt a 1.

PubMed

Garrido-Arandia, María; Silva-Navas, Javier; Ramírez-Castillejo, Carmen; Cubells-Baeza, Nuria; Gómez-Casado, Cristina; Barber, Domingo; Pozo, Juan C; Melendi, Pablo G; Pacios, Luis F; Díaz-Perales, Araceli

2016-09-16

Spores of pathogenic fungi are virtually ubiquitous and cause human disease and severe losses in crops. The endophytic fungi Alternaria species produce host-selective phytotoxins. Alt a 1 is a strongly allergenic protein found in A. alternata that causes severe asthma. Despite the well-established pathogenicity of Alt a 1, the molecular mechanisms underlying its action and physiological function remain largely unknown. To gain insight into the role played by this protein in the pathogenicity of the fungus, we studied production of Alt a 1 and its activity in spores. We found that Alt a 1 accumulates inside spores and that its release with a ligand is pH-dependent, with optimum production in the 5.0-6.5 interval. The Alt a 1 ligand was identified as a methylated flavonoid that inhibits plant root growth and detoxifies reactive oxygen species. We also found that Alt a 1 changes its oligomerization state depending on the pH of the surrounding medium and that these changes facilitate the release of the ligand. Based on these results, we propose that release of Alt a 1 should be a pathogenic target in approaches used to block plant defenses and consequently to favor fungal entry into the plant.

Telomere sequence content can be used to determine ALT activity in tumours

PubMed Central

Lee, Michael; Teber, Erdahl T; Holmes, Oliver; Nones, Katia; Patch, Ann-Marie; Dagg, Rebecca A; Lau, Loretta M S; Lee, Joyce H; Napier, Christine E; Arthur, Jonathan W; Grimmond, Sean M; Hayward, Nicholas K; Johansson, Peter A; Mann, Graham J; Scolyer, Richard A; Wilmott, James S; Reddel, Roger R; Pearson, John V; Waddell, Nicola; Pickett, Hilda A

2018-01-01

Abstract The replicative immortality of human cancer cells is achieved by activation of a telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM). To achieve this, cancer cells utilise either the enzyme telomerase, or the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway. These distinct molecular pathways are incompletely understood with respect to activation and propagation, as well as their associations with clinical outcomes. We have identified significant differences in the telomere repeat composition of tumours that use ALT compared to tumours that do not. We then employed a machine learning approach to stratify tumours according to telomere repeat content with an accuracy of 91.6%. Importantly, this classification approach is applicable across all tumour types. Analysis of pathway mutations that were under-represented in ALT tumours, across 1,075 tumour samples, revealed that the autophagy, cell cycle control of chromosomal replication, and transcriptional regulatory network in embryonic stem cells pathways are involved in the survival of ALT tumours. Overall, our approach demonstrates that telomere sequence content can be used to stratify ALT activity in cancers, and begin to define the molecular pathways involved in ALT activation. PMID:29718321

Maximization of orbiter altitude at ALT interface airspeed, mission planning, mission analysis and software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glenn, G. M.

1976-01-01

The determination of the separation initial conditions (i.e. incidence angle) that maximize orbiter altitude at the ALT interface airspeed is considered. Optimum altitude airspeed profiles are generated for each orbiter incidence angle and tailcone configuration. Results show that the highest separation altitude does not result in the highest altitude at ALT interface airspeed. The altitude attainable at ALT interface airspeed should therefore be considered in the selection of the initial conditions (i.e. incidence angle). Without violating any known constraints, the incidence angles that maximize orbiter altitude at the ALT interface airspeeds are 7.0 deg for ALT free flight 1 and 5.5 deg for ALT free flight 6.

"Leaders," "Followers" and Collective Group Support in Learning "Art Music" in an Amateur Composer-Oriented Bach Choir

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Einarsdottir, Sigrun Lilja

2014-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how amateur choral singers experience collective group support as a method of learning "art music" choral work. Findings are derived from a grounded-theory based, socio-musical case study of an amateur "art music" Bach Choir, in the process of rehearsing and performing the Mass in B…

Post-test navigation data analysis techniques for the shuttle ALT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Postflight test analysis data processing techniques for shuttle approach and landing tests (ALT) navigation data are defined. Postfight test processor requirements are described along with operational and design requirements, data input requirements, and software test requirements. The postflight test data processing is described based on the natural test sequence: quick-look analysis, postflight navigation processing, and error isolation processing. Emphasis is placed on the tradeoffs that must remain open and subject to analysis until final definition is achieved in the shuttle data processing system and the overall ALT plan. A development plan for the implementation of the ALT postflight test navigation data processing system is presented. Conclusions are presented.

MiR-155 enhances phagocytic activity of β-thalassemia/HbE monocytes via targeting of BACH1.

PubMed

Srinoun, Kanitta; Nopparatana, Chamnong; Wongchanchailert, Malai; Fucharoen, Suthat

2017-11-01

Abnormal red blood cell (RBC) clearance in β-thalassemia is triggered by activated monocytes. Recent reports indicate that miRNA (miR-) plays a role in monocyte activation. To study phagocytic function, we co-cultured monocytes of normal, non-splenectomized and splenectomized β-thalassemia/HbE individuals with RBCs obtained from normal, non-splenectomized and splenectomized β-thalassemia/HbE individuals. The phagocytic activity of β-thalassemia/HbE monocytes co-cultured with β-thalassemia/HbE RBCs was significantly higher than that of normal monocytes co-cultured with normal RBCs. Upregulation of monocyte miR-155 was observed in β-thalassemia/HbE patients. Increased miR-155 was associated with reductions in BTB and CNC Homology1 (BACH1) target gene expression and increased phagocytic activity of β-thalassemia/HbE monocytes. Taken together, these findings suggested that increased miR-155 expression in activated monocytes leads to enhanced phagocytic activity via BACH-1 regulation in β-thalassemia/HbE. This provides novel insights into the phagocytic clearance of abnormal RBCs in β-thalassemia/HbE.

[Possibilities and limits of retrospective diagnoses. Pathobiografical notes on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's diseases (1756-1791)].

PubMed

Bauer, Axel W

2006-01-01

On December 5th, 1791, Wolfgang Amadé Mozart died from an acute febrile disease which had been accompanied by painful tumefactions around his hands and feet. The official diagnosis 'hitziges Frieselfieber' (severe military fever) cannot be decoded or translated into modern medical terms. Hypotheses which assert either a wilful or an erroneous poisoning with mercuric chloride have not been corroborated. Innumerable diverging retrospective diagnoses have been made by physicians during the 19th and 20th centuries. In this essay, we give a pathobiografical description of Mozart's three severe diseases from which he suffered as a boy: When traveling through Europe with his parents and his sister to give many exhausting concerts Wolfgang Amadé fell ill with an Erythema nodosum (1762), an abdominal typhus (1765), and with smallpox (1767). With regard to the 24 years between 1767 and 1791, however, we don't have much evidence for the suspicion that Mozart has had severe acute or chronic diseases as a grown-up. He may have been physically robust, but mentally he was rather sensitive. In his letters, Mozart sometimes portrayed a temporary bad state of health in order to illustrate his inconvenient emotional and/or financial situation. Up to November 18, 1791, Mozart's creativity was unbroken. His death came unexpectedly after an illness of 15 days.

The genetic architecture of liver enzyme levels: GGT, ALT and AST.

PubMed

van Beek, Jenny H D A; de Moor, Marleen H M; de Geus, Eco J C; Lubke, Gitta H; Vink, Jacqueline M; Willemsen, Gonneke; Boomsma, Dorret I

2013-07-01

High levels of liver enzymes GGT, ALT and AST are predictive of disease and all-cause mortality and can reflect liver injury, fatty liver and/or oxidative stress. Variation in GGT, ALT and AST levels is heritable. Moderation of the heritability of these liver enzymes by age and sex has not often been explored, and it is not clear to what extent non-additive genetic and shared environmental factors may play a role. To examine the genetic architecture of GGT, ALT and AST, plasma levels were assessed in a large sample of twins, their siblings, parents and spouses (N = 8,371; age range 18-90). For GGT and ALT, but not for AST, genetic structural equation modeling showed evidence for quantitative sex differences in the genetic architecture. There was no evidence for qualitative sex differences, i.e. the same genes were expressed in males and females. Both additive and non-additive genetic factors were important for GGT in females (total heritability h(2) 60 %) and AST in both sexes (total h(2) 43 %). The heritability of GGT in males and ALT for both sexes was due to additive effects only (GGT males 30 %; ALT males 40 %, females 22 %). Evidence emerged for shared environmental factors influencing GGT in the male offspring generation (variance explained 28 %). Thus, the same genes influence liver enzyme levels across sex and age, but their relative contribution to the variation in GGT and ALT differs in males and females and for GGT across age. Given adequate sample sizes these results suggest that genome-wide association studies may result in the detection of new susceptibility loci for liver enzyme levels when pooling results over sex and age.

The helicase domain of Polθ counteracts RPA to promote alt-NHEJ.

PubMed

Mateos-Gomez, Pedro A; Kent, Tatiana; Deng, Sarah K; McDevitt, Shane; Kashkina, Ekaterina; Hoang, Trung M; Pomerantz, Richard T; Sfeir, Agnel

2017-12-01

Mammalian polymerase theta (Polθ) is a multifunctional enzyme that promotes error-prone DNA repair by alternative nonhomologous end joining (alt-NHEJ). Here we present structure-function analyses that reveal that, in addition to the polymerase domain, Polθ-helicase activity plays a central role during double-strand break (DSB) repair. Our results show that the helicase domain promotes chromosomal translocations by alt-NHEJ in mouse embryonic stem cells and also suppresses CRISPR-Cas9- mediated gene targeting by homologous recombination (HR). In vitro assays demonstrate that Polθ-helicase activity facilitates the removal of RPA from resected DSBs to allow their annealing and subsequent joining by alt-NHEJ. Consistent with an antagonistic role for RPA during alt-NHEJ, inhibition of RPA1 enhances end joining and suppresses recombination. Taken together, our results reveal that the balance between HR and alt-NHEJ is controlled by opposing activities of Polθ and RPA, providing further insight into the regulation of repair-pathway choice in mammalian cells.

[The controversy regarding the cause of death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (28 January 1756-5 May 1791)].

PubMed

Ludewig, R

1991-09-01

All since two hundred years closely contested hypotheses about the causes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's death are to be verified and to be made credible by the same "original sources" in spite of considerable contrasts. In the present study it is tried to indicate the reasons for the multifariousness of the opinions and to represent Mozart's death as the consequence of a multifactorial process.

Activation of the ALT pathway for telomere maintenance can affect other sequences in the human genome.

PubMed

Jeyapalan, Jennie N; Varley, Helen; Foxon, Jenny L; Pollock, Raphael E; Jeffreys, Alec J; Henson, Jeremy D; Reddel, Roger R; Royle, Nicola J

2005-07-01

Immortal human cells maintain telomere length by the expression of telomerase or through the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The ALT mechanism involves a recombination-like process that allows the rapid elongation of shortened telomeres. However, it is not known whether activation of the ALT pathway affects other sequences in the genome. To address this we have investigated, in ALT-expressing cell lines and tumours, the stability of tandem repeat sequences known to mutate via homologous recombination in the human germline. We have shown extraordinary somatic instability in the human minisatellite MS32 (D1S8) in ALT-expressing (ALT+) but not in normal or telomerase-expressing cell lines. The MS32 mutation frequency varied across 15 ALT+ cell lines and was on average 55-fold greater than in ALT- cell lines. The MS32 minisatellite was also highly unstable in three of eight ALT+ soft tissue sarcomas, indicating that somatic destabilization occurs in vivo. The MS32 mutation rates estimated for two ALT+ cell lines were similar to that seen in the germline. However, the internal structures of ALT and germline mutant alleles are very different, indicating differences in the underlying mutation mechanisms. Five other hypervariable minisatellites did not show elevated instability in ALT-expressing cell lines, indicating that minisatellite destabilization is not universal. The elevation of MS32 instability upon activation of the ALT pathway and telomere length maintenance suggests there is overlap between the underlying processes that may be tractable through analysis of the D1S8 locus.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: the death of a genius.

PubMed

Hatzinger, Martin; Hatzinger, Jurgen; Sohn, Michael

2013-01-01

The early and unexpected death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Salzburg, 1756 - Vienna, 1791) was a mystery from the very first day and the subject of wildest speculations and adventurous assertions. Over the last 100 years, medical science has investigated the physical sufferings and the mysterious death of Mozart with increasing intensity. The aim of this article was to recreate Mozart's pathography relying on the his correspondence with father Leopold and sister Nannerl and on reports from his physicians and contemporaries. The rumour that Mozart was poisoned followed shortly after his death on 5 December 1791, at the age of 35, and has survived to this day. The alleged culprits were his physician van Swieten, Mozart's freemasons lodge, and the Imperial Chapel Master Salieri. Mozart however died of chronic kidney disease and ultimately of uraemia. If kidney damage reaches a critical point, even a minimum additional stress can lead to its failure. This usually occurs in the fourth decade of life. Next time we listen to Mozart, we should remember that this apparently happy person was actually a precocious boy, ripped of his childhood, whose short life was an endless chain of complaints, fatigue, misery, concern, and malady.

Transcriptome Analysis of CD4+ T Cells in Coeliac Disease Reveals Imprint of BACH2 and IFNγ Regulation

PubMed Central

Molloy, Ben; Dominguez Castro, Patricia; Cormican, Paul; Trimble, Valerie; Mahmud, Nasir; McManus, Ross

2015-01-01

Genetic studies have to date identified 43 genome wide significant coeliac disease susceptibility (CD) loci comprising over 70 candidate genes. However, how altered regulation of such disease associated genes contributes to CD pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. Recently there has been considerable emphasis on characterising cell type specific and stimulus dependent genetic variants. Therefore in this study we used RNA sequencing to profile over 70 transcriptomes of CD4+ T cells, a cell type crucial for CD pathogenesis, in both stimulated and resting samples from individuals with CD and unaffected controls. We identified extensive transcriptional changes across all conditions, with the previously established CD gene IFNy the most strongly up-regulated gene (log2 fold change 4.6; Padjusted = 2.40x10-11) in CD4+ T cells from CD patients compared to controls. We show a significant correlation of differentially expressed genes with genetic studies of the disease to date (Padjusted = 0.002), and 21 CD candidate susceptibility genes are differentially expressed under one or more of the conditions used in this study. Pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of immune related processes. Co-expression network analysis identified several modules of coordinately expressed CD genes. Two modules were particularly highly enriched for differentially expressed genes (P<2.2x10-16) and highlighted IFNy and the genetically associated transcription factor BACH2 which showed significantly reduced expression in coeliac samples (log2FC -1.75; Padjusted = 3.6x10-3) as key regulatory genes in CD. Genes regulated by BACH2 were very significantly over-represented among our differentially expressed genes (P<2.2x10-16) indicating that reduced expression of this master regulator of T cell differentiation promotes a pro-inflammatory response and strongly corroborates genetic evidence that BACH2 plays an important role in CD pathogenesis. PMID:26444573

Understanding and Targeting the ALT Pathway in Human Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

in human cancers. The genetic basis for activation of ALT is not known, but recent data have identified mutations and loss of ATRX protein as being...hallmarks of ALT- immortalized cell lines and tumors. Our efforts to understand the mechanism by which loss of ATRX facilitates telomere recombination...nucleosomal organization as being relevant mechanisms contributing to this phenotype. I have also determined that ATRX does not function in the known

The human CTC1/STN1/TEN1 complex regulates telomere maintenance in ALT cancer cells

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

Huang, Chenhui; Jia, Pingping; Chastain, Megan

Maintaining functional telomeres is important for long-term proliferation of cells. About 15% of cancer cells are telomerase-negative and activate the alternative-lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway to maintain their telomeres. Recent studies have shown that the human CTC1/STN1/TEN1 complex (CST) plays a multi-faceted role in telomere maintenance in telomerase-expressing cancer cells. However, the role of CST in telomere maintenance in ALT cells is unclear. Here, we report that human CST forms a functional complex localizing in the ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs) in ALT cells throughout the cell cycle. Suppression of CST induces telomere instabilities including telomere fragility and elevates telomeric DNAmore » recombination, leading to telomere dysfunction. In addition, CST deficiency significantly diminishes the abundance of extrachromosomal circular telomere DNA known as C-circles and t-circles. Suppression of CST also results in multinucleation in ALT cells and impairs cell proliferation. Our findings imply that the CST complex plays an important role in regulating telomere maintenance in ALT cells. - Highlights: • CST localizes at telomeres and ALT-associated PML bodies in ALT cells throughout the cell cycle. • CST is important for promoting telomeric DNA replication in ALT cells. • CST deficiency decreases ECTR formation and increases T-SCE. • CST deficiency impairs ALT cell proliferation and results in multinucleation.« less

Alcatraz and Iser: Applying Wolfgang Iser's Concepts of Implied Reader and Implied Author and Reality to the Metafictive Alcatraz Smedry Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castleman, Michele D.

2011-01-01

As a narrative series, Brandon Sanderson's humorous, middle grade, Alcatraz Smedry novels display some of the arguably vague concepts of Reader Response theorist Wolfgang Iser as accessible themes that encourage a critical understanding of the stories. "Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians" (2007), "Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones" (2008) and…

Some Features of "Alt" Texts Associated with Images in Web Pages

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craven, Timothy C.

2006-01-01

Introduction: This paper extends a series on summaries of Web objects, in this case, the alt attribute of image files. Method: Data were logged from 1894 pages from Yahoo!'s random page service and 4703 pages from the Google directory; an img tag was extracted randomly from each where present; its alt attribute, if any, was recorded; and the…

Dual regulation of skin sensitizer-induced HMOX1 expression by Bach1 and Nrf2: Comparison to regulation of the AKR1C2-ARE element in the KeratinoSens cell line

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

Emter, Roger; Natsch, Andreas, E-mail: andreas.natsch@givaudan.com

2015-11-01

Heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 (HMOX1) is the most consistently found genetic marker induced by skin sensitizers. HMOX1 is often referred to as typical gene regulated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), however, it is also regulated by other DNA-binding factors, including BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1). The KeratinoSens™ assay is the first validated in vitro assay for sensitizers that measures gene induction. It is based on luciferase expression regulated by the antioxidant response element (ARE) of the aldoketoreductase 1C2 (AKR1C2) gene. Luciferase upregulation is dependent on Nrf2, while HMOX1 upregulation is only partially Nrf2-dependent. Thus, sensitizer-dependent activationmore » of HMOX1 may integrate multiple signals thereby providing additional information. We constructed reporter cell lines containing the full HMOX1 regulatory region or the HMOX1-ARE sequence and compared them with the construct containing the AKR1C2-ARE sequence. Induction of the AKR1C2-ARE depends on Nrf2, but not on the repressor Bach1. Results obtained with HMOX1-ARE and the full HMOX1 promoter indicate that, within the HMOX1 promoter, the HMOX1-ARE is sufficient to explain the induction by sensitizers and that (i) inhibiting Bach1 leads to strong basal expression, (ii) fold-induction by sensitizers above this level is reduced in the absence of Bach1 and (iii) these constructs are less dependent on Nrf2 as compared to the AKR1C2-ARE. Nevertheless, congruent dose response curves for luciferase activity were obtained with all constructs. Thus, while sensitizer-induced HMOX1 activation is dependent on Nrf2 and Bach1, all constructs give identical information for the in vitro prediction of the sensitization potential. - Highlights: • HMOX1 is a key genetic marker up-regulated by skin sensitizers. • HMOX1-, but not AKR1C2-upregulation, is dependent on both Nrf2 and Bach1. • AKR1C2 and HMOX1-dependent reporter constructs yield congruent dose response curves. �

Army AL&T, July-September 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

Technology , and Logistics (AT&L) Workforce and will summarize best practices , specific initiatives, and relevant accomplishments of DOD and the...PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Army Acquisition, Logistics & Technology (AT&L...logistics, and technology (AL&T) community. We have a vast number of programs that range from developing transformational technologies for our

IL-15 super-agonist (ALT-803) enhances natural killer (NK) cell function against ovarian cancer

PubMed Central

Felices, M.; Chu, S.; Kodal, B.; Bendzick, L.; Ryan, C.; Lenvik, A.J.; Boylan, K.L.M.; Wong, H.C.; Skubitz, A.P.N.; Miller, J.S.; Geller, M.A.

2017-01-01

Objective Natural killer (NK) cells represent a powerful immunotherapeutic target as they lyse tumors directly, do not require differentiation, and can elicit potent inflammatory responses. The objective of these studies was to use an IL-15 super-agonist complex, ALT-803 (Altor BioScience Corporation), to enhance the function of both normal and ovarian cancer patient derived NK cells by increasing cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Methods NK cell function from normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and ovarian cancer patient ascites was assessed using flow cytometry and chromium release assays +/− ALT-803 stimulation. To evaluate the ability of ALT-803 to enhance NK cell function in vivo against ovarian cancer, we used a MA148-luc ovarian cancer NOD scid gamma (NSG) xenogeneic mouse model with transferred human NK cells. Results ALT-803 potently enhanced functionality of NK cells against all ovarian cancer cell lines with significant increases seen in CD107a, IFNγ and TNFα expression depending on target cell line. Function was also rescued in NK cells derived from ovarian cancer patient ascites. Finally, only animals treated with intraperitoneal ALT-803 displayed an NK dependent significant decrease in tumor. Conclusions ALT-803 enhances NK cell cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo and is able to rescue functionality of NK cells derived from ovarian cancer patient ascites. These findings suggest that ALT-803 has the potential to enhance NK-cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of ovarian cancer. PMID:28236454

The human CTC1/STN1/TEN1 complex regulates telomere maintenance in ALT cancer cells.

PubMed

Huang, Chenhui; Jia, Pingping; Chastain, Megan; Shiva, Olga; Chai, Weihang

2017-06-15

Maintaining functional telomeres is important for long-term proliferation of cells. About 15% of cancer cells are telomerase-negative and activate the alternative-lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway to maintain their telomeres. Recent studies have shown that the human CTC1/STN1/TEN1 complex (CST) plays a multi-faceted role in telomere maintenance in telomerase-expressing cancer cells. However, the role of CST in telomere maintenance in ALT cells is unclear. Here, we report that human CST forms a functional complex localizing in the ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs) in ALT cells throughout the cell cycle. Suppression of CST induces telomere instabilities including telomere fragility and elevates telomeric DNA recombination, leading to telomere dysfunction. In addition, CST deficiency significantly diminishes the abundance of extrachromosomal circular telomere DNA known as C-circles and t-circles. Suppression of CST also results in multinucleation in ALT cells and impairs cell proliferation. Our findings imply that the CST complex plays an important role in regulating telomere maintenance in ALT cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fluvial sediment transport in a glacier-fed high-mountain river (Riffler Bach, Austrian Alps)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morche, David; Weber, Martin; Faust, Matthias; Schuchardt, Anne; Baewert, Henning

2017-04-01

High-alpine environments are strongly affected by glacier retreat since the Little Ice Age (LIA). Due to ongoing climate change the hydrology of proglacial rivers is also influenced. It is expected that the growing proportions of snow melt and rainfall events will change runoff characteristics of proglacial rivers. Additionally, the importance of paraglacial sediment sources in recently deglaciating glacier forefields is increasing, while the role of glacial erosion is declining. Thus complex environmental conditions leading to a complex pattern of fluvial sediment transport in partly glaciated catchments of the European Alps. Under the umbrella of the joint PROSA-project the fluvial sediment transport of the river Riffler Bach (Kaunertal, Tyrol, Austria) was studied in 3 consecutive ablation seasons in order to quantify sediment yields. In June 2012 a probe for water level and an automatic water sampler (AWS) were installed at the outlet of the catchment (20km2). In order to calculate annual stage-discharge-relations by the rating-curve approach, discharge (Q) was repeatedly measured with current meters and by salt dilution. Concurrent to the discharge measurements bed load was collected using a portable Helley-Smith sampler. Bed load samples were weighted and sieved in the laboratory to gain annual bed load rating curves and grain size distributions. In total 564 (2012: 154, 2013: 209, 2014: 201) water samples were collected and subsequently filtered to quantify suspended sediment concentrations (SSC). Q-SSC-relations were calculated for single flood events due to the high variability of suspended sediment transport. The results show a high inter- and intra-annual variability of solid fluvial sediment transport, which can be explained by the characteristics of suspended sediment transport. Only 13 of 22 event-based Q-SSC-relations show causal dependency. In 2012, during a period with multiple pluvial-induced peak discharges most sediment was transported. On the

Neurosurgery and Music; Effect of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

PubMed

Gasenzer, Elena Romana; Kanat, Ayhan; Neugebauer, Edmund

2017-06-01

The nervous system works like a great orchestra. Specifically, the music of Mozart with its "Mozart effect" is appropriate to use in neurosurgery. We investigated the relationship between Mozart's music and neurosurgery. We used digital catalogs like "PubMed" and the libraries of universities. Key words were "Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" and "neurosurgery and music." In the first half of the 20th century, performing neurosurgery on some musicians, such as Maurice Ravel, Josef Hassid, and George Gershwin, resulted in a fatal outcome. The cause of this is probably that neurosurgery had not been developed yet in the first half of the 20th century. In the past 3 decades, the neurosurgical operations of musicians show that musicians have rich associations among auditory, somatic, and sensorial systems. It is clear that we have much to learn from studies about music and brain function that derive from our surgical experiences with patients. The neuronal plasticity of musicians' brains may be different from that of nonmusicians' brains. Musicians with enhanced motor skills have greater capacity for plasticity because of enriched interhemispheric connections. Listening to music and the effect of Mozart in neurosurgical practice, intensive care, or rehabilitation were documented in many studies. As authors, we mean something different: Its effectiveness should be studied. We concluded that in current neurosurgical practice, Mozart has an effect. More research and clinical studies are needed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ImmunoPET imaging of tissue factor expression in pancreatic cancer with 89Zr-Df-ALT-836.

PubMed

Hernandez, Reinier; England, Christopher G; Yang, Yunan; Valdovinos, Hector F; Liu, Bai; Wong, Hing C; Barnhart, Todd E; Cai, Weibo

2017-10-28

Overexpression of tissue factor (TF) has been associated with increased tumor growth, tumor angiogenesis, and metastatic potential in many malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. Additionally, high TF expression was shown to strongly correlate with poor prognoses and decreased survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Herein, we exploited the potential targeting of TF for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of pancreatic cancer. The TF-targeted tracer was developed through radiolabeling of the anti-human TF monoclonal antibody (ALT-836) with 89 Zr. The tracer was characterized by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry assays in BXPC-3 and PANC-1 cells, two pancreatic cancer cell lines with high and low TF expression levels, respectively. Non-invasive PET scans were acquired in tumor-bearing mice injected with 89 Zr-Df-ALT-836. Additionally, ex vivo biodistribution, blocking, and histological studies were performed to establish the affinity and specificity of 89 Zr-Df-ALT-836 for TF in vivo. 89 Zr-labeling of Df-ALT-836 was achieved in high yield and good specific activity. Flow cytometry and microscopy studies revealed no detectable difference in TF-binding affinity between ALT-836 and Df-ALT-836 in vitro. Longitudinal PET scans unveiled a lasting and prominent 89 Zr-Df-ALT-836 uptake in BXPC-3 tumors (peak at 31.5±6.0%ID/g at 48h post-injection; n=3), which was significantly abrogated (2.3±0.5%ID/g at 48h post-injection; n=3) when mice were pre-injected with a blocking dose (50mg/kg) of unlabeled ALT-836. Ex vivo biodistribution data confirmed the accuracy of the PET results, and histological analysis correlated high tumor uptake with in situ TF expression. Taken together, these results attest to the excellent affinity and TF-specificity of 89 Zr-Df-ALT-836. With elevated, persistent, and specific accumulation in TF-positive BXPC-3 tumors, PET imaging using 89 Zr-Df-ALT-836 promises to open new avenues for improving future diagnosis, stratification

Evidence for alternative lengthening of telomeres in liposarcomas in the absence of ALT-associated PML bodies.

PubMed

Jeyapalan, Jennie N; Mendez-Bermudez, Aaron; Zaffaroni, Nadia; Dubrova, Yuri E; Royle, Nicola J

2008-06-01

Immortalized and cancer cells maintain their telomeres by activation of a telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM). In approximately 85% of cancers telomerase is activated (TA) but in some tumours, in particular sarcomas, an alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway is used. Liposarcomas are the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in adults and they activate ALT or telomerase with equal frequency, however no TMM has been identified in approximately 50% of liposarcomas. In our study, we have shown that instability at the minisatellite MS32, usually associated with ALT activation, aids the identification of liposarcomas that have recombination-like activity at telomeres in absence of ALT associated PML-bodies (APBs). Furthermore, using single molecule telomere analysis, we have detected complex telomere mutations directly in ALT positive liposarcomas and interestingly in some liposarcomas with an unknown TMM but high MS32 instability. We have shown by sequence analysis that some of these complex telomere mutations must arise by an inter-molecular recombination-like process rather than by deletion caused by t-loop excision or by unequal telomere-sister-chromatid-exchange (T-SCE), which is known to be elevated in ALT cell lines. Preliminary evidence also suggests that inter-molecular recombination events may be processed differently in liposarcomas with APBs compared to those without. In conclusion, we have shown for the first time, that some telomerase negative liposarcomas without APBs have other features associated with ALT, indicating that the incidence of ALT in these tumours has previously been under-estimated. This has major implications for the use of cancer treatments targeted at TMMs. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/GOT) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/GPT) Detection Techniques

PubMed Central

Huang, Xing-Jiu; Choi, Yang-Kyu; Im, Hyung-Soon; Yarimaga, Oktay; Yoon, Euisik; Kim, Hak-Sung

2006-01-01

The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT) in serum can help people diagnose body tissues especially the heart and the liver are injured or not. This article provides a comprehensive review of research activities that concentrate on AST/GOT and ALT/GPT detection techniques due to their clinical importance. The detection techniques include colorimetric, spectrophotometric, chemiluminescence, chromatography, fluorescence and UV absorbance, radiochemical, and electrochemical techniques. We devote the most attention on experimental principle. In some methods a few representative devices and important conclusions are presented.

Nutritional status and feeding practices in gastrointestinal surgery patients at Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam

PubMed Central

Young, Lorraine S; Huong, Pham Thi Thu; Lam, Nguyen Thi; Thu, Nghiem Nguyet; Van, Ha Thi; Hanh, Nguyen Lien; Tuyen, Le Danh; Lien, Dinh Thi Kim; Hoc, Tran Hieu; Tuyet, Chu Thi; Anh, Nguyen Quoc; Henry, Elizabeth G; Lenders, Carine M; Gura, Kathleen M; Bigornia, Sherman J; Apovian, Caroline M; Ziegler, Thomas R

2017-01-01

Background and Objectives The nutritional status and hospital feeding practices of surgical patients in Vietnam are not well documented. Based on a cross-sectional study at Bach Mai Hospital (BMH), the prevalence of malnutrition was found to be 33% in the surgical ward using a body mass index (BMI<18.5 kg/m2. We conducted an observational study over a three month period to evaluate the feeding practices in the gastrointestinal (GI) surgery ward at Bach Mai Hospital (BMH) in Hanoi, Vietnam. Methods and Study Design Investigators from the U.S. and the Vietnamese National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) enrolled 72 subjects admitted for elective GI surgery in an observational study at BMH. Baseline anthropometrics and changes over time, body mass index (BMI), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and daily kcal and protein intake from oral diet, tube feeding, and parenteral nutrition (PN) from admission until discharge were documented. Results A total of 50% of subjects scored a B or C on the SGA; 48% of subjects had a BMI<18.5, while mean mid upper arm circumference was in the low-normal range (24±4 cm). Nearly all patients (98%) were given PN postoperatively, with oral feeding starting on an average of postoperative day 4. Only one patient was tube fed. Mean daily total calorie intake was 15 kcal/kg/day and protein intake was 0.61 g/kg/day during hospitalization. Micronutrient supplementation was minimal in subjects receiving PN. Conclusions Hospital malnutrition in surgical patients in Vietnam is a significant problem, peri-operative feeding appears suboptimal and use of early postoperative PN was routine. PMID:27440685

Incremental Predictive Value of Serum AST-to-ALT Ratio for Incident Metabolic Syndrome: The ARIRANG Study

PubMed Central

Ahn, Song Vogue; Baik, Soon Koo; Cho, Youn zoo; Koh, Sang Baek; Huh, Ji Hye; Chang, Yoosoo; Sung, Ki-Chul; Kim, Jang Young

2016-01-01

Aims The ratio of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is of great interest as a possible novel marker of metabolic syndrome. However, longitudinal studies emphasizing the incremental predictive value of the AST-to-ALT ratio in diagnosing individuals at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome are very scarce. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the AST-to-ALT ratio as an incremental predictor of new onset metabolic syndrome in a population-based cohort study. Material and Methods The population-based cohort study included 2276 adults (903 men and 1373 women) aged 40–70 years, who participated from 2005–2008 (baseline) without metabolic syndrome and were followed up from 2008–2011. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the harmonized definition of metabolic syndrome. Serum concentrations of AST and ALT were determined by enzymatic methods. Results During an average follow-up period of 2.6-years, 395 individuals (17.4%) developed metabolic syndrome. In a multivariable adjusted model, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for new onset of metabolic syndrome, comparing the fourth quartile to the first quartile of the AST-to-ALT ratio, was 0.598 (0.422–0.853). The AST-to-ALT ratio also improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting new cases of metabolic syndrome (0.715 vs. 0.732, P = 0.004). The net reclassification improvement of prediction models including the AST-to-ALT ratio was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.124–0.337, P<0.001), and the integrated discrimination improvement was 0.0094 (95% CI: 0.0046–0.0143, P<0.001). Conclusions The AST-to-ALT ratio independently predicted the future development of metabolic syndrome and had incremental predictive value for incident metabolic syndrome. PMID:27560931

The 'donations for decreased ALT (D4D)' prosocial behavior incentive scheme for NAFLD patients.

PubMed

Sumida, Yoshio; Yoshikawa, Toshikazu; Tanaka, Saiyu; Taketani, Hiroyoshi; Kanemasa, Kazuyuki; Nishimura, Tekeshi; Yamaguchi, Kanji; Mitsuyoshi, Hironori; Yasui, Kohichiroh; Minami, Masahito; Naito, Yuji; Itoh, Yoshito

2014-12-01

Physicians often experience difficulties in motivating patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to undergo lifestyle changes. The aim of this study is to examine whether 'Donations for Decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)' (D4D) prosocial behavior incentive can serve as an effective intrinsic motivational factor in comparison with conventional dietary and exercise intervention alone for NAFLD patients. Twenty-five NAFLD patients with elevated ALT were randomly assigned to a control group that received conventional dietary and exercise intervention alone, or a donation group whereby, as an incentive, we would make a monetary donation to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) based on the decrease in their ALT levels achieved over 12 weeks, in addition to receiving control intervention. In a donation group, we would donate US$1 to the WFP for every 1 IU/l of decrease in their ALT levels. There were no differences of pre-treatment clinical characteristics between the two groups. Significant reductions of ALT levels were achieved only in a donation group, although post-treatment ALT levels were not different between the two groups. These patients raised a total of $316 for the WFP. Promoting patients' intrinsic motivation by incorporating 'D4D' prosocial behavior incentive into conventional dietary and exercise intervention may provide a means to improve NAFLD. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Army AL&T, April-June 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

IR )/laser designator (LD)/laser range finder (LRF) sensor. The Class I UAS consists of a Class I UAV, a cen- tralized controller and a minimal set...utility of a backpackable, affordable, easy-to- operate and responsive reconnais- sance and surveillance system through experimentation. • Use EO/ IR ...ARMY AL&T 33APRIL - JUNE 2008 • “The IR sensor pinpointed the enemy even after the sun went down. We could have really used this in Iraq.” • “The UAV

A New Technique for Precision Photometry Using Alt/Az Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirkaptrick, Colin; Stacey, Piper; Swift, Jonathan

2018-06-01

We present and test a new method for flat field calibration of images obtained on telescopes with altitude-azimuth (Alt-Az) mounts. Telescopes using Alt-Az mounts typically employ a field “de-rotator” to account for changing parallactic angles of targets observed across the sky, or for long exposures of a single target. This “de-rotation” results in a changing orientation of the telescope optics with respect to the camera. This, in turn, can result in a flat field that is a function of camera orientation due to, for example, vignetting. In order to account for these changes we develop and test a new flat field technique using the observations of known transiting exoplanets.

Evaluation of drug-induced tissue injury by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in silkworm hemolymph

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Our previous studies suggest silkworms can be used as model animals instead of mammals in pharmacologic studies to develop novel therapeutic medicines. We examined the usefulness of the silkworm larvae Bombyx mori as an animal model for evaluating tissue injury induced by various cytotoxic drugs. Drugs that induce hepatotoxic effects in mammals were injected into the silkworm hemocoel, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was measured in the hemolymph 1 day later. Results Injection of CCl4 into the hemocoel led to an increase in ALT activity. The increase in ALT activity was attenuated by pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Injection of benzoic acid derivatives, ferric sulfate, sodium valproate, tetracycline, amiodarone hydrochloride, methyldopa, ketoconazole, pemoline (Betanamin), N-nitroso-fenfluramine, and D-galactosamine also increased ALT activity. Conclusions These findings indicate that silkworms are useful for evaluating the effects of chemicals that induce tissue injury in mammals. PMID:23137391

The ASCUS/LSIL Triage Study for Cervical Cancer (ALTS) | Division of Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

ALTS was a clinical trial to find the best way to help women and their doctors decide what to do about the mildly abnormal and very common Pap test results known as ASCUS and LSIL. | ALTS was a clinical trial to find the best way to help women and their doctors decide what to do about the mildly abnormal and very common Pap test results known as ASCUS and LSIL.

Heterologous expression of the filarial nematode alt gene products reveals their potential to inhibit immune function

PubMed Central

Gomez-Escobar, Natalia; Bennett, Clare; Prieto-Lafuente, Lidia; Aebischer, Toni; Blackburn, Clare C; Maizels, Rick M

2005-01-01

Background Parasites exploit sophisticated strategies to evade host immunity that require both adaptation of existing genes and evolution of new gene families. We have addressed this question by testing the immunological function of novel genes from helminth parasites, in which conventional transgenesis is not yet possible. We investigated two such novel genes from Brugia malayi termed abundant larval transcript (alt), expression of which reaches ~5% of total transcript at the time parasites enter the human host. Results To test the hypothesis that ALT proteins modulate host immunity, we adopted an alternative transfection strategy to express these products in the protozoan parasite Leishmania mexicana. We then followed the course of infection in vitro in macrophages and in vivo in mice. Expression of ALT proteins, but not a truncated mutant, conferred greater infectivity of macrophages in vitro, reaching 3-fold higher parasite densities. alt-transfected parasites also caused accelerated disease in vivo, and fewer mice were able to clear infection of organisms expressing ALT. alt-transfected parasites were more resistant to IFN-γ-induced killing by macrophages. Expression profiling of macrophages infected with transgenic L. mexicana revealed consistently higher levels of GATA-3 and SOCS-1 transcripts, both associated with the Th2-type response observed in in vivo filarial infection. Conclusion Leishmania transfection is a tractable and informative approach to determining immunological functions of single genes from heterologous organisms. In the case of the filarial ALT proteins, our data suggest that they may participate in the Th2 bias observed in the response to parasite infection by modulating cytokine-induced signalling within immune system cells. PMID:15788098

Efficacy of telbivudine in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with high baseline ALT levels

PubMed Central

Lv, Guo-Cai; Ma, Wen-Jiang; Ying, Lin-Jung; Jin, Xi; Zheng, Lin; Yang, Yi-Da

2010-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telbivudine (LDT) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who have high baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels between 10 and 20 times the upper limit of normal. METHODS: Forty HBeAg-positive CHB patients with high baseline ALT levels between 10 and 20 times the upper limit of normal were enrolled and received LDT monotherapy for 52 wk. Another forty patients with baseline ALT levels between 2 and 10 times the upper limit of normal were included as controls. We compared the virological, biochemical, serological and side effect profiles between the two groups at 52 wk. RESULTS: By week 52, the mean decrease in hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level compared with baseline was 7.03 log10 copies/mL in the high baseline ALT group and 6.17 log10 copies/mL in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05). The proportion of patients in whom serum HBV DNA levels were undetectable by polymerase chain reaction assay was 72.5% in the high baseline ALT group and 60% in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, 45.0% of patients in the high baseline ALT group and 27.5% of controls became HBeAg-negative, and 37.5% of those in the high baseline group and 22.5% of controls, respectively, had HBeAg seroconversion (P < 0.05) at week 52. Moreover, in the high baseline group, 4 out of 40 patients (10%) became hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative and 3 (7.5%) of them seroconverted (became HBsAg-positive). Only 1 patient in the control group became HBsAg-negative, but had no seroconversion. The ALT normalization rate, viral breakthrough, genotypic resistance to LDT, and elevations in creatine kinase levels were similar in the two groups over the 52 wk. CONCLUSION: High baseline ALT level is a strong predictor for optimal results during LDT treatment. PMID:20731026

Near-tip-screenout hydraulic fracturing of oil wells in the Bach Ho field, offshore Vietnam

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

Hung, L.V.; San, N.T.; Shelomentsev, A.G.

1995-10-01

The first hydraulic fracturing of wells in Vietnam were successfully performed Offshore in the Bach Ho (White Tiger) Oil Field. Near-tip-screenouts rather than tip-screenout treatments were performed. The goal of the project was to improve production from existing wells rather than drill new wells and reduce the cost per barrel produced. This case study involves wells with multiple perforated zones completed in the Oligocene sandstone. Zones were selectively fractured in order to optimize production. A detailed description candidate selection, design, execution and evaluation processes are presented. The Bach Ho field has been producing for 8 years but not at itsmore » potential due to various reasons including drilling and completion fluid damage. Although acidizing was an option for damage removal, hydraulic fracturing was selected as a way to bypass near-wellbore damage and generate a negative skin. Production simulators were used to quantify post-frac production. Due to suspected high closure stress, high strength proppant was selected and ramped in a high temperature fracturing fluid. Calibration treatments were conducted on several wells to quantify fluid leak-off, fracture height and Young`s modulus. Based on the results of the calibration treatment, fracture designs were modified. As predicted by computer simulation, near-tip-screenouts occurred as planned. The treatments were performed using a work boat with skid pumping/blending equipment, a computer monitoring/operation center and a laboratory. Strict QC procedures were followed to ensure the quality of all products. Post-frac well tests results and production data are presented. Overall, the fracturing campaign was very successful with wells showing negative skins and up to a five fold increase of production in agreement with systems analysis predictions.« less

A statistical physics view of pitch fluctuations in the classical music from Bach to Chopin: evidence for scaling.

PubMed

Liu, Lu; Wei, Jianrong; Zhang, Huishu; Xin, Jianhong; Huang, Jiping

2013-01-01

Because classical music has greatly affected our life and culture in its long history, it has attracted extensive attention from researchers to understand laws behind it. Based on statistical physics, here we use a different method to investigate classical music, namely, by analyzing cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) and autocorrelation functions of pitch fluctuations in compositions. We analyze 1,876 compositions of five representative classical music composers across 164 years from Bach, to Mozart, to Beethoven, to Mendelsohn, and to Chopin. We report that the biggest pitch fluctuations of a composer gradually increase as time evolves from Bach time to Mendelsohn/Chopin time. In particular, for the compositions of a composer, the positive and negative tails of a CDF of pitch fluctuations are distributed not only in power laws (with the scale-free property), but also in symmetry (namely, the probability of a treble following a bass and that of a bass following a treble are basically the same for each composer). The power-law exponent decreases as time elapses. Further, we also calculate the autocorrelation function of the pitch fluctuation. The autocorrelation function shows a power-law distribution for each composer. Especially, the power-law exponents vary with the composers, indicating their different levels of long-range correlation of notes. This work not only suggests a way to understand and develop music from a viewpoint of statistical physics, but also enriches the realm of traditional statistical physics by analyzing music.

Two in one or one in two? Pushing off from Jung with Wolfgang Giegerich.

PubMed

Saban, Mark

2015-11-01

This paper responds to a recent paper by Wolfgang Giegerich entitled 'Two Jungs: apropos a paper by Mark Saban'. Giegerich disputes my assertion that the 'rigorous notion' at the heart of his psychology 'finds no source in Jung's psychology, implicit or explicit'. In order to do this he posits the existence of two Jungs, an exoteric Jung and an esoteric Jung. The implications of Giegerich's binary scission of Jung are explored in this paper, and show that the tendency to exalt one Jung while disparaging the other betrays a comprehensive blindness toward the contradictory complexity of Jung's psychology as a whole. It is suggested that this blindness is the consequence of Giegerich's systematic prioritization of a neo-Hegelian agenda that is in profound conflict with the telos of Jung's psychology. © 2015, The Society of Analytical Psychology.

AltText: A Showcase of User Centred Design in the Netherlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asjes, Kathleen

In the information processing chain many documents are produced that are inaccessible to the reading impaired. The altText project aims to increase the accessibility of this content by: a) raising awareness among content providers about content adaption; b) allowing content providers to deliver content in a way that suits the needs of the information receiver; c) developing an online service that converts written text into several accessible formats (Braille, synthetic speech, large print or DaisyXML). The name of this service is the altText conversion portal. The paper argues that user centred innovation will be crucial to the success of this project.

Keith Haring, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Wolfgang Tillmans, and the AIDS Epidemic: The Use of Visual Art in a Health Humanities Course.

PubMed

Smith, Jason A

2018-02-23

Contemporary art can be a powerful pedagogical tool in the health humanities. Students in an undergraduate course in the health humanities explore the subjective experience of illness and develop their empathy by studying three artists in the context of the AIDS epidemic: Keith Haring, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, and Wolfgang Tillmans. Using assignments based in narrative pedagogy, students expand their empathic response to pain and suffering. The role of visual art in health humanities pedagogy is discussed.

Filarial Abundant Larval Transcript Protein ALT-2: An Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Agent for Type 1 Diabetes.

PubMed

Reddy, Sridhar M; Reddy, Pooja M; Amdare, Nitin; Khatri, Vishal; Tarnekar, Aaditya; Goswami, Kalyan; Reddy, Maryada Venkata Rami

2017-03-01

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) that accounts for about 5-10 % of all diabetes cases results from the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It is characterized by severe inflammatory reaction mediated by pronounced T helper type-1 response. Parasitic infections having the ability to skew the host immune responses towards type-2 type as a part of their defense mechanism are able to induce protection against autoimmune diseases like T1D. Hence, the present study is undertaken to explore a recombinant abundant larval transcript protein of the human lymphatic filarial parasite Brugia malayi ( rBm ALT-2), a known anti-inflammatory molecule for its therapeutic effect on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1D in mice. The diabetic mice on treatment with r Bm ALT-2 showed a significant ( p  < 0.0005) decrease in their fasting blood glucose levels. By the end of the second week after the initiation of treatment with the r Bm ALT-2, 28 % of the diabetic mice became normal and none of them were diabetic by the end of 5th week. The anti-diabetic effect of r Bm ALT-2 significantly correlated with the concomitant redressal of the pancreatic histopathological damage caused by STZ assault (rho = 0.87; p  < 0.0005). The sera of r Bm ALT-2 treated diabetic mice had increased levels of IgG1 antibodies associated with decreased IgG2a antibodies against the principal autoantigen insulin. The splenocyte proliferative response and the cytokine release in the treated mice showed marked bias against inflammation skewing the immune response to Th-2 type. From this study, it can be envisaged that that filarial proteins like r Bm ALT-2 with effective immunomodulatory activity and anti-diabetic effect are promising alternative therapeutic agents for T1D.

Environmental Stress Induces Trinucleotide Repeat Mutagenesis in Human Cells by Alt-Nonhomologous End Joining Repair.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Nimrat; Lin, Yunfu; Yotnda, Patricia; Wilson, John H

2016-07-31

Multiple pathways modulate the dynamic mutability of trinucleotide repeats (TNRs), which are implicated in neurodegenerative disease and evolution. Recently, we reported that environmental stresses induce TNR mutagenesis via stress responses and rereplication, with more than 50% of mutants carrying deletions or insertions-molecular signatures of DNA double-strand break repair. We now show that knockdown of alt-nonhomologous end joining (alt-NHEJ) components-XRCC1, LIG3, and PARP1-suppresses stress-induced TNR mutagenesis, in contrast to the components of homologous recombination and NHEJ, which have no effect. Thus, alt-NHEJ, which contributes to genetic mutability in cancer cells, also plays a novel role in environmental stress-induced TNR mutagenesis. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Association of Alanine Aminotransferase Levels (ALT) with the Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index (HIRI): a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Gómez-Sámano, Miguel Angel; Cuevas-Ramos, Daniel; Mehta, Roopa; Brau-Figueroa, Hasan; Meza-Arana, Clara Elena; Gulias-Herrero, Alfonso

2012-09-04

The association between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and hepatic insulin resistance (IR) has been evaluated with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. However, there is no information about the association of ALT with the Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index (HIRI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum ALT levels and HIRI in subjects with differing degrees of impaired glucose metabolism. This cross-sectional study included subjects that had an indication for testing for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Clinical and biochemical evaluations were carried out including serum ALT level quantification. HIRI was calculated for each participant. Correlation analyses and lineal regression models were used to evaluate the association between ALT levels and HIRI. A total of 324 subjects (37.6% male) were included. The mean age was 40.4 ± 14.3 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.0 ± 7.3 kg/m2. Individuals were divided into 1 of 5 groups: without metabolic abnormalities (n = 113, 34.8%); with the metabolic syndrome (MetS, n = 179, 55.2%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG, n = 85, 26.2%); impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, n = 91, 28.0%), and T2DM (n = 23, 7.0%). The ALT (p < 0.001) and HOMA2-IR (p < 0.001) values progressively increased with HIRI quartiles, while ISI-Matsuda (p < 0.001) progressively decreased. After adjustment for sex, age, and BMI, we identified a significant correlation between HIRI and ALT in persons with the MetS (r = 0.22, p = 0.003), IFG (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), IGT (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), and T2DM (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Lineal regression analysis adjusting for age, HDL-C, TG and waist circumference (WC) showed an independent association between ALT and HIRI in subjects with the MetS (beta = 0.07, p = 0.01), IFG (beta = 0.10, p = 0.02), IGT (beta = 0.09, p = 0

ALT1, a Snf2 Family Chromatin Remodeling ATPase, Negatively Regulates Alkaline Tolerance through Enhanced Defense against Oxidative Stress in Rice

PubMed Central

Guo, Mingxin; Wang, Ruci; Wang, Juan; Hua, Kai; Wang, Yueming; Liu, Xiaoqiang; Yao, Shanguo

2014-01-01

Alkaline salt stress adversely affects rice growth, productivity and grain quality. However, the mechanism underlying this process remains elusive. We characterized here an alkaline tolerant mutant, alt1 in rice. Map-based cloning revealed that alt1 harbors a mutation in a chromatin remodeling ATPase gene. ALT1-RNAi transgenic plants under different genetic background mimicked the alt1 phenotype, exhibiting tolerance to alkaline stress in a transcript dosage-dependent manner. The predicted ALT1 protein belonged to the Ris1 subgroup of the Snf2 family and was localized in the nucleus, and transcription of ALT1 was transiently suppressed after alkaline treatment. Although the absorption of several metal ions maintained well in the mutant under alkaline stress, expression level of the genes involved in metal ions homeostasis was not altered in the alt1 mutant. Classification of differentially expressed abiotic stress related genes, as revealed by microarray analysis, found that the majority (50/78) were involved in ROS production, ROS scavenging, and DNA repair. This finding was further confirmed by that alt1 exhibited lower levels of H2O2 under alkaline stress and tolerance to methyl viologen treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that ALT1 negatively functions in alkaline tolerance mainly through the defense against oxidative damage, and provide a potential two-step strategy for improving the tolerance of rice plants to alkaline stress. PMID:25473841

Serum ALT levels as a surrogate marker for serum HBV DNA levels in HBeAg-negative pregnant women.

PubMed

Sangfelt, Per; Von Sydow, Madeleine; Uhnoo, Ingrid; Weiland, Ola; Lindh, Gudrun; Fischler, Björn; Lindgren, Susanne; Reichard, Olle

2004-01-01

In Stockholm, Sweden, the majority of pregnant women positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) negative. Newborns to HBeAg positive mothers receive vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg). Newborns to HBeAg negative mothers receive vaccine and HBIg only if the mothers have elevated ALT levels. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate ALT levels as a surrogate marker for HBV DNA levels in HBeAg negative carrier mothers. Altogether 8947 pregnant women were screened for HBV markers from 1999 to 2001 at the Virology Department, Karolinska Hospital. Among mothers screened 192 tested positive for HBsAg (2.2%). 13 of these samples could not be retrieved. Of the remaining 179 sera, 8 (4%) tested positive for HBeAg and 171 (95.5%) were HBeAg negative. Among the HBeAg negative mothers, 9 had HBV DNA levels > 10(5) copies/ml, and of these 7 had normal ALT levels indicating low sensitivity of an elevated ALT level as a surrogate marker for high HBV DNA level. Furthermore, no correlation was found between ALT and HBV DNA levels. Hence, it is concluded that the use of ALT as a surrogate marker for high viral replication in HBeAg negative mothers could be questioned.

The Wolfgang and Amadeus Automatic Photoelectric Telescopes. A ``Kleine-Nacht-Musik'' during the first five years of routine operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granzer, T.; Reegen, P.; Strassmeier, K. G.

2001-12-01

We present a summary of five years of continuous operation of the University of Vienna twin Automatic Photoelectric Telescopes (APTs) -- Wolfgang and Amadeus. These two telescopes are part of the Fairborn Observatory facility located in the Sonoran desert close to Washington Camp in southern Arizona. The detection and distinction procedure between weather-induced data-quality loss and systematic data-quality loss turned out to be a crucial task. Therefore, special emphasis is laid on the data quality monitoring tools developed throughout the years. Furthermore, we summarize the scientific highlights from the first five years of operation

Alt a 1 allergen homologs from Alternaria and related taxa: analysis of phylogenetic content and secondary structure.

PubMed

Hong, Soon Gyu; Cramer, Robert A; Lawrence, Christopher B; Pryor, Barry M

2005-02-01

A gene for the Alternaria major allergen, Alt a 1, was amplified from 52 species of Alternaria and related genera, and sequence information was used for phylogenetic study. Alt a 1 gene sequences evolved 3.8 times faster and contained 3.5 times more parsimony-informative sites than glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd) sequences. Analyses of Alt a 1 gene and gpd exon sequences strongly supported grouping of Alternaria spp. and related taxa into several species-groups described in previous studies, especially the infectoria, alternata, porri, brassicicola, and radicina species-groups and the Embellisia group. The sonchi species-group was newly suggested in this study. Monophyly of the Nimbya group was moderately supported, and monophyly of the Ulocladium group was weakly supported. Relationships among species-groups and among closely related species of the same species-group were not fully resolved. However, higher resolution could be obtained using Alt a 1 sequences or a combined dataset than using gpd sequences alone. Despite high levels of variation in amino acid sequences, results of in silico prediction of protein secondary structure for Alt a 1 demonstrated a high degree of structural similarity for most of the species suggesting a conservation of function.

The death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: an epidemiologic perspective.

PubMed

Zegers, Richard H C; Weigl, Andreas; Steptoe, Andrew

2009-08-18

The early death of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on 5 December 1791 has fascinated the world for more than 2 centuries. It has been suggested that his final illness was caused by poisoning, renal failure, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, trichinosis, and many other conditions. The official daily register of deaths in Mozart's Vienna was evaluated to provide an epidemiologic framework into which the observations of contemporary witnesses of his death can be integrated. All recorded deaths in Vienna during November and December 1791 and January 1792 were analyzed, together with the corresponding periods in 1790 to 1791 and 1792 to 1793. The deaths of 5011 adults (3442 men, 1569 women) were recorded over these periods. The mean ages of death were 45.5 years (SD, 18.5) for men and 54.5 years (SD, 19.9) for women. Tuberculosis and related conditions accounted for the highest number of deaths; cachexia and malnutrition ranked second, and edema was the third most common cause. According to eyewitness accounts, the hallmark of Mozart's final disease was severe edema. Deaths from edema were markedly increased among younger men in the weeks surrounding Mozart's death compared with the previous and following years. This minor epidemic may have originated in the military hospital. Our analysis is consistent with Mozart's last illness and death being due to a streptococcal infection leading to an acute nephritic syndrome caused by poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Scarlet fever, which represents the same underlying disease from an etiologic perspective, is a less likely possibility.

Beyond synchronicity: the worldview of Carl Gustav Jung and Wolfgang Pauli.

PubMed

Donati, Marialuisa

2004-11-01

While exploring the phenomena of synchronicity, Carl Gustav Jung became acquainted with the quantum physicist Wolfgang Pauli and eventually began a collaboration with him. During that collaboration Jung's study of synchronistic phenomena underwent a considerable change; prior to the collaboration, Jung had stressed mainly the phenomenological and empirical features of synchronistic phenomena, while in association with Pauli, he focused his attention upon their ontological, archetypal character. Pauli, on the other hand, became increasingly sensitive to the philosophical aspects concerning the unconscious. Jung and Pauli's common reflections went far beyond psychology and physics, entering into the realm where the two areas meet in the philosophy of nature. In fact, as a consequence of their collaboration, synchronicity was transformed from an empirical concept into a fundamental explanatory-interpretative principle, which together with causality could possibly lead to a more complete worldview. Exploring the problematic character of the synchronicity concept has a heuristic value because it leads to the reconsideration of the philosophical issues that drove Jung and Pauli to clear up the conceptual background of their thoughts. Within the philosophical worldview arising from Jung and Pauli's discussions about synchronicity, there are many symbolic aspects that go against mainstream science and that represent a sort of criticism to some of the commonly held views of present day science.

Self-healing pH-sensitive poly[(methyl vinyl ether)-alt-(maleic acid)]-based supramolecular hydrogels formed by inclusion complexation between cyclodextrin and adamantane.

PubMed

Ma, Xiaoe; Zhou, Naizhen; Zhang, Tianzhu; Hu, Wanjun; Gu, Ning

2017-04-01

Self-healing materials are of interest for drug delivery, cell and gene therapy, tissue engineering, and other biomedical applications. In this work, on the base of biocompatible polymer poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) (P(MVE-alt-MA)), host polymer β-cyclodextrin-grafted P(MVE-alt-MA) (P(MVE-alt-MA)-g-β-CD) and guest polymer adamantane-grafted P(MVE-alt-MA) (P(MVE-alt-MA)-g-Ad) were first prepared. Then through taking advantage of the traditional host-guest interaction of β-cyclodextrin and adamantane, a novel self-healing pH-sensitive physical P(MVE-alt-MA)-g-β-CD/P(MVE-alt-MA)-g-Ad supramolecular hydrogels were obtained after simply mixing the aqueous solution of host polymer and guest polymer. This kind of supramolecular hydrogels not only possess pH-sensitivity, but also possess the ability to repair themselves after being damaged. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Impact analysis of shuxuetong injection on abnormal changes of ALT based on generalized boosted models propensity score weighting].

PubMed

Yang, Wei; Yi, Dan-Hui; Xie, Yan-Ming; Yang, Wei; Dai, Yi; Zhi, Ying-Jie; Zhuang, Yan; Yang, Hu

2013-09-01

To estimate treatment effects of Shuxuetong injection on abnormal changes on ALT index, that is, to explore whether the Shuxuetong injection harms liver function in clinical settings and to provide clinical guidance for its safe application. Clinical information of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections is gathered from hospital information system (HIS) of eighteen general hospitals. This is a retrospective cohort study, using abnormal changes in ALT index as an outcome. A large number of confounding biases are taken into account through the generalized boosted models (GBM) and multiple logistic regression model (MLRM) to estimate the treatment effects of Shuxuetong injections on abnormal changes in ALT index and to explore possible influencing factors. The advantages and process of application of GBM has been demonstrated with examples which eliminate the biases from most confounding variables between groups. This serves to modify the estimation of treatment effects of Shuxuetong injection on ALT index making the results more reliable. Based on large scale clinical observational data from HIS database, significant effects of Shuxuetong injection on abnormal changes in ALT have not been found.

Normal on-treatment ALT during antiviral treatment is associated with a lower risk of hepatic events in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

PubMed

Wong, Grace Lai-Hung; Chan, Henry Lik-Yuen; Tse, Yee-Kit; Yip, Terry Cheuk-Fung; Lam, Kelvin Long-Yan; Lui, Grace Chung-Yan; Wong, Vincent Wai-Sun

2018-06-18

Recent studies reveal that the rate of normal on-treatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) appears different for different nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs); yet its clinical significance is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of normal on-treatment ALT during antiviral treatment with entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A territory-wide cohort of patients with CHB who received ETV and/or TDF in 2005-2016 was identified. Serial on-treatment ALT levels were collected and analyzed. Normal on-treatment ALT (ALT-N) was defined as ALT <30 U/L in males and <19 U/L in females. The primary and secondary outcomes were composite hepatic events (including hepatocellular carcinoma) based on diagnostic codes. Patients with hepatic events before or during the first year of antiviral treatment or follow-up <1 year were excluded. A total of 21,182 patients with CHB (10,437 with and 10,745 without ALT-N at 12 months after antiviral treatment) were identified and followed for 4.0 ± 1.7 years. Patients with and without ALT-N differed in baseline ALT (58 vs. 61 U/L), hepatitis B virus DNA (4.9 vs. 5.1 log10 IU/ml) and cirrhosis status (8.8% vs. 10.5%). A total of 627 (3.0%) patients developed composite hepatic events. Compared to no ALT-N, ALT-N at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months reduced the risk of hepatic events, after adjustment for baseline ALT and other important covariates, with adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) of 0.61 (0.49-0.77), 0.55 (0.45-0.67), 0.54 (0.44-0.65) and 0.51 (0.42-0.61) respectively (all p <0.001). The cumulative incidence (95% CI) of composite hepatic events at six years was 3.51% (3.06%-4.02%) in ALT-N and 5.70% (5.15%-6.32%) in the no ALT-N group (p <0.001). Normal on-treatment ALT is associated with a lower risk of hepatic events in patients with CHB receiving NA treatment, translating into improved clinical outcomes in these patients. We investigated 21,182 patients with chronic

Ephedra alte (Joint Pine): An Invasive, Problematic Weedy Species in Forestry and Fruit Tree Orchards in Jordan

PubMed Central

Qasem, Jamal R.

2012-01-01

A field survey was carried out to record plant species climbed by Ephedra alte in certain parts of Jordan during 2008–2010. Forty species of shrubs, ornamental, fruit, and forest trees belonging to 24 plant families suffered from the climbing habit of E. alte. Growth of host plants was adversely affected by E. alte growth that extended over their vegetation. In addition to its possible competition for water and nutrients, the extensive growth it forms over host species prevents photosynthesis, smothers growth and makes plants die underneath the extensive cover. However, E. alte did not climb all plant species, indicating a host preference range. Damaged fruit trees included Amygdalus communis, Citrus aurantifolia, Ficus carica, Olea europaea, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Punica granatum. Forestry species that were adversely affected included Acacia cyanophylla, Ceratonia siliqua, Crataegus azarolus, Cupressus sempervirens, Pinus halepensis, Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia palaestina, Quercus coccifera, Quercus infectoria, Retama raetam, Rhamnus palaestina, Rhus tripartita, and Zizyphus spina-christi. Woody ornamentals attacked were Ailanthus altissima, Hedera helix, Jasminum fruticans, Jasminum grandiflorum, Nerium oleander, and Pyracantha coccinea. Results indicated that E. alte is a strong competitive for light and can completely smother plants supporting its growth. A. communis, F. carica, R. palaestina, and C. azarolus were most frequently attacked. PMID:22645486

Telomere Length Maintenance in Cancer: At the Crossroad between Telomerase and Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT)

PubMed Central

De Vitis, Marco; Berardinelli, Francesco; Sgura, Antonella

2018-01-01

Eukaryotic cells undergo continuous telomere shortening as a consequence of multiple rounds of replications. During tumorigenesis, cells have to acquire telomere DNA maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) in order to counteract telomere shortening, to preserve telomeres from DNA damage repair systems and to avoid telomere-mediated senescence and/or apoptosis. For this reason, telomere maintenance is an essential step in cancer progression. Most human tumors maintain their telomeres expressing telomerase, whereas a lower but significant proportion activates the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. However, evidence about the coexistence of ALT and telomerase has been found both in vivo in the same cancer populations and in vitro in engineered cellular models, making the distinction between telomerase- and ALT-positive tumors elusive. Indeed, after the development of drugs able to target telomerase, the capability for some cancer cells to escape death, switching from telomerase to ALT, was highlighted. Unfortunately, to date, the mechanism underlying the possible switching or the coexistence of telomerase and ALT within the same cell or populations is not completely understood and different factors could be involved. In recent years, different studies have tried to shed light on the complex regulation network that controls the transition between the two TMMs, suggesting a role for embryonic cancer origin, epigenetic modifications, and specific genes activation—both in vivo and in vitro. In this review, we examine recent findings about the cancer-associated differential activation of the two known TMMs and the possible factors implicated in this process. Furthermore, some studies on cancers are also described that did not display any TMM. PMID:29463031

Prevalence of epilepsy and seizure disorders as causes of apparent life- threatening event (ALTE) in children admitted to a tertiary hospital.

PubMed

Anjos, Alessandra Marques dos; Nunes, Magda Lahorgue

2009-09-01

To determine the prevalence and describe clinical characteristics of seizure disorders and epilepsy as causes of apparent life- threatening event (ALTE) in children admitted at the emergency and followed in a tertiary hospital. Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection using specific guidelines to determine the etiology of ALTE. During the study, 30 (4.2%) children admitted to the hospital had a diagnosis of ALTE. There was a predominance of males (73%) and term infants (70%). Neonatal neurological disorders and neuropsychomotor development delay were found respectively in 13.4% and 10% of the cases. Etiological investigation revealed that 50% of the cases were idiopathic, and 13.4% were caused by epilepsy or seizure disorders. Although all patients had recurrent ALTE events, epilepsy had not been previously suspected. Epilepsy should be included in the differential diagnosis of ALTE, particularly when events are recurrent.

Approach & Landing Test (ALT) - Shuttle Free-Flight (FF)-2, News Release

NASA Image and Video Library

1977-09-13

S77-28138 (13 Sept 1977) --- The shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" makes a slight turn and bank maneuver during the second free flight of the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) conducted on September 13, 1977, at the Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. The "Enterprise" separated from the NASA 747 carrier aircraft and landed following a five-minute, 28-second unpowered flight. The Orbiter 101 crew was astronauts Joe H. Engle, commander, and Richard H. Truly, pilot. The ALT free flights are designed to verify orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfy prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. The orbiter soars above the dry California desert in this post-separation view. Astronaut C. Gordon Fullerton took this picture while riding in T-38 chase plane number one. He used a 35mm Nikon camera with a 50mm lens.

The major Alternaria alternata allergen, Alt a 1: A reliable and specific marker of fungal contamination in citrus fruits.

PubMed

Gabriel, M F; Uriel, N; Teifoori, F; Postigo, I; Suñén, E; Martínez, J

2017-09-18

The ubiquitously present spores of Alternaria alternata can spoil a wide variety of foodstuffs, including a variety of fruits belonging to the Citrus genus. The major allergenic protein of A. alternata, Alt a 1, is a species-specific molecular marker that has been strongly associated with allergenicity and phytopathogenicity of this fungal species. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the detection of Alt a 1 as a reliable indicator of A. alternata contamination in citrus fruits. To accomplish this aim, sixty oranges were artificially infected with a spore suspension of A. alternata. Internal fruit material was collected at different incubation times (one, two and three weeks after the fungal inoculation) and used for both total RNA extraction and protein extraction. Alt a 1 detection was then performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using Alt a 1 specific primers and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The experimental model presented in this work was effective to simulate the typical Alternaria black rot phenotype and its progression. Although both PCR and ELISA techniques have been successfully carried out for detecting Alt a 1 allergen in A. alternata infected oranges, the PCR method was found to be more sensitive than ELISA. Nevertheless, ELISA results were highly valuable to demonstrate that considerable amounts of Alt a 1 are produced during A. alternata fruit infection process, corroborating the recently proposed hypothesis that this protein plays a role in the pathogenicity and virulence of Alternaria species. Such evidence suggests that the detection of Alt a 1 by PCR-based assay may be used as a specific indicator of the presence of pathogenic and allergenic fungal species, A. alternata, in fruits. This knowledge can be employed to control the fungal infection and mitigate agricultural losses as well as human exposure to A. alternata allergens and toxins. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hereditary breast cancer and the BRCA1-associated FANCJ/BACH1/BRIP1

PubMed Central

Cantor, Sharon B; Guillemette, Shawna

2011-01-01

It is clear that FANCJ, also known as BACH1 or BRIP1, is an essential tumor suppressor gene based on the identification of clinically relevant mutations not only in breast cancer, but also the childhood cancer syndrome, Fanconi anemia. This conclusion is further supported by the direct and functional interaction between FANCJ and the hereditary breast cancer-associated gene product BRCA1. In the absence of the FANCJ DNA helicase or its interaction with BRCA1, cells have defects in several aspects of the DNA damage response. In particular, the BRCA1–FANCJ interaction is essential for promoting error-free repair, checkpoint control and for limiting DNA damage tolerance. As the number of FANCJ clinical mutations and affected patients accumulate, it will be critical to understand whether the associated tumors resemble BRCA-associated tumors. If so, FANCJ patients could also benefit from new therapies that selectively sensitize DNA repair-defective tumors and spare healthy cells. In this article, we summarize the breast cancer-associated FANCJ mutations and discuss functional outcomes for DNA repair and tumor suppression. PMID:21345144

Approach & Landing Test (ALT) - Shuttle Free-Flight (FF)-2 - New Release

NASA Image and Video Library

1977-09-13

S77-28141 (13 Sept 1977) --- The shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" makes a slight turn and bank maneuver during the second free flight of the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) conducted on September 13, 1977, at the Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. The "Enterprise" separated from the NASA 747 carrier aircraft and landed following a five-minute, 28-second unpowered flight. The Orbiter 101 crew was astronauts Joe H. Engle, commander, and Richard H. Truly, pilot. The ALT free flights are designed to verify orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfy prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode. The orbiter soars above the dry California desert in this post-separation view. Photographer Bill Blunck of JSC's Photographic Technology Laboratory took this picture while riding in T-38 chase plane number two. He used a 70mm Hasselblad camera with an 80mm lens.

21 CFR 862.1030 - Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system. 862.1030 Section 862.1030 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Chemistry...

21 CFR 862.1030 - Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system. 862.1030 Section 862.1030 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Chemistry...

21 CFR 862.1030 - Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system. 862.1030 Section 862.1030 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Chemistry...

21 CFR 862.1030 - Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system. 862.1030 Section 862.1030 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Chemistry...

21 CFR 862.1030 - Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Alanine amino transferase (ALT/SGPT) test system. 862.1030 Section 862.1030 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY DEVICES Clinical Chemistry...

Biomaterial properties evaluation of poly(vinyl acetate- alt-maleic anhydride)/chitosan nanocapsules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raţă, Delia Mihaela; Popa, Marcel; Chailan, Jean-François; Zamfir, Carmen Lăcrămioara; Peptu, Cătălina Anişoara

2014-08-01

Nanocapsules with diameter around 100 nm based on a natural polymer (chitosan) and a synthetic polymer poly(vinyl acetate- alt-maleic anhydride) [poly(MAVA)] by interfacial condensation method were prepared. The present study proposes a new type of biocompatible nanocapsules based on poly(vinyl acetate- alt-maleic anhydride-chitosan) (MCS) able to become a reliable support for inclusion and release of drugs. The spherical shape of the nanocapsules was evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. Nanocapsules presented a good Norfloxacin loading and release capacity. Haemocompatibility tests have demonstrated that the nanocapsules present a low toxicity and a good compatibility with sanguine medium. The biocompatibility properties of the nanocapsules after their intraperitoneal administration in rats were evidenced by histopathological examination of different organs (brain, liver, kidney, and lung). The results are encouraging and the nanocapsules can be used as controlled drug delivery systems.

Insulin resistance and alanine amino transaminase (ALT) levels in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Kuzhandai velu, V; Jyothirmayi, B; Kumar, J S

2011-01-01

Insulin resistance is established as an independent predictor of a range of disorders such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. There is an association of hyperinsulinemia with hypertriglycerdemia, low level of HDL and high level of LDL. In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, there is an elevation of ALT, raising the possibility that the prospective relationship between ALT and type 2 diabetes may reflect cross-sectional associations with insulin resistance or obesity. To find the significance of insulin resistance and alanine aminotransferase level in first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 50 first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes (25 men and 25 women) aged 20-60 years and 30 control of similar age. All cases were taken from SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai. All the cases were analyzed for HOMA(IR), QUICKI, IR ratio, fasting glucose, insulin (ELISA), lipid profile and alanine aminotransferase. Student's 't' test was applied for statistical analysis. The data show the significance of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) (2.76±1.46, 1.35±0.8, p<0.001) in the first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus when compared with controls respectively and increased level fasting plasma insulin (12.28±6.16, 6.12±3.04, p<0.001). In the lipid profile the total cholesterol and TAG are significant. No statistical significance was found in ALT (24.8±9.84, 20.08±11.02). Results of the study conclude that there is a high prevalence of insulin resistance in the first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus. ALT levels in the first degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus had increased levels of insulin resistance, the pathogenesis suggesting increase in ALT levels as seen in insulin resistance condition. In our study, ALT was not statistically significant. Copyright © 2012 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabolic markers and ALT cutoff level for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a community-based cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Miyake, Teruki; Kumagi, Teru; Hirooka, Masashi; Koizumi, Mitsuhito; Furukawa, Shinya; Ueda, Teruhisa; Tokumoto, Yoshio; Ikeda, Yoshio; Abe, Masanori; Kitai, Kohichiro; Hiasa, Yoichi; Matsuura, Bunzo; Onji, Morikazu

2012-06-01

Untreated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may progress to liver cirrhosis or failure and is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It is therefore essential to diagnose and treat NAFLD at an early stage. To assist in this effort, this retrospective study explored the risk factors for NAFLD, and derived new surrogates, a revised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) cutoff level and a novel NAFLD index, to identify previously undiagnosed cases of NAFLD. Using a community-based, cross-sectional design, the records of 6,370 Japanese subjects who had undergone at least 1 annual health check-up were reviewed for the identification of subjects meeting the diagnostic criteria for NAFLD and the variables associated with NAFLD for the estimation of ideal ALT cutoff levels. The results of multivariate analysis of the 1,346 subjects who met the diagnostic criteria for NAFLD confirmed that metabolic disease markers and a novel NAFLD index, using the variables derived from multivariate analysis, were also markers of NAFLD. The ALT cutoff levels for NAFLD diagnosis were estimated at 25 U/L for males and 17 U/L for females. ALT level and the novel NAFLD index were confirmed to be surrogate markers for NAFLD in addition to metabolic disease markers. The ALT cutoff level used in NAFLD diagnosis should be revised downward to identify subjects at risk of NAFLD to prevent NAFLD progression and the development of associated diseases.

DSLR Double Star Astrometry Using an Alt-Az Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frey, Thomas; Haworth, David

2014-07-01

The goal of this project was to determine if the double star's angular separation and position angle measurements could be successfully measured with a motor driven, alt-azimuth Dobsonian-mounted Newtonian telescope (without a field rotator), and a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Additionally, the project was constrained by using as much existing equipment as much as possible, including an Apple MacBook Pro laptop and a Canon T2i camera. This project was additionally challenging because the first author had no experience with astrophotography.

Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the deceased donor: impact on early post-transplant liver allograft function.

PubMed

Mangus, Richard S; Fridell, Jonathan A; Kubal, Chandrashekhar A; Davis, Jason P; Tector, A Joseph

2015-02-01

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are frequently elevated with liver injury and such elevations are common in deceased organ donors. The impact of this injury on early liver allograft function has not been well described. This study analyses the immediate function and 1-year graft and patient survival for liver allografts stratified by peak serum ALT levels in the deceased donor. The on-site organ procurement records for 1348 consecutive deceased liver donors were reviewed (2001–2011). Serum ALT was categorized into three study groups: normal/mild elevation, 0–499 μ/L; moderate elevation, 500–999 μ/L (>10× upper limit of normal) and severe elevation, ≥1000 μ/L (>20× upper limit of normal). Outcomes included early graft function and graft loss, and 1-year graft and patient survival. Distribution of subjects included: normal/mild, 1259 (93%); moderate, 34 (3%) and severe, 55 (4%). Risk of 30-day graft loss for the three study groups was: 72 (6%), 3 (9%) and 3 (6%) (P = 0.74). Graft and patient survival at 1 year for the three groups was: normal/mild, 1031 (87%), 1048 (88%); moderate, 31 (91%), 31 (91%) and severe, 43 (88%), 44 (90%) (P = 0.71, 0.79). Cox proportional hazards modelling of survival while controlling for donor age and recipient model for end-stage liver disease score (MELD) demonstrates no statistically significant difference among the three study groups. This study demonstrates clinical equivalence in early graft function and 1-year graft and patient survival for donor livers with varying peak levels of serum ALT. These donor allografts may, therefore, be utilized successfully.

Computational study of pH-dependent oligomerization and ligand binding in Alt a 1, a highly allergenic protein with a unique fold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garrido-Arandia, María; Bretones, Jorge; Gómez-Casado, Cristina; Cubells, Nuria; Díaz-Perales, Araceli; Pacios, Luis F.

2016-05-01

Alt a 1 is a highly allergenic protein from Alternaria fungi responsible for several respiratory diseases. Its crystal structure revealed a unique β-barrel fold that defines a new family exclusive to fungi and forms a symmetrical dimer in a butterfly-like shape as well as tetramers. Its biological function is as yet unknown but its localization in cell wall of Alternaria spores and its interactions in the onset of allergy reactions point to a function to transport ligands. However, at odds with binding features in β-barrel proteins, monomeric Alt a 1 seems unable to harbor ligands because the barrel is too narrow. Tetrameric Alt a 1 is able to bind the flavonoid quercetin, yet the stability of the aggregate and the own ligand binding are pH-dependent. At pH 6.5, which Alt a 1 would meet when secreted by spores in bronchial epithelium, tetramer-quercetin complex is stable. At pH 5.5, which Alt a 1 would meet in apoplast when infecting plants, the complex breaks down. By means of a combined computational study that includes docking calculations, empirical p Ka estimates, Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic potentials, and Molecular Dynamics simulations, we identified a putative binding site at the dimeric interface between subunits in tetramer. We propose an explanation on the pH-dependence of both oligomerization states and protein-ligand affinity of Alt a 1 in terms of electrostatic variations associated to distinct protonation states at different pHs. The uniqueness of this singular protein can thus be tracked in the combination of all these features.

Computational study of pH-dependent oligomerization and ligand binding in Alt a 1, a highly allergenic protein with a unique fold.

PubMed

Garrido-Arandia, María; Bretones, Jorge; Gómez-Casado, Cristina; Cubells, Nuria; Díaz-Perales, Araceli; Pacios, Luis F

2016-05-01

Alt a 1 is a highly allergenic protein from Alternaria fungi responsible for several respiratory diseases. Its crystal structure revealed a unique β-barrel fold that defines a new family exclusive to fungi and forms a symmetrical dimer in a butterfly-like shape as well as tetramers. Its biological function is as yet unknown but its localization in cell wall of Alternaria spores and its interactions in the onset of allergy reactions point to a function to transport ligands. However, at odds with binding features in β-barrel proteins, monomeric Alt a 1 seems unable to harbor ligands because the barrel is too narrow. Tetrameric Alt a 1 is able to bind the flavonoid quercetin, yet the stability of the aggregate and the own ligand binding are pH-dependent. At pH 6.5, which Alt a 1 would meet when secreted by spores in bronchial epithelium, tetramer-quercetin complex is stable. At pH 5.5, which Alt a 1 would meet in apoplast when infecting plants, the complex breaks down. By means of a combined computational study that includes docking calculations, empirical pKa estimates, Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic potentials, and Molecular Dynamics simulations, we identified a putative binding site at the dimeric interface between subunits in tetramer. We propose an explanation on the pH-dependence of both oligomerization states and protein-ligand affinity of Alt a 1 in terms of electrostatic variations associated to distinct protonation states at different pHs. The uniqueness of this singular protein can thus be tracked in the combination of all these features.

The oxygenase-peroxidase theory of Bach and Chodat and its modern equivalents: change and permanence in scientific thinking as shown by our understanding of the roles of water, peroxide, and oxygen in the functioning of redox enzymes.

PubMed

Nicholls, P

2007-10-01

Alexander Bach was both revolutionary politician and biochemist. His earliest significant publication, "Tsar-golod" ("The Tsar of Hunger"), introduced Marxist thought to Russian workers. In exile for 30 years, he moved to study the dialectic of the oxidases. When his theory of oxidases as combinations of oxygenases and peroxidases was developed (circa 1900) the enzyme concept was not fully formulated, and the enzyme/substrate distinction not yet made. Peroxides however were then and remain now significant intermediates, when either free or bound, in oxidase catalyses. The aerobic dehydrogenase/peroxidase/catalase coupled systems which were studied slightly later clarified the Bach model and briefly became an oxidase paradigm. Identification of peroxidase as a metalloprotein, a key step in understanding oxidase and peroxidase mechanisms, postdated Bach's major work. Currently we recognize catalytic organic peroxides in flavoprotein oxygenases; such organic peroxides are also involved in lipid oxidation and tryptophan radical decay. But most physiologically important peroxides are now known to be bound to transition metals (either Fe or Cu) and formed both directly and indirectly (from oxygen). The typical stable metalloprotein peroxide product is the ferryl state. When both peroxide oxidizing equivalents are retained the second equivalent is held as a protein or porphyrin radical. True metal peroxide complexes are unstable. But often water molecules mark the spot where the original peroxide decayed. The cytochrome c oxidase Fe-Cu center can react with either peroxide or oxygen to form the intermediate higher oxidation states P and F. In its resting state water molecules and hydroxyl ions can be seen marking the original location of the oxygen or peroxide molecule.

Differing clinical phenotype for higher alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) compared with high-risk NAFLD fibrosis score in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Williams, Kathryn H; Burns, Kharis; Twigg, Stephen M

2018-03-01

The impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presence and severity on the diabetes phenotype remains unclear. Our study aimed to explore and contrast the phenotypes associated with higher ALT and high-risk NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) in type 2 diabetes. 324 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were seen at a diabetes centre for a complications assessment with data for NFS were available for study. Data regarding co-morbidities and pathology were obtained at assessment and by file audit. Logistic regression was used to determine if there were significant relationships between pre-determined diabetes complications and co-morbidities and ALT or high-risk NFS (>0.675). Significant univariate associations with lower ALT included those of osteoporosis/osteopenia and inability to sense the monofilament. High-risk NFS was associated with arrhythmia, VPT ≥ 25 V and albuminuria. The associations of high-risk NFS with albuminuria and VPT ≥ 25 V remained after adjustment. In type 2 diabetes, the clinical phenotype of those with higher ALT is dissimilar, sometimes inverse, to those with high-risk NFS. More emphasis should be placed on liver fibrosis risk rather than on liver enzymes alone. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

On the Trajectories of the Predetermined ALT Model: What Are We Really Modeling?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jongerling, Joran; Hamaker, Ellen L.

2011-01-01

This article shows that the mean and covariance structure of the predetermined autoregressive latent trajectory (ALT) model are very flexible. As a result, the shape of the modeled growth curve can be quite different from what one might expect at first glance. This is illustrated with several numerical examples that show that, for example, a…

Bach Is the Father of Harmony: Revealed by a 1/f Fluctuation Analysis across Musical Genres.

PubMed

Wu, Dan; Kendrick, Keith M; Levitin, Daniel J; Li, Chaoyi; Yao, Dezhong

2015-01-01

Harmony is a fundamental attribute of music. Close connections exist between music and mathematics since both pursue harmony and unity. In music, the consonance of notes played simultaneously partly determines our perception of harmony; associates with aesthetic responses; and influences the emotion expression. The consonance could be considered as a window to understand and analyze harmony. Here for the first time we used a 1/f fluctuation analysis to investigate whether the consonance fluctuation structure in music with a wide range of composers and genres followed the scale free pattern that has been found for pitch, melody, rhythm, human body movements, brain activity, natural images and geographical features. We then used a network graph approach to investigate which composers were the most influential both within and across genres. Our results showed that patterns of consonance in music did follow scale-free characteristics, suggesting that this feature is a universally evolved one in both music and the living world. Furthermore, our network analysis revealed that Bach's harmony patterns were having the most influence on those used by other composers, followed closely by Mozart.

Preparation of a Sepia Melanin and Poly(ethylene-alt-maleic Anhydride) Hybrid Material as an Adsorbent for Water Purification.

PubMed

Panzarasa, Guido; Osypova, Alina; Consolati, Giovanni; Quasso, Fiorenza; Soliveri, Guido; Ribera, Javier; Schwarze, Francis W M R

2018-01-23

Meeting the increasing demand of clean water requires the development of novel efficient adsorbent materials for the removal of organic pollutants. In this context the use of natural, renewable sources is of special relevance and sepia melanin, thanks to its ability to bind a variety of organic and inorganic species, has already attracted interest for water purification. Here we describe the synthesis of a material obtained by the combination of sepia melanin and poly(ethylene- alt -maleic anhydride) (P(E- alt -MA)). Compared to sepia melanin, the resulting hybrid displays a high and fast adsorption efficiency towards methylene blue (a common industrial dye) for a wide pH range (from pH 2 to 12) and under high ionic strength conditions. It is easily recovered after use and can be reused up to three times. Given the wide availability of sepia melanin and P(E- alt -MA), the synthesis of our hybrid is simple and affordable, making it suitable for industrial water purification purposes.

Preparation of a Sepia Melanin and Poly(ethylene-alt-maleic Anhydride) Hybrid Material as an Adsorbent for Water Purification

PubMed Central

Osypova, Alina; Quasso, Fiorenza; Soliveri, Guido; Ribera, Javier; Schwarze, Francis W. M. R.

2018-01-01

Meeting the increasing demand of clean water requires the development of novel efficient adsorbent materials for the removal of organic pollutants. In this context the use of natural, renewable sources is of special relevance and sepia melanin, thanks to its ability to bind a variety of organic and inorganic species, has already attracted interest for water purification. Here we describe the synthesis of a material obtained by the combination of sepia melanin and poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (P(E-alt-MA)). Compared to sepia melanin, the resulting hybrid displays a high and fast adsorption efficiency towards methylene blue (a common industrial dye) for a wide pH range (from pH 2 to 12) and under high ionic strength conditions. It is easily recovered after use and can be reused up to three times. Given the wide availability of sepia melanin and P(E-alt-MA), the synthesis of our hybrid is simple and affordable, making it suitable for industrial water purification purposes. PMID:29360734

Diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene polymers and a process of preparation

DOEpatents

Barton, Thomas J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Sina; Pang, Yi

1995-10-10

The present invention provides linear organosilicon polymers including acetylene and vinylene moieties, and a process for their preparation. These diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene linear polymers can be represented by the formula: --[--(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)Si--C.tbd.C--(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4)Si--CH.dbd.CH--].sub .n --, wherein n.gtoreq.2; and each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and aralkyl radicals. The polymers are soluble in organic solvents, air stable, and can be pulled into fibers or cast into films. They can be thermally converted into silicon carbide ceramic materials.

Diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene polymers and a process of preparation

DOEpatents

Barton, T.J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, S.; Yi Pang.

1993-08-31

The present invention provides linear organosilicon polymers including acetylene and vinylene moieties, and a process for their preparation. These diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene linear polymers can be represented by the formula: -[-(R[sup 1])(R[sup 2])Si-C[triple bond]C-(R[sup 3])(R[sup 4])Si-CH[double bond]CH-][sub n]-, wherein n[>=]2; each R[sup 1], R[sup 2], R[sup 3], and R[sup 4] is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and aralkyl radicals. The polymers are soluble in organic solvents, air stable, and can be pulled into fibers or cast into films. They can be thermally converted into silicon carbide ceramic materials.

Diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene polymers and a process of preparation

DOEpatents

Barton, T.J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, S.; Pang, Y.

1995-10-10

The present invention provides linear organosilicon polymers including acetylene and vinylene moieties, and a process for their preparation. These diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene linear polymers can be represented by the formula: --[--(R{sup 1})(R{sup 2})Si--C{triple_bond}C--(R{sup 3})(R{sup 4})Si--CH{double_bond}CH--]{sub n}--, wherein n{>=}2; and each R{sup 1}, R{sup 2}, R{sup 3}, and R{sup 4} is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and aralkyl radicals. The polymers are soluble in organic solvents, air stable, and can be pulled into fibers or cast into films. They can be thermally converted into silicon carbide ceramic materials.

Associations of I148M variant in PNPLA3 gene with plasma ALT levels during 2-year follow-up in normal weight and overweight children: the PANIC Study.

PubMed

Viitasalo, A; Pihlajamaki, J; Lindi, V; Atalay, M; Kaminska, D; Joro, R; Lakka, T A

2015-04-01

PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism (rs738409) has been strongly associated with liver fat content and plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in obese adults and children, but little is known about these relationships in normal weight individuals. We studied the associations and interactions of overweight and the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism with plasma ALT levels during 2-year follow-up in children. Subjects were a population sample of 481 Caucasian children aged 6-8 years examined at baseline and 419 children re-examined after 2-year follow-up. Altogether, 58 (12%) of 481 children at baseline and 71 (17%) of 419 children after 2-year follow-up were overweight. We assessed plasma ALT levels and other cardiometabolic risk factors and genotyped the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism. Being overweight and carrying PNPLA3 148M allele were associated with increased ALT levels at baseline (P = 0.002; P = 0.033) and after 2-year follow-up (P < 0.001; P = 0.001). Being overweight (P < 0.001) and carrying PNPLA3 148M allele (P = 0.001) were also associated with increase in ALT levels during 2-year follow-up. PNPLA3 148M allele carriers had increased ALT levels at baseline (P = 0.024 for interaction) and after 2-year follow-up (P = 0.002 for interaction) as well as a larger increase in ALT levels during 2-year follow-up (P = 0.002 for interaction) if they were overweight but not if they were normal weight. Further adjustment for clinical puberty, dietary factors, physical activity or sedentary behaviour had little or no effect on these associations. PNPLA3 148M allele carriers had higher plasma ALT levels and larger increase in ALT levels during follow-up than non-carriers only among overweight children. © 2014 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity © 2014 World Obesity.

Improvement of ALT decay kinetics by all-oral HCV treatment: Role of NS5A inhibitors and differences with IFN-based regimens

PubMed Central

Cento, Valeria; Nguyen, Thi Huyen Tram; Di Carlo, Domenico; Biliotti, Elisa; Gianserra, Laura; Lenci, Ilaria; Di Paolo, Daniele; Calvaruso, Vincenza; Teti, Elisabetta; Cerrone, Maddalena; Romagnoli, Dante; Melis, Michela; Danieli, Elena; Menzaghi, Barbara; Polilli, Ennio; Siciliano, Massimo; Nicolini, Laura Ambra; Di Biagio, Antonio; Magni, Carlo Federico; Bolis, Matteo; Antonucci, Francesco Paolo; Di Maio, Velia Chiara; Alfieri, Roberta; Sarmati, Loredana; Casalino, Paolo; Bernardini, Sergio; Micheli, Valeria; Rizzardini, Giuliano; Parruti, Giustino; Quirino, Tiziana; Puoti, Massimo; Babudieri, Sergio; D’Arminio Monforte, Antonella; Andreoni, Massimo; Craxì, Antonio; Angelico, Mario; Pasquazzi, Caterina; Taliani, Gloria; Guedj, Jeremie; Ceccherini-Silberstein, Francesca

2017-01-01

Background Intracellular HCV-RNA reduction is a proposed mechanism of action of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), alternative to hepatocytes elimination by pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin (PR). We modeled ALT and HCV-RNA kinetics in cirrhotic patients treated with currently-used all-DAA combinations to evaluate their mode of action and cytotoxicity compared with telaprevir (TVR)+PR. Study design Mathematical modeling of ALT and HCV-RNA kinetics was performed in 111 HCV-1 cirrhotic patients, 81 treated with all-DAA regimens and 30 with TVR+PR. Kinetic-models and Cox-analysis were used to assess determinants of ALT-decay and normalization. Results HCV-RNA kinetics was biphasic, reflecting a mean effectiveness in blocking viral production >99.8%. The first-phase of viral-decline was faster in patients receiving NS5A-inhibitors compared to TVR+PR or sofosbuvir+simeprevir (p<0.001), reflecting higher efficacy in blocking assembly/secretion. The second-phase, noted δ and attributed to infected-cell loss, was faster in patients receiving TVR+PR or sofosbuvir+simeprevir compared to NS5A-inhibitors (0.27 vs 0.21 d-1, respectively, p = 0.0012). In contrast the rate of ALT-normalization, noted λ, was slower in patients receiving TVR+PR or sofosbuvir+simeprevir compared to NS5A-inhibitors (0.17 vs 0.27 d-1, respectively, p<0.001). There was no significant association between the second-phase of viral-decline and ALT normalization rate and, for a given level of viral reduction, ALT-normalization was more profound in patients receiving DAA, and NS5A in particular, than TVR+PR. Conclusions Our data support a process of HCV-clearance by all-DAA regimens potentiated by NS5A-inhibitor, and less relying upon hepatocyte death than IFN-containing regimens. This may underline a process of “cell-cure” by DAAs, leading to a fast improvement of liver homeostasis. PMID:28545127

Cooperative therapeutic anti-tumor effect of IL-15 agonist ALT-803 and co-targeting soluble NKG2D ligand sMIC

PubMed Central

Basher, Fahmin; Jeng, Emily K.; Wong, Hing; Wu, Jennifer

2016-01-01

Shedding of the human NKG2D ligand MIC (MHC class I-chain-related molecule) from tumor cell surfaces correlates with progression of many epithelial cancers. Shedding-derived soluble MIC (sMIC) enables tumor immune escape through multiple immune suppressive mechanisms, such as disturbing natural killer (NK) cell homeostatic maintenance, impairing NKG2D expression on NK cells and effector T cells, and facilitating the expansion of arginase I+ myeloid suppressor cells. Our recent study has demonstrated that sMIC is an effective cancer therapeutic target. Whether targeting tumor-derived sMIC would enhance current active immunotherapy is not known. Here, we determined the in vivo therapeutic effect of an antibody co-targeting sMIC with the immunostimulatory IL-15 superagonist complex, ALT-803, using genetically engineered transplantable syngeneic sMIC+ tumor models. We demonstrate that combined therapy of a nonblocking antibody neutralizing sMIC and ALT-803 improved the survival of animals bearing sMIC+ tumors in comparison to monotherapy. We further demonstrate that the enhanced therapeutic effect with combined therapy is through concurrent augmentation of NK and CD8 T cell anti-tumor responses. In particular, expression of activation-induced surface molecules and increased functional potential by cytokine secretion are improved greatly by the administration of combined therapy. Depletion of NK cells abolished the cooperative therapeutic effect. Our findings suggest that administration of the sMIC-neutralizing antibody can enhance the anti-tumor effects of ALT-803. With ALT-803 currently in clinical trials to treat progressive solid tumors, the majority of which are sMIC+, our findings provide a rationale for co-targeting sMIC to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ALT-803 or other IL-15 agonists. PMID:26625316

Cooperative therapeutic anti-tumor effect of IL-15 agonist ALT-803 and co-targeting soluble NKG2D ligand sMIC.

PubMed

Basher, Fahmin; Jeng, Emily K; Wong, Hing; Wu, Jennifer

2016-01-05

Shedding of the human NKG2D ligand MIC (MHC class I-chain-related molecule) from tumor cell surfaces correlates with progression of many epithelial cancers. Shedding-derived soluble MIC (sMIC) enables tumor immune escape through multiple immune suppressive mechanisms, such as disturbing natural killer (NK) cell homeostatic maintenance, impairing NKG2D expression on NK cells and effector T cells, and facilitating the expansion of arginase I+ myeloid suppressor cells. Our recent study has demonstrated that sMIC is an effective cancer therapeutic target. Whether targeting tumor-derived sMIC would enhance current active immunotherapy is not known. Here, we determined the in vivo therapeutic effect of an antibody co-targeting sMIC with the immunostimulatory IL-15 superagonist complex, ALT-803, using genetically engineered transplantable syngeneic sMIC+ tumor models. We demonstrate that combined therapy of a nonblocking antibody neutralizing sMIC and ALT-803 improved the survival of animals bearing sMIC+ tumors in comparison to monotherapy. We further demonstrate that the enhanced therapeutic effect with combined therapy is through concurrent augmentation of NK and CD8 T cell anti-tumor responses. In particular, expression of activation-induced surface molecules and increased functional potential by cytokine secretion are improved greatly by the administration of combined therapy. Depletion of NK cells abolished the cooperative therapeutic effect. Our findings suggest that administration of the sMIC-neutralizing antibody can enhance the anti-tumor effects of ALT-803. With ALT-803 currently in clinical trials to treat progressive solid tumors, the majority of which are sMIC+, our findings provide a rationale for co-targeting sMIC to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ALT-803 or other IL-15 agonists.

[The effect of "living high and training low" on serum CK, LDH and ALT of rowing athletes].

PubMed

Liu, Jian-Hong; Zhou, Zhi-Hong; Ou, Ming-Hao; Xie, Min-Hao; Wang, Kui; Shi, Yu-Qi

2005-08-01

To investigate the influence of living high-training low for 4 weeks on serum CK, LDH and ALT of rowing athletes. 20 rowing athletes were divided into two groups: the one (ten subjects) spent 8-10 h per night in a tabernacle which was simulated altitude of 2 500 m in normobaric hypoxia (HiLo group), the another (ten subjects) slept at near sea level (control group). During the periods of test, all athletes were trained at the same relative or at the same intensity of work in normoxia state. The serum CK, LDH and ALT were measured at before, during 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 2 weeks after "living high and training low". Baseline serum values for CK, LDH and ALT were not different between two groups (P > 0.05). The levels of CK, LDH of HiLo group were significantly increased (P < 0.05) than those of control group at 3 rd week, however, it was contrary at 5th and 7th week. After exercise of 2 km and 5 km, the values of LDH and CK at a moment notice and 30min postexercise test in HiLo group were significant lower than those in control group. These results indicate that living high-training low may reduce the muscle damage associated with endurance exercise.

Crosstalk between EET and HO-1 downregulates Bach1 and adipogenic marker expression in mesenchymal stem cell derived adipocytes

PubMed Central

Vanella, Luca; Kim, Dong Hyun; Sodhi, Komal; Barbagallo, Ignazio; Burgess, Angela P.; Falck, John R.; Schwartzman, Michal L.; Abraham, Nader G.

2013-01-01

Epoxygenase activity and synthesis of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have emerged as important modulators of obesity and diabetes. We examined the effect of the EET-agonist 12-(3-hexylureido)dodec-8(2) enoic acid on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) derived adipocytes proliferation and differentiation. MSCs expressed substantial levels of EETs and inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) increased the level of EETs and decreased adipogenesis. EET agonist treatment increased HO-1 expression by inhibiting a negative regulator of HO-1 expression, Bach-1. EET treatment also increased βcatenin and pACC levels while decreasing PPARγ C/EBPα and fatty acid synthase levels. These changes were manifested by a decrease in the number of large inflammatory adipocytes, TNFα, IFNγ and IL-1α, but an increase in small adipocytes and in adiponectin levels. In summary, EET agonist treatment inhibits adipogenesis and decreases the levels of inflammatory cytokines suggesting the potential action of EETs as intracellular lipid signaling modulators of adipogenesis and adiponectin. PMID:21821145

Telomere extension by telomerase and ALT generates variant repeats by mechanistically distinct processes

PubMed Central

Lee, Michael; Hills, Mark; Conomos, Dimitri; Stutz, Michael D.; Dagg, Rebecca A.; Lau, Loretta M.S.; Reddel, Roger R.; Pickett, Hilda A.

2014-01-01

Telomeres are terminal repetitive DNA sequences on chromosomes, and are considered to comprise almost exclusively hexameric TTAGGG repeats. We have evaluated telomere sequence content in human cells using whole-genome sequencing followed by telomere read extraction in a panel of mortal cell strains and immortal cell lines. We identified a wide range of telomere variant repeats in human cells, and found evidence that variant repeats are generated by mechanistically distinct processes during telomerase- and ALT-mediated telomere lengthening. Telomerase-mediated telomere extension resulted in biased repeat synthesis of variant repeats that differed from the canonical sequence at positions 1 and 3, but not at positions 2, 4, 5 or 6. This indicates that telomerase is most likely an error-prone reverse transcriptase that misincorporates nucleotides at specific positions on the telomerase RNA template. In contrast, cell lines that use the ALT pathway contained a large range of variant repeats that varied greatly between lines. This is consistent with variant repeats spreading from proximal telomeric regions throughout telomeres in a stochastic manner by recombination-mediated templating of DNA synthesis. The presence of unexpectedly large numbers of variant repeats in cells utilizing either telomere maintenance mechanism suggests a conserved role for variant sequences at human telomeres. PMID:24225324

Understanding and Targeting the ALT Pathway in Human Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

Figure 5 B Rif1 Actin He La 1. 3 WI 38 -VA 13 /2 RA T.1 D U2 OS BJ hT ER T S V4 0 a2 E6 E7 .c4 T.1 L T.1 M T.1 Q T.1 R T.1 J/5 H T.1 J/1 -3C RP E h TE...stability of replication forks, an increased sensitivity to replication inhibitors, as well as changes in gene transcription32, 33, 34, 31, 35, 36, 24...down to 46 genes of interest based on the presence of mutations in two distinct panels of ALT cell lines, thereby excluding likely SNPs

The psychologist who is not a psychologist: a deconstructive reading of Wolfgang Giegerich's idea of psychology proper.

PubMed

Marlan, Stanton

2016-04-01

This paper represents an archetypal and deconstructive reading of the work of Wolfgang Giegerich. In an attempt to extend and philosophically develop Jung's late-life view of the objective psyche, Giegerich, via Hegel, defines psychology proper as fundamentally separate from the everyday person and the 'human, all-too-human' aspects of the soul. It is argued that, in so doing, Giegerich removes the human person from being the primary focus of his psychology and creates instead a hierarchy of ideas and values privileging syntax over semantics, the logical over the empirical, and thinking over imagination. This bypasses the emotionality of the everyday person/patient and also renders psychology proper unable to address the day-to-day practice of the analyst. Giegerich attempts to rectify this problem by re-incorporating what he had previously rejected, making his theory more complex than is apparent in his binary oppositions. In the end, however, it remains a question to what extent Giegerich is successful in avoiding a binary scission (Saban 2015) or a tendency to regularly de-emphasize the human aspect of the soul (Hoedl 2015) in his need to continue to heroically push off from the ego seeking total freedom from neurosis and from our humanity. © 2016, The Society of Analytical Psychology.

Predictive value of serum ALT and T-cell receptor beta variable chain for HBeAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B patients during tenofovir treatment.

PubMed

Yang, Jiezuan; Yan, Dong; Guo, Renyong; Chen, Jiajia; Li, Yongtao; Fan, Jun; Fu, Xuyan; Yao, Xinsheng; Diao, Hongyan; Li, Lanjuan

2017-03-01

Effective antiviral therapy plays a key role in slowing the progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Identification of serum indices, including hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) expression and seroconversion, will facilitate evaluation of the efficacy of antiviral therapy in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. The biochemical, serological, virological parameters, and the frequency of circulating CD4CD25 regulatory T cell (Treg) in 32 patients were measured at baseline and every 12 weeks during 96 weeks of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment. The relationship between the hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Treg and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was analyzed, respectively. The molecular profiles of T-cell receptor beta variable chain (TRBV) were determined using gene melting spectral pattern. For the seroconverted 12 patients, ALT declined to normal levels by week 24 and remained at this level in subsequent treatment; moreover, the predictive cutoff value of ALT for HBeAg seroconversion (SC) was 41.5 U/L at week 24. The positive correlation between HBV DNA and Treg and ALT was significant in SC patients, but not in non-SC patients. Six TRBV families (BV3, BV11, BV12, BV14, BV20, and BV24) were predominantly expressed in SC patients at baseline. The decline of ALT could be used to predict HBeAg seroconversion for CHB patients during TDF treatment. In addition, the profile of Tregs and TRBVs may be associated with HBeAg seroconversion and could also be a potential indicator for predicting HBeAg SC and treatment outcome for CHB patients.

Orthologous Allergens and Diagnostic Utility of Major Allergen Alt a 1

PubMed Central

Moreno, Antonio; Alcover, Javier; Rodríguez, David; Palacios, Ricardo; Martínez-Naves, Eduardo

2016-01-01

Purpose Hypersensitivity to fungi is associated with rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. For some fungi, such as Alternaria alternata (A. alternata), the symptoms of asthma are persistent, increasing disease severity and the risk of fatal outcomes. There are a large number of species of fungi but knowledge of them remains limited. This, together with the difficulties in obtaining adequate standardized extracts, means that there remain significant challenges in the diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergy associated with fungi. The type of indoor fungi related to asthma/allergy varies according to geographic, climatic, and seasonal factors, making their study difficult. The aim of this study was to determine hypersensitivity to indoor fungi in a population from Cuenca, Spain. Methods Thirty-five patients with symptoms compatible with rhinitis or asthma who showed clear worsening of their symptoms in their homes or workplace were included. In vivo and in vitro tests were made with a battery of fungal allergens, including the species isolated in the home or workplace. Results Ulocladium botrytis (U. botrytis) and A. alternata were the most representative species as a source of home sensitization. These species showed very high concordance in skin tests, specific IgE, and histamine release. The allergen Alt a 1, which was recognized in all patients, was detected in A. alternata, U. botrytis, and Stemphylium botryosum (S. botryosum). Conclusions U. botrytis and A. alternata were the most representative species as a source of home sensitization. Alt a 1 was recognized in all patients and may be considered a non-species-specific allergen that could be used as a diagnostic source of sensitization to some species of the Pleosporaceae family. PMID:27334781

2017-04-28_W88 ALT 370 Program Overview(OUO).

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

Daniels, Vonceil

2017-04-01

All major program milestones have been met and the program is executing within budget. The ALT 370 program achieved Phase 6.4 authorization in February of this year. Five component Final Design Reviews (FDRs) have been completed, indicating progress in finalizing the design and development phase of the program. A series of ground-based qualification activities have demonstrated that designs are meeting functional requirements. The first fully functional flight test, FCET-53, demonstrated end-to-end performance in normal flight environments in February. Similarly, groundbased nuclear safety and hostile environments testing indicates that the design meets requirements in these stringent environments. The first in amore » series of hostile blast tests was successfully conducted in April.« less

Goethe: A bipolar personality? Periodicity of affective states in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe as reflected by Paul Julius Möbius.

PubMed

Steinberg, Holger; Schönknecht, Peter

2018-01-01

This paper aims to investigate the character and etiological basis of German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's mental disorder. From 1898, German neuropsychiatrist Paul Julius Möbius developed the hypothesis that Goethe's work provided several hints for the notion that the German poet suffered from a distinct bipolar disorder. The paper investigates Möbius's psychopathographic study on Goethe and his hypothesis of a mood periodicity in Goethe against the mirror of modern concepts. Möbius came to the conclusion that Goethe's illness was bipolar in character and became visible at intervals of seven years and lasted for about two years. The majority of Möbius's contemporary psychiatric colleagues (Emil Kraepelin, Max Isserlin, Ernst Kretschmer, Josef Breuer) supported this view which has still not been convincingly challenged. In present-day terms, Möbius's hypothesis can be best mirrored as a subclinical foundation of mood disorder. Furthermore, with his extensive study, Möbius disproved the common notion that Goethe had suffered from an illness as the result of a syphilitic infection.

Space shuttle engineering and operations support. ALT separation reference trajectories for tailcone on orbiter forward and aft CG configurations. Mission planning, mission analysis and software formulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glenn, G. M.

1977-01-01

A preflight analysis of the ALT separation reference trajectories for the tailcone on, forward, and aft cg orbiter configurations is documented. The ALT separation reference trajectories encompass the time from physical separation of the orbiter from the carrier to orbiter attainment of the maximum ALT interface airspeed. The trajectories include post separation roll maneuvers by both vehicles and are generated using the final preflight data base. The trajectories so generated satisfy all known separation design criteria and violate no known constraints. The requirement for this analysis is given along with the specifications, assumptions, and analytical approach used to generate the separation trajectories. The results of the analytical approach are evaluated, and conclusions and recommendations are summarized.

Phase 1 trial of ALT-801, an interleukin-2/T cell receptor fusion protein targeting p53 (aa264-272)/HLA-A*0201 complex, in patients with advanced malignancies

PubMed Central

Fishman, Mayer N.; Thompson, John A.; Pennock, Gregory K.; Gonzalez, Rene; Diez, Luz M.; Daud, Adil I.; Weber, Jeffery S.; Huang, Bee Y.; Tang, Shamay; Rhode, Peter R.; Wong, Hing C.

2014-01-01

Purpose ALT-801 is a bifunctional fusion protein comprising interleukin-2 (IL-2) linked to a soluble, single-chain T cell receptor domain that recognizes a peptide epitope (aa264-272) of the human p53 antigen displayed on cancer cells in the context of HLA-A*0201 (p53+/HLA-A*0201). We evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ALT-801 in p53+/HLA-A*0201 patients with metastatic malignancies. Experimental Design p53+/HLA-A*0201 patients were treated with ALT-801 on a schedule of 4 daily 15-minute intravenous infusions, then 10 days rest and 4 more daily infusions. Cohorts of patients were treated at 0.015, 0.040, and 0.080 mg/kg/dose. Results Four, sixteen, and six patients were treated at the 0.015, 0.04 and 0.08 mg/kg cohorts, respectively. Two dose limiting toxicities (a grade 4 transient thrombocytopenia and a myocardial infarction) in the 0.08 mg/kg cohort established the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) at 0.04 mg/kg. Patients treated at the MTD experienced toxicities similar to those associated with high-dose IL-2 but of lesser severity. The serum half-life of ALT-801 was 4 hours and ALT-801 serum recovery was as expected based on the dose administered. ALT-801 treatment induced an increase of serum interferon-γ but not tumor necrosis factor-α. Response assessment showed 10 subjects with stable disease at at least 11 weeks, and in one who had melanoma metastasis, there is an ongoing complete absence of identifiable disease after resection of radiographically identified lesions. Conclusion This first-in-man study defines an ALT-801 regimen that can be administered safely and is associated with immunological changes of potential antitumor relevance. PMID:21994418

Characterization of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in human cancer cells: the importance of enhanced BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1) degradation.

PubMed

Wang, Shuai; Hannafon, Bethany N; Wolf, Roman F; Zhou, Jundong; Avery, Jori E; Wu, Jinchang; Lind, Stuart E; Ding, Wei-Qun

2014-05-01

The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in cancer cells has never been characterized. This study examines DHA-induced HO-1 expression in human cancer cell model systems. DHA enhanced HO-1 gene expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with maximal induction at 21 h of treatment. This induction of HO-1 expression was confirmed in vivo using a xenograft nude mouse model fed a fish-oil-enriched diet. The increase in HO-1 gene transcription induced by DHA was significantly attenuated by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress. This was supported by direct measurement of lipid peroxide levels after DHA treatment. Using a human HO-1 gene promoter reporter construct, we identified two antioxidant response elements (AREs) that mediate the DHA-induced increase in HO-1 gene transcription. Knockdown of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) expression compromised the DHA-induced increase in HO-1 gene transcription, indicating the importance of the Nrf2 pathway in this event. However, the nuclear protein levels of Nrf2 remained unchanged upon DHA treatment. Further studies demonstrated that DHA reduces nuclear Bach1 protein expression by promoting its degradation and attenuates Bach1 binding to the AREs in the HO-1 gene promoter. In contrast, DHA enhanced Nrf2 binding to the AREs without affecting nuclear Nrf2 expression levels, indicating a new cellular mechanism that mediates DHA's induction of HO-1 gene transcription. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of DHA-induced HO-1 expression in human malignant cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An aldonolactonase AltA from Penicillium oxalicum mitigates the inhibition of β-glucosidase during lignocellulose biodegradation.

PubMed

Peng, Shengjuan; Cao, Qing; Qin, Yuqi; Li, Xuezhi; Liu, Guodong; Qu, Yinbo

2017-05-01

Efficient deconstruction of lignocellulose is achieved by the synergistic action of various hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes. However, the aldonolactones generated by oxidative enzymes have inhibitory effects on some cellulolytic enzymes. In this work, D-glucono-1,5-lactone was shown to have a much stronger inhibitory effect than D-glucose and D-gluconate on β-glucosidase, a vital enzyme during cellulose degradation. AltA, a secreted enzyme from Penicillium oxalicum, was identified as an aldonolactonase which can catalyze the hydrolysis of D-glucono-1,5-lactone to D-gluconic acid. In the course of lignocellulose saccharification conducted by cellulases from P. oxalicum or Trichoderma reesei, supplementation of AltA was able to relieve the decrease of β-glucosidase activity obviously with a stimulation of glucose yield. This boosting effect disappeared when sodium azide and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were added to the saccharification system to inhibit the activities of oxidative enzymes. In summary, we describe the first heterologous expression of a fungal secreted aldonolactonase and its application as an efficient supplement of cellulolytic enzyme system for lignocellulose biodegradation.

Book Review: No time to be brief: a scientific biography of Wolfgang Pauli. Charles P. Enz; Oxford University Press, New York, 2002, pp. 581, price US 60.00, £35.00, ISBN 0-19-856479-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straumann, N.

2004-09-01

Charles Enz, the author of this first scientific biography of Wolfgang Pauli, was the last of a prestigious chain of Pauli assistants, during the last two years until Pauli's untimely death in December 1958. Friends and colleagues of Charles Enz had known for a long time that he was preparing a Pauli biography, but only after his retirement as a professor for theoretical physics at the University of Geneva he was able to devote all his time to this demanding endeavor.

Parallel SCF Adaptor Capture Proteomics Reveals a Role for SCFFBXL17 in NRF2 Activation via BACH1 Repressor Turnover

PubMed Central

Tan, Meng-Kwang Marcus; Lim, Hui-Jun; Bennett, Eric J.; Shi, Yang; Harper, J. Wade

2014-01-01

Modular Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) use substrate binding adaptor proteins to specify target ubiquitylation. Many of the ~200 human CRL adaptor proteins remain poorly studied due to a shortage of efficient methods to identify biologically relevant substrates. Here, we report the development of Parallel Adaptor Capture (PAC) proteomics, and its use to systematically identify candidate targets for the leucine-rich repeat family of F-box proteins (FBXLs) that function with SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein (SCF) E3s. In validation experiments, we identify the unstudied F-box protein FBXL17 as a regulator of the NFR2 oxidative stress pathway. We demonstrate that FBXL17 controls the transcription of the NRF2 target HMOX1 via turnover of the transcriptional repressor BACH1 in the absence or presence of extrinsic oxidative stress. This work identifies a role for SCFFBXL17 in controlling the threshold for NRF2-dependent gene activation and provides a framework for elucidating the functions of CRL adaptor proteins. PMID:24035498

Parallel SCF adaptor capture proteomics reveals a role for SCFFBXL17 in NRF2 activation via BACH1 repressor turnover.

PubMed

Tan, Meng-Kwang Marcus; Lim, Hui-Jun; Bennett, Eric J; Shi, Yang; Harper, J Wade

2013-10-10

Modular cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) use substrate binding adaptor proteins to specify target ubiquitylation. Many of the ~200 human CRL adaptor proteins remain poorly studied due to a shortage of efficient methods to identify biologically relevant substrates. Here, we report the development of parallel adaptor capture (PAC) proteomics and its use to systematically identify candidate targets for the leucine-rich repeat family of F-box proteins (FBXLs) that function with SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein (SCF) E3s. In validation experiments, we identify the unstudied F-box protein FBXL17 as a regulator of the NFR2 oxidative stress pathway. We demonstrate that FBXL17 controls the transcription of the NRF2 target HMOX1 via turnover of the transcriptional repressor BACH1 in the absence or presence of extrinsic oxidative stress. This work identifies a role for SCF(FBXL17) in controlling the threshold for NRF2-dependent gene activation and provides a framework for elucidating the functions of CRL adaptor proteins. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simple synthesis of P(Cbz-alt-TBT) and PCDTBT by combining direct arylation with suzuki polycondensation of heteroaryl chlorides.

PubMed

Lombeck, Florian; Matsidik, Rukiya; Komber, Hartmut; Sommer, Michael

2015-01-01

Direct arylation (DA) of 2-chlorothiophene and 2-chloro-3-hexylthiophene with 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole is used to synthesize 4,7-bis(5-chloro-2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (TBTCl2) and 4,7-bis(5-chloro-4-hexyl-2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DH-TBTCl2) in one step. Suitable conditions of the Suzuki polycondensations (SPC) of TBTCl2 and DH-TBTCl2 with the carbazole comonomer CbzPBE2 are established, furnishing PCDTBT and P(Cbz-alt-TBT) with high molecular weight and yield. Compared with control samples made from the corresponding dibromides, high-temperature NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy indicate similar properties for PCDTBT but an increased content of Cbz-Cbz homocouplings for P(Cbz-alt-TBT). © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Lack of clinical and histological progression of chronic hepatitis C in individuals with true persistently normal ALT: the result of a 17-year follow-up.

PubMed

Nunnari, G; Pinzone, M R; Cacopardo, B

2013-04-01

Thirty to 40% of patients with chronic hepatitis C have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT). Even though traditionally considered as healthy people, most PNALT carriers actually have some degree of clinical progression and histological liver damage. We evaluated the clinical and histological outcome of a 17-year follow-up on a cohort of patients with chronic HCV infection and PNALT. Between 1994 and 2011, 70 PNALTs and 55 Hyper-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) subjects underwent a clinical, biochemical, virological and histological follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, all patients were alive. In the PNALT group, none of the patients developed hepatic decompensation, while 14.5% of Hyper-ALTs were diagnosed as affected by decompensated cirrhosis. No significant variation of the Metavir grading and staging scores was observed among PNALTs by comparing pre- and post-follow-up liver specimens. On the contrary, a significant increase in both Metavir grading and staging scores was noticed within the Hyper-ALT group. Finally, the analysis of IL28B single-nucleotide polymorphism rs12979860 revealed no difference between Hyper-ALTs and PNALTs in terms of frequency of C/C genotype. In conclusion, progression of chronic hepatitis C among PNALTs is slow or even absent, because at the end of the 17-year follow-up histological and clinical parameters had not worsened significantly. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene polymers and a process densifying porous silicon-carbide bodies

DOEpatents

Barton, Thomas J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Sina; Pang, Yi

1994-05-17

The present invention provides linear organosilicon polymers including acetylene and vinylene moieties, and a process for their preparation. These diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene linear polymers can be represented by the formula: --[--(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)Si--C.tbd.C--(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4)Si--CH=CH--].sub.n-- , wherein n.gtoreq.2; and each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and aralkyl radicals. The polymers are soluble in organic solvents, air stable, and can be pulled into fibers or cast into films. They can be thermally converted into silicon carbide ceramic materials.

Diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene polymers and a process densifying porous silicon-carbide bodies

DOEpatents

Barton, T.J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, S.; Pang, Y.

1994-05-17

The present invention provides linear organosilicon polymers including acetylene and vinylene moieties, and a process for their preparation. These diorganosilacetylene-alt-diorganosilvinylene linear polymers can be represented by the formula: --[--(R[sup 1])(R[sup 2])Si--C[triple bond]C-(R[sup 3])(R[sup 4])Si--CH[double bond]CH--][sub n]--, wherein n[>=]2; and each R[sup 1], R[sup 2], R[sup 3], and R[sup 4] is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and aralkyl radicals. The polymers are soluble in organic solvents, air stable, and can be pulled into fibers or cast into films. They can be thermally converted into silicon carbide ceramic materials.

Differences in levels of albumin, ALT, AST, γ-GT and creatinine in frail, moderately healthy and healthy elderly individuals.

PubMed

Edvardsson, Maria; Sund-Levander, Märtha; Milberg, Anna; Wressle, Ewa; Marcusson, Jan; Grodzinsky, Ewa

2018-02-23

Reference intervals are widely used as decision tools, providing the physician with information about whether the analyte values indicate ongoing disease process. Reference intervals are generally based on individuals without diagnosed diseases or use of medication, which often excludes elderly. The aim of the study was to assess levels of albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) in frail, moderately healthy and healthy elderly indivuduals. Blood samples were collected from individuals >80 years old, nursing home residents, in the Elderly in Linköping Screening Assessment and Nordic Reference Interval Project, a total of 569 individuals. They were divided into three cohorts: frail, moderately healthy and healthy, depending on cognitive and physical function. Albumin, ALT, AST, creatinine and γ-GT were analyzed using routine methods. Linear regression predicted factors for 34% of the variance in albumin were activities of daily living (ADL), gender, stroke and cancer. ADLs, gender and weight explained 15% of changes in ALT. For AST levels, ADLs, cancer and analgesics explained 5% of changes. Kidney disease, gender, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease explained 25% of the variation in creatinine levels and MMSE explained three per cent of γ-GT variation. Because a group of people are at the same age, they should not be assessed the same way. To interpret results of laboratory tests in elderly is a complex task, where reference intervals are one part, but far from the only one, to take into consideration.

Distribution of the HLA class I allele in chronic hepatitis C and its association with serum ALT level in chronic hepatitis C.

PubMed

Kondo, Yasuteru; Kobayashi, Koju; Kobayashi, Tomoo; Shiina, Masaaki; Ueno, Yoshiyuki; Satoh, Takaomi; Shimosegawa, Tooru

2003-10-01

An essential process for resolution of viral infections is the efficient recognition and elimination of intracellular virus. Recognition of viral antigens in the form of short peptides associated with HLA class I molecule is a major task of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In this study, we have evaluated the frequency of the HLA class I alleles in patients with chronic hepatitis C. HLA-B51, -B52, -B55, -B56, -B61, B70, -Cw1, -Cw3, and -Cw4 are less frequent in patients with chronic hepatitis C than in Japanese individuals. The frequency of HLA-A2 is slightly lower in the patients but tends to be higher in patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level than in those with elevated ALT level (p = 0.07). Other HLA alleles are not significantly different between two groups. Comparison of HLA homozygosity at HLA-A and -B or -C or at two or three loci did not show a significant association with levels of serum ALT or with the clinical outcome of interferon therapy in patients with hepatitis C. These results suggest a possibility that the alterations of host response, which depends on genetic background, influence disease activities of HCV infection.

Alternagin-C (ALT-C), a Disintegrin-Like Cys-Rich Protein Isolated from the Venom of the Snake Rhinocerophis alternatus, Stimulates Angiogenesis and Antioxidant Defenses in the Liver of Freshwater Fish, Hoplias malabaricus

PubMed Central

Monteiro, Diana Amaral; Selistre-de-Araújo, Heloisa Sobreiro; Tavares, Driele; Kalinin, Ana Lúcia; Rantin, Francisco Tadeu

2017-01-01

Alternagin-C (ALT-C) is a disintegrin-like protein isolated from Rhinocerophis alternatus snake venom, which induces endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic effects of a single dose of alternagin-C (0.5 mg·kg−1, via intra-arterial) on oxidative stress biomarkers, histological alterations, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, and the degree of vascularization in the liver of the freshwater fish traíra, Hoplias malabaricus, seven days after the initiation of therapy. ALT-C treatment increased VEGF levels and hepatic angiogenesis. ALT-C also enhanced hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, decreasing the basal oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in the fish liver. These results indicate that ALT-C improved hepatic tissue and may play a crucial role in tissue regeneration mechanisms. PMID:28956818

"Control-alt-delete": rebooting solutions for the E-waste problem.

PubMed

Li, Jinhui; Zeng, Xianlai; Chen, Mengjun; Ogunseitan, Oladele A; Stevels, Ab

2015-06-16

A number of efforts have been launched to solve the global electronic waste (e-waste) problem. The efficiency of e-waste recycling is subject to variable national legislation, technical capacity, consumer participation, and even detoxification. E-waste management activities result in procedural irregularities and risk disparities across national boundaries. We review these variables to reveal opportunities for research and policy to reduce the risks from accumulating e-waste and ineffective recycling. Full regulation and consumer participation should be controlled and reinforced to improve local e-waste system. Aiming at standardizing best practice, we alter and identify modular recycling process and infrastructure in eco-industrial parks that will be expectantly effective in countries and regions to handle the similar e-waste stream. Toxicity can be deleted through material substitution and detoxification during the life cycle of electronics. Based on the idea of "Control-Alt-Delete", four patterns of the way forward for global e-waste recycling are proposed to meet a variety of local situations.

Perspectives on English Education in the Japanese Public School System: The Views of Foreign Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amaki, Yuki

2008-01-01

Public school students in Japan must take English as a required subject for three years in junior high school and for three more years in senior high school. In spite of the amount of classroom time invested, and in spite of the available learning support services, the foreign Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) system included, the English…

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

Shim, Ki Shuk; Department of Neonatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna; Rosner, Margit

Bach1 and Bach2 are evolutionarily related members of the BTB-basic region leucine zipper transcription factor family. We found that Bach2 downregulates cell proliferation of N1E-115 cells and negatively affects their potential to differentiate. Nuclear localization of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 is known to arrest cell cycle progression, and cytoplasmic p21 has been shown to promote neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 cells. We found that ectopic Bach2 causes upregulation of p21 expression in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm in undifferentiated N1E-115 cells. In differentiated cells, Bach2 specifically triggers upregulation of cytoplasmic p21. Our data suggest that Bach2 expression could representmore » a switch during the process of neuronal differentiation. Bach2 is not expressed in neuronal precursor cells. It would have negative effects on proliferation and differentiation of these cells. In differentiated neuronal cells Bach2 expression is upregulated, which could allow Bach2 to function as a gatekeeper of the differentiated status.« less

Frederick W. Alt received the 2015 Szent-Györgi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research.

PubMed

Scully, Peter; Zhao, Jie; Ba, Sujuan

2016-02-03

The Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research is a prestigious scientific award established by the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR)--a leading cancer research charitable organization in the United States that is committed to supporting scientific research and public education relating to the prevention, early diagnosis, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure for cancer. Each year, the Szent-Györgyi Prize honors an outstanding researcher, nominated by colleagues or peers, who has contributed outstanding, significant research to the fight against cancer, and whose accomplishments have helped improve treatment options for cancer patients. The Prize also promotes public awareness of the importance of basic cancer research and encourages the sustained investment needed to accelerate the translation of these research discoveries into new cancer treatments. This report highlights the pioneering work led by the 2015 Prize winner, Dr. Frederick Alt. Dr. Alt's work in the area of cancer genetics over four decades has helped to shape the very roots of modern cancer research. His work continues to profoundly impact the approaches that doctors around the globe use to diagnose and treat cancer. In particular, his seminal discoveries of gene amplification and his pioneering work on molecular mechanisms of DNA damage repair have helped to usher in the era of genetically targeted therapy and personalized medicine.

Comparison Study II: Double Star Measurements Made Using an Equatorial Mounted Refractor and an Alt-Az Mounted Reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frey, Thomas G.; Coombs, Lee C.

2012-07-01

Eight double stars with separations between 13 and 48 arc seconds were studied. Their separations and position angles were measured using an equatorial mounted refractor and and alt-az mounted reflector. A 2x Barlow lens was used along with a Celestron Micro Guide eyepiece to magnify the separation. Comparison of the possible effect of magnitude difference on the separation and position angle measurements was investigated.

Intrachain versus interchain electron transport in poly(fluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole): a quantum-chemical insight.

PubMed

Van Vooren, Antoine; Kim, Ji-Seon; Cornil, Jérôme

2008-05-16

Poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) [F8BT], displays very different charge-transport properties for holes versus electrons when comparing annealed and pristine thin films and transport parallel (intrachain) and perpendicular (interchain) to the polymer axes. The present theoretical contribution focuses on the electron-transport properties of F8BT chains and compares the efficiency of intrachain versus interchain transport in the hopping regime. The theoretical results rationalize significantly lowered electron mobility in annealed F8BT thin films and the smaller mobility anisotropy (mu( parallel)/mu( perpendicular)) measured for electrons in aligned films (i.e. 5-7 compared to 10-15 for holes).

Effect of Segregation of Secondary Phase Particles and "S" Line on Tensile Fracture Behavior of Friction Stir-Welded 2024Al-T351 Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Xiao, B. L.; Ma, Z. Y.

2013-09-01

A 5-mm-thick 2024Al-T351 plate was friction stir welded (FSWed) at welding speeds of 100, 200, and 400 mm min-1 with a constant rotation rate of 800 rpm, and the microstructure and tensile fracture behavior of the joints were investigated in detail. FSW resulted in the redistribution of secondary phase particles along the recrystallized grain boundaries at the nugget zone (NZ), forming linear segregation bands consisting of secondary phase particles. The segregation bands, mainly present in the shoulder-driven zone, were believed to result from periodic material flow, with the average band spacing on the longitudinal and horizontal cross sections equal to the tool advancement per revolution. At a low welding speed of 100 mm min-1, in spite of the highest density of segregation bands, the FSWed 2024Al-T351 joint fractured along the low hardness zone (LHZ) of the heat-affected zone because of large hardness gap between NZ and LHZ. Increasing the welding speed to 200 and 400 mm min-1 reduced both the hardness gap between NZ and LHZ and the density of segregation bands. In this case, the segregation bands played a role, resulting in unusual fracture of the joints along the segregation bands. The "S" line originated from the oxide film on the initial butting surfaces and did not affect the fracture behavior of the FSWed 2024Al-T351 joints.

Epigenetic silencing of BTB and CNC homology 2 and concerted promoter CpG methylation in gastric cancer.

PubMed

Haam, Keeok; Kim, Hee-Jin; Lee, Kyung-Tae; Kim, Jeong-Hwan; Kim, Mirang; Kim, Seon-Young; Noh, Seung-Moo; Song, Kyu-Sang; Kim, Yong Sung

2014-09-01

BTB and CNC homology 2 (BACH2) is a lymphoid-specific transcription factor with a prominent role in B-cell development. Genetic polymorphisms within a single locus encoding BACH2 are associated with various autoimmune diseases and allergies. In this study, restriction landmark genomic scanning revealed methylation at a NotI site in a CpG island covering the BACH2 promoter in gastric cancer cell lines and primary gastric tumors. Increased methylation of the BACH2 promoter was observed in 52% (43/83) of primary gastric tumors, and BACH2 hypermethylation was significantly associated with decreased gene expression. Treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and/or trichostatin. A restored BACH2 expression in BACH2-silenced gastric cancer cell lines, and knockdown of BACH2 using short hairpin RNA (i.e. RNA interference) increased cell proliferation in gastric cancer cells. Clinicopathologic data showed that decreased BACH2 expression occurred significantly more frequently in intestinal-type (27/44, 61%) compared with diffuse-type (13/50, 26%) gastric cancers (P<0.001). Furthermore, BACH2 promoter methylation paralleled that of previously identified targets, such as LRRC3B, LIMS2, PRKD1 and POPDC3, in a given set of gastric tumors. We propose that concerted methylation in many promoters plays a role in accelerating gastric tumor formation and that methylated promoter loci may be targets for therapeutic treatment, such as the recently introduced technique of epigenetic editing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Annealing improves tribological property of poly(octadecene- alt -maleic anhydride) self-assembled film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Shiyong; Liu, Lei; Zhang, Junyan

2011-09-01

A poly(octadecene-alt-maleic anhydride) (POMA) film was covalently immobilized on N-[3-(trimethoxylsilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine self-assembled monolayer modified silicon surface. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra were used to confirm the chemical bonding. Water contact angles and ellipsometric thicknesses were measured before and after annealing treatment. Atomic force microscopy was applied for top morphology, surface adhesion force and friction force. Anti-wear properties of the films were also evaluated on a ball-on-plate tribometer. It was found that annealing treatment which would evoke a conformation transform thermodynamically, was a critical step in the preparation of anti-wear films, especially for polymer ones. The correlation between structure and tribological property was revealed, which has profound meaning in designing excellent anti-wear nano-coatings used in microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS).

Wolfgang Bargmann (1906-1978) and Heinrich von Hayek (1900-1969): careers in anatomy continuing through German National Socialism to postwar leadership.

PubMed

Hildebrandt, Sabine

2013-07-01

None of the existing studies on the history of anatomy in National Socialism (NS) has yet explored the careers of those younger anatomists, whose professional development continued through NS times and who attained prominence in postwar German and Austrian anatomy. As they became modern anatomists' teachers and role models, the revelation that men like Wolfgang Bargmann and Heinrich von Hayek had used bodies of the executed for research in their early careers has recently led to some consternation. This study contributes to the analysis of the moral challenges inherent to a science that relies on work with "material" from human bodies and its interaction with its political environment. The results reveal that Bargmann and Hayek behaved like most other anatomists at the time, in that they used bodies of the executed for research and in that they joined the NS party or other NS political groups. As ambitious and successful young anatomists they may have felt that an early joining of NS affiliations was inevitable for the advancement of their careers. They and most of their colleagues became in some measure complicit with the NS regime. The complicated biographical realities of such luminous postwar figures as Bargmann and Hayek should lead modern anatomists to the questioning of their own ethical and political decisions in politically less demanding times. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Melting experiments and field work on Komorní Hùrka volcano, Bohemia, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horn, Susanne; Kreher-Hartmann, Birgit; Heide, K.

2001-09-01

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), eminent author, was also state minister and scientist as well as experimentalist in geology. Together with Döbereiner, a chemist in Jena during that time, he carried out melting experiments in porcelain and pottery kilns with rocks and minerals from the volcanic and pseudo-volcanic edifices in NW Bohemia. These experiments were to prove Goethe's theory, that remelting of an archetype rock would result in volcanic and pseudo-volcanic rocks. Especially the formation of the Komorní Hùrka (Kammerberg) volcano in NW Bohemia attracted Goethe during all his life. He visited this location 19 times in 1808, 1820 and 1822 and made very exact field observations. But the interpretation of these observations varied between volcanistic and neptunistic. In order to find arguments, he examined the effect of fire on rocks and minerals using porcelain and pottery kilns. The experiments did not provide the expected results and thus failed to explain the formation of Komorní Hùrka. During Goethe's geognostic work, including the "pyro-technical" experiments, the neptunism-volcanism-controversy about the formation of basalt raged in Europe, and, more general, about rock formation: neptunism-plutonism. Especially the effect of heat on rocks and minerals, i.e. the phenomenology of fire, played an important role in that discussion. Goethe swayed during his lifetime between neptunism and volcanism. He did not fully accept plutonism because he believed, that processes of nature are generally non-violent and that volcanic eruptions and other catastrophic phenomena are the exception rather than the rule. Therefore he tended to neptunistic ideas. In Goethe's notes there are many indications of this conflict. In contrast, the melting experiments are mentioned only few times. It was, however, possible to establish a picture of his experimental work and his fundamental concepts and ideas.

Frequent downregulation of BTB and CNC homology 2 expression in Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Noujima-Harada, Mai; Takata, Katsuyoshi; Miyata-Takata, Tomoko; Sakurai, Hiroaki; Igarashi, Kazuhiko; Ito, Etsuro; Nagakita, Keina; Taniguchi, Kohei; Ohnishi, Nobuhiko; Omote, Shizuma; Tabata, Tetsuya; Sato, Yasuharu; Yoshino, Tadashi

2017-05-01

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common B-cell lymphoma subtype, and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive subtype of DLBCL is known to show a more aggressive clinical behavior than the EBV-negative one. BTB and CNC homology 2 (BACH2) has been highlighted as a tumor suppressor in hematopoietic malignancies; however, the role of BACH2 in EBV-positive DLBCL is unclear. In the present study, BACH2 expression and its significance were studied in 23 EBV-positive and 43 EBV-negative patient samples. Immunohistochemistry revealed BACH2 downregulation in EBV-positive cases (P < 0.0001), although biallelic deletion of BACH2 was not detected by FISH. Next, we analyzed the contribution of BACH2 negativity to aggressiveness in EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas using FL-18 (EBV-negative) and FL-18-EB cells (FL-18 sister cell line, EBV-positive). In BACH2-transfected FL-18-EB cells, downregulation of phosphorylated transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (pTAK1) and suppression in p65 nuclear fractions were observed by Western blot analysis contrary to non-transfected FL-18-EB cells. In patient samples, pTAK1 expression and significant nuclear p65, p50, and p52 localization were detected immunohistochemically in BACH2-negative DLBCL (P < 0.0001, P = 0.006, and P = 0.001, respectively), suggesting that BACH2 downregulation contributes to constitutive activation of the nuclear factor-κB pathway through TAK1 phosphorylation in BACH2-negative DLBCL (most EBV-positive cases). Although further molecular and pathological studies are warranted to clarify the detailed mechanisms, downregulation of BACH2 may contribute to constitutive activation of the nuclear factor-κB pathway through TAK1 activation. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

Prevalence and Psychosocial Correlates of Symptoms Suggestive of Painful Bladder Syndrome: Results from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey

PubMed Central

Link, Carol L.; Pulliam, Samantha J.; Hanno, Philip M.; Hall, Susan A.; Eggers, Paul W.; Kusek, John W.; McKinlay, John B.

2009-01-01

Purpose The objective is to estimate the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) defined as pain increasing as the bladder fills and/or pain relieved by urination for at least three months and its association with socio-demographics (gender, age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity) and psychosocial variables (sexual, physical, emotional abuse experienced as a child or as an adult, worry, trouble paying for basics, depression). Materials and Methods The data used come from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) survey, an epidemiologic study of 5506 randomly selected adults aged 30-79 of three race/ethnic groups (Black, Hispanic, White). Results The overall prevalence of symptoms suggestive of PBS is two percent (1.3% in men and 2.6% in women) with increased prevalence in middle aged adults and those of lower socioeconomic status. Symptoms suggestive of PBS are more common in those who have experienced abuse, in those who are worried about someone close to them, and in those who are having trouble paying for basics. This pattern holds even after adjusting for depression. Conclusions PBS is associated with a number of lifestyle and psychosocial correlates. This suggests that the management of patients with PBS (physical symptoms) may benefit from a multi-faceted approach of combining medical and psychological, and cognitive treatment. PMID:18554658

Genetic and Functional Studies of Genes That Regulate DNA-Damage-Induced Cell Death

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

SiRNA-resistant (silent) mutants of wild-type BACH1 and BACH1 BRCT-binding mutants (T989A, S990A , or F993A) were created by substituting four...induced G2/M checkpoint assay. First, we constructed Thr989-to-Ala (T989A), Ser990-to-Ala ( S990A ), or Phe993-to-Ala mutants of BACH1. BACH1 siRNA...expressed in HeLa cells. However, only wild-type BACH1 and the T989A mutant, but not the S990A or F993A mutant, were associated with BRCA1 (Fig. 3A

In vitro evaluation of the antibiotic lock technique (ALT) for the treatment of catheter-related infections caused by staphylococci.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Young; Ko, Kwan Soo; Peck, Kyong Ran; Oh, Won Sup; Song, Jae-Hoon

2006-06-01

To investigate appropriate antimicrobial agents, the optimal concentration and treatment duration for the antibiotic lock technique (ALT) to treat catheter-related infections caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. We evaluated the bacterial killing activity of vancomycin, teicoplanin, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin, cefazolin, gentamicin, nafcillin and erythromycin against biofilms formed by two strains of S. aureus and two strains of S. epidermidis. The effectiveness of the antibiotic lock was assayed after exposure to antibiotics (1, 5 and 10 mg/mL) for 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 or 14 days using an in vitro model of biofilms on polyurethane film. The biofilms were completely sterile after exposure to vancomycin (5 mg/mL) for 5 days and teicoplanin (5 and 10 mg/mL) for 7 days. Ciprofloxacin and rifampicin (both 5 mg/mL) achieved eradication of the biofilms of both staphylococcal species more rapidly than vancomycin or teicoplanin. Significant biofilm eradication was not achieved with cefazolin, nafcillin, gentamicin and erythromycin at any of the time exposures examined. The data suggest that 5 mg/mL vancomycin, ciprofloxacin or rifampicin can eradicate S. epidermidis and S. aureus biofilms within 5 days. These findings warrant prospective clinical trials for the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of ALT for less than 10 days.

[The influence of music on pictorial expression of young women--a comparative study of different music styles].

PubMed

Schiltz, L; Maugendre, M; Brytek-Matera, A

2010-01-01

Questing one's personal identity and developing a coherent representation of oneself, the other and the world are major tasks in adolescence. Research showed that a satisfactory resolution of the crisis of adolescence can be favoured by psychological counselling based on artistic mediations. The objective of this study consisted in exploring the effect of music on the pictorial expression of a non clinical sample of female adolescents (N=157) aged from 17 to 28 years. We analysed free drawings realised by the test group with the help of a rating scale constructed in a phenomenological and structural perspective (Schiltz, 2006). The adolescents painted under musical induction. We proposed three different styles of music, i.e. baroque music (Georg Friedrich Händel and Johann Sebastian Bach), classical music (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven) and polish ethnical music (Kapela ze Wsi Warszawa-Warsaw Village Band). By using non parametric inferential and multi dimensional statistics, we could show that structural characteristics of music styles lead to differences in formal and content variables on the rating scales for the pictures. The results of our exploratory study open some tracks for future research. It would be pertinent to enlarge the population to other categories of age and to investigate the influence of gender.

Cueing musical emotions: An empirical analysis of 24-piece sets by Bach and Chopin documents parallels with emotional speech.

PubMed

Poon, Matthew; Schutz, Michael

2015-01-01

Acoustic cues such as pitch height and timing are effective at communicating emotion in both music and speech. Numerous experiments altering musical passages have shown that higher and faster melodies generally sound "happier" than lower and slower melodies, findings consistent with corpus analyses of emotional speech. However, equivalent corpus analyses of complex time-varying cues in music are less common, due in part to the challenges of assembling an appropriate corpus. Here, we describe a novel, score-based exploration of the use of pitch height and timing in a set of "balanced" major and minor key compositions. Our analysis included all 24 Preludes and 24 Fugues from Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier (book 1), as well as all 24 of Chopin's Preludes for piano. These three sets are balanced with respect to both modality (major/minor) and key chroma ("A," "B," "C," etc.). Consistent with predictions derived from speech, we found major-key (nominally "happy") pieces to be two semitones higher in pitch height and 29% faster than minor-key (nominally "sad") pieces. This demonstrates that our balanced corpus of major and minor key pieces uses low-level acoustic cues for emotion in a manner consistent with speech. A series of post hoc analyses illustrate interesting trade-offs, with sets featuring greater emphasis on timing distinctions between modalities exhibiting the least pitch distinction, and vice-versa. We discuss these findings in the broader context of speech-music research, as well as recent scholarship exploring the historical evolution of cue use in Western music.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of poly [LA-co-(Glc-alt-Lys)] for nerve regeneration scaffold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Yi-Xia; Yi, Ji-Ling; Xie, Li-Juan; Yan, Qiong-Jiao; Dai, Hong-Lian; Li, Shi-Pu

2014-03-01

A novel nerve repairing material poly [LA-co-(Glc-alt-Lys)] (PLGL) was synthesized. The viability and growth of Schwann cells (SCs) co-cultured with poly (D, Llactic acid) (PDLLA) films (control group) and PLGL films were evaluated by MTTassay and SEM observation. Then, contact angle measurement, histological assessment and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing on inflammatory-related cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β1 were performed. The results showed that, compared with PDLLA, PLGL films possesses better hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, degradation property and less inflammatory reaction. The present study indicated that PLGL scaffolds would meet the requirements of artificial nerve scaffold and have a potential application in the fields of nerve regeneration.

Contemporary suspended sediment yield of a partly glaciated catchment, Riffler Bach (Tyrol, Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Martin; Baewert, Henning; Morche, David

2015-04-01

Due to glacier retreat since the LIA (Little Ice Age) proglacial areas in high mountain landscapes are growing. These systems are characterized by a high geomorphological activity, especially in the fluvial subsystem. Despite the long tradition of geomorphological research in the European Alps there is a still a lack of understanding in the interactions between hydrology, sediment sources, sediments sinks and suspended sediment transport. As emphasized by ORWIN ET AL. (2010) those problems can be solved by gathering data in a higher frequency and/or in a higher spatial resolution or density - both leading to a big amount of data. In 2012 a gauging station was installed at the outlet of the partly glaciated catchment of the Riffler Bach (Kaunertal valley, Tyrol). During the ablation seasons in 2012 and 2013 water stage was logged automatically every 15 minutes. In both seasons discharge was measured at different water levels to calculate a stage-discharge relation. Additionally, water samples were taken by an automatic water sampler. Within 16 sampling cycles with sampling frequencies ranging from 1 to 24 hours 389 water samples have been collected. The samples were filtered to calculate the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) of each sample. Furthermore, the climate station Weißsee provided meteorological data at a 15 minute interval. Due to the high variability in suspended sediment transport in proglacial rivers it is impossible to compute a robust annual Q-SSC-relation. Hence, two other approaches were used to calculate the suspended sediment load (SSL) and the suspended sediment yield (SSY): A) Q-SSC-relations for every single sampling cycle (e.g. GEILHAUSEN ET AL. 2013) B) Q-SSC-relations based on classification of dominant runoff-generating processes (e.g. ORWIN AND SMART 2004). The first approach uses commonly operated analysis methods that are well understood. While the hydro-climatic approach is more feasible to explain discharge generation and to

Acoustic/Seismic Ground Sensors for Detection, Localization and Classification on the Battlefield

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

controlled so that collisions are avoided. Figure 1 presents BACH system components. 3 BACH Sensor Posts (1 to 8) Command Post BACH MMI PC VHF...2.2.4 Processing scheme Processing inside SP is dedicated to stationary spectral lines extraction and derives from ASW algorithms. Special attention...is similar to that used for helicopters (see figure 4), with adaptations to cope with vehicles signatures (fuzzy unstable spectral lines, abrupt

NTIAC Handbook. Revision/Supplement Number 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

Engi- neering, Ceramics Bldg., 22-17, 2-Chrome, Hyakunincho, Shinjiku-ku, Tokyo, Japan NTIAC-023416 4 Yamanouchi, Kazuhiko; Sachse, Wolfgang "Shear...tional Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC 20234 NTIAC-022425M Sachse, Wolfgang ; Pao, Yih-Hsing "Ultrasonic Nondestructive Testing of Materials...burg, MD, NBS SP 596, 395-406; National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC 29234 Pao, Yih-Hsing; Sachse, Wolfgang "Ultrasonic Nondestructive Testing of

Carl Jung's interpretation of Wolfgang Pauli's dreams: The Bailey Island, Maine, and New York City seminars of 1936 and 1937

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Richard Paul

This dissertation reviewed the development of Jung's dream theory and addresses the question as to whether or not Jung was influenced by the dreams of the Nobel Prize winning physicist, Wolfgang Pauli. Jung provided an extensive analysis of Pauli's dreams, which are contained in the lightly edited, unpublished transcripts of lectures delivered in 1936 and 1937. An archival and hermeneutic analysis of the texts reveals a staged process of individuation that Jung related to in many ways because of the parallels to his own personal journey toward individuation. A chronological history of the development of Jung's dream theory is presented, followed by a picture of the relationship between Jung and Pauli. Thereafter, a detailed summary of the seminar transcripts, one given on Bailey Island, Maine, and the other in New York City the following year, is offered with hermeneutic commentary. An analysis of the seminars found that Pauli's dreams did, in part, support Jung's theory. Specifically, while Jung was unable to meet the scientific demands for clear empirical evidence of his dream theory, he did offer his professional and non-professional audiences with a slightly less rigorous example of his dream theory in action, demonstrating that the process shared similarities across peoples, time, and cultures. Additionally, in Pauli he found a superior mind that had gone through the process of individuation in accordance with his theory and his own experience. During the course of research, reference to a document was found in the correspondence in the Jungian Archives in Zurich. This document entitled, "FAREWELL SPEECH, Given by Dr. C. G. Jung on the Occasion of a Dinner Given in His Honor by the Analytical Psychology Club of New York City October 26, 1937" and other related documents were subsequently uncovered in the sub-basement of the Kristine Mann Library in New York City. A synopsis of the discovery and description of the papers contained in the file are discussed in

Air motions inside dome room of Big Telescope Alt-azimuth at Special Astrophysical Observatory RAS. Numerical solutions of Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nosov, V. V.; Lukin, V. P.; Nosov, E. V.; Torgaev, A. V.

2017-11-01

The structure of air turbulent motion inside the closed dome room of Big Telescope Alt-azimuth at Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) has been experimentally and theoretically studied. Theoretical results have been reached by numerical solving of boundary value problem for Navier-Stokes equations. Solitary large vortices (coherent structures, topological solitons) are observed indoors. Coherent breakdown of these vortices leads to the coherent turbulence. In the case of identical boundary conditions the pattern of air motions as a result of the simulation and the pattern, registered experimentally using the compact portable ultrasonic weather station, are practically the same.

JPRS Report, Nuclear Developments, FRG: Nukem/Transnuklear Developments

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-14

supervisory and licensing authority in Wiesbaden and the managing director of the fuel element manufacturer, Alexander Warrikoff and Wolfgang Stoll...administration, and in the years 1940 to 1945 established a nuclear-technical center at Degussa in Hanau- Wolfgang . Perhaps they had a second "wonder...February 1972 it was recorded as "Alpha-Chemie-Metallurgie GmbH" in the Hanau commercial register; its managing director was Wolfgang Stoll. Alkem had

Men and IC

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

Hunner's Ulcers

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

Interstitial Cystitis and Diet

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

IC Associated Conditions

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

Bladder Retraining

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

IC Treatment: Surgical Procedures

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

General IC Symptoms

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

IC: Frequently Asked Questions

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

Children and IC

MedlinePlus

... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ... Epidemiology (RICE) Study Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey ICA Pilot Research Program Funding Opportunities Clinical Trial ...

Energy Level Tuning of Poly(phenylene-alt-dithienobenzothiadiazole)s for Low Photon Energy Loss Solar Cells.

PubMed

Heuvel, Ruurd; van Franeker, Jacobus J; Janssen, René A J

2017-03-01

Six poly(phenylene- alt -dithienobenzothiadiazole)-based polymers have been synthesized for application in polymer-fullerene solar cells. Hydrogen, fluorine, or nitrile substitution on benzo-thiadiazole and alkoxy or ester substitution on the phenylene moiety are investigated to reduce the energy loss per converted photon. Power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up to 6.6% have been obtained. The best performance is found for the polymer-fullerene combination with distinct phase separation and crystalline domains. This improves the maximum external quantum efficiency for charge formation and collection to 66%. The resulting higher photocurrent compensates for the relatively large energy loss per photon ( E loss = 0.97 eV) in achieving a high PCE. By contrast, the poly-mer that provides a reduced energy loss ( E loss = 0.49 eV) gives a lower photocurrent and a reduced PCE of 1.8% because the external quantum efficiency of 17% is limited by a suboptimal morphology and a reduced driving force for charge transfer.

Solvent effect on post-irradiation grafting of styrene onto poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Napoleão Geraldes, Adriana; Augusto Zen, Heloísa; Ribeiro, Geise; Fernandes Parra, Duclerc; Benévolo Lugão, Ademar

2013-03-01

Radiation-induced grafting of styrene onto ETFE films in different solvent was investigated after simultaneous irradiation (in post-irradiation condition) using a 60Co source. Grafting of styrene followed by sulfonation onto poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) are currently studied for synthesis of ion exchange membranes. The ETFE films were immersed in styrene/toluene, styrene/methanol and styrene/isopropyl alcohol and irradiated at 20 and 100 kGy doses at room temperature. The post-irradiation time was established at 14 day and the grafting degree was evaluated. The grafted films were sulfonated using chlorosulfonic acid and 1,2-dichloroethane 20:80 (v/v) at room temperature for 5 h. The degree of grafting (DOG) was determined gravimetrically and physical or chemical changes were evaluated by differential scanning calorimeter analysis (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ion exchange capacity (IEC) values showed the best performance of sulfonation for ETFE membranes grafted in toluene solvent. Surface images of the grafted films by SEM technique have presented a strong effect of the solvents on the films morphology.

Association of C-Reactive Protein and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men and Women. Results from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey

PubMed Central

Kupelian, Varant; McVary, Kevin T.; Barry, Michael J.; Link, Carol L.; Rosen, Raymond C.; Aiyer, Lalitha Padmanabhan; Mollon, Patrick; McKinlay, John B.

2012-01-01

Objectives The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine whether there is an association between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as assessed by the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) among both men and women, 2) to determine the association of CRP levels with individual urologic symptoms comprising the AUA-SI among both men and women. Methods The Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey used a multistage stratified design to recruit a random sample of 5,502 adults age 30–79. Blood samples were obtained on 3,752 participants. Analyses were conducted on 1,898 men and 1,854 women with complete data on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. Overall LUTS was defined as an AUA-SI≥8 (moderate to severe LUTS). Urologic symptoms comprising the AUA-SI were included in the analysis as reports of fairly often to almost always vs. non/rarely/a few times. Results A statistically significant association was observed between CRP levels and overall LUTS among both men and women. The pattern of associations between individual symptoms and CRP levels varied by gender. Nocturia and straining were associated with higher CRP levels among men, while incomplete emptying and weak stream were associated with higher CRP levels among women. Conclusions This study demonstrates an association between CRP levels and LUTS in both men and women. The dose-response relationship between increased CRP levels and increased odds of LUTS supports the hypothesized role of inflammatory processes in the etiology of LUTS. PMID:19394490

Synthesis of Cis, syndiotactic A -alt-B Copolymers from Two Enantiomerically Pure Trans -2,3-Disubstituted-5,6-Norbornenes

DOE PAGES

Jang, Eun Sil; John, Jeremy M.; Schrock, Richard R.

2016-09-06

Cis,syndiotactic A-alt-B copolymers, where A and B are two enantiomerically pure trans-2,3-disubstituted-5,6-norbornenes with “opposite” chiralities, can be prepared with stereogenic-at-metal initiators of the type M(NR)(CHR')(OR”)(pyrrolide). Formation of a high percentage of alternating AB copolymer linkages relies on an inversion of chirality at the metal with each propagating step and a relatively fast formation of an AB sequence as a consequence of a preferred diastereomeric relationship between the chirality at the metal and the chirality of the monomer. Finally, this approach to formation of an alternating AB copolymer contrasts dramatically with the principle of forming AB copolymers from achiral monomers andmore » catalysts.« less

["I am rather satisfied with this interpretation of my dreams." -- real-life and work-related encounters between psychiatrist Johann Christian August Heinroth and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe].

PubMed

Schmideler, S; Steinberg, H

2004-09-01

Apart from being a major pioneer of modern psychiatry, Johann Christian August Heinroth (1773 - 1843) is foremost famous as the first academic teacher, professor of this subject at Leipzig University. Despite his theoretical concepts being thoroughly investigated by medical historians, the fact that his scientific work also brought him in contact with Weimar poet and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832) has up to now not been acknowledged. This paper analyses for the first time the manifold points of contact between the two geniuses. Starting off with a retrospective on Goethe's relationship towards psychiatry in his day, this paper investigates the mutual interconnections and influences between the two. This is achieved by an analysis of yet unknown primary sources as well as Goethe's literary and scientific works. A main emphasis is also placed on Heinroth's Textbook of Anthropology of 1822 in which the psychiatrist laid out his understanding of 'relational thinking' (gegenständliches Denken), a key concept for both. This theory developed from Heinroth's dealing with Goethe's concept of "anschauung" and was to gain major importance not only for his way of gaining knowledge in general but also for his psychiatric concept. Goethe's influence on Heinroth is particularly revealed in the latter's holistic views on mental illnesses. Heinroth's visit to Goethe on 15 September 1827 can be earmarked as a sign of their mutual esteem.

The Contribution of Biogeographic Ancestry and Socioeconomic Status to Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Type 2 Diabetes: Results from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey

PubMed Central

Piccolo, Rebecca S.; Pearce, Neil; Araujo, Andre B.; McKinlay, John B.

2014-01-01

Purpose Racial/ethnic disparities in the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are well documented and many researchers have proposed that biogeographical ancestry (BGA) may play a role in these disparities. However, studies examining the role of BGA on T2DM have produced mixed results to date. Therefore, the objective of this research is to quantify the contribution of BGA to racial/ethnic disparities in T2DM incidence controlling for the mediating influences of socioeconomic factors. Methods We analyzed data from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey, a prospective cohort with approximately equal numbers of Black, Hispanic, and White participants. We used Ancestry Informative Markers to calculate the percentages of West African and Native American ancestry of participants. We used logistic regression with g-computation to analyze the contribution of BGA and socioeconomic factors to racial/ethnic disparities in T2DM incidence. Results We found that socioeconomic factors accounted for 44.7% of the total effect of T2DM attributed to Black race and 54.9% of the effect attributed to Hispanic ethnicity. We found that BGA had almost no direct association with T2DM and was almost entirely mediated by self-identified race/ethnicity and socioeconomic factors. Conclusions It is likely that non-genetic factors, specifically socioeconomic factors, account for much of the reported racial/ethnic disparities in T2DM incidence. PMID:25088753

The Quest for Relevant Air Power: Continental European Responses to the Air Power Challenges of the Post-Cold War Era

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

Air Power Centre]), Col (GS) Thomas Lorber, FüAk (Führungsakademie); Lt Col Dr. Wolfgang Schmidt, Military- Historical Research Office, Potsdam; Lt Gen...Col (GS) Dr. Michael Wolfgang Romba, Col (GS) Hans-Dieter Schön and his staff, Col (GS) Lothar Schmidt, and Lt Col (GS) Michael Trautermann. In the...Multinational Air Wing (DMAW) Project,” accessed 2 March 2007, http://www.euroairgroup.org/act_DMAW.htm. 75. Wolfgang Lange, “Lufttransport—Ansätze

Federal Republic of Germany, A Country Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-01

pride. The works of Martin Luther, Immanuel Kant, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Albert Einstein may...alliance between the Old Army and the republic and provided impetus for political radicalization. Wolfgang Kapp’s right-wing coup was aborted by the...the republic’s name evoked memories of Weimar’s native son and German literary giant, Johann Wolfgang von Goe- the, and of the nation’s humanistic

Strategic Applications of Ultra-Cold Atoms

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-07

journals or in conference proceedings (N/A for none) 68.00Number of Papers published in peer-reviewed journals: Wolfgang Ketterle: New Frontiers with...Helmerson, V.S. Bagnato (American Institute of Physics, 2005) pp. 25-29. Wolfgang Ketterle: The Bose-Einstein Condensate- a Superfluid Gas of Coherent Atoms...Vuletic 0.10 No Wolfgang Ketterle 0.10 Yes David Pritchard 0.10 Yes Mara Prentiss 0.10 No 0.80FTE Equivalent: 8Total Number: Names of Under

A monotopic aluminum telluride with an Al=Te double bond stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes

PubMed Central

Franz, Daniel; Szilvási, Tibor; Irran, Elisabeth; Inoue, Shigeyoshi

2015-01-01

Aluminum chalcogenides are mostly encountered in the form of bulk aluminum oxides that are structurally diverse but typically consist of networks with high lattice energy in which the chalcogen atoms bridge the metal centres. This makes their molecular congeners difficult to synthesize because of a pronounced tendency for oligomerization. Here we describe the isolation of the monotopic aluminum chalcogenide (LDipN)AlTe(LEt)2 (LDip=1,3-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazolin-2-imine, LEt=1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene). Unique features of (LDipN)AlTe(LEt)2 are the terminal position of the tellurium atom, the shortest aluminum–tellurium distance hitherto reported for a molecular complex and the highest bond order reported for an interaction between these elements, to the best of our knowledge. At elevated temperature (LDipN)AlTe(LEt)2 equilibrates with dimeric {(LDipN)AlTe(LEt)}2 in which the chalcogen atoms assume their common role as bridges between the metal centres. These findings demonstrate that (LDipN)AlTe(LEt)2 comprises the elusive Al=Te double bond in the form of an N-heterocyclic carbene-stabilized species. PMID:26612781

Separator Membrane from Crosslinked Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and Poly(Methyl Vinyl Ether-alt-Maleic Anhydride)

PubMed Central

Rohatgi, Charu Vashisth; Dutta, Naba K.; Choudhury, Namita Roy

2015-01-01

In this work, we report separator membranes from crosslinking of two polymers, such as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) with an ionic polymer poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) (PMVE-MA). Such interpolymer-networked systems were extensively used for biomedical and desalination applications but they were not examined for their potential use as membranes or separators for batteries. Therefore, the chemical interactions between these two polymers and the influence of such crosslinking on physicochemical properties of the membrane are systematically investigated through rheology and by critical gel point study. The hydrogen bonding and the chemical interaction between PMVE-MA and PVA resulted in highly cross-linked membranes. Effect of the molecular weight of PVA on the membrane properties was also examined. The developed membranes were extensively characterized by studying their physicochemical properties (water uptake, swelling ratio, and conductivity), thermal and electrochemical properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The DSC study shows the presence of a single Tg in the membranes indicating compatibility of the two polymers in flexible and transparent films. The membranes show good stability and ion conductivity suitable for separator applications. PMID:28347019

[Value of non-invasive models of liver fibrosis in judgment of treatment timing in chronic hepatitis B patients with ALT < 2×upper limit of normal].

PubMed

Zhou, Q Q; Hu, Y B; Zhou, K; Zhang, W W; Li, M H; Dong, P; Di, J G; Hong, L; Du, Q W; Xie, Y; Sun, Q F

2016-09-20

Objective: To investigate the value of non-invasive liver fibrosis models, FIB-4, S index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index(APRI), globulin-platelet(GP)model, aspartate aminotransferase/platelet/gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase/alpha-fetoprotein(APGA), and platelet/age/phosphatase/alpha-fetoprotein/aspartate aminotransferase(PAPAS), in the diagnosis of marked liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients with ALT < 2×upper limit of normal(ULN), as well as treatment timing for this population. Methods: A total of 389 CHB patients with ALT < 2×ULN who were admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital and whose treatment timing was difficult to judge were enrolled. Transdermal liver biopsy was performed to obtain pathological results, and routine serological tests were performed, including routine blood test, serum biochemical parameters, hepatitis B virus(HBV)markers, and HBV DNA. According to liver pathology, the patients were divided into non-marked liver fibrosis group(S < 2)with 324 patients and marked liver fibrosis group(S≥2)with 65 patients. The non-invasive models for predicting liver fibrosis was established with reference to original articles. SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to compare the value of different non-invasive models in predicting marked liver fibrosis in this population. Results: All the non-invasive models had a certain diagnostic value for liver fibrosis degree in these patients, and the areas under the ROC curve for APRI, FIB-4, APGA, S index, PAPAS, and GP model were 0.718, 0.691, 0.758, 0.729, 0.673, and 0.691, respectively. APGA had the largest area under the ROC curve(0.758, 95% CI 0.673-0.844), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was significantly positively correlated with liver fibrosis degree. Conclusion: The non-invasive models of liver fibrosis can identify marked liver fibrosis in CHB patients with ALT < 2×ULN in whom it is difficult to

Lung cancer risk prediction to select smokers for screening CT--a model based on the Italian COSMOS trial.

PubMed

Maisonneuve, Patrick; Bagnardi, Vincenzo; Bellomi, Massimo; Spaggiari, Lorenzo; Pelosi, Giuseppe; Rampinelli, Cristiano; Bertolotti, Raffaella; Rotmensz, Nicole; Field, John K; Decensi, Andrea; Veronesi, Giulia

2011-11-01

Screening with low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) has been shown to significantly reduce lung cancer mortality but the optimal target population and time interval to subsequent screening are yet to be defined. We developed two models to stratify individual smokers according to risk of developing lung cancer. We first used the number of lung cancers detected at baseline screening CT in the 5,203 asymptomatic participants of the COSMOS trial to recalibrate the Bach model, which we propose using to select smokers for screening. Next, we incorporated lung nodule characteristics and presence of emphysema identified at baseline CT into the Bach model and proposed the resulting multivariable model to predict lung cancer risk in screened smokers after baseline CT. Age and smoking exposure were the main determinants of lung cancer risk. The recalibrated Bach model accurately predicted lung cancers detected during the first year of screening. Presence of nonsolid nodules (RR = 10.1, 95% CI = 5.57-18.5), nodule size more than 8 mm (RR = 9.89, 95% CI = 5.84-16.8), and emphysema (RR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.59-3.49) at baseline CT were all significant predictors of subsequent lung cancers. Incorporation of these variables into the Bach model increased the predictive value of the multivariable model (c-index = 0.759, internal validation). The recalibrated Bach model seems suitable for selecting the higher risk population for recruitment for large-scale CT screening. The Bach model incorporating CT findings at baseline screening could help defining the time interval to subsequent screening in individual participants. Further studies are necessary to validate these models.

Strategic Applications of Ultracold Atoms

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-05-20

behavior is strongly constrained by the Pauli Exclusion Principle. This limits the variety of possible nonlinear atom optics effects, but also offers the...sensors”, Wolfgang Ketterle, Steven Chu, Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman (2002). 19 Participating Scientific Personnel Steven Chu Wolfgang

How We Can Win the Long War: A New Interagency Approach to the GWOT

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe states, “Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” 17...Case for Strengthening the Department of State” 1 16 Schwarzkopf, Norman, “Famous Military Quotes”, 1 17 Goethe , Johan Wolfgang Van, Famous

Small Maf proteins (MafF, MafG, MafK): History, structure and function.

PubMed

Katsuoka, Fumiki; Yamamoto, Masayuki

2016-07-25

The small Maf proteins (sMafs) are basic region leucine zipper (bZIP)-type transcription factors. The basic region of the Maf family is unique among the bZIP factors, and it contributes to the distinct DNA-binding mode of this class of proteins. MafF, MafG and MafK are the three vertebrate sMafs, and no functional differences have been observed among them in terms of their bZIP structures. sMafs form homodimers by themselves, and they form heterodimers with cap 'n' collar (CNC) proteins (p45 NF-E2, Nrf1, Nrf2, and Nrf3) and also with Bach proteins (Bach1 and Bach2). Because CNC and Bach proteins cannot bind to DNA as monomers, sMafs are indispensable partners that are required by CNC and Bach proteins to exert their functions. sMafs lack the transcriptional activation domain; hence, their homodimers act as transcriptional repressors. In contrast, sMafs participate in transcriptional activation or repression depending on their heterodimeric partner molecules and context. Mouse genetic analyses have revealed that various biological pathways are under the regulation of CNC-sMaf heterodimers. In this review, we summarize the history and current progress of sMaf studies in relation to their partners. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Resolution Regional Phase Attenuation Models of the Iranian Plateau and Zagros (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-12

15 September 2011, Tucson, AZ, Volume I, pp 153-160. Government Purpose Rights. Johann Wolfgang Goethe -Universität 1, and Lawrence Livermore...University of Missouri1, Johann Wolfgang Goethe -Universität 2, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory3 Sponsored by the Air Force

Prognostic value of pretreatment serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) ratio and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Huang, Hao; Wang, Xue-Ping; Li, Xiao-Hui; Chen, Hao; Zheng, Xin; Lin, Jian-Hua; Kang, Ting; Zhang, Lin; Chen, Pei-Song

2017-08-14

The levels of liver function tests (LFTs) are often used to assess liver injury and non-liver disease-related mortality. In our study, the relationship between pretreatment serum LFTs and overall survival (OS) was evaluated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Our purpose was to investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) ratio and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) in ESCC patients. A retrospective study was performed in 447 patients with ESCC, and follow-up period was at least 60 months until death. The prognostic significance of serum LFTs were determined by univariate and multivariate Cox hazard models. LFTs including ALT, AST, LSR, GGT, TBA and LDH were analyzed. Serum LSR (HR: 0.592, 95% CI = 0.457-0.768, p < 0.001 and GGT (HR: 1.507, 95% CI = 1.163-1.953, p = 0.002) levels were indicated as significant predictors of OS. The 5-year OS among patients with higher LSR levels was longer compared with those patients with decreased LSR levels, not only in the whole cohort but also in the subgroups stratified by pathological stage (T1-T2 subgroup, T3-T4 subgroup, N0 subgroup and M0 subgroup). We also found that patients with a higher GGT might predict worse OS than patients with a normal GGT, not only in the whole cohort but also in the subgroups stratified by pathological stage (T3-T4 subgroup and N1-N2 subgroup). Both increased levels of LSR and decreased levels of GGT might predict shorter overall survival in ESCC patients. Our findings suggest that serum LSR and GGT levels could be used as a key predictor of survival in patients with ESCC.

High-resolution δ13C record of fossil wood and bulk organic matter from a deep Oligocene lacustrine succession, Bach Long Vi Island, Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzi, M.; Schovsbo, N. H.; Fyhn, M. B. W.; Korte, C.

2017-12-01

We present a high-resolution stable isotope record based on bulk organic matter (δ13Corg) and fossil wood (δ13Cwood) originating from Oligocene deep lacustrine sediments cored on the Bach Long Vi Island, northern Gulf of Tonkin, offshore Vietnam. The sediments are exceptionally well preserved. They are thus excellently suited for a detailed stratigraphical analysis of the stable isotope record and as proxy for environmental and climatic changes within this period. The sediments were deposited in rapid subsiding, narrow and elongated fault-bound graben (Fyhn and Phach, 2015) and are represented by deep pelagic lacustrine organic-rich mud interrupted by numerous density-flow deposits (Hovikoski et al., 2016). The density-flow deposits contain abundant fragments of fossil wood. Therefore it was possible to obtain 262 coalified wood fragments together with 1063 bulk organic samples throughout the span of the core. This allowed to establish a high resolution stable C isotope record (δ13Corg and δ13Cwood). In addition 2464 handheld XRF determinations were carried out to further characterize the depositional environment (Rizzi et al., 2017). The organic carbon isotope trend from the 500 m core succession provides insight into the palaeoenvironmental changes of the lake during the Oligocene. Both, global and local factors control the δ13C variations. The aim of the study is to obtain pure global δ13Corg and δ13Cwood signals that would allow comparison of the studied sediments with coeval syn-rift successions in the South China Sea region and other parts of the world. [1] Fyhn and Phach (2015) Tectonics, 34(2): 290-312. [2] Hovikoski et al. (2016) Journal of Sedimentary Research, 86(8): 982-1007. [3] Rizzi et al. (2017) EGU General Assembly Abstract EGU 2017-17584.

High resolution HH-XRF scanning and XRD modelling as a tool in sedimentological analysis - A case study from the Enreca-3 core, Bach Long Vi Island, Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzi, Malgorzata; Hemmingsen Schovsbo, Niels; Korte, Christoph; Bryld Wessel Fyhn, Michael

2017-04-01

To improve the understanding and interpretation of the depositional environment of a late Oligocene lacustrine organic rich oil-prone source rock succession, 2464 hand held (HH)-XRF measurements were made systematically on the 500 m long, continuous core from the fully cored Enreca-3 well. This core, drilled on the remote Bach Long Vi Island, northern Gulf of Tonkin, offshore Vietnam, represents a deep lake succession alternating between lacustrine pelagic dominated sediments interrupted by hyperpycnal turbidites, high density turbidites and debris flows [1, 2]. From a combined HH-XRF-XRD data set, multivariate data analysis and regression models are used to type the rock and to predict the XRD mineral composition based on HH-XRF composition. The rock types and the modelled mineral composition highlight the geochemical variations of the sediment and allows for direct comparison with sedimentological processes and facies changes. The modeling also depicts the cyclic alteration of rock types that are present on many different scales ranging from centimeters to hundreds of meters [1, 2]. The sedimentological and geochemical variations observed throughout the cored section reflects fluctuating paleoclimate, tectonism and hinterland condition controlling the depositional setting, which may provide a deeper understanding of the deposition of this and similar Paleogene syn-rift succession in the South China Sea region. It allows furthermore the development of a more generalized depositional model relevant for other deep-lacustrine syn-rift basins. [1] Petersen et al. (2014) Journal of Petroleum Geology, 37: 373-389. [2] Hovikoski et al. (2016) Journal of Sedimentary Research, 86(8): 982-1007.

Reduction of Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-01

erectile dysfunction , and female sexual dysfunction ). Wherever possible, the questions and scales employed on BACH were selected from published...Methods. A racially and ethnically diverse community-based survey of adults aged 30-79 years in Boston, Massachusetts. The BACH survey has...recruited adults in three racial/ethnic groups: Latino, African American, and White using a stratified cluster sample. The target sample size is equally

The Magnaporthe oryzae Alt A 1-like protein MoHrip1 binds to the plant plasma membrane.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi; Liang, Yingbo; Dong, Yijie; Gao, Yuhan; Yang, Xiufen; Yuan, Jingjing; Qiu, Dewen

2017-10-07

MoHrip1, a protein isolated from Magnaporthe oryzae, belongs to the Alt A 1 (AA1) family. mohrip1 mRNA levels showed inducible expression throughout the infection process in rice. To determine the location of MoHrip1 in M. oryzae, a mohrip1-gfp mutant was generated. Fluorescence microscopy observations and western blotting analysis showed that MoHrip1 was both present in the secretome and abundant in the fungal cell wall. To obtain MoHrip1 protein, we carried out high-yield expression of MoHrip1 in Pichia pastoris. Treatment of tobacco plants with MoHrip1 induced the formation of necrosis, accumulation of reactive oxygen species and expression of several defense-related genes, as well as conferred disease resistance. By fusion to green fluorescent protein, we showed that MoHrip1 was able to bind to the tobacco and rice plant plasma membrane, causing rapid morphological changes at the cellular level, such as cell shrinkage and chloroplast disorganization. These findings indicate that MoHrip1 is a microbe-associated molecular pattern that is perceived by the plant immune system. This is the first study on an AA1 family protein that can bind to the plant plasma membrane. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

International Cooperation. The Next Generation. Report of the DSMC 1990 - 1991 Military Research Fellows

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

Maintaining Goal Congruence International Cooperation-the Next Generation ENDNOTES 1. Wolfgang Flume and David Swa, "British Aerospace-Leading...Program Management Questionnaire Report. Michael G. Krause , DSMC internal document, May 1989- 10. Bonn Seminar on Armaments cooperation, proceedings, w...Appendix K 154 International Cooperation-the Next Generation Dudney, Robert S., "The Electronics Industry Flume, Wolfgang , "Electronics for the Ger- Is

Proceedings of the Annual National Conference on Ada (Trademark) Technology (3rd) Held at Prarie View, Texas on 20-21 March 1985.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

CECOM, Ft. Monmouth, N.J. ".,.-- .,. Kurth Krause , Intermetrics, Inc., Huntington Beach, CA. Benjamin Martin, Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA. Isabel...Teledyne Brown, Tinton Falls, N.J. Paul Wolfgang , Computer Science Corp., Moorestown, N.J. - TECHNICAL SESSIONS - " Wednesday, March 20, 1985 9:00 am...STRATEGIES J. McGlynn, CENTACS, CECOM, Ft. Mon- AND TECHNIQUES mouth, NJ ............................. 178 Chairperson: Paul Wolfgang , Computer Science

Poly[(arylene ethynylene)-alt-(arylene vinylene)]s Based on Anthanthrone and Its Derivatives: Synthesis and Photophysical, Electrochemical, Electroluminescent, and Photovoltaic Properties

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Anthanthrone and its derivatives are large polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) that pose a number of challenges for incorporation into the structure of soluble conjugated polymers. For the first time, this group of PACs was employed as the building blocks for the synthesis of copolymers (P1–P5) based on poly[(arylene ethynylene)-alt-(arylene vinylene)]s backbone (−Ph–C≡C–Anth–C≡C–Ph–CH=CH–Ph–CH=CH−)n. During the synthesis of P1–P5, different alkyloxy side chains were incorporated in order to tune the properties of the polymers. Of the copolymer series only P1 (containing anthanthrone and branched 2-ethylhexyloxy side chains on phenylenes), P2 and P3 (for which the anthanthrones containing carbonyl groups were converted to anthanthrene containing alkyloxy substituents) were soluble. The photophysical, electrochemical, electroluminescent and photovoltaic properties of P1–P3 are reported, compared and discussed with respect to the effects of side chains. PMID:29151617

Decay of Bacteroidales genetic markers in relation to traditional fecal indicators for water quality modeling of drinking water sources.

PubMed

Sokolova, Ekaterina; Aström, Johan; Pettersson, Thomas J R; Bergstedt, Olof; Hermansson, Malte

2012-01-17

The implementation of microbial fecal source tracking (MST) methods in drinking water management is limited by the lack of knowledge on the transport and decay of host-specific genetic markers in water sources. To address these limitations, the decay and transport of human (BacH) and ruminant (BacR) fecal Bacteroidales 16S rRNA genetic markers in a drinking water source (Lake Rådasjön in Sweden) were simulated using a microbiological model coupled to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. The microbiological model was calibrated using data from outdoor microcosm trials performed in March, August, and November 2010 to determine the decay of BacH and BacR markers in relation to traditional fecal indicators. The microcosm trials indicated that the persistence of BacH and BacR in the microcosms was not significantly different from the persistence of traditional fecal indicators. The modeling of BacH and BacR transport within the lake illustrated that the highest levels of genetic markers at the raw water intakes were associated with human fecal sources (on-site sewers and emergency sewer overflow). This novel modeling approach improves the interpretation of MST data, especially when fecal pollution from the same host group is released into the water source from different sites in the catchment.

The LTDP ALTS Project: Contributing to the Continued Understanding and Exploitation of the ATSR Time Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, Hannah; Done, Fay; Casadio, Stefano; Mackin, Stephen; Dinelli, Bianca Maria; Castelli, Elisa

2016-08-01

The long time-series of observations made by the Along Track Scanning Radiometers (ATSR) missions represents a valuable resource for a wide range of research and EO applications.With the advent of ESA's Long-TermData Preservation (LTDP) programme, thought has turned to the preservation and improved understanding of such long time-series, to support their continued exploitation in both existing and new areas of research, bringing the possibility of improving the existing data set and to inform and contribute towards future missions. For this reason, the 'Long Term Stability of the ATSR Instrument Series: SWIR Calibration, Cloud Masking and SAA' project, commonly known as the ATSR Long Term Stability (or ALTS) project, is designed to explore the key characteristics of the data set and new and innovative ways of enhancing and exploiting it.Work has focussed on: A new approach to the assessment of Short Wave Infra-Red (SWIR) channel calibration.; Developmentof a new method for Total Column Water Vapour (TCWV) retrieval.; Study of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA).; Radiative Transfer (RT) modelling for ATSR.; Providing AATSR observations with their location in the original instrument grid.; Strategies for the retrieval and archiving of historical ATSR documentation.; Study of TCWV retrieval over land; Development of new methods for cloud masking This paper provides an overview of these activities and illustrates the importance of preserving and understanding 'old' data for continued use in the future.

Rhodium-Coordinated Poly(arylene-ethynylene)-alt-Poly(arylene-vinylene) Copolymer Acting as Photocatalyst for Visible-Light-Powered NAD+/NADH Reduction

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

A 2,2′-bipyridyl-containing poly(arylene-ethynylene)-alt-poly(arylene-vinylene) polymer, acting as a light-harvesting ligand system, was synthesized and coupled to an organometallic rhodium complex designed for photocatalytic NAD+/NADH reduction. The material, which absorbs over a wide spectral range, was characterized by using various analytical techniques, confirming its chemical structure and properties. The dielectric function of the material was determined from spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. Photocatalytic reduction of nucleotide redox cofactors under visible light irradiation (390–650 nm) was performed and is discussed in detail. The new metal-containing polymer can be used to cover large surface areas (e.g. glass beads) and, due to this immobilization step, can be easily separated from the reaction solution after photolysis. Because of its high stability, the polymer-based catalyst system can be repeatedly used under different reaction conditions for (photo)chemical reduction of NAD+. With this concept, enzymatic, photo-biocatalytic systems for solar energy conversion can be facilitated, and the precious metal catalyst can be recycled. PMID:25130570

Operational Implications of the NATO Strategic Concept 2010 for European Countries in NATO and the EU

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

ofthe Operational Art, by Michael 0 . Krause and Cody R. Phillips (Washington D.C.: Center of Military History, 2007), 444. The level of multinational...Werner, and Wolfgang Fett. Bericht uber das gemeinsame Berliner Colloquium 2009 von Clausewitz-Gesellschafi und Bundesakademie fiir Sicherheilspolitik...Vol. 5, in Die Jahrbiicher der C/ausewitz-Gesellschafi e. V. - Jahrbuch 2009, by Werner Baach and Wolfgang Fett, 13-24. Hamburg: C lausewitz

Points of Contact for Oceanographic Institutes in Europe and Russia

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-20

Wolfgang dle Initial: t Name: Fennel Title: Dr. 40ompany: Institut fur Ostseeforschung Address 1: Warnemunde an der Universitat Rostock Address 2...Phone: Cellular: Category: physics Notes: fennel~physik iowarnemuende.dbp.de, Telex: 398516 do d Wolfgang Fijnaut Royal Netherlands Meteorological...34Phone: Fax: Home Phone: Cellular: Category: administration Notes: Head Krause AifredWegenerinstitut fur Polar u4p M_.peresforechun +49 (0) 471 4831 0

Fundamental Investigations of the Tribological Properties of Biological Interfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-28

D Spencer 5e. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) ETH Zurich Wolfgang - Pauli -Strasse 10 Zürich CH-8093...Chiara Perrino, Seunghwan Lee and Nicholas D. Spencer Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang ... Pauli -Strasse 10, CH-8093, Switzerland Abstract: Comb-like graft copolymers with carbohydrate side chains have been developed as aqueous

Free Enterprise: Contributions of the Approach and Landing Test (ALT) Program to the Development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merlin, Peter W.

2006-01-01

The space shuttle orbiter was the first spacecraft designed with the aerodynamic characteristics and in-atmosphere handling qualities of a conventional airplane. In order to evaluate the orbiter's flight control systems and subsonic handling characteristics, a series of flight tests were undertaken at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in 1977. A modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carried the Enterprise, a prototype orbiter, during eight captive tests to determine how well the two vehicles flew together and to test some of the orbiter s systems. The free-flight phase of the ALT program allowed shuttle pilots to explore the orbiter's low-speed flight and landing characteristics. The Enterprise provided realistic, in-flight simulations of how subsequent space shuttles would be flown at the end of an orbital mission. The fifth free flight, with the Enterprise landing on a concrete runway for the first time, revealed a problem with the space shuttle flight control system that made it susceptible to pilot-induced oscillation, a potentially dangerous control problem. Further research using various aircraft, particularly NASA Dryden's F-8 Digital-Fly-By-Wire testbed, led to correction of the problem before the first Orbital Test Flight.

Wolfgang Pauli and Modern Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straumann, N.

2009-12-01

In this written version of a pre-dinner-speech at the workshop “The Nature of Gravity” at ISSI I illustrate Pauli’s science primarily with material that has not formally been published by him, but was communicated in detailed letters to eminent colleagues and friends.

Human-Compatible Animal Models for Preclinical Research on Hormones in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Hormone/Prolactin Family in Biology and Disease” in July, 2012. Several participants inquired as to whether we had determined the number of copies of...in situ hybridization) analysis of both lines to determine the copy number of the transgene. We found that the BAC-h8 line has a single copy of the...transgene and the BAC-h30 line has two copies (Figure 5). Breeding of the hPRL+ mice onto an immunodeficient background: As discussed in last

Low threshold Amplified Spontaneous Emission properties in deep blue of poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-dyil)-alt-p-phenylene] thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lattante, Sandro; De Giorgi, Maria Luisa; Pasini, Mariacecilia; Anni, Marco

2017-10-01

Amongst the different optoelectronic applications of conjugated polymers, the development of new active materials for optically pumped organic lasers is still an open question particularly in the blue-near UV spectral range. We investigate the emission properties of poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-dyil)- alt-p-phenylene] (PFP) neat films under nanosecond pump. We demonstrate that thanks to the introduction of a phenylene moiety between two fluorene units it is possible to obtain Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) with a lower threshold and a blue shifted wavelength with respect to poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO). We demonstrate efficient ASE with a minimum threshold as low as 23 μJcm-2 and a minimum ASE wavelength of 436 nm. A maximum net optical gain of about 26 cm-1 is measured at an excitation density of 0.23 mJcm-2. These results make the PFP a good active material for optically pumped deep blue organic lasers.

Keeping the Edge. Air Force Materiel Command Cold War Context (1945-1991). Volume 1: Command Lineage Scientific Achievement and Major Tenant Missions

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-08-01

Gerhard Braun, Dr. Rudolf Edse, Dr. Wolfgang Noeggerath, Hans Rister, and Dr. Theodor Zobel. (Dr. von Braun and the four other rocket specialists...Heinrich Albers, Herman Bottenhorn, Gerhard Krause , Dr. Ernst Kugel, and Hermann Nehlsen to Loewy Hydropress, Inc., in New York, while Dr. Claus...March 1948, Air Materiel Command maintained the Watson- and Cambridge-assigned German scientists at status quo, but added Dr. Wolfgang Pfister the next

European Science Notes Information Bulletin Reports on Current European/Middle Eastern Science

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-01

provided byJ. Kreuter (In- skin. The purpose was to minimize one of the problems stitutc for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang associated with...robotics, and database issues. papers by general category. The organizer of the meeting was Professor Dr. Wolfgang Strasser of the Wilhelm Schickard...prob- dural Models" lems because the active points on the boundary arc more . N. Yaramanoglu (coauthors F.-L. Krause , M. Bienert, difficult to find. A

Theater Nuclear Force Modernization as an Issue in West German Politics, 1977-1980

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

surrounding the deployment of the Davy Crockett provide a case in point. According to Wolfgang Heisenberg, these weapons 21 . -- ... would require quite...serving the SPD parliamentary group; the second was compiled by Wolfgang Pordzik of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Bonn, an organization associated...introduced in ’isarmmament talks. A number of other SPD members agreed with Bahr’s analysis. "Christian Krause wzote on the Soviet threat in Vorwarts

European Science Notes Information Bulletin Reports on Current European/ Middle Eastern Science

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

Symposium 89, F.-L. Krause , H. Jansen, eds., held in Berlin, NY:ASME. FRG November 1989. Hansmann, W. November. 1985. Interactiver entwurf und Nowacki, H...8217 Smoothing of Multipatch Bzier Surfaces - Curvature Approximation and Knot Removal for Wolfgang Schwarz, EDS GmbH, FRG (A). Handling Scattered Data - Bernd...Physical Oceanography research vessel. The Institute has three CTDs which have been used to obtain a very complete hydrographic series Dr. Wolfgang F

JPRS Report, Arms Control

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-26

Results as ’Positive’ [A. Krause ; Vienna TV 12 Jul] 33 JPRS-TAC-89-030 26 JULY 1989 FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY Foreign Minister Genscher Hails...member and Central Committee secretary, briefed Guenther Maleuda, chairman of the Democratic Peasants Party of Germany [DBD]; Wolfgang Heyl, deputy... Wolfgang Georgi commentary: "NATO and Nuclear Disarmament"] [Text] By accepting the U.S. proposal to carry out test inspections for the

Ion Trap Quantum Computing

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

quantum computer architecture schemes, but there are several problems that will be discussed later. 15 IV. ION TRAPS Wolfgang Paul was the first...famous physics experiment [62]. Wolfgang Paul demonstrated a similar apparatus during his Nobel Prize speech [63]. This device is hyperbolic-parabolic...Although it does not apply to linear traps, it is useful to understand the interaction between the Coulomb force and the repulsive quantum-mechanical Pauli

Explaining the Cyclic Voltammetry of a Poly(1,4-phenylene-ethynylene)-alt-poly(1,4-phenylene-vinylene) Copolymer upon Oxidation by using Spectroscopic Techniques.

PubMed

Enengl, Christina; Enengl, Sandra; Bouguerra, Nassima; Havlicek, Marek; Neugebauer, Helmut; Egbe, Daniel A M

2017-01-04

Poly(1,4-phenylene-ethynylene)-alt-poly(1,4-phenylene-vinylene) (PPE-PPV) copolymers have attracted quite a lot of attention in the last few years for electronic device applications owing to their enhanced fluorescence. In this work, we focus on one particular PPE-PPV copolymer with dissymmetrically substituted 1,4-phenylene-ethynylene and symmetrically substituted 1,4-phenylene-vinylene building units. Six successively performed cyclic voltammograms are presented, measured during the oxidation reactions. As the oxidation onset of the electrochemical reaction shifts to lower potentials in each cycle, this behavior is elucidated by using spectroscopic techniques ranging from UV/Vis/near-IR to mid-IR including spin-resonance techniques. Hence, these findings help to explain some of the copolymer's most advantageous properties in terms of possible oxidation products. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A study on the morphology of polystyrene-grafted poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films prepared using a simultaneous radiation grafting method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Ju-Myung; Ko, Beom-Seok; Sohn, Joon-Yong; Nho, Young Chang; Shin, Junhwa

2014-04-01

The morphology of polystyrene-grafted poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films prepared using a simultaneous radiation grafting method was investigated using DMA, DSC, XRD, and SAXS instruments. The DMA study indicates that the ETFE amorphous phase and PS amorphous phase are mixed well in the PS-grafted ETFE films while the ETFE crystalline phase and the PS amorphous phase are separated, suggesting that the PS chains are grafted mainly on the ETFE amorphous regions. The DSC and XRD data showed that the natural crystalline structures of ETFE in the grafted ETFE films are not affected by the degree of grafting. The SAXS profiles displayed that the inter-crystalline distance of the ETFE films increases with an increasing degree of grafting, which further implies that the PS graft chains formed by the simultaneous irradiation has a significant impact on the amorphous morphology of the resulting grafted ETFE film. Thus, these results indicate that the styrene monomers are mainly grafted on the ETFE amorphous regions during the simultaneous radiation grafting process.

International Workshop on Beam Injection Assessment of Defects in Semiconductors Held in Meudon-Bellevue (France) on 18-20 July 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-20

Krause , Phys. Stat. Sol. (a) 102, 443 (1987) 2) \\1. Tajima, in "Defects and Properties of Semiconductors: Defect Engineering", edited by J. Chikawa (Tokyo...illustrate that the newly developed electron optical column satisfies all the requirements for internal measurements on VLSI circuits. (1] E. Wolfgang ...JEME29, rue Jeanne Marvig 13397 MARSEILLE CEDE-X 13 31400 TOULOUSE FRANCE FRANCE PICQUERA-S Javier- SCHROTER Wolfgang Dpto de Fisica de Materiales IV

Managing the Reputation of DHS and its Components

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

Neutral Reputations,” 129. 70 Ibid., 125. 71 Hans Krause Hansen, Roy Langer, and Dorte Salskov-Iversen, “Managing Political Communications...Rossow, “The Delphi Process in Marketing Decision Making,” Journal of Marketing Research 8, no. 4 (1971): 444. 153 Ibid. 154 Wolfgang Scholl...May 8, 2006): 45. Santoli, Michael. “They’ve Got Class.” Barron’s 87, no. 37 (September 10, 2007): 33-36. Scholl, Wolfgang , Christine Konig, Bertolt

Next Generation Nanotechnology Assembly Fabrication Methods: A Trend Forecast

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

accessed: January 12, 2007. 33 Eck, Wolfgang , et al. “Generation of two- and three-dimensional nanostructures by electron beam lithography on self...nano/reports/mcr_05-0526_intpersp_nano.pdf, accessed on January 15, 2007. 62 Ibid. 63 Ibid. 64 Ibid. 65 Ibid. 66 Luther, Wolfgang ...Defense Merrick E. Krause , May 2002 29 Death by a Thousand Cuts: Micro-Air Vehicles in the Service of Air Force Missions Arthur F. Huber II, June

Behavior-aware cache hierarchy optimization for low-power multi-core embedded systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Huatao; Luo, Xiao; Zhu, Chen; Watanabe, Takahiro; Zhu, Tianbo

2017-07-01

In modern embedded systems, the increasing number of cores requires efficient cache hierarchies to ensure data throughput, but such cache hierarchies are restricted by their tumid size and interference accesses which leads to both performance degradation and wasted energy. In this paper, we firstly propose a behavior-aware cache hierarchy (BACH) which can optimally allocate the multi-level cache resources to many cores and highly improved the efficiency of cache hierarchy, resulting in low energy consumption. The BACH takes full advantage of the explored application behaviors and runtime cache resource demands as the cache allocation bases, so that we can optimally configure the cache hierarchy to meet the runtime demand. The BACH was implemented on the GEM5 simulator. The experimental results show that energy consumption of a three-level cache hierarchy can be saved from 5.29% up to 27.94% compared with other key approaches while the performance of the multi-core system even has a slight improvement counting in hardware overhead.

Post-irradiation time effects on the graft of poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films for ion exchange membrane application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geraldes, Adriana N.; Zen, Heloísa A.; Ribeiro, Geise; Ferreira, Henrique P.; Souza, Camila P.; Parra, Duclerc F.; Santiago, Elisabete I.; Lugão, Ademar B.

2010-03-01

Grafting of styrene followed by sulfonation onto poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) was studied for synthesis of ion exchange membranes. Radiation-induced grafting of styrene onto ETFE films was investigated after simultaneous irradiation (in post-irradiation condition) using a 60Co source. The ETFE films were irradiated at 20 kGy dose at room temperature and chemical changes were monitored after contact with styrene for grafting. The post-irradiation time was established at 14 days when the films were remained in styrene/toluene 1:1 v/v. After this period the grafting degree was evaluated in the samples. The grafted films were sulfonated using chlorosulfonic acid and 1, 2-dichloroethane 20:80 (v/v) at room temperature for 5 h. The membranes were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric measurements (TG) and degree of grafting (DOG). The ion exchange capacity (IEC) of membranes was determined by acid-base titration and the values for ETFE membranes were achieved higher than Nafion ® films. Preliminary single cell performance was made using pure H 2 and O 2 as reactants at a cell temperature of 80 °C and atmospheric gas pressure. The fuel cell performance of ETFE films was satisfactory when compared to state-of-art Nafion ® membranes.

More Intelligent Gas Turbine Engines (Des turbomoteurs plus intelligents)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

Group 128. by Dennis Culley, NASA Glenn Research Center Sanjay Garg, NASA Glenn Research Center S.-J. Hiller, MTU Aero Engines GmbH Wolfgang Horn...in Swirled Gas Turbine Combustors”, AIAA-2005-116. [2.90] Seume, J.R., Vortmeyer, N., Krause , W., Hermann, J., Hantschk, C.-C., Zangl, P., Gleis, S...TR-AVT-128 8 - 1 Chapter 8 – SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS by Sanjay Garg (NASA Glenn Research Center), Wolfgang Horn and S.-J. Hiller (MTU

Resource-Bounded Information Acquisition and Learning

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

candidate features arrive one at a time, and the learner’s task is to select a ‘best so far’ set of features from streaming features. Krause et al...on Artificial Intelligence. [31] Gatterbauer, Wolfgang . Estimating required recall for successful knowledge acquisition from the web. In Proceedings of...the 15th international conference on World Wide Web (New York, NY, USA, 2006), WWW ’06, ACM, pp. 969– 970. [32] Gatterbauer, Wolfgang . Rules of thumb

International Symposium on Organosilicon Chemistry (8th) Held in St. Louis Missouri on 7-12 June 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-13

Encapsulants H6rnig, Jahanna Kron and Wolfgang Hepp 2:40 B41 Recent Advances in Organosiloxane Copolymers 3:00 BREAK James E. McGrath New Developments in the...Mobility of H2 ontaining Oligomeric Siloxanes by Si-NMR S 10:10 B48 Syntheses and Reactions N. Heo, R. Krause and R. Kos- of Uniform Size Poly...Technical University Graz Stremayrgasse 16 A-8010 Graz, Austria Kirsten Hinrichs Department of Chemistry University of Wisconsin-Madison Wolfgang

Dollar Summary of Prime Contract Awards with Principal Place of Performance Outside the U.S. by Country and Contractor, FY83.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

GERMANY 55 55 KOHLEN GRUB GERMANY 9,706 9,706 KOLLER WOLFGANG GERMANY 28 28 KOLLSMANN 0MBN SYSTEM TECHN IK GERMANY 37 37 KONTRO#4 ELEKTRONI C GMBH... KRAUSE GERMANY 56 56 WAGNER GLAS UND GEBAEUDEREINIGUNG GERMANY 374 374 WAGNER GMSM GERMANY 138 136 WAGNER H GERMANY 570 570 WAGNER H a S GARTEN... WOLFGANG PRAYON GERMANY 34 34 WOLLERSHE I M ALFRED GERMANY 47 47 WORMSER AUIOBUSSETRI ED GERMANY 178 178 WUERSCHINGER HANS GERMANY 73 73 WUEST BAU

The 'hard problem' and the quantum physicists. Part 1: the first generation.

PubMed

Smith, C U M

2006-07-01

All four of the most important figures in the early twentieth-century development of quantum physics-Niels Bohr, Erwin Schroedinger, Werner Heisenberg and Wolfgang Pauli-had strong interests in the traditional mind-brain, or 'hard,' problem. This paper reviews their approach to this problem, showing the influence of Bohr's complementarity thesis, the significance of Schroedinger's small book, 'What is life?,' the updated Platonism of Heisenberg and, perhaps most interesting of all, the interaction of Carl Jung and Wolfgang Pauli in the latter's search for a unification of mind and matter.

The Nares Strait problem: A re-evaluation of the geological evidence in terms of a diffuse oblique-slip plate boundary between Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miall, Andrew D.

1983-12-01

Geophysical models of sea floor spreading in Baffin Bay-Labrador Sea require that Greenland was displaced sinistrally relative to the Canadian Arctic Islands by 200-300 km. It has usually been assumed that this movement took place along Nares Strait, but onshore geological evidence recently compiled by Dawes and Kerr appears to rule out any displacement in excess of 50 km. Twenty different structural and stratigraphic markers cross the strait without significant displacement. A new approach is suggested here, which spreads the displacement across a diffuse oblique-slip plate boundary: (1) South of Bache Peninsula displacement of up to about 150 km may have occurred along Nares Strait. Bache Peninsula Arch probably did not cross the strait but is a north-south feature extending south from Bache Peninsula. (2) Revisions of Proterozoic stratigraphy show that the arch cannot have marked the limit of Thule Basin, as formerly assumed. Thule Basin isopach data can readily be accommodated to a 150 km sinistral displacement. (3) Cambrian-Ordovician strata in Bache Peninsula area may have occupied a north-south embayment similar to others along the southern border of Franklinian Geosyncline. (4) North of Bache Peninsula most of the strike-slip displacement probably took place along strike faults within Central Ellesmere and North Greenland fold belts. Paleozoic stratigraphic markers which cross Nares Strait without strike-slip displacement would not be displaced by these faults either, because stratigraphic and structural trends are parallel within the fold belts. The structural style of the Ellesmere fold belt is probably one of transpressive oblique-slip with local counterclockwise block rotations. (5) Up to 50 km of displacement may have occurred along northern Nares Strait itself, probably as a late phase of movement. A detailed palinspastic reconstruction must await further detailed groundwork. This should include the following (which would also serve as independent

Trap-assisted hole injection and quantum efficiency enhancement in poly(9,9' dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) polymer light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seeley, Alexander J. A. B.; Friend, Richard H.; Kim, Ji-Seon; Burroughes, Jeremy H.

2004-12-01

We report a reversible many-fold quantum efficiency enhancement during electrical driving of polymer light-emitting diodes (LEDs) containing poly(9,9' dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT), developing over several minutes or hours at low applied bias and recovering on similar time scales after driving. This phenomenon is observed only in devices containing F8BT as an emissive layer in pure or blended form, regardless of anode and cathode choices and even in the absence of a poly(styrene-sulphonate)-doped poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene) (PEDOT:PSS) layer. We report detailed investigations using a standardized device structure containing PEDOT:PSS and a calcium cathode. Direct measurements of trapped charge recovered from the device after driving significantly exceed the unipolar limit, and thermally activated relaxation suggests a maximum trap depth around 0.6eV. Neither photoluminescence nor electroluminescence spectra reveal any change in the bulk optoelectronic properties of the emissive polymer nor any new emissive species. During the quantum efficiency (QE) enhancement process, the bulk conduction of the device increases. Reverse bias treatment of the device significantly reinforces the QE enhancement. Based on these observations, we propose a simple model in which interfacial dipoles are generated by trapped holes near the anode combining with injected electrons, to produce a narrow tunneling barrier for easy hole injection. The new injection pathway leads to a higher hole current density and thus a better charge injection balance. This produces the relatively high quantum efficiency observed in all F8BT LEDs.

A Proteomic Approach to Identify Phosphorylation-Dependent Targets of BRCT Domains

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

E -mail: songyang@bcm.tmc.edu 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT...s Time RU R e s p o n s e .1µM MDC1 .2µM MDC1 .5µM MDC1 1µM MDC1 MDC1-BRCT with phospho-BACH1 peptide Concentration vs. RU change 0 20 40 60 80...peptides. .05µM BRCA1 -200 0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 BRCA1 with BACH 1 peptide s Time RU R e s p o n s e .1µM

Artistic forms and complexity.

PubMed

Boon, J-P; Casti, J; Taylor, R P

2011-04-01

We discuss the inter-relationship between various concepts of complexity by introducing a complexity 'triangle' featuring objective complexity, subjective complexity and social complexity. Their connections are explored using visual and musical compositions of art. As examples, we quantify the complexity embedded within the paintings of the Jackson Pollock and the musical works of Johann Sebastian Bach. We discuss the challenges inherent in comparisons of the spatial patterns created by Pollock and the sonic patterns created by Bach, including the differing roles that time plays in these investigations. Our results draw attention to some common intriguing characteristics suggesting 'universality' and conjecturing that the fractal nature of art might have an intrinsic value of more general significance.

Enhanced optophysical properties of poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-(benzo[2,1,3] thiadiazol-4,8-diyl)] via addition of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles

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

Fuzi, Siti Aishah Ahmad, E-mail: aishah-fuzi@yahoo.com; Jumali, Mohammad Hafizuddin Hj, E-mail: hafizhj@ukm.edu.my; Al-Asbahi, Bandar Ali Abdulqader, E-mail: alasbahibandar@gmail.com

2015-09-25

This work investigated the effect on 5 wt% addition of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles (NPs) on the optical absorption characteristics of Poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-(benzo[2,1,3] thiadiazol-4,8-diyl)] (F8BT). Both materials were mixed using solution blending method and then spin coated onto ITO-coated glass substrate at 1000 rpm for 30s. The optical properties of the nanocomposite were determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Compares to pristine film, the absorption peak of the nanocomposite film improved and shifted to longer wavelength indicating reduction in the direct and indirect band gaps. Better optophysical properties of F8BT/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites is believed due to compatible band structures and efficient charge trapping effect displayedmore » by the NPs.« less

Short-term microbial release during rain events from on-site sewers and cattle in a surface water source.

PubMed

Aström, Johan; Pettersson, Thomas J R; Reischer, Georg H; Hermansson, Malte

2013-09-01

The protection of drinking water from pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia requires an understanding of the short-term microbial release from faecal contamination sources in the catchment. Flow-weighted samples were collected during two rainfall events in a stream draining an area with on-site sewers and during two rainfall events in surface runoff from a bovine cattle pasture. Samples were analysed for human (BacH) and ruminant (BacR) Bacteroidales genetic markers through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and for sorbitol-fermenting bifidobacteria through culturing as a complement to traditional faecal indicator bacteria, somatic coliphages and the parasitic protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. analysed by standard methods. Significant positive correlations were observed between BacH, Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, sulphite-reducing Clostridia, turbidity, conductivity and UV254 in the stream contaminated by on-site sewers. For the cattle pasture, no correlation was found between any of the genetic markers and the other parameters. Although parasitic protozoa were not detected, the analysis for genetic markers provided baseline data on the short-term faecal contamination due to these potential sources of parasites. Background levels of BacH and BacR makers in soil emphasise the need to including soil reference samples in qPCR-based analyses for Bacteroidales genetic markers.

Anti-inflammatory genes associated with multiple sclerosis: a gene expression study.

PubMed

Perga, S; Montarolo, F; Martire, S; Berchialla, P; Malucchi, S; Bertolotto, A

2015-02-15

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system caused by a complex interaction between multiple genes and environmental factors. HLA region is the strongest susceptibility locus, but recent huge genome-wide association studies identified new susceptibility genes. Among these, BACH2, PTGER4, RGS1 and ZFP36L1 were highlighted. Here, a gene expression analysis revealed that three of them, namely BACH2, PTGER4 and ZFP36L1, are down-regulated in MS patients' blood cells compared to healthy subjects. Interestingly, all these genes are involved in the immune system regulation with predominant anti-inflammatory role and their reduction could predispose to MS development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolutionary Diversification of Alanine Transaminases in Yeast: Catabolic Specialization and Biosynthetic Redundancy.

PubMed

Escalera-Fanjul, Ximena; Campero-Basaldua, Carlos; Colón, Maritrini; González, James; Márquez, Dariel; González, Alicia

2017-01-01

Gene duplication is one of the major evolutionary mechanisms providing raw material for the generation of genes with new or modified functions. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae originated after an allopolyploidization event, which involved mating between two different ancestral yeast species. ScALT1 and ScALT2 codify proteins with 65% identity, which were proposed to be paralogous alanine transaminases. Further analysis of their physiological role showed that while ScALT1 encodes an alanine transaminase which constitutes the main pathway for alanine biosynthesis and the sole pathway for alanine catabolism, Sc Alt2 does not display alanine transaminase activity and is not involved in alanine metabolism. Moreover, phylogenetic studies have suggested that ScALT1 and ScALT2 come from each one of the two parental strains which gave rise to the ancestral hybrid. The present work has been aimed to the understanding of the properties of the ancestral type Lacchancea kluyveri LkALT1 and Kluyveromyces lactis KlALT1 , alanine transaminases in order to better understand the ScALT1 and ScALT2 evolutionary history. These ancestral -type species were chosen since they harbor ALT1 genes, which are related to ScALT2. Presented results show that, although LkALT1 and KlALT1 constitute ScALT1 orthologous genes, encoding alanine transaminases, both yeasts display Lk Alt1 and Kl Alt1 independent alanine transaminase activity and additional unidentified alanine biosynthetic and catabolic pathway(s). Furthermore, phenotypic analysis of null mutants uncovered the fact that Kl Alt1 and Lk Alt1 have an additional role, not related to alanine metabolism but is necessary to achieve wild type growth rate. Our study shows that the ancestral alanine transaminase function has been retained by the ScALT1 encoded enzyme, which has specialized its catabolic character, while losing the alanine independent role observed in the ancestral type enzymes. The fact that Sc Alt2 conserves 64% identity with

Evolutionary Diversification of Alanine Transaminases in Yeast: Catabolic Specialization and Biosynthetic Redundancy

PubMed Central

Escalera-Fanjul, Ximena; Campero-Basaldua, Carlos; Colón, Maritrini; González, James; Márquez, Dariel; González, Alicia

2017-01-01

Gene duplication is one of the major evolutionary mechanisms providing raw material for the generation of genes with new or modified functions. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae originated after an allopolyploidization event, which involved mating between two different ancestral yeast species. ScALT1 and ScALT2 codify proteins with 65% identity, which were proposed to be paralogous alanine transaminases. Further analysis of their physiological role showed that while ScALT1 encodes an alanine transaminase which constitutes the main pathway for alanine biosynthesis and the sole pathway for alanine catabolism, ScAlt2 does not display alanine transaminase activity and is not involved in alanine metabolism. Moreover, phylogenetic studies have suggested that ScALT1 and ScALT2 come from each one of the two parental strains which gave rise to the ancestral hybrid. The present work has been aimed to the understanding of the properties of the ancestral type Lacchancea kluyveri LkALT1 and Kluyveromyces lactis KlALT1, alanine transaminases in order to better understand the ScALT1 and ScALT2 evolutionary history. These ancestral -type species were chosen since they harbor ALT1 genes, which are related to ScALT2. Presented results show that, although LkALT1 and KlALT1 constitute ScALT1 orthologous genes, encoding alanine transaminases, both yeasts display LkAlt1 and KlAlt1 independent alanine transaminase activity and additional unidentified alanine biosynthetic and catabolic pathway(s). Furthermore, phenotypic analysis of null mutants uncovered the fact that KlAlt1 and LkAlt1 have an additional role, not related to alanine metabolism but is necessary to achieve wild type growth rate. Our study shows that the ancestral alanine transaminase function has been retained by the ScALT1 encoded enzyme, which has specialized its catabolic character, while losing the alanine independent role observed in the ancestral type enzymes. The fact that ScAlt2 conserves 64% identity with LkAlt1

Space Shuttle Program Orbiter Approach and Landing Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The orbiter approach and landing test (ALT) reports are published to provide senior NASA management with timely information on ALT program plans and accomplishments. The ALT reports will be comprised of this pre-ALT report, ALT pre-flight memoranda, and an ALT post-flight report following each flight. The purpose of this pre-ALT report is to provide an overview of the ALT program, describing the flight vehicles involved and summarizing the planned flights.

Alt/Space 12(3)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenfeld, Malke, Ed.

2014-01-01

This section is full of stories from teaching artists working to clarify what needs to change within their practices and moving toward solutions--whether it's supporting a classroom of learners in new and unexpected ways, reassessing one's approach in the classroom, shepherding an individual child toward success, or professionalizing an entire…

Increased alternative lengthening of telomere phenotypes of telomerase-negative immortal cells upon trichostatin--a treatment.

PubMed

Jung, A Ra; Yoo, Jeong Eun; Shim, Yhong-Hee; Choi, Ye-Na; Jeung, Hei-Cheul; Chung, Hyun Cheol; Rha, Sun Young; Oh, Bong-Kyeong

2013-03-01

Human immortal cells maintain their telomeres either by telomerase or by alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) that is based on homologous telomeric recombination. Previous studies showed that the ALT mechanism is activated in non-ALT cells when heterochromatic features are reduced. In this study, we examined the ALT phenotypes of ALT cells after treatment with trichostatin-A (TSA), which is an inhibitor of histone deacetylases and causes global chromatin decondensation. The ALT cells remained telomerase-negative after TSA treatment. ALT-associated promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies and telomere sister chromatid exchanges, typical ALT phenotypes, markedly increased in the TSA-treated cells, while the telomere length remained unchanged. In addition, telomerase expression in the ALT cells suppressed TSA-mediated ALT phenotype enhancement. Our results show that certain ALT phenotypes become more pronounced when chromatin is decondensed, and also suggest that the ALT mechanism may compete with telomerase for telomere maintenance in cells that lack heterochromatin.

Genetics Home Reference: mucolipidosis II alpha/beta

MedlinePlus

... Hindi T, Le Merrer M, Bach G, Raas-Rothschild A. When Mucolipidosis III meets Mucolipidosis II: GNPTA ... Citation on PubMed Cathey SS, Kudo M, Tiede S, Raas-Rothschild A, Braulke T, Beck M, Taylor HA, Canfield ...

78 FR 21007 - Unblocking of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Pursuant to Executive Order 13348

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-08

... 14 Dec 1947; alt. DOB 18 Oct 1946; nationality Ukraine; Passport 5280007248D (Germany); alt. Passport 18106739D (Germany); alt. Passport 6019832 (Israel) issued 06 Nov 1994 expires 05 Nov 1999; alt. Passport 9001689 (Israel) issued 23 Jan 1997 expires 22 Jan 1999; alt. Passport KI0861177 (Russia); alt. Passport...

Increased miR-155 and heme oxygenase-1 expression is involved in the protective effects of formononetin in traumatic brain injury in rats.

PubMed

Li, Zhengzhao; Wang, Yong; Zeng, Guang; Zheng, Xiaowen; Wang, Wenbo; Ling, Yun; Tang, Huamin; Zhang, Jianfeng

2017-01-01

Oxidative stress has been considered a major contributing factor to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Formononetin, a phytoestrogen that belongs to the flavonoid family, is extracted from plants and herbs such as the red clover. Growing evidence demonstrates that formononetin has antioxidant properties. Therefore, formononetin has potential use in treating oxidative stress injuries in TBI. In this study, the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of formononetin against TBI, as well as the related probable mechanisms, were investigated. The TBI model was produced in male Wistar rats through Feeney's weight-drop model. At 1 day after TBI, the neurological function score and brain water content were assessed. TUNEL assay was used to determine neuronal apoptosis. The expression levels of miR-155, HO-1, and BACH1 were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting. Consequently, our findings showed that formononetin pretreatment for 5 days significantly improved the neurological scores, reduced brain edema and inhibited neuronal apoptosis in rats after TBI. MiR-155 was substantially decreased and BACH1 expression was significantly increased in the TBI model, while pretreatment with formononetin dramatically up-regulated the expression levels of miR-155 and HO-1 and down-regulated the protein expression of BACH1 in rats after TBI. In summary, formononetin has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, and the mechanisms of this effect may be associated with its inhibition of oxidative stress and activation of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant pathways in TBI.

Increased miR-155 and heme oxygenase-1 expression is involved in the protective effects of formononetin in traumatic brain injury in rats

PubMed Central

Li, Zhengzhao; Wang, Yong; Zeng, Guang; Zheng, Xiaowen; Wang, Wenbo; Ling, Yun; Tang, Huamin; Zhang, Jianfeng

2017-01-01

Oxidative stress has been considered a major contributing factor to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Formononetin, a phytoestrogen that belongs to the flavonoid family, is extracted from plants and herbs such as the red clover. Growing evidence demonstrates that formononetin has antioxidant properties. Therefore, formononetin has potential use in treating oxidative stress injuries in TBI. In this study, the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of formononetin against TBI, as well as the related probable mechanisms, were investigated. The TBI model was produced in male Wistar rats through Feeney’s weight-drop model. At 1 day after TBI, the neurological function score and brain water content were assessed. TUNEL assay was used to determine neuronal apoptosis. The expression levels of miR-155, HO-1, and BACH1 were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting. Consequently, our findings showed that formononetin pretreatment for 5 days significantly improved the neurological scores, reduced brain edema and inhibited neuronal apoptosis in rats after TBI. MiR-155 was substantially decreased and BACH1 expression was significantly increased in the TBI model, while pretreatment with formononetin dramatically up-regulated the expression levels of miR-155 and HO-1 and down-regulated the protein expression of BACH1 in rats after TBI. In summary, formononetin has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, and the mechanisms of this effect may be associated with its inhibition of oxidative stress and activation of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant pathways in TBI. PMID:29312517

Goethe and the Aurora

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schröder, Wilfried

2008-05-01

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was deeply interested in many aspects of natural science, including geology and meteorology. Thus, it is not surprising that his works include frequent references to natural phenomena.

Torsional stress impedance and magneto-impedance in (Co0.95Fe0.05)72.5 Si12.5B15 amorphous wire with helical induced anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanco, J. M.; Zhukov, A. P.; González, J.

1999-12-01

The magneto-impedance effect icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/> Z/ZH = [Z(H)-Z(Hmax)]/Z(Hmax) has been measured in (Fe0.95Co0.05)72.5B15Si12.5 wire under torsion stress, icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="TOP"/> (torsion angle per unit length) with axial magnetic field (H) as parameter. Without stress (icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/> Z/Z)H(H) dependence has a non-monotonous shape with first an increase of total impedance Z and then a decrease, i.e. shows a maximum at certain axial magnetic field Hm. It was found that the torsion stress dependence of electrical impedance (torsion impedance), (icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/> Z/Z)icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="MIDDLE"/> = [Z(icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="TOP"/>)-Z(icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="TOP"/>max)]/Z(icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="TOP"/>max), has asymmetric character with a clear maximum at torsion angle, icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="TOP"/> around 7icons/Journals/Common/pi" ALT="pi" ALIGN="TOP"/> rad m-1 in as-cast wire, while (icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/> Z/Z)icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="MIDDLE"/> reaches a maximum around 170%. Thermal treatments under torsion stress (without and with a previous annealing stage) develop a helical anisotropy on the amorphous wire, which drastically modifies the (icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/> Z/Z)icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="MIDDLE"/> response. Such treatments were carried out by using current annealing which resulted in a drastic increase of the maximum (icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/> Z/Z)icons/Journals/Common/xi" ALT="xi" ALIGN="MIDDLE"/> up to 225%, and a change of torsion dependence of icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/> Z/Z with a tendency to a finally symmetric dependence of (icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN

75 FR 40851 - Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-Connected Media...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-14

... of antitrust plaintiffs to actual damages under specified circumstances. Specifically, Warner Music Group, New York, NY; Push Entertainment LTD., Bath, UNITED KINGDOM; MOD Systems Incorporated, Seattle, WA; PacketVideo Corporation, San Diego, CA; BACH Technology AS, Bergen, NORWAY; Sony Corporation of...

Scientists find link between allergic and autoimmune diseases in mouse study

Cancer.gov

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health, and their colleagues, have discovered that a gene called BACH2 may play a central role in the development of diverse allergic and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, Crohn's disease, ce

A Theoretical Model Analysis of Absorption of a Three level Diode Pumped Alkali Laser

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

2.10) 103 Bibliography Demtroder, Wolfgang . Laser Spectroscopy: Basic Concepts and Instrumentation. Berlin: Springer...Konefal Z., “Observation of collision induced processes in rubidium-ethane vapour,” Optics Communication, 164:95-105 (1999). Krause , L

75 FR 21390 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-23

... election of section 1016(c)(1). Respondents: Individuals or households. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,678... D. Wolfgang, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2010-9394 Filed 4-22-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE...

BACHSCORE. A tool for evaluating efficiently and reliably the quality of large sets of protein structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarti, E.; Zamuner, S.; Cossio, P.; Laio, A.; Seno, F.; Trovato, A.

2013-12-01

In protein structure prediction it is of crucial importance, especially at the refinement stage, to score efficiently large sets of models by selecting the ones that are closest to the native state. We here present a new computational tool, BACHSCORE, that allows its users to rank different structural models of the same protein according to their quality, evaluated by using the BACH++ (Bayesian Analysis Conformation Hunt) scoring function. The original BACH statistical potential was already shown to discriminate with very good reliability the protein native state in large sets of misfolded models of the same protein. BACH++ features a novel upgrade in the solvation potential of the scoring function, now computed by adapting the LCPO (Linear Combination of Pairwise Orbitals) algorithm. This change further enhances the already good performance of the scoring function. BACHSCORE can be accessed directly through the web server: bachserver.pd.infn.it. Catalogue identifier: AEQD_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEQD_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License version 3 No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 130159 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 24 687 455 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: C++. Computer: Any computer capable of running an executable produced by a g++ compiler (4.6.3 version). Operating system: Linux, Unix OS-es. RAM: 1 073 741 824 bytes Classification: 3. Nature of problem: Evaluate the quality of a protein structural model, taking into account the possible “a priori” knowledge of a reference primary sequence that may be different from the amino-acid sequence of the model; the native protein structure should be recognized as the best model. Solution method: The contact potential scores the occurrence of any given type of residue pair in 5 possible

MT1-MMP Responsive Doxorubicin Conjugated Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid)/Poly(styrene-alt-maleic Anhydride) Core/Shell Microparticles for Intrahepatic Arterial Chemotherapy of Hepatic Cancer.

PubMed

Davaa, Enkhzaya; Lee, Junghan; Jenjob, Ratchapol; Yang, Su-Geun

2017-01-11

In this study, we demonstrated that the MT1-MMP-responsive peptide (sequence: GPLPLRSWGLK) and doxorubicin-conjugated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid/poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) core/shell microparticles (PLGA/pSMA MPs) can be applied for intrahepatic arterial injection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PLGA/pSMA MPs were prepared with a capillary-focused microfluidic device. The particle size, observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was around 22 ± 3 μm. MT1-MMP-responsive peptide and doxorubicin (DOX) were chemically conjugated with pSMA segments on the shell of MPs to form a PLGA/pSMA-peptide-DOX complex, resulting in high encapsulation efficiency (91.1%) and loading content (2.9%). DOX was released from PLGA/pSMA-peptide-DOX MPs in a pH-dependent manner (∼25% at pH 5.4 and ∼8% at pH 7.4) and accumulated significantly in an MT1-MMP-overexpressing Hep3B cell line. An in vivo intrahepatic injection study showed localization of MPs on the hepatic vessels and hepatic lobes up to 24 h after the injection without any shunting to the lung. Moreover, MPs efficiently inhibited tumor growth of Hep3B hepatic tumor xenografted mouse models. We expect that PLGA/pSMA-peptide-DOX MPs can be utilized as an effective intrahepatic drug delivery system for the treatment of HCC.

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool

Science.gov Websites

alternative fuel. Values found in Table 1. Fuel Cost Fuel_cost_current Fuel_cost_alt_new Fuel_cost_alt Fuel cost for old vehicle. Fuel cost for new vehicle using conventional vehicle Fuel cost for new vehicle *(Alt_GGE_factor_conv/Alt_GGE_factor)*Alt_GGE_factor*GHG_alt)] Yearly fuel cost savings resulting from fuel and vehicle

77 FR 64847 - Designation of 3 individuals Pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, “Blocking...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-23

..., Maulawi''; a.k.a. ``ADAM, Molawi''), Chaman, Balochistan Province, Pakistan; DOB 1972; alt. DOB 1970; alt. DOB 1971; alt. DOB 1973; alt. DOB 1974; alt. DOB 1975; POB Qandahar, Afghanistan; citizen Pakistan.... CHOUDRY, Aamir Ali; a.k.a. ``HUZAIFA''); DOB 03 Aug 1986; nationality Pakistan; Passport BN4196361...

Prevalence of Visible and Occult Blood on the Surfaces of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopes

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-10-01

Mycobacterium chelonae and Rhodotorula rubra) in the 2 suction channels of fiberoptic endoscopes. (Cox, deBorja, & Bach, 1997; Hagan, Koltz, Bartholomew...Hagen, M.E., Klotz, S.A., Bartholomew, W., Potter, L., & Nelson, M. (1996). A pseudoepidemic of rhodotorula rubra: A marker for microbial

Effect of changes on body weight and lifestyle in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Suzuki, Ayako; Lindor, Keith; St Saver, Jenny; Lymp, James; Mendes, Flavia; Muto, Ayako; Okada, Toshihide; Angulo, Paul

2005-12-01

The effects of lifestyle modifications in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are incompletely defined. We aimed at determining the association of changes in body weight and lifestyle with changes in serum ALT levels. We analyzed annual health checkup data from 1546 employees. Of 469 subjects with elevated ALT, we selected 348 male subjects by excluding those who had other causes of liver disease. They were followed for one year to assess the association of change in lifestyle with change in serum ALT. The 136 subjects who had ALT normalization were followed for two years to assess the association between lifestyle management and persistently normal ALT. In adjusted analysis, weight loss and regular exercise were significantly associated with improvement in serum ALT and increased the odds of ALT normalization, while starting smoking was significantly associated with deterioration in serum ALT. Subjects achieving > or = 5% weight reduction showed improvement in serum ALT. Reduction in alcohol consumption was not associated with changes in serum ALT. Maintaining reduced weight (<5% gain) was significantly associated with persistently normal ALT. Reducing weight by at least 5% with subsequent weight control and exercising regularly may be beneficial in treating NAFLD.

[From Paul Flechsig to the Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research. Development of brain research at the Karl Marx University].

PubMed

Leibnitz, L; Werner, L; Schober, W; Brauer, K

1977-04-01

A review is given on the development of the brain research institute of the Karl-Marx-University of Leipzig during the directorates of Paul Flechsig (1883-1920), Richard Arwed Pfeifer (1925-1957), and Wolfgang Wünscher (1957-1971).

A Prognostic Gene Signature for Metastasis-Free Survival of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients

PubMed Central

Yun, Jieun; Bevilacqua, Elena; Caldas, Carlos; Chin, Suet-Feung; Rueda, Oscar M.; Reinitz, John; Rosner, Marsha Rich

2013-01-01

Although triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, they currently lack targeted therapies. Because this classification still includes a heterogeneous collection of tumors, new tools to classify TNBCs are urgently required in order to improve our prognostic capability for high risk patients and predict response to therapy. We previously defined a gene expression signature, RKIP Pathway Metastasis Signature (RPMS), based upon a metastasis-suppressive signaling pathway initiated by Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein (RKIP). We have now generated a new BACH1 Pathway Metastasis gene signature (BPMS) that utilizes targets of the metastasis regulator BACH1. Specifically, we substituted experimentally validated target genes to generate a new BACH1 metagene, developed an approach to optimize patient tumor stratification, and reduced the number of signature genes to 30. The BPMS significantly and selectively stratified metastasis-free survival in basal-like and, in particular, TNBC patients. In addition, the BPMS further stratified patients identified as having a good or poor prognosis by other signatures including the Mammaprint® and Oncotype® clinical tests. The BPMS is thus complementary to existing signatures and is a prognostic tool for high risk ER-HER2- patients. We also demonstrate the potential clinical applicability of the BPMS as a single sample predictor. Together, these results reveal the potential of this pathway-based BPMS gene signature to identify high risk TNBC patients that can respond effectively to targeted therapy, and highlight BPMS genes as novel drug targets for therapeutic development. PMID:24349199

A prognostic gene signature for metastasis-free survival of triple negative breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Lee, Unjin; Frankenberger, Casey; Yun, Jieun; Bevilacqua, Elena; Caldas, Carlos; Chin, Suet-Feung; Rueda, Oscar M; Reinitz, John; Rosner, Marsha Rich

2013-01-01

Although triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, they currently lack targeted therapies. Because this classification still includes a heterogeneous collection of tumors, new tools to classify TNBCs are urgently required in order to improve our prognostic capability for high risk patients and predict response to therapy. We previously defined a gene expression signature, RKIP Pathway Metastasis Signature (RPMS), based upon a metastasis-suppressive signaling pathway initiated by Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein (RKIP). We have now generated a new BACH1 Pathway Metastasis gene signature (BPMS) that utilizes targets of the metastasis regulator BACH1. Specifically, we substituted experimentally validated target genes to generate a new BACH1 metagene, developed an approach to optimize patient tumor stratification, and reduced the number of signature genes to 30. The BPMS significantly and selectively stratified metastasis-free survival in basal-like and, in particular, TNBC patients. In addition, the BPMS further stratified patients identified as having a good or poor prognosis by other signatures including the Mammaprint® and Oncotype® clinical tests. The BPMS is thus complementary to existing signatures and is a prognostic tool for high risk ER-HER2- patients. We also demonstrate the potential clinical applicability of the BPMS as a single sample predictor. Together, these results reveal the potential of this pathway-based BPMS gene signature to identify high risk TNBC patients that can respond effectively to targeted therapy, and highlight BPMS genes as novel drug targets for therapeutic development.

17. Copy of a post card showing the Lavelle School ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

17. Copy of a post card showing the Lavelle School and its first graduating class, c. 1890. The people are identified as: (1st row L to R) Charles Walker, Raymond Hornberger, Kenneth Keller, Dan Walker, Gilbert Lenker, and John Wetzel (from Locustdale); (2nd row L to R) Tim Snyder, Art Hornberger, John Wetzel (from Lavelle), ? Keller, Bright Enterline, Emerson Keller, Art Krah, and Leroy Henninger; (3rd row L to R) Hannah Wetzel, Vernie Hepler, Nona Snyder, Alice Dillman, Edith (Krah) Wolfgang, and Florence (Leach) Paul; (4th row L to R) Elva Paul, Vernie Wolfgang, Marie Enterline Walker, and Annie Hunter; (5th row L to R) Edna Walker, Martha Hornberger (Teacher), and Emma Dillman. (Copy of photo reproduced with permission from the Ashland Public ... - Lavelle School, Township Road 905, Main Street, Village of Lavelle, Lavelle, Schuylkill County, PA

ATRX represses alternative lengthening of telomeres

PubMed Central

Napier, Christine E.; Huschtscha, Lily I.; Harvey, Adam; Bower, Kylie; Noble, Jane R.; Hendrickson, Eric A.; Reddel, Roger R.

2015-01-01

The unlimited proliferation of cancer cells requires a mechanism to prevent telomere shortening. Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) is an homologous recombination-mediated mechanism of telomere elongation used in tumors, including osteosarcomas, soft tissue sarcoma subtypes, and glial brain tumors. Mutations in the ATRX/DAXX chromatin remodeling complex have been reported in tumors and cell lines that use the ALT mechanism, suggesting that ATRX may be an ALT repressor. We show here that knockout or knockdown of ATRX in mortal cells or immortal telomerase-positive cells is insufficient to activate ALT. Notably, however, in SV40-transformed mortal fibroblasts ATRX loss results in either a significant increase in the proportion of cell lines activating ALT (instead of telomerase) or in a significant decrease in the time prior to ALT activation. These data indicate that loss of ATRX function cooperates with one or more as-yet unidentified genetic or epigenetic alterations to activate ALT. Moreover, transient ATRX expression in ALT-positive/ATRX-negative cells represses ALT activity. These data provide the first direct, functional evidence that ATRX represses ALT. PMID:26001292

Performance of human fecal anaerobe-associated PCR-based assays in a multi-laboratory method evaluation study

EPA Science Inventory

A number of PCR-based methods for detecting human fecal material in environmental waters have been developed over the past decade, but these methods have rarely received independent comparative testing. Here, we evaluated ten of these methods (BacH, BacHum-UCD, B. thetaiotaomic...

The Living Classroom: Teaching and Collective Consciousness. SUNY Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bache, Christopher M.

2008-01-01

This pioneering work in teaching and transpersonal psychology explores the dynamics of collective consciousness in the classroom. Combining scientific research with personal accounts collected over thirty years, Christopher M. Bache examines the subtle influences that radiate invisibly around teachers as they work--unintended, cognitive resonances…

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

Jackson, John David

In 1949-1951 the University of California was traumatized and seriously damaged by a Loyalty Oath controversy. Wolfgang K. H. Panofsky, a young and promising physics professor and researcher at Lawrence's Radiation Laboratory, was caught up in the turmoil.

Language across Cultures. Proceedings of a Symposium (St. Patrick's College, Dublin, Ireland, July 8-9, 1983).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mathuna, Liam Mac; Singleton, David

Papers presented at the symposium on the relationship between language and culture include, in addition to an opening adress: "Sociosemiotics Across Cultures" (Wolfgang Kuhlwein); "Translation Across Languages or Across Cultures?" (Albrecht Neubert); "Grammatical Categories Across Cultures" (Olga Tomic); "On…

77 FR 62618 - Designation of Two (2) Entities Pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-15

[email protected]yahoo.com ; alt. Email Address [email protected] ; alt. Email Address [email protected]@alquds- online.org ; alt. Email Address [email protected]yahoo.com ; alt. Email Address city.com ">info...

Alternative lengthening of telomeres can be maintained by preferential elongation of lagging strands

PubMed Central

Min, Jaewon; Wright, Woodring E.

2017-01-01

Abstract Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomerase independent telomere maintenance mechanism that occurs in ∼15% of cancers. The potential mechanism of ALT is homology-directed telomere synthesis, but molecular mechanisms of how ALT maintains telomere length in human cancer is poorly understood. Here, we generated TERC (telomerase RNA) gene knockouts in telomerase positive cell lines that resulted in long-term surviving clones acquiring the ALT pathway but at a very low frequency. By comparing these ALT cells with parental telomerase positive cells, we observed that ALT cells possess excessively long telomeric overhangs derived from telomere elongation processes that mostly occur during S phase. ALT cells exhibited preferential elongation of the telomeric lagging strands, whereas telomerase positive cells exhibited similar elongation between leading and lagging strands. We propose that the ALT pathway preferentially occurs at telomeric lagging strands leading to heterogeneous telomere lengths observed in most ALT cancers. PMID:28082393

Memoized Online Variational Inference for Dirichlet Process Mixture Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-27

breaking process [7], which places artifically large mass on the final component. It is more efficient and broadly applicable than an alternative trunction...models. In Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence , 2008. [13] N. Le Roux, M. Schmidt, and F. Bach. A stochastic gradient method with an exponential

Discovering Structure in High-Dimensional Data Through Correlation Explanation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-08

transforming complex data into simpler, more meaningful forms goes under the rubric of representation learning [2] which shares many goals with...Zhivotovsky, and M.W. Feldman. Genetic structure of human populations. Science, 298(5602):2381–2385, 2002. [14] K. Bache and M. Lichman. UCI machine

B-1 Systems Approach to Training. Control and Display Catalog and Action Verb Thesaurus

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-07-01

LATITUDE SET SWITCH LAI SET MOVING SCALL KNCb WING-SWEEP SURFACE POS INO RUDDER POSITION INDICATOR STAbiLlZER FOSllION...CUPILOT FClÜ40 2Cb SEN«>ITW£ ALT LCALl INDtX-PIL FLIL^UIK M^ITIVE ALT i>CALb MKK-PIL FC104L1C9 ,-’ StNSITIVl: ALT SCALL 1NÜLX LiNb...ALTUüDE i>uALL-PlL VU It AL.T1TÜÜE SCALL >tKNIb« ALT ^LALt IMUEX-PIL VLRNUK ALTITUDt SLALL-LJP VLI-NUr’ ALT SCALE

77 FR 69707 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-20

..., Hazarjuft Area, Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan; alt. POB Laki Village, Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan; alt. POB Lakari Village, Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan; alt. POB Darvishan, Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan; alt. POB De Luy Wiyalah Village...

Bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitors block the Epstein-Barr virus lytic cycle at two distinct steps.

PubMed

Keck, Kristin M; Moquin, Stephanie A; He, Amanda; Fernandez, Samantha G; Somberg, Jessica J; Liu, Stephanie M; Martinez, Delsy M; Miranda, Jj L

2017-08-11

Lytic infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) poses numerous health risks, such as infectious mononucleosis and lymphoproliferative disorder. Proteins in the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family regulate multiple stages of viral life cycles and provide promising intervention targets. Synthetic small molecules can bind to the bromodomains and disrupt function by preventing recognition of acetylated lysine substrates. We demonstrate that JQ1 and other BET inhibitors block two different steps in the sequential cascade of the EBV lytic cycle. BET inhibitors prevent expression of the viral immediate-early protein BZLF1. JQ1 alters transcription of genes controlled by the host protein BACH1, and BACH1 knockdown reduces BZLF1 expression. BET proteins also localize to the lytic origin of replication (OriLyt) genetic elements, and BET inhibitors prevent viral late gene expression. There JQ1 reduces BRD4 recruitment during reactivation to preclude replication initiation. This represents a rarely observed dual mode of action for drugs.

Loss of Wild-Type ATRX Expression in Somatic Cell Hybrids Segregates with Activation of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres

PubMed Central

Cole, Sara L.; Dagg, Rebecca A.; Lau, Loretta M. S.; Duncan, Emma L.; Moy, Elsa L.; Reddel, Roger R.

2012-01-01

Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) is a non-telomerase mechanism of telomere lengthening that occurs in about 10% of cancers overall and is particularly common in astrocytic brain tumors and specific types of sarcomas. Somatic cell hybridization analyses have previously shown that normal telomerase-negative fibroblasts and telomerase-positive immortalized cell lines contain repressors of ALT activity, indicating that activation of ALT results from loss of one or more unidentified repressors. More recently, ATRX or DAXX was shown to be mutated both in tumors with telomere lengths suggestive of ALT activity and in ALT cell lines. Here, an ALT cell line was separately fused to each of four telomerase-positive cell lines, and four or five independent hybrid lines from each fusion were examined for expression of ATRX and DAXX and for telomere lengthening mechanism. The hybrid lines expressed either telomerase or ALT, with the other mechanism being repressed. DAXX was expressed normally in all parental cell lines and in all of the hybrids. ATRX was expressed normally in each of the four telomerase-positive parental cell lines and in every telomerase-positive hybrid line, and was abnormal in the ALT parental cells and in all but one of the ALT hybrids. This correlation between ALT activity and loss of ATRX expression is consistent with ATRX being a repressor of ALT. PMID:23185534

IFLA General Conference, 1985. Division of General Research Libraries. Section on Parliamentary Libraries. Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Federation of Library Associations, The Hague (Netherlands).

Papers on parliamentary libraries which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "Cooperation among Parliamentary Libraries--Example: Federal Republic of Germany" (Wolfgang Dietz, West Germany); (2) "Cooperative Development in Action: Towards an Australian Parliamentary Information…

Informal Institutions and the Weaknesses of Human Behavior

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

der Wirtschafispolitik 2, 2001, S.185-210. * Haucap, Justus, Uwe Pauly & Christian Wey, Collective Wage Setting When Wages Are Generally Binding: An...in an Overlapping Generations Model, Nr. 8/1999. " Henning, Andreas & Wolfgang Greiner, Organknappheit im Transplantationswesen - L6sungs- ansditze aus

Goethe's "Delicate Empiricism": Assessing Its Value for Australian Ecologists

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradley, Melanie

2011-01-01

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, recognised as a seminal German polymath, developed a unique approach for investigating nature, termed "delicate empiricism". Goethe's approach uses empathy, imagination and intuition to promote a participatory engagement with the world. It goes beyond the dualistic-rationalism that defines…

jsc2014e078835_alt

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-08-18

Group photo representating past and present Multi-Media Services (MMS) photographer and videographers that have supported Zero-G Reduced Gravity Office operations throughout the year prior to the programs final flight on August 29, 2014. Photo Date: August 18, 2014. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 990. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

Mathematics. [SITE 2002 Section].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Connell, Michael L., Ed.; Lowery, Norene Vail, Ed.; Harnisch, Delwyn L., Ed.

This document contains the following papers on mathematics from the SITE (Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education) 2002 conference: (1) "Teachers' Learning of Mathematics in the Presence of Technology: Participatory Cognitive Apprenticeship" (Mara Alagic); (2) "A Fractal Is a Pattern in Your Neighborhood" (Craig N. Bach); (3)…

The Way We Think: A Research Symposium on Conceptual Integration and the Nature and Origin of Cognitively Modern Human Beings (Odense, Denmark, August 19-23, 2002). Volumes I [and] II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hougaard, Anders, Ed.; Lund, Steffen Nordahl, Ed.

2002-01-01

These 2 volumes include papers and abstracts of papers presented at the August 2002 "The Way We Think" conference in Denmark. Papers and abstracts of papers in the two volumes include: "Blending and Conceptual Disintegration" (Anders Hougaard); "Levels of Blending, Disintegration, and Language Evolution" (Carl Bache); "Conceptual Integration,…

77 FR 40948 - Additional Designation of Persons Whose Property and Interests in Property Are Blocked Pursuant...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-11

..., Mombasa, Kenya; DOB 1962; alt. DOB 1967; POB Kenya; citizen Kenya (individual) [SOMALIA]. 3. GOITOM, Taeme... Jan 1969; POB Kenya; alt. POB Lamu Island, Kenya; citizen Kenya (individual) [SOMALIA]. 5. NEGASH..., Kenya; Passport A764712 (Kenya) expires 27 Mar 2013; alt. Passport B002271 (Kenya); alt. Passport...

Minutes of the Explosives Safety Seminar (25th) Held in Anaheim, California on 18-20 August 1992. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-20

NAVAL STTRFACE WARFARE CENTER MR. KRATOVIL EDWARD NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND MR KRAUSE WILLIAM UNITED TECHNOLOGIES-ASD MR. KRAUTHAMMER THEODOR PENN...ARMY DEPOT MR. WOLFGANG GARY OLIN ORDNANCE MR. WOOD RANDALL EG&G MOUND APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES MR. WOOD SCOTT NAVAL WEAPONS STATION - SEAL BEACH MR

University Curricula in the Marine Sciences and Related Fields. Academic Years 1969-70 and 1970-71.

DTIC Science & Technology

1971-01-01

Associate Professor Krause , Dale C., Associate Professor 112 McMaster, Robert L., Ph.D., Associate Professor Smayda, Theodore J., Dr., Philos...Associate Professor of Zoology Division of Physical Sciences Allison, Edwin C., Ph.D., Professor of Geology Berger, Wolfgang , Ph.D., Assistant Professor of

University of Maryland MRSEC - Research: Seed 1

Science.gov Websites

. University of Maryland Materials Research Science and Engineering Center Home About Us Leadership & Biochemistry Wolfgang Losert, Physics, IPST, IREAP Ben Shapiro, Bio-Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Edo Waks, Electrical & Computer Engineering, IREAP, JQI Creating specific functional patterns

78 FR 34160 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Office of Financial Stability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-06

... Purchase Program (CPP) under which the Department has purchased qualifying capital in U.S. banking... Treasury has invested through the CPP. Consequently, the Treasury is seeking responses from banking..., maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Dated: June 3, 2013. Dawn D. Wolfgang, Treasury...

Meeting LEP

ScienceCinema

None

2018-05-25

The DG J. Adams gives the introduction and presents the two speakers: Pierre Darriulat, who gives a speech on physics on the occasion of the LEP, and Wolfgang Schnell, who speaks about the LEP project, with the DG contributing as well with a few thoughts.

Serum aminotransferase changes with significant weight loss: sex and age effects.

PubMed

Suzuki, Ayako; Binks, Martin; Sha, Ronald; Wachholtz, Amy; Eisenson, Howard; Diehl, Anna Mae

2010-02-01

In obese subjects, the liver may be differentially affected by significant weight loss depending on as yet unknown factors. We explored clinical factors associated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) changes during significant weight loss in a residential weight loss program. Clinical data from 362 adults who received a comprehensive weight loss intervention (ie, diets, physical fitness, and behavioral modification) in the program were analyzed. Serum ALT was used as a surrogate marker of liver injury. The ALT changes during the program were calculated to create study outcome categories (improvement, no change, or deterioration of ALT during significant weight loss). Variables of demography, lifestyle, and comorbidities at baseline, and total/rate of weight change during the program were explored for associations with the ALT change categories using multiple logistic regression models. Variation by sex was apparent among predictors of ALT deterioration; men with rapid weight loss and women with higher initial body mass index were more likely to experience ALT deterioration, whereas men with prior alcohol consumption were less likely to experience ALT deterioration even after adjusting for baseline ALT (Ps < .03). Variation by age was apparent among predictors of ALT improvement; younger patients with current smoking and older patients with rapid weight loss, diabetes or impaired fasting glucose, or sleep apnea or who followed a reduced-carbohydrate diet were less likely to experience ALT improvement (Ps < .05). A number of clinical factors influence ALT changes during weight loss in sex- and age-specific manners. The patterns that we detected may have pathophysiologic significance beyond the practical implications of our findings in clinical practice related to underlying changes in fat metabolism. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Large-scale population analysis reveals an extremely low threshold for "non-healthy" alanine aminotransferase that predicts diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Shlomai, Amir; Kariv, Revital; Leshno, Moshe; Beth-or, Anat; Sheinberg, Bracha; Halpern, Zamir

2010-10-01

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly used to detect liver damage. Recent studies indicate that ALT levels at the upper range of normal limits are predictors of adverse outcomes, especially diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to define the ALT threshold for both men and women that may predict the onset of DM. We analyzed a large Health Maintenance Organization cohort of 157 308 healthy subjects with no evidence of liver disease and with baseline ALT levels ≤ 120 U/L, and identified those who developed DM within 6 years. Overall, an elevated baseline serum ALT value was significantly associated with the development of DM, with an odds ratio of 3.3 when comparing the higher and the lower quartiles of the whole study population. A subgroup analysis revealed that baseline ALT values higher than 10 U/L among women and 22 U/L among men were already significantly associated with an increased risk for DM for any increment in ALT level. Notably, ALT values higher than ∼55 U/L were associated with increased risk for DM that was relatively constant for any increment in ALT. Higher baseline ALT levels were stronger predictors for DM as compared with age, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Our study implies that ALT values higher than 10 U/L and 22 U/L for women and men, respectively, may predict DM. We suggest redefining ALT values as either 'normal' or 'healthy', with the later reflecting much lower values, above which an individual is at increased risk for DM. © 2010 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Withaferin-A kills cancer cells with and without telomerase: chemical, computational and experimental evidences.

PubMed

Yu, Yue; Katiyar, Shashank P; Sundar, Durai; Kaul, Zeenia; Miyako, Eijiro; Zhang, Zhenya; Kaul, Sunil C; Reddel, Roger R; Wadhwa, Renu

2017-04-20

Maintenance of telomere length is the most consistent attribute of cancer cells. Tightly connected to their capacity to overcome replicative mortality, it is achieved either by activation of telomerase or an Alternative mechanism of Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). Disruption of either of these mechanisms has been shown to induce DNA damage signalling leading to senescence or apoptosis. Telomerase inhibitors are considered as potential anticancer drugs but are ineffective for ALT cancers (~15% of all cancers). Withaferin-A (Wi-A), a major constituent of the medicinal plant, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), has been shown to exert anti-tumour activity. However, its effect on either telomerase or ALT mechanisms has not been investigated. Here, by using isogenic cancer cells with/without telomerase, we found that Wi-A caused stronger cytotoxicity to ALT cells. It was associated with inhibition of ALT-associated promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies, an established marker of ALT. Comparative analyses of telomerase positive and ALT cells revealed that Wi-A caused stronger telomere dysfunction and upregulation of DNA damage response in ALT cells. Molecular computational and experimental analyses revealed that Wi-A led to Myc-Mad mediated transcriptional suppression of NBS-1, an MRN complex protein that is an essential component of the ALT mechanism. The results suggest that Wi-A could be a new candidate drug for ALT cancers.

Withaferin-A kills cancer cells with and without telomerase: chemical, computational and experimental evidences

PubMed Central

Yu, Yue; Katiyar, Shashank P; Sundar, Durai; Kaul, Zeenia; Miyako, Eijiro; Zhang, Zhenya; Kaul, Sunil C; Reddel, Roger R; Wadhwa, Renu

2017-01-01

Maintenance of telomere length is the most consistent attribute of cancer cells. Tightly connected to their capacity to overcome replicative mortality, it is achieved either by activation of telomerase or an Alternative mechanism of Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). Disruption of either of these mechanisms has been shown to induce DNA damage signalling leading to senescence or apoptosis. Telomerase inhibitors are considered as potential anticancer drugs but are ineffective for ALT cancers (~15% of all cancers). Withaferin-A (Wi-A), a major constituent of the medicinal plant, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), has been shown to exert anti-tumour activity. However, its effect on either telomerase or ALT mechanisms has not been investigated. Here, by using isogenic cancer cells with/without telomerase, we found that Wi-A caused stronger cytotoxicity to ALT cells. It was associated with inhibition of ALT-associated promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies, an established marker of ALT. Comparative analyses of telomerase positive and ALT cells revealed that Wi-A caused stronger telomere dysfunction and upregulation of DNA damage response in ALT cells. Molecular computational and experimental analyses revealed that Wi-A led to Myc-Mad mediated transcriptional suppression of NBS-1, an MRN complex protein that is an essential component of the ALT mechanism. The results suggest that Wi-A could be a new candidate drug for ALT cancers. PMID:28425984

Bacillus spp. produce antibacterial activities against lactic acid bacteria that contaminate fuel ethanol plants.

PubMed

Manitchotpisit, Pennapa; Bischoff, Kenneth M; Price, Neil P J; Leathers, Timothy D

2013-05-01

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) frequently contaminate commercial fuel ethanol fermentations, reducing yields and decreasing profitability of biofuel production. Microorganisms from environmental sources in different geographic regions of Thailand were tested for antibacterial activity against LAB. Four bacterial strains, designated as ALT3A, ALT3B, ALT17, and MR1, produced inhibitory effects on growth of LAB. Sequencing of rRNA identified these strains as species of Bacillus subtilis (ALT3A and ALT3B) and B. cereus (ALT17 and MR1). Cell mass from colonies and agar samples from inhibition zones were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The spectra of ALT3A and ALT3B showed a strong signal at m/z 1,060, similar in mass to the surfactin family of antimicrobial lipopeptides. ALT3A and ALT3B were analyzed by zymogram analysis using SDS-PAGE gels placed on agar plates inoculated with LAB. Cell lysates possessed an inhibitory protein of less than 10 kDa, consistent with the production of an antibacterial lipopeptide. Mass spectra of ALT17 and MR1 had notable signals at m/z 908 and 930 in the whole cell extracts and at m/z 687 in agar, but these masses do not correlate with those of previously reported antibacterial lipopeptides, and no antibacterial activity was detected by zymogram. The antibacterial activities produced by these strains may have application in the fuel ethanol industry as an alternative to antibiotics for prevention and control of bacterial contamination.

Alternative lengthening of telomeres predicts site of origin in neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases.

PubMed

Dogeas, Epameinondas; Karagkounis, Georgios; Heaphy, Christopher M; Hirose, Kenzo; Pawlik, Timothy M; Wolfgang, Christopher L; Meeker, Alan; Hruban, Ralph H; Cameron, John L; Choti, Michael A

2014-04-01

The determination of the primary tumor origin in patients with neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NELM) can pose a considerable management challenge. Recent studies have shown that the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is prevalent in some human tumors, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET), and can be useful in predicting tumor biology. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of ALT as a biomarker in patients with NELM, in particular to predict the site of origin of metastases. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed using tumor tissue from NELM patients undergoing liver resection between 1998 and 2010. These included 43 PanNET and 47 gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. The TMAs were tested for ALT using telomere-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization. The association between ALT positivity and clinicopathologic features and long-term outcomes was investigated. Alternative lengthening of telomeres was positive (ALT+) in 26 (29%) of the 90 tumors included in the TMAs. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were ALT+ in 56% of patients, compared with only 4% ALT+ among gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors (p < 0.001). The specificity of ALT for detecting pancreatic origin was 96% and the positive predictive value was 92%, and sensitivity was 56% and the negative predictive value was 70%. Additionally, ALT was associated with the pattern of metastatic disease: ALT+ NELM were more likely to have oligometastases (p = 0.001) and less likely to be bilateral in distribution (p = 0.05) than were ALT tumors. In addition, ALT+ was associated with improved prognosis in the PanNET patient population. Alternative lengthening of telomeres was found to be a useful biomarker in patients with NELM. This marker can be helpful in guiding therapy by identifying the site of origin in patients in whom the primary site is unknown. Copyright © 2014 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on hepatic function in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: pooled and subgroup analyses of clinical trials.

PubMed

Seko, Yuya; Sumida, Yoshio; Sasaki, Kazuyo; Itoh, Yoshito; Iijima, Hiroaki; Hashimoto, Toshio; Ishii, Shinichi; Inagaki, Nobuya

2018-01-01

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of canagliflozin (based on its effect on liver function and blood glucose levels) and its safety in high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) patients (ALT >30 U/L). This post hoc analysis of canagliflozin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients was divided into Study 1 (pooled analysis of 12- and 24-week placebo-controlled, monotherapy studies) and Study 2 (52-week monotherapy/combination therapy study). The canagliflozin 100 mg group data were compared with placebo or baseline ALT subgroup (baseline ALT >30 or ≤30 U/L) data. The primary endpoint was change in ALT level from baseline. Secondary endpoints were changes in efficacy-related parameters. Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. The mean ALT change at 12 weeks was -10.3 ± 11.7 and -3.2 ± 17.6 U/L in the canagliflozin vs. placebo group in the high ALT subgroup (P = 0.0206); no significant difference was shown in the low ALT subgroup (Study 1). In both ALT subgroups, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight were significantly reduced in the canagliflozin vs. placebo group (all P < 0.0001). The mean change in ALT at 52 weeks was -16.0 ± 18.8 U/L in the high ALT subgroup (P < 0.0001, Study 2). The incidence of AEs or serious AEs in the high ALT subgroup in the canagliflozin group was similar to that in the placebo group (Study 1) or low ALT subgroup (Studies 1 and 2). In T2DM patients with impaired liver function, canagliflozin may improve liver function, reduce HbA1c and body weight, and be well tolerated.

Elucidating the substrate specificities of acyl-lipid thioesterases from diverse plant taxa.

PubMed

Kalinger, Rebecca S; Pulsifer, Ian P; Rowland, Owen

2018-06-01

Acyl-ACP thioesterase enzymes, which cleave fatty acyl thioester bonds to release free fatty acids, contribute to much of the fatty acid diversity in plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a family of four single hot-dog fold domain, plastid-localized acyl-lipid thioesterases (AtALT1-4) generate medium-chain (C6-C14) fatty and β-keto fatty acids as secondary metabolites. These volatile products may serve to attract insect pollinators or deter predatory insects. Homologs of AtALT1-4 are present in all plant taxa, but are nearly all uncharacterized. Despite high sequence identity, AtALT1-4 generate different lipid products, suggesting that ALT homologs in other plants also have highly varied activities. We investigated the catalytic diversity of ALT-like thioesterases by screening the substrate specificities of 15 ALT homologs from monocots, eudicots, a lycophyte, a green microalga, and the ancient gymnosperm Gingko biloba, via expression in Escherichia coli. Overall, these enzymes had highly varied substrate preferences compared to one another and to AtALT1-4, and could be classified into four catalytic groups comprising members from diverse taxa. Group 1 ALTs primarily generated 14:1 β-keto fatty acids, Group 2 ALTs produced 6-10 carbon fatty/β-keto fatty acids, Group 3 ALTs predominantly produced 12-14 carbon fatty acids, and Group 4 ALTs mainly generated 16 carbon fatty acids. Enzymes in each group differed significantly in the quantities of lipids and types of minor products they generated in E. coli. Medium-chain fatty acids are used to manufacture insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, and ALT-like proteins are ideal candidates for metabolic engineering to produce specific fatty acids in significant quantities. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Air and Space Power Joumal. Volume 25, Number 3, Fall 2011

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Navarre, Florida Mr. Charles Tustin Kamps USAF Air Command and Staff College Dr. Tom Keaney Johns Hopkins University Col Merrick E. Krause , USAF, Retired...fighter pilots such as Wolfgang Falck, Hajo Herrmann, and Hans-Joachim Jabs. In this aspect, Heaton (a professor at the American Military University

On Death Ground: Why Weak States Resist Great Powers Explaining Coercion Failure in Asymmetric Interstate Conflict

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

Austin Long, Daniel Altman, Gautam Mukunda, Ben Friedman, Peter Krause , Kelly Grieco, Brendan Green, Negeen Paghadi, and Jill Hazelton. A special thanks...Times, Saxon, Wolfgang (28 December 1985) "Airport Attacks Widely Deplored" New York Times 770 Reagan did not freeze Libyan financial assets and

Kohler's Insight Revisited.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Windholtz, George

1985-01-01

Psychology textbooks frequently present Wolfgang Kohler's two-stick experiment with chimpanzees as having demonstrated insight in learning. Studies that replicated Kohler's work support his findings but not his interpretation in terms of insightful solution. The uncritical inclusion of Kohler's insight interpretation in texts is not warranted in…

Goethe's Phenomenological Optics: The Point Where Language Ends and Experience Begins in Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Junker, Kirk

This paper explores whether phenomenology, in general, and the case of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's phenomenological optics in particular, provides a case and a location for "minimal realism," located between the extreme positions of absolute scientific realists and "radical rhetoricians." The paper begins with a description of…

Use of an Optical Multichannel Analyzer for Reflectivity Measurements

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-01

verified and expanded upon through the works of Bohr, Schrodinger, Dirac and others. Postulates expounded by Wolfgang Pauli in 1930, and later...According to the Pauli Exclusion principle, only one electron may occupy each allowable state, and two electrons of opposite spin direction may occupy each

Space, Time, Matter:. 1918-2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veneziano, Gabriele

2013-12-01

Almost a century has elapsed since Hermann Weyl wrote his famous "Space, Time, Matter" book. After recalling some amazingly premonitory writings by him and Wolfgang Pauli in the fifties, I will try to asses the present status of the problematics they were so much concerned with.

Interactions Between Monetary and Fiscal Policies in the Euro Area

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-01

185-210. "* Haucap, Justus, Uwe Pauly & Christian Wey, Collective Wage Setting When Wages Are Generally Binding: An Antitrust Perspective, Nr. 106 (2000...Generations Model, Nr. 8/1999. "* Henning, Andreas & Wolfgang Greiner, Organknappheit im Transplantationswesen - L6sungs- ansditze aus 6konomischer Sicht, Nr. 7

Appropriateness Measurement with Polychotomous Item Response Models and Standardized Indices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

Knoxville, TN � Lawrence, KS 66045 I Dr. John B. Carroll I ERIC Facility-Acquisitions -. ’ 409 Elliott Rd. 4833 Rugby Avenue Chapel Hill, NC...90007 University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65201 1 German Military Representative ATTN: Wolfgang Wildegrube 1 Dr. V. R. R. Uppuluri Streitkraefteast Union

Equality in Language Learning. Proceedings of the Nordic Conference of Applied Linguistics, (5th, Jyvaskyla, Finland, June 4-7, 1987). AFinLA Series No. 45.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sajavaara, Kari, Ed.

Papers presented at the conference on applied linguistics include the following: "Speaking of Grammars: Is Big Beautiful?" (Jan Svartvik); "A Sociosemiotic View of the Grasp of Language at Reality: The Lexical Field 'Aesthetic Judgment'" (Wolfgang Kuhlwein); "Language as a Target and Instrument of the Educational Process…

Current distribution and ac susceptibility response of a thin superconducting disc in an axial field: a theoretical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aruna, S. A.; Zhang, P.; Lin, F. Y.; Ding, S. Y.; Yao, X. X.

2000-04-01

Within the framework of the thermally activated process of the flux line or flux line bundles, and by time integration of the 1D equation of motion of the circulating current density icons/Journals/Common/vecJ" ALT="vecJ" ALIGN="TOP"/> (icons/Journals/Common/rho" ALT="rho" ALIGN="TOP"/> ,t ), which is suitable for thin superconducting films (R >>d ,icons/Journals/Common/le" ALT="le" ALIGN="TOP"/> icons/Journals/Common/lambda" ALT="lambda" ALIGN="TOP"/> ), we present numerical calculations of the current profiles, magnetization hysteresis loops and ac susceptibility icons/Journals/Common/chi" ALT="chi" ALIGN="TOP"/> n = icons/Journals/Common/chi" ALT="chi" ALIGN="TOP"/> ´n +iicons/Journals/Common/chi" ALT="chi" ALIGN="TOP"/> ´´n for n = 1, 3 and 5 of a thin disc immersed in an axial time-dependent external magnetic field Ba (t ) = Bdc +Bac cos(2icons/Journals/Common/pi" ALT="pi" ALIGN="TOP"/> icons/Journals/Common/nu" ALT="nu" ALIGN="TOP"/> t ). Our calculated results are compared with those of the critical state model (CSM) and found to prove the approximate validity of the CSM below the irreversibility field. The differences between our computed results and those of the CSM are also discussed.

History of Baroque Music in Brief.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Music Educators Journal, 1985

1985-01-01

The year 1985 marks the 300th birthday of three masters of Baroque music: Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handel, and Dominico Scarlatti. A summary of the history of Baroque music and a profile of the three composers, which can be used to teach secondary students about the period, are provided. (RM)

Elevated alanine aminotransferase is associated with metabolic syndrome but not consistently associated with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Yueh, Chen-Yu; Chen, Jung-Hsiang; Lee, Li-Wen; Lu, Cheng-Wei; Parekh, Bhavin; Chi, Ching-Chi

2011-10-01

Abnormally elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of nonspecific causes is a common outpatient problem. Without considering ethnicity, several studies had suggested that it was associated with insulin resistance (IR). To investigate whether nonspecific elevated ALT in Taiwanese population could reflect a likely underlying IR and was associated with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes mellitus (IFG/T2DM). The health examination profiles of 1313 Taiwanese were investigated cross-sectionally. The prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) for IFG/T2DM and metabolic abnormalities in relation to elevated ALT were analyzed. Subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) all had IFG/T2DM. The elevated ALT significantly correlated with MS and IFG/T2DM (i.e., 19.9-29.2% vs. 7.8% for MS, and 27.0-31.5% vs. 16.1% for IFG/T2DM). However, after excluding MS and adjustment for age and sex, the elevated ALT alone was not consistently associated with IFG/T2DM (36 < ALT ≤ 80 IU/L with OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.58-1.61; 80 < ALT ≤ 120 IU/L with OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.13-2.37; none with ALT > 120 had IFG). In a cross-sectional analysis of Taiwanese industrial employees, elevated ALT associated with MS, but in subjects who did not meet MS criteria, elevated ALT by itself did not associate with IFG/T2DM. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abdominal obesity validates the association between elevated alanine aminotransferase and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Yueh, Chen-Yu; Yang, Yao-Hsu; Sung, Yi-Ting; Lee, Li-Wen

2014-01-01

To examine how elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) could be associated with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis on a mass health examination. The odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes mellitus and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were compared between people with and without abdominal obesity, together with and without elevated ALT levels. 5499 people were included in this study. Two hundred fifty two (4.6%) fulfilled the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus with 178 (3.2%) undiagnosed before. Metabolic syndrome was vigorously associated with diabetes mellitus and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (12.4% vs. 1.4% and 9.0% vs. 0.9%), but elevated ALT alone was not. However, coexisting with obesity, elevated ALTs were robustly associated with diabetes mellitus and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. For the incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, in comparison to non-obese people with normal ALT (1.7%, OR = 1), obese people especially with elevated ALT levels had significantly higher ORs (obese with ALT ≤ 40 U/L: 4.7%, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.08-2.77, P 0.023; ALT 41-80 U/L: 6.8%, OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.20-3.55, P 0.009; ALT 81-120 U/L: 8.8%, OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.38-6.84, P 0.006; ALT > 120 U/L: 18.2%, OR 7.44, 95% CI 3.04-18.18, P < 0.001). Abdominal obesity validates the association between elevated alanine aminotransferase and diabetes mellitus and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. People with abdominal obesity, especially with coexisting elevated ALT levels should be screened for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus.

Air and Space Power Journal. Volume 25, Number 3, Fall 2011

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Charles Tustin Kamps USAF Air Command and Staff College Dr. Tom Keaney Johns Hopkins University Col Merrick E. Krause , USAF, Retired Department of Homeland...conducted face-to-face interviews with many of the air war leaders and noble night-fighter pilots such as Wolfgang Falck, Hajo Herrmann, and Hans

Ocean Circulation and Dynamics on the West Antarctic Peninsula Continental Shelf

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

Physical Oceanography, and Wolfgang Schneider, Renato Quifiones, Silvio Pantoja, Samuel Hormaz6bal and Oscar Pizarro all helped me learn more about how to be...Rohardt, G., Krause , G., 1992. The Antarctic coastal current in the southeastern Weddell Sea. Polar Biology 12 (2), 171-182. 178 Flagg, C. N

Differential Game Logic for Hybrid Games

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

André Platzer. Logics of dynamical systems (invited tutorial). In LICS [DBL12]. [PP03] Marc Pauly and Rohit Parikh. Game logic - an overview...hybrid games. Theor. Comput. Sci., 412(48):6770–6785, 2011. [Wal98] Wolfgang Walter. Ordinary Differential Equations. Springer, 1998. 18 A Proof of Scott

International Symposium on Correlation and Polarization in Electron-Atom Collisions Held in Pasadena, California on 1-2 August 1985.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-02

above within the framework of the Breit- of these resonances. Pauli Hamiltonian. The influence of electron correlation The R-matrix calculations for...Domagkstr 75,4400 Munster WEST GERMANY Dr. I. V. Hertel Freie Universitat Berlin F13 Physik, Arnimallee 14 D-1000 Berlin 33 WEST GERMANY Dr. Wolfgang

Cost Benefit Analysis of Performing a Pilot Project for Hydrogen-Powered Ground Support Equipment at Lemoore Naval Air Station

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

34 Bullnet eCommerce Solutions, Bull Group. http://www.bullnet.co.uk/ (accessed November 25, 2006). 13 Philip Baxley, Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta, and Wolfgang...Benefits of Fuel Cells." Bullnet eCommerce Solutions, Bull Group. http://www.bullnet.co.uk/ (accessed November 25, 2006). "Hydrogen Production and

Skill Transfer and Virtual Training for IND Response Decision-Making: Game Design for Disaster Response Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

Guild Awards: Videogame Nominees,” Writer’s Guild of America, 2015. [Online]. Available: http://www.wga.org/wga-awards/nominees- winners.aspx... videogame . [Accessed 2015]. [22] S. Jackson, “Amazing Errors in Prototyping,” in Kobold Guide to Board Game Design, Open Design LLC / Wolfgang Baur, 2011

Partnering for Environmental Security Cooperation in Central Asia and the Caspian Basin

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-01

Organizations.......................................................................................98 Mr. Paul Giannone Disaster Response Planning Processes...Paul Giannone of CARE USA who discussed key points of Non-governmental Organizations’ relationships with the military and provided suggestions on...Relationships between Military and Civilian Organizations Mr. Paul Giannone Disaster Response Planning Processes and Procedures Mr. Wolfgang G

Global Tuberculosis Report 2016

MedlinePlus

... Alt+0 Navigation Alt+1 Content Alt+2 Tuberculosis (TB) Menu Tuberculosis Data and statistics Regional Framework Resources Meetings and events Global tuberculosis report 2017 WHO has published a global TB ...

77 FR 58912 - Designation of One (1) Individual Pursuant to Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011, “Blocking...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-24

...; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1955; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1958; POB Al Basuriyah, Lebanon; alt. POB Beirut, Lebanon; Passport 042833 (Lebanon); Secretary General of HIZBALLAH (individual) [SDT] [SYRIA]. Dated: September 13...

Early identification of acute heart failure at the time of presentation: do natriuretic peptides make the difference?

PubMed

Möckel, Martin; von Haehling, Stephan; Vollert, Jörn O; Wiemer, Jan C; Anker, Stefan D; Maisel, Alan

2018-06-01

The early identification of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) is challenging as many other diseases lead to a clinical presentation with dyspnea. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of natriuretic peptides at common HF study cut-offs on the diagnosis of patients with dyspnea at admission. For this post hoc analysis, we analysed n = 726 European Union (EU) patients from the prospective BACH (Biomarkers in Acute Heart Failure) study. Cut-offs were 350 ng/L (BNP), 300 pmol/L [pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP)], and 1800 ng/L (NT-proBNP). These cut-offs had equivalent 90 days' mortality in the EU cohort of BACH. We analysed the effect of selection using these cut-offs on the prevalence of the gold standard diagnoses made in the BACH study and the respective mortality. The prevalence of AHF is increased from 47.5 to 75.6% (NT-proBNP criteria) up to 79.7% (BNP criteria). With the use of the proANP criteria, 90 days' mortality of patients with AHF rose from 14 to 17% (P = 0.029). In the group with no-AHF diagnoses, mortality rose from 10 to 25% (P < 0.001). The prevalence of patients with the gold standard diagnoses of AHF among those presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department is significantly increased by the use of natriuretic peptides with common cut-offs used in prospective HF studies. Nevertheless, in the selected groups, patients with no AHF diagnosis have the highest mortality, and therefore, the addition of a natriuretic peptide alone is insufficient to start specific therapies. © 2018 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.

Computed tomography screening for lung cancer: results of ten years of annual screening and validation of cosmos prediction model.

PubMed

Veronesi, G; Maisonneuve, P; Rampinelli, C; Bertolotti, R; Petrella, F; Spaggiari, L; Bellomi, M

2013-12-01

It is unclear how long low-dose computed tomographic (LDCT) screening should continue in populations at high risk of lung cancer. We assessed outcomes and the predictive ability of the COSMOS prediction model in volunteers screened for 10 years. Smokers and former smokers (>20 pack-years), >50 years, were enrolled over one year (2000-2001), receiving annual LDCT for 10 years. The frequency of screening-detected lung cancers was compared with COSMOS and Bach risk model estimates. Among 1035 recruited volunteers (71% men, mean age 58 years) compliance was 65% at study end. Seventy-one (6.95%) lung cancers were diagnosed, 12 at baseline. Disease stage was: IA in 48 (66.6%); IB in 6; IIA in 5; IIB in 2; IIIA in 5; IIIB in 1; IV in 5; and limited small cell cancer in 3. Five- and ten-year survival were 64% and 57%, respectively, 84% and 65% for stage I. Ten (12.1%) received surgery for a benign lesion. The number of lung cancers detected during the first two screening rounds was close to that predicted by the COSMOS model, while the Bach model accurately predicted frequency from the third year on. Neither cancer frequency nor proportion at stage I decreased over 10 years, indicating that screening should not be discontinued. Most cancers were early stage, and overall survival was high. Only a limited number of invasive procedures for benign disease were performed. The Bach model - designed to predict symptomatic cancers - accurately predicted cancer frequency from the third year, suggesting that overdiagnosis is a minor problem in lung cancer screening. The COSMOS model - designed to estimate screening-detected lung cancers - accurately predicted cancer frequency at baseline and second screening round. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thickenings and conformal gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebrun, Claude

1991-07-01

A twistor correspondence is given for complex conformal space-times with vanishing Bach and Eastwood-Dighton tensors; when the Weyl curvature is algebraically general, these equations are precisely the conformal version of Einstein's vacuum equations with cosmological constant. This gives a fully curved version of the linearized correspondence of Baston and Mason [B-M].

Discharge diagnoses in infants with apparent life-threatening event.

PubMed

Okada, Kazuko; Miyako, Motoko; Honma, Satoshi; Wakabayashi, Yasuko; Sugihara, Shigetaka; Osawa, Makiko

2003-10-01

There are various identifiable diseases or conditions that can be associated with an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) in infancy. The present study was carried out to investigate the etiology of ALTE based on the discharge diagnoses. A protocol for the complete work-up used to examine the cause of ALTE was designed, and was carried out for 69 infants with ALTE. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was demonstrated in 38 cases, and chronic gastric volvulus (CGV) was diagnosed in 21 (associated with GERD in 13 infants). Four cases of pertussis and two cases each of sepsis, laryngomalacia, respiratory immaturity, and premature ventricular contractions were found. Others cases presented with pneumonia, meningitis, intussuception, food allergy, epilepsy, and adenoid vegetations. In 12 of the 69 infants with ALTE, no abnormalities were found in any of the studies performed, including two patients with breath-holding spells. In 17 cases, two or more possibly contributing findings were diagnosed. It is important to recognize that gastroesophageal impairments such as GERD or CGV could be responsible for many incidences of ALTE in infancy. The authors recommend a trial be established to investigate the causes of ALTE, including gastroesophageal evaluations in all infants with ALTE.

Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres Mediated by Mitotic DNA Synthesis Engages Break-Induced Replication Processes

PubMed Central

Min, Jaewon; Wright, Woodring E.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomerase-independent telomere maintenance mechanism that occurs in a subset of cancers. By analyzing telomerase-positive cells and their human TERC knockout-derived ALT human cell lines, we show that ALT cells harbor more fragile telomeres representing telomere replication problems. ALT-associated replication defects trigger mitotic DNA synthesis (MiDAS) at telomeres in a RAD52-dependent, but RAD51-independent, manner. Telomeric MiDAS is a conservative DNA synthesis process, potentially mediated by break-induced replication, similar to type II ALT survivors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Replication stresses induced by ectopic oncogenic expression of cyclin E, G-quadruplexes, or R-loop formation facilitate the ALT pathway and lead to telomere clustering, a hallmark of ALT cancers. The TIMELESS/TIPIN complex suppresses telomere clustering and telomeric MiDAS, whereas the SMC5/6 complex promotes them. In summary, ALT cells exhibit more telomere replication defects that result in persistent DNA damage responses at telomeres, leading to the engagement of telomeric MiDAS (spontaneous mitotic telomere synthesis) that is triggered by DNA replication stress, a potential driver of genomic duplications in cancer. PMID:28760773

Differential alpha coherence hemispheric patterns in men and women during pleasant and unpleasant musical emotions.

PubMed

Flores-Gutiérrez, Enrique O; Díaz, José-Luis; Barrios, Fernando A; Guevara, Miguel Angel; Del Río-Portilla, Yolanda; Corsi-Cabrera, María; Del Flores-Gutiérrez, Enrique O

2009-01-01

Potential sex differences in EEG coherent activity during pleasant and unpleasant musical emotions were investigated. Musical excerpts by Mahler, Bach, and Prodromidès were played to seven men and seven women and their subjective emotions were evaluated in relation to alpha band intracortical coherence. Different brain links in specific frequencies were associated to pleasant and unpleasant emotions. Pleasant emotions (Mahler, Bach) increased upper alpha couplings linking left anterior and posterior regions. Unpleasant emotions (Prodromidès) were sustained by posterior midline coherence exclusively in the right hemisphere in men and bilateral in women. Combined music induced bilateral oscillations among posterior sensory and predominantly left association areas in women. Consistent with their greater positive attributions to music, the coherent network is larger in women, both for musical emotion and for unspecific musical effects. Musical emotion entails specific coupling among cortical regions and involves coherent upper alpha activity between posterior association areas and frontal regions probably mediating emotional and perceptual integration. Linked regions by combined music suggest more working memory contribution in women and attention in men.

A Genome-wide Regulatory Network Identifies Key Transcription Factors for Memory CD8+ T Cell Development

PubMed Central

Hu, Guangan; Chen, Jianzhu

2014-01-01

Memory CD8+ T cell development is defined by the expression of a specific set of memory signature genes (MSGs). Despite recent progress, many components of the transcriptional control of memory CD8+ T cell development are still unknown. To identify transcription factors (TFs) and their interactions in memory CD8+ T cell development, we construct a genome-wide regulatory network and apply it to identify key TFs that regulate MSGs. Most of the known TFs in memory CD8+ T cell development are rediscovered and about a dozen new TFs are also identified. Sox4, Bhlhe40, Bach2 and Runx2 are experimentally verified and Bach2 is further shown to promote both development and recall proliferation of memory CD8+ T cells through Prdm1 and Id3. Gene perturbation study identifies the mode of interactions among the TFs with Sox4 as a hub. The identified TFs and insights into their interactions should facilitate further dissection of molecular mechanisms underlying memory CD8+ T cell development. PMID:24335726

DNA Damage Response Factors from Diverse Pathways, Including DNA Crosslink Repair, Mediate Alternative End Joining

PubMed Central

Howard, Sean M.; Yanez, Diana A.; Stark, Jeremy M.

2015-01-01

Alternative end joining (Alt-EJ) chromosomal break repair involves bypassing classical non-homologous end joining (c-NHEJ), and such repair causes mutations often with microhomology at the repair junction. Since the mediators of Alt-EJ are not well understood, we have sought to identify DNA damage response (DDR) factors important for this repair event. Using chromosomal break reporter assays, we surveyed an RNAi library targeting known DDR factors for siRNAs that cause a specific decrease in Alt-EJ, relative to an EJ event that is a composite of Alt-EJ and c-NHEJ (Distal-EJ between two tandem breaks). From this analysis, we identified several DDR factors that are specifically important for Alt-EJ relative to Distal-EJ. While these factors are from diverse pathways, we also found that most of them also promote homologous recombination (HR), including factors important for DNA crosslink repair, such as the Fanconi Anemia factor, FANCA. Since bypass of c-NHEJ is likely important for both Alt-EJ and HR, we disrupted the c-NHEJ factor Ku70 in Fanca-deficient mouse cells and found that Ku70 loss significantly diminishes the influence of Fanca on Alt-EJ. In contrast, an inhibitor of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) causes a decrease in Alt-EJ that is enhanced by Ku70 loss. Additionally, the helicase/nuclease DNA2 appears to have distinct effects from FANCA and PARP on both Alt-EJ, as well as end resection. Finally, we found that the proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib, a cancer therapeutic that has been shown to disrupt FANC signaling, causes a significant reduction in both Alt-EJ and HR, relative to Distal-EJ, as well as a substantial loss of end resection. We suggest that several distinct DDR functions are important for Alt-EJ, which include promoting bypass of c-NHEJ and end resection. PMID:25629353

Factors associated with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Hatanaka, S A; Silva, N O; Colombo, B S; Correa, C G; Alcaire, B P; Coral, M H; Schiavon, L L; Narciso-Schiavon, J L

2015-09-01

Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are associated with insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, which are common causes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. This study aims to identify variables associated with altered ALT in type 1 diabetic (DM1) subjects. A cross-sectional study conducted in the outpatient endocrinology clinic of a university hospital. Patients with DM1 were seen between December 2012 and September 2013; clinical variables were collected from medical records. Fifty-six patients were included aged 27 ± 10.1 years; 60.7% were men. The study subjects exhibited an average ALT of 36.7 ± 10.3 U/L (median = 35 U/L) and their average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 23.8 ± 3.8 kg/m2. When comparing individuals with elevated ALT > 35 U/L (N. = 27) with those ALT ≤ 35 U/L (N. = 29), we found that individuals with ALT values > 35 U/L showed a higher proportion of men (77.8% vs. 44.8%, P = 0.012) and a higher mean age (30.2 ± 12.3 vs. 24.6 ± 6.9 years, P = 0.046). When new ALT reference values were applied (19 U/L for women and 30 U/L for men), five individuals had normal ALT values. Individuals with elevated ALT had higher BMI (24.3 vs. 20.9; P = 0.036), fasting glucose (194.8 ± 101.2 vs. 123.6 ± 42.0 mg/dL; P = 0.013) and higher HbA1c (9.9 ± 2.8 vs. 7.8 ± 0.7%; P < 0.001) levels. In Pearson correlation analysis, ALT values ​correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.285; P = 0.033). In patients with DM1, elevated ALT values ​​are associated with BMI, fasting glucose and HbA1c.

What Are Electromagnetic Fields?

MedlinePlus

... Alt+0 Navigation Alt+1 Content Alt+2 Electromagnetic fields (EMF) Menu EMF Home About electromagnetic fields ... Standards EMF publications & information resources Meetings What are electromagnetic fields? Definitions and sources Electric fields are created ...

Use of an Aerodynamic Turn to Maximize the Orbit Inclination Change for the Space Shuttle Orbiter.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-01

0 9 3 p s B A N K A, . 01 . 2 0 d e g ALT MiS -3.57 -0.21 -22.91 m 15. VEL T .009 .005 .00 k s Ai .15 .17 .22 deg ALT ISS -5.66 -12.66 -26.04...ALT MISS 32 7 29. 1 22.5 km 0 VEL MISS -.01. 16 -.018 ,S 0. 0. 0. ALT mISS 31.9 9m 50 VEL MISS -.010 - .016 -. 018 "ps .03 .04 .0- eg ANGLE ALT MISS...31.4 9.1 2_.9 km OF 10 VEL MISS -. 0101 kps Ao .06 .07 .09 dec AL MISS 31.6 27.1 19.5 15 ° VEL MISS -. 010 -. 015 -. 017 kps ,\\i .08 .11 .13 deg ALT

Multi-Target Tracking for Swarm vs. Swarm UAV Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Uhlmann, “Using covariance intersection for SLAM,” Robotics and Autonomous Systems, vol. 55, pp. 3–20, Jan. 2007. [10] R. B. G. Wolfgang Niehsen... Krause , J. Leskovec, and C. Guestrin, “Data association for topic intensity track- ing,” Proceedings of the 23rd international conference on Machine

Air Force Academy Aeronautics Digest.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

7964, 1964. 10. Dudzinski, J.T. and L.N. Krause , Flow Direction Measurement with Fixed-Position Probes, NASA TMX-1904, 1969. 11. Beecham, L.J. and...Bob Hatfield in instrumenting the hot-wire airfoil model and refurbishing the pitching mechanism, Mr Russ Me inzer and Mr. Wolfgang Bank of the

A Review of Literatures

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

Cognition, 19, 229–240. Salladay, S. A. (1982). In the event of death. Omega - Journal of Death & Dying, 13, 1–11. Salo, S., Krause , K...Psychoenergetic Systems, 1, 87–89. Wolfgang , A. (1973). A cross-cultural comparison of locus of control, optimism toward the future and time horizon

The "Hard Problem" and the Quantum Physicists. Part 1: The First Generation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, C. U. M.

2006-01-01

All four of the most important figures in the early twentieth-century development of quantum physics--Niels Bohr, Erwin Schroedinger, Werner Heisenberg and Wolfgang Pauli--had strong interests in the traditional mind--brain, or "hard," problem. This paper reviews their approach to this problem, showing the influence of Bohr's complementarity…

On Pauli's Invention of Non-Abelian Kaluza-Klein Theory in 1953

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straumann, N.

2002-12-01

There are documents which show that Wolfgang Pauli developed in 1953 the first consistent generalization of the five-dimensional theory of Kaluza, Klein, Fock and others to a higher dimensional internal space. Because he saw no way to give masses to the gauge bosons, he refrained from publishing his results formally.

Current Trends in Atomic Spectroscopy. Report on a Workshop Held in Tucson, Arizona, October 24-26, 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

of diverse data and started the phys- ics community on the road to quantum theory. Further studies of systematics led to discoveries of the Pauli ...Room A267 Washington, DC 20234 Telephone: (301) 921-2071 FTS: 921-2071 Director: Wolfgang L. Wiese Contacts: Georgia A. Martin, Jeffrey R. Fuhr Scope

Goethe's "Metamorphosis of the Plants" and the Art of Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cottrell, Alan P.

1982-01-01

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's views on children, adults, and nature complement and redeem the one-sided attitude of our present-day habits of thought. Goethe's writings about natural history and the relationship between the individual and society illustrate how teaching can be less a branch of technology than an art. (PP)

Preface: phys. stat. sol. (b) 242/13

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esser, Norbert; Zahn, Dietrich R. T.

2005-11-01

Wolfgang Richter celebrated his 65th birthday on 2 January 2005. On such an occasion, usually marking retirement, achievements and breakthroughs in research are reviewed. But Wolfgang Richter is not retiring: he has accepted an offer of a professorship at the University Rome II Tor Vergata. As he explained to us with his famous smile, he plans to concentrate his future efforts even more on his true love in science - the optical diagnostics of interfaces.Wolfgang Richter has been working in the field of optical spectroscopy of solids since his PhD studies at the University of Cologne. Having finished his PhD in 1969 in the field of infrared spectroscopy he decided to reduce the probed volume by increasing the energy of probing photons: Raman spectroscopy! During his postdoctoral and Habilitation periods (1970-1979) at Pennsylvania State University, Max-Planck-Institut für Festkörperforschung, and RWTH Aachen, he pursued his interest in resonance Raman spectroscopy on semiconductors.In 1979 he received his first appointment as full professor at the University of Ulm. He returned to RWTH Aachen in 1981 and discovered his true destiny: semiconductor interfaces. At that time in the Department of Semiconductor Technology, metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) was under development as a new technique for growing semiconductor layers. The underlying processes in MOVPE were known to be complex and very difficult to analyse with available experimental techniques, due to the unfriendly, reactive gas phase environment. Optical diagnostics turned out to be the key to a better understanding of MOVPE processes. Wolfgang Richter moved from RWTH Aachen to TU Berlin at the end of 1988 and began building a strong research group concentrating on interface analysis from two complementary sides: on the one hand, tracking MOVPE growth processes online by in situ optics and, on the other hand, advancing the fundamental understanding of optical spectra of interfaces by relating the

Aeronautical Decision Making for Instrument Pilots.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-05-01

psychological stressors. o Sociological stressors include: a death in the family, divorce, sick child , demotion or pressure from your boss. Sociological...Error, Editors of Flying Weather Flying, Robert Buck Illusions, Richard Bach " The Bush Pilot Syndrome ," Dr. Michael Mitchell Briefs of Accidents, National... The Impulsivity Hazardous Attitude...........................35 The Invulnerability Hazardous Attitude ................. .... 37 The Macho Hazardous

Preparing for Memorized Cello Performance: The Role of Performance Cues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chaffin, Roger; Lisboa, Tania; Logan, Topher; Begosh, Kristen T.

2010-01-01

An experienced cello soloist recorded her practice as she learned and memorized the Prelude from J.S. Bach's Suite No. 6 for solo cello and gave 10 public performances over a period of more than three years. She described the musical structure, decisions about basic technique (e.g., bowing), interpretation (e.g., dynamics), and five kinds of…

The Visual Memory-Based Memorization Techniques in Piano Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yucetoker, Izzet

2016-01-01

Problem Statement: Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the leading composers of the baroque period. In addition to his huge contributions in the artistic dimension, he also served greatly in the field of education. This study has been done for determining the impact of visual memory-based memorization practices in the piano education on the visual…

Fractal geometry of music.

PubMed Central

Hsü, K J; Hsü, A J

1990-01-01

Music critics have compared Bach's music to the precision of mathematics. What "mathematics" and what "precision" are the questions for a curious scientist. The purpose of this short note is to suggest that the mathematics is, at least in part, Mandelbrot's fractal geometry and the precision is the deviation from a log-log linear plot. PMID:11607061

lcmodels

Cancer.gov

The R package provides individual risks of lung cancer and lung cancer death based on various published papers: Bach et al., 2003; Spitz et al., 2007; Cassidy et al., 2008 (LLP); Hoggart et al., 2012; Tammemagi et al., 2013; Marcus et al., 2015 (LLPi); Wilson and Weissfeld, 2015 (Pittsburgh); Katki et al., 2016 (LCRAT and LCDRAT)

Multisensory integration, sensory substitution and visual rehabilitation.

PubMed

Proulx, Michael J; Ptito, Maurice; Amedi, Amir

2014-04-01

Sensory substitution has advanced remarkably over the past 35 years since first introduced to the scientific literature by Paul Bach-y-Rita. In this issue dedicated to his memory, we describe a collection of reviews that assess the current state of neuroscience research on sensory substitution, visual rehabilitation, and multisensory processes. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Environmental Assessment: Construct Fuel Bowser Storage Area Install Underground Storage Tank, Security Fencing, Lighting Construct Bowser Open Storage Pavement at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

218-681-1903 GOOD F Larimore is experienced and Servers shihs. "Meet me Good Friends 701-343-2987. ll’T II,_ ;_, -’ rELINE BI~AR HOROSCOPE ...never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true . You may have to work for it, however. " -- Richard Bach -----Original

Umgang mit Gedichten: Bemerkungen zu funf Gedichten von Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Dealing with Poetry: Observations on Five Poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nethersole, Reingard

1972-01-01

The lyric poem is the most concentrated form of literary communication. The formulation of an approach to interpretation can be a useful tool for the instructor. The poem to be interpreted should be examined in six aspects: (1) information provided in the title, (2) the sound of the poem as read aloud, (3) the clear understanding of the meaning of…

Spatial variability of active layer thickness detected by ground-penetrating radar in the Qilian Mountains, Western China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Bin; Gruber, Stephan; Zhang, Tingjun; Li, Lili; Peng, Xiaoqing; Wang, Kang; Zheng, Lei; Shao, Wanwan; Guo, Hong

2017-03-01

The active layer plays a key role in geomorphic, hydrologic, and biogeochemical processes in permafrost regions. We conducted a systematic investigation of active layer thickness (ALT) in northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau by using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with 100 and 200 MHz antennas. We used mechanical probing, pit, and soil temperature profiles for evaluating ALT derived from GPR. The results showed that GPR is competent for detecting ALT, and the error was ±0.08 m at common midpoint co-located sites. Considerable spatial variability of ALT owing to variation in elevation, peat thickness, and slope aspect was found. The mean ALT was 1.32 ± 0.29 m with a range from 0.81 to 2.1 m in Eboling Mountain. In Yeniu Gou, mean ALT was 2.72 ± 0.88 m and varied from 1.07 m on the north-facing slope to 4.86 m around the area near the lower boundary of permafrost. ALT in peat decreased with increasing elevation at rates of -1.31 m/km (Eboling Mountain) and -2.1 m/km (Yeniu Gou), and in mineral soil in Yeniu Gou, the rate changed to -4.18 m/km. At the same elevation, ALT on the south-facing slope was about 0.8 m thicker than that on the north-facing slopes, while the difference was only 0.18 m in peat-covered area. Within a 100 m2 area with a local elevation difference of 0.8 m, ALT varied from 0.68 m to 1.25 m. Both field monitoring and modeling studies on spatial ALT variations require rethinking of the current strategy and comprehensive design.

An Out-of-frame Overlapping Reading Frame in the Ataxin-1 Coding Sequence Encodes a Novel Ataxin-1 Interacting Protein*

PubMed Central

Bergeron, Danny; Lapointe, Catherine; Bissonnette, Cyntia; Tremblay, Guillaume; Motard, Julie; Roucou, Xavier

2013-01-01

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 is an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia associated with the expansion of a polyglutamine tract within the ataxin-1 (ATXN1) protein. Recent studies suggest that understanding the normal function of ATXN1 in cellular processes is essential to decipher the pathogenesis mechanisms in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. We found an alternative translation initiation ATG codon in the +3 reading frame of human ATXN1 starting 30 nucleotides downstream of the initiation codon for ATXN1 and ending at nucleotide 587. This novel overlapping open reading frame (ORF) encodes a 21-kDa polypeptide termed Alt-ATXN1 (Alternative ATXN1) with a completely different amino acid sequence from ATXN1. We introduced a hemagglutinin tag in-frame with Alt-ATXN1 in ATXN1 cDNA and showed in cell culture the co-expression of both ATXN1 and Alt-ATXN1. Remarkably, Alt-ATXN1 colocalized and interacted with ATXN1 in nuclear inclusions. In contrast, in the absence of ATXN1 expression, Alt-ATXN1 displays a homogenous nucleoplasmic distribution. Alt-ATXN1 interacts with poly(A)+ RNA, and its nuclear localization is dependent on RNA transcription. Polyclonal antibodies raised against Alt-ATXN1 confirmed the expression of Alt-ATXN1 in human cerebellum expressing ATXN1. These results demonstrate that human ATXN1 gene is a dual coding sequence and that ATXN1 interacts with and controls the subcellular distribution of Alt-ATXN1. PMID:23760502

Prevalence of hepatitis A viral RNA and antibodies among Chinese blood donors.

PubMed

Sun, P; Su, N; Lin, F Z; Ma, L; Wang, H J; Rong, X; Dai, Y D; Li, J; Jian, Z W; Tang, L H; Xiao, W; Li, C Q

2015-12-09

Like other developing countries, China was reported to have a relatively high seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis A antibodies (anti-HAV). However, no studies have evaluated the prevalence of anti-HAV and HAV RNA among voluntary blood donors with or without elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. Anti-HAV antibodies were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out for detection of HAV RNA. In the current study, we analyzed a total of 450 serum samples with elevated ALT levels (≥40 U/L) and 278 serum samples with non-elevated ALT levels. Seroprevalence rates of anti-HAV were 51.6% in donors with elevated ALT and 41.4% in donors with non-elevated ALT; however, none of the samples was positive for HAV RNA. The results of our study showed lower seroprevalence rates of anti-HAV in blood donors (irrespective of ALT levels) than those in published data on Chinese populations. Although donors with elevated ALT had statistically higher prevalence rates of anti- HAV than did those with non-elevated ALT, none of the serum samples had detectable levels of the active virus. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the transmission of hepatitis A by blood transfusion will occur rarely.

The 1980-81 AFOSR-HTTM (Heat Transfer and Turbulence Mechanics)-Stanford Conference on Complex Turbulent Flows: Comparison of Computation and Experiment. Volume 2. Taxonomies, Reporters’ Summaries, Evaluation, and Conclusions

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

247-1 Moffett Field, CA 94035li W. Kordulla "NASA-Ames Research Center Mail Stop 202A-1 "Moffett Field, CA 94035 -. E. Krause Aerodynamiaches Inatitut...University Stanford, CA 94305 Wolfgang Rodi SFB 80 Universitat Karlsruhe Kaiserstrasse 12 D-75 Karlsruhe 1, W. Germany Robert Rogallo NASA-Ames Research Cntr

Silence, an Eye of Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aghamohammadi, Mehdi

2017-01-01

One of the conspicuous features of the twentieth-century West was silence. This idea could be supported by examining reflections of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Fritz Mauthner, John Cage, Samuel Beckett, Ihab Hassan, Franz Kafka, Wassily Kandinsky, Jean-Paul Sartre, Virginia Woolf, Wolfgang Iser, Jacques Derrida, and Pierre Macherey. To me, silence is not…

On the German Language in America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Brian A.

Sociolinguistic patterns among German immigrants to the United States of America are examined in this paper. Earlier studies in this area, including Wolfgang Viereck's work published in "Orbis" in 1967 and 1968, are examined. Through an analysis of the immigration patterns of the citizens of Glarus, Switzerland, in 1845 to New Glarus,…

Educating for Vocational Excellence: The Auto/Biographical Exploration of Enacted Craft Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tyson, Ruhi

2015-01-01

The focus of this article is on education for vocational excellence (the combination of virtue and good judgment or phronesis/practical wisdom) through an examination of episodes from the auto/biographical study of master craftsman Wolfgang B. Vocational excellence is an issue sometimes discussed with regard to teacher training for schools and…

Advanced Integrated TPS and Non Equilibrium Chemistry Instrumentation

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

RESPECT and Dipl.-Ing. A. Preci for his contributions in the field of numerical analysis. Thanks to Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Röck who developed the...Rhode-Saint-Genèse, Belgium, published in RTO EN-8, October 1999. [4] K. Pauly , M. Bosch, H. Schlingloff, H. Ruppe, M. Landgraf, R. Schleucher, F

77 FR 65447 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-26

... burden estimate, or any other aspect of the information collection, including suggestion for reducing the... contact information from individuals who may be interested in working for the IRS now, or at any time in... Hours: 66,085. Dawn D. Wolfgang, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2012-26346 Filed 10-25-12; 8...

77 FR 44718 - Unblocking of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Pursuant to Executive Order 12978

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-30

...., Bogota, Colombia; DOB 07 Aug 1954; POB Cali, Colombia; Cedula No. 16585721 (Colombia); Passport AF783512 (Colombia); alt. Passport AE187469 (Colombia); alt. Passport 16585721 (Colombia) (individual) [SDNT] 4...; Cedula No. 41700627 (Colombia); Passport AH715906 (Colombia); alt. Passport AH456850 (Colombia...

Statin-related aminotransferase elevation according to baseline aminotransferases level in real practice in Korea.

PubMed

Kim, H-S; Lee, S H; Kim, H; Lee, S-H; Cho, J H; Lee, H; Yim, H W; Kim, S-H; Choi, I-Y; Yoon, K-H; Kim, J H

2016-06-01

Higher rate of statin-related hepatotoxicity has been reported for Koreans than for Westerners. Moreover, statin-related aminotransferase elevation for those who show borderline levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (≤×3 of UNL) at baseline has not been fully investigated. Post-statin changes AST/ALT levels during the first year for 21 233 Korean outpatients at two large academic teaching hospitals from January 2009 to December 2013 were analysed using electronic health record data. The date of the first statin prescription was set as baseline. We also performed a comparative analysis of statin-related AST/ALT elevations according to the type of statin, followed by an analysis of clinical risk factors. The progression rate to abnormal AST/ALT values [>×3 the upper normal limit (UNL)] was significantly higher (2·4-16% vs. 0·3-1·7%, P < 0·001) in subjects with borderline (>×1, but ≤×3 of UNL) compared with normal AST/ALT values at baseline. Those with normal baseline AST/ALT did not show significantly different progression rate between different statin medications (P = 0·801). However, patients taking pitavastatin (HR = 0·76, P = 0·657) were least likely to develop abnormal AST/ALT, whereas those taking fluvastatin (HR = 2·96, P = 0·029) were the most likely to develop abnormal AST/ALT compared with atorvastatin for patients who were with baseline borderline AST/ALT. However, given the small sample sizes and the observational nature of our study, these need further study. It is advisable to regularly monitor AST/ALT levels even in patients with AST/ALT increases >×1. Future studies should aim to determine the possible risk factors for each specific statin type by analysing various confounding variables. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Planar harmonic polynomials of type B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunkl, Charles F.

1999-11-01

The hyperoctahedral group acting on icons/Journals/Common/BbbR" ALT="BbbR" ALIGN="TOP"/>N is the Weyl group of type B and is associated with a two-parameter family of differential-difference operators {Ti:1icons/Journals/Common/leq" ALT="leq" ALIGN="TOP"/> iicons/Journals/Common/leq" ALT="leq" ALIGN="TOP"/> N}. These operators are analogous to partial derivative operators. This paper finds all the polynomials h on icons/Journals/Common/BbbR" ALT="BbbR" ALIGN="TOP"/>N which are harmonic, icons/Journals/Common/Delta" ALT="Delta" ALIGN="TOP"/>Bh = 0 and annihilated by Ti for i>2, where the Laplacian 0305-4470/32/46/308/img1" ALT="(sum). They are given explicitly in terms of a novel basis of polynomials, defined by generating functions. The harmonic polynomials can be used to find wavefunctions for the quantum many-body spin Calogero model.

Predicted arterial oxygenation at commercial aircraft cabin altitudes.

PubMed

Muhm, J Michael

2004-10-01

The degree of hypoxia manifested by airline passengers during flight is not well characterized. Statistical models to predict age-specific levels of Pao2 manifest at altitudes between sea level and 8000 ft (Pao2alt) are described. The relationship between age and Pao2 at sea level (Pao2sl) and the relationship between Pao2alt, and Pao2sl, Pco2 at sea level (Pco2sl), and pulmonary health status were investigated using linear regression techniques to analyze previously published data. In persons with normal pulmonary health, the relationship between Pao2sl (mmHg) and age (yr) was Pao2sl = 105.9 - 0.44 * age (R2 = 0.582, MSE = 25.314); Pco2sl (38.1 +/- 2.8 mmHg) was not related to age over the range 18-75 yr. In persons with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), neither Pao2sl (78.2 +/- 11.3 mmHg) nor Pco2sl (40.5 +/- 5.7 mmHg) were related to age (77.0 +/- 9.0 yrs).The relationship between PaO2alt and Pao2sl, Pco2sl and altitude (ft) was: Pao2alt = 1.59 + 0.98 * Pao2sl + 0.0031 * Alt - 0.000061 * Pao2sl * Alt - 0.000065 * PCO(2)sl [corrected] * Alt + 0.000000092 * Alt2 (R2 = 0.932, MSE = 22.774). Pao2sl declines with age in persons with normal pulmonary health; Pco2sl remains constant. Neither vary with age in persons with COPD. Pao2alt can be estimated with acceptable precision from knowledge of Pao2sl, Pco2sl, and altitude. These models predict a substantial proportion of older passengers will manifest a Pao2alt at 8000 ft below the threshold at which supplemental oxygen is recommended.

Alanine aminotransferase and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (ZODIAC-38).

PubMed

Deetman, Petronella E; Alkhalaf, Alaa; Landman, Gijs W D; Groenier, Klaas H; Kootstra-Ros, Jenny E; Navis, Gerjan; Bilo, Henk J G; Kleefstra, Nanne; Bakker, Stephan J L

2015-08-01

Combined data suggest a bimodal association of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with mortality in the general population. Little is known about the association of ALT with mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. We therefore investigated the association of ALT with all-cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. A prospective study was performed in patients with type 2 diabetes, treated in primary care, participating in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) study. Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the associations of log2 -transformed baseline ALT with all-cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality. In 1187 patients with type 2 diabetes (67 ± 12 years, 45% female), ALT levels were 11 (8-16) U/L. During median follow-up for 11.1 (6.1-14.0) years, 553 (47%) patients died, with 238 (20%) attributable to cardiovascular causes. Overall, ALT was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.92), independently of potential confounders. This was less attributable to cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.72-1.05), than to noncardiovascular mortality (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.65-0.90). Despite the overall inverse association of ALT with mortality, it appeared that a bimodal association with all-cause mortality was present with increasing risk for levels of ALT above normal (P = 0.003). In patients with type 2 diabetes, low levels of ALT are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, in particular noncardiovascular mortality, compared to normal levels of ALT, while risk again starts to increase when levels are above normal. © 2015 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

Systematic use of an intraoperative air leak test at the time of major liver resection reduces the rate of postoperative biliary complications

PubMed Central

Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas; Shindoh, Junichi; Tzeng, Ching-Wei D.; Roses, Robert E.; Ribero, Dario; Capussotti, Lorenzo; Giuliante, Felice; Nuzzo, Gennaro; Aloia, Thomas A.

2013-01-01

Objective After hepatectomy, bile leaks remain a major cause of morbidity, cost, and disability. This study was designed to determine if a novel intraoperative Air Leak Test (ALT) would reduce the incidence of post-hepatectomy biliary complications. Study design Rates of postoperative biliary complications were compared between 103 patients who underwent ALT and 120 matched patients operated on before ALT was utilized. All study patients underwent major hepatectomy without bile duct resection at 3 high-volume hepatobiliary centers between 2008 and 2012. ALT was performed by placement of a trans-cystic cholangiogram catheter to inject air into the biliary tree while the upper abdomen was filled with saline and the distal common bile duct was manually occluded. Uncontrolled bile ducts were identified by localization of air bubbles at the transection surface and were directly repaired. Results The 2 groups were similar in diagnosis, chemotherapy use, tumor number and size, resection extent, surgery duration, and blood loss (all p>0.05). Single or multiple uncontrolled bile ducts were intraoperatively detected and repaired in 62.1% of ALT vs. 8.3% of non-ALT patients (p<0.001). This resulted in a lower rate of postoperative bile leaks in ALT (1.9%) vs. non-ALT patients (10.8%, p=0.008). Independent risk factors for postoperative bile leaks included extended hepatectomy (p=0.031), caudate resection (p=0.02), and not performing ALT (p=0.002) [odds ratio (95% Confidence Interval): 3.8 (1.3–11.8), 4.0 (1.1–14.3), and 11.8 (2.4–58.8), respectively]. Conclusion ALT is an easily reproducible test that is highly effective for intraoperative detection and repair of open bile ducts, reducing the rate of postoperative bile leaks. PMID:24246619

Systematic use of an intraoperative air leak test at the time of major liver resection reduces the rate of postoperative biliary complications.

PubMed

Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas; Shindoh, Junichi; Tzeng, Ching-Wei D; Roses, Robert E; Ribero, Dario; Capussotti, Lorenzo; Giuliante, Felice; Nuzzo, Gennaro; Aloia, Thomas A

2013-12-01

After hepatectomy, bile leaks remain a major cause of morbidity, cost, and disability. This study was designed to determine if a novel intraoperative air leak test (ALT) would reduce the incidence of post-hepatectomy biliary complications. Rates of postoperative biliary complications were compared among 103 patients who underwent ALT and 120 matched patients operated on before ALT was used. All study patients underwent major hepatectomy without bile duct resection at 3 high-volume hepatobiliary centers between 2008 and 2012. The ALT was performed by placement of a transcystic cholangiogram catheter to inject air into the biliary tree, the upper abdomen was filled with saline, and the distal common bile duct was manually occluded. Uncontrolled bile ducts were identified by localization of air bubbles at the transection surface and were directly repaired. The 2 groups were similar in diagnosis, chemotherapy use, tumor number and size, resection extent, surgery duration, and blood loss (all, p > 0.05). Single or multiple uncontrolled bile ducts were intraoperatively detected and repaired in 62.1% of ALT vs 8.3% of non-ALT patients (p < 0.001). This resulted in a lower rate of postoperative bile leaks in ALT (1.9%) vs non-ALT patients (10.8%; p = 0.008). Independent risk factors for postoperative bile leaks included extended hepatectomy (p = 0.031), caudate resection (p = 0.02), and not performing ALT (p = 0.002) (odds ratio = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.3-11.8; odds ratio = 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1-14.3; and odds ratio = 11.8; 95% CI, 2.4-58.8, respectively). The ALT is an easily reproducible test that is highly effective for intraoperative detection and repair of open bile ducts, reducing the rate of postoperative bile leaks. Copyright © 2013 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trends in glaucoma surgery incidence and reimbursement for physician services in the Medicare population from 1995 to 1998.

PubMed

Paikal, David; Yu, Fei; Coleman, Anne L

2002-07-01

To better understand the relationship between glaucoma management and economic incentives, we examined the volume and the reimbursement of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and trabeculectomy in a 5% random sample of the Medicare population from 1995 to 1998. Retrospective cohort study. Subjects in a 5% random sample of the Medicare population who had ALT and trabeculectomy from 1995 to 1998. Using the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) Physician/Supplier Part-B files for a 5% random sample of the Medicare population, we identified all subjects who had ALT and trabeculectomy from 1995 to 1998. Descriptive summaries (the number of surgeries and the mean and the standard deviation of reimbursement per surgery) were calculated for each year. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences in reimbursement per surgery across years. Chi-square tests were used to assess any associations between the changing numbers of ALTs and trabeculectomies over the study period and both age and race. We assessed the number of ALTs and trabeculectomies and the allowed charges for each surgery in the 5% random sample of the Medicare population from 1995 to 1998. The volume of both ALTs and trabeculectomies declined during the study period. Reimbursement per surgery for both ALT and trabeculectomy varied significantly across years (P < 0.001). Significant associations were found between the changing number of ALTs and both age and race. Changing numbers of ALT and trabeculectomy seem unrelated to reimbursement rates. Rather, these changes are more likely driven by new developments in the clinical management of glaucoma, among other factors.

Dynamics of Active Layer Depth across Alaskan Tundra Ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, C.; Zhang, X.; Song, X.; Xu, X.

2016-12-01

The thickness of the active layer, near-surface layer of Earth material above permafrost undergoing seasonal freezing and thawing, is of considerable importance in high-latitude environments because most physical, chemical, and biological processes in the permafrost region take place within it. The dynamics of active layer thickness (ALT) result from a combination of various factors including heat transfer, soil water content, soil texture, root density, stem density, moss layer thickness, organic layer thickness, etc. However, the magnitude and controls of ALT in the permafrost region remain uncertain. The purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of the dynamics of ALT across Alaskan tundra ecosystems and their controls at multiple scales, ranging from plots to entire Alaska. This study compiled a comprehensive dataset of ALT at site and regional scales across the Alaskan tundra ecosystems, and further analyzed ALT dynamics and their hierarchical controls. We found that air temperature played a predominant role on the seasonality of ALT, regulated by other physical and chemical factors including soil texture, moisture, and root density. The structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis confirmed the predominant role of physical controls (dominated by heat and soil properties), followed by chemical and biological factors. Then a simple empirical model was developed to reconstruct the ALT across the Alaska. The comparisons against field observational data show that the method used in this study is robust; the reconstructed time-series ALT across Alaska provides a valuable dataset source for understanding ALT and validating large-scale ecosystem models.

The Genetic Overlap of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic-like Traits: an Investigation of Individual Symptom Scales and Cognitive markers.

PubMed

Pinto, Rebecca; Rijsdijk, Fruhling; Ronald, Angelica; Asherson, Philip; Kuntsi, Jonna

2016-02-01

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) frequently co-occur. However, due to previous exclusionary diagnostic criteria, little is known about the underlying causes of this covariation. Twin studies assessing ADHD symptoms and autistic-like traits (ALTs) suggest substantial genetic overlap, but have largely failed to take into account the genetic heterogeneity of symptom subscales. This study aimed to clarify the phenotypic and genetic relations between ADHD and ASD by distinguishing between symptom subscales that characterise the two disorders. Moreover, we aimed to investigate whether ADHD-related cognitive impairments show a relationship with ALT symptom subscales; and whether potential shared cognitive impairments underlie the genetic risk shared between the ADHD and ALT symptoms. Multivariate structural equation modelling was conducted on a population-based sample of 1312 twins aged 7-10. Social-communication ALTs correlated moderately with both ADHD symptom domains (phenotypic correlations around 0.30) and showed substantial genetic overlap with both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity (genetic correlation = 0.52 and 0.44, respectively). In addition to previously reported associations with ADHD traits, reaction time variability (RTV) showed significant phenotypic (0.18) and genetic (0.32) association with social-communication ALTs. RTV captured a significant proportion (24 %) of the genetic influences shared between inattention and social-communication ALTs. Our findings suggest that social-communication ALTs underlie the previously observed phenotypic and genetic covariation between ALTs and ADHD symptoms. RTV is not specific to ADHD symptoms, but is also associated with social-communication ALTs and can, in part, contribute to an explanation of the co-occurrence of ASD and ADHD.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser was lifted by helicopter from the ramp at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, before its successful approach and landing flight test on Nov. 11, 2017.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser crew attached the wires that the helicopter would use to pick it up from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California in preparation for its successful approach and landing test Nov. 11, 2017.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

After successfully landing on an Edwards Air Force Base runway on Nov. 11, 2017, Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser was prepared for its tow back to NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser facing sunrise over Rogers Dry Lake by NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California where it was being prepared for a successful approach and landing test Nov. 11, 2017.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser was released from a helicopter for a landing on an Edwards Air Force Base runway after it was lifted from the ramp at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, for its successful approach and landing flight test on Nov. 11, 2017.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

After a successful approach and landing flight test on Nov. 11, 2017, Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser was towed back to NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, and placed in the former space shuttle hangar.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser is released for a landing on Edwards Air Force Base runway after departing a ramp at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, for its successful approach and landing flight test on Nov. 11, 2017.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser being towed from the former space shuttle hangar at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California where it was housed and prepared for its successful Nov. 11, 2017 approach and landing test.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-07

A lift device was attached to Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser for a helicopter to pick it up to drop for its successful approach and landing test at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California on Nov. 11, 2017.

Dream Chaser ALT-2 Free Flight

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-11

Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser crew prepared for helicopter lift off ramp at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, for its successful approach and landing flight test on Nov. 11, 2017.

Army AL&T, October-December 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

school students and under- graduates, including cadets and midship- men, to study science and engineering. IAT is also the lead biannual Electromag- netic... learning . The ICT has developed active partner- ships with government laboratories, other universities, Army schools , PMs and industry to align its...information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions , searching existing data sources, gathering and

Army AL&T, January-March 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

Responsible for Contracting-Afghanistan (PARC-A), I actively solicit Afghan business participation in this valuable economic development program... business growth, entrepreneurship and economic expansion in Afghanistan. Contracting officers (KOs) use a best-value ap- proach to evaluate and use...development command policy, KOs seek out capable Afghan businesses and build education programs and business solutions enhancing economic growth. Each KO

Army AL&T, October-December 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

during the WIN-T technology demonstration Nov. 8, 2007, at Naval Air Engineering Station , Lakehurst, NJ. (U.S. Army photo by Russ Messeroll.) 16 OCTOBER...worldwide communications architecture, enabling connectivity from the global backbone to regional networks to posts/camps/ stations , and, lastly, to...Force Tracker. • Tacticomp™ wireless and Global Positioning System(GPS)-enabled hand-held computer. • One Station Remote Video Terminal. • Counter

Mozart and Today's Student Musician

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knopper, Rob

2010-01-01

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was the ultimate child prodigy. It is said that Mozart, after attending a service at the Vatican, wrote down an entire sacred piece of music after one hearing. There are countless examples of the amazing feats that Mozart accomplished through his childhood, not to mention his huge compositional output through…

Mozart and Today's Student Musician

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knopper, Rob

2011-01-01

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was the ultimate child prodigy. It is said that Mozart, after attending a service at the Vatican, wrote down an entire sacred piece of music after one hearing. There are countless examples of the amazing feats that Mozart accomplished through his childhood, not to mention his huge compositional output through…

Mozart and Today's Student Musician

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knopper, Rob

2006-01-01

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) is the ultimate child prodigy. It is said that Mozart, after attending a service at the Vatican, wrote down an entire sacred piece of music after one hearing. There are countless examples of the amazing feats that Mozart accomplished through his childhood, not to mention his huge compositional output throughout…

Mozart and smallpox.

PubMed

Zegers, Richard H C

2007-01-01

In 1767 at 11 years of age, composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart contracted smallpox, allegedly causing him temporary blindness. Although now eradicated, smallpox in those days had a high mortality rate, and the history of classical music would have been very different if Mozart had become permanently blind, or died, as a result of the disease.

Synchronicity - The Link Between Physics and Psyche, from Pauli and Jung to Chopra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teodorani, M.

2006-07-01

This book, which is entirely dedicated to the mystery of "synchronicity", is divided into three parts: a) the joint research between analytic psychologist Carl Gustav Jung and quantum physicist Wolfgang Pauli; b) synchronicity mechanisms occurring in the microscopic (canonical quantum entanglement), mesoscopic and macroscopic scales; c) research and philosophy concerning synchronicity by MD Deepak Chopra.

What Would Humboldt Say: A Case of General Bildung in Vocational Education?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tyson, Ruhi

2016-01-01

A classic philosopher in the Bildung-tradition, Humboldt, argued that general Bildung was the opposite of specialist training (vocational education). This has been a matter of contention and the aim here is to revisit the issue through an empirical case study. In the vocational education biography of craft master Wolfgang B. he speaks about…

Teaching Elementary Particle Physics, Part II

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hobson, Art

2011-01-01

In order to explain certain features of radioactive beta decay, Wolfgang Pauli suggested in 1930 that the nucleus emitted, in addition to a beta particle, another particle of an entirely new type. The hypothesized particle, dubbed the neutrino, would not be discovered experimentally for another 25 years. It's not easy to detect neutrinos, because…

A Chinese Birth Cohort: Theoretical Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friday, Paul C.; Ren, Xin; Weitekamp, Elmar; Kerner, Hans-Jurgen; Taylor, Terrance

2005-01-01

Research on delinquency has shown consistent results across Western industrialized countries. Few studies have been done in non-Western cultures. This study reports on the results of a birth cohort study in China, which was started by Marvin Wolfgang but never completed. The cohort, born in 1973, was traced through official and community files.…

75 FR 21151 - Designation of Two Individuals Pursuant to Executive Order 13224

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-22

..., Pakistan; DOB 5 Oct 1951; POB Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India; nationality Pakistan; Passport KZ 550207 (Pakistan); alt. Passport G154297 (Pakistan); alt. Passport KC550207 (Pakistan) (individual) [SDGT]. 2...; a.k.a. ``USTAAD SHEHEB''), Karachi, Pakistan; DOB circa 1955; alt. DOB circa 1964; POB Sarghoda...

Association of the Aspartate Aminotransferase to Alanine Aminotransferase Ratio with BNP Level and Cardiovascular Mortality in the General Population: The Yamagata Study 10-Year Follow-Up

PubMed Central

Yokoyama, Miyuki; Otaki, Yoichiro; Takahashi, Hiroki; Arimoto, Takanori; Shishido, Tetsuro; Miyamoto, Takuya; Konta, Tsuneo; Shibata, Yoko; Daimon, Makoto; Kayama, Takamasa; Kubota, Isao

2016-01-01

Background. Early identification of high risk subjects for cardiovascular disease in health check-up is still unmet medical need. Cardiovascular disease is characterized by the superior increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT). However, the association of AST/ALT ratio with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and cardiovascular mortality remains unclear in the general population. Methods and Results. This longitudinal cohort study included 3,494 Japanese subjects who participated in a community-based health check-up, with a 10-year follow-up. The AST/ALT ratio increased with increasing BNP levels. And multivariate logistic analysis showed that the AST/ALT ratio was significantly associated with a high BNP (≥100 pg/mL). There were 250 all-cause deaths including 79 cardiovascular deaths. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that a high AST/ALT ratio (>90 percentile) was an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that cardiovascular mortality was higher in subjects with a high AST/ALT ratio than in those without. Conclusions. The AST/ALT ratio was associated with an increase in BNP and was predictive of cardiovascular mortality in a general population. Measuring the AST/ALT ratio during routine health check-ups may be a simple and cost-effective marker for cardiovascular mortality. PMID:27872510

Neural correlate of autistic-like traits and a common allele in the oxytocin receptor gene

PubMed Central

Saito, Yuki; Suga, Motomu; Tochigi, Mamoru; Abe, Osamu; Yahata, Noriaki; Kawakubo, Yuki; Liu, Xiaoxi; Kawamura, Yoshiya; Sasaki, Tsukasa; Kasai, Kiyoto

2014-01-01

Sub-clinical autistic-like traits (ALTs) are continuously distributed in the general population and genetically linked to autism. Although identifying the neurogenetic backgrounds of ALTs might enhance our ability to identify those of autism, they are largely unstudied. Here, we have examined the neuroanatomical basis of ALTs and their association with the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) rs2254298A, a known risk allele for autism in Asian populations which has also been implicated in limbic–paralimbic brain structures. First, we extracted a four-factor structure of ALTs, as measured using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, including ‘prosociality’, ‘communication’, ‘details/patterns’ and ‘imagination’ in 135 neurotypical adults (79 men, 56 women) to reduce the genetic heterogeneity of ALTs. Then, in the same population, voxel-based morphometry revealed that lower ‘prosociality’, which indicates strong ALTs, was significantly correlated to smaller regional grey matter volume in the right insula in males. Males with lower ‘prosociality’ also had less interregional structural coupling between the right insula and the ventral anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, males with OXTR rs2254298A had significantly smaller grey matter volume in the right insula. These results show that decreased volume of the insula is a neuroanatomical correlate of ALTs and a potential intermediate phenotype linking ALTs with OXTR in male subjects. PMID:23946005

Hepatitis C virus-infected patients with a persistently normal alanine aminotransferase: do they exist and is this really a group with mild disease?

PubMed

Lawson, A

2010-01-01

Opinion varies on whether or not hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients with persistently normal aminotransferase (PNALT) levels represent a group with mild disease. To evaluate the risk of ALT flare and fibrosis progression in patients with PNALT followed up as part of the Trent HCV cohort. Treatment-naïve patients with an elevated ALT (n = 1140) or PNALT, the latter defined as either an ALT < or = 30 IU/L (n = 43) or an ALT < or = 40 IU/L (n = 87) on > or =2 occasions in the 6 months following diagnosis, and no ALT > 40 U/L were included. The likelihood of maintaining a PNALT < or = 30 IU/L was 42.2% and PNALT < or = 40 IU/L 41.7% at 3 years. The Ishak fibrosis score was > or =3 in 3.7%, 8.3% and 29.6% of patients with PNALT < or = 30 IU/L, PNALT < or = 40 IU/L and elevated ALT, respectively. Fibrosis progression between paired biopsies was similar for patients with PNALT < or = 30 IU/L (0.33 +/- 0.94 Ishak fibrosis points/year), PNALT < or = 40 IU/L (0.35 +/- 0.82) and elevated ALT (0.19 +/- 0.48). The majority of those defined as PNALT subsequently have an abnormal ALT. They have a similar risk of disease progression to other HCV infected patients and, therefore, warrant the same consideration with regard to treatment.

Neural correlate of autistic-like traits and a common allele in the oxytocin receptor gene.

PubMed

Saito, Yuki; Suga, Motomu; Tochigi, Mamoru; Abe, Osamu; Yahata, Noriaki; Kawakubo, Yuki; Liu, Xiaoxi; Kawamura, Yoshiya; Sasaki, Tsukasa; Kasai, Kiyoto; Yamasue, Hidenori

2014-10-01

Sub-clinical autistic-like traits (ALTs) are continuously distributed in the general population and genetically linked to autism. Although identifying the neurogenetic backgrounds of ALTs might enhance our ability to identify those of autism, they are largely unstudied. Here, we have examined the neuroanatomical basis of ALTs and their association with the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) rs2254298A, a known risk allele for autism in Asian populations which has also been implicated in limbic-paralimbic brain structures. First, we extracted a four-factor structure of ALTs, as measured using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, including 'prosociality', 'communication', 'details/patterns' and 'imagination' in 135 neurotypical adults (79 men, 56 women) to reduce the genetic heterogeneity of ALTs. Then, in the same population, voxel-based morphometry revealed that lower 'prosociality', which indicates strong ALTs, was significantly correlated to smaller regional grey matter volume in the right insula in males. Males with lower 'prosociality' also had less interregional structural coupling between the right insula and the ventral anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, males with OXTR rs2254298A had significantly smaller grey matter volume in the right insula. These results show that decreased volume of the insula is a neuroanatomical correlate of ALTs and a potential intermediate phenotype linking ALTs with OXTR in male subjects. © The Author (2013). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The Role of Retrieval Structures in Memorizing Music

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williamon, Aaron; Valentine, Elizabeth

2002-01-01

This article explores the use of structure in the encoding and retrieval of music and its relation to level of skill. Twenty-two pianists, classified into four levels of skill, were asked to learn and memorize an assigned composition by J. S. Bach (different for each level). All practice was recorded on cassette tape. At the end of the learning…

Biotechnology Education as Social and Cultural Production/Reproduction of the Biotechnology Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrée, Maria

2014-01-01

This paper is a commentary to a paper by Anne Solli, Frank Bach and Björn Åkerman on how students at a technical university learn to argue as biotechnologists. Solli and her colleagues report from an ethnographic study performed during the first semester of a 5-year program in biotechnology at a technical university in Sweden. Their study…

The Success of Advanced Learning Technologies for Instruction: Research and Evaluation of Human Factors Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coldeway, Dan O.

2002-01-01

Data from three graduate programs using advanced learning technologies (ALTs) identified important human factors issues in technology use in three categories: learners (needs, skills, support, and motivation related to ALTs); faculty (attitudes, skills, support, and motivation related to ALTs); and technical staff (methods of providing assistance,…

Coma measurement by use of an alternating phase-shifting mask mark with a specific phase width

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

Qiu Zicheng; Wang Xiangzhao; Yuan Qiongyan

2009-01-10

The correlation between the coma sensitivity of the alternating phase-shifting mask (Alt-PSM) mark and the mark's structure is studied based on the Hopkins theory of partially coherent imaging and positive resist optical lithography (PROLITH) simulation. It is found that an optimized Alt-PSM mark with its phase width being two-thirds its pitch has a higher sensitivity to coma than Alt-PSM marks with the same pitch and the different phase widths. The pitch of the Alt-PSM mark is also optimized by PROLITH simulation, and the structure of p=1.92{lambda}/NA and pw=2p/3 proves to be with the highest sensitivity. The optimized Alt-PSM mark ismore » used as a measurement mark to retrieve coma aberration from the projection optics in lithographic tools. In comparison with an ordinary Alt-PSM mark with its phase width being a half its pitch, the measurement accuracies of Z7 and Z14 apparently increase.« less

Solids and Surfaces: A Chemist’s View of Bonding in Extended Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-20

Zonnevylle, Susan Jansen, Wolfgang Tremel, Dragan Vuckovic and Jing Li. In the early stages of this work, very important to me was a renewed...work of Norskov et a1 8 7 come from the initial dominance of "kinetic-energy repulsion". This is the Pauli effect at work, and I would like to draw a

Neutrinos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winter, K.; Murdin, P.

2000-11-01

Neutrinos are electrically neutral ELEMENTARY PARTICLES which experience only the weak nuclear force and gravity. Their existence was introduced as a hypothesis by Wolfgang Pauli in 1930 to explain the apparent violation of energy conservation in radioactive beta decay. Chadwick had discovered in 1914 that the energy spectrum of electrons emitted in beta decay was not monoenergetic but continuous...

The Value of the Sciences in Adult Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council for Cultural Cooperation, Strasbourg (France).

This report is a synthesis of materials delivered at the seminar at St. Wolfgang organized by the Austrian Government in 1968 under the auspices of the Council of Europe on "The Value of Natural Sciences in Adult Education." It links the problems posed with those discussed at the Marly-le-Roi course (1967). The following aspects of adult education…

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Waist Circumference and Alanine Aminotransferase in Youth

PubMed Central

Trilk, Jennifer L.; Ortaglia, Andrew; Blair, Steven N.; Bottai, Matteo; Church, Timothy S.; Pate, Russell R.

2012-01-01

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the liver component of the metabolic syndrome and is strongly associated with cardiometabolic diseases. In adults, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a blood biomarker for NAFLD. However, information regarding these associations is scarce for youth. Purpose To examine associations between CRF, waist circumference (WC) and ALT in youth. Methods Data were obtained from youth (n=2844, 12-19 years) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2004. CRF was dichotomized into youth FITNESSGRAM® categories of “low” and “adequate” CRF. Logistic and quantile regression were used for a comprehensive analysis of associations, and variables with previously-reported associations with ALT were a priori included in the models. Results Results from logistic regression suggested that youth with low CRF had 1.5 times the odds of having an ALT>30 than youth with adequate CRF, although the association was not statistically significant (P=0.09). However, quantile regression demonstrated that youth with low CRF had statistically significantly higher ALT (+1.04, +1.05, and +2.57 U/L) at the upper end of the ALT distribution (80th, 85th, and 90th percentiles, respectively) than youth with adequate CRF. For every 1-cm increase in WC, the odds of having an ALT>30 increased by 1.06 (P<0.001), and the strength of this association increased across the ALT distribution. Conclusions Future studies should examine whether interventions to improve CRF can decrease hepatic fat and liver enzyme concentrations in youth with ALT ≥80th percentile or in youth diagnosed with NAFLD. PMID:23190589

Kinetics of atrial repolarization alternans in a free-behaving ovine model.

PubMed

Jousset, Florian; Tenkorang, Joanna; Vesin, Jean-Marc; Pascale, Patrizio; Ruchat, Patrick; Rollin, Anne Garderes; Fromer, Martin; Narayan, Sanjiv M; Pruvot, Etienne

2012-09-01

Kinetics of Atrial Repolarization Alternans. Repolarization alternans (Re-ALT), a beat-to-beat alternation in action potential repolarization, promotes dispersion of repolarization, wavebreaks, and reentry. Recently, Re-ALT has been shown to play an important role in the transition from rapid pacing to atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans. The detailed kinetics of atrial Re-ALT, however, has not been reported so far. We developed a chronic free-behaving ovine pacing model to study the kinetics of atrial Re-ALT as a function of pacing rate. Thirteen sheep were chronically implanted with 2 pacemakers for the recording of broadband right atrial unipolar electrograms and delivery of rapid pacing protocols. Beat-to-beat differences in the atrial T-wave apex amplitude as a measure of Re-ALT and activation time were analyzed at incremental pacing rates until the effective refractory period (ERP) defined as stable 2:1 capture. Atrial Re-ALT appeared intermittently but without periodicity, and increased in amplitude as a function of pacing rate until ERP. Intermittent 2:1 atrial capture was observed at pacing cycle lengths 40 ms above ERP, and increased in duration as a function of pacing rate. Episodes of rapid pacing-induced AF were rare, and were preceded by Re-ALT or complex oscillations of atrial repolarization, but without intermittent capture. We show in vivo that atrial Re-ALT developed and increased in magnitude with rate until stable 2:1 capture. In rare instances where capture failure did not occur, Re-ALT and complex oscillations of repolarization surged and preceded AF initiation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1003-1012, September 2012). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Soil CO2 flux from three ecosystems in tropical peatland of Sarawak, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melling, Lulie; Hatano, Ryusuke; Goh, Kah Joo

2005-02-01

Soil CO2 flux was measured monthly over a year from tropical peatland of Sarawak, Malaysia using a closed-chamber technique. The soil CO2 flux ranged from 100 to 533 mg C malt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">2 halt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">1 for the forest ecosystem, 63 to 245 mg C malt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">2 halt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">1 for the sago and 46 to 335 mg C malt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">2 halt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">1 for the oil palm. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), the environmental variables over all sites could be classified into three components, namely, climate, soil moisture and soil bulk density, which accounted for 86% of the seasonal variability. A regression tree approach showed that CO2 flux in each ecosystem was related to different underlying environmental factors. They were relative humidity for forest, soil temperature at 5 cm for sago and water-filled pore space for oil palm. On an annual basis, the soil CO2 flux was highest in the forest ecosystem with an estimated production of 2.1 kg C malt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">2 yralt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">1 followed by oil palm at 1.5 kg C malt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">2 yralt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">1 and sago at 1.1 kg C malt="-" border="0" style="font-weight: bold">2 yralt

76 FR 9073 - Designation of Two Individuals Pursuant to Executive Order 13224

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-16

... 27 Feb 2011; alt. Passport 4117921 (Pakistan) issued 9 Sep 2008 expires 9 Sep 2013; Passport OR801168... Zadran Village, Paktia, Afghanistan; Peshawar, Pakistan; Near Dirgha Mundei Madrassa, in Dirgha Mundei...), Pakistan; Kayla Village, near Miram Shah, NWA, FATA, Pakistan; DOB 1 Jan 1966; alt. DOB 1964; alt. DOB 1963...

Prevalence and predictors of alanine aminotransferase elevation among normal weight, overweight and obese youth in Mexico.

PubMed

Purcell, Maura; Flores, Yvonne N; Zhang, Zuo-Feng; Denova-Gutiérrez, Edgar; Salmeron, Jorge

2013-09-01

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels among a sample of normal weight, overweight and obese youth from two urban populations in Central Mexico. Baseline data from 1262 youth aged 8-19 years who participated in the Mexican Health Worker Cohort Study from March 2004 to April 2006 were reviewed, including 680 girls and 582 boys, with a total of 83 participants with elevated ALT level (>40 U/L). Information was obtained from self-administered questionnaires, anthropometric results and clinical measurements. Associations of interest were examined using multivariate logistic regression models. A total of 3.8% of girls and 9.8% of boys had elevated ALT levels. Elevated ALT was observed in 28.9% of the obese and 14.2% of the overweight participants. Metabolic syndrome (MS) occurred in 6.1% of the study population and those with MS had a high percentage of elevated ALT (14.5% of girls and 40.0% of boys, respectively). Abdominal obesity and insulin resistance were also associated with a greater risk of elevated ALT. Obesity and certain metabolic risk factors are important predictors for elevated ALT. Screening for ALT levels in obese youth could help to identify those at risk and reduce the possibility of future liver diseases. © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.

Comparison of hatchet-shaped tensor fascia lata flap and pedicle anterior lateral thigh flap for treatment of trochanteric sores: a retrospective analysis of 48 patients.

PubMed

Li, Chun-Chang; Chang, Shun-Cheng; Fu, Ju-Peng; Tzeng, Yuan-Sheng; Wang, Chih-Hsing; Chen, Tim-Mo; Chen, Shyi-Gen

2013-12-01

Surgical reconstruction of trochanteric sores remains a formidable task for plastic surgeons. Diverse types of flaps have been proposed for use in this situation, each with particular advantages and limitations. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between the hatchet-shaped tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap and the pedicle anterior lateral thigh (ALT) flap in treatment of trochanteric sores. Forty-eight patients with trochanteric sores were operated on under spinal or general anesthesia using TFL or ALT flaps between August 2007 and November 2010. In the TFL group, 26 hatchet-shaped TFL musculocutaneous flaps were performed on 24 patients. In the ALT group, 25 pedicle ALT musculocutaneous flaps were performed on 24 patients. Surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. No significant difference was detected between the TFL and ALT groups in terms of age, preoperative disease period, obesity (body mass index), American Society of Anesthesiologists score, comorbidity, the defect size, follow-up time, and complication rate. The recurrence rate and the flap size were significantly higher in the TFL group than in the ALT group (P = 0.022; P < 0.001). The operation time was longer in the ALT group (P < 0.001). The pedicle ALT flap is a more effective treatment than the TFL flap for the surgical management of trochanteric sores. The hatchet-shaped TFL flap should be reserved for the reconstruction of recurrent trochanteric sores or for use in the critically ill patient who cannot tolerate longer anesthesia and operation time.

Extrapolating active layer thickness measurements across Arctic polygonal terrain using LiDAR and NDVI data sets.

PubMed

Gangodagamage, Chandana; Rowland, Joel C; Hubbard, Susan S; Brumby, Steven P; Liljedahl, Anna K; Wainwright, Haruko; Wilson, Cathy J; Altmann, Garrett L; Dafflon, Baptiste; Peterson, John; Ulrich, Craig; Tweedie, Craig E; Wullschleger, Stan D

2014-08-01

Landscape attributes that vary with microtopography, such as active layer thickness ( ALT ), are labor intensive and difficult to document effectively through in situ methods at kilometer spatial extents, thus rendering remotely sensed methods desirable. Spatially explicit estimates of ALT can provide critically needed data for parameterization, initialization, and evaluation of Arctic terrestrial models. In this work, we demonstrate a new approach using high-resolution remotely sensed data for estimating centimeter-scale ALT in a 5 km 2 area of ice-wedge polygon terrain in Barrow, Alaska. We use a simple regression-based, machine learning data-fusion algorithm that uses topographic and spectral metrics derived from multisensor data (LiDAR and WorldView-2) to estimate ALT (2 m spatial resolution) across the study area. Comparison of the ALT estimates with ground-based measurements, indicates the accuracy (r 2  = 0.76, RMSE ±4.4 cm) of the approach. While it is generally accepted that broad climatic variability associated with increasing air temperature will govern the regional averages of ALT , consistent with prior studies, our findings using high-resolution LiDAR and WorldView-2 data, show that smaller-scale variability in ALT is controlled by local eco-hydro-geomorphic factors. This work demonstrates a path forward for mapping ALT at high spatial resolution and across sufficiently large regions for improved understanding and predictions of coupled dynamics among permafrost, hydrology, and land-surface processes from readily available remote sensing data.

The roles of WRN and BLM RecQ helicases in the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres

PubMed Central

Mendez-Bermudez, Aaron; Hidalgo-Bravo, Alberto; Cotton, Victoria E.; Gravani, Athanasia; Jeyapalan, Jennie N.; Royle, Nicola J.

2012-01-01

Approximately 10% of all cancers, but a higher proportion of sarcomas, use the recombination-based alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) to maintain telomeres. Two RecQ helicase genes, BLM and WRN, play important roles in homologous recombination repair and they have been implicated in telomeric recombination activity, but their precise roles in ALT are unclear. Using analysis of sequence variation present in human telomeres, we found that a WRN– ALT+ cell line lacks the class of complex telomere mutations attributed to inter-telomeric recombination in other ALT+ cell lines. This suggests that WRN facilitates inter-telomeric recombination when there are sequence differences between the donor and recipient molecules or that sister-telomere interactions are suppressed in the presence of WRN and this promotes inter-telomeric recombination. Depleting BLM in the WRN– ALT+ cell line increased the mutation frequency at telomeres and at the MS32 minisatellite, which is a marker of ALT. The absence of complex telomere mutations persisted in BLM-depleted clones, and there was a clear increase in sequence homogenization across the telomere and MS32 repeat arrays. These data indicate that BLM suppresses unequal sister chromatid interactions that result in excessive homogenization at MS32 and at telomeres in ALT+ cells. PMID:22989712

The roles of WRN and BLM RecQ helicases in the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres.

PubMed

Mendez-Bermudez, Aaron; Hidalgo-Bravo, Alberto; Cotton, Victoria E; Gravani, Athanasia; Jeyapalan, Jennie N; Royle, Nicola J

2012-11-01

Approximately 10% of all cancers, but a higher proportion of sarcomas, use the recombination-based alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) to maintain telomeres. Two RecQ helicase genes, BLM and WRN, play important roles in homologous recombination repair and they have been implicated in telomeric recombination activity, but their precise roles in ALT are unclear. Using analysis of sequence variation present in human telomeres, we found that a WRN- ALT+ cell line lacks the class of complex telomere mutations attributed to inter-telomeric recombination in other ALT+ cell lines. This suggests that WRN facilitates inter-telomeric recombination when there are sequence differences between the donor and recipient molecules or that sister-telomere interactions are suppressed in the presence of WRN and this promotes inter-telomeric recombination. Depleting BLM in the WRN- ALT+ cell line increased the mutation frequency at telomeres and at the MS32 minisatellite, which is a marker of ALT. The absence of complex telomere mutations persisted in BLM-depleted clones, and there was a clear increase in sequence homogenization across the telomere and MS32 repeat arrays. These data indicate that BLM suppresses unequal sister chromatid interactions that result in excessive homogenization at MS32 and at telomeres in ALT+ cells.

Telomere maintenance through recruitment of internal genomic regions.

PubMed

Seo, Beomseok; Kim, Chuna; Hills, Mark; Sung, Sanghyun; Kim, Hyesook; Kim, Eunkyeong; Lim, Daisy S; Oh, Hyun-Seok; Choi, Rachael Mi Jung; Chun, Jongsik; Shim, Jaegal; Lee, Junho

2015-09-18

Cells surviving crisis are often tumorigenic and their telomeres are commonly maintained through the reactivation of telomerase. However, surviving cells occasionally activate a recombination-based mechanism called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Here we establish stably maintained survivors in telomerase-deleted Caenorhabditis elegans that escape from sterility by activating ALT. ALT survivors trans-duplicate an internal genomic region, which is already cis-duplicated to chromosome ends, across the telomeres of all chromosomes. These 'Template for ALT' (TALT) regions consist of a block of genomic DNA flanked by telomere-like sequences, and are different between two genetic background. We establish a model that an ancestral duplication of a donor TALT region to a proximal telomere region forms a genomic reservoir ready to be incorporated into telomeres on ALT activation.

Evaluation of the effects of a VEGFR-2 inhibitor compound on alanine aminotransferase gene expression and enzymatic activity in the rat liver

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Traditional assessment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity includes morphological examination of the liver and evaluation of liver enzyme activity in serum. The objective of the study was to determine the origin of drug-related elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the absence of morphologic changes in the liver by utilizing molecular and immunohistochemical techniques. Methods Sixteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups (control and treated, n = 4 per group) and treated rats were dosed orally twice daily (400 mg/kg/day) for 7 days with a VEGFR-2 compound (AG28262), which in a previous study caused ALT elevation without morphological changes. Serum of both treated and control animals were evaluated on day 3 of treatment and at day 8. Three separate liver lobes (caudate, right medial, and left lateral) were examined for determination of ALT tissue activity, ALT gene expression and morphological changes. Results ALT activity was significantly (p < 0.01) elevated on day 3 and further increased on day 8. Histologic changes or increase in TUNEL and caspase3 positive cells were not observed in the liver lobes examined. ALT gene expression in the caudate lobe was significantly up-regulated by 63%. ALT expression in the left lateral lobe was not significantly affected. Statistically significant increased liver ALT enzymatic activity occurred in the caudate (96%) and right medial (41%) lobes but not in the left lateral lobe. Conclusions AG28262, a VEFG-r2 inhibitor, causes an increase in serum ALT, due in part to both gene up-regulation. Differences between liver lobes may be attributable to differential distribution of blood from portal circulation. Incorporation of molecular data, such as gene and protein expression, and sampling multiple liver lobes may shed mechanistic insight to the evaluation of hepatotoxicity. PMID:21846403

Evaluation of the effects of a VEGFR-2 inhibitor compound on alanine aminotransferase gene expression and enzymatic activity in the rat liver.

PubMed

Fuentealba, Carmen; Bera, Monali; Jessen, Bart; Sace, Fred; Stevens, Greg J; Trajkovic, Dusko; Yang, Amy H; Evering, Winston

2011-08-17

Traditional assessment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity includes morphological examination of the liver and evaluation of liver enzyme activity in serum. The objective of the study was to determine the origin of drug-related elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the absence of morphologic changes in the liver by utilizing molecular and immunohistochemical techniques. Sixteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups (control and treated, n = 4 per group) and treated rats were dosed orally twice daily (400 mg/kg/day) for 7 days with a VEGFR-2 compound (AG28262), which in a previous study caused ALT elevation without morphological changes. Serum of both treated and control animals were evaluated on day 3 of treatment and at day 8. Three separate liver lobes (caudate, right medial, and left lateral) were examined for determination of ALT tissue activity, ALT gene expression and morphological changes. ALT activity was significantly (p < 0.01) elevated on day 3 and further increased on day 8. Histologic changes or increase in TUNEL and caspase3 positive cells were not observed in the liver lobes examined. ALT gene expression in the caudate lobe was significantly up-regulated by 63%. ALT expression in the left lateral lobe was not significantly affected. Statistically significant increased liver ALT enzymatic activity occurred in the caudate (96%) and right medial (41%) lobes but not in the left lateral lobe. AG28262, a VEFG-r2 inhibitor, causes an increase in serum ALT, due in part to both gene up-regulation. Differences between liver lobes may be attributable to differential distribution of blood from portal circulation. Incorporation of molecular data, such as gene and protein expression, and sampling multiple liver lobes may shed mechanistic insight to the evaluation of hepatotoxicity.

Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres and Loss of DAXX/ATRX Expression Predicts Metastatic Disease and Poor Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

PubMed

Singhi, Aatur D; Liu, Ta-Chiang; Roncaioli, Justin L; Cao, Dengfeng; Zeh, Herbert J; Zureikat, Amer H; Tsung, Allan; Marsh, J Wallis; Lee, Kenneth K; Hogg, Melissa E; Bahary, Nathan; Brand, Randall E; McGrath, Kevin M; Slivka, Adam; Cressman, Kristi L; Fuhrer, Kimberly; O'Sullivan, Roderick J

2017-01-15

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence and unpredictable behavior. Whole-exome sequencing has identified recurrent mutations in the genes DAXX and ATRX, which correlate with loss of protein expression and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Both ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss were initially reported to be associated with a favorable prognosis; however, recent studies suggest the contrary. Our aims were to assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of ALT and DAXX/ATRX in both primary and metastatic PanNETs. Telomere-specific FISH and DAXX/ATRX IHC was performed on a multi-institutional cohort of 321 patients with resected PanNET and 191 distant metastases from 52 patients. These results were correlated with clinicopathologic features, including disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The prevalence of ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss in resected PanNETs was 31% and 26%, respectively, and associated with larger tumor size, higher WHO grade, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis (P < 0.001). The 5-year DFS and 10-year DSS of patients with ALT-positive and DAXX/ATRX-negative PanNETs were 40% and 50%, respectively, as compared with 96% and 89%, respectively, for wild-type PanNETs. Among distant metastases, ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss was 67% and 52%, respectively, and only occurred in the setting of an ALT-positive and DAXX/ATRX-negative primary PanNET. By multivariate analysis, both ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss were negative, independent prognostic factors for DFS. ALT and DAXX/ATRX loss in PanNETs was associated with shorter DFS and DSS and likely plays a significant role in driving metastatic disease. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 600-9. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

PrP genotype frequencies and risk evaluation for scrapie in dairy sheep breeds from southern Italy.

PubMed

Martemucci, Giovanni; Iamartino, Daniela; Blasi, Michele; D'Alessandro, Angela Gabriella

2015-12-01

Concerns regarding scrapie in sheep breeding have increased in the last few decades. The present study was carried out in dairy sheep breeds from southern Italy. In order to find breeding animals resistant to scrapie, the PrP genes of 1,205 animals from entire flocks of dairy native Apulian Leccese and Altamurana breeds, and Sicilian Comisana breed, were analysed for polymorphisms at codons 136, 154, and 171 related to scrapie resistance/susceptibility. The Altamurana breed was considered as two populations (Alt-Cav and Alt-Cra-Zoe), based on presumed cross-breeding. A total of five alleles and ten different genotypes were found. The ARQ allele was predominant for all breeds followed by ARR, the most resistant allele to scrapie, which was highly prevalent in Comisana (50%) and in native Alt-Cav (42.4%). The VRQ allele, associated with the highest susceptibility to scrapie, was detected at not negligeable levels in allocthonous Comisana (3.5%), at a low frequency (0.2%) in native Leccese and Alt-Cra-Zoe, while it was absent in Alt-Cav. The frequencies of PrP genotypes with a very low susceptibility risk to scrapie (R1) was higher in Comisana and Alt-Cav. The most susceptible genotype, ARQ/VRQ, was found only in Comisana. Within the Altamurana breed, there were notable differences between Alt-Cav and Alt-Cra-Zoe sheep. The Alt-Cav was characterised by the absence of VRQ and AHQ alleles and by the higher frequency of the ARR/ARR genotype (18.7%). Breeding programs, mainly in endangered breeds such as Altamurana, should be conducted gradually, combining resistance to scrapie, maintenance of genetic variability, and production. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Teaching Composing with an Identity as a Teacher-Composer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francis, Jennie

2012-01-01

I enjoy composing and feel able to write songs that I like and which feel significant to me. This has not always been the case and the change had nothing to do with my school education or my degree. Composing at secondary school did not move beyond Bach and Handel pastiche. I did not take any composing courses during my degree. What did influence…

The Impact of Fire on Active Layer Thicknes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, K. M.; Parsekian, A.; Natali, S.; Ludwig, S.; Michaelides, R. J.; Zebker, H. A.; Chen, J.

2016-12-01

Fire influences permafrost thermodynamics by darkening the surface to increase solar absorption and removing insulating moss and organic soil, resulting in an increase in Active Layer Thickness (ALT). The summer of 2015 was one of the worst fire years on record in Alaska with multiple fires in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta. To understand the impacts of fire on permafrost, we need large-scale, extensive measurements of ALT both within and outside the fire zones. In August 2016, we surveyed ALT across multiple fire zones in the YK Delta using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and mechanical probing. GPR uses pulsed, radio-frequency electromagnetic waves to noninvasively image the subsurface and is an effective tool to quickly map ALT over large areas. We supplemented this ALT data with measurements of Volumetric Water Content (VWC), Organic Layer Thickness (OLT), and burn severity. We quantified the impacts of fire by statistically comparing the measurements inside and outside the fire zones and statistically regressing ALT against VWC, change in OLT, and burn severity.

Persistent rotating shift work exposure is a tough second hit contributing to abnormal liver function among on-site workers having sonographic fatty liver.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Cheng; Chen, Pau-Chung

2015-03-01

To investigate the relationship between elevated serum alanine-transaminase (e-ALT) and persistent rotating shift work (p-RSW) among employees with sonographic fatty liver (SFL), the authors performed a retrospective analysis on a cohort of electronics manufacturing workers. The records of 758 workers (507 men, 251 women) with initially normal ALT and a mean age of 32.9 years were analyzed. A total of 109 workers (14.4%) developed e-ALT after 5 years. Compared with those having neither initial SFL nor p-RSW exposure, multivariate analysis indicated that employees who had initial SFL but without p-RSW finally had a higher risk (odds ratio = 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-5.1) for developing e-ALT; workers with baseline SFL plus p-RSW had a 3.7-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.8-7.5). SFL poses a conspicuous risk for the development of e-ALT, and persistent p-RSW exposure significantly aggravates the development of e-ALT among on-site workers with preexisting SFL. © 2012 APJPH.

Investigations into the chemistry, toxicology, metabolism and possible mode of action of O-ethyl S-methyl ethylphosphonothioate

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

Hur, J.H.

1989-01-01

The chemical and metabolic oxidation of O-ethyl S-methyl ethylphosphonthioate (1) as a model compound was studied. This compound has the following toxicological properties: LD{sub 50} (rat) 4.6 mg/kg, LD{sub 50}(HF) 14.0 ug/g; k{sub i}(BAChE) {equals} 303, k{sub i}(HFAChE) {equals} 623. {sup 13} C- and {sup 31}P-NMR were mainly used in this study. The chemical oxidation of 1 with m-CPBA in CDCl{sub 3} resulted in the formation of O-ethyl ethylphosphonic acid (2), O-ethyl ethylphosphinyloxymethylsulfonate (3) and O-ethyl ethylphosphonic acid anhydride (4). However, oxidation reaction of the model compound 1 with MPPA in D{sub 2}O gave 2 and methylsulfonic acid. 1 wasmore » incubated in vitro with rat liver microsomal oxidase, and 2 and methylsulfenic acid were observed along with 1. For the in vivo study, a number of houseflies were treated with 14ug/g (LD{sub 50} level) of 1. Analysis of the extracts of metabolic products provided evidence of the formation of 2. The existence of 1 S-oxide was demonstrated by use of a trapping method and the observation of oxidation products. The S-oxide has been proposed as a possible active intermediate responsible for the high toxicity of 1 to animals. However, owing to its instability it is unlikely that the S-oxide intermediate would persist in an aqueous biological environment long enough to attack the target enzyme. 4 was shown to have high toxicity to the rat and housefly and was also a potent anticholinesterase against BAChE and HFAChE . The presence of 4 was observed directly by the monitoring experiments during the chemical oxidation in aqueous conditions. This provided evidence that this metabolite is stable enough to attack the target site in biological systems. The anhydride 4 is proposed as the active metabolite in in vivo systems, responsible for high toxicity of 1.« less

The Effects of Trained Peer Tutors on the Physical Education of Children Who Are Visually Impaired

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiskochil, Brian; Lieberman, Lauren J.; Houston-Wilson, Cathy; Petersen, Susan

2007-01-01

This study examined the effect of trained peer tutors on the academic learning time-physical education (ALT-PE) scores of children with visual impairments. It found a mean increase of 20.8% for ALT-PE and increases in ALT-PE scores for closed and open skills and that trained peer tutors were more effective than were untrained peer tutors.

Clinical relevance and discriminatory value of elevated liver aminotransferase levels for dengue severity.

PubMed

Lee, Linda K; Gan, Victor C; Lee, Vernon J; Tan, Adriana S; Leo, Yee Sin; Lye, David C

2012-01-01

Elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is prominent in acute dengue illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 dengue guidelines defined AST or ALT ≥ 1000 units/liter (U/L) as a criterion for severe dengue. We aimed to assess the clinical relevance and discriminatory value of AST or ALT for dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and severe dengue. We retrospectively studied and classified polymerase chain reaction positive dengue patients from 2006 to 2008 treated at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore according to WHO 1997 and 2009 criteria for dengue severity. Of 690 dengue patients, 31% had DHF and 24% severe dengue. Elevated AST and ALT occurred in 86% and 46%, respectively. Seven had AST or ALT ≥ 1000 U/L. None had acute liver failure but one patient died. Median AST and ALT values were significantly higher with increasing dengue severity by both WHO 1997 and 2009 criteria. However, they were poorly discriminatory between non-severe and severe dengue (e.g., AST area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve=0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.67) and between dengue fever (DF) and DHF (AST area under the ROC curve=0.56; 95% CI: 0.52-0.61). There was significant overlap in AST and ALT values among patients with dengue with or without warning signs and severe dengue, and between those with DF and DHF. Although aminotransferase levels increased in conjunction with dengue severity, AST or ALT values did not discriminate between DF and DHF or non-severe and severe dengue.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Is Strongly Correlated With Apparent Life-Threatening Events.

PubMed

Duncan, Daniel R; Amirault, Janine; Mitchell, Paul D; Larson, Kara; Rosen, Rachel L

2017-08-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysfunction with resultant aspiration in patients admitted after apparent life-threatening events (ALTE) and to determine whether historical characteristics could predict this oropharyngeal dysphagia and aspiration risk. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients admitted to Boston Children's Hospital between 2012 and 2015 with a diagnosis of ALTE to determine the frequency of evaluation for oropharyngeal dysphagia using video fluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) and clinical feeding evaluations, to determine the prevalence of swallowing dysfunction in subjects admitted after ALTE and to compare presenting historical characteristics to swallow study results. A total of 188 children were admitted with a diagnosis of ALTE of which 29% (n = 55) had an assessment of swallowing by VFSS. Of those who had a VFSS, 73% (n = 40) had evidence of aspiration or penetration on VFSS. Of all of the diagnostic tests ordered on patients with ALTEs, the VFSS had the highest rate of abnormalities of any test ordered. None of the historical characteristics of ALTE predicted which patients were at risk for aspiration. In patients who had both clinical feeding evaluations and VFSS, observed clinical feedings incorrectly identified 26% of patients as having no oropharyngeal dysphagia when in fact aspiration was present on VFSS. Oropharyngeal dysphagia with aspiration is the most common diagnosis identified in infants presenting with ALTEs. The algorithm for ALTE should be revised to include an assessment of VFSS as clinical feeding evaluations are inadequate to assess for aspiration.

Definition of Research Needs to Address Airport Pavement Distress in Cold Regions

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

2318 RODNEY A. 03/04/85 ALLIANCE AIRPORT PO DRAWER D ALLIANCE NE 69301 ACE NC BAUER 308-762-5400 WOLFGANG 03/25/85 HALL COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT ROUTE 3...NW WINTER 206-346-7380 JEFF 03/05/85 SEA-TAC INT’L. AIRPORT SEATTLE WA 98188 ANN MW KRAUSE 206-433-5410 ART 03/05/85 GRANT COUNTY AIRPORT TERMINAL

Ocean Drilling Program: Completed Legs

Science.gov Websites

. Austin Leg summary Repository Wolfgang Schlager 102 14-Mar-85 25-Apr-85 Miami, Florida 418 Bermuda Rise Lisbon, Portugal 902-906 New Jersey Sea-Level Transect Peter Blum Gregory Mountain Leg summary Repository , Nova Scotia 1071-1073 Continuing the New Jersey Sea-Level Transect Mitchell J. Malone James A. Austin

Present and Future Airborne and Space-borne Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

Present and Future Airborne and Space-borne Systems Wolfgang Keydel Microwaves and Radar Institute German Aerospace Research Centre (DLR...airborne and space-borne SAR systems with polarimetric interferometry capability, their technological, system technical and application related...interferometry accuracies in the cm range have been obtained. In order to reach these values an exact system calibration is indispensable. The calibration of

Influences and interactions of inundation, peat, and snow on active layer thickness

DOE PAGES

Atchley, Adam L.; Coon, Ethan T.; Painter, Scott L.; ...

2016-05-18

Active layer thickness (ALT), the uppermost layer of soil that thaws on an annual basis, is a direct control on the amount of organic carbon potentially available for decomposition and release to the atmosphere as carbon-rich Arctic permafrost soils thaw in a warming climate. Here, we investigate how key site characteristics affect ALT using an integrated surface/subsurface permafrost thermal hydrology model. ALT is most sensitive to organic layer thickness followed by snow depth but is relatively insensitive to the amount of water on the landscape with other conditions held fixed. Furthermore, the weak ALT sensitivity to subsurface saturation suggests thatmore » changes in Arctic landscape hydrology may only have a minor effect on future ALT. But, surface inundation amplifies the sensitivities to the other parameters and under large snowpacks can trigger the formation of near-surface taliks.« less

Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of alternating block polyurethanes based on PLA and PEG.

PubMed

Mei, Tingzhen; Zhu, Yonghe; Ma, Tongcui; He, Tao; Li, Linjing; Wei, Chiju; Xu, Kaitian

2014-09-01

A series of alternating block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA-alt-PEG) and random block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA-ran-PEG) based on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized. The differences of PULA-alt/ran-PEG chemical structure, molecular weight, distribution, thermal properties, mechanical properties and static contact angle were systematically investigated. The PULA-alt/ran-PEG polyurethanes exhibited low T(g) (-47.3 ∼ -34.4°C), wide mechanical properties (stress σ(t): 4.6-32.6 MPa, modulus E: 11.4-323.9 MPa and strain ε: 468-1530%) and low water contact angle (35.4-51.4°). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that PULA-alt-PEG film displays rougher and more patterned surface morphology than PULA-ran-PEG does, due to more regular structures of PULA-alt-PEG. Hydrolytic degradation shows that degradation rate of random block polyurethane series PULA-ran-PEG is higher than the alternating counterpart PULA-alt-PEG. PLA segment degradation is faster than urethane linkage and PEG segment almost does not degrade in the buffer solution. Platelet adhesion study showed that all the polyurethanes possess excellent hemocompatibility. The cell culture assay revealed that PULA-alt/ran-PEG polyurethanes were cell inert and unfavorable for the attachment of rat glial cell due to the hydrophilic characters of the materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

First-principles study of ternary Li-Al-Te compounds under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Youchun; Tian, Fubo; Li, Da; Duan, Defang; Xie, Hui; Liu, Bingbing; Zhou, Qiang; Cui, Tian

2018-02-01

The ternary Li-Al-Te compounds were investigated by the first-principle evolutionary calculation based on density function theory. Apart from the known structure, I-42d LiAlTe2 and P3m1 LiAlTe2, several new structures were discovered, P-3m1 LiAlTe2, Pnma LiAlTe2, C2/c Li9AlTe2, Immm Li9AlTe2 and P4/mmm Li6AlTe. We determined that the I-42d LiAlTe2 firstly changed to P-3m1 phase at 6 GPa, and then into the Pnma structure at 65 GPa, Pnma phase was stable up at least to 120 GPa. I-42d LiAlTe2 was a pseudo-direct band gap semiconductor, but P-3m1 LiAlT2 was an indirect band gap semiconductor. This may be caused by the pressure effect. Subsequently, it was metallized under pressure. Pnma LiAlTe2 was also metallic at the pressure we studied. C2/c Li9AlTe2 was stable above 4 GPa, then turned into Immm phase at 60 GPa. C2/c Li9AlTe2 was an indirect band gap semiconductor. The results show that P4/mmm Li6AlTe was stable and metallized in the pressure range of 0.7-120 GPa. The calculations of DOS and PDOS indicate that the arrangement of electrons near Fermi energy can be affected by the increase of Li. The calculated ELF results and Bader charge analysis indicate that there was no covalent bond between Al and Te atoms for high-pressure Pnma LiAlTe2, Li9AlTe2 and Li6AlTe. For Li9AlTe2 and Li6AlTe, different from LiAlTe2, Al atoms not connect with Te atoms, but link with Li atoms. The results were further proved by Mulliken population analysis. And the weak covalent bonds between Li and Al atoms stem from the hybridization of Li s and Al p presented in PDOS diagrams. We further deduced that the pressure effect and the increase of Li content may result in the disappearance of Al-Te bonds for Li-Al-Te compound under extreme pressure.

Factors Associated With Persistent Increase in Level of Alanine Aminotransferase in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Receiving Oral Antiviral Therapy.

PubMed

Jacobson, Ira M; Washington, Mary K; Buti, Maria; Thompson, Alexander; Afdhal, Nezam; Flisiak, Robert; Akarca, Ulus Salih; Tchernev, Konstantin G; Flaherty, John F; Aguilar Schall, Raul; Myers, Robert P; Subramanian, G Mani; McHutchison, John G; Younossi, Zobair; Marcellin, Patrick; Patel, Keyur

2017-07-01

Despite complete suppression of viral DNA with antiviral agents, in some patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) do not normalize. We investigated factors associated with persistent increases in ALT level in patients with CHB given long-term tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. We analyzed data from 471 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with CHB participating in 2 phase 3 trials. We identified patients with an increased level of ALT (above the upper limit of normal range) after 5 years (240 weeks) of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy. We analyzed findings from liver biopsy specimens collected from 467 patients (99%) at baseline and 339 patients (72%) at year 5 of treatment; biopsy specimens were evaluated by an independent pathologist. We performed stepwise, forward, multivariate regression analyses of specified baseline characteristics and on-treatment response parameters to identify factors associated with persistent increases in ALT level. Of the 471 patients, 87 (18%) still had an increased ALT level at year 5 of treatment. Factors associated significantly with a persistent increase in ALT level were a steatosis score of 5% or greater (grade 1 or more) at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 2.236; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.031-4.852; P = .042) and at year 5 (OR, 3.392; 95% CI, 1.560 ≥ 7.375; P = .002), HBeAg seropositivity at baseline (OR, 3.297; 95% CI, 1.653-6.576; P < .001), and age 40 years or older (OR, 2.099; 95% CI, 1.014-4.342; P = .046). Of the 42 HBeAg-positive patients with steatosis at baseline, 21 (50%) had an increased ALT level at year 5 of treatment. Patients with persistent increases in ALT level were more likely to have an increase in steatosis at year 5 than those with a normal ALT level. HBeAg seropositivity and hepatic steatosis contribute to persistent increases in ALT level in patients with CHB receiving suppressive antiviral treatment. Clinical

Frequency and Prognostic Significance of Abnormal Liver Function Tests in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock.

PubMed

Jäntti, Toni; Tarvasmäki, Tuukka; Harjola, Veli-Pekka; Parissis, John; Pulkki, Kari; Sionis, Alessandro; Silva-Cardoso, Jose; Køber, Lars; Banaszewski, Marek; Spinar, Jindrich; Fuhrmann, Valentin; Tolonen, Jukka; Carubelli, Valentina; diSomma, Salvatore; Mebazaa, Alexandre; Lassus, Johan

2017-10-01

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a cardiac emergency often leading to multiple organ failure and death. Assessing organ dysfunction and appropriate risk stratification are central for the optimal management of these patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of abnormal liver function tests (LFTs), as well as early changes of LFTs and their impact on outcome in CS. We measured LFTs in 178 patients in CS from serial blood samples taken at 0 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours. The associations of LFT abnormalities and their early changes with all-cause 90-day mortality were estimated using Fisher's exact test and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was abnormal in 58% of the patients, more frequently in nonsurvivors. Abnormalities in other LFTs analyzed (alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and total bilirubin) were not associated with short-term mortality. An increase in ALT of >20% within 24 hours (ΔALT>+20%) was observed in 24% of patients. ΔALT>+20% was associated with a more than 2-fold increase in mortality compared with those with stable or decreasing ALT (70% and 28%, p <0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that ΔALT>+20% was associated with increased 90-day mortality independent of other known risk factors. In conclusion, an increase in ALT in the initial phase was seen in 1/4 of patients in CS and was independently associated with 90-day mortality. This finding suggests that serial ALT measurements should be incorporated in the clinical assessment of patients in CS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantum Algorithms Based on Physical Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-03

quantum walks with hard-core bosons and the graph isomorphism problem,” American Physical Society March meeting, March 2011 Kenneth Rudinger, John...King Gamble, Mark Wellons, Mark Friesen, Dong Zhou, Eric Bach, Robert Joynt, and S.N. Coppersmith, “Quantum random walks of non-interacting bosons on...and noninteracting Bosons to distinguish nonisomorphic graphs. 1) We showed that quantum walks of two hard-core Bosons can distinguish all pairs of

Quantum Algorithms Based on Physical Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-02

quantum walks with hard-core bosons and the graph isomorphism problem,” American Physical Society March meeting, March 2011 Kenneth Rudinger, John...King Gamble, Mark Wellons, Mark Friesen, Dong Zhou, Eric Bach, Robert Joynt, and S.N. Coppersmith, “Quantum random walks of non-interacting bosons on...and noninteracting Bosons to distinguish nonisomorphic graphs. 1) We showed that quantum walks of two hard-core Bosons can distinguish all pairs of

Dynamic Data Driven Operator Error Early Warning System

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-13

calibrations, participants started to do the experiment with a 3-minute baselining session. They were rested and listened to the music Bachs Harpsichord...conditions. Further, training data is not necessary to perform the PCA analysis presented here. The second method is the least squares complex...approach for operational modal analysis. In Proceedings of the 25th IMAC, Orlando (FL), USA, 2007. [4] Linda Chlan. Effectiveness of a music therapy

Trihexyphenidyl for acute life-threatening episodes due to a dystonic movement disorder in Rett syndrome.

PubMed

Gika, Artemis D; Hughes, Elaine; Goyal, Sushma; Sparkes, Matthew; Lin, Jean-Pierre

2010-02-15

In Rett syndrome (RS), acute life-threatening episodes (ALTEs) are usually attributed to epilepsy or autonomic dysfunction but they can represent a movement disorder (MD). We describe three girls with RS who experienced ALTEs from an early age. These were long considered epileptic until video-EEG in Patients 1 and 3 revealed their non-epileptic nature. A primary dystonic mechanism was suspected and Patients 1 and 2 were treated with Trihexyphenidyl with significantly reduced frequency of the ALTEs. Patient 3 died before Trihexyphenidyl was tried. Trihexyphenidyl in RS patients with similar presentations can modify the dystonia and prevent ALTEs. (c) 2009 Movement Disorder Society.

Satellite based assessment of recent permafrost extent and active layer trends over Alaska and Northwest Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Y.; Kimball, J. S.; PARK, H.; Yi, Y.

2017-12-01

Climate change in the Boreal-Arctic region has experienced greater surface air temperature (SAT) warming than the global average in recent decades, which is promoting permafrost thawing and active layer deepening. Permafrost extent (PE) and active layer thickness (ALT) are key environmental indicators of recent climate change, and strongly impact other eco-hydrological processes including land-atmosphere carbon exchange. We developed a new approach for regional estimation and monitoring of PE using daily landscape freeze-thaw (FT) records derived from satellite microwave (37 GHz) brightness temperature (Tb) observations. ALT was estimated within the PE domain using empirical modeling of land cover dependent edaphic factors and an annual thawing index derived from MODIS land surface temperature (LST) observations and reanalysis based surface air temperatures (SAT). The PE and ALT estimates were derived over the 1980-2016 satellite record and NASA ABoVE (Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment) domain encompassing Alaska and Northwest Canada. The baseline model estimates were derived at 25-km resolution consistent with the satellite FT global record. Our results show recent widespread PE decline and deepening ALT trends, with larger spatial variability and model uncertainty along the southern PE boundary. Larger PE and ALT variability occurs over heterogeneous permafrost subzones characterized by dense vegetation, and variable snow cover and organic layer conditions. We also tested alternative PE and ALT estimates derived using finer (6-km) scale satellite Tb (36.5 GHz) and FT retrievals from a calibrated AMSR-E and AMSR2 sensor record. The PE and ALT results were compared against other independent observations, including process model simulations, in situ measurements, and permafrost inventory records. A model sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate snow cover, soil organic layer, and vegetation composition impacts to ALT. The finer delineation of permafrost

The influence of vegetation and soil characteristics on active-layer thickness of permafrost soils in boreal forest.

PubMed

Fisher, James P; Estop-Aragonés, Cristian; Thierry, Aaron; Charman, Dan J; Wolfe, Stephen A; Hartley, Iain P; Murton, Julian B; Williams, Mathew; Phoenix, Gareth K

2016-09-01

Carbon release from thawing permafrost soils could significantly exacerbate global warming as the active-layer deepens, exposing more carbon to decay. Plant community and soil properties provide a major control on this by influencing the maximum depth of thaw each summer (active-layer thickness; ALT), but a quantitative understanding of the relative importance of plant and soil characteristics, and their interactions in determine ALTs, is currently lacking. To address this, we undertook an extensive survey of multiple vegetation and edaphic characteristics and ALTs across multiple plots in four field sites within boreal forest in the discontinuous permafrost zone (NWT, Canada). Our sites included mature black spruce, burned black spruce and paper birch, allowing us to determine vegetation and edaphic drivers that emerge as the most important and broadly applicable across these key vegetation and disturbance gradients, as well as providing insight into site-specific differences. Across sites, the most important vegetation characteristics limiting thaw (shallower ALTs) were tree leaf area index (LAI), moss layer thickness and understory LAI in that order. Thicker soil organic layers also reduced ALTs, though were less influential than moss thickness. Surface moisture (0-6 cm) promoted increased ALTs, whereas deeper soil moisture (11-16 cm) acted to modify the impact of the vegetation, in particular increasing the importance of understory or tree canopy shading in reducing thaw. These direct and indirect effects of moisture indicate that future changes in precipitation and evapotranspiration may have large influences on ALTs. Our work also suggests that forest fires cause greater ALTs by simultaneously decreasing multiple ecosystem characteristics which otherwise protect permafrost. Given that vegetation and edaphic characteristics have such clear and large influences on ALTs, our data provide a key benchmark against which to evaluate process models used to predict

Characterizing permafrost soil active layer dynamics and sensitivity to landscape spatial heterogeneity in Alaska

DOE PAGES

Yi, Yonghong; Kimball, John S.; Chen, Richard; ...

2017-05-30

An important feature of the Arctic is large spatial heterogeneity in active layer conditions, which is generally poorly represented by global models. In this study, we developed a spatially integrated modelling and analysis framework combining field observations, local scale (~ 50 m) active layer thickness (ALT) and soil moisture maps derived from airborne low frequency (L + P-band) radar measurements, and global satellite environmental observations to investigate the ALT sensitivity to recent climate trends and landscape heterogeneity in Alaska. Model simulated ALT results show good correspondence with in-situ measurements in higher permafrost probability (PP ≥ 70 %) areas (n =more » 33, R = 0.60, mean bias = 1.58 cm, RMSE = 20.32 cm). The model results also reveal widespread ALT deepening since 2001, with smaller ALT increases in northern Alaska (mean trend = 0.32 ± 1.18 cm yr -1) and much larger increases (> 3 cm yr -1) across interior and southern Alaska. The positive ALT trend coincides with regional warming and a longer snow-free season (R = 0.60 ± 0.32). Uncertainty in the spatial and vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) was found to be the most important factor affecting model ALT accuracy. Here, potential improvements in characterizing SOC heterogeneity, including better spatial sampling of soil conditions and advances in remote sensing of SOC and soil moisture, will enable more accurate predictions of permafrost active layer conditions.« less

The Role of the Distal Runoff Vessel of the Descending Branch of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral System in Anterolateral Thigh Flap Surgery: A Case Series and Literature Review.

PubMed

He, Xiao-Qing; Zhu, Yue-Liang; Wang, Yi; Mei, Liang-Bin; Jin, Tao; Xu, Yong-Qing

2016-01-01

As a distal portion of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral system (LCFS), the role of the distal runoff vessel in anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap surgery has long been overlooked. Recently, however, the distal runoff vessel has been increasingly used in many aspects of ALT flap surgery, and it has exhibited superior properties in solving some difficult problems. Fourteen ALT flaps using the distal runoff vessel of the descending branch of the LCFS for extremity defects were retrospectively reviewed, and recent reports on using the distal runoff vessel were reviewed to determine the role of this vessel in ALT flap surgery. In our series, the distal runoff vessel was used as a flow-through pattern in 10 cases, as a recombined chimeric flap in 2 cases, and as a backup vessel for flap salvage in 2 cases. All of the ALT flaps completely survived. None of the donor sites presented with additional morbidity as a result of harvesting the distal runoff vessel. In the literature review, the following are 5 other options for using the distal runoff vessel: in interposition artery and vein grafts, as the pedicle of the reverse-flow ALT flap, as the recipient vessel, to avoid twisting, and as a monitoring method. The distal runoff vessel of the descending branch of the LCFS could be used for many aspects of the ALT flap surgery, and this vessel plays an irreplaceable role in some difficult reconstruction surgeries.

Molecular and morphologic correlates of the alternative lengthening of telomeres phenotype in high-grade astrocytomas.

PubMed

Nguyen, Doreen N; Heaphy, Christopher M; de Wilde, Roeland F; Orr, Brent A; Odia, Yazmin; Eberhart, Charles G; Meeker, Alan K; Rodriguez, Fausto J

2013-05-01

Recent studies suggest that the telomere maintenance mechanism known as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is relatively more common in specific glioma subsets and strongly associated with ATRX mutations. We retrospectively examined 116 high-grade astrocytomas (32 pediatric glioblastomas, 65 adult glioblastomas, 19 anaplastic astrocytomas) with known ALT status using tissue microarrays to identify associations with molecular and phenotypic features. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against ATRX, DAXX, p53 and IDH1(R132H) mutant protein. EGFR amplification was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Almost half of fibrillary and gemistocytic astrocytomas (44%) demonstrated ALT. Conversely all gliosarcomas (n = 4), epithelioid (n = 2), giant cell (n = 2) and adult small cell astrocytomas (n = 7) were ALT negative. The ALT phenotype was positively correlated with the presence of round cells (P = 0.002), microcysts (P < 0.0002), IDH1 mutant protein (P < 0.0001), ATRX protein loss (P < 0.0001), strong P53 immunostaining (P < 0.0001) and absence of EGFR amplification (P = 0.004). There was no significant correlation with DAXX expression. We conclude that ALT represents a specific phenotype in high-grade astrocytomas with distinctive pathologic and molecular features. Future studies are required to clarify the clinical and biological significance of ALT in high-grade astrocytomas. © 2012 The Authors; Brain Pathology © 2012 International Society of Neuropathology.

Characterizing permafrost soil active layer dynamics and sensitivity to landscape spatial heterogeneity in Alaska

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

Yi, Yonghong; Kimball, John S.; Chen, Richard

An important feature of the Arctic is large spatial heterogeneity in active layer conditions, which is generally poorly represented by global models. In this study, we developed a spatially integrated modelling and analysis framework combining field observations, local scale (~ 50 m) active layer thickness (ALT) and soil moisture maps derived from airborne low frequency (L + P-band) radar measurements, and global satellite environmental observations to investigate the ALT sensitivity to recent climate trends and landscape heterogeneity in Alaska. Model simulated ALT results show good correspondence with in-situ measurements in higher permafrost probability (PP ≥ 70 %) areas (n =more » 33, R = 0.60, mean bias = 1.58 cm, RMSE = 20.32 cm). The model results also reveal widespread ALT deepening since 2001, with smaller ALT increases in northern Alaska (mean trend = 0.32 ± 1.18 cm yr -1) and much larger increases (> 3 cm yr -1) across interior and southern Alaska. The positive ALT trend coincides with regional warming and a longer snow-free season (R = 0.60 ± 0.32). Uncertainty in the spatial and vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) was found to be the most important factor affecting model ALT accuracy. Here, potential improvements in characterizing SOC heterogeneity, including better spatial sampling of soil conditions and advances in remote sensing of SOC and soil moisture, will enable more accurate predictions of permafrost active layer conditions.« less

Clinical utility of colour flow Doppler ultrasonography in planning anterolateral thigh flap harvest.

PubMed

Patel, Rajan S; Higgins, Kevin M; Enepekides, Danny J; Hamilton, Paul A

2010-10-01

The anatomic variability of cutaneous perforators contributes to the technical challenges of anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap harvest. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and clinical utility of preoperative colour flow Doppler (CFD) ultrasonography in evaluating planned ALT flap donor sites. A prospective study of the infrainguinal vasculature (profunda femoris and lateral circumflex femoral arteries) in 16 consecutive patients scheduled for ALT free flap transfer for reconstruction of head and neck surgical defects was undertaken. All patients underwent CFD ultrasonography. The location of perforators and the thigh thickness determined by CFD ultrasonography were correlated with the actual intraoperative findings using a scatter plot and paired t-test. Two patients were diagnosed with bilateral silent infrainguinal claudication, which precluded safe use of the ALT donor site. In two other patients, the planned ALT donor site ipsilateral to the defect was not used because of silent infrainguinal claudication diagnosed by CFD ultrasonography. In the 14 patients who underwent ALT flap harvest, CFD ultrasonography identified 48 perforators, which coincided with 43 actual perforators found intraoperatively. CFD ultrasonography demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the actual perforator locations (Spearman coefficient .76; p = .55). Although CFD ultrasonography tended to underestimate flap thickness, there was a statistically significant correlation (Spearman coefficient .94; p ≤ .0001) with the actual flap thickness. CFD ultrasonography has clinical utility in facilitating decision making and planning ALT flap harvest.

The Effect of Laser Trabeculoplasty on Posture-Induced Intraocular Pressure Changes in Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma

PubMed Central

Yang, Jee Myung; Sung, Mi Sun; Heo, Hwan; Park, Sang Woo

2016-01-01

Purpose To investigate the effect of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) on posture-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods Thirty eyes of 30 consecutive patients with OAG who underwent ALT were prospectively analyzed. The IOP was measured using Icare PRO in the sitting position, supine position, and dependent lateral decubitus position (DLDP) before ALT and at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after ALT. Results Compared to the baseline values, the IOP in each position was significantly decreased after ALT (all P < 0.001). During follow-up, the mean percentage of IOP reduction was similar in the sitting and supine positions, but was significantly lower in DLDP than in the sitting or supine positions (all P < 0.05). In terms of postural IOP changes, the IOP in the supine position and DLDP was significantly higher than that in the sitting position at the same time points during the follow-up period (all P < 0.001). The difference between the IOP in the supine position and DLDP during follow-up was significant (all P < 0.001). The extent of IOP differences between any positions did not show significant changes during the follow-up period (all P > 0.05). Conclusions ALT appears to be effective in lowering the IOP in various body positions, but the degree of this effect was significantly lower in DLDP. In addition, ALT seemed to have limited effects on posture-induced IOP changes. PMID:26807852

Relation between Liver Transaminases and Dyslipidaemia among 2-10 y.o. Northern Mexican Children.

PubMed

Bibiloni, Maria Del Mar; Salas, Rogelio; Nuñez, Georgina M; Villarreal, Jesús Z; Sureda, Antoni; Tur, Josep A

2016-01-01

The increase in overweight and obese children may be linked to increased rates of liver damage and dyslipidaemia. This study aimed to explore the associations of liver biomarkers with overweight/obesity and dyslipidaemia in Mexican children. The study was a population-based cross-sectional nutritional survey carried out in the State of Nuevo León, Mexico. The study included a 414 subjects aged between 2 and 10 years old (47.8% girls) who took part in the State Survey of Nutrition and Health-Nuevo León 2011/2012. Associations between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT/AST ratio, and major components of serum lipid profile were assessed. Children with high ALT (defined as ≥P75) showed higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia than their counterparts, with high prevalence of high TChol (P = 0.053), non-HDL-chol, TG, and low HDL-chol. Children with an AST/ALT ≥T3 ratio were 0.43-times (95% CI: 0.25-0.74) and 0.27-times (95% CI: 0.17-0.44) low likely to be overweight/obese and to have dyslipidaemia than those with an AST/ALT ALT ratio groups. Our results pose the need for further investigation on whether AST/ALT may be useful as screening test in the assessment of children with cardiometabolic risk.

No evidence of benefit from antibiotic lock therapy in pediatric oncology patients with central line-related bloodstream infection: results of a retrospective matched cohort study and review of the literature.

PubMed

Wolf, Joshua; Allison, Kim J; Tang, Li; Sun, Yilun; Hayden, Randall T; Flynn, Patricia M

2014-10-01

Long-term central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential to modern pediatric oncology practice, but central line-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a frequent and important complication. CVC salvage is often attempted but treatment failure is common due to persistent infection, delayed catheter removal, or subsequent relapse of infection, which can be associated with significant morbidity and cost. Adjunctive antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) has been proposed to reduce the risk of treatment failure, but insufficient data are available to confirm efficacy of this intervention. We undertook a retrospective matched cohort study of ALT use for treatment of CRBSI in pediatric hematology/oncology patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 2006 and 2012. Thirty-eight eligible episodes of CRBSI treated with adjunctive ALT were identified and compared to 73 episodes treated with standard therapy (ST) alone, matched by catheter-type and organism. Overall, treatment failure was similar between ALT and ST groups (50.0 vs. 38.4%; P = 0.24), but the timing was different; in the ALT cohort, immediate CVC removal was less common (0.0 vs. 12.3%; P = 0.03) but delayed removal (4-13 days) and relapse of infection was more common (50.0 vs. 24.7%; P = 0.01). This retrospective study was unable to identify any benefit of adjunctive ALT in pediatric oncology patients with CRBSI. The available evidence does not support routine ALT use, and well-conducted prospective studies are needed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genetic predisposition to liver damage after halothane anesthesia in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Lunam, C A; Cousins, M J; Hall, P M

1986-11-01

Three 4-hr normoxic (21% oxygen) exposures to 1% halothane administered 3 days apart were associated with elevations in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in four of 20 guinea pigs after the initial and third exposures. Serum alanine aminotransferase values were not measured after the second anesthetic. Susceptibility was defined as an ALT level greater than 300 IU/L after halothane. Nonsusceptible animals, that is, animals without significant increases in ALT values after halothane, remained nonsusceptible after reexposure. Serum alanine aminotransferase values after the first and third anesthesias were significantly correlated (rs = 0.86, P less than 0.001). Two exposures of another 30 guinea pigs at a 5-week interval resulted in high elevations of ALT in the same eight animals after both anesthetics. In contrast, after an initial exposure nonsusceptible animals remained nonsusceptible upon reexposure. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels after the first and second anesthetics were significantly correlated (rs = 0.85, P less than 0.001). The proportion of first generation (F1) males with elevated ALTs whose parents were susceptible to halothane hepatotoxicity (HH) was significantly higher than the proportion of males with elevated ALTs in a random group of 90 males (P less than 0.005). First generation males and females of nonsusceptible parents had ALTs within the normal range after halothane exposure. These studies suggest that in the guinea pig genetic predisposition is an important determinant of susceptibility to HH, although other contributing factors are not excluded.

Nonlinear Hyperbolic Equations - Theory, Computation Methods, and Applications. Volume 24. Note on Numerical Fluid Mechanics

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

Calculations and Experiments (B.van den Berg/ D.A. Humphreysl E. Krause /J.P. F. Lindhout) Volume 20 Proceedings of the Seventh GAMM-Conference on...GRID METHODS FOR HYPERBOLIC PROBLEMS Wolfgang Hackbusch Sigrid Hagemann Institut fUr Informatik und Praktische Mathematik Christian-Albrechts...Euler Equations. Proceedings of the 8th Inter- national Conference on Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics (E. Krause , ed.), Aachen, 1988. Springer

Air & Space Power Journal. Volume 18, Number 3, Fall 2004

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

110 Martin W. Bowman Reviewer: Col (sel) Merrick E. Krause , USAF History of the... Krause Special Assistant to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Dr. Charles Krupnick US Army War College Dr. Benjamin S. Lambeth RAND Lt Col David...in prepara­ tion for the summit. Thus, the WPC worked in conjunction with the AIRNORTH tactical evaluation (TacEval) office of Lt Col Wolfgang

U.S. Nuclear Policy, Strategy, and Force Structure: Insights and Issues from the 1994, 2001, and 2010 Nuclear Posture Reviews

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

for the different motives of proliferators.145 Joachim Krause wrote in 2007 that some members of the Clinton administration believed that they...preventing WMD use, which effectively linked deterrence to counterproliferation. 146 Joachim Krause , “Enlightenment and Nuclear Order,” International...173 Despite the concerns of some commentators, such as Daryl Kimball and Wolfgang Panofsky, Keith Payne argued that assurance was a necessary defense

Talent Retention of the Air Force Officer Corps A Leader’s Role

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-16

skills. Take for example child prodigy Wolfgang Mozart who learned to play the piano at age four, began composing music at five, and wrote his...Task Force J4 (Afghanistan), Desk Officer (Philippines) and Air Movements Officer (Afghanistan), Branch Chief, Executive Officer, Flight Commander...expand the ability of commanders to deliberately develop their most capable officers. Lastly, the service needs to focus promotion on capabilities of

Psychophysical correlations, synchronicity and meaning.

PubMed

Atmanspacher, Harald

2014-04-01

The dual-aspect framework which Jung developed with Wolfgang Pauli implies that psychophysical phenomena are neither reducible to physical processes nor to conscious mental activity. Rather, they constitute a radically novel kind of phenomena, deriving from correlations between the physical and the mental. In synchronistic events, a particular subclass of psychophysical phenomena, these correlations are explicated as experienced meaning. © 2014, The Society of Analytical Psychology.

Deep transcriptome annotation enables the discovery and functional characterization of cryptic small proteins

PubMed Central

Delcourt, Vivian; Lucier, Jean-François; Gagnon, Jules; Beaudoin, Maxime C; Vanderperre, Benoît; Breton, Marc-André; Motard, Julie; Jacques, Jean-François; Brunelle, Mylène; Gagnon-Arsenault, Isabelle; Fournier, Isabelle; Ouangraoua, Aida; Hunting, Darel J; Cohen, Alan A; Landry, Christian R; Scott, Michelle S

2017-01-01

Recent functional, proteomic and ribosome profiling studies in eukaryotes have concurrently demonstrated the translation of alternative open-reading frames (altORFs) in addition to annotated protein coding sequences (CDSs). We show that a large number of small proteins could in fact be coded by these altORFs. The putative alternative proteins translated from altORFs have orthologs in many species and contain functional domains. Evolutionary analyses indicate that altORFs often show more extreme conservation patterns than their CDSs. Thousands of alternative proteins are detected in proteomic datasets by reanalysis using a database containing predicted alternative proteins. This is illustrated with specific examples, including altMiD51, a 70 amino acid mitochondrial fission-promoting protein encoded in MiD51/Mief1/SMCR7L, a gene encoding an annotated protein promoting mitochondrial fission. Our results suggest that many genes are multicoding genes and code for a large protein and one or several small proteins. PMID:29083303

Transient elastographic evaluation in adult subjects without overt liver disease: influence of alanine aminotransferase levels.

PubMed

Kumar, Manoj; Sharma, Praveen; Garg, Hitendra; Kumar, Ramesh; Bhatia, Vikram; Sarin, Shiv K

2011-08-01

  Studies on normal values of liver stiffness (LS) in subjects at "low risk" for liver disease are scant. The aim of the present study was to assess liver stiffness values in the subjects without overt liver disease with normal alanine aminotransferases (ALT) and to determine potential factors, which may influence these values with special reference to newly suggested updated upper limits of normal for ALT.   Liver stiffness measurements were performed in 445 subjects without overt liver disease (mean age, 41.1±13.6; male, 73.5%) and normal liver enzymes.   Mean LS value was 5.10±1.19kPa. LS values were higher in men than in women (5.18±1.67 vs 4.86±1.24kPa, respectively, P=0.008); in subjects with higher body mass index (BMI) category (Normal, overweight and obese subjects; 4.10±0.75, 5.08±0.66, and 6.05±1.28kPa, respectively; P<0.001); in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without (5.63±1.37 vs 5.01±1.14kPa, P=0.001); and in subjects with ALT levels more than updated limits of normal compared to subjects with ALT levels less than updated limits of normal (5.68±1.21 vs 4.77±1.05kPa, P<0.001). On multiple linear regression, BMI and ALT was found to be significant predictor of LS.   Liver stiffness values in subjects without overt liver disease with normal ALT are influenced by BMI and ALT levels. Subjects with ALT levels less than updated limits of normal have lower LS values as compared to those with higher levels. © 2011 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Endocannabinoid receptor blockade reduces alanine aminotransferase in polycystic ovary syndrome independent of weight loss.

PubMed

Dawson, Alison J; Kilpatrick, Eric S; Coady, Anne-Marie; Elshewehy, Abeer M M; Dakroury, Youssra; Ahmed, Lina; Atkin, Stephen L; Sathyapalan, Thozhukat

2017-07-14

Evidence suggests that endocannabinoid system activation through the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is associated with enhanced liver injury, and CB1 antagonism may be beneficial. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of rimonabant (CB1 antagonist) on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a hepatocellular injury marker, and a hepatic inflammatory cytokine profile. Post hoc review of 2 studies involving 50 obese women with PCOS and well matched for weight, randomised to weight reducing therapy; rimonabant (20 mg od) or orlistat (120 mg tds), or to insulin sensitising therapy metformin, (500 mg tds), or pioglitazone (45 mg od). No subject had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Treatment with rimonabant for 12 weeks reduced both ALT and weight (p < 0.01), and there was a negative correlation between Δ ALT and Δ HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), but not between Δ ALT and Δ weight. There was a significant reduction of weight with orlistat (p < 0.01); however, orlistat, metformin and pioglitazone had no effect on ALT. The free androgen index fell in all groups (p < 0.05). The inflammatory marker hs-CRP was reduced by pioglitazone (p < 0.001) alone and did not correlate with changes in ALT. The inflammatory cytokine profile for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL12, TNF-α, MCP-1 and INF-γ did not differ between groups. None of the interventions had an effect on biological variability of ALT. Rimonabant through CB1 receptor blockade decreased serum ALT that was independent of weight loss and hepatic inflammatory markers in obese women with PCOS without NAFLD. ISRCTN58369615 (February 2007; retrospectively registered) ISRCTN75758249 (October 2007; retrospectively registered).

Effects of silver nanoparticles on the interactions of neuron- and glia-like cells: Toxicity, uptake mechanisms, and lysosomal tracking.

PubMed

Hsiao, I-Lun; Hsieh, Yi-Kong; Chuang, Chun-Yu; Wang, Chu-Fang; Huang, Yuh-Jeen

2017-06-01

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used nanomaterials in consumer products. Previous studies focused on its effects on neurons; however, little is known about their effects and uptake mechanisms on glial cells under normal or activated states. Here, ALT astrocyte-like, BV-2 microglia and differentiated N2a neuroblastoma cells were directly or indirectly exposed to 10 nm AgNPs using mono- and co-culture system. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was pretreated to activate glial cells before AgNP treatment for mimicking NP exposure under brain inflammation. From mono-culture, ALT took up the most AgNPs and had the lowest cell viability within three cells. Moreover, AgNPs induced H 2 O 2 and NO from ALT/activated ALT and BV-2, respectively. However, AgNPs did not induce cytokines release (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1). LPS-activated BV-2 took up more AgNPs than normal BV-2, while the induction of ROS and cytokines from activated cells were diminished. Ca 2+ -regulated clathrin- and caveolae-independent endocytosis and phagocytosis were involved in the AgNP uptake in ALT, which caused more rapid NP translocation to lysosome than in macropinocytosis and clathrin-dependent endocytosis-involved BV-2. AgNPs directly caused apoptosis and necrosis in N2a cells, while by indirect NP exposure to bottom chamber ALT or BV-2 in Transwell, more apoptotic upper chamber N2a cells were observed. Cell viability of BV-2 also decreased in an ALT-BV-2 co-culturing study. The damaged cells correlated to NP-mediated H 2 O 2 release from ALT or NO from BV-2, which indicates that toxic response of AgNPs to neurons is not direct, but indirectly arises from AgNP-induced soluble factors from other glial cells. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Opposite associations between alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase levels and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: Analysis of the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study.

PubMed

Williams, Kathryn H; Sullivan, David R; Nicholson, Geoffrey C; George, Jacob; Jenkins, Alicia J; Januszewski, Andrzej S; Gebski, Val J; Manning, Patrick; Tan, Yong Mong; Donoghoe, Mark W; Ehnholm, Christian; Young, Simon; O'Brien, Richard; Buizen, Luke; Twigg, Stephen M; Keech, Anthony C

2016-05-01

Reported associations between liver enzymes and mortality may not hold true in type 2 diabetes, owing to a high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease and mortality in its own right. Our study aimed to determine whether alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels predict mortality in type 2 diabetes, and to examine possible mechanisms. Data from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study were analyzed to examine the relationship between liver enzymes and all-cause and cause-specific mortality over 5years. Over 5years, 679 (6.9%) individuals died. After adjustment, for every standard deviation increase in ALT (13.2U/L), the HR for death on study was 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.93), p<0.001. Conversely, GGT >70U/L, compared with GGT ≤70U/L, had HR 1.82 (1.48-2.24), p<0.001. For cause-specific mortality, lower ALT was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death only, whereas GGT >70U/L was associated with higher risks of death due to cardiovascular disease, cancer and non-cancer/non-cardiovascular causes. The relationship for ALT persisted after adjustment for indirect measures of frailty but was attenuated by elevated hsCRP. As in the general population, ALT has a negative, and GGT a positive, correlation with mortality in type 2 diabetes when ALT is less than two times the upper limit of normal. The relationship for ALT appears specific for death due to cardiovascular disease. Links of low ALT with frailty, as a potential mechanism for relationships seen, were neither supported nor conclusively refuted by our analysis and other factors are also likely to be important in those with type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

AltitudeOmics: impaired pulmonary gas exchange efficiency and blunted ventilatory acclimatization in humans with patent foramen ovale after 16 days at 5,260 m.

PubMed

Elliott, Jonathan E; Laurie, Steven S; Kern, Julia P; Beasley, Kara M; Goodman, Randall D; Kayser, Bengt; Subudhi, Andrew W; Roach, Robert C; Lovering, Andrew T

2015-05-01

A patent foramen ovale (PFO), present in ∼40% of the general population, is a potential source of right-to-left shunt that can impair pulmonary gas exchange efficiency [i.e., increase the alveolar-to-arterial Po2 difference (A-aDO2)]. Prior studies investigating human acclimatization to high-altitude with A-aDO2 as a key parameter have not investigated differences between subjects with (PFO+) or without a PFO (PFO-). We hypothesized that in PFO+ subjects A-aDO2 would not improve (i.e., decrease) after acclimatization to high altitude compared with PFO- subjects. Twenty-one (11 PFO+) healthy sea-level residents were studied at rest and during cycle ergometer exercise at the highest iso-workload achieved at sea level (SL), after acute transport to 5,260 m (ALT1), and again at 5,260 m after 16 days of high-altitude acclimatization (ALT16). In contrast to PFO- subjects, PFO+ subjects had 1) no improvement in A-aDO2 at rest and during exercise at ALT16 compared with ALT1, 2) no significant increase in resting alveolar ventilation, or alveolar Po2, at ALT16 compared with ALT1, and consequently had 3) an increased arterial Pco2 and decreased arterial Po2 and arterial O2 saturation at rest at ALT16. Furthermore, PFO+ subjects had an increased incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) at ALT1 concomitant with significantly lower peripheral O2 saturation (SpO2). These data suggest that PFO+ subjects have increased susceptibility to AMS when not taking prophylactic treatments, that right-to-left shunt through a PFO impairs pulmonary gas exchange efficiency even after acclimatization to high altitude, and that PFO+ subjects have blunted ventilatory acclimatization after 16 days at altitude compared with PFO- subjects. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Let-7c overexpression inhibits dengue virus replication in human hepatoma Huh-7 cells.

PubMed

Escalera-Cueto, Manuel; Medina-Martínez, Ingrid; del Angel, Rosa M; Berumen-Campos, Jaime; Gutiérrez-Escolano, Ana Lorena; Yocupicio-Monroy, Martha

2015-01-22

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute an important class of non-coding RNA implicated in gene expression regulation. More than 1900 miRNA molecules have been identified in humans and their modulation during viral infection and it is recognized to play a role in latency regulation or in establishing an antiviral state. The liver cells are targets during DENV infection, and alteration of liver functions contributes to severe disease. In this work the miRNAs expression profile of the human hepatoma cell line, Huh-7, infected with DENV-2 was determined using microarray and real-time PCR. Let-7c is one of the miRNAs up-regulated during DENV infection in the hepatic Huh-7 as well as in the macrophage-monocytic cell line U937-DC-SIGN. Let-7c overexpression down-regulates both DENV-2 and DENV-4 infection. Additionally, we found that the transcription factor BACH1, a let-7c target, is also down-regulated during DENV infection. In accordance with this finding, HO-1, the main responsive factor of BACH1 was found up-regulated. The up-regulation of HO-1 may contribute to the stress oxidative response in infected cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

FANCM-FAAP24 and FANCJ: FA proteins that metabolize DNA

PubMed Central

Ali, Abdullah Mahmood; Singh, Thiyam Ramsing; Meetei, Amom Ruhikanta

2009-01-01

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive or X-linked disorder characterized by aplastic anemia, cancer susceptibility and cellular sensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents. Eight FA proteins (FANCA, -B, -C, -E, -F, -G, -L and –M) and three non-FA proteins (FAAP100, FAAP24 and HES1) form the FA nuclear core complex that is required for monoubiquitination of the FANCD2-FANCI dimer upon DNA damage. The other three FA proteins, FANCD1/BRCA2, FANCJ/BACH1/BRIP1 and FANCN/PALB2, act in parallel or downstream of the FANCD2-FANCI dimer. Despite the isolation and characterization of several FA proteins, the mechanism by which these proteins protect cells from DNA interstrand crosslinking agents has been unclear. This is because a majority of the FA proteins lack any recognizable functional domains that can provide insight into their function. The recently discovered FANCM (Hef) and FANCJ (BRIP1/BACH1) proteins contain helicase domains, providing potential insight into the role of FA proteins in DNA repair. FANCM with its partner, FAAP24, and FANCJ bind and metabolize a variety of DNA substrates. In this review, we focus on the discovery, structure, and function of the FANCM-FAAP24 and FANCJ proteins. PMID:19379763

Intracellular degradation of functionalized carbon nanotube/iron oxide hybrids is modulated by iron via Nrf2 pathway

PubMed Central

Elgrabli, Dan; Dachraoui, Walid; Marmier, Hélène de; Ménard-Moyon, Cécilia; Bégin, Dominique; Bégin-Colin, Sylvie; Bianco, Alberto; Alloyeau, Damien; Gazeau, Florence

2017-01-01

The in vivo fate and biodegradability of carbon nanotubes is still a matter of debate despite tremendous applications. In this paper we describe a molecular pathway by which macrophages degrade functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) designed for biomedical applications and containing, or not, iron oxide nanoparticles in their inner cavity. Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy show that intracellularly-induced structural damages appear more rapidly for iron-free CNTs in comparison to iron-loaded ones, suggesting a role of iron in the degradation mechanism. By comparing the molecular responses of macrophages derived from THP1 monocytes to both types of CNTs, we highlight a molecular mechanism regulated by Nrf2/Bach1 signaling pathways to induce CNT degradation via NOX2 complex activation and O2•−, H2O2 and OH• production. CNT exposure activates an oxidative stress-dependent production of iron via Nrf2 nuclear translocation, Ferritin H and Heme oxygenase 1 translation. Conversely, Bach1 was translocated to the nucleus of cells exposed to iron-loaded CNTs to recycle embedded iron. Our results provide new information on the role of oxidative stress, iron metabolism and Nrf2-mediated host defence for regulating CNT fate in macrophages. PMID:28120861

["...I could not imagine myself without it". Wolfgang Hildesheimer and psychoanalysis].

PubMed

Buchholz, Hartmut

2008-01-01

The analysis Hildesheimer underwent in Jerusalem in 1940 when he was 23 years old came to be considered by him as sort of a "training analysis" which provided him with crucial insights into the nature of the human mind and especially into creative phenomena and processes of aesthetic transformation. This analysis can be regarded as a central source of motives and experiences for Hildesheimer's oeuvre, touched on repeatedly in diverse contexts, most clearly in the monologues of Tynset (1965) and Masante (1973) and in the long biographical essays of Mozart (1977) and Marbot (1981), but also in his production as a graphic artist.

A comparison of methods to estimate vertical land motion trends from GNSS and altimetry at tide gauge stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinherenbrink, Marcel; Riva, Riccardo; Frederikse, Thomas

2018-03-01

Tide gauge (TG) records are affected by vertical land motion (VLM), causing them to observe relative instead of geocentric sea level. VLM can be estimated from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) time series, but only a few TGs are equipped with a GNSS receiver. Hence, (multiple) neighboring GNSS stations can be used to estimate VLM at the TG. This study compares eight approaches to estimate VLM trends at 570 TG stations using GNSS by taking into account all GNSS trends with an uncertainty smaller than 1 mm yr-1 within 50 km. The range between the methods is comparable with the formal uncertainties of the GNSS trends. Taking the median of the surrounding GNSS trends shows the best agreement with differenced altimetry-tide gauge (ALT-TG) trends. An attempt is also made to improve VLM trends from ALT-TG time series. Only using highly correlated along-track altimetry and TG time series reduces the SD of ALT-TG time series by up to 10 %. As a result, there are spatially coherent changes in the trends, but the reduction in the root mean square (RMS) of differences between ALT-TG and GNSS trends is insignificant. However, setting correlation thresholds also acts like a filter to remove problematic TG time series. This results in sets of ALT-TG VLM trends at 344-663 TG locations, depending on the correlation threshold. Compared to other studies, we decrease the RMS of differences between GNSS and ALT-TG trends (from 1.47 to 1.22 mm yr-1), while we increase the number of locations (from 109 to 155), Depending on the methods the mean of differences between ALT-TG and GNSS trends vary between 0.1 and 0.2 mm yr-1. We reduce the mean of the differences by taking into account the effect of elastic deformation due to present-day mass redistribution. At varying ALT-TG correlation thresholds, we provide new sets of trends for 759 to 939 different TG stations. If both GNSS and ALT-TG trend estimates are available, we recommend using the GNSS trend estimates because residual

ALT space shuttle barometric altimeter altitude analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Killen, R.

1978-01-01

The accuracy was analyzed of the barometric altimeters onboard the space shuttle orbiter. Altitude estimates from the air data systems including the operational instrumentation and the developmental flight instrumentation were obtained for each of the approach and landing test flights. By comparing the barometric altitude estimates to altitudes derived from radar tracking data filtered through a Kalman filter and fully corrected for atmospheric refraction, the errors in the barometric altitudes were shown to be 4 to 5 percent of the Kalman altitudes. By comparing the altitude determined from the true atmosphere derived from weather balloon data to the altitude determined from the U.S. Standard Atmosphere of 1962, it was determined that the assumption of the Standard Atmosphere equations contributes roughly 75 percent of the total error in the baro estimates. After correcting the barometric altitude estimates using an average summer model atmosphere computed for the average latitude of the space shuttle landing sites, the residual error in the altitude estimates was reduced to less than 373 feet. This corresponds to an error of less than 1.5 percent for altitudes above 4000 feet for all flights.

Crew Training - Apollo 9 (Alt. Chamber) - KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1968-01-01

S68-55272 (15 Nov. 1968) --- The Apollo 9 prime crew is seen inside the Apollo 9 spacecraft in the Kennedy Space Center's Manned Spacecraft Operations Building during manned altitude chamber test activity. Left to right, are astronauts James A. McDivitt, commander; David R. Scott, command module pilot; and Russell L. Schweickart (out of view to far right), lunar module pilot.

Amphibole and felsic veins from the gabbroic oceanic core complex of Atlantis Bank (Southwest Indian Ridge, IODP Hole U1473A): when the fluids meets the melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanfilippo, A.; Tribuzio, R.; Antonicelli, M.; Zanetti, A.

2017-12-01

We present a petrological/geochemical investigation of brown amphibole and felsic veins drilled during IODP 360 expedition at Atlantis Bank, a gabbroic oceanic core complex from Southwest Indian Ridge. The main purpose of this study is to unravel the role of seawater and magmatic components in the origin of these veins. Brown amphibole veins were collected at 90-170 mbsf. These veins typically include minor modal amounts of plagioclase and are associated with alteration halos made up of brown amphibole and whitish milky plagioclase in host gabbros. Two sets of late magmatic felsic veins, which mostly consist of plagioclase and minor brown amphibole, were selected. Amphibole-plagioclase geothermometry (Holland and Blundy, 1994) documents that crystallization of brown amphibole and felsic veins occurred in the 850-700 °C interval. In the brown amphibole veins, amphibole and plagioclase have relatively low concentrations of incompatible trace elements and significant Cl (0.2-0.3 wt%). The development of these veins at near surface levels is therefore attributed to seawater-derived fluids migrating downward through cracks developing in the exhuming gabbro. To explain the high temperature estimates for the development of these shallow veins, however, the seawater-derived fluids must have interacted not only with the gabbros, but also with a high temperature magmatic component. This petrogenetic hypothesis is consistent with oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of amphiboles from shallow veins in adjacent Hole 735B gabbros (Alt and Bach, 2006). Trace element compositions of amphibole and plagioclase from the felsic veins show formation by silicate melts rich in incompatible elements. In addition, Cl concentrations in amphibole from the felsic veins are low, thereby indicating that the melts feeding these veins had low or no seawater component. We cautiously propose that: (i) the felsic veins were generated by SiO2-rich melts residual after crystallization of Fe

Insulin-like growth factor 1, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS and hirsutism.

PubMed

Çakir, Evrim; Topaloğlu, Oya; Çolak Bozkurt, Nujen; Karbek Bayraktar, Başak; Güngüneş, Aşkın; Sayki Arslan, Müyesser; Öztürk Ünsal, İlknur; Tutal, Esra; Uçan, Bekir; Delıbaşi, Tuncay

2014-01-01

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are commonly seen in patients with hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. However, it is not yet known whether insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and alanine transaminase (ALT) produced by the liver play roles in hyperinsulinemia and subclinical atherosclerotic process in patients with PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism (IH). This was a prospective case-controlled study. The study population consisted of 25 reproductive-age PCOS women, 33 women with IH, and 25 control subjects. Mean IGF-I levels and median ALT levels were higher in patients with IH and PCOS than controls, but these differences were not statistically significant. The participants who had a homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) greater than 2.7 had significantly higher IGF-1 and ALT levels. ALT levels were positively correlated with body mass index, FG, insulin and HOMA-IR. The study illustrated that IGF-1 and ALT levels were significantly higher in patients with increased insulin resistance. Due to short disease duration in younger participants, we did not observe any correlation between IGF-1 and hyperinsulinemia. These findings suggest that increased hepatic production of IGF-I and ALT might be an early indicator of insulin resistance in hirsutism.

InSAR analysis of surface deformation over permafrost to estimate active layer thickness based on one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils

PubMed Central

Li, Zhiwei; Zhao, Rong; Hu, Jun; Wen, Lianxing; Feng, Guangcai; Zhang, Zeyu; Wang, Qijie

2015-01-01

This paper presents a novel method to estimate active layer thickness (ALT) over permafrost based on InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) observation and the heat transfer model of soils. The time lags between the periodic feature of InSAR-observed surface deformation over permafrost and the meteorologically recorded temperatures are assumed to be the time intervals that the temperature maximum to diffuse from the ground surface downward to the bottom of the active layer. By exploiting the time lags and the one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils, we estimate the ALTs. Using the frozen soil region in southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) as examples, we provided a conceptual demonstration of the estimation of the InSAR pixel-wise ALTs. In the case study, the ALTs are ranging from 1.02 to 3.14 m and with an average of 1.95 m. The results are compatible with those sparse ALT observations/estimations by traditional methods, while with extraordinary high spatial resolution at pixel level (~40 meter). The presented method is simple, and can potentially be used for deriving high-resolution ALTs in other remote areas similar to QTP, where only sparse observations are available now. PMID:26480892

InSAR analysis of surface deformation over permafrost to estimate active layer thickness based on one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils.

PubMed

Li, Zhiwei; Zhao, Rong; Hu, Jun; Wen, Lianxing; Feng, Guangcai; Zhang, Zeyu; Wang, Qijie

2015-10-20

This paper presents a novel method to estimate active layer thickness (ALT) over permafrost based on InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) observation and the heat transfer model of soils. The time lags between the periodic feature of InSAR-observed surface deformation over permafrost and the meteorologically recorded temperatures are assumed to be the time intervals that the temperature maximum to diffuse from the ground surface downward to the bottom of the active layer. By exploiting the time lags and the one-dimensional heat transfer model of soils, we estimate the ALTs. Using the frozen soil region in southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) as examples, we provided a conceptual demonstration of the estimation of the InSAR pixel-wise ALTs. In the case study, the ALTs are ranging from 1.02 to 3.14 m and with an average of 1.95 m. The results are compatible with those sparse ALT observations/estimations by traditional methods, while with extraordinary high spatial resolution at pixel level (~40 meter). The presented method is simple, and can potentially be used for deriving high-resolution ALTs in other remote areas similar to QTP, where only sparse observations are available now.

Level Densities of Residual Nuclei from particle evaporation of 64Cu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oginni, B. M.; Grimes, S. M.; Voinov, A. V.; Adekola, A. S.; Brune, C. R.; Carter, D.; Heinen, Z.; Jacobs, D.; Massey, T. N.; O'Donnell, J.

2009-07-01

The reactions of 6Li on 58Fe and 7Li on 57Fe have been studied at beam energy 15 MeV. These two reactions produce the same compound nucleus, 64Cu. The neutron, proton, and alpha spectra were measured at backward angles. The data obtained have been compared with Hauser Fesh-bach model calculations. The level density parameters of the residual nuclei have been obtained from the particle evaporation spectra.

Transportability Testing of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

QUANTITY OP TIEDOWN ANCHORS LATERALLY ADJACENT TO BACH 0OTHER. WIUIIN 114 CARRYING VEHICLE It WARY K NECESSARY TO LOCATE 341 LADING LONGITUDINALLY IN/ON...camdl4f DSI - ---- -. =~24 F.otG f 6AP".K WQ S TH~6IS inft6 at CASS -a- CI.L=4%. APO A COAST Cusco ClAsS -C. fti Cu11GsfletG .’COL*LS IUCW1D IIMit’ CAN4

Feasibility and Advantages of Full Thickness Skin Graft from the Anterolateral Thigh.

PubMed

Shin, Seung-Han; Kim, Chulkyu; Lee, Yong-Suk; Kang, Jin-Woo; Chung, Yang-Guk

2017-12-01

Full thickness skin graft (FTSG) gives better outcomes than split thickness skin graft (STSG), but it has the drawback of limited donor sites. Anterolateral thigh (ALT), a popular donor site of STSG, is also a popular donor site of perforator flaps. This area has the advantage of large flap size available with primary closure. Based on this we harvested FTSG instead of STSG from the ALT. We retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of FTSG from the ALT, with the recipient site of foot in 3, ankle in 2, lower leg in 2, forearm in 2, and wrist in 1 patient. In all cases elliptical full thickness skin was harvested from the ALT, and the donor site was closed primarily. The skin was defatted and placed onto the defect with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC). The skin size ranged 7-30 cm in length and 3-12 cm in width. Mean follow up period was 7 months (range, 3-13). FTSG from the ALT provided durable wound coverage, with excellent color and texture matching. Partial (< 20%) graft failure was observed in 1 case, but no additional surgery was necessary. No patient reported donor site pain at postoperative 2 weeks. No donor site complications were encountered. No patient complained a feeling of tension in the thigh at final follow-up. FTSG from the ALT is feasible with the aid of VAC. Considering the skin quality, large skin size available, early pain relief, and little donor site morbidity, the ALT should be revisited as a donor site of FTSG.

Relation between Liver Transaminases and Dyslipidaemia among 2-10 y.o. Northern Mexican Children

PubMed Central

Bibiloni, Maria del Mar; Salas, Rogelio; Nuñez, Georgina M.; Villarreal, Jesús Z.; Sureda, Antoni

2016-01-01

Background and Aims The increase in overweight and obese children may be linked to increased rates of liver damage and dyslipidaemia. This study aimed to explore the associations of liver biomarkers with overweight/obesity and dyslipidaemia in Mexican children. Methods The study was a population-based cross-sectional nutritional survey carried out in the State of Nuevo León, Mexico. The study included a 414 subjects aged between 2 and 10 years old (47.8% girls) who took part in the State Survey of Nutrition and Health–Nuevo León 2011/2012. Associations between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT/AST ratio, and major components of serum lipid profile were assessed. Results Children with high ALT (defined as ≥P75) showed higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia than their counterparts, with high prevalence of high TChol (P = 0.053), non-HDL-chol, TG, and low HDL-chol. Children with an AST/ALT ≥T3 ratio were 0.43-times (95% CI: 0.25–0.74) and 0.27-times (95% CI: 0.17–0.44) low likely to be overweight/obese and to have dyslipidaemia than those with an AST/ALT ALT ratio groups. Conclusions Our results pose the need for further investigation on whether AST/ALT may be useful as screening test in the assessment of children with cardiometabolic risk. PMID:27203747

The Association of Alanine Aminotransferase in Early Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes.

PubMed

Yarrington, Christina D; Cantonwine, David E; Seely, Ellen W; McElrath, Thomas F; Zera, Chloe A

2016-06-01

Elevated alanine amino transferase, attributed to nonalcoholic fatty liver, is associated with later development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We sought to determine whether maternal ALT values are associated with subsequent development of gestational diabetes. We performed a nested case-control study utilizing prospectively banked serum samples collected in early gestation. We excluded women with known diabetes, liver disease, or alcohol use. We included 83 cases of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 247 controls matched for prepregnancy body-mass index (BMI) and compared ALT values. We then performed a conditional logistic regression to model the adjusted odds of GDM in women with ALT ≥19 U/L, stratified by prepregnancy BMI. The median (interquartile range) ALT in cases was 15 (12, 19) IU/L compared to 13 (11, 18) IU/L in controls (P = 0.07). Among women with a prepregnancy BMI <30 kg/m(2), ALT ≥19 U/L was associated with a fourfold increased odds of GDM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.56 [1.45, 14.27]), while there was no such association among obese women (aOR 0.36 [0.11, 1.20]). Similarly, each unit increase in log-transformed ALT was associated with a threefold increased odds of GDM in nonobese (aOR 3.15 [1.04,9.54]), but not obese (aOR 3.15 [0.30,3.15]) women. The association of high normal ALT and later GDM in nonobese women may reflect the role of hepatic insulin resistance and visceral obesity.

Determinants and Politics of German Military Transformation in the Post-Cold War Era

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

Jahrhundert, eds. Joachim Krause and Jan C. Irlenkaeuser (Opladen: Verlag Barbara Budrich, 2006), 97. 2 military changed after the end of the Cold...Anforderungen an deutsche Streitkräfte im 21. Jahrhundert, eds. Joachim Krause and Jan C. Irlenkaeuser (Opladen: Verlag Barbara Budrich, 2006), 182. 12...2007), 763–778; Svenja Sinjen and Johannes Varwick, 101-106; Wolfgang Wagner, ―Die Außen-, Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik der Europäischen

IFIP Conference on System Modeling and Optimization (10th). Held at New York City, New York on 31 August-4 September 1981.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-15

Systems U. HEILEVANN, Cyclical Taxonomy and Large Econometic Models D. HINRICHSEN, U. KRAUSE , Triangulation of Convex Polyhedra with an Application to...Classification of Economic Fluctua- tions, "Explorations in Economic Research", vol.2 (1975), pp. 167-2o2. -196- D. Hinrich3en and U. Krause Department...d’opti- misation de structures, Those de doctuer ingenieur, Universit6 de Paris VI, 1976. -211- - *. ____________________ -__-____- Wolfgang Nooss

Analysis of German Patent Literature

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

the entities that are pictured in the gures, as they are likely to be important parts of the patent. Chunking is not a big source of errors - most...document groups, where the documents need not be exact translations. 21 Bibliography [1] Sabine Brants, Stefanie Dipper , Silvia Hansen, Wolfgang Lezius...mit ] A big sh [ übersetzt] ITJ Interjektion interjection mhm, ach, tja KOUI unterordnende Konjunktion mit zu und Innitiv subordinating conjunction

[Medical topics of the Goethe period as reflected in the Goethe Dictionary].

PubMed

Schlaps, Christiane

2010-01-01

This paper deals with some medical topics which were mentioned or discussed by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and can thus be found in the dictionary which lists and explains all the words he used, the Goethe Dictionary. The author makes a case for the use of this primarily literary and linguistic work e. g. as source material for historians of medicine and shows some of its possible uses.

Polymer Coatings Degradation Properties

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

undertaken 124). The Box-Jenkins approach first evaluates the partial auto -correlation function and determines the order of the moving average memory function...78 - Tables 15 and 16 show the resalit- f- a, the partial auto correlation plots. Second order moving .-. "ra ;;th -he appropriate lags were...coated films. Kaempf, Guenter; Papenroth, Wolfgang; Kunststoffe Date: 1982 Volume: 72 Number:7 Pages: 424-429 Parameters influencing the accelerated

Assessing the Alignment of Information Security with Strategic Business, and Strategic Information System Planning: A Department of Defense Perspective

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

Wolfgang. "Appraisal of the effectivness and efficiency of an Information Security Management System based on ISO 27001 ." International Conference on...of corporate information resources (Doherty and 29 Fulford, 2006) ( ISO /IEC 17799, 2005). Both public and private sectors of business have...Science Ltd, 2002. Iacovou, Charalambos L. "The IPACS project: when IT hits the fan." Journal of Information Technology, 1999: 267-275. ISO /IEC 17799

40 years of neutrino physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reines, Frederick

Wolfgang Pauli and Enrico Fermi pioneered the hypothesis and characteristics of the weak interaction and the elementary particle called the neutrino. Since its discovery some forty years ago the neutrino has been shown to be a fundamental constituent of matter with a surprisingly rich, and in very many ways unexpected, set of characteristics ranging from basic roles in the generation of energy in the sun to supernovæ.

The Self-Assembly of Particles with Multipolar Interactions

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

the LATEX template in which this thesis has been written. I also thank Kevin Van Workum and Jack Douglas for contributing simulation work and some...of the computational expense of simulating such complex self-assembly systems at the molecular level and a desire to understand the self-assembly at...Dissertation directed by: Professor Wolfgang Losert Department of Physics In this thesis , we describe results from investigations of the self-assembly of

Emotional Intelligence and its Effect on Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students with Autistic-like Traits.

PubMed

Higuchi, Yuji; Inagaki, Masatoshi; Koyama, Toshihiro; Kitamura, Yoshihisa; Sendo, Toshiaki; Fujimori, Maiko; Kataoka, Hitomi; Hayashibara, Chinatsu; Uchitomi, Yosuke; Yamada, Norihito

2017-05-01

Objective. To measure whether Emotional intelligence (EI) would minimize the negative association between autistic-like traits (ALT) and empathic behavior and enhance the positive association between ALT and psychological distress. Methods. Our sample population included 823 hospital pharmacists belonging to a district society, and 378 pharmacy students. Analyses were performed to examine relationships between scores on the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EQS), Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ). Results. Complete answers were obtained from 373 pharmacists, and 341 students. EQS partially intervened the associations between AQ and JSE and between AQ and GHQ. Conclusion. EI partially intervened the relationships between ALT and empathy, and between ALT and mental health, both of which are necessary for optimal pharmaceutical practice.

Frequency modulation system test procedure shuttle task 501 approach and landing test configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doland, G. D.

1976-01-01

Shuttle Task 501 is an in-line task to test the performance and compatibility of radiofrequency links between the SSO and ground, and relay via a satellite. Under Shuttle Task 501 approach and landing test (ALT) phase only a limited portion of the communication and tracking (C&T) equipment is to be tested. The principal item to be tested is a frequency modulated (FM) data link. To test this RF link, an ALT FM System was designed, constructed, and the console wiring verified. A step-by-step procedure to be used to perform the ALT FM system is presented. The ALT FM system test is to be performed prior to delivery of the equipment to the Electronic Systems Test Laboratory (ESTL).

AltitudeOmics: Resetting of Cerebrovascular CO2 Reactivity Following Acclimatization to High Altitude

PubMed Central

Fan, Jui-Lin; Subudhi, Andrew W.; Duffin, James; Lovering, Andrew T.; Roach, Robert C.; Kayser, Bengt

2016-01-01

Previous studies reported enhanced cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity upon ascent to high altitude using linear models. However, there is evidence that this response may be sigmoidal in nature. Moreover, it was speculated that these changes at high altitude are mediated by alterations in acid-base buffering. Accordingly, we reanalyzed previously published data to assess middle cerebral blood flow velocity (MCAv) responses to modified rebreathing at sea level (SL), upon ascent (ALT1) and following 16 days of acclimatization (ALT16) to 5260 m in 21 lowlanders. Using sigmoid curve fitting of the MCAv responses to CO2, we found the amplitude (95 vs. 129%, SL vs. ALT1, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [77, 112], [111, 145], respectively, P = 0.024) and the slope of the sigmoid response (4.5 vs. 7.5%/mmHg, SL vs. ALT1, 95% CIs [3.1, 5.9], [6.0, 9.0], respectively, P = 0.026) to be enhanced at ALT1, which persisted with acclimatization at ALT16 (amplitude: 177, 95% CI [139, 215], P < 0.001; slope: 10.3%/mmHg, 95% CI [8.2, 12.5], P = 0.003) compared to SL. Meanwhile, the sigmoidal response midpoint was unchanged at ALT1 (SL: 36.5 mmHg; ALT1: 35.4 mmHg, 95% CIs [34.0, 39.0], [33.1, 37.7], respectively, P = 0.982), while it was reduced by ~7 mmHg at ALT16 (28.6 mmHg, 95% CI [26.4, 30.8], P = 0.001 vs. SL), indicating leftward shift of the cerebrovascular CO2 response to a lower arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) following acclimatization to altitude. Sigmoid fitting revealed a leftward shift in the midpoint of the cerebrovascular response curve which could not be observed with linear fitting. These findings demonstrate that there is resetting of the cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity operating point to a lower PaCO2 following acclimatization to high altitude. This cerebrovascular resetting is likely the result of an altered acid-base buffer status resulting from prolonged exposure to the severe hypocapnia associated with ventilatory acclimatization to high altitude. PMID:26779030

[Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT, GPT): a reevaluation of exclusion limits for blood donors].

PubMed

Grunenberg, R; Banik, N; Krüger, J

1995-06-01

The screening policy of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing in blood donors was reassessed. The cutoff value for ALT levels according to German guidelines has always been controversial. In this study the activity and distribution of ALT in a blood donor population were reevaluated and new exclusion levels were defined. 5,706 blood donors were tested for ALT activities with the Reflotron system at 37 degrees C. Donors with ALT levels > 51 IU/l were deferred, a detailed physical examination and additional serologic and biochemical testing were done. ALT values of blood donors were transformed in logarithmic values in order to get a Gaussian distribution. The mean transformed value +/- SD was calculated with 1.24 +/- 0.14 for females and with 1.35 +/- 0.16 for males, corresponding to mean values of ALT activity of 17.6 and 22.5 IU/l, respectively. Exclusion levels of > 33.4 IU/l for female and > 46.7 IU/l for male blood donors (geometric mean +2.0 SD) predict a loss of donations of 2.8 and 2.7%, respectively, cutoff values of > 39.1 or > 56.1 IU/l (geometric mean +2.5 SD) a loss of 1.8 and 1.4%, respectively. The most likely causes of elevated ALT levels in 166 of our donors included daily alcohol use (82), infections with/without antibiotic medication (29), therapy with hepatotoxic drugs (8), strenuous exercises (5), bodybuilding complemented by anabolic steroids (2), acute infections with HCV (1), HBV (1) and CMV (1), alcohol/drug abuse and detection of HCV antibodies (1). ALT screening is still considered a useful indicator of risk donors despite its nonspecificity and limited predictive value. The selection of the appropriate cutoff value has always been disputed. The present exclusion level of > 45 IU/l (25 degrees C), analogous to > 81.8 IU/l (37 degrees C), does not even take into account such a variable as sex. The cutoff value above 4.5 SD of the geometric mean for females and above 3.5 SD for males seems to be of limited medical and practical value.

Efficiency of VIGS and gene expression in a novel bipartite potexvirus vector delivery system as a function of strength of TGB1 silencing suppression.

PubMed

Lim, Hyoun-Sub; Vaira, Anna Maria; Domier, Leslie L; Lee, Sung Chul; Kim, Hong Gi; Hammond, John

2010-06-20

We have developed plant virus-based vectors for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and protein expression, based on Alternanthera mosaic virus (AltMV), for infection of a wide range of host plants including Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana by either mechanical inoculation of in vitro transcripts or via agroinfiltration. In vivo transcripts produced by co-agroinfiltration of bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase resulted in T7-driven AltMV infection from a binary vector in the absence of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. An artificial bipartite viral vector delivery system was created by separating the AltMV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and Triple Gene Block (TGB)123-Coat protein (CP) coding regions into two constructs each bearing the AltMV 5' and 3' non-coding regions, which recombined in planta to generate a full-length AltMV genome. Substitution of TGB1 L(88)P, and equivalent changes in other potexvirus TGB1 proteins, affected RNA silencing suppression efficacy and suitability of the vectors from protein expression to VIGS. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Telomere length maintenance--an ALTernative mechanism.

PubMed

Royle, N J; Foxon, J; Jeyapalan, J N; Mendez-Bermudez, A; Novo, C L; Williams, J; Cotton, V E

2008-01-01

The Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) mechanism is utilised by approximately 10% of human tumours and a higher proportion of some types of sarcomas. ALT+ cell lines and tumours show heterogeneous telomere length, extra-chromosomal circular and linear telomeric DNA, ALT associated promyelocytic bodies (APBs), a high frequency of post-replication exchanges in telomeres (designated as telomere-sister chromatid exchanges, T-SCE) and high instability at a GC-rich minisatellite, MS32 (D1S8). It is clear that there is a link between the minisatellite instability and the mechanism that underpins ALT, however currently the nature of this relationship is uncertain. Single molecule analysis of telomeric DNA from ALT+ cell lines and tumours has revealed complex telomere mutations that have not been seen in cell lines or tumours that express telomerase. These complex telomere mutations cannot be explained by T-SCE but must arise by another inter-molecular process. The break-induced replication (BIR) model that may explain the observed high frequency of T-SCE and the presence of complex telomere mutations is reviewed. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Presence of alternative lengthening of telomeres associated circular extrachromosome telomere repeats in primary leukemia cells of chronic myeloid leukemia

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The predominant mechanism by which human tumors maintain telomere length is via telomerase. In ~10% of tumor samples, however, telomere length is conserved, despite no detectable telomerase activity, in part through activation of the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Methods We studied the circular extra-chromosomal telomeric repeat (ECTR), an ALT hallmark, and telomerase activity in 24 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in chronic phase (CP). Results We identified the presence of ECTR in primary leukemia cells from some of these samples, which indicates the possible involvement of an ALT mechanism. Moreover, we found that some samples exhibited both circular ECTR and telomerase activities, suggesting that both mechanisms can contribute to the onset of CML. Conclusion We propose that ALT or the combined activities of ALT and telomerase might be required for the early stages of leukemogenesis. These findings shed new light into the oncogenic pathways responsible for the maintenance of telomere length in leukemia, which will ultimately determine the effectiveness of anti-telomerase-based treatment protocols. PMID:23547895

Combined Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Top-down Microproteomics Reveals Evidence of a Hidden Proteome in Ovarian Cancer.

PubMed

Delcourt, Vivian; Franck, Julien; Leblanc, Eric; Narducci, Fabrice; Robin, Yves-Marie; Gimeno, Jean-Pascal; Quanico, Jusal; Wisztorski, Maxence; Kobeissy, Firas; Jacques, Jean-François; Roucou, Xavier; Salzet, Michel; Fournier, Isabelle

2017-07-01

Recently, it was demonstrated that proteins can be translated from alternative open reading frames (altORFs), increasing the size of the actual proteome. Top-down mass spectrometry-based proteomics allows the identification of intact proteins containing post-translational modifications (PTMs) as well as truncated forms translated from reference ORFs or altORFs. Top-down tissue microproteomics was applied on benign, tumor and necrotic-fibrotic regions of serous ovarian cancer biopsies, identifying proteins exhibiting region-specific cellular localization and PTMs. The regions of interest (ROIs) were determined by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging and spatial segmentation. Analysis with a customized protein sequence database containing reference and alternative proteins (altprots) identified 15 altprots, including alternative G protein nucleolar 1 (AltGNL1) found in the tumor, and translated from an altORF nested within the GNL1 canonical coding sequence. Co-expression of GNL1 and altGNL1 was validated by transfection in HEK293 and HeLa cells with an expression plasmid containing a GNL1-FLAG (V5) construct. Western blot and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed constitutive co-expression of altGNL1-V5 with GNL1-FLAG. Taken together, our approach provides means to evaluate protein changes in the case of serous ovarian cancer, allowing the detection of potential markers that have never been considered. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Population of Projection Neurons that Inhibits the Lateral Horn but Excites the Antennal Lobe through Chemical Synapses in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Shimizu, Kazumichi; Stopfer, Mark

2017-01-01

In the insect olfactory system, odor information is transferred from the antennal lobe (AL) to higher brain areas by projection neurons (PNs) in multiple AL tracts (ALTs). In several species, one of the ALTs, the mediolateral ALT (mlALT), contains some GABAergic PNs; in the Drosophila brain, the great majority of ventral PNs (vPNs) are GABAergic and project through this tract to the lateral horn (LH). Most excitatory PNs (ePNs), project through the medial ALT (mALT) to the mushroom body (MB) and the LH. Recent studies have shown that GABAergic vPNs play inhibitory roles at their axon terminals in the LH. However, little is known about the properties and functions of vPNs at their dendritic branches in the AL. Here, we used optogenetic and patch clamp techniques to investigate the functional roles of vPNs in the AL. Surprisingly, our results show that specific activation of vPNs reliably elicits strong excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in ePNs. Moreover, the connections between vPNs and ePNs are mediated by direct chemical synapses. Neither pulses of GABA, nor pharmagological, or genetic blockade of GABAergic transmission gave results consistent with the involvement of GABA in vPN-ePN excitatory transmission. These unexpected results suggest new roles for the vPN population in olfactory information processing. PMID:28515683

A Population of Projection Neurons that Inhibits the Lateral Horn but Excites the Antennal Lobe through Chemical Synapses in Drosophila.

PubMed

Shimizu, Kazumichi; Stopfer, Mark

2017-01-01

In the insect olfactory system, odor information is transferred from the antennal lobe (AL) to higher brain areas by projection neurons (PNs) in multiple AL tracts (ALTs). In several species, one of the ALTs, the mediolateral ALT (mlALT), contains some GABAergic PNs; in the Drosophila brain, the great majority of ventral PNs (vPNs) are GABAergic and project through this tract to the lateral horn (LH). Most excitatory PNs (ePNs), project through the medial ALT (mALT) to the mushroom body (MB) and the LH. Recent studies have shown that GABAergic vPNs play inhibitory roles at their axon terminals in the LH. However, little is known about the properties and functions of vPNs at their dendritic branches in the AL. Here, we used optogenetic and patch clamp techniques to investigate the functional roles of vPNs in the AL. Surprisingly, our results show that specific activation of vPNs reliably elicits strong excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in ePNs. Moreover, the connections between vPNs and ePNs are mediated by direct chemical synapses. Neither pulses of GABA, nor pharmagological, or genetic blockade of GABAergic transmission gave results consistent with the involvement of GABA in vPN-ePN excitatory transmission. These unexpected results suggest new roles for the vPN population in olfactory information processing.

Anisotropy of the penetration depth in La2-xSrxCuO4 in underdoped and overdoped regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaleski, A. J.; Klamut, J.

1999-12-01

We present the results of measurements of the penetration depth anisotropy in pulverized, ceramic La2-xSrxCuO4. The measurements were carried out for x = 0.08, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15 and 0.2. The powdered samples, immersed in wax, were magnetically oriented in a static magnetic field of 10 T. The penetration depth in the a-b plane, icons/Journals/Common/lambda" ALT="lambda" ALIGN="TOP"/>ab, and perpendicular to it, icons/Journals/Common/lambda" ALT="lambda" ALIGN="TOP"/>icons/Journals/Common/perp" ALT="perp" ALIGN="MIDDLE"/>, were derived from alternating-current susceptibility measurements. For underdoped samples they both vary linearly with temperature (for the low-temperature region), while for the samples from the overdoped region the measured points can be fitted by an exponential function. These results support Uemura's picture (Uemura Y J 1997 Physica C 282-287 194) of crossover from Bose-Einstein condensation to a Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer mechanism of superconductivity. The penetration depth values extrapolated to T = 0 may be described by a quadratic function of the strontium concentration (for both icons/Journals/Common/lambda" ALT="lambda" ALIGN="TOP"/>ab and icons/Journals/Common/lambda" ALT="lambda" ALIGN="TOP"/>icons/Journals/Common/perp" ALT="perp" ALIGN="MIDDLE"/>). The anisotropy of the penetration depth as a function of the substitution shows a similar dependence to the critical temperature Tc(x).

Infantile Apparent Life-Threatening Events, an Educational Review

PubMed Central

Aminiahidashti, Hamed

2015-01-01

Many physicians have received a frantic call from anxious parents stating that their child had stopped breathing, become limp, or turned blue but then had recovered quickly. An apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is defined as “an episode that is frightening to the observer, and is characterized by some combination of apnea, color change, marked change in muscle tone, choking, gagging, or coughing”. The incidence of ALTE is reported to be 0.05% to 6%. The knowledge about the most common causes and factors associated with higher risk of ALTE could be resulted in a more purposeful approach, improving the decision making process, and benefiting both children and parents. The aim of this review article was to report the epidemiology, etiology, evaluation, management, and disposition of ALTE. Infants with an ALTE might present no signs of acute illness and are commonly managed in the emergency settings that often require significant medical attention; hence, the emergency medicine personnel should be aware of the its clinical importance. There is no specific treatment for ALTE; therefore, the clinical evaluations should be focused on the detection of the underlying causes, which will define the outcomes and prognosis. ALTE is a confusing entity, representing a constellation of descriptive symptoms and signs; in other words, it is not a diagnosis. There are multiple possible etiologies and difficulties in evaluating and managing infants with these events, which are challenges to primary care physicians, emergency medicine specialists, and subspecialty pediatricians. The evaluation of these events in infants includes a detailed history, appropriate physical examination, diagnostic tests guided by obtained clues from the history and physical examination, and observation in the emergency department. PMID:26512363

Coffee consumption is associated with lower serum aminotransferases in the general Korean population and in those at high risk for hepatic disease.

PubMed

Oh, Myueng Guen; Han, Mi Ah; Kim, Man Woo; Park, Chan Guk; Kim, Young Dae; Lee, Jun

2016-12-01

The favourable effects of coffee on liver enzymes have been reported worldwide. This study investigated the association between coffee consumption and serum aminotransferase concentration in Korean adults. Data were obtained from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration were defined as >30 IU/L for men and >19 IU/L for women. The risk of elevated ALT and AST according to general characteristics and frequency of coffee consumption were tested by chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of elevated ALT was 27.4%, 27.8%, and 26.9% in subjects who drank <1, 1, and >=2 times/day, respectively. The proportions of individuals with elevated AST were 32.5%, 33.1%, and 26.7% in subjects who drank <1, 1, and >=2 times/day, respectively. The aORs for elevated ALT and AST were significantly lower in subjects who drank >=2 times of coffee/day than in those who drank <1 time/day (ALT: aOR=0.86, 95% CI=0.79-0.94; AST: aOR=0.83, 95% CI=0.76-0.91). In subgroup analysis, consumption of >=2 times/day was associated with lower ORs for elevated ALT in the high-risk group overall and in the viral hepatitis and obesity subgroups, respectively. In sensitivity analysis, reduced frequency of coffee consumption was associated with an increased risk for elevated liver enzymes, although an association between coffee consumption and elevated ALT was not observed in women or current smokers. Higher coffee consumption was associated with lower risk of elevated aminotransferase concentration in Korean adults.

Complex association of serum alanine aminotransferase with the risk of future cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Afarideh, Mohsen; Aryan, Zahra; Ghajar, Alireza; Noshad, Sina; Nakhjavani, Manouchehr; Baber, Usman; Mechanick, Jeffrey I; Esteghamati, Alireza

2016-11-01

We aimed to determine the prospective association between baseline serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with type 2 diabetes. In an open cohort setting, people with type 2 diabetes were followed for their first ever CVD presentation from 1995 to 2015. Statistical methods included Cox regression analysis for reporting of hazard ratios (HRs), artificial neural network modelings, and risk reclassification analyses. We found a nearly constant CVD hazard with baseline serum ALT levels below the 30 IU/L mark, whereas baseline serum ALT levels ≥ 30 IU/L remained an independent predictor of lower CVD rates in patients with type 2 diabetes in the final multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model (HR: 0.204, 95%CI [0.060-0.689], p for trend value = 0.006). Age, male gender and fasting plasma insulin levels independently predicted baseline serum ALT ≥ 30 IU/L among the population cohort. Augmentation of serum ALT into the weighted Framingham risk score resulted in a considerable net reclassification improvement (NRI) of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk prediction in the study population (NRI = 9.05% (8.01%-10.22%), p value < 0.05). Serum ALT could successfully reclassify about 9% of the population with type 2 diabetes across the CHD-affected and CHD-free categories. Overall, our findings demonstrate a complex and nonlinear relationship for the risk of future CVD by baseline serum ALT levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies are warranted to confirm whether this complex association could be translated into a clearly visible U or J-shaped figure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterizing permafrost active layer dynamics and sensitivity to landscape spatial heterogeneity in Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Yonghong; Kimball, John S.; Chen, Richard H.; Moghaddam, Mahta; Reichle, Rolf H.; Mishra, Umakant; Zona, Donatella; Oechel, Walter C.

2018-01-01

An important feature of the Arctic is large spatial heterogeneity in active layer conditions, which is generally poorly represented by global models and can lead to large uncertainties in predicting regional ecosystem responses and climate feedbacks. In this study, we developed a spatially integrated modeling and analysis framework combining field observations, local-scale ( ˜ 50 m resolution) active layer thickness (ALT) and soil moisture maps derived from low-frequency (L + P-band) airborne radar measurements, and global satellite environmental observations to investigate the ALT sensitivity to recent climate trends and landscape heterogeneity in Alaska. Modeled ALT results show good correspondence with in situ measurements in higher-permafrost-probability (PP ≥ 70 %) areas (n = 33; R = 0.60; mean bias = 1.58 cm; RMSE = 20.32 cm), but with larger uncertainty in sporadic and discontinuous permafrost areas. The model results also reveal widespread ALT deepening since 2001, with smaller ALT increases in northern Alaska (mean trend = 0.32±1.18 cm yr-1) and much larger increases (> 3 cm yr-1) across interior and southern Alaska. The positive ALT trend coincides with regional warming and a longer snow-free season (R = 0.60 ± 0.32). A spatially integrated analysis of the radar retrievals and model sensitivity simulations demonstrated that uncertainty in the spatial and vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) was the largest factor affecting modeled ALT accuracy, while soil moisture played a secondary role. Potential improvements in characterizing SOC heterogeneity, including better spatial sampling of soil conditions and advances in remote sensing of SOC and soil moisture, will enable more accurate predictions of active layer conditions and refinement of the modeling framework across a larger domain.

C3 EVAL Model Development and Test. Volume 2. Programmers Manual.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-01

requests for CAS (message types 2900, 3000, 3400) and has a non- 61 - ~~.t -o-5. Sd% NODE MESSAGE DEST DEST PLINK LINKI ALT1 LINK2 ALT2 . LINKP • LINKA1...LINKA2 LINKn ALTi PLINK LINKI LINK2 LINKn ALT2 PLINK LINKI LINK2 * LINKn Figure 13: PARAMETERS IN COMMUNICATIONS ALLOCATION null pointer to its...SUBROUTINE HOLDQ1 (IPASS) * MOVE PRIORITY MESSAGES FROM HOLD QUEUE TO ALTERNATE * COMMUNICATIONS LINKI SEND QUEUE * CALLS - SNAP, FIND