Shuttle orbiter Ku-band radar/communications system design evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodds, J.; Holmes, J.; Huth, G. K.; Iwasaki, R.; Maronde, R.; Polydoros, A.; Weber, C.; Broad, P.

1980-01-01

Tasks performed in an examination and critique of a Ku-band radar communications system for the shuttle orbiter are reported. Topics cover: (1) Ku-band high gain antenna/widebeam horn design evaluation; (2) evaluation of the Ku-band SPA and EA-1 LRU software; (3) system test evaluation; (4) critical design review and development test evaluation; (5) Ku-band bent pipe channel performance evaluation; (6) Ku-band LRU interchangeability analysis; and (7) deliverable test equipment evaluation. Where discrepancies were found, modifications and improvements to the Ku-band system and the associated test procedures are suggested.

Scintillation properties of Eu 2+-doped KBa 2I 5 and K 2BaI 4

DOE PAGES

Stand, L.; Zhuravleva, M.; Chakoumakos, Bryan C.; ...

2015-09-25

We report two new ternary metal halide scintillators, KBa 2I 5 and K 2BaI 4, activated with divalent europium. Single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that KBa 2I 5 has a monoclinic structure (P2 1/c) and that K 2BaI 4 has a rhombohedral structure (R3c). Differential scanning calorimetry showed singular melting and crystallization points, making these compounds viable candidates for melt growth. We grew 13 mm diameter single crystals of KBa 2I 5:Eu 2+ and K 2BaI 4:Eu2+ in evacuated quartz ampoules via the vertical Bridgman technique. The optimal Eu 2+ concentration was 4% for KBa 2I 5 and 7%more » for K 2BaI 4. The X-ray excited emissions at 444 nm for KBa 2I 5:Eu 4% and 448 nm for K 2BaI 4:Eu 7% arise from the 5d-4f radiative transition in Eu 2+. KBa 2I 5:Eu 4% has a light yield of 90,000 photons/MeV, with an energy resolution of 2.4% and K 2BaI 4:Eu 7% has a light yield of 63,000 ph/MeV, with an energy resolution of 2.9% at 662 keV. Both crystals have an excellent proportional response to a wide range of gamma-ray energies.« less

Research on the Digital Communication and Development of Yunnan Bai Embroidery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wu; Jin, Chunjie; Su, Ying; Wu, Lei; He, Jin

2017-12-01

Our country attaches great importance to the protection and development of intangible culture these days, but the shortcoming of discoloration, breakage and occupying too much space still exist in the traditional way of museum protection. This paper starts from the analysis of the above problems, and then cogitates why and how to use the virtual reality (VR) technology to better solve these problems and analyzes this specific object of the Yunnan Bai embroidery in order to achieve its full human value and economic value. Firstly, using 3D MAX to design and produce the three-dimensional model of the embroideries of Bai nationality. Secondly, using the large number of embroidery model data that we collect to construct the Yunnan Bai embroidery model database. Next, creating a digital display system of virtual embroidery and putting the digital display system to the PC client websites and mobile phone applications to achieve information sharing. Finally, through the use of virtual display technology for three-dimensional design of embroidery, the embroidery clothing, bedding and other works with modern style can be designed so as to continuously pursue and give full play to the charm and economic value of embroidery.

KARP-1 works as a heterodimer with Ku70, but the function of KARP-1 cannot perfectly replace that of Ku80 in DSB repair

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

Koike, Manabu, E-mail: m_koike@nirs.go.jp; Yutoku, Yasutomo; Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522

2011-10-01

Ku, the heterodimer of Ku70 and Ku80, plays an essential role in the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway, i.e., non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Two isoforms of Ku80 encoded by the same genes, namely, Ku80 and KARP-1 are expressed and function in primate cells, but not in rodent cells. Ku80 works as a heterodimer with Ku70. However, it is not yet clear whether KARP-1 forms a heterodimer with Ku70 and works as a heterodimer. Although KARP-1 appears to work in NHEJ, its physiological role remains unclear. In this study, we established and characterized EGFP-KARP-1-expressing xrs-6 cell lines, EGFP-KARP-1/xrs-6. We found thatmore » nuclear localization signal (NLS) of KARP-1 is localized in the C-terminal region. Our data showed that KARP-1 localizes within the nucleus in NLS-dependent and NLS-independent manner and forms a heterodimer with Ku70, and stabilizes Ku70. On the other hand, EGFP-KARP-1 could not perfectly complement the radiosensitivity and DSB repair activity of Ku80-deficient xrs-6 cells. Furthermore, KARP-1 could not accumulate at DSBs faster than Ku80, although EGFP-KARP-1 accumulates at DSBs. Our data demonstrate that the function of KARP-1 could not perfectly replace that of Ku80 in DSB repair, although KARP-1 has some biochemical properties, which resemble those of Ku80, and works as a heterodimer with Ku70. On the other hand, the number of EGFP-KARP-1-expressing xrs-6 cells showing pan-nuclear {gamma}-H2AX staining significantly increases following X-irradiation, suggesting that KARP-1 may have a novel role in DSB response.« less

Brain angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) is a pattern recognition receptor that mediates macrophage binding and engulfment of Gram-negative bacteria

PubMed Central

Das, Soumita; Owen, Katherine A.; Ly, Kim T.; Park, Daeho; Black, Steven G.; Wilson, Jeffrey M.; Sifri, Costi D.; Ravichandran, Kodi S.; Ernst, Peter B.; Casanova, James E.

2011-01-01

Bacterial recognition by host cells is essential for initiation of infection and the host response. Bacteria interact with host cells via multiple pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbial products or pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In response to this interaction, host cell signaling cascades are activated that lead to inflammatory responses and/or phagocytic clearance of attached bacteria. Brain angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) is a receptor that recognizes apoptotic cells through its conserved type I thrombospondin repeats and triggers their engulfment through an ELMO1/Dock/Rac1 signaling module. Because thrombospondin repeats in other proteins have been shown to bind bacterial surface components, we hypothesized that BAI1 may also mediate the recognition and clearance of pathogenic bacteria. We found that preincubation of bacteria with recombinant soluble BAI1 ectodomain or knockdown of endogenous BAI1 in primary macrophages significantly reduced binding and internalization of the Gram-negative pathogen Salmonella typhimurium. Conversely, overexpression of BAI1 enhanced attachment and engulfment of Salmonella in macrophages and in heterologous nonphagocytic cells. Bacterial uptake is triggered by the BAI1-mediated activation of Rac through an ELMO/Dock-dependent mechanism, and inhibition of the BAI1/ELMO1 interaction prevents both Rac activation and bacterial uptake. Moreover, inhibition of ELMO1 or Rac function significantly impairs the proinflammatory response to infection. Finally, we show that BAI1 interacts with a variety of Gram-negative, but not Gram-positive, bacteria through recognition of their surface lipopolysaccharide. Together these findings identify BAI1 as a pattern recognition receptor that mediates nonopsonic phagocytosis of Gram-negative bacteria by macrophages and directly affects the host response to infection. PMID:21245295

Transformation of Consciousness: Decoding Conceptual Metaphors in Mira Bai

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amrita; Anisha

2016-01-01

Mira Bai, a saint-poet of North India is an important figure in medieval Hindi literature. Her "bhajan"-s (songs) profoundly represent the transforming of consciousness working through conceptual metaphors which fall in the realm of religious poetry wherein target domains are generally abstract. Since, the working of the mind is more…

Emerging roles for the BAI1 protein family in the regulation of phagocytosis, synaptogenesis, neurovasculature, and tumor development

PubMed Central

Cork, Sarah M.

2011-01-01

While G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have received considerable attention for their biological activity in a diversity of physiological functions and have become targets for therapeutic intervention in many diseases, the function of the cell adhesion subfamily of GPCRs remains poorly understood. Within this group, the family of brain angiogenesis inhibitor molecules (BAI1-3) has become increasingly appreciated for their diverse roles in biology and disease. In particular, recent findings suggest emerging roles for BAI1 in the regulation of phenomena including phagocytosis, synaptogenesis, and the inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis via the processing of its extracellular domain into secreted vasculostatins. Here we summarize the known biological features of the BAI proteins, including their structure, proteolysis events, and interacting partners, and their recently identified ability to regulate certain signaling pathways. Finally, we discuss the potential of the BAIs as therapeutics or targets for diseases as varied as cancer, stroke, and schizophrenia. PMID:21509575

[The studies on the Ku Huang granula technology].

PubMed

Qian, Kun; Kuang, Qi; Dong, Wei; Shen, Jun

2008-02-01

To determine the optimum technology of the Ku Huang granula. Making Emodin and Chrysophanol for index, using HPLC, extracturm softening point data and orthogonal design experiment to research the preparatory technology of the Ku Huang granula to screen the optimum technology. The Ku Huang granula was pelletized at 100% dextrin, 170 degrees C- 175 degrees C spray drying and at the conditions of 75% ethylalcohol, 85 degrees C, 4 Hz, 3 hours fluidizing pelletization. The optimum condition is reasonable.

Ku70 inhibits gemcitabine-induced DNA damage and pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis

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

Ma, Jiali; Hui, Pingping; Meng, Wenying

The current study focused on the role of Ku70, a DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) complex protein, in pancreatic cancer cell resistance to gemcitabine. In both established cell lines (Mia-PaCa-2 and PANC-1) and primary human pancreatic cancer cells, shRNA/siRNA-mediated knockdown of Ku70 significantly sensitized gemcitabine-induced cell death and proliferation inhibition. Meanwhile, gemcitabine-induced DNA damage and subsequent pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis were also potentiated with Ku70 knockdown. On the other hand, exogenous overexpression of Ku70 in Mia-PaCa-2 cells suppressed gemcitabine-induced DNA damage and subsequent cell apoptosis. In a severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice Mia-PaCa-2 xenograft model, gemcitabine-induced anti-tumor activity was remarkably pontificatedmore » when combined with Ku70 shRNA knockdown in the xenografts. The results of this preclinical study imply that Ku70 might be a primary resistance factor of gemcitabine, and Ku70 silence could significantly chemo-sensitize gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. - Highlights: • Ku70 knockdown sensitizes gemcitabine-induced killing of pancreatic cancer cells. • Ku70 knockdown facilitates gemcitabine-induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis. • Ku70 overexpression deceases gemcitabine's sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells. • Ku70 knockdown sensitizes gemcitabine-induced anti-tumor activity in vivo.« less

The HTLV-1 Tax Oncoprotein Represses Ku80 Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Ducu, Razvan I.; Dayaram, Tajhal; Marriott, Susan J.

2011-01-01

The HTLV-I oncoprotein Tax interferes with DNA double strand break repair. Since non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is a major pathway used to repair DNA double strand breaks we examined the effect of Tax on this pathway, with particular interest in the expression and function of Ku80, a critical component of the NHEJ pathway. Tax expression decreased Ku80 mRNA and protein levels, and repressed transcription from the Ku80 promoter. Conversely, Ku80 mRNA increased following siRNA knockdown of Tax in HTLV-I infected cells. Tax expression was associated with an elevated number of micronuclei and nucleoplasmic bridges, hallmarks of improper DNA double strand break repair. Our studies identified Tax as a transcriptional repressor of Ku80 that correlates with decreased DNA repair function. The reduction of Ku80 transcription by Tax may deplete the cell of an essential DNA break binding protein, resulting in reduced repair of DNA double strand breaks and accumulation genomic mutations. PMID:21571351

Role of Bai-Shao towards the antidepressant effect of Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San using metabonomics integrated with chemical fingerprinting.

PubMed

Chang, Xing; Jia, Hongmei; Zhou, Chao; Zhang, Hongwu; Yu, Meng; Yang, Junshan; Zou, Zhongmei

2015-12-01

Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San (CSGS) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of depression. As one of the single herbs in CSGS, Bai-Shao displayed antidepressant effect. In order to explore the role of Bai-Shao towards the antidepressant effect of CSGS, the metabolic regulation and chemical profiles of CSGS with and without Bai-Shao (QBS) were investigated using metabonomics integrated with chemical fingerprinting. At first, partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis was applied to characterize the potential biomarkers associated with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. Among 46 differential metabolites found in the ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and (1)H NMR-based urinary metabonomics, 20 were significantly correlated with the preferred sucrose consumption observed in behavior experiments and were considered as biomarkers to evaluate the antidepressant effect of CSGS. Based on differential regulation on CUMS-induced metabolic disturbances with CSGS and QBS treatments, we concluded that Bai-Shao made crucial contribution to CSGS in the improvement of the metabolic deviations of six biomarkers (i.e., glutamate, acetoacetic acid, creatinine, xanthurenic acid, kynurenic acid, and N-acetylserotonin) disturbed in CUMS-induced depression. While the chemical constituents of Bai-Shao contributed to CSGS were paeoniflorin, albiflorin, isomaltopaeoniflorin, and benzoylpaeoniflorin based on the multivariate analysis of the UPLC-Q-TOF/MS chemical profiles from CSGS and QBS extracts. These findings suggested that Bai-Shao played an indispensable role in the antidepressant effect of CSGS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Establishment and activity of PoKuNyoKwan].

PubMed

Lee, Bang Weon

2008-06-01

PoKuNyoKwan was established in 1887 by Meta Howard, a female doctor who was dispatched from Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, an evangelical branch affiliated with U.S. North Methodist Church. PoKuNyoKwan was equipped with dispensaries, waiting rooms, pharmacies, warehouses, operating rooms, and wards for about 30 patients. It used a traditional Korean house, which was renovated for its medical purpose, in Ewha Haktang. Residing in Chung Dong, the medical institution had taken care of women's mental and physical health for about 25 years, until it was merged with East Gate Lillian Harris Memorial Hospital in 1912, and then its dispensary function was abolished in 1913. Medical missionaries (Meta Howard, Rosetta Sherwood, Mary M. Cutler, Emma Ernsberger, Esther K. Pak, Amanda F. Hillman) and nurse missionaries (Ella Lewis, Margaret J. Edmunds, Alta I. Morrison, Naomi A. Anderson), who were professionally trained in the United States, and their helpers, who were trained by those missionaries, managed PoKuNyoKwan. Nurses who were educated in Nurses' Training School, which was also established by PoKuNyoKwan, helped to run the institution as well. At the beginning, they usually had worked as a team of one medical missionary and three helpers. Since its establishment in 1903, however, the helpers began to enter the Nurses' Training School to become professional nurses, and the helpers eventually faded out because of the proliferation of those nurses. PoKuNyoKwan did not only offer medical services but also executed educational and evangelical activities. Medical missionaries struggled to overcome Koreans' ignorance and prejudice against westerners and western medical services, while they took care of their patients at office, for calls, and in hospital dispensaries. Enlightening the public by criticizing Korean traditional medical treatments including fork remedies, acupuncture, and superstitions, they helped modernization of medical systems in Korea. In the area of

Ku-Band rendezvous radar performance computer simulation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnusson, H. G.; Goff, M. F.

1984-06-01

All work performed on the Ku-band rendezvous radar performance computer simulation model program since the release of the preliminary final report is summarized. Developments on the program fall into three distinct categories: (1) modifications to the existing Ku-band radar tracking performance computer model; (2) the addition of a highly accurate, nonrealtime search and acquisition performance computer model to the total software package developed on this program; and (3) development of radar cross section (RCS) computation models for three additional satellites. All changes in the tracking model involved improvements in the automatic gain control (AGC) and the radar signal strength (RSS) computer models. Although the search and acquisition computer models were developed under the auspices of the Hughes Aircraft Company Ku-Band Integrated Radar and Communications Subsystem program office, they have been supplied to NASA as part of the Ku-band radar performance comuter model package. Their purpose is to predict Ku-band acquisition performance for specific satellite targets on specific missions. The RCS models were developed for three satellites: the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) spacecraft, the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) spacecraft, and the Space Telescopes.

Ku-Band rendezvous radar performance computer simulation model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Magnusson, H. G.; Goff, M. F.

1984-01-01

All work performed on the Ku-band rendezvous radar performance computer simulation model program since the release of the preliminary final report is summarized. Developments on the program fall into three distinct categories: (1) modifications to the existing Ku-band radar tracking performance computer model; (2) the addition of a highly accurate, nonrealtime search and acquisition performance computer model to the total software package developed on this program; and (3) development of radar cross section (RCS) computation models for three additional satellites. All changes in the tracking model involved improvements in the automatic gain control (AGC) and the radar signal strength (RSS) computer models. Although the search and acquisition computer models were developed under the auspices of the Hughes Aircraft Company Ku-Band Integrated Radar and Communications Subsystem program office, they have been supplied to NASA as part of the Ku-band radar performance comuter model package. Their purpose is to predict Ku-band acquisition performance for specific satellite targets on specific missions. The RCS models were developed for three satellites: the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) spacecraft, the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) spacecraft, and the Space Telescopes.

Biochemical evidence for Ku-independent backup pathways of NHEJ.

PubMed

Wang, Huichen; Perrault, Ange Ronel; Takeda, Yoshihiko; Qin, Wei; Wang, Hongyan; Iliakis, George

2003-09-15

Cells of higher eukaryotes process within minutes double strand breaks (DSBs) in their genome using a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) apparatus that engages DNA-PKcs, Ku, DNA ligase IV, XRCC4 and other as of yet unidentified factors. Although chemical inhibition, or mutation, in any of these factors delays processing, cells ultimately remove the majority of DNA DSBs using an alternative pathway operating with an order of magnitude slower kinetics. This alternative pathway is active in mutants deficient in genes of the RAD52 epistasis group and frequently joins incorrect ends. We proposed, therefore, that it reflects an alternative form of NHEJ that operates as a backup (B-NHEJ) to the DNA-PK-dependent (D-NHEJ) pathway, rather than homology directed repair of DSBs. The present study investigates the role of Ku in the coordination of these pathways using as a model end joining of restriction endonuclease linearized plasmid DNA in whole cell extracts. Efficient, error-free, end joining observed in such in vitro reactions is strongly inhibited by anti-Ku antibodies. The inhibition requires DNA-PKcs, despite the fact that Ku efficiently binds DNA ends in the presence of antibodies, or in the absence of DNA-PKcs. Strong inhibition of DNA end joining is also mediated by wortmannin, an inhibitor of DNA-PKcs, in the presence but not in the absence of Ku, and this inhibition can be rescued by pre-incubating the reaction with double stranded oligonucleotides. The results are compatible with a role of Ku in directing end joining to a DNA-PK dependent pathway, mediated by efficient end binding and productive interactions with DNA-PKcs. On the other hand, efficient end joining is observed in extracts of cells lacking DNA-PKcs, as well as in Ku-depleted extracts in line with the operation of alternative pathways. Extracts depleted of Ku and DNA-PKcs rejoin blunt ends, as well as homologous ends with 3' or 5' protruding single strands with similar efficiency, but addition of Ku

Biochemical evidence for Ku-independent backup pathways of NHEJ

PubMed Central

Wang, Huichen; Perrault, Ange Ronel; Takeda, Yoshihiko; Qin, Wei; Wang, Hongyan; Iliakis, George

2003-01-01

Cells of higher eukaryotes process within minutes double strand breaks (DSBs) in their genome using a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) apparatus that engages DNA-PKcs, Ku, DNA ligase IV, XRCC4 and other as of yet unidentified factors. Although chemical inhibition, or mutation, in any of these factors delays processing, cells ultimately remove the majority of DNA DSBs using an alternative pathway operating with an order of magnitude slower kinetics. This alternative pathway is active in mutants deficient in genes of the RAD52 epistasis group and frequently joins incorrect ends. We proposed, therefore, that it reflects an alternative form of NHEJ that operates as a backup (B-NHEJ) to the DNA-PK-dependent (D-NHEJ) pathway, rather than homology directed repair of DSBs. The present study investigates the role of Ku in the coordination of these pathways using as a model end joining of restriction endonuclease linearized plasmid DNA in whole cell extracts. Efficient, error-free, end joining observed in such in vitro reactions is strongly inhibited by anti-Ku antibodies. The inhibition requires DNA-PKcs, despite the fact that Ku efficiently binds DNA ends in the presence of antibodies, or in the absence of DNA-PKcs. Strong inhibition of DNA end joining is also mediated by wortmannin, an inhibitor of DNA-PKcs, in the presence but not in the absence of Ku, and this inhibition can be rescued by pre-incubating the reaction with double stranded oligonucleotides. The results are compatible with a role of Ku in directing end joining to a DNA-PK dependent pathway, mediated by efficient end binding and productive interactions with DNA-PKcs. On the other hand, efficient end joining is observed in extracts of cells lacking DNA-PKcs, as well as in Ku-depleted extracts in line with the operation of alternative pathways. Extracts depleted of Ku and DNA-PKcs rejoin blunt ends, as well as homologous ends with 3′ or 5′ protruding single strands with similar efficiency, but addition of

Anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of the Traditional Chinese Medicinal formulation Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san in a rat model of chronic stress.

PubMed

Cao, Guo-Ping; Gui, Dan; Fu, Lu-Di; Guo, Zhou-Ke; Fu, Wen-Jun

2016-08-01

Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal formulation widely used for the treatment of neuropsychological disorders. The present study examined the anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san in a rat model of chronic stress. The results of an elevated plus maze test showed that Dan‑zhi‑xiao‑yao‑san significantly attenuated the levels of anxiety-induced stress as evidenced by increases in the time spent in the open arm region, as well as the percentage of entries into this area. In addition, Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san alleviated stress‑induced neuronal death, as indicated by histological examination. Furthermore, mechanistic studies suggested that the anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san may be mediated via attenuation of chronic stress‑induced upregulation of α‑synuclein and corticosterone, and downregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the hippocampal region of the brain at the mRNA and protein level. In addition, Dan‑zhi‑xiao‑yao‑san decreased the serum levels of stress‑induced corticosterone in the model animals. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Dan‑zhi‑xiao‑yao‑san exerted anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects in a rat model of chronic stress via attenuation of stress‑induced upregulation of α‑synuclein and corticosterone, and downregulation of PP2A in the hippocampus.

[Study on the first translated obstetrics book Tai chan ju yao (Essentials in Obstetrics)].

PubMed

Wu, M

2018-01-28

In 1893, Wan Tsun-mo translated and published Tai chan ju yao ( Essentials in Obstetrics ), the first monograph of western obstetrics in modern China, symbolizing the independence of obstetrics from such maternal and child books as Fu ying xin shuo and Fu ke jing yun tu shuo , which occupies an important position in the history of the development of modern Chinese obstetrics. The book introduced anatomy, physiology, pathology, embryology, diagnostics, surgery, pharmacology and other knowledge of obstetrics in a catechismal form, and had a detailed discussion of such advanced obstetrical technologies as antiseptic, anesthesia, forceps and cesarean section for the first time.Judging from the content and translation of Tai chan ju yao , this book has already possessed the basic knowledge system of modern obstetrics, though the translation appeared to be somewhat jerky and not elegant and the terminology needing to be further improved, it was not only used as an important medium for the introduction of obstetrical knowledge, but also of great clinical value.However, its influence was so weak that later researchers seldom mentioned this book.

Rs4265085 in GPER1 gene increases the risk for unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in Dai and Bai ethnic groups in China.

PubMed

Tang, Liang; Zheng, Shui; Wang, Yan; Li, Fang; Bao, Meihua; Zeng, Jie; Xiang, Ju; Luo, Huaiqing; Li, Jianming

2017-04-01

Oestrogen receptors are implicated in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Non-genomic oestrogen responses can be mediated by GPER. The prevalence of polymorphisms in GPER1 gene in RSA was assessed in 747 Chinese women from Yunnan province (171 Bai, 258 Chinese Han, 234 Dai, 33 Achang and 51 Jingpo patients). Snapshot technology was used for genotyping the polymorphisms of the GPER1 gene. The rs4265085G was significantly increased in the Dai and Bai groups versus controls (Dai: P < 0.0001, P adj < 0.0001, OR 95% CI 2.34 [1.79 to 3.05]; Bai: P = 0.0004, P adj = 0.0012, OR 95% CI 1.71 [1.27 to 2.31]); recessive model of rs4265085 in the Dai (P = 0.003, P adj = 0.009, OR 95% CI 2.71 [1.38 to 5.30]); Bai (P < 0.0001, P adj < 0.0001, OR 95% CI 3.37 [1.93 to 5.91]). Haplotype frequencies containing rs10269151G-rs4265085G-rs11544331C were separately significantly different in Dai and Bai ethnic groups (Dai: P = 0.0002, P adj = 0.001, OR 95% CI = 2.12 [1.43 to 3.17]; Bai: P = 0.005, P adj = 0.025, OR 95% CI = 1.82 [1.18 to 2.78]) compared with controls. The intron variant rs4265085 may confer risk for RSA in Dai and Bai ethnic groups. Copyright © 2017 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The C terminus of Ku80 activates the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit.

PubMed

Singleton, B K; Torres-Arzayus, M I; Rottinghaus, S T; Taccioli, G E; Jeggo, P A

1999-05-01

Ku is a heterodimeric protein with double-stranded DNA end-binding activity that operates in the process of nonhomologous end joining. Ku is thought to target the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) complex to the DNA and, when DNA bound, can interact and activate the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). We have carried out a 3' deletion analysis of Ku80, the larger subunit of Ku, and shown that the C-terminal 178 amino acid residues are dispensable for DNA end-binding activity but are required for efficient interaction of Ku with DNA-PKcs. Cells expressing Ku80 proteins that lack the terminal 178 residues have low DNA-PK activity, are radiation sensitive, and can recombine the signal junctions but not the coding junctions during V(D)J recombination. These cells have therefore acquired the phenotype of mouse SCID cells despite expressing DNA-PKcs protein, suggesting that an interaction between DNA-PKcs and Ku, involving the C-terminal region of Ku80, is required for DNA double-strand break rejoining and coding but not signal joint formation. To gain further insight into important domains in Ku80, we report a point mutational change in Ku80 in the defective xrs-2 cell line. This residue is conserved among species and lies outside of the previously reported Ku70-Ku80 interaction domain. The mutational change nonetheless abrogates the Ku70-Ku80 interaction and DNA end-binding activity.

Genetic variation and forensic efficiency of autosomal insertion/deletion polymorphisms in Chinese Bai ethnic group: phylogenetic analysis to other populations

PubMed Central

Yang, Chun-Hua; Yin, Cai-Yong; Shen, Chun-Mei; Guo, Yu-Xin; Dong, Qian; Yan, Jiang-Wei; Wang, Hong-Dan; Zhang, Yu-Dang; Meng, Hao-Tian; Jin, Rui

2017-01-01

Thirty insertion/deletion loci were utilized to study the genetic diversities of 125 bloodstain samples collected from Bai group in Yunnan Dali region, China. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity of the 30 loci ranged from 0.1520 to 0.5680, and 0.1927 to 0.4997, respectively. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests after Bonferroni correction were found at all 30 loci in Bai group. The cumulative probability of exclusion and combined discrimination power were 0.9859 and 0.9999999999887, respectively, which indicated the 30 loci could be used as complementary genetic markers for paternity testing and were qualified for personal identification in forensic cases. We found the studied Bai group had close relationships with Tibetan, Yi and Han groups from China by the population structure, principal component analysis, population differentiations, and phylogenetic reconstruction studies. Even so, for a better understanding of Bai ethnicity's genetic milieu, DNA genotyping at various genetic markers is necessary in future studies. PMID:28465476

Genetic variation and forensic efficiency of autosomal insertion/deletion polymorphisms in Chinese Bai ethnic group: phylogenetic analysis to other populations.

PubMed

Yang, Chun-Hua; Yin, Cai-Yong; Shen, Chun-Mei; Guo, Yu-Xin; Dong, Qian; Yan, Jiang-Wei; Wang, Hong-Dan; Zhang, Yu-Dang; Meng, Hao-Tian; Jin, Rui; Chen, Feng; Zhu, Bo-Feng

2017-06-13

Thirty insertion/deletion loci were utilized to study the genetic diversities of 125 bloodstain samples collected from Bai group in Yunnan Dali region, China. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity of the 30 loci ranged from 0.1520 to 0.5680, and 0.1927 to 0.4997, respectively. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests after Bonferroni correction were found at all 30 loci in Bai group. The cumulative probability of exclusion and combined discrimination power were 0.9859 and 0.9999999999887, respectively, which indicated the 30 loci could be used as complementary genetic markers for paternity testing and were qualified for personal identification in forensic cases. We found the studied Bai group had close relationships with Tibetan, Yi and Han groups from China by the population structure, principal component analysis, population differentiations, and phylogenetic reconstruction studies. Even so, for a better understanding of Bai ethnicity's genetic milieu, DNA genotyping at various genetic markers is necessary in future studies.

Ku80 cooperates with CBP to promote COX-2 expression and tumor growth

PubMed Central

Qin, Yu; Xuan, Yang; Jia, Yunlu; Hu, Wenxian; Yu, Wendan; Dai, Meng; Li, Zhenglin; Yi, Canhui; Zhao, Shilei; Li, Mei; Du, Sha; Cheng, Wei; Xiao, Xiangsheng; Chen, Yiming; Wu, Taihua; Meng, Songshu; Yuan, Yuhui; Liu, Quentin; Huang, Wenlin; Guo, Wei; Wang, Shusen; Deng, Wuguo

2015-01-01

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in lung cancer development and progression. Using streptavidin-agarose pulldown and proteomics assay, we identified and validated Ku80, a dimer of Ku participating in the repair of broken DNA double strands, as a new binding protein of the COX-2 gene promoter. Overexpression of Ku80 up-regulated COX-2 promoter activation and COX-2 expression in lung cancer cells. Silencing of Ku80 by siRNA down-regulated COX-2 expression and inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. Ku80 knockdown suppressed phosphorylation of ERK, resulting in an inactivation of the MAPK pathway. Moreover, CBP, a transcription co-activator, interacted with and acetylated Ku80 to co-regulate the activation of COX-2 promoter. Overexpression of CBP increased Ku80 acetylation, thereby promoting COX-2 expression and cell growth. Suppression of CBP by a CBP-specific inhibitor or siRNA inhibited COX-2 expression as well as tumor cell growth. Tissue microarray immunohistochemical analysis of lung adenocarcinomas revealed a strong positive correlation between levels of Ku80 and COX-2 and clinicopathologic variables. Overexpression of Ku80 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with lung cancers. We conclude that Ku80 promotes COX-2 expression and tumor growth and is a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer. PMID:25797267

Comparison of body adiposity index (BAI) and air displacement plethysmograph with estimations of % body fat in adults with Down's syndrome.

PubMed

Rossato, M; Dellagrana, R A; de Souza Bezerra, E; da Costa, R M; Dos Santos, J O L; Silva, D A S; Diefenthaeler, F

2017-11-01

The aim of this study was to verify the agreement between body fat percentage (%BF) values evaluated by air displacement plethysmograph (ADP) and body adiposity index (BAI) in adults with Down's syndrome (DS). Forty-five adults with DS volunteered to participate in this study (19 women; age 28.7±8.5 years and 26 men; age 29.1±8.8 years). The %BF was measured by ADP (%BF ADP ) and estimated by anthropometric measures [%BF=(hip circumference/height) 1.5 -18] (%BF BAI ). Agreement between methods was evaluated by paired t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Although high correlation coefficients were found between %BF ADP and %BF BAI for women (r=0.78, P<0.05) and men (r=0.87, P<0.05), significant differences were observed between methods for both sexes (38.9±8.9 vs 42.5±8.5% for women, and 25.8±11.3 vs 32.6±5.4% for men in %BF ADP and %BF BAI , respectively). Moreover, Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean error estimate was +3.6 (95%CI, -7.59 to 14.79) in women and +6.74 (95%CI, -7.25 to 20.72) in men. The results indicate that BAI seems to be a limited method to evaluate %BF in women and in men with DS.

Effects of Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex) on bone growth and pubertal development in adolescent female rats.

PubMed

Lee, Sun Haeng; Lee, Hyun Jeong; Lee, Sung Hyun; Kim, Young-Sik; Lee, Donghun; Chun, Jiu; Lee, Jin Yong; Kim, Hocheol; Chang, Gyu Tae

2018-01-01

To evaluate the effects of Huang Bai ( Phellodendron amurense ) on growth and maturation in adolescent female rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (28 days old; n = 72) were divided into six daily treatment groups: control (distilled water), Huang Bai (100 and 300 mg/kg), recombinant human GH (rhGH; 20 μg/kg), estradiol (1 μg/kg), and triptorelin (100 μg). Body weight, food intake, and vaginal opening were measured daily from postnatal day (PND) 28 to PND 43. Tetracycline (20 mg/kg) was injected on PND 41. After sacrifice on PND 43, the ovaries and uterus were weighed, and the tibias were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Decalcified and dehydrated tibias were sectioned at a thickness of 40 μm, and sectioned tissues were examined with a fluorescence microscope. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 were detected using immunohistochemistry. Relative to controls, body weight was higher in the triptorelin group. Bone growth rate increased in the Huang Bai 100 mg/kg (354.00 ± 31.1 μm/day), rhGH (367.10 ± 27.11 μm/day), and triptorelin (374.50 ± 25.37 μm/day) groups. Expression of IGF-1 and BMP-2 in the hypertrophic zone was higher in all experimental groups. Vaginal opening occurred earlier in the estradiol group (PND 33.58 ± 1.62) than in controls and later in the triptorelin group (PND > 43). Ovarian and uterine weights were lower in the oestradiol and triptorelin groups. However, Huang Bai had nonsignificant effects on vaginal opening and the weights of ovaries and the uterus. Huang Bai stimulated bone growth by upregulating IGF-1 and BMP-2 in the growth plate. However, it had no effect on pubertal development.

The evolution of a Ku-Band satellite network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bransford, L. A.; Diebler, M.; Dutka, S. C.; Gorton, D. W.

1982-01-01

The purpose of this study was to undertake the management and development of CTS terminals and time on appropriate Ku-Band satellites was procured. A community of public service users who have readily addressable needs and resources to pay for services on an ad hoc Ku-Band network was developed and a test network for selected users was managed.

KU HAPLOINSUFFIENCY CAUSES A LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDER OF IMMATURE T-CELL PRECURSORS DUE TO IKAROS MALFUNCTION

PubMed Central

Ozer, Zahide; Qazi, Sanjive; Ishkhanian, Rita; Hasty, Paul; Ma, Hong; Uckun, Fatih M.

2013-01-01

Ikaros (IK) malfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. Therefore, a stringent regulation of IK activity is very important. Here we provide unique genetic and biochemical evidence that the Ku protein components Ku70 and Ku80 act as positive regulators of IK function via formation of IK-Ku70 and IK-Ku80 heterodimers with augmented sequence-specific DNA binding activity. siRNA-mediated depletion of Ku70 or Ku80 reduced the sequence-specific DNA binding activity of IK in EMSA as well as the RT-PCR measured IK target gene expression levels in human cells. The interaction of Ku components with IK likely contributes to the anti-leukemic effects of IK as a tumor suppressor, because Ku70 as well as Ku80 haploinsuffiency in mice caused development of a lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) involving CD2+CD4+CD8+CD1+IL7R+ thymic T-cell precursors with functional IK deficiency. PMID:24478815

Ku must load directly onto the chromosome end in order to mediate its telomeric functions.

PubMed

Lopez, Christopher R; Ribes-Zamora, Albert; Indiviglio, Sandra M; Williams, Christopher L; Haricharan, Svasti; Bertuch, Alison A

2011-08-01

The Ku heterodimer associates with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomere, where it impacts several aspects of telomere structure and function. Although Ku avidly binds DNA ends via a preformed channel, its ability to associate with telomeres via this mechanism could be challenged by factors known to bind directly to the chromosome terminus. This has led to uncertainty as to whether Ku itself binds directly to telomeric ends and whether end association is crucial for Ku's telomeric functions. To address these questions, we constructed DNA end binding-defective Ku heterodimers by altering amino acid residues in Ku70 and Ku80 that were predicted to contact DNA. These mutants continued to associate with their known telomere-related partners, such as Sir4, a factor required for telomeric silencing, and TLC1, the RNA component of telomerase. Despite these interactions, we found that the Ku mutants had markedly reduced association with telomeric chromatin and null-like deficiencies for telomere end protection, length regulation, and silencing functions. In contrast to Ku null strains, the DNA end binding defective Ku mutants resulted in increased, rather than markedly decreased, imprecise end-joining proficiency at an induced double-strand break. This result further supports that it was the specific loss of Ku's telomere end binding that resulted in telomeric defects rather than global loss of Ku's functions. The extensive telomere defects observed in these mutants lead us to propose that Ku is an integral component of the terminal telomeric cap, where it promotes a specific architecture that is central to telomere function and maintenance.

Ku Must Load Directly onto the Chromosome End in Order to Mediate Its Telomeric Functions

PubMed Central

Lopez, Christopher R.; Ribes-Zamora, Albert; Indiviglio, Sandra M.; Williams, Christopher L.; Haricharan, Svasti; Bertuch, Alison A.

2011-01-01

The Ku heterodimer associates with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomere, where it impacts several aspects of telomere structure and function. Although Ku avidly binds DNA ends via a preformed channel, its ability to associate with telomeres via this mechanism could be challenged by factors known to bind directly to the chromosome terminus. This has led to uncertainty as to whether Ku itself binds directly to telomeric ends and whether end association is crucial for Ku's telomeric functions. To address these questions, we constructed DNA end binding–defective Ku heterodimers by altering amino acid residues in Ku70 and Ku80 that were predicted to contact DNA. These mutants continued to associate with their known telomere-related partners, such as Sir4, a factor required for telomeric silencing, and TLC1, the RNA component of telomerase. Despite these interactions, we found that the Ku mutants had markedly reduced association with telomeric chromatin and null-like deficiencies for telomere end protection, length regulation, and silencing functions. In contrast to Ku null strains, the DNA end binding defective Ku mutants resulted in increased, rather than markedly decreased, imprecise end-joining proficiency at an induced double-strand break. This result further supports that it was the specific loss of Ku's telomere end binding that resulted in telomeric defects rather than global loss of Ku's functions. The extensive telomere defects observed in these mutants lead us to propose that Ku is an integral component of the terminal telomeric cap, where it promotes a specific architecture that is central to telomere function and maintenance. PMID:21852961

Ku and K band GaN High Power Amplifier MMICs

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-20

end Ku-band HPA operates from 13 to 14.5 GHz and delivers 48 Watts of output power with 43% PAE. A high-end Ku-band HPA operates from 15.5 to 18 GHz and...delivers 25 Watts of output power with 45% PAE. A K-band HPA operates from 19.5 to 22 GHz and delivers 18 Watts of output power with 29% PAE...15.5 and 18 GHz. The circuit is a three-stage reactively-matched amplifier. A photograph of a fabricated high-end Ku-band GaN HPA is shown as an

Description of immature stages of Scymnus (Neopullus) sinuanodulus Yu and Yao (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with notes on life history

Treesearch

Wenhua Lu; Phetsamon Souphanya; Michael E. Montgomery

2002-01-01

We describe for the first time immature stages of the Scymnus subgenus Neopullus; namely the egg, larval (4 instars), and pupal stages of Scymnus (Neopullus) sinuanodulus Yu and Yao (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which is indigenous to China. This lady beetle was imported to...

Atomistic Simulations of Complex DNA DSBs and the Interactions with Ku70/80 Heterodimer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hu, Shaowen; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2011-01-01

Compared to DNA with simple DSBs, the complex lesions can enhance the hydrogen bonds opening rate at the DNA terminus, and increase the mobility of the whole duplex. Binding of Ku drastically reduces the structural disruption and flexibility caused by the complex lesions. In all complex DSBs systems, the binding of DSB terminus with Ku70 is softened while the binding of the middle duplex with Ku80 is tightened. Binding of Ku promotes the rigidity of DNA duplexes, due to the clamp structure of the inner surface of the rings of Ku70/80.

On the Jupiter's ephemeris in the Ch'i-Yao Jang-Tsai-Chüch.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Weixing; Jiang, Xiaoyuan

Jupiter's ephemeris preserved in the Ch'i-Yao Jang-Tsai-Chüch is interpreted. Then the time and position coordinates of Jupiter's first stationary point, second stationary point, first visibility in the east and last visibility in the west, which recorded in the ephemeris are analysed. The accuracy of the ephemeris is also discussed. Finally, it is identified that the ephemeris has been used as an astrological handbook by Japanese astrologers in 973 - 1132.

Shuttle orbiter KU-band radar/communications system design evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

An expanded introduction is presented which addresses the in-depth nature of the tasks and indicates continuity of the reported effort and results with previous work and related contracts, and the two major modes of operation which exist in the Ku-band system, namely, the radar mode and the communication mode, are described. The Ku-band radar system is designed to search for a target in a designated or undesignated mode, then track the detected target, which might be cooperative (active) or passive, providing accurate, estimates of the target range, range rate, angle and angle rate to enable the orbiter to rendezvous with this target. The radar mode is described along with a summary of its predicted performance. The principal sub-unit that implements the radar function is the electronics assembly 2(EA-2). The relationship of EA-2 to the remainder of the Ku-band system is shown. A block diagram of EA-2 is presented including the main command and status signals between EA-2 and the other Ku-band units.

The Gam protein of bacteriophage Mu is an orthologue of eukaryotic Ku

PubMed Central

di Fagagna, Fabrizio d'Adda; Weller, Geoffrey R.; Doherty, Aidan J.; Jackson, Stephen P.

2003-01-01

Mu bacteriophage inserts its DNA into the genome of host bacteria and is used as a model for DNA transposition events in other systems. The eukaryotic Ku protein has key roles in DNA repair and in certain transposition events. Here we show that the Gam protein of phage Mu is conserved in bacteria, has sequence homology with both subunits of Ku, and has the potential to adopt a similar architecture to the core DNA-binding region of Ku. Through biochemical studies, we demonstrate that Gam and the related protein of Haemophilus influenzae display DNA binding characteristics remarkably similar to those of human Ku. In addition, we show that Gam can interfere with Ty1 retrotransposition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These data reveal structural and functional parallels between bacteriophage Gam and eukaryotic Ku and suggest that their functions have been evolutionarily conserved. PMID:12524520

Interactions of Ku70/80 with Double-Strand DNA: Energetic, Dynamics, and Functional Implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hu, Shaowen; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2010-01-01

Space radiation is a proficient inducer of DNA damage leading to mutation, aberrant cell signaling, and cancer formation. Ku is among the first responding proteins in nucleus to recognize and bind the DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) whenever they are introduced. Once loaded Ku works as a scaffold to recruit other repair factors of non-homologous end joining and facilitates the following repair processes. The crystallographic study of the Ku70/80 heterodimer indicate the core structure of this protein shows virtually no conformational change after binding with DNA. To investigate the dynamical features as well as the energetic characteristics of Ku-DNA binding, we conduct multi-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations of a modeled Ku70/80 structure and several complexes with two 24-bp DNA duplexes. Free energy calculations show significant energy differences between the complexes with Ku bound at DSBs and those with Ku associated at an internal site of a chromosome. The results also reveal detailed interactions between different nucleotides and the amino acids along the DNA-binding cradle of Ku, indicating subtle binding preference of Ku at specific DNA sequences. The covariance matrix analyses along the trajectories demonstrate the protein is stimulated to undergo correlated motions of different domains once bound to DNA ends. Additionally, principle component analyses identify these low frequency collective motions suitable for binding with and translocation along duplex DNA. It is proposed that the modification of dynamical properties of Ku upon binding with DSBs may provide a signal for the further recruitment of other repair factors such as DNA-PKcs, XLF, and XRCC4.

Long-Term Monitoring of Dzanga Bai Forest Elephants: Forest Clearing Use Patterns

PubMed Central

Turkalo, Andrea K.; Wrege, Peter H.; Wittemyer, George

2013-01-01

Individual identification of the relatively cryptic forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) at forest clearings currently provides the highest quality monitoring data on this ecologically important but increasingly threatened species. Here we present baseline data from the first 20 years of an individually based study of this species, conducted at the Dzanga Clearing, Central African Republic. A total of 3,128 elephants were identified over the 20-year study (1,244 adults; 675 females, 569 males). It took approximately four years for the majority of elephants visiting the clearing to be identified, but new elephants entered the clearing every year of the study. The study population was relatively stable, varying from 1,668 to 1,864 individuals (including juveniles and infants), with increasingly fewer males than females over time. The age-class distribution for females remained qualitatively unchanged between 1995 and 2010, while the proportion of adult males decreased from 20% to 10%, likely reflecting increased mortality. Visitation patterns by individuals were highly variable, with some elephants visiting monthly while others were ephemeral users with visits separated by multiple years. The number of individuals in the clearing at any time varied between 40 and 100 individuals, and there was little evidence of a seasonal pattern in this variation. The number of elephants entering the clearing together (defined here as a social group) averaged 1.49 (range 1–12) for males and 2.67 (range 1–14) for females. This collation of 20 years of intensive forest elephant monitoring provides the first detailed, long term look at the ecology of bai visitation for this species, offering insight to the ecological significance and motivation for bai use, social behavior, and threats to forest elephants. We discuss likely drivers (rainfall, compression, illegal killing, etc.) influencing bai visitation rates. This study provides the baseline for future demographic and behavioral

Long-term monitoring of Dzanga Bai forest elephants: forest clearing use patterns.

PubMed

Turkalo, Andrea K; Wrege, Peter H; Wittemyer, George

2013-01-01

Individual identification of the relatively cryptic forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) at forest clearings currently provides the highest quality monitoring data on this ecologically important but increasingly threatened species. Here we present baseline data from the first 20 years of an individually based study of this species, conducted at the Dzanga Clearing, Central African Republic. A total of 3,128 elephants were identified over the 20-year study (1,244 adults; 675 females, 569 males). It took approximately four years for the majority of elephants visiting the clearing to be identified, but new elephants entered the clearing every year of the study. The study population was relatively stable, varying from 1,668 to 1,864 individuals (including juveniles and infants), with increasingly fewer males than females over time. The age-class distribution for females remained qualitatively unchanged between 1995 and 2010, while the proportion of adult males decreased from 20% to 10%, likely reflecting increased mortality. Visitation patterns by individuals were highly variable, with some elephants visiting monthly while others were ephemeral users with visits separated by multiple years. The number of individuals in the clearing at any time varied between 40 and 100 individuals, and there was little evidence of a seasonal pattern in this variation. The number of elephants entering the clearing together (defined here as a social group) averaged 1.49 (range 1-12) for males and 2.67 (range 1-14) for females. This collation of 20 years of intensive forest elephant monitoring provides the first detailed, long term look at the ecology of bai visitation for this species, offering insight to the ecological significance and motivation for bai use, social behavior, and threats to forest elephants. We discuss likely drivers (rainfall, compression, illegal killing, etc.) influencing bai visitation rates. This study provides the baseline for future demographic and behavioral

Molecular characterization of DNA repair protein Ku70 from Vitis vinifera and its purification from transgenic tobacco.

PubMed

Tak, Himanshu; Mhatre, Minal

2013-08-01

The DNA double strand break repair in plants is preferentially by non homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. A key protein of NHEJ pathway is Ku70. We have identified Ku70 homolog (VvKu70) from grapevine genome database. In this report we characterize a Ku70 homologue from Vitis vinifera cv. Mango. The VvKu70 expression was found to increase strongly in response to gamma radiation. The transcript level of VvKu70 was found to increase up to 36 h in gamma irradiated shoots of grapevine. The expression of VvKu70 was found in many organs like stem, leaves and roots. A GFP fused VvKu70 protein was found to be nuclear localized which indicates that the VvKu70 is a nuclear localized protein. The VvKu70 identified by in silico approaches is present as a single copy number in V. vinifera cv. Mango genome. The VvKu70-GFP fused protein possesses ATPase activity and fails to bind dsDNA but binds ssDNA.

Lethality in PARP-1/Ku80 double mutant mice reveals physiologicalsynergy during early embryogenesis

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

Henrie, Melinda S.; Kurimasa, Akihiro; Burma, Sandeep

2002-09-24

Ku is an abundant heterodimeric nuclear protein, consisting of 70-kDa and 86-kDa tightly associated subunits that comprise the DNA binding component of DNA-dependent protein kinase. Poly(ADP)ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a 113-kDa protein that catalyzes the synthesis of poly(ADP-ribose) on target proteins. Both Ku and PARP-1 recognize and bind to DNA ends. Ku functions in the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair pathway whereas PARP-1 functions in the single strand break repair and base excision repair (BER) pathways. Recent studies have revealed that PARP-1 and Ku80 interact in vitro. To determine whether the association of PARP-1 and Ku80 has any physiological significancemore » or synergistic function in vivo, mice lacking both PARP-1 and Ku80 were generated. The resulting offspring died during embryonic development displaying abnormalities around the gastrulation stage. In addition, PARP-1-/-Ku80-/- cultured blastocysts had an increased level of apoptosis. These data suggest that the functions of both Ku80 and PARP-1 are essential for normal embryogenesis and that a loss of genomic integrity leading to cell death through apoptosis is likely the cause of the embryonic lethality observed in these mice.« less

DNA ends alter the molecular composition and localization of Ku multicomponent complexes.

PubMed

Adelmant, Guillaume; Calkins, Anne S; Garg, Brijesh K; Card, Joseph D; Askenazi, Manor; Miron, Alex; Sobhian, Bijan; Zhang, Yi; Nakatani, Yoshihiro; Silver, Pamela A; Iglehart, J Dirk; Marto, Jarrod A; Lazaro, Jean-Bernard

2012-08-01

The Ku heterodimer plays an essential role in non-homologous end-joining and other cellular processes including transcription, telomere maintenance and apoptosis. While the function of Ku is regulated through its association with other proteins and nucleic acids, the specific composition of these macromolecular complexes and their dynamic response to endogenous and exogenous cellular stimuli are not well understood. Here we use quantitative proteomics to define the composition of Ku multicomponent complexes and demonstrate that they are dramatically altered in response to UV radiation. Subsequent biochemical assays revealed that the presence of DNA ends leads to the substitution of RNA-binding proteins with DNA and chromatin associated factors to create a macromolecular complex poised for DNA repair. We observed that dynamic remodeling of the Ku complex coincided with exit of Ku and other DNA repair proteins from the nucleolus. Microinjection of sheared DNA into live cells as a mimetic for double strand breaks confirmed these findings in vivo.

75 FR 28095 - Culturally Significant Object Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “E Ku Ana Ka Paia...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-19

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 7017] Culturally Significant Object Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ``E Ku Ana Ka Paia: Unification, Responsibility and the Ku Images'' SUMMARY: Notice is hereby... object to be included in the exhibition ``E Ku Ana Ka Paia: Unification, Responsibility and the Ku Images...

Shuttle Ku-band and S-band communications implementations study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huth, G. K.; Nessibou, T.; Nilsen, P. W.; Simon, M. K.; Weber, C. L.

1979-01-01

The interfaces between the Ku-band system and the TDRSS, between the S-band system and the TDRSS, GSTDN and SGLS networks, and between the S-band payload communication equipment and the other Orbiter avionic equipment were investigated. The principal activities reported are: (1) performance analysis of the payload narrowband bent-pipe through the Ku-band communication system; (2) performance evaluation of the TDRSS user constraints placed on the S-band and Ku-band communication systems; (3) assessment of the shuttle-unique S-band TDRSS ground station false lock susceptibility; (4) development of procedure to make S-band antenna measurements during orbital flight; (5) development of procedure to make RFI measurements during orbital flight to assess the performance degradation to the TDRSS S-band communication link; and (6) analysis of the payload interface integration problem areas.

Ku80 Counters Oxidative Stress-Induced DNA Damage and Cataract Formation in the Human Lens.

PubMed

Smith, Andrew John Oliver; Ball, Simon Sidney Robert; Manzar, Kamal; Bowater, Richard Peter; Wormstone, Ian Michael

2015-12-01

Oxidative stress in the human lens leads to a wide range of damage including DNA strand breaks, which are likely to contribute to cataract formation. The protein Ku80 is a fundamental component of the nonhomologous end-joining pathway that repairs DNA double strand breaks. This study investigates the putative impact of Ku80 in cataract prevention in the human lens. The present study used the human lens epithelial cell line FHL124 and whole human lens organ culture. Targeted siRNA was used to deplete Ku80, with Western blot and immunocytochemistry employed to assess Ku80 expression levels. Oxidative stress was induced with hydrogen peroxide and DNA strand breaks measured by alkaline comet assay and γH2AX foci counts. Visual quality of whole human lenses was measured with image analysis software. Expression of Ku80 was predominately found in the cell nucleus of both FHL124 cells and native human lens epithelium. Treatment of FHL124 cells and whole lens cultures with siRNA targeted against Ku80 resulted in a significant knockdown at the protein level. Application of oxidative stress (30 μM H2O2) created more DNA strand breaks when added to Ku80 knockdown cells than in scrambled siRNA control cells as determined by the alkaline comet assay and the number of γH2AX foci. In whole lens cultures, exposure to 1 mM H2O2 resulted in more lens opacity in Ku80 knockdown lenses than match-paired controls. Depletion of Ku80 in the lens through acute change or a consequence of aging is likely to increase levels of DNA strand breaks, which could negatively influence physiological function and promote lens opacity. It is therefore feasible that Ku80 plays a role in retarding cataract formation.

Ku proteins function as corepressors to regulate farnesoid X receptor-mediated gene expression

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

Ohno, Masae; Kunimoto, Masaaki; Nishizuka, Makoto

2009-12-18

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR; NR1H4) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and regulates the expression of genes involved in enterohepatic circulation and the metabolism of bile acids. Based on functional analyses, nuclear receptors are divided into regions A-F. To explore the cofactors interacting with FXR, we performed a pull-down assay using GST-fused to the N-terminal A/B region and the C region, which are required for the ligand-independent transactivation and DNA-binding, respectively, of FXR, and nuclear extracts from HeLa cells. We identified DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), Ku80, and Ku70 as FXR associated factors. These proteins aremore » known to have an important role in DNA repair, recombination, and transcription. DNA-PKcs mainly interacted with the A/B region of FXR, whereas the Ku proteins interacted with the C region and with the D region (hinge region). Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that the Ku proteins associated with FXR on the bile salt export pump (BSEP) promoter. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ectopic expression of the Ku proteins decreased the promoter activity and expression of BSEP gene mediated by FXR. These results suggest that the Ku proteins function as corepressors for FXR.« less

One ring to bring them all--the role of Ku in mammalian non-homologous end joining.

PubMed

Grundy, Gabrielle J; Moulding, Hayley A; Caldecott, Keith W; Rulten, Stuart L

2014-05-01

The repair of DNA double strand breaks is essential for cell survival and several conserved pathways have evolved to ensure their rapid and efficient repair. The non-homologous end joining pathway is initiated when Ku binds to the DNA break site. Ku is an abundant nuclear heterodimer of Ku70 and Ku80 with a toroidal structure that allows the protein to slide over the broken DNA end and bind with high affinity. Once locked into placed, Ku acts as a tool-belt to recruit multiple interacting proteins, forming one or more non-homologous end joining complexes that act in a regulated manner to ensure efficient repair of DNA ends. Here we review the structure and functions of Ku and the proteins with which it interacts during non-homologous end joining. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DNA-PK/Ku complex binds to latency-associated nuclear antigen and negatively regulates Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus latent replication

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

Cha, Seho; Lim, Chunghun; Lee, Jae Young

2010-04-16

During latent infection, latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) plays important roles in episomal persistence and replication. Several host factors are associated with KSHV latent replication. Here, we show that the catalytic subunit of DNA protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), Ku70, and Ku86 bind the N-terminal region of LANA. LANA was phosphorylated by DNA-PK and overexpression of Ku70, but not Ku86, impaired transient replication. The efficiency of transient replication was significantly increased in the HCT116 (Ku86 +/-) cell line, compared to the HCT116 (Ku86 +/+) cell line, suggesting that the DNA-PK/Ku complex negatively regulates KSHV latent replication.

Airborn Ku-band polarimetric radar remote sensing of terrestrial snow cover

Treesearch

Simon H. Yueh; Steve J. Dinardo; Ahmed Akgiray; Richard West; Donald W. Cline; Kelly Elder

2009-01-01

Characteristics of the Ku-band polarimetric scatterometer (POLSCAT) data acquired from five sets of aircraft flights in the winter months of 2006-2008 for the second Cold Land Processes Experiment (CLPX-II) in Colorado are described in this paper. The data showed the response of the Ku-band radar echoes to snowpack changes for various types of background vegetation in...

Shuttle orbiter Ku-band radar/communications system design evaluation. Deliverable test equipment evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maronde, R. G.

1980-01-01

The Ku-band test equipment, known as the Deliverable System Test equipment (DSTE), is reviewed and evaluated. The DSTE is semiautomated and computer programs were generated for 14 communication mode tests and 17 radar mode tests. The 31 test modules provide a good cross section of tests with which to exercise the Ku-band system; however, it is very limited when being used to verify Ku-band system performance. More detailed test descriptions are needed, and a major area of concern is the DSTE sell-off procedure which is inadequate.

Improving DNA double-strand repair inhibitor KU55933 therapeutic index in cancer radiotherapy using nanoparticle drug delivery.

PubMed

Tian, Xi; Lara, Haydee; Wagner, Kyle T; Saripalli, Srinivas; Hyder, Syed Nabeel; Foote, Michael; Sethi, Manish; Wang, Edina; Caster, Joseph M; Zhang, Longzhen; Wang, Andrew Z

2015-12-21

Radiotherapy is a key component of cancer treatment. Because of its importance, there has been high interest in developing agents and strategies to further improve the therapeutic index of radiotherapy. DNA double-strand repair inhibitors (DSBRIs) are among the most promising agents to improve radiotherapy. However, their clinical translation has been limited by their potential toxicity to normal tissue. Recent advances in nanomedicine offer an opportunity to overcome this limitation. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the proof of principle by developing and evaluating nanoparticle (NP) formulations of KU55933, a DSBRI. We engineered a NP formulation of KU55933 using nanoprecipitation method with different lipid polymer nanoparticle formulation. NP KU55933 using PLGA formulation has the best loading efficacy as well as prolonged drug release profile. We demonstrated that NP KU55933 is a potent radiosensitizer in vitro using clonogenic assay and is more effective as a radiosensitizer than free KU55933 in vivo using mouse xenograft models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Western blots and immunofluorescence showed NP KU55933 exhibited more prolonged inhibition of DNA repair pathway. In addition, NP KU55933 leads to lower skin toxicity than KU55933. Our study supports further investigations using NP to deliver DSBRIs to improve cancer radiotherapy treatment.

Super-resolution imaging identifies PARP1 and the Ku complex acting as DNA double-strand break sensors

PubMed Central

Yang, Guang; Liu, Chao; Chen, Shih-Hsun; Kassab, Muzaffer A; Hoff, J Damon; Yu, Xiaochun

2018-01-01

Abstract DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are fatal DNA lesions and activate a rapid DNA damage response. However, the earliest stage of DSB sensing remains elusive. Here, we report that PARP1 and the Ku70/80 complex localize to DNA lesions considerably earlier than other DSB sensors. Using super-resolved fluorescent particle tracking, we further examine the relocation kinetics of PARP1 and the Ku70/80 complex to a single DSB, and find that PARP1 and the Ku70/80 complex are recruited to the DSB almost at the same time. Notably, only the Ku70/80 complex occupies the DSB exclusively in the G1 phase; whereas PARP1 competes with the Ku70/80 complex at the DSB in the S/G2 phase. Moreover, in the S/G2 phase, PARP1 removes the Ku70/80 complex through its enzymatic activity, which is further confirmed by in vitro DSB-binding assays. Taken together, our results reveal PARP1 and the Ku70/80 complex as critical DSB sensors, and suggest that PARP1 may function as an important regulator of the Ku70/80 complex at the DSBs in the S/G2 phase. PMID:29447383

Improving DNA double-strand repair inhibitor KU55933 therapeutic index in cancer radiotherapy using nanoparticle drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Xi; Lara, Haydee; Wagner, Kyle T.; Saripalli, Srinivas; Hyder, Syed Nabeel; Foote, Michael; Sethi, Manish; Wang, Edina; Caster, Joseph M.; Zhang, Longzhen; Wang, Andrew Z.

2015-11-01

Radiotherapy is a key component of cancer treatment. Because of its importance, there has been high interest in developing agents and strategies to further improve the therapeutic index of radiotherapy. DNA double-strand repair inhibitors (DSBRIs) are among the most promising agents to improve radiotherapy. However, their clinical translation has been limited by their potential toxicity to normal tissue. Recent advances in nanomedicine offer an opportunity to overcome this limitation. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the proof of principle by developing and evaluating nanoparticle (NP) formulations of KU55933, a DSBRI. We engineered a NP formulation of KU55933 using nanoprecipitation method with different lipid polymer nanoparticle formulation. NP KU55933 using PLGA formulation has the best loading efficacy as well as prolonged drug release profile. We demonstrated that NP KU55933 is a potent radiosensitizer in vitro using clonogenic assay and is more effective as a radiosensitizer than free KU55933 in vivo using mouse xenograft models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Western blots and immunofluorescence showed NP KU55933 exhibited more prolonged inhibition of DNA repair pathway. In addition, NP KU55933 leads to lower skin toxicity than KU55933. Our study supports further investigations using NP to deliver DSBRIs to improve cancer radiotherapy treatment.

Body adiposity index (BAI) correlates with BMI and body fat pre- and post-bariatric surgery but is not an adequate substitute for BMI in severely obese women.

PubMed

Gibson, C D; Atalayer, D; Flancbaum, L; Geliebter, A

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Body Adiposity Index (BAI), a new surrogate measure of body fat (hip circumference/[height 1.5-18]), has been proposed as a more accurate alternative to BMI. We compared BAI with BMI and their correlations with measures of body fat, waist circumference (WC), and indirect indices of fat pre- and post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: Sixteen clinically severe obese (CSO) non-diabetic women (age = 33.9± 7.9 SD; BMI = 46.5±9.5 kg/m(2)) were assessed pre-surgery, and at 2 (n=9) and 5 mo (n=8) post-surgery. Body fat percentage (% fat) was estimated with bioimpedance analysis (BIA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). WC, an indicator of central fat, and both plasma leptin (ng/ml) and insulin (mU/l) concentrations were measured as indirect body fat indices. Pre- and post-surgery values were analyzed with Pearson correlations and linear regressions. RESULTS: BAI and BMI correlated significantly with each other pre-surgery and at each time point post surgery. BAI and BMI also correlated significantly with % fat from BIA and ADP; however, only BMI correlated significantly with % fat from DXA pre- and post-RYGB. BMI was the single best predictor of WC and leptin at 2 and 5 mo post-surgery and had significant longitudinal changes correlating with % fat from BIA and DXA as well as with leptin. DISCUSSION: Both BAI and BMI were good surrogates of % fat as estimated from BIA and ADP, but only BMI was a good surrogate of % fat from DXA in CSO women. Thus, BAI may not be a better alternative to BMI.

Ku/Ka band observations over polar ice sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibaut, Pierre; Lasne, Yannick; Guillot, Amandine; Picot, Nicolas; Rémy, Frédérique

2015-04-01

For the first time, comparisons between Ku and Ka altimeter measurements are possible thanks to the new AltiKa instrument embarked onboard the Saral mission launched on February 25, 2013. This comparison is of particular interest when dealing with ice sheet observations because both frequencies have different penetration characteristics. We propose in this paper to revisit the estimation of the ice sheet topography (and other related parameters) with altimeter systems and to present illustrations of the differences observed in Ku and Ka bands using AltiKa, Envisat/RA-2 but also Cryosat-2 measurements. Working on AltiKa waveforms in the frame of the PEACHI project has allowed us to better understand the impact of the penetration depth on the echo shape, to improve the estimation algorithm and to compare its output with historical results obtained on Envisat and ERS missions. In particular, analyses at cross-overs of the Cryosat-2 and Saral data will be presented. Sentinel-3 mission should be launch during 2015. Operating in Ku band and in delay/doppler mode, it will be crucial to account for penetration effects in order to accurately derive the ice sheet heights and trends. The results of the work presented here, will benefit to the Sentinel-3 mission.

Computational Study on Full-length Human Ku70 with Double Stranded DNA: Dynamics, Interactions and Functional Implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hu, Shaowen; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2009-01-01

The Ku70/80 heterodimer is the first repair protein in the initial binding of double-strand break (DSB) ends following DNA damage, and is a component of nonhomologous end joining repair, the primary pathway for DSB repair in mammalian cells. In this study we constructed a full-length human Ku70 structure based on its crystal structure, and performed 20 ns conventional molecular dynamic (CMD) simulations on this protein and several other complexes with short DNA duplexes of different sequences. The trajectories of these simulations indicated that, without the topological support of Ku80, the residues in the bridge and C-terminal arm of Ku70 are more flexible than other experimentally identified domains. We studied the two missing loops in the crystal structure and predicted that they are also very flexible. Simulations revealed that they make an important contribution to the Ku70 interaction with DNA. Dislocation of the previously studied SAP domain was observed in several systems, implying its role in DNA binding. Targeted molecular dynamic (TMD) simulation was also performed for one system with a far-away 14bp DNA duplex. The TMD trajectory and energetic analysis disclosed detailed interactions of the DNA-binding residues during the DNA dislocation, and revealed a possible conformational transition for a DSB end when encountering Ku70 in solution. Compared to experimentally based analysis, this study identified more detailed interactions between DNA and Ku70. Free energy analysis indicated Ku70 alone is able to bind DNA with relatively high affinity, with consistent contributions from various domains of Ku70 in different systems. The functional implications of these domains in the processes of Ku heterodimerization and DNA damage recognition and repair can be characterized in detail based upon this analysis.

Xrcc1-dependent and Ku-dependent DNA double-strand break repair kinetics in Arabidopsis plants.

PubMed

Charbonnel, Cyril; Gallego, Maria E; White, Charles I

2010-10-01

Double-strand breakage (DSB) of DNA involves loss of information on the two strands of the DNA fibre and thus cannot be repaired by simple copying of the complementary strand which is possible with single-strand DNA damage. Homologous recombination (HR) can precisely repair DSB using another copy of the genome as template and non-homologous recombination (NHR) permits repair of DSB with little or no dependence on DNA sequence homology. In addition to the well-characterised Ku-dependent non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, much recent attention has been focused on Ku-independent NHR. The complex interrelationships and regulation of NHR pathways remain poorly understood, even more so in the case of plants, and we present here an analysis of Ku-dependent and Ku-independent repair of DSB in Arabidopsis thaliana. We have characterised an Arabidopsis xrcc1 mutant and developed quantitative analysis of the kinetics of appearance and loss of γ-H2AX foci as a tool to measure DSB repair in dividing root tip cells of γ-irradiated plants in vivo. This approach has permitted determination of DSB repair kinetics in planta following a short pulse of γ-irradiation, establishing the existence of a Ku-independent, Xrcc1-dependent DSB repair pathway. Furthermore, our data show a role for Ku80 during the first minutes post-irradiation and that Xrcc1 also plays such a role, but only in the absence of Ku. The importance of Xrcc1 is, however, clearly visible at later times in the presence of Ku, showing that alternative end-joining plays an important role in DSB repair even in the presence of active NHEJ. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Suppression of OsKu80 results in defects in developmental growth and increased telomere length in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

PubMed

Byun, Mi Young; Cui, Li Hua; Kim, Woo Taek

2015-12-25

The Ku70-Ku80 heterodimer plays a critical role in the maintenance of genomic stability in humans and yeasts. In this report, we identified and characterized OsKu80 in rice, a model monocot crop. OsKu80 forms a heterodimer with OsKu70 in yeast and plant cells, as demonstrated by yeast two-hybrid, in vivo co-immunoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. RNAi-mediated knock-down T3 transgenic rice plants (Ubi:RNAi-OsKu80) displayed a retarded growth phenotype at the post-germination stage. In addition, the Ubi:RNAi-OsKu80 knock-down progeny exhibited noticeably increased telomere length as compared to wild-type rice. These results are discussed with the idea that OsKu80 plays a role in developmental growth and telomere length regulation in rice plants. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ku counteracts mobilization of PARP1 and MRN in chromatin damaged with DNA double-strand breaks

PubMed Central

Cheng, Qiao; Barboule, Nadia; Frit, Philippe; Gomez, Dennis; Bombarde, Oriane; Couderc, Bettina; Ren, Guo-Sheng; Salles, Bernard; Calsou, Patrick

2011-01-01

In mammalian cells, the main pathway for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair is classical non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ). An alternative or back-up NHEJ (B-NHEJ) pathway has emerged which operates preferentially under C-NHEJ defective conditions. Although B-NHEJ appears particularly relevant to genomic instability associated with cancer, its components and regulation are still largely unknown. To get insights into this pathway, we have knocked-down Ku, the main contributor to C-NHEJ. Thus, models of human cell lines have been engineered in which the expression of Ku70/80 heterodimer can be significantly lowered by the conditional induction of a shRNA against Ku70. On Ku reduction in cells, resulting NHEJ competent protein extracts showed a shift from C- to B-NHEJ that could be reversed by addition of purified Ku protein. Using a cellular fractionation protocol after treatment with a strong DSBs inducer followed by western blotting or immunostaining, we established that, among C-NHEJ factors, Ku is the main counteracting factor against mobilization of PARP1 and the MRN complex to damaged chromatin. In addition, Ku limits PAR synthesis and single-stranded DNA production in response to DSBs. These data support the involvement of PARP1 and the MRN proteins in the B-NHEJ route for the repair of DNA DSBs. PMID:21880593

Satellite communications application to Pacific countries above Ku band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iida, Takashi

1992-01-01

An application of satellite communications above the Ku band to the Pacific region is described, focusing on: (1) Lightsat system and (2) a high capacity satellite system. A small geostationary satellite system using Ku band for the Federated States of Micronesia is shown as an example. A concept of multi-gigabits/second high capacity communications system using two satellites in the Ka band is described. The onboard bit-by-bit processing is very useful in the low link margin environment due to rain attenuation. These topics were obtained by the Asia Pacific Telecommunications Study granted by NASA conducted by the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the rapid analysis of constituents in the traditional Chinese medicine formula Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill.

PubMed

Duan, Shengnan; Qi, Wen; Zhang, Siwen; Huang, Kunkun; Yuan, Dan

2017-10-01

An ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method in both positive and negative ion modes was established in order to comprehensively investigate the major constituents in Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill. Briefly, a Waters ACQUITY UPLC HSS C 18 column was used to separate the aqueous extract of Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill. A total of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous formic acid v/v were used as the mobile phase. All analytes were determined using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization source in positive and negative ion modes. At length, a total of 173 components including flavones and their glycosides, monoterpene glycosides, triterpene saponins, phenethylalchohol glycosides, iridoid glycosides, phthalides, tanshinones, phenolic acids, sesquiterpenoids and cyclopeptides were identified or tentatively characterized in Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill in an analysis of 16.0 min based on the accurate mass and tandem mass spectrometry behaviors. The developed method is rapid and highly sensitive to characterize the chemical constituents of Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill, which could not only be used for chemical standardization and quality control of Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill, but also be helpful for further study in vivo metabolism of Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ku Protein Levels, Localization and Association to Replication Origins in Different Stages of Breast Tumor Progression

PubMed Central

Abdelbaqi, Khalil; Di Paola, Domenic; Rampakakis, Emmanouil; Zannis-Hadjopoulos, Maria

2013-01-01

Human origins of DNA replication are specific sequences within the genome whereby DNA replication is initiated. A select group of proteins, known as the pre-replication (pre-RC) complex, in whose formation the Ku protein (Ku70/Ku86) was shown to play a role, bind to replication origins to initiate DNA replication. In this study, we have examined the involvement of Ku in breast tumorigenesis and tumor progression and found that the Ku protein expression levels in human breast metastatic (MCF10AC1a) cells were higher in the chromatin fraction compared to hyperplastic (MCF10AT) and normal (MCF10A) human breast cells, but remained constant in both the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. In contrast, in human intestinal cells, the Ku expression level was relatively constant for all cell fractions. Nascent DNA abundance and chromatin association of Ku70/86 revealed that the c-myc origin activity in MCF10AC1a is 2.5 to 5-fold higher than in MCF10AT and MCF10A, respectively, and Ku was bound to the c-myc origin more abundantly in MCF10AC1a, by approximately 1.5 to 4.2-fold higher than in MCF10AT and MCF10A, respectively. In contrast, similar nascent DNA abundance and chromatin association was found for all cell lines for the lamin B2 origin, associated with the constitutively active housekeeping lamin B2 gene. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) performed on the nuclear extracts (NEs) of the three cell types revealed the presence of protein-DNA replication complexes on both the c-myc and lamin B2 origins, but an increase in binding activity was observed from normal, to transformed, to cancer cells for the c-myc origin, whereas no such difference was seen for the lamin B2 origin. Overall, the results suggest that increased Ku chromatin association, beyond wild type levels, alters cellular processes, which have been implicated in tumorigenesis. PMID:23781282

Interactions of the C-terminal Domain of Human Ku70 with DNA Substrate: A Molecular Dynamics Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hu, Shaowen; Huff, Janice; Pluth, Janice M.; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2007-01-01

NASA is developing a systems biology approach to improve the assessment of health risks associated with space radiation. The primary toxic and mutagenic lesion following radiation exposure is the DNA double strand break (DSB), thus a model incorporating proteins and pathways important in response and repair of this lesion is critical. One key protein heterodimer for systems models of radiation effects is the Ku(sub 70/80) complex. The Ku70/80 complex is important in the initial binding of DSB ends following DNA damage, and is a component of nonhomologous end joining repair, the primary pathway for DSB repair in mammalian cells. The C-terminal domain of Ku70 (Ku70c, residues 559-609), contains an helix-extended strand-helix motif and similar motifs have been found in other nucleic acid-binding proteins critical for DNA repair. However, the exact mechanism of damage recognition and substrate specificity for the Ku heterodimer remains unclear in part due to the absence of a high-resolution structure of the Ku70c/DNA complex. We performed a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a system with the subunit Ku70c and a 14 base pairs DNA duplex, whose starting structures are designed to be variable so as to mimic their different binding modes. By analyzing conformational changes and energetic properties of the complex during MD simulations, we found that interactions are preferred at DNA ends, and within the major groove, which is consistent with previous experimental investigations. In addition, the results indicate that cooperation of Ku70c with other subunits of Ku(sub 70/80) is necessary to explain the high affinity of binding as observed in experiments.

Psychodynamics of the Ku Klux Klan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salmony, Steven E.; Smoke, Richard

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK), characterized by disguises, secrecy, bigotry, and terror, came into power in the South after the Civil War. In some parts of the country the KKK, an extreme example of pathological group process, appears as strong and violent today as ever. Fromm (1941) noted that the basis of group psychology is the individual personality…

Interplay between Ku and Replication Protein A in the Restriction of Exo1-mediated DNA Break End Resection*

PubMed Central

Krasner, Danielle S.; Daley, James M.; Sung, Patrick; Niu, Hengyao

2015-01-01

DNA double-strand breaks can be eliminated via non-homologous end joining or homologous recombination. Non-homologous end joining is initiated by the association of Ku with DNA ends. In contrast, homologous recombination entails nucleolytic resection of the 5′-strands, forming 3′-ssDNA tails that become coated with replication protein A (RPA). Ku restricts end access by the resection nuclease Exo1. It is unclear how partial resection might affect Ku engagement and Exo1 restriction. Here, we addressed these questions in a reconstituted system with yeast proteins. With blunt-ended DNA, Ku protected against Exo1 in a manner that required its DNA end-binding activity. Despite binding poorly to ssDNA, Ku could nonetheless engage a 5′-recessed DNA end with a 40-nucleotide (nt) ssDNA overhang, where it localized to the ssDNA-dsDNA junction and efficiently blocked resection by Exo1. Interestingly, RPA could exclude Ku from a partially resected structure with a 22-nt ssDNA tail and thus restored processing by Exo1. However, at a 40-nt tail, Ku remained stably associated at the ssDNA-dsDNA junction, and RPA simultaneously engaged the ssDNA region. We discuss a model in which the dynamic equilibrium between Ku and RPA binding to a partially resected DNA end influences the timing and efficiency of the resection process. PMID:26067273

Development of intense terahertz coherent synchrotron radiation at KU-FEL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sei, Norihiro; Zen, Heishun; Ohgaki, Hideaki

2016-10-01

We produced intense coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) in the terahertz (THz) region using an S-band linac at the Kyoto University Free Electron Laser (KU-FEL), which is a mid-infrared free-electron laser facility. The CSR beam was emitted from short-pulse electron bunches compressed by a 180° arc, and was transferred to air at a large solid angle of 0.10 rad. The measured CSR energy was 55 μJ per 7 μs macropulse, and KU-FEL was one of the most powerful CSR sources in normal conducting linear accelerator facilities. The CSR spectra were measured using an uncooled pyroelectric detector and a Michelson-type interferometer designed specifically for the KU-FEL electron beam, and had a maximum at a frequency of 0.11 THz. We found that adjusting the energy slit enhanced the CSR energy and shortened the electron beam bunch length in the CSR spectra measurements. Our results demonstrated that the efficient use of the energy slit can help improve the characteristics of CSR.

Serum anti-Ku86 is a potential biomarker for early detection of hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

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

Nomura, Fumio, E-mail: fnomura@faculty.chiba-u.jp; Sogawa, Kazuyuki; Noda, Kenta

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Overexpression of Ku86 in human liver cancer was shown by immunohistochemistry. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Serum anti-Ku86 was significantly elevated in early hepatocellular carcinoma. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Anti-Ku86 may be more sensitive than the conventional markers for early detection. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Serum anti-Ku86 significantly decreased after surgical resection of liver tumors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Elevation of serum anti-Ku86 in other non-liver solid tumors was minimal. -- Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer, is one of the most common cancers worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Imaging studies including ultrasound and computed tomography are recommended for early detectionmore » of HCC, but they are operator dependent, costly and involve radiation. Therefore, there is a need for simple and sensitive serum markers for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our recent proteomic studies, a number of proteins overexpressed in HCC tissues were identified. We thought if the serum autoantibodies to these overexpressed proteins were detectable in HCC patients. Of these proteins, we focused on Ku86, a nuclear protein involved in multiple biological processes and aimed to assess the diagnostic value of serum anti-Ku86 in the early detection of HCC. Serum samples were obtained prior to treatment from 58 consecutive patients with early or relatively early hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC and 137 patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis without evidence of HCC. Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure serum levels of autoantibodies. Serum levels of anti-Ku86 antibodies were significantly elevated in HCC patients compared to those in liver cirrhosis patients (0.41 {+-} 0.28 vs. 0.18 {+-} 0.08 Abs at 450 nm, P < 0001). Setting the cut-off level to give 90% specificity, anti-Ku86 was positive in 60

Deletion of Ku80 causes early aging independent of chronic inflammation and Rag-1-induced DSBs.

PubMed

Holcomb, Valerie B; Vogel, Hannes; Hasty, Paul

2007-01-01

Animal models of premature aging are often defective for DNA repair. Ku80-mutant mice are disabled for nonhomologous end joining; a pathway that repairs both spontaneous DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and induced DNA DSBs generated by the action of a complex composed of Rag-1 and Rag-2 (Rag). Rag is essential for inducing DSBs important for assembling V(D)J segments of antigen receptor genes that are required for lymphocyte development. Thus, deletion of either Rag-1 or Ku80 causes severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) leading to chronic inflammation. In addition, Rag-1 induces breaks at non-B DNA structures. Previously we reported Ku80-mutant mice undergo premature aging, yet we do not know the root cause of this phenotype. Early aging may be caused by either defective repair of spontaneous DNA damage, defective repair of Rag-1-induced breaks or chronic inflammation caused by scid. To address this issue, we analyzed aging in control and Ku80-mutant mice deleted for Rag-1 such that both cohorts are scid and suffer from chronic inflammation. We make two observations: (1) chronic inflammation does not cause premature aging in these mice and (2) Ku80-mutant mice exhibit early aging independent of Rag-1. Therefore, this study supports defective repair of spontaneous DNA damage as the root cause of early aging in Ku80-mutant mice.

Effect of Eu-doping on optical, structural and morphological properties of BaI2·nH2O powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salamakha, T.; Buryi, M.; Tratsiak, Y.

2018-04-01

The two-step approach to the Eu2+ doped BaI2·nH2O powders synthesis in Ar atmosphere from precursors containing different concentration of Eu3+ ions is reported. According to X-ray diffraction analysis the powders mainly consist of BaI2·2H2O phase. Their morphological, structural and luminescent properties depend on the Eu-ions concentration. The luminescence spectra are composed of broad and strong emission band peaking at 420 nm, which was related to the Eu2+ 5d-4f transition. Its intensity reaches maximum in the 2 at. % Eu2+ doped sample. Detailed analysis of the measured electron paramagnetic resonance spectra in the samples with different doping level confirms them belong to the Eu2+ ions substituting for the regular Ba2+ site in the BaI2 lattice. A sample exposed to the 330 nm UV irradiation exhibited an increase of the Eu2+ spectral intensity occurred exclusively due to the Eu3+ to Eu2+ transformation. No other signals either prior to or after the irradiation which might be attributed to the ions resided in e.g., interstitial positions or in any secondary phases were observed. Possible mechanisms of the Eu3+ stabilization in the host lattice with only divalent cation sites during the synthesis without additional treatment in reducing atmosphere are discussed as well.

Crystal structure, stability, and optoelectronic properties of the organic-inorganic wide-band-gap perovskite CH3NH3BaI3 : Candidate for transparent conductor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Akash; Balasubramaniam, K. R.; Kangsabanik, Jiban; Vikram, Alam, Aftab

2016-11-01

Structural stability, electronic structure, and optical properties of CH3NH3BaI3 hybrid perovskite are examined from theory as well as experiment. Solution-processed thin films of CH3NH3BaI3 exhibited a high transparency in the wavelength range of 400-825 nm (1.5-3.1 eV for which the photon current density is highest in the solar spectrum) which essentially justifies a high band gap of 4 eV obtained by theoretical estimation. Also, the x-ray diffraction patterns of the thin films match well with the {00 l } peaks of the simulated pattern obtained from the relaxed unit cell of CH3NH3BaI3 , crystallizing in the I 4 /m c m space group, with lattice parameters, a =9.30 Å, c =13.94 Å. Atom projected density of state and band structure calculations reveal the conduction and valence band edges to be comprised primarily of barium d orbitals and iodine p orbitals, respectively. The larger band gap of CH3NH3BaI3 compared to CH3NH3PbI3 can be attributed to the lower electronegativity coupled with the lack of d orbitals in the valence band of Ba2 +. A more detailed analysis reveals the excellent chemical and mechanical stability of CH3NH3BaI3 against humidity, unlike its lead halide counterpart, which degrades under such conditions. We propose La to be a suitable dopant to make this compound a promising candidate for transparent conductor applications, especially for all perovskite solar cells. This claim is supported by our calculated results on charge concentration, effective mass, and vacancy formation energies.

Bay-annulated indigo (BAI) as an excellent electron accepting building block for high performance organic semiconductors

DOEpatents

Liu, Yi; He, Bo; Pun, Andrew

2015-11-24

A novel electron acceptor based on bay-annulated indigo (BAI) was synthesized and used for the preparation of a series of high performance donor-acceptor small molecules and polymers. The resulting materials possess low-lying LUMO energy level and small HOMO-LUMO gaps, while their films exhibited high crystallinity upon thermal treatment, commensurate with high field effect mobilities and ambipolar transfer characteristics.

Bay-annulated indigo (BAI) as an excellent electron accepting building block for high performance organic semiconductors

DOEpatents

Liu, Yi; He, Bo; Pun, Andrew

2016-04-19

A novel electron acceptor based on bay-annulated indigo (BAI) was synthesized and used for the preparation of a series of high performance donor-acceptor small molecules and polymers. The resulting materials possess low-lying LUMO energy level and small HOMO-LUMO gaps, while their films exhibited high crystallinity upon thermal treatment, commensurate with high field effect mobilities and ambipolar transfer characteristics.

Analysis and results of Ku and XRCC4 expression in hypopharyngeal cancer tissues treated with chemoradiotherapy

PubMed Central

HAYASHI, JYUNICHI; SAKATA, KOH-ICHI; SOMEYA, MASANORI; MATSUMOTO, YOSHIHISA; SATOH, MASAAKI; NAKATA, KENSEI; HORI, MASAKAZU; TAKAGI, MASARU; KONDOH, ATSUSHI; HIMI, TETSUO; HAREYAMA, MASATO

2012-01-01

DNA double-strand break (DSB) is one of the most serious forms of damage induced by ionizing irradiation. Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is a key mechanism of DNA DSB repair. The immunohistochemical analysis of proteins involved in NHEJ may have potential as a predictive assay for tumor radiosensitivity. We examined the correlation between the expression of proteins involved in DNA DSB in biopsy specimens and the results of chemoradiotherapy in hypopharyngeal cancers. Fifty-seven patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx were treated between March 2002 and December 2009. Most patients (75%) had stage III or IV disease. The chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin plus 5FU or S-1. A tumor dose of 50 Gy was usually administered to the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes. Doses of 10–20 Gy were usually added to the primary tumor with reduced fields after 50 Gy. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 100% for patients in stage I, 90% in stage II, 64% in stage III and 50% in stage IV. In stages I-III, patients with a lower expression of Ku70 or XRCC4 tended to have better locoregional control. These results indicated that a lower expression of Ku70 or XRCC4 may be correlated with higher radiosensitivity. Two patients had distant metastasis alone, of which one had 0% expression of Ku70 and the other had 0% expression of Ku86. The absence of Ku70 or Ku86 expression indicates low DNA-PK activity. Low DNA-PK activity due to a low expression of Ku may result in the genetic alteration of cancer cells, leading to a higher tendency of distant metastasis. This finding suggests that proteins involved in NHEJ may have an impact on the treatment results of chemoradiotherapy in hypopharyngeal cancer. PMID:22807979

Interactions of the SAP Domain of Human Ku70 with DNA Substrate: A Molecular Dynamics Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hu, Shaowen; Carra, Claudio; Huff, Janice; Pluth, Janice M.; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2007-01-01

NASA is developing a systems biology approach to improve the assessment of health risks associated with space radiation. The primary toxic and mutagenic lesion following radiation exposure is the DNA double strand break (DSB), thus a model incorporating proteins and pathways important in response and repair of this lesion is critical. One key protein heterodimer for systems models of radiation effects is the Ku70/80 complex. The Ku70/80 complex is important in the initial binding of DSB ends following DNA damage, and is a component of nonhomologous end joining repair, the primary pathway for DSB repair in mammalian cells. The SAP domain of Ku70 (residues 556-609), contains an a helix-extended strand-helix motif and similar motifs have been found in other nucleic acid-binding proteins critical for DNA repair. However, the exact mechanism of damage recognition and substrate specificity for the Ku heterodimer remains unclear in part due to the absence of a high-resolution structure of the SAP/DNA complex. We performed a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a system with the SAP domain of Ku70 and a 10 base pairs DNA duplex. Large-scale conformational changes were observed and some putative binding modes were suggested based on energetic analysis. These modes are consistent with previous experimental investigations. In addition, the results indicate that cooperation of SAP with other domains of Ku70/80 is necessary to explain the high affinity of binding as observed in experiments.

Protection of Arabidopsis Blunt-Ended Telomeres Is Mediated by a Physical Association with the Ku Heterodimer[OPEN

PubMed Central

Valuchova, Sona; Prokop, Zbynek; Hofr, Ctirad

2017-01-01

Telomeres form specialized chromatin that protects natural chromosome termini from being recognized as DNA double-strand breaks. Plants possess unusual blunt-ended telomeres that are unable to form t-loops or complex with single-strand DNA binding proteins, raising the question of the mechanism behind their protection. We have previously suggested that blunt-ended telomeres in Arabidopsis thaliana are protected by Ku, a DNA repair factor with a high affinity for DNA ends. In nonhomologous end joining, Ku loads onto broken DNA via a channel consisting of positively charged amino acids. Here, we demonstrate that while association of Ku with plant telomeres also depends on this channel, Ku’s requirements for DNA binding differ between DNA repair and telomere protection. We show that a Ku complex proficient in DNA loading but impaired in translocation along DNA is able to protect blunt-ended telomeres but is deficient in DNA repair. This suggests that Ku physically sequesters blunt-ended telomeres within its DNA binding channel, shielding them from other DNA repair machineries. PMID:28584163

A Ku-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with overmoded slow-wave-structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Tao; He, Jun-Tao; Zhang, Jian-De; Li, Zhi-Qiang; Ling, Jun-Pu

2016-12-01

In order to enhance the power capacity, an improved Ku-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) with overmoded slow-wave-structure (SWS) is proposed and investigated numerically and experimentally. The analysis of the dispersion relationship and the resonant curve of the cold test indicate that the device can operate at the near π mode of the TM01 mode, which is useful for mode selection and control. In the particle simulation, the improved Ku-band MILO generates a microwave with a power of 1.5 GW and a frequency of 12.3 GHz under an input voltage of 480 kV and input current of 42 kA. Finally, experimental investigation of the improved Ku-band MILO is carried out. A high-power microwave (HPM) with an average power of 800 MW, a frequency of 12.35 GHz, and pulse width of 35 ns is generated under a diode voltage of 500 kV and beam current of 43 kA. The consistency between the experimental and simulated far-field radiation pattern confirms that the operating mode of the improved Ku-band MILO is well controlled in π mode of the TM01 mode. Project supported partly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61171021).

Risetime distortion of Shuttle Ku-band payload 50 MBPS data due to coaxial cable skin effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schadelbauer, S.; Vang, H. A.

1980-01-01

This paper discusses distortion of digital signals generated in the Space Shuttle Ku-band communications systems. Specifically, the degradation considered is due to coaxial cables which interface data and clock from a source located in the payload bay to the KuSPA (Ku-Band Signal Processor Assembly) located in the avionics bay of the Shuttle. Due to the length (nearly 100 feet) and relatively narrow bandwidth of the cable, the clock and data waveforms are significantly affected by this transmission medium. This paper presents a closed form model that closely approximates the distortion of the waveforms measured in laboratory tests.

An overview of the OmniTRACS: The first operational mobile Ku-band satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salmasi, Allen

1988-01-01

The service features of the OmniTRACS system developed by Omninet Communications Services of Los Angeles, California are described. This system is the first operational mobile Ku-band satellite communications system that provides two-way messaging and position determination and reporting services to mobile users on a nationwide basis. The system uses existing Ku-band satellites under a secondary international allocation for mobile satellite services.

Composition of Unrecorded Distilled Alcohol (bai jiu) Produced in Small Rural Factories in Central China.

PubMed

Newman, Ian; Qian, Ling; Tamrakar, Niran; Feng, Yonghua; Xu, Ganrong

2017-01-01

Unrecorded traditional distilled spirits (bai jiu, ) are made and used throughout rural China for everyday use and special occasions. Nearly every town or village has a distiller to supply the demand. In rural China, distilling bai jiu is legal and regulated lightly or not at all. The World Health Organization estimates that as much as 25% of all alcohol consumed in China is unrecorded alcohol, of which an unknown portion is unrecorded bai jiu. Little is known about the composition of unrecorded Chinese spirits from rural parts of the country. This study focused on white spirits because the high ethanol (EtOH) concentration makes them more likely to contribute to health risks compared to other types of lower alcohol by volume (ABV) Chinese unrecorded alcohol. Researchers purchased samples of Chinese white spirits from small-factory distillers in central China. An independent laboratory conducted the analysis. Alcohol strength (ABV) was determined by hydrometer. Gas chromatography was used to determine the concentration of volatile organic compounds: EtOH, methanol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and higher alcohols. Samples were tested for 3 heavy metals-arsenic, cadmium, and lead. We used the guidelines developed by the Alcohol Measures for Public Health Research Alliance (AMPHORA) of the European Commission to assess risk. ABV ranged from 35.7 to 61.4%, and 58 of the 61 samples exceeded 40% ABV. The concentration of methanol, ethyl acetate, lead, arsenic, and cadmium was below AMPHORA guideline. The sum of higher alcohols exceeded the AMPHORA maximum in just 1 sample. Forty of the 61 samples had acetaldehyde levels beyond the AMPHORA guideline. The unrecorded Chinese alcohols we analyzed had a high EtOH concentration-a public health concern that is also presented by recorded alcohols. The high percentage of samples (65.5%) that had elevated acetaldehyde suggests the need to investigate the causes for this result and the need for steps to reduce acetaldehyde levels

An integrated Ka/Ku-band payload for personal, mobile and private business communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayes, Edward J.; Keelty, J. Malcolm

1991-01-01

The Canadian Department of Communications has been studying options for a government-sponsored demonstration payload to be launched before the end of the century. A summary of the proposed system concepts and network architectures for providing an advanced private business network service at Ku-band and personal and mobile communications at Ka-band is presented. The system aspects addressed include coverage patterns, traffic capacity, and grade of service, multiple access options as well as special problems, such as Doppler in mobile applications. Earth terminal types and the advanced payload concept proposed in a feasibility study for the demonstration mission are described. This concept is a combined Ka-band/Ku-band payload which incorporates a number of advanced satellite technologies including a group demodulator to convert single-channel-per-carrier frequency division multiple access uplink signals to a time division multiplex downlink, on-board signal regeneration, and baseband switching to support packet switched data operation. The on-board processing capability of the payload provides a hubless VSAT architecture which permits single-hop full mesh interconnectivity. The Ka-band and Ku-band portions of the payload are fully integrated through an on-board switch, thereby providing the capability for fully integrated services, such as using the Ku-band VSAT terminals as gateway stations for the Ka-band personal and mobile communications services.

The Ku Protein Complex Interacts with YY1, Is Up-Regulated in Human Heart Failure, and Represses α Myosin Heavy-Chain Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Sucharov, Carmen C.; Helmke, Steve M.; Langer, Stephen J.; Perryman, M. Benjamin; Bristow, Michael; Leinwand, Leslie

2004-01-01

Human heart failure is accompanied by repression of genes such as α myosin heavy chain (αMyHC) and SERCA2A and the induction of fetal genes such as βMyHC and atrial natriuretic factor. It seems likely that changes in MyHC isoforms contribute to the poor contractility seen in heart failure, because small changes in isoform composition can have a major effect on the contractility of cardiac myocytes and the heart. Our laboratory has recently shown that YY1 protein levels are increased in human heart failure and that YY1 represses the activity of the human αMyHC promoter. We have now identified a region of the αMyHC promoter that binds a factor whose expression is increased sixfold in failing human hearts. Through peptide mass spectrometry, we identified this binding activity to be a heterodimer of Ku70 and Ku80. Expression of Ku represses the human αMyHC promoter in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Moreover, overexpression of Ku70/80 decreases αMyHC mRNA expression and increases skeletal α-actin. Interestingly, YY1 interacts with Ku70 and Ku80 in HeLa cells. Together, YY1, Ku70, and Ku80 repress the αMyHC promoter to an extent that is greater than that with YY1 or Ku70/80 alone. Our results suggest that Ku is an important factor in the repression of the human αMyHC promoter during heart failure. PMID:15367688

Tracker implementation for the orbiter Ku-band communications antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudnicki, J. F.; Lindsey, J. F.

1976-01-01

Possible implementations and recommendations for the Space Shuttle Ku-Band integrated communications/radar antenna tracking system were evaluated. Communication aspects involving the Tracking Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)/Orbiter Ku-Band link are emphasized. Detailed analysis of antenna sizes, gains and signal-to-noise ratios shows the desirability of using maximum size 36-inch diameter dish and a triple channel monopulse. The use of the original baselined 20 inch dish is found to result in excessive acquisition time since the despread signal would be used in the tracking loop. An evaluation of scan procedures which includes vehicle dynamics, designation error, time for acquisition and probability of acquisition shows that the conical scan is preferred since the time for lock-on for relatively slow look angle rates will be significantly shorter than the raster scan. Significant improvement in spherical coverage may be obtained by reorienting the antenna gimbal to obtain maximum blockage overlap.

Ku-band signal design study. [for space shuttle orbiter communication links

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsey, W. L.; Woo, K. T.

1977-01-01

The acquisition/tracking performance of a practical squaring loop in which the times two multiplier is mechanized as a limiter/multiplier combination is evaluated. This squaring approach serves to produce the absolute value of the arriving signal as opposed to the perfect square law action which is required in order to render acquisition and tracking performance equivalent to that of a Costas loop. The Ku-Band orbiter signal design for the forward link is assessed. Acquisition time results and acquisition and tracking thresholds are summarized. A tradeoff study which pertains to bit synchronization techniques for the high rate Ku-Band channel is included and an optimum selection is made based upon the appropriate design constraints.

Engineering evaluations and studies. Report for Ku-band studies, exhibit A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodds, J. G.; Huth, G. K.; Maronde, R. G.; Roberts, D.

1981-01-01

System performance aspects of the Ku band radar communication hardware and investigations into the Ku band/payload interfaces are discussed. The communications track problem caused by the excessive signal dynamic range at the servo input was investigated. The management/handover logic is discussed and a simplified description of the transmitter enable logic function is presented. Output noise produced by a voltage-controlled oscillator chip used in the SPA return-link channel 3 mid-bit detector is discussed. The deployed assembly (DA) and EA-2 critical design review data are evaluated. Cross coupling effects on antenna servo stability were examined. A series of meetings on the acceptance test specification for the deployed assembly is summarized.

Technical characteristics of the OmniTRACS: The first operation mobile Ku-band satellite communications system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antonio, Franklin P.; Gilhousen, Klein S.; Jacobs, Irwin M.; Weaver, Linday A., Jr.

1988-01-01

The techinical characteristics of the OmniTRACS system are described. The system is the first operational mobile Ku-band satellite communications system and provides two-way message and position determination service to mobile terminals using existing Ku-band satellites. Interference to and from the system is minimized by the use of special spread-spectrum techniques, together with low power and low data rate transmissions.

Atomic Simulation of Complex DNA DSBs and the Interactions with the Ku70/80 Heterodimer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hu, Shaowen; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2011-01-01

DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) induced by ionizing radiation (IR) usually contain modified bases such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) and thymine glycol, apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, 2-deoxyribonolactone, or single-strand breaks (SSBs). The presence of such lesions in close proximity to the DSB terminus makes the DNA nicks more difficult to repair and rejoin than endogenously induced simple DSBs, and as such a major determinant of the biological effects of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation as encountered in space travel. In this study we conducted molecular dynamics simulations on a series of DNA duplexes with various complex lesions of 8-oxoG and AP sites, in an effort to investigate the effects of such lesions to the structural integrity and stability of DNA after insulted by IR. We also simulated the interaction of such complex DSBs with the Ku70/80 heterodimer, the first protein in mammalian cells to embark the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway. The results indicate, compared to DNA with simple DSBs, the complex lesions can enhance the hydrogen bonds opening rate at the DNA terminus, and increase the mobility of the whole duplex, thus they present more deleterious effects to the genome integrity if not captured and repaired promptly in cells. Simulations also demonstrate the binding of Ku drastically reduces structural disruption and flexibility caused by the complex lesions, and the interactions of Ku with complex DSBs have a different potential energy landscape from the bound structure with simple DSB. In all complex DSBs systems, the binding of DSB terminus with Ku70 is softened while the binding of the middle duplex with Ku80 is tightened. This energy shift may help the Ku protein to secure at the DSB terminus for a longer time, so that other end processing factors or repair pathways can proceed at the lesions before NHEJ repair process starts. These atomic simulations may provide valuable new insight into the

Loss of MLH1 sensitizes colon cancer cells to DNA-PKcs inhibitor KU60648.

PubMed

Hinrichsen, Inga; Ackermann, Anne; Düding, Tonja; Graband, Annika; Filmann, Natalie; Plotz, Guido; Zeuzem, Stefan; Brieger, Angela

2017-07-01

Germline mutations of MLH1 are responsible for tumor generation in nearly 50% of patients with Lynch Syndrome, and around 15% of sporadic colorectal cancers show MLH1-deficiency due to promotor hypermethylation. Although these tumors are of lower aggressiveness the benefit for these patients from standard chemotherapy is still under discussion. Recently, it was shown that the sensitivity to the DNA-PKcs inhibitor KU60648 is linked to loss of the MMR protein MSH3. However, loss of MSH3 is rather secondary, as a consequence of MMR-deficiency, and frequently detectable in MLH1-deficient tumors. Therefore, we examined the expression of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and MSH3 in different MMR-deficient and proficient cell lines and determined their sensitivity to KU60648 by analyzing cell viability and survival. MLH1-dependent ability of double strand break (DSB) repair was monitored after irradiation via γH2AX detection. A panel of 12 colon cancer cell lines, two pairs of cells, where MLH1 knock down was compared to controls with the same genetic background, and one MLH1-deficient cell line where MLH1 was overexpressed, were included. In summary, we found that MLH1 and/or MSH3-deficient cells exhibited a significantly higher sensitivity to KU60648 than MMR-proficient cells and that overexpression of MLH1 in MLH1-deficient cells resulted in a decrease of cell sensitivity. KU60648 efficiency seems to be associated with reduced DSB repair capacity. Since the molecular testing of colon tumors for MLH1 expression is a clinical standard we believe that MLH1 is a much better marker and a greater number of patients would benefit from KU60648 treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Operating results of a KU30 diesel cogeneration plant

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

Shioda, Kiyoshi; Kakinuma, Takashi; Nishido, Takashi

1995-11-01

Diesel cogeneration plants provide high generation ratios, the ability to operate on heavy fuel oil, small space requirements, short delivery terms and easy starting and stopping. The Mitsubishi type KU30 diesel engine is well-suited for meeting the demands of these applications. The KU30 engine (bore 300 x stroke 380 mm) covers an output range from 3500 to 5000 kW at 720 or 750 r/min. Performance results show that total power failures have completely disappeared, thanks to improvements in stable power supply and the reliability of the power source. They also show that the rate of private power generation has accountedmore » for more than 90% of total power consumption in the plant, and that the unit cost of electric power could be reduced by three yen (per kilowatt hour) compared with that of purchased power. This paper describes the design and operating results from a typical plant.« less

Fatal hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Ku in a Knull patient.

PubMed

Lin, M; Wang, C L; Chen, F S; Ho, L H

2003-01-01

A fatal transfusion reaction due to anti-Ku in a Knull (Ko) patient is reported. The patient was transfused with 34 units of incompatible RBCs during 44 days of hospitalization. Apart from the first transfusion, all subsequent transfusions failed to raise the patient's Hb. No serum antibody was identified until he was transferred to another hospital for dialysis. A compatibility test demonstrated a weak antibody and autocontrol reacting at room temperature by a manual polybrene method. The antibody was considered to be a "cold agglutinin." A blood sample was sent to a reference laboratory where the patient was found to be Knull and the antibody was identified as anti-Ku.

An Intrinsically Disordered APLF Links Ku, DNA-PKcs, and XRCC4-DNA Ligase IV in an Extended Flexible Non-homologous End Joining Complex

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

Hammel, Michal; Yu, Yaping; Radhakrishnan, Sarvan K.

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) in human cells is initiated by Ku heterodimer binding to a DSB, followed by recruitment of core NHEJ factors including DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), XRCC4-like factor (XLF), and XRCC4 (X4)-DNA ligase IV (L4). Ku also interacts with accessory factors such as aprataxin and polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase-like factor (APLF). But, how these factors interact to tether, process, and ligate DSB ends while allowing regulation and chromatin interactions remains enigmatic. Here, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and mutational analyses show APLF is largely an intrinsically disordered protein that binds Ku, Ku/DNA-PKcsmore » (DNA-PK), and X4L4 within an extended flexible NHEJ core complex. X4L4 assembles with Ku heterodimers linked to DNA-PKcs via flexible Ku80 C-terminal regions (Ku80CTR) in a complex stabilized through APLF interactions with Ku, DNA-PK, and X4L4. Our collective results unveil the solution architecture of the six-protein complex and suggest cooperative assembly of an extended flexible NHEJ core complex that supports APLF accessibility while possibly providing flexible attachment of the core complex to chromatin. The resulting dynamic tethering furthermore, provides geometric access of L4 catalytic domains to the DNA ends during ligation and of DNA-PKcs for targeted phosphorylation of other NHEJ proteins as well as trans-phosphorylation of DNA-PKcs on the opposing DSB without disrupting the core ligation complex. Overall the results shed light on evolutionary conservation of Ku, X4, and L4 activities, while explaining the observation that Ku80CTR and DNA-PKcs only occur in a subset of higher eukaryotes.« less

An Intrinsically Disordered APLF Links Ku, DNA-PKcs, and XRCC4-DNA Ligase IV in an Extended Flexible Non-homologous End Joining Complex

DOE PAGES

Hammel, Michal; Yu, Yaping; Radhakrishnan, Sarvan K.; ...

2016-11-14

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) in human cells is initiated by Ku heterodimer binding to a DSB, followed by recruitment of core NHEJ factors including DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), XRCC4-like factor (XLF), and XRCC4 (X4)-DNA ligase IV (L4). Ku also interacts with accessory factors such as aprataxin and polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase-like factor (APLF). But, how these factors interact to tether, process, and ligate DSB ends while allowing regulation and chromatin interactions remains enigmatic. Here, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and mutational analyses show APLF is largely an intrinsically disordered protein that binds Ku, Ku/DNA-PKcsmore » (DNA-PK), and X4L4 within an extended flexible NHEJ core complex. X4L4 assembles with Ku heterodimers linked to DNA-PKcs via flexible Ku80 C-terminal regions (Ku80CTR) in a complex stabilized through APLF interactions with Ku, DNA-PK, and X4L4. Our collective results unveil the solution architecture of the six-protein complex and suggest cooperative assembly of an extended flexible NHEJ core complex that supports APLF accessibility while possibly providing flexible attachment of the core complex to chromatin. The resulting dynamic tethering furthermore, provides geometric access of L4 catalytic domains to the DNA ends during ligation and of DNA-PKcs for targeted phosphorylation of other NHEJ proteins as well as trans-phosphorylation of DNA-PKcs on the opposing DSB without disrupting the core ligation complex. Overall the results shed light on evolutionary conservation of Ku, X4, and L4 activities, while explaining the observation that Ku80CTR and DNA-PKcs only occur in a subset of higher eukaryotes.« less

Species classification and bioactive ingredients accumulation of BaiJiangCao based on characteristic inorganic elements analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis

PubMed Central

Wen-Lan, Li; Xue, Zhang; Xin-Xin, Yang; Shuai, Wang; Lin, Zhao; Huan-Jun, Zhao; Yong-Rui, Bao; Chen-Feng, Ji; Ning, Chen; Zheng, Xiang

2015-01-01

Background: Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fisch and Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss., two species herbs with the same Chinese name “BaiJiangCao”, are important ancient herbal medicines widely used for more than 2000 years. The clinical application of two species herb is confused due to the difficult identification. Objective: The objective was to authenticate the species of BaiJiangCao and analyze the accumulation of bioactive ingredients based on characteristic inorganic elements analysis. Materials and Methods: Content of 32 inorganic elements in BaiJiangCao from different habitats were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the characteristic inorganic elements were picked to distinguish the species of the herb by principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Contents of two bioactive ingredients, luteoloside, and oleanolic acid, in the samples, were also analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography method. Relationship between accumulation of bioactive ingredients and content of macroelements in BaiJiangCao was established by statistics. Results: A 4 macroelements (Na, Mg, K, Fe) in 32 determined inorganic elements were picked for characteristic inorganic elements. Content of Na, Mg, K and Fe showed positive correlations with that of luteoloside, content of Na, Mg showed positive correlations with that of oleanolic acid, but content of K and Fe showed negative correlations with that of oleanolic acid. Conclusion: It is for the first time to utilize the characteristic inorganic elements as an index to classify the herb species by the method of ICP-MS and multivariate analysis. And it is also the first report to investigate the influence of inorganic elements in herb on the accumulation of bioactive components which could affect the pharmacological efficacy of the herb medicine. And this method could also be utilized in research of corresponding aspects. PMID:26600721

Shuttle Ku-band signal design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsey, W. C.; Braun, W. R.; Mckenzie, T. M.

1978-01-01

Carrier synchronization and data demodulation of Unbalanced Quadriphase Shift Keyed (UQPSK) Shuttle communications' signals by optimum and suboptimum methods are discussed. The problem of analyzing carrier reconstruction techniques for unbalanced QPSK signal formats is addressed. An evaluation of the demodulation approach of the Ku-Band Shuttle return link for UQPSK when the I-Q channel power ratio is large is carried out. The effects that Shuttle rocket motor plumes have on the RF communications are determined also. The effect of data asymmetry on bit error probability is discussed.

Significantly high polarization degree of the very low-albedo asteroid (152679) 1998 KU2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuroda, Daisuke; Ishiguro, Masateru; Watanabe, Makoto; Hasegawa, Sunao; Sekiguchi, Tomohiko; Naito, Hiroyuki; Usui, Fumihiko; Imai, Masataka; Sato, Mitsuteru; Kuramoto, Kiyoshi

2018-03-01

We present a unique and significant polarimetric result regarding the near-Earth asteroid (152679) 1998 KU2, which has a very low geometric albedo. From our observations, we find that the linear polarization degrees of 1998 KU2 are 44.6 ± 0.5% in the RC band and 44.0 ± 0.6% in the V band at a solar phase angle of 81.0°. These values are the highest of any known airless body in the solar system (i.e., high-polarization comets, asteroids, and planetary satellites) at similar phase angles. This polarimetric observation is not only the first for primitive asteroids at large phase angles, but also for low-albedo (<0.1) airless bodies. Based on spectroscopic similarities and polarimetric measurements of materials that have been sorted by size in previous studies, we conjecture that 1998 KU2 has a highly microporous regolith structure comprising nano-sized carbon grains on the surface.

DNA requirements for interaction of the C-terminal region of Ku80 with the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs).

PubMed

Radhakrishnan, Sarvan Kumar; Lees-Miller, Susan P

2017-09-01

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major pathway for the repair of ionizing radiation induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in human cells. Critical to NHEJ is the DNA-dependent interaction of the Ku70/80 heterodimer with the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to form the DNA-PK holoenzyme. However, precisely how Ku recruits DNA-PKcs to DSBs ends to enhance its kinase activity has remained enigmatic, with contradictory findings reported in the literature. Here we address the role of the Ku80 C-terminal region (CTR) in the DNA-dependent interaction of Ku70/80 with DNA-PKcs using purified components and defined DNA structures. Our results show that the Ku80 CTR is required for interaction with DNA-PKcs on short segments of blunt ended 25bp dsDNA or 25bp dsDNA with a 15-base poly dA single stranded (ss) DNA extension, but this requirement is less stringent on longer dsDNA molecules (35bp blunt ended dsDNA) or 25bp duplex DNA with either a 15-base poly dT or poly dC ssDNA extension. Moreover, the DNA-PKcs-Ku complex preferentially forms on 25 bp DNA with a poly-pyrimidine ssDNA extension.Our work clarifies the role of the Ku80 CTR and dsDNA ends on the interaction of DNA-PKcs with Ku and provides key information to guide assembly and biology of NHEJ complexes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ets-1 interacts through a similar binding interface with Ku70 and Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1.

PubMed

Choul-Li, Souhaila; Legrand, Arnaud J; Vicogne, Dorothée; Villeret, Vincent; Aumercier, Marc

2018-06-18

The Ets-1 transcription factor plays an important role in various physiological and pathological processes. These diverse roles of Ets-1 are likely to depend on its interaction proteins. We have previously showed that Ets-1 interacted with DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) complex including its regulatory subunits, Ku70 and Ku86 and with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). In this study, the binding domains for the interaction between Ets-1 and these proteins were reported. We demonstrated that the interaction of Ets-1 with DNA-PK was mediated through the Ku70 subunit and was mapped to the C-terminal region of Ets-1 and the C-terminal part of Ku70 including SAP domain. The interactive domains between Ets-1 and PARP-1 have been mapped to the C-terminal region of Ets-1 and the BRCA1 carboxy-terminal (BRCT) domain of PARP-1. The results presented in this study may advance our understanding of the functional link between Ets-1 and its interaction partners, DNA-PK and PARP-1.

Microstrip patch antenna receiving array operating in the Ku band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walcher, Douglas A.

1996-01-01

Microstrip patch antennas were first investigated from the idea that it would be highly advantageous to fabricate radiating elements (antennas) on the same dielectric substrate as RF circuitry and transmission lines. Other advantages were soon discovered to be its lightweight, low profile, conformability to shaped surfaces, and low manufacturing costs. Unfortunately, these same patches continually exhibit narrow bandwidths, wide beamwidths, and low antenna gain. This thesis will present the design and experimental results of a microstrip patch antenna receiving array operating in the Ku band. An antenna array will be designed in an attempt to improve its performance over a single patch. Most Ku band information signals are either wide band television images or narrow band data and voice channels. An attempt to improve the gain of the array by introducing parasitic patches on top of the array will also be presented in this thesis.

Experimental research on Ku-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator

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

Jiang, Tao; Zhang, Jiande; He, Juntao

2015-10-15

An improved Ku-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator is proposed and investigated experimentally. In the particle-in-cell simulation, the Ku-band MILO generates the microwave with a power of 1.62 GW and a frequency of 13 GHz at the input voltage of 474 kV. The device is fabricated based on the simulation results, and an experiment system is designed. In the preliminary experiments, output microwave with frequency of 13.02 GHz, power of 150 MW, and pulse width of 17 ns is generated, under the diode voltage of 450 kV. Analysis on the experiment results shows that plasma produced due to the large current hitting to the outside of themore » collection tank is the essential cause for the low amplitude of the microwave power and short pulse width.« less

Bandwidth Efficient Modulation and Coding Techniques for NASA's Existing Ku/Ka-Band 225 MHz Wide Service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gioannini, Bryan; Wong, Yen; Wesdock, John

2005-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently established the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) K-band Upgrade Project (TKUP), a project intended to enhance the TDRSS Ku-band and Ka-band Single Access Return 225 MHz (Ku/KaSAR-225) data service by adding the capability to process bandwidth efficient signal design and to replace the White Sand Complex (WSC) KSAR high data rate ground equipment and high rate switches which are nearing obsolescence. As a precursor to this project, a modulation and coding study was performed to identify signal structures which maximized the data rate through the Ku/KaSAR-225 channel, minimized the required customer EIRP and ensured acceptable hardware complexity on the customer platform. This paper presents the results and conclusions of the TKUP modulation and coding study.

Effects of melting layer on Ku-band signal depolarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Thumree; Das, Saurabh; Maitra, Animesh

2014-09-01

Propagation effects on Ku-band over an earth-space path is carried out at Kolkata, India, a tropical location, by receiving a Ku-band signal with horizontal plane polarization transmitted from the geostationary satellite NSS-6 (at 95°E). The amplitude of co-polar attenuation has been monitored along with the measurements of rain rate, rain drop size distribution and height profile of rain rate. The cross-polar enhancement of the signal is also monitored by receiving the same signal in orthogonal direction with another identical receiver. The experimental observations are used to study the effect of melting layer on both co-polar attenuation and cross-polar enhancement for the rain events observed during 2012-2013. Melting layer is indicated by the bright band signature in vertical profile of rain rate. The ground based drop size measurements indicate that the stratiform rain has more number of small drops whereas convective rain composed of large rain drops. The results indicate that the depolarization due to melting layer is more dominant compared to that due to the drop deformation mechanism at low rain rates.

Study on the effect of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San decoction on patients with functional dyspepsia.

PubMed

Qu, Yang; Gan, Hong Quan; Mei, Qi Bing; Liu, Li

2010-02-01

The effect of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) decoction on patients with functional dyspepsia was studied by means of electrogastrography (EGG) and symptoms of dyspepsia were assessed. Twenty patients with functional dyspepsia were selected; before and after internal treatment with JWXYS, the integrated symptoms of the patients were down-regulated from 18.55 +/- 3.24 (before treatment) to 11.65 +/- 2.37 (after treatment) (p < 0.01); electrogastrography showed that all the EGG parameters of the patients were outside the normal range. After treatment with JWXYS, all these indices improved before and after dinner. The results showed that the JWXYS decoction could not only improve the symptoms, but also adjust the abnormal gastric motility and gastric myoelectrical activity of patients with functional dyspepsia. (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Statistical Method for Reducing Sidelobe Clutter for the Ku-Band Precipitation Radar on Board the GPM Core Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kubota, Takuji; Iguchi, Toshio; Kojima, Masahiro; Liao, Liang; Masaki, Takeshi; Hanado, Hiroshi; Meneghini, Robert; Oki, Riko

2016-01-01

A statistical method to reduce the sidelobe clutter of the Ku-band precipitation radar (KuPR) of the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) on board the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory is described and evaluated using DPR observations. The KuPR sidelobe clutter was much more severe than that of the Precipitation Radar on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and it has caused the misidentification of precipitation. The statistical method to reduce sidelobe clutter was constructed by subtracting the estimated sidelobe power, based upon a multiple regression model with explanatory variables of the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) of surface, from the received power of the echo. The saturation of the NRCS at near-nadir angles, resulting from strong surface scattering, was considered in the calculation of the regression coefficients.The method was implemented in the KuPR algorithm and applied to KuPR-observed data. It was found that the received power from sidelobe clutter over the ocean was largely reduced by using the developed method, although some of the received power from the sidelobe clutter still remained. From the statistical results of the evaluations, it was shown that the number of KuPR precipitation events in the clutter region, after the method was applied, was comparable to that in the clutter-free region. This confirms the reasonable performance of the method in removing sidelobe clutter. For further improving the effectiveness of the method, it is necessary to improve the consideration of the NRCS saturation, which will be explored in future work.

Superconducting magnet for a Ku-band maser.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berwin, R.; Wiebe, E.; Dachel, P.

1972-01-01

A superconducting magnet to provide a uniform magnetic field of up to 8000 G in a 1.14-cm gap for the 15.3-GHz (Ku-band) traveling wave maser is described. The magnet operates in a persistent mode in the vacuum environment of a closed-cycle helium refrigerator (4.5 K). The features of a superconducting switch, which has both leads connected to 4.5 K heat stations and thereby does not receive heat generated by the magnet charging leads, are described.

Space shuttle Ku-band integrated rendezvous radar/communications system study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The results are presented of work performed on the Space Shuttle Ku-Band Integrated Rendezvous Radar/Communications System Study. The recommendations and conclusions are included as well as the details explaining the results. The requirements upon which the study was based are presented along with the predicted performance of the recommended system configuration. In addition, shuttle orbiter vehicle constraints (e.g., size, weight, power, stowage space) are discussed. The tradeoffs considered and the operation of the recommended configuration are described for an optimized, integrated Ku-band radar/communications system. Basic system tradeoffs, communication design, radar design, antenna tradeoffs, antenna gimbal and drive design, antenna servo design, and deployed assembly packaging design are discussed. The communications and radar performance analyses necessary to support the system design effort are presented. Detailed derivations of the communications thermal noise error, the radar range, range rate, and angle tracking errors, and the communications transmitter distortion parameter effect on crosstalk between the unbalanced quadriphase signals are included.

Suk-Sam-Bai: the quality of life perceptions among middle-aged women living with a disability in Isaan, Thailand.

PubMed

Rukwong, Pensri; Chirawatkul, Siriporn; Markovic, Milica

2007-12-01

Midlife represents a time of shifting roles and biopsychosociocultural change for women. Physical disabilities compound the effect of such on daily life and quality of life. The objective of this study was to explore how middle-aged women with disabilities in Isaan perceived their current quality of life. A qualitative method was applied. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and observations. Sixteen disabled women were recruited through purposive and theoretical sampling. Qualitative data were analyzed using both thematic and content analysis. Triangulation was used to ensure data rigor. "Suk-Sam-Bai" was a term frequently used by disabled women in this study to define their quality of life. Life experiences, goals, and achievements lead to experiences of gain, maintenance, and loss in three interrelated aspects that include: fluctuations in physical capacity and health, maintaining gender role, and a caring and supportive environment. These three aspects impact on an individual's personal perception of Suk-Sam-Bai. Study findings indicate that gender and culture play significant roles in the lives of disabled women in Isaan culture. Based on study findings, providing gender- cultural sensitive nursing care is essential to delivering comprehensive and effective healthcare to women with disabilities.

DASCH ON KU Cyg: A {approx} 5 YEAR DUST ACCRETION EVENT IN {approx} 1900

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

Tang Sumin; Grindlay, Jonathan; Los, Edward

2011-09-01

KU Cyg is an eclipsing binary consisting of an F-type star accreting through a large accretion disk from a K5III red giant. Here we present the discovery of a 5 year dip around 1900 found from its 100 year DASCH light curve. It showed a {approx}0.5 mag slow fading from 1899 to 1903 and brightened back around 1904 on a relatively shorter timescale. The light curve shape of the 1899-1904 fading-brightening event differs from the dust production and dispersion process observed in R Coronae Borealis stars, which usually has a faster fading and slower recovery, and for KU Cyg ismore » probably related to the accretion disk surrounding the F star. The slow fading in KU Cyg is probably caused by increases in dust extinction in the disk, and the subsequent quick brightening may be due to the evaporation of dust transported inward through the disk. The extinction excess which caused the fading may arise from increased mass transfer rate in the system or from dust clump ejections from the K giant.« less

Retrieval of Snow Properties for Ku- and Ka-band Dual-Frequency Radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liao, Liang; Meneghini, Robert; Tokay, Ali; Bliven, Larry F.

2016-01-01

The focus of this study is on the estimation of snow microphysical properties and the associated bulk parameters such as snow water content and water equivalent snowfall rate for Ku- and Ka-band dual-frequency radar. This is done by exploring a suitable scattering model and the proper particle size distribution (PSD) assumption that accurately represent, in the electromagnetic domain, the micro/macro-physical properties of snow. The scattering databases computed from simulated aggregates for small-to-moderate particle sizes are combined with a simple scattering model for large particle sizes to characterize snow scattering properties over the full range of particle sizes. With use of the single-scattering results, the snow retrieval lookup tables can be formed in a way that directly links the Ku- and Ka-band radar reflectivities to snow water content and equivalent snowfall rate without use of the derived PSD parameters. A sensitivity study of the retrieval results to the PSD and scattering models is performed to better understand the dual-wavelength retrieval uncertainties. To aid in the development of the Ku- and Ka-band dual-wavelength radar technique and to further evaluate its performance, self-consistency tests are conducted using measurements of the snow PSD and fall velocity acquired from the Snow Video Imager Particle Image Probe (SVIPIP) duringthe winter of 2014 at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility site in Wallops Island, Virginia.

Retrieval of Snow Properties for Ku- and Ka-Band Dual-Frequency Radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liao, Liang; Meneghini, Robert; Tokay, Ali; Bliven, Larry F.

2016-01-01

The focus of this study is on the estimation of snow microphysical properties and the associated bulk parameters such as snow water content and water equivalent snowfall rate for Ku- and Ka-band dual-frequency radar. This is done by exploring a suitable scattering model and the proper particle size distribution (PSD) assumption that accurately represent, in the electromagnetic domain, the micro-macrophysical properties of snow. The scattering databases computed from simulated aggregates for small-to-moderate particle sizes are combined with a simple scattering model for large particle sizes to characterize snow-scattering properties over the full range of particle sizes. With use of the single-scattering results, the snow retrieval lookup tables can be formed in a way that directly links the Ku- and Ka-band radar reflectivities to snow water content and equivalent snowfall rate without use of the derived PSD parameters. A sensitivity study of the retrieval results to the PSD and scattering models is performed to better understand the dual-wavelength retrieval uncertainties. To aid in the development of the Ku- and Ka-band dual-wavelength radar technique and to further evaluate its performance, self-consistency tests are conducted using measurements of the snow PSD and fall velocity acquired from the Snow Video Imager Particle Image Probe (SVIPIP) during the winter of 2014 at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility site in Wallops Island, Virginia.

ATM inhibitor KU-55933 increases the TMZ responsiveness of only inherently TMZ sensitive GBM cells.

PubMed

Nadkarni, Aditi; Shrivastav, Meena; Mladek, Ann C; Schwingler, Paul M; Grogan, Patrick T; Chen, Junjie; Sarkaria, Jann N

2012-12-01

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase is critical in sensing and repairing DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) such as those induced by temozolomide (TMZ). ATM deficiency increases TMZ sensitivity, which suggests that ATM inhibitors may be effective TMZ sensitizing agents. In this study, the TMZ sensitizing effects of 2 ATM specific inhibitors were studied in established and xenograft-derived glioblastoma (GBM) lines that are inherently sensitive to TMZ and derivative TMZ-resistant lines. In parental U251 and U87 glioma lines, the addition of KU-55933 to TMZ significantly increased cell killing compared to TMZ alone [U251 survival: 0.004 ± 0.0015 vs. 0.08 ± 0.01 (p < 0.001), respectively, and U87 survival: 0.02 ± 0.005 vs. 0.04 ± 0.002 (p < 0.001), respectively] and also elevated the fraction of cells arrested in G2/M [U251 G2/M fraction: 61.8 ± 1.1 % vs. 35 ± 0.8 % (p < 0.001), respectively, and U87 G2/M fraction 25 ± 0.2 % vs.18.6 ± 0.4 % (p < 0.001), respectively]. In contrast, KU-55933 did not sensitize the resistant lines to TMZ, and neither TMZ alone or combined with KU-55933 induced a G2/M arrest. While KU-55933 did not enhance TMZ induced Chk1/Chk2 activation, it increased TMZ-induced residual γ-H2AX foci in the parental cells but not in the TMZ resistant cells. Similar sensitization was observed with either KU-55933 or CP-466722 combined with TMZ in GBM12 xenograft line but not in GBM12TMZ, which is resistant to TMZ due to MGMT overexpression. These findings are consistent with a model where ATM inhibition suppresses the repair of TMZ-induced DSBs in inherently TMZ-sensitive tumor lines, which suggests an ATM inhibitor potentially could be deployed with an improvement in the therapeutic window when combined with TMZ.

Shuttle Ku-band and S-band communications implementation study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodds, J. G.; Huth, G. K.; Nilsen, P. W.; Polydoros, A.; Simon, M. K.; Weber, C. L.

1980-01-01

Various aspects of the shuttle orbiter S-band network communication system, the S-band payload communication system, and the Ku-band communication system are considered. A method is proposed for obtaining more accurate S-band antenna patterns of the actual shuttle orbiter vehicle during flight because the preliminary antenna patterns using mock-ups are not realistic that they do not include the effects of additional appendages such as wings and tail structures. The Ku-band communication system is discussed especially the TDRS antenna pointing accuracy with respect to the orbiter and the modifications required and resulting performance characteristics of the convolutionally encoded high data rate return link to maintain bit synchronizer lock on the ground. The TDRS user constraints on data bit clock jitter and data asymmetry on unbalanced QPSK with noisy phase references are included. The S-band payload communication system study is outlined including the advantages and experimental results of a peak regulator design built and evaluated by Axiomatrix for the bent-pipe link versus the existing RMS-type regulator. The nominal sweep rate for the deep-space transponder of 250 Hz/s, and effects of phase noise on the performance of a communication system are analyzed.

Hadfield and Marshburn during HRCS Ku Comm Unit 2 Installation

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-02

ISS035-E-013783 (2 April 2013) --- In the U.S. lab Destiny on the International Space Station, Expedition 35 Commander Chris Hadfield (right) and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn remove the Video Baseband Signal Processor (VBSP) in order to replace it with a new Ku communication unit and its associated data and Ethernet cabling.

Hadfield and Marshburn during HRCS Ku Comm Unit 2 Installation

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-02

ISS035-E-013790 (2 April 2013) --- In the U.S. lab Destiny on the International Space Station, Expedition 35 Commander Chris Hadfield (background) and Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn remove the Video Baseband Signal Processor (VBSP) in order to replace it with a new Ku communication unit and its associated data and Ethernet cabling.

Oil Slick Observation at Low Incidence Angles in Ku-Band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panfilova, M. A.; Karaev, V. Y.; Guo, Jie

2018-03-01

On the 20 April 2010 the oil platform Deep Water Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico suffered an explosion during the final phases of drilling an exploratory well. As a result, an oil film covered the sea surface area of several thousand square kilometers. In the present paper the data of the Ku-band Precipitation Radar, which operates at low incidence angles, were used to explore the oil spill event. The two-scale model of the scattering surface was used to describe radar backscatter from the sea surface. The algorithm for retrieval of normalized radar cross section at nadir and the total slope variance of large-scale waves compared to the wavelength of electromagnetic wave (22 mm) was developed for the Precipitation Radar swath. It is shown that measurements at low incidence angles can be used for oil spill detection. This is the first time that the dependence of mean square slope of large-scale waves on wind speed has been obtained for oil slicks from Ku-band data, and compared to mean square slope obtained by Cox and Munk from optical data.

Ku-band radar threshold analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, C. L.; Polydoros, A.

1979-01-01

The statistics of the CFAR threshold for the Ku-band radar was determined. Exact analytical results were developed for both the mean and standard deviations in the designated search mode. The mean value is compared to the results of a previously reported simulation. The analytical results are more optimistic than the simulation results, for which no explanation is offered. The normalized standard deviation is shown to be very sensitive to signal-to-noise ratio and very insensitive to the noise correlation present in the range gates of the designated search mode. The substantial variation in the CFAR threshold is dominant at large values of SNR where the normalized standard deviation is greater than 0.3. Whether or not this significantly affects the resulting probability of detection is a matter which deserves additional attention.

Elucidation of Islamic drugs in Hui Hui Yao Fang: a linguistic and pharmaceutical approach.

PubMed

Kong, Y C; Chen, D S

1996-11-01

Hui Hui Yao Fang, an Islamic formulary, was probably the official formulary of the Mongolian administration during the Yuan dynasty (13th-14th century) in China. In the three chapters of prescriptions that remain extant today, there are 517 Islamic drugs carrying Arabic or Persian names, each with its Chinese transliteration. Chapter 12 deals with the 'wind' diseases, containing 199 Islamic drugs. In this research, 129 items were identified, and each of which was assigned to a definite taxon; these are the most frequently cited drugs in the formulary. Identifications were corroborated by botanical, pharmacological and phonetic considerations. This exercise demonstrates the inherent affinity between Islamic and Chinese medicines. The reciprocal influence between them greatly enriched the content of these two important bodies of drug science, thus, setting a pattern for the synthesis of drug knowledge and the regulation of therapeutic substances. Recognition of different bodies of ethnomedicine is necessary in view of the fact that there is an increasing mobility of people today, who tend to bring with them their drug knowledge.

Enhanced International Space Station Ku-Band Telemetry Service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cecil, Andrew J.; Pitts, R. Lee; Welch, Steven J.; Bryan, Jason D.

2014-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) is in an operational configuration. To fully utilize the ISS and take advantage of the modern protocols and updated Ku-band access, the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) has designed an approach to extend the Kuband forward link access for payload investigators to their on-orbit payloads. This dramatically increases the ground to ISS communications for those users. This access also enables the ISS flight controllers operating in the Payload Operations and Integration Center to have more direct control over the systems they are responsible for managing and operating. To extend the Ku-band forward link to the payload user community the development of a new command server is necessary. The HOSC subsystems were updated to process the Internet Protocol Encapsulated packets, enable users to use the service based on their approved services, and perform network address translation to insure that the packets are forwarded from the user to the correct payload repeating that process in reverse from ISS to the payload user. This paper presents the architecture, implementation, and lessons learned. This will include the integration of COTS hardware and software as well as how the device is incorporated into the operational mission of the ISS. Thus, this paper also discusses how this technology can be applicable to payload users of the ISS.

ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE ATPASE ACTIVITY OF THE BAI STRAIN A (MYELOBLASTOSIS) AVIAN TUMOR VIRUS

PubMed Central

Novikoff, Alex B.; de Thé, Guy; Beard, D.; Beard, J. W.

1962-01-01

Thymus glands of chicks with leukemia induced by BAI strain A (myeloblastosis) virus were fixed in cold 4 per cent formaldehyde-sucrose. Frozen sections were incubated in the ATPase medium of Wachstein and Meisel and studied by light microscopy and electron microscopy. The ATPase activity of the virus is localized to the outermost membrane of the virus. The membrane of the blast-like cells of the thymus cortex from which the virus emerges, by budding, also possesses such activity. It appears likely that the outermost membrane of the virus is derived from the plasma membrane of these cells. PMID:13939125

Violence, The Ku Klux Klan and the Struggle for Equality.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council on Interracial Books for Children, Inc., New York, NY.

This paper provides teachers with information about the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and makes available instructional procedures and resources for teaching about the Klan. First, some ideas are presented for dealing with the unusual emotional climate that can arise when the KKK is discussed in a classroom. Next, a brief history of the KKK is provided,…

'SON-GO-KU' : a dream of automated library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Mamoru; Kishimoto, Juji

In the process of automating libraries, the retrieval of books through the browsing of shelves is being overlooked. The telematic library is a document based DBMS which can deliver the content of books by simulating the browsing process. The retrieval actually simulates the process a person would use in selecting a book in a real library, where a visual presentation using a graphic display is substituted. The characteristics of prototype system "Son-Go-Ku" for such retrieval implemented in 1988 are mentioned.

PARP-1 and Ku compete for repair of DNA double strand breaks by distinct NHEJ pathways

PubMed Central

Wang, Minli; Wu, Weizhong; Wu, Wenqi; Rosidi, Bustanur; Zhang, Lihua; Wang, Huichen; Iliakis, George

2006-01-01

Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1 (PARP-1) recognizes DNA strand interruptions in vivo and triggers its own modification as well as that of other proteins by the sequential addition of ADP-ribose to form polymers. This modification causes a release of PARP-1 from DNA ends and initiates a variety of responses including DNA repair. While PARP-1 has been firmly implicated in base excision and single strand break repair, its role in the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) remains unclear. Here, we show that PARP-1, probably together with DNA ligase III, operates in an alternative pathway of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) that functions as backup to the classical pathway of NHEJ that utilizes DNA-PKcs, Ku, DNA ligase IV, XRCC4, XLF/Cernunnos and Artemis. PARP-1 binds to DNA ends in direct competition with Ku. However, in irradiated cells the higher affinity of Ku for DSBs and an excessive number of other forms of competing DNA lesions limit its contribution to DSB repair. When essential components of the classical pathway of NHEJ are absent, PARP-1 is recruited for DSB repair, particularly in the absence of Ku and non-DSB lesions. This form of DSB repair is sensitive to PARP-1 inhibitors. The results define the function of PARP-1 in DSB repair and characterize a candidate pathway responsible for joining errors causing genomic instability and cancer. PMID:17088286

Design of a Ku band miniature multiple beam klystron

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

Bandyopadhyay, Ayan Kumar, E-mail: ayan.bandyopadhyay@gmail.com; Pal, Debasish; Kant, Deepender

2016-03-09

The design of a miniature multiple beam klystron (MBK) working in the Ku-band frequency range is presented in this article. Starting from the main design parameters, design of the electron gun, the input and output couplers and radio frequency section (RF-section) are presented. The design methodology using state of the art commercial electromagnetic design tools, analytical formulae as well as noncommercial design tools are briefly presented in this article.

Ku protein as a potential human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax target in clastogenic chromosomal instability of mammalian cells

PubMed Central

Majone, Franca; Luisetto, Roberto; Zamboni, Daniela; Iwanaga, Yoichi; Jeang, Kuan-Teh

2005-01-01

The HTLV-1 Tax oncoprotein rapidly induces cytogenetic damage which can be measured by a significant increase in the number of micronuclei (MN) in cells. Tax is thought to have both aneuploidogenic and clastogenic effects. To examine the cellular target for Tax which might mechanistically explain the clastogenic phenomenon, we tested the ability of Tax to induce MN in rodents cells genetically defective for either the Ku80 protein or the catalytic subunit of DNA protein kinase (DNAPKcs). We found that cells genetically mutated in Ku80 were refractory to Tax's induction of MN while cells knocked-out for DNAPKcs showed increased number of Tax-induced MN. Using a cytogenetic method termed FISHI (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and Incorporation) which measures the number of DNA-breaks in cells that contained unprotected 3'-OH ends, we observed that Tax increased the prevalence of unprotected DNA breaks in Ku80-intact cells, but not in Ku80-mutated cells. Taken together, our findings suggest Ku80 as a cellular factor targeted by Tax in engendering clastogenic DNA damage. PMID:16014171

Study to investigate and evaluate means of optimizing the Ku-band combined radar/communication functions for the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, C. L.; Alem, W. K.; Simon, M. K.

1977-01-01

The Ku band radar system on the shuttle orbiter operates in both a search and a tracking mode, and its transmitter and antennas share time with the communication mode in the integrated system. The power allocation properties and the Costa subloop subcarrier tracking performance associated with the baseline digital phase shift implementation of the three channel orbiter Ku band modulator are discussed.

Deployable reflector design for Ku-band operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tankersley, B. C.

1974-01-01

A project was conducted to extend the deployable antenna technology state-of-the art through the design, analysis, construction, and testing of a lightweight, high surface tolerance, 12.5 foot diameter reflector for Ku-band operation. The applicability of the reflector design to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) program was one requirement to be met. A documentary of the total program is presented. The performance requirements used to guide and constrain the design are discussed. The radio frequency, structural/dynamic, and thermal performance results are reported. Appendices are used to provide test data and detailed fabrication drawings of the reflector.

Effects of oxymatrine from Ku Shen on cancer cells.

PubMed

Ho, John W; Ngan Hon, Parry Lee; Chim, Wai On

2009-10-01

Oxymatrine is one of active constituents isolated from Ku Shen, which is the dried root of Sophora flavescens Ait. The herb used in different herbal formulations is commonly known with specific pharmacological properties for treatment of liver disorders and other diseases such as arrhythmia, eczema and skin disorders, leukopenia and bronchitis. Sophora flavescens Ait is known to enhance liver functions and reduce hepatotoxicity due to oxidative stress and liver injury. The protection of cells from chemical toxicity is important in reducing liver damage. Reduction of oxidative stress by active components of herbal medicines is shown to be beneficial and important in regulating the normal functions of the liver. In this study, effects of oxymatrine on cancer cells after treatment of the cell line with DMSO were reported. This review described for cells without oxymatrine pre-treatment, cell injury was implicated as indicated by the decrease in cell viability. Ku Shen showed protective effects on cells from the DMSO-induced toxicity. The results show that oxymatrine can inhibit the G(2) and M phase of H4IIE. The findings suggest that anti-inflammatory constituents such as oxymatrine could mediate cell division of cancer cells and reduce cell cytotoxicity due probably to its capacity to inhibit the metabolic activation of hepato-toxin, a critical factor in the pathogenesis of chemical-induced liver injury.

Simulation of radar backscattering from snowpack at X-band and Ku-band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gay, Michel; Phan, Xuan-Vu; Ferro-Famil, Laurent

2016-04-01

This paper presents a multilayer snowpack electromagnetic backscattering model, based on Dense Media Radiative Transfer (DMRT). This model is capable of simulating the interaction of electromagnetic wave (EMW) at X-band and Ku-band frequencies with multilayer snowpack. The air-snow interface and snow-ground backscattering components are calculated using the Integral Equation Model (IEM) by [1], whereas the volume backscattering component is calculated based on the solution of Vector Radiative Transfer (VRT) equation at order 1. Case study has been carried out using measurement data from NoSREx project [2], which include SnowScat data in X-band and Ku-band, TerraSAR-X acquisitions and snowpack stratigraphic in-situ measurements. The results of model simulations show good agreement with the radar observations, and therefore allow the DMRT model to be used in various applications, such as data assimilation [3]. [1] A.K. Fung and K.S. Chen, "An update on the iem surface backscattering model," Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, IEEE, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 75 - 77, april 2004. [2] J. Lemmetyinen, A. Kontu, J. Pulliainen, A. Wiesmann, C. Werner, T. Nagler, H. Rott, and M. Heidinger, "Technical assistance for the deployment of an x- to ku-band scatterometer during the nosrex ii experiment," Final Report, ESA ESTEC Contract No. 22671/09/NL/JA., 2011. [3] X. V. Phan, L. Ferro-Famil, M. Gay, Y. Durand, M. Dumont, S. Morin, S. Allain, G. D'Urso, and A. Girard, "3d-var multilayer assimilation of x-band sar data into a detailed snowpack model," The Cryosphere Discussions, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 4881-4912, 2013.

Incense and ritual plant use in Southwest China: a case study among the Bai in Shaxi.

PubMed

Staub, Peter O; Geck, Matthias S; Weckerle, Caroline S

2011-12-13

Ritual and religious uses of plant-derived smoke are widespread throughout the world. Our research focuses on Southwest China, where the use of incense is very common. This study aims to document and analyze contemporary ritual plant uses by the Bai people of Shaxi Township (Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province), including their related ethnobotanical knowledge, practices, and beliefs. The present study builds on previous ethnobotanical research in Shaxi, which started in 2005. Interviews focusing on ritual plant use and associated beliefs were carried out with a total of 44 Bai informants in September 2009 and May and June 2010. The results are supplemented with information on the local religion collected from June to December 2010. All documented species were vouchered, and are deposited at the herbaria of Kunming Institute of Botany (KUN) and the University of Zurich (Z/ZT). A total of 17 species have been documented for use in incense. They are always used in mixtures and are either burned in the form of powders in a censer or as joss sticks. The smell of the smoke is the main criterion for the selection of the incense plants. Incense is burned for communication with spiritual entities at graves, temples, and cooking stoves, as well as for personal well-being. Cupressus funebris Endl., Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall., and Ligustrum sempervirens (Franch.) Lingelsh. are the most important incense species. Others serve as substitutes or are used to stretch incense powders. In Shaxi the use of incense mixtures at the household and community level is regularly practiced for communication with ancestors, ghosts, and deities and in some cases to strengthen self-awareness. Some of the documented species are widely used in central Asia and Europe, hinting at the well documented knowledge exchange that occurred in Shaxi, which was a major hub along the influential Southern Silk Road.

Incense and ritual plant use in Southwest China: A case study among the Bai in Shaxi

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Ritual and religious uses of plant-derived smoke are widespread throughout the world. Our research focuses on Southwest China, where the use of incense is very common. This study aims to document and analyze contemporary ritual plant uses by the Bai people of Shaxi Township (Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province), including their related ethnobotanical knowledge, practices, and beliefs. Methods The present study builds on previous ethnobotanical research in Shaxi, which started in 2005. Interviews focusing on ritual plant use and associated beliefs were carried out with a total of 44 Bai informants in September 2009 and May and June 2010. The results are supplemented with information on the local religion collected from June to December 2010. All documented species were vouchered, and are deposited at the herbaria of Kunming Institute of Botany (KUN) and the University of Zurich (Z/ZT). Results A total of 17 species have been documented for use in incense. They are always used in mixtures and are either burned in the form of powders in a censer or as joss sticks. The smell of the smoke is the main criterion for the selection of the incense plants. Incense is burned for communication with spiritual entities at graves, temples, and cooking stoves, as well as for personal well-being. Cupressus funebris Endl., Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall., and Ligustrum sempervirens (Franch.) Lingelsh. are the most important incense species. Others serve as substitutes or are used to stretch incense powders. Conclusions In Shaxi the use of incense mixtures at the household and community level is regularly practiced for communication with ancestors, ghosts, and deities and in some cases to strengthen self-awareness. Some of the documented species are widely used in central Asia and Europe, hinting at the well documented knowledge exchange that occurred in Shaxi, which was a major hub along the influential Southern Silk Road. PMID:22165897

Study to investigate and evaluate means of optimizing the Ku-band communication function for the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, M. K.; Udalov, S.; Huth, G. K.

1976-01-01

The forward link of the overall Ku-band communication system consists of the ground- TDRS-orbiter communication path. Because the last segment of the link is directed towards a relatively low orbiting shuttle, a PN code is used to reduce the spectral density. A method is presented for incorporating code acquisition and tracking functions into the orbiter's Ku-band receiver. Optimization of a three channel multiplexing technique is described. The importance of Costas loop parameters to provide false lock immunity for the receiver, and the advantage of using a sinusoidal subcarrier waveform, rather than square wave, are discussed.

Efficiency of generation of optical centers in KS-4V and KU-1 quartz glasses at neutron and gamma irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islamov, A. Kh.; Salikhbaev, U. S.; Ibragimova, E. M.; Nuritdinov, I.; Fayzullaev, B. S.; Vukolov, K. Yu.; Orlovskiy, I.

2013-11-01

Pure quartz glasses of KS-4V and KU-1 types are candidates for optical plasma diagnostic system in ITER. The purpose of experiment was to study the efficiency of defect production in these glasses under irradiation with 60Со γ-quanta (5.7 Gy/s) dose range of 102-107 Gy and the fission reactor neutrons in the fluency range of 1020-1023 n/m2 and gammas simulating the plasma influence. In KU-1 (1000 ppm OH) the accumulation kinetics of E‧-(5.75 eV) and NBO-(1.9 eV) centers at γ-doses⩾5×105 Gy and neutron fluencies <1021 n/m2 is faster, than that in KS-4V glasses (<0.1 ppm OH) that is caused by rupture of hydrogen bonds. At fluencies >1021 n/m2 the NBO accumulation kinetics is slower in KU-1 than in KS-4B, because highly mobile hydrogen atoms access to the generated NBO centers. In KS-4V irradiated to γ-doses102-5 × 103 Gy a new unstable absorption band at 1.8 eV was found, which is caused by the glass synthesis conditions and alkali metal impurities. The transparency at 3.5-6.2 eV at fluencies 1020-5 × 1021 n/m2 is higher in KS-4V than KU-1. However at fluencies >1021 n/m2 in KS-4V the photoluminescence band at 2.7 eV is more intensive and distorts a diagnosed signal. The transparency in 3.5-1.2 eV at fluencies >1021 n/m2 is higher in KU-1 than KS-4V.

A novel coaxial Ku-band transit radiation oscillator without external guiding magnetic field

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

Ling, Junpu, E-mail: lingjunpu@163.com; Zhang, Jiande; He, Juntao

2014-02-15

A novel coaxial transit radiation oscillator without external guiding magnetic field is designed to generate high power microwave at Ku-band. By using a coaxial structure, the space-charge potential energy is suppressed significantly, that is good for enhancing efficient beam-wave interaction. In order to improve the transmission stability of the unmagnetized intense relativistic electron beam, a Pierce-like cathode is employed in the novel device. By contrast with conventional relativistic microwave generators, this kind of device has the advantages of high stability, non-guiding magnetic field, and high efficiency. Moreover, with the coaxial design, it is possible to improve the power-handing capacity bymore » increasing the radial dimension of the Ku-band device. With a 550 keV and 7.5 kA electron beam, a 1.25 GW microwave pulse at 12.08 GHz has been obtained in the simulation. The power conversion efficiency is about 30%.« less

Draft genome sequence of Anoxybacillus flavithermus KU2-6-11 isolated from hot-spring in Uzon caldera (Kamchatka, Russia).

PubMed

Rozanov, Aleksey S; Korzhuk, Anton V; Bryanskaya, Alla V; Peltek, Sergey E

2018-02-01

The Anoxybacillus flavithermus KU2-6-11 was isolated from sediments of a nameless hot spring. The hot spring is located in Uzon caldera (Kamchatka, Russia). The sequenced and annotated genome is 2,646,305 bp and encodes 2787genes. The draft genome sequence of the Anoxybacillus flavithermus KU2-6-11 has been deposited at DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank under the accession PEDM01000000 and the sequences could be found at the site https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/PEDM01000000.

KU135, a Novel Novobiocin-Derived C-Terminal Inhibitor of the 90-kDa Heat Shock Protein, Exerts Potent Antiproliferative Effects in Human Leukemic Cells

PubMed Central

Shelton, Shary N.; Shawgo, Mary E.; Matthews, Shawna B.; Lu, Yuanming; Donnelly, Alison C.; Szabla, Kristen; Tanol, Mehmet; Vielhauer, George A.; Rajewski, Roger A.; Matts, Robert L.; Blagg, Brian S. J.

2009-01-01

The 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) assists in the proper folding of numerous mutated or overexpressed signal transduction proteins that are involved in cancer. Consequently, there is considerable interest in developing chemotherapeutic drugs that specifically disrupt the function of Hsp90. Here, we investigated the extent to which a novel novobiocin-derived C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor, designated KU135, induced antiproliferative effects in Jurkat T-lymphocytes. The results indicated that KU135 bound directly to Hsp90, caused the degradation of known Hsp90 client proteins, and induced more potent antiproliferative effects than the established N-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG). Closer examination of the cellular response to KU135 and 17-AAG revealed that only 17-AAG induced a strong up-regulation of Hsp70 and Hsp90. In addition, KU135 caused wild-type cells to undergo G2/M arrest, whereas cells treated with 17-AAG accumulated in G1. Furthermore, KU135 but not 17-AAG was found to be a potent inducer of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis as evidenced, in part, by the fact that cell death was inhibited to a similar extent by Bcl-2/Bcl-xL overexpression or the depletion of apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1). Together, these data suggest that KU135 inhibits cell proliferation by regulating signaling pathways that are mechanistically different from those targeted by 17-AAG and as such represents a novel opportunity for Hsp90 inhibition. PMID:19741006

KU675, a Concomitant Heat-Shock Protein Inhibitor of Hsp90 and Hsc70 that Manifests Isoform Selectivity for Hsp90α in Prostate Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Liu, Weiya; Vielhauer, George A.; Zhao, Huiping; Ghosh, Suman; Brown, Douglas; Lee, Eugene

2015-01-01

The 90-kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp90) assists in the proper folding of numerous mutated or overexpressed signal transduction proteins that are involved in cancer. Inhibiting Hsp90 consequently is an attractive strategy for cancer therapy as the concomitant degradation of multiple oncoproteins may lead to effective antineoplastic agents. Here we report a novel C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor, designated KU675, that exhibits potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity along with client protein degradation without induction of the heat-shock response in both androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cell lines. In addition, KU675 demonstrates direct inhibition of Hsp90 complexes as measured by the inhibition of luciferase refolding in prostate cancer cells. In direct binding studies, the internal fluorescence signal of KU675 was used to determine the binding affinity of KU675 to recombinant Hsp90α, Hsp90β, and Hsc70 proteins. The binding affinity (Kd) for Hsp90α was determined to be 191 μM, whereas the Kd for Hsp90β was 726 μM, demonstrating a preference for Hsp90α. Western blot experiments with four different prostate cancer cell lines treated with KU675 supported this selectivity by inducing the degradation of Hsp90α-dependent client proteins. KU675 also displayed binding to Hsc70 with a Kd value at 76.3 μM, which was supported in cellular by lower levels of Hsc70-specific client proteins on Western blot analyses. Overall, these findings suggest that KU675 is an Hsp90 C-terminal inhibitor, as well as a dual inhibitor of Hsc70, and may have potential use for the treatment of cancer. PMID:25939977

KU675, a Concomitant Heat-Shock Protein Inhibitor of Hsp90 and Hsc70 that Manifests Isoform Selectivity for Hsp90α in Prostate Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Liu, Weiya; Vielhauer, George A; Holzbeierlein, Jeffrey M; Zhao, Huiping; Ghosh, Suman; Brown, Douglas; Lee, Eugene; Blagg, Brian S J

2015-07-01

The 90-kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp90) assists in the proper folding of numerous mutated or overexpressed signal transduction proteins that are involved in cancer. Inhibiting Hsp90 consequently is an attractive strategy for cancer therapy as the concomitant degradation of multiple oncoproteins may lead to effective antineoplastic agents. Here we report a novel C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor, designated KU675, that exhibits potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity along with client protein degradation without induction of the heat-shock response in both androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cell lines. In addition, KU675 demonstrates direct inhibition of Hsp90 complexes as measured by the inhibition of luciferase refolding in prostate cancer cells. In direct binding studies, the internal fluorescence signal of KU675 was used to determine the binding affinity of KU675 to recombinant Hsp90α, Hsp90β, and Hsc70 proteins. The binding affinity (Kd) for Hsp90α was determined to be 191 μM, whereas the Kd for Hsp90β was 726 μM, demonstrating a preference for Hsp90α. Western blot experiments with four different prostate cancer cell lines treated with KU675 supported this selectivity by inducing the degradation of Hsp90α -: dependent client proteins. KU675 also displayed binding to Hsc70 with a Kd value at 76.3 μM, which was supported in cellular by lower levels of Hsc70-specific client proteins on Western blot analyses. Overall, these findings suggest that KU675 is an Hsp90 C-terminal inhibitor, as well as a dual inhibitor of Hsc70, and may have potential use for the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

The effect of Ku on telomere replication time is mediated by telomere length but is independent of histone tail acetylation.

PubMed

Lian, Hui-Yong; Robertson, E Douglas; Hiraga, Shin-ichiro; Alvino, Gina M; Collingwood, David; McCune, Heather J; Sridhar, Akila; Brewer, Bonita J; Raghuraman, M K; Donaldson, Anne D

2011-05-15

DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae proceeds according to a temporal program. We have investigated the role of the telomere-binding Ku complex in specifying late replication of telomere-proximal sequences. Genome-wide analysis shows that regions extending up to 80 kb from telomeres replicate abnormally early in a yku70 mutant. We find that Ku does not appear to regulate replication time by binding replication origins directly, nor is its effect on telomere replication timing mediated by histone tail acetylation. We show that Ku instead regulates replication timing through its effect on telomere length, because deletion of the telomerase regulator Pif1 largely reverses the short telomere defect of a yku70 mutant and simultaneously rescues its replication timing defect. Consistent with this conclusion, deleting the genome integrity component Elg1 partially rescued both length and replication timing of yku70 telomeres. Telomere length-mediated control of replication timing requires the TG(1-3) repeat-counting component Rif1, because a rif1 mutant replicates telomeric regions early, despite having extended TG(1-3) tracts. Overall, our results suggest that the effect of Ku on telomere replication timing results from its impact on TG(1-3) repeat length and support a model in which Rif1 measures telomere repeat length to ensure that telomere replication timing is correctly programmed.

Comparison of Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-To-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Waist-To-Height Ratio (WHtR) as predictors of cardiovascular disease risk factors in an adult population in Singapore.

PubMed

Lam, Benjamin Chih Chiang; Koh, Gerald Choon Huat; Chen, Cynthia; Wong, Michael Tack Keong; Fallows, Stephen J

2015-01-01

Excess adiposity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Amongst the various measures of adiposity, the best one to help predict these risk factors remains contentious. A novel index of adiposity, the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) was proposed in 2011, and has not been extensively studied in all populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and CVD risk factors in the local adult population. This is a cross sectional study involving 1,891 subjects (Chinese 59.1% Malay 22.2%, Indian 18.7%), aged 21-74 years, based on an employee health screening (2012) undertaken at a hospital in Singapore. Anthropometric indices and CVD risk factor variables were measured, and Spearman correlation, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and multiple logistic regressions were used. BAI consistently had the lower correlation, area under ROC and odd ratio values when compared with BMI, WC and WHtR, although differences were often small with overlapping 95% confidence intervals. After adjusting for BMI, BAI did not further increase the odds of CVD risk factors, unlike WC and WHtR (for all except hypertension and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol). When subjects with the various CVD risk factors were grouped according to established cut-offs, a BMI of ≥23.0 kg/m2 and/or WHtR ≥0.5 identified the highest proportion for all the CVD risk factors in both genders, even higher than a combination of BMI and WC. BAI may function as a measure of overall adiposity but it is unlikely to be better than BMI. A combination of BMI and WHtR could have the best clinical utility in identifying patients with CVD risk factors in an adult population in Singapore.

Group size of a permanent large group of agile mangabeys (Cercocebus agilis) at Bai Hokou, Central African Republic.

PubMed

Devreese, Lieven; Huynen, Marie-Claude; Stevens, Jeroen M G; Todd, Angelique

2013-01-01

White-eyelid mangabeys (genus Cercocebus) live in groups of highly variable size. Because of their semi-terrestrial behaviour and preference for dense forest habitats, re-liable data on group size are scarce. During a 5-month study, we collected 17 group counts on a habituated group of agile mangabeys (C. agilis) at Bai Hokou in the Central African Republic. We found a stable group size of approximately 135 individuals. This permanent large grouping pattern is known to occur among several populations of white-eyelid mangabeys and is congruent with extreme group sizes reported in mandrills at Lopé in Gabon. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Experimental demonstration of a Ku-band radial-line relativistic klystron oscillator based on transition radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Fangchao; Zhang, Xiaoping; Zhang, Jun; Ju, Jinchuan; Zhong, Huihuang

2017-03-01

We report on a radial-line relativistic klystron oscillator (RL-RKO), which is physically designed to generate gigawatt-level high power microwaves (HPMs) at Ku-band. The 3π/4 mode of a four-gap buncher is selected to highly modulate the radially propagating intense relativistic electron beam (IREB). A three-gap extractor operating at the π mode is employed to extract the radio-frequency energy efficiently. The Ku-band RL-RKO is investigated experimentally on an intense-current electron beam accelerator. The radially propagating IREB is well focused with an axial-width of 2 mm by a radial magnetic field of 0.4 T. Microwaves with a frequency of 14.86 GHz and a power of 1.5 GW are generated, corresponding to an efficiency of 24%, which indicates a significant advance for the research of radial-line HPM sources.

[Professor Wacław Kuśnierczyk (1908-1997)--Pro Memoria in the century of birthday].

PubMed

Brozek, Krzysztof; Kozakiewicz, Jacek; Kierzek, Andrzej

2009-01-01

Wacław Kuśnierczyk was born in 1908 in Sniatyń. He received the degree in medicine at Jan Kazimierz University in Lwów in 1932. He did his PhD degree under Professor Zaleski supervision in 1938 at Jan Kazimierz University. At that time he concentrated his scientific activity on research on tuberculosis. In 1953 he obtained the title of second degree specialist in ear, nose and throat diseases. He became a chief of Otolaryngology at Urban Hospital No 4 in Katowice in 1960. Since then this eminent physician was working on tumours located in upper respiratory tract and the possibility of its endoscopic diagnosis at Silesian Academy of Medicine in Katowice. As one of the first he pointed out the negative influence of smoking cigarettes on cancer of larynx. It was Wacław Kuśnierczyk who implemented new priorities for integrated programs in patient care, research, education and cancer prevention. He has published widely in peer reviewed journals and has edited or contributed to many books. He has given many major lectures and is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards for his scientific accomplishments. The achievement of Professor Kuśnierczyk were the valuable source of information for the physicians. In 1997, on the 31st of January he died in Katowice.

Ku-band electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of polysiloxane derived Si-O-C bulk ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Donghai; Li, Zipei; Xiao, Guoqing; Yang, Shaoyu

2018-02-01

The bulk Si-O-C ceramics were prepared by polymer derived ceramics (PDCs) route using polysiloxane as precursor and their properties were investigated for electromagnetic wave absorbing in the frequency range of 12.4-18 GHz (Ku-band). It was found that the catalytic pyrolysis can enhance substantially the absorbing properties by in situ formation of turbostratic carbon network, ordered carbon, and multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The matching thickness of sample containing 1.5 wt% FeCl3 (FPSO-1.5) is 2.2 mm, and its reflection loss exceeds -10 dB in the whole Ku-band with an absorption peak of -35.48 dB at 14.16 GHz. For sample containing 1.5 wt% FeCl3, its absorption peak increases to -15.78 dB, but its matching thickness decreases significantly to 2.2 mm. The polymer derived Si-O-C ceramics could be used as excellent electromagnetic functional devices working in harsh environments.

KU-Band rendezvous radar performance computer simulation model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, J. W.

1980-01-01

The preparation of a real time computer simulation model of the KU band rendezvous radar to be integrated into the shuttle mission simulator (SMS), the shuttle engineering simulator (SES), and the shuttle avionics integration laboratory (SAIL) simulator is described. To meet crew training requirements a radar tracking performance model, and a target modeling method were developed. The parent simulation/radar simulation interface requirements, and the method selected to model target scattering properties, including an application of this method to the SPAS spacecraft are described. The radar search and acquisition mode performance model and the radar track mode signal processor model are examined and analyzed. The angle, angle rate, range, and range rate tracking loops are also discussed.

HDAC and Ku70 axis- an effective target for apoptosis induction by a new 2-cyano-3-oxo-1,9-dien glycyrrhetinic acid analogue.

PubMed

Gong, Ping; Li, Kun; Li, Ying; Liu, Dan; Zhao, Linxiang; Jing, Yongkui

2018-05-24

Methyl 2-cyano-3,12-dioxo-18β-olean-1,9(11)-dien-30-oate (CDODO-Me, 10d) derived from glycyrrhetinic acid and methyl-2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO-Me) derived from oleanoic acid are potent apoptosis inducers developed to clinical trials. Both compounds have high affinity for reduced  glutathione (GSH), which needs to be overcome to improve their target selectivity. We generated a new 10d analogue methyl 2-cyano-3-oxo-18β-olean-1,9(11), 12-trien-30-oate (COOTO, 10e), which retains high apoptosis inducing ability, while displaying decreased affinity for GSH, and explored the acting targets. We found that it induces Noxa level, reduces c-Flip level and causes Bax/Bak activation. Silencing of either Noxa or Bak significantly attenuated apoptosis induction of 10e. We linked these events due to targeting HDAC3/HDAC6 and Ku70 axis. 10e treatment reduced the levels of HDAC3 and HDAC6 with increased DNA damage/repair marker gamma-H2AX (γ-H2AX) and acetylated Ku70. c-Flip dissociates from acetylated Ku70 undergoing degradation, while Bax dissociates from acetylated Ku70 undergoing activation. Silencing of either HDAC3 or HDAC6 enhanced 10e-induced apoptosis. We reveal a new action cascade of this category of compounds that involves targeting of HADC3/6 proteins and Ku70 acetylation.

A Chinese herbal medicine, jia-wei-xiao-yao-san, prevents dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

PubMed

Chien, Shu-Chen; Chang, Wei-Chiao; Lin, Pu-Hua; Chang, Wei-Pin; Hsu, Shih-Chung; Chang, Jung-Chen; Wu, Ya-Chieh; Pei, Jin-Kuo; Lin, Chia-Hsien

2014-01-01

Jia-wei-xiao-yao-san (JWXYS) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that is widely used to treat neuropsychological disorders. Only a few of the hepatoprotective effects of JWXYS have been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of JWXYS on dimethylnitrosamine- (DMN-) induced chronic hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis in rats and to clarify the mechanism through which JWXYS exerts these effects. After the rats were treated with DMN for 3 weeks, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels were significantly elevated, whereas the albumin level decreased. Although DMN was continually administered, after the 3 doses of JWXYS were orally administered, the SGOT and SGPT levels significantly decreased and the albumin level was significantly elevated. In addition, JWXYS treatment prevented liver fibrosis induced by DMN. JWXYS exhibited superoxide-dismutase-like activity and dose-dependently inhibited DMN-induced lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase activity in the liver of rats. Our findings suggest that JWXYS exerts antifibrotic effects against DMN-induced chronic hepatic injury. The possible mechanism is at least partially attributable to the ability of JWXYS to inhibit reactive-oxygen-species-induced membrane lipid peroxidation.

Distinct genotype distribution and haplotype profiles in MDR1 gene among Chinese Han, Bai, Wa and Tibetan ethnic groups.

PubMed

Lai, Yong; Huang, Min; Li, Hui; Wang, Xue-Ding; Li, Jia-Li

2012-11-01

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by MDR1 gene) plays an important role in determining bioavailability and pharmacologic effects of many drugs. There is increasing evidence that P-gp activity may be genetically determined. In this study, we investigated the genotype distribution and the haplotype profiles of MDR1 gene in Chinese Han, Bai, Wa and Tibetan subjects. Much lower frequencies of the 1236T allele and the 2677T allele were found in Wa subjects than those in other three ethnic groups, while the 2677A allele was found about 6-fold more frequently in Han subjects than in subjects of other three ethnic groups. The Han, Bai and Tibetan subjects share the same three predominant haplotypes (T-T-T, T-G-C and C-G-C), and T-T-T is the highest and accounts for more than one third of the number of haplotypes in the subjects from each ethnic group. However, T-T-T was less common than T-G-C, T-G-T and C-G-C and occurring at only 13.8% in Wa subjects, furthermore, higher frequencies of T-G-T, C-T-C, C-G-T and C-T-T were observed in Wa subjects compared to those in other three ethnic groups. Frequencies of C-A-C and T-A-C in Han subjects were higher than those in other three ethnic groups. The findings of this study will be of some relevance in predicting MDR1 phenotype and pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamic effects of many commonly used drugs that are P-gp substrates in these four Chinese ethnic groups.

Ku-band multiple beam antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. C.; Franklin, C. F.

1980-01-01

The frequency reuse capability is demonstrated for a Ku-band multiple beam antenna which provides contiguous low sidelobe spot beams for point-to-point communications between any two points within the continental United States (CONUS), or regional coverage beams for direct broadcast systems. A spot beam antenna in the 14/21 GHz band which provides contiguous overlapping beams covering CONUS and two discrete beams covering Hawaii and Alaska were designed, developed, and tested. Two reflector antennas are required for providing contiguous coverage of CONUS. Each is comprised of one offset parabolic reflector, one flat polarization diplexer, and two separate planar array feeds. This antenna system provides contiguous spot beam coverage of CONUS, utilizing 15 beams. Also designed, developed and demonstrated was a shaped contoured beam antenna system which provides contiguous four time zone coverage of CONUS from a single offset parabolic reflector incorporating one flat polarization diplexer and two separate planar array feeds. The beams which illuminate the eastern time zone and the mountain time zone are horizontally polarized, while the beams which illuminate the central time zone and the pacific time zone are vertically polarized. Frequency reuse is achieved by amplitude and polarization isolation.

Design and simulation of RF MEMS SPST shunt and SPDT shunt-shunt switches for X-band and Ku-band applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenka, Manas K.; Sharma, Amit; Sharma, Jaibir; DasGupta, Amitava

2012-10-01

This paper describes the design and simulation of RF MEMS SPST shunt and SPDT shunt-shunt switches with modified coplanar waveguide (CPW) configuration for X-band and Ku-band applications exhibiting high isolation and low insertion loss. By modifying the basic CPW structure for a six-strip membrane having length 720 μm, the resonant frequency can be reduced from 33.5 GHz to 13.5 GHz with isolation as high as -30 dB(-63 dB at resonant frequency) in Ku-band. Similar results are also found in case SPST and SPDT switches with other membrane types.

Suppression of the asymmetric competition mode in the relativistic Ku-band coaxial transit-time oscillator

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

Ling, Junpu; He, Juntao; Zhang, Jiande

2014-10-15

A relativistic Ku-band coaxial transit-time oscillator has been proposed in our previous work. In the experiments, we find that the asymmetric competition mode in the device limits the microwave power with the increase of the input electric power. For solving such a problem, the methods for analysis and suppression of the asymmetric competition mode in the device are investigated theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that the structure and the material of the collector, the concentricity, and the electron emission uniformity play an important part in the suppression of the asymmetric competition mode in the relativistic Ku-band transit-time oscillator. Inmore » the subsequent experiments, the asymmetric mode was suppressed effectively. At a low guiding magnetic field of 0.7 T, a microwave pulse with power of 1 GW, frequency of 14.3 GHz close to the simulation one, and efficiency of 20% was generated.« less

Enterocin X, a novel two-peptide bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium KU-B5, has an antibacterial spectrum entirely different from those of its component peptides.

PubMed

Hu, Chih-Bo; Malaphan, Wanna; Zendo, Takeshi; Nakayama, Jiro; Sonomoto, Kenji

2010-07-01

Enterocin X, composed of two antibacterial peptides (Xalpha and Xbeta), is a novel class IIb bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium KU-B5. When combined, Xalpha and Xbeta display variably enhanced or reduced antibacterial activity toward a panel of indicators compared to each peptide individually. In E. faecium strains that produce enterocins A and B, such as KU-B5, only one additional bacteriocin had previously been known.

Initial assessment of an airborne Ku-band polarimetric SAR.

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

Raynal, Ann Marie; Doerry, Armin Walter

2013-02-01

Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been used for a variety of dual-use research applications since the 1940s. By measuring the direction of the electric field vector from radar echoes, polarimetry may enhance an analysts understanding of scattering effects for both earth monitoring and tactical surveillance missions. Polarimetry may provide insight into surface types, materials, or orientations for natural and man-made targets. Polarimetric measurements may also be used to enhance the contrast between scattering surfaces such as man-made objects and their surroundings. This report represents an initial assessment of the utility of, and applications for, polarimetric SAR at Ku-band formore » airborne or unmanned aerial systems.« less

Enterocin X, a Novel Two-Peptide Bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium KU-B5, Has an Antibacterial Spectrum Entirely Different from Those of Its Component Peptides▿

PubMed Central

Hu, Chih-Bo; Malaphan, Wanna; Zendo, Takeshi; Nakayama, Jiro; Sonomoto, Kenji

2010-01-01

Enterocin X, composed of two antibacterial peptides (Xα and Xβ), is a novel class IIb bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium KU-B5. When combined, Xα and Xβ display variably enhanced or reduced antibacterial activity toward a panel of indicators compared to each peptide individually. In E. faecium strains that produce enterocins A and B, such as KU-B5, only one additional bacteriocin had previously been known. PMID:20418437

Unstabilized DNA breaks in HTLV-1 Tax expressing cells correlate with functional targeting of Ku80, not PKcs, XRCC4, or H2AX

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Expression of the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax oncoprotein rapidily induces a significant increase of micronuclei (MN) and unstabilized DNA breaks in cells. Unstabilized DNA breaks can have free 3′-OH ends accessible to in situ addition of digoxygenin (DIG)-labeled dUTP using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. In the present work, we used a GFP-Tax (green fluorescent protein) plasmid, which produces a functionally active GFP-tagged Tax protein, to detect the cellular target(s) for Tax which might mechanistically explain the clastogenic phenomenon. We examined the induction of MN and unstabilized DNA breaks in wild type cells and cells individually knocked out for Ku80, PKcs, XRCC4, and H2AX proteins. We also assessed in the same cells, the signal strengths produced by DIG-dUTP incorporation at the unstable DNA breaks in the presence and absence of Tax. Results Cells mutated for PKcs, XRCC4 and H2AX showed increased frequency of MN and unstabilized DNA breaks in response to the expression of Tax, while cells genetically mutated for Ku80 were refractory to Tax’s induction of these cytogenetic effects. Moreover, by measuring the size of DIG-dUTP incorporation signal, which indicates the extent of unstable DNA ends, we found that Tax induces larger signals than those in control cells. However, in xrs-6 cells deficient for Ku80, this Tax effect was not seen. Conclusions The data here demonstrate that clastogenic DNA damage in Tax expressing cells is explained by Tax targeting of Ku80, but not PKcs, XRCC4 or H2AX, which are all proteins directly or indirectly related to the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair system. Of note, the Ku80 protein plays an important role at the initial stage of the NHEJ repair system, protecting and stabilizing DNA-breaks. Accordingly, HTLV-1 Tax is shown to interfere with a normal cellular protective mechanism for stabilizing DNA breaks. These DNA breaks, unprotected by Ku80, are unstable and are

Rainfall measurement from opportunistic use of earth-space link in Ku Band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barthès, L.; Mallet, C.

2013-02-01

The present study deals with the development of a low cost microwave device devoted to measure average rain rate observed along earth - satellite links. The principle is to use rain atmospheric attenuation along Earth - space links in Ku-band to deduce the path averaged rain rate. These links are characterized by a path length of a few km through the troposphere. Ground based power measurements are carried out by receiving TV channels from different geostationary satellites in Ku-band. The major difficulty in this study is to retrieve rain characteristics among many fluctuations of the received signal which are due to atmospheric scintillations, changes in the composition of the atmosphere (water vapour concentration, cloud water content) or satellite features (variation of the emitted power, satellite motions). In order to perform a feasibility study of such a device, a measurement campaign has been performed for five months near Paris. This paper proposes an algorithm based on an artificial neural network to identify drought and rainy periods and to suppress the variability of the received signal due to no-rain effects. Taking into account the height of the rain layer, rain attenuation is then inverted to obtain path averaged rain rate. Obtained rainfall rates are compared with co-located rain gauges and radar measurements on the whole experiment period, then the most significant rainy events are analyzed.

Geographical Distribution of Thundersnow and their Properties from GPM Ku-band Radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, A.; Liu, C.

2017-12-01

Lightning in snow and freezing rain are relatively uncommon, compared to the warm season thunderstorm. These events can be identified by lightning with the surface temperature colder than 0oC, or named as "cold lightning", A six-years of "cold lightning" characteristics and climatology, including seasonal, diurnal, and surface temperature distribution, are generated after collocating WWLLN and NLDN lightning with ERA-Interim 2 meter temperature. The thundersnow cases are further identified with all vertical temperature profile below 0oC, and the freezing rain cases have temperature warmer than 4oC somewhere in the column above the freezing surface. The statistics of thundersnow events from WWLLN and NLDN are compared over the United States (US). Though with different detection efficiency, WWLLN and NLDN demonstrate almost identical geographical distribution of thundersnow over the US. Taking the full advantage of the Global Precipitation Measuring Mission (GPM) Ku band radar, Thunder Snow Features (TSFs) are defined with contiguous area of non-zero near surface snow precipitation derived from Ku radar along with the collocated WWLLN lightning strikes. Though only a small number of TSFs are identified with three year GPM data, all TSFs have maximum radar reflectivity above 30 dBZ at temperature colder than -10oC, which indicates the importance of non-inductive charging in these events.

Prevalence, awareness, medication, control, and risk factors associated with hypertension in Bai ethnic group in rural China: the Yunnan Minority Eye Study.

PubMed

Zhang, Jinman; Huang, Qin; Yu, Minbin; Cha, Xueping; Li, Jun; Yuan, Yuansheng; Wei, Tao; Zhong, Hua

2013-01-01

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and their associated factors among Bai ethnic population in the rural China. A population-based survey was conducted in 2010 with a randomly cluster sampling in rural communities in Dali, southwest China. A total of 2133 adults aged 50 or above were interviewed, and their blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were measured. Hypertension was defined as a mean SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP≥90 mmHg, and/or current use of antihypertensive medications. The prevalence of hypertension was 42.1% (899/2133), and the age- and gender-adjusted prevalence was 40.0%. Among the hypertensive participants, 28.4% (255/899)were aware of their condition, while 24.6% (221/899) took antihypertensive medications, with only 7.5% (67/899) of those achieving blood pressure control (<140/90 mmHg). Risk factors for hypertension were older age, smoking, alcohol drinking, family history of HBP, overweight, and obesity, while protective factors included being lean, and having finished senior high school or above. Hypertension prevalence is high among the population of Bai ethnic group in China, while the associated risk factors of hypertension include overweight/obesity, cigarette smoking, history of hypertension, and older age. The percentages of hypertensive participants aware of their hypertension and those taking antihypertensive medications were low with an incredibly low proportion of hypertensive patients who kept their hypertension under control. It is suggested that health education and hypertension screening programs be carried out in the area for the high blood pressure prevention and control.

Electromagnetic properties of absorber fabric coated with BaFe12O19/MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposite in X and Ku bands frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afzali, Arezoo; Mottaghitalab, Vahid; Seyyed Afghahi, Seyyed Salman; Jafarian, Mojtaba; Atassi, Yomen

2017-11-01

Current investigation focuses on the electromagnetic properties of nonwoven fabric coated with BaFe12O19 (BHF) /MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposite in X and Ku bands. The BHF/MWCNTs and BHF/MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposites are prepared using the sol gel and in-situ polymerization methods respectively. The absorbent fabric was prepared based on applying a 40 wt% of BHF/MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposite in silicon resin on nonwoven fabric via roller coating technique The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and vector network analysis (VNA) are used to peruse microstructural, magnetic and electromagnetic features of the composite and absorber fabric respectively. The microscopic images of the fabric coated with magnetic nanocomposite shows a homogenous layer of nanoparticles on the fabric surface. The maximum reflection loss of binary nano-composite BHF/MWCNTs was measured about -28.50 dB at 11.72 GHz with 1.7 GHz bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) in X band. Moreover in Ku band, the maximum reflection loss is -29.66 dB at 15.78 GHz with 3.2 GHz bandwidths. Also the ternary nanocomposite BHF/MWCNTs/PANi exhibits a broad band absorber over a wide range of X band with a maximum reflection loss of -36.2 dB at 10.2 GHz with 1.5 GHz bandwidth and in the Ku band has arrived a maximum reflection loss of -37.65 dB at 12.84 GHz with 2.43 GHz bandwidth. This result reflects the synergistic effect of the different components with different loss mechanisms. As it is observed due to the presence of PANi in the structure of nanocomposite, the amount of absorption has increased extraordinarily. The absorber fabric exhibits a maximum reflection loss of -24.2 dB at 11.6 GHz with 4 GHz bandwidth in X band. However, in Ku band, the absorber fabric has had the maximum absorption in 16.88 GHz that is about -24.34 dB with 6 GHz bandwidth. Therefore, results indicate that the fabric samples coated represents appreciable maximum absorption value of more than 99% in

Signal design study for shuttle/TDRSS Ku-band uplink

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The adequacy of the signal design approach chosen for the TDRSS/orbiter uplink was evaluated. Critical functions and/or components associated with the baseline design were identified, and design alternatives were developed for those areas considered high risk. A detailed set of RF and signal processing performance specifications for the orbiter hardware associated with the TDRSS/orbiter Ku band uplink was analyzed. Performances of a detailed design of the PN despreader, the PSK carrier synchronization loop, and the symbol synchronizer are identified. The performance of the downlink signal by means of computer simulation to obtain a realistic determination of bit error rate degradations was studied. The three channel PM downlink signal was detailed by means of analysis and computer simulation.

Orbiter global positioning system design and Ku-band problems investigation, exhibit B, revision 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chie, C. M.; Braun, W. R.

1981-01-01

The LinCom effort in supporting the JSC study of the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) on the space shuttle and in Ku-band problem investigation is documented. LinCom was tasked to evaluate system implementation, performance, and integration aspects of the shuttle GPS and to provide independent technical assessment of reports submitted to JSC regarding integration studies, system studies and navigation analyses.

Adding a Second Ku-Band Antenna to the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DuSold, Chuck; Thacker, Corey; Kwatra, Sundeep

2011-01-01

The International Space Station, as originally developed, used the Ku-Band Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System communications link to transmit non-critical data to the ground. Since becoming operational, the use for the link evolved to include additional services that, although also not critical, were deemed to be necessary for the crew. The external Ku-Band Antennas were designed for transport to the ISS in the shuttle cargo bay and thus are not suitable for manifesting on any current cargo vehicle. The original intent was to stow two spare antennas on orbit in a protective container until such time as they were needed to replace a failing unit which is a long and complicated process due to the complexity of the removal and replacement procedure. The Boeing Company proposed manifesting one of those spare antennas in an operable configuration eliminating the need for an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) to correct the first failure and as such minimizing the time to hours rather than weeks required to restore the Ku-Band communications link after failures. After the first failure, an EVA would be scheduled to replace the failed antenna with the stowed spare antenna. Because the hot spare is activated internal to the ISS, the replacement of the failed unit can be done when convenient rather than in haste. This paper describes the methodology used to locate a suitable site to add a new antenna mast to the ISS as well the process followed to fabricate, deliver and install the new interface hardware. Because this was not planned when the ISS was originally designed, structural, power, data and Intermediate Frequency signal connections had to be found for use. With the movement of the P6 solar array element from the initial location in the center zenith location of the ISS to the end of the port side of the truss and concurrent relocation of one string of S-Band communications assets, there were candidate power, data and structural connections available on the Z1 Truss

Effects of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San on the Peripheral and Lymphatic Pharmacokinetics of Paclitaxel in Rats.

PubMed

Hou, Mei-Ling; Lu, Chia-Ming; Tsai, Tung-Hu

2016-01-01

Paclitaxel is effective against breast cancer. The herbal medicine, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS), is the most frequent prescription used to relieve the symptoms of breast cancer treatments. The aim of the study was to investigate the herb-drug interaction effects of a herbal medicine on the distribution of paclitaxel to lymph. A validated ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was used to determine the paclitaxel levels in rat plasma and lymph after intravenous infusion of paclitaxel alone with or without 7 days of JWXYS pretreatment. The pharmacokinetic results indicate that paclitaxel concentrations in plasma exceeded those in lymph by approximately 3.6-fold. The biodistribution of paclitaxel from plasma to lymph was 39 ± 5%; however, this increased to 45 ± 4% with JWXYS pretreatment. With JWXYS pretreatment, the AUC and C max of paclitaxel in plasma were significantly reduced by approximately 1.5-fold, compared to paclitaxel alone. Additionally, JWXYS decreased the AUC and C max of paclitaxel in lymph. However, the lymph absorption rate of paclitaxel with or without JWXYS pretreatment was not significantly changed (27 ± 3 and 30 ± 2%, resp.). Our findings demonstrate that when paclitaxel is prescribed concurrently with herbal medicine, monitoring of the blood pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel is recommended.

Effects of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San on the Peripheral and Lymphatic Pharmacokinetics of Paclitaxel in Rats

PubMed Central

Hou, Mei-Ling; Lu, Chia-Ming

2016-01-01

Paclitaxel is effective against breast cancer. The herbal medicine, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS), is the most frequent prescription used to relieve the symptoms of breast cancer treatments. The aim of the study was to investigate the herb-drug interaction effects of a herbal medicine on the distribution of paclitaxel to lymph. A validated ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was used to determine the paclitaxel levels in rat plasma and lymph after intravenous infusion of paclitaxel alone with or without 7 days of JWXYS pretreatment. The pharmacokinetic results indicate that paclitaxel concentrations in plasma exceeded those in lymph by approximately 3.6-fold. The biodistribution of paclitaxel from plasma to lymph was 39 ± 5%; however, this increased to 45 ± 4% with JWXYS pretreatment. With JWXYS pretreatment, the AUC and C max of paclitaxel in plasma were significantly reduced by approximately 1.5-fold, compared to paclitaxel alone. Additionally, JWXYS decreased the AUC and C max of paclitaxel in lymph. However, the lymph absorption rate of paclitaxel with or without JWXYS pretreatment was not significantly changed (27 ± 3 and 30 ± 2%, resp.). Our findings demonstrate that when paclitaxel is prescribed concurrently with herbal medicine, monitoring of the blood pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel is recommended. PMID:27057200

Red Schoolhouse, Burning Cross: The Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s and Educational Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laats, Adam

2012-01-01

In this article, the author focuses on the Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s and educational reform. The Klan's meteoric rise to national prominence in the 1920s has attracted a great deal of attention from historians, yet the group and its popularity during this time frame remain poorly understood. This is due in part to the fact that Klan symbols such…

Alternative end-joining catalyzes robust IgH locus deletions and translocations in the combined absence of ligase 4 and Ku70.

PubMed

Boboila, Cristian; Jankovic, Mila; Yan, Catherine T; Wang, Jing H; Wesemann, Duane R; Zhang, Tingting; Fazeli, Alex; Feldman, Lauren; Nussenzweig, Andre; Nussenzweig, Michel; Alt, Frederick W

2010-02-16

Class switch recombination (CSR) in B lymphocytes is initiated by introduction of multiple DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) into switch (S) regions that flank immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) constant region exons. CSR is completed by joining a DSB in the donor S mu to a DSB in a downstream acceptor S region (e.g., S gamma1) by end-joining. In normal cells, many CSR junctions are mediated by classical nonhomologous end-joining (C-NHEJ), which employs the Ku70/80 complex for DSB recognition and XRCC4/DNA ligase 4 for ligation. Alternative end-joining (A-EJ) mediates CSR, at reduced levels, in the absence of C-NHEJ, even in combined absence of Ku70 and ligase 4, demonstrating an A-EJ pathway totally distinct from C-NHEJ. Multiple DSBs are introduced into S mu during CSR, with some being rejoined or joined to each other to generate internal switch deletions (ISDs). In addition, S-region DSBs can be joined to other chromosomes to generate translocations, the level of which is increased by absence of a single C-NHEJ component (e.g., XRCC4). We asked whether ISD and S-region translocations occur in the complete absence of C-NHEJ (e.g., in Ku70/ligase 4 double-deficient B cells). We found, unexpectedly, that B-cell activation for CSR generates substantial ISD in both S mu and S gamma1 and that ISD in both is greatly increased by the absence of C-NHEJ. IgH chromosomal translocations to the c-myc oncogene also are augmented in the combined absence of Ku70 and ligase 4. We discuss the implications of these findings for A-EJ in normal and abnormal DSB repair.

Ku-band antenna acquisition and tracking performance study, volume 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, T. C.; Lindsey, W. C.

1977-01-01

The results pertaining to the tradeoff analysis and performance of the Ku-band shuttle antenna pointing and signal acquisition system are presented. The square, hexagonal and spiral antenna trajectories were investigated assuming the TDRS postulated uncertainty region and a flexible statistical model for the location of the TDRS within the uncertainty volume. The scanning trajectories, shuttle/TDRS signal parameters and dynamics, and three signal acquisition algorithms were integrated into a hardware simulation. The hardware simulation is quite flexible in that it allows for the evaluation of signal acquisition performance for an arbitrary (programmable) antenna pattern, a large range of C/N sub O's, various TDRS/shuttle a priori uncertainty distributions, and three distinct signal search algorithms.

Prevalence, Awareness, Medication, Control, and Risk Factors Associated with Hypertension in Bai Ethnic Group in Rural China: The Yunnan Minority Eye Study

PubMed Central

Yu, Minbin; Cha, Xueping; Li, Jun; Yuan, Yuansheng; Wei, Tao; Zhong, Hua

2013-01-01

Purpose This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and their associated factors among Bai ethnic population in the rural China. Methods A population-based survey was conducted in 2010 with a randomly cluster sampling in rural communities in Dali, southwest China. A total of 2133 adults aged 50 or above were interviewed, and their blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were measured. Hypertension was defined as a mean SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP≥90 mmHg, and/or current use of antihypertensive medications. Results The prevalence of hypertension was 42.1% (899/2133), and the age- and gender-adjusted prevalence was 40.0%. Among the hypertensive participants, 28.4% (255/899)were aware of their condition, while 24.6% (221/899) took antihypertensive medications, with only 7.5% (67/899) of those achieving blood pressure control (<140/90 mmHg). Risk factors for hypertension were older age, smoking, alcohol drinking, family history of HBP, overweight, and obesity, while protective factors included being lean, and having finished senior high school or above. Conclusions Hypertension prevalence is high among the population of Bai ethnic group in China, while the associated risk factors of hypertension include overweight/obesity, cigarette smoking, history of hypertension, and older age. The percentages of hypertensive participants aware of their hypertension and those taking antihypertensive medications were low with an incredibly low proportion of hypertensive patients who kept their hypertension under control. It is suggested that health education and hypertension screening programs be carried out in the area for the high blood pressure prevention and control. PMID:23951030

A wideband superconducting filter at Ku-band based on interdigital coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Ying; Wei, Bin; Cao, Bisong; Li, Qirong; Guo, Xubo; Jiang, Linan; Song, Xiaoke; Wang, Xiang

2018-04-01

In this paper, an interdigital-type resonator with strong electric coupling is proposed for the wideband high-frequency (>10 GHz) filter design. The proposed microstrip resonator consists of an H-shaped main line part with its both ends installed with interdigital finger parts. Strong electric coupling is achieved between adjacent resonators. A six-pole high-temperature superconducting filter at Ku-band using this resonator is designed and fabricated. The filter has a center frequency of 15.11 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 30%. The insertion loss of the passband is less than 0.3 dB, and the return loss is greater than 14 dB without any tuning.

Simultaneous determination of 12 chemical constituents in the traditional Chinese Medicinal Prescription Xiao-Yao-San-Jia-Wei by HPLC coupled with photodiode array detection.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongmin; Chen, Shiwei; Qin, Feng; Huang, Xi; Ren, Ping; Gu, Xinqi

2008-12-15

An HPLC-photodiode array (PDA) detection method was established for the simultaneous determination of 12 components in Xiao-Yao-San-Jia-Wei (XYSJW): geniposide, puerarin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, liquiritin, hesperidin, naringin, paeonol, daidzein, glycyrrhizic acid, honokiol, and magnolol. These were separated in less than 70 min using a Waters Symmetry Shield RP 18 column with gradient elution using (A) acetonitrile, (B) water, and (C) acetic acid at a flow rate of 1 ml/min, and with a PDA detector. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r(2)>0.9992) within the test ranges. The method was validated for specificity, accuracy, precision, and limits of detection. The proposed method enables in a single run the simultaneous identification and determination for quality control of 12 multi-structural components of XYSJW forming the basis of its therapeutic effect.

A creative approach to the development of an agenda for knowledge utilization: outputs from the 11th international knowledge utilization colloquium (KU 11).

PubMed

Wilkinson, Joyce E; Rycroft-Malone, Jo; Davies, Huw T O; McCormack, Brendan

2012-12-01

A group of researchers and practitioners interested in advancing knowledge utilization met as a colloquium in Belfast (KU 11) and used a "world café" approach to exploit the social capital and shared understanding built up over previous events to consider the research and practice agenda. We considered three key areas of relevance to knowledge use: (1) understanding the nature of research use, influence and impact; (2) blended and collaborative approaches to knowledge production and use; and (3) supporting sustainability and spread of evidence-informed innovations. The approach enabled the development of artifacts that reflected the three areas and these were analyzed using a creative hermeneutic approach. The themes that emerged and which are outlined in this commentary are not mutually exclusive. There was much overlap in the discussions and therefore of the themes, reflecting the complex nature of knowledge translation work. The agenda that has emerged from KU 11 also reflects the participatory and creative approach in which the meeting was structured and focused, and therefore emphasizes the processual, relational and contingent nature of some of the challenges we face. The past 20 years has seen an explosion in activity around understanding KU, and we have learned much about the difficulties. Whilst the agenda for the next decade may be becoming clearer, colloquia such as KU 11, using creative and engaging approaches, have a key role to play in dissecting, articulating and sharing that agenda. In this way, we also build an ever-expanding international community that is dedicated to working towards increasing the chances of success for better patient care. © 2012 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Comparison of the effects of pathogenic simian human immunodeficiency virus strains SHIV-89.6P and SHIV-KU2 in cynomolgus macaques.

PubMed

Pawar, Santosh N; Mattila, Joshua T; Sturgeon, Timothy J; Lin, Philana Ling; Narayan, Opendra; Montelaro, Ronald C; Flynn, Joanne L

2008-04-01

Factors explaining why human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enhances the risk of reactivated tuberculosis (TB) are poorly understood. Unfortunately, experimental models of HIV-induced reactivated TB are lacking. We examined whether cynomolgus macaques, which accurately model latent TB in humans, could be used to model pathogenesis of HIV infection in the lungs and associated lymph nodes. These experiments precede studies modeling the effects of HIV infection on latent TB. We infected two groups of macaques with chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIV-89.6P and SHIV-KU2) and followed viral titers and immunologic parameters including lymphocytes numbers and phenotype in the blood, bronchoalveolar lavage cells, and lymph nodes over the course of infection. Tissues from the lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, and lymph nodes were similarly examined at necropsy. Both strains produced dramatic CD4(+) T cell depletion. Plasma titers were not different between viruses, but we found more SHIV-89.6P in the lungs. Both viruses induced similar patterns of cell activation markers. SHIV-89.6P induced more IFN-gamma expression than SHIV-KU2. These results indicate SHIV-89.6P and SHIV-KU2 infect cynomolgus macaques and may be used to accurately model effects of HIV infection on latent TB.

Study of sea-surface slope distribution and its effect on radar backscatter based on Global Precipitation Measurement Ku-band precipitation radar measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Qiushuang; Zhang, Jie; Fan, Chenqing; Wang, Jing; Meng, Junmin

2018-01-01

The collocated normalized radar backscattering cross-section measurements from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Ku-band precipitation radar (KuPR) and the winds from the moored buoys are used to study the effect of different sea-surface slope probability density functions (PDFs), including the Gaussian PDF, the Gram-Charlier PDF, and the Liu PDF, on the geometrical optics (GO) model predictions of the radar backscatter at low incidence angles (0 deg to 18 deg) at different sea states. First, the peakedness coefficient in the Liu distribution is determined using the collocations at the normal incidence angle, and the results indicate that the peakedness coefficient is a nonlinear function of the wind speed. Then, the performance of the modified Liu distribution, i.e., Liu distribution using the obtained peakedness coefficient estimate; the Gaussian distribution; and the Gram-Charlier distribution is analyzed. The results show that the GO model predictions with the modified Liu distribution agree best with the KuPR measurements, followed by the predictions with the Gaussian distribution, while the predictions with the Gram-Charlier distribution have larger differences as the total or the slick filtered, not the radar filtered, probability density is included in the distribution. The best-performing distribution changes with incidence angle and changes with wind speed.

Improved foilless Ku-band transit-time oscillator for generating gigawatt level microwave with low guiding magnetic field

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

Ling, Junpu; He, Juntao, E-mail: hejuntao12@163.com; Zhang, Jiande

2014-09-15

An improved foilless Ku-band transit-time oscillator with low guiding magnetic field is proposed and investigated in this paper. With a non-uniform buncher and a coaxial TM{sub 02} mode dual-resonant reflector, this improved device can output gigawatt level Ku-band microwave with relatively compact radial dimensions. Besides the above virtue, this novel reflector also has the merits of high TEM reflectance, being more suitable for pre-modulating the electron beam and enhancing the conversion efficiency. Moreover, in order to further increase the conversion efficiency and lower the power saturation time, a depth-tunable coaxial collector and a resonant cavity located before the extractor aremore » employed in our device. Main structure parameters of the device are optimized by particle in cell simulations. The typical simulation result is that, with a 380 kV, 8.2 kA beam guided by a magnetic field of about 0.6 T, 1.15 GW microwave pulse at 14.25 GHz is generated, yielding a conversion efficiency of about 37%.« less

Apigenin induces apoptosis by targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and Ku70–Bax interaction in prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Shukla, Sanjeev; Fu, Pingfu; Gupta, Sanjay

2014-01-01

Dysfunction of the apoptotic pathway in prostate cancer cells confers apoptosis resistance towards various therapies. A novel strategy to overcome resistance is to directly target the apoptotic pathway in cancer cells. Apigenin, an anticancer agent, selectively toxic to cancer cells induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through mechanisms which are not fully explored. In the present study we provide novel insight into the mechanisms of apoptosis induction by apigenin. Treatment of androgen-refractory human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells with apigenin resulted in dose-dependent suppression of XIAP, c-IAP1, c-IAP2 and survivin protein levels. Apigenin treatment resulted in significant decrease in cell viability and apoptosis induction with the increase of cytochrome C in time-dependent manner. These effects of apigenin were accompanied by decrease in Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 and increase in the active form of Bax protein. The apigenin-mediated increase in Bax was due to dissociation of Bax from Ku70 which is essential for apoptotic activity of Bax. Apigenin treatment resulted in the inhibition of class I histone deacetylases and HDAC1 protein expression, thereby increasing the acetylation of Ku70 and the dissociation of Bax resulting in apoptosis of cancer cells. Furthermore, apigenin significantly reduced HDAC1 occupancy at the XIAP promoter, suggesting that histone deacetylation might be critical for XIAP downregulation. These results suggest that apigenin targets inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and Ku70–Bax interaction in the induction of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and in athymic nude mouse xenograft model endorsing its in vivo efficacy. PMID:24563225

Shuttle Ku-band bent-pipe implementation considerations. [for Space Shuttle digital communication systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batson, B. H.; Seyl, J. W.; Huth, G. K.

1977-01-01

This paper describes an approach for relay of data-modulated subcarriers from Shuttle payloads through the Shuttle Ku-band communications subsystem (and subsequently through a tracking and data relay satellite system to a ground terminal). The novelty is that a channel originally provided for baseband digital data is shown to be suitable for this purpose; the resulting transmission scheme is referred to as a narrowband bent-pipe scheme. Test results demonstrating the validity of the narrowband bent-pipe mode are presented, and limitations on system performance are described.

Detailed modeling of local anisotropy and transverse Ku interplay regarding hysteresis loop in FeCuNbSiB nanocrystalline ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geoffroy, Olivier; Boust, Nicolas; Chazal, Hervé; Flury, Sébastien; Roudet, James

2018-04-01

This article focuses on the modeling of the hysteresis loop featured by Fe-Cu-Nb-Si-B nanocrystalline alloys with transverse induced anisotropy. The magnetization reversal process of a magnetic correlated volume (CV), characterized by the induced anisotropy Ku, and a deviation of the local easy magnetization direction featuring the effect of a local incoherent anisotropy Ki, is analyzed, taking account of magnetostatic interactions. Solving the equations shows that considering a unique typical kind of CV does not enable accounting for both the domain pattern and the coercivity. Actually, the classical majority CVs obeying the random anisotropy model explains well the domain pattern but considering another kind of CVs, minority, mingled with classical ones, featuring a magnitude of Ki comparable to Ku, is necessary to account for coercivity. The model has been successfully compared with experimental data.

Application of Rosenbrock search technique to reduce the drilling cost of a well in Bai-Hassan oil field

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

Aswad, Z.A.R.; Al-Hadad, S.M.S.

1983-03-01

The powerful Rosenbrock search technique, which optimizes both the search directions using the Gram-Schmidt procedure and the step size using the Fibonacci line search method, has been used to optimize the drilling program of an oil well drilled in Bai-Hassan oil field in Kirkuk, Iran, using the twodimensional drilling model of Galle and Woods. This model shows the effect of the two major controllable variables, weight on bit and rotary speed, on the drilling rate, while considering other controllable variables such as the mud properties, hydrostatic pressure, hydraulic design, and bit selection. The effect of tooth dullness on the drillingmore » rate is also considered. Increasing the weight on the drill bit with a small increase or decrease in ratary speed resulted in a significant decrease in the drilling cost for most bit runs. It was found that a 48% reduction in this cost and a 97-hour savings in the total drilling time was possible under certain conditions.« less

Therapeutic effect of the compound Danshen dripping pill combined with laser acupoint irradiation on early diabetic retinopathy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hui-Hui; Xiong, Guo-Xin; Zhang, Li-Ping

2017-06-01

To investigate the therapeutic effect of the compound Danshen dripping pill combined with laser acupoint irradiation on early diabetic retinopathy, 19 patients with early diabetic retinopathy were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The TaiYang, YangBai, YuYao and ZanZhu acupoints of patients in the treatment group were irradiated with a semiconductor laser combined with the oral compound Danshen dropping pills, while those in the control group only used the oral compound Danshen dropping pills. The indicators of vision, mean defect of light sensitivity in the visual field, renal function and fasting blood glucose, were examined to evaluate the efficacy. After treatment, the above indicators of patients in the two groups were significantly improved and there was a significant difference between the two groups. This showed that the compound Danshen dripping pills combined with the laser acupoint irradiation can improve the ischemic and anoxic state of early diabetic retinopathy and improve the visual field.

Revised ocean backscatter models at C and Ku band under high-wind conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnelly, William J.; Carswell, James R.; McIntosh, Robert E.; Chang, Paul S.; Wilkerson, John; Marks, Frank; Black, Peter G.

1999-05-01

A series of airborne scatterometer experiments designed to collect C and Ku band ocean backscatter data in regions of high ocean surface winds has recently been completed. More than 100 hours of data were collected using the University of Massachusetts C and Ku band scatterometers, CSCAT and KUSCAT. These instruments measure the full azimuthal normalized radar cross section (NRCS) of a common surface area of the ocean simultaneously at four incidence angles. Our results demonstrate limitations of the current empirical models, C band geophysical model function 4 (CMOD4), SeaSat scatterometer 2 (SASS 2), and NASA scatterometer 1 (NSCAT) 1, that relate ocean backscatter to the near-surface wind at high wind speeds. The discussion focuses on winds in excess of 15 m s-1 in clear atmospheric conditions. The scatterometer data are collocated with measurements from ocean data buoys and Global Positioning System dropsondes, and a Fourier analysis is performed as a function of wind regime. A three-term Fourier series is fit to the backscatter data, and a revised set of coefficients is tabulated. These revised models, CMOD4HW and KUSCAT 1, are the basis for a discussion of the NRCS at high wind speeds. Our scatterometer data show a clear overprediction of the derived NRCS response to high winds based on the CMOD4, SASS 2, and NSCAT 1 models. Furthermore, saturation of the NRCS response begins to occur above 15 m s-1. Sensitivity of the upwind and crosswind response is discussed with implications toward high wind speed retrieval.

Down-regulation of FcepsilonRI expression by Houttuynia cordata Thunb extract in human basophilic KU812F cells.

PubMed

Shim, Sun-Yup; Seo, Young-Kook; Park, Jeong-Ro

2009-04-01

Human basophilic KU812F cells express a high-affinity immunoglobulin (Ig) E receptor, FcepsilonRI, which plays an important role in IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Family Saururaceae), which is rich in polyphenols, has been shown to have various physiological properties, including antiviral, antioxidative, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The effect of H. cordata extract on the expression of FcepsilonRI in human KU812F cells was examined. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the FcepsilonRI expression and the IgE binding activity were suppressed when the cells were cultured with H. cordata extract. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that levels of the mRNAs for FcepsilonRI alpha- and gamma-chains were decreased by the treatment of H. cordata extract. Addition of H. cordata extract to culture medium was also observed to result in a reduction in the release of histamine from the cells. These results suggest that H. cordata extract may exert its anti-allergic activity through down-regulation of FcepsilonRI expression and a subsequent decrease in histamine release.

Major Vault Protein May Affect Nonhomologous End-Joining Repair and Apoptosis Through Ku70/80 and BAX Downregulation in Cervical Carcinoma Tumors

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

Lloret, Marta; Instituto Canario de Investigacion del Cancer, Canary Islands; Lara, Pedro Carlos

Purpose: We investigated the relationship between major vault protein (MVP) expression, the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair gene Ku70/80, and related genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis and proliferation to shed light on the possible causes of genetic instability, tumor progression, and resistance to oncologic treatment in patients with clinical cervical cancer. Methods and Materials: One hundred sixteen consecutive patients with localized cervix carcinoma were prospectively included in this study from July 1997 to Dec 2003. Patients were staged according to the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification. Forty patients had Stage I disease, 45 had Stage II, and 31 hadmore » Stage III/IVA. Most patients had squamous tumors (98 cases) and Grades II (52 cases) and III (45 cases) carcinomas. Expression of MVP, Ku70/80, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), p53, and Ki67 was studied by using immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tumor tissue. Results: Tumors overexpressing MVP (65 of 116 cases) showed low levels of Ku70/80 (p = 0.013) and BAX expression (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, low Ku70/80 expression was strongly related to suppressed BAX (p < 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, upregulated BCL-2 (p = 0.042), altered p53 (p = 0.038), and increased proliferation (p = 0.002). Conclusion: We hypothesize that an early regulatory mechanism favors homologous or NHEJ repair at first, mediated by vaults along with other factors yet to be elucidated. If vaults are overexpressed, NHEJ repair may be suppressed by means of several mechanisms, with resultant genomic instability. These mechanisms may be associated with the decision of damaged cells to survive and proliferate, favoring tumor progression and reducing tumor response to oncologic treatment through the development of resistant cell phenotypes. Additional clinical studies are necessary to test this hypothesis.« less

[Comparative study of theoretical literature on cold pathogenic disease in Wai tai mi yao fang (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library) and Tai ping sheng hui fang (Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief)].

PubMed

Zhang, Huirui; Liang, Yongxuan

2014-09-01

In the Wai tai mi yao fang (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library) compiled in 752, its portion on cold pathogenic disorders embodies the achievements before the mid Tang Dynasty, whereas that in the Tai ping sheng hui fang (Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief), compiled in 992 embodies those before the early Song Dynasty. Comparison on the theory of cold disorders in both books reveal that, during the 2 centuries period from mid Tang to early Song Dynasties, the texts as a carrier for the transmission of such theory in both show no distinct changes, but only with minor revisions and improvements.

Occurrence of chai hu (Bupleuri radix) in prescriptions of Chinese herbal medicine in Switzerland.

PubMed

Klein, Sabine D; Becker, Simon; Wolf, Ursula

2012-01-01

Chai hu (Bupleuri radix), one of the most frequently used herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, has 3 major functions, depending on dosage and combination with other herbs. The aim of this study was to investigate how chai hu is prescribed in everyday practice in Switzerland, and whether these prescription patterns reflect its various applications. A random sample of 1,053 prescriptions was drawn from the database of Lian Chinaherb AG, Wollerau, Switzerland, and analyzed regarding the most frequently used classical formulas containing chai hu, daily dosages and combinations with other herbs. 29.0% of all prescriptions contained chai hu, and 98.0% of these were in granular form. The most frequently used classical formulas were xiao yao san ('rambling powder'), jia wei xiao yao san ('augmented rambling powder') and chai hu shu gan san ('Bupleurum powder to spread the liver'). In more than half of the prescriptions, chai hu was combined with bai shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), dang gui (Angelicae sinensis radix) or fu ling (Poria). 51.8% of the prescriptions contained a low daily dosage of chai hu, 24.9% a medium and 15.1% a high dosage. Chai hu was generally prescribed in classic combinations with other herbs and in a medium dosage. Due to the addition of supplementary herbs to classical formulas, its daily dose was often diminished from a high or medium dose to a low dose. This raises the question if chai hu would then still exert its desired function of, e.g., moving liver-qi in these prescriptions.

STS-79 Ku-band antenna, ODS and Spacehab module at PCR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

The orbiter Ku-band antenna looms large in this view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. Visible just past the antenna system -- stowed on the starboard side of the payload bay wall -- is the Orbiter Docking System (ODS), and connected to the ODS via a tunnel is the Spacehab Double Module in the aft area of the payload bay. This photograph was taken from the starboard wing platform on the fifth level of the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) at Launch Pad 39A. Work is under way in the PCR to close Atlantis' payload bay doors for flight. Atlantis currently is being targeted for liftoff on Mission STS-79, the fourth docking of the U.S. Shuttle to the Russian Space Station Mir, around September 12.

Comparison of C-band and Ku-band scatterometry for medium-resolution tropical forest inventory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardin, Perry J.; Long, David G.

1993-08-01

Since 1978, AVHRR imagery from NOAA polar orbiters has provided coverage of tropical regions at this desirable resolution, but much of the imagery is plagued with heavy cloud cover typical of equatorial regions. Clearly a medium resolution radar sensor would be a useful addition to AVHRR, but none are planned to fly in the future. In contrast, scatterometers are an important radar component of many future earth remote sensing systems, but the inherent resolution of these instruments is too low (approximately equals 50 km) for monitoring earth's land surfaces. However, a recently developed image reconstruction technique can increase the spatial resolution of scatterometer data to levels (approximately equals 4 to 14 km) approaching AVHRR global area coverage (approximately equals 4 km). When reconstructed, scatterometer data may prove to be an important asset in evaluating equatorial land cover. In this paper, the authors compare the utility of reconstructed Seasat scatterometer (SASS), Ku-band microwave data to reconstructed ERS-1 C-band scatterometer imagery for discrimination and monitoring of tropical vegetation formations. In comparative classification experiments conducted on reconstructed images of Brasil, the ERS-1 C-band imagery was slightly superior to its reconstructed SASS Ku-band counterpart for discriminating between several equatorial land cover classes. A classification accuracy approaching .90 was achieved when the two scatterometer images were combined with an AVHRR normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) image. The success of these experiments indicates that further research into reconstructed image applications to tropical forest monitoring is warranted.

Reduction of reactive red 241 by oxygen insensitive azoreductase purified from a novel strain Staphylococcus KU898286

PubMed Central

Nisar, Numrah; Aleem, Amber; Saleem, Faiza; Aslam, Fakhra; Shahid, Ammara; Chaudhry, Hina; Malik, Kausar; Albaser, Abdulhadi; Iqbal, Amjad; Yang, Yaodong

2017-01-01

An oxygen insensitive azoreductase was purified from a novel bacterial strain (Staphylococcus sp. KU898286) that was isolated from an abandoned site of the textile waste discharge unit. The isolated enzyme had efficiently cleaved the azo-bonds through reductive transformation under aerobic conditions. Initial phenotypic characterization and final construction of phylogenetic tree on the basis of 16s rDNA demonstrated 99% resemblance of the isolate to Staphylococcus aureus. The purified azoreductase was found to have a broad spectrum activity that reduced RR241 at a concentration of 50mg/L with pH between 6–8 and 30°C temperature). Besides, the reactive red 241 (RR241) was reduced at extracellular level as well as NADH dependent intracellular level. Complete reduction/ decolourization of RR241 were achieved after 18 hrs of exposure. The final degradation product observed to be 2-nephthol was purified by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and the molecular mass was computed by Gas Chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The study revealed a cost effective and eco-friendly approach to degrade the toxic dyes into less toxic products by Staphylococcus sp. KU898286. PMID:28467413

A Ku band 5 bit MEMS phase shifter for active electronically steerable phased array applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Anesh K.; Gautam, Ashu K.; Farinelli, Paola; Dutta, Asudeb; Singh, S. G.

2015-03-01

The design, fabrication and measurement of a 5 bit Ku band MEMS phase shifter in different configurations, i.e. a coplanar waveguide and microstrip, are presented in this work. The development architecture is based on the hybrid approach of switched and loaded line topologies. All the switches are monolithically manufactured on a 200 µm high resistivity silicon substrate using 4 inch diameter wafers. The first three bits (180°, 90° and 45°) are realized using switched microstrip lines and series ohmic MEMS switches whereas the fourth and fifth bits (22.5° and 11.25°) consist of microstrip line sections loaded by shunt ohmic MEMS devices. Individual bits are fabricated and evaluated for performance and the monolithic device is a 5 bit Ku band (16-18 GHz) phase shifter with very low average insertion loss of the order of 3.3 dB and a return loss better than 15 dB over the 32 states with a chip area of 44 mm2. A total phase shift of 348.75° with phase accuracy within 3° is achieved over all of the states. The performance of individual bits has been optimized in order to achieve an integrated performance so that they can be implemented into active electronically steerable antennas for phased array applications.

Tunable Microwave Components for Ku- and K-Band Satellite Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranada, F. A.; VanKeuls, F. W.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Subramanyam, G.

1998-01-01

The use of conductor/ferroelectric/dielectric thin film multilayer structures for frequency and phase agile components at frequencies at and above the Ku-band will be discussed. Among these components are edge coupled filters, microstripline ring resonators, and phase shifters. These structures were implemented using SrTiO3 (STO) ferroelectric thin films, with gold or YBa2Cu3O7-d (YBCO) high temperature superconducting (HTS) microstrip fines deposited by laser ablation on LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates. The performance of these structures in terms of tunability, operating temperature, frequency, and dc bias will be presented. Because of their small size, light weight, and low loss, these tunable microwave components are being studied very intensely at NASA as well as the commercial communication industry. An assessment of the progress made so far, and the issues yet to be solved for the successful integration of these components into the aforementioned communication systems will be presented.

Low cost Ku-band earth terminals for voice/data/facsimile

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelley, R. L.

1977-01-01

A Ku-band satellite earth terminal capable of providing two way voice/facsimile teleconferencing, 128 Kbps data, telephone, and high-speed imagery services is proposed. Optimized terminal cost and configuration are presented as a function of FDMA and TDMA approaches to multiple access. The entire terminal from the antenna to microphones, speakers and facsimile equipment is considered. Component cost versus performance has been projected as a function of size of the procurement and predicted hardware innovations and production techniques through 1985. The lowest cost combinations of components has been determined in a computer optimization algorithm. The system requirements including terminal EIRP and G/T, satellite size, power per spacecraft transponder, satellite antenna characteristics, and link propagation outage were selected using a computerized system cost/performance optimization algorithm. System cost and terminal cost and performance requirements are presented as a function of the size of a nationwide U.S. network. Service costs are compared with typical conference travel costs to show the viability of the proposed terminal.

Room Temperature Thin Film Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3 Ku-Band Coupled MicrostripPhase Shifters: Effects of Film Thickness, Doping, Annealing and Substrate Choice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanKeuls, F. W.; Mueller, C. H.; Miranda, F. A.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Canedy, C. L.; Aggarwal, S.; Venkatesan, T.; Ramesh, R.; Horwitz, S.; Chang, W.

1999-01-01

We report on measurements taken on over twenty Ku-band coupled microstrip phase shifters (CMPS) using thin ferroelectric films of Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3. This CMPS design is a recent innovation designed to take advantage of the high tunability and tolerate the high dielectric constant of ferroelectric films at Ku- and K-band frequencies. These devices are envisioned as a component in low-cost steerable beam phased area antennas, Comparisons are made between devices with differing film thickness, annealed vs unannealed, Mn-doped vs. undoped, and also substrates of LaAlO3 and MgO. A comparison between the CMPS structure and a CPW phase shifter was also made oil the same ferroelectric film.

Empirical conversion of the vertical profile of reflectivity from Ku-band to S-band frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Qing; Hong, Yang; Qi, Youcun; Wen, Yixin; Zhang, Jian; Gourley, Jonathan J.; Liao, Liang

2013-02-01

ABSTRACT This paper presents an empirical method for converting reflectivity from Ku-band (13.8 GHz) to S-band (2.8 GHz) for several hydrometeor species, which facilitates the incorporation of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) measurements into quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) products from the U.S. Next-Generation Radar (NEXRAD). The development of empirical dual-frequency relations is based on theoretical simulations, which have assumed appropriate scattering and microphysical models for liquid and solid hydrometeors (raindrops, snow, and ice/hail). Particle phase, shape, orientation, and density (especially for snow particles) have been considered in applying the T-matrix method to compute the scattering amplitudes. Gamma particle size distribution (PSD) is utilized to model the microphysical properties in the ice region, melting layer, and raining region of precipitating clouds. The variability of PSD parameters is considered to study the characteristics of dual-frequency reflectivity, especially the variations in radar dual-frequency ratio (DFR). The empirical relations between DFR and Ku-band reflectivity have been derived for particles in different regions within the vertical structure of precipitating clouds. The reflectivity conversion using the proposed empirical relations has been tested using real data collected by TRMM-PR and a prototype polarimetric WSR-88D (Weather Surveillance Radar 88 Doppler) radar, KOUN. The processing and analysis of collocated data demonstrate the validity of the proposed empirical relations and substantiate their practical significance for reflectivity conversion, which is essential to the TRMM-based vertical profile of reflectivity correction approach in improving NEXRAD-based QPE.

Xiao Yao San Improves Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Chronic Immobilization Stress through Modulation of Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine System.

PubMed

Ding, Xiu-Fang; Zhao, Xiao-Hua; Tao, Yang; Zhong, Wei-Chao; Fan, Qin; Diao, Jian-Xin; Liu, Yuan-Liang; Chen, Yu-Yao; Chen, Jia-Xu; Lv, Zhi-Ping

2014-01-01

Most research focuses on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPGA) axis systems of abnormalities of emotions and behaviors induced by stress, while no studies of Chinese herbal medicine such as Xiao Yao San (XYS) on the mechanisms of locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system have been reported. Therefore, experiments were carried out to observe mechanism of LC-NE system in response to chronic immobilization stress (CIS) and explore the antidepressant effect of XYS. Rat model was established by CIS. LC morphology in rat was conducted. The serum norepinephrine (NE) concentrations and NE biosynthesis such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), and corticotrophin-releasing-factor (CRF) in LC were determined. Results showed that there were no discernible alterations in LC in rats. The serum NE concentrations, positive neurons, mean optical density (MOD), and protein levels of TH, DBH, and CRF in model group were significantly increased compared to the control group. But XYS-treated group displayed a significantly decreased in NE levels and expressions of TH, DBH, and CRF compared to the model group. In conclusion, CIS can activate LC-NE system to release NE and then result in a significant decrease in rats. XYS treatment can effectively improve depressive-like behaviors in rats through inhibition of LC-NE neurons activity.

Xiao Yao San Improves Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Chronic Immobilization Stress through Modulation of Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine System

PubMed Central

Ding, Xiu-Fang; Zhao, Xiao-Hua; Tao, Yang; Zhong, Wei-Chao; Fan, Qin; Diao, Jian-Xin; Liu, Yuan-Liang; Chen, Yu-Yao; Chen, Jia-Xu; Lv, Zhi-Ping

2014-01-01

Most research focuses on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPGA) axis systems of abnormalities of emotions and behaviors induced by stress, while no studies of Chinese herbal medicine such as Xiao Yao San (XYS) on the mechanisms of locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system have been reported. Therefore, experiments were carried out to observe mechanism of LC-NE system in response to chronic immobilization stress (CIS) and explore the antidepressant effect of XYS. Rat model was established by CIS. LC morphology in rat was conducted. The serum norepinephrine (NE) concentrations and NE biosynthesis such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), and corticotrophin-releasing-factor (CRF) in LC were determined. Results showed that there were no discernible alterations in LC in rats. The serum NE concentrations, positive neurons, mean optical density (MOD), and protein levels of TH, DBH, and CRF in model group were significantly increased compared to the control group. But XYS-treated group displayed a significantly decreased in NE levels and expressions of TH, DBH, and CRF compared to the model group. In conclusion, CIS can activate LC-NE system to release NE and then result in a significant decrease in rats. XYS treatment can effectively improve depressive-like behaviors in rats through inhibition of LC-NE neurons activity. PMID:25610478

Xiao-Yao-San, a Chinese Medicine Formula, Ameliorates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Induced Polycystic Ovary in Rat

PubMed Central

Sun, Hao-Yu; Li, Quan; Liu, Yu-Ying; Wei, Xiao-Hong; Pan, Chun-Shui; Fan, Jing-Yu; Han, Jing-Yan

2017-01-01

Chronic stress induces endocrine disturbance, which contributes to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that remains a challenge for clinicians to cope with. The present study investigated the effect of Xiao-Yao-San (XYS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for treatment of gynecological disease, on the chronic stress-induced polycystic ovary and its underlying mechanism. Female Sprague-Dwaley rats underwent a 3 weeks chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure to establish the PCOS model, followed by 4 weeks treatment with XYS (0.505 g/kg or 1.01 g/kg) by gavage. Granulosa cells were exposed to noradrenaline (1 mM) in vitro for 24 h, followed by incubation with or without XYS-treated rat serum for 24 h. Post-treatment with XYS ameliorated CUMS-induced irregular estrous cycles and follicles development abnormalities, decrease of estradiol and progesterone level as well as increase of luteinizing hormone in serum, reduced cystic follicles formation and the apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells, attenuated the increase in dopamine beta hydroxylase and c-fos level in locus coeruleus, the noradrenaline level in serum and ovarian tissue, and the expression of beta 2 adrenergic receptor in ovarian tissue. Besides, XYS alleviated the reduction of phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase polypeptide I and protein kinase B, as well as the increase of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-I to microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II conversion both in vivo and in vitro. This study demonstrated XYS as a potential strategy for CUMS induced polycystic ovary, and suggested that the beneficial role of XYS was correlated with the regulation of the sympathetic nerve activity. PMID:29018356

Gastrointestinal protists and helminths of habituated agile mangabeys (Cercocebus agilis) at Bai Hokou, Central African Republic.

PubMed

Pafčo, Barbora; Tehlárová, Zuzana; Jirků Pomajbíková, Kateřina; Todd, Angelique; Hasegawa, Hideo; Petrželková, Klára J; Modrý, David

2018-02-01

Infectious diseases including those caused by parasites can be a major threat to the conservation of endangered species. There is thus a great need for studies describing parasite infections of these species in the wild. Here we present data on parasite diversity in an agile mangabey (Cercocebus agilis) group in Bai Hokou, Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA), Central African Republic. We coproscopically analyzed 140 mangabey fecal samples by concentration techniques (flotation and sedimentation). Agile mangabeys hosted a broad diversity of protistan parasites/commensals, namely amoebas (Entamoeba spp., Iodamoeba buetschlli), a Buxtonella-like ciliate and several parasitic helminths: strongylid and spirurid nematodes, Primasubulura sp., Enterobius sp., and Trichuris sp. Importantly, some of the detected parasite taxa might be of potential zoonotic importance, such as Entamoeba spp. and the helminths Enterobius sp., Trichuris sp., and strongylid nematodes. Detailed morphological examination of ciliate cysts found in mangabeys and comparison with cysts of Balantioides coli from domestic pigs showed no distinguishing structures, although significant differences in cyst size were recorded. Scanning or transmission electron microscopy combined with molecular taxonomy methods are needed to properly identify these ciliates. Further studies using molecular epidemiology are warranted to better understand cross-species transmission and the zoonotic potential of parasites in sympatric non-human primates and humans cohabiting DSPA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Observations of Radar Backscatter at Ku and C Bands in the Presence of Large Waves during the Surface Wave Dynamics Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nghiem, S. V.; Li, Fuk K.; Lou, Shu-Hsiang; Neumann, Gregory; McIntosh, Robert E.; Carson, Steven C.; Carswell, James R.; Walsh, Edward J.; Donelan, Mark A.; Drennan, William M.

1995-01-01

Ocean radar backscatter in the presence of large waves is investigated using data acquired with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory NUSCAT radar at Ku band for horizontal and vertical polarizations and the University of Massachusetts CSCAT radar at C band for vertical polarization during the Surface Wave Dynamics Experiment. Off-nadir backscatter data of ocean surfaces were obtained in the presence of large waves with significant wave height up to 5.6 m. In moderate-wind cases, effects of large waves are not detectable within the measurement uncertainty and no noticeable correlation between backscatter coefficients and wave height is found. Under high-wave light-wind conditions, backscatter is enhanced significantly at large incidence angles with a weaker effect at small incidence angles. Backscatter coefficients in the wind speed range under consideration are compared with SASS-2 (Ku band), CMOD3-H1 (C band), and Plant's model results which confirm the experimental observations. Variations of the friction velocity, which can give rise to the observed backscatter behaviors in the presence of large waves, are presented.

Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula) and Bai guo (Gingko biloba) enhance learning and memory.

PubMed

Singh, Betsy; Song, Howin; Liu, Xiao-Dong; Hardy, Mary; Liu, Gan-Zhong; Vinjamury, Sivarama P; Martirosian, Claudia Der

2004-01-01

An exploration of the usefulness of several common Chinese herbs used for Acquisition and Retention singly or in combination is required. To test (1) whether Gingko biloba (Bai guo) in combination with Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) or Gingko biloba (GB) alone could enhance memory acquisition and retention of normal human subjects, better than a placebo and (2) to investigate whether the overall health status can be affected by these supplements. A double blind randomized placebo controlled trial design was used to determine the efficacy of these two products compared to placebo. Sixty participants, aged 21- 60 years, who were either students or faculty of the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Each combination capsule was made up of 75mg of Codonopsis pilosula total glycosides and 40mg GB extract. Each GB capsule consisted of 40mg of Gingko biloba as an aqueous extract and. The placebo pill was similar in shape and color to that of the other two capsules. All the participants regardless of the group were instructed to take one pill twice a day with food. The primary outcome measure was a computerized, standardized acquisition and retention test provided by Digital Acumen, Inc. The secondary outcome measures were the SF-12 and the Medical Symptom Questionnaire ( 1997 healthcomm International, Inc. And Immuno Laboratories, Inc.) Mean age was 28 years; almost two thirds of the sample were males. The study adopted repeated measure analysis using data from three measurement points for between group analysis. GB group was compared to placebo, and CPG/GB group was also compared to placebo. These individual comparisons were made to determine whether the active products produced better results than chance. The between groups findings indicate that both products are better than placebo at producing improvements in acquisition and retention and overall health status. In our participant population, the combination product seems to be better than GB alone in

Focusing electrode and coaxial reflector used for reducing the guiding magnetic field of the Ku-band foilless transit-time oscillator

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

Ling, Junpu; Zhang, Jiande; He, Juntao, E-mail: hejuntao12@163.com

2014-08-15

Based on the theoretical analysis of the intense relativistic electron beam propagation in the coaxial drift-tube, a focusing electrode and a coaxial reflector is proposed to lessen the demand of the coaxial Ku-band foilless transit-time oscillator (TTO) for the guiding magnetic field. Moreover, a Ku-band TTO with the focusing electrode and the coaxial reflector is designed and studied by particle in cell simulation. When the diode voltage is 390 kV, the beam current 7.8 kA, and the guiding magnetic field is only 0.3 T, the device can output 820 MW microwave pulse at 14.25 GHz by means of the simulation.more » However, for the device without them, the output power is only 320 MW. The primary experiments are also carried out. When the guiding magnetic field is 0.3 T, the output power of the device with the focusing electrode and the coaxial reflector is double that of the one without them. The simulation and experimental results prove that the focusing electrode and the coaxial reflector are effective on reducing the guiding magnetic field of the device.« less

Dual-Polarization Ku-Band Compact Spaceborne Antenna Based on Dual-Reflectarray Optics.

PubMed

Tienda, Carolina; Encinar, Jose A; Barba, Mariano; Arrebola, Manuel

2018-04-05

This article demonstrated an accurate analysis technique for dual-reflectarray antennas that take into account the angle of incidence of the impinging electric field on the main reflectarray cells. The reflected field on the sub and the main reflectarray surfaces is computed using Method of Moments in the spectral domain and assuming local periodicity. The sub-reflectarray is divided into groups of elements and the field radiated by each group is used to compute the incident and reflected field on the main reflectarray cells. A 50-cm demonstrator in Ku-band that provides European coverage has been designed, manufactured and tested to validate the analysis technique. The measured radiation patterns match the simulations and they fulfill the coverage requirements, achieving a cross-polar discrimination better than 25 dB in the frequency range: 12.975-14.25 GHz.

Design studies of the Ku-band, wide-band Gyro-TWT amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sang Wook; Lee, Han Seul; Jang, Kwong Ho; Choi, Jin Joo; Hong, Yong Jun; Shin, Jin Woo; So, Jun Ho; Won, Jong Hyo

2014-02-01

This paper reports a Ku-band, wide band Gyrotron-Traveling-wave-tube(Gyro-TWT) that is currently being developed at Kwangwoon University. The Gyro-TWT has a two stage linear tapered interaction circuit to obtain a wide operating bandwidth. The linearly-tapered interaction circuit and nonlinearly-tapered magnetic field gives the Gyro-TWT a wide operating bandwidth. The Gyro-TWT bandwidth is 23%. The 2d-Particle-in-cell(PIC) and MAGIC2d code simulation results are 17.3 dB and 24.34 kW, respectively for the maximum saturated output power. A double anode MIG was simulated with E-Gun code. The results were 0.7 for the transvers to the axial beam velocity ratio (=alpha) and a 2.3% axial velocity spread at 50 kV and 4 A. A magnetic field profile simulation was performed by using the Poisson code to obtain the grazing magnetic field of the entire interaction circuit with Poisson code.

CCD Astrometric Measurements of Double Stars BAL 746, BPM 342, KU 92, and STF 897

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Schuyler

2017-07-01

Double stars WDS 06589-0106 (BAL 746), WDS 06579+1430 (BPM 342), WDS 07006+0921 (KU 92), and WDS 06224+2640 (STF 897) were measured as part of a science fair project for the 2016 Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. The goal was to measure the separation and position angles of stars by using a telescope with a charge-coupled device (CCD) on the iTelescope network. Five images were taken of each of the stars. These images were plate solved with Visual PinPoint and measured using Aladin Sky Atlas. Measurements for all five doubles compare well to the more recent values in the Washington Double Star Catalog.

Low-loss negative index metamaterials for X, Ku, and K microwave bands

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

Lee, David A.; Vedral, L. James; Smith, David A.

2015-04-15

Low-loss, negative-index of refraction metamaterials were designed and tested for X, Ku, and K microwave frequency bands. An S-shaped, split-ring resonator was used as a unit cell to design homogeneous slabs of negative-index metamaterials. Then, the slabs of metamaterials were cut unto prisms to measure experimentally the negative index of refraction of a plane electromagnetic wave. Theoretical simulations using High-Frequency Structural Simulator, a finite element equation solver, were in good agreement with experimental measurements. The negative index of refraction was retrieved from the angle- and frequency-dependence of the transmitted intensity of the microwave beam through the metamaterial prism and comparedmore » well to simulations; in addition, near-field electromagnetic intensity mapping was conducted with an infrared camera, and there was also a good match with the simulations for expected frequency ranges for the negative index of refraction.« less

Reduction of intergranular exchange coupling and grain size for high Ku CoPt-based granular media: Metal-oxide buffer layer and multiple oxide boundary materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tham, Kim Kong; Kushibiki, Ryosuke; Kamada, Tomonari; Hinata, Shintaro; Saito, Shin

2018-05-01

Investigation of magnetic properties and microstructure of granular media with various multiple oxides as the grain boundary material is reported. Saturation magnetization (Ms), uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy (Ku), and magnetic grain diameter (GD) of the granular media show linear correlation with volume weighted average for melting point (Tm) of each oxides (Tmave). Ku of magnetic grains (Kugrain) shows a trade-off relation with GD that it is a big challenge to satisfy both high Kugrain and small GD by only controlling Tmave. To obtain a granular medium with appropriate Kugrain, GD, and low degree of intergranular exchange coupling, the combination of Tmave control of grain boundary material by mixing oxides and employment of a buffer layer are required. Here the degree of intergranular exchange coupling is estimated from the slope of M-H loop at around coercivity (α). By applying this technique, a typical granular medium with Kugrain of 1.0×107 erg/cm3, GD of 5.1 nm, and α of 1.2 is realized.

Dual-Polarization Ku-Band Compact Spaceborne Antenna Based on Dual-Reflectarray Optics †

PubMed Central

Tienda, Carolina; Encinar, Jose A.; Barba, Mariano

2018-01-01

This article demonstrated an accurate analysis technique for dual-reflectarray antennas that take into account the angle of incidence of the impinging electric field on the main reflectarray cells. The reflected field on the sub and the main reflectarray surfaces is computed using Method of Moments in the spectral domain and assuming local periodicity. The sub-reflectarray is divided into groups of elements and the field radiated by each group is used to compute the incident and reflected field on the main reflectarray cells. A 50-cm demonstrator in Ku-band that provides European coverage has been designed, manufactured and tested to validate the analysis technique. The measured radiation patterns match the simulations and they fulfill the coverage requirements, achieving a cross-polar discrimination better than 25 dB in the frequency range: 12.975–14.25 GHz. PMID:29621155

Analysis of C and Ku band ocean backscatter measurements under low-wind conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carswell, James R.; Donnelly, William J.; McIntosh, Robert E.; Donelan, Mark A.; Vandemark, Douglas C.

1999-09-01

Airborne ocean backscatter measurements at C and Ku band wavelengths obtained in low to moderate-wind conditions are presented. The differences between the low-wind backscatter data and the CMOD4 and SASS-II models are reported. The measurements show that the upwind/crosswind backscatter ratio is greater than predicted. These large upwind/crosswind backscatter ratios are attributed to a rapid decrease in the crosswind backscatter at low winds. Qualitative agreement with the composite surface model proposed by Donelan and Pierson suggests the rapid decrease in the crosswind backscatter may be caused by viscous dampening of the Bragg-resonant capillary-gravity waves. We show that for larger antenna footprints typical of satellite-based scatterometers, the variability in the observed wind field smooths out the backscatter response such that the rapid decrease in the crosswind direction is not observed.

Deficient Pms2, ERCC1, Ku86, CcOI in field defects during progression to colon cancer.

PubMed

Nguyen, Huy; Loustaunau, Cristy; Facista, Alexander; Ramsey, Lois; Hassounah, Nadia; Taylor, Hilary; Krouse, Robert; Payne, Claire M; Tsikitis, V Liana; Goldschmid, Steve; Banerjee, Bhaskar; Perini, Rafael F; Bernstein, Carol

2010-07-28

In carcinogenesis, the "field defect" is recognized clinically because of the high propensity of survivors of certain cancers to develop other malignancies of the same tissue type, often in a nearby location. Such field defects have been indicated in colon cancer. The molecular abnormalities that are responsible for a field defect in the colon should be detectable at high frequency in the histologically normal tissue surrounding a colonic adenocarcinoma or surrounding an adenoma with advanced neoplasia (well on the way to a colon cancer), but at low frequency in the colonic mucosa from patients without colonic neoplasia. Using immunohistochemistry, entire crypts within 10 cm on each side of colonic adenocarcinomas or advanced colonic neoplasias were found to be frequently reduced or absent in expression for two DNA repair proteins, Pms2 and/or ERCC1. Pms2 is a dual role protein, active in DNA mismatch repair as well as needed in apoptosis of cells with excess DNA damage. ERCC1 is active in DNA nucleotide excision repair. The reduced or absent expression of both ERCC1 and Pms2 would create cells with both increased ability to survive (apoptosis resistance) and increased level of mutability. The reduced or absent expression of both ERCC1 and Pms2 is likely an early step in progression to colon cancer. DNA repair gene Ku86 (active in DNA non-homologous end joining) and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I (involved in apoptosis) had each been reported to be decreased in expression in mucosal areas close to colon cancers. However, immunohistochemical evaluation of their levels of expression showed only low to modest frequencies of crypts to be deficient in their expression in a field defect surrounding colon cancer or surrounding advanced colonic neoplasia. We show, here, our method of evaluation of crypts for expression of ERCC1, Pms2, Ku86 and CcOI. We show that frequency of entire crypts deficient for Pms2 and ERCC1 is often as great as 70% to 95% in 20 cm long areas

Effects of rain and fog on the Shuttle Ku-band microwave scanning beam landing system range and accuracy performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, D.

1981-01-01

The microwave Scanning Beam Landing System's (MSBLS) performance in fog and rain was studied. The fog and rain effects on the Shuttle Ku-band system were determined. Specifically, microwave attenuation, beam distortion, and coordinate errors resulting from operation of the MSBLS in poor weather conditions were evaluated. The main physical processes giving rise to microwave attenuation were found to be absorption and scattering by water droplets. The general theory of scattering and absorption used is discussed and a listing of applicable computer programs is provided.

Ku-band high efficiency GaAs MMIC power amplifiers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tserng, H. Q.; Witkowski, L. C.; Wurtele, M.; Saunier, Paul

1988-01-01

The development of Ku-band high efficiency GaAs MMIC power amplifiers is examined. Three amplifier modules operating over the 13 to 15 GHz frequency range are to be developed. The first MMIC is a 1 W variable power amplifier (VPA) with 35 percent efficiency. On-chip digital gain control is to be provided. The second MMIC is a medium power amplifier (MPA) with an output power goal of 1 W and 40 percent power-added efficiency. The third MMIC is a high power amplifier (HPA) with 4 W output power goal and 40 percent power-added efficiency. An output power of 0.36 W/mm with 49 percent efficiency was obtained on an ion implanted single gate MESFET at 15 GHz. On a dual gate MESFET, an output power of 0.42 W/mm with 27 percent efficiency was obtained. A mask set was designed that includes single stage, two stage, and three stage single gate amplifiers. A single stage 600 micron amplifier produced 0.4 W/mm output power with 40 percent efficiency at 14 GHz. A four stage dual gate amplifier generated 500 mW of output power with 20 dB gain at 17 GHz. A four-bit digital-to-analog converter was designed and fabricated which has an output swing of -3 V to +/- 1 V.

Space-Based Telemetry and Range Safety Project Ku-Band and Ka-Band Phased Array Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whiteman, Donald E.; Valencia, Lisa M.; Birr, Richard B.

2005-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space-Based Telemetry and Range Safety study is a multiphase project to increase data rates and flexibility and decrease costs by using space-based communications assets for telemetry during launches and landings. Phase 1 used standard S-band antennas with the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to obtain a baseline performance. The selection process and available resources for Phase 2 resulted in a Ku-band phased array antenna system. Several development efforts are under way for a Ka-band phased array antenna system for Phase 3. Each phase includes test flights to demonstrate performance and capabilities. Successful completion of this project will result in a set of communications requirements for the next generation of launch vehicles.

Excitons in scintillator materials: Optical properties and electron-energy loss spectra of NaI, LaBr 3, BaI 2, and SrI 2

DOE PAGES

Schleife, Andre; Zhang, Xiao; Li, Qi; ...

2016-11-03

In this paper, materials for scintillator radiation detectors need to fulfill a diverse set of requirements such as radiation hardness and highly specific response to incoming radiation, rendering them a target of current materials design efforts. Even though they are amenable to cutting-edge theoretical spectroscopy techniques, surprisingly many fundamental properties of scintillator materials are still unknown or not well explored. In this work, we use first-principles approaches to thoroughly study the optical properties of four scintillator materials: NaI, LaBr 3, BaI 2, and SrI 2. By solving the Bethe–Salpeter equation for the optical polarization function we study the influence ofmore » excitonic effects on dielectric and electron-energy loss functions. This work sheds light into fundamental optical properties of these four scintillator materials and lays the ground-work for future work that is geared toward accurate modeling and computational materials design of advanced radiation detectors with unprecedented energy resolution.« less

Prescription patterns of Chinese herbal products for post-surgery colon cancer patients in Taiwan.

PubMed

Chao, Te-Hsin; Fu, Pin-Kuei; Chang, Chiung-Hung; Chang, Shih-Ni; Chiahung Mao, Frank; Lin, Ching-Heng

2014-08-08

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is commonly provided to cancer patients, however, the patterns of prescriptions for this type of medicine in Taiwan are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the use of traditional Chinese medicine products in colon cancer patients post-surgery in Taiwan and to research patterns of TCM. This was a cross-sectional study of newly diagnosed colon cancer patients who received surgery between 2004 and 2008 identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The prescription patterns and reasons for the use of TCM for colon cancer were analyzed. The results showed that "symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions" (23.3%) and diseases of the digestive system (16.9%) were the most common reasons for using Chinese herbal medicine. Xiang-sha-liu-jun-zi-tang (7.1%), Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (4.3%), Jia-wei-xiao-yao-san (4.1%), Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (3.7%), Ban-Xia-Xie-Xin-Tang (3.4%), Gui-pi-tang (2.4%), Ping-Wei-San (2.4%), Gan-Lu-Yin (2.0%), Bao-He-Wan (1.9%), and Zhen-Ren-Huo-Ming-Yin (1.8%) were the most commonly prescribed single Chinese herbal formulae (CHF) for colon cancer patients post-surgery. Hedyotis diffusa Willd (Bai Hua She She Cao) (5.1%) and Scutellaria barbata (Ban Zhi Lian )(4.8%) were the most commonly prescribed single Chinese herbs. This study identified patterns of TCM use in colon cancer patients post-surgery in Taiwan. The herbal ingredients were most commonly used for stimulate ghrelin secretion to increase food intake and had potential anti-tumor effect. However, further research is required to evaluate any beneficial effects which could identify leads for the development of new treatment strategies using TCM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A high efficiency Ku-band radial line relativistic klystron amplifier

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

Dang, Fangchao; Zhang, Xiaoping, E-mail: zhangxiaoping@nudt.edu.cn; Zhong, Huihuang

2016-07-15

To achieve the gigawatt-level microwave amplification output at Ku-band, a radial-line relativistic klystron amplifier is proposed and investigated in this paper. Different from the annular electron beam in conventional axial relativistic klystron amplifiers, a radial-radiated electron beam is employed in this proposed klystron. Owing to its radially spreading speciality, the electron density and space charge effect are markedly weakened during the propagation in the radial line drift tube. Additionally, the power capacity, especially in the output cavity, is enhanced significantly because of its large volume, which is profitable for the long pulse operation. Particle-in-cell simulation results demonstrate that a highmore » power microwave with the power of 3 GW and the frequency of 14.25 GHz is generated with a 500 kV, 12 kA electron beam excitation and the 30 kW radio-frequency signal injection. The power conversion efficiency is 50%, and the gain is about 50 dB. Meanwhile, there is insignificant electron beam self-excitation in the proposed structure by the adoption of two transverse electromagnetic reflectors. The relative phase difference between the injected signals and output microwaves keeps stable after the amplifier saturates.« less

A technical writing programme implemented in a first-year engineering course at KU Leuven

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heylen, Christel; Vander Sloten, Jos

2013-12-01

Technical communication and technical writing are important skills for the daily work-life of every engineer. In the first-year engineering programme at KU Leuven, a technical writing programme is implemented within the project-based course 'Problem Solving and Engineering Design'. This paper describes a case study for implementing a writing programme based on active learning methods and situated learning in large classes. The programme consists of subsequent cycles of instructions, learning by doing and reflection on received feedback. In addition, a peer-review assignment, together with an interactive lecture using clicking devices, is incorporated within the assignments of the second semester. A checklist of desired writing abilities makes it easier to grade the large number of papers. Furthermore, this ensures that all staff involved in the evaluation process uses the same criteria to grade and for providing feedback.

Proposal of a gigawatt-class L/Ku dual-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator

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

Ju, J.-C., E-mail: jujinchuan@126.com; Fan, Y.-W.; Shu, T.

2014-10-15

We present a gigawatt (GW)-class magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) which is capable of generating dual-band high power microwaves (HPMs). The proposed device, deriving from previously studied complex MILO and dual-frequency MILO, is designed to produce two HPMs in L-band and Ku-band, respectively. It is found in particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation that when the diode voltage is 610 kV, HPMs with frequencies of 1.72 GHz and 14.6 GHz can be achieved with powers of 3.3 GW and 2.4 GW, respectively. The corresponding total power conversion efficiency is approximately 12.8%. Power difference of the two generated HPMs is approximately 1.4 dB, and frequency difference of themmore » reaches a level as high as ∼10 dB.« less

Processes affecting the spatial distribution of seagrass meadow sedimentary material on Yao Yai Island, Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quak, Michelle S. Y.; Ziegler, Alan D.; Benner, Shawn G.; Evans, Sam; Todd, Peter A.; Gillis, Lucy G.; Vongtanaboon, Sukanya; Jachowski, Nick; Bouma, Tjeerd J.

2016-12-01

Many islands throughout SE Asia are experiencing rapid development and land-cover conversion that potentially threaten sensitive coastal ecosystems, such as seagrasses, through increased loading of sediment and nutrients originating from disturbed catchments draining to the sea. To evaluate this threat for one such island in Southern Thailand (Yao Yai), we perform sediment source tracing via end-member mixing analysis using stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N in organic matter to explore sediment loading in a seagrass meadow. The analysis indicates that sedimentary material in the meadow originates mostly from ocean-associated sources (∼62% from seagrass detritus, seston, and ocean sediments). Terrestrial material comprises ∼19% of the organic material found in the seagrass meadow, with another 20% originating from an adjacent mangrove forest. Approximately one-fourth of the seagrass meadow material (24%) is detritus that has been (re)deposited internally. The high contribution of terrestrial-derived organic matter deposited near the river mouth demonstrates that substantial quantities of sediment are being transferred from upslope erosion sources into the seagrass meadow. However, only a small amount of this material is deposited throughout the entire bay because much of the terrestrial- and mangrove-derived sediment is transferred to the open ocean via channels that are periodically dredged to allow boat access to two small inland harbours. This positive affect of dredging has not received very much attention in existing literature. River water flowing to the channels during falling tide delivers sediment to these efficient pathways, where much of it bypasses the seagrass meadow at periods of time when sediment deposition would normally be the greatest. There is growing concern that ongoing land-cover changes and planned urbanization related to tourism and agriculture on the island may boost sediment/nutrients above a critical threshold, beyond that revealed in

Tong Xie Yao Fang relieves irritable bowel syndrome in rats via mechanisms involving regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P

PubMed Central

Yin, Yue; Zhong, Lei; Wang, Jian-Wei; Zhao, Xue-Ying; Zhao, Wen-Jing; Kuang, Hai-Xue

2015-01-01

AIM: To investigate whether the Chinese medicine Tong Xie Yao Fang (TXYF) improves dysfunction in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rat model. METHODS: Thirty baby rats for IBS modeling were separated from mother rats (1 h per day) from days 8 to 21, and the rectum was expanded by angioplasty from days 8 to 12. Ten normal rats were used as normal controls. We examined the effects of TXYF on defection frequency, colonic transit function and smooth muscle contraction, and the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and substance P (SP) in colonic and hypothalamus tissues by Western blot and RT-PCT techniques in both normal rats and IBS model rats with characterized visceral hypersensitivity. RESULTS: Defecation frequency was 1.8 ± 1.03 in normal rats and 4.5 ± 1.58 in IBS model rats (P < 0.001). However, the defecation frequency was significantly decreased (3.0 ± 1.25 vs 4.5 ± 1.58, P < 0.05), while the time (in seconds) of colon transit function was significantly increased (256.88 ± 20.32 vs 93.36 ± 17.28, P < 0.001) in IBS + TXYF group rats than in IBS group rats. Increased colonic smooth muscle tension and contract frequency in IBS model rats were significantly decreased by administration of TXYF. Exogenous agonist stimulants increased spontaneous activity and elicited contractions of colon smooth muscle in IBS model rats, and all of these actions were significantly reduced by TXYF involving 5-HT and SP down-regulation. CONCLUSION: TXYF can modulate the activity of the enteric nervous system and alter 5-HT and SP activities, which may contribute to the symptoms of IBS. PMID:25914462

Tong Xie Yao Fang relieves irritable bowel syndrome in rats via mechanisms involving regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P.

PubMed

Yin, Yue; Zhong, Lei; Wang, Jian-Wei; Zhao, Xue-Ying; Zhao, Wen-Jing; Kuang, Hai-Xue

2015-04-21

To investigate whether the Chinese medicine Tong Xie Yao Fang (TXYF) improves dysfunction in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rat model. Thirty baby rats for IBS modeling were separated from mother rats (1 h per day) from days 8 to 21, and the rectum was expanded by angioplasty from days 8 to 12. Ten normal rats were used as normal controls. We examined the effects of TXYF on defection frequency, colonic transit function and smooth muscle contraction, and the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and substance P (SP) in colonic and hypothalamus tissues by Western blot and RT-PCT techniques in both normal rats and IBS model rats with characterized visceral hypersensitivity. Defecation frequency was 1.8 ± 1.03 in normal rats and 4.5 ± 1.58 in IBS model rats (P < 0.001). However, the defecation frequency was significantly decreased (3.0 ± 1.25 vs 4.5 ± 1.58, P < 0.05), while the time (in seconds) of colon transit function was significantly increased (256.88 ± 20.32 vs 93.36 ± 17.28, P < 0.001) in IBS + TXYF group rats than in IBS group rats. Increased colonic smooth muscle tension and contract frequency in IBS model rats were significantly decreased by administration of TXYF. Exogenous agonist stimulants increased spontaneous activity and elicited contractions of colon smooth muscle in IBS model rats, and all of these actions were significantly reduced by TXYF involving 5-HT and SP down-regulation. TXYF can modulate the activity of the enteric nervous system and alter 5-HT and SP activities, which may contribute to the symptoms of IBS.

Ku- and Ka-Band Phased Array Antenna for the Space-Based Telemetry and Range Safety Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whiteman, Donald E.; Valencia, Lisa M.; Birr, Richard B.

2005-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space-Based Telemetry and Range Safety study is a multiphase project to increase data rates and flexibility and decrease costs by using space-based communications assets for telemetry during launches and landings. Phase 1 used standard S-band antennas with the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to obtain a baseline performance. The selection process and available resources for Phase 2 resulted in a Ku-band phased array antenna system. Several development efforts are under way for a Ka-band phased array antenna system for Phase 3. Each phase includes test flights to demonstrate performance and capabilities. Successful completion of this project will result in a set of communications requirements for the next generation of launch vehicles.

Toward Improving Ice Water Content and Snow Rate Retrievals from Spaceborne Radars, Emphasizing Ku and Ka-Bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heymsfield, A.; Bansemer, A.; Tanelli, S.; Poellot, M.

2015-12-01

This study uses a data set from either overflying aircraft or ground-based radars operating at Ku and Ka bands, combined with in-situ microphysical measurements to develop radar reflectivity (Ze)-ice water content (IWC) and Ze-snowfall rate (S) relationships that are suited for retrieval of snowfall rate from the GPM radars. During GCPEX, the NASA DC-8 aircraft, carrying the JPL APR-2 KU and KA band radars overflew the UND Citation aircraft, making microphysical measurements in the ice clouds below. On two days, 19 and 28 January 2011, there are a total of almost 7000 1-sec colocations of the aircraft, where a collocation was defined as having a combination of a spatial separation of less than 3 km and a time separation of less than 10 minutes. During the NASA GPM Mid-latitude Continental Convective Cloud Experiment (MC3E), the Citation aircraft made in-situ observations over Oklahoma in 2011. We evaluated the data from two types of collocations. First, there were two Citation spirals on 27 April 2011, over the NPOL radar. At the same time, the UHF-band KUZR radar was collecting data in a vertically-pointing mode. Also, the Ka band KAZR Doppler radar was operating in a zenith orientation. Reflectivities and Doppler velocities, without and with appreciable Mie-scattering effects of the hydrometers (for KUZR and KAZR, respectively), are thus available during the spirals. Also during MC3E, six deep convective clouds with a total of more than 5000 5-sec samples and a range of temperatures from -40 to 0C were sampled by the Citation at the same time that NEXRAD reflectivities were measured at about the same position. These data allows us to evaluate various backscatter models and to develop multi-wavelength Z-IWC and Z-S relationships. We will present the results of this study.

Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness studies on polyaniline/CSA-WO3 composites at KU band frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sastry, D. Nagesa; Revanasiddappa, M.; Suresh, T.; Kiran, Y. T. Ravi; Raghavendra, S. C.

2018-05-01

This paper highlights the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding Effectiveness and electromagnetic wave attenuation behavior of Polyaniline/Camphor Sulphonic Acid (PANI-CSA) - tungsten oxide (WO3) composites. Insitu polymerization of aniline monomer with camphor sulphonic acid (CSA) as a dopant was carried out in the presence of ammonium persulphate an oxidizing agent to synthesize PANI-CSA tungsten oxide composites (PANI/CSA-WO3) by chemical oxidation method. The composites have been synthesized with various compositions (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt %) of tungsten oxide in PANI/CSA matrix. The EMI shielding measurements were carried out in the broad microwave spectrum covering the frequency range from 12 to 18 GHz (Ku-Band). The results show the influence of tungsten oxide in PANI/CSA over the EMI shielding Effectiveness. The composites have shown excellent microwave absorption behavior confirmed by the EMI Shielding Effectiveness values of the order of -15 to -16 dB.

Wideband Array for C, X, and Ku-Band Applications with 5.3:1 Bandwidth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Novak, Markus H.; Volakis, John L.; Miranda, Felix A.

2015-01-01

Planar arrays that exploit strong intentional coupling between elements have allowed for very wide bandwidths in low-profile configurations. However, such designs also require complex impedance matching networks that must also be very compact. For many space applications, typically occurring at C-, X-, Ku-, and most recently at Ka-band, such designs require specialized and expensive fabrication techniques. To address this issue, a novel ultra-wideband array is presented, using a simplified feed network to reduce fabrication cost. The array operates from 3.5-18.5 GHz with VSWR less than 2.4 at broadside, and is of very low profile, having a total height of lambda/10 at the lowest frequency of operation. Validation is provided using a 64-element prototype array, fabricated using common Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. The low size, weight, and cost of this array make it attractive for space-borne applications.

Is Traditional Chinese medicine effective for reducing hyperthyroidism?

PubMed

Chang, Cheng-Chieh; Huang, Sheng-Teng

2010-11-01

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that can affect a few patients with hyperthyroidism. In this case report, we demonstrated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was effective for the patient with hyperthyroidism induced by Graves' disease. The patient also remained in the euthyroid state for several years after the treatment. SUBJECT AND SETTING: A 33-year-old woman had palpitations, fatigability, and weight loss and was diagnosed as having Graves' disease. Urticaria and itching skin appeared after she took an antithyroid drug. Therefore, she sought treatment with TCM. After regular therapy with Jia Wei Xiao Yao San in addition to Xia Ku Cao, Bei Mu, and oyster shell, her symptoms subsided and the thyroid function level returned to normal range with 3 years' treatment. She still remained in the euthyroid state for 3 years after discontinuing the TCM treatment up to the present. Neither complications nor side-effects were noted during the TCM treatment. This case demonstrates that TCM is an effective and alternative option for hyperthyroidism induced by Graves' disease, especially for patients who have an allergic reaction caused by thioamides.

Itinerancy-Enhanced Quantum Fluctuation of Magnetic Moments in Iron-Based Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tam, Yu-Ting; Yao, Dao-Xin; Ku, Wei

We investigate the influence of itinerant carriers on dynamics and fluctuation of local moments in Fe-based superconductors, via linear spin-wave analysis of a spin-fermion model containing both itinerant and local degrees of freedom.Surprisingly against the common lore, instead of enhancing the (π,0) order, itinerant carriers with well nested Fermi surfaces are found to induce a significant amount of spatial and temporal quantum fluctuation that leads to the observed small ordered moment. Interestingly, the underlying mechanism is shown to be intra-pocket nesting-associated long-range coupling rather than the previously believed ferromagnetic double-exchange effect. This challenges the validity of ferromagnetically compensated first-neighbor coupling reported from short-range fitting to the experimental dispersion, which turns out to result instead from the ferro-orbital order that is also found instrumental in stabilizing the magnetic order. *Y.-T. Tam, D.-X. Yao and W. Ku, Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 117001 (2015) Work supported by US DOE No.DE-AC02-98CH10886 and CHN No. NBRPC-2012CB821400, No. NSFC-11275279.

Electronic Power Conditioner for Ku-band Travelling Wave Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kowstubha, Palle; Krishnaveni, K.; Ramesh Reddy, K.

2017-04-01

A highly sophisticated regulated power supply is known as electronic power conditioner (EPC) is required to energise travelling wave tubes (TWTs), which are used as RF signal amplifiers in satellite payloads. The assembly consisting of TWT and EPC together is known as travelling wave tube amplifier (TWTA). EPC is used to provide isolated and conditioned voltage rails with tight regulation to various electrodes of TWT and makes its RF performance independent of solar bus variations which are caused due to varying conditions of eclipse and sunlit. The payload mass and their power consumption is mainly due to the existence of TWTAs that represent about 35 % of total mass and about 70-90 % (based on the type of satellite application) of overall dc power consumption. This situation ensures a continuous improvement in the design of TWTAs and their associated EPCs to realize more efficient and light products. Critical technologies involved in EPCs are design and configuration, closed loop regulation, component and material selection, energy limiting of high voltage (HV) outputs and potting of HV card etc. This work addresses some of these critical technologies evolved in realizing and testing the state of art of EPC and it focuses on the design of HV supply with a HV and high power capability, up to 6 kV and 170 WRF, respectively required for a space TWTA. Finally, an experimental prototype of EPC with a dc power of 320 W provides different voltages required by Ku-band TWT in open loop configuration.

Modelling Ground Based X- and Ku-Band Observations of Tundra Snow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasurak, A.; King, J. M.; Kelly, R. E.

2012-12-01

As part of a radar-based remote sensing field experiment in Churchill, Manitoba ground based Ku- and X-band scatterometers were deployed to observe changing tundra snowpack conditions from November 2010 to March 2011. The research is part of the validation effort for the Cold Regions Hydrology High-resolution Observatory (CoReH2O) mission, a candidate in the European Space Agency's Earth Explorer program. This paper focuses on the local validation of the semi-empirical radiative transfer (sRT) model proposed for use in snow property retrievals as part of the CoReH2O mission. In this validation experiment, sRT was executed in the forward mode, simulating backscatter to assess the ability of the model. This is a necessary precursor to any inversion attempt. Two experiments are considered, both conducted in a hummocky tundra environment with shallow snow cover. In both cases, scatterometer observations were acquired over a field of view of approximately 10 by 20 meters. In the first experiment, radar observations were made of a snow field and then repeated after the snow had been removed. A ground-based scanning LiDAR system was used to characterize the spatial variability of snow depth through measurements of the snow and ground surface. Snow properties were determined in the field of view from two snow pits, 12 density core measurements, and Magnaprobe snow depth measurements. In the second experiment, a site was non-destructively observed from November through March, with snow properties measured out-of-scene, to characterize the snow evolution response. The model results from sRT fit the form of the observations from the two scatterometer field experiments but do not capture the backscatter magnitude. A constant offset for the season of 5 dB for X-band co- and cross-polarization response was required to match observations, in addition to a 3 dB X- and Ku-band co-polarization offset after the 6th of December. To explain these offsets, it is recognized that the two

Simulation investigation of a Ku-band radial line oscillator operating at low guiding magnetic field

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

Dang, Fangchao, E-mail: dangfangchao@sina.com; Zhang, Xiaoping; Zhong, Huihuang

2014-06-15

A novel radial line oscillator operating at Ku-band with low guiding magnetic field is proposed in this paper. By using an oversized radial structure, the power handling capacity is enhanced significantly. Based on the small-signal theory, the π/2 mode in radial TM{sub 01} mode is selected as the working mode. Furthermore, a radial uniform guiding magnetic field, made up of four solenoids, is designed. As indicated in 2.5-dimensional fully electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation, high power microwaves with a power of 2.2 GW and a frequency of 14.25 GHz are generated with over 40% efficiency when the electron beam voltage is 300 kV, themore » beam current 18 kA, and the guiding magnetic field is only 0.6 T. There is no angular non-asymmetric mode discovered in three-dimensional simulation.« less

A sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of eleven bioactive components of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang decoction in rat biological matrices.

PubMed

Li, Tian-xue; Hu, Lang; Zhang, Meng-meng; Sun, Jian; Qiu, Yue; Rui, Jun-qian; Yang, Xing-hao

2014-01-01

There is a growing concern for the sensitive quantification of multiple components using advanced data acquisition method in herbal medicines (HMs). An improved and rugged UPLC-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for sensitive and rapid determination of multiply analytes from Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang (TXYF) decoction in three biological matrices (plasma/brain tissue/urine) using geniposide and formononetin as internal standards. After solid-phase extraction, chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column using gradient elution. Quantifier and qualifier transitions were monitored using novel Triggered Dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (TdMRM) in the positive ionization mode. A significant peak symmetry and sensitivity improvement in the TdMRM mode was achieved as compared to conventional MRM. The reproducibility (RSD%) was ≤7.9% by applying TdMRM transition while the values were 6.8-20.6% for MRM. Excellent linear calibration curves were obtained under TdMRM transitions over the tested concentration ranges. Intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD%) were ≤14.2% and accuracies (RE%) ranged from -9.6% to 10.6%. The validation data of specificity, carryover, recovery, matrix effect and stability were within the required limits. The method was effectively applied to simultaneously detect and quantify 1 lactone, 2 monoterpene glucosides, 1 alkaloid, 5 flavonoids and 2 chromones in plasma, brain tissue and urine after oral administration of TXYF decoction. In conclusion, this new and reliable method is beneficial for quantification and confirmation assays of multiply components in complex biological samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The impact of the snow cover on sea-ice thickness products retrieved by Ku-band radar altimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ricker, R.; Hendricks, S.; Helm, V.; Perovich, D. K.

2015-12-01

Snow on sea ice is a relevant polar climate parameter related to ocean-atmospheric interactions and surface albedo. It also remains an important factor for sea-ice thickness products retrieved from Ku-band satellite radar altimeters like Envisat or CryoSat-2, which is currently on its mission and the subject of many recent studies. Such satellites sense the height of the sea-ice surface above the sea level, which is called sea-ice freeboard. By assuming hydrostatic equilibrium and that the main scattering horizon is given by the snow-ice interface, the freeboard can be transformed into sea-ice thickness. Therefore, information about the snow load on hemispherical scale is crucial. Due to the lack of sufficient satellite products, only climatological values are used in current studies. Since such values do not represent the high variability of snow distribution in the Arctic, they can be a substantial contributor to the total sea-ice thickness uncertainty budget. Secondly, recent studies suggest that the snow layer cannot be considered as homogenous, but possibly rather featuring a complex stratigraphy due to wind compaction and/or ice lenses. Therefore, the Ku-band radar signal can be scattered at internal layers, causing a shift of the main scattering horizon towards the snow surface. This alters the freeboard and thickness retrieval as the assumption that the main scattering horizon is given by the snow-ice interface is no longer valid and introduces a bias. Here, we present estimates for the impact of snow depth uncertainties and snow properties on CryoSat-2 sea-ice thickness retrievals. We therefore compare CryoSat-2 freeboard measurements with field data from ice mass-balance buoys and aircraft campaigns from the CryoSat Validation Experiment. This unique validation dataset includes airborne laser scanner and radar altimeter measurements in spring coincident to CryoSat-2 overflights, and allows us to evaluate how the main scattering horizon is altered by the

Multiple copies of a bile acid-inducible gene in Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708.

PubMed Central

Gopal-Srivastava, R; Mallonee, D H; White, W B; Hylemon, P B

1990-01-01

Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708 is an anaerobic intestinal bacterium which possesses inducible bile acid 7-dehydroxylation activity. Several new polypeptides are produced in this strain following induction with cholic acid. Genes coding for two copies of a bile acid-inducible 27,000-dalton polypeptide (baiA1 and baiA2) have been previously cloned and sequenced. We now report on a gene coding for a third copy of this 27,000-dalton polypeptide (baiA3). The baiA3 gene has been cloned in lambda DASH on an 11.2-kilobase DNA fragment from a partial Sau3A digest of the Eubacterium DNA. DNA sequence analysis of the baiA3 gene revealed 100% homology with the baiA1 gene within the coding region of the 27,000-dalton polypeptides. The baiA2 gene shares 81% sequence identity with the other two genes at the nucleotide level. The flanking nucleotide sequences associated with the baiA1 and baiA3 genes are identical for 930 bases in the 5' direction from the initiation codon and for at least 325 bases in the 3' direction from the stop codon, including the putative promoter regions for the genes. An additional open reading frame (occupying from 621 to 648 bases, depending on the correct start codon) was found in the identical 5' regions associated with the baiA1 and baiA3 clones. The 5' sequence 930 bases upstream from the baiA1 and baiA3 genes was totally divergent. The baiA2 gene, which is part of a large bile acid-inducible operon, showed no homology with the other two genes either in the 5' or 3' direction from the polypeptide coding region, except for a 15-base-pair presumed ribosome-binding site in the 5' region. These studies strongly suggest that a gene duplication (baiA1 and baiA3) has occurred and is stably maintained in this bacterium. Images PMID:2376563

The modification of existing Bai Bithaman Ajil (BBA) instrument by using the concept of qardhul hassan and flexible sharing ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajak, Abd Aziz Arrashid Abd; Halim, Nurfadhlina Abdul; Jaaman @ Sharman, Saiful Hafizah

2017-08-01

Bai Bithaman Ajil (BBA) instrument as the main mode of financing has become the biggest leap in the revolution of real estate purchase. Through many years of developing and refining its usage in financial institutions, BBA has confronted several argumentation and debate among scholars on its conformity towards Shariah. Although there are cases of inconsistency findings when it comes to conformity towards Shariah, BBA is still one of the predominant, accepted mode of financing especially in Malaysia. Therefore, this paper will prove that BBA instrument using the approach of Constant Rate of Return (CRR) is mathematically identical to the conventional approach which is annuity. Besides, this paper will also provide the amortization of CRR. It is proven that CRR formula is likely based on the amortization of conventional approach. Besides, this paper discusses mainly on the incompliance of BBA towards Shariah and hence will introduce the proxy for BBA instruments by implementing profit-loss sharing (PLS). The modified BBA instrument is develop by deliberating the concept of qardhul hassan as its principal payment and as for its rental payment will introduce the sharing ratio to represent the ownership of bank and customers in every periodic payments by using flexible sharing ratio. This modification does not include any increment in the repayment of principal and the profit gained is based solely on the payment of rent to purchase the ownership of the bank. Hence, this modified BBA is much more compliance towards Shariah law because it does not comprise any riba, gharar, or masyir.

Physical maturation, life-history classes and age estimates of free-ranging western gorillas--insights from Mbeli Bai, Republic of Congo.

PubMed

Breuer, Thomas; Hockemba, Mireille Breuer-Ndoundou; Olejniczak, Claudia; Parnell, Richard J; Stokes, Emma J

2009-02-01

Physical maturation and life-history parameters are seen as evolutionary adaptations to different ecological and social conditions. Comparison of life-history patterns of closely related species living in diverse environments helps to evaluate the validity of these assumptions but empirical data are lacking. The two gorilla species exhibit substantial differences in their environment, which allows investigation into the role of increased frugivory in shaping western gorilla life histories. We present behavioral and morphological data on western gorilla physical maturation and life-history parameters from a 12.5-year study at Mbeli Bai, a forest clearing in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in northern Congo. We assign photographs of known individuals to different life-history classes and propose new age boundaries for life-history classes in western gorillas, which can be used and tested at other western gorilla research sites. Our results show that western gorillas are weaned at a later age compared with mountain gorillas and indicate slower physical maturation of immatures. These findings support the risk-aversion hypothesis for more frugivorous species. However, our methods need to be applied and tested with other gorilla populations. The slow life histories of western gorillas could have major consequences for social structure, mortality patterns and population growth rates that will affect recovery from population crashes of this critically endangered species. We emphasize that long-term studies can provide crucial demographic and life-history data that improve our understanding of life-history evolution and adaptation and help to refine conservation strategies. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Validation Study of the Body Adiposity Index as a Predictor of Percent Body Fat in Older Individuals: Findings From the BLSA

PubMed Central

Chang, Hui; Simonsick, Eleanor M.; Ferrucci, Luigi

2014-01-01

A new body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)1.5) − 18) has been developed and validated in adult populations. We aimed to assess the validity of BAI in an older population. We compared the concordance correlation coefficient between BAI, body mass index (BMI), and percent body fat (fat%; by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) in an older population (n = 954) participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. BAI was more strongly correlated with fat% than BMI (r of .7 vs .6 for BAI vs BMI and fat%, respectively, p < .01) and exhibited a smaller mean difference from fat% (−5.2 vs −7.6 for BAI vs BMI and fat%, respectively, p < .01) indicating better agreement. In men, however, BMI was in better agreement with fat% (r of .6 vs .7 for BAI vs BMI and fat%, respectively, p < .01) with a smaller mean difference from fat% (−3.0 vs −2.2 for BAI vs BMI and fat%, respectively, p < .01). Finally, BAI did not accurately predict fat% in people with a fat% below 15%. BAI provides valid estimation of body adiposity in an older adult population; however, BMI may be a better index for older men. Finally, BAI is not accurate in people with extremely low or high body fat percentages. PMID:24158764

Comparison of Three Adiposity Indexes and Cutoff Values to Predict Metabolic Syndrome Among University Students.

PubMed

Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; Triana-Reina, Héctor Reynaldo; Martínez-Torres, Javier; Prieto-Benavides, Daniel Humberto; Carrillo, Hugo Alejandro; Ramos-Sepúlveda, Jeison Alexander; Afanador-Rodríguez, María Isabel; Villa-González, Emilio; García-Hermoso, Antonio; Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson

2017-09-01

Obesity and high body fat are related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ethnic groups. Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS, the aim of the present study was to compare body adiposity indexes (BAIs) and to assess their various cutoff values for the prediction of MetS in university students from Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 886 volunteers (51.9% woman; age mean 21.4 years). Anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, waist circumference [WC], and hip circumference [HC]) were measured, and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. MetS was defined as including ≥3 of the metabolic abnormalities (WC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, fasting glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP]) in the definition provided by the IDF. The BAIs (i.e., BAI-HC [BAI], BAI-WC [BAI-w], and [BAI-p]) were calculated from formulas taking into account, height, weight, and WC, and for the visceral adiposity indexes, a formula, including WC, HDL-C, and triglycerides, was used. The overall prevalence of MetS was 5.9%, higher in men than in women. The most prevalent components were low HDL-C, high triglyceride levels, WC, and BP levels. The receiver operating characteristic curves analysis showed that BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p could be useful tools to predict MetS in this population. For women, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 30.34 (area under curve [AUC] = 0.720-0.863), 19.10 (AUC = 0.799-0.925), and 29.68 (AUC = 0.779-0.901), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. For men, the optimal MetS threshold was found to be 27.83 (AUC = 0.726-0.873), 21.48 (AUC = 0.755-0.906), and 26.18 (AUC = 0.766-0.894), for BAI, BAI-w, and BAI-p, respectively. The three indexes can be useful tools to predict MetS according to the IDF criteria in university students from Colombia. Data on larger samples are needed.

Preliminary experimental investigation of a Ku-band radial line oscillator based on transition radiation effect

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

Dang, Fangchao, E-mail: dangfangchao@sina.com; Zhang, Xiaoping; Zhong, Huihuang

2015-09-15

A Ku-band radial line oscillator (RLO) with low guiding magnetic field was proposed in our previous work. In order to weaken the impedance mismatch between the oscillator and an intense electron accelerator with higher impedance, a transverse electromagnetic reflector is added to improve the RLO, which is favorable to increase the Q-factor and accelerate the device saturation. A preliminary experiment is carried out to investigate the performance of the improved RLO. The radial-radiated electron beam is restrained well under the designed guiding magnetic field of 0.52 T. The preliminary experimental results indicates that high power microwaves with a power of 120 MWmore » and a frequency of 14.12 GHz are generated when the diode voltage is 420 kV and the beam current 14.2 kA. The experimental results suggest the feasibility of the presented RLO generating high power microwaves at a high frequency band. Additionally, more work is needed regarding promotion of the electron beam quality and the impedance match between the electron beam accelerator and the oscillator.« less

Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from Shan-Chu-Ku landfill site in northern Taiwan.

PubMed

Hegde, Ullas; Chang, Tsan-Chang; Yang, Shang-Shyng

2003-09-01

To investigate the methane and carbon dioxide emissions from landfill, samples were taken of material up to 5 years old from Shan-Chu-Ku landfill located in the northern part of Taiwan. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide ranged from 310 to 530, 2.64 to 20.16 and 0.358 to 1.516 ppmv with the measurement of gas-type open-path Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy during February 1998 to March 2000, respectively. Average methane emission rate was 13.17, 65.27 and 0.99 mgm(-2)h(-1) measured by the gas chromatography chamber method in 1-2, 2-3 and 5 year-old landfill, respectively. Similarly, average carbon dioxide emission rate was 93.70, 314.60 and 48.46 mgm(-2)h(-1), respectively. About 2-3 year-old landfill had the highest methane and carbon dioxide emission rates among the tested areas, while 5 year-old landfill was the least. Methane emission rate at night in most tested locations was higher than that in the daytime. Total amount of methane and carbon dioxide emission from this landfill was around 171 and 828 ton in 1999, respectively.

Room-temperature super-extraction system (RTSES) optimizes the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like behavioural effects of traditional Xiao-Yao-San in mice

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Xiao-Yao-San (XYS) is a Chinese medicinal formula for treating anxiety and depression. This study aims to evaluate the use of a room-temperature super-extraction system (RTSES) to extract the major active components of XYS and enhance their psycho-pharmacological effects. Methods The neuroprotective roles of XYS/RTSES against reserpine-derived neurotoxicity were evaluated using a glial cell injury system (in vitro) and a depression-like C57BL/6 J mouse model (in vivo). The anxiolytic-behavioural effects were measured by the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test and the antidepressant effects were evaluated by the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were assayed by ELISA. The expression of 5-HT1A receptors in the prefrontal cortex was examined by western blotting. Results XYS/RTSES (300 μg/mL) diminished reserpine-induced glial cell death more effectively than either XYS (300 μg/mL) or fluoxetine (30 μM) at 24 h (P = 0.0481 and P = 0.054, respectively). Oral administration of XYS/RTSES (500 mg/kg/day) for 4 consecutive weeks significantly elevated the ratios of entries (open arms/closed arms; P = 0.0177) and shuttle activity (P = 0.00149) on the EPM test, and reduced the immobility time by 90% on the TST (P = 0.00000538) and FST (P = 0.0000053839). XYS/RTSES also improved the regulation of blood glucose (P = 0.0305) and increased the insulin sensitivity (P = 0.0093). The Western blot results indicated that the activation of cerebral 5-HT1A receptors may be involved in the mechanisms of XYS/RTSES actions. Conclusion The RTSES could provide a novel method for extracting effective anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like substances. XYS/RTSES improved the regulation of blood glucose and increased the insulin sensitivity in reserpine-induced anxiety and depression. Neuroprotection of glial cells and activation of cerebral 5-HT1A receptors were also involved. PMID:23134744

Dual-Band Operation of a Microstrip Patch Antenna on a Duroid 5870 Substrate for Ku- and K-Bands

PubMed Central

Islam, M. M.; Islam, M. T.; Faruque, M. R. I.

2013-01-01

The dual-band operation of a microstrip patch antenna on a Duroid 5870 substrate for Ku- and K-bands is presented. The fabrication of the proposed antenna is performed with slots and a Duroid 5870 dielectric substrate and is excited by a 50 Ω microstrip transmission line. A high-frequency structural simulator (HFSS) is used which is based on the finite element method (FEM) in this research. The measured impedance bandwidth (2 : 1 VSWR) achieved is 1.07 GHz (15.93 GHz–14.86 GHz) on the lower band and 0.94 GHz (20.67–19.73 GHz) on the upper band. A stable omnidirectional radiation pattern is observed in the operating frequency band. The proposed prototype antenna behavior is discussed in terms of the comparisons of the measured and simulated results. PMID:24385878

Dual-band operation of a microstrip patch antenna on a Duroid 5870 substrate for Ku- and K-bands.

PubMed

Islam, M M; Islam, M T; Faruque, M R I

2013-01-01

The dual-band operation of a microstrip patch antenna on a Duroid 5870 substrate for Ku- and K-bands is presented. The fabrication of the proposed antenna is performed with slots and a Duroid 5870 dielectric substrate and is excited by a 50 Ω microstrip transmission line. A high-frequency structural simulator (HFSS) is used which is based on the finite element method (FEM) in this research. The measured impedance bandwidth (2 : 1 VSWR) achieved is 1.07 GHz (15.93 GHz-14.86 GHz) on the lower band and 0.94 GHz (20.67-19.73 GHz) on the upper band. A stable omnidirectional radiation pattern is observed in the operating frequency band. The proposed prototype antenna behavior is discussed in terms of the comparisons of the measured and simulated results.

Suppression of the asymmetric modes for experimentally achieving gigawatt-level radiation from a Ku-band Cerenkov type oscillator

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

Zhang, Hua; Shu, Ting, E-mail: mrtingshu@qq.com; Ju, Jinchuan

2014-08-15

We present the analysis and suppression of asymmetric modes in a Ku-band Cerenkov-type oscillator numerically and experimentally. The asymmetric modes generated in the initial experiments were identified to be HE{sub 11}, HE{sub 21}, and HE{sub 31} modes, respectively, by analyzing of the dispersion relationships, the simulation results and the experiment phenomenon. The factors, such as the cathode emission uniformity, the diode voltage, guiding magnetic field, and the concentricity play key roles in the excitation and suppression of these asymmetric modes. In the improved experiments, the asymmetric modes were suppressed effectively. In the improved experiments the asymmetric modes are suppressed effectively,more » and the designed TM{sub 01} mode microwave is generated at a frequency of 13.76 GHz with a power of 1.1 GW, which is in good agreement with numerically predications.« less

[Detection of entomopathogen nematode [EPN - sand flies (Phlebotomus tobbi)] caught in the wild in Aydın, Kuşadası town and its assessment as a biological control agent].

PubMed

Karakuş, Mehmet; Arserim, Suha K; Töz, Seray Özensoy; Özbel, Yusuf

2013-01-01

In this study, the midgut of the sand flies investigated with direct method for the presence of parasites and other organisms. Wild sand flies collected in Kuşadası Town-Aydın, were dissected and midgut contents were examined by light microscopy. After midgut dissection, the head and genitalia of sand fly specimens were clarified and mounted for species identification. During the study, a total of 1027 sand flies were dissected. Eight and two species belonging to Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera were determined, respectively. Phlebotomus tobbi was found to be most abundant species (61.34%). A third stage of infective Entomopathogen Nematode belonging to Steinernematidae family was observed in the hemocoel of one specimen of P. tobbi during the dissection process. This is the first finding related to entomopathogen nematodes found in sand flies in Turkey. In the study, the sand fly fauna was determined in Kuşadası Town. For the control of sand flies, entomopathogenic nematodes which are not harmful for non-target organisms, can be used instead of chemical insecticides that can cause unknown damage in the environment.

Oxygen Isotope Records in Modern Oyster Shells from Chi Ku, Tainan and Their Implication of Seasonality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y. C.; Mii, H. S.; Li, K. T.

2015-12-01

To exam whether oxygen isotope records of Crassostrea gigasoysters can be used as proxies of environment, 133 cultivated oysters and 21 water samples were collected from Chi Ku area, Tainan City, southern Taiwan in December of 2012, and from March, 2013 to July, 2014. Instrumental air and water temperatures and precipitation records were obtained from a nearest Central Weather Bureau (CWB) station roughly 16 km north of Chi Ku. The oxygen and carbon isotope values of the ligamental area of the modern oyster shells are from -6.92‰ to -0.08‰ (-3.05 ± 1.17‰, N = 2280; 1σ; VPDB) and from -5.57‰ to 0.63‰ (-1.88 ± 0.81‰), respectively. Oxygen isotope values of the water samples are mainly between -0.28‰ and 0.74‰ (0.18 ± 0.29‰, N = 20; 1σ; VSMOW). However, water oxygen isotope value of -2.75‰ was observed for the water sample collected immediately after a typhoon heavy rainfall. Seasonal temperature fluctuation pattern of estimated oxygen isotope temperatures from modern shells is similar to that of CWB instrumental records. However, the oxygen isotope temperatures are respectively about 3 °C and 10°C higher than those of instrumental records for winter and summer. Higher estimated oxygen isotope temperatures are most likely caused by underestimated fraction of freshwater. We analyzed 5 archaeological oyster shells of Siraya culture (500~250B.P.) collected from Wu Chien Tuso North (WCTN) archaeological site of Tainan branch of Southern Taiwan Science Park to infer the harvest season of mollusks. Oxygen isotope values of the ligamental area of the archaeological oyster shells are between -5.98‰ and -1.26‰ (-3.34 ± 1.37‰, N = 60; 1σ), and carbon isotope values are between -3.21‰ and 0.60‰ (-2.04‰ ± 0.55‰). The oxygen isotope records of archaeological oyster shells also showed clear seasonality. Most of the oysters were collected in autumn and winter. Oxygen isotope values of archaeological oyster shells was 1‰ greater than that

Examining Scattering Mechanisms within Bubbled Freshwater Lake Ice using a Time-Series of RADARSAT-2 (C-band) and UW-Scat (X-, Ku-band) Polarimetric Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunn, Grant; Duguay, Claude; Atwood, Don

2017-04-01

This study identifies the dominant scattering mechanism for C-, X- and Ku-band for bubbled freshwater lake ice in the Hudson Bay Lowlands near Churchill, Canada, using a winter time series of fully polarimetric ground-based (X- and Ku-band, UW-Scat) scatterometer and spaceborne (C-band) synthetic aperture radar (SAR, Radarsat-2) observations collected coincidentally to in-situ snow and ice measurements. Scatterometer observations identify two dominant backscatter sources from the ice cover: the snow-ice, and ice-water interface. Using in-situ measurements as ground-truth, a winter time series of scatterometer and satellite acquisitions show increases in backscatter from the ice-water interface prior to the timing of tubular bubble development in the ice cover. This timing indicates that scattering in the ice is independent of double-bounce scatter caused by tubular bubble inclusions. Concurrently, the co-polarized phase difference of interactions at the ice-water interface from both scatterometer and SAR observations are centred at 0° throughout the time series, indicating a scattering regime other than double bounce. A Yamaguchi three-component decomposition of SAR observations is presented for C-band acquisitions indicating a dominant single-bounce scattering mechanism regime, which is hypothesized to be a result of an ice-water interface that presents a rough surface or a surface composed of preferentially oriented facets. This study is the first to present a winter time series of coincident ground-based and spaceborne fully polarimetric active microwave observations for bubbled freshwater lake ice.

Ku-band ocean radar backscatter observations during SWADE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nghiem, S. V.; Li, F. K.; Lou, S. H.; Neumann, G.

1993-01-01

We present results obtained by an airborne Ku-band scatterometer during the Surface Wave Dynamics Experiment (SWADE). The specific objective of this study is to improve our understanding of the relationship between ocean radar backscatter and near surface winds. The airborne scatterometer, NUSCAT, was flown on the NASA Ames C-130 over an instrumented oceanic area near 37 deg N and 74 deg W. A total of 10 flights from 27 Feb. to 9 Mar. 1991 were conducted. Radar backscatter at incidence angles of 0 to 60 deg were obtained. For each incidence angle, the NUSCAT antenna was azimuthally scanned in multiple complete circles to measure the azimuthal backscatter modulations. Both horizontal and vertical polarization backscatter measurements were made. In some of the flights, the cross-polarization backscatter was measured as well. Internal calibrations were carried out throughout each of the flights. Preliminary results indicate that the radar was stable to +/-0.3 dB for each flight. In this paper, we present studies of the backscatter measurements over several crossings of the Gulf Stream. In these crossings, large air-sea temperature differences were encountered and substantial changes in the radar cross section were observed. We summarize the observations and compare them to the changes of several wind variables across the Gulf Stream boundary. In one of the flights, the apparent wind near the cold side of the Gulf Stream was very low (less than 3 m/s). The behavior of the radar cross sections at such low wind speeds and a comparison with models are presented. A case study of the effects of swell on the absolute cross section and the azimuthal modulation pattern is presented. Significant wave heights larger than m were observed during SWADE. The experimentally observed effects of the swell on the radar backscatter are discussed. The effects are used to assess the uncertainties in wind retrieval due to underlying waves. A summary of azimuthal modulation from our ten

A Computing Platform for Parallel Sparse Matrix Computations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-05

REPORT NUMBER 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON 19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER Ahmed Sameh Ahmed H. Sameh, Alicia Klinvex, Yao Zhu 611103 c. THIS PAGE The...PERCENT_SUPPORTEDNAME FTE Equivalent: Total Number: Discipline Yao Zhu 0.50 Alicia Klinvex 0.10 0.60 2 Names of Post Doctorates Names of Faculty Supported...PERCENT_SUPPORTEDNAME FTE Equivalent: Total Number: NAME Total Number: NAME Total Number: Yao Zhu Alicia Klinvex 2 ...... ...... Sub Contractors (DD882) Names of other

Simulation of a gigawatt level Ku-band overmoded Cerenkov type oscillator operated at low guiding magnetic field

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

Zhang, Hua; Shu, Ting, E-mail: mrtingshu@qq.com; Ju, Jinchuan

2014-03-15

We present the simulation results of a Ku-band overmoded Cerenkov type high power microwave oscillator. A guiding magnetic field as low as 0.6 T has been operated in the device. Overmoded slow wave structures with gradually tapered vanes are used in order to increase power capacity and the efficiency of beam-wave interaction. The drift cavity is adopted to enhance the beam-wave interaction of the device. After numerical optimization, the designed generator with an output microwave power of 1.2 GW, a frequency of 13.8 GHz, and a power conversion efficiency as high as 38% can be achieved, when the diode voltage and currentmore » are, respectively, 540 kV and 5.8 kA. The power compositions of TM{sub 0n} modes of the output microwave have been analyzed, the results of which show that TM{sub 01} mode takes over almost 95% of the power proportion.« less

Herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction of a traditional chinese medicine jia-wei-xiao-yao-san with 5-Fluorouracil in the blood and brain of rat using microdialysis.

PubMed

Chiang, Meng-Hsuan; Chang, Li-Wen; Wang, Ju-Wen; Lin, Lie-Chwen; Tsai, Tung-Hu

2015-01-01

According to a survey from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) is the most popular Chinese medicine for cancer patients in Taiwan. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a general anticancer drug for the chemotherapy. To investigate the herb-drug interaction of JWXYS on pharmacokinetics of 5-FU, a microdialysis technique coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography system was used to monitor 5-FU in rat blood and brain. Rats were divided into four parallel groups, one of which was treated with 5-FU (100 mg/kg, i.v.) alone and the remaining three groups were pretreated with a different dose of JWXYS (600, 1200, or 2400 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days) followed by a combination with 5-FU. This study demonstrates that 5-FU with JWXYS (600 mg/kg/day or 1200 mg/kg/day) has no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU in the blood and brain. However, JWXYS (2400 mg/kg/day) coadministered with 5-FU extends the elimination half-life and increases the volume of distribution of 5-FU in the blood. The elimination half-life of 5-FU in the brain for the pretreatment group with 2400 mg/kg/day of JWXYS is significantly longer than that for the group treated with 5-FU alone and also reduces the clearance. This study provides practical dosage information for clinical practice and proves the safety of 5-FU coadministered with JWXYS.

Herb-Drug Pharmacokinetic Interaction of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San with 5-Fluorouracil in the Blood and Brain of Rat Using Microdialysis

PubMed Central

Chiang, Meng-Hsuan; Chang, Li-Wen; Wang, Ju-Wen; Lin, Lie-Chwen; Tsai, Tung-Hu

2015-01-01

According to a survey from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) is the most popular Chinese medicine for cancer patients in Taiwan. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a general anticancer drug for the chemotherapy. To investigate the herb-drug interaction of JWXYS on pharmacokinetics of 5-FU, a microdialysis technique coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography system was used to monitor 5-FU in rat blood and brain. Rats were divided into four parallel groups, one of which was treated with 5-FU (100 mg/kg, i.v.) alone and the remaining three groups were pretreated with a different dose of JWXYS (600, 1200, or 2400 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days) followed by a combination with 5-FU. This study demonstrates that 5-FU with JWXYS (600 mg/kg/day or 1200 mg/kg/day) has no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU in the blood and brain. However, JWXYS (2400 mg/kg/day) coadministered with 5-FU extends the elimination half-life and increases the volume of distribution of 5-FU in the blood. The elimination half-life of 5-FU in the brain for the pretreatment group with 2400 mg/kg/day of JWXYS is significantly longer than that for the group treated with 5-FU alone and also reduces the clearance. This study provides practical dosage information for clinical practice and proves the safety of 5-FU coadministered with JWXYS. PMID:25861367

A single amino acid substitution within the transmembrane domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpu protein renders simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV{sub KU-1bMC33}) susceptible to rimantadine

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

Hout, David R.; Gomez, Lisa M.; Pacyniak, Erik

2006-05-10

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that the transmembrane domain (TM) of the Vpu protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) contributes to the pathogenesis of SHIV{sub KU-1bMC33} in macaques and that the TM domain of Vpu could be replaced with the M2 protein viroporin from influenza A virus. Recently, we showed that the replacement of the TM domain of Vpu with that of the M2 protein of influenza A virus resulted in a virus (SHIV{sub M2}) that was sensitive to rimantadine [Hout, D.R., Gomez, M.L., Pacyniak, E., Gomez, L.M., Inbody, S.H., Mulcahy, E.R., Culley, N., Pinson, D.M.,more » Powers, M.F., Wong, S.W., Stephens, E.B., 2006. Substitution of the transmembrane domain of Vpu in simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV{sub KU-1bMC33}) with that of M2 of influenza A results in a virus that is sensitive to inhibitors of the M2 ion channel and is pathogenic for pig-tailed macaques. Virology 344, 541-558]. Based on previous studies of the M2 protein which have shown that the His-X-X-X-Trp motif within the M2 is essential to the function of the M2 proton channel, we have constructed a novel SHIV in which the alanine at position 19 of the TM domain was replaced with a histidine residue resulting in the motif His-Ile-Leu-Val-Trp. The SHIV{sub VpuA19H} replicated with similar kinetics as the parental SHIV{sub KU-1bMC33} and pulse-chase analysis revealed that the processing of viral proteins was similar to SHIV{sub KU-1bMC33}. This SHIV{sub VpuA19H} virus was found to be more sensitive to the M2 ion channel blocker rimantadine than SHIV{sub M2}. Electron microscopic examination of SHIV{sub VpuA19H}-infected cells treated with rimantadine revealed an accumulation of viral particles at the cell surface and within intracellular vesicles, which was similar to that previously observed to SHIV{sub M2}-infected cells treated with rimantadine. These data indicate that the Vpu protein of HIV-1 can be converted into a rimantadine-sensitive ion channel

Satellite Communications for Unmanned Aircraft C2 Links: C-Band, Ku-Band and Ka-Band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerczewski, Robert J.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Bishop, William D.

2016-01-01

Unmanned aircraft (UA) that require access to controlled (or non-segregated) airspace require a highly reliable and robust command and control (C2) link, operating over protected aviation spectrum. While operating within radio line-of-sight (LOS) UA can make use of air-to-ground C2 links to terrestrial stations. When operating beyond LOS (BLOS) where a group of networked terrestrial stations does not exist to provide effective BLOS coverage, a satellite communications link is required. Protected aviation spectrum for satellite C2 links has only recently been allocated in bands where operational satellites exist. A previously existing C-Band allocation covers a bands where there are currently no operational satellites. The new allocations, within the Fixed Satellite Service bands at Ku and Ka-Bands will not be finalized until 2023 due to the need for the development of standards and technical decisions on the operation of UA satellite C2 links within these bands. This paper provides an overview of BLOS satellite C2 links, some of the conditions which will need to be met for the operation of such links, and a look at some aspects of spectrum sharing which may constrain these operations.

Predictive Validity of the Body Adiposity Index in Overweight and Obese Adults Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

PubMed Central

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; García-Hermoso, Antonio; Triana-Reina, Hector Reynaldo

2016-01-01

The body adiposity index (BAI) is a recent anthropometric measure proven to be valid in predicting body fat percentage (BF%) in some populations. However, the results have been inconsistent across populations. This study was designed to verify the validity of BAI in predicting BF% in a sample of overweight/obese adults, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the reference method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 participants (54% women, mean age 41.0 ± 7.3 years old). DEXA was used as the “gold standard” to determine BF%. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between BAI and BF%, as assessed by DEXA. A paired sample t-test was used to test differences in mean BF% obtained with BAI and DEXA methods. To evaluate the concordance between BF% as measured by DEXA and as estimated by BAI, we used Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman agreement analysis. The correlation between BF% obtained by DEXA and that estimated by BAI was r = 0.844, p < 0.001. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between methods (BAI = 33.3 ± 6.2 vs. DEXA 39.0 ± 6.1; p < 0.001). The bias of the BAI was −6.0 ± 3.0 BF% (95% CI = −12.0 to 1.0), indicating that the BAI method significantly underestimated the BF% compared to the reference method. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was considered stronger (ρc = 0.923, 95% CI = 0.862 to 0.957). In obese adults, BAI presented low agreement with BF% measured by DEXA; therefore, BAI is not recommended for BF% prediction in this overweight/obese sample studied. PMID:27916871

A multi-stage multi-design strategy provides strong evidence that the BAI3 locus is associated with early-onset venous thromboembolism.

PubMed

Antoni, G; Morange, P-E; Luo, Y; Saut, N; Burgos, G; Heath, S; Germain, M; Biron-Andreani, C; Schved, J-F; Pernod, G; Galan, P; Zelenika, D; Alessi, M-C; Drouet, L; Visvikis-Siest, S; Wells, P S; Lathrop, M; Emmerich, J; Tregouet, D-A; Gagnon, F

2010-12-01

Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are two known quantitative risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). To identify new loci that could contribute to VTE susceptibility and to modulating FVIII and/or VWF levels. A pedigree linkage analysis was first performed in five extended French-Canadian families, including 253 individuals, to identify genomic regions linked to FVIII or VWF levels. Identified regions were further explored using 'in silico' genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data on VTE (419 patients and 1228 controls), and two independent case-control studies (MARTHA and FARIVE) for VTE, gathering 1166 early-onset patients and 1408 healthy individuals. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with VTE risk were further investigated in relation to plasma levels of FVIII and VWF in a cohort of 108 healthy nuclear families. Four main linkage regions were identified, among which the well-characterized ABO locus, the recently identified STAB 2 gene, and a third one, on chromosome 6q13-14, harbouring four non-redundant SNPs, associated with VTE at P < 10(-4) in the GWAS dataset. The association of one of these SNPs, rs9363864, with VTE was further replicated in the MARTHA and FARIVE studies. The rs9363864-AA genotype was associated with a lower risk for VTE (OR = 0.58 [0.42-0.80], P = 0.0005) but mainly in non-carriers of the FV Leiden mutation. This genotype was further found to be associated with the lowest levels of FVIII (P = 0.006) and VWF (P = 0.001). The BAI3 locus where the rs9363864 maps is a new candidate for VTE risk. © 2010 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Study to investigate and evaluate means of optimizing the Ku-band combined radar/communication functions for the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, C. L.; Udalov, S.; Alem, W.

1977-01-01

The performance of the space shuttle orbiter's Ku-Band integrated radar and communications equipment is analyzed for the radar mode of operation. The block diagram of the rendezvous radar subsystem is described. Power budgets for passive target detection are calculated, based on the estimated values of system losses. Requirements for processing of radar signals in the search and track modes are examined. Time multiplexed, single-channel, angle tracking of passive scintillating targets is analyzed. Radar performance in the presence of main lobe ground clutter is considered and candidate techniques for clutter suppression are discussed. Principal system parameter drivers are examined for the case of stationkeeping at ranges comparable to target dimension. Candidate ranging waveforms for short range operation are analyzed and compared. The logarithmic error discriminant utilized for range, range rate and angle tracking is formulated and applied to the quantitative analysis of radar subsystem tracking loops.

Two new species of Oobius (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and their phylogenetic relationship with other congeners from northeastern Asia

Treesearch

Yan-Xia Yao; Jian J. Duan; Jason L. Mottern; Xiao-Yi Wang; Zhong-Qi Yang; Leah S. Bauer; Michael W. Gates

2018-01-01

Two new species of egg parasitoids, Oobius saimaensis Yao and Mottern new species and Oobius fleischeri Yao and Duan new species (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), are described from eggs of Agrilus fleischeri Obenberger, 1925 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Agrilus fleischeri is a phloemfeeding woodborer of poplar (...

Comparison of Patterns of Use of Unrecorded and Recorded Spirits: Survey of Adult Drinkers in Rural Central China.

PubMed

Wei, Shiqing; Yin, Ping; Newman, Ian M; Qian, Ling; Shell, Duane F; Yuen, Lok-Wa

2017-09-22

About 70% of the beverage alcohol consumed in China annually is spirits. Recorded spirits make up most spirit consumption, but about 25% of total alcohol consumption (1.7 L pure alcohol per capita annually) is unrecorded spirits (bai jiu), either homemade or made in unregulated distilleries. In some parts of China, the consumption of unrecorded spirits is higher than average. This paper compares the patterns of use of unrecorded distilled spirits and recorded distilled spirits among rural residents in Central China. Interviews were conducted with 3298 individuals in 21 towns/villages in 10 counties in the Hubei, Anhui, and Hebei provinces in the People's Republic of China. Unrecorded bai jiu drinkers chose it because of its taste and its low price. It was consumed mostly by older men, mostly at home with family, more regularly and at higher alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to recorded alcohol. Recorded bai jiu drinkers were more likely to drink away from their homes, consumed more bai jiu at memorable drinking occasions, and reported feeling sick after drinking more often than unrecorded bai jiu drinkers. This comparison of patterns of use of unrecorded bai jiu and recorded bai jiu does not suggest that unrecorded bai jiu is more problematic for drinkers.

Sorption characteristics of cadmium in a clay soil of Mae Ku creek, Tak Province, Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thunyawatcharakul, P.; Chotpantarat, S.

2018-05-01

Mae Sot is a district in Tak province, the northern part of Thailand where has encountered with cadmium (Cd) contaminated in soils. Exposure of Cd can lead to severe health effect, for examples, bone softening, osteoporosis, renal dysfunction, and Itai-Itai disease. This study aims at elucidating sorption behavior of Cd in the contaminated soil collected from Mae Ku creek, Mae Sot district, Thailand. Batch sorption experiment was conducted in order to investigate sorption characteristics of Cd onto the contaminated soil. The soil sample taken from the study area consists of 26% sand, 16% silt 58% clay, which categorized as a clay soil, based on USDA classification. Soil pH is slightly alkaline (pH∼7.7) and organic matter in the soil is 2.93%. The initial concentration in the batch sorption experiment was in the range from 0- 200 ppm. The result from the batch sorption experiment showed that soil sample can adsorb Cd up to 173.5 ppm and the sorption behavior of the soil sample can be well described by Freundlich isotherm, indicating the multilayer sorption (R2 = 0.9964), with Freundlich constants of 0.312 and 1.760 L g-1 for 1/n and Kf, respectively.

Identification of Damage in Hysteretic Structures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

Hart and Yao [34], Ibanez [51], Ibrahim . [53-58], Milne [59], Raggett, Rodeman, and Yao [32], Ting, Chen, and Yao [35], Udwadia and Shaw [61], and...S 4JJ S- 4 4 cy, m .9-D4 CD- to Ln C~0 Lsd ssa-4 57 0 ’.0 0 𔃾- a., 4.) 0. In In 1..a) o 0*,- a) ~fl .4~) 0) ’- E ~ *i-* E 00 ~ C U r~*, 0 *UC Z eua...and P. C. Shaw , "Identification of Structures Through Records Obtained During Strong Earthquake Ground Motion," Journal of Engineering for Industry

Addressing sub-scan variability of tundra snow properties in ground-based Ku- and X-band scatterometer observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, J. M.; Kasurak, A.; Kelly, R. E.; Duguay, C. R.; Derksen, C.; Rutter, N.; Sandells, M.; Watts, T.

2012-12-01

During the winter of 2010-2011 ground-based Ku- (17.2 GHz) and X-band (9.6 GHz) scatterometers were deployed near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to evaluate the potential for dual-frequency observation of tundra snow properties. Field-based scatterometer observations when combined with in-situ snowpack properties and physically based models, provide the means necessary to develop and evaluate local scale property retrievals. To form meaningful analysis of the observed physical interaction space, potential sources of bias and error in the observed backscatter must be identified and quantified. This paper explores variation in observed Ku- and X-band backscatter in relation to the physical complexities of shallow tundra snow whose properties evolve at scales smaller than the observing instrument. The University of Waterloo scatterometer (UW-Scat) integrates observations over wide azimuth sweeps, several meters in length, to minimize errors resulting from radar fade and poor signal-to-noise ratios. Under ideal conditions, an assumption is made that the observed snow target is homogeneous. Despite an often-outward appearance of homogeneity, topographic elements of the Canadian open tundra produce significant local scale variability in snow properties, including snow water equivalent (SWE). Snow at open tundra sites observed during this campaign was found to vary by as much as 20 cm in depth and 40 mm in SWE within the scatterometer field of view. Previous studies suggest that changes in snow properties on this order will produce significant variation in backscatter, potentially introducing bias into products used for analysis. To assess the influence of sub-scan variability, extensive snow surveys were completed within the scatterometer field of view immediately after each scan at 32 sites. A standardized sampling protocol captured a grid of geo-located measurements, characterizing the horizontal variability of bulk properties including depth, density, and SWE. Based upon

Body Adiposity Index Utilization in a Spanish Mediterranean Population: Comparison with the Body Mass Index

PubMed Central

López, Angel A.; Cespedes, Mey L.; Vicente, Teofila; Tomas, Matias; Bennasar-Veny, Miguel; Tauler, Pedro; Aguilo, Antoni

2012-01-01

Background Body fat content and fat distribution or adiposity are indicators of health risk. Several techniques have been developed and used for assessing and/or determining body fat or adiposity. Recently, the Body Adiposity Index (BAI), which is based on the measurements of hip circumference and height, has been suggested as a new index of adiposity. The aim of the study was to compare BAI and BMI measurements in a Caucasian population from a European Mediterranean area and to assess the usefulness of the BAI in men and women separately. Research Methodology/Principal Findings A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a Caucasian population. All participants in the study (1,726 women and 1,474 men, mean age 39.2 years, SD 10.8) were from Mallorca (Spain). Anthropometric data, including percentage of body fat mass obtained by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, were determined. Body Mass Index (BMI) and BAI were calculated. BAI and BMI showed a good correlation (r = 0.64, p<0.001). A strong correlation was also found between BAI and the % fat determined using BIA (r = 0.74, p<0.001), which is even stronger than the one between BMI and % fat (r = 0.54, p<0.001). However, the ROC curve analysis showed a higher accuracy for BMI than for the BAI regarding the discriminatory capacity. Conclusion The BAI could be a good tool to measure adiposity due, at least in part, to the advantages over other more complex mechanical or electrical systems. Probably, the most important advantage of BAI over BMI is that weight is not needed. However, in general it seems that the BAI does not overcome the limitations of BMI. PMID:22496915

A Novel Ku-Band/Ka-Band and Ka-Band/E-Band Multimode Waveguide Couplers for Power Measurement of Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifier Harmonic Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wintucky, Edwin G.; Simons, Rainee N.

2015-01-01

This paper presents the design, fabrication and test results for a novel waveguide multimode directional coupler (MDC). The coupler, fabricated from two dissimilar frequency band waveguides, is capable of isolating power at the second harmonic frequency from the fundamental power at the output port of a traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifier. Test results from proof-of-concept demonstrations are presented for a Ku-band/Ka-band MDC and a Ka-band/E-band MDC. In addition to power measurements at harmonic frequencies, a potential application of the MDC is in the design of a satellite borne beacon source for atmospheric propagation studies at millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequencies (Ka-band and E-band).

Traditional Chinese Medicine Induced Liver Injury

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is popular around the world and encompasses many different practices with particular emphasis on herbal TCM. Using the PubMed database, a literature search was undertaken to assess the extent herbal TCM products exert rare hepatotoxicity. Analysis of reported cases revealed numerous specified herbal TCM products with potential hepatotoxicity. Among these were An Shu Ling, Bai Fang, Bai Xian Pi, Ban Tu Wan, Bo He, Bo Ye Qing Niu Dan, Bofu Tsu Sho San, Boh Gol Zhee, Cang Er Zi, Chai Hu, Chaso, Chi R Yun, Chuan Lian Zi, Ci Wu Jia, Da Chai Hu Tang, Da Huang, Du Huo, Gan Cao, Ge Gen, Ho Shou Wu, Hu Bohe You, Hu Zhang, Huang Qin, Huang Yao Zi, Hwang Geun Cho, Ji Gu Cao, Ji Ji, Ji Xue Cao, Jiguja, Jin Bu Huan, Jue Ming Zi, Kamishoyosan, Kudzu, Lei Gong Teng, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Lu Cha, Ma Huang, Mao Guo Tian Jie Cai, Onshido, Polygonum multiflorum, Qian Li Guang, Ren Shen, Sairei To, Shan Chi, Shen Min, Shi Can, Shi Liu Pi, Shou Wu Pian, Tian Hua Fen, White flood, Wu Bei Zi, Xi Shu, Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Yin Chen Hao, Zexie, Zhen Chu Cao, and various unclassified Chinese herbal mixtures. Causality was firmly established for a number of herbal TCM products by a positive reexposure test result, the liver specific scale of CIOMS (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences), or both. Otherwise, the quality of case data was mixed, especially regarding analysis of the herb ingredients because of adulteration with synthetic drugs, contamination with heavy metals, and misidentification. In addition, non-herbal TCM elements derived from Agaricus blazei, Agkistrodon, Antelope, Bombyx, Carp, Fish gallbladder, Phellinus, Scolopendra, Scorpio, and Zaocys are also known or potential hepatotoxins. For some patients, the clinical course was severe, with risks for acute liver failure, liver transplantation requirement, and lethality. In conclusion, the use of few herbal TCM products may rarely be associated with hepatotoxicity in some

Optimization of Enterobacter cloacae (KU923381) for diesel oil degradation using response surface methodology (RSM).

PubMed

Ramasamy, Sugumar; Arumugam, Arumugam; Chandran, Preethy

2017-02-01

Efficiency of Enterobacter cloacae KU923381 isolated from petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil was evaluated in batch culture and bioreactor mode. The isolate were screened for biofilm formation using qualitative and quantitative assays. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the effect of pH, temperature, glucose concentration, and sodium chloride on diesel degradation. The predicted values for diesel oil degradation efficiency by the statistical designs are in a close agreement with experimental data (R 2 = 99.66%). Degradation efficiency is increased by 36.78% at pH = 7, temperature = 35°C, glucose = 5%, and sodium chloride concentration = 5%. Under the optimized conditions, the experiments were performed for diesel oil degradation by gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis confirmed that E. cloacae had highly degrade hexadecane, heptadecane, tridecane, and docosane by 99.71%, 99.23%, 99.66%, and 98.34% respectively. This study shows that rapid bioremoval of hydrocarbons in diesel oil is acheived by E. cloacae with abet of biofilm formation. The potential use of the biofilms for preparing trickling filters (gravel particles) for the degradation of hydrocarbons from petroleum wastes before their disposal in the open environment is highly suggested. This is the first successful attempt for artificially establishing petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacterial biofilm on solid substrates in bioreactor.

Stalk-dependent and Stalk-independent Signaling by the Adhesion G Protein-coupled Receptors GPR56 (ADGRG1) and BAI1 (ADGRB1).

PubMed

Kishore, Ayush; Purcell, Ryan H; Nassiri-Toosi, Zahra; Hall, Randy A

2016-02-12

The adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are a large yet poorly understood family of seven-transmembrane proteins. A defining characteristic of the aGPCR family is the conserved GAIN domain, which has autoproteolytic activity and can cleave the receptors near the first transmembrane domain. Several aGPCRs, including ADGRB1 (BAI1 or B1) and ADGRG1 (GPR56 or G1), have been found to exhibit significantly increased constitutive activity when truncated to mimic GAIN domain cleavage (ΔNT). Recent reports have suggested that the new N-terminal stalk, which is revealed by GAIN domain cleavage, can directly activate aGPCRs as a tethered agonist. We tested this hypothesis in studies on two distinct aGPCRs, B1 and G1, by engineering mutant receptors lacking the entire NT including the stalk (B1- and G1-SL, with "SL" indicating "stalkless"). These receptors were evaluated in a battery of signaling assays and compared with full-length wild-type and cleavage-mimicking (ΔNT) forms of the two receptors. We found that B1-SL, in multiple assays, exhibited robust signaling activity, suggesting that the membrane-proximal stalk region is not necessary for its activation. For G1, however, the results were mixed, with the SL mutant exhibiting robust activity in several signaling assays (including TGFα shedding, activation of NFAT luciferase, and β-arrestin recruitment) but reduced activity relative to ΔNT in a distinct assay (activation of SRF luciferase). These data support a model in which the activation of certain pathways downstream of aGPCRs is stalk-dependent, whereas signaling to other pathways is stalk-independent. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Behavioral responses of one western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) group at Bai Hokou, Central African Republic, to tourists, researchers and trackers.

PubMed

Klailova, Michelle; Hodgkinson, Chloe; Lee, Phyllis C

2010-09-01

Gorilla tourism, widely perceived as a lucrative industry, is propelled by strong market demand with programs in five countries and for three of four gorilla subspecies. Human presence may negatively affect wild gorillas, potentially lowering immunity and increasing the likelihood of acquiring human-borne disease. Yet, behavioral impacts of humans on wild gorilla behavior remain largely unexplored, particularly for western lowland gorillas. We evaluate the impact of tourist presence, human observer numbers (tourists, trackers, and researchers), and human observer distance on the behavior of one habituated gorilla group at Bai Hokou, Central African Republic. Behavioral data were collected for more than 12 months from January 2007. Of silverback aggressive events, 39% (N=229) were human directed, but 65% were low-level soft barks. Adult females, and one in particular, were responsible for the highest number of aggressive events toward humans. Humans maintained closer proximity to the silverback when tourists were present, although tourist numbers had no significant impact on overall group activity budgets or rates of human-directed aggression. However, as research team size increased, group feeding rates decreased. Close observer-silverback distance correlated with a decrease in his feeding rates and an increase in human monitoring. He directed less aggression toward observers at distances >10 m, although observers spent 48.5% of time between 6 and 10 m of the silverback. We discuss gorilla personality as a factor in human-directed aggression. We explore whether the current 7 m distance limit governing gorilla tourism, based on disease transmission risks, is sufficient considering the potential behavioral stressor of close human presence. We recommend increasing minimum observation distance to >10 m where possible, decreasing observer group sizes, particularly after a visit consisting of maximum numbers and restricting tourist access to 1 visit/day. 2010 Wiley

Targeting Alpha5 Beta1 Integrin to Prevent Metastatic Breast Cancer Cell Invasion: PhScN Target Site Definition and Plasma Stability

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

carcinoma. Neoplasia, 2002. 4(5): p. 373-9. PMID: 12192595 12. Yao, H., D. Veine, K. Fay, E. Staszewski, et al., The PHSCN dendrimer as a more...375. PMID: 20300829 13. Yao, H., D.M. Veine, Z.Z. Zeng, K.S. Fay, et al., Increased potency of the PHSCN dendrimer as an inhibitor of human

Sea Surface Scattering of Radar Signals in Ku- and C-Bands: the Role of Breaking Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronovich, A.; Zavorotny, V.

2001-05-01

A small-slope approximation (SSA) is used for numerical calculations of a radar backscattering cross section of the ocean surface for both Ku- and C-bands for wind speeds ranging from 5 m/s to 15 m/s as a function of an incident angle. Both the lowest order of the SSA and the one that includes the next-order correction to it are considered. The initial calculations were made assuming Gaussian statistics of sea surface and the Elfouhaily et al. surface-height spectrum for fully developed seas (T. Elfouhaily et al., J. Geophys. Res., vol.102, pp.15,781-15,796 (1997)). Empirical scattering models CMOD2-I3 and SASS-II are used for comparison. Theoretical calculations are in good overall agreement with the experiment, being within a 2 dB accuracy on average with a 3 dB maximal discrepancy. The only exception is HH-polarization in the upwind direction where discrepancies reach 5.7 dB for an incidence angle of 60{° }. Note that the SSA allows controlling the accuracy of calculations by comparing the results of the lowest order approximation with corrections originated from higher order terms. The discrepancy between our calculations and empirical data for HH polarization appears to be significantly larger then accuracy of the calculations. Hence, the reason for it should be attributed to the inadequate sea-roughness model. We have checked a hypothesis that steep waves are responsible for this effect. We assumed that the contribution from steep waves could be evaluated in the geometric optics approximation. This allowed us to retrieve the probability density function of large slopes based on comparison of theoretical calculations and experimental data for Ku-band at HH polarization. It was found that in the upwind direction this function could be approximated by a simple relationship: \\[ \\text{Log}_{10}P(a_{x},0) = -2.84 + 0.097ṡ U + 1.33ṡ a_{x}, \\] where U is wind speed in m/s and ax>0.8 is the appropriate slope. Note that such large slopes cannot belong to steady

Outdoor cultivation of Dunaliella salina KU 11 using brine and saline lake water with raceway ponds in northeastern Thailand.

PubMed

Wu, Zhe; Dejtisakdi, Wipawee; Kermanee, Prasart; Ma, Chunhong; Arirob, Wallop; Sathasivam, Ramaraj; Juntawong, Niran

2017-11-01

To evaluate the potential of algal biotechnology to replace traditional agriculture in northeastern Thailand, an open raceway cultivation system was developed to produce biomass and beta-carotene. Dunaliella salina KU 11 isolated from local saline soil was cultured in open raceway tanks using brine and saline lake water. Grown in modified Johnson's medium (with 2-3.5 M NaCl), the algae reached a maximum cell density on the fourth day (1.8 × 10 6 cells mL -1 ). Increasing KNO 3 and NaHCO 3 from 0.5 and 0.043 g L -1 to 1 and 2.1 g L -1 , respectively, significantly improved the yields of biomass (0.33 g L -1 ) and beta-carotene (19 mg L -1 ). Expected profits for algal production were evaluated, and it was found that this strain was suitable for outdoor cultivation and the developing algal industry in northeastern Thailand could produce high economic benefits (at least $64,120 per year per 0.16 ha). © 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; Triana-Reina, Héctor Reynaldo; Martínez-Torres, Javier; Prieto-Benavides, Daniel Humberto; Carrillo, Hugo Alejandro; Ramos-Sepúlveda, Jeison Alexander; Villa-González, Emilio; García-Hermoso, Antonio

2017-01-17

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5)) -18 ) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland-Altman's agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient ( ρc ) and the coefficient of determination ( R ²) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R ² = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t -test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was poor ( ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = -0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San in Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells Treated With Tamoxifen.

PubMed

Chen, Jiun-Liang; Chang, Chun-Ju; Wang, Jir-You; Wen, Che-Sheng; Tseng, Ling-Ming; Chang, Wen-Chi; Noomhorm, Nattanant; Liu, Hui-Ju; Chen, Wei-Shone; Chiu, Jen-Hwey; Shyr, Yi-Ming

2014-05-01

There is epidemiological evidence that Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (JWXYS) is the most common Chinese medicine decoction coprescribed with tamoxifen (Tam) when breast cancer is treated by hormonal therapy. However, whether there is interaction between JWXYS and Tam remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of JWXYS on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells treated with Tam. In vitro cultured MCF-7 cells were cotreated with JWXYS and Tam. This was followed by MTT ([4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl]- 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays and cell cycle analysis to assess cell proliferation; Western blot analysis was used to analyze the expression of various proteins involved in growth-related signal pathways. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to detect autophagy among the cancer cells. In vivo analysis used female athymic nude mice implanted with MCF-7 cells; these mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups. All mice were killed humanely after 21 days of treatment; body weight, tumor volume, and tumor weight were then measured. JWXYS was not cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells, based on the fact that there were no statistically significant changes between the JWXYS + Tam groups and the Tam-alone group in cell numbers, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation signals, the latter including the expression levels of AKT, ERK, P38, p27(Kip1), and light chain (LC3)-I, II. Furthermore, using the MCF-7 xenograft mouse model, there were no significant changes between the JWXYS (1.3-3.9 gm/kg) + Tam groups and the Tam-alone group in terms of tumor weight and the protein expression levels of AKT, ERK, P38, and p27 (Kip1). However, there was a significant decrease in LC3-II protein expression with the low-dose JWXYS + Tam group but not with the middle- or high-dose JWXYS + Tam groups compared with the Tam-alone group. Based on in vitro studies and in vivo functional studies, there is no obvious interaction between JWXYS and Tam. However

Chemopreventive effects of Ku-jin tea against AOM-induced precancerous colorectal lesions in rats and metabolomic analysis.

PubMed

Bi, Wu; Liu, Haibo; Shen, Jie; Zhang, Ling-Hua; Li, Pei; Peng, Bing; Cao, Li; Zhang, Pengfei; He, Chunnian; Xiao, Peigen

2017-11-21

Ku-jin tea (KJT) is a health beverage prepared from the leaves of the plant Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala that has been consumed in some regions of China for thousands of years. KJT contains high levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative compounds such as ginnalins, but little is known about the chemopreventive effect of KJT on colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of KJT on colon carcinogenesis using the azoxymethane (AOM)-induced precancerous colorectal lesion model in rats. The results showed that the number of aberrant crypts, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and crypts/focus in rats of the KJT + AOM group were significantly decreased compared with rats of the AOM group (p < 0.01). Further exploration of the prevention mechanism of KJT by UPLC-QTOF/MS-based urinary metabolomics showed that 5 metabolic pathways were modulated, including purine metabolism and amino acid metabolism, in the group with KJT. In addition, the levels of the immunomodulatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-10 were significantly decreased, and the levels of IL-2 in the serum of AOM rats increased after KJT treatment. Our present data suggest that KJT can inhibit AOM-induced colonic ACF formation and might be a useful chemopreventive agent against colorectal carcinogenesis.

Psychometric properties and measurement equivalence of the English and Chinese versions of the Beck Anxiety Inventory in patients with breast cancer.

PubMed

Ke, Yu; Ng, Terence; Yeo, Hui Ling; Shwe, Maung; Gan, Yan Xiang; Chan, Alexandre

2017-02-01

There is a lack of psychometric data for both the English and Chinese versions of Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to support its usage among breast cancer patients. This study examined the psychometric properties and measurement equivalence of the English and Chinese versions of BAI among breast cancer patients in Singapore. Patients were recruited from two major cancer centers in Singapore. The criterion and construct validity of BAI was assessed by its correlation strength with (1) the emotional functioning subdomain of EORTC QLQ-C30 and (2) constructs related to anxiety, namely fatigue, dyspnea, and quality of life. The known-group validity was assessed according to the patients' breast cancer stage, religious beliefs, and emotional functioning levels. The internal consistency of the BAI domains was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Regression analysis was performed to compare the BAI total and domain scores between the two language versions. Data from 244 patients (144 English-speaking and 100 Chinese-speaking) were analyzed. For both language versions, the BAI total scores correlated moderately with the EORTC QLQ-C30 emotional functioning subdomain (r = -0.655 and -0.601). Correlations with fatigue, quality of life, and dyspnea were moderate (|r| = 0.456-0.606). Patients with poorer emotional functioning reported higher anxiety levels, establishing known-group validity. All BAI domains demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies (α = 0.74-0.87), except for the panic domain (α = 0.57-0.61). Possible measurement equivalence between the language versions was established. Both English and Chinese versions of BAI are valid, reliable, and possibly equivalent for future use.

[EVALUATION OF THE BODY ADIPOSITY INDEX IN PREDICTING PERCENTAGE BODY FAT AMONG COLOMBIAN ADULTS].

PubMed

González-Ruíz, Katherine; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson

2015-07-01

the body adiposity index (BAI) is a new simplistic method for predicting body fat percentage (BF%) via a simple equation of hip circumference to height. Up to now, few studies have evaluated the performance of BAI in determining excess fat in Colombians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of BAI as a predictor of body fat in among Colombian adults. cross-sectional study carried out in a sample of 204 male belonging to the education sector from Bogotá, Colombia. BAI was calculated based on the equation reported in the Bergman et al. %BF determined by tetrapolar bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used as the reference measure of adiposity. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between the two methods: BAI and BIA. Associations between anthropometric measures of adiposity were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis. in general pupulation, the BAI overestimates %BF (mean difference: 12.5 % [95%CI = -4.04 % to -21.02 %]), mainly at lower levels of adiposity (mean difference: 10.2 ± 3.3). Significant correlations were found between BAI and all measurements, being the strongest-moderate correlation with %BF (r = 0.777, p < 0.001), waist to height ratio (r = 0.557, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.480, p < 0.001). the results of this investigation indicate that BAI results in large individual errors when predicting BF% among Colombian adults and has a tendency to provide overestimated values as BF% decreases. Therefore, this method can be a useful tool to predict %BF in Colombian adults, although it has some limitations. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of brief school-based interventions for adolescents: A meta-analysis of alcohol use prevention programs

PubMed Central

Hennessy, Emily A.; Tanner-Smith, Emily E.

2015-01-01

Objective To conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the effectiveness of school-based brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) among adolescents, and to examine possible iatrogenic effects due to deviancy training in group-delivered interventions. Method A systematic search for eligible studies was undertaken, current through December 31, 2012. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they used an experimental/quasi-experimental design; focused on school-based BAIs; enrolled adolescent participants; and reported an alcohol-related outcome measure. Studies were coded for key variables, and outcome effect sizes were analyzed as standardized mean differences adjusted for small samples (Hedges’ g). Analyses were conducted using inverse-variance weighted mixed effects meta-regression models. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results Across all 17 studies eligible for inclusion, school-based BAIs were associated with significant improvements among adolescents, whereby adolescents in the BAI groups reduced their alcohol consumption relative to the control groups (ḡ = 0.34, 95% CI [0.11, 0.56]). Subgroup analyses indicated that whereas individually-delivered BAIs were effective (ḡ = 0.58, 95% CI [0.23, 0.92]), there was no evidence that group-delivered BAIs were associated with reductions in alcohol use (ḡ = −0.02, 95% CI [−0.17, 0.14]). Delivery format was confounded with program modality, however, such that motivational enhancement therapy was the most effective modality, but was rarely implemented in group-delivered interventions. Conclusions Some school-based BAIs are effective in reducing adolescent alcohol consumption, but may be ineffective if delivered in group settings. Future research should explore whether group-delivered BAIs that use motivational enhancement therapy components may yield beneficial outcomes like those observed in individually-delivered programs. PMID:25294110

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL—Adults Study

PubMed Central

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; Triana-Reina, Héctor Reynaldo; Martínez-Torres, Javier; Prieto-Benavides, Daniel Humberto; Carrillo, Hugo Alejandro; Ramos-Sepúlveda, Jeison Alexander; Villa-González, Emilio; García-Hermoso, Antonio

2017-01-01

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5))−18) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland–Altman’s agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and the coefficient of determination (R2) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R2 = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t-test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = −6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was poor (ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = −0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels. PMID:28106719

'It was caused by the carelessness of the parents': cultural models of child malnutrition in southern Malawi.

PubMed

Flax, Valerie L

2015-01-01

Parents' conceptions of child growth, health and malnutrition are culturally bound, making information about local understandings of malnutrition and its causes necessary for designing effective nutrition programmes. This study used ethnographic methods to elucidate cultural models of child care and malnutrition among the Yao of southern Malawi. Data were collected in six rural villages from 28 key informant interviews with village chiefs and traditional healers among others and 18 focus group discussions with parents and grandmothers of young children. For the Yao, lack of parental care is a key cause of poor child health and can lead to thinness (kunyililika) or swelling (kuimbangana). Parents are said to be careless if they are not attentive to the child's needs, are unable to provide adequate quality or quantity of food, or fail to follow sexual abstinence rules. Maintaining abstinence protects the family and failure to do so causes the transfer of 'heat' from a sexually active parent to a 'cold' child and results in child health problems, including signs and symptoms of malnutrition. These findings indicate that the Yao understanding of care is much broader than the concept of care during feeding described in the nutrition literature. In addition, the Yao note the importance of several key feeding practices supported by international agencies and understand the influence of illness on child nutritional status. These congruencies with the public health frame should be used together with information about the cultural context to design more socially and emotionally relevant care and nutrition programmes among the Yao. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Bioactive Metabolites Produced by Streptomyces cavourensis YBQ59 Isolated from Cinnamomum cassia Prels in Yen Bai Province of Vietnam.

PubMed

Vu, Hanh-Nguyen Thi; Nguyen, Dat Tien; Nguyen, Huy Quang; Chu, Ha Hoang; Chu, Son Ky; Chau, Minh Van; Phi, Quyet-Tien

2018-06-04

The endophytic actinomycete strain YBQ59 was isolated from Cinnamomum cassia Prels in Yen Bai province (21°53'14″N; 104°35'9″E) of northern Vietnam. Based on analysis of morphological, physiological characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence (GenBank Acc. No. MF950891), the strain YBQ59 possessed high similarity to Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. cavourensis strain NRRL 2740, therefore assigned as S. cavourensis YBQ59. The ethyl acetate extract of the YBQ59 culture broth isolated eight pure secondary metabolites, identified as 1-monolinolein (1), bafilomycin D (2), nonactic acid (3), daidzein (4), 3'-hydroxydaidzein (5), 5,11-epoxy-10-cadinanol (6), prelactone B (7), and daucosterol (8). Compounds 1, 3-8 were reported for the first time from S. cavourensis. Compounds 1-5 exhibited antimicrobial activities against both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591 (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984 (MRSE) among which the compound 1 revealed the strongest effects with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 8.5 and 14.6 µg/mL, respectively. The compound 2 showed high potential effect against MRSA (MIC of 11.1 µg/mL) but less effect against MRSE (MIC of 30.3 µg/mL). The cytotoxicity of the compounds 1-7 was investigated against human lung adenocarcinoma EGFR-TKI-resistant cells, among which compounds 1, 2, and 5 exhibited the strong effect against A549 cells with IC 50 values of 3.6, 6.7, and 7.8 µM, respectively. Taken together, the experimental findings in this study suggested that the compounds 1 and 2 could be reproducible metabolites applicable for inhibition of both drug-resistant bacteria and cancer cell lines.

Correlations between polymorphisms in the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A and C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 genes and infection with the hepatitis B virus in three ethnic groups in China.

PubMed

Zhang, Chan; He, Yan; Shan, Ke-Ren; Tan, Kui; Zhang, Ting; Wang, Chan-Juan; Guan, Zhi-Zhong

2018-02-01

Objective To determine whether genetic polymorphisms in the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A ( UGT1A) and the C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 ( CCR5) genes are associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Yi, Yao and Han ethnic groups in the Guizhou Province of China. Methods The study enrolled subjects with and without HBV infection. Whole blood was used for DNA genotyping using standard techniques. The study determined the frequencies of several polymorphic alleles ( UGT1A6 [rs2070959], UGT1A1 [rs8175347], CCR5-59029 [rs1799987] and CCR5Δ32 [rs333]) and then characterized their relationship with HBV infection. Results A total of 404 subjects were enrolled in the study: 138 from the Yao group, 101 from the Yi group and 165 from the Han group. There was a significant difference in the frequency of UGT1A1 rs8175347 polymorphisms among the three groups. The rates of 7TA carriers of UGT1A1 rs8175347 in all three groups were significantly higher than the other genotypes. Individuals with genotype AA of UGT1A6 rs2070959 in the Yi group had a higher risk for HBV infection than in the Yao and Han groups. The frequency of genotype GG in CCR5-59029 in the Yao group was significantly higher than in the Yi group. The genotypes of CCR5Δ32 were not associated with HBV infection. Conclusion These findings provide genetic and epidemiological evidence for an association of UGT1A and CCR5-59029 polymorphisms with HBV infection in Chinese Yi and Yao populations.

Flow regime effects on mature Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood) productivity on two contrasting dryland river floodplains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Andersen, Douglas C.

2016-01-01

I compared riparian cottonwood (Populus fremontii) productivity-discharge relationships in a relictual stand along the highly regulated Green River and in a naturally functioning stand along the unregulated Yampa River in semiarid northwest Colorado. I used multiple regression to model flow effects on annual basal area increment (BAI) from 1982 to 2011, after removing any autocorrelation present. Each BAI series was developed from 20 trees whose mean size (67 cm diameter at breast height [DBH]) was equivalent in the two stands. BAI was larger in the Yampa River stand except in 2 y when defoliating leaf beetles were present there. I found no evidence for a Yampa flood-magnitude threshold above which BAI declined. Flow variables explained ∼45% of residual BAI variability, with most explained by current-year maximum 90-d discharge (QM90) in the Yampa River stand and by a measure of the year-to-year change in QM90 in the Green River stand. The latter reflects a management-imposed ceiling on flood magnitude—Flaming Gorge Dam power plant capacity—infrequently exceeded during the study period. BAI in the relictual stand began to trend upward in 1992 when flows started to mimic a natural flow regime. Mature Fremont cottonwoods appear to be ecologically resilient. Their productivity along regulated rivers might be optimized using multiyear environmental flow designs.

Body adiposity index as marker of obesity and cardiovascular risk in adults from Bogotá, Colombia.

PubMed

García, Ana Isabel; Niño-Silva, Laura Andrea; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson

2015-03-01

To assess the value of body adiposity index (BAI) as a marker of obesity and predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A cross-sectional study in 527 volunteers from the education and automotive sector in Bogotá, Colombia. BAI was calculated using the Bergman et al. equation ([hip circumference in cm)/[height in m(2)](1,5)-18]). Anthropometric, clinical and laboratory data were collected, cholesterol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C; triglycerides/HDL-C and lipid-metabolic index (LMI) ratios were calculated. Prevalence rates and means, according to tertiles (T), and multivariate analysis between the BAI and anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory markers were estimated. Obesity prevalence was 33.9% (BAI>27.5%). Subjects with lower BAI (T-1) had lower cholesterol, triglycerides/HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C levels and better LMI; P<.001. The multivariate model showed in T-3 subjects an OR 3.33 (95% CI 2.16 to 5.13) for central obesity and an OR 3.39 (95% CI 2.34 to 4.90) for increased visceral fat. As regards lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, BAI was able to predict the risk OR 7.95 (95% CI 4.88 to 12.94), OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.41), OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.70) and OR 9.27 (95% CI 2.01 to 21.80), shows a significant association between cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and glucose respectively, P<0.001. A high prevalence of obesity by BAI was observed, and statistically positive associations with cardiovascular risk factors were shown. Copyright © 2014 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Variable Selection in Logistic Regression.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

23 %. AUTIOR(.) S. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBE Rf.i %Z. D. Bai, P. R. Krishnaiah and . C. Zhao F49620-85- C-0008 " PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND AOORESS...d I7 IOK-TK- d 7 -I0 7’ VARIABLE SELECTION IN LOGISTIC REGRESSION Z. D. Bai, P. R. Krishnaiah and L. C. Zhao Center for Multivariate Analysis...University of Pittsburgh Center for Multivariate Analysis University of Pittsburgh Y !I VARIABLE SELECTION IN LOGISTIC REGRESSION Z- 0. Bai, P. R. Krishnaiah

Occupational EMF exposure from radar at X and Ku frequency band and plasma catecholamine levels.

PubMed

Singh, Sarika; Kapoor, Neeru

2015-09-01

Workers in certain occupations such as the military may be exposed to technical radiofrequency radiation exposure above current limits, which may pose a health risk. The present investigation intended to find the effect of chronic electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from radar on plasma catecholamines in the military workforce. In the study, 166 male personnel selected randomly were categorized into three groups: control (n = 68), exposure group-I (X-band, 8-12 GHz, n = 40), and exposure group-II (Ku-band, 12.5-18 GHz, n = 58). The three clusters were further divided into two groups according to their years of service (YOS) (up to 9 years and ≥10 years) to study the effect of years of radar exposure. Enzyme immunoassay was employed to assess catecholamine concentrations. EMF levels were recorded at different occupational distances from radar. Significant adrenaline diminution was registered in exposure group-II with no significant difference in exposure group-I when both groups were weighed against control. Nor-adrenaline and dopamine levels did not vary significantly in both exposure groups when compared to controls. Exposure in terms of YOS also did not yield any significant alteration in any of the catecholamines and in any of the exposure groups when compared with their respective control groups. The shift from baseline catecholamine values due to stress has immense significance for health and well-being. Their continual alteration may prove harmful in due course. Suitable follow-up studies are needed to further strengthen these preliminary observations and for now, exposures should be limited as much as possible with essential safeguards. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kinetic modelling and optimisation of antimicrobial compound production by Candida pyralidae KU736785 for control of Candida guilliermondii.

PubMed

Mewa-Ngongang, Maxwell; du Plessis, Heinrich W; Hutchinson, Ucrecia F; Mekuto, Lukhanyo; Ntwampe, Seteno Ko

2017-06-01

Biological antimicrobial compounds from yeast can be used to address the critical need for safer preservatives in food, fruit and beverages. The inhibition of Candida guilliermondii, a common fermented beverage spoilage organism, was achieved using antimicrobial compounds produced by Candida pyralidae KU736785. The antimicrobial production system was modelled and optimised using response surface methodology, with 22.5 ℃ and pH of 5.0 being the optimum conditions. A new concept for quantifying spoilage organism inhibition was developed. The inhibition activity of the antimicrobial compounds was observed to be at a maximum after 17-23 h of fermentation, with C. pyralidae concentration being between 0.40 and 1.25 × 10 9 CFU ml -1 , while its maximum specific growth rate was 0.31-0.54 h -1 . The maximum inhibitory activity was between 0.19 and 1.08 l contaminated solidified media per millilitre of antimicrobial compound used. Furthermore, the antimicrobial compound formation rate was 0.037-0.086 l VZI ml -1 ACU h -1 , respectively. The response surface methodology analysis showed that the model developed sufficiently described the antimicrobial compound formation rate 1.08 l VZI ml -1 ACU, as 1.17 l VZI ml -1 ACU, predicted under the optimum production conditions.

Agreement between coding schemas used to identify bleeding-related hospitalizations in claims analyses of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients.

PubMed

Coleman, Craig I; Vaitsiakhovich, Tatsiana; Nguyen, Elaine; Weeda, Erin R; Sood, Nitesh A; Bunz, Thomas J; Schaefer, Bernhard; Meinecke, Anna-Katharina; Eriksson, Daniel

2018-01-01

Schemas to identify bleeding-related hospitalizations in claims data differ in billing codes used and coding positions allowed. We assessed agreement across bleeding-related hospitalization coding schemas for claims analyses of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC). We hypothesized that prior coding schemas used to identify bleeding-related hospitalizations in claim database studies would provide varying levels of agreement in incidence rates. Within MarketScan data, we identified adults, newly started on OAC for NVAF from January 2012 to June 2015. Billing code schemas developed by Cunningham et al., the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Mini-Sentinel program, and Yao et al. were used to identify bleeding-related hospitalizations as a surrogate for major bleeding. Bleeds were subcategorized as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), gastrointestinal (GI), or other. Schema agreement was assessed by comparing incidence, rates of events/100 person-years (PYs), and Cohen's kappa statistic. We identified 151 738 new-users of OAC with NVAF (CHA2DS2-VASc score = 3, [interquartile range = 2-4] and median HAS-BLED score = 3 [interquartile range = 2-3]). The Cunningham, FDA Mini-Sentinel, and Yao schemas identified any bleeding-related hospitalizations in 1.87% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-1.94), 2.65% (95% CI: 2.57-2.74), and 4.66% (95% CI: 4.55-4.76) of patients (corresponding rates = 3.45, 4.90, and 8.65 events/100 PYs). Kappa agreement across schemas was weak-to-moderate (κ = 0.47-0.66) for any bleeding hospitalization. Near-perfect agreement (κ = 0.99) was observed with the FDA Mini-Sentinel and Yao schemas for ICH-related hospitalizations, but agreement was weak when comparing Cunningham to FDA Mini-Sentinel or Yao (κ = 0.52-0.53). FDA Mini-Sentinel and Yao agreement was moderate (κ = 0.62) for GI bleeding, but agreement was weak when comparing Cunningham to FDA Mini-Sentinel or Yao (κ�

Social, educational and vocational outcomes in patients with childhood-onset and young-adult-onset growth hormone deficiency.

PubMed

Mitra, M Tanya; Jönsson, Peter; Åkerblad, Ann-Charlotte; Clayton, Peter; Kołtowska-Häggström, Maria; Korbonits, Márta; Toogood, Andy; Gleeson, Helena

2017-04-01

Hypopituitarism diagnosed in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood has the potential to affect growth and somatic development. Less is known about the impact of such a diagnosis on other aspects of development. An analysis of the KIMS database (Pfizer International Metabolic Database) was performed to explore social, educational and vocational outcomes of adult patients diagnosed in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood compared with adult-onset controls. A total of 2952 adult patients diagnosed with hypothalamic pituitary conditions before the age of 25 were divided into two groups: childhood-onset [<16 years (CO)] (n = 1782) and young-adult-onset [16 to <25 years (YAO)] (n = 1170). A total of 1617 adult patients diagnosed with a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma at the age of 25 or older formed the adult-onset control group (AO). KIMS Patient Life Situation Form which provided information on social, educational and vocational outcomes. Compared with the AO control group, CO and YAO patients were between 4·5 and 8·0 times more likely to live with their parents in adulthood; CO and YAO patients were also less likely to live in partnership and to have children. The impact on educational and vocational outcomes was less marked than on social outcomes with no significant differences compared with the AO control group. Educational and vocational outcomes showed the lowest level in male and female CO and YAO patients who had been previously diagnosed with a brain tumour. Social outcomes were more affected than educational and vocational outcomes. Although CO patients are more adversely affected, YAO patients were also failing to achieve social milestones. This has consequences for the delivery of endocrine care in both paediatric and adult services. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Role of Body Adiposity Index in Determining Body Fat Percentage in Colombian Adults with Overweight or Obesity.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Tordecilla-Sanders, Alejandra; García-Hermoso, Antonio; Schmidt-RioValle, Jacqueline; González-Jiménez, Emilio

2017-09-21

The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of body adiposity index (BAI) as a convenient tool for assessing body fat percentage (BF%) in a sample of adults with overweight/obesity using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The study population was composed of 96 volunteers (60% female, mean age 40.6 ± 7.5 years old). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass index, height, waist-to-height ratio, hip and waist circumference), socioeconomic status, and diet were assessed, and BF% was measured by BIA-BF% and by BAI-BF%. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between BAI-BF% and BF% assessed by BIA-BF%, while controlling for potential confounders. The concordance between the BF% measured by both methods was obtained with a paired sample t -test, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plot analysis. Overall, the correlation between BF% obtained by BIA-BF% and estimated by BAI-BF% was r = 0.885, p < 0.001, after adjusting for potential confounders (age, socioeconomic status, and diet). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was moderate in both sexes. In the men, the paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between the methods (-5.6 (95%CI -6.4 to -4.8); p < 0.001). In the women, these differences were (-3.6 (95%CI -4.7 to -2.5); p < 0.001). Overall, the bias of the BAI-BF% was -4.8 ± 3.2 BF%; p < 0.001), indicating that the BAI-BF% method significantly underestimated the BF% in comparison with the reference method. In adults with overweight/obesity, the BAI presents low agreement with BF% measured by BIA-BF%; therefore, we conclude that BIA-BF% is not accurate in either sex when body fat percentage levels are low or high. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in different ethnic groups.

Analgesia effect of baicalein against NTG-induced migraine in rats.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao-Fan; Zhang, Wen-Jun; Dong, Cui-Lan; Hu, Wan-Li; Sun, Yu-Yao; Bao, Yarigui; Zhang, Chun-Feng; Guo, Chang-Run; Wang, Chong-Zhi; Yuan, Chun-Su

2017-06-01

Migraine is a complex nervous system disease characterized by typical throbbing and unilateral headache, which causes severe healthy and social issues worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of baicalein (BAI) on the treatment of migraine. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided equally into four groups, including a blank group, model group, positive group (ibuprofen tablets 82mg/kg), and BAI group (60mg/kg). All rats were intragastrically treated with the corresponding treatment for 10 consecutive days, and they were subcutaneously injected with NTG (10mg/kg) 1h after the last treatment, except in the blank group. After model establishment, the behaviors of all rats, including scratching head and shaking body were observed continuously for 100min. Four hours after NTG treatment, all rats were anaesthetized and the blood was collected. Thereafter, nitric oxide (NO) in plasma was determined by colorimetric method, the level of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and endothelin (ET) were detected by radioimmunoassay method. In addition, immunohistochemistry was applied to detect c-Fos neuronal activity in trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Behavioral research showed that BAI administration alleviated the hyperalgesia in migraine rats. Compared with the model group, the levels of NO and CGRP in BAI administration groups were markedly decreased (p<0.01), and the levels of ET was significantly increased (p<0.01). Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry results showed that NTG treatment significantly activated c-Fos neurons while BAI treatment inhibited the expression of c-Fos. BAI could alleviate the migraine-like headache induced by NTG, which is related to the regulation of vasoactive substances. These findings may contribute to the further study of BAI as a potential drug for migraine pharmacotherapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Neuroprotection by baicalein in ischemic brain injury involves PTEN/AKT pathway.

PubMed

Liu, Chao; Wu, Jiliang; Xu, Kui; Cai, Fei; Gu, Jun; Ma, Liqun; Chen, Jianguo

2010-03-01

Recently more evidences support baicalein (Bai) is neuroprotective in models of ischemic stroke. This study was conducted to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect. Either permanent or transient (2 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in rats in this study. Permanent MCAO led to larger infarct volumes in contrast to transient MCAO. Only in transient MCAO, Bai administration significantly reduced infarct size. Baicalein also markedly reduced apoptosis in the penumbra of transient MCAO rats. Additionally, oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was used to mimic ischemic insult in primary cultured cortical neurons. A rapid increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species level and nitrotyrosine formation induced by OGD was counteracted by Bai, which is parallel with attenuated cell injury. The reduction of phosphorylation Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) induced by OGD was restored by Bai, which was associated with preserved levels of phosphorylation of PTEN, the phophatase that negatively regulates Akt. As a consequence, Bcl-2/Bcl-xL-associated death protein phosphorylation was increased and the protein level of Bcl-2 in motochondria was maintained, which subsequently antagonize cytochrome c released in cytosol. LY294002 blocked the increase in phospho-AKT evoked by Bai and abolished the associated protective effect. Together, these findings provide evidence that Bai protects neurons against ischemia injury and this neuroprotective effect involves PI3K/Akt and PTEN pathway.

Analysis of Investment IT Planning on Logistic Company Using COBIT 5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fachri Pane, Syafrial; Maulana Awangga, Rolly; Nuraini, Rd.; Fathonah, Siti

2018-04-01

IT Investment planning to review goals business strategy development needs to support IT governance. Planning its investments will be assessed with a framework is issued by ISACA that COBIT 5 focus on domain EDM, APO, BAI, and MEA. Mapping from framework COBIT 5 with Val IT lead nine domain consisting of EDM01, EDM02, APO01, APO02, APO05, APO06, APO07, BAI01, and MEA01. Article search google using RACI diagram generating mapping organisation telecoms and authority structures for the review identify respondents from any domain. Under selected area be used to review counting process capability level, and for a discussion of development, priorities make recommendations shall perform in accordance process needs PT.XYZ logistics company. The translating process capability level determined by the company prior currently at on level 4. The capability level domain process in the EDM is level 4, while at domain APO, BAI, and MEA are on level 3 and gap on APO, BAI, and MEA. The company recommendation domain subscription APO, BAI, and MEA to increase the capabilities of the rate review process to achieve the targets that have can determine the company.

Adapting a computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention for veterans with Hepatitis C.

PubMed

Cucciare, Michael A; Jamison, Andrea L; Combs, Ann S; Joshi, Gauri; Cheung, Ramsey C; Rongey, Catherine; Huggins, Joe; Humphreys, Keith

2017-12-01

This study adapted an existing computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention (cBAI) for use in Veterans with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and examined its acceptability and feasibility in this patient population. A four-stage model consisting of initial pilot testing, qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, development of a beta version of the cBAI, and usability testing was used to achieve the study objectives. In-depth interviews gathered feedback for modifying the cBAI, including adding HCV-related content such as the health effects of alcohol on liver functioning, immune system functioning, and management of HCV, a preference for concepts to be displayed through "newer looking" graphics, and limiting the use of text to convey key concepts. Results from usability testing indicated that the modified cBAI was acceptable and feasible for use in this patient population. The development model used in this study is effective for gathering actionable feedback that can inform the development of a cBAI and can result in the development of an acceptable and feasible intervention for use in this population. Findings also have implications for developing computer-delivered interventions targeting behavior change more broadly.

Wet and full-depth glide snow avalanche onset monitoring and detection with ground based Ku-band radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, Célia; Bühler, Yves; Leinss, Silvan; Hajnsek, Irena

2017-04-01

Wet and full-depth glide snow avalanches can be of considerable danger for people and infrastructure in alpine regions. In Switzerland avalanche hazard predictions are performed by the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF. However these predictions are issued on regional scale and do not yield information about the current status of particular slopes of interest. To investigate the potential of radar technology for avalanche prediction on the slope scale, we performed the following experiment. During the winter seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, a ground-based Ku-band radar was placed in the vicinity of Davos (GR) in order to monitor the Dorfberg slope with 4-minute measurement intervals [1]. With Differential Interferometry [2] line of sight movements on the order of a fraction of the radar wavelength (1.7 cm) can be measured. Applying this technique to the Dorfberg scenario, it was possible to detect snowpack displacement of up to 0.4 m over 3 days in the avalanche release area prior to a snow avalanche event. A proof of concept of this approach was previously made by [3-5]. The analysis of the snowpack displacement history of such release areas shows that an avalanche is generally released after several cycles of acceleration and deceleration of a specific area of the snowpack, followed by an abrupt termination of the movement at the moment of the avalanche release. The acceleration and deceleration trends are related to thawing and refreezing of the snowpack induced by the daily temperature variations. The proposed method for the detection of snowpack displacements as indication for potential wet and full-depth glide snow avalanches is a promising tool to increase avalanche safety on specific slopes putting infrastructure or people at risk. The identification of a singular signature to discriminate the time window immediately prior to the release is still under investigation, but the ability to monitor snowpack displacement allows for mapping of zones

Rainfall measurement from the opportunistic use of an Earth-space link in the Ku band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barthès, L.; Mallet, C.

2013-08-01

The present study deals with the development of a low-cost microwave device devoted to the measurement of average rain rates observed along Earth-satellite links, the latter being characterized by a tropospheric path length of a few kilometres. The ground-based power measurements, which are made using the Ku-band television transmissions from several different geostationary satellites, are based on the principle that the atmospheric attenuation produced by rain encountered along each transmission path can be used to determine the path-averaged rain rate. This kind of device could be very useful in hilly areas where radar data are not available or in urban areas where such devices could be directly placed in homes by using residential TV antenna. The major difficulty encountered with this technique is that of retrieving rainfall characteristics in the presence of many other causes of received signal fluctuation, produced by atmospheric scintillation, variations in atmospheric composition (water vapour concentration, cloud water content) or satellite transmission parameters (variations in emitted power, satellite pointing). In order to conduct a feasibility study with such a device, a measurement campaign was carried out over a period of five months close to Paris. The present paper proposes an algorithm based on an artificial neural network, used to identify dry and rainy periods and to model received signal variability resulting from effects not related to rain. When the altitude of the rain layer is taken into account, the rain attenuation can be inverted to obtain the path-averaged rain rate. The rainfall rates obtained from this process are compared with co-located rain gauges and radar measurements taken throughout the full duration of the campaign, and the most significant rainfall events are analysed.

Theoretical model for scattering of radar signals in Ku- and C-bands from a rough sea surface with breaking waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronovich, A. G.; Zavorotny, V. U.

2001-07-01

A small-slope approximation (SSA) is used for numerical calculations of a radar backscattering cross section of the ocean surface for both Ku- and C-bands for various wind speeds and incident angles. Both the lowest order of the SSA and the one that includes the next-order correction to it are considered. The calculations were made by assuming the surface-height spectrum of Elfouhaily et al for fully developed seas. Empirical scattering models CMOD2-I3 and SASS-II are used for comparison. Theoretical calculations are in good overall agreement with the experimental data represented by the empirical models, with the exception of HH-polarization in the upwind direction. It was assumed that steep breaking waves are responsible for this effect, and the probability density function of large slopes was calculated based on this assumption. The logarithm of this function in the upwind direction can be approximated by a linear combination of wind speed and the appropriate slope. The resulting backscattering cross section for upwind, downwind and cross-wind directions, for winds ranging between 5 and 15 m s-1, and for both polarizations in both wave bands corresponds to experimental results within 1-2 dB accuracy.

The determinants of long-term care utilization and equity of access to care among older adults in Dong-Ku of Incheon Metropolitan city, South Korea.

PubMed

Park, J M

2005-01-01

Under the current health care system, around three percent of the elderly remain uninsured. Based on the 2003 Dong-Ku Health Status Survey and the Aday and Andersen Access Framework, the present study examined the social and behavioral determinants of long-term care utilization and the extent to which equity in the use of long-term care services for the elderly has been achieved. The results indicate that universal health insurance system has not yielded a fully equitable distribution of services. Type of coverage and resource availability do not remain predictors of long-term care utilization. The data suggest that a universal health insurance system exists in South Korea with significant access problems for the population without insurance. Access differences also arise from obstacles in expanding the scope and level of plan benefits due to financial disparity among insurers. Health policy reforms must continue to concentrate on extending insurance coverage to the uninsured and establishing long-term insurance system for the elderly.

High-performance 16-way Ku-band radial power combiner based on the TE01-circular waveguide mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montejo-Garai, José R.; Saracho-Pantoja, Irene O.; Ruiz-Cruz, Jorge A.; Rebollar, Jesús M.

2018-03-01

This work presents a 16-way Ku-band radial power combiner for high power and high frequency applications, using the very low loss TE01 circular waveguide mode. The accomplished design shows an excellent performance: the experimental prototype has a return loss better than 30 dB, with a balance for the amplitudes of (±0.15 dB) and (±2.5°) for the phases, in a 16.7% fractional bandwidth (2 GHz centered at 12 GHz). For obtaining these outstanding specifications, required, for instance, in high-frequency amplification or on plasma systems, a rigorous step-by-step procedure is presented. First, a high-purity mode transducer has been designed, from the TE10 mode in the rectangular waveguide to the TE01 mode in the circular waveguide, with very high attenuation (>50 dB) for the other propagating and evanescent modes in the circular waveguide. This transducer has been manufactured and measured in a back-to-back configuration, validating the design process. Second, an E-plane 16-way radial power divider has been designed, where the power is coupled from the 16 non-reduced-height radial standard waveguides into the TE01 circular waveguide mode, improving the insertion loss response and removing the usual tapered transformers of previous designs limiting the power handling. Finally, both the transducer and the divider have been assembled to make the final radial combiner. The prototype has been carefully manufactured, showing very good agreement between the measurements and the full-wave simulations.

Should We Be Anxious When Assessing Anxiety Using the Beck Anxiety Inventory in Clinical Insomnia Patients?

PubMed Central

Carney, Colleen E.; Moss, Taryn G.; Harris, Andrea L.; Edinger, Jack D.; Krystal, Andrew D.

2011-01-01

Assessing for clinical levels of anxiety is crucial, as comorbid insomnias far outnumber primary insomnias (PI). Such assessment is complex since those with Anxiety Disorders (AD) and those with PI have overlapping symptoms. Because of this overlap, we need studies that examine the assessment of anxiety in clinical insomnia groups. Participants (N = 207) were classified as having insomnia: 1) without an anxiety disorder (I-ND), or 2) with an anxiety disorder (I-AD). Mean Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) item responses were compared using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and follow-up ANOVAs. As a validity check, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine if the BAI suggested clinical cutoff was valid for identifying clinical levels of anxiety in this comorbid patient group. The I-ND had lower mean BAI scores than I-AD. There were significant group differences on 12 BAI items. The ROC curve analysis revealed the suggested BAI cutoff (≥16) had 55% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Although anxiety scores were highest in those with insomnia and an anxiety disorder, those with insomnia only had scores in the mild range for anxiety. Nine items did not distinguish between those insomnia sufferers with and without an anxiety disorder. Additionally, published cutoffs for the BAI were not optimal for identifying anxiety disorders in those with insomnia. Such limitations must be considered before using this measure in insomnia patient groups. In addition, the poor specificity and high number of overlapping symptoms between insomnia and anxiety highlight the diagnostic challenges facing clinicians. PMID:21482427

A new method for body fat evaluation, body adiposity index, is useful in women with familial partial lipodystrophy.

PubMed

Godoy-Matos, Amélio F; Moreira, Rodrigo O; Valerio, Cynthia M; Mory, Patricia B; Moises, Regina S

2012-02-01

BMI is a widely used method to evaluate adiposity. However, it has several limitations, particularly an inability to differentiate lean from fat mass. A new method, body adiposity index (BAI), has been recently proposed as a new measurement capable to determine fat excess better than BMI. The aim of this study was to investigate BAI as a mean to evaluate adiposity in a group of women with familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) and compare it with BMI. Thirteen women with FLPD Dunnigan type (FPLD2) and 13 healthy volunteers matched by age and BMI were studied. Body fat content and distribution were analyzed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Plasma leptin was also measured. BAI was significantly lower in FPLD2 in comparison to control group (24.6 ± 1.5 vs. 30.4 ± 4.3; P < 0.001) and presented a more significant correlation with total fat (%) (r = 0.71; P < 0.001) and fat Mass (g) (r = 0.80; P < 0.001) than BMI (r = 0.27; P = 0.17 for total fat and r = 0.52; P = 0.006 for fat mass). There was a correlation between leptin and BAI (r = 0.57; P = 0.01), [corrected] but not between leptin and BMI. In conclusion, BAI was able to catch differences in adiposity in a sample of FPLD2 patients. It also correlated better with leptin levels than BMI. Therefore, we provide further evidence that BAI may become a more reliable indicator of fat mass content than the currently available measurements.

EDITORIAL: Integrated assessments of environmental change on the Tibetan Plateau Integrated assessments of environmental change on the Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Yongwei; Yao, Tandong

2009-12-01

The Tibetan Plateau is one of the Earth's most sensitive regions in responding to climate change due to its extremely high altitude and the presence of permafrost and glaciers. The cryosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere of the plateau have been undergoing significant changes. Due to the low human population density, environmental changes on the plateau are largely driven by natural processes. Thus, the plateau provides a unique and comprehensive site for global change studies. This focus issue on Climate Change on the Tibetan Plateau aims to address both paleo and recent environmental changes across the plateau to facilitate our understanding of this remote and under-studied area. We invited a wide spectrum of contributions to address climate change, permafrost degradation, glacier/snow/ice dynamics, lake dynamics, land- cover/land-use changes, and their interactions on the plateau. Collectively, the diverse contributions in this special issue are expected to present the recent advancement of the above topics and beyond. See the PDF for the full text of the editorial. Focus on Climate Change on the Tibetan Plateau Contents Does a weekend effect in diurnal temperature range exist in the eastern and central Tibetan Plateau? Qinglong You, Shichang Kang, Wolfgang-Albert Flügel, Arturo Sanchez-Lorenzo, Yuping Yan, Yanwei Xu and Jie Huang Diurnal variations of summertime precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau in relation to orographically-induced regional circulations Xiaodong Liu, Aijuan Bai and Changhai Liu Lake-level fluctuations since the Last Glaciation in Selin Co (lake), Central Tibet, investigated using optically stimulated luminescence dating of beach ridges Dewen Li, Yingkui Li, Baoqi Ma, Guocheng Dong, Liqiang Wang and Junxiang Zhao Recent changes in Imja Glacial Lake and its damming moraine in the Nepal Himalaya revealed by in situ surveys and multi-temporal ASTER imagery Koji Fujita, Akiko Sakai, Takayuki Nuimura, Satoru Yamaguchi and Rishi R Sharma Changes

The traditional Chinese medicine prescription patterns for migraine patients in Taiwan: a population-based study.

PubMed

Chang, Yu-Yun; Tsai, Yueh-Ting; Lai, Jung-Nien; Yeh, Chia-Hao; Lin, Shun-Ku

2014-02-12

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), when given for symptom relief, has gained widespread popularity among migraine patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the utilization of TCM among migraine patients in Taiwan. The usage, frequency of service, and the Chinese herbal products prescribed for migraine were evaluated using a representative sample of one million subjects selected at random from the 22 million beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance scheme of Taiwan. Overall, 89.3% (N=12,827) migraine patients utilized TCM and 24.2% of them sought TCM with the intention of treating their migraine-related symptoms. Migraine patients who are living in urban area and those with an episodic migraine pattern (<15 days/month) (aOR=3.18, 95% CI: 2.75-3.67) were more likely to be TCM users than those living in a rural area and those who suffered from chronic migraine (≥15 days/month) (aOR=1.00). Overall, 81.2% of TCM visits involved the prescription of a Chinese herbal remedy or remedies and Chuan-Xiong-Cha-Tiao-San, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, Ge-Gen-Tang, Xue-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang, Ban-Xia-Bai-Zhu-Tian-Ma-Tang, Qing-Shang-Juan-Tong-Tang, Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang, Tian-Ma-Gou-Teng-Yin, Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang, and Tian-Wang-Bu-Xin-Dan were the ten most frequently prescribed formula for treating migraine based on syndrome differentiation. Chuan-Xiong-Cha-Tiao-San, which contains sedative and anti-inflammatory agents, is the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of migraine-related phenomena. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Role of Body Adiposity Index in Determining Body Fat Percentage in Colombian Adults with Overweight or Obesity

PubMed Central

González-Ruíz, Katherine; Schmidt-RioValle, Jacqueline

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of body adiposity index (BAI) as a convenient tool for assessing body fat percentage (BF%) in a sample of adults with overweight/obesity using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The study population was composed of 96 volunteers (60% female, mean age 40.6 ± 7.5 years old). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass index, height, waist-to-height ratio, hip and waist circumference), socioeconomic status, and diet were assessed, and BF% was measured by BIA-BF% and by BAI-BF%. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between BAI-BF% and BF% assessed by BIA-BF%, while controlling for potential confounders. The concordance between the BF% measured by both methods was obtained with a paired sample t-test, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plot analysis. Overall, the correlation between BF% obtained by BIA-BF% and estimated by BAI-BF% was r = 0.885, p < 0.001, after adjusting for potential confounders (age, socioeconomic status, and diet). Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was moderate in both sexes. In the men, the paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between the methods (−5.6 (95% CI −6.4 to −4.8); p < 0.001). In the women, these differences were (−3.6 (95% CI −4.7 to −2.5); p < 0.001). Overall, the bias of the BAI-BF% was −4.8 ± 3.2 BF%; p < 0.001), indicating that the BAI-BF% method significantly underestimated the BF% in comparison with the reference method. In adults with overweight/obesity, the BAI presents low agreement with BF% measured by BIA-BF%; therefore, we conclude that BIA-BF% is not accurate in either sex when body fat percentage levels are low or high. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in different ethnic groups. PMID:28934175

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of secondary metabolites and carbohydrates in Bai-Hu-Tang using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector.

PubMed

Zhong, Wei-Fang; Tong, Wing-Sum; Zhou, Shan-Shan; Yip, Ka-Man; Li, Song-Lin; Zhao, Zhong-Zhen; Xu, Jun; Chen, Hu-Biao

2017-10-01

Bai-Hu-Tang (BHT), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used for clearing heat and promoting body fluid, consists of four traditional Chinese medicines, i.e., Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhigancao), and nonglutinous rice (Jingmi). The chemical composition of BHT still remains largely elusive thus far. To qualitatively and quantitatively characterize secondary metabolites and carbohydrates in BHT, here a combination of analytical approaches using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector was developed and validated. A total of 42 secondary metabolites in BHT were tentatively or definitely identified, of which 10 major chemicals were quantified by the extracting ion mode of quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and monosaccharides in BHT were also characterized via sample pretreatment followed by sugar composition analysis. The quantitative results indicated that the determined chemicals accounted for 35.76% of the total extract of BHT, which demonstrated that the study could be instrumental in chemical dissection and quality control of BHT. The research deliverables not only laid the root for further chemical and biological evaluation of BHT, but also provided a comprehensive analytical strategy for chemical characterization of secondary metabolites and carbohydrates in traditional Chinese medicine formulas. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Body mass index and body adiposity index in relation to percent body fat: a study in adult men of three endogamous groups of South Bengal.

PubMed

Datta Banik, Sudip; Das, Subal

2015-02-01

Body adiposity index (BAI), based on height and hip circumference data from Mexican-Americans and African-Americans established its relation to body fat (BF). The aim of our study was to compare body mass index (BMI) and BAI in relation to BF%. Participants were adult men of three endogamous social groups (Brahmin, Muslim and Namasudra) in a village of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. Height, weight and hip circumference of 952 individuals (370 Brahmins, 307 Muslims and 275 Namasudras) were recorded. The BMI-based nutritional status and bioelectrical impedance-based BF% were evaluated. Namasudras (33.8%) and Muslims (33.6%) had high frequency undernutrition compared to Brahmins (7.3%). High prevalence (46.22%) of excess weight (overweight+obesity) was recorded only among Brahmins. There was significant social group difference in rates of nutritional status (χ(2) = 93.10, p < 0.0001). The BF% had higher correlation with BMI than BAI. A cut-off value of BAI (22%) was determined by binomial logistic regression analysis (BLRA). The value had best estimated relation to BF% and also coincided with WHO standard mean BF (22%) for overweight adults at BMI (≥ 25 kg/m(2)). However, greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, higher correct prediction rate, and other results of BLRA for the cut-off value of BMI-based overweight (≥ 25 kg/m(2)) showed its better relation to BF% than that observed for BAI cut-off at 22%. The BMI was observed to be a better indicator of adiposity compared to BAI in relation with body fat (%). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

A Ku band pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer using an arbitrary waveform generator for quantum control experiments at millikelvin temperatures

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

Yap, Yung Szen, E-mail: yungszen@utm.my; Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor; Tabuchi, Yutaka

2015-06-15

We present a 17 GHz (Ku band) arbitrary waveform pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer for experiments down to millikelvin temperatures. The spectrometer is located at room temperature, while the resonator is placed either in a room temperature magnet or inside a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator; the operating temperature range of the dilution unit is from ca. 10 mK to 8 K. This combination provides the opportunity to perform quantum control experiments on electron spins in the pure-state regime. At 0.6 T, spin echo experiments were carried out using γ-irradiated quartz glass from 1 K to 12.3 mK. With decreasing temperatures, wemore » observed an increase in spin echo signal intensities due to increasing spin polarizations, in accordance with theoretical predictions. Through experimental data fitting, thermal spin polarization at 100 mK was estimated to be at least 99%, which was almost pure state. Next, to demonstrate the ability to create arbitrary waveform pulses, we generate a shaped pulse by superposing three Gaussian pulses of different frequencies. The resulting pulse was able to selectively and coherently excite three different spin packets simultaneously—a useful ability for analyzing multi-spin system and for controlling a multi-qubit quantum computer. By applying this pulse to the inhomogeneously broadened sample, we obtain three well-resolved excitations at 8 K, 1 K, and 14 mK.« less

Body shape, adiposity index, and mortality in postmenopausal women: Findings from the Women's Health Initiative.

PubMed

Thomson, Cynthia A; Garcia, David O; Wertheim, Betsy C; Hingle, Melanie D; Bea, Jennifer W; Zaslavsky, Oleg; Caire-Juvera, Graciela; Rohan, Thomas; Vitolins, Mara Z; Thompson, Patricia A; Lewis, Cora E

2016-05-01

Studies evaluating the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality demonstrate a U-shaped association. To expand, this study evaluated the relationship between adiposity indices, a body shape index (ABSI) and body adiposity index (BAI), and mortality in 77,505 postmenopausal women. A prospective cohort analysis was conducted in the Women's Health Initiative to ascertain the independent relationships between adiposity indices and mortality in order to inform on the clinical usefulness of alternate measures of mortality risk. ABSI (waist circumference (cm)/[BMI(2/3) × height (cm)(1/2) ]), BAI (hip circumference (cm)/[height (m)(1.5) ] - 18), weight, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated in relation to mortality risk using adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models. ABSI showed a linear association with mortality (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.28-1.47 for quintile 5 vs. 1) while BMI and BAI had U-shaped relationships with HR of 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.40 for obesity II/III BMI and 1.06, 95% CI, 0.99-1.13 for BAI. Higher WC (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.29 for quintile 5 vs. 1) showed relationships similar to BMI. ABSI appears to be a clinically useful measure for estimating mortality risk, perhaps more so than BAI and BMI in postmenopausal women. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

[BODY ADIPOSITY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP OF METABOLIC SYNDROME COMPONENTS IN COLOMBIAN ADULTS].

PubMed

González-Ruíz, Katherine; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson

2015-10-01

recently, Bergman et al. have introduced a new index of adiposity, namely, body adiposity index (BAI), as a marker of obesity excess body fat in clinical practice. We aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to assess the predicting ability of BAI in various atherogenic indices, MetS and its components among adult from Bogota, Colombia. cross-sectional study in 690 male. MetS components (waist circumference ≥ 90 cm; fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL, blood pressure ≥ 135/85 mm Hg; triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL and HDL-c ≤ 40 mg/dL were measured. Atherogenic indices (cholesterol/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, triglycerides/HDL-c, lipid-metabolic index [LMI] and MetS score) were calculated. the prevalence of obesity by BAI (cut-point > 26.1%) and MetS was 50.1% and 19.1%, respectively. Subjects with MetS and obesity by BAI, show lower HDL-c levels and more frequently components of MetS (waist circumference, cholesterol and serum triglycerides). Predicting ability of BAI with a greater odds for atherogenic indices were 1.78 (95%CI 1.25 to 2.55), 1.46 (95%CI 1.01 to 2.14), 1.97 (95% 1.29 to 3.02), 2.04 (95%CI 1.23 to 3.39) and 1.47 (95%CI 1.03 to 2.11), elevation in LDL-c, LMI, MetS score and cholesterol/ HDL-c, and triglyceride/HDL-c, respectively (p < 0.05). subjects with higher levels of BAI show raised prevalence of obesity and positively associated with components of MetS. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

[Verification of the hygienic hypothesis by evaluating the regional incidence of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis].

PubMed

Nakashima, Daiki; Fukamachi, Akiko; Nakamura, Motonobu; Tokura, Yoshiki

2013-09-01

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a disorder associated with a high expression of interleukin-5 by T helper 2 cells. Treatment involving T helper 1 (Th1) modulation has been shown to be effective. We report that the occurrence of Bowen's disease in the medical care zone of the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in the Kitakyushu industrial area is more frequent in Yahatahigashi-ku, Yahatanishi-ku, and Wakamatsu-ku than in Tobata-ku, Kokurakita-ku, and Kokuraminamiku. We also show that these cases are more common in the regions with steel- and coal-related industries, which is suggestive of a higher rate of Th1 modulation associated with these occupations. Similarly, the incidence of EPF per unit population was found to be high in Tobata-ku and low in Yahatahigashi-ku, which indicates that EPF is a typical disease of hygiene hypothesis.

Mapping and prediction of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis with bioavailable iron content in the bituminous coals

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huang, X.; Li, W.; Attfield, M.D.; Nadas, A.; Frenkel, K.; Finkelman, R.B.

2005-01-01

Based on the first National Study of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and the U.S. Geological Survey database of coal quality, we show that the prevalence of CWP in seven coal mine regions correlates with levels of bioavailable iron (BAI) in the coals from that particular region (correlation coefficient r = 0.94, p < 0.0015). CWP prevalence is also correlated with contents of pyritic sulfur (r = 0.91, p < 0.0048) or total iron (r = 0.85, p < 0.016) but not with coal rank (r = 0.59, p < 0.16) or silica (r = 0.28, p < 0.54). BAI was calculated using our model, taking into account chemical interactions of pyrite, sulfuric acid, calcite, and total iron. That is, iron present in coals can become bioavailable by pyrite oxidation, which produces ferrous sulfate and sulfuric acid. Calcite is the major component in coals that neutralizes the available acid and inhibits iron's bioavailabiity. Therefore, levels of BAI in the coals are determined by the available amounts of acid after neutralization of calcite and the amount of total iron in the coals. Using the linear fit of CWP prevalence and the calculated BAI in the seven coal mine regions, we have derived and mapped the pneumoconiotic potencies of 7,000 coal samples. Our studies indicate that levels of BAI in the coals may be used to predict coal's toxicity, even before large-scalen mining.

Mapping and Prediction of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis with Bioavailable Iron Content in the Bituminous Coals

PubMed Central

Huang, Xi; Li, Weihong; Attfield, Michael D.; Nádas, Arthur; Frenkel, Krystyna; Finkelman, Robert B.

2005-01-01

Based on the first National Study of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and the U.S. Geological Survey database of coal quality, we show that the prevalence of CWP in seven coal mine regions correlates with levels of bioavailable iron (BAI) in the coals from that particular region (correlation coefficient r = 0.94, p < 0.0015). CWP prevalence is also correlated with contents of pyritic sulfur (r = 0.91, p < 0.0048) or total iron (r = 0.85, p < 0.016) but not with coal rank (r = 0.59, p < 0.16) or silica (r = 0.28, p < 0.54). BAI was calculated using our model, taking into account chemical interactions of pyrite, sulfuric acid, calcite, and total iron. That is, iron present in coals can become bioavailable by pyrite oxidation, which produces ferrous sulfate and sulfuric acid. Calcite is the major component in coals that neutralizes the available acid and inhibits iron’s bioavailability. Therefore, levels of BAI in the coals are determined by the available amounts of acid after neutralization of calcite and the amount of total iron in the coals. Using the linear fit of CWP prevalence and the calculated BAI in the seven coal mine regions, we have derived and mapped the pneumoconiotic potencies of 7,000 coal samples. Our studies indicate that levels of BAI in the coals may be used to predict coal’s toxicity, even before large-scale mining. PMID:16079064

Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory-II in a Psychiatric Outpatient Population

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background To further understand the relationship between anxiety and depression, this study examined the factor structure of the combined items from two validated measures for anxiety and depression. Methods The participants were 406 patients with mixed psychiatric diagnoses including anxiety and depressive disorders from a psychiatric outpatient unit at a university-affiliated medical center. Responses of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) were analyzed. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis of 42 items from the BAI and BDI-II. Correlational analyses were performed between subscale scores of the SCL-90-R and factors derived from the factor analysis. Scores of individual items of the BAI and BDI-II were also compared between groups of anxiety disorder (n = 185) and depressive disorder (n = 123). Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed the following five factors explaining 56.2% of the total variance: somatic anxiety (factor 1), cognitive depression (factor 2), somatic depression (factor 3), subjective anxiety (factor 4), and autonomic anxiety (factor 5). The depression group had significantly higher scores for 12 items on the BDI while the anxiety group demonstrated higher scores for six items on the BAI. Conclusion Our results suggest that anxiety and depressive symptoms as measured by the BAI and BDI-II can be empirically differentiated and that particularly items of the cognitive domain in depression and those of physical domain in anxiety are noteworthy. PMID:29651821

A new classification scheme for treating blunt aortic injury.

PubMed

Starnes, Benjamin W; Lundgren, Rachel S; Gunn, Martin; Quade, Samantha; Hatsukami, Thomas S; Tran, Nam T; Mokadam, Nahush; Aldea, Gabriel

2012-01-01

There are numerous questions about the treatment of blunt aortic injury (BAI), including the management of small intimal tears, what injury characteristics are predictive of death from rupture, and which patients actually need intervention. We used our experience in treating BAI during the past decade to create a classification scheme based on radiographic and clinical data and to provide clear treatment guidelines. The records of patients admitted with BAI from 1999 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a radiographically or operatively confirmed diagnosis (echocardiogram, computed tomography, or angiography) of BAI were included. We created a classification system based on the presence or absence of an aortic external contour abnormality, defined as an alteration in the symmetric, round shape of the aorta: (1) intimal tear (IT)-absence of aortic external contour abnormality and intimal defect and/or thrombus of <10 mm in length or width; (2) large intimal flap (LIF)-absence of aortic external contour abnormality and intimal defect and/or thrombus of ≥10 mm in length or width; (3) pseudoaneurysm-presence of aortic external contour abnormality and contained rupture; (4) rupture-presence of aortic external contour abnormality and free contrast extravasation or hemothorax at thoracotomy. We identified 140 patients with BAI. Most injuries were pseudoaneurysm (71%) at the isthmus (70%), 16.4% had an IT, 5.7% had a LIF, and 6.4% had a rupture. Survival rates by classification were IT, 87%; LIF, 100%; pseudoaneurysm, 76%; and rupture, 11% (one patient). Of the ITs, LIFs, and pseudoaneurysms treated nonoperatively, none worsened, and 65% completely healed. No patient with an IT or LIF died. Most patients with ruptures lost vital signs before presentation or in the emergency department and did not survive. Hypotension before or at hospital presentation and size of the periaortic hematoma at the level of the aortic arch predicted likelihood of death from

p38 MAPK signal pathway involved in anti-inflammatory effect of Chaihu-Shugan-San and Shen-ling-bai-zhu-San on hepatocyte in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rats.

PubMed

Yang, QinHe; Xu, YongJian; Feng, GaoFei; Hu, ChaoFeng; Zhang, YuPei; Cheng, ShaoBing; Wang, YanPing; Gong, XiangWen

2014-01-01

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has over thousands-of-years history of use. Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), and Shen-ling-bai-zhu-San (SLBZS), are famous traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulas, which have been used in China, for the treatment of many chronic diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of CSS and SLBZS on signaling molecules involved in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), pathway on hepatocytes of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), rats induced by high fat diet. SD male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: negative control group, model control group, high (9.6g/kg/day)/low (3.2g/kg/day)-dose CSS group, high (30g/kg/day)/low (10g/kg/day)-dose SLBZS group, high (39.6g/kg/day)/low (13.2g/kg/day)-dose integrated group. The rats of NASH model were induced by feeding a high-fat diet. After 16, wks, Hepatocytes were isolated from 6, rats in each group by collagenase perfusion. The liver histopathological changes and serum inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 were determined. The proteins of TLR4, phosphor-p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK involved in p38 MAPK signal pathway were assayed. The statistical data indicated the NASH model rats reproduced typical histopathological features of NASH in human. CSS and SLBZS ameliorated lipid metabolic disturbance, attenuated NASH progression, decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum, as well as inhibited TLR4 protein expression, p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and activation of p38 MAPK. In conclusion, CSS and SLBZS might work as a significant anti-inflammatory effect on hepatocyte of NASH by inhibiting the activation of TLR4, p-p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK involved in p38 MAPK signal pathway. To some extent, CSS and SLBZS may be a potential alternative and complementary medicine to protect against liver injury, alleviate the inflammation reaction, moderate NASH progression.

CRISPR/Cas9-Induced Double-Strand Break Repair in Arabidopsis Nonhomologous End-Joining Mutants.

PubMed

Shen, Hexi; Strunks, Gary D; Klemann, Bart J P M; Hooykaas, Paul J J; de Pater, Sylvia

2017-01-05

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the most harmful DNA lesions. Cells utilize two main pathways for DSB repair: homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ). NHEJ can be subdivided into the KU-dependent classical NHEJ (c-NHEJ) and the more error-prone KU-independent backup-NHEJ (b-NHEJ) pathways, involving the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). However, in the absence of these factors, cells still seem able to adequately maintain genome integrity, suggesting the presence of other b-NHEJ repair factors or pathways independent from KU and PARPs. The outcome of DSB repair by NHEJ pathways can be investigated by using artificial sequence-specific nucleases such as CRISPR/Cas9 to induce DSBs at a target of interest. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 for DSB induction at the Arabidopsis cruciferin 3 (CRU3) and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) genes. DSB repair outcomes via NHEJ were analyzed using footprint analysis in wild-type plants and plants deficient in key factors of c-NHEJ (ku80), b-NHEJ (parp1 parp2), or both (ku80 parp1 parp2). We found that larger deletions of >20 bp predominated after DSB repair in ku80 and ku80 parp1 parp2 mutants, corroborating with a role of KU in preventing DSB end resection. Deletion lengths did not significantly differ between ku80 and ku80 parp1 parp2 mutants, suggesting that a KU- and PARP-independent b-NHEJ mechanism becomes active in these mutants. Furthermore, microhomologies and templated insertions were observed at the repair junctions in the wild type and all mutants. Since these characteristics are hallmarks of polymerase θ-mediated DSB repair, we suggest a possible role for this recently discovered polymerase in DSB repair in plants. Copyright © 2017 Shen et al.

Magnetic Anisotropy and Chemical Order of Artificially Synthesized L10-Ordered FeNi Films on Au-Cu-Ni Buffer Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojima, Takayuki; Mizuguchi, Masaki; Koganezawa, Tomoyuki; Osaka, Keiichi; Kotsugi, Masato; Takanashi, Koki

2012-01-01

L10-FeNi films were grown by alternate monatomic layer deposition on Au-Cu-Ni buffer layers at several substrate temperatures (Ts), and the relation between the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy energy (Ku) and the long-range chemical order parameter (S) was investigated. A large Ku of (7.0 ±0.2) ×106 erg/cm3 and S of 0.48 ±0.05 were obtained. The value of Ku was larger than those reported previously for artificially synthesized FeNi films. It was first found that both Ku and S increased with Ts, and Ku was roughly proportional to S.

78 FR 21578 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-11

... Company Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed... Company (GE) model GEnx-2B67 and GEnx-2B67B turbofan engines with booster anti-ice (BAI) air duct, part... GE model GEnx-2B67 and GEnx- 2B67B turbofan engines with BAI air duct, P/N 2469M32G01, and support...

Candida saraburiensis sp. nov. and Candida prachuapensis sp. nov., xylose-utilizing yeast species isolated in Thailand.

PubMed

Nitiyon, Sukanya; Boonmak, Chanita; Am-In, Somjit; Jindamorakot, Sasitorn; Kawasaki, Hiroko; Yongmanitchai, Wichien; Limtong, Savitree

2011-02-01

Four strains of two novel xylose-utilizing yeast species were obtained from samples collected in Thailand from decaying corncobs (strains KU-Xs13(T) and KU-Xs18), a decaying grass (KU-Xs20) and estuarine water from a mangrove forest (WB15(T)). On the basis of morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene, the four strains were found to represent two novel species of the genus Candida in the Candida albicans/Lodderomyces elongisporus clade. Three strains (KU-Xs13(T), KU-Xs18 and KU-Xs20) were assigned as a single novel species, which was named Candida saraburiensis sp. nov. The type strain is KU-Xs13(T) (=CBS 11696(T)=NBRC 106721(T)=BCC 39601(T)). Strain WB15(T) represented another novel species of the genus Candida that was named Candida prachuapensis sp. nov. The type strain is WB15(T) (=CBS 11024(T)=NBRC 104881(T)=BCC 29904(T)).

The University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening laboratory. Part I: meeting drug-discovery needs in the heartland of America with entrepreneurial flair.

PubMed

McDonald, Peter R; Roy, Anuradha; Chaguturu, Rathnam

2011-05-01

The University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening (KU HTS) core is a state-of-the-art drug-discovery facility with an entrepreneurial open-service policy, which provides centralized resources supporting public- and private-sector research initiatives. The KU HTS core applies pharmaceutical industry project-management principles in an academic setting by bringing together multidisciplinary teams to fill critical scientific and technology gaps, using an experienced team of industry-trained researchers and project managers. The KU HTS proactively engages in supporting grant applications for extramural funding, intellectual-property management and technology transfer. The KU HTS staff further provides educational opportunities for the KU faculty and students to learn cutting-edge technologies in drug-discovery platforms through seminars, workshops, internships and course teaching. This is the first instalment of a two-part contribution from the KU HTS laboratory.

Beyond Hate: Countering Violent Extremism from the White Power Movement

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

Wilson, J. C. Lester, and Walter Lynwood Fleming, Ku Klux Klan Its Origin, Growth and Disbandment, n.d., Kindle edition, loc 109 of 2871. 40...Chalmers, Hooded Americanism, 16–17. 41 Wilson, Lester, and Fleming, Ku Klux Klan Its Origin, Growth and Disbandment, Kindle edition, loc 153 of 2871...Lester, and Fleming, Ku Klux Klan Its Origin, Growth and Disbandment, loc 152 of 2871; Annie Cooper Burton, The Ku Klux Klan (Los Angeles, California

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Boron and Nitrogen co-doped Reduced Graphene Oxide for the Protection of Electromagnetic Radiation in Ku-Band.

PubMed

Umrao, Sima; Gupta, Tejendra K; Kumar, Shiv; Singh, Vijay K; Sultania, Manish K; Jung, Jung Hwan; Oh, Il-Kwon; Srivastava, Anchal

2015-09-09

The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of reduced graphene oxide (MRG), B-doped MRG (B-MRG), N-doped MRG (N-MRG), and B-N co-doped MRG (B-N-MRG) have been studied in the Ku-band frequency range (12.8-18 GHz). We have developed a green, fast, and cost-effective microwave assisted route for synthesis of doped MRG. B-N-MRG shows high electrical conductivity in comparison to MRG, B-MRG and N-MRG, which results better electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding ability. The co-doping of B and N significantly enhances the electrical conductivity of MRG from 21.4 to 124.4 Sm(-1) because N introduces electrons and B provides holes in the system and may form a nanojunction inside the material. Their temperature-dependent electrical conductivity follows 2D-variable range hopping (2D-VRH) and Efros-Shklovskii-VRH (ES-VRH) conduction model in a low temperature range (T<50 K). The spatial configuration of MRG after doping of B and N enhances the space charge polarization, natural resonance, dielectric polarization, and trapping of EM waves by internal reflection leading to a high EMI shielding of -42 dB (∼99.99% attenuation) compared to undoped MRG (-28 dB) at a critical thickness of 1.2 mm. Results suggest that the B-N-MRG has great potential as a candidate for a new type of EMI shielding material useful in aircraft, defense industries, communication systems, and stealth technology.

Boric acid reduces axonal and myelin damage in experimental sciatic nerve injury

PubMed Central

Kızılay, Zahir; Erken, Haydar Ali; Çetin, Nesibe Kahraman; Aktaş, Serdar; Abas, Burçin İrem; Yılmaz, Ali

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of boric acid in experimental acute sciatic nerve injury. Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 7): control (C), boric acid (BA), sciatic nerve injury (I), and sciatic nerve injury + boric acid treatment (BAI). Sciatic nerve injury was generated using a Yasargil aneurysm clip in the groups I and BAI. Boric acid was given four times at 100 mg/kg to rats in the groups BA and BAI after injury (by gavage at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours) but no injury was made in the group BA. In vivo electrophysiological tests were performed at the end of the day 4 and sciatic nerve tissue samples were taken for histopathological examination. The amplitude of compound action potential, the nerve conduction velocity and the number of axons were significantly lower and the myelin structure was found to be broken in group I compared with those in groups C and BA. However, the amplitude of the compound action potential, the nerve conduction velocity and the number of axons were significantly greater in group BAI than in group I. Moreover, myelin injury was significantly milder and the intensity of nuclear factor kappa B immunostaining was significantly weaker in group BAI than in group I. The results of this study show that administration of boric acid at 100 mg/kg after sciatic nerve injury in rats markedly reduces myelin and axonal injury and improves the electrophysiological function of injured sciatic nerve possibly through alleviating oxidative stress reactions. PMID:27904499

Boric acid reduces axonal and myelin damage in experimental sciatic nerve injury.

PubMed

Kızılay, Zahir; Erken, Haydar Ali; Çetin, Nesibe Kahraman; Aktaş, Serdar; Abas, Burçin İrem; Yılmaz, Ali

2016-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of boric acid in experimental acute sciatic nerve injury. Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups ( n = 7): control (C), boric acid (BA), sciatic nerve injury (I), and sciatic nerve injury + boric acid treatment (BAI). Sciatic nerve injury was generated using a Yasargil aneurysm clip in the groups I and BAI. Boric acid was given four times at 100 mg/kg to rats in the groups BA and BAI after injury (by gavage at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours) but no injury was made in the group BA. In vivo electrophysiological tests were performed at the end of the day 4 and sciatic nerve tissue samples were taken for histopathological examination. The amplitude of compound action potential, the nerve conduction velocity and the number of axons were significantly lower and the myelin structure was found to be broken in group I compared with those in groups C and BA. However, the amplitude of the compound action potential, the nerve conduction velocity and the number of axons were significantly greater in group BAI than in group I. Moreover, myelin injury was significantly milder and the intensity of nuclear factor kappa B immunostaining was significantly weaker in group BAI than in group I. The results of this study show that administration of boric acid at 100 mg/kg after sciatic nerve injury in rats markedly reduces myelin and axonal injury and improves the electrophysiological function of injured sciatic nerve possibly through alleviating oxidative stress reactions.

Are brief alcohol interventions targeting alcohol use efficacious in military and veteran populations? A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Doherty, A M; Mason, C; Fear, N T; Rona, R; Greenberg, N; Goodwin, L

2017-09-01

Rates of hazardous and harm-related drinking are higher in the military and veteran populations compared to the general population. Brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) targeting alcohol use appear to reduce harmful drinking in the general population. However, less is known about the efficacy of BAIs targeting alcohol in military and veteran populations. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the type and efficacy of BAIs used to reduce alcohol use in military and veteran populations conducted from 2000 onwards. The meta-analysis was conducted using a standardised outcome measure of change in average weekly drinks (AWDs) from baseline to follow-up. The search revealed 10 papers that met the search criteria, and that reported data on 11 interventions included in the systematic review. 8 papers (reporting on 9 different interventions) were included in the meta-analysis after 2 papers were excluded for which the relevant outcome data were not available. There was no overall effect of BAIs; a non-significant weekly drink reduction of 0.95 drinks was found (95% CI, -0.17 to 2.07). This lack of efficacy persisted regardless of military group (conscripts, serving or veterans) and method of delivery (i.e., face-to-face, web-based or written information). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses revealed this small drink reduction was driven mainly by a single study. Based on these findings, existing BAIs do not seem to be efficacious in reducing alcohol use in military populations, despite some encouraging results from one electronic intervention which was of extensive duration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ecosystem maturity and performance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Guo, Q.

2005-01-01

Arising from: Bai, Y., Han, X., Wu, J., Chen, Z. & Li, L. Nature, 431, 181–184 (2004); see also communication from Wang et al.; Bai, Y., Han, X., Wu, J., Chen, Z. & Li, L. reply.The effect of maturity, or successional stage, on ecosystem performance (measured as productivity or stability, for example) is important for both basic ecology and ecosystem management. On the basis of the results of a long-term study of two different plant communities at two sites in the Inner Mongolia grassland1, Bai et al. claim that these communities simultaneously achieve high species richness, productivity and ecosystem stability at the late successional stage1. However, I question their interpretation of the data and suggest that this claim is undermined by evidence from other empirical and theoretical studies.

Functional diversity of secreted cestode Kunitz proteins: Inhibition of serine peptidases and blockade of cation channels

PubMed Central

Fló, Martín; Margenat, Mariana; Pellizza, Leonardo; Durán, Rosario; Salceda, Emilio; Alvarez, Beatriz

2017-01-01

We previously reported a multigene family of monodomain Kunitz proteins from Echinococcus granulosus (EgKU-1-EgKU-8), and provided evidence that some EgKUs are secreted by larval worms to the host interface. In addition, functional studies and homology modeling suggested that, similar to monodomain Kunitz families present in animal venoms, the E. granulosus family could include peptidase inhibitors as well as channel blockers. Using enzyme kinetics and whole-cell patch-clamp, we now demonstrate that the EgKUs are indeed functionally diverse. In fact, most of them behaved as high affinity inhibitors of either chymotrypsin (EgKU-2-EgKU-3) or trypsin (EgKU-5-EgKU-8). In contrast, the close paralogs EgKU-1 and EgKU-4 blocked voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv); and also pH-dependent sodium channels (ASICs), while showing null (EgKU-1) or marginal (EgKU-4) peptidase inhibitory activity. We also confirmed the presence of EgKUs in secretions from other parasite stages, notably from adult worms and metacestodes. Interestingly, data from genome projects reveal that at least eight additional monodomain Kunitz proteins are encoded in the genome; that particular EgKUs are up-regulated in various stages; and that analogous Kunitz families exist in other medically important cestodes, but not in trematodes. Members of this expanded family of secreted cestode proteins thus have the potential to block, through high affinity interactions, the function of host counterparts (either peptidases or cation channels) and contribute to the establishment and persistence of infection. From a more general perspective, our results confirm that multigene families of Kunitz inhibitors from parasite secretions and animal venoms display a similar functional diversity and thus, that host-parasite co-evolution may also drive the emergence of a new function associated with the Kunitz scaffold. PMID:28192542

Evidence for double-strand break mediated mitochondrial DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Prasai, Kanchanjunga; Robinson, Lucy C.; Scott, Rona S.; Tatchell, Kelly

2017-01-01

Abstract The mechanism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controversial. Evidence exists for double-strand break (DSB) mediated recombination-dependent replication at mitochondrial replication origin ori5 in hypersuppressive ρ− cells. However, it is not clear if this replication mode operates in ρ+ cells. To understand this, we targeted bacterial Ku (bKu), a DSB binding protein, to the mitochondria of ρ+ cells with the hypothesis that bKu would bind persistently to mtDNA DSBs, thereby preventing mtDNA replication or repair. Here, we show that mitochondrial-targeted bKu binds to ori5 and that inducible expression of bKu triggers petite formation preferentially in daughter cells. bKu expression also induces mtDNA depletion that eventually results in the formation of ρ0 cells. This data supports the idea that yeast mtDNA replication is initiated by a DSB and bKu inhibits mtDNA replication by binding to a DSB at ori5, preventing mtDNA segregation to daughter cells. Interestingly, we find that mitochondrial-targeted bKu does not decrease mtDNA content in human MCF7 cells. This finding is in agreement with the fact that human mtDNA replication, typically, is not initiated by a DSB. Therefore, this study provides evidence that DSB-mediated replication is the predominant form of mtDNA replication in ρ+ yeast cells. PMID:28549155

Combining Offline and Online Computation for Solving Partially Observable Markov Decision Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-06

David Hsu and Wee Sun Lee, Monte Carlo Bayesian Reinforcement Learning, International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML), 2012. • Haoyu Bai, David...and Automation (ICRA), 2015. • Zhan Wei Lim, David Hsu, and Wee Sun Lee, Adaptive Informative Path Planning in Metric Spaces. Submitted to Int. J... Automation (ICRA), 2015. 2. Bai, H., Hsu, D., Kochenderfer, M. J., and Lee, W. S., Unmanned aircraft collision avoidance using continuous state POMDPs

Perception of Personal Civic Responsibility among Undergraduate Students at the University of Kansas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Everhart, Clinton Dale

2017-01-01

This study identified predictors of student perceptions of personal civic responsibility (civic-mindedness) among undergraduate students at the University of Kansas (KU). Using KU-specific data from the 2015 Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL), relationships between student interaction with specific components of the KU institutional…

Tradeoffs in basal area growth and reproduction shift over the lifetime of a long-lived tropical species.

PubMed

Staudhammer, Christina L; Wadt, Lúcia H O; Kainer, Karen A

2013-09-01

Understanding of the extent to which reproductive costs drive growth largely derives from reproductively mature temperate trees in masting and non-masting years. We modeled basal area increment (BAI) and explored current growth-reproduction tradeoffs and changes in such allocation over the life span of a long-lived, non-masting tropical tree. We integrated rainfall and soil variables with data from 190 Bertholletia excelsa trees of different diameter at breast height (DBH) sizes, crown characteristics, and liana loads, quantifying BAI and reproductive output over 4 and 6 years, respectively. While rainfall explains BAI in all models, regardless of DBH class or ontogenic stage, light (based on canopy position and crown form) is most critical in the juvenile (5 cm ≤ DBH < 50 cm) phase. Suppressed trees are only present as juveniles and grow ten times slower (1.45 ± 2.73 m(2) year(-1)) than trees in dominant and co-dominant positions (13.25 ± 0.82 and 12.90 ± 1.35 m(2) year(-1), respectively). Additionally, few juvenile trees are reproductive, and those that are, demonstrate reduced growth, as do reproductive trees in the next 50 to 100 cm DBH class, suggesting growth-reproduction tradeoffs. Upon reaching the canopy, however, and attaining a sizeable girth, this pattern gradually shifts to one where BAI and reproduction are influenced independently by variables such as liana load, crown size and soil properties. At this stage, BAI is largely unaffected by fruit production levels. Thus, while growth-reproduction tradeoffs clearly exist during early life stages, effects of reproductive allocation diminish as B. excelsa increases in size and maturity.

Reduced Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

PubMed

Yost, Gardner; Bhat, Geetha; Mahoney, Edward; Tatooles, Antone

Despite the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with advanced heart failure, the effects of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on these critically important aspects of mental health are not well understood. We sought to assess changes in depression and anxiety following LVAD implantation. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered to 54 patients by a clinical psychologist at a mean of 12 days before LVAD implantation and 251 days after implantation. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected concurrently to psychologic testing. Changes in BDI-II, BAI, and clinical markers of heart failure were assessed using paired t-tests. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. The average age of the group was 56.63 years with a mean ejection fraction 20.8%. Before implantation, mean BAI and BDI scores indicated mild depression and anxiety. Following LVAD implantation, average scores for both BDI-II and BAI decreased significantly, indicating minimal depression and anxiety (12.6-8.54, p = 0.001 and 12.06-6.6, p < 0.001, respectively). Mean scores were significantly lowered in 11 and 8 of the 21 subdomains tested by the BAI and BDI, respectively. Significant improvements were noted in post-LVAD B-type natriuretic peptide, serum sodium, and blood urea nitrogen. Depression and anxiety scores improved significantly after LVAD implantation. Factors contributing to changes in depression and anxiety after LVAD could be related to the improvement in acute heart failure symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted. Copyright © 2017 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Comparison between Multiple Regression Models and CUN-BAE Equation to Predict Body Fat in Adults

PubMed Central

Fuster-Parra, Pilar; Bennasar-Veny, Miquel; Tauler, Pedro; Yañez, Aina; López-González, Angel A.; Aguiló, Antoni

2015-01-01

Background Because the accurate measure of body fat (BF) is difficult, several prediction equations have been proposed. The aim of this study was to compare different multiple regression models to predict BF, including the recently reported CUN-BAE equation. Methods Multi regression models using body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity index (BAI) as predictors of BF will be compared. These models will be also compared with the CUN-BAE equation. For all the analysis a sample including all the participants and another one including only the overweight and obese subjects will be considered. The BF reference measure was made using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Results The simplest models including only BMI or BAI as independent variables showed that BAI is a better predictor of BF. However, adding the variable sex to both models made BMI a better predictor than the BAI. For both the whole group of participants and the group of overweight and obese participants, using simple models (BMI, age and sex as variables) allowed obtaining similar correlations with BF as when the more complex CUN-BAE was used (ρ = 0:87 vs. ρ = 0:86 for the whole sample and ρ = 0:88 vs. ρ = 0:89 for overweight and obese subjects, being the second value the one for CUN-BAE). Conclusions There are simpler models than CUN-BAE equation that fits BF as well as CUN-BAE does. Therefore, it could be considered that CUN-BAE overfits. Using a simple linear regression model, the BAI, as the only variable, predicts BF better than BMI. However, when the sex variable is introduced, BMI becomes the indicator of choice to predict BF. PMID:25821960

A comparison between multiple regression models and CUN-BAE equation to predict body fat in adults.

PubMed

Fuster-Parra, Pilar; Bennasar-Veny, Miquel; Tauler, Pedro; Yañez, Aina; López-González, Angel A; Aguiló, Antoni

2015-01-01

Because the accurate measure of body fat (BF) is difficult, several prediction equations have been proposed. The aim of this study was to compare different multiple regression models to predict BF, including the recently reported CUN-BAE equation. Multi regression models using body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity index (BAI) as predictors of BF will be compared. These models will be also compared with the CUN-BAE equation. For all the analysis a sample including all the participants and another one including only the overweight and obese subjects will be considered. The BF reference measure was made using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. The simplest models including only BMI or BAI as independent variables showed that BAI is a better predictor of BF. However, adding the variable sex to both models made BMI a better predictor than the BAI. For both the whole group of participants and the group of overweight and obese participants, using simple models (BMI, age and sex as variables) allowed obtaining similar correlations with BF as when the more complex CUN-BAE was used (ρ = 0:87 vs. ρ = 0:86 for the whole sample and ρ = 0:88 vs. ρ = 0:89 for overweight and obese subjects, being the second value the one for CUN-BAE). There are simpler models than CUN-BAE equation that fits BF as well as CUN-BAE does. Therefore, it could be considered that CUN-BAE overfits. Using a simple linear regression model, the BAI, as the only variable, predicts BF better than BMI. However, when the sex variable is introduced, BMI becomes the indicator of choice to predict BF.

The structure of negative emotional states: comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories.

PubMed

Lovibond, P F; Lovibond, S H

1995-03-01

The psychometric properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) were evaluated in a normal sample of N = 717 who were also administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The DASS was shown to possess satisfactory psychometric properties, and the factor structure was substantiated both by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. In comparison to the BDI and BAI, the DASS scales showed greater separation in factor loadings. The DASS Anxiety scale correlated 0.81 with the BAI, and the DASS Depression scale correlated 0.74 with the BDI. Factor analyses suggested that the BDI differs from the DASS Depression scale primarily in that the BDI includes items such as weight loss, insomnia, somatic preoccupation and irritability, which fail to discriminate between depression and other affective states. The factor structure of the combined BDI and BAI items was virtually identical to that reported by Beck for a sample of diagnosed depressed and anxious patients, supporting the view that these clinical states are more severe expressions of the same states that may be discerned in normals. Implications of the results for the conceptualisation of depression, anxiety and tension/stress are considered, and the utility of the DASS scales in discriminating between these constructs is discussed.

Evidence for double-strand break mediated mitochondrial DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Prasai, Kanchanjunga; Robinson, Lucy C; Scott, Rona S; Tatchell, Kelly; Harrison, Lynn

2017-07-27

The mechanism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controversial. Evidence exists for double-strand break (DSB) mediated recombination-dependent replication at mitochondrial replication origin ori5 in hypersuppressive ρ- cells. However, it is not clear if this replication mode operates in ρ+ cells. To understand this, we targeted bacterial Ku (bKu), a DSB binding protein, to the mitochondria of ρ+ cells with the hypothesis that bKu would bind persistently to mtDNA DSBs, thereby preventing mtDNA replication or repair. Here, we show that mitochondrial-targeted bKu binds to ori5 and that inducible expression of bKu triggers petite formation preferentially in daughter cells. bKu expression also induces mtDNA depletion that eventually results in the formation of ρ0 cells. This data supports the idea that yeast mtDNA replication is initiated by a DSB and bKu inhibits mtDNA replication by binding to a DSB at ori5, preventing mtDNA segregation to daughter cells. Interestingly, we find that mitochondrial-targeted bKu does not decrease mtDNA content in human MCF7 cells. This finding is in agreement with the fact that human mtDNA replication, typically, is not initiated by a DSB. Therefore, this study provides evidence that DSB-mediated replication is the predominant form of mtDNA replication in ρ+ yeast cells. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Hard X-Ray Properties of the Merging Cluster Abell 3667 as Observed with Suzaku

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

3667 as Observed with Suzaku Kazuhiro NAKAZAWA Department of Physics, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 nakazawa...of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 Kazuo MAKISHIMA Department of Physics, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113

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

Pucci, Sabina, E-mail: sabina.pucci@uniroma2.it; Polidoro, Chiara; Joubert, Alessandro

Purpose: The identification of predictive biomarkers for neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is a current clinical need. The heterodimer Ku70/80 plays a critical role in DNA repair and cell death induction after damage. The aberrant expression and localization of these proteins fail to control DNA repair and apoptosis. sClusterin is the Ku70 partner that sterically inhibits Bax-dependent cell death after damage in some pathologic conditions. This study sought to evaluate the molecular relevance of Ku70-Ku80-Clu as a molecular cluster predicting the response to neoadjuvant CRT in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Methods and Materials: Patients enrolled in this studymore » underwent preoperative CRT followed by surgical excision. A retrospective study based on individual response, evaluated by computed tomography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, identified responder (56%) and no-responder patients (44%). Ku70/80 and Clu expression were observed in biopsy specimens obtained before and after treatment with neoadjuvant CRT from the same LARC patients. In vitro studies before and after irradiation were also performed on radioresistant (SW480) and radiosensitive (SW620) colorectal cancer cell lines, mimicking sensitive or resistant tumor behavior. Results: We found a conventional nuclear localization of Ku70/80 in pretherapeutic tumor biopsies of responder patients, in agreement with their role in DNA repair and regulating apoptosis. By contrast, in the no-responder population we observed an unconventional overexpression of Ku70 in the cytoplasm (P<.001). In this context we also overexpression of sClu in the cytoplasm, which accorded with its role in stabilizing of Bax-Ku70 complex, inhibiting Bax-dependent apoptosis. Strikingly, Ku80 in these tumor tissues was lost (P<.005). In vitro testing of colon cancer cells finally confirmed the results observed in tumor biopsy specimens, proving that Ku70/80-Clu deregulation is

Magnetic properties and structure of low temperature phase MnBi with island structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Masashi; Tanaka, Yoshitomo; Satoh, Takuya; Mankey, Gary; Schad, Rainer; Suzuki, Takao

2017-05-01

The magnetic properties of the low temperature phase (LTP) MnBi thin films of islands structure are discussed. The LTP MnBi islands are formed onto silica substrates after the multilayers Bi(3.2nm)/Mn(2nm)x N are deposited and then annealed at 450C for 0.5hr, where N is the number of the repetition of a pair of Mn and Bi layer. Those islands are found to be of the LTP MnBi, with the c-axis orientation along the normal to the sample plane for N=10 ˜ 40. Their size vary from place to place, but are averagely of about a few hundred nm in height and a few μm in width for N from 10 to 40. For N=200, the elongated islands are formed densely, with the length of about a few tens of μm. The coverage of those islands increases with N. The temperature dependence of saturation magnetization Ms is qualitatively similar to that for bulk, though the absolute values for Ms are smaller by 20%. The magnetic anisotropy constants of Ku1 and Ku2 are evaluated for the samples with N=10 ˜ 40, where Ku1 and Ku2 are the magnetic anisotropy constants corresponding to the second and fourth power term in the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy energy expression. It is found that the Ku1 increases with T monotonously, reaching to about 1x107 erg/cc at 400K. On the other hand, the Ku2 remains nearly zero for temperatures below 300K, and then becomes negative, reaching to about 7 x 106 erg/cc at 400K. This is the first to report of the temperature dependence of Ku1 and Ku2 in the LTP MnBi of an island structure. It is also noted that the decrease of Ku for a temperature range beyond around 450 K is possibly due to the decrease of the Ku2 component, as demonstrated in the present study.

Evaluation of Synthetic Vision Display Concepts for Improved Awareness in Unusual Attitude Recovery Scenarios

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicholas, Stephanie

2016-01-01

A recent study conducted by the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) determined 40 percent of all fixed-wing fatal accidents, between 2001 and 2011, were caused by Loss-of-Control (LOC) in flight (National Transportation Safety Board, 2015). Based on their findings, CAST recommended manufacturers develop and implement virtual day-visual meteorological conditions (VMC) display systems, such as synthetic vision or equivalent systems (CAST, 2016). In a 2015 simulation study conducted at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC), researchers gathered to test and evaluate virtual day-VMC displays under realistic flight operation scenarios capable of inducing reduced attention states in pilots. Each display concept was evaluated to determine its efficacy to improve attitude awareness. During the experiment, Evaluation Pilots (EPs) were shown the following three display concepts on the Primary Flight Display (PFD): Baseline, Synthetic Vision (SV) with color gradient, and SV with texture. The baseline configuration was a standard, conventional 'blue over brown' display. Experiment scenarios were simulated over water to evaluate Unusual Attitude (UA) recovery over 'featureless terrain' environments. Thus, the SV with color gradient configuration presented a 'blue over blue' display with a linear blue color progression, to differentiate attitude changes between sky and ocean. The SV with texture configuration presented a 'blue over blue' display with a black checkerboard texture atop a synthetic ocean. These displays were paired with a Background Attitude Indicator (BAI) concept. The BAI was presented across all four Head-Down Displays (HDDs), displaying a wide field-of-view blue-over-blue attitude indicator. The BAI aligned with the PFD and showed through the background of the navigation displays with opaque transparency. Each EP participated in a two-part experiment series with a total seventy-five trial runs: Part I included a set of twenty-five Unusual Attitude Recovery (UAR

The effect of MRN complex and ATM kinase inhibitors on Zebrafish embryonic development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumaran, Malina; Fazry, Shazrul

2018-04-01

Zebrafish is an ideal animal model to study developmental biology due to its transparent embryos and rapid development stages of embryogenesis. Here we investigate the role of DNA damage proteins, specifically Mre11/Rad50/NBN (MRN) complex and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase during embryogenesis by inhibiting its function using specific MRN complex (Mirin) and ATM Kinase inhibitors (Ku60019 and Ku55933). Zebrafish embryos at midblastula transition (MBT) stage are treated with Mirin, Ku60019 and Ku55933. The embryonic development of the embryos was monitored at 24 hours-post fertilisation (hpf), 48 hpf and 72 hpf. We observed that at the lowest concentrations (3 µM of Mirin, 1.5 nM of Ku60019 and 3 nM of Ku55933), the inhibitors treated embryos have 100% survivability. However, with increasing inhibitor concentration, the survivability drops. Control or mock treatment of all embryos shows 100 % survivability rate. This study suggests that DNA damage repair proteins may be crucial for normal zebrafish embryo development and survival.

Therapeutic equivalence of budesonide/formoterol delivered via breath-actuated inhaler vs pMDI.

PubMed

Murphy, Kevin R; Dhand, Rajiv; Trudo, Frank; Uryniak, Tom; Aggarwal, Ajay; Eckerwall, Göran

2015-02-01

To assess equivalence of twice daily (bid) budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FM) 160/4.5 μg via breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler (BAI) versus pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). This 12-week, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group study, randomized adolescents and adults (aged ≥12 years) with asthma (and ≥3 months daily use of inhaled corticosteroids) to BUD/FM BAI 2 × 160/4.5 μg bid, BUD/FM pMDI 2 × 160/4.5 μg bid, or BUD pMDI 2 × 160 μg bid. Inclusion required prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) ≥45 to ≤85% predicted, and reversibility of ≥12% in FEV1 (ages 12 to <18 years) or ≥12% and 200 mL (ages ≥18 years). Confirmation that 60-min postdose FEV1 response to BUD/FM pMDI was superior to BUD pMDI was required before equivalence testing. Therapeutic equivalence was shown by treatment effect ratio of BUD/FM BAI vs BUD/FM pMDI on 60-min postdose FEV1 and predose FEV1 within confidence intervals (CIs) of 80-125%. Mean age of 214 randomized patients was 42.7 years. BUD/FM pMDI was superior to BUD pMDI (60-min postdose FEV1 treatment effect ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.14; p < 0.001). Treatment effect ratios for BUD/FM BAI versus pMDI for 60-min postdose FEV1 (1.01; 95% CI, 0.97-1.05) and predose FEV1 (1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.08) were within predetermined CIs for therapeutic equivalence. Adverse event profiles, tolerability, and patient-reported ease of use were similar. BUD/FM 2 × 160/4.5 μg bid BAI is therapeutically equivalent to BUD/FM conventional pMDI. The introduction of BUD/FM BAI would expand options for delivering inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist combination therapy to patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01360021. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Hip/HeightP Ratio as an Index for Adiposity and Metabolic Complications in Obese Children: Comparison with Waist-related Indices.

PubMed

Dobashi, Kazushige; Takahashi, Kenichiro; Nagahara, Keiko; Tanaka, Daisuke; Itabashi, Kazuo

2017-01-01

To investigate whether body adiposity index (BAI; hip/height 1.5 -18), pediatric BAI (BAIp; hip/height 0.8 - 38), and other hip/height P ratios are useful in obese children. Ninety obese Japanese children, 55 boys and 35 girls, who visited our University Clinic, were enrolled. The age was 9.92±2.6 (mean±SD) years, and the percentage overweight (POW) was 51.6±18.8%. We set the power value of the hip/height P 0, 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.5, and 2 and studied the association with overweight indices, biochemical data, and fat area measured by computed tomography. Waist, waist/height ratio, and waist/hip ratio were also evaluated. Hip/height and hip/height 0.8 (BAIp) were more closely correlated with POW, body mass index percentile, and percentage body fat than hip/height 1.5 (BAI). The correlation coefficient of hip/height with POW (r =0.855) was the highest among the studied hip/height P indices. The approximate line to predict POW was 411×hip/height-207. The waist/height was also highly correlated with POW (r=0.879). Hip and hip/height 0.5 were more closely correlated with visceral fat area than hip/height, BAIp, and hip/height 1.5 . Hip and hip/height 0.5 were significantly correlated with insulin. Only hip was also significantly associated with dyslipidemia. All hip/height P indices were not significantly correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Waist was significantly correlated with serum lipids, ALT, and insulin. Hip/height and BAIp are better markers for overweight (adiposity) in obese children than BAI. However, hip/height, BAIp, and BAI are not useful to predict metabolic complications. Waist appears to be the best index for obese children overall at this time.

[Blood supply of pulmonary metastases and its clinical significance].

PubMed

Jiang, Guo-Min; Zhao, Jin-Wei; Chen, Ya-Xian; Tian, Feng

2006-07-01

Interventional treatment has been widely applied to primary lung carcinoma, but seldom applied to pulmonary metastases because the blood supply of pulmonary metastases has rarely been investigated, and the present understanding is controversial. This study was to explore the correlation of the clinical value of bronchial arterial chemotherapeutic infusion (BAI) combined bronchial arterial embolization (BAE) to the blood supply of pulmonary metastases. Bronchial artery angiography was performed on 33 patients with pulmonary metastases to assess the blood supply and the distribution of pulmonary metastases. BAI was performed on hypovascular nodules, and BAE was performed on hypervascular nodules. Of the 89 metastatic nodules in the lungs of 33 patients, 63 (70.8%) were located in the mid-medial zone, and 26 (29.3%) in the lateral region of the lung; 56 had abundant blood supply, and 33 had poor blood supply. The blood supply of pulmonary metastases was correlated to the location of metastatic nodules. Most nodules in the mid-medial region had abundant blood supply, while most nodules in the lateral region had poor or had no blood supply (P<0.01). The blood supply of bronchial artery had no correlation to the volume of metastatic nodule (P>0.05). The curative efficacy of BAI and BAE was correlated to the blood supply of bronchial artery. The response rate was significantly higher in the hypervascular nodules treated with BAE than in the hypovascular nodules treated with BAI (71.4% vs. 42.4%, P<0.01). Most pulmonary metastases of hepatic cancer were hypervascular and the lipiodol deposited well in the nodules; during the follow-up, the nodules shrunk significantly and kept stable. Bronchial artery is the major feeding artery of pulmonary metastases. BAI and BAE are effective in treating pulmonary metastases with abundant blood supply.

Is there a relationship between mood disorders and dysmenorrhea?

PubMed

Balık, Gülşah; Ustüner, Işık; Kağıtcı, Mehmet; Sahin, Figen Kır

2014-12-01

Menstrual problems are common among adolescent females. Mood changes are related to menstrual problems (menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and abnormal menstrual cycle length). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between depressive symptoms, anxiety, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls. A total of 159 adolescent girls (aged 13-19 y) with regular menstrual cycles presenting to the gynecology clinic with any complaints were included in the study during April-May 2013. All of the participants filled up the sociodemographic data collection form, FACES Pain Rating Scale, Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and a questionnaire form on criteria for PMS. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 67.9%. The mean BAI and BDI scores of the patients were 13.64 ± 12.81 and 11.88 ± 10.83, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between patients and control groups on the BAI and BDI scoring (P < .05). At least 1 of the symptoms of the PMS was detected in all of the participants and 29 (18.2%) of them were diagnosed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The mean BAI score of the patients with PMS and PMDD were 9.65 ± 9.28 and 21.31 ± 15.75, respectively. The mean BDI score of the patients with PMS and PMDD were 8.39 ± 8.62 and 19.1 ± 11.85, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between PMS/PMDD and BAI/BDI scoring (P = .00). Adolescent girls with dysmenorrhea have an increased risk of depression and anxiety. These results of our study are significant in emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to primary dysmenorrhea follow-up and treatment. Copyright © 2014 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ku to V-band 4-bit MEMS phase shifter bank using high isolation SP4T switches and DMTL structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Sukomal; Koul, Shiban K.; Poddar, Ajay K.; Rohde, Ulrich L.

2017-10-01

This work presents a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based on a wide-band 4-bit phase shifter using two back-to-back single-pole-four-throw (SP4T) switches and four different distributed MEMS transmission line (DMTL) structures that are implemented on 635 µm alumina substrate using surface micromachining process. An SP4T switch is designed with a series-shunt configuration and it demonstrates an average return loss of  >17 dB, an insertion loss of  <1.97 dB and maximum isolation of  >28 dB up to 60 GHz. A maximum area of the SP4T switch is ~0.76 mm2. Single-pole-single-throw and SP4T switches are capable of handling 1 W of radio frequency (RF) power up to  >100 million cycles at 25° C; they can even sustained up to  >70 million cycles with 1 W at 85 °C. The proposed wide-band phase shifter works at 17 GHz (Ku-band), 25 GHz (K-band), 35 GHz (Ka-band) and 60 GHz (V-band) frequencies. Finally,a 4-bit phase shifter demonstrates an average insertion loss of  <6 dB, return loss of  >10 dB and maximum phase error of ~3.8° at 60 GHz frequency over 500 MHz bandwidth. Total area of the fabricated device is ~11 mm2. In addition, the proposed device works well up to  >107 cycles with 1 W of RF power. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the best reported wide-band MEMS 4-bit phase shifter in the literature that works with a constant resolution.

Driving ferromagnetic resonance frequency of FeCoB/PZN-PT multiferroic heterostructures to Ku-band via two-step climbing: composition gradient sputtering and magnetoelectric coupling

PubMed Central

Li, Shandong; Xue, Qian; Duh, Jenq-Gong; Du, Honglei; Xu, Jie; Wan, Yong; Li, Qiang; Lü, Yueguang

2014-01-01

RF/microwave soft magnetic films (SMFs) are key materials for miniaturization and multifunctionalization of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) and their components, which demand that the SMFs should have higher self-bias ferromagnetic resonance frequency fFMR, and can be fabricated in an IC compatible process. However, self-biased metallic SMFs working at X-band or higher frequency were rarely reported, even though there are urgent demands. In this paper, we report an IC compatible process with two-step superposition to prepare SMFs, where the FeCoB SMFs were deposited on (011) lead zinc niobate–lead titanate substrates using a composition gradient sputtering method. As a result, a giant magnetic anisotropy field of 1498 Oe, 1–2 orders of magnitude larger than that by conventional magnetic annealing method, and an ultrahigh fFMR of up to 12.96 GHz reaching Ku-band, were obtained at zero magnetic bias field in the as-deposited films. These ultrahigh microwave performances can be attributed to the superposition of two effects: uniaxial stress induced by composition gradient and magnetoelectric coupling. This two-step superposition method paves a way for SMFs to surpass X-band by two-step or multi-step, where a variety of magnetic anisotropy field enhancing methods can be cumulated together to get higher ferromagnetic resonance frequency. PMID:25491374

Volcanology of Tuzo pipe (Gahcho Kué cluster) — Root-diatreme processes re-interpreted

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seghedi, I.; Maicher, D.; Kurszlaukis, S.

2009-11-01

The Middle Cambrian (~ 540 Ma) Gahcho Kué Kimberlite Field is situated about 275 km ENE of Yellowknife, NWT, Canada. The kimberlites were emplaced into 2.6 Ga Archean granitic rocks of the Yellowknife Supergroup. Four larger kimberlite bodies (5034, Tesla, Tuzo, and Hearne) as well as a number of smaller pipes and associated sheets occur in the field. In plan view, the Tuzo pipe has a circular outline at the surface, and it widens towards deeper levels. The pipe infill consists of several types of coherent and fragmental kimberlite facies. Coherent or apparent coherent (possibly welded) kimberlite facies dominate at depth, but also occur at shallow levels, as dikes intruded late in the eruptive sequence or individual coherent kimberlite clasts. The central and shallower portions of the pipe consist of several fragmental kimberlite varieties that are texturally classified as Tuffisitic Kimberlites. The definition, geometry and extent of the geological units are complex and zones controlled by vertical elements are most significant. The fluidal outlines of some of the coherent kimberlite clasts suggest that at least some are the product of disruption of magma that was in a semi-plastic state or even of welded material. Ragged clasts at low levels are inferred to form part of a complex peperite-like system that intrudes the base of the root zone. A variable, often high abundance of local wall-rock xenoliths between and within the kimberlite phases is observed, varying in size from sub-millimeter to several tens of meters. Wall-rock fragments are common at all locations within the pipe but are especially frequent in a domain with a belt-like geometry between 120 and 200 m depth in the pipe. Steeply outward-dipping bedded deposits made up of wall-rock fragments occur in deep levels of the pipe and are especially common under the downward-widening roof segments. The gradational contact relationships of these deposits with the surrounding kimberlite-bearing rocks as well

Bacillus atrophaeus inactivated spores as a potential adjuvant for veterinary rabies vaccine.

PubMed

Oliveira-Nascimento, L; Caricati, A T P; Abdulack-Lopes, F; Neves, L C M; Caricati, C P; Penna, T C V; Stephano, M A

2012-05-14

Rabies is a viral encephalitis, nearly always fatal, but preventable through vaccines. Rabid animal bite is the prime transmission act, while veterinary vaccination is one of the best strategies for rabies general prevention. Aluminum compounds and saponin are the commercial adjuvants used for this vaccine nowadays. Nevertheless, aluminum compounds can provoke undesired side effects and saponin has a narrow activity range without toxicity. B. atrophaeus inactivated spores (BAIS), with or without saponin, were then used as an alternative to boost the inactivated rabies virus response. BAIS was as effective as saponin in augmenting antibody titers, but combination of both adjuvants doubled the titers raised by them individually. The combined adjuvant formulation maintained viability for 21 months when stored at 4-8°C. Overall, BAIS was demonstrated as a viable alternative to commercial adjuvants, while its combination with saponin resulted in even higher vaccine potency with good stability. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new fundamental type of conformational isomerism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canfield, Peter J.; Blake, Iain M.; Cai, Zheng-Li; Luck, Ian J.; Krausz, Elmars; Kobayashi, Rika; Reimers, Jeffrey R.; Crossley, Maxwell J.

2018-06-01

Isomerism is a fundamental chemical concept, reflecting the fact that the arrangement of atoms in a molecular entity has a profound influence on its chemical and physical properties. Here we describe a previously unclassified fundamental form of conformational isomerism through four resolved stereoisomers of a transoid (BF)O(BF)-quinoxalinoporphyrin. These comprise two pairs of enantiomers that manifest structural relationships not describable within existing IUPAC nomenclature and terminology. They undergo thermal diastereomeric interconversion over a barrier of 104 ± 2 kJ mol-1, which we term `akamptisomerization'. Feasible interconversion processes between conceivable synthesis products and reaction intermediates were mapped out by density functional theory calculations, identifying bond-angle inversion (BAI) at a singly bonded atom as the reaction mechanism. We also introduce the necessary BAI stereodescriptors parvo and amplo. Based on an extended polytope formalism of molecular structure and stereoisomerization, BAI-driven akamptisomerization is shown to be the final fundamental type of conformational isomerization.

Cross-cultural differences in somatic presentation in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

PubMed

Hoge, Elizabeth A; Tamrakar, Sharad M; Christian, Kelly M; Mahara, Namrata; Nepal, Mahendra K; Pollack, Mark H; Simon, Naomi M

2006-12-01

Little is known about cultural differences in the expression of distress in anxiety disorders. Previous cross-cultural studies of depression have found a greater somatic focus in Asian populations. We examined anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in urban mental health settings in Nepal (N = 30) and in the United States (N = 23). Participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The overall BAI score and somatic and psychological subscales were compared. While there was no difference in total BAI scores, the Nepali group scored higher on the somatic subscale (i.e. "dizziness" and "indigestion," t[df] = -2.63[50], p < 0.05), while the American group scored higher on the psychological subscale (i.e. "scared" and "nervous," t[df] = 3.27[50], p < 0.01). Nepali patients with GAD had higher levels of somatic symptoms and lower levels of psychological symptoms than American patients with GAD. Possible explanations include differences in cultural traditions of describing distress and the mind-body dichotomy.

The N-terminal Region of the DNA-dependent Protein Kinase Catalytic Subunit Is Required for Its DNA Double-stranded Break-mediated Activation*

PubMed Central

Davis, Anthony J.; Lee, Kyung-Jong; Chen, David J.

2013-01-01

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) plays an essential role in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) mediated by the nonhomologous end-joining pathway. DNA-PK is a holoenzyme consisting of a DNA-binding (Ku70/Ku80) and catalytic (DNA-PKcs) subunit. DNA-PKcs is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is recruited to DSBs via Ku70/80 and is activated once the kinase is bound to the DSB ends. In this study, two large, distinct fragments of DNA-PKcs, consisting of the N terminus (amino acids 1–2713), termed N-PKcs, and the C terminus (amino acids 2714–4128), termed C-PKcs, were produced to determine the role of each terminal region in regulating the activity of DNA-PKcs. N-PKcs but not C-PKcs interacts with the Ku-DNA complex and is required for the ability of DNA-PKcs to localize to DSBs. C-PKcs has increased basal kinase activity compared with DNA-PKcs, suggesting that the N-terminal region of DNA-PKcs keeps basal activity low. The kinase activity of C-PKcs is not stimulated by Ku70/80 and DNA, further supporting that the N-terminal region is required for binding to the Ku-DNA complex and full activation of kinase activity. Collectively, the results show the N-terminal region mediates the interaction between DNA-PKcs and the Ku-DNA complex and is required for its DSB-induced enzymatic activity. PMID:23322783

Overhead-Performance Tradeoffs in Distributed Wireless Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-26

grew this fraction. See the tutorial for details and acronym definitions. Key Publication & Abstract • Gwanmo Ku and John MacLaren Walsh, Resource...tradeoffs. Key Publication & Abstract • Gwanmo Ku , Jie Ren, and John MacLaren Walsh, Computing the Rate Distortion Region for the CEO Problem with...IID. • Jie Ren, Bradford Boyle, Gwanmo Ku , Steven Weber, John MacLaren Walsh, Overhead Performance Tradeoffs A Resource Allocation Perspective, IEEE

A Study on Feasibility of Dual-Wavelength Radar for Identification of Hydrometeor Phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liao, Liang; Meneghini, Robert

2010-01-01

An important objective for the Dual-wavelength Ku-/Ka-band Precipitation Radar (DPR) that will be on board the Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) core satellite, is to identify the phase state of hydrometeors along the range direction. To assess this, radar signatures are simulated in snow and rain to explore the relation between the differential frequency ratio (DFR), defined as the difference of radar reflectivity factors between Ku- and Ka-bands, and the radar reflectivity factor at Ku-band, ZKu, for different hydrometeor types. Model simulations indicate that there is clear separation between snow and rain in the ZKu-DFR plane assuming that the snow follows the Gunn-Marshall size distribution (1958) and rain follows the Marshall-Palmer size distribution (1948). In an effort to verify the simulated results, the data collected by the Airborne Second Generation Precipitation Radar (APR-2) in the Wakasa Bay AMSR-E campaign are employed. Using the signatures of Linear Depolarization Ratio (LDR) at Ku-band, the APR-2 data can be easily divided into the regions of snow, mixed phase and rain for stratiform storms. These results are then superimposed onto the theoretical curves computed from the model in the ZKu-DFR plane. It has been found that in 90% of the cases, snow and rain can be distinguished if the Ku-band radar reflectivity exceeds 18 dBZ (the minimum detectable level of GPM DPR at Ku-band). This is also the case for snow and mixed-phase hydrometeors. Although snow can be easily distinguished from rain and melting hydrometeors by using Ku- and Ka-band radar, the rain and mixed-phase particles are not always separable. It is concluded that Ku- and Ka-band dual-wavelength radar might provide a potential means to identify the phase state of hydrometeors.

Natural course of sensitization to hen's egg in children not previously exposed to egg ingestion.

PubMed

de Boissieu, D; Dupont, C

2006-04-01

Clinical adverse reactions to egg may occur in infants or children who have never eaten egg. They may be sensitized or even react at first egg ingestion. Few studies are available concerning the reality of egg white allergy in such sensitized children, the natural evolution of this condition and the appropriate decisions to make. To analyze the actuality and natural course of egg allergy in children sensitized without previous of hen's egg ingestion. We set up a clinical decision tree based on clinical history and specific egg white IgE to manage patients who had never ingested egg but were sensitized as demonstrated by a positive SPT and report a cohort of 30 such children The mean level of egg white specific IgE at first analysis, i.e. before 12 months, was high, 28.3 KU(A) /L, with a large range, from 0.6 to >100 KU(A) /L, below 6 KU(A) /L in only 8 patients. In 6 children ("no challenge" group), IgE values remained >8 KU(A) /L by the end of the survey and the oral challenge with egg was always denied. Their mean + SD IgE level was at 51.7 + 38 KU(A) /L at 1 year and 19.7 + 13 KU(A) /L at a mean age of 34 + 5 months. All had an associated anaphylactic reaction with milk and 5 were still allergic to milk by the end of the survey. In the remaining 24 infants, egg was given for the first time at a mean age of 30 + 9 months, by error in 4 cases, all exhibiting an immediate reaction, and in a hospital setting in 20, among whom 14 reacted. Among those 18, with a specific IgE level at 9.1 + 10 KU(A) /L at 28 + 9 months, 4 became tolerant between 3 and 4 years, with specific IgE levels below 1.3 KU(A) /L and a 5th one with specific IgE >100 KU(A) /L at 6 months tolerated scrambled eggs at age 7 year, with specific IgE at 2.6 KU(A) /L. In the 6 others, labeled "non allergic", egg white specific IgE levels were significantly lower, whatever the age, than in the "no challenge" group. The age at challenge was 35 + 8 months, with a mean specific IgE level at 1.0 + 0.9 KU

Multiple Serotypes of the Moderate Thermophile Thiobacillus caldus, a Limitation of Immunological Assays for Biomining Microorganisms.

PubMed

Hallberg, K B; Lindstrom, E B

1996-11-01

Phylogenetic and phenotypic analysis indicates that a moderately thermophilic isolate, C-SH12, from Australia belongs to the species Thiobacillus caldus. Antiserum generated against whole cells of T. caldus KU recognized protein antigens common to cell lysates of the three T. caldus strains KU, BC13, and C-SH12 but did not recognize whole cells of isolate C-SH12. Differences in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of strain C-SH12 and those of the other two T. caldus strains were found, and the anti-KU antiserum did not recognize the LPS from strain C-SH12. These data indicate that this T. caldus isolate belongs to a serotype different from that of strains KU and BC13.

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of Pd-Co alloy films and related multilayers

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

Tsunashima, S.; Nagase, K.; Nakamura, K.

1989-09-01

Magnetic anisotropy of Pd/sub x/Co/sub 1-x/alloy films and Pd/sub 67/Co/sub 33/, Pd/sub 67/Co/sub 33/, Pd/sub 67/Co/sub 33//Cu multilayers are investigated. Vacuum deposited PdCo alloy films exhibit uniaxial anisotropy Ku with the easy axis perpendicular to the film plane. The maximum Ku is about 5X10/sup 6/erg/cm/sup 3/ for x=0.35 to 0.50. Compositional dependence of Ku is similar to that of the magnetostriction constant {lambda}/sub 111/, which suggests magnetostrictive origin. In multilayer films, PdCo/Pt and PdCo/Pd showed positive Ku while PdCo/Cu showed negative.

Impact of climate warming-induced increase in drought stress on successional dynamic of a coniferous forest within a dry inner Alpine environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuster, R.; Zeisler, B.; Oberhuber, W.

2012-04-01

Climate sensitivity of tree growth will effect the development of forest ecosystems under a warmer and drier climate by changing species composition and inducing shifts in forest distribution. We applied dendroclimatological techniques to determine impact of climate warming on radial stem growth of three native and widespread coniferous tree species of the central Austrian Alps (Norway spruce, Picea abies; European larch, Larix decidua; Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris), which grow intermixed at dry-mesic sites within a dry inner Alpine environment (750 m a.s.l., Tyrol, Austria). Time series of annual increments were developed from > 250 saplings and mature trees. Radial growth response to recent climate warming was explored by means of moving response functions (MRF) and evaluation of trends in basal area increment (BAI) for the period 1911 - 2009. Climate-growth relationships revealed significant differences among species in response to water availability. While precipitation in May - June favoured radial growth of spruce and larch, Scots pine growth mainly depended on April - May precipitation. Spruce growth was most sensitive to May - June temperature (inverse relationship). Although MRF coefficients indicated increasing drought sensitivity of all species, which is most likely related to intensified belowground competition for scarce water with increasing stand density and higher evapotranspiration rates due to climate warming, recent BAI trends strikingly differed among species. While BAI of larch was distinctly declining, spruce showed steadily increasing BAI and quite constant BAI was maintained in drought adapted Scots pine, although at lowest level of all species. Furthermore, more favourable growing conditions of spruce in recent decades are indicated by scattered natural regeneration and higher growth rates of younger trees during first decades of their lifespan. Because human interference and wildlife stock is negligible within the study area, results

Effect of wearing personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus on heart rate, temperature and oxygen consumption during stepping exercise and live fire training exercises.

PubMed

Bruce-Low, S S; Cotterrell, D; Jones, G E

2007-01-15

Fire fighter breathing apparatus instructors (BAIs) must possess the ability to respond to both the extrinsic stress of a high temperature environment and the intrinsic stress from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), repeatedly and regularly, whilst training recruits in live fire training exercises (LFTEs). There are few previous investigations on BAIs in hot environments such as LFTEs, since the main research focus has been on regular fire fighters undertaking exercises in temperate or fire conditions at a moderate to high exercise intensity. In this study, the intrinsic cardiovascular stress effects of wearing PPE + SCBA were first investigated using a step test whilst wearing gym kit (control), weighted gym kit (a rucksack weighted to the equivalent of PPE + SCBA) and full PPE + SCBA (weight plus the effects of protective clothing). The extrinsic effects of the very hot environment were investigated in BIAs in LFTEs compared to mock fire training exercises (MFTEs), where the fire was not ignited. There was an increase in heart rate due to the modest workload imposed on the BAIs through carrying out the MFTEs (25.0 (18.7)%) compared to resting. However, when exposed to fire during the LFTEs, heat storage appears to be significant as the heart rate increased by up to 39.8 (+/-20.1)% over that of the mock LFTEs at temperate conditions. Thus, being able to dissipate heat from the PPE is particularly important in reducing the cardiovascular responses for BAIs during LFTEs.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy by bronchial arterial infusion in patients with unresectable stage III squamous cell lung cancer

PubMed Central

Zhu, Jun; Zhang, Hai-ping; Jiang, Sen; Ni, Jian

2017-01-01

Background: We investigated the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered via bronchial arterial infusion (BAI) on unresectable stage III lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: This was a single-arm retrospective study of chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) administered via BAI to patients with unresectable lung SCC. Data regarding the post-treatment response rate, downstage rate, and surgery rate, as well as progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), quality of life, and post-BAI side effects were collected. Results: A total of 36 patients were enrolled in this study between August 2010 and May 2014. The response rate was 72.2%, and the downstage rate was 22.2%. Among the patients who were downstaged, 16 (44.4%) patients were because of their T stage, and 5 (13.9%) patients were downstaged due to to their N stage. The surgery rate was 52.8%, the 1-year survival rate was 75.4%, and the 2-year survival rate was 52.1%. The median PFS was 14.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.6–19.4], and the median OS was 25.0 months (95% CI: 19.1–30.9). The quality of life was significantly improved, and the chemotherapy was well tolerated. Conclusions: Compared with intravenous neoadjuvant chemotherapy, BAI chemotherapy significantly improved the surgery rate, prolonged PFS and OS, and improved the quality of life in patients with unresectable stage III lung SCC. PMID:28675081

Tree-Ring Stable Isotopes Reveal Twentieth-Century Increases in Water-Use Efficiency of Fagus sylvatica and Nothofagus spp. in Italian and Chilean Mountains

PubMed Central

Tognetti, Roberto; Lombardi, Fabio; Lasserre, Bruno; Cherubini, Paolo; Marchetti, Marco

2014-01-01

Changes in intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) were investigated in Fagus sylvatica and Nothofagus spp. over the last century. We combined dendrochronological methods with dual-isotope analysis to investigate whether atmospheric changes enhanced iWUE of Fagus and Nothofagus and tree growth (basal area increment, BAI) along latitudinal gradients in Italy and Chile. Post-maturation phases of the trees presented different patterns in δ13C, Δ13C, δ18O, Ci (internal CO2 concentration), iWUE, and BAI. A continuous enhancement in isotope-derived iWUE was observed throughout the twentieth century, which was common to all sites and related to changes in Ca (ambient CO2 concentration) and secondarily to increases in temperature. In contrast to other studies, we observed a general increasing trend of BAI, with the exception of F. sylvatica in Aspromonte. Both iWUE and BAI were uncoupled with the estimated drought index, which is in agreement with the absence of enduring decline in tree growth. In general, δ13C and δ18O showed a weak relationship, suggesting the major influence of photosynthetic rate on Ci and δ13C, and the minor contribution of the regulation of stomatal conductance to iWUE. The substantial warming observed during the twentieth century did not result in a clear pattern of increased drought stress along these latitudinal transects, because of the variability in temporal trends of precipitation and in specific responses of populations. PMID:25398040

Magnetic Properties of Nanoparticle Matrix Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-02

recording materials with large value of Ku are SmCo5 with Ku = 11-20 x 10 7 erg/cm 3 for the minimum stable particle size of 2.45 nm, FePt with Ku...nanoparticles and the matrix compared with the bulk behavior of the soft and hard phases and ferromagnetic coupling. 15. SUBJECT TERMS...Magnetic materials , Ab initio methods, nanoparticles, Nanocomposites, Ferromagnetics 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

Notes on the Chinese species of Dianous group I (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

PubMed Central

Tang, Liang; Li, Li-Zhen

2013-01-01

Abstract Dianous zhujianqingi Tang & Li, 2011 syn. n. is synonymised with Dianous cyaneovirens (Cameron, 1930). Additional records of Dianous yao Rougemont, 1981, Dianous haraldi Puthz, 2000 and Dianous huanghaoi Tang & Li, 2011 are provided. PMID:24194652

Report of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Management. Phase 1. The Air Force’s Nuclear Mission

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

under- resourced. • Missile transfer vans /warhead transfer vans require upgrades. • ICBM weapon system test sets under-funded; the coding system...Air Force’s Nuclear Mission D-1 Appendix D. Current B-52 Basing Status Barksdale AFB, LA 64 B-52Hs Minot AFB, ND 27 B-52Hs Edwards AFB, CA 3...Barksdale – 64 B-52s 2 BW (ACC) 15 TF; 24 CC; 7 BAI 53 WG (ACC) 2 Test Coded 917 WG (AFRC) 8 CC; 1 BAI 7 Unfunded AR Edwards - 3 B-52s 412 TW 2 Test

Competition and drought limit the response of water-use efficiency to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide in the Mediterranean fir Abies pinsapo.

PubMed

Linares, Juan-Carlos; Delgado-Huertas, Antonio; Julio Camarero, J; Merino, José; Carreira, José A

2009-09-01

The gas-exchange and radial growth responses of conifer forests to climatic warming and increasing atmospheric CO2 have been widely studied. However, the modulating effects of variables related to stand structure (e.g., tree-to-tree competition) on those responses are poorly explored. The basal-area increment (BAI) and C isotope discrimination (C stable isotope ratio; delta13C) in the Mediterranean fir Abies pinsapo were investigated to elucidate the influences of stand competition, atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climate on intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi). We assessed the variation in delta13C of tree-rings from dominant or co-dominant trees subjected to different degrees of competition. A high- (H) and a low-elevation (L) population with contrasting climatic constraints were studied in southern Spain. Both populations showed an increase in long-term WUEi. However, this increase occurred more slowly at the L site, where a decline of BAI was also observed. Local warming and severe droughts have occurred in the study area over the past 30 years, which have reduced water availability more at lower elevations. Contrastingly, trees from the H site were able to maintain high BAI values at a lower cost in terms of water consumption. In each population, trees subjected to a higher degree of competition by neighboring trees showed lower BAI and WUEi than those subjected to less competition, although the slopes of the temporal trends in WUEi were independent of the competitive micro-environment experienced by the trees. The results are consistent with an increasing drought-induced limitation of BAI and a decreasing rate of WUEi improvement in low-elevation A. pinsapo forests. This relict species might not be able to mitigate the negative effects of a decrease in water availability through a reduction in stomatal conductance, thus leading to a growth decline in the more xeric sites. An intense and poorly asymmetric competitive environment at the stand level may also

Anxiety, Anxiety Sensitivity, and Perceived Stress as Predictors of Recent Drinking, Alcohol Craving, and Social Stress Response in Heavy Drinkers.

PubMed

McCaul, Mary E; Hutton, Heidi E; Stephens, Mary Ann C; Xu, Xiaoqiang; Wand, Gary S

2017-04-01

Stress and anxiety are widely considered to be causally related to alcohol craving and consumption, as well as development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, numerous preclinical and human studies examining effects of stress or anxiety on alcohol use and alcohol-related problems have been equivocal. This study examined relationships between scores on self-report anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and stress measures and frequency and intensity of recent drinking, alcohol craving during early withdrawal, as well as laboratory measures of alcohol craving and stress reactivity among heavy drinkers with AUD. Media-recruited, heavy drinkers with AUD (N = 87) were assessed for recent alcohol consumption. Anxiety and stress levels were characterized using paper-and-pencil measures, including the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Eligible subjects (N = 30) underwent alcohol abstinence on the Clinical Research Unit; twice daily measures of alcohol craving were collected. On day 4, subjects participated in the Trier Social Stress Test; measures of cortisol and alcohol craving were collected. In multivariate analyses, higher BAI scores were associated with lower drinking frequency and reduced drinks/drinking day; in contrast, higher ASI-3 scores were associated with higher drinking frequency. BAI anxiety symptom and ASI-3 scores also were positively related to Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test total scores and AUD symptom and problem subscale measures. Higher BAI and ASI-3 scores but not PSS scores were related to greater self-reported alcohol craving during early alcohol abstinence. Finally, BAI scores were positively related to laboratory stress-induced cortisol and alcohol craving. In contrast, the PSS showed no relationship with most measures of alcohol craving or stress reactivity. Overall, clinically oriented measures of anxiety compared with perceived stress were more

Translations on North Korea No. 514

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-03-11

Yong -sok, Kim Ch’i-ku, Chi Chae-ryong, 0...Ch’ongjin were the following: Yim Ch’un-ch’u comrade Pak Yong -sok functionary of the sector concerned Kim Ch’i-ku " Chi Chae- yong 0 Hyon-chu Pak...electric railroad on 22 January were the following: Yim Ch’un-ch’u comrade Pak Yong -sok functionary of the sector concerned Kim Ch’i-ku " Chi Chae- yong

Advanced GPS-Based Time Link Calibration with PTB’s New GPS Calibration Setup

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

the BIPM to the Ku-band TWSTFT link. A deviation of 3.7 ns compared to the 2008 result was found. INTRODUCTION UTC generation and...adjustment made earlier by the BIPM to the Ku-band TWSTFT link. A deviation of 3.7 ns compared to the 2008 result was found. 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16...Frequency Transfer ( TWSTFT ) were in operation, with signals exchanged in X-band and in Ku-band, respectively. The links were repeatedly calibrated using

A new test of multivariate nonlinear causality

PubMed Central

Bai, Zhidong; Jiang, Dandan; Lv, Zhihui; Wong, Wing-Keung; Zheng, Shurong

2018-01-01

The multivariate nonlinear Granger causality developed by Bai et al. (2010) (Mathematics and Computers in simulation. 2010; 81: 5-17) plays an important role in detecting the dynamic interrelationships between two groups of variables. Following the idea of Hiemstra-Jones (HJ) test proposed by Hiemstra and Jones (1994) (Journal of Finance. 1994; 49(5): 1639-1664), they attempt to establish a central limit theorem (CLT) of their test statistic by applying the asymptotical property of multivariate U-statistic. However, Bai et al. (2016) (2016; arXiv: 1701.03992) revisit the HJ test and find that the test statistic given by HJ is NOT a function of U-statistics which implies that the CLT neither proposed by Hiemstra and Jones (1994) nor the one extended by Bai et al. (2010) is valid for statistical inference. In this paper, we re-estimate the probabilities and reestablish the CLT of the new test statistic. Numerical simulation shows that our new estimates are consistent and our new test performs decent size and power. PMID:29304085

Anxiety and Spiritual Well-Being in Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Fabbris, Jéssika Leão; Mesquita, Ana Cláudia; Caldeira, Sílvia; Carvalho, Ana Maria Pimenta; Carvalho, Emilia Campos de

2016-06-20

To analyze the relation between anxiety and spiritual well-being in undergraduate nursing students. Cross sectional, correlational, and survey design. A total of 169 students from a Brazilian Nursing School completed three instruments: demographic data, Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The mean score of SWBS was high, and the mean score of BAI was low. When experiencing anxiety, there was lower probability of experiencing high spiritual well-being. For those students considering religiosity very important, the score of SWBS was high. Students scoring lower in SWBS had more probability of experiencing moderate/high anxiety. Higher scores of SWBS and importance given to religiosity were related to lower scores of BAI. Also, the performance and score of spiritual well-being were related to anxiety scores. Further research is worthy to identify and validate which educational aspects could promote spiritual well-being and reduce anxiety as well as research to analyze the relation between spiritual well-being score and learning outcomes. © The Author(s) 2016.

A new test of multivariate nonlinear causality.

PubMed

Bai, Zhidong; Hui, Yongchang; Jiang, Dandan; Lv, Zhihui; Wong, Wing-Keung; Zheng, Shurong

2018-01-01

The multivariate nonlinear Granger causality developed by Bai et al. (2010) (Mathematics and Computers in simulation. 2010; 81: 5-17) plays an important role in detecting the dynamic interrelationships between two groups of variables. Following the idea of Hiemstra-Jones (HJ) test proposed by Hiemstra and Jones (1994) (Journal of Finance. 1994; 49(5): 1639-1664), they attempt to establish a central limit theorem (CLT) of their test statistic by applying the asymptotical property of multivariate U-statistic. However, Bai et al. (2016) (2016; arXiv: 1701.03992) revisit the HJ test and find that the test statistic given by HJ is NOT a function of U-statistics which implies that the CLT neither proposed by Hiemstra and Jones (1994) nor the one extended by Bai et al. (2010) is valid for statistical inference. In this paper, we re-estimate the probabilities and reestablish the CLT of the new test statistic. Numerical simulation shows that our new estimates are consistent and our new test performs decent size and power.

Does increasing intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) stimulate tree growth at natural alpine timberline on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Ru; Zhu, Haifeng; Liu, Xiaohong; Liang, Eryuan; Grießinger, Jussi; Wu, Guoju; Li, Xiaoxia; Bräuning, Achim

2017-01-01

Little is known about whether increasing iWUE (intrinsic water use efficiency) can stimulate tree growth in the temperature-limited natural timberlines. Here, we presented the basal area increment (BAI) and iWUE chronologies of Smith fir (Abies georgei var. smithii) from 1900 to 2006 at a high-elevation (ca. 4400 m a.s.l.) timberline in the humid Sygera Mountains, southeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP). The commonality analysis model was applied to investigate the relationships among BAI, temperatures, atmospheric CO2 concentration (Ca) and iWUE during 1961-2006, taking into account of both pure and joint effects. As illustrated by the commonality analysis model, the pure effect of Ca (39.15%) had more stronger influence on iWUE than that of the Tmean (annul mean temperature, 0.12%), but the joint effect between Ca and Tmean (49.79%) on iWUE was stronger than any pure effect for the raw data with an increasing trend. For the first-difference data with year-to-year variations, the pure effect of Ca (7.72%) on iWUE was stronger than that of Tmean (0.59%) and the joint effect between them (0.59%). All above imply the Ca is the dominant factor for iWUE both for the 46-year trend and interannual variations. In addition, as showed by the commonality analysis model, the pure effect of iWUE (17.57%) played a much more important role on BAI than that of temperatures (smt, mean temperature during June, July, August of current year, 5.92%; amt, mean temperature during September, October, November of previous year, 3.04%), while joint effects of iWUE and temperatures contributed more (27.96%; 13.90%; 16.47%) to the BAI than their pure effects for the raw data with an increasing linear trend. For the first-difference data with interannual variations, the pure effect of smt (12.45%) had much more effect on BAI than that of iWUE (5.49%), at the same time the joint iWUE and temperatures contributed less (3.56%; 1.9%; 1.31%) to the BAI than their pure effects. These results suggest that

Endothelin-A-receptor antagonism with atrasentan exhibits limited activity on the KU-19-19 bladder cancer cell line in a mouse model.

PubMed

Herrmann, Edwin; Tiemann, Arne; Eltze, Elke; Bolenz, Christian; Bremer, Christoph; Persigehl, Thorsten; Hertle, Lothar; Wülfing, Christian

2009-10-01

The endothelin axis consists of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its two receptors, ET(A)- and ET(B)-receptor (ET(A)-R and ET(B)-R). In several tumor entities, the ET(A)-R plays a significant role as a drug target. In our study, we investigated whether inhibition of ET(A)-R with atrasentan leads to an antitumor effect in urinary bladder carcinoma as well. Twenty nude mice with thymic aplasia were subcutaneously administered 2 x 10(6) KU-19-19 bladder cancer cells in the right flank. Starting on the 22nd day after the injection, ten animals were treated with atrasentan (2.5 mg/kg BW intraperitoneally), and another ten animals were treated with placebo. During treatment, absolute tumor growth and relative growth rate over time were determined. After the end of treatment, the mitosis and necrosis rates, microvessel density, and receptor density in the tumor tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression intensities of ET-1, ET(A)-R, and ET(B)-R were evaluated semiquantitatively and compared between the groups. No significant differences between the active-treatment and placebo groups were detected, either with respect to absolute tumor growth (P = 0.333) or mitosis rate (P = 0.217). In the analysis of the necrosis rate and receptor density for ET(A)-R, a trend toward higher values in the active-treatment group (mean necrosis rate = 63.67%, receptor density: 1.417) than in the placebo group (mean necrosis rate = 46.25%, receptor density: 1.270) was found; however, neither difference was statistically significant (P = 0.08 and 0.219, respectively). ET(A)-R blockade with atrasentan in a bladder cancer xenograft model shows no significant antitumor effect.

A Pathogenic Nematode Targets Recognition Proteins to Avoid Insect Defenses

PubMed Central

Toubarro, Duarte; Avila, Mónica Martinez; Montiel, Rafael; Simões, Nelson

2013-01-01

Steinernema carpocapsae is a nematode pathogenic in a wide variety of insect species. The great pathogenicity of this nematode has been ascribed to its ability to overcome the host immune response; however, little is known about the mechanisms involved in this process. The analysis of an expressed sequence tags (EST) library in the nematode during the infective phase was performed and a highly abundant contig homologous to serine protease inhibitors was identified. In this work, we show that this contig is part of a 641-bp cDNA that encodes a BPTI-Kunitz family inhibitor (Sc-KU-4), which is up-regulated in the parasite during invasion and installation. Recombinant Sc-KU-4 protein was produced in Escherichia coli and shown to inhibit chymotrypsin and elastase activities in a dose-dependent manner by a competitive mechanism with Ki values of 1.8 nM and 2.6 nM, respectively. Sc-KU-4 also inhibited trypsin and thrombin activities to a lesser extent. Studies of the mode of action of Sc-KU-4 and its effects on insect defenses suggest that although Sc-KU-4 did not inhibit the activation of hemocytes or the formation of clotting fibers, it did inhibit hemocyte aggregation and the entrapment of foreign particles by fibers. Moreover, Sc-KU-4 avoided encapsulation and the deposition of clotting materials, which usually occurs in response to foreign particles. We show by protein-protein interaction that Sc-KU-4 targets recognition proteins of insect immune system such as masquerade-like and serine protease-like homologs. The interaction of Sc-KU-4 with these proteins explains the ability of the nematode to overcome host reactions and its large pathogenic spectrum, once these immune proteins are well conserved in insects. The discovery of this inhibitor targeting insect recognition proteins opens new avenues for the development of S . carpocapsae as a biological control agent and provides a new tool to study host-pathogen interactions. PMID:24098715

Topography and age mediate the growth responses of Smith fir to climate warming in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, B.; Wang, Y.; Zhu, H.; Liang, E.; Camarero, J. J.

2016-10-01

The Tibetan Plateau holds some of the world's highest undisturbed natural treelines and timberlines. Such extreme environments constitute potentially valuable monitoring sites of the effects of climate warming on high-elevation forests. Here, we analyze a network of 21 Smith fir forests situated in the Sygera Mountains, southeastern Tibetan Plateau, using tree-ring width (TRW) and basal area increment (BAI) chronologies. Sampled sites encompassed a wide elevation gradient, from 3600 to 4400 m, including some treeline sites and diverse aspects and tree ages. In comparison with TRW series, BAI series better capture the long-term warming signal. Previous November and current April and summer temperatures are the dominant climatic factors controlling Smith fir radial growth. The mean inter-series correlations of TRW increased upwards, but the forest limit presented the highest potential to reconstruct past temperature variability. Moreover, the growth responses of young trees were less stable than those of trees older than 100 years. Climate warming is accelerating radial growth of Smith fir forest subjected to mesic conditions. Collectively, these findings confirm that the effects of site elevation and tree age should be considered when quantifying climate-growth relationships. The type of tree-ring data (BAI vs. TRW) is also relevant since BAI indices seem to be a better climatic proxy of low-frequency temperature signals than TRW indices. Therefore, site (e.g., elevation) and tree (e.g., age) features should be considered to properly evaluate the effects of climate warming on growth of high-elevation forests.

Distinct effects of water use efficiency increase on growth in Scots pine and sessile oak in the Mediterranean Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-Sancho, Elisabet; Dorado-Liñán, Isabel; Gutiérrez-Merino, Emilia; Matiu, Michael; Heinrich, Ingo; Helle, Gerhard; Menzel, Annette

2017-04-01

Drought is one of the main drivers of species distribution in the Mediterranean Basin, which will be exacerbated by climate change. The increase of atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca) has been related to enhanced tree growth and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE). However, in the Mediterranean Basin this 'fertilizing' effect should compensate the potential drought-induced growth reduction to maintain forest productivity at a comparable level. This is particularly relevant for temperate species reaching their southern distribution limits and/or the limits of their climatic niche in this region. We investigated tree growth and physiological responses of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) stands located at their southern distribution limits using annually resolved tree-ring width and δ13C chronologies for the period 1960-2012. The selected stands were sampled in Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Wood cores were extracted at each site and tree-ring width and δ13C were measured. Basal area increment (BAI) was calculated as a surrogate of secondary growth and 13C discrimination (Δ), leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and iWUE were estimated from δ13C values. The temporal trends of BAI, Δ, Ci and iWUE, as well as in climatic variables (i.e. temperature, precipitation and potential evapotranspiration derived from CRU TS3.23 dataset) were calculated per site for the study period. Our specific objectives were (i) to test if rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations and changes in climate may have induced shifts in tree growth and ecophysiological proxies; (ii) to determine whether and how changes in iWUE are related to radial growth rates; and (iii) to assess site-specific physiological adjustments to increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations over the studied period. Preliminary results showed a generalized increase in Ci, and consequently in iWUE, at all study sites. Scots pine stands displayed a

Randomized clinical trial examining the incremental efficacy of a 90-minute motivational alcohol intervention as an adjunct to standard batterer intervention for men.

PubMed

Stuart, Gregory L; Shorey, Ryan C; Moore, Todd M; Ramsey, Susan E; Kahler, Christopher W; O'Farrell, Timothy J; Strong, David R; Temple, Jeff R; Monti, Peter M

2013-08-01

The efficacy of batterer intervention programs to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) is questionable, with individuals with alcohol problems particularly unlikely to benefit. We examined whether adding adjunctive alcohol intervention to batterer intervention reduced the likelihood of substance use and violence relative to batterer intervention alone. Randomized clinical trial. Batterer intervention programs in Rhode Island, USA. A total of 252 hazardous drinking men in batterer intervention programs. Participants were randomized to receive 40 hours of standard batterer program (SBP) or the SBP plus a 90-minute alcohol intervention (SBP + BAI). None withdrew due to adverse effects. Data were collected at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up, with follow-up rates of 95, 89 and 82%, respectively. Substance use was measured with a well-validated calendar-assisted interview. Violence was measured with a validated questionnaire. Arrest records were obtained for all participants. The primary substance use outcome was drinks per drinking day (DPDD) and the primary violence outcome was frequency of any physical IPV. Relative to SBP alone, men receiving SBP + BAI reported consuming fewer DPDD at 3-month follow-up [B = -1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.65, -0.04, P = 0.04] but not 6- or 12-month follow-up. In secondary analyses, men receiving SBP + BAI reported significantly greater abstinence at 3- (B = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.14, P = 0.002) and 6-month (B = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.11, P = 0.01) follow-up but not 12-month follow-up. There were no significant differences in physical IPV between men receiving SBP and men receiving SBP + BAI. In secondary analyses, men receiving SBP + BAI reported less severe physical aggression at 3-month (IRR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.65, P = 0.009) but not 6- or 12-month follow-up. Men receiving SBP + BAI reported less severe psychological aggression (B = -1.24, 95

A Consistent Treatment of Microwave Emissivity and Radar Backscatter for Retrieval of Precipitation over Water Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munchak, S. Joseph; Meneghini, Robert; Grecu, Mircea; Olson, William S.

2016-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) are designed to provide the most accurate instantaneous precipitation estimates currently available from space. The GPM Combined Algorithm (CORRA) plays a key role in this process by retrieving precipitation profiles that are consistent with GMI and DPR measurements; therefore, it is desirable that the forward models in CORRA use the same geophysical input parameters. This study explores the feasibility of using internally consistent emissivity and surface backscatter cross-sectional (sigma(sub 0)) models for water surfaces in CORRA. An empirical model for DPR Ku and Ka sigma(sub 0) as a function of 10m wind speed and incidence angle is derived from GMI-only wind retrievals under clear-sky conditions. This allows for the sigma(sub 0) measurements, which are also influenced by path-integrated attenuation (PIA) from precipitation, to be used as input to CORRA and for wind speed to be retrieved as output. Comparisons to buoy data give a wind rmse of 3.7 m/s for Ku+GMI and 3.2 m/s for Ku+Ka+GMI retrievals under precipitation (compared to 1.3 m/s for clear-sky GMI-only), and there is a reduction in bias from GANAL background data (-10%) to the Ku+GMI (-3%) and Ku+Ka+GMI (-5%) retrievals. Ku+GMI retrievals of precipitation increase slightly in light (less than 1 mm/h) and decrease in moderate to heavy precipitation (greater than 1 mm/h). The Ku+Ka+GMI retrievals, being additionally constrained by the Ka reflectivity, increase only slightly in moderate and heavy precipitation at low wind speeds (less than 5 m/s) relative to retrievals using the surface reference estimate of PIA as input.

A new species of genus Oobius (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from the Russian Far East that parasitizes eggs of Emerald Ash Borer

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new egg parasitoid of the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is described from the Vladivostok, Russia, Oobius primorskyensis Yao & Duan n. sp. Both morphological characters and analysis of DNA sequence divergence suggest that this species is different from t...

Differences in the reproductive biology and diapause of two congeneric species of egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera:Encyrtidae) from northeast Asia: implications for biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Oobius primorskyensis Yao and Duan and Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) constitute a cryptic species complex of egg parasitoids attacking the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis (Coleotpera: Buprestidae) in their native range of northeast Asia. While O. primorskyensis is c...

Homeostatic maintenance of ponderosa pine gas exchange in response to stand density changes.

PubMed

McDowell, Nate G; Adams, Henry D; Bailey, John D; Hess, Marcey; Kolb, Thomas E

2006-06-01

Homeostatic maintenance of gas exchange optimizes carbon gain per water loss. Homeostasis is regulated by short-term physiological and long-term structural mechanisms, both of which may respond to changes in resource availability associated with competition. Therefore, stand density regulation via silvicultural manipulations may facilitate growth and survival through mechanisms operating at both short and long timescales. We investigated the responses of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) to stand basal area manipulations in Arizona, USA. Stand basal area was manipulated to seven replicated levels in 1962 and was maintained for four decades by decadal thinning. We measured basal area increment (BAI) to assess the response and sustainability of wood growth, carbon isotope discrimination (A) inferred from annual rings to assess the response of crown gas exchange, and ratios of leaf area to sapwood area (A(l):A(s)) to assess longer term structural acclimation. Basal area treatments increased soil water potential (r2 = 0.99) but did not affect photosynthetic capacity. BAI increased within two years of thinning, and the 40-year mean BAI was negatively correlated with stand basal area (r2 = 0.98). delta was negatively correlated with stand basal area for years 5 through 12 after thinning (r2 = 0.90). However, delta was relatively invariant with basal area for the period 13-40 years after initial thinning despite maintenance of treatment basal areas via repeated decadal thinnings. Independent gas exchange measurements verified that the ratio of photosynthesis to stomatal conductance was invariant with basal area, but absolute values of both were elevated at lower basal areas. A(l):A(s) was negatively correlated with basal area (r2 = 0.93). We hypothesize that increased A(l):A(s) is a homeostatic response to increased water availability that maximizes water-use efficiency and whole-tree carbon uptake. Elevated A(l):A(s) of trees at low basal areas was associated with greater

Investigation of the relationship between anxiety and heart rate variability in fibromyalgia: A new quantitative approach to evaluate anxiety level in fibromyalgia syndrome.

PubMed

Bilgin, Suleyman; Arslan, Evren; Elmas, Onur; Yildiz, Sedat; Colak, Omer H; Bilgin, Gurkan; Koyuncuoglu, Hasan Rifat; Akkus, Selami; Comlekci, Selcuk; Koklukaya, Etem

2015-12-01

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is identified by widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, nonrestorative sleep, fatigue, morning stiffness and anxiety. Anxiety is very common in Fibromyalgia and generally leads to a misdiagnosis. Self-rated Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and doctor-rated Hamilton Anxiety Inventory (HAM-A) are frequently used by specialists to determine anxiety that accompanies fibromyalgia. However, these semi-quantitative anxiety tests are still subjective as the tests are scored using doctor-rated or self-rated scales. In this study, we investigated the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) frequency subbands and anxiety tests. The study was conducted with 56 FMS patients and 34 healthy controls. BAI and HAM-A test scores were determined for each participant. ECG signals were then recruited and 71 HRV subbands were obtained from these ECG signals using Wavelet Packet Transform (WPT). The subbands and anxiety tests scores were analyzed and compared using multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN). The results show that a HRV high frequency (HF) subband in the range of 0.15235Hz to 0.40235Hz, is correlated with BAI scores and another HRV HF subband, frequency range of 0.15235Hz to 0.28907Hz is correlated with HAM-A scores. The overall accuracy is 91.11% for HAM-A and 90% for BAI with MLPNN analysis. Doctor-rated or self-rated anxiety tests should be supported with quantitative and more objective methods. Our results show that the HRV parameters will be able to support the anxiety tests in the clinical evaluation of fibromyalgia. In other words, HRV parameters can potentially be used as an auxiliary diagnostic method in conjunction with anxiety tests. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ethnic Variations in Central Corneal Thickness in a Rural Population in China: The Yunnan Minority Eye Studies.

PubMed

Pan, Chen-Wei; Li, Jun; Zhong, Hua; Shen, Wei; Niu, Zhiqiang; Yuan, Yuansheng; Chen, Qin

2015-01-01

To describe the ethnic differences in central corneal thickness (CCT) in population-based samples of ethnic Bai, Yi and Han people living in rural China. 6504 adults (2119 ethnic Bai, 2202 ethnic Yi and 2183 ethnic Han) aged 50 years or older participated in the study. Each subject underwent standardized ocular examinations and interviewer-administered questionnaires for risk factor assessment. CCT was measured for both eyes using an ultrasound pachymeter. Regression and principal component analysis were performed to examine the relationship of ethnicity and other factors with CCT. The mean CCT readings were 536.4 ± 34.2 μm in ethnic Bai, 532.1 ± 32.1 μm in ethnic Yi and 529.6 ± 32.7 μm in ethnic Han adults (P<0.001), respectively. There was a decreasing trend of mean CCT with increasing age across all ethnic groups. In multivariate linear regression models, increasing CCT was associated with younger age (P<0.001), male gender (P<0.001), Bai (P<0.001) or Yi (P<0.001) ethnicity, greater body mass index (P<0.001), higher systolic blood pressure (P<0.001), greater corneal curvature (P<0.001), deeper anterior chamber (P < 0.001), and thicker lens (P<0.001). Ethnicity contributed significantly to presence of thin cornea (60%; P< 0.001) compared with other factors. CCT had similar impact on intraocular pressure readings across all ethnic groups. This study of more than 6500 multiethnic participants demonstrates significant ethnic variations in CCT, with Han ethnicity having the thinnest cornea compared with ethnic minorities. These data are essential to guide future multiethnic clinical trials on CCT-related ocular conditions such as glaucoma.

Do brief alcohol interventions among unemployed at-risk drinkers increase re-employment after 15 month?

PubMed

Haberecht, Katja; Baumann, Sophie; Bischof, Gallus; Gaertner, Beate; John, Ulrich; Freyer-Adam, Jennis

2018-06-01

At-risk alcohol use is associated bi-directionally to unemployment, and decreases chances of re-employment. Brief alcohol interventions (BAI) can reduce at-risk alcohol use. This study aimed to investigate 15-month effects of BAI on unemployment among persons with at-risk alcohol use. As part of the randomized controlled 'Trial on proactive alcohol interventions among job-seekers, TOPAS', 1243 18- to 64-year-old job-seekers with at-risk alcohol use were systematically recruited at three job agencies in Germany (2008/09), and randomized to (i) a stage tailored intervention based on the trans-theoretical model of intentional behavior change (ST), (ii) a non-stage tailored intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (NST) and (iii) assessment only (AO). To test the effects of ST and NST on employment status 15 months after baseline, latent growth models were calculated among those initially unemployed (n = 586). In all three groups, unemployment significantly decreased over 15 months (ST: odds ratio, OR = 0.06; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.01-0.27; NST: OR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01-0.18; AO: OR = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.21). No intervention effects were found on unemployment. Age (P = 0.002), school education (P = 0.001), self-rated health (P = 0.04), the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption score (P = 0.02) and motivation to change (P = 0.04) significantly affected the development of unemployment over time. After 15 months, no BAI effect on unemployment was found. The mediated effect of BAIs on unemployment could be a longsome process needing longer follow-ups to be detected.

Recovery of hemlock woolly adelgid predators in the high country of northwestern North Carolina, 2004-2008

Treesearch

Richard McDonald; David Mausel; Scott Salom; Loke Kok; Michael Montgomery; Gina Luker; Stan Steury; Gene Spears; Stewart Skeate; James Graham; Byron Hamstead.

2008-01-01

Three species of predatory beetles have been released to combat infestations of the hemlock woolly adelgid in the High Country region of northwestern North Carolina. They are the spring/summer predators Sasajiscymnus tsugae Sasaji (St), Scymnus sinuanodulus Yu and Yao (Ss), and the winter/fall...

A new species of oobius trjapitzin (hymenoptera:encyrtidae) from the russian far east that parasitizes eggs of emerald ash borer (coleoptera:buprestidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new egg parasitoid of the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from the Russian Far East, Oobius primorskyensis Yao et Duan is described. Both morphological characters and analysis of DNA sequence divergence suggest that this species is different from the previ...

Acute oral mucositis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy: association with genetic polymorphism in DNA DSB repair genes.

PubMed

Ren, Jing-Hua; Dai, Xiao-Fang; Yan, Guo-Li; Jin, Min; Liu, Cui-Wei; Yang, Kun-Yu; Wu, Gang; Ma, C-M Charlie

2014-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphic variants of DNA repair genes with the susceptibility of acute oral mucositis (OM) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with radiotherapy. The study population consisted of 120 NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Among them 70 patients also received concurrent chemotherapy. Genotypes in DNA repair genes Ku70 c.-1310C>G (rs2267437), Ku70 c.1781G> T (rs132788), Ku80 c.2099-2408G> A (rs3835), Ku80 c.*841G> A (rs2440) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) c.2888 + 713C> T (rs2213178) were determined by polymerase chain reaction combined with the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Mucositis was scored using the Common Terminology Criteria (CTC) for Adverse Events v.3.0 scale. The population was divided into the CTC0-2 group (CTC toxicity grade 0, 1 and 2) and the CTC3 + group (CTC toxicity grade 3 and above). Odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the multivariate logistic regression analysis. A significant difference in Ku70 c.1781G> T genotype distribution was observed between the CTC0-2 and CTC3 + groups for the 120 patients analyzed. The GG carriers were at higher risks for severe OM (CTC3+) compared with the TT homozygotes (OR = 3.000, 95% CI = 1.287-6.994, p = 0.011). No association was found between Ku70 (c.-1310C> G), Ku80 (c.2099-2408G> A, c.*841G> A), DNA-PKcs (c.2888 + 713 C > T) and the development of severe oral mucositis. Stratification analyses for the 50 patients treated with radiation alone further confirmed the association between the variant genotype of GG and severe OM (OR = 5.128, 95% CI = 1.183-22.238, p = 0.029). Concurrent radiochemotherapy increased the risk of severe OM for both the TT homozygotes and GG genotypes. Our study suggests that the Ku70 c.1781G> T polymorphism may be a susceptibility factor for radiation-induced oral mucositis

Item response theory analysis of Working Alliance Inventory, revised response format, and new Brief Alliance Inventory.

PubMed

Mallinckrodt, Brent; Tekie, Yacob T

2016-11-01

The Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) has made great contributions to psychotherapy research. However, studies suggest the 7-point response format and 3-factor structure of the client version may have psychometric problems. This study used Rasch item response theory (IRT) to (a) improve WAI response format, (b) compare two brief 12-item versions (WAI-sr; WAI-s), and (c) develop a new 16-item Brief Alliance Inventory (BAI). Archival data from 1786 counseling center and community clients were analyzed. IRT findings suggested problems with crossed category thresholds. A rescoring scheme that combines neighboring responses to create 5- and 4-point scales sharply reduced these problems. Although subscale variance was reduced by 11-26%, rescoring yielded improved reliability and generally higher correlations with therapy process (session depth and smoothness) and outcome measures (residual gain symptom improvement). The 16-item BAI was designed to maximize "bandwidth" of item difficulty and preserve a broader range of WAI sensitivity than WAI-s or WAI-sr. Comparisons suggest the BAI performed better in several respects than the WAI-s or WAI-sr and equivalent to the full WAI on several performance indicators.

Management of Water Quantity and Quality Based on Copula for a Tributary to Miyun Reservoir, Beijing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zang, N.; Wang, X.; Liang, P.

2017-12-01

Due to the complex mutual influence between water quantity and water quality of river, it is difficult to reflect the actual characters of the tributaries to reservoir. In this study, the acceptable marginal probability distributions for water quantity and quality of reservoir inflow were calculated. A bivariate Archimedean copula was further applied to establish the joint distribution function of them. Then multiple combination scenarios of water quantity and water quality were designed to analyze their coexistence relationship and reservoir management strategies. Taking Bai river, an important tributary into the Miyun Reservoir, as a study case. The results showed that it is feasible to apply Frank copula function to describe the jointed distribution function of water quality and water quantity for Bai river. Furthermore, the monitoring of TP concentration needs to be strengthen in Bai river. This methodology can be extended to larger dimensions and is transferable to other reservoirs via establishment of models with relevant data for a particular area. Our findings help better analyzing the coexistence relationship and influence degree of the water quantity and quality of the tributary to reservoir for the purpose of water resources protection.

Large variations in ocular dimensions in a multiethnic population with similar genetic background.

PubMed

Niu, Zhiqiang; Li, Jun; Zhong, Hua; Yuan, Zhonghua; Zhou, Hua; Zhang, Yang; Yuan, Yuansheng; Chen, Qin; Pan, Chen-Wei

2016-03-07

We aimed to describe the ethnic variations in ocular dimensions among three ethnic groups with similar genetic ancestry from mainland of China. We included 2119 ethnic Bai, 2202 ethnic Yi and 2183 ethnic Han adults aged 50 years or older in the study. Ocular dimensions including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) and lens thickness (LT) were measured using A-scan ultrasonography. Bai Chinese had longer ALs (P < 0.001), deeper ACDs (P < 0.001) but shallower VCDs (P < 0.001) compared with the other two ethnic groups. There were no ethnic variations in LTs. Diabetes was associated with shallower ACDs and this association was stronger in Bai Chinese compared with Yi or Han Chinese (P for interaction = 0.02). Thicker lenses were associated with younger age (P = 0.04), male gender (P < 0.001), smoking history (P = 0.01), alcohol intake (P = 0.03), the presence of cataract (P < 0.001), and the presence of diabetes (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in ocular dimensions among different ethnic groups with small differences in genetics but large variations in cultures and lifestyles.

The role of the harm avoidance personality in depression and anxiety during the medical internship.

PubMed

Chen, Ching-Yen; Lin, Sheng-Hsuan; Li, Peng; Huang, Wei-Lieh; Lin, Yu-Hsuan

2015-01-01

To determine whether physicians with harm avoidance (HA) personality traits were more prone to developing increased anxiety and depression during the medical internship. A prospective longitudinal study of 74 medical interns was carried out using repeated measures of symptoms of anxiety and depression with the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories (BAI and BDI) before, at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months during the internship, and 2 weeks after the internship was completed. Baseline personality was assessed by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire with 3 dimensions: novelty-seeking, HA, and reward dependence (RD). Levels of both depression and anxiety increased (6.4 and 3.4 on scores for BDI and BAI, respectively) during the internship and returned to baseline 2 weeks after it ended. HA scores were significantly correlated with depression and anxiety (0.3 scores on both the BDI and the BAI) and the scores for RD were significantly correlated with anxiety but not with depression. The interaction of HA and point in internship showed no significant differences. Internship plays a major role in the increase in depression and anxiety. A HA personality was also associated with the development of both depression and anxiety.

The Role of the Harm Avoidance Personality in Depression and Anxiety During the Medical Internship

PubMed Central

Chen, Ching-Yen; Lin, Sheng-Hsuan; Li, Peng; Huang, Wei-Lieh; Lin, Yu-Hsuan

2015-01-01

Abstract To determine whether physicians with harm avoidance (HA) personality traits were more prone to developing increased anxiety and depression during the medical internship. A prospective longitudinal study of 74 medical interns was carried out using repeated measures of symptoms of anxiety and depression with the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories (BAI and BDI) before, at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months during the internship, and 2 weeks after the internship was completed. Baseline personality was assessed by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire with 3 dimensions: novelty-seeking, HA, and reward dependence (RD). Levels of both depression and anxiety increased (6.4 and 3.4 on scores for BDI and BAI, respectively) during the internship and returned to baseline 2 weeks after it ended. HA scores were significantly correlated with depression and anxiety (0.3 scores on both the BDI and the BAI) and the scores for RD were significantly correlated with anxiety but not with depression. The interaction of HA and point in internship showed no significant differences. Internship plays a major role in the increase in depression and anxiety. A HA personality was also associated with the development of both depression and anxiety. PMID:25590843

LANGUAGES OF THE WORLD--SINO-TIBETAN FASCICLE THREE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VOEGELIN, C. F.; VOEGELIN, FLORENCE M.

THIS REPORT CONTAINS A LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF THE LANGUAGES OF THE CHINA-TIBET-BURMA REGION OF ASIA, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE MIAO-YAO LANGUAGE FAMILY AND THE CHINESE DIALECTS. (THE REPORT IS PART OF A SERIES, ED 010 350 TO ED 010 367.) (JK)

A Filtering Method to Reveal Crystalline Patterns from Atom Probe Microscopy Desorption Maps

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-26

Gault, S.P. Ringer, J.M. Cairney, Atom probe crystallography : characterization of grain boundary orientation relationships in nanocrystalline...J.M. Cairney, Atom probe crystallography : atomic- scale 3-D orientation mapping, Scr. Mater. 66 (11) (2012) 907. L. Yao /MethodsX 3 (2016) 268–273 273

[Philological structure of Dan xi shou jing (Danxi's Hand Mirror)].

PubMed

Chen, Yincan; Zhu, Jianping

2015-05-01

Zhu Danxi, one of the four Major Schools of the Jin-Yuan Dynasties, had a lot of works circulated with its authorship in disarray. Part of the works were compiled by his disciples, while others were by his self-taught followers based on prior circulated Danxi's originals, plus some apocryphal so-called Danxi's works circulated posthumously. When sorting out Danxi's Hand Mirror, we found that some of its contents are closely related to Bei ji qian jin yao fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies), Qian jin yi fang (Supplements to Qian jin yao fang), Tai ping sheng hui fang (Peaceful Holy Benevolent Prescriptions), Zhu jie shang han lun (Annotated Treatises of Cold Pathogenic Disease), Shang han ming li lun (Elucidation of Cold Pathogenic Disease), Ge zhi yu lun (Treatise of Inquiring the Properties of Things), either by transcription or with an identical origin. By clearing their relationships, it can provide assistance to the research of the philological structure of Danxi's hand Mirror.

Importance of Internet surveillance in public health emergency control and prevention: evidence from a digital epidemiologic study during avian influenza A H7N9 outbreaks.

PubMed

Gu, Hua; Chen, Bin; Zhu, Honghong; Jiang, Tao; Wang, Xinyi; Chen, Lei; Jiang, Zhenggang; Zheng, Dawei; Jiang, Jianmin

2014-01-17

Outbreaks of human infection with a new avian influenza A H7N9 virus occurred in China in the spring of 2013. Control and prevention of a new human infectious disease outbreak can be strongly affected by public reaction and social impact through the Internet and social media. This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of Internet surveillance in control and prevention of the human H7N9 outbreaks. Official data for the human H7N9 outbreaks were collected via the China National Health and Family Planning Committee website from March 31 to April 24, 2013. We obtained daily posted and forwarded number of blogs for the keyword "H7N9" from Sina microblog website and a daily Baidu Attention Index (BAI) from Baidu website, which reflected public attention to the outbreak. Rumors identified and confirmed by the authorities were collected from Baidu search engine. Both daily posted and forwarded number and BAI for keyword H7N9 increased quickly during the first 3 days of the outbreaks and remained at a high level for 5 days. The total daily posted and forwarded number for H7N9 on Sina microblog peaked at 850,000 on April 3, from zero blogs before March 31, increasing to 97,726 on April 1 and to 370,607 on April 2, and remaining above 500,000 from April 5-8 before declining to 208,524 on April 12. The total daily BAI showed a similar pattern of change to the total daily posted and forwarded number over time from March 31 to April 12. When the outbreak locations spread, especially into other areas of the same province/city and the capital, Beijing, daily posted and forwarded number and BAI increased again to a peak at 368,500 and 116,911, respectively. The median daily BAI during the studied 25 days was significantly higher among the 7 provinces/cities with reported human H7N9 cases than the 2 provinces without any cases (P<.001). So were the median daily posted and forwarded number and daily BAI in each province/city except Anhui province. We retrieved a total of 32

The MSAT spacecraft of Telesat Mobile, Inc.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertenyi, E.

The Canadian MSAT system will offer a mobile telephone, radio, and data services. The last two will be offered via feederlink earth stations. The earth stations will use a 13 GHz Ku-band uplink and an L-band for downlink from the satellite to mobile earth terminals. User access will be controlled by a network control center. The basic service area of MSAT includes the part of Canada which is accessible from the geostationary orbit of 106.5 deg W as well as the continental USA. The satellite will have a minimum service life of ten years. The main elements of the communication subsystem are the antennas which include two large unfurlable L-band reflectors and their feed elements, the cross-polarized Ku-band antenna, the L-band and Ku-band receivers, the up-down converters each serving one antennal beam, and the Ku-band travelling wave tube amplifiers and L-band solid state power amplifiers. Voice and data services are expected to be available in 1994.

Polymorphisms in nonhomologous end-joining genes associated with breast cancer risk and chromosomal radiosensitivity.

PubMed

Willems, Petra; Claes, Kathleen; Baeyens, Ans; Vandersickel, Veerle; Werbrouck, Joke; De Ruyck, Kim; Poppe, Bruce; Van den Broecke, Rudy; Makar, Amin; Marras, Emanuela; Perletti, Gianpaolo; Thierens, Hubert; Vral, Anne

2008-02-01

As enhanced chromosomal radiosensitivity (CRS) results from non- or misrepaired double strand breaks (DSBs) and is a hallmark for breast cancer and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DSB repair genes, such as non homologous end-joining (NHEJ) genes, could be involved in CRS and genetic predisposition to breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the association of five SNPs in three different NHEJ genes with breast cancer in a population-based case-control setting. The total patient population composed of a selected group of patients with a family history of the disease and an unselected group, consisting mainly of sporadic cases. SNP analysis showed that the c.2099-2408G>A SNP (XRCC5Ku80) [corrected] has a significant, positive odds ratio (OR) of 2.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30-6.05) for the heterozygous (He) and homozygous variant (HV) genotypes in the selected patient group. For the c.-1310 C>G SNP (XRCC6Ku70)[corrected] a significant OR of 1.85 (95%CI: 1.01-3.41) was found for the He genotype in the unselected patient group. On the contrary, the HV genotype of c.1781G>T (XRCC6Ku70) [corrected] displays a significant, negative OR of 0.43 (95%CI: 0.18-0.99) in the total patient population. The He+HV genotypes of the c.2099-2408G>A SNP (XRCC5Ku80) [corrected] also showed high and significant ORs in the group of "radiosensitive," familial breast cancer patients. In conclusion, our results provide preliminary evidence that the variant allele of c.-1310C>G (XRCC6Ku70) [corrected]and c.2099-2408G>A (XRCC5Ku80) [corrected] are risk alleles for breast cancer as well as CRS. The HV genotype of c.1781G>T (XRCC6Ku70) [corrected] on the contrary, seems to protect against breast cancer and ionizing radiation induced micronuclei. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Making the Road While Walking It: A Conversation with Richard Simpson

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zabel, Robert H.; Kaff, Marilyn; Teagarden, James

2016-01-01

Richard Simpson is professor of special education at the University of Kansas (KU). Dr. Simpson's duties at KU have included roles of staff psychologist, teaching associate, assistant professor, project director, associate professor, professor, and chairperson for the Department of Special Education. He has directed numerous University of Kansas…

Development of a Charged-particle Accumulator Using an RF Confinement Method II

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-24

Ryugo Hayano, Ph.D., Professor Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Tokyo,7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku,Tokyo 113-0033,Japan,JP,113-0033 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER AOARD

An Ecological Perspective on Learning Progressions as Road Maps for Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engelhard, George, Jr.; Sullivan, Rubye K.

2011-01-01

The Black, Wilson, and Yao (this issue) provide a wide-ranging commentary and vision of the interrelationships among curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. Specifically, they describe how the Berkeley Evaluation & Assessment Research (BEAR) Center Assessment System can be used to integrate and systematize these areas. This commentary focuses on…

Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Modeling Output Online

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

La Grange Pool of the Upper Mississippi River System: U.S. Geologi- cal Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin...information, please contact: Yao Yin1, Jim Rogala2, and Jason Rohweder3 USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center 2630 Fanta Reed Road La Crosse, WI

Comparative biology of three Scymnus lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): predators of Adelges tsugae (Homoptera: Adelgidae)

Treesearch

Wenhua Lu; Michael E. Montgomery

2000-01-01

Scymnus (Neopullus) sinuanodulus Yu et Yao, S. (N.) camptodromusYu et Liu, and Scymnus (Neopullus) n. sp. (in press) were collected in the People's Republic of China from hemlocks infested with the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand. To date, 3 of the 14 provinces in China where...

Biology of Scymnus ningshanensis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): A predator of Adelges tsugae (Homoptera: Adelgidae)

Treesearch

Michael Montgomery; Hongbin Wang; Defu Yao; Wenhau Lu; Nathan Havill; Guangwu Li

2002-01-01

Information is presented on the occurrence, development, and feeding of Scymnus (Neopullus) ningshanensis Yu et Yao. Information on its biology was collected in the field and laboratory in China and in quarantine in the United States. This lady beetle was found in China only on hemlock infested with ...

The Best Obesity Indices to Discriminate Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Motamed, Nima; Rabiee, Behnam; Keyvani, Hossein; Hemasi, Gholam Reza; Khonsari, Mahmood; Saeedian, Fatemeh Sima; Maadi, Mansooreh; Zamani, Farhad

2016-06-01

It is expected that the number of people with diabetes will reach 435 million by 2030. Obesity is considered the most important predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted the present study to determine the best usual discriminator indices of obesity to diagnose diabetes mellitus (DM). Of 6143 subjects aged 10-90 years from a baseline cohort study, the data of 5772 participants aged >18 years and without history of type 1 diabetes were utilized to analyze in this study. The cohort study was carried out in northern Iran and sampling frame was provided from related local health centers. The capability of obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body adiposity index (BAI), in the discrimination of DM was evaluated. Discriminatory capabilities were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the strength of association between obesity indices and DM. The areas under ROC curve of BAI, BMI, WC, and WHR were 0.6244 (0.5918-0.6570), 0.6214 (0.5908-0.6520), 0.6636 (0.6341-0.6930), and 0.7303 (0.7032-0.7575) in men and 0.5961 (0.5674-0.6249), 0.5963 (0.5690-0.6235), 0.6850 (0.6593-0.7108), and 0.7529 (0.7297-0.7761) in women, respectively. In the multivariate model, one unit increase in Z-score of BMI, WC, and WHR increased the chance of DM by 49%, 65%, and 51% in men and by 17%, 51%, and 67% in women, respectively. No association was found between DM and BAI in this model. While WHR had an appropriate discriminatory capability for T2DM in the population of northern Iran, BAI and BMI did not.

Mistletoe effects on Scots pine decline following drought events: insights from within-tree spatial patterns, growth and carbohydrates.

PubMed

Sangüesa-Barreda, Gabriel; Linares, Juan Carlos; Camarero, J Julio

2012-05-01

Forest decline has been attributed to the interaction of several stressors including biotic factors such as mistletoes and climate-induced drought stress. However, few data exist on how mistletoes are spatially arranged within trees and how this spatial pattern is related to changes in radial growth, responses to drought stress and carbon use. We used dendrochronology to quantify how mistletoe (Viscum album L.) infestation and drought stress affected long-term growth patterns in Pinus sylvestris L. at different heights. Basal area increment (BAI) trends and comparisons between trees of three different infestation degrees (without mistletoe, ID1; moderately infested trees, ID2; and severely infested trees, ID3) were performed using linear mixed-effects models. To identify the main climatic drivers of tree growth tree-ring widths were converted into indexed chronologies and related to climate data using correlation functions. We performed spatial analyses of the 3D distribution of mistletoe individuals and their ages within the crowns of three severely infested pines to describe their patterns. Lastly, we quantified carbohydrate and nitrogen concentrations in needles and sapwood of branches from severely infested trees and from trees without mistletoe. Mistletoe individuals formed strongly clustered groups of similar age within tree crowns and their age increased towards the crown apex. Mistletoe infestation negatively impacted growth but this effect was stronger near the tree apex than in the rest of sampled heights, causing an average loss of 64% in BAI (loss of BAI was ∼51% at 1.3 m or near the tree base). We found that BAI of severely infested trees and moderately or non-infested trees diverged since 2001 and such divergence was magnified by drought. Infested trees had lower concentrations of soluble sugars in their needles than non-infested ones. We conclude that mistletoe infestation causes growth decline and increases the sensitivity of trees to drought

Comparative study of angiostatic and anti-invasive gene expressions as prognostic factors in gastric cancer.

PubMed

Lee, J H; Koh, J T; Shin, B A; Ahn, K Y; Roh, J H; Kim, Y J; Kim, K K

2001-02-01

Genes involving angiogenesis and metastasis play an important role in the progression and infiltration of cancer. We examined the expressions of various angiostatic and potential invasion/metastasis suppressor genes through RT-PCR analyses in 32 gastric cancer specimens with or without distant metastasis. The expressions of the invasion/metastasis suppressor, nm23 and E-cadherin increased much more in the cancer tissue (CT) and metastatic lymph node (MLN) than in the extraneoplastic mucosa (EM) and non-metastatic lymph node (NLN), respectively. The expressions of the angiostatic factor, angiopoietin 2 and thrombospondin 2 increased in the CT and MLN as compared with the EM and NLN, respectively. The newly cloned angiostatic factor, brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) decreased much more in the CT and MLN than the EM and NLN, respectively. However, BAI1 increased in the CT compared with the EM among the patients with poor prognosis and distant metastasis, such as liver or peritoneum. The expressions of the invasive factor, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and its suppressor, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) increased in the CM as compared with the EM, but the increased expression pattern of these genes in the CT became blunted among the patients with good prognosis. Our results indicate that BAI1 and TIMP-2 expressions in the extraneoplastic mucosa and non-metastatic lymph nodes were not suppressed in the patients with good prognosis, but increased expressions of angiopoietin 2, thrombospondin 2, TIMP-2, nm23 and E-cadherin in the tumor tissue did not lead to a long survival after operation. It is suggested that the extent of BAI1 and TIMP-2 expression in the gastric mucosa may be an important prognostic factor for predicting survival in gastric cancer.

Inhibiting DNA-PK{sub CS} radiosensitizes human osteosarcoma cells

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

Mamo, Tewodros; Mladek, Ann C.; Shogren, Kris L.

Osteosarcoma survival rate has not improved over the past three decades, and the debilitating side effects of the surgical treatment suggest the need for alternative local control approaches. Radiotherapy is largely ineffective in osteosarcoma, indicating a potential role for radiosensitizers. Blocking DNA repair, particularly by inhibiting the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK{sub CS}), is an attractive option for the radiosensitization of osteosarcoma. In this study, the expression of DNA-PK{sub CS} in osteosarcoma tissue specimens and cell lines was examined. Moreover, the small molecule DNA-PK{sub CS} inhibitor, KU60648, was investigated as a radiosensitizing strategy for osteosarcoma cells in vitro. DNA-PK{submore » CS} was consistently expressed in the osteosarcoma tissue specimens and cell lines studied. Additionally, KU60648 effectively sensitized two of those osteosarcoma cell lines (143B cells by 1.5-fold and U2OS cells by 2.5-fold). KU60648 co-treatment also altered cell cycle distribution and enhanced DNA damage. Cell accumulation at the G2/M transition point increased by 55% and 45%, while the percentage of cells with >20 γH2AX foci were enhanced by 59% and 107% for 143B and U2OS cells, respectively. These results indicate that the DNA-PK{sub CS} inhibitor, KU60648, is a promising radiosensitizing agent for osteosarcoma. - Highlights: • DNA-PKcs is consistently expressed in human osteosarcoma tissue and cell lines. • The DNA-PKcs inhibitor, KU60648, effectively radiosensitizes osteosarcoma cells. • Combining KU60648 with radiation increases G2/M accumulation and DNA damage.« less

Replication-Dependent Radiosensitization of Human Glioma Cells by Inhibition of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

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

Dungey, Fiona A.; Loeser, Dana A.; Chalmers, Anthony J.

2008-11-15

Purpose: Current treatments for glioblastoma multiforme are inadequate and limited by the radiation sensitivity of normal brain. Because glioblastoma multiforme are rapidly proliferating tumors within nondividing normal tissue, the therapeutic ratio might be enhanced by combining radiotherapy with a replication-specific radiosensitizer. KU-0059436 (AZD2281) is a potent and nontoxic inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) undergoing a Phase II clinical trial as a single agent. Methods and Materials: Based on previous observations that the radiosensitizing effects of PARP inhibition are more pronounced in dividing cells, we investigated the mechanisms underlying radiosensitization of human glioma cells by KU-0059436, evaluating the replication dependence ofmore » this effect and its therapeutic potential. Results: KU-0059436 increased the radiosensitivity of four human glioma cell lines (T98G, U373-MG, UVW, and U87-MG). Radiosensitization was enhanced in populations synchronized in S phase and abrogated by concomitant exposure to aphidicolin. Sensitization was further enhanced when the inhibitor was combined with a fractionated radiation schedule. KU-0059436 delayed repair of radiation-induced DNA breaks and was associated with a replication-dependent increase in {gamma}H2AX and Rad51 foci. Conclusion: The results of our study have shown that KU-0059436 increases radiosensitivity in a replication-dependent manner that is enhanced by fractionation. A mechanism is proposed whereby PARP inhibition increases the incidence of collapsed replication forks after ionizing radiation, generating persistent DNA double-strand breaks. These observations indicate that KU-0059436 is likely to enhance the therapeutic ratio achieved by radiotherapy in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. A Phase I clinical trial is in development.« less

Simulation and Assessment of a Ku-Band Full-Polarized Radar Scatterometer for Ocean Surface Vector Wind Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, X.; Lin, W.; Zhu, D.; Song, Z.

2011-12-01

Spaceborne radar scatterometry is the most important tool for global ocean surface wind vector (OSVW) measurement. Performances under condition of high-wind speed and accuracy of wind direction retrievals are two very important concerns for the development of OSVW measurement techniques by radar scatterometry. Co-polarized sigma 0 measurements are employed, for all the spaceborne radar scatterometers developed in past, and future planned missions. The main disadvantages of co-polarized only radar scatterometers for OSVW measurement are: firstly, wind vector retrieval performances varies with the position of the wind vector cells (WVC) within the swath, where WVCs with small incident angels with weaker modulation effect between sigma0 and azimuth incident angle, and the WVCs located in the outer part of the swath with lower signal-to-noise ratio and lower radiometric accuracies, have worse retrieval performances; secondly, for co-polarization measurements, Sigma 0 is the even function of the azimuth incident angle with respect to the real wind direction, which can results in directional ambiguity, and more additional information is need for the ambiguity removal. Theoretical and experimental results show that the cross-polarization measurement can provide complementary directional information to the co-polarization measurements, which can provide useful improvement to the wind vector retrieval performances. In this paper, the simulation and performance assessment of a full-polarized Ku-band radar scatterometer are provided. Some important conclusions are obtained: (1) Compared with available dual co-polarized radar scatterometer, the introduction of cross-polarization information can significantly improve the OSVW retrieval accuracies, where a relatively identical performance can be obtained within the whole swath. Simulation show that without significantly power increase, system design based on rotating-pencil beam design has much better performances than rotation

Osteosarcopenic obesity and its relationship with dyslipidemia in women from different ethnic groups of China.

PubMed

Mo, Dan; Hsieh, Peishan; Yu, Hongrong; Zhou, Lining; Gong, Jichun; Xu, Lin; Liu, Peng; Chen, Gang; Chen, Zhao; Deng, Qiongying

2018-06-09

To explore the prevalence and ethnic differences of osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) and dyslipidemia and their relationship among Maonan, Mulam, Hmong, and Yao minorities in China. A total of 2315 Maonan, Mulam, Hmong, and Yao women aged 20-95 from Guangxi were included in this study. Questionnaire survey was carried out and their blood lipids were tested. Body compositions were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and T-score was assessed by ultrasonic examination, respectively. Our study showed ethnic-specific prevalence of OSO. In older women, the incidence rates of OSO in Mulam were 4.9, 12.6, and 11.5% in Maonan, Mulam, and Hmong ethnicity, respectively. In younger group, the incidence rates of OSO were 0.4, 0.4, and 0.6%, respectively. However, there is no prevalence of OSO in Yao women in two groups. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in younger women was 22.86, 29.89, 43.35, and 80.00% in group numbering one, two, and three, respectively. In older women, it was 29.13, 39.02, 41.37, and 52.38%, respectively. Based on logistic regression analysis, after controlling for covariates, dyslipidemia in younger group was positively associated with a higher number of adverse body composition, especially for OSO (OR = 12.53, 95%CI 1.34-116.99). Compared with normal women, OSO women in older group were also more likely to have dyslipidemia (OR = 6.75, 95%CI 3.19-14.31). OSO may be a risk factor for dyslipidemia in the ethnic groups. Thus, efforts to promote healthy aging should be focused on preventing obesity and maintaining bone health and muscle mass.

The University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening Laboratory. Part II: enabling collaborative drug-discovery partnerships through cutting-edge screening technology

PubMed Central

McDonald, Peter R; Roy, Anuradha; Chaguturu, Rathnam

2011-01-01

The University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening (KU HTS) core is a state-of-the-art drug-discovery facility with an entrepreneurial open-service policy, which provides centralized resources supporting public- and private-sector research initiatives. The KU HTS core was established in 2002 at the University of Kansas with support from an NIH grant and the state of Kansas. It collaborates with investigators from national and international academic, nonprofit and pharmaceutical organizations in executing HTS-ready assay development and screening of chemical libraries for target validation, probe selection, hit identification and lead optimization. This is part two of a contribution from the KU HTS laboratory. PMID:21806374

The University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening Laboratory. Part II: enabling collaborative drug-discovery partnerships through cutting-edge screening technology.

PubMed

McDonald, Peter R; Roy, Anuradha; Chaguturu, Rathnam

2011-07-01

The University of Kansas High-Throughput Screening (KU HTS) core is a state-of-the-art drug-discovery facility with an entrepreneurial open-service policy, which provides centralized resources supporting public- and private-sector research initiatives. The KU HTS core was established in 2002 at the University of Kansas with support from an NIH grant and the state of Kansas. It collaborates with investigators from national and international academic, nonprofit and pharmaceutical organizations in executing HTS-ready assay development and screening of chemical libraries for target validation, probe selection, hit identification and lead optimization. This is part two of a contribution from the KU HTS laboratory.

Multitude scaling laws in axisymmetric turbulent wake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Layek, G. C.; Sunita

2018-03-01

We establish theoretically multitude scaling laws of a self-similar (statistical) axisymmetric turbulent wake. At infinite Reynolds number limit, the flow evolves as general power law and a new exponential law of streamwise distance, consistent with the criterion of equilibrium similarity hypothesis. We found power law scalings for components of the homogeneous dissipation rate (ɛ) obeying the non-Richardson-Kolmogorov cascade as ɛu˜ku3 /2/(l R elm ) , ɛv˜kv3 /2/l , kv˜ku/R el2 m, 0 < m < 3. Here ku and kv are the components of the Reynolds normal stress, l is the local length scale, and Rel is the Reynolds number. The Richardson-Kolmogorov cascade corresponds to m = 0. For m ≈ 1, the power law agrees with non-equilibrium scaling laws observed in recent experiments of the axisymmetric wake. On the contrary, the exponential scaling law follows the above dissipation law with different regions of existence for power index m = 3. At finite Reynolds number with kinematic viscosity ν, scalings obey the dissipation laws ɛu ˜ νku/l2 and ɛv ˜ νkv/l2 with kv˜ku/R eln. The value of n is preferably 0 and 2. Different possibilities of scaling laws and symmetry breaking process are discussed at length.

Parenteral formulation of an antileishmanial drug candidate--tackling poor solubility, chemical instability, and polymorphism.

PubMed

Kupetz, Eva; Preu, Lutz; Kunick, Conrad; Bunjes, Heike

2013-11-01

The paullon chalcone derivative KuRei300 is active against Leishmania donovani, the protozoans causing visceral leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was the development of a parenteral formulation of the virtually water insoluble compound in order to enable future studies in mice. Mixed lecithin/bile salt micelles, liposomes, supercooled smectic cholesterol myristate nanoparticles, cubic phase nanoparticles and a triglyceride emulsion were screened for their solubilizing properties. Due to the limited available amount of KuRei300 a passive loading approach with pre-formulated carriers that were incubated with drug substance deposited onto the walls of glass vials was used. The loading capacities of the nanocarriers, the influence of the solid state properties of the drug and its deposits on the loading results and chemical stability aspects of KuRei300 were investigated. Employed methods included HPLC, UV spectroscopy, (1)H NMR, XRPD, and DSC. All nanocarriers substantially improved the solubility of KuRei300; the mixed micelles exhibited the highest drug load. Related to the lipid matrix, however, the smectic nanoparticles solubilized the significantly highest amount of drug. Loading from physically altered drug deposits improved the obtainable concentration to the threefold compared with untreated drug powder. Formulations with KuRei300 must be stored excluded from light under a nitrogen atmosphere as the substance is susceptible to photoisomerization and decomposition. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Microcystin-LR-Induced Testis Germ Cell Apoptosis in Rats via SIRT1 Signaling Pathway Activation.

PubMed

Liu, Haohao; Zhang, Shenshen; Liu, Chuanrui; Wu, Jinxia; Wang, Yueqin; Yuan, Le; Du, Xingde; Wang, Rui; Marwa, Phelisters Wegesa; Zhuang, Donggang; Cheng, Xuemin; Zhang, Huizhen

2018-06-09

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), a cyclic heptapeptide produced by cyanobacteria, is a strong reproductive toxin. Studies performed in rat Sertoli cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells have demonstrated typical apoptosis after MC-LR exposure. However, little is known on how to protect against the reproductive toxicity induced by MC-LR. The present study aimed to explore the possible molecular mechanism underlying the anti-apoptosis and protective effects of resveratrol (RES) on the co-culture of Sertoli⁻germ cells and rat testes. The results demonstrated that MC-LR treatment inhibited the proliferation of Sertoli⁻germ cells and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Bcl-2 were inhibited, while p53 and Ku70 acetylation, Bax expression, and cleaved caspase-3 were upregulated by MC-LR. However, RES pretreatment ameliorated MC-LR-induced apoptosis and SIRT1 inhibition, and downregulated the MC-LR-induced increase in p53 and Ku70 acetylation, Bax expression, and caspase-3 activation. In addition, RES reversed the MC-LR-mediated reduction in Ku70 binding to Bax. The present study indicated that the administration of RES could ameliorate MC-LR-induced Sertoli⁻germ cell apoptosis and protect against reproductive toxicity in rats by stimulating the SIRT1/p53 pathway, suppressing p53 and Ku70 acetylation and enhancing the binding of Ku70 to Bax.

Mood, anxiety, and incomplete seizure control affect quality of life after epilepsy surgery

PubMed Central

Blackmon, Karen; Cong, Xiangyu; Dziura, James; Atlas, Lauren Y.; Vickrey, Barbara G.; Berg, Anne T.; Bazil, Carl W.; Langfitt, John T.; Walczak, Thaddeus S.; Sperling, Michael R.; Shinnar, Shlomo; Devinsky, Orrin

2014-01-01

Objective: We examined the complex relationship between depression, anxiety, and seizure control and quality of life (QOL) outcomes after epilepsy surgery. Methods: Seven epilepsy centers enrolled 373 patients and completed a comprehensive diagnostic workup and psychiatric and follow-up QOL evaluation. Subjects were evaluated before surgery and then at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 60 months after surgery. Standardized assessments included the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory–89, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A mixed-model repeated-measures analysis was used to analyze associations of depression, anxiety, seizure outcome, and seizure history with overall QOL score and QOL subscores (cognitive distress, physical health, mental health, epilepsy-targeted) prospectively. Results: The groups with excellent and good seizure control showed a significant positive effect on the overall QOL compared to the groups with fair and poor seizure control. The BDI and BAI scores were both highly and negatively associated with overall QOL; increases in BDI and BAI scores were associated with decreased overall QOL score. Conclusions: Depression and anxiety are strongly and independently associated with worse QOL after epilepsy surgery. Interestingly, even partial seizure control, controlling for depression and anxiety levels, improved QOL. Management of mood and anxiety is a critical component to postsurgical care. PMID:24489129

[Prevalence of Depressive and Anxious Symptomatology in 14-18 ys-old Students from a Private School in Medellin].

PubMed

Ramírez, Carmenza Ricardo; Álvarez, Matilde; Prieto, Germán Valencia; Otálvaro, Felipe Tirado

2012-09-01

This study describes prevalence of depressive and anxious symptoms together with family, environmental and personal risk factors in a group of adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age in a private school of Medellín. An analytic observational cross sectional study was performed in 152 adolescents, evaluating sociodemographic aspects and prevalence of depressive and anxious symptomatology, as established through BDI-II and BAI. Average age was 15.4 ± 0.9 years old, with a 25% prevalence of anxiety symptoms and 25.7% of depressive symptoms. From the 38 (25%) students with BAI positive, 26 (68.4%) were BDI positive, and from the 39 (25.6%) students with BDI positive, 26 (66.7%) were BAI positive. the risk factors for anxiety and depressive symptomatology were: being a woman, being a victim of bullying and abuse. Having friends was the protective factors for depressive symptomatology. There was a statistical association between self-report of depressive and anxiety symptomatology; between the anxiety self-report and the depressive symptomatology; as well as between depressive and anxiety symptomatology and parents' perception of such symptoms. Copyright © 2012 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

[Textual research on the time of completion of XU Shuwei' books on exo-pathogenic cold diseases].

PubMed

Lu, Mingxin

2015-11-01

Shang han bai zheng ge (Poets of Syndromes of Exo-pathogenic Cold Disease), Shang han fa wei lun (Discourse on Elucidation of Exo-pathogenic Cold Disease), Shang han jiu shi lun (90 Discourses on Exo-pathogenic Cold Disease) were the three extant books on exo-pathogenic cold disease written by Xu Shuwei among his other works of its kind. Although there were carved editions of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, these books were gradually paid attention for citations by other physicians till the Qing Dynasty. Through comparison of its texts, it can be found that the title of Shang han bai zheng ge was mentioned in his other medical works. While Shang han fa wei lun and Shang han jiu shi lun contained some overlapping contents, some even carrying concept contradictory to each other. According to historical materials, Xu Shuwei began to write the above-mentioned 3 books in the Northern Song Dynasty. In the several early years of the Southern Song Dynasty after crossing the Yangtze River, he collected the remained manuscripts and continued to write. Among them, Shang han bai zheng ge was completed first, followed by Shang han fa wei lun, with Shang han jiu shi lun came as the last.

Partial Orders Cannot Be Measured

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kyngdon, Andrew

2011-01-01

Black, Wilson, and Yao (this issue) commendably attempt to put descriptive theory at the center of pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum. The thrust of their article is that only through theories of learning will student progression be properly understood. Casting a critical eye over the faddish distinction between "formative" and "summative"…

The Effects of Rater Severity and Rater Distribution on Examinees' Ability Estimation for Constructed-Response Items. Research Report. ETS RR-13-23

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Zhen; Yao, Lihua

2013-01-01

The current study used simulated data to investigate the properties of a newly proposed method (Yao's rater model) for modeling rater severity and its distribution under different conditions. Our study examined the effects of rater severity, distributions of rater severity, the difference between item response theory (IRT) models with rater effect…

TESL Reporter, Vol. 4, No. 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pack, Alice C., Ed.

This issue of "TESL Reporter" presents the following articles: "Language Acquisition and Dialectalism" by Patricia G. Adkins, "Supplementation of Opposites in Simple Predicate Expansion" by Yao Shen, and "Form Class Baseball: A TESL Game" by Alice C. Pack. The meaning today of dialectal speech, or "bidialectal speech," is addressed by Patricia…

Targeting Alpha5 Beta1 Integrin to Prevent Metastatic Breast Cancer Cell Invasion: PhScN Target Site Definition and Plasma Stability

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

12192595 12. Yao, H., D. Veine, K. Fay, E. Staszewski, et al., The PHSCN dendrimer as a more potent inhibitor of human breast cancer cell...Z.Z. Zeng, K.S. Fay, et al., Increased potency of the PHSCN dendrimer as an inhibitor of human prostate cancer cell invasion, extravasation, and lung

An Investigative Study into Perspectives and Experiences of Incubates at the Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre at the Kenyatta University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munyanyiwa, Takaruza; Mutsau, Morgen; Rudhumbu, Norman; Svotwa, Douglas

2016-01-01

The study presents results from an investigative study undertaken at the Kenyatta University (KU) Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre. A total of 10 incubates representing 10 projects were engaged in face to face interviews. The incubates were appreciative of the value that incubation centre such as the one at KU contributed to…

Therapeutic efficacy of tumor-derived heat shock protein 70 immunotherapy combining interleukin-2 on tumor-bearing mice.

PubMed

Fu, Qingguo; Meng, Fandong; Shen, Xiaodong; Guo, Renxuan

2003-02-01

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of compound immunotherapy of tumor-derived heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) on tumor-bearing mice, and to provide reference for translating this strategy to human cancer. Cell culture, techniques for protein extraction and purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blot and capillary electrophoresis for HSP70 detection and purity analysis, and animal experiments were used. Mice were treated with HSP70 5 or 10 microg and IL-2 50 kU, 100 kU or 2 kU (maintaining dosage) at previously designated intervals. Both the mono-administration of either HSP70 or IL-2 and the compound immunotherapy of HSP70 and IL-2 obviously inhibited the growth of the implanted tumor and prolonged the life span of the mice to different extents. However, long periods of tumor-free survival (over 90 days) were demonstrated only in HSP70 10 micro g group, HSP70 10 microg-IL-2 50 kU group, and HSP70 10 microg-IL-2 100 kU group (40%, 40%, 60% respectively). On the other hand, none of the mice in the rest groups achieved long-term survival. Statistical significance was apparent in comparison with the groups without long period survival (P < 0.025 - 0.05). Our research revealed that tumor-derived HSP70 immunotherapy was much more effective than IL-2 alone. And in compound immunotherapy, HSP70 was the main factor in delaying or eradicating the tumors. The proper combination of HSP70 and IL-2 (10 microg HSP70 and 100 kU IL-2 in this experimental mouse model) clearly enhanced the immunotherapy efficacy which indicated that the specific immunotherapy as a main part of tumor immunotherapy assisted by cytokine immunotherapy would be a promising strategy in cancer treatment.

Analysis of the Functions of Recombination-Related Genes in the Generation of Large Chromosomal Deletions by Loop-Out Recombination in Aspergillus oryzae

PubMed Central

Ogawa, Masahiro; Koyama, Yasuji

2012-01-01

Loop-out-type recombination is a type of intrachromosomal recombination followed by the excision of a chromosomal region. The detailed mechanism underlying this recombination and the genes involved in loop-out recombination remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the functions of ku70, ligD, rad52, rad54, and rdh54 in the construction of large chromosomal deletions via loop-out recombination and the effect of the position of the targeted chromosomal region on the efficiency of loop-out recombination in Aspergillus oryzae. The efficiency of generation of large chromosomal deletions in the near-telomeric region of chromosome 3, including the aflatoxin gene cluster, was compared with that in the near-centromeric region of chromosome 8, including the tannase gene. In the Δku70 and Δku70-rdh54 strains, only precise loop-out recombination occurred in the near-telomeric region. In contrast, in the ΔligD, Δku70-rad52, and Δku70-rad54 strains, unintended chromosomal deletions by illegitimate loop-out recombination occurred in the near-telomeric region. In addition, large chromosomal deletions via loop-out recombination were efficiently achieved in the near-telomeric region, but barely achieved in the near-centromeric region, in the Δku70 strain. Induction of DNA double-strand breaks by I-SceI endonuclease facilitated large chromosomal deletions in the near-centromeric region. These results indicate that ligD, rad52, and rad54 play a role in the generation of large chromosomal deletions via precise loop-out-type recombination in the near-telomeric region and that loop-out recombination between distant sites is restricted in the near-centromeric region by chromosomal structure. PMID:22286092

Development and characterization of a novel C-terminal inhibitor of Hsp90 in androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer cells

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The molecular chaperone, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has been shown to be overexpressed in a number of cancers, including prostate cancer, making it an important target for drug discovery. Unfortunately, results with N-terminal inhibitors from initial clinical trials have been disappointing, as toxicity and resistance resulting from induction of the heat shock response (HSR) has led to both scheduling and administration concerns. Therefore, Hsp90 inhibitors that do not induce the heat shock response represent a promising new direction for the treatment of prostate cancer. Herein, the development of a C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor, KU174, is described, which demonstrates anti-cancer activity in prostate cancer cells in the absence of a HSR and describe a novel approach to characterize Hsp90 inhibition in cancer cells. Methods PC3-MM2 and LNCaP-LN3 cells were used in both direct and indirect in vitro Hsp90 inhibition assays (DARTS, Surface Plasmon Resonance, co-immunoprecipitation, luciferase, Western blot, anti-proliferative, cytotoxicity and size exclusion chromatography) to characterize the effects of KU174 in prostate cancer cells. Pilot in vivo efficacy studies were also conducted with KU174 in PC3-MM2 xenograft studies. Results KU174 exhibits robust anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activity along with client protein degradation and disruption of Hsp90 native complexes without induction of a HSR. Furthermore, KU174 demonstrates direct binding to the Hsp90 protein and Hsp90 complexes in cancer cells. In addition, in pilot in-vivo proof-of-concept studies KU174 demonstrates efficacy at 75 mg/kg in a PC3-MM2 rat tumor model. Conclusions Overall, these findings suggest C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitors have potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of prostate cancer. PMID:22039910

Effect of microbial inoculant or molasses on fermentative quality and aerobic stability of sawdust-based spent mushroom substrate.

PubMed

Kim, J S; Lee, Y H; Kim, Y I; Ahmadi, F; Oh, Y K; Park, J M; Kwak, W S

2016-09-01

In the first experiment, the effect of two novel Lactobacillus plantarum strains was studied on the fermentation of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) through 10d of ensiling. Based on lactic acid production and lactic acid bacteria population, L. plantarum KU5 was identified as the best strain for fermentation with a 5-L bag silo. Spent mushroom substrate was ensiled with 0.5% (v/w) L. plantarum KU5 without or with 5% molasses. Silages treated with microbial inoculant and molasses had the lowest pH and the highest fermentative odors. In a second set of experiments similar to the above 5-L silo study, the simultaneous application of L. plantarum KU5 inoculant and molasses to 80-L silos improved fermentability and aerobic stability of SMS silages. For similar treatment using ton-bag silos, aerobic stability decreased and NH3-N content increased dramatically. In conclusion, sawdust-based SMS for animal use was successfully ensiled with L. plantarum KU5 inoculant and molasses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Joint Venture Model of Knowledge Utilization: a guide for change in nursing.

PubMed

Edgar, Linda; Herbert, Rosemary; Lambert, Sylvie; MacDonald, Jo-Ann; Dubois, Sylvie; Latimer, Margot

2006-05-01

Knowledge utilization (KU) is an essential component of today's nursing practice and healthcare system. Despite advances in knowledge generation, the gap in knowledge transfer from research to practice continues. KU models have moved beyond factors affecting the individual nurse to a broader perspective that includes the practice environment and the socio-political context. This paper proposes one such theoretical model the Joint Venture Model of Knowledge Utilization (JVMKU). Key components of the JVMKU that emerged from an extensive multidisciplinary review of the literature include leadership, emotional intelligence, person, message, empowered workplace and the socio-political environment. The model has a broad and practical application and is not specific to one type of KU or one population. This paper provides a description of the JVMKU, its development and suggested uses at both local and organizational levels. Nurses in both leadership and point-of-care positions will recognize the concepts identified and will be able to apply this model for KU in their own workplace for assessment of areas requiring strengthening and support.

Biocontrol Activity of Volatile-Producing Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas protegens against Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Production on Stored Rice Grains

PubMed Central

Mannaa, Mohamed; Oh, Ji Yeon

2017-01-01

In our previous study, three bacterial strains, Bacillus megaterium KU143, Microbacterium testaceum KU313, and Pseudomonas protegens AS15, were selected as effective biocontrol agents against Aspergillus flavus on stored rice grains. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of the volatiles produced by the strains on A. flavus growth and aflatoxin production on stored rice grains. The three strains significantly reduced mycelial growth of A. flavus in dual-culture assays compared with the negative control strain, Sphingomonas aquatilis KU408, and an untreated control. Of these tested strains, volatiles produced by B. megaterium KU143 and P. protegens AS15 markedly inhibited mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidial germination of A. flavus on agar medium and suppressed the fungal populations in rice grains. Moreover, volatiles produced by these two strains significantly reduced aflatoxin production in the rice grains by A. flavus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the suppression of A. flavus aflatoxin production in rice grains using B. megaterium and P. protegens volatiles. PMID:29138628

TDRSS S-shuttle unique receiver equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinberg, A.; Schwartz, J. J.; Spearing, R.

1985-01-01

Beginning with STS-9, the Tracking and Date Relay Satellite system (TDRSS) will start providing S- and Ku-band communications and tracking support to the Space Shuttle and its payloads. The most significant element of this support takes place at the TDRSS White Sands Ground Terminal, which processes the Shuttle return link S- and Ku-band signals. While Ku-band hardware available to other TDRSS users is also applied to Ku-Shuttle, stringent S-Shuttle link margins have precluded the application of the standard TDRSS S-band processing equipment to S-Shuttle. It was therfore found necessary to develop a unique S-Shuttle Receiver that embodies state-of-the-art digital technology and processing techniques. This receiver, developed by Motorola, Inc., enhances link margins by 1.5 dB relative to the standard S-band equipment and its bit error rate performance is within a few tenths of a dB of theory. An overview description of the Space Shuttle Receiver Equipment (SSRE) is presented which includes the presentation of block diagrams and salient design features. Selected, measured performance results are also presented.

Intrusion Detection and Forensics for Self-Defending Wireless Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

ICNP), Nov. 2007. 5. Yao Zhao, Yan Chen, Bo Li, and Qian Zhang, Hop ID: A Virtual Coordinate based Routing for Sparse Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, in...Liu, Hongbo Zhao, Kai Chen and Yan Chen, " DISCO : Memory Efficient and Accurate Flow Statistics for Network Measurement", in the Proc. of IEEE ICDCS

New species and records of the stonefly genus Neoperla (Plecoptera, Perlidae) from Jinhuacha Nature Reserve, Guangxi of China.

PubMed

Wang, Guo-Quan; Li, Wei-Hai; Yang, Juan

2013-01-01

Two new Neoperla species (Neoperla mesospina, Neoperla latispina) are described from the adult male stage from the Jinhuacha Nature Reserve, Guangxi of China. The new species are compared with similar taxa. Taxonomic remarks are also provided for N. transversprojecta Du & Sivec and N. yao Stark. The latter species is newly recorded for Guangxi.

Targeting Alpha5 Beta1 Integrin to Prevent Metastatic Breast Cancer Cell Invasion: PhScN Target Site Definition and Plasma Stability

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

dendrimer as a more potent inhibitor of human breast cancer cell invasion, extravasation, and lung colony formation. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment...2011. 125: p. 363-375. PMID: 20300829 13. Yao, H., D.M. Veine, Z.Z. Zeng, K.S. Fay, et al., Increased potency of the PHSCN dendrimer as an inhibitor of

Road Maps for Learning: A Bird's Eye View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunne, Timothy T.

2011-01-01

The notion of the road map, advocated by Black, Wilson, and Yao (2011), and the associated minutiae of the construct map have several powerful features. At one level these notions assist the teacher to select and embody a suitable sequence of constructs within a specified curriculum. Whatever disparate sequenced pathways individual learners may…

Importance of Internet Surveillance in Public Health Emergency Control and Prevention: Evidence From a Digital Epidemiologic Study During Avian Influenza A H7N9 Outbreaks

PubMed Central

Zhu, Honghong; Jiang, Tao; Wang, Xinyi; Chen, Lei; Jiang, Zhenggang; Zheng, Dawei

2014-01-01

Background Outbreaks of human infection with a new avian influenza A H7N9 virus occurred in China in the spring of 2013. Control and prevention of a new human infectious disease outbreak can be strongly affected by public reaction and social impact through the Internet and social media. Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of Internet surveillance in control and prevention of the human H7N9 outbreaks. Methods Official data for the human H7N9 outbreaks were collected via the China National Health and Family Planning Committee website from March 31 to April 24, 2013. We obtained daily posted and forwarded number of blogs for the keyword “H7N9” from Sina microblog website and a daily Baidu Attention Index (BAI) from Baidu website, which reflected public attention to the outbreak. Rumors identified and confirmed by the authorities were collected from Baidu search engine. Results Both daily posted and forwarded number and BAI for keyword H7N9 increased quickly during the first 3 days of the outbreaks and remained at a high level for 5 days. The total daily posted and forwarded number for H7N9 on Sina microblog peaked at 850,000 on April 3, from zero blogs before March 31, increasing to 97,726 on April 1 and to 370,607 on April 2, and remaining above 500,000 from April 5-8 before declining to 208,524 on April 12. The total daily BAI showed a similar pattern of change to the total daily posted and forwarded number over time from March 31 to April 12. When the outbreak locations spread, especially into other areas of the same province/city and the capital, Beijing, daily posted and forwarded number and BAI increased again to a peak at 368,500 and 116,911, respectively. The median daily BAI during the studied 25 days was significantly higher among the 7 provinces/cities with reported human H7N9 cases than the 2 provinces without any cases (P<.001). So were the median daily posted and forwarded number and daily BAI in each province/city except

Development of a Charged-Particle Accumulator Using an RF Confinement Method VI

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-10

PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Tokyo,7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku...Department of Physics 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 - Phone : 03-5841-4235 - Fax : 03-4496-4043 Period of Performance: 2/9/2009 – 3/8/2010

Photodynamic therapy with Photofrin II by bronchial artery infusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okunaka, Tetsuya; Kato, Harubumi; Konaka, Chimori; Kinoshita, Komei; Yamada, Kimito

1993-03-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing Photofrin II is proving to be an effective modality in the treatment of early stage lung cancer. However, wider clinical application of Photofrin II as a photosensitizer for various cancers is hampered by the potentially serious and prolonged skin photosensitivity. To prevent these side effects and reduce the inpatient period, we recently tried to give reduced doses of Photofrin II by bronchial artery infusion (BAI). Six patients with endoscopically evaluated early stage carcinoma of the lung were given 0.7 mg/kg of Photofrin II by BAI 48 hours before PDT. Complete remission was obtained in all 6 cases, and there was no evidence of skin photosensitivity when exposed to outside light under careful surveillance at one week after PDT.

The relationship between osteoporosis and body composition in pre- and postmenopausal women from different ethnic groups in China.

PubMed

Mo, Dan; Hsieh, Peishan; Yu, Hongrong; Zhou, Lining; Gong, Jichun; Xu, Lin; Liu, Peng; Chen, Gang; Chen, Zhao; Deng, Qiongying

2017-06-01

To investigate the ethnic differences in osteoporosis (OP) and body composition (BC) and their relationship in the Maonan, Mulam, Hmong, and Yao minorities in China. A total of 860 Maonan, Mulam, Hmong, and Yao women were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic, health history, and lifestyle information was collected using questionnaires. BC was measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound. Compared with premenopausal women, postmenopausal women exhibited a lower fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), limb muscle mass, and T-score but a higher waist-to-hip ratio and prevalence of OP in each minority (p < .05). After adjustment for age, Hmong women displayed the highest body mass index, fat mass, percentage of body fat, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat contents, while Yao women presented the highest T-scores and lowest prevalence of OP among the four minorities (p < .05). Having a greater number of children and an older age were significant risk factors for OP in all ethnic groups (p < .05, OR > 1). In addition, our results revealed that FFM and MM exhibited exactly the same weak positive relationship with the T-score (r = 0.081, p < .05) after adjusting for menopausal status and age in all of the participants. Furthermore, significant ethnic differences in the relationship between BC and the T-score existed in the four minorities studied here. BC and OP prevalence varied by menopausal status and ethnic group, and ethnic-specific relationships between BC and BMD were present in the four minorities. More research is needed to further investigate the ethnic differences in BC, OP, and risk factors for lower BMD to develop targeted prevention strategies to reduce the burden of OP across different ethnic groups in China.

Heterologous co-expression in E. coli of isoamylase genes from cassava Manihot esculenta Crantz 'KU50' achieves enzyme-active heteromeric complex formation.

PubMed

Panpetch, Pawinee; Field, Robert A; Limpaseni, Tipaporn

2018-03-01

Cloning of two isoamylase genes, MeISA1 and MeISA2, from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) tubers, accompanied by their co-expression in E. coli demonstrates a requirement for heteromeric complex formation to achieve debranching activity. Starch debranching enzyme (DBE) or isoamylase (ISA) (EC.3.2.1.68), an important enzyme in starch metabolism, catalyses the hydrolysis of α-1,6 glycosidic linkages of amylopectin. Isoforms of ISAs have been reported in higher plants and algae (Fujita et al. in Planta 208:283-293, 1999; Hussain et al. in Plant Cell 15:133-149, 2003; Ishizaki et al. in Agric Biol Chem 47:771-779, 1983; Mouille et al. in Plant Cell 8:1353-1366, 1996). In the current work, cassava ISA genes were isolated from cDNA generated from total RNA from tubers of Manihot esculanta Crantz cultivar KU50. MeISA1 and MeISA2 were successfully amplified and cloned into a pETDuet1 vector. The putative MeISA1 and MeISA2 proteins comprised 763 and 882 amino acids, with substantial similarity to StISA1 and StISA2 from potato (84.4% and 68.9%, respectively). Recombinant MeISA1 and MeISA2 were co-expressed in Escherichia coli SoluBL21 (DE3). Histrap TM -Purified rMeISA1 and rMeISA2 showed approximate molecular weights of 87 and 99 kDa, respectively, by SDS-PAGE. Debranching activity was only detectable in the column fractions where both recombinant ISA isoforms were present. The heteromeric DBE from crude extracts of 4-5 h induced cultures analysed by gel filtration chromatography and western blot showed combinations of rMeISA1 and rMeISA2 at ratios of 1:1 to 4:1. Pooled fractions with DBE activity were used for enzyme characterisation, which showed that the enzyme was specific for amylopectin, with optimum activity at 37 °C and pH 7.0. Enzyme activity was enhanced by Co 2+ , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , but was strongly inhibited by Cu 2+ . Debranched amylopectin products showed chain length distributions typical of plant DBE.

Selective induction of cell-mediated immunity and protection of rhesus macaques from chronic SHIV{sub KU2} infection by prophylactic vaccination with a conserved HIV-1 envelope peptide-cocktail

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

Nehete, Pramod N.; Nehete, Bharti P.; Hill, Lori

2008-01-05

Infection of Indian-origin rhesus macaques by the simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) is considered to be a suitable preclinical model for directly testing efficacy of vaccine candidates based on the HIV-1 envelope. We used this model for prophylactic vaccination with a peptide-cocktail comprised of highly conserved HIV-1 envelope sequences immunogenic/antigenic in macaques and humans. Separate groups of macaques were immunized with the peptide-cocktail by intravenous and subcutaneous routes using autologous dendritic cells (DC) and Freund's adjuvant, respectively. The vaccine elicited antigen specific IFN-{gamma}-producing cells and T-cell proliferation, but not HIV-neutralizing antibodies. The vaccinated animals also exhibited efficient cross-clade cytolytic activitymore » against target cells expressing envelope proteins corresponding to HIV-1 strains representative of multiple clades that increased after intravenous challenge with pathogenic SHIV{sub KU2}. Virus-neutralizing antibodies were either undetectable or present only transiently at low levels in the control as well as vaccinated monkeys after infection. Significant control of plasma viremia leading to undetectable levels was achieved in majority of vaccinated monkeys compared to mock-vaccinated controls. Monkeys vaccinated with the peptide-cocktail using autologous DC, compared to Freund's adjuvant, and the mock-vaccinated animals, showed significantly higher IFN-{gamma} production, higher levels of vaccine-specific IFN-{gamma} producing CD4{sup +} cells and significant control of plasma viremia. These results support DC-based vaccine delivery and the utility of the conserved HIV-1 envelope peptide-cocktail, capable of priming strong cell-mediated immunity, for potential inclusion in HIV vaccination strategies.« less

Attacking the One-Out-Of-m Multicore Problem by Combining Hardware Management with Mixed-Criticality Provisioning

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

LLC and DRAM banks. For each µB task and isolation configuration, we ran experiments with all 256 possible LLC area sizes (given by 1 to 16 ways and 1...isolation on multicoore platforms. In RTAS ’14. [29] H. Yun, G. Yao, R. Pellizzoni, M. Caccamo, and L. Sha . Memory access control in multiprocessor

Road Maps for Learning and Teacher Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gitomer, Drew H.

2011-01-01

Black, Wilson, and Yao (this issue) make a compelling case for a coherent model of curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment, all built around a well-specified theory of learning. Arguing that dominant assessment policies and practices tend to drive pedagogy and student attitudes toward learning in pernicious ways, Black et al. make an argument that is…

One new species of Amphinemura and description of the female of A. ancistroidea Li & Yang (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China.

PubMed

Mo, Raorao; Yang, Ding; Wang, Guoquan; Li, Weihai

2017-06-11

A new nemourid species, Amphinemura yao sp. nov. is described from the Daoyao Mountains of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. Amphinemura ancistroidea Li & Yang, 2007 is newly recorded from Guangxi and the female is described for the first time including the internal vaginal complex. The new species is compared with related taxa.

Recruitment of burbot (Lota lota L.) in Lake Erie: An empirical modelling approach

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stapanian, M.A.; Witzel, L.D.; Cook, A.

2010-01-01

World-wide, many burbot Lota lota (L.) populations have been extirpated or are otherwise in need of conservation measures. By contrast, burbot made a dramatic recovery in Lake Erie during 1993-2001 but declined during 2002-2007, due in part to a sharp decrease in recruitment. We used Akaike's Information Criterion to evaluate 129 linear regression models that included all combinations of one to seven ecological indices as predictors of burbot recruitment. Two models were substantially supported by the data: (i) the number of days in which water temperatures were within optimal ranges for burbot spawning and development combined with biomass of yearling and older (YAO) yellow perch Perca flavescens (Mitchill); and (ii) biomass of YAO yellow perch. Warmer winter water temperatures and increases in yellow perch biomass were associated with decreases in burbot recruitment. Continued warm winter water temperatures could result in declines in burbot recruitment, particularly in the southern part of the species' range. Published 2010. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Biased decoy-state measurement-device-independent quantum cryptographic conferencing with finite resources.

PubMed

Chen, RuiKe; Bao, WanSu; Zhou, Chun; Li, Hongwei; Wang, Yang; Bao, HaiZe

2016-03-21

In recent years, a large quantity of work have been done to narrow the gap between theory and practice in quantum key distribution (QKD). However, most of them are focus on two-party protocols. Very recently, Yao Fu et al proposed a measurement-device-independent quantum cryptographic conferencing (MDI-QCC) protocol and proved its security in the limit of infinitely long keys. As a step towards practical application for MDI-QCC, we design a biased decoy-state measurement-device-independent quantum cryptographic conferencing protocol and analyze the performance of the protocol in both the finite-key and infinite-key regime. From numerical simulations, we show that our decoy-state analysis is tighter than Yao Fu et al. That is, we can achieve the nonzero asymptotic secret key rate in long distance with approximate to 200km and we also demonstrate that with a finite size of data (say 10¹¹ to 10¹³ signals) it is possible to perform secure MDI-QCC over reasonable distances.

Prescription patterns of Chinese herbal products for patients with sleep disorder and major depressive disorder in Taiwan.

PubMed

Chen, Yi-Lin; Lee, Chien-Ying; Huang, Kuang-Hua; Kuan, Yu-Hsiang; Chen, Ming

2015-08-02

Chinese herbal products (CHPs) are commonly prescribed for sleep disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to investigate the prescription patterns of CHPs and Western medicine for patients with these disorders in Taiwan, and analyze the frequency of using single herbs (SHs) and herbal formulas (HFs). In this retrospective population-based study secondary data analysis was performed using data from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) between January 2007 and December 2011. In total, 1000,000 beneficiaries from the LHID were randomly selected from the 2010 registry for beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with sleep disorder and MDD according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 307.40 and 311, respectively. Among a total of 11,030 patients with sleep disorder, 9619 used Western medicine, 1334 used CHPs, and 77 used both, Among a total of 11,571 patients with MDD, 11,389 used Western medicine, 131 used CHPs, and 51 used both. Regardless of disorder type, women were predominant The majority of the patients were aged 22-44 years, had a monthly income of NT$17,281-NT$22,800, and lived in an area with Level 1 and Level 2 urbanization. Of the patients with sleep disorder, 1411 had used CHPs and visited a clinic 5298 times on average. Of the patients with MDD, 182 had used CHPs and visited a clinic 755 times on average. The three most commonly used SHs and HFs were Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, Polygoni Multiflori Caulis, and Polygalae Radix, and Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, Suan-Zao-Ren-Tang, and Chai-Hu-Chia-Lung-Ku-Mu-Li-Tang, respectively. Chinese herbal products including SHs and HFs are prescribed for patients with sleep disorder and MDD. However, the efficacy and safety of CHPs for sleep disorder and MDD need to be further evaluated. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Customized Versus Noncustomized Sound Therapy for Treatment of Tinnitus: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Mahboubi, Hossein; Haidar, Yarah M; Kiumehr, Saman; Ziai, Kasra; Djalilian, Hamid R

2017-10-01

To determine the effectiveness of a customized sound therapy and compare its effectiveness to that of masking with broadband noise. Subjects were randomized to receive either customized sound therapy or broadband noise for 2 hours per day for 3 months and then switched to the other treatment after a washout period. The outcome variables were tinnitus loudness (scored 0-10), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), minimum masking levels (MML), and residual inhibition (RI). Eighteen subjects completed the study. Mean age was 53 ± 11 years, and mean tinnitus duration was 118 ± 99 months. With customized sound therapy, mean loudness decreased from 6.4 ± 2.0 to 4.9 ± 1.9 ( P = .001), mean THI decreased from 42.8 ± 21.6 to 31.5 ± 20.3 ( P < .001), mean BAI decreased from 10.6 ± 10.9 to 8.3 ± 9.9 ( P = .01), and MML decreased from 22.3 ± 11.6 dB SL to 17.2 ± 10.6 dB SL ( P = .005). After 3 months of broadband noise therapy, only BAI and, to a lesser degree, MML decreased ( P = .003 and .04, respectively). Customized sound therapy can decrease the loudness and THI scores of tinnitus patients, and the results may be superior to broadband noise.

Increased arterial stiffness parameters in panic disorder patients in long term treatment period.

PubMed

Yanartas, Omer; Sunbul, Murat; Senkal, Zeynep; Durmus, Erdal; Kivrak, Tarik; Subasi, Nilufer; Karaer, Gulhan; Ergun, Serhat; Sari, Ibrahim; Sayar, Kemal

2016-01-01

The relationship between mental stress and cardiovascular disease has been shown in several studies. Panic disorder (PD) is also associated with cardiovascular disease due to increased risk of myocardial infarction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between arterial stiffness parameters and depression/anxiety scores in patients with PD. The study population consisted of 25 patients with PD and 25 age-sex-matched healthy controls. Depression and anxiety levels were evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. Determination of arterial stiffness parameters was conducted using a Mobil-O-Graph arteriograph system that detected signals from the brachial artery. While baseline characteristics were similar between two groups, BDI and BAI scores were significantly higher in patients with PD (p < 0.005). The pulse wave velocity (PWV) and Augmentation Index (AIx) were also significantly higher in patients with PD (p = 0.001, p = 0.006). There was a moderate correlation between PWV and AIx with BAI scores (r = 0.442, p = 0.001, r = 0.441, p = 0.001). AIx was also positively correlated with BDI scores (r = 0.415, p = 0.03). We demonstrated a significant relationship between arterial stiffness parameters and anxiety/depression scores in patients with PD who receive antidepressant treatment.

Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 10 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-01-11

ISS010-E-12738 (11 January 2005) --- One of a series of post-tsunami digital still images photographed by the Expedition 10 crew aboard the International Space Station. This image, recorded on January 11, 2005 and centered at 8.00 degrees north latitude and 98.60 degrees east longitude, is Ko Yao Yai, northwest of Phuket (Thailand).

Atypical Pupillary Light Reflex in Individuals with Autism

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

N. Takahashi Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA S. E. Christ D. Q. Beversdorf...receiving clinical services at the University of Missouri Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, an interdisciplinary academic...10-1-0474 TITLE: Atypical Pupillary Light Reflex in Individuals With Autism PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Gang Yao, Ph.D

Biohazard Detoxification Method Utilizing Magnetic Particles

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-01

configurations (noted by the yellow in the flow tube region). These data highlight the importance of the magnetic field gradient in particle capture...Weyhers, F. Specht , J.S. Lucks, Int. J. Pharm. 138(1996) 85. [9] Z.L. Liu, Z.H. Ding, K.L. Yao, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 265(2003) 98. [10] P.A. Dresco

Traditional Chinese medicine typing of affective disorders and treatment.

PubMed

Zhang, L D; Zhang, Y L; Xu, S H; Zhou, G; Jin, S B

1994-01-01

According to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 50 patients with affective disorders were typed into the categories of depressed liver resulting in fire, mild Yang deficiency and mild Yin deficiency and were treated with Xiao Yao San Jia Wei. The results are 26 patients with marked improvement, 17 patients with improvement and 7 patients with no improvement.

TESL Reporter, Vol. 4, No. 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pack, Alice C., Ed.

This issue of "TESL Reporter" presents results of a 1970 English as a Second Language (ESL) textbook survey conducted by the English Language Institute and reported by Alice C. Pack; an article by Julene Evans entitled "Why TESL?"; and an article by Yao Shen entitled "Supplementation of Opposites in Simple Predicate Expansion." Of the 1,200 mailed…

New species and records of the stonefly genus Neoperla (Plecoptera, Perlidae) from Jinhuacha Nature Reserve, Guangxi of China

PubMed Central

Wang, Guo–Quan; Li, Wei–Hai; Yang, Juan

2013-01-01

Abstract Two new Neoperla species (Neoperla mesospina, Neoperla latispina) are described from the adult male stage from the Jinhuacha Nature Reserve, Guangxi of China. The new species are compared with similar taxa. Taxonomic remarks are also provided for N. transversprojecta Du & Sivec and N. yao Stark. The latter species is newly recorded for Guangxi. PMID:24294087

Field cage evaluations of the lady beetle Scymnus sinuanodulus for biological control of the hemlock woolly adelgid

Treesearch

Michael Montgomery; Carole A. S-J. Cheah; Christopher Asaro

2007-01-01

Biological control has been a major focus of efforts to reduce the impact of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) on hemlocks in the eastern United States. The lady beetle Scymnus sinuanodulus Yu et Yao, one of the most abundant predators of HWA in China, was first imported in 1996. Subsequently its biology and host range were evaluated in quarantine and...

Learning Progressions Provide Road Maps for the Development and Validity of Assessments and Curriculum Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krajcik, Joseph

2011-01-01

Paul Black, Mark Wilson, and Shih-Ying Yao in "Road Maps for Learning: A Guide to the Navigation of Learning Progressions" provide a number of important ideas to consider regarding the development of assessments and curriculum materials to support development of core ideas. One major idea that the author found most valuable is the focus on student…

Reflections on Math Reforms in the U.S.: "A Cross-National Perspective"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newton, Xiaoxia

2007-01-01

In traditional Chinese medicine, a key maxim is "Zhi Bing Yao Zhi Gen," which literally means, "To cure a disease one must cure the underlying cause." The author was reminded of this principle when she reflects on K-12 math education reform when the US. President Bush's 2006 State of the Union Address prompted yet another wave…

A Detailed Examination of the GPM Core Satellite Gridded Text Product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stocker, Erich Franz; Kelley, Owen A.; Kummerow, C.; Huffman, George; Olson, William S.; Kwiatowski, John M.

2015-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission quarter-degree gridded-text product has a similar file format and a similar purpose as the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3G68 quarter-degree product. The GPM text-grid format is an hourly summary of surface precipitation retrievals from various GPM instruments and combinations of GPM instruments. The GMI Goddard Profiling (GPROF) retrieval provides the widest swath (800 km) and does the retrieval using the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI). The Ku radar provides the widest radar swath (250 km swath) and also provides continuity with the TRMM Ku Precipitation Radar. GPM's Ku+Ka band matched swath (125 km swath) provides a dual-frequency precipitation retrieval. The "combined" retrieval (125 km swath) provides a multi-instrument precipitation retrieval based on the GMI, the DPR Ku radar, and the DPR Ka radar. While the data are reported in hourly grids, all hours for a day are packaged into a single text file that is g-zipped to reduce file size and to speed up downloading. The data are reported on a 0.25deg x 0.25 deg grid.

Growth, carbon-isotope discrimination, and drought-associated mortality across a Pinus ponderosa elevational transect

USGS Publications Warehouse

McDowell, N.G.; Allen, Craig D.; Marshall, L.

2010-01-01

Drought- and insect-associated tree mortality at low-elevation ecotones is a widespread phenomenon but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. Enhanced growth sensitivity to climate is widely observed among trees that die, indicating that a predisposing physiological mechanism(s) underlies tree mortality. We tested three, linked hypotheses regarding mortality using a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) elevation transect that experienced low-elevation mortality following prolonged drought. The hypotheses were: (1) mortality was associated with greater growth sensitivity to climate, (2) mortality was associated with greater sensitivity of gas exchange to climate, and (3) growth and gas exchange were correlated. Support for all three hypotheses would indicate that mortality results at least in part from gas exchange constraints. We assessed growth using basal area increment normalized by tree basal area [basal area increment (BAI)/basal area (BA)] to account for differences in tree size. Whole-crown gas exchange was indexed via estimates of the CO2 partial pressure difference between leaf and atmosphere (pa−pc) derived from tree ring carbon isotope ratios (δ13C), corrected for temporal trends in atmospheric CO2 and δ13C and elevation trends in pressure. Trees that survived the drought exhibited strong correlations among and between BAI, BAI/BA, pa−pc, and climate. In contrast, trees that died exhibited greater growth sensitivity to climate than trees that survived, no sensitivity of pa−pc to climate, and a steep relationship between pa−pc and BAI/BA. The pa−pc results are consistent with predictions from a theoretical hydraulic model, suggesting trees that died had a limited buffer between mean water availability during their lifespan and water availability during drought – i.e., chronic water stress. It appears that chronic water stress predisposed low-elevation trees to mortality during drought via constrained gas exchange. Continued intensification of

Auricular acupuncture for substance use: a randomized controlled trial of effects on anxiety, sleep, drug use and use of addiction treatment services.

PubMed

Ahlberg, Rickard; Skårberg, Kurt; Brus, Ole; Kjellin, Lars

2016-07-25

A common alternative treatment for substance abuse is auricular acupuncture. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short and long-term effect of auricular acupuncture on anxiety, sleep, drug use and addiction treatment utilization in adults with substance abuse. Of the patients included, 280 adults with substance abuse and psychiatric comorbidity, 80 were randomly assigned to auricular acupuncture according to the NADA protocol, 80 to auricular acupuncture according to a local protocol (LP), and 120 to relaxation (controls). The primary outcomes anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory; BAI) and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI) were measured at baseline and at follow-ups 5 weeks and 3 months after the baseline assessment. Secondary outcomes were drug use and addiction service utilization. Complete datasets regarding BAI/ISI were obtained from 37/34 subjects in the NADA group, 28/28 in the LP group and 36/35 controls. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Analysis of Variance, Kruskal Wallis, Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance, Eta square (η(2)), and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. Participants in NADA, LP and control group improved significantly on the ISI and BAI. There was no significant difference in change over time between the three groups in any of the primary (effect size: BAI, η(2) = 0.03, ISI, η(2) = 0.05) or secondary outcomes. Neither of the two acupuncture treatments resulted in differences in sleep, anxiety or drug use from the control group at 5 weeks or 3 months. No evidence was found that acupuncture as delivered in this study is more effective than relaxation for problems with anxiety, sleep or substance use or in reducing the need for further addiction treatment in patients with substance use problems and comorbid psychiatric disorders. The substantial attrition at follow-up is a main limitation of the study. Clinical Trials NCT02604706 (retrospectively registered).

Sleep, anxiety and fatigue in family members of patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a questionnaire study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Family members of critically ill patients often experience increased incidence of physical and mental health issues. One of the first ways family members suffer is by losing sleep. The purpose of this study is to understand sleep quality, levels of fatigue and anxiety, and factors contributing to poor sleep in adult family members of critically ill patients. Methods A questionnaire was designed to evaluate sleep, fatigue and anxiety during the intensive care unit (ICU) admission. We incorporated three validated instruments: General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), Beck Anxiety Index (BAI) and Lee Fatigue Scale (NRS-F). Adult family members of patients in ICU for more than 24 hours were approached for questionnaire completion. Patient demographics were recorded. Results The study population consisted of 94 respondents, (49.1 ± 12.9 years, 52.7% male); 43.6% were children and 21.3% were spouses of ICU patients. Sleep quality was rated as poor/very poor by 43.5% of respondents, and good/very good by 15.2%. The most common factors contributing to poor sleep were anxiety (43.6%), tension (28.7%) and fear (24.5%). Respondents' most common suggestions to improve sleep were more information regarding the patient's health (24.5%) and relaxation techniques (21.3%). Mean GSDS score was 38.2 ± 19.3, with 58.1% of respondents experiencing moderate to severe sleep disturbance. Mean BAI was 12.3 ± 10.2, with 20.7% of respondents experiencing moderate to severe anxiety. Mean NRS-F was 3.8 ± 2.5, with 57.6% of respondents experiencing moderate to high fatigue. Family members who spent one or more nights in the hospital had significantly higher GSDS, BAI and NRS-F scores. The patient's Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at survey completion correlated significantly with family members' GSDS, BAI and NRS-F. Conclusion The majority of family members of ICU patients experience moderate to severe sleep disturbance and fatigue, and mild

Sleep, anxiety and fatigue in family members of patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a questionnaire study.

PubMed

Day, Alex; Haj-Bakri, Samer; Lubchansky, Stephanie; Mehta, Sangeeta

2013-05-24

Family members of critically ill patients often experience increased incidence of physical and mental health issues. One of the first ways family members suffer is by losing sleep. The purpose of this study is to understand sleep quality, levels of fatigue and anxiety, and factors contributing to poor sleep in adult family members of critically ill patients. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate sleep, fatigue and anxiety during the intensive care unit (ICU) admission. We incorporated three validated instruments: General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), Beck Anxiety Index (BAI) and Lee Fatigue Scale (NRS-F). Adult family members of patients in ICU for more than 24 hours were approached for questionnaire completion. Patient demographics were recorded. The study population consisted of 94 respondents, (49.1 ± 12.9 years, 52.7% male); 43.6% were children and 21.3% were spouses of ICU patients. Sleep quality was rated as poor/very poor by 43.5% of respondents, and good/very good by 15.2%. The most common factors contributing to poor sleep were anxiety (43.6%), tension (28.7%) and fear (24.5%). Respondents' most common suggestions to improve sleep were more information regarding the patient's health (24.5%) and relaxation techniques (21.3%). Mean GSDS score was 38.2 ± 19.3, with 58.1% of respondents experiencing moderate to severe sleep disturbance. Mean BAI was 12.3 ± 10.2, with 20.7% of respondents experiencing moderate to severe anxiety. Mean NRS-F was 3.8 ± 2.5, with 57.6% of respondents experiencing moderate to high fatigue. Family members who spent one or more nights in the hospital had significantly higher GSDS, BAI and NRS-F scores. The patient's Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at survey completion correlated significantly with family members' GSDS, BAI and NRS-F. The majority of family members of ICU patients experience moderate to severe sleep disturbance and fatigue, and mild anxiety.

Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on anxiety, depression, and major cardiac and cerebro-vascular events in obstructive sleep apnea patients with and without coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Lee, Ming-Chung; Shen, Yu-Chih; Wang, Ji-Hung; Li, Yu-Ying; Li, Tzu-Hsien; Chang, En-Ting; Wang, Hsiu-Mei

2017-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with bad cardiovascular outcomes and a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. This study investigated the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the severity of anxiety and depression in OSA patients with or without coronary artery disease (CAD) and on the rate of cardio- and cerebro-vascular events in those with OSA and CAD. This prospective study included patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, with or without a recent diagnosis of CAD; all were started on CPAP therapy. Patients completed the Chinese versions of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) at baseline and after 6-month follow-up. The occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was assessed every 3 months up to 1 year. BAI scores decreased from 8.5 ± 8.4 at baseline to 5.4 ± 6.9 at 6 months in CPAP-compliant OSA patients without CAD ( P < 0.05). BAI scores also decreased from 20.7 ± 14.9 to 16.1 ± 14.5 in CPAP-compliant OSA patients with CAD. BDI-II scores decreased in CPAP-compliant OSA patients without CAD (from 11.1 ± 10.7 at baseline to 6.6 ± 9.5 at 6 months) and in CPAP-compliant OSA patients with CAD (from 20.4 ± 14.3 to 15.9 ± 7.3). In addition, there was a large effect size (ES) of BAI and BDI in 6-month CPAP treatment of OSA patients with CAD and a large ES in those with OSA under CPAP treatment. In OSA patients with CAD, the occurrence of MACCE was significantly lower in CPAP-compliant patients than that in CPAP noncompliant patients (11% in CPAP compliant and 50% in noncompliant; P < 0.05). CPAP improved anxiety and depression in OSA patients regardless of CAD. In OSA patients with CAD, CPAP-compliant patients had a lower 1-year rate of MACCE than CPAP-noncompliant patients.

Use of Herbal Supplements in Chronic Kidney Disease

MedlinePlus

... build up in your body. The herbal supplement market is a multi-million dollar business. You may ... Ginseng Bai Zhi (root) Bitter Melon (fruit, leaf) Black Mustard (leaf) Blessed Thistle Chervit (leaf) Chicory (leaf) ...

Modulating molecular chaperones improves sensory fiber recovery and mitochondrial function in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

PubMed Central

Urban, Michael J.; Pan, Pan; Farmer, Kevin L.; Zhao, Huiping; Blagg, Brian S.J.; Dobrowsky, Rick T.

2012-01-01

Quantification of intra-epidermal nerve fibers (iENFs) is an important approach to stage diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and is a promising clinical endpoint for identifying beneficial therapeutics. Mechanistically, diabetes decreases neuronal mitochondrial function and enhancing mitochondrial respiratory capacity may aid neuronal recovery from glucotoxic insults. We have proposed that modulating the activity and expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp) may be of benefit in treating DPN. KU-32 is a C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitor that improved thermal hypoalgesia in diabetic C57Bl/6 mice but it was not determined if this was associated with an increase in iENF density and mitochondrial function. After 16 weeks of diabetes, Swiss Webster mice showed decreased electrophysiological and psychosensory responses and a >30% loss of iENFs. Treatment of the mice with ten weekly doses of 20 mg/kg KU-32 significantly reversed pre-existing deficits in nerve conduction velocity and responses to mechanical and thermal stimuli. KU-32 therapy significantly reversed the pre-existing loss of iENFs despite the identification of a sub-group of drug-treated diabetic mice that showed improved thermal sensitivity but no increase in iENF density. To determine if the improved clinical indices correlated with enhanced mitochondrial activity, sensory neurons were isolated and mitochondrial bioenergetics assessed ex vivo using extracellular flux technology. Diabetes decreased maximal respiratory capacity in sensory neurons and this deficit was improved following KU-32 treatment. In conclusion, KU-32 improved physiological and morphologic markers of degenerative neuropathy and drug efficacy may be related to enhanced mitochondrial bioenergetics in sensory neurons. PMID:22465570

Force-dependent switch in protein unfolding pathways and transition-state movements

PubMed Central

Zhuravlev, Pavel I.; Hinczewski, Michael; Chakrabarti, Shaon; Marqusee, Susan; Thirumalai, D.

2016-01-01

Although it is known that single-domain proteins fold and unfold by parallel pathways, demonstration of this expectation has been difficult to establish in experiments. Unfolding rate, ku(f), as a function of force f, obtained in single-molecule pulling experiments on src SH3 domain, exhibits upward curvature on a log⁡ku(f) plot. Similar observations were reported for other proteins for the unfolding rate ku([C]). These findings imply unfolding in these single-domain proteins involves a switch in the pathway as f or [C] is increased from a low to a high value. We provide a unified theory demonstrating that if log⁡ku as a function of a perturbation (f or [C]) exhibits upward curvature then the underlying energy landscape must be strongly multidimensional. Using molecular simulations we provide a structural basis for the switch in the pathways and dramatic shifts in the transition-state ensemble (TSE) in src SH3 domain as f is increased. We show that a single-point mutation shifts the upward curvature in log⁡ku(f) to a lower force, thus establishing the malleability of the underlying folding landscape. Our theory, applicable to any perturbation that affects the free energy of the protein linearly, readily explains movement in the TSE in a β-sandwich (I27) protein and single-chain monellin as the denaturant concentration is varied. We predict that in the force range accessible in laser optical tweezer experiments there should be a switch in the unfolding pathways in I27 or its mutants. PMID:26818842

Magnetization reversal in epitaxial exchange-biased IrMn/FeGa bilayers with anisotropy geometries controlled by oblique deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yao; Zhan, Qingfeng; Zuo, Zhenghu; Yang, Huali; Zhang, Xiaoshan; Dai, Guohong; Liu, Yiwei; Yu, Ying; Wang, Jun; Wang, Baomin; Li, Run-Wei

2015-05-01

We fabricated epitaxial exchange biased (EB) IrMn/FeGa bilayers by oblique deposition and systematically investigated their magnetization reversal. Two different configurations with the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy Ku parallel and perpendicular to the unidirectional anisotropy Ke b were obtained by controlling the orientation of the incident FeGa beam during deposition. A large ratio of Ku/Ke b was obtained by obliquely depositing the FeGa layer to achieve a large Ku while reducing the IrMn thickness to obtain a small Ke b. Besides the previously reported square loops, conventional asymmetrically shaped loops, and one-sided and two-sided two-step loops, unusual asymmetrically shaped loops with a three-step magnetic transition for the descending branch and a two-step transition for the ascending branch and biased three-step loops were observed at various field orientations in the films of both IrMn (tIrMn=1.5 to 20 nm)/FeGa (10 nm) with Ku⊥ Ke b and IrMn (tIrMn≤2 nm)/FeGa (10 nm) with Ku|| Ke b . Considering the geometries of anisotropies, a model based on domain wall nucleation and propagation was employed to quantitatively describe the angular dependent behaviors of IrMn/FeGa bilayers. The biased three-step magnetic switching was predicted to take place when | Ku|> ɛ90°+Ke b , where ɛ90° is the 90° domain wall nucleation energy, and the EB leads to the appearance of the unusual asymmetrically shaped hysteresis loops.

γ-H2AX responds to DNA damage induced by long-term exposure to combined low-dose-rate neutron and γ-ray radiation.

PubMed

Zhang, Junlin; He, Ying; Shen, Xianrong; Jiang, Dingwen; Wang, Qingrong; Liu, Qiong; Fang, Wen

2016-01-01

Risk estimates for low-dose radiation (LDR) remain controversial. The possible involvement of DNA repair-related genes in long-term low-dose-rate neutron-gamma radiation exposure is poorly understood. In this study, 60 rats were divided into control groups and irradiated groups, which were exposed to low-dose-rate n-γ combined radiation (LDCR) for 15, 30, or 60 days. The effects of different cumulative radiation doses on peripheral blood cell (PBC), subsets of T cells of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and DNA damage repair were investigated. Real-time PCR and immunoblot analyses were used to detect expression of DNA DSB-repair-related genes involved in the NHEJ pathway, such as Ku70 and Ku80, in PBL. The mRNA level of H2AX and the expression level of γ-H2AX were detected by real-time PCR, immunoblot, and flow cytometry. White blood cells (WBC) and platelets (PLT) of all ionizing radiation (IR) groups decreased significantly, while no difference was seen between the 30 day and 60 day exposure groups. The numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+) T cells and CD4(+)/CD8(+) in the PBL of IR groups were lower than in the control group. In the 30 day and 60 day exposure groups, CD8(+) T cells decreased significantly. Real-time PCR and immunoblot results showed no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression of Ku70 and Ku80 between the control groups and IR groups. However, the mRNA of H2AX increased significantly, and there was a positive correlation with dose. There was no difference in the protein expression of γ-H2AX between 30 day and 60 day groups, which may help to explain the damage to PBL. In conclusion, PBL damage increased with cumulative dose, suggesting that γ-H2AX, but neither Ku70 nor Ku80, plays an important role in PBL impairment induced by LDCR. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hyperfine Level Interactions of Diamond Nitrogen Vacancy Ensembles Under Transverse Magnetic Fields

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-06

eigenvalues 0, ±h̄, corresponding to ms = 0,±1 [18]. Figure 1 shows the calculated energy levels as a function of axial field for a fixed transverse...Progress in 5 Physics 77, 056503 (2014). [9] G. Kucsko, P. C. Maurer, N. Y. Yao, M. Kubo , H. J. Noh, P. K. Lo, H. Park, and M. D. Lukin, Nature 500

Age class, longevity and growth rate relationships: protracted growth increases in old trees in the eastern United States.

PubMed

Johnson, Sarah E; Abrams, Marc D

2009-11-01

This study uses data from the International Tree-Ring Data Bank website and tree cores collected in the field to explore growth rate (basal area increment, BAI) relationships across age classes (from young to old) for eight tree species in the eastern US. These species represent a variety of ecological traits and include those in the genera Populus, Quercus, Pinus, Tsuga and Nyssa. We found that most trees in all age classes and species exhibit an increasing BAI throughout their lives. This is particularly unusual for trees in the older age classes that we expected to have declining growth in the later years, as predicted by physiological growth models. There exists an inverse relationship between growth rate and increasing age class. The oldest trees within each species have consistently slow growth throughout their lives, implying an inverse relationship between growth rate and longevity. Younger trees (< 60 years of age) within each species are consistently growing faster than the older trees when they are of the same age resulting from a higher proportion of fast-growing trees in these young age classes. Slow, but increasing, BAI in the oldest trees in recent decades is a continuation of their growth pattern established in previous centuries. The fact that they have not shown a decreasing growth rate in their old age contradicts physiological growth models and may be related to the stimulatory effects of global change phenomenon (climate and land-use history).

Anxiety, Depression, and General Psychological Distress in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow

PubMed Central

Karataş, Mehmet Baran; Şahan, Ebru; Özcan, Kazım Serhan; Çanga, Yiğit; Güngör, Barış; Onuk, Tolga; İpek, Göktürk; Çakıllı, Yasin; Arugaslan, Emre; Bolca, Osman

2015-01-01

Background The relationship between psychiatric illness and heart disease has been frequently discussed in the literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress, and coronary slow flow (CSF). Methods In total, 44 patients with CSF and a control group of 50 patients with normal coronary arteries (NCA) were prospectively recruited. Clinical data, admission laboratory parameters, and echocardiographic and angiographic characteristics were recorded. Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scales were administered to each patient. Results The groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, and atherosclerotic risk factors. In the CSF group, BAI score, BDI score, and general symptom index were significantly higher than controls (13 [18.7] vs. 7.5 [7], p = 0.01; 11 [14.7] vs. 6.5 [7], p = 0.01; 1.76 [0.81] vs. 1.1[0.24], p = 0.01; respectively). Patients with CSF in more than one vessel had the highest test scores. In univariate correlation analysis, mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts were positively correlated with BAI (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), BDI (r = 0.47, p = 0.01), and general symptom index (r = 0.65, p = 0.01). The psychiatric tests were not correlated with risk factors for atherosclerosis. Conclusion Our study revealed higher rates of depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress in patients with CSF. This conclusion warrants further studies. PMID:26559983

Evaluation of different obesity indices as predictors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Xiao, Xianchao; Liu, Yujia; Sun, Chenglin; Gang, Xiaokun; Cheng, Jie; Tian, Suyan; Gao, Ying; Lv, You; Sun, Zhonghua; Li, Yazhen; He, Ping; Liu, Yang; Wang, Gang; Gao, Yuan; Zhu, Liwen; Liu, Yan; Wang, Guixia

2015-05-01

The aim of the present study was to compare correlation coefficients between anthropometric indices and blood glucose level, and to determine optimal cutoff points of obesity indices in a Chinese population. 2419 males and 5140 females participated in this study in Changchun city. Weight, height, WC (waist circumference) and hip circumference were measured; and BMI (body mass index), WHtR (waist height ratio), WHR (waist hip ratio) and BAI (body adiposity index) were calculated by formulas. FPG (fasting plasma glucose), PPG (post-load plasma glucose), HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) and FSI (fasting serum insulin) were measured. WHtR had the highest partial correlation coefficients with blood glucose and HbA1c in both males and females; however, BAI had the lowest coefficients. AUC (area under receiver operating characteristic curves) for WHtR in screening type 2 diabetes mellitus were higher than other indices. We confirmed that the optimal cutoff points of obesity for WHtR, WHR, WC, BMI and BAI were 0.55, 0.92, 88.1, 25.9 and 28.1 in males, and 0.52, 0.85, 81.6, 24.6 and 31.0 in females, respectively. Central obesity correlates more closely to glucose metabolism in Chinese population than general obesity. WHtR is the best index to predict type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese adults. © 2014 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Comparative study of the atmospheric chemical composition of three South American cities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasconcellos, Pérola C.; Souza, Davi Z.; Ávila, Simone G.; Araújo, Maria P.; Naoto, Edson; Nascimento, Kátia H.; Cavalcante, Fernando S.; Dos Santos, Marina; Smichowski, Patricia; Behrentz, Eduardo

2011-10-01

PM10 samples were collected in 2008 at three sites in South America in the framework of an international project (South American Emissions Megacities, and Climate; SAEMC). The concentration of metals, metalloids, ion and organic compounds of most PM10 samples collected at three sites (Buenos Aires (BAI), Bogotá (BOG) and São Paulo (SPA)) is below the air quality standard of the respective countries. At the sites n-alkanes and carbon preference index distribution indicated the influence of petroleum residues derived from vehicular emissions. Most PAH detected are attributed to light-duty gasoline vehicles and to stationary sources. At all sites benzo[a]pyrene equivalent values mean a significant cancer risk. Sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, calcium and sodium are the most abundant water-soluble ions at the three sites. Ammonium sulfate is likely the form presented for these species formed by photochemical reactions of precursors emitted mainly by vehicles. At BAI and SPA, formate/acetate ratios indicated the contribution of photochemical reactions; on the contrary, at BOG site, acetate is predominant, indicating strong contribution of vehicular emissions. São Paulo samples showed the highest concentrations of elements among all the sites. None of the toxic or potentially toxic elements exceed the guideline values of the World Health Organization. At BAI site earth crust seems to be the major source of Fe and Mn; at SPA, anthropogenic source is responsible for Pb and Zn presences. Traffic related element is well correlated at the three sites.

What Are the Clinical Implications of New Onset or Worsening Anxiety During the First Two Weeks of SSRI Treatment for Depression?

PubMed Central

Gollan, Jackie K; Fava, Maurizio; Kurian, Benji; Wisniewski, Stephen R.; Rush, A. John; Daly, Ella; Miyahara, Sachiko; Trivedi, Madhukar H.

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of new onset or worsening of anxiety symptoms, as well as their clinical implications, during the first two weeks of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) pharmacotherapy for depression. Method Adult outpatients with non-psychotic major depressive disorder were enrolled in an 8-week acute phase SSRI treatment trial at 15 clinical sites across the US. Worsening anxiety was defined as a greater than 2 point increase on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) between baseline and Week 2. New onset of anxiety symptoms was ascribed when the BAI baseline rating was 0 and the Week 2 value was greater or equal to 2 points on the BAI. Results Overall, after two weeks of treatment, 48.8% (98 of 201 participants) reported improvement in anxiety symptoms, 36.3% (73 of 201) reported minimal symptom change, and 14.9% (30 of 201) reported worsening of anxiety symptoms. No association was found between change in anxiety symptoms within the first two weeks and change in depressive symptoms or remission at the end of 8 weeks of treatment. For participants with clinically meaningful anxiety symptoms at baseline, however, worsening of anxiety during the first two weeks of treatment was associated with worsening depressive symptoms by 8 weeks (p = .054). Conclusions The trajectory of anxiety symptom change early in SSRI treatment is an important indicator of eventual outcome for outpatients with major depression and baseline anxiety symptoms. PMID:22147631

Childhood trauma in the lives of substance-dependent patients: The relationship between depression, anxiety and self-esteem.

PubMed

Ekinci, Suat; Kandemir, Hasan

2015-05-01

High levels of childhood traumatic experiences have been observed among substance abusers. There has been insufficient study of the effects of childhood trauma in adulthood. The aim of this study is to research the relationship between childhood trauma, self-esteem, and levels of depression and anxiety in substance-dependent (SD) people. This study took place between March 2012 and April 2013, at Balıklı Rum Hospital (Istanbul) substance dependency clinic. It included 50 patients diagnosed as substance dependent according to the criteria of DSM-IV as compared with 45 healthy controls. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnosis (SCID-I) was used to identify Axis I disorders. All other data was collected using a semi-structured socio-demographic questionnaire, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The total scores of the SD group on the CTQ and on its Emotional Abuse/Emotional Neglect (EA/EN), Physical Abuse (PA) and Sexual Abuse (SA) subscales were statistically significant. In relation to the healthy controls, the SD group scored higher on the RSES, BDI and BAI. A correlation was observed between the total scores of SD individuals on the CTQ and their scores on the RSES, BDI and BAI. This study showed high levels of childhood traumatic experiences for SD people and indicates that there may be a relationship between these experiences and their levels of self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

Serotonin receptor 1A promoter polymorphism, rs6295, modulates human anxiety levels via altering parasympathetic nervous activity.

PubMed

Huang, J-H; Chang, H-A; Fang, W-H; Ho, P-S; Liu, Y-P; Wan, F-J; Tzeng, N-S; Shyu, J-F; Chang, C-C

2018-03-01

The G-allele of the -1019C/G (rs6295) promoter polymorphism of the serotonin receptor 1A (HTR1A) gene has been implicated in anxiety; however, the underlying neurophysiological processes are still not fully understood. Recent evidence indicates that low parasympathetic (vagal) tone is predictive of anxiety. We thus conducted a structural equation model (SEM) to examine whether the HTR1A rs6295 variant can affect anxiety by altering parasympathetic nervous activity. A sample of 1141 drug-free healthy Han Chinese was recruited for HTR1A genotyping. Autonomic nervous function was assessed by short-term spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Anxiety and stress levels were evaluated by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) respectively. The number of the HTR1A G allele was inversely correlated with high-frequency power (HF), a parasympathetic index of HRV. The HF index was negatively associated with BAI scores. Furthermore, the good-fitting SEM, adjusting for confounding variables (e.g., age and PSS levels), revealed a significant pathway linking rs6295 variant to BAI scores via HF index modulation. These results are the first to show that HTR1A -1019C/G polymorphism influences anxiety levels by modulating parasympathetic tone, providing a neurophysiological insight into the role of HTR1A in human anxiety. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ethnic Variations in Pterygium in a Rural Population in Southwestern China: The Yunnan Minority Eye Studies.

PubMed

Zhong, Hua; Chen, Qin; Li, Jun; Shen, Wei; Sheng, Xun; Niu, Zhiqiang; Zhou, Hua; Wei, Tao; Yuan, Yuansheng; Pan, Chen-Wei

2016-01-01

To determine the prevalence and associations of pterygium in a multiethnic adult population in rural China and to examine potential ethnic differences Methods: A total of 6418 adults (2133 ethnic Bai, 2130 ethnic Yi, and 2155 ethnic Han) aged 50 years or older participated in the study. Anterior segment examination was performed without pupil dilation using a slit lamp. Pterygium was defined as a raised fleshy triangular fibrovascular tissue growth of the conjunctiva encroaching onto a clear cornea. Pterygium was least prevalent among adults of Yi ethnicity (29.5%) compared with Bai (39.0%, p < 0.001) or Han (39.5%, p < 0.001) ethnicities. Those of Bai ethnicity were most likely to be affected by severe pterygium (7.5%), while Yi were least likely to be affected (3.8%). Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age (odds ratio, OR, 1.017), female sex (OR 1.53), lower educational level (OR 1.25), higher blood pressure levels (OR 1.002), and greater time spent outdoors per day (OR 1.09) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of pterygium, while Yi ethnicity (OR 0.65, comparing Yi with Han) and wearing brimmed hats outdoors (OR 0.82) were protective factors. Ethnicity was significantly associated with prevalence of pterygium. Our findings may be applicable to many other countries located within the "pterygium belt" for health resource allocation among different ethnic groups.

The genomes and comparative genomics of Lactobacillus delbrueckii phages.

PubMed

Riipinen, Katja-Anneli; Forsman, Päivi; Alatossava, Tapani

2011-07-01

Lactobacillus delbrueckii phages are a great source of genetic diversity. Here, the genome sequences of Lb. delbrueckii phages LL-Ku, c5 and JCL1032 were analyzed in detail, and the genetic diversity of Lb. delbrueckii phages belonging to different taxonomic groups was explored. The lytic isometric group b phages LL-Ku (31,080 bp) and c5 (31,841 bp) showed a minimum nucleotide sequence identity of 90% over about three-fourths of their genomes. The genomic locations of their lysis modules were unique, and the genomes featured several putative overlapping transcription units of genes. LL-Ku and c5 virions displayed peptidoglycan hydrolytic activity associated with a ~36-kDa protein similar in size to the endolysin. Unexpectedly, the 49,433-bp genome of the prolate phage JCL1032 (temperate, group c) revealed a conserved gene order within its structural genes. Lb. delbrueckii phages representing groups a (a phage LL-H), b and c possessed only limited protein sequence homology. Genomic comparison of LL-Ku and c5 suggested that diversification of Lb. delbrueckii phages is mainly due to insertions, deletions and recombination. For the first time, the complete genome sequences of group b and c Lb. delbrueckii phages are reported.

CTAB-coated gold nanorods elicit allergic response through degranulation and cell death in human basophils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheung, Ka Lun; Chen, Huanjun; Chen, Qiulan; Wang, Jianfang; Ho, Ho Pui; Wong, Chun Kwok; Kong, Siu Kai

2012-07-01

The effect of CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide)- or PEG (polyethylene glycol)-coated gold-nanorods (Au-NRs) on the non-IgE mediated allergic response was studied. We found that the CTAB-Au-NRs released more allergic mediators such as histamine and β-hexosaminidase from human basophil KU812, a common model for studying allergy, after 20 min incubation. Also, the CTAB-Au-NRs induced more apoptosis than the PEG-Au-NRs in KU812 24 h after treatment. These short- and long-term effects were not solely due to the CTAB residues in the supernatant desorbed from the Au-NRs.The effect of CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide)- or PEG (polyethylene glycol)-coated gold-nanorods (Au-NRs) on the non-IgE mediated allergic response was studied. We found that the CTAB-Au-NRs released more allergic mediators such as histamine and β-hexosaminidase from human basophil KU812, a common model for studying allergy, after 20 min incubation. Also, the CTAB-Au-NRs induced more apoptosis than the PEG-Au-NRs in KU812 24 h after treatment. These short- and long-term effects were not solely due to the CTAB residues in the supernatant desorbed from the Au-NRs. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr30435j

Depression in chronic ketamine users: Sex differences and neural bases.

PubMed

Li, Chiang-Shan R; Zhang, Sheng; Hung, Chia-Chun; Chen, Chun-Ming; Duann, Jeng-Ren; Lin, Ching-Po; Lee, Tony Szu-Hsien

2017-11-30

Chronic ketamine use leads to cognitive and affective deficits including depression. Here, we examined sex differences and neural bases of depression in chronic ketamine users. Compared to non-drug using healthy controls (HC), ketamine-using females but not males showed increased depression score as assessed by the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). We evaluated resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), a prefrontal structure consistently implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. Compared to HC, ketamine users (KU) did not demonstrate significant changes in sgACC connectivities at a corrected threshold. However, in KU, a linear regression against CES-D score showed less sgACC connectivity to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) with increasing depression severity. Examined separately, male and female KU showed higher sgACC connectivity to bilateral superior temporal gyrus and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), respectively, in correlation with depression. The linear correlation of sgACC-OFC and sgACC-dmPFC connectivity with depression was significantly different in slope between KU and HC. These findings highlighted changes in rsFC of the sgACC as associated with depression and sex differences in these changes in chronic ketamine users. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dual inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2 perturbs cytoskeletal organization and impairs endothelial cell elongation.

PubMed

Tsuji-Tamura, Kiyomi; Ogawa, Minetaro

2018-02-26

Elongation of endothelial cells is an important process in vascular formation and is expected to be a therapeutic target for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2 impaired endothelial cell elongation, although the mechanism has not been well defined. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the mTORC1-specific inhibitor everolimus and the mTORC1/mTORC2 dual inhibitor KU0063794 on the cytoskeletal organization and morphology of endothelial cell lines. While both inhibitors equally inhibited cell proliferation, KU0063794 specifically caused abnormal accumulation of F-actin and disordered distribution of microtubules, thereby markedly impairing endothelial cell elongation and tube formation. The effects of KU0063794 were phenocopied by paclitaxel treatment, suggesting that KU0063794 might impair endothelial cell morphology through over-stabilization of microtubules. Although mTORC1 is a key signaling molecule in cell proliferation and has been considered a target for preventing angiogenesis, mTORC1 inhibitors have not been sufficient to suppress angiogenesis. Our results suggest that mTORC1/mTORC2 dual inhibition is more effective for anti-angiogenic therapy, as it impairs not only endothelial cell proliferation, but also endothelial cell elongation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lactobacillus versmoldensis sp. nov., isolated from raw fermented sausage.

PubMed

Kröckel, L; Schillinger, U; Franz, C M A P; Bantleon, A; Ludwig, W

2003-03-01

Lactobacillus versmoldensis sp. nov. (KU-3T) was isolated from raw fermented sausages. The new species was present in high numbers, and frequently dominated the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations of the products. 16S rDNA sequence data revealed that the isolates are closely related to the species Lactobacillus kimchii DSM 13961T, Lactobacillus paralimentarius DSM 13238T, Lactobacillus alimentarius DSM 20249T and Lactobacillus farciminis DSM 20184T. DNA-DNA reassociation data, however, clearly distinguished the new isolates from these species; they showed a low degree of DNA relatedness with the type strains of this group of phylogenetically closely related lactobacilli. These results warrant separate species status for strain KU-3T, for which the name Lactobacillus versmoldensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KU-3T (=DSM 14857T =NCCB 100034T =ATCC BAA-478T).

Integrated source and channel encoded digital communication system design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alem, W. K.; Huth, G. K.; Simon, M. K.

1978-01-01

The particular Ku-band carrier, PN despreading, and symbol synchronization strategies, which were selected for implementation in the Ku-band transponder aboard the orbiter, were assessed and evaluated from a systems performance viewpoint, verifying that system specifications were met. A study was performed of the design and implementation of tracking techniques which are suitable for incorporation into the Orbiter Ku-band communication system. Emphasis was placed on maximizing tracking accuracy and communication system flexibility while minimizing cost, weight, and system complexity of Orbiter and ground systems hardware. The payload communication study assessed the design and performance of the forward link and return link bent-pipe relay modes for attached and detached payloads. As part of this study, a design for a forward link bent-pipe was proposed which employs a residual carrier but which is tracked by the existing Costas loop.

Effects of a Dam Reservoir on the Distribution of Heavy Metals in Two Chilean Native Freshwater Fish Species.

PubMed

Copaja, S V; Muñoz, G S; Nuñez, V R; Pérez, C; Vila, I; Véliz, D

2016-07-01

In order to determine the effect of a dam on metal concentrations in riverine fish species, we studied fish inhabiting the influent (Cachapoal River) and effluent (Rapel River) of the Rapel Reservoir in central Chile. Heavy metals were quantified in gills, liver and muscle of the catfish Trichomycterus areolatus and the silverside Basilichthys microlepidotus. Also, the bioaccumulation index (BAI) was estimated by considering heavy metal concentrations obtained from water and sediment. Results showed the presence of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in the fish organs. The analysis showed high metal concentrations in catfish inhabiting the influent compared to those collected in the effluent. These results indicate a possible filter effect of the dam for most of the metals identified in the fish organs, because metal concentrations decreased in the effluent. Finally, catfish exhibited a larger BAI for most metals analyzed.

A hydrophobic hole transporting system to improve moisture stability of perovskite solar cells (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Lixin

2016-09-01

Non-ion additive hole-transporting material (HTM) of hydrophobic oligothiophene derivative named DR3TBDTT and triphenylamine derivative of N,N'-di(3-methylphenyl)-N,N-diphenyl-4,4-diaminobiphenyl (TPD) were used for the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) was comparable to the device using Li-TFSI doped spiro-MeOTAD. Moreover, the PCE decreases by only 10% after approximately 1000 h without encapsulation, which suggests an alternative method to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells[1-3 ]. Figure 1. Schematic illustration of the energy diagram of the device without lithium salts REFERENCES [1] Zheng, L.; Ma, Y.; Chu, S.; Wang, S.; Qu, B.; Xiao, L.; Chen, Z.;Gong, Q.; Wu, Z.; Hou, X. Nanoscale 6, 8171-8176 (2014). [2] Zheng Lingling, Chung Yao-Hsien, Ma Yingzhuang, Zhang Lipei, Xiao Lixin, Chen Zhijian, Wang Shufeng, Qu Bo and Gong Qihuang, Chem. Commun. 50, 11196-11199 (2014). [3] Ma Yingzhuang, Chung Yao-Hsien, Zheng Lingling, Zhang Danfei, Yu Xiao, Xiao Lixin, Chen Zhijian, Wang Shufeng, Qu Bo, Gong Qihuang, and Zou Dechun, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 7 (12), 6406-6411 (2015)

Time Transfer Between USNO and PTB: Operation and Calibration Results

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

transfer ( TWSTFT ) is routinely executed between USNO and PTB via two links, using a connection at Ku-band and X-band. The Ku-band measurements are...desirable. Up to now, three calibration experiments were carried out with a transportable TWSTFT station provided by USNO: in June 2002, January 2003...and July 2003. Because only a few TWSTFT calibrations of civil time laboratories were performed up to now, this first “semiannual” schedule

Entering the Dragon’s Lair: Chinese Antiaccess Strategies and Their Implications for the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

possible expansion of electronic warfare into outer space in future conflicts (Peng and Yao, 2001, p. 363): As a result of the continuous development of...information warfare units to develop viruses to attack enemy computer systems and networks .” Potential Effects of Chinese Antiaccess Measures 87...computers, enhanced user identi- fication measures, and monitoring of network activity. Given the possibility that China could nonetheless succeed in

Enhanced Lesion Visualization in Image-Guided Noninvasive Surgery With Ultrasound Phased Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

81, 1995. [4] N. Sanghvi et al., “Noninvasive surgery of prostate tissue by high-intensity focused ultrasound ,” IEEE Trans. UFFC, vol. 43, no. 6, pp...ENHANCED LESION VISUALIZATION IN IMAGE-GUIDED NONINVASIVE SURGERY WITH ULTRASOUND PHASED ARRAYS Hui Yao, Pornchai Phukpattaranont and Emad S. Ebbini...Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455 Abstract- We describe dual-mode ultrasound phased