Regulation of Ion Gradients across Myocardial Ischemic Border Zones: A Biophysical Modelling Analysis

PubMed Central

Niederer, Steven

2013-01-01

The myocardial ischemic border zone is associated with the initiation and sustenance of arrhythmias. The profile of ionic concentrations across the border zone play a significant role in determining cellular electrophysiology and conductivity, yet their spatial-temporal evolution and regulation are not well understood. To investigate the changes in ion concentrations that regulate cellular electrophysiology, a mathematical model of ion movement in the intra and extracellular space in the presence of ionic, potential and material property heterogeneities was developed. The model simulates the spatial and temporal evolution of concentrations of potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, hydrogen and bicarbonate ions and carbon dioxide across an ischemic border zone. Ischemia was simulated by sodium-potassium pump inhibition, potassium channel activation and respiratory and metabolic acidosis. The model predicted significant disparities in the width of the border zone for each ionic species, with intracellular sodium and extracellular potassium having discordant gradients, facilitating multiple gradients in cellular properties across the border zone. Extracellular potassium was found to have the largest border zone and this was attributed to the voltage dependence of the potassium channels. The model also predicted the efflux of from the ischemic region due to electrogenic drift and diffusion within the intra and extracellular space, respectively, which contributed to depletion in the ischemic region. PMID:23577101

orbital selective correlation reduce in collapse tetragonal phase of CaFe2(As0.935P0.065)2 and electronic structure reconstruction studied by angel resolved photoemission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Lingkun

We performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of the CaFe2(As0.935P0.065)2 in the collapse tetragonal(CT) phase and uncollapse tetragonal(UCT) phase. We find in the CT phase the electronic correlation dramatically reduces respective to UCT phase. Meanwhile, the reduction of correlation in CT phase show an orbital selective effect: correlation in dxy reduces the most, and then dxz/yz, while the one in dz2-r2 almost keeps the same. In CT phase, almost all bands sink downwards to higher binding energy, leading to the hole like bands around Brillouin zone(BZ) center sink below EF compared with UCT phase. However, the electron pocket around Brillouin Zone(BZ) corner(M) in UCT phase, forms a hole pocket around BZ center(Z point) in CT phase. Moreover, the dxy exhibits larger movement down to higher binding energy, resulting in farther away from dyz/xz and closer to dxy.We propose the electron filling ,namely high spin state in UCT phase to low spin state in CT phase(due to competing between crystal structure field and Hund's coupling), other than the Fermi surface nesting might be responsible for the absent of magnetic ordering.

Effects of Rocket Exhaust on Lunar Soil Reflectance Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clegg, R. N.; Jolliff, B. L.; Robinson, M. S.; Hapke, B. W.; Plescia, J. B.

2012-12-01

The Apollo, Surveyor, and Luna spacecraft descent engine plumes affected the regolith at and surrounding their landing sites. Owing to the lack of rapid weathering processes on the Moon, surface alterations are still visible as photometric anomalies in Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images. These areas are interpreted as disturbance of the regolith by rocket exhaust during descent of the spacecraft, which we refer to as "blast zones" (BZs). The BZs consist of an area of lower reflectance (LR-BZ) compared to the surroundings that extends up to a few meters out from the landers, as well as a broader halo of higher reflectance (HR-BZ) that extends tens to hundreds of meters out from the landers. We use phase-ratio images for each landing site to determine the spatial extent of the disturbed regions and to quantify differences in reflectance and backscattering characteristics within the BZs compared to nearby undisturbed regolith. We also compare the reflectance changes and BZ dimensions at the Apollo sites with those at Luna and Surveyor sites. We seek to determine the effects of rocket exhaust in terms of erosion and particle redistribution, as well as the cause(s) of the reflectance variations, i.e., physical changes at the regolith surface. When approximated as an ellipse, the average Apollo BZ area is ~29,000 m2 (~175 ± 60 m by 200 ± 27 m) which is 10x larger than the average Luna BZ, and over 100x larger than the average Surveyor BZ. Moreover, BZ area scales roughly with lander mass (as a proxy for thrust). The LR-BZs are evident at the Apollo sites, especially where astronaut bioturbation has roughened the soil, leading to a 2-14% reduction in reflectance at ~30° phase. The LR-BZs at the Luna and Surveyor sites are less evident and may be mostly confined to the area below the landers. The average normalized reflectance in the HR-BZs for images with a 30° phase angle is 2-16% higher than in the undisturbed surrounding areas; this magnitude is the same, within uncertainty, for all sites, indicating a common process or combination of processes causing differences in reflectance properties of the regolith. Phase-ratio images and photometric data collected over a range of illumination geometries show that a greater separation in reflectance occurs between the HR-BZs and undisturbed areas with increasing phase angle and indicate that the HR-BZs are less backscattering than undisturbed areas. As working hypotheses, we consider the following possibilities to explain BZ reflectance phenomena: change in macroscopic roughness, microscopic modification of surface structure, redistribution of fines (excavation from LR-BZ and deposition in HR-BZ), change in compaction, contamination from fuel, and modification of maturity. The LR-BZ is affected by macroscopic disruption of the surface and increased shadowing. We infer that HR-BZ reflectance has been affected by scouring from particles entrained by exhaust gases with low-angle trajectories. Entrained particles with trajectories greater than a few degrees relative to horizontal travel well beyond the BZ boundary and do not contribute to BZ reflectance variations. Regolith particle interactions with surface soil within HR-BZs may destroy fine-scale surface structure (e.g., "fairy-castle") and decrease macroscopic roughness, contributing to a decrease in backscattering character within the HR-BZ.

Observation of topological nodal fermion semimetal phase in ZrSiS

DOE PAGES

Neupane, Madhab; Belopolski, Ilya; Hosen, M. Mofazzel; ...

2016-05-11

We present that unveiling new topological phases of matter is one of the current objectives in condensed matter physics. Recent experimental discoveries of Dirac and Weyl semimetals prompt the search for other exotic phases of matter. Here we present a systematic angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of ZrSiS, a prime topological nodal semimetal candidate. Our wider Brillouin zone (BZ) mapping shows multiple Fermi surface pockets such as the diamond-shaped Fermi surface, elliptical-shaped Fermi surface, and a small electron pocket encircling at the zone center (Γ) point, the M point, and the X point of the BZ, respectively. We experimentally establish themore » spinless nodal fermion semimetal phase in ZrSiS, which is supported by our first-principles calculations. Our findings evidence that the ZrSiS-type of material family is a new platform on which to explore exotic states of quantum matter; these materials are expected to provide an avenue for engineering two-dimensional topological insulator systems.« less

22 CFR 123.6 - Foreign trade zones and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Foreign trade zones and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouses. 123.6 Section 123.6 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS LICENSES FOR THE EXPORT OF DEFENSE ARTICLES § 123.6 Foreign trade zones and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded...

Morphological alterations in the elastic fibers of the rabbit craniomandibular joint following experimentally induced anterior disk displacement.

PubMed

Ali, A M; Sharawy, M; O'Dell, N L; al-Behery, G

1993-01-01

Elastic fibers are important components of the connective tissue that attaches the articular disk of the craniomandibular joint (CMJ) to the skull and mandible. Biopsies of the articular disk proper and bilaminar zone (BZ) tissues from patients with anterior disk displacement (ADD) have shown previously that there is a marked loss of elastic fibers. In the present study, the effects of inducing ADD on the elastic fibers in the rabbit CMJ disk proper, BZ and condylar cartilage were investigated. The right CMJ was exposed surgically and the discal attachments were severed except for the BZ attachments. Then, the disk was displaced anteriorly and sutured to the zygomatic arch. The CMJs were removed after 1, 2 or 6 weeks and processed for histochemical demonstration of elastic fibers. The results showed osteoarthritic changes following ADD, and a significant decrease in the number of the elastic fibers in the disk proper and BZ. The remaining elastic fibers were abnormal in their appearance and orientation. In addition, ADD led to the appearance of fine elastic fibers among the chondrocytes in the hyaline cartilage of the condyle that were not present in the cartilage of the control condyle. We conclude that induced ADD can lead to a significant loss of elastic fibers in the articular disk, and result in the appearance of elastic fibers within the cartilage of the mandibular condyle.

Spatially Localized Chemical Patterns around an A + B → Oscillator Front.

PubMed

Budroni, M A; Lemaigre, L; Escala, D M; Muñuzuri, A P; De Wit, A

2016-02-18

When two gels, each loaded with a different set of reactants A and B of an oscillatory reaction, are brought into contact, reaction-diffusion patterns such as waves or Turing patterns can develop in the reactive contact zone. The initial condition which separates the reactants at the beginning leads to a localization in space of the different dynamical regimes accessible to the chemical oscillator. We study here both numerically and experimentally the composite traveling structures resulting from the interaction between chemical fronts and localized waves in the case in which the reactants of such an A + B → oscillator system are those of the canonical Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) oscillating reaction. A transition between different dynamics is obtained by varying the initial concentration of the organic substrate of the BZ reactants, which is one of the parameters controlling the local excitability. We show that the dynamical regime (excitable or oscillatory) characterizing the BZ oscillator in the initial contact area is the key feature which determines the spatiotemporal evolution of the system. The experimental results are in qualitative agreement with the theoretical predictions.

Dirac cone pairs in silicene induced by interface Si-Ag hybridization: A first-principles effective band study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Chao; Meng, Sheng

2017-06-01

Using density functional theory combined with orbital-selective band unfolding techniques, we study the effective band structure of silicene (3 ×3 )/Ag(111) (4 ×4 ) structure. Consistent with the ARPES spectra recently obtained by [Feng et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 113, 14656 (2016), 10.1073/pnas.1613434114], we observe six pairs of Dirac cones near the boundary of the Brillouin zone (BZ) of Ag (1 ×1 ) , while no Dirac cone is observed inside the BZ. Furthermore, we find that these Dirac cones are induced by the interfacial Si-Ag hybridization, mainly composed of Si pz orbitals and Ag s p bands, which is intrinsically different from the Dirac cones in free-standing silicene.

Investigation of isolated substorms: Generation conditions and characteristics of different phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorobjev, V. G.; Yagodkina, O. I.; Zverev, V. L.

2016-11-01

Characteristics of isolated substorms selected by variations in the 1-min values of the AL index are analyzed. The substorms were divided into several types with respect to the behavior of the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) during the expansion phase. The probability of observations of substorms associated with the northward turn of the Bz component of IMF was 19%, while the substorms taking place at Bz < 0 were observed in 53% of cases. A substantial number of events in which no substorm magnetic activity was observed in the auroral zone after a long (>30 min) period of the southward IMF and a following sharp turn of the Bz component of IMF before the north was detected. The data suggest that a northward IMF turn is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for generating substorms. It has been shown for substorms of the both types that the average duration of the southward IMF to moment T 0 and the average intensity of the magnetic perturbation in the maximum are approximately the same and amount to 80 min and-650 nT, respectively. However, for substorms at Bz < 0, their mean duration, including the expansive and recovery phases, is on average 30 min longer than that at a northward turn of IMF. Correlations between the loading-unloading processes in the magnetosphere in the periods of magnetospheric substorms were investigated with different functions that determine the efficiency of the energy transfer from the solar wind to the magnetosphere. It has been shown that the highest correlation coefficient ( r = 0.84) is observed when the function suggested by Newell et al. (2007) is used. It has been detected that a simple function VB S yields a high correlation coefficient ( r = 0.75).

78 FR 16701 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Application for Foreign Trade Zone and/or Status...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-18

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency Information Collection... Zone Activity Permit AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security...-0029. SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security will be...

Characterization of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding Fume Generated by Apprentice Welders

PubMed Central

Graczyk, Halshka; Lewinski, Nastassja; Zhao, Jiayuan; Concha-Lozano, Nicolas; Riediker, Michael

2016-01-01

Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) represents one of the most widely used metal joining processes in industry. Its propensity to generate a greater portion of welding fume particles at the nanoscale poses a potential occupational health hazard for workers. However, current literature lacks comprehensive characterization of TIG welding fume particles. Even less is known about welding fumes generated by welding apprentices with little experience in welding. We characterized TIG welding fume generated by apprentice welders (N = 20) in a ventilated exposure cabin. Exposure assessment was conducted for each apprentice welder at the breathing zone (BZ) inside of the welding helmet and at a near-field (NF) location, 60cm away from the welding task. We characterized particulate matter (PM4), particle number concentration and particle size, particle morphology, chemical composition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production potential, and gaseous components. The mean particle number concentration at the BZ was 1.69E+06 particles cm−3, with a mean geometric mean diameter of 45nm. On average across all subjects, 92% of the particle counts at the BZ were below 100nm. We observed elevated concentrations of tungsten, which was most likely due to electrode consumption. Mean ROS production potential of TIG welding fumes at the BZ exceeded average concentrations previously found in traffic-polluted air. Furthermore, ROS production potential was significantly higher for apprentices that burned their metal during their welding task. We recommend that future exposure assessments take into consideration welding performance as a potential exposure modifier for apprentice welders or welders with minimal training. PMID:26464505

Sister cities and easy passage: HIV, mobility and economies of desire in a Thai/Lao border zone.

PubMed

Lyttleton, Chris; Amarapibal, Amorntip

2002-02-01

It is recognised that people movement can increase potential risk of HIV transmission. In recent years, mobile populations moving across national borders have become a focus for HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns. These programs generally target border "hot zones" that produce high levels of HIV vulnerability due to the degree of mobility and the risk behaviours fostered by these marginal environments. However, high degrees of movement and social exploitation need not be the only criteria for borders to exacerbate HIV vulnerability. The types of social interactions promoted by mobility take many forms. In this paper we consider a border zone between Thailand and Laos to show that the links between movement and HIV vulnerability are not confined to stereotypical instances of coercion and exploitation. Rather we demonstrate that HIV risk in this area is a product of both a sense of community and a sense of difference that together foster a range of interactions based on mobility back and forth across the border. As HIV/AIDS prevention programs increasingly control forms of sexual interaction, the border provides a practical and symbolic opportunity to establish new forms of sexual relationship falling outside these constraints. This tendency to move outside bounds is not limited to border areas but has implications for prevention programs everywhere.

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia enhances cytotoxicity of bortezomib in sensitive and resistant cancer cell lines.

PubMed

Alvarez-Berríos, Merlis P; Castillo, Amalchi; Rinaldi, Carlos; Torres-Lugo, Madeline

2014-01-01

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BZ) has shown promising results in some types of cancer, but in others it has had minimal activity. Recent studies have reported enhanced efficacy of BZ when combined with hyperthermia. However, the use of magnetic nanoparticles to induce hyperthermia in combination with BZ has not been reported. This novel hyperthermia modality has shown better potentiation of chemotherapeutics over other types of hyperthermia. We hypothesized that inducing hyperthermia via magnetic nanoparticles (MFH) would enhance the cytotoxicity of BZ in BZ-sensitive and BZ-resistant cancer cells more effectively than hyperthermia using a hot water bath (HWH). Studies were conducted using BZ in combination with MFH in two BZ-sensitive cell lines (MDA-MB-468, Caco-2), and one BZ-resistant cell line (A2780) at two different conditions, ie, 43°C for 30 minutes and 45°C for 30 minutes. These experiments were compared with combined application of HWH and BZ. The results indicate enhanced potentiation between hyperthermic treatment and BZ. MFH combined with BZ induced cytotoxicity in sensitive and resistant cell lines to a greater extent than HWH under the same treatment conditions. The observation that MFH sensitizes BZ-resistant cell lines makes this approach a potentially effective anticancer therapy platform.

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

Masubuchi, Tsugunosuke; Iwasa, Takeshi; JST, ERATO, Nakajima Designer Nanocluster Assembly Project, 3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-0012

One end open V{sub n}Bz{sub n}{sup −} (n = 1–5; Bz = benzene) and both ends open V{sub n}Bz{sub n−1}{sup −} (n = 2–5) vanadium–benzene cluster anions were studied using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations. The smaller (n ≤ 3) V{sub n}Bz{sub n} and V{sub n}Bz{sub n−1} clusters and corresponding anions were found to have structural isomers, whereas full-sandwiched V{sub n}Bz{sub n+1} clusters preferred to form multiple-decker sandwich structures. Several isomeric V{sub 2}Bz{sub 2} structures were identified theoretically and the anion photoelectron spectra of V{sub 2}Bz{sub 2}{sup 0/−} were explained well by the coexistence of two isomeric structures:more » (1) a V{sub 2}-core structure sandwiched between benzene molecules and (2) an alternating sandwich structure with the spin state strongly dependent on the structure. The adiabatic electron affinity of both V{sub n}Bz{sub n} and V{sub n}Bz{sub n−1} was found to increase with the cluster size at larger sizes (n = 4 or 5) and approaches to that of V{sub n}Bz{sub n+1}. The evolution of the structural and electronic properties of V{sub n}Bz{sub m} and V{sub n}Bz{sub m}{sup −} (m = n and n − 1) with size is discussed in comparison with V{sub n}Bz{sub n+1} and V{sub n}Bz{sub n+1}{sup −}.« less

Estimation of the Characterized Tsunami Source Model considering the Complicated Shape of Tsunami Source by Using the observed waveforms of GPS Buoys in the Nankai Trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seto, S.; Takahashi, T.

2017-12-01

In the 2011 Tohoku earthquake tsunami disaster, the delay of understanding damage situation increased the human damage. To solve this problem, it is important to search the severe damaged areas. The tsunami numerical modeling is useful to estimate damages and the accuracy of simulation depends on the tsunami source. Seto and Takahashi (2017) proposed a method to estimate the characterized tsunami source model by using the limited observed data of GPS buoys. The model consists of Large slip zone (LSZ), Super large slip zone (SLSZ) and background rupture zone (BZ) as the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan (below COGJ) reported after the Tohoku tsunami. At the beginning of this method, the rectangular fault model is assumed based on the seismic magnitude and hypocenter reported right after an earthquake. By using the fault model, tsunami propagation is simulated numerically, and the fault model is improved after comparing the computed data with the observed data repeatedly. In the comparison, correlation coefficient and regression coefficient are used as indexes. They are calculated with the observed and the computed tsunami wave profiles. This repetition is conducted to get the two coefficients close to 1.0, which makes the precise of the fault model higher. However, it was indicated as the improvement that the model did not examine a complicated shape of tsunami source. In this study, we proposed an improved model to examine the complicated shape. COGJ(2012) assumed that possible tsunami source region in the Nankai trough consisted of the several thousands small faults. And, we use these small faults to estimate the targeted tsunami source in this model. Therefore, we can estimate the complicated tsunami source by using these small faults. The estimation of BZ is carried out as a first step, and LSZ and SLSZ are estimated next as same as the previous model. The proposed model by using GPS buoy was applied for a tsunami scenario in the Nankai Trough. As a result, the final estimated location of LSZ and SLSZ in BZ are estimated well.

Application of the marine Ex-Bz transient system for delineating near shore resistive targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levi, Eldad; Goldman, Mark

2017-09-01

Under certain conditions, multidimensional coastal effect significantly enhances relative target response of the broadside transient marine Ex-Bz system. The effect is caused by a redistribution of the induced currents between the resistive target and the sea bottom compared to that existing in a 1-D geometry. As a result, the effect strongly depends on specific geoelectric conditions in the near-shore environment. The first study of the effect in the Mediterranean coast of central Israel was addressing shallow groundwater problem under specific geoelectric, hydrogeological and geomorphological conditions. Under different conditions (e.g. deep targets and sharp near-shore bathymetry), the influence of the effect on target response might be significantly different. More general analysis carried out in this study comprises various geoelectric scenarios that include both shallow and deep resistive targets at different distances from the shore line as well as various geometries of the target and the near-shore bathymetry. The study includes three major exploration aspects of the system, namely signal detectability, lateral and vertical resolution. Taking into account poor lateral resolution of the classical frequency domain CSEM and the limited application in shallow sea, the described broadside transient Ex-Bz system might represent a desired alternative for delineating shallow and deep resistive targets in transition zone.

Industry-wide studies report of an industrial-hygiene survey of Riverside Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Newcomerstown, Ohio. [Ethylene oxide exposures

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

Ringenburg, V.L.; Molina, D.; Elliott, L.J.

Occupational exposure of workers to ethylene oxide (EtO) was examined. Two of six side-by-side short-term personal breathing-zone (BZ) exposure levels, determined while the sterilizer operator unloaded the EtO sterilizer unit, exceeded NIOSH recommended short term levels of 5 parts per million (ppm) for any 10-minute period per workday. Three of 12 personal BZ exposure levels exceeded the NIOSH recommended standard of less than 0.1ppm for an 8-hour time-weighted average. Measurable levels of EtO, ranging from 0.18 to 14.5ppm were detected in the storage room where the EtO sterilized items were aerated. The authors conclude that EtO exposure potential at themore » nursing and rehabilitation center could be reduced by improving administrative controls, work practices, and engineering controls. Recommended improvements were given.« less

Alkali metal mediated C-C bond coupling reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachikawa, Hiroto

2015-02-01

Metal catalyzed carbon-carbon (C-C) bond formation is one of the important reactions in pharmacy and in organic chemistry. In the present study, the electron and hole capture dynamics of a lithium-benzene sandwich complex, expressed by Li(Bz)2, have been investigated by means of direct ab-initio molecular dynamics method. Following the electron capture of Li(Bz)2, the structure of [Li(Bz)2]- was drastically changed: Bz-Bz parallel form was rapidly fluctuated as a function of time, and a new C-C single bond was formed in the C1-C1' position of Bz-Bz interaction system. In the hole capture, the intermolecular vibration between Bz-Bz rings was only enhanced. The mechanism of C-C bond formation in the electron capture was discussed on the basis of theoretical results.

International Issues, High-Stakes Testing, and Border Pedagogy: Social Studies at Border High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cashman, Timothy G.; McDermott, Benjamin R.

2013-01-01

A recently constructed border wall stands within walking distance of Border High School (BHS) and was created to impede the flow of people, goods, fauna, and contraband from Mexico into the United States (U.S.). The reality, however, is that this geopolitical border is fluid, allowing connections between sociopolitical zones. The researchers…

Characterization of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding Fume Generated by Apprentice Welders.

PubMed

Graczyk, Halshka; Lewinski, Nastassja; Zhao, Jiayuan; Concha-Lozano, Nicolas; Riediker, Michael

2016-03-01

Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) represents one of the most widely used metal joining processes in industry. Its propensity to generate a greater portion of welding fume particles at the nanoscale poses a potential occupational health hazard for workers. However, current literature lacks comprehensive characterization of TIG welding fume particles. Even less is known about welding fumes generated by welding apprentices with little experience in welding. We characterized TIG welding fume generated by apprentice welders (N = 20) in a ventilated exposure cabin. Exposure assessment was conducted for each apprentice welder at the breathing zone (BZ) inside of the welding helmet and at a near-field (NF) location, 60cm away from the welding task. We characterized particulate matter (PM4), particle number concentration and particle size, particle morphology, chemical composition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production potential, and gaseous components. The mean particle number concentration at the BZ was 1.69E+06 particles cm(-3), with a mean geometric mean diameter of 45nm. On average across all subjects, 92% of the particle counts at the BZ were below 100nm. We observed elevated concentrations of tungsten, which was most likely due to electrode consumption. Mean ROS production potential of TIG welding fumes at the BZ exceeded average concentrations previously found in traffic-polluted air. Furthermore, ROS production potential was significantly higher for apprentices that burned their metal during their welding task. We recommend that future exposure assessments take into consideration welding performance as a potential exposure modifier for apprentice welders or welders with minimal training. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Spin fluctuations and superconductivity in a 3D tight-binding model for BaFe2As2

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

Graser, Siegfried; Kemper, Alexander F; Maier, Thomas A

2010-01-01

Despite the wealth of experimental data on the Fe-pnictide compounds of the KFe2As2 type, K=Ba, Ca, or Sr, the main theoretical work based on multiorbital tight-binding models has been restricted so far to the study of the related 1111 compounds. This can be ascribed to the more three-dimensional electronic structure found by ab initio calculations for the 122 materials, making this system less amenable to model development. In addition, the more complicated Brillouin zone BZ of the body-centered tetragonal symmetry does not allow a straightforward unfolding of the electronic band structure into an effective 1Fe/unit cell BZ. Here we presentmore » an effective five-orbital tight-binding fit of the full density functional theory band structure for BaFe2As2 including the kz dispersions. We compare the five-orbital spin fluctuation model to one previously studied for LaOFeAs and calculate the random-phase approximation enhanced susceptibility. Using the fluctuation ex- change approximation to determine the leading pairing instability, we then examine the differences between a strictly two-dimensional model calculation over a single kz cut of the BZ and a completely three-dimensional approach. We find pairing states quite similar to the 1111 materials, with generic quasi-isotropic pairing on the hole sheets and nodal states on the electron sheets at kz=0, which however are gapped as the system is hole doped. On the other hand, a substantial kz dependence of the order parameter remains, with most of the pairing strength deriving from processes near kz=?. These states exhibit a tendency for an enhanced anisotropy on the hole sheets and a reduced anisotropy on the electron sheets near the top of the BZ.« less

Assessment of U.S. Government and Coalition Efforts to Train, Equip, and Advise the Afghan Border Police

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-24

abuse of materiel. In zones that were under-resourced, zone commanders do not have the resources to meet their operational needs. Funding for Canine ...Program – Coalition forces and German Police Training Teams worked with the Border Police to develop a canine program to search for explosives and...airports and major border crossings did not know if their canine teams would be available post-2014, which prevented planning for effective security

50 CFR 218.24 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... border of the exclusion zone (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the exclusion zone... array) could be used to determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a detonation..., logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from the same height above water as the...

50 CFR 218.24 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... border of the exclusion zone (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the exclusion zone... array) could be used to determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a detonation..., logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from the same height above water as the...

33 CFR 3.85-10 - Sector Juneau: Southeast Alaska Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zones.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... District Seventeen southern border at latitude 54°40′00″ N, longitude 131°15′06″ W; thence west along the southern border of Coast Guard District Seventeen to the intersection with the outermost extent of the EEZ...

33 CFR 3.85-10 - Sector Juneau: Southeast Alaska Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zones.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... District Seventeen southern border at latitude 54°40′00″ N, longitude 131°15′06″ W; thence west along the southern border of Coast Guard District Seventeen to the intersection with the outermost extent of the EEZ...

33 CFR 3.85-10 - Sector Juneau: Southeast Alaska Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zones.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... District Seventeen southern border at latitude 54°40′00″ N, longitude 131°15′06″ W; thence west along the southern border of Coast Guard District Seventeen to the intersection with the outermost extent of the EEZ...

78 FR 35103 - Extension of Border Zone in the State of New Mexico

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-12

... Record. This change is intended to promote commerce and tourism in southern New Mexico while still... border zone. In order to facilitate commerce, trade, and tourism in southern New Mexico, while still..., trade, and tourism in southern New Mexico, while still ensuring that sufficient safeguards are in place...

33 CFR 3.85-10 - Sector Juneau: Southeast Alaska Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zones.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... District Seventeen southern border at latitude 54°40′00″ N, longitude 131°15′06″ W; thence west along the southern border of Coast Guard District Seventeen to the intersection with the outermost extent of the EEZ...

33 CFR 3.85-10 - Sector Juneau: Southeast Alaska Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zones.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... District Seventeen southern border at latitude 54°40′00″ N, longitude 131°15′06″ W; thence west along the southern border of Coast Guard District Seventeen to the intersection with the outermost extent of the EEZ...

Short term doxycycline treatment induces sustained improvement in myocardial infarction border zone contractility

PubMed Central

Collins, Alexander; Faraji, Farshid; Wang, Guanying; Aguayo, Esteban; Ge, Liang; Saloner, David; Wallace, Arthur W.; Baker, Anthony J.; Lovett, David H.

2018-01-01

Decreased contractility in the non-ischemic border zone surrounding a MI is in part due to degradation of cardiomyocyte sarcomeric components by intracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). We recently reported that MMP-2 levels were increased in the border zone after a MI and that treatment with doxycycline for two weeks after MI was associated with normalization of MMP-2 levels and improvement in ex-vivo contractile protein developed force in the myocardial border zone. The purpose of the current study was to determine if there is a sustained effect of short term treatment with doxycycline (Dox) on border zone function in a large animal model of antero-apical myocardial infarction (MI). Antero-apical MI was created in 14 sheep. Seven sheep received doxycycline 0.8 mg/kg/hr IV for two weeks. Cardiac MRI was performed two weeks before, and then two and six weeks after MI. Two sheep died prior to MRI at six weeks from surgical/anesthesia-related causes. The remaining 12 sheep completed the protocol. Doxycycline induced a sustained reduction in intracellular MMP-2 by Western blot (3649±643 MI+Dox vs 9236±114 MI relative intensity; p = 0.0009), an improvement in ex-vivo contractility (65.3±2.0 MI+Dox vs 39.7±0.8 MI mN/mm2; p<0.0001) and an increase in ventricular wall thickness at end-systole 1.0 cm from the infarct edge (12.4±0.6 MI+Dox vs 10.0±0.5 MI mm; p = 0.0095). Administration of doxycycline for a limited two week period is associated with a sustained improvement in ex-vivo contractility and an increase in wall thickness at end-systole in the border zone six weeks after MI. These findings were associated with a reduction in intracellular MMP-2 activity. PMID:29432443

Short term doxycycline treatment induces sustained improvement in myocardial infarction border zone contractility.

PubMed

Spaulding, Kimberly; Takaba, Kiyoaki; Collins, Alexander; Faraji, Farshid; Wang, Guanying; Aguayo, Esteban; Ge, Liang; Saloner, David; Wallace, Arthur W; Baker, Anthony J; Lovett, David H; Ratcliffe, Mark B

2018-01-01

Decreased contractility in the non-ischemic border zone surrounding a MI is in part due to degradation of cardiomyocyte sarcomeric components by intracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). We recently reported that MMP-2 levels were increased in the border zone after a MI and that treatment with doxycycline for two weeks after MI was associated with normalization of MMP-2 levels and improvement in ex-vivo contractile protein developed force in the myocardial border zone. The purpose of the current study was to determine if there is a sustained effect of short term treatment with doxycycline (Dox) on border zone function in a large animal model of antero-apical myocardial infarction (MI). Antero-apical MI was created in 14 sheep. Seven sheep received doxycycline 0.8 mg/kg/hr IV for two weeks. Cardiac MRI was performed two weeks before, and then two and six weeks after MI. Two sheep died prior to MRI at six weeks from surgical/anesthesia-related causes. The remaining 12 sheep completed the protocol. Doxycycline induced a sustained reduction in intracellular MMP-2 by Western blot (3649±643 MI+Dox vs 9236±114 MI relative intensity; p = 0.0009), an improvement in ex-vivo contractility (65.3±2.0 MI+Dox vs 39.7±0.8 MI mN/mm2; p<0.0001) and an increase in ventricular wall thickness at end-systole 1.0 cm from the infarct edge (12.4±0.6 MI+Dox vs 10.0±0.5 MI mm; p = 0.0095). Administration of doxycycline for a limited two week period is associated with a sustained improvement in ex-vivo contractility and an increase in wall thickness at end-systole in the border zone six weeks after MI. These findings were associated with a reduction in intracellular MMP-2 activity.

The contribution of neighbouring countries to pesticide levels in Dutch surface waters.

PubMed

Van 'T Zelfde, M; Tamis, W L M; Vijver, M G; De Snoo, G R

2011-01-01

Compared with other European countries, Dutch consumption of pesticides is high, particularly in agriculture, with many of the compounds found in surface waters in high concentrations and various standards being exceeded. Surface water quality is routinely monitored and the data obtained are published in the Dutch Pesticides Atlas. One important mechanism for reducing pesticide levels in surface waters is authorisation policy, which proceeds on the assumption that the pollution concerned has taken place in the Netherlands. The country straddles the delta of several major European rivers, however, and as river basins do not respect national borders some of the water quality problems will derive from neighbouring countries. Against this background the general question addressed in this article is the following: To what extent do countries neighbouring on the Netherlands contribute to pesticide pollution of Dutch surface waters? To answer this question, data from the Pesticides Atlas for the period 2005-2009 were used. Border zones with Belgium and Germany were defined and the data for these zones compared with Dutch data. In the analyses, due allowance was also made for authorised and non-authorised compounds and for differences between flowing and stagnant waters. Monitoring efforts in the border zones and in the Netherlands were also characterised, showing that efforts in the former are similar to those in the rest of the country. In the border zone with Belgium the relative number of non-authorised pesticides exceeding the standards is clearly higher than in the rest of the Netherlands. These exceedances are observed mainly in flowing waters. In contrast, there is no difference in the relative number of standard-exceeding measurements between the border zones and the rest of the Netherlands. In the boundary zones the array of standard-exceeding compounds clearly deviates from that in the rest of the Netherlands, with compounds authorised in the neighbouring countries but not in the Netherlands, such as flufenacet, featuring prominently. The share of the neighbouring countries in the total number of exceedances in the Netherlands is roughly proportional to the relative area of the border zones. Although there is a certain influx of pesticides from across national borders, the magnitude of the problem appears to be limited.

The SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES) - V. Submillimetre properties of near-infrared-selected galaxies in the Subaru/XMM -Newton deep field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, T.; Mortier, A. M. J.; Shimasaku, K.; Coppin, K.; Pope, A.; Ivison, R. J.; Hanami, H.; Serjeant, S.; Clements, D. L.; Priddey, R. S.; Dunlop, J. S.; Takata, T.; Aretxaga, I.; Chapman, S. C.; Eales, S. A.; Farrah, D.; Granato, G. L.; Halpern, M.; Hughes, D. H.; van Kampen, E.; Scott, D.; Sekiguchi, K.; Smail, I.; Vaccari, M.

2007-11-01

We have studied the submillimetre (submm) properties of the following classes of near-infrared-selected (NIR-selected) massive galaxies at high redshifts: BzK-selected star-forming galaxies (BzKs); distant red galaxies (DRGs); and extremely red objects (EROs). We used the SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES), the largest uniform submm survey to date. Partial overlap of SIRIUS/NIR images and SHADES in Subaru/XMM-Newton deep field has allowed us to identify four submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies, which are detected in the mid-IR, 24μ m, and the radio, 1.4GHz. We find that all of our submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies satisfy the BzK selection criteria, i.e. BzK ≡ (z - K)AB - (B - z)AB >= -0.2, except for one galaxy whose B - z and z - K colours are however close to the BzK colour boundary. Two of the submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies satisfy all of the selection criteria we considered, i.e. they belong to the BzK-DRG-ERO overlapping population, or `extremely red' BzKs. Although these extremely red BzKs are rare (0.25 arcmin-2), up to 20 per cent of this population could be submm galaxies. This fraction is significantly higher than that found for other galaxy populations studied here. Via a stacking analysis, we have detected the 850-μ m flux of submm-faint BzKs and EROs in our SCUBA maps. While the contribution of z ~ 2 BzKs to the submm background is about 10-15 per cent and similar to that from EROs typically at z ~ 1, BzKs have a higher fraction (~30 per cent) of submm flux in resolved sources compared with EROs and submm sources as a whole. From the spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting analysis for both submm-bright and submm-faint BzKs, we found no clear signature that submm-bright BzKs are experiencing a specifically luminous evolutionary phase, compared with submm-faint BzKs. An alternative explanation might be that submm-bright BzKs are more massive than submm-faint ones.

Structural and expressional analysis of the B-hordein genes in Tibetan hull-less barley

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The B-hordein gene family was analyzed from two Tibetan hull-less barley cultivars, Z09 and Z26 (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare). Fourteen B-hordein genes, designated BZ09-2 to BZ09-5 (from Z09) and BZ26-1 to BZ26-10 (from Z26), were sequenced. Seven of them similar to a previously reported BZ09-1...

Impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement on transportation in the border areas of the United States : with emphasis on the California-Mexico border

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-08-01

This report identifies impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on transportation in the U.S. border areas. Emphasis is on the California-Baja California border zone. Focus is on the identification of recommendations to the Californ...

Impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on transportation in the border areas of the United States : with emphasis on the California-Mexico border

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-08-01

This report identifies impacts of the North ?American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on transportation in the U.S. border areas. Emphasis is on the California-Baja California border zone. Focus is on the identification of recommendations to the Califor...

Combination Chemotherapy with Suboptimal Doses of Benznidazole and Pentoxifylline Sustains Partial Reversion of Experimental Chagas' Heart Disease

PubMed Central

Vilar-Pereira, Glaucia; Resende Pereira, Isabela; de Souza Ruivo, Leonardo Alexandre; Cruz Moreira, Otacilio; da Silva, Andrea Alice; Britto, Constança

2016-01-01

Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) progresses with parasite persistence, fibrosis, and electrical alterations associated with an unbalanced immune response such as high plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO). Presently, the available treatments only mitigate the symptoms of CCC. To improve CCC prognosis, we interfered with the parasite load and unbalanced immune response using the trypanocidal drug benznidazole (Bz) and the immunoregulator pentoxifylline (PTX). C57BL/6 mice chronically infected with the Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi and with signs of CCC were treated for 30 days with a suboptimal dose of Bz (25 mg/kg of body weight), PTX (20 mg/kg), or their combination (Bz plus PTX) and analyzed for electrocardiographic, histopathological, and immunological changes. Bz (76%) and Bz-plus-PTX (79%) therapies decreased parasite loads. Although the three therapies reduced myocarditis and fibrosis and ameliorated electrical alterations, only Bz plus PTX restored normal heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) intervals. Bz-plus-PTX-treated mice presented complementary effects of Bz and PTX, which reduced TNF expression (37%) in heart tissue and restored normal TNF receptor 1 expression on CD8+ T cells, respectively. Bz (85%) and PTX (70%) therapies reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS2) in heart tissue, but only Bz (58%) reduced NO levels in serum. These effects were more pronounced after Bz-plus-PTX therapy. Moreover, 30 to 50 days after treatment cessation, reductions of the prolonged QTc and QRS intervals were sustained in Bz-plus-PTX-treated mice. Our findings support the importance of interfering with the etiological agent and immunological abnormalities to improve CCC prognosis, opening an opportunity for a better quality of life for Chagas' disease (CD) patients. PMID:27161638

DNA Camouflage

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-08

Kan), and pBZ51 + pBZ52 (selected on Amp ) were grown overnight, and plasmid DNA was extracted and run on a 1% agarose gel. Cells co-transformed with...pBZ51 and pBZ52 were able to stably maintain both plasmids under Amp selection. SI Fig. 10 SI

Electronic structure of (Ca{sub 0.85}La{sub 0.15})FeAs{sub 2}

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

Liu, Z.-H., E-mail: z.liu@ifw-dresden.de; Borisenko, S. V., E-mail: s.borysenko@ifw-dresden.de; Kim, T. K.

We report a comprehensive study of orbital character and tridimensional nature of the electronic structure of (Ca{sub 0.85}La{sub 0.15})FeAs{sub 2} from recently discovered “112” family of Iron-based superconductors (IBS), with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We observed that the band structure is similar to that of “122” family, namely, there are three hole-like bands at the Brillouin zone (BZ) center and two electron-like bands at the BZ corner. The bands near the Fermi level (E{sub F}) are mainly derived from the Fe t{sub 2g} orbitals. On the basis of our present and earlier studies, we classify IBS into the three types accordingmore » to their crystal structures. We show that although the bands near E{sub F} mainly originate from Fe 3d electrons, they are significantly modified by the interaction between the superconducting slabs and the intermediate atoms.« less

33 CFR 3.40-60 - Sector Lower Mississippi River Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the east bank of the Mississippi River at the Louisiana-Mississippi border, thence south along the... boundary of the Old River Lock Structure, thence west along the southern bank of the Lower Old River, to... River Parish and DeSoto Parish to the Texas-Louisiana Border, including Lasalle, Caldwell, Caddo...

Benzodiazepine dependence among multidrug users in the club scene

PubMed Central

Kurtz, Steven P.; Surratt, Hilary L.; Levi-Minzi, Maria A.; Mooss, Angela

2011-01-01

Background Benzodiazepines (BZs) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs with the potential for abuse. Young adults ages 18–29 report the highest rates of BZ misuse in the United States. The majority of club drug users are also in this age group, and BZ misuse is prevalent in the nightclub scene. BZ dependence, however, is not well documented. This paper examines BZ dependence and its correlates among multidrug users in South Florida’s nightclub scene. Methods Data were drawn from structured interviews with men and women (N=521) who reported regular attendance at large dance clubs and recent use of both club drugs and BZs. Results Prevalences of BZ-related problems were 7.9% for BZ dependence, 22.6% BZ abuse, and 25% BZ abuse and/or dependence. In bivariate logistic regression models, heavy cocaine use (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.18, 4.38), severe mental distress (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.33, 5.21), and childhood victimization history (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.10, 5.38) were associated with BZ dependence. Heavy cocaine use (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.10, 4.18) and severe mental distress (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.07, 4.37) survived as predictors in the multivariate model. Discussion BZ misuse is widespread among multidrug users in the club scene, who also exhibit high levels of other health and social problems. BZ dependence appears to be more prevalent in this sample than in other populations described in the literature. Recommendations for intervention and additional research are described. PMID:21708434

Benzodiazepine dependence among multidrug users in the club scene.

PubMed

Kurtz, Steven P; Surratt, Hilary L; Levi-Minzi, Maria A; Mooss, Angela

2011-12-01

Benzodiazepines (BZs) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs with the potential for abuse. Young adults ages 18-29 report the highest rates of BZ misuse in the United States. The majority of club drug users are also in this age group, and BZ misuse is prevalent in the nightclub scene. BZ dependence, however, is not well documented. This paper examines BZ dependence and its correlates among multidrug users in South Florida's nightclub scene. Data were drawn from structured interviews with men and women (N=521) who reported regular attendance at large dance clubs and recent use of both club drugs and BZs. Prevalences of BZ-related problems were 7.9% for BZ dependence, 22.6% BZ abuse, and 25% BZ abuse and/or dependence. In bivariate logistic regression models, heavy cocaine use (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.18, 4.38), severe mental distress (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.33, 5.21), and childhood victimization history (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.10, 5.38) were associated with BZ dependence. Heavy cocaine use (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.10, 4.18) and severe mental distress (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.07, 4.37) survived as predictors in the multivariate model. BZ misuse is widespread among multidrug users in the club scene, who also exhibit high levels of other health and social problems. BZ dependence appears to be more prevalent in this sample than in other populations described in the literature. Recommendations for intervention and additional research are described. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A point mutation in the acetylcholinesterase-1 gene is associated with chlorpyrifos resistance in the plant bug Apolygus lucorum.

PubMed

Wu, Shuwen; Zuo, Kairan; Kang, Zhaokui; Yang, Yihua; Oakeshott, John G; Wu, Yidong

2015-10-01

Control of Chinese Apolygus lucorum relies heavily on organophosphate insecticides. Here we describe resistance to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos in an A. lucorum strain, BZ-R, which was developed from a field-collected strain (BZ) by selection with chlorpyrifos in the laboratory. BZ-R showed 21-58 fold resistance to chlorpyrifos compared with the laboratory reference strain LSF and another susceptible strain, BZ-S, derived from BZ. BZ-R also showed several fold resistance to two other organophosphates and a carbamate. No synergism of chlorpyrifos by metabolic enzyme inhibitors nor any increase in detoxifying enzyme activities were observed in BZ-R. No sequence differences in acetylcholinesterase-2 were found to be associated with the resistance but the frequency of an alanine to serine substitution at position 216 of acetylcholinesterase-1 was 100% in BZ-R, ∼21-23% in SLF and BZ, and 0% in BZ-S. A single generation treatment of chlorpyrifos on the BZ strain also increased its frequency of the serine substitution to 64%. Recombinantly expressed acetylcholinesterase-1 carrying the serine substitution was about five fold less sensitive to inhibition by chlorpyrifos oxon than the wild-type enzyme. Quantitative real-time PCR found no differences in ace1 or ace2 expression levels among the strains tested. Thus the chlorpyrifos resistance is strongly associated with the serine substituted acetylcholinesterase-1. An equivalent substitution has been found to confer resistance to many organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in four other insect species. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

78 FR 34395 - Announcement of Foreign-Trade Zones Test

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-07

... Zones Test AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: General... voluntary general test regarding certain foreign-trade zone (``FTZ'' or ``zone'') activities. Pursuant to the FTZ test, under [[Page 34396

Role of the Precambrian Mughese Shear Zone on Cenozoic faulting along the Rukwa-Malawi Rift segment of the East African Rift System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heilman, E.; Kolawole, F.; Mayle, M.; Atekwana, E. A.; Abdelsalam, M. G.

2017-12-01

We address the longstanding question of the role of long-lived basement structures in strain accommodation within active rift systems. Studies have highlighted the influence of pre-existing zones of lithospheric weakness in modulating faulting and fault kinematics. Here, we investigate the role of the Neoproterozoic Mughese Shear Zone (MSZ) in Cenozoic rifting along the Rukwa-Malawi rift segment of the East African Rift System (EARS). Detailed analyses of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM and filtered aeromagnetic data allowed us to determine the relationship between rift-related basement-rooted normal faults and the MSZ fabric extending along the southern boundary of the Rukwa-Malawi Rift North Basin. Our results show that the magnetic lineaments defining the MSZ coincide with the collinear Rukwa Rift border fault (Ufipa Fault), a dextral strike-slip fault (Mughese Fault), and the North Basin hinge-zone fault (Mbiri Fault). Fault-scarp and minimum fault-throw analyses reveal that within the Rukwa Rift, the Ufipa Border Fault has been accommodating significant displacement relative to the Lupa Border Fault, which represents the northeastern border fault of the Rukwa Rift. Our analysis also shows that within the North Basin half-graben, the Mbiri Fault has accommodated the most vertical displacement relative to other faults along the half-graben hinge zone. We propose that the Cenozoic reactivation along the MSZ facilitated significant normal slip displacement along the Ufipa Border Fault and the Mbiri Fault, and minor dextral strike-slip between the two faults. We suggest that the fault kinematics along the Rukwa-Malawi Rift is the result of reactivation of the MSZ through regional oblique extension.

Surface Plasmon Resonance Based Sensitive Immunosensor for Benzaldehyde Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onodera, Takeshi; Shimizu, Takuzo; Miura, Norio; Matsumoto, Kiyoshi; Toko, Kiyoshi

Fragrant compounds used to add flavor to beverages remain in the manufacturing line after the beverage manufacturing process. Line cleanliness before the next manufacturing cycle is difficult to estimate by sensory analysis, making excessive washing necessary. A new measurement system to determine line cleanliness is desired. In this study, we attempted to detect benzaldehyde (Bz) using an anti-Bz monoclonal antibody (Bz-Ab) and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. We fabricated two types of sensor chips using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and investigated which sensor surface exhibited higher sensitivity. In addition, anti-Bz antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP-Bz-Ab) was used to enhance the SPR signal. A detection limit of ca. 9ng/mL (ppb) was achieved using an immobilized 4-carboxybenzaldehyde sensor surface using SAMs containing ethylene glycol. When the HRP-Bz-Ab concentration was reduced to 30ng/mL, a detection limit of ca. 4ng/mL (ppb) was achieved for Bz.

75 FR 12729 - Foreign-Trade Zone 133-Quad-Cities, Iowa/Illinois; Application for Expansion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-17

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Docket 15-2010] Foreign-Trade Zone 133--Quad... Zones Board (the Board) by the Quad-City Foreign Trade Zone, Inc., grantee of FTZ 133, requesting authority to expand the zone within the Davenport-Rock Island-Moline Customs and Border Protection port of...

The Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC): Wide K-Band Imaging, Photometric Catalogs, Clustering, and Physical Properties of Galaxies at z {approx} 2

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

Blanc, Guillermo A.; Lira, Paulina; Francke, Harold

2008-07-10

We present K-band imaging of two {approx}30{sup '} x 30{sup '} fields covered by the Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC) Wide NIR Survey. The SDSS 1030+05 and Cast 1255 fields were imaged with the Infrared Side Port Imager (ISPI) on the 4 m Blanco telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) to a 5 {sigma} point-source limiting depth of K {approx} 20 (Vega). Combining these data with the MUSYC optical UBVRIz imaging, we created multiband K-selected source catalogs for both fields. These catalogs, together with the MUSYC K-band catalog of the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (ECDF-S) field, weremore » used to select K < 20 BzK galaxies over an area of 0.71 deg{sup 2}. This is the largest area ever surveyed for BzK galaxies. We present number counts, redshift distributions, and stellar masses for our sample of 3261 BzK galaxies (2502 star-forming [sBzK] and 759 passively evolving [pBzK]), as well as reddening and star formation rate estimates for the star-forming BzK systems. We also present two-point angular correlation functions and spatial correlation lengths for both sBzK and pBzK galaxies and show that previous estimates of the correlation function of these galaxies were affected by cosmic variance due to the small areas surveyed. We have measured correlation lengths r{sub 0} of 8.89 {+-} 2.03 and 10.82 {+-} 1.72 Mpc for sBzK and pBzK galaxies, respectively. This is the first reported measurement of the spatial correlation function of passive BzK galaxies. In the {lambda}CDM scenario of galaxy formation, these correlation lengths at z {approx} 2 translate into minimum masses of {approx}4 x 10{sup 12} and {approx}9 x 10{sup 12} M{sub sun} for the dark matter halos hosting sBzK and pBzK galaxies, respectively. The clustering properties of the galaxies in our sample are consistent with their being the descendants of bright Lyman break galaxies at z {approx} 3, and the progenitors of present-day >1L{sup *} galaxies.« less

Properties of complexes formed by Na(+), Mg(2+), and Fe(2+) binding with benzene molecules.

PubMed

Kolakkandy, Sujitha; Pratihar, Subha; Aquino, Adelia J A; Wang, Hai; Hase, William L

2014-10-09

A theoretical investigation was performed to study cation-π interactions in complexes of benzene (Bz) with cations, that is, M(z+)(Bz)n for M(z+) = Na(+), Mg(2+), Fe(2+) and n = 1-3, using MP2 theory with the 6-31+G* and 6-311++G** basis sets and the DFT/(B3LYP and B3LYP-D)/6-311++G** methods. Binding energies and structures of the complexes are reported. The splitting between the quintet and single states of the Fe(2+) complexes was found to depend on the number of benzene molecules in the complex and the complex's structure. All of the M(z+)(Bz) complexes prefer a half-sandwich geometry. A geometry with the cation sandwiched between the two benzene rings was found for the M(z+)(Bz)2 complexes, with the benzene rings either in an eclipsed or staggered conformation. An approximate cyclic structure, with the cation at its center, was found for three benzene molecules interacting with the cation. The cation-benzene binding energy is substantial and equal to 22, 108, and 151 kcal/mol for the Na(+)(Bz), Mg(2+)(Bz), and Fe(2+)(Bz) complexes, respectively. The strength of the interaction of the cation with an individual benzene molecule decreases as the number of benzene molecules bound to the cation increases; for example, it is 108 kcal/mol for Mg(2+)(Bz), but only 71 kcal/mol for Mg(2+)(Bz)3. There is a range of values for the M(z+)(Bz)n intermolecular vibrational frequencies; for example, they are ∼230-360 and ∼10-330 cm(-1) for the Mg(2+)(Bz) and Mg(2+)(Bz)3 complexes, respectively. Binding of the cation to benzene both red and blue shifts the benzene vibrational frequencies. This shifting is larger for the Mg(2+) and Fe(2+) complexes, as compared to those for Na(+), as a result of the former's stronger cation-benzene binding. The present study is an initial step to understand the possible importance of cation-π interactions for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon aggregation processes during soot formation.

On Borders: From Ancient to Postmodern Times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellezza, G.

2013-11-01

The article deals with the evolution of the concept of borders between human groups and with its slow evolution from the initial no men's land zones to the ideal single-dimension linear borders. In ancient times the first borders were natural, such as mountain ranges or large rivers until, with the development of Geodesy, astronomical borders based on meridians and parallels became a favourite natural base. Actually, Modern States adopted these to fix limits in unknown conquered territories. The postmodern thought led give more importance to cultural borders until, in the most recent times, is becoming rather impossible to fix borders in the virtual cyberspace.

A water extract of Mucuna pruriens provides long-term amelioration of parkinsonism with reduced risk for dyskinesias.

PubMed

Lieu, Christopher A; Kunselman, Allen R; Manyam, Bala V; Venkiteswaran, Kala; Subramanian, Thyagarajan

2010-08-01

Dopaminergic anti-parkinsonian medications, such as levodopa (LD) cause drug-induced dyskinesias (DID) in majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Mucuna pruriens, a legume extensively used in Ayurveda to treat PD, is reputed to provide anti-parkinsonian benefits without inducing DID. We compared the behavioral effects of chronic parenteral administration of a water extract of M. pruriens seed powder (MPE) alone without any additives, MPE combined with the peripheral dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor (DDCI) benserazide (MPE+BZ), LD+BZ and LD alone without BZ in the hemiparkinsonian rat model of PD. A battery of behavioral tests assessed by blinded investigators served as outcome measures in these randomized trials. In experiment 1, animals that received LD+BZ or MPE+BZ at high (6mg/kg) and medium (4mg/kg) equivalent doses demonstrated significant alleviation of parkinsonism, but, developed severe dose-dependent DID. LD+BZ at low doses (2mg/kg) did not provide significant alleviation of parkinsonism. In contrast, MPE+BZ at an equivalent low dose significantly ameliorated parkinsonism. In experiment 2, MPE without any additives (12mg/kg and 20mg/kg LD equivalent dose) alleviated parkinsonism with significantly less DID compared to LD+BZ or MPE+BZ. In experiment 3, MPE without additives administered chronically provided long-term anti-parkinsonian benefits without causing DID. In experiment 4, MPE alone provided significantly more behavioral benefit when compared to the equivalent dose of synthetic LD alone without BZ. In experiment 5, MPE alone reduced the severity of DID in animals initially primed with LD+BZ. These findings suggest that M. pruriens contains water-soluble ingredients that either have an intrinsic DDCI-like activity or mitigate the need for an add-on DDCI to ameliorate parkinsonism. These unique long-term anti-parkinsonian effects of a parenterally administered water extract of M. pruriens seed powder may provide a platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies in PD.

A Water Extract of Mucuna pruriens Provides Long-Term Amelioration of Parkinsonism with Reduced Risk for Dyskinesias

PubMed Central

Lieu, Christopher A.; Kunselman, Allen R.; Manyam, Bala V.; Venkiteswaran, Kala; Subramanian, Thyagarajan

2010-01-01

Dopaminergic anti-parkinsonian medications, such as levodopa (LD) cause drug-induced dyskinesias (DID) in majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Mucuna pruriens, a legume extensively used in Ayurveda to treat PD, is reputed to provide anti-parkinsonian benefits without inducing DID. We compared the behavioral effects of chronic parenteral administration of a water extract of Mucuna pruriens seed powder (MPE) alone without any additives, MPE combined with the peripheral dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor (DDCI) benserazide (MPE+BZ), LD+BZ and LD alone without BZ in the hemiparkinsonian rat model of PD. A battery of behavioral tests assessed by blinded investigators served as outcome measures in these randomized trials. In experiment 1, animals that received LD+BZ or MPE+BZ at high (6mg/Kg) and medium (4mg/Kg) equivalent doses demonstrated significant alleviation of parkinsonism, but, developed severe dose-dependent DID. LD+BZ at low doses (2mg/Kg) did not provide significant alleviation of parkinsonism. In contrast, MPE+BZ at an equivalent low dose significantly ameliorated parkinsonism. In experiment 2, MPE without any additives (12mg/Kg and 20mg/Kg LD equivalent dose) alleviated parkinsonism with significantly less DID compared to LD+BZ or MPE+BZ. In experiment 3, MPE without additives administered chronically provided long-term anti-parkinsonian benefits without causing DID. In experiment 4, MPE alone provided significantly more behavioral benefit when compared to the equivalent dose of synthetic LD alone without BZ. In experiment 5, MPE alone reduced the severity of DID in animals initially primed with LD+BZ. These findings suggest that Mucuna pruriens contains water soluble ingredients that either have an intrinsic DDCI-like activity or mitigate the need for an add-on DDCI to ameliorate parkinsonism. These unique long-term antiparkinsonian effects of a parenterally administered water extract of Mucuna pruriens seed powder may provide a platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies in PD. PMID:20570206

Reactivity of OH radicals with chlorobenzoic acids—A pulse radiolysis and steady-state radiolysis study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zona, Robert; Solar, Sonja; Getoff, Nikola; Sehested, Knud; Holcman, Jerzy

2010-05-01

The reactions of OH radicals with 2-, 3-, 4-chlorobenzoic acids (ClBzA) and chlorobenzene (ClBz), k( rad OH+substrates)=(4.5-6.2)×10 9 dm 3 mol -1 s -1, have been studied by pulse radiolysis in N 2O saturated solutions. The absorption maxima of the OH-adducts were in the range of 320-340 nm. Their decay was according to a second-order reaction, 2 k=(1-9)×10 8 dm 3 mol -1 s -1. In the presence of N 2O/O 2 the formation of peroxyl radicals was detectable for 2-, 4-ClBzA and ClBz, k(OH-adduct+O 2)=(2-4)×10 7 dm 3 mol -1 s -1, while this reaction for 3-ClBzA was too slow to be registered. In the presence of N 2O the degradation rates induced by gamma radiation were very similar for all chlorobenzoic acids, yet the chloride formation was distinctly higher for 3-ClBzA. In the presence of oxygen the initial degradation of 2-and 4-ClBzA equaled the OH-radical concentration, whereas in case of 3-ClBzA only ˜60% of rad OH led to degradation. The order for the efficiency of dehalogenation was 4->2->3-ClBzA. Several primary radiolytic products could be detected by HPLC. To evaluate the toxicity of final products a bacterial bioluminescence test was carried out.

Mammalian monoamine-oxidizing enzymes, with special reference to benzylamine oxidase in human tissues.

PubMed

Lewinsohn, R

1984-01-01

A review is presented of the monoamine-oxidizing enzymes with special reference to the activity of benzylamine oxidase (BzAO) in human tissues. Methods of study of amine oxidases, properties (chiefly of BzAO) and some problems concerning substrate and inhibitor specificity and multiple forms of monoamine oxidase (MAO) are surveyed. The substrate specificity of human plasma BzAO is compared with that of amine-oxidizing enzymes in plasma or serum of other species. Correlations of plasma BzAO and platelet MAO activity with clinical findings are discussed. The distribution of amine oxidase activities in solid human tissues is reviewed, in particular BzAO in blood vessels and richly-vascularized tissues, as well as kinetic constants and altered patterns of activity of BzAO in human atherosclerosis. Activities of the amine oxidases in non-vascular smooth muscle, in cultured cells, and in various tissues related to human gestation, are discussed. The present knowledge of BzAO is discussed in terms of its possible clinical relevance to several human disease states, and the importance of the enzyme in the human body.

Further characterization of benzodiazepine receptor differences in long-sleep and short-sleep mice

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

Marley, R.J.; Stinchcomb, A.; Wehner, J.M.

Molecular and conformational characteristics of benzodiazepine (BZ) receptors in cortex and cerebellum from long-sleep and mice were investigated using heat inactivation and beta-carboline competition techniques. To investigate differences in the allosteric coupling between GABA and BZ receptors, the protection of BZ receptors from heat inactivation, by GABA, was also evaluated. The two genotypes do not differ in the affinity or number of BZ receptors in the cortex or cerebellum. They do, however, appear to differ in the molecular structure and/or regulation of the conformational state of the receptor in the cortex, as indicated by a greater sensitivity of LS micemore » to both heat inactivation and beta-carboline competition of /sup 3/H-flunitrazepam (FNZ) binding in this region. Evidence for differences in the nature of coupling between GABA and BZ receptors is provided by the finding in that in both regions, GABA protected BZ receptors from inactivation to a greater degree in LS mice. The relationship between these differences and the multiplicity of expression of BZ receptors is discussed.« less

Inversion of TEM data and analysis of the 2D induced magnetic field applied to the aquifers characterization in the Paraná basin, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Realpe Campaña, Julian David; Porsani, Jorge Luís; Bortolozo, Cassiano Antonio; Serejo de Oliveira, Gabriela; Monteiro dos Santos, Fernando Acácio

2017-03-01

Results of a TEM profile by using the fixed-loop array and an analysis of the induced magnetic field are presented in this work performed in the northwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil, Paraná Basin. The objectives of this research were to map the sedimentary and crystalline aquifers in the area and analyzing the behavior of the magnetic field by observation of magnetic profiles. TEM measurements in the three spatial components were taken to create magnetic profiles of the induced (secondary) magnetic field. The TEM data were acquired using a fixed transmitter loop of 200 m × 200 m and a 3D coil receiver moving along a profile line of 1000 m. Magnetic profiles of dBz, dBx and dBy components showed symmetrical spatial behavior related with loop geometry. z-component showed a behavior probably related to superparamagnetic effect (SPM). dBz data was used to perform individual 1D inversion for each position and to generate an interpolated pseudo-2D geoelectric profile. The results showed two low resistivity zones: the first shallow, between 10 m and 70 m deep, probably related to the Adamantina Formation (sedimentary aquifer). The second between 200 m and 300 m depth, probably related to a fractured zone filled with water or clay inside the basalt layer of the Serra Geral Formation (crystalline aquifer). These results agree with the well logs information available in the studied region.

Alkali metal mediated C–C bond coupling reaction

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

Tachikawa, Hiroto, E-mail: hiroto@eng.hokudai.ac.jp

2015-02-14

Metal catalyzed carbon-carbon (C–C) bond formation is one of the important reactions in pharmacy and in organic chemistry. In the present study, the electron and hole capture dynamics of a lithium-benzene sandwich complex, expressed by Li(Bz){sub 2}, have been investigated by means of direct ab-initio molecular dynamics method. Following the electron capture of Li(Bz){sub 2}, the structure of [Li(Bz){sub 2}]{sup −} was drastically changed: Bz–Bz parallel form was rapidly fluctuated as a function of time, and a new C–C single bond was formed in the C{sub 1}–C{sub 1}′ position of Bz–Bz interaction system. In the hole capture, the intermolecular vibrationmore » between Bz–Bz rings was only enhanced. The mechanism of C–C bond formation in the electron capture was discussed on the basis of theoretical results.« less

Combined Treatment of Heterocyclic Analogues and Benznidazole upon Trypanosoma cruzi In Vivo

PubMed Central

Batista, Denise da Gama Jaén; Batista, Marcos Meuser; de Oliveira, Gabriel Melo; Britto, Constança Carvalho; Rodrigues, Ana Carolina Mondaine; Stephens, Chad E.; Boykin, David W.; Soeiro, Maria de Nazaré Correia

2011-01-01

Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in Latin America but no vaccines or safe chemotherapeutic agents are available. Combined therapy is envisioned as an ideal approach since it may enhance efficacy by acting upon different cellular targets, may reduce toxicity and minimize the risk of drug resistance. Therefore, we investigated the activity of benznidazole (Bz) in combination with the diamidine prodrug DB289 and in combination with the arylimidamide DB766 upon T. cruzi infection in vivo. The oral treatment of T.cruzi-infected mice with DB289 and Benznidazole (Bz) alone reduced the number of circulating parasites compared with untreated mice by about 70% and 90%, respectively. However, the combination of these two compounds decreased the parasitemia by 99% and protected against animal mortality by 100%, but without providing a parasitological cure. When Bz (p.o) was combined with DB766 (via ip route), at least a 99.5% decrease in parasitemia levels was observed. DB766+Bz also provided 100% protection against mice mortality while Bz alone provided about 87% protection. This combined therapy also reduced the tissular lesions induced by T. cruzi infection: Bz alone reduced GPT and CK plasma levels by about 12% and 78% compared to untreated mice group, the combination of Bz with DB766 resulted in a reduction of GPT and CK plasma levels of 56% and 91%. Cure assessment through hemocultive and PCR approaches showed that Bz did not provide a parasitological cure, however, DB766 alone or associated with Bz cured ≥13% of surviving animals. PMID:21814568

Genetic basis of benzimidazole resistance in Teladorsagia circumcincta in Ireland.

PubMed

Keegan, Jason D; Good, Barbara; de Waal, Theo; Fanning, June; Keane, Orla M

2017-01-01

Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics is common in ovine nematodes of economic importance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at three positions in the isotype 1 β- tubulin gene have been associated with BZ resistance and molecular tests for the detection of BZ resistance have been developed. In order to determine if such tests are practicable in Ireland the polymorphisms associated with BZ resistance must be identified. To this end, BZ-resistant nematodes were recovered from four farms in Ireland. Resistant Teladorsagia circumcincta , Cooperia curticei and Trichostrongylus colubriformis were recovered, with resistant T. circumcincta the most common and the only species studied further. Sequencing of the isotype 1 β-tubulin gene from resistant T. circumcincta identified a T - A transition, resulting in an F200Y substitution known to be responsible for BZ-resistance, on three of the farms. However, on the fourth farm the frequency of the resistant A allele was only 0.33 indicating another BZ resistance mechanism may be present on this farm. An additional polymorphism resulting in a substitution of glutamate for leucine (E198L) was also found on this farm at low frequency (0.17). No polymorphisms at position 167 were identified on any farm. Therefore, molecular tests to detect BZ resistance in T. circumcincta in Ireland could prove useful; however, they may result in some instances of resistance remaining undetected.

75 FR 29975 - Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 272; Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-28

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Order No. 1679] Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 272; Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of June... Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, adjacent to the Philadelphia Customs and Border Protection port of entry (FTZ...

NAFTA II : California border zone land transportation issues

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

This report constitutes Phase II of a study of the impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) of 1992 on border areas and determines transportation infrastructure access. Reviews status of NAFTA impact issues; identifies new issues; d...

If BZ medium did spanning trees these would be the same trees as Physarum built

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamatzky, Andrew

2009-03-01

A sub-excitable Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) medium exhibits self-localized wave-fragments which may travel for relatively long time preserving their shape. Using Oregonator model of the BZ medium we imitate foraging behavior of a true slime mold, Physarum polycephalum, on a nutrient-poor substrate. We show that given erosion post-processing operations the BZ medium can approximate a spanning tree of a planar set and thus is computationally equivalent to Physarum in the domain of proximity graph construction.

Benzoylsalicylic acid derivatives as defense activators in tobacco and Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Kamatham, Samuel; Pallu, Reddanna; Pasupulati, Anil Kumar; Singh, Surya Satyanarayana; Gudipalli, Padmaja

2017-11-01

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a long lasting inducible whole plant immunity often induced by either pathogens or chemical elicitors. Salicylic acid (SA) is a known SAR signal against a broad spectrum of pathogens in plants. In a recent study, we have reported that benzoylsalicylic acid (BzSA) is a SAR inducer in tobacco and Arabidopsis plants. Here, we have synthesized BzSA derivatives using SA and benzoyl chlorides of various moieties as substrates. The chemical structures of BzSA derivatives were elucidated using Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (NMR) and High-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) analysis. The bioefficacy of BzSA derivatives in inducing defense response against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was investigated in tobacco and SA abolished transgenic NahG Arabidopsis plants. Interestingly, pre-treatment of local leaves of tobacco with BzSA derivatives enhanced the expression of SAR genes such as NPR1 [Non-expressor of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes 1], PR and other defense marker genes (HSR203, SIPK, WIPK) in systemic leaves. Pre-treatment of BzSA derivatives reduced the spread of TMV infection to uninfected areas by restricting lesion number and diameter both in local and systemic leaves of tobacco in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, pre-treatment of BzSA derivatives in local leaves of SA deficient Arabidopsis NahG plants induced SAR through AtPR1 and AtPR5 gene expression and reduced leaf necrosis and curling symptoms in systemic leaves as compared to BzSA. These results suggest that BzSA derivatives are potent SAR inducers against TMV in tobacco and Arabidopsis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sub-millimetre properties of massive star-forming galaxies at z ~ 2 in SHADES/SXDF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, T.; Mortier, A. M. J.; Shimasaku, K.; Coppin, K.; Pope, A.; Ivison, R. J.; Hanami, H.; Serjeant, S.; Dunlop, J. S.

2007-05-01

We study the submillimetre (submm) properties of the following NIR-selected massive galaxies at high redshifts: BzK-selected star-forming galaxies (BzKs), distant red galaxies (DRGs) and extremely red objects (EROs). We used the SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES), the largest uniform submm survey to date. We detected 6 NIR-selected galaxies in our SCUBA map. Four submm-detected galaxies out of six are found to be detected both at 24 micron and in radio (1.4 GHz), and therefore confirmed as genuine submm-bright galaxies. We identify two submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies are the BzK-DRG-ERO overlapping population. Although this overlapping population is rare, about 12% of this population could be submm galaxies. With a stacking analysis, we detected the 850-micron flux of submm-faint BzKs and EROs in our SCUBA maps. While the contribution from BzKs at z˜2 to submm background is about 10 - 15 % and similar to that from EROs typically at z˜1, BzKs have a higher fraction (˜30%) of flux in resolved sources than EROs do. Therefore, submm flux of BzKs seems to be biased high. From the SED fitting using an evolutionary model of starbursts with radiative transfer, submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies, mostly BzKs, are found to have the stellar mass of >5x1010M[sun] with the bolometric luminosity of >3x1012L[sun]. On the other hand, an average SED of submm-faint BzKs indicates the typical stellar mass of <6x1010M[sun] and therefore less massive.

Multi-kinetic release of benznidazole-loaded multiparticulate drug delivery systems based on polymethacrylate interpolyelectrolyte complexes.

PubMed

García, Mónica C; Martinelli, Marisa; Ponce, Nicolás E; Sanmarco, Liliana M; Aoki, María P; Manzo, Rubén H; Jimenez-Kairuz, Alvaro F

2018-07-30

Interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) formulated as multiparticulate drug delivery systems (MDDS) are interesting carriers to improve drug' performance. Benznidazole (BZ) is the first-line drug for Chagas treatment; however, it presents side effects and toxicity, conditioning its efficacy and safety. The goal of this work was to obtain novel MDDS composed by IPEC based on different polymethacrylate carriers loaded with BZ and to investigate in vitro drug delivery performance for oral administration. Physicochemical characterizations were studied and preclinical studies in a murine model of acute Chagas disease were also performed. The MDDS composed by BZ-loaded IPEC based on polymethacrylates were obtained by casting solvent followed by wet granulation methods with yields >83%. FT-IR demonstrated ionic interaction between the polyelectrolytes. Confocal microscopy, DSC and PXRD revealed a fraction uniformly distributed of free BZ on the multiparticles. The rheological evaluation of the MDDS showed adequate flow features for their formulation in hard gelatin-capsules. The type and composition of IPEC conditioned the modulation of BZ release and fluid uptake results. MDDS based on more hydrophylic Eudragit® showed very fast dissolution (Q 15min  > 85%), while an extended release (Q 120min  ≤ 40%) for the hydrophobic ones was observed. Capsules containing a combination of two MDDS with different release profile of BZ showed promising properties to improve Chagas disease pharmacotherapy in the preliminary in vivo assay performed, in which the BZ-loaded MDDS exhibited efficacy to reduce parasitemia, while decreasing the levels of liver injury markers in comparison to BZ conventional treatment. Multi-kinetic BZ delivery systems developed are interesting pharmaceutical alternatives to improve the treatment of Chagas disease. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Determination of benzocaine in rainbow trout plasma

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bernardy, Jeffery A.; Coleman, K.S.; Stehly, G.R.; Gingerich, William H.

1996-01-01

A liquid chromatographic method is described for analysis of benzocaine (BZ), a proposed fish anesthetic, in rainbow trout plasma, Mean recoveries of BZ from plasma samples fortified at 44-10 100 ng/mL were 96-100%. The method detection limit is 10 ng/mL, and the limit of quantitation is 37 ng/mL. Acetylation of BZ occurs in whole blood after storage at room temperature (i.e., 21 degrees C) for 10 min. However, no acetylation of BZ was detected in plasma samples held at room temperature for 4 h, Mean method precision for plasma samples with incurred BZ residue is similar to that for fortified samples in the same concentration range (relative standard deviations of 0.9 and 1.2%, respectively).

Experimental and theoretical studies of Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitors.

PubMed

Jamil, Dalia M; Al-Okbi, Ahmed K; Al-Baghdadi, Shaimaa B; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A; Kadhim, Abdulhadi; Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H; Mohamad, Abu Bakar

2018-02-05

Relatively inexpensive, stable Schiff bases, namely 3-((4-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-2-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (BZ3) and 3-((4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)amino)-2-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (BZ4), were employed as highly efficient inhibitors of mild steel corrosion by corrosive acid. The inhibition efficiencies were estimated based on weight loss method. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the inhibition mechanism. The synthesized Schiff bases were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and micro-elemental analysis. The inhibition efficiency depends on three factors: the amount of nitrogen in the inhibitor, the inhibitor concentration and the inhibitor molecular weight. Inhibition efficiencies of 96 and 92% were achieved with BZ4 and BZ3, respectively, at the maximum tested concentration. Density functional theory calculations of BZ3 and BZ4 were performed to compare the effects of hydroxyl and N,N-dimethylamino substituents on the inhibition efficiency, providing insight for designing new molecular structures that exhibit enhanced inhibition efficiencies.

Polysaccharides-based multiparticulated interpolyelectrolyte complexes for controlled benznidazole release.

PubMed

García, Mónica C; Manzo, Rubén H; Jimenez-Kairuz, Alvaro

2018-07-10

Polysaccharides-based delivery systems and interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) are interesting alternatives to control the release of drugs, thereby improving therapies. Benznidazole (BZ) is the selected drug for Chagas disease pharmacotherapy. However, its side effects limit its efficacy and safety. We developed novel multiparticulated BZ-loaded IPECs based on chitosan and alginic acid, and investigated their physicochemical and pharmacotechnical properties. IPECs were obtained using the casting solvent method, followed by wet granulation. They presented ionic interaction between the biopolymers, revealed that free BZ was uniformly distributed and showed adequate flow properties for hard gelatin-capsule formulation. The multiparticles exhibited mucoadhesion properties and revealed modulation of BZ release, depending on the release media, in accordance with the fluid uptake. The IPECs developed possess interesting properties that are promising for the design of novel alternatives to improve Chagas disease pharmacotherapy, which would diminish BZ's adverse effects and/or allow a reduction in the frequency of BZ administration. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photoaffinity labeling of the TF1-ATPase from the thermophilic bacterium PS3 with 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl ADP.

PubMed

Bar-Zvi, D; Yoshida, M; Shavit, N

1985-05-31

3'-O-(4-Benzoyl)benzoyl ADP (BzADP) was used as a photoaffinity label for covalent binding of adenine nucleotide analogs to the nucleotide binding site(s) of the thermophilic bacterium PS3 ATPase (TF1). As with the CF1-ATPase (Bar-Zvi, D. and Shavit, N. (1984) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 765, 340-356) noncovalently bound BzADP is a reversible inhibitor of the TF1-ATPase. BzADP changes the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis from noncooperative to cooperative in the same way as ADP does, but, in contrast to the effect on the CF1-ATPase, it has no effect on the Vmax. In the absence of Mg2+ 1 mol BzADP binds noncovalently to TF1, while with Mg2+ 3 mol are bound. Photoactivation of BzADP results in the covalent binding of the analog to the nucleotide binding site(s) on TF1 and correlates with the inactivation of the ATPase. Complete inactivation of the TF1-ATPase occurs after covalent binding of 2 mol BzADP/mol TF1. Photoinactivation of TF1 by BzADP is prevented if excess of either ADP or ATP is present during irradiation. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate of the Bz[3H]ADP-labeled TF1-ATPase shows that all the radioactivity is incorporated into the beta subunit.

75 FR 30782 - Reorganization/Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 20; Hampton Roads, VA, Area

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-02

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Order No. 1683] Reorganization/Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 20; Hampton Roads, VA, Area Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act...) in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area within the Norfolk Customs and Border Protection port of entry...

77 FR 47429 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Petroleum Refineries in Foreign Trade Sub-zones

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-08

... Activities; Petroleum Refineries in Foreign Trade Sub-zones AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP... requirement concerning the Petroleum Refineries in Foreign Trade Sub-zones. This request for comment is being...: Title: Petroleum Refineries in Foreign Trade Sub-zones. OMB Number: 1651-0063. Form Number: None...

19 CFR 146.14 - Retail trade within a zone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Retail trade within a zone. 146.14 Section 146.14 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES General Provisions § 146.14 Retail trade within a zone. Retail...

19 CFR 146.14 - Retail trade within a zone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Retail trade within a zone. 146.14 Section 146.14 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES General Provisions § 146.14 Retail trade within a zone. Retail trade is prohibited within a zone except as...

19 CFR 146.14 - Retail trade within a zone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Retail trade within a zone. 146.14 Section 146.14 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES General Provisions § 146.14 Retail trade within a zone. Retail trade is prohibited within a zone except as...

19 CFR 146.14 - Retail trade within a zone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Retail trade within a zone. 146.14 Section 146.14 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES General Provisions § 146.14 Retail trade within a zone. Retail trade is prohibited within a zone except as...

19 CFR 146.14 - Retail trade within a zone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Retail trade within a zone. 146.14 Section 146.14 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES General Provisions § 146.14 Retail trade within a zone. Retail trade is prohibited within a zone except as...

[Prescription of Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs by German General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study].

PubMed

Moßhammer, Dirk; Haumann, Hannah; Muche, Rainer; Scheub, David; Joos, Stefanie; Laux, Gunter

2017-07-03

Background Due to their addictive potential, benzodiazepine (BZ) and non-benzodiazepine-agonists (NBZ, so-called Z-drugs) should be taken no longer than 6 weeks. BZ and NBZ are primarily prescribed by general practitioners (GPs). Therefore, we aimed to analyze GPs' data on the patients collective, the amount of BZ/NBZ prescribed and the rate of private prescriptions. Methods We analyzed person years of 2-year intervals from 2009 to 2014 of the primary care CONTENT register that contains routine data from 31 general practitioners' practices. We classified BZ/NBZ prescriptions according to risk groups. The association of BZ/NBZ prescription and potential influencing factors was analyzed by calculating the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (and corresponding p-value) on the basis of a multiple logistic regression model (adjusted by age, sex and type of health insurance). All patients with drug prescription with and without BZ/NBZ-prescription were compared. Results Almost 5% of patients with drug prescriptions received at least one prescription of BZ/NBZ during 1 year of observation. On average these patients were older (67.5 vs. 48 years respectively) and the proportion of women was higher than in the comparison group (69 vs. 58%). About one-third of these patients received more than 600 mg diazepam equivalent dose per person year (according to a 2-month daily intake of more than 10 mg diazepam). About one-third of the prescriptions were private prescriptions. A number of variables were significantly associated with the prescription of BZ/NBZ (e. g. age, gender, diagnosis codes, practices). Conclusion The results provide valuable information about BZ/NBZ prescription routines in general practice. For continuous medical education as well as the development of interventions to reduce the use of BZ/NBZ, patient characteristics (e. g. sex, age, comorbidities, type of insurance) as well as different prescription routines (e. g. private prescriptions, reason and frequency of prescriptions, guideline orientation) should be considered. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Enhanced sensitivity of self-assembled-monolayer-based SPR immunosensor for detection of benzaldehyde using a single-step multi-sandwich immunoassay.

PubMed

Gobi, K Vengatajalabathy; Matsumoto, Kiyoshi; Toko, Kiyoshi; Ikezaki, Hidekazu; Miura, Norio

2007-04-01

This paper describes the fabrication and sensing characteristics of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor for detection of benzaldehyde (BZ). The functional sensing surface was fabricated by the immobilization of a benzaldehyde-ovalbumin conjugate (BZ-OVA) on Au-thiolate SAMs containing carboxyl end groups. Covalent binding of BZ-OVA on SAM was found to be dependent on the composition of the base SAM, and it is improved very much with the use of a mixed monolayer strategy. Based on SPR angle measurements, the functional sensor surface is established as a compact monolayer of BZ-OVA bound on the mixed SAM. The BZ-OVA-bound sensor surface undergoes immunoaffinity binding with anti-benzaldehyde antibody (BZ-Ab) selectively. An indirect inhibition immunoassay principle has been applied, in which analyte benzaldehyde solution was incubated with an optimal concentration of BZ-Ab for 5 min and injected over the sensor chip. Analyte benzaldehyde undergoes immunoreaction with BZ-Ab and makes it inactive for binding to BZ-OVA on the sensor chip. As a result, the SPR angle response decreases with an increase in the concentration of benzaldehyde. The fabricated immunosensor demonstrates a low detection limit (LDL) of 50 ppt (pg mL(-1)) with a response time of 5 min. Antibodies bound to the sensor chip during an immunoassay could be detached by a brief exposure to acidic pepsin. With this surface regeneration, reusability of the same sensor chip for as many as 30 determination cycles has been established. Sensitivity has been enhanced further with the application of an additional single-step multi-sandwich immunoassay step, in which the BZ-Ab bound to the sensor chip was treated with a mixture of biotin-labeled secondary antibody, streptavidin and biotin-bovine serum albumin (Bio-BSA) conjugate. With this approach, the SPR sensor signal increased by ca. 12 times and the low detection limit improved to 5 ppt with a total response time of no more than ca. 10 min. Figure A single-step multi-sandwich immunoassay step increases SPR sensor signal by ca. 12 times affording a low detection limit for benzaldehyde of 5 ppt.

76 FR 771 - Reorganization/Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 14 Under Alternative Site Framework; Little Rock, AR

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-06

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Order No. 1729] Reorganization/Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 14 Under Alternative Site Framework; Little Rock, AR Pursuant to its authority under... the Little Rock Customs and Border [[Page 772

Benzimidazole--ibuprofen/mesalamine conjugates: potential candidates for multifactorial diseases.

PubMed

Bansal, Yogita; Kaur, Maninder; Silakari, Om

2015-01-07

Ibuprofen (IB) and mesalamine (MES) are commonly used NSAIDs whereas benzimidazole (BZ) and 2-aminobenzimidazole (ABZ) are important pharmacophore for immunomodulatory activities. In the present study, IB and MES were coupled with variedly substituted BZ or ABZ nucleus to synthesize IB-BZ (2a-2e), IB-ABZ (3a-3e), MES-BZ (4a-4e) and MES-ABZ (5a-5e) chimeric conjugates as novel compounds that could elicit both anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Each compound retained the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent NSAID. The BZ conjugates (2 and 4) were found immunostimulatory whereas the ABZ conjugates (3 and 5) were immunosuppressive. Each compound also exhibited good antioxidant activity, which is attributed to the electron rich BZ and ABZ nuclei. Compound 2a, 2e, 3a, 3e and 5b exhibited the most significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Hence, these were evaluated for in vivo acute gastric ulcerogenicity. The compounds were safe to gastric mucosa, probably due to masking of the free -COOH group of IB and MES, and/or to the BZ nucleus itself. A benzoyl group at 5-position of BZ and ABZ incurred maximum immunostimulatory activity. In contrast, a -NO2 group incurred the maximum immunosuppressive action. Docking analysis revealed the compounds to be more selective towards COX-2 enzyme, which support the gastroprotective activity. These results suggest that the compounds can be taken as lead for development of new drugs for the treatment of immune related inflammatory disorders, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

75 FR 41801 - Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 163 Ponce, Puerto Rico, Area

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-19

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Order No. 1693] Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 163 Ponce, Puerto Rico, Area Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of June 18..., Puerto Rico, within the Ponce Customs and Border Protection port of entry (FTZ Docket 17-2010, filed 3/8...

75 FR 41819 - Reorganization/Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 61 San Juan, Puerto Rico, Area

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-19

... Foreign-Trade Zone 61 San Juan, Puerto Rico, Area Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones... the following Order: Whereas, the Puerto Rico Trade and Export Company, grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone..., Puerto Rico, area within and adjacent to the San Juan Customs and Border Protection port of entry (FTZ...

75 FR 34097 - Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 119; Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-16

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Order No. 1684] Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 119; Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of June 18... Sites 7 and 8 in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, adjacent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Customs and Border...

Modeling the Histidine-Phenylalanine Interaction: The NH···π Hydrogen Bond of Imidazole·Benzene.

PubMed

Trachsel, Maria A; Ottiger, Philipp; Frey, Hans-Martin; Pfaffen, Chantal; Bihlmeier, Angela; Klopper, Wim; Leutwyler, Samuel

2015-06-25

NH···π hydrogen bonds occur frequently between the amino acid side groups in proteins and peptides. Data-mining studies of protein crystals find that ∼80% of the T-shaped histidine···aromatic contacts are CH···π, and only ∼20% are NH···π interactions. We investigated the infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectra of the supersonic-jet-cooled imidazole·benzene (Im·Bz) complex as a model for the NH···π interaction between histidine and phenylalanine. Ground- and excited-state dispersion-corrected density functional calculations and correlated methods (SCS-MP2 and SCS-CC2) predict that Im·Bz has a Cs-symmetric T-shaped minimum-energy structure with an NH···π hydrogen bond to the Bz ring; the NH bond is tilted 12° away from the Bz C6 axis. IR depletion spectra support the T-shaped geometry: The NH stretch vibrational fundamental is red shifted by -73 cm(-1) relative to that of bare imidazole at 3518 cm(-1), indicating a moderately strong NH···π interaction. While the S0(A1g) → S1(B2u) origin of benzene at 38 086 cm(–1) is forbidden in the gas phase, Im·Bz exhibits a moderately intense S0 → S1 origin, which appears via the D(6h) → Cs symmetry lowering of Bz by its interaction with imidazole. The NH···π ground-state hydrogen bond is strong, De=22.7 kJ/mol (1899 cm–1). The combination of gas-phase UV and IR spectra confirms the theoretical predictions that the optimum Im·Bz geometry is T shaped and NH···π hydrogen bonded. We find no experimental evidence for a CH···π hydrogen-bonded ground-state isomer of Im·Bz. The optimum NH···π geometry of the Im·Bz complex is very different from the majority of the histidine·aromatic contact geometries found in protein database analyses, implying that the CH···π contacts observed in these searches do not arise from favorable binding interactions but merely from protein side-chain folding and crystal-packing constraints. The UV and IR spectra of the imidazole·(benzene)2 cluster are observed via fragmentation into the Im·Bz+ mass channel. The spectra of Im·Bz and Im·Bz2 are cleanly separable by IR hole burning. The UV spectrum of Im·Bz2 exhibits two 000 bands corresponding to the S0 → S1 excitations of the two inequivalent benzenes, which are symmetrically shifted by -86/+88 cm(-1) relative to the 000 band of benzene

Electrical conductivity imaging using gradient B, decomposition algorithm in magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT).

PubMed

Park, Chunjae; Kwon, Ohin; Woo, Eung Je; Seo, Jin Keun

2004-03-01

In magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT), we try to visualize cross-sectional conductivity (or resistivity) images of a subject. We inject electrical currents into the subject through surface electrodes and measure the z component Bz of the induced internal magnetic flux density using an MRI scanner. Here, z is the direction of the main magnetic field of the MRI scanner. We formulate the conductivity image reconstruction problem in MREIT from a careful analysis of the relationship between the injection current and the induced magnetic flux density Bz. Based on the novel mathematical formulation, we propose the gradient Bz decomposition algorithm to reconstruct conductivity images. This new algorithm needs to differentiate Bz only once in contrast to the previously developed harmonic Bz algorithm where the numerical computation of (inverted delta)2Bz is required. The new algorithm, therefore, has the important advantage of much improved noise tolerance. Numerical simulations with added random noise of realistic amounts show the feasibility of the algorithm in practical applications and also its robustness against measurement noise.

Binding of the immunomodulatory drug Bz-423 to mitochondrial FoF1-ATP synthase in living cells by FRET acceptor photobleaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starke, Ilka; Johnson, Kathryn M.; Petersen, Jan; Gräber, Peter; Opipari, Anthony W.; Glick, Gary D.; Börsch, Michael

2016-03-01

Bz-423 is a promising new drug for treatment of autoimmune diseases. This small molecule binds to subunit OSCP of the mitochondrial enzyme FoF1-ATP synthase and modulates its catalytic activities. We investigate the binding of Bz-423 to mitochondria in living cells and how subunit rotation in FoF1-ATP synthase, i.e. the mechanochemical mechanism of this enzyme, is affected by Bz-423. Therefore, the enzyme was marked selectively by genetic fusion with the fluorescent protein EGFP to the C terminus of subunit γ. Imaging the threedimensional arrangement of mitochondria in living yeast cells was possible at superresolution using structured illumination microscopy, SIM. We measured uptake and binding of a Cy5-labeled Bz-423 derivative to mitochondrial FoF1-ATP synthase in living yeast cells using FRET acceptor photobleaching microscopy. Our data confirmed the binding of Cy5-labeled Bz-423 to the top of the F1 domain of the enzyme in mitochondria of living Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells.

Oscillation of a polymer gel entrained with a periodic force.

PubMed

Shiota, Takaya; Ikura, Yumihiko S; Nakata, Satoshi

2013-02-21

The oscillation of a polymer gel induced by the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction was investigated under an external force composed of a square wave. The oscillation of the BZ reaction entrained to the periodic force and the features of this entrainment changed depending on the period and duty cycle of the square wave. The experimental results suggest that the change in the volume of the gel also gave feedback to the BZ reaction. The mechanism of entrainment is discussed in relation to the compression of the gel and the reaction-diffusion system in the BZ reaction.

77 FR 15995 - Foreign-Trade Zone 148-Knoxville, TN; Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-19

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Docket 16-2012] Foreign-Trade Zone 148--Knoxville, TN; Application for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework An application has been... and adjacent to the Knoxville U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry. The applicant is...

Transition between B-DNA and Z-DNA: free energy landscape for the B-Z junction propagation.

PubMed

Lee, Juyong; Kim, Yang-Gyun; Kim, Kyeong Kyu; Seok, Chaok

2010-08-05

Canonical, right-handed B-DNA can be transformed into noncanonical, left-handed Z-DNA in vitro at high salt concentrations or in vivo under physiological conditions. The molecular mechanism of this drastic conformational transition is still unknown despite numerous studies. Inspired by the crystal structure of a B-Z junction and the previous zipper model, we show here, with the aid of molecular dynamics simulations, that a stepwise propagation of a B-Z junction is a highly probable pathway for the B-Z transition. In this paper, the movement of a B-Z junction by a two-base-pair step in a double-strand nonamer, [d(GpCpGpCpGpCpGpCpG)](2), is considered. Targeted molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella sampling for this transition resulted in a transition pathway with a free energy barrier of 13 kcal/mol. This barrier is much more favorable than those obtained from previous atomistic simulations that lead to concerted transitions of the whole strands. The free energy difference between B-DNA and Z-DNA evaluated from our simulation is 0.9 kcal/mol per dinucleotide unit, which is consistent with previous experiments. The current computation thus strongly supports the proposal that the B-Z transition involves a relatively fast extension of B-DNA or Z-DNA by sequential propagation of B-Z junctions once nucleation of junctions is established.

Dielectric function, critical points, and Rydberg exciton series of WSe2 monolayer.

PubMed

Diware, M S; Ganorkar, S P; Park, K; Chegal, W; Cho, H M; Cho, Y J; Kim, Y D; Kim, H

2018-06-13

The complex dielectric function ([Formula: see text]) of WSe 2 monolayer grown by atomic layer deposition is investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Band structure parameters are obtained by standard line-shape analysis of the second-energy-derivative of [Formula: see text] spectra. The fundamental band gap is observed at 2.26 eV, corresponds to transition between valence band (VB) maximum at the K point and conduction band (CB) minimum at Q point in the Brillouin zone (BZ). Two strong so-called A and B excitonic peaks in [Formula: see text] spectra originate from vertical transitions from spin-orbit split (0.43 eV) VB to CB at K point of the BZ. Binding energies of A and B exactions are 0.71 and 0.28 eV, respectively. Well resolved five excited excitons states has been detected within the spectral region between A and B. Energy profile of the Rydberg series shows significant deviation from the hydrogenic behavior, discussed in connection with the 2D hydrogen model. Results presented here will improve our understanding about the optical response of 2D materials and will help to design better optoelectronic applications and validate theoretical considerations.

Dielectric function, critical points, and Rydberg exciton series of WSe2 monolayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diware, M. S.; Ganorkar, S. P.; Park, K.; Chegal, W.; Cho, H. M.; Cho, Y. J.; Kim, Y. D.; Kim, H.

2018-06-01

The complex dielectric function () of WSe2 monolayer grown by atomic layer deposition is investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Band structure parameters are obtained by standard line-shape analysis of the second-energy-derivative of spectra. The fundamental band gap is observed at 2.26 eV, corresponds to transition between valence band (VB) maximum at the K point and conduction band (CB) minimum at Q point in the Brillouin zone (BZ). Two strong so-called A and B excitonic peaks in spectra originate from vertical transitions from spin–orbit split (0.43 eV) VB to CB at K point of the BZ. Binding energies of A and B exactions are 0.71 and 0.28 eV, respectively. Well resolved five excited excitons states has been detected within the spectral region between A and B. Energy profile of the Rydberg series shows significant deviation from the hydrogenic behavior, discussed in connection with the 2D hydrogen model. Results presented here will improve our understanding about the optical response of 2D materials and will help to design better optoelectronic applications and validate theoretical considerations.

Effective band structure of random III-V alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popescu, Voicu; Zunger, Alex

2010-03-01

Random substitutional alloys have no long range order (LRO) or translational symmetry so rigorously speaking they have no E(k) band structure or manifestations thereof. Yet, many experiments on alloys are interpreted using the language of band theory, e.g. inferring Van Hove singularities, band dispersion and effective masses. Many standard alloy theories (VCA- or CPA-based) have the LRO imposed on the alloy Hamiltonian, assuming only on-site disorder, so they can not be used to judge the extent of LRO that really exists. We adopt the opposite way, by using large (thousand atom) randomly generated supercells in which chemically identical alloy atoms are allowed to have different local environments (a polymorphous representation). This then drives site-dependent atomic relaxation as well as potential fluctuations. The eigenstates from such supercells are then mapped onto the Brillouin zone (BZ) of the primitive cell, producing effective band dispersion. Results for (In,Ga)X show band-like behaviour only near the centre and faces of the BZ but rapidly lose such characteristics away from γ or for higher bands. We further analyse the effects of stoichiometry variation, internal relaxation, and short-range order on the alloy band structure.

Clomipramine and Benznidazole Act Synergistically and Ameliorate the Outcome of Experimental Chagas Disease

PubMed Central

García, Mónica Cristina; Ponce, Nicolás Eric; Sanmarco, Liliana Maria; Manzo, Rubén Hilario; Jimenez-Kairuz, Alvaro Federico

2016-01-01

Chagas disease is an important public health problem in Latin America, and its treatment by chemotherapy with benznidazole (BZ) or nifurtimox remains unsatisfactory. In order to design new alternative strategies to improve the current etiological treatments, in the present work, we comprehensively evaluated the in vitro and in vivo anti-Trypanosoma cruzi effects of clomipramine (CMP) (a parasite-trypanothione reductase-specific inhibitor) combined with BZ. In vitro studies, carried out using a checkerboard technique on trypomastigotes (T. cruzi strain Tulahuen), revealed a combination index (CI) of 0.375, indicative of a synergistic effect of the drug combination. This result was correlated with the data obtained in infected BALB/c mice. We observed that during the acute phase (15 days postinfection [dpi]), BZ at 25 mg/kg of body weight/day alone decreased the levels of parasitemia compared with those of the control group, but when BZ was administered with CMP, the drug combination completely suppressed the parasitemia due to the observed synergistic effect. Furthermore, in the chronic phase (90 dpi), mice treated with both drugs showed less heart damage as assessed by the histopathological analysis, index of myocardial inflammation, and levels of heart injury biochemical markers than mice treated with BZ alone at the reference dose (100 mg/kg/day). Collectively, these data support the notion that CMP combined with low doses of BZ diminishes cardiac damage and inflammation during the chronic phase of cardiomyopathy. The synergistic activity of BZ-CMP clearly suggests a potential drug combination for Chagas disease treatment, which would allow a reduction of the effective dose of BZ and an increase in therapeutic safety. PMID:27067322

Associative charge transfer reactions. Temperature effects and mechanism of the gas-phase polymerization of propene initiated by a benzene radical cation.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Yehia; Meot-Ner Mautner, Michael; El-Shall, M Samy

2006-07-13

In associative charge transfer (ACT) reactions, a core ion activates ligand molecules by partial charge transfer. The activated ligand polymerizes, and the product oligomer takes up the full charge from the core ion. In the present system, benzene(+*) (Bz(+*)) reacts with two propene (Pr) molecules to form a covalently bonded ion, C(6)H(6)(+*) + 2 C(3)H(6) --> C(6)H(12)(+*) + C(6)H(6). The ACT reaction is activated by a partial charge transfer from Bz(+*) to Pr in the complex, and driven to completion by the formation of a covalent bond in the polymerized product. An alternative channel forms a stable association product (Bz.Pr)(+*), with an ACT/association product ratio of 60:40% that is independent of pressure and temperature. In contrast to the Bz(+*)/propene system, ACT polymerization is not observed in the Bz(+*)/ethylene (Et) system since charge transfer in the Bz(+*)(Et) complex is inefficient to activate the reaction. The roles of charge transfer in these complexes are verified by ab initio calculations. The overall reaction of Bz(+*) with Pr follows second-order kinetics with a rate constant of k (304 K) = 2.1 x 10(-12) cm(3) s(-1) and a negative temperature coefficient of k = aT(-5.9) (or an activation energy of -3 kcal/mol). The kinetic behavior is similar to sterically hindered reactions and suggests a [Bz(+*) (Pr)]* activated complex that proceeds to products through a low-entropy transition state. The temperature dependence shows that ACT reactions can reach a unit collision efficiency below 100 K, suggesting that ACT can initiate polymerization in cold astrochemical environments.

Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker candesartan prevents the fast up-regulation of cerebrocortical benzodiazepine-1 receptors induced by acute inflammatory and restraint stress

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Lemus, Enrique; Honda, Masaru; Saavedra, Juan M.

2012-01-01

Centrally acting Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers (ARBs) protect from stress-induced disorders and decrease anxiety in a model of inflammatory stress, the systemic injection of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In order to better understand the anxiolytic effect of ARBs, we treated rats with LPS (50 µg/kg) with or without three days of pretreatment with the ARB candesartan (1 mg/kg/day), and studied cortical benzodiazepine (BZ) and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors. We compared the cortical BZ and CRF receptors expression pattern induced by LPS with that produced in restraint stress. Inflammation stress produced a generalized increase in cortical BZ1 receptors and reduced mRNA expression of the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in cingulate cortex; changes were prevented by candesartan pretreatment. Moreover, restraint stress produced similar increases in cortical BZ1 receptor binding, and candesartan prevented these changes. Treatment with candesartan alone increased cortical BZ1 binding, and decreased γ2 subunit mRNA expression in the cingulate cortex. Conversely, we did not find changes in CRF1 receptor expression in any of the cortical areas studied, either after inflammation or restraint stress. Cortical CRF2 receptor binding was undetectable, but CRF2 mRNA expression was decreased by inflammation stress, a change prevented by candesartan. We conclude that stress promotes rapid and widespread changes in cortical BZ1 receptor expression; and that the stress-induced BZ1 receptor expression is under the control of AT1 receptor activity. The results suggest that the anti-anxiety effect of ARBs may be associated with their capacity to regulate stress-induced alterations in cortical BZ1 receptors. PMID:22503782

Some low-altitude cusp dependencies on the interplanetary magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newell, Patrick T.; Meng, CHING-I.; Sibeck, David G.; Lepping, Ronald

1989-01-01

The low-altitude cusp dependencies on the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) were investigated using the algorithm of Newell and Meng (1988) to identify the cusp proper. The algorithm was applied to 12,569 high-latitude dayside passes of the DMSP F7 spacecraft, and the resulting cusp positioning data were correlated with the IMF. It was found that the cusp latitudinal position correlated reasonably well (0.70) with the Bz component when the IMF had a southward component. The correlation for the northward Bz component was only 0.18, suggestive of a half-wave rectifier effect. The ratio of cusp ion number flux precipitation for Bz southward to that for Bz northward was 1.75 + or - 0.12. The statistical local time widths of the cusp proper for the northward and the southward Bz components were found to be 2.1 h and 2.8 h, respectively.

Solvent Dependent Disorder in M 2(BzOip) 2(H 2O)·Solvate (M = Co or Zn)

DOE PAGES

McCormick, Laura; Morris, Samuel A.; Teat, Simon J.; ...

2017-12-24

Coordination polymers derived from 5-benzyloxy isophthalic acid (H 2BzOip) are rare, with only three reported that do not contain additional bridging ligands, of which two M 2(BzOip) 2(H 2O) (M = Co and Zn) are isomorphous. It was hoped that by varying the solvent system in a reaction between H 2BzOip and M(OAc) 2 (M = Co and Zn), from water to a water/alcohol mixture, coordination polymers of different topology could be formed. Instead, two polymorphs of the existing M 2(BzOip) 2(H 2O) (M = Co and Zn) were isolated from aqueous methanol and aqueous ethanol, in which a smallmore » number of guest solvent molecules are present in the crystals. These guest water molecules disrupt the hexaphenyl embrace motif, leading to varying degrees of disorder of the benzyl groups.« less

Solvent Dependent Disorder in M 2(BzOip) 2(H 2O)·Solvate (M = Co or Zn)

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

McCormick, Laura; Morris, Samuel A.; Teat, Simon J.

Coordination polymers derived from 5-benzyloxy isophthalic acid (H 2BzOip) are rare, with only three reported that do not contain additional bridging ligands, of which two M 2(BzOip) 2(H 2O) (M = Co and Zn) are isomorphous. It was hoped that by varying the solvent system in a reaction between H 2BzOip and M(OAc) 2 (M = Co and Zn), from water to a water/alcohol mixture, coordination polymers of different topology could be formed. Instead, two polymorphs of the existing M 2(BzOip) 2(H 2O) (M = Co and Zn) were isolated from aqueous methanol and aqueous ethanol, in which a smallmore » number of guest solvent molecules are present in the crystals. These guest water molecules disrupt the hexaphenyl embrace motif, leading to varying degrees of disorder of the benzyl groups.« less

78 FR 57837 - Grant of Authority; Establishment of a Foreign-Trade Zone Under the Alternative Site Framework...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-20

... to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of June 18, 1934, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u... zones in or adjacent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection ports of entry; Whereas, the Board adopted... establishing a foreign-trade zone, designated on the records of the Board as Foreign-Trade Zone No. 287, as...

76 FR 54780 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Foreign Trade Zone Annual Reconciliation Certification...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-02

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency Information Collection.... Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day notice and request... November 1, 2011, to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to U.S. Customs...

North American Free Trade Agreement : coordinated operational plan needed to ensure Mexican trucks' compliance with U.S. standards

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-12-01

In response to concerns about the safety of Mexican trucks, the General Accounting Office (GAO) was asked to examine (1) the extent to which Mexican-domiciled commercial trucks are likely to travel beyond U.S. border commercial zones once the border ...

Collaborative community conservation along the border

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Janos grasslands are part of the Sky Islands, a unique region of more than 40 isolated mountain ridges surrounded by dry grasslands that straddles the México/Arizona/New Mexico border. It is one of America’s great hotspots for wildlife diversity. It is a transition zone between the Chihuahuan Deser...

Connexin43 Gene Transfer Reduces Ventricular Tachycardia Susceptibility After Myocardial Infarction

PubMed Central

Greener, Ian D.; Sasano, Tetsuo; Wan, Xiaoping; Igarashi, Tomonori; Strom, Maria; Rosenbaum, David S.; Donahue, J. Kevin

2012-01-01

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the links between connexin43 (Cx43) expression, myocardial conduction velocity, and ventricular tachycardia in a model of healed myocardial infarction. Background Post-infarction ventricular arrhythmias frequently cause sudden death. Impaired myocardial conduction has previously been linked to ventricular arrhythmias. Altered connexin expression is a potential source of conduction slowing identified in healed scar border tissues. The functional effect of increasing border-zone Cx43 has not been previously evaluated. Methods Twenty-five Yorkshire pigs underwent anterior infarction by transient left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, followed by weekly testing for arrhythmia inducibility. Twenty animals with reproducibly inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia were randomized 2:1:1 to receive AdCx43, Adβgal, or no gene transfer. One week later, animals underwent follow-up electrophysiologic study and tissue assessment for several functional and molecular measures. Results Animals receiving AdCx43 had less electrogram fractionation and faster conduction velocity in the anterior-septal border zone. Only 40% of AdCx43 animals remained inducible for ventricular tachycardia, while 100% of controls were inducible after gene transfer. AdCx43 animals had 2-fold higher Cx43 protein levels in the anterior-septal infarct border, with similar percents of phosphorylated and intercalated disk-localized Cx43 compared with controls. Conclusions These data mechanistically link Cx43 expression to slow conduction and arrhythmia susceptibility in the healed scar border zone. Targeted manipulation of Cx43 levels improved conduction velocity and reduced ventricular tachycardia susceptibility. Cx43 gene transfer represents a novel treatment strategy for post-infarction arrhythmias. PMID:22883636

Mineralogy and origin of coarse-grained segregations in the pyrometallurgical Zn-Pb slags from Katowice-Wełnowiec (Poland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warchulski, R.; Gawęda, A.; Janeczek, J.; Kądziołka-Gaweł, M.

2016-10-01

The unique among pyrometallurgical slags, coarse-grained (up to 2.5 cm) segregations (up to 40 cm long) rimmed by "aplitic" border zones occur within holocrystalline historical Zn-smelting slag in Katowice, S Poland. Slag surrounding the segregations consists of olivine, spinel series, melilite, clinopyroxene, leucite, nepheline and sulphides. Ca-olivines, kalsilite and mica compositionally similar to oxykinoshitalite occur in border zones in addition to olivine, spinel series and melilite. Miarolitic and massive pegmatite-like segregations are built of subhedral crystals of melilite, leucite, spinel series, clinopyroxene and hematite. Melilite, clinopyroxenes and spinels in the segregations are enriched in Zn relatively to original slag and to fine-grained border zones. The segregations originated as a result of crystallization from residual melt rich in volatiles (presumably CO2). The volatile-rich melt was separated during fractional crystallization of molten slag under the cover of the overlying hot (ca. 1250 °C) vesicular slag, preventing the escape of volatiles. That unique slag system is analogous to natural magmatic systems.

Hydrometeor discrimination in melting layer using multiparameter airborne radar measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumagai, H.; Meneghini, R.; Kozu, T.

1992-01-01

Results from a multiparameter airborne radar/radiometer experiment (the Typhoon experiment) are presented. The experiment was conducted in the western Pacific with the NASA DC-8 aircraft, in which a dual-wavelength at X-band and Ka-band and dual-polarization at X-band radar was installed. The signatures of dBZ(X), dBZ(Ka), LDR (linear depolarization ratio) at X-band and DZ=dBZ(X)-dBZ(Ka) are discussed for the data obtained in the penetration of the typhoon Flo. With emphasis on discrimination of hydrometeor particles, some statistical features of the brightband in stratiform rain are discussed.

Profiles of electron temperature and Bz along Earth's magnetotail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artemyev, A. V.; Petrukovich, A. A.; Nakamura, R.; Zelenyi, L. M.

2013-06-01

We study the electron temperature distribution and the structure of the current sheet along the magnetotail using simultaneous observations from THEMIS spacecraft. We perform a statistical study of 40 crossings of the current sheet when the three spacecraft THB, THC, and THD were distributed along the tail in the vicinity of midnight with coordinates XB \\in [-30 RE, -20 RE], XC \\in [-20 RE, -15 RE], and XD ~ -10 RE. We obtain profiles of the average electron temperature \\mlab Te\\mrab and the average magnetic field \\mlab Bz\\mrab along the tail. Electron temperature and \\mlab Bz\\mrab increase towards the Earth with almost the same rates (i.e., ratio \\mlab Te\\mrab/\\mlab Bz\\mrab ≈ 2 keV/7 nT is approximately constant along the tail). We also use statistics of 102 crossings of the current sheet from THB and THC to estimate dependence of Te and Bz distributions on geomagnetic activity. The ratio \\mlab Te \\mrab/\\mlab Bz\\mrab depends on geomagnetic activity only slightly. Additionally we demonstrate that anisotropy of the electron temperature \\mlab T∥/T⊥\\mrab ≈ 1.1 is almost constant along the tail for X \\in [-30 RE, -10 RE].

Mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor linked to inner membrane ion channels by nanomolar actions of ligands.

PubMed Central

Kinnally, K W; Zorov, D B; Antonenko, Y N; Snyder, S H; McEnery, M W; Tedeschi, H

1993-01-01

The mitochrondrial benzodiazepine receptor (mBzR) binds a subset of benzodiazepines and isoquinoline carboxamides with nanomolar affinity and consists of the voltage-dependent anion channel, the adenine nucleotide translocator, and an 18-kDa protein. The effect of ligands of the mBzR on two inner mitochondrial membrane channel activities was determined with patch-clamp techniques. The relative inhibitory potencies of the drugs resemble their binding affinities for the mBzR. Ro5-4864 and protoporphyrin IX inhibit activity of the multiple conductance channel (MCC) and the mitochondrial centum-picosiemen (mCtS) channel activities at nanomolar concentrations. PK11195 inhibits mCtS activity at similar levels. Higher concentrations of protoporphyrin IX induce MCC but possibly not mCtS activity. Clonazepam, which has low affinity for mBzR, is at least 500 times less potent at both channel activities. Ro15-1788, which also has a low mBzR affinity, inhibits MCC at very high concentrations (16 microM). The findings indicate an association of these two channel activities with the proteins forming the mBzR complex and are consistent with an interaction of inner and outer membrane channels. PMID:7679505

Regulation of the putative TRPV1t salt taste receptor by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.

PubMed

Lyall, Vijay; Phan, Tam-Hao T; Ren, ZuoJun; Mummalaneni, Shobha; Melone, Pamela; Mahavadi, Sunila; Murthy, Karnam S; DeSimone, John A

2010-03-01

Regulation of the putative amiloride and benzamil (Bz)-insensitive TRPV1t salt taste receptor by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) was studied by monitoring chorda tympani (CT) taste nerve responses to 0.1 M NaCl solutions containing Bz (5 x 10(-6) M; a specific ENaC blocker) and resiniferatoxin (RTX; 0-10 x 10(-6) M; a specific TRPV1 agonist) in Sprague-Dawley rats and in wildtype (WT) and TRPV1 knockout (KO) mice. In rats and WT mice, RTX elicited a biphasic effect on the NaCl + Bz CT response, increasing the CT response between 0.25 x 10(-6) and 1 x 10(-6) M. At concentrations >1 x 10(-6) M, RTX inhibited the CT response. An increase in PIP(2) by topical lingual application of U73122 (a phospholipase C blocker) or diC8-PIP(2) (a short chain synthetic PIP(2)) inhibited the control NaCl + Bz CT response and decreased its sensitivity to RTX. A decrease in PIP(2) by topical lingual application of phenylarsine oxide (a phosphoinositide 4 kinase blocker) enhanced the control NaCl + Bz CT response, increased its sensitivity to RTX stimulation, and inhibited the desensitization of the CT response at RTX concentrations >1 x 10(-6) M. The ENaC-dependent NaCl CT responses were not altered by changes in PIP(2). An increase in PIP(2) enhanced CT responses to sweet (0.3 M sucrose) and bitter (0.01 M quinine) stimuli. RTX produced the same increase in the Bz-insensitive Na(+) response when present in salt solutions containing 0.1 M NaCl + Bz, 0.1 M monosodium glutamate + Bz, 0.1 M NaCl + Bz + 0.005 M SC45647, or 0.1 M NaCl + Bz + 0.01 M quinine. No effect of RTX was observed on CT responses in WT mice and rats in the presence of the TRPV1 blocker N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-chlorocinnamide (1 x 10(-6) M) or in TRPV1 KO mice. We conclude that PIP(2) is a common intracellular effector for sweet, bitter, umami, and TRPV1t-dependent salt taste, although in the last case, PIP(2) seems to directly regulate the taste receptor protein itself, i.e., the TRPV1 ion channel or its taste receptor variant, TRPV1t.

75 FR 28568 - Reorganization of Foreign-Trade Zone 2, under Alternative Site Framework, New Orleans, Louisiana...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-21

... Zone 2, under Alternative Site Framework, New Orleans, Louisiana, Area Pursuant to its authority under... St. Bernard Parishes, Louisiana, adjacent to the New Orleans Customs and Border Protection port of... establishment or reorganization of general-purpose zones; Whereas, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New...

Comparative Mg(2+)-dependent sequential covalent binding stoichiometries of 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl adenosine 5'-diphosphate of MF1, TF1, and the alpha 3 beta 3 core complex of TF1. The binding change motif is independent of the F1 gamma delta epsilon subunits.

PubMed

Aloise, P; Kagawa, Y; Coleman, P S

1991-06-05

Three F1 preparations, the beef heart (MF1) and thermophilic bacterium (TF1) holoenzymes, and the alpha 3 beta 3 "core" complex of TF1 reconstituted from individually expressed alpha and beta subunits, were compared as to their kinetic and binding stoichiometric responses to covalent photoaffinity labeling with BzATP and BzADP (+/- Mg2+). Each enzyme displayed an enhanced pseudo-first order rate of photoinhibition and one-third of the sites covalent binding to a catalytic site for full inhibition, plus, but not minus Mg2+. Titration of near stoichiometric [MgBzADP]/[F1] ratios during photolysis disclosed two sequential covalent binding patterns for each enzyme; a high affinity binding corresponding to unistoichiometric covalent association concomitant with enzyme inhibition, followed by a low affinity multisite-saturating covalent association. Thus, in the absence of the structural asymmetry inducing gamma delta epsilon subunits of the holoenzyme, the sequential binding of nucleotide at putative catalytic sites on the alpha 3 beta 3 complex of any F1 appears sufficient to effect binding affinity changes. With MF1, final covalent saturation of BzADP-accessible sites was achieved with 2 mol of BzADP/mol of enzyme, but with TF1 or its alpha 3 beta 3 complex, saturation required 3 mol of BzADP/mol of enzyme. Such differential final labeling stoichiometries could arise because of the endogenous presence of 1 nucleotide already bound to one of the 3 potential catalytic sites on normally prepared MF1, whereas TF1, possessing no endogenous nucleotide, has 3 vacant BzADP-accessible sites. Kinetics measurements revealed that regardless of the incremental extent of inhibition of the TF1 holoenzyme by BzADP during photolysis, the two higher apparent Km values (approximately 1.5 x 10(-4) and approximately 10(-3) M, respectively) of the progressively inactivated incubation are unchanged relative to fully unmodified enzyme. As reported for BzATP (or BzADP) and MF1 (Ackerman, S.H., Grubmeyer, C., and Coleman, P.S. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 13765-13772), this supports the fact that the photocovalent inhibition of F1 is a one-hit one-kill phenomenon. Isoelectric focusing gels revealed that [3H]BzADP covalently modifies both TF1 and MF1 exclusively on the beta subunit, whether or not Mg2+ is present. A single 19-residue [3H]BzADP-labeled peptide was resolved from a tryptic digest of MF1, and this peptide corresponded with the one believed to contain at least a portion of the beta subunit catalytic site domain (i.e. beta Ala-338----beta Arg-356).

[New methodologicalapproaches to establishment the sizes of the sanitary protection zone and roadside clear zones of civil airports].

PubMed

Kartyshev, O A

2013-01-01

This circumstance leads to considerable mistakes it creation of SPZ borders of the airports, in some cases it impedes development of the latters and causes objective difficulties for hygienic assessment of projects. In this article the results of studies on the creation and validation of two new domestic methods for the construction of impact zones of aircraft noise and dispersion of the concentrations of pollutants in assessing the negative impact of airports are considered. Both branch methods agreed upon with the Ministry of Transport have been harmonized with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) requirements. The results of full-scale measurements have confirmed the possibilities of developed software for their implementation in the formation of a common SPZ border of an airport.

Exploring Binational Educational Issues: A Report from the Border Colloquy Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mace-Matluck, Betty; Boethel, Martha

"La frontera" is the unique, highly interdependent region spanning the boundary between the United States and Mexico. As this region develops into a zone of cooperation, it must address such issues as poverty and unemployment on both sides of the border, differing educational requirements and structures, continuing migration of Mexican…

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of carbon backbone modified [Gd(TTDA)(H2O)]2- derivatives.

PubMed

Chang, Ya-Hui; Chen, Chiao-Yun; Singh, Gyan; Chen, Hsing-Yin; Liu, Gin-Chung; Goan, Yih-Gang; Aime, Silvio; Wang, Yun-Ming

2011-02-21

The present study was designed to exploit optimum lipophilicity and high water-exchange rate (k(ex)) on low molecular weight Gd(III) complexes to generate high bound relaxivity (r(1)(b)), upon binding to the lipophilic site of human serum albumin (HSA). Two new carbon backbone modified TTDA (3,6,10-tri(carboxymethyl)-3,6,10-triazadodecanedioic acid) derivatives, CB-TTDA and Bz-CB-TTDA, were synthesized. The complexes [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) both display high stability constant (log K(GdL) = 20.28 and 20.09, respectively). Furthermore, CB-TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 4.22) and Bz-CB-TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 4.12) exhibit superior selectivity of Gd(III) against Zn(II) than those of TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 2.93), EPTPA-bz-NO(2) (log K(Gd/Zn) = 3.19), and DTPA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 3.76). However, the stability constant values of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) are lower than that of MS-325. The parameters that affect proton relaxivity have been determined in a combined variable temperature (17)O NMR and NMRD study. The water exchange rates are comparable for the two complexes, 232 × 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and 271 × 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). They are higher than those of [Gd(TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) (146 × 10(6) s(-1)), [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) (4.1 × 10(6) s(-1)), and MS-325 (6.1 × 10(6) s(-1)). Elevated stability and water exchange rate indicate that the presence of cyclobutyl on the carbon backbone imparts rigidity and steric constraint to [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-)and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). In addition, the major objective for selecting the cyclobutyl is to tune the lipophilicity of [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). The binding affinity of [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) to HSA was evaluated by ultrafiltration study across a membrane with a 30 kDa MW cutoff, and the first three stepwise binding constants were determined by fitting the data to a stoichiometric model. The binding association constants (K(A)) for [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) are 1.1 × 10(2) and 1.5 × 10(3), respectively. Although the K(A) value for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) is lower than that of MS-325 (K(A) = 3.0 × 10(4)), the r(1)(b) value, r(1)(b) = 66.7 mM(-1) s(-1) for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), is significantly higher than that of MS-325 (r(1)(b) = 47.0 mM(-1) s(-1)). As measured by the Zn(II) transmetalation process, the kinetic stabilities of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), and [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) are similar and are significantly higher than that of [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H(2)O)](2-). High thermodynamic and kinetic stability and optimized lipophilicity of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) make it a favorable blood pool contrast agent for MRI.

78 FR 36165 - Reorganization/Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 104; (Expansion of Service Area and Expansion of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-17

... establishment or reorganization of zones; Whereas, the World Trade Center Savannah, LLC, grantee of Foreign... described in the application, adjacent to the Columbia, South Carolina Customs and Border Protection port of...

Chemomechanical synchronization in heterogeneous self-oscillating gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yashin, Victor V.; Balazs, Anna C.

2008-04-01

Using computational modeling, we introduce patches of self-oscillating gels undergoing the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction into a nonreactive polymer network and thereby demonstrate how these BZ gels can be harnessed to impart remarkable functionality to the entire system. By first focusing on two adjacent patches of BZ gels, we show that the patches’ oscillations can become synchronized in phase or out of phase, with the oscillation frequency depending on the synchronization mode and the spatial separation between these domains. We then apply these results to an array of five adjacent BZ patches and by varying the distance between these pieces, we dramatically alter the dynamical behavior of the patterned gel. For example, the sample can be made to exhibit a unidirectional traveling wave or display a concerted expansion and contraction, properties that are valuable for creating gel-based devices, such as micropumps and microactuators. The findings point to a “modular” design approach, which can impart different functionality simply by arranging identical pieces of BZ gels into distinct spatial arrangements within a polymer matrix.

Chemotaxis of active, self-oscillating polymer gels in solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dayal, Pratyush; Bhattacharya, Amitabh; Kuksenok, Olga; Balazs, Anna C.

2012-02-01

Fighting, fleeing and feeding are hallmarks of all living things; all these activities require some degree of mobility. Herein, we undertake the first computational study of self-oscillating polymer gels and show that this system can ``communicate'' to undergo a biomimetic, collective response to small-scale chemical changes. In this study we harness unique properties of polymer gels that undergo oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. The activator for the reaction is generated within these BZ cilia and diffuses between the neighboring gels. In order to simulate the dynamics of the BZ gels in surrounding fluid we have developed a nonlinear hybrid 3D model which captures the elasto-dynamics of polymer gel and diffusive exchange of BZ reagents between the gel and the fluid. We illustrate that multiple BZ gels in solution exhibit a distinct form of chemotaxis, moving towards the highest activator concentration in the solution. Similar ability to sense and move in response to chemical gradients constitutes a vital function in simple organisms, enabling them to find food and flee from poisons.

75 FR 12730 - Foreign-Trade Zone 163-Ponce, Puerto Rico; Application for Expansion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-17

..., Puerto Rico; Application for Expansion An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ... include an additional site in the Ponce, Puerto Rico area, within the Ponce Customs and Border Protection.../15/09). The zone project currently consists of the following sites in Puerto Rico: Site 1 (106 acres...

77 FR 59890 - Reorganization and Expansion of Foreign-Trade Zone 220 Under Alternative Site Framework; Sioux...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-01

... Foreign-Trade Zone 220 Under Alternative Site Framework; Sioux Falls, SD Pursuant to its authority under... Sioux Falls Development Foundation, grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone 220, submitted an application to the... Dakota, within and adjacent to the Sioux Falls U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry, FTZ 220...

Large enhancements in low latitude total electron content during 15 May 2005 geomagnetic storm in Indian zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dashora, N.; Sharma, S.; Dabas, R. S.; Alex, S.; Pandey, R.

2009-05-01

Results pertaining to the response of the equatorial and low latitude ionosphere to a major geomagnetic storm that occurred on 15 May 2005 are presented. These results are also the first from the Indian zone in terms of (i) GPS derived total electron content (TEC) variations following the storm (ii) Local low latitude electrodynamics response to penetration of high latitude convection electric field (iii) effect of storm induced traveling atmospheric disturbances (TAD's) on GPS-TEC in equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) zone. Data set comprising of ionospheric TEC obtained from GPS measurements, ionograms from an EIA zone station, New Delhi (Geog. Lat. 28.42° N, Geog. Long. 77.21° E), ground based magnetometers in equatorial and low latitude stations and solar wind data obtained from Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) has been used in the present study. GPS receivers located at Udaipur (Geog. Lat. 24.73° N, Geog. Long. 73.73° E) and Hyderabad (Geog. Lat. 17.33° N, Geog. Long. 78.47° E) have been used for wider spatial coverage in the Indian zone. Storm induced features in vertical TEC (VTEC) have been obtained comparing them with the mean VTEC of quiet days. Variations in solar wind parameters, as obtained from ACE and in the SYM-H index, indicate that the storm commenced on 15 May 2005 at 02:39 UT. The main phase of the storm commenced at 06:00 UT on 15 May with a sudden southward turning of the Z-component of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF-Bz) and subsequent decrease in SYM-H index. The dawn-to-dusk convection electric field of high latitude origin penetrated to low and equatorial latitudes simultaneously as corroborated by the magnetometer data from the Indian zone. Subsequent northward turning of the IMF-Bz, and the penetration of the dusk-to-dawn electric field over the dip equator is also discernible. Response of the low latitude ionosphere to this storm may be characterized in terms of (i) enhanced background level of VTEC as compared to the mean VTEC, (ii) peaks in VTEC and foF2 within two hours of prompt penetration of electric field and (iii) wave-like modulations in VTEC and sudden enhancement in hmF2 within 4-5 h in to the storm. These features have been explained in terms of the modified fountain effect, local low latitude electrodynamic response to penetration electric field and the TIDs, respectively. The study reveals a strong positive ionospheric storm in the Indian zone on 15 May 2005. Consequences of such major ionospheric storms on the systems that use satellite based navigation solutions in low latitude, are also discussed.

Alternating steady state free precession for estimation of current-induced magnetic flux density: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Lee, Hyunyeol; Jeong, Woo Chul; Kim, Hyung Joong; Woo, Eung Je; Park, Jaeseok

2016-05-01

To develop a novel, current-controlled alternating steady-state free precession (SSFP)-based conductivity imaging method and corresponding MR signal models to estimate current-induced magnetic flux density (Bz ) and conductivity distribution. In the proposed method, an SSFP pulse sequence, which is in sync with alternating current pulses, produces dual oscillating steady states while yielding nonlinear relation between signal phase and Bz . A ratiometric signal model between the states was analytically derived using the Bloch equation, wherein Bz was estimated by solving a nonlinear inverse problem for conductivity estimation. A theoretical analysis on the signal-to-noise ratio of Bz was given. Numerical and experimental studies were performed using SSFP-FID and SSFP-ECHO with current pulses positioned either before or after signal encoding to investigate the feasibility of the proposed method in conductivity estimation. Given all SSFP variants herein, SSFP-FID with alternating current pulses applied before signal encoding exhibits the highest Bz signal-to-noise ratio and conductivity contrast. Additionally, compared with conventional conductivity imaging, the proposed method benefits from rapid SSFP acquisition without apparent loss of conductivity contrast. We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in estimating current-induced Bz and conductivity distribution. It can be a promising, rapid imaging strategy for quantitative conductivity imaging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fabrication of one-transistor-capacitor structure of nonvolatile TFT ferroelectric RAM devices using Ba(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 gated oxide film.

PubMed

Yang, Cheng-Fu; Chen, Kai-Huang; Chen, Ying-Chung; Chang, Ting-Chang

2007-09-01

In this study, the Ba(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (BZ1T9) thin films have been well deposited on the Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate. The optimum radio frequency (RF) deposition parameters are developed, and the BZ1T9 thin films deposition at the optimum parameters have the maximum capacitance and dielectric constant of 4.4 nF and 190. As the applied voltage is increased to 8 V, the remnant polarization and coercive field of BZ1T9 thin films are about 4.5 microC/cm2 and 80 kV/cm. The counterclockwise current hysteresis and memory window of n-channel thin-film transistor property are observed, and that can be used to indicate the switching of ferroelectric polarization of BZ1T9 thin films. One-transistor-capacitor (1TC) structure of BZ1T9 ferroelectric random access memory device using bottom-gate amorphous silicon thin-film transistor was desirable because of the smaller size and better sensitivity. The BZ1T9 ferroelectric RAM devices with channel width = 40 microm and channel length = 8 microm has been successfully fabricated and the ID-VG transfer characteristics also are investigated in this study.

Dissociation Behavior of a TEMPO-Active Ester Cross-Linker for Peptide Structure Analysis by Free Radical Initiated Peptide Sequencing (FRIPS) in Negative ESI-MS.

PubMed

Hage, Christoph; Ihling, Christian H; Götze, Michael; Schäfer, Mathias; Sinz, Andrea

2017-01-01

We have synthesized a homobifunctional amine-reactive cross-linking reagent, containing a TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxy) and a benzyl group (Bz), termed TEMPO-Bz-linker, to derive three-dimensional structural information of proteins. The aim for designing this novel cross-linker was to facilitate the mass spectrometric analysis of cross-linked products by free radical initiated peptide sequencing (FRIPS). In an initial study, we had investigated the fragmentation behavior of TEMPO-Bz-derivatized peptides upon collision activation in (+)-electrospray ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-CID-MS/MS) experiments. In addition to the homolytic NO-C bond cleavage FRIPS pathway delivering the desired odd-electron product ions, an alternative heterolytic NO-C bond cleavage, resulting in even-electron product ions mechanism was found to be relevant. The latter fragmentation route clearly depends on the protonation of the TEMPO-Bz-moiety itself, which motivated us to conduct (-)-ESI-MS, CID-MS/MS, and MS 3 experiments of TEMPO-Bz-cross-linked peptides to further clarify the fragmentation behavior of TEMPO-Bz-peptide molecular ions. We show that the TEMPO-Bz-linker is highly beneficial for conducting FRIPS in negative ionization mode as the desired homolytic cleavage of the NO-C bond is the major fragmentation pathway. Based on characteristic fragments, the isomeric amino acids leucine and isoleucine could be discriminated. Interestingly, we observed pronounced amino acid side chain losses in cross-linked peptides if the cross-linked peptides contain a high number of acidic amino acids. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

A predictive model of geosynchronous magnetopause crossings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmitriev, A.; Suvorova, A.; Chao, J.-K.

2011-05-01

We have developed a model predicting whether or not the magnetopause crosses geosynchronous orbit at a given location for given solar wind pressure Psw, Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and geomagnetic conditions characterized by 1 min SYM-H index. The model is based on more than 300 geosynchronous magnetopause crossings (GMCs) and about 6000 min when geosynchronous satellites of GOES and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) series are located in the magnetosheath (so-called MSh intervals) in 1994-2001. Minimizing of the Psw required for GMCs and MSh intervals at various locations, Bz, and SYM-H allows describing both an effect of magnetopause dawn-dusk asymmetry and saturation of Bz influence for very large southward IMF. The asymmetry is strong for large negative Bz and almost disappears when Bz is positive. We found that the larger the amplitude of negative SYM-H, the lower the solar wind pressure required for GMCs. We attribute this effect to a depletion of the dayside magnetic field by a storm time intensification of the cross-tail current. It is also found that the magnitude of threshold for Bz saturation increases with SYM-H index such that for small negative and positive SYM-H the effect of saturation diminishes. This supports an idea that enhanced thermal pressure of the magnetospheric plasma and ring current particles during magnetic storms results in the saturation of magnetic effect of the IMF Bz at the dayside magnetopause. A noticeable advantage of the model's prediction capabilities in comparison with other magnetopause models makes the model useful for space weather predictions.

Ovicidal efficacy of fenbendazole after treatment of horses naturally infected with cyathostomins.

PubMed

Daniels, S P; Proudman, C J

2016-08-30

The ovicidal activity of benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics is unique and not seen in other drug classes. Such ovicidal efficacy is not widely reported for equine cyathostomins, nor has this activity been tested in the face of BZ resistance. Although the product label states that fenbendazole is for use against BZ-susceptible cyathostomins, susceptibility testing is rarely performed. In this field-based study, the ovicidal efficacy of fenbendazole in horses (n=39) harbouring BZ-resistant cyathostomins was compared when dosed at 7.5mg/kg body weight (BW) orally, as a single dose per os (n=21) or daily for five consecutive days in feed (n=18). Suppression of egg hatch rate was observed in the single and five- day treatment groups; a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment egg hatch rates (P<0.05) was observed for three days after treatment with a single dose of fenbendazole (on premises with BZ-resistant cyathostomins), and for three days after treatment for five consecutive days with fenbendazole (on premises with BZ-resistant cyathostomins). Post treatment numbers of eggs and larvae remained significantly lower (P<0.05) than pre-treatment levels to the end of the trial. We conclude that in the face of BZ-resistant cyathostomins the ovicidal effect of fenbendazole persist for three days after both a single oral dose of 7.5mg/kg per os and after treatment orally for five consecutive daily doses at 7.5mg/kg in feed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study on the decomposition of trace benzene over V2O5-WO3 ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Commercial and laboratory-prepared V2O5–WO3/TiO2-based catalysts with different compositions were tested for catalytic decomposition of chlorobenzene （ClBz） in simulated flue gas. Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (REMPI-TOFMS) was employed to measure real-time, trace concentrations of ClBz contained in the flue gas before and after the catalyst. The effects of various parameters, including vanadium content of the catalyst, the catalyst support, as well as the reaction temperature on decomposition of ClBz were investigated. The results showed that the ClBz decomposition efficiency was significantly enhanced when nano-TiO2 instead of conventional TiO2 was used as the catalyst support. No promotion effects were found in the ClBz decomposition process when the catalysts were wet-impregnated with CuO and CeO2. Tests with different concentrations (1,000, 500, and 100 ppb) of ClBz showed that ClBz-decomposition efficiency decreased with increasing concentration, unless active sites were plentiful. A comparison between ClBz and benzene decomposition on the V2O5–WO3/TiO2-based catalyst and the relative kinetics analysis showed that two different active sites were likely involved in the decomposition mechanism and the V=O and V-O-Ti groups may only work for the degradation of the phenyl group and the benzene ring rather than the C-Cl bond. V2O5-WO3/TiO2 based catalysts, that have been used for destruction of a wide variet

Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on Lithuanian sheep farms assessed by in vitro methods.

PubMed

Kupčinskas, Tomas; Stadalienė, Inga; Šarkūnas, Mindaugas; Riškevičienė, Vita; Várady, Marian; Höglund, Johan; Petkevičius, Saulius

2015-12-16

This study examines the prevalence of drug resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes to macrocyclic lactones (ML) and benzimidazoles (BZ) in Lithuanian sheep using sensitive and precise in vitro methods. The survey was conducted from August 2013 to November 2014. Thirty-three farms with sheep previously treated with BZ and ivermectin (IVM) were included in the study. On 12 farms where only BZ were used, egg hatch discrimination dose testing (EHDDT) was conducted to detect anthelmintic resistance (AR) to BZ. On eight farms where only ML were used, micro agar larval development testing (MALDT) was conducted to detect AR to ivermectin (IVM). On the remaining 13 farms, where both classes of drugs were used, EHDDT and MALDT were both applied to detect multidrug resistance to BZ and IVM. BZ-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes were found on all 25 farms with a previous history of BZ use. High levels of resistance (>40 % of hatching) were recorded on 36 % of these farms, and low levels (<20 % of hatching) on 40 % of farms. IVM-resistant populations were found on 13 out of 21 sheep farms using this drug. Of these 13 farms with AR to IVM, low levels of resistance (<30 % development) were recorded on 84.6 % of farms and high levels (>30 % development) on 15.4 % of farms. No resistance to IVM was recorded on 38.1 % of farms. Multi-drug resistance was detected on five farms out of 13 (38.5 %) using both classes of drugs. The present study demonstrates the existence of AR to BZ and ML on Lithuanian sheep farms thus confirming results in a previous in vivo study. Cases of multi-drug resistance were recorded in the present study and require further consideration. An appropriate strategy for anthelmintic treatment, measures to prevent gastrointestinal nematode infection and a better understanding of the management practices associated with resistance may slow down further development of AR.

Public perceptions of snakes and snakebite management: implications for conservation and human health in southern Nepal.

PubMed

Pandey, Deb Prasad; Subedi Pandey, Gita; Devkota, Kamal; Goode, Matt

2016-06-02

Venomous snakebite and its effects are a source of fear for people living in southern Nepal. As a result, people have developed a negative attitude towards snakes, which can lead to human-snake conflicts that result in killing of snakes. Attempting to kill snakes increases the risk of snakebite, and actual killing of snakes contributes to loss of biodiversity. Currently, snake populations in southern Nepal are thought to be declining, but more research is needed to evaluate the conservation status of snakes. Therefore, we assessed attitudes, knowledge, and awareness of snakes and snakebite by Chitwan National Park's (CNP) buffer zone (BZ) inhabitants in an effort to better understand challenges to snake conservation and snakebite management. The results of this study have the potential to promote biodiversity conservation and increase human health in southern Nepal and beyond. We carried out face-to-face interviews of 150 randomly selected CNP BZ inhabitants, adopting a cross-sectional mixed research design and structured and semi-structured questionnaires from January-February 2013. Results indicated that 43 % of respondents disliked snakes, 49 % would exterminate all venomous snakes, and 86 % feared snakes. Farmers were the most negative and teachers were the most ambivalent towards snakes. Respondents were generally unable to identify different snake species, and were almost completely unaware of the need of conserve snakes and how to prevent snakebites. Belief in a snake god, and the ability of snakes to absorb poisonous gases from the atmosphere were among many superstitions that appeared to predispose negativity towards snakes of BZ residents. People with predisposed negativity towards snakes were not proponents of snake conservation. Fear, negativity, ambivalence towards, and ignorance about, snakes and the need for snake conservation were strong indicators of the propensity to harm or kill snakes. It seems that if wanton killing of snakes continues, local snake populations will decline, and rare and endangered snake species may even become locally extirpated. Moreover, inappropriate perception and knowledge about snakes and snakebites may put BZ people at increased risk of venomous snakebite. Therefore, intensive, pragmatic educational efforts focused on natural history and ecology of snakes and prevention of snakebite should be undertaken in communities and at schools and universities.

50 CFR 218.34 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... beyond the border of the exclusion zone (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the... (hydrophone or towed array) could be used to determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a... participation shall take into account safety, logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from...

50 CFR 218.34 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... beyond the border of the exclusion zone (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the... (hydrophone or towed array) could be used to determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a... participation shall take into account safety, logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from...

50 CFR 218.34 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... beyond the border of the exclusion zone (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the... (hydrophone or towed array) could be used to determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a... participation shall take into account safety, logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from...

Selective Vulnerability of Cortical Border Zone to Microembolic Infarct.

PubMed

Bergui, Mauro; Castagno, Davide; D'Agata, Federico; Cicerale, Alessandro; Anselmino, Matteo; Maria Ferrio, Federica; Giustetto, Carla; Halimi, Franck; Scaglione, Marco; Gaita, Fiorenzo

2015-07-01

Endovascular procedures, including atrial fibrillation transcatheter ablation, may cause microembolization of brain arteries. Microemboli often cause small sized and clinically silent cerebral ischemias (SCI). These lesions are clearly visible on early postoperative magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted images. We analyzed SCI distribution in a population of patients submitted to atrial fibrillation transcatheter ablation. Seventy-eight of 927 consecutive patients submitted to atrial fibrillation transcatheter ablation were found positive for acute SCI on a postoperative magnetic resonance. SCI were identified and marked, and their coordinates were transformed from native space into the International Consortium for Brain Mapping/Montreal Neurological Institute space. We then computed the voxel-wise probability distribution map of the SCI using the activation likelihood estimation approach. SCI were more commonly found in the cortex. In supratentorial regions, SCI selectively involved cortical border zone between anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries; in infratentorial regions, distal territory of posteroinferior cerebellar artery. Possible explanations include selective embolization, linked to the vascular anatomy of pial arteries supplying those territories, reduced clearance of emboli in a relatively hypoperfused zone, or a combination of both. This particular distribution of lesions has been reported in both animal models and in patients with microemboli of different sources. A selective vulnerability of cortical border zone to microemboli occurring during atrial fibrillation transcatheter ablation was observed. We hypothesize that such selectivity may apply to microemboli of different sources. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

"The perfect business": human trafficking and Lao-Thai cross-border migration.

PubMed

Molland, Sverre

2010-01-01

Over the past few years some governments and development organizations have increasingly articulated cross-border mobility as "trafficking in persons". The notion of a market where traffickers prey on the "supply" of migrants that flows across international borders to meet the "demand" for labour has become a central trope among anti-trafficking development organizations. This article problematizes such economism by drawing attention to the oscillating cross-border migration of Lao sex workers within a border zone between Laos and Thailand. It illuminates the incongruity between the recruitment of women into the sex industry along the Lao-Thai border and the market models that are employed by the anti-trafficking sector. It discusses the ways in which these cross-border markets are conceived in a context where aid programming is taking on an increasingly important role in the politics of borders. The author concludes that allusions to ideal forms of knowledge (in the guise of classic economic theory) and an emphasis on borders become necessary for anti-trafficking programmes in order to make their object of intervention legible as well as providing post-hoc rationalizations for their continuing operation.

[Population in the northern border area. Urban dynamism and binational interrelation].

PubMed

Ham Chande, R

1988-01-01

The 3300 km border between Mexico and the US constitutes the geopolitical separation between an underdeveloped country on the 1 hand and 1 of the most technologically and economically powerful countries in the world on the other. The border region is characterized by the contrasts on either side of the border and by the strong interrelation between both sides. Vast streams of persons, merchandise, money, services, communications, and cultural influences flow from 1 side to the other. The border region as a seat of population has a recent history. The border was defined in near current form only in the mid-19th century, when the expansionist tendencies of the US encountered a vast area of very sparse population. In 1900, the principal localities of the border zone had only about 39,000 inhabitants, of whom fewer than 5000 lived west of Ciudad Juarez. Between 1910-20, the population of the border region increased from 53,000 to 96,000 as a result of migrants fleeing the ravages of the revolution. The population of the border region was estimated at 3.826 million in 1988, resulting from rates of growth above Mexico's national average. Settlement in the area has depended on events and conditions in Mexico and on such US occurrences as Prohibition, the Great Depression, the 2nd World War, the Bracero program, and the Program of Border Industrialization. 82% of the border population lives in urban zones, partly because of lack of water. 80% of the urban population is concentrated in 6 cities, Juarez, Tijuana, Mexicali, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and Matamoros. Much of the population of the 6 cities is composed of persons born elsewhere. The border area also has a large floating population of undocumented migrants in transit to or from the US. The high rates of urbanization and of binational interaction are reflected in demographic dynamics. In 1979, 71% of women in union in the border area vs 54% in the rest of Mexico had used contraception, and the infant mortality rate was 10% below the national average. In the 20-29 cohort there were 88 men per 100 women, reflecting male emigration and female inmigration. The rate of economic participation was higher than the national average, per capita production was greater, and unemployment rates were lower.

New evidence for global tectonic zones on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kozak, Richard C.; Schaber, Gerald G.

1989-01-01

Venera 15 and 16 spacecraft images show clear evidence of major crustal disruptions on Venus which have been interpreted to indicate crustal divergence. Complementary to the divergent zones are mountain belts that border the continent-like high terrains. The requisite transcurrent motions appear to be manifested as diffuse shear zones. The rift zones form an interconnected transpolar system which ties in with previously recognized equatorial disruption zones, suggesting a global tectonic network. Several independent lines of evidence suggest that the tectonism may be geologically young.

Concomitant Benznidazole and Suramin Chemotherapy in Mice Infected with a Virulent Strain of Trypanosoma cruzi

PubMed Central

Santos, Eliziária C.; Cupertino, Marli C.; Bastos, Daniel S. S.; Klein, Raphael C.; Silva, Eduardo A. M.; Fietto, Juliana L. R.; Talvani, André; Bahia, Maria T.

2015-01-01

Although suramin (Sur) is suggested as a potential drug candidate in the management of Chagas disease, this issue has not been objectively tested. In this study, we examined the applicability of concomitant treatment with benznidazole (Bz) and suramin in mice infected with a virulent strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. Eighty 12-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were equally randomized in eight groups: (i) noninfected mice (negative control) and mice infected with T. cruzi Y strain receiving (ii) no treatment (positive control), (iii) Bz, 100 mg/kg of body weight per day, (iv) Sur, 20 mg/kg/day, and (v to viii) Sur, 20 mg/kg/day, combined with Bz, 100, 50, 25, or 5 mg/kg/day. Bz was administered by gavage, and Sur was administered intraperitoneally. Sur dramatically increased the parasitemia, cardiac content of parasite DNA, inflammation, oxidative tissue damage, and mortality. In response to high parasitic load in cardiac tissue, Sur stimulated the immune system in a manner typical of the acute phase of Chagas disease, increasing tissue levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and inducing a preferential IgG2a anti-T. cruzi serum pattern. When Sur and Bz were combined, the infection severity was attenuated, showing a dose-dependent Bz response. Sur therapy had a more harmful effect on the host than on the parasite and reduced the efficacy of Bz against T. cruzi infection. Considering that Sur drastically reinforced the infection evolution, potentiating the inflammatory process and the severity of cardiac lesions, the in vivo findings contradicted the in vitro anti-T. cruzi potential described for this drug. PMID:26169419

Topology characterization of a benzodiazepine-binding beta-rich domain of the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit.

PubMed

Xu, Zhiwen; Fang, Shisong; Shi, Haifeng; Li, Hoiming; Deng, Yiqun; Liao, Yinglei; Wu, Jiun-Ming; Zheng, Hui; Zhu, Huaimin; Chen, Hueih-Min; Tsang, Shui Ying; Xue, Hong

2005-10-01

Structural investigation of GABAA receptors has been limited by difficulties imposed by its trans-membrane-complex nature. In the present study, the topology of a membrane-proximal beta-rich (MPB) domain in the C139-L269 segment of the receptor alpha1 subunit was probed by mapping the benzodiazepine (BZ)-binding and epitopic sites, as well as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. Ala-scanning and semiconservative substitutions within this segment revealed the contribution of the phenyl rings of Y160 and Y210, the hydroxy group of S186 and the positive charge on R187 to BZ-binding. FRET with the bound BZ ligand indicated the proximity of Y160, S186, R187, and S206 to the BZ-binding site. On the other hand, epitope-mapping using the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the MPB domain established a clustering of T172, R173, E174, Q196, and T197. Based on the lack of FRET between Trp substitutionally placed at R173 or V198 and bound BZ, this epitope-mapped cluster is located on a separate end of the folded protein from the BZ-binding site. Mutations of the five conserved Cys and Trp residues in the MPB domain gave rise to synergistic and rescuing effects on protein secondary structures and unfolding stability that point to a CCWCW-pentad, reminiscent to the CWC-triad "pin" of immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, important for the structural maintenance. These findings, together with secondary structure and fold predictions suggest an anti-parallel beta-strand topology with resemblance to Ig-like fold, having the BZ-binding and the epitopic residues being clustered at two different ends of the fold.

Assessing human variability in kinetics for exposures to multiple environmental chemicals: a physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling case study with dichloromethane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene.

PubMed

Valcke, Mathieu; Haddad, Sami

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare the magnitude of interindividual variability in internal dose for inhalation exposure to single versus multiple chemicals. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for adults (AD), neonates (NEO), toddlers (TODD), and pregnant women (PW) were used to simulate inhalation exposure to "low" (RfC-like) or "high" (AEGL-like) air concentrations of benzene (Bz) or dichloromethane (DCM), along with various levels of toluene alone or toluene with ethylbenzene and xylene. Monte Carlo simulations were performed and distributions of relevant internal dose metrics of either Bz or DCM were computed. Area under the blood concentration of parent compound versus time curve (AUC)-based variability in AD, TODD, and PW rose for Bz when concomitant "low" exposure to mixtures of increasing complexities occurred (coefficient of variation (CV) = 16-24%, vs. 12-15% for Bz alone), but remained unchanged considering DCM. Conversely, AUC-based CV in NEO fell (15 to 5% for Bz; 12 to 6% for DCM). Comparable trends were observed considering production of metabolites (AMET), except for NEO's CYP2E1-mediated metabolites of Bz, where an increased CV was observed (20 to 71%). For "high" exposure scenarios, Cmax-based variability of Bz and DCM remained unchanged in AD and PW, but decreased in NEO (CV= 11-16% to 2-6%) and TODD (CV= 12-13% to 7-9%). Conversely, AMET-based variability for both substrates rose in every subpopulation. This study analyzed for the first time the impact of multiple exposures on interindividual variability in toxicokinetics. Evidence indicates that this impact depends upon chemical concentrations and biochemical properties, as well as the subpopulation and internal dose metrics considered.

Effects of combined exposure to formaldehyde and benzene on immune cells in the blood and spleen in Balb/c mice.

PubMed

Wen, Huaxiao; Yuan, Langyue; Wei, Chenxi; Zhao, Yun; Qian, Yan; Ma, Ping; Ding, Shumao; Yang, Xu; Wang, Xianliang

2016-07-01

Formaldehyde and benzene are the two major indoor air pollutants due to their prevalence and toxicity. This study aimed to explore the toxic effect on the spleen and relevant immune responses of Balb/c mice caused by exposure to a combination of formaldehyde and benzene. Balb/c mice were divided randomly into five groups (n=9/group): blank control group (Ctrl); solvent ([corn] Oil) control; formaldehyde only (FA, 3mg/m(3)); benzene only (BZ, 150mg/kg BW); and, formaldehyde+benzene group (FA+BZ). Exposures were performed for 8h/day, 5 day/week, for 2 weeks. Tail blood was collected after the final exposure; 24-h later, the mice were euthanized to permit assessment of a variety of immune endpoints. The endpoints' three areas were: (1) in living mice, body weight and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses; (2) in blood, immune cell counts and serum antibody levels (serum hemagglutination); and, (3) in spleen samples, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), caspase-3 (cell apoptosis) levels and lymphocyte proliferation. In this study we fund (1) BZ and FA+BZ exposure can lead to the reduction in the number of some immune cells in peripheral blood; (2) Formaldehyde has certain synergistic effects on benzene-induced cytotoxicity in peripheral blood, (3) FA, BZ and FA+BZ exposure can lead to ROS and GSH depletion in spleen cells, and spleen cell apoptosis (caspase-3 increased) may be one of the downstream events, decreased splenic lymphocyte proliferation; and (4) the FA+BZ combined exposure can lead to the decreased body weight, serum antibody level (by serum hemagglutination assay). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photoaffinity labeling the substance P receptor using a derivative of substance P containing para-benzoylphenylalanine

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

Boyd, N.D.; White, C.F.; Leeman, S.E.

A novel photoreactive substance P (SP) analogue has been synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis methodology to incorporate the amino acid p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (L-Phe(pBz)) in place of the Phe{sup 8} residue of SP. (Phe{sup 8}(OpBz))SP was equipotent with SP in competing for SP binding sites on rat submaxillary gland membranes and had potent sialagogic activity in vivo. In the absence of light, the {sup 125}I-labeled Bolton-Hunter conjugate of (Phe{sup 8}(pBz))SP bound in a saturable and reversible manner to an apparently homogeneous class of binding sites with an affinity K{sub D} = 0.4 nM. The binding of {sup 125}I-(Phe{sup 8}(pBz))SP was inhibited competitivelymore » by various tachykinin peptides and analogues with the appropriate specificity for SP/NK-1 receptors. Upon photolysis, up to 70{percent} of the specifically bound {sup 125}I-(Phe{sup 8}(pBz))SP underwent covalent linkage to two polypeptides of M{sub r} = 53 000 and 46 000, identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Quantitative analysis of the inhibitory effects of SP and related peptides on {sup 125}I-(Phe{sup 8}(pBz))SP photoincorporation indicated that the binding sites of the two photolabeled polypeptides have the same peptide specificity, namely, that typical of NK-1-type SP receptors. Further information on the relationship between the two labeled SP binding sites was provided by enzymatic digestion studies. The highly specific and remarkably efficient photolabeling achieved with {sup 125}I-(Phe{sup 8}(pBz))SP suggests that this photoaffinity probe will be of considerable value for the characterization of the molecular structure of the SP receptor.« less

Anti-Muellerian hormone, inhibin A, gonadotropins, and gonadotropin receptors in bull calves after partial scrotal resection, orchidectomy, and Burdizzo castration.

PubMed

Scarlet, Dragos; Aurich, Christine; Ille, Natascha; Walter, Ingrid; Weber, Corinna; Pieler, Dagmar; Peinhopf, Walter; Wohlsein, Peter; Aurich, Jörg

2017-01-01

Eight-week-old calves were either castrated by partial scrotal resection (SR) without removing the testes (n = 10), Burdizzo (BZ) clamp (n = 10), orchidectomy (OR; n = 10), or were left gonad intact as controls (CO; n = 10). Concentrations of anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH), inhibin A, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in plasma were determined from 16 to 48 weeks of age. At 18 months, testes of SR, BZ, and CO bulls were obtained and the immunolocalization of LH and FSH receptors and AMH analyzed. Concentration of AMH in plasma of CO and SR bulls decreased with increasing age (P < 0.001). A similar AMH profile in CO and SR indicates that SR did not induce a true cryptorchid state. In groups OR and BZ, AMH was undetectable. Plasma inhibin concentration was higher in groups CO and SR than BZ and OR (P < 0.001). Plasma LH and FSH concentrations decreased over time (P < 0.001) and were higher in groups BZ and OR than SR and CO (P < 0.001). In the testes, immunolabeling for AMH existed in Sertoli cells of CO and SR but not BZ bulls. FSH receptors were localized in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatocytes, and the epididymis of CO and SR animals, whereas LH receptors were restricted to Leydig cells. In BZ animals, FSH and LH receptors and AMH were absent, indicating complete testicular degeneration. In conclusion, AMH is a more reliable marker for the presence of testicular tissue in bulls than inhibin. Scrotal resection did not induce a true inguinal cryptorchid state but affected testicular responsiveness to gonadotropic stimulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vitro and in vivo drug combination for the treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi infection: A multivariate approach.

PubMed

Strauss, Mariana; Rodrigues, Jean Henrique S; Lo Presti, María Silvina; Bazán, Paola Carolina; Báez, Alejandra Lidia; Paglini-Oliva, Patricia; Nakamura, Celso Vataru; Bustamante, Juan Manuel; Rivarola, Héctor Walter

2018-06-01

Combination therapies based on the available drugs have been proposed as promising therapeutic alternatives for many diseases. Clomipramine (CLO) has been found to modify the evolution of the experimental infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of benznidazole (BZ) and clomipramine (CLO) against different life-stages of Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and their efficacy in a murine model. Life-stages of T. cruzi, BZ-partially-resistant (Y) strain, were incubated with BZ and CLO and isobolograms and combination index (CI) were obtained. Swiss mice were infected with trypomastigotes and different treatment schedules were performed, each of which consisted of 30 consecutive daily doses. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by comparing parasitemia, qPCR, survival and histological analysis. These results were analyzed using multivariate analysis to determine the combined effect of the drugs in vivo. CLO + BZ showed synergistic activity in vitro against the clinically relevant life-stages of T. cruzi. The most susceptible forms were the intracellular amastigotes (CI: 0.20), followed by trypomastigotes (CI: 0.60), with no toxicity upon mammalian cells. The combination of both drugs CLO (1.25 mg/kg) and BZ (6.25 mg/kg), in vivo, significantly diminished the parasitic load in blood and the mortality rate. CLO + BZ presented a similar inflammatory response in cardiac and skeletal muscle (amount of inflammatory cells) to BZ (6.25 mg/kg). Finally, the results from the principal component analysis reaffirmed that both drugs administered in combination presented higher activity compared with the individual administration in the acute experimental model. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of 19F-NMR chemical shift detection of DNA B-Z equilibrium using 19F-NMR.

PubMed

Nakamura, S; Yang, H; Hirata, C; Kersaudy, F; Fujimoto, K

2017-06-28

Various DNA conformational changes are in correlation with biological events. In particular, DNA B-Z equilibrium showed a high correlation with translation and transcription. In this study, we developed a DNA probe containing 5-trifluoromethylcytidine or 5-trifluoromethylthymidine to detect DNA B-Z equilibrium using 19 F-NMR. Its probe enabled the quantitative detection of B-, Z-, and ss-DNA based on 19 F-NMR chemical shift change.

Theoretical Study of the IR Spectroscopy of BENZENE-(WATER)_N Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabor, Daniel P.; Sibert, Edwin; Kusaka, Ryoji; Walsh, Patrick S.; Zwier, Timothy S.

2015-06-01

The local mode Hamiltonian that assigns RIDIR spectra for Bz-(H_2O)_6 and Bz-(H_2O)_7 is explored in detail for Bz-(H_2O)_n with n=3-7. In addition to contributions from OH stretches, the Hamiltonian includes the anharmonic coupling of each water monomer's bend overtone and its OH stretch fundamentals, which is necessary for accurately modeling 3150-3300 cm-1 region of the spectra. The parameters of the Hamiltonian can be calculated using either MP2 or density functional theory. The relative strengths and weaknesses of these two electronic structure approaches are examined to gain further physical understanding. Initial assignments of Bz-(H_2O)_6 and Bz-(H_2O)_7 were based on a linear scaling of M06-2X harmonic frequencies. In most cases, counterpoise-corrected MP2 calculations obtain similar frequencies (across all cluster sizes) if stretch anharmonicity is taken into account. Individual ``monomer Hamiltonians'' are constructed via the application of fourth order Van Vleck perturbation theory to MP2 potential energy surfaces. These calculations elucidate the sensitivity of intra-monomer couplings to chemical environment. The presence of benzene has particularly important consequences for the spectra of the Bz-(H_2O)3-5 clusters, in which the symmetry of the water cycles is broken by π-H-bonding to benzene. The nature of these perturbations is discussed.

Chronological changes of radiofrequency ablation zone in rabbit liver: an in vivo correlation between gross pathology and histopathology

PubMed Central

Song, Kyoung D; Rhim, Hyunchul; Kang, Tae Wook; Cha, Dong Ik; Yang, Jehoon

2017-01-01

Objective: To examine the gross pathology and histopathology of ablation zones created from radiofrequency (RF) ablation and to correlate their chronological changes. Methods: A total of 48 in vivo ablation zones (16 rabbit livers) were obtained immediately after and also 30 min, 1 h and 2 h after RF ablation and were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) diaphorase staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining. Chronological changes in gross pathology and histopathology were evaluated and correlated with each other. Results: Peripheral red zones on gross pathology correlated with peripheral zones on H&E staining, lightly stained peripheral zones on NADH staining and peripheral positive zones on TUNEL staining. Central white zones on gross pathology correlated with combined central and border zones on H&E staining, central negative zones on NADH staining and combined central-positive and middle-negative zones on TUNEL staining. Boundary visibility between central white and peripheral red zones on gross pathology was significantly higher at 1 and 2 h than immediately after RF ablation. As time increased after RF ablation, visibility of the border zone on H&E staining and the grade of positively stained hepatocytes in the peripheral zone on TUNEL staining increased. Conclusion: Chronological changes in gross pathology of RF ablation zones correlated well with histopathology. The boundary between the central white and peripheral red zones tended to become clear at 1 h after RF ablation. Advances in knowledge: (1) RF ablation zones show chronological changes on gross pathology and histopathology. (2) Gross pathology and histopathology correlate well with each other. PMID:28139942

Isolation and functional characterisation of two new bZIP maize regulators of the ABA responsive gene rab28.

PubMed

Nieva, Claudia; Busk, Peter K; Domínguez-Puigjaner, Eva; Lumbreras, Victoria; Testillano, Pilar S; Risueño, Maria-Carmen; Pagès, Montserrat

2005-08-01

The plant hormone abscisic acid regulates gene expression in response to growth stimuli and abiotic stress. Previous studies have implicated members of the bZIP family of transcription factors as mediators of abscisic acid dependent gene expression through the ABRE cis-element. Here, we identify two new maize bZIP transcription factors, EmBP-2 and ZmBZ-1 related to EmBP-1 and OsBZ-8 families. They are differentially expressed during embryo development; EmBP-2 is constitutive, whereas ZmBZ-1 is abscisic acid-inducible and accumulates during late embryogenesis. Both factors are nuclear proteins that bind to ABREs and activate transcription of the abscisic acid-inducible gene rab28 from maize. EmBP-2 and ZmBZ-1 are phosphorylated by protein kinase CK2 and phosphorylation alters their DNA binding properties. Our data suggest that EmBP-2 and ZmBZ-1 are involved in the expression of abscisic acid inducible genes such as rab28 and their activity is modulated by ABA and by phosphorylation.

A study of geomagnetic storms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patel, V. L.

1975-01-01

Twenty-one geomagnetic storm events during 1966 and 1970 were studied by using simultaneous interplanetary magnetic field and plasma parameters. Explorer 33 and 35 field and plasma data were analyzed on large-scale (hourly) and small-scale (3 min.) during the time interval coincident with initial phase of the geomagnetic storms. The solar-ecliptic Bz component turns southward at the end of the initial phase, thus triggering the main phase decrease in Dst geomagnetic field. When the Bz is already negative, its value becomes further negative. The By component also shows large fluctuations along with Bz. When there are no clear changes in the Bz component, the By shows abrupt changes at the main phase onet. On the small-scale behavior of the magnetic field and electric field (E=-VxB) studied in details for the three events, it is found that the field fluctuations in By, Bz and Ey and Ez are present in the initial phase. These fluctuations become larger just before the main phase of the storm begins. In the largescale behavior field remains quiet because the small scale variations are averaged out.

What controls interplate coupling? Implications from abrupt change in coupling on the Pacific plate across a border between two overlying plates in the southernmost extent of the NE Japan subduction zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchida, N.; Hasegawa, A.; Nakajima, J.; Matsuzawa, T.

2008-12-01

In the southernmost extent of the NE Japan subduction zone, the Pacific plate (PA) is subducting beneath two different tectonic plates - the North American plate (NA) to the north and the Philippine Sea plate (PH) to the south. The change of overlying plate for the PA provides a good opportunity to test the influence of the overlying plate on interplate coupling. In the present study, detailed location of the border between the PH and NA overlying the PA is estimated from slip vectors of the interplate events. Then we compared the interplate coupling coefficients between the two regions overlain by the two plates based on the small repeating earthquake data. Analysis of slip vectors of interplate events shows that the slip vectors abruptly change their slip angles off Kanto. This suggests that the location of the border between the two overlying plates is extending northwestward from the triple junction. The distribution of interplate coupling coefficient estimated from the cumulative slip of small repeating earthquakes reveals a distinct change from south (ca. 0.3) to north (ca. 0.7) across this border. This border corresponds to the southern limit of M > 7 earthquakes and intense seismicity along the Japan Trench, again indicating the stronger coupling to the north. We also investigated the structure of the overlying plates from seismic tomography using a large number of travel-time data obtained from the nationwide seismograph network. The results reveal a distinct low-velocity zone just above the PA in the region overlain by the PH, whereas there is no low-velocity zone in the region overlain by the NA. These observations imply that the overlying plate controls large-scale coupling at the plate interface. Acknowledgement: We used waveforms from the seismic networks of University of Tokyo in addition to the data from Tohoku University. Arrival time data for seismic tomography and earthquake relocation are provided by the Japan Metrological Agency.

77 FR 63320 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Petroleum Refineries in Foreign Trade Sub-zones

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-16

... Activities: Petroleum Refineries in Foreign Trade Sub-zones AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection... Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: Petroleum Refineries... CBP is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection: Title: Petroleum...

32 CFR Appendix A to Part 110 - Climatic Zones Used To Determine Rates of Commutation Allowance

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... Louisiana 11. Mississippi 12. New Mexico, only 100 mile-wide belt along south border 13. North Carolina 14.... Montana 22. Nebraska 23. Nevada 24. New Hampshire 25. New Jersey 26. New Mexico, except a 100 mile-wide belt along south border 27. New York 28. North Dakota 29. Ohio 30. Oklahoma, except the southeast...

A Micro-Computer Based Decision Support System for Response Surface Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-01

d = -(a+em) *(gab+en)*x/ ((a+tem) *(qap+tem)); app = ap+d*az; bpp = bp+d*bz; aold = az; am = ap/ bpp ; bm = bp/ bpp ; az = app/ bpp ; bz = 1.0; if (( fabs (az...x = x+one; ser = ser+cof[j]/x; ) return (tmp+log(stp*ser));) double betacf(a,b,x) double a, b, x; ( double tem,qapqam,qab,em,d; double bz, bpp ,bp,bm...aold)) < (eps* fabs (az))) goto done; printf("lpause in BETACF\

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems in Breast Cancer Solid Tumors

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

isothiocyanatobenzyl-1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10 tetraacetic acid (p-SCN-Bz-DOTA) in dry dimethylsulfoxide ( DMSO ). The p-SCN-Bz-DOTA was...acetone / DMSO using AIBN as the initiator. The ratio of monomers: initiator: solvent in the feed were kept constant at 12.5: 0.6: 86.9 (weight...aminopropylmethacrylamide) (APMA) with p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10 tetraacetic acid (p-SCN-Bz-DOTA) in dry dimethylsulfoxide ( DMSO

Role of the Diphosphine Chelate in Emissive, Charge-Neutral Iridium(III) Complexes.

PubMed

Liao, Jia-Ling; Devereux, Leon R; Fox, Mark A; Yang, Chun-Chieh; Chiang, Yu-Cheng; Chang, Chih-Hao; Lee, Gene-Hsiang; Chi, Yun

2018-01-12

A class of neutral tris-bidentate Ir III metal complexes incorporating a diphosphine as a chelate is prepared and characterized here for the first time. Treatment of [Ir(dppBz)(tht)Cl 3 ] (1, dppBz=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene, tht=tetrahydrothiophene) with fppzH (3-trifluoromethyl-5-(2'-pyridyl)-1H-pyrazole) afforded the dichloride complexes, trans-(Cl,Cl)[Ir(dppBz)(fppz)Cl 2 ] (2) and cis-(Cl,Cl)[Ir(dppBz)(fppz)Cl 2 ] (3). The reaction of 3 with the dianionic chelate precursor, 5,5'-di(trifluoromethyl)-3,3'-bipyrazole (bipzH 2 ) or 5,5'-(1-methylethylidene)-bis(3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazole) (mepzH 2 ), in DMF gave the tris-bidentate complex [Ir(dppBz)(fppz)(bipz)] (4) or [Ir(dppBz)(fppz)(mepz)] (5), respectively. In contrast, a hydride complex [Ir(dppBz)(fppz)(bipzH)H] (6) was isolated instead of 4 in protic solvent, namely: diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DGME). All complexes 2-6 are luminescent in powder form and thin films where the dichlorides (2, 3) emit with maxima at 590-627 nm (orange) and quantum yields (QYs) up to 90 % whereas the tris-bidentate (4, 5) and hydride (6) complexes emit at 455-458 nm (blue) with QYs up to 70 %. Hybrid (time-dependent) DFT calculations showed considerable metal-to-ligand charge transfer contribution to the orange-emitting 2 and 3 but substantial ligand-centered 3 π-π* transition character in the blue-emitting 4-6. The dppBz does not participate in the radiative transitions in 4-6, but it provides the rigidity and steric bulk needed to promote the luminescence by suppressing the self-quenching in the solid state. Fabrication of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) with dopant 5 gave a deep-blue CIE chromaticity of (0.16, 0.15). Superior blue emitters, which are vital in OLED applications, may be found in other neutral Ir III complexes containing phosphine chelates. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A LABOCA Survey of the Extended Chandra Deep Field South—Submillimeter Properties of Near-infrared Selected Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greve, T. R.; Weiβ, A.; Walter, F.; Smail, I.; Zheng, X. Z.; Knudsen, K. K.; Coppin, K. E. K.; Kovács, A.; Bell, E. F.; de Breuck, C.; Dannerbauer, H.; Dickinson, M.; Gawiser, E.; Lutz, D.; Rix, H.-W.; Schinnerer, E.; Alexander, D.; Bertoldi, F.; Brandt, N.; Chapman, S. C.; Ivison, R. J.; Koekemoer, A. M.; Kreysa, E.; Kurczynski, P.; Menten, K.; Siringo, G.; Swinbank, M.; van der Werf, P.

2010-08-01

Using the 330 hr ESO-MPG 870 μm survey of the Extended Chandra Deep Field South (ECDF-S) obtained with the Large Apex BOlometer CAmera (LABOCA) on the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX), we have carried out a stacking analysis at submillimeter (submm) wavelengths of a sample of 8266 near-infra-red (near-IR) selected (K vega <= 20) galaxies, including 893 BzK galaxies, 1253 extremely red objects (EROs), and 737 distant red galaxies (DRGs), selected from the Multi-wavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC). We measure average 870 μm fluxes of 0.22 ± 0.01 mJy (22.0σ), 0.48 ± 0.04 mJy (12.0σ), 0.39 ± 0.03 mJy (13.0σ), and 0.43 ± 0.04 mJy (10.8σ) for the K vega <= 20, BzK, ERO, and DRG samples, respectively. For the BzK, ERO, and DRG sub-samples, which overlap to some degree and are likely to be at z ~= 1-2, this implies an average far-IR luminosity of ~(1-5) × 1011 Lsun and star formation rate (SFR) of ~20-90 Msun . Splitting the BzK galaxies into star-forming (sBzK) and passive (pBzK) galaxies, the former is significantly detected (0.50 ± 0.04 mJy, 12.5σ) while the latter is only marginally detected (0.34 ± 0.10 mJy, 3.4σ), thus confirming that the sBzK and pBzK criteria to some extent select obscured, star-forming, and truly passive galaxies, respectively. The K vega <= 20 galaxies are found to contribute 7.27 ± 0.34 Jy deg-2 (16.5% ± 5.7%) to the 870 μm extragalactic background light (EBL). sBzK and pBzK galaxies contribute 1.49 ± 0.22 Jy deg-2 (3.4% ± 1.3%) and 0.20 ± 0.14 Jy deg-2 (0.5% ± 0.3%) to the EBL. We present the first delineation of the average submm signal from the K vega <= 20 selected galaxies and their contribution to the submm EBL as a function of (photometric) redshift, and find a decline in the average submm signal (and therefore IR luminosity and SFR) by a factor ~2-3 from z ~ 2 to z ~ 0. This is in line with a cosmic star formation history in which the star formation activity in galaxies increases significantly at z >~ 1. A linear correlation between the average 24 μm and 870 μm flux densities is found for the K vega <= 20 galaxies with 24 μm fluxes lsim350 μJy (corresponding to L IR ~= 1.5 × 1012 Lsun at z ~= 2), while at higher 24 μm fluxes there is no correlation. This behavior suggests that star formation, and not active galactic nuclei (AGNs), is in general responsible for the bulk of the mid-IR emission of L IR <~ 1.5 × 1012 Lsun systems, while in more luminous systems the AGN makes a significant contribution to the 24 μm emission. By mapping the stacked 870 μm signal across the B - z versus z - K diagram we have confirmed the ability of the sBzK selection criterion to select star-forming galaxies at z > 1, although our analysis suggests that the subset of sBzK galaxies which are also EROs are responsible for >80% of the submm emission from the entire sBzK population.

19 CFR 146.23 - Accountability for merchandise in a zone.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Section 146.23 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System § 146... receipts and removals, adjustments, and current balance on hand by date and quantity; (5) Destruction of...

19 CFR 146.51 - Customs control of merchandise.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Customs control of merchandise. 146.51 Section 146.51 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES Handling of Merchandise in a Zone § 146.51 Customs...

19 CFR 146.51 - Customs control of merchandise.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Customs control of merchandise. 146.51 Section 146.51 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES Handling of Merchandise in a Zone § 146.51 Customs...

19 CFR 146.51 - Customs control of merchandise.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Customs control of merchandise. 146.51 Section 146.51 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES Handling of Merchandise in a Zone § 146.51 Customs...

19 CFR 146.51 - Customs control of merchandise.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Customs control of merchandise. 146.51 Section 146.51 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES Handling of Merchandise in a Zone § 146.51 Customs...

19 CFR 146.51 - Customs control of merchandise.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Customs control of merchandise. 146.51 Section 146.51 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES Handling of Merchandise in a Zone § 146.51 Customs...

Securitization, alterity, and the state Human (in)security on an Amazonian frontier

PubMed Central

Brightman, Marc; Grotti, Vanessa

2016-01-01

Focusing on the region surrounding the Maroni River, which forms the border between Suriname and French Guiana, we examine how relations between different state and non-state social groups are articulated in terms of security. The region is characterised by multiple “borders” and frontiers of various kinds, the state boundary having the features of an interface or contact zone. Several key collectivities meet in this border zone: native Amazonians, tribal Maroon peoples, migrant Brazilian gold prospectors, and metropolitan French state functionaries. We explore the relationships between these different sets of actors and describe how their mutual encounters center on discourses of human and state security, thus challenging the commonly held view of the region as a stateless zone and showing that the “human security” of citizens from the perspective of the state may compete with locally salient ideas or experiences of well-being. PMID:27996063

Characterization of exposures to airborne nanoscale particles during friction stir welding of aluminum.

PubMed

Pfefferkorn, Frank E; Bello, Dhimiter; Haddad, Gilbert; Park, Ji-Young; Powell, Maria; McCarthy, Jon; Bunker, Kristin Lee; Fehrenbacher, Axel; Jeon, Yongho; Virji, M Abbas; Gruetzmacher, George; Hoover, Mark D

2010-07-01

Friction stir welding (FSW) is considered one of the most significant developments in joining technology over the last half century. Its industrial applications are growing steadily and so are the number of workers using this technology. To date, there are no reports on airborne exposures during FSW. The objective of this study was to investigate possible emissions of nanoscale (<100 nm) and fine (<1 microm) aerosols during FSW of two aluminum alloys in a laboratory setting and characterize their physicochemical composition. Several instruments measured size distributions (5 nm to 20 microm) with 1-s resolution, lung deposited surface areas, and PM(2.5) concentrations at the source and at the breathing zone (BZ). A wide range aerosol sampling system positioned at the BZ collected integrated samples in 12 stages (2 nm to 20 microm) that were analyzed for several metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Airborne aerosol was directly collected onto several transmission electron microscope grids and the morphology and chemical composition of collected particles were characterized extensively. FSW generates high concentrations of ultrafine and submicrometer particles. The size distribution was bimodal, with maxima at approximately 30 and approximately 550 nm. The mean total particle number concentration at the 30 nm peak was relatively stable at approximately 4.0 x 10(5) particles cm(-3), whereas the arithmetic mean counts at the 550 nm peak varied between 1500 and 7200 particles cm(-3), depending on the test conditions. The BZ concentrations were lower than the source concentrations by 10-100 times at their respective peak maxima and showed higher variability. The daylong average metal-specific concentrations were 2.0 (Zn), 1.4 (Al), and 0.24 (Fe) microg m(-3); the estimated average peak concentrations were an order of magnitude higher. Potential for significant exposures to fine and ultrafine aerosols, particularly of Al, Fe, and Zn, during FSW may exist, especially in larger scale industrial operations.

Characterization of Exposures to Airborne Nanoscale Particles During Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum

PubMed Central

Pfefferkorn, Frank E.; Bello, Dhimiter; Haddad, Gilbert; Park, Ji-Young; Powell, Maria; Mccarthy, Jon; Bunker, Kristin Lee; Fehrenbacher, Axel; Jeon, Yongho; Virji, M. Abbas; Gruetzmacher, George; Hoover, Mark D.

2010-01-01

Friction stir welding (FSW) is considered one of the most significant developments in joining technology over the last half century. Its industrial applications are growing steadily and so are the number of workers using this technology. To date, there are no reports on airborne exposures during FSW. The objective of this study was to investigate possible emissions of nanoscale (<100 nm) and fine (<1 μm) aerosols during FSW of two aluminum alloys in a laboratory setting and characterize their physicochemical composition. Several instruments measured size distributions (5 nm to 20 μm) with 1-s resolution, lung deposited surface areas, and PM2.5 concentrations at the source and at the breathing zone (BZ). A wide range aerosol sampling system positioned at the BZ collected integrated samples in 12 stages (2 nm to 20 μm) that were analyzed for several metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Airborne aerosol was directly collected onto several transmission electron microscope grids and the morphology and chemical composition of collected particles were characterized extensively. FSW generates high concentrations of ultrafine and submicrometer particles. The size distribution was bimodal, with maxima at ∼30 and ∼550 nm. The mean total particle number concentration at the 30 nm peak was relatively stable at ∼4.0 × 105 particles cm−3, whereas the arithmetic mean counts at the 550 nm peak varied between 1500 and 7200 particles cm−3, depending on the test conditions. The BZ concentrations were lower than the source concentrations by 10–100 times at their respective peak maxima and showed higher variability. The daylong average metal-specific concentrations were 2.0 (Zn), 1.4 (Al), and 0.24 (Fe) μg m−3; the estimated average peak concentrations were an order of magnitude higher. Potential for significant exposures to fine and ultrafine aerosols, particularly of Al, Fe, and Zn, during FSW may exist, especially in larger scale industrial operations. PMID:20453001

The neutral wind 'flywheel' as a source of quiet-time, polar-cap currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyons, L. R.; Walterscheid, R. L.; Killeen, T. L.

1985-01-01

The neutral wind pattern over the summer polar cap can be driven by plasma convection to resemble the convection pattern. For a north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field Bz directed southward, the wind speeds in the conducting E-region can become approximately 25 percent of the electric field drift speeds. If convection ceases, this neutral wind distribution can drive a significant polar cap current system for approximately 6 hours. The currents are reversed from those driven by the electric fields for southward Bz, and the Hall and field-aligned components of the current system resemble those observed during periods of northward Bz. The current magnitudes are similar to those observed during periods of small, northward Bz; however, observations indicate that electric fields often contribute to the currents as much as, or more than, the neutral winds.

A Cocatalytic Effect between Meldrum's Acid and Benzoxazine Compounds in Preparation of High Performance Thermosetting Resins.

PubMed

Chen, Yi; Lin, Liang-Kai; Chiang, Shu-Jen; Liu, Ying-Ling

2017-02-01

In this work, a cocatalytic effect between Meldrum's acid (MA) and benzoxazine (Bz) compounds has been explored to build up a self-promoting curing system. Consequently, the MA/Bz reactive blend exhibits a relatively low reaction temperature compared to the required temperatures for the cross-linking reactions of the pure MA and Bz components. This feature is attractive for energy-saving processing issues. Moreover, the thermosetting resins based on the MA/Bz reactive blends have been prepared. The MA component can generate additional free volume in the resulting resins, so as to trap air in the resin matrix and consequently to bring low dielectric constants to the resins. The MA-containing agent is an effective modifier for benzoxazine resins to reduce their dielectric constants. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Coacervation and aggregate transitions of a cationic ammonium gemini surfactant with sodium benzoate in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Wang, Ruijuan; Tian, Maozhang; Wang, Yilin

2014-03-21

Coacervation in an aqueous solution of cationic ammonium gemini surfactant hexamethylene-1,6-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (C12C6C12Br2) with sodium benzoate (NaBz) has been investigated at 25 °C by turbidity titration, light microscopy, dynamic light scattering, cryogenic temperature transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), isothermal titration calorimetry, ζ potential and (1)H NMR measurements. There is a critical NaBz concentration of 0.10 M, only above which coacervation can take place. However, if the NaBz concentration is too large, coacervation also becomes difficult. Coacervation takes place at a very low concentration of C12C6C12Br2 and exists in a very wide concentration region of C12C6C12Br2. The phase behavior in the NaBz concentration from 0.15 to 0.50 M includes spherical micelles, threadlike micelles, coacervation, and precipitation. With increasing NaBz concentration, the phase boundaries of coacervation shift to higher C12C6C12Br2 concentration. Moreover, the C12C6C12Br2-NaBz aggregates in the coacervate are found to be close to charge neutralized. The Cryo-TEM and SEM images of the coacervate shows a layer-layer stacking structure consisting of a three-dimensional network formed by the assembly of threadlike micelles. Long, dense and almost uncharged threadlike micelles are the precursors of coacervation in the system.

Analysis of recoverable current from one component of magnetic flux density in MREIT and MRCDI.

PubMed

Park, Chunjae; Lee, Byung Il; Kwon, Oh In

2007-06-07

Magnetic resonance current density imaging (MRCDI) provides a current density image by measuring the induced magnetic flux density within the subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) has been focused on extracting some useful information of the current density and conductivity distribution in the subject Omega using measured B(z), one component of the magnetic flux density B. In this paper, we analyze the map Tau from current density vector field J to one component of magnetic flux density B(z) without any assumption on the conductivity. The map Tau provides an orthogonal decomposition J = J(P) + J(N) of the current J where J(N) belongs to the null space of the map Tau. We explicitly describe the projected current density J(P) from measured B(z). Based on the decomposition, we prove that B(z) data due to one injection current guarantee a unique determination of the isotropic conductivity under assumptions that the current is two-dimensional and the conductivity value on the surface is known. For a two-dimensional dominating current case, the projected current density J(P) provides a good approximation of the true current J without accumulating noise effects. Numerical simulations show that J(P) from measured B(z) is quite similar to the target J. Biological tissue phantom experiments compare J(P) with the reconstructed J via the reconstructed isotropic conductivity using the harmonic B(z) algorithm.

Fredkin and Toffoli Gates Implemented in Oregonator Model of Belousov-Zhabotinsky Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamatzky, Andrew

A thin-layer Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) medium is a powerful computing device capable for implementing logical circuits, memory, image processors, robot controllers, and neuromorphic architectures. We design the reversible logical gates — Fredkin gate and Toffoli gate — in a BZ medium network of excitable channels with subexcitable junctions. Local control of the BZ medium excitability is an important feature of the gates’ design. An excitable thin-layer BZ medium responds to a localized perturbation with omnidirectional target or spiral excitation waves. A subexcitable BZ medium responds to an asymmetric perturbation by producing traveling localized excitation wave-fragments similar to dissipative solitons. We employ interactions between excitation wave-fragments to perform the computation. We interpret the wave-fragments as values of Boolean variables. The presence of a wave-fragment at a given site of a circuit represents the logical truth, absence of the wave-fragment — logically false. Fredkin gate consists of ten excitable channels intersecting at 11 junctions, eight of which are subexcitable. Toffoli gate consists of six excitable channels intersecting at six junctions, four of which are subexcitable. The designs of the gates are verified using numerical integration of two-variable Oregonator equations.

Detecting spatial defects in colored patterns using self-oscillating gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V.; Dickerson, Samuel J.; Balazs, Anna C.

2018-06-01

With the growing demand for wearable computers, there is a need for material systems that can perform computational tasks without relying on external electrical power. Using theory and simulation, we design a material system that "computes" by integrating the inherent behavior of self-oscillating gels undergoing the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction and piezoelectric (PZ) plates. These "BZ-PZ" units are connected electrically to form a coupled oscillator network, which displays specific modes of synchronization. We exploit this attribute in employing multiple BZ-PZ networks to perform pattern matching on complex multi-dimensional data, such as colored images. By decomposing a colored image into sets of binary vectors, we use each BZ-PZ network, or "channel," to store distinct information about the color and the shape of the image and perform the pattern matching operation. Our simulation results indicate that the multi-channel BZ-PZ device can detect subtle differences between the input and stored patterns, such as the color variation of one pixel or a small change in the shape of an object. To demonstrate a practical application, we utilize our system to process a colored Quick Response code and show its potential in cryptography and steganography.

Evaluating social-ecological aspects of buffer zones at the borders of Etosha National Park, Namibia

Treesearch

Lelani M. Mannetti; Ulrich Zeller; Karen J. Esler

2015-01-01

The study aims to investigate the premise that the implementation of a buffer zone around a national park provides opportunities for local communities to become active in the management of such areas. The study focuses on the Etosha National Park in Namibia, where the implementation of a buffer zone has been proposed, since the park fence is a potential barrier for...

Mechanisms of atrial tachyarrhythmias associated with coronary artery occlusion in a chronic canine model.

PubMed

Nishida, Kunihiro; Qi, Xiao Yan; Wakili, Reza; Comtois, Philippe; Chartier, Denis; Harada, Masahide; Iwasaki, Yu-ki; Romeo, Philippe; Maguy, Ange; Dobrev, Dobromir; Michael, Georghia; Talajic, Mario; Nattel, Stanley

2011-01-18

Coronary artery disease predisposes to atrial fibrillation (AF), but the effects of chronic atrial ischemia/infarction on AF-related substrates are unknown. Regional right atrial myocardial infarction (MI) was created in 40 dogs by ligating an artery that supplies the right atrial free wall and not the ventricles; 35 sham dogs with the same artery isolated but not ligated were controls. Dogs were observed 8 days after MI and subjected to open-chest study, in vitro optical mapping, and/or cell isolation for patch-clamp and Ca(2+) imaging on day 8. Holter ECGs showed more spontaneous atrial ectopy in MI dogs (eg, 662±281 on day 7 versus 34±25 ectopic complexes per day at baseline; 52±21 versus 1±1 atrial tachycardia episodes per day). Triggered activity was increased in MI border zone cells, which had faster decay of caffeine-evoked Ca(2+) transients and enhanced (by ≈73%) Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange current. Spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks (confocal microscopy) occurred under β-adrenergic stimulation in more MI dog cells (66±9%) than in control cells (29±4%; P<0.01). Burst pacing induced long-lasting AF in MI dogs (1146±259 versus 30±14 seconds in shams). Increased border zone conduction heterogeneity was confirmed by both bipolar electrode mapping in vivo and optical mapping. Optical mapping demonstrated stable border zone reentry in all 9 MI preparations but in none of 6 shams. Border zone tissue showed increased fibrous tissue content. Chronic atrial ischemia/infarction creates substrates for both spontaneous ectopy (Ca(2+)-release events, increased Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange current) and sustained reentry (conduction abnormalities that anchor reentry). Thus, chronic atrial infarction in dogs promotes both AF triggers and the substrate for AF maintenance. These results provide novel insights into potential AF mechanisms in patients with coronary artery disease.

The elusive S{sub 2} state, the S{sub 1}/S{sub 2} splitting, and the excimer states of the benzene dimer

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

Balmer, Franziska A.; Trachsel, Maria A.; Leutwyler, Samuel

We observe the weak S{sub 0} → S{sub 2} transitions of the T-shaped benzene dimers (Bz){sub 2} and (Bz-d{sub 6}){sub 2} about 250 cm{sup −1} and 220 cm{sup −1} above their respective S{sub 0} → S{sub 1} electronic origins using two-color resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy. Spin-component scaled (SCS) second-order approximate coupled-cluster (CC2) calculations predict that for the tipped T-shaped geometry, the S{sub 0} → S{sub 2} electronic oscillator strength f{sub el}(S{sub 2}) is ∼10 times smaller than f{sub el}(S{sub 1}) and the S{sub 2} state lies ∼240 cm{sup −1} above S{sub 1}, in excellent agreement with experiment. The S{sub 0}more » → S{sub 1} (ππ{sup ∗}) transition is mainly localized on the “stem” benzene, with a minor stem → cap charge-transfer contribution; the S{sub 0} → S{sub 2} transition is mainly localized on the “cap” benzene. The orbitals, electronic oscillator strengths f{sub el}(S{sub 1}) and f{sub el}(S{sub 2}), and transition frequencies depend strongly on the tipping angle ω between the two Bz moieties. The SCS-CC2 calculated S{sub 1} and S{sub 2} excitation energies at different T-shaped, stacked-parallel and parallel-displaced stationary points of the (Bz){sub 2} ground-state surface allow to construct approximate S{sub 1} and S{sub 2} potential energy surfaces and reveal their relation to the “excimer” states at the stacked-parallel geometry. The f{sub el}(S{sub 1}) and f{sub el}(S{sub 2}) transition dipole moments at the C{sub 2v}-symmetric T-shape, parallel-displaced and stacked-parallel geometries are either zero or ∼10 times smaller than at the tipped T-shaped geometry. This unusual property of the S{sub 0} → S{sub 1} and S{sub 0} → S{sub 2} transition-dipole moment surfaces of (Bz){sub 2} restricts its observation by electronic spectroscopy to the tipped and tilted T-shaped geometries; the other ground-state geometries are impossible or extremely difficult to observe. The S{sub 0} → S{sub 1}/S{sub 2} spectra of (Bz){sub 2} are compared to those of imidazole ⋅ (Bz){sub 2}, which has a rigid triangular structure with a tilted (Bz){sub 2} subunit. The S{sub 0} → S{sub 1}/ S{sub 2} transitions of imidazole-(benzene){sub 2} lie at similar energies as those of (Bz){sub 2}, confirming our assignment of the (Bz){sub 2} S{sub 0} → S{sub 2} transition.« less

Comparative analysis of Histone modifications and DNA methylation at OsBZ8 locus under salinity stress in IR64 and Nonabokra rice varieties.

PubMed

Paul, Amit; Dasgupta, Pratiti; Roy, Dipan; Chaudhuri, Shubho

2017-09-01

Rice being an important cereal crop is highly sensitive to salinity stress causing growth retardation and loss in productivity. However, certain rice genotypes like Nonabokra and Pokkali show a high level of tolerance towards salinity stress compared to IR64 variety. This differential response of tolerant varieties towards salinity stress may be a cumulative effect of genetic and epigenetic factors. In this study, we have compared the salinity-induced changes in chromatin modifications at the OsBZ8 locus in salt-tolerant Nonabokra and salt-sensitive IR64 rice varieties. Expression analysis indicates that the OsBZ8 gene is highly induced in Nonabokra plants even in the absence of salt stress, whereas in IR64, the expression significantly increases only during salt stress. Sequence analysis and nucleosomal arrangement within the region -2000 to +1000 of OsBZ8 gene show no difference between the two rice varieties. However, there was a considerable difference in histone modifications and DNA methylation at the locus between these varieties. In Nonabokra, the upstream region was hyperacetylated at H3K9 and H3K27, and this acetylation did not change during salt stress. However, in IR64, histone acetylation was observed only during salt stress. Moreover, the upstream region of OsBZ8 gene has highly dynamic nucleosome arrangement in Nonabokra, compared to IR64. Furthermore, loss of DNA methylation was observed at OsBZ8 locus in Nonabokra control plants along with low H3K27me3 and high H3K4me3. Control IR64 plants show high DNA methylation and enriched H3K27me3. Collectively these results indicate a significant difference in chromatin modifications between the rice varieties that regulates differential expression of OsBZ8 gene during salt stress.

Analysis of self-oscillating behaviors aimed at the development of a molecular robot with organic acids as fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakazumi, Tomoka; Hara, Yusuke

2017-09-01

We studied the transmittance self-oscillation of a polymer chain driven by an organic acid as the fuel. The self-oscillating polymer chain consists of 4-acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) and the Ru catalyst (Ru(bpy)3) of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. The transmittance self-oscillating behavior was affected significantly by the temperature. As the amplitude of the transmittance self-oscillation, which is reflected by the aggregation state, decreased with time, the oscillation period also decreased. This trend indicates that the polymer aggregation affects the rate of the BZ reaction significantly. The activation energy of the self-oscillating value was almost the same in the normal BZ reaction, which does not include Ru(bpy)3 complexes in the polymer chains. In addition, we demonstrated the effect of one BZ substrate (sodium bromate or malonic acid) on the transmittance self-oscillation period.

Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)

Treesearch

Scott H. Stoleson; Giancarlo Sadoti

2010-01-01

The Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) might well be dubbed "the Great Pretender" because it so closely resembles the ubiquitous Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) in appearance and behavior as to be frequently mistaken for it. In the border regions where it lives, it may be confused as well with another "Mexican" raptor, the Common Black-Hawk (...

WannierTools: An open-source software package for novel topological materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, QuanSheng; Zhang, ShengNan; Song, Hai-Feng; Troyer, Matthias; Soluyanov, Alexey A.

2018-03-01

We present an open-source software package WannierTools, a tool for investigation of novel topological materials. This code works in the tight-binding framework, which can be generated by another software package Wannier90 (Mostofi et al., 2008). It can help to classify the topological phase of a given material by calculating the Wilson loop, and can get the surface state spectrum, which is detected by angle resolved photoemission (ARPES) and in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments. It also identifies positions of Weyl/Dirac points and nodal line structures, calculates the Berry phase around a closed momentum loop and Berry curvature in a part of the Brillouin zone (BZ).

Spectroscopic confirmation of a galaxy cluster associated with 7C 1756+6520 at z = 1.416

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galametz, A.; Stern, D.; Stanford, S. A.; De Breuck, C.; Vernet, J.; Griffith, R. L.; Harrison, F. A.

2010-06-01

We present spectroscopic follow-up of an overdensity of galaxies photometrically selected to be at 1.4 < z < 2.5 found in the vicinity of the radio galaxy 7C 1756+6520 at z = 1.4156. Using the DEIMOS optical multi-object spectrograph on the Keck 2 telescope, we observed a total of 129 BzK-selected sources, comprising 82 blue, star-forming galaxy candidates (sBzK) and 47 red, passively-evolving galaxy candidates (pBzK*), as well as 11 mid-infrared selected AGN candidates. We obtain robust spectroscopic redshifts for 36 blue galaxies, 7 red galaxies and 9 AGN candidates. Assuming all foreground interlopers were identified, we find that only 16% (9%) of the sBzK (pBzK*) galaxies are at z < 1.4. Therefore, the BzK criteria are shown to be relatively robust at identifying galaxies at moderate redshifts. Twenty-one galaxies, including the radio galaxy, four additional AGN candidates and three red galaxy candidates are found with 1.4156 ± 0.025, forming a large scale structure at the redshift of the radio galaxy. Of these, eight have projected offsets <2 Mpc relative to the radio galaxy position and have velocity offsets <1000 km s-1 relative to the radio galaxy redshift. This confirms that 7C 1756+6520 is associated with a high-redshift galaxy cluster. A second compact group of four galaxies is found at z ~ 1.437, forming a sub-group offset by Δv ~ 3000 km s-1 and approximately 1.'5 east of the radio galaxy.

Pattern recognition with "materials that compute".

PubMed

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V; Levitan, Steven P; Balazs, Anna C

2016-09-01

Driven by advances in materials and computer science, researchers are attempting to design systems where the computer and material are one and the same entity. Using theoretical and computational modeling, we design a hybrid material system that can autonomously transduce chemical, mechanical, and electrical energy to perform a computational task in a self-organized manner, without the need for external electrical power sources. Each unit in this system integrates a self-oscillating gel, which undergoes the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, with an overlaying piezoelectric (PZ) cantilever. The chemomechanical oscillations of the BZ gels deflect the PZ layer, which consequently generates a voltage across the material. When these BZ-PZ units are connected in series by electrical wires, the oscillations of these units become synchronized across the network, where the mode of synchronization depends on the polarity of the PZ. We show that the network of coupled, synchronizing BZ-PZ oscillators can perform pattern recognition. The "stored" patterns are set of polarities of the individual BZ-PZ units, and the "input" patterns are coded through the initial phase of the oscillations imposed on these units. The results of the modeling show that the input pattern closest to the stored pattern exhibits the fastest convergence time to stable synchronization behavior. In this way, networks of coupled BZ-PZ oscillators achieve pattern recognition. Further, we show that the convergence time to stable synchronization provides a robust measure of the degree of match between the input and stored patterns. Through these studies, we establish experimentally realizable design rules for creating "materials that compute."

Pattern recognition with “materials that compute”

PubMed Central

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V.; Levitan, Steven P.; Balazs, Anna C.

2016-01-01

Driven by advances in materials and computer science, researchers are attempting to design systems where the computer and material are one and the same entity. Using theoretical and computational modeling, we design a hybrid material system that can autonomously transduce chemical, mechanical, and electrical energy to perform a computational task in a self-organized manner, without the need for external electrical power sources. Each unit in this system integrates a self-oscillating gel, which undergoes the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, with an overlaying piezoelectric (PZ) cantilever. The chemomechanical oscillations of the BZ gels deflect the PZ layer, which consequently generates a voltage across the material. When these BZ-PZ units are connected in series by electrical wires, the oscillations of these units become synchronized across the network, where the mode of synchronization depends on the polarity of the PZ. We show that the network of coupled, synchronizing BZ-PZ oscillators can perform pattern recognition. The “stored” patterns are set of polarities of the individual BZ-PZ units, and the “input” patterns are coded through the initial phase of the oscillations imposed on these units. The results of the modeling show that the input pattern closest to the stored pattern exhibits the fastest convergence time to stable synchronization behavior. In this way, networks of coupled BZ-PZ oscillators achieve pattern recognition. Further, we show that the convergence time to stable synchronization provides a robust measure of the degree of match between the input and stored patterns. Through these studies, we establish experimentally realizable design rules for creating “materials that compute.” PMID:27617290

From the chromatin interaction network to the organization of the human genome into replication N/U-domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulos, Rasha E.; Julienne, Hanna; Baker, Antoine; Chen, Chun-Long; Petryk, Nataliya; Kahli, Malik; dʼAubenton-Carafa, Yves; Goldar, Arach; Jensen, Pablo; Hyrien, Olivier; Thermes, Claude; Arneodo, Alain; Audit, Benjamin

2014-11-01

The three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the mammalian nucleus is now being unraveled thanks to the recent development of chromatin conformation capture (3C) technologies. Here we report the results of a combined multiscale analysis of genome-wide mean replication timing and chromatin conformation data that reveal some intimate relationships between chromatin folding and human DNA replication. We previously described megabase replication N/U-domains as mammalian multiorigin replication units, and showed that their borders are ‘master’ replication initiation zones that likely initiate cascades of origin firing responsible for the stereotypic replication of these domains. Here, we demonstrate that replication N/U-domains correspond to the structural domains of self-interacting chromatin, and that their borders act as insulating regions both in high-throughput 3C (Hi-C) data and high-resolution 3C (4C) experiments. Further analyses of Hi-C data using a graph-theoretical approach reveal that N/U-domain borders are long-distance, interconnected hubs of the chromatin interaction network. Overall, these results and the observation that a well-defined ordering of chromatin states exists from N/U-domain borders to centers suggest that ‘master’ replication initiation zones are at the heart of a high-order, epigenetically controlled 3D organization of the human genome.

The Border Ranges fault system in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: Evidence for major early Cenozoic dextral strike-slip motion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smart, K.J.; Pavlis, T.L.; Sisson, V.B.; Roeske, S.M.; Snee, L.W.

1996-01-01

The Border Ranges fault system of southern Alaska, the fundamental break between the arc basement and the forearc accretionary complex, is the boundary between the Peninsular-Alexander-Wrangellia terrane and the Chugach terrane. The fault system separates crystalline rocks of the Alexander terrane from metamorphic rocks of the Chugach terrane in Glacier Bay National Park. Mylonitic rocks in the zone record abundant evidence for dextral strike-slip motion along north-northwest-striking subvertical surfaces. Geochronologic data together with regional correlations of Chugach terrane rocks involved in the deformation constrain this movement between latest Cretaceous and Early Eocene (???50 Ma). These findings are in agreement with studies to the northwest and southeast along the Border Ranges fault system which show dextral strike-slip motion occurring between 58 and 50 Ma. Correlations between Glacier Bay plutons and rocks of similar ages elsewhere along the Border Ranges fault system suggest that as much as 700 km of dextral motion may have been accommodated by this structure. These observations are consistent with oblique convergence of the Kula plate during early Cenozoic and forearc slivering above an ancient subduction zone following late Mesozoic accretion of the Peninsular-Alexander-Wrangellia terrane to North America.

The Maritsa strike-slip shear zone between Kostenets and Krichim towns, South Bulgaria — Structural, petrographic and isotope geochronology study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naydenov, Kalin; Peytcheva, Irena; von Quadt, Albrecht; Sarov, Stoyan; Kolcheva, Krastina; Dimov, Dimo

2013-06-01

The present study describes the characteristics of the Maritsa Shear Zone (MSZ), a major tectonic element in the Balkanides in South Central Bulgaria. Metamorphic rocks of four lithotectonic units — Madan, Chepinska, Asenitsa and Thrace units crop out in the study area. Strike-slip ductile deformation in MSZ affects the Thrace Lithotectonic Unit (TLU) for up to 15 km. The stratigraphy of this unit is divided in two: Parvenets succession and variegated succession. U-Pb zircon dating reveals Late Jurassic protolith age for metagranitoids and metagabbros of the variegated succession. For its metasedimentary part Triassic to Upper Jurassic age is suggested based on the strontium isotope signature of the marbles. The Parvenets succession affiliates to the Variscan metamorphic basement of Europe. The metamorphic evolution of the zone is subdivided into synmetamorphic strike-slip deformations and annealing stages. The ductile shearing occurred in greenschist to lower amphibolite facies between 130 Ma (discordant U-Pb ages) and 82-78 Ma (late-syntectonic granites). This stage is connected with the oblique collision of the Rhodope Late Jurassic arc with the European platform. With the docking of the arc and the triggering of the strike-slip movements, MSZ represents an orogen-scale border between the Rhodope south-vergent thrust complex and the north-vergent deformations in the Srednogorie and Sakar-Strandzha zones. During the Late Cretaceous MSZ is the contact between the Srednogorie magmatic arc (part of the Apuseni-Banat-Timok-Srednogorie Belt) and the Rhodopean metamorphic core complexes. NW-SE dextral faulting characterized the brittle tectonics along the zone. Strike-slip faults of the southern border of the TLU are transferred into reverse faults, along which the TLU overthrusted Oligocene sediments. MSZ is an orogen-scale transpressional shear zone and an important border in the structure of the Balkanides. This multidisciplinary research emphasizes its role as a major tectonic element by presenting new structural, petrographic and isotope geochronology data.

Status of imported malaria in a control zone of the United Arab Emirates bordering an area of unstable malaria.

PubMed

Dar, F K; Bayoumi, R; al Karmi, T; Shalabi, A; Beidas, F; Hussein, M M

1993-01-01

A concerted malaria eradication programme in the United Arab Emirates has reduced local transmission to only a very few small foci in the country. The Al Ain district is now a consolidation zone. However, transmission across the undemarcated border with Oman continues. Malaria imported by the large immigrant work force from major disease endemic areas remains a large burden. An added threat is the appearance of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum principally from Sudan and Pakistan but increasingly amongst Omani cases seen in the hospitals and clinics in Al Ain. The implications of re-introduction of malaria and the establishment of chloroquine resistance, particularly for non-immune residents and visitors, are emphasized.

Relationship between electron field-aligned anisotropy and dawn-dusk magnetic field: Nine years of Cluster observations in the Earth magnetotail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yushkov, E.; Petrukovich, A.; Artemyev, A.; Nakamura, R.

2017-09-01

We investigate the distribution and possible origins of thermal anisotropic electrons in the Earth's magnetotail, using 9 years of Cluster observations. We mainly focus on relation between electron anisotropy and Bz and By magnetic field components (in GSM coordinates). The anisotropy of electron population is characterized by temperature ratio T∥/T⊥ and by the maximum of phase space density ratio F∥/F⊥ (∥ and ⊥ are relative to the background magnetic field). The population identified by large F∥/F⊥ is organized as short-time (dozens of seconds) bursts with enhanced F∥ and can be observed even in the plasma sheet with small T∥/T⊥. The thermal anisotropy T∥/T⊥ is larger for time intervals characterized by stronger Bz and By: the strong By corresponds to the T∥/T⊥ peak around the magnetotail neutral plane Bx=0, whereas the strong Bz corresponds to larger T∥/T⊥ with a flat profile across the magnetotail. There is a dawn-dusk asymmetry: large T∥/T⊥ corresponds mostly to strong Bz at the dusk flank and to strong By at the dawn flank. Using these differences of the electron anisotropy dependence on By and Bz, we discuss two possible mechanisms responsible for the anisotropy formation.

ATP-Dependent C–F Bond Cleavage Allows the Complete Degradation of 4-Fluoroaromatics without Oxygen

PubMed Central

Tiedt, Oliver; Mergelsberg, Mario; Boll, Kerstin; Müller, Michael; Adrian, Lorenz; Jehmlich, Nico; von Bergen, Martin

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Complete biodegradation of the abundant and persistent fluoroaromatics requires enzymatic cleavage of an arylic C–F bond, probably the most stable single bond of a biodegradable organic molecule. While in aerobic microorganisms defluorination of fluoroaromatics is initiated by oxygenases, arylic C–F bond cleavage has never been observed in the absence of oxygen. Here, an oxygen-independent enzymatic aryl fluoride bond cleavage is described during the complete degradation of 4-fluorobenzoate or 4-fluorotoluene to CO2 and HF in the denitrifying Thauera aromatica: the ATP-dependent defluorination of 4-fluorobenzoyl-coenzyme A (4-F-BzCoA) to benzoyl-coenzyme A (BzCoA) and HF, catalyzed by class I BzCoA reductase (BCR). Adaptation to growth with the fluoroaromatics was accomplished by the downregulation of a promiscuous benzoate-CoA ligase and the concomitant upregulation of 4-F-BzCoA-defluorinating/dearomatizing BCR on the transcriptional level. We propose an unprecedented mechanism for reductive arylic C–F bond cleavage via a Birch reduction-like mechanism resulting in a formal nucleophilic aromatic substitution. In the proposed anionic 4-fluorodienoyl-CoA transition state, fluoride elimination to BzCoA is favored over protonation to a fluorinated cyclic dienoyl-CoA. PMID:27507824

Direct measurement of magnetic flux compression on the Z pulsed-power accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McBride, R. D.; Bliss, D. E.; Martin, M. R.; Jennings, C. A.; Lamppa, D. C.; Dolan, D. H.; Lemke, R. W.; Rovang, D. C.; Rochau, G. A.; Cuneo, M. E.; Sinars, D. B.; Intrator, T. P.; Weber, T. E.

2016-10-01

We report on the progress made to date for directly measuring magnetic flux compression on Z. Each experiment consisted of an initially solid aluminum liner (a cylindrical tube), which was imploded using Z's drive current (0-20 MA in 100 ns). The imploding liner compresses a 10-20-T axial seed field, Bz(0), supplied by an independently driven Helmholtz coil pair. Assuming perfect flux conservation, the axial field amplification should be well described by Bz(t) =Bz (0)×[R(0)/R(t)]2, where R is the liner's inner surface radius. With perfect flux conservation, Bz and dBz/dt values exceeding 104 T and 1012 T/s, respectively, are expected. These large values, the diminishing liner volume, and the harsh environment on Z, make it particularly challenging to measure these fields directly. We report on our latest efforts to do so using a fiber-optic-based Faraday rotation diagnostic, where the magneto-active portion of the sensor is made from terbium-doped optical fiber. We have now used this diagnostic to measure a flux-compressed magnetic field to over 600 T prior to the imploding liner hitting the on-axis fiber housing. This project was funded in part by Sandia's LDRD program and US DOE-NNSA contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Dual-dye optical mapping after myocardial infarction: does the site of ventricular stimulation alter the properties of electrical propagation?

PubMed

Saba, Samir; Mathier, Michael A; Mehdi, Haider; Liu, Tong; Choi, Bum-Rak; London, Barry; Salama, Guy

2008-02-01

Myocardial infarction (MI) disrupts electrical conduction in affected ventricular areas. We investigated the effect of MI on the regional voltage and calcium (Ca) signals and their propagation properties, with special attention to the effect of the site of ventricular pacing on these properties. New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four study groups: sham-operated (C, n = 6), MI with no pacing (MI, n = 7), MI with right ventricular pacing (MI + RV, n = 6), and MI with BIV pacing (MI + BIV, n = 7). At 4 weeks, hearts were excised, perfused, and optically mapped. As previously shown, systolic and diastolic dilation of the LV were prevented by BIV pacing, as was the reduction in LV fractional shortening. Four weeks after MI, optical mapping revealed markedly reduced action potential amplitudes and conduction velocities (CV) in MI zones, and these increased gradually in the border zone and normal myocardial areas. Also, Ca transients were absent in the infarcted areas and increased gradually 3-5 mm from the border of the normal zone. Neither BIV nor RV pacing affected these findings in any of the MI, border, or normal zones. MI has profound effects on the regional electrical and Ca signals and on their propagation properties in this rabbit model. The absence of differences in these parameters by study group suggests that altering the properties of myocardial electrical conduction and Ca signaling are unlikely mechanisms by which BIV pacing confers its benefits. Further studies into the regional, cellular, and molecular benefits of BIV pacing are therefore warranted.

NAFTA: The World's Largest Trading Zone Turns 20

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferrarini, Tawni Hunt; Day, Stephen

2014-01-01

Everyone under the age of 20 who has grown up in North America has lived in the common market created by NAFTA--the North American Free Trade Agreement. In a zone linking the United States, Canada, and Mexico, most goods and investments flow freely across borders to users, consumers, and investors. In 1994, NAFTA created the largest relatively…

76 FR 37647 - Safety Zone; Missouri River From the Border Between Montana and North Dakota

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-28

... destruction, loss or injury due to hazards associated with rising flood water. Operation in this zone is... vessels from destruction, loss or injury due to the hazards associated with rising flood water. The... destruction, loss or injury due to the hazards associated with rising flood water. If you are a small business...

Ticks on Deer and Cattle in the Cattle Fever Tick Permanent Quarantine Zone, 2012

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ticks were sampled from hosts in the cattle fever tick permanent quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border on five occasions in 2012. Three sample events involved white-tailed deer populations in Zapata and Starr Counties and two were from a cattle herd in Kinney County. Six species of ticks (n ...

Environmental exposure of road borders to zinc.

PubMed

Blok, J

2005-09-15

The emissions of zinc along roads originating from tyre wear, corrosion of safety fence and other traffic-related sources have been quantified and validated by measured long-term loads in road run-off and airborne solids (drift) for 29 published case studies. The distribution pattern over the road border at various distances from the edge of the paved surface is assessed on the basis of 38 published case studies with measured concentrations in soil. For the impact assessment, the road border is differentiated into a zone that is part of the "technosphere" and the "target zone" beyond that technosphere that can be considered as part of the receiving environment. The "technosphere" of the road includes the central reservation, the hard and the soft shoulder or, if one or both shoulders are not present, the so-called obstacle "free zone" that is defined by road engineers. Pollution within the technosphere may require appropriate management of solid disposal and isolation from groundwater to prevent further distribution of pollutants to the environment. In the target zone along regional roads, the zinc load is about 4 mg/m(2) year and this is of the same order of magnitude as that of atmospheric deposition in areas beyond the influence of roads (background). In the target zone along highways, the zinc load is increased in comparison to the background deposition. The average load of about 38 mg/m(2) year is similar to that in fertilised agricultural land. Because most of the emitted zinc stays in the technosphere, the total amount entering this target zone along highways is limited. From the 140 tons of zinc per year that is released from tyre wear in The Netherlands, 64 tons is emitted in the urban area, 6.5 tons reaches to the target zones of all roads and only 1.1 tons of zinc will enter the target zone along highways. This amount will be further decreased by the application of porous asphalt in the near future. The emission from safety fence corrosion does not enter the target zone. Only in special cases, such as bridges, crossings and squares the release of zinc from these sources may enter the aquatic environment by the discharge of run-off.

[Landscape and zonal distribution of bloodsucking mosquitoes and horse flies (Diptera: Culicidae, Tabanidae) in the northeastern Russian Plain].

PubMed

Pestov, S V; Paniukova, E V

2013-01-01

The data on the distribution of 34 species of bloodsucking mosquitoes and on 42 horsefly species of the fauna of the northeastern Russian Plain are given. The analysis of the landscape and zonal changes in species diversity and their abundance was performed. Species diversity of these families increased northwards. Two borders of the fauna's depletion were discovered: at the border between the middle and northern taiga subzones (mosquitoes and horseflies) and at the border between the northernmost taiga subzone and the forest-tundra zone (horseflies only). The northern and southern boundaries of species ranges in the region are identified.

A Tailward Moving Current Sheet Normal Magnetic Field Front Followed by an Earthward Moving Dipolarization Front

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hwang, K.-J.; Goldstein, M. L.; Moore, T. E.; Walsh, B. M.; Baishev, D. G.; Moiseyev, A. V.; Shevtsov, B. M.; Yumoto, K.

2014-01-01

A case study is presented using measurements from the Cluster spacecraft and ground-based magnetometers that show a substorm onset propagating from the inner to outer plasma sheet. On 3 October 2005, Cluster, traversing an ion-scale current sheet at the near-Earth plasma sheet, detected a sudden enhancement of Bz, which was immediately followed by a series of flux rope structures. Both the local Bz enhancement and flux ropes propagated tailward. Approximately 5 min later, another Bz enhancement, followed by a large density decrease, was observed to rapidly propagate earthward. Between the two Bz enhancements, a significant removal of magnetic flux occurred, possibly resulting from the tailward moving Bz enhancement and flux ropes. In our scenario, this flux removal caused the magnetotail to be globally stretched so that the thinnest sheet formed tailward of Cluster. The thinned current sheet facilitated magnetic reconnection that quickly evolved from plasma sheet to lobe and generated the later earthward moving dipolarization front (DF) followed by a reduction in density and entropy. Ground magnetograms located near the meridian of Cluster's magnetic foot points show two-step bay enhancements. The positive bay associated with the first Bz enhancement indicates that the substorm onset signatures propagated from the inner to the outer plasma sheet, consistent with the Cluster observation. The more intense bay features associated with the later DF are consistent with the earthward motion of the front. The event suggests that current disruption signatures that originated in the near-Earth current sheet propagated tailward, triggering or facilitating midtail reconnection, thereby preconditioning the magnetosphere for a later strong substorm enhancement.

Methyl salicylate differently affects benzenoid and terpenoid volatile emissions in Betula pendula.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Kaurilind, Eve; Jiang, Yifan; Niinemets, Ülo

2018-06-20

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is a long-distance signal transduction chemical that plays an important role in plant responses to abiotic stress and herbivore and pathogen attacks. However, it is unclear how photosynthesis and elicitation of plant volatile organic compounds (VOC) from different metabolic pathways respond to the dose of MeSA. We applied different MeSA concentrations (0-50 mM) to study how exogenous MeSA alters VOC profiles of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) leaves from application through recovery (0.5-23 h). Methyl salicylate application significantly reduced net assimilation rate in 10 mM and 20 mM MeSA-treated plants. No significant effects of MeSA were observed on the stomatal conductance at any MeSA concentration. Methyl salicylate elicited emissions of benzenoids (BZ), monoterpenes (MT) and fatty acid derived compounds (LOX products). Emission rates of BZ were positively, but emission rates of MT were negatively correlated with MeSA concentration. Total emission of LOX products was not influenced by MeSA concentration. Emission rate of MT was negatively correlated with BZ and the share of MT in the total emission blend decreased and the share of BZ increased with increasing MeSA concentration. Although the share of LOX products was similar across MeSA treatments, some LOX products responded differently to MeSA concentration, ultimately resulting in unique VOC blends. Overall, this study demonstrates inverse responses of MT and BZ to different MeSA doses such that plant defense mechanisms induced by lower MeSA doses mainly lead to enhanced MT synthesis, whereas greater MeSA doses trigger BZ-related defense mechanisms. Our results will contribute to improving the understanding of birch defenses induced upon regular herbivore attacks and pathogen infections in boreal forests.

Functional complementation of anthocyanin sequestration in the vacuole by widely divergent glutathione S-transferases.

PubMed Central

Alfenito, M R; Souer, E; Goodman, C D; Buell, R; Mol, J; Koes, R; Walbot, V

1998-01-01

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) traditionally have been studied in plants and other organisms for their ability to detoxify chemically diverse herbicides and other toxic organic compounds. Anthocyanins are among the few endogenous substrates of plant GSTs that have been identified. The Bronze2 (Bz2) gene encodes a type III GST and performs the last genetically defined step of the maize anthocyanin pigment pathway. This step is the conjugation of glutathione to cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G). Glutathionated C3G is transported to the vacuole via a tonoplast Mg-ATP-requiring glutathione pump (GS-X pump). Genetically, the comparable step in the petunia anthocyanin pathway is controlled by the Anthocyanin9 (An9) gene. An9 was cloned by transposon tagging and found to encode a type I plant GST. Bz2 and An9 have evolved independently from distinct types of GSTs, but each is regulated by the conserved transcriptional activators of the anthocyanin pathway. Here, a phylogenetic analysis is presented, with special consideration given to the origin of these genes and their relaxed substrate requirements. In particle bombardment tests, An9 and Bz2 functionally complement both mutants. Among several other GSTs tested, only soybean GmGST26A (previously called GmHsp26A and GH2/4) and maize GSTIII were found to confer vacuolar sequestration of anthocyanin. Previously, these genes had not been associated with the anthocyanin pathway. Requirements for An9 and Bz2 gene function were investigated by sequencing functional and nonfunctional germinal revertants of an9-T3529, bz2::Ds, and bz2::Mu1. PMID:9668133

Optimization of multiply acquired magnetic flux density B(z) using ICNE-Multiecho train in MREIT.

PubMed

Nam, Hyun Soo; Kwon, Oh In

2010-05-07

The aim of magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) is to visualize the electrical properties, conductivity or current density of an object by injection of current. Recently, the prolonged data acquisition time when using the injected current nonlinear encoding (ICNE) method has been advantageous for measurement of magnetic flux density data, Bz, for MREIT in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). However, the ICNE method results in undesirable side artifacts, such as blurring, chemical shift and phase artifacts, due to the long data acquisition under an inhomogeneous static field. In this paper, we apply the ICNE method to a gradient and spin echo (GRASE) multi-echo train pulse sequence in order to provide the multiple k-space lines during a single RF pulse period. We analyze the SNR of the measured multiple B(z) data using the proposed ICNE-Multiecho MR pulse sequence. By determining a weighting factor for B(z) data in each of the echoes, an optimized inversion formula for the magnetic flux density data is proposed for the ICNE-Multiecho MR sequence. Using the ICNE-Multiecho method, the quality of the measured magnetic flux density is considerably increased by the injection of a long current through the echo train length and by optimization of the voxel-by-voxel noise level of the B(z) value. Agarose-gel phantom experiments have demonstrated fewer artifacts and a better SNR using the ICNE-Multiecho method. Experimenting with the brain of an anesthetized dog, we collected valuable echoes by taking into account the noise level of each of the echoes and determined B(z) data by determining optimized weighting factors for the multiply acquired magnetic flux density data.

Gas-phase ionization energetics, electron-transfer kinetics, and ion solvation thermochemistry of decamethylmetallocenes, chromocene, and cobaltocene

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

Ryan, M.F.; Richardson, D.E.; Lichtenberger, D.L.

1994-04-01

The gas-phase free energies of ionization, [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] for Cp*[sub 2]Mn, Cp*[sub 2]Fe, Cp*[sub 2]Ni, Cp*[sub 2]Os, Cp[sub 2]Cr, and Cp[sub 2]Co (Cp = [eta][sup 5]-cyclopentadienyl, Cp[sup *] = [eta][sup 5]-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) have been determined by using the electron-transfer equilibrium (ETE) technique and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The high-resolution valence photoelectron spectra of bis(benzene)chromium(0), Bz[sub 2]Cr, Cp*[sub 2]Os, and Cp*[sub 2]Ru have also been measured. Most of the [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] values are referenced to the estimated [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] value of Bz[sub 2]Cr, for which the narrow first ionization band at 5.473 [+-] 0.005 eV is assigned as themore » adiabatic ionization potential. The [Delta]S[sub i][degrees] for ionization of Bz[sub 2]Cr is assumed to be equal to the electronic entropy change, [Delta]S[sub elec][degrees] (=1.4 cal mol[sup [minus]1] K[sup [minus]1]), and the difference between the integrated heat capacities for Bz[sub 2]Cr and Bz[sub 2]Cr[sup +] is also assumed to be negligible near room temperature [Delta]H[sub i,0][degrees] [approx] [Delta]H[sub i,350][degrees], leading to [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] (Bz[sub 2]-Cr) = 125.6 [+-] 1.0 kcal mol[sup [minus]1]. Through the use of thermochemical cycles, estimates are given for the average heterolytic and homolytic M-Cp bond disruption enthalpies of Cp[sub 2]Cr[sup +/0] and Cp[sub 2]Co[sup +/0]. 46 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Field-Water Quality Standards for BZ

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

etabolites. ANTIDOTES Physostigrine salicylate (Eserine) is a highly effective treatment for BZ oisoning [10]. It can be administered by injection or...effect ’of choline . Life Sciences 30:1517-1524. 4. Bertels-Meeuws, M.M., and R.L. Polak. 1968. Influence of antimuscarinic substances on in vitro

Endogenous Positive Allosteric Modulation of GABAA Receptors by Diazepam binding inhibitor

PubMed Central

Christian, Catherine A.; Herbert, Anne G.; Holt, Rebecca L.; Peng, Kathy; Sherwood, Kyla D.; Pangratz-Fuehrer, Susanne; Rudolph, Uwe; Huguenard, John R.

2014-01-01

Summary Benzodiazepines (BZs) allosterically modulate γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABAARs) to increase inhibitory synaptic strength. Diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) protein is a BZ site ligand expressed endogenously in the brain, but functional evidence for BZ-mimicking positive modulatory actions has been elusive. We demonstrate an endogenous potentiation of GABAergic synaptic transmission and responses to GABA uncaging in the thalamic reticular nucleus (nRT) that is absent in both nm1054 mice, in which the Dbi gene is deleted, and mice in which BZ binding to α3 subunit-containing GABAARs is disrupted. Viral transduction of DBI into nRT is sufficient to rescue the endogenous potentiation of GABAergic transmission in nm1054 mice. Both mutations enhance thalamocortical spike-and-wave discharges characteristic of absence epilepsy. Together these results indicate that DBI mediates endogenous nucleus-specific BZ-mimicking (“endozepine”) roles to modulate nRT function and suppress thalamocortical oscillations. Enhanced DBI signaling might serve as a novel therapy for epilepsy and other neurological disorders. PMID:23727119

Variations of soil microbial community structures beneath broadleaved forest trees in temperate and subtropical climate zones

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

Yang, Sihang; Zhang, Yuguang; Cong, Jing

Global warming has shifted climate zones poleward or upward. Furthermore, understanding the responses and mechanism of microbial community structure and functions relevant to natural climate zone succession is challenged by the high complexity of microbial communities. Here, we examined soil microbial community in three broadleaved forests located in the Wulu Mountain (WLM, temperate climate), Funiu Mountain (FNM, at the border of temperate and subtropical climate zones), or Shennongjia Mountain (SNJ, subtropical climate). Although plant species richness decreased with latitudes, the microbial taxonomic α-diversity increased with latitudes, concomitant with increases in soil total and available nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Phylogenetic NRImore » (Net Relatedness Index) values increased from 0.718 in temperate zone (WLM) to 1.042 in subtropical zone (SNJ), showing a shift from over dispersion to clustering likely caused by environmental filtering such as low pH and nutrients. Similarly, taxonomybased association networks of subtropical forest samples were larger and tighter, suggesting clustering. In contrast, functional α-diversity was similar among three forests, but functional gene networks of the FNM forest significantly (P < 0.050) differed from the others. A significant correlation (R = 0.616, P < 0.001) between taxonomic and functional β-diversity was observed only in the FNM forest, suggesting low functional redundancy at the border of climate zones. Using a strategy of space-fortime substitution, we predict that poleward climate range shift will lead to decreased microbial taxonomic α-diversities in broadleaved forest.« less

Variations of soil microbial community structures beneath broadleaved forest trees in temperate and subtropical climate zones

DOE PAGES

Yang, Sihang; Zhang, Yuguang; Cong, Jing; ...

2017-02-10

Global warming has shifted climate zones poleward or upward. Furthermore, understanding the responses and mechanism of microbial community structure and functions relevant to natural climate zone succession is challenged by the high complexity of microbial communities. Here, we examined soil microbial community in three broadleaved forests located in the Wulu Mountain (WLM, temperate climate), Funiu Mountain (FNM, at the border of temperate and subtropical climate zones), or Shennongjia Mountain (SNJ, subtropical climate). Although plant species richness decreased with latitudes, the microbial taxonomic α-diversity increased with latitudes, concomitant with increases in soil total and available nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Phylogenetic NRImore » (Net Relatedness Index) values increased from 0.718 in temperate zone (WLM) to 1.042 in subtropical zone (SNJ), showing a shift from over dispersion to clustering likely caused by environmental filtering such as low pH and nutrients. Similarly, taxonomybased association networks of subtropical forest samples were larger and tighter, suggesting clustering. In contrast, functional α-diversity was similar among three forests, but functional gene networks of the FNM forest significantly (P < 0.050) differed from the others. A significant correlation (R = 0.616, P < 0.001) between taxonomic and functional β-diversity was observed only in the FNM forest, suggesting low functional redundancy at the border of climate zones. Using a strategy of space-fortime substitution, we predict that poleward climate range shift will lead to decreased microbial taxonomic α-diversities in broadleaved forest.« less

Contrasting dynamics of electrons and protons in the near-Earth plasma sheet during dipolarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malykhin, Andrey Y.; Grigorenko, Elena E.; Kronberg, Elena A.; Koleva, Rositza; Ganushkina, Natalia Y.; Kozak, Ludmila; Daly, Patrick W.

2018-05-01

The fortunate location of Cluster and the THEMIS P3 probe in the near-Earth plasma sheet (PS) (at X ˜ -7-9 RE) allowed for the multipoint analysis of properties and spectra of electron and proton injections. The injections were observed during dipolarization and substorm current wedge formation associated with braking of multiple bursty bulk flows (BBFs). In the course of dipolarization, a gradual growth of the BZ magnetic field lasted ˜ 13 min and it was comprised of several BZ pulses or dipolarization fronts (DFs) with duration ≤ 1 min. Multipoint observations have shown that the beginning of the increase in suprathermal ( > 50 keV) electron fluxes - the injection boundary - was observed in the PS simultaneously with the dipolarization onset and it propagated dawnward along with the onset-related DF. The subsequent dynamics of the energetic electron flux was similar to the dynamics of the magnetic field during the dipolarization. Namely, a gradual linear growth of the electron flux occurred simultaneously with the gradual growth of the BZ field, and it was comprised of multiple short ( ˜ few minutes) electron injections associated with the BZ pulses. This behavior can be explained by the combined action of local betatron acceleration at the BZ pulses and subsequent gradient drifts of electrons in the flux pile up region through the numerous braking and diverting DFs. The nonadiabatic features occasionally observed in the electron spectra during the injections can be due to the electron interactions with high-frequency electromagnetic or electrostatic fluctuations transiently observed in the course of dipolarization. On the contrary, proton injections were detected only in the vicinity of the strongest BZ pulses. The front thickness of these pulses was less than a gyroradius of thermal protons that ensured the nonadiabatic acceleration of protons. Indeed, during the injections in the energy spectra of protons the pronounced bulge was clearly observed in a finite energy range ˜ 70-90 keV. This feature can be explained by the nonadiabatic resonant acceleration of protons by the bursts of the dawn-dusk electric field associated with the BZ pulses.

Optimization of magnetic flux density measurement using multiple RF receiver coils and multi-echo in MREIT.

PubMed

Jeong, Woo Chul; Chauhan, Munish; Sajib, Saurav Z K; Kim, Hyung Joong; Serša, Igor; Kwon, Oh In; Woo, Eung Je

2014-09-07

Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT) is an MRI method that enables mapping of internal conductivity and/or current density via measurements of magnetic flux density signals. The MREIT measures only the z-component of the induced magnetic flux density B = (Bx, By, Bz) by external current injection. The measured noise of Bz complicates recovery of magnetic flux density maps, resulting in lower quality conductivity and current-density maps. We present a new method for more accurate measurement of the spatial gradient of the magnetic flux density gradient (∇ Bz). The method relies on the use of multiple radio-frequency receiver coils and an interleaved multi-echo pulse sequence that acquires multiple sampling points within each repetition time. The noise level of the measured magnetic flux density Bz depends on the decay rate of the signal magnitude, the injection current duration, and the coil sensitivity map. The proposed method uses three key steps. The first step is to determine a representative magnetic flux density gradient from multiple receiver coils by using a weighted combination and by denoising the measured noisy data. The second step is to optimize the magnetic flux density gradient by using multi-echo magnetic flux densities at each pixel in order to reduce the noise level of ∇ Bz and the third step is to remove a random noise component from the recovered ∇ Bz by solving an elliptic partial differential equation in a region of interest. Numerical simulation experiments using a cylindrical phantom model with included regions of low MRI signal to noise ('defects') verified the proposed method. Experimental results using a real phantom experiment, that included three different kinds of anomalies, demonstrated that the proposed method reduced the noise level of the measured magnetic flux density. The quality of the recovered conductivity maps using denoised ∇ Bz data showed that the proposed method reduced the conductivity noise level up to 3-4 times at each anomaly region in comparison to the conventional method.

2D Electrostatic Potential Solver for Hall Thruster Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-12

µ(jrBz − jzBr)Br − jrBθ) + µneEz + µ∇zp jr = µ(jzBθ − µ(jrBz − jzBr)Bz) + µneEr + µ∇rp (5) This equation system can be solved to isolate the axial and...Simplification The following simplifications are used to more easily manipulate the equation system . jz = Z3Ez + Z4Er + Z5 jr = R3Ez +R4Er +R5 (10) where, Z5...j−1 ∆r (18) With appropriate boundary conditions, a pentadiagonal linear system of equations of the form Ax=b can be constructed (where x is the

Synergistic Processing of Biphenyl and Benzoate: Carbon Flow Through the Bacterial Community in Polychlorinated-Biphenyl-Contaminated Soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leewis, Mary-Cathrine; Uhlik, Ondrej; Leigh, Mary Beth

2016-02-01

Aerobic mineralization of PCBs, which are toxic and persistent organic pollutants, involves the upper (biphenyl, BP) and lower (benzoate, BZ) degradation pathways. The activity of different members of the soil microbial community in performing one or both pathways, and their synergistic interactions during PCB biodegradation, are not well understood. This study investigates BP and BZ biodegradation and subsequent carbon flow through the microbial community in PCB-contaminated soil. DNA stable isotope probing (SIP) was used to identify the bacterial guilds involved in utilizing 13C-biphenyl (unchlorinated analogue of PCBs) and/or 13C-benzoate (product/intermediate of BP degradation and analogue of chlorobenzoates). By performing SIP with two substrates in parallel, we reveal microbes performing the upper (BP) and/or lower (BZ) degradation pathways, and heterotrophic bacteria involved indirectly in processing carbon derived from these substrates (i.e. through crossfeeding). Substrate mineralization rates and shifts in relative abundance of labeled taxa suggest that BP and BZ biotransformations were performed by microorganisms with different growth strategies: BZ-associated bacteria were fast growing, potentially copiotrophic organisms, while microbes that transform BP were oligotrophic, slower growing, organisms. Our findings provide novel insight into the functional interactions of soil bacteria active in processing biphenyl and related aromatic compounds in soil, revealing how carbon flows through a bacterial community.

Vibrational Spectroscopy of BENZENE-(WATER)_N Clusters with N=6,7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabor, Daniel P.; Sibert, Edwin; Kusaka, Ryoji; Walsh, Patrick S.; Zwier, Timothy S.

2015-06-01

The investigation of benzene-water clusters (Bz-(H_2O)_n) provides insight into the relative importance π-hydrogen bond interactions in cluster formation. Taking advantage of the higher resolution of current IR sources, isomer-specific resonant ion-dip infrared (RIDIR) spectra were recorded in the OH stretch region (3000-3750 cm-1). A local mode Hamiltonian for describing the OH stretch vibrations of water clusters is applied to Bz-(H_2O)_6 and Bz-(H_2O)_7 and compared with the RIDIR spectra. These clusters are the smallest water clusters in which three-dimensional H-bonded networks containing three-coordinate water molecules begin to be formed, and are therefore particularly susceptible to re-ordering or re-shaping in response to the presence of a benzene molecule. The spectrum of Bz-(H_2O)_6 is assigned to an inverted book structure while the major conformer of Bz-(H_2O)_7 is assigned to an S_4-derived inserted cubic structure in which the benzene occupies one corner of the cube. The local mode model is used to extract monomer Hamiltonians for individual water molecules, including stretch-bend Fermi resonance and intra-monomer couplings. The monomer Hamiltonians divide into sub-groups based on their local H-bonding architecture (DA, DDA, DAA) and the nature of their interaction with benzene.

Dissolved methane concentration and flux in the coastal zone of the Southern California Bight-Mexican sector: Possible influence of wastewater

EPA Science Inventory

We measured dissolved methane concentrations ([CH4]) in the coastal zone of the Southern California Bight-Mexican sector (SCBMex) during two cruises: S1 in the USA–Mexico Border Area (BA) during a short rainstorm and S2 in the entire SCBMex during a drier period a few days later....

Evaluation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for detection of cattle in the Cattle Fever Tick Permanent Quarantine Zone

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An unmanned aerial vehicle was used to capture videos of cattle in pastures to determine the efficiency of this technology for use by Mounted Inspectors in the Permanent Quarantine zone (PQZ) of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program in south Texas along the U.S.-Mexico Border. These videos were ...

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation: The Future of Commercial Trucking Across the Mexican Border

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

project because only 29 Mexican carriers had participated thus far. In October 2008, an independent evaluation panel ( IEP ) appointed by the FMCSA...Evaluation Panel ( IEP ) Report to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, U.S.- Mexico Cross-Border Trucking Demonstration Project, October 31, 2008. The...for destinations beyond the commercial zone. Moreover, the Independent Evaluation Panel’s ( IEP ) review of FMCSA data indicate that only 4% of the

Translations on Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Number 276

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-12-16

Text] According to a report by the Radio Thailand correspondent in Chiang Mai Province, at 1000 on 24 November 35 policemen from the Border Police...Patrol of Chiang Mai and of Ban Kiu Thap Yang, Chiang Rai Province, led by Pol Maj Gen Wichai Wichaithanaphat, Zone 3 Border Patrol Police... Chiang Mai on the same day. CSO: 5300 21 THAILAND BANGKOK POLICE ARREST MAJOR HEROIN PROCESSOR Bangkok DAILY TIME in Thai 19 Nov 76 pp 1, 16 BK

Initiation and Along-Axis Segmentation of Seaward-Dipping Volcanic Sequences Captured in Afar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebinger, C.; Wolfenden, E.; Yirgu, G.; Keir, D.

2003-12-01

The Afar triple junction zone provides a unique opportunity to examine the early development of magmatic margins, as respective limbs of the triple junction capture different stages of the breakup process. Initial rifting in the southernmost Red Sea occurred concurrent with, or soon after flood basaltic magmatism at ~31 Ma in the Ethiopia-Yemen plume province, whereas the northern part of the Main Ethiopian rift initiated after 12 Ma. Both rift systems initiated with the development of high-angle border fault systems bounding broad basins, but 8-10 My after rifting we see riftward migration of strain from the western border fault to narrow zones of increasingly more basaltic magmatism. These localised zones of faulting and volcanism (magmatic segments) show a segmentation independent of the border fault segmentation. The much older, more evolved magmatic segments in the southern Red Sea, where not onlapped by Pliocene-Recent sedimentary strata, dip steeply riftward and define a regional eastward flexure into transitional oceanic crust, as indicated by gravity models constrained by seismic refraction and receiver function data. The southern Red Sea magmatic segments have been abandoned in Pliocene-Recent triple junction reorganisations, whereas the process of seaward-dipping volcanic sequence emplacement is ongoing in the seismically and volcanically active Main Ethiopian rift. Field, remote sensing, gravity, and seismicity data from the Main Ethiopian and southern Red Sea rifts indicate that seaward-dipping volcanic sequences initiate in moderately stretched continental crust above a narrow zone of dike-intrusion. Our comparison of active and ancient magmatic segments show that they are the precursors to seaward-dipping volcanic sequences analogous to those seen on passive continental margins, and provides insights into the initiation of along-axis segmentation of seafloor-spreading centers.

Induction of a reversible cardiac lipidosis by a dietary long-chain fatty acid (erucic acid). Relationship to lipid accumulation in border zones of myocardial infarcts.

PubMed Central

Chien, K. R.; Bellary, A.; Nicar, M.; Mukherjee, A.; Buja, L. M.

1983-01-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that cardiac myocytes in the border zone of acute myocardial infarction become markedly overloaded with neutral lipid during the transition from reversible to irreversible injury. To examine directly the role of these changes in neutral lipid metabolism in the development of irreversible cellular injury and associated increases in tissue Ca2+ content, the authors fed rats large amounts of a fatty acid (erucic acid) that is poorly oxidized by the heart and that subsequently accumulates as neutral lipid. Rats fed a high erucic acid (C22:1) diet in the form of 20% rapeseed oil for 3-5 days had a fourfold increase in triglyceride (49.5 +/- 3.8 SEM mg/g wet wt versus 13.6 +/- 13, n = 4) and a 60% increase in long-chain acyl CoA content (166.0 +/- 21.9 versus 91.5 +/- 9.0 nM/g wet wt, n = 4), compared with controls. However, there was no change in long-chain acyl carnitine or total phospholipid content. Histochemical studies showed accumulation of numerous lipid droplets in the myocytes, and electron microscopy revealed localization of lipid vesicles in direct contact with mitochondria, thus mimicking the lipid-laden cells in the border zone regions of acute myocardial infarcts. The acute lipidosis was reversible with either continued feeding of erucic acid for several weeks or conversion to a normal diet. It was not associated with an increased tissue Ca2+ content, nor with cell necrosis. However, continued erucic acid intake for 3 months was associated with focal myocardial degeneration and loss of myocytes. These results suggest that acute increases in neutral lipids, as found in the border zone of acute myocardial infarction, may not be the cause of progression to irreversible damage during acute myocardial injury, but that the persistent presence of similar lipid material over months may result in focal myocardial degeneration. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 PMID:6859230

Remodeling of the transverse tubular system after myocardial infarction in rabbit correlates with local fibrosis: A potential role of biomechanics.

PubMed

Seidel, T; Sankarankutty, A C; Sachse, F B

2017-11-01

The transverse tubular system (t-system) of ventricular cardiomyocytes is essential for efficient excitation-contraction coupling. In cardiac diseases, such as heart failure, remodeling of the t-system contributes to reduced cardiac contractility. However, mechanisms of t-system remodeling are incompletely understood. Prior studies suggested an association with altered cardiac biomechanics and gene expression in disease. Since fibrosis may alter tissue biomechanics, we investigated the local microscopic association of t-system remodeling with fibrosis in a rabbit model of myocardial infarction (MI). Biopsies were taken from the MI border zone of 6 infarcted hearts and from 6 control hearts. Using confocal microscopy and automated image analysis, we quantified t-system integrity (I TT ) and the local fraction of extracellular matrix (f ECM ). In control, f ECM was 18 ± 0.3%. I TT was high and homogeneous (0.07 ± 0.006), and did not correlate with f ECM (R 2  = 0.05 ± 0.02). The MI border zone exhibited increased f ECM within 3 mm from the infarct scar (30 ± 3.5%, p < 0.01 vs control), indicating fibrosis. Myocytes in the MI border zone exhibited significant t-system remodeling, with dilated, sheet-like components, resulting in low I TT (0.03 ± 0.008, p < 0.001 vs control). While both f ECM and t-system remodeling decreased with infarct distance, I TT correlated better with decreasing f ECM (R 2  = 0.44) than with infarct distance (R 2  = 0.24, p < 0.05). Our results show that t-system remodeling in the rabbit MI border zone resembles a phenotype previously described in human heart failure. T-system remodeling correlated with the amount of local fibrosis, which is known to stiffen cardiac tissue, but was not found in regions without fibrosis. Thus, locally altered tissue mechanics may contribute to t-system remodeling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coexistence of wave propagation and oscillation in the photosensitive Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction on a circular route.

PubMed

Nakata, Satoshi; Morishima, Sayaka; Ichino, Takatoshi; Kitahata, Hiroyuki

2006-12-21

The photosensitive Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction was investigated on a circular ring, which was drawn using computer software and then projected on a film soaked with BZ solution using a liquid-crystal projector. Under the initial conditions, a chemical wave propagated with a constant velocity on the black ring under a bright background. When the background was rapidly changed to dark, coexistence of the oscillation on part of the ring and propagation of the chemical wave on the other part was observed. These experimental results are discussed in relation to the nature of the photosensitive BZ reaction and theoretically reproduced based on a reaction-diffusion system using the modified Oregonator model.

Mapping tradeoffs in values at risk at the interface between wilderness and non-wilderness lands

Treesearch

Alan Watson; Roian Matt; Tim Waters; Kari Gunderson; Steve Carver; Brett Davis

2009-01-01

On the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, U.S., the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness is bordered by a buffer zone. To successfully improve forest health within that buffer zone and restore fire in the wilderness, the managing agency and the public need to work together to find solutions to increasingly threatening fuel buildups. A combination of qualitative,...

Impact of benznidazole on infection course in mice experimentally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi I, II, and IV.

PubMed

Gruendling, Ana Paula; Massago, Miyoko; Teston, Ana Paula M; Monteiro, Wuelton M; Kaneshima, Edilson N; Araújo, Silvana M; Gomes, Mônica L; Barbosa, Maria das Graças V; Toledo, Max Jean O

2015-06-01

American trypanosomiasis is an emerging zoonosis in the Brazilian Amazon. Studies on benznidazole (BZ) chemotherapy with Trypanosoma cruzi from this region have great relevance, given the different discrete typing units (DTUs) that infect humans in the Amazon and other regions of Brazil. We performed a parasitological, histopathological, and molecular analysis of mice inoculated with strains of T. cruzi I, II, and IV that were BZ-treated during the acute phase of infection. Groups of Swiss mice were inoculated; 13 received oral BZ, whereas the other 13 comprised the untreated controls. Unlike parasitemia, the infectivity and mortality did not vary among the DTUs. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was detected in all tissues analyzed and the proportion of organs parasitized varied with the parasite DTU. The BZ treatment reduced the most parasitological parameters, tissue parasitism and the inflammatory processes at all infection stages and for all DTUs. However, the number of significant reductions varied according to the DTU and infection phase. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Large enhancement of oscillating chemiluminescence with [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) -catalyzed Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction in the presence of tri-n-propylamine.

PubMed

Lan, Xiaolan; Zheng, Baozhan; Zhao, Yan; Yuan, Hongyan; Du, Juan; Xiao, Dan

2013-01-01

Oscillating chemiluminescence enhanced by the addition of tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) to the typical Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction system catalyzed by ruthenium(II)tris(2.2'-bipyridine)(Ru(bpy)3 (2+) ) was investigated using a luminometry method. The [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) /TPrA system was first used as the catalyst for a BZ oscillator in a closed system, which exhibited a shorter induction period, higher amplitude and much more stable chemiluminescence (CL) oscillation. The effects of various concentrations of TPrA, oxygen and nitrogen flow rate on the oscillating behavior of this system were examined. In addition, the CL intensity of the [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) /TPrA-BZ system was found to be inhibited by phenol, thus providing a way for use of the BZ system in the determination of phenolic compounds. Moreover, the possible mechanism of the oscillating CL reaction catalyzed by [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) /TPrA and the inhibition effects of oxygen and phenol on this oscillating CL system were considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Magnetic helicity balance at Taylor relaxed states sustained by AC helicity injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirota, Makoto; Morrison, Philip J.; Horton, Wendell; Hattori, Yuji

2017-10-01

Magnitudes of Taylor relaxed states that are sustained by AC magnetic helicity injection (also known as oscillating field current drive, OFCD) are investigated numerically in a cylindrical geometry. Compared with the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field at the skin layer (which is normalized to 1), the strength of the axial guide field Bz 0 is shown to be an important parameter. The relaxation process seems to be active only when Bz 0 < 1 . Moreover, in the case of weak guide field Bz 0 < 0.2 , a helically-symmetric relaxed state is self-generated instead of the axisymmetric reversed-field pinch. As a theoretical model, the helicity balance is considered in a similar way to R. G. O'Neill et al., where the helicity injection rate is directly equated with the dissipation rate at the Taylor states. Then, the bifurcation to the helical Taylor state is predicted theoretically and the estimated magnitudes of the relaxed states reasonably agree with numerical results as far as Bz 0 < 1 . This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 16K05627.

Synthesis and photooxidation of styrene copolymer bearing camphorquinone pendant groups

PubMed Central

Moszner, Norbert; Lukáč, Ivan

2012-01-01

Summary (±)-10-Methacryloyloxycamphorquinone (MCQ) was synthesized from (±)-10-camphorsulfonic acid either by a known seven-step synthetic route or by a novel, shorter five-step synthetic route. MCQ was copolymerized with styrene (S) and the photochemical behavior of the copolymer MCQ/S was compared with that of a formerly studied copolymer of styrene with monomers containing the benzil (BZ) moiety (another 1,2-dicarbonyl). Irradiation (λ > 380 nm) of aerated films of styrene copolymers with monomers containing the BZ moiety leads to the insertion of two oxygen atoms between the carbonyl groups of BZ and to the formation of benzoyl peroxide (BP) as pendant groups on the polymer backbone. An equivalent irradiation of MCQ/S led mainly to the insertion of only one oxygen atom between the carbonyl groups of camphorquinone (CQ) and to the formation of camphoric anhydride (11) covalently bound to the polymer backbone. While the decomposition of pendant BP groups formed in irradiated films of styrene copolymers with pendant BZ groups leads to crosslinking, only small molecular-weight changes in irradiated MCQ/S were observed. PMID:22509202

Organic/inorganic-doped aromatic derivative crystals: Growth and properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanculescu, F.; Ionita, I.; Stanculescu, A.

2014-09-01

Results of a comparative study on the growth from melt by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method of meta-dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) and benzil (Bz) crystals in the same experimental set-up and the same experimental conditions are presented. The incorporation of an inorganic (iodine) dopant in m-DNB was analyzed in the given experimental conditions from the point of view of the solid-liquid interface stability. The limits for a stable growth and the conditions that favor the generation of morphological instability are emphasized. These limits for m-DNB are compatible with those previously determined for Bz, and therefore, even for a high gradient concentration at the growth interface, it is possible to grow m-DNB and Bz crystals in the same experimental conditions characterized by a high ΔT and v. The optical properties were investigated in relation with the dopant incorporation in the crystal in the mentioned experimental conditions. Effects of the dopant (m-DNB/iodine in Bz and iodine in m-DNB) on the optical band gap and optical non-linear properties of the crystals are discussed.

Three-Dimensional Topographic Surface Changes in Response to Compartmental Volumization of the Medial Cheek: Defining a Malar Augmentation Zone.

PubMed

Stern, Carrie S; Schreiber, Jillian E; Surek, Chris C; Garfein, Evan S; Jelks, Elizabeth B; Jelks, Glenn W; Tepper, Oren M

2016-05-01

Given the widespread use of facial fillers and recent identification of distinct facial fat compartments, a better understanding of three-dimensional surface changes in response to volume augmentation is needed. Advances in three-dimensional imaging technology now afford an opportunity to elucidate these morphologic changes for the first time. A cadaver study was undertaken in which volumization of the deep medial cheek compartment was performed at intervals up to 4 cc (n = 4). Three-dimensional photographs were taken after each injection to analyze the topographic surface changes, which the authors define as the "augmentation zone." Perimeter, diameter, and projection were studied. The arcus marginalis of the inferior orbit consistently represented a fixed boundary of the augmentation zone, and additional cadavers underwent similar volumization following surgical release of this portion of the arcus marginalis (n = 4). Repeated three-dimensional computer analysis was performed comparing the augmentation zone with and without arcus marginalis release. Volumization of the deep medial cheek led to unique topographic changes of the malar region defined by distinct boundaries. Interestingly, the cephalic border of the augmentation zone was consistently noted to be at the level of the arcus marginalis in all specimens. When surgical release of the arcus marginalis was performed, the cephalic border of the augmentation zone was no longer restricted. Using advances in three-dimensional photography and computer analysis, the authors demonstrate characteristic surface anatomy changes in response to volume augmentation of facial compartments. This novel concept of the augmentation zone can be applied to volumization of other distinct facial regions. Therapeutic, V.

The diurnal cycle of clouds and precipitation at the ARM SGP site: Cloud radar observations and simulations from the multiscale modeling framework

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Wei; Marchand, Roger; Fu, Qiang

2017-07-08

Millimeter Wavelength Cloud Radar (MMCR) data from December 1996 to December 2010, collected at the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program Southern Great Plains (SGP) site, are used to examine the diurnal cycle of hydrometeor occurrence. These data are categorized into clouds (-40 dBZ e ≤ reflectivity < -10 dBZ e), drizzle and light precipitation (-10 dBZ e ≤ reflectivity < 10 dBZ e), and heavy precipitation (reflectivity ≥ 10 dBZ e). The same criteria are implemented for the observation-equivalent reflectivity calculated by feeding outputs from a Multiscale Modeling Framework (MMF) climate model into a radar simulator.more » The MMF model consists of the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model with conventional cloud parameterizations replaced by a cloud-resolving model. We find that a radar simulator combined with the simple reflectivity categories can be an effective approach for evaluating diurnal variations in model hydrometeor occurrence. It is shown that the MMF only marginally captures observed increases in the occurrence of boundary layer clouds after sunrise in spring and autumn and does not capture diurnal changes in boundary layer clouds during the summer. Above the boundary layer, the MMF captures reasonably well diurnal variations in the vertical structure of clouds and light and heavy precipitation in the summer but not in the spring.« less

Magnetic flux density measurement with balanced steady state free precession pulse sequence for MREIT: a simulation study.

PubMed

Minhas, Atul S; Woo, Eung Je; Lee, Soo Yeol

2009-01-01

Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT) utilizes the magnetic flux density B(z), generated due to current injection, to find conductivity distribution inside an object. This B(z) can be measured from MR phase images using spin echo pulse sequence. The SNR of B(z) and the sensitivity of phase produced by B(z) in MR phase image are critical in deciding the resolution of MREIT conductivity images. The conventional spin echo based data acquisition has poor phase sensitivity to current injection. Longer scan time is needed to acquire data with higher SNR. We propose a balanced steady state free precession (b-SSFP) based pulse sequence which is highly sensitive to small off-resonance phase changes. A procedure to reconstruct B(z) from MR signal obtained with b-SSFP sequence is described. Phases for b-SSFP signals for two conductivity phantoms of TX 151 and Gelatin are simulated from the mathematical models of b-SSFP signal. It was observed that the phase changes obtained from b-SSFP pulse sequence are highly sensitive to current injection and hence would produce higher magnetic flux density. However, the b-SSFP signal is dependent on magnetic field inhomogeneity and the signal deteriorated highly for small offset from resonance frequency. The simulation results show that the b-SSFP sequence can be utilized for conductivity imaging of a local region where magnetic field inhomogeneity is small. A proper shimming of magnet is recommended before using the b-SSFP sequence.

Cross-correlation and cross-wavelet analyses of the solar wind IMF Bz and auroral electrojet index AE coupling during HILDCAAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marques de Souza, Adriane; Echer, Ezequiel; José Alves Bolzan, Mauricio; Hajra, Rajkumar

2018-02-01

Solar-wind-geomagnetic activity coupling during high-intensity long-duration continuous AE (auroral electrojet) activities (HILDCAAs) is investigated in this work. The 1 min AE index and the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz component in the geocentric solar magnetospheric (GSM) coordinate system were used in this study. We have considered HILDCAA events occurring between 1995 and 2011. Cross-wavelet and cross-correlation analyses results show that the coupling between the solar wind and the magnetosphere during HILDCAAs occurs mainly in the period ≤ 8 h. These periods are similar to the periods observed in the interplanetary Alfvén waves embedded in the high-speed solar wind streams (HSSs). This result is consistent with the fact that most of the HILDCAA events under present study are related to HSSs. Furthermore, the classical correlation analysis indicates that the correlation between IMF Bz and AE may be classified as moderate (0.4-0.7) and that more than 80 % of the HILDCAAs exhibit a lag of 20-30 min between IMF Bz and AE. This result corroborates with Tsurutani et al. (1990) where the lag was found to be close to 20-25 min. These results enable us to conclude that the main mechanism for solar-wind-magnetosphere coupling during HILDCAAs is the magnetic reconnection between the fluctuating, negative component of IMF Bz and Earth's magnetopause fields at periods lower than 8 h and with a lag of about 20-30 min.

Alkali-ion microsolvation with benzene molecules.

PubMed

Marques, J M C; Llanio-Trujillo, J L; Albertí, M; Aguilar, A; Pirani, F

2012-05-24

The target of this investigation is to characterize by a recently developed methodology, the main features of the first solvation shells of alkaline ions in nonpolar environments due to aromatic rings, which is of crucial relevance to understand the selectivity of several biochemical phenomena. We employ an evolutionary algorithm to obtain putative global minima of clusters formed with alkali-ions (M(+)) solvated with n benzene (Bz) molecules, i.e., M(+)-(Bz)(n). The global intermolecular interaction has been decomposed in Bz-Bz and in M(+)-Bz contributions, using a potential model based on different decompositions of the molecular polarizability of benzene. Specifically, we have studied the microsolvation of Na(+), K(+), and Cs(+) with benzene molecules. Microsolvation clusters up to n = 21 benzene molecules are involved in this work and the achieved global minimum structures are reported and discussed in detail. We observe that the number of benzene molecules allocated in the first solvation shell increases with the size of the cation, showing three molecules for Na(+) and four for both K(+) and Cs(+). The structure of this solvation shell keeps approximately unchanged as more benzene molecules are added to the cluster, which is independent of the ion. Particularly stable structures, so-called "magic numbers", arise for various nuclearities of the three alkali-ions. Strong "magic numbers" appear at n = 2, 3, and 4 for Na(+), K(+), and Cs(+), respectively. In addition, another set of weaker "magic numbers" (three per alkali-ion) are reported for larger nuclearities.

Biocatalytic synthesis, antimicrobial properties and toxicity studies of arginine derivative surfactants.

PubMed

Fait, M Elisa; Garrote, Graciela L; Clapés, Pere; Tanco, Sebastian; Lorenzo, Julia; Morcelle, Susana R

2015-07-01

Two novel arginine-based cationic surfactants were synthesized using as biocatalyst papain, an endopeptidase from Carica papaya latex, adsorbed onto polyamide. The classical substrate N (α)-benzoyl-arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride for the determination of cysteine and serine proteases activity was used as the arginine donor, whereas decyl- and dodecylamine were used as nucleophiles for the condensation reaction. Yields higher than 90 and 80 % were achieved for the synthesis of N (α)-benzoyl-arginine decyl amide (Bz-Arg-NHC10) and N (α)-benzoyl-arginine dodecyl amide (Bz-Arg-NHC12), respectively. The purification process was developed in order to make it more sustainable, by using water and ethanol as the main separation solvents in a single cationic exchange chromatographic separation step. Bz-Arg-NHC10 and Bz-Arg-NHC12 proved antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, revealing their potential use as effective disinfectants as they reduced 99 % the initial bacterial population after only 1 h of contact. The cytotoxic effect towards different cell types of both arginine derivatives was also measured. Bz-Arg-NHCn demonstrated lower haemolytic activity and were less eye-irritating than the commercial cationic surfactant cetrimide. A similar trend could also be observed when cytotoxicity was tested on hepatocytes and fibroblast cell lines: both arginine derivatives were less toxic than cetrimide. All these properties would make the two novel arginine compounds a promising alternative to commercial cationic surfactants, especially for their use as additives in topical formulations.

Ultramafic rocks of the western Idaho suture zone: Asbestos Peak and Misery Ridge

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

Godchaux, M.M.; Bonnichsen, B.

1993-04-01

The Western Idaho Ultramafic Belt extends northward from the town of Weiser to the northern end of Dworshak Reservoir; in its northern portion most of the ultramafic bodies are localized along the suture zone where the Mesozoic oceanic accreted terranes meet the continental craton. Of the twenty bodies investigated, all are small, all are in fault contact with their metavolcanic and metasedimentary host rocks, all have been metamorphosed, and all display deformational fabrics in at least some portion of the outcrop area, suggesting that deformation continued after peak metamorphism. The degree of metamorphism ranges from incipient serpentinization to attainment ofmore » equilibrium in the upper amphibolite facies. Some bodies have been intruded by granitic dikes or pegmatite veins after emplacement, and have locally undergone contact metasomatism. Two particularly complex bodies, Asbestos Peak and Misery Ridge, were chosen for detailed petrographic and chemical study. Asbestos Peak is composed mostly of decussate anthophyllite-talc rock containing isolated patches of harzburgite protolith, and has blackwall border zones. Misery Ridge is composed mostly of coarse-grained sheared tremolite-talc schist without remnant protolith, and lacks true blackwall zones. Both bodies exhibit an unusual and enigmatic hornblende-poikiloblastic garnet-green spinel-skeletal ilmenite assemblage, present in some places as well-defined border zones and in other places as cross-cutting bodies.« less

ABCG-like transporter of Trypanosoma cruzi involved in benznidazole resistance: gene polymorphisms disclose inter-strain intragenic recombination in hybrid isolates.

PubMed

Franco, Jaques; Ferreira, Renata C; Ienne, Susan; Zingales, Bianca

2015-04-01

Benznidazole (BZ) is one of the two drugs for Chagas disease treatment. In a previous study we showed that the Trypanosoma cruzi ABCG-like transporter gene, named TcABCG1, is over-expressed in parasite strains naturally resistant to BZ and that the gene of TcI BZ-resistant strains exhibited several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as compared to the gene of CL Brener BZ-susceptible strain. Here we report the sequence of TcABCG1 gene of fourteen T. cruzi strains, with diverse degrees of BZ sensitivity and belonging to different discrete typing units (DTUs) and Tcbat group. Although DTU-specific SNPs and amino acid changes were identified, no direct correlation with BZ-resistance phenotype was found. Thus, it is plausible that the transporter abundance is a determinant factor for drug resistance, as pointed out above. Sequence data were used for Bayesian phylogenies and network genealogy analysis. The network showed a high degree of reticulation suggesting genetic exchange between the parasites. TcI and TcII clades were clearly separated. Tcbat sequences were close to TcI. A fourth clade clustered TcABCG1 haplotypes of TcV, TcVI and TcIII strains, with closer proximity to TcI. Analysis of the recombination patterns indicated that hybrid strains contain haplotypes that are mosaics most likely derived by intragenic recombination of parental sequences. The data confirm that TcII and TcIII as the parentals of TcV and TcVI DTUs. Since genetic fingerprint of TcI was found in TcIII, we sustain the previously proposed "Two Hybridization model" for the origin of hybrid strains. Among the twenty best BLASTP hits in databases, orthologues of TcABCG1 transporter were found in Leishmania spp. and African trypanosomes, though their function remains undescribed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bortezomib initiates endoplasmic reticulum stress, elicits autophagy and death in Echinococcus granulosus larval stage.

PubMed

Nicolao, María Celeste; Loos, Julia A; Rodriguez Rodrigues, Christian; Beas, Viviana; Cumino, Andrea C

2017-01-01

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide distributed helminthic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Benzimidazole derivatives are currently the only drugs for chemotherapeutic treatment of CE. However, their low efficacy and the adverse effects encourage the search for new therapeutic targets. We evaluated the in vitro efficacy of Bortezomib (Bz), a proteasome inhibitor, in the larval stage of the parasite. After 96 h, Bz showed potent deleterious effects at a concentration of 5 μM and 0.5 μM in protoscoleces and metacestodes, respectively (P < 0.05). After 48 h of exposure to this drug, it was triggered a mRNA overexpression of chaperones (Eg-grp78 and Eg-calnexin) and of Eg-ire2/Eg-xbp1 (the conserved UPR pathway branch) in protoscoleces. No changes were detected in the transcriptional expression of chaperones in Bz-treated metacestodes, thus allowing ER stress to be evident and viability to highly decrease in comparison with protoscoleces. We also found that Bz treatment activated the autophagic process in both larval forms. These facts were evidenced by the increase in the amount of transcripts of the autophagy related genes (Eg-atg6, Eg-atg8, Eg-atg12, Eg-atg16) together with the increase in Eg-Atg8-II detected by western blot and by in toto immunofluorescence labeling. It was further confirmed by direct observation of autophagic structures by electronic microscopy. Finally, in order to determine the impact of autophagy induction on Echinococcus cell viability, we evaluated the efficacy of Bz in combination with rapamycin and a synergistic cytotoxic effect on protoscolex viability was observed when both drugs were used together. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that Bz induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy and subsequent death allowing to identify unstudied parasite-host pathways that could provide a new insight for control of parasitic diseases.

Production data from five major geothermal fields in Nevada analysed using a physiostatistical algorithm developed for oil and gas: temperature decline forecasts and type curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzma, H. A.; Golubkova, A.; Eklund, C.

2015-12-01

Nevada has the second largest output of geothermal energy in the United States (after California) with 14 major power plants producing over 425 megawatts of electricity meeting 7% of the state's total energy needs. A number of wells, particularly older ones, have shown significant temperature and pressure declines over their lifetimes, adversely affecting economic returns. Production declines are almost universal in the oil and gas (O&G) industry. BetaZi (BZ) is a proprietary algorithm which uses a physiostatistical model to forecast production from the past history of O&G wells and to generate "type curves" which are used to estimate the production of undrilled wells. Although BZ was designed and calibrated for O&G, it is a general purpose diffusion equation solver, capable of modeling complex fluid dynamics in multi-phase systems. In this pilot study, it is applied directly to the temperature data from five Nevada geothermal fields. With the data appropriately normalized, BZ is shown to accurately predict temperature declines. The figure shows several examples of BZ forecasts using historic data from Steamboat Hills field near Reno. BZ forecasts were made using temperature on a normalized scale (blue) with two years of data held out for blind testing (yellow). The forecast is returned in terms of percentiles of probability (red) with the median forecast marked (solid green). Actual production is expected to fall within the majority of the red bounds 80% of the time. Blind tests such as these are used to verify that the probabilistic forecast can be trusted. BZ is also used to compute and accurate type temperature profile for wells that have yet to be drilled. These forecasts can be combined with estimated costs to evaluate the economics and risks of a project or potential capital investment. It is remarkable that an algorithm developed for oil and gas can accurately predict temperature in geothermal wells without significant recasting.

Benzene selectivity in competitive arene hydrogenation: effects of single-site catalyst···acidic oxide surface binding geometry.

PubMed

Gu, Weixing; Stalzer, Madelyn Marie; Nicholas, Christopher P; Bhattacharyya, Alak; Motta, Alessandro; Gallagher, James R; Zhang, Guanghui; Miller, Jeffrey T; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Pruski, Marek; Delferro, Massimiliano; Marks, Tobin J

2015-06-03

Organozirconium complexes are chemisorbed on Brønsted acidic sulfated ZrO2 (ZrS), sulfated Al2O3 (AlS), and ZrO2-WO3 (ZrW). Under mild conditions (25 °C, 1 atm H2), the supported Cp*ZrMe3, Cp*ZrBz3, and Cp*ZrPh3 catalysts are very active for benzene hydrogenation with activities declining with decreasing acidity, ZrS ≫ AlS ≈ ZrW, arguing that more Brønsted acidic oxides (those having weaker corresponding conjugate bases) yield stronger surface organometallic electrophiles and for this reason have higher benzene hydrogenation activity. Benzene selective hydrogenation, a potential approach for carcinogenic benzene removal from gasoline, is probed using benzene/toluene mixtures, and selectivities for benzene hydrogenation vary with catalyst as ZrBz3(+)/ZrS(-), 83% > Cp*ZrMe2(+)/ZrS(-), 80% > Cp*ZrBz2(+)/ZrS(-), 67% > Cp*ZrPh2(+)/ZrS(-), 57%. For Cp*ZrBz2(+)/ZrS(-), which displays the highest benzene hydrogenation activity with moderate selectivity in benzene/toluene mixtures. Other benzene/arene mixtures are examined, and benzene selectivities vary with arene as mesitylene, 99%, > ethylbenzene, 86% > toluene, 67%. Structural and computational studies by solid-state NMR spectroscopy, XAS, and periodic DFT methods applied to supported Cp*ZrMe3 and Cp*ZrBz3 indicate that larger Zr···surface distances are present in more sterically encumbered Cp*ZrBz2(+)/AlS(-) vs Cp*ZrMe2(+)/AlS(-). The combined XAS, solid state NMR, and DFT data argue that the bulky catalyst benzyl groups expand the "cationic" metal center-anionic sulfated oxide surface distances, and this separation/weakened ion-pairing enables the activation/insertion of more sterically encumbered arenes and influences hydrogenation rates and selectivity patterns.

Ethanol modulates the VR-1 variant amiloride-insensitive salt taste receptor. I. Effect on TRC volume and Na+ flux.

PubMed

Lyall, Vijay; Heck, Gerard L; Phan, Tam-Hao T; Mummalaneni, Shobha; Malik, Shahbaz A; Vinnikova, Anna K; DeSimone, John A

2005-06-01

The effect of ethanol on the amiloride- and benzamil (Bz)-insensitive salt taste receptor was investigated by the measurement of intracellular Na(+) activity ([Na(+)](i)) in polarized rat fungiform taste receptor cells (TRCs) using fluorescence imaging and by chorda tympani (CT) taste nerve recordings. CT responses were monitored during lingual stimulation with ethanol solutions containing NaCl or KCl. CT responses were recorded in the presence of Bz (a specific blocker of the epithelial Na(+) channel [ENaC]) or the vanilloid receptor-1 (VR-1) antagonists capsazepine or SB-366791, which also block the Bz-insensitive salt taste receptor, a VR-1 variant. CT responses were recorded at 23 degrees C or 42 degrees C (a temperature at which the VR-1 variant salt taste receptor activity is maximally enhanced). In the absence of permeable cations, ethanol induced a transient decrease in TRC volume, and stimulating the tongue with ethanol solutions without added salt elicited only transient phasic CT responses that were insensitive to elevated temperature or SB-366791. Preshrinking TRCs in vivo with hypertonic mannitol (0.5 M) attenuated the magnitude of the phasic CT response, indicating that in the absence of mineral salts, transient phasic CT responses are related to the ethanol-induced osmotic shrinkage of TRCs. In the presence of mineral salts, ethanol increased the Bz-insensitive apical cation flux in TRCs without a change in cell volume, increased transepithelial electrical resistance across the tongue, and elicited CT responses that were similar to salt responses, consisting of both a transient phasic component and a sustained tonic component. Ethanol increased the Bz-insensitive NaCl CT response. This effect was further enhanced by elevating the temperature from 23 degrees C to 42 degrees C, and was blocked by SB-366791. We conclude that in the presence of mineral salts, ethanol modulates the Bz-insensitive VR-1 variant salt taste receptor.

Bortezomib initiates endoplasmic reticulum stress, elicits autophagy and death in Echinococcus granulosus larval stage

PubMed Central

Nicolao, María Celeste; Loos, Julia A.; Rodriguez Rodrigues, Christian; Beas, Viviana

2017-01-01

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide distributed helminthic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Benzimidazole derivatives are currently the only drugs for chemotherapeutic treatment of CE. However, their low efficacy and the adverse effects encourage the search for new therapeutic targets. We evaluated the in vitro efficacy of Bortezomib (Bz), a proteasome inhibitor, in the larval stage of the parasite. After 96 h, Bz showed potent deleterious effects at a concentration of 5 μM and 0.5 μM in protoscoleces and metacestodes, respectively (P < 0.05). After 48 h of exposure to this drug, it was triggered a mRNA overexpression of chaperones (Eg-grp78 and Eg-calnexin) and of Eg-ire2/Eg-xbp1 (the conserved UPR pathway branch) in protoscoleces. No changes were detected in the transcriptional expression of chaperones in Bz-treated metacestodes, thus allowing ER stress to be evident and viability to highly decrease in comparison with protoscoleces. We also found that Bz treatment activated the autophagic process in both larval forms. These facts were evidenced by the increase in the amount of transcripts of the autophagy related genes (Eg-atg6, Eg-atg8, Eg-atg12, Eg-atg16) together with the increase in Eg-Atg8-II detected by western blot and by in toto immunofluorescence labeling. It was further confirmed by direct observation of autophagic structures by electronic microscopy. Finally, in order to determine the impact of autophagy induction on Echinococcus cell viability, we evaluated the efficacy of Bz in combination with rapamycin and a synergistic cytotoxic effect on protoscolex viability was observed when both drugs were used together. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that Bz induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy and subsequent death allowing to identify unstudied parasite-host pathways that could provide a new insight for control of parasitic diseases. PMID:28817601

Benzene selectivity in competitive arene hydrogenation: Effects of single-site catalyst···acidic oxide surface binding geometry

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

Gu, Weixing; Stalzer, Madelyn Marie; Nicholas, Christopher P.

Organozirconium complexes are chemisorbed on Brønsted acidic sulfated ZrO 2 (ZrS), sulfated Al 2O 3 (AlS), and ZrO 2–WO 3 (ZrW). Under mild conditions (25 °C, 1 atm H 2), the supported Cp*ZrMe 3, Cp*ZrBz 3, and Cp*ZrPh 3 catalysts are very active for benzene hydrogenation with activities declining with decreasing acidity, ZrS >> AlS ≈ ZrW, arguing that more Brønsted acidic oxides (those having weaker corresponding conjugate bases) yield stronger surface organometallic electrophiles and for this reason have higher benzene hydrogenation activity. Benzene selective hydrogenation, a potential approach for carcinogenic benzene removal from gasoline, is probed using benzene/toluene mixtures,more » and selectivities for benzene hydrogenation vary with catalyst as ZrBz 3 +/ZrS –, 83% > Cp*ZrMe 2 +/ZrS –, 80% > Cp*ZrBz 2 +/ZrS –, 67% > Cp*ZrPh 2 +/ZrS –, 57%. For Cp*ZrBz 2+/ZrS –, which displays the highest benzene hydrogenation activity with moderate selectivity in benzene/toluene mixtures. Other benzene/arene mixtures are examined, and benzene selectivities vary with arene as mesitylene, 99%, > ethylbenzene, 86% > toluene, 67%. Structural and computational studies by solid-state NMR spectroscopy, XAS, and periodic DFT methods applied to supported Cp*ZrMe 3 and Cp*ZrBz 3 indicate that larger Zr···surface distances are present in more sterically encumbered Cp*ZrBz 2 +/AlS – vs Cp*ZrMe 2 +/AlS –. Furthermore, the combined XAS, solid state NMR, and DFT data argue that the bulky catalyst benzyl groups expand the “cationic” metal center–anionic sulfated oxide surface distances, and this separation/weakened ion-pairing enables the activation/insertion of more sterically encumbered arenes and influences hydrogenation rates and selectivity patterns.« less

Benzene selectivity in competitive arene hydrogenation: Effects of single-site catalyst···acidic oxide surface binding geometry

DOE PAGES

Gu, Weixing; Stalzer, Madelyn Marie; Nicholas, Christopher P.; ...

2015-04-17

Organozirconium complexes are chemisorbed on Brønsted acidic sulfated ZrO 2 (ZrS), sulfated Al 2O 3 (AlS), and ZrO 2–WO 3 (ZrW). Under mild conditions (25 °C, 1 atm H 2), the supported Cp*ZrMe 3, Cp*ZrBz 3, and Cp*ZrPh 3 catalysts are very active for benzene hydrogenation with activities declining with decreasing acidity, ZrS >> AlS ≈ ZrW, arguing that more Brønsted acidic oxides (those having weaker corresponding conjugate bases) yield stronger surface organometallic electrophiles and for this reason have higher benzene hydrogenation activity. Benzene selective hydrogenation, a potential approach for carcinogenic benzene removal from gasoline, is probed using benzene/toluene mixtures,more » and selectivities for benzene hydrogenation vary with catalyst as ZrBz 3 +/ZrS –, 83% > Cp*ZrMe 2 +/ZrS –, 80% > Cp*ZrBz 2 +/ZrS –, 67% > Cp*ZrPh 2 +/ZrS –, 57%. For Cp*ZrBz 2+/ZrS –, which displays the highest benzene hydrogenation activity with moderate selectivity in benzene/toluene mixtures. Other benzene/arene mixtures are examined, and benzene selectivities vary with arene as mesitylene, 99%, > ethylbenzene, 86% > toluene, 67%. Structural and computational studies by solid-state NMR spectroscopy, XAS, and periodic DFT methods applied to supported Cp*ZrMe 3 and Cp*ZrBz 3 indicate that larger Zr···surface distances are present in more sterically encumbered Cp*ZrBz 2 +/AlS – vs Cp*ZrMe 2 +/AlS –. Furthermore, the combined XAS, solid state NMR, and DFT data argue that the bulky catalyst benzyl groups expand the “cationic” metal center–anionic sulfated oxide surface distances, and this separation/weakened ion-pairing enables the activation/insertion of more sterically encumbered arenes and influences hydrogenation rates and selectivity patterns.« less

A comparison of LBGs, DRGs, and BzK galaxies: their contribution to the stellar mass density in the GOODS-MUSIC sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grazian, A.; Salimbeni, S.; Pentericci, L.; Fontana, A.; Nonino, M.; Vanzella, E.; Cristiani, S.; de Santis, C.; Gallozzi, S.; Giallongo, E.; Santini, P.

2007-04-01

Context: The classification scheme for high redshift galaxies is complex at the present time, with simple colour-selection criteria (i.e. EROs, IEROs, LBGs, DRGs, BzKs), resulting in ill-defined properties for the stellar mass and star formation rate of these distant galaxies. Aims: The goal of this work is to investigate the properties of different classes of high-z galaxies, focusing in particular on the stellar masses of LBGs, DRGs, and BzKs, in order to derive their contribution to the total mass budget of the distant Universe. Methods: We used the GOODS-MUSIC catalog, containing ~3000 Ks-selected (~10 000 z-selected) galaxies with multi-wavelength coverage extending from the U band to the Spitzer 8~μm band, with spectroscopic or accurate photometric redshifts. We selected samples of BM/BX/LBGs, DRGs, and BzK galaxies to discuss the overlap and the limitations of these criteria, which can be overridden by a selection criterion based on physical parameters. We then measured the stellar masses of these galaxies and computed the stellar mass density (SMD) for the different samples up to redshift ≃4. Results: We show that the BzK-PE criterion is not optimal for selecting early type galaxies at the faint end. On the other hand, BzK-SF is highly contaminated by passively evolving galaxies at red z-Ks colours. We find that LBGs and DRGs contribute almost equally to the global SMD at z≥ 2 and, in general, that star-forming galaxies form a substantial fraction of the universal SMD. Passively evolving galaxies show a strong negative density evolution from redshift 2 to 3, indicating that we are witnessing the epoch of mass assembly of such objects. Finally we have indications that by pushing the selection to deeper magnitudes, the contribution of less massive DRGs could overtake that of LBGs. Deeper surveys, like the HUDF, are required to confirm this suggestion.

A Wide Area Survey for High-Redshift Massive Galaxies. II. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of BzK-Selected Massive Star-Forming Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onodera, Masato; Arimoto, Nobuo; Daddi, Emanuele; Renzini, Alvio; Kong, Xu; Cimatti, Andrea; Broadhurst, Tom; Alexander, Dave M.

2010-05-01

Results are presented from near-infrared spectroscopic observations of a sample of BzK-selected, massive star-forming galaxies (sBzKs) at 1.5 < z < 2.3 that were obtained with OHS/CISCO at the Subaru telescope and with SINFONI at the Very Large Telescope. Among the 28 sBzKs observed, Hα emission was detected in 14 objects, and for 11 of them the [N II] λ6583 flux was also measured. Multiwavelength photometry was also used to derive stellar masses and extinction parameters, whereas Hα and [N II] emissions have allowed us to estimate star formation rates (SFRs), metallicities, ionization mechanisms, and dynamical masses. In order to enforce agreement between SFRs from Hα with those derived from rest-frame UV and mid-infrared, additional obscuration for the emission lines (that originate in H II regions) was required compared to the extinction derived from the slope of the UV continuum. We have also derived the stellar mass-metallicity relation, as well as the relation between stellar mass and specific SFR (SSFR), and compared them to the results in other studies. At a given stellar mass, the sBzKs appear to have been already enriched to metallicities close to those of local star-forming galaxies of similar mass. The sBzKs presented here tend to have higher metallicities compared to those of UV-selected galaxies, indicating that near-infrared selected galaxies tend to be a chemically more evolved population. The sBzKs show SSFRs that are systematically higher, by up to ~2 orders of magnitude, compared to those of local galaxies of the same mass. The empirical correlations between stellar mass and metallicity, and stellar mass and SSFR are then compared with those of evolutionary population synthesis models constructed either with the simple closed-box assumption, or within an infall scenario. Within the assumptions that are built-in such models, it appears that a short timescale for the star formation (sime100 Myr) and large initial gas mass appear to be required if one wants to reproduce both relations simultaneously. Based on data collected at the Subaru telescope, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (S04A-081, S05A-098), and on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, Paranal, Chile (075.A-0439).

Variation of Magnetic Field (By , Bz) Polarity and Statistical Analysis of Solar Wind Parameters during the Magnetic Storm Period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Ga-Hee

2011-06-01

It is generally believed that the occurrence of a magnetic storm depends upon the solar wind conditions, particularly the southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) component. To understand the relationship between solar wind parameters and magnetic storms, variations in magnetic field polarity and solar wind parameters during magnetic storms are examined. A total of 156 storms during the period of 1997~2003 are used. According to the interplanetary driver, magnetic storms are divided into three types, which are coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven storms, co-rotating interaction region (CIR)-driven storms, and complicated type storms. Complicated types were not included in this study. For this purpose, the manner in which the direction change of IMF By and Bz components (in geocentric solar magnetospheric coordinate system coordinate) during the main phase is related with the development of the storm is examined. The time-integrated solar wind parameters are compared with the time-integrated disturbance storm time (Dst) index during the main phase of each magnetic storm. The time lag with the storm size is also investigated. Some results are worth noting: CME-driven storms, under steady conditions of Bz < 0, represent more than half of the storms in number. That is, it is found that the average number of storms for negative sign of IMF Bz (T1~T4) is high, at 56.4%, 53.0%, and 63.7% in each storm category, respectively. However, for the CIR-driven storms, the percentage of moderate storms is only 29.2%, while the number of intense storms is more than half (60.0%) under the Bz < 0 condition. It is found that the correlation is highest between the time-integrated IMF Bz and the time-integrated Dst index for the CME-driven storms. On the other hand, for the CIR-driven storms, a high correlation is found, with the correlation coefficient being 0.93, between time-integrated Dst index and time-integrated solar wind speed, while a low correlation, 0.51, is found between timeintegrated Bz and time-integrated Dst index. The relationship between storm size and time lag in terms of hours from Bz minimum to Dst minimum values is investigated. For the CME-driven storms, time lag of 26% of moderate storms is one hour, whereas time lag of 33% of moderate storms is two hours for the CIR-driven storms. The average values of solar wind parameters for the CME and CIR-driven storms are also examined. The average values of |Dstmin| and |Bzmin| for the CME-driven storms are higher than those of CIR-driven storms, while the average value of temperature is lower.

[U.S.-Mexico cross-border cooperation in research on diabetes mellitus type 2].

PubMed

Canela-Soler, Jaume; Frontini, María; Cerqueira, Maria Teresa; Ruiz-Holguín, Rosalba; Díaz-Apodaca, Beatriz A

2010-09-01

To describe and analyze, utilizing a case study approach, the U.S.- Mexico Border Diabetes Prevention and Control Project, a health research cooperation initiative incorporating the participation of federal, state, and local institutions of both countries. A model of equal representation, participation, consensus, and shared leadership was used, with the participation of more than 130 institutions. A sample of 4 020 people over 18 years of age was obtained by a random, multistage, stratified, clustered design. A questionnaire about diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and health was applied. The statistical analysis took into account the design effect. The prevalence of diagnosed DM2 was 14.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 12.5-17.6) and the prevalence of diagnosed DM2 adjusted by age was 19.5% (95% CI: 16.8-22.6) on the Mexican side of the border and 16.1% (IC95%: 13.5-19.2) on the U.S. border side. There were differences between the DM2 prevalence and risk factors along the border. The U.S.-Mexico Border Diabetes Prevention and Control Project allowed the border zone between the two countries to be considered, for the first time ever, as a unit for epidemiological research. A shared understanding among all participating institutions and entities of sociopolitical structures and procedures is required for effective border health cooperation initiatives.

Midplate seismicity exterior to former rift-basins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dewey, J.W.

1988-01-01

Midplate seismicity associated with some former rift-zones is distributed diffusely near, but exterior to, the rift basins. This "basin-exterior' seismicity cannot be attributed to reactivation of major basin-border faults on which uppercrustal extension was concentrated at the time of rifting, because the border faults dip beneath the basins. The seismicity may nonetheless represent reactivation of minor faults that were active at the time of rifting but that were located outside of the principal zones of upper-crustal extension; the occurrence of basin-exterior seismicity in some present-day rift-zones supports the existence of such minor basin-exterior faults. Other hypotheses for seismicity exterior to former rift-basins are that the seismicity reflects lobes of high stress due to lithospheric-bending that is centered on the axis of the rift, that the seismicity is localized on the exteriors of rift-basins by basin-interiors that are less deformable in the current epoch than the basin exteriors, and that seismicity is localized on the basin-exteriors by the concentration of tectonic stress in the highly elastic basin-exterior upper-crust. -from Author

Low temperature improvement method on characteristics of Ba(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 thin films deposited on indium tin oxide/glass substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Kai-Huang; Chang, Ting-Chang; Chang, Guan-Chang; Hsu, Yung-En; Chen, Ying-Chung; Xu, Hong-Quan

2010-04-01

To improve the electrical properties of as-deposited BZ1T9 ferroelectric thin films, the supercritical carbon dioxide fluid (SCF) process were used by a low temperature treatment. In this study, the BZ1T9 ferroelectric thin films were post-treated by SCF process which mixed with propyl alcohol and pure H2O. After SCF process treatment, the remnant polarization increased in hysteresis curves, and the passivation of oxygen vacancy and defect in leakage current density curves were found. Additionally, the improvement qualities of as-deposited BZ1T9 thin films after SCF process treatment were carried out XPS, C- V, and J- E measurements.

Properties of DRGs, LBGs, and BzK Galaxies in the GOODS South Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grazian, A.; Salimbeni, S.; Pentericci, L.; Fontana, A.; Santini, P.; Giallongo, E.; de Santis, C.; Gallozzi, S.; Nonino, M.; Cristiani, S.; Vanzella, E.

2007-12-01

We use the GOODS-MUSIC catalog with multi-wavelength coverage extending from the U band to the Spitzer 8 μm band, and spectroscopic or accurate photometric redshifts to select samples of BM/BX/LBGs, DRGs, and BzK galaxies. We discuss the overlap and the limitations of these selection criteria, which can be overcome with a criterion based on physical parameters (age and star formation timescale). We show that the BzK-PE criterion is not optimal for selecting early type galaxies at the faint end. We also find that LBGs and DRGs contribute almost equally to the global Stellar Mass Density (SMD) at z≥ 2 and in general that star forming galaxies form a substantial fraction of the universal SMD.

Spatial and space-time clustering of tuberculosis in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

PubMed

Tadesse, Sebsibe; Enqueselassie, Fikre; Hagos, Seifu

2018-01-01

Spatial targeting is advocated as an effective method that contributes for achieving tuberculosis control in high-burden countries. However, there is a paucity of studies clarifying the spatial nature of the disease in these countries. This study aims to identify the location, size and risk of purely spatial and space-time clusters for high occurrence of tuberculosis in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia during 2007 to 2016. A total of 15,805 patient data that were retrieved from unit TB registers were included in the final analyses. The spatial and space-time cluster analyses were performed using the global Moran's I, Getis-Ord [Formula: see text] and Kulldorff's scan statistics. Eleven purely spatial and three space-time clusters were detected (P <0.001).The clusters were concentrated in border areas of the Gurage Zone. There were considerable spatial variations in the risk of tuberculosis by year during the study period. This study showed that tuberculosis clusters were mainly concentrated at border areas of the Gurage Zone during the study period, suggesting that there has been sustained transmission of the disease within these locations. The findings may help intensify the implementation of tuberculosis control activities in these locations. Further study is warranted to explore the roles of various ecological factors on the observed spatial distribution of tuberculosis.

Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Response to Quasi-periodic Oscillations in Solar Wind Driving Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, J.; Wang, W.; Zhang, B.; Huang, C.

2017-12-01

Periodical oscillations with periods of several tens of minutes to several hours are commonly seen in the Alfven wave embedded in the solar wind. It is yet to be known how the solar wind oscillation frequency modulates the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupled system. Utilizing the Coupled Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model (CMIT), we analyzed the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system response to IMF Bz oscillation with periods of 10, 30, and 60 minutes from the perspective of energy budget and electrodynamic coupling processes. Our results indicate that solar wind energy coupling efficiency depends on IMF Bz oscillation frequency; energy coupling efficiency, represented by the ratio between globally integrated Joule heating and Epsilon function, is higher for lower frequency IMF Bz oscillation. Ionospheric Joule heating dissipation not only depends on the direct solar wind driven process but also is affected by the intrinsic nature of magnetosphere (i.e. loading-unloading process). In addition, ionosphere acts as a low-pass filter and tends to filter out very high-frequency solar wind oscillation (i.e. shorter than 10 minutes). Ionosphere vertical ion drift is most sensitive to IMF Bz oscillation compared to hmF2, and NmF2, while NmF2 is less sensitive. This can account for not synchronized NmF2 and hmF2 response to penetration electric fields in association with fast solar wind changes. This research highlights the critical role of IMF Bz oscillation frequency in constructing energy coupling function and understanding electrodynamic processes in the coupled solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere system.

Electromagnetic versus Lense-Thirring alignment of black hole accretion discs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polko, Peter; McKinney, Jonathan C.

2017-01-01

Accretion discs and black holes (BHs) have angular momenta that are generally misaligned, which can lead to warped discs and bends in any jets produced. We examine whether a disc that is misaligned at large radii can be aligned more efficiently by the torque of a Blandford-Znajek (BZ) jet than by Lense-Thirring (LT) precession. To obtain a strong result, we will assume that these torques maximally align the disc, rather than cause precession, or disc tearing. We consider several disc states that include radiatively inefficient thick discs, radiatively efficient thin discs, and super-Eddington accretion discs. The magnetic field strength of the BZ jet is chosen as either from standard equipartition arguments or from magnetically arrested disc (MAD) simulations. We show that standard thin accretion discs can reach spin-disc alignment out to large radii long before LT would play a role, due to the slow infall time that gives even a weak BZ jet time to align the disc. We show that geometrically thick radiatively inefficient discs and super-Eddington discs in the MAD state reach spin-disc alignment near the BH when density profiles are shallow as in magnetohydrodynamical simulations, while the BZ jet aligns discs with steep density profiles (as in advection-dominated accretion flows) out to larger radii. Our results imply that the BZ jet torque should affect the cosmological evolution of BH spin magnitude and direction, spin measurements in active galactic nuclei and X-ray binaries, and the interpretations for Event Horizon Telescope observations of discs or jets in strong-field gravity regimes.

A new O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase inhibitor associated with a nitrosourea (cystemustine) validates a strategy of melanoma-targeted therapy in murine B16 and human-resistant M4Beu melanoma xenograft models.

PubMed

Rapp, Maryse; Maurizis, Jean C; Papon, Janine; Labarre, Pierre; Wu, Ting-Di; Croisy, Alain; Guerquin-Kern, Jean L; Madelmont, Jean C; Mounetou, Emmanuelle

2008-07-01

Chemoresistance to O(6)-alkylating agents is a major barrier to successful treatment of melanoma. It is mainly due to a DNA repair suicide protein, O(6)-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT). Although AGT inactivation is a powerful clinical strategy for restoring tumor chemosensitivity, it was limited by increased toxicity to nontumoral cells resulting from a lack of tumor selectivity. Achieving enhanced chemosensitization via AGT inhibition preferably in the tumor should protect normal tissue. To this end, we have developed a strategy to target AGT inhibitors. In this study, we tested a new potential melanoma-directed AGT inhibitor [2-amino-6-(4-iodobenzyloxy)-9-[4-(diethylamino) ethylcarbamoylbenzyl] purine; IBgBZ] designed as a conjugate of O(6)-(4-iododbenzyl)guanine (IBg) as the AGT inactivator and a N,N-diethylaminoethylenebenzamido (BZ) moiety as the carrier to the malignant melanocytes. IBgBZ demonstrated AGT inactivation ability and potentiation of O(6)-alkylating agents (cystemustine, a chloroethylnitrosourea) in M4Beu highly chemoresistant human melanoma cells both in vitro and in tumor models. The biodisposition study on mice bearing B16 melanoma, the standard model for the evaluation of melanoma-directed agents, and the secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging confirmed the concentration of IBgBZ in the tumor and in particular in the intracytoplasmic melanosomes. These results validate the potential of IBgBZ as a new, more tumor-selective, AGT inhibitor in a strategy of melanoma-targeted therapy.

8 CFR 1101.1 - Presumption of lawful admission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., 1906. (b) United States land borders. An alien who establishes that, while a citizen of Canada or... zone. An alien who establishes that he is of a race indigenous to, and a native of a country within...

The Freyenstein Shear Zone - Implications for exhumation of the South Bohemian Batholith (Moldanubian Superunit, Strudengau, Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griesmeier, Gerit; Iglseder, Christoph; Konstantin, Petrakakis

2016-04-01

The Moldanubian superunit is part of the internal zone of the Variscan Orogen in Europe and borders on the Saxothuringian and Sudetes zones in the north. In the south, it is blanketed by the Alpine foreland molasse. Tectonically it is subdivided into the Moldanubian Nappes (MN), the South Bohemian Batholith (SBB) and the Bavarian Nappes. This work describes the ~ 500 m thick Freyenstein shear zone, which is located at the southern border of the Bohemian Massif north and south of the Danube near Freyenstein (Strudengau, Lower Austria). The area is built up by granites of Weinsberg-type, which are interlayered by numerous dikes and paragneisses of the Ostrong nappe system. These dikes include medium grained granites and finegrained granites (Mauthausen-type granites), which form huge intrusions. In addition, smaller intrusions of dark, finegrained diorites und aplitic dikes are observed. These rocks are affected by the Freyenstein shear zone und ductily deformed. Highly deformed pegmatoides containing white mica crystals up to one cm cut through the deformed rocks and form the last dike generation. The Freyenstein shear zone is a NE-SW striking shear zone at the eastern edge of the SBB. The mylonitic foliation is dipping to the SE with angles around 60°. Shear-sense criteria like clast geometries, SĆ structures as well as microstructures show normal faulting top to S/SW with steep (ca. 50°) angles. The Freyenstein shear zone records a polyphase history of deformation and crystallization: In a first phase, mylonitized mineral assemblages in deformed granitoides can be observed, which consist of pre- to syntectonic muscovite-porphyroclasts and biotite as well as dynamically recrystallized potassium feldspar, plagioclase and quartz. The muscovite porphyroclasts often form mica fishes and show top to S/SW directed shear-sense. The lack of syntectonic chlorite crystals points to metamorphic conditions of lower amphibolite-facies > than 450° C. In a later stage fluid infiltration under lower greenschist-facies conditions locally lead to sericitization of feldspar and development of pseudomorphs after it. In addition, syn-mylonitic biotite has been chloritized mimetically. Chlorite growth across the mylonitic foliation occurs rarely. Brittle faulting, overprinting the shear zone features, is documented by the occurrence of numerous harnish planes. They show normal faulting to the N with angles around 30° and locally sinistral shear-sense. The Freyenstein shear zone belongs to a system of NE-SW striking shear zones and faults in the Moldanubian superunit and is located at the border between the SBB and MN ductily deforming both. Therefore, it plays an important role in exhumation processes of last stage SBB (synkinematic) intrusions during Late Variscan orogenic extension. According to cooling ages in other shear zones and (synkinematic) intrusions an age of ca. 320-290 Ma for the ductile deformation can be assumed.

Bromine isotopic signature facilitates de novo sequencing of peptides in free-radical-initiated peptide sequencing (FRIPS) mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Nam, Jungjoo; Kwon, Hyuksu; Jang, Inae; Jeon, Aeran; Moon, Jingyu; Lee, Sun Young; Kang, Dukjin; Han, Sang Yun; Moon, Bongjin; Oh, Han Bin

2015-02-01

We recently showed that free-radical-initiated peptide sequencing mass spectrometry (FRIPS MS) assisted by the remarkable thermochemical stability of (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) is another attractive radical-driven peptide fragmentation MS tool. Facile homolytic cleavage of the bond between the benzylic carbon and the oxygen of the TEMPO moiety in o-TEMPO-Bz-C(O)-peptide and the high reactivity of the benzylic radical species generated in •Bz-C(O)-peptide are key elements leading to extensive radical-driven peptide backbone fragmentation. In the present study, we demonstrate that the incorporation of bromine into the benzene ring, i.e. o-TEMPO-Bz(Br)-C(O)-peptide, allows unambiguous distinction of the N-terminal peptide fragments from the C-terminal fragments through the unique bromine doublet isotopic signature. Furthermore, bromine substitution does not alter the overall radical-driven peptide backbone dissociation pathways of o-TEMPO-Bz-C(O)-peptide. From a practical perspective, the presence of the bromine isotopic signature in the N-terminal peptide fragments in TEMPO-assisted FRIPS MS represents a useful and cost-effective opportunity for de novo peptide sequencing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Creating Reconfigurable Materials Using ``Colonies'' of Oscillating Polymer Gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deb, Debabrata; Dayal, Pratyush; Kuksenok, Olga; Balazs, Anna

2013-03-01

Species ranging from single-cell organisms to social insects can undergo auto-chemotaxis, where the entities move towards a chemo-attractant that they themselves emit. This mode of signaling allows the organisms to form large-scale structures. Using computational modeling, we show that millimeter-sized polymer gels can display similar auto-chemotaxis. In particular, we demonstrate that gels undergoing the self-oscillating Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction not only respond to a chemical signal from the surrounding solution, but also emit this signal and thus, multiple gel pieces can spontaneously self-aggregate. We focus on the collective behavior of ``colonies'' of BZ gels and show that communication between the individual pieces critically depends on all the neighboring gels. We isolate the conditions at which the BZ gels can undergo a type of self-recombining: if a larger gel is cut into distinct pieces that are moved relatively far apart, then their auto-chemotactic behavior drives them to move and autonomously recombine into a structure resembling the original, uncut sample. These findings reveal that the BZ gels can be used as autonomously moving building blocks to construct multiple structures and thus, provide a new route for creating dynamically reconfigurable materials.

Reduced binding potential of GABA-A/benzodiazepine receptors in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis: an [18F]-fluoroflumazenil positron emission tomography study.

PubMed

Kang, Jee In; Park, Hae-Jeong; Kim, Se Joo; Kim, Kyung Ran; Lee, Su Young; Lee, Eun; An, Suk Kyoon; Kwon, Jun Soo; Lee, Jong Doo

2014-05-01

Altered transmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of GABA-A/benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor binding abnormalities in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis in comparison with normal controls using [(18)F]-fluoroflumazenil (FFMZ) positron emission tomography (PET). In particular, we set regions of interest in the striatum (caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens) and medial temporal area (hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus). Eleven BZ-naive people at UHR and 15 normal controls underwent PET scanning using [(18)F]-FFMZ to measure GABA-A/BZ receptor binding potential. The regional group differences between UHR individuals and normal controls were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 8 software. Participants were evaluated using the structured interview for prodromal syndromes and neurocognitive function tasks. People at UHR demonstrated significantly reduced binding potential of GABA-A/BZ receptors in the right caudate. Altered GABAergic transmission and/or the imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory systems in the striatum may be present at the putative prodromal stage and play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of psychosis.

Relations Between vz and Bx Components in Solar Wind and their Effect on Substorm Onset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubyshkina, Marina; Semenov, Vladimir; Erkaev, Nikolay; Gordeev, Evgeny; Dubyagin, Stepan; Ganushkina, Natalia; Shukhtina, Maria

2018-05-01

We analyze two substorm onset lists, produced by different methods, and show that the (Bx·vz) product of the solar wind (SW) velocity and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) components for two thirds of all substorm onsets has the same sign as IMF Bz. The explanation we suggest is the efficient displacement of the magnetospheric plasma sheet due to IMF Bx and SW flow vz, which both force the plasma sheet moving in one direction if the sign of (Bx·vz) correlates with the sign Bz. The displacement of the current sheet, in its turn, increases the asymmetry of the magnetotail and can alter the threshold of substorm instabilities. We study the SW and IMF data for the 15-year period (which comprises two substorm lists periods and the whole solar cycle) and reveal the similar asymmetry in the SW, so that the sign of (Bx·vz) coincides with the sign of IMF Bz during about two thirds of all the time. This disproportion can be explained if we admit that about 66% of IMF Bz component is transported to the Earth's orbit by the Alfvén waves with antisunward velocities.

Peculiarities of the bone tissue resorption under microgravity conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodionova, N.; Oganov, V.; Polkovenko, O.; Nitsevich, T.

The actual problem - peculiarities of resorptive processes in the spongiose of thingbones - we studied with the use of tranmissive electron microscopy in experiments on rats (American space station SLS-2) and on monkeys Macaca mulatt? (BION-11). Animals were onboard during 2 weeks. There was established, that the resorption happen with osteoclasts participation. They can create groups of cells. In the osteoclasts population we indicated not typical for the control (ground experiment) "giant" cells, which have on ultrathin sections 5-6 nuclei, many lysosomes, well developed "light" zone and "brush-border". The destruction of minera lized matrix in bone lacunas also happens by the way of osteolytic activity of osteocytes. Lysosome ferments of osteocytes are secreted by the eczocytosis. The osteocytic osteolysis, as well as the osteoclastic one can be seen as a physiological, gormon-dependent mechanism of resorption. The presence of a considerable number of neutrophiles, which enter in some zones of resorption is also typical. When these neutrophiles destruct, they release lysosomic ferments that dissolve the bone matrix. In some zones of resorption we noted the presence of the row from collagen fibrils, which loosed crystals , on mineralized matrix borders. The cell detritus is noted in zones of surface dissolving among crystallic conglomerates. It certificates the processes of osteogenic cells destruction that happen here. So, under the microgravity conditions in zones of adaptive remodeling of the spongiose the processes of the bone tissue resorption happen by some ways, namely: by the functional activization of osteoclasts; by the osteocytic osteolysis increasing; as a result of hydrolytic activity of neutrophiles, entering in these zones, and also by the local demineralization and further destruction of bone matrix surface zones.

Identifying Local Scale Climate Zones of Urban Heat Island from HJ-1B Satellite Data Using Self-Organizing Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, C. Z.; Blaschke, T.

2016-10-01

With the increasing acceleration of urbanization, the degeneration of the environment and the Urban Heat Island (UHI) has attracted more and more attention. Quantitative delineation of UHI has become crucial for a better understanding of the interregional interaction between urbanization processes and the urban environment system. First of all, our study used medium resolution Chinese satellite data-HJ-1B as the Earth Observation data source to derive parameters, including the percentage of Impervious Surface Areas, Land Surface Temperature, Land Surface Albedo, Normalized Differential Vegetation Index, and object edge detector indicators (Mean of Inner Border, Mean of Outer border) in the city of Guangzhou, China. Secondly, in order to establish a model to delineate the local climate zones of UHI, we used the Principal Component Analysis to explore the correlations between all these parameters, and estimate their contributions to the principal components of UHI zones. Finally, depending on the results of the PCA, we chose the most suitable parameters to classify the urban climate zones based on a Self-Organization Map (SOM). The results show that all six parameters are closely correlated with each other and have a high percentage of cumulative (95%) in the first two principal components. Therefore, the SOM algorithm automatically categorized the city of Guangzhou into five classes of UHI zones using these six spectral, structural and climate parameters as inputs. UHI zones have distinguishable physical characteristics, and could potentially help to provide the basis and decision support for further sustainable urban planning.

Use of Vegetation in Delineating Wetland Borders in Upper Missouri River Basin; North-Central United States.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

Distance, m Species 22022.5 23.0 34.0 34.5 35.0 35.5 Typha angustifolia 8 3 1 Lemna , spp. 3 5 ’Pbragmites communis 75 39 1 *Scolochloa festucacea 9...is dominated by Typha, Scolochloa, Phragmites, Lemna , and Lycopus, while the zone above the vetlami border is dominated by prairie grasses (Panicum, k...Maximum Percent Cover for Species in Transect 01 at Buffalo Slough Emergent Low to Mid Species Aquatic Transition Prairie Typha anguatifolia X Lemna app. X

The evolving contribution of border faults and intra-rift faults in early-stage East African rifts: insights from the Natron (Tanzania) and Magadi (Kenya) basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muirhead, J.; Kattenhorn, S. A.; Dindi, E.; Gama, R.

2013-12-01

In the early stages of continental rifting, East African Rift (EAR) basins are conventionally depicted as asymmetric basins bounded on one side by a ~100 km-long border fault. As rifting progresses, strain concentrates into the rift center, producing intra-rift faults. The timing and nature of the transition from border fault to intra-rift-dominated strain accommodation is unclear. Our study focuses on this transitional phase of continental rifting by exploring the spatial and temporal evolution of faulting in the Natron (border fault initiation at ~3 Ma) and Magadi (~7 Ma) basins of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, respectively. We compare the morphologies and activity histories of faults in each basin using field observations and remote sensing in order to address the relative contributions of border faults and intra-rift faults to crustal strain accommodation as rifting progresses. The ~500 m-high border fault along the western margin of the Natron basin is steep compared to many border faults in the eastern branch of the EAR, indicating limited scarp degradation by mass wasting. Locally, the escarpment shows open fissures and young scarps 10s of meters high and a few kilometers long, implying ongoing border fault activity in this young rift. However, intra-rift faults within ~1 Ma lavas are greatly eroded and fresh scarps are typically absent, implying long recurrence intervals between slip events. Rift-normal topographic profiles across the Natron basin show the lowest elevations in the lake-filled basin adjacent to the border fault, where a number of hydrothermal springs along the border fault system expel water into the lake. In contrast to Natron, a ~1600 m high, densely vegetated, border fault escarpment along the western edge of the Magadi basin is highly degraded; we were unable to identify evidence of recent rupturing. Rift-normal elevation profiles indicate the focus of strain has migrated away from the border fault into the rift center, where faults pervasively dissect 1.2-0.8 Ma trachyte lavas. Unlike Natron, intra-rift faults in the Magadi basin exhibit primarily steep, little-degraded fault scarps, implying greater activity than Natron intra-rift faults. Numerous fault-associated springs feed water into perennial Lake Magadi, which has no surface drainage input, yet survives despite a high evaporation rate that has created economically viable evaporite deposits. Calcite vein-filled joints are common along fault zones around Lake Magadi, as well as several cm veins around columnar joints that imply isotropic expansion of the fracture network under high pressures of CO2-rich fluids. Our work indicates that the locus of strain in this portion of the EAR transfers from the border fault to the center of the rift basin some time between 3 and 7 million years after rift initiation. This transition likely reflects the evolving respective roles of crustal flexure and magma budget in focusing strain, as well as the hydrothermal fluid budget along evolving fault zones.

The distance that contaminated aquatic subsidies extend into lake riparian zones

EPA Science Inventory

Consumption of emergent aquatic insects by terrestrial invertebrates is a poorly resolved, but potentially important, mechanism of contaminant flux across ecosystem borders leading to contaminant exposure in terrestrial invertevores. We characterized the spatial extent and magnit...

8 CFR 101.1 - Presumption of lawful admission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... land borders. An alien who establishes that, while a citizen of Canada or Newfoundland, he entered the... establishes that he is of a race indigenous to, and a native of a country within, the Asiatic zone defined in...

Biophysical controls on accretion and elevation change in Caribbean mangrove ecosystems

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKee, K.L.

2011-01-01

Habitat stability of coastal ecosystems, such as marshes and mangroves, depends on maintenance of soil elevations relative to sea level. Many such systems are characterized by limited mineral sedimentation and/or rapid subsidence and are consequently dependent upon accumulation of organic matter to maintain elevations. However, little field information exists regarding the contribution of specific biological processes to vertical accretion and elevation change. This study used biogenic mangrove systems in carbonate settings in Belize (BZ) and southwest Florida (FL) to examine biophysical controls on elevation change. Rates of elevation change, vertical accretion, benthic mat formation, and belowground root accumulation were measured in fringe, basin, scrub, and dwarf forest types plus a restored forest. Elevation change rates (mm yr-1) measured with Surface Elevation Tables varied widely: BZ-Dwarf (-3.7), BZ-Scrub (-1.1), FL-Fringe (0.6), FL-Basin (2.1), BZ-Fringe (4.1), and FL-Restored (9.9). Root mass accumulation varied across sites (82-739 g m-2 yr-1) and was positively correlated with elevation change. Root volumetric contribution to vertical change (mm yr-1) was lowest in BZ-Dwarf (1.2) and FL-Fringe (2.4), intermediate in FL-Basin (4.1) and BZ-Scrub (4.3), and highest in BZ-Fringe (8.8) and FL-Restored (11.8) sites. Surface growth of turf-forming algae, microbial mats, or accumulation of leaf litter and detritus also made significant contributions to vertical accretion. Turf algal mats in fringe and scrub forests accreted faster (2.7 mm yr-1) than leaf litter mats in basin forests (1.9 mm yr-1), but similarly to microbial mats in dwarf forests (2.1 mm yr-1). Surface accretion of mineral material accounted for only 0.2-3.3% of total vertical change. Those sites with high root contributions and/or rapid growth of living mats exhibited an elevation surplus (+2 to +8 mm yr-1), whereas those with low root inputs and low (or non-living) mat accumulation showed an elevation deficit (-1 to -5.7 mm yr-1). This study indicates that biotic processes of root production and benthic mat formation are important controls on accretion and elevation change in mangrove ecosystems common to the Caribbean Region. Quantification of specific biological controls on elevation provides better insight into how sustainability of such systems might be influenced by global (e.g., climate, atmospheric CO2) and local (e.g., nutrients, disturbance) factors affecting organic matter accumulation, in addition to relative sea-level rise. ?? 2010.

Biophysical controls on accretion and elevation change in Caribbean mangrove ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKee, Karen L.

2011-03-01

Habitat stability of coastal ecosystems, such as marshes and mangroves, depends on maintenance of soil elevations relative to sea level. Many such systems are characterized by limited mineral sedimentation and/or rapid subsidence and are consequently dependent upon accumulation of organic matter to maintain elevations. However, little field information exists regarding the contribution of specific biological processes to vertical accretion and elevation change. This study used biogenic mangrove systems in carbonate settings in Belize (BZ) and southwest Florida (FL) to examine biophysical controls on elevation change. Rates of elevation change, vertical accretion, benthic mat formation, and belowground root accumulation were measured in fringe, basin, scrub, and dwarf forest types plus a restored forest. Elevation change rates (mm yr -1) measured with Surface Elevation Tables varied widely: BZ-Dwarf (-3.7), BZ-Scrub (-1.1), FL-Fringe (0.6), FL-Basin (2.1), BZ-Fringe (4.1), and FL-Restored (9.9). Root mass accumulation varied across sites (82-739 g m -2 yr -1) and was positively correlated with elevation change. Root volumetric contribution to vertical change (mm yr -1) was lowest in BZ-Dwarf (1.2) and FL-Fringe (2.4), intermediate in FL-Basin (4.1) and BZ-Scrub (4.3), and highest in BZ-Fringe (8.8) and FL-Restored (11.8) sites. Surface growth of turf-forming algae, microbial mats, or accumulation of leaf litter and detritus also made significant contributions to vertical accretion. Turf algal mats in fringe and scrub forests accreted faster (2.7 mm yr -1) than leaf litter mats in basin forests (1.9 mm yr -1), but similarly to microbial mats in dwarf forests (2.1 mm yr -1). Surface accretion of mineral material accounted for only 0.2-3.3% of total vertical change. Those sites with high root contributions and/or rapid growth of living mats exhibited an elevation surplus (+2 to +8 mm yr -1), whereas those with low root inputs and low (or non-living) mat accumulation showed an elevation deficit (-1 to -5.7 mm yr -1). This study indicates that biotic processes of root production and benthic mat formation are important controls on accretion and elevation change in mangrove ecosystems common to the Caribbean Region. Quantification of specific biological controls on elevation provides better insight into how sustainability of such systems might be influenced by global (e.g., climate, atmospheric CO 2) and local (e.g., nutrients, disturbance) factors affecting organic matter accumulation, in addition to relative sea-level rise.

Crimmigration checks in the internal border areas of the EU: Finding the discretion that matters.

PubMed

van der Woude, Maartje; van der Leun, Joanne

2017-01-01

Internal borders are a major but understudied site of crimmigration as most scholarship has focused on external borders (Van der Woude and Van Berlo, 2015). Internal borders were supposed to disappear under the principle of free movement within the European Union. But today we see EU member states policing the borders inside Schengen, checking identification, verifying passage, and regulating mobility in so-called 'gray zones'. This article investigates this type of policing within the EU, focusing on the case of the Netherlands. It argues that the policing of internal borders is highly dependent upon discretionary power, a significant factor in the crimmigration process that we do not know enough about. Following Hawkins (1992, 2003), Schneider (1992), and Bushway and Forst (2013) on discretion and discretionary decision-making, we examine the interaction between decisions by law-makers and policy-makers that create discretionary space for law enforcement officials on the ground, and the way in which these street-level bureaucrats perceive the discretionary space attributed to them. By zeroing in on the interaction between these two actors, we aim to find the discretionary decision that matters the most in terms of explaining the crimmigration practices, offering a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to border control. We discuss the implications of this power and the consequences for the European Project as such.

Occurrence rate of ion upflow and downflow observed by the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, S.; Lu, J.; Varney, R. H.

2017-12-01

This study aims to investigate the occurrence rate of ion upflow and downflow events in the auroral ionosphere, using a full 3-year (2011-2013) dataset collected by the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) at 65.5° magnetic latitude. Ion upflow and downflow events are defined if there are three consecutive data points larger/smaller than 100/-100 m/s in the ion field-aligned velocity altitude profile. Their occurrence rates have been evaluated as a function of magnetic local time (MLT), season, geomagnetic activity, solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). We found that the ion upflows are twice more likely to occur on the nightside than the dayside, and have slightly higher occurrence rate near Fall equinox. In contrast, the ion downflow events are more likely to occur in the afternoon sector but also during Fall equinox. In addition, the occurrence rate of ion upflows on the nightside increases when the aurora electrojet index (AE) and planetary K index (Kp) increase, while the downflows measured on the dayside clearly increase as the AE and Kp increase. In general, the occurrence rate of ion upflows increases with enhanced solar wind and IMF drivers. This correlation is particularly strong between the upflows on the nightside and the solar wind dynamic pressure and IMF Bz. The lack of correlation of upflows on the dayside with these parameters is due to the location of PFISR, which is usually equatorward of the dayside auroral zone and within the nightside auroral zone under disturbed conditions. The occurrence rate of downflow at all MLTs does not show strong dependence on the solar wind and IMF conditions. However, it occurs much more frequently on the dayside when the IMF By is strongly positive, i.e., >10 nT and the IMF Bz is strongly negative, i.e., < -10 nT. We suggest that the increased occurrence rate of downflows on the dayside is associated with dayside storm-enhanced density and the plume.

Modeling the Thermosphere as a Driven-Dissipative Thermodynamic System

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

8 Figure 2: Illustration of the geocentric solar magnetospheric coordinate system............15 Figure 3: Diagram of the...magnetic field in the z direction, Bz and the length of time Bz is in the negative z direction. The z direction is defined by Geocentric Solar...Magnetospheric (GSM) coordinates shown in Figure 2. Figure 2: Illustration of the geocentric solar magnetospheric (GSM) coordinate system. The origin is

Methods for converting industrial zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talipova, L.; Kosyakov, E.; Polyakova, Irina

2017-10-01

In this article, industrial zones of Saint Petersburg and Hong Kong were considered. Competitive projects aimed at developing the grey belt of Saint Petersburg were considered. The methodology of the survey of reconstruction of the industrial zone of Hong Kong is also analyzed. The potential of the city’s grey belt lies in its location on the border of the city’s historical centre. Rational use of this potential will make it possible to achieve numerous objectives, including development of the city’s transport infrastructure, positioning of business functions, and organization of housing and the city’s system of green public spaces.

Mid-continent earthquake zones; lessons from New Madrid, Missouri

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mitchell, B. J.

1991-01-01

Many seismically active regions occur throughout the world as concentrated zones surrounded by the relatively stable crust of shields or platforms. Examples occur in central and eastern North America, northeastern Brazil, Australia, Norway, Svalbard, Greenland, and other places. Some of these zones, such as those at New Madrid, Missouri, and in the St. Lawrence Valley on the Canadian border, extend over relatively large areas and are marked by a high level of seismicity. Others, such as that near Anna Ohio, are smaller, and the level of activity is lower. Some zones are occasinoally sites for major earthquakes which, if they are in populated regions, can cause widespread destrucion and loss of life. 

Comparison between laser speckle contrast imaging and laser Doppler imaging to assess skin blood flow in humans.

PubMed

Millet, C; Roustit, M; Blaise, S; Cracowski, J L

2011-09-01

We tested the linearity between skin blood flux recorded with laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and laser Doppler imaging (LDI), comparing different ways of expressing data. A secondary objective was to test within-subject variability of baseline flux with the two techniques. We performed local heating at 36, 39, 42, and 44°C on the forearm of healthy volunteers, and measured cutaneous blood flux with LDI and LSCI. Biological zero (BZ) was obtained by occluding the brachial artery. We expressed data as raw arbitrary perfusion units (APUs) and as a percentage increase from baseline (%BL), with and without subtracting BZ. Inter-site variability was expressed as a within subject coefficient of variation (CV). Twelve participants were enrolled. Inter-site variability at baseline was lower with LSCI (CV=9.2%) than with LDI (CV=20.7%). We observed an excellent correlation between both techniques when data were expressed as raw APUs or APU-BZ (R=0.90; p<0.001). The correlation remained correct for %BL (R=0.77, p<0.001), but decreased for %BL-BZ (R=0.44, p=0.003). Bland-Altman plots revealed a major proportional bias between the two techniques. This study suggests that skin blood flux measured with LSCI is linearly related to the LDI signal over a wide range of perfusion. Subtracting BZ does not affect this linearity but introduces variability in baseline flux, thus decreasing the correlation when data are expressed as a function of baseline. Finally, systematic bias makes it impossible to assimilate arbitrary perfusion units provided by the two systems. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ethanol modulates the VR-1 variant amiloride-insensitive salt taste receptor. II. Effect on chorda tympani salt responses.

PubMed

Lyall, Vijay; Heck, Gerard L; Phan, Tam-Hao T; Mummalaneni, Shobha; Malik, Shahbaz A; Vinnikova, Anna K; Desimone, John A

2005-06-01

The effect of ethanol on the amiloride- and benzamil (Bz)-insensitive salt taste receptor was investigated by direct measurement of intracellular Na(+) activity ([Na(+)](i)) using fluorescence imaging in polarized fungiform taste receptor cells (TRCs) and by chorda tympani (CT) taste nerve recordings. CT responses to KCl and NaCl were recorded in Sprague-Dawley rats, and in wild-type (WT) and vanilloid receptor-1 (VR-1) knockout mice (KO). CT responses were monitored in the presence of Bz, a specific blocker of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC). CT responses were also recorded in the presence of agonists (resiniferatoxin and elevated temperature) and antagonists (capsazepine and SB-366791) of VR-1 that similarly modulate the Bz-insensitive VR-1 variant salt taste receptor. In the absence of mineral salts, ethanol induced a transient decrease in TRC volume and elicited only transient phasic CT responses. In the presence of mineral salts, ethanol increased the apical cation flux in TRCs without a change in volume, increased transepithelial electrical resistance across the tongue, and elicited CT responses that were similar to salt responses, consisting of both a phasic component and a sustained tonic component. At concentrations <50%, ethanol enhanced responses to KCl and NaCl, while at ethanol concentrations >50%, those CT responses were inhibited. Resiniferatoxin and elevated temperature increased the sensitivity of the CT response to ethanol in salt-containing media, and SB-366791 inhibited the effect of ethanol, resiniferatoxin, and elevated temperature on the CT responses to mineral salts. VR-1 KO mice demonstrated no Bz-insensitive CT response to NaCl and no sensitivity to ethanol. We conclude that ethanol increases salt taste sensitivity by its direct action on the Bz-insensitive VR-1 variant salt taste receptor.

Endocrine testicular function and spermatogenesis persist in calves after partial scrotal resection but not Burdizzo castration.

PubMed

Pieler, D; Wohlsein, P; Peinhopf, W; Aurich, J E; Erber, R; Ille, N; Baumgärtner, W; Aurich, C

2014-06-01

Bull calves for fattening are often castrated during the first weeks of life. Because androgens stimulate growth, there is an interest in males that are infertile but exposed to endogenous testicular steroids. Such a situation occurs in cryptorchids and has been imitated by shortening the scrotum to an extent that the testes are located in a near-inguinal position. In this study, effects of partial scrotal resection (SR) and Burdizzo castration (BZ) on endocrine testicular function, testes histology and on weight at slaughter were studied and compared to orchidectomized (OR) and gonad-intact calves (CO; n = 10 per group; age at castration, 54 ± 3 days; fattening period, 474 ± 11 days). Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined repeatedly, and testes were collected for histopathology at slaughter. We hypothesized that SR inhibits spermatogenesis without loss of testicular steroidogenesis. Group SR animals gained more weight than groups OR and BZ (P < 0.01). Plasma testosterone concentration increased in groups SR and CO (P < 0.01 vs. BZ and OR). Histologically, in all SR animals, testicular and epididymal tissue was identified with a seminiferous epithelium of up to three-cell layers in two animals. Germ cells including elongated spermatids were present in three animals. Shortening of the scrotum thus induced varying degrees of testicular degeneration but 3/10 animals had to be suspected as fertile. In one BZ animal, spermatids were identified whereas in the remaining BZ animals, testes and epididymides consisted of sclerotic fibrous tissue. Partial SR thus induced a cryptorchid-like status but fertility in individual animals must be assumed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Latitudinal variation rate of geomagnetic cutoff rigidity in the active Chilean convergent margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cordaro, Enrique G.; Venegas, Patricio; Laroze, David

2018-03-01

We present a different view of secular variation of the Earth's magnetic field, through the variations in the threshold rigidity known as the variation rate of geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (VRc). As the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (Rc) lets us differentiate between charged particle trajectories arriving at the Earth and the Earth's magnetic field, we used the VRc to look for internal variations in the latter, close to the 70° south meridian. Due to the fact that the empirical data of total magnetic field BF and vertical magnetic field Bz obtained at Putre (OP) and Los Cerrillos (OLC) stations are consistent with the displacement of the South Atlantic magnetic anomaly (SAMA), we detected that the VRc does not fully correlate to SAMA in central Chile. Besides, the lower section of VRc seems to correlate perfectly with important geological features, like the flat slab in the active Chilean convergent margin. Based on this, we next focused our attention on the empirical variations of the vertical component of the magnetic field Bz, recorded in OP prior to the Maule earthquake in 2010, which occurred in the middle of the Chilean flat slab. We found a jump in Bz values and main frequencies from 3.510 to 5.860 µHz, in the second derivative of Bz, which corresponds to similar magnetic behavior found by other research groups, but at lower frequency ranges. Then, we extended this analysis to other relevant subduction seismic events, like Sumatra in 2004 and Tohoku in 2011, using data from the Guam station. Similar records and the main frequencies before each event were found. Thus, these results seem to show that magnetic anomalies recorded on different timescales, as VRc (decades) and Bz (days), may correlate with some geological events, as the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling (LAIC).

Network-Based Mitigation of Illegal Immigration in Aegean Sea (Greece)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

From Google- Images ) ...........................................1 Figure 2. The perilous trip (From Google- Images ...2 Figure 3. EU countries (From Google- Images ).................................................................3 Figure 4...Eastern Aegen Sea and territorial water line (From Google- Images )................4 Figure 5. Cross-border zone

A Realtime Active Feedback Control System For Coupled Nonlinear Chemical Oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tompkins, Nathan; Fraden, Seth

2012-02-01

We study the manipulation and control of oscillatory networks. As a model system we use an emulsion of Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) oscillators packed on a hexagonal lattice. Each drop is observed and perturbed by a Programmable Illumination Microscope (PIM). The PIM allows us to track individual BZ oscillators, calculate the phase and order parameters of every drop, and selectively perturb specific drops with photo illumination, all in realtime. To date we have determined the native attractor patterns for drops in 1D arrays and 2D hexagonal packing as a function of coupling strength as well as determined methods to move the system from one attractor basin to another. Current work involves implementing these attractor control methods with our experimental system and future work will likely include implementing a model neural network for use with photo controllable BZ emulsions.

The distinguishing signature of Magnetic Penrose Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadhich, Naresh; Tursunov, Arman; Ahmedov, Bobomurat; Stuchlík, Zdeněk

2018-04-01

In this Letter, we wish to point out that the distinguishing feature of Magnetic Penrose process (MPP) is its super high efficiency exceeding 100% (which was established in mid 1980s for discrete particle accretion) of extraction of rotational energy of a rotating black hole electromagnetically for a magnetic field of milli Gauss order. Another similar process, which is also driven by electromagnetic field, is Blandford-Znajek mechanism (BZ), which could be envisaged as high magnetic field limit MPP as it requires threshold magnetic field of order 104G. Recent simulation studies of fully relativistic magnetohydrodynamic flows have borne out super high efficiency signature of the process for high magnetic field regime; viz BZ. We would like to make a clear prediction that similar simulation studies of MHD flows for low magnetic field regime, where BZ would be inoperative, would also have super efficiency.

The effects of neutral inertia on ionospheric currents in the high-latitude thermosphere following a geomagnetic storm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deng, W.; Killeen, T. L.; Burns, A. G.; Roble, R. G.; Slavin, J. A.; Wharton, L. E.

1993-01-01

Neutral flywheel effects are investigated in NCAR-TIGCM simulation of geomagnetic storms that occurred in November 23, 1982 and December 7-8, 1982. Theoretical calculations from the latter storm are compared with measurements of currents form instruments on the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite. It is concluded that neutral flywheel effects can make a contribution to high latitude electrodynamics for a few hours after the main phase of a geomagnetic storm. The Hall currents that are driven by neutral winds during B(Z) northward conditions are generally in the opposite direction to those that occur during B(Z) southward conditions, when they are driven primarily by ion winds. The morphology of the field-aligned current system calculated by the NCAR-TIGCM during southward B(Z) conditions is in general agreement with observations.

Phase 2 trial of bortezomib in combination with rituximab plus hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone alternating with bortezomib, rituximab, methotrexate, and cytarabine for untreated mantle cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Romaguera, Jorge E; Wang, Michael; Feng, Lei; Fayad, Luis E; Hagemeister, Frederick; McLaughlin, Peter; Rodriguez, M Alma; Fanale, Michelle; Orlowski, Robert; Kwak, Larry W; Neelapu, Sattva; Oki, Yasuhiro; Pro, Barbara; Younes, Anas; Samaniego, Felipe; Fowler, Nathan; Hartig, Kimberly; Valentinetti, Marisa; Smith, Judy; Ford, Peggy; Naig, Adam; Medeiros, L Jeffrey; Kantarjian, Hagop M; Goy, Andre

2018-05-03

Although the outcomes of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have improved, there is still no cure. Bortezomib has a 33% response rate in relapsed/refractory MCL and has shown additive and/or synergistic effects in preclinical trials with known effective agents. This is a report of a prospective phase 2 trial of bortezomib added to rituximab plus hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (BzR-hyperCVAD)/rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, and high-dose cytarabine (BzR-MA) for 95 patients with newly diagnosed MCL. The overall and complete response rates were 100% and 82%, respectively. Hematologic toxicity was high but expected and did not lead to an increased incidence of neutropenic fever or dose reductions in comparison with a similar reported regimen without bortezomib. After a median follow-up of 44 months, the median overall survival had not been reached, and the time to treatment failure (TTF) was 55 months, which is not different from that of historical controls. BzR-hyperCVAD/BzR-MA at the dose and schedule studied produced high rates of response and a TTF similar to that of historical reports without bortezomib. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Efficiency of super-Eddington magnetically-arrested accretion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKinney, Jonathan C.; Dai, Lixin; Avara, Mark J.

2015-11-01

The radiative efficiency of super-Eddington accreting black holes (BHs) is explored for magnetically-arrested discs, where magnetic flux builds-up to saturation near the BH. Our three-dimensional general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (GRRMHD) simulation of a spinning BH (spin a/M = 0.8) accreting at ˜50 times Eddington shows a total efficiency ˜50 per cent when time-averaged and total efficiency ≳ 100 per cent in moments. Magnetic compression by the magnetic flux near the rotating BH leads to a thin disc, whose radiation escapes via advection by a magnetized wind and via transport through a low-density channel created by a Blandford-Znajek (BZ) jet. The BZ efficiency is sub-optimal due to inertial loading of field lines by optically thick radiation, leading to BZ efficiency ˜40 per cent on the horizon and BZ efficiency ˜5 per cent by r ˜ 400rg (gravitational radii) via absorption by the wind. Importantly, radiation escapes at r ˜ 400rg with efficiency η ≈ 15 per cent (luminosity L ˜ 50LEdd), similar to η ≈ 12 per cent for a Novikov-Thorne thin disc and beyond η ≲ 1 per cent seen in prior GRRMHD simulations or slim disc theory. Our simulations show how BH spin, magnetic field, and jet mass-loading affect these radiative and jet efficiencies.

AE Geomagnetic Index Predictability for High Speed Solar Wind Streams: A Wavelet Decomposition Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guarnieri, Fernando L.; Tsurutani, Bruce T.; Hajra, Rajkumar; Echer, Ezequiel; Gonzalez, Walter D.; Mannucci, Anthony J.

2014-01-01

High speed solar wind streams cause geomagnetic activity at Earth. In this study we have applied a wavelet interactive filtering and reconstruction technique on the solar wind magnetic field components and AE index series to allowed us to investigate the relationship between the two. The IMF Bz component was found as the most significant solar wind parameter responsible by the control of the AE activity. Assuming magnetic reconnection associated to southward directed Bz is the main mechanism transferring energy into the magnetosphere, we adjust parameters to forecast the AE index. The adjusted routine is able to forecast AE, based only on the Bz measured at the L1 Lagrangian point. This gives a prediction approximately 30-70 minutes in advance of the actual geomagnetic activity. The correlation coefficient between the observed AE data and the forecasted series reached values higher than 0.90. In some cases the forecast reproduced particularities observed in the signal very well.The high correlation values observed and the high efficacy of the forecasting can be taken as a confirmation that reconnection is the main physical mechanism responsible for the energy transfer during HILDCAAs. The study also shows that the IMF Bz component low frequencies are most important for AE prediction.

Reduced Binding Potential of GABA-A/Benzodiazepine Receptors in Individuals at Ultra-high Risk for Psychosis: An [18F]-Fluoroflumazenil Positron Emission Tomography Study

PubMed Central

Kang, Jee In; Park, Hae-Jeong; An, Suk Kyoon

2014-01-01

Background: Altered transmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of GABA-A/benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor binding abnormalities in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis in comparison with normal controls using [18F]-fluoroflumazenil (FFMZ) positron emission tomography (PET). In particular, we set regions of interest in the striatum (caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens) and medial temporal area (hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus). Methods: Eleven BZ-naive people at UHR and 15 normal controls underwent PET scanning using [18F]-FFMZ to measure GABA-A/BZ receptor binding potential. The regional group differences between UHR individuals and normal controls were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 8 software. Participants were evaluated using the structured interview for prodromal syndromes and neurocognitive function tasks. Results: People at UHR demonstrated significantly reduced binding potential of GABA-A/BZ receptors in the right caudate. Conclusions: Altered GABAergic transmission and/or the imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory systems in the striatum may be present at the putative prodromal stage and play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of psychosis. PMID:23588475

Wild deer as potential vectors of anthelmintic-resistant abomasal nematodes between cattle and sheep farms.

PubMed

Chintoan-Uta, C; Morgan, E R; Skuce, P J; Coles, G C

2014-04-07

Gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes are among the most important causes of production loss in farmed ruminants, and anthelmintic resistance is emerging globally. We hypothesized that wild deer could potentially act as reservoirs of anthelmintic-resistant GI nematodes between livestock farms. Adult abomasal nematodes and faecal samples were collected from fallow (n = 24), red (n = 14) and roe deer (n = 10) from venison farms and areas of extensive or intensive livestock farming. Principal components analysis of abomasal nematode species composition revealed differences between wild roe deer grazing in the areas of intensive livestock farming, and fallow and red deer in all environments. Alleles for benzimidazole (BZ) resistance were identified in β-tubulin of Haemonchus contortus of roe deer and phenotypic resistance confirmed in vitro by an egg hatch test (EC50 = 0.149 µg ml(-1) ± 0.13 µg ml(-1)) on H. contortus eggs from experimentally infected sheep. This BZ-resistant H. contortus isolate also infected a calf experimentally. We present the first account of in vitro BZ resistance in wild roe deer, but further experiments should firmly establish the presence of phenotypic BZ resistance in vivo. Comprehensive in-field studies should assess whether nematode cross-transmission between deer and livestock occurs and contributes, in any way, to the development of resistance on livestock farms.

The geology of the Inconsolable Range, east-central Sierra Nevada, California

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

Hathaway, G.M; Reed, W.E.

1993-04-01

Detailed mapping of the Inconsolable Range in the east-central Sierra Nevada reveals a structurally and lithologically complex region of multi-phase intrusions. Some plutons are compositionally-zoned [e.g., Inconsolable (100 Ma) and Lamarck (90 Ma)]; others may be the result of magma mixing. Intrusive borders vary from brittle to ductile and sharp to gradational, and are bounded by contact aureoles of varying metamorphic grade. A shear zone (Long Lake shear zone -- LLSZ) bounds the western margin of the Inconsolable Range for 8 km; this is truncated in the south by the Cretaceous Lamarck intrusive suite, and is tectonically overlain in themore » north by the Bishop Creek Pendant (Ordovician ). The LLSZ is a complex zone of interleaved septa of biotite schists, orthogneisses, aplitic screens, and calc-silicate gneisses approximately 500 to 800 m wide. Preliminary interpretation suggests that the LLSZ is the sheared remnant of a Triassic-Jurassic igneous terrane complete with metasedimentary pendants. Juxtaposition of greenschist facies meta-sedimentary rocks of the Chocolate Peak klippe over highly deformed amphibolite grade meta-igneous rocks of the LLSZ postdates movement along the LLSZ. Metamorphic grades suggest that deeper structural levels are exposed within the LLSZ near its southern terminus. Twenty plutonic lithologies have been mapped and informally named (e.g., Spotted biotite quartz diorite), including 3 compositionally-zoned plutons. Zonation within the Lamarck, Inconsolable, and Spotted intrusions are the result of multiple emplacement events into partially crystallized host plutons. Along the eastern border of the Lamarck intrusive suite field evidence indicates four separate intrusive events. The Inconsolable body is a compositionally-zoned biotite, clinopyroxene, quartz diorite with irregular granodiorite margins. The base of the Spotted intrusion appears to have been magmatically eroded by a pulse of the younger Lamarck intrusion.« less

CRESTA : consortium on remote sensing of freight flows in congested border crossings and work zones.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-01

"The objectives of this project were to develop and demonstrate the use of remote sensing and : geospatial information technologies to provide useful information for applications related to : the times trucks incur in various activities (activity...

Cratonic roots and lower crustal seismicity: Investigating the role of deep intrusion in the Western rift, Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drooff, C.; Ebinger, C. J.; Lavayssiere, A.; Keir, D.; Oliva, S. J.; Tepp, G.; Gallacher, R. J.

2017-12-01

Improved seismic imaging beneath the African continent reveals lateral variations in lithospheric thickness, and crustal structure, complementing a growing crust and mantle xenolith data base. Border fault systems in the active cratonic rifts of East Africa are characterized by lower crustal seismicity, both in magmatic sectors and weakly magmatic sectors, providing constraints on crustal rheology and, in some areas, magmatic fluid migration. We report new seismicity data from magmatic and weakly magmatic sectors of the East African rift zone, and place the work in the context of independent geophysical and geochemical studies to models for strain localization during early rifting stages. Specifically, multidisciplinary studies in the Magadi Natron rift sectors reveal volumetrically large magmatic CO2 degassing along border faults with seismicity along projections of surface dips to the lower crust. The magmatic CO2 degassing and high Vp/Vs ratios and reflectivity of the lower crust implies that the border fault serves a conduit between the lower crustal underplating and the atmospheric. Crustal xenoliths in the Eastern rift sector indicate a granulitic lower crust, which is relatively weak in the presence of fluids, arguing against a strong lower crust. Within magmatic sectors, seismic, structural, and geochemistry results indicate that frequent lower crustal earthquakes are promoted by elevated pore pressures from volatile degassing along border faults, and hydraulic fracture around the margins of magma bodies. Within some weakly magmatic sectors, lower crustal earthquakes also occur along projections of border faults to the lower crust (>30 km), and they are prevalent in areas with high Vp/Vs in the lower crust. Within the southern Tanganyika rift, focal mechanisms are predominantly normal with steep nodal planes. Our comparative studies suggest that pervasive metasomatism above a mantle plume, and melt extraction in thin zones between cratonic roots, lead to high pore pressures that promote brittle failure in the lower crust, even in areas with no surface expression of magmatism.

Effect of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field parameter variations to the enhancement and dynamics of auroral electrojet during superstrong magnetic storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solovyev, Stepan; Boroev, Roman; Moiseyev, Alexey; Du, Aimin; Yumoto, Kiyohumi

According to the global ground geomagnetic observations in the six meridian chains and analysis of satellite measurements the auroral elektrojet features at various conditions in the solar wind (SW) and the IMF: during a sharp rise of dynamic pressure up to 15-60 nPa and variations in the intensity and sign of the IMF Bz-component to -40 --50 nT. The data obtained during super strong magnetic storms of October 29-30, 2003, November 20-21, 2003, November 07-08, 2004 and November 09-10, 2004 (Dst = -300 --400 nT) are analysed. The following scientific results are obtained: • It is shown that a sharp increase of the SW dynamic pressure (Pd) and the excitation of a sudden impulse (SC) during IMF Bz negative (Bz<0) leads to a simultaneous (with accuracy 1-3 min) increase of DP2 current system and the intensity of the western elec-trojet (Jw) in a broad sector of longitudes and expansion of Jw to the pole up to the polar cap latitudes with the velocity of VN = 1-3 km/s. • It is found that during the sharp rise of Pd up to 60 nPa for IMF Bz positive (Bz>0) 35 nT is the amplification of eastward magnetopause currents and DP2 current system are observed. Strengthening and dynamics of the westward electrojet is not observed. • We find that during periods of intensity growth of negative values of IMF Bz to -50 nT within a few hours there is a shift of the centers of auroral electrojet to the equator up to latitudes about 10-20 degrees along the meridian with a speed of 1-4 km/s with a simultaneous amplifications of Jw repeated in 1-2 hours with a duration of 1-2 hours at latitudes from low to auroral latitudes and with a possible extension to electrojets up to the polar cap latitudes and the abrupt extension of the subsequent Jw electrojets localization region by azimuth. • It is shown that after the electrojet displacement to the equator during southward direc-tion of IMF Bz and enhancement of the SW electric field the IMF Bz turning to the north accompanied by the poleward expansion of Jw electrojet at a speed of 1 km/s in a wide range of longitudes is observed. • It is found that the electrojet expansion to the pole during superstorms often occurs up to the polar cap latitudes due to the extension of the precipitating particles and increased ionospheric conductivity region from the low and auroral latitudes, but not due to the movement of localized westward electrojet along the meridian, as is the case in the substorm. The report discusses the possible causes of the dynamics of auroral electrojets under different geophysical conditions. This work was supported by the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences (program 16, part 3), by the RFBR grant No.09-05-98546 and also supported by the SB RAS project No.69.

Diagnosis of Myocardial Viability by Fluorodeoxyglucose Distribution at the Border Zone of a Low Uptake Region

PubMed Central

Sone, Teruki; Yoshikawa, Kunihiko; Mimura, Hiroaki; Hayashida, Akihiro; Wada, Nozomi; Obase, Kikuko; Imai, Koichiro; Saito, Ken; Maehama, Tomoko; Fukunaga, Masao; Yoshida, Kiyoshi

2010-01-01

Purpose In cardiac 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) examination, interpretation of myocardial viability in the low uptake region (LUR) has been difficult without additional perfusion imaging. We evaluated distribution patterns of FDG at the border zone of the LUR in the cardiac FDG-PET and established a novel parameter for diagnosing myocardial viability and for discriminating the LUR of normal variants. Materials and Methods Cardiac FDG-PET was performed in patients with a myocardial ischemic event (n = 22) and in healthy volunteers (n = 22). Whether the myocardium was not a viable myocardium (not-VM) or an ischemic but viable myocardium (isch-VM) was defined by an echocardiogram under a low dose of dobutamine infusion as the gold standard. FDG images were displayed as gray scaled-bull's eye mappings. FDG-plot profiles for LUR (= true ischemic region in the patients or normal variant region in healthy subjects) were calculated. Maximal values of FDG change at the LUR border zone (a steepness index; Smax scale/pixel) were compared among not-VM, isch-VM, and normal myocardium. Results Smax was significantly higher for n-VM compared to those with isch-VM or normal myocardium (ANOVA). A cut-off value of 0.30 in Smax demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 83% specificity for diagnosing n-VM and isch-VM. Smax less than 0.23 discriminated LUR in normal myocardium from the LUR in patients with both n-VM and isch-VM with a 94% sensitivity and a 93% specificity. Conclusion Smax of the LUR in cardiac FDG-PET is a simple and useful parameter to diagnose n-VM and isch-VM, as well as to discriminate thr LUR of normal variants. PMID:20191007

Fault-Magma Interactions during Early Continental Rifting: Seismicity of the Magadi-Natron-Manyara basins, Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinstein, A.; Oliva, S. J.; Ebinger, C.; Aman, M.; Lambert, C.; Roecker, S. W.; Tiberi, C.; Muirhead, J.

2017-12-01

Although magmatism may occur during the earliest stages of continental rifting, its role in strain accommodation remains weakly constrained by largely 2D studies. We analyze seismicity data from a 13-month, 39-station broadband seismic array to determine the role of magma intrusion on state-of-stress and strain localization, and their along-strike variations. Precise earthquake locations using cluster analyses and a new 3D velocity model reveal lower crustal earthquakes along projections of steep border faults that degas CO2. Seismicity forms several disks interpreted as sills at 6-10 km below a monogenetic cone field. The sills overlie a lower crustal magma chamber that may feed eruptions at Oldoinyo Lengai volcano. After determining a new ML scaling relation, we determine a b-value of 0.87 ± 0.03. Focal mechanisms for 66 earthquakes, and a longer time period of relocated earthquakes from global arrays reveal an along-axis stress rotation of 50 o ( N150 oE) in the magmatically active zone. Using Kostrov summation of local and teleseismic mechanisms, we find opening directions of N122ºE and N92ºE north and south of the magmatically active zone. The stress rotation facilitates strain transfer from border fault systems, the locus of early stage deformation, to the zone of magma intrusion in the central rift. Our seismic, structural, and geochemistry results indicate that frequent lower crustal earthquakes are promoted by elevated pore pressures from volatile degassing along border faults, and hydraulic fracture around the margins of magma bodies. Earthquakes are largely driven by stress state around inflating magma bodies, and more dike intrusions with surface faulting, eruptions, and earthquakes are expected.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: BzJK observations around radio galaxies (Galametz+, 2009)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galametz, A.; De Breuck, C.; Vernet, J.; Stern, D.; Rettura, A.; Marmo, C.; Omont, A.; Allen, M.; Seymour, N.

2010-02-01

We imaged the two targets using the Bessel B-band filter of the Large Format Camera (LFC) on the Palomar 5m Hale Telescope. We imaged the radio galaxy fields using the z-band filter of Palomar/LFC. In February 2005, we observed 7C 1751+6809 for 60-min under photometric conditions. In August 2005, we observed 7C 1756+6520 for 135-min but in non-photometric conditions. The tables provide the B, z, J and Ks magnitudes and coordinates of the pBzK* galaxies (red passively evolving candidates selected by BzK=(z-K)-(B-z)<-0.2 and (z-K)>2.2) for both fields. The B and z bands were obtained using the Large Format Camera (LFC) on the Palomar 5m Hale Telescope, and the J and Ks bands using Wide-field Infrared Camera (WIRCAM) of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). (2 data files).

On Emulation of Flueric Devices in Excitable Chemical Medium

PubMed Central

Adamatzky, Andrew

2016-01-01

Flueric devices are fluidic devices without moving parts. Fluidic devices use fluid as a medium for information transfer and computation. A Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) medium is a thin-layer spatially extended excitable chemical medium which exhibits travelling excitation wave-fronts. The excitation wave-fronts transfer information. Flueric devices compute via jets interaction. BZ devices compute via excitation wave-fronts interaction. In numerical model of BZ medium we show that functions of key flueric devices are implemented in the excitable chemical system: signal generator, and, xor, not and nor Boolean gates, delay elements, diodes and sensors. Flueric devices have been widely used in industry since late 1960s and are still employed in automotive and aircraft technologies. Implementation of analog of the flueric devices in the excitable chemical systems opens doors to further applications of excitation wave-based unconventional computing in soft robotics, embedded organic electronics and living technologies. PMID:27997561

An interstellar origin for Jupiter's retrograde co-orbital asteroid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Namouni, F.; Morais, M. H. M.

2018-06-01

Asteroid (514107) 2015 BZ509 was discovered recently in Jupiter's co-orbital region with a retrograde motion around the Sun. The known chaotic dynamics of the outer Solar system have so far precluded the identification of its origin. Here, we perform a high-resolution statistical search for stable orbits and show that asteroid (514107) 2015 BZ509 has been in its current orbital state since the formation of the Solar system. This result indicates that (514107) 2015 BZ509 was captured from the interstellar medium 4.5 billion years in the past as planet formation models cannot produce such a primordial large-inclination orbit with the planets on nearly coplanar orbits interacting with a coplanar debris disc that must produce the low-inclination small-body reservoirs of the Solar system such as the asteroid and Kuiper belts. This result also implies that more extrasolar asteroids are currently present in the Solar system on nearly polar orbits.

Magnetic reconnection and Blandford-Znajek process around rotating black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Chandra B.; Garofalo, David; de Gouveia Dal Pino, Elisabete M.

2018-05-01

We provide a semi-analytic comparison between the Blandford-Znajek (BZ) and the magnetic reconnection power for accreting black holes in the curved spacetime of a rotating black hole. Our main result is that for a realistic range of astrophysical parameters, the reconnection power may compete with the BZ power. The field lines anchored close to or on the black hole usually evolve to open field lines in general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations. The BZ power is dependent on the black hole spin while magnetic reconnection power is independent of it for the near force-free magnetic configuration with open field lines adopted in our theoretical study. This has obvious consequences for the time evolution of such systems particularly in the context of black hole X-ray binary state transitions. Our results provide analytical justification of the results obtained in GRMHD simulations.

On Emulation of Flueric Devices in Excitable Chemical Medium.

PubMed

Adamatzky, Andrew

2016-01-01

Flueric devices are fluidic devices without moving parts. Fluidic devices use fluid as a medium for information transfer and computation. A Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) medium is a thin-layer spatially extended excitable chemical medium which exhibits travelling excitation wave-fronts. The excitation wave-fronts transfer information. Flueric devices compute via jets interaction. BZ devices compute via excitation wave-fronts interaction. In numerical model of BZ medium we show that functions of key flueric devices are implemented in the excitable chemical system: signal generator, and, xor, not and nor Boolean gates, delay elements, diodes and sensors. Flueric devices have been widely used in industry since late 1960s and are still employed in automotive and aircraft technologies. Implementation of analog of the flueric devices in the excitable chemical systems opens doors to further applications of excitation wave-based unconventional computing in soft robotics, embedded organic electronics and living technologies.

The distinguishing signature of magnetic Penrose process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadhich, Naresh; Tursunov, Arman; Ahmedov, Bobomurat; Stuchlík, Zdeněk

2018-07-01

In this Letter, we wish to point out that the distinguishing feature of magnetic Penrose process (MPP) is its super high-efficiency exceeding 100 per cent (which was established in mid 1980s for discrete particle accretion) of extraction of rotational energy of a rotating black hole electromagnetically for a magnetic field of milli Gauss order. Another similar process, which is also driven by the electromagnetic field, is Blandford-Znajek mechanism (BZ) that could be envisaged as high magnetic field limit MPP as it requires threshold magnetic field of order 104 G. Recent simulation studies of fully relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows have borne out super high-efficiency signature of the process for high magnetic field regime; viz BZ. We would like to make a clear prediction that similar simulation studies of MHD flows for low magnetic field regime, where BZ would be inoperative, would also have superefficiency.

Idealized model of polar cap currents, fields, and auroras

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornwall, J. M.

1985-01-01

During periods of northward Bz, the electric field applied to the magnetosphere is generally opposite to that occurring during southward Bz and complicated patterns of convection result, showing some features reversed in comparison with the southward Bz case. A study is conducted of a simple generalization of early work on idealized convection models, which allows for coexistence of sunward convection over the central polar cap and antisunward convection elsewhere in the cap. The present model, valid for By approximately 0, has a four-cell convection pattern and is based on the combination of ionospheric current conservation with a relation between parallel auroral currents and parallel potential drops. Global magnetospheric issues involving, e.g., reconnection are not considered. The central result of this paper is an expression giving the parallel potential drop for polar cap auroras (with By approximately 0) in terms of the polar cap convection field profile.

Response of the Equatorial Ionosphere to the Geomagnetic DP 2 Current System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yizengaw, E.; Moldwin, M. B.; Zesta, E.; Magoun, M.; Pradipta, R.; Biouele, C. M.; Rabiu, A. B.; Obrou, O. K.; Bamba, Z.; Paula, E. R. De

2016-01-01

The response of equatorial ionosphere to the magnetospheric origin DP 2 current system fluctuations is examined using ground-based multiinstrument observations. The interaction between the solar wind and fluctuations of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz, penetrates nearly instantaneously to the dayside equatorial region at all longitudes and modulates the electrodynamics that governs the equatorial density distributions. In this paper, using magnetometers at high and equatorial latitudes, we demonstrate that the quasiperiodic DP 2 current system penetrates to the equator and causes the dayside equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and the independently measured ionospheric drift velocity to fluctuate coherently with the high-latitude DP 2 current as well as with the IMF Bz component. At the same time, radar observations show that the ionospheric density layers move up and down, causing the density to fluctuate up and down coherently with the EEJ and IMF Bz.

Temperature influence on the malonic acid decomposition in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagojević, S. M.; Anić, S. R.; Čupić, Ž. D.; Pejić, N. D.; Kolar-Anić, Lj. Z.

2009-09-01

The kinetic investigations of the malonic acid decomposition (8.00 × 10-3 mol dm-3 ≤ [CH2(COOH)2]0 ≤ 4.30 × 10-2 mol dm-3) in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) system in the presence of bromate, bromide, sulfuric acid and cerium sulfate, were performed in the isothermal closed well stirred reactor at different temperatures (25.0°C ≤ T ≤ 45.0°C). The formal kinetics of the overall BZ reaction, and particularly kinetics in characteristic periods of BZ reaction, based on the analyses of the bromide oscillograms, was accomplished. The evolution as well as the rate constants and the apparent activation energies of the reactions, which exist in the preoscillatory and oscillatory periods, are also successfully calculated by numerical simulations. Simulations are based on the model including the Br2O species.

Validation of Magnetospheric Magnetohydrodynamic Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curtis, Brian

Magnetospheric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models are commonly used for both prediction and modeling of Earth's magnetosphere. To date, very little validation has been performed to determine their limits, uncertainties, and differences. In this work, we performed a comprehensive analysis using several commonly used validation techniques in the atmospheric sciences to MHD-based models of Earth's magnetosphere for the first time. The validation techniques of parameter variability/sensitivity analysis and comparison to other models were used on the OpenGGCM, BATS-R-US, and SWMF magnetospheric MHD models to answer several questions about how these models compare. The questions include: (1) the difference between the model's predictions prior to and following to a reversal of Bz in the upstream interplanetary field (IMF) from positive to negative, (2) the influence of the preconditioning duration, and (3) the differences between models under extreme solar wind conditions. A differencing visualization tool was developed and used to address these three questions. We find: (1) For a reversal in IMF Bz from positive to negative, the OpenGGCM magnetopause is closest to Earth as it has the weakest magnetic pressure near-Earth. The differences in magnetopause positions between BATS-R-US and SWMF are explained by the influence of the ring current, which is included in SWMF. Densities are highest for SWMF and lowest for OpenGGCM. The OpenGGCM tail currents differ significantly from BATS-R-US and SWMF; (2) A longer preconditioning time allowed the magnetosphere to relax more, giving different positions for the magnetopause with all three models before the IMF Bz reversal. There were differences greater than 100% for all three models before the IMF Bz reversal. The differences in the current sheet region for the OpenGGCM were small after the IMF Bz reversal. The BATS-R-US and SWMF differences decreased after the IMF Bz reversal to near zero; (3) For extreme conditions in the solar wind, the OpenGGCM has a large region of Earthward flow velocity (Ux) in the current sheet region that grows as time progresses in a compressed environment. BATS-R-US Bz , rho and Ux stabilize to a near constant value approximately one hour into the run under high compression conditions. Under high compression, the SWMF parameters begin to oscillate approximately 100 minutes into the run. All three models have similar magnetopause positions under low pressure conditions. The OpenGGCM current sheet velocities along the Sun-Earth line are largest under low pressure conditions. The results of this analysis indicate the need for accounting for model uncertainties and differences when comparing model predictions with data, provide error bars on model prediction in various magnetospheric regions, and show that the magnetotail is sensitive to the preconditioning time.

19 CFR 146.25 - Annual reconciliation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Annual reconciliation. 146.25 Section 146.25 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) FOREIGN TRADE ZONES Inventory Control and Recordkeeping System § 146.25 Annual...

75 FR 68605 - Reorganization of Foreign-Trade Zone 125 Under Alternative Site Framework; South Bend, Indiana

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-08

... Border Protection port of entry, and FTZ 125's existing Sites 1 and 2 would be categorized as magnet... project, and to a five-year ASF sunset provision for magnet sites that would terminate authority for Site...

Thinking science with thinking machines: The multiple realities of basic and applied knowledge in a research border zone.

PubMed

Hoffman, Steve G

2015-04-01

Some scholars dismiss the distinction between basic and applied science as passé, yet substantive assumptions about this boundary remain obdurate in research policy, popular rhetoric, the sociology and philosophy of science, and, indeed, at the level of bench practice. In this article, I draw on a multiple ontology framework to provide a more stable affirmation of a constructivist position in science and technology studies that cannot be reduced to a matter of competing perspectives on a single reality. The analysis is grounded in ethnographic research in the border zone of Artificial Intelligence science. I translate in-situ moments in which members of neighboring but differently situated labs engage in three distinct repertoires that render the reality of basic and applied science: partitioning, flipping, and collapsing. While the essences of scientific objects are nowhere to be found, the boundary between basic and applied is neither illusion nor mere propaganda. Instead, distinctions among scientific knowledge are made real as a matter of course.

Recombinant VSV G proteins reveal a novel raft-dependent endocytic pathway in resorbing osteoclasts

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

Mulari, Mika T.K.; Centre for Military Medicine, Research Department, Lahti; Nars, Martin

2008-05-01

Transcytotic membrane flow delivers degraded bone fragments from the ruffled border to the functional secretory domain, FSD, in bone resorbing osteoclasts. Here we show that there is also a FSD-to-ruffled border trafficking pathway that compensates for the membrane loss during the matrix uptake process and that rafts are essential for this ruffled border-targeted endosomal pathway. Replacing the cytoplasmic tail of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein with that of CD4 resulted in partial insolubility in Triton X-100 and retargeting from the peripheral non-bone facing plasma membrane to the FSD. Recombinant G proteins were subsequently endosytosed and delivered from the FSDmore » to the peripheral fusion zone of the ruffled border, which were both rich in lipid rafts as suggested by viral protein transport analysis and visualizing the rafts with fluorescent recombinant cholera toxin. Cholesterol depletion by methyl-{beta}-cyclodextrin impaired the ruffled border-targeted vesicle trafficking pathway and inhibited bone resorption dose-dependently as quantified by measuring the CTX and TRACP 5b secreted to the culture medium and by measuring the resorbed area visualized with a bi-phasic labeling method using sulpho-NHS-biotin and WGA-lectin. Thus, rafts are vital for membrane recycling from the FSD to the late endosomal/lysosomal ruffled border and bone resorption.« less

One-pot synthesis and biodistribution of fluorine-18 labeled serum albumin for vascular imaging.

PubMed

Basuli, Falguni; Zhang, Xiang; Williams, Mark R; Seidel, Jurgen; Green, Michael V; Choyke, Peter L; Swenson, Rolf E; Jagoda, Elaine M

2018-05-30

Equilibrium single-photon radionuclide imaging methods for assessing cardiac function and the integrity of the vascular system have long been in use for both clinical and research purposes. However, positron-emitting blood pool agents that could provide PET equivalents to these (and other) clinical procedures have not yet been adopted despite technical imaging advantages offered by PET. Our goal was to develop a PET blood pool tracer that not only meets necessary in vivo biological requirements but can be produced with an uncomplicated and rapid synthesis method which would facilitate clinical translation. Herein, albumin labeled with fluorine-18 was synthesized using a one-pot method and evaluated in vitro and in vivo in rats. A ligand (NODA-Bz-TFPE), containing NODA attached to a tetrafluorophenylester (TFPE) via a phenyl linker (Bz), was labeled with aluminum fluoride (Al[ 18 F]F). Conjugation of the serum albumin with the ligand (Al[ 18 F]F-NODA-Bz-TFPE), followed by purification (size exclusion chromatography), yielded the final product (Al[ 18 F]F-NODA-Bz-RSA/HSA). In vitro stability was evaluated in human serum albumin by HPLC. Rat biodistributions and whole-body PET imaging over a 4 h time course were used for the in vivo evaluation. This synthesis exhibited an overall radiochemical yield of 45 ± 10% (n = 30), a 50-min radiolabeling time, a radiochemical purity >99% and apparent stability up to 4 h in human serum. Blood had the highest retention of Al[ 18 F]F-NODA-Bz-RSA at all times with a blood half-life of 5.2 h in rats. Al[ 18 F]F-NODA-Bz-RSA distribution in most rat tissues remained relatively constant for up to 1 h, indicating that the tissue radioactivity content represents the respective tissue plasma volume. Dynamic whole-body PET images were in agreement with these findings. A new ligand has been developed and radiolabeled with Al[ 18 F]F that allows rapid (50-min) preparation of fluorine-18 serum albumin in one-pot. In addition to increased synthetic efficiency, the construct appears to be metabolically stable in rats. This method could encourage wider use of PET to quantify cardiac function and tissue vascular integrity in both research and clinical settings. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analytic Expressions for the Inner-rim Structure of Passively Heated Protoplanetary Disks

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

Ueda, Takahiro; Okuzumi, Satoshi; Flock, Mario, E-mail: t_ueda@geo.titech.ac.jp

We analytically derive the expressions for the structure of the inner region of protoplanetary disks based on the results from the recent hydrodynamical simulations. The inner part of a disk can be divided into four regions: a dust-free region with a gas temperature in the optically thin limit, an optically thin dust halo, an optically thick condensation front, and the classical, optically thick region, in order from the innermost to the outermost. We derive the dust-to-gas mass ratio profile in the dust halo using the fact that partial dust condensation regulates the temperature relative to the dust evaporation temperature. Beyondmore » the dust halo, there is an optically thick condensation front where all the available silicate gas condenses out. The curvature of the condensation surface is determined by the condition that the surface temperature must be nearly equal to the characteristic temperature ∼1200 K. We derive the midplane temperature in the outer two regions using the two-layer approximation, with the additional heating by the condensation front for the outermost region. As a result, the overall temperature profile is step-like, with steep gradients at the borders between the outer three regions. The borders might act as planet traps where the inward migration of planets due to gravitational interaction with the gas disk stops. The temperature at the border between the two outermost regions coincides with the temperature needed to activate magnetorotational instability, suggesting that the inner edge of the dead zone must lie at this border. The radius of the dead zone inner edge predicted from our solution is ∼2–3 times larger than that expected from the classical optically thick temperature.« less

Analytic Expressions for the Inner-rim Structure of Passively Heated Protoplanetary Disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueda, Takahiro; Okuzumi, Satoshi; Flock, Mario

2017-07-01

We analytically derive the expressions for the structure of the inner region of protoplanetary disks based on the results from the recent hydrodynamical simulations. The inner part of a disk can be divided into four regions: a dust-free region with a gas temperature in the optically thin limit, an optically thin dust halo, an optically thick condensation front, and the classical, optically thick region, in order from the innermost to the outermost. We derive the dust-to-gas mass ratio profile in the dust halo using the fact that partial dust condensation regulates the temperature relative to the dust evaporation temperature. Beyond the dust halo, there is an optically thick condensation front where all the available silicate gas condenses out. The curvature of the condensation surface is determined by the condition that the surface temperature must be nearly equal to the characteristic temperature ˜1200 K. We derive the midplane temperature in the outer two regions using the two-layer approximation, with the additional heating by the condensation front for the outermost region. As a result, the overall temperature profile is step-like, with steep gradients at the borders between the outer three regions. The borders might act as planet traps where the inward migration of planets due to gravitational interaction with the gas disk stops. The temperature at the border between the two outermost regions coincides with the temperature needed to activate magnetorotational instability, suggesting that the inner edge of the dead zone must lie at this border. The radius of the dead zone inner edge predicted from our solution is ˜2-3 times larger than that expected from the classical optically thick temperature.

Tuning the synchronization of a network of weakly coupled self-oscillating gels via capacitors.

PubMed

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V; Dickerson, Samuel J; Balazs, Anna C

2018-05-01

We consider a network of coupled oscillating units, where each unit comprises a self-oscillating polymer gel undergoing the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction and an overlaying piezoelectric (PZ) cantilever. Through chemo-mechano-electrical coupling, the oscillations of the networked BZ-PZ units achieve in-phase or anti-phase synchronization, enabling, for example, the storage of information within the system. Herein, we develop numerical and computational models to show that the introduction of capacitors into the BZ-PZ system enhances the dynamical behavior of the oscillating network by yielding additional stable synchronization modes. We specifically show that the capacitors lead to a redistribution of charge in the system and alteration of the force that the PZ cantilevers apply to the underlying gel. Hence, the capacitors modify the strength of the coupling between the oscillators in the network. We utilize a linear stability analysis to determine the phase behavior of BZ-PZ networks encompassing different capacitances, force polarities, and number of units and then verify our findings with numerical simulations. Thus, through analytical calculations and numerical simulations, we determine the impact of the capacitors on the existence of the synchronization modes, their stability, and the rate of synchronization within these complex dynamical systems. The findings from our study can be used to design robotic materials that harness the materials' intrinsic, responsive properties to perform such functions as sensing, actuation, and information storage.

HPMA-based polymeric micelles for curcumin solubilization and inhibition of cancer cell growth.

PubMed

Naksuriya, Ornchuma; Shi, Yang; van Nostrum, Cornelus F; Anuchapreeda, Songyot; Hennink, Wim E; Okonogi, Siriporn

2015-08-01

Curcumin (CM) has been reported as a potential anticancer agent. However, its pharmaceutical applications as therapeutic agent are hampered because of its poor aqueous solubility. The present study explores the advantages of polymeric micelles composed of block copolymers of methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) modified with monolactate, dilactate and benzoyl side groups to enhance CM solubility and inhibitory activity against cancer cells. Amphiphilic block copolymers, ω-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-b-(N-(2-benzoyloxypropyl) methacrylamide) (PEG-HPMA-Bz) were synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR and GPC. One polymer with a molecular weight of 28,000Da was used to formulate CM and compared with other aromatic substituted polymers. CM was loaded by a fast heating method (PEG-HPMA-DL and PEG-HPMA-Bz-L) and a nanoprecipitation method (PEG-HPMA-Bz). Physicochemical characteristics and cytotoxicity/cytocompatibility of the CM loaded polymeric micelles were evaluated. It was found that HPMA-based polymeric micelles significantly enhanced the solubility of CM. The PEG-HPMA-Bz micelles showed the best solubilization properties. CM loaded polymeric micelles showed sustained release of the loading CM for more than 20days. All of CM loaded polymeric micelles formulations showed a significantly potent cytotoxic effect against three cancer cell lines. HPMA-based polymeric micelles are therefore promising nanodelivery systems of CM for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning the synchronization of a network of weakly coupled self-oscillating gels via capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V.; Dickerson, Samuel J.; Balazs, Anna C.

2018-05-01

We consider a network of coupled oscillating units, where each unit comprises a self-oscillating polymer gel undergoing the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction and an overlaying piezoelectric (PZ) cantilever. Through chemo-mechano-electrical coupling, the oscillations of the networked BZ-PZ units achieve in-phase or anti-phase synchronization, enabling, for example, the storage of information within the system. Herein, we develop numerical and computational models to show that the introduction of capacitors into the BZ-PZ system enhances the dynamical behavior of the oscillating network by yielding additional stable synchronization modes. We specifically show that the capacitors lead to a redistribution of charge in the system and alteration of the force that the PZ cantilevers apply to the underlying gel. Hence, the capacitors modify the strength of the coupling between the oscillators in the network. We utilize a linear stability analysis to determine the phase behavior of BZ-PZ networks encompassing different capacitances, force polarities, and number of units and then verify our findings with numerical simulations. Thus, through analytical calculations and numerical simulations, we determine the impact of the capacitors on the existence of the synchronization modes, their stability, and the rate of synchronization within these complex dynamical systems. The findings from our study can be used to design robotic materials that harness the materials' intrinsic, responsive properties to perform such functions as sensing, actuation, and information storage.

Synthesis, crystal structures and coordination modes of some triorganotin(IV) complexes with 2-N-propyl and 2-N-benzyl-amino-1-cyclopentene-1-dithiocarboxylates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Cardoso, Marcela; Vargas-Pineda, Gabriela; Román-Bravo, Perla Patricia; Rodríguez-Narváez, Cristina; Rosas-Valdez, Elena; Cea-Olivares, Raymundo

2016-07-01

The syntheses and characterization of six new triorganotin(IV) complexes, Ph3Sn(PrACDA) (1), Bu3Sn(PrACDA) (2), Ph3Sn(BzACDA) (3), Bu3Sn(BzACDA) (4), Me3Sn(BzACDA) (5) and Cy3Sn(BzACDA) (6) (ACDA = 2-amino-1-cyclopentene-1-carbodithioate anion) are reported. Compounds 1-6 were synthesized by the reaction between the sodium salts of 2-N-propyl- or 2-N-benzyl-2-amino-1-cyclopentene-1-carbodithioate and R3SnCl (R = Ph, Bu, Me, Cy) in a 1:1 M ratio. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) spectroscopy and by FAB+ mass spectrometry. The experimental data reveal that the tin atom is coordinated to the ligand by means of the two sulfur atoms from the carbodithioate group in an anisobidentate mode, while the 119Sn{1H} NMR spectra suggest a pentacoordinate metal center in 1-4 and a tetracoordinate tin atom for 5 and 6. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 3 and 5 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showing the presence of N-H···S hydrogen bonding and a distorted trigonal bipyramid geometry for the tin atoms.

Wild deer as potential vectors of anthelmintic-resistant abomasal nematodes between cattle and sheep farms

PubMed Central

Chintoan-Uta, C.; Morgan, E. R.; Skuce, P. J.; Coles, G. C.

2014-01-01

Gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes are among the most important causes of production loss in farmed ruminants, and anthelmintic resistance is emerging globally. We hypothesized that wild deer could potentially act as reservoirs of anthelmintic-resistant GI nematodes between livestock farms. Adult abomasal nematodes and faecal samples were collected from fallow (n = 24), red (n = 14) and roe deer (n = 10) from venison farms and areas of extensive or intensive livestock farming. Principal components analysis of abomasal nematode species composition revealed differences between wild roe deer grazing in the areas of intensive livestock farming, and fallow and red deer in all environments. Alleles for benzimidazole (BZ) resistance were identified in β-tubulin of Haemonchus contortus of roe deer and phenotypic resistance confirmed in vitro by an egg hatch test (EC50 = 0.149 µg ml−1 ± 0.13 µg ml−1) on H. contortus eggs from experimentally infected sheep. This BZ-resistant H. contortus isolate also infected a calf experimentally. We present the first account of in vitro BZ resistance in wild roe deer, but further experiments should firmly establish the presence of phenotypic BZ resistance in vivo. Comprehensive in-field studies should assess whether nematode cross-transmission between deer and livestock occurs and contributes, in any way, to the development of resistance on livestock farms. PMID:24552838

A Review of the Updated Pharmacophore for the Alpha 5 GABA(A) Benzodiazepine Receptor Model

PubMed Central

Clayton, Terry; Poe, Michael M.; Rallapalli, Sundari; Biawat, Poonam; Savić, Miroslav M.; Rowlett, James K.; Gallos, George; Emala, Charles W.; Kaczorowski, Catherine C.; Stafford, Douglas C.; Arnold, Leggy A.; Cook, James M.

2015-01-01

An updated model of the GABA(A) benzodiazepine receptor pharmacophore of the α5-BzR/GABA(A) subtype has been constructed prompted by the synthesis of subtype selective ligands in light of the recent developments in both ligand synthesis, behavioral studies, and molecular modeling studies of the binding site itself. A number of BzR/GABA(A) α5 subtype selective compounds were synthesized, notably α5-subtype selective inverse agonist PWZ-029 (1) which is active in enhancing cognition in both rodents and primates. In addition, a chiral positive allosteric modulator (PAM), SH-053-2′F-R-CH3 (2), has been shown to reverse the deleterious effects in the MAM-model of schizophrenia as well as alleviate constriction in airway smooth muscle. Presented here is an updated model of the pharmacophore for α5β2γ2 Bz/GABA(A) receptors, including a rendering of PWZ-029 docked within the α5-binding pocket showing specific interactions of the molecule with the receptor. Differences in the included volume as compared to α1β2γ2, α2β2γ2, and α3β2γ2 will be illustrated for clarity. These new models enhance the ability to understand structural characteristics of ligands which act as agonists, antagonists, or inverse agonists at the Bz BS of GABA(A) receptors. PMID:26682068

Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Aristech Chemical Corporation in Linden, New Jersey

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Former Aristech Chemical Corporation (Aristech) Site comprises about 3.25 acres and is located on Block 423 Lots 18, 19, 20, and 21 at 1711 West Elizabeth Avenue, Linden, Union County, New Jersey. The site is zoned as industrial and is bordered by

Maritime Domain Awareness In The South China Sea: An Operational Picture Design

DTIC Science & Technology

China Sea (SCS) region. Socio- economic issues plague the SCS, including overfishing, piracy, and energy usage, and have forced many countries to...disregard borders, laws, and economic exclusionary zones (EEZ). These actions have caused numerous vessels of interest (VOIs) to turn off required

Saturn's dayside ultraviolet auroras: Evidence for morphological dependence on the direction of the upstream interplanetary magnetic field

PubMed Central

Meredith, C J; Alexeev, I I; Badman, S V; Belenkaya, E S; Cowley, S W H; Dougherty, M K; Kalegaev, V V; Lewis, G R; Nichols, J D

2014-01-01

We examine a unique data set from seven Hubble Space Telescope (HST) “visits” that imaged Saturn's northern dayside ultraviolet emissions exhibiting usual circumpolar “auroral oval” morphologies, during which Cassini measured the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) upstream of Saturn's bow shock over intervals of several hours. The auroras generally consist of a dawn arc extending toward noon centered near ∼15° colatitude, together with intermittent patchy forms at ∼10° colatitude and poleward thereof, located between noon and dusk. The dawn arc is a persistent feature, but exhibits variations in position, width, and intensity, which have no clear relationship with the concurrent IMF. However, the patchy postnoon auroras are found to relate to the (suitably lagged and averaged) IMF Bz, being present during all four visits with positive Bz and absent during all three visits with negative Bz. The most continuous such forms occur in the case of strongest positive Bz. These results suggest that the postnoon forms are associated with reconnection and open flux production at Saturn's magnetopause, related to the similarly interpreted bifurcated auroral arc structures previously observed in this local time sector in Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph data, whose details remain unresolved in these HST images. One of the intervals with negative IMF Bz however exhibits a prenoon patch of very high latitude emission extending poleward of the dawn arc to the magnetic/spin pole, suggestive of the occurrence of lobe reconnection. Overall, these data provide evidence of significant IMF dependence in the morphology of Saturn's dayside auroras. Key Points We examine seven cases of joint HST Saturn auroral images and Cassini IMF data The persistent but variable dawn arc shows no obvious IMF dependence Patchy postnoon auroras are present for northward IMF but not for southward IMF PMID:26167441

N-geranyl cyclopropyl-carboximide modulates salty and umami taste in humans and animal models

PubMed Central

Dewis, Mark L.; Phan, Tam-Hao T.; Ren, ZuoJun; Meng, Xuanyu; Cui, Meng; Mummalaneni, Shobha; Rhyu, Mee-Ra; DeSimone, John A.

2013-01-01

Effects of N-geranyl cyclopropylcarboxamide (NGCC) and four structurally related compounds (N-cyclopropyl E2,Z6-nonadienamide, N-geranyl isobutanamide, N-geranyl 2-methylbutanamide, and allyl N-geranyl carbamate) were evaluated on the chorda tympani (CT) nerve response to NaCl and monosodium glutamate (MSG) in rats and wild-type (WT) and TRPV1 knockout (KO) mice and on human salty and umami taste intensity. NGCC enhanced the rat CT response to 100 mM NaCl + 5 μM benzamil (Bz; an epithelial Na+ channel blocker) between 1 and 2.5 μM and inhibited it above 5 μM. N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-chlorocinnamid (SB-366791, a TRPV1t blocker) inhibited the NaCl+Bz CT response in the absence and presence of NGCC. Unlike the WT mice, no NaCl+Bz CT response was observed in TRPV1 KO mice in the absence or presence of NGCC. NGCC enhanced human salt taste intensity of fish soup stock containing 60 mM NaCl at 5 and 10 μM and decreased it at 25 μM. Rat CT responses to NaCl+Bz and human salt sensory perception were not affected by the above four structurally related compounds. Above 10 μM, NGCC increased the CT response to MSG+Bz+SB-366791 and maximally enhanced the response between 40 and 60 μM. Increasing taste cell Ca2+ inhibited the NGCC-induced increase but not the inosine monophosphate-induced increase in glutamate response. Addition of 45 μM NGCC to chicken broth containing 60 mM sodium enhanced the human umami taste intensity. Thus, depending upon its concentration, NGCC modulates salt taste by interacting with the putative TRPV1t-dependent salt taste receptor and umami taste by interacting with a Ca2+-dependent transduction pathway. PMID:23221408

Efficiency of basalt zeolite and Cuban zeolite to adsorb ammonia released from poultry litter.

PubMed

Nuernberg, Giselle B; Moreira, Marcelo A; Ernani, Paulo R; Almeida, Jaime A; Maciel, Tais M

2016-12-01

Confined poultry production is an important livestock activity, which generates large amounts of waste associated with the potential for environmental pollution and ammonia (NH 3 ) emissions. The release of ammonia negatively affects poultry production and decreases the N content of wastes that could be used as soil fertilizers. The objective of this study was to evaluate a low-cost, simple and rapid method to simulate ammonia emissions from poultry litter as well as to quantify the reduction in the ammonia emissions to the environment employing two adsorbent zeolites, a commercial Cuban zeolite (CZ) and a ground basalt Brazilian rock containing zeolite (BZ). The experiments were conducted in a laboratory, in 2012-2013. The zeolites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), physical adsorption of N 2 (BET) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ammonia released from poultry litter and its simulation from NH 4 OH solution presented similar capture rates of 7.99 × 10 -5 and 7.35 × 10 -5  mg/h, respectively. Both zeolites contain SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 as major constituents, with contents of 84% and 12% in the CZ, and 51% and 12% in the BZ, respectively, besides heulandite groups. Their BET surface areas were 89.4 and 11.3 m 2  g -1 , respectively, and the two zeolites had similar surface morphologies. The zeolites successfully adsorbed the ammonia released, but CZ was more efficient than BZ, since to capture all of the ammonia 5 g of CZ and 20 g of BZ were required. This difference is due to higher values for the superficial area, porosity, CEC and acid site strength of CZ relatively to BZ. The proposed methodology was shown to be an efficient method to simulate and quantify the ammonia released from poultry litter. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unveiling the Dual Role of the Dopaminergic System on Locomotion and the Innate Value for an Aversive Olfactory Stimulus in Drosophila.

PubMed

Fuenzalida-Uribe, Nicolás; Campusano, Jorge M

2018-02-10

The communication between sensory systems and the specific brain centers that process this information is crucial to develop adequate behavioral responses. Modulatory systems, including dopaminergic circuits, regulate this communication to finely tune the behavioral response associated to any given stimulus. For instance, the Mushroom Body (MB), an insect brain integration center that receives and processes several sensory stimuli and organizes the execution of motor programs, communicates with MB output neurons (MBONs) to develop behavioral responses associated to olfactory stimuli. This communication is modulated by dopaminergic neural systems. Here we show that silencing dopaminergic neurons increases the aversive response observed in adult flies exposed to Benzaldehyde (Bz) or octanol. We studied the contribution of two dopaminergic clusters that innervate different zones of MB, Protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) and Protocerebral posterior lateral 1 (PPL1), on the innate value to the aversive stimulus and the associated locomotor behavior. In order to do this, we manipulated the synaptic transmission of these neural clusters through the expression of Tetanus toxin, Kir2.1 and Transient receptor potential cation channel A1 (TrpA1) channels. Our results show that neurons in PPL1 and PAM differentially modulate the innate value to Bz in adult flies. On the other hand, blocking neurotransmission or genetic silencing of PAM neurons results in decreased locomotor behavior in flies, an effect not observed when silencing PPL1. Our results suggest that as in mammals, specific dopaminergic pathways differentially modulate locomotor behavior and the innate value for an odorant, a limbic-like response in Drosophila. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling of multi-band drift in nanowires using a full band Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hathwar, Raghuraj; Saraniti, Marco; Goodnick, Stephen M.

2016-07-01

We report on a new numerical approach for multi-band drift within the context of full band Monte Carlo (FBMC) simulation and apply this to Si and InAs nanowires. The approach is based on the solution of the Krieger and Iafrate (KI) equations [J. B. Krieger and G. J. Iafrate, Phys. Rev. B 33, 5494 (1986)], which gives the probability of carriers undergoing interband transitions subject to an applied electric field. The KI equations are based on the solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, and previous solutions of these equations have used Runge-Kutta (RK) methods to numerically solve the KI equations. This approach made the solution of the KI equations numerically expensive and was therefore only applied to a small part of the Brillouin zone (BZ). Here we discuss an alternate approach to the solution of the KI equations using the Magnus expansion (also known as "exponential perturbation theory"). This method is more accurate than the RK method as the solution lies on the exponential map and shares important qualitative properties with the exact solution such as the preservation of the unitary character of the time evolution operator. The solution of the KI equations is then incorporated through a modified FBMC free-flight drift routine and applied throughout the nanowire BZ. The importance of the multi-band drift model is then demonstrated for the case of Si and InAs nanowires by simulating a uniform field FBMC and analyzing the average carrier energies and carrier populations under high electric fields. Numerical simulations show that the average energy of the carriers under high electric field is significantly higher when multi-band drift is taken into consideration, due to the interband transitions allowing carriers to achieve higher energies.

A case study of Ionospheric storm effects during long-lasting southward IMF Bz driven geomagnetic storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, J., Sr.

2014-12-01

Multiple instrumental observations including GPS TEC, foF2 and hmF2 from ionosondes, vertical ion drift measurements from C/NOFS, magnetometer data and far-ultraviolet airglow measured by TIMED/GUVI are used to investigate the profound ionospheric disturbances at mid- and low-latitudes during the 14-17 July 2012 geomagnetic storm event, which was featured by prolonged southward interplanetary geomagnetic field component for about 30 hours below -10 nT. In the East Asian/Australian sector, latitudinal profile of TEC variations in the main phase were characterized by three bands of increments and separated by weak depressions in the Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA) crest regions, which were caused by the combined effects of disturbance dynamo electric fields (DDEF) and equatorward neutral winds. In the recovery phase, strong inhibition of EIA occurred and the summer crest of EIA disappeared on 16 July due to the combined effects of intrusion of neutral composition disturbance zone as shown by the TIME/GUVI O/N2 measurements and long-lasting daytime westward DDEF inferred from the equatorial electric electrojet (EEJ) observations. The transit time of DDEF over the dip equator from westward to eastward is around 2200 LT. In the American longitude, the salient ionospheric disturbances in the summer hemisphere were characterized by daytime periodical intrusion of negative phase for three consecutive days in the recovery phase, preceded by storm enhanced density (SED) plume in the initial phase. In addition, multiple short-lived prompt penetration electric fields (PPEF) appeared during stable southward IMF Bz in the recovery phase and were responsible for enhanced the EIA and equatorial ionospheric uplift around sunset.

A case study of ionospheric storm effects during long-lasting southward IMF Bz-driven geomagnetic storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jing; Liu, Libo; Nakamura, Takuji; Zhao, Biqiang; Ning, Baiqi; Yoshikawa, A.

2014-09-01

Multiple instrumental observations including GPS total electron content (TEC), foF2 and hmF2 from ionosondes, vertical ion drift measurements from Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System, magnetometer data, and far ultraviolet airglow measured by Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics/Global Ultraviolet Imager (TIMED/GUVI) are used to investigate the profound ionospheric disturbances at midlatitude and low latitude during the 14-17 July 2012 geomagnetic storm event, which was featured by prolonged southward interplanetary geomagnetic field component for about 30 h below -10 nT. In the East Asian/Australian sector, latitudinal profile of TEC variations in the main phase were characterized by three bands of increments and separated by weak depressions in the equatorial ionospheric anomaly (EIA) crest regions, which were caused by the combined effects of disturbance dynamo electric fields (DDEF) and equatorward neutral winds. In the recovery phase, strong inhibition of EIA occurred and the summer crest of EIA disappeared on 16 July due to the combined effects of intrusion of neutral composition disturbance zone as shown by the TIMED/GUVI O/N2 measurements and long-lasting daytime westward DDEF inferred from the equatorial electrojet observations. The transit time of DDEF over the dip equator from westward to eastward is around 2200 LT. In the American longitude, the salient ionospheric disturbances in the summer hemisphere were characterized by daytime periodical intrusion of negative phase for three consecutive days in the recovery phase, preceded by storm-enhanced density plume in the initial phase. In addition, multiple short-lived prompt penetration electric fields appeared during stable southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz in the recovery phase and were responsible for enhanced the EIA and equatorial ionospheric uplift around sunset.

Influence of iron and copper oxides on polychlorinated diphenyl ether formation in heterogeneous reactions.

PubMed

Liu, Wenxia; Shen, Lianfeng; Zhang, Fawen; Liu, Wenbin; Zheng, Minghui; Yang, Xitian

2013-08-01

Polychlorinated diphenyl ether (PCDE) has attracted great attention recently as an important type of environmental pollutant. The influence of iron and copper oxides on formation of PCDEs was investigated using laboratory-scale flow reactors under air and under nitrogen at 350 °C, a temperature corresponding to the post-combustion zone of a municipal solid waste incinerator. The results show that the 2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-otachlorodiphenyl ether (OCDE) formed from the condensation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene (Cl4Bz) is the predominant congener formed on the SiO2/Fe2O3 surface with and without oxygen. This indicated that HCl elimination between PCP and 1,2,4,5-Cl4Bz molecules formed 2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-OCDE in the presence of Fe2O3. On the other hand, decachlorodiphenyl ether, nonachlorodiphenyl ether, and OCDE were the dominant products on the SiO2/CuO surface without oxygen, although the 2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-OCDE was the dominant product on the SiO2/CuO surface with oxygen. Therefore, the presence of Fe2O3 and CuO influences the formation and homologue distribution of PCDEs, which shifted towards the lower chlorinated species. Fe2O3 can promote both the condensation and dechlorination reaction without oxygen. On the contrary, with oxygen, Fe2O3 suppresses the condensation of chlorobenzene and chlorophenol to form PCDEs and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). CuO can increase the formation of lower chlorinated PCDEs and PCDDs without oxygen. In conclusion, the different fly ash components have a major influence on PCDE emissions.

Potential Antiferromagnetic Fluctuations in Hole-Doped Iron-Pnictide Superconductor Ba1-xKxFe2As2 Studied by 75As Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Measurement0.1143/JPSJ.81.054704

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

Hirano, Masanori; Yamada, Yuji; Saito, Taku

2012-04-12

We have performed 75As nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurements on single-crystalline Ba1-xKxFe2As2 for x = 0.27–1. 75As nuclear quadruple resonance frequency (νQ) increases linearly with increasing x. The Knight shift K in the normal state shows Pauli paramagnetic behavior with a weak temperature T dependence. K increases gradually with increasing x. By contrast, the nuclear spin–lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 in the normal state has a strong T dependence, which indicates the existence of large antiferomagnetic (AF) spin fluctuations for all x's. The T dependence of 1/T1 shows a gaplike behavior below approximately 100 K formore » 0.6 < x < 0.9. This behaviors is well explained by the change in the band structure with the expansion of hole Fermi surfaces and the shrinkage and disappearance of electron Fermi surfaces at the Brillouin zone (BZ) with increasing x. The anisotropy of 1/T1, represented by the ratio of 1/T1ab to 1/T1c, is always larger than 1 for all x's, which indicates that stripe-type AF fluctuations are dominant in this system. The K in the superconducting (SC) state decreases, which corresponds to the appearance of spin-singlet superconductivity. The T dependence of 1/T1 in the SC state indicates a multiple-SC-gap feature. A simple two-gap model analysis shows that the larger superconducting gap gradually decreases with increasing x from 0.27 to 1 and a smaller gap decreases rapidly and nearly vanishes for x > 0.6 where electron pockets in BZ disappear.« less

Radar characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning producing storms in Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buechler, D. E.; Goodman, S. J.

1991-01-01

The interrelation between cloud-to-ground lightning, convective rainfall, and the environment in Central Florida storms is examined. The rain flux, storm area, and ground discharge rates are computed within the outlined area. Time-height cross sections of maximum dBZ values at each level for two storms are shown. The multicellular nature of these storms is readily apparent. The cloud-to-ground lightning activity occurs mainly where high reflectivity values (30-40 dBZ) extend above 7 km.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems in Breast Cancer Solid Tumors

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

isothiocyanatobenzyl-1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10 tetraacetic acid (p-SCN-Bz-DOTA) in dry dimethylsulfoxide ( DMSO ). The p-SCN-Bz-DOTA was reacted at 1.2...APMA- benzyl-DOTA, and MA-GFLG-dox in predetermined molar compositions (Appendix 3, Table 1). All polymerization were carried out in acetone / DMSO ...using AIBN as the initiator. The ratio of monomers: initiator: solvent in the feed were kept constant at 12.5: 0.6: 86.9 (weight %), respectively

Sexual Risk Behavior Among Military Personnel Stationed at Border-Crossing Zones in the Dominican Republic

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Republic’s Presidential Council on AIDS, known as Copresida (El Consejo Presidencial del Sida ), published the results of its first nation- wide survey of risk...military personnel, Dominican Republic Original research 1. Consejo Presidencial del SIDA (DR). Primera Encuesta de Vigilancia de Comportamiento con

Education Hubs: International, Regional and Local Dimensions of Scale and Scope

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knight, Jane

2013-01-01

Education hubs are important new developments. They represent a new generation of cross-border education activities where critical mass, co-location and connection between international, regional and local universities, students, research institutes and private industry are key. Different scales (city, zone and country) and types (student, talent,…

Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation – Seventh North Service Center in Liverpool, New York

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (NMPC) - Seventh North Service Center is located on an approximately 119 acre-parcel of property located in the Town of Clay, Onondaga County, New York. The facility is located in an industrially zoned area, and is bordered

The Third Indochina Conflict: Cambodia’s Total War

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-12

Military Region. NR National Road. OMZ Operational Military Zone. PAVN People’s Army of Vietnam. PMC Provincial Military Command. PRK People’s......of the Khmer Rouge regime escaped to the Cambodian-Thai border and started a resistance movement aimed at deposing the PRK and driving out the

Organizational Legitimacy of International Research Collaborations: Crossing Boundaries in the Middle East

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oleksiyenko, Anatoly

2013-01-01

Cross-border academic collaborations in conflict zones are vulnerable to escalated turbulence, liability concerns and flagging support. Multi-level stakeholder engagement at home and abroad is essential for securing the political and financial sustainability of such collaborations. This study examines the multilayered stakeholder arrangements…

49 CFR 365.503 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... address provided in Form OP-1(MX). (d) You may obtain the application forms from any FMCSA Division Office.... (a) Each applicant applying under this subpart must submit an application that consists of: (1) Form.... Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.-Mexico Border; (2) Form MCS-150—Motor Carrier Identification...

History of displacement along Ste. Genevieve Fault Zone, Southwestern Illinois

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

Schwalb, H.R.

1983-09-01

The Ste. Genevieve fault zone extends eastward from Missouri across the Mississippi River into Jackson County, Illinois, about 75 mi (120 km) southeast of St. Louis. Outcrop studies have dated movement along portions of the zone as pre-Middle Devonian, post-Mississippian, and post-Pennsylvanian. Present displacement is down to the north and east with throw ranging up to 3,000 ft (915 m). However, pre-Middle Devonian movement was down to the south and west. The present upthrown block shows no evidence of vertical movement during the Cambrian and Ordovician. Nor is there any indication that the fault zone was part of the northernmore » border of the Reelfoot basin, where earliest Paleozoic sediments infilled an aulacogen at the northern end of the Mississippi embayment.« less

ACUTE ZONAL OCCULT OUTER RETINOPATHY: Structural and Functional Analysis Across the Transition Zone Between Healthy and Diseased Retina.

PubMed

Duncker, Tobias; Lee, Winston; Jiang, Fan; Ramachandran, Rithambara; Hood, Donald C; Tsang, Stephen H; Sparrow, Janet R; Greenstein, Vivienne C

2018-01-01

To assess structure and function across the transition zone (TZ) between relatively healthy and diseased retina in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Six patients (6 eyes; age 22-71 years) with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy were studied. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, near-infrared reflectance, color fundus photography, and fundus perimetry were performed and images were registered to each other. The retinal layers of the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans were segmented and the thicknesses of two outer retinal layers, that is, the total receptor and outer segment plus layers, and the retinal nerve fiber layer were measured. All eyes showed a TZ on multimodal imaging. On spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, the TZ was in the nasal retina at varying distances from the fovea. For all eyes, it was associated with loss of the ellipsoid zone band, significant thinning of the two outer retinal layers, and in three eyes with thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer. On fundus autofluorescence, all eyes had a clearly demarcated peripapillary area of abnormal fundus autofluorescence delimited by a border of high autofluorescence; the latter was associated with loss of the ellipsoid zone band and with a change from relatively normal to markedly decreased or nonrecordable visual sensitivity on fundus perimetry. The results of multimodal imaging clarified the TZ in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. The TZ was outlined by a distinct high autofluorescence border that correlated with loss of the ellipsoid zone band on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. However, in fundus areas that seemed healthy on fundus autofluorescence, thinning of the outer retinal layers and thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer were observed near the TZ. The TZ was also characterized by a decrease in visual sensitivity.

Exploring Crustal Structure and Mantle Seismic Anisotropy Associated with the Incipient Southern and Southwestern Branches of the East African Rift System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Y.; Reed, C. A.; Gao, S. S.; Liu, K. H.; Massinque, B.; Mdala, H. S.; Chindandali, P. R. N.; Moidaki, M.; Mutamina, D. M.

2014-12-01

In spite of numerous geoscientific studies, the mechanisms responsible for the initiation and development of continental rifts are still poorly understood. The key information required to constrain various geodynamic models on rift initiation can be derived from the crust/mantle structure and anisotropy beneath incipient rifts such as the Southern and Southwestern branches of the East African Rift System. As part of a National Science Foundation funded interdisciplinary project, 50 PASSCAL broadband seismic stations were deployed across the Malawi, Luangwa, and Okavango rift zones from the summer of 2012 to the summer of 2014. Preliminary results from these 50 SAFARI (Seismic Arrays for African Rift Initiation) and adjacent stations are presented utilizing shear-wave splitting (SWS) and P-S receiver function techniques. 1109 pairs of high-quality SWS measurements, consisting of fast polarization orientations and splitting times, have been obtained from a total of 361 seismic events. The results demonstrate dominantly NE-SW fast orientations throughout Botswana as well as along the northwestern flank of the Luangwa rift valley. Meanwhile, fast orientations beneath the eastern Luangwa rift flank rotate from NNW to NNE along the western border of the Malawi rift. Stations located alongside the western Malawi rift border faults yield ENE fast orientations, with stations situated in Mozambique exhibiting more E-W orientations. In the northern extent of the study region, fast orientations parallel the trend of the Rukwa and Usangu rift basins. Receiver function results reveal that, relative to the adjacent Pan-African mobile belts, the Luangwa rift zone has a thin (30 to 35 km) crust. The crustal thickness within the Okavango rift basin is highly variable. Preliminary findings indicate a northeastward thinning along the southeast Okavango border fault system congruent with decreasing extension toward the southwest. The Vp/Vs measurements in the Okavango basin are roughly 1.75 on average, suggesting an unmodified crustal composition, while those of the Luangwa and southern Malawi rift zones are relatively high, probably suggesting ancient or ongoing magmatic emplacement. The Pan-African mobile belts enveloping the rift zones are mostly characterized by more felsic and thicker crust.

Microvascular perfusion during focal vasogenic brain edema: a scanning laser fluorescence microscopy study.

PubMed

Lindsberg, P J; Sirén, A L; Hallenbeck, J M

1997-01-01

Controversy exists about the effect of tissue edema on cerebral microcirculation. High spatial resolution is required for observation of extravasation and microcirculation during focal vasogenic edema formation. To study the relationship between tissue edema and perfusion, we developed a technique for simultaneous visualization of extravasation and microvessel perfusion in rats. Focal intracortical microvascular injury was generated with a 1-sec Nd-YAG laser pulse. Evans blue albumin (EBA) was infused 30 min before decapitation to study extravasation and FITC-dextran was injected 30 sec prior to decapitation to examine microvessel perfusion. Computerized scanning laser-excited fluorescence microscopy followed by high resolution image analysis permitted quantitative assessment of both parameters on single fresh-frozen brain sections. Studied at 30 min (3.66 +/- 0.15 mm), 2 hr (4.14 +/- 0.08 mm, P < .05), and 8 hr (4.69 +/- 0.18 mm, P < .01) after injury, the diameter of the circular, sharply demarcated zone of EBA-extravasation increased progressively. At 30 min, microvessels at a zone surrounding the area of EBA-extravasation contained 69 +/- 14% (P < .05) more fluorescent FITC-filling than in the control hemisphere, but the density of perfused microvessels was unchanged. At 2 hr, secondary tissue changes had already occurred in a zone surrounding the initial laser lesion. While severe reduction in the density (-76 +/- 13%, P < .05) of perfused microvessels was observed within 400 to 240 microm inside the border of EBA extravasation, perfusion indexes were normal despite the presence of extravasated plasma constituents within 0-80 microm from the border. In a narrow zone (80 microm) outside the border of extravasation, individual microvessels contained 34 +/- 9% (P < .01) less FITC-fluorescence than those in a homologous area of the uninjured contralateral hemisphere. This report demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneous measurement and high-resolution mapping of indices of microvascular perfusion (density, filling) and extravasated plasma constituents in damaged and intact brain areas. In this model, the presence of extravasated plasma constituents the size of proteins did not immediately influence indices of cortical microcirculation. However, microvascular perfusion may be perturbed surrounding such an area of advancing vasogenic edema formation.

Fault reactivation by fluid injection considering permeability evolution in fault-bordering damage zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Z.; Yehya, A.; Rice, J. R.; Yin, J.

2017-12-01

Earthquakes can be induced by human activity involving fluid injection, e.g., as wastewater disposal from hydrocarbon production. The occurrence of such events is thought to be, mainly, due to the increase in pore pressure, which reduces the effective normal stress and hence the strength of a nearby fault. Change in subsurface stress around suitably oriented faults at near-critical stress states may also contribute. We focus on improving the modeling and prediction of the hydro-mechanical response due to fluid injection, considering the full poroelastic effects and not solely changes in pore pressure in a rigid host. Thus we address the changes in porosity and permeability of the medium due to the changes in the local volumetric strains. Our results also focus on including effects of the fault architecture (low permeability fault core and higher permeability bordering damage zones) on the pressure diffusion and the fault poroelastic response. Field studies of faults have provided a generally common description for the size of their bordering damage zones and how they evolve along their direction of propagation. Empirical laws, from a large number of such observations, describe their fracture density, width, permeability, etc. We use those laws and related data to construct our study cases. We show that the existence of high permeability damage zones facilitates pore-pressure diffusion and, in some cases, results in a sharp increase in pore-pressure at levels much deeper than the injection wells, because these regions act as conduits for fluid pressure changes. This eventually results in higher seismicity rates. By better understanding the mechanisms of nucleation of injection-induced seismicity, and better predicting the hydro-mechanical response of faults, we can assess methodologies and injection strategies to avoid risks of high magnitude seismic events. Microseismic events occurring after the start of injection are very important indications of when injection should be stopped and how to avoid major events. Our work contributes to the assessment or mitigation of seismic hazard and risk, and our long-term target question is: How to not make an earthquake?

Relationship between the occlusal plane corresponding to the lateral borders of the tongue and ala-tragus line in edentulous patients.

PubMed

Ghosn, Carole Abi; Zogheib, Carla; Makzoumé, Joseph E

2012-09-01

Definitions of the ala-tragus line (ATL) cause confusion, because the exact points of reference for this line do not agree. This study determined the relationship between the prosthetic occlusal plane (OP) corresponding to the lateral borders of the tongue and ATL which was established by using the inferior border of the ala of the nose and (1) the superior border of the tragus (ATL 1), (2) the tip (ATL 2) and (3) the inferior border of the tragus (ATL 3). Neutral zone moldings using phonation and autopolymerizing acrylic resin were recorded and leveled with the lateral borders of the tongue. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken of each subject by a standard method. Tracings were obtained on acetate paper to show the prosthetic OP and the three ATLs. The relationship between the prosthetic OP and each of ATL was measured for each subject. Mean and standard deviation values were then calculated for the relationship. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measure analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni pairwise comparisons and Student's t-test (α = 0.05). Significant difference was found between the three mean angles (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean angle (5.00° ± 4.38) formed by OP and ATL 2, and the mean angle (4.90° ± 3.50) formed by OP and ATL 3 (p = 1.00) which revealed the smallest. The findings of this study indicated that ATLs, extending from the inferior border of the ala of the nose to (1) the tip of the tragus of the ear, and (2) the inferior border of the tragus presented the closest relationship to the prosthetic OP corresponding to the lateral borders of the tongue. When the ATL is used for orientation of the OP in denture construction, it would seem preferable to define it as running from the inferior border of the ala of the nose to the tip or to the inferior border of the tragus of the ear.

Weak Magnetic Fields in Two Herbig Ae Systems: The SB2 AK Sco and the Presumed Binary HD 95881

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Järvinen, S. P.; Carroll, T. A.; Hubrig, S.; Ilyin, I.; Schöller, M.; Castelli, F.; Hummel, C. A.; Petr-Gotzens, M. G.; Korhonen, H.; Weigelt, G.; Pogodin, M. A.; Drake, N. A.

2018-05-01

We report the detection of weak mean longitudinal magnetic fields in the Herbig Ae double-lined spectroscopic binary AK Sco and in the presumed spectroscopic Herbig Ae binary HD 95881 using observations with the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher polarimeter (HARPSpol) attached to the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO’s) 3.6 m telescope. Employing a multi-line singular value decomposition method, we detect a mean longitudinal magnetic field < {B}{{z}}> =-83+/- 31 G in the secondary component of AK Sco on one occasion. For HD 95881, we measure < {B}{{z}}> =-93+/- 25 G and < {B}{{z}}> =105+/- 29 G at two different observing epochs. For all the detections the false alarm probability is smaller than 10‑5. For AK Sco system, we discover that accretion diagnostic Na I doublet lines and photospheric lines show intensity variations over the observing nights. The double-lined spectral appearance of HD 95881 is presented here for the first time.

In situ observation of containerless protein crystallization by magnetically levitating crystal growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maki, Syou; Tanimoto, Yoshifumi; Udagawa, Chikako; Morimoto, Shotaro; Hagiwara, Masayuki

2016-03-01

We report on the results of the crystal growth of hen-egg lysozyme by magnetically levitating crystals in a small amount of buffer solution. The concentrations of lysozyme and the precipitating agent (gadolinium chloride) were 6.53 wt % and 0.362 mol/kg, respectively. Gadolinium chloride, which induces the magneto-Archimedes effect, was utilized to levitate the crystals with Bz · (dBz/dz) = 22.46 T2/m, where Bz is the vertical (z) component of the magnetic flux density vector. Although the collected crystals were small, we succeeded in maintaining the levitation of the crystals into a specific place in the liquid phase from the beginning of nucleation. In situ observation revealed that a state of pseudo-weightlessness was generated in the vicinity of the magnet bore edge, and small crystals were concentrated inside the domain moving along an hourglass-shaped surface. We found by numerical computations that the formation of the hourglass-shaped domain is attributable to the radial component of the magnetic force.

A retrograde co-orbital asteroid of Jupiter.

PubMed

Wiegert, Paul; Connors, Martin; Veillet, Christian

2017-03-29

Recent theoretical work in celestial mechanics has revealed that an asteroid may orbit stably in the same region as a planet, despite revolving around the Sun in the sense opposite to that of the planet itself. Asteroid 2015 BZ 509 was discovered in 2015, but with too much uncertainty in its measured orbit to establish whether it was such a retrograde co-orbital body. Here we report observations and analysis that demonstrates that asteroid 2015 BZ 509 is indeed a retrograde co-orbital asteroid of the planet Jupiter. We find that 2015 BZ 509 has long-term stability, having been in its current, resonant state for around a million years. This is long enough to preclude precise calculation of the time or mechanism of its injection to its present state, but it may be a Halley-family comet that entered the resonance through an interaction with Saturn. Retrograde co-orbital asteroids of Jupiter and other planets may be more common than previously expected.

US EPA Region 9 and US Coast Guard Jurisdictional Boundary

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This line feature represents the jurisdictional boundary along the California coastline that defines EPA (Inland Zone) and Coast Guard (Coastal Zone) emergency response jurisdictions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / U.S. Coast Guard (USEPA / USCG) Jurisdictional Boundary runs from the Oregon to the Mexican border adjacent to the coastline. The boundary was developed from text descriptions provided in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 Mainland Regional Contingency Plan dated March 17, 1994. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve was added to the EPA's jurisdiction in 2011.

Anti-parallel versus Component Reconnection at the Earth Magnetopause

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trattner, K. J.; Burch, J. L.; Ergun, R.; Eriksson, S.; Fuselier, S. A.; Gomez, R. G.; Giles, B. L.; Steven, P. M.; Strangeway, R. J.; Wilder, F. D.

2017-12-01

Magnetic reconnection at the Earth's magnetopause is discussed and has been observed as anti-parallel and component reconnection. While anti-parallel reconnection occurs between magnetic field lines of (ideally) exactly opposite polarity, component reconnection (also known as the tilted X-line model) predicts the location of the reconnection line to be anchored at the sub-solar point and extend continuously along the dayside magnetopause, while the ratio of the IMF By/Bz component determines the tilt of the X-line relative to the equatorial plane.A reconnection location prediction model known as the Maximum Magnetic Shear Model combines these two scenarios. The model predicts that during dominant IMF By conditions, magnetic reconnection occurs along an extended line across the dayside magnetopause but generally not through the sub-solar point (as predicted in the original tilted X-line model). Rather, the line follows the ridge of maximum magnetic shear across the dayside magnetopause. In contrast, for dominant IMF Bz (155° < tan-1(By/Bz) < 205°) or dominant Bx (|Bx|/B > 0.7) conditions, the reconnection location bifurcates and traces to high-latitudes, in close agreement with the anti-parallel reconnection scenario, and does not cross the dayside magnetopause as a single tilted reconnection line. Using observations from the Magnetospheric MultiScale missions during a magnetopause crossing when the IMF rotated from an dominate IMF BZ to a dominant IMF BY field we will investigate when the transition between the anti-parallel and tilted X-line scenarios occurs.

DC and Wave Electric Fields and Other Plasma Parameters Observed on Two Sounding Rockets in the Dark Cusp during IMF Bz North and South Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, R. F.; Acuna, M.; Bounds, S.; Farrell, W.; Freudenreich, W.; Lepping, R.; Vondrak, R.; Maynard, N. C.; Moen, J.; Egeland, A.

1999-01-01

Two Black Brant IX sounding rockets were launched into the dark, dayside cusp near magnetic noon on December 2 and 3, 1997, from Ny Alesund, Spitzbergen at 79 deg N reaching altitudes of about 450 km. Real-time ground-based and Wind IMF data were used to determine the launch conditions. The first launch, with Bz north conditions, crossed into and back out of an open field region with merging poleward of the projected trajectory. The second flight, into Bz south conditions, was timed to coincide with an enhancement in the merging rate from a increase in the negative Bz, while the DMSP Fl 3 satellite was situated slightly to the north of the rocket trajectory. Each payload returned DC electric and magnetic fields, plasma waves, energetic particles, photometer data, and thermal plasma data. Data from both flights will be shown, with an emphasis on the DC electric field results. In particular, the data gathered on December 2, 1997 will be used to discuss ionospheric signatures of merging and the open/closed character of the the cusp/low latitude boundary layer. In contrast, the data gathered on December 3, 1997 shows evidence of pulsed electric field structures which will be examined in the context of cusp plasma entry processes. Both data sets returned a rich variety of plasma waves, as well as optical emissions and thermal plasma data.

DC and Wave Electric Fields and Other Plasma Parameters Observed on Two Sounding Rockets in the Dark Cusp during IMF BZ North and South Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, R. F.; Bounds, S.; Acuna, M.; Maynard, N. C.; Moen, J.; Egeland, A.; Holtet, J.; Maseide, K.; Sandholt, P. E.; Soraas, F.

1999-01-01

Two Black Brant IX sounding rockets were launched into the dark, dayside cusp near magnetic noon on December 2 and 3, 1997, from Ny Alesund, Spitzbergen at 79degN reaching altitudes of approximately 450 km. Real-time ground-based and Wind (interplanetary magnetic field) IMF data were used to determine the launch conditions. The first launch, with Bz north conditions, crossed into and back out of an open field region with merging poleward of the projected trajectory. The second flight, into Bz south conditions, was timed to coincide with an enhancement in the merging rate from a increase in the negative Bz, while the (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) DMSP F13 satellite was situated slightly to the north of the rocket trajectory. Each payload returned DC electric and magnetic fields, plasma waves, energetic particles, photometer data, and thermal plasma data. Data from both flights will be shown, with an emphasis on the DC electric field results. In particular, the data gathered on December 2, 1997 will be used to discuss ionospheric signatures of merging and the open/closed character of the the cusp/low latitude boundary layer. In contrast, the data gathered on December 3, 1997 shows evidence of pulsed electric field structures which will be examined in the context of cusp plasma entry processes. Both data sets returned a rich variety of plasma waves, as well as optical emissions and thermal plasma data.

DC and Wave Electric Fields and Other Plasma Parameters Observed on Two Sounding Rockets in the Dark Cusp During IMF Bz North and South Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, R. F.; Acuna, M.; Bounds, S.; Farrell, W.; Freudenreich, H.; Lepping, R.; Vondrak, R.; Maynard, N. C.; Moen, J.; Egeland, A.

1997-01-01

Two Black Brant IX sounding rockets were launched into the dark, dayside cusp near magnetic noon on December 2 and 3, 1997, from Ny Alesund, Spitzbergen at 79 N reaching altitudes of approximately 450 km. Real-time ground-based and Wind IMF data were used to determine the launch conditions. The first launch, with Bz north conditions, crossed into and back out of an open field region with merging poleward of the projected trajectory. The second flight, into Bz south conditions, was timed to coincide with an enhancement in the merging rate from a increase in the negative Bz, while the DMSP F13 satellite was situated slightly to the north of the rocket trajectory. Each payload returned DC electric and magnetic fields, plasma waves, energetic particles, photometer data, and thermal plasma data. Data from both flights will be shown, with an emphasis on the DC electric field results. In particular, the data gathered on December 2, 1997 will be used to discuss ionospheric signatures of merging and the open/closed character of the the cusp/low latitude boundary layer. In contrast, the data gathered on December 3, 1997 shows evidence of pulsed electric field structures which will be examined in the context of cusp plasma entry processes. Both data sets returned a rich variety of plasma waves, as well as optical emissions and thermal plasma data.

Are the effects of benzodiazepines on discrimination and punishment dissociable?

PubMed

Hodges, H; Green, S

1987-01-01

Studies have shown that benzodiazepines (BZs) both disrupt discrimination and increase resistance to punishment. Using a delayed response task, we provide evidence that effects of BZs on discrimination cannot be fully explained by deficits in either short or long term memory, or by intolerance for delay of reward. A schedule with rewarded, nonrewarded (Time out: TO) and conflict components was used to investigate effects in rats of compounds active at the BZ receptor on successive discrimination and punished responding in parallel. The GABA transaminase inhibitor ethanolamine-O-sulphate exerted additive effects with chlordiazepoxide (CDP) on punished but not TO responding. Both GABA and CDP injected into the amygdala selectively increased conflict rates, but with peripheral treatment CDP also increased TO rates. Two inverse BZ agonists, CGS 8216 and FG 7142 antagonzied the anti-conflict effects of GABA and CDP, given within the amygdala or peripherally, but the increase in TO rates induced by systemic CDP was counteracted only by peripheral treatments. These compounds also reduced rates of conflict responding below baseline, consistent with anxiogenic activity. Effects of the BZ antagonist Ro 15-1788 were broadly similar to those of the inverse agonists, except that it did not antagonise the anti-conflict action of intra-amygdaloid GABA, nor significantly reduce punished responding at the single dose used. We conclude from these results that the anti-conflict effects of BZs are mediated by a GABAergic amygdaloid mechanism, but that the same mechanism is not involved in BZ effects on discrimination.

The main characteristics, problems, and prospects for Western European coastal seas.

PubMed

Dauvin, Jean-Claude

2008-01-01

Located to the far West of Western Europe, France has a western maritime coastal zone of more than 3800 km, which is widely influenced by the North-eastern Atlantic. The English Channel, an epi-continental shallow sea with very strong tides, runs along 650 km of the French coast and 1100 km of the English coast. It is also a bio-geographical crossroad encompassing a much wider range of ecological conditions than other European seas. France's Atlantic coast north of the Gironde estuary is a succession of rocky and sandy shorelines, including a sizeable intertidal zone, a wide continental shelf, and two major estuaries (Loire and Gironde). South of the Gironde, the 260 km of coastline is low, sandy and straight, with a narrowing continental shelf further on South due to the presence of the Cape Breton canyon in the bathyal and abyssal zones. Interface between the continental and oceanic systems, these bordering seas--North Sea, English Channel and Atlantic Ocean--have been the subject of many recent research programmes (the European Mast-FLUXMANCHE and INTERREG programmes; the national coastal environment programme and the LITEAU programme in France), designed to improve comprehension of the functions, production, and dynamics of these seas as well as their future evolution. Given the many conflicting practices in these littoral zones, integrated coastal zone management appears to be essential in order to cope with both natural phenomena, such as the infilling of estuarine zones, cliff erosion, and rising sea levels, and chronic anthropogenic pressures, such as new harbour installations (container dikes, marinas), sea aggregate extraction for human constructions, and offshore wind mill farms. This article provides as complete an overview as possible of the research projects on these bordering seas, both those that have recently been accomplished and those that are currently in progress, in order to highlight the main characteristics of these ecosystems and to underline the future challenges for European marine research in terms of the integrated coastal zone management of these highly significant coastal zones.

Geomagnetic signal induced by the M5.7 earthquake occurred on September 24-th, 2016, in the seismic active Vrancea zone, Romania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanica, Dumitru; Armand Stanica, Dragos

2017-04-01

In this paper, we used the geomagnetic time series collected in real time by the electromagnetic monitoring system, placed at the Geomagnetic Observatory Provita de Sus, to emphasize possible relationships between the pre-seismic anomalous behavior of the normalized function Bzn and M5.7 earthquake occurrence in Vrancea seismic active zone, on September 24, 2016. It has already been demonstrated (Stanica and Stanica, 2012, Stanica et al., 2015) that for a 2D geoelectric structure, in pre-seismic conditions, the normalized function Bzn has significant changes in magnitudes due to the electrical conductivity changes, possibly associated with the earthquake-induced rupture-processes and high-pressure fluid flow through the faulting systems developed inside the Vrancea seismogenic volume and along the Carpathian electrical conductivity anomaly. In this circumstances, the daily mean distributions of the Bzn = Bz/Bperp (where Bz is vertical component of the geomagnetic field; Bperp is geomagnetic component perpendicular to the geoelectric strike) and its standard deviation (SD) are performed in the ULF frequency range 0.001Hz to 0.0083Hz by using both the FFT band-pass filter analysis and statistical analysis based on a standardized random variable equation. After analyzing the pre-seismic anomalous intervals, a pre-seismic geomagnetic signal greater than 5 SD was identified on September 22, 2016, what means a lead time of 2 days before the M5.7 earthquake occurred on September 24, emphasized in real time on the web site (www.geodin.ro). The final conclusion is that the proposed geomagnetic methodology might be used to provide suitable information for the extreme seismic hazard assessment and risk mitigation. References: Dumitru Stanica and Dragos Armand Stanica, Earthquakes precursors, in "Earthquake Research and Analysis-Statistical Studies, Observations and Planning" Book 5, edited by: Dr. Sebastiano D'Amico, ISBN 978-953-51-0134-5, InTech open access publisher, Chapter 4, 71-100, 2012 Dragos Armand Stanica, Dumitru Stanica, Nicoleta Vladimirescu, Long-range anomalous electromagnetic effect related to M9 Great Tohoku earthquake, Earth Sciences. Vol. 4, No. 1, 2015, pp. 31-38, http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/earth, doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20150401.13

Formaldehyde and co-exposure with benzene induce compensation of bone marrow and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in BALB/c mice during post-exposure period

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

Wei, Chenxi

Formaldehyde (FA) is a human leukemogen. Since there is a latency period between initial FA exposure and the development of leukemia, the subsequent impact of FA on hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells (HSCs/HPCs) in post-exposure stage is crucial for a deep understanding of FA-induced hematotoxicity. BALB/c mice were exposed to 3 mg/m{sup 3} FA for 2 weeks, mimicking occupational exposure, and were monitored for another 7 days post-exposure. Meanwhile, we included benzene (BZ) as a positive control, separately and together with FA because co-exposure occurs frequently. After 7-day recovery, colonies of progenitors for CFU-GM and BFU-E, and nucleated bone marrowmore » cells in FA-exposed mice were comparable to controls, although they were significantly reduced during exposure. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in CFU-GM and BFU-E from FA-exposed mice were higher than controls, although the increase in 8-OHdG was not significant. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) level in the FA group was lower than controls, but the expression level for the receptor was not upregulated. It suggests that HSCs/HPCs in FA-exposed mice respond to a small amount of GM-CSF and proliferate rapidly, which may cause a possible risk of expansion of abnormal stem/progenitor cell clones. FA co-exposure with BZ was more potent for promoting CFU-GM formation and inducing ROS in BFU-E and 8-OHdG in CFU-GM during the post-exposure period. The compensation of myeloid progenitors with elevated ROS and 8-OHdG may lead to a risk of transforming normal HSCs/HPCs to leukemic stem/progenitor cells. Thus, co-exposure may pose a greater leukemia risk. - Highlights: • Nucleated bone marrow cell count recovered after 7 days post-FA and/or BZ exposure. • CFU-GM showed an increase in colonies and 8-OHdG after 7 days post-FA + BZ exposure. • Levels of ROS in CFU-GM and BFU-E were increased by FA or FA + BZ during recovery. • Levels of GM-CSF and EPOR were suppressed after 7 days post-FA or FA + BZ exposure. • Co-exposure was more potent for some endpoints and may pose a greater leukemia risk.« less

An additional role for the Brønsted acid-base catalysts of mandelate racemase in transition state stabilization.

PubMed

Nagar, Mitesh; Bearne, Stephen L

2015-11-10

Mandelate racemase (MR) catalyzes the interconversion of the enantiomers of mandelate and serves as a paradigm for understanding the enzyme-catalyzed abstraction of an α-proton from a carbon acid substrate with a high pKa. The enzyme utilizes a two-base mechanism with Lys 166 and His 297 acting as Brønsted acid and base catalysts, respectively, in the R → S reaction direction. In the S → R reaction direction, their roles are reversed. Using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), MR is shown to bind the intermediate/transition state (TS) analogue inhibitor benzohydroxamate (BzH) in an entropy-driven process with a value of ΔCp equal to -358 ± 3 cal mol(-1) K(-1), consistent with an increased number of hydrophobic interactions. However, MR binds BzH with an affinity that is ∼2 orders of magnitude greater than that predicted solely on the basis of hydrophobic interactions [St. Maurice, M., and Bearne, S. L. (2004) Biochemistry 43, 2524], suggesting that additional specific interactions contribute to binding. To test the hypothesis that cation-π/NH-π interactions between the side chains of Lys 166 and His 297 and the aromatic ring and/or the hydroxamate/hydroximate moiety of BzH contribute to the binding of BzH, site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate the MR variants K166M, K166C, H297N, and K166M/H297N and their binding affinity for various ligands determined using ITC. Comparison of the binding affinities of these MR variants with the intermediate/TS analogues BzH and cyclohexanecarbohydroxamate revealed that cation-π/NH-π interactions between His 297 and the hydroxamate/hydroximate moiety and the phenyl ring of BzH contribute approximately 0.26 and 0.91 kcal/mol to binding, respectively, while interactions with Lys 166 contribute approximately 1.74 and 1.74 kcal/mol, respectively. Similarly, comparison of the binding affinities of these mutants with substrate analogues revealed that Lys 166 contributes >2.93 kcal/mol to the binding of (R)-atrolactate, and His 297 contributes 2.46 kcal/mol to the binding of (S)-atrolactate. These results are consistent with Lys 166 and His 297 playing dual roles in catalysis: they act as Brønsted acid-base catalysts, and they stabilize both the enolate moiety and phenyl ring of the altered substrate in the TS.

Post-repolarization refractoriness increases vulnerability to block and initiation of reentrant impulses in heterogeneous infarcted myocardium.

PubMed

Cabo, Candido

2015-10-01

Myocardial infarction causes remodeling of the tissue structure and the density and kinetics of several ion channels in the cell membrane. Heterogeneities in refractory period (ERP) have been shown to occur in the infarct border zone and have been proposed to lead to initiation of arrhythmias. The purpose of this study is to quantify the window of vulnerability (WV) to block and initiation of reentrant impulses in myocardium with ERP heterogeneities using computer simulations. We found that ERP transitions at the border between normal ventricular cells (NZ) with different ERPs are smooth, whereas ERP transitions between NZ and infarct border zone cells (IZ) are abrupt. The profile of the ERP transitions is a combination of electrotonic interaction between NZ and IZ cells and the characteristic post-repolarization refractoriness (PRR) of IZ cells. ERP heterogeneities between NZ and IZ cells are more vulnerable to block and initiation of reentrant impulses than ERP heterogeneities between NZ cells. The relationship between coupling intervals of premature impulses (V1V2) and coupling intervals between premature and first reentrant impulses (V2T1) at NZ/NZ and NZ/IZ borders is inverse (i.e. the longer the coupling intervals of premature impulses the shorter the coupling interval between the premature and first reentrant impulses); this is in contrast with the reported V1V2/V2T1 relationship measured during initiation of reentrant impulses in canine infarcted hearts which is direct. (1) ERP transitions at the NZ-IZ border are abrupt as a consequence of PRR; (2) PRR increases the vulnerability to block and initiation of reentrant impulses in heterogeneous myocardium; (3) V1V2/V2T1 relationships measured at ERP heterogeneities in the computer model and in experimental canine infarcts are not consistent. Therefore, it is likely that other mechanisms like micro and/or macro structural heterogeneities also contribute to initiation of reentrant impulses in infarcted hearts. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crustal Strain Patterns in Magmatic and Amagmatic Early Stage Rifts: Border Faults, Magma Intrusion, and Volatiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebinger, C. J.; Keir, D.; Roecker, S. W.; Tiberi, C.; Aman, M.; Weinstein, A.; Lambert, C.; Drooff, C.; Oliva, S. J. C.; Peterson, K.; Bourke, J. R.; Rodzianko, A.; Gallacher, R. J.; Lavayssiere, A.; Shillington, D. J.; Khalfan, M.; Mulibo, G. D.; Ferdinand-Wambura, R.; Palardy, A.; Albaric, J.; Gautier, S.; Muirhead, J.; Lee, H.

2015-12-01

Rift initiation in thick, strong continental lithosphere challenges current models of continental lithospheric deformation, in part owing to gaps in our knowledge of strain patterns in the lower crust. New geophysical, geochemical, and structural data sets from youthful magmatic (Magadi-Natron, Kivu), weakly magmatic (Malawi, Manyara), and amagmatic (Tanganyika) sectors of the cratonic East African rift system provide new insights into the distribution of brittle strain, magma intrusion and storage, and time-averaged deformation. We compare and contrast time-space relations, seismogenic layer thickness variations, and fault kinematics using earthquakes recorded on local arrays and teleseisms in sectors of the Western and Eastern rifts, including the Natron-Manyara basins that developed in Archaean lithosphere. Lower crustal seismicity occurs in both the Western and Eastern rifts, including sectors on and off craton, and those with and without central rift volcanoes. In amagmatic sectors, lower crustal strain is accommodated by slip along relatively steep border faults, with oblique-slip faults linking opposing border faults that penetrate to different crustal levels. In magmatic sectors, seismicity spans surface to lower crust beneath both border faults and eruptive centers, with earthquake swarms around magma bodies. Our focal mechanisms and Global CMTs from a 2007 fault-dike episode show a local rotation from ~E-W extension to NE-SE extension in this linkage zone, consistent with time-averaged strain recorded in vent and eruptive chain alignments. These patterns suggest that strain localization via widespread magma intrusion can occur during the first 5 My of rifting in originally thick lithosphere. Lower crustal seismicity in magmatic sectors may be caused by high gas pressures and volatile migration from active metasomatism and magma degassing, consistent with high CO2 flux along fault zones, and widespread metasomatism of xenoliths. Volatile release and migration may be critical to strength reduction of initially cold, strong cratonic lithosphere. Our comparisons suggest that large offset border faults that develop very early in rift history create fluid pathways that maintain the initial along-axis segmentation until magma (if available), reaches mid-crustal levels.

A diffuse reflectance spectroscopic study of UV-induced erythematous reaction across well-defined borders in human skin.

PubMed

Häggblad, Erik; Petersson, Henrik; Ilias, Michail A; Anderson, Chris D; Salerud, E Göran

2010-08-01

The colour of tissue is often of clinical use in the diagnosis of tissue homeostasis and physiological responses to various stimuli. Determining tissue colour changes and borders, however, often poses an intricate problem and visual examination, constituting clinical praxis, does not allow them to be objectively characterized or quantified. Demands for increased inter- and intra-observer reproducibility have been incentives for the introduction of objective methods and techniques for tissue colour (e.g. erythema) evaluation. The aim of the present paper was to study the border zone of a UVB-provoked erythematous response of human skin in terms of blood volume and oxygenation measured by means of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy using a commercial probe. A provocation model, based on partial masking of irradiated skin areas, defines two erythema edges at every skin site responding to the UV irradiation. In every subject, five test sites were exposed with a constant UV light irradiance (14 mW/cm(2)), but with different exposure times (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 s). An analysis of the spectral data measured across the two edges was performed for every scan line. The oxygenized and deoxygenized haemoglobin contents were estimated in every measurement point, using a modified Beer-Lambert model. The fit of the experimental data to the model derived by the modified Beer-Lambert law was excellent (R(2)>0.95). Analysing data for the chromophore content showed that the erythematous response in the provoked areas is dominated by the increase in oxyhaemoglobin. The widths for the left and right border zone were estimated to be 1.81+/-0.93 and 1.90+/-0.88 mm, respectively (mean+/-SD). The unprovoked area between the two edges was estimated to be 0.77+/-0.68 mm. While the chosen data analysis performed satisfactorily, the ability of the probe design to differentiate the spatial aspects of a reaction with abrupt borders was found to be suboptimal resulting in a probable overestimation of the erythematous edge slope. Probe modification or imaging techniques are possible solutions.

76 FR 53820 - Safety Zone; Missouri River From the Border Between Montana and North Dakota

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-30

..., DHS. ACTION: Temporary final rule; change of effective period. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is extending... continued and uninterrupted protection of levees and personnel involved in ongoing high water response... personnel involved in ongoing high water response. Failing to extend the effective dates for this rule...

Application of geoinformatics for landscape assessment and conserving forest biodiversity in northeast India

Treesearch

Ashish Kumar; Bruce G. Marcot; Gautam Talukdar; P.S. Roy

2012-01-01

Herein, we summarize our work, within forest ecosystems of Garo Hills in northeast India, on mapping vegetation and land cover conditions, delineating wildlife habitat corridors among protected areas, evaluating forest conservation values of influence zones bordering protected areas, analyzing dispersion patterns of native forests, and determining potential effects of...

50 CFR 218.14 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the exclusion zone extending 2,000 yards... determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a detonation event. (iv) When conducting a... participation shall take into account safety, logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from...

50 CFR 218.5 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the exclusion zone extending 2,000 yards... determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a detonation event. (iv) When conducting a... participation shall take into account safety, logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from...

50 CFR 218.5 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the exclusion zone extending 2,000 yards... determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a detonation event. (iv) When conducting a... participation shall take into account safety, logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from...

50 CFR 218.14 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... (i.e., the circumference of the area from the border of the exclusion zone extending 2,000 yards... determine if marine mammals are in the area before and/or after a detonation event. (iv) When conducting a... participation shall take into account safety, logistics, and operational concerns. (iv) MMOs shall observe from...

78 FR 20090 - Reorganization of Foreign-Trade Zone 133 Under Alternative Site Framework; Quad-Cities, Iowa...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-03

... area of Henderson, Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Warren Counties, Illinois and Cedar, Clinton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Washington Counties, Iowa, within and adjacent to the Davenport, Iowa- Moline and Rock Island, Illinois Customs and Border...

Food Webs without Borders? Watershed-coast Interactions Influence Diet Sources of Fish in the St. Louis River

EPA Science Inventory

Complex ecosystems form where coastal rivers enter the Laurentian Great Lakes. These ecosystems span a river-to-Great Lake transition zone encompassing a mosaic of river channel, drowned river mouth, littoral, wetland and coastal habitats. Our goals were to determine whether we c...

Water-quality conditions in the New River, Imperial County, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Setmire, James G.

1979-01-01

The New River, when entering the United States at Calexico, Calif., often contains materials which have the appearance of industrial and domestic wastes. Passage of some of these materials is recognized by a sudden increase in turbidity over background levels and the presence of white particulate matter. Water samples taken during these events are usually extremely high in organic content. During a 4-day reconnaissance of water quality in May 1977, white-to-brown extremely turbid water crossed the border on three occasions. On one of these occasions , the water was intensively sampled. The total organic-carbon concentration ranged from 80 to 161 milligrams per liter (mg/l); dissolved organic carbon ranged from 34 to 42 mg/l, and the chemical oxygen demand was as high as 510 mg/l. River profiles showed a dissolved-oxygen sag, with the length of the zone of depressed dissolved-oxygen concentrations varying seasonally. During the summer months, dissolved-oxygen concentrations in the river were lower and the zone of depressed dissolved-oxygen concentrations was longer. The largest increases in dissolved-oxygen concentration from reaeration occurred at the three drop structures and the rock weir near Seeley. The effects of oxygen demanding materials crossing the border extended as far as Highway 80, 19.5 miles downstream from the international boundary at Calexico. Fish kills and anaerobic conditions were also detected as far as Highway 80. Standard bacteria indicator tests for fecal contamination showed a very high health-hazard potential near the border. (Woodard-USGS)

Analysis of chaos attractors of MCG-recordings.

PubMed

Jiang, Shiqin; Yang, Fan; Yi, Panke; Chen, Bo; Luo, Ming; Wang, Lemin

2006-01-01

By studying the chaos attractor of cardiac magnetic induction strength B(z) generated by the electrical activity of the heart, we found that its projection in the reconstructed phase space has a similar shape with the map of the total current dipole vector. It is worth noting that the map of the total current dipole vector is computed with MCG recordings measured at 36 locations, whereas the chaos attractor of B(z) is generated by only one cardiac magnetic field recordings on the measured plan. We discuss only two subjects of different ages in this paper.

Dbl3 drives Cdc42 signaling at the apical margin to regulate junction position and apical differentiation

PubMed Central

Zihni, Ceniz; Munro, Peter M.G.; Elbediwy, Ahmed; Keep, Nicholas H.; Terry, Stephen J.; Harris, John

2014-01-01

Epithelial cells develop morphologically characteristic apical domains that are bordered by tight junctions, the apical–lateral border. Cdc42 and its effector complex Par6–atypical protein kinase c (aPKC) regulate multiple steps during epithelial differentiation, but the mechanisms that mediate process-specific activation of Cdc42 to drive apical morphogenesis and activate the transition from junction formation to apical differentiation are poorly understood. Using a small interfering RNA screen, we identify Dbl3 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is recruited by ezrin to the apical membrane, that is enriched at a marginal zone apical to tight junctions, and that drives spatially restricted Cdc42 activation, promoting apical differentiation. Dbl3 depletion did not affect junction formation but did affect epithelial morphogenesis and brush border formation. Conversely, expression of active Dbl3 drove process-specific activation of the Par6–aPKC pathway, stimulating the transition from junction formation to apical differentiation and domain expansion, as well as the positioning of tight junctions. Thus, Dbl3 drives Cdc42 signaling at the apical margin to regulate morphogenesis, apical–lateral border positioning, and apical differentiation. PMID:24379416

Callosally projecting neurons in the macaque monkey V1/V2 border are enriched in nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hof, P. R.; Ungerleider, L. G.; Adams, M. M.; Webster, M. J.; Gattass, R.; Blumberg, D. M.; Morrison, J. H.; Bloom, F. E. (Principal Investigator)

1997-01-01

Previous immunohistochemical studies combined with retrograde tracing in macaque monkeys have demonstrated that corticocortical projections can be differentiated by their content of neurofilament protein. The present study analyzed the distribution of nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein in callosally projecting neurons located at the V1/V2 border. All of the retrogradely labeled neurons were located in layer III at the V1/V2 border and at an immediately adjacent zone of area V2. A quantitative analysis showed that the vast majority (almost 95%) of these interhemispheric projection neurons contain neurofilament protein immunoreactivity. This observation differs from data obtained in other sets of callosal connections, including homotypical interhemispheric projections in the prefrontal, temporal, and parietal association cortices, that were found to contain uniformly low proportions of neurofilament protein-immunoreactive neurons. Comparably, highly variable proportions of neurofilament protein-containing neurons have been reported in intrahemispheric corticocortical pathways, including feedforward and feedback visual connections. These results indicate that neurofilament protein is a prominent neurochemical feature that identifies a particular population of interhemispheric projection neurons at the V1/V2 border and suggest that this biochemical attribute may be critical for the function of this subset of callosal neurons.

Effects of myocardial infarction on the distribution and transport of nutrients and oxygen in porcine myocardium.

PubMed

Davis, Bryce H; Morimoto, Yoshihisa; Sample, Chris; Olbrich, Kevin; Leddy, Holly A; Guilak, Farshid; Taylor, Doris A

2012-10-01

One of the primary limitations of cell therapy for myocardial infarction is the low survival of transplanted cells, with a loss of up to 80% of cells within 3 days of delivery. The aims of this study were to investigate the distribution of nutrients and oxygen in infarcted myocardium and to quantify how macromolecular transport properties might affect cell survival. Transmural myocardial infarction was created by controlled cryoablation in pigs. At 30 days post-infarction, oxygen and metabolite levels were measured in the peripheral skeletal muscle, normal myocardium, the infarct border zone, and the infarct interior. The diffusion coefficients of fluorescein or FITC-labeled dextran (0.3-70 kD) were measured in these tissues using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. The vascular density was measured via endogenous alkaline phosphatase staining. To examine the influence of these infarct conditions on cells therapeutically used in vivo, skeletal myoblast survival and differentiation were studied in vitro under the oxygen and glucose concentrations measured in the infarct tissue. Glucose and oxygen concentrations, along with vascular density were significantly reduced in infarct when compared to the uninjured myocardium and infarct border zone, although the degree of decrease differed. The diffusivity of molecules smaller than 40 kD was significantly higher in infarct center and border zone as compared to uninjured heart. Skeletal myoblast differentiation and survival were decreased stepwise from control to hypoxia, starvation, and ischemia conditions. Although oxygen, glucose, and vascular density were significantly reduced in infarcted myocardium, the rate of macromolecular diffusion was significantly increased, suggesting that diffusive transport may not be inhibited in infarct tissue, and thus the supply of nutrients to transplanted cells may be possible. in vitro studies mimicking infarct conditions suggest that increasing nutrients available to transplanted cells may significantly increase their ability to survive in infarct.

Spatial gradients in action potential duration created by regional magnetofection of hERG are a substrate for wavebreak and turbulent propagation in cardiomyocyte monolayers.

PubMed

Campbell, Katherine; Calvo, Conrado J; Mironov, Sergey; Herron, Todd; Berenfeld, Omer; Jalife, José

2012-12-15

Spatial dispersion of action potential duration (APD) is a substrate for the maintenance of cardiac fibrillation, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated the role played by spatial APD dispersion in fibrillatory dynamics. We used an in vitro model in which spatial gradients in the expression of ether-à-go-go-related (hERG) protein, and thus rapid delayed rectifying K(+) current (I(Kr)) density, served to generate APD dispersion, high-frequency rotor formation, wavebreak and fibrillatory conduction. A unique adenovirus-mediated magnetofection technique generated well-controlled gradients in hERG and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in neonatal rat ventricular myocyte monolayers. Computer simulations using a realistic neonatal rat ventricular myocyte monolayer model provided crucial insight into the underlying mechanisms. Regional hERG overexpression shortened APD and increased rotor incidence in the hERG overexpressing region. An APD profile at 75 percent repolarization with a 16.6 ± 0.72 ms gradient followed the spatial profile of hERG-GFP expression; conduction velocity was not altered. Rotors in the infected region whose maximal dominant frequency was 12.9 Hz resulted in wavebreak at the interface (border zone) between infected and non-infected regions; dominant frequency distribution was uniform when the maximal dominant frequency was <12.9 Hz or the rotors resided in the uninfected region. Regularity at the border zone was lowest when rotors resided in the infected region. In simulations, a fivefold regional increase in I(Kr) abbreviated the APD and hyperpolarized the resting potential. However, the steep APD gradient at the border zone proved to be the primary mechanism of wavebreak and fibrillatory conduction. This study provides insight at the molecular level into the mechanisms by which spatial APD dispersion contributes to wavebreak, rotor stabilization and fibrillatory conduction.

Spatial gradients in action potential duration created by regional magnetofection of hERG are a substrate for wavebreak and turbulent propagation in cardiomyocyte monolayers

PubMed Central

Campbell, Katherine; Calvo, Conrado J; Mironov, Sergey; Herron, Todd; Berenfeld, Omer; Jalife, José

2012-01-01

Spatial dispersion of action potential duration (APD) is a substrate for the maintenance of cardiac fibrillation, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated the role played by spatial APD dispersion in fibrillatory dynamics. We used an in vitro model in which spatial gradients in the expression of ether-à-go-go-related (hERG) protein, and thus rapid delayed rectifying K+ current (IKr) density, served to generate APD dispersion, high-frequency rotor formation, wavebreak and fibrillatory conduction. A unique adenovirus-mediated magnetofection technique generated well-controlled gradients in hERG and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in neonatal rat ventricular myocyte monolayers. Computer simulations using a realistic neonatal rat ventricular myocyte monolayer model provided crucial insight into the underlying mechanisms. Regional hERG overexpression shortened APD and increased rotor incidence in the hERG overexpressing region. An APD profile at 75 percent repolarization with a 16.6 ± 0.72 ms gradient followed the spatial profile of hERG-GFP expression; conduction velocity was not altered. Rotors in the infected region whose maximal dominant frequency was ≥12.9 Hz resulted in wavebreak at the interface (border zone) between infected and non-infected regions; dominant frequency distribution was uniform when the maximal dominant frequency was <12.9 Hz or the rotors resided in the uninfected region. Regularity at the border zone was lowest when rotors resided in the infected region. In simulations, a fivefold regional increase in IKr abbreviated the APD and hyperpolarized the resting potential. However, the steep APD gradient at the border zone proved to be the primary mechanism of wavebreak and fibrillatory conduction. This study provides insight at the molecular level into the mechanisms by which spatial APD dispersion contributes to wavebreak, rotor stabilization and fibrillatory conduction. PMID:23090949

Generation of poleward moving auroral forms (PMAFs) during periods of dayside auroral oval expansions/contractions and periods when the dayside auroral oval is expanded and stable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fasel, G. J.; Flicker, J.; Sibeck, D. G.; Alyami, M.; Angelo, A.; Aylward, R. J.; Bender, S.; Christensen, M.; Kim, J.; Kristensen, H.; Orellana, Y.; Sahin, O.; Yoon, J.; Green, D.; Sigernes, F.; Lorentzen, D. A.

2013-12-01

The latitude of the equatorial edge of the dayside auroral oval has been shown to vary with the direction of the IMF Bz-component. The equatorward/poleward edge of the dayside auroral oval shifts equatorward/poleward when the IMF Bz-component is negative/positive [Burch, 1973; Akasofu, 1977; Horwitz and Akasofu, 1977; Sandholt et al., 1986, 1988]. Past studies have shown that poleward-moving auroral forms (PMAFs) are a common feature during equatorward expansions of the dayside auroral oval. Horwitz and Akasofu [1977] noted a one-to-one correspondence of luminous PMAFs associated with an equatorward expansion of the dayside auroral oval. During the southward turning of the IMF Bz-component the merging rate on the dayside increases [Newell and Meng, 1987] leading to the erosion of the dayside magnetopause. The field line merging process is thought to be most efficient when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz-component turns southward. Both Vorobjev et al. [1975] and Horwitz and Akasofu [1977] attributed these PMAFs to magnetic flux being eroded away from the dayside magnetopause and transported antisunward. Dayside poleward-moving auroral forms are also observed during periods of an expanded and stable dayside auroral oval for both northern and southern hemisphere observations [Sandholt et al., 1986, 1989, 1990; Rairden and Mende, 1989; Mende et al., 1990]. Poleward-moving auroral forms have also been observed during some dayside oval contractions but have not been discussed much in the literature. This study examines the dayside auroral oval during periods of expansion, contraction, and during periods of an expanded and stable dayside auroral oval. This statistical study will provide the following results: number of poleward-moving auroral forms that are generated during dayside auroral oval expansions/contractions and during periods of a stable and expanded dayside auroral oval, the average initial and final elevation angle of the dayside auroral oval, time for dayside auroral oval to expand or contract, and the solar wind parameters (IMF Bx, By, Bz, speed, and pressure) associated with each interval (expansion, contraction, or stable and expanded).

Roof planes detection via a second-order variational model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benciolini, Battista; Ruggiero, Valeria; Vitti, Alfonso; Zanetti, Massimo

2018-04-01

The paper describes a unified automatic procedure for the detection of roof planes in gridded height data. The procedure exploits the Blake-Zisserman (BZ) model for segmentation in both 2D and 1D, and aims to detect, to model and to label roof planes. The BZ model relies on the minimization of a functional that depends on first- and second-order derivatives, free discontinuities and free gradient discontinuities. During the minimization, the relative strength of each competitor is controlled by a set of weight parameters. By finding the minimum of the approximated BZ functional, one obtains: (1) an approximation of the data that is smoothed solely within regions of homogeneous gradient, and (2) an explicit detection of the discontinuities and gradient discontinuities of the approximation. Firstly, input data is segmented using the 2D BZ. The maps of data and gradient discontinuities are used to isolate building candidates and planar patches (i.e. regions with homogeneous gradient) that correspond to roof planes. Connected regions that can not be considered as buildings are filtered according to both patch dimension and distribution of the directions of the normals to the boundary. The 1D BZ model is applied to the curvilinear coordinates of boundary points of building candidates in order to reduce the effect of data granularity when the normals are evaluated. In particular, corners are preserved and can be detected by means of gradient discontinuity. Lastly, a total least squares model is applied to estimate the parameters of the plane that best fits the points of each planar patch (orthogonal regression with planar model). Refinement of planar patches is performed by assigning those points that are close to the boundaries to the planar patch for which a given proximity measure assumes the smallest value. The proximity measure is defined to account for the variance of a fitting plane and a weighted distance of a point from the plane. The effectiveness of the proposed procedure is demonstrated by means of its application to urban digital surface models characterized by different spatial resolutions. Results are presented and discussed along with some promising developments.

Effect of Maillard Reacted Peptides on Human Salt Taste and the Amiloride-Insensitive Salt Taste Receptor (TRPV1t)

PubMed Central

Katsumata, Tadayoshi; Nakakuki, Hiroko; Tokunaga, Chikara; Fujii, Noboru; Egi, Makoto; Phan, Tam-Hao T.; Mummalaneni, Shobha; DeSimone, John A.

2008-01-01

Maillard reacted peptides (MRPs) were synthesized by conjugating a peptide fraction (1000–5000 Da) purified from soy protein hydrolyzate with galacturonic acid, glucosamine, xylose, fructose, or glucose. The effect of MRPs was investigated on human salt taste and on the chorda tympani (CT) taste nerve responses to NaCl in Sprague–Dawley rats, wild-type, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) knockout mice. MRPs produced a biphasic effect on human salt taste perception and on the CT responses in rats and wild-type mice in the presence of NaCl + benzamil (Bz, a blocker of epithelial Na+ channels), enhancing the NaCl response at low concentrations and suppressing it at high concentrations. The effectiveness of MRPs as salt taste enhancers varied with the conjugated sugar moiety: galacturonic acid = glucosamine > xylose > fructose > glucose. The concentrations at which MRPs enhanced human salt taste were significantly lower than the concentrations of MRPs that produced increase in the NaCl CT response. Elevated temperature, resiniferatoxin, capsaicin, and ethanol produced additive effects on the NaCl CT responses in the presence of MRPs. Elevated temperature and ethanol also enhanced human salt taste perception. N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-chlorocinnamid (a blocker of TRPV1t) inhibited the Bz-insensitive NaCl CT responses in the absence and presence of MRPs. TRPV1 knockout mice demonstrated no Bz-insensitive NaCl CT response in the absence or presence of MRPs. The results suggest that MRPs modulate human salt taste and the NaCl + Bz CT responses by interacting with TRPV1t. PMID:18603652

Transient phenomena in cosmic ray intensity during extreme events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Rekha; Mishra, Rajesh K.

2008-04-01

In the present work an analysis has been made of the extreme events occurring during July 2005. Specifically, a rather intense Forbush decrease was observed at different neutron monitors all over the world during 16 July 2005. An effort has been made to study the effect of this unusual event on cosmic ray intensity as well as various solar and interplanetary plasma parameters. It is noteworthy that during 11 to 18 July 2005 the solar activity ranged from low to very active. Especially low levels occurred on 11, 15, and 17 July whereas high levels took place on 14 and 16 July 2005. The Sun is observed to be active during 11 to 18 July 2005, the interplanetary magnetic field intensity lies within 15 nT, and solar wind velocity was limited to ˜500 kms-1. The geomagnetic activity during this period remains very quiet, the Kp index did not exceed 5, the disturbance storm time Dst index remains ˜-70 nT and no sudden storm commencement has been detected during this period. It is noted that for the majority of the hours, the north/south component of the interplanetary magnetic field, Bz, remains negative, and the cosmic ray intensity increases and shows good/high correlation with Bz, as the polarity of Bz tends to shift from negative to positive values, the intensity decreases and shows good/high anti-correlation with Bz. The cosmic ray intensity tends to decrease with increase of interplanetary magnetic field strength (B) and shows anti-correlation for the majority of the days.

GABAA Receptor Regulation of Voluntary Ethanol Drinking Requires PKCε

PubMed Central

Besheer, Joyce; Lepoutre, Veronique; Mole, Beth; Hodge, Clyde W.

2010-01-01

Protein kinase C (PKC) regulates a variety of neural functions, including ion channel activity, neurotransmitter release, receptor desensitization and differentiation. We have shown previously that mice lacking the ε-isoform of PKC (PKCε) self-administer 75% less ethanol and exhibit supersensitivity to acute ethanol and allosteric positive modulators of GABAA receptors when compared with wild-type controls. The purpose of the present study was to examine involvement of PKCε in GABAA receptor regulation of voluntary ethanol drinking. To address this question, PKCε null-mutant and wild-type control mice were allowed to drink ethanol (10% v/v) vs. water on a two-bottle continuous access protocol. The effects of diazepam (nonselective GABAA BZ positive modulator), zolpidem (GABAA α1 agonist), L-655,708 (BZ-sensitive GABAA α5 inverse agonist), and flumazenil (BZ antagonist) were then tested on ethanol drinking. Ethanol intake (grams/kg/day) by wild-type mice decreased significantly after diazepam or zolpidem but increased after L-655,708 administration. Flumazenil antagonized diazepam-induced reductions in ethanol drinking in wild-type mice. However, ethanol intake by PKCε null mice was not altered by any of the GABAergic compounds even though effects were seen on water drinking in these mice. Increased acute sensitivity to ethanol and diazepam, which was previously reported, was confirmed in PKCε null mice. Thus, results of the present study show that PKCε null mice do not respond to doses of GABAA BZ receptor ligands that regulate ethanol drinking by wild-type control mice. This suggests that PKCε may be required for GABAA receptor regulation of chronic ethanol drinking. PMID:16881070

Long-term Cu stabilization and biomass yields of Giant reed and poplar after adding a biochar, alone or with iron grit, into a contaminated soil from a wood preservation site.

PubMed

Oustriere, Nadège; Marchand, Lilian; Lottier, Nathalie; Motelica, Mikael; Mench, Michel

2017-02-01

A 2-year pot experiment was carried out to examine the aging effect of biochar (B), alone or combined with iron grit (Z), on Cu stabilization and plant growth in a contaminated soil (964mg Cu kg -1 ) from a wood preservation site. The experiment consisted in 3 soil treatments, either planted with Arundo donax L. (Ad) or Populus nigra L. (Pn): (1) untreated Cu-contaminated soil (Ad, Pn); (2) Unt+1% (w/w) B (AdB, PnB), and (3) Unt+1% B+1% Z (AdBZ, PnBZ). After 22months, the soil pore water (SPW) was sampled and roots and shoots were harvested. The SPW compositions at 3 and 22months were compared, showing that the SPW Cu 2+ concentration increased again in the PnB and PnBZ soils. Cultivation of A. donax enhanced the dissolved organic matter concentration in the SPW, which decreased its Cu 2+ concentration but promoted its total Cu concentration in the Ad and AdB soils. Adding Z with B reduced both SPW Cu 2+ and Cu concentrations in the pots cultivated by A. donax and P. nigra as compared to B alone. The B and BZ treatments did not enhance root and shoot yields of both plant species as compared to the Unt soil but their shoot Cu concentrations were in the range of common values. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Allosteric nature of P2X receptor activation probed by photoaffinity labelling

PubMed Central

Bhargava, Y; Rettinger, J; Mourot, A

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In P2X receptors, agonist binding at the interface between neighbouring subunits is efficiently transduced to ion channel gating. However, the relationship between binding and gating is difficult to study because agonists continuously bind and unbind. Here, we covalently incorporated agonists in the binding pocket of P2X receptors and examined how binding site occupancy affects the ability of the channel to gate. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used a strategy for tethering agonists to their ATP-binding pocket, while simultaneously probing ion channel gating using electrophysiology. The agonist 2′,3′-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP), a photoaffinity analogue of ATP, enabled us to trap rat homomeric P2X2 receptor and a P2X2/1 receptor chimera in different agonist-bound states. UV light was used to control the degree of covalent occupancy of the receptors. KEY RESULTS Irradiation of the P2X2/1 receptor chimera – BzATP complex resulted in a persistent current that lasted even after extensive washout, consistent with photochemical tethering of the agonist BzATP and trapping of the receptors in an open state. Partial labelling with BzATP primed subsequent agonist binding and modulated gating efficiency for both full and partial agonists. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our photolabelling strategy provides new molecular insights into the activation mechanism of the P2X receptor. We show here that priming with full agonist molecules leads to an increase in gating efficiency after subsequent agonist binding. PMID:22725669

Observation of helicon wave with m = 0 antenna in a weakly magnetized inductively coupled plasma source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellingboe, Bert; Sirse, Nishant; Moloney, Rachel; McCarthy, John

2015-09-01

Bounded whistler wave, called ``helicon wave,'' is known to produce high-density plasmas and has been exploited as a high density plasma source for many applications, including electric propulsion for spacecraft. In a helicon plasma source, an antenna wrapped around the magnetized plasma column launches a low frequency wave, ωce/2 >ωhelicon >ωce/100, in the plasma which is responsible for maintaining high density plasma. Several antenna designs have been proposed in order to match efficiently the wave modes. In our experiment, helicon wave mode is observed using an m = 0 antenna. A floating B dot probe, compensated to the capacitively coupled E field, is employed to measure axial-wave-field-profiles (z, r, and θ components) in the plasma at multiple radial positions as a function of rf power and pressure. The Bθ component of the rf-field is observed to be unaffected as the wave propagates in the axial direction. Power coupling between the antenna and the plasma column is identified and agrees with the E, H, and wave coupling regimes previously seen in M =1 antenna systems. That is, the Bz component of the rf-field is observed at low plasma density as the Bz component from the antenna penetrates the plasma. The Bz component becomes very small at medium density due to shielding at the centre of the plasma column; however, with increasing density, a sudden ``jump'' occurs in the Bz component above which a standing wave under the antenna with a propagating wave away from the antenna are observed.

Traffic pollutants measured inside vehicles waiting in line at a major US-Mexico Port of Entry.

PubMed

Quintana, Penelope J E; Khalighi, Mehdi; Castillo Quiñones, Javier Emmanuel; Patel, Zalak; Guerrero Garcia, Jesus; Martinez Vergara, Paulina; Bryden, Megan; Mantz, Antoinette

2018-05-01

At US-Mexico border Ports of Entry, vehicles idle for long times waiting to cross northbound into the US. Long wait times at the border have mainly been studied as an economic issue, however, exposures to emissions from idling vehicles can also present an exposure risk. Here we present the first data on in-vehicle exposures to driver and passengers crossing the US-Mexico border at the San Ysidro, California Port of Entry (SYPOE). Participants were recruited who regularly commuted across the border in either direction and told to drive a scripted route between two border universities, one in the US and one in Mexico. Instruments were placed in participants' cars prior to commute to monitor-1-minute average levels of the traffic pollutants ultrafine particles (UFP), black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the breathing zone of drivers and passengers. Location was determined by a GPS monitor. Results reported here are for 68 northbound participant trips. The highest median levels of in-vehicle UFP were recorded during the wait to cross at the SYPOE (median 29,692particles/cm 3 ) significantly higher than the portion of the commute in the US (median 20,508particles/cm 3 ) though not that portion in Mexico (median 22, 191particles/cm 3 ). In-vehicle BC levels at the border were significantly lower than in other parts of the commute. Our results indicate that waiting in line at the SYPOE contributes a median 62.5% (range 15.5%-86.0%) of a cross-border commuter's exposure to UFP and a median 44.5% (range (10.6-79.7%) of exposure to BC inside the vehicle while traveling in the northbound direction. Reducing border wait time can significantly reduce in-vehicle exposures to toxic air pollutants such as UFP and BC, and these preventable exposures can be considered an environmental justice issue. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lessons learned from cross-border medical response to the terrorist bombings in Tabba and Ras-el-Satan, Egypt, on 07 October 2004.

PubMed

Leiba, Adi; Blumenfeld, Amir; Hourvitz, Ariel; Weiss, Gali; Peres, Michal; Laor, Dani; Schwartz, Dagan; Arad, Jacob; Goldberg, Avishay; Levi, Yeheskel; Bar-Dayan, Yaron

2005-01-01

Large-scale, terrorist attacks can happen in peripheral areas, which are located close to a country's borders and far from its main medical facilities and involve multi-national casualties and responders. The objective of this study was to analyze the terrorist suicide bombings that occurred on 07 October 2004, near the Israeli-Egyptian border, as representative of such a complex scenario. Data from formal debriefings after the event were processed in order to learn about victim outcomes, resource utilization, critical events, and time course of the emergency response. A total of 185 injured survivors were repatriated: four were severely wounded, 13 were moderately injured, and 168 were mildly injured. Thirty-eight people died. A forward medical team landed at the border town's airport, which provided reinforcement in the field and in the local hospital. Israeli and Egyptian search and rescue teams collaborated at the destruction site. One-hundred sixty-eight injured patients arrived at the small border hospital that rapidly organized itself for the mass-casualty incident, operating as an evacuation "staging hospital". Twenty-three casualties secondarily were distributed to two major trauma centers in the south and the center of Israel, respectively, either by ambulance or by helicopter. Large-scale, terrorist attacks at a peripheral border zone can be handled by international collaboration, reinforcement of medical teams at the site itself and at the peripheral neighboring hospital, rapid rearrangement of an "evacuation hospital", and efficient transport to trauma centers by ambulances, helicopters, and other aircraft.

Delineation of the New Madrid seismic zone using Landsat MSS data with insurance and tax implications of future fault movement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiley, M. A.; Rupert, G. B.; Christy, J. J.; Cochrane, C. L.; Buffington, N. L., Jr.

Landsat MSS imagery was used to delineate the New Madrid seismic zone, near the common borders of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky, which has produced earthquakes wth Modified Mercalli intensities larger than 10. Intepretation of the Landsat image, in conjunction with published data, provides means for combining geomorphic and geophysical data to yield new insights into the tectonics of the area. The paper discusses the value of this technique for constructing and maintaining disaster contingency plans, with particular attention given to insurance and tax implications.

Designing Dual-functionalized Gels for Self-reconfiguration and Autonomous Motion

DOE PAGES

Kuksenok, Olga; Balazs, Anna C.

2015-04-30

Human motion is enabled by the concerted expansion and contraction of interconnected muscles that are powered by inherent biochemical reactions. One of the challenges in the field of biomimicry is eliciting this form of motion from purely synthetic materials, which typically do not generate internalized reactions to drive mechanical action. Moreover, for practical applications, this bio-inspired motion must be readily controllable. Herein, we develop a computational model to design a new class of polymer gels where structural reconfigurations and internalized reactions are intimately linked to produce autonomous motion, which can be directed with light. These gels contain both spirobenzopyran (SP)more » chromophores and the ruthenium catalysts that drive the oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Importantly, both the SP moieties and the BZ reaction are photosensitive. When these dual-functionalized gels are exposed to non-uniform illumination, the localized contraction of the gel (due to the SP moieties) in the presence of traveling chemical waves (due to the BZ reaction) leads to new forms of spontaneous, self-sustained movement, which cannot be achieved by either of the mono-functionalized networks.« less

Comparison of biochar, zeolite and their mixture amendment for aiding organic matter transformation and nitrogen conservation during pig manure composting.

PubMed

Wang, Quan; Awasthi, Mukesh Kumar; Ren, Xiuna; Zhao, Junchao; Li, Ronghua; Wang, Zhen; Chen, Hongyu; Wang, Meijing; Zhang, Zengqiang

2017-12-01

The aim of this work was to compare the impact of biochar, zeolite and their mixture on nitrogen conservation and organic matter transformation during pig manure (PM) composting. Four treatments were set-up from PM mixed with wheat straw and then applied 10% biochar (B), 10% zeolite (Z) and 10% biochar+10% zeolite (B+Z) into composting mixtures (dry weight basis), while treatment without additives applied used as control. Results indicated that adding B, Z and B+Z could obviously (p<0.05) improve the organic matter degradation and decrease the nitrogen loss. And combined addition of B and Z further promoted the organic matter humification and reduced the heavy metals mobility. Meanwhile the highest mitigation of ammonia (63.40%) and nitrogen dioxide (78.13%) emissions was observed in B+Z added treatment. Comparison of organic matter transformation, nitrogen conservation and compost quality indicated that the combined use of biochar and zeolite could be more useful for PM composting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Speed Video Measurements of a Magneto-optical Trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horstman, Luke; Graber, Curtis; Erickson, Seth; Slattery, Anna; Hoyt, Chad

2016-05-01

We present a video method to observe the mechanical properties of a lithium magneto-optical trap. A sinusoidally amplitude-modulated laser beam perturbed a collection of trapped ce7 Li atoms and the oscillatory response was recorded with a NAC Memrecam GX-8 high speed camera at 10,000 frames per second. We characterized the trap by modeling the oscillating cold atoms as a damped, driven, harmonic oscillator. Matlab scripts tracked the atomic cloud movement and relative phase directly from the captured high speed video frames. The trap spring constant, with magnetic field gradient bz = 36 G/cm, was measured to be 4 . 5 +/- . 5 ×10-19 N/m, which implies a trap resonant frequency of 988 +/- 55 Hz. Additionally, at bz = 27 G/cm the spring constant was measured to be 2 . 3 +/- . 2 ×10-19 N/m, which corresponds to a resonant frequency of 707 +/- 30 Hz. These properties at bz = 18 G/cm were found to be 8 . 8 +/- . 5 ×10-20 N/m, and 438 +/- 13 Hz. NSF #1245573.

Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NAADP)-mediated Calcium Signaling and Arrhythmias in the Heart Evoked by β-Adrenergic Stimulation*♦

PubMed Central

Nebel, Merle; Schwoerer, Alexander P.; Warszta, Dominik; Siebrands, Cornelia C.; Limbrock, Ann-Christin; Swarbrick, Joanna M.; Fliegert, Ralf; Weber, Karin; Bruhn, Sören; Hohenegger, Martin; Geisler, Anne; Herich, Lena; Schlegel, Susan; Carrier, Lucie; Eschenhagen, Thomas; Potter, Barry V. L.; Ehmke, Heimo; Guse, Andreas H.

2013-01-01

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is the most potent Ca2+-releasing second messenger known to date. Here, we report a new role for NAADP in arrhythmogenic Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes evoked by β-adrenergic stimulation. Infusion of NAADP into intact cardiac myocytes induced global Ca2+ signals sensitive to inhibitors of both acidic Ca2+ stores and ryanodine receptors and to NAADP antagonist BZ194. Furthermore, in electrically paced cardiac myocytes BZ194 blocked spontaneous diastolic Ca2+ transients caused by high concentrations of the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Ca2+ transients were recorded both as increases of the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and as decreases of the sarcoplasmic luminal Ca2+ concentration. Importantly, NAADP antagonist BZ194 largely ameliorated isoproterenol-induced arrhythmias in awake mice. We provide strong evidence that NAADP-mediated modulation of couplon activity plays a role for triggering spontaneous diastolic Ca2+ transients in isolated cardiac myocytes and arrhythmias in the intact animal. Thus, NAADP signaling appears an attractive novel target for antiarrhythmic therapy. PMID:23564460

Time-series analysis of energetic electron fluxes (1. 2 - 16 MeV) at geosynchronous altitude. Master's thesis

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

Halpin, M.P.

This project used a Box and Jenkins time-series analysis of energetic electron fluxes measured at geosynchronous orbit in an effort to derive prediction models for the flux in each of five energy channels. In addition, the technique of transfer function modeling described by Box and Jenkins was used in an attempt to derive input-output relationships between the flux channels (viewed as the output) and the solar-wind speed or interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) north-south component, Bz, (viewed as the input). The transfer function modeling was done in order to investigate the theoretical dynamic relationship which is believed to exist between themore » solar wind, the IMF Bz, and the energetic electron flux in the magnetosphere. The models derived from the transfer-function techniques employed were also intended to be used in the prediction of flux values. The results from this study indicate that the energetic electron flux changes in the various channels are dependent on more than simply the solar-wind speed or the IMF Bz.« less

Designing Dual-functionalized Gels for Self-reconfiguration and Autonomous Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuksenok, Olga; Balazs, Anna C.

2015-04-01

Human motion is enabled by the concerted expansion and contraction of interconnected muscles that are powered by inherent biochemical reactions. One of the challenges in the field of biomimicry is eliciting this form of motion from purely synthetic materials, which typically do not generate internalized reactions to drive mechanical action. Moreover, for practical applications, this bio-inspired motion must be readily controllable. Herein, we develop a computational model to design a new class of polymer gels where structural reconfigurations and internalized reactions are intimately linked to produce autonomous motion, which can be directed with light. These gels contain both spirobenzopyran (SP) chromophores and the ruthenium catalysts that drive the oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Importantly, both the SP moieties and the BZ reaction are photosensitive. When these dual-functionalized gels are exposed to non-uniform illumination, the localized contraction of the gel (due to the SP moieties) in the presence of traveling chemical waves (due to the BZ reaction) leads to new forms of spontaneous, self-sustained movement, which cannot be achieved by either of the mono-functionalized networks.

Seismological and Geodynamic Monitoring Network in the "javakheti" Test Zone in the Southern Caucasus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arakelyan, A.; Babayan, H.; Karakhanyan, A.; Durgaryan, R.; Basilaia, G.; Sokhadze, G.; Bidzinashvili, G.

2012-12-01

The Javakheti Highland located in the border region between Armenia and Georgia (sharing a border with Turkey) is an area in the Southern Caucasus of young Holocene-Quaternary volcanism and a region with convergence of a number of active faults. Issues related to the geometry, kinematics and slip-rate of these faults and assessment of their seismic hazard remain unclear in part due to the fragmentary nature of the studies carried out soley within the borders of each of the countries as opposed to region wide. In the frame of the ISTC A-1418 Project "Open network of scientific Centers for mitigation risk of natural hazards in the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia" the Javakheti Highland was selected as a trans-border test-zone. This designation allowed for the expansion and upgrading of the seismological and geodynamic monitoring networks under the auspices of several international projects (ISTC CSP-053 Project "Development of Communication System for seismic hazard situations in the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia", NATO SfP- 983284 Project "Caucasus Seismic Emergency Response") as well as through joint research programs with the National Taiwan University and Institute of Earth Sciences (IES, Taiwan), Universite Montpellier II (France) and Ecole et Observatoire des Sciences de la Terre-Université de Strasbourg (France). Studies of geodynamic processes, and seismicity of the region and their interaction have been carried out utilizing the newly established seismological and geodynamic monitoring networks and have served as a basis for the study of the geologic and tectonic structure . Upgrading and expansion of seismological and geodynamic networks required urgent solutions to the following tasks: Introduction of efficient online systems for information acquisition, accumulation and transmission (including sattelite systems) from permanent and temporary installed stations, Adoption of international standards for organization and management of databases in GIS format, Utilization of data archiving system working in intrnationally adopted formats and data exchange systems for communication with other international and national centers.

Anatomic study on mental canal and incisive nerve canal in interforaminal region in Chinese population.

PubMed

Xu, Yun; Suo, Ning; Tian, Xiufen; Li, Fei; Zhong, Guangxin; Liu, Xiaoran; Bao, Yongxing; Song, Tao; Tian, Hua

2015-08-01

This study was aimed to detect the positions of mental canal and incisive nerve canal as well as the prolongation of mandibular canal in interforaminal region in Chinese population to supply the reference data of the surgical safe zone in chin for clinicians. A total of 80 formalin-fixed semi-mandibles of Chinese adult cadavers were dissected, the positions and courses of mental canal and incisive nerve canal as well as the prolongation of mandibular canal in interforaminal region were measured. The mental foramina were present in all cases (100 %), and most of them were located below 2nd premolar (58.75 %). Accessory mental foramina were observed in 5 %. The anterior end of mandibular canal, extending along the course of 7.37 ± 1.10 mm above the lower border of mandible to interforaminal region about 3.54 ± 0.70 mm medial to the mental foramen, most often ended below between the two premolars (73.75 %), where it continued as the incisive nerve canal (100 %) and the mental canal (96.25 %). Mental canal, with the wall formed by compact bone, being 2.60 ± 0.60 mm in diameter and 4.01 ± 1.20 mm in length, opened into mental foramen. Incisive nerve canal, with the wall formed by thin compact bone and/or partly or completely by spongy bone, being 1.76 ± 0.27 mm in diameter and 24.87 ± 2.23 mm in length, extended to the incisor region along the course of 9.53 ± 1.43 mm above the lower border of mandible, and most often ended below the lateral incisor (70.00 %). This research recommended for chin operations in Chinese population: the surgical safe zone could be set in the region about over 4 mm anterior to the mental foramen, and over 12 mm above inferior border of mandible for anterior alveolar surgery, or within 9 mm above inferior border of mandible for genioplasty.

19 CFR 122.23 - Certain aircraft arriving from areas south of the U.S.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... U.S. 122.23 Section 122.23 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... inner boundary of the Atlantic (Coastal) Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) south of 30 degrees north latitude, anywhere outside of the inner boundary of the Gulf of Mexico (Coastal) ADIZ, or anywhere...

19 CFR 122.23 - Certain aircraft arriving from areas south of the U.S.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... U.S. 122.23 Section 122.23 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... inner boundary of the Atlantic (Coastal) Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) south of 30 degrees north latitude, anywhere outside of the inner boundary of the Gulf of Mexico (Coastal) ADIZ, or anywhere...

19 CFR 122.23 - Certain aircraft arriving from areas south of the U.S.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... U.S. 122.23 Section 122.23 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... inner boundary of the Atlantic (Coastal) Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) south of 30 degrees north latitude, anywhere outside of the inner boundary of the Gulf of Mexico (Coastal) ADIZ, or anywhere...

19 CFR 122.23 - Certain aircraft arriving from areas south of the U.S.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... U.S. 122.23 Section 122.23 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... inner boundary of the Atlantic (Coastal) Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) south of 30 degrees north latitude, anywhere outside of the inner boundary of the Gulf of Mexico (Coastal) ADIZ, or anywhere...

19 CFR 122.23 - Certain aircraft arriving from areas south of the U.S.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... U.S. 122.23 Section 122.23 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... inner boundary of the Atlantic (Coastal) Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) south of 30 degrees north latitude, anywhere outside of the inner boundary of the Gulf of Mexico (Coastal) ADIZ, or anywhere...

Environmental Degradation in a Dependent Region: The Rio Grande Valley of Mexico and Texas.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Richard C.

1999-01-01

Traces the interrelationships among dependence, environmental degradation, and human health in the Rio Grande Valley of Mexico and Texas. Presents a case study on environmental factors threatening family health in households located on both sides of the border; the health problems can be overcome by addressing restrictive zoning, health services,…

A Comparison of Vegetation Within and Outside Riparian Areas Bordering Ephemeral Streams in the Ouachita Mountains

Treesearch

David K. Radabaugh; Hal O. Liechty; James M. Guldin

2004-01-01

Abstract - Ephemeral streams frequently occur in shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) hardwood stands that grow on the upper and mid-slopes of the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. Stream management zones are established around these ephemeral streams in the Ouachita National Forest to minimize impacts of adjacent forest management...

19 CFR 191.185 - Unused merchandise drawback and merchandise not conforming to sample or specification, shipped...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... of the time of importation. 191.185 Section 191.185 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION... Foreign Trade Zone From Customs Territory § 191.185 Unused merchandise drawback and merchandise not... of the time of importation. (a) Procedure for filing claims. The procedures described in subpart C of...

77 FR 47558 - Extension of Border Zone in the State of New Mexico

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-09

... commerce and tourism in southern New Mexico while still ensuring that sufficient safeguards are in place to..., and tourism in southern New Mexico, while still ensuring that sufficient safeguards are in place to... presenting a BCC. See 69 FR 50051. The increased time limit accommodated the realities of trade, tourism and...

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-06-06

Gravity or density-driven convection occurs as protein molecules incorporate into a crystal lattice from the surrounding solution. The layer bordering the crystal (the depletion zone) then contains a less-dense protein concentration, causing the layer to rise. The remaining, denser solution sinks because of gravity, creating eddies that make it difficult for more protein molecules to attach to the crystal in an ordered way.

Including the Other: Regulation of the Human Rights of Mobile Students in a Nation-Bound World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marginson, Simon

2012-01-01

The world's three million cross-border international students are located in a "gray zone" of regulation with incomplete human rights, security and capabilities. Like other mobile persons such as short-term business and labour entrants, and refugees, students located on foreign soil do not enjoy the same protections and entitlements as…

Selecting reference cities for i-Tree Streets

Treesearch

E.G. McPherson

2010-01-01

The i-Tree Streets (formerly STRATUM) computer program quantifies municipal forest structure, function, and value using tree growth and geographic data from sixteen U.S. reference cities, one for each of sixteen climate zones. Selecting the reference city that best matches a subject city is problematic when the subject city is outside the U.S., lays on the border...

Thermal areas on Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Casadevall, Thomas J.; Hazlett, Richard W.

1983-01-01

Active thermal areas are concentrated in three areas on Mauna Loa and three areas on Kilauea. High-temperature fumaroles (115-362°C) on Mauna Loa are restricted to the summit caldera, whereas high-temperature fumaroles on Kilauea are found in the upper East Rift Zone (Mauna Ulu summit fumaroles, 562°C), middle East Rift Zone (1977 eruptive fissure fumaroles), and in the summit caldera. Solfataric activity that has continued for several decades occurs along border faults of Kilauea caldera and at Sulphur Cone on the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa. Solfataras that are only a few years old occur along recently active eruptive fissures in the summit caldera and along the rift zones of Kilauea. Steam vents and hot-air cracks also occur at the edges of cooling lava ponds, on the summits of lava shields, along faults and graben fractures, and in diffuse patches that may reflect shallow magmatic intrusions.

Replication landscape of the human genome

PubMed Central

Petryk, Nataliya; Kahli, Malik; d'Aubenton-Carafa, Yves; Jaszczyszyn, Yan; Shen, Yimin; Silvain, Maud; Thermes, Claude; Chen, Chun-Long; Hyrien, Olivier

2016-01-01

Despite intense investigation, human replication origins and termini remain elusive. Existing data have shown strong discrepancies. Here we sequenced highly purified Okazaki fragments from two cell types and, for the first time, quantitated replication fork directionality and delineated initiation and termination zones genome-wide. Replication initiates stochastically, primarily within non-transcribed, broad (up to 150 kb) zones that often abut transcribed genes, and terminates dispersively between them. Replication fork progression is significantly co-oriented with the transcription. Initiation and termination zones are frequently contiguous, sometimes separated by regions of unidirectional replication. Initiation zones are enriched in open chromatin and enhancer marks, even when not flanked by genes, and often border ‘topologically associating domains' (TADs). Initiation zones are enriched in origin recognition complex (ORC)-binding sites and better align to origins previously mapped using bubble-trap than λ-exonuclease. This novel panorama of replication reveals how chromatin and transcription modulate the initiation process to create cell-type-specific replication programs. PMID:26751768

The Curious Case of 2-Propyl-1H-benzimidazole in the Solid State: An Experimental and Theoretical Study.

PubMed

Quesada-Moreno, María Mar; Cruz-Cabeza, Aurora J; Avilés-Moreno, Juan Ramón; Cabildo, Pilar; Claramunt, Rosa M; Alkorta, Ibon; Elguero, José; Zúñiga, Francisco J; López-González, Juan Jesús

2017-08-03

2-Propyl-1H-benzimidazole (2PrBzIm) is a small molecule, commercially available, which displays a curious behavior in the solid state. 2PrBzIm, although devoid of chirality by fast rotation about a single bond of the propyl group in solution, crystallizes as a conglomerate showing chiroptical properties. An exhaustive analysis of its crystal structure and a wide range of experiments monitored by vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy eliminated all possibilities of an artifact. What remains is a new example of the unexplained phenomenon of persistent supramolecular chirality.

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

Miliordos, Evangelos; Aprà, Edoardo; Xantheas, Sotiris S.

The anharmonic spectra of the gas phase cubic water octamer (W8, D2d and S4 isomers) have been theoretically calculated at the second order Møller-Plesset perturbation (MP2) and the Coupled Cluster with Single, Double and a perturbative estimate of Triple replacements [CCSD(T)] theories. The CCSD(T) harmonic frequencies are the first ones reported for this cluster. An additional band at ~3500 cm-1 is reported, in a spectral area that was not previously accessible experimentally due to technical reasons. The IR spectra of the S4 isomer have a larger number of fundamental bands than the spectra of the D2d isomer, in accordance withmore » the presence of lower symmetry in the former compared to the latter. When W8 interacts with benzene (BZ), the dispersion interaction plays a major role in determining the resulting intermolecular arrangement. Calculations at the MP2, DFT (with the B97XD functional which includes dispersion corrections) and CCSD(T) levels of theory suggest an optimal arrangement in which BZ is almost parallel to one of the faces of the W8 cube. This is in sharp contrast with the previously reported structure in which one of the “free” OH bonds of the W8 cube pointed towards the center of BZ (Science 276, 1678 (1997)) that was determined at the DFT level with the dispersionless B3LYP functional and was used to assign the experimentally measured IR spectra. Five low-lying isomers, three of the S4-like and two of the D2d-like type, were determined and their spectra were assigned. The perturbation of BZ to the W8 bands amounts to (i) the localization of the normal modes of W8 thus resulting in more IR active bands and (ii) the lowering of the overall symmetry of the complex that results in the splitting of the doubly degenerate bands on the bare W8. Our results further suggest that a future recording of the IR spectra in the HOH bending region can definitively aid in the assignment of the various isomers of both the BZ and the BZ-W8 complexes. EM and SSX acknowledge support from the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a multiprogram national laboratory operated for the US DOE by Battelle. This research used resources of the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, which is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.« less

The simultaneous death of seven people due to the detonation of an antipersonnel landmine at the land borders of the European Union during peacetime.

PubMed

Pavlidis, Pavlos; Karakasi, Valeria

2015-01-01

This incident concerns the simultaneous death of seven people as a result of the accidental triggering of an antipersonnel landmine during peacetime. The victims were illegal migrants who attempted to cross the Greek-Turkish border zone and accidentally entered a demarcated minefield. This incident is presented because of its rarity and highlights the devastating consequences of the residual mines on the European Union eastern frontiers in peacetime. It also showcases the difficulties and risks that arise during the identification process in illegal migration issues. The victims' positions at the moment of explosion are indicated by the detailed forensic examination and comparison of the injuries' anatomical dispersion and their severity.

Similarity in replication timing between polytene and diploid cells is associated with the organization of the Drosophila genome

PubMed Central

Goncharov, Fedor P.; Zhimulev, Igor F.

2018-01-01

Morphologically, polytene chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster consist of compact “black” bands alternating with less compact “grey” bands and interbands. We developed a comprehensive approach that combines cytological mapping data of FlyBase-annotated genes and novel tools for predicting cytogenetic features of chromosomes on the basis of their protein composition and determined the genomic coordinates for all black bands of polytene chromosome 2R. By a PCNA immunostaining assay, we obtained the replication timetable for all the bands mapped. The results allowed us to compare replication timing between polytene chromosomes in salivary glands and chromosomes from cultured diploid cell lines and to observe a substantial similarity in the global replication patterns at the band resolution level. In both kinds of chromosomes, the intervals between black bands correspond to early replication initiation zones. Black bands are depleted of replication initiation events and are characterized by a gradient of replication timing; therefore, the time of replication completion correlates with the band length. The bands are characterized by low gene density, contain predominantly tissue-specific genes, and are represented by silent chromatin types in various tissues. The borders of black bands correspond well to the borders of topological domains as well as to the borders of the zones showing H3K27me3, SUUR, and LAMIN enrichment. In conclusion, the characteristic pattern of polytene chromosomes reflects partitioning of the Drosophila genome into two global types of domains with contrasting properties. This partitioning is conserved in different tissues and determines replication timing in Drosophila. PMID:29659604

Risk factors associated with slide positivity among febrile patients in a conflict zone of north-eastern Myanmar along the China-Myanmar border.

PubMed

Li, Nana; Parker, Daniel M; Yang, Zhaoqing; Fan, Qi; Zhou, Guofa; Ai, Guoping; Duan, Jianhua; Lee, Ming-chieh; Yan, Guiyun; Matthews, Stephen A; Cui, Liwang; Wang, Ying

2013-10-10

Malaria within the Greater Mekong sub-region is extremely heterogeneous. While China and Thailand have been relatively successful in controlling malaria, Myanmar continues to see high prevalence. Coupled with the recent emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria along the Thai-Myanmar border, this makes Myanmar an important focus of malaria within the overall region. However, accurate epidemiological data from Myanmar have been lacking, in part because of ongoing and emerging conflicts between the government and various ethnic groups. Here the results are reported from a risk analysis of malaria slide positivity in a conflict zone along the China-Myanmar border. Surveys were conducted in 13 clinics and hospitals around Laiza City, Myanmar between April 2011 and October 2012. Demographic, occupational and educational information, as well as malaria infection history, were collected. Logistic models were used to assess risk factors for slide positivity. Age patterns in Plasmodium vivax infections were younger than those with Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, males were more likely than females to have falciparum infections. Patients who reported having been infected with malaria during the previous year were much more likely to have a current vivax infection. During the second year of the study, falciparum infections among soldiers increased signficiantly. These results fill some knowledge gaps with regard to risk factors associated with malaria slide positivity in this conflict region of north-eastern Myanmar. Since epidemiological studies in this region have been rare or non-existent, studies such as the current are crucial for understanding the dynamic nature of malaria in this extremely heterogeneous epidemiological landscape.

The Boomerang Lift: A Three-Step Compartment-Based Approach to the Youthful Cheek.

PubMed

Schreiber, Jillian E; Terner, Jordan; Stern, Carrie S; Beut, Javier; Jelks, Elizabeth B; Jelks, Glenn W; Tepper, Oren M

2018-04-01

Autologous fat grafting is an important tool for plastic surgeons treating the aging face. Malar augmentation with fat is often targeted to restore the youthful facial contour and provides support to the lower eyelid. The existence of distinct facial fat compartments suggests that a stepwise approach may be appropriate in this regard. The authors describe a three-step approach to malar augmentation using targeted deep malar fat compartmental augmentation, termed the "boomerang lift." Clinical patients undergoing autologous fat grafting for malar augmentation were injected in three distinct deep malar fat compartments: the lateral sub-orbicularis oculi fat, the medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat, and the deep medial cheek (n = 9). Intraoperative three-dimensional images were taken at baseline and following compartmental injections (Canfield VECTRA H1). Images were overlaid between the augmented and baseline captures, and the three-dimensional surface changes were analyzed, which represented the resulting "augmentation zone." Three-dimensional analysis demonstrated a unique pattern for the augmentation zone consistent across patients. The augmentation zone resembled a boomerang, with the short tail supporting the medial lower lid and the long tail extending laterally along the zygomatic arch. The upper border was restricted by the level of the nasojugal interface, and the lower border was defined medially by the nasolabial fold and laterally by the level of the zygomaticocutaneous ligament. Lateral and medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat injections defined the boundaries of the boomerang shape, and injection to the deep medial cheek provided maximum projection. This is the first description of deep malar augmentation zones in clinical patients. Three-dimensional surface imaging was ideal for analyzing the surface change in response to targeted facial fat grafting. The authors' technique resulted in a reproducible surface shape, which they term the boomerang lift.

Evaluation of Sidestream Darkfield Microscopy for Real-Time Imaging Acellular Dermal Matrix Revascularization.

PubMed

DeGeorge, Brent R; Olenczak, J Bryce; Cottler, Patrick S; Drake, David B; Lin, Kant Y; Morgan, Raymond F; Campbell, Christopher A

2016-06-01

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) serve as a regenerative framework for host cell integration and collagen deposition to augment the soft tissue envelope in ADM-assisted breast reconstruction-a process dependent on vascular ingrowth. To date noninvasive intra-operative imaging techniques have been inadequate to evaluate the revascularization of ADM. We investigated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of sidestream darkfield (SDF) microscopy to assess the status of ADM microvascular architecture in 8 patients at the time of tissue expander to permanent implant exchange during 2-stage ADM-assisted breast reconstruction. The SDF microscopy is a handheld device, which can be used intraoperatively for the real-time assessment of ADM blood flow, vessel density, vessel size, and branching pattern. The SDF microscopy was used to assess the microvascular architecture in the center and border zone of the ADM and to compare the native, non-ADM-associated capsule in each patient as a within-subject control. No incidences of periprosthetic infection, explantation, or adverse events were reported after SDF image acquisition. Native capsules demonstrate a complex, layered architecture with an average vessel area density of 14.9 mm/mm and total vessel length density of 12.3 mm/mm. In contrast to native periprosthetic capsules, ADM-associated capsules are not uniformly vascularized structures and demonstrate 2 zones of microvascular architecture. The ADM and native capsule border zone demonstrates palisading peripheral vascular arcades with continuous antegrade flow. The central zone of the ADM demonstrates punctate perforating vascular plexi with intermittent, sluggish flow, and intervening 2- to 3-cm watershed zones. Sidestream darkfield microscopy allows for real-time intraoperative assessment of ADM revascularization and serves as a potential methodology to compare revascularization parameters among commercially available ADMs. Thr SDF microscopy demonstrates that the periprosthetic capsule in ADM-assisted implant-based breast reconstruction is not a uniformly vascularized structure.

Mixed-ligand Pt(II) dithione-dithiolato complexes: influence of the dicyanobenzodithiolato ligand on the second-order NLO properties.

PubMed

Espa, Davide; Pilia, Luca; Marchiò, Luciano; Artizzu, Flavia; Serpe, Angela; Mercuri, Maria Laura; Simão, Dulce; Almeida, Manuel; Pizzotti, Maddalena; Tessore, Francesca; Deplano, Paola

2012-03-28

The mixed-ligand dithiolene complex [Pt(Bz(2)pipdt)(dcbdt)] (1) bearing the two ligands Bz(2)pipdt = 1,4-dibenzyl-piperazine-3,2-dithione and dcbdt = dicyanobenzodithiolato, has been synthesized, characterized and studied to evaluate its second-order optical nonlinearity. The dithione/dithiolato character of the two ligands gives rise to an asymmetric distribution of the charge in the molecule. This is reflected by structural data showing that in the C(2)S(2)PtS(2)C(2) dithiolene core the four sulfur atoms define a square-planar coordination environment of the metal where the Pt-S bond distances involving the two ligands are similar, while the C-S bond distances in the C(2)S(2) units exhibit a significant difference in Bz(2)pipdt (dithione) and dcbdt (dithiolato). 1 shows a moderately strong absorption peak in the visible region, which can be related to a HOMO-LUMO transition, where the dcbdt ligand (dithiolato) contributes mostly to the HOMO, and the Bz(2)pipdt one (dithione) mostly to the LUMO. Thus this transition has ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (CT) character with some contribution of the metal and undergoes negative solvatochromism and molecular quadratic optical nonlinearity (μβ(0) = -1296 × 10(-48) esu), which was determined by the EFISH (electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation) technique and compared with the values of similar complexes on varying the dithiolato ligand (mnt = maleonitriledithiolato, dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato). Theoretical calculations help to elucidate the role of the dithiolato ligands in affecting the molecular quadratic optical nonlinearity of these complexes.

Dynamics of Auroras Conjugate to the Dayside Reconnection Region.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mende, S. B.; Frey, H. U.; Doolittle, J. H.

2006-12-01

During periods of northward IMF Bz, observations of the IMAGE satellite FUV instrument demonstrated the existence of an auroral footprint of the dayside lobe reconnection region. Under these conditions the dayside "reconnection spot" is a distinct feature being separated from the dayside auroral oval. In the IMAGE data, ~100 km spatial and 2 minutes temporal resolution, this feature appeared as a modest size, 200 to 500 km in diameter, diffuse spot which was present steadily while the IMF conditions lasted and the solar wind particle pressure was large enough to create a detectable signature. Based on this evidence, dayside reconnection observed with this resolution appears to be a steady state process. There have been several attempts to identify and study the "reconnection foot print aurora" with higher resolution from the ground. South Pole Station and the network of the US Automatic Geophysical Observatories (AGO-s) in Antarctica have all sky imagers that monitor the latitude region of interest (70 to 85 degrees geomagnetic) near midday during the Antarctic winter. In this paper we present sequences of auroral images that were taken during different conditions of Bz and therefore they are high spatial resolution detailed views of the auroras associated with reconnection. During negative Bz, auroras appear to be dynamic with poleward moving auroral forms that are clearly observed by ground based imagers with a ~few km spatial resolution. During positive Bz however the extremely high latitude aurora is much more stable and shows no preferential meridional motions. It should be noted that winter solstice conditions, needed for ground based observations, produce a dipole tilt in which reconnection is not expected to be symmetric and the auroral signatures might favor the opposite hemisphere.

Classification and quantification of solar wind driver gases leading to intense geomagnetic storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adekoya, B. J.; Chukwuma, V. U.

2018-01-01

Classification and quantification of the interplanetary structures causing intense geomagnetic storms (Dst ≤ -100 nT) that occurred during 1997-2016 are studied. The subject of this consists of solar wind parameters of seventy-three intense storms that are associated with the southward interplanetary magnetic field. About 30.14% of the storms were driven by a combination of the sheath and ejecta (S + E), magnetic clouds (MC) and sheath field (S) are 26% each, 10.96% by combined sheath and MCs (S + C), while 5.48% of the storms were driven by ejecta (E) alone. Therefore, we want to aver that for storms driven by: (1) S + E. The Bz is high (≥10 nT), high density (ρ) (>10 N/cm3), high plasma beta (β) (>0.8), and unspecified (i.e. high or low) structure of the plasma temperature (T) and the flow speed (V); (2) MC. The Bz is ≥10 nT, low temperature (T ≤ 400,000 K), low ρ (≤10 N/cm3), high V (≥450 km), and low β (≤0.8); (3) The structures of S + C are similar to that of MC except that the V is low (V ≤ 450 km); (4) S. The Bz is high, low T, high ρ, unspecified V, and low β; and (5) E. Is when the structures are directly opposite of the one driven by MCs except for high V. Although, westward ring current indicates intense storms, but the large intensity of geomagnetic storms is determined by the intense nature of the electric field strength and the Bz. Therefore, great storms (i.e. Dst ≤ -200 nT) are manifestation of high electric field strength (≥13 mV/m).

Evolution of the rpoB-psbZ region in fern plastid genomes: notable structural rearrangements and highly variable intergenic spacers

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The rpoB-psbZ (BZ) region of some fern plastid genomes (plastomes) has been noted to go through considerable genomic changes. Unraveling its evolutionary dynamics across all fern lineages will lead to clarify the fundamental process shaping fern plastome structure and organization. Results A total of 24 fern BZ sequences were investigated with taxon sampling covering all the extant fern orders. We found that: (i) a tree fern Plagiogyria japonica contained a novel gene order that can be generated from either the ancestral Angiopteris type or the derived Adiantum type via a single inversion; (ii) the trnY-trnE intergenic spacer (IGS) of the filmy fern Vandenboschia radicans was expanded 3-fold due to the tandem 27-bp repeats which showed strong sequence similarity with the anticodon domain of trnY; (iii) the trnY-trnE IGSs of two horsetail ferns Equisetum ramosissimum and E. arvense underwent an unprecedented 5-kb long expansion, more than a quarter of which was consisted of a single type of direct repeats also relevant to the trnY anticodon domain; and (iv) ycf66 has independently lost at least four times in ferns. Conclusions Our results provided fresh insights into the evolutionary process of fern BZ regions. The intermediate BZ gene order was not detected, supporting that the Adiantum type was generated by two inversions occurring in pairs. The occurrence of Vandenboschia 27-bp repeats represents the first evidence of partial tRNA gene duplication in fern plastomes. Repeats potentially forming a stem-loop structure play major roles in the expansion of the trnY-trnE IGS. PMID:21486489

Evolution of the rpoB-psbZ region in fern plastid genomes: notable structural rearrangements and highly variable intergenic spacers.

PubMed

Gao, Lei; Zhou, Yuan; Wang, Zhi-Wei; Su, Ying-Juan; Wang, Ting

2011-04-13

The rpoB-psbZ (BZ) region of some fern plastid genomes (plastomes) has been noted to go through considerable genomic changes. Unraveling its evolutionary dynamics across all fern lineages will lead to clarify the fundamental process shaping fern plastome structure and organization. A total of 24 fern BZ sequences were investigated with taxon sampling covering all the extant fern orders. We found that: (i) a tree fern Plagiogyria japonica contained a novel gene order that can be generated from either the ancestral Angiopteris type or the derived Adiantum type via a single inversion; (ii) the trnY-trnE intergenic spacer (IGS) of the filmy fern Vandenboschia radicans was expanded 3-fold due to the tandem 27-bp repeats which showed strong sequence similarity with the anticodon domain of trnY; (iii) the trnY-trnE IGSs of two horsetail ferns Equisetum ramosissimum and E. arvense underwent an unprecedented 5-kb long expansion, more than a quarter of which was consisted of a single type of direct repeats also relevant to the trnY anticodon domain; and (iv) ycf66 has independently lost at least four times in ferns. Our results provided fresh insights into the evolutionary process of fern BZ regions. The intermediate BZ gene order was not detected, supporting that the Adiantum type was generated by two inversions occurring in pairs. The occurrence of Vandenboschia 27-bp repeats represents the first evidence of partial tRNA gene duplication in fern plastomes. Repeats potentially forming a stem-loop structure play major roles in the expansion of the trnY-trnE IGS.

The Indian Ocean: The geology of its bordering lands and the configuration of its floor

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pepper, James F.; Everhart, Gail M.

1963-01-01

The ocean realm, which covers more than 70 percent of the earth's surface, contains vast areas that have scarcely been touched by exploration. The best known parts of the sea floor lie close to the borders of the continents, where numerous soundings have been charted as an aid to navigation. Yet, within this part of the sea floor, which constitutes a border zone between the toast and the ocean deeps, much more detailed information is needed about the character of the topography and geology. At many places, stratigraphic and structural features on the coast extend offshore, but their relationships to the rocks of the shelf and slope are unknown, and the geology of the coast must be projected seaward across the continental shelf and slope.The Indian Ocean, the third largest ocean of the world, has been selected for intensive study by an international group using all modern techniques to determine its physical characteristics. This report, with accompanying illustrations, has been prepared as a very generalized account of some aspects of the geology of the vast coastal areas of the northern Indian Ocean in relation to the bordering shelves and ocean deeps. Its general purpose is to serve as background reading.

Migrant songbirds, habitat change, and conservation prospects in northern Peten, Guatemala: some initial results

Treesearch

David F. Whitacre; Julio Madrid M.; Ciriaco Marroquín; Mark Schulze; Laurin Jones; Jason Sutter; Aaron J. Baker

1993-01-01

A recently-created complex of reserves spanning the Guatemala, Mexico, Belize borders in the southern Yucatan Peninsula constitutes 5.5 million acres of contiguous, protected lowland forest. Information is needed on compatibility of various land-uses and biodiversity protection in multiple-use zones of these reserves. To address these and other needs related to...

Combat Drug Zone 2010: The United States Southwest Border

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education...DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Distribution A: Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Globalization and associated domestic variables such as...Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606

The Janos grassland ecosystem: 20 years of synthesis and experimental research revealing new insights for conservation and management

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Janos grasslands are part of the Sky Islands, a unique region of more than 40 isolated mountain ridges surrounded by dry grasslands that straddles the México/Arizona/New Mexico border. It is one of America’s great hotspots for wildlife diversity. It is a transition zone between the Chihuahuan Dese...

Large Earthquakes at the Ibero-Maghrebian Region: Basis for an EEWS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buforn, Elisa; Udías, Agustín; Pro, Carmen

2015-09-01

Large earthquakes (Mw > 6, Imax > VIII) occur at the Ibero-Maghrebian region, extending from a point (12ºW) southwest of Cape St. Vincent to Tunisia, with different characteristics depending on their location, which cause considerable damage and casualties. Seismic activity at this region is associated with the boundary between the lithospheric plates of Eurasia and Africa, which extends from the Azores Islands to Tunisia. The boundary at Cape St. Vincent, which has a clear oceanic nature in the westernmost part, experiences a transition from an oceanic to a continental boundary, with the interaction of the southern border of the Iberian Peninsula, the northern border of Africa, and the Alboran basin between them, corresponding to a wide area of deformation. Further to the east, the plate boundary recovers its oceanic nature following the northern coast of Algeria and Tunisia. The region has been divided into four zones with different seismic characteristics. From west to east, large earthquake occurrence, focal depth, total seismic moment tensor, and average seismic slip velocities for each zone along the region show the differences in seismic release of deformation. This must be taken into account in developing an EEWS for the region.

Pressure effect on the energy structure and superexchange interaction in undoped orthorhombic La2CuO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavrichkov, Vladimir A.; Pchelkina, Zlata V.; Nekrasov, Igor A.; Ovchinnikov, Sergey G.

2016-09-01

We studied the pressure dependences of the electronic structure and superexchange interaction J(P) = JA - JB (where JA and JB are antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) contributions) in antiferromagnetic La214 under hydrostatic, uniaxial (along c-axial) 3% compressions and 1% in-plane compressions by the local density approximation with generalized tight-binding method (LDA + GTB cell approach). The changes in J(P) correlated with the experimentally known TC(P) dependence are in accordance with the relation dTC/dP = (∂TC/∂J)(∂J/∂P), where ∂TC/∂J ˜ 0.1. The in-plane pressure more effectively stabilizes the ground singlet two-hole state A1 than the simple hydrostatic pressure, its effect on J and TC is the largest. Within the same cell approach together with the superexchange interaction J(P), the valence band structure was calculated. Its changes with pressure clearly reproduce the k-distribution of the singlet and triplet quasi-particles over the Brillouin zone (BZ).

The definition of the V zone for the safety space of functional surgery of the tongue.

PubMed

Hou, Tiening; Shao, Jinyan; Fang, Songhua

2012-01-01

To define safety space for functional surgery of the tongue. Prospective nonrandomized study. Computed tomographic angiography of the lingual artery was performed in 107 in-patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and 17 controls. The safety space was ascertained according to the course of lingual artery. The course of the lingual artery, termed the Big Dipper bowl of the tongue, was similar in each group. The tissue above the lingual artery and the vacuity of the hypoglossal/lingual artery neurovascular bundle (HLNVB) formed a three-dimensional structure. The anterior part was named the V prozone. Its anterior border was the tangent plane of the deep lingual artery, its posterior border the circumvallate papilla, its width the interval of bilateral margins at the corresponding parts of the tongue, and its height the level of the middle lingual frenulum. The posterior portion between the bilateral dorsal arteries in the tongue base was named the V postzone. Its width was 31.42±3.82 mm when the tongue was in a resting position, and its height was the distance from the foramen cecum to the bottom of the epiglottic vallecula. The inferior part under the intrinsic lingual muscles was named the hypoglossal floor. It is a relatively restricted surgery zone. The V zone of the tongue without HLNVB travelling provides enough of safety space for functional surgery on the tongue. Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

CLASSIFICATION AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY JUNCTIONAL ZONE USING SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.

PubMed

Qu, Jinfeng; Velaga, Swetha Bindu; Hariri, Amir H; Nittala, Muneeswar Gupta; Sadda, Srinivas

2017-08-22

The junctional zone at the border of areas of geographic atrophy (GA) in eyes with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration is an important target region for future therapeutic strategies. The goal of this study was to perform a detailed classification and quantitative characterization of the junctional zone using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography volume cube scans (Spectralis OCT, 1024 × 37, Automatic Real Time > 9) were obtained from 15 eyes of 11 patients with GA because of nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration. Volume optical coherence tomography data were imported into previously described validated grading software (3D-OCTOR), and manual segmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor layers was performed on all B-scans (total of 555). Retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor defect maps were produced for each case. The borders of the photoreceptor defect area and RPE defect area were delineated individually on separate annotation layers. The two outlines were then superimposed to compare the areas of overlap and nonoverlap. The perimeter of the RPE defect area was calculated by the software in pixels. The superimposed outline of the photoreceptor defect area and the RPE defect area was scrutinized to classify the overlap configuration of the junctional zone into one of three categories: Type 0, exact correspondence between the edge of the RPE defect and photoreceptor defect; Type 1, loss of photoreceptors outside and beyond the edge of the RPE defect; Type 2, preservation of photoreceptors beyond the edge of the RPE defect. The relative proportion of the various border configurations was expressed as a percentage of the perimeter of the RPE defect. Each configuration was then classified into four subgroups according to irregularity of the RPE band and the presence of debris. Fifteen eyes of 11 patients (mean age: 79.3 ± 4.3 years; range: 79-94 years) were included in this study. Seventeen GA lesions were analyzed. Two hundred and thirty-two B-scans were found to pass through the GA lesions, yielding 612 individual GA borders which were separately analyzed and classified. The mean area of the RPE defect was 4.0 ± 4.4 mm, which was significantly smaller than that of the photoreceptor defect which measured 4.4 ± 4.1 mm (paired t test, P = 0.037). On average, 18.0 ± 9.6% (range, 2.3-36.6%) of the junctional zone was of the Type 0 configuration, 57.3 ± 19.0% (range, 21.3-96.8%) was Type 1, and 24.7 ± 18.0% (range, 0.9-64.4%) was Type 2. Type 1 was more prevalent than Type 0 and 2 (analysis of variance, P = 0.000). Debris was present at the margin of the defect in 24.3% (149 of 612) of all assessed junctional zones; 20.0% (14 of 70) of Type 0 junctions, 28.7% (120 of 418) of Type 1, and 12.1% (15 of 124) of Type 2. Debris was more common in Type 1 than Type 2 junctions (P < 0.001). Retinal pigment epithelial irregularity was present at the margin of the defect in 34.8% (213 of 612) of all assessed junctional zones; 52.9% (37 of 70) of Type 0 junctions, 38.0% (159 of 418) of Type 1, and 13.7% (17 of 124) of Type 2. Retinal pigment epithelial irregularity was present more often at Type 0 and Type 1 than at Type 2 junctions (P < 0.001 for both). The size of the optical coherence tomography-visible RPE and photoreceptor defect in GA lesions differ significantly. There were significant areas where the photoreceptor outer segments were preserved despite the absence of visible RPE cells, and also areas of photoreceptor outer segment loss despite apparent RPE preservation. These findings have implications for development of therapeutic strategies, particularly cell-replacement approaches.

Correlations between Geomagnetic Disturbances and Field-Aligned Currents during the 22-29 July 2004 Storm Time Interval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hood, R.; Woodroffe, J. R.; Morley, S.; Aruliah, A. L.

2017-12-01

Using the CHAMP fluxgate magnetometer to calculate field-aligned current (FAC) densities and magnetic latitudes, with SuperMAG ground magnetometers analogously providing ground geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) magnetic perturbations and latitudes, we probe FAC locations and strengths as predictors of GMD locations and strengths. We also study the relationships between solar wind drivers and global magnetospheric activity, and both FACs and GMDs using IMF Bz and the Sym-H index. We present an event study of the 22-29 July 2004 storm time interval, which had particularly large GMDs given its storm intensity. We find no correlation between FAC and GMD magnitudes, perhaps due to CHAMP orbit limitations or ground magnetometer coverage. There is, however, a correlation between IMF Bz and nightside GMD magnitudes, supportive of their generation via tail reconnection. IMF Bz is also correlated with dayside FAC and GMD magnetic latitudes, indicating solar wind as an initial driver. The ring current influence increases during the final storm, with improved correlations between the Sym-H index and both FAC magnetic latitudes and GMD magnitudes. Sym-H index correlations may only be valid for higher intensity storms; a statistical analysis of many storms is needed to verify this.

Sorption and selective chromatographic properties of isomer-selective composite sorbent based on a eutectic mixture of nematic liquid crystals and perbenzoylated β-cyclodextrin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onuchak, L. A.; Kapralova, T. S.; Kuraeva, Yu. G.; Belousova, Z. P.; Stepanova, R. F.

2015-12-01

Mesomorphic, sorption, and selective properties of a three-component sorbent based on a mixture of nematic ( N) liquid crystals of 4-methoxy-4'-ethoxyazoxybenzene (MEAB) and 4,4'-diethoxyazoxybenzene (azoxyphenetol, AOP) of an eutectic composition and heptakis-(2,3,6-tri- O-benzoyl)-β-cyclodextrin (Bz-β-CD) are studied. For 30 organic compounds of different classes with linear and cyclic molecular structures, including optical isomers of limonene, pinene, camphene, and butanediol-2,3, thermodynamic functions are determined for their gas-phase sorption using a three-component MEAB-AOP-Bz-β- CD sorbent (62: 28: 10 wt %). It is found that the investigated sorbent possesses high structural selectivity (αp/m = 1.128-1.059, 100-130°C, N) and moderate enantioselectivity (1.07-1.02) within a broad temperature range (95-170°C) including both mesomorphic and isotropic phases of the sorbent. It is shown that the enantioselectivity of the sorbent is apparent under conditions of both increasing retention when a chiral Bz-β-CD additive is introduced into the MEAB-AOP system (limonenes, pinenes, camphenes) and decreasing retention (butanediols-2,3).

Global auroral responses to magnetospheric compressions by shocks in the solar wind: Two case studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craven, J. D.; Frank, L. A.; Russell, C. T.; Smith, E. J.; Lepping, R. P.

1985-01-01

The global auroral responses to shocks in the solar wind at Earth were studied. The z-component of the interplanetary magnetic field, Bz, is negative ahead and behind the first shock and positive for the second case. A sudden-commencement geomagnetic storm develops in each case, with maximum D sub st 190 nT. An immediate auroral response is detected at all longitudes around the auroral oval, in which auroral luminosities increase by a factor of 2 to 3 with the first samples after each sudden commencement. The time delay in obtaining the first sample varies with local time from approx. 1 to 18 mins. No other significant variations in the aurora are associated with the immediate response. Beginning approx. 30 mins after each sudden commencement, the aurora becomes active and displays significant variations in its luminosity and spatial distribution. For Bz 0 an intense substorm develops. A sun-aligned transpolar arc forms when Bz 0, appearing first at local midnight as a polar arc and then lengthening sunward from the auroral oval across the polar cap to noon at an average speed of approx. 1 km/sec.

Extraction of convective cloud parameters from Doppler Weather Radar MAX(Z) product using Image Processing Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arunachalam, M. S.; Puli, Anil; Anuradha, B.

2016-07-01

In the present work continuous extraction of convective cloud optical information and reflectivity (MAX(Z) in dBZ) using online retrieval technique for time series data production from Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) located at Indian Meteorological Department, Chennai has been developed in MATLAB. Reflectivity measurements for different locations within the DWR range of 250 Km radii of circular disc area can be retrieved using this technique. It gives both time series reflectivity of point location and also Range Time Intensity (RTI) maps of reflectivity for the corresponding location. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed for the cloud reflectivity is user friendly; it also provides the convective cloud optical information such as cloud base height (CBH), cloud top height (CTH) and cloud optical depth (COD). This technique is also applicable for retrieving other DWR products such as Plan Position Indicator (Z, in dBZ), Plan Position Indicator (Z, in dBZ)-Close Range, Volume Velocity Processing (V, in knots), Plan Position Indicator (V, in m/s), Surface Rainfall Intensity (SRI, mm/hr), Precipitation Accumulation (PAC) 24 hrs at 0300UTC. Keywords: Reflectivity, cloud top height, cloud base, cloud optical depth

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

Jordanova, Vania K

Understanding the response at Earth of the Sun's varying energy output and forecasting geomagnetic activity is of central interest to space science, since intense geomagnetic storms may cause severe damages on technological systems and affect communications. Episodes of southward (Bz

BODIPY-Based Donor-Acceptor Pi-Conjugated Alternating Copolymers

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

Popere, Bhooshan C.; Della Pelle, Andrea M.; Thayumanavan, S.

2011-06-28

Four novel π-conjugated copolymers incorporating 4,4-difluoro-4-borata-3a-azonia-4a-aza-s-indacene (BODIPY) core as the “donor” and quinoxaline (Qx), 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BzT), N,N'-di(2'-ethyl)hexyl-3,4,7,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (NDI), and N,N'-di(2'-ethyl)hexyl-3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) as acceptors were designed and synthesized via Sonogashira polymerization. The polymers were characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on polymer repeat units, and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels were estimated from the optimized geometry using B3LYP functional and 6-311g(d,p) basis set. Copolymers with Qx and BzT possessed HOMO and LUMOmore » energy levels comparable to those of BODIPY homopolymer, while PDI stabilized both HOMO and LUMO levels. Semiconductor behavior of these polymers was estimated in organic thin-film transistors (OTFT). While the homopolymer, Qx, and BzT-based copolymers showed only p-type semiconductor behavior, copolymers with PDI and NDI showed only n-type behavior.« less

Electronic states of aryl radical functionalized graphenes: Density functional theory study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachikawa, Hiroto; Kawabata, Hiroshi

2016-06-01

Functionalized graphenes are known as a high-performance molecular device. In the present study, the structures and electronic states of the aryl radical functionalized graphene have been investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) method to elucidate the effects of functionalization on the electronic states of graphene (GR). Also, the mechanism of aryl radical reaction with GR was investigated. The benzene, biphenyl, p-terphenyl, and p-quaterphenyl radicals [denoted by (Bz) n (n = 1-4), where n means numbers of benzene rings in aryl radical] were examined as aryl radicals. The DFT calculation of GR-(Bz) n (n = 1-4) showed that the aryl radical binds to the carbon atom of GR, and a C-C single bond was formed. The binding energies of aryl radicals to GR were calculated to be ca. 6.0 kcal mol-1 at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. It was found that the activation barrier exists in the aryl radical addition: the barrier heights were calculated to be 10.0 kcal mol-1. The electronic states of GR-(Bz) n were examined on the basis of theoretical results.

High-latitude Daytime Magnetic Bays as Effects of Strong Positive IMF Bz: Case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gromova, L. I.; Kleimenova, N. G.; Levitin, A. E.; Dremukhina, L. A.; Antonova, E. E.; Gromov, S. V.

2017-08-01

We present unusual negative magnetic bay-like disturbances occurred in the dayside polar geomagnetic latitudes under positive IMF Bz. The considered events were observed during the recovery phase of the storm of May 30, 2003 and the main phase of the storm of Nov 24, 2001. We call such magnetic disturbances "dayside polar substorms". It is supposed that the development of dayside polar substorms can be represented as a magnetospheric response to a significant change of the IMF Bz from negative to high positive values. The vector construction of the geomagnetic data (Scandinavian magnetometer chain IMAGE) demonstrated a clockwise vortex during the storm of Nov 24, 2001, and two opposing vortices in the event of May 30, 2003. These vortices could be regarded as a proxy of an intensification of downward and upward field-aligned currents. This assumption is based on the IZMIRAN model estimations and the simultaneous DMSP and CHAMP satellite data. According to the OVATION model and the electron images from IMAGE satellite, the Scandinavian polar stations that registered these dayside polar magnetic substorms, were mapped into the dayside auroral oval, i.e. inside the closed magnetosphere.

Hypoxia attenuates purinergic P2X receptor-induced inflammatory gene expression in brainstem microglia

PubMed Central

Smith, Stephanie MC; Mitchell, Gordon S; Friedle, Scott A; Sibigtroth, Christine M; Vinit, Stéphane; Watters, Jyoti J

2013-01-01

Hypoxia and increased extracellular nucleotides are frequently coincident in the brainstem. Extracellular nucleotides are potent modulators of microglial inflammatory gene expression via P2X purinergic receptor activation. Although hypoxia is also known to modulate inflammatory gene expression, little is known about how hypoxia or P2X receptor activation alone affects inflammatory molecule production in brainstem microglia, nor how hypoxia and P2X receptor signaling interact when they occur together. In the study reported here, we investigated the ability of a brief episode of hypoxia (2 hours) in the presence and absence of the nonselective P2X receptor agonist 2′(3′)-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5′-triphosphate (BzATP) to promote inflammatory gene expression in brainstem microglia in adult rats. We evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin (IL)-6 messenger RNA levels in immunomagnetically isolated brainstem microglia. While iNOS and IL-6 gene expression increased with hypoxia and BzATP alone, TNFα expression was unaffected. Surprisingly, BzATP-induced inflammatory effects were lost after hypoxia, suggesting that hypoxia impairs proinflammatory P2X-receptor signaling. We also evaluated the expression of key P2X receptors activated by BzATP, namely P2X1, P2X4, and P2X7. While hypoxia did not alter their expression, BzATP upregulated P2X4 and P2X7 mRNAs; these effects were ablated in hypoxia. Although both P2X4 and P2X7 receptor expression correlated with increased microglial iNOS and IL-6 levels in microglia from normoxic rats, in hypoxia, P2X7 only correlated with IL-6, and P2X4 correlated only with iNOS. In addition, correlations between P2X7 and P2X4 were lost following hypoxia, suggesting that P2X4 and P2X7 receptor signaling differs in normoxia and hypoxia. Together, these data suggest that hypoxia suppresses P2X receptor-induced inflammatory gene expression, indicating a potentially immunosuppressive role of extracellular nucleotides in brainstem microglia following exposure to hypoxia. PMID:24377098

Effect of ENaC Modulators on Rat Neural Responses to NaCl

PubMed Central

Mummalaneni, Shobha; Qian, Jie; Phan, Tam-Hao T.; Rhyu, Mee-Ra; Heck, Gerard L.; DeSimone, John A.; Lyall, Vijay

2014-01-01

The effects of small molecule ENaC activators N,N,N-trimethyl-2-((4-methyl-2-((4-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)thio)pentanoyl)oxy)ethanaminium iodide (Compound 1) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-2-((4-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)thio)pentanamide (Compound 2), were tested on the benzamil (Bz)-sensitive NaCl chorda tympani (CT) taste nerve response under open-circuit conditions and under ±60 mV applied lingual voltage-clamp, and compared with the effects of known physiological activators (8-CPT-cAMP, BAPTA-AM, and alkaline pH), and an inhibitor (ionomycin+Ca2+) of ENaC. The NaCl CT response was enhanced at −60 mV and suppressed at +60 mV. In every case the CT response (r) versus voltage (V) curve was linear. All ENaC activators increased the open-circuit response (ro) and the voltage sensitivity (κ, negative of the slope of the r versus V curve) and ionomycin+Ca2+ decreased ro and κ to zero. Compound 1 and Compound 2 expressed a sigmoidal-saturating function of concentration (0.25–1 mM) with a half-maximal response concentration (k) of 0.49 and 1.05 mM, respectively. Following treatment with 1 mM Compound 1, 8-CPT-cAMP, BAPTA-AM and pH 10.3, the Bz-sensitive NaCl CT response to 100 mM NaCl was enhanced and was equivalent to the Bz-sensitive CT response to 300 mM NaCl. Plots of κ versus ro in the absence and presence of the activators or the inhibitor were linear, suggesting that changes in the affinity of Na+ for ENaC under different conditions are fully compensated by changes in the apical membrane potential difference, and that the observed changes in the Bz-sensitive NaCl CT response arise exclusively from changes in the maximum CT response (rm). The results further suggest that the agonists enhance and ionomycin+Ca2+ decreases ENaC function by increasing or decreasing the rate of release of Na+ from its ENaC binding site to the receptor cell cytosol, respectively. Irrespective of agonist type, the Bz-sensitive NaCl CT response demonstrated a maximum response enhancement limit of about 75% over control value. PMID:24839965

Chemical oscillators in structured media.

PubMed

Epstein, Irving R; Vanag, Vladimir K; Balazs, Anna C; Kuksenok, Olga; Dayal, Pratyush; Bhattacharya, Amitabh

2012-12-18

Evolution is a characteristic feature of living systems, and many fundamental processes in life, including the cell cycle, take place in a periodic fashion. From a chemistry perspective, these repeating phenomena suggest the question of whether reactions in which concentrations oscillate could provide a basis and/or useful models for the behavior of organisms, and perhaps even their ability to evolve. In this Account, we examine several aspects of the behavior of the prototype oscillating chemical reaction, the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) system, carried out in microemulsions, arrays of micrometer-sized aqueous droplets suspended in oil, or hydrogels. Each of these environments contains elements of the compartmentalization that likely played a role in the development of the first living cells, and within them we observe behaviors not found in the BZ reaction in simple aqueous solution. Several of these phenomena resemble traits displayed by living organisms. For example, the nanodroplets in a BZ microemulsion "communicate" with each other through a phenomenon analogous to quorum sensing in bacteria to produce a remarkable variety of patterns and waves on length scales 10(5) times the size of a single droplet. A photosensitive version can "remember" an imposed image. Larger, micrometer-sized droplets exhibit similarly rich behavior and allow for the observation and control of individual droplets. These droplets offer promise for building arrays capable of computation by varying the strength and sign of the coupling between drops. Gels that incorporate a BZ catalyst and are immersed in a solution containing the BZ reactants change their shape and volume in oscillations that follow the variation in the redox state of the catalyst. Using this phenomenon, we can construct phototactic gel "worms" or segments of gel that attract one another. Whether such systems will provide more realistic caricatures of life, and whether they can serve as useful materials will largely depend on the successful integration of various properties, including communication, motion, and memory, which we observed in separate experiments. Theoretical approaches that couple reaction and diffusion processes to mechanical and other material properties are likely to play a key role in this integration, and we describe one such approach. The evolution of systems of coupled chemical oscillators presents another challenge to the development of these systems, but one that we expect to be solved.

The Process and Reason of the Change of Oil-Water Contact of Shahejie Formation in BZ25-1 Oilfield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cong, F.; Liu, J.

2015-12-01

Due to the influence of Neo-tectonic movement, the Shahejie reservoirs in Bohai Bay Basin has undergone late-stage transformation and adjustment, causing the oil-water contact to change. Through studying the changing history of oil-water contact, we can better restore petroleum accumulation process and analyze oil distribution pattern. Based on reservoir geochemistry theory and drilling and logging data, grains with oil inclusion was analyzed, and oil-bearing property, organic extracts and biomarkers was used to determine the present and paleo-oil water contact of Shahejie formation in BZ25-1 oilfield. It suggested that the paleo and present oil-water contact in Shahejie formation locates in different depth, and that Shahejie formation has gone through three petroleum charging stages and has also undergone reservoir adjustment. The POWC(paleo-oil-water contact) of E2S2 reservoirs in BZ25-1-5 well and E2S2 reservoirs in BZ25-1-3 well is lower than OWC(present oil-water contact) at least for 9m and at most for 400m, but the POWC of E2S3 reservoirs in BZ25-1-5 well is higher than OWC at least for 20m and at most for 27.5m. The petroleum accumulation process and the reason for oil-water contact adjustment were studied based on burial history, petroleum generation history, fault re-activation rate and petroleum charging history. It suggested that the three petroleum charging stages are Mid-Miocene(11.5Ma), Late Miocene-Pliocene(6.5-3.5Ma) and Quaternary(2.5Ma-present), among which the second~third charging episode is seen as the major petroleum accumulation stage. The re-activeted faults in several different periods not only served as preferential path for petroleum vertical migration, but also caused petroleum leakage through faults. The petroleum leakage mainly occurred in Neo-tectonic movement period(after 3.5Ma), during which petroleum vertically leaked through re-activated faults and migrated to shallow reservoirs or spilled over surface, meanwhile due to constant petroleum charging from active source rock, the present oil-water contact was formed. The re-activeted faults during Neo-tectonic movement period and active source rock are seen as main reason for oil-water contact adjustment in Shahejie formation.

Stretch independent regulation of prostaglandin E(2) production within the isolated guinea-pig lamina propria.

PubMed

Nile, Christopher J; de Vente, Jan; Gillespie, James I

2010-02-01

To use an isolated preparation of the guinea-pig bladder lamina propria (LP) to investigate the effects of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) and nitric oxide (NO) on the release of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). The bladders of female guinea-pigs (200-400 g) were isolated and opened to expose the urothelial surface. The LP was dissected free of the underlying detrusor muscle and cut into strips from the dome to base. Strips were then incubated in Krebs buffer at 37 degrees C. Each tissue piece was then exposed to the stable ATP analogue, BzATP, and a NO donor, diethylamine-NONOate (DEANO), and the effect on PGE(2) output into the supernatant determined using the Parameter(TM) PGE(2) enzyme immunoassay kit (R & D Systems, Abingdon, UK). Experiments were repeated in the presence of purinergic receptor and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX I and COX II, antagonists. The cellular location of COX I, COX II and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) within the bladder LP was also determined by immunohistochemistry. PGE(2) production was significantly increased by BzATP. Antagonist studies showed the purinergic stimulation involved both P(2)X and P(2)Y receptors. The BzATP response was inhibited by the COX inhibitor indomethacin (COX I >COX II) but not by DUP 697 (COX II >COX I). Thus, BzATP stimulation occurs because of COX I stimulation. NO had no effect on PGE(2) production over the initial 10 min of an exposure. However, PGE(2) output was increased 100 min after exposure to the NO donor. In the presence of NO, the BzATP stimulation was abolished. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the location of COX I to the basal and inner intermediate urothelial layers and to cells within the diffuse layer of LP interstitial cells. In addition, nNOS was also located in the basal urothelial layers whilst COX II was found in the interstitial cell layers. There is complex interaction between ATP and NO to modulate PGE(2) release from the bladder LP in the un-stretched preparation. Such interactions suggest a complex interrelationship of signals derived from this region of the bladder wall. The importance of these interactions in relation to the physiology of the LP remains to be determined.

EVALUATION OF LEAKAGE FROM FUME HOODS USING TRACER GAS, TRACER NANOPARTICLES AND NANOPOWDER HANDLING TEST METHODOLOGIES

PubMed Central

Dunn, Kevin H.; Tsai, Candace Su-Jung; Woskie, Susan R.; Bennett, James S.; Garcia, Alberto; Ellenbecker, Michael J.

2015-01-01

The most commonly reported control used to minimize workplace exposures to nanomaterials is the chemical fume hood. Studies have shown, however, that significant releases of nanoparticles can occur when materials are handled inside fume hoods. This study evaluated the performance of a new commercially available nano fume hood using three different test protocols. Tracer gas, tracer nanoparticle, and nanopowder handling protocols were used to evaluate the hood. A static test procedure using tracer gas (sulfur hexafluoride) and nanoparticles as well as an active test using an operator handling nanoalumina were conducted. A commercially available particle generator was used to produce sodium chloride tracer nanoparticles. Containment effectiveness was evaluated by sampling both in the breathing zone (BZ) of a mannequin and operator as well as across the hood opening. These containment tests were conducted across a range of hood face velocities (60, 80, and 100 feet/minute) and with the room ventilation system turned off and on. For the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was much more prominent on the left side of the hood (closest to the room supply air diffuser) although some leakage was noted on the right side and in the BZ sample locations. During the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was primarily noted when the room air conditioner was on for both the low and medium hood exhaust air flows. When the room air conditioner was turned off, the static tracer gas tests showed good containment across most test conditions. The tracer gas and nanoparticle test results were well correlated showing hood leakage under the same conditions and at the same sample locations. The impact of a room air conditioner was demonstrated with containment being adversely impacted during the use of room air ventilation. The tracer nanoparticle approach is a simple method requiring minimal setup and instrumentation. However, the method requires the reduction in background concentrations to allow for increased sensitivity. PMID:25175285

Evaluation of leakage from fume hoods using tracer gas, tracer nanoparticles and nanopowder handling test methodologies.

PubMed

Dunn, Kevin H; Tsai, Candace Su-Jung; Woskie, Susan R; Bennett, James S; Garcia, Alberto; Ellenbecker, Michael J

2014-01-01

The most commonly reported control used to minimize workplace exposures to nanomaterials is the chemical fume hood. Studies have shown, however, that significant releases of nanoparticles can occur when materials are handled inside fume hoods. This study evaluated the performance of a new commercially available nano fume hood using three different test protocols. Tracer gas, tracer nanoparticle, and nanopowder handling protocols were used to evaluate the hood. A static test procedure using tracer gas (sulfur hexafluoride) and nanoparticles as well as an active test using an operator handling nanoalumina were conducted. A commercially available particle generator was used to produce sodium chloride tracer nanoparticles. Containment effectiveness was evaluated by sampling both in the breathing zone (BZ) of a mannequin and operator as well as across the hood opening. These containment tests were conducted across a range of hood face velocities (60, 80, and 100 ft/min) and with the room ventilation system turned off and on. For the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was much more prominent on the left side of the hood (closest to the room supply air diffuser) although some leakage was noted on the right side and in the BZ sample locations. During the tracer gas and tracer nanoparticle tests, leakage was primarily noted when the room air conditioner was on for both the low and medium hood exhaust airflows. When the room air conditioner was turned off, the static tracer gas tests showed good containment across most test conditions. The tracer gas and nanoparticle test results were well correlated showing hood leakage under the same conditions and at the same sample locations. The impact of a room air conditioner was demonstrated with containment being adversely impacted during the use of room air ventilation. The tracer nanoparticle approach is a simple method requiring minimal setup and instrumentation. However, the method requires the reduction in background concentrations to allow for increased sensitivity.

Defining the safe working zones using the minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach: an anatomical study.

PubMed

Uribe, Juan S; Arredondo, Nicolas; Dakwar, Elias; Vale, Fernando L

2010-08-01

The lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach is being increasingly employed to treat various spinal disorders. The minimally invasive blunt retroperitoneal and transpsoas dissection poses a risk of injury to major nervous structures. The addition of electrophysiological monitoring potentially decreases the risk of injury to the lumbar plexus. With respect to the use of the direct transpsoas approach, however, there is sparse knowledge regarding the relationship between the retroperitoneum/psoas muscle and the lumbar plexus at each lumbar segment. The authors undertook this anatomical cadaveric dissection study to define the anatomical safe zones relative to the disc spaces for prevention of nerve injuries during the lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach. Twenty lumbar segments were dissected and studied. The relationship between the retroperitoneum, psoas muscle, and the lumbar plexus was analyzed. The area between the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body (VB) was divided into 4 equal zones. Radiopaque markers were placed in each disc space at the midpoint of Zone III (middle posterior quarter). At each segment, the psoas muscle, lumbar plexus, and nerve roots were dissected. The distribution of the lumbar plexus with reference to the markers at each lumbar segment was analyzed. All parts of the lumbar plexus, including nerve roots, were found within the substance of the psoas muscle dorsal to the posterior fourth of the VB (Zone IV). No Zone III marker was posterior to any part of the lumbar plexus with the exception of the genitofemoral nerve. The genitofemoral nerve travels obliquely in the substance of the psoas muscle from its origin to its innervations. It emerges superficially and anterior from the medial border of the psoas at the L3-4 level and courses along the anterior medial fourth of the L-4 and L-5 VBs (Zone I). The nerves of the plexus that originate at the upper lumbar segments emerge from the lateral border of the psoas major and cross obliquely into the retroperitoneum in front of the quadratus lumborum and the iliacus muscles to the iliac crest. With respect to prevention of direct nerve injury, the safe anatomical zones at the disc spaces from L1-2 to L3-4 are at the middle posterior quarter of the VB (midpoint of Zone III) and the safe anatomical zone at the L4-5 disc space is at the midpoint of the VB (Zone II-Zone III demarcation). There is risk of direct injury to the genitofemoral nerve in Zone II at the L2-3 space and in Zone I at the lower lumbar levels L3-4 and L4-5. There is also a potential risk of injury to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves in the retroperitoneal space where they travel obliquely, inferiorly, and anteriorly to the reach the iliac crest and the abdominal wall.

The ability of ewes with lambs to learn a virtual fencing system.

PubMed

Brunberg, E I; Bergslid, I K; Bøe, K E; Sørheim, K M

2017-11-01

The Nofence technology is a GPS-based virtual fencing system designed to keep sheep within predefined borders, without using physical fences. Sheep wearing a Nofence collar receive a sound signal when crossing the virtual border and a weak electric shock if continuing to walk out from the virtual enclosure. Two experiments testing the functionality of the Nofence system and a new learning protocol is described. In Experiment 1, nine ewes with their lambs were divided into groups of three and placed in an experimental enclosure with one Nofence border. During 2 days, there was a physical fence outside the border, during Day 3 the physical fence was removed and on Day 4, the border was moved to the other end of the enclosure. The sheep received between 6 and 20 shocks with an average of 10.9±2.0 (mean±SE) per ewe during all 4 days. The number of shocks decreased from 4.38±0.63 on Day 3 (when the physical fence was removed) to 1.5±0.71 on Day 4 (when the border was moved). The ewes spent on average 3%, 6%, 46% and 9% of their time outside the border on Days 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. In Experiment 2, 32 ewes, with and without lambs, were divided into groups of eight and placed in an experimental enclosure. On Day 1, the enclosure was fenced with three physical fences and one virtual border, which was then increased to two virtual borders on Day 2. To continue to Day 3, when there was supposed to be three virtual borders on the enclosure, at least 50% of the ewes in a group should have received a maximum of four shocks on Day 2. None of the groups reached this learning criterion and the experiment ended after Day 2. The sheep received 4.1±0.32 shocks on Day 1 and 4.7±0.28 shocks on Day 2. In total, 71% of the ewes received the maximum number of five shocks on Day 1 and 77% on Day 2. The individual ewes spent between 0% and 69.5% of Day 1 in the exclusion zone and between 0% and 64% on Day 2. In conclusion, it is too challenging to ensure an efficient learning and hence, animal welfare cannot be secured. There were technical challenges with the collars that may have affected the results. The Nofence prototype was unable to keep the sheep within the intended borders, and thus cannot replace physical fencing for sheep.

Optimized square Fresnel zone plates for microoptics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rico-García, José María; Salgado-Remacha, Francisco Javier; Sanchez-Brea, Luis Miguel; Alda, Javier

2009-06-01

Polygonal Fresnel zone plates with a low number of sides have deserved attention in micro and nanoptics, because they can be straightforwardly integrated in photonic devices, and, at the same time, they represent a balance between the high-focusing performance of a circular zone plate and the easiness of fabrication at micro and nano-scales of polygons. Among them, the most representative family are Square Fresnel Zone Plates (SFZP). In this work, we propose two different customized designs of SFZP for optical wavelengths. Both designs are based on the optimization of a SFZP to perform as close as possible as a usual Fresnel Zone Plate. In the first case, the criterion followed to compute it is the minimization of the difference between the area covered by the angular sector of the zone of the corresponding circular plate and the one covered by the polygon traced on the former. Such a requirement leads to a customized polygon-like Fresnel zone. The simplest one is a square zone with a pattern of phases repeating each five zones. On the other hand, an alternative SFZP can be designed guided by the same criterion but with a new restriction. In this case, the distance between the borders of different zones remains unaltered. A comparison between the two lenses is carried out. The irradiance at focus is computed for both and suitable merit figures are defined to account for the difference between them.

Safe Gene Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Skeletal muscle development, nutrient uptake, and nutrient utilization is largely coordinated by growth hor- mone (GH) and its...one of the many means the immune system utilizes to ensure self-recognition and maintenance of tolerance. In central lymphoid organ, the thymus, PTA...largely present in the marginal zone bordering the white pulp. Such geometrical location are consistent with a tolerogenic role of Aire-expressing cells

The Effect of Dynamic Assessment on Adult Learners of Arabic: A Mixed-Method Study at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fahmy, Mohsen M.

2013-01-01

Dynamic assessment (DA) is based on Vygotsky's (1978) sociocultural theory and his Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). ZPD is the range of abilities bordered by the learner's assisted and independent performances. Previous studies showed promising results for DA in tutoring settings. However, they did not use proficiency-based rubrics to measure…

Home-loving boreal hare mitochondria survived several invasions in Iberia: the relative roles of recurrent hybridisation and allele surfing

PubMed Central

Melo-Ferreira, J; Farelo, L; Freitas, H; Suchentrunk, F; Boursot, P; Alves, P C

2014-01-01

Genetic introgression from a resident species into an invading close relative can result from repeated hybridisation along the invasion front and/or allele surfing on the expansion wave. Cases where the phenomenon is massive and systematic, such as for hares (genus Lepus) in Iberia, would be best explained by recurrent hybridisation but this is difficult to prove because the donor populations are generally extinct. In the Pyrenean foothills, Lepus europaeus presumably replaced Lepus granatensis recently and the present species border is parallel to the direction of invasion, so that populations of L. granatensis in the contact zone represent proxies of existing variation before the invasion. Among three pairs of populations sampled across this border, we find less differentiation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) across than along it, as predicted under recurrent hybridisation at the invasion front. Using autosomal microsatellite loci and X- and Y-linked diagnostic loci, we show that admixture across the border is quasi-absent, making it unlikely that lack of interspecific mtDNA differentiation results from ongoing gene flow. Furthermore, we find that the local species ranges are climatically contrasted, making it also unlikely that ongoing ecology-driven movement of the contact account for mtDNA introgression. The lack of mtDNA differentiation across the boundary is mostly due to sharing of mtDNA from a boreal species currently extinct in Iberia (Lepus timidus) whose mitochondria have thus remained in place since the last deglaciation despite successive invasions by two other species. Home-loving mitochondria thus witness past species distribution rather than ongoing exchanges across stabilised contact zones. PMID:24149657

Multimodal Imaging of Photoreceptor Structure in Choroideremia

PubMed Central

Johnson, Ryan D.; Williams, Vesper; Summerfelt, Phyllis; Dubra, Alfredo; Weinberg, David V.; Stepien, Kimberly E.; Fishman, Gerald A.; Carroll, Joseph

2016-01-01

Purpose Choroideremia is a progressive X-linked recessive dystrophy, characterized by degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choroid, choriocapillaris, and photoreceptors. We examined photoreceptor structure in a series of subjects with choroideremia with particular attention to areas bordering atrophic lesions. Methods Twelve males with clinically-diagnosed choroideremia and confirmed hemizygous mutations in the CHM gene were examined. High-resolution images of the retina were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and both confocal and non-confocal split-detector adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) techniques. Results Eleven CHM gene mutations (3 novel) were identified; three subjects had the same mutation and one subject had two mutations. SD-OCT findings included interdigitation zone (IZ) attenuation or loss in 10/12 subjects, often in areas with intact ellipsoid zones; RPE thinning in all subjects; interlaminar bridges in the imaged areas of 10/12 subjects; and outer retinal tubulations (ORTs) in 10/12 subjects. Only split-detector AOSLO could reliably resolve cones near lesion borders, and such cones were abnormally heterogeneous in morphology, diameter and density. On split-detector imaging, the cone mosaic terminated sharply at lesion borders in 5/5 cases examined. Split-detector imaging detected remnant cone inner segments within ORTs, which were generally contiguous with a central patch of preserved retina. Conclusions Early IZ dropout and RPE thinning on SD-OCT are consistent with previously published results. Evidence of remnant cone inner segments within ORTs and the continuity of the ORTs with preserved retina suggests that these may represent an intermediate state of retinal degeneration prior to complete atrophy. Taken together, these results supports a model of choroideremia in which the RPE degenerates before photoreceptors. PMID:27936069

Risk factors associated with slide positivity among febrile patients in a conflict zone of north-eastern Myanmar along the China-Myanmar border

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Malaria within the Greater Mekong sub-region is extremely heterogeneous. While China and Thailand have been relatively successful in controlling malaria, Myanmar continues to see high prevalence. Coupled with the recent emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria along the Thai-Myanmar border, this makes Myanmar an important focus of malaria within the overall region. However, accurate epidemiological data from Myanmar have been lacking, in part because of ongoing and emerging conflicts between the government and various ethnic groups. Here the results are reported from a risk analysis of malaria slide positivity in a conflict zone along the China-Myanmar border. Methods Surveys were conducted in 13 clinics and hospitals around Laiza City, Myanmar between April 2011 and October 2012. Demographic, occupational and educational information, as well as malaria infection history, were collected. Logistic models were used to assess risk factors for slide positivity. Results Age patterns in Plasmodium vivax infections were younger than those with Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, males were more likely than females to have falciparum infections. Patients who reported having been infected with malaria during the previous year were much more likely to have a current vivax infection. During the second year of the study, falciparum infections among soldiers increased signficiantly. Conclusions These results fill some knowledge gaps with regard to risk factors associated with malaria slide positivity in this conflict region of north-eastern Myanmar. Since epidemiological studies in this region have been rare or non-existent, studies such as the current are crucial for understanding the dynamic nature of malaria in this extremely heterogeneous epidemiological landscape. PMID:24112638

Multimodal Imaging of Photoreceptor Structure in Choroideremia.

PubMed

Sun, Lynn W; Johnson, Ryan D; Williams, Vesper; Summerfelt, Phyllis; Dubra, Alfredo; Weinberg, David V; Stepien, Kimberly E; Fishman, Gerald A; Carroll, Joseph

2016-01-01

Choroideremia is a progressive X-linked recessive dystrophy, characterized by degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choroid, choriocapillaris, and photoreceptors. We examined photoreceptor structure in a series of subjects with choroideremia with particular attention to areas bordering atrophic lesions. Twelve males with clinically-diagnosed choroideremia and confirmed hemizygous mutations in the CHM gene were examined. High-resolution images of the retina were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and both confocal and non-confocal split-detector adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) techniques. Eleven CHM gene mutations (3 novel) were identified; three subjects had the same mutation and one subject had two mutations. SD-OCT findings included interdigitation zone (IZ) attenuation or loss in 10/12 subjects, often in areas with intact ellipsoid zones; RPE thinning in all subjects; interlaminar bridges in the imaged areas of 10/12 subjects; and outer retinal tubulations (ORTs) in 10/12 subjects. Only split-detector AOSLO could reliably resolve cones near lesion borders, and such cones were abnormally heterogeneous in morphology, diameter and density. On split-detector imaging, the cone mosaic terminated sharply at lesion borders in 5/5 cases examined. Split-detector imaging detected remnant cone inner segments within ORTs, which were generally contiguous with a central patch of preserved retina. Early IZ dropout and RPE thinning on SD-OCT are consistent with previously published results. Evidence of remnant cone inner segments within ORTs and the continuity of the ORTs with preserved retina suggests that these may represent an intermediate state of retinal degeneration prior to complete atrophy. Taken together, these results supports a model of choroideremia in which the RPE degenerates before photoreceptors.

Caldera collapse: Perspectives from comparing Galápagos volcanoes, nuclear-test sinks, sandbox models, and volcanoes on Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howard, K.A.

2010-01-01

The 1968 trapdoor collapse (1.5 km3) of Fernandina caldera in the Galapágos Islands developed the same kinds of structures as found in small sandbox-collapse models and in concentrically zoned sinks formed in desert alluvium by fault subsidence into underground nuclear-explosion cavities. Fernandina’s collapse developed through shear failure in which the roof above the evacuating chamber was lowered mostly intact. This coherent subsidence contrasts to chaotic piecemeal collapse at small, rocky pit craters, underscoring the role of rock strength relative to subsidence size. The zoning at Fernandina implies that the deflated magma chamber underlay a central basin and a bordering inward-dipping monocline, which separates a blind inner reverse fault from an outer zone of normal faulting. Similar concentric zoning patterns can be recognized in coherent subsidence structures ranging over 16 orders of magnitude in size, from sandbox experiments to the giant Olympus Mons caldera on Mars.

Belousov-Zhabotinsky oscillations during the chemical or electrochemical generation of Ag + ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Treindl, Ludovit; Hemmingsen, Tor; Ruoff, Peter

1997-05-01

The oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction has been studied in the presence of Ag + ions using potentiometric and amperometric methods. Amperometrically the oscillations were followed by monitoring the anodic current at a potential of 1.0 V, which corresponds to the electrooxidation of Br - ions. In the Ag +-perturbed BZ reaction we still observe anodic current oscillations due to the electrooxidation of Br - ions more or less loosely bound in AgBr mono- or oligomers. Solid AgBr, however, has been found to be chemically and electrochemically inert in the BZ reaction. The timescale of producing electrochemically inactive AgBr precipitate is a second-order process with a rate constant of 256 M -1 s -1.

Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus urumqiensis BZ-SZ-XJ18T, a Moderately Haloalkaliphilic Bacterium Isolated from a Saline-Alkaline Lake.

PubMed

Liao, Ziya; Ren, Chao; Guo, Xiaomeng; Yan, Yanchun; Li, Jun; Zhao, Baisuo

2018-05-31

The moderately haloalkaliphilic bacterium Bacillus urumqiensis BZ-SZ-XJ18 T was isolated from a saline-alkaline lake located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Optimum growth occurred at the total Na + concentration of 1.08 M, with a broad optimum pH of 8.5 to 9.5. The draft genome consists of approximately 3.28 Mb and contains 3,228 predicted genes. A number of genes associated with adaptation strategies for osmotic balance and alkaline pH homeostasis were identified, providing pertinent insight into specific adaptations to the double-extreme environment. Copyright © 2018 Liao et al.

Creation and perturbation of planar networks of chemical oscillators

PubMed Central

Tompkins, Nathan; Cambria, Matthew Carl; Wang, Adam L.; Heymann, Michael; Fraden, Seth

2015-01-01

Methods for creating custom planar networks of diffusively coupled chemical oscillators and perturbing individual oscillators within the network are presented. The oscillators consist of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction contained in an emulsion. Networks of drops of the BZ reaction are created with either Dirichlet (constant-concentration) or Neumann (no-flux) boundary conditions in a custom planar configuration using programmable illumination for the perturbations. The differences between the observed network dynamics for each boundary condition are described. Using light, we demonstrate the ability to control the initial conditions of the network and to cause individual oscillators within the network to undergo sustained period elongation or a one-time phase delay. PMID:26117136

The Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of New Paclitaxel Analogs With the Ability to Evade Efflux by P-Glycoprotein

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-01

H O R1 7 10 13 3’ O O OH NH O O OH AcO HO O BzO H O Ph 7 10 13 3’ O 1 (R1=Ph...R2= Ac, paclitaxel) 2 (TX-67) 1a (R1=t-BuO R2= H , docetaxel) Figure 1. Paclitaxel, Docetaxel and TX-67 4 1.1 Seelig model vs. Active Transport...BzO H O O Type I Type I Type II Type I Type I Type II 3` 13 2 4 7 10 1` OH O Pgp repulsion motif Figure 2. TX-67 recognition elements

Paediatric tuberculosis in Queensland, Australia: overrepresentation of cross-border and Indigenous children.

PubMed

Donnan, E J; Coulter, C; Simpson, G; Clark, J; Nourse, C

2017-03-01

Queensland, Australia. Understanding paediatric tuberculosis (TB) is important, as children with TB typically reflect recent community transmission. Children pose unique diagnostic challenges and are at risk of developing severe disseminated infection. To describe the epidemiology, presentation and outcomes of children with TB disease in Queensland. This is a retrospective case series of children diagnosed with TB aged 0-16 years notified in 2005-2014. Data collected in the Queensland Notifiable Conditions System were extracted and analysed. Of 127 children diagnosed with TB, 16 were Australian-born (including 12 Indigenous Queenslanders), 41 were overseas-born permanent and temporary residents and 70 were cross-border Papua New Guinea (PNG) children; 88 children had pulmonary disease (with/without other sites) and 39 had extra-pulmonary disease only, with lymph node TB the predominant extra-pulmonary site; 70.1% of children had laboratory confirmation; and 14 cross-border children had multidrug-resistant TB. Treatment outcomes among children residing in Australia were good (100% among Australian-born and 97.2% among permanent and temporary residents), but they were less favourable among PNG children diagnosed in the Torres Strait Protected Zone (76.6%). Queensland has unique challenges in TB control, with a high proportion of cross-border diagnoses and over-representation of Indigenous children. Vigilance is needed given the wide spectrum of clinical presentation, particularly in high-risk communities.

Object-based analysis of astroglial reaction and astrocyte subtype morphology after ischemic brain injury.

PubMed

Wagner, Daniel-Christoph; Scheibe, Johanna; Glocke, Isabelle; Weise, Gesa; Deten, Alexander; Boltze, Johannes; Kranz, Alexander

2013-01-01

The astrocytic response to ischemic brain injury is characterized by specific alterations of glial cell morphology and function. Various studies described both beneficial and detrimental aspects of activated astrocytes, suggesting the existence of different subtypes. We investigated this issue using a novel object-based approach to study characteristics of astrogliosis after stroke. Spontaneously hypertensive rats received permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. After 96 h, brain specimens were removed, fixed and stained for GFAP, glutamine synthetase (GS), S100Beta and Musashi1 (Msh1). Three regions of interest were defined (contralateral hemisphere, ipsilateral remote zone and infarct border zone), and confocal stacks were acquired (n=5 biological with each n=4 technical replicates). The stacks were background-corrected and colocalization between the selected markers and GFAP was determined using an automated thresholding algorithm. The fluorescence and colocalization channels were then converted into 3D-objects using both intensity and volume as filters to ultimately determine the final volumes of marker expression and colocalization, as well as the morphological changes of astrocyte process arborisation. We found that both S100Beta and Msh1 determined the same GFAP-positive astroglial cell population albeit the cellular compartments differed. GFAP stained most of the astrocyte processes and is hence suitable for the analysis of qualitative characteristics of astrogliosis. Due to its peri-nuclear localization, Msh1 is appropriate to estimate the total number of astrocytes even in regions with severe reactive astrogliosis. GS expression in GFAP-positive astrocytes was high in the remote zone and low at the infarct border, indicating the existence of astrocyte subclasses.

Global climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico: considerations for integrated coastal management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Day, John W.; Yáñez-Arancibia, Alejandro; Cowan, James H.; Day, Richard H.; Twilley, Robert R.; Rybczyk, John R.

2013-01-01

Global climate change is important in considerations of integrated coastal management in the Gulf of Mexico. This is true for a number of reasons. Climate in the Gulf spans the range from tropical to the lower part of the temperate zone. Thus, as climate warms, the tropical temperate interface, which is currently mostly offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, will increasingly move over the coastal zone of the northern and eastern parts of the Gulf. Currently, this interface is located in South Florida and around the US-Mexico border in the Texas-Tamaulipas region. Maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems is important because they will be more resistant to climate change.

Unexpected Southern Hemisphere ionospheric response to geomagnetic storm of 15 August 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edemskiy, Ilya; Lastovicka, Jan; Buresova, Dalia; Bosco Habarulema, John; Nepomnyashchikh, Ivan

2018-01-01

Geomagnetic storms are the most pronounced phenomenon of space weather. When studying ionospheric response to a storm of 15 August 2015, an unexpected phenomenon was observed at higher middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. This phenomenon was a localized total electron content (TEC) enhancement (LTE) in the form of two separated plumes, which peaked southward of South Africa. The plumes were first observed at 05:00 UT near the southwestern coast of Australia. The southern plume was associated with local time slightly after noontime (1-2 h after local noon). The plumes moved with the Sun. They peaked near 13:00 UT southward of South Africa. The southern plume kept constant geomagnetic latitude (63-64° S); it persisted for about 10 h, whereas the northern plume persisted for about 2 h more. Both plumes disappeared over the South Atlantic Ocean. No similar LTE event was observed during the prolonged solar activity minimum period of 2006-2009. In 2012-2016 we detected altogether 26 LTEs and all of them were associated with the southward excursion of Bz. The negative Bz excursion is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the LTE occurrence as during some geomagnetic storms associated with negative Bz excursions the LTE events did not appear.

Statistical Patterns of Ionospheric Convection Derived From Mid-Latitude, High-Latitude, and Polar SuperDARN HF Radar Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, E. G.; Shepherd, S. G.

2017-12-01

Global patterns of ionospheric convection have been widely studied in terms of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) magnitude and orientation in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres using observations from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN). The dynamic range of driving conditions under which existing SuperDARN statistical models are valid is currently limited to periods when the high-latitude convection pattern remains above about 60° geomagnetic latitude. Cousins and Shepherd [2010] found this to correspond to intervals when the solar wind electric field Esw < 4.1 mV/m and IMF Bz is negative. Conversely, under northward IMF conditions (Bz > 0) the high-latitude radars often experience difficulties in measuring convection above about 85° geomagnetic latitude. In this presentation, we introduce a new statistical model of ionospheric convection which is valid for much more dominant IMF Bz conditions than was previously possible by including velocity measurements from the newly constructed tiers of radars in the Northern Hemisphere at midlatitudes and in the polar cap. This new model (TS17) is compared to previous statistical models derived from high-latitude SuperDARN observations (RG96, PSR10, CS10) and its impact on instantaneous Map Potential solutions is examined.

The first observed cloud echoes and microphysical parameter retrievals by China's 94-GHz cloud radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Juxiu; Wei, Ming; Hang, Xin; Zhou, Jie; Zhang, Peichang; Li, Nan

2014-06-01

By using the cloud echoes first successfully observed by China's indigenous 94-GHz SKY cloud radar, the macrostructure and microphysical properties of drizzling stratocumulus clouds in Anhui Province on 8 June 2013 are analyzed, and the detection capability of this cloud radar is discussed. The results are as follows. (1) The cloud radar is able to observe the time-varying macroscopic and microphysical parameters of clouds, and it can reveal the microscopic structure and small-scale changes of clouds. (2) The velocity spectral width of cloud droplets is small, but the spectral width of the cloud containing both cloud droplets and drizzle is large. When the spectral width is more than 0.4 m s-1, the radar reflectivity factor is larger (over -10 dBZ). (3) The radar's sensitivity is comparatively higher because the minimum radar reflectivity factor is about -35 dBZ in this experiment, which exceeds the threshold for detecting the linear depolarized ratio (LDR) of stratocumulus (commonly -11 to -14 dBZ; decreases with increasing turbulence). (4) After distinguishing of cloud droplets from drizzle, cloud liquid water content and particle effective radius are retrieved. The liquid water content of drizzle is lower than that of cloud droplets at the same radar reflectivity factor.

Reconstruction of apparent orthotropic conductivity tensor image using magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajib, Saurav Z. K.; Kim, Ji Eun; Jeong, Woo Chul; Kim, Hyung Joong; Kwon, Oh In; Woo, Eung Je

2015-03-01

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography visualizes current density and/or conductivity distributions inside an electrically conductive object. Injecting currents into the imaging object along at least two different directions, induced magnetic flux density data can be measured using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Without rotating the object inside the scanner, we can measure only one component of the magnetic flux density denoted as Bz. Since the biological tissues such as skeletal muscle and brain white matter show strong anisotropic properties, the reconstruction of anisotropic conductivity tensor is indispensable for the accurate observations in the biological systems. In this paper, we propose a direct method to reconstruct an axial apparent orthotropic conductivity tensor by using multiple Bz data subject to multiple injection currents. To investigate the anisotropic conductivity properties, we first recover the internal current density from the measured Bz data. From the recovered internal current density and the curl-free condition of the electric field, we derive an over-determined matrix system for determining the internal absolute orthotropic conductivity tensor. The over-determined matrix system is designed to use a combination of two loops around each pixel. Numerical simulations and phantom experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm stably determines the orthotropic conductivity tensor.

P2X7 receptor-mediated calcium dynamics in HEK293 cells: experimental characterization and modelling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Garbo, A.; Alloisio, S.; Nobile, M.

2012-04-01

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) induces ionotropic Ca2 + signalling in different cell types. It plays an important role in the immune response and in the nervous system. Here, the mechanisms underlying intracellular Ca2 + variations evoked by 3‧-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP (BzATP), a potent agonist of the P2X7R, in transfected HEK293 cells, are investigated both experimentally and theoretically. We propose a minimal model of P2X7R that is capable of reproducing, qualitatively and quantitatively, the experimental data. This approach was also adopted for the P2X7R variant, which lacks the entire C-terminus tail (trP2X7R). Then we introduce a biophysical model describing the Ca2 + dynamics in HEK293. Our model gives an account of the ionotropic Ca2 + influx evoked by BzATP on the basis of the kinetics model of P2X7R. To explain the complex Ca2 + responses evoked by BzATP, the model predicted that an impairment in Ca2 + extrusion flux through the plasma membrane is a key factor for Ca2 + homeostasis in HEK293 cells.

Effort, symptom validity testing, performance validity testing and traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Bigler, Erin D

2014-01-01

To understand the neurocognitive effects of brain injury, valid neuropsychological test findings are paramount. This review examines the research on what has been referred to a symptom validity testing (SVT). Above a designated cut-score signifies a 'passing' SVT performance which is likely the best indicator of valid neuropsychological test findings. Likewise, substantially below cut-point performance that nears chance or is at chance signifies invalid test performance. Significantly below chance is the sine qua non neuropsychological indicator for malingering. However, the interpretative problems with SVT performance below the cut-point yet far above chance are substantial, as pointed out in this review. This intermediate, border-zone performance on SVT measures is where substantial interpretative challenges exist. Case studies are used to highlight the many areas where additional research is needed. Historical perspectives are reviewed along with the neurobiology of effort. Reasons why performance validity testing (PVT) may be better than the SVT term are reviewed. Advances in neuroimaging techniques may be key in better understanding the meaning of border zone SVT failure. The review demonstrates the problems with rigidity in interpretation with established cut-scores. A better understanding of how certain types of neurological, neuropsychiatric and/or even test conditions may affect SVT performance is needed.

Social selection parapatry in Afrotropical sunbirds.

PubMed

McEntee, Jay P; Peñalba, Joshua V; Werema, Chacha; Mulungu, Elia; Mbilinyi, Maneno; Moyer, David; Hansen, Louis; Fjeldså, Jon; Bowie, Rauri C K

2016-06-01

The extent of range overlap of incipient and recent species depends on the type and magnitude of phenotypic divergence that separates them, and the consequences of phenotypic divergence on their interactions. Signal divergence by social selection likely initiates many speciation events, but may yield niche-conserved lineages predisposed to limit each others' ranges via ecological competition. Here, we examine this neglected aspect of social selection speciation theory in relation to the discovery of a nonecotonal species border between sunbirds. We find that Nectarinia moreaui and Nectarinia fuelleborni meet in a ∼6 km wide contact zone, as estimated by molecular cline analysis. These species exploit similar bioclimatic niches, but sing highly divergent learned songs, consistent with divergence by social selection. Cline analyses suggest that within-species stabilizing social selection on song-learning predispositions maintains species differences in song despite both hybridization and cultural transmission. We conclude that ecological competition between moreaui and fuelleborni contributes to the stabilization of the species border, but that ecological competition acts in conjunction with reproductive interference. The evolutionary maintenance of learned song differences in a hybrid zone recommend this study system for future studies on the mechanisms of learned song divergence and its role in speciation. © 2016 The Author(s). Evolution © 2016 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Spatial mapping of dynamic cerebral autoregulation by multichannel near-infrared spectroscopy in high-grade carotid artery disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhard, Matthias; Schumacher, F. Konrad; Rutsch, Sebastian; Oeinck, Maximilian; Timmer, Jens; Mader, Irina; Schelter, Björn; Weiller, Cornelius; Kaller, Christoph P.

2014-09-01

The exact spatial distribution of impaired cerebral autoregulation in carotid artery disease is unknown. In this pilot study, we present a new approach of multichannel near-infrared spectroscopy (mcNIRS) for noninvasive spatial mapping of dynamic autoregulation in carotid artery disease. In 15 patients with unilateral severe carotid artery stenosis or occlusion, cortical hemodynamics in the bilateral frontal cortex were assessed from changes in oxyhemoglobin concentration using 52-channel NIRS (spatial resolution ˜2 cm). Dynamic autoregulation was graded by the phase shift between respiratory-induced 0.1 Hz oscillations of blood pressure and oxyhemoglobin. Ten of 15 patients showed regular phase values in the expected (patho) physiological range. Five patients had clearly outlying irregular phase values mostly due to artifacts. In patients with a regular phase pattern, a significant side-to-side difference of dynamic autoregulation was observed for the cortical border zone area between the middle and anterior cerebral artery (p<0.05). In conclusion, dynamic cerebral autoregulation can be spatially assessed from slow hemodynamic oscillations with mcNIRS. In high-grade carotid artery disease, cortical dynamic autoregulation is affected mostly in the vascular border zone. Spatial mapping of dynamic autoregulation may serve as a powerful tool for identifying brain regions at specific risks for hemodynamic infarction.

Changes in taste receptor cell [Ca2+]i modulate chorda tympani responses to salty and sour taste stimuli

PubMed Central

DeSimone, John A.; Ren, ZuoJun; Phan, Tam-Hao T.; Heck, Gerard L.; Mummalaneni, Shobha

2012-01-01

The relationship between taste receptor cell (TRC) Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and rat chorda tympani (CT) nerve responses to salty [NaCl and NaCl+benzamil (Bz)] and sour (HCl, CO2, and acetic acid) taste stimuli was investigated before and after lingual application of ionomycin+Ca2+, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM), U73122 (phospholipase C blocker), and thapsigargin (Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor) under open-circuit or lingual voltage-clamp conditions. An increase in TRC [Ca2+]i attenuated the tonic Bz-sensitive NaCl CT response and the apical membrane Na+ conductance. A decrease in TRC [Ca2+]i enhanced the tonic Bz-sensitive and Bz-insensitive NaCl CT responses and apical membrane Na+ conductance but did not affect CT responses to KCl or NH4Cl. An increase in TRC [Ca2+]i did not alter the phasic response but attenuated the tonic CT response to acidic stimuli. A decrease in [Ca2+]i did not alter the phasic response but attenuated the tonic CT response to acidic stimuli. In a subset of TRCs, a positive relationship between [H+]i and [Ca2+]i was obtained using in vitro imaging techniques. U73122 inhibited the tonic CT responses to NaCl, and thapsigargin inhibited the tonic CT responses to salty and sour stimuli. The results suggest that salty and sour taste qualities are transduced by [Ca2+]i-dependent and [Ca2+]i-independent mechanisms. Changes in TRC [Ca2+]i in a BAPTA-sensitive cytosolic compartment regulate ion channels and cotransporters involved in the salty and sour taste transduction mechanisms and in neural adaptation. Changes in TRC [Ca2+]i in a separate subcompartment, sensitive to inositol trisphosphate and thapsigargin but inaccessible to BAPTA, are associated with neurotransmitter release. PMID:22956787

Phosphinic derivative of DTPA conjugated to a G5 PAMAM dendrimer: an 17O and 1H relaxation study of its Gd(III) complex.

PubMed

Lebdusková, Petra; Sour, Angélique; Helm, Lothar; Tóth, Eva; Kotek, Jan; Lukes, Ivan; Merbach, André E

2006-07-28

A DTPA-based chelate containing one phosphinate group was conjugated to a generation 5 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer via a benzylthiourea linkage. The Gd(III) complex of this novel conjugate has potential as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The chelates bind Gd3+via three nitrogen atoms, four carboxylates and one phosphinate oxygen, and one water molecule completes the inner coordination sphere. The monomer Gd(III) chelates bearing nitrobenzyl and aminobenzyl groups ([Gd(DTTAP-bz-NO2)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-) as well as the dendrimeric Gd(III) complex G5-(Gd(DTTAP))63) were studied by multiple-field, variable temperature 17O and 1H NMR. The rate of water exchange is faster than that of [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- and very similar on the two monomeric complexes (8.9 and 8.3 x 10(6) s-1 for [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NO2)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-, respectively), while it is decreased on the dendrimeric conjugate (5.0 x 10(6) s-1). The Gd(III) complex of the dendrimer conjugate has a relaxivity of 26.8 mM-1 s-1 at 37 degrees C and 0.47 T (corresponding to 1H Larmor frequency of 20 MHz). Given the contribution of the second sphere water molecules to the overall relaxivity, this value is slightly higher than those reported for similar size dendrimers. The experimental 17O and 1H NMR data were fitted to the Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan equations extended with a contribution from second coordination sphere water molecules. The rotational dynamics of the dendrimeric conjugate was described in terms of global and local motions with the Lipari-Szabo approach.

Effects of aromaticity in cations and their functional groups on the temperature dependence of low-frequency spectrum

DOE PAGES

Kakinuma, Shohei; Ramati, Sharon; Wishart, James F.; ...

2018-05-21

We investigate the temperature dependence of low-frequency spectra in the frequency range of 0.3–200 cm -1 for ionic liquids (ILs) whose cations possess two systematically different cyclic groups, using femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy. The target ILs are bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [NTf 2]– salts of 1-cyclohexylmethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium [CHxmMPyrr] +, 1-cyclohexylmethyl-3-methylimidazolium [CHxmMIm] +, N-cyclohexylmethylpyridinium [CHxmPy]+, 1-benzyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium [BzMPyrr] +, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium [BzMIm] +, and N-benzylpyridinium [BzPy] + cations. The aim of this study is to better understand the effects of aromaticity in the cations’ constituent groups on the temperature-dependent low-frequency spectral features of the ILs. The low-frequency spectra of these ILs are temperature dependent, but themore » temperature-dependent spectrum of [CHxmMPyrr][NTf 2] is different from that of other ILs. While [CHxmMPyrr][NTf 2] shows spectral changes with temperature in the low-frequency region below 50 cm -1, the other ILs also show spectral changes in the high-frequency region above 80 cm -1 (above 50 cm -1 in the case of [BzMPyrr][NTf 2]). We conclude that the spectral change in the low-frequency region is due to both the cation and anion, while the change in the high-frequency region is attributed to the red shift of the aromatic ring librations. On the basis of the plots of the first moment of the spectra vs. temperature, we found that the first moment of the low-frequency spectrum of the IL whose cation does not have an aromatic ring is less temperature dependent than that of the other ILs. However, the intrinsic first moment, the first moment at 0 K, of the low-frequency spectrum is governed by the absence or presence of a charged aromatic group, while a neutral aromatic group does not have much influence on determining the intrinsic first moment.« less

Modulation of cosmic rays on geomagnetically most quiet days

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal Mishra, Rekha; Agarwal Mishra, Rekha; Mishra, Rajesh Kumar

The aim of this work is to study the first three harmonics of cosmic ray intensity on geomagnetically quiet days over the period 1980-1990 for Deep River and Tokyo neutron monitoring stations. The amplitude of first harmonic remains high for Deep River having low cutoff rigidity as compared to Tokyo neutron monitor having high cutoff rigidity on quiet days.. The diurnal time of maximum significantly shifts to an earlier time as compared to the corotational/1800 Hr direction at both the stations having different cutoff rigidities. The time of maximum for first harmonic significantly shifts towards later hours and for second harmonic it shifts towards earlier hours at low cutoff rigidity station i.e. Deep River as compared to the high cut off rigidity station i.e. Tokyo on quiet days. The amplitude of semi/tri-diurnal anisotropy have a good positive correlation with solar wind velocity, while the others (i.e. amplitude and phase) have no significant correlation on quiet days for Deep River and Tokyo having different cutoff rigidity during 1980-1990. The solar wind velocity significantly remains in the range 350 to 425 km/s i.e. being nearly average on quiet days. The amplitude and direction of the anisotropy on quiet days are weakly dependent on high-speed solar wind streams for two neutron monitoring station of low and high cutoff rigidity threshold. The semi-diurnal amplitude has a significant anti-correlation, whereas the amplitude of third harmonic and direction of first harmonic has a good anti-correlation with IMF Bz and the product V x Bz on quiet days at Deep River station. However, the direction of first harmonic has a significant anti-correlation and the direction of second harmonic has a good anti-correlation with IMF Bz and the product V x Bz on quiet days at Tokyo station.

Reduction of benzimidazole resistance in established Haemonchus contortus populations in goats using a single infection with a benzimidazole-susceptible isolate.

PubMed

Chan-Pérez, J I; Torres-Acosta, J F J; Rodríguez-Vivas, R I; Villegas-Pérez, S L

2015-09-01

An in vivo study in goats evaluated the effect of superimposing a single artificial infection with a benzimidazole (BZ)-susceptible Haemonchus contortus isolate upon established H. contortus populations of known BZ resistance by measuring the phenotypic BZ resistance of eggs collected from faeces before and after re-infection. Two H. contortus isolates, one benzimidazole resistant (BZR) and the other susceptible (BZS), were used to infect worm-free goats. Eight goats were initially infected with 2000 third-stage larvae (L3). In each case the inoculum contained a pre-determined proportion of the two isolates: 100% BZS (one goat), 75% BZS/25% BZR (two goats), 50% BZS/50% BZR (two goats), 25%BZS/75% BZR (two goats) and, finally, 100% BZR (one goat). The phenotypic BZ susceptibility of the H. contortus population formed in each goat after the first infection was determined on days 30 and 36 post-infection using an egg-hatch assay (EHA) that estimated the concentration of thiabendazole (TBZ) required for 95% inhibition of larval hatching (EC(95)) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). On day 49 post-infection, goats were re-infected with 2000 L3 of the BZS isolate alone. A second set of EHA bioassays was performed 28 days and 34 days after re-infection. The first infection protocol produced three populations classified as BZS (EC(95) 0.055-0.065 μg TBZ/ml) while four were categorized as BZR (EC(95) 0.122-0.344 μg TBZ/ml). The status of one other population could not be determined. After re-infection with BZS L3, the number of susceptible populations increased to six (EC(95) 0.043-0.074 μg TBZ/ml) while the remaining two were deemed resistant (EC(95) 0.114-119 μg TBZ/ml). Re-infection with BZS L3 thereby reduced the resistance status of most H. contortus populations.

Dimeric molecular association of dimethyl sulfoxide in solutions of nonpolar liquids.

PubMed

Shikata, Toshiyuki; Sugimoto, Natsuki

2012-01-26

Although many vibrational spectroscopic studies using infrared (IR) absorption and Raman scattering (RS) techniques revealed that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) forms intermolecular dimeric associations in the pure liquid state and in solutions, the results of a number of dielectric relaxation studies did not clearly show the presence of such dimers. Recently, we found the presence of dimeric DMSO associations in not only the pure liquid but also in solutions of nonpolar solvents, such as tetrachloromethane (CCl(4)) and benzene (Bz), using dielectric relaxation (DR) techniques, which ranged from 50 MHz to 50 GHz at 25 °C. The dimeric DMSO associations cause a slow dielectric relaxation process with a relaxation time of ca. 23 ps for solutions in CCl(4) (ca. 17 ps in Bz) due to the dissociation into monomeric DMSO molecules, while the other fast relaxation is caused by monomeric DMSO molecules with a relaxation time of ca. 5.0 ps (ca. 5.5 ps in Bz) at 25 °C. A comparison of DR and vibrational spectroscopic data for DMSO solutions demonstrated that the concentration dependence of the relative magnitude of the slow and fast DR strength corresponds well to the two IR and RS bands assigned to the vibrational stretching modes of the sulfoxide groups (S═O) of the dimeric associations and the monomeric DMSO molecules, respectively. Moreover, the concentrations of the dimeric associations ([DIM]) and monomeric DMSO molecules ([MON]) were governed by a chemical equilibrium and an equilibrium constant (K(d) = [DIM](2)[MON](-1)) that was markedly dependent on the concentration of DMSO and the solvent species (K(d) = 2.5 ± 0.5 M(-1) and 0.7 ± 0.1 M(-1) in dilute CCl(4) and Bz solutions, respectively, and dramatically increased to 20-40 M(-1) in pure DMSO at 25 °C).

The Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC): Deep Near-Infrared Imaging and the Selection of Distant Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quadri, Ryan; Marchesini, Danilo; van Dokkum, Pieter; Gawiser, Eric; Franx, Marijn; Lira, Paulina; Rudnick, Gregory; Urry, C. Megan; Maza, José; Kriek, Mariska; Barrientos, L. Felipe; Blanc, Guillermo A.; Castander, Francisco J.; Christlein, Daniel; Coppi, Paolo S.; Hall, Patrick B.; Herrera, David; Infante, Leopoldo; Taylor, Edward N.; Treister, Ezequiel; Willis, Jon P.

2007-09-01

We present deep near-infrared JHK imaging of four 10' × 10' fields. The observations were carried out as part of the Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC) with ISPI on the CTIO 4 m telescope. The typical point-source limiting depths are J ~ 22.5, H ~ 21.5, and K ~ 21 (5 σ Vega). The effective seeing in the final images is ~1.0″. We combine these data with MUSYC UBVRIz imaging to create K-selected catalogs that are unique for their uniform size, depth, filter coverage, and image quality. We investigate the rest-frame optical colors and photometric redshifts of galaxies that are selected using common color selection techniques, including distant red galaxies (DRGs), star-forming and passive BzKs, and the rest-frame UV-selected BM, BX, and Lyman break galaxies (LBGs). These techniques are effective at isolating large samples of high-redshift galaxies, but none provide complete or uniform samples across the targeted redshift ranges. The DRG and BM/BX/LBG criteria identify populations of red and blue galaxies, respectively, as they were designed to do. The star-forming BzKs have a very wide redshift distribution, extending down to z ~ 1, a wide range of colors, and may include galaxies with very low specific star formation rates. In comparison, the passive BzKs are fewer in number, have a different distribution of K magnitudes, and have a somewhat different redshift distribution. By combining either the DRG and BM/BX/LBG criteria, or the star-forming and passive BzK criteria, it appears possible to define a reasonably complete sample of galaxies to our flux limit over specific redshift ranges. However, the redshift dependence of both the completeness and sampled range of rest-frame colors poses an ultimate limit to the usefulness of these techniques.

Efficacy of essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum alone and in combination with benznidazole on murine oral infection with Trypanosoma cruzi IV.

PubMed

Zanusso Junior, Gerson; Massago, Miyoko; Kian, Danielle; Toledo, Max Jean de Ornelas

2018-02-01

Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a serious public health problem. One of the causes of the high morbidity and mortality in patients is the lack of an effective drug therapy. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum alone and in combination with benznidazole (BZ) in mice orally inoculated with strain of T. cruzi IV obtained from oral CD outbreak occurred in Western Brazilian Amazonia. All the animals inoculated with metacyclic trypomastigote forms (AM14 strain, BZ resistant), derived from the insect Rhodnius robustus, became infected and there was no difference in the mortality rate between the experimental groups. When compared with untreated control animals (UTC), the treatment with essential oil of S. aromaticum (EOSA) alone promoted reduction in 1/5 parameters derived from the parasitemia curve, whereas the treatments with BZ alone or in combination (BZ + EOSA) promoted reduction in 4/5 of those parameters, presenting similar profiles of parasitemia curve. The animals treated with BZ and with the combination BZ + EOSA presented lower patency periods in comparison with the animals in EOSA group, and lower positivity of blood cultures when compared with the UTC group. The results of molecular analysis by qPCR in both blood and cardiac tissue did not show differences between the groups. The cure rates obtained with the different treatments presented the following ascending order: EOSA = 12.5% (1/8), BZ = 25.0% (2/8) and BZ + EOSA = 37.5% (3/8). Although there are no significant differences between them, these results claims that the use of this essential oil could be of interest for treatment of Chagas disease. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

P2X₇-mediated calcium influx triggers a sustained, PI3K-dependent increase in metabolic acid production by osteoblast-like cells.

PubMed

Grol, Matthew W; Zelner, Irene; Dixon, S Jeffrey

2012-03-01

The P2X₇ receptor is an ATP-gated cation channel expressed by a number of cell types, including osteoblasts. Genetically modified mice with loss of P2X₇ function exhibit altered bone formation. Moreover, activation of P2X₇ in vitro stimulates osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Because osteogenesis is associated with enhanced cellular metabolism, our goal was to characterize the effects of nucleotides on metabolic acid production (proton efflux) by osteoblasts. The P2X₇ agonist 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)ATP (BzATP; 300 μM) induced dynamic membrane blebbing in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells (consistent with activation of P2X₇ receptors) but did not induce cell death. Using a Cytosensor microphysiometer, we found that 9-min exposure to BzATP (300 μM) caused a dramatic increase in proton efflux from MC3T3-E1 cells (∼2-fold), which was sustained for at least 1 h. In contrast, ATP or UTP (100 μM), which activate P2 receptors other than P2X₇, failed to elicit a sustained increase in proton efflux. Specific P2X₇ receptor antagonists A 438079 and A 740003 inhibited the sustained phase of the BzATP-induced response. Extracellular Ca²⁺ was required during P2X₇ receptor stimulation for initiation of sustained proton efflux, and removal of extracellular glucose within the sustained phase abolished the elevation elicited by BzATP. In addition, inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase blocked the maintenance but not initiation of the sustained phase. Taken together, we conclude that brief activation of P2X₇ receptors on osteoblast-like cells triggers a dramatic, Ca²⁺-dependent stimulation of metabolic acid production. This increase in proton efflux is sustained and dependent on glucose and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity.

Effects of aromaticity in cations and their functional groups on the temperature dependence of low-frequency spectrum

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

Kakinuma, Shohei; Ramati, Sharon; Wishart, James F.

We investigate the temperature dependence of low-frequency spectra in the frequency range of 0.3–200 cm -1 for ionic liquids (ILs) whose cations possess two systematically different cyclic groups, using femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy. The target ILs are bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [NTf 2]– salts of 1-cyclohexylmethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium [CHxmMPyrr] +, 1-cyclohexylmethyl-3-methylimidazolium [CHxmMIm] +, N-cyclohexylmethylpyridinium [CHxmPy]+, 1-benzyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium [BzMPyrr] +, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium [BzMIm] +, and N-benzylpyridinium [BzPy] + cations. The aim of this study is to better understand the effects of aromaticity in the cations’ constituent groups on the temperature-dependent low-frequency spectral features of the ILs. The low-frequency spectra of these ILs are temperature dependent, but themore » temperature-dependent spectrum of [CHxmMPyrr][NTf 2] is different from that of other ILs. While [CHxmMPyrr][NTf 2] shows spectral changes with temperature in the low-frequency region below 50 cm -1, the other ILs also show spectral changes in the high-frequency region above 80 cm -1 (above 50 cm -1 in the case of [BzMPyrr][NTf 2]). We conclude that the spectral change in the low-frequency region is due to both the cation and anion, while the change in the high-frequency region is attributed to the red shift of the aromatic ring librations. On the basis of the plots of the first moment of the spectra vs. temperature, we found that the first moment of the low-frequency spectrum of the IL whose cation does not have an aromatic ring is less temperature dependent than that of the other ILs. However, the intrinsic first moment, the first moment at 0 K, of the low-frequency spectrum is governed by the absence or presence of a charged aromatic group, while a neutral aromatic group does not have much influence on determining the intrinsic first moment.« less

Effects of aromaticity in cations and their functional groups on the temperature dependence of low-frequency spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakinuma, Shohei; Ramati, Sharon; Wishart, James F.; Shirota, Hideaki

2018-05-01

In this study, we investigate the temperature dependence of low-frequency spectra in the frequency range of 0.3-200 cm-1 for ionic liquids (ILs) whose cations possess two systematically different cyclic groups, using femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy. The target ILs are bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [NTf2]- salts of 1-cyclohexylmethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium [CHxmMPyrr]+, 1-cyclohexylmethyl-3-methylimidazolium [CHxmMIm]+, N-cyclohexylmethylpyridinium [CHxmPy]+, 1-benzyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium [BzMPyrr]+, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium [BzMIm]+, and N-benzylpyridinium [BzPy]+ cations. The aim of this study is to better understand the effects of aromaticity in the cations' constituent groups on the temperature-dependent low-frequency spectral features of the ILs. The low-frequency spectra of these ILs are temperature dependent, but the temperature-dependent spectrum of [CHxmMPyrr][NTf2] is different from that of other ILs. While [CHxmMPyrr][NTf2] shows spectral changes with temperature in the low-frequency region below 50 cm-1, the other ILs also show spectral changes in the high-frequency region above 80 cm-1 (above 50 cm-1 in the case of [BzMPyrr][NTf2]). We conclude that the spectral change in the low-frequency region is due to both the cation and anion, while the change in the high-frequency region is attributed to the red shift of the aromatic ring librations. On the basis of the plots of the first moment of the spectra vs. temperature, we found that the first moment of the low-frequency spectrum of the IL whose cation does not have an aromatic ring is less temperature dependent than that of the other ILs. However, the intrinsic first moment, the first moment at 0 K, of the low-frequency spectrum is governed by the absence or presence of a charged aromatic group, while a neutral aromatic group does not have much influence on determining the intrinsic first moment.

Rewriting the Central European Early Bronze Age Chronology: Evidence from Large-Scale Radiocarbon Dating

PubMed Central

Knipper, Corina; Friedrich, Ronny; Kromer, Bernd; Lindauer, Susanne; Radosavljević, Jelena; Wittenborn, Fabian; Krause, Johannes

2015-01-01

The transition from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in Central Europe has often been considered as a supra-regional uniform process, which led to the growing mastery of the new bronze technology. Since the 1920s, archaeologists have divided the Early Bronze Age into two chronological phases (Bronze A1 and A2), which were also seen as stages of technical progress. On the basis of the early radiocarbon dates from the cemetery of Singen, southern Germany, the beginning of the Early Bronze Age in Central Europe was originally dated around 2300/2200 BC and the transition to more complex casting techniques (i.e., Bronze A2) around 2000 BC. On the basis of 140 newly radiocarbon dated human remains from Final Neolithic, Early and Middle Bronze Age cemeteries south of Augsburg (Bavaria) and a re-dating of ten graves from the cemetery of Singen, we propose a significantly different dating range, which forces us to re-think the traditional relative and absolute chronologies as well as the narrative of technical development. We are now able to date the beginning of the Early Bronze Age to around 2150 BC and its end to around 1700 BC. Moreover, there is no transition between Bronze (Bz) A1 and Bronze (Bz) A2, but a complete overlap between the type objects of the two phases from 1900–1700 BC. We thus present a revised chronology of the assumed diagnostic type objects of the Early Bronze Age and recommend a radiocarbon-based view on the development of the material culture. Finally, we propose that the traditional phases Bz A1 and Bz A2 do not represent a chronological sequence, but regionally different social phenomena connected to the willingness of local actors to appropriate the new bronze technology. PMID:26488413

Limits, excesses and pleasures: practices and discourses of sex work in a Mexican rural community.

PubMed

Parrini, Rodrigo; Amuchástegui, Ana; Garibi, Cecilia

2017-10-01

In Tomatlán, a small city on the Mexican Pacific Coast there is a tolerance zone in which a group of sex workers, separated from the rest of the city by a garbage dump, offer their services to local men. The women present themselves materially and symbolically as agents of regulation with respect to male sexuality, itself constructed as overwhelming and insatiable, which, were it not for services provided by the sex workers, would threaten the family-based social order. Through in-depth interviews with 19 sex workers and 5 municipal officials, this paper discusses how the sex gender system results in a series of borders that are both geographical and subjective. Such borders have to do with periphery and control, body and intimacy, and the boundaries of animality.

International study of expert judgment on therapeutic use of benzodiazepines and other psychotherapeutic medications: VI. Trends in recommendations for the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders, 1992-1997.

PubMed

Uhlenhuth, E H; Balter, M B; Ban, T A; Yang, K

1999-01-01

To assemble expert clinical experience and judgment regarding the treatment of anxiety disorders in a systematic, quantitative manner, particularly with respect to changes during the preceding five years. A panel of 73 internationally recognized experts in the pharmacotherapy of anxiety and depression was constituted by multistage peer nomination. Sixty-six completed a questionnaire in 1992, and 51 of those completed a follow-up questionnaire in 1997. This report focuses on the experts' responses to questions about therapeutic options relevant to seven vignettes describing typical cases of different anxiety disorders. The preferred initial treatment strategy in 1992 was a combination of medication with a psychological therapy for all vignettes except simple phobia, where a psychological procedure alone was favored. There was little change in 1997, primarily some decrease in the choice of psychological therapy and some increase in the choice of medication for social phobia. Experts recommending a medication in 1992 most often chose as first-line treatment a benzodiazepine anxiolytic (BZ) for panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), simple phobia, and adjustment disorder. They recommended a beta-blocker most often for social phobia and a tricyclic anti-depressant (TCA) for agoraphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Nearly a fourth chose a combination of medications, usually a TCA plus a BZ. In 1997, the expert panel's most frequent recommendation for agoraphobia, PD, and OCD changed to a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); and they also recommended these compounds more often for GAD, social phobia, and simple phobia. Fewer experts chose BZs or TCAs. However, in 1997 many again chose a combination of medications, often a BZ plus a SSRI, so that, overall, there was only a small decline in recommendations for BZs. As second-line medications (1997 only), the experts recommended SSRIs most often for most vignettes, but a TCA for PD and GAD. Recommendations for a combination of medications rose substantially for most vignettes, usually a BZ plus an antidepressant. Combined cognitive-behavioral therapy plus medication was highly favored by the experts as the initial treatment strategy for anxiety disorders. During the preceding five years, SSRIs displaced older antidepressants as the experts' first-line choices for the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders. In case of an unsatisfactory response, the experts' second-line choices more often were an older antidepressant or a combination of an antidepressant plus a BZ. According to the experts' judgements, the BZs, especially combined with an antidepressant, remain mainstays of pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders.

Litho-tectonic mapping of the North Afar region from Sentinel-2A multispectral imagery and ALOS AW3D30 digital elevation data: Controls on Danakil-Nubia plate motion between the Erta'Ale ridge and the Gulf of Zula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartnady, Chris; Hartnady, Michael; Wise, Edward; Blake, Dylan; McGibbon, David; Hay, E. Rowena

2017-04-01

The Danakil Depression in the North Afar region of Ethiopia reaches elevations deeper than 120 m below sea level and contains a Pleistocene-Holocene evaporite sequence currently investigated for potash mineral deposits. Separated from the main Ethiopian escarpment by the Dogua horst mountains, the asymmetric half-graben is bordered on its western (Nubian) side by the active, normal Main Danakil Rift-border Fault (MDRF). Above the MDRF, a series of piedmont alluvial fans (bajadas) fringes the Dogua Horst, emanating from a series of wadi catchments between the larger perennial rivers (Ragali, Saba) that drain from the high (>2000 m) Ethiopian Plateau. On its eastern side, the Danakil block contains Proterozoic-Palaeozoic sequences correlated with similar units in the Dogua range, and forms a microplate rotating independently between the larger Nubian and Arabian plates (McClusky et al., 2010). An understanding of the sedimentary and tectonic evolution of the Danakil-Nubia (DA-NU) plate system is crucial to the beneficial development of fresh groundwater resources and to an assessment of seismotectonic and volcanic geohazards in the area. Between the Mt Alid caldera in the Dandeiro graben and the Erta'Ale crater in the south Danakil, the rate of present-day DA-NU motion is 10.9 - 13.5 mm/yr, with direction azimuths N106E- N096E (after Schettino et al., 2016). DA-NU relative motion is focussed along the east-dipping MDRF in the Danakil but switches to an eastern (west-dipping) rift-border normal fault in the Dandiero, a northward extension of the Renda-Maglalla-Coma graben, separating the Dogua Horst from the main part of the NU plate. This change in rifting asymmetry occurs across a WNW/ESE-striking zone of basement faulting that terminates the Dogua Horst and functions as a left-stepping proto-transform fault zone, across the NNW direction of DA-NU proto-rift propagation. From 13-channel multispectral data of the European Space Agency satellite Sentinel-2A, a false-colour composite image, centred about MDRF and covering a wide region across the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, was created by combination of selected spectral band-ratios. This Sentinel-2A-based lithological mapping is integrated with the new ALOS AW3D30 digital elevation model, providing geomorphometric analysis and morphotectonic interpretations that allow 1) revision of previous fault-zone mapping, 2) seismotectonic contextualization of the earthquake record, and 3) improved discrimination of volcanic units and centres, both basaltic and silicic, along the northward propagating DA-NU rift zone. References McClusky, S., et al., 2010. Kinematics of the southern Red Sea-Afar Triple Junction and implications for plate dynamics. Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L05301, doi:10.1029/2009GL041127 Schettino, A., Macchiavelli, C., Pierantoni, P.P., Zanoni, D., and Rasul, N., 2016. Recent kinematics of the tectonic plates surrounding the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Geophys. J. Int., 207, 457-480, doi: 10.1093/gji/gg

Peripheral structures of the Rio Grande Rift in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, around the Colorado-New Mexico border

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fridrich, C. J.; Workman, J. B.

2009-12-01

Recently active faults of the Rio Grande rift near the Colorado-New Mexico border are almost entirely limited to the San Luis basin. In contrast, the early (≈26 to ≈10 Ma) structure of the rift in this area is significantly broader. A wide zone of abandoned, peripheral extensional structures is exposed on the eastern flank of the San Luis basin—in the west half of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, known in this area as the southern Culebra and northern Taos Ranges. New detailed mapping shows that the eastern limit of the zone of early peripheral extension is marked by an aligned series of north-trending grabens, including the Devil’s Park, Valle Vidal, and Moreno Valley basins. Master faults of these intermontaine basins are partly localized along, and evidently reactivated moderate- to high-angle Laramide (≈70 to ≈40 Ma) reverse faults of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Between these grabens and the San Luis basin lies a structural zone that varies in style from block faulting, in the north, to more closely spaced tilted-domino-style faulting in the Latir volcanic field, to the south. Additional early rift structures include several long northwest-striking faults, the largest of which are interpreted to have accommodated significant right-lateral strike-slip, based on abrupt southwestward increase in the magnitude of extension across them. These faults evidently transferred strain from the axial part of the rift into the zone of early peripheral extension, and accommodated lateral changes in structural style. Throughout the area of early peripheral extension, there is a correlation between the magnitude of local volcanism and the degree of extension; however, it is unclear if extension drove volcanism—via mantle upwelling, or if extension was maximized where the crust was weakest, owing to the presence of magma and hot rock at shallow depths.

Modeling Continuous-Time Random Processes in Digital Computer Simulations of Physical Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-08-27

hf) + BD1QD1B31 + BD2QD2B62 + BD3QD3BZ3 + BD4QD4BZ4 (51) where ODk = E[NDk-_•k] for k = 1 to 4. Note that PD(ti+l) has four BDiQDiBZi terms, one from...3 , collecting terms, and rearrang- ing equation (95), results in (aUz 3 + a 2 z 2 + a3z + ag4)hBV(z)Xlz) , (96) z 4 - alhAz 3 - (1 + a2 hA)z 2 - a 3...approximate the Taylor series form of I(h,I)? To answer this question, expand equation (1ll) in a series form , collect terms and compare it to 1(hI) . EhA

Complex dynamics and enhanced photosensitivity in a modified Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Nan; Zhao, Jinpei; Wang, Jichang

2008-06-01

This study presents an experimental investigation of nonlinear dynamics in a modified Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, in which the addition of 1,4-benzoquinone induced various complex behaviors such as mixed-mode oscillations and consecutive period-adding bifurcations. In addition, the presence of 1,4-benzoquinone significantly enhanced the photosensitivity of the ferroin-catalyzed BZ system, in which light-induced transitions between simple and complex oscillations have been achieved. Mechanistic study suggests that the influence of benzoquinone may arise from its interactions with the metal catalyst ferroin/ferriin, where cyclic voltammograms illustrate that the presence of benzoquinone causes an increase in the redox potential of ferroin/ferriin couple, which may consequently alternate the oxidation and reduction paths of the catalyst.

A 3D-analysis of cluster formation and dynamics of the X(-)-benzene (X = F, Cl, Br, I) ionic dimer solvated by Ar atoms.

PubMed

Albertí, Margarita; Huarte-Larrañaga, Fermín; Aguilar, Antonio; Lucas, José M; Pirani, Fernando

2011-05-14

The specific influence of X(-) ions (X = F,Cl, Br, I) in the solvation process of halide-benzene (X(-)-Bz) ionic heterodimers by Ar atoms is investigated by means of molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The gradual evolution from cluster rearrangement to solvation dynamics is discussed by considering ensembles of n (n = 1-15 and n = 30) Ar atoms around the X(-)-Bz stable ionic dimers. The potential energy surfaces employed are based on an atom/ion-atom and atom/ion-bond decomposition, which has been developed previously by some of the authors. The outcome of the dynamics is analyzed by employing radial distribution functions (RDF) and tridimensional (3D) probability densities.

Orientations of Pre-existing Structures along the Scarp of the Bilila-Mtakataka Fault in the Central Malawi Rift.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elifritz, E. A.; Johnson, S.; Beresh, S. C. M.; Mendez, K.; Mynatt, W. G.; Mayle, M.; Laó-Dávila, D. A.; Atekwana, E. A.; Chindandali, P. R. N.; Chisenga, C.; Gondwe, S.; Mkumbwa, M.; Kalindekafe, L.; Kalaguluka, D.; Salima, J.

2017-12-01

The NW-SE Bilila-Mtakataka Fault is suggested to be 100 km in length and is located in the Malawi Rift, a portion of the magma-poor Western Branch of the East African Rift System. This fault is exposed south of Lake Malawi and occurs close to the epicenter of the 1989 6.2 magnitude Salima Earthquake. Moreover, it traverses rocks with inherited Precambrian fabrics that may control the modern rifting process. The effect of the orientation of the pre-existing fabric on the formation of this potentially seismogenic fault has not been well studied. In this project, we measured the older foliations, dikes, and joints in addition to younger faults and striations to understand how the active faulting of the Bilila-Mtakataka Fault is affected by the older fabric. The Fault is divided into 5 segments and 4 linkage zones. All four linkage zones were studied in detail and a Brunton compass was used to determine orientations of structures. The linkage zone between segments 1 and 2 occurs between a regional WNW-ESE joint and the border fault, which is identified by a zig-zag pattern in SRTM data. Precambrian gneiss is cut by oblique steeply-dipping faults in this area. Striations and layer offsets suggest both right-lateral and normal components. This segment strikes NE-SW, in contrast with the NW-SE average strike of the entire fault. The foliations, faults, dikes, and joints collected in this area strike NE-SW, therefore running parallel to the segment. The last 3 southern linkage zones all strike NW-SE and the linkage zone between segment 3 and 4 has a steep dip angle. Dip angles of structures vary from segment to segment, having a wide range of results. Nonetheless, all four linkage zones show structures striking parallel to its segment direction. The results show that pre-existing meso-scale and regional structures and faults strike parallel to the fault scarp. The parallelism of the structures suggest that they serve as planes of weakness, controlling the localization of extension expressed as the border fault. Thus, further studies of the Precambrian foliation in the subsurface are necessary to understand the characterization of the fault where it is unexposed at depth.

Vocal behavior and risk assessment in wild chimpanzees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Michael L.; Hauser, Marc D.; Wrangham, Richard W.

2005-09-01

If, as theory predicts, animal communication is designed to manipulate the behavior of others to personal advantage, then there will be certain contexts in which vocal behavior is profitable and other cases where silence is favored. Studies conducted in Kibale National Park, Uganda investigated whether chimpanzees modified their vocal behavior according to different levels of risk from intergroup aggression, including relative numerical strength and location in range. Playback experiments tested numerical assessment, and observations of chimpanzees throughout their range tested whether they called less frequently to avoid detection in border areas. Chimpanzees were more likely to call to playback of a stranger's call if they greatly outnumbered the stranger. Chimpanzees tended to reduce calling in border areas, but not in all locations. Chimpanzees most consistently remained silent when raiding crops: they almost never gave loud pant-hoot calls when raiding banana plantations outside the park, even though they normally give many pant-hoots on arrival at high-quality food resources. These findings indicate that chimpanzees have the capacity to reduce loud call production when appropriate, but that additional factors, such as advertising territory ownership, contribute to the costs and benefits of calling in border zones.

[Study on shape and structure of calcified cartilage zone in normal human knee joint].

PubMed

Wang, Fuyou; Yang, Liu; Duan, Xiaojun; Tan, Hongbo; Dai, Gang

2008-05-01

To explore the shape and structure of calcified cartilage zone and its interface between the non-calcified articular cartilage and subchondral bone plate. The normal human condyles of femur (n=20) were obtained from the tissue bank donated by the residents, 10 males and 10 females, aged 17-45 years. The longitudinal and transverse paraffin sections were prepared by the routine method. The shape and structure of calcified cartilage zone were observed with the Safranin O/fast green and von kossa stain method. The interface conjunction among zones of cartilage was researched by SEM and the 3D structural model was established by serial sections and modeling technique. Articular bone-cartilage safranin O/fast green staining showed that cartilage was stained red and subchondral bone was stained blue. The calcified cartilage zone was located between the tidemark and cement line. Von kossa staining showed that calcified cartilage zone was stained black and sharpness of structure border. Upper interface gomphosised tightly with the non-calcified cartilage by the wave shaped tidemark and lower interface anchored tightly with the subchondral bone by the uneven comb shaped cement line. The non-calcified cartilage zone was interlocked tightly in the manner of "ravine-engomphosis" by the calcified cartilage zone as observed under SEM, and the subchondral bone was anchored tightly in the manner of"comb-anchor" by the in the calcified cartilage zone 3D reconstruction model. The calcified cartilage zone is an important structure in the articular cartilage. The articular cartilage is fixed firmly into subchondral bone plate by the distinctive conjunct interfaces of calcified cartilage zone.

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, Europe

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-30

not yet found a market. Like the ingenious blood-clot filter designed to prevent embolization . Rec- tilinear in its low-temperature phase, enabling...them to turn carbon dioxide and water into the "building blocks of life:" carbohy- drates, fats , and nucleic acids. Natural systems are not only one...structure of the device developed by the MFKI is that it is completely smooth, there are no fractured surfaces at the border of the active zone. The

Mapping Potential Amplification and Transmission Hotspots for MERS-CoV, Kenya.

PubMed

Gikonyo, Stephen; Kimani, Tabitha; Matere, Joseph; Kimutai, Joshua; Kiambi, Stella G; Bitek, Austine O; Juma Ngeiywa, K J Z; Makonnen, Yilma J; Tripodi, Astrid; Morzaria, Subhash; Lubroth, Juan; Rugalema, Gabriel; Fasina, Folorunso Oludayo

2018-03-16

Dromedary camels have been implicated consistently as the source of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) human infections and attention to prevent and control it has focused on camels. To understanding the epidemiological role of camels in the transmission of MERS-CoV, we utilized an iterative empirical process in Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify and qualify potential hotspots for maintenance and circulation of MERS-CoV, and produced risk-based surveillance sites in Kenya. Data on camel population and distribution were used to develop camel density map, while camel farming system was defined using multi-factorial criteria including the agro-ecological zones (AEZs), production and marketing practices. Primary and secondary MERS-CoV seroprevalence data from specific sites were analyzed, and location-based prevalence matching with camel densities was conducted. High-risk convergence points (migration zones, trade routes, camel markets, slaughter slabs) were profiled and frequent cross-border camel movement mapped. Results showed that high camel-dense areas and interaction (markets and migration zones) were potential hotspot for transmission and spread. Cross-border contacts occurred with in-migrated herds at hotspot locations. AEZ differential did not influence risk distribution and plausible risk factors for spatial MERS-CoV hotspots were camel densities, previous cases of MERS-CoV, high seroprevalence and points of camel convergences. Although Kenyan camels are predisposed to MERS-CoV, no shedding is documented to date. These potential hotspots, determined using anthropogenic, system and trade characterizations should guide selection of sampling/surveillance sites, high-risk locations, critical areas for interventions and policy development in Kenya, as well as instigate further virological examination of camels.