LOW ENERGY COUNTING CHAMBERS

DOEpatents

Hayes, P.M.

1960-02-16

A beta particle counter adapted to use an end window made of polyethylene terephthalate was designed. The extreme thinness of the film results in a correspondingly high transmission of incident low-energy beta particles by the window. As a consequence, the counting efficiency of the present counter is over 40% greater than counters using conventional mica end windows.

Receptor binding assay for paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins: optimization and interlaboratory comparison.

PubMed

Ruberu, Shryamalie R; Liu, Yun-Gang; Wong, Carolyn T; Perera, S Kusum; Langlois, Gregg W; Doucette, Gregory J; Powell, Christine L

2003-01-01

A receptor binding assay (RBA) for detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins was formatted for use in a high throughput detection system using microplate scintillation counting. The RBA technology was transferred from the National Ocean Service, which uses a Wallac TriLux 1450 MicroBeta microplate scintillation counter, to the California Department of Health Services, which uses a Packard TopCount scintillation counter. Due to differences in the detector arrangement between these 2 counters, markedly different counting efficiencies were exhibited, requiring optimization of the RBA protocol for the TopCount instrument. Precision, accuracy, and sensitivity [limit of detection = 0.2 microg saxitoxin (STX) equiv/100 g shellfish tissue] of the modified protocol were equivalent to those of the original protocol. The RBA robustness and adaptability were demonstrated by an interlaboratory study, in which STX concentrations in shellfish generated by the TopCount were consistent with MicroBeta-derived values. Comparison of STX reference standards obtained from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Research Council, Canada, showed no observable differences. This study confirms the RBA's value as a rapid, high throughput screen prior to testing by the conventional mouse bioassay (MBA) and its suitability for providing an early warning of increasing PSP toxicity when toxin levels are below the MBA limit of detection.

Quantitative basis for component factors of gas flow proportional counting efficiencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nichols, Michael C.

This dissertation investigates the counting efficiency calibration of a gas flow proportional counter with beta-particle emitters in order to (1) determine by measurements and simulation the values of the component factors of beta-particle counting efficiency for a proportional counter, (2) compare the simulation results and measured counting efficiencies, and (3) determine the uncertainty of the simulation and measurements. Monte Carlo simulation results by the MCNP5 code were compared with measured counting efficiencies as a function of sample thickness for 14C, 89Sr, 90Sr, and 90Y. The Monte Carlo model simulated strontium carbonate with areal thicknesses from 0.1 to 35 mg cm-2. The samples were precipitated as strontium carbonate with areal thicknesses from 3 to 33 mg cm-2 , mounted on membrane filters, and counted on a low background gas flow proportional counter. The estimated fractional standard deviation was 2--4% (except 6% for 14C) for efficiency measurements of the radionuclides. The Monte Carlo simulations have uncertainties estimated to be 5 to 6 percent for carbon-14 and 2.4 percent for strontium-89, strontium-90, and yttrium-90. The curves of simulated counting efficiency vs. sample areal thickness agreed within 3% of the curves of best fit drawn through the 25--49 measured points for each of the four radionuclides. Contributions from this research include development of uncertainty budgets for the analytical processes; evaluation of alternative methods for determining chemical yield critical to the measurement process; correcting a bias found in the MCNP normalization of beta spectra histogram; clarifying the interpretation of the commonly used ICRU beta-particle spectra for use by MCNP; and evaluation of instrument parameters as applied to the simulation model to obtain estimates of the counting efficiency from simulated pulse height tallies.

Beta Androstenediol Mitigates the Damage of 1 GeV/n Fe Ion Particle Radiation to the Hematopoietic System

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

Loria R.; Guida P.; Loria, R.

2010-09-07

Space exploration is associated with exposure to 1-3 Gy solar particle radiation and galactic cosmic radiation that could increase cancer rates. Effective nontoxic countermeasures to high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation exposure are highly desirable but currently not available. The aim was to determine whether a single subcutaneous injection of androstenediol ({Delta}(5) androsten-3{beta}, 17{beta}-diol [AED]) could mitigate and restore the mouse hematopoetic system from the radiation-mediated injury of 3 Gy whole-body high LET (56)Fe(26+) exposure. The findings show that postradiation AED treatment has an overall positive and significant beneficial effect to restore the levels of hematopoeitic elements (p < 0.001).more » Androstenediol treatment significantly increased monocyte levels at days 4, 7, and 14 and, similarly, increased red blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet counts. Flow cytometry analysis 14 days after radiation and AED treatment demonstrated an increase (p < 0.05) in bone marrow cells counts. Ex vivo osteoclastogenesis studies show that AED treatment is necessary and advantageous for the development and restoration of osteoclastogenesis after radiation exposure. These findings clearly show that androstenediol functions as a countermeasure to remedy hematopoeitic injury mediated by high LET iron ion radiation. Presently, no other agent has been shown to have such properties.« less

First total-absorption spectroscopy measurement on the neutron-rich Cu isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naqvi, F.; Spyrou, A.; Liddick, S. N.; Larsen, A. C.; Guttormsen, M.; Bleuel, D. L.; Campo, L. C.; Couture, A.; Crider, B. P.; Dombos, A. C.; Ginter, T.; Lewis, R.; Mosby, S.; Perdikakis, G.; Prokop, C. P.; Quinn, S. J.; Renstrom, T.; Rubio, B.; Siem, S.

2015-10-01

The first beta-decay studies of 73-71Cu isotopes using the Total Absorption Spectroscopy (TAS) will be reported. The Cu isotopes have one proton outside the Z = 28 shell and hence are good candidates to probe the single-particle structure in the region.Theories predict weakening of the Z = 28 shell gap due to the tensor interaction between the valence πν single-particle orbitals. Comparing the beta-decay strength distributions in the daughter Zn isotopes to the theoretical calculations will provide a stringent test of the predictions. The experiment was performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) employing the TAS technique with the Summing NaI(Tl) detector, while beta decays were measured in the NSCL beta-counting system. The experimentally obtained total absorption spectra for the neutron-rich Cu isotopes will be presented and the implications of the extracted beta-feeding intensities will be discussed.

An experiment to verify that the weak interactions satisfy the strong equivalence principle. [electron capture and gravitational potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eby, P. B.

1978-01-01

The construction of a clock based on the beta decay process is proposed to test for any violations by the weak interaction of the strong equivalence principle bu determining whether the weak interaction coupling constant beta is spatially constant or whether it is a function of gravitational potential (U). The clock can be constructed by simply counting the beta disintegrations of some suitable source. The total number of counts are to be taken a measure of elapsed time. The accuracy of the clock is limited by the statistical fluctuations in the number of counts, N, which is equal to the square root of N. Increasing N gives a corresponding increase in accuracy. A source based on the electron capture process can be used so as to avoid low energy electron discrimination problems. Solid state and gaseous detectors are being considered. While the accuracy of this type of beta decay clock is much less than clocks based on the electromagnetic interaction, there is a corresponding lack of knowledge of the behavior of beta as a function of gravitational potential. No predictions from nonmetric theories as to variations in beta are available as yet, but they may occur at the U/sg C level.

Spectra of solar proton ground level events using neutron monitor and neutron moderated detector recordings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoker, P. H.

1985-01-01

Recordings on relativistic solar flare protons observed at Sanae, Antarctic, show that the percentage increase in counting rates of the neutron moderated detector (4NMD) is larger than the percentage increase in counting rates of the 3NM64 neutron monitor. These relative increases are described by solar proton differential spectra j sub s(P) = AP(beta). The power beta is determined for each event and the hardnesses of the temporal variations of beta, found for the ground level events (GLE) of 7 May, 1978 and 22 November, 1977.

Optimisation of nasal swab analysis by liquid scintillation counting.

PubMed

Dai, Xiongxin; Liblong, Aaron; Kramer-Tremblay, Sheila; Priest, Nicholas; Li, Chunsheng

2012-06-01

When responding to an emergency radiological incident, rapid methods are needed to provide the physicians and radiation protection personnel with an early estimation of possible internal dose resulting from the inhalation of radionuclides. This information is needed so that appropriate medical treatment and radiological protection control procedures can be implemented. Nasal swab analysis, which employs swabs swiped inside a nostril followed by liquid scintillation counting of alpha and beta activity on the swab, could provide valuable information to quickly identify contamination of the affected population. In this study, various parameters (such as alpha/beta discrimination, swab materials, counting time and volume of scintillation cocktail etc) were evaluated in order to optimise the effectiveness of the nasal swab analysis method. An improved nasal swab procedure was developed by replacing cotton swabs with polyurethane-tipped swabs. Liquid scintillation counting was performed using a Hidex 300SL counter with alpha/beta pulse shape discrimination capability. Results show that the new method is more reliable than existing methods using cotton swabs and effectively meets the analysis requirements for screening personnel in an emergency situation. This swab analysis procedure is also applicable to wipe tests of surface contamination to minimise the source self-absorption effect on liquid scintillation counting.

Primary Standardization of 152Eu by 4πβ(LS) – γ (Nal) coincidence counting and CIEMAT-NIST method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruzzarin, A.; da Cruz, P. A. L.; Ferreira Filho, A. L.; Iwahara, A.

2018-03-01

The 4πβ-γ coincidence counting and CIEMAT/NIST liquid scintillation method were used in the standardization of a solution of 152Eu. In CIEMAT/NIST method, measurements were performed in a Liquid Scintillation Counter model Wallac 1414. In the 4πβ-γ coincidence counting, the solution was standardized using a coincidence method with ‘‘beta-efficiency extrapolation”. A simple 4πβ-γ coincidence system was used, with acrylic scintillation cell coupled to two coincident photomultipliers at 180° each other and NaI(Tl) detector. The activity concentrations obtained were 156.934 ± 0.722 and 157.403 ± 0.113 kBq/g, respectively, for CIEMAT/NIST and 4πβ-γ coincidence counting measurement methods.

The Absolute Measurement of Beta Activities; SOBRE LA MEDIDA ABSOLUTA DE ACTIVIDADES BETA

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

Del Rio, C.S.; Reynaldo, O.J.; Mayquez, E.R.

1956-01-01

A new method for the absolute beta counting of solid samples is given. The measurements are made with an inside Geiger-Muller tube of new construction. The backscattering correction, when using an "infinite" thick mounting, is discussed and results for different materials given. (auth)

Characterization Results for the March 2016 H-Tank Farm 2H Evaporator Overhead Samples

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

Nicholson, J. C.

This report contains the radioanalytical results of the 2H evaporator overhead sample received at SRNL on March 16, 2016. Specifically, concentrations of 137Cs, 90Sr, and 129I are reported and compared to the corresponding Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) limits of the Effluent Treatment Project (ETP) Waste Water Collection Tank (WWCT) (rev. 6). All of the radionuclide concentrations in the sample were found to be in compliance with the ETP WAC limits. Revision 1 of this document corrects the cumulative beta count initially reported for 90Sr content with the sole 90Sr count obtained after recharacterization of the sample. The initial data wasmore » found to be a cumulative beta count rather than the 90Sr count requested.« less

The effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and HMB/creatine supplementation on indices of health in highly trained athletes.

PubMed

Crowe, Melissa J; O'Connor, Donna M; Lukins, Joann E

2003-06-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 6 wk oral supplementation of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and HMB combined with creatine monohydrate (HMBCr) on indices of health in highly trained athletes. Elite, male rugby league players (n=28) were allocated to 1 of 3 groups: a control group (n=6), a HMB group (3 g/d; n=11), or a HMBCr group (3 g/day HMB, 3 g/d Cr; n=11). Testing prior to, and immediately following, supplementation included a full blood count, plasma testosterone and cortisol, blood electrolytes, lipids, urea and glucose, sperm count and motility, and assessment of psychological state. A 3 x 2 factorial ANOVA revealed no effect of HMB or HMBCr on any of the measured parameters except minor changes in blood bicarbonate and blood monocyte and lymphocyte counts. Blood bicarbonate was significantly decreased in the HMB post-supplementation sample compared to the control and HMBCr groups. Blood monocyte and lymphocyte counts showed no within-group changes for HMB or HMBCr supplementation but were significantly different from the control. However, the majority of these readings remained within normal range. HMB and HMBCr were concluded to have no adverse effects on the parameters evaluated in this study when taken orally by highly trained male athletes over a 6-wk period.

Gross-beta activity in ground water: natural sources and artifacts of sampling and laboratory analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Welch, Alan H.

1995-01-01

Gross-beta activity has been used as an indicator of beta-emitting isotopes in water since at least the early 1950s. Originally designed for detection of radioactive releases from nuclear facilities and weapons tests, analysis of gross-beta activity is widely used in studies of naturally occurring radioactivity in ground water. Analyses of about 800 samples from 5 ground-water regions of the United States provide a basis for evaluating the utility of this measurement. The data suggest that measured gross-beta activities are due to (1) long-lived radionuclides in ground water, and (2) ingrowth of beta-emitting radionuclides during holding times between collection of samples and laboratory measurements.Although40K and228Ra appear to be the primary sources of beta activity in ground water, the sum of40K plus228Ra appears to be less than the measured gross-beta activity in most ground-water samples. The difference between the contribution from these radionuclides and gross-beta activity is most pronounced in ground water with gross-beta activities > 10 pCi/L, where these 2 radionuclides account for less than one-half the measured ross-beta activity. One exception is groundwater from the Coastal Plain of New Jersey, where40K plus228Ra generally contribute most of the gross-beta activity. In contrast,40K and228Ra generally contribute most of beta activity in ground water with gross-beta activities < 1 pCi/L.The gross-beta technique does not measure all beta activity in ground water. Although3H contributes beta activity to some ground water, it is driven from the sample before counting and therefore is not detected by gross-beta measurements. Beta-emitting radionuclides with half-lives shorter than a few days can decay to low values between sampling and counting. Although little is known about concentrations of most short-lived beta-emitting radionuclides in environmental ground water (water unaffected by direct releases from nuclear facilities and weapons tests), their activities are expected to be low.Ingrowth of beta-emitting radionuclides during sample holding times can contribute to gross-beta activity, particularly in ground water with gross-beta activities > 10 pCi/L. Ingrowth of beta-emitting progeny of238U, specifically234Pa and234Th, contributes much of the measured gross-beta activity in ground water from 4 of the 5 areas studied. Consequently, gross-beta activity measurements commonly overestimate the abundance of beta-emitting radionuclides actually present in ground water. Differing sample holding times before analysis lead to differing amounts of ingrowth of the two progeny. Therefore, holding times can affect observed gross-beta measurements, particularly in ground water with238U activities that are moderate to high compared with the activity of40K plus228Ra. Uncertainties associated with counting efficiencies for beta particles with different energies further complicate the interpretation of gross-beta measurements.

Beta-Adrenergic Blockade Does not Prevent Polycythemia or Decrease in Plasma Volume in Men at 4300 m Altitude

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grover, R. F.; Selland, M. A.; McCullough, R. G.; Dahms, T. E.; Wolfel, E. E.; Butterfield, G. E.; Reeves, J. T.; Greenleaf, J. E.

1998-01-01

When humans ascend to high altitude (ALT) their plasma volume (PV) and total blood volume (BV) decrease during the first few days. With continued residence over several weeks, the hypoxia-induced stimulation of erythropoietin increases red cell production which tends to restore BV. Because hypoxia also activates the beta-adrenergic system, which stimulates red blood cell production, we investigated the effect of adrenergic beta-receptor inhibition with propranolol on fluid volumes and the polycythemic response in 11 healthy unacclimatized men (21-33 years old exposed to an ALT of 4300 m (barometric pressure 460 Torr) for 3 weeks on Pikes Peak, Colorado. PV was determined by the Evans blue dye method (PV(sub EB)), BV by the carbon monoxide method (BV(sub CO)), red cell volume (RCV)was calculated from hematocrit (Hct) and BV(sub CO), and serum erythropoietin concentration ([EPO]) and reticulocyte count, were also determined. All determinations were made at sea level and after 9-11 (ALT-10) and 9-20 (ALT-20) days at ALT. At sea level and ALT, six men received propranolol (pro, 240 mg/day), and five received a placebo (pla). Effective beta-blockade did not modify the mean (SE) maximal values of [EPO] [pla: 24.9 (3.5) vs pro: 24.5 (1.5) mU/ml] or reticulocyte count [pla: 2.7 (0.7) vs pro: 2.2 (0.5)%]; nor changes in PV(sub EB)[pla: -15.8 (3.8) vs pro: -19.9 (2.8)%], RCV(sub CO) [pla: +7.0 (6.7) vs pro: +10.1 (6.1)%], or BV(sub CO) [pla: -7.3 (2.3) vs pro: -7.1 (3.9)%]. In the absence of weight loss, a redistribution of body water with no net loss is implied. Hence, activation of the beta-adrenergic system did not appear to affect the hypovolemic or polycythemic responses that occurred during 3 weeks at 4300 m ALT in these subjects.

Total lymphocyte count and subpopulation lymphocyte counts in relation to dietary intake and nutritional status of peritoneal dialysis patients.

PubMed

Grzegorzewska, Alicja E; Leander, Magdalena

2005-01-01

Dietary deficiency causes abnormalities in circulating lymphocyte counts. For the present paper, we evaluated correlations between total and subpopulation lymphocyte counts (TLC, SLCs) and parameters of nutrition in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Studies were carried out in 55 patients treated with PD for 22.2 +/- 11.4 months. Parameters of nutritional status included total body mass, lean body mass (LBM), body mass index (BMI), and laboratory indices [total protein, albumin, iron, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)]. The SLCs were evaluated using flow cytometry. Positive correlations were seen between TLC and dietary intake of niacin; TLC and CD8 and CD16+56 counts and energy delivered from protein; CD4 count and beta-carotene and monounsaturated fatty acids 17:1 intake; and CD19 count and potassium, copper, vitamin A, and beta-carotene intake. Anorexia negatively influenced CD19 count. Serum albumin showed correlations with CD4 and CD19 counts, and LBM with CD19 count. A higher CD19 count was connected with a higher red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Correlations were observed between TIBC and TLC and CD3 and CD8 counts, and between serum Fe and TLC and CD3 and CD4 counts. Patients with a higher CD19 count showed a better clinical-laboratory score, especially less weakness. Patients with a higher CD4 count had less expressed insomnia. Quantities of ingested vitamins and minerals influence lymphocyte counts in the peripheral blood of PD patients. Evaluation of TLC and SLCs is helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of nutrition in these patients.

Standardisation and half-life of 89Zr.

PubMed

García-Toraño, E; Peyrés, V; Roteta, M; Mejuto, M; Sánchez-Cabezudo, A; Romero, E

2018-04-01

The nuclide 89 Zr is being tested for the labelling of compounds with long blood circulation times. It decays by beta plus emission (22.8%) and by electron capture (77.2%) to 89 Y. Its half-life has been determined by following the decay rate with two measurement systems; an Ionisation Chamber and an HPGe detector. The combination of six results gives a value of T 1/2 = 78.333 (38) h, slightly lower than the DDEP recommended value of 78.42 (13) h. This radionuclide has also been standardised by liquid scintillation counting, 4πγ counting and coincidence techniques. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Negative Binomial Process Count and Mixture Modeling.

PubMed

Zhou, Mingyuan; Carin, Lawrence

2015-02-01

The seemingly disjoint problems of count and mixture modeling are united under the negative binomial (NB) process. A gamma process is employed to model the rate measure of a Poisson process, whose normalization provides a random probability measure for mixture modeling and whose marginalization leads to an NB process for count modeling. A draw from the NB process consists of a Poisson distributed finite number of distinct atoms, each of which is associated with a logarithmic distributed number of data samples. We reveal relationships between various count- and mixture-modeling distributions and construct a Poisson-logarithmic bivariate distribution that connects the NB and Chinese restaurant table distributions. Fundamental properties of the models are developed, and we derive efficient Bayesian inference. It is shown that with augmentation and normalization, the NB process and gamma-NB process can be reduced to the Dirichlet process and hierarchical Dirichlet process, respectively. These relationships highlight theoretical, structural, and computational advantages of the NB process. A variety of NB processes, including the beta-geometric, beta-NB, marked-beta-NB, marked-gamma-NB and zero-inflated-NB processes, with distinct sharing mechanisms, are also constructed. These models are applied to topic modeling, with connections made to existing algorithms under Poisson factor analysis. Example results show the importance of inferring both the NB dispersion and probability parameters.

A triple-crystal phoswich detector with digital pulse shape discrimination for alpha/beta/gamma spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Travis L.; Miller, William H.

1999-02-01

Researchers at the University of Missouri - Columbia have developed a three-crystal phoswich detector coupled to a digital pulse shape discrimination system for use in alpha/beta/gamma spectroscopy. Phoswich detectors use a sandwich of scintillators viewed by a single photomultiplier tube to simultaneously detect multiple types of radiation. Separation of radiation types is based upon pulse shape difference among the phosphors, which has historically been performed with analog circuitry. The system uses a GaGe CompuScope 1012, 12 bit, 10 MHz computer-based oscilloscope that digitally captures the pulses from a phoswich detector and subsequently performs pulse shape discrimination with cross-correlation analysis. The detector, based partially on previous phoswich designs by Usuda et al., uses a 10 mg/cm 2 thick layer of ZnS(Ag) for alpha detection, followed by a 0.254 cm CaF 2(Eu) crystal for beta detection, all backed by a 2.54 cm NaI(Tl) crystal for gamma detection. Individual energy spectra and count rate information for all three radiation types are displayed and updated periodically. The system shows excellent charged particle discrimination with an accuracy of greater than 99%. Future development will include a large area beta probe with gamma-ray discrimination, systems for low-energy photon detection (e.g. Bremsstrahlung or keV-range photon emissions), and other health physics instrumentation.

Detection of bremsstrahlung radiation of 90Sr-90Y for emergency lung counting.

PubMed

Ho, A; Hakmana Witharana, S S; Jonkmans, G; Li, L; Surette, R A; Dubeau, J; Dai, X

2012-09-01

This study explores the possibility of developing a field-deployable (90)Sr detector for rapid lung counting in emergency situations. The detection of beta-emitters (90)Sr and its daughter (90)Y inside the human lung via bremsstrahlung radiation was performed using a 3″ × 3″ NaI(Tl) crystal detector and a polyethylene-encapsulated source to emulate human lung tissue. The simulation results show that this method is a viable technique for detecting (90)Sr with a minimum detectable activity (MDA) of 1.07 × 10(4) Bq, using a realistic dual-shielded detector system in a 0.25-µGy h(-1) background field for a 100-s scan. The MDA is sufficiently sensitive to meet the requirement for emergency lung counting of Type S (90)Sr intake. The experimental data were verified using Monte Carlo calculations, including an estimate for internal bremsstrahlung, and an optimisation of the detector geometry was performed. Optimisations in background reduction techniques and in the electronic acquisition systems are suggested.

Removal of Long-Lived Radon Daughters by Electropolishing Thin Layers of Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, James; Schnee, Richard; Bunker, Raymond; Bowles, Michael; Cushman, Priscilla; Epland, Matthew; Pepin, Mark; Guiseppe, Vince

2012-10-01

Long-lived alpha and beta emitters in the Radon decay chain on detector surfaces may be limiting background in many experiments attempting to detect dark matter or neutrinoless double beta decay. To screen detector surfaces for this radioactive contamination, a low-radiation, multi-wire proportional chamber (the BetaCage) is under construction. Removal of Pb-210 implanted on its 25-micron stainless steel wires without causing significant variation in the diameter of the wires is critical to the BetaCage's ultimate sensitivity. An apparatus to perform electropolishing trials to remove roughly a micron of material has been assembled. These trials have shown promising results. Stainless steel square samples implanted with Pb-210 have shown counts with a reduction factor greater than 10 after electropolishing according to gamma assay. Furthermore, alpha counting has produced similar results, with a reduction factor greater than 100. Lastly, the diameters of wires after electropolishing have remained sufficiently uniform, with reduction in thickness consistent with expectations.

Beta 2-microglobulin kinetics in maintenance hemodialysis: a comparison of conventional and high-flux dialyzers and the effects of dialyzer reuse.

PubMed

DiRaimondo, C R; Pollak, V E

1989-05-01

beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2M) forms synovial and bony amyloid deposits in long-term hemodialysis patients. To define the kinetics of beta 2M during hemodialysis and the effects of dialyzer reprocessing, we measured serum beta 2M, plasma C3a, and neutrophil counts immediately predialysis; 15, 90, and 180 minutes after beginning dialysis; and 15 minutes postdialysis in ten chronic hemodialysis patients. The studies were performed during first and third uses of cuprammonium rayon and polysulfone dialyzers processed by rinsing with water, then bleach, in an automated system (Seratronics DRS 4) and then packed in 1.5% formaldehyde. Mean serum beta 2M (corrected for ultrafiltration) decreased by 16.6% +/- 18.1% with new cuprammonium dialyzers and 57.1% +/- 12.8% with new polysulfone dialyzers. Dialyzer reprocessing had no significant effect on this decline. Predialysis serum beta 2M decreased by 30.4% +/- 15.5% 1 month after switching from cuprammonium to polysulfone dialyzers; these levels remained stable after 3 months of dialysis with polysulfone. Complement activation and neutropenia during dialysis were significantly more marked with cuprammonium, but were not affected by reprocessing of either dialyzer. In vitro adsorption of 124I-beta 2M to polysulfone fibers was greater than to cuprammonium; adsorption was not influenced by dialyzer reprocessing.

Fast determination of ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y activity in milk by Cherenkov counting.

PubMed

Tsroya, S; Dolgin, B; German, U; Pelled, O; Alfassi, Z B

2013-12-01

Cherenkov counting of the ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y pure beta emitters is an attractive method for ⁹⁰Sr activity determination, but the color quenching effect may be significant, especially for strongly colored or semi-opaque media. A quench correction method based on the external source of some liquid scintillation systems (named ESAR - external source area ratio) was proposed and checked for aqueous solutions and was proved to be effective also for urine samples. In the present work, the application of the ESAR method for fast determination of ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y activity in milk samples is described. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Low level alpha activity measurements with pulse shape discrimination--the analytical system and its characteristics].

PubMed

Noguchi, M; Satoh, K; Higuchi, H

1984-12-01

Pulse shape discrimination of alpha and beta rays with liquid scintillation counting was investigated for the purpose of low level alpha activity measurements. Various liquid scintillators for pulse shape discrimination were examined by means of pulse rise time analysis. A new scintillator of low cost and of superior characteristics was found. The figure of merits better than 3.5 in rise time spectrum and the energy resolution better than 9% were obtained for carefully prepared samples. The background counting rate for a sample of 10 ml was reduced to 0.013 cpm/MeV in the range of alpha ray energy 5 to 7 MeV.

Correlation of EEG with neuropsychological status in children with epilepsy.

PubMed

Hsu, David A; Rayer, Katherine; Jackson, Daren C; Stafstrom, Carl E; Hsu, Murielle; Ferrazzano, Peter A; Dabbs, Kevin; Worrell, Gregory A; Jones, Jana E; Hermann, Bruce P

2016-02-01

To determine correlations of the EEG frequency spectrum with neuropsychological status in children with idiopathic epilepsy. Forty-six children ages 8-18 years old with idiopathic epilepsy were retrospectively identified and analyzed for correlations between EEG spectra and neuropsychological status using multivariate linear regression. In addition, the theta/beta ratio, which has been suggested as a clinically useful EEG marker of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and an EEG spike count were calculated for each subject. Neuropsychological status was highly correlated with posterior alpha (8-15 Hz) EEG activity in a complex way, with both positive and negative correlations at lower and higher alpha frequency sub-bands for each cognitive task in a pattern that depends on the specific cognitive task. In addition, the theta/beta ratio was a specific but insensitive indicator of ADHD status in children with epilepsy; most children both with and without epilepsy have normal theta/beta ratios. The spike count showed no correlations with neuropsychological status. (1) The alpha rhythm may have at least two sub-bands which serve different purposes. (2) The theta/beta ratio is not a sensitive indicator of ADHD status in children with epilepsy. (3) The EEG frequency spectrum correlates more robustly with neuropsychological status than spike count analysis in children with idiopathic epilepsy. (1) The role of posterior alpha rhythms in cognition is complex and can be overlooked if EEG spectral resolution is too coarse or if neuropsychological status is assessed too narrowly. (2) ADHD in children with idiopathic epilepsy may involve different mechanisms from those in children without epilepsy. (3) Reliable correlations with neuropsychological status require longer EEG samples when using spike count analysis than when using frequency spectra. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of an alpha/beta/gamma detector for radiation monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Seiichi; Hatazawa, Jun

2011-11-01

For radiation monitoring at the site of nuclear power plant accidents such as Fukushima Daiichi, radiation detectors not only for gamma photons but also for alpha and beta particles are needed because some nuclear fission products emit beta particles and gamma photons and some nuclear fuels contain plutonium that emits alpha particles. We developed a radiation detector that can simultaneously monitor alpha and beta particles and gamma photons for radiation monitoring. The detector consists of three-layered scintillators optically coupled to each other and coupled to a photomultiplier tube. The first layer, which is made of a thin plastic scintillator (decay time: 2.4 ns), detects alpha particles. The second layer, which is made of a thin Gd2SiO5 (GSO) scintillator with 1.5 mol.% Ce (decay time: 35 ns), detects beta particles. The third layer made of a thin GSO scintillator with 0.4 mol.% Ce (decay time: 70 ns) detects gamma photons. By using pulse shape discrimination, the count rates of these layers can be separated. With individual irradiation of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons, the count rate of the first layer represented the alpha particles, the second layer represented the beta particles, and the third layer represented the gamma photons. Even with simultaneous irradiation of the alpha and beta particles and the gamma photons, these three types of radiation can be individually monitored using correction for the gamma detection efficiency of the second and third layers. Our developed alpha, beta, and gamma detector is simple and will be useful for radiation monitoring, especially at nuclear power plant accident sites or other applications where the simultaneous measurements of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons are required.

Development of an alpha/beta/gamma detector for radiation monitoring.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Seiichi; Hatazawa, Jun

2011-11-01

For radiation monitoring at the site of nuclear power plant accidents such as Fukushima Daiichi, radiation detectors not only for gamma photons but also for alpha and beta particles are needed because some nuclear fission products emit beta particles and gamma photons and some nuclear fuels contain plutonium that emits alpha particles. We developed a radiation detector that can simultaneously monitor alpha and beta particles and gamma photons for radiation monitoring. The detector consists of three-layered scintillators optically coupled to each other and coupled to a photomultiplier tube. The first layer, which is made of a thin plastic scintillator (decay time: 2.4 ns), detects alpha particles. The second layer, which is made of a thin Gd(2)SiO(5) (GSO) scintillator with 1.5 mol.% Ce (decay time: 35 ns), detects beta particles. The third layer made of a thin GSO scintillator with 0.4 mol.% Ce (decay time: 70 ns) detects gamma photons. By using pulse shape discrimination, the count rates of these layers can be separated. With individual irradiation of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons, the count rate of the first layer represented the alpha particles, the second layer represented the beta particles, and the third layer represented the gamma photons. Even with simultaneous irradiation of the alpha and beta particles and the gamma photons, these three types of radiation can be individually monitored using correction for the gamma detection efficiency of the second and third layers. Our developed alpha, beta, and gamma detector is simple and will be useful for radiation monitoring, especially at nuclear power plant accident sites or other applications where the simultaneous measurements of alpha and beta particles and gamma photons are required. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Perivascular spaces on 7 Tesla brain MRI are related to markers of small vessel disease but not to age or cardiovascular risk factors

PubMed Central

Zwanenburg, Jaco JM; Reinink, Rik; Wisse, Laura EM; Luijten, Peter R; Kappelle, L Jaap; Geerlings, Mirjam I; Biessels, Geert Jan

2016-01-01

Cerebral perivascular spaces (PVS) are small physiological structures around blood vessels in the brain. MRI visible PVS are associated with ageing and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). 7 Tesla (7T) MRI improves PVS detection. We investigated the association of age, vascular risk factors, and imaging markers of SVD with PVS counts on 7 T MRI, in 50 persons aged ≥ 40. The average PVS count ± SD in the right hemisphere was 17 ± 6 in the basal ganglia and 71 ± 28 in the semioval centre. We observed no relation between age or vascular risk factors and PVS counts. The presence of microbleeds was related to more PVS in the basal ganglia (standardized beta 0.32; p = 0.04) and semioval centre (standardized beta 0.39; p = 0.01), and white matter hyperintensity volume to more PVS in the basal ganglia (standardized beta 0.41; p = 0.02). We conclude that PVS counts on 7T MRI are high and are related SVD markers, but not to age and vascular risk factors. This latter finding may indicate that due to the high sensitivity of 7T MRI, the correlation of PVS counts with age or vascular risk factors may be attenuated by the detection of “normal”, non-pathological PVS. PMID:27154503

Low Background Signal Readout Electronics for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR

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

Guinn, I.; Abgrall, N.; Avignone, III, F. T.

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is a planned 40 kg array of Germanium detectors intended to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a tonne-scale experiment that will seek neutrinoless double beta decay (0 nu beta beta) in Ge-76. Such an experiment would require backgrounds of less than 1 count/tonne-year in the 4 keV region of interest around the 2039 keV Q-value of the beta beta decay. Designing low-noise electronics, which must be placed in close proximity to the detectors, presents a challenge to reaching this background target. This paper will discuss the MAJORANA collaboration's solutions to some of these challenges.

Spatial and Time Coincidence Detection of the Decay Chain of Short-Lived Radioactive Nuclei

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

Granja, Carlos; Jakubek, Jan; Platkevic, Michal

The quantum counting position sensitive pixel detector Timepix with per-pixel energy and time resolution enables to detect radioactive ions and register the consecutive decay chain by simultaneous position-and time-correlation. This spatial and timing coincidence technique in the same sensor is demonstrated by the registration of the decay chain {sup 8}He{yields}{sup {beta} 8}Li and {sup 8}Li{yields}{sup {beta}-} {sup 8}Be{yields}{alpha}+{alpha} and by the measurement of the {beta} decay half-lives. Radioactive ions, selectively obtained from the Lohengrin fission fragment spectrometer installed at the High Flux Reactor of the ILL Grenoble, are delivered to the Timepix silicon sensor where decays of the implanted ionsmore » and daughter nuclei are registered and visualized. We measure decay lifetimes in the range {>=}{mu}s with precision limited just by counting statistics.« less

Progress toward a new beam measurement of the neutron lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoogerheide, Shannon Fogwell

2016-09-01

Neutron beta decay is the simplest example of nuclear beta decay. A precise value of the neutron lifetime is important for consistency tests of the Standard Model and Big Bang Nucleosysnthesis models. The beam neutron lifetime method requires the absolute counting of the decay protons in a neutron beam of precisely known flux. Recent work has resulted in improvements in both the neutron and proton detection systems that should permit a significant reduction in systematic uncertainties. A new measurement of the neutron lifetime using the beam method will be performed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research. The projected uncertainty of this new measurement is 1 s. An overview of the measurement and the technical improvements will be discussed.

Effect of quench on alpha/beta pulse shape discrimination of liquid scintillation cocktails.

PubMed

DeVol, Timothy A; Theisen, Christopher D; DiPrete, David P

2007-05-01

The objectives of this paper are (1) to illustrate that knowledge of the external quench parameter is insufficient to properly setup a pulse shape discriminating liquid scintillation counter (LSC) for quantitative measurement, (2) to illustrate dependence on pulse shape discrimination on the radionuclide (more than just radiation and energy), and (3) to compare the pulse shape discrimination (PSD) of two commercial instruments. The effects various quenching agents, liquid scintillation cocktails, radionuclides, and LSCs have on alpha/beta pulse shape discriminating liquid scintillation counting were quantified. Alpha emitting radionuclides (239)Pu and (241)Am and beta emitter (90)Sr/(90)Y were investigated to quantify the nuclide dependence on alpha/beta pulse shape discrimination. Also, chemical and color quenching agents, nitromethane, nitric acid, and yellow dye impact on alpha/beta pulse shape discrimination using PerkinElmer Optiphase "HiSafe" 2 and 3, and Ultima Gold AB liquid scintillation cocktails were determined. The prepared samples were counted on the PerkinElmer Wallac WinSpectral 1414 alpha/beta pulse shape discriminating LSC. It was found that for the same level of quench, as measured by the external quench parameter, different quench agents influenced the pulse shape discrimination and the pulse shape discrimination parameters differently. The radionuclide also affects alpha/beta pulse shape discrimination. By comparison with the PerkinElmer Tri-carb 3150 TR/AB, the Wallac 1414 exhibited better pulse shape discrimination capability under the same experimental conditions.

Preparation and validation of gross alpha/beta samples used in EML`s quality assessment program

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

Scarpitta, S.C.

1997-10-01

A set of water and filter samples have been incorporated into the existing Environmental Measurements Laboratory`s (EML) Quality Assessment Program (QAP) for gross alpha/beta determinations by participating DOE laboratories. The participating laboratories are evaluated by comparing their results with the EML value. The preferred EML method for measuring water and filter samples, described in this report, uses gas flow proportional counters with 2 in. detectors. Procedures for sample preparation, quality control and instrument calibration are presented. Liquid scintillation (LS) counting is an alternative technique that is suitable for quantifying both the alpha ({sup 241}Am, {sup 230}Th and {sup 238}Pu) andmore » beta ({sup 90}Sr/{sup 90}Y) activity concentrations in the solutions used to prepare the QAP water and air filter samples. Three LS counting techniques (Cerenkov, dual dpm and full spectrum analysis) are compared. These techniques may be used to validate the activity concentrations of each component in the alpha/beta solution before the QAP samples are actually prepared.« less

Optimization of simultaneous tritium–radiocarbon internal gas proportional counting

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

Bonicalzi, R. M.; Aalseth, C. E.; Day, A. R.

Specific environmental applications can benefit from dual tritium and radiocarbon measurements in a single compound. Assuming typical environmental levels, it is often the low tritium activity relative to the higher radiocarbon activity that limits the dual measurement. In this paper, we explore the parameter space for a combined tritium and radiocarbon measurement using a methane sample mixed with an argon fill gas in low-background proportional counters of a specific design. We present an optimized methane percentage, detector fill pressure, and analysis energy windows to maximize measurement sensitivity while minimizing count time. The final optimized method uses a 9-atm fill ofmore » P35 (35% methane, 65% argon), and a tritium analysis window from 1.5 to 10.3 keV, which stops short of the tritium beta decay endpoint energy of 18.6 keV. This method optimizes tritium counting efficiency while minimizing radiocarbon beta decay interference.« less

Comparison of GEANT4 Physics Models with Measured Beta Particle Data in Aluminum using a Strontium-90 Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everett, Samantha

2010-10-01

A transmission curve experiment was carried out to measure the range of beta particles in aluminum in the health physics laboratory located on the campus of Texas Southern University. The transmission count rate through aluminum for varying radiation lengths was measured using beta particles emitted from a low activity (˜1 μCi) Sr-90 source. The count rate intensity was recorded using a Geiger Mueller tube (SGC N210/BNC) with an active volume of 61 cm^3 within a systematic detection accuracy of a few percent. We compared these data with a realistic simulation of the experimental setup using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit (version 9.3). The purpose of this study was to benchmark our Monte Carlo for future experiments as part of a more comprehensive research program. Transmission curves were simulated based on the standard and low-energy electromagnetic physics models, and using the radioactive decay module for the electrons primary energy distribution. To ensure the validity of our measurements, linear extrapolation techniques were employed to determine the in-medium beta particle range from the measured data and was found to be 1.87 g/cm^2 (˜0.693 cm), in agreement with literature values. We found that the general shape of the measured data and simulated curves were comparable; however, a discrepancy in the relative count rates was observed. The origin of this disagreement is still under investigation.

[Antimicrobial activity of fosfomycin under various conditions against standard strains, beta-lactam resistant strains, and multidrug efflux system mutants].

PubMed

Mikuniya, Takeshi; Hiraishi, Toru; Maebashi, Kazunori; Ida, Takashi; Takata, Toshihiko; Hikida, Muneo; Yamada, Sakuo; Gotoh, Naomasa; Nishino, Takeshi

2005-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible benefit of fosfomycin (FOM) as prophylactic antibiotic in terms of antimicrobial activity and the potential of inducibility of beta-lactamase, compared with cefazolin, cefotiam, cefmetazole, and piperacillin that are commonly used as perioperative agents. The in vitro activity of FOM against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria using Mueller-Hinton agar or nutrient agar supplemented with glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) as tested medium increased within a range from 2 to 256 times the activity in the medium without G6P. However, the susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria to FOM remained largely unchanged with or without G6P. There was no aerobic- or anaerobic-bacteria which changed susceptibility against beta-lactam antibiotics under various tested medium conditions. FOM demonstrated strong bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a dose dependent manner, and decreased viable cell counts of Staphylococcus aureus. In the case of P. aeruginosa, transmission electron micrographs study revealed that numerous lysed cells were present 2 hours after treatment with FOM at four times the MIC. First and second generation cephalosporins induced AmpC-type beta-lactamase in a dose dependent manner among beta-lactamase inducible strains of P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacae. On the other hand, inducible activity of FOM on beta-lactamase production was less than 1/25 to 1/65 compared with those of cephalosporins. In addition, FOM maintained strong antimicrobial activity for over then 20 years after marketing, because of the excellent stability against various types of beta-lactamase produced by plasmid-carrying bacteria and clinical isolates. FOM was not extruded by four types of efflux systems, such as MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, MexXY/ OprM and MexEF-OprN, however beta-lactam antibiotics were substrates of MexAB-OprM and MexCD-OprJ. In conclusion, FOM provides adequate coverage for both aerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria causing postoperative infections. Further, FOM would not select/concentrate beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the clinical fields and would not be a substrate for multidrug efflux system of P. aeruginosa.

Detection of Clostridium perfringens toxin genes in the gut microbiota of autistic children.

PubMed

Finegold, Sydney M; Summanen, Paula H; Downes, Julia; Corbett, Karen; Komoriya, Tomoe

2017-06-01

We studied stool specimens from 33 autistic children aged 2-9 years with gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities and 13 control children without autism and without GI symptoms. We performed quantitative comparison of all Clostridium species and Clostridium perfringens strains from the fecal microbiota by conventional, selective anaerobic culture methods. We isolated C. perfringens strains and performed PCR analysis for the main C. perfringens toxin genes, alpha, beta, beta2, epsilon, iota and C. perfringens enterotoxin gene. Our results indicate that autistic subjects with gastrointestinal disease harbor statistically significantly (p = 0.031) higher counts of C. perfringens in their gut compared to control children. Autistic subjects also harbor statistically significantly (p = 0.015) higher counts of beta2-toxin gene-producing C. perfringens in their gut compared to control children, and the incidence of beta2-toxin gene-producing C. perfringens is significantly higher in autistic subjects compared to control children (p = 0.014). Alpha toxin gene was detected in all C. perfringens strains studied. C. perfringens enterotoxin gene was detected from three autistic and one control subject. Beta, epsilon, and iota toxin genes were not detected from autistic or control subjects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Time-to-ejaculation and the quality of semen produced by masturbation at a clinic.

PubMed

Elzanaty, Saad

2008-05-01

To investigate the association between the length of time-to-ejaculation and semen parameters. Ejaculates from 142 men under infertility assessment were analyzed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Seminal neutral alpha-glucosidase (NAG), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), zinc, and fructose were also measured. Three groups according to the length of the time-to-ejaculation were defined: G(<10) (<10 minutes), G(10-15) (10 to 15 minutes), and G(>15) (greater than 15 minutes). Time to ejaculation showed negative significant correlation with sperm concentration (rho = -0.20, P = 0.02), total sperm count (rho = -0.20, P = 0.04), NAG (rho = -0.20, P = 0.01), and fructose (rho = -0.30, P = 0.02), respectively. No significant correlations existed among the time-to-ejaculation and age, sexual abstinence, semen volume, sperm motility, PSA, and zinc. There were negative significant associations among time-to-ejaculation and sperm concentration (beta = -3.0; P = 0.004), total sperm count (beta = -10; P = 0.02), total count of progressive motility (beta = -7.0; P = 0.02), and fructose (beta = -0.30; P = 0.02), respectively. No significant associations existed among the time-to-ejaculation and semen volume, motility grades, NAG, PSA, and zinc. G(<10) was characterized by higher sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total count of progressive motility compared with G(10-15) (mean difference = 33 x 10(6)/mL; P = 0.01), (mean difference = 96 x 10(6)/ejaculate; P = 0.50), (mean difference = 77 x 10(6)/ejaculate; P = 0.02), respectively, and G(>15) (mean difference = 50 x 10(6)/mL; P = 0.01), (mean difference = 176 x 10(6)/ejaculate; P = 0.02), (mean difference = 110 x 10(6)/ejaculate; P = 0.03), respectively. Fructose was significantly higher in G(<10) compared with G(>15) (mean difference = 5.0 mmol/L; P = 0.03). The time-to-ejaculation length was associated with semen parameters. These results might reflect the negative effect of acute stress during semen collection via masturbation at a clinic on semen parameters.

Progress toward a new beam measurement of the neutron lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoogerheide, Shannon Fogwell; BL2 Collaboration

2017-01-01

Neutron beta decay is the simplest example of nuclear beta decay. A precise value of the neutron lifetime is important for consistency tests of the Standard Model and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis models. The beam neutron lifetime method requires the absolute counting of the decay protons in a neutron beam of precisely known flux. Recent work has resulted in improvements in both the neutron and proton detection systems that should permit a significant reduction in systematic uncertainties. A new measurement of the neutron lifetime using the beam method is underway at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research. The projected uncertainty of this new measurement is 1 s. An overview of the measurement, its current status, and the technical improvements will be discussed.

Detachment of trophozoites of Acanthamoeba species from soft contact lenses with BEN22 detergent, BioSoak, and Renu multi-purpose solutions.

PubMed

Raali, E; Vaahtoranta-Lehtonen, H H; Lehtonen, O P

2001-07-01

BEN22 detergent was studied for its ability to detach Acanthamoeba from soft contact lenses without mechanical cleaning or separate cleaning agents. Trophozoites of Acanthamoeba castellanii and A. polyphaga were adhered onto nonionic, high water content soft contact lenses. The lenses were immersed for 2 hours in contact lens care solutions and the remaining trophozoites were counted microscopically. The counts were compared to the counts on the same lens before treatment. BEN22 (50:50 mixture of L-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-hydroxydecanoyl-beta-hydroxydecanoate and 2-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-hydroxydecanoyl-beta-hydroxydecanoate) (Kassell Industries, Inc., Wisconsin Dells, WI) in a concentration of 0.05% detached the trophozoites to a statistically significant greater extent than saline, but commercial ReNu Multi-Purpose Solution (Bausch & Lomb, Italy) and BioSoak (Finnsusp Ltd., Finland) did so as well. ReNu Multi-Purpose Solution was more effective than 0.005% BEN22 in detaching the trophozoites of both of the Acanthamoeba strains. After the 2 hour immersion period, a maximum of 97% of the initial trophozoites were detached. The variation between individual lenses was significantly greater than that within the different areas of one lens. BEN22 had no reliable detaching effect on Acanthamoeba. The variation between lenses was great, and the rate of detachment was low with all the agents tested indicating that immersion and rinsing in the solutions tested cannot be considered as a safe substitute for proper disinfection against Acanthamoeba in contact lens care.

Performance of a Low Activity Beta-Sensitive SR{sup 90} Water Monitor for Fukushima

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

Zickefoose, J.; Bronson, F.; Ilie, G.

There are large volumes of contaminated water from the stabilization efforts at the damaged Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants. This water is being processed to remove radioactivity for eventual release to the environment. An on-line continuously operating system to confirm that the clean-up system is working properly, and to provide prompt feedback of the results is required by the system operator. While gamma emitting nuclides allow for the straight forward approach of gamma spectroscopy to identify and quantify radioactivity in water, pure beta emitting nuclides such as Sr{sup 90} pose a challenging problem. The relatively short range of beta radiation inmore » water requires optimization of the measurement geometry in terms of the source-detector distance and source-detector interface while retaining a background sensitivity low enough to meet the Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC) of 10 Bq/kg in 180 minutes. This issue is complicated by the continuum nature of the beta spectrum which does not allow for simple nuclide identification. The use of the Monte-Carlo code MCNP to estimate system performance before prototyping vastly increases the success of the end product. Various parameters such as detector size and thickness, water chamber size, water chamber construction materials were evaluated to help choose the optimum geometry. The final design was a system consisting of two large-area (16 x 35 cm) and thin (0.15 mm) plastic scintillators placed very close to a sealed a water chamber. The size of the chamber was optimized to obtain the maximum efficiency for the nuclide being measured (Sr/Y{sup 90}) but to minimize the efficiency for possible interferences (Ru/Rh{sup 106}, Cs{sup 137}). A thin carbon fiber window was selected with adequate material and thickness to contain the water under pressure, but also thin enough (0.5 mm) to allow enough beta radiation to pass through to the active detector volume. The entire measurement geometry is then housed in a thick lead shield to reduce contributions from external sources to an acceptable level. Data acquisition is accomplished through customized application-specific software that allows for long counting times to attain a low MDC, but also simultaneously provides alarms on short averaging times to achieve a fast response to sudden changes in activity concentration. Multiple monitors are then linked to supervisory software where real time data and alarms are available for analysis in remote locations. The system also allows for remote operation of the unit; check sources, background checks, systems settings and more may be accessed remotely. Testing of the production devices has shown that we can achieve the 10 Bk/kg MDC requirement for Sr{sup 90} in equilibrium with Y{sup 90} with a count time of approximately 20 minutes. (authors)« less

aCORN Beta Spectrometer and Electrostatic Mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Md; aCORN Collaboration

2013-10-01

aCORN uses a high efficiency backscatter suppressed beta spectrometer to measure the electron-antineutrino correlation in neutron beta decay. We measure the correlation by counting protons and beta electrons in coincidence with precisely determined electron energy. There are 19 photomultiplier tubes arranged in a hexagonal array coupled to a single phosphor doped polystyrene scintillator. The magnetic field is shaped so that electrons that backscatter without depositing their full energy strike a tulip-shaped array of scintillator paddles and these events are vetoed. The detailed construction, performance and calibration of this beta spectrometer will be presented. I will also present the simulation, construction, and features of our novel electrostatic mirror. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the NIST Center for Neutron Research.

[IL-1beta, IL-10, INF-gamma, TNF-alpha, S100beta, AMA-M2 and cell immune response in stroke].

PubMed

Sergeeva, S P; Erofeeva, L M; Gul'tiaev, M M

2011-01-01

Clinical data showed a role for stress, inflammatory, innate immune and adaptive immune mechanisms is stroke. Absolute and relative count of lymphocytes decrease, CD3 HLA DR+ and immunoregulatory balance (CD4+/CD8+) increase, concentration of IL-1beta, INF-gamma, TNF-alpha, S100beta, AMA-M2 increase, IL-10 decrease were detected in peripheral blood of 25 patients with stroke. It is explained that the products of brain cell stroke destruction (AMA-M2) play in autoimmune stroke progress mechanisms the same role as neurospecific proteins as S100beta. It is concluded that both stereotype and autoimmune mechanisms are involved in the development of stroke.

Implementation of the TDCR liquid scintillation method at CNEA-LMR, Argentina.

PubMed

Arenillas, Pablo; Cassette, Philippe

2006-01-01

During the last two years, a triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) system was assembled and adjusted at the CNEA-LMR, Argentina. The new counting system will add complementary capabilities to the absolute measurements section of the CNEA-LMR. This work describes its implementation and validation. Several checks and a set of beta-emitting standard solutions were used in order to perform the validation experiments. In preliminary measurements, a 3H LNHB solution with reference activity concentration of (119.7+/-0.9) kBq/g on 11 November 2003 was used. The CNEA-LMR TDCR counter gave, at the same reference date, an activity concentration of (120+/-1) kBq/g. Results and improvements are presented in detail. Concerning the asymmetry of the system, the quantum efficiency of the three photomultiplier tubes was studied for different operating conditions of the focusing voltage. The counter also includes an automatic system to change the efficiency by defocusing the photomultipliers and on the other hand, it was coupled to a HPGe detector to also measure beta-gamma coincidences.

Verification survey report of the south waste tank farm training/test tower and hazardous waste storage lockers at the West Valley demonstration project, West Valley, New York

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

Weaver, Phyllis C.

A team from ORAU's Independent Environmental Assessment and Verification Program performed verification survey activities on the South Test Tower and four Hazardous Waste Storage Lockers. Scan data collected by ORAU determined that both the alpha and alpha-plus-beta activity was representative of radiological background conditions. The count rate distribution showed no outliers that would be indicative of alpha or alpha-plus-beta count rates in excess of background. It is the opinion of ORAU that independent verification data collected support the site?s conclusions that the South Tower and Lockers sufficiently meet the site criteria for release to recycle and reuse.

The evaluation of uncertainty in low-level LSC measurements of water samples.

PubMed

Rusconi, R; Forte, M; Caresana, M; Bellinzona, S; Cazzaniga, M T; Sgorbati, G

2006-01-01

The uncertainty in measurements of gross alpha and beta activities in water samples by liquid scintillation counting with alpha/beta discrimination has been evaluated considering the problems typical of low-level measurements of environmental samples. The use of a pulse shape analysis device to discriminate alpha and beta events introduces a correlation between some of the input quantities, and it has to be considered. Main contributors to total uncertainty have been assessed by specifically designed experimental tests. Results have been fully examined and discussed.

NATALIE: A 32 detector integrated acquisition system to characterize laser produced energetic particles with nuclear techniques

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

Tarisien, M.; Plaisir, C.; Gobet, F.

2011-02-15

We present a stand-alone system to characterize the high-energy particles emitted in the interaction of ultrahigh intensity laser pulses with matter. According to the laser and target characteristics, electrons or protons are produced with energies higher than a few mega electron volts. Selected material samples can, therefore, be activated via nuclear reactions. A multidetector, named NATALIE, has been developed to count the {beta}{sup +} activity of these irradiated samples. The coincidence technique used, designed in an integrated system, results in very low background in the data, which is required for low activity measurements. It, therefore, allows a good precision onmore » the nuclear activation yields of the produced radionuclides. The system allows high counting rates and online correction of the dead time. It also provides, online, a quick control of the experiment. Geant4 simulations are used at different steps of the data analysis to deduce, from the measured activities, the energy and angular distributions of the laser-induced particle beams. Two applications are presented to illustrate the characterization of electrons and protons.« less

Beta decay heat following U-235, U-238 and Pu-239 neutron fission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shengjie

1997-09-01

This is an experimental study of beta-particle decay heat from 235U, 239Pu and 238U aggregate fission products over delay times 0.4-40,000 seconds. The experimental results below 2s for 235U and 239Pu, and below 20s for 238U, are the first such results reported. The experiments were conducted at the UMASS Lowell 5.5-MV Van de Graaff accelerator and 1-MW swimming-pool research reactor. Thermalized neutrons from the 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction induced fission in 238U and 239Pu, and fast neutrons produced in the reactor initiated fission in 238U. A helium-jet/tape-transport system rapidly transferred fission fragments from a fission chamber to a low background counting area. Delay times after fission were selected by varying the tape speed or the position of the spray point relative to the beta spectrometer that employed a thin-scintillator-disk gating technique to separate beta-particles from accompanying gamma-rays. Beta and gamma sources were both used in energy calibration. Based on low-energy(<1 MeV) internal-conversion electron studies, a set of trial responses for the spectrometer was established and spanned electron energies 0-10 MeV. Measured beta spectra were unfolded for their energy distributions by the program FERD, and then compared to other measurements and summation calculations based on ENDF/B-VI fission-product data performed on the LANL Cray computer. Measurements of the beta activity as a function of decay time furnished a relative normalization. Results for the beta decay heat are presented and compared with other experimental data and the summation calculations.

Innovative procedure for the determination of gross-alpha/gross-beta activities in drinking water.

PubMed

Wisser, S; Frenzel, E; Dittmer, M

2006-03-01

An alternative sample preparation method for the determination of gross-alpha/beta activity concentrations in drinking water is introduced in this paper. After the freeze-drying of tap water samples, determination by liquid scintillation counting can be applied utilizing alpha/beta separation. It has been shown that there is no adsorption or loss of solid radionuclides during the freeze-drying procedure. However, the samples have to be measured quickly after the preparation since the ingrowth of daughter isotopes negatively effects the measurement. The limits of detection for gross-alpha and gross-beta activity are in the range 25-210 mBq/l, respectively, for a measurement time of only 8-9 h.

Medication adherence and Medicare expenditure among beneficiaries with heart failure.

PubMed

Lopert, Ruth; Shoemaker, J Samantha; Davidoff, Amy; Shaffer, Thomas; Abdulhalim, Abdulla M; Lloyd, Jennifer; Stuart, Bruce

2012-09-01

To (1) measure utilization of and adherence to heart failure medications and (2) assess whether better adherence is associated with lower Medicare spending. Pooled cross-sectional design using six 3-year cohorts of Medicare beneficiaries with congestive heart failure (CHF) from 1997 through 2005 (N = 2204). Adherence to treatment was measured using average daily pill counts. Bivariate and multivariate methods were used to examine the relationship between medication adherence and Medicare spending. Multivariate analyses included extensive variables to control for confounding, including healthy adherer bias. Approximately 58% of the cohort were taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), 72% a diuretic, 37% a beta-blocker, and 34% a cardiac glycoside. Unadjusted results showed that a 10% increase in average daily pill count for ACE inhibitors or ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics, or cardiac glycosides was associated with reductions in Medicare spending of $508 (not significant [NS]), $608 (NS), $250 (NS), and $1244 (P <.05), respectively. Estimated adjusted marginal effects of a 10% increase in daily pill counts for beta-blockers and cardiac glycosides were reductions in cumulative 3-year Medicare spending of $510 to $561 and $750 to $923, respectively (P <.05). Higher levels of medication adherence among Medicare beneficiaries with CHF were associated with lower cumulative Medicare spending over 3 years, with savings generally exceeding the costs of the drugs in question.

Evaluation of the DIRAMIC system for detection of urinary tract infections and for Escherichia coli identification.

PubMed

Travieso Ruiz, Fernando; Roura Carmona, Gloria; Romay Penabad, Cheyla; Contreras Alarcón, Rolando

2004-01-01

The use of the DIRAMIC system for the detection of urinary tract infections (UTI) and the possibility to identify Escherichia coli in the same culture media was evaluated. The results from DIRAMIC detection system were compared to counts of colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) of urine inoculated in CLED Medium; 884 urine specimens were processed taking > or =10(4) CFU/ml as criteria of positive urine culture counts. For E. coli identification, substrates for the determination of beta-glucuronidase and tryptophanase were incorporated to the culture medium and named DETID-Ec. Outputs were compared to those from API RAPIDEC-ur strips. The DIRAMIC system can detect UTI, with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.25 and 94.49%, respectively. It was possible to identify E. coli during detection with 87.50% of sensitivity and 95.96% of specificity. The small volumes of culture medium used in the DIRAMIC system as well as the short times for the detection make the system a rapid and economical method for screening UTI. Furthermore, by using DETID-Ec culture medium the time and the number of biochemical tests necessary for the E. coli identification are lowered.

DRME: Count-based differential RNA methylation analysis at small sample size scenario.

PubMed

Liu, Lian; Zhang, Shao-Wu; Gao, Fan; Zhang, Yixin; Huang, Yufei; Chen, Runsheng; Meng, Jia

2016-04-15

Differential methylation, which concerns difference in the degree of epigenetic regulation via methylation between two conditions, has been formulated as a beta or beta-binomial distribution to address the within-group biological variability in sequencing data. However, a beta or beta-binomial model is usually difficult to infer at small sample size scenario with discrete reads count in sequencing data. On the other hand, as an emerging research field, RNA methylation has drawn more and more attention recently, and the differential analysis of RNA methylation is significantly different from that of DNA methylation due to the impact of transcriptional regulation. We developed DRME to better address the differential RNA methylation problem. The proposed model can effectively describe within-group biological variability at small sample size scenario and handles the impact of transcriptional regulation on RNA methylation. We tested the newly developed DRME algorithm on simulated and 4 MeRIP-Seq case-control studies and compared it with Fisher's exact test. It is in principle widely applicable to several other RNA-related data types as well, including RNA Bisulfite sequencing and PAR-CLIP. The code together with an MeRIP-Seq dataset is available online (https://github.com/lzcyzm/DRME) for evaluation and reproduction of the figures shown in this article. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of beta activity in water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barker, F.B.; Robinson, B.P.

1963-01-01

Many elements have one or more naturally radioactive isotopes, and several hundred other radionuclides have been produced artificially. Radioactive substances may be present in natural water as a result of geochemical processes or the release of radioactive waste and other nuclear debris to the environment. The Geological Survey has developed methods for measuring certain of these .radioactive substances in water. Radioactive substances often are present in water samples in microgram quantities or less. Therefore, precautions must be taken to prevent loss of material and to assure that the sample truly represents its source at the time of collection. Addition of acids, complexing agents, or stable isotopes often aids in preventing loss of radioactivity on container walls, on sediment, or on other solid materials in contact with the sample. The disintegration of radioactive atoms is a random process subject to established methods of statistical analysis. Because many water samples contain small amounts of radioactivity, low-level counting techniques must be used. The usual assumption that counting data follow a Gaussian distribution is invalid under these conditions, and statistical analyses must be based on the Poisson distribution. The gross beta activity in water samples is determined from the residue left after evaporation of the sample to dryness. Evaporation is accomplished first in a teflon dish, then the residue is transferred with distilled water to a counting planchet and again is reduced to dryness. The radioactivity on the planchet is measured with an anticoincidence-shielded, low-background, beta counter and is compared with measurements of a strontium-90-yttrium-90 standard prepared and measured in the same manner. Control charts are used to assure consistent operation of the counting instrument.

influence of TEM-1 beta-lactamase on the pharmacodynamic activity of simulated total versus free-drug serum concentrations of cefditoren (400 milligrams) versus amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (2,000/125 milligrams) against Haemophilus influenzae strains exhibiting an N526K mutation in the ftsI gene.

PubMed

Torrico, M; Aguilar, L; González, N; Giménez, M J; Echeverría, O; Cafini, F; Sevillano, D; Alou, L; Coronel, P; Prieto, J

2007-10-01

The aim of this study was to explore bactericidal activity of total and free serum simulated concentrations after the oral administration of cefditoren (400 mg, twice daily [bid]) versus the oral administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid extended release formulation (2,000/125 mg bid) against Haemophilus influenzae. A computerized pharmacodynamic simulation was performed, and colony counts and beta-lactamase activity were determined over 48 h. Three strains were used: ampicillin-susceptible, beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) (also resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) and beta-lactamase-positive amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-resistant (BLPACR) strains, with cefditoren MICs of < or =0.12 microg/ml and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid MICs of 2, 8, and 8 microg/ml, respectively. Against the ampicillin-susceptible and BLNAR strains, bactericidal activity (> or =3 log(10) reduction) was obtained from 6 h on with either total and free cefditoren or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Against the BLPACR strain, free cefditoren showed bactericidal activity from 8 h on. In amoxicillin-clavulanic acid simulations the increase in colony counts from 4 h on occurred in parallel with the increase in beta-lactamase activity for the BLPACR strain. Since both BLNAR and BLPACR strains exhibited the same MIC, this was due to the significantly lower (P < or = 0.012) amoxicillin concentrations from 4 h on in simulations with beta-lactamase positive versus negative strains, thus decreasing the time above MIC (T>MIC). From a pharmacodynamic point of view, the theoretical amoxicillin T>MIC against strains with elevated ampicillin/amoxicillin-clavulanic acid MICs should be considered with caution since the presence of beta-lactamase inactivates the antibiotic, thus rendering inaccurate theoretical calculations. The experimental bactericidal activity of cefditoren is maintained over the dosing interval regardless of the presence of a mutation in the ftsI gene or beta-lactamase production.

Intravascular probe for detection of vulnerable plaque

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patt, Bradley E.; Iwanczyk, Jan S.; MacDonald, Lawrence R.; Yamaguchi, Yuko; Tull, Carolyn R.; Janecek, Martin; Hoffman, Edward J.; Strauss, H. William; Tsugita, Ross; Ghazarossian, Vartan

2001-12-01

Coronary angiography is unable to define the status of the atheroma, and only measures the luminal dimensions of the blood vessel, without providing information about plaque content. Up to 70% of heart attacks are caused by minimally obstructive vulnerable plaques, which are too small to be detected adequately by angiography. We have developed an intravascular imaging detector to identify vulnerable coronary artery plaques. The detector works by sensing beta or conversion electron radiotracer emissions from plaque-binding radiotracers. The device overcomes the technical constraints of size, sensitivity and conformance to the intravascular environment. The detector at the distal end of the catheter uses six 7mm long by 0.5mm diameter scintillation fibers coupled to 1.5m long plastic fibers. The fibers are offset from each other longitudinally by 6mm and arranged spirally around a guide wire in the catheter. At the proximal end of the catheter the optical fibers are coupled to an interface box with a snap on connector. The interface box contains a position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT) to decode the individual fibers. The whole detector assembly fits into an 8-French (2.7 mm in diameter) catheter. The PSPMT image is further decoded with software to give a linear image, the total instantaneous count rate and an audio output whose tone corresponds to the count rate. The device was tested with F-18 and Tl-204 sources. Spectrometric response, spatial resolution, sensitivity and beta to background ratio were measured. System resolution is 6 mm and the sensitivity is >500 cps / micrometers Ci when the source is 1 mm from the detector. The beta to background ratio was 11.2 for F-18 measured on a single fiber. The current device will lead to a system allowing imaging of labeled vulnerable plaque in coronary arteries. This type of signature is expected to enable targeted and cost effective therapies to prevent acute coronary artery diseases such as: unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.

Natural radioactive contaminants in solder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunzl, K.; Kracke, W.

1985-07-01

Comparatively high surface count rates for alpha- and beta-radiation were observed for several solders. They were identified as 210Pb and 210Po. The corresponding specific activities in solder were determined.

Single molecule fluorescence imaging as a technique for barium tagging in neutrinoless double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, B. J. P.; McDonald, A. D.; Nygren, D. R.

2016-12-01

Background rejection is key to success for future neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. To achieve sensitivity to effective Majorana lifetimes of ~ 1028 years, backgrounds must be controlled to better than 0.1 count per ton per year, beyond the reach of any present technology. In this paper we propose a new method to identify the birth of the barium daughter ion in the neutrinoless double beta decay of 136Xe. The method adapts Single Molecule Fluorescent Imaging, a technique from biochemistry research with demonstrated single ion sensitivity. We explore possible SMFI dyes suitable for the problem of barium ion detection in high pressure xenon gas, and develop a fiber-coupled sensing system with which we can detect the presence of bulk Ba++ ions remotely. We show that our sensor produces signal-to-background ratios as high as 85 in response to Ba++ ions when operated in aqueous solution. We then describe the next stage of this R&D program, which will be to demonstrate chelation and fluorescence in xenon gas. If a successful barium ion tag can be developed using SMFI adapted for high pressure xenon gas detectors, the first essentially zero background, ton-scale neutrinoless double beta decay technology could be realized.

Biocompatibility differences with respect to the dialyzer sterilization method.

PubMed

Müller, T F; Seitz, M; Eckle, I; Lange, H; Kolb, G

1998-01-01

The impact of the method of sterilization (steam vs. ethylene oxide, ETO) on indices of biocompatibility is investigated using polysulfone membranes. Eight patients were treated with a random choice of the high-flux membranes F60S (steam) and F60 (ETO) and the low-flux membrane F6 (ETO). Blood samples were taken prior to and 5, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min after the start of hemodialysis. White blood cell count, platelet count, and plasma concentrations of polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase, complements C3a and C5a, and beta2-microglobulin were determined. The dialysis procedure was associated with a significant decrease in white blood cell count and beta2-microglobulin level and a significant increase in polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase and complement C3a and C5a levels. However, the steam-sterilized F60S membrane had a significantly lower impact on the biocompatibility indices than the ETO-sterilized F60 and F6 membranes (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001 for the individual markers). We conclude that using steam instead of ETO for sterilization may improve the biocompatibility of membranes.

C$sup 12$(n,p) B$sup 12$ CROSS SECTION FOR 14.9- TO 17.5-MEV NEUTRONS

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

Kreger, W.E.; Kern, B.D.

1958-09-23

The cross section for the C/sup 12/(n,p)B/sup 12/ reaction has been measured for 14.9- to 17.5-Mev nuetrons. The neutrons were obtained from the T(d,n)He/sup 4/ reaction and their flux density was determined by counting the recoil alpha particles or by counting the neutrons directly with a Li/sup 6/I(Eu) scintillation counter. A cylindrical plastic scintillator 5 inches in diameter and 3 inches in length served as the carbon-containing target and permitted the counting of the B/sup 12/ decay beta rays in nine consecutive 7-msec intervals during the beam-off period or a pulsed neutron beam cycle. The cross section rises from slightlymore » above the reaction threshold of 13.6-Mev to a value of 29.09 plus or minus 4.36 millibarns at 17.5 Mev. The B/sup 12/ beta decay half life has been redetermined as 18.87 plus or minus 0.50 milliseconds. (auth)« less

Psychophysiological differentiation of two types of anxiety and its pharmacological modification by minor tranquillizer and beta-receptor-blocker.

PubMed

Albus, M; Stahl, S; Müller-Spahn, F; Engel, R R

1986-08-01

To evaluate the influence of beta-blockers and/or minor tranquillizers on autonomic reactions during brief stress, 48 healthy subjects were randomised into 4 groups: A = 4 mg Pindolol, B = 1.5 mg Cloxazolam, C = Placebo, D = 4 mg Pindolol + 1.5 mg Cloxazolam. Subjects underwent four stress situations: Counting, noise, mental arithmetic and ergometry, each lasting 4 min with rest periods of 8 min in between. Electromyogram, finger pulse amplitude, heart rate, pulse wave velocity and electrodermal activity were recorded simultaneously on-line. Analysis of variance showed that the two drugs had significant main effects in different systems: Pindolol reduced heart rate, mainly during mental arithmetic and ergometry, Cloxazolam reduced electrodermal activity, mainly during noise. It can be concluded that different structured situations with a varying amount and type of anxiety induce different autonomic reactions; these reactions can be differentially modified by the drugs applied.

Development of a low-level 39Ar calibration standard – Analysis by absolute gas counting measurements augmented with simulation

DOE PAGES

Williams, Richard M.; Aalseth, C. E.; Brandenberger, J. M.; ...

2017-02-17

Here, this paper describes the generation of 39Ar, via reactor irradiation of potassium carbonate, followed by quantitative analysis (length-compensated proportional counting) to yield two calibration standards that are respectively 50 and 3 times atmospheric background levels. Measurements were performed in Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's shallow underground counting laboratory studying the effect of gas density on beta-transport; these results are compared with simulation. The total expanded uncertainty of the specific activity for the ~50 × 39Ar in P10 standard is 3.6% (k=2).

Development of a low-level 39Ar calibration standard – Analysis by absolute gas counting measurements augmented with simulation

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

Williams, Richard M.; Aalseth, C. E.; Brandenberger, J. M.

Here, this paper describes the generation of 39Ar, via reactor irradiation of potassium carbonate, followed by quantitative analysis (length-compensated proportional counting) to yield two calibration standards that are respectively 50 and 3 times atmospheric background levels. Measurements were performed in Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's shallow underground counting laboratory studying the effect of gas density on beta-transport; these results are compared with simulation. The total expanded uncertainty of the specific activity for the ~50 × 39Ar in P10 standard is 3.6% (k=2).

Medical examination of Rongelap people six months after exposure to fallout

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

Bond, V.P.; Conard, R.A.; Robertson, J.S.

1955-04-01

Follow-up medical examinations were made of the Marshallese inhabitants of Rongelap Atoll 6 months after they had been exposed to atomic bomb fallout radiation during the Operation CASTLE test series in March, 1954. During the early acute period following exposure, these people had shown systemic effects and marked hematological changes resulting from penetrating gamma radiation; extensive superficial skin lesions and epilation associated principally with beta and soft gamma radiation from fallout material deposited on uncovered skin areas; and minimal internal contamination with fission products, resulting principally from ingestion of fallout material. At the time of the 6-month resurvey the individuals,more » in general, appeared healthy and normally active, and no deaths had occurred in the interim period. Chest X-rays of all individuals revealed no abnormalities ascribable to the fallout radiation. Analysis of hematological data obtained failed to demonstrate a significant effect of measles on the peripheral blood count. Neutrophile, lymphocyte, and platelet counts were not significantly different from counts taken on the 74th post-exposure day, and none of these values had returned to control levels.« less

Effect of dim and bright light exposure on some immunological parameters measured under thermal neutral conditions.

PubMed

Hyun, Ki-Ja; Kondo, Masayuki; Koh, Taichin; Tokura, Hiromi; Tamotsu, Satoshi; Oishi, Tadashi

2005-01-01

This study assesses the effects of ambient light conditions, under a thermoneutral environment, on selected immunological parameters of 7 healthy young women (aged 19 to 22 yrs). Subjects entered the bioclimatic chamber at 11: 00 h, controlled at 26 degrees C and 60% relative humidity, a "neutral climate". They lead a well-regulated life in the climatic chamber (pre-condition) while exposed to dim (200 lux) or, on the next day, bright (5000 lux) light between 06 : 00 to 12 : 00 h. Just before the end of each period of light exposure, a blood sample was taken for later immunological assay of white blood cell count (WBC), phagocytosis, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4), CD69 T cells (CD69), CD4+CD25+ T cells (CD4+CD25+), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). The results, when compared with the pre-condition, were as follows: 1) CD69 and IFN-gamma increased during normal conditions without thermal stress under dim light; 2) WBC increased and IL-4 decreased under bright light; 3) as shown by the highly significant decrease of TGF-beta1, the immune system was activated under bright light; 4) phagocytosis tended to increase under bright light exposure; 5) CD69 and IFN-gamma were significantly higher, and CD4+CD25+ tended to decrease under bright light; 6) phagocytosis tended to be lower and TGF-beta1 significantly higher under dim light, indicating a decline of immune system function. Taken together, this preliminary single time-point sampling study infers that some parameters are activated (CD69) while others are attenuated (phagocytosis, TGF-beta1) according to the environmental light intensity, dim vs. bright, in women adhering to a standardized routine in the absence of thermal stress. These findings are discussed in terms of inhibition of the sympathetic and excitation of the parasympathetic nervous system under the influence of life-style regularity and daytime bright light exposure.

Measurement of the two-neutrino double-beta decay half-life of $$^{130}$$Te with the CUORE-0 experiment

DOE PAGES

Alduino, C.; Alfonso, K.; Artusa, D. R.; ...

2017-01-06

Here, we report on the measurement of the two-neutrino double-beta decay half-life of 130Te with the CUORE-0 detector. From an exposure of 33.4 kg year of TeO 2, the half-life is determined to be T 2ν 1/2 = [8.2 ± 0.2 (stat.) ± 0.6 (syst.)] × 10 20 year. This result is obtained after a detailed reconstruction of the sources responsible for the CUORE-0 counting rate, with a specific study of those contributing to the 130Te neutrinoless double-beta decay region of interest.

Evaluation of thrombogenicity of beta-propiolactone/ultraviolet (beta-PL/UV) treated PPSB in chimpanzees

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

Kotitschke, R.; Stephan, W.; Prince, A.M.

1983-05-01

The thrombogenicity of beta-PL/UV-treated PPSB (factor IX concentrate) was evaluated in chimpanzees. PPSB isolated from beta-propiolactone-treated and UV-irradiated plasma was injected into chimpanzees at a dose of approximately 100 units/kg body weight. An FDA licensed PPSB preparation served as the negative control, and a preparation containing activated as well as precursor clotting factors served as the positive control. 15 minutes, 1 h, 4 h, and 24 h after the PPSB application the following parameters were determined in the chimpanzee blood: factors II, VII, IX, X, VIII, fibrinogen, AT III, thrombin coagulase, Quick value, APTT and platelet count. Neither the untreatedmore » control preparation, nor the PPSB isolated from beta-propiolactone-treated and UV-irradiated plasma, showed signs of thrombogenicity in the chimpanzee model. The positive control indicated that the chimpanzee is a suitable model for the thrombogenicity testing of activated clotting factors.« less

Exercise training improves autonomic function and inflammatory pattern in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

PubMed

Giallauria, Francesco; Palomba, Stefano; Maresca, Luigi; Vuolo, Laura; Tafuri, Domenico; Lombardi, Gaetano; Colao, Annamaria; Vigorito, Carlo; Francesco, Orio

2008-11-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female reproductive-age endocrine disease predominantly characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, insulin-resistance and low-grade inflammatory status. Exercise training (ET) favourably modulates cardiopulmonary function and insulin-sensitivity markers in PCOS women. The present study investigated the effects of ET on autonomic function and inflammatory pattern in PCOS women. Prospective baseline uncontrolled clinical study. One-hundred and eighty five PCOS women referred to our department were screened for the inclusion into the study protocol from March 2004 to July 2007. One-hundred and twenty four PCOS women met the criteria for the inclusion into the study protocol and were subdivided into two groups each composed of 62 patients: PCOS-T (trained) group underwent 3-month ET program, whereas PCOS-UnT (untrained) group did not. At baseline and at 3-month follow-up, hormonal and metabolic profile, cardiopulmonary parameters, autonomic function (as expressed by heart rate recovery, HRR) and inflammatory pattern [as expressed by C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBCs) count] were evaluated. PCOS-T showed a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) and in post-exercise HRR, and a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in CRP and WBCs; whereas no statistically significant changes of the same parameters were observed in PCOS-UnT. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 3-month HRR is linearly related to the inclusion in training group (beta = 0.316, P < 0.001), VO(2max) (beta = 0.151, P = 0.032) and the ratio between glucose and insulin area under curve (AUC) (beta = 0.207, P = 0.003), and inversely related to body mass index (beta = -0.146, P = 0.046), insulin AUC (beta = -0.152, P = 0.032), CRP (beta = -0.165, P < 0.021), and WBCs count (beta = -0.175, P = 0.039). Exercise training improves autonomic function and inflammatory pattern in PCOS women.

Effect of beta-lactoglobulin polymorphism and seasonality on bovine milk composition.

PubMed

Botaro, Bruno G; Lima, Ygor V R; Aquino, Adriana A; Fernandes, Raquel H R; Garcia, José F; Santos, Marcos V

2008-05-01

The objective was to evaluate the effect of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) polymorphism and seasonality on milk composition (fat, lactose, total solids, milk urea nitrogen, total protein, true protein, casein and somatic cell counts) of Holstein and Girolando cows. Milk and blood samples from 278 Holsteins cows and 156 Girolando cows were taken during two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, for milk composition analysis and to determine beta-lg genotypes, respectively. BB genotype was the most frequent for both breeds, followed by AA genotype for Holstein (BB>AA>AB) and by AB for Girolando cows (BB>AB>AA). No differences were found in milk compositional characteristics among genetic variants of beta-lg (AA, AB and BB) either between Holstein or Girolando cows. No association between milk composition and beta-lg genetic polymorphism was observed. During the dry season, independently of the breed considered, higher contents of lactose, true protein, casein and casein:true protein ratio were found.

Improving distillation method and device of tritiated water analysis for ultra high decontamination efficiency.

PubMed

Fang, Hsin-Fa; Wang, Chu-Fang; Lin, Chien-Kung

2015-12-01

It is important that monitoring environmental tritiated water for understanding the contamination dispersion of the nuclear facilities. Tritium is a pure beta radionuclide which is usually measured by Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC). The average energy of tritum beta is only 5.658 keV that makes the LSC counting of tritium easily be interfered by the beta emitted by other radionuclides. Environmental tritiated water samples usually need to be decontaminated by distillation for reducing the interference. After Fukushima Nucleaer Accident, the highest gross beta concentration of groundwater samples obtained around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is over 1,000,000 Bq/l. There is a need for a distillation with ultra-high decontamination efficiency for environmental tritiated water analysis. This study is intended to improve the heating temperature control for better sub-boiling distillation control and modify the height of the container of the air cooling distillation device for better fractional distillation effect. The DF of Cs-137 of the distillation may reach 450,000 which is far better than the prior study. The average loss rate of the improved method and device is about 2.6% which is better than the bias value listed in the ASTM D4107-08. It is proven that the modified air cooling distillation device can provide an easy-handling, water-saving, low cost and effective way of purifying water samples for higher beta radionuclides contaminated water samples which need ultra-high decontamination treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential tumor microenvironment in human ovarian cystic tumors.

PubMed

Tavares Murta, Beatriz Martins; Cunha, Fernando de Queiróz; Miranda, Rodrigo; Adad, Sheila Jorge; Murta, Eddie Fernando Candido

2004-01-01

Cells and soluble mediators obtained from tumor effusions are useful in evaluating the tumor microenvironment. Our aim was to examine cytologically and to quantify the leukocyte infiltrate, nitric oxide, cytokines and tumor markers in the intracystic fluid from patients with a cystic adnexal mass, for a possible differentiation between benign and malignant findings. Sixty-six women who had their cystic fluids collected were prospectively divided into benign tumor (22, 33.3%), malignant tumor (10, 15.2%) or other gynecological alterations (34, 51.5%). Cytology, total and differential leukocyte counts were determined by light microscopy. Tumor markers, cytokines and nitric oxide were assayed in the supernatants using the Immulite system, ELISA and Griess reaction, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the cytological analysis was 66.7% and 97.7%, respectively. The levels of CA 19.9, CA 15.3, alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, progesterone and beta-HCG were significantly higher in the benign and/or malignant group than in the other gynecological alterations. Also, the local concentrations of CA 15.3 and beta-HCG were significantly higher in malignant than in benign tumors. In malignant tumors, increased leukocyte counts and higher concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and nitric oxide were detected than in benign tumors or other gynecological alterations. In malignant tumors, the microenvironment could be differentiated from benign tumors or other gynecological alterations by cystic fluid analysis.

Yeast cell-wall products containing beta-glucan plus ascorbic acid affect neonatal Bos taurus calf leukocytes and growth after a transport stressor.

PubMed

Eicher, S D; Wesley, I V; Sharma, V K; Johnson, T R

2010-03-01

The objectives were to ascertain whether a yeast cell-wall derivative that was 1.8% beta-glucan in combination with ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate could improve innate immunity and mediate transportation stress in neonatal calves, and to compare the 1.8% beta-glucan yeast cell-wall derivative with a more purified yeast cell-wall derivative (70% beta-glucan). Treatments were 1) an unsupplemented control (CNT); 2) 113 g of a 1.8% (approximately 2%) beta-glucan derivative of yeast cell walls plus 250 mg of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG2); or 3) 150 mg of a purified beta-glucan fraction from yeast cell walls (approximately 70% beta-glucan) plus 250 mg/feeding of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG70). Calves (n = 39) were transported for 4 h, placed in outdoor hutches, and randomly assigned to treatments. Treatments (mixed with a milk replacer) were individually fed twice daily for 28 d. Calves were offered calf starter, free choice, throughout the study. Weekly starter intake and BW were measured, and fecal samples were collected for Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 PCR analysis. Blood was collected immediately before transport (d 0) and on d 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 after transport. Starter intake and DMI were less (P < 0.05) at d 28 for the BG2 and BG70 treatments compared with the CNT treatment. Hematocrit percentages increased (P = 0.002) throughout the experiment. White blood cell counts (treatment x time interaction, P = 0.066) were less for the calves supplemented with BG70 than for those supplemented with BG2 (P = 0.01) or for CNT calves (P = 0.04) on d 28. Granulocyte counts changed (P = 0.04) throughout the experiment. A trend (P = 0.077) for a treatment x time interaction was detected for peripheral blood mononuclear cell counts (PBMC). Counts of PBMC were greater (P = 0.006) for the BG2 treatment compared with the CNT treatment on d 3. Calves given the BG70 supplement had fewer PBMC than those given the BG2 supplement on d 21 (P = 0.03) and 28 (P = 0.05). Fibrinogen concentrations were affected only by time (P = 0.002). Time effects were detected for phagocytosis (P = 0.005), oxidative burst (P < 0.001), expression of cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.001), and increased cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.006). Phagocytosis was less (P = 0.05) for calves in the BG70 group than for those in the CNT group. Percentage of calves positive for E. coli O157:H7 was greatest (P

Ion exchange determines iodine-131 concentration in aqueous samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fairman, W. D.; Sedlet, J.

1967-01-01

Inorganic radioiodide in aqueous media is analyzed by separating the radioactive iodine-131 as the iodide ion on a silver chloride column. The activity in the final precipitate may be determined by beta or gamma counting.

Lymphocyte changes in beta-thalassaemia major.

PubMed Central

Musumeci, S; Schiliro, G; Romeo, M A; Sciotto, A; Rosalba, A; Pizzarelli, G

1979-01-01

Lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in 20 hypertransfused patients with beta-thalassaemia major, some of whom had been splenectomised. B-lymphocytes were normal but T-lymphocytes were decreased in all patients. The T-cell count was lower in the splenectomised patients than in the nonsplenectomised ones. In the former, the active rosette-forming lymphocytes were also diminished, but the difference was not significant. In all patients the percentage of null cells was greater and the activity of K-cells increased compared with controls. PMID:316991

Study of the Nuclear Structure of 39P Using Beta-Delayed Gamma Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abromeit, Brittany; NSCL Experiment E14063 Team Team

2016-03-01

Investigation of nuclei with neutron and proton imbalance is at the forefront of nuclear physics research today. This is driven by the fact that the structure in these regimes may vary with that seen near the valley of stability. With eight neutrons more than the stable isotope of phosphorous, 39P is a neutron-rich exotic nucleus that has very limited information on it: previous studies of 39P produce only three known energy levels and gamma rays. The fragmentation of a 48Ca primary beam on a 564mg/cm2 thick Be target at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) was used to produce exotic 39Si. Using the NSCL Beta Counting System (BCS), consisting of a thick planner germanium double-sided strip detector (GeDSSD) and 16 High-purity germanium detectors in an array, SeGA, the beta-gamma coincidences from the decay of 39Si to 39P were analyzed. The resulting level scheme of 39P, including over 12 new gamma rays and energy states, confirmation of the previously measured half-life, and first-time logft values will be presented. This work was supported by the NSF under Grant No. 1401574.

Predictive value of some hematological parameters for non-invasive and invasive mole pregnancies.

PubMed

Abide Yayla, Cigdem; Özkaya, Enis; Yenidede, Ilter; Eser, Ahmet; Ergen, Evrim Bostancı; Tayyar, Ahter Tanay; Şentürk, Mehmet Baki; Karateke, Ates

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to discriminate mole pregnancies and invasive forms among cases with first trimester vaginal bleeding by the utilization of some complete blood count parameters conjunct to sonographic findings and beta human chorionic gonadotropin concentration. Consecutive 257 cases with histopathologically confirmed mole pregnancies and 199 women without mole pregnancy presented with first trimester vaginal bleeding who admitted to Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training Hospital between January 2012 and January 2016 were included in this cross-sectional study. The serum beta HCG level at presentation, and beta hCG levels at 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks of postevacuation with some parameters of complete blood count were utilized to discriminate cases with molar pregnancy and cases with invasive mole among first trimester pregnants presented with vaginal bleeding and abnormal sonographic findings. Levels of beta hCG at baseline (AUC = 0.700, p < 0.05) and 1st (AUC = 0.704, p < 0.05), 2nd (AUC = 0.870, p < 0.001) and 3rd (AUC = 0.916, p < 0.001) weeks of postevacuation period were significant predictors for the cases with persistent disease. While area under curve for mean platelet volume is 0.715, it means that mean platelet volume has 21.5% additional diagnostic value for predicting persistency in molar patients. For 8.55 cut-off point for mean platelet volume, sensitivity is 84.6% and specificity is 51.6%. Area under curve for platelet/lymphocyte ratio is 0.683 means that platelet/lymphocyte ratio has additional 18.3% diagnostic value. For 102.25 cut-off point sensitivity is 86.6% and specificity is 46.2. Simple, widely available complete blood count parameters may be used as an adjunct to other risk factors to diagnose molar pregnancies and predict postevacuation trophoblastic disease.

The CUORE cryostat and its bolometric detector

DOE PAGES

Santone, D.; Alduino, C.; Alfonso, K.; ...

2017-02-16

CUORE is a cryogenic detector that will be operated at LNGS to search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) of 130Te. The detector installation was completed in summer 2016. Before the installation, several cold runs were done to test the cryogenic system performance. In the last cold run the base temperature of 6.3 mK was reached in stable condition. CUORE-0, a CUORE prototype, has proven the feasibility of CUORE, demonstrating that the target background of 0.01 counts/keV/kg/y and the energy resolution of 5 keV are within reach.

Evaluation of nucleated red blood cell count by Sysmex XE-2100 in patients with thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia and in neonates.

PubMed

Buoro, Sabrina; Vavassori, Mauro; Pipitone, Silvia; Benegiamo, Anna; Lochis, Eleonora; Fumagalli, Sabina; Falanga, Anna; Marchetti, Marina; Crippa, Alberto; Ottomano, Cosimo; Lippi, Giuseppe

2015-10-01

Current haematology analysers have variable sensitivity and accuracy for counting nucleated red blood cells in samples with low values and in all those conditions characterised by altered sensitivity of red blood cells to the lysing process, such as in beta-thalassaemia or sickle-cell diseases and in neonates. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the automated analyser XE-2100 at counting nucleated red blood cells in the above-mentioned three categories of subjects with potentially altered red blood cell lysis sensitivity and yet a need for accurate nucleated red blood cell counts. We measured nucleated red blood cell count by XE-2100 in peripheral blood samples of 187 subjects comprising 55 patients with beta-thalassaemia (40 major and 15 traits), 26 sickle-cell patients, 56 neonates and 50 normal subject. Results were compared with those obtained by optical microscopy. Agreement between average values of the two methods was estimated by means of Pearson's correlation and bias analysis, whereas diagnostic accuracy was estimated by analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves. The comparison between the two methods showed a Pearson's correlation of 0.99 (95% CI; 0.98-0.99; p<0.001) and bias of -0.61 (95% CI, -1.5-0.3). The area under the curve of the nucleated red blood cell count in all samples was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-1.00; p<0.001). Sub-analysis revealed an area under curve of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00; p<0.001) for patients with thalassaemia, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.85-1.00; p<0.001) for patients with sickle cell anaemia, and 1.00 (95% CI, 1.0-1.0) for neonates. XE-2100 has excellent performance for nucleated red blood cell counting, especially in critical populations such as patients with haemoglobinopathies and neonates.

Mesalamine inhibits epithelial beta-catenin activation in chronic ulcerative colitis.

PubMed

Brown, Jeffrey B; Lee, Goo; Managlia, Elizabeth; Grimm, Gery R; Dirisina, Ramanarao; Goretsky, Tatiana; Cheresh, Paul; Blatner, Nichole R; Khazaie, Khashayarsha; Yang, Guang-Yu; Li, Linheng; Barrett, Terrence A

2010-02-01

Mesalamine is a mainstay therapeutic agent in chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) in which condition it reverses crypt architectural changes and reduces colitis-associated cancer (CAC). The present study addressed the possibility that mesalamine reduces beta-catenin-associated progenitor cell activation, Akt-phosphorylated beta-catenin(Ser552) (P-beta-catenin), and colitis-induced dysplasia (CID). Effects of mesalamine on P-beta-catenin staining and function were assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in biopsy specimens of CUC in mild or "refractory" severe mucosal inflammation. Effects of mesalamine on epithelial proliferation and activation of Akt and beta-catenin were assessed in interleukin (IL)-10(-/-) colitis and CID by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Dysplasia was assessed by counting the number and lengths of lesions per colon. Data from IL-10(-/-) and human colitis samples show that mesalamine reduced Akt activation and P-beta-catenin levels in the middle and upper crypt. Reductions in P-beta-catenin in CUC biopsy specimens with severe inflammation suggested that mesalamine reduced P-beta-catenin levels in tissue refractory to mesalamine's anti-inflammatory effects. In IL-10(-/-) mice, mesalamine reduced CID concordant with inhibition of crypt Akt and beta-catenin signaling. The results are consistent with the model that mesalamine contributes to chemoprevention in CAC by reducing beta-catenin signaling within intestinal progenitors.

A new NIST primary standardization of 18F.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, R; Zimmerman, B E; Bergeron, D E; Cessna, J C; Pibida, L; Moreira, D S

2014-02-01

A new primary standardization of (18)F by NIST is reported. The standard is based on live-timed beta-gamma anticoincidence counting with confirmatory measurements by three other methods: (i) liquid scintillation (LS) counting using CIEMAT/NIST (3)H efficiency tracing; (ii) triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) counting; and (iii) NaI integral counting and HPGe γ-ray spectrometry. The results are reported as calibration factors for NIST-maintained ionization chambers (including some "dose calibrators"). The LS-based methods reveal evidence for cocktail instability for one LS cocktail. Using an ionization chamber to link this work with previous NIST results, the new value differs from the previous reports by about 4%, but appears to be in good agreement with the key comparison reference value (KCRV) of 2005. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Temporal coding of reward-guided choice in the posterior parietal cortex

PubMed Central

Hawellek, David J.; Wong, Yan T.; Pesaran, Bijan

2016-01-01

Making a decision involves computations across distributed cortical and subcortical networks. How such distributed processing is performed remains unclear. We test how the encoding of choice in a key decision-making node, the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), depends on the temporal structure of the surrounding population activity. We recorded spiking and local field potential (LFP) activity in the PPC while two rhesus macaques performed a decision-making task. We quantified the mutual information that neurons carried about an upcoming choice and its dependence on LFP activity. The spiking of PPC neurons was correlated with LFP phases at three distinct time scales in the theta, beta, and gamma frequency bands. Importantly, activity at these time scales encoded upcoming decisions differently. Choice information contained in neural firing varied with the phase of beta and gamma activity. For gamma activity, maximum choice information occurred at the same phase as the maximum spike count. However, for beta activity, choice information and spike count were greatest at different phases. In contrast, theta activity did not modulate the encoding properties of PPC units directly but was correlated with beta and gamma activity through cross-frequency coupling. We propose that the relative timing of local spiking and choice information reveals temporal reference frames for computations in either local or large-scale decision networks. Differences between the timing of task information and activity patterns may be a general signature of distributed processing across large-scale networks. PMID:27821752

Rejection of randomly coinciding events in Li_2^{100}MoO_4 scintillating bolometers using light detectors based on the Neganov-Luke effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyak, D. M.; Danevich, F. A.; Dumoulin, L.; Giuliani, A.; Mancuso, M.; Marcillac, P. de; Marnieros, S.; Nones, C.; Olivieri, E.; Poda, D. V.; Tretyak, V. I.

2017-01-01

Random coincidences of nuclear events can be one of the main background sources in low-temperature calorimetric experiments looking for neutrinoless double-beta decay, especially in those searches based on scintillating bolometers embedding the promising double-beta candidate ^{100} Mo, because of the relatively short half-life of the two-neutrino double-beta decay of this nucleus. We show in this work that randomly coinciding events of the two-neutrino double-beta decay of ^{100} Mo in enriched Li_2^{100} MoO_4 detectors can be effectively discriminated by pulse-shape analysis in the light channel if the scintillating bolometer is provided with a Neganov-Luke light detector, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio by a large factor, assumed here at the level of {˜ }750 on the basis of preliminary experimental results obtained with these devices. The achieved pile-up rejection efficiency results in a very low contribution, of the order of {˜ }6× 10^{-5} counts/(keV\\cdot kg\\cdot y), to the background counting rate in the region of interest for a large volume ({˜ }90 cm^3) Li_2^{100} MoO_4 detector. This background level is very encouraging in view of a possible use of the Li_2^{100} MoO_4 solution for a bolometric tonne-scale next-generation experiment as that proposed in the CUPID project.

Principles of gross alpha and beta radioactivity detection in water.

PubMed

Semkow, T M; Parekh, P P

2001-11-01

A simultaneous detection of gross alpha and beta radioactivity was studied using gas proportional counting. This measurement is a part of a method mandated by US Environmental Protection Agency to screen for alpha and beta radioactivity in drinking water. Responses of a gas proportional detector to alpha and beta particles from several radionuclides were determined in drop and electroplated geometries. It is shown that, while the alpha radioactivity can be measured accurately in the presence of beta radioactivity, the opposite is not typically true due to alpha-to-beta crosstalk. The crosstalk, originating from the emission of conversion and Auger electrons as well as x rays, is shown to be dependent primarily on the particular alpha-decay scheme while the dependence on alpha energy is small but negligible. It was measured at 28-35% for 241Am, 22-24% for 230Th, and 4.9-6.5% for 239Pu. For 210Po, the crosstalk of 1.2-1.6% was observed mostly due to energy retardation. A method of reducing the crosstalk to a <3% level is proposed by absorbing the atomic electrons in a 6.2 mg cm(-2) Al absorber, at the same time decreasing the beta efficiency by 16-31%.

Development of a real-time radon monitoring system for simultaneous measurements in multiple sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, S.; Yamasoto, K.; Iida, T.

1999-12-01

A real-time radon monitoring system that can simultaneously measure radon concentrations in multiple sites was developed and tested. The system consists of maximum of four radon detectors, optical fiber cables and a data acquisition personal computer. The radon detector uses a plastic scintillation counter that collects radon daughters in the chamber electrostatically. The applied voltage on the photocathode for the photomultiplier tube (PMT) acts as an electrode for radon daughters. The thickness of the plastic scintillator was thin, 50 /spl mu/m, so as to minimize the background counts due to the environmental gamma rays or beta particles. The energy discriminated signals from the radon detectors are fed to the data acquisition personal computer via optical fiber cables. The system made it possible to measure the radon concentrations in multiple sites simultaneously.

The Role of Microtexture on the Fatigue Behavior of an alpha + beta Titanium Alloy, Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

Hall. Fatigue crack initiation in alpha-beta titanium alloys, International Journal of Fatigue, 31 (Suppl. 1), (1997) S23–S37. [ 4 ] G. Lutjering...Power Research Institute - October 1983. [ 6 ] F. Larson, A. Zarkades. Properties of Textured Titanium Alloys, MCIC Report - MCIC·74- 20 – Metals and...Figure 3 and 4 . Table II. The cycle count and relative rankings of fatigue crack growth rates measured from the cracks shown in Figure 5 and 6

Neutrinoless double beta decay with 82SeF6 and direct ion imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nygren, D. R.; Jones, B. J. P.; López-March, N.; Mei, Y.; Psihas, F.; Renner, J.

2018-03-01

We present a new neutrinoless double beta decay concept: the high pressure selenium hexafluoride gas time projection chamber. A promising new detection technique is outlined which combines techniques pioneered in high pressure xenon gas, such as topological discrimination, with the high Q-value afforded by the double beta decay isotope 82Se. The lack of free electrons in SeF6 mandates the use of an ion TPC. The microphysics of ion production and drift, which have many nuances, are explored. Background estimates are presented, suggesting that such a detector may achieve background indices of better than 1 count per ton per year in the region of interest at the 100 kg scale, and still better at the ton-scale.

Direct measurement of beta-delayed neutron emission at and beyond doubly-magic 78Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, Rin; Briken Collaboration Collaboration

2017-09-01

An experiment aiming to measure the beta-neutron-gamma decay properties of nuclei around 78Ni produced by in-flight fission of a 238U beam at 345 MeV/u and selected by means of BigRIPS was recently performed using the BRIKEN setup. The BRIKEN detector is composed of the AIDA implantation-decay array as well as 140 3He tubes and 2 HPGe clovers. The counting efficiency of a single beta-delayed neutron (β1 n) is above 60. National Nuclear Security Administration under the Stewardship Sci- ence Academic Alliances program through DOE Award No. DE- NA0002132 and the Office of Nuclear Physics, U.S. Department of Energy under Award No. DE-FG02-96ER40983.

Effects of alpha-galactosylceramides on bone marrow cells in vitro and hematopoiesis in vivo.

PubMed

Motoki, K; Morita, M; Kobayashi, E; Uchida, T; Fukushima, H; Koezuka, Y

1996-07-01

We found that AGL-517, an alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), possesses potent radioprotective activities against mice irradiated with 9 Gy of X-ray in contrast to its having no effect on mice irradiated with 10 Gy of X-ray. The result suggested the possibility that alpha-GalCers protect mice from bone marrow death. To examine this possibility, we examined the effects of two kinds of alpha- and beta-GalCers on counts of platelets (PLT) and white blood cells (WBC) in the peripheral blood of normal mice and mice irradiated in a whole body with 5 Gy of X-ray. alpha-GalCers significantly increased the PLT and WBC counts of both mice in comparison with the vehicle-treated group, and their potencies were stronger than those of their beta-types. Furthermore, we evaluated the in vitro bone marrow cell-proliferation stimulatory activities of four kinds of GalCers, and found that alpha-GalCers show stronger stimulatory effects than beta-types. These results demonstrate that the alpha-configuration of GalCers plays an important role in the manifestation of the above-mentioned activities of GalCers. The results also suggest that alpha-GalCers may be useful as hematopoietic stimulators as well as radioprotective agents.

Phase II: Field Detector Development For Undeclared/Declared Nuclear Testing For Treaty Verfiation Monitoring

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

Kriz, M.; Hunter, D.; Riley, T.

2015-10-02

Radioactive xenon isotopes are a critical part of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) for the detection or confirmation of nuclear weapons tests as well as on-site treaty verification monitoring. On-site monitoring is not currently conducted because there are no commercially available small/robust field detector devices to measure the radioactive xenon isotopes. Xenon is an ideal signature to detect clandestine nuclear events since they are difficult to contain and can diffuse and migrate through soils due to their inert nature. There are four key radioxenon isotopes used in monitoring: 135Xe (9 hour half-life), 133mXe (2 day half-life), 133Xe (5more » day half-life) and 131mXe (12 day half-life) that decay through beta emission and gamma emission. Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a leader in the field of gas collections and has developed highly selective molecular sieves that allow for the collection of xenon gas directly from air. Phase I assessed the development of a small, robust beta-gamma coincidence counting system, that combines collection and in situ detection methodologies. Phase II of the project began development of the custom electronics enabling 2D beta-gamma coincidence analysis in a field portable system. This will be a significant advancement for field detection/quantification of short-lived xenon isotopes that would not survive transport time for laboratory analysis.« less

Alpha Air Sample Counting Efficiency Versus Dust Loading: Evaluation of a Large Data Set

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

Hogue, M. G.; Gause-Lott, S. M.; Owensby, B. N.

Dust loading on air sample filters is known to cause a loss of efficiency for direct counting of alpha activity on the filters, but the amount of dust loading and the correction factor needed to account for attenuated alpha particles is difficult to assess. In this paper, correction factors are developed by statistical analysis of a large database of air sample results for a uranium and plutonium processing facility at the Savannah River Site. As is typically the case, dust-loading data is not directly available, but sample volume is found to be a reasonable proxy measure; the amount of dustmore » loading is inferred by a combination of the derived correction factors and a Monte Carlo model. The technique compares the distribution of activity ratios [beta/(beta + alpha)] by volume and applies a range of correction factors on the raw alpha count rate. The best-fit results with this method are compared with MCNP modeling of activity uniformly deposited in the dust and analytical laboratory results of digested filters. Finally, a linear fit is proposed to evenly-deposited alpha activity collected on filters with dust loading over a range of about 2 mg cm -2 to 1,000 mg cm -2.« less

Alpha Air Sample Counting Efficiency Versus Dust Loading: Evaluation of a Large Data Set

DOE PAGES

Hogue, M. G.; Gause-Lott, S. M.; Owensby, B. N.; ...

2018-03-03

Dust loading on air sample filters is known to cause a loss of efficiency for direct counting of alpha activity on the filters, but the amount of dust loading and the correction factor needed to account for attenuated alpha particles is difficult to assess. In this paper, correction factors are developed by statistical analysis of a large database of air sample results for a uranium and plutonium processing facility at the Savannah River Site. As is typically the case, dust-loading data is not directly available, but sample volume is found to be a reasonable proxy measure; the amount of dustmore » loading is inferred by a combination of the derived correction factors and a Monte Carlo model. The technique compares the distribution of activity ratios [beta/(beta + alpha)] by volume and applies a range of correction factors on the raw alpha count rate. The best-fit results with this method are compared with MCNP modeling of activity uniformly deposited in the dust and analytical laboratory results of digested filters. Finally, a linear fit is proposed to evenly-deposited alpha activity collected on filters with dust loading over a range of about 2 mg cm -2 to 1,000 mg cm -2.« less

Standardisation of the (129)I, (151)Sm and (166m)Ho activity concentration using the CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing method.

PubMed

Altzitzoglou, Timotheos; Rožkov, Andrej

2016-03-01

The (129)I, (151)Sm and (166m)Ho standardisations using the CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing method, that have been carried out in the frame of the European Metrology Research Program project "Metrology for Radioactive Waste Management" are described. The radionuclide beta counting efficiencies were calculated using two computer codes CN2005 and MICELLE2. The sensitivity analysis of the code input parameters (ionization quenching factor, beta shape factor) on the calculated efficiencies was performed, and the results are discussed. The combined relative standard uncertainty of the standardisations of the (129)I, (151)Sm and (166m)Ho solutions were 0.4%, 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. The stated precision obtained using the CIEMAT/NIST method is better than that previously reported in the literature obtained by the TDCR ((129)I), the 4πγ-NaI ((166m)Ho) counting or the CIEMAT/NIST method ((151)Sm). Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Low level radioactivity measurements with phoswich detectors using coincident techniques and digital pulse processing analysis.

PubMed

de la Fuente, R; de Celis, B; del Canto, V; Lumbreras, J M; de Celis Alonso, B; Martín-Martín, A; Gutierrez-Villanueva, J L

2008-10-01

A new system has been developed for the detection of low radioactivity levels of fission products and actinides using coincidence techniques. The device combines a phoswich detector for alpha/beta/gamma-ray recognition with a fast digital card for electronic pulse analysis. The phoswich can be used in a coincident mode by identifying the composed signal produced by the simultaneous detection of alpha/beta particles and X-rays/gamma particles. The technique of coincidences with phoswich detectors was proposed recently to verify the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (NTBT) which established the necessity of monitoring low levels of gaseous fission products produced by underground nuclear explosions. With the device proposed here it is possible to identify the coincidence events and determine the energy and type of coincident particles. The sensitivity of the system has been improved by employing liquid scintillators and a high resolution low energy germanium detector. In this case it is possible to identify simultaneously by alpha/gamma coincidence transuranic nuclides present in environmental samples without necessity of performing radiochemical separation. The minimum detectable activity was estimated to be 0.01 Bq kg(-1) for 0.1 kg of soil and 1000 min counting.

PAPER-CHROMATOGRAM MEASUREMENT OF SUBSTANCES LABELLED WITH H$sup 3$ (in German)

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

Wenzel, M.

1961-03-01

Compounds labelled with H/sup 3/ can be detected with a paper chromatogram using a methane flow counter with a count yield of 1%. The yield can be estimated from the beta maximum energy. A new double counter was developed which increases the count yield to 2% and also considerably decreases the margin of error. Calibration curves with leucine and glucosamine show satisfactory linearity between measured and applied activity in the range from 4 to 50 x 10/sup -//sup 3/ mu c of H/sup 3/. (auth)

Field transportable beta spectrometer. Innovative technology summary report

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

NONE

1998-12-01

The objective of the Large-Scale Demonstration Project (LSDP) is to select and demonstrate potentially beneficial technologies at the Argonne National Laboratory-East (ANL) Chicago Pile-5 Test Reactor (CP-5). The purpose of the LSDP is to demonstrate that by using innovative and improved deactivation and decommissioning (D and D) technologies from various sources, significant benefits can be achieved when compared to baseline D and D technologies. One such capability being addressed by the D and D Focus Area is rapid characterization for facility contaminants. The technology was field demonstrated during the period January 7 through January 9, 1997, and offers several potentialmore » benefits, including faster turn-around time, cost reduction, and reduction in secondary waste. This report describes a PC controlled, field-transportable beta counter-spectrometer which uses solid scintillation coincident counting and low-noise photomultiplier tubes to count element-selective filters and other solid media. The dry scintillation counter used in combination with an element-selective technology eliminates the mess and disposal costs of liquid scintillation cocktails. Software in the instrument provides real-time spectral analysis. The instrument can detect and measure Tc-99, Sr-90, and other beta emitters reaching detection limits in the 20 pCi range (with shielding). Full analysis can be achieved in 30 minutes. The potential advantages of a field-portable beta counter-spectrometer include the savings gained from field generated results. The basis for decision-making is provided with a rapid turnaround analysis in the field. This technology would be competitive with the radiometric analysis done in fixed laboratories and the associated chain of custody operations.« less

Determination of gross alpha and gross beta in soil around repository facility at Bukit Kledang, Perak, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adziz, Mohd Izwan Abdul; Siong, Khoo Kok

2018-04-01

Recently, the Long Term Storage Facility (LTSF) in Bukit Kledang, Perak, Malaysia, has been upgraded to repository facility upon the completion of decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) process. Thorium waste and contaminated material that may contain some minor amounts of thorium hydroxide were disposed in this facility. This study is conducted to determine the concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities in soil samples collected around the repository facility. A total of 12 soil samples were collected consisting 10 samples from around the facility and 2 samples from selected residential area near the facility. In addition, the respective dose rates were measured 5 cm and 1 m above the ground by using survey meter with Geiger Muller (GM) detector and Sodium Iodide (NaI) detector. Soil samples were collected using hand auger and then were taken back to the laboratory for further analysis. Samples were cleaned, dried, pulverized and sieved prior to analysis. Gross alpha and gross beta activity measurements were carried out using gas flow proportional counter, Canberra Series 5 XLB - Automatic Low Background Alpha and Beta Counting System. The obtained results show that, the gross alpha and gross beta activity concentration ranged from 1.55 to 5.34 Bq/g with a mean value of 3.47 ± 0.09 Bq/g and 1.64 to 5.78 Bq/g with a mean value of 3.49 ± 0.09 Bq/g, respectively. These results can be used as an additional data to represent terrestrial radioactivity baseline data for Malaysia environment. This estimation will also serve as baseline for detection of any future related activities of contamination especially around the repository facility area.

Amorphous silicon ionizing particle detectors

DOEpatents

Street, Robert A.; Mendez, Victor P.; Kaplan, Selig N.

1988-01-01

Amorphous silicon ionizing particle detectors having a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a--Si:H) thin film deposited via plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition techniques are utilized to detect the presence, position and counting of high energy ionizing particles, such as electrons, x-rays, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation.

Simultaneous determination of specific alpha and beta emitters by LSC-PLS in water samples.

PubMed

Fons-Castells, J; Tent-Petrus, J; Llauradó, M

2017-01-01

Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) is a commonly used technique for the determination of alpha and beta emitters. However, LSC has poor resolution and the continuous spectra for beta emitters hinder the simultaneous determination of several alpha and beta emitters from the same spectrum. In this paper, the feasibility of multivariate calibration by partial least squares (PLS) models for the determination of several alpha ( nat U, 241 Am and 226 Ra) and beta emitters ( 40 K, 60 Co, 90 Sr/ 90 Y, 134 Cs and 137 Cs) in water samples is reported. A set of alpha and beta spectra from radionuclide calibration standards were used to construct three PLS models. Experimentally mixed radionuclides and intercomparision materials were used to validate the models. The results had a maximum relative bias of 25% when all the radionuclides in the sample were included in the calibration set; otherwise the relative bias was over 100% for some radionuclides. The results obtained show that LSC-PLS is a useful approach for the simultaneous determination of alpha and beta emitters in multi-radionuclide samples. However, to obtain useful results, it is important to include all the radionuclides expected in the studied scenario in the calibration set. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Majorana Demonstrator search for neutrinoless double beta decay

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

Cuesta, C.; Buuck, M.; Detwiler, Jason A.

2016-12-12

The MAJORANA Collaboration is constructing the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, an ultra-low background, modular, HPGe detector array with a mass of 44.8-kg (29.7 kg enriched 88% in 76Ge) to search for neutrinoless double beta decay in 76Ge. The next generation of tonnescale Ge-based neutrinoless double beta decay searches will probe the neutrino mass scale in the inverted-hierarchy region. The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is envisioned to demonstrate a path forward to achieve a background rate at or below 1 count/tonne/year in the 4 keV region of interest around the Q-value of 2039 keV. The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR follows a modular implementation to be easily scalablemore » to the next generation experiment. First data taken with the DEMONSTRATOR are introduced here.« less

A SYSTEM FOR CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT OF RADIOACTIVITY IN FLOWING STREAMS

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

Rapkin, E.; Gibbs, J.A.

1962-10-31

An apparatus for the determination of alpha or BETA radioactivity in either circulating liquid or gas streams was developed. Solid anthracene crystals are used. The detector consists of a Lucite light pipe coated with titanium dioxide and coupled to two photomultipliers which are in turn fed to appropriate coincidence type circuitry. The detection cell, which consists of a 9-mm OD glass tube with appropriate fittings on either end, was packed with anthracene crystals. A glass frit, or glass wool, was incorporated in the cell on the downstream side to contain the anthracene and a pledget of glass wool was placedmore » above the anthracene on the upstream side. Carbon-14 counting efficiency was found to be of the order of 50% with a coincident background from 100 divisions to infinity of less than 40 cpm at 900 v. Tritium counting efficiency was in the range of 7% and the integral background from 100 divisions to infinity was about 90 cpm at 1130 v. Discussion is also given on the electronics of the detector and the performance in closed flowing systems and gas analysis. (P.C.H.)« less

Neutrinoless double beta decay in chiral effective field theory: lepton number violation at dimension seven

DOE PAGES

Cirigliano, V.; Dekens, W.; de Vries, J.; ...

2017-12-15

Here, we analyze neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) within the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory. Apart from the dimension-five Weinberg operator, the first contributions appear at dimension seven. We classify the operators and evolve them to the electroweak scale, where we match them to effective dimension-six, -seven, and -nine operators. In the next step, after renormalization group evolution to the QCD scale, we construct the chiral Lagrangian arising from these operators. We then develop a power-counting scheme and derive the two-nucleon 0νββ currents up to leading order in the power counting for each lepton-number-violating operator. We arguemore » that the leading-order contribution to the decay rate depends on a relatively small number of nuclear matrix elements. We test our power counting by comparing nuclear matrix elements obtained by various methods and by different groups. We find that the power counting works well for nuclear matrix elements calculated from a specific method, while, as in the case of light Majorana neutrino exchange, the overall magnitude of the matrix elements can differ by factors of two to three between methods. We also calculate the constraints that can be set on dimension-seven lepton-number-violating operators from 0νββ experiments and study the interplay between dimension-five and -seven operators, discussing how dimension-seven contributions affect the interpretation of 0νββ in terms of the effective Majorana mass m ββ .« less

Neutrinoless double beta decay in chiral effective field theory: lepton number violation at dimension seven

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

Cirigliano, V.; Dekens, W.; de Vries, J.

Here, we analyze neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) within the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory. Apart from the dimension-five Weinberg operator, the first contributions appear at dimension seven. We classify the operators and evolve them to the electroweak scale, where we match them to effective dimension-six, -seven, and -nine operators. In the next step, after renormalization group evolution to the QCD scale, we construct the chiral Lagrangian arising from these operators. We then develop a power-counting scheme and derive the two-nucleon 0νββ currents up to leading order in the power counting for each lepton-number-violating operator. We arguemore » that the leading-order contribution to the decay rate depends on a relatively small number of nuclear matrix elements. We test our power counting by comparing nuclear matrix elements obtained by various methods and by different groups. We find that the power counting works well for nuclear matrix elements calculated from a specific method, while, as in the case of light Majorana neutrino exchange, the overall magnitude of the matrix elements can differ by factors of two to three between methods. We also calculate the constraints that can be set on dimension-seven lepton-number-violating operators from 0νββ experiments and study the interplay between dimension-five and -seven operators, discussing how dimension-seven contributions affect the interpretation of 0νββ in terms of the effective Majorana mass m ββ .« less

Amorphous silicon ionizing particle detectors

DOEpatents

Street, R.A.; Mendez, V.P.; Kaplan, S.N.

1988-11-15

Amorphous silicon ionizing particle detectors having a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a--Si:H) thin film deposited via plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition techniques are utilized to detect the presence, position and counting of high energy ionizing particles, such as electrons, x-rays, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. 15 figs.

EPA Method: Rapid Radiochemical Method for Americium-241, Radium-226, Plutonium-238/-239, Radiostronium, and Isotopic Uranium in Water for Environmental Restoration Following Homeland Security Events

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

SAM lists this method for the qualitative determination of Americium-241, Radium-226, Plutonium-238, Plutonium-239 and isotopic uranium in drinking water samples using alpha spectrometry and radiostrontium using beta counting.

Beta-resorcylic acid, a phytophenolic compound, reduces Campylobacter jejuni in post-harvest poultry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Human Campylobacter infections, a leading foodborne illness globally, has been linked with the high prevalence of this bacterium on raw retail chicken products. Reduction of Campylobacter counts on poultry products would greatly reduce the risk of subsequent infections in humans. To this end, this s...

Clostridial collagenase aggravates the systemic inflammatory response in rats with partial-thickness burns.

PubMed

Dokumcu, Zafer; Ergun, Orkan; Celik, Handan Ak; Aydemir, Sohret; Sezak, Murat; Ozok, Geylani; Celik, Ahmet

2008-11-01

Clostridial collagenase A (CCA) has been shown effective in degrading collagen in eschar tissue and promoting healing in partial-thickness burns. As there are also reports of fever, leukocytosis, increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and septic complications during treatment with CCA, we aimed to determine in rats whether CCA aggravates the systemic inflammatory response. Rats with partial-thickness burns were randomly divided into groups with either no dressing (ND), povidone-iodine dressing (PID) or CCA dressing (CCAD). Body weights and temperatures, blood leukocyte counts, and serum levels of CRP, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), were measured at 0, 3, and 24h and days 3 and 7 from burn. Wounds were cultured on days 1, 3 and 7 and burn depth was evaluated on day 1. Body weights for all groups were significantly lower after burn, with highest loss (25.5%) in the CCAD group. At 3h a significant drop in rectal temperature was noted in all groups. The CCAD group had higher rectal temperature levels than the PID group on days 3 and 7 (p<0.05). Changes in serum levels of CRP, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were not significant in the ND and PID groups; the CCAD group showed a significant rise in serum levels of CRP on day 1, of IL-6 on day 3 and of TNF-alpha on day 7. Wound infection was more common in CCAD group and increased on days 3 and 7, but this was insignificant. CCA aggravated the systemic inflammatory response in rats with partial-thickness burns, which is accompanied by a higher risk of infection.

Immune Status 'in Children with Beta Thalassemia' in Correlation 'with Iron Overload': Single Center Egyptian Study.

PubMed

Hagag, Adel A; Elgamsy, Mohamed A; El-Asy, Hassan M; Gamal, Rasha M; Elshahaby, Walid N; Abd Elbar, Enaam S

2016-01-01

'Beta thalassemia is inherited hemoglobin disorder resulting in chronic hemolytic anemia that requires lifelong transfusion therapy'. 'Repeated blood transfusions and RBCs hemolysis are the main causes of iron overload', which in addition to immune abnormalities, are common predisposing factors to infections in patients with thalassemia. The Aim of this Work: The aim of this work was to study immune status including T lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulin levels 'in children with beta- thalassemia in correlation with iron overload'. The present 'study was conducted on 40 children with beta thalassemia major under follow up at Hematology Unit, Pediatric Department, Tanta University' 'including 24 males and 16 females with mean' age value of 9. 22 ± 3.9 years and 20 'healthy children of matched age and sex as a control group'. All children included in the study were subjected to; 'complete blood count, Hb electrophoresis, serum iron status', T cell subsets including CD3, CD4 and CD8 and serum immunoglobulin levels including IgM, IgA and IgG. 'Pallor and jaundice were the most common presenting' clinical manifestations. Infective episodes 'were significantly higher in patients' compared with controls. There were significantly lower Hb, MCV and MCH levels and significantly higher WBCs and platelets counts, reticulocytes and lymphocytes percentage in patients than controls and no significant differences in MCHC between patients and controls. Serum ferritin and iron were 'significantly higher but TIBC was significantly lower in' patients than controls. CD3, CD4 and IgM were significantly lower but CD8, IgG, and IgA 'were significantly higher in patients than controls' with negative correlation between CD3, CD4, IgM and ferritin and positive correlation between CD8, IgG, IgA and ferritin. Iron overload can affect humeral and cell mediated immunity in patients with beta thalassemia with reduction of IgM, CD3 and CD4 and elevation of CD8, IgG, and IgA. Regular follow up of patients with beta thalassemia for detection of iron overload as it affects humeral and cell mediated immunity. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

On the Statistical Analysis of X-ray Polarization Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strohmayer, T. E.; Kallman, T. R.

2013-01-01

In many polarimetry applications, including observations in the X-ray band, the measurement of a polarization signal can be reduced to the detection and quantification of a deviation from uniformity of a distribution of measured angles of the form alpha plus beta cosine (exp 2)(phi - phi(sub 0) (0 (is) less than phi is less than pi). We explore the statistics of such polarization measurements using both Monte Carlo simulations as well as analytic calculations based on the appropriate probability distributions. We derive relations for the number of counts required to reach a given detection level (parameterized by beta the "number of sigma's" of the measurement) appropriate for measuring the modulation amplitude alpha by itself (single interesting parameter case) or jointly with the position angle phi (two interesting parameters case). We show that for the former case when the intrinsic amplitude is equal to the well known minimum detectable polarization (MDP) it is, on average, detected at the 3sigma level. For the latter case, when one requires a joint measurement at the same confidence level, then more counts are needed, by a factor of approximately equal to 2.2, than that required to achieve the MDP level. We find that the position angle uncertainty at 1sigma confidence is well described by the relation sigma(sub pi) equals 28.5(degrees) divided by beta.

Optical Design Considerations for Efficient Light Collection from Liquid Scintillation Counters

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

Bernacki, Bruce E.; Douglas, Matthew; Erchinger, Jennifer L.

2015-01-01

Liquid scintillation counters measure charged particle-emitting radioactive isotopes and are used for environmental studies, nuclear chemistry, and life science. Alpha and beta emissions arising from the material under study interact with the scintillation cocktail to produce light. The prototypical liquid scintillation counter employs low-level photon-counting detectors to measure the arrival of the scintillation light produced as a result of the dissolved material under study interacting with the scintillation cocktail. For reliable operation the counting instrument must convey the scintillation light to the detectors efficiently and predictably. Current best practices employ the use of two or more detectors for coincidence processingmore » to discriminate true scintillation events from background events due to instrumental effects such as photomultiplier tube dark rates, tube flashing, or other light emission not generated in the scintillation cocktail vial. In low background liquid scintillation counters additional attention is paid to shielding the scintillation cocktail from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) present in the laboratory and within the instruments construction materials. Low background design is generally at odds with optimal light collection. This study presents the evolution of a light collection design for liquid scintillation counting in a low background shield. The basic approach to achieve both good light collection and a low background measurement is described. The baseline signals arising from the scintillation vial are modeled and methods to efficiently collect scintillation light are presented as part of the development of a customized low-background, high sensitivity liquid scintillation counting system.« less

[Study on focusing chromatographic simultaneous determinations of 226Ra and its daughter nuclides by means of solid state alpha-tracks detection and beta-autoradiography (author's transl)].

PubMed

Furushima, K; Shinagawa, M

1980-09-01

In order to detect to radioactive band on the paper strip developed by focusing chromatography, plate-making-film was used for the autoradiography and beta-spots were photographed. Thereafter the film was etched with sodium hydroxide solution to find the alpha-tracks. Paper strip used for the sample was prepared by the precipitation focusing chromatography of 226Ra and its daughter nuclides using HCl-KF solution as a developer. The film used was not high in its beta-sensitivity, but because of its high resolution good photographic results were obtained according to the intensity of beta-activity when the proper conditions of photographic development were fulfilled. The simple alpha-spectrometry was made possible by counting the numbers of tracks according to the etching depth of the film. The film was hard and thick enough for etching with 6M sodium hydroxide solution at 50 degrees C for more than 50 hrs to measure the depth of tracks.

Nickel-63 microirradiators.

PubMed

Steeb, Jennifer; Josowicz, Mira; Janata, Jiri

2009-03-01

Here we report the fabrication of two types of microirradiators, consisting of a recessed disk and protruding wire with low-beta-energy radionuclide Ni-63 electrodeposited onto a 25 microm diameter Pt wire. Ni-63 is constricted to a small surface area of the microelectrode; hence, this tool provides a means of delivery of localized, large dose density of beta radiation to the object but a minimal dose exposure to the user. The activity levels of Ni-63 emitted from the recessed disk and protruding wire are 0.25 and 1 Bq, respectively. The corresponding beta particles flux levels emitted from the recessed disk and protruding wire are 51 and 11 kBq/cm(2), respectively. These values, measured experimentally using liquid scintillation counting, fit very well the expected values of activity for each microirradiator, calculated considering the self-absorption effect, typical for low-energy beta particles. In order to determine the optimal configuration the dose rates for varying distances from the object were calculated.

Comparison of C-14 liquid scintillation counting at NIST and NRC Canada

PubMed Central

Bergeron, Denis E.; Galea, Raphael; Laureano-Pérez, Lizbeth; Zimmerman, Brian E.

2016-01-01

An informal bilateral comparison of 14C liquid scintillation (LS) counting at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been completed. Two solutions, one containing 14C-labeled sodium benzoate and one containing 14C-labeled n-hexadecane, were measured at both laboratories. Despite observed LS cocktail instabilities, the two laboratories achieved accord in their standardizations of both solutions. At the conclusion of the comparison, the beta spectrum used for efficiency calculations was identified as inadequate and the data were reanalyzed with different inputs, improving accord. PMID:26585641

Validation of the BetaStar® Advanced for Beta-lactams Test Kit for the Screening of Bulk Tank and Tanker Truck Milks for the Presence of Beta-lactam Drug Residues.

PubMed

Denhartigh, Andrew; Reynolds, Lindsay; Palmer, Katherine; Klein, Frank; Rice, Jennifer; Rejman, John J

2018-05-18

A validation study was conducted for an immunochromatographic method (BetaStar ® Advanced for Beta-lactams) for the detection of beta-lactam residues in raw, commingled bovine milk. The assay detected amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, penicillin, cephapirin, and ceftiofur below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration tolerance levels but above the maximum sensitivity thresholds established by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. The results of internal and independent laboratory dose-response studies employing spiked samples were in agreement. The test detected all six drugs at the approximate 90/95% sensitivity levels in milk from cows treated with each drug. Selectivity of the assay was 100%, as no false-positive results were obtained in testing 1148 control milk samples. Testing the estimated 90/95% sensitivity level for amoxicillin (8.5 ppb), ampicillin (6.9 ppb), cloxacillin (8.9 ppb), penicillin (4.2 ppb), and cephapirin (17.6 ppb), and at 100 ppb for each antibiotic, resulted in 94-100% positive tests for each of the beta-lactam drugs. The results of ruggedness experiments established the operating parameter tolerances for the assay. Cross-reactivity testing established that the assay detects other certain beta-lactam drugs, but it does not cross-react with any of 30 drugs belonging to seven different drug classes. Abnormally high bacterial or somatic cell counts in raw milk produced no assay interference.

PSA discriminator influence on (222)Rn efficiency detection in waters by liquid scintillation counting.

PubMed

Stojković, Ivana; Todorović, Nataša; Nikolov, Jovana; Tenjović, Branislava

2016-06-01

A procedure for the (222)Rn determination in aqueous samples using liquid scintillation counting (LSC) was evaluated and optimized. Measurements were performed by ultra-low background spectrometer Quantulus 1220™ equipped with PSA (Pulse Shape Analysis) circuit which discriminates alpha/beta spectra. Since calibration procedure is carried out with (226)Ra standard, which has both alpha and beta progenies, it is clear that PSA discriminator has vital importance in order to provide precise spectra separation. Improvement of calibration procedure was done through investigation of PSA discriminator level and, consequentially, the activity of (226)Ra calibration standard influence on (222)Rn efficiency detection. Quench effects on generated spectra i.e. determination of radon efficiency detection were also investigated with quench calibration curve obtained. Radon determination in waters based on modified procedure according to the activity of (226)Ra standard used, dependent on PSA setup, was evaluated with prepared (226)Ra solution samples and drinking water samples with assessment of measurement uncertainty variation included. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Haemoglobin Rahere (beta Lys-Thr): A new high affinity haemoglobin associated with decreased 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate binding and relative polycythaemia.

PubMed Central

Lorkin, P A; Stephens, A D; Beard, M E; Wrigley, P F; Adams, L; Lehmann, H

1975-01-01

A new haemoglobin with increased oxygen affinity, beta82 (EF6) lysine leads to threonine (Hb Rahere), was found during the investigation of a patient who was found to have a raised haemoglobin concentration after a routine blood count. The substitution affects one of the 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate binding sites, resulting in an increased affinity for oxygen, but both the haem-haem interaction and the alkaline Bohr effect are normal in the haemolysate. This variant had the same mobility as haemoglobin A on electrophoresis at alkaline pH but was detected by measuring the whole blood oxygen affinity; it could be separated from haemoglobin A, however, by electrophoresis in agar at acid pH. The raised haemoglobin concentration was mainly due to a reduction in plasma volume (a relative polycythaemia) and was associated with a persistently raised white blood count. This case emphasises the need to measure the oxygen affinity of haemoglobin in all patients with absolute or relative polycythaemia when some obvious cause is not evident. PMID:124

Diminished ovarian reserve in women with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia major: Is iron gonadotoxic?

PubMed

Uysal, Aysel; Alkan, Gül; Kurtoğlu, Ayşegül; Erol, Onur; Kurtoğlu, Erdal

2017-09-01

Iron accumulation in the endocrine glands has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of decreased reproductive capacity in patients with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM). The aim of the current study was to investigate the serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, in women with transfusion-dependent β-TM. In this case-control study, we recruited 43 women with transfusion-dependent TM and 44 age-matched healthy controls. Hormonal and haematological parameters, serum level of AMH, antral follicle count, and ovarian volume were assessed. Twenty-two of the 43 women were hypogonadotropic, 8 with primary amenorrhea and 14 with secondary amenorrhea. FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, and AMH levels; antral follicle count; and ovarian volume were significantly lower in women with TM compared with the control group (p<0.05 for all). AMH level and other ovarian reserve markers are significantly diminished in women with transfusion-dependent TM compared to age-matched controls. Our findings support a deleterious effect of iron overload on ovarian tissue. Published by Elsevier B.V.

14C autoradiography with an energy-sensitive silicon pixel detector.

PubMed

Esposito, M; Mettivier, G; Russo, P

2011-04-07

The first performance tests are presented of a carbon-14 ((14)C) beta-particle digital autoradiography system with an energy-sensitive hybrid silicon pixel detector based on the Timepix readout circuit. Timepix was developed by the Medipix2 Collaboration and it is similar to the photon-counting Medipix2 circuit, except for an added time-based synchronization logic which allows derivation of energy information from the time-over-threshold signal. This feature permits direct energy measurements in each pixel of the detector array. Timepix is bump-bonded to a 300 µm thick silicon detector with 256 × 256 pixels of 55 µm pitch. Since an energetic beta-particle could release its kinetic energy in more than one detector pixel as it slows down in the semiconductor detector, an off-line image analysis procedure was adopted in which the single-particle cluster of hit pixels is recognized; its total energy is calculated and the position of interaction on the detector surface is attributed to the centre of the charge cluster. Measurements reported are detector sensitivity, (4.11 ± 0.03) × 10(-3) cps mm(-2) kBq(-1) g, background level, (3.59 ± 0.01) × 10(-5) cps mm(-2), and minimum detectable activity, 0.0077 Bq. The spatial resolution is 76.9 µm full-width at half-maximum. These figures are compared with several digital imaging detectors for (14)C beta-particle digital autoradiography.

EEG correlates of a mental arithmetic task in patients with first episode schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

PubMed

Garakh, Zhanna; Zaytseva, Yuliya; Kapranova, Alexandra; Fiala, Ondrej; Horacek, Jiri; Shmukler, Alexander; Gurovich, Isaac Ya; Strelets, Valeria B

2015-11-01

To evaluate the spectral power of the cortical bands in patients with first episode schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder at rest and during the performance of a mental arithmetic task. We analyzed EEG spectral power (SP) in the resting state and subsequently while counting down from 200 in steps of 7, in 32 first episode schizophrenia patients (SZ), 32 patients with first episode schizoaffective disorder (SA) and healthy controls (HC, n=40). Behavioral parameters such as accuracy and counting speed were also evaluated. Both SZ and SA patients were slower in counting than HC, no difference was obtained in the accuracy and counting speed in the patient groups. In the resting state patients showed elevated midline theta power, off-midline anterior beta 2 power and decreased central/posterior alpha power. The SA group occupied an intermediate position between the schizophrenia patients and controls. In task performance patients lacked a typical increase of midline theta, left anterior beta 2, and anterior gamma power; however, schizoaffective patients demonstrated a growing trend of power in the gamma band in left anterior off-midline sites similar to HC. Moreover, alpha power was less inhibited in schizoaffective patients and more pronounced in schizophrenia patients indicating distinct inhibitory mechanisms in these psychotic disorders. Patients with SA demonstrate less alteration in the spectral power of bands at rest than SZ, and present spectral power changes during cognitive task performance close to the controls. Our study contributes to the present evidence on the neurophysiological distinction between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low-Temperature Coarsening and Plastic-Flow Behavior of an Alpha/Beta Titanium Billet Material With an Ultrafine Microstructure

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-01

lamellae which had not fully globularized by the warm working operation. These ‘dog- leg ’ shaped particles (e.g., those marked by arrows in Figure 1c...the micrograph. Those particles consisting of a ‘dog- leg ’ geometry were counted as being 1.5 particles in number to provide an approximate estimate...0.95 1.00 1.05 1.10 1000/T(K) Beta Transus (995C) lo g (A D , m 2 / s) d = d d = d Q=160 kJ/mol Q=284 kJ/mol n=1.67 p=2 DV DAl DTi 47

Status of the Majorana Demonstrator

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

Cuesta, C.; Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, Isaac J.

2015-06-09

The Majorana Collaboration is constructing the Majorana Demonstrator, an ultra-low background, 40-kg modular high purity Ge detector array to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. In view of the next generation of tonne-scale Ge-based neutrinoless double-beta decay searches that will probe the neutrino mass scale in the inverted hierarchy region, a major goal of the Demonstrator is to demonstrate a path forward to achieving a background rate at or below 1 count/tonne/year in the 4 keV region of interest around the Q-value at 2039 keV. The current status of the Demonstrator is discussed, as are plans for its completion.

Hematologic, cytochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular findings of Hepatozoon-infected flat-headed cats (Prionailurus planiceps).

PubMed

Salakij, Chaleow; Salakij, Jarernsak; Narkkong, Nual-Anong; Sirinarumitr, Theerapol; Pattanarangsan, Rattapan

2008-03-01

The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is a small wild cat of Southeast Asia and is considered extremely endangered. Little is known about the hematologic values, blood cell morphology, or hemoparasites of this species in relation to other Felidae. The objective of this study was to report basic hematologic values and describe the light microscopic, cytochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in 2 wild-caught flat-headed cats. In addition, molecular analysis was done of a Hepatozoon organism found in the neutrophils of both cats. Blood samples were collected into EDTA from the cephalic vein. A CBC, manual differential count, manual reticulocyte count, cytochemical stains (Sudan black B [SBB], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and beta-glucuronidase), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were done using standard methods. HCT was slightly lower and reticulocyte counts and red cell distribution width were higher than the expected values for other species of cats. Hepatozoon organisms were found in the cytoplasm of neutrophils in both cats, but the number of infected neutrophils was very low (1%-2%). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for SBB, but were negative for ANAE and beta-glucuronidase. Hepatozoon-infected neutrophils were negative for SBB, but focally positive for ANAE and beta-glucuronidase. By transmission electron microscopy, gamonts of Hepatozoon sp were observed in neutrophils, and rarely free in plasma. Infected neutrophils had fewer specific granules and more mitochondria compared with noninfected neutrophils. PCR products of partial 18S rRNA revealed that the isolate of Hepatozoon in the flat-headed cats was closely related to that of the frog Hepatozoon sp. These results add to our understanding of hematologic values and blood cell morphology in Hepatozoon-infected flat-headed cats as well as the molecular analysis of the Hepatozoon organism, and may be useful for the health management and evaluation of hemoparasitic disease in this species.

Segmented Ge detector rejection of internal beta activity produced by neutron irradiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varnell, L. S.; Callas, J. L.; Mahoney, W. A.; Pehl, R. H.; Landis, D. A.

1991-01-01

Future Ge spectrometers flown in space to observe cosmic gamma-ray sources will incorporate segmented detectors to reduce the background from radioactivity produced by energetic particle reactions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of a segmented Ge detector in rejecting background events due to the beta decay of internal radioactivity, a laboratory experiment has been carried out in which radioactivity was produced in the detector by neutron irradiation. A Cf-252 source of neutrons was used to produce, by neutron capture on Ge-74 (36.5 percent of natural Ge) in the detector itself, Ge-75 (t sub 1/2 = 82.78 min), which decays by beta emission with a maximum electron kinetic energy of 1188 keV. By requiring that an ionizing event deposit energy in two or more of the five segments of the detector, each about 1-cm thick, the beta particles, which have a range of about 1-mm, are rejected, while most external gamma rays incident on the detector are counted. Analysis of this experiment indicates that over 85 percent of the beta events from the decay of Ge-75 are rejected, which is in good agreement with Monte Carlo calculations.

6-mercaptopurine dosage and pharmacokinetics influence the degree of bone marrow toxicity following high-dose methotrexate in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PubMed

Schmiegelow, K; Bretton-Meyer, U

2001-01-01

Through inhibition of purine de novo synthesis and enhancement of 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) bioavailability high-dose methotrexate (HDM) may increase the incorporation into DNA of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6TGN), the cytoxic metabolites of 6MP. Thus, coadministration of 6MP could increase myelotoxicity following HDM. Twenty-one children with standard risk (SR) and 25 with intermediate risk (IR) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were studied. During consolidation therapy they received either three courses of HDM at 2 week intervals without concurrent oral 6MP (SR-ALL) or four courses of HDM given at 2 week intervals with 25 mg/m2 of oral 6MP daily (IR-ALL). During the first year of maintenance with oral 6MP (75 mg/m2/day) and oral MTX (20 mg/m2/week) they all received five courses of HDM at 8 week intervals. In all cases, HDM consisted of 5,000 mg of MTX/m2 given over 24 h with intraspinal MTX and leucovorin rescue. Erythrocyte levels of 6TGN (E-6TGN) and methotrexate (E-MTX) were, on average, measured every second week during maintenance therapy. When SR consolidation (6MP: 0 mg), IR consolidation (6MP: 25 mg/m2), and SR/IR maintenance therapy (6MP: 75 mg/m2) were compared, white cell and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) nadir, lymphocyte count nadir, thrombocyte count nadir, and hemoglobin nadir after HDM decreased significantly with increasing doses of oral 6MP. Three percent of the HDM courses given without oral 6MP (SR consolidation) were followed by an ANC nadir <0.5 x 10(9)/l compared to 50% of the HDM courses given during SR/IR maintenance therapy. Similarly, only 13% of the HDM courses given as SR-ALL consolidation induced a thrombocyte count nadir <100 x 10(9)/l compared to 58% of the HDM courses given during maintenance therapy. The best-fit model to predict the ANC nadir following HDM during maintenance therapy included the dose of 6MP prior to HDM (beta = -0.017, P= 0.001), the average ANC level during maintenance therapy (beta = 0.82, P = 0.004), and E-6TGN (beta = -0.0029, P= 0.02). The best-fit model to predict the thrombocyte nadir following HDM during maintenance therapy included only mPLATE (beta = 0.0057, P = 0.046). In conclusion, the study indicates that reductions of the dose of concurrently given oral 6MP could be one way of reducing the risk of significant myelotoxicity following HDM during maintenance therapy of childhood ALL.

Measurement of the Solar Electron Neutrino Flux with the Homestake Chlorine Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cleveland, Bruce T.; Daily, Timothy; Davis, Raymond, Jr.; Distel, James R.; Lande, Kenneth; Lee, C. K.; Wildenhain, Paul S.; Ullman, Jack

1998-03-01

The Homestake Solar Neutrino Detector, based on the inverse beta-decay reaction νe + 37Cl --> 37Ar + e-, has been measuring the flux of solar neutrinos since 1970. The experiment has operated in a stable manner throughout this time period. All aspects of this detector are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the determination of the extraction and counting efficiencies, the key experimental parameters that are necessary to convert the measured 37Ar count rate to the solar neutrino production rate. A thorough consideration is also given to the systematics of the detector, including the measurement of the extraction and counting efficiencies and the nonsolar production of 37Ar. The combined result of 108 extractions is a solar neutrino-induced 37Ar production rate of 2.56 +/- 0.l6 (statistical) +/- 0.16 (systematic) SNU.

Modeling the survival of Salmonella spp. in chorizos.

PubMed

Hajmeer, M; Basheer, I; Hew, C; Cliver, D O

2006-03-01

The survival of Salmonella spp. in chorizos has been studied under the effect of storage conditions; namely temperature (T=6, 25, 30 degrees C), air inflow velocity (F=0, 28.4 m/min), and initial water activity (a(w0)=0.85, 0.90, 0.93, 0.95, 0.97). The pH was held at 5.0. A total of 20 survival curves were experimentally obtained at various combinations of operating conditions. The chorizos were stored under four conditions: in the refrigerator (Ref: T=6 degrees C, F=0 m/min), at room temperature (RT: T=25 degrees C, F=0 m/min), in the hood (Hd: T=25 degrees C, F=28.4 m/min), and in the incubator (Inc: T=30 degrees C, F=0 m/min). Semi-logarithmic plots of counts vs. time revealed nonlinear trends for all the survival curves, indicating that the first-order kinetics model (exponential distribution function) was not suitable. The Weibull cumulative distribution function, for which the exponential function is only a special case, was selected and used to model the survival curves. The Weibull model was fitted to the 20 curves and the model parameters (alpha and beta) were determined. The fitted survival curves agreed with the experimental data with R(2)=0.951, 0.969, 0.908, and 0.871 for the Ref, RT, Hd, and Inc curves, respectively. Regression models relating alpha and beta to T, F, and a(w0) resulted in R(2) values of 0.975 for alpha and 0.988 for beta. The alpha and beta models can be used to generate a survival curve for Salmonella in chorizos for a given set of operating conditions. Additionally, alpha and beta can be used to determine the times needed to reduce the count by 1 or 2 logs t(1D) and t(2D). It is concluded that the Weibull cumulative distribution function offers a powerful model for describing microbial survival data. A comparison with the pathogen modeling program (PMP) revealed that the survival kinetics of Salmonella spp. in chorizos could not be adequately predicted using PMP which underestimated the t(1D) and t(2D). The mean of the Weibull probability density function correlated strongly with t(1D) and t(2D), and can serve as an alternative to the D-values normally used with first-order kinetic models. Parametric studies were conducted and sensitivity of survival to operating conditions was evaluated and discussed in the paper. The models derived herein provide a means for the development of a reliable risk assessment system for controlling Salmonella spp. in chorizos.

Tricuspid regurgitation in patients with beta-thalassemia major.

PubMed

Wu, K H; Chang, J S; Su, B H; Peng, C T

2004-12-01

Although cardiac complications remain the main causes of death in thalassemic patients, right heart dysfunction has been little studied and the mechanism is still unclear. Echocardiography was performed in 39 patients with beta-thalassemia major and 35 aged-matched controls. The gender, age, heart rate, blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), acceleration time (AcT) of right ventricular outflow and right ventricular ejection time (RVET), AcT/RVET, and the presence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were compared between the two groups. We also compared the gender, age, age at first blood transfusion, serum ferritin level, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), the presence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus, liver fibrosis, splenectomy, platelet counts, diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, cardiomegaly, LVEF, AcT, RVET, AcT/RVET, and signal intensity ratio (SIR) of myocardial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between thalassemic patients with and without TR. The incidence of TR in thalassemic patients was significantly higher than that in the control group (30.8 vs 11.4%, p=0.03). The incidences of splenectomy (p=0.03), platelet counts (p=0.01), and SIR of myocardial MRI (p=0.03) in thalassemic patients with TR were significantly higher than in those without TR. The AcT was shorter and the AcT/RVET ratio was smaller, suggesting higher pulmonary pressure in the thalassemic patients with TR. Occurrence of TR in patients with beta-thalassemia major may be a consequence of cardiac iron deposit, thrombocytosis, splenectomy, or pulmonary hypertension.

Gross alpha and beta activity analyses in urine-a routine laboratory method for internal human radioactivity detection.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaowen; Zhao, Luqian; Qin, Hongran; Zhao, Meijia; Zhou, Yirui; Yang, Shuqiang; Su, Xu; Xu, Xiaohua

2014-05-01

The aim of this work was to develop a method to provide rapid results for humans with internal radioactive contamination. The authors hypothesized that valuable information could be obtained from gas proportional counter techniques by screening urine samples from potentially exposed individuals rapidly. Recommended gross alpha and beta activity screening methods generally employ gas proportional counting techniques. Based on International Standards Organization (ISO) methods, improvements were made in the evaporation process to develop a method to provide rapid results, adequate sensitivity, and minimum sample preparation and operator intervention for humans with internal radioactive contamination. The method described by an American National Standards Institute publication was used to calibrate the gas proportional counter, and urine samples from patients with or without radionuclide treatment were measured to validate the method. By improving the evaporation process, the time required to perform the assay was reduced dramatically. Compared with the reference data, the results of the validation samples were very satisfactory with respect to gross-alpha and gross-beta activities. The gas flow proportional counting method described here has the potential for radioactivity monitoring in the body. This method was easy, efficient, and fast, and its application is of great utility in determining whether a sample should be analyzed by a more complicated method, for example radiochemical and/or γ-spectroscopy. In the future, it may be used commonly in medical examination and nuclear emergency treatment.Health Phys. 106(5):000-000; 2014.

Measurement of Radon-Induced Backgrounds in the NEXT Double Beta Decay Experiment

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

Novella, P.; et al.

The measurement of the internal 222Rn activity in the NEXT-White detector during the so-called Run-II period with 136Xe-depleted xenon is discussed in detail, together with its implications for double beta decay searches in NEXT. The activity is measured through the alpha production rate induced in the fiducial volume by 222Rn and its alpha-emitting progeny. The specific activity is measured to bemore » $$(37.5\\pm 2.3~\\mathrm{(stat.)}\\pm 5.9~\\mathrm{(syst.)})$$~mBq/m$^3$. Radon-induced electrons have also been characterized from the decay of the 214Bi daughter ions plating out on the cathode of the time projection chamber. From our studies, we conclude that radon-induced backgrounds are sufficiently low to enable a successful NEXT-100 physics program, as the projected rate contribution should not exceed 0.2~counts/yr in the neutrinoless double beta decay sample.« less

Determination of low (137)Cs concentration in seawater using ammonium 12-molybdophosphate adsorption and chemical separation method.

PubMed

Park, J H; Chang, B U; Kim, Y J; Seo, J S; Choi, S W; Yun, J Y

2008-12-01

A new method has been developed for analyzing (137)Cs in a small volume of seawater. Ammonium 12-molybdophosphate (AMP) was used two times during pretreatment procedure. The first step was to adsorb (137)Cs in seawater samples into AMP in order to reduce sample volume, and the second was to remove (87)Rb, interference nuclide for beta counting. The AMP adsorbing (137)Cs was dissolved by sodium hydroxide solution, and then (137)Cs was finally formed to be cesium chloroplatinate precipitate by adding 10% hexachloroplatinic acid. The beta rays emitted from (137)Cs were measured with a low background gas-proportional alpha/beta counter. This method was applied to several seawater samples taken in the East Sea of Korea. Compared to the routinely used gamma-spectrometry method, this new AMP method was reliable and suitable for analyzing (137)Cs in deep seawater.

Phylogenetic assessment of heterotrophic bacteria from a water distribution system using 16S rDNA sequencing.

PubMed

Tokajian, Sima T; Hashwa, Fuad A; Hancock, Ian C; Zalloua, Pierre A

2005-04-01

Determination of a heterotrophic plate count (HPC) for drinking-water samples alone is not enough to assess possible health hazards associated with sudden changes in the bacterial count. Speciation is very crucial to determine whether the population includes pathogens and (or) opportunistic pathogens. Most of the isolates recovered from drinking water samples could not be allocated to a specific phylogenetic branch based on the use of conventional diagnostic methods. The present study had to use phylogenetic analysis, which was simplified by determining and using the first 500-bp sequence of the 16S rDNA, to successfully identify the type and species of bacteria found in the samples. Gram-positive bacteria alpha-, beta-, and gamma-Proteobacteria were found to be the major groups representing the heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water. The study also revealed that the presence of sphingomonads in drinking water supplies may be much more common than has been reported so far and thus further studies are merited. The intermittent mode of supply, mainly characterized by water stagnation and flow interruption associated possibly with biofilm detachment, raised the possibility that the studied bacterial populations in such systems represented organisms coming from 2 different niches, the biofilm and the water column.

Background-free beta-decay half-life measurements by in-trap decay and high-resolution MR-ToF mass analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, R. N.; Atanasov, D.; Blaum, K.; Kreim, S.; Lunney, D.; Manea, V.; Rosenbusch, M.; Schweikhard, L.; Welker, A.; Wienholtz, F.; Zuber, K.

2016-06-01

In-trap decay in ISOLTRAP's radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) ion beam cooler and buncher was used to determine the lifetime of short-lived nuclides. After various storage times, the remaining mother nuclides were mass separated from accompanying isobaric contaminations by the multi-reflection time-of-flight mass separator (MR-ToF MS), allowing for a background-free ion counting. A feasibility study with several online measurements shows that the applications of the ISOLTRAP setup can be further extended by exploiting the high resolving power of the MR-ToF MS in combination with in-trap decay and single-ion counting.

High Throughput Method of Extracting and Counting Strontium-90 in Urine

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

Shkrob, I.; Kaminski, M.; Mertz, C.

2016-03-01

A method has been developed for the rapid extraction of Sr-90 from the urine of individuals exposed to radiation in a terrorist attack. The method employs two chromatographic ion-exchange materials: Diphonix resin and Sr resin, both of which are commercially available. The Diphonix resin reduces the alkali ion concentrations below 10 mM, and the Sr resin concentrates and decontaminates strontium-90. Experimental and calculational data are given for a variety of test conditions. On the basis of these results, a flowsheet has been developed for the rapid concentration and extraction of Sr-90 from human urine samples for subsequent beta-counting.

Comparison of (14)C liquid scintillation counting at NIST and NRC Canada.

PubMed

Bergeron, Denis E; Galea, Raphael; Laureano-Pérez, Lizbeth; Zimmerman, Brian E

2016-03-01

An informal bilateral comparison of (14)C liquid scintillation (LS) counting at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been completed. Two solutions, one containing (14)C-labeled sodium benzoate and one containing (14)C-labeled n-hexadecane, were measured at both laboratories. Despite observed LS cocktail instabilities, the two laboratories achieved accord in their standardizations of both solutions. At the conclusion of the comparison, the beta spectrum used for efficiency calculations was identified as inadequate and the data were reanalyzed with different inputs, improving accord. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Status of the Majorana Demonstrator

DOE PAGES

Cuesta, C.; Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; ...

2015-08-06

In this study, the Majorana Collaboration is constructing the Majorana Demonstrator, an ultra-low background, 40-kg modular high purity Ge detector array to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. In view of the next generation of tonne-scale Ge-based neutrinoless double-beta decay searches that will probe the neutrino mass scale in the inverted-hierarchy region, a major goal of the Demonstrator is to demonstrate a path forward to achieving a background rate at or below 1 count/tonne/year in the 4 keV region of interest around the Q-value at 2039 keV. Lastly, the current status of the Demonstrator is discussed, as are plansmore » for its completion.« less

Electrophoretically mediated microanalysis of leucine aminopeptidase using two-photon excited fluorescence detection on a microchip.

PubMed

Zugel, S A; Burke, B J; Regnier, F E; Lytle, F E

2000-11-15

Two-photon excited fluorescence detection was performed on a microfabricated electrophoresis chip. A calibration curve of the fluorescent tag beta-naphthylamine was performed, resulting in a sensitivity of 2.5 x 10(9) counts M(-1) corresponding to a detection limit of 60 nM. Additionally, leucine aminopeptidase was assayed on the chip using electrophoretically mediated microanalysis. The differential electroosmotic mobilities of the enzyme and substrate, L-leucine beta-naphthylamide, allowed for efficient mixing in an open channel, resulting in the detection of a 30 nM enzyme solution under constant potential. A zero potential incubation for 1 min yielded a calculated detection limit of 4 nM enzyme.

Tailoring point counts for inference about avian density: dealing with nondetection and availability

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Fred A.; Dorazio, Robert M.; Castellón, Traci D.; Martin, Julien; Garcia, Jay O.; Nichols, James D.

2014-01-01

Point counts are commonly used for bird surveys, but interpretation is ambiguous unless there is an accounting for the imperfect detection of individuals. We show how repeated point counts, supplemented by observation distances, can account for two aspects of the counting process: (1) detection of birds conditional on being available for observation and (2) the availability of birds for detection given presence. We propose a hierarchical model that permits the radius in which birds are available for detection to vary with forest stand age (or other relevant habitat features), so that the number of birds available at each location is described by a Poisson-gamma mixture. Conditional on availability, the number of birds detected at each location is modeled by a beta-binomial distribution. We fit this model to repeated point count data of Florida scrub-jays and found evidence that the area in which birds were available for detection decreased with increasing stand age. Estimated density was 0.083 (95%CI: 0.060–0.113) scrub-jays/ha. Point counts of birds have a number of appealing features. Based on our findings, however, an accounting for both components of the counting process may be necessary to ensure that abundance estimates are comparable across time and space. Our approach could easily be adapted to other species and habitats.

Accounting for non-independent detection when estimating abundance of organisms with a Bayesian approach

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martin, Julien; Royle, J. Andrew; MacKenzie, Darryl I.; Edwards, Holly H.; Kery, Marc; Gardner, Beth

2011-01-01

Summary 1. Binomial mixture models use repeated count data to estimate abundance. They are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a simple and cost-effective way to account for imperfect detection. However, these models assume that individuals are detected independently of each other. This assumption may often be violated in the field. For instance, manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) may surface in turbid water (i.e. become available for detection during aerial surveys) in a correlated manner (i.e. in groups). However, correlated behaviour, affecting the non-independence of individual detections, may also be relevant in other systems (e.g. correlated patterns of singing in birds and amphibians). 2. We extend binomial mixture models to account for correlated behaviour and therefore to account for non-independent detection of individuals. We simulated correlated behaviour using beta-binomial random variables. Our approach can be used to simultaneously estimate abundance, detection probability and a correlation parameter. 3. Fitting binomial mixture models to data that followed a beta-binomial distribution resulted in an overestimation of abundance even for moderate levels of correlation. In contrast, the beta-binomial mixture model performed considerably better in our simulation scenarios. We also present a goodness-of-fit procedure to evaluate the fit of beta-binomial mixture models. 4. We illustrate our approach by fitting both binomial and beta-binomial mixture models to aerial survey data of manatees in Florida. We found that the binomial mixture model did not fit the data, whereas there was no evidence of lack of fit for the beta-binomial mixture model. This example helps illustrate the importance of using simulations and assessing goodness-of-fit when analysing ecological data with N-mixture models. Indeed, both the simulations and the goodness-of-fit procedure highlighted the limitations of the standard binomial mixture model for aerial manatee surveys. 5. Overestimation of abundance by binomial mixture models owing to non-independent detections is problematic for ecological studies, but also for conservation. For example, in the case of endangered species, it could lead to inappropriate management decisions, such as downlisting. These issues will be increasingly relevant as more ecologists apply flexible N-mixture models to ecological data.

18F-FDG positron autoradiography with a particle counting silicon pixel detector.

PubMed

Russo, P; Lauria, A; Mettivier, G; Montesi, M C; Marotta, M; Aloj, L; Lastoria, S

2008-11-07

We report on tests of a room-temperature particle counting silicon pixel detector of the Medipix2 series as the detector unit of a positron autoradiography (AR) system, for samples labelled with (18)F-FDG radiopharmaceutical used in PET studies. The silicon detector (1.98 cm(2) sensitive area, 300 microm thick) has high intrinsic resolution (55 microm pitch) and works by counting all hits in a pixel above a certain energy threshold. The present work extends the detector characterization with (18)F-FDG of a previous paper. We analysed the system's linearity, dynamic range, sensitivity, background count rate, noise, and its imaging performance on biological samples. Tests have been performed in the laboratory with (18)F-FDG drops (37-37 000 Bq initial activity) and ex vivo in a rat injected with 88.8 MBq of (18)F-FDG. Particles interacting in the detector volume produced a hit in a cluster of pixels whose mean size was 4.3 pixels/event at 11 keV threshold and 2.2 pixels/event at 37 keV threshold. Results show a sensitivity for beta(+) of 0.377 cps Bq(-1), a dynamic range of at least five orders of magnitude and a lower detection limit of 0.0015 Bq mm(-2). Real-time (18)F-FDG positron AR images have been obtained in 500-1000 s exposure time of thin (10-20 microm) slices of a rat brain and compared with 20 h film autoradiography of adjacent slices. The analysis of the image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio in a rat brain slice indicated that Poisson noise-limited imaging can be approached in short (e.g. 100 s) exposures, with approximately 100 Bq slice activity, and that the silicon pixel detector produced a higher image quality than film-based AR.

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

Guinn, I.; Buuck, M.; Cuesta, C.

The MAJORANA Collaboration will seek neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) in {sup 76}Ge using isotopically enriched p-type point contact (PPC) high purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors. A tonne-scale array of HPGe detectors would require background levels below 1 count/ROI-tonne-year in the 4 keV region of interest (ROI) around the 2039 keV Q-value of the decay. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of such an experiment, the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, a 40 kg HPGe detector array, is being constructed with a background goal of < 3 count/ROI-tonne-year, which is expected to scale down to < 1 count/ROI-tonne-year for a tonne-scale experiment. The signalmore » readout electronics, which must be placed in close proximity to the detectors, present a challenge toward reaching this background goal. This talk will discuss the materials and design used to construct signal readout electronics with low enough backgrounds for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR.« less

Better Renal Resistive Index Profile in Subjects with Beta Thalassemia Minor


.

PubMed

Basut, Fahrettin; Keşkek, Şakir Özgür; Gülek, Bozkurt

2018-05-03

Beta thalassaemia minor is a common genetic disorder without any characteristic symptoms except mild anemia. It is found to be associated with some cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. The renal resistive index (RRI) is a measure of renal arterial resistance to blood flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal resistive index in subjects with beta thalassaemia minor (BTM). A total of 253 subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 148 subjects with BTM and the control group consisted of 105 healthy subjects. Beta thalassaemia minor was diagnosed by complete blood count and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Blood pressure measurement and biochemical tests were performed. Renal resistive index of all subjects was measured using renal Doppler ultrasonography. Subjects with beta thalassemia minor had lower renal resistive indices compared to healthy subjects (0.58 ± 0.04 vs. 0.60 ± 0.06, p = 0.0016). Additionally, the RRI levels of subjects with BTM were correlated with systolic blood pressure (p = 0.017, r = 0.194). In this study, lower renal resistive index was found in subjects with BTM. This may be associated with decreased vascular resistance and blood viscosity in these subjects. ©2018The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Rapid Radiochemical Method for Total Radiostrontium (Sr-90) ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Technical Fact Sheet Analysis Purpose: Qualitative analysis Technique: Beta counting Method Developed for: Strontium-89 and strontium-90 in building materials Method Selected for: SAM lists this method for qualitative analysis of strontium-89 and strontium-90 in concrete or brick building materials Summary of subject analytical method which will be posted to the SAM website to allow access to the method.

Search for Correlated Fluctuations in the Beta+ Decay of Na-22

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silverman, M. P.; Strange, W.

2008-10-01

Claims for a ``cosmogenic'' force that correlates otherwise independent stochastic events have been made for at least 10 years, based largely on visual inspection of time series of histograms whose shapes were interpreted as suggestive of recurrent patterns with semi-diurnal, diurnal, and monthly periods. Building on our earlier work to test randomness of different nuclear decay processes, we have searched for correlations in the time-series of coincident positron-electron annihilations deriving from beta+ decay of Na-22. Disintegrations were counted within a narrow time window over a period of 7 days, leading to a time series of more than 1 million events. Statistical tests were performed on the raw time series, its correlation function, and its Fourier transform to search for cyclic correlations indicative of quantum-mechanical violating deviations from Poisson statistics. The time series was then partitioned into a sequence of 167 ``bags'' each of 8192 events. A histogram was made of the events of each bag, where contiguous frequency classes differed by a single count. The chronological sequence of histograms was then tested for correlations within classes. In all cases the results of the tests were in accord with statistical control, giving no evidence of correlated fluctuations.

[In-line leukocyte depletion ov thrombocytapheresis concentrates with the Fresenius-AS-104 cell separator].

PubMed

Zeiler, T; Kretschmer, V

1997-01-01

This study reports on in-line filtration of 72 platelet concentrates (PC) collected by the Fresenius AS 104 cell separator, using the new C4F sets with integrated leukocyte filters (Biofil P plus). 72 volunteer donors, automatic counts of platelets, microscopical counting of residual leukocytes with the Nageotte chamber, GMP-140 by flow cytometrie, beta-thromboglobulin release, platelet aggregation (ADP, collagen). Filtration reduced leukocytes by 98.5%. Residual leukocyte contamination remained clearly below 5 x 10(6) (mean 0.5 +/- 0.6 x 10(6), maximum 2.8 x 10(6). Platelet loss by filtration was found to be between 27.4 and 0.7% (median 8.5%). Filtration caused a significant decrease of platelet aggregability (p < 0.005), but no significant increase of beta-thromboglobulin release and only a slight decrease of GMP-140 expression. From these data can be concluded that in-line filtration was highly efficient with acceptable platelet retention. No significant platelet activation could be observed in the PC. The decrease of platelet aggregability have been due to the reduction of activated platelets which are believed to show reduced in vivo survival.

Radiation detectors and sources enhanced with micro/nanotechnology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitney, Chad Michael

The ongoing threat of nuclear terrorism presents major challenges to maintaining national security. Currently, only a small percentage of the cargo containers that enter America are searched for fissionable bomb making materials. This work reports on a multi-channel radiation detection platform enabled with nanoparticles that is capable of detecting and discriminating all types of radiation emitted from fissionable bomb making materials. Typical Geiger counters are limited to detecting only beta and gamma radiation. The micro-Geiger counter reported here detects all species of radiation including beta particles, gamma/X-rays, alpha particles, and neutrons. The multi-species detecting micro-Geiger counter contains a hermetically sealed and electrically biased fill gas. Impinging radiation interacts with tailored nanoparticles to release secondary charged particles that ionize the fill gas. The ionized particles collect on respectively biased electrodes resulting in a characteristic electrical pulse. Pulse height spectroscopy and radiation energy binning techniques can then be used to analyze the pulses to determine the specific radiation isotope. The ideal voltage range of operation for energy discrimination was found to be in the proportional region at 1000VDC. In this region, specific pulse heights for different radiation species resulted. The amplification region strength which determines the device sensitivity to radiation energy can be tuned with the electrode separation distance. Considerable improvements in count rates were achieved by using the charge conversion nanoparticles with the highest cross sections for particular radiation species. The addition of tungsten nanoparticles to the microGeiger counter enabled the device to be four times more efficient at detecting low level beta particles with a dose rate of 3.2uR/hr (micro-Roentgen per hour) and just under three times more efficient than an off the shelf Geiger counter. The addition of lead nanoparticles enabled the gamma/X-ray microGeiger counter channel to be 28 times more efficient at detecting low level gamma rays with a dose rate of 10uR/hr when compared to a device without nanoparticles. The addition of 10B nanoparticles enabled the neutron microGeiger counter channel to be 17 times more efficient at detecting neutrons. The device achieved a neutron count rate of 9,866 counts per minute when compared to a BF3 tube which resulted in a count rate of 9,000 counts per minute. By using a novel micro-injection ceramic molding and low temperature (950°C) silver paste metallizing process, the batch fabrication of essentially disposable micro-devices can be achieved. This novel fabrication technique was then applied to a MEMS neutron gun and water spectroscopy device that also utilizes the high voltage/temperature insulating packaging.

21 CFR 866.5160 - Beta-globulin immunolog-ical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5160 Beta-globulin immunolog-ical test system. (a) Identification. A beta-globulin immunological test system is a... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-globulin immunolog-ical test system. 866.5160...

[Effect of TGF-beta1 on embryo implantation and development in mice in vitro].

PubMed

Luo, Shan; Yin, Hai-ning; Li, Shang-wei

2010-03-01

To investigate the role of TGF-beta1 in embryo implantation and development in vitro in mice. Mouse embryos at 2-cell stage were cultured in the media of M16 with exposure to different levels of TGF-beta1 (0, 1, 10 and 50 ng/mL). The percentage of embryos reaching fixed stages (early blastocyst, expanding blastocyst and hatched blastocyst) was monitored 68 h and 92 h after the culture. The expanding blastocys cultured for 68 h in M16 without TGF-beta1 and those with 10 ng/mL of TGF-beta1 were transferred to pseudopregnant mice. On the 6th day post transfer, the successful rates of implantation were counted. The level of IL-10/IFN-gamma in the serum and maternal-fetus interface of the mice was detected by ELISA on the 6th day post transfer. TGF-beta1 improved embryo growth in vitro. TGF-beta1 at a level of 10 ng/mL had the maximum impact, with 15.6%, 68.09%, 1.42% of embryos reaching early, expanding, and hatched stage, respectively, 68 h after culture, and 6.38%, 28.37%, 53.19% of embryos reaching early, expanding, and hatched stage, respectively, 92 h after culture. The promoting effect declined when TGF-beta1 reached 50 ng/mL. The successful rate of implantation of embryos cultured in M16 with TGF-beta1 was significantly higher than those cultured in M16 without TGF-beta1 (35. 2% vs. 17.19%, P < 0.05). The embryos cultured in M16 with TGF-beta1 had significantly lower level of IFN-gamma in the maternal-fetus interface than those cultured in M16 without TGF-beta1 [(30.89 +/- 11.31) pg/mL vs. (43.23 +/- 18. 09) pg/mL, P < 0.053. TGF-beta1 at an appropriate dose improves embryo implantation in mice in vitro. The mechanism may involve the improvement of the quality of embryos and their development, and decrease of IFN-gamma synthesis in maternal-fetal interface, a chemical that could cause Th2 bias.

A novel method for rapid in vitro radiobioassay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, Evan Bogert

Rapid and accurate analysis of internal human exposure to radionuclides is essential to the effective triage and treatment of citizens who have possibly been exposed to radioactive materials in the environment. The two most likely scenarios in which a large number of citizens would be exposed are the detonation of a radiation dispersal device (RDD, "dirty bomb") or the accidental release of an isotope from an industrial source such as a radioisotopic thermal generator (RTG). In the event of the release and dispersion of radioactive materials into the environment in a large city, the entire population of the city -- including all commuting workers and tourists -- would have to be rapidly tested, both to satisfy the psychological needs of the citizens who were exposed to the mental trauma of a possible radiation dose, and to satisfy the immediate medical needs of those who received the highest doses and greatest levels of internal contamination -- those who would best benefit from rapid, intensive medical care. In this research a prototype rapid screening method to screen urine samples for the presence of up to five isotopes, both individually and in a mixture, has been developed. The isotopes used to develop this method are Co-60, Sr-90, Cs-137, Pu-238, and Am-241. This method avoids time-intensive chemical separations via the preparation and counting of a single sample on multiple detectors, and analyzing the spectra for isotope-specific markers. A rapid liquid-liquid separation using an organic extractive scintillator can be used to help quantify the activity of the alpha-emitting isotopes. The method provides quantifiable results in less than five minutes for the activity of beta/gamma-emitting isotopes when present in the sample at the intervention level as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and quantifiable results for the activity levels of alpha-emitting isotopes present at their respective intervention levels in approximately 30 minutes of sample preparation and counting time. Radiation detector spectra -- e.g. those from high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma detectors and liquid scintillation detectors -- which contain decay signals from multiple isotopes often have overlapping signals: the counts from one isotope's decay can appear in energy channels associated with another isotope's decay, complicating the calculation of each isotope's activity. The uncertainties associated with analyzing these spectra have been traced in order to determine the effects of one isotope's count rate on the sensitivity and uncertainty associated with each other isotope. The method that was developed takes advantage of activated carbon filtration to eliminate quenching effects and to make the liquid scintillation spectra from different urine samples comparable. The method uses pulse-shape analysis to reduce the interference from beta emitters in the liquid scintillation spectrum and improve the minimum detectable activity (MDA) and minimum quantifiable activity (MQA) for alpha emitters. The method uses an HPGe detector to quantify the activity of gamma emitters, and subtract their isotopes' contributions to the liquid scintillation spectra via a calibration factor, such that the pure beta and pure alpha emitters can be identified and quantified from the resulting liquid scintillation spectra. Finally, the method optionally uses extractive scintillators to rapidly separate the alpha emitters from the beta emitters when the activity from the beta emitters is too great to detect or quantify the activity from the alpha emitters without such a separation. The method is able to detect and quantify all five isotopes, with uncertainties and biases usually in the 10-40% range, depending upon the isotopic mixtures and the activity ratios between each of the isotopes.

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5630 Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. (a) Identification. A beta-2-microglobulin... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system...

[Prevalence survey and molecular characterization of alpha and beta thalassemia in Liuzhou city of Guangxi].

PubMed

Cai, Ren; Li, Liyan; Liang, Xin; Liu, Zhongying; Su, Liu; Li, Wenjun; Zhu, Qiangui; Mo, Qiuhua; Pan, Lizhen; Ouyang, Hong; Huang, Lihua; Xu, Xiangmin

2002-08-01

To investigate the gene frequencies and mutation patterns of alpha thalassemia (alpha-thal) and beta thalassemia (beta-thal) in Liuzhou city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Cluster sampling was used. A total of 1 028 of umbilical blood samples were collected for a prevalence study of alpha-thal and a total of 1 312 healthy young people when receiving pre-marriage consultation were recruited for a beta-thal prevalence survey. Individuals live in city or town area of Liuzhou. A complete blood count as well as hemoglobin electrophoresis analysis were done in all of samples for phenotyping of alpha and beta-thals. Those with Hb Bart's for alpha-thal indicator and those with both microcytosis (MCV < 85 fl) and elevated levels of Hb A(2) (>/=4.0%) for beta-thal were further studied by DNA analysis. PCR-based methodologies were used to characterize the mutation contributions of alpha and beta-thals. All the subjects were tested for the state of carrying beta-thala alleles for evaluating the situation of the compound heterozygotes of alpha-thal with beta-thal. Of 1 028 random samples of umbilical blood screened, 112 of subjects were defined to be the gene carriers of alpha-thal. The alpha-thal carrier rate was as high as 11.19% including 3 compound heterozygotes. Five well-known types of alpha-thal alleles were detected with gene contributions of 37.4% (--(SEA) deletion), 31.3% (-alpha(3.7) deletion), 17.4% (-alpha(4.2) deletion), 12.1% (alpha(CS)alpha mutation), and 0.9% (alpha(QS)alpha mutation), successively. Of the 1 312 adult specimens studied, 89 with beta-thal including 14 of the compound higher Hb F subjects were detected. All of the 89 phenotypic beta-thal carriers had the mutations in the beta-globin gene, making the overall prevalence 6.78%. The commonly seen three mutations, beta CD41 - 42 (-CTTT) frameshift, beta CD17 (T-A) nonsense mutation and beta-28 (A-G) promoter variation were accounted for 90% of the beta-thal alleles in Liuzhou. Of these beta-thal subjects, 16 (accounting for 18%) were found to be the compound heterozygosity for a beta-thal and an alpha-thal with 9 different types of gene defects with a detection rate 1.22%. Data from ecidation of alpha and beta-thal gene frequencies and mutation spectrum in Liuzhou city was useful for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis of this disease.

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5440 Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. (a) Identification. A beta-2-glycoprotein III... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5430 Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. (a) Identification. A beta-2-glycoprotein I... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system...

Salivary human beta defensins affected by oral Candida status in Chinese HIV/AIDS patients undergoing ART.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenmin; Yong, Xiangzhi; Jiang, Lanlan; Zhang, Linlin; Lin, Xuefang; Liu, Wei; Peng, Yuanyuan; Tao, Renchuan

2018-03-02

To observe relationships between oral Candida status and salivary human beta defensin-2 and -3 (hBD-2 and hBD-3) levels in HIV/AIDS patients of Guangxi, China during the first year of antiretroviral therapy (ART) dynamically, and to understand the influence of ART on oral Candida status and salivary hBDs expressions. A prospective self-controlled study was carried to observe the dynamic changes of CD4 + T cell counts, oral Candida carriages and salivary hBD-2,3 expressions in HIV/AIDS patients during the first year of ART. A total of 90 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled, and were examined at the baseline, 3rd, 6th, 12th month of ART. Thirty healthy individuals were enrolled as control. Peripheral blood, oral rinse sample and unstimulated whole saliva were collected to test CD4 + T cell counts, oral Candida carriages and hBD-2,3 expressions. In the first year of ART, CD4 + T cell counts increased significantly. However, oral Candida carriages and oral candidiasis decreased significantly, and salivary hBD-2 expressions in HIV/AIDS patients decreased gradually, salivary hBD-3 levels were highly variable. Salivary hBD-2 concentrations were positively related to oral Candida carriages. The incidence of oral candidiasis among HIV/AIDS patients gradually decreased due to the immune reconstruction of ART. Salivary defensins might play an important role in Candida-host interaction in HIV/AIDS patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Liver X receptor activation inhibits PC-3 prostate cancer cells via the beta-catenin pathway.

PubMed

Youlin, Kuang; Li, Zhang; Weiyang, He; Jian, Kang; Siming, Liang; Xin, Gou

2017-03-01

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors family of ligand-dependent transcription factors that play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. Recent studies show that LXR agonists exhibit anti-cancer activities in a variety of cancer cell lines including prostate. To further identify the potential mechanisms of LXRα activation on prostate cancer, we investigated the effect of LXR agonist T0901317 on PC3 prostate cancer cell and in which activity of beta-catenin pathway involved. Prostate cancer PC3 cells were transfected with LXR-a siRNA and treated with LXR activator T0901317. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the LXR-a expression. beta-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-MYC were analyzed by western blot. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell migration was detected by Transwell chambers. Data showed that T0901317 significantly inhibited PC3 cell proliferation as well as invasion and increased apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, we found that LXRα activation induced the reduction of beta-catenin expression in PC3 cells, and this inhibitory effect could be totally abolished when cells were treated with LXRα. Meanwhile, the expression of beta-catenin target gene cyclin D1 and c-MYC were also decreased. This study provided additional evidence that LXR activation inhibited PC-3 prostate cancer cells via suppressing beta-catenin pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Pancreatic stellate cells are activated by proinflammatory cytokines: implications for pancreatic fibrogenesis.

PubMed

Apte, M V; Haber, P S; Darby, S J; Rodgers, S C; McCaughan, G W; Korsten, M A; Pirola, R C; Wilson, J S

1999-04-01

The pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrosis is unknown. In the liver, stellate cells play a major role in fibrogenesis by synthesising increased amounts of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins when activated by profibrogenic mediators such as cytokines and oxidant stress. To determine whether cultured rat pancreatic stellate cells produce collagen and other ECM proteins, and exhibit signs of activation when exposed to the cytokines platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Cultured pancreatic stellate cells were immunostained for the ECM proteins procollagen III, collagen I, laminin, and fibronectin using specific polyclonal antibodies. For cytokine studies, triplicate wells of cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of PDGF or TGF-beta. Cultured pancreatic stellate cells stained strongly positive for all ECM proteins tested. Incubation of cells with 1, 5, and 10 ng/ml PDGF led to a significant dose related increase in cell counts as well as in the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA. Stellate cells exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 ng/ml TGF-beta showed a dose dependent increase in alpha smooth muscle actin expression and increased collagen synthesis. In addition, TGF-beta increased the expression of PDGF receptors on stellate cells. Pancreatic stellate cells produce collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, and respond to the cytokines PDGF and TGF-beta by increased proliferation and increased collagen synthesis. These results suggest an important role for stellate cells in pancreatic fibrogenesis.

Comparison of new and existing algorithms for the analysis of 2D radioxenon beta gamma spectra

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

Deshmukh, Nikhil; Prinke, Amanda; Miller, Brian

2017-01-13

The aim of this paper is to compare radioxenon beta-gamma analysis algorithms using simulated spectra with experimentally measured background, where the ground truth of the signal is known. We believe that this is among the largest efforts to date in terms of the number of synthetic spectra generated and number of algorithms compared using identical spectra. We generate an estimate for the Minimum Detectable Counts (MDC) for each isotope using each algorithm. The paper also points out a conceptual model to put the various algorithms into a continuum. Our results show that existing algorithms can be improved and some newermore » algorithms can be better than the currently used ones.« less

RADIOACTIVITY IN TEXAS STREAMS

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

Drynan, W.R.; Gloyna, E.F.; Smallhorst, D.F.

1961-07-01

Early results from a 3-year program to collect base-line data on radioactivity in Texas waters are reported. When preliminary teste indicate the presence of significant quantities of either alpha or beta emitters, a gamma spectrum and a radiochemical separation of Sr and Ra is made. The instruments most frequently used in counting river samples are of the proportional gas flow type. Most of the samples collected throughout the state had less than 50 mu mu c/l of beta activity and 10 mu mu c/l of alpha activity. Tables are given of the gross radioactivity analyses of samples from the Canadianmore » and Neches Rivers in Texas along with the dates the samples were collected. (P.C.H.)« less

Results on Neutrinoless Double-β Decay of Ge76 from Phase I of the GERDA Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agostini, M.; Allardt, M.; Andreotti, E.; Bakalyarov, A. M.; Balata, M.; Barabanov, I.; Barnabé Heider, M.; Barros, N.; Baudis, L.; Bauer, C.; Becerici-Schmidt, N.; Bellotti, E.; Belogurov, S.; Belyaev, S. T.; Benato, G.; Bettini, A.; Bezrukov, L.; Bode, T.; Brudanin, V.; Brugnera, R.; Budjáš, D.; Caldwell, A.; Cattadori, C.; Chernogorov, A.; Cossavella, F.; Demidova, E. V.; Domula, A.; Egorov, V.; Falkenstein, R.; Ferella, A.; Freund, K.; Frodyma, N.; Gangapshev, A.; Garfagnini, A.; Gotti, C.; Grabmayr, P.; Gurentsov, V.; Gusev, K.; Guthikonda, K. K.; Hampel, W.; Hegai, A.; Heisel, M.; Hemmer, S.; Heusser, G.; Hofmann, W.; Hult, M.; Inzhechik, L. V.; Ioannucci, L.; Janicskó Csáthy, J.; Jochum, J.; Junker, M.; Kihm, T.; Kirpichnikov, I. V.; Kirsch, A.; Klimenko, A.; Knöpfle, K. T.; Kochetov, O.; Kornoukhov, V. N.; Kuzminov, V. V.; Laubenstein, M.; Lazzaro, A.; Lebedev, V. I.; Lehnert, B.; Liao, H. Y.; Lindner, M.; Lippi, I.; Liu, X.; Lubashevskiy, A.; Lubsandorzhiev, B.; Lutter, G.; Macolino, C.; Machado, A. A.; Majorovits, B.; Maneschg, W.; Misiaszek, M.; Nemchenok, I.; Nisi, S.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Pandola, L.; Pelczar, K.; Pessina, G.; Pullia, A.; Riboldi, S.; Rumyantseva, N.; Sada, C.; Salathe, M.; Schmitt, C.; Schreiner, J.; Schulz, O.; Schwingenheuer, B.; Schönert, S.; Shevchik, E.; Shirchenko, M.; Simgen, H.; Smolnikov, A.; Stanco, L.; Strecker, H.; Tarka, M.; Ur, C. A.; Vasenko, A. A.; Volynets, O.; von Sturm, K.; Wagner, V.; Walter, M.; Wegmann, A.; Wester, T.; Wojcik, M.; Yanovich, E.; Zavarise, P.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhukov, S. V.; Zinatulina, D.; Zuber, K.; Zuzel, G.

2013-09-01

Neutrinoless double beta decay is a process that violates lepton number conservation. It is predicted to occur in extensions of the standard model of particle physics. This Letter reports the results from phase I of the Germanium Detector Array (GERDA) experiment at the Gran Sasso Laboratory (Italy) searching for neutrinoless double beta decay of the isotope Ge76. Data considered in the present analysis have been collected between November 2011 and May 2013 with a total exposure of 21.6 kg yr. A blind analysis is performed. The background index is about 1×10-2counts/(keVkgyr) after pulse shape discrimination. No signal is observed and a lower limit is derived for the half-life of neutrinoless double beta decay of Ge76, T1/20ν>2.1×1025yr (90% C.L.). The combination with the results from the previous experiments with Ge76 yields T1/20ν>3.0×1025yr (90% C.L.).

Biodegradation and bioremediation of endosulfan contaminated soil.

PubMed

Kumar, Mohit; Lakshmi, C Vidya; Khanna, Sunil

2008-05-01

Among the three mixed bacterial culture AE, BE, and CE, developed by enrichment technique with endosulfan as sole carbon source, consortium CE was found to be the most efficient with 72% and 87% degradation of alpha-endosulfan and beta-endosulfan, respectively, in 20 days. In soil microcosm, consortium AE, BE and CE degraded alpha-endosulfan by 57%, 88% and 91%, respectively, whereas beta-endosulfan was degraded by 4%, 60% and 67% after 30 days. Ochrobacterum sp., Arthrobacter sp., and Burkholderia sp., isolated and identified on the basis of 16s rDNA gene sequence, individually showed in situ biodegradation of alpha-endosulfan in contaminated soil microcosm by 61, 73, and 74, respectively, whereas degradation of beta-endosulfan was 63, 75, and 62, respectively, after 6 weeks of incubation over the control which showed 26% and 23 % degradation of alpha-endosulfan and beta-endosulfan, respectively. Population survival of Ochrobacterum sp., Arthrobacter sp., and Burkholderia sp., by plate count on Luria Broth with carbenicillin showed 75-88% survival of these isolates as compared to 36-48% of survival obtained from PCR fingerprinting. Arthrobacter sp. oxidized endosulfan to endosulfan sulfate which was further metabolized but no known metabolite of endosulfan sulfate was detected.

Beta Androstenediol Mitigates the Damage of 1 GeV/n Fe Ion Particle Radiation to the Hematopoietic System

PubMed Central

Beckman, Mathew; Contaifer, Daniel; Tamariz, Francisco; Gibb, David; Thompson, Laura; Guida, Peter

2011-01-01

Abstract Space exploration is associated with exposure to 1–3 Gy solar particle radiation and galactic cosmic radiation that could increase cancer rates. Effective nontoxic countermeasures to high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation exposure are highly desirable but currently not available. The aim was to determine whether a single subcutaneous injection of androstenediol (Δ5 androsten-3β, 17β-diol [AED]) could mitigate and restore the mouse hematopoetic system from the radiation-mediated injury of 3 Gy whole-body high LET 56Fe26+ exposure. The findings show that postradiation AED treatment has an overall positive and significant beneficial effect to restore the levels of hematopoeitic elements (p<0.001). Androstenediol treatment significantly increased monocyte levels at days 4, 7, and 14 and, similarly, increased red blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet counts. Flow cytometry analysis 14 days after radiation and AED treatment demonstrated an increase (p<0.05) in bone marrow cells counts. Ex vivo osteoclastogenesis studies show that AED treatment is necessary and advantageous for the development and restoration of osteoclastogenesis after radiation exposure. These findings clearly show that androstenediol functions as a countermeasure to remedy hematopoeitic injury mediated by high LET iron ion radiation. Presently, no other agent has been shown to have such properties. PMID:21790310

Beta experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A focused laser doppler velocimeter (LDV) system was developed for the measurement of atmospheric backscatter (beta) from aerosols at infrared wavelengths. A Doppler signal generator was used in mapping the coherent sensitive focal volume of a focused LDV system. System calibration data was analyzed during the flight test activity scheduled for the Beta system. These analyses were performed to determine the acceptability of the Beta measurement system's performance.

Search for the Neutrino Less Double Beta Decay

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

Efremenko, Yuri

2016-07-11

During the past few years our understanding of neutrino properties has reached a new level, with experiments such as Super-K, SNO, KamLAND, and others obtaining exciting results. Major questions such as “Do neutrinos have mass?” and “Do neutrinos oscillate?” now have positive answers. However, an extensive program of neutrino research remains. Undoubtedly, the most important of these is the question pointed out by the National Research Council in its February 2002 report “Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos”, specifically: What are the masses of neutrinos and how have they shaped the evolution of the Universe? The MAJORANA collaboration has proposed tomore » build the world’s most sensitive one-ton scale experiment to search for neutrino less double beta decay to answer this question. In its initial stage, the collaboration is building a prototype MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR (MJD) experiment consisting of detectors made out of enriched Ge 76 with a total sensitive mass of ~30 kg. This will accomplish two goals. First, it will test not yet confirmed claim for observation of neutrino-less double beta decay. Second, it will establish that the selected technology is capable of extension to a one-ton experiment with sufficient sensitivity to measure neutrino mass m ββ down to 10 meV. To achieve the last goal, collaboration must demonstrate that a background level of 1 count per year per 4 keV per ton of detector is achievable. The University of Tennessee (UT) neutrino group has made a major commitment to the MJD. P.I. accepted the responsibility for one of the major tasks of the experiment, “Materials and Assay Task” which is crucial to the achievement of low background levels required for the experiment. In addition, the UT group is committed to construct, commission, and operate the MJD active veto system. Those activities were supported by NP-DOE via program funding for “Search for the Neutrino Less Double Beta Decay” at the University of Tennessee. We would like to report the results and achievements under this grant for Material and Assay Task and for task to build and deploy veto system for the Majorana Experiment separately.« less

A Delayed Neutron Counting System for the Analysis of Special Nuclear Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellers, Madison Theresa

Nuclear forensic analysis is a modem science that uses numerous analytical techniques to identify and attribute nuclear materials in the event of a nuclear explosion, radiological terrorist attack or the interception of illicit nuclear material smuggling. The Canadian Department of National Defence has participated in recent international exercises that have highlighted the Nation's requirement to develop nuclear forensics expertise, protocol and capabilities, specifically pertaining to the analysis of special nuclear materials (SNM). A delayed neutron counting (DNC) system has been designed and established at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) to enhance the Government's SNM analysis capabilities. This analytical technique complements those already at RMC by providing a rapid and non-destructive method for the analysis of the fissile isotopes of both uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu). The SLOWPOKE-2 reactor at RMC produces a predominately thermal neutron flux. These neutrons induce fission in the SNM isotopes 233U, 235U and 239Pu releasing prompt fast neutrons, energy and radioactive fission fragments. Some of these fission fragments undergo beta - decay and subsequently emit neutrons, which can be recorded by an array of sensitive 3He detectors. The significant time period between the fission process and the release of these neutrons results in their identification as 'delayed neutrons'. The recorded neutron spectrum varies with time and the count rate curve is unique to each fissile isotope. In-house software, developed by this project, can analyze this delayed neutron curve and provides the fissile mass in the sample. Extensive characterization of the DNC system has been performed with natural U samples with 235 U content ranging from 2--7 microg. The system efficiency and dead time behaviour determined by the natural uranium sample analyses were validated by depleted uranium samples with similar quantities of 235 U resulting in a typical relative error of 3.6%. The system has accurately determined 235U content over three orders of magnitude with 235U amounts as low as 10 ng. The results have also been proven to be independent of small variations in total analyte volume and geometry, indicating that it is an ideal technique for the analysis of samples containing SNM in a variety of different matrices. The Analytical Sciences Group at RMC plans to continue DNC system development to include 233U and 239pu analysis and mixtures of SNM isotopes. Keywords: delayed neutron counting, special nuclear materials, nuclear forensics.

Adaptation of the TH Epsilon Mu formalism for the analysis of the equivalence principle in the presence of the weak and electroweak interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fennelly, A. J.

1981-01-01

The TH epsilon mu formalism, used in analyzing equivalence principle experiments of metric and nonmetric gravity theories, is adapted to the description of the electroweak interaction using the Weinberg-Salam unified SU(2) x U(1) model. The use of the TH epsilon mu formalism is thereby extended to the weak interactions, showing how the gravitational field affects W sub mu (+ or -1) and Z sub mu (0) boson propagation and the rates of interactions mediated by them. The possibility of a similar extension to the strong interactions via SU(5) grand unified theories is briefly discussed. Also, using the effects of the potentials on the baryon and lepton wave functions, the effects of gravity on transition mediated in high-A atoms which are electromagnetically forbidden. Three possible experiments to test the equivalence principle in the presence of the weak interactions, which are technologically feasible, are then briefly outline: (1) K-capture by the FE nucleus (counting the emitted X-ray); (2) forbidden absorption transitions in high-A atoms' vapor; and (3) counting the relative Beta-decay rates in a suitable alpha-beta decay chain, assuming the strong interactions obey the equivalence principle.

Half-lives of 221Fr, 217At, 213Bi, 213Po and 209Pb from the 225Ac decay series.

PubMed

Suliman, G; Pommé, S; Marouli, M; Van Ammel, R; Stroh, H; Jobbágy, V; Paepen, J; Dirican, A; Bruchertseifer, F; Apostolidis, C; Morgenstern, A

2013-07-01

The half-lives of (221)Fr, (217)At, (213)Bi, (213)Po, and (209)Pb were measured by means of an ion-implanted planar Si detector for alpha and beta particles emitted from weak (225)Ac sources or from recoil sources, which were placed in a quasi-2π counting geometry. Recoil sources were prepared by collecting atoms from an open (225)Ac source onto a glass substrate. The (221)Fr and (213)Bi half-lives were determined by following the alpha particle emission rate of recoil sources as a function of time. Similarly, the (209)Pb half-life was determined from the beta particle count rate. The shorter half-lives of (217)At and (213)Po were deduced from delayed coincidence measurements on weak (225)Ac sources using digital data acquisition in list mode. The resulting values: T1/2((221)Fr)=4.806 (6) min, T1/2((217)At)=32.8 (3)ms, T1/2((213)Bi)=45.62 (6)min, T1/2((213)Po)=3.708 (8) μs, and T1/2((209)Pb)=3.232 (5)h were in agreement only with the best literature data. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A powerful and flexible approach to the analysis of RNA sequence count data.

PubMed

Zhou, Yi-Hui; Xia, Kai; Wright, Fred A

2011-10-01

A number of penalization and shrinkage approaches have been proposed for the analysis of microarray gene expression data. Similar techniques are now routinely applied to RNA sequence transcriptional count data, although the value of such shrinkage has not been conclusively established. If penalization is desired, the explicit modeling of mean-variance relationships provides a flexible testing regimen that 'borrows' information across genes, while easily incorporating design effects and additional covariates. We describe BBSeq, which incorporates two approaches: (i) a simple beta-binomial generalized linear model, which has not been extensively tested for RNA-Seq data and (ii) an extension of an expression mean-variance modeling approach to RNA-Seq data, involving modeling of the overdispersion as a function of the mean. Our approaches are flexible, allowing for general handling of discrete experimental factors and continuous covariates. We report comparisons with other alternate methods to handle RNA-Seq data. Although penalized methods have advantages for very small sample sizes, the beta-binomial generalized linear model, combined with simple outlier detection and testing approaches, appears to have favorable characteristics in power and flexibility. An R package containing examples and sample datasets is available at http://www.bios.unc.edu/research/genomic_software/BBSeq yzhou@bios.unc.edu; fwright@bios.unc.edu Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Measurement of energetic radiation caused by thunderstorm activities by a sounding balloon and ground observation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torii, T.

2015-12-01

Energetic radiation caused by thunderstorm activity is observed at various places, such as the ground, high mountain areas, and artificial satellites. In order to investigate the radiation source and its energy distribution, we measured energetic radiation by a sounding balloon, and the ground observation. On the measurement inside/above the thundercloud, we conducted a sounding observation using a radiosonde mounted two GM tubes (for gamma-rays, and for beta/gamma-rays), in addition to meteorological instruments. The balloon passed through a region of strong echoes in a thundercloud shown by radar image, at which time an increase in counting rate of the GM tube about 2 orders of magnitude occurred at the altitude from 5 km to 7.5 km. Furthermore, the counting rate of two GM tubes indicated the tendency different depending on movement of a balloon. This result suggests that the ratio for the gamma-rays (energetic photons) of the beta-rays (energetic electrons) varies according to the place in the thundercloud. Furthermore, we carried out a ground observation of the energetic gamma rays during winter thunderstorm at a coastal area facing the Sea of Japan. Two types of the energetic radiation have been observed at this time. We report the outline of these measurements and analysis in the session of the AGU meeting.

Systemic and lung protein changes in sarcoidosis. Lymphocyte counts, gallium uptake values, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels may reflect different aspects of disease activity

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

Check, I.J.; Kidd, M.R.; Staton, G.W. Jr.

1986-01-01

BAL lymphocyte percentages, quantitated gallium-67 lung uptake, and SACE levels have all been proposed as measures of disease activity in sarcoidosis. We analyzed 32 paired sera and BAL fluids from sarcoidosis patients by high-resolution agarose electrophoresis to look for protein changes characteristic of systemic or local inflammation and compared the results with those from the above tests. Nine patients (group 1) had serum inflammatory protein changes and increased total protein, albumin, beta 1-globulin (transferrin), and gamma-globulin levels in fluid recovered by BAL. Thirteen patients (group 2) had normal protein levels in sera but abnormal protein levels in BAL specimens. Tenmore » patients (group 3) had normal protein levels in sera and in BAL specimens. Patients in groups 1 and 2 had a disproportionate increase in beta 1-globulin (transferrin) and gamma-globulin levels in their BAL specimens. The BAL lymphocyte percentage changes paralleled the BAL protein level changes, suggesting relationships among the immunoregulatory role of these cells, increased local immunoglobulin synthesis, and the pathogenesis of altered alveolar permeability. Gallium-67 uptake was highest in patients with serum inflammatory protein changes. Thus, systemic inflammation may facilitate pulmonary gallium-67 uptake, possibly by changes in BAL fluid or serum transferrin saturation and/or kinetics. SACE levels showed no relationship to changes in the levels of serum or BAL proteins. These data suggest that the various proposed measures of disease activity reflect different aspects of inflammation in sarcoidosis.« less

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

Fisk, William J.; Sullivan, Douglas

This pilot scale study evaluated the counting accuracy of two people counting systems that could be used in demand controlled ventilation systems to provide control signals for modulating outdoor air ventilation rates. The evaluations included controlled challenges of the people counting systems using pre-planned movements of occupants through doorways and evaluations of counting accuracies when naive occupants (i.e., occupants unaware of the counting systems) passed through the entrance doors of the building or room. The two people counting systems had high counting accuracy accuracies, with errors typically less than 10percent, for typical non-demanding counting events. However, counting errors were highmore » in some highly challenging situations, such as multiple people passing simultaneously through a door. Counting errors, for at least one system, can be very high if people stand in the field of view of the sensor. Both counting system have limitations and would need to be used only at appropriate sites and where the demanding situations that led to counting errors were rare.« less

Effects of beta-escin and saponin on the transverse-tubular system and sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes of rat and toad skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Launikonis, B S; Stephenson, D G

1999-05-01

Mechanically skinned skeletal muscle fibres from rat and toad were exposed to the permeabilizing agents beta-escin and saponin. The effects of these agents on the sealed transverse tubular system (t-system) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were examined by looking at changes in the magnitude of the force responses to t-system depolarization, the time course of the fluorescence of fura-2 trapped in the sealed t-system, and changes in the magnitude of caffeine-induced contractures following SR loading with Ca2+ under defined conditions. In the presence of 2 microg ml-1 beta-escin and saponin, the response to t-system depolarization was not completely abolished, decreasing to a plateau, and a large proportion of fura-2 remained in the sealed t-system. At 10 microg ml-1, both agents abolished the ability of both rat and toad preparations to respond to t-system depolarization after 3 min of exposure, but a significant amount of fura-2 remained in sealed t-tubules even after exposure to 100 microg ml-1 beta-escin and saponin for 10 min. beta-Escin took longer than saponin to reduce the t-system depolarizations and fura-2 content of the sealed t-system to a similar level. The ability of the SR to load Ca2+ was reduced to a lower level after treatment with beta-escin than saponin. This direct effect on the SR occurred at much lower concentrations for rat (2 microg ml-1 beta-escin and 10 microg ml-1 saponin) than toad (10 microg ml-1 beta-escin and 150 microg ml-1 saponin). The reverse order in sensitivities to beta-escin and saponin of t-system and SR membranes indicates that the mechanisms of action of beta-escin and saponin are different in the two types of membrane. In conclusion, this study shows that: (1) beta-escin has a milder action on the surface membrane than saponin; (2) beta-escin is a more potent modifier of SR function; (3) simple permeabilization of membranes is not sufficient to explain the effects of beta-escin and saponin on muscle membranes; and (4) the t-system network within muscle fibres is not a homogeneous compartment.

Differential impact of lactose/lactase phenotype on colonic microflora

PubMed Central

Szilagyi, Andrew; Shrier, Ian; Heilpern, Debra; Je, Jung Sung; Park, Sunghoon; Chong, George; Lalonde, Catherine; Cote, Louis-Francois; Lee, Byong

2010-01-01

BACKGROUND: The ability to digest lactose divides the world’s population into two phenotypes that may be risk variability markers for several diseases. Prebiotic effects likely favour lactose maldigesters who experience lactose spilling into their colon. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of fixed-dose lactose solutions on fecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in digesters and maldigesters, and to determine whether the concept of a difference in ability to digest lactose is supported. METHODS: A four-week study was performed in 23 lactose mal-digesters and 18 digesters. Following two weeks of dairy food withdrawal, subjects ingested 25 g of lactose twice a day for two weeks. Stool bifidobacteria and lactobacilli counts pre- and postintervention were measured as the primary outcome. For secondary outcomes, total anaerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, beta-galactosidase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity in stool, as well as breath hydrogen and symptoms following lactose challenge tests, were measured. RESULTS: Lactose maldigesters had a mean change difference (0.72 log10 colony forming units/g stool; P=0.04) in bifidobacteria counts compared with lactose digesters. Lactobacilli counts were increased, but not significantly. Nevertheless, reduced breath hydrogen after lactose ingestion correlated with lactobacilli (r=−0.5; P<0.001). Reduced total breath hydrogen and symptom scores together, with a rise in fecal enzymes after intervention, were appropriate, but not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Despite failure to achieve full colonic adaptation, the present study provided evidence for a differential impact of lactose on microflora depending on genetic lactase status. A prebiotic effect was evident in lactose maldigesters but not in lactose digesters. This may play a role in modifying the mechanisms of certain disease risks related to dairy food consumption between the two phenotypes. PMID:20559580

Objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time of breast cancer survivors, and associations with adiposity: findings from NHANES (2003-2006).

PubMed

Lynch, Brigid M; Dunstan, David W; Healy, Genevieve N; Winkler, Elisabeth; Eakin, Elizabeth; Owen, Neville

2010-02-01

Obesity and physical inactivity are poor prognostic indicators for breast cancer. Studies to date have relied on self-report measures of physical activity, which tend mainly to assess moderate-to-vigorous intensity leisure-time physical activity. We report the cross-sectional associations of objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary time with adiposity in a sample of breast cancer survivors from the United States. One hundred and eleven women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 reported a history of breast cancer. Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days, and activity levels were summarized as moderate-to-vigorous intensity (accelerometer counts/min > or =1,952), light intensity (counts/min 100-1,951), and sedentary time (counts/min <100). Anthropometric measures were taken by study staff at examination centers. Participants spent the majority of their day in sedentary time (66%) or in light intensity activities (33%). Log moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was negatively associated with adiposity (waist circumference beta = -9.805 [95% CI: -15.836, -3.775]; BMI beta = -3.576 [95% CI: -6.687, -0.464]). Light intensity physical activity was negatively associated with adiposity; however, the fully adjusted models did not retain statistical significance. Similarly, sedentary time was positively associated with adiposity, but the fully adjusted models were not statistically significant. This is the first study to describe the objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary time of breast cancer survivors. Increasing moderate-to-vigorous and light intensity physical activity, and decreasing sedentary time, may assist with weight management and improve other metabolic health outcomes for breast cancer survivors.

[Myocardial uptake ratio of iodine-123 labeled beta-methyl iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP) in relation to the concentration of the substrates of energy].

PubMed

Tsuchimochi, S; Tamaki, N; Kawamoto, M; Tadamura, E; Fujita, T; Nohara, R; Matsumori, A; Sasayama, S; Yonekura, Y; Konishi, J

1995-06-01

Iodine-123 beta-methyl iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) has been used for evaluating myocardial fatty acid metabolism in vivo. The whole body BMIPP imaging was acquired in 26 patients (11 with HCM, 11 with CAD and 4 with DCM) to calculate % uptake in the myocardium and to correlate its uptake with biochemical data, including blood sugar (BS), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and insulin in the blood. BMIPP was administered at rest with overnight fasting state, and the anterior and posterior whole body imaging was performed one hour later. The background corrected whole myocardial counts were calculated to obtain %BMIPP uptake. In addition, the heart to mediastinum count ratio (H/M ratio) was calculated from the mean counts in the heart and the upper mediastinum in the anterior view. The %BMIPP uptake was 3.70 +/- 1.22% and H/M ratio was 2.30 +/- 0.23. The patients with DCM showed higher %BMIPP uptake values (DCM = 5.58 +/- 0.67% vs. CAD = 3.09 +/- 0.97% and HCM = 3.63 +/- 0.86%, both p < 0.01), but similar values of H/M ratio with other patients (DCM = 2.43 +/- 0.20, CAD = 2.22 +/- 0.25 and HCM = 2.32 +/- 0.20). Although the biochemical data varied at the time of the tracer administration, they were not significantly correlated with the %BMIPP uptake or H/M ratio. However, there was a significant correlation between %BMIPP uptake and H/M ratio with the correlation coefficient of 0.80 (p < 0.001). We conclude that the myocardial uptake of BMIPP is not influenced by the plasma substrate level under the fasting state.

Estimating abundance while accounting for rarity, correlated behavior, and other sources of variation in counts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dorazio, Robert M.; Martin, Juulien; Edwards, Holly H.

2013-01-01

The class of N-mixture models allows abundance to be estimated from repeated, point count surveys while adjusting for imperfect detection of individuals. We developed an extension of N-mixture models to account for two commonly observed phenomena in point count surveys: rarity and lack of independence induced by unmeasurable sources of variation in the detectability of individuals. Rarity increases the number of locations with zero detections in excess of those expected under simple models of abundance (e.g., Poisson or negative binomial). Correlated behavior of individuals and other phenomena, though difficult to measure, increases the variation in detection probabilities among surveys. Our extension of N-mixture models includes a hurdle model of abundance and a beta-binomial model of detectability that accounts for additional (extra-binomial) sources of variation in detections among surveys. As an illustration, we fit this model to repeated point counts of the West Indian manatee, which was observed in a pilot study using aerial surveys. Our extension of N-mixture models provides increased flexibility. The effects of different sets of covariates may be estimated for the probability of occurrence of a species, for its mean abundance at occupied locations, and for its detectability.

Estimating abundance while accounting for rarity, correlated behavior, and other sources of variation in counts.

PubMed

Dorazio, Robert M; Martin, Julien; Edwards, Holly H

2013-07-01

The class of N-mixture models allows abundance to be estimated from repeated, point count surveys while adjusting for imperfect detection of individuals. We developed an extension of N-mixture models to account for two commonly observed phenomena in point count surveys: rarity and lack of independence induced by unmeasurable sources of variation in the detectability of individuals. Rarity increases the number of locations with zero detections in excess of those expected under simple models of abundance (e.g., Poisson or negative binomial). Correlated behavior of individuals and other phenomena, though difficult to measure, increases the variation in detection probabilities among surveys. Our extension of N-mixture models includes a hurdle model of abundance and a beta-binomial model of detectability that accounts for additional (extra-binomial) sources of variation in detections among surveys. As an illustration, we fit this model to repeated point counts of the West Indian manatee, which was observed in a pilot study using aerial surveys. Our extension of N-mixture models provides increased flexibility. The effects of different sets of covariates may be estimated for the probability of occurrence of a species, for its mean abundance at occupied locations, and for its detectability.

Simulation of background from low-level tritium and radon emanation in the KATRIN spectrometers

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

Leiber, B.; Collaboration: KATRIN Collaboration

The KArlsruhe TRItium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment is a large-scale experiment for the model independent determination of the mass of electron anti-neutrinos with a sensitivity of 200 meV/c{sup 2}. It investigates the kinematics of electrons from tritium beta decay close to the endpoint of the energy spectrum at 18.6 keV. To achieve a good signal to background ratio at the endpoint, a low background rate below 10{sup −2} counts per second is required. The KATRIN setup thus consists of a high luminosity windowless gaseous tritium source (WGTS), a magnetic electron transport system with differential and cryogenic pumping for tritium retention, andmore » electro-static retarding spectrometers (pre-spectrometer and main spectrometer) for energy analysis, followed by a segmented detector system for counting transmitted beta-electrons. A major source of background comes from magnetically trapped electrons in the main spectrometer (vacuum vessel: 1240 m{sup 3}, 10{sup −11} mbar) produced by nuclear decays in the magnetic flux tube of the spectrometer. Major contributions are expected from short-lived radon isotopes and tritium. Primary electrons, originating from these decays, can be trapped for hours, until having lost almost all their energy through inelastic scattering on residual gas particles. Depending on the initial energy of the primary electron, up to hundreds of low energetic secondary electrons can be produced. Leaving the spectrometer, these electrons will contribute to the background rate. This contribution describes results from simulations for the various background sources. Decays of {sup 219}Rn, emanating from the main vacuum pump, and tritium from the WGTS that reaches the spectrometers are expected to account for most of the background. As a result of the radon alpha decay, electrons are emitted through various processes, such as shake-off, internal conversion and the Auger deexcitations. The corresponding simulations were done using the KASSIOPEIA framework, which has been developed for the KATRIN experiment for low-energy electron tracking, field calculation and detector simulation. The results of the simulations have been used to optimize the design parameters of the vacuum system with regard to radon emanation and tritium pumping, in order to reach the stringent requirements of the neutrino mass measurement.« less

Probing the diphosphoglycerate binding pocket of HbA and HbPresbyterian (beta 108Asn --> Lys).

PubMed

Gottfried, D S; Manjula, B N; Malavalli, A; Acharya, A S; Friedman, J M

1999-08-31

HbPresbyterian (beta 108Asn --> Lys, HbP) contains an additional positive charge (per alpha beta dimer) in the middle of the central cavity and exhibits a lower oxygen affinity than wild-type HbA in the presence of chloride. However, very little is known about the molecular origins of its altered functional properties. In this study, we have focused on the beta beta cleft of the Hb tetramer. Recently, we developed an approach for quantifying the ligand binding affinity to the beta-end of the Hb central cavity using fluorescent analogues of the natural allosteric effector 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) [Gottfried, D. S., et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 1571-1578]. Time-correlated single-photon counting fluorescence lifetime studies were used to assess the binding of pyrenetetrasulfonate to both HbA and HbP in the deoxy and CO ligation states under acidic and neutral pH conditions. Both the native and mutant proteins bind the probe at a weak binding site and a strong binding site; in all cases, the binding to HbP was stronger than to HbA. The most striking finding was that for HbA the binding affinity varies as follows: deoxy (pH 6.35) > deoxy (pH 7.20) > CO (pH 6.35); however, the binding to HbP is independent of ligation or pH. The mutant oxy protein also hydrolyzes p-nitrophenyl acetate, through a reversible acyl-imidazole pathway linked to the His residues of the beta beta cleft, at a considerably higher rate than does HbA. This implies a perturbation of the microenvironment of these residues at the DPG binding pocket. Structural consequences due to the presence of the new positive charge in the middle of the central cavity have been transmitted to the beta beta cleft of the protein, even in its liganded conformation. This is consistent with a newly described quaternary state (B) for liganded HbPresbyterian and an associated change in the allosteric control mechanism.

Measurements of electron detection efficiencies in solid state detectors.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lupton, J. E.; Stone, E. C.

1972-01-01

Detailed laboratory measurement of the electron response of solid state detectors as a function of incident electron energy, detector depletion depth, and energy-loss discriminator threshold. These response functions were determined by exposing totally depleted silicon surface barrier detectors with depletion depths between 50 and 1000 microns to the beam from a magnetic beta-ray spectrometer. The data were extended to 5000 microns depletion depth using the results of previously published Monte Carlo electron calculations. When the electron counting efficiency of a given detector is plotted as a function of energy-loss threshold for various incident energies, the efficiency curves are bounded by a smooth envelope which represents the upper limit to the detection efficiency. These upper limit curves, which scale in a simple way, make it possible to easily estimate the electron sensitivity of solid-state detector systems.

The distribution of blood eosinophil levels in a Japanese COPD clinical trial database and in the rest of the world.

PubMed

Barnes, Neil; Ishii, Takeo; Hizawa, Nobuyuki; Midwinter, Dawn; James, Mark; Hilton, Emma; Jones, Paul W

2018-01-01

Blood eosinophil measurements may help to guide physicians on the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emerging data suggest that COPD patients with higher blood eosinophil counts may be at higher risk of exacerbations and more likely to benefit from combined ICS/long-acting beta 2 -agonist (LABA) treatment than therapy with a LABA alone. This analysis describes the distribution of blood eosinophil count at baseline in Japanese COPD patients in comparison with non-Japanese COPD patients. A post hoc analysis of eosinophil distribution by percentage and absolute cell count was performed across 12 Phase II-IV COPD clinical studies (seven Japanese studies [N=848 available absolute eosinophil counts] and five global studies [N=5,397 available eosinophil counts] that included 246 Japanese patients resident in Japan with available counts). Blood eosinophil distributions were assessed at baseline, before blinded treatment assignment. Among Japanese patients, the median (interquartile range) absolute eosinophil count was 170 cells/mm 3 (100-280 cells/mm 3 ). Overall, 612/1,094 Japanese patients (56%) had an absolute eosinophil count ≥150 cells/mm 3 and 902/1,304 Japanese patients (69%) had a percentage eosinophil ≥2%. Among non-Japanese patients, these values were 160 (100-250) cells/mm 3 , 2,842/5,151 patients (55%), and 2,937/5,155 patients (57%), respectively. The eosinophil distribution among Japanese patients was similar to that among non-Japanese patients. Within multi-country studies with similar inclusion criteria, the eosinophil count was numerically lower in Japanese compared with non-Japanese patients (median 120 vs 160 cells/mm 3 ). The eosinophil distribution in Japanese patients seems comparable to that of non-Japanese patients; although within multi-country studies, there was a slightly lower median eosinophil count for Japanese patients compared with non-Japanese patients. These findings suggest that blood eosinophil data from global studies are of relevance in Japan.

The effect of pH and triethanolamine on sulfisoxazole complexation with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Gladys, Granero; Claudia, Garnero; Marcela, Longhi

2003-11-01

A novel complexation of sulfisoxazole with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) was studied. Two systems were used: binary complexes prepared with HP-beta-CD and multicomponent system (HP-beta-CD and the basic compound triethanolamine (TEA)). Inclusion complex formation in aqueous solutions and in solid state were investigated by the solubility method, thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and dissolution studies. The solid complexes of sulfisoxazole were prepared by freeze-drying the homogeneous concentrated aqueous solutions in molar ratios of sulfisoxazole:HP-beta-CD 1:1 and 1:2, and sulfisoxazole:TEA:HP-beta-CD 1:1:2. FT-IR and thermal analysis showed differences among sulfisoxazole:HP-beta-CD and sulfisoxazole:TEA:HP-beta-CD and their corresponding physical mixtures and individual components. The HP-beta-CD solubilization of sulfisoxazole could be improved by ionization of the drug molecule through pH adjustments. However, larger improvements of the HP-beta-CD solubilization are obtained when multicomponent systems are used, allowing to reduce the amount of CD necessary to prepare the target formulation.

Beta-1,3-1,6-glucan modulate the non-specific immune response to enhance the survival in the Vibrio alginolyticus infection of Taiwan abalone (Haliotis diversicolor supertexta).

PubMed

Wu, Yu-Sheng; Tseng, Tzu-Yu; Nan, Fan-Hua

2016-07-01

This research aims to investigate the non-specific immune response of Taiwan abalone (Haliotis diversicolor supertexta) which was treated with the beta-1,3-1,6-glucan to be observed in the survival impact after the Vibrio alginolyticus infection. The non-specific immune and physiological response of superoxide anion radical (O2(-)), phenoloxidase (PO), phagocytic index (PI), phagocytic rate (PR) and lucigenin-chemiluminescence for reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) were enhanced via in-vitro experiment. In the in-vivo experiment, the observed data presented that the haemolymph lysate supernatant (HLS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutamate oxalacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were not significant enhanced, but the total haemocyte count (THC), O2(-), PO, phagocytic index (PI), phagocytic ratio (PR) and other parameters of immune were significantly promoted after treated with beta-1,3-1,6-glucan. In the challenge experiment, the survival rates of abalone in the 40 and 80 μl/ml groups of beta-1,3-1,6-glucan were observed from 6.67% up to 33.33% and 36.67% after injection with Vibrio alginolyticus, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR: A search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of ⁷⁶Ge

DOE PAGES

Xu, W.; Abgrall, N.; Avignone, F. T.; ...

2015-05-01

Neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay is a hypothesized process where in some even-even nuclei it might be possible for two neutrons to simultaneously decay into two protons and two electrons without emitting neutrinos. This is possible only if neutrinos are Majorana particles, i.e. fermions that are their own antiparticles. Neutrinos being Majorana particles would explicitly violate lepton number conservation, and might play a role in the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe. The observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay would also provide complementary information related to neutrino masses. The Majorana Collaboration is constructing the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, with a total of 40-kg Germanium detectors,more » to search for the 0νββ decay of ⁷⁶Ge and to demonstrate a background rate at or below 3 counts/(ROI•t•y) in the 4 keV region of interest (ROI) around the 2039 keV Q-value for ⁷⁶Ge 0νββ decay. In this paper, we discuss the physics of neutrinoless double beta decay and then focus on the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, including its design and approach to achieve ultra-low backgrounds and the status of the experiment.« less

Hematological and TGF-beta variations after whole-body proton irradiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kajioka, E. H.; Andres, M. L.; Mao, X. W.; Moyers, M. F.; Nelson, G. A.; Gridley, D. S.

2000-01-01

The acute effects of proton whole-body irradiation on five bone-marrow-derived cell types and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) were examined and compared to the effects of photons (60Co). C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 3 Gy (0.4 Gy/min) protons at spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP), protons at entry (E), or 60Co and euthanized on days 0.5-17 thereafter. 60Co-irradiated animals had decreased erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit at 12 hours post-exposure; depression was not noted in proton (SOBP or E)-irradiated groups until day 4. Significantly decreased leukocyte counts were observed at this same time in all irradiated groups, with lymphocyte loss being greater than that of monocytes, and the depression was generally maintained. In contrast, the levels of neutrophils and thrombocytes fluctuated, especially during the first week; significant differences were noted among irradiated groups in neutrophil levels. Plasma TGF-beta 1 was elevated on day 7 in the 60Co, but not proton, irradiated mice. Collectively, the data show that dramatic and persistent changes occurred in all irradiated groups. However, few differences in assay results were seen between animals exposed to protons (SOBP or E) or photons, as well as between the groups irradiated with either of the two regions of the proton Bragg curve.

Simplified Quantitative Assay System for Measuring Activities of Drugs against Intracellular Legionella pneumophila

PubMed Central

Higa, Futoshi; Kusano, Nobuchika; Tateyama, Masao; Shinzato, Takashi; Arakaki, Noriko; Kawakami, Kazuyoshi; Saito, Atsushi

1998-01-01

We developed a new simple assay for the quantitation of the activities of drugs against intracellular Legionella pneumophila. The cells of a murine macrophage-like cell line (J774.1 cells) allowed the intracellular growth and replication of the bacteria, which ultimately resulted in cell death. The infected J774.1 cell monolayers in 96-well microplates were first treated with antibiotics and were further cultured for 72 h. The number of viable J774.1 cells in each well was quantified by a colorimetric assay with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader. The number of growing bacteria in each well was also determined by counting the numbers of CFU on buffered charcoal yeast extract-α agar plates. Viable J774.1 cell counts, determined by the colorimetric assay, were inversely proportional to the number of intracellular replicating bacteria. The minimum extracellular concentrations (MIECs) of 24 antibiotics causing inhibition of intracellular growth of L. pneumophila were determined by the colorimetric assay system. The MIECs of beta-lactams and aminoglycosides were markedly higher than the MICs in buffered yeast extract-α broth. The MIECs of macrolides, fluoroquinolones, rifampin, and minocycline were similar to the respective MICs. According to their intracellular activities, clarithromycin and sparfloxacin were the most potent among the macrolides or fluoroquinolones tested in this study. Our results indicated that the MTT assay system allows comparative and quantitative evaluations of the intracellular activities of antibiotics and efficient processing of a large number of samples. PMID:9574712

Effects of beta-phenylethylamine on dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area in the rat: a combined electrophysiological and microdialysis study.

PubMed

Ishida, Kota; Murata, Mikio; Katagiri, Nobuyuki; Ishikawa, Masago; Abe, Kenji; Kato, Masatoshi; Utsunomiya, Iku; Taguchi, Kyoji

2005-08-01

The effects of systemic administration of beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA) and microiontophoretically applied beta-PEA on the spontaneous discharge of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the anesthetized rat were examined. Intravenous administration of beta-PEA (1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg) and microiontophoretic applications of beta-PEA caused inhibitory responses in DA neurons. Systemic administration and microiontophoretic applications of beta-PEA induced dose- or current-dependent responses. The systemic beta-PEA-induced inhibitory responses were reversed by pretreatment with the DA D(2) receptor antagonists haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) and sulpiride (10 mg/kg i.p). Pretreatment with reserpine (5 mg/kg i.p. 24 h earlier) did not completely block the systemic administration of beta-PEA (2.5 mg/kg) inhibition. A microdialysis study of freely moving rats demonstrated that the extracellular DA level increased significantly in response to local application of beta-PEA (100 muM) in the VTA via a microdialysis probe, and local application of beta-PEA-stimulated somatodendritic DA release in the VTA. The beta-PEA-induced release of DA was calcium ion-independent and was enhanced by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. These findings indicate that beta-phenylethylamine inhibits DA neuron activity via DA D(2) autoreceptors in the rat VTA and that this inhibitory effect is mediated by the somatodendritic DA release.

ICP MS selection of radiopure materials for the GERDA experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Vacri, M. L.; Nisi, S.; Cattadori, C.; Janicsko, J.; Lubashevskiy, A.; Smolnikov, A.; Walter, M.

2015-08-01

The GERDA (GERmanium Detector Array) experiment, located in the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory (LNGS, Italy) aims to search for neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay of the 76Ge isotope. Both an ultra-low radioactivity background environment and active techniques to abate the residual background are required to reach the background index (of 10-3 counts/keV kg y) at the Qββ. In order to veto and suppress those events that partially deposit energy in Ge detectors, the readout of liquid argon (LAr) scintillation light (SL) has been implemented for the second GERDA experimental Phase. A double veto system has been designed and constructed using highly radiopure materials (scintillating fibers, wavelength shifters, polymeric foils, reflective foils). This work describes the study of lead, thorium and uranium ultra-trace content, performed at the LNGS Chemistry Laboratory by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HR ICP MS), for the selection of all materials involved in the construction of the veto system

Solid state tritium detector for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, J. S.; Farrell, R.; Daley, K.; Oakes, C. E.

1994-08-01

Radioactive labeling of proteins is a very important technique used in biomedical research to identify, isolate, and investigate the expression and properties of proteins in biological systems. In such procedures, the preferred radiolabel is often tritium. Presently, binding assays involving tritium are carried out using inconvenient and expensive techniques which rely on the use of scintillation fluid counting systems. This traditional method involves both time-consuming laboratory protocols and the generation of substantial quantities of radioactive and chemical waste. We have developed a novel technology to measure the tritium content of biological specimens that does not rely on scintillation fluids. The tritiated samples can be positioned directly under a large area, monolithic array of specially prepared avalanche photodiodes (APDs) which record the tritium activity distribution at each point within the field of view of the array. The 1 mm(sup 2) sensing elements exhibit an intrinsic tritium beta detection efficiency of 27% with high gain uniformity and very low cross talk.

ICP MS selection of radiopure materials for the GERDA experiment

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

Di Vacri, M. L., E-mail: divacrim@lngs.infn.it; Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche e Chimiche, University of L’Aquila, via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila; Nisi, S., E-mail: nisi@lngs.infn.it

2015-08-17

The GERDA (GERmanium Detector Array) experiment, located in the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory (LNGS, Italy) aims to search for neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay of the {sup 76}Ge isotope. Both an ultra-low radioactivity background environment and active techniques to abate the residual background are required to reach the background index (of 10{sup −3} counts/keV kg y) at the Q{sub ββ}. In order to veto and suppress those events that partially deposit energy in Ge detectors, the readout of liquid argon (LAr) scintillation light (SL) has been implemented for the second GERDA experimental Phase. A double veto system has been designedmore » and constructed using highly radiopure materials (scintillating fibers, wavelength shifters, polymeric foils, reflective foils). This work describes the study of lead, thorium and uranium ultra-trace content, performed at the LNGS Chemistry Laboratory by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HR ICP MS), for the selection of all materials involved in the construction of the veto system.« less

[Low level alpha activity measurements with pulse shape discrimination--application to the determination of alpha-nuclides in environmental samples].

PubMed

Satoh, K; Noguchi, M; Higuchi, H; Kitamura, K

1984-12-01

Liquid scintillation counting of alpha rays with pulse shape discrimination was applied to the analysis of 226Ra and 239+240Pu in environmental samples and of alpha-emitters in/on a filter paper. The instrument used in this study was either a specially designed detector or a commercial liquid scintillation counter with an automatic sample changer, both of which were connected to the pulse shape discrimination circuit. The background counting rate in alpha energy region of 5-7 MeV was 0.01 or 0.04 cpm/MeV, respectively. The figure of merit indicating the resolving power for alpha- and beta-particles in time spectrum was found to be 5.7 for the commercial liquid scintillation counter.

The role of transforming growth factor-beta in PEG-rHuMGDF-induced reversible myelofibrosis in rats.

PubMed

Yanagida, M; Ide, Y; Imai, A; Toriyama, M; Aoki, T; Harada, K; Izumi, H; Uzumaki, H; Kusaka, M; Tokiwa, T

1997-12-01

Pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) injected at a suprapharmacologic dose (100 microg/kg) daily for 5 d in normal rats caused marked increases in marrow megakaryocytes and platelet counts at 6-8 d followed by gradual decreases to control levels at 10-20 d. Interestingly, in addition to the expected thrombopoiesis, PEG-rHuMGDF was associated with myelofibrosis with a predominance of reticulin fibres at day 10 followed by complete normalization by day 20. At 6-8 d, the levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the extracellular fluid of the marrow, the platelet poor plasma, and the platelet extract were increased 23-, 7- and 2-fold, respectively. The elevated levels of TGF-beta1 were gradually reduced to baseline levels at 13-20 d in accordance with the normalization of myelofibrosis and thrombopoiesis. An ultrastructural analysis showed that large fragments of megakaryocytes were deposited in the marrow parenchyma of PEG-rHuMGDF-treated rats at day 6. PEG-rHuMGDF administration at pharmacologic doses (1 and 10 microg/kg) did not induce the deposition of reticulin fibres in the marrow. These findings suggest that TGF-beta1 leaked from megakaryocytes is involved in the development of the PEG-rHuMGDF-induced myelofibrosis and that this is a reversible process related to the regulation of the excess production of platelets.

The Majorana Demonstrator: Progress towards showing the feasibility of a 76Ge neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment

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

Finnerty, P.; Aguayo, Estanislao; Amman, M.

2014-03-24

The Majorana Demonstrator will search for the neutrinoless double-beta decay (0*) of the 76Ge isotope with a mixed array of enriched and natural germanium detectors. The observation of this rare decay would indicate the neutrino is its own anti-particle, demonstrate that lepton number is not conserved, and provide information on the absolute mass-scale of the neutrino. The Demonstrator is being assembled at the 4850 foot level of the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. The array will be contained in a lowbackground environment and surrounded by passive and active shielding. The goals for the Demonstrator are: demonstrating amore » background rate less than 3 counts tonne -1 year-1 in the 4 keV region of interest (ROI) surrounding the 2039 keV 76Ge endpoint energy; establishing the technology required to build a tonne-scale germanium based double-beta decay experiment; testing the recent claim of observation of 0; and performing a direct search for lightWIMPs (3-10 GeV/c2).« less

Results on neutrinoless double-β decay of 76Ge from phase I of the GERDA experiment.

PubMed

Agostini, M; Allardt, M; Andreotti, E; Bakalyarov, A M; Balata, M; Barabanov, I; Barnabé Heider, M; Barros, N; Baudis, L; Bauer, C; Becerici-Schmidt, N; Bellotti, E; Belogurov, S; Belyaev, S T; Benato, G; Bettini, A; Bezrukov, L; Bode, T; Brudanin, V; Brugnera, R; Budjáš, D; Caldwell, A; Cattadori, C; Chernogorov, A; Cossavella, F; Demidova, E V; Domula, A; Egorov, V; Falkenstein, R; Ferella, A; Freund, K; Frodyma, N; Gangapshev, A; Garfagnini, A; Gotti, C; Grabmayr, P; Gurentsov, V; Gusev, K; Guthikonda, K K; Hampel, W; Hegai, A; Heisel, M; Hemmer, S; Heusser, G; Hofmann, W; Hult, M; Inzhechik, L V; Ioannucci, L; Janicskó Csáthy, J; Jochum, J; Junker, M; Kihm, T; Kirpichnikov, I V; Kirsch, A; Klimenko, A; Knöpfle, K T; Kochetov, O; Kornoukhov, V N; Kuzminov, V V; Laubenstein, M; Lazzaro, A; Lebedev, V I; Lehnert, B; Liao, H Y; Lindner, M; Lippi, I; Liu, X; Lubashevskiy, A; Lubsandorzhiev, B; Lutter, G; Macolino, C; Machado, A A; Majorovits, B; Maneschg, W; Misiaszek, M; Nemchenok, I; Nisi, S; O'Shaughnessy, C; Pandola, L; Pelczar, K; Pessina, G; Pullia, A; Riboldi, S; Rumyantseva, N; Sada, C; Salathe, M; Schmitt, C; Schreiner, J; Schulz, O; Schwingenheuer, B; Schönert, S; Shevchik, E; Shirchenko, M; Simgen, H; Smolnikov, A; Stanco, L; Strecker, H; Tarka, M; Ur, C A; Vasenko, A A; Volynets, O; von Sturm, K; Wagner, V; Walter, M; Wegmann, A; Wester, T; Wojcik, M; Yanovich, E; Zavarise, P; Zhitnikov, I; Zhukov, S V; Zinatulina, D; Zuber, K; Zuzel, G

2013-09-20

Neutrinoless double beta decay is a process that violates lepton number conservation. It is predicted to occur in extensions of the standard model of particle physics. This Letter reports the results from phase I of the Germanium Detector Array (GERDA) experiment at the Gran Sasso Laboratory (Italy) searching for neutrinoless double beta decay of the isotope (76)Ge. Data considered in the present analysis have been collected between November 2011 and May 2013 with a total exposure of 21.6 kg yr. A blind analysis is performed. The background index is about 1 × 10(-2) counts/(keV kg yr) after pulse shape discrimination. No signal is observed and a lower limit is derived for the half-life of neutrinoless double beta decay of (76)Ge, T(1/2)(0ν) >2.1 × 10(25) yr (90% C.L.). The combination with the results from the previous experiments with (76)Ge yields T(1/2)(0ν)>3.0 × 10(25) yr (90% C.L.).

Chemical Research--Radiochemistry Report for Month Ending April 17, 1943

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Franck, J. Division Director

1952-01-01

1. A continuation of the detailed analysis of beta and soft and hard gamma activity associated with all fission product elements in a nitrate bombardment is presented. The ?cooling? time has been extended to 170 days. The data for the individual elements are presented in tables as counts/min and in figures as percentage of total beta, soft gamma, and hard gamma radiations. 2. Calculations and graphs have been made on the heat generated by the longer-lived fission products. The method of analysis is presented. 3. Two new short-lived Rh fission product activities have been found. They are probably the daughters of the two long-lived Ru activities (30d, 200d). Re-evaluation of data on 43 leads to the conclusion that the longest lived 43 activity in measureable yields is the 6.1h (formerly 6.6h). New parent-daughter relationships in the rare-earth activities are given. 4. Theoretical beta absorption curves have been made using the Fermi distribution function and linear absorption curves for small energy intervals. A Feather analysis of the absorption curve leads to the theoretical maximum energy.

A WWW-based information system on resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.

PubMed

Schindler, J; Schindler, Z; Schindler, J

1998-01-01

The information system on resistance of bacteria to antibiotics (WARN--World Antibiotic Resistance Network) is implemented as a WWW server at Charles University in Prague (http:/(/)www.warn.cas.cz). Its main goal is to give information about problems of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and to process data on isolated strains. The WARN web-site contains six main topics. Four of them form the core of the system: Topics of Interest bring information on selected timely topics in antibiotic resistance--pneumococci, staphylococci, beta-lactamases, glycopeptide--and aminoglycoside resistance. Global Monitor brings references and reports on resistance in the world as well as recommended method of surveillance. The topic Data contains raw data on strains in particular countries and hospitals. Data can be viewed in their original form as a list of records (strains) or processed to provide statistics about the resistance rates in the selected country or hospital respectively. The topic Search allows one to search for one or several terms in the whole document. Counts of accessed pages show, that there is a standing demand for information about the serious problems of antibiotic therapy of infectious diseases.

Interactions in the aqueous phase and adsorption at the air-water interface of caseinoglycomacropeptide (GMP) and beta-lactoglobulin mixed systems.

PubMed

Martinez, María J; Sánchez, Cecilio Carrera; Patino, Juan M Rodríguez; Pilosof, Ana M R

2009-01-01

The aim of this work was to study the interactions and adsorption of caseinoglycomacropeptide (GMP) and GMP:beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) mixed system in the aqueous phase and at the air-water interface. The existence of associative interactions between GMP and beta-lg in the aqueous phase was investigated by dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorometry and native PAGE-electrophoresis. The surface pressure isotherm and the static and dynamic surface pressure were determined by tensiometry and surface dilatational properties. The results showed that GMP presented higher surface activity than beta-lg at a concentration of 4%wt but beta-lg showed higher film forming ability. In the mixed systems beta-lg dominated the static and dynamic surface pressure and the rheological properties of interfacial films suggesting that beta-lg hinders GMP adsorption because, in simple competition, GMP should dominate because of its higher surface activity. The surface predominance of beta-lg can be attributed to binding of GMP to beta-lg in the aqueous phase that prevents GMP adsorption on its own.

Transforming growth factor-beta in the chicken fundal layers: an immunohistochemical study.

PubMed

Mathis, Ute; Schaeffel, Frank

2010-06-01

In the chicken model of myopia, it has first been shown that imposing defocus to the retina results in active remodelling of the sclera which, in turn, results in axial length changes of the eye. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is one of the scleral growth modulators but its cellular localization in the fundal layers, colocalization and function are not well known. The aim of the current study was to investigate the cellular distribution of the three isoforms TGF-beta1, 2 and 3 by immunohistochemical labelling. Furthermore, the effects of visual experience that induces refractive errors on TGF-beta2 labelling were examined. Transversal cryostat sections of the fundal layers were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescent labelling and cell counts. Visual experience was changed by having the chicks wear either diffusers, or positive or negative lenses of 7D power in front of the right eyes for various periods of time. Left eyes served as uncovered controls. All TGF-beta isoforms were localized in both scleral layers. In choroid, diffuse labelling of all isoforms was found. In retina, TGF-beta1 and 3 were detected in bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells and TGF-beta2 in amacrine and ganglion cells. To further characterize these cells, double-labelling with known amacrine and bipolar cell markers was performed (calbindin, cellular retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP), Islet1, Lim3 and protein kinase C (PKC)). TGF-beta1, 2 and 3 could be colocalized with calbindin and CRABP in single amacrine cells. TGF-beta1-positive bipolar cells were immunoreactive to Lim3. TGF-beta1 and 3 were never colocalized with PKC in bipolar cells. Also, colocalization with peptides known to be involved in myopia development in chicks, such as glucagon, or vasointestinal polypeptide and the key enzyme for dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase, was not observed. Lenses or diffusers, worn by the chicks for various periods of time, had no effect on TGF-beta2 immunoreactivity in choroid or sclera, or on the number of TGF-beta2 (active and latent form) expressing amacrine cells. This result did not change when the two identified populations of TGF-beta2 expressing amacrine cells (one calbindin-positive and the other CRABP-positive) were separately considered. Also no modulation was seen in choroid, although an earlier study had found changes in TGF-beta2 mRNA after lens treatment. The lack of any visually-induced changes in retina or choroid suggests that TGF-beta may not represent a key molecule in the retino-choroidal signalling cascade although it has previously been shown to have a primary role in scleral remodelling. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of geometrical configuration of radioactive sources on radiation intensity in beta-voltaic nuclear battery system: A preliminary result

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

Basar, Khairul, E-mail: khbasar@fi.itb.ac.id; Riupassa, Robi D., E-mail: khbasar@fi.itb.ac.id; Bachtiar, Reza, E-mail: khbasar@fi.itb.ac.id

2014-01-01

It is known that one main problem in the application of beta-voltaic nuclear battery system is its low efficiency. The efficiency of the beta-voltaic nuclear battery system mainly depends on three aspects: source of radioactive radiation, interface between materials in the system and process of converting electron-hole pair to electric current in the semiconductor material. In this work, we show the effect of geometrical configuration of radioactive sources on radiation intensity of beta-voltaic nuclear battery system.

Improving documentation of a beta-blocker quality measure through an anesthesia information management system and real-time notification of documentation errors.

PubMed

Nair, Bala G; Peterson, Gene N; Newman, Shu-Fang; Wu, Wei-Ying; Kolios-Morris, Vickie; Schwid, Howard A

2012-06-01

Continuation of perioperative beta-blockers for surgical patients who are receiving beta-blockers prior to arrival for surgery is an important quality measure (SCIP-Card-2). For this measure to be considered successful, name, date, and time of the perioperative beta-blocker must be documented. Alternately, if the beta-blocker is not given, the medical reason for not administering must be documented. Before the study was conducted, the institution lacked a highly reliable process to document the date and time of self-administration of beta-blockers prior to hospital admission. Because of this, compliance with the beta-blocker quality measure was poor (-65%). To improve this measure, the anesthesia care team was made responsible for documenting perioperative beta-blockade. Clear documentation guidelines were outlined, and an electronic Anesthesia Information Management System (AIMS) was configured to facilitate complete documentation of the beta-blocker quality measure. In addition, real-time electronic alerts were generated using Smart Anesthesia Messenger (SAM), an internally developed decision-support system, to notify users concerning incomplete beta-blocker documentation. Weekly compliance for perioperative beta-blocker documentation before the study was 65.8 +/- 16.6%, which served as the baseline value. When the anesthesia care team started documenting perioperative beta-blocker in AIMS, compliance was 60.5 +/- 8.6% (p = .677 as compared with baseline). Electronic alerts with SAM improved documentation compliance to 94.6 +/- 3.5% (p < .001 as compared with baseline). To achieve high compliance for the beta-blocker measure, it is essential to (1) clearly assign a medical team to perform beta-blocker documentation and (2) enhance features in the electronic medical systems to alert the user concerning incomplete documentation.

[Monocytic parameters in patients with rheumatologic diseases reflect intensity of depressive disorder].

PubMed

Buras, Aleksandra; Waszkiewicz, Napoleon; Szulc, Agata; Sierakowski, Stanisław

2012-12-01

Last years have brought important informations about the changes in white blood cell parameters in patients with depressive disorder and furthermore changes in the levels of cytokine production. The concept of bidirectional communications between the immune system and the central nervous system has been expressed as the 'macrophage theory of depression' and the 'cytokine hypothesis of depression' that described greater expression of monocyte-associated Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), Interleukin-1(see text for symbol) (IL-1(see text for symbol)), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8) etc., in patients suffering from depression. It was supported by many findings e.g. administration of proinflammatory cytokines in the treatment of cancer and hepatitis C, that induced depressive symptomatology. Generally Depression accompanies a number of illnesses characterized by chronic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between intensity of depression and blood cells counts in patients attending Rheumatology Department. Research included 56 patients hospitalized in Department of Rheumatology (Medical University of Bialystok), by the reason of rheumatic arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), systemic scleroderma, Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and psoriatic arthritis (PA). Researched group was presenting by 46 women (mean age 51 years; range 18-73) and 10 men (mean age 50 years; range 27-78). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from all 56 patients for standard blood cell counts. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 9.0 pl (Statsoft, Cracov, Poland). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to estimate associations between variables. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The mean BDI value was found to be 12 +/- 8 and the mean HAM-D 14 +/- 9. Monocytes ratio significantly correlated with the intensity of depressive symptoms. Stress and pain increase with illness progression are only fragments of the analyzed problem ground. Although monocytes value remained within the upper limit of normal value, their correlation with depressive symptoms suggests that the serious reason for such a depressive mood state is a high level of monocytes. It indicates on necessity of early diagnosis and treatment of depression associate with chronic proinflammatory diseases. It may be also speculated potential efficiency of an adjunctive treatment with cytokine inhibitors and oxidative stress inhibitory factors in the therapy of depressive disorders.

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

Using MASHA+TIMEPIX Setup for Registration Beta Decay Isotopes Produced in Heavy Ion Induced Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodin, A. M.; Belozerov, A. V.; Chernysheva, E. V.; Dmitriev, S. N.; Gulyaev, A. V.; Gulyaeva, A. V.; Itkis, M. G.; Novoselov, A. S.; Oganessian, Yu. Ts.; Salamatin, V. S.; Stepantsov, S. V.; Vedeneev, V. Yu.; Yukhimchuk, S. A.; Krupa, L.; Granja, C.; Pospisil, S.; Kliman, J.; Motycak, S.; Sivacek, I.

2015-06-01

Radon and mercury isotopes were produced in multi nucleon transfer (48Ca + 232Th) and complete fusion (48Ca + naturalNd) reactions, respectively. The isotopes with given masses were detected using two detectors: a multi-strip detector of the well-type (made in CANBERRA) and a position-sensitive quantum counting hybrid pixel detector of the TIMEPIX type. The isotopes implanted into the detectors then emit alpha- and betaparticles until reaching the long lived isotopes. The position of the isotopes, the tracks, the time and energy of beta-particles were measured and analyzed. A new software for the particle recognition and data analysis of experimental results was developed and used. It was shown that MASHA+ TIMEPIX setup is a powerful instrument for investigation of neutron-rich isotopes far from stability limits.

Status of the CUORE and results from the CUORE-0 neutrinoless double beta decay experiments

DOE PAGES

Sisti, M.; Artusa, D. R.; Avignone, F. T.; ...

2016-05-31

CUORE is a 741 kg array of TeO 2 bolometers for the search of neutrinoless double beta decay of 130Te. The detector is being constructed at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy, where it will start taking data in 2015. If the target background of 0.01 counts/(keV·kg·y) will be reached, in five years of data taking CUORE will have a 1σ half life sensitivity of 10 26y. CUORE-0 is a smaller experiment constructed to test and demonstrate the performances expected for CUORE. The detector is a single tower of 52 CUORE-like bolometers that started taking data in spring 2013.more » The status and perspectives of CUORE will be discussed, and the first CUORE-0 data will be presented.« less

Status of the CUORE and results from the CUORE-0 neutrinoless double beta decay experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sisti, M.; Artusa, D. R.; Avignone, F. T.; Azzolini, O.; Balata, M.; Banks, T. I.; Bari, G.; Beeman, J.; Bellini, F.; Bersani, A.; Biassoni, M.; Brofferio, C.; Bucci, C.; Cai, X. Z.; Camacho, A.; Caminata, A.; Canonica, L.; Cao, X. G.; Capelli, S.; Cappelli, L.; Carbone, L.; Cardani, L.; Casali, N.; Cassina, L.; Chiesa, D.; Chott, N.; Clemenza, M.; Copello, S.; Cosmelli, C.; Cremonesi, O.; Creswick, R. J.; Cushman, J. S.; Dafinei, I.; Dally, A.; Datskov, V.; Dell'Oro, S.; Deninno, M. M.; Di Domizio, S.; di Vacri, M. L.; Drobizhev, A.; Ejzak, L.; Fang, D. Q.; Farach, H. A.; Faverzani, M.; Fernandes, G.; Ferri, E.; Ferroni, F.; Fiorini, E.; Franceschi, M. A.; Freedman, S. J.; Fujikawa, B. K.; Giachero, A.; Gironi, L.; Giuliani, A.; Gorla, P.; Gotti, C.; Gutierrez, T. D.; Haller, E. E.; Han, K.; Heeger, K. M.; Hennings-Yeomans, R.; Hickerson, K. P.; Huang, H. Z.; Kadel, R.; Keppel, G.; Kolomensky, Yu. G.; Li, Y. L.; Ligi, C.; Lim, K. E.; Liu, X.; Ma, Y. G.; Maiano, C.; Maino, M.; Martinez, M.; Maruyama, R. H.; Mei, Y.; Moggi, N.; Morganti, S.; Napolitano, T.; Nastasi, M.; Nisi, S.; Nones, C.; Norman, E. B.; Nucciotti, A.; O'Donnell, T.; Orio, F.; Orlandi, D.; Ouellet, J. L.; Pagliarone, C. E.; Pallavicini, M.; Palmieri, V.; Pattavina, L.; Pavan, M.; Pedretti, M.; Pessina, G.; Pettinacci, V.; Piperno, G.; Pira, C.; Pirro, S.; Pozzi, S.; Previtali, E.; Rosenfeld, C.; Rusconi, C.; Sala, E.; Sangiorgio, S.; Scielzo, N. D.; Smith, A. R.; Taffarello, L.; Tenconi, M.; Terranova, F.; Tian, W. D.; Tomei, C.; Trentalange, S.; Ventura, G.; Vignati, M.; Wang, B. S.; Wang, H. W.; Wielgus, L.; Wilson, J.; Winslow, L. A.; Wise, T.; Woodcraft, A.; Zanotti, L.; Zarra, C.; Zhang, G. Q.; Zhu, B. X.; Zucchelli, S.

2016-04-01

CUORE is a 741 kg array of TeO2 bolometers for the search of neutrinoless double beta decay of 130Te. The detector is being constructed at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy, where it will start taking data in 2015. If the target background of 0.01 counts / (keV ṡkg ṡy) will be reached, in five years of data taking CUORE will have a 1σ half life sensitivity of 1026 y. CUORE-0 is a smaller experiment constructed to test and demonstrate the performances expected for CUORE. The detector is a single tower of 52 CUORE-like bolometers that started taking data in spring 2013. The status and perspectives of CUORE will be discussed, and the first CUORE-0 data will be presented.

The current contribution of molecular factors to risk estimation in neuroblastoma patients.

PubMed

Berthold, F; Sahin, K; Hero, B; Christiansen, H; Gehring, M; Harms, D; Horz, S; Lampert, F; Schwab, M; Terpe, J

1997-10-01

The association of molecular characteristics with prognosis has been reported, but not their relationship with each other and their impact in the context of known clinical risk factors. In this study, data of 1249 consecutive intent-to-treat-neuroblastoma patients with more than 1 year follow-up were examined by multivariate analysis using loglinear and Cox proportional hazard regression models on a stage-related basis (stages 1-3: 600, 4S: 116, 4: 533). In a first step, risk factors were identified from 18 selected clinical variables, and risk groups defined. The second step investigated whether molecular characteristics (MYCN, LOH 1p, del 1p, CD44, N-ras, NGF-R, bcl-2, APO-1 (CD95)) contributed additional prognostic information to the model. The loglinear model demonstrated several interactions between clinical factors. By the Cox regression model, seven independent clinical risk factors were found for stages 1-3, seven for stage 4 and two for stage 4S. By subsequent introduction of all molecular variables, MYCN amplification only added significant prognostic information to the clinical factors in localised and stage 4 neuroblastoma. The models allowed the definition of risk groups for stages 1-3 patients by age (e beta = 5.09) and MYCN (e beta = 4.26), for stage 4 by MYCN (e beta = 2.78) and number of symptoms (e beta = 2.44) and for stage 4S by platelet count (e beta = 3.91) and general condition (e beta = 2.99). Molecular factors and in particular MYCN contribute significantly to risk estimation. In conjunction with clinical factors, they are powerful tools to define risk groups in neuroblastoma.

Interleukin-1 may link helplessness-hopelessness with cancer progression: a proposed model.

PubMed

Argaman, Miriam; Gidron, Yori; Ariad, Shmuel

2005-01-01

A model of the relations between psychological factors and cancer progression should include brain and systemic components and their link with critical cellular stages in cancer progression. We present a psychoneuroimmunological (PNI) model that links helplessness-hopelessness (HH) with cancer progression via interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). IL-1beta was elevated in the brain following exposure to inescapable shock, and HH was minimized by antagonizing cerebral IL-1beta. Elevated cerebral IL-1beta increased cancer metastasis in animals. Inescapable shock was associated with systemic elevations of IL-1beta and peripheral IL-1beta was associated with escape from apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Involvement of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are discussed. Future studies need to identify the role of additional factors in this PNI pathway.

Habitat heterogeneity and associated microbial community structure in a small-scale floodplain hyporheic flow path.

PubMed

Lowell, Jennifer L; Gordon, Nathan; Engstrom, Dale; Stanford, Jack A; Holben, William E; Gannon, James E

2009-10-01

The Nyack floodplain is located on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, an unregulated, pristine, fifth-order stream in Montana, USA, bordering Glacier National Park. The hyporheic zone is a nutritionally heterogeneous floodplain component harboring a diverse array of microbial assemblages essential in fluvial biogeochemical cycling, riverine ecosystem productivity, and trophic interactions. Despite these functions, microbial community structure in pristine hyporheic systems is not well characterized. The current study was designed to assess whether physical habitat heterogeneity within the hyporheic zone of the Nyack floodplain was sufficient to drive bacterial beta diversity between three different hyporheic flow path locations. Habitat heterogeneity was assessed by measuring soluble reactive phosphorous, nitrate, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved oxygen, and soluble total nitrogen levels seasonally at surface water infiltration, advection, and exfiltration zones. Significant spatial differences were detected in dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels, and seasonal differences were detected in dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and dissolved organic carbon levels. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and cell counts indicated that bacterial diversity increased with abundance, and DGGE fingerprints covaried with nitrate levels where water infiltrated the hyporheic zone. The ribosomal gene phylogeny revealed that hyporheic habitat heterogeneity was sufficient to drive beta diversity between bacterial assemblages. Phylogenetic (P) tests detected sequence disparity between the flow path locations. Small distinct lineages of Firmicutes, Actinomycetes, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria defined the infiltration zone and alpha- and beta-proteobacterial lineages delineated the exfiltration and advection zone communities. These data suggest that spatial habitat heterogeneity drives hyporheic microbial community development and that attempts to understand functional differences between bacteria inhabiting nutritionally heterogeneous hyporheic environments might begin by focusing on the biology of these taxa.

The protective effect of clavulanic acid in a combined formulation on the concentration of amoxycillin in the urine of patients with urinary tract infections.

PubMed

Lindeque, K P

1982-07-28

Three paraplegic patients with urinary tract infections caused by a beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae were treated with a combination of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid (A-CA) (Augmentin; Beecham), after initial and unsuccessful therapy with amoxycillin alone. The administration of A-CA resulted in a rapid decrease in the urinary bacterial cell count, coupled with a dramatic increase in urinary amoxycillin concentrations.

Survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum in ice cream for use as a probiotic food.

PubMed

Hekmat, S; McMahon, D J

1992-06-01

Probiotic ice cream was made by fermenting a standard ice cream mix with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum cultures and then freezing the mix in a batch freezer. Survival of the L. acidophilus and B. bifidum, as well as beta-galactosidase activity, was monitored during 17 wk of frozen storage at -29 degrees C. After freezing of the fermented mix, bacterial counts were 1.5 x 10(8) cfu/ml for L. acidophilus and 2.5 x 10(8) cfu/ml for B. bifidum. Seventeen weeks after freezing, these counts had decreased to 4 x 10(6) and 1 x 10(7) cfu/ml, respectively. During the same period, beta-galactosidase activity decreased from 1800 to 1300 units/ml. Probiotic ice cream was prepared at pH 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 to determine consumer preferences and was compared with standard Utah State University "Aggie" ice cream. All samples were strawberry-flavored and were evaluated by 88 judges. The preferred pH of probiotic ice cream, based on overall acceptance, was pH 5.5. We demonstrated that probiotic ice cream is a suitable vehicle for delivering beneficial microorganisms such as L. acidophilus and B. bifidum to consumers. The bacteria can be grown to high numbers in ice cream mix and remain viable during frozen storage.

Effect of LED irradiation on the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in SW1353 cells in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Chang-chun; Guo, Zhou-yi; Zhang, Feng-xue; Deng, Wen-di; Liu, Song-hao

2007-05-01

Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) plays an active role in remodeling cartilage in osteoarthritic cartilage. To find an effective method of prevention of osteoclasia, this in vitro study focuses on the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in the SW1353 cells by LED irradiation. The human chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353 were stimulated with the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and were received the irradiation of LED (632nm, 4mW/cm2). The cell count was assessed over a 96-hour period by using Trypan blue dye exclusion assay, and the cell activity was evaluated with a Cell Counting Kit-8 Assays. The subsequent expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 was quantified. Results of this experiment showed that the cultural cell activity was decreased, and the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 was increased by being stimulated with IL-1beta or TNF-alpha. After received LED irradiation, the death rate of cultural cell was increased and the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 was decreased significantly. The present study concluded that particular LED irradiation stimulates SW1353 cell proliferation activity and inhibit the MMP-3 and MMP-13 enzymatic activity. These findings might be clinically relevant, indicating that the low power laser irradiation treatment is likely to achieve the repair of articular cartilage in clinic.

A powerful and flexible approach to the analysis of RNA sequence count data

PubMed Central

Zhou, Yi-Hui; Xia, Kai; Wright, Fred A.

2011-01-01

Motivation: A number of penalization and shrinkage approaches have been proposed for the analysis of microarray gene expression data. Similar techniques are now routinely applied to RNA sequence transcriptional count data, although the value of such shrinkage has not been conclusively established. If penalization is desired, the explicit modeling of mean–variance relationships provides a flexible testing regimen that ‘borrows’ information across genes, while easily incorporating design effects and additional covariates. Results: We describe BBSeq, which incorporates two approaches: (i) a simple beta-binomial generalized linear model, which has not been extensively tested for RNA-Seq data and (ii) an extension of an expression mean–variance modeling approach to RNA-Seq data, involving modeling of the overdispersion as a function of the mean. Our approaches are flexible, allowing for general handling of discrete experimental factors and continuous covariates. We report comparisons with other alternate methods to handle RNA-Seq data. Although penalized methods have advantages for very small sample sizes, the beta-binomial generalized linear model, combined with simple outlier detection and testing approaches, appears to have favorable characteristics in power and flexibility. Availability: An R package containing examples and sample datasets is available at http://www.bios.unc.edu/research/genomic_software/BBSeq Contact: yzhou@bios.unc.edu; fwright@bios.unc.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:21810900

Rapid screening of radioactivity in food for emergency response.

PubMed

Bari, A; Khan, A J; Semkow, T M; Syed, U-F; Roselan, A; Haines, D K; Roth, G; West, L; Arndt, M

2011-06-01

This paper describes the development of methods for the rapid screening of gross alpha (GA) and gross beta (GB) radioactivity in liquid foods, specifically, Tang drink mix, apple juice, and milk, as well as screening of GA, GB, and gamma radioactivity from surface deposition on apples. Detailed procedures were developed for spiking of matrices with (241)Am (alpha radioactivity), (90)Sr/(90)Y (beta radioactivity), and (60)Co, (137)Cs, and (241)Am (gamma radioactivity). Matrix stability studies were performed for 43 days after spiking. The method for liquid foods is based upon rapid digestion, evaporation, and flaming, followed by gas proportional (GP) counting. For the apple matrix, surface radioactivity was acid-leached, followed by GP counting and/or gamma spectrometry. The average leaching recoveries from four different apple brands were between 63% and 96%, and have been interpreted on the basis of ion transport through the apple cuticle. The minimum detectable concentrations (MDCs) were calculated from either the background or method-blank (MB) measurements. They were found to satisfy the required U.S. FDA's Derived Intervention Levels (DILs) in all but one case. The newly developed methods can perform radioactivity screening in foods within a few hours and have the potential to capacity with further automation. They are especially applicable to emergency response following accidental or intentional contamination of food with radioactivity. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Bacteriological quality and risk assessment of the imported and domestic bottled mineral water sold in Fiji.

PubMed

Zeenat, A; Hatha, A A M; Viola, L; Vipra, K

2009-12-01

Considering the popularity of bottled mineral water among indigenous Fijians and tourists alike, a study was carried out to determine the bacteriological quality of different bottled waters. A risk assessment was also carried out. Seventy-five samples of bottled mineral water belonging to three domestic brands and 25 samples of one imported brand were analysed for heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria and faecal coliforms. HPC counts were determined at 22 degrees C and 37 degrees C using R2A medium and a membrane filtration technique was used to determine the faecal coliform (FC) load in 100 ml of water on mFC agar. Between 28 and 68% of the samples of the various domestic brands failed to meet the WHO standard of 100 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 ml at 22 degrees C and 7% of these also tested positive for faecal coliforms. All imported bottled mineral water samples were within WHO standards. A risk assessment of the HPC bacteria was carried out in terms of beta haemolytic activity and antibiotic resistance. More than 50% of the isolates showed beta haemolytic activity and were multi-drug resistant. While the overall quality of the product was generally good, there is a need to enforce stringent quality standards for the domestic bottlers to ensure the safety of consumers.

Involvement of central, but not placental corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) in heat stress induced immunosuppression during pregnancy.

PubMed

Nakamura, H; Nagase, H; Ogino, K; Hatta, K; Matsuzaki, I

2001-03-01

To clarify whether corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and beta-endorphin (betaEP) system mediate maternal immunosuppression in pregnant rats exposed to heat through central or placental pathway, we examined the effects of intravenous (iv) (100 or 500 microg) or intracerebroventricular (icv) (5 microg) administration of CRH receptor antagonist alpha-helical CRH (9-41) on splenic natural killer cell activity (NKCA) as well as betaEP in blood, pituitary lobes, and placenta in pregnant rats at 15 to 16 days gestation. Two-way ANOVA revealed that heat reduced NKCA and elevated blood and pituitary betaEP but did not change placental betaEP. Iv administered 500 microg and icv administered alpha-helical CRH reversed the reduced NKCA and the elevated pituitary betaEP, while iv administration of 100 microg alpha-helical CRH did not. The increased blood betaEP was reversed by iv 100 and 500 microg alpha-helical CRH and icv administration. Both iv and icv administrations reduced placental betaEP independent of heat exposure. Thus, the response of placental betaEP to iv administration of alpha-helical CRH seemed to be stronger than that of pituitary betaEP. These results indicate that alpha-helical CRH which acts on pituitary betaEP antagonizes heat-induced immunosuppression during pregnancy, suggesting that immunosuppression produced by heat stress during pregnancy is mediated by the central CRH system. The placental CRH-betaEP system seems unlikely to be involved in the immunosuppression. Physiologic roles of placental CRH and opioid system should be clarified by future in vitro experiments using placenta specimen including placental immunocyte.

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

Extrinsic factors regulate partial agonist efficacy of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors.

PubMed

Farroni, Jeffrey S; McCool, Brian A

2004-08-09

Strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in many adult forebrain regions consist of alpha2 + beta heteromeric channels. This subunit composition is distinct from the alpha1 + beta channels found throughout the adult spinal cord. Unfortunately, the pharmacology of forebrain alpha2beta receptors are poorly defined compared to 'neonatal' alpha2 homomeric channels or 'spinal' alpha1beta heteromers. In addition, the pharmacologic properties of native alpha2beta glycine receptors have been generally distinct from receptors produced by heterologous expression. To identify subtype-specific pharmacologic tools for the forebrain alpha2beta receptors, it is important to identify a heterologous expression system that closely resembles these native glycine-gated chloride channels. While exploring pharmacological properties of alpha2beta glycine receptors compared to alpha2-homomers, we found that distinct heterologous expression systems appeared to differentially influence partial agonist pharmacology. The beta-amino acid taurine possessed 30-50% efficacy for alpha2-containing receptor isoforms when expressed in HEK 293 cells. However, taurine efficacy was dramatically reduced in L-cell fibroblasts. Similar results were obtained for beta-alanine. The efficacy of these partial agonists was also strongly reduced by the beta subunit. There were no significant differences in apparent strychnine affinity values calculated from concentration-response data between expression systems or subunit combinations. Nor did relative levels of expression correlate with partial agonist efficacy when compared within or between several different expression systems. Finally, disruption of the tubulin cytoskeleton reduced the efficacy of partial agonists in a subunit-dependent, but system-independent, fashion. Our results suggest that different heterologous expression systems can dramatically influence the agonist pharmacology of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors. In the systems examine here, these effects are independent of both absolute expression level and any system-related alterations in the agonist binding site. We conclude that complex interactions between receptor composition and extrinsic factors may play a significant role in determining strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor partial agonist pharmacology.

Characterization of selected cellulolytic activities of multi-enzymatic complex system from Penicillium funiculosum.

PubMed

Karboune, Salwa; Geraert, Pierre-André; Kermasha, Selim

2008-02-13

The presence of endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase, cellobiohydrolase, and beta-glucosidase activities in a multi-enzymatic complex system from Penicillium funiculosum was investigated. The interesting feature of these enzymes is their synergistic action for the hydrolysis of the native cellulose into glucose units. Both endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase and cellobiohydrolase showed broader pH activity profiles, with pH optima of 4.0 and 4.0-5.0, respectively. However, beta-glucosidase activity showed a narrow pH-activity profile, with an optimum pH of 4.5. The different cellulolytic activities were stable in the acidic pH range of 2.5-6.0 and showed a similar optimal temperature of 60 degrees C. Although beta-glucosidase has shown a close catalytic efficiency as that of endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase, its thermal stability was lower. However, the thermal stability profile of cellobiohydrolase was close to that of endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase. The results also revealed the presence of high levels of endo-1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucanase, endo-1,3-beta- d-glucanase, and pectinase activities in the multi-enzymatic cellulolytic complex system. Moreover, the investigated multi-enzymatic complex system was effective in degrading the nonstarch polysaccharides of soybean meal.

Air and smear sample calculational tool for Fluor Hanford Radiological control

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

BAUMANN, B.L.

2003-07-11

A spreadsheet calculation tool was developed to automate the calculations performed for determining the concentration of airborne radioactivity and smear counting as outlined in HNF-13536, Section 5.2.7, ''Analyzing Air and Smear Samples''. This document reports on the design and testing of the calculation tool. Radiological Control Technicians (RCTs) will save time and reduce hand written and calculation errors by using an electronic form for documenting and calculating work place air samples. Current expectations are RCTs will perform an air sample and collect the filter or perform a smear for surface contamination. RCTs will then survey the filter for gross alphamore » and beta/gamma radioactivity and with the gross counts utilize either hand calculation method or a calculator to determine activity on the filter. The electronic form will allow the RCT with a few key strokes to document the individual's name, payroll, gross counts, instrument identifiers; produce an error free record. This productivity gain is realized by the enhanced ability to perform mathematical calculations electronically (reducing errors) and at the same time, documenting the air sample.« less

9-Methyl-beta-carboline has restorative effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Wernicke, Catrin; Hellmann, Julian; Zieba, Barbara; Kuter, Katarzyna; Ossowska, Krystyna; Frenzel, Monika; Dencher, Norbert A; Rommelspacher, Hans

2010-01-01

In a previous study, a primary culture of midbrain cells was exposed to 9-methyl-beta-carboline for 48 h, which caused an increase in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed increased transcription of genes participating in the maturation of dopaminergic neurons. These in vitro findings prompted us to investigate the restorative actions of 9-methyl-beta-carboline in vivo. The compound was delivered for 14 days into the left cerebral ventricle of rats pretreated with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium ion (MPP+) for 28 days applying a dose which lowered dopamine by approximately 50%. Interestingly, 9-methyl-beta-carboline reversed the dopamine-lowering effect of the neurotoxin in the left striatum. Stereological counts of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in the substantia nigra revealed that the neurotoxin caused a decrease in the number of those cells. However, when treated subsequently with 9-methyl-beta-carboline, the number reached normal values. In search of an explanation for the restorative activity, we analyzed the complexes that compose the respiratory chain in striatal mitochondria by 2-dimension gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI-TOF peptide mass fingerprinting.We found no changes in the overall composition of the complexes. However, the activity of complex I was increased by approximately 80% in mitochondria from rats treated with MPP+ and 9-methyl-beta-carboline compared to MPP+ and saline and to sham-operated rats, as determined by measurements of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase activity. Microarray technology and single RT-PCR revealed the induction of neurotrophins: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor, cerebellin 1 precursor protein, and ciliary neurotrophic factor. Selected western blots yielded consistent results. The findings demonstrate restorative effects of 9-methyl-beta-carboline in an animal model of Parkinson's disease that improve the effectiveness of the respiratory chain and promote the transcription and expression of neurotrophin-related genes.

Inactivation properties of voltage-gated K+ channels altered by presence of beta-subunit.

PubMed

Rettig, J; Heinemann, S H; Wunder, F; Lorra, C; Parcej, D N; Dolly, J O; Pongs, O

1994-05-26

Structural and functional diversity of voltage-gated Kv1-type potassium channels in rat brain is enhanced by the association of two different types of subunits, the membrane-bound, poreforming alpha-subunits and a peripheral beta-subunit. We have cloned a beta-subunit (Kv beta 1) that is specifically expressed in the rat nervous system. Association of Kv beta 1 with alpha-subunits confers rapid A-type inactivation on non-inactivating Kv1 channels (delayed rectifiers) in expression systems in vitro. This effect is mediated by an inactivating ball domain in the Kv beta 1 amino terminus.

Determination of Low Level Alpha and Beta Emitters Using Liquid-Liquid Extraction and a Liquid Scintillation Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yu-Fu; BjØRnstad, H. E.; Salbu, B.

Two radiochemical procedures for determination of low level strontium-90 and plutonium-239+240 in environmental and biological materials using combined selective solvent extraction with low level liquid scintillation counting have been presented. Y-90, the daughter nuclide of Sr-90, and Pu-239+240 are selectively extracted from nitric acid solution into 5% di(-2ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) in toluene and the radionuclides of interest in organic phase are counted with an ultra low level scintillation counter "Quantulus". The lower detection limits for Sr-90 and Pu-239+240 are estimated to be 20 mBq and 0.3 mBq respectively. The developed procedures have been tested for soma environmental and biological samples and the preminarly results show that they are more simple and time-saving than traditional methods.

Improving removal-based estimates of abundance by sampling a population of spatially distinct subpopulations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dorazio, R.M.; Jelks, H.L.; Jordan, F.

2005-01-01

 A statistical modeling framework is described for estimating the abundances of spatially distinct subpopulations of animals surveyed using removal sampling. To illustrate this framework, hierarchical models are developed using the Poisson and negative-binomial distributions to model variation in abundance among subpopulations and using the beta distribution to model variation in capture probabilities. These models are fitted to the removal counts observed in a survey of a federally endangered fish species. The resulting estimates of abundance have similar or better precision than those computed using the conventional approach of analyzing the removal counts of each subpopulation separately. Extension of the hierarchical models to include spatial covariates of abundance is straightforward and may be used to identify important features of an animal's habitat or to predict the abundance of animals at unsampled locations.

Improving the limits of detection of low background alpha emission measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNally, Brendan D.; Coleman, Stuart; Harris, Jack T.; Warburton, William K.

2018-01-01

Alpha particle emission - even at extremely low levels - is a significant issue in the search for rare events (e.g., double beta decay, dark matter detection). Traditional measurement techniques require long counting times to measure low sample rates in the presence of much larger instrumental backgrounds. To address this, a commercially available instrument developed by XIA uses pulse shape analysis to discriminate alpha emissions produced by the sample from those produced by other surfaces of the instrument itself. Experience with this system has uncovered two residual sources of background: cosmogenics and radon emanation from internal components. An R&D program is underway to enhance the system and extend the pulse shape analysis technique further, so that these residual sources can be identified and rejected as well. In this paper, we review the theory of operation and pulse shape analysis techniques used in XIA's alpha counter, and briefly explore data suggesting the origin of the residual background terms. We will then present our approach to enhance the system's ability to identify and reject these terms. Finally, we will describe a prototype system that incorporates our concepts and demonstrates their feasibility.

Recalibrated Equations for Determining Effect of Oil Filtration on Rolling Bearing Life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Needelman, William M.; Zaretsky, Erwin V.

2014-01-01

In 1991, Needelman and Zaretsky presented a set of empirically derived equations for bearing fatigue life (adjustment) factors (LFs) as a function of oil filter ratings. These equations for life factors were incorporated into the reference book, "STLE Life Factors for Rolling Bearings." These equations were normalized (LF = 1) to a 10-micrometer filter rating at Beta(sub x) = 200 (normal cleanliness) as it was then defined. Over the past 20 years, these life factors based on oil filtration have been used in conjunction with ANSI/ABMA standards and bearing computer codes to predict rolling bearing life. Also, additional experimental studies have been made by other investigators into the relationship between rolling bearing life and the size, number, and type of particle contamination. During this time period filter ratings have also been revised and improved, and they now use particle counting calibrated to a new National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference material, NIST SRM 2806, 1997. This paper reviews the relevant bearing life studies and describes the new filter ratings. New filter ratings, Beta(sub x(c)) = 200 and Beta(sub x(c)) = 1000, are benchmarked to old filter ratings, Beta(sub x) = 200, and vice versa. Two separate sets of filter LF values were derived based on the new filter ratings for roller bearings and ball bearings, respectively. Filter LFs can be calculated for the new filter ratings.

Developmental programming of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): prenatal androgens establish pancreatic islet α/β cell ratio and subsequent insulin secretion.

PubMed

Ramaswamy, S; Grace, C; Mattei, A A; Siemienowicz, K; Brownlee, W; MacCallum, J; McNeilly, A S; Duncan, W C; Rae, M T

2016-06-06

Exogenous androgenic steroids applied to pregnant sheep programmes a PCOS-like phenotype in female offspring. Via ultrasound guidance we applied steroids directly to ovine fetuses at d62 and d82 of gestation, and examined fetal (day 90 gestation) and postnatal (11 months old) pancreatic structure and function. Of three classes of steroid agonists applied (androgen - Testosterone propionate (TP), estrogen - Diethystilbesterol (DES) and glucocorticoid - Dexamethasone (DEX)), only androgens (TP) caused altered pancreatic development. Beta cell numbers were significantly elevated in prenatally androgenised female fetuses (P = 0.03) (to approximately the higher numbers found in male fetuses), whereas alpha cell counts were unaffected, precipitating decreased alpha:beta cell ratios in the developing fetal pancreas (P = 0.001), sustained into adolescence (P = 0.0004). In adolescence basal insulin secretion was significantly higher in female offspring from androgen-excess pregnancies (P = 0.045), and an exaggerated, hyperinsulinaemic response to glucose challenge (P = 0.0007) observed, whereas prenatal DES or DEX treatment had no effects upon insulin secretion. Postnatal insulin secretion correlated with beta cell numbers (P = 0.03). We conclude that the pancreas is a primary locus of androgenic stimulation during development, giving rise to postnatal offspring whose pancreas secreted excess insulin due to excess beta cells in the presence of a normal number of alpha cells.

Developmental programming of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): prenatal androgens establish pancreatic islet α/β cell ratio and subsequent insulin secretion

PubMed Central

Ramaswamy, S.; Grace, C.; Mattei, A. A.; Siemienowicz, K.; Brownlee, W.; MacCallum, J.; McNeilly, A. S.; Duncan, W. C.; Rae, M. T.

2016-01-01

Exogenous androgenic steroids applied to pregnant sheep programmes a PCOS-like phenotype in female offspring. Via ultrasound guidance we applied steroids directly to ovine fetuses at d62 and d82 of gestation, and examined fetal (day 90 gestation) and postnatal (11 months old) pancreatic structure and function. Of three classes of steroid agonists applied (androgen - Testosterone propionate (TP), estrogen - Diethystilbesterol (DES) and glucocorticoid - Dexamethasone (DEX)), only androgens (TP) caused altered pancreatic development. Beta cell numbers were significantly elevated in prenatally androgenised female fetuses (P = 0.03) (to approximately the higher numbers found in male fetuses), whereas alpha cell counts were unaffected, precipitating decreased alpha:beta cell ratios in the developing fetal pancreas (P = 0.001), sustained into adolescence (P = 0.0004). In adolescence basal insulin secretion was significantly higher in female offspring from androgen-excess pregnancies (P = 0.045), and an exaggerated, hyperinsulinaemic response to glucose challenge (P = 0.0007) observed, whereas prenatal DES or DEX treatment had no effects upon insulin secretion. Postnatal insulin secretion correlated with beta cell numbers (P = 0.03). We conclude that the pancreas is a primary locus of androgenic stimulation during development, giving rise to postnatal offspring whose pancreas secreted excess insulin due to excess beta cells in the presence of a normal number of alpha cells. PMID:27265420

On the Relationship between Molecular Hit Rates in High-Throughput Screening and Molecular Descriptors.

PubMed

Hansson, Mari; Pemberton, John; Engkvist, Ola; Feierberg, Isabella; Brive, Lars; Jarvis, Philip; Zander-Balderud, Linda; Chen, Hongming

2014-06-01

High-throughput screening (HTS) is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to identify novel chemical starting points for drug discovery projects. The current study focuses on the relationship between molecular hit rate in recent in-house HTS and four common molecular descriptors: lipophilicity (ClogP), size (heavy atom count, HEV), fraction of sp(3)-hybridized carbons (Fsp3), and fraction of molecular framework (f(MF)). The molecular hit rate is defined as the fraction of times the molecule has been assigned as active in the HTS campaigns where it has been screened. Beta-binomial statistical models were built to model the molecular hit rate as a function of these descriptors. The advantage of the beta-binomial statistical models is that the correlation between the descriptors is taken into account. Higher degree polynomial terms of the descriptors were also added into the beta-binomial statistic model to improve the model quality. The relative influence of different molecular descriptors on molecular hit rate has been estimated, taking into account that the descriptors are correlated to each other through applying beta-binomial statistical modeling. The results show that ClogP has the largest influence on the molecular hit rate, followed by Fsp3 and HEV. f(MF) has only a minor influence besides its correlation with the other molecular descriptors. © 2013 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Kisspeptin level in the aging ovary is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system.

PubMed

Fernandois, Daniela; Cruz, Gonzalo; Na, Eun Kyung; Lara, Hernán E; Paredes, Alfonso H

2017-01-01

Previous work has demonstrated that the increase in the activity of sympathetic nerves, which occurs during the subfertility period in female rats, causes an increase in follicular cyst development and impairs follicular development. In addition, the increase in ovarian sympathetic activity of aged rats correlates with an increased expression of kisspeptin (KISS1) in the ovary. This increase in KISS1 could participate in the decrease in follicular development that occurs during the subfertility period. We aimed to determine whether the blockade of ovarian sympathetic tone prevents the increase in KISS1 expression during reproductive aging and improves follicular development. We performed 2 experiments in rats: (1) an in vivo blockade of beta-adrenergic receptor with propranolol (5.0 mg/kg) and (2) an ovarian surgical denervation to modulate the sympathetic system at these ages. We measured Kisspeptin and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and western blot and counted primordial, primary and secondary follicles at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. The results showed that ovarian KISS1 decreased but FSHR increased after both propranolol administration and the surgical denervation in rats of 8, 10 and 12 months of age. An increase in FSHR was related to an increase in the number of smaller secondary follicles and a decreased number of primordial follicles at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. These results suggest that intraovarian KISS1 is regulated by sympathetic nerves via a beta-adrenergic receptor and participates locally in ovarian follicular development in reproductive aging. © 2017 Society for Endocrinology.

Computerized tomography platform using beta rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paetkau, Owen; Parsons, Zachary; Paetkau, Mark

2017-12-01

A computerized tomography (CT) system using a 0.1 μCi Sr-90 beta source, Geiger counter, and low density foam samples was developed. A simple algorithm was used to construct images from the data collected with the beta CT scanner. The beta CT system is analogous to X-ray CT as both types of radiation are sensitive to density variations. This system offers a platform for learning opportunities in an undergraduate laboratory, covering topics such as image reconstruction algorithms, radiation exposure, and the energy dependence of absorption.

Rapid screening of the antimicrobial efficacy of Ag zeolites.

PubMed

Tosheva, L; Belkhair, S; Gackowski, M; Malic, S; Al-Shanti, N; Verran, J

2017-09-01

A semi-quantitative screening method was used to compare the killing efficacy of Ag zeolites against bacteria and yeast as a function of the zeolite type, crystal size and concentration. The method, which substantially reduced labor, consumables and waste and provided an excellent preliminary screen, was further validated by quantitative plate count experiments. Two pairs of zeolite X and zeolite beta with different sizes (ca. 200nm and 2μm for zeolite X and ca. 250 and 500nm for zeolite beta) were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) at concentrations in the range 0.05-0.5mgml -1 . Reduction of the zeolite crystal size resulted in a decrease in the killing efficacy against both microorganisms. The semi-quantitative tests allowed convenient optimization of the zeolite concentrations to achieve targeted killing times. Zeolite beta samples showed higher activity compared to zeolite X despite their lower Ag content, which was attributed to the higher concentration of silver released from zeolite beta samples. Cytotoxicity measurements using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) indicated that Ag zeolite X was more toxic than Ag zeolite beta. However, the trends for the dependence of cytotoxicity on zeolite crystal size at different zeolite concentrations were different for the two zeolites and no general conclusions about zeolite cytotoxicity could be drawn from these experiments. This result indicates a complex relationship, requiring the necessity for individual cytotoxicity measurements for all antimicrobial applications based on the use of zeolites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low-background germanium radioassay for the MAJORANA Collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trimble, James E., Jr.

The focus of the MAJORANA COLLABORATION is the search for nuclear neutrinoless double beta decay. If discovered, this process would prove that the neutrino is its own anti-particle, or a M AJORANA particle. Being constructed at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR aims to show that a background rate of 3 counts per region of interest (ROI) per tonne per year in the 4 keV ROI surrounding the 2039-keV Q-value energy of 76Ge is achievable and to demonstrate the technological feasibility of building a tonne-scale Ge-based experiment. Because of the rare nature of this process, detectors in the system must be isolated from ionizing radiation backgrounds as much as possible. This involved building the system with materials containing very low levels of naturally- occurring and anthropogenic radioactive isotopes at a deep underground site. In order to measure the levels of radioactive contamination in some components, the Majorana Demonstrator uses a low background counting facility managed by the Experimental Nuclear and Astroparticle Physics (ENAP) group at UNC. The UNC low background counting (LBC) facility is located at the Kimballton Underground Research Facility (KURF) located in Ripplemead, VA. The facility was used for a neutron activation analysis of samples of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tubing intended for use in the Demonstrator. Calculated initial activity limits (90% C.L.) of 238U and 232Th in the 0.002-in PTFE samples were 7.6 ppt and 5.1 ppt, respectively. The same limits in the FEP tubing sample were 150 ppt and 45 ppt, respectively. The UNC LBC was also used to gamma-assay a modified stainless steel flange to be used as a vacuum feedthrough. Trace activities of both 238U and 232Th were found in the sample, but all were orders of magnitude below the acceptable threshold for the Majorana experiment. Also discussed is a proposed next generation ultra-low background system designed to utilize technology designed for the Majorana Demonstrator. Fi- nally, a discussion is presented on the design and construction of an azimuthal scanner used by the Majorana collaboration.

Evaluation of methods for the assay of radium-228 in water

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

Noyce, J.R.

1981-02-01

The technical literature from 1967 to May 1980 was searched for methods for assaying radium-228 in water. These methods were evaluated for their suitability as potential EPA reference methods for drinking water assays. The authors suggest the present EPA reference method (Krieger, 1976) be retained but improved, and a second method (McCurdy and Mellor, 1979), which employs beta-gamma coincidence counting, be added. Included in this report is a table that lists the principal features of 17 methods for radium-228 assays.

Testicular effects of acrylonitrile in mice.

PubMed

Tandon, R; Saxena, D K; Chandra, S V; Seth, P K; Srivastava, S P

1988-07-01

Daily oral administration of acrylonitrile (10 mg/kg body weight) to mice for a period of 60 days caused a significant decrease in the activity of testicular sorbitol dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase, and an increase in that of lactate dehydrogenase and beta-glucuronidase. Histopathological studies revealed degeneration of the seminiferous tubules. A decrease in the sperm counts of the epididymal spermatozoa was also observed in the animals of the acrylonitrile-exposed group. These observations suggest that acrylonitrile may affect the male reproductive function by causing testicular injury.

Method for nondestructive fuel assay of laser fusion targets

DOEpatents

Farnum, Eugene H.; Fries, R. Jay

1976-01-01

A method for nondestructively determining the deuterium and tritium content of laser fusion targets by counting the x rays produced by the interaction of tritium beta particles with the walls of the microballoons used to contain the deuterium and tritium gas mixture under high pressure. The x rays provide a direct measure of the tritium content and a means for calculating the deuterium content using the initial known D-T ratio and the known deuterium and tritium diffusion rates.

Simulation studies of muon-produced background events deep underground and consequences for double beta decay experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Massarczyk, Ralph; Majorana Collaboration

2015-10-01

Cosmic radiation creates a significant background for low count rate experiments. The Majorana demonstrator experiment is located at the Sanford Underground Research Facility at a depth of 4850ft below the surface but it can still be penetrated by cosmic muons with initial energies above the TeV range. The interaction of muons with the rock, the shielding material in the lab and the detector itself can produce showers of secondary particles, like fast neutrons, which are able to travel through shielding material and can produce high-energy γ-rays via capture or inelastic scattering. The energy deposition of these γ rays in the detector can overlap with energy region of interest for the neutrino-less double beta decay. Recent studies for cosmic muons penetrating the Majorana demonstrator are made with the Geant4 code. The results of these simulations will be presented in this talk and an overview of the interaction of the shower particles with the detector, shielding and veto system will be given. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, the Particle Astrophysics Program of the National Science Foundation, and the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Supported by U.S. Department of Energy through the LANL/LDRD Program.

The distribution of blood eosinophil levels in a Japanese COPD clinical trial database and in the rest of the world

PubMed Central

Ishii, Takeo; Hizawa, Nobuyuki; Midwinter, Dawn; James, Mark; Hilton, Emma; Jones, Paul W

2018-01-01

Background Blood eosinophil measurements may help to guide physicians on the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emerging data suggest that COPD patients with higher blood eosinophil counts may be at higher risk of exacerbations and more likely to benefit from combined ICS/long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) treatment than therapy with a LABA alone. This analysis describes the distribution of blood eosinophil count at baseline in Japanese COPD patients in comparison with non-Japanese COPD patients. Methods A post hoc analysis of eosinophil distribution by percentage and absolute cell count was performed across 12 Phase II–IV COPD clinical studies (seven Japanese studies [N=848 available absolute eosinophil counts] and five global studies [N=5,397 available eosinophil counts] that included 246 Japanese patients resident in Japan with available counts). Blood eosinophil distributions were assessed at baseline, before blinded treatment assignment. Findings Among Japanese patients, the median (interquartile range) absolute eosinophil count was 170 cells/mm3 (100–280 cells/mm3). Overall, 612/1,094 Japanese patients (56%) had an absolute eosinophil count ≥150 cells/mm3 and 902/1,304 Japanese patients (69%) had a percentage eosinophil ≥2%. Among non-Japanese patients, these values were 160 (100–250) cells/mm3, 2,842/5,151 patients (55%), and 2,937/5,155 patients (57%), respectively. The eosinophil distribution among Japanese patients was similar to that among non-Japanese patients. Within multi-country studies with similar inclusion criteria, the eosinophil count was numerically lower in Japanese compared with non-Japanese patients (median 120 vs 160 cells/mm3). Interpretation The eosinophil distribution in Japanese patients seems comparable to that of non-Japanese patients; although within multi-country studies, there was a slightly lower median eosinophil count for Japanese patients compared with non-Japanese patients. These findings suggest that blood eosinophil data from global studies are of relevance in Japan. PMID:29440882

Determination of 243Am by pulse shape discrimination liquid scintillation spectrometry.

PubMed

Alamelu, D; Bhade, S P D; Reddy, P J; Narayan, K K; Shah, P M; Aggarwal, S K

2006-05-01

Alpha specific activity of 243Am was determined using pulse shape discrimination in liquid scintillation spectrometry. 238Pu, 36Cl and 239Np (purified from 243Am) were used for obtaining the spillover of alpha/beta particles into the beta/alpha channels, respectively. Synthetic mixtures of 241Am/243Am were prepared. Using the alpha-specific activity, weights of the stock solutions used and the half-life of 241Am and 243Am isotopes, the expected 241Am/243Am atom ratios in the mixtures were determined and compared with those obtained by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). An agreement of about 1% was obtained between the 241Am/243Am atom ratios determined by the two methods. This shows that liquid scintillation counting with pulse shape discrimination can be used for 243Am determination with an accuracy better than 1%.

An optimized computational method for determining the beta dose distribution using a multiple-element thermoluminescent dosimeter system.

PubMed

Shen, L; Levine, S H; Catchen, G L

1987-07-01

This paper describes an optimization method for determining the beta dose distribution in tissue, and it describes the associated testing and verification. The method uses electron transport theory and optimization techniques to analyze the responses of a three-element thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) system. Specifically, the method determines the effective beta energy distribution incident on the dosimeter system, and thus the system performs as a beta spectrometer. Electron transport theory provides the mathematical model for performing the optimization calculation. In this calculation, parameters are determined that produce calculated doses for each of the chip/absorber components in the three-element TLD system. The resulting optimized parameters describe an effective incident beta distribution. This method can be used to determine the beta dose specifically at 7 mg X cm-2 or at any depth of interest. The doses at 7 mg X cm-2 in tissue determined by this method are compared to those experimentally determined using an extrapolation chamber. For a great variety of pure beta sources having different incident beta energy distributions, good agreement is found. The results are also compared to those produced by a commonly used empirical algorithm. Although the optimization method produces somewhat better results, the advantage of the optimization method is that its performance is not sensitive to the specific method of calibration.

Quantitative RT-PCR for inhibin/activin subunits: measurements of rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNAs during the estrous cycle.

PubMed

Murata, T; Takizawa, T; Funaba, M; Fujimura, H; Murata, E; Takahashi, M; Torii, K

1997-02-01

Inhibins (alpha-beta(A) and alpha-beta(B)) and activins (beta(A)-beta(A), beta(A)-beta(B) and beta(B)-beta(B)) were originally isolated from ovarian follicular fluids as FSH secretion modifiers. Inhibin/activin subunits, alpha, beta(A) and beta(B), are widely distributed in several tissues, including gonads and brain, and inhibins and activins have been reported to be involved in ovarian or hypothalamic functions. In this study, we established and employed a competitive RT-PCR assay system for rat inhibin/activin subunits by capillary electrophoresis to determine rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNA levels during the estrous cycle. Linearity of standards for alpha, beta(A), and beta(B) subunit assays were between 0.01-0.3 amol, 0.003-0.09 amol and 0.002-0.02 amol of each fragment DNA as a standard, respectively. Hypothalamic beta(A) subunit mRNA during the estrous morning (1000 h) tended to be increased compared with that of the proestrous evening (1700 h), although they were not significantly different. Ovarian alpha subunit mRNA levels tended to be increased during the proestrous morning (1000 h) and were significantly increased in the proestrous evening (1700 h), compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05). Ovarian beta(A) subunit mRNA was also significantly higher in the proestrous evening, compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05), but in the case of beta(B) subunit mRNA there was no difference among diestrus, proestrus and estrus. We thus established a sensitive competitive RT-PCR system for the measurement of inhibin/activin alpha, beta(A) and beta(B) subunits, and this assay system would be helpful for the study of inhibin/activin action in brain and other tissues where these factors are expressed at low levels.

Prognostic and diagnostic value of eosinopenia, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and circulating cell-free DNA in critically ill patients admitted with suspicion of sepsis.

PubMed

Garnacho-Montero, Jose; Huici-Moreno, María J; Gutiérrez-Pizarraya, Antonio; López, Isabel; Márquez-Vácaro, Juan Antonio; Macher, Hada; Guerrero, Juan Manuel; Puppo-Moreno, Antonio

2014-06-05

The aims of this study were to assess the reliability of circulating cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) concentrations, compared with C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and eosinophil count, in the diagnosis of infections in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and their prognostic values in a cohort of critically ill patients. We conducted a prospective cohort study in a medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. Eosinophil count and concentrations of cf-DNA, CRP, and PCT were measured in patients who fulfilled SIRS criteria at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and a second determination 24 hours later. DNA levels were determined by a PCR method using primers for the human beta-haemoglobin gene. One hundred and sixty consecutive patients were included: 43 SIRS without sepsis and 117 with sepsis. Levels of CRP and PCT, but not cf-DNA or eosinophil count, were significantly higher in patients with sepsis than in SIRS-no sepsis group on days 1 and 2. PCT on day 1 achieves the best area under the curve (AUC) for sepsis diagnosis (0.87; 95% confidence interval = 0.81-0.94). Levels of cf-DNA do not predict outcome and the accuracy of these biomarkers for mortality prediction was lower than that shown by APACHE II score. PCT decreases significantly from day 1 to day 2 in survivors in the entire cohort and in patients with sepsis without significant changes in the other biomarkers. Our data do not support the clinical utility of cf-DNA measurement in critical care patients with SIRS. PCT is of value especially for infection identification in patients with SIRS at admission to the ICU.

Testing of the KRI-developed Silicon PIN Radioxenon Detector

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

Foxe, Michael P.; McIntyre, Justin I.

Radioxenon detectors are used for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in a network of detectors throughout the world called the International Monitoring System (IMS). The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) has tasked Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with testing a V.G. Khlopin Radium Institute (KRI) and Lares Ltd-developed Silicon PIN detector for radioxenon detection. PNNL measured radioxenon with the silicon PIN detector and determined its potential compared to current plastic scintillator beta cells. While the PNNL tested Si detector experienced noise issues, a second detector was tested in Russia at Lares Ltd, whichmore » did not exhibit the noise issues. Without the noise issues, the Si detector produces much better energy resolution and isomer peak separation than a conventional plastic scintillator cell used in the SAUNA systems in the IMS. Under the assumption of 1 cm 3 of Xe in laboratory-like conditions, 24-hr count time (12-hr count time for the SAUNA), with the respective shielding the minimum detectable concentrations for the Si detector tested by Lares Ltd (and a conventional SAUNA system) were calculated to be: 131mXe – 0.12 mBq/m 3 (0.12 mBq/m 3); 133Xe – 0.18 mBq/m 3 (0.21 mBq/m 3); 133mXe – 0.07 mBq/m 3 (0.15 mBq/m 3); 135Xe – 0.45 mBq/m 3 (0.67 mBq/m 3). Detection limits, which are one of the important factors in choosing the best detection technique for radioxenon in field conditions, are significantly better than for SAUNA-like detection systems for 131mXe and 133mXe, but similar for 133Xe and 135Xe. Another important factor is the amount of “memory effect” or carry over signal from one radioxenon measurement to the subsequent sample. The memory effect is reduced by a factor of 10 in the Si PIN detector compared to the current plastic scintillator cells. There is potential for further reduction with the removal of plastics within the cell, which will need to be explored in future work. A third important parameter in choosing the best detection technique for radioxenon is the resolution of the electron detection. While the resolution is important in determining the minimum detectable concentration, it plays a larger role in source identification when there is a visible signal. The Silicon PIN diodes generated improved resolution over a similar plastic scintillator cell. With the improved resolution, it becomes easier to distinguish the radioxenon isomers ( 133mXe and 131mXe) from the 133Xe beta continuum background. With the beta background from 133Xe ever present with the detection of the isomers, the improved resolution proves vital in calculating the ratios of the three isotopes. With an accurate measurement of the isotopic ratios, the anthropogenic sources of radioxenon (medical isotope production and nuclear reactors) can be more accurately distinguished. Based on the results shown within this report, a Si PIN beta cell shows the potential to aid in the operation and discriminating power of the IMS for the CTBTO. However, there are a number of issues that need attention before a detector of this design would be reliable enough for field operations in the IMS. Issues that need develop include, but are not limited to: studying the robustness of the design in field conditions, eliminating or minimizing the noise and variability of individual Si detector elements, understanding the long-term gain stability of the Si detectors, and reducing the non-Si materials within the cell (i.e. the plastic housing).« less

Effect of beta-phenylethylamine on extracellular concentrations of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex.

PubMed

Murata, Mikio; Katagiri, Nobuyuki; Ishida, Kota; Abe, Kenji; Ishikawa, Masago; Utsunomiya, Iku; Hoshi, Keiko; Miyamoto, Ken-ichi; Taguchi, Kyoji

2009-05-07

It is known that psychostimulants stimulate dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens. In the present study, we examined the effects of systemically administered beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA), a psychomotor-stimulating trace amine, on dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex in freely moving rats, using an in vivo microdialysis technique. Intraperitoneal administration of beta-PEA (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) significantly increased extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens shell. The observed increase in the dopamine concentration in nucleus accumbens shell dialysate after intraperitoneal administration of 25 mg/kg beta-PEA was inhibited by pre-treatment with a dopamine uptake inhibitor, GBR12909 (10 mg/kg, i.p.). In contrast, beta-PEA (25 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core. Although a high dose of beta-PEA (50 mg/kg) significantly increased dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens core, the dopamine increasing effect of beta-PEA was more potent in the nucleus accumbens shell. Systemic administration of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg beta-PEA also increased extracellular dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of rats. However, systemic 25 mg/kg beta-PEA-induced increases in extracellular dopamine levels were not blocked by GBR12909 within the prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that beta-PEA has a greater effect in the shell than in the core and low-dose beta-PEA stimulates dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens shell through uptake by a dopamine transporter. Similarly, beta-PEA increased extracellular dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. Thus, beta-PEA may increase extracellular dopamine concentrations in the mesocorticolimbic pathway.

Thiazolidinedione, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligand, modulates the E-cadherin/beta-catenin system in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, BxPC-3.

PubMed

Ohta, Tetsuo; Elnemr, Ayman; Yamamoto, Miyuki; Ninomiya, Itasu; Fushida, Sachio; Nishimura, Gen-Ichi; Fujimura, Takashi; Kitagawa, Hirohisa; Kayahara, Masato; Shimizu, Koichi; Yi, Shuangqin; Miwa, Koichi

2002-07-01

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma induces terminal differentiation and growth inhibition associated with G1 cell cycle arrest in some cancer cells. The multifunctional molecule beta-catenin performs important roles in intercellular adhesion and signal transduction. However, no report has focused on actions of PPAR-gamma in regulating the E-cadherin/beta-catenin system. We examined whether thiazolidinedione (TZD), a potent PPAR-gamma ligand, could modulate the E-cadherin/beta-catenin system in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, BxPC-3, that has been found to express PPAR-gamma. According to Western blotting, TZD markedly increased differentiation markers including E-cadherin and carcinoembryonic antigen, while beta-catenin did not change significantly. In untreated cells, fluorescence immunostaining demonstrated beta-catenin predominantly in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus; in TZD-treated cells, beta-catenin localization had dramatically shifted to the plasma membrane, in association with increased E-cadherin at this site. Thus, a PPAR-gamma ligand appears to participate not only in induction of differentiation in pancreatic cancer cells, but also in the regulation of the E-cadherin/beta-catenin system. Such ligands may prove clinically useful as cytostatic anticancer agents.

Influence of phosphate and disinfection on the composition of biofilms produced from drinking water, as measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

PubMed

Batté, M; Mathieu, L; Laurent, P; Prévost, M

2003-12-01

Biofilms were grown in annular reactors supplied with drinking water enriched with 235 microg C/L. Changes in the biofilms with ageing, disinfection, and phosphate treatment were monitored using fluorescence in situ hybridization. EUB338, BET42a, GAM42a, and ALF1b probes were used to target most bacteria and the alpha (alpha), beta (beta), and gamma (gamma) subclasses of Proteobacteria, respectively. The stability of biofilm composition was checked after the onset of colonization between T = 42 days and T = 113 days. From 56.0% to 75.9% of the cells detected through total direct counts with DAPI (4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) were also detected with the EUB338 probe, which targets the 16S rRNA of most bacteria. Among these cells, 16.9%-24.7% were targeted with the BET42a probe, 1.8%-18.3% with the ALF1b probe, and <2.5% with the GAM42a probe. Phosphate treatment induced a significant enhancement to the proportion of gamma-Proteobacteria (detected with the GAM42a probe), a group that contains many health-related bacteria. Disinfection with monochloramine for 1 month or chlorine for 3 days induced a reduction in the percentage of DAPI-stained cells that hybridized with the EUB338 probe (as expressed by percentages of EUB338 counts/DAPI) and with any of the ALF1b, BET42a, and GAM42a probes. The percentage of cells detected by any of the three probes (ALF1b+BET42a+GAM42a) tended to decrease, and reached in total less than 30% of the EUB338-hybridized cells. Disinfection with chlorine for 7 days induced a reverse shift; an increase in the percentage of EUB338 counts targeted by any of these three probes was noted, which reached up to 87%. However, it should be noted that the global bacterial densities (heterotrophic plate counts and total direct counts) tended to decrease over the duration of the experiment. Therefore, those bacteria that could be considered to resist 7 days of chlorination constituted a small part of the initial biofilm community, up to the point at which the other bacterial groups were destroyed by chlorination. The results suggest that there were variations in the kinetics of inactivation by disinfectant, depending on the bacterial populations involved.

Bayesian analysis of energy and count rate data for detection of low count rate radioactive sources.

PubMed

Klumpp, John; Brandl, Alexander

2015-03-01

A particle counting and detection system is proposed that searches for elevated count rates in multiple energy regions simultaneously. The system analyzes time-interval data (e.g., time between counts), as this was shown to be a more sensitive technique for detecting low count rate sources compared to analyzing counts per unit interval (Luo et al. 2013). Two distinct versions of the detection system are developed. The first is intended for situations in which the sample is fixed and can be measured for an unlimited amount of time. The second version is intended to detect sources that are physically moving relative to the detector, such as a truck moving past a fixed roadside detector or a waste storage facility under an airplane. In both cases, the detection system is expected to be active indefinitely; i.e., it is an online detection system. Both versions of the multi-energy detection systems are compared to their respective gross count rate detection systems in terms of Type I and Type II error rates and sensitivity.

Host defense responses associated with experimental hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer.

PubMed

Quist, C F; Howerth, E W; Stallknecht, D E; Brown, J; Pisell, T; Nettles, V F

1997-07-01

Our objectives were to examine the immunity conferred by epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 2 (EHDV-2) infection in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and determine if this immunity was protective during challenge with homologous (EHDV-2) or heterologous (bluetongue virus serotype 10; BTV-10) virus. Trials were conducted in the fall of 1992 and 1993. In the first experiment, naive white-tailed deer were infected intradermally and subcutaneously with EHDV-2 and monitored via physical examinations, complete blood counts, alpha and beta interferon (IFN) assays, viral isolation, and serology. Infected deer had a wide range of clinical signs in response to infection. Eleven of the 16 deer had body temperature elevations > or = 0.5 C between post-infection day (PID) 4 and 8. Infected deer had decreased lymphocyte counts between PID 6 and 10 that returned to normal levels by PID 17. Severely lymphopenic animals had the most severe clinical signs; five of 10 deer with lymphocyte counts less than 1000 cells/microliters succumbed to the infection. Viremia was detected in all 16 EHDV-2 infected animals by PID 4, and peak viremias occurred between PID 4 and PID 10. Three deer remained viremic until PID 56, the study endpoint. Interferon was first detected between PID 2 and 6. Peak alpha and beta IFN levels coincided with peak viremia in 11 deer. Precipitating and neutralizing antibodies were detected in infected deer by PID 10. In the second experiment, convalescent deer were challenged subcutaneously and intradermally with either EHDV-2 or BTV-10 and similarly monitored. Virus was detected in the blood of all four deer challenged with BTV-10, but viremia was not detected in three EHDV-2-challenged deer. Temperature fluctuations, blood cell parameter changes, and IFN and antibody responses seen in BTV-10-challenged deer were similar to those seen in the initial experiment. Deer challenged with EHDV-2 had mildly increased temperatures, but minimal IFN response and lymphocyte alterations.

The role of stress and beta-adrenergic system in melanoma: current knowledge and possible therapeutic options.

PubMed

Colucci, Roberta; Moretti, Silvia

2016-05-01

The aim of the present review was to discuss recent findings on the role of beta-adrenergic system in melanoma, in order to provide information on the biological responses elicited by its activation and its potential application for melanoma treatment. A literature search was performed, and evidences regarding the involvement of stress and beta-adrenergic system in cancer and melanoma were found and discussed. Our search pointed out that beta-adrenergic system is a key regulator of important biological processes involved in the onset and progression of some solid tumors. In the last decade, functional beta-adrenoceptors have been also identified on melanoma cells, as well as on their microenvironment cells. Similarly to other common cancers too, the activation of such adrenoceptors by catecholamines, usually released under stress conditions, has been found to trigger pro-tumorigenic pathways contributing to cell proliferation and motility, immune system regulation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and neoangiogenesis. The biological evidences we found clarify and sustain the clinical evidences reporting the involvement of chronic stress in melanoma onset and progression. In such scenario, it is conceivable that a therapeutic approach targeting beta-adrenergic system could constitute a novel and promising strategy for melanoma treatment.

Drinking water quality and formation of biofilms in an office building during its first year of operation, a full scale study.

PubMed

Inkinen, Jenni; Kaunisto, Tuija; Pursiainen, Anna; Miettinen, Ilkka T; Kusnetsov, Jaana; Riihinen, Kalle; Keinänen-Toivola, Minna M

2014-02-01

Complex interactions existing between water distribution systems' materials and water can cause a reduction in water quality and unwanted changes in materials, aging or corrosion of materials and formation of biofilms on surfaces. Substances leaching from pipe materials and water fittings, as well as the microbiological quality of water and formation of biofilms were evaluated by applying a Living Lab theme i.e. a research in a real life setting using a full scale system during its first year of operation. The study site was a real office building with one part of the building lined with copper pipes, the other with cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes thus enabling material comparison; also differences within the cold and hot water systems were analysed. It was found that operational conditions, such as flow conditions and temperature affected the amounts of metals leaching from the pipe network. In particular, brass components were considered to be a source of leaching; e. g. the lead concentration was highest during the first few weeks after the commissioning of the pipe network when the water was allowed to stagnate. Assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and microbially available phosphorus (MAP) were found to leach from PEX pipelines with minor effects on biomass of the biofilm. Cultivable and viable biomass (heterotrophic plate count (HPC), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) levels in biofilms were higher in the cold than in the hot water system whereas total microbial biomass (total cell count (DAPI)) was similar with both systems. The type of pipeline material was not found to greatly affect the microbial biomass or Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria profiles (16s rRNA gene copies) after the first one year of operation. Also microbiological quality of water was found to deteriorate due to stagnation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiple Transient Signals in Human Visual Cortex Associated with an Elementary Decision

PubMed Central

Nolte, Guido

2017-01-01

The cerebral cortex continuously undergoes changes in its state, which are manifested in transient modulations of the cortical power spectrum. Cortical state changes also occur at full wakefulness and during rapid cognitive acts, such as perceptual decisions. Previous studies found a global modulation of beta-band (12–30 Hz) activity in human and monkey visual cortex during an elementary visual decision: reporting the appearance or disappearance of salient visual targets surrounded by a distractor. The previous studies disentangled neither the motor action associated with behavioral report nor other secondary processes, such as arousal, from perceptual decision processing per se. Here, we used magnetoencephalography in humans to pinpoint the factors underlying the beta-band modulation. We found that disappearances of a salient target were associated with beta-band suppression, and target reappearances with beta-band enhancement. This was true for both overt behavioral reports (immediate button presses) and silent counting of the perceptual events. This finding indicates that the beta-band modulation was unrelated to the execution of the motor act associated with a behavioral report of the perceptual decision. Further, changes in pupil-linked arousal, fixational eye movements, or gamma-band responses were not necessary for the beta-band modulation. Together, our results suggest that the beta-band modulation was a top-down signal associated with the process of converting graded perceptual signals into a categorical format underlying flexible behavior. This signal may have been fed back from brain regions involved in decision processing to visual cortex, thus enforcing a “decision-consistent” cortical state. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Elementary visual decisions are associated with a rapid state change in visual cortex, indexed by a modulation of neural activity in the beta-frequency range. Such decisions are also followed by other events that might affect the state of visual cortex, including the motor command associated with the report of the decision, an increase in pupil-linked arousal, fixational eye movements, and fluctuations in bottom-up sensory processing. Here, we ruled out the necessity of these events for the beta-band modulation of visual cortex. We propose that the modulation reflects a decision-related state change, which is induced by the conversion of graded perceptual signals into a categorical format underlying behavior. The resulting decision signal may be fed back to visual cortex. PMID:28495972

Dose and dose rate effects of whole-body gamma-irradiation: II. Hematological variables and cytokines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gridley, D. S.; Pecaut, M. J.; Miller, G. M.; Moyers, M. F.; Nelson, G. A.

2001-01-01

The goal of part II of this study was to evaluate the effects of gamma-radiation on circulating blood cells, functional characteristics of splenocytes, and cytokine expression after whole-body irradiation at varying total doses and at low- and high-dose-rates (LDR, HDR). Young adult C57BL/6 mice (n = 75) were irradiated with either 1 cGy/min or 80 cGy/min photons from a 60Co source to cumulative doses of 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 Gy. The animals were euthanized at 4 days post-exposure for in vitro assays. Significant dose- (but not dose-rate-) dependent decreases were observed in erythrocyte and blood leukocyte counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced 3H-thymidine incorporation, and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by activated spleen cells when compared to sham-irradiated controls (p < 0.05). Basal proliferation of leukocytes in the blood and spleen increased significantly with increasing dose (p < 0.05). Significant dose rate effects were observed only in thrombocyte counts. Plasma levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and splenocyte secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were not affected by either the dose or dose rate of radiation. The data demonstrate that the responses of blood and spleen were largely dependent upon the total dose of radiation employed and that an 80-fold difference in the dose rate was not a significant factor in the great majority of measurements.

A coherent high-precision radiocarbon chronology for the Late-glacial sequence at Sluggan Bog, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowe, J. J.; Walker, M. J. C.; Scott, E. M.; Harkness, D. D.; Bryant, C. L.; Davies, S. M.

2004-02-01

Seventy-five radiocarbon dates are presented from Sluggan Bog in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. The Holocene peats are underlain by Late-glacial sediments, which also appear to have accumulated largely in a mire environment. The radiocarbon dates, from the Late-glacial and early Holocene part of the profile, were obtained from the humic and humin fractions of the sedimentary matrix, and from plant macrofossils. The last-named were dated by AMS and the sediment samples by radiometric (beta counting) methods. Age-depth models for the three dating series show a very high level of agreement between the two fractions and the macrofossils. No statistically significant difference is found between the beta counting and AMS results. Three tephras were located in the profile, the uppermost of which is in a stratigraphical position suggestive of the Vedde Ash, but the geochemical and radiocarbon evidence do not support this interpretation. The lower ashes are in the correct stratigraphical position for the Laacher See and Borrobol tephras, attributions substantiated by the radiocarbon evidence, but not by the geochemical data. The Sluggan sequence has generated one of the most internally consistent radiocarbon chronologies for any Late-glacial site in the British Isles, and it is suggested that in future more effort should be devoted to the search for, and analysis of, Late-glacial mire sequences, rather than the limnic records that have formed the principal focus of Late-glacial investigations hitherto. Copyright

Fuel cell using a hydrogen generation system

DOEpatents

Dentinger, Paul M.; Crowell, Jeffrey A. W.

2010-10-19

A system is described for storing and generating hydrogen and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H.sub.2/O.sub.2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from .sup.63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.

Hydrogen storage and generation system

DOEpatents

Dentinger, Paul M.; Crowell, Jeffrey A. W.

2010-08-24

A system for storing and generating hydrogen generally and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H.sub.2/O.sub.2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses the beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from .sup.63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.

Continental rifting and the origin of Beta Regio, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgill, G. E.; Steenstrup, S. J.; Barton, C.; Ford, P. G.

1981-01-01

Topographic maps based on Pioneer Venus altimetry suggest that Beta Regio, an elevated feature centered at 27 deg N, 282 deg E, is analogous to domes associated with continental rift systems on earth. This interpretation is consistent with the commonly quoted analogy between the East African rift system and the topography of the region from Beta Regio southward to Phoebe Regio. If Beta Regio is a dome, major structural uplift of the crust of Venus is implied, suggesting a more dynamic upper mantle than would be the case if Beta Regio were simply a large volcanic construct.

An improved out-cell to in-cell rapid transfer system at the HFEF-south

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

Bacca, J.P.; Sherman, E.K.

1990-01-01

The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Hot Fuel Examination Facility-South (HFEF-S), located at the ANL-West site of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment and modifications in preparation for its use, beginning in 1991, in demonstrating remote recycling of fast reactor, metal-alloy fuel as part of the US Department of Energy liquid-metal reactor, Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) program. Included in these improvements to HFEF-S is a new, small-item, rapid transfer system (RTS). When installed, this system will enable the rapid transfer of small items from the hot-cell exterior into the argon cell (argon-gas atmosphere) of the facility withoutmore » necessitating the use of time-consuming and laborious procedures. The new RTS will also provide another important function associated with HFEF-S hot-cell operation in the IFR Fuel Recycle Program; namely, the rapid insertion of clean, radioactive contamination-measuring smear paper specimens into the hot cells for area surveys, and the expedited removal of these contaminated (including alpha as well as beta/gamma contamination) smears from the argon cell for transfer to an adjacent health physics field laboratory in the facility for nuclear contamination/radiation counting.« less

Fluorescent x-ray computed tomography with synchrotron radiation using fan collimator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Tohoru; Akiba, Masahiro; Yuasa, Tetsuya; Kazama, Masahiro; Hoshino, Atsunori; Watanabe, Yuuki; Hyodo, Kazuyuki; Dilmanian, F. Avraham; Akatsuka, Takao; Itai, Yuji

1996-04-01

We describe a new system of fluorescent x-ray computed tomography applied to image nonradioactive contrast materials in vivo. The system operates on the basis of computed tomography (CT) of the first generation. The experiment was also simulated using the Monte Carlo method. The research was carried out at the BLNE-5A bending-magnet beam line of the Tristan Accumulation Ring in Kek, Japan. An acrylic cylindrical phantom containing five paraxial channels of 5 and 4 mm diameters was imaged. The channels were filled with a diluted iodine-based contrast material, with iodine concentrations of 2 mg/ml and 500 (mu) g/ml. Spectra obtained with the system's high purity germanium (HPGe) detector separated clearly the K(alpha ) and K(beta 1) x-ray fluorescent lines, and the Compton scattering. CT images were reconstructed from projections generated by integrating the counts in these spectral lines. The method had adequate sensitivity and detection power, as shown by the experiment and predicted by the simulations, to show the iodine content of the phantom channels, which corresponded to 1 and 4 (mu) g iodine content per pixel in the reconstructed images.

Density estimation in aerial images of large crowds for automatic people counting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrmann, Christian; Metzler, Juergen

2013-05-01

Counting people is a common topic in the area of visual surveillance and crowd analysis. While many image-based solutions are designed to count only a few persons at the same time, like pedestrians entering a shop or watching an advertisement, there is hardly any solution for counting large crowds of several hundred persons or more. We addressed this problem previously by designing a semi-automatic system being able to count crowds consisting of hundreds or thousands of people based on aerial images of demonstrations or similar events. This system requires major user interaction to segment the image. Our principle aim is to reduce this manual interaction. To achieve this, we propose a new and automatic system. Besides counting the people in large crowds, the system yields the positions of people allowing a plausibility check by a human operator. In order to automatize the people counting system, we use crowd density estimation. The determination of crowd density is based on several features like edge intensity or spatial frequency. They indicate the density and discriminate between a crowd and other image regions like buildings, bushes or trees. We compare the performance of our automatic system to the previous semi-automatic system and to manual counting in images. By counting a test set of aerial images showing large crowds containing up to 12,000 people, the performance gain of our new system will be measured. By improving our previous system, we will increase the benefit of an image-based solution for counting people in large crowds.

Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Beta-glucans are a heterogeneous group of natural polysaccharides mostly investigated for their immunological effects. Due to the low systemic availability of oral preparations, it has been thought that only parenterally applied beta-glucans can modulate the immune system. However, several in vivo and in vitro investigations have revealed that orally applied beta-glucans also exert such effects. Various receptor interactions, explaining possible mode of actions, have been detected. The effects mainly depend on the source and structure of the beta-glucans. In the meantime, several human clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast beta-glucans have been performed. The results confirm the previous findings of in vivo studies. The results of all studies taken together clearly indicate that oral intake of insoluble yeast beta-glucans is safe and has an immune strengthening effect. PMID:24774968

Characterization of the interdependency between residues that bind the substrate in a beta-glycosidase.

PubMed

Tomassi, M H; Rozenfeld, J H K; Gonçalves, L M; Marana, S R

2010-01-01

The manner by which effects of simultaneous mutations combine to change enzymatic activity is not easily predictable because these effects are not always additive in a linear manner. Hence, the characterization of the effects of simultaneous mutations of amino acid residues that bind the substrate can make a significant contribution to the understanding of the substrate specificity of enzymes. In the beta-glycosidase from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sfbetagly), both residues Q39 and E451 interact with the substrate and this is essential for defining substrate specificity. Double mutants of Sfbetagly (A451E39, S451E39 and S451N39) were prepared by site-directed mutagenesis, expressed in bacteria and purified using affinity chromatography. These enzymes were characterized using p-nitrophenyl beta-galactoside and p-nitrophenyl beta-fucoside as substrates. The k cat/Km ratio for single and double mutants of Sfbetagly containing site-directed mutations at positions Q39 and E451 was used to demonstrate that the effect on the free energy of ESdouble dagger (enzyme-transition state complex) of the double mutations (Gdouble daggerxy) is not the sum of the effects resulting from the single mutations (Gdouble daggerx and Gdouble daggery). This difference in Gdouble dagger indicates that the effects of the single mutations partially overlap. Hence, this common effect counts only once in Gdouble daggerxy. Crystallographic data on beta-glycosidases reveal the presence of a bidentate hydrogen bond involving residues Q39 and E451 and the same hydroxyl group of the substrate. Therefore, both thermodynamic and crystallographic data suggest that residues Q39 and E451 exert a mutual influence on their respective interactions with the substrate.

Simultaneous determination of gross alpha, gross beta and ²²⁶Ra in natural water by liquid scintillation counting.

PubMed

Fons, J; Zapata-García, D; Tent, J; Llauradó, M

2013-11-01

The determination of gross alpha, gross beta and (226)Ra activity in natural waters is useful in a wide range of environmental studies. Furthermore, gross alpha and gross beta parameters are included in international legislation on the quality of drinking water [Council Directive 98/83/EC]. In this work, a low-background liquid scintillation counter (Wallac, Quantulus 1220) was used to simultaneously determine gross alpha, gross beta and (226)Ra activity in natural water samples. Sample preparation involved evaporation to remove (222)Rn and its short-lived decay daughters. The evaporation process concentrated the sample ten-fold. Afterwards, a sample aliquot of 8 mL was mixed with 12 mL of Ultima Gold AB scintillation cocktail in low-diffusion vials. In this study, a theoretical mathematical model based on secular equilibrium conditions between (226)Ra and its short-lived decay daughters is presented. The proposed model makes it possible to determine (226)Ra activity from two measurements. These measurements also allow determining gross alpha and gross beta simultaneously. To validate the proposed model, spiked samples with different activity levels for each parameter were analysed. Additionally, to evaluate the model's applicability in natural water, eight natural water samples from different parts of Spain were analysed. The eight natural water samples were also characterised by alpha spectrometry for the naturally occurring isotopes of uranium ((234)U, (235)U and (238)U), radium ((224)Ra and (226)Ra), (210)Po and (232)Th. The results for gross alpha and (226)Ra activity were compared with alpha spectrometry characterization, and an acceptable concordance was obtained. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design study for a two-color beta measurement system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Design analysis of the beam splitter combined two color beta system is presented. Conventional and dichroic beam splitters are discussed. Design analysis of the beta system employing two beams with focusing at separate points is presented. Alterations and basic parameters of the two beam system are discussed. Alterations in the focus of the initial laser and the returning beams are also discussed. Heterodyne efficiencies for the on axis and off axis reflected radiation are included.

Half-lives and branchings for {beta}-delayed neutron emission for neutron-rich Co-Cu isotopes in the r-process

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

Hosmer, P.; Estrade, A.; Montes, F.

The {beta} decays of very neutron-rich nuclides in the Co-Zn region were studied experimentally at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory using the NSCL {beta}-counting station in conjunction with the neutron detector NERO. We measured the branchings for {beta}-delayed neutron emission (P{sub n} values) for {sup 74}Co (18{+-}15%) and {sup 75-77}Ni (10{+-}2.8%, 14{+-}3.6%, and 30{+-}24%, respectively) for the first time, and remeasured the P{sub n} values of {sup 77-79}Cu, {sup 79,81}Zn, and {sup 82}Ga. For {sup 77-79}Cu and for {sup 81}Zn we obtain significantly larger P{sub n} values compared to previous work. While the new half-lives for the Ni isotopes frommore » this experiment had been reported before, we present here in addition the first half-life measurements of {sup 75}Co (30{+-}11 ms) and {sup 80}Cu (170{sub -50}{sup +110} ms). Our results are compared with theoretical predictions, and their impact on various types of models for the astrophysical rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) is explored. We find that with our new data, the classical r-process model is better able to reproduce the A=78-80 abundance pattern inferred from the solar abundances. The new data also influence r-process models based on the neutrino-driven high-entropy winds in core collapse supernovae.« less

[Bushen Huoxue Fang promotes the apoptosis of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system of rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia].

PubMed

Sun, Jie; Li, Qiu-Fen; Tian, Dai-Zhi; Jiang, Shao-Bo; Wu, Xian-De; Qiu, Shun-An; Ren, Xiao-Gang; Li, Yu-Bing

2014-09-01

To investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue Fang (BSHX) on the apoptosis of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system of rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its possible action mechanism. One hundred 3- month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of equal number (control, castrated, BPH model, and BSHX). BPH models were made by subcutaneous injection of testosterone following castration; the rats in the BSHX group were treated intragastrically with BSHX at 2.34 g/ml after modeling, while those in the other two groups with equal volume of saline, all for 37 days. On the 38th day, all the rats were sacrificed and their prostates harvested for detection of the distribution of TGF-beta1 and alpha-actin and the count of positive cells in the prostatic ductal system by immunohistochemical staining. The apoptosis rate of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system was determined by TUNEL assay. The expression of TGF-beta1 was significantly increased in the rats of the BSHX group as compared with the BPH models in both the proximal prostatic duct ([15.28 +/- 4.30]% vs [36.42 +/- 8.10]%, P < 0.01) and the distal prostatic duct ([4.42 +/- 2.07]% vs [8.71 +/- 2.28 ]%, P < 0.05), while the expression of alpha-actin in the proximal duct was remarkably higher in the BSHX-treated rats than in the models ([28.14 +/- 7.43]% vs [18.28 +/- 4.07]%, P < 0.01), but lower than in the control animals ([33.57 +/- 6.85]%, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the BPH models and BSHX-treated rats both exhibited markedly decreased apoptosis of epithelial cells in the proximal prostatic duct ([39.42 +/- 9.20]% vs [3.86 +/- 1.34]%, P < 0.01, and [31.14 +/- 5.64]%, P < 0.01) and distal prostatic duct ([17.60 +/- 4.86]% vs [3.07 +/- 1.14]%, P < 0.01, and [12.37 +/- 2.25]%, P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of epithelial cells in the prostatic ductal system was significantly higher in the BSHX-treated rats than in the BPH models (P < 0.01). By upregulating the expression of TGF-beta, BSHX can suppress the reduction of smooth muscle cells in the proximal prostatic duct, promote the apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cells, and thus effectively inhibit benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dose-related influence of sodium selenite on apoptosis in human thyroid follicles in vitro induced by iodine, EGF, TGF-beta, and H2O2.

PubMed

Lehmann, Petra; Rank, Petra; Hallfeldt, Klaus L J; Krebs, Bjarne; Gärtner, Roland

2006-08-01

Apoptosis of thyroid follicular cells is induced by high doses of iodide, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), as well as H2O2 and might be attenuated by antioxidants. Therefore, we examined the apoptotic index induced by these substances in selenium-treated vs untreated human thyroid follicular cells. Reconstituted human thyroid follicles were incubated with sodium selenite (10 or 100 nM) for 72 h; controls received none. The follicles were then distributed to 24-well plates and incubated with potassium iodide (5, 10, or 20 nM), EGF (5 ng/mL), TGF-beta (5 ng/mL), or H2O2 (100 muM). Apoptosis was determined by a mitochondrial potential assay and the number of apoptotic cells counted by two independent, experienced technicians and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was determined. Asignificant increase of apoptic cells was obtained in control thyroid follicles treated with iodine (5, 10, or 20 microM), thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) 1, or 10 mU/mL in combination with 5 and 10 microM iodine, EGF (5 ng/mL) and TGF-beta (5 ng/mL), or H2O2 (100 microM) (p < 0.001). In contrast, in thyroid follicles preincubated with 10 or 100 nM sodium selenite, the apoptototic index was identical to the basal rate. In H2O2-treated follicles, the apoptotic index was still significantly elevated but 50% lower compared to control cells. The GPx activity increased from 1.4 +/- 0.2 to 2.25 +/- 0.4 mU/microg DNA with 10 nMselenite and 2.6 + 0.4 mU/microg DNA with 100 nM selenite. Sodium selenite might increase the antioxidative potential in human thyroid follicles in vitro and therefore diminish the apoptosis induced by TGF-beta, EGF, iodide, and even H2O2.

Evaluation of the automated hematology analyzer ADVIA® 120 for cerebrospinal fluid analysis and usage of unique hemolysis reagent.

PubMed

Tanada, H; Ikemoto, T; Masutani, R; Tanaka, H; Takubo, T

2014-02-01

In this study, we evaluated the performance of the ADVIA 120 hematology system for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay. Cell counts and leukocyte differentials in CSF were examined with the ADVIA 120 hematology system, while simultaneously confirming an effective hemolysis agent for automated CSF cell counts. The detection limits of both white blood cell (WBC) counts and red blood cell (RBC) counts on the measurement of CSF cell counts by the ADVIA 120 hematology system were superior at 2 cells/μL (10(-6) L). The WBC count was linear up to 9.850 cells/μL, and the RBC count was linear up to approximately 20 000 cells/μL. The intrarun reproducibility indicated good precision. The leukocyte differential of CSF cells, performed by the ADVIA120 hematology system, showed good correlation with the microscopic procedure. The VersaLyse hemolysis solution efficiently lysed the samples without interfering with cell counts and leukocyte differential, even in a sample that included approximately 50 000/μL RBC. These data show the ADVIA 120 hematology system correctly measured the WBC count and leukocyte differential in CSF. The VersaLyse hemolysis solution is considered to be optimal for hemolysis treatment of CSF when measuring cell counts and differentials by the ADVIA 120 hematology system. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Computer aided solution for segmenting the neuron line in hippocampal microscope images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albaidhani, Tahseen; Jassim, Sabah; Al-Assam, Hisham

2017-05-01

The brain Hippocampus component is known to be responsible for memory and spatial navigation. Its functionality depends on the status of different blood vessels within the Hippocampus and is severely impaired by Alzheimer's disease as a result blockage of increasing number of blood vessels by accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein. Accurate counting of blood vessels within the Hippocampus of mice brain, from microscopic images, is an active research area for the understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we report our work on automatic detection of the Region of Interest, i.e. the region in which blood vessels are located. This area typically falls between the hippocampus edge and the line of neurons within the Hippocampus. This paper proposes a new method to detect and exclude the neuron line to improve the accuracy of blood vessel counting because some neurons on it might lead to false positive cases as they look like blood vessels. Our proposed solution is based on using trainable segmentation approach with morphological operations, taking into account variation in colour, intensity values, and image texture. Experiments on a sufficient number of microscopy images of mouse brain demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed solution in preparation for blood vessels counting.

Benefits of automated surface decontamination of a radioiodine ward.

PubMed

Westcott, Eliza; Broadhurst, Alicia; Crossley, Steven; Lee, Lloyd; Phan, Xuyen; Scharli, Rainer; Xu, Yan

2012-02-01

A floor-washing robot has been acquired to assist physicists with decontamination of radioiodine therapy ward rooms after discharge of the patient at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. The effectiveness of the robot in decontaminating the ward has been evaluated. A controlled experiment was performed by deliberately contaminating a polyvinyl chloride flooring offcut with 131I followed by automated decontamination with the robot. The extent of fixed and removable contamination was assessed before and after decontamination by two methods: (1) direct Geiger-Mueller counting and (2) beta-counting wipe tests. Surface contamination was also assessed in situ on the ward by Geiger-Mueller counting and wipe testing. Contamination maps confirmed that contamination was removed rather than spread around by the robot. Wipe testing revealed that the robot was successful in clearing approximately 60-80% of removable contamination. The robotic floor-washing device was considered suitable to provide effective automated decontamination of the radioiodine ward. In addition, the robot affords other benefits: the time spent by the physicists decontaminating the room is greatly reduced offering financial and occupational safety and health benefits. The robot has also found utility in other decontamination applications in the healthcare environment.

Progress towards barium daughter tagging in Xe136 decay using single molecule fluorescence imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Austin; NEXT Collaboration

2017-09-01

The existence of Majorana fermions is of great interest as it may be related to the asymmetry between matter and anti-matter particles in the universe. However, the search for them has proven to be a difficult one. Neutrino-less Double Beta decay (NLDB) offers a possible opportunity for direct observation of a Majorana Fermion. The rate for NLDB decay may be as low as 1 count /ton /year if the mass ordering is inverted. Current detector technologies have background rates between 4 to 300 count /ton /year /ROI at the 100kg scale which is much larger than the universal goal of 0.1 count /ton /year /ROI desired for ton-scale detectors. The premise of my research is to develop new detector technologies that will allow for a background-free experiment. My current work is to develop a sensor that will tag the daughter ion Ba++ from the Xe136 decay. The development of a sensor that is sensitive to single barium ion detection based on the single molecule fluorescence imaging technique is the major focus of this work. If successful, this could provide a path to a background-free experiment.

Progress towards barium daughter tagging in Xe136 decay using single molecule fluorescence imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Austin; Jones, Ben; Benson, Jordan; Nygren, David; NEXT Collaboration

2017-01-01

The existence of Majorana Fermions has been predicted, and is of great interest as it may be related to the asymmetry between matter and anti-matter particles in the universe. However, the search for them has proven to be a difficult one. Neutrino-less Double Beta decay (NLDB) offers a possible opportunity for direct observation of a Majorana Fermion. The rate for NLDB decay may be as low as 1 count / ton / year . Current detector technologies have background rates between 4 to 300 count / ton / year / ROI which is much larger than the universal goal of 0 . 1 count / ton / year / ROI desired for ton-scale detectors. The premise of my research is to develop new detector technologies that will allow for a background-free experiment. My current work is to develop a sensor that will tag the daughter ion Ba++ from the Xe136 decay. The development of a sensor that is sensitive to single barium ion detection based on the single molecule fluorescence imaging technique is the major focus of this work. If successful, this could provide a path to a background-free experiment.

Measures of large-scale structure in the CfA redshift survey slices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Lapparent, Valerie; Geller, Margaret J.; Huchra, John P.

1991-01-01

Variations of the counts-in-cells with cell size are used here to define two statistical measures of large-scale clustering in three 6 deg slices of the CfA redshift survey. A percolation criterion is used to estimate the filling factor which measures the fraction of the total volume in the survey occupied by the large-scale structures. For the full 18 deg slice of the CfA redshift survey, f is about 0.25 + or - 0.05. After removing groups with more than five members from two of the slices, variations of the counts in occupied cells with cell size have a power-law behavior with a slope beta about 2.2 on scales from 1-10/h Mpc. Application of both this statistic and the percolation analysis to simulations suggests that a network of two-dimensional structures is a better description of the geometry of the clustering in the CfA slices than a network of one-dimensional structures. Counts-in-cells are also used to estimate at 0.3 galaxy h-squared/Mpc the average galaxy surface density in sheets like the Great Wall.

A Next Generation Digital Counting System For Low-Level Tritium Studies (Project Report)

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

Bowman, P.

2016-10-03

Since the early seventies, SRNL has pioneered low-level tritium analysis using various nuclear counting technologies and techniques. Since 1999, SRNL has successfully performed routine low-level tritium analyses with counting systems based on digital signal processor (DSP) modules developed in the late 1990s. Each of these counting systems are complex, unique to SRNL, and fully dedicated to performing routine tritium analyses of low-level environmental samples. It is time to modernize these systems due to a variety of issues including (1) age, (2) lack of direct replacement electronics modules and (3) advances in digital signal processing and computer technology. There has beenmore » considerable development in many areas associated with the enterprise of performing low-level tritium analyses. The objective of this LDRD project was to design, build, and demonstrate a Next Generation Tritium Counting System (NGTCS), while not disrupting the routine low-level tritium analyses underway in the facility on the legacy counting systems. The work involved (1) developing a test bed for building and testing new counting system hardware that does not interfere with our routine analyses, (2) testing a new counting system based on a modern state of the art DSP module, and (3) evolving the low-level tritium counter design to reflect the state of the science.« less

Prostaglandin E1 inhibits collagen expression in anti-thymocyte antibody-induced glomerulonephritis: possible role of TGF beta.

PubMed

Schneider, A; Thaiss, F; Rau, H P; Wolf, G; Zahner, G; Jocks, T; Helmchen, U; Stahl, R A

1996-07-01

To test whether or not prostaglandins mediate extracellular matrix formation in immune-mediated glomerular disease, rats with anti-thymocyte antibody-induced glomerulonephritis were treated with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (250 micrograms/twice daily/s.c.). Glomerular expression of collagen types III and IV was assessed by Northern blotting, immunohistology and Western blotting. Proliferation of glomerular cells was evaluated by staining for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and consecutive cell counting. At day five after induction of the disease, glomerular mRNA levels of collagen types III and IV were three- to fivefold higher compared with non-nephritic controls. Similarly glomerular deposition of these collagens was markedly increased when assessed by immunohistology. The treatment of nephritic rats with PGE1 reduced the increased glomerular mRNA levels as well as the protein concentration and the deposition of extracellular collagens. The number of PCNA positive cells which was significantly higher in nephritic rats when compared with control animals (24 hr, nephritis 2.53 +/- 0.33 and Control 0.26 +/- 0.06, P = 0.011; 5 days, nephritis 5.10 +/- 1.13 and Control 0.75 +/- 0.08, cells per glomerular cross section, P = 0.03) was reduced by PGE1 (24 hr, nephritis+PGE1 0.44 +/- 0.30, P = 0.0001; 5 days, nephritis +/- PGE1 1.91 +/- 1.84 cells per glomerular cross section, P = 0.001). Prostaglandin E1 also ameliorated the glomerular infiltration of monocytes at 24 hours (nephritis 4.36 +/- 2.82, nephritis + PGE1 2.20 +/- 1.82, cells per glomerular cross section) and five days (nephritis 1.51 +/- 0.58, nephritis+PGE1 1.12 +/- 0.61, cells per glomerular cross section). To further characterize possible mechanisms by which PGE1 reduces extracellular matrix deposition, the glomerular expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-beta), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) was assessed by Northern blotting. Nephritic glomeruli showed increased mRNA levels of TGF-beta at day 5 and IL-1 beta at 24 hours when compared with control kidneys. Treatment of the animals with PGE1 inhibited the mRNA expression of TGF-beta and IL-1 beta. These data demonstrate that PGE1 reduces the glomerular expression of extracellular matrix proteins in anti-thymocyte antibody-induced glomerulonephritis, suggesting a beneficial role of prostaglandins in this proliferative glomerular immune injury. The effects of PGE1 might be mediated by inhibition of TGF-beta and IL-1 beta production.

Extrinsic factors regulate partial agonist efficacy of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors

PubMed Central

Farroni, Jeffrey S; McCool, Brian A

2004-01-01

Background Strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in many adult forebrain regions consist of alpha2 + beta heteromeric channels. This subunit composition is distinct from the alpha1 + beta channels found throughout the adult spinal cord. Unfortunately, the pharmacology of forebrain alpha2beta receptors are poorly defined compared to 'neonatal' alpha2 homomeric channels or 'spinal' alpha1beta heteromers. In addition, the pharmacologic properties of native alpha2beta glycine receptors have been generally distinct from receptors produced by heterologous expression. To identify subtype-specific pharmacologic tools for the forebrain alpha2beta receptors, it is important to identify a heterologous expression system that closely resembles these native glycine-gated chloride channels. Results While exploring pharmacological properties of alpha2beta glycine receptors compared to alpha2-homomers, we found that distinct heterologous expression systems appeared to differentially influence partial agonist pharmacology. The β-amino acid taurine possessed 30–50% efficacy for alpha2-containing receptor isoforms when expressed in HEK 293 cells. However, taurine efficacy was dramatically reduced in L-cell fibroblasts. Similar results were obtained for β-alanine. The efficacy of these partial agonists was also strongly reduced by the beta subunit. There were no significant differences in apparent strychnine affinity values calculated from concentration-response data between expression systems or subunit combinations. Nor did relative levels of expression correlate with partial agonist efficacy when compared within or between several different expression systems. Finally, disruption of the tubulin cytoskeleton reduced the efficacy of partial agonists in a subunit-dependent, but system-independent, fashion. Conclusions Our results suggest that different heterologous expression systems can dramatically influence the agonist pharmacology of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors. In the systems examine here, these effects are independent of both absolute expression level and any system-related alterations in the agonist binding site. We conclude that complex interactions between receptor composition and extrinsic factors may play a significant role in determining strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor partial agonist pharmacology. PMID:15301692

Transport of beta-casein-derived peptides by the oligopeptide transport system is a crucial step in the proteolytic pathway of Lactococcus lactis.

PubMed

Kunji, E R; Hagting, A; De Vries, C J; Juillard, V; Haandrikman, A J; Poolman, B; Konings, W N

1995-01-27

In the proteolytic pathway of Lactococcus lactis, milk proteins (caseins) are hydrolyzed extracellularly to oligopeptides by the proteinase (PrtP). The fate of these peptides, i.e. extracellular hydrolysis followed by amino acid uptake or transport followed by intracellular hydrolysis, has been addressed. Mutants have been constructed that lack a functional di-tripeptide transport system (DtpT) and/or oligopeptide transport system (Opp) but do express the P1-type proteinase (specific for hydrolysis of beta- and to a lesser extent kappa-casein). The wild type strain and the DtpT- mutant accumulate all beta-casein-derived amino acids in the presence of beta-casein as protein substrate and glucose as a source of metabolic energy. The amino acids are not accumulated significantly inside the cells by the Opp- and DtpT- Opp- mutants. When cells are incubated with a mixture of amino acids mimicking the composition of beta-casein, the amino acids are taken up to the same extent in all four strains. Analysis of the extracellular peptide fraction, formed by the action of PrtP on beta-casein, indicates that distinct peptides disappear only when the cells express an active Opp system. These and other experiments indicate that (i) oligopeptide transport is essential for the accumulation of all beta-casein-derived amino acids, (ii) the activity of the Opp system is sufficiently high to support high growth rates on beta-casein provided leucine and histidine are present as free amino acids, and (iii) extracellular peptidase activity is not present in L. lactis.

A high dynamic range pulse counting detection system for mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Collings, Bruce A; Dima, Martian D; Ivosev, Gordana; Zhong, Feng

2014-01-30

A high dynamic range pulse counting system has been developed that demonstrates an ability to operate at up to 2e8 counts per second (cps) on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Previous pulse counting detection systems have typically been limited to about 1e7 cps at the upper end of the systems dynamic range. Modifications to the detection electronics and dead time correction algorithm are described in this paper. A high gain transimpedance amplifier is employed that allows a multi-channel electron multiplier to be operated at a significantly lower bias potential than in previous pulse counting systems. The system utilises a high-energy conversion dynode, a multi-channel electron multiplier, a high gain transimpedance amplifier, non-paralysing detection electronics and a modified dead time correction algorithm. Modification of the dead time correction algorithm is necessary due to a characteristic of the pulse counting electronics. A pulse counting detection system with the capability to count at ion arrival rates of up to 2e8 cps is described. This is shown to provide a linear dynamic range of nearly five orders of magnitude for a sample of aprazolam with concentrations ranging from 0.0006970 ng/mL to 3333 ng/mL while monitoring the m/z 309.1 → m/z 205.2 transition. This represents an upward extension of the detector's linear dynamic range of about two orders of magnitude. A new high dynamic range pulse counting system has been developed demonstrating the ability to operate at up to 2e8 cps on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. This provides an upward extension of the detector's linear dynamic range by about two orders of magnitude over previous pulse counting systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Residual radioactivity of treated green diamonds.

PubMed

Cassette, Philippe; Notari, Franck; Lépy, Marie-Christine; Caplan, Candice; Pierre, Sylvie; Hainschwang, Thomas; Fritsch, Emmanuel

2017-08-01

Treated green diamonds can show residual radioactivity, generally due to immersion in radium salts. We report various activity measurements on two radioactive diamonds. The activity was characterized by alpha and gamma ray spectrometry, and the radon emanation was measured by alpha counting of a frozen source. Even when no residual radium contamination can be identified, measurable alpha and high-energy beta emissions could be detected. The potential health impact of radioactive diamonds and their status with regard to the regulatory policy for radioactive products are discussed. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Study of the peak shape in alpha spectra measured by liquid scintillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vera Tomé, F.; Gómez Escobar, V.; Martín Sánchez, A.

2002-06-01

Liquid-scintillation counting allows the measurement of alpha and beta activities jointly or only of the alpha-emitting nuclides in a sample. Although the resolution of the alpha spectra is poorer than that attained with semiconductor detectors, it is still an attractive alternative. We describe here attempts to fit a peak shape to experimental liquid-scintillation alpha spectra and discuss the parameters affecting this shape, such as the PSA (pulse-shape analyser) level, vial type, shaking the sample, etc. Spectral analysis has been applied for complex alpha spectra.

Simultaneous measurement of tritium and radiocarbon by ultra-low-background proportional counting

DOE PAGES

Mace, Emily; Aalseth, Craig; Alexander, Tom; ...

2016-12-21

Use of ultra-low-background capabilities at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provide enhanced sensitivity for measurement of low-activity sources of tritium and radiocarbon using proportional counters. Tritium levels are nearly back to pre-nuclear test backgrounds (~2-8 TU in rainwater), which can complicate their dual measurement with radiocarbon due to overlap in the beta decay spectra. In this paper, we present results of single-isotope proportional counter measurements used to analyze a dual-isotope methane sample synthesized from ~120 mg of H 2O and present sensitivity results.

A Vision-Based Counting and Recognition System for Flying Insects in Intelligent Agriculture.

PubMed

Zhong, Yuanhong; Gao, Junyuan; Lei, Qilun; Zhou, Yao

2018-05-09

Rapid and accurate counting and recognition of flying insects are of great importance, especially for pest control. Traditional manual identification and counting of flying insects is labor intensive and inefficient. In this study, a vision-based counting and classification system for flying insects is designed and implemented. The system is constructed as follows: firstly, a yellow sticky trap is installed in the surveillance area to trap flying insects and a camera is set up to collect real-time images. Then the detection and coarse counting method based on You Only Look Once (YOLO) object detection, the classification method and fine counting based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) using global features are designed. Finally, the insect counting and recognition system is implemented on Raspberry PI. Six species of flying insects including bee, fly, mosquito, moth, chafer and fruit fly are selected to assess the effectiveness of the system. Compared with the conventional methods, the test results show promising performance. The average counting accuracy is 92.50% and average classifying accuracy is 90.18% on Raspberry PI. The proposed system is easy-to-use and provides efficient and accurate recognition data, therefore, it can be used for intelligent agriculture applications.

A Vision-Based Counting and Recognition System for Flying Insects in Intelligent Agriculture

PubMed Central

Zhong, Yuanhong; Gao, Junyuan; Lei, Qilun; Zhou, Yao

2018-01-01

Rapid and accurate counting and recognition of flying insects are of great importance, especially for pest control. Traditional manual identification and counting of flying insects is labor intensive and inefficient. In this study, a vision-based counting and classification system for flying insects is designed and implemented. The system is constructed as follows: firstly, a yellow sticky trap is installed in the surveillance area to trap flying insects and a camera is set up to collect real-time images. Then the detection and coarse counting method based on You Only Look Once (YOLO) object detection, the classification method and fine counting based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) using global features are designed. Finally, the insect counting and recognition system is implemented on Raspberry PI. Six species of flying insects including bee, fly, mosquito, moth, chafer and fruit fly are selected to assess the effectiveness of the system. Compared with the conventional methods, the test results show promising performance. The average counting accuracy is 92.50% and average classifying accuracy is 90.18% on Raspberry PI. The proposed system is easy-to-use and provides efficient and accurate recognition data, therefore, it can be used for intelligent agriculture applications. PMID:29747429

Screening method for inhibitors against formosan subterranean termite beta-glucosidases in vivo.

PubMed

Zhu, Betty C R; Henderson, Gregg; Laine, Roger A

2005-02-01

Cellulose, a main structural constituent of plants, is the major nutritional component for wood-feeding termites. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose occurs by the action of cellulases, a mixture of the three major classes of enzymes including endo-1,4-beta-glucanases, exo-1,4-beta-glucanases, and beta-glucosidase. Lower termites, such as the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, require cellulolytic protozoa to efficiently digest cellulose for survival. Inhibitors developed against any of these cellulase system enzymes would be a potential termite treatment avenue. Our effort was to develop a screening system to determine whether termites could be controlled by administration of cellulase system inhibitors. Some reported compounds such as gluconolactone, conduritol B epoxide, and 1-deoxynojirimycin are potential beta-glucosidase inhibitors, but they have only been tested in vitro. We describe an in vivo method to test the inhibitory ability of the designated chemicals to act on beta-1,4-glucosidases, one member of the cellulase system that is the key step that releases glucose for use as an energy and carbon source for termites. Inhibition in releasing glucose from cellooligosaccharides might be sufficient to starve termites. Fluorescein di-beta-D-glucopyranoside was used as the artificial enzyme substrate and the fluorescent intensity of the reaction product (fluorescein) quantified with an automated fluorescence plate reader. Several known in vitro beta-1,4-glucosidase inhibitors were tested in vivo, and their inhibitory potential was determined. Endogenous and protozoan cellulase activities are both assumed to play a role.

[Tissue localization and expression difference of endogenous beta-glucosidase in digestive system of Musca domestica third instar larvae].

PubMed

Hu, Rong; Zhang, Shu; Wu, Jian-Wei; Guo, Guo; Fu, Ping

2013-08-01

To study the tissue localization and expression difference of endogenous beta-glucosidase in digestive system of Musca domestica third instar larvae. The digestive system of the 3rd instar larvae of Musca domestic was taken for the below tests. Tissue localization of endogenous beta-glucosidase mRNA was identified by in situ hybridization. Cellulase was localized by immunohistochemistry. The enzymatic activity of beta-glucosidase was measured by 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid(DNS) assay. The relative mRNA expression levels of M. domestica beta-glucosidase gene in these organs were determined by RT-PCR. Beta-glucosidase mRNA, with in situ hybridization, was shown in the epithelial cells of midgut, salivary glands and foregut of the larvae. The immunohistochemical analysis on larvae tissues revealed that cellulase was produced and secreted by the epithelial cells of the midgut, salivary glands and foregut. beta-glucosidase activity in salivary glands, foregut, midgut, and hindgut was (0.80 +/- 0.06), (0.38 +/- 0.02), (1.20 +/- 0.05) and (0.26 +/- 0.02) IU/mg, respectively. There was significant difference in beta-glucosidase activity among these digestive organs (P < 0.05). The activity level of beta-glucosidase was highest in midgut [(45.45 +/- 1.27)%], and lowest in hindgut [(9.85 +/- 0.88)%]. However, beta-glucosidase gene were only expressed in the salivary gland, foregut and midgut. Significant differences in gene expression level of beta-glucosidase was found among these organs (P < 0.05). The relative expression quantity of beta-glucosidase gene in midgut and salivary glands were 5 and 3 times higher than that in foregut. The endogenous beta-glucosidase gene is expressed in the foregut, midgut and salivary glands. The midgut and salivary glands of Musca domestica 3rd instar larvae are the primary organs of this enzyme secretion.

Development of a Photon Counting System for Differential Lidar Signal Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elsayed-Ali, Hani

1997-01-01

Photon counting has been chosen as a means to extend the detection range of current airborne DIAL ozone measurements. Lidar backscattered return signals from the on and off-line lasers experience a significant exponential decay. To extract further data from the decaying ozone return signals, photon counting will be used to measure the low light levels, thus extending the detection range. In this application, photon counting will extend signal measurement where the analog return signal is too weak. The current analog measurement range is limited to approximately 25 kilometers from an aircraft flying at 12 kilometers. Photon counting will be able to exceed the current measurement range so as to follow the mid-latitude model of ozone density as a function of height. This report describes the development of a photon counting system. The initial development phase begins with detailed evaluation of individual photomultiplier tubes. The PMT qualities investigated are noise count rates, single electron response peaks, voltage versus gain values, saturation effects, and output signal linearity. These evaluations are followed by analysis of two distinctive tube base gating schemes. The next phase is to construct and operate a photon counting system in a laboratory environment. The laboratory counting simulations are used to determine optimum discriminator setpoints and to continue further evaluations of PMT properties. The final step in the photon counting system evaluation process is the compiling of photon counting measurements on the existing ozone DIAL laser system.

[BeO-OSL detectors for dose measurements in cell cultures].

PubMed

Andreeff, M; Sommer, D; Freudenberg, R; Reichelt, U; Henniger, J; Kotzerke, J

2009-01-01

The absorbed dose is an important parameter in experiments involving irradiation of cells in vitro with unsealed radionuclides. Typically, this is estimated with a model calculation, although the results thus obtained cannot be verified. Generally used real-time measurement methods are not applicable in this setting. A new detector material with in vitro suitability is the subject of this work. Optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters based on beryllium oxide (BeO) were used for dose measurement in cell cultures exposed to unsealed radionuclides. Their qualitative properties (e. g. energy-dependent count rate sensitivity, fading, contamination by radioactive liquids) were determined and compared to the results of a Monte Carlo simulation (using AMOS software). OSL dosimeters were tested in common cell culture setups with a known geometry. Dose reproducibility of the OSL dosimeters was +/-1.5%. Fading at room temperature was 0.07% per day. Dose loss (optically-stimulated deletion) under ambient lighting conditions was 0.5% per minute. The Monte Carlo simulation for the relative sensitivity at different beta energies provided corresponding results to those obtained with the OSL dosimeters. Dose profile measurements using a 6 well plate and 14 ml PP tube showed that the geometry of the cell culture vessel has a marked influence on dose distribution with 188Re. A new dosimeter system was calibrated with beta-emitters of different energy. It turned out as suitable for measuring dose in liquids. The dose profile measurements obtained are suitably precise to be used as a check against theoretical dose calculations.

Activity of benzimidazoles against Dientamoeba fragilis (Trichomonadida, Monocercomonadidae) in vitro and correlation of beta-tubulin sequences as an indicator of resistance

PubMed Central

Stark, Damien; Barratt, Joel L.N.; Roberts, Tamalee; Marriott, Deborah; Harkness, John T.; Ellis, John

2014-01-01

Recently, Dientamoeba fragilis has emerged as a significant and common enteropathogen. The majority of patients with dientamoebiasis present with gastrointestinal complaints and chronic symptoms are common. Numerous studies have successfully demonstrated parasite clearance, coupled with complete resolution of clinical symptoms following treatment with various antiparasitic compounds. Despite this, there is very little in vitro susceptibility data available for the organism. Benzimidazoles are a class of antiparasitic drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of protozoan and helminthic infections. Susceptibility testing was undertaken on four D. fragilis clinical isolates against the following benzimidazoles: albendazole, flubendazole, mebendazole, nocodazole, triclabendazole and thiabendazole. The activities of the antiprotozoal compounds at concentrations ranging from 2 μg/mL to 500 μg/mL were determined via cell counts of D. fragilis grown in xenic culture. All tested drugs showed no efficacy. The beta-tubulin transcript was sequenced from two of the D. fragilis isolates and amino acid sequences predicted a susceptibility to benzimidazoles. This is the first study to report susceptibility profiles for benzimidazoles against D. fragilis, all of which were not active against the organism. This study also found that beta-tubulin sequences cannot be used as a reliable marker for resistance of benzimidazoles in D. fragilis. PMID:25148459

Search for Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay of with CUORE-0

DOE PAGES

Alfonso, K.; Artusa, D.  R.; F. T. Avignone; ...

2015-09-03

We report the results of a search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in a 9.8 kg yr exposure of 130Te using a bolometric detector array, CUORE-0. The characteristic detector energy resolution and background level in the region of interest are 5.1 ± 0.3 keV FWHM and 0.058 ± 0.004 (stat.) ± 0:002 (syst.) counts/(keV kg yr), respectively. The median 90% C.L. lower-limit sensitivity of the experiment is 2.9 x 10 24 yr and surpasses the sensitivity of previous searches. We find no evidence for neutrinoless double-beta decay of 130Te and place a Bayesian lower bound on the decay half-life, T 0more » $$_1$$ 1/2 > 2.7 x 10 24 yr at 90% C.L. Combining CUORE-0 data with the 19.75 kg yr exposure of 130Te from the Cuoricino experiment we obtain T 0$$_1$$ 1/2 > 4.0 x 10 24 yr at 90% C.L. (Bayesian), the most stringent limit to date on this half-life. Using a range of nuclear matrix element estimates we interpret this as a limit on the effective Majorana neutrino mass, m ββ < 270 - 760 meV.« less

Rejection of randomly coinciding events in ZnMoO scintillating bolometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyak, D. M.; Danevich, F. A.; Giuliani, A.; Mancuso, M.; Nones, C.; Olivieri, E.; Tenconi, M.; Tretyak, V. I.

2014-06-01

Random coincidence of events (particularly from two neutrino double beta decay) could be one of the main sources of background in the search for neutrinoless double beta decay with cryogenic bolometers due to their poor time resolution. Pulse-shape discrimination by using front edge analysis, mean-time and methods were applied to discriminate randomly coinciding events in ZnMoO cryogenic scintillating bolometers. These events can be effectively rejected at the level of 99 % by the analysis of the heat signals with rise-time of about 14 ms and signal-to-noise ratio of 900, and at the level of 92 % by the analysis of the light signals with rise-time of about 3 ms and signal-to-noise ratio of 30, under the requirement to detect 95 % of single events. These rejection efficiencies are compatible with extremely low background levels in the region of interest of neutrinoless double beta decay of Mo for enriched ZnMoO detectors, of the order of counts/(y keV kg). Pulse-shape parameters have been chosen on the basis of the performance of a real massive ZnMoO scintillating bolometer. Importance of the signal-to-noise ratio, correct finding of the signal start and choice of an appropriate sampling frequency are discussed.

Prevalence of haemoglobinopathies in 34,030 healthy adults in Tehran, Iran.

PubMed

Ashtiani, M T H; Monajemzadeh, M; Sina, A H; Berenji, F; Abdollahi, M; Said, M G; Alam, M

2009-10-01

Haemoglobinopathies are a group of inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis. Their frequency varies considerably with geographic location and ethnic group. To establish the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies in a mainly healthy Iranian population. All files of the haematology unit of the Boghrat laboratory over a period of 10 years (1998-2007) were analysed in relation to the age, sex, full blood count, haemoglobin electrophoresis results, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) findings, and iron profile of healthy subjects referred for consultation before marriage. Other tests were performed if indicated. There were 34,030 files; 13,432 (39.5%) were for men, and 20,567 (60.4%) for women. 0.74% of subjects (255) showed a haemoglobinopathy. The distribution of variant haemoglobins in these 255 subjects was: Hb D 75.67% (193 cases), Hb S 4.7%, Hb E 3.13%, Hb O-Arab 1.96% and Hb Lepore 0.39%. A fast haemoglobin was found in 4.71% of subjects. Of the subjects tested, 13.2% (4478) had beta-thalassaemia minor, 0.2% (52) beta-thalassaemia intermedia and 0.1% (30) beta-thalassaemia major. In comparison with other parts of world, there is a different pattern of haemoglobinopathy with a high prevalence of Hb D, which appears to be Hb D Iran.

Lymphotoxin beta receptor (Lt betaR): dual roles in demyelination and remyelination and successful therapeutic intervention using Lt betaR-Ig protein.

PubMed

Plant, Sheila R; Iocca, Heather A; Wang, Ying; Thrash, J Cameron; O'Connor, Brian P; Arnett, Heather A; Fu, Yang-Xin; Carson, Monica J; Ting, Jenny P-Y

2007-07-11

Inflammation mediated by macrophages is increasingly found to play a central role in diseases and disorders that affect a myriad of organs, prominent among these are diseases of the CNS. The neurotoxicant-induced, cuprizone model of demyelination is ideally suited for the analysis of inflammatory events. Demyelination on exposure to cuprizone is accompanied by predictable microglial activation and astrogliosis, and, after cuprizone withdrawal, this activation reproducibly diminishes during remyelination. This study demonstrates enhanced expression of lymphotoxin beta receptor (Lt betaR) during the demyelination phase of this model, and Lt betaR is found in areas enriched with microglial and astroglial cells. Deletion of the Lt betaR gene (Lt betaR-/-) resulted in a significant delay in demyelination but also a slight delay in remyelination. Inhibition of Lt betaR signaling by an Lt betaR-Ig fusion decoy protein successfully delayed demyelination in wild-type mice. Unexpectedly, this Lt betaR-Ig decoy protein dramatically accelerated the rate of remyelination, even after the maximal pathological disease state had been reached. This strongly indicates the beneficial role of Lt betaR-Ig in the delay of demyelination and the acceleration of remyelination. The discrepancy between remyelination rates in these systems could be attributed to developmental abnormalities in the immune systems of Lt betaR-/- mice. These findings bode well for the use of an inhibitory Lt betaR-Ig as a candidate biological therapy in demyelinating disorders, because it is beneficial during both demyelination and remyelination.

Analysis of the phase solubility diagram of a phenacetin/competitor/beta-cyclodextrin ternary system, involving competitive inclusion complexation.

PubMed

Ono, N; Hirayama, F; Arima, H; Uekama, K

2001-01-01

The competitive inclusion complexations in the ternary phenacetin/competitors/beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CyD) systems were investigated by the solubility method, where m-bromobenzoic acid (m-BBA) and o-toluic acid (o-TA) were used as competitors. The solubility changes of the drug and competitors as a function of beta-CyD concentration in the ternary systems were formulated using their stability constants and intrinsic solubilities. The decrease in solubility of phenacetin by the addition of competitors could be quantitatively simulated by the formulation, when both drug and competitor give A(L) type solubility diagrams. On the other hand, when one of the guests gives a B(S) type solubility diagram, its solubility change was clearly reflected in that of the another guest, i.e., phenacetin gave an A(L) type solubility diagram in the binary phenacetin/beta-CyD system and o-TA gave a B(S) type diagram in the binary o-TA/beta-CyD system, but in the ternary phenacetin/o-TA/beta-CyD system, a new plateau region appeared in the original A(L) type diagram of phenacetin. This was explained by the solubilization theory of Higuchi and Connors. The solubility analysis of the ternary drug/competitor/CyD systems may be particularly useful for determination of the stability constant of a drug whose physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses are difficult, because they can be calculated by monitoring the solubility change of a competitor, without monitoring that of a drug. Furthermore, the present results suggest that attention should be paid to the type of the phase solubility diagram, as well as the magnitude of the stability constant and the solubility of the complex, for a rational formulation design of CyD complexes.

Anomalous heat conduction and anomalous diffusion in nonlinear lattices, single walled nanotubes, and billiard gas channels.

PubMed

Li, Baowen; Wang, Jiao; Wang, Lei; Zhang, Gang

2005-03-01

We study anomalous heat conduction and anomalous diffusion in low-dimensional systems ranging from nonlinear lattices, single walled carbon nanotubes, to billiard gas channels. We find that in all discussed systems, the anomalous heat conductivity can be connected with the anomalous diffusion, namely, if energy diffusion is sigma(2)(t)=2Dt(alpha) (01) implies an anomalous heat conduction with a divergent thermal conductivity (beta>0), and more interestingly, a subdiffusion (alpha<1) implies an anomalous heat conduction with a convergent thermal conductivity (beta<0), consequently, the system is a thermal insulator in the thermodynamic limit. Existing numerical data support our theoretical prediction.

Cyclic stretching force selectively up-regulates transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in cultured rat mesangial cells.

PubMed Central

Riser, B. L.; Cortes, P.; Heilig, C.; Grondin, J.; Ladson-Wofford, S.; Patterson, D.; Narins, R. G.

1996-01-01

Glomerular distention from increased intraglomerular pressure stretches mesangial cells (MCs). Stretching MCs in culture stimulates extracellular matrix accumulation, suggesting that this may be a mechanism for glomerular hypertension-associated glomerulosclerosis. We examined whether mechanical stretching serves as a stimulus for the synthesis and activation of the prosclerotic molecule transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, thus providing a potential system for auto-induction of extracellular matrix. Rat MCs cultured on flexible-bottom plates were subjected to cyclic stretching for up to 3 days and then assayed for TGF-beta mRNA, secretion of TGF-beta, and localization of active TGF-beta by immunostaining. MCs contained mRNA for all three mammalian isoforms of TGF-beta. Cyclic stretching for 36 hours increased TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 mRNA levels approximately twofold, without altering the levels of TGF-beta2 mRNA. This was followed at 48 to 72 hours by the increased secretion of both latent and active TGF-beta1. Latent, but not active, TGF-beta3 secretion also increased whereas the levels of TGF-beta2 were unaffected by mechanical force. The stretching force in this system is unequally distributed over the culture membrane. Localization of active TGF-beta by immunostaining demonstrated that the quantity of cell-associated cytokine across the culture was directly proportional to the zonal amplitude of the stretching force. These results demonstrate that stretching force stimulates MCs to selectively release and activate TGF-beta1. This mechanical induction of TGF-beta1 may help explain the increased extracellular matrix associated with intraglomerular hypertension. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 PMID:8669477

Beta Decay Half-Life of 84Mo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoker, J. B.; Mantica, P. F.; Bazin, D.; Bickley, A.; Becerril, A.; Crawford, H.; Cruse, K.; Estrade, A.; Mosby, M.; Guess, C. J.; Hitt, G. W.; Lorusso, G.; Matos, M.; Meharchand, R.; Minamisono, K.; Montes, F.; Pereira, J.; Perdikakis, G.; Pinter, J. S.; Schatz, H.; Vredevoogd, J.; Zegers, R. G. T.

2008-10-01

The β-decay half-life ^84Mo governs leakage out of the Zr-Nb cycle, a high temperature rp-process endpoint in x-ray binaries [1]. Treatment of the background and the poor statistics accumulated during the previous half-life measurement leave questions about statistical and systematic errors. We have remeasured the half-life of ^84Mo using a concerted setup of the NSCL β-Counting System [3] and 16 detectors from the Segmented Germanium Array [4]. We will report the half-life for ^84Mo, deduced using 40 times the previous sample size. The application of the NSCL RF Fragment Separator to remove unwanted isotopes, and hence reduce background for the half-life measurement, will also be discussed. [1] H. Schatz et al., Phys. Rep. 294, 167 1998 [2] P. Kienle et al., Prog. Part. Nuc. Phys. 46, 73 2001 [3] J. Prisciandaro et al., NIM A 505, 140 2003 [4] W. Mueller et al., NIM A 466, 492 2001 [5] D. Gorelov et al. PAC 2005, Knoxville, TN, May 16-20

Cross-reactivity of amphetamine analogues with Roche Abuscreen radioimmunoassay reagents

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

Cody, J.T.

1990-01-01

Cross-reactivity of amphetamine analogues with the Abuscreen amphetamine radioimmunoassay reagents was determined for both the standard and high specificity antibody systems. Compounds tested included 2-methoxyamphetamine, 4-hydroxymethamphetamine, 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DMA), 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB), 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-beta-phenethylamine (BDMPEA), 3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), N,N-dimethyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine and N-hydroxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (N-OH MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM), and 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine (mescaline). Blank negative reference material was spiked with 1,000 to 100,000 ng/mL of the amphetamine analogue and used as sample in the assays. MDA was the only analogue that showed cross reactivity equal to or greater than that of amphetamine. None of the other analogue compounds demonstrated a positive resultmore » at even the highest concentration; however several showed depressed counts at various concentration levels.« less

Search of Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay with the GERDA Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agostini, M.; Allardt, M.; Bakalyarov, A. M.; Balata, M.; Barabanov, I.; Baudis, L.; Bauer, C.; Becerici-Schmidt, N.; Bellotti, E.; Belogurov, S.; Belyaev, S. T.; Benato, G.; Bettini, A.; Bezrukov, L.; Bode, T.; Borowicz, D.; Brudanin, V.; Brugnera, R.; Budjáš, D.; Caldwell, A.; Cattadori, C.; Chernogorov, A.; D'Andrea, V.; Demidova, E. V.; Domula, A.; Doroshkevich, E.; Egorov, V.; Falkenstein, R.; Fedorova, O.; Freund, K.; Frodyma, N.; Gangapshev, A.; Garfagnini, A.; Gooch, C.; Gotti, C.; Grabmayr, P.; Gurentsov, V.; Gusev, K.; Hampel, W.; Hegai, A.; Heisel, M.; Hemmer, S.; Heusser, G.; Hoffmann, W.; Hult, M.; Inzhechik, L. V.; Ioannucci, L.; Janicksó Csáthy, J.; Jochum, J.; Junker, M.; Kazalov, V.; Kihm, T.; Kirpichnikov, I. V.; Kirsch, A.; Klimenko, A.; Knöpfle, K. T.; Kochetov, O.; Kornoukhov, V. N.; Kuzminov, V. V.; Laubenstein, M.; Lazzaro, A.; Lebedev, V. I.; Lehnert, B.; Liao, H. Y.; Lindner, M.; Lippi, I.; Lubashevskiy, A.; Lubsandorzhiev, B.; Lutter, G.; Macolino, C.; Majorovits, B.; Maneschg, W.; Marissens, G.; Medinaceli, E.; Misiaszek, M.; Moseev, P.; Nemchenok, I.; Nisi, S.; Palioselitis, D.; Panas, K.; Pandola, L.; Pelczar, K.; Pessina, G.; Pullia, A.; Reissfelder, M.; Riboldi, S.; Rumyantseva, N.; Sada, C.; Salathe, M.; Schmitt, C.; Schneider, B.; Schreiner, J.; Schulz, O.; Schwingenheuer, B.; Schönert, S.; Seitz, H.; Selivalenko, O.; Shevchik, E.; Shirchenko, M.; Simgen, H.; Smolnikov, A.; Stanco, L.; Stepaniuk, M.; Strecker, H.; Ur, C. A.; Vanhoefer, L.; Vasenko, A. A.; Veresnikova, A.; von Sturm, K.; Wagner, V.; Walter, M.; Wegmann, A.; Wester, T.; Wiesinger, C.; Wilsenach, H.; Wojcik, M.; Yanovich, E.; Zavarise, P.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhukov, S. V.; Zinatulina, D.; Zuber, K.; Zuzel, G.

2016-04-01

The GERDA (GERmanium Detector Array) is an experiment for the search of neutrinoless double beta decay (0 νββ) in 76Ge, located at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso of INFN (Italy). In the first phase of the experiment, a 90% confidence level (C.L.) sensitivity of 2.4 ṡ1025 yr on the 0 νββ decay half-life was achieved with a 21.6 kgṡyr exposure and an unprecedented background index in the region of interest of 10-2 counts/(keVṡkgṡyr). No excess of signal events was found, and an experimental lower limit on the half-life of 2.1 ṡ 1025 yr (90% C.L.) was established. Correspondingly, the limit on the effective Majorana neutrino mass is mee < 0.2- 0.4 eV, depending on the considered nuclear matrix element. The previous claim for evidence of a 0 νββ decay signal is strongly disfavored, and the field of research is open again.

Sensitivity of NEXT-100 to neutrinoless double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín-Albo, J.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Ferrario, P.; Nebot-Guinot, M.; Gómez-Cadenas, J. J.; Álvarez, V.; Azevedo, C. D. R.; Borges, F. I. G.; Cárcel, S.; Carrión, J. V.; Cebrián, S.; Cervera, A.; Conde, C. A. N.; Díaz, J.; Diesburg, M.; Esteve, R.; Fernandes, L. M. P.; Ferreira, A. L.; Freitas, E. D. C.; Goldschmidt, A.; González-Díaz, D.; Gutiérrez, R. M.; Hauptman, J.; Henriques, C. A. O.; Hernando Morata, J. A.; Herrero, V.; Labarga, L.; Laing, A.; Lebrun, P.; Liubarsky, I.; López-March, N.; Lorca, D.; Losada, M.; Martínez-Lema, G.; Martínez, A.; Monrabal, F.; Monteiro, C. M. B.; Mora, F. J.; Moutinho, L. M.; Novella, P.; Nygren, D.; Palmeiro, B.; Para, A.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Ripoll, L.; Rodríguez, J.; Santos, F. P.; dos Santos, J. M. F.; Serra, L.; Shuman, D.; Simón, A.; Sofka, C.; Sorel, M.; Stiegler, T.; Toledo, J. F.; Torrent, J.; Tsamalaidze, Z.; Veloso, J. F. C. A.; Webb, R.; White, J. T.; Yahlali, N.; Yepes-Ramírez, H.

2016-05-01

NEXT-100 is an electroluminescent high-pressure xenon gas time projection chamber that will search for the neutrinoless double beta (0 νββ) decay of 136Xe. The detector possesses two features of great value for 0 νββ searches: energy resolution better than 1% FWHM at the Q value of 136Xe and track reconstruction for the discrimination of signal and background events. This combination results in excellent sensitivity, as discussed in this paper. Material-screening measurements and a detailed Monte Carlo detector simulation predict a background rate for NEXT-100 of at most 4 × 10-4 counts keV-1 kg-1 yr-1. Accordingly, the detector will reach a sensitivity to the 0 νββ-decay half-life of 2.8 × 1025 years (90% CL) for an exposure of 100 kg·year, or 6.0 × 1025 years after a run of 3 effective years. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Sensitivity of NEXT-100 to neutrinoless double beta decay

DOE PAGES

Martín-Albo, J.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Ferrario, P.; ...

2016-05-26

NEXT-100 is an electroluminescent high-pressure xenon gas time projection chamber that will search for the neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay ofmore » $$^{136}$$Xe. The detector possesses two features of great value for 0νββ searches: energy resolution better than 1% FWHM at the Q value of $$^{136}$$Xe and track reconstruction for the discrimination of signal and background events. This combination results in excellent sensitivity, as discussed in this paper. Material-screening measurements and a detailed Monte Carlo detector simulation predict a background rate for NEXT-100 of at most 4 × 10$$^{–4}$$ counts keV$$^{–1}$$ kg$$^{–1}$$ yr$$^{–1}$$. Furthermore, the detector will reach a sensitivity to the 0νββ-decay half-life of 2.8 × 10$$^{25}$$ years (90% CL) for an exposure of 100 kg·year, or 6.0 × 10$$^{25}$$ years after a run of 3 effective years.« less

Quality control assurance of strontium-90 in foodstuffs by LSC.

PubMed

Lopes, I; Mourato, A; Abrantes, J; Carvalhal, G; Madruga, M J; Reis, M

2014-11-01

A method based on the separation of Sr-90 by extraction chromatography and beta determination by Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) technique was used for strontium analysis in food samples. The methodology consisted in prior sample treatment (drying and incineration) followed by radiochemical separation of Sr-90 by extraction chromatography, using the Sr-resin. The chemical yield was determined by gravimetric method, adding stable strontium to the matrix. Beta activity (Sr-90/Y-90) was determined using a low background liquid scintillation spectrometer (Tri-Carb 3170 TR/SL, Packard). The accuracy and the precision of the method, was performed previously through recovery trials with Sr-90 spiked samples, using the same type of matrices (milk, complete meals, meat and vegetables). A reference material (IAEA_321) was now used to measure the accuracy of the procedure. Participation in interlaboratory comparison exercises was also performed in order to establish an external control on the measurements and to ensure the adequacy of the method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

BETA (Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Evan M.; Birmingham, William J.; Rivera, William F.; Romero-Talamas, Carlos A.

2017-10-01

The Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) is a 1-Tesla (T) prototype of the 10-T Adjustable Long Pulse High-Field Apparatus (ALPHA). These water-cooled resistive magnets use high DC currents to produce strong uniform magnetic fields. Presented here is the successful completion of the BETA project and experimental results validating analytical magnet designing methods developed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory (DPL). BETA's final design specifications will be highlighted which include electromagnetic, thermal and stress analyses. The magnet core design will be explained which include: Bitter Arcs, helix starters, and clamping annuli. The final version of the magnet's vessel and cooling system are also presented, as well as the electrical system of BETA, which is composed of a unique solid-state breaker circuit. Experimental results presented will show the operation of BETA at 1 T. The results are compared to both analytical design methods and finite element analysis calculations. We also explore the steady state maximums and theoretical limits of BETA's design. The completion of BETA validates the design and manufacturing techniques that will be used in the succeeding magnet, ALPHA.

Mood states, sympathetic activity, and in vivo beta-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population.

PubMed

Yu, Bum-Hee; Kang, Eun-Ho; Ziegler, Michael G; Mills, Paul J; Dimsdale, Joel E

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mood states and beta-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population. We also examined if sympathetic nervous system activity is related to mood states or beta-adrenergic receptor function. Sixty-two participants aged 25-50 years were enrolled in this study. Mood states were assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Beta-adrenergic receptor function was determined using the chronotropic 25 dose isoproterenol infusion test. Level of sympathetic nervous system activity was estimated from 24-hr urine norepinephrine excretion. Higher tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, and anger-hostility were related to decreased beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity (i.e., higher chronotropic 25 dose values), but tension-anxiety was the only remaining independent predictor of beta-adrenergic receptor function after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Urinary norepinephrine excretion was unrelated to either mood states or beta-adrenergic receptor function. These findings replicate previous reports that anxiety is related to decreased (i.e., desensitized) beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, even after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index.

Method, apparatus and system for low-energy beta particle detection

DOEpatents

Akers, Douglas W.; Drigert, Mark W.

2012-09-25

An apparatus, method, and system relating to radiation detection of low-energy beta particles are disclosed. An embodiment includes a radiation detector with a first scintillator and a second scintillator operably coupled to each other. The first scintillator and the second scintillator are each structured to generate a light pulse responsive to interaction with beta particles. The first scintillator is structured to experience full energy deposition of low-energy beta particles, and permit a higher-energy beta particle to pass therethrough and interact with the second scintillator. The radiation detector further includes a light-to-electrical converter operably coupled to the second scintillator and configured to convert light pulses generated by the first scintillator and the second scintillator into electrical signals. The first scintillator and the second scintillator have at least one mutually different characteristic to enable an electronic system to determine whether a given light pulse is generated in the first scintillator or the second scintillator.

Registration system for 71Ge rare decays in proportional counters for BEST experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavrin, V. N.; Gorbachev, V. V.; Ibragimova, T. V.; Kalikhov, A. V.; Shikhin, A. A.; Yants, V. E.

2018-01-01

New counting system for 71Ge decays rare events registration is developed for realization of the BEST experiment to search for sterile neutrinos. Description of the system, its technical and counting data are presented in the article. Comparison with already existing counting system for SAGE is given also.

Mobility and fluorescence of barium ions in xenon gas for the exo experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benitez Medina, Julio Cesar

The Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) is an experiment which aims to observe the neutrinoless double beta decay of 136Xe. The measurement of this decay would give information about the absolute neutrino mass and whether or not the neutrino is its own antiparticle. Since this is a very rare decay, the ability to reject background events by detecting the barium ion daughter from the double beta decay would be a major advantage. EXO is currently operating a detector with 200 kg of enriched liquid xenon, and there are plans to build a ton scale xenon detector. Measurements of the purity of liquid xenon in our liquid xenon test cell are reported. These results are relevant to the research on detection of single barium ions by our research group at Colorado State University. Details of the operation of the purity monitor are described. The effects of using a purifier, recirculation and laser ablation on the purity of liquid xenon are discussed. Mobility measurements of barium in xenon gas are reported for the first time. The variation of mobility with xenon gas pressure suggests that a significant fraction of molecular ions are formed when barium ions interact with xenon gas at high pressures. The measured mobility of Ba+ in Xe gas at different pressures is compared with the predicted theoretical value, and deviations are explained by a model that describes the fraction of molecular ions in Xe gas as a function of pressure. The results are useful for the analysis of experiments of fluorescence of Ba+ in xenon gas. It is also important to know the mobility of the ions in order to calculate the time they interact with an excitation laser in fluorescence experiments and in proposed 136 Ba+ daughter detection schemes. This thesis presents results of detection of laser induced fluorescence of Ba+ ions in Xe gas. Measurements of the pressure broadening of the excitation spectra of Ba+ in xenon gas are presented. Nonradiative decays due to gas collisions and optical pumping affect the number of fluorescence counts detected. A model that treats the barium ion as a three level system is used to predict the total number of fluorescence counts and correct for optical pumping. A pressure broadening coefficient for Ba+ in xenon gas is extracted and limits for p-d and d-s nonradiative decay rates are extracted. Although fluorescence is reduced significantly at 5-10 atm xenon pressure, the measurements in this thesis indicate that it is still feasible to detect 136Ba+ ions directly in high pressure xenon gas, e.g. in a double beta decay detector.

Automatic vehicle counting using background subtraction method on gray scale images and morphology operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adi, K.; Widodo, A. P.; Widodo, C. E.; Pamungkas, A.; Putranto, A. B.

2018-05-01

Traffic monitoring on road needs to be done, the counting of the number of vehicles passing the road is necessary. It is more emphasized for highway transportation management in order to prevent efforts. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a system that is able to counting the number of vehicles automatically. Video processing method is able to counting the number of vehicles automatically. This research has development a system of vehicle counting on toll road. This system includes processes of video acquisition, frame extraction, and image processing for each frame. Video acquisition is conducted in the morning, at noon, in the afternoon, and in the evening. This system employs of background subtraction and morphology methods on gray scale images for vehicle counting. The best vehicle counting results were obtained in the morning with a counting accuracy of 86.36 %, whereas the lowest accuracy was in the evening, at 21.43 %. Differences in morning and evening results are caused by different illumination in the morning and evening. This will cause the values in the image pixels to be different.

Equivalency testing of TTC Tergitol 7 agar (ISO 9308-1:2000) with five culture media for the detection of E. coli in water samples in Greece.

PubMed

Mavridou, A; Smeti, E; Mandilara, G; Mandilara, G; Boufa, P; Vagiona-Arvanitidou, M; Vantarakis, A; Vassilandonopoulou, G; Pappa, O; Roussia, V; Tzouanopoulos, A; Livadara, M; Aisopou, I; Maraka, V; Nikolaou, E; Mandilara, G

2010-01-01

In this study ten laboratories in Greece compared the performance of reference method TTC Tergitol 7 Agar (with the additional test of beta-glucuronidase production) with five alternative methods, to detect E. coli in water, in line with European Water Directive recommendations. The samples were prepared by spiking drinking water with sewage effluent following a standard protocol. Chlorinated and non-chlorinated samples were used. The statistical analysis was based on the mean relative difference of confirmed counts and was performed in line with ISO 17994. The results showed that in total, three of the alternative methods (Chromocult Coliform agar, Membrane Lauryl Sulfate agar and Trypton Bilex-glucuronidase medium) were not different from TTC Tergitol 7 agar (TTC Tergitol 7 agar vs Chromocult Coliform agar, 294 samples, mean RD% 5.55; vs MLSA, 302 samples, mean RD% 1; vs TBX, 297 samples, mean RD% -2.78). The other two alternative methods (Membrane Faecal coliform medium and Colilert 18/ Quantitray) gave significantly higher counts than TTC Tergitol 7 agar (TTC Tergitol 7 agar vs MFc, 303 samples, mean RD% 8.81; vs Colilert-18/Quantitray, 76 samples, mean RD% 18.91). In other words, the alternative methods generated performance that was as reliable as, or even better than, the reference method. This study will help laboratories in Greece overcome culture and counting problems deriving from the EU reference method for E. coli counts in water samples.

Study of a Two-Step Centrifugation Protocol for Concentrating Cells and Growth Factors in Bovine Platelet-Rich Plasma

PubMed Central

Gutiérrez, Claudia M.; López, Catalina

2017-01-01

There is a lack of information about the methods used for bovine platelet-rich plasma (PRP)/platelet-rich gel (PRG) procurement, including information on platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC) in PRP, and growth factor release from PRG supernatants. The aims of this study were to compare and to correlate the PLT, WBC, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) concentrations in bovine whole blood, plasma, and four PRP layers and their respective PRG supernatants: A and B (obtained by a single centrifugation tube method at 720g/5 min) and C and D (obtained by a double centrifugation tube method, by using two centrifugation episodes at 720g/5 min). PLT and WBC counts were significantly higher in PRP-C, followed by whole blood, PRP-A, PRP-B, and PRP-D. TGF-β1 concentrations were significantly higher in PRG-B supernatants and its correspondent PRP-B lysate when compared to the other PRG supernatants and plasma. Supernatants from PRG-A, PRG-B, and PRG-D had equivalent TGF-β1 concentrations. PDGF-BB concentrations were not statistically different between the hemoderivatives. Significant Pearson correlations were noted between PLT counts and WBC counts (0.8) and between PLT counts and PLT distribution width (0.6). Further studies should be performed to assess the potential clinical applications of these PRPs. PMID:29214094

Automated Passenger Counting Systems : Synopsis of Working Group Meeting : Transportation Systems Center, March 23-25, 1982

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1983-05-01

The mechanics of automated passenger counting on transit buses and the accuracy of these systems are discussed. Count data needs to be time coded and distance/location information is necessary for effectively correlating data to specific bus stops or...

Radiological Assessment for the Removal of Legacy BPA Power Lines that Cross the Hanford Site

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

Millsap, William J.; Brush, Daniel J.

This paper discusses some radiological field monitoring and assessment methods used to assess the components of an old electrical power transmission line that ran across the Hanford Site between the production reactors area (100 Area) and the chemical processing area (200 Area). This task was complicated by the presence of radon daughters -- both beta and alpha emitters -- residing on the surfaces, particularly on the surfaces of weathered metals and metals that had been electrically-charged. In many cases, these activities were high compared to the DOE Surface Contamination Guidelines, which were used as guides for the assessment. These methodsmore » included the use of the Toulmin model of argument, represented using Toulmin diagrams, to represent the combined force of several strands of evidences, rather than a single measurement of activity, to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that no or very little Hanford activity was present and mixed with the natural activity. A number of forms of evidence were used: the overall chance of Hanford contamination; measurements of removable activity, beta and alpha; 1-minute scaler counts of total surface activity, beta and alpha, using "background makers"; the beta activity to alpha activity ratios; measured contamination on nearby components; NaI gamma spectral measurements to compare uncontaminated and potentially-contaminated spectra, as well as measurements for the sentinel radionuclides, Am- 241 and Cs-137 on conducting wire; comparative statistical analyses; and in-situ measurements of alpha spectra on conducting wire showing that the alpha activity was natural Po-210, as well as to compare uncontaminated and potentially-contaminated spectra.« less

The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2011: Spectroscopic Campaign and Emission-line Light Curves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barth, Aaron J.; Bennert, Vardha N.; Canalizo, Gabriela; Filippenko, Alexei V.; Gates, Elinor L.; Greene, Jenny E..; Li, Weidong; Malkan, Matthew A.; Pancoast, Anna; Sand, David J.;

First results of a simultaneous measurement of tritium and 14C in an ultra-low-background proportional counter for environmental sources of methane

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

Mace, Emily K.; Aalseth, Craig E.; Day, Anthony R.

Abstract Simultaneous measurement of tritium and 14C would provide an added tool for tracing organic compounds through environmental systems and is possible via beta energy spectroscopy of sample-derived methane in internal-source gas proportional counters. Since the mid-1960’s atmospheric tritium and 14C have fallen dramatically as the isotopic injections from above-ground nuclear testing have been diluted into the ocean and biosphere. In this work, the feasibility of simultaneous tritium and 14C measurements via proportional counters is revisited in light of significant changes in both the atmospheric and biosphere isotopics and the development of new ultra-low-background gas proportional counting capabilities for smallmore » samples (roughly 50 cc methane). A Geant4 Monte Carlo model of a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) proportional counter response to tritium and 14C is used to analyze small samples of two different methane sources to illustrate the range of applicability of contemporary simultaneous measurements and their limitations. Because the two methane sources examined were not sample size limited, we could compare the small-sample measurements performed at PNNL with analysis of larger samples performed at a commercial laboratory. The dual-isotope simultaneous measurement is well matched for methane samples that are atmospheric or have an elevated source of tritium (i.e. landfill gas). For samples with low/modern tritium isotopics (rainwater), commercial separation and counting is a better fit.« less

Beta experiment flight report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A focused laser Doppler velocimeter system was developed for the measurement of atmospheric backscatter (beta) from aerosols at infrared wavelengths. The system was flight tested at several different locations and the results of these tests are summarized.

The work of Glendon Lean on the counting systems of Papua New Guinea and Oceania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owens, Kay

2001-04-01

Glendon Lean collated data on nearly 900 counting systems of Papua New Guinea, Oceania, and Irian Jaya (West Papua). Lean's data came from a questionnaire completed by students and talks with village elders. He read old documents written in English, German, and Dutch. He made comparisons between older and new accounts of the counting systems and compared neighbouring counting systems from both Austronesian and non-Austronesian languages. His work drew attention to the rich diversity of the systems and suggested that systems based on body parts and cyclic systems developed spontaneously. Digit tally systems were also relatively common. Lean's thesis on spontaneous developments of these ancient cultures challenged traditional theories describing the spread of number systems from Middle East cultures.

Selectivity and stoichiometry boosting of beta-cyclodextrin in cationic/anionic surfactant systems: when host-guest equilibrium meets biased aggregation equilibrium.

PubMed

Jiang, Lingxiang; Yu, Caifang; Deng, Manli; Jin, Changwen; Wang, Yilin; Yan, Yun; Huang, Jianbin

2010-02-18

Cationic surfactant/anionic surfactant/beta-CD ternary aqueous systems provide a platform for the coexistence of the host-guest (beta-CD/surfactant) equilibrium and the biased aggregation (monomeric/aggregated surfactants) equilibrium. We report here that the interplay between the two equilibria dominates the systems as follows. (1) The biased aggregation equilibrium imposes an apparent selectivity on the host-guest equilibrium, namely, beta-CD has to always selectively bind the major surfactant (molar fraction > 0.5) even if binding constants of beta-CD to the pair of surfactants are quite similar. (2) In return, the host-guest equilibrium amplifies the bias of the aggregation equilibrium, that is, the selective binding partly removes the major surfactant from the aggregates and leaves the aggregate composition approaching the electroneutral mixing stoichiometry. (3) This composition variation enhances electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged surfactant head groups, thus resulting in less-curved aggregates. In particular, the present apparent host-guest selectivity is of remarkably high values, and the selectivity stems from the bias of the aggregation equilibrium rather than the difference in binding constants. Moreover, beta-CD is defined as a "stoichiometry booster" for the whole class of cationic/anionic surfactant systems, which provides an additional degree of freedom to directly adjust aggregate compositions of the systems. The stoichiometry boosting of the compositions can in turn affect or even determine microstructures and macroproperties of the systems.

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

Teather, R.M.; Wood, P.J.

The interaction of the direct dye Congo red with intact beta-D-glucans provides the basis for a rapid and sensitive assay system for bacterial strains possessing beta-(1 maps onto 4), (1 maps onto 3)-D-glucanohydrolase, beta-(1 maps onto 4)-D-glucanohydrolase, and beta-(1 maps onto 3)-D-glucanohydrolase activities. A close correspondence was observed between cellulolytic activity and beta-(1 maps onto 4)-D-glucanohydrolase and beta-(1 maps onto 4), (1 maps onto 3)-D-glucanohydrolase activities in isolates from the bovine rumen. Many of these isolates also possessed beta-(1 maps onto 3)-D-glucanohydrolase activity, and this characteristic may have taxonomic significance. (Refs. 19).

STRAP PTM: Software Tool for Rapid Annotation and Differential Comparison of Protein Post-Translational Modifications.

PubMed

Spencer, Jean L; Bhatia, Vivek N; Whelan, Stephen A; Costello, Catherine E; McComb, Mark E

2013-12-01

The identification of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) is an increasingly important component of proteomics and biomarker discovery, but very few tools exist for performing fast and easy characterization of global PTM changes and differential comparison of PTMs across groups of data obtained from liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry experiments. STRAP PTM (Software Tool for Rapid Annotation of Proteins: Post-Translational Modification edition) is a program that was developed to facilitate the characterization of PTMs using spectral counting and a novel scoring algorithm to accelerate the identification of differential PTMs from complex data sets. The software facilitates multi-sample comparison by collating, scoring, and ranking PTMs and by summarizing data visually. The freely available software (beta release) installs on a PC and processes data in protXML format obtained from files parsed through the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline. The easy-to-use interface allows examination of results at protein, peptide, and PTM levels, and the overall design offers tremendous flexibility that provides proteomics insight beyond simple assignment and counting.

Low Background Signal Readout Electronics for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR

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

Guinn, I.; Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, Isaac J.

2015-03-18

The Majorana Demonstrator (MJD)[1] is an array of p-type point contact (PPC) high purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors intended to search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0vBB decay) in 76Ge. MJD will consist of 40 kg of detectors, 30 kg of which will be isotopically enriched to 87% 76Ge. The array will consist of 14 strings of four or ve detectors placed in two separate cryostats. One of the main goals of the experiment is to demonstrate the feasibility of building a tonne-scale array of detectors to search for 0vBB decay with a much higher sensitivity. This involves acheiving backgrounds inmore » the 4 keV region of interest (ROI) around the 2039 keV Q-value of the BB decay of less than 1 count/ROI-t-y. Because many backgrounds will not directly scale with detector mass, the specific background goal of MJD is less than 3 counts/ROI-t-y.« less

Production of Short-Lived 37K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, Heather; Melconian, Dan; Shidling, Praveen

2011-03-01

The purpose of our work during the summer months of 2010 was to produce a beam of 37 K with >= 99 % purity and characterize in detail the remaining contaminants. A projectile beam of 38 Ar at 25 and 29 MeV/nucleon from the K500 cyclotron generated the 37 K by reacting with an H2 gas target. The MARS spectrometer was then used to separate the reaction products of interest from the primary beam and other unwanted reaction products. From analysis of our production experiment, we were able to successfully produce 807 counts/nC of 37 K with 99.19% purity at 25MeV/u and 1756 counts/nC with 98.93% purity at 29MeV/u. The purity of this beam and rate of production is more than adequate for use in determining the half-life of 37 K, the next step to be done by the team in August 2010. This measurement will be accomplished by implanting the activity into a Mylar tape, placing it between two high-efficiency gas counters and counting the amount of beta decays as a function of time. It is expected the half-life will be measured using the 37 K produced from 38 Ar at 29MeV/u. Funded by DOE and NSF-REU Program.

Production of Short-Lived ^37K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, Heather; Melconian, Dan; Shidling, Praveen

2010-11-01

The purpose of our work during the summer months of 2010 was to produce a beam of ^37K with >= 99% purity and characterize in detail the remaining contaminants. A projectile beam of ^38Ar at 25 and 29 MeV/nucleon from the K500 cyclotron generated the ^37K by reacting with an H2 gas target. The MARS spectrometer was then used to separate the reaction products of interest from the primary beam and other unwanted reaction products. From analysis of our production experiment, we were able to successfully produce 807 counts/nC of ^37K with 99.19% purity at 25MeV/u and 1756 counts/nC with 98.93% purity at 29MeV/u. The purity of this beam and rate of production is more than adequate for use in determining the half-life of ^37K, the next step to be done by the team in August 2010. This measurement will be accomplished by implanting the activity into a Mylar tape, placing it between two high-efficiency gas counters and counting the amount of beta decays as a function of time. It is expected the half-life will be measured using the ^37K produced from ^38Ar at 29MeV/u.

Production of Short-Lived 37 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, Heather; Melconian, Dan; Shidling, Praveen

2011-04-01

The purpose of our work during the summer months of 2010 was to produce a beam of 37 K with >= 99% purity and characterize in detail the remaining contaminants. A projectile beam of 38Ar at 25 and 29 MeV/nucleon from the K500 cyclotron generated the 37 K by reacting with an H2 gas target. The MARS spectrometer was then used to separate the reaction products of interest from the primary beam and other unwanted reaction products. From analysis of our production experiment, we were able to successfully produce 807 counts/nC of 37 K with 99.19% purity at 25MeV/u and 1756 counts/nC with 98.93% purity at 29MeV/u. The purity of this beam and rate of production is more than adequate for use in determining the half-life of 37 K, the next step to be done by the team in August 2010. This measurement will be accomplished by implanting the activity into a Mylar tape, placing it between two high-efficiency gas counters and counting the amount of beta decays as a function of time. It is expected the half-life will be measured using the 37 K produced from 38Ar at 29MeV/u. Funded by DOE and NSF-REU Program

Dark-count-less photon-counting x-ray computed tomography system using a YAP-MPPC detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Sato, Yuich; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2012-10-01

A high-sensitive X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for decreasing absorbed dose for patients, and a dark-count-less photon-counting CT system was developed. X-ray photons are detected using a YAP(Ce) [cerium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite] single crystal scintillator and an MPPC (multipixel photon counter). Photocurrents are amplified by a high-speed current-voltage amplifier, and smooth event pulses from an integrator are sent to a high-speed comparator. Then, logical pulses are produced from the comparator and are counted by a counter card. Tomography is accomplished by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the linear scan. The image contrast of gadolinium medium slightly fell with increase in lower-level voltage (Vl) of the comparator. The dark count rate was 0 cps, and the count rate for the CT was approximately 250 kcps.

Development of an Ultra-Low Background Liquid Scintillation Counter for Trace Level Analysis

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

Erchinger, Jennifer L.; Orrell, John L.; Aalseth, Craig E.

2015-09-01

Low-level liquid scintillation counting (LSC) has been established as one of the radiation detection techniques useful in elucidating environmental processes and environmental monitoring around nuclear facilities. The Ultra-Low Background Liquid Scintillation Counter (ULB-LSC) under construction in the Shallow Underground Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory aims to further reduce the MDAs and/or required sample processing. Through layers of passive shielding in conjunction with an active veto and 30 meters water equivalent overburden, the background reduction is expected to be 10 to 100 times below typical analytic low-background liquid scintillation systems. Simulations have shown an expected background of around 14 countsmore » per day. A novel approach to the light collection will use a coated hollow light guide cut into the inner copper shielding. Demonstration LSC measurements will show low-energy detection, spectral deconvolution, and alpha/beta discrimination capabilities, from trials with standards of tritium, strontium-90, and actinium-227, respectively. An overview of the system design and expected demonstration measurements will emphasize the potential applications of the ULB-LSC in environmental monitoring for treaty verification, reach-back sample analysis, and facility inspections.« less

Dark matter search with CUORE-0 and CUORE

DOE PAGES

Aguirre, C. P.; Artusa, D. R.; Avignone, F. T.; ...

2015-01-01

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is a ton-scale experiment made of TeO₂ bolometers that will probe the neutrinoless double beta decay of ¹³⁰Te. Excellent energy resolution, low threshold and low background make CUORE sensitive to nuclear recoils, allowing a search for dark matter interactions. With a total mass of 741 kg of TeO₂, CUORE can search for an annual modulation of the counting rate at low energies. We present data obtained with CUORE-like detectors and the prospects for a dark matter search in CUORE-0, a 40-kg prototype, and CUORE.

Simultaneous measurement of tritium and radiocarbon by ultra-low-background proportional counting.

PubMed

Mace, Emily; Aalseth, Craig; Alexander, Tom; Back, Henning; Day, Anthony; Hoppe, Eric; Keillor, Martin; Moran, Jim; Overman, Cory; Panisko, Mark; Seifert, Allen

2017-08-01

Use of ultra-low-background capabilities at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provide enhanced sensitivity for measurement of low-activity sources of tritium and radiocarbon using proportional counters. Tritium levels are nearly back to pre-nuclear test backgrounds (~2-8 TU in rainwater), which can complicate their dual measurement with radiocarbon due to overlap in the beta decay spectra. We present results of single-isotope proportional counter measurements used to analyze a dual-isotope methane sample synthesized from ~120mg of H 2 O and present sensitivity results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of pancreas cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanoss, C. J.

1978-01-01

Pancreatic islets were obtained from guinea pig pancreas by the collagenase method and kept alive in tissue culture prior to further studies. Pancreas cell morphology was studied by standard histochemical techniques using light microscopy. Preparative vertical electrophoresis-levitation of dispersed fetal guinea pig pancreas cells was conducted in phosphate buffer containing a heavy water (D20) gradient which does not cause clumping of cells or alter the osmolarity of the buffers. The faster migrating fractions tended to be enriched in beta-cell content. Alpha and delta cells were found to some degree in most fractions. A histogram showing the cell count distribution is included.

Status of the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasilyev, S.; Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T.; Balderrot-Barrera, C. X.; Barabash, A. S.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Byram, D.; Caldwell, A. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Christofferson, C. D.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Galindo-Uribarri, A.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Goett, J.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howard, S.; Howe, M. A.; Jasinski, B. R.; Keeter, K. E.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; LaFerriere, B. D.; Leon, J.; MacMullin, J.; Martin, R. D.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Orrell, J. L.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Romero-Romero, E.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Snyder, N.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.

2017-01-01

The MAJORANA Collaboration is constructing the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, an ultralow background, 40-kg modular high purity Ge (HPGe) detector array to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νββ-decay) in 76Ge. The goal of the experiment is to demonstrate a background rate at or below 3 counts/(t-y) in the 4 keV region of interest (ROI) around the 2039 keV Q-value for 76Ge 0νββ-decay. In this paper, the status of the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, including its design and measurements of properties of the HPGe crystals is presented.

Ultrabright femtosecond source of biphotons based on a spatial mode inverter.

PubMed

Jarutis, Vygandas; Juodkazis, Saulius; Mizeikis, Vygantas; Sasaki, Keiji; Misawa, Hiroaki

2005-02-01

A method of enhancing the efficiency of entangled biphoton sources based on a type II femtosecond spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) process is proposed and implemented experimentally. Enhancement is obtained by mode inversion of one of the SPDC output beams, which allows the beams to overlap completely, thus maximizing the number of SPDC photon pairs with optimum spatiotemporal overlap. By use of this method, biphoton count rates as high as 16 kHz from a single 0.5-mm-long beta-barium borate crystal pumped by second-harmonic radiation from a Ti:sapphire laser were obtained.

Physical and oxidative stability of fish oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with beta-lactoglobulin and pectin.

PubMed

Katsuda, Marly S; McClements, D J; Miglioranza, Lucia H S; Decker, Eric A

2008-07-23

The oxidation of fatty acids can be inhibited by engineering the surface of oil-in-water emulsion droplets to decrease interactions between aqueous phase prooxidants and lipids. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether emulsions stabilized by a multilayer emulsifier systems consisting of beta-lactoglobulin and citrus or sugar beet pectin could produce fish oil-in-water emulsions that had good physical and oxidative stability. Sugar beet pectin was compared to citrus pectin because the sugar beet pectin contains the known antioxidant, ferulic acid. A primary Menhaden oil-in-water emulsion was prepared with beta-lactoglobulin upon which the pectins were electrostatically deposited at pH 3.5. Emulsions prepared with 1% oil, 0.05% beta-lactoglobulin, and 0.06% pectins were physically stable for up to 16 days. As determined by monitoring lipid hydroperoxide and headspace propanal formation, emulsions prepared with the multilayer system of beta-lactoglobulin and citrus pectin were more stable than emulsions stabilized with beta-lactoglobulin alone. Emulsions prepared with the multilayer system of beta-lactoglobulin and sugar beet pectin were less stable than emulsions stabilized with beta-lactoglobulin alone despite the presence of ferulic acid in the sugar beet pectin. The lower oxidative stability of the emulsions with the sugar beet pectin could be due to its higher iron and copper concentrations which would produce oxidative stress that would overcome the antioxidant capacity of ferulic acid. These data suggest that the oxidative stability of oil-in-water emulsions containing omega-3 fatty acids could be improved by the use of multilayer emulsion systems containing pectins with low metal concentrations.

TH-EF-207A-03: Photon Counting Implementation Challenges Using An Electron Multiplying Charged-Coupled Device Based Micro-CT System

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

Podgorsak, A; Bednarek, D; Rudin, S

2016-06-15

Purpose: To successfully implement and operate a photon counting scheme on an electron multiplying charged-coupled device (EMCCD) based micro-CT system. Methods: We built an EMCCD based micro-CT system and implemented a photon counting scheme. EMCCD detectors use avalanche transfer registries to multiply the input signal far above the readout noise floor. Due to intrinsic differences in the pixel array, using a global threshold for photon counting is not optimal. To address this shortcoming, we generated a threshold array based on sixty dark fields (no x-ray exposure). We calculated an average matrix and a variance matrix of the dark field sequence.more » The average matrix was used for the offset correction while the variance matrix was used to set individual pixel thresholds for the photon counting scheme. Three hundred photon counting frames were added for each projection and 360 projections were acquired for each object. The system was used to scan various objects followed by reconstruction using an FDK algorithm. Results: Examination of the projection images and reconstructed slices of the objects indicated clear interior detail free of beam hardening artifacts. This suggests successful implementation of the photon counting scheme on our EMCCD based micro-CT system. Conclusion: This work indicates that it is possible to implement and operate a photon counting scheme on an EMCCD based micro-CT system, suggesting that these devices might be able to operate at very low x-ray exposures in a photon counting mode. Such devices could have future implications in clinical CT protocols. NIH Grant R01EB002873; Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.« less

New precursors for direct synthesis of single phase Na- and K-{beta}{double_prime}-aluminas for use in AMTEC systems

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

Cook, R.L.; MacQueen, D.B.; Bader, K.E.

1997-12-31

Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converters (AMTEC) are efficient direct energy conversion devices that depend on the use of highly conductive beta-alumina membranes for their operation. The key component of the AMTEC system is a highly conductive Na-{beta}{double_prime}-alumina solid electrolyte which conducts sodium ions from the high to low temperature zone, thereby generating electricity. AMTEC cells convert thermal to electrical energy by using heat to produce and maintain an alkali metal concentration gradient across the ion transporting BASE membrane. They have developed a method for producing pure phase Na-{beta}{double_prime}-alumina and K-{beta}{double_prime}-alumina powders from single phase nano-sized carboxylato-alumoxanes precursors. Sodium or potassium ionsmore » (the mobile ions) and either Mg{sup 2+} or Li{sup +} ions (which stabilize the {beta}{double_prime}-alumina structure) can be atomically dispersed into the carboxylato-alumoxane lattice at low (< 100 C) temperature. Calculation of the carboxylato-alumoxane precursors at 1,200--1,500 C produces pure phase {beta}{double_prime}-alumina powders.« less

Gamma and Beta Oscillations Define a Sequence of Neurocognitive Modes Present in Odor Processing

PubMed Central

Frederick, Donald E.; Brown, Austin; Brim, Elizabeth; Mehta, Nisarg; Vujovic, Mark

2016-01-01

Olfactory system beta (15–35 Hz) and gamma (40–110 Hz) oscillations of the local field potential in mammals have both been linked to odor learning and discrimination. Gamma oscillations represent the activity of a local network within the olfactory bulb, and beta oscillations represent engagement of a systemwide network. Here, we test whether beta and gamma oscillations represent different cognitive modes using the different demands of go/no-go and two-alternative choice tasks that previously were suggested to favor beta or gamma oscillations, respectively. We reconcile previous studies and show that both beta and gamma oscillations occur in both tasks, with gamma dominating the early odor sampling period (2–4 sniffs) and beta dominating later. The relative power and coherence of both oscillations depend separately on multiple factors within both tasks without categorical differences across tasks. While the early/gamma-associated period occurs in all trials, rats can perform above chance without the later/beta-associated period. Longer sampling, which includes beta oscillations, is associated with better performance. Gamma followed by beta oscillations therefore represents a sequence of cognitive and neural states during odor discrimination, which can be separately modified depending on the demands of a task and odor discrimination. Additionally, fast (85 Hz) and slow (70 Hz) olfactory bulb gamma oscillation sub-bands have been hypothesized to represent tufted and mitral cell networks, respectively (Manabe and Mori, 2013). We find that fast gamma favors the early and slow gamma the later (beta-dominated) odor-sampling period and that the relative contributions of these oscillations are consistent across tasks. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Olfactory system gamma (40–110 Hz) and beta (15–35 Hz) oscillations of the local field potential indicate different neural firing statistics and functional circuits. We show that gamma and beta oscillations occur in stereotyped sequence during odor sampling in associative tasks, with local gamma dominating the first 250 ms of odor sniffing, followed by systemwide beta as behavioral responses are prepared. Oscillations and coupling strength between brain regions are modulated by task, odor, and learning, showing that task features can dramatically adjust the dynamics of a cortical sensory system, which changes state every ∼250 ms. Understanding cortical circuits, even at the biophysical level, depends on careful use of multiple behavioral contexts and stimuli. PMID:27445151

Gamma and Beta Oscillations Define a Sequence of Neurocognitive Modes Present in Odor Processing.

PubMed

Frederick, Donald E; Brown, Austin; Brim, Elizabeth; Mehta, Nisarg; Vujovic, Mark; Kay, Leslie M

2016-07-20

Olfactory system beta (15-35 Hz) and gamma (40-110 Hz) oscillations of the local field potential in mammals have both been linked to odor learning and discrimination. Gamma oscillations represent the activity of a local network within the olfactory bulb, and beta oscillations represent engagement of a systemwide network. Here, we test whether beta and gamma oscillations represent different cognitive modes using the different demands of go/no-go and two-alternative choice tasks that previously were suggested to favor beta or gamma oscillations, respectively. We reconcile previous studies and show that both beta and gamma oscillations occur in both tasks, with gamma dominating the early odor sampling period (2-4 sniffs) and beta dominating later. The relative power and coherence of both oscillations depend separately on multiple factors within both tasks without categorical differences across tasks. While the early/gamma-associated period occurs in all trials, rats can perform above chance without the later/beta-associated period. Longer sampling, which includes beta oscillations, is associated with better performance. Gamma followed by beta oscillations therefore represents a sequence of cognitive and neural states during odor discrimination, which can be separately modified depending on the demands of a task and odor discrimination. Additionally, fast (85 Hz) and slow (70 Hz) olfactory bulb gamma oscillation sub-bands have been hypothesized to represent tufted and mitral cell networks, respectively (Manabe and Mori, 2013). We find that fast gamma favors the early and slow gamma the later (beta-dominated) odor-sampling period and that the relative contributions of these oscillations are consistent across tasks. Olfactory system gamma (40-110 Hz) and beta (15-35 Hz) oscillations of the local field potential indicate different neural firing statistics and functional circuits. We show that gamma and beta oscillations occur in stereotyped sequence during odor sampling in associative tasks, with local gamma dominating the first 250 ms of odor sniffing, followed by systemwide beta as behavioral responses are prepared. Oscillations and coupling strength between brain regions are modulated by task, odor, and learning, showing that task features can dramatically adjust the dynamics of a cortical sensory system, which changes state every ∼250 ms. Understanding cortical circuits, even at the biophysical level, depends on careful use of multiple behavioral contexts and stimuli. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/367750-18$15.00/0.

On measures of association among genetic variables

PubMed Central

Gianola, Daniel; Manfredi, Eduardo; Simianer, Henner

2012-01-01

Summary Systems involving many variables are important in population and quantitative genetics, for example, in multi-trait prediction of breeding values and in exploration of multi-locus associations. We studied departures of the joint distribution of sets of genetic variables from independence. New measures of association based on notions of statistical distance between distributions are presented. These are more general than correlations, which are pairwise measures, and lack a clear interpretation beyond the bivariate normal distribution. Our measures are based on logarithmic (Kullback-Leibler) and on relative ‘distances’ between distributions. Indexes of association are developed and illustrated for quantitative genetics settings in which the joint distribution of the variables is either multivariate normal or multivariate-t, and we show how the indexes can be used to study linkage disequilibrium in a two-locus system with multiple alleles and present applications to systems of correlated beta distributions. Two multivariate beta and multivariate beta-binomial processes are examined, and new distributions are introduced: the GMS-Sarmanov multivariate beta and its beta-binomial counterpart. PMID:22742500

Forbidden Mass Ranges for Shower Meteoroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moorhead, Althea V.

2017-01-01

Burns et al. (1979) use the parameter beta to describe the ratio of radiation pressure to gravity for a particle in the Solar System. The central potential that these particles experience is effectively reduced by a factor of (1- beta ), which in turn lowers the escape velocity. Burns et al. (1979) derived a simple expression for the value of beta at which particles ejected from a comet follow parabolic orbits and thus leave the Solar System; we expand on this to derive an expression for critical beta values that takes ejection velocity into account, assuming geometric optics. We use our expression to compute the critical value and corresponding mass for cometary ejecta leading, trailing, and following the parent comet's nucleus for 10 major meteor showers. Finally, we numerically solve for critical beta values in the case of non-geometric optics. These values determine the mass regimes within which meteoroids are ejected from the Solar System and therefore cannot contribute to meteor showers.

Automated cell counts on CSF samples: A multicenter performance evaluation of the GloCyte system.

PubMed

Hod, E A; Brugnara, C; Pilichowska, M; Sandhaus, L M; Luu, H S; Forest, S K; Netterwald, J C; Reynafarje, G M; Kratz, A

2018-02-01

Automated cell counters have replaced manual enumeration of cells in blood and most body fluids. However, due to the unreliability of automated methods at very low cell counts, most laboratories continue to perform labor-intensive manual counts on many or all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. This multicenter clinical trial investigated if the GloCyte System (Advanced Instruments, Norwood, MA), a recently FDA-approved automated cell counter, which concentrates and enumerates red blood cells (RBCs) and total nucleated cells (TNCs), is sufficiently accurate and precise at very low cell counts to replace all manual CSF counts. The GloCyte System concentrates CSF and stains RBCs with fluorochrome-labeled antibodies and TNCs with nucleic acid dyes. RBCs and TNCs are then counted by digital image analysis. Residual adult and pediatric CSF samples obtained for clinical analysis at five different medical centers were used for the study. Cell counts were performed by the manual hemocytometer method and with the GloCyte System following the same protocol at all sites. The limits of the blank, detection, and quantitation, as well as precision and accuracy of the GloCyte, were determined. The GloCyte detected as few as 1 TNC/μL and 1 RBC/μL, and reliably counted as low as 3 TNCs/μL and 2 RBCs/μL. The total coefficient of variation was less than 20%. Comparison with cell counts obtained with a hemocytometer showed good correlation (>97%) between the GloCyte and the hemocytometer, including at very low cell counts. The GloCyte instrument is a precise, accurate, and stable system to obtain red cell and nucleated cell counts in CSF samples. It allows for the automated enumeration of even very low cell numbers, which is crucial for CSF analysis. These results suggest that GloCyte is an acceptable alternative to the manual method for all CSF samples, including those with normal cell counts. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of beta blockers (carvedilol or metoprolol XL) in patients with transposition of great arteries and dysfunction of the systemic right ventricle.

PubMed

Doughan, Abdul Rahman K; McConnell, Michael E; Book, Wendy M

2007-03-01

This study evaluated the effects of beta blockers (carvedilol and metoprolol XL) on New York Heart Association functional class and systemic right ventricular (RV) function in patients with complete transposition of the great arteries who had systemic RV dysfunction late after atrial inflow correction. A significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class was found after 4 months of therapy with beta blockers. Functional recovery was significant mostly in those patients with pacemakers who received higher maintenance doses of carvedilol. RV end-diastolic area was significantly greater in untreated patients at the end of the follow-up period, whereas it was unchanged in treated patients. In conclusion, beta blockers prevent RV remodeling, with a concomitant improvement in exercise tolerance in patients with complete transposition of the great arteries and systemic RV dysfunction.

Micro-power dissipation device described

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, X.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, J.

1985-11-01

The common-emitter current gain beta of a common two-pole transistor is generally below 250. They are referred to as high-beta or high gain transistors when the beta of such transistors exceeds 300. When the beta of a transistor is higher than 1,000, it is called a super-beta transistor (SBT) or supergain transistor. The micropower dissipation type has the widest applications among the high-beta. Micropower dissipation high-beta means that there is a high gain or a superhigh gain under a microcurrent. The device is widely used in small signal-detection systems and stereo audio equipment because of their characteristics of high gain, low frequency and low noise under small signals.

Modulating drug loading and release profile of beta-cyclodextrin polymers by means of cross-linked degree.

PubMed

Wang, Qi-fang; Li, San-ming; Zhang, Yu-yang; Zhang, Hong

2011-02-01

The purpose of the present study is to use beta-cyclodextrin polymers (beta-CDP) with different cross-linked degree (CLD) to form inclusion complexes with ibuprofen and examine the effects of structural and compositional factors of beta-CDP on its drug loading and release behaviors. A series of beta-CDP with different CLD were synthesized and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 13C NMR spectrum. The beta-CDP was systemically characterized for the relation between the CLD of beta-CDP and the drug loading and release as well. The results of FT-IR and 13C NMR showed that similar peak-shaped vibration of beta-CDP and beta-CD implies that the polymer keeps the original characteristic structure of beta-CD. The CLD of the beta-CDP played a critical role in the drug loading and release, increasing the CLD resulted in reduction of drug loading, but increase in drug release.

Short communication: use of the BetaStar Plus assay for detection of ceftiofur antimicrobial residues in milk from individual cows following intramammary treatment for mastitis.

PubMed

Grooms, D L; Norby, B; Grooms, K E; Jagodzinski, E N; Erskine, R J; Halbert, L W; Coetzee, J F; Wulf, L; Rice, J A

2015-09-01

Development and use of on-farm assays to detect antimicrobial residues in milk is important to reduce the risk of violative residues in marketed milk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a lateral-flow immunodiagnostic assay (BetaStar Plus, Neogen Corp., Lansing, MI) in detecting ceftiofur residues in milk from individual cows treated for mastitis. This assay is currently approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for detecting β-lactam residues in commingled milk. Forty-five dairy cows with clinical mastitis from 4 dairy farms were enrolled and treated intramammary with 125 mg of ceftiofur hydrochloride (Spectramast LC, Zoetis, Madison, NJ) according to the manufacturer's label recommendation. Composite milk samples were collected (A) before first intramammary antimicrobial treatment, (B) before the last intramammary antimicrobial treatment, (C) the last milking of the product-labeled milk withhold, (D) the first milking after the product-labeled milk withhold had been met, and (E) 72 h after the product-labeled milk withhold had been met. Samples were tested using the BetaStar Plus assay within 48 h of collection. Parallel samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and for somatic cell count and milk components. The BetaStar Plus assay identified 6.7, 60.0, 46.7, 22.2, and 6.7% positive samples at each of the respective time points. The assay had sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 84.7%, respectively, compared with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis using FDA published residue tolerance levels for ceftiofur (or ceftiofur metabolites) as a threshold. The BetaStar Plus assay could be useful for detecting ceftiofur residues in milk from individual cows following intramammary treatment for mastitis before the milk is shipped for processing. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hematology, morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastuctural characteristics of blood cells in king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah).

PubMed

Salakij, Chaleow; Salakij, Jarernsak; Apibal, Suntaree; Narkkong, Nual-Anong; Chanhome, Lawan; Rochanapat, Nirachara

2002-01-01

King cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) have been captive-bred at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute since 1996 to supply venom for antivenom production. Hematologic tests would be useful for evaluating the health of the snakes, however, basic hematologic data and morphology have not been described for this species. The purpose of this study was to determine basic hematologic values and evaluate light microscopic, cytochemical, and electron microscopic characteristics of king cobra blood cells. Blood samples from 13 wild-caught and 15 captive-bred king cobras were collected into EDTA from the ventral caudal vein. A CBC was done using standard methods. Significant differences between groups were determined using t-tests. Cytochemical stains (periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], Sudan black B [SBB], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], acid phosphatase [AcP], and beta-glucuronidase [beta-glu]), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were done using standard techniques. Eighteen snakes (64.3%) were positive for Hepatozoon infection. Hepatozoon organisms were detected nearly twice as frequently in wild-caught (11/13) as in captive-bred (7/15) snakes. Total WBC, azurophil, and lymphocyte counts were higher and fibrinogen concentration was lower in Hepatozoon-positive snakes. Captive-bred snakes had higher RBC values, lower azurophil, heterophil, and punctate reticulocyte percentages, and higher lymphocyte numbers compared with wild-caught snakes. Lymphocytes were the most commonly observed WBCs, and stained positive with PAS, ANAE, AcP, and beta-glu. Azurophil granules stained positive with SBB, PAS, and ANAE. Heterophils were the largest WBCs; their granules stained with SBB, ANAE, and beta-glu. Basophil granules stained with PAS, SBB, ANAE, and beta-glu. Thrombocytes were strongly positive with PAS. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed organelles within all WBCs except eosinophils and revealed the gamonts of Hepatozoon sp in RBCs and azurophils. These results provide comparative hematologic data and a guide for identification of blood cells in wild-caught and captive-bred king cobra snakes. Hepatozoon infection was relatively common, but was not associated with severe hematologic abnormalities.

Effects of sequential artificial tear and cyclosporine emulsion therapy on conjunctival goblet cell density and transforming growth factor-beta2 production.

PubMed

Pflugfelder, Stephen C; De Paiva, Cintia S; Villarreal, Arturo L; Stern, Michael E

2008-01-01

To evaluate the effects of sequential treatment with artificial tears and cyclosporine emulsion on conjunctival goblet cell density and production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 in patients with dry eye disease. Patients with dry eye disease (N = 6) defined by an Ocular Surface Disease Index symptom score >or=25, Schirmer test 1 <10 mm, and corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining scores >or=3 were treated with artificial tears (Refresh Plus; Allergan, Irvine, CA) 4 times a day for 4 weeks, followed by 0.05% cyclosporine emulsion (Restasis; Allergan) twice a day for 12 weeks. Impression cytology was performed on the bulbar conjunctiva of both eyes at baseline, after artificial tear therapy, and after 6 and 12 weeks of cyclosporine therapy. Goblet cells were counted in 5 representative microscopic fields per membrane in those taken from the temporal and inferior bulbar conjunctiva of the worse eye, and membranes taken from the fellow eye were immunostained for TGF-beta2. There were no differences in mean goblet cell density between baseline and 4 weeks of artificial tears in the temporal and inferior bulbar specimens. After 6 weeks of cyclosporine emulsion, goblet cell density was significantly greater than baseline and artificial tears in the inferior bulbar conjunctiva (P < 0.01). After 12 weeks of cyclosporine emulsion, goblet cell density was significantly greater than baseline and artificial tears in both temporal and inferior bulbar sites (P < 0.01). The number of TGF-beta2-positive goblet cells was also noted to increase after 6 and 12 weeks of cyclosporine therapy (P < 0.001). Cyclosporine emulsion, but not artificial tears, increases goblet cell density and production of the immunoregulatory factor TGF-beta2 in the bulbar conjunctiva in patients with dry eye.

A comparison of observation-level random effect and Beta-Binomial models for modelling overdispersion in Binomial data in ecology & evolution.

PubMed

Harrison, Xavier A

2015-01-01

Overdispersion is a common feature of models of biological data, but researchers often fail to model the excess variation driving the overdispersion, resulting in biased parameter estimates and standard errors. Quantifying and modeling overdispersion when it is present is therefore critical for robust biological inference. One means to account for overdispersion is to add an observation-level random effect (OLRE) to a model, where each data point receives a unique level of a random effect that can absorb the extra-parametric variation in the data. Although some studies have investigated the utility of OLRE to model overdispersion in Poisson count data, studies doing so for Binomial proportion data are scarce. Here I use a simulation approach to investigate the ability of both OLRE models and Beta-Binomial models to recover unbiased parameter estimates in mixed effects models of Binomial data under various degrees of overdispersion. In addition, as ecologists often fit random intercept terms to models when the random effect sample size is low (<5 levels), I investigate the performance of both model types under a range of random effect sample sizes when overdispersion is present. Simulation results revealed that the efficacy of OLRE depends on the process that generated the overdispersion; OLRE failed to cope with overdispersion generated from a Beta-Binomial mixture model, leading to biased slope and intercept estimates, but performed well for overdispersion generated by adding random noise to the linear predictor. Comparison of parameter estimates from an OLRE model with those from its corresponding Beta-Binomial model readily identified when OLRE were performing poorly due to disagreement between effect sizes, and this strategy should be employed whenever OLRE are used for Binomial data to assess their reliability. Beta-Binomial models performed well across all contexts, but showed a tendency to underestimate effect sizes when modelling non-Beta-Binomial data. Finally, both OLRE and Beta-Binomial models performed poorly when models contained <5 levels of the random intercept term, especially for estimating variance components, and this effect appeared independent of total sample size. These results suggest that OLRE are a useful tool for modelling overdispersion in Binomial data, but that they do not perform well in all circumstances and researchers should take care to verify the robustness of parameter estimates of OLRE models.

The Majorana Demonstrator: A search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of germanium-76

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elliott, S. R.; Abgrall, N.; Aguayo, E.; Avignone, F. T., III; Barabash, A. S.; Bertrand, F. E.; Boswell, M.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Caldwell, A. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Christofferson, C. D.; Combs, D. C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Doe, P. J.; Efremenko, Yu.; Egorov, V.; Ejiri, H.; Esterline, J.; Fast, J. E.; Finnerty, P.; Fraenkle, F. M.; Galindo-Uribarri, A.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Goett, J.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Gusev, K.; Hallin, A. L.; Hazama, R.; Hegai, A.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howard, S.; Howe, M. A.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Kochetov, O.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; LaFerriere, B. D.; Leon, J.; Leviner, L. E.; Loach, J. C.; MacMullin, S.; Martin, R. D.; Mertens, S.; Mizouni, L.; Nomachi, M.; Orrell, J. L.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Overman, N. R.; Phillips, D. G., II; Poon, A. W. P.; Pushkin, K.; Radford, D. C.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Ronquest, M. C.; Schubert, A. G.; Shanks, B.; Shima, T.; Shirchenko, M.; Snavely, K. J.; Snyder, N.; Soin, A.; Strain, J.; Suriano, A. M.; Timkin, V.; Tornow, W.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Young, A. R.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.

2013-12-01

The Majorana collaboration is searching for neutrinoless double beta decay using 76Ge, which has been shown to have a number of advantages in terms of sensitivities and backgrounds. The observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay would show that lepton number is violated and that neutrinos are Majorana particles and would simultaneously provide information on neutrino mass. Attaining sensitivities for neutrino masses in the inverted hierarchy region, 15 - 50 meV, will require large, tonne-scale detectors with extremely low backgrounds, at the level of ˜1 count/t-y or lower in the region of the signal. The Majorana collaboration, with funding support from DOE Office of Nuclear Physics and NSF Particle Astrophysics, is constructing the Demonstrator, an array consisting of 40 kg of p-type point-contact high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors, of which ˜30 kg will be enriched to 87% in 76Ge. The Demonstrator is being constructed in a clean room laboratory facility at the 4850' level (4300 m.w.e.) of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD. It utilizes a compact graded shield approach with the inner portion consisting of ultra-clean Cu that is being electroformed and machined underground. The primary aim of the Demonstrator is to show the feasibility of a future tonne-scale measurement in terms of backgrounds and scalability.

Activity of benzimidazoles against Dientamoeba fragilis (Trichomonadida, Monocercomonadidae) in vitro and correlation of beta-tubulin sequences as an indicator of resistance.

PubMed

Stark, Damien; Barratt, Joel L N; Roberts, Tamalee; Marriott, Deborah; Harkness, John T; Ellis, John

2014-01-01

Recently, Dientamoeba fragilis has emerged as a significant and common enteropathogen. The majority of patients with dientamoebiasis present with gastrointestinal complaints and chronic symptoms are common. Numerous studies have successfully demonstrated parasite clearance, coupled with complete resolution of clinical symptoms following treatment with various antiparasitic compounds. Despite this, there is very little in vitro susceptibility data available for the organism. Benzimidazoles are a class of antiparasitic drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of protozoan and helminthic infections. Susceptibility testing was undertaken on four D. fragilis clinical isolates against the following benzimidazoles: albendazole, flubendazole, mebendazole, nocodazole, triclabendazole and thiabendazole. The activities of the antiprotozoal compounds at concentrations ranging from 2 μg/mL to 500 μg/mL were determined via cell counts of D. fragilis grown in xenic culture. All tested drugs showed no efficacy. The beta-tubulin transcript was sequenced from two of the D. fragilis isolates and amino acid sequences predicted a susceptibility to benzimidazoles. This is the first study to report susceptibility profiles for benzimidazoles against D. fragilis, all of which were not active against the organism. This study also found that beta-tubulin sequences cannot be used as a reliable marker for resistance of benzimidazoles in D. fragilis. D. Stark et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2014

The Structure of 34Mg Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luna, Benjamin

2017-09-01

In the chart of nuclei below the beta-stability line, there are regions called islands of inversion where nuclei are expected have a spherical ground state, but it has been determined that these nuclei have a deformed ground state. This project was part of an ongoing investigation with the goal of obtaining new information about 34Mg and 34Al, which lie near an island of inversion. A beam of 34Mg was sent to the center of an array of plastic scintillators and HPGe detectors to collect data from the isotope's beta decay. This isotope beta decays to 34Al and to 34Si. The analysis softwares ROOT and GRSISort were used to sort the data into analysis trees, from which certain histograms were extracted. These histograms were used to determine an initial list of gamma ray transitions associated with the relatively fast decays of 34Mg and 34Al. Since the efficiencies of gamma ray detection are known, the true number of counts from each transition can be determined. This was done to order the gamma ray transitions into a nuclear level scheme. Future work on this subject will include the analysis of the angular correlations of the transitions found to determine spins of states populated in the 34Al and Si daughter nuclei as well as shedding light on the isomer in 34Al.

PEG-rHuMGDF ameliorates thrombocytopenia in carboplatin-treated rats without inducing myelofibrosis.

PubMed

Ide, Y; Harada, K; Imai, A; Yanagida, M

1999-08-01

We examined the effects of pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) on carboplatin-induced thrombocytopenia in rats. The focus was on whether myelofibrosis is associated with the PEG-rHuMGDF treatment in this chemotherapy model. After a single injection of carboplatin, rats received subcutaneous PEG-rHuMGDF at pharmacologic doses (1,3, or 30 micrograms/kg) or a vehicle daily for 7 days. PEG-rHuMGDF at more than 3 micrograms/kg ameliorated the thrombocytopenia at day 10. Histologically, no myelofibrosis was detected in the rats treated with PEG-rHuMGDF or vehicle. Subsequently, PEG-rHuMGDF at a suprapharmacologic dose (100 micrograms/kg) was subcutaneously administered to normal and to carboplatin-treated rats daily for 7 days. Histological analysis revealed that the treatment with PEG-rHuMGDF induced myelofibrosis in the normal rats but not in the carboplatin-treated rats. Additionally, the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) levels in the extracellular fluid and the whole extract of the bone marrow were increased to a much lesser degree in the carboplatin-treated rats compared to the normal rats. These findings suggest that PEG-rHuMGDF is effective for carboplatin-induced thrombocytopenia. Proper control of platelet counts and TGF-beta 1 levels is essential so that myelofibrosis is not induced in clinical use.

In vivo reduction of erythrocyte oxidant stress in a murine model of beta-thalassemia.

PubMed

de Franceschi, Lucia; Turrini, Franco; Honczarenko, Marek; Ayi, Kojio; Rivera, Alicia; Fleming, Mark D; Law, Terry; Mannu, Franca; Kuypers, Frans A; Bast, Aalt; van der Vijgh, Wim J F; Brugnara, Carlo

2004-11-01

Oxidant damage is an important contributor to the premature destruction of erythrocytes and anemia in thalassemias. To assess the extent of oxidant damage of circulating erythrocytes and the effects of antioxidant therapy on erythrocyte characteristics and anemia, we used a mouse model of human beta-thalassemia intermedia (b1/b2 deletion). Several parameters indicative of oxidant damage were measured at baseline and following administration of the semi-synthetic flavonoid antioxidant, 7-monohydroxyethylrutoside (monoHER), to beta-thalassemic mice at a dose of either 500 mg/kg i.p. once a day (n=6) or 250 mg/kg i.p. twice a day (n=6) for 21 days. Significant erythrocyte oxidant damage at baseline was indicated by: (i) dehydration, reduced cell K content, and up-regulated K-Cl co-transport; (ii) marked membrane externalization of phosphatidylserine; (iii) reduced plasma and membrane content of vitamin E; and (iv) increased membrane bound IgG. MonoHER treatment increased erythrocyte K content, and markedly improved all cellular indicators of oxidant stress and of lipid membrane peroxidation. While anemia did not improve, monoHER therapy reduced reticulocyte counts, improved survival of a fraction of red cells, and reduced ineffective erythropoiesis with decreased total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and plasma iron. Antioxidant therapy reverses several indicators of oxidant damage in vivo. These promising antioxidant effects of monoHER should be investigated further.

Optimized formation of detergent micelles of beta-carotene and retinal production using recombinant human beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase.

PubMed

Kim, Nam-Hee; Kim, Yeong-Su; Kim, Hye-Jung; Oh, Deok-Kun

2008-01-01

The formation of beta-carotene detergent micelles and their conversion into retinal by recombinant human beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase was optimized under aqueous conditions. Toluene was the most hydrophobic among the organic solvents tested; thus, it was used to dissolve beta-carotene, which is a hydrophobic compound. Tween 80 was selected as the detergent because it supported the highest level of retinal production among all of the detergents tested. The maximum production of retinal was achieved in detergent micelles containing 200 mg/L of beta-carotene and 2.4% (w/v) Tween 80. Under these conditions, the recombinant enzyme produced 97 mg/L of retinal after 16 h with a conversion yield of 48.5% (w/w). The amount of retinal produced, which is the highest ever reported, is a result of the ability of our system to dissolve large amounts of beta-carotene.

Determination of strontium-90 in milk samples using a controlled precipitation clean-up step prior to ion-chromatography.

PubMed

Cobb, J; Warwick, P; Carpenter, R C; Morrison, R T

1995-12-01

Strontium-90 may be determined by beta-counting its yttrium-90 daughter following separation by ion-chromatography, using a three column system comprising a chelating concentrator column, a cation-exchange column and an anion-exchange separator column. The column system has previously been applied to the determination of strontium-90 in water and urine samples. The applicability of the system to the analysis of milk is hampered by the large concentrations of calcium present, which significantly reduces the extraction of yttrium-90 by the concentrator column. A maximum of approximately 200 mg of calcium can be present for the successful extraction of yttrium-90, which greatly limits the quantity of milk that can be analysed. The quantity of milk analysed can be increased by the inclusion of a controlled precipitation step prior to the ion-chromatographic separation. The precipitation is carried out on acid digested milk samples by the addition of ammonia solution until the addition of one drop causes a reduction in pH resulting in the precipitation of calcium hydrogenphosphate. Under these conditions, approximately 20% of the calcium present in the original milk sample is precipitated, yttrium-90 is precipitated whereas strontium-90 is not precipitated. Dissolution of the precipitate, followed by separation of yttrium-90 using the ion-chromatography system facilitates the analysis of a litre of milk with recoveries of greater than 80%.

Incoherent-scatter computed tomography with monochromatic synchrotron x ray: feasibility of multi-CT imaging system for simultaneous measurement-of fluorescent and incoherent scatter x rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuasa, T.; Akiba, M.; Takeda, T.; Kazama, M.; Hoshino, A.; Watanabe, Y.; Hyodo, K.; Dilmanian, F. A.; Akatsuka, T.; Itai, Y.

1997-10-01

We describe a new system of incoherent scatter computed tomography (ISCT) using monochromatic synchrotron X rays, and we discuss its potential to be used in in vivo imaging for medical use. The system operates on the basis of computed tomography (CT) of the first generation. The reconstruction method for ISCT uses the least squares method with singular value decomposition. The research was carried out at the BLNE-5A bending magnet beam line of the Tristan Accumulation Ring in KEK, Japan. An acrylic cylindrical phantom of 20-mm diameter containing a cross-shaped channel was imaged. The channel was filled with a diluted iodine solution with a concentration of 200 /spl mu/gI/ml. Spectra obtained with the system's high purity germanium (HPGe) detector separated the incoherent X-ray line from the other notable peaks, i.e., the iK/sub /spl alpha// and K/sub /spl beta/1/ X-ray fluorescent lines and the coherent scattering peak. CT images were reconstructed from projections generated by integrating the counts In the energy window centering around the incoherent scattering peak and whose width was approximately 2 keV. The reconstruction routine employed an X-ray attenuation correction algorithm. The resulting image showed more homogeneity than one without the attenuation correction.

Detection of early changes in lung cell cytology by flow-systems analysis techniques. Progress report, January 1-June 30, 1979

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

Steinkamp, J.A.; Wilson, J.S.; Svitra, Z.V.

1979-08-01

This report summarizes results of ongoing experiments designed to develop automated flow-analysis assay methods for discerning damage to exfoliated respiratory tract cells in model test animals exposed by inhalation to physical and chemical agents associated with the production of synthetic fuels from oil shale and coal, the specific goal being the determination of atypical changes in exposed alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells. Animals were exposed to oil shale particles (raw and spent), silica, and polystyrene latex spheres via intratracheal instillation. Respiratory tract cells were obtained by lavaging the lungs with normal saline, stained with mithramycin for DNA content, and analyzedmore » using flow cytometric analysis methods. In addition to measuring DNA content, differential and total cell counts were made on all samples analyzed. DNA content frequency distribution histograms and cytology showed definite atypical changes resulting from exposure to shale and silica particulates when compared to the controls. To continue development of fluorescence staining methods for measuring intracellular enzymes in alveolar macrophages, studies were initiated for determining ..beta..-glucuronidase using naphthol AS-BI-..beta..-d-glucuronic acid as a fluorogenic substrate. As this new technology becomes adapted to analyzing pulmonary macrophages and epithelial cells, the measurement of physical and biochemical properties as a function of exposure to particulate and gaseous toxic agents related to the production of synthetic fuels will be increased. This analytical approach is designed to assist in the establishment of future guideline for estimating the risks to exposed humans.« less

Vehicle counting system using real-time video processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crisóstomo-Romero, Pedro M.

2006-02-01

Transit studies are important for planning a road network with optimal vehicular flow. A vehicular count is essential. This article presents a vehicle counting system based on video processing. An advantage of such system is the greater detail than is possible to obtain, like shape, size and speed of vehicles. The system uses a video camera placed above the street to image transit in real-time. The video camera must be placed at least 6 meters above the street level to achieve proper acquisition quality. Fast image processing algorithms and small image dimensions are used to allow real-time processing. Digital filters, mathematical morphology, segmentation and other techniques allow identifying and counting all vehicles in the image sequences. The system was implemented under Linux in a 1.8 GHz Pentium 4 computer. A successful count was obtained with frame rates of 15 frames per second for images of size 240x180 pixels and 24 frames per second for images of size 180x120 pixels, thus being able to count vehicles whose speeds do not exceed 150 km/h.

Mechanism of killing of streptococcus mutans by light-activated drugs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, Tracy; Wilson, Michael; Pearson, G. J.

1996-01-01

Recent studies have shown that cariogenic bacteria can be killed when exposed to low power laser light in the presence of a photosensitizing agent. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans can be killed by toluidine blue O and helium neon laser light. To determine whether membrane damage occurred, suspensions of sensitized S. mutans were exposed to a 7.3 mW HeNe laser for 30 mins and samples removed every 5 mins. Survivors were enumerated by viable counting on tryptone soya agar plates and cell free filtrates were assayed for phosphate and (beta) -galactosidase. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by assaying for malondialdehyde, a by- product of lipid peroxidation. The role of oxygen and reactive oxygen species was studied by exposing sensitized bacteria to laser light (1) under different atmospheric conditions, (2) in the presence of deuterium oxide, and (3) in the presence of inhibitors of reactive oxygen species. Following exposure of sensitizede S. mutans to 13.2 J of HeNe laser light, 2.6 nmoles of phosphate and 228 nmoles of (beta) -galactosidase were detected in the cell free filtrates. Ten micrometers oles of malondialdehyde were also detected. When the sensitized bacteria were exposed to laser light under anaerobic conditions there was no significant decrease in the viable count compared to a 60% kill in the presence of oxygen. In the presence of D2O there was a 15-fold increase in the numbers of bacteria killed. O.1 M methionine and 0.5 M sodium azide each afforded 98% protection from lethal photosensitization. These results imply that lethal photosensitization results from membrane damage due to lipid peroxidation and that reactive oxygen species are mediators of this process.

[Nuclear factor-kappaB mRNA and protein expression in stomach tissue of rats with gastric ulcer recurrence and effect of jianwei yuyang granule on its expression].

PubMed

Ling, Jiang-Hong; Li, Jia-Bang; Shen, Ding-Zhu; Zhou, Bing

2006-03-01

To observe the inflammatory reaction, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) mRNA and protein expression in stomach tissue of rats with gastric ulcer recurrence and the effect of Jianwei Yuyang granule (JYG) on them. Gastric ulcer and its recurrent lesion were successively induced by acetic acid and interliukin1-beta (IL-1beta), and the model rats were divided into the sham operation group, the model group, the omeprazole (correction of omepraxole) group and the JYG group to observe the state of chronic inflammatory cell, neutrophil count, NF-kappaBmRNA and protein expression in stomach tissue. On the 16th and 92th day after administration, the increase of chronic inflammatory cell, neutrophil, NF-kappaBmRNA and protein expression in the model group was more significant than those in the sham operated group (P < 0.01), while that was lower in the JYG group than in the model group (P < 0.05, P <0.01), but with no remarkable difference to the omepraxole group. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of NF-kappaB were correlated closely with the count of chronic inflammatory cell and neutrophil respectively (P < 0.01). NF-kappaB may play an important role in regulating inflammatory reaction during the healing and recurrence processes of gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid. JYG may suppress inflammatory reaction by inhibiting the activation and expression of NF-kappaB in stomach tissue, which may be one of the mechanisms of JYG in preventing the recurrence of gastric ulcer.

Efficacy and safety of the human anti-IL-1beta monoclonal antibody canakinumab in rheumatoid arthritis: results of a 12-week, phase II, dose-finding study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Canakinumab is a fully human anti-interleukin IL-1beta monoclonal antibody, being investigated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This multicenter, phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding study investigated the efficacy and safety of canakinumab in patients with active RA despite ongoing therapy at stable doses of methotrexate. Methods Patients were randomized to receive one of four regimens, in addition to methotrexate, for 12 weeks: canakinumab 150 mg subcutaneously (SC) every 4 weeks (q4wk), canakinumab 300 mg SC (2 injections of 150 mg SC) every 2 weeks, a 600 mg intravenous loading dose of canakinumab followed by 300 mg SC every 2 weeks', or placebo SC every 2 weeks. Results Among 274 patients with evaluable efficacy data, the percentage of responders according to American College of Rheumatology 50 criteria (the primary endpoint, based on a 28-joint count) was significantly higher with canakinumab 150 mg SC q4wk than with placebo (26.5% vs. 11.4%, respectively; p = 0.028). Compared to placebo, this dosage of canakinumab was also associated with significantly more favorable responses at week 12 with respect to secondary endpoints including the Disease Activity Score 28, scores on the Health Assessment Questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, swollen 28-joint count, and patient's and physician's global assessments of disease activity. No safety concerns were raised with canakinumab therapy, particularly with regard to infections. Few injection-site reactions occurred. Conclusion The addition of canakinumab 150 mg SC q4wk improves therapeutic responses among patients who have active RA despite stable treatment with methotrexate. Trial Registration (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00784628) PMID:21736751

Effects of sodium citrate and acid citrate dextrose solutions on cell counts and growth factor release from equine pure-platelet rich plasma and pure-platelet rich gel.

PubMed

Giraldo, Carlos E; Álvarez, María E; Carmona, Jorge U

2015-03-14

There is a lack information on the effects of the most commonly used anticoagulants for equine platelet rich plasmas (PRPs) elaboration on cell counts and growth factor release from platelet rich gels (PRGs). The aims of this study were 1) to compare the effects of the anticoagulants sodium citrate (SC), acid citrate dextrose solution A (ACD-A) and ACD-B on platelet (PLT), leukocyte (WBC) and on some parameters associated to platelet activation including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) between whole blood, pure PRP (P-PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP); 2) to compare transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β(1)) and platelet-derived growth factor isoform BB (PDGF-BB) concentrations in supernatants from pure PRG (P-PRG), platelet-poor gel (PPG), P-PRP lysate (positive control) and plasma (negative control); 3) to establish the possible correlations between all the studied cellular and molecular parameters. In all cases the three anticoagulants produced P-PRPs with significantly higher PLT counts compared with whole blood and PPP. The concentrations of WBCs were similar between P-PRP and whole blood, but significantly lower in PPP. The type of anticoagulant did not significantly affect the cell counts for each blood component. The anticoagulants also did not affect the MPV and PDW parameters. Independently of the anticoagulant used, all blood components presented significantly different concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF-β(1). The highest growth factor (GF) concentrations were observed from P-PRP lysates, followed by PRG supernatants, PPP lysates, PPG supernatants and plasma. Significant correlations were observed between PLT and WBC counts (ρ = 0.80), PLT count and TGF-β(1) concentration (ρ = 0.85), PLT count and PDGF-BB concentration (ρ = 0.80) and PDGF-BB and TGF-β(1) concentrations (ρ = 0.75). The type of anticoagulant was not correlated with any of the variables evaluated. The anticoagulants did not significantly influence cell counts or GF concentrations in equine PRP. However, ACD-B was apparently the worst anticoagulant evaluated. It is necessary to perform additional research to determine the effect of anticoagulants on the kinetics of GF elution from P-PRG.

Effect of beta-cyclodextrin in improving the correlation between lycopene concentration and ORAC values.

PubMed

Bangalore, Dharmendra V; McGlynn, William; Scott, Darren D

2005-03-23

Lycopene, a lipophilic antioxidant, plays a crucial role in biological systems. It may play an important role in human biological systems by providing protection against cardiovascular disease and some cancers and by boosting the immune system. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) has been validated as an index of antioxidant activity for many hydrophilic antioxidants but not for lycopene. This study validates the ORAC assay for different concentrations of lycopene in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin, a water-solubility enhancer. Lyc-O-Mato 6% extract was used as a source of lycopene for these experiments. Lycopene was extracted according to a standard spectrophotometric assay procedure in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin at concentrations of 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6%, and the antioxidant activity of lycopene was measured with the ORAC assay. Experiments were conducted in quadruplicate and statistical pooled correlations analyzed. Statistical analysis showed a very high correlation (R2 = 0.99) between ORAC and ascorbic acid concentrations, validating this method. Lycopene concentration correlated poorly with ORAC (R2 = 0.33) in the absence of beta-cyclodextrin. Correlations improved with increasing levels of beta-cyclodextrin (R2 = 0.58 and 0.91 for 0.4 and 0.8% beta-cyclodextrin, respectively). A very high beta-cyclodextrin concentration (1.6%) decreased the correlation between ORAC and lycopene concentration. Inclusion of beta-cyclodextrin in the ORAC assay improves correlation between ORAC and lycopene concentration, thus expanding the scope of the ORAC assay to include an additional fat-soluble antioxidant.

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

Baserga, S.J.; Benz, E.J. Jr.

A number of premature translation termination mutations (nonsense mutations) have been described in the human {alpha}- and {beta}-globin genes. Studies on mRNA isolated from patients with {beta}{sup 0}-thalassemia have shown that for both the {beta}-17 and the {beta}-39 mutations less than normal levels of {beta}-globin mRNA accumulate in peripheral blood cells. (The codon at which the mutation occurs designates the name of the mutation; there are 146 codons in human {beta}-globin mRNA). In vitro studies using the cloned {beta}-39 gene have reproduced this effect in a heterologous transfection system and have suggested that the defect resides in intranuclear metabolism. Themore » authors have asked if this phenomenon of decreased mRNA accumulation is a general property of nonsense mutations and if the effect depends on the location or the type of mutation. Toward this end, they have studied the effect of five nonsense mutations and two missense mutations on the expression of human {beta}-globin mRNA in a heterologous transfection system. In all cases studied, the presence of a translation termination codon correlates with a decrease in the steady-state level of mRNA. The data suggest that the metabolism of a mammalian mRNA is affected by the presence of a mutation that affects translation.« less

Design and experimental results of the 1-T Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, E. M.; Birmingham, W. J.; Romero-Talamás, C. A.

2018-05-01

The Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) is a 1-Tesla (T) technical prototype of the 10 T Adjustable Long Pulsed High-Field Apparatus. BETA's final design specifications are highlighted in this paper which include electromagnetic, thermal, and stress analyses. We discuss here the design and fabrication of BETA's core, vessel, cooling, and electrical subsystems. The electrical system of BETA is composed of a scalable solid-state DC breaker circuit. Experimental results display the stable operation of BETA at 1 T. These results are compared to both analytical design and finite element calculations. Experimental results validate analytical magnet designing methods developed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory. The theoretical steady state maxima and the limits of BETA's design are explored in this paper.

Design and experimental results of the 1-T Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA).

PubMed

Bates, E M; Birmingham, W J; Romero-Talamás, C A

2018-05-01

The Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) is a 1-Tesla (T) technical prototype of the 10 T Adjustable Long Pulsed High-Field Apparatus. BETA's final design specifications are highlighted in this paper which include electromagnetic, thermal, and stress analyses. We discuss here the design and fabrication of BETA's core, vessel, cooling, and electrical subsystems. The electrical system of BETA is composed of a scalable solid-state DC breaker circuit. Experimental results display the stable operation of BETA at 1 T. These results are compared to both analytical design and finite element calculations. Experimental results validate analytical magnet designing methods developed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory. The theoretical steady state maxima and the limits of BETA's design are explored in this paper.

Statistical method evaluation for differentially methylated CpGs in base resolution next-generation DNA sequencing data.

PubMed

Zhang, Yun; Baheti, Saurabh; Sun, Zhifu

2018-05-01

High-throughput bisulfite methylation sequencing such as reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), Agilent SureSelect Human Methyl-Seq (Methyl-seq) or whole-genome bisulfite sequencing is commonly used for base resolution methylome research. These data are represented either by the ratio of methylated cytosine versus total coverage at a CpG site or numbers of methylated and unmethylated cytosines. Multiple statistical methods can be used to detect differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) between conditions, and these methods are often the base for the next step of differentially methylated region identification. The ratio data have a flexibility of fitting to many linear models, but the raw count data take consideration of coverage information. There is an array of options in each datatype for DMC detection; however, it is not clear which is an optimal statistical method. In this study, we systematically evaluated four statistic methods on methylation ratio data and four methods on count-based data and compared their performances with regard to type I error control, sensitivity and specificity of DMC detection and computational resource demands using real RRBS data along with simulation. Our results show that the ratio-based tests are generally more conservative (less sensitive) than the count-based tests. However, some count-based methods have high false-positive rates and should be avoided. The beta-binomial model gives a good balance between sensitivity and specificity and is preferred method. Selection of methods in different settings, signal versus noise and sample size estimation are also discussed.

Performance in population models for count data, part II: a new SAEM algorithm

PubMed Central

Savic, Radojka; Lavielle, Marc

2009-01-01

Analysis of count data from clinical trials using mixed effect analysis has recently become widely used. However, algorithms available for the parameter estimation, including LAPLACE and Gaussian quadrature (GQ), are associated with certain limitations, including bias in parameter estimates and the long analysis runtime. The stochastic approximation expectation maximization (SAEM) algorithm has proven to be a very efficient and powerful tool in the analysis of continuous data. The aim of this study was to implement and investigate the performance of a new SAEM algorithm for application to count data. A new SAEM algorithm was implemented in MATLAB for estimation of both, parameters and the Fisher information matrix. Stochastic Monte Carlo simulations followed by re-estimation were performed according to scenarios used in previous studies (part I) to investigate properties of alternative algorithms (1). A single scenario was used to explore six probability distribution models. For parameter estimation, the relative bias was less than 0.92% and 4.13 % for fixed and random effects, for all models studied including ones accounting for over- or under-dispersion. Empirical and estimated relative standard errors were similar, with distance between them being <1.7 % for all explored scenarios. The longest CPU time was 95s for parameter estimation and 56s for SE estimation. The SAEM algorithm was extended for analysis of count data. It provides accurate estimates of both, parameters and standard errors. The estimation is significantly faster compared to LAPLACE and GQ. The algorithm is implemented in Monolix 3.1, (beta-version available in July 2009). PMID:19680795

Care for Haemoglobinopathy Patients in Slovakia.

PubMed

Fábryová, Viera; Božek, Peter; Drakulová, Monika; Kollárová, Andrea; Striežencová, Zuzana Laluhová; Macichová, Michaela; Sakalová, Adriena

2017-03-01

The paper presents the results od 22-year study of screening and follow-up of haemoglobinopathies in Slovakia, an overview of genetic mutations, the coincidence with hereditary haemochromatosis mutations, and the procedure in genetic councelling. Between 1993-2015, in three centres in Bratislava and in one centre in Kosice, carriers of beta-thalassaemic genes or other haemoglobinopathies were searched for. Diagnosis was performed by haematologists, whereby the family history was evaluated, together with the overall clinical condition, blood count and blood smear, iron and haemolysis parameters, mutations of hereditary haemochromatosis, and haemoglobin electrophoresis testing. In the last years the haemoglobin division also examined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A clinical suspicion of the heterozygous form of beta-thalassaemia or other haemoglobinopathies was documented in 554 patients. Of them 32 (5.8%) were foreigners. 213 (38.45%) patients were genetically examined. In 190 (33.93%) of them heterozygote beta-thalassaemia was confirmed. The most frequent mutations were IVS 1.110 (33.15%), IVS 2.1 (33.15%), and IVS 1.6 (14.7%). Evidence of haemoglobin S (heterozygote sickle cell anaemia) was also notable in two non-relative children, whose fathers were of African origin, and one patient from Ghana. One female patient was followed up for haemoglobin Santa Ana (non-stabile haemoglobin previously diagnosed as mutation de novo). In our group, we took care of pregnant patients with haemoglobinopathies. The study showed that there is a higher number of heterozygotes for beta-thalassaemia and rarely haemoglobinopathies in Slovakia. Over the past years, we have recorded an increase number of foreigners coming to our country. It is necessary to continue in search of pathological gene carriers to avoid serious forms of haemoglobinopathies. Copyright© by the National Institute of Public Health, Prague 2017

Decreased interleukin-7 and transforming growth factor-beta1 levels in blister fluids as compared to the respective serum levels in patients with bullous pemphigoid. Opposite behavior of TNF-alpha, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10.

PubMed

Giacalone, B; D'Auria, L; Bonifati, C; Ferraro, C; Riccardi, E; Mussi, A; D'Agosto, G; Cordiali-Fei, P; Ameglio, F

1998-08-01

This study analyzes both the blister fluid (BF) and serum levels of IL-7 and TGF-beta1 in samples from 18 patients affected with bullous pemphigoid (BP). These cytokines clearly present lower concentrations (P<0.001) in BFs than in the sera (1/20 and 1/2, respectively). In contrast, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and IL-4 present increased amounts in BFs that were 12, 12 and 17-fold, respectively. Eighteen sera (and 10 suction BF) from normal individuals were also employed as control. Normal sera presented significantly lower serum IL-7 concentrations than BP, while no significant TGF-beta1 variations were observed between normal and pathologic serum samples. In addition, the serum levels detected in BP patients were significantly correlated with disease intensity (r=0.64, P=0.003, evaluated as the number of blisters/erosions for each patient) as well as with the peripheral B-lymphocyte counts (r=0.80, P<0.001) and antibodies directed against the basement membrane zone (r=0.65, P<0.005). Although a clear explanation of this phenomenon is lacking, the data presented in this report agree with a strong decrease of IL-7 production at the local level (keratinocyte is known to produce IL-7 and the latter is known to be down-regulated by IL-10, and in other models also by TGF-beta1 and IL-4, whose levels are elevated in BP BFs) as opposed to an increased peripheral release of the same modulator. The IL-7 reduction may have a biological relevance in controlling a chronic, progressive disease.

Beta-lactamase induction and cell wall metabolism in Gram-negative bacteria

PubMed Central

Zeng, Ximin; Lin, Jun

2013-01-01

Production of beta-lactamases, the enzymes that degrade beta-lactam antibiotics, is the most widespread and threatening mechanism of antibiotic resistance. In the past, extensive research has focused on the structure, function, and ecology of beta-lactamases while limited efforts were placed on the regulatory mechanisms of beta-lactamases. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrate a direct link between beta-lactamase induction and cell wall metabolism in Gram-negative bacteria. Specifically, expression of beta-lactamase could be induced by the liberated murein fragments, such as muropeptides. This article summarizes current knowledge on cell wall metabolism, beta-lactam antibiotics, and beta-lactamases. In particular, we comprehensively reviewed recent studies on the beta-lactamase induction by muropeptides via two major molecular mechanisms (the AmpG–AmpR–AmpC pathway and BlrAB-like two-component regulatory system) in Gram-negative bacteria. The signaling pathways for beta-lactamase induction offer a broad array of promising targets for the discovery of new antibacterial drugs used for combination therapies. Therefore, to develop effective mitigation strategies against the widespread beta-lactam resistance, examination of the molecular basis of beta-lactamase induction by cell wall fragment is highly warranted. PMID:23734147

Evaluation of the accuracy of mono-energetic electron and beta-emitting isotope dose-point kernels using particle and heavy ion transport code system: PHITS.

PubMed

Shiiba, Takuro; Kuga, Naoya; Kuroiwa, Yasuyoshi; Sato, Tatsuhiko

2017-10-01

We assessed the accuracy of mono-energetic electron and beta-emitting isotope dose-point kernels (DPKs) calculated using the particle and heavy ion transport code system (PHITS) for patient-specific dosimetry in targeted radionuclide treatment (TRT) and compared our data with published data. All mono-energetic and beta-emitting isotope DPKs calculated using PHITS, both in water and compact bone, were in good agreement with those in literature using other MC codes. PHITS provided reliable mono-energetic electron and beta-emitting isotope scaled DPKs for patient-specific dosimetry. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Urtica dioica agglutinin, a V beta 8.3-specific superantigen, prevents the development of the systemic lupus erythematosus-like pathology of MRL lpr/lpr mice.

PubMed

Musette, P; Galelli, A; Chabre, H; Callard, P; Peumans, W; Truffa-Bachi, P; Kourilsky, P; Gachelin, G

1996-08-01

The V beta 8.3-specific superantigenic lectin Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) was used to delete the V beta 8.3+ T cells in MRL lpr/lpr mice. In contrast to the systemic lupus erythematosus-like pathology which progresses with age in the phosphate-buffered saline-injected MRL lpr/lpr controls, UDA-treated animals did not develop overt clinical signs of lupus and nephritis. The pathogenic T cell clones thus reside within the V beta 8.3+ T cell population, which includes an expanded T cell clone described previously. Finally, UDA alters the production of autoantibodies in a sex-dependent manner.

New additions to the National Plant Germplasm System's Beta collection: Southern Morocco collection

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The USDA Agricultural Research Service’s National Plant Germplasm System’s (NPGS) Beta collection is comprised of 2,541 accessions from 14 species. The largest number of accessions is from Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris, (domesticated beet crops – table, leaf (Swiss chard), fodder and, primarily, sugar...

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) regulates glucocorticoid metabolism through 11{beta}-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 in murine gonadotrope cells

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

Hong, Dun; Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Lin Hai, ZJ 317000; Li, Xing-Wang

2009-11-13

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its metabolite mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) have been classified as toxicants to the reproductive system at the testis level and DEHP may also impair reproductive axis function at the pituitary levels. However, MEHP is 10-fold more potent than DEHP in toxicity and little is known about the toxicological effect of MEHP on pituitary. In this study, we demonstrated that 11{beta}-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11{beta}-HSD2), not 11{beta}-HSD1, is strongly expressed in murine gonadotrope L{beta}T2 cells. Interestingly, MEHP inhibited Hsd11b2 mRNA level and 11{beta}-HSD2 enzyme activity in L{beta}T2 cells at as low as 10{sup -7} M. Corticosterone (CORT) atmore » a concentration of 10{sup -6} M significantly inhibited L{beta}T2 cell proliferation after 2-day culture, and 10{sup -6} M RU486, an antagonist of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), reversed this inhibition. However, in the presence of 10{sup -5} or 10{sup -4} M MEHP, the minimal concentration of CORT to inhibit the proliferation of L{beta}T2 cells was lowered to 10{sup -7} M, and 10{sup -6} M RU486 was not able to completely reverse the CORT effect. In conclusion, along with the regulation of GR, 11{beta}-HSD2 may have a key role in glucocorticoid metabolism in L{beta}T2 cells. MEHP may participate in the glucocorticoid metabolism in L{beta}T2 cells through inhibition of 11{beta}-HSD2 enzyme activity. Such perturbation may be of pathological significance as MEHP may interfere with the reproductive system at pituitary level through regulation of glucocorticoid metabolism, especially in neonates with higher risk of phthalates exposure.« less

Counting statistics for genetic switches based on effective interaction approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohkubo, Jun

2012-09-01

Applicability of counting statistics for a system with an infinite number of states is investigated. The counting statistics has been studied a lot for a system with a finite number of states. While it is possible to use the scheme in order to count specific transitions in a system with an infinite number of states in principle, we have non-closed equations in general. A simple genetic switch can be described by a master equation with an infinite number of states, and we use the counting statistics in order to count the number of transitions from inactive to active states in the gene. To avoid having the non-closed equations, an effective interaction approximation is employed. As a result, it is shown that the switching problem can be treated as a simple two-state model approximately, which immediately indicates that the switching obeys non-Poisson statistics.

Beta-decay half-lives for short neutron rich nuclei involved into the r-process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panov, I.; Lutostansky, Yu; Thielemann, F.-K.

2018-01-01

The beta-strength function model based on Finite Fermi-Systems Theory is applied for calculations of the beta-decay half-lives for short neutron rich nuclei involved into the r- process. It is shown that the accuracy of beta-decay half-lives of short-lived neutron-rich nuclei is improving with increasing neutron excess and can be used for modeling of nucleosynthesis of heavy nuclei in the r-process.

Secondary metabolism in simulated microgravity: beta-lactam production by Streptomyces clavuligerus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fang, A.; Pierson, D. L.; Mishra, S. K.; Koenig, D. W.; Demain, A. L.

1997-01-01

Rotating bioreactors designed at NASA's Johnson Space Center were used to simulate a microgravity environment in which to study secondary metabolism. The system examined was beta-lactam antibiotic production by Streptomyces clavuligerus. Both growth and beta-lactam production occurred in simulated microgravity. Stimulatory effects of phosphate and L-lysine, previously detected in normal gravity, also occurred in simulated microgravity. The degree of beta-lactam antibiotic production was markedly inhibited by simulated microgravity.

beta-Phenylethylamine modulates acetylcholine release in the rat striatum: involvement of a dopamine D(2) receptor mechanism.

PubMed

Kato, M; Ishida, K; Chuma, T; Abe, K; Shigenaga, T; Taguchi, K; Miyatake, T

2001-04-20

We examined the effects of beta-phenylethylamine on striatal acetylcholine release in freely moving rats using in vivo microdialysis. beta-Phenylethylamine at 12.5 mg/kg, i.p. did not affect acetylcholine release in the striatum, whereas 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p. immediately induced an increase in acetylcholine release in the striatum at 15-45 min. This increase following intraperitoneal administration of beta-phenylethylamine (25 mg/kg) was not affected by locally applied SCH-23390 (R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine, 10 microM), a dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist, nor by raclopride (10 microM), a dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist. The increased release of acetylcholine induced by beta-phenylethylamine was suppressed by local infusion of tetrodotoxin (1 microM). In contrast, the extracellular acetylcholine level in the striatum was significantly decreased by local application of beta-phenylethylamine (10 and 100 microM) in the striatum via a microdialysis probe. The decrease was completely blocked by local co-application of raclopride (10 microM). The beta-phenylethylamine-induced decrease in striatal acetylcholine release was not affected by co-perfusion with SCH-23390 (10 microM). These results indicate that systemic administration of beta-phenylethylamine increases acetylcholine release, whereas locally applied beta-phenylethylamine decreases striatal acetylcholine release in freely moving rats. Furthermore, the dopaminergic system, through the dopamine D(2) receptor, is involved in the locally applied beta-phenylethylamine-induced decrease in acetylcholine in the striatum.

Lack of the central nervous system- and neural crest-expressed forkhead gene Foxs1 affects motor function and body weight.

PubMed

Heglind, Mikael; Cederberg, Anna; Aquino, Jorge; Lucas, Guilherme; Ernfors, Patrik; Enerbäck, Sven

2005-07-01

To gain insight into the expression pattern and functional importance of the forkhead transcription factor Foxs1, we constructed a Foxs1-beta-galactosidase reporter gene "knock-in" (Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal) mouse, in which the wild-type (wt) Foxs1 allele has been inactivated and replaced by a beta-galactosidase reporter gene. Staining for beta-galactosidase activity reveals an expression pattern encompassing neural crest-derived cells, e.g., cranial and dorsal root ganglia as well as several other cell populations in the central nervous system (CNS), most prominently the internal granule layer of cerebellum. Other sites of expression include the lachrymal gland, outer nuclear layer of retina, enteric ganglion neurons, and a subset of thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei. In the CNS, blood vessel-associated smooth muscle cells and pericytes stain positive for Foxs1. Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal mice perform significantly better (P < 0.01) on a rotating rod than do wt littermates. We have also noted a lower body weight gain (P < 0.05) in Foxs1beta-gal/lbeta-gal males on a high-fat diet, and we speculate that dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons, expressing Foxs1, could play a role in regulating body weight via regulation of sympathetic outflow. In support of this, we observed increased levels of uncoupling protein 1 mRNA in Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal mice. This points toward a role for Foxs1 in the integration and processing of neuronal signals of importance for energy turnover and motor function.

The large enriched germanium experiment for neutrinoless double beta decay (LEGEND)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abgrall, N.; Abramov, A.; Abrosimov, N.; Abt, I.; Agostini, M.; Agartioglu, M.; Ajjaq, A.; Alvis, S. I.; Avignone, F. T.; Bai, X.; Balata, M.; Barabanov, I.; Barabash, A. S.; Barton, P. J.; Baudis, L.; Bezrukov, L.; Bode, T.; Bolozdynya, A.; Borowicz, D.; Boston, A.; Boston, H.; Boyd, S. T. P.; Breier, R.; Brudanin, V.; Brugnera, R.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caldwell, A.; Caldwell, T. S.; Camellato, T.; Carpenter, M.; Cattadori, C.; Cederkäll, J.; Chan, Y.-D.; Chen, S.; Chernogorov, A.; Christofferson, C. D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cooper, R. J.; Cuesta, C.; Demidova, E. V.; Deng, Z.; Deniz, M.; Detwiler, J. A.; Di Marco, N.; Domula, A.; Du, Q.; Efremenko, Yu.; Egorov, V.; Elliott, S. R.; Fields, D.; Fischer, F.; Galindo-Uribarri, A.; Gangapshev, A.; Garfagnini, A.; Gilliss, T.; Giordano, M.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Gold, M.; Golubev, P.; Gooch, C.; Grabmayr, P.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Gurentsov, V.; Gurov, Y.; Gusev, K.; Hakenmüeller, J.; Harkness-Brennan, L.; Harvey, Z. R.; Haufe, C. R.; Hauertmann, L.; Heglund, D.; Hehn, L.; Heinz, A.; Hiller, R.; Hinton, J.; Hodak, R.; Hofmann, W.; Howard, S.; Howe, M. A.; Hult, M.; Inzhechik, L. V.; Csáthy, J. Janicskó; Janssens, R.; Ješkovský, M.; Jochum, J.; Johansson, H. T.; Judson, D.; Junker, M.; Kaizer, J.; Kang, K.; Kazalov, V.; Kermadic, Y.; Kiessling, F.; Kirsch, A.; Kish, A.; Klimenko, A.; Knöpfle, K. T.; Kochetov, O.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kontul, I.; Kornoukhov, V. N.; Kraetzschmar, T.; Kröninger, K.; Kumar, A.; Kuzminov, V. V.; Lang, K.; Laubenstein, M.; Lazzaro, A.; Li, Y. L.; Li, Y.-Y.; Li, H. B.; Lin, S. T.; Lindner, M.; Lippi, I.; Liu, S. K.; Liu, X.; Liu, J.; Loomba, D.; Lubashevskiy, A.; Lubsandorzhiev, B.; Lutter, G.; Ma, H.; Majorovits, B.; Mamedov, F.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Matthews, J. A. J.; McFadden, N.; Mei, D.-M.; Mei, H.; Meijer, S. J.; Mengoni, D.; Mertens, S.; Miller, W.; Miloradovic, M.; Mingazheva, R.; Misiaszek, M.; Moseev, P.; Myslik, J.; Nemchenok, I.; Nilsson, T.; Nolan, P.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Othman, G.; Panas, K.; Pandola, L.; Papp, L.; Pelczar, K.; Peterson, D.; Pettus, W.; Poon, A. W. P.; Povinec, P. P.; Pullia, A.; Quintana, X. C.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Ransom, C.; Recchia, F.; Reine, A. L.; Riboldi, S.; Rielage, K.; Rozov, S.; Rouf, N. W.; Rukhadze, E.; Rumyantseva, N.; Saakyan, R.; Sala, E.; Salamida, F.; Sandukovsky, V.; Savard, G.; Schönert, S.; Schütz, A.-K.; Schulz, O.; Schuster, M.; Schwingenheuer, B.; Selivanenko, O.; Sevda, B.; Shanks, B.; Shevchik, E.; Shirchenko, M.; Simkovic, F.; Singh, L.; Singh, V.; Skorokhvatov, M.; Smolek, K.; Smolnikov, A.; Sonay, A.; Spavorova, M.; Stekl, I.; Stukov, D.; Tedeschi, D.; Thompson, J.; Van Wechel, T.; Varner, R. L.; Vasenko, A. A.; Vasilyev, S.; Veresnikova, A.; Vetter, K.; von Sturm, K.; Vorren, K.; Wagner, M.; Wang, G.-J.; Waters, D.; Wei, W.-Z.; Wester, T.; White, B. R.; Wiesinger, C.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Willers, M.; Wiseman, C.; Wojcik, M.; Wong, H. T.; Wyenberg, J.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yang, G.; Yu, C.-H.; Yue, Q.; Yumatov, V.; Zeman, J.; Zeng, Z.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhu, B.; Zinatulina, D.; Zschocke, A.; Zsigmond, A. J.; Zuber, K.; Zuzel, G.

2017-10-01

The observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νββ) would show that lepton number is violated, reveal that neu-trinos are Majorana particles, and provide information on neutrino mass. A discovery-capable experiment covering the inverted ordering region, with effective Majorana neutrino masses of 15 - 50 meV, will require a tonne-scale experiment with excellent energy resolution and extremely low backgrounds, at the level of ˜0.1 count /(FWHM.t.yr) in the region of the signal. The current generation 76Ge experiments GERDA and the Majorana Demonstrator, utilizing high purity Germanium detectors with an intrinsic energy resolution of 0.12%, have achieved the lowest backgrounds by over an order of magnitude in the 0νββ signal region of all 0νββ experiments. Building on this success, the LEGEND collaboration has been formed to pursue a tonne-scale 76Ge experiment. The collaboration aims to develop a phased 0νββ experimental program with discovery potential at a half-life approaching or at 1028 years, using existing resources as appropriate to expedite physics results.

Discrete wavelet approach to multifractality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaacson, Susana I.; Gabbanelli, Susana C.; Busch, Jorge R.

2000-12-01

The use of wavelet techniques for the multifractal analysis generalizes the box counting approach, and in addition provides information on eventual deviations of multifractal behavior. By the introduction of a wavelet partition function Wq and its corresponding free energy (beta) (q), the discrepancies between (beta) (q) and the multifractal free energy r(q) are shown to be indicative of these deviations. We study with Daubechies wavelets (D4) some 1D examples previously treated with Haar wavelets, and we apply the same ideas to some 2D Monte Carlo configurations, that simulate a solution under the action of an attractive potential. In this last case, we study the influence in the multifractal spectra and partition functions of four physical parameters: the intensity of the pairwise potential, the temperature, the range of the model potential, and the concentration of the solution. The wavelet partition function Wq carries more information about the cluster statistics than the multifractal partition function Zq, and the location of its peaks contributes to the determination of characteristic sales of the measure. In our experiences, the information provided by Daubechies wavelet sis slightly more accurate than the one obtained by Haar wavelets.

Coinheritance of B-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia in Southwestern Nigeria.

PubMed

Vincent, Osunkalu; Oluwaseyi, Bamisaye; James, Babatunde; Saidat, Lawal

2016-11-01

Genes for haemoglobin S are found in high frequencies in Nigeria. However, there is little information on beta thalassemia in sickle cell anaemia in this population. The clinical presentation of HbS- β thalassemia is enormously variable, ranging from an asymptomatic state to a severe disorder similar to homozygous sickle cell disease. Haemoglobin A 2 and HbF were determined in sickle cell anaemia patients attending LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, by elution after electrophoresis and alkaline denaturation methods respectively. Haematological parameters were estimated using Sysmex KX-21N and percentage target cells using Leishman's staining technique. Exactly 6% f the SCA patients were found to have elevated HbA 2 (>3.3%) and HbF (>1.3%). These patients also had normal erythrocyte indices, increased platelet count, a significantly higher HCT and an increased % target cell. These findings confirm that the frequency of beta thalassaemia in sickle cell patients in Nigeria is higher than previously thought. It is therefore important to consider the possibility of this variant in patients with sickle cell anaemia since their course may differ from that of patients with homozygous sickle cell anaemia.

Selective suppression of cytokine secretion in whole blood cell cultures of patients with colorectal cancer.

PubMed Central

Lahm, H.; Schindel, M.; Frikart, L.; Cerottini, J. P.; Yilmaz, A.; Givel, J. C.; Fischer, J. R.

1998-01-01

We have investigated the secretion of interferon alpha (IFN-alpha), IFN-gamma, interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-1beta, IL-2 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in whole blood cell cultures (WBCCs) of colorectal cancer patients upon mitogen stimulation. Whereas the values for IL-1beta and TNF-alpha remained virtually unchanged in comparison with healthy control subjects, WBCCs of colorectal cancer patients secreted significantly lower amounts of IFN-alpha (P < 0.005), IFN-gamma (P < 0.0001), IL-1alpha (P < 0.0001) and IL-2 (P < 0.05). This reduction correlated with the progression of the disease. The total leucocyte and monocyte population were almost identical in both groups. In contrast, a dramatic depletion of lymphocytes was observed in colorectal cancer patients, which affected both lymphocyte counts (P < 0.0005) and their distribution (P < 0.0001). Our results suggest a selective suppression of cytokines in colorectal cancer patients that is related to tumour burden. Several mechanisms might account for this phenomenon, one of which might be lymphocyte depletion. PMID:9792144

Antibiotics in the human food chain: establishing no effect levels of tetracycline, neomycin, and erythromycin using a chemostat model of the human colonic microflora.

PubMed

Carman, Robert J; Simon, Mary Alice; Petzold, H Earl; Wimmer, Robert F; Batra, Monica R; Fernández, A Haydée; Miller, Margaret A; Bartholomew, Mary

2005-11-01

A chemostat model of the healthy human large bowel ecosystem was used to establish no effect levels for tetracycline, neomycin, and erythromycin. For each compound, the equivalent to four oral doses (0, 1.5, 15, and 150 mg/60 kg person/d) was studied. Concentrations of the test compounds in the chemostat medium were intended to simulate fecal levels that might be expected following consumption of food containing antibiotic residue and were based on published oral doses and fecal levels. We monitored the following parameters: short chain fatty acids, bile acids, sulfate reduction, azoreductase and nitroreductase activities, beta-glucosidase and beta-glucuronidase activities, a range of bacterial counts and, lastly, the susceptibility among sentinel bacteria to each test compound. Neomycin and erythromycin reduced bile acid metabolism. Neomycin elevated propionate levels and caused a marginal diminution in azoreductase activity. Based on our results, the no observed effect level (NOEL) of both tetracycline and erythromycin was 15 mg/60 kg person/d. The NOEL for neomycin was 1.5 mg/60 kg person/d.

A Search for supersymmetric Higgs bosons in the di-tau decay mode in p anti-p collisions at s**(1/2) = 1.8-TeV

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

Acosta, D.; Affolder, Anthony A.; Albrow, M.G.

2005-06-01

A search for direct production of Higgs bosons in the di-tau decay mode is performed with 86.3 {+-} 3.5 pb{sup -1} of data collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab during the 1994-1995 data taking period of the Tevatron. We search for events where one tau decays to an electron plus neutrinos and the other tau decays hadronically. We perform a counting experiment and set limits on the cross section for supersymmetric Higgs boson production where tan {beta} is large and m{sub A} is small. For a benchmark parameter space point where m{sub A{sup 0}} = 100 GeV/c{sup 2} andmore » tan {beta} = 50, we limit the production cross section multiplied by the branching ratio to be less than 77.9 pb at the 95% confidence level compared to theoretically predicted value of 11.0 pb. This is the first search for Higgs bosons decaying to tau pairs at a hadron collider.« less

Mixture models for estimating the size of a closed population when capture rates vary among individuals

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dorazio, R.M.; Royle, J. Andrew

2003-01-01

We develop a parameterization of the beta-binomial mixture that provides sensible inferences about the size of a closed population when probabilities of capture or detection vary among individuals. Three classes of mixture models (beta-binomial, logistic-normal, and latent-class) are fitted to recaptures of snowshoe hares for estimating abundance and to counts of bird species for estimating species richness. In both sets of data, rates of detection appear to vary more among individuals (animals or species) than among sampling occasions or locations. The estimates of population size and species richness are sensitive to model-specific assumptions about the latent distribution of individual rates of detection. We demonstrate using simulation experiments that conventional diagnostics for assessing model adequacy, such as deviance, cannot be relied on for selecting classes of mixture models that produce valid inferences about population size. Prior knowledge about sources of individual heterogeneity in detection rates, if available, should be used to help select among classes of mixture models that are to be used for inference.

Automated food microbiology: potential for the hydrophobic grid-membrane filter.

PubMed Central

Sharpe, A N; Diotte, M P; Dudas, I; Michaud, G L

1978-01-01

Bacterial counts obtained on hydrophobic grid-membrane filters were comparable to conventional plate counts for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in homogenates from a range of foods. The wide numerical operating range of the hydrophobic grid-membrane filters allowed sequential diluting to be reduced or even eliminated, making them attractive as components in automated systems of analysis. Food debris could be rinsed completely from the unincubated hydrophobic grid-membrane filter surface without affecting the subsequent count, thus eliminating the possibility of counting food particles, a common source of error in electronic counting systems. PMID:100054

You can count on the motor cortex: Finger counting habits modulate motor cortex activation evoked by numbers

PubMed Central

Tschentscher, Nadja; Hauk, Olaf; Fischer, Martin H.; Pulvermüller, Friedemann

2012-01-01

The embodied cognition framework suggests that neural systems for perception and action are engaged during higher cognitive processes. In an event-related fMRI study, we tested this claim for the abstract domain of numerical symbol processing: is the human cortical motor system part of the representation of numbers, and is organization of numerical knowledge influenced by individual finger counting habits? Developmental studies suggest a link between numerals and finger counting habits due to the acquisition of numerical skills through finger counting in childhood. In the present study, digits 1 to 9 and the corresponding number words were presented visually to adults with different finger counting habits, i.e. left- and right-starters who reported that they usually start counting small numbers with their left and right hand, respectively. Despite the absence of overt hand movements, the hemisphere contralateral to the hand used for counting small numbers was activated when small numbers were presented. The correspondence between finger counting habits and hemispheric motor activation is consistent with an intrinsic functional link between finger counting and number processing. PMID:22133748

White blood cell counting system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The design, fabrication, and tests of a prototype white blood cell counting system for use in the Skylab IMSS are presented. The counting system consists of a sample collection subsystem, sample dilution and fluid containment subsystem, and a cell counter. Preliminary test results show the sample collection and the dilution subsystems are functional and fulfill design goals. Results for the fluid containment subsystem show the handling bags cause counting errors due to: (1) adsorption of cells to the walls of the container, and (2) inadequate cleaning of the plastic bag material before fabrication. It was recommended that another bag material be selected.

Minimum Disclosure Counting for the Alternative Vote

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Roland; Buckland, Richard

Although there is a substantial body of work on preventing bribery and coercion of voters in cryptographic election schemes for plurality electoral systems, there are few attempts to construct such schemes for preferential electoral systems. The problem is preferential systems are prone to bribery and coercion via subtle signature attacks during the counting. We introduce a minimum disclosure counting scheme for the alternative vote preferential system. Minimum disclosure provides protection from signature attacks by revealing only the winning candidate.

Phospholipase C-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine is a target of transforming growth factor beta 1 inhibitory signals.

PubMed Central

Diaz-Meco, M T; Dominguez, I; Sanz, L; Municio, M M; Berra, E; Cornet, M E; Garcia de Herreros, A; Johansen, T; Moscat, J

1992-01-01

Cell growth and tumor transformation can be restrained in certain cell systems by the action of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). It has been established that the mechanism whereby TGF-beta 1 inhibits cell growth does not interfere with the triggering of early mitogenic signal transduction mechanisms. Phospholipase C-catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a relatively late step in the cascade activated by growth factors. Therefore, conceivably activation of phospholipase C-catalyzed hydrolysis of PC could be the target of TGF-beta 1 action. In the study reported here, we demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 inhibits the coupling of ras p21 to the activation of PC hydrolysis, which appears to be critical for the antiproliferative effects of TGF-beta 1. Images PMID:1309592

The micro-Petri dish, a million-well growth chip for the culture and high-throughput screening of microorganisms.

PubMed

Ingham, Colin J; Sprenkels, Ad; Bomer, Johan; Molenaar, Douwe; van den Berg, Albert; van Hylckama Vlieg, Johan E T; de Vos, Willem M

2007-11-13

A miniaturized, disposable microbial culture chip has been fabricated by microengineering a highly porous ceramic sheet with up to one million growth compartments. This versatile culture format, with discrete compartments as small as 7 x 7 mum, allowed the growth of segregated microbial samples at an unprecedented density. The chip has been used for four complementary applications in microbiology. (i) As a fast viable counting system that showed a dynamic range of over 10,000, a low degree of bias, and a high culturing efficiency. (ii) In high-throughput screening, with the recovery of 1 fluorescent microcolony in 10,000. (iii) In screening for an enzyme-based, nondominant phenotype by the targeted recovery of Escherichia coli transformed with the plasmid pUC18, based on expression of the lacZ reporter gene without antibiotic-resistance selection. The ease of rapid, successive changes in the environment of the organisms on the chip, needed for detection of beta-galactosidase activity, highlights an advantageous feature that was also used to screen a metagenomic library for the same activity. (iv) In high-throughput screening of >200,000 isolates from Rhine water based on metabolism of a fluorogenic organophosphate compound, resulting in the recovery of 22 microcolonies with the desired phenotype. These isolates were predicted, on the basis of rRNA sequence, to include six new species. These four applications suggest that the potential for such simple, readily manufactured chips to impact microbial culture is extensive and may facilitate the full automation and multiplexing of microbial culturing, screening, counting, and selection.

Intercomparison of active and passive instruments for radon and radon progeny in North America

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

George, A.C.; Tu, Keng-Wu; Knutson, E.O.

1995-02-01

An intercomparison exercise for radon and radon progeny instruments and methods was held at the Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML) from April 22--May 2, 1994. The exercise was conducted in the new EML radon test and calibration facility in which conditions of exposure are very well controlled. The detection systems of the intercompared instruments consisted of. (1) pulse ionization chambers, (2) electret ionization chambers, (3) scintillation detectors, (4) alpha particle spectrometers with silicon diodes, surface barrier or diffused junction detectors, (5) registration of nuclear tracks in solid-state materials, and (6) activated carbon collectors counted by gamma-ray spectrometry or by alpha- andmore » beta-liquid scintillation counting. 23 private firms, government laboratories and universities participated with a 165 passive integrating devices consisting of: Activated carbon collectors, nuclear alpha track detectors and electret ionization chambers, and 11 active and passive continuous radon monitors. Five portable integrating and continuous instruments were intercompared for radon progeny. Forty grab samples for radon progeny were taken by five groups that participated in person to test and evaluate their primary instruments and methods that measure individual radon progeny and the potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC) in indoor air. Results indicate that more than 80% of the measurements for radon performed with a variety of instruments, are within {plus_minus}10% of actual value. The majority of the instruments that measure individual radon progeny and the PAEC gave results that are in good agreement with the EML reference value. Radon progeny measurements made with continuous and integrating instruments are satisfactory with room for improvement.« less

Measuring Transmission Efficiencies Of Mass Spectrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srivastava, Santosh K.

1989-01-01

Coincidence counts yield absolute efficiencies. System measures mass-dependent transmission efficiencies of mass spectrometers, using coincidence-counting techniques reminiscent of those used for many years in calibration of detectors for subatomic particles. Coincidences between detected ions and electrons producing them counted during operation of mass spectrometer. Under certain assumptions regarding inelastic scattering of electrons, electron/ion-coincidence count is direct measure of transmission efficiency of spectrometer. When fully developed, system compact, portable, and used routinely to calibrate mass spectrometers.

Persistence at low temperature of the P beta' ripple in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles containing either glycosphingolipids or cholesterol.

PubMed

Rock, P; Thompson, T E; Tillack, T W

1989-03-13

The disappearance and reappearance of the P beta' ripple in multilamellar liposomes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) has been examined by freeze-etch electron microscopy. The presence of less than 10 mol% of various glycosphingolipids or cholesterol in the liposomes markedly increases the time required for ripple disappearance when the vesicles are cooled from 38 degrees C to 30 degrees C, as compared to the pure phospholipid. Once the ripples have begun to disappear in the two-component vesicles, they do not uniformly reappear until the system is heated above the main transition of DPPC and allowed to cool into the pretransition region. These results suggest that the long time for ripple disappearance in the two-component systems reflects a slow molecular reorganization process which occurs when the systems are forced to change from the P beta' gel to the L beta' gel by a temperature downshift.

Thermodynamic study on competitive solubilization of cholesterol and beta-sitosterol in bile salt micelles.

PubMed

Matsuoka, Keisuke; Hirosawa, Takashi; Honda, Chikako; Endo, Kazutoyo; Moroi, Yoshikiyo; Shibata, Osamu

2007-07-01

Differences in the preferential solubilization of cholesterol and competitive solubilizates (beta-sitosterol and aromatic compounds) in bile salt micelles was systematically studied by changing the molar ratio of cholesterol to competitive solubilizates. The cholesterol solubility in a mixed binary system (cholesterol and beta-sitosterol) was almost half that of the cholesterol alone system, regardless of the excess beta-sitosterol quantity added. On the other hand, the mutual solubilities of cholesterol and pyrene were not inhibited by their presence in binary mixed crystals. Finally, the cholesterol solubility was measured by changing the alkyl chain length of n-alkylbenzenes. When tetradecylbenzene was added to the bile solution, the cholesterol solubility decreased slightly and was below the original cholesterol solubility. Based on Gibbs energy change (DeltaG degrees ) for solubilization, chemicals that inhibit cholesterol solubility in their combined crystal systems showed a larger negative DeltaG degrees value than cholesterol alone.

High-level expression of recombinant beta-galactosidases in Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei using a Sakacin P-based expression system.

PubMed

Halbmayr, Elisabeth; Mathiesen, Geir; Nguyen, Thu-Ha; Maischberger, Thomas; Peterbauer, Clemens K; Eijsink, Vincent G H; Haltrich, Dietmar

2008-06-25

This work presents the cloning and expression of the genes encoding heterodimeric beta-galactosidases from Lactobacillus reuteri L103, Lactobacillus acidophilus R22, Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, and Lactobacillus sakei Lb790. These enzymes consist of two subunits of approximately 73 and 35 kDa, which are encoded by two overlapping genes, lacL and lacM, respectively. We have cloned these genes into the lactobacillal expression vectors pSIP403 and pSIP409, which are based on the sakacin P operon of L. sakei ( Sørvig et al. Microbiology 2005, 151, 2439- 2449 ), and expressed them in the host strains L. plantarum WCFS1 and L. sakei Lb790. Results varied considerably, ranging from 2.23 to 61.1 U/mg of beta-galactosidase activity, depending on the origin of the lacLM genes, the host strain, and the expression vector used. Highest expression levels were obtained in a laboratory cultivation of L. plantarum WCFS1 harboring the plasmid pEH3R containing the lacLM gene from L. reuteri L103. These cultivations yielded approximately 23 000 U of beta-galactosidase activity per liter, corresponding to the formation of roughly 100 mg of recombinant protein per liter of fermentation medium, and beta-galactosidase levels amounted to 55% of the total intracellular protein of the host organism. To further verify the suitability of this expression system, recombinant beta-galactosidase from L. reuteri was purified to apparent homogeneity. The properties of the purified enzyme were essentially identical with the properties of purified native beta-galactosidase from L. reuteri L103. The presented results lead the way to efficient overproduction of beta-galactosidase in a food-grade expression system, which is of high interest for applications in food industry.

500-MHz x-ray counting with a Si-APD and a fast-pulse processing system

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

Kishimoto, Shunji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Tanaka, Manobu

2010-06-23

We introduce a counting system of up to 500 MHz for synchrotron x-ray high-rate measurements. A silicon avalanche photodiode detector was used in the counting system. The fast-pulse circuit of the amplifier was designed with hybrid ICs to prepare an ASIC system for a large-scale pixel array detector in near future. The fast amplifier consists of two cascading emitter-followers using 10-GHz band transistors. A count-rate of 3.25x10{sup 8} s{sup -1} was then achieved using the system for 8-keV x-rays. However, a baseline shift by adopting AC-coupling in the amplifier disturbed us to observe the maximum count of 4.49x10{sup 8} s{supmore » -1}, determined by electron-bunch filling into a ring accelerator. We also report that an amplifier with a baseline restorer was tested in order to keep the baseline level to be 0 V even at high input rates.« less

Status report of the GERDA experiment phase I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riboldi, Stefano; Gerda Collaboration

2013-08-01

Phase I of GERDA, aimed at investigating neutrino-less double beta decay of 76Ge is in the active phase since November 2011 at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of INFN-Italy. GERDA Ge detectors are non-encapsulated and operate immersed in liquid argon, equipped with a front-end readout electronics consisting of cryogenic charge sensitive preamplifiers designed and manufactured to cope with the characteristics of the GERDA experiment (radio-purity, long and resistive cables, etc.). The presentation will report on the current status of the GERDA experiment phase I, focusing on Ge detectors performance in terms of energy resolution, stability over time, counting rate and related issues.

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm experiment and Bell inequality violation using Type 2 parametric down conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiess, Thomas E.; Shih, Yan-Hua; Sergienko, A. V.; Alley, Carroll O.

1994-01-01

We report a new two-photon polarization correlation experiment for realizing the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm (EPRB) state and for testing Bell-type inequalities. We use the pair of orthogonally-polarized light quanta generated in Type 2 parametric down conversion. Using 1 nm interference filters in front of our detectors, we observe from the output of a 0.5mm beta - BaB2O4 (BBO) crystal the EPRB correlations in coincidence counts, and measure an associated Bell inequality violation of 22 standard deviations. The quantum state of the photon pair is a polarization analog of the spin-1/2 singlet state.

Low background signal readout electronics for the Majorana Demonstrator

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

Guinn, I.; Abgrall, N.; Avignone, F. T.

The Majorana Demonstrator is a planned 40 kg array of Germanium detectors intended to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a tonne-scale experiment that will seek neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) in 76Ge. In such an experiment we require backgrounds of less than 1 count/tonne-year in the 4 keV region of interest around the 2039 keV Q-value of the ββ decay. Moreover, designing low-noise electronics, which must be placed in close proximity to the detectors, presents a challenge to reaching this background target. Finally, this paper will discuss the Majorana collaboration's solutions to some of these challenges.

Low background signal readout electronics for the Majorana Demonstrator

DOE PAGES

Guinn, I.; Abgrall, N.; Avignone, F. T.; ...

2015-05-01

The Majorana Demonstrator is a planned 40 kg array of Germanium detectors intended to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a tonne-scale experiment that will seek neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) in 76Ge. In such an experiment we require backgrounds of less than 1 count/tonne-year in the 4 keV region of interest around the 2039 keV Q-value of the ββ decay. Moreover, designing low-noise electronics, which must be placed in close proximity to the detectors, presents a challenge to reaching this background target. Finally, this paper will discuss the Majorana collaboration's solutions to some of these challenges.

Mach 6.5 air induction system design for the Beta 2 two-stage-to-orbit booster vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Midea, Anthony C.

1991-01-01

A preliminary, two-dimensional, mixed compression air induction system is designed for the Beta II Two Stage to Orbit booster vehicle to minimize installation losses and efficiently deliver the required airflow. Design concepts, such as an external isentropic compression ramp and a bypass system were developed and evaluated for performance benefits. The design was optimized by maximizing installed propulsion/vehicle system performance. The resulting system design operating characteristics and performance are presented. The air induction system design has significantly lower transonic drag than similar designs and only requires about 1/3 of the bleed extraction. In addition, the design efficiently provides the integrated system required airflow, while maintaining adequate levels of total pressure recovery. The excellent performance of this highly integrated air induction system is essential for the successful completion of the Beta II booster vehicle mission.

Beta-endorphin. Biological activity of synthetic analogs with analgesia inhibiting property in rat vas deferens and guinea pig ileum assays.

PubMed

Ho, C L; Li, C H

1985-03-01

Three synthetic analogs of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP) (I, [Gln8, Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2; II, [Arg9,12,24,28,29]-beta h-EP and III, [Cys11,26, Phe27, Gly31]-beta h-EP), which have been shown to possess potent inhibiting activity to beta h-EP-induced analgesia, were assayed in rat vas deferens and guinea pig ileum bioassay systems. In the rat vas deferens assay, relative potencies of these analogs were beta h-EP, 100; I, 30; II, 40; III, 1, whereas in the guinea pig ileum assay: beta h-EP, 100; I, 184; II, 81; III, 163. From previous studies on their analgesia potency in mice and opiate receptor-binding activity in rat brain membranes, their activity in rat vas deferens correlates well with the analgesic potency and the activity from guinea pig ileum assay shows good correlations with that from the opiate receptor-binding assay.

Beta Adrenergic Blocking Medications for Aggressive or Self-Injurious Mentally Retarded Persons.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruedrich, Stephen L.; And Others

1990-01-01

Literature is reviewed and a case report is presented concerning blockers of the beta-adrenergic function of the sympathetic nervous system, postulated to have efficacy in treatment of aggressive or self-injurious syndromes in persons with mental retardation. Concerns are raised regarding endorsement of beta-blocking medications before they have…

Genetic heterogeneity of Beta thalassemia in Lebanon reflects historic and recent population migration.

PubMed

Makhoul, N J; Wells, R S; Kaspar, H; Shbaklo, H; Taher, A; Chakar, N; Zalloua, P A

2005-01-01

Beta thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by reduced (beta(+)) or absent (beta(0)) beta-globin chain synthesis. In Lebanon it is the most predominant genetic defect. In this study we investigated the religious and geographic distribution of the beta-thalassemia mutations identified in Lebanon, and traced their precise origins. A total of 520 beta-globin chromosomes from patients of different religious and regional backgrounds was studied. Beta thalassemia mutations were identified using Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) PCR or direct gene sequencing. Six (IVS-I-110, IVS-I-1, IVS-I-6, IVS-II-1, cd 5 and the C > T substitution at cd 29) out of 20 beta-globin defects identified accounted for more than 86% of the total beta-thalassemia chromosomes. Sunni Muslims had the highest beta-thalassemia carrier rate and presented the greatest heterogeneity, with 16 different mutations. Shiite Muslims followed closely with 13 mutations, whereas Maronites represented 11.9% of all beta-thalassemic subjects and carried 7 different mutations. RFLP haplotype analysis showed that the observed genetic diversity originated from both new mutational events and gene flow from population migration. This study provides information about the types and distribution of beta-thalassemia mutations within each religious group and geographic region, which is essential for the implementation of screening and prevention programs.

Performance Equivalence and Validation of the Soleris Automated System for Quantitative Microbial Content Testing Using Pure Suspension Cultures.

PubMed

Limberg, Brian J; Johnstone, Kevin; Filloon, Thomas; Catrenich, Carl

2016-09-01

Using United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) general method <1223> guidance, the Soleris(®) automated system and reagents (Nonfermenting Total Viable Count for bacteria and Direct Yeast and Mold for yeast and mold) were validated, using a performance equivalence approach, as an alternative to plate counting for total microbial content analysis using five representative microbes: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Detection times (DTs) in the alternative automated system were linearly correlated to CFU/sample (R(2) = 0.94-0.97) with ≥70% accuracy per USP General Chapter <1223> guidance. The LOD and LOQ of the automated system were statistically similar to the traditional plate count method. This system was significantly more precise than plate counting (RSD 1.2-2.9% for DT, 7.8-40.6% for plate counts), was statistically comparable to plate counting with respect to variations in analyst, vial lots, and instruments, and was robust when variations in the operating detection thresholds (dTs; ±2 units) were used. The automated system produced accurate results, was more precise and less labor-intensive, and met or exceeded criteria for a valid alternative quantitative method, consistent with USP-NF general method <1223> guidance.

Real-time passenger counting by active linear cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoudour, Louahdi; Duvieubourg, Luc; Deparis, Jean-Pierre

1996-03-01

The companies operating subways are very much concerned with counting the passengers traveling through their transport systems. One of the most widely used systems for counting passengers consists of a mechanical gate equipped with a counter. However, such simple systems are not able to count passengers jumping above the gates. Moreover, passengers carrying large luggage or bags may meet some difficulties when going through such gates. The ideal solution is a contact-free counting system that would bring more comfort of use for the passengers. For these reasons, we propose to use a video processing system instead of these mechanical gates. The optical sensors discussed in this paper offer several advantages including well defined detection areas, fast response time and reliable counting capability. A new technology has been developed and tested, based on linear cameras. Preliminary results show that this system is very efficient when the passengers crossing the optical gate are well separated. In other cases, such as in compact crowd conditions, reasonable accuracy has been demonstrated. These results are illustrated by means of a number of sequences shot in field conditions. It is our belief that more precise measurements could be achieved, in the case of compact crowd, by other algorithms and acquisition techniques of the line images that we are presently developing.

Evaluation of suitable porosity for sintered porous {beta}-tricalcium phosphate as a bone substitute

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

Park, Jin-Hong; Bae, Ji-Yong; Shim, Jaebum

2012-09-15

Structural and mechanical characterization is performed for sintered porous beta tricalcium phosphate ({beta}-TCP) to determine the appropriate porosity for use as a bone substitute. Four different types of porous {beta}-TCP specimen with different porosities are fabricated through a sintering process. For structural characterization, scanning electron microscopy and a Microfocus X-ray computed tomography system are used to investigate the pore openings on the specimen's surface, pore size, pore distribution, and pore interconnections. Compression tests of the specimens are performed, and mechanical properties such as the elastic modulus and compressive strength are obtained. Also, the geometric shape and volume of the {beta}-TCPmore » around the contact region of two pores, which need to be initially resolved after implantation in order to increase the size of the pore openings, are evaluated through simple calculations. The results show that porous {beta}-TCP with 42.1% porosity may be a suitable bone substitute candidate in terms of sustaining external loads, and inducing and cultivating bone cells. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural and mechanical characterization was performed for sintered porous {beta}-TCP specimens. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer For structural characterization, SEM and Microfocus X-ray CT system were used. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer For mechanical characterization, compression tests were performed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous {beta}-TCP with 42.1% porosity may be a suitable bone substitute.« less

Specific beta1-adrenergic receptor silencing with small interfering RNA lowers high blood pressure and improves cardiac function in myocardial ischemia.

PubMed

Arnold, Anne-Sophie; Tang, Yao Liang; Qian, Keping; Shen, Leping; Valencia, Valery; Phillips, Michael Ian; Zhang, Yuan Clare

2007-01-01

Beta-blockers are widely used and effective for treating hypertension, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure, but they present side-effects mainly due to antagonism of beta2-adrenergic receptor (AR). Currently available beta-blockers are at best selective but not specific for beta1 or beta2-AR. To specifically inhibit the expression of the beta1-AR, we developed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted to beta1-AR. Three different sequences of beta1 siRNA were delivered into C6-2B cells with 90% efficiency. One of the three sequences reduced the level of beta1-AR mRNA by 70%. The siRNA was highly specific for beta1-AR inhibition with no overlap with beta2-AR. To test this in vivo, systemic injection of beta1 siRNA complexed with liposomes resulted in efficient delivery into the heart, lung, kidney and liver, and effectively reduced beta1-AR expression in the heart without altering beta2-AR. beta1 siRNA significantly lowered blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) for at least 12 days and reduced cardiac hypertrophy following a single injection. Pretreatment with beta1 siRNA 3 days before induction of MI in Wistar rats significantly improved cardiac function, as demonstrated by dP/dt and electrocardiogram following the MI. The protective mechanism involved reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the beta1 siRNA-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates the possibility of using siRNA for treating cardiovascular diseases and may represent a novel beta-blocker specific for beta1-AR.

Counting-loss correction for X-ray spectroscopy using unit impulse pulse shaping.

PubMed

Hong, Xu; Zhou, Jianbin; Ni, Shijun; Ma, Yingjie; Yao, Jianfeng; Zhou, Wei; Liu, Yi; Wang, Min

2018-03-01

High-precision measurement of X-ray spectra is affected by the statistical fluctuation of the X-ray beam under low-counting-rate conditions. It is also limited by counting loss resulting from the dead-time of the system and pile-up pulse effects, especially in a high-counting-rate environment. In this paper a detection system based on a FAST-SDD detector and a new kind of unit impulse pulse-shaping method is presented, for counting-loss correction in X-ray spectroscopy. The unit impulse pulse-shaping method is evolved by inverse deviation of the pulse from a reset-type preamplifier and a C-R shaper. It is applied to obtain the true incoming rate of the system based on a general fast-slow channel processing model. The pulses in the fast channel are shaped to unit impulse pulse shape which possesses small width and no undershoot. The counting rate in the fast channel is corrected by evaluating the dead-time of the fast channel before it is used to correct the counting loss in the slow channel.

15Mcps photon-counting X-ray computed tomography system using a ZnO-MPPC detector and its application to gadolinium imaging.

PubMed

Sato, Eiichi; Sugimura, Shigeaki; Endo, Haruyuki; Oda, Yasuyuki; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Osawa, Akihiro; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2012-01-01

15Mcps photon-counting X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is a first-generation type and consists of an X-ray generator, a turntable, a translation stage, a two-stage controller, a detector consisting of a 2mm-thick zinc-oxide (ZnO) single-crystal scintillator and an MPPC (multipixel photon counter) module, a counter card (CC), and a personal computer (PC). High-speed photon counting was carried out using the detector in the X-ray CT system. The maximum count rate was 15Mcps (mega counts per second) at a tube voltage of 100kV and a tube current of 1.95mA. Tomography is accomplished by repeated translations and rotations of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the translation. The pulses of the event signal from the module are counted by the CC in conjunction with the PC. The minimum exposure time for obtaining a tomogram was 15min, and photon-counting CT was accomplished using gadolinium-based contrast media. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Activation of Wnt signaling pathway by human papillomavirus E6 and E7 oncogenes in HPV16-positive oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Rampias, Theodore; Boutati, Eleni; Pectasides, Eirini; Sasaki, Clarence; Kountourakis, Panteleimon; Weinberger, Paul; Psyrri, Amanda

2010-03-01

We sought to determine the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncogenes in nuclear beta-catenin accumulation, a hallmark of activated canonical Wnt signaling pathway. We used HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancer cell lines 147T and 090, HPV-negative cell line 040T, and cervical cell lines SiHa (bearing integrated HPV16) and HeLa (bearing integrated HPV18) to measure the cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin levels and the beta-catenin/Tcf transcriptional activity before and after E6/E7 gene silencing. Repression of HPV E6 and E7 genes induced a substantial reduction in nuclear beta-catenin levels. Luciferase assay showed that transcriptional activation of Tcf promoter by beta-catenin was lower after silencing. The protein levels of beta-catenin are tightly regulated by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We therefore performed expression analysis of regulators of beta-catenin degradation and nuclear transport and showed that seven in absentia homologue (Siah-1) mRNA and protein levels were substantially upregulated after E6/E7 repression. Siah-1 protein promotes the degradation of beta-catenin through the ubiquitin/proteasome system. To determine whether Siah-1 is important for the proteasomal degradation of beta-catenin in HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancer cells, we introduced a Siah-1 expression vector into 147T and 090 cells and found substantial reduction of endogenous beta-catenin in these cells. Thus, E6 and E7 are involved in beta-catenin nuclear accumulation and activation of Wnt signaling in HPV-induced cancers. In addition, we show the significance of the endogenous Siah-1-dependent ubiquitin/proteasome pathway for beta-catenin degradation and its regulation by E6/E7 viral oncoproteins in HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancer cells.

Sequence swapping does not result in conformation swapping for the beta4/beta5 and beta8/beta9 beta-hairpin turns in human acidic fibroblast growth factor.

PubMed

Kim, Jaewon; Lee, Jihun; Brych, Stephen R; Logan, Timothy M; Blaber, Michael

2005-02-01

The beta-turn is the most common type of nonrepetitive structure in globular proteins, comprising ~25% of all residues; however, a detailed understanding of effects of specific residues upon beta-turn stability and conformation is lacking. Human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) is a member of the beta-trefoil superfold and contains a total of five beta-hairpin structures (antiparallel beta-sheets connected by a reverse turn). beta-Turns related by the characteristic threefold structural symmetry of this superfold exhibit different primary structures, and in some cases, different secondary structures. As such, they represent a useful system with which to study the role that turn sequences play in determining structure, stability, and folding of the protein. Two turns related by the threefold structural symmetry, the beta4/beta5 and beta8/beta9 turns, were subjected to both sequence-swapping and poly-glycine substitution mutations, and the effects upon stability, folding, and structure were investigated. In the wild-type protein these turns are of identical length, but exhibit different conformations. These conformations were observed to be retained during sequence-swapping and glycine substitution mutagenesis. The results indicate that the beta-turn structure at these positions is not determined by the turn sequence. Structural analysis suggests that residues flanking the turn are a primary structural determinant of the conformation within the turn.

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

Douglas, Matthew; Bernacki, Bruce E.; Erchinger, Jennifer L.

Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) is a versatile and commonplace method for radiometric measurement of charged particle emitting radionuclides. The LSC method provides utility in a range of environmental science applications including hydrological studies of water transport, anthropogenic releases of radionuclides into the environment, and vertical mixing rates within oceans. Instrumental measurement background is one limiting factor of radiometric measurement sensitivity. As part of the development of a custom low background LSC system located in a shallow underground laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a number of measurement applications of LSC have been considered and are summarized here. The focus ismore » on determining which aspects of such measurements would gain the greatest benefit from the reduction of LSC backgrounds by a factor of 10-100 relative to values reported in the literature. Examples of benefits include lowering the minimum detectable activity, reducing the sample size required, and shortening the elapsed timeline of the processing and analysis sequence. In particular tritium, strontium, and actinium isotopes are examined as these isotopes cover a range of requirements related to the LSC measurement method (e.g., 3H: low energy; Sr: spectral deconvolution; Ac: alpha/beta discrimination).« less

Automated processing of leucocyte-poor platelet concentrates.

PubMed

Tandy, N P; Seghatchian, M J; Bessos, H

1992-10-01

In view of transfusion reactions and alloimmunization associated with leucocyte contamination of platelet concentrates (PC), there is a general move towards the production of leuco-poor PC. This goal is currently pursued by the production of various PC using buffy coat and apheresis techniques. Although there is no overall consensus on the meaning of 'leuco-poor', by assuming that this refers to a level of 5-50 x 10(7) leucocytes per PC, we were able to make comparisons with available systems used in Europe. In addition to platelet and white cell counts, other markers of PC quality were assessed in some cases. These included traditional markers (such as hypotonic stress response, pH, and lactate and beta-thromboglobulin levels) and newer markers (such as glycocalicin and plasma von Willebrand factor levels). Our preliminary results showed appreciable differences in platelet and white cell content of PC prepared by various types of apheresis equipment. Appreciable differences in the quality of stored PC were also observed between routine PC (non-leuco-poor and buffy coat and apheresed PC (leuco-poor).

Concentration Independent Calibration of β-γ Coincidence Detector Using 131mXe and 133Xe

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

McIntyre, Justin I.; Cooper, Matthew W.; Carman, April J.

Absolute efficiency calibration of radiometric detectors is frequently difficult and requires careful detector modeling and accurate knowledge of the radioactive source used. In the past we have calibrated the b-g coincidence detector of the Automated Radioxenon Sampler/Analyzer (ARSA) using a variety of sources and techniques which have proven to be less than desirable.[1] A superior technique has been developed that uses the conversion-electron (CE) and x-ray coincidence of 131mXe to provide a more accurate absolute gamma efficiency of the detector. The 131mXe is injected directly into the beta cell of the coincident counting system and no knowledge of absolute sourcemore » strength is required. In addition, 133Xe is used to provide a second independent means to obtain the absolute efficiency calibration. These two data points provide the necessary information for calculating the detector efficiency and can be used in conjunction with other noble gas isotopes to completely characterize and calibrate the ARSA nuclear detector. In this paper we discuss the techniques and results that we have obtained.« less

Neutron-induced 63Ni activity and microscopic observation of copper samples exposed to the Hiroshima atomic bomb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shizuma, Kiyoshi; Endo, Satoru; Shinozaki, Kenji; Fukushima, Hiroshi

2013-05-01

Fast neutron activation data for 63Ni in copper samples exposed to the Hiroshima atomic bomb are important in evaluating neutron doses to the survivors. Up to until now, accelerator mass spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting methods have been applied in 63Ni measurements and data were accumulated within 1500 m from the hypocenter. The slope of the activation curve versus distance shows reasonable agreement with the calculation result, however, data near the hypocenter are scarce. In the present work, two copper samples obtained from the Atomic bomb dome (155 m from the hypocenter) and the Bank of Japan building (392 m) were utilized in 63Ni beta-ray measurement with a Si surface barrier detector. Additionally, microscopic observation of the metal surfaces was performed for the first time. Only upper limit of 63Ni production was obtained for copper sample of the Atomic bomb dome. The result of the 63Ni measurement for Bank of Japan building show reasonable agreement with the AMS measurement and to fast neutron activation calculations based on the Dosimetry System 2002 (DS02) neutrons.

A New Statistics-Based Online Baseline Restorer for a High Count-Rate Fully Digital System.

PubMed

Li, Hongdi; Wang, Chao; Baghaei, Hossain; Zhang, Yuxuan; Ramirez, Rocio; Liu, Shitao; An, Shaohui; Wong, Wai-Hoi

2010-04-01

The goal of this work is to develop a novel, accurate, real-time digital baseline restorer using online statistical processing for a high count-rate digital system such as positron emission tomography (PET). In high count-rate nuclear instrumentation applications, analog signals are DC-coupled for better performance. However, the detectors, pre-amplifiers and other front-end electronics would cause a signal baseline drift in a DC-coupling system, which will degrade the performance of energy resolution and positioning accuracy. Event pileups normally exist in a high-count rate system and the baseline drift will create errors in the event pileup-correction. Hence, a baseline restorer (BLR) is required in a high count-rate system to remove the DC drift ahead of the pileup correction. Many methods have been reported for BLR from classic analog methods to digital filter solutions. However a single channel BLR with analog method can only work under 500 kcps count-rate, and normally an analog front-end application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) is required for the application involved hundreds BLR such as a PET camera. We have developed a simple statistics-based online baseline restorer (SOBLR) for a high count-rate fully digital system. In this method, we acquire additional samples, excluding the real gamma pulses, from the existing free-running ADC in the digital system, and perform online statistical processing to generate a baseline value. This baseline value will be subtracted from the digitized waveform to retrieve its original pulse with zero-baseline drift. This method can self-track the baseline without a micro-controller involved. The circuit consists of two digital counter/timers, one comparator, one register and one subtraction unit. Simulation shows a single channel works at 30 Mcps count-rate with pileup condition. 336 baseline restorer circuits have been implemented into 12 field-programmable-gate-arrays (FPGA) for our new fully digital PET system.

Evaluation of two-stage system for neutron measurement aiming at increase in count rate at Japan Atomic Energy Agency-Fusion Neutronics Source

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

Shinohara, K., E-mail: shinohara.koji@jaea.go.jp; Ochiai, K.; Sukegawa, A.

In order to increase the count rate capability of a neutron detection system as a whole, we propose a multi-stage neutron detection system. Experiments to test the effectiveness of this concept were carried out on Fusion Neutronics Source. Comparing four configurations of alignment, it was found that the influence of an anterior stage on a posterior stage was negligible for the pulse height distribution. The two-stage system using 25 mm thickness scintillator was about 1.65 times the count rate capability of a single detector system for d-D neutrons and was about 1.8 times the count rate capability for d-T neutrons.more » The results suggested that the concept of a multi-stage detection system will work in practice.« less

A simultaneous beta and coincidence-gamma imaging system for plant leaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranjbar, Homayoon; Wen, Jie; Mathews, Aswin J.; Komarov, Sergey; Wang, Qiang; Li, Ke; O'Sullivan, Joseph A.; Tai, Yuan-Chuan

2016-05-01

Positron emitting isotopes, such as 11C, 13N, and 18F, can be used to label molecules. The tracers, such as 11CO2, are delivered to plants to study their biological processes, particularly metabolism and photosynthesis, which may contribute to the development of plants that have a higher yield of crops and biomass. Measurements and resulting images from PET scanners are not quantitative in young plant structures or in plant leaves due to poor positron annihilation in thin objects. To address this problem we have designed, assembled, modeled, and tested a nuclear imaging system (simultaneous beta-gamma imager). The imager can simultaneously detect positrons ({β+} ) and coincidence-gamma rays (γ). The imaging system employs two planar detectors; one is a regular gamma detector which has a LYSO crystal array, and the other is a phoswich detector which has an additional BC-404 plastic scintillator for beta detection. A forward model for positrons is proposed along with a joint image reconstruction formulation to utilize the beta and coincidence-gamma measurements for estimating radioactivity distribution in plant leaves. The joint reconstruction algorithm first reconstructs beta and gamma images independently to estimate the thickness component of the beta forward model and afterward jointly estimates the radioactivity distribution in the object. We have validated the physics model and reconstruction framework through a phantom imaging study and imaging a tomato leaf that has absorbed 11CO2. The results demonstrate that the simultaneously acquired beta and coincidence-gamma data, combined with our proposed joint reconstruction algorithm, improved the quantitative accuracy of estimating radioactivity distribution in thin objects such as leaves. We used the structural similarity (SSIM) index for comparing the leaf images from the simultaneous beta-gamma imager with the ground truth image. The jointly reconstructed images yield SSIM indices of 0.69 and 0.63, whereas the separately reconstructed beta alone and gamma alone images had indices of 0.33 and 0.52, respectively.

A simultaneous beta and coincidence-gamma imaging system for plant leaves.

PubMed

Ranjbar, Homayoon; Wen, Jie; Mathews, Aswin J; Komarov, Sergey; Wang, Qiang; Li, Ke; O'Sullivan, Joseph A; Tai, Yuan-Chuan

2016-05-07

Positron emitting isotopes, such as (11)C, (13)N, and (18)F, can be used to label molecules. The tracers, such as (11)CO2, are delivered to plants to study their biological processes, particularly metabolism and photosynthesis, which may contribute to the development of plants that have a higher yield of crops and biomass. Measurements and resulting images from PET scanners are not quantitative in young plant structures or in plant leaves due to poor positron annihilation in thin objects. To address this problem we have designed, assembled, modeled, and tested a nuclear imaging system (simultaneous beta-gamma imager). The imager can simultaneously detect positrons ([Formula: see text]) and coincidence-gamma rays (γ). The imaging system employs two planar detectors; one is a regular gamma detector which has a LYSO crystal array, and the other is a phoswich detector which has an additional BC-404 plastic scintillator for beta detection. A forward model for positrons is proposed along with a joint image reconstruction formulation to utilize the beta and coincidence-gamma measurements for estimating radioactivity distribution in plant leaves. The joint reconstruction algorithm first reconstructs beta and gamma images independently to estimate the thickness component of the beta forward model and afterward jointly estimates the radioactivity distribution in the object. We have validated the physics model and reconstruction framework through a phantom imaging study and imaging a tomato leaf that has absorbed (11)CO2. The results demonstrate that the simultaneously acquired beta and coincidence-gamma data, combined with our proposed joint reconstruction algorithm, improved the quantitative accuracy of estimating radioactivity distribution in thin objects such as leaves. We used the structural similarity (SSIM) index for comparing the leaf images from the simultaneous beta-gamma imager with the ground truth image. The jointly reconstructed images yield SSIM indices of 0.69 and 0.63, whereas the separately reconstructed beta alone and gamma alone images had indices of 0.33 and 0.52, respectively.

Expression of the barley stripe mosaic virus RNA beta "triple gene block".

PubMed

Zhou, H; Jackson, A O

1996-02-15

Genomic RNA beta of barley strip mosaic virus (BSMV) contains four defined open reading frames (ORFs). These include the coat protein (beta a) and a "triple gene block" consisting of the beta b, beta c, and beta d ORFs that overlap one another. Two subgenomic beta RNAs (sgRNA beta 1 and sgRNA beta 2) with sizes of 2.5 and 0.96 kb were identified in BSMV-infected protoplasts, and their transcription initiation sites were mapped to nucleotides 789 and 2327, respectively, of RNA beta by primer extension experiments. In a cell-free wheat germ translation system, genomic RNA beta served as a mRNA only for the 22-kDa coat protein, and sgRNA beta 1 directed synthesis of only the 58-kDA beta b protein. However, with sgRNA beta 2, three proteins with sizes of 14, 17, and 23 kDa were synthesized. Both the 14- and the 23-kDa proteins were recognized by the beta d antibodies in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrated that the 14-kDa protein was encoded by the beta d ORF and suggested that the 23-kDa protein, designated beta d', is a readthrough product of the amber stop codon of the beta d ORF. Mutagenesis of sgRNA beta 2 revealed that the 17-kDa protein was a product of the beta c ORF. Expression of sgRNA beta 1 and sgRNA beta 2 was also investigated with the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene in protoplasts coinfected with RNAs alpha and gamma plus chimeric RNA beta derivatives containing the CAT gene in-frame with the beta b, beta c, beta d, or beta d' ORFs. Elimination of the sgRNA beta 1 promoter abolished CAT expression from the beta b-CAT chimeric RNA, and removal of the sgRNA beta 2 promoter prevented CAT expression from the beta c-CAT, beta d-CAT, and beta d'-CAT chimeric RNAs. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the BSMV coat protein is the sole translation product of the genomic RNA beta, whereas sgRNA beta 1 serves as a messenger for translation of the beta b protein, and sgRNA beta 2 functions as a messenger for translation of beta c and beta d and the newly discovered beta d' protein. Additional mutagenesis experiments indicate that beta c is translated by a leaky scanning mechanism.

Design of microemulsion system suitable for the oral delivery of poorly aqueous soluble beta-carotene.

PubMed

Peng, Cheng; Svirskis, Darren; Lee, Sung Je; Oey, Indrawati; Kwak, Hae-Soo; Chen, Guanyu; Bunt, Craig; Wen, Jingyuan

2017-02-14

Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant for maintaining human health. However, its oral absorption is low due to poor aqueous solubility of less than 1 μg/ml. A microemulsion delivery system was designed to solubilize beta-carotene toward enhancing its oral bioavailability. From seven pseudoternary diagrams constructed, three systems were selected with large microemulsion areas suitable for oral administration and dilution in the predominately aqueous gastrointestinal fluids. Conductivity and rheology characterization were conducted along four dilution lines within the selected systems. Three pseudoternary-phase diagrams were selected with large microemulsion regions, >60% of the total phase diagram area, which provide microemulsions with higher drug-loading capacity. A phenomenon was observed by which both propylene glycol and Capmul MCM EP stabilize the microstructure of the microemulsions has been proposed based on the characterization studies. An optimal bicontinuous microemulsion formulation was selected comprising 12% orange oil, 24% Capmul MCM, 18% Tween 20, 6% Labrasol, 20% propylene glycol and 20% water, with a high beta-carotene loading capacity of 140.8 μg/ml and droplet size of 117.4 nm. In conclusion, the developed novel microemulsion formulation allows solubilizing beta-carotene and is a promising basis for further development as a functional beverage.

Influence of beta-cyclodextrin and chitosan in the formulation of a colon-specific drug delivery system.

PubMed

Rehman, K; Amin, M C I M; Muda, S

2013-12-01

The increase in diseases of the colon underscores the need to develop cost-effective site-directed therapies. We formulated a polysaccharide-based matrix system that could release ibuprofen under conditions simulating those in the colon by employing a wet granulation method. Tablets were prepared in a series of formulations containing a polysaccharide (beta-cyclodextrin and chitosan) matrix system along with ethylcellulose. We characterized physicochemical properties and performed an in vitro drug release assay in the absence and presence of digestive enzymes to assess the ability of the polysaccharides to function as a protective barrier against the upper gastrointestinal environment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed no chemical interaction between ibuprofen and polysaccharides; however, spectrum analysis suggested the formation of an inclusion complex of beta-cyclodextrin with ibuprofen. The formulations contained 50% ethylcellulose and 50% beta-cyclodextrins (1:1) were proven to be the better formulation that slowly released the drug until 24 h (101.04 ± 0.65% maximum drug release in which 83.08 ± 0.89% drug was released in colonic medium) showed better drug release profiles than the formulations containing chitosan. We conclude that a beta-cyclodextrin drug carrier system may represent an effective approach for treatment of diseases of the colon. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Multiplicity Counting

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

Geist, William H.

2015-12-01

This set of slides begins by giving background and a review of neutron counting; three attributes of a verification item are discussed: 240Pu eff mass; α, the ratio of (α,n) neutrons to spontaneous fission neutrons; and leakage multiplication. It then takes up neutron detector systems – theory & concepts (coincidence counting, moderation, die-away time); detector systems – some important details (deadtime, corrections); introduction to multiplicity counting; multiplicity electronics and example distributions; singles, doubles, and triples from measured multiplicity distributions; and the point model: multiplicity mathematics.

Perturbations of Jacobi polynomials and piecewise hypergeometric orthogonal systems

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

Neretin, Yu A

2006-12-31

A family of non-complete orthogonal systems of functions on the ray [0,{infinity}] depending on three real parameters {alpha}, {beta}, {theta} is constructed. The elements of this system are piecewise hypergeometric functions with singularity at x=1. For {theta}=0 these functions vanish on [1,{infinity}) and the system is reduced to the Jacobi polynomials P{sub n}{sup {alpha}}{sup ,{beta}} on the interval [0,1]. In the general case the functions constructed can be regarded as an interpretation of the expressions P{sub n+{theta}}{sup {alpha}}{sup ,{beta}}. They are eigenfunctions of an exotic Sturm-Liouville boundary-value problem for the hypergeometric differential operator. The spectral measure for this problem ismore » found.« less

Chemical rescue of cleft palate and midline defects in conditional GSK-3beta mice.

PubMed

Liu, Karen J; Arron, Joseph R; Stankunas, Kryn; Crabtree, Gerald R; Longaker, Michael T

2007-03-01

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) has integral roles in a variety of biological processes, including development, diabetes, and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. As such, a thorough understanding of GSK-3beta function will have a broad impact on human biology and therapeutics. Because GSK-3beta interacts with many different pathways, its specific developmental roles remain unclear. We have discovered a genetic requirement for GSK-3beta in midline development. Homozygous null mice display cleft palate, incomplete fusion of the ribs at the midline and bifid sternum as well as delayed sternal ossification. Using a chemically regulated allele of GSK-3beta (ref. 6), we have defined requirements for GSK-3beta activity during discrete temporal windows in palatogenesis and skeletogenesis. The rapamycin-dependent allele of GSK-3beta produces GSK-3beta fused to a tag, FRB* (FKBP/rapamycin binding), resulting in a rapidly destabilized chimaeric protein. In the absence of drug, GSK-3beta(FRB)*(/FRB)* mutants appear phenotypically identical to GSK-3beta-/- mutants. In the presence of drug, GSK-3betaFRB* is rapidly stabilized, restoring protein levels and activity. Using this system, mutant phenotypes were rescued by restoring endogenous GSK-3beta activity during two distinct periods in gestation. This technology provides a powerful tool for defining windows of protein function during development.

Advantages and challenges in automated apatite fission track counting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enkelmann, E.; Ehlers, T. A.

2012-04-01

Fission track thermochronometer data are often a core element of modern tectonic and denudation studies. Soon after the development of the fission track methods interest emerged for the developed an automated counting procedure to replace the time consuming labor of counting fission tracks under the microscope. Automated track counting became feasible in recent years with increasing improvements in computer software and hardware. One such example used in this study is the commercial automated fission track counting procedure from Autoscan Systems Pty that has been highlighted through several venues. We conducted experiments that are designed to reliably and consistently test the ability of this fully automated counting system to recognize fission tracks in apatite and a muscovite external detector. Fission tracks were analyzed in samples with a step-wise increase in sample complexity. The first set of experiments used a large (mm-size) slice of Durango apatite cut parallel to the prism plane. Second, samples with 80-200 μm large apatite grains of Fish Canyon Tuff were analyzed. This second sample set is characterized by complexities often found in apatites in different rock types. In addition to the automated counting procedure, the same samples were also analyzed using conventional counting procedures. We found for all samples that the fully automated fission track counting procedure using the Autoscan System yields a larger scatter in the fission track densities measured compared to conventional (manual) track counting. This scatter typically resulted from the false identification of tracks due surface and mineralogical defects, regardless of the image filtering procedure used. Large differences between track densities analyzed with the automated counting persisted between different grains analyzed in one sample as well as between different samples. As a result of these differences a manual correction of the fully automated fission track counts is necessary for each individual surface area and grain counted. This manual correction procedure significantly increases (up to four times) the time required to analyze a sample with the automated counting procedure compared to the conventional approach.

Interaction of Hb South Florida (codon 1; GTG-->ATG) and HbE, with beta-thalassemia (IVS1-1; G-->A): expression of different clinical phenotypes.

PubMed

Tan, Jin-Ai Mary Anne; Tan, Kim-Lian; Omar, Khairul Zaman; Chan, Lee-Lee; Wee, Yong-Chui; George, Elizabeth

2009-09-01

Interactions of different hemoglobin variants with thalassemia alleles can result in various clinical phenotypes. HbE-beta-thalassemia generally manifests with severe anemia where individuals exhibit beta-thalassemia major with regular blood transfusions or beta-thalassemia intermedia with periodic blood transfusions. This study presents a unique Malay family with three beta-globin gene defects-HbE, Hb South Florida, and IVS1-1 (G-->A). HbE activates a cryptic splice site that produces non-functional mRNAs. Hb South Florida is a rare beta-hemoglobin variant, and its interactions with other beta-thalassemia alleles have not been reported. IVS1-1 is a Mediterranean mutation that affects mRNA processing giving rise to beta(o)-thalassemia. Fifteen mutations along the beta-globin gene complex were analyzed using the amplification refractory mutation system. Hb South Florida was identified by direct sequencing using genomic DNA. The affected child with HbE/IVS1-1 produced a beta-thalassemia major phenotype. Compound heterozygosity for Hb South Florida/IVS1-1 produced a beta-thalassemia carrier phenotype in the mother.

Global phosphorylation analysis of beta-arrestin-mediated signaling downstream of a seven transmembrane receptor (7TMR).

PubMed

Xiao, Kunhong; Sun, Jinpeng; Kim, Jihee; Rajagopal, Sudarshan; Zhai, Bo; Villén, Judit; Haas, Wilhelm; Kovacs, Jeffrey J; Shukla, Arun K; Hara, Makoto R; Hernandez, Marylens; Lachmann, Alexander; Zhao, Shan; Lin, Yuan; Cheng, Yishan; Mizuno, Kensaku; Ma'ayan, Avi; Gygi, Steven P; Lefkowitz, Robert J

2010-08-24

beta-Arrestin-mediated signaling downstream of seven transmembrane receptors (7TMRs) is a relatively new paradigm for signaling by these receptors. We examined changes in protein phosphorylation occurring when HEK293 cells expressing the angiotensin II type 1A receptor (AT1aR) were stimulated with the beta-arrestin-biased ligand Sar(1), Ile(4), Ile(8)-angiotensin (SII), a ligand previously found to signal through beta-arrestin-dependent, G protein-independent mechanisms. Using a phospho-antibody array containing 46 antibodies against signaling molecules, we found that phosphorylation of 35 proteins increased upon SII stimulation. These SII-mediated phosphorylation events were abrogated after depletion of beta-arrestin 2 through siRNA-mediated knockdown. We also performed an MS-based quantitative phosphoproteome analysis after SII stimulation using a strategy of stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC). We identified 1,555 phosphoproteins (4,552 unique phosphopeptides), of which 171 proteins (222 phosphopeptides) showed increased phosphorylation, and 53 (66 phosphopeptides) showed decreased phosphorylation upon SII stimulation of the AT1aR. This study identified 38 protein kinases and three phosphatases whose phosphorylation status changed upon SII treatment. Using computational approaches, we performed system-based analyses examining the beta-arrestin-mediated phosphoproteome including construction of a kinase-substrate network for beta-arrestin-mediated AT1aR signaling. Our analysis demonstrates that beta-arrestin-dependent signaling processes are more diverse than previously appreciated. Notably, our analysis identifies an AT1aR-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization network whereby beta-arrestin regulates phosphorylation of several key proteins, including cofilin and slingshot. This study provides a system-based view of beta-arrestin-mediated phosphorylation events downstream of a 7TMR and opens avenues for research in a rapidly evolving area of 7TMR signaling.

[A Generator of Mono-energetic Electrons for Response Test of Charged Particle Detectors.].

PubMed

Matsubayashi, Fumiyasu; Yoshida, Katsuhide; Maruyama, Koichi

2005-01-01

We designed and fabricated a generator of mono-energetic electrons for the response test of charged particle detectors, which is used to measure fragmented particles of the carbon beam for cancer therapy. Mono-energetic electrons are extracted from (90)Sr by analyzing the energy of beta rays in the generator with a magnetic field. We evaluated performance parameters of the generator such as the absolute energy, the energy resolution and the counting rates of extracted electrons. The generator supplies mono-energetic electrons from 0.5MeV to 1.7MeV with the energy resolution of 20% in FWHM at higher energies than 1.0MeV. The counting rate of electrons is 400cpm at the maximum when the activity of (90)Sr is 298kBq. The generator was used to measure responses of fragmented-particle detectors and to determine the threshold energy of the detectors. We evaluated the dependence of pulse height variation on the detector position and the threshold energy by using the generator. We concluded this generator is useful for the response test of general charged particle detectors.

Central beta-adrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility.

PubMed

Beversdorf, David Q; White, Dawn M; Chever, Daquesha C; Hughes, John D; Bornstein, Robert A

2002-12-20

Situational stressors and anxiety impede performance on creativity tests requiring cognitive flexibility. Preliminary research revealed better performance on a task requiring cognitive flexibility, the anagram task, after propranolol (beta-adrenergic antagonist) than after ephedrine (beta-adrenergic agonist). However, propranolol and ephedrine have both peripheral and central beta-adrenergic effects. In order to determine whether noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility is a centrally or peripherally mediated phenomenon, we compared the effects of propranolol (peripheral and central beta-blocker), nadolol (peripheral beta-blocker), and placebo on anagram task performance. Solution latency scores for each subject were compared across the drug conditions. Anagram solution latency scores after propranolol were significantly lower than after nadolol. This suggests a centrally mediated modulatory influence of the noradrenergic system on cognitive flexibility.

Linear operating region in the ozone dial photon counting system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrawis, Madeleine

1995-01-01

Ozone is a relatively unstable molecule found in Earth's atmosphere. An ozone molecule is made up of three atoms of oxygen. Depending on where ozone resides, it can protect or harm life on Earth. High in the atmosphere, about 15 miles up, ozone acts as a shield to protect Earth's surface from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without this shield, we would be more susceptible to skin cancer, cataracts, and impaired immune systems. Closer to Earth, in the air we breathe, ozone is a harmful pollutant that causes damage to lung tissue and plants. Since the early 1980's, airborne lidar systems have been used for making measurements of ozone. The differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique is used in the remote measurement of O3. This system allows the O3 to be measured as function of the range in the atmosphere. Two frequency-doubled Nd:YAG lasers are used to pump tunable dye lasers. The lasers are operating at 289 nm for the DIAL on-line wavelength of O3, and the other one is operated at 300 nm for the off-line wavelength. The DIAL wavelengths are produced in sequential laser pulses with a time separation of 300 micro s. The backscattered laser energy is collected by telescopes and measured using photon counting systems. The photon counting system measures the light signal by making use of the photon nature of light. The output pulse from the Photo-Multiplier Tube (PE), caused by a photon striking the PMT photo-cathode, is amplified and passed to a pulse height discriminator. The peak value of the pulse is compared to a reference voltage (discrimination level). If the pulse amplitude exceeds the discrimination level, the discriminator generates a standard pulse which is counted by the digital counter. Non-linearity in the system is caused by the overlapping of pulses and the finite response time of the electronics. At low count rates one expects the system to register one event for each output pulse from the PMT corresponding to a photon incident upon the photocathode, however, at higher rates the limitations of the discrimination/counting system will cause the observed count rate to be non-linear with respect to the true count rate. Depending on the pulse height distribution and the discriminator level, the overlapping of pulses (pulse pile-up) can cause count loss or even an additional apparent count gain as the signal levels increase. Characterization of the system, including the pulse height distribution, the signal to noise ratio, and the effect of the discriminator threshold level, is critical in maximizing the linear operating region of the system, thus greatly increasing the useful dynamic range of the system.

Comparison of Mercury Measurement Methods Using Two Active Filter Measurement Methods and a Tekran Speciation Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierce, A.; Gustin, M. S.; Huang, J.; Heidecorn, K.

2014-12-01

Three active mercury (Hg) measurement methods were operated side by side at an urban site (University of Nevada, Reno College of Agriculture Greenhouse facility, elev. 1370 m) in Reno, and at a high elevation site (Peavine Peak, elev. 2515 m) adjacent to Reno from December 2013 to October 2014. A model 602 BetaPlus Teledyne Advanced Pollution Instrumentation (TAPI, San Diego, CA USA) particulate measurement system was used to collect particulate matter on a 47 mm diameter cation exchange membrane (CEM, PN# MSTGS3R Mustang S, Pall Corp. Port Washington, NY) at a rate of 16.7 lpm for 24 hours to four days. Particulate concentrations were calculated using beta attenuation across the filters (non-destructive to filter material); the CEM filters were then analyzed for total Hg on a Tekran Total Hg Analysis system (model 2600, Tekran Instruments Corp. Knoxville, TN, USA). Concurrently, samples were collected on an active Hg membrane system. The active Hg membrane system consisted of 3 CEM filters sampling at a rate of 1 lpm for one to two weeks. CEM filters were then analyzed on the Tekran 2600. A Tekran speciation unit (model 1130, 1135, 2537) was also in operation and ambient air samples were analyzed for gaseous elemental Hg (GEM), gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM), and particulate bound Hg (PBM). Both the 602 BetaPlus system and the active Hg membrane system should collect RM on the CEM filters. The active Hg membrane system most likely captures mainly GOM based on previous tests with the Teflon inlet setup that indicated there was high static electricity effective in removing particulate matter. Flow rate and length of measurement (24 hours vs. four days) affected the Hg concentrations on the 602 BetaPlus system. Based on these measurements we hypothesize that, due to the high flow rate, and therefore short retention time, the 602 BetaPlus only captured PBM. It is also possible that there was loss of Hg to inlet walls due to the longer inlet on the 602 BetaPlus system compared to the active Hg membrane system.

Oligodendrocytes in brain and optic nerve express the beta3 subunit isoform of Na,K-ATPase.

PubMed

Martín-Vasallo, P; Wetzel, R K; García-Segura, L M; Molina-Holgado, E; Arystarkhova, E; Sweadner, K J

2000-09-01

The Na,K-ATPase, which catalyzes the active transport of Na(+) and K(+), has two principal subunits (alpha and beta) that have several genetically distinct isoforms. Most of these isoforms are expressed in the nervous system, but certain ones are preferentially expressed in glia and others in neurons. Of the beta isoforms, beta1 predominates in neurons and beta2 in astrocytes, although there are some exceptions. Here we demonstrate that beta3 is expressed in rat and mouse white matter oligodendrocytes. Immunofluorescence microscopy identified beta3 in oligodendrocytes of rat brain white matter in typical linear arrays of cell bodies between fascicles of axons. The intensity of stain peaked at 20 postnatal days. beta3 was identified in cortical oligodendrocytes grown in culture, where it was expressed in processes and colocalized with antibody to galactocerebroside. In the mouse and rat optic nerve, beta3 stain was seen in oligodendrocytes, where it colocalized with carbonic anhydrase II. For comparison, optic nerve was stained for the beta1 and beta2 subunits, showing distinct patterns of labelling of axons (beta1) and astrocytes (beta2). The C6 glioma cell line was also found to express the beta3 isoform preferentially. Since beta3 was not found at detectable levels in astrocytes, this suggests that C6 is closer to oligodendrocytes than astrocytes in the glial cell lineage. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

CK2(beta)tes gene encodes a testis-specific isoform of the regulatory subunit of casein kinase 2 in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Kalmykova, Alla I; Shevelyov, Yuri Y; Polesskaya, Oksana O; Dobritsa, Anna A; Evstafieva, Alexandra G; Boldyreff, Brigitte; Issinger, Olaf-Georg; Gvozdev, Vladimir A

2002-03-01

An earlier described CK2(beta)tes gene of Drosophila melanogaster is shown to encode a male germline specific isoform of regulatory beta subunit of casein kinase 2. Western-analysis using anti-CK2(beta)tes Ig revealed CK2(beta)tes protein in Drosophila testes extract. Expression of a CK2(beta)tes-beta-galactosidase fusion protein driven by the CK2(beta)tes promoter was found in transgenic flies at postmitotic stages of spermatogenesis. Examination of biochemical characteristics of a recombinant CK2(beta)tes protein expressed in Escherichia coli revealed properties similar to those of CK2beta: (a) CK2(beta)tes protein stimulates CK2alpha catalytic activity toward synthetic peptide; (b) it inhibits phosphorylation of calmodulin and mediates stimulation of CK2alpha by polylysine; (c) it is able to form (CK2(beta)tes)2 dimers, as well as (CK2alpha)2(CK2(beta)tes)2 tetramers. Using the yeast two-hybrid system and coimmunoprecipitation analysis of protein extract from Drosophila testes, we demonstrated an association between CK2(beta)tes and CK2alpha. Northern-analysis has shown that another regulatory (beta') subunit found recently in D. melanogaster genome is also testis-specific. Thus, we describe the first example of two tissue-specific regulatory subunits of CK2 which might serve to provide CK2 substrate recognition during spermatogenesis.

You can count on the motor cortex: finger counting habits modulate motor cortex activation evoked by numbers.

PubMed

Tschentscher, Nadja; Hauk, Olaf; Fischer, Martin H; Pulvermüller, Friedemann

2012-02-15

The embodied cognition framework suggests that neural systems for perception and action are engaged during higher cognitive processes. In an event-related fMRI study, we tested this claim for the abstract domain of numerical symbol processing: is the human cortical motor system part of the representation of numbers, and is organization of numerical knowledge influenced by individual finger counting habits? Developmental studies suggest a link between numerals and finger counting habits due to the acquisition of numerical skills through finger counting in childhood. In the present study, digits 1 to 9 and the corresponding number words were presented visually to adults with different finger counting habits, i.e. left- and right-starters who reported that they usually start counting small numbers with their left and right hand, respectively. Despite the absence of overt hand movements, the hemisphere contralateral to the hand used for counting small numbers was activated when small numbers were presented. The correspondence between finger counting habits and hemispheric motor activation is consistent with an intrinsic functional link between finger counting and number processing. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a stained cell nuclei counting system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timilsina, Niranjan; Moffatt, Christopher; Okada, Kazunori

2011-03-01

This paper presents a novel cell counting system which exploits the Fast Radial Symmetry Transformation (FRST) algorithm [1]. The driving force behind our system is a research on neurogenesis in the intact nervous system of Manduca Sexta or the Tobacco Hornworm, which was being studied to assess the impact of age, food and environment on neurogenesis. The varying thickness of the intact nervous system in this species often yields images with inhomogeneous background and inconsistencies such as varying illumination, variable contrast, and irregular cell size. For automated counting, such inhomogeneity and inconsistencies must be addressed, which no existing work has done successfully. Thus, our goal is to devise a new cell counting algorithm for the images with non-uniform background. Our solution adapts FRST: a computer vision algorithm which is designed to detect points of interest on circular regions such as human eyes. This algorithm enhances the occurrences of the stained-cell nuclei in 2D digital images and negates the problems caused by their inhomogeneity. Besides FRST, our algorithm employs standard image processing methods, such as mathematical morphology and connected component analysis. We have evaluated the developed cell counting system with fourteen digital images of Tobacco Hornworm's nervous system collected for this study with ground-truth cell counts by biology experts. Experimental results show that our system has a minimum error of 1.41% and mean error of 16.68% which is at least forty-four percent better than the algorithm without FRST.

beta-Citryl-L-glutamate is an endogenous iron chelator that occurs naturally in the developing brain.

PubMed

Hamada-Kanazawa, Michiko; Kouda, Makiko; Odani, Akira; Matsuyama, Kaori; Kanazawa, Kiyoka; Hasegawa, Tatsuya; Narahara, Masanori; Miyake, Masaharu

2010-01-01

The compound beta-citryl-L-glutamate (beta-CG) was initially isolated from developing brains, while it has also been found in high concentrations in testes and eyes. However, its functional roles are unclear. To evaluate its coordination with metal ions, we performed pH titration experiments. The stability constant, logbeta(pqr) for M(p)(beta-CG)(q)H(r) was calculated from pH titration data, which showed that beta-CG forms relatively strong complexes with Fe(III), Cu(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II). beta-CG was also found able to solubilize Fe more effectively from Fe(OH)(2) than from Fe(OH)(3). Therefore, we examined the effects of beta-CG on Fe-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating systems, as well as the potential ROS-scavenging activities of beta-CG and metal ion-(beta-CG) complexes. beta-CG inhibited the Fe-dependent degradation of deoxyribose and Fe-dependent damage to DNA or plasmid DNA in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it had no effect on Cu-mediated DNA damage. In addition, thermodynamic data showed that beta-CG in a physiological pH solution is an Fe(II) chelator rather than an Fe(III) chelator. Taken together, these findings suggest that beta-CG is an endogenous low molecular weight Fe chelator.

The lifespan trajectory of neural oscillatory activity in the motor system.

PubMed

Heinrichs-Graham, Elizabeth; McDermott, Timothy J; Mills, Mackenzie S; Wiesman, Alex I; Wang, Yu-Ping; Stephen, Julia M; Calhoun, Vince D; Wilson, Tony W

2018-04-01

Numerous studies connect beta oscillations in the motor cortices to volitional movement, and beta is known to be aberrant in multiple movement disorders. However, the dynamic interplay between these beta oscillations, motor performance, and spontaneous beta power (e.g., during rest) in the motor cortices remains unknown. This study utilized magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate these three parameters and their lifespan trajectory in 57 healthy participants aged 9-75 years old. Movement-related beta activity was imaged using a beamforming approach, and voxel time series data were extracted from the peak voxels in the primary motor cortices. Our results indicated that spontaneous beta power during rest followed a quadratic lifespan trajectory, while movement-related beta oscillations linearly increased with age. Follow-on analyses showed that spontaneous beta power and the beta minima during movement, together, significantly predicted task performance above and beyond the effects of age. These data are the first to show lifespan trajectories among measures of beta activity in the motor cortices, and suggest that the healthy brain compensates for age-related increases in spontaneous beta activity by increasing the strength of beta oscillations within the motor cortices which, when successful, enables normal motor performance into later life. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress, improves glutathione metabolism and modifies antioxidant defense systems in lead-exposed workers

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

Kasperczyk, Sławomir, E-mail: kaslav@mp.pl; Dobrakowski, Michał; Kasperczyk, Janusz

2014-10-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether beta-carotene administration reduces oxidative stress and influences antioxidant, mainly glutathione-related, defense systems in workers chronically exposed to lead. The population consisted of two randomly divided groups of healthy male volunteers exposed to lead. Workers in the first group (reference group) were not administered any antioxidants, while workers in the second group (CAR group) were treated orally with 10 mg of beta-carotene once a day for 12 weeks. Biochemical analysis included measuring markers of lead-exposure and oxidative stress in addition to the levels and activities of selected antioxidants. After treatment, levels ofmore » malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides and lipofuscin significantly decreased compared with the reference group. However, the level of glutathione significantly increased compared with the baseline. Treatment with beta-carotene also resulted in significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity compared with the reference group, while the activities of other glutathione-related enzymes and of superoxide dismutase were not significantly changed. However, the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase, as well as the level of alpha-tocopherol, were significantly higher after treatment compared with the baseline. Despite controversy over the antioxidant properties of beta-carotene in vivo, our findings showed reduced oxidative stress after beta-carotene supplementation in chronic lead poisoning. - Highlights: • Beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress in lead-exposed workers. • Beta-carotene elevates glutathione level in lead-exposed workers. • Beta-carotene administration could be beneficial in lead poisoning.« less

Systemic salt loading decreases body temperature and increases heat-escape/cold-seeking behaviour via the central AT1 and V1 receptors in rats.

PubMed

Konishi, Masahiro; Nagashima, Kei; Kanosue, Kazuyuki

2002-11-15

Salt loading decreases body core temperature (T(core)) at neutral ambient temperature (26 degrees C) and increases heat-escape/cold-seeking behaviour in desalivated rats. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that brain angiotensin II (AII) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are associated with these responses. Surgically desalivated rats (n = 28) were administered an injection (S.C., 10 ml kg(-1)) of either normal saline (154 mM, NS) or hypertonic saline (2500 mM, HS) following an intracerebroventricular injection (10 microl kg(-1)) of an AII AT(1)-receptor antagonist (candesartan, 5 microg microl(-1)), an AVP V(1)-receptor antagonist ((beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopenta-methylene propionyl(1), O-Me-Tyr(2), Arg(8))-vasopressin, 0.5 microg microl(-1)), or normal saline (154 mM). Each rat was placed in a behaviour box, first at 26 degrees C for 1 h to allow the measurement of baseline T(core) and movement. The ambient temperature was then elevated to 40 degrees C for the next 2 h, during which time the rat was able to trigger a 0 degrees C air reward for 30 s by moving into a specific area of the box (operant behaviour). The S.C. HS significantly decreased baseline T(core) at 26 degrees C (36.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C) and increased counts of operant behaviour at 40 degrees C (57 +/- 3) compared with results obtained following S.C. NS injection (37.4 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 42 +/- 1, respectively). These responses to s.c. HS were inhibited by the intracerebroventricular injection of AT(1) (37.3 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 43 +/- 2, respectively; P < 0.05) and V(1) antagonists (37.2 +/- 0.2 degrees C and 42 +/- 2, respectively; P < 0.05), although administration of both antagonists with S.C. NS had no effect. These results suggest that brain AII and AVP are involved in the decrease in T(core) observed at neutral ambient temperature and the increase in heat-escape/cold-seeking behaviour in response to osmotic stimulation, via the central AT(1) and V(1) receptors, respectively

Evaluation of partial beta-adrenoceptor agonist activity.

PubMed

Lipworth, B J; Grove, A

1997-01-01

A partial beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) agonist will exhibit opposite agonist and antagonist activity depending on the prevailing degree of adrenergic tone or the presence of a beta-AR agonist with higher intrinsic activity. In vivo partial beta-AR agonist activity will be evident at rest with low endogenous adrenergic tone, as for example with chronotropicity (beta 1/beta 2), inotropicity (beta 1) or peripheral vasodilatation and finger tremor (beta 2). beta-AR blocking drugs which have partial agonist activity may exhibit a better therapeutic profile when used for hypertension because of maintained cardiac output without increased systemic vascular resistance, along with an improved lipid profile. In the presence of raised endogenous adrenergic tone such as exercise or an exogenous full agonist, beta-AR subtype antagonist activity will become evident in terms of effects on exercise induced heart rate (beta 1) and potassium (beta 2) responses. Reduction of exercise heart rate will occur to a lesser degree in the case of a beta-adrenoceptor blocker with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity compared with a beta-adrenoceptor blocker devoid of partial agonist activity. This may result in reduced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of angina on effort when using beta-AR blocking drugs with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity. Effects on exercise hyperkalaemia are determined by the balance between beta 2-AR partial agonist activity and endogenous adrenergic activity. For predominantly beta 2-AR agonist such as salmeterol and salbutamol, potentiation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs. For predominantly beta 2-AR antagonists such as carteolol, either potentiation or attenuation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs at low and high doses respectively. beta 2-AR partial agonist activity may also be expressed as antagonism in the presence of an exogenous full agonist, as for example attenuation of fenoterol induced responses by salmeterol. Studies are required to investigate whether this phenomenon is relevant in the setting of acute severe asthma.

Analysis of Decentralized Variable Structure Control for Collective Search by Mobile Robots

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

Feddema, J.; Goldsmith, S.; Robinett, R.

1998-11-04

This paper presents an analysis of a decentralized coordination strategy for organizing and controlling a team of mobile robots performing collective search. The alpha-beta coordination strategy is a family of collective search algorithms that allow teams of communicating robots to implicitly coordinate their search activities through a division of labor based on self-selected roIes. In an alpha-beta team. alpha agents are motivated to improve their status by exploring new regions of the search space. Beta a~ents are conservative, and reiy on the alpha agents to provide advanced information on favorable regions of the search space. An agent selects its currentmore » role dynamically based on its current status value relative to the current status values of the other team members. Status is determined by some function of the agent's sensor readings, and is generally a measurement of source intensity at the agent's current location. Variations on the decision rules determining alpha and beta behavior produce different versions of the algorithm that lead to different global properties. The alpha-beta strategy is based on a simple finite-state machine that implements a form of Variable Structure Control (VSC). The VSC system changes the dynamics of the collective system by abruptly switching at defined states to alternative control laws . In VSC, Lyapunov's direct method is often used to design control surfaces which guide the system to a given goal. We introduce the alpha-beta aIgorithm and present an analysis of the equilibrium point and the global stability of the alpha-beta algorithm based on Lyapunov's method.« less

Analysis of decentralized variable structure control for collective search by mobile robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldsmith, Steven Y.; Feddema, John T.; Robinett, Rush D., III

1998-10-01

This paper presents an analysis of a decentralized coordination strategy for organizing and controlling a team of mobile robots performing collective search. The alpha- beta coordination strategy is a family of collective search algorithms that allow teams of communicating robots to implicitly coordinate their search activities through a division of labor based on self-selected roles. In an alpha- beta team, alpha agents are motivated to improve their status by exploring new regions of the search space. Beta agents are conservative, and rely on the alpha agents to provide advanced information on favorable regions of the search space. An agent selects its current role dynamically based on its current status value relative to the current status values of the other team members. Status is determined by some function of the agent's sensor readings, and is generally a measurement of source intensity at the agent's current location. Variations on the decision rules determining alpha and beta behavior produce different versions of the algorithm that lead to different global properties. The alpha-beta strategy is based on a simple finite-state machine that implements a form of Variable Structure Control (VSC). The VSC system changes the dynamics of the collective system by abruptly switching at defined states to alternative control laws. In VSC, Lyapunov's direct method is often used to design control surfaces which guide the system to a given goal. We introduce the alpha- beta algorithm and present an analysis of the equilibrium point and the global stability of the alpha-beta algorithm based on Lyapunov's method.

Beta-blocker use is associated with improved outcomes in adult trauma patients.

PubMed

Arbabi, Saman; Campion, Eric M; Hemmila, Mark R; Barker, Melissa; Dimo, Mary; Ahrns, Karla S; Niederbichler, Andreas D; Ipaktchi, Kyros; Wahl, Wendy L

2007-01-01

Beta-adrenoreceptor blocker (beta-blocker) therapy may improve outcomes in surgical patients by decreasing cardiac oxygen consumption and hypermetabolism. Because beta-blockers can lower the systemic blood pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure, there is concern regarding their use in patients with head injury. However, beta-blockers may protect beta-receptor rich brain cells by attenuating cerebral oxygen consumption and metabolism. We hypothesized that beta-blockers are safe in trauma patients, even if they have suffered a significant head injury. Using pharmacy and trauma registry data of a Level I trauma center, we identified a cohort of trauma patients who received beta-blockers during their hospital stay (beta-cohort). Trauma admissions who did not receive beta-blockers were in the control cohort. beta-blocker status, in combination with other variables associated with mortality, were placed in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of fatal outcome. In all, 303 (7%) of 4,117 trauma patients received beta-blockers. In the beta-cohort, 45% of patients were on beta-blockers preinjury. The most common reason to initiate beta-blocker therapy was blood pressure (60%) and heart rate (20%) control. The overall mortality rate was 5.6% and head injury was considered to be the major cause of death. After adjusting for age, Injury Severity Scale score, blood pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale score, respiratory status, and mechanism of injury, the odds ratio for fatal outcome was 0.3 (p < 0.001) for beta-cohort as compared with control. Decreased risk of fatal outcome was more pronounced in patients with a significant head injury. beta-blocker therapy is safe and may be beneficial in selected trauma patients with or without head injury. Further studies looking at beta-blocker therapy in trauma patients and their effect on cerebral metabolism are warranted.

Trafficking of cell surface beta-amyloid precursor protein: retrograde and transcytotic transport in cultured neurons

PubMed Central

1995-01-01

Amyloid beta-protein (A beta), the principal constituent of senile plaques seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD), is derived by proteolysis from the beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta PP). The mechanism of A beta production in neurons, which are hypothesized to be a rich source of A beta in brain, remains to be defined. In this study, we describe a detailed localization of cell surface beta PP and its subsequent trafficking in primary cultured neurons. Full-length cell surface beta PP was present primarily on perikarya and axons, the latter with a characteristic discontinuous pattern. At growth cones, cell surface beta PP was inconsistently detected. By visualizing the distribution of beta PP monoclonal antibodies added to intact cultures, beta PP was shown to be internalized from distal axons or terminals and retrogradely transported back to perikarya in organelles which colocalized with fluid-phase endocytic markers. Retrograde transport of beta PP was shown in both hippocampal and peripheral sympathetic neurons, the latter using a compartment culture system that isolated cell bodies from distal axons and terminals. In addition, we demonstrated that beta PP from distal axons was transcytotically transported to the surface of perikarya from distal axons in sympathetic neurons. Indirect evidence of this transcytotic pathway was obtained in hippocampal neurons using antisense oligonucleotide to the kinesin heavy chain to inhibit anterograde beta PP transport. Taken together, these results demonstrate novel aspects of beta PP trafficking in neurons, including retrograde axonal transport and transcytosis. Moreover, the axonal predominance of cell surface beta PP is unexpected in view of the recent report of polarized sorting of beta PP to the basolateral domain of MDCK cells. PMID:7721945

Mcps-range photon-counting X-ray computed tomography system utilizing an oscillating linear-YAP(Ce) photon detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oda, Yasuyuki; Sato, Eiichi; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Osawa, Akihiro; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sugimura, Shigeaki; Endo, Haruyuki; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2011-07-01

High-speed X-ray photon counting is useful for discriminating photon energy, and the counting can be used for constructing an X-ray computed tomography (CT) system. A photon-counting X-ray CT system consists of an X-ray generator, a turntable, an oscillation linear detector, a two-stage controller, a multipixel photon counter (MPPC) module, a 1.0 mm-thick crystal (scintillator) of YAP(Ce) (cerium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite), a counter card (CC), and a personal computer (PC). Tomography is accomplished by repeating the linear scanning and the rotation of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the linear scanning using the detector consisting of an MPPC module, the YAP(Ce), and a scan stage. The pulses of the event signal from the module are counted by the CC in conjunction with the PC. Because the lower level of the photon energy was roughly determined by a comparator in the module, the average photon energy of the X-ray spectra increased with increase in the lower-level voltage of the comparator at a constant tube voltage. The maximum count rate was approximately 3 Mcps (mega counts per second), and photon-counting CT was carried out.

Electron-microscopic study of the secretion of the ependymal cells in the domestic cat (ependymin-beta cells).

PubMed

Gonzalez-Santander, R

1979-01-01

We have studied, by electron microscopy, the ultrastructural aspects of secretion (neurosecretion) of the ependyma of the third ventricle of the domestic cat. We have found cytoplasmic protrusions and isolated masses of cytoplasm, some with homogeneous cytoplasm and others with very dense granulation (protein-beta?). Axons, synaptic terminals and free secretory granules in the ventricular lumen were also seen. The existence of ependymin-beta cells (ependymocyte-beta) and axohormonal buttons is suggested. The ependymal cells are classified into seven types: (1) covering ependymocytes, (2) tanycyt ependymocytes, (3) secretory ependymocytes, (4) ependymocytes-beta, (5) neurosecretory ependymocytes, (6) neurosensorial ependymocytes (crown-like) and (7) supraependymal microgial ependymocytes. A neurohormonal hypothesis and the possible existence of one or more cerebral hormones (neurohormones) are suggested. These hormones would flow into the CSF through some of the ependymal cells (by microapocrine secretion, liberation of neurosecretion granules, or by axohormonal buttons): this could be the most important link in the endocrine system, assuring the functional unity throughout the ventricular system of the cerebrospinal axis which it winds through, although its basic influence is exercised) on the hypophysis level as a vertex of the classical endocrine system.

Fast fission neutron detection using the Cherenkov effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millard, Matthew James

The Cherenkov effect in optically clear media of varying indices of refraction and composition was investigated for quantification of fast neutrons. The ultimate application of the proposed detection system is criticality monitoring. The optically clear medium, composed of select target nuclei, was coupled to a photomultiplier tube. Neutron reaction products of the target nuclei contained within the optical medium emit beta particles and gamma rays that produce Cherenkov photons within the medium which can be detected. Assessed media include quartz (SiO2), sapphire (Al2O3), spinel (MgAl2O4), and zinc sulfide (ZnS), which were irradiated with un-moderated 252Cf. Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code simulations were conducted to quantify the neutron flux incident on the media. High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopic measurements of the samples were conducted to verify the MCNP estimate. The threshold reactions of interest were 28Si (n, p) 28Al, 27 Al (n, p) 27Mg, 24Mg(n, p)24 Na, and 64Zn(n, p)64Cu which have neutron reaction cross sections in the 1 to 10 MeV range on the order of 0.1 barn. The detection system offers a unique way to measure a criticality event; it can count in place, making retrieval by emergency personnel unnecessary.

Nutritional strategies to counter stress to the immune system in athletes, with special reference to football.

PubMed

Nieman, David C; Bishop, Nicolette C

2006-07-01

Although epidemiological data indicate that athletes are at increased risk of upper respiratory tract infection during periods of heavy training and the 1 - 2 week period following endurance race events, there is very limited information on the responses to football training and match-play. For several hours after heavy exertion, components of both the innate (e.g. natural killer cell activity and neutrophil oxidative burst activity) and adaptive (e.g. T and B cell function) immune system exhibit suppressed function. Although such responses to football training and competition do not appear to be as pronounced, variations in immune cell numbers and function are reported in professional footballers over the course of a season. Attempts have been made through nutritional means (e.g. glutamine, vitamins C and E, and carbohydrate supplementation) to attenuate immune changes following intensive exercise and thus lower the risk of upper respiratory tract infection. Carbohydrate supplementation during heavy exercise has emerged as a partial countermeasure and attenuates increases in blood neutrophil counts, stress hormones, and inflammatory cytokines, but has little effect on decrements in salivary IgA output or natural killer cell function. Animal research indicates that other nutritional components such as beta-glucan, quercetin, and curcumin warrant human investigations to determine if they are effective countermeasures to exercise-induced immune dysfunction.

Short-Term Storage of Platelet-Rich Plasma at Room Temperature Does Not Affect Growth Factor or Catabolic Cytokine Concentration.

PubMed

Wilson, Brooke H; Cole, Brian J; Goodale, Margaret B; Fortier, Lisa A

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to provide clinical recommendations about the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that was subjected to short-term storage at room temperature. We determined bioactive growth factor and cytokine concentrations as indicators of platelet and white blood cell degranulation in blood and PRP. Additionally, this study sought to validate the use of manual, direct smear analysis as an alternative to automated methods for platelet quantification in PRP. Blood was used to generate low-leukocyte PRP (Llo PRP) or high-leukocyte PRP (Lhi PRP). Blood was either processed immediately or kept at room temperature for 2 or 4 hours prior to generation of PRP, which was then held at room temperature for 0, 1, 2, or 4 hours. Subsequently, bioactive transforming growth factor beta-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Manual and automated platelet counts were performed on all blood and PRP samples. There were no differences in growth factor or cytokine concentration when blood or Llo PRP or Lhi PRP was retained at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Manual, direct smear analysis for platelet quantification was not different from the use of automated machine counting for PRP samples, but in the starting blood samples, manual platelet counts were significantly higher than those generated using automated technology. When there is a delay of up to 4 hours in the generation of PRP from blood or in the application of PRP to the patient, bioactive growth factor and cytokine concentrations remain stable in both blood and PRP. A manual direct counting method is a simple, cost-effective, and valid method to measure the contents of the PRP product being delivered to the patient.

The effect of heparin rinse on the biocompatibility of continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration.

PubMed

Opatrný, K; Polanská, K; Krouzecký, A; Vít, L; Novák, I; Kasal, E

2002-06-01

The aims of our cross-over randomized study were (1) to assess hemostasis in patients with acute renal failure (ARF) and (2) to determine whether or not the generally recommended heparin rinse of the extracorporeal circuit (ECC) prior to the procedure affects thrombogenicity, complement activation, and leukocyte count in blood during continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Eleven critically ill ARF patients were treated, in random order, using CVVHDF in postdilution setup following ECC rinse with saline (A) with heparin at a concentration of 2,000 IU/L (10 procedures), (B) with heparin at a concentration of 10,000 IU/L (7 procedures), and (C) without heparin (9 procedures). Except for the rinse, anticoagulation therapy did not differ in individual patients during the procedures. Blood was withdrawn before, and at minutes 15, 60, and 360 invariably at diafilter inlet and outlet. Compared with healthy individuals, patients showed lower blood thrombocyte counts (153 vs 233*10(9)/L, p<0.01, arithmetic means, Student's t test), longer aPTT (44 vs 36 s, p<0.05), higher plasma levels of heparin (0.1 vs 0.0 U/mL, p<0.05), D-dimer (1129 vs 36 ng/mL, p<0.001) and beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) (159 vs 37 U/mL, p<0.001) prior to CVVHDF. The comparison of procedures with different rinsing technique did not reveal any significant difference in their effects on blood thrombocyte and leukocyte counts, aPTT, plasma levels of heparin, BTG, thrombin-antithrombin III complexes, D-dimer, or the C5a complement component. (1) Patients indicated for CVVHDF show impaired hemostasis involving thrombocytes, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, (2) no beneficial effect of heparin rinse on CVVHDF ECC thrombogenicity, complement activation or blood leukocyte counts was demonstrated.

Treatment of bifurcation in-stent restenotic lesions with beta radiation using strontium 90 and sequential positioning pullback technique: procedural details and clinical outcomes.

PubMed

Costa, Ricardo; Joyal, Michel; Harel, Francois; Fox, Tim; Crocker, Ian; Arsenault, Andre; Gregoire, Jean; Bonan, Raoul

2003-08-01

In-stent restenotic lesions have been problematic for many patients with the need for multiple repeat percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The need for repeat PCI has been significantly reduced in patients since the advent of vascular brachytherapy. In-stent restenosis resulting in bifurcation presents even more of a challenge. The use of radiation therapy for the treatment of this kind of lesion has not yet been reported. The purpose of this paper is to present five cases of radiation therapy in bifurcation in-stent restenotic lesions using the intraluminal beta radiation catheter delivery system (Beta-Cath System, Novoste Corporation, Norcross, Georgia). We reviewed the database of patients enrolled in our Compassionate Use Registry between August 1999 and April 2002. The data is reported for 5 patients who received radiation in both branches of bifurcation lesions with the Beta-Cath catheter system. The mean diameter of the vessels was 3.1 mm 0.5 mm. The dose administered was from 18.3 to 23 Gy, with an overlap of 3.3 to 10.3 mm; the hinge angle between the branches went from 43.3 to 65.4 . Angiographic follow-up was obtained at 6 months in 4 patients, with a single patient showing a focal (< 5 mm) edge lesion treated by balloon angioplasty (TVR no TLR). No aneurysms or zones of ectasia were noted. Beta radiation with the Beta-Cath catheter system appears to be safe, secure and clinically useful in in-stent restenotic bifurcation lesions.

[Neuro-skeletal biology and its importance for clinical osteology].

PubMed

Zofková, I

2012-01-01

Bone remodeling is determined by function of two basic cell forms--bone resorbing osteoclasts and bone formation activating osteoblasts. Both cells are under control of a variety of endogenic and environmental factors, which ensure balance between bone resorption and bone formation. This article reviews the neuro-hormonal factors with osteoanabolic (central isoform of serotonin, melatonin, cannabinoids, beta 1 adrenergic system, oxytocin, ACTH and TSH) or osteocatabolic effects (neuropeptide Y, neuromedin U, beta2 adrenergic system). The dual effects of the beta-adrenergic system, serotonin and leptin are also discussed. The goal of studies focused on neuro-skeletal interaction is to synthesize new molecules, which can modify osteo-anabolic or osteo-catabolic pathways.

Application of DNA Chip Scanning Technology for Automatic Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae Inclusions

PubMed Central

Bogdanov, Anita; Endrész, Valeria; Urbán, Szabolcs; Lantos, Ildikó; Deák, Judit; Burián, Katalin; Önder, Kamil; Ayaydin, Ferhan; Balázs, Péter

2014-01-01

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that propagate in the inclusion, a specific niche inside the host cell. The standard method for counting chlamydiae is immunofluorescent staining and manual counting of chlamydial inclusions. High- or medium-throughput estimation of the reduction in chlamydial inclusions should be the basis of testing antichlamydial compounds and other drugs that positively or negatively influence chlamydial growth, yet low-throughput manual counting is the common approach. To overcome the time-consuming and subjective manual counting, we developed an automatic inclusion-counting system based on a commercially available DNA chip scanner. Fluorescently labeled inclusions are detected by the scanner, and the image is processed by ChlamyCount, a custom plug-in of the ImageJ software environment. ChlamyCount was able to measure the inclusion counts over a 1-log-unit dynamic range with a high correlation to the theoretical counts. ChlamyCount was capable of accurately determining the MICs of the novel antimicrobial compound PCC00213 and the already known antichlamydial antibiotics moxifloxacin and tetracycline. ChlamyCount was also able to measure the chlamydial growth-altering effect of drugs that influence host-bacterium interaction, such as gamma interferon, DEAE-dextran, and cycloheximide. ChlamyCount is an easily adaptable system for testing antichlamydial antimicrobials and other compounds that influence Chlamydia-host interactions. PMID:24189259

Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin enhanced determination for the Vitamin B12 by fluorescence quenching method.

PubMed

Sun, Jing; Zhu, Xiashi; Wu, Ming

2007-05-01

A novel fluorescence quenching method for the determination of Vitamin B12(VB12) had been developed. It was based on that the fluorescence intensity of erythrosine sodium(ES) could be enhanced by Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin(HP-beta-CD) due to the formation of inclusion complex (HP-beta-CD-ES), while the fluorescence intensity of HP-beta-CD-ES was diminished after adding VB12 into the system, and there was a linear relationship between the fluorescence quenching value of the system (DeltaF) and the concentration of VB12 (c). The mechanism of the determination of VB12 was discussed. The results showed that under the optimal conditions, the linear range of calibration curve for the determination of VB12 was 0.0 approximately 2.1 x 10(-5) mol/L, and the detection limit was 1.8 x 10(-7) mol/ L. It could be satisfactorily applied to the determination of VB12 in injections.

Machine Learning Based Single-Frame Super-Resolution Processing for Lensless Blood Cell Counting

PubMed Central

Huang, Xiwei; Jiang, Yu; Liu, Xu; Xu, Hang; Han, Zhi; Rong, Hailong; Yang, Haiping; Yan, Mei; Yu, Hao

2016-01-01

A lensless blood cell counting system integrating microfluidic channel and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor is a promising technique to miniaturize the conventional optical lens based imaging system for point-of-care testing (POCT). However, such a system has limited resolution, making it imperative to improve resolution from the system-level using super-resolution (SR) processing. Yet, how to improve resolution towards better cell detection and recognition with low cost of processing resources and without degrading system throughput is still a challenge. In this article, two machine learning based single-frame SR processing types are proposed and compared for lensless blood cell counting, namely the Extreme Learning Machine based SR (ELMSR) and Convolutional Neural Network based SR (CNNSR). Moreover, lensless blood cell counting prototypes using commercial CMOS image sensors and custom designed backside-illuminated CMOS image sensors are demonstrated with ELMSR and CNNSR. When one captured low-resolution lensless cell image is input, an improved high-resolution cell image will be output. The experimental results show that the cell resolution is improved by 4×, and CNNSR has 9.5% improvement over the ELMSR on resolution enhancing performance. The cell counting results also match well with a commercial flow cytometer. Such ELMSR and CNNSR therefore have the potential for efficient resolution improvement in lensless blood cell counting systems towards POCT applications. PMID:27827837

Equine endometrial fibrosis correlates with 11beta-HSD2, TGF-beta1 and ACE activities.

PubMed

Ganjam, V K; Evans, T J

2006-03-27

Endometrial periglandular fibrosis (EPF) contributes to embryonic and fetal loss in mares. Equine EPF correlates inversely with conception and successful gestation. In the modified Kenney endometrial biopsy classification system, EPF categories I, IIA, IIB, and III correspond to minimal, mild, moderate, and severe fibrosis (+/-inflammation), respectively. Paraffin sections of biopsy specimens were stained with H&E, and picrosirius red (specific for fibrillar collagens types I and III), to determine %EPCVF. Endometrial ACE-binding activity, TGF-beta1 and 11beta-HSD2 activities were also measured. Ultrastructural changes in EPF categories IIB and III endometria strongly suggested myofibroblastic transformation. ACE-binding activity was highest in EPF category IIB; however, endometrial TGF-beta1 and 11beta-HSD2 activities were significantly correlated to the severity of EPF (P<0.05). We conclude that, locally generated angiotensin II initiates the expression of TGF-beta1 resulting in myofibroblastic transformation. 11Beta-HSD2 in concert appears to modulate the severity of endometrial fibrosis.

Circulating neuroactive C21- and C19-steroids in young men before and after ejaculation.

PubMed

Stárka, L; Hill, M; Havlíková, H; Kancheva, L; Sobotka, V

2006-01-01

Twelve neuroactive and neuroprotective steroids, androgens and androgen precursors i.e. 3alpha,17beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-androstane, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-17-one, 3alpha-hydroxy-5beta-androstan-17-one, androst-5-ene-3beta,17beta-diol, 3beta,17alpha-dihydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one (17alpha-hydroxy-pregnenolone), 3beta-hydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one (dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA), testosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (androstenedione), 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone), 3beta-hydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone), 7alpha-hydroxy-DHEA, and 7beta-hydroxy-DHEA were measured using the GC-MS system in young men before and after ejaculation provoked by masturbation. The circulating level of 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone increased significantly, whereas the other circulating steroids were not changed at all. This fact speaks against the hypothesis that a drop in the level of neuroactive steroids, e.g. allopregnanolone may trigger the orgasm-related increase of oxytocin, reported by other authors.

Linguistic influence on mathematical development is specific rather than pervasive: revisiting the Chinese Number Advantage in Chinese and English children

PubMed Central

Mark, Winifred; Dowker, Ann

2015-01-01

The relative linguistic transparency of the Asian counting system has been used to explain Asian students’ relative superiority in cross-cultural comparisons of mathematics achievement. To test the validity and extent of linguistic transparency in accounting for mathematical abilities, this study tested Chinese and British primary school children. Children in Hong Kong can learn mathematics using languages with both regular (Chinese) and irregular (English) counting systems, depending on their schools’ medium of instruction. This makes it possible to compare groups with varying levels of exposure to the regular and irregular number systems within the same educational system, curriculum, and cultural environment. The study included three groups of first/second graders and third/fourth graders with varying degrees of experience to the Chinese language and counting systems: no experience (UK; n = 49); spoke Chinese at home and learnt to count in English at school (HK-E; n = 43); spoke Chinese at home and learnt to count in Chinese at school (HK-C; n = 47). They were compared on counting, numerical abilities and place value representation. The present study also measured nonverbal reasoning, attitude toward mathematics, involvement of parents, and extra-curricular mathematics lessons to explore alternative explanations of children’s numeric ability. Results indicated that students in HK-C were better at counting backward and on the numeric skills test than those in HK-E, who were in turn better than the UK students. However, there was no statistical difference in counting forward, place value understanding, and a measure of arithmetic. Our findings add to existent literature suggesting that linguistic transparency does not have an all-pervasive influence on cross-national differences in arithmetic performance. PMID:25767456

Central nervous system considerations in the use of beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and thiazide diuretics in managing essential hypertension.

PubMed

Gengo, F M; Gabos, C

1988-07-01

The most common mild side effects occurring with use of beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for blood pressure control are central nervous system symptoms, specifically lethargy, sedation, and fatigue. These symptoms affect 5% to 10% of patients taking these drugs. The mechanism by which beta-blockers may induce central nervous system effects is uncertain. Relative lipophilicity as a factor affecting penetrance of the blood-brain barrier has not proved to be a reliable predictor of whether the drug will cause such disturbances. Comparisons of atenolol (hydrophilic) and metoprolol (lipophilic) have shown no differences between these drugs with respect to side effects of the central nervous system. The incidence of central nervous system effects with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is similar to that for most beta-blockers. The precise role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme in the central nervous system is not well defined. Most thiazide diuretics are not associated with major complications of the central nervous system, although electrolyte imbalance may occasionally lead to complaints of neurologic symptoms. Because the incidence of central nervous system effects with these three classes of drugs is so low, concern for the side effects of the central nervous system is not a prime consideration in the choice of an initial antihypertensive agent.

Non-Markovian full counting statistics in quantum dot molecules

PubMed Central

Xue, Hai-Bin; Jiao, Hu-Jun; Liang, Jiu-Qing; Liu, Wu-Ming

2015-01-01

Full counting statistics of electron transport is a powerful diagnostic tool for probing the nature of quantum transport beyond what is obtainable from the average current or conductance measurement alone. In particular, the non-Markovian dynamics of quantum dot molecule plays an important role in the nonequilibrium electron tunneling processes. It is thus necessary to understand the non-Markovian full counting statistics in a quantum dot molecule. Here we study the non-Markovian full counting statistics in two typical quantum dot molecules, namely, serially coupled and side-coupled double quantum dots with high quantum coherence in a certain parameter regime. We demonstrate that the non-Markovian effect manifests itself through the quantum coherence of the quantum dot molecule system, and has a significant impact on the full counting statistics in the high quantum-coherent quantum dot molecule system, which depends on the coupling of the quantum dot molecule system with the source and drain electrodes. The results indicated that the influence of the non-Markovian effect on the full counting statistics of electron transport, which should be considered in a high quantum-coherent quantum dot molecule system, can provide a better understanding of electron transport through quantum dot molecules. PMID:25752245

32-channel single photon counting module for ultrasensitive detection of DNA sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudkov, Georgiy; Dhulla, Vinit; Borodin, Anatoly; Gavrilov, Dmitri; Stepukhovich, Andrey; Tsupryk, Andrey; Gorbovitski, Boris; Gorfinkel, Vera

2006-10-01

We continue our work on the design and implementation of multi-channel single photon detection systems for highly sensitive detection of ultra-weak fluorescence signals, for high-performance, multi-lane DNA sequencing instruments. A fiberized, 32-channel single photon detection (SPD) module based on single photon avalanche diode (SPAD), model C30902S-DTC, from Perkin Elmer Optoelectronics (PKI) has been designed and implemented. Unavailability of high performance, large area SPAD arrays and our desire to design high performance photon counting systems drives us to use individual diodes. Slight modifications in our quenching circuit has doubled the linear range of our system from 1MHz to 2MHz, which is the upper limit for these devices and the maximum saturation count rate has increased to 14 MHz. The detector module comprises of a single board computer PC-104 that enables data visualization, recording, processing, and transfer. Very low dark count (300-1000 counts/s), robust, efficient, simple data collection and processing, ease of connectivity to any other application demanding similar requirements and similar performance results to the best commercially available single photon counting module (SPCM from PKI) are some of the features of this system.

BETA (Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus) Design and Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Evan; Birmingham, William; Rivera, William; Romero-Talamas, Carlos

2016-10-01

BETA is a 1T water cooled Bitter-type magnetic system that has been designed and constructed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to serve as a prototype of a scaled 10T version. Currently the system is undergoing magnetic, thermal and mechanical testing to ensure safe operating conditions and to prove analytical design optimizations. These magnets will function as experimental tools for future dusty plasma based and collaborative experiments. An overview of design methods used for building a custom made Bitter magnet with user defined experimental constraints is reviewed. The three main design methods consist of minimizing the following: ohmic power, peak conductor temperatures, and stresses induced by Lorentz forces. We will also discuss the design of BETA which includes: the magnet core, pressure vessel, cooling system, power storage bank, high powered switching system, diagnostics with safety cutoff feedback, and data acquisition (DAQ)/magnet control Matlab code. Furthermore, we present experimental data from diagnostics for validation of our analytical preliminary design methodologies and finite element analysis calculations. BETA will contribute to the knowledge necessary to finalize the 10 T magnet design.

Inhibin/activin-betaC and -betaE subunits in the Ishikawa human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line.

PubMed

Kimmich, Tanja; Brüning, Ansgar; Käufl, Stephanie D; Makovitzky, Josef; Kuhn, Christina; Jeschke, Udo; Friese, Klaus; Mylonas, Ioannis

2010-08-01

Inhibins and activins are important regulators of the female reproductive system. Recently, two novel inhibin subunits, named betaC and betaE, have been identified and shown to be expressed in several human tissues. However, only limited data on the expression of these novel inhibin subunits in normal human endometrial tissue and endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines exist. Samples of proliferative and secretory human endometrium were obtained from five premenopausal, non-pregnant patients undergoing gynecological surgery for benign diseases. Normal endometrial tissue and Ishikawa endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Expression of the inhibin betaC and betaE subunits could be demonstrated at the protein level by means of immunohistochemical evaluation and at the transcriptional level by establishing a betaC- and betaE-specific RT-PCR analysis in normal human endometrial tissue and the parental Ishikawa cell line. Interestingly, in a highly de-differentiated subclone of the Ishikawa cell line lacking estrogen receptor expression, the expression of the inhibin-betaC subunit appeared strongly reduced. Here, we show for the first time that the novel inhibin/activin-betaC and -betaE subunits are expressed in normal human endometrium and the estrogen receptor positive human endometrial carcinoma cell line Ishikawa using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical detection methods. Interestingly, the Ishikawa minus cell line (lacking estrogen receptor expression) demonstrated no to minimal expression of the betaC subunit as observed with immunofluorescence and RT-PCR, suggesting a possible hormone- dependency of this subunit in human endometrial cancer cells. Moreover, because the Ishikawa cell line minus is thought to be a more malignant endometrial cell line than its estrogen receptor positive counterpart, inhibin-betaC subunit might be substantially involved in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation in human endometrium.

Mcps-range photon-counting x-ray computed tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Oda, Yasuyuki; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Sugimura, Shigeaki; Endo, Haruyuki; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2011-10-01

10 Mcps photon counting was carried out using a detector consisting of a 2.0 mm-thick ZnO (zinc oxide) single-crystal scintillator and an MPPC (multipixel photon counter) module in an X-ray computed tomography (CT) system. The maximum count rate was 10 Mcps (mega counts per second) at a tube voltage of 70 kV and a tube current of 2.0 mA. Next, a photon-counting X-ray CT system consists of an X-ray generator, a turntable, a scan stage, a two-stage controller, the ZnO-MPPC detector, a counter card (CC), and a personal computer (PC). Tomography is accomplished by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the linear scan with a scan velocity of 25 mm/s. The pulses of the event signal from the module are counted by the CC in conjunction with the PC. The exposure time for obtaining a tomogram was 600 s at a scan step of 0.5 mm and a rotation step of 1.0°, and photon-counting CT was accomplished using iodine-based contrast media.

PPO-ethanol system as wavelength shifter for the Cherenkov counting technique using a liquid scintillation counter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takiue, Makoto; Fujii, Haruo; Ishikawa, Hiroaki

1984-12-01

2, 5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) has been proposed as a wavelength shifter for Cherenkov counting. Since PPO is not incorporated with water, we have introduced the fluor into water in the form of micelle using a PPO-ethanol system. This technique makes it possible to obtain a high Cherenkov counting efficiency under stable sample conditions, attributed to the proper spectrometric features of the PPO. The 32P Cherenkov counting efficiency (68.4%) obtained from this technique is large as that measured with a conventional Cherenkov technique.

Measurement and reduction of low-level radon background in the KATRIN experiment

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

Fränkle, F. M.

The KArlsruhe TRItium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment is a next generation, model independent, large scale experiment to determine the mass of the electron anti-neutrino by investigating the kinematics of tritium beta decay with a sensitivity of 200 meV/c{sup 2}. The measurement setup consists of a high luminosity windowless gaseous molecular tritium source (WGTS), a differential and cryogenic pumped electron transport and tritium retention section, a tandem spectrometer section (pre-spectrometer and main spectrometer) for energy analysis, followed by a detector system for counting transmitted beta decay electrons. Measurements performed at the KATRIN pre-spectrometer test setup showed that the decay of radon (Rn)more » atoms in the volume of the KATRIN spectrometers is a major background source. Rn atoms from low-level radon emanation of materials inside the vacuum region of the KATRIN spectrometers are able to penetrate deep into the magnetic flux tube so that the alpha decay of Rn contributes to the background. Of particular importance are electrons emitted in processes accompanying the Rn alpha decay, such as shake-off, internal conversion of excited levels in the Rn daughter atoms and Auger electrons. Lowenergy electrons (< 100 eV) directly contribute to the background in the signal region. High-energy electrons can be stored magnetically inside the volume of the spectrometer and are able to create thousands of secondary electrons via subsequent ionization processes with residual gas molecules. In order to reduce the Rn induced background different active and passive counter measures were developed and tested. This proceeding will give an overview on Rn sources within the KATRIN spectrometer, describes how Rn decays inside the spectrometer produce background events at the detector and presents different counter measures to reduce the Rn induced background.« less

Measurement and reduction of low-level radon background in the KATRIN experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fränkle, F. M.

2013-08-01

The KArlsruhe TRItium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment is a next generation, model independent, large scale experiment to determine the mass of the electron anti-neutrino by investigating the kinematics of tritium beta decay with a sensitivity of 200 meV/c2. The measurement setup consists of a high luminosity windowless gaseous molecular tritium source (WGTS), a differential and cryogenic pumped electron transport and tritium retention section, a tandem spectrometer section (pre-spectrometer and main spectrometer) for energy analysis, followed by a detector system for counting transmitted beta decay electrons. Measurements performed at the KATRIN pre-spectrometer test setup showed that the decay of radon (Rn) atoms in the volume of the KATRIN spectrometers is a major background source. Rn atoms from low-level radon emanation of materials inside the vacuum region of the KATRIN spectrometers are able to penetrate deep into the magnetic flux tube so that the alpha decay of Rn contributes to the background. Of particular importance are electrons emitted in processes accompanying the Rn alpha decay, such as shake-off, internal conversion of excited levels in the Rn daughter atoms and Auger electrons. Lowenergy electrons (< 100 eV) directly contribute to the background in the signal region. High-energy electrons can be stored magnetically inside the volume of the spectrometer and are able to create thousands of secondary electrons via subsequent ionization processes with residual gas molecules. In order to reduce the Rn induced background different active and passive counter measures were developed and tested. This proceeding will give an overview on Rn sources within the KATRIN spectrometer, describes how Rn decays inside the spectrometer produce background events at the detector and presents different counter measures to reduce the Rn induced background.

Rapid Monitoring of Bacteria and Fungi aboard the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunter, D.; Flores, G.; Effinger, M.; Maule, J.; Wainwright, N.; Steele, A.; Damon, M.; Wells, M.; Williams, S.; Morris, H.;

Effect of signal compounds and incubation conditions on the culturability of freshwater bacterioplankton.

PubMed

Bruns, Alke; Nübel, Ulrich; Cypionka, Heribert; Overmann, Jörg

2003-04-01

The effect of signal compounds and of different incubation conditions on the culturability (i.e., the fraction of all cells capable of growth) of natural bacterioplankton from the eutrophic lake Zwischenahner Meer was investigated over a period of 20 months. Numbers of growing cells were determined by the most-probable-number technique in liquid media containing low concentrations (10 micro M) of the signal compounds N-(oxohexanoyl)-DL-homoserine lactone, N-(butyryl)-DL-homoserine lactone, cyclic AMP (cAMP), or ATP. cAMP was the most effective signal compound, leading to significantly increased cultivation efficiencies of up to 10% of the total bacterial counts. Microautoradiography with [2,8-(3)H]cAMP, combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization, demonstrated that cAMP was taken up by 18% of all cells. The bacterial cAMP uptake systems had a very low K(m) value of

Laser myocardial revascularization modulates expression of angiogenic, neuronal, and inflammatory cytokines in a porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia.

PubMed

Fuchs, Shmuel; Baffour, Richard; Vodovotz, Yoram; Shou, Matie; Stabile, Eugenio; Tio, Fermin O; Leon, Martin B; Kornowski, Ran

2002-01-01

Controversy exists whether transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is associated with angiogenesis or neuromodulation and whether these are time-dependent phenomena. Accordingly, we performed a time-course analysis of the expression of angiogenic and neuronal factors following experimental percutaneous TMR. Five weeks after placing ameroid constrictors on the circumflex coronary artery, 16 pigs underwent left ventricular mapping guided TMR using Ho:YAG laser (2 J x 1 pulse) at 30 sites directed at the ischemic zones and 11 animals were ischemic controls. Histology and immunostaining were obtained at 1 and 2 weeks (4 TMR and 3 controls at each time point) and at 4 weeks (8 TMR and 5 controls) for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), nerve growth factor (betaNGF), substance P (SP), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Immunoreactivity was scored using a digital image analysis system. Factor VIII staining was used for blood vessel counting. Enhanced regional expression of VEGF, bFGF and MCP-1 in the TMR group was noted at 1 and 2 weeks with a threefold increase at 4 weeks following TMR compared to controls. BetaNGF expression in the TMR group was enhanced at 1 and 2 weeks with subsequent decline at 4 weeks to the controls level. SP expression was not significantly different between groups at all time points. There was a twofold increase in the number of blood vessels in the TMR group at 4 weeks, which was not apparent earlier. These immunohistological findings suggest that cytokines expression compatible with angiogenesis and neuromodulation occurs early after TMR. Up-regulation of angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines may be more sustained than neuromodulation.

Protecting count queries in study design

PubMed Central

Sarwate, Anand D; Boxwala, Aziz A

2012-01-01

Objective Today's clinical research institutions provide tools for researchers to query their data warehouses for counts of patients. To protect patient privacy, counts are perturbed before reporting; this compromises their utility for increased privacy. The goal of this study is to extend current query answer systems to guarantee a quantifiable level of privacy and allow users to tailor perturbations to maximize the usefulness according to their needs. Methods A perturbation mechanism was designed in which users are given options with respect to scale and direction of the perturbation. The mechanism translates the true count, user preferences, and a privacy level within administrator-specified bounds into a probability distribution from which the perturbed count is drawn. Results Users can significantly impact the scale and direction of the count perturbation and can receive more accurate final cohort estimates. Strong and semantically meaningful differential privacy is guaranteed, providing for a unified privacy accounting system that can support role-based trust levels. This study provides an open source web-enabled tool to investigate visually and numerically the interaction between system parameters, including required privacy level and user preference settings. Conclusions Quantifying privacy allows system administrators to provide users with a privacy budget and to monitor its expenditure, enabling users to control the inevitable loss of utility. While current measures of privacy are conservative, this system can take advantage of future advances in privacy measurement. The system provides new ways of trading off privacy and utility that are not provided in current study design systems. PMID:22511018

Protecting count queries in study design.

PubMed

Vinterbo, Staal A; Sarwate, Anand D; Boxwala, Aziz A

2012-01-01

Today's clinical research institutions provide tools for researchers to query their data warehouses for counts of patients. To protect patient privacy, counts are perturbed before reporting; this compromises their utility for increased privacy. The goal of this study is to extend current query answer systems to guarantee a quantifiable level of privacy and allow users to tailor perturbations to maximize the usefulness according to their needs. A perturbation mechanism was designed in which users are given options with respect to scale and direction of the perturbation. The mechanism translates the true count, user preferences, and a privacy level within administrator-specified bounds into a probability distribution from which the perturbed count is drawn. Users can significantly impact the scale and direction of the count perturbation and can receive more accurate final cohort estimates. Strong and semantically meaningful differential privacy is guaranteed, providing for a unified privacy accounting system that can support role-based trust levels. This study provides an open source web-enabled tool to investigate visually and numerically the interaction between system parameters, including required privacy level and user preference settings. Quantifying privacy allows system administrators to provide users with a privacy budget and to monitor its expenditure, enabling users to control the inevitable loss of utility. While current measures of privacy are conservative, this system can take advantage of future advances in privacy measurement. The system provides new ways of trading off privacy and utility that are not provided in current study design systems.

Biosynthesis of a (1. -->. 4)-. beta. -D-glucan. [Lupinus albus

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

Brummond, D.O.

1983-01-01

An enzymatic activity isolated from Lupinus albus that produced an insoluble (1..-->..4)-..beta..-D-glucan from UDP-D-glucose has been solubilized and partially purified. Some of the properties of the enzyme system have been characterized. A proposed sequence of reactions between UDP-D-glucose and the final dextran may involve a (1..-->..4)-..beta..-linked polysaccharide bonded to UDP.

Motor run-up system. [power lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daeges, J. J. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

A starting system is described for bringing a large synchronous motor up to speed to prevent large power line disturbances at the moment the motor is connected to the power line. The system includes (1) a digital counter which generates a count determined by the difference in frequency between the power line and a small current generated by the synchronous motor; (2) a latch which stores the count; and (3) a comparator which compares the stored count with a newly generated count to determine whether the synchronous motor is accelerating or decelerating. Signals generated by the counter and comparator control the current to a clutch that couples a starting motor to the large synchronous motor.

Beta-phenylethylamine stimulates striatal acetylcholine release through activation of the AMPA glutamatergic pathway.

PubMed

Ishida, Kota; Murata, Mikio; Kato, Masatoshi; Utsunomiya, Iku; Hoshi, Keiko; Taguchi, Kyoji

2005-09-01

Using an in vivo intra-striatal microdialysis technique, we examined the effects of systemically administered beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA), a psychomotor stimulating trace amine, on striatal acetylcholine release in freely moving rats. Infusion of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA; 10(-5) M) significantly increased acetylcholine release. In addition, locally applied amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisozasole-4-propionic acid (AMPA; 10(-5) M) significantly increased acetylcholine release in the striatum. Intra-striatal application of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 10(-5) M), an AMPA-type glutamatergic receptor antagonist, had little effect on acetylcholine release, while application of MK-801 (10(-5) M, 10(-6) M), an NMDA-type glutamatergic receptor antagonist, significantly reduced acetylcholine release. Acetylcholine within striatal perfusate was significantly increased by intraperitoneal administration of beta-PEA in a dose-dependent manner. This increase in acetylcholine release was completely blocked by application of CNQX (10(-5) M) through the microdialysis probe into the striatum. However, increased acetylcholine response to systemic beta-PEA was unaltered by addition of MK-801 to the perfusion medium. These results suggest a regulatory function of beta-PEA, mediated by AMPA-type glutamatergic receptors, on the release of acetylcholine in the rat striatum.

Beta-blocker-induced psoriasis: a rare side effect--a case report.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Mehmet Birhan; Turhan, Hasan; Akin, Yesim; Kisacik, Halil L; Korkmaz, Sule

2002-01-01

Beta blockers are one of the oral agents shown to decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates in randomized, controlled trials, and hence, they are widely used for the management of many cardiovascular situations. In terms of side effects there are 3 major modes of action: (1) contraction of smooth muscles, particularly of bronchi with nonselective agents; (2) exaggerated cardiac effects; and (3) central nervous system effects. There are also some rare side effects of beta blockers, some of which are unpredictable, but the others are related to mode of action at the cellular level. Beta-blocking agents may cause psoriaform eruptions and worsen existing psoriasis. Psoriasis may be an inconvenient side effect of beta blockade. Herein, we report a case of beta-blocker-induced psoriasis.