Woodpecker drumming behavior is linked to the elevated expression of genes that encode calcium handling proteins in the neck musculature.

PubMed

Schuppe, Eric R; Petersen, John O; Fuxjager, Matthew J

2018-05-31

Many animals perform elaborate physical displays for social communication. Identifying molecular mechanisms that co-evolve with these complex behavioral signals can therefore help reveal how forces of selection shape animal design. To study this issue, we examine gene expression profiles in select skeletal muscles that actuate woodpecker drum displays. This remarkable whole-body signal is produced when individuals rapidly hammer their bill against trees. We find that, compared to muscles that play no part in producing this behavior, the main muscle used to drum abundantly expresses two genes that encode proteins that support myocytic calcium (Ca 2+ ) handling dynamics-namely parvalbumin (PV) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA1). Meanwhile, we find no such difference in the expression of another gene similarly vital to Ca 2+ handling, the ryanodine receptor (RYR1). These differences are not present in a non-woodpecker species, which readily produce much slower drum-like movements for foraging (but not social signaling). Our data therefore point to an association between the fast drum displays of woodpeckers and muscle-specific expression of genes whose protein products enhance select aspects of myocytic Ca 2+ handling. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

In vitro myogenesis induced by human recombinant elastin-like proteins.

PubMed

D'Andrea, Paola; Scaini, Denis; Ulloa Severino, Luisa; Borelli, Violetta; Passamonti, Sabina; Lorenzon, Paola; Bandiera, Antonella

2015-10-01

Mammalian adult skeletal muscle has a limited ability to regenerate after injury, usage or trauma. A promising strategy for successful regenerative technology is the engineering of bio interfaces that mimic the characteristics of the extracellular matrix. Human elastin-like polypeptides (HELPs) have been synthesized as biomimetic materials that maintain some peculiar properties of the native protein. We developed a novel Human Elastin Like Polypeptide obtained by fusing the elastin-like backbone to a domain present in the α2 chain of type IV collagen, containing two RGD motives. We employed this peptide as adhesion substrate for C2C12 myoblasts and compared its effects to those induced by two other polypeptides of the HELP series. Myoblast adhered to all HELPs coatings, where they assumed morphology and cytoarchitecture that depended on the polypeptide structure. Adhesion to HELPs stimulated at a different extent cell proliferation and differentiation, the expression of Myosin Heavy Chain and the fusion of aligned fibers into multinucleated myotubes. Adhesion substrates significantly altered myotubes stiffness, measured by Atomic Force Microscopy, and differently affected the cells Ca(2+) handling capacity and the maturation of excitation-contraction coupling machinery, evaluated by Ca(2+) imaging. Overall, our findings indicate that the properties of HELP biopolymers can be exploited for dissecting the molecular connections underlying myogenic differentiation and for designing novel substrates for skeletal muscle regeneration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predictors of Calcium Retention in Adolescent Boys

PubMed Central

Hill, Kathleen M.; Braun, Michelle; Kern, Mark; Martin, Berdine R.; Navalta, James W.; Sedlock, Darlene A.; McCabe, Linda; McCabe, George P.; Peacock, Munro; Weaver, Connie M.

2008-01-01

Context: The relationship between calcium (Ca) intake and Ca retention in adolescent boys was recently reported. Objective: This study evaluated the influence of Ca intake, serum hormone levels, biomarkers of bone metabolism, habitual physical activity, habitual Ca intake, and physical fitness on Ca retention in the same sample. Design: This study was a randomized, cross-over design that consisted of two 3-wk metabolic balance periods. Setting: The study took place on a university campus as a summer camp. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 31 American white boys (13–15 yr) participated in the study. Interventions: Each subject consumed a controlled diet with one of five high-low Ca intake pairs that ranged from 670-2003 mg/d, which was manipulated utilizing a fortified beverage. Main Outcome Measures: Ca retention was determined by Ca intake minus urinary and fecal Ca excretion during each balance period. Results: Ca intake explained 21.7% of the variability in Ca retention, and serum IGF-I concentration explained an additional 11.5%. Other serum hormone levels did not significantly add to the model. Biomarkers of bone metabolism, habitual physical activity, habitual Ca intake, and physical fitness were not significant predictors of Ca retention in adolescent boys. Conclusions: IGF-I, a regulator of growth during puberty, is an important predictor of Ca retention in adolescent boys. However, dietary Ca intake is an even greater predictor of Ca retention during this period of growth. PMID:18840643

Relationship between the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-mental State Examination for assessment of mild cognitive impairment in older adults.

PubMed

Trzepacz, Paula T; Hochstetler, Helen; Wang, Shufang; Walker, Brett; Saykin, Andrew J

2015-09-07

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was developed to enable earlier detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) relative to familiar multi-domain tests like the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). Clinicians need to better understand the relationship between MoCA and MMSE scores. For this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 219 healthy control (HC), 299 MCI, and 100 Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia cases from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)-GO/2 database to evaluate MMSE and MoCA score distributions and select MoCA values to capture early and late MCI cases. Stepwise variable selection in logistic regression evaluated relative value of four test domains for separating MCI from HC. Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) was evaluated as a strategy to separate dementia from MCI. Equi-percentile equating produced a translation grid for MoCA against MMSE scores. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses evaluated lower cutoff scores for capturing the most MCI cases. Most dementia cases scored abnormally, while MCI and HC score distributions overlapped on each test. Most MCI cases scored ≥ 17 on MoCA (96.3%) and ≥ 24 on MMSE (98.3%). The ceiling effect (28-30 points) for MCI and HC was less using MoCA (18.1%) versus MMSE (71.4%). MoCA and MMSE scores correlated most for dementia (r = 0.86; versus MCI r = 0.60; HC r = 0.43). Equi-percentile equating showed a MoCA score of 18 was equivalent to MMSE of 24. ROC analysis found MoCA ≥ 17 as the cutoff between MCI and dementia that emphasized high sensitivity (92.3%) to capture MCI cases. The core and orientation domains in both tests best distinguished HC from MCI groups, whereas comprehension/executive function and attention/calculation were not helpful. Mean FAQ scores were significantly higher and a greater proportion had abnormal FAQ scores in dementia than MCI and HC. MoCA and MMSE were more similar for dementia cases, but MoCA distributes MCI cases across a broader score range with less ceiling effect. A cutoff of ≥ 17 on the MoCA may help capture early and late MCI cases; depending on the level of sensitivity desired, ≥ 18 or 19 could be used. Functional assessment can help exclude dementia cases. MoCA scores are translatable to the MMSE to facilitate comparison.

Structural analysis of Ca²⁺ dependent and Ca²⁺ independent type II antifreeze proteins: a comparative molecular dynamics simulation study.

PubMed

Kundu, Sangeeta; Roy, Debjani

2012-09-01

Comparative molecular dynamics simulations of Ca²⁺ dependent psychrophilic type II antifreeze protein (AFP) from herring (Clupea harengus) (hAFP) and Ca²⁺ dependent type II antifreeze protein from long snout poacher (Brachyopsis rostratus) (lpAFP) have been performed for 10 ns each at five different temperatures. We have tried to investigate whether the Ca²⁺ dependent protein obtains any advantage in nature over the independent one. To this end the dynamic properties of these two proteins have been compared in terms of secondary structure content, molecular flexibility, solvent accessibility, intra molecular hydrogen bonds and protein-solvent interactions. At 298 and 373 K the flexibility of the Ca²⁺ independent molecule is higher which indicates that Ca²⁺ could contribute to stabilize the structure. The thermal unfolding pathways of the two proteins have also been monitored. The rate of unfolding is similar up to 373 K, beyond that hAFP shows faster unfolding than lpAFP. The essential subspaces explored by the simulations of hAFP and lpAFP at different temperatures are significantly different as revealed from principal component analysis. Our results may help in understanding the role of Ca²⁺ for hAFP to express antifreeze activity. Furthermore our study may also help in elucidating the molecular basis of thermostability of two structurally similar proteins, which perform the same function in different manner, one in presence of Ca²⁺, and the other in absence of the same. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genome Editing to Study Ca2+ Homeostasis in Zebrafish Cone Photoreceptors.

PubMed

Brockerhoff, Susan E

2017-01-01

Photoreceptors are specialized sensory neurons with unique biological features. Phototransduction is well understood due in part to the exclusive expression and function of the molecular components of this cascade. Many other processes are less well understood, but also extremely important for understanding photoreceptor function and for treating disease. One example is the role of Ca 2+ in the cell body and overall compartmentalization and regulation of Ca 2+ within the cell. The recent development of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques has made it possible to rapidly and cheaply alter specific genes. This will help to define the biological function of elusive processes that have been more challenging to study. CRISPR/Cas9 has been optimized in many systems including zebrafish, which already has some distinct advantages for studying photoreceptor biology and function. These new genome editing technologies and the continued use of the zebrafish model system will help advance our understanding of important understudied aspects of photoreceptor biology.

CaPOW! Using Problem Sets in a Capstone Course to Improve Fourth-Year Medical Students' Confidence in Self-Directed Learning.

PubMed

Clay, Alison S; Ming, David Y; Knudsen, Nancy W; Engle, Deborah L; Grochowski, Colleen O'Connor; Andolsek, Kathryn M; Chudgar, Saumil M

2017-03-01

Despite the importance of self-directed learning (SDL) in the field of medicine, individuals are rarely taught how to perform SDL or receive feedback on it. Trainee skill in SDL is limited by difficulties with self-assessment and goal setting. Ninety-two graduating fourth-year medical students from Duke University School of Medicine completed an individualized learning plan (ILP) for a transition-to-residency Capstone course in spring 2015 to help foster their skills in SDL. Students completed the ILP after receiving a personalized report from a designated faculty coach detailing strengths and weaknesses on specific topics (e.g., pulmonary medicine) and clinical skills (e.g., generating a differential diagnosis). These were determined by their performance on 12 Capstone Problem Sets of the Week (CaPOWs) compared with their peers. Students used transitional-year milestones to self-assess their confidence in SDL. SDL was successfully implemented in a Capstone course through the development of required clinically oriented problem sets. Coaches provided guided feedback on students' performance to help them identify knowledge deficits. Students' self-assessment of their confidence in SDL increased following course completion. However, students often chose Capstone didactic sessions according to factors other than their CaPOW performance, including perceived relevance to planned specialty and session timing. Future Capstone curriculum changes may further enhance SDL skills of graduating students. Students will receive increased formative feedback on their CaPOW performance and be incentivized to attend sessions in areas of personal weakness.

Intrinsic thermodynamics of inhibitor binding to human carbonic anhydrase IX.

PubMed

Linkuvienė, Vaida; Matulienė, Jurgita; Juozapaitienė, Vaida; Michailovienė, Vilma; Jachno, Jelena; Matulis, Daumantas

2016-04-01

Human carbonic anhydrase 9th isoform (CA IX) is an important marker of numerous cancers and is increasingly interesting as a potential anticancer drug target. Various synthetic aromatic sulfonamide-bearing compounds are being designed as potent inhibitors of CA IX. However, sulfonamide compound binding to CA IX is linked to several reactions, the deprotonation of the sulfonamide amino group and the protonation of the CA active site Zn(II)-bound hydroxide. These linked reactions significantly affect the affinities and other thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpies and entropies of binding. The observed and intrinsic affinities of compound binding to CA IX were determined by the fluorescent thermal shift assay. The enthalpies and entropies of binding were determined by the isothermal titration calorimetry. The pKa of CA IX was determined to be 6.8 and the enthalpy of CA IX-Zn(II)-bound hydroxide protonation was -24 kJ/mol. These values enabled the analysis of intrinsic thermodynamics of a library of compounds binding to CA IX. The most strongly binding compounds exhibited the intrinsic affinity of 0.01 nM and the observed affinity of 2 nM. The intrinsic thermodynamic parameters of compound binding to CA IX helped to draw the compound structure to thermodynamics relationship. It is important to distinguish the intrinsic from observed parameters of any disease target protein interaction with its inhibitors as drug candidates when drawing detailed compound structure to thermodynamics correlations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of Calmodulin–Fas Death Domain Interaction: An Integrated Experimental and Computational Study

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The Fas death receptor-activated death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) regulates apoptosis in many normal and cancer cells. Qualitative biochemical experiments demonstrate that calmodulin (CaM) binds to the death domain of Fas. The interaction between CaM and Fas regulates Fas-mediated DISC formation. A quantitative understanding of the interaction between CaM and Fas is important for the optimal design of antagonists for CaM or Fas to regulate the CaM–Fas interaction, thus modulating Fas-mediated DISC formation and apoptosis. The V254N mutation of the Fas death domain (Fas DD) is analogous to an identified mutant allele of Fas in lpr-cg mice that have a deficiency in Fas-mediated apoptosis. In this study, the interactions of CaM with the Fas DD wild type (Fas DD WT) and with the Fas DD V254N mutant were characterized using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. ITC results reveal an endothermic binding characteristic and an entropy-driven interaction of CaM with Fas DD WT or with Fas DD V254N. The Fas DD V254N mutation decreased the association constant (Ka) for CaM–Fas DD binding from (1.79 ± 0.20) × 106 to (0.88 ± 0.14) × 106 M–1 and slightly increased a standard state Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) for CaM–Fas DD binding from −8.87 ± 0.07 to −8.43 ± 0.10 kcal/mol. CD secondary structure analysis and MD simulation results did not show significant secondary structural changes of the Fas DD caused by the V254N mutation. The conformational and dynamical motion analyses, the analyses of hydrogen bond formation within the CaM binding region, the contact numbers of each residue, and the electrostatic potential for the CaM binding region based on MD simulations demonstrated changes caused by the Fas DD V254N mutation. These changes caused by the Fas DD V254N mutation could affect the van der Waals interactions and electrostatic interactions between CaM and Fas DD, thereby affecting CaM–Fas DD interactions. Results from this study characterize CaM–Fas DD interactions in a quantitative way, providing structural and thermodynamic evidence of the role of the Fas DD V254N mutation in the CaM–Fas DD interaction. Furthermore, the results could help to identify novel strategies for regulating CaM–Fas DD interactions and Fas DD conformation and thus to modulate Fas-mediated DISC formation and thus Fas-mediated apoptosis. PMID:24702583

Dietary Protein and Calcium Interact to Influence Calcium Retention: A Controlled Feeding Study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Objective: To test the effect of dietary protein on Ca (Ca) retention at low and high Ca intakes. Methods: In a randomized, controlled feeding study with a 2x2 factorial crossover design, healthy post-menopausal women (n=27), consumed either ~675 or ~1510 mg Ca/d, with both low and high protein (pro...

Insights into the activity of maturation inhibitor PF-46396 on HIV-1 clade C.

PubMed

Ghimire, Dibya; Timilsina, Uddhav; Srivastava, Tryambak Pratap; Gaur, Ritu

2017-03-02

HIV maturation inhibitors are an emerging class of anti-retroviral compounds that inhibit the viral protease-mediated cleavage of the Gag, CA-SP1 (capsid-spacer peptide 1) peptide to mature CA. The first-in-class maturation inhibitor bevirimat (BVM) displayed potent activity against HIV-1 clade B but was ineffective against other HIV-1 clades including clade C. Another pyridone-based maturation inhibitor, PF-46396 displayed potent activity against HIV-1 clade B. In this study, we aimed at determining the activity of PF-46396 against HIV-1 clade C. We employed various biochemical and virological assays to demonstrate that PF-46396 is effective against HIV-1 clade C. We observed a dose dependent accumulation of CA-SP1 intermediate in presence of the compound. We carried out mutagenesis in the CA- SP1 region of HIV-1 clade C Gag and observed that the mutations conferred resistance against the compound. Many mutations inhibited Gag processing thereby reducing virus release in the absence of the compound. However, presence of PF-46396 rescued these defects and enhanced virus release, replication capacity and infectivity of HIV-1 clade C. These results put together identify PF-46396 as a broadly active maturation inhibitor against HIV-1 clade B and C and help in rational designing of novel analogs with reduced toxicity and increased efficacy for its potential use in clinics.

The Winning Number: An Heuristic Approach with the Geogebra's Help

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alves, Francisco Regis Vieira

2016-01-01

Admittedly, the study of Complex Analysis (CA) requires of the student considerable mental effort characterized by the mobilization of a related thought to the complex mathematical concepts. Thus, with the aid of the dynamic system Geogebra, we discuss in this paper a particular concept in CA. In fact, the notion of winding number v[f(gamma),P] =…

Arabidopsis transcriptional response to extracellular Ca2+ depletion involves a transient rise in cytosolic Ca2+.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Tergel, Tergel; Chen, Jianhua; Yang, Ju; Kang, Yan; Qi, Zhi

2015-02-01

Ecological evidence indicates a worldwide trend of dramatically decreased soil Ca(2+) levels caused by increased acid deposition and massive timber harvesting. Little is known about the genetic and cellular mechanism of plants' responses to Ca(2+) depletion. In this study, transcriptional profiling analysis helped identify multiple extracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+) ]ext ) depletion-responsive genes in Arabidopsis thaliana L., many of which are involved in response to other environmental stresses. Interestingly, a group of genes encoding putative cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+) ]cyt ) sensors were significantly upregulated, implying that [Ca(2+) ]cyt has a role in sensing [Ca(2+) ]ext depletion. Consistent with this observation, [Ca(2+) ]ext depletion stimulated a transient rise in [Ca(2+) ]cyt that was negatively influenced by [K(+) ]ext , suggesting the involvement of a membrane potential-sensitive component. The [Ca(2+) ]cyt response to [Ca(2+) ]ext depletion was significantly desensitized after the initial treatment, which is typical of a receptor-mediated signaling event. The response was insensitive to an animal Ca(2+) sensor antagonist, but was suppressed by neomycin, an inhibitor of phospholipase C. Gd(3+) , an inhibitor of Ca(2+) channels, suppressed the [Ca(2+) ]ext -triggered rise in [Ca(2+) ]cyt and downstream changes in gene expression. Taken together, this study demonstrates that [Ca(2+) ]cyt plays an important role in the putative receptor-mediated cellular and transcriptional response to [Ca(2+) ]ext depletion of plant cells. © 2014 Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Concordance of Results from Randomized and Observational Analyses within the Same Study: A Re-Analysis of the Women's Health Initiative Limited-Access Dataset.

PubMed

Bolland, Mark J; Grey, Andrew; Gamble, Greg D; Reid, Ian R

2015-01-01

Observational studies (OS) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often report discordant results. In the Women's Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D (WHI CaD) RCT, women were randomly assigned to CaD or placebo, but were permitted to use personal calcium and vitamin D supplements, creating a unique opportunity to compare results from randomized and observational analyses within the same study. WHI CaD was a 7-year RCT of 1g calcium/400IU vitamin D daily in 36,282 post-menopausal women. We assessed the effects of CaD on cardiovascular events, death, cancer and fracture in a randomized design- comparing CaD with placebo in 43% of women not using personal calcium or vitamin D supplements- and in a observational design- comparing women in the placebo group (44%) using personal calcium and vitamin D supplements with non-users. Incidence was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, and results from the two study designs deemed concordant if the absolute difference in hazard ratios was ≤0.15. We also compared results from WHI CaD to those from the WHI Observational Study(WHI OS), which used similar methodology for analyses and recruited from the same population. In WHI CaD, for myocardial infarction and stroke, results of unadjusted and 6/8 covariate-controlled observational analyses (age-adjusted, multivariate-adjusted, propensity-adjusted, propensity-matched) were not concordant with the randomized design results. For death, hip and total fracture, colorectal and total cancer, unadjusted and covariate-controlled observational results were concordant with randomized results. For breast cancer, unadjusted and age-adjusted observational results were concordant with randomized results, but only 1/3 other covariate-controlled observational results were concordant with randomized results. Multivariate-adjusted results from WHI OS were concordant with randomized WHI CaD results for only 4/8 endpoints. Results of randomized analyses in WHI CaD were concordant with observational analyses for 5/8 endpoints in WHI CaD and 4/8 endpoints in WHI OS.

Concordance of Results from Randomized and Observational Analyses within the Same Study: A Re-Analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative Limited-Access Dataset

PubMed Central

Bolland, Mark J.; Grey, Andrew; Gamble, Greg D.; Reid, Ian R.

2015-01-01

Background Observational studies (OS) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often report discordant results. In the Women’s Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D (WHI CaD) RCT, women were randomly assigned to CaD or placebo, but were permitted to use personal calcium and vitamin D supplements, creating a unique opportunity to compare results from randomized and observational analyses within the same study. Methods WHI CaD was a 7-year RCT of 1g calcium/400IU vitamin D daily in 36,282 post-menopausal women. We assessed the effects of CaD on cardiovascular events, death, cancer and fracture in a randomized design- comparing CaD with placebo in 43% of women not using personal calcium or vitamin D supplements- and in a observational design- comparing women in the placebo group (44%) using personal calcium and vitamin D supplements with non-users. Incidence was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, and results from the two study designs deemed concordant if the absolute difference in hazard ratios was ≤0.15. We also compared results from WHI CaD to those from the WHI Observational Study(WHI OS), which used similar methodology for analyses and recruited from the same population. Results In WHI CaD, for myocardial infarction and stroke, results of unadjusted and 6/8 covariate-controlled observational analyses (age-adjusted, multivariate-adjusted, propensity-adjusted, propensity-matched) were not concordant with the randomized design results. For death, hip and total fracture, colorectal and total cancer, unadjusted and covariate-controlled observational results were concordant with randomized results. For breast cancer, unadjusted and age-adjusted observational results were concordant with randomized results, but only 1/3 other covariate-controlled observational results were concordant with randomized results. Multivariate-adjusted results from WHI OS were concordant with randomized WHI CaD results for only 4/8 endpoints. Conclusions Results of randomized analyses in WHI CaD were concordant with observational analyses for 5/8 endpoints in WHI CaD and 4/8 endpoints in WHI OS. PMID:26440516

Molecular cloning and expression of the calmodulin gene from guinea pig hearts.

PubMed

Feng, Rui; Liu, Yan; Sun, Xuefei; Wang, Yan; Hu, Huiyuan; Guo, Feng; Zhao, Jinsheng; Hao, Liying

2015-06-01

The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize a complementary DNA (cDNA) clone encoding the calmodulin (CaM; GenBank accession no. FJ012165) gene from guinea pig hearts. The CaM gene was amplified from cDNA collected from guinea pig hearts and inserted into a pGEM®-T Easy vector. Subsequently, CaM nucleotide and protein sequence similarity analysis was conducted between guinea pigs and other species. In addition, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to investigate the CaM 3 expression patterns in different guinea pig tissues. Sequence analysis revealed that the CaM gene isolated from the guinea pig heart had ∼90% sequence identity with the CaM 3 genes in humans, mice and rats. Furthermore, the deduced peptide sequences of CaM 3 in the guinea pig showed 100% homology to the CaM proteins from other species. In addition, the RT-PCR results indicated that CaM 3 was widely and differentially expressed in guinea pigs. In conclusion, the current study provided valuable information with regard to the cloning and expression of CaM 3 in guinea pig hearts. These findings may be helpful for understanding the function of CaM3 and the possible role of CaM3 in cardiovascular diseases.

Significance of serum and bile tumor markers in the diagnostic approach of patients with malignant pancreatobiliary disease.

PubMed

Natsios, Athanasios; Vezakis, Antonios; Kaparos, Georgios; Fragulidis, Georgios; Karakostas, Nikolaos; Kouskouni, Evangelia; Logothetis, Emmanouil; Polydorou, Andreas

2015-01-01

Serum and bile tumor markers are under intense scrutiny for the diagnosis of malignant disease. The purpose of our study was to report the usefulness of serum and bile tumor markers for the discrimination between benign and malignant pancreatobiliary diseases. Between March 2010 and May 2013, 95 patients with obstructive jaundice or history of biliary obstruction, were included in the study. During ERCP, bile samples were obtained for measurement of tumor markers CEA, CA19- 9, CA125, CA72-4 and CA242. Serum samples were taken before ERCP for the same measurements. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with malignant disease and patients with benign disease. Serum tumor marker levels were significantly higher in patients with malignant disease. Serum CA242 and CA19-9 exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy (76.8% and 73.7%, respectively). CA125 and CA72-4 levels in bile samples were significantly higher in patients with malignant disease. Bile CA125, CEA and CA72-4 achieved the best diagnostic accuracy (69, 65 and 65), respectively). The combined detection of CA19-9, CA242 in serum and CA125, CA72-4 in bile along with total bilirubin levels, showed the best diagnostic accuracy (81%). Serum and bile tumor markers, when studied alone, lack the diagnostic yield to discriminate benign from malignant pancreatobiliary diseases. In cases of diagnostic dilemmas the combination of serum and bile markers might be helpful.

The first study on therapeutic efficacies of a vascular disrupting agent CA4P among primary hepatocellular carcinomas with a full spectrum of differentiation and vascularity: Correlation of MRI-microangiography-histopathology in rats.

PubMed

Liu, Yewei; De Keyzer, Frederik; Wang, Yixing; Wang, Fengna; Feng, Yuanbo; Chen, Feng; Yu, Jie; Liu, Jianjun; Song, Shaoli; Swinnen, Johan; Bormans, Guy; Oyen, Raymond; Huang, Gang; Ni, Yicheng

2018-04-29

To better inform the next clinical trials of vascular disrupting agent Combretastatin-A4-phosphate (CA4P) in patients with hepatic malignancies, this preclinical study aimed at evaluating CA4P therapeutic efficacy in rats with primary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) of a full spectrum of differentiation and vascularity by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microangiography and histopathology. Ninety-six HCCs were raised in 25 rats by diethylnitrosamine gavage. Tumor growth was monitored by T2-/T1-weighted-MRI (T2WI, T1WI) using a 3.0T scanner. Early vascular response and later intratumoral necrosis were detected by dynamic-contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and diffusion-weighted-imaging (DWI) before, 1h and 12h after CA4P iv-administration. In-vivo MRI-findings were validated by postmortem-techniques. Multi-parametric MRI revealed rapid CA4P-induced tumor vascular shutdown within 1h, followed by variable intratumoral necrosis at 12h. Tumor volumes decreased by 10% at 1h (P<0.05), but resumed at 12h. Correlations of semi-quantitative DCE parameter initial-area-under-the-gadolinium-curve (IAUGC30) with histopathology proved partial vascular closure and compensational reopening (P<0.05). The higher grades of vascularity prevented those residual tumor tissues from CA4P-caused ischemic necrosis. By histopathology using a 4-scale cellular-differentiation criteria and a 4-grade tumor-vascularity classification, percentage of CA4P-induced necrosis negatively correlated with HCC differentiation (r=-0.404, P<0.001) and tumor vascularity (r=-0.370, P<0.001). Ordinal-logistic-regression helped to predict early tumor responses to CA4P in terms of tumoral differentiation and vascularity. This study demonstrated that CA4P could induce vascular shutdown in primary HCCs within 1h, resulting in various degrees of tumor necrosis at 12h. MRI as a real-time imaging biomarker may help to define tumor vascularity and differentiation and further to predict CA4P therapeutic outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 UICC.

Microstructural and optical properties of Ca and Cr doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by auto combustion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Shraddha; Parveen, Azra; Azam, Ameer

2018-05-01

The Ca and Cr doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (Co0.8Ca0.2) (Fe0.8 Cr0.2)2O4 were synthesized by auto combustion method. Microstructural studies were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystalline size of synthesized nanoparticles as determined by the XRD was found to be 17.6 nm. These structural studies suggest that the crystal system remains spinal even with the doping of calcium and chromium. Optical properties of Ca and Cr doped cobalt ferrite were studied by UV-visible technique in the range of 200-800 nm. The energy band gap was calculated with the help of Tauc relationship. Ca and Cr doped cobalt ferrite annealed at 600°C exhibit significant dispersion in complex permeability. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of cobalt ferrite were studied as a function of frequency and were explained on the basis of Koop's theory based on Maxwell Wagner two layer models and electron hopping.

The neurobiology of collective action

PubMed Central

Zak, Paul J.; Barraza, Jorge A.

2013-01-01

This essay introduces a neurologically-informed mathematical model of collective action (CA) that reveals the role for empathy and distress in motivating costly helping behaviors. We report three direct tests of model with a key focus on the neuropeptide oxytocin as well as a variety of indirect tests. These studies, from our lab and other researchers, show support for the model. Our findings indicate that empathic concern, via the brain's release of oxytocin, is a trigger for CA. We discuss the implications from this model for our understanding why human beings engage in costly CA. PMID:24311995

Selenium Nanoparticles Formed by Modulation of Carrageenan Enhance Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

PubMed

Kim, Jin; Lee, Ki-Young; Lee, Chang-Moon

2016-03-01

Fabrication of nano-sized selenium (Se) particles may help to expend the applications of Se. In this study, we focused on the preparation and characterization of Se nanoparticles (Se NPs) modulated with carrageenan (CA). Furthermore, their influence on osteoblast cell growth was investigated in vitro. Spherical Se-NPs, of 100-200 nm diameter, were prepared simply by adding κ-, ι-, and λ-CA, which has sulfate groups, hydroxyl groups, and carboxyl groups. CA-modulated Se NPs (CA-Se NPs) were readily suspended in liquid medium with no precipitation over long time periods. In particular, it was found through Alizarin Red S staining that the growth of osteoblast D1 cells treated with λ-CA-Se NPs was improved significantly. These results suggest that Se NPs can be prepared simply, using CA, have good suspension stability in liquid medium, and λ-CA-Se NPs may induce the growth of osteoblast cells.

caGrid 1.0: An Enterprise Grid Infrastructure for Biomedical Research

PubMed Central

Oster, Scott; Langella, Stephen; Hastings, Shannon; Ervin, David; Madduri, Ravi; Phillips, Joshua; Kurc, Tahsin; Siebenlist, Frank; Covitz, Peter; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Foster, Ian; Saltz, Joel

2008-01-01

Objective To develop software infrastructure that will provide support for discovery, characterization, integrated access, and management of diverse and disparate collections of information sources, analysis methods, and applications in biomedical research. Design An enterprise Grid software infrastructure, called caGrid version 1.0 (caGrid 1.0), has been developed as the core Grid architecture of the NCI-sponsored cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG™) program. It is designed to support a wide range of use cases in basic, translational, and clinical research, including 1) discovery, 2) integrated and large-scale data analysis, and 3) coordinated study. Measurements The caGrid is built as a Grid software infrastructure and leverages Grid computing technologies and the Web Services Resource Framework standards. It provides a set of core services, toolkits for the development and deployment of new community provided services, and application programming interfaces for building client applications. Results The caGrid 1.0 was released to the caBIG community in December 2006. It is built on open source components and caGrid source code is publicly and freely available under a liberal open source license. The core software, associated tools, and documentation can be downloaded from the following URL: https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/workspaces/Architecture/caGrid. Conclusions While caGrid 1.0 is designed to address use cases in cancer research, the requirements associated with discovery, analysis and integration of large scale data, and coordinated studies are common in other biomedical fields. In this respect, caGrid 1.0 is the realization of a framework that can benefit the entire biomedical community. PMID:18096909

Clinical waste incinerators in Cameroon--a case study.

PubMed

Mochungong, Peter Ikome Kuwoh; Gulis, Gabriel; Sodemann, Morten

2012-01-01

Incinerators are widely used to treat clinical waste in Cameroon's Northwest Region. These incinerators cause public apprehension owing to purported risks to operators, communities and the environment. This article aims to summarize findings from an April 2008 case study. Three incinerators were randomly selected and investigated for site, design and operating standards. Empirical field observation was adopted and data collected through inventory and informal interviews. Bottom ash samples collected from the incinerators were prepared according to standard procedures and analyzed for heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Emission Spectroscopy. Shortcomings associated with site selection, design and operation standards were identified. Chemical analysis revealed that Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mg and Ca were present in the bottom ash with mean concentration ranging from 10 mg/kg for Pb to 178080 mg/kg for Ca. For logistic reasons, feedstock quantity and quality into the incinerators were not investigated. Neither were soil samples around and away from the incinerators. Although highly favored, clinical waste incineration methods in this region have to be reconsidered. A thorough health and environmental impact assessment is suggested before subsequent decisions on choice and disposal site is made. This will curb potential negative impacts to the environment and public health. This article adds a different perspective and sheds additional information to the debate on unsatisfactory clinical waste incinerators in resources-poor countries. Alternative methods to incineration are presented that will be helpful to practitioners.

Screening of medium constituents for clavulanic acid production by Streptomyces clavuligerus.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Kaio César da Silva; Souza, Arianne Tairyne de; Badino, Alberto Colli; Pedrolli, Danielle Biscaro; Cerri, Marcel Otavio

2018-03-15

Clavulanic acid is a β-lactam compound with potent inhibitory activity against β-lactamases. Studies have shown that certain amino acids play essential roles in CA biosynthesis. However, quantitative evaluations of the effects of these amino acids are still needed in order to improve CA production. Here, we report a study of the nutritional requirements of Streptomyces clavuligerus for CA production. Firstly, the influence of the primary nitrogen source and the salts composition was investigated. Subsequently, soybean protein isolate was supplemented with arginine (0.0-3.20gL -1 ), threonine (0.0-1.44gL -1 ), ornithine (0.0-4.08gL -1 ), and glutamate (0.0-8.16gL -1 ), according to a two-level central composite rotatable design. A medium containing ferrous sulfate yielded CA production of 437mgL -1 , while a formulation without this salt produced only 41mgL -1 of CA. This substantial difference suggested that Fe 2+ is important for CA biosynthesis. The experimental design showed that glutamate and ornithine negatively influenced CA production while arginine and threonine had no influence. The soybean protein isolate provided sufficient C5 precursor for CA biosynthesis, so that supplementation was unnecessary. Screening of medium components, together with experimental design tools, could be a valuable way of enhancing CA titers and reducing the process costs. Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Comparative studies on troponin, a Ca²⁺-dependent regulator of muscle contraction, in striated and smooth muscles of protochordates.

PubMed

Obinata, Takashi; Sato, Naruki

2012-01-01

Troponin is well known as a Ca(2+)-dependent regulator of striated muscle contraction and it has been generally accepted that troponin functions as an inhibitor of muscle contraction or actin-myosin interaction at low Ca(2+) concentrations, and Ca(2+) at higher concentrations removes the inhibitory action of troponin. Recently, however, troponin became detectable in non-striated muscles of several invertebrates and in addition, unique troponin that functions as a Ca(2+)-dependent activator of muscle contraction has been detected in protochordate animals, although troponin in vertebrate striated muscle is known as an inhibitor of the contraction in the absence of a Ca(2+). Further studies on troponin in invertebrate muscle, especially in non-striated muscle, would provide new insight into the evolution of regulatory systems for muscle contraction and diverse function of troponin and related proteins. The methodology used for preparation and characterization of functional properties of protochordate striated and smooth muscles will be helpful for further studies of troponin in other invertebrate animals. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Benzothiazepine CGP37157 and its 2'-isopropyl analogue modulate Ca²⁺ entry through CALHM1.

PubMed

Moreno-Ortega, Ana J; Martínez-Sanz, Francisco J; Lajarín-Cuesta, Rocío; de Los Rios, Cristóbal; Cano-Abad, María F

2015-08-01

CALHM1 is a Ca(2+) channel discovered in 2008, which plays a key role in the neuronal electrical activity, among other functions. However, there are no known efficient blockers able to modulate its Ca(2+) handling ability. We herein describe that benzothiazepine CGP37157 and its newly synthesized analogue ITH12575 reduced Ca(2+) influx through CALHM1 at low micromolar concentrations. These results could serve as a starting point for the development of more selective CALHM1 ligands using CGP37157 as a hit compound, which would help to study the physiological role of CALHM1 in the control of [Ca(2+)]cyt in excitable cells, as well as its implication in CNS diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ca biogeochemical cycle at the beech tree - soil solution interface from the Strengbach CZO (NE France): a clue from stable Ca and radiogenic Sr isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Anne-Désirée; Gangloff, Sophie; Labolle, François; Chabaux, François; Stille, Peter

2017-04-01

Stable calcium and radiogenic Sr are analysed in several organs from two beech trees that were collected in June and September in the Strengbach CZO (NE France) and in corresponding soil solutions. The combination of these two isotopic systems shows that the isotopic signatures of roots are dominated by Ca fractionation mechanisms and Sr, and thus Ca, source variations. In contrast, translocation mechanisms are only governed by Ca fractionation processes. This study also confirms in the field that the Ca uptake mechanisms from nutritive solutions are controlled by adsorption processes in small roots because of physico-chemical mechanisms. Similarly, a study of surface soil solutions suggests that recent soil waters are less affected by vegetation uptake than in the past, probably because of a decline in the growth of the vegetation that is linked to climate warming, which causes drought episodes. Thus, soil solutions reflect the role of soil components in addition to nutrient uptake by vegetation. This isotopic Ca-Sr study also helps to identify one-time events that are caused by snow cover melting and/or dry episodes that release cations.

Calcium transport in gill cells of Ucides cordatus, a mangrove crab living in variable salinity environments.

PubMed

Leite, V P; Zanotto, F P

2013-10-01

Crustaceans show discontinuous growth and have been used as a model system for studying cellular mechanisms of calcium transport, which is the main mineral found in their exoskeleton. Ucides cordatus, a mangrove crab, is naturally exposed to fluctuations in calcium and salinity. To study calcium transport in this species during isosmotic conditions, dissociated gill cells were marked with fluo-3 and intracellular Ca(2+) change was followed by adding extracellular Ca(2+) as CaCl2 (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 5mM), together with different inhibitors. For control gill cells, Ca(2+) transport followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with Vmax=0.137±0.001 ∆Ca(2+)i (μM×22.10(4)cells(-1)×180s(-1); N=4; r(2)=0.99); Km=0.989±0.027mM. The use of different inhibitors for gill cells showed that amiloride (Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange inhibitor) inhibited 80% of Ca(2+) transport in gill cells (Vmax). KB-R, an inhibitor of Ca influx in vertebrates, similarly caused a decrease in Ca(2+) transport and verapamil (Ca(2+) channel inhibitor) had no effect on Ca(2+) transport, while nifedipine (another Ca(2+) channel inhibitor) caused a 20% decrease in Ca(2+) affinity compared to control values. Ouabain, on the other hand, caused no change in Ca(2+) transport, while vanadate increased the concentration of intracellular calcium through inhibition of Ca(2+) efflux probably through the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase. Results show that transport kinetics for Ca(2+) in these crabs under isosmotic conditions is lower compared to a hyper-regulator freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei studied earlier using fluorescent Ca(2+) probes. These kinds of studies will help understanding the comparative mechanisms underlying the evolution of Ca transport in crabs living in different environments. © 2013.

From childhood adversity to problem behaviors: Role of psychological and structural social integration.

PubMed

Chao, Lo-Hsin; Tsai, Meng-Che; Liang, Ya-Lun; Strong, Carol; Lin, Chung-Ying

2018-01-01

Childhood adversity (CA) is associated with problem behaviors in adolescence, but the mediators, that is, those factors that help build resilience and prevent some children who experience CA from engaging in problem behaviors, await more exploration, including social integration. The aim of this study was to identify the association between CA and adolescent problem behaviors, and to further examine the mediating role of social integration distinctly as psychological and structural integration. Data used were from the Taiwan Education Panel Survey, a core panel of 4,261 students (age 13) surveyed in 2001 and followed for three more waves until age 18. For psychological integration, an average score was calculated to represent adolescents' feelings about their school. Structural integration was constructed using several items about adolescents' school and extracurricular activities. We used structural equation modeling with the diagonally weighted least squares method to examine the effect of CA on the primary outcome: adolescent problem behaviors via social integration. The hypothesized structural equation model specifying the path from CA to adolescent problem behavior had good fit. Respondents with one CA were indirectly linked to problem behaviors via psychological but not structural integration (e.g. the level of participation in school and non-school activities). On mediation analysis, psychological integration significantly mediated the paths from one CA to all six problem behaviors (all P < 0.05). The presence of only one CA was indirectly associated with problem behavior via psychological integration; two or more CA were not associated with significant paths to problem behaviors. The contribution of social integration is crucial to an adolescent's development from CA to problem behaviors. To form supportive social relationships to achieve better health, we suggest that those adolescents who have been exposed to CA should be helped to join more teams and take part in more activities, thereby increasing their opportunities for social interaction, and improving their communication skills. © 2017 Japan Pediatric Society.

Metabolomic and physico-chemical approach unravel dynamic regulation of calcium in sweet cherry fruit physiology.

PubMed

Michailidis, Michail; Karagiannis, Evangelos; Tanou, Georgia; Karamanoli, Katerina; Lazaridou, Athina; Matsi, Theodora; Molassiotis, Athanassios

2017-07-01

Calcium (Ca 2 ) nutrition has a significant role in fruit physiology; however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, fruit quality in response to CaCl 2 , applied via foliar sprays (Ca 2 ) or/and hydro-cooling water (Ca HC ), was characterized in 'Lapins' cherries at harvest, just after cold storage (20 days at 0 °C) as well as after cold storage followed by 2 days at 20 °C, herein defined as shelf-life period. Data indicated that pre- and post-harvest Ca 2+ applications increased total Ca 2+ and cell wall bound Ca 2+ , respectively. Treatment with Ca reduced cracking whereas Ca + Ca HC condition depressed stem browning. Both skin penetration and stem removal were affected by Ca 2+ feeding. Also, several color- and antioxidant-related parameters were induced by Ca 2+ treatments. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in primary metabolites among the Ca 2+ treatments, including sugars (eg., glucose, fructose), soluble alcohols (eg., arabitol, sorbitol), organic acids (eg.,malate, quinate) and amino acids (eg., glycine, beta-alanine). This work helps to improve our knowledge on the fruit's response to Ca 2+ nutrition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Laboratory Study on Prevention of CaO-Containing ASTM "D-Type" Inclusions in Al-Deoxidized Low-Oxygen Steel Melts During Basic Slag Refining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Min; Wang, Xin-Hua; Yang, Die; Lei, Shao-Long; Wang, Kun-Peng

2015-12-01

Present work was attempted to explore the possibility of preventing CaO-containing inclusions in Al-deoxidized low-oxygen special steel during basic slag refining, which were known as ASTM D-type inclusions. Based on the analysis on formation thermodynamics of CaO-containing inclusions, a series of laboratory experiments were designed and carried out in a vacuum induction furnace. During the experiments, slag/steel reaction equilibrium was intentionally suppressed with the aim to decrease the CaO contents in inclusions, which is different from ordinary concept that slag/steel reaction should be promoted for better control of inclusions. The obtained results showed that high cleanliness of steel was obtained in all the steel melts, with total oxygen contents varied between 0.0003 and 0.0010 pct. Simultaneously, formation of CaO-containing inclusions was successfully prohibited, and all the formed oxide inclusions were MgO-Al2O3 or/and Al2O3 in very small sizes of about 1 to 3 μm. And 90 pct to nearly 98 pct of them were wrapped by relative thicker MnS outer surface layers to produce dual-phased "(MgO-Al2O3) + MnS" or "Al2O3 + MnS" complex inclusions. Because of much better ductility of MnS, certain deformability of these complex inclusions can be expected which is helpful to improve fatigue resistance property of steel. Only very limited number of singular MnS inclusions were with sizes larger than 13 μm, which were formed during solidification because of. In the end, formation of oxide inclusions in steel was qualitatively evaluated and discussed.

Educating Parents About Pediatric Research: Children and Clinical Studies Website Qualitative Evaluation.

PubMed

Marceau, Lisa D; Welch, Lisa C; Pemberton, Victoria L; Pearson, Gail D

2016-07-01

A gap in information about pediatric clinical trials exists, and parents remain uncertain about what is involved in research studies involving children. We aimed to understand parent perspectives about pediatric clinical research after viewing the online Children and Clinical Studies (CaCS) program. Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted focus groups with parents and phone interviews with physicians. Three themes emerged providing approaches to improve parent's understanding of clinical research by including strategies where parents (a) hear from parents like themselves to learn about pediatric research, (b) receive general clinical research information to complement study-specific details, and (c) are provided more information about the role of healthy child volunteers. Parents found the website a valuable tool that would help them make a decision about what it means to participate in research. This tool can assist parents, providers, and researchers by connecting general information with study-specific information. © The Author(s) 2015.

Understanding peptide competitive inhibition of botulinum neurotoxin A binding to SV2 protein via molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Chang, Shan; He, Hong-Qiu; Shen, Lin; Wan, Hua

2015-10-01

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are known as the most toxic natural substances. Synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) has been proposed to be a protein receptor for BoNT/A. Recently, two short peptides (BoNT/A-A2 and SV2C-A3) were designed to inhibit complex formation between the BoNT/A receptor-binding domain (BoNT/A-RBD) and the synaptic vesicle protein 2C luminal domain (SV2C-LD). In this article, the two peptide complex systems are studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The structural stability analysis indicates that BoNT/A-A2 system is more stable than SV2C-A3 system. The conformational analysis implies that the β-sheet in BoNT/A-A2 system maintains its secondary structure but the two β-strands in SV2C-A3 system have remarkable conformational changes. Based on the calculation of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions and cation-π interactions, it is found that the internal hydrogen bonds play crucial roles in the structural stability of the peptides. Because of the stable secondary structure, the β-sheet in BoNT/A-A2 system establishes effective interactions at the interface and inhibits BoNT/A-RBD binding to SV2C-LD. In contrast, without other β-strands forming internal hydrogen bonds, the two isolated β-strands in SV2C-A3 system become the random coil. This conformational change breaks important hydrogen bonds and weakens cation-π interaction in the interface, so the complex formation is only partially inhibited by the two β-strands. These results are consistent with experimental studies and may be helpful in understanding the inhibition mechanisms of peptide inhibitors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Culturally adapted versus standard exposure treatment for phobic Asian Americans: Treatment efficacy, moderators, and predictors.

PubMed

Pan, David; Huey, Stanley J; Hernandez, Dominica

2011-01-01

This study is a 6-month follow-up of a randomized pilot evaluation of standard one-session treatment (OST-S) versus culturally adapted OST (OST-CA) with phobic Asian Americans. OST-CA included seven cultural adaptations drawn from prior research with East Asians and Asian Americans. Results from 1-week and 6-month follow-up show that both OST-S and OST-CA were effective at reducing phobic symptoms compared with self-help control. Moreover, OST-CA was superior to OST-S for several outcomes. For catastrophic thinking and general fear, moderator analyses indicated that low-acculturation Asian Americans benefitted more from OST-CA than OST-S, whereas both treatments were equally effective for high-acculturation participants. Although cultural process factors (e.g., facilitating emotional control, exploiting the vertical therapist-client relationship) and working alliance were predictive of positive outcomes, they did not mediate treatment effects. This study offers a potential model for evaluating cultural adaptation effects, as well as the mechanisms that account for such effects.

20 CFR 10.301 - May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to another medical specialist or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... on the authority of Form CA-16. The employer should not issue a second Form CA-16. ... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false May the physician designated on Form CA-16... Benefits Emergency Medical Care § 10.301 May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to...

20 CFR 10.301 - May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to another medical specialist or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... on the authority of Form CA-16. The employer should not issue a second Form CA-16. ... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false May the physician designated on Form CA-16... Benefits Emergency Medical Care § 10.301 May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to...

20 CFR 10.301 - May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to another medical specialist or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... on the authority of Form CA-16. The employer should not issue a second Form CA-16. ... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2013-04-01 2012-04-01 true May the physician designated on Form CA-16... Benefits Emergency Medical Care § 10.301 May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to...

20 CFR 10.301 - May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to another medical specialist or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... on the authority of Form CA-16. The employer should not issue a second Form CA-16. ... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false May the physician designated on Form CA-16... Benefits Emergency Medical Care § 10.301 May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to...

20 CFR 10.301 - May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to another medical specialist or...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... on the authority of Form CA-16. The employer should not issue a second Form CA-16. ... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2014-04-01 2012-04-01 true May the physician designated on Form CA-16... Benefits Emergency Medical Care § 10.301 May the physician designated on Form CA-16 refer the employee to...

Genome Data Exploration Using Correspondence Analysis

PubMed Central

Tekaia, Fredj

2016-01-01

Recent developments of sequencing technologies that allow the production of massive amounts of genomic and genotyping data have highlighted the need for synthetic data representation and pattern recognition methods that can mine and help discovering biologically meaningful knowledge included in such large data sets. Correspondence analysis (CA) is an exploratory descriptive method designed to analyze two-way data tables, including some measure of association between rows and columns. It constructs linear combinations of variables, known as factors. CA has been used for decades to study high-dimensional data, and remarkable inferences from large data tables were obtained by reducing the dimensionality to a few orthogonal factors that correspond to the largest amount of variability in the data. Herein, I review CA and highlight its use by considering examples in handling high-dimensional data that can be constructed from genomic and genetic studies. Examples in amino acid compositions of large sets of species (viruses, phages, yeast, and fungi) as well as an example related to pairwise shared orthologs in a set of yeast and fungal species, as obtained from their proteome comparisons, are considered. For the first time, results show striking segregations between yeasts and fungi as well as between viruses and phages. Distributions obtained from shared orthologs show clusters of yeast and fungal species corresponding to their phylogenetic relationships. A direct comparison with the principal component analysis method is discussed using a recently published example of genotyping data related to newly discovered traces of an ancient hominid that was compared to modern human populations in the search for ancestral similarities. CA offers more detailed results highlighting links between modern humans and the ancient hominid and their characterizations. Compared to the popular principal component analysis method, CA allows easier and more effective interpretation of results, particularly by the ability of relating individual patterns with their corresponding characteristic variables. PMID:27279736

Ca2+-stabilized adhesin helps an Antarctic bacterium reach out and bind ice.

PubMed

Vance, Tyler D R; Olijve, Luuk L C; Campbell, Robert L; Voets, Ilja K; Davies, Peter L; Guo, Shuaiqi

2014-07-04

The large size of a 1.5-MDa ice-binding adhesin [MpAFP (Marinomonas primoryensis antifreeze protein)] from an Antarctic Gram-negative bacterium, M. primoryensis, is mainly due to its highly repetitive RII (Region II). MpAFP_RII contains roughly 120 tandem copies of an identical 104-residue repeat. We have previously determined that a single RII repeat folds as a Ca2+-dependent immunoglobulin-like domain. Here, we solved the crystal structure of RII tetra-tandemer (four tandem RII repeats) to a resolution of 1.8 Å. The RII tetra-tandemer reveals an extended (~190-Å × ~25-Å), rod-like structure with four RII-repeats aligned in series with each other. The inter-repeat regions of the RII tetra-tandemer are strengthened by Ca2+ bound to acidic residues. SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) profiles indicate the RII tetra-tandemer is significantly rigidified upon Ca2+ binding, and that the protein's solution structure is in excellent agreement with its crystal structure. We hypothesize that >600 Ca2+ help rigidify the chain of ~120 104-residue repeats to form a ~0.6 μm rod-like structure in order to project the ice-binding domain of MpAFP away from the bacterial cell surface. The proposed extender role of RII can help the strictly aerobic, motile bacterium bind ice in the upper reaches of the Antarctic lake where oxygen and nutrients are most abundant. Ca2+-induced rigidity of tandem Ig-like repeats in large adhesins might be a general mechanism used by bacteria to bind to their substrates and help colonize specific niches.

A study of inter-crystallite spaces in some polycrystalline inorganic systems using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shantarovich, V. P.; Suzuki, T.; Ito, Y.; Kondo, K.; Gustov, V. W.; Melikhov, I. V.; Berdonosov, S. S.; Ivanov, L. N.; Yu, R. S.

2007-02-01

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was used for calculation of number density and effective sizes of free volume holes (inter-crystallite spaces) in polycrystal CaSO 4, CaCO 3 (vaterit) and Ca 10(PO 4) 6(OH) 2 (apatite). The effect of substitution of two-valence Ca(II) for three-valence Eu(III) on annihilation characteristics of apatite, studied together with the data on thermo-stimulated luminescence (TSL) and low-temperature sorption of gas (N 2), helped to elucidate mechanism of positronium atom (Ps) localization in the free volume holes and perform corresponding calculations. It came out that PALS is more sensitive to inter-crystallite sites (10 16 cm -3) in polycrystallites than to the free volume holes in polymer glasses (10 19 cm -3). This is due to higher mobility of the precursor of localized Ps in crystallites.

Evolved Late-Type Star FUV Spectra: Mass Loss and Fluorescence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harper, Graham M.

2005-01-01

This proposal was for a detailed analysis of the far ultraviolet (FUV) photoionizing radiation that provides crucial input physics for mass loss studies, e.g., observations of the flux below 10448, allow us to constrain the Ca II/Ca III balance and make significant progress beyond previous optical studies on stellar mass loss and circumstellar photochemistry. Our targets selection provided good spectral-type coverage required to help unravel the Ca II/Ca III balance as the mass-loss rates increase by over three orders of magnitude from K5 III to M5 III. We also explored the relationship between the FUV radiation field and other UV diagnostics to allow us to empirically estimate the FUV radiation field for the vast majority of stars which are too faint to be observed with FUSE, and to improve upon their uncertain mass-loss rates.

Research in Traveling Wave Charge Transport Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-02-01

Continue on reverse if necessaty and identify by block number) This final report describes progress in fundamental tasks directed toward the...guidance and knowledge that helped me pursue my studies. I am grateful to Ed Bogus and Jim Peterson for taking the time and eifort to teach me the art of...CA 93555 DL-6 mfifi im mssm S3 SUPERINTENDENT (CODE 1424) NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA 93943-5100 Ö COr-’lANDING OFFICER NAVAL

Regulation of the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel CaVα2δ-1 subunit expression by the transcription factor Egr-1.

PubMed

González-Ramírez, Ricardo; Martínez-Hernández, Elizabeth; Sandoval, Alejandro; Gómez-Mora, Kimberly; Felix, Ricardo

2018-04-23

It is well known that the Ca V α 2 δ auxiliary subunit regulates the density of high voltage-activated Ca 2+ channels in the plasma membrane and that alterations in their functional expression might have implications in the pathophysiology of diverse human diseases such as neuropathic pain. However, little is known concerning the transcriptional regulation of this protein. We previously characterized the promoter of Ca V α 2 δ, and here we report its regulation by the transcription factor Egr-1. Using the neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells, we found that Egr-1 interacts specifically with its binding site in the promoter, affecting the transcriptional regulation of Ca V α 2 δ. Overexpression and knockdown analysis of Egr-1 showed significant changes in the transcriptional activity of the Ca V α 2 δ promoter. Egr-1 also regulated the expression of Ca V α 2 δ at the level of protein. Also, functional studies showed that Egr-1 knockdown significantly decreases Ca 2+ currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, while overexpression of the transcription factor increased Ca 2+ currents in the F11 cell line, a hybrid of DRG and N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells. Studying the effects of Egr-1 on the transcriptional expression of Ca V α 2 δ could help to understand the regulatory mechanisms of this protein in both health and disease. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toward New Magnesium Alloy Design - Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Influence of Alloying Elements on Deformation Twinning

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-27

Research Office (W911NF-12-1-0023). Ab initio calculations have been performed to study the effects of solute atoms on the c/a ratio of magnesium alloys ... effects of alloying elements on the c/a ratio of magnesium were performed. The most commonly and extensively used alloying elements such as Al, Mn, and... Magnesium Alloy Design - Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Influence of Alloying Elements on Deformation Twinning M.F. Horstemeyer

Urban Land Cover Mapping Accuracy Assessment - A Cost-benefit Analysis Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, T.

2012-12-01

One of the most important components in urban land cover mapping is mapping accuracy assessment. Many statistical models have been developed to help design simple schemes based on both accuracy and confidence levels. It is intuitive that an increased number of samples increases the accuracy as well as the cost of an assessment. Understanding cost and sampling size is crucial in implementing efficient and effective of field data collection. Few studies have included a cost calculation component as part of the assessment. In this study, a cost-benefit sampling analysis model was created by combining sample size design and sampling cost calculation. The sampling cost included transportation cost, field data collection cost, and laboratory data analysis cost. Simple Random Sampling (SRS) and Modified Systematic Sampling (MSS) methods were used to design sample locations and to extract land cover data in ArcGIS. High resolution land cover data layers of Denver, CO and Sacramento, CA, street networks, and parcel GIS data layers were used in this study to test and verify the model. The relationship between the cost and accuracy was used to determine the effectiveness of each sample method. The results of this study can be applied to other environmental studies that require spatial sampling.

Science to Help Understand and Manage Important Ground-Water Resources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nickles, James

2008-01-01

Throughout California, as pressure on water resources continues to grow, water-supply agencies are looking to the state?s biggest ?reservoir? ? its ground-water basins ? for supply and storage. To better utilize that resource, the Sweetwater Authority and other local partners, including the city of San Diego and Otay Water Districts, are working with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to develop the first comprehensive study of the coastal ground-water resources of southern San Diego County. USGS research is providing the integrated geologic and hydrologic knowledge necessary to help effectively utilize this resource on a coordinated, regional basis. USGS scientists are building a real-time well-monitoring network and gathering information about how the aquifers respond to different pumping and recharge-management strategies. Real-time ground-water levels are recorded every hour and are viewable on a project web site (http://ca.water.usgs.gov/sandiego/index.html). Data from the wells are helping to define the geology and hydrogeology of the area, define ground-water quality, and assess ground-water levels. The wells also are strategi-cally placed and designed to be usable by the local agencies for decades to come to help manage surface-water and ground-water operations. Additionally, the knowledge gained from the USGS study will help local, state, and federal agencies; water purveyors; and USGS scientists to understand the effects of urbanization on the local surface-water, ground-water, and biological resources, and to better critique ideas and opportuni-ties for additional ground-water development in the San Diego area.

Informatics in radiology (infoRAD): A complete continuous-availability PACS archive server.

PubMed

Liu, Brent J; Huang, H K; Cao, Fei; Zhou, Michael Z; Zhang, Jianguo; Mogel, Greg

2004-01-01

The operational reliability of the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) server in a filmless hospital environment is always a major concern because server failure could cripple the entire PACS operation. A simple, low-cost, continuous-availability (CA) PACS archive server was designed and developed. The server makes use of a triple modular redundancy (TMR) system with a simple majority voting logic that automatically identifies a faulty module and removes it from service. The remaining two modules continue normal operation with no adverse effects on data flow or system performance. In addition, the server is integrated with two external mass storage devices for short- and long-term storage. Evaluation and testing of the server were conducted with laboratory experiments in which hardware failures were simulated to observe recovery time and the resumption of normal data flow. The server provides maximum uptime (99.999%) for end users while ensuring the transactional integrity of all clinical PACS data. Hardware failure has only minimal impact on performance, with no interruption of clinical data flow or loss of data. As hospital PACS become more widespread, the need for CA PACS solutions will increase. A TMR CA PACS archive server can reliably help achieve CA in this setting. Copyright RSNA, 2004

Electrical and thermal properties of Ca and Ni doped barium ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Shraddha; Parveen, Azra; Azam, Ameer

2018-05-01

Ca and Ni doped M type Barium ferrite of the composition ((Ba0.9Ca0.1) (Fe0.8 Ni0.2)12O19) were prepared by the traditional sol gel auto combustion method using citric acid as a fuel. Microstructural analyses were carried out with the help of XRD and SEM. XRD analysis is the evidence of nanometer regime along with crystalline planes of hexagonal structure. It also confirms the hexagonal structure of barium ferrite even with the doping of Ca and Ni. SEM analysis is the signature of the spherical shape and surface morphology of agglomerated form of nano-powders of doped samples. The thermal properties of samples were carried out with the help of TGA. That shows the variation of weight loss of the prepared sample with the temperature.

caGrid 1.0: an enterprise Grid infrastructure for biomedical research.

PubMed

Oster, Scott; Langella, Stephen; Hastings, Shannon; Ervin, David; Madduri, Ravi; Phillips, Joshua; Kurc, Tahsin; Siebenlist, Frank; Covitz, Peter; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Foster, Ian; Saltz, Joel

2008-01-01

To develop software infrastructure that will provide support for discovery, characterization, integrated access, and management of diverse and disparate collections of information sources, analysis methods, and applications in biomedical research. An enterprise Grid software infrastructure, called caGrid version 1.0 (caGrid 1.0), has been developed as the core Grid architecture of the NCI-sponsored cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG) program. It is designed to support a wide range of use cases in basic, translational, and clinical research, including 1) discovery, 2) integrated and large-scale data analysis, and 3) coordinated study. The caGrid is built as a Grid software infrastructure and leverages Grid computing technologies and the Web Services Resource Framework standards. It provides a set of core services, toolkits for the development and deployment of new community provided services, and application programming interfaces for building client applications. The caGrid 1.0 was released to the caBIG community in December 2006. It is built on open source components and caGrid source code is publicly and freely available under a liberal open source license. The core software, associated tools, and documentation can be downloaded from the following URL: https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/workspaces/Architecture/caGrid. While caGrid 1.0 is designed to address use cases in cancer research, the requirements associated with discovery, analysis and integration of large scale data, and coordinated studies are common in other biomedical fields. In this respect, caGrid 1.0 is the realization of a framework that can benefit the entire biomedical community.

Frequency distribution of interleukin-10 haplotypes (-1082 A>G, -819 C>T, and -592 C>A) in a Mexican population.

PubMed

Vázquez-Villamar, M; Palafox-Sánchez, C A; Hernández-Bello, J; Muñoz-Valle, J F; Valle, Y; Cruz, A; Alatorre-Meza, A I; Oregon-Romero, E

2016-11-03

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is an immunoregulatory cytokine with multiple roles in the immune system. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions -1082 (A>G), -819 (C>T), and -592 (C>A) in the promoter region of the IL10 gene are believed to be associated with different inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. These polymorphisms exhibit a strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and form three principal haplotypes (GCC, ACC, and ATA). The GCC and ATA haplotypes have been associated with high and low levels of IL-10 production, respectively. The aim of this study was to establish the allele and haplotype frequencies of the IL10 polymorphisms in Mestizos from western Mexico. SNPs were analyzed in 340 healthy unrelated Mestizos from western Mexico by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The studied population presented significant differences, in the distribution of IL10 polymorphisms, from the Asian, African, and European populations. We also observed a strong LD within -1082 A>G, -819 C>T, and -592 C>A (100% pc = 7.735 x 10 -18 ). The haplotypes ACC (45.4%), ATA (22.0%), GTA (14.9%), and GCC (13.9%) were most frequently observed in this population. The haplotype frequencies, however, differed from those reported previously in Mestizos from central Mexico, Asians, Africans, and European Caucasians, suggesting a differential gene flow in the Mexican Mestizo population. This could account for the genetic variability between Mexicans and populations of other ethnicities. The study of these polymorphisms and their haplotypes could help in expanding our knowledge to design future disease-risk studies on the western Mexican population.

Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of 3,4-dihydropyridopyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives as a novel class of sodium/calcium exchanger inhibitor.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Hirohiko; Muraoka, Masami; Ohmori, Mikiko; Matsui, Kazuki; Kojima, Atsuyuki

2005-10-01

Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships for 3,4-dihydropyridopyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives, which are aza-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinazolinone derivatives, as the sodium/calcium (Na+/Ca2+) exchanger inhibitors are discussed. These studies based on 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinazolinone derivatives led to the discovery of a structurally novel and potent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitor, 3,4-dihydropyridopyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivative (26), with an IC30 value of 0.02 microM. Compound 26 directly inhibited the Na+-dependent Ca2+ influx via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger after Na+-free treatment in cardiomyocytes.

Inhibitory effects of CaO/Fe2O3 on arsenic emission during sewage sludge pyrolysis.

PubMed

Han, Hengda; Hu, Song; Lu, Chaofeng; Wang, Yi; Jiang, Long; Xiang, Jun; Su, Sheng

2016-10-01

This work aimed to investigate effects and reaction mechanisms of CaO/Fe2O3 on emission behaviors of arsenic during sewage sludge pyrolysis. The results showed that 24.8-54.2%, 26.4-60.4% and 27.7-63.1% of arsenic escaped from three samples when pyrolysis process happened at 723, 923 and 1123K respectively. And the sludge which contained higher calcium and iron contents released less arsenic than others. External CaO and Fe2O3 were added into the sewage sludge to study their effects on arsenic emissions during pyrolysis, where both of them inhibited arsenic emission effectively, especially at high temperatures. With the help of thermogravimetry analysis and X-ray fluorescence, inhibitory mechanisms of CaO/Fe2O3 on arsenic emission during sewage sludge pyrolysis were studied. CaO could react with As2O3, As2S3 and NaAsO2 to form nonvolatile substances, such as Ca(AsO2)2; while Fe2O3 could react with NaAsO2 to generate certain substances which was stable below 1123K. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How to Use CA-125 More Effectively in the Diagnosis of Deep Endometriosis

PubMed Central

Raymundo, Thiers Soares; Soares, Leila Cristina; Pereira, Thiago Rodrigues Dantas; Demôro, Alessandra Viviane Evangelista

2017-01-01

Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) is a severe form of the disease. The median time interval from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of endometriosis is around 8 years. In this prospective study patients were divided into two groups: cases (34 DIE patients) and control (20 tubal ligation patients). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of CA-125 measurement in the menstrual and midcycle phases of the cycle, as well as the difference in its levels between the two phases, for the early diagnosis of DIE. Area Under the Curve (AUC) of CA-125 in menstrual phase and of the difference between menstrual and midcycle phases had the best performance (both with AUC = 0.96), followed by CA-125 in the midcycle (AUC = 0.89). The ratio between menstrual and midcycle phases had the worst performance. CA-125 may be useful for the diagnosis of deep endometriosis, especially when both are collected during menstruation and in midcycle. These may help to decrease the long interval until the definitive diagnosis of DIE. Multicentric studies with larger samples should be performed to better evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measuring CA-125 in two different phases of the menstrual cycle. PMID:28660213

Spatio-temporal assessment and trend analysis of surface water salinity in the coastal region of Bangladesh.

PubMed

Shammi, Mashura; Rahman, Md Mostafizur; Islam, Md Atikul; Bodrud-Doza, Md; Zahid, Anwar; Akter, Yeasmin; Quaiyum, Samia; Kurasaki, Masaaki

2017-06-01

The study was designed to collect water samples over two seasons-wet-monsoon season (n = 96) (March-April) and dry-monsoon season (n = 44) (September-October)-to understand the seasonal variation in anion and cation hydrochemistry of the coastal rivers and estuaries contributing in the spatial trend in salinity. Hydrochemical examination of wet-monsoon season primarily revealed Ca-Mg-HCO 3 type (66%) and followed by Na-Cl type (17.70%) water. In the dry-monsoon season, the scenario reversed with primary water being Na-Cl type (52.27%) followed by Ca-Mg-HCO 3 type (31.81%). Analysis of Cl/Br molar ratio vs. Cl (mg/L) depicted sampling area affected by seawater intrusion (SWI). Spatial analysis by ordinary kriging method confirmed approximately 77% sample in the dry-monsoon, and 34% of the wet-monsoon season had shown SWI. The most saline-intruded areas in the wet-monsoon seasons were extreme south-west coastal zone of Bangladesh, lower Meghna River floodplain and Meghna estuarine floodplain and south-eastern part of Chittagong coastal plains containing the districts of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar adjacent to Bay of Bengal. In addition, mid-south zone is also affected slightly in the dry-monsoon season. From the analyses of data, this study could further help to comprehend seasonal trends in the hydrochemistry and water quality of the coastal and estuarine rivers. In addition, it can help policy makers to obligate some important implications for the future initiatives taken for the management of land, water, fishery, agriculture and environment of coastal rivers and estuaries of Bangladesh.

Interplay between Interfacial Structures and Device Performance in Organic Solar Cells: A Case Study with the Low Work Function Metal, Calcium.

PubMed

Ju, Huanxin; Knesting, Kristina M; Zhang, Wei; Pan, Xiao; Wang, Chia-Hsin; Yang, Yaw-Wen; Ginger, David S; Zhu, Junfa

2016-01-27

A better understanding of how interfacial structure affects charge carrier recombination would benefit the development of highly efficient organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. In this paper, transient photovoltage (TPV) and charge extraction (CE) measurements are used in combination with synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy (SRPES) to gain insight into the correlation between interfacial properties and device performance. OPV devices based on PCDTBT/PC71BM with a Ca interlayer were studied as a reference system to investigate the interfacial effects on device performance. Devices with a Ca interlayer exhibit a lower recombination than devices with only an Al cathode at a given charge carrier density (n). In addition, the interfacial band structures indicate that the strong dipole moment produced by the Ca interlayer can facilitate the extraction of electrons and drive holes away from the cathode/polymer interface, resulting in beneficial reduction in interfacial recombination losses. These results help explain the higher efficiencies of devices made with Ca interlayers compared to that without the Ca interlayer.

The CA3 Network as a Memory Store for Spatial Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papp, Gergely; Witter, Menno P.; Treves, Alessandro

2007-01-01

Comparative neuroanatomy suggests that the CA3 region of the mammalian hippocampus is directly homologous with the medio-dorsal pallium in birds and reptiles, with which it largely shares the basic organization of primitive cortex. Autoassociative memory models, which are generically applicable to cortical networks, then help assess how well CA3…

Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest in an Adult Burn Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-07

defibrillation at our institution, either in the burn operating room (BOR) or burn intensive care unit (BICU). We included patients who experi- enced CA in...of this study design. In other studies, the time between CA and defibrillation and, in children, the time between burn and fluid resuscitation have

Probing the chemical interaction space governed by 4-aminosubstituted benzenesulfonamides and carbonic anhydrase isoforms.

PubMed

Rasti, Behnam; Heravi, Yeganeh Entezari

2018-06-01

Isoform diversity, critical physiological roles and involvement in major diseases/disorders such as glaucoma, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, and cancers have made carbonic anhydrase (CA), one of the most interesting case studies in the field of computer aided drug design. Since applying non-selective inhibitors can result in major side effects, there have been considerable efforts so far to achieve selective inhibitors for different isoforms of CA. Using proteochemometrics approach, the chemical interaction space governed by a group of 4-amino-substituted benzenesulfonamides and human CAs has been explored in the present study. Several validation methods have been utilized to assess the validity, robustness and predictivity power of the proposed proteochemometric model. Our model has offered major structural information that can be applied to design new selective inhibitors for distinct isoforms of CA. To prove the applicability of the proposed model, new compounds have been designed based on the offered discriminative structural features.

Protein-Containing Multilayer Capsules by Templating on Mesoporous CaCO3 Particles: POST- and PRE-Loading Approaches.

PubMed

Balabushevich, Nadezhda G; Lopez de Guerenu, Anna V; Feoktistova, Natalia A; Skirtach, Andre G; Volodkin, Dmitry

2016-01-01

Encapsulation of model proteins (catalase, insulin, aprotinin) into multilayer dextran sulphate/protamin capsules by templating on CaCO3 microparticles is investigated employing: (i) PRE-loading into CaCO3 particles by adsorption or co-synthesis and (ii) POST-loading into performed capsules. Protein encapsulation is governed by both its size and electrostatic interactions with the carbonate microparticles and multilayer shell. PRE-loading enables improved encapsulation compared to POST-loading (catalase content in capsules 630 and 70 mg · g(-1)). Bioactivity of encapsulated protein is not affected by interaction with multilayers but may be reduced at slightly alkaline pH due to CaCO3 hydrolysis. This study might help to successfully encapsulate fragile bio-macromolecules into multilayer capsules. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Industry careers for the biomedical engineer.

PubMed

Munzner, Robert F

2004-01-01

This year's conference theme is "linkages for innovation in biomedicine." Biomedical engineers, especially those transitioning their career from academic study into medical device industry, will play a critical role in converting the fruits of scientific research into the reality of modern medical devices. This special session is organized to help biomedical engineers to achieve their career goals more effectively. Participants will have opportunities to hear from and interact with leading industrial experts on many issues. These may include but not limited to 1) career paths for biomedical engineers (industrial, academic, or federal; technical vs. managerial track; small start-up or large established companies); 2) unique design challenges and regulatory requirements in medical device development; 3) aspects of a successful biomedical engineering job candidate (such as resume, interview, follow-up). Suggestions for other topics are welcome and should be directed to xkong@ieee.org The distinguished panelists include: Xuan Kong, Ph.D., VP of Research, NEUROMetrix Inc, Waltham, MA Robert F. Munzner, Ph.D., Medical Device Consultant, Doctor Device, Herndon, VA Glen McLaughlin, Ph.D., VP of Engineering and CTO, Zonare Medical System Inc., Mountain View, CA Grace Bartoo, Ph.D., RAC, General Manager, Decus Biomedical LLC San Carlos, CA.

Mathematical modeling and fluorescence imaging to study the Ca2+ turnover in skinned muscle fibers.

PubMed Central

Uttenweiler, D; Weber, C; Fink, R H

1998-01-01

A mathematical model was developed for the simulation of the spatial and temporal time course of Ca2+ ion movement in caffeine-induced calcium transients of chemically skinned muscle fiber preparations. Our model assumes cylindrical symmetry and quantifies the radial profile of Ca2+ ion concentration by solving the diffusion equations for Ca2+ ions and various mobile buffers, and the rate equations for Ca2+ buffering (mobile and immobile buffers) and for the release and reuptake of Ca2+ ions by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), with a finite-difference algorithm. The results of the model are compared with caffeine-induced spatial Ca2+ transients obtained from saponin skinned murine fast-twitch fibers by fluorescence photometry and imaging measurements using the ratiometric dye Fura-2. The combination of mathematical modeling and digital image analysis provides a tool for the quantitative description of the total Ca2+ turnover and the different contributions of all interacting processes to the overall Ca2+ transient in skinned muscle fibers. It should thereby strongly improve the usage of skinned fibers as quantitative assay systems for many parameters of the SR and the contractile apparatus helping also to bridge the gap to the intact muscle fiber. PMID:9545029

Three-dimensional reconstruction of coronary arteries and its application in localization of coronary artery segments corresponding to myocardial segments identified by transthoracic echocardiography.

PubMed

Zhong, Chunyan; Guo, Yanli; Huang, Haiyun; Tan, Liwen; Wu, Yi; Wang, Wenting

2013-01-01

To establish 3D models of coronary arteries (CA) and study their application in localization of CA segments identified by Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE). Sectional images of the heart collected from the first CVH dataset and contrast CT data were used to establish 3D models of the CA. Virtual dissection was performed on the 3D models to simulate the conventional sections of TTE. Then, we used 2D ultrasound, speckle tracking imaging (STI), and 2D ultrasound plus 3D CA models to diagnose 170 patients and compare the results to coronary angiography (CAG). 3D models of CA distinctly displayed both 3D structure and 2D sections of CA. This simulated TTE imaging in any plane and showed the CA segments that corresponded to 17 myocardial segments identified by TTE. The localization accuracy showed a significant difference between 2D ultrasound and 2D ultrasound plus 3D CA model in the severe stenosis group (P < 0.05) and in the mild-to-moderate stenosis group (P < 0.05). These innovative modeling techniques help clinicians identify the CA segments that correspond to myocardial segments typically shown in TTE sectional images, thereby increasing the accuracy of the TTE-based diagnosis of CHD.

caGrid 1.0 : an enterprise Grid infrastructure for biomedical research.

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

Oster, S.; Langella, S.; Hastings, S.

To develop software infrastructure that will provide support for discovery, characterization, integrated access, and management of diverse and disparate collections of information sources, analysis methods, and applications in biomedical research. Design: An enterprise Grid software infrastructure, called caGrid version 1.0 (caGrid 1.0), has been developed as the core Grid architecture of the NCI-sponsored cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG{trademark}) program. It is designed to support a wide range of use cases in basic, translational, and clinical research, including (1) discovery, (2) integrated and large-scale data analysis, and (3) coordinated study. Measurements: The caGrid is built as a Grid software infrastructure andmore » leverages Grid computing technologies and the Web Services Resource Framework standards. It provides a set of core services, toolkits for the development and deployment of new community provided services, and application programming interfaces for building client applications. Results: The caGrid 1.0 was released to the caBIG community in December 2006. It is built on open source components and caGrid source code is publicly and freely available under a liberal open source license. The core software, associated tools, and documentation can be downloaded from the following URL: .« less

Anisomycin administered in the olfactory bulb and dorsal hippocampus impaired social recognition memory consolidation in different time-points.

PubMed

Pena, R R; Pereira-Caixeta, A R; Moraes, M F D; Pereira, G S

2014-10-01

To identify an individual as familiar, rodents form a specific type of memory named social recognition memory. The olfactory bulb (OB) is an important structure for social recognition memory, while the hippocampus recruitment is still controversial. The present study was designed to elucidate the OB and the dorsal hippocampus contribution to the consolidation of social memory. For that purpose, we tested the effect of anisomycin (ANI), which one of the effects is the inhibition of protein synthesis, on the consolidation of social recognition memory. Swiss adult mice with cannulae implanted into the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus or into the OB were exposed to a juvenile during 5 min (training session; TR), and once again 1.5 h or 24 h later to test social short-term memory (S-STM) or social long-term memory (S-LTM), respectively. To study S-LTM consolidation, mice received intra-OB or intra-CA1 infusion of saline or ANI immediately, 3, 6 or 18 h after TR. ANI impaired S-LTM consolidation in the OB, when administered immediately or 6h after TR. In the dorsal hippocampus, ANI was amnesic only if administered 3 h after TR. Furthermore, the infusion of ANI in either OB or CA1, immediately after training, did not affect S-STM. Moreover, ANI administered into the OB did not alter the animal's performance in the buried food-finding task. Altogether, our results suggest the consolidation of S-LTM requires both OB and hippocampus participation, although in different time points. This study may help shedding light on the specific roles of the OB and dorsal hippocampus in social recognition memory. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Calcium environment in silicate and aluminosilicate glasses probed by ⁴³Ca MQMAS NMR experiments and MD-GIPAW calculations.

PubMed

Gambuzzi, Elisa; Pedone, Alfonso; Menziani, Maria Cristina; Angeli, Frédéric; Florian, Pierre; Charpentier, Thibault

2015-01-01

⁴³Ca MQMAS NMR spectra of three silica-based glasses in which Ca²⁺ ions play different structural roles have been collected and processed in order to extract the underlying NMR parameter distributions. The NMR parameters have been interpreted with the help of molecular dynamics simulations and DFT-GIPAW calculations. This synergetic experimental-computational approach has allowed us to investigate the Ca environment, to estimate Ca coordination numbers from MD-derived models, and to push further the discussion about ⁴³Ca NMR sensitivity to the first and second coordination spheres: ⁴³Ca δiso and Ca-O distance can be successfully correlated as a function of Ca coordination number. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Lin, Jiusheng; van den Bedem, Henry; Brunger, Axel T.

Calmodulin (CaM) is the primary calcium signaling protein in eukaryotes and has been extensively studied using various biophysical techniques. Prior crystal structures have noted the presence of ambiguous electron density in both hydrophobic binding pockets of Ca 2+-CaM, but no assignment of these features has been made. In addition, Ca 2+-CaM samples many conformational substates in the crystal and accurately modeling the full range of this functionally important disorder is challenging. In order to characterize these features in a minimally biased manner, a 1.0 Å resolution single-wavelength anomalous diffraction data set was measured for selenomethionine-substituted Ca 2+-CaM. Density-modified electron-density mapsmore » enabled the accurate assignment of Ca 2+-CaM main-chain and side-chain disorder. These experimental maps also substantiate complex disorder models that were automatically built using low-contour features of model-phased electron density. Furthermore, experimental electron-density maps reveal that 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD) is present in the C-terminal domain, mediates a lattice contact between N-terminal domains and may occupy the N-terminal binding pocket. The majority of the crystal structures of target-free Ca 2+-CaM have been derived from crystals grown using MPD as a precipitant, and thus MPD is likely to be bound in functionally critical regions of Ca 2+-CaM in most of these structures. The adventitious binding of MPD helps to explain differences between the Ca 2+-CaM crystal and solution structures and is likely to favor more open conformations of the EF-hands in the crystal.« less

Optimum Tolerance Design Using Component-Amount and Mixture-Amount Experiments

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

Piepel, Gregory F.; Ozler, Cenk; Sehirlioglu, Ali Kemal

2013-08-01

One type of tolerance design problem involves optimizing component and assembly tolerances to minimize the total cost (sum of manufacturing cost and quality loss). Previous literature recommended using traditional response surface (RS) designs and models to solve this type of tolerance design problem. In this article, component-amount (CA) and mixture-amount (MA) approaches are proposed as more appropriate for solving this type of tolerance design problem. The advantages of the CA and MA approaches over the RS approach are discussed. Reasons for choosing between the CA and MA approaches are also discussed. The CA and MA approaches (experimental design, response modeling,more » and optimization) are illustrated using real examples.« less

Calcium carbonate as ikaite crystals in Antarctic sea ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dieckmann, Gerhard S.; Nehrke, Gernot; Papadimitriou, Stathys; Göttlicher, Jörg; Steininger, Ralph; Kennedy, Hilary; Wolf-Gladrow, Dieter; Thomas, David N.

2008-04-01

We report on the discovery of the mineral ikaite (CaCO3.6H2O) in sea-ice from the Southern Ocean. The precipitation of CaCO3 during the freezing of seawater has previously been predicted from thermodynamic modelling, indirect measurements, and has been documented in artificial sea ice during laboratory experiments but has not been reported for natural sea-ice. It is assumed that CaCO3 formation in sea ice may be important for a sea ice-driven carbon pump in ice-covered oceanic waters. Without direct evidence of CaCO3 precipitation in sea ice, its role in this and other processes has remained speculative. The discovery of CaCO3.6H2O crystals in natural sea ice provides the necessary evidence for the evaluation of previous assumptions and lays the foundation for further studies to help elucidate the role of ikaite in the carbon cycle of the seasonally sea ice-covered regions

The integrated care pathway for post stroke patients (iCaPPS): a shared care approach between stakeholders in areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services.

PubMed

Abdul Aziz, Aznida Firzah; Mohd Nordin, Nor Azlin; Ali, Mohd Fairuz; Abd Aziz, Noor Azah; Sulong, Saperi; Aljunid, Syed Mohamed

2017-01-13

Lack of intersectoral collaboration within public health sectors compound efforts to promote effective multidisciplinary post stroke care after discharge following acute phase. A coordinated, primary care-led care pathway to manage post stroke patients residing at home in the community was designed by an expert panel of specialist stroke care providers to help overcome fragmented post stroke care in areas where access is limited or lacking. Expert panel discussions comprising Family Medicine Specialists, Neurologists, Rehabilitation Physicians and Therapists, and Nurse Managers from Ministry of Health and acadaemia were conducted. In Phase One, experts chartered current care processes in public healthcare facilities, from acute stroke till discharge and also patients who presented late with stroke symptoms to public primary care health centres. In Phase Two, modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain consensus on recommendations, based on current evidence and best care practices. Care algorithms were designed around existing work schedules at public health centres. Indication for patients eligible for monitoring by primary care at public health centres were identified. Gaps in transfer of care occurred either at post discharge from acute care or primary care patients diagnosed at or beyond subacute phase at health centres. Essential information required during transfer of care from tertiary care to primary care providers was identified. Care algorithms including appropriate tools were summarised to guide primary care teams to identify patients requiring further multidisciplinary interventions. Shared care approaches with Specialist Stroke care team were outlined. Components of the iCaPPS were developed simultaneously: (i) iCaPPS-Rehab© for rehabilitation of stroke patients at community level (ii) iCaPPS-Swallow© guided the primary care team to screen and manage stroke related swallowing problems. Coordinated post stroke care monitoring service for patients at community level is achievable using the iCaPPS and its components as a guide. The iCaPPS may be used for post stroke care monitoring of patients in similar fragmented healthcare delivery systems or areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services. No.: ACTRN12616001322426 (Registration Date: 21st September 2016).

Status and future transition of rapid urbanizing landscape in central Western Ghats - CA based approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bharath, S..; Rajan, K. S.; Ramachandra, T. V.

2014-11-01

The land use changes in forested landscape are highly complex and dynamic, affected by the natural, socio-economic, cultural, political and other factors. The remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) techniques coupled with multi-criteria evaluation functions such as Markov-cellular automata (CA-Markov) model helps in analysing intensity, extent and future forecasting of human activities affecting the terrestrial biosphere. Karwar taluk of Central Western Ghats in Karnataka state, India has seen rapid transitions in its forest cover due to various anthropogenic activities, primarily driven by major industrial activities. A study based on Landsat and IRS derived data along with CA-Markov method has helped in characterizing the patterns and trends of land use changes over a period of 2004-2013, expected transitions was predicted for a set of scenarios through 2013-2022. The analysis reveals the loss of pristine forest cover from 75.51% to 67.36% (1973 to 2013) and increase in agriculture land as well as built-up area of 8.65% (2013), causing impact on local flora and fauna. The other factors driving these changes are the aggregated level of demand for land, local and regional effects of land use activities such as deforestation, improper practices in expansion of agriculture and infrastructure development, deteriorating natural resources availability. The spatio temporal models helped in visualizing on-going changes apart from prediction of likely changes. The CA-Markov based analysis provides us insights into the localized changes impacting these regions and can be useful in developing appropriate mitigation management approaches based on the modelled future impacts. This necessitates immediate measures for minimizing the future impacts.

Composite Magnetite and Protein Containing CaCO3 Crystals. External Manipulation and Vaterite → Calcite Recrystallization-Mediated Release Performance.

PubMed

Sergeeva, Alena; Sergeev, Roman; Lengert, Ekaterina; Zakharevich, Andrey; Parakhonskiy, Bogdan; Gorin, Dmitry; Sergeev, Sergey; Volodkin, Dmitry

2015-09-30

Biocompatibility and high loading capacity of mesoporous CaCO3 vaterite crystals give an option to utilize the polycrystals for a wide range of (bio)applications. Formation and transformations of calcium carbonate polymorphs have been studied for decades, aimed at both basic and applied research interests. Here, composite multilayer-coated calcium carbonate polycrystals containing Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles and model protein lysozyme are fabricated. The structure of the composite polycrystals and vaterite → calcite recrystallization kinetics are studied. The recrystallization results in release of both loaded protein and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (magnetic manipulation is thus lost). Fe3O4 nanoparticles enhance the recrystallization that can be induced by reduction of the local pH with citric acid and reduction of the polycrystal crystallinity. Oppositely, the layer-by-layer assembled poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) polyelectrolyte coating significantly inhibits the vaterite → calcite recrystallization (from hours to days) most likely due to suppression of the ion exchange giving an option to easily tune the release kinetics for a wide time scale, for example, for prolonged release. Moreover, the recrystallization of the coated crystals results in formulation of multilayer capsules keeping the feature of external manipulation. This study can help to design multifunctional microstructures with tailor-made characteristics for loading and controlled release as well as for external manipulation.

Surface step terrace tuned microstructures and dielectric properties of highly epitaxial CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films on vicinal LaAlO3 substrates

PubMed Central

Yao, Guang; Gao, Min; Ji, Yanda; Liang, Weizheng; Gao, Lei; Zheng, Shengliang; Wang, You; Pang, Bin; Chen, Y. B.; Zeng, Huizhong; Li, Handong; Wang, Zhiming; Liu, Jingsong; Chen, Chonglin; Lin, Yuan

2016-01-01

Controllable interfacial strain can manipulate the physical properties of epitaxial films and help understand the physical nature of the correlation between the properties and the atomic microstructures. By using a proper design of vicinal single-crystal substrate, the interface strain in epitaxial thin films can be well controlled by adjusting the miscut angle via a surface-step-terrace matching growth mode. Here, we demonstrate that LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates with various miscut angles of 1.0°, 2.75°, and 5.0° were used to tune the dielectric properties of epitaxial CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) thin films. A model of coexistent compressive and tensile strained domains is proposed to understand the epitaxial nature. Our findings on the self-tuning of the compressive and tensile strained domain ratio along the interface depending on the miscut angle and the stress relaxation mechanism under this growth mode will open a new avenue to achieve CCTO films with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, which is critical for the design and integration of advanced heterostructures for high performance capacitance device applications. PMID:27703253

Surface step terrace tuned microstructures and dielectric properties of highly epitaxial CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films on vicinal LaAlO3 substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Guang; Gao, Min; Ji, Yanda; Liang, Weizheng; Gao, Lei; Zheng, Shengliang; Wang, You; Pang, Bin; Chen, Y. B.; Zeng, Huizhong; Li, Handong; Wang, Zhiming; Liu, Jingsong; Chen, Chonglin; Lin, Yuan

2016-10-01

Controllable interfacial strain can manipulate the physical properties of epitaxial films and help understand the physical nature of the correlation between the properties and the atomic microstructures. By using a proper design of vicinal single-crystal substrate, the interface strain in epitaxial thin films can be well controlled by adjusting the miscut angle via a surface-step-terrace matching growth mode. Here, we demonstrate that LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates with various miscut angles of 1.0°, 2.75°, and 5.0° were used to tune the dielectric properties of epitaxial CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) thin films. A model of coexistent compressive and tensile strained domains is proposed to understand the epitaxial nature. Our findings on the self-tuning of the compressive and tensile strained domain ratio along the interface depending on the miscut angle and the stress relaxation mechanism under this growth mode will open a new avenue to achieve CCTO films with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, which is critical for the design and integration of advanced heterostructures for high performance capacitance device applications.

Surface step terrace tuned microstructures and dielectric properties of highly epitaxial CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films on vicinal LaAlO3 substrates.

PubMed

Yao, Guang; Gao, Min; Ji, Yanda; Liang, Weizheng; Gao, Lei; Zheng, Shengliang; Wang, You; Pang, Bin; Chen, Y B; Zeng, Huizhong; Li, Handong; Wang, Zhiming; Liu, Jingsong; Chen, Chonglin; Lin, Yuan

2016-10-05

Controllable interfacial strain can manipulate the physical properties of epitaxial films and help understand the physical nature of the correlation between the properties and the atomic microstructures. By using a proper design of vicinal single-crystal substrate, the interface strain in epitaxial thin films can be well controlled by adjusting the miscut angle via a surface-step-terrace matching growth mode. Here, we demonstrate that LaAlO 3 (LAO) substrates with various miscut angles of 1.0°, 2.75°, and 5.0° were used to tune the dielectric properties of epitaxial CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 (CCTO) thin films. A model of coexistent compressive and tensile strained domains is proposed to understand the epitaxial nature. Our findings on the self-tuning of the compressive and tensile strained domain ratio along the interface depending on the miscut angle and the stress relaxation mechanism under this growth mode will open a new avenue to achieve CCTO films with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, which is critical for the design and integration of advanced heterostructures for high performance capacitance device applications.

Prostate Cancer Genomics: Recent Advances and the Prevailing Underrepresentation from Racial and Ethnic Minorities.

PubMed

Tan, Shyh-Han; Petrovics, Gyorgy; Srivastava, Shiv

2018-04-22

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer and the second leading cause of male cancer deaths in the United States. Among African American (AA) men, CaP is the most prevalent malignancy, with disproportionately higher incidence and mortality rates. Even after discounting the influence of socioeconomic factors, the effect of molecular and genetic factors on racial disparity of CaP is evident. Earlier studies on the molecular basis for CaP disparity have focused on the influence of heritable mutations and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Most CaP susceptibility alleles identified based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were common, low-penetrance variants. Germline CaP-associated mutations that are highly penetrant, such as those found in HOXB13 and BRCA2 , are usually rare. More recently, genomic studies enabled by Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) technologies have focused on the identification of somatic mutations that contribute to CaP tumorigenesis. These studies confirmed the high prevalence of ERG gene fusions and PTEN deletions among Caucasian Americans and identified novel somatic alterations in SPOP and FOXA1 genes in early stages of CaP. Individuals with African ancestry and other minorities are often underrepresented in these large-scale genomic studies, which are performed primarily using tumors from men of European ancestry. The insufficient number of specimens from AA men and other minority populations, together with the heterogeneity in the molecular etiology of CaP across populations, challenge the generalizability of findings from these projects. Efforts to close this gap by sequencing larger numbers of tumor specimens from more diverse populations, although still at an early stage, have discovered distinct genomic alterations. These research findings can have a direct impact on the diagnosis of CaP, the stratification of patients for treatment, and can help to address the disparity in incidence and mortality of CaP. This review examines the progress of understanding in CaP genetics and genomics and highlight the need to increase the representation from minority populations.

Urinary tract infection caused by community-acquired extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria in infants.

PubMed

Kim, Yun Hee; Yang, Eun Mi; Kim, Chan Jong

Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by resistant strains of bacteria is increasingly prevalent in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for UTI caused by community-acquired extended-spectrum β-lactamase (CA-ESBL)-producing bacteria in infants. This was a retrospective study performed over 5 years in a single Korean center. Hospitalized infants with febrile UTI were enrolled and divided into two groups (CA-ESBL vs. CA non-ESBL UTI). The yearly prevalence was calculated. Baseline characteristics and clinical course such as fever duration, laboratory and radiological findings were compared between the two groups. Risk factors associated with the CA-ESBL UTI were investigated. Among the enrolled infants (n=185), 31 (17%) had CA-ESBL UTI. The yearly prevalence of ESBL of CA-ESBL UTI increased during the study (0% in 2010, 22.2% in 2015). Infants with CA-ESBL UTI had a longer duration of fever after initiating antibiotics (2.0±1.1 vs. 1.5±0.6 days, p=0.020). Cortical defects on renal scan and early treatment failure were more frequent in CA-ESBL (64.5 vs. 42.2%, p=0.023; 22.6 vs. 4.5%, p=0.001). A logistic regression analysis revealed that urinary tract abnormalities and previous UTI were independent risk factors for CA-EBSL UTI (odds ratio, 2.7; p=0.025; 10.3; p=0.022). The incidence of UTI caused by ESBL-producing bacteria has increased in Korean infants. Recognition of the clinical course and risk factors for ESLB-producing UTI may help to determine appropriate guidelines for its management. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.

Plasma membrane calcium ATPases: From generic Ca(2+) sump pumps to versatile systems for fine-tuning cellular Ca(2.).

PubMed

Strehler, Emanuel E

2015-04-24

The plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) are ATP-driven primary ion pumps found in all eukaryotic cells. They are the major high-affinity calcium extrusion system for expulsion of Ca(2+) ions from the cytosol and help restore the low resting levels of intracellular [Ca(2+)] following the temporary elevation of Ca(2+) generated during Ca(2+) signaling. Due to their essential role in the maintenance of cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis they were initially thought to be "sump pumps" for Ca(2+) removal needed by all cells to avoid eventual calcium overload. The discovery of multiple PMCA isoforms and alternatively spliced variants cast doubt on this simplistic assumption, and revealed instead that PMCAs are integral components of highly regulated multi-protein complexes fulfilling specific roles in calcium-dependent signaling originating at the plasma membrane. Biochemical, genetic, and physiological studies in gene-manipulated and mutant animals demonstrate the important role played by specific PMCAs in distinct diseases including those affecting the peripheral and central nervous system, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Human PMCA gene mutations and allelic variants associated with specific disorders continue to be discovered and underline the crucial role of different PMCAs in particular cells, tissues and organs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of confounding variables on hemodynamic response function estimation using averaging and deconvolution analysis: An event-related NIRS study.

PubMed

Aarabi, Ardalan; Osharina, Victoria; Wallois, Fabrice

2017-07-15

Slow and rapid event-related designs are used in fMRI and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) experiments to temporally characterize the brain hemodynamic response to discrete events. Conventional averaging (CA) and the deconvolution method (DM) are the two techniques commonly used to estimate the Hemodynamic Response Function (HRF) profile in event-related designs. In this study, we conducted a series of simulations using synthetic and real NIRS data to examine the effect of the main confounding factors, including event sequence timing parameters, different types of noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), temporal autocorrelation and temporal filtering on the performance of these techniques in slow and rapid event-related designs. We also compared systematic errors in the estimates of the fitted HRF amplitude, latency and duration for both techniques. We further compared the performance of deconvolution methods based on Finite Impulse Response (FIR) basis functions and gamma basis sets. Our results demonstrate that DM was much less sensitive to confounding factors than CA. Event timing was the main parameter largely affecting the accuracy of CA. In slow event-related designs, deconvolution methods provided similar results to those obtained by CA. In rapid event-related designs, our results showed that DM outperformed CA for all SNR, especially above -5 dB regardless of the event sequence timing and the dynamics of background NIRS activity. Our results also show that periodic low-frequency systemic hemodynamic fluctuations as well as phase-locked noise can markedly obscure hemodynamic evoked responses. Temporal autocorrelation also affected the performance of both techniques by inducing distortions in the time profile of the estimated hemodynamic response with inflated t-statistics, especially at low SNRs. We also found that high-pass temporal filtering could substantially affect the performance of both techniques by removing the low-frequency components of HRF profiles. Our results emphasize the importance of characterization of event timing, background noise and SNR when estimating HRF profiles using CA and DM in event-related designs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Use of Machine Learning to Predict Abdominopelvic Recurrence on CT on the Basis of Serial Cancer Antigen 125 Levels.

PubMed

Shinagare, Atul B; Balthazar, Patricia; Ip, Ivan K; Lacson, Ronilda; Liu, Joyce; Ramaiya, Nikhil; Khorasani, Ramin

2018-05-19

The aim of this study was to use machine learning to predict abdominal recurrence on CT on the basis of serial cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer on surveillance. This institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective, hypothesis-generating study included all 57 patients (mean age, 61 ± 11.2 years) with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery from January to December 2012, followed by surveillance abdominopelvic CT and corresponding CA125 levels. A blinded radiologist reviewed abdominopelvic CT studies until recurrence was noted. Four measures of CA125 were assessed: actual CA125 levels at the time of CT, absolute change since prior CT, relative change since prior CT, and rate of change since prior CT. Using machine learning, support vector machine models were optimized and evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation to determine the CA125 measure most predictive of abdominal recurrence. The association of the most accurate CA125 measure was further analyzed using Cox proportional-hazards model along with age, tumor size, stage, and degree of cytoreduction. Rate of change in CA125 was most predictive of abdominal recurrence in a linear kernel support vector machine model and was significantly higher preceding CT studies showing abdominal recurrence (median 13.2 versus 0.6 units/month; P = .007). On multivariate analysis, a higher rate of CA125 increase was significantly associated with recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.02 per 10 units change; 95% confidence interval, 1.0006-1.04; P = .04). A higher rate of CA125 increase is associated with abdominal recurrence. The rate of increase of CA125 may help in the selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from abdominopelvic CT in surveillance of ovarian cancer. Copyright © 2018 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Does the pre-operative serum phosphate level predict early hypocalcaemia following parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism?

PubMed

Ellul, David; Townsley, Richard Brendan; Clark, Louise Jane

2013-06-01

Hypocalcaemia is a significant post-operative complication following parathyroidectomy. Early identification of risk factors can help pre-empt hypocalcaemia and avoid serious sequelae. It can also help identify those patients that are not suitable for day-case surgery. The aim of this study was to analyse the predictive value of the pre-operative serum phosphate level as an indicator for developing hypocalcaemia post-operatively in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2008 and 2010 at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. Data collected included the number of parathyroid glands excised and their histology, pre-operative adjusted calcium (aCa) and phosphate levels, post-operative aCa at 6 and 24 h following surgery, and the fall in aCa levels in the first 6 h and 24 h following surgery. Minitab Statistical Analysis (Version 15) was used for data analysis. Fifty-six patients underwent parathyroidectomy in the study period. Twelve patients were excluded for various reasons including incomplete records and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients given calcium or Vitamin D supplements immediately post-operatively were also excluded. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between the pre-operative phosphate level and the post-operative decline in aCa level 6 h or 24 h following surgery. Patients with a lower phosphate level pre-operatively were not at risk of a more drastic fall in calcium levels following parathyroidectomy. The pre-operative phosphate level was not found to be predictive of post-operative hypocalcaemia in our study. Copyright © 2012 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

BiomarCaRE: rationale and design of the European BiomarCaRE project including 300,000 participants from 13 European countries.

PubMed

Zeller, Tanja; Hughes, Maria; Tuovinen, Tarja; Schillert, Arne; Conrads-Frank, Annette; Ruijter, Hester den; Schnabel, Renate B; Kee, Frank; Salomaa, Veikko; Siebert, Uwe; Thorand, Barbara; Ziegler, Andreas; Breek, Heico; Pasterkamp, Gerard; Kuulasmaa, Kari; Koenig, Wolfgang; Blankenberg, Stefan

2014-10-01

Biomarkers are considered as tools to enhance cardiovascular risk estimation. However, the value of biomarkers on risk estimation beyond European risk scores, their comparative impact among different European regions and their role towards personalised medicine remains uncertain. Biomarker for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Europe (BiomarCaRE) is an European collaborative research project with the primary objective to assess the value of established and emerging biomarkers for cardiovascular risk prediction. BiomarCaRE integrates clinical and epidemiological biomarker research and commercial enterprises throughout Europe to combine innovation in biomarker discovery for cardiovascular disease prediction with consecutive validation of biomarker effectiveness in large, well-defined primary and secondary prevention cohorts including over 300,000 participants from 13 European countries. Results from this study will contribute to improved cardiovascular risk prediction across different European populations. The present publication describes the rationale and design of the BiomarCaRE project.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Coronary Arteries and Its Application in Localization of Coronary Artery Segments Corresponding to Myocardial Segments Identified by Transthoracic Echocardiography

PubMed Central

Zhong, Chunyan; Guo, Yanli; Huang, Haiyun; Tan, Liwen; Wu, Yi; Wang, Wenting

2013-01-01

Objectives. To establish 3D models of coronary arteries (CA) and study their application in localization of CA segments identified by Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE). Methods. Sectional images of the heart collected from the first CVH dataset and contrast CT data were used to establish 3D models of the CA. Virtual dissection was performed on the 3D models to simulate the conventional sections of TTE. Then, we used 2D ultrasound, speckle tracking imaging (STI), and 2D ultrasound plus 3D CA models to diagnose 170 patients and compare the results to coronary angiography (CAG). Results. 3D models of CA distinctly displayed both 3D structure and 2D sections of CA. This simulated TTE imaging in any plane and showed the CA segments that corresponded to 17 myocardial segments identified by TTE. The localization accuracy showed a significant difference between 2D ultrasound and 2D ultrasound plus 3D CA model in the severe stenosis group (P < 0.05) and in the mild-to-moderate stenosis group (P < 0.05). Conclusions. These innovative modeling techniques help clinicians identify the CA segments that correspond to myocardial segments typically shown in TTE sectional images, thereby increasing the accuracy of the TTE-based diagnosis of CHD. PMID:24348745

Rational design of a conformation-switchable Ca2+- and Tb3+-binding protein without the use of multiple coupled metal-binding sites.

PubMed

Li, Shunyi; Yang, Wei; Maniccia, Anna W; Barrow, Doyle; Tjong, Harianto; Zhou, Huan-Xiang; Yang, Jenny J

2008-10-01

Ca2+, as a messenger of signal transduction, regulates numerous target molecules via Ca2+-induced conformational changes. Investigation into the determinants for Ca2+-induced conformational change is often impeded by cooperativity between multiple metal-binding sites or protein oligomerization in naturally occurring proteins. To dissect the relative contributions of key determinants for Ca2+-dependent conformational changes, we report the design of a single-site Ca2+-binding protein (CD2.trigger) created by altering charged residues at an electrostatically sensitive location on the surface of the host protein rat Cluster of Differentiation 2 (CD2).CD2.trigger binds to Tb3+ and Ca2+ with dissociation constants of 0.3 +/- 0.1 and 90 +/- 25 microM, respectively. This protein is largely unfolded in the absence of metal ions at physiological pH, but Tb3+ or Ca2+ binding results in folding of the native-like conformation. Neutralization of the charged coordination residues, either by mutation or protonation, similarly induces folding of the protein. The control of a major conformational change by a single Ca2+ ion, achieved on a protein designed without reliance on sequence similarity to known Ca2+-dependent proteins and coupled metal-binding sites, represents an important step in the design of trigger proteins.

Simulating vegetation cover dynamics with regards to long-term climatic variations in sub-arctic landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haraldsson, Hörður V.; Ólafsdóttir, Rannveig

2003-09-01

Iceland is facing severe land degradation in many parts of the country. This study aims to increase the understanding of the complex interactions and interconnectivity between the critical factors that help maintain the land degradation processes in sub-arctic environments. A holistic approach in the form of a causal loop diagram (CLD) is applied for diagnosing the influencing factors. To further study the relationship between vegetation cover and its degradation, a dynamic model that uses a long-term temperature data as the main indicator function is constructed to simulate potential vegetation cover during the Holocene. The results depict an oscillating vegetation cover. Gradual degradation in potential vegetation cover begins ca. 3000 BP and accelerates greatly after ca. 2500 BP. From the time of the Norse settlement in the latter halve of the 9th century to present time, the simulated vegetation cover retreats ca. 25% in relation to climatic cooling.

Preservice elementary teachers learning to use curriculum materials to plan and teach science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunckel, Kristin Lee

New elementary teachers rely heavily on curriculum materials, but available science curriculum materials do not often support teachers in meeting specified learning goals, engaging students in the inquiry and application practices of science, or leveraging students' intellectual and cultural resources for learning. One approach to supporting new elementary teachers in using available science curriculum materials is to provide frameworks to scaffold preservice teachers' developing lesson planning and teaching practices. The Inquiry-Application Instructional Model (I-AIM) and the Critical Analysis and Planning (CA&P) tool were designed to scaffold preservice teachers' developing practice to use curriculum materials effectively to plan and teach science. The I-AIM identifies functions for each activity in an instructional sequence. The CA&P provides guides preservice teachers in modifying curriculum materials to better fit I-AIM and leverage students' resources for learning. This study followed three elementary preservice teachers in an intern-level science method course as they learned to use the I-AIM and CA&P to plan and teach a science unit in their field placement classrooms. Using a sociocultural perspective, this study focused on the ways that the interns used the tools and the mediators that influenced how they used the tools. A color-coding analysis procedure was developed to identify the teaching patterns in the interns' planned instructional approaches and enacted activity sequences and compare those to the patterns implied by the I-AIM and CA&P tools. Interviews with the interns were also conducted and analyzed, along with the assignments they completed for their science methods course, to gain insight into the meanings the interns made of the tools and their experiences planning and teaching science. The results show that all three interns had some successes using the I-AIM and CA&P to analyze their curriculum materials and to plan and teach science lessons. However, all three interns used the tools in different ways, and some of their ways of using the tools were different from the intentions for the tools. These differences can be accounted for by the variety of mediators that influenced the interns' use of the I-AIM and CA&P tools. These mediators were rooted in the Discourses at play in the various communities in which the interns participated during their teacher preparation program. Some of the practices and resources of these various Discourses interfered with or supported the interns' use of the I-AIM and CA&P tools. Each intern took a different trajectory through these Discourses and encountered different practices that mediated how each used the I-AIM and CA&P tools. The results of this study suggest that the goal of preparing preservice teachers to use the I-AIM and CA&P tools should be to provide preservice teachers with opportunities to use the tools and help them develop the metaknowledge about the tools necessary to critically analyze the affordances and weaknesses of different approaches to teaching science.

Adoption potential of conservation agriculture practices in sub-Saharan Africa: results from five case studies.

PubMed

Ndah, Hycenth Tim; Schuler, Johannes; Uthes, Sandra; Zander, Peter; Traore, Karim; Gama, Mphatso-S; Nyagumbo, Isaiah; Triomphe, Bernard; Sieber, Stefan; Corbeels, Marc

2014-03-01

Despite the reported benefits of conservation agriculture (CA), its wider up-scaling in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has remained fairly limited. This paper shows how a newly developed qualitative expert assessment approach for CA adoption (QAToCA) was applied to determine its adoption potential in SSA. CA adoption potential is not a predictor of observed adoption rates. Instead, our aim was to systematically check relevant factors that may be influencing its adoption. QAToCA delivers an assessment of how suitable conditions "and thus the likelihood for CA adoption" are. Results show that the high CA adoption potentials exhibited by the Malawi and Zambia case relate mostly to positive institutional factors. On the other hand, the low adoption potential of the Zimbabwe case, in spite of observed higher estimates, is attributed mainly to unstable and less secured market conditions for CA. In the case of Southern Burkina Faso, the potential for CA adoption is determined to be high, and this assessment deviates from lower observed figures. This is attributed mainly to strong competition of CA and livestock for residues in this region. Lastly, the high adoption potential found in Northern Burkina Faso is explained mainly by the fact that farmers here have no alternative other than to adopt the locally adapted CA system-Zaï farming. Results of this assessment should help promoters of CA in the given regions to reflect on their activities and to eventually adjust or redesign them based on a more explicit understanding of where problems and opportunities are found.

Adoption Potential of Conservation Agriculture Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results from Five Case Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ndah, Hycenth Tim; Schuler, Johannes; Uthes, Sandra; Zander, Peter; Traore, Karim; Gama, Mphatso-S.; Nyagumbo, Isaiah; Triomphe, Bernard; Sieber, Stefan; Corbeels, Marc

2014-03-01

Despite the reported benefits of conservation agriculture (CA), its wider up-scaling in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has remained fairly limited. This paper shows how a newly developed qualitative expert assessment approach for CA adoption (QAToCA) was applied to determine its adoption potential in SSA. CA adoption potential is not a predictor of observed adoption rates. Instead, our aim was to systematically check relevant factors that may be influencing its adoption. QAToCA delivers an assessment of how suitable conditions "and thus the likelihood for CA adoption" are. Results show that the high CA adoption potentials exhibited by the Malawi and Zambia case relate mostly to positive institutional factors. On the other hand, the low adoption potential of the Zimbabwe case, in spite of observed higher estimates, is attributed mainly to unstable and less secured market conditions for CA. In the case of Southern Burkina Faso, the potential for CA adoption is determined to be high, and this assessment deviates from lower observed figures. This is attributed mainly to strong competition of CA and livestock for residues in this region. Lastly, the high adoption potential found in Northern Burkina Faso is explained mainly by the fact that farmers here have no alternative other than to adopt the locally adapted CA system—Zaï farming. Results of this assessment should help promoters of CA in the given regions to reflect on their activities and to eventually adjust or redesign them based on a more explicit understanding of where problems and opportunities are found.

Comparison of inhibition effects of some benzoic acid derivatives on sheep heart carbonic anhydrase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiliç, Deryanur; Yildiz, Melike; Şentürk, Murat; Erdoǧan, Orhan; Küfrevioǧlu, Ömer Irfan

2016-04-01

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a family of metalloenzymes that requires Zn as a cofactor and catalyze the quick conversion of CO2 to HCO3- and H+. Inhibitors of the carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have medical usage of significant diseases such as glaucoma, epilepsy, gastroduodenal ulcers, acid-base disequilibria and neurological disorders. In the present study, inhibition of CA with some benzoic derivatives (1-6) were investigated. Sheep heart CA (shCA) enzyme was isolated by means of designed affinity chromatography gel (cellulose-benzyl-sulfanylamide) 42.45-fold in a yield of 44 % with 564.65 EU/mg. Purified shCA enzyme was used in vitro studies. In the studies, IC50 values were calculated for 3-aminobenzoic acid (1), 4-aminobenzoic acid (2), 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), 2-benzoylbenzoic acid (4), 2,3-dimethoxybenzoic acid (5), and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (6), showing the inhibition effects on the purified enzyme. Such molecules can be used as pioneer for discovery of novel effective CA inhibitors for medicinal chemistry applications.

Tetanic Ca2+ transient differences between slow- and fast-twitch mouse skeletal muscle fibres: a comprehensive experimental approach.

PubMed

Calderón, Juan C; Bolaños, Pura; Caputo, Carlo

2014-12-01

One hundred and eighty six enzymatically dissociated murine muscle fibres were loaded with Mag-Fluo-4 AM, and adhered to laminin, to evaluate the effect of modulating cytosolic Ca(2+) buffers and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA), mitochondria, and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) on the differential tetanic Ca(2+) transient kinetics found in different fibre types. Tetanic Ca(2+) transients were classified as morphology type I (MT-I) or type II (MT-II) according to their shape. The first peak of the MT-I (n = 25) and MT-II (n = 23) tetanic Ca(2+) transients had an amplitude (∆F/F) of 0.41 ± 0.03 and 0.83 ± 0.05 and a rise time (ms) of 1.35 and 0.98, respectively. MT-I signals had a time constant of decay (τ1, ms) of 75.9 ± 4.2 while MT-II transients showed a double exponential decay with time constants of decay (τ1 and τ2, ms) of 18.3 ± 1.4 and 742.2 ± 130.3. Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase inhibition demonstrated that the decay phase of the tetanic transients mostly rely on SERCA function. Adding Ca(2+) chelators in the AM form to MT-I fibres changed the morphology of the initial five peaks to a MT-II one, modifying the decay phase of the signal in a dose-dependent manner. Mitochondria and NCX function have a minor role in explaining differences in tetanic Ca(2+) transients among fibre types but still help in removing Ca(2+) from the cytosol in both MT-I and MT-II fibres. Cytoplasmic Ca(2+) buffering capacity and SERCA function explain most of the different kinetics found in tetanic Ca(2+) transients from different fibre types, but mitochondria and NCX have a measurable role in shaping tetanic Ca(2+) responses in both slow and fast-twitch muscle fibre types. We provided experimental evidence on the mechanisms that help understand the kinetics of tetanic Ca(2+) transients themselves and explain kinetic differences found among fibre types.

Is the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) effective for preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction?

PubMed Central

Als, H; Duffy, FH; McAnulty, GB; Fischer, CB; Kosta, S; Butler, SC; Parad, RB; Blickman, JG; Zurakowski, D; Ringer, SA

2014-01-01

Objective This study investigates the effectiveness of the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) on neurobehavioral and electrophysiological functioning of preterm infants with severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study Design Thirty IUGR infants, 28 to 33 weeks gestational age, randomized to standard care (control/C = 18), or NIDCAP (experimental/E = 12), were assessed at 2 weeks corrected age (2wCA) and 9 months corrected age (9mCA) in regard to health, anthropometrics, and neurobehavior, and additionally at 2wCA in regard to electrophysiology (EEG). Result The two groups were comparable in health and anthropometrics at 2wCA and 9mCA. The E-group at 2wCA showed significantly better autonomic, motor, and self-regulation functioning, improved motility, intensity and response thresholds, and reduced EEG connectivity among several adjacent brain regions. At 9mCA, the E-group showed significantly better mental performance. Conclusion This is the first study to show NIDCAP effectiveness for IUGR preterm infants. PMID:20651694

LandCaRe DSS--an interactive decision support system for climate change impact assessment and the analysis of potential agricultural land use adaptation strategies.

PubMed

Wenkel, Karl-Otto; Berg, Michael; Mirschel, Wilfried; Wieland, Ralf; Nendel, Claas; Köstner, Barbara

2013-09-01

Decision support to develop viable climate change adaptation strategies for agriculture and regional land use management encompasses a wide range of options and issues. Up to now, only a few suitable tools and methods have existed for farmers and regional stakeholders that support the process of decision-making in this field. The interactive model-based spatial information and decision support system LandCaRe DSS attempts to close the existing methodical gap. This system supports interactive spatial scenario simulations, multi-ensemble and multi-model simulations at the regional scale, as well as the complex impact assessment of potential land use adaptation strategies at the local scale. The system is connected to a local geo-database and via the internet to a climate data server. LandCaRe DSS uses a multitude of scale-specific ecological impact models, which are linked in various ways. At the local scale (farm scale), biophysical models are directly coupled with a farm economy calculator. New or alternative simulation models can easily be added, thanks to the innovative architecture and design of the DSS. Scenario simulations can be conducted with a reasonable amount of effort. The interactive LandCaRe DSS prototype also offers a variety of data analysis and visualisation tools, a help system for users and a farmer information system for climate adaptation in agriculture. This paper presents the theoretical background, the conceptual framework, and the structure and methodology behind LandCaRe DSS. Scenario studies at the regional and local scale for the two Eastern German regions of Uckermark (dry lowlands, 2600 km(2)) and Weißeritz (humid mountain area, 400 km(2)) were conducted in close cooperation with stakeholders to test the functionality of the DSS prototype. The system is gradually being transformed into a web version (http://www.landcare-dss.de) to ensure the broadest possible distribution of LandCaRe DSS to the public. The system will be continuously developed, updated and used in different research projects and as a learning and knowledge-sharing tool for students. The main objective of LandCaRe DSS is to provide information on the complex long-term impacts of climate change and on potential management options for adaptation by answering "what-if" type questions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

IDH2 Mutations Define a Unique Subtype of Breast Cancer with Altered Nuclear Polarity

PubMed Central

Chiang, Sarah; Weigelt, Britta; Wen, Huei-Chi; Pareja, Fresia; Raghavendra, Ashwini; Martelotto, Luciano G.; Burke, Kathleen A.; Basili, Thais; Li, Anqi; Geyer, Felipe C.; Piscuoglio, Salvatore; Ng, Charlotte K.Y.; Jungbluth, Achim A.; Balss, Jörg; Pusch, Stefan; Baker, Gabrielle M.; Cole, Kimberly S.; von Deimling, Andreas; Batten, Julie M.; Marotti, Jonathan D.; Soh, Hwei-Choo; McCalip, Benjamin L.; Serrano, Jonathan; Lim, Raymond S.; Siziopikou, Kalliopi P.; Lu, Song; Liu, Xiaolong; Hammour, Tarek; Brogi, Edi; Snuderl, Matija; Iafrate, A. John; Reis-Filho, Jorge S.; Schnitt, Stuart J.

2017-01-01

Solid papillary carcinoma with reverse polarity (SPCRP) is a rare breast cancer subtype with an obscure etiology. In this study, we sought to describe its unique histopathologic features and to identify the genetic alterations that underpin SPCRP using massively parallel whole-exome and targeted sequencing. The morphologic and immunohistochemical features of SPCRP support the invasive nature of this subtype. Ten of 13 (77%) SPCRPs harbored hotspot mutations at R172 of the isocitrate dehydrogenase IDH2, of which 8 of 10 displayed concurrent pathogenic mutations affecting PIK3CA or PIK3R1. One of the IDH2 wild-type SPCRPs harbored a TET2 Q548* truncating mutation coupled with a PIK3CA H1047R mutation. Functional studies demonstrated that IDH2 and PIK3CA hotspot mutations are likely drivers of SPCRP, resulting in its reversed nuclear polarization phenotype. Our results offer a molecular definition of SPCRP as a distinct breast cancer subtype. Concurrent IDH2 and PIK3CA mutations may help diagnose SPCRP and possibly direct effective treatment. PMID:27913435

CA27.29: a valuable marker for breast cancer management. A confirmatory multicentric study on 603 cases.

PubMed

Gion, M; Mione, R; Leon, A E; Lüftner, D; Molina, R; Possinger, K; Robertson, J F

2001-02-01

Recently, a fully automated method has become commercially available to measure the MUC-1-associated antigen CA27.29. The present investigation was performed in order to compare CA27.29 and CA15.3 in a wide series of patients affected with breast cancer. Overall, 603 cases with breast cancer and 194 healthy controls were investigated. Patients were enrolled in 4 institutions, while assays were performed in one laboratory. CA27.29 was measured by the ACS:180 BR assay (Bayer Diagnostics) and CA15.3 by the AxSYM (Abbott Laboratories). An excellent correlation was found between the results obtained by the two methods. The two markers showed comparable results in healthy controls, with higher levels in post-menopausal than in pre-menopausal subjects. The markers were significantly higher in primary breast cancer than in controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves of the two tests were comparable, but CA27.29 showed better sensitivity in cases with low antigen concentrations (below the cut-off point). Accordingly, when comparing each test in different stage categories, significance levels of the differences were higher for CA27.29 than for CA15.3 for all T categories versus healthy controls, for pT1 versus pT2, for all N categories versus healthy controls and for node-negative versus N1-3 patients. From the results of the present study, that has been performed on samples taken at diagnosis and prior to any treatment from the widest series of patients with primary breast cancer reported so far, we can draw the following conclusions: CA27.29 provides comparable results to CA15.3; CA27.29 seems more sensitive than CA15.3 to limited variations of tumour extension; however, it cannot help clinicians in distinguishing stage I patients from stage II patients. However, from the point of view of clinical decision making, CA27.29 provides comparable results to CA15.3. CA27.29 is therefore suitable for routine use in the management of patients with breast cancer.

Cellular characteristics of primary and immortal canine embryonic fibroblast cells.

PubMed

You, Seungkwon; Moon, Jai-Hee; Kim, Tae-Kyung; Kim, Sung-Chan; Kim, Jai-Woo; Yoon, Du-Hak; Kwak, Sungwook; Hong, Ki-Chang; Choi, Yun-Jaie; Kim, Hyunggee

2004-08-31

Using normal canine embryonic fibroblasts (CaEF) that were shown to be senescent at passages 7th-9th, we established two spontaneously immortalized CaEF cell lines (designated CGFR-Ca-1 and -2) from normal senescent CaEF cells, and an immortal CaEF cell line by exogenous introduction of a catalytic telomerase subunit (designated CGFR-Ca-3). Immortal CGFR- Ca-1, -2 and -3 cell lines grew faster than primary CaEF counterpart in the presence of either 0.1% or 10% FBS. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that all three immortal CaEF cell lines contained a significantly high proportion of S-phase cells compared to primary CaEF cells. CGFR-Ca-1 and -3 cell lines showed a loss of p53 mRNA and protein expression leading to inactivation of p53 regulatory function, while the CGFR-Ca-2 cell line was found to have the inactive mutant p53. Unlike the CGFR-Ca-3 cell line that down-regulated p16INK4a mRNA due to its promoter methylation but had an intact p16INK4a regulatory function, CGFR-Ca-1 and -2 cell lines expressed p16INK4a mRNA but had a functionally inactive p16INK4a regulatory pathway as judged by the lack of obvious differences in cell growth and phenotype when reconstituted with wild-type p16INK4a. All CGFR-Ca-1, -2 and -3 cell lines were shown to be untransformed but immortal as determined by anchorage-dependent assay, while these cell lines were fully transformed when overexpressed oncogenic H-rasG12V. Taken together, similar to the nature of murine embryo fibroblasts, the present study suggests that normal primary CaEF cells have relatively short in vitro lifespans and should be spontaneously immortalized at high frequency.

Synthesis and evaluation of new thiadiazole derivatives as potential inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase isozymes (hCA-I and hCA-II).

PubMed

Altintop, Mehlika Dilek; Ozdemir, Ahmet; Kucukoglu, Kaan; Turan-Zitouni, Gulhan; Nadaroglu, Hayrunnisa; Kaplancikli, Zafer Asim

2015-02-01

2-[[5-(2,4-Difluoro/dichlorophenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]thio] acetophenone derivatives (3a--s) were designed as human carbonic anhydrase isozymes (hCA-I and hCA-II) inhibitors and synthesized. hCA-I and hCA-II were purified from erythrocyte cells by the affinity chromatography. The inhibitory effects of 18 newly synthesized acetophenones on hydratase activity of these isoenzymes were studied in vitro. The average IC50 values of the new compounds for hydratase activity ranged from 0.033 to 0.14 μM for hCA-I and from 0.030 to 0.11 μM for hCA-II. Among the newly synthesized compounds, 2-[[5-(2,4-dichlorophenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]thio]-4'-bromoacetophenone (3n) can be considered as a promising hCA-II inhibitor owing to its selective and potent inhibitory effect on hCA-II.

Structural and functional characterization of the recombinant thioredoxin reductase from Candida albicans as a potential target for vaccine and drug design.

PubMed

Godoy, Janine Silva Ribeiro; Kioshima, Érika Seki; Abadio, Ana Karina Rodrigues; Felipe, Maria Sueli Soares; de Freitas, Sonia Maria; Svidzinski, Terezinha Inez Estivalet

2016-05-01

The thioredoxin system plays a critical role in maintaining the cytoplasm redox state, participating in functions that are important to the cellular viability of fungi. Although functional and structural information on targets in human pathogenic fungi has been scarcely described in the literature, such studies are essential for in silico drug design and biotechnological applications. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to produce recombinant proteins of the thioredoxin system from Candida albicans and evaluate their possible use as prophylactic or alternative therapies against the most important pathogenic fungus associated with nosocomial infections. We focused on biochemical and structural analyses of recombinant thioredoxin reductase from C. albicans with His-tag (CaTrxR-His) for further biotechnology applications. Heterologous CaTrxR-His was efficiently expressed in the soluble fraction of the Escherichia coli lysate. CaTrxR-His was obtained with a high level of purity and presented specific enzymatic activity. Conformational changes of the protein were observed at different pHs and temperatures, with higher thermal stability at pH 8.0. The CaTrxR-His vaccine was shown to effectively induce high levels of CaTrxR-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies in Balb/c mice and reduce the renal fungal burden of experimental disseminated candidiasis in mice. These data may greatly impact future development strategies for vaccine and drug designs against C. albicans infection.

Toward a Mixed-Methods Research Approach to Content Analysis in The Digital Age: The Combined Content-Analysis Model and its Applications to Health Care Twitter Feeds.

PubMed

Hamad, Eradah O; Savundranayagam, Marie Y; Holmes, Jeffrey D; Kinsella, Elizabeth Anne; Johnson, Andrew M

2016-03-08

Twitter's 140-character microblog posts are increasingly used to access information and facilitate discussions among health care professionals and between patients with chronic conditions and their caregivers. Recently, efforts have emerged to investigate the content of health care-related posts on Twitter. This marks a new area for researchers to investigate and apply content analysis (CA). In current infodemiology, infoveillance and digital disease detection research initiatives, quantitative and qualitative Twitter data are often combined, and there are no clear guidelines for researchers to follow when collecting and evaluating Twitter-driven content. The aim of this study was to identify studies on health care and social media that used Twitter feeds as a primary data source and CA as an analysis technique. We evaluated the resulting 18 studies based on a narrative review of previous methodological studies and textbooks to determine the criteria and main features of quantitative and qualitative CA. We then used the key features of CA and mixed-methods research designs to propose the combined content-analysis (CCA) model as a solid research framework for designing, conducting, and evaluating investigations of Twitter-driven content. We conducted a PubMed search to collect studies published between 2010 and 2014 that used CA to analyze health care-related tweets. The PubMed search and reference list checks of selected papers identified 21 papers. We excluded 3 papers and further analyzed 18. Results suggest that the methods used in these studies were not purely quantitative or qualitative, and the mixed-methods design was not explicitly chosen for data collection and analysis. A solid research framework is needed for researchers who intend to analyze Twitter data through the use of CA. We propose the CCA model as a useful framework that provides a straightforward approach to guide Twitter-driven studies and that adds rigor to health care social media investigations. We provide suggestions for the use of the CCA model in elder care-related contexts.

Toward a Mixed-Methods Research Approach to Content Analysis in The Digital Age: The Combined Content-Analysis Model and its Applications to Health Care Twitter Feeds

PubMed Central

Hamad, Eradah O; Savundranayagam, Marie Y; Holmes, Jeffrey D; Kinsella, Elizabeth Anne

2016-01-01

Background Twitter’s 140-character microblog posts are increasingly used to access information and facilitate discussions among health care professionals and between patients with chronic conditions and their caregivers. Recently, efforts have emerged to investigate the content of health care-related posts on Twitter. This marks a new area for researchers to investigate and apply content analysis (CA). In current infodemiology, infoveillance and digital disease detection research initiatives, quantitative and qualitative Twitter data are often combined, and there are no clear guidelines for researchers to follow when collecting and evaluating Twitter-driven content. Objective The aim of this study was to identify studies on health care and social media that used Twitter feeds as a primary data source and CA as an analysis technique. We evaluated the resulting 18 studies based on a narrative review of previous methodological studies and textbooks to determine the criteria and main features of quantitative and qualitative CA. We then used the key features of CA and mixed-methods research designs to propose the combined content-analysis (CCA) model as a solid research framework for designing, conducting, and evaluating investigations of Twitter-driven content. Methods We conducted a PubMed search to collect studies published between 2010 and 2014 that used CA to analyze health care-related tweets. The PubMed search and reference list checks of selected papers identified 21 papers. We excluded 3 papers and further analyzed 18. Results Results suggest that the methods used in these studies were not purely quantitative or qualitative, and the mixed-methods design was not explicitly chosen for data collection and analysis. A solid research framework is needed for researchers who intend to analyze Twitter data through the use of CA. Conclusions We propose the CCA model as a useful framework that provides a straightforward approach to guide Twitter-driven studies and that adds rigor to health care social media investigations. We provide suggestions for the use of the CCA model in elder care-related contexts. PMID:26957477

Guanosine 5′-monophosphate-chelated calcium and iron feed additives maintains egg production and prevents Salmonella Gallinarum in experimentally infected layers

PubMed Central

Noh, Hye-Ji; Kim, HeeKyong; Heo, Su Jeong; Cho, Hyang Hyun

2017-01-01

We evaluated the effects of guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP)-chelated calcium and iron (CaFe-GMP) on health and egg quality in layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum. In this study, a CaFe-GMP feed additive was added to a commercial layer feed and fed to layers over a four-week period. All were inoculated with Salmonella Gallinarum. Body weight, mortality, clinical symptoms, and poultry production including feed intake, egg production, egg loss, and feed conversion rate were observed, and Salmonella Gallinarum was re-isolated from the liver, spleen, and cecum of the layers. All tested internal organs for the CaFe-GMP additive group exhibited significantly lower re-isolation numbers of Salmonella Gallinarum and less severe pathological changes than those in the control group, indicating that the CaFe-GMP feed supplement induced bacterial clearance and increased resistance to Salmonella Gallinarum. Additionally, due to the inhibitory action of CaFe-GMP on the growth of Salmonella Gallinarum, the CaFe-GMP additive group exhibited better egg production, including a higher laying rate and fewer broken eggs. The results suggest that a 0.16% CaFe-GMP additive may help prevent salmonellosis in the poultry industry. PMID:28057911

Cannabinoids disrupt memory encoding by functionally isolating hippocampal CA1 from CA3.

PubMed

Sandler, Roman A; Fetterhoff, Dustin; Hampson, Robert E; Deadwyler, Sam A; Marmarelis, Vasilis Z

2017-07-01

Much of the research on cannabinoids (CBs) has focused on their effects at the molecular and synaptic level. However, the effects of CBs on the dynamics of neural circuits remains poorly understood. This study aims to disentangle the effects of CBs on the functional dynamics of the hippocampal Schaffer collateral synapse by using data-driven nonparametric modeling. Multi-unit activity was recorded from rats doing an working memory task in control sessions and under the influence of exogenously administered tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary CB found in marijuana. It was found that THC left firing rate unaltered and only slightly reduced theta oscillations. Multivariate autoregressive models, estimated from spontaneous spiking activity, were then used to describe the dynamical transformation from CA3 to CA1. They revealed that THC served to functionally isolate CA1 from CA3 by reducing feedforward excitation and theta information flow. The functional isolation was compensated by increased feedback excitation within CA1, thus leading to unaltered firing rates. Finally, both of these effects were shown to be correlated with memory impairments in the working memory task. By elucidating the circuit mechanisms of CBs, these results help close the gap in knowledge between the cellular and behavioral effects of CBs.

Cannabinoids disrupt memory encoding by functionally isolating hippocampal CA1 from CA3

PubMed Central

Fetterhoff, Dustin; Hampson, Robert E.; Deadwyler, Sam A.; Marmarelis, Vasilis Z.

2017-01-01

Much of the research on cannabinoids (CBs) has focused on their effects at the molecular and synaptic level. However, the effects of CBs on the dynamics of neural circuits remains poorly understood. This study aims to disentangle the effects of CBs on the functional dynamics of the hippocampal Schaffer collateral synapse by using data-driven nonparametric modeling. Multi-unit activity was recorded from rats doing an working memory task in control sessions and under the influence of exogenously administered tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary CB found in marijuana. It was found that THC left firing rate unaltered and only slightly reduced theta oscillations. Multivariate autoregressive models, estimated from spontaneous spiking activity, were then used to describe the dynamical transformation from CA3 to CA1. They revealed that THC served to functionally isolate CA1 from CA3 by reducing feedforward excitation and theta information flow. The functional isolation was compensated by increased feedback excitation within CA1, thus leading to unaltered firing rates. Finally, both of these effects were shown to be correlated with memory impairments in the working memory task. By elucidating the circuit mechanisms of CBs, these results help close the gap in knowledge between the cellular and behavioral effects of CBs. PMID:28686594

Calcium phosphate supplementation increases faecal Lactobacillus spp. in a randomised trial of young adults.

PubMed

Dahl, W J; Ford, A L; Coppola, J A; Lopez, D; Combs, W; Rohani, A; Ukhanova, M; Culpepper, T; Tompkins, T A; Christman, M; Mai, V

2016-02-01

The aim of the studies was to determine the effects of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate supplementation on faecal Lactobacillus spp., with and without a probiotic supplement, in healthy adults. Study 1 comprised of a randomised, double-blind, crossover design; participants (n=15) received 2 capsules/d of 250 mg elemental calcium as calcium carbonate (Ca1) and calcium phosphate (Ca2) each for 2-week periods, with 2-week baseline and washout periods. Study 2 was a randomised, double-blind, crossover design; participants (n=17) received 2 capsules/d of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 (probiotic) alone, the probiotic with 2 capsules/d of Ca1, and probiotic with 2 capsules/d of Ca2 each for 2-week periods with 2-week baseline and washout periods. In both studies, stools were collected during the baseline, intervention and washout periods for Lactobacillus spp. quantification and qPCR analyses. Participants completed daily questionnaires of stool frequency and compliance. In Study 1, neither calcium supplement influenced viable counts of resident Lactobacillus spp., genome equivalents of lactic acid bacteria or stool frequency. In Study 2, faecal Lactobacillus spp. counts were significantly enhanced from baseline when the probiotic was administered with Ca2 (4.83±0.30, 5.79±0.31) (P=0.02), but not with Ca1 (4.98±0.31) or with the probiotic alone (5.36±0.31, 5.55±0.29) (not significant). Detection of L. helveticus R0052 and L. rhamnosus R0011 was significantly increased with all treatments, but did not differ among treatments. There were no changes in weekly stool frequency. Calcium phosphate co-administration may increase gastrointestinal survival of orally-administered Lactobacillus spp.

Improved antimicrobial compound production by a new isolate Streptomyces hygroscopicus MTCC 4003 using Plackett-Burman design and response Surface methodology.

PubMed

Singh, Neha; Rai, Vibhuti

2012-01-01

An active strain, isolated from soil of Chhattisgarh, India, showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi in glucose soybean meal broth. Strain was characterized as Streptomyces hygroscopicus MTCC 4003 based on 16S rRNA sequencing from Microbial Type culture Collection (MTCC), IMTECH, Chandigarh, India. Identification of the purified antimicrobial compound was done by using Infra-red (IR), Mass, Ultraviolet (UV), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) methods were used for the optimization of antibiotic production. Effects of the four medium components soybean meal, glucose, CaCO3 and MgSO4 showed positive effect on antibiotic production, were investigated with the help of PBD. The individual and interaction effects of the selected variables were determined by RSM using central composite design (CCD). Applying statistical design, antibiotic production was improved nearly ten times (412 mg/L) compared with unoptimized production medium (37 mg/L).

[Study on allocation rules of common nutrients in Scutellaria baicalensis in different phenological periods by ICP-OES].

PubMed

Li, Hua; Li, Wei; Zeng, Jie; Yang, Bin

2012-11-01

To study the allocation rules of the nutrients in Scutellaria baicalensis in different phenological periods, ICP-OES analytical technique was used to measure the contents of 4 elements (Ca, Mg, P and K) in roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruids in different phenological periods (such as dormancy period, leaf expansion period, blooming period, fruit maturation period and yellow period) simultaneously. The results indicated that the allocation of Ca, Mg and K in leaves was higher than in the other organs in the vegetative stage, in order to stimulate photosynthesis and generate abundant carbohydrate; there was a larger proportion of P and K in reproductive organ compared with vegetative ones in reproductive stage, and it was beneficial to multiplication, and in yellow period the percentages of Ca, Mg, and K in roots rose slightly to strengthen cold-resistant ability. This study results can help develop scientific and rational fertilization programmes for the cultivation of Scutellaria baicalensis.

Bioinspired design of a polymer gel sensor for the realization of extracellular Ca2+ imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishiwari, Fumitaka; Hasebe, Hanako; Matsumura, Satoko; Hajjaj, Fatin; Horii-Hayashi, Noriko; Nishi, Mayumi; Someya, Takao; Fukushima, Takanori

2016-04-01

Although the role of extracellular Ca2+ draws increasing attention as a messenger in intercellular communications, there is currently no tool available for imaging Ca2+ dynamics in extracellular regions. Here we report the first solid-state fluorescent Ca2+ sensor that fulfills the essential requirements for realizing extracellular Ca2+ imaging. Inspired by natural extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptors, we designed a particular type of chemically-crosslinked polyacrylic acid gel, which can undergo single-chain aggregation in the presence of Ca2+. By attaching aggregation-induced emission luminogen to the polyacrylic acid as a pendant, the conformational state of the main chain at a given Ca2+ concentration is successfully translated into fluorescence property. The Ca2+ sensor has a millimolar-order apparent dissociation constant compatible with extracellular Ca2+ concentrations, and exhibits sufficient dynamic range and excellent selectivity in the presence of physiological concentrations of biologically relevant ions, thus enabling monitoring of submillimolar fluctuations of Ca2+ in flowing analytes containing millimolar Ca2+ concentrations.

Correcting the MoCA for education: effect on sensitivity.

PubMed

Gagnon, Genevieve; Hansen, Kevin T; Woolmore-Goodwin, Sarah; Gutmanis, Iris; Wells, Jennie; Borrie, Michael; Fogarty, Jennifer

2013-09-01

The goal of this study was to quantify the impact of the suggested education correction on the sensitivity and specificity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Twenty-five outpatients with dementia and 39 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) underwent a diagnostic evaluation, which included the MoCA. Thirty-seven healthy controls also completed the MoCA and psychiatric, medical, neurological, functional, and cognitive difficulties were ruled out. For the total MoCA score, unadjusted for education, a cut-off score of 26 yielded the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (80% and 89% respectively) in identifying cognitive impairment (people with either dementia or aMCI, versus controls). When applying the education correction, sensitivity decreased from 80% to 69% for a small specificity increase (89% to 92%). The cut-off score yielding the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for the education adjusted MoCA score fell to 25 (61% and 97%, respectively). Adjusting the MoCA total score for education had a detrimental effect on sensitivity with only a slight increase in specificity. Clinically, this loss in sensitivity can lead to an increased number of false negatives, as education level does not always correlate to premorbid intellectual function. Clinical judgment about premorbid status should guide interpretation. However, as this effect may be cohort specific, age and education corrected norms and cut-offs should be developed to help guide MoCA interpretation.

78 FR 14031 - Proposed Amendment of Class D Airspace; El Monte, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-04

...: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Class D Airspace at El Monte Airport, El Monte, CA. This action, initiated by... particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically...

ARC-2007-ACD07-0049-061

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-03-16

Silicon Valley FIRST Regional Robotics competition: Evolution Team 1834 - NASA/Google/NASA Robotics Education FIRST Spnsorship program/San Jose Job Corps/MetroED & SIA Tech , San Jose, California (CA) trouble shooting with the help of Royal Robotrons Team 1070 - California State University, Northridge/Dreamworks Animation skg Louisville Hight school, Woodlands Hills, California (CA)

Hyperforin stimulates intracellular calcium mobilisation and enhances extracellular acidification in DDT1-MF2 smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Koch, E; Chatterjee, S S

2001-07-01

Hyperforin, an acylphloroglucinol derivative, is a major constituent of St. John's wort extract (Hypericum perforatum L.), which is used in treating depressive disorders. Hyperforin has been demonstrated as a modulator of several neuronal ion channels, and inhibits smooth-muscle contraction induced by various neurotransmitters. To evaluate the spasmolytic properties of hyperforin in more detail, we performed studies on the hamster vas deferens smooth muscle cell line DDT1-MF2. In a first series of experiments, we determined the effect of hyperforin on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) using the fluorochrome fura-2. These investigations were supplemented in a second series of assays, where the effects on cellular metabolism were analysed by measuring the rate of extracellular release of acidic metabolites with the help of a microphysiometer. Hyperforin (0.3-10 microg/ml) caused a concentration-dependent elevation of [Ca2+]i and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Both of these effects were independent of extracellular Ca2+. To elucidate whether the increase of [Ca2+]i by hyperforin causes or results from its ECAR-stimulating properties, we used various pharmacological tools to reveal the sequence of events and the molecular mechanisms involved. Our results suggest that hyperforin induces release of Ca2+ from as yet unidentified sources. Since the ECAR stimulation was inhibited to a different extent by the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA as well as by inhibitors of plasmalemmal and mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange, but not by inhibitors of Na+/H+ antiport, the intracellular Ca2+ increase seems to be essential for this hyperforin effect. However, further studies are needed to establish the exact mode of action, and to deduce whether this aspect of hyperforin activity contributes to its antidepressant and neuroprotective effects.

Inhibitory effect of protopine on K(ATP) channel subunits expressed in HEK-293 cells.

PubMed

Jiang, Bo; Cao, Kun; Wang, Rui

2004-12-15

Protopine is an isoquinoline alkaloid purified from Corydalis tubers and other families of medicinal plants. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of protopine on K(ATP) channels and big conductance (BKCa) channels. Protopine concentration-dependently inhibited K(ATP) channel currents in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) which were cotransfected with Kir6.1 and sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) subunits, but not that with Kir6.1 cDNA transfection alone. At 25 muM, protopine reversibly decreased Kir6.1/SUR1 currents densities from -17.4+/-3 to -13.2+/-2.4 pA/pF at -60 mV (n=5, P<0.05). The heterologously expressed mSlo-encoded BK(Ca) channel currents in HEK-293 cells were not affected by protopine (25 muM), although iberiotoxin (100 nM) significantly inhibited the expressed BK(Ca) currents (n=5, P<0.05). In summary, protopine selectively inhibited K(ATP) channels by targeting on SUR1 subunit. This discovery may help design specific agents to selectively modulate the function of Kir6.1/SUR1 channel complex and facilitate the understanding of the structure-function relationship of specific subtype of K(ATP) channels.

Double-stranded RNA targeting calmodulin reveals a potential target for pest management of Nilaparvata lugens.

PubMed

Wang, Weixia; Wan, Pinjun; Lai, Fengxiang; Zhu, Tingheng; Fu, Qiang

2018-07-01

Calmodulin (CaM) is an essential protein in cellular activity and plays important roles in many processes in insect development. RNA interference (RNAi) has been hypothesized to be a promising method for pest control. CaM is a good candidate for RNAi target. However, the sequence and function of CaM in Nilaparvata lugens are unknown. Furthermore, the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) target to CaM gene in pest control is still unavailable. In the present study, two alternatively spliced variants of CaM transcripts, designated NlCaM1 and NlCaM2, were cloned from N. lugens. The two cDNA sequences exhibited 100% identity to each other in the open reading frame (ORF), and only differed in the 3' untranslated region (UTR). NlCaM including NlCaM1 and NlCaM2 mRNA was detectable in all developmental stages and tissues of N. lugens, with significantly increased expression in the salivary glands. Knockdown of NlCaM expression by RNAi with different dsRNAs led to an inability to molt properly, increased mortality, which ranged from 49.7 to 92.5%, impacted development of the ovaries and led to female infertility. There were no significant reductions in the transcript levels of vitellogenin and its receptor or in the total vitellogenin protein level relative to the control group. However, a significant reduction in vitellogenin protein was detected in ovaries injected with dsNlCaM. In addition, a specific dsRNA of NlCaM for control of N. lugens was designed and tested. NlCaM plays important roles mainly in nymph development and uptake of vitellogenin by ovaries in vitellogenesis in N. lugens. dsRNA derived from the less conserved 3'-UTR of NlCaM shows great potential for RNAi-based N. lugens management. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Experimental study and thermodynamic modelling of the calcium oxide-silicon oxide-aluminum oxide-calcium fluoride system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Geun

Mould flux for the continuous casting process is a major concern for the steelmaking industry. Nowadays, more than 90 % of steel is being produced by the continuous casting process, which requires mould flux as an essential additive. The development of mould flux has been achieved by the conventional trial and error approach since it was first introduced in industry in the 1960s. Recently, the interest on the properties of fluorine has increased a lot since it is reported that fluorine has important functions such as playing a critical role on the crystallization behavior, and decreasing the melting point and viscosity of slag. However, the conventional way to find a suitable mould flux is not efficient to face the increasingly stringent requirements of the continuous casting process such as thin slab casting and higher casting speed. Therefore, fundamental phase diagram study on mould flux systems is clearly necessary, and thermodynamic modeling is the most effective way to design new mould flux in terms of time and money saving. The major components of mould flux, the CaO-SiO2-Al2O 3-CaF2 system, are investigated in this study as these four constituents will mostly affect the largest numbers of properties. Unfortunately, fluorine has high volatility at high temperature and high reactivity with other materials. Therefore, the results of previous experiments on F-containing systems are characterized by large discrepancies due to composition alteration and unexpected reactions during the experiment. As literature data show inconsistent results between each other, key phase diagram experiments were performed in this study. The phase diagram experiments were conducted with the quenching method in sealed Pt capsules to prevent fluorine loss during the experiment. The analyses were performed using a FE-SEM equipped with an EDS system, and a newly developed technique which produces more precise quantitative results for the equilibrium phase composition. The CaO liquidus of the CaO-CaF 2 binary system, which the literature data differ from each other by up to 50 mol %, was confirmed. The CaO solubility in solid CaF2 was found for the first time and reaches about 5 mol % at the eutectic temperature. The liquidus of the CaO-Al2O3-CaF2 and CaO-SiO 2-CaF2 systems were carefully studied and the miscibility gap in the CaO-Al2O3-CaF2 system was proved to be much smaller than that reported in literature. Also, thermal analysis was performed using DSC in a Pt crucible. The eutectic temperatures of the CaO-CaF2 and CaAl2O4-CaF2 systems were successfully measured and the alpha to beta-CaF2 polymorphic transition was confirmed. Based on the new experimental data and reliable literature data, thermodynamic modeling of the CaO-SiO2-Al 2O3-CaF2 system was also carried out. The results of thermodynamic calculation can be very beneficial for new mould flux design.

The Interpretation of Studies Using the Reading Level Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goswami, Usha; Bryant, Peter

1989-01-01

Argues that only positive results in a reading-level (RL) match and negative results in a chronological-age (CA) match are interpretable; negative results in a CA match and positive results in a RL match are not. Argues that using the RL control is only a first step in research into reading disability. (RS)

Lead-induced ER calcium release and inhibitory effects of methionine choline in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Fan, Guangqin; Zhou, Fankun; Feng, Chang; Wu, Fengyun; Ye, Weiwei; Wang, Chunhong; Lin, Fen; Yan, Ji; Li, Yanshu; Chen, Ying; Bi, Yongyi

2013-02-01

Lead, a ubiquitous neurotoxicant, can result in learning and memory dysfunction. Long term potentiation in the hippocampus, a potential neural substrate for learning and memory, is thought to be linked to calcium-triggered intracellular events. In this study, laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to examine the effects of Pb(2+) on intracellular and endoplasmic reticulum free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i) and [Ca(2+)](ER)) in cultured neonatal rat hippocampal neurons and their possible antagonism by methionine choline; understanding these effects would help explain the lead-induced cognitive and learning dysfunction and explore efficient safety and relief strategies. The results showed that Pb(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) and decreased [Ca(2+)](ER) linearly in a time- and concentration-dependant manner, and Pb(2+) addition after the applying of a ryanodine receptor (RyR) antagonist and an inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) antagonist did not increase [Ca(2+)](i). The addition of 10, 20, or 40 mmol/L methionine choline simultaneously with addition of 10 μmol/L Pb(2+) decreased [Ca(2+)](i) in Ca(2+)-free culture medium by 39.0%, 66.0%, and 61.6%, respectively, in a concentration-dependant manner in a certain dose range. Our results suggest that Pb(2+) induces ER calcium release to increase the resting [Ca(2+)](i); and methionine choline inhibit this increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solid-State Reaction Between Fe-Al-Ca Alloy and Al2O3-CaO-FeO Oxide During Heat Treatment at 1473 K (1200 °C)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chengsong; Yang, Shufeng; Li, Jingshe; Ni, Hongwei; Zhang, Xueliang

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to control the physicochemical characteristics of inclusions in steel through appropriate heat treatment. Using a confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM) and pipe furnace, the solid-state reactions between Fe-Al-Ca alloy and Al2O3-CaO-FeO oxide during heat treatment at 1473 K (1200 °C) and the influence of these reactions on the compositions of and phases in the alloy and oxide were investigated by the diffusion couple method. Suitable pretreatment of the oxide using a CSLM and production of the diffusion couple of Fe-Al-Ca alloy and Al2O3-CaO-FeO oxide gave good contact between the alloy and oxide. The diffusion couple was then sealed in a quartz tube with a piece of Ti foil to lower oxygen partial pressure and a block of Fe-Al-Ca alloy was introduced to conduct heat treatment experiments. Solid-state reactions between the alloy and oxide during heat treatment at 1473 K (1200 °C) were analyzed and discussed. A dynamic model to calculate the width of the particle precipitation zone based on the Wagner model of internal oxidation of metal was proposed. This model was helpful to understand the solid-state reaction mechanism between Fe-Al-Ca alloy and Al2O3-CaO-FeO oxide.

Divers models of divalent cation interaction to calcium-binding proteins: techniques and anthology.

PubMed

Cox, Jos A

2013-01-01

Intracellular Ca(2+)-binding proteins (CaBPs) are sensors of the calcium signal and several of them even shape the signal. Most of them are equipped with at least two EF-hand motifs designed to bind Ca(2+). Their affinities are very variable, can display cooperative effects, and can be modulated by physiological Mg(2+) concentrations. These binding phenomena are monitored by four major techniques: equilibrium dialysis, fluorimetry with fluorescent Ca(2+) indicators, flow dialysis, and isothermal titration calorimetry. In the last quarter of the twentieth century reports on the ion-binding characteristics of several abundant wild-type CaBPs were published. With the advent of recombinant CaBPs it became possible to determine these properties on previously inaccessible proteins. Here I report on studies by our group carried out in the last decade on eight families of recombinant CaBPs, their mutants, or truncated domains. Moreover this chapter deals with the currently used methods for quantifying the binding of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) to CaBPs.

Calcium ketoglutarate versus calcium acetate for treatment of hyperphosphataemia in patients on maintenance haemodialysis: a cross-over study.

PubMed

Birck, R; Zimmermann, E; Wassmer, S; Nowack, R; van der Woude, F J

1999-06-01

Since dietary restrictions and phosphorus removal by haemodialysis (HD) are not sufficient to control serum phosphate (s-phosphate) levels in dialysis patients the use of oral phosphate binders is mandatory. Calcium ketoglutarate (CaKE) is an analogue of glutamic acid exerting phosphate binding properties. Therefore we compared this substance to calcium acetate (CaAC) in a 24-weeks open cross-over trial in 28 maintenance HD patients. Medications and HD prescriptions were kept unchanged during the trial. Following 2 weeks of withdrawal of phosphate binders, patients were randomly assigned to one of the calcium salts for 12 weeks; after a second withdrawal of 2 weeks, all patients were shifted to the other treatment for another 12 weeks. All patients received equimolar doses of CaKE and CaAC with respect to the amount of prescribed elemental calcium. Treatment with CaAC and CaKE significantly reduced s-phosphate levels after 4 weeks (CaAC 1.95+/-0.6 vs. 2.4+/-0.53 mmol/l, P = 0.004; CaKE 1.95+/-0.4 vs. 2.47+/-0.63 mmol/l, P = 0.0001) reaching a virtually stable plateau over the remaining observation time without significant differences between the groups. The incidence of hypercalcaemia defined as a serum calcium level > or =2.8 mmol/l was significantly higher in CaAC than in CaKE treated patients (n = 8 vs. n = 1, P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) bicarbonate, albumin or calcitriol levels between the groups after 12 weeks treatment. We conclude that CaKE is as effective as CaAC for treatment of hyperphosphataemia in chronic HD patients and may be particularly helpful in patients who are prone to develop hypercalcaemia.

CaMELS: In silico prediction of calmodulin binding proteins and their binding sites.

PubMed

Abbasi, Wajid Arshad; Asif, Amina; Andleeb, Saiqa; Minhas, Fayyaz Ul Amir Afsar

2017-09-01

Due to Ca 2+ -dependent binding and the sequence diversity of Calmodulin (CaM) binding proteins, identifying CaM interactions and binding sites in the wet-lab is tedious and costly. Therefore, computational methods for this purpose are crucial to the design of such wet-lab experiments. We present an algorithm suite called CaMELS (CalModulin intEraction Learning System) for predicting proteins that interact with CaM as well as their binding sites using sequence information alone. CaMELS offers state of the art accuracy for both CaM interaction and binding site prediction and can aid biologists in studying CaM binding proteins. For CaM interaction prediction, CaMELS uses protein sequence features coupled with a large-margin classifier. CaMELS models the binding site prediction problem using multiple instance machine learning with a custom optimization algorithm which allows more effective learning over imprecisely annotated CaM-binding sites during training. CaMELS has been extensively benchmarked using a variety of data sets, mutagenic studies, proteome-wide Gene Ontology enrichment analyses and protein structures. Our experiments indicate that CaMELS outperforms simple motif-based search and other existing methods for interaction and binding site prediction. We have also found that the whole sequence of a protein, rather than just its binding site, is important for predicting its interaction with CaM. Using the machine learning model in CaMELS, we have identified important features of protein sequences for CaM interaction prediction as well as characteristic amino acid sub-sequences and their relative position for identifying CaM binding sites. Python code for training and evaluating CaMELS together with a webserver implementation is available at the URL: http://faculty.pieas.edu.pk/fayyaz/software.html#camels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Butterflies in Formation: Predicting How Speech Order in College Public Speaking Affects Student Communication Apprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osmond, Erica R.

2013-01-01

This study addressed pedagogical practices in the public speaking classroom in an attempt to help control communication apprehension (CA) levels and improve retention rates among college students in the basic public speaking course. Guided by the theoretical frameworks of Berger and Calabrese's uncertainty reduction theory and Weiner's attribution…

Zizyphin modulates calcium signalling in human taste bud cells and fat taste perception in the mouse.

PubMed

Murtaza, Babar; Berrichi, Meryem; Bennamar, Chahid; Tordjmann, Thierry; Djeziri, Fatima Z; Hichami, Aziz; Leemput, Julia; Belarbi, Meriem; Ozdener, Hakan; Khan, Naim A

2017-10-01

Zizyphin, isolated from Zizyphus sps. leaf extracts, has been shown to modulate sugar taste perception, and the palatability of a sweet solution is increased by the addition of fatty acids. We, therefore, studied whether zizyphin also modulates fat taste perception. Zizyphin was purified from edible fruit of Zizyphus lotus L. Zizyphin-induced increases in [Ca 2+ ]i in human taste bud cells (hTBC). Zizyphin shared the endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ pool and also recruited, in part, Ca 2+ from extracellular environment via the opening of store-operated Ca 2+ channels. Zizyphin exerted additive actions on linoleic acid (LA)-induced increases in [Ca 2+ ]i in these cells, indicating that zizyphin does not exert its action via fatty acid receptors. However, zizyphin seemed to exert, at least in part, its action via bile acid receptor Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 in hTBC. In behavioural tests, mice exhibited preference for both LA and zizyphin. Interestingly, zizyphin increased the preference for a solution containing-LA. This study is the first evidence of the modulation of fat taste perception by zizyphin at the cellular level in hTBC. Our study might be helpful for considering the synthesis of zizyphin analogues as 'taste modifiers' with a potential in the management of obesity and lipid-mediated disorders. © 2017 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

Mineral requirements for growth and maintenance of F1 Boer × Saanen male kids.

PubMed

Teixeira, I A M A; Härter, C J; Pereira Filho, J M; Sobrinho, A G da Silva; Resende, K T

2015-05-01

The objective of this study was to determine the net requirements of minerals for the growth and maintenance of intact male F1 Boer × Saanen goat kids in the initial phase of growth. The following 2 experiments were performed: Exp. 1 was performed to determine the net growth requirements for Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K by F1 Boer × Saanen goat kids from 5 to 25 kg of BW and Exp. 2 was performed to determine the maintenance requirements of F1 Boer × Saanen goats from 15 to 25 kg BW. In Exp. 1, 32 intact male goat kids were distributed in a completely randomized design and mineral body composition was fit to an allometric equation in the form of a nonlinear model. To determine the mineral requirements for maintenance in Exp. 2, 21 intact male goat kids were distributed in a randomized block design, where the goat kids were subjected to 3 levels of feed restriction (0, 30, and 60% feed restriction). At the onset of Exp. 2, 7 goat kids were harvested and used to estimate the initial body composition (15 kg BW). Initial body composition was used to calculate the retention of minerals. The maintenance requirements were estimated by regressions obtained from the retention of minerals in the empty body and the intake of the mineral. The concentration of Ca, P, Na, and K in the empty BW decreased by 11, 13, 26, and 23% with the increase in BW from 5 to 25 kg (P < 0.01). As a consequence, our results showed that net requirements of Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K for weight gain decreased by 27.5, 27.8, 4.25, 43.2, and 39.7%, respectively, with the increase in BW from 5 to 25 kg (P < 0.01). The net requirements (g/kg of ADG) decreased from 9.7 to 7.0 for Ca, 6.5 to 4.7 for P, 0.38 to 0.36 for Mg, 0.88 to 0.50 for Na, and 1.9 to 1.2 for K when BW increased from 5 to 25 kg. The daily net requirements for maintenance per kilogram of BW were 38 mg of Ca, 42 mg of P, 1.6 mg of Mg, 5.0 mg of Na, and 19 mg of K. These results for the nutritional requirements of minerals may help to formulate more balanced diets for F1 Boer × Saanen goat kids in the initial growth phase.

Ca(2+) signals mediated by bradykinin type 2 receptors in normal pancreatic stellate cells can be inhibited by specific Ca(2+) channel blockade.

PubMed

Gryshchenko, Oleksiy; Gerasimenko, Julia V; Gerasimenko, Oleg V; Petersen, Ole H

2016-01-15

Bradykinin may play a role in the autodigestive disease acute pancreatitis, but little is known about its pancreatic actions. In this study, we have investigated bradykinin-elicited Ca(2+) signal generation in normal mouse pancreatic lobules. We found complete separation of Ca(2+) signalling between pancreatic acinar (PACs) and stellate cells (PSCs). Pathophysiologically relevant bradykinin concentrations consistently evoked Ca(2+) signals, via B2 receptors, in PSCs but never in neighbouring PACs, whereas cholecystokinin, consistently evoking Ca(2+) signals in PACs, never elicited Ca(2+) signals in PSCs. The bradykinin-elicited Ca(2+) signals were due to initial Ca(2+) release from inositol trisphosphate-sensitive stores followed by Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+) release-activated channels (CRACs). The Ca(2+) entry phase was effectively inhibited by a CRAC blocker. B2 receptor blockade reduced the extent of PAC necrosis evoked by pancreatitis-promoting agents and we therefore conclude that bradykinin plays a role in acute pancreatitis via specific actions on PSCs. Normal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are regarded as quiescent, only to become activated in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. However, we now report that these cells in their normal microenvironment are far from quiescent, but are capable of generating substantial Ca(2+) signals. We have compared Ca(2+) signalling in PSCs and their better studied neighbouring acinar cells (PACs) and found complete separation of Ca(2+) signalling in even closely neighbouring PACs and PSCs. Bradykinin (BK), at concentrations corresponding to the slightly elevated plasma BK levels that have been shown to occur in the auto-digestive disease acute pancreatitis in vivo, consistently elicited substantial Ca(2+) signals in PSCs, but never in neighbouring PACs, whereas the physiological PAC stimulant cholecystokinin failed to evoke Ca(2+) signals in PSCs. The BK-induced Ca(2+) signals were mediated by B2 receptors and B2 receptor blockade protected against PAC necrosis evoked by agents causing acute pancreatitis. The initial Ca(2+) rise in PSCs was due to inositol trisphosphate receptor-mediated release from internal stores, whereas the sustained phase depended on external Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels. CRAC channel inhibitors, which have been shown to protect PACs against damage caused by agents inducing pancreatitis, therefore also inhibit Ca(2+) signal generation in PSCs and this may be helpful in treating acute pancreatitis. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Physiological Society.

77 FR 76451 - Designation for the West Sacramento, CA; Frankfort, IN; and Richmond, VA Areas.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-28

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Designation for the West Sacramento, CA; Frankfort, IN; and Richmond, VA Areas. AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and...-Agri West Sacramento, CA(916) 374-9700.. 1/1/2013 12/31/2015 Frankfort Frankfort, IN(765) 258-3624...

Quicklime treatment and stirring of different poultry litter substrates for reducing pathogenic bacteria counts.

PubMed

Lopes, M; Roll, V F B; Leite, F L; Dai Prá, M A; Xavier, E G; Heres, T; Valente, B S

2013-03-01

Testing different management practices can help to identify conditions that decrease or even eliminate pathogenic bacteria in poultry litter. A trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of daily manual stirring (rotation of the litter with a pitchfork) for the first 14 d of a bird's life (WDR), in 3 types of poultry litter substrates and quicklime treatment (CaO) during layout time between flocks on pathogenic bacteria occurrence (cfu). A total of 216 male Cobb broilers were randomly allotted to 18 pens with new litter (experimental unit). A split-plot design, with 6 treatments allotted to the main plots, was used: 1) wood shavings (WS) + WDR, 2) WS without stirring up to 14 d (WODR), 3) rice hulls (RIH) + WDR, 4) RIH + WODR, 5) mixture of 50% RIH and WS + WDR, and 6) mixture of 50% RIH and WS + WODR. Two treatments were allotted to the subplots: 0 and 300 g of CaO•m(-2) litter. After depopulation, litter samples were collected, and CaO was incorporated into the litter in the designated half of each pen. The cfu from litter samples after 7 d of the quicklime treatment were counted on Chapman agar, brain heart infusion media, and MacConkey agar. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, and the means were compared by least squares means (P < 0.05). Neither the type of substrate nor the act of stirring affected the cfu. The incorporation of 300 g of CaO•m(-2) litter efficiently reduced the cfu observed on brain heart infusion, Chapman agar, and MacConkey agar media by 57.2, 66.9, and 92.1%, respectively, compared with control (6.4, 17.9, and 46.1%; P < 0.001). In conclusion, the incorporation of 300 g/m(-2) of quicklime in poultry litter reduces the cfu, regardless of the substrate and stirring performed.

Short term effects of increasing dietary salt concentrations on urine composition in healthy cats.

PubMed

Paßlack, N; Burmeier, H; Brenten, T; Neumann, K; Zentek, J

2014-09-01

High dietary salt (NaCl) concentrations are assumed to be beneficial in preventing the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths in cats, since increased water intake and urine volume have been observed subsequent to intake. In human beings, dietary NaCl restriction is recommended for the prevention of CaOx urolith formation, since high NaCl intake is associated with increased urinary Ca excretion. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of dietary NaCl in the formation of CaOx uroliths in cats. Eight cats received four diets that differed in Na and Cl concentrations (0.38-1.43% Na and 0.56-2.52% Cl dry matter, DM). Each feeding period consisted of a 21 day adaptation period, followed by a 7 day sampling period for urine collection. Higher dietary NaCl concentrations were associated with increased urine volume and renal Na excretion. Urinary Ca concentration was constant, but renal Ca excretion increased from 0.62 to 1.05 mg/kg bodyweight (BW)/day with higher dietary NaCl concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). Urinary oxalate (Ox), citrate, P and K concentrations decreased when NaCl intake was high (P ≤ 0.05), and urinary pH was low in all groups (6.33-6.45; P > 0.05). Relative supersaturation of CaOx in the urine was unaffected by dietary NaCl concentrations. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated several beneficial effects of high dietary NaCl intake over a relatively short time period. In particular, urinary Ca concentration remained unchanged because of increased urine volume. Decreased urinary Ox concentrations might help to prevent the formation of CaOx uroliths, but this should be verified in future studies in diseased or predisposed cats. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combating CA-MRSA in Physical Education, Sports, and Dance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrews, Amanda K.; Howard-Shaughnessy, Candice; Adams, Jon E.

2007-01-01

By now most people have heard about the deadly bacteria that can fester in locker rooms, on sports equipment, and in dance facilities, among other places. This article was written to help PERD professionals become better informed about these bacteria, called community-acquired methicillin-resistant "Staphylococcus aureus" (CA-MRSA). Readers will…

Cancer Imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTK) | Informatics Technology for Cancer Research (ITCR)

Cancer.gov

CaPTk is a tool that facilitates translation of highly sophisticated methods that help us gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cancer from medical imaging research to the clinic. It replicates basic interactive functionalities of radiological workstations and is distributed under a BSD-style license.

Hippocampal closed-loop modeling and implications for seizure stimulation design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandler, Roman A.; Song, Dong; Hampson, Robert E.; Deadwyler, Sam A.; Berger, Theodore W.; Marmarelis, Vasilis Z.

2015-10-01

Objective. Traditional hippocampal modeling has focused on the series of feedforward synapses known as the trisynaptic pathway. However, feedback connections from CA1 back to the hippocampus through the entorhinal cortex (EC) actually make the hippocampus a closed-loop system. By constructing a functional closed-loop model of the hippocampus, one may learn how both physiological and epileptic oscillations emerge and design efficient neurostimulation patterns to abate such oscillations. Approach. Point process input-output models where estimated from recorded rodent hippocampal data to describe the nonlinear dynamical transformation from CA3 → CA1, via the schaffer-collateral synapse, and CA1 → CA3 via the EC. Each Volterra-like subsystem was composed of linear dynamics (principal dynamic modes) followed by static nonlinearities. The two subsystems were then wired together to produce the full closed-loop model of the hippocampus. Main results. Closed-loop connectivity was found to be necessary for the emergence of theta resonances as seen in recorded data, thus validating the model. The model was then used to identify frequency parameters for the design of neurostimulation patterns to abate seizures. Significance. Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is a new and promising therapy for intractable seizures. Currently, there is no efficient way to determine optimal frequency parameters for DBS, or even whether periodic or broadband stimuli are optimal. Data-based computational models have the potential to be used as a testbed for designing optimal DBS patterns for individual patients. However, in order for these models to be successful they must incorporate the complex closed-loop structure of the seizure focus. This study serves as a proof-of-concept of using such models to design efficient personalized DBS patterns for epilepsy.

Hippocampal closed-loop modeling and implications for seizure stimulation design.

PubMed

Sandler, Roman A; Song, Dong; Hampson, Robert E; Deadwyler, Sam A; Berger, Theodore W; Marmarelis, Vasilis Z

2015-10-01

Traditional hippocampal modeling has focused on the series of feedforward synapses known as the trisynaptic pathway. However, feedback connections from CA1 back to the hippocampus through the entorhinal cortex (EC) actually make the hippocampus a closed-loop system. By constructing a functional closed-loop model of the hippocampus, one may learn how both physiological and epileptic oscillations emerge and design efficient neurostimulation patterns to abate such oscillations. Point process input-output models where estimated from recorded rodent hippocampal data to describe the nonlinear dynamical transformation from CA3 → CA1, via the schaffer-collateral synapse, and CA1 → CA3 via the EC. Each Volterra-like subsystem was composed of linear dynamics (principal dynamic modes) followed by static nonlinearities. The two subsystems were then wired together to produce the full closed-loop model of the hippocampus. Closed-loop connectivity was found to be necessary for the emergence of theta resonances as seen in recorded data, thus validating the model. The model was then used to identify frequency parameters for the design of neurostimulation patterns to abate seizures. Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is a new and promising therapy for intractable seizures. Currently, there is no efficient way to determine optimal frequency parameters for DBS, or even whether periodic or broadband stimuli are optimal. Data-based computational models have the potential to be used as a testbed for designing optimal DBS patterns for individual patients. However, in order for these models to be successful they must incorporate the complex closed-loop structure of the seizure focus. This study serves as a proof-of-concept of using such models to design efficient personalized DBS patterns for epilepsy.

Hippocampal Closed-Loop Modeling and Implications for Seizure Stimulation Design

PubMed Central

Sandler, Roman A.; Song, Dong; Hampson, Robert E.; Deadwyler, Sam A.; Berger, Theodore W.; Marmarelis, Vasilis Z.

2016-01-01

Objective Traditional hippocampal modeling has focused on the series of feedforward synapses known as the trisynaptic pathway. However, feedback connections from CA1 back to the hippocampus through the Entorhinal Cortex (EC) actually make the hippocampus a closed-loop system. By constructing a functional closed-loop model of the hippocampus, one may learn how both physiological and epileptic oscillations emerge and design efficient neurostimulation patterns to abate such oscillations. Approach Point process input-output models where estimated from recorded rodent hippocampal data to describe the nonlinear dynamical transformation from CA3→CA1, via the Schaffer-Collateral synapse, and CA1→CA3 via the EC. Each Volterra-like subsystem was composed of linear dynamics (Principal Dynamic Modes) followed by static nonlinearities. The two subsystems were then wired together to produce the full closed-loop model of the hippocampus. Main Results Closed-loop connectivity was found to be necessary for the emergence of theta resonances as seen in recorded data, thus validating the model. The model was then used to identify frequency parameters for the design of neurostimulation patterns to abate seizures. Significance DBS is a new and promising therapy for intractable seizures. Currently, there is no efficient way to determine optimal frequency parameters for DBS, or even whether periodic or broadband stimuli are optimal. Data-based computational models have the potential to be used as a testbed for designing optimal DBS patterns for individual patients. However, in order for these models to be successful they must incorporate the complex closed-loop structure of the seizure focus. This study serves as a proof-of-concept of using such models to design efficient personalized DBS patterns for epilepsy. PMID:26355815

Conversion-to-open in laparoscopic appendectomy: A cohort analysis of risk factors and outcomes.

PubMed

Finnerty, Brendan M; Wu, Xian; Giambrone, Gregory P; Gaber-Baylis, Licia K; Zabih, Ramin; Bhat, Akshay; Zarnegar, Rasa; Pomp, Alfons; Fleischut, Peter; Afaneh, Cheguevara

2017-04-01

Identifying risk factors for conversion from laparoscopic to open appendectomy could select patients who may benefit from primary open appendectomy. We aimed to develop a predictive scoring model for conversion from laparoscopic to open based on pre-operative patient characteristics. A retrospective review of the State Inpatient Database (2007-2011) was performed using derivation (N = 71,617) and validation (N = 143,235) cohorts of adults ≥ 18 years with acute appendicitis treated by laparoscopic-only (LA), conversion from laparoscopic to open (CA), or primary open (OA) appendectomy. Pre-operative variables independently associated with CA were identified and reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A weighted integer-based scoring model to predict CA was designed based on pre-operative variable ORs, and complications between operative subgroups were compared. Independent predictors of CA in the derivation cohort were age ≥40 (OR 1.67; CI 1.55-1.80), male sex (OR 1.25; CI 1.17-1.34), black race (OR 1.46; CI 1.28-1.66), diabetes (OR 1.47; CI 1.31-1.65), obesity (OR 1.56; CI 1.40-1.74), and acute appendicitis with abscess or peritonitis (OR 7.00; CI 6.51-7.53). In the validation cohort, the CA predictive scoring model had an optimal cutoff score of 4 (range 0-9). The risk of conversion-to-open was ≤5% for a score <4, compared to 10-25% for a score ≥4. On composite outcomes analysis controlling for all pre-operative variables, CA had a higher likelihood of infectious/inflammatory (OR 1.44; CI 1.31-1.58), hematologic (OR 1.31; CI 1.17-1.46), and renal (OR 1.22; CI 1.06-1.39) complications compared to OA. Additionally, CA had a higher likelihood of infectious/inflammatory, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, and renal complications compared to LA. CA patients have an unfavorable complication profile compared to OA. The predictors identified in this scoring model could help select for patients who may benefit from primary open appendectomy. Copyright © 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase Diagram of the Al-Ca-Fe-Si System and Its Application for the Design of Aluminum Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belov, Nikolay A.; Naumova, Evgeniya A.; Akopyan, Torgom K.; Doroshenko, Vitaliy V.

2018-05-01

The phase composition of aluminum alloys in the Al-Ca-Fe-Si system, including the distribution of phases in the solid state and solidification reactions, has been studied. It is shown that the addition of iron and silicon to Al-Ca alloys leads to the formation of ternary Al2CaSi2 and Al10CaFe2 compounds. The equilibrium between these compounds implies the occurrence of the quaternary L → Al + Al4Ca + Al2CaSi2 + Al10CaFe2 eutectic reaction. The alloys near this eutectic have the best structure, which is typical of aluminum matrix composites. It is shown that Al-Ca alloys can have high manufacturability during both shape casting and rolling. This is due to the combination of a narrow temperature range of solidification and a favorable morphology for the eutectic, which has a fine structure. The combination of the mechanical and physical properties of the Al-Ca eutectic-based alloys significantly exceed those of branded alloys based on aluminum-silicon eutectics.

Field evaluation of in situ remediation of Cd-contaminated soil using four additives, two foliar fertilisers and two varieties of pakchoi.

PubMed

Feng, Renwei; Qiu, Weiwen; Lian, Fei; Yu, Zhihong; Yang, YiXin; Song, Zhengguo

2013-07-30

This study was conducted to determine the optimal planting mode for pakchoi (Brassica rapa chinensis) in Cd-contaminated soil to reduce the accumulation of Cd in the edible parts while maintaining yields. Four additives (red mud (RM), silicon calcium fertiliser (SC), spodium (SP) and calcium magnesium phosphate (CMP)), two foliar fertilisers (Ca and Zn) and two varieties of pakchoi (Aijiaohuang (AJ) and Baixuegongzhu (BX)) were used in this study. The results show that the addition of SC and RM had an effect, but the other additives did not appear to increase the biomasses of AJ and BX. In some cases, the growth responses of AJ and BX to the same treatment were different. Extra additions of Ca or Zn to additive-treated pakchoi did not help the additives stimulate the growth of AJ and BX, except for SC-treated AJ and BX and SP-treated AJ. The SC and CMP additives significantly reduced the available Cd concentration in both the AJ soil and the BX soil; however, they did not significantly decrease the Cd concentration in the aboveground parts of AJ and BX. The RM treatments (for both levels) and some treatments containing SP reduced the available Cd concentration in the soils and reduced the accumulation of Cd in the two pakchoi varieties. Additions of Ca or Zn fertiliser significantly reduced the Cd concentration in the aboveground parts of AJ and BX. However, when Ca or Zn was sprayed on the additive-treated AJ and BX, they did not help the additives reduce the Cd accumulation in the aboveground parts of AJ and BX, except for the additive CMP. This study shows that RM may be an optimal amendment to reduce the accumulation of Cd in the edible part of pakchoi while simultaneously maintaining yields. The utilisation of Ca or Zn as a foliar fertiliser to additive-treated pakchoi showed positive effects only under some conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study the Effect of SiO2 Based Flux on Dilution in Submerged Arc Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

kumar, Aditya; Maheshwari, Sachin

2017-08-01

This paper highlights the method for prediction of dilution in submerged arc welding (SAW). The most important factors of weld bead geometry are governed by the weld dilution which controls the chemical and mechanical properties. Submerged arc welding process is used generally due to its very easy control of process variables, good penetration, high weld quality, and smooth finish. Machining parameters, with suitable weld quality can be achieved with the different composition of the flux in the weld. In the present study Si02-Al2O3-CaO flux system was used. In SiO2 based flux NiO, MnO, MgO were mixed in various proportions. The paper investigates the relationship between the process parameters like voltage, % of flux constituents and dilution with the help of Taguchi’s method. The experiments were designed according to Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, while varying the voltage at two different levels in addition to alloying elements. Then the optimal results conditions were verified by confirmatory experiments.

Cancer Imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTk) | Informatics Technology for Cancer Research (ITCR)

Cancer.gov

CaPTk is a software toolkit to facilitate translation of quantitative image analysis methods that help us obtain rich imaging phenotypic signatures of oncologic images and relate them to precision diagnostics and prediction of clinical outcomes, as well as to underlying molecular characteristics of cancer. The stand-alone graphical user interface of CaPTk brings analysis methods from the realm of medical imaging research to the clinic, and will be extended to use web-based services for computationally-demanding pipelines.

Pyrazolylbenzo[d]imidazoles as new potent and selective inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase isoforms hCA IX and XII.

PubMed

Kumar, Satish; Ceruso, Mariangela; Tuccinardi, Tiziano; Supuran, Claudiu T; Sharma, Pawan K

2016-07-01

Novel pyrazolylbenzo[d]imidazole derivatives (2a-2f) were designed, synthesized and evaluated against four human carbonic anhydrase isoforms belonging to α family comprising of two cytosolic isoforms hCA I and II as well as two transmembrane tumor associated isoforms hCA IX and XII. Starting from these derivatives that showed high potency but low selectivity in favor of tumor associated isoforms hCA IX and XII, we investigated the impact of removing the sulfonamide group. Thus, analogs 3a-3f without sulfonamide moiety were synthesized and biological assay revealed a good activity as well as an excellent selectivity as inhibitors for tumor associated hCA IX and hCA XII and the same was analyzed by molecular docking studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of TRPC1 channel in skeletal muscle function

PubMed Central

Zanou, Nadège; Shapovalov, Georges; Louis, Magali; Tajeddine, Nicolas; Gallo, Chiara; Van Schoor, Monique; Anguish, Isabelle; Cao, My Linh; Schakman, Olivier; Dietrich, Alexander; Lebacq, Jean; Ruegg, Urs; Roulet, Emmanuelle; Birnbaumer, Lutz

2010-01-01

Skeletal muscle contraction is reputed not to depend on extracellular Ca2+. Indeed, stricto sensu, excitation-contraction coupling does not necessitate entry of Ca2+. However, we previously observed that, during sustained activity (repeated contractions), entry of Ca2+ is needed to maintain force production. In the present study, we evaluated the possible involvement of the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC)1 ion channel in this entry of Ca2+ and investigated its possible role in muscle function. Patch-clamp experiments reveal the presence of a small-conductance channel (13 pS) that is completely lost in adult fibers from TRPC1−/− mice. The influx of Ca2+ through TRPC1 channels represents a minor part of the entry of Ca2+ into muscle fibers at rest, and the activity of the channel is not store dependent. The lack of TRPC1 does not affect intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients reached during a single isometric contraction. However, the involvement of TRPC1-related Ca2+ entry is clearly emphasized in muscle fatigue. Indeed, muscles from TRPC1−/− mice stimulated repeatedly progressively display lower [Ca2+]i transients than those observed in TRPC1+/+ fibers, and they also present an accentuated progressive loss of force. Interestingly, muscles from TRPC1−/− mice display a smaller fiber cross-sectional area, generate less force per cross-sectional area, and contain less myofibrillar proteins than their controls. They do not present other signs of myopathy. In agreement with in vitro experiments, TRPC1−/− mice present an important decrease of endurance of physical activity. We conclude that TRPC1 ion channels modulate the entry of Ca2+ during repeated contractions and help muscles to maintain their force during sustained repeated contractions. PMID:19846750

Stapled Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (CaV) α-Interaction Domain (AID) Peptides Act As Selective Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors of CaV Function.

PubMed

Findeisen, Felix; Campiglio, Marta; Jo, Hyunil; Abderemane-Ali, Fayal; Rumpf, Christine H; Pope, Lianne; Rossen, Nathan D; Flucher, Bernhard E; DeGrado, William F; Minor, Daniel L

2017-06-21

For many voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs), creation of a properly functioning ion channel requires the formation of specific protein-protein interactions between the transmembrane pore-forming subunits and cystoplasmic accessory subunits. Despite the importance of such protein-protein interactions in VGIC function and assembly, their potential as sites for VGIC modulator development has been largely overlooked. Here, we develop meta-xylyl (m-xylyl) stapled peptides that target a prototypic VGIC high affinity protein-protein interaction, the interaction between the voltage-gated calcium channel (Ca V ) pore-forming subunit α-interaction domain (AID) and cytoplasmic β-subunit (Ca V β). We show using circular dichroism spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and isothermal titration calorimetry that the m-xylyl staples enhance AID helix formation are structurally compatible with native-like AID:Ca V β interactions and reduce the entropic penalty associated with AID binding to Ca V β. Importantly, electrophysiological studies reveal that stapled AID peptides act as effective inhibitors of the Ca V α 1 :Ca V β interaction that modulate Ca V function in an Ca V β isoform-selective manner. Together, our studies provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of the use of protein-protein interaction inhibitors to control VGIC function and point to strategies for improved AID-based Ca V modulator design.

Stapled Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (CaV) α-Interaction Domain (AID) Peptides Act As Selective Protein–Protein Interaction Inhibitors of CaV Function

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

For many voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs), creation of a properly functioning ion channel requires the formation of specific protein–protein interactions between the transmembrane pore-forming subunits and cystoplasmic accessory subunits. Despite the importance of such protein–protein interactions in VGIC function and assembly, their potential as sites for VGIC modulator development has been largely overlooked. Here, we develop meta-xylyl (m-xylyl) stapled peptides that target a prototypic VGIC high affinity protein–protein interaction, the interaction between the voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV) pore-forming subunit α-interaction domain (AID) and cytoplasmic β-subunit (CaVβ). We show using circular dichroism spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and isothermal titration calorimetry that the m-xylyl staples enhance AID helix formation are structurally compatible with native-like AID:CaVβ interactions and reduce the entropic penalty associated with AID binding to CaVβ. Importantly, electrophysiological studies reveal that stapled AID peptides act as effective inhibitors of the CaVα1:CaVβ interaction that modulate CaV function in an CaVβ isoform-selective manner. Together, our studies provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of the use of protein–protein interaction inhibitors to control VGIC function and point to strategies for improved AID-based CaV modulator design. PMID:28278376

Clicked bis-PEG-peptide conjugates for studying calmodulin-Kv7.2 channel binding.

PubMed

Bonache, M Angeles; Alaimo, Alessandro; Malo, Covadonga; Millet, Oscar; Villarroel, Alvaro; González-Muñiz, Rosario

2014-11-28

The recombinant Kv7.2 calmodulin (CaM) binding site (Q2AB CaMBD) shows a high tendency to aggregate, thus complicating biochemical and structural studies. To facilitate these studies we have conceived bis-PEG-peptide CaMBD-mimetics linking helices A and B in single, easy to handle molecules. Short PEG chains were selected as spacers between the two peptide molecules, and a Cu(i)-catalyzed cycloaddition (CuAAC) protocol was used to assemble the final bis-PEG-peptide conjugate, by the convenient functionalization of PEG arms with azide and alkyne groups. The resulting conjugates, with a certain helical character in TFE solutions (CD), showed nanomolar affinity in a fluorescence CaM binding in vitro assay, higher than just the sum of the precursor PEG-peptide affinities, thus validating our design. The approach to these first described examples of Kv7.2 CaMBD-mimetics could pave the way to chimeric conjugates merging helices A and B from different Kv7 subunits.

Sr heterogeneity in textit{Arctica islandica} shells and the potential use of Sr/Ca ratios as paleotemperature proxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radermacher, Pascal; Schöne, Bernd R.; Nunn, Elizabeth V.; Zengjie, Zhang

2010-05-01

Quantifiable paleotemperature data can help to verify predictions made by numerical climate models. Traditionally, paleotemperature estimates are based on δ18O values of biogenic hard parts. However, oxygen isotope values not only reflect changes in ambient temperature, but also changes in δ18Owater, i.e. driven by freshwater influx, evaporation etc. Information regarding the δ18Owater value of past environments is limited for the geological past. The validity of published δ18O paleotemperature data can be tested using element-to-calcium ratios of bivalve shells such as the long-lived ocean quahog, Arctica islandica. Preliminary investigations suggest that Sr/Ca ratios of this species may provide more reliable paleotemperature data. However, contemporaneously deposited shell portions within the outer shell layer demonstrate at least a 30% variability in the Sr/Ca value. This study presents Sr/Ca ratios measured by ICP-OES wet-chemical analyses. Significantly different distributions of Sr/Ca ratios were recorded from the shell surface (over 1330 ppm), through the interior (850 ppm) and to the inner shell surface (1860 ppm). Furthermore, this study showed that different shell crystal fabrics incorporate different amounts of Sr into the CaCO3 lattice of the A. islandica shell. Disparate Sr distribution could potentially be explained either by postdepositional diagenetic processes or syndepositional processes during biomineralization (i.e. different amounts of Sr incorporated into the shell). Understanding the mechanism of the observed Sr heterogeneity is essential if Sr/Ca ratios are to be used confidently in paleotemperature reconstructions.

How does bone sialoprotein promote the nucleation of hydroxyapatite? A molecular dynamics study using model peptides of different conformations.

PubMed

Yang, Yang; Cui, Qiang; Sahai, Nita

2010-06-15

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a highly phosphorylated, acidic, noncollagenous protein in bone matrix. Although BSP has been proposed to be a nucleator of hydroxyapatite (Ca(5)(PO(4))(3)OH), the major mineral component of bone, no detailed mechanism for the nucleation process has been elucidated at the atomic level to date. In the present work, using a peptide model, we apply molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the conformational effect of a proposed nucleating motif of BSP (a phosphorylated, acidic, 10 amino-acid residue sequence) on controlling the distributions of Ca(2+) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) ions in solution, and specifically, we explore whether a nucleating template for orientated hydroxyapatite could be formed in different peptide conformations. Both the alpha-helical conformation and the random coil structure have been studied, and inorganic solutions without the peptide are simulated as reference. Ca(2+) distributions around the peptide surface and interactions between Ca(2+) and Pi in the presence of the peptide are examined in detail. From the MD simulations, although in some cases for the alpha-helical conformation, we observe that a Ca(2+) equilateral triangle forms around the surface of peptide, which matches the distribution of Ca(2+) ions on the (001) face of the hydroxyapatite crystal, we do not consistently find a stable nucleating template formation in general for either the helical conformation or the random coil structure. Therefore, independent of conformations, the BSP nucleating motif is more likely to help nucleate an amorphous calcium phosphate cluster, which ultimately converts to crystalline hydroxyapatite.

SERCA2a upregulation ameliorates cellular alternans induced by metabolic inhibition

PubMed Central

Stary, Victoria; Puppala, Dheeraj; Scherrer-Crosbie, Marielle; Dillmann, Wolfgang H.

2016-01-01

Cardiac alternans has been associated with the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of impaired mitochondrial function in the genesis of cellular alternans and to examine whether modulating the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ameliorates the level of alternans. Cardiomyocytes isolated from control and doxycyline-induced sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a)-upregulated mice were loaded with two different Ca2+ indicators to selectively measure mitochondrial and cytosolic Ca2+ using a custom-made fluorescence photometry system. The degree of alternans was defined as the alternans ratio (AR) [1 − (small Ca2+ intensity)/(large Ca2+ intensity)]. Blocking of complex I and II, cytochrome-c oxidase, F0F1 synthase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase of the electron transport chain, increased alternans in both control and SERCA2a mice (P < 0.01). Changes in AR in SERCA2a-upregulated mice were significantly less pronounced than those observed in control in seven of nine tested conditions (P < 0.04). N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), rescued alternans in myocytes that were previously exposed to an oxidizing agent (P < 0.001). CGP, an antagonist of the mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, had the most severe effect on AR. Exposure to cyclosporin A, a blocker of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore reduced CGP-induced alternans (P < 0.0001). The major findings of this study are that impairment of mitochondrial Ca2+ cycling and energy production leads to a higher amplitude of alternans in both control and SERCA2a-upregulated mice, but changes in SERCA2a-upregulated mice are less severe, indicating that SERCA2a mice are more capable of sustaining electrical stability during stress. This suggests a relationship between sarcoplasmic Ca2+ content and mitochondrial dysfunction during alternans, which may potentially help to understand changes in Ca2+ signaling in myocytes from diseased hearts, leading to new therapeutic targets. PMID:26846549

Chlorogenic acid stabilized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) of atorvastatin: formulation, design and in vivo evaluation.

PubMed

Khan, Saba; Baboota, Sanjula; Ali, Javed; Narang, R S; Narang, Jasjeet K

2016-01-01

The present work was aimed at developing an optimized oral nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation of poorly soluble atorvastatin Ca (AT Ca) and assessing its in vitro release, oral bioavailability and pharmacodynamic activity. In this study, chlorogenic acid, a novel excipient having synergistic cholesterol lowering activity was utilized and explored in NLC formulation development. The drug-loaded NLC formulations were prepared using a high pressure homogenization technique and optimized by the Box-Behnken statistical design using the Design-Expert software. The optimized NLC formulation was composed of oleic acid and stearic acid as lipid phase (0.9% w/v), poloxamer 188 as surfactant (1% w/v) and chlorogenic acid (0.05% w/v). The mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and % drug entrapment efficiency of optimized NLC were 203.56 ± 8.57 nm, 0.27 ± 0.028 and 83.66 ± 5.69, respectively. In vitro release studies showed that the release of drug from optimized NLC formulations were markedly enhanced as compared to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and drug suspension. The plasma concentration time profile of AT Ca in rats showed 3.08- and 4.89-fold increase in relative bioavailability of developed NLC with respect to marketed preparation (ATORVA® tablet) and drug suspension, respectively. Pharmacodynamic study suggested highly significant (**p < 0.01) reduction in the cholesterol and triglyceride values by NLC in comparison with ATORVA® tablet. Therefore, the results of in vivo studies demonstrated promising prospects for successful oral delivery of AT Ca by means of its chlorogenic acid integrated NLC.

Inflammation alters regional mitochondrial Ca²+ in human airway smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Delmotte, Philippe; Yang, Binxia; Thompson, Michael A; Pabelick, Christina M; Prakash, Y S; Sieck, Gary C

2012-08-01

Regulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)) in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is a key aspect of airway contractility and can be modulated by inflammation. Mitochondria have tremendous potential for buffering [Ca(2+)](cyt), helping prevent Ca(2+) overload, and modulating other intracellular events. Here, compartmentalization of mitochondria to different cellular regions may subserve different roles. In the present study, we examined the role of Ca(2+) buffering by mitochondria and mitochondrial Ca(2+) transport mechanisms in the regulation of [Ca(2+)](cyt) in enzymatically dissociated human ASM cells upon exposure to the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-13. Cells were loaded simultaneously with fluo-3 AM and rhod-2 AM, and [Ca(2+)](cyt) and mitochondrial Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](mito)) were measured, respectively, using real-time two-color fluorescence microscopy in both the perinuclear and distal, perimembranous regions of cells. Histamine induced a rapid increase in both [Ca(2+)](cyt) and [Ca(2+)](mito), with a significant delay in the mitochondrial response. Inhibition of the mitochondrial Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (1 μM CGP-37157) increased [Ca(2+)](mito) responses in perinuclear mitochondria but not distal mitochondria. Inhibition of the mitochondrial uniporter (1 μM Ru360) decreased [Ca(2+)](mito) responses in perinuclear and distal mitochondria. CGP-37157 and Ru360 significantly enhanced histamine-induced [Ca(2+)](cyt). TNF-α and IL-13 both increased [Ca(2+)](cyt), which was associated with decreased [Ca(2+)](mito) in the case of TNF-α but not IL-13. The effects of TNF-α on both [Ca(2+)](cyt) and [Ca(2+)](mito) were affected by CGP-37157 but not by Ru360. Overall, these data demonstrate that in human ASM cells, mitochondria buffer [Ca(2+)](cyt) after agonist stimulation and its enhancement by inflammation. The differential regulation of [Ca(2+)](mito) in different parts of ASM cells may serve to locally regulate Ca(2+) fluxes from intracellular sources versus the plasma membrane as well as respond to differential energy demands at these sites. We propose that such differential mitochondrial regulation, and its disruption, may play a role in airway hyperreactivity in diseases such as asthma, where [Ca(2+)](cyt) is increased.

Engineering Synthetic Proteins to Generate Ca2+ Signals in Mammalian Cells.

PubMed

Qudrat, Anam; Truong, Kevin

2017-03-17

The versatility of Ca 2+ signals allows it to regulate diverse cellular processes such as migration, apoptosis, motility and exocytosis. In some receptors (e.g., VEGFR2), Ca 2+ signals are generated upon binding their ligand(s) (e.g., VEGF-A). Here, we employed a design strategy to engineer proteins that generate a Ca 2+ signal upon binding various extracellular stimuli by creating fusions of protein domains that oligomerize to the transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic tail of the VEGFR2. To test the strategy, we created chimeric proteins that generate Ca 2+ signals upon stimulation with various extracellular stimuli (e.g., rapamycin, EDTA or extracellular free Ca 2+ ). By coupling these chimeric proteins that generate Ca 2+ signals with proteins that respond to Ca 2+ signals, we rewired, for example, dynamic cellular blebbing to increases in extracellular free Ca 2+ . Thus, using this design strategy, it is possible to engineer proteins to generate a Ca 2+ signal to rewire a wide range of extracellular stimuli to a wide range of Ca 2+ -activated processes.

Small molecule inhibitors of Ca 2+-S100B reveal two protein conformations

DOE PAGES

Cavalier, Michael C.; Ansari, Mohd. Imran; Pierce, Adam D.; ...

2016-01-04

The drug pentamidine inhibits calcium-dependent complex formation with p53 ( CaS100B·p53) in malignant melanoma (MM) and restores p53 tumor suppressor activity in vivo. However, off-target effects associated with this drug were problematic in MM patients. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies were therefore completed in this study with 23 pentamidine analogues, and X-ray structures of CaS100B·inhibitor complexes revealed that the C-terminus of S100B adopts two different conformations, with location of Phe87 and Phe88 being the distinguishing feature and termed the “FF-gate”. For symmetric pentamidine analogues ( CaS100B· 5a, CaS100B· 6b) a channel between sites 1 and 2 on S100B was occluded bymore » residue Phe88, but for an asymmetric pentamidine analogue ( CaS100B· 17), this same channel was open. Finally, the CaS100B· 17 structure illustrates, for the first time, a pentamidine analog capable of binding the “open” form of the “FF-gate” and provides a means to block all three “hot spots” on CaS100B, which will impact next generation CaS100B·p53 inhibitor design.« less

Small molecule inhibitors of Ca 2+-S100B reveal two protein conformations

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

Cavalier, Michael C.; Ansari, Mohd. Imran; Pierce, Adam D.

The drug pentamidine inhibits calcium-dependent complex formation with p53 ( CaS100B·p53) in malignant melanoma (MM) and restores p53 tumor suppressor activity in vivo. However, off-target effects associated with this drug were problematic in MM patients. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies were therefore completed in this study with 23 pentamidine analogues, and X-ray structures of CaS100B·inhibitor complexes revealed that the C-terminus of S100B adopts two different conformations, with location of Phe87 and Phe88 being the distinguishing feature and termed the “FF-gate”. For symmetric pentamidine analogues ( CaS100B· 5a, CaS100B· 6b) a channel between sites 1 and 2 on S100B was occluded bymore » residue Phe88, but for an asymmetric pentamidine analogue ( CaS100B· 17), this same channel was open. Finally, the CaS100B· 17 structure illustrates, for the first time, a pentamidine analog capable of binding the “open” form of the “FF-gate” and provides a means to block all three “hot spots” on CaS100B, which will impact next generation CaS100B·p53 inhibitor design.« less

The independent and combined effects of respiratory events and cortical arousals on the autonomic nervous system across sleep stages.

PubMed

Liang, Jiuxing; Zhang, Xiangmin; He, Xiaomin; Ling, Li; Zeng, Chunyao; Luo, Yuxi

2018-05-10

During sleep, respiratory events readily modulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Whether such modulation is caused by the respiratory event itself or the cortical arousal that follows and whether these influences differ across sleep stages are not clear. Thus, we aimed to study the independent and combined effects of respiratory events and cortical arousals on the ANS across sleep stages. We recruited 22 male patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) and analyzed the differences in the indices of heart rate variability among normal respiration (NR), pathological respiratory events without cortical arousals (PR), cortical arousals without respiratory events (CA), and the coexistence of PR and CA (PR&CA), by sleep stage. Compared with NR, four indices of variation of the beat-to-beat interval demonstrated consistent results in all sleep stages generally: PR&CA showed the biggest difference, followed by PR and followed by CA, which exhibited the least difference. Thus, the respiratory event itself affects ANS modulation, but the cortical arousal that follows generally enhances this effect. For low-frequency power and low-frequency/high-frequency power ratio (LF/HF), PR&CA had the greatest impact. For mean beat-to-beat interval and high-frequency power (HFP), the influence of PR, CA, and PR&CA depended on sleep depth. However, PR&CA had a different influence on HFP in N2 stage vs. REM stage. Sleep stage also has an effect on this neuromodulatory mechanism. These findings may help clarify the relationship between SAHS and cardiovascular disease.

Strontium, barium, and manganese metabolism in isolated presynaptic nerve terminals

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

Rasgado-Flores, H.; Sanchez-Armass, S.; Blaustein, M.P.

1987-06-01

To gain insight into the mechanisms by which the divalent cations Sr, Ba, and Mn affect neurotransmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals, the authors examined the sequestration of these cations, ion comparison to Ca, by mitochondrial and nonmitochondrial organelles and the extrusion of these cations from isolated nerve terminals. Sequestration was studied in synaptosomes made leaky to small ions by treatment with saponin; efflux was examined in intact synaptosomes that were preloaded with the divalent cations by incubation in depolarizing (K rich) media. The selectivity sequence for ATP-dependent mitochondrial uptake that they observed was Mn>>Ca>Sr>>Ba, whereas that for the SERmore » was Ca greater than or equal to Mn>Sr>>Ba. When synaptosomes that were preloaded with divalent cations were incubated in Na- and Ca-free media, there was little efflux of /sup 45/Ca, /sup 133/Ba, /sup 85/Sr, or /sup 54/Mn. When the incubation was carried out in media containing Na without Ca, there was substantial stimulation of Ca and Sr efflux, but only slight stimulation of Ba or Mn efflux. In Na-free media, the addition of 1 mM Ca promoted the efflux of all four divalent cations, probably via Ca-divalent cation exchange. In summary, the sequestration and extrusion data suggest that, with equal loads, Mn will be buffered to the greatest extent, whereas Ba will be least well buffered. These results may help to explain why Mn has a very long-lasting effect on transmitter release, while the effect of Sr is much briefer.« less

Cloning and Stress-Induced Expression Analysis of Calmodulin in the Antarctic Alga Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L.

PubMed

He, Ying-Ying; Wang, Yi-Bin; Zheng, Zhou; Liu, Fang-Ming; An, Mei-Ling; He, Xiao-Dong; Qu, Chang-Feng; Li, Lu-Lu; Miao, Jin-Lai

2017-08-01

Calmodulin (CaM) is a Ca 2+ -binding protein that plays a role in several Ca 2+ signaling pathways, which dynamically regulates the activities of hundreds of proteins. The ice alga Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L, which has the ability to adapt to extreme polar conditions, is a crucial primary producer in Antarctic ecosystem. This study hypothesized that Cam helps the ICE-L to adapt to the fluctuating conditions in the polar environment. It first verified the overall length of Cam, through RT-PCR and RACE-PCR, based on partial Cam transcriptome library of ICE-L. Then, the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences were, respectively, analyzed by various bioinformatics approaches to gain more insights into the computed physicochemical properties of the CaM. Potential involvements of Cam in responding to certain stimuli (i.e., UVB radiation, high salinity, and temperature) were investigated by differential expression, measuring its transcription levels by means of quantitative RT-PCR. Results showed that CaM was indeed inducible and regulated by high UVB radiation, high salinity, and nonoptimal temperature conditions. Different conditions had different expression tendencies, which provided an important basis for investigating the adaptation mechanism of Cam in ICE-L.

Calcium manganate: A promising candidate as buffer layer for hybrid halide perovskite photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems

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

Zhao, Pengjun; Wang, Hongguang; Kong, Wenwen

2014-11-21

We have systematically studied the feasibility of CaMnO{sub 3} thin film, an n-type perovskite, to be utilized as the buffer layer for hybrid halide perovskite photovoltaic-thermoelectric device. Locations of the conduction band and the valence band, spontaneous polarization performance, and optical properties were investigated. Results indicate the energy band of CaMnO{sub 3} can match up well with that of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} on separating electron-hole pairs. In addition, the consistent polarization angle helps enlarge the open circuit voltage of the composite system. Besides, CaMnO{sub 3} film shows large absorption coefficient and low extinction coefficient under visible irradiation, demonstrating highmore » carrier concentration, which is beneficial to the current density. More importantly, benign thermoelectric properties enable CaMnO{sub 3} film to assimilate phonon vibration from CH{sub 3}NH3PbI{sub 3}. All the above features lead to a bright future of CaMnO{sub 3} film, which can be a promising candidate as a buffer layer for hybrid halide perovskite photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems.« less

78 FR 74010 - Safety Zone: Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade Fireworks Display, San Francisco Bay, Sausalito, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-10

...-AA00 Safety Zone: Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade Fireworks Display, San Francisco Bay, Sausalito, CA... temporary safety zone in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay off of Spinnaker Point near Sausalito... safety zone is established to help protect participants and spectators from the dangers associated with...

Using Conversation Analysis in the Second Language Classroom to Teach Interactional Competence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barraja-Rohan, Anne-Marie

2011-01-01

This article focuses on the use of conversation analysis (CA) to help teaching interactional competence in English to adult second language learners from lower to intermediate levels. To set the context, this article gives a brief overview on the use of CA in second language research as well as considering the construct of interactional competence…

Monthly Strontium/Calcium oscillations in symbiotic coral aragonite: Biological effects limiting the precision of the paleotemperature proxy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meibom, A.; Stage, M.; Wooden, J.; Constantz, B.R.; Dunbar, R.B.; Owen, A.; Grumet, N.; Bacon, C.R.; Chamberlain, C.P.

2003-01-01

In thermodynamic equilibrium with sea water the Sr/Ca ratio of aragonite varies predictably with temperature and the Sr/Ca ratio in coral have thus become a frequently used proxy for past Sea Surface Temperature (SST). However, biological effects can offset the Sr/Ca ratio from its equilibrium value. We report high spatial resolution ion microprobe analyses of well defined skeletal elements in the reef-building coral Porites lutea that reveal distinct monthly oscillations in the Sr/Ca ratio, with an amplitude in excess of ten percent. The extreme Sr/Ca variations, which we propose result from metabolic changes synchronous with the lunar cycle, introduce variability in Sr/Ca measurements based on conventional sampling techniques well beyond the analytical precision. These variations can limit the accuracy of Sr/Ca paleothermometry by conventional sampling techniques to about 2??C. Our results may help explain the notorious difficulties involved in obtaining an accurate and consistent calibration of the Sr/Ca vs. SST relationship.

CA 2025: The Strategic Design of Civil Affairs

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA CAPSTONE PROJECT Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited CA 2025...Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188) Washington DC 20503. 1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE June 2015 3. REPORT TYPE AND...Airborne) 96th CA BN(A) 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) AAA American Anthropological Association AC active component ADM Army Design

Effects of Water Quality on Survival and Reproduction of Four Species of Planaria (Turbellaria: Tricladida)

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307-5100, USA Received 4 June 1992; Accepted 15 September 1993 Summary In a series of bioassays, four planarian ...Marking All previous research on the physical and chemical and Dawson, 1973) for four water hardness levels of effects on planarian growth and...reproduction has been very soft (10-13mg/I CaCO 3), soft (40-48mg/1 designed to study development of planarian mass CaCO3), hard (160-168 mg/l CaCO 3), and very

Heterocyclic periphery in the design of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: 1,2,4-Oxadiazol-5-yl benzenesulfonamides as potent and selective inhibitors of cytosolic hCA II and membrane-bound hCA IX isoforms.

PubMed

Krasavin, Mikhail; Shetnev, Anton; Sharonova, Tatyana; Baykov, Sergey; Tuccinardi, Tiziano; Kalinin, Stanislav; Angeli, Andrea; Supuran, Claudiu T

2018-02-01

A series of novel aromatic primary sulfonamides decorated with diversely substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole periphery groups has been prepared using a parallel chemistry approach. The compounds displayed a potent inhibition of cytosolic hCA II and membrane-bound hCA IX isoforms. Due to a different cellular localization of the two target enzymes, the compounds can be viewed as selective inhibition tools for either isoform, depending on the cellular permeability profile. The SAR findings revealed in this study has been well rationalized by docking simulation of the key compounds against the crystal structures of the relevant hCA isoforms. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A Fifty-Year Coral Sr/Ca Time Series from Guam, Mariana Islands: In situ Monitoring and Comparison to Observed Pacific Climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lander, M.

2016-12-01

Located on the northern edge of the West Pacific Warm Pool, Guam is positioned to obtain uniquely valuable natural records of west Pacific maritime paleoclimate. This study is the first to evaluate the application of the coral Sr/Ca sea surface temperature (SST) proxy to the reconstruction of Guam's climate history. To help test the fidelity of the coral Sr/Ca proxy to actual climate, and how it might be affected by environmental variables—on Guam or elsewhere—the study documented monthly seawater oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O), pH, cation, and nitrate concentrations from September 2009 to December 2010 at a Porites lutea colony in Guam's Apra Harbor. The study site was chosen for its accessibility, so that environmental conditions could be readily monitored. A 50-year Sr/Ca record was carefully compared to instrumental records, the quality and reliability of which were also closely examined. Time series of seawater δ18O, pH, and cation concentrations show some evidence of freshwater input from direct rainfall or stream discharge into the harbor. The Sr/Ca proxy SST results, however, are robust, and do not appear to have been significantly affected. The Sr/Ca proxy reproduces the long-term warming trend observed in the historical records of regional SST and local air temperature. Moreover, it shows remarkable fidelity to regional ocean-atmosphere variations as represented by the indices of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The consistency of the results with Guam's historical instrumental records, with previous δ18O results from Guam, and with previous Sr/Ca proxy results in similar environments elsewhere, demonstrate the efficacy of accessible near-shore sites for obtaining reliable Sr/Ca climate proxies, and the utility of Guam as a source for accurate coral records of western Pacific Ocean regional climate.

Free acid gel form of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) improves HMB clearance from plasma in human subjects compared with the calcium HMB salt.

PubMed

Fuller, John C; Sharp, Rick L; Angus, Hector F; Baier, Shawn M; Rathmacher, John A

2011-02-01

The leucine metabolite, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), is a nutritional supplement that increases lean muscle and strength with exercise and in disease states. HMB is presently available as the Ca salt (CaHMB). The present study was designed to examine whether HMB in free acid gel form will improve HMB availability to tissues. Two studies were conducted and in each study four males and four females were given three treatments in a randomised, cross-over design. Treatments were CaHMB (gelatin capsule, 1 g), equivalent HMB free acid gel swallowed (FASW) and free acid gel held sublingual for 15 s then swallowed (FASL). Plasma HMB was measured for 3 h following treatment in study 1 and 24 h with urine collection in study 2. In both the studies, the times to peak plasma HMB were 128 (sem 11), 38 (sem 4) and 38 (sem 1) min (P < 0·0001) for CaHMB, FASW and FASL, respectively. The peak concentrations were 131 (sem 6), 249 (sem 14) and 239 (sem 14) μmol/l (P < 0·0001) for CaHMB, FASW and FASL, respectively. The areas under the curve were almost double for FASW and FASL (P < 0·0001). Daily urinary HMB excretion was not significantly increased resulting in more HMB retained (P < 0·003) with FASW and FASL. Half-lives were 3·17 (sem 0·22), 2·50 (sem 0·13) and 2·51 (sem 0·14) h for CaHMB, FASW and FASL, respectively (P < 0·004). Free acid gel resulted in quicker and greater plasma concentrations (+185%) and improved clearance (+25%) of HMB from plasma. In conclusion, HMB free acid gel could improve HMB availability and efficacy to tissues in health and disease.

[caCORE: core architecture of bioinformation on cancer research in America].

PubMed

Gao, Qin; Zhang, Yan-lei; Xie, Zhi-yun; Zhang, Qi-peng; Hu, Zhang-zhi

2006-04-18

A critical factor in the advancement of biomedical research is the ease with which data can be integrated, redistributed and analyzed both within and across domains. This paper summarizes the Biomedical Information Core Infrastructure built by National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics in America (NCICB). The main product from the Core Infrastructure is caCORE--cancer Common Ontologic Reference Environment, which is the infrastructure backbone supporting data management and application development at NCICB. The paper explains the structure and function of caCORE: (1) Enterprise Vocabulary Services (EVS). They provide controlled vocabulary, dictionary and thesaurus services, and EVS produces the NCI Thesaurus and the NCI Metathesaurus; (2) The Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR). It provides a metadata registry for common data elements. (3) Cancer Bioinformatics Infrastructure Objects (caBIO). They provide Java, Simple Object Access Protocol and HTTP-XML application programming interfaces. The vision for caCORE is to provide a common data management framework that will support the consistency, clarity, and comparability of biomedical research data and information. In addition to providing facilities for data management and redistribution, caCORE helps solve problems of data integration. All NCICB-developed caCORE components are distributed under open-source licenses that support unrestricted usage by both non-profit and commercial entities, and caCORE has laid the foundation for a number of scientific and clinical applications. Based on it, the paper expounds caCORE-base applications simply in several NCI projects, of which one is CMAP (Cancer Molecular Analysis Project), and the other is caBIG (Cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid). In the end, the paper also gives good prospects of caCORE, and while caCORE was born out of the needs of the cancer research community, it is intended to serve as a general resource. Cancer research has historically contributed to many areas beyond tumor biology. At the same time, the paper makes some suggestions about the study at the present time on biomedical informatics in China.

Effects of calcium oxide treatment of dry and modified wet corn distillers grains plus solubles on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and apparent digestibility of feedlot steers.

PubMed

Schroeder, A R; Duckworth, M J; Shike, D W; Schoonmaker, J P; Felix, T L

2014-10-01

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of feeding dried corn distillers grains (DDGS) or modified wet corn distillers grains (MDGS) with or without CaO treatment to feedlot steers on 1) growth performance and carcass characteristics and 2) diet digestibility, pattern of intake, and meal distribution. In Exp. 1, steers (n = 139; average initial BW = 336 ± 75 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design, and pens were randomly allotted to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments (DM basis): 1) 50% DDGS untreated, 2) 48.8% DDGS treated with 1.2% CaO, 3) 50% MDGS untreated, or 4) 48.8% MDGS treated with 1.2% CaO. The remainder of the diet was corn husklage, dry rolled corn, and vitamin and mineral supplement. In Exp. 2, fistulated steers (n = 8; average initial BW = 540 ± 250 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with the same dietary treatments as in Exp. 1. There was no interaction (P ≥ 0.14) between distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) and CaO inclusion for DMI, ADG, final BW, or USDA yield and quality grades. However, steers fed CaO-treated DGS had decreased (P < 0.01) DMI, regardless of DGS type. Because CaO treatment decreased DMI without affecting (P = 0.66) ADG, steers fed CaO-treated DGS had increased (P < 0.01) G:F compared to steers not fed CaO. The variation in DMI found in this experiment could be explained by differences in meal size and distribution. Steers fed CaO-treated DGS ate a similar (P = 0.36) number of meals but ate smaller (P < 0.01) meals. No effects (P ≥ 0.55) of CaO treatment or its interaction with DGS type were found for apparent total tract DM or NDF digestibility. However, steers fed MDGS had increased (P < 0.01) NDF digestibility compared to steers fed DDGS. In conclusion, CaO treatment of DGS improved feed efficiency when DGS-based diets were fed but did not improve digestibility.

Cation-containing lipid membranes – experiment and md simulations

DOE PAGES

Kučerka, Norbert; Dushanov, Ermuhammas; Kholmurodov, Kholmirzo T.; ...

2017-11-27

Here, using small angle neutron diffraction and molecular dynamics simulations we studied the interactions between calcium (Ca 2+) or zinc (Zn 2+) cations, and oriented gel phase dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers. For both cations studied at ~1:7 divalent metal ion to lipid molar ratio (Me2+:DPPC), bilayer thickness increased. Simulation results helped reveal subtle differences in the effects of the two cations on gel phase membranes.

DiBAC4(3) hits a “sweet spot” for the activation of arterial large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels independently of the β1-subunit

PubMed Central

Scornik, Fabiana S.; Bucciero, Ronald S.; Wu, Yuesheng; Selga, Elisabet; Bosch Calero, Cristina; Brugada, Ramon

2013-01-01

The voltage-sensitive dye bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)trimethine oxonol [DiBAC4(3)] has been reported as a novel large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel activator with selectivity for its β1- or β4-subunits. In arterial smooth muscle, BK channels are formed by a pore-forming α-subunit and a smooth muscle-abundant regulatory β1-subunit. This tissue specificity has driven extensive pharmacological research aimed at regulating arterial tone. Using animals with a disruption of the gene for the β1-subunit, we explored the effects of DiBAC4(3) in native channels from arterial smooth muscle. We tested the hypothesis that, in native BK channels, activation by DiBAC4(3) relies mostly on its α-subunit. We studied BK channels from wild-type and transgenic β1-knockout mice in excised patches. BK channels from brain arteries, with or without the β1-subunit, were similarly activated by DiBAC4(3). In addition, we found that saturating concentrations of DiBAC4(3) (∼30 μM) promote an unprecedented persistent activation of the channel that negatively shifts its voltage dependence by as much as −300 mV. This “sweet spot” for persistent activation is independent of Ca2+ and/or the β1–4-subunits and is fully achieved when DiBAC4(3) is applied to the intracellular side of the channel. Arterial BK channel response to DiBAC4(3) varies across species and/or vascular beds. DiBAC4(3) unique effects can reveal details of BK channel gating mechanisms and help in the rational design of BK channel activators. PMID:23542916

Structure variations of TBA G-quadruplex induced by 2'-O-methyl nucleotide in K+ and Ca2+ environments.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiaoyang; Liu, Bo; Yan, Jing; Yuan, Ying; An, Liwen; Guan, Yifu

2014-10-01

Thrombin binding aptamer (TBA), a 15-mer oligonucleotide of d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) sequence, folds into a chair-type antiparallel G-quadruplex in the K(+) environment, and each of two G-tetrads is characterized by a syn-anti-syn-anti glycosidic conformation arrangement. To explore its folding topology and structural stability, 2'-O-methyl nucleotide (OMe) with the C3'-endo sugar pucker conformation and anti glycosidic angle was used to selectively substitute for the guanine residues of G-tetrads of TBA, and these substituted TBAs were characterized using a circular dichroism spectrum, thermally differential spectrum, ultraviolet stability analysis, electrophoresis mobility shift assay, and thermodynamic analysis in K(+) and Ca(2+) environments. Results showed that single substitutions for syn-dG residues destabilized the G-quadruplex structure, while single substitutions for anti-dG residues could preserve the G-quadruplex in the K(+) environment. When one or two G-tetrads were modified with OMe, TBA became unstructured. In contrast, in Ca(2+) environment, the native TBA appeared to be unstructured. When two G-tetrads were substituted with OMe, TBA seemed to become a more stable parallel G-4 structure. Further thermodynamic data suggested that OMe-substitutions were an enthalpy-driven event. The results in this study enrich our understanding about the effects of nucleotide derivatives on the G-quadruplex structure stability in different ionic environments, which will help to design G-quadruplex for biological and medical applications. © The Author 2014. Published by ABBS Editorial Office in association with Oxford University Press on behalf of the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Protein Kinase C as Regulator of Vascular Smooth Muscle Function and Potential Target in Vascular Disorders.

PubMed

Ringvold, H C; Khalil, R A

2017-01-01

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays an important role in maintaining vascular tone. In addition to Ca 2+ -dependent myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, protein kinase C (PKC) is a major regulator of VSM function. PKC is a family of conventional Ca 2+ -dependent α, β, and γ, novel Ca 2+ -independent δ, ɛ, θ, and η, and atypical ξ, and ι/λ isoforms. Inactive PKC is mainly cytosolic, and upon activation it undergoes phosphorylation, maturation, and translocation to the surface membrane, the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and other cell organelles; a process facilitated by scaffold proteins such as RACKs. Activated PKC phosphorylates different substrates including ion channels, pumps, and nuclear proteins. PKC also phosphorylates CPI-17 leading to inhibition of MLC phosphatase, increased MLC phosphorylation, and enhanced VSM contraction. PKC could also initiate a cascade of protein kinases leading to phosphorylation of the actin-binding proteins calponin and caldesmon, increased actin-myosin interaction, and VSM contraction. Increased PKC activity has been associated with vascular disorders including ischemia-reperfusion injury, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetic vasculopathy. PKC inhibitors could test the role of PKC in different systems and could reduce PKC hyperactivity in vascular disorders. First-generation PKC inhibitors such as staurosporine and chelerythrine are not very specific. Isoform-specific PKC inhibitors such as ruboxistaurin have been tested in clinical trials. Target delivery of PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptides and PKC siRNA may be useful in localized vascular disease. Further studies of PKC and its role in VSM should help design isoform-specific PKC modulators that are experimentally potent and clinically safe to target PKC in vascular disease. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Charge Density Engineering: A Feasibility Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-22

15. Statistical Learning Guided Design of Materials Fritz Haber Institute – Theory Group Berlin , Germany June 17th 2013 16...Technology San Diego, CA June 6th 2013 15. Statistical Learning Guided Design of Materials Fritz Haber Institute – Theory Group Berlin

A failed tentative to design a super carbonic anhydrase having the biochemical properties of the most thermostable CA (SspCA) and the fastest (SazCA) enzymes.

PubMed

De Luca, Viviana; Del Prete, Sonia; Carginale, Vincenzo; Vullo, Daniela; Supuran, Claudiu T; Capasso, Clemente

2015-12-01

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) catalyze a simple reaction in all life domains: the carbon dioxide hydration to bicarbonate and protons: CO2 + H2O → [Formula: see text] + H(+). Six different, genetically distinct CA families are known to date, the α-, β-, γ-, δ-, ζ- and η-CAs. Bacteria encode for CAs belong to the α-, β- and γ-classes. Recently, our groups investigated the presence of CAs in two bacteria belonging to the genus Sulfurihydrogenibium living in hot springs all over the world, at temperatures of up to 110 °C. The α-CAs from Sulfurihydrogenibium yellowstonense and Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense, denominated SspCA and SazCA, respectively, are highly thermostable, maintaining a good catalytic activity even after being heated for a prolonged period. Moreover, SazCA was to be the fastest CA known to date with a kcat value of 4.40 × 10(6) s(-1) and a kcat/KM value of 3.5 × 10(8) M(-1) s(-1). SspCA also showed a good catalytic activity for the same reaction, with a kcat value of 9.35 × 10(5) s(-1) and a kcat/KM value of 1.1 × 10(8) M(-1) s(-1), proving that the "extremo-α-CAs" are between the most effective CAs known to date. Here, we describe a failed tentative to obtain a super-CA, SupCA, by combining the amino acid sequence of SazCA and SspCA. To achieve this goal we introduced six His residues in N-terminal sequence of SspCA. However the obtained SupCA showed lower catalytic activity and thermostability compared to both extremophilic enzymes from which it has been designed. We rationalized the biochemical reasons of this failure, which may be useful to design enzymes with a better catalytic activity.

The Role of the Calcium-sensing Receptor in Cancer

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

Rodland, Karin D.

2004-03-01

The cell surface calcium receptor (Ca2+ receptor) is a particularly difficult receptor to study because its primary physiological ligand, Ca2+, affects numerous biological processes both within and outside of cells. Because of this, distinguishing effects of extracellular Ca2+ mediated by the Ca2+ receptor from those mediated by other mechanisms is challenging. Certain pharmacological approaches, however, when combined with appropriate experimental designs, can be used to more confidently identify cellular responses regulated by the Ca2+ receptor and select those that might be targeted therapeutically. The Ca2+ receptor on parathyroid cells, because it is the primary mechanism regulating secretion of parathyroid hormonemore » (PTH), is one such target. Calcimimetic compounds, which active this Ca2+ receptor and lower circulating levels of PTH, have been developed for treating hyperparathyroidism. The converse pharmaceutical approach, involving calcilytic compounds that block parathyroid cell Ca2+ receptors and stimulate PTH secretion thereby providing an anabolic therapy for osteoporosis, still awaits clinical validation. Although Ca2+ receptors are expressed throughout the body and in many tissues that are not intimately involved in systemic Ca2+ homeostasis, their physiological and/or pathological significance remains speculative and their value as therapeutic targets is unknown.« less

Clinical attachments: fond farewell or new beginning? A survey of the attitudes and practice of medical consultants and international medical graduates

PubMed Central

Wawdhane, Sudhir; Saraf, Vivek; Davidson, Sharon; Trewby, Peter

2007-01-01

Objectives To analyse the experience of clinical attachment (CA) of international medical graduates (IMGs) and consultants. Design Analysis of questionnaires and CVs. Setting and participants 573 IMGs applying for a house officer post and 102 consultant physicians working in North East England. Results IMGs had spent a mean of 16 months unemployed, of which 3.8 months was spent on CAs. The median number of CAs was two and the average number of applications sent before obtaining a CA was 73. 90% of IMGs found their CA helpful and 57% would not take up a post without a CA first. Criticisms related to lack of responsibility, isolation and poor job prospects. 90% would apply for honorary posts if advertised. 73% had received induction at the onset of placement, but only 32% had been assessed at the end. 50% of consultants took CAs and only 4% were thinking of stopping doing so. Those without CAs blamed work pressure (43%) and pressure from their employer (23%). Conclusions There are deficiencies in pastoral care, the application process and assessment, but CAs are valued by IMGs and offered by half the consultants surveyed. New immigration rules will mean fewer IMGs will come to the UK, but CAs will be needed by those that do, as well by refugees and European Economic Area (EEA) graduates. The tradition of CAs for international graduates could be used to accommodate those coming to the UK on exchanges and scholarships and form part of the recently announced Medical Training Initiative for IMGs. PMID:17344576

28. 'TOWER DESIGN NO. 11, ADAPTED FROM NO. 9,' drawn ...

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

28. 'TOWER DESIGN NO. 11, ADAPTED FROM NO. 9,' drawn by project architect Alfred Eichler, undated, ca. 1934. - Sacramento River Bridge, Spanning Sacramento River at California State Highway 275, Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA

U.S. EPA TEAM STUDY OF INHALABLE PARTICLES (PM-10): STUDY DESIGN, RESPONSE RATE, AND SAMPLER PERFORMANCE

EPA Science Inventory

The US EPA studied the exposures of 175 residents of Riverside, CA to inha1able particles (<10 u diameter) in the early fall of 1990. Participants were probabilistically selected to represent most of the Riverside nonsmoking population over the age of 10. They wore a newly-design...

Carbonic anhydrase activators. Activation of isoforms I, II, IV, VA, VII, and XIV with L- and D-phenylalanine and crystallographic analysis of their adducts with isozyme II: stereospecific recognition within the active site of an enzyme and its consequences for the drug design.

PubMed

Temperini, Claudia; Scozzafava, Andrea; Vullo, Daniela; Supuran, Claudiu T

2006-05-18

Activation of six human brain carbonic anhydrases (hCAs, EC 4.2.1.1), hCA I, II, IV, VA, VII, and XIV, with l-/d-phenylalanine was investigated kinetically and by X-ray crystallography. l-Phe was a potent activator of isozymes I, II, and XIV (K(A)s of 13-240 nM), a weaker activator of hCA VA and VII (K(A)s of 9.8-10.9 microM), and a quite inefficient hCA IV activator (K(A) of 52 microM). d-Phe showed good hCA II activatory properties (K(A) of 35 nM), being a moderate hCA VA, VII, and XIV (K(A)s of 4.6-9.7 microM) and a weak hCA I and IV activator (K(A)s of 63-86 microM). X-ray crystallography of the hCA II-l-Phe/d-Phe adducts showed the activators to be anchored at the entrance of the active site, participating in numerous bonds and hydrophobic interactions with amino acid residues His64, Thr200, Trp5, and Pro201. This is the first study showing different binding modes of stereoisomeric activators within the hCA II active site, with consequences for overall proton transfer processes (rate-determining for the catalytic cycle). It also points out differences of activation efficiency between various isozymes with structurally related activators, exploitable for designing alternative proton transfer pathways. CA activators may lead to the design of pharmacologically useful derivatives for the enhancement of synaptic efficacy, which may represent a conceptually new approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, aging, and other conditions in which spatial learning and memory therapy must be enhanced. As the blood and brain concentrations of l-Phe are quite variable (30-73 microM), activity of some brain CAs may strongly be influenced by the level of activator(s) present in such tissues.

Identification of bile survivin and carbohydrate antigen 199 in distinguishing cholangiocarcinoma from benign obstructive jaundice.

PubMed

Liu, Yanfeng; Sun, Jingxian; Zhang, Qiangbo; Jin, Bin; Zhu, Min; Zhang, Zongli

2017-01-01

To investigate whether bile survivin and carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) can be helpful in distinguishing cholangiocarcinoma (malignant obstructive jaundice) from benign obstructive jaundice. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the feasibility of bile survivin and CA199 in differentiating cholangiocarcinoma from benign obstructive jaundice. The area under the curve for survivin and CA199 in bile and serum were 0.780 (p < 0.001), 0.6 (p = 0.084), 0.746 (p < 0.001) and 0.542 (p = 0.464), respectively. Combination of bile survivin and CA199 could improve the diagnostic capability. Bile survivin and CA199 are significantly increased in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and may be useful biomarkers in differentiating distinguishing cholangiocarcinoma from benign obstructive jaundice.

Causes and Predictors of Readmission in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Catheter Ablation: A National Population-Based Cohort Study.

PubMed

Arora, Shilpkumar; Lahewala, Sopan; Tripathi, Byomesh; Mehta, Varshil; Kumar, Varun; Chandramohan, Divya; Lemor, Alejandro; Dave, Mihir; Patel, Nileshkumar; Patel, Nilay V; Palamaner Subash Shantha, Ghanshyam; Viles-Gonzalez, Juan; Deshmukh, Abhishek

2018-06-15

Reducing readmission after catheter ablation (CA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is important. We utilized National Readmission Data (NRD) 2010-2014. AF was identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic code 427.31 in the primary field, while first CA of AF was identified via ICD-9 -procedure code 37.34. Any admission within 30 or 90 days of index admission was considered a readmission. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to adjust for confounders. The primary outcomes were 30- and 90-day readmissions and the secondary outcome was AF recurrence. In total, 1 128 372 patients with AF were identified from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2014. Of which 37 360 (3.3%) underwent CA. Patients aged ≥65 years and female sex were less likely to receive CA for AF. Overall, 10.9% and 16.5% of CA patients were readmitted within 30 and 90 days post-CA, respectively. Most common causes of readmissions were arrhythmia (AF, atrial flutter), heart failure, pulmonary causes (pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and bleeding complications (gastrointestinal bleed, intracranial hemorrhage). Patients with diabetes mellitus, heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic pulmonary and kidney disease, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), female sex, length of stay ≥2 and disposition to the facility were prone to higher 30- and 90-day readmissions post-CA. Predictors of increase in AF recurrence post-CA were female sex, diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary disease, and length of stay ≥2. Trends of 90-day readmission and AF recurrence were found to improve over the study period. We identified several demographic and clinical factors associated with the use of CA in AF, and short-term outcomes of the same, which could potentially help in the patient selection and improve outcomes. © 2018 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Effect of tenderizers combined with organic acids on Escherichia coli O157:H7 thermal resistance in non-intact beef.

PubMed

Yoon, Yohan; Mukherjee, Avik; Belk, Keith E; Scanga, John A; Smith, Gary C; Sofos, John N

2009-07-31

Non-intact beef products include beef cuts that have been ground, mechanically tenderized, restructured, or have been injected with solutions to enhance tenderness and/or flavor. This study examined the effects of tenderizing salts and organic acids on thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a ground beef model system simulating non-intact beef products. Ground beef (95% lean; 700 g batches) was mixed (2 min) with nothing (C) or solutions (22 ml) of water (WA), calcium ascorbate (CaA, 0.86%; wt/wt), calcium chloride (CaC, 0.23%; wt/wt), acetic acid (AA, 0.3%; v/wt), citric acid (CA, 0.2%; wt/wt), NaCl (NA, 0.5%; wt/wt), and mixtures of CaA/NA, CaC/NA, AA/NA, CA/NA, CaA/CaC/NA, CaA/AA/NA, CaA/CA/NA, CaC/AA/NA and CaC/CA/NA. Samples (30 g) were extruded into test tubes, inoculated (7 log CFU/g) with E. coli O157:H7 (5-strain mixture), and stored (4 degrees C) overnight. Samples were then cooked to 60 degrees C or 65 degrees C, in a water bath, to simulate rare or medium-rare doneness of beef, respectively. Weight, fat and moisture losses, total bacterial (tryptic soy agar) and E. coli O157:H7 (modified eosin methylene blue agar, and modified sorbitol MacConkey agar) populations were determined after inoculation, storage, and cooking. Fat and moisture losses were not affected by treatment and temperature, while weight losses increased at 65 degrees C and in acid treated samples (60 degrees C). E. coli O157:H7 survivors were generally lower (P<0.05) in acid treated than non-acid treated samples. Pathogen counts in samples treated with tenderizers (CaA, CaC) and NA were not different (P> or =0.05) than those of control samples. Thus, inclusion of organic acids in beef tenderizing recipes may help in thermal inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 that may been transferred to the interior of non-intact products during their production.

The emerging ST8 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone in the community in Japan: associated infections, genetic diversity, and comparative genomics.

PubMed

Iwao, Yasuhisa; Ishii, Rumiko; Tomita, Yusuke; Shibuya, Yasuhiro; Takano, Tomomi; Hung, Wei-chun; Higuchi, Wataru; Isobe, Hirokazu; Nishiyama, Akihito; Yano, Mio; Matsumoto, Tetsuya; Ogata, Kikuyo; Okubo, Takeshi; Khokhlova, Olga; Ho, Pak-leung; Yamamoto, Tatsuo

2015-07-01

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become a major concern worldwide. In the United States, ST8 CA-MRSA with SCCmecIVa (USA300) has been predominant, affecting the entire United States. In this study, we investigated Japanese ST8 CA-MRSA with new SCCmecIV1 (designated ST8 CA-MRSA/J), which has emerged in Japan since 2003. Regarding community spread and infections, ST8 CA-MRSA/J spread in 16.2-34.4% as a major genotype in the community in Japan, and was associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), colitis, and invasive infections (sepsis, epidural abscesses, and necrotizing pneumonia), including influenza prodrome cases and athlete infections, similar to USA300. It spread to even public transport and Hong Kong through a Japanese family. Regarding genetic diversity, ST8 CA-MRSA/J included ST and spa variants and was classified into at least three pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types, ST8 Jα to γ. Of those, ST8 Jβ was associated with severe invasive infections. As for genomics, ST8 CA-MRSA/J showed high similarities to USA300, but with marked diversity in accessory genes; e.g., ST8 CA-MRSA/J possessed enhanced cytolytic peptide genes of CA-MRSA, but lacked the Panton-Valentine leukocidin phage and arginine catabolic mobile element, unlike USA300. The unique features of ST8 CA-MRSA/J included a novel mosaic SaPI (designated SaPIj50) carrying the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 gene with high expression; the evolution included salvage (through recombination) of hospital-acquired MRSA virulence. The data suggest that ST8 CA-MRSA/J has become a successful native clone in Japan, in association with not only SSTIs but also severe invasive infections (posing a threat), requiring attention.

The emerging ST8 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone in the community in Japan: associated infections, genetic diversity, and comparative genomics.

PubMed

Iwao, Yasuhisa; Ishii, Rumiko; Tomita, Yusuke; Shibuya, Yasuhiro; Takano, Tomomi; Hung, Wei-Chun; Higuchi, Wataru; Isobe, Hirokazu; Nishiyama, Akihito; Yano, Mio; Matsumoto, Tetsuya; Ogata, Kikuyo; Okubo, Takeshi; Khokhlova, Olga; Ho, Pak-Leung; Yamamoto, Tatsuo

2012-04-01

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become a major concern worldwide. In the United States, ST8 CA-MRSA with SCCmecIVa (USA300) has been predominant, affecting the entire United States. In this study, we investigated Japanese ST8 CA-MRSA with new SCCmecIVl (designated ST8 CA-MRSA/J), which has emerged in Japan since 2003. Regarding community spread and infections, ST8 CA-MRSA/J spread in 16.2-34.4% as a major genotype in the community in Japan, and was associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), colitis, and invasive infections (sepsis, epidural abscesses, and necrotizing pneumonia), including influenza prodrome cases and athlete infections, similar to USA300. It spread to even public transport and Hong Kong through a Japanese family. Regarding genetic diversity, ST8 CA-MRSA/J included ST and spa variants and was classified into at least three pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types, ST8 Jα to γ. Of those, ST8 Jβ was associated with severe invasive infections. As for genomics, ST8 CA-MRSA/J showed high similarities to USA300, but with marked diversity in accessory genes; e.g., ST8 CA-MRSA/J possessed enhanced cytolytic peptide genes of CA-MRSA, but lacked the Panton-Valentine leukocidin phage and arginine catabolic mobile element, unlike USA300. The unique features of ST8 CA-MRSA/J included a novel mosaic SaPI (designated SaPIj50) carrying the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 gene with high expression; the evolution included salvage (through recombination) of hospital-acquired MRSA virulence. The data suggest that ST8 CA-MRSA/J has become a successful native clone in Japan, in association with not only SSTIs but also severe invasive infections (posing a threat), requiring attention.

Markov-state model for CO2 binding with carbonic anhydrase under confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Gong; Xu, Weina; Lu, Diannan; Wu, Jianzhong; Liu, Zheng

2018-01-01

Enzyme immobilization with a nanostructure material can enhance its stability and facilitate reusability. However, the apparent activity is often compromised due to additional diffusion barriers and complex interactions with the substrates and solvent molecules. The present study elucidates the effects of the surface hydrophobicity of nano-confinement on CO2 diffusion to the active site of human carbonic anhydrase II (CA), an enzyme that is able to catalyze CO2 hydration at extremely high turnover rates. Using the Markov-state model in combination with coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that a hydrophobic cage increases CO2 local density but hinders its diffusion towards the active site of CA under confinement. By contrast, a hydrophilic cage hinders CO2 adsorption but promotes its binding with CA. An optimal surface hydrophobicity can be identified to maximize both the CO2 occupation probability and the diffusion rate. The simulation results offer insight into understanding enzyme performance under nano-confinement and help us to advance broader applications of CA for CO2 absorption and recovery.

Integrative comparison of mRNA expression patterns in breast cancers from Caucasian and Asian Americans with implications for precision medicine

PubMed Central

Wang, Jianan; He, Max M; Li, Liren; Zhang, Jinfeng

2016-01-01

Asian Americans (AS) have significantly lower incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer (BRCA) than Caucasian Americans (CA). While this racial disparity has been documented the underlying pathogenetic factors explaining it are obscure. We addressed this issue by an integrative genomics approach to compare mRNA expression between AS and CA cases of BRCA. RNA-seq data from the Cancer Genome Atlas showed that mRNA expression revealed significant differences at gene and pathway levels. Increased susceptibility and severity in CA patients were likely the result of synergistic environmental and genetic risk factors, with arachidonic acid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways implicated in linking environmental and genetic factors. An analysis that also added eQTL data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from the 1000 Genomes Project identified several SNPs associated with differentially expressed genes. Overall, the associations we identified may enable a more focused study of genotypic differences that may help explain the disparity in BRCA incidence and mortality rates in CA and AS populations and inform precision medicine. PMID:28069798

Skeletal muscle Ca(2+)-independent kinase activity increases during either hypertrophy or running

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fluck, M.; Waxham, M. N.; Hamilton, M. T.; Booth, F. W.

2000-01-01

Spikes in free Ca(2+) initiate contractions in skeletal muscle cells, but whether and how they might signal to transcription factors in skeletal muscles of living animals is unknown. Since previous studies in non-muscle cells have shown that serum response factor (SRF) protein, a transcription factor, is phosphorylated rapidly by Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase after rises in intracellular Ca(2+), we measured enzymatic activity that phosphorylates SRF (designated SRF kinase activity). Homogenates from 7-day-hypertrophied anterior latissimus dorsi muscles of roosters had more Ca(2+)-independent SRF kinase activity than their respective control muscles. However, no differences were noted in Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent SRF kinase activity between control and trained muscles. To determine whether the Ca(2+)-independent and Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent forms of Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) might contribute to some of the SRF kinase activity, autocamtide-3, a synthetic substrate that is specific for CaMKII, was employed. While the Ca(2+)-independent form of CaMKII was increased, like the Ca(2+)-independent form of SRF kinase, no alteration in CaMKII occurred at 7 days of stretch overload. These observations suggest that some of SRF phosphorylation by skeletal muscle extracts could be due to CaMKII. To determine whether this adaptation was specific to the exercise type (i.e., hypertrophy), similar measurements were made in the white vastus lateralis muscle of rats that had completed 2 wk of voluntary running. Although Ca(2+)-independent SRF kinase was increased, no alteration occurred in Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent SRF kinase activity. Thus any role of Ca(2+)-independent SRF kinase signaling has downstream modulators specific to the exercise phenotype.

Application of a Salt Coformer in a Co-Amorphous Drug System Dramatically Enhances the Glass Transition Temperature: A Case Study of the Ternary System Carbamazepine, Citric Acid, and l-Arginine.

PubMed

Ueda, Hiroshi; Wu, Wenqi; Löbmann, Korbinian; Grohganz, Holger; Müllertz, Anette; Rades, Thomas

2018-05-07

The use of co-amorphous systems containing a combination of low molecular weight drugs and excipients is a relatively new technology in the pharmaceutical field to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, some co-amorphous systems show a lower glass transition temperature ( T g ) than many of their polymeric solid dispersion counterparts. In this study, we aimed at designing a stable co-amorphous system with an elevated T g . Carbamazepine (CBM) and citric acid (CA) were employed as the model drug and the coformer, respectively. co-amorphous CBM-CA at a 1:1 molar ratio was formed by ball milling, but a transition from the glassy to the supercooled melt state was observed under ambient conditions, due to the relatively low T g of 38.8 °C of the co-amorphous system and moisture absorption. To improve the T g of the coformer, salt formation of a combination of l-arginine (ARG) with CA was studied. First, ball milling of CA-ARG at molar ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 forming co-amorphous systems was performed and led to a dramatic enhancement of the T g , depending on the CA-ARG ratio. Salt formation between CA and ARG was observed by infrared spectroscopy. Next, ball milling of CBM-CA-ARG at molar ratios of 1:1:1, 1:1:2, and 1:1:3 resulted in co-amorphous blends, which had a single T g at 77.8, 105.3, and 127.8 °C, respectively. These ternary co-amorphous samples remained in a solid amorphous form for 2 months at 40 °C. From these results, it can be concluded that blending of the salt coformer with a drug is a promising strategy to design stable co-amorphous formulations.

Properties and Crystallization Phenomena in Li2Si2O5–Ca5(PO4)3F and Li2Si2O5–Sr5(PO4)3F Glass–Ceramics Via Twofold Internal Crystallization

PubMed Central

Rampf, Markus; Dittmer, Marc; Ritzberger, Christian; Schweiger, Marcel; Höland, Wolfram

2015-01-01

The combination of specific mechanical, esthetic, and chemical properties is decisive for the application of materials in prosthodontics. Controlled twofold crystallization provides a powerful tool to produce special property combinations for glass–ceramic materials. The present study outlines the potential of precipitating Ca5(PO4)3F as well as Sr5(PO4)3F as minor crystal phases in Li2Si2O5 glass–ceramics. Base glasses with different contents of CaO/SrO, P2O5, and F− were prepared within the glasses of the SiO2–Li2O–K2O–CaO/SrO–Al2O3–P2O5–F system. Preliminary studies of nucleation by means of XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the nucleated base glasses revealed X-ray amorphous phase separation phenomena. Qualitative and quantitative crystal phase analyses after crystallization were conducted using XRD in combination with Rietveld refinement. As a main result, a direct proportional relationship between the content of apatite-forming components in the base glasses and the content of apatite in the glass–ceramics was established. The microstructures of the glass–ceramics were investigated using SEM. Microstructural and mechanical properties were found to be dominated by Li2Si2O5 crystals and quite independent of the content of the apatite present in the glass–ceramics. Biaxial strengths of up to 540 MPa were detected. Ca5(PO4)3F and Sr5(PO4)3F influence the translucency of the glass–ceramics and, hence, help to precisely tailor the properties of Li2Si2O5 glass–ceramics. The authors conclude that the twofold crystallization of Li2Si2O5–Ca5(PO4)3F or Li2Si2O5–Sr5(PO4)3F glass–ceramics involves independent solid-state reactions, which can be controlled via the chemical composition of the base glasses. The influence of the minor apatite phase on the optical properties helps to achieve new combinations of features of the glass–ceramics and, hence, displays new potential for dental applications. PMID:26389112

Properties and Crystallization Phenomena in Li2Si2O5-Ca5(PO4)3F and Li2Si2O5-Sr5(PO4)3F Glass-Ceramics Via Twofold Internal Crystallization.

PubMed

Rampf, Markus; Dittmer, Marc; Ritzberger, Christian; Schweiger, Marcel; Höland, Wolfram

2015-01-01

The combination of specific mechanical, esthetic, and chemical properties is decisive for the application of materials in prosthodontics. Controlled twofold crystallization provides a powerful tool to produce special property combinations for glass-ceramic materials. The present study outlines the potential of precipitating Ca5(PO4)3F as well as Sr5(PO4)3F as minor crystal phases in Li2Si2O5 glass-ceramics. Base glasses with different contents of CaO/SrO, P2O5, and F(-) were prepared within the glasses of the SiO2-Li2O-K2O-CaO/SrO-Al2O3-P2O5-F system. Preliminary studies of nucleation by means of XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the nucleated base glasses revealed X-ray amorphous phase separation phenomena. Qualitative and quantitative crystal phase analyses after crystallization were conducted using XRD in combination with Rietveld refinement. As a main result, a direct proportional relationship between the content of apatite-forming components in the base glasses and the content of apatite in the glass-ceramics was established. The microstructures of the glass-ceramics were investigated using SEM. Microstructural and mechanical properties were found to be dominated by Li2Si2O5 crystals and quite independent of the content of the apatite present in the glass-ceramics. Biaxial strengths of up to 540 MPa were detected. Ca5(PO4)3F and Sr5(PO4)3F influence the translucency of the glass-ceramics and, hence, help to precisely tailor the properties of Li2Si2O5 glass-ceramics. The authors conclude that the twofold crystallization of Li2Si2O5-Ca5(PO4)3F or Li2Si2O5-Sr5(PO4)3F glass-ceramics involves independent solid-state reactions, which can be controlled via the chemical composition of the base glasses. The influence of the minor apatite phase on the optical properties helps to achieve new combinations of features of the glass-ceramics and, hence, displays new potential for dental applications.

The influence of seawater carbonate chemistry, mineralogy, and diagenesis on calcium isotope variations in Lower-Middle Triassic carbonate rocks

DOE PAGES

Lau, Kimberly V.; Maher, Kate; Brown, Shaun T.; ...

2017-11-01

The geological calcium cycle is linked to the geological carbon cycle through the weathering and burial of carbonate rocks. As a result, calcium (Ca) isotope ratios ( 44 Ca/ 40 Ca, expressed as δ 44/40 Ca) can help to constrain ancient carbon cycle dynamics if Ca cycle behavior can be reconstructed. But, the δ 44/40 Ca of carbonate rocks is influenced not only by the δ 44/40 Ca of seawater but also by diagenetic processes and fractionation associated with carbonate precipitation. In this study, we investigate the dominant controls on carbonate δ 44/40 Ca in Upper Permian to Middle Triassicmore » limestones (ca. 253 to 244 Ma) from south China and Turkey. This time interval is ideal for assessing controls on Ca isotope ratios in carbonate rocks because fluctuations in seawater δ 44/40 Ca may be expected based on several large carbon isotope (δ 13 C) excursions ranging from -2 to + 8‰. Parallel negative δ 13 C and δ 44/40 Ca excursions were previously identified across the end-Permian extinction horizon. Here, we find a second negative excursion in δ 44/40 Ca of ~ 0.2‰ within Lower Triassic strata in both south China and Turkey; however, this excursion is not synchronous between regions and thus cannot be interpreted to reflect secular change in the δ 44/40 Ca of global seawater. Additionally, δ 44/40 Ca values from Turkey are consistently 0.3‰ lower than contemporaneous samples from south China, providing further support for local or regional influences. By measuring δ 44/40 Ca and Sr concentrations ([Sr]) in two stratigraphic sections located at opposite margins of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, we can determine whether the data represent global conditions (e.g., secular variations in the δ 44/40 Ca of seawater) versus local controls (e.g., original mineralogy or diagenetic alteration). The [Sr] and δ 44/40 Ca data from this study are best described statistically by a log-linear correlation that also exists in many previously published datasets of various geological ages. By using a model of early marine diagenetic water-rock interaction, we illustrate that this general correlation can be explained by the chemical evolution of bulk carbonate sediment samples with different initial mineralogical compositions that subsequently underwent recrystallization. Although early diagenetic resetting and carbonate mineralogy strongly influence the carbonate δ 44/40 Ca values, the relationship between [Sr] and δ 44/40 Ca holds potential for reconstructing first-order secular changes in seawater δ 44/40 Ca composition.« less

The influence of seawater carbonate chemistry, mineralogy, and diagenesis on calcium isotope variations in Lower-Middle Triassic carbonate rocks

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

Lau, Kimberly V.; Maher, Kate; Brown, Shaun T.

The geological calcium cycle is linked to the geological carbon cycle through the weathering and burial of carbonate rocks. As a result, calcium (Ca) isotope ratios ( 44 Ca/ 40 Ca, expressed as δ 44/40 Ca) can help to constrain ancient carbon cycle dynamics if Ca cycle behavior can be reconstructed. But, the δ 44/40 Ca of carbonate rocks is influenced not only by the δ 44/40 Ca of seawater but also by diagenetic processes and fractionation associated with carbonate precipitation. In this study, we investigate the dominant controls on carbonate δ 44/40 Ca in Upper Permian to Middle Triassicmore » limestones (ca. 253 to 244 Ma) from south China and Turkey. This time interval is ideal for assessing controls on Ca isotope ratios in carbonate rocks because fluctuations in seawater δ 44/40 Ca may be expected based on several large carbon isotope (δ 13 C) excursions ranging from -2 to + 8‰. Parallel negative δ 13 C and δ 44/40 Ca excursions were previously identified across the end-Permian extinction horizon. Here, we find a second negative excursion in δ 44/40 Ca of ~ 0.2‰ within Lower Triassic strata in both south China and Turkey; however, this excursion is not synchronous between regions and thus cannot be interpreted to reflect secular change in the δ 44/40 Ca of global seawater. Additionally, δ 44/40 Ca values from Turkey are consistently 0.3‰ lower than contemporaneous samples from south China, providing further support for local or regional influences. By measuring δ 44/40 Ca and Sr concentrations ([Sr]) in two stratigraphic sections located at opposite margins of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, we can determine whether the data represent global conditions (e.g., secular variations in the δ 44/40 Ca of seawater) versus local controls (e.g., original mineralogy or diagenetic alteration). The [Sr] and δ 44/40 Ca data from this study are best described statistically by a log-linear correlation that also exists in many previously published datasets of various geological ages. By using a model of early marine diagenetic water-rock interaction, we illustrate that this general correlation can be explained by the chemical evolution of bulk carbonate sediment samples with different initial mineralogical compositions that subsequently underwent recrystallization. Although early diagenetic resetting and carbonate mineralogy strongly influence the carbonate δ 44/40 Ca values, the relationship between [Sr] and δ 44/40 Ca holds potential for reconstructing first-order secular changes in seawater δ 44/40 Ca composition.« less

[Assessment of the prognosis in patients who remain comatose after resuscitation from cardiac arrest].

PubMed

Ramberg, Emilie; Fedder, Anette Marianne; Dyrskog, Stig Eric; Degn, Niels Sanderhoff; Hassager, Christian; Jensen, Reinhold; Kirkegaard, Hans; Weber, Sven; Hoffmann-Petersen, Joachim Torp; Larsen, Niels Heden; Strange, Ditte Gry; Sonne, Morten; Lippert, Freddy K

2014-06-30

In Denmark there are around 3,500 unexpected cardiac arrests (CA) out of hospital each year. There is an unknown number of CA in hospitals. The survival rate after CA outside a hospital in Denmark is 10% after 30 days. There are varying data for the neurological outcome in this group of patients. The purpose of this work is to disseminate new knowledge and to help standardizing the treatment in the group of patients who remain comatose after being resuscitated from CA. Assessment of the prognosis for a patient in this group can be made after 72 hours and a multi-modal approach to the patient is required.

The inhibitory effects of phenolic Mannich bases on carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes.

PubMed

Yamali, Cem; Tugrak, Mehtap; Gul, Halise Inci; Tanc, Muhammet; Supuran, Claudiu T

2016-12-01

Phenolic mono Mannich bases [2-[4-hydroxy-3-(aminomethyl)benzylidene]-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (8-15)] and bis Mannich bases [2-[4-hydroxy-3,5-bis(aminomethyl)benzylidene]-2, 3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (2-7)] were synthesized starting from 2-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2, 3-dihydro-inden-1-one (1). This study was designed in order to investigate the carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitory properties of a library of compounds incorporating the phenol functional group. All prepared compounds showed a low inhibition percentages on both human (h) isoforms hCA I and hCA II compared to the reference sulfonamide acetazolamide. Mannich bases 2-15 had lower inhibition percentages than the compound 1 on hCA I and hCA II, except compound 14, which is a Mannich base derivative of dipropylamine, which had a similar inhibitory power as compound 1 on hCA II. All compounds synthesized 1-15 were 1.3-1.9 times more effective on hCA II comparing with the effectivenes of the compounds on hCA I.

Bridging CALL & HCI: Input from Participatory Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cardenas-Claros, Monica S.; Gruba, Paul A.

2010-01-01

Participatory design (PD), or the collaboration between software engineers and end users throughout the design process, may help improve CALL design practices. In this case study, four ESL learners, a software designer, and a language teacher created and evaluated a series of paper prototypes concerning help options in computer-based second…

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of Ce-bearing zirconolite-rich minerals using Ca(NO3)2 as the oxidant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kuibao; Wen, Guanjun; Yin, Dan; Zhang, Haibin

2015-12-01

Synroc is recognized as the second generation waste form for the immobilization of high-level radioactive waste (HLW). Zirconolite-rich (CaZrTi2O7) Synroc minerals were attempted by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) using Fe2O3, CrO3, Ca(NO3)2 as the oxidants and Ti as the reductant. All designed reactions were ignited and sustained using Ca(NO3)2 as the oxidant, and zirconolite-rich ceramic matrices were successfully prepared with pyrochlore (Ca2Ti2O6), perovskite (CaTiO3) and rutile (TiO2) as the minor phases. The sample CN-4, which was designed using Ca(NO3)2 as the oxidant with TiO2/Ti ratio of 7:9, was readily solidified with density of 4.62 g/cm3 and Vickers hardness of 1052 HV. CeO2 was successfully stabilized by the CN-4 sample with resultant phase constituent of 2M-CaZrTi2O7 and CaTiO3.

Morphometric magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing in cerebellar abiotrophy in Arabian horses

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is a rare but significant disease in Arabian horses caused by progressive death of the Purkinje cells resulting in cerebellar ataxia characterized by a typical head tremor, jerky head movements and lack of menace response. The specific role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to support clinical diagnosis has been discussed. However, as yet MR imaging has only been described in one equine CA case. The role of MR morphometry in this regard is currently unknown. Due to the hereditary nature of the disease, genetic testing can support the diagnosis of CA. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform MR morphometric analysis and genetic testing in four CA-affected Arabian horses and one German Riding Pony with purebred Arabian bloodlines in the third generation. Results CA was diagnosed pathohistologically in the five affected horses (2 months - 3 years) supported by clinical signs, necropsy, and genetic testing which confirmed the TOE1:g.2171G>A SNP genotype A/A in all CA-affected horses. On MR images morphometric analysis of the relative cerebellar size and relative cerebellar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space were compared to control images of 15 unaffected horses. It was demonstrated that in MR morphometric analyses, CA affected horses displayed a relatively smaller cerebellum compared to the entire brain mass than control animals (P = 0.0088). The relative cerebellar CSF space was larger in affected horses (P = 0.0017). Using a cut off value of 11.0% for relative cerebellar CSF space, the parameter differentiated between CA-affected horses and controls with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.3%. Conclusions In conclusion, morphometric MRI and genetic analysis could be helpful to support the diagnosis of CA in vivo. PMID:23702154

Tamarind seed gum-hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide-g-gellan beads for extended release of diclofenac sodium using 32 full factorial design.

PubMed

Nandi, Gouranga; Nandi, Amit Kumar; Khan, Najim Sarif; Pal, Souvik; Dey, Sibasish

2018-07-15

Development of tamarind seed gum (TSG)-hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide-g-gellan (h-Pmaa-g-GG) composite beads for extended release of diclofenac sodium using 3 2 full factorial design is the main purpose of this study. The ratio of h-Pmaa-g-GG and TSG and concentration of cross-linker CaCl 2 were taken as independent factors with three different levels of each. Effects of polymer ratio and CaCl 2 on drug entrapment efficiency (DEE), drug release, bead size and swelling were investigated. Responses such as DEE and different drug release parameters were statistically analyzed by 3 2 full factorial design using Design-Expert software and finally the formulation factors were optimized to obtain USP-reference release profile. Drug release rate was found to decrease with decrease in the ratio of h-Pmaa-g-GG:TSG and increase in the concentration of Ca 2+ ions in cross-linking medium. The optimized formulation showed DEE of 93.25% and an extended drug release profile over a period of 10h with f 2 =80.13. Kinetic modeling unveiled case-I-Fickian diffusion based drug release mechanism. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Calcium oxide supported gold nanoparticles as catalysts for the selective epoxidation of styrene by t-butyl hydroperoxide.

PubMed

Dumbre, Deepa K; Choudhary, Vasant R; Patil, Nilesh S; Uphade, Balu S; Bhargava, Suresh K

2014-02-01

Gold nanoparticles are deposited on basic CaO supports as catalysts for the selective conversion of styrene into styrene oxide. Synthetic methods, gold loading and calcination temperatures are varied to permit an understanding of their influence on gold nanoparticle size, the presence of cationic gold species and the nature of interaction between the gold nanoparticles and the CaO support. Based on these studies, optimal conditions are designed to make the Au/CaO catalyst efficient for the selective epoxidation of styrene. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ECN-33298-03

NASA Image and Video Library

1985-12-19

This image shows a plastic 1/48-scale model of an F-18 aircraft inside the "Water Tunnel" more formally known as the NASA Dryden Flow Visualization Facility. Water is pumped through the tunnel in the direction of normal airflow over the aircraft; then, colored dyes are pumped through tubes with needle valves. The dyes flow back along the airframe and over the airfoils highlighting their aerodynamic characteristics. The aircraft can also be moved through its pitch axis to observe airflow disruptions while simulating actual flight at high angles of attack. The Water Tunnel at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA, became operational in 1983 when Dryden was a Flight Research Facility under the management of the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. As a medium for visualizing fluid flow, water has played a significant role. Its use dates back to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), the Renaissance Italian engineer, architect, painter, and sculptor. In more recent times, water tunnels have assisted the study of complex flows and flow-field interactions on aircraft shapes that generate strong vortex flows. Flow visualization in water tunnels assists in determining the strength of vortices, their location, and possible methods of controlling them. The design of the Dryden Water Tunnel imitated that of the Northrop Corporation's tunnel in Hawthorne, CA. Called the Flow Visualization Facility, the Dryden tunnel was built to assist researchers in understanding the aerodynamics of aircraft configured in such a way that they create strong vortex flows, particularly at high angles of attack. The tunnel provides results that compare well with data from aircraft in actual flight in another fluid-air. Other uses of the tunnel have included study of how such flight hardware as antennas, probes, pylons, parachutes, and experimental fixtures affect airflow. The facility has also been helpful in finding the best locations for emitting smoke from flight vehicles for flow vi

1/48-scale model of an F-18 aircraft in Flow Visualization Facility (FVF)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

This image shows a plastic 1/48-scale model of an F-18 aircraft inside the 'Water Tunnel' more formally known as the NASA Dryden Flow Visualization Facility. Water is pumped through the tunnel in the direction of normal airflow over the aircraft; then, colored dyes are pumped through tubes with needle valves. The dyes flow back along the airframe and over the airfoils highlighting their aerodynamic characteristics. The aircraft can also be moved through its pitch axis to observe airflow disruptions while simulating actual flight at high angles of attack. The Water Tunnel at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA, became operational in 1983 when Dryden was a Flight Research Facility under the management of the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. As a medium for visualizing fluid flow, water has played a significant role. Its use dates back to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), the Renaissance Italian engineer, architect, painter, and sculptor. In more recent times, water tunnels have assisted the study of complex flows and flow-field interactions on aircraft shapes that generate strong vortex flows. Flow visualization in water tunnels assists in determining the strength of vortices, their location, and possible methods of controlling them. The design of the Dryden Water Tunnel imitated that of the Northrop Corporation's tunnel in Hawthorne, CA. Called the Flow Visualization Facility, the Dryden tunnel was built to assist researchers in understanding the aerodynamics of aircraft configured in such a way that they create strong vortex flows, particularly at high angles of attack. The tunnel provides results that compare well with data from aircraft in actual flight in another fluid-air. Other uses of the tunnel have included study of how such flight hardware as antennas, probes, pylons, parachutes, and experimental fixtures affect airflow. The facility has also been helpful in finding the best locations for emitting smoke from flight vehicles for flow visualization.

1/48-scale model of an F-18 aircraft in Flow Visualization Facility (FVF)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

This short movie clip shows a plastic 1/48-scale model of an F-18 aircraft inside the 'Water Tunnel' more formally known as the NASA Dryden Flow Visualization Facility. Water is pumped through the tunnel in the direction of normal airflow over the aircraft; then, colored dyes are pumped through tubes with needle valves. The dyes flow back along the airframe and over the airfoils highlighting their aerodynamic characteristics. The aircraft can also be moved through its pitch axis to observe airflow disruptions while simulating actual flight at high angles of attack. The Water Tunnel at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA, became operational in 1983 when Dryden was a Flight Research Facility under the management of the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. As a medium for visualizing fluid flow, water has played a significant role. Its use dates back to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), the Renaissance Italian engineer, architect, painter, and sculptor. In more recent times, water tunnels have assisted the study of complex flows and flow-field interactions on aircraft shapes that generate strong vortex flows. Flow visualization in water tunnels assists in determining the strength of vortices, their location, and possible methods of controlling them. The design of the Dryden Water Tunnel imitated that of the Northrop Corporation's tunnel in Hawthorne, CA. Called the Flow Visualization Facility, the Dryden tunnel was built to assist researchers in understanding the aerodynamics of aircraft configured in such a way that they create strong vortex flows, particularly at high angles of attack. The tunnel provides results that compare well with data from aircraft in actual flight in another fluid-air. Other uses of the tunnel have included study of how such flight hardware as antennas, probes, pylons, parachutes, and experimental fixtures affect airflow. The facility has also been helpful in finding the best locations for emitting smoke from flight vehicles for flow visualization.

Decoding the "CoDe": A Framework for Conceptualizing and Designing Help Options in Computer-Based Second Language Listening

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cardenas-Claros, Monica Stella; Gruba, Paul A.

2013-01-01

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for the conceptualization and design of help options in computer-based second language (L2) listening. Based on four empirical studies, it aims at clarifying both conceptualization and design (CoDe) components. The elements of conceptualization consist of a novel four-part classification of help options:…

Memantine and Ketamine Differentially Alter NMDA Receptor Desensitization

PubMed Central

Povysheva, Nadezhda V.; Azofeifa, Andrea M.

2017-01-01

Memantine and ketamine are clinically useful NMDA receptor (NMDAR) open channel blockers that inhibit NMDARs with similar potency and kinetics, but display vastly different clinical profiles. This discrepancy has been hypothesized to result from inhibition by memantine and ketamine of overlapping but distinct NMDAR subpopulations. For example, memantine but not ketamine may inhibit extrasynaptic NMDARs more effectively than synaptic NMDARs. However, the basis for preferential NMDAR inhibition depending on subcellular location has not been investigated systematically. We integrated recordings from heterologously expressed single NMDAR subtypes, kinetic modeling, and recordings of synaptically evoked NMDAR responses in acute brain slices to investigate mechanisms by which channel blockers may distinguish NMDAR subpopulations. We found that memantine and ketamine differentially alter NMDAR desensitization and that memantine stabilizes a Ca2+-dependent desensitized state. As a result, inhibition by memantine of GluN1/2A receptors in tsA201 cells and of native synaptic NMDARs in cortical pyramidal neurons from mice of either sex increased in conditions that enhanced intracellular Ca2+ accumulation. Therefore, differential inhibition by memantine and ketamine based on NMDAR location is likely to result from location dependence of the intensity and duration of NMDAR activation. Modulation of Ca2+-dependent NMDAR desensitization is an unexplored mechanism of inhibitory action with the potential to endow drugs with NMDAR selectivity that leads to superior clinical profiles. Our results suggest that designing compounds to target specific receptor states, rather than specific receptor types, may be a viable strategy for future drug development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Memantine and ketamine are NMDA receptor (NMDAR) channel-blocking drugs with divergent clinical effects. Understanding mechanistically their differential actions may advance our understanding of nervous system disorders and suggest strategies for the design of more effective drugs. Here, we show that memantine and ketamine have contrasting effects on NMDAR desensitization. Ketamine binding decreases occupancy of desensitized states of the GluN1/2B NMDAR subtype. In contrast, memantine binding increases occupancy of GluN1/2A and native NMDAR desensitized states entered after accumulation of intracellular Ca2+, a novel inhibitory mechanism. These properties may contribute to inhibition of distinct NMDAR subpopulations by memantine and ketamine and help to explain their differential clinical effects. Our results suggest stabilization of Ca2+-dependent desensitized states as a new strategy for pharmaceutical neuroprotection. PMID:28877967

Memantine and Ketamine Differentially Alter NMDA Receptor Desensitization.

PubMed

Glasgow, Nathan G; Povysheva, Nadezhda V; Azofeifa, Andrea M; Johnson, Jon W

2017-10-04

Memantine and ketamine are clinically useful NMDA receptor (NMDAR) open channel blockers that inhibit NMDARs with similar potency and kinetics, but display vastly different clinical profiles. This discrepancy has been hypothesized to result from inhibition by memantine and ketamine of overlapping but distinct NMDAR subpopulations. For example, memantine but not ketamine may inhibit extrasynaptic NMDARs more effectively than synaptic NMDARs. However, the basis for preferential NMDAR inhibition depending on subcellular location has not been investigated systematically. We integrated recordings from heterologously expressed single NMDAR subtypes, kinetic modeling, and recordings of synaptically evoked NMDAR responses in acute brain slices to investigate mechanisms by which channel blockers may distinguish NMDAR subpopulations. We found that memantine and ketamine differentially alter NMDAR desensitization and that memantine stabilizes a Ca 2+ -dependent desensitized state. As a result, inhibition by memantine of GluN1/2A receptors in tsA201 cells and of native synaptic NMDARs in cortical pyramidal neurons from mice of either sex increased in conditions that enhanced intracellular Ca 2+ accumulation. Therefore, differential inhibition by memantine and ketamine based on NMDAR location is likely to result from location dependence of the intensity and duration of NMDAR activation. Modulation of Ca 2+ -dependent NMDAR desensitization is an unexplored mechanism of inhibitory action with the potential to endow drugs with NMDAR selectivity that leads to superior clinical profiles. Our results suggest that designing compounds to target specific receptor states, rather than specific receptor types, may be a viable strategy for future drug development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Memantine and ketamine are NMDA receptor (NMDAR) channel-blocking drugs with divergent clinical effects. Understanding mechanistically their differential actions may advance our understanding of nervous system disorders and suggest strategies for the design of more effective drugs. Here, we show that memantine and ketamine have contrasting effects on NMDAR desensitization. Ketamine binding decreases occupancy of desensitized states of the GluN1/2B NMDAR subtype. In contrast, memantine binding increases occupancy of GluN1/2A and native NMDAR desensitized states entered after accumulation of intracellular Ca 2+ , a novel inhibitory mechanism. These properties may contribute to inhibition of distinct NMDAR subpopulations by memantine and ketamine and help to explain their differential clinical effects. Our results suggest stabilization of Ca 2+ -dependent desensitized states as a new strategy for pharmaceutical neuroprotection. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/379686-19$15.00/0.

Assessment of forest nutrient pools in view of biomass potentials - a case study from Austria oak stands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, S.; Bruckman, V. J.; Glatzel, G.; Hochbichler, E.

2012-04-01

As one of the renewable energy forms, bio-energy could help to relieve the pressure which is caused by growing global energy demand. In Austria, large area of forests, traditional utilization of biomass and people's desire to live in a sound environment have supported the positive development of bio-energy. Soil nutrient status is in principle linked with the productivity of the aboveground biomass. This study focuses on K, Ca and Mg pools in soils and aboveground biomass in order to learn more on the temporal dynamics of plant nutrients as indicators for biomass potentials in Quercus dominated forests in northeastern Austria. Three soil types (according to WRB: eutric cambisol, calcic chernozem and haplic luvisol) were considered representative for the area and sampled. We selected nine Quercus petraea dominated permanent plots for this study. Exchangeable cations K, Ca and Mg in the soils were quantified in our study plots. Macronutrients pools of K, Ca and Mg in aboveground biomass were calculated according to inventory data and literature review. The exchangeable cations pool in the top 50 cm of the soil were 882 - 1,652 kg ha-1 for K, 2,661 to 16,510 kg ha-1 for Ca and 320 - 1,850 kg ha-1 for Mg. The nutrient pool in aboveground biomass ranged from 29 to 181 kg ha-1 for K, from 56 to 426 kg ha-1 for Ca and from 4 to 26 kg ha-1 for Mg. The underground exchangeable pools of K, Ca and Mg are generally 10, 22 and 58 times higher than aboveground biomass nutrient pools. Our results showed that the nutrient pools in the mineral soil are sufficient to support the tree growth. The levels of soil nutrients in particular K, Ca and Mg in our study areas are reasonably high and do not indicate the necessity for additional fertilization under current silvicultural practices and biomass extraction rate. The forest in our study areas is in favorable condition to supply biomass as raw material for energy utilization.

Studies on the in vivo sensitivity of spindle microtubules to calcium ions and evidence for a vesicular calcium-sequestering system

PubMed Central

1981-01-01

I microinjected calcium ions into echinoderm eggs during mitosis to determine the calcium sensitivity of microtubules (Mts) in vivo. Spindle birefringence (BR), a measure of the number of aligned Mts in the spindle, is locally, rapidly, and reversibly abolished by small volumes of microinjected CaCl2 (1 mM). Rapid return of BR is followed by anaphase, and subsequent divisions are normal. Similar doses of MgCl2, BaCl2, KCl, NaCl, pH buffers, distilled water, or vegetable oil have no effect on spindle BR, whereas large doses of such agents sometimes cause slow, uniform loss in BR over the course of a minute or more. Of the ions tested, only Sr++ causes effects comparable to Ca++. Ca-EGTA buffers, containing greater than micromolar free Ca++, abolishes BR in a manner similar to millimolar concentrations of injected CaCl2. Caffeine, a potent uncoupler of the Ca++-pump/ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum, causes a local, transient depression in spindle BR in the injected region. Finally, injection of potassium oxalate results in the formation of small, highly BR crystals, presumably CA- oxalate, in Triton-sensitive compartments in the cytoplasm. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that spindle Mts are sensitive to levels of free Ca++ in the physiological range, provide evidence for the existence of a strong cytoplasmic Ca++-sequestering system, and support the notion that Mt assembly and disassembly in local regions of the spindle may be orchestrated by local changes in the cytoplasmic free Ca++ concentration during mitosis. An appendix offers the design of a new chamber for immobilizing echinoderm eggs for injection, a new method for determining the volume of the injected solution, and a description of the microinjection technique, which was designed, but never fully described, by Hiramoto (Y. Hiramoto, Exp. Cell. Res., 1962, 27:416-426.). PMID:7194345

Uptake of divalent ions (Mn+2 and Ca+2) by heat-set whey protein gels.

PubMed

Oztop, Mecit H; McCarthy, Kathryn L; McCarthy, Michael J; Rosenberg, Moshe

2012-02-01

Divalent salts are used commonly for gelation of polymer molecules. Calcium, Ca(+2), is one of the most common divalent ions that is used in whey protein gels. Manganese, Mn(+2), is also divalent, but paramagnetic, enhancing relaxation decay rates in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can be used as a probe to understand the behavior of Ca(+2) in whey protein gels. The objective of this study was to investigate the diffusion of Ca(+2) and Mn(+2) ions in heat-set whey protein gels by using MRI and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. Whey protein gels were immersed in solutions containing MnCl(2) and CaCl(2) at neutral pH. Images obtained with gels immersed in MnCl(2) solution revealed a relaxation sink region in the gel's surface and the thickness of the region increased with time. These "no signal" regions in the MR images were attributed to uptake of Mn(+2) by the gel. Results obtained with CaCl(2) solution indicated that since Ca(+2) did not have the paramagnetic effect, the regions where Ca(+2) diffused into the gel exhibited a slight decrease in signal intensity. The relaxation spectrums exhibited 3 populations of protons, for gels immersed in MnCl(2) solution, and 2 populations for gels in CaCl(2) solution. No significant change in T(2) distributions was observed for the gels immersed in CaCl(2) solution. The results demonstrated that MRI and NMR relaxometry can be used to understand the diffusion of ions into the whey protein gel, which is useful for designing gels of different physical properties for controlled release applications. Design of food systems for delivery of bioactive compounds requires knowledge of diffusion rates and structure. Utilizing magnetic resonance imaging the diffusion rates of ions can be measured. Relaxation spectra could yield information concerning molecular interactions. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

Insights into molecular interactions between CaM and its inhibitors from molecular dynamics simulations and experimental data.

PubMed

González-Andrade, Martin; Rodríguez-Sotres, Rogelio; Madariaga-Mazón, Abraham; Rivera-Chávez, José; Mata, Rachel; Sosa-Peinado, Alejandro; Del Pozo-Yauner, Luis; Arias-Olguín, Imilla I

2016-01-01

In order to contribute to the structural basis for rational design of calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors, we analyzed the interaction of CaM with 14 classic antagonists and two compounds that do not affect CaM, using docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and the data were compared to available experimental data. The Ca(2+)-CaM-Ligands complexes were simulated 20 ns, with CaM starting in the "open" and "closed" conformations. The analysis of the MD simulations provided insight into the conformational changes undergone by CaM during its interaction with these ligands. These simulations were used to predict the binding free energies (ΔG) from contributions ΔH and ΔS, giving useful information about CaM ligand binding thermodynamics. The ΔG predicted for the CaM's inhibitors correlated well with available experimental data as the r(2) obtained was 0.76 and 0.82 for the group of xanthones. Additionally, valuable information is presented here: I) CaM has two preferred ligand binding sites in the open conformation known as site 1 and 4, II) CaM can bind ligands of diverse structural nature, III) the flexibility of CaM is reduced by the union of its ligands, leading to a reduction in the Ca(2+)-CaM entropy, IV) enthalpy dominates the molecular recognition process in the system Ca(2+)-CaM-Ligand, and V) the ligands making more extensive contact with the protein have higher affinity for Ca(2+)-CaM. Despite their limitations, docking and MD simulations in combination with experimental data continue to be excellent tools for research in pharmacology, toward a rational design of new drugs.

Synthetic hydroxyapatites doped with Zn(II) studied by X-ray diffraction, infrared, Raman and thermal analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerra-López, José R.; Echeverría, Gustavo A.; Güida, Jorge A.; Viña, Raúl; Punte, Graciela

2015-06-01

Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHap) formation when different amounts of Zn(II) are present in the mother solution has been investigated by atomic absorption, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis (DTA and TG). The studied samples have been synthesized at T=95 °C and pH 9 in air. The analysis of the results have shown that the pure CaHap sample crystallizes in the monoclinic form P21/b. Concentrations up to 20% of Zn(II) in the mother solution, equivalent to smaller concentrations in solid (up to 9.1% in wt), favor the formation of the hexagonal apatite, P63/m, while Zn(II) concentrations higher than 20% in solution help an amorphous phase development where vibrational spectra indicated coexistence of two phases: an apatite and ZnNH4PO4·H2O. Infrared data of thermal treated samples endorse that HPO42- ion had not been incorporated in Zn(II) doped samples during the synthesis process. Present results also allow to conclude that Zn(II) cation exhibits a preference to occupy the Ca2 site of the apatite structure and induces water adsorption and a small quantity of CO32- cation incorporation, leading to formation of a less crystalline Ca deficient apatite.

SNL/CA Facilities Management Design Standards Manual

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

Rabb, David; Clark, Eva

2014-12-01

At Sandia National Laboratories in California (SNL/CA), the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities is guided by industry standards, a graded approach, and the systematic analysis of life cycle benefits received for costs incurred. The design of the physical plant must ensure that the facilities are "fit for use," and provide conditions that effectively, efficiently, and safely support current and future mission needs. In addition, SNL/CA applies sustainable design principles, using an integrated whole-building design approach, from site planning to facility design, construction, and operation to ensure building resource efficiency and the health and productivity of occupants. The safetymore » and health of the workforce and the public, any possible effects on the environment, and compliance with building codes take precedence over project issues, such as performance, cost, and schedule.« less

Prognostic Relevance of the Expression of CA IX, GLUT-1, and VEGF in Ovarian Epithelial Cancers

PubMed Central

Kim, Kyungbin; Park, Won Young; Kim, Jee Yeon; Sol, Mee Young; Shin, Dong Hun; Park, Do Youn; Lee, Chang Hun; Lee, Jeong Hee

2012-01-01

Background Tumor hypoxia is associated with malignant progression and treatment resistance. Hypoxia-related factors, such as carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) permit tumor cell adaptation to hypoxia. We attempted to elucidate the correlation of these markers with variable clinicopathological factors and overall prognosis. Methods Immunohistochemistry for CA IX, GLUT-1, and VEGF was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 125 cases of ovarian epithelial cancer (OEC). Results CA IX expression was significantly associated with an endometrioid and mucinous histology, nuclear grade, tumor necrosis, and mitosis. GLUT-1 expression was associated with tumor necrosis and mitosis. VEGF expression was correlated only with disease recurrence. Expression of each marker was not significant in terms of overall survival in OECs; however, there was a significant correlation between poor overall survival rate and high coexpression of these markers. Conclusions The present study suggests that it is questionable whether CA IX, GLUT-1, or VEGF can be used alone as independent prognostic factors in OECs. Using at least two markers helps to predict patient outcomes in total OECs. Moreover, the inhibition of two target gene combinations might prove to be a novel anticancer therapy. PMID:23323103

Calcium regulates the cell-to-cell water flow pathway in maize roots during variable water conditions.

PubMed

Wu, Yan; Liu, Xiaofang; Wang, Weifeng; Zhang, Suiqi; Xu, Bingcheng

2012-09-01

Soil water shortages can decrease root hydraulic conductivity and affect Ca uptake and movement through the plant. In this study, the effects of extra Ca(2+) applied in nutrient solution on the hydraulic properties of the whole roots (Lp(r)) and cortical cells (Lp(cell)) of maize (Zea mays L.) subjected to variable water conditions were investigated. Under well-watered conditions, extra Ca(2+) significantly increased the root Ca content, total root length, and lateral root number; however, it reduced the root cortical cell volume, Lp(r), and Lp(cell). Hg(2+) inhibition experiments suggested that extra Ca(2+) could reduce the contribution of the cell-to-cell water flow pathway. Osmotic stress (10% PEG6000) significantly decreased the cortical cell volume, Lp(r), and Lp(cell) in the control plants, but smaller decreases were observed in the extra Ca(2+) plants. The Hg(2+) treatment reduced the Lp(r) larger in the extra Ca(2+) plants (74.6%) than in the control plants (53.2%), suggesting a higher contribution of the cell-to-cell pathway. The larger Hg(2+) inhibition of the Lp(cell) in the extra Ca(2+) roots (67.2%) when compared to the controls (56.4%) indicated that extra Ca(2+) can mitigate the inhibition of aquaporin expression and/or activity levels via osmotic stress. After 2 d of rehydration, the extra Ca(2+) helped the Lp(r) and Lp(cell) to recover almost completely, but these properties only partially recovered in the control plants. In conclusion, extra Ca(2+) may adjust the contribution of cell-to-cell pathway by regulating the expression and/or activity levels of AQPs according to water availability; this regulation may weaken negative effects and optimize water use. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Casein phosphopeptides and CaCl2 increase penicillin production and cause an increment in microbody/peroxisome proteins in Penicillium chrysogenum.

PubMed

Domínguez-Santos, Rebeca; Kosalková, Katarina; García-Estrada, Carlos; Barreiro, Carlos; Ibáñez, Ana; Morales, Alejandro; Martín, Juan-Francisco

2017-03-06

Transport of penicillin intermediates and penicillin secretion are still poorly characterized in Penicillium chrysogenum (re-identified as Penicillium rubens). Calcium (Ca 2+ ) plays an important role in the metabolism of filamentous fungi, and casein phosphopeptides (CPP) are involved in Ca 2+ internalization. In this study we observe that the effect of CaCl 2 and CPP is additive and promotes an increase in penicillin production of up to 10-12 fold. Combination of CaCl 2 and CPP greatly promotes expression of the three penicillin biosynthetic genes. Comparative proteomic analysis by 2D-DIGE, identified 39 proteins differentially represented in P. chrysogenum Wisconsin 54-1255 after CPP/CaCl 2 addition. The most interesting group of overrepresented proteins were a peroxisomal catalase, three proteins of the methylcitrate cycle, two aminotransferases and cystationine β-synthase, which are directly or indirectly related to the formation of penicillin amino acid precursors. Importantly, two of the enzymes of the penicillin pathway (isopenicillin N synthase and isopenicillin N acyltransferase) are clearly induced after CPP/CaCl 2 addition. Most of these overrepresented proteins are either authentic peroxisomal proteins or microbody-associated proteins. This evidence suggests that addition of CPP/CaCl 2 promotes the formation of penicillin precursors and the penicillin biosynthetic enzymes in peroxisomes and vesicles, which may be involved in transport and secretion of penicillin. Penicillin biosynthesis in Penicillium chrysogenum is one of the best characterized secondary metabolism processes. However, the mechanism by which penicillin is secreted still remains to be elucidated. Taking into account the role played by Ca 2+ and CPP in the secretory pathway and considering the positive effect that Ca 2+ exerts on penicillin production, the analysis of global protein changes produced after CPP/CaCl 2 addition is very helpful to decipher the processes related to the biosynthesis and secretion of penicillin. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro investigations on CoO doped CaF2sbnd CaOsbnd B2O3sbnd P2O5-MO bioactive glasses by means of spectroscopic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobhanachalam, P.; Ravi Kumar, V.; Raghavaiah, B. V.; Ravi Kumar, Valluri; Sahaya Baskaran, G.; Gandhi, Y.; Syam Prasad, P.; Veeraiah, N.

2017-11-01

In this investigation we have synthesized CaF2sbnd CaOsbnd B2O3sbnd P2O5: CoO glasses mixed with different therapeutically active ions viz., Ba2+, Sr2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ (that play a vital role in the normal functioning of human body) and performed in vitro bioactivity studies by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a period of about a month and the obtained results were analyzed using spectroscopic studies. Due to immersion in SBF solution, a thin layer of hydroxy apatite (HAp) is developed on the surface of the samples. The results of XRD, SEM and also IR spectra have confirmed that the layer deposited on the surface of the samples is crystalline HAp mixed with cobalt ions. The quantitative analysis of the results in vitro bioactive studies with the help of optical absorption and IR spectral studies have indicated that BaO is an efficient modifier in accelerating the HAp growth. The cobalt ions are found to be in tetrahedral positions and participated in the glass network with BO4 and PO4 structural units in larger quantities in CoZn and CoMg glasses and such occupancy is found to be the reason for the relatively low bioactive efficiency of these glasses when compared with that of CoBa glass.

Zea mays Annexins Modulate Cytosolic Free Ca2+ and Generate a Ca2+-Permeable Conductance[W

PubMed Central

Laohavisit, Anuphon; Mortimer, Jennifer C.; Demidchik, Vadim; Coxon, Katy M.; Stancombe, Matthew A.; Macpherson, Neil; Brownlee, Colin; Hofmann, Andreas; Webb, Alex A.R.; Miedema, Henk; Battey, Nicholas H.; Davies, Julia M.

2009-01-01

Regulation of reactive oxygen species and cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) is central to plant function. Annexins are small proteins capable of Ca2+-dependent membrane binding or membrane insertion. They possess structural motifs that could support both peroxidase activity and calcium transport. Here, a Zea mays annexin preparation caused increases in [Ca2+]cyt when added to protoplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana roots expressing aequorin. The pharmacological profile was consistent with annexin activation (at the extracellular plasma membrane face) of Arabidopsis Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels. Secreted annexins could therefore modulate Ca2+ influx. As maize annexins occur in the cytosol and plasma membrane, they were incorporated at the intracellular face of lipid bilayers designed to mimic the plasma membrane. Here, they generated an instantaneously activating Ca2+-permeable conductance at mildly acidic pH that was sensitive to verapamil and Gd3+ and had a Ca2+-to-K+ permeability ratio of 0.36. These results suggest that cytosolic annexins create a Ca2+ influx pathway directly, particularly during stress responses involving acidosis. A maize annexin preparation also demonstrated in vitro peroxidase activity that appeared independent of heme association. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that plant annexins create Ca2+-permeable transport pathways, regulate [Ca2+]cyt, and may function as peroxidases in vitro. PMID:19234085

Retrospective study of RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF tumor mutations as predictors of response to first-line chemotherapy with bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

PubMed

Nakayama, Izuma; Shinozaki, Eiji; Matsushima, Tomohiro; Wakatsuki, Takeru; Ogura, Mariko; Ichimura, Takashi; Ozaka, Masato; Takahari, Daisuke; Suenaga, Mitsukuni; Chin, Keisho; Mizunuma, Nobuyuki; Yamaguchi, Kensei

2017-01-09

After analysis of minor RAS mutations (KRAS exon 3, 4/NRAS) in the FIRE-3 and PRIME studies, an expanded range of RAS mutations were established as a negative predictive marker for the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibody treatment. BRAF and PIK3CA mutations may be candidate biomarkers for anti-EGFR targeted therapies. However, it remains unknown whether RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF tumor mutations can predict the efficacy of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. We assessed whether selection according to RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF mutational status could be beneficial for patients treated with bevacizumab as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Of the 1001 consecutive colorectal cancer patients examined for RAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF tumor mutations using a multiplex kit (Luminex®), we studied 90 patients who received combination chemotherapy with bevacizumab as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. The objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated according to mutational status. The ORR was higher among patients with wild-type tumors (64.3%) compared to those with tumors that were only wild type with respect to KRAS exon 2 (54.8%), and the differences in ORR between patients with wild-type and mutant-type tumors were greater when considering only KRAS exon 2 mutations (6.8%) rather than RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF mutations (18.4%). There were no statistically significant differences in ORR or PFS between all wild-type tumors and tumors carrying any of the mutations. Multivariate analysis revealed that liver metastasis and RAS and BRAF mutations were independent negative factors for disease progression after first-line treatment with bevacizumab. Patient selection according to RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF mutations could help select patients who will achieve a better response to bevacizumab treatment. We found no clinical benefit of restricting combination therapy with bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer patients with EGFR-wild type tumors.

Study on IL-2 and CA 15-3 level as combined biomarkers in monitoring chemotherapeutic response among invasive breast cancer patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hameed, Ahmed Muthanna Abdul; Hamid, Auni Fatin Abdul; Shahfiza Noor, Nurul; Appalanaido, Gokula Kumar; Bariyah Sahul Hamid, Shahrul

2017-05-01

In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most frequent type of disease among women. This study was designed to determine the clinical usefulness of carbohydrate antigen (CA 15-3) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) levels as combined biomarkers in monitoring breast cancer patient’s response to chemotherapy. Ethical approval was obtained to recruit patients with histologically confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) attending Oncology Clinic at Advanced Medical and Dental Institute. Whole blood was collected from 10 IDC breast cancer patients’ pre and post primary chemotherapy. Plasma was separated from the whole blood to determine the CA 15-3 level and IL-2 level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) pre and post-treatment. In addition, the histological findings, tumour stage and other patients’ data were obtained from the medical record. Findings showed that IL-2 had borderline significant changes between pre- and post-chemotherapy (p = 0.074) whereas for CA 15-3, there was insignificant differences of CA 15-3 level between pre and post-chemotherapy (p > 0.05). It was noted that only CA 15-3 level had significant correlation with tumour size. This study demonstrates that IL-2 level requires further investigation in a larger sample size to correlate its potential use as combined biomarker with CA 15-3 in monitoring response to chemotherapy.

Predicting the stone composition of children preoperatively by Hounsfield unit detection on non-contrast computed tomography.

PubMed

Altan, Mesut; Çitamak, Burak; Bozaci, Ali Cansu; Güneş, Altan; Doğan, Hasan Serkan; Haliloğlu, Mithat; Tekgül, Serdar

2017-10-01

Many studies have been performed on adult patients to reveal the relationship between Hounsfield unit (HU) value and composition of stone, but none have focused on childhood. We aimed to predict stone composition by HU properties in pre-intervention non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) in children. This could help to orient patients towards more successful interventions. Data of 94 children, whose pre-intervention NCCT and post-interventional stone analysis were available were included. Stones were grouped into three groups: calcium oxalate (CaOx), cystine, and struvite. Besides spot urine PH value, core HU, periphery HU, and Hounsfield density (HUD) values were measured and groups were compared statistically. The mean age of patients was 7 ± 4 (2-17) years and the female/male ratio was 51/43. The mean stone size was 11.7 ± 5 (4-24) mm. There were 50, 38, and 6 patients in the CaOx, cystine, and struvite groups, respectively. The median values for core HU, periphery HU, and mean HU in the CaOx group were significantly higher than the corresponding median values in the cystine and struvite groups. Significant median HUD difference was seen only between the CaOx and cystine groups. No difference was seen between the cystine and struvite groups in terms of HU parameters. To distinguish these groups, mean spot urine PH values were compared and were found to be higher in the struvite group than the cystine group (Table). The retrospective nature and small number of patients in some groups are limitations of this study, which also does not include all stone compositions. Our cystine stone rate was higher than childhood stone composition distribution in the literature. This is because our center is a reference center in a region with high recurrence rates of cystine stones. In fact, high numbers of cystine stones helped us to compare them with calcium stones more accurately and became an advantage for this study. NCCT at diagnosis can provide some information for determination of stone composition. While CaOx stones can be discriminated from cystine and struvite stones using HU parameters, a simple spot urine pH assessment must be added to distinguish cystine stones from struvite stones. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hemocompatibility Assessment of Carbonic Anhydrase Modified Hollow Fiber Membranes for Artificial Lungs

PubMed Central

Oh, Heung-Il; Ye, Sang-Ho; Johnson, Carl A.; Woolley, Joshua R.; Federspiel, William J.; Wagner, William R.

2011-01-01

Hollow fiber membrane (HFM)-based artificial lungs can require a large blood-contacting membrane surface area to provide adequate gas exchange. However, such a large surface area presents significant challenges to hemocompatibility. One method to improve carbon dioxide (CO2) transfer efficiency might be to immobilize carbonic anhydrase (CA) onto the surface of conventional HFMs. By catalyzing the dehydration of bicarbonate in blood, CA has been shown to facilitate diffusion of CO2 toward the fiber membranes. This study evaluated the impact of surface modifying a commercially available microporous HFM-based artificial lung on fiber blood biocompatibility. A commercial poly(propylene) Celgard HFM surface was coated with a siloxane, grafted with amine groups, and then attached with CA which has been shown to facilitate diffusion of CO2 toward the fiber membranes. Results following acute ovine blood contact indicated no significant reduction in platelet deposition or activation with the siloxane coating or the siloxane coating with grafted amines relative to base HFMs. However,HFMs with attached CA showed a significant reduction in both platelet deposition and activation compared with all other fiber types. These findings, along with the improved CO2 transfer observed in CA modified fibers, suggest that its incorporation into HFM design may potentiate the design of a smaller, more biocompatible HFM-based artificial lung. PMID:20633159

SERCA2a upregulation ameliorates cellular alternans induced by metabolic inhibition.

PubMed

Stary, Victoria; Puppala, Dheeraj; Scherrer-Crosbie, Marielle; Dillmann, Wolfgang H; Armoundas, Antonis A

2016-04-15

Cardiac alternans has been associated with the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of impaired mitochondrial function in the genesis of cellular alternans and to examine whether modulating the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)ameliorates the level of alternans. Cardiomyocytes isolated from control and doxycyline-induced sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a)-upregulated mice were loaded with two different Ca(2+)indicators to selectively measure mitochondrial and cytosolic Ca(2+)using a custom-made fluorescence photometry system. The degree of alternans was defined as the alternans ratio (AR) [1 - (small Ca(2+)intensity)/(large Ca(2+)intensity)]. Blocking of complex I and II, cytochrome-coxidase, F0F1synthase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase of the electron transport chain, increased alternans in both control and SERCA2a mice (P< 0.01). Changes in AR in SERCA2a-upregulated mice were significantly less pronounced than those observed in control in seven of nine tested conditions (P< 0.04).N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), rescued alternans in myocytes that were previously exposed to an oxidizing agent (P< 0.001). CGP, an antagonist of the mitochondrial Na(+)-Ca(2+)exchanger, had the most severe effect on AR. Exposure to cyclosporin A, a blocker of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore reduced CGP-induced alternans (P< 0.0001). The major findings of this study are that impairment of mitochondrial Ca(2+)cycling and energy production leads to a higher amplitude of alternans in both control and SERCA2a-upregulated mice, but changes in SERCA2a-upregulated mice are less severe, indicating that SERCA2a mice are more capable of sustaining electrical stability during stress. This suggests a relationship between sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)content and mitochondrial dysfunction during alternans, which may potentially help to understand changes in Ca(2+)signaling in myocytes from diseased hearts, leading to new therapeutic targets. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Manganese in the shell of the bivalve Mytilus edulis: Seawater Mn or physiological control?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freitas, Pedro S.; Clarke, Leon J.; Kennedy, Hilary; Richardson, Christopher A.

2016-12-01

Manganese in the shell calcite of marine bivalves has been suggested to reflect ambient seawater Mn concentrations, thus providing a high-resolution archive of past seawater Mn concentrations. However, a quantitative relationship between seawater Mn and shell Mn/Ca ratios, as well as clear understanding of which process(es) control(s) shell Mn/Ca, are still lacking. Blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, were grown in a one-year duration field experiment in the Menai Strait, U.K., to study the relationship between seawater particulate and dissolved Mn2+ concentrations and shell calcite Mn/Ca ratios. Shell Mn/Ca showed a well-defined intra-annual double-peak, with maximum values during early spring and early summer and low values during autumn and winter. Seawater particulate Mn peaked during winter and autumn, with a series of smaller peaks during spring and summer, whereas dissolved Mn2+ exhibited a marked single maximum during late-spring to early-summer, being low during the remainder of the year. Consequently, neither seawater particulate Mn nor dissolved Mn2+ concentrations explain the intra-annual variation of shell Mn/Ca ratios. A physiological control on shell Mn/Ca ratios is evident from the strong similarity and timing of the double-peaked intra-annual variations of Mn/Ca and shell growth rate (SGR), the latter corresponding to periods of increased metabolic activity (as indicated by respiration rate). It is thus likely that in M. edulis SGR influences shell Mn/Ca by altering the concentration or activity of Mn2+ within the extra-pallial fluid (EPF), by changing the flux of Mn into or the proportion of protein bound Mn within the EPF. By linking shell Mn/Ca ratios to the endogenous and environmental factors that determine growth and metabolic activity, this study helps to explain the lack of a consistent relationship between shell Mn/Ca in marine bivalve shell calcite and seawater particulate and dissolved Mn2+ concentrations. The use of Mn content from M. edulis shell calcite as a proxy for the dissolved and/or particulate Mn concentrations, and thus the biogeochemical processes that control them, remains elusive.

Immunolocalization of NR1, NR2A, and PSD-95 in rat hippocampal subregions during postnatal development.

PubMed

Ling, Wei; Chang, Lirong; Song, Yizhi; Lu, Tao; Jiang, Yuhua; Li, Youxiang; Wu, Yan

2012-05-01

Although the expression of NMDARs and synaptic-associated proteins has been widely studied, the temporospatial distribution of NMDAR subunits and synaptic proteins in different hippocampal subregions during postnatal development still lacks detailed information, and the relationship between NR1 or NR2 subunits and PSD-95 family proteins is controversial. In this study, we used immunofluorescent staining to assess NR1 or NR2A and PSD-95 expressions and the relationship between them in CA1, CA3, and DG of rat hippocampus on postnatal (P) days: P0, P4, P7, P10, P14, P21, P28, P56. The results showed that from P0 to P56, NR1, NR2A, and PSD-95 expressions increased gradually, and the time points of their expression peak differed in CA1, CA3, and DG during postnatal development. Interestingly, although the expression of PSD-95 was positively correlated to both NR1 and NR2A, the NR1 and PSD-95 coexpressed puncta were greatest in CA3, while NR2A and PSD-95 coexpressed puncta were greatest in CA1, compared to other subregions. Surprisingly, at P21, among different strata of CA1, the area of highest expression of NR2A was dramatically changed from stratum pyramidale to stratum polymorphum and stratum moleculare, and returned to stratum pyramidale gradually on the later observed days again, indicating that P21 may be one critical timepoint during postnatal development in CA1. The specific temporospatial distribution pattern of NR1, NR2A, and PSD-95 might be related to the different physiological functions during postnatal development. Discovering the alteration of the relationship between PSD-95 and NMDAR subunits expression may be helpful for understanding mechanisms and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Analysis of PIK3CA Mutations and Activation Pathways in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Muroni, Maria Rosaria; Sanges, Francesca; Sotgiu, Giovanni; Ena, Sara; Pira, Giovanna; Murgia, Luciano; Manca, Alessandra; Uras, Maria Gabriela; Sarobba, Maria Giuseppina; Urru, Silvana; De Miglio, Maria Rosaria

2015-01-01

Background Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) accounts for 12–24% of all breast carcinomas, and shows worse prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Molecular studies demonstrated that TNBCs are a heterogeneous group of tumors with different clinical and pathologic features, prognosis, genetic-molecular alterations and treatment responsivity. The PI3K/AKT is a major pathway involved in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation, and is the most frequently altered pathway in breast cancer, apparently with different biologic impact on specific cancer subtypes. The most common genetic abnormality is represented by PIK3CA gene activating mutations, with an overall frequency of 20–40%. The aims of our study were to investigate PIK3CA gene mutations on a large series of TNBC, to perform a wider analysis on genetic alterations involving PI3K/AKT and BRAF/RAS/MAPK pathways and to correlate the results with clinical-pathologic data. Materials and Methods PIK3CA mutation analysis was performed by using cobas® PIK3CA Mutation Test. EGFR, AKT1, BRAF, and KRAS genes were analyzed by sequencing. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to identify PTEN loss and to investigate for PI3K/AKT pathways components. Results PIK3CA mutations were detected in 23.7% of TNBC, whereas no mutations were identified in EGFR, AKT1, BRAF, and KRAS genes. Moreover, we observed PTEN loss in 11.3% of tumors. Deregulation of PI3K/AKT pathways was revealed by consistent activation of pAKT and p-p44/42 MAPK in all PIK3CA mutated TNBC. Conclusions Our data shows that PIK3CA mutations and PI3K/AKT pathway activation are common events in TNBC. A deeper investigation on specific TNBC genomic abnormalities might be helpful in order to select patients who would benefit from current targeted therapy strategies. PMID:26540293

Analysis of PIK3CA Mutations and Activation Pathways in Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Cossu-Rocca, Paolo; Orrù, Sandra; Muroni, Maria Rosaria; Sanges, Francesca; Sotgiu, Giovanni; Ena, Sara; Pira, Giovanna; Murgia, Luciano; Manca, Alessandra; Uras, Maria Gabriela; Sarobba, Maria Giuseppina; Urru, Silvana; De Miglio, Maria Rosaria

2015-01-01

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) accounts for 12-24% of all breast carcinomas, and shows worse prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Molecular studies demonstrated that TNBCs are a heterogeneous group of tumors with different clinical and pathologic features, prognosis, genetic-molecular alterations and treatment responsivity. The PI3K/AKT is a major pathway involved in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation, and is the most frequently altered pathway in breast cancer, apparently with different biologic impact on specific cancer subtypes. The most common genetic abnormality is represented by PIK3CA gene activating mutations, with an overall frequency of 20-40%. The aims of our study were to investigate PIK3CA gene mutations on a large series of TNBC, to perform a wider analysis on genetic alterations involving PI3K/AKT and BRAF/RAS/MAPK pathways and to correlate the results with clinical-pathologic data. PIK3CA mutation analysis was performed by using cobas® PIK3CA Mutation Test. EGFR, AKT1, BRAF, and KRAS genes were analyzed by sequencing. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to identify PTEN loss and to investigate for PI3K/AKT pathways components. PIK3CA mutations were detected in 23.7% of TNBC, whereas no mutations were identified in EGFR, AKT1, BRAF, and KRAS genes. Moreover, we observed PTEN loss in 11.3% of tumors. Deregulation of PI3K/AKT pathways was revealed by consistent activation of pAKT and p-p44/42 MAPK in all PIK3CA mutated TNBC. Our data shows that PIK3CA mutations and PI3K/AKT pathway activation are common events in TNBC. A deeper investigation on specific TNBC genomic abnormalities might be helpful in order to select patients who would benefit from current targeted therapy strategies.

Differential expression and functional analysis of three calmodulin isoforms in germinating pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds.

PubMed

Duval, Frédéric D; Renard, Michelle; Jaquinod, Michel; Biou, Valérie; Montrichard, Françoise; Macherel, David

2002-11-01

Implication of the ubiquitous, highly conserved, Ca2+ sensor calmodulin (CaM) in pea seed germination has been investigated. Mass spectrometry analysis of purified CaM revealed the coexistence in seeds of three protein isoforms, diverging from each other by single amino acid substitution in the N-terminal alpha-helix. CaM was shown to be encoded by a small multigenic family, and full-length cDNAs of the three isoforms (PsCaM1, 2 and 3) were isolated to allow the design of specific primers in more divergent 5' and 3' untranslated regions. Expression studies, performed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, demonstrated differential expression patterns of the three transcripts during germination. PsCaM1 and 2 were detected at different levels in dry axes and cotyledons, and they accumulated during imbibition and prior to radicle protrusion. In contrast, PsCaM3 appeared only upon radicle protrusion, then gradually increased in both tissues. To characterise the biochemical properties of the CaM isoforms, functional analyses were conducted in vitro using recombinant Strep-tagged proteins (CaM1-ST, CaM2-ST and CaM3-ST) expressed in Escherichia coli. Gel mobility shift assays revealed that CaM1-ST exhibited a stoichiometric binding of a synthetic amphiphilic CaM kinase II peptide while CaM2-ST and CaM3-ST affinities for the same peptide were reduced. Affinity differences were also observed for CaM isoform binding to Trp-3, an idealised helical CaM-binding peptide. However, the three proteins activated in the same way the CaM-dependent pea NAD kinase. Finally, the significance of the single substitutions upon CaM interaction with its targets is discussed in a structural context.

Performance of residents and anesthesiologists in a simulation-based skill assessment.

PubMed

Murray, David J; Boulet, John R; Avidan, Michael; Kras, Joseph F; Henrichs, Bernadette; Woodhouse, Julie; Evers, Alex S

2007-11-01

Anesthesiologists and anesthesia residents are expected to acquire and maintain skills to manage a wide range of acute intraoperative anesthetic events. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an inventory of simulated intraoperative scenarios provided a reliable and valid measure of anesthesia residents' and anesthesiologists' skill. Twelve simulated acute intraoperative scenarios were designed to assess the performance of 64 residents and 35 anesthesiologists. The participants were divided into four groups based on their training and experience. There were 31 new CA-1, 12 advanced CA-1, and 22 CA-2/CA-3 residents as well as a group of 35 experienced anesthesiologists who participated in the assessment. Each participant managed a set of simulated events. The advanced CA-1 residents, CA-2/CA-3 residents, and 35 anesthesiologists managed 8 of 12 intraoperative simulation exercises. The 31 CA-1 residents each managed 3 intraoperative scenarios. The new CA-1 residents received lower scores on the simulated intraoperative events than the other groups of participants. The advanced CA-1 residents, CA-2/CA-3 residents, and anesthesiologists performed similarly on the overall assessment. There was a wide range of scores obtained by individuals in each group. A number of the exercises were difficult for the majority of participants to recognize and treat, but most events effectively discriminated among participants who achieved higher and lower overall scores. This simulation-based assessment provided a valid method to distinguish the skills of more experienced anesthesia residents and anesthesiologists from residents in early training. The overall score provided a reliable measure of a participant's ability to recognize and manage simulated acute intraoperative events. Additional studies are needed to determine whether these simulation-based assessments are valid measures of clinical performance.

Systematic analyses reveal long non-coding RNA (PTAF)-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Liang, Haihai; Zhao, Xiaoguang; Wang, Chengyu; Sun, Jian; Chen, Yingzhun; Wang, Guoyuan; Fang, Lei; Yang, Rui; Yu, Mengxue; Gu, Yunyan; Shan, Hongli

2018-06-21

A deeper mechanistic understanding of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation is needed to improve current anti-metastasis strategies in ovarian cancer (OvCa). This study was designed to investigate the role of lncRNAs in EMT regulation during process of invasion-metastasis in serous OvCa to improve current anti-metastasis strategies for OvCa. We systematically analyzes high-throughput gene expression profiles of both lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in OvCa samples with integrated epithelial (iE) subtype and integrated mesenchymal (iM) subtype labels. Mouse models, cytobiology, molecular biology assays and clinical samples were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA PTAF-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous OvCa. We constructed a lncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network that affects the expression of many EMT-related protein-coding genes in mesenchymal OvCa. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies, we provided evidence that the lncRNA PTAF-miR-25-SNAI2 axis controlled EMT in OvCa. Our results revealed that up-regulated PTAF induced elevated SNAI2 expression by competitively binding to miR-25, which in turn promoted OvCa cell EMT and invasion. Moreover, we found that silencing of PTAF inhibited tumor progression and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of OvCa. We then observed a significant correlation between PTAF expression and EMT markers in OvCa patients. The lncRNA PTAF, a mediator of TGF-β signaling, can predispose OvCa patients to metastases and may serve as a potential target for anti-metastatic therapies for mesenchymal OvCa patients.

Fermentation in nutrient salt mixtures affects green Spanish-style Manzanilla table olive characteristics.

PubMed

López-López, Antonio; Bautista-Gallego, Joaquín; Moreno-Baquero, José María; Garrido-Fernández, Antonio

2016-11-15

This work studies the effects of the substitution of NaCl with KCl and CaCl2 on the physicochemical, mineral and sensory profile of fermented green Spanish-style Manzanilla olives, using an enlarged centroid mixture design. An increasing presence of CaCl2 in the initial brines improved the colour index, L(∗), b(∗) values, and firmness. The Na in the olives decreased (linearly) while the levels of K and Ca increased (quadratic) as a function of the KCl and CaCl2 concentrations in the initial brines. CaCl2 also improved the retention of Zn and P in the flesh. PLS showed a strong relationship between Ca and bitterness, hardness, fibrousness, crunchiness and saltiness (negative) and allowed for the prediction of sensory attributes (except acid) from the mineral contents in the flesh. Most of the treatments could lead to new green Spanish-style Manzanilla olive presentations with reduced Na and healthier characteristics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative study of CTX-II, Zn2+, and Ca2+ from the urine for knee osteoarthritis patients and healthy individuals

PubMed Central

Xin, Linwei; Wu, Zhihai; Qu, Quanli; Wang, Ruiying; Tang, Jichun; Chen, Lei

2017-01-01

Abstract The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between the concentration of C-telopeptide fragments of type II collagen (CTX-II), Zn2+, and Ca2+ in urine and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Eighty-two patients with KOA and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Anteroposterior and lateral position x-rays of knee joints were collected. The images were classified according to Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grading criterion. The patients were divided into group grade I, group grade II, group grade III, and grade IV. The concentration of CTX-II in the urine was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concentration of Zn2+ and Ca2+ in urine was detected by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Compared with the healthy individuals, the concentration of CTX-II was significantly higher in KOA patients. The concentration of CTX-II in KOA patients from high to low was as follows: group IV, group III, group II, and group I. There was no significant difference between group I and healthy individuals. The concentration of Zn2+ and Ca2+ in urine of KOA patients was higher than that in healthy individuals. There was no difference in each KOA group. The concentration of CTX-II is instrumental to diagnose the progress of KOA. The concentration of Zn2+ and Ca2+ in urine is helpful for early diagnosis of KOA. PMID:28796042

Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor (Ryr2)-mediated Calcium Signals Specifically Promote Glucose Oxidation via Pyruvate Dehydrogenase*

PubMed Central

Bround, Michael J.; Wambolt, Rich; Cen, Haoning; Asghari, Parisa; Albu, Razvan F.; Han, Jun; McAfee, Donald; Pourrier, Marc; Scott, Nichollas E.; Bohunek, Lubos; Kulpa, Jerzy E.; Chen, S. R. Wayne; Fedida, David; Brownsey, Roger W.; Borchers, Christoph H.; Foster, Leonard J.; Mayor, Thibault; Moore, Edwin D. W.; Allard, Michael F.

2016-01-01

Cardiac ryanodine receptor (Ryr2) Ca2+ release channels and cellular metabolism are both disrupted in heart disease. Recently, we demonstrated that total loss of Ryr2 leads to cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction, arrhythmia, and reduced heart rate. Acute total Ryr2 ablation also impaired metabolism, but it was not clear whether this was a cause or consequence of heart failure. Previous in vitro studies revealed that Ca2+ flux into the mitochondria helps pace oxidative metabolism, but there is limited in vivo evidence supporting this concept. Here, we studied heart-specific, inducible Ryr2 haploinsufficient (cRyr2Δ50) mice with a stable 50% reduction in Ryr2 protein. This manipulation decreased the amplitude and frequency of cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signals in isolated cardiomyocytes, without changes in cardiomyocyte contraction. Remarkably, in the context of well preserved contractile function in perfused hearts, we observed decreased glucose oxidation, but not fat oxidation, with increased glycolysis. cRyr2Δ50 hearts exhibited hyperphosphorylation and inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase, the key Ca2+-sensitive gatekeeper to glucose oxidation. Metabolomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic analyses revealed additional functional networks associated with altered metabolism in this model. These results demonstrate that Ryr2 controls mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics and plays a specific, critical role in promoting glucose oxidation in cardiomyocytes. Our findings indicate that partial RYR2 loss is sufficient to cause metabolic abnormalities seen in heart disease. PMID:27621312

Public Interest in Medical Research Participation: Does It Matter if Patients or Community Members Have Helped Design the Study?

PubMed

Cobb, Enesha M; Gebremariam, Achamyeleh; Singer, Dianne; Davis, Matthew M

2015-10-01

We determined national levels of public participation in medical research study design. We compared public interest in medical research participation (MRP) in studies overall, versus studies explicitly designed with public involvement. Cross-sectional household survey of US population in June 2013. Descriptive statistics estimated participation in medical research study design. Chi-square test compared levels of interest in MRP if respondent knew patients or community members helped design the study. Of 2,048 respondents (participation rate 60%), 5% knew someone who had helped design a medical research study. There was no association between having known someone or personal participation in study design and willingness to engage in MRP. Although the overall proportion of respondents who would consider MRP initially (51%) was similar to the proportion who would consider MRP with community member involvement in study design (49%), the changes in respondents' views across the different scenarios were significantly greater than what would have been expected by chance. We found similar levels of interest in MRP whether or not the public is involved in medical research study design. This finding may indicate that public involvement in study design, like community-based participatory research, may not affect overall rates of MRP. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prediction of thermodynamically reversible hydrogen storage reactions utilizing Ca-M(M = Li, Na, K)-B-H systems: a first-principles study.

PubMed

Guo, Yajuan; Ren, Ying; Wu, Haishun; Jia, Jianfeng

2013-12-01

Calcium borohydride is a potential candidate for onboard hydrogen storage because it has a high gravimetric capacity (11.5 wt.%) and a high volumetric hydrogen content (∼130 kg m(-3)). Unfortunately, calcium borohydride suffers from the drawback of having very strongly bound hydrogen. In this study, Ca(BH₄)₂ was predicted to form a destabilized system when it was mixed with LiBH₄, NaBH₄, or KBH₄. The release of hydrogen from Ca(BH₄)₂ was predicted to proceed via two competing reaction pathways (leading to CaB₆ and CaH₂ or CaB₁₂H₁₂ and CaH₂) that were found to have almost equal free energies. Using a set of recently developed theoretical methods derived from first principles, we predicted five new hydrogen storage reactions that are among the most attractive of those presently known. These combine high gravimetric densities (>6.0 wt.% H₂) with have low enthalpies [approximately 35 kJ/(mol(-1) H₂)] and are thermodynamically reversible at low pressure within the target window for onboard storage that is actively being considered for hydrogen storage applications. Thus, the first-principles theoretical design of new materials for energy storage in future research appears to be possible.

Comparison of Quantitative Characteristics of Early Post-resuscitation EEG Between Asphyxial and Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest in Rats.

PubMed

Chen, Bihua; Chen, Gang; Dai, Chenxi; Wang, Pei; Zhang, Lei; Huang, Yuanyuan; Li, Yongqin

2018-04-01

Quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis has shown promising results in studying brain injury and functional recovery after cardiac arrest (CA). However, whether the quantitative characteristics of EEG, as potential indicators of neurological prognosis, are influenced by CA causes is unknown. The purpose of this study was designed to compare the quantitative characteristics of early post-resuscitation EEG between asphyxial CA (ACA) and ventricular fibrillation CA (VFCA) in rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were randomized into either ACA or VFCA group. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated after 5-min untreated CA. Characteristics of early post-resuscitation EEG were compared, and the relationships between quantitative EEG features and neurological outcomes were investigated. Compared with VFCA, serum level of S100B, neurological deficit score and brain histopathologic damage score were dramatically higher in the ACA group. Quantitative measures of EEG, including onset time of EEG burst, time to normal trace, burst suppression ratio, and information quantity, were significantly lower for CA caused by asphyxia and correlated with the 96-h neurological outcome and survival. Characteristics of earlier post-resuscitation EEG differed between cardiac and respiratory causes. Quantitative measures of EEG not only predicted neurological outcome and survival, but also have the potential to stratify CA with different causes.

76 FR 20990 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-14

... Communication Research will design and administer the study. The proposed study will assess consumers' emotional... will help FDA to design more effective consumer food recall messages during and after a recall. FDA... collection of information is 354 hours (table 1 of this document). To help design and refine the...

The evolution of milk casein genes from tooth genes before the origin of mammals.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Kazuhiko; Lafont, Anne-Gaelle; Sire, Jean-Yves

2011-07-01

Caseins are among cardinal proteins that evolved in the lineage leading to mammals. In milk, caseins and calcium phosphate (CaP) form a huge complex called casein micelle. By forming the micelle, milk maintains high CaP concentrations, which help altricial mammalian neonates to grow bone and teeth. Two types of caseins are known. Ca-sensitive caseins (α(s)- and β-caseins) bind Ca but precipitate at high Ca concentrations, whereas Ca-insensitive casein (κ-casein) does not usually interact with Ca but instead stabilizes the micelle. Thus, it is thought that these two types of caseins are both necessary for stable micelle formation. Both types of caseins show high substitution rates, which make it difficult to elucidate the evolution of caseins. Yet, recent studies have revealed that all casein genes belong to the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) gene family that arose by gene duplication. In the present study, we investigated exon-intron structures and phylogenetic distributions of casein and other SCPP genes, particularly the odontogenic ameloblast-associated (ODAM) gene, the SCPP-Pro-Gln-rich 1 (SCPPPQ1) gene, and the follicular dendritic cell secreted peptide (FDCSP) gene. The results suggest that contemporary Ca-sensitive casein genes arose from a putative common ancestor, which we refer to as CSN1/2. The six putative exons comprising CSN1/2 are all found in SCPPPQ1, although ODAM also shares four of these exons. By contrast, the five exons of the Ca-insensitive casein gene are all reminiscent of FDCSP. The phylogenetic distribution of these genes suggests that both SCPPPQ1 and FDCSP arose from ODAM. We thus argue that all casein genes evolved from ODAM via two different pathways; Ca-sensitive casein genes likely originated directly from SCPPPQ1, whereas the Ca-insensitive casein genes directly differentiated from FDCSP. Further, expression of ODAM, SCPPPQ1, and FDCSP was detected in dental tissues, supporting the idea that both types of caseins evolved as Ca-binding proteins. Based on these findings, we propose two alternative hypotheses for micelle formation in primitive milk. The conserved biochemical characteristics in caseins and their immediate ancestors also suggest that many slight genetic modifications have created modern caseins, proteins vital to the sustained success of mammals.

Hippocampal α-Synuclein in Dementia with Lewy Bodies Contributes to Memory Impairment and Is Consistent with Spread of Pathology

PubMed Central

Roy, Subhojit; Galasko, Douglas R.; Hansen, Lawrence A.; Masliah, Eliezer

2017-01-01

Despite considerable research to uncover them, the anatomic and neuropathologic correlates of memory impairment in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) remain unclear. While some studies have implicated Lewy bodies in the neocortex, others have pointed to α-synuclein pathology in the hippocampus. We systematically examined hippocampal Lewy pathology and its distribution in hippocampal subfields in 95 clinically and neuropathologically characterized human cases of DLB, finding that α-synuclein pathology was highest in two hippocampal-related subregions: the CA2 subfield and the entorhinal cortex (EC). While the EC had numerous classic somatic Lewy bodies, CA2 contained mainly Lewy neurites in presumed axon terminals, suggesting the involvement of the EC → CA2 circuitry in the pathogenesis of DLB symptoms. Clinicopathological correlations with measures of verbal and visual memory supported a role for EC Lewy pathology, but not CA2, in causing these memory deficits. Lewy pathology in CA1—the main output region for CA2—correlated best with results from memory testing despite a milder pathology. This result indicates that CA1 may be more functionally relevant than CA2 in the context of memory impairment in DLB. These correlations remained significant after controlling for several factors, including concurrent Alzheimer's pathology (neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles) and the interval between time of testing and time of death. Our data suggest that although hippocampal Lewy pathology in DLB is predominant in CA2 and EC, memory performance correlates most strongly with CA1 burden. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study provides a detailed neuropathologic analysis of hippocampal Lewy pathology in human patients with autopsy-confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies. The approach—informed by regional molecular markers, concurrent Alzheimer's pathology analysis, and relevant clinical data—helps tease out the relative contribution of Lewy pathology to memory dysfunction in the disease. Levels of Lewy pathology were found to be highest in the hippocampal CA2 subregion and entorhinal cortex, implicating a potentially overlooked circuit in disease pathogenesis. However, correlation with memory performance was strongest with CA1. This unexpected finding suggests that Lewy pathology must reach a critical burden across hippocampal circuitry to contribute to memory dysfunction beyond that related to other factors, notably coexisting Alzheimer's disease tau pathology. PMID:28039370

Quantitative Raman spectroscopy as a tool to study the kinetics and formation mechanism of carbonates.

PubMed

Bonales, L J; Muñoz-Iglesias, V; Santamaría-Pérez, D; Caceres, M; Fernandez-Remolar, D; Prieto-Ballesteros, O

2013-12-01

We have carried out a systematic study of abiotic precipitation at different temperatures of several Mg and Ca carbonates (calcite, nesquehonite, hydrocalcite) present in carbonaceous chondrites. This study highlights the capability of Raman spectroscopy as a primary tool for performing full mineralogical analysis. The precipitation reaction and the structure of the resulting carbonates were monitored and identified with Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy enabled us to confirm that the precipitation reaction is very fast (minutes) when Ca(II) is present in the solution, whereas for Mg(II) such reactions developed at rather slow rates (weeks). We also observed that both the composition and the reaction mechanisms depended on temperature, which might help to clarify several issues in the fields of planetology and geology, because of the environmental implications of these carbonates on both terrestrial and extraterrestrial objects. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design Considerations of Help Options in Computer-Based L2 Listening Materials Informed by Participatory Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cárdenas-Claros, Mónica Stella

2015-01-01

This paper reports on the findings of two qualitative exploratory studies that sought to investigate design features of help options in computer-based L2 listening materials. Informed by principles of participatory design, language learners, software designers, language teachers, and a computer programmer worked collaboratively in a series of…

M-HELP: a miniaturized total health examination system launched on a mobile phone platform.

PubMed

Yu, Yang; Li, Jingjing; Liu, Jing

2013-11-01

A timely health examination is of great significance for incipient disease detection and prevention. However, conventional examinations generally rely heavily on bulky and expensive instrumentation, which is not easily available. To address technical barriers, an innovative, highly miniaturized, and integrated health examination system-Mobile Health Examination Launched on the Phone (M-HELP)-was developed. Based on the design of a multifunctional Android® (Google, Mountain View, CA) application and the development of different wireless biomedical sensor modules, a mobile phone was incorporated into a central terminal for personal health examination. More than 12 parameters, including electrocardiogram, heart sound, and eye test, as well as others, covered the majority of the crucial parameters in a total health examination and have been successfully established and incorporated into the system. Unlike the conventional examination, the M-HELP system could generate electronic health records and send them to physicians via e-mails or multimedia messages. This significantly simplifies the general health examination with much lower cost and fewer temporal and spatial restrictions. For proof of concept, a bench-scale test recruiting 11 volunteer subjects showed that the average time spent on a total health examination with M-HELP system was about 28 min. This article clarifies the basic concept of a total health examination on the platform of a mobile phone, demonstrates the basic features of the M-HELP system with group tests, and suggests the practical future application of the new system and the scientific issues thus raised.

Development and validation of a cerebral oximeter capable of absolute accuracy.

PubMed

MacLeod, David B; Ikeda, Keita; Vacchiano, Charles; Lobbestael, Aaron; Wahr, Joyce A; Shaw, Andrew D

2012-12-01

Cerebral oximetry may be a valuable monitor, but few validation data are available, and most report the change from baseline rather than absolute accuracy, which may be affected by individuals whose oximetric values are outside the expected range. The authors sought to develop and validate a cerebral oximeter capable of absolute accuracy. An in vivo research study. A university human physiology laboratory. Healthy human volunteers were enrolled in calibration and validation studies of 2 cerebral oximetric sensors, the Nonin 8000CA and 8004CA. The 8000CA validation study identified 5 individuals with atypical cerebral oxygenation values; their data were used to design the 8004CA sensor, which subsequently underwent calibration and validation. Volunteers were taken through a stepwise hypoxia protocol to a minimum saturation of peripheral oxygen. Arteriovenous saturation (70% jugular bulb venous saturation and 30% arterial saturation) at 6 hypoxic plateaus was used as the reference value for the cerebral oximeter. Absolute accuracy was defined using a combination of the bias and precision of the paired saturations (A(RMS)). In the validation study for the 8000CA sensor (n = 9, 106 plateaus), relative accuracy was an A(RMS) of 2.7, with an absolute accuracy of 8.1, meeting the criteria for a relative (trend) monitor, but not an absolute monitor. In the validation study for the 8004CA sensor (n = 11, 119 plateaus), the A(RMS) of the 8004CA was 4.1, meeting the prespecified success criterion of <5.0. The Nonin cerebral oximeter using the 8004CA sensor can provide absolute data on regional cerebral saturation compared with arteriovenous saturation, even in subjects previously shown to have values outside the normal population distribution curves. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

EXTENT AND MAGNITUDE OF CATECHOLAMINE SURGE IN PEDIATRIC BURNED PATIENTS

PubMed Central

Kulp, Gabriela A; Herndon, David N.; Lee, Jong O.; Suman, Oscar E.; Jeschke, Marc G

2009-01-01

Increased catecholamine (CA) levels after severe burn are associated with stress, inflammation, hypermetabolism and impaired immune function. The CA secretion profiles in burned patients are not well described. Mechanisms, duration and extent of CA surge are unknown. The purpose of this large unicenter study was to evaluate the extent and magnitude of CA surge following severe burn in pediatric patients. Patients admitted between 1996 and 2008 were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four-hour urine collections were performed during acute hospitalization and up to 2 years post burn. Results from the samples collected from 12 normal, healthy volunteers were compared with the data from the burned patients. Relevant demographic and clinical information was obtained from Medical Records. Student’s t-test and one way ANOVA were used to analyze the data where appropriate. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. Four-hundred thirteen patients were enrolled in this study, 17 patients died during acute hospitalization. Burn caused a marked stress and inflammatory response, indicated by massive tachycardia and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. In burned patients, CA levels are consistently and significantly modulated after burn when compared to the levels in normal, healthy volunteers. CA levels were significantly higher in males compared to females, correlated with burn size in burns over 40% and were increased in older children. There were differences over time in survivors vs. non-survivors, with CA levels significantly higher in non-survivors at 2 time points. Inflammatory cytokines show a similar profile during the study period. Our study gives clinicians a useful insight into the extent and magnitude of CA elevation to better design treatment strategies. PMID:20407405

Computational model based approach to analysis ventricular arrhythmias: Effects of dysfunction calcium channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulothungan, G.; Malathi, R.

2018-04-01

Disturbed sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) handling is known to be a major predisposing factor for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac contractility in ventricular tissue is prominent by Ca2+ channels like voltage dependent Ca2+ channels, sodium-calcium exchanger (Na+-Ca2+x) and sacroplasmicrecticulum (SR) Ca2+ pump and leakage channels. Experimental and clinical possibilities for studying cardiac arrhythmias in human ventricular myocardium are very limited. Therefore, the use of alternative methods such as computer simulations is of great importance. Our aim of this article is to study the impact on action potential (AP) generation and propagation in single ventricular myocyte and ventricular tissue under different dysfunction Ca2+ channels condition. In enhanced activity of Na+-Ca2+x, single myocyte produces AP duration (APD90) and APD50 is significantly smaller (266 ms and 235 ms). Its Na+-Ca2+x current at depolarization is increases 60% from its normal level and repolarization current goes more negative (nonfailing= -0.28 pA/pF and failing= -0.47 pA/pF). Similarly, same enhanced activity of Na+-Ca2+x in 10 mm region of ventricular sheet, raises the plateau potential abruptly, which ultimately affects the diastolic repolarization. Compare with normal ventricular sheet region of 10 mm, 10% of ventricular sheet resting state is reduces and ventricular sheet at time 250 ms is goes to resting state very early. In hypertrophy condition, single myocyte produces APD90 and APD50 is worthy of attention smaller (232 mS and 198 ms). Its sodium-potassium (Na+-K+) pump current is 75% reduces from its control conditions (0.13 pA/pF). Hypertrophy condition, 50% of ventricular sheet is reduces to minimum plateau potential state, that starts the repolarization process very early and reduces the APD. In a single failing SR Ca2+ channels myocyte, recovery of Ca2+ concentration level in SR reduces upto 15% from its control myocytes. At time 290 ms, 70% of ventricular sheet is in dysfunction resting potential state in the range -83 mV and ventricular sheet at time 295 ms is goes to 65% dysfunction resting state. Therefore we concluded that shorter APD, instability resting potential and affected calcium induced calcium release (CICR) due to dysfunction Ca2+ channels is potentially have a substantial effect on cardiac contractility and relaxation. Computational study on ventricular tissue AP and its underlying ionic channel currents could help to elucidate possible arrhythmogenic mechanism on a cellular level.

Anesthesia preparation time is not affected by the experience level of the resident involved during his/her first month of adult cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Broussard, David M; Couch, Michael C

2011-10-01

This study was designed to answer the question of whether the experience level of the resident on his/her first month of adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology has an impact on operating room efficiency in a large academic medical center. Traditionally, the resident's 1st month of cardiac anesthesia had been reserved for the clinical anesthesia (CA)-2 year of training. This study analyzed the impact on operating room efficiency of moving the 1st month of cardiac anesthesia into the CA-1 year. The authors hypothesized that there would be no difference in anesthesia preparation times (defined as the interval between "in-room" and "anesthesia-ready" times) between CA-1 and CA-2 residents on their 1st month of cardiac anesthesia. This study was retrospective and used an electronic anesthesia information management system database. This study was conducted on care provided at a single 450-bed academic medical center. This study included 12 residents in their 1st month of cardiac anesthesia. The anesthesia preparation time (defined as the interval between "in-room" and "anesthesia-ready" times) was measured for cases involving residents on their first month of cardiac anesthesia. Anesthesia preparation times for 6 CA-1 resident months and 6 CA-2 resident months (100 adult cardiac procedures in total) were analyzed (49 for the CA-1 residents and 51 for the CA-2s). There were no differences in preparation time between CA-1 and CA-2 residents as a group (p = 0.8169). The CA-1 residents had an unadjusted mean (±standard error) of 51.1 ± 3.18 minutes, whereas the CA-2 residents' unadjusted mean was 50.2 ± 2.41 minutes. Adjusting for case mix (valves v coronary artery bypass graft surgery), the CA-1 mean was 49.1 ± 5.22 minutes, whereas the CA-2 mean was 49.1 ± 4.54 minutes. These findings suggest that operating room efficiency as measured by the anesthesia preparation time may not be affected by the level of the resident on his/her 1st month of adult cardiac anesthesia. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the effect of doping of Cr2O3 on bioactivity properties of the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 bioceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarin, Nonita; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder; Anand, Vikas; Kaur, Raminderjit; Singh, Jatinder

2018-05-01

Due to better biocompatibility among various types of biomaterials, bioceramics have been found to be useful for the repair of damaged bone tissues. Authors have prepared bioceramics of the composition xCr2O3-(40-x) SiO2- 40CaO-20P2O5(where, x = 0 and 2 mole %) by using sol gel technique. Prepared samples have been assessed for their bioactivity and cell viability with the help of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and MG63 cell line. The aim of this study is to estimate the practical utility of the prepared samples as successful implant materials in human body.

The Connection between Different Tracers of the Diffuse Interstellar Medium: Kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rice, Johnathan S.; Federman, S. R.; Flagey, Nicolas; Goldsmith, Paul F.; Langer, William D.; Pineda, Jorge L.; Lambert, D. L.

2018-05-01

Using visible, radio, microwave, and submillimeter data, we study several lines of sight toward stars generally closer than 1 kpc on a component-by-component basis. We derive the component structure seen in absorption at visible wavelengths from Ca II, Ca I, K I, CH, CH+, and CN and compare it to emission from H I, CO and its isotopologues, and C+ from the GOT C+ survey. The correspondence between components in emission and absorption helps create a more unified picture of diffuse atomic and molecular gas in the interstellar medium. We also discuss how these tracers are related to the CO-dark H2 gas probed by C+ emission and discuss the kinematic connections among the species observed.

Microstructures and dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics via combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, W. X.; Li, Z. J.

2012-01-01

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) powder was synthesized by the combustion method. The effect of sintering temperature was studied on dielectric properties of the prepared ceramic samples. They have the dielectric constant of ~31 000 and 80 000 for the grain size of 0.3 and 30-100 μm. It is unusual for CCTO with a grain size of 0.3 μm to have a dielectric constant of ~31 000. Their giant dielectric constant could be explained by a two-step internal-barrier-layer-capacitor model, associated with grain boundaries and domain boundaries. The existence of domain boundaries helped to explain the contradiction of the dielectric mechanisms between polycrystalline and single-crystal CCTO.

The vascular barrier-protecting hawthorn extract WS® 1442 raises endothelial calcium levels by inhibition of SERCA and activation of the IP3 pathway.

PubMed

Willer, Elisabeth A; Malli, Roland; Bondarenko, Alexander I; Zahler, Stefan; Vollmar, Angelika M; Graier, Wolfgang F; Fürst, Robert

2012-10-01

WS® 1442 has been proven as an effective and safe therapeutical to treat mild forms of congestive heart failure. Beyond this action, we have recently shown that WS® 1442 protects against thrombin-induced vascular barrier dysfunction and the subsequent edema formation by affecting endothelial calcium signaling. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of WS® 1442 on intracellular calcium concentrations [Ca(2+)](i) in the human endothelium and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Using ratiometric calcium measurements and a FRET sensor, we found that WS® 1442 concentration-dependently increased basal [Ca(2+)](i) by depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and inhibited a subsequent histamine-triggered rise of [Ca(2+)](i). Interestingly, the augmented [Ca(2+)](i) did neither trigger an activation of the contractile machinery nor led to a barrier breakdown (macromolecular permeability). It also did not impair endothelial cell viability. As assessed by patch clamp recordings, WS® 1442 did only slightly affect endothelial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, but increased [Ca(2+)](i) by inhibiting the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) and by activating the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) pathway. Most importantly, WS® 1442 did not induce store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), but even irreversibly prevented histamine-induced SOCE. Taken together, WS® 1442 prevented the deleterious hyperpermeability-associated rise of [Ca(2+)](i) by a preceding, non-toxic release of Ca(2+) from the ER. WS® 1442 interfered with SERCA and the IP(3) pathway without inducing SOCE. The elucidation of this intriguing mechanism helps to understand the complex pharmacology of the cardiovascular drug WS® 1442. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A sucrose-binding site provides a lead towards an isoform-specific inhibitor of the cancer-associated enzyme carbonic anhydrase IX

DOE PAGES

Pinard, Melissa A.; Aggarwal, Mayank; Mahon, Brian P.; ...

2015-09-23

Human carbonic anhydrase (CA; EC 4.2.1.1) isoform IX (CA IX) is an extracellular zinc metalloenzyme that catalyzes the reversible hydration of CO 2to HCO 3 $-$, thereby playing a role in pH regulation. The majority of normal functioning cells exhibit low-level expression of CA IX. However, in cancer cells CA IX is upregulated as a consequence of a metabolic transition known as the Warburg effect. The upregulation of CA IX for cancer progression has drawn interest in it being a potential therapeutic target. CA IX is a transmembrane protein, and its purification, yield and crystallization have proven challenging to structure-basedmore » drug design, whereas the closely related cytosolic soluble isoform CA II can be expressed and crystallized with ease. Therefore, we have utilized structural alignments and site-directed mutagenesis to engineer a CA II that mimics the active site of CA IX. In this paper, the X-ray crystal structure of this CA IX mimic in complex with sucrose is presented and has been refined to a resolution of 1.5 Å, anR cryst of 18.0% and anR free of 21.2%. Finally, the binding of sucrose at the entrance to the active site of the CA IX mimic, and not CA II, in a non-inhibitory mechanism provides a novel carbohydrate moiety binding site that could be further exploited to design isoform-specific inhibitors of CA IX.« less

Simulating the impacts of on-street vehicle parking on traffic operations on urban streets using cellular automation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jingxu; Li, Zhibin; Jiang, Hang; Zhu, Senlai; Wang, Wei

2017-02-01

In recent years, many bicycle lanes on urban streets are replaced with vehicle parking places. Spaces for bicycle riding are reduced, resulting in changes in bicycle and vehicle operational features. The objective of this study is to estimate the impacts of on-street parking on heterogeneous traffic operation on urban streets. A cellular automaton (CA) model is developed and calibrated to simulate bicycle lane-changing on streets with on-street parking. Two types of street segments with different bicycle lane width are considered. From the simulation, two types of conflicts between bicycles and vehicles are identified which are frictional conflicts and blocking conflicts. Factors affecting the frequency of conflicts are also identified. Based on the results, vehicle delay is estimated for various traffic situations considering the range of occupancy levels for on-street parking. Later, a numerical network example is analyzed to estimate the network impact of on-street parking on traffic assignment and operation. Findings of the study are helpful to policies and design regarding on-street vehicle parking to improve the efficiency of traffic operations.

In vitro investigation of anodization and CaP deposited titanium surface using MG63 osteoblast-like cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J. M.; Lee, J. I.; Lim, Y. J.

2010-03-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate surface characteristics in four different titanium surfaces (AN: anodized at 270 V; AN-CaP: anodic oxidation and CaP deposited; SLA: sandblasted and acid etched; MA: machined) and to evaluate biological behaviors such as cell adhesion, cell proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and osteogenic protein expression of MG63 osteoblast-like cells at the early stage. Surface analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy, thin-film X-ray diffractometry, and a confocal laser scanning microscope. In order to evaluate cellular responses, MG63 osteoblast-like cells were used. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Immunofluorescent analyses of actin, type I collagen, osteonectin and osteocalcin were performed. The anodized and CaP deposited specimen showed homogeneously distributed CaP particles around micropores and exhibited anatase type oxides, titanium, and HA crystalline structures. This experiment suggests that CaP particles on the anodic oxidation surface affect cellular attachment and spreading. When designing an in vitro biological study for CaP coated titanium, it must be taken into account that preincubation in medium prior to cell seeding and the cell culture medium may affect the CaP coatings. All these observations illustrate the importance of the experimental conditions and the physicochemical parameters of the CaP coating. It is considered that further evaluations such as long-term in vitro cellular assays and in vivo experiments should be necessary to figure out the effect of CaP deposition to biological responses.

Synergistic enhancement of cellulase pairs linked by consensus ankyrin repeats: Determination of the roles of spacing, orientation, and enzyme identity.

PubMed

Cunha, Eva S; Hatem, Christine L; Barrick, Doug

2016-08-01

Biomass deconstruction to small simple sugars is a potential approach to biofuels production; however, the highly recalcitrant nature of biomass limits the economic viability of this approach. Thus, research on efficient biomass degradation is necessary to achieve large-scale production of biofuels. Enhancement of cellulolytic activity by increasing synergism between cellulase enzymes holds promise in achieving high-yield biofuels production. Here we have inserted cellulase pairs from extremophiles into hyperstable α-helical consensus ankyrin repeat domain scaffolds. Such chimeric constructs allowed us to optimize arrays of enzyme pairs against a variety of cellulolytic substrates. We found that endocellulolytic domains CelA (CA) and Cel12A (C12A) act synergistically in the context of ankyrin repeats, with both three and four repeat spacing. The extent of synergy differs for different substrates. Also, having C12A N-terminal to CA provides greater synergy than the reverse construct, especially against filter paper. In contrast, we do not see synergy for these enzymes in tandem with CelK (CK) catalytic domain, a larger exocellulase, demonstrating the importance of enzyme identity in synergistic enhancement. Furthermore, we found endocellulases CelD and CA with three repeat spacing to act synergistically against filter paper. Importantly, connecting CA and C12A with a disordered linker of similar contour length shows no synergistic enhancement, indicating that synergism results from connecting these domains with folded ankyrin repeats. These results show that ankyrin arrays can be used to vary spacing and orientation between enzymes, helping to design and optimize artificial cellulosomes, providing a novel architecture for synergistic enhancement of enzymatic cellulose degradation. Proteins 2016; 84:1043-1054. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synergistic enhancement of cellulase pairs linked by consensus ankyrin repeats: determination of the roles of spacing, orientation and enzyme identity

PubMed Central

Cunha, Eva S.; Hatem, Christine L.; Barrick, Doug

2017-01-01

Biomass deconstruction to small simple sugars is a potential approach to biofuels production, however the highly recalcitrant nature of biomass limits the economic viability of this approach. Thus, research on efficient biomass degradation is necessary to achieve large-scale production of biofuels. Enhancement of cellulolytic activity by increasing synergism between cellulase enzymes holds promise in achieving high-yield biofuels production. Here we have inserted cellulase pairs from extremophiles into hyper-stable α-helical consensus ankyrin repeat domain scaffolds. Such chimeric constructs allowed us to optimize arrays of enzyme pairs against a variety of cellulolytic substrates. We found that endocellulolytic domains CelA (CA) and Cel12A (C12A) act synergistically in the context of ankyrin repeats, with both three and four repeat spacing. The extent of synergy differs for different substrates. Also, having C12A N-terminal to CA provides greater synergy than the reverse construct, especially against filter paper. In contrast, we do not see synergy for these enzymes in tandem with CelK (CK) catalytic domain, a larger exocellulase, demonstrating the importance of enzyme identity in synergistic enhancement. Furthermore, we found endocellulases CelD and CA with three repeat spacing to act synergistically against filter paper. Importantly, connecting CA and C12A with a disordered linker of similar contour length, shows no synergistic enhancement, indicating that synergism results from connecting these domains with folded ankyrin repeats. These results show that ankyrin arrays can be used to vary spacing and orientation between enzymes, helping to design and optimize artificial cellulosomes, providing a novel architecture for synergistic enhancement of enzymatic cellulose degradation. PMID:27071357

A shell-formation related carbonic anhydrase in Crassostrea gigas modulates intracellular calcium against CO2 exposure: Implication for impacts of ocean acidification on mollusk calcification.

PubMed

Wang, Xiudan; Wang, Mengqiang; Jia, Zhihao; Song, Xiaorui; Wang, Lingling; Song, Linsheng

2017-08-01

Ocean acidification (OA) could decrease the shells and skeletons formation of mollusk by reducing the availability of carbonate ions at calcification sites. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) convert CO 2 to HCO 3 - and play important roles in biomineralization process from invertebrate to vertebrate. In the present study, a CA (designated as CgCA) was identified and characterized in Pacific oyster C. gigas. The cDNA of CgCA was of 927bp encoding a predicted polypeptide of 308 amino acids with a signal peptide and a CA catalytic function domain. The mRNA transcripts of CgCA were constitutively expressed in all tested tissues with the highest levels in mantle and hemocytes. During the early development period, the mRNA transcripts of CgCA could be detected in all the stages with the highest level in D-veliger larvae. Elevated CO 2 increased the mRNA transcripts of CgCA in muscle, mantle, hepatopancreas, gill and hemocytes significantly (p<0.05) and induced the translocation of CgCA in hemocytes and mantle. Moreover, elevated CO 2 also caused the decrease of intracellular Ca 2+ in hemocytes (p<0.05). The inhibition of CA by acetazolamide and suppression of CgCA gene via RNA interference could increase the intracellular Ca 2+ in hemocytes (p<0.05). Besides, the decrease of intracellular Ca 2+ content caused by Ca 2+ reagent ionomycin could affect localization of CgCA in mantle tissue. The results indicated CgCA played essential roles in calcification and elevated CO 2 accelerated the mutual modulation between calcium and CgCA, implying reduced calcification rate and dissolved shells under OA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanoparticle-based B-cell targeting vaccines: Tailoring of humoral immune responses by functionalization with different TLR-ligands.

PubMed

Zilker, Claudia; Kozlova, Diana; Sokolova, Viktoriya; Yan, Huimin; Epple, Matthias; Überla, Klaus; Temchura, Vladimir

2017-01-01

Induction of an appropriate type of humoral immune response during vaccination is essential for protection against viral and bacterial infections. We recently observed that biodegradable calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles coated with proteins efficiently targeted and activated naïve antigen-specific B-cells in vitro. We now compared different administration routes for CaP-nanoparticles and demonstrated that intramuscular immunization with such CaP-nanoparticles induced stronger immune responses than immunization with monovalent antigen. Additional functionalization of the CaP-nanoparticles with TRL-ligands allowed modulating the IgG subtype response and the level of mucosal IgA antibodies. CpG-containing CaP-nanoparticles were as immunogenic as a virus-like particle vaccine. Functionalization of CaP-nanoparticles with T-helper cell epitopes or CpG also allowed overcoming lack of T-cell help. Thus, our results indicate that CaP-nanoparticle-based B-cell targeting vaccines functionalized with TLR-ligands can serve as a versatile platform for efficient induction and modulation of humoral immune responses in vivo. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Distribution of Charged Amino Acid Residues and the Ca2+ Permeability of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: A Predictive Model.

PubMed

Fucile, Sergio

2017-01-01

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are cation-selective ligand-gated ion channels exhibiting variable Ca 2+ permeability depending on their subunit composition. The Ca 2+ permeability is a crucial functional parameter to understand the physiological role of nAChRs, in particular considering their ability to modulate Ca 2+ -dependent processes such as neurotransmitter release. The rings of extracellular and intracellular charged amino acid residues adjacent to the pore-lining TM2 transmembrane segment have been shown to play a key role in the cation selectivity of these receptor channels, but to date a quantitative relationship between these structural determinants and the Ca 2+ permeability of nAChRs is lacking. In the last years the Ca 2+ permeability of several nAChR subtypes has been experimentally evaluated, in terms of fractional Ca 2+ current ( Pf , i.e., the percentage of the total current carried by Ca 2+ ions). In the present study, the available Pf -values of nAChRs are used to build a simplified modular model describing the contribution of the charged residues in defined regions flanking TM2 to the selectivity filter controlling Ca 2+ influx. This model allows to predict the currently unknown Pf -values of existing nAChRs, as well as the hypothetical Ca 2+ permeability of subunit combinations not able to assemble into functional receptors. In particular, basing on the amino acid sequences, a Pf > 50% would be associated with homomeric nAChRs composed by different α subunits, excluding α7, α9, and α10. Furthermore, according to the model, human α7β2 receptors should have Pf -values ranging from 3.6% (4:1 ratio) to 0.1% (1:4 ratio), much lower than the 11.4% of homomeric α7 nAChR. These results help to understand the evolution and the function of the large diversity of the nicotinic receptor family.

Association of physical activity with the visuospatial/executive functions of the montreal cognitive assessment in patients with vascular cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Ihara, Masafumi; Okamoto, Yoko; Hase, Yoshiki; Takahashi, Ryosuke

2013-10-01

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is more suitable than the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for the detection of vascular cognitive impairment. In this study, we performed a correlation analysis of MoCA/MMSE scores with daily physical activity in patients with subcortical ischemic white matter changes. Ten patients (average 75.9 ± 9.1 years old) with extensive leukoaraiosis detected on magnetic resonance imaging underwent cognitive testing, including the MMSE and the Japanese version of the MoCA (MoCA-J). Physical activity was monitored with the Kenz Lifecorder EX device (Suzuken, Nagoya, Japan) to assess daily physical activity in terms of caloric expenditure, motor activity, number of steps, and walking distance for 6 months. Correlations of individual physical activity with total and subscale scores of MMSE/MoCA-J or 6-month interval change of MoCA-J scores were assessed. The total or subscale scores of the MMSE did not correlate with any parameters of physical activity. However, the mean number of steps and walking distance significantly correlated with the total MoCA-J scores (r = .67 and .64, respectively) and its visuospatial/executive subscores (r = .66 and .66, respectively). The mean interval change of MoCA-J was + .6; those who improved number of steps (n = 4; 80.5 ± 3.0 years of age) had significantly preserved MoCA-J scores compared to those who did not (n = 6; 73.0 ± 11.6 years of age; +2.0 versus - .3; P = .016). These results suggest that MoCA is useful to detect a biologically determined specific relationship between physical activity and executive function. In addition, physical exercise, such as walking, may help enhance cognitive function in patients with vascular cognitive impairment of subcortical origin. Copyright © 2013 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Drag Optimization Of Light Trucks Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

dimensional design case 19 study on the Lockheed C-141B aircraft wing, Cosentino and Holst [Ref. 10] reduced the number of design variables from 120 to 12... case letters) 6. AUTHOR(S) 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943...23 B. TWO DIMENSIONAL LIGHT TRUCK SHAPE STUDIES .................. 23 1. Canopies

Crystal Analysis of Multi Phase Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles Containing Different amount of Magnesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gozalian, Afsaneh; Behnamghader, Ali Asghar; Moshkforoush, Arash

In this study, Mg doped hydroxyapatite [(Ca, Mg)10(PO4)6(OH)2] and β-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles were synthesized via sol gel method. Triethyl phosphite, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate were used as P, Ca and Mg precursors. The ratio of (Ca+Mg)/P and the amount of magnesium (x) were kept constant at 1.67 and ranging x = 0 up to 3 in molecular formula of Ca10-xMgx (PO4)6(OH)2, respectively. Phase composition and chemical structure were performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Phase percentages, crystallite size, degree of crystallinity and lattice parameters were investigated. The presence of magnesium led to form the Mg doped tricalcium phosphate (β-TCMP) and Mg doped hydroxyapatite (Mg-HA). Based on the results of this study, lattice parameters, degree of crystallinity and crystallite size decreased with magnesium content. In addition, with increasing magnesium content, the amount of CaO phase decreased whereas the amount of MgO phase increased significantly. Obtained results can be used for new biomaterials design.

Interaction of peridotite with Ca-rich carbonatite melt at 3.1 and 6.5 GPa: Implication for merwinite formation in upper mantle, and for the metasomatic origin of sublithospheric diamonds with Ca-rich suite of inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharygin, Igor S.; Shatskiy, Anton; Litasov, Konstantin D.; Golovin, Alexander V.; Ohtani, Eiji; Pokhilenko, Nikolay P.

2018-03-01

We performed an experimental study, designed to reproduce the formation of an unusual merwinite + olivine-bearing mantle assemblage recently described as a part of a Ca-rich suite of inclusions in sublithospheric diamonds, through the interaction of peridotite with an alkali-rich Ca-carbonatite melt, derived from deeply subducted oceanic crust. In the first set of experiments, we studied the reaction between powdered Mg-silicates, olivine and orthopyroxene, and a model Ca-carbonate melt (molar Na:K:Ca = 1:1:2), in a homogeneous mixture, at 3.1 and 6.5 GPa. In these equilibration experiments, we observed the formation of a merwinite + olivine-bearing assemblage at 3.1 GPa and 1200 °C and at 6.5 GPa and 1300-1400 °C. The melts coexisting with this assemblage have a low Si and high Ca content (Ca# = molar 100 × Ca/(Ca + Mg) > 0.57). In the second set of experiments, we investigated reaction rims produced by interaction of the same Ca-carbonate melt (molar Na:K:Ca = 1:1:2) with Mg-silicate, olivine and orthopyroxene, single crystals at 3.1 GPa and 1300 °C and at 6.5 GPa and 1400 °C. The interaction of the Ca-carbonate melt with olivine leads to merwinite formation through the expected reaction: 2Mg2SiO4 (olivine) + 6CaCO3 (liquid) = Ca3MgSi2O8 (merwinite) + 3CaMg(CO3)2 (liquid). Thus, our experiments confirm the idea that merwinite in the upper mantle may originate via interaction of peridotite with Ca-rich carbonatite melt, and that diamonds hosting merwinite may have a metasomatic origin. It is remarkable that the interaction of the Ca-carbonate melt with orthopyroxene crystals does not produce merwinite both at 3.1 and 6.5 GPa. This indicates that olivine grain boundaries are preferable for merwinite formation in the upper mantle.

Superconducting glass-ceramics in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Guire, Mark R.; Kim, Cheol J.; Bausal, Narottam P.

1990-01-01

Differential thermal analysis, XRD, SEM, and resistivity measurements, have been used to study the recrystallization during various heat treatments of a Bi1.5SrCaCu2O(z) glass obtained by rapid quenching from the melt. Heating at 450 C formed the Bi(2+x)Sr(2-x)-CuO(z) solid solution designated 'R'. Between 765 and 845 C, R reacts slowly with the glass to form the 80 K superconductor Bi2(Sr,Ca)3Cu2O(z), together with CuO. Heating for 7 days at the higher temperature, followed by slow cooling, raised the temperature of zero resistance to 77 K.

37. ALTERNATE DESIGN, SIMILAR TO THAT ULTIMATELY SELECTED, BUT USING ...

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

37. ALTERNATE DESIGN, SIMILAR TO THAT ULTIMATELY SELECTED, BUT USING STEPPED TOWERS, AND WITH PYLONS CAPPED BY LANTERNS Pen-and-ink drawing by project architect Alfred Eichler, ca. 1934. - Sacramento River Bridge, Spanning Sacramento River at California State Highway 275, Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA

13. Photocopy of a photographca. 1896showing wooden arch bridge over ...

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

13. Photocopy of a photograph--ca. 1896--showing wooden arch bridge over the North Fork of the San Joaquin River northeast of Fresno, CA. This structure was designed by Eastwood as part of the San Joaquin Electric Company's hydro-electric plant; it is a design that indicates his interest in the structural capabilities of the arch before he began building multiple arch dams. Courtesy Mr. Charles Allan Whitney. - Little Rock Creek Dam, Little Rock Creek, Littlerock, Los Angeles County, CA

Facilitating mental health help-seeking by young adults with a dedicated online program: a feasibility study of Link

PubMed Central

Kauer, Sylvia D; Buhagiar, Kerrie; Blake, Victoria; Cotton, Sue; Sanci, Lena

2017-01-01

Objective To explore the feasibility of a dedicated online youth mental health help-seeking intervention and to evaluate using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) study design in order to identify any modifications needed before commencement of the full-scale RCT. Design A pilot RCT with 1:1 randomisation to either the intervention or comparison arm. Setting An online study conducted Australia-wide. Participants 18–25 year olds living in Australia were recruited via social media. Intervention Link is a dedicated online mental health help-seeking navigation tool that matches user’s mental health issues, severity and service-type preferences (online, phone and face-to-face) with appropriate youth-friendly services. The comparison arm was usual help-seeking strategies with a link to Google.com. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the number of acceptability and feasibility criteria successfully met. Intervention and study design acceptability and feasibility were assessed by nine criteria. Secondary outcomes, via online surveys (at baseline, 1 week and 1 month) measured service use, help-seeking intentions, psychological distress, barriers to help-seeking, attitudes towards mental health help-seeking, mental health literacy, satisfaction and trust. Results Fifty-one participants were randomised (intervention: n=24; comparison: n=27). Three out of four of the intervention and two out of five of the study design criteria were met. Unmet criteria could be addressed by modifications to the study design. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that Link was useful to participants and may have increased their positive experiences towards help-seeking. There were no observable differences between arms in any outcome measures and no harms were detected. Conclusion Generally, the Link intervention and study design were acceptable and feasible with modifications suggested for the four out of nine unmet criteria. The main trial will hence have shorter surveys and a simpler recruitment process, use positive affect as the primary outcome and will not link to Google.com for the comparison arm. Trial registration number Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12614000386639. PMID:28694345

Exploring As-Cast PbCaSn-Mg Anodes for Improved Performance in Copper Electrowinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuwono, Jodie A.; Clancy, Marie; Chen, Xiaobo; Birbilis, Nick

2018-06-01

Lead calcium tin (PbCaSn) alloys are the common anodes used in copper electrowinning (Cu EW). Given a large amount of energy consumed in Cu EW process, anodes with controlled oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics and a lower OER overpotential are advantageous for reducing the energy consumption. To date, magnesium (Mg) has never been studied as an alloying element for EW anodes. As-cast PbCaSn anodes with the addition of Mg were examined herein, revealing an improved performance compared to that of the industrial standard PbCaSn anode. The alloy performances in the early stages of anode life and passivation were established from electrochemical studies which were designed to simulate industrial Cu EW process. The 24-hour polarization testing revealed that the Mg alloying depolarizes the anode potential up to 80 mV; thus, resulting in a higher Cu EW efficiency. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the alteration of the alloy microstructure and the corresponding interfacial reactions contribute to the changes of the anode electrochemical performances. The present study reveals for the first time the potency of Mg alloying in reducing the overpotential of PbCaSn anode.

Hybrid PCL/CaCO3 scaffolds with capabilities of carrying biologically active molecules: Synthesis, loading and in vivo applications.

PubMed

Saveleva, M S; Ivanov, A N; Kurtukova, M O; Atkin, V S; Ivanova, A G; Lyubun, G P; Martyukova, A V; Cherevko, E I; Sargsyan, A K; Fedonnikov, A S; Norkin, I A; Skirtach, A G; Gorin, D A; Parakhonskiy, B V

2018-04-01

Designing advanced biomaterials for tissue regeneration with drug delivery and release functionalities remains a challenge in regenerative medicine. In this research, we have developed novel composite scaffolds based on polymeric polycaprolactone fibers coated with porous calcium carbonate structures (PCL/CaCO 3 ) for tissue engineering and have shown their drug delivery and release in rats. In vivo biocompatibility tests of PCL/CaCO 3 scaffolds were complemented with in vivo drug release study, where tannic acid (TA) was used as a model drug. Release of TA from the scaffolds was realized by recrystallization of the porous vaterite phase of calcium carbonate into the crystalline calcite. Cell colonization and tissue vascularization as well as transplantability of developed PCL/CaCO 3 +TA scaffolds were observed. Detailed study of scaffold transformations during 21-day implantation period was followed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies before and after in vivo implantation. The presented results demonstrate that PCL/CaCO 3 scaffolds are attractive candidates for implants in bone regeneration and tissue engineering with a possibility of loading biologically active molecules and controlled release. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spatial and ontogenetic variability in the chemical composition of juvenile common sole ( Solea solea) otoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanner, S. E.; Vasconcelos, R. P.; Reis-Santos, P.; Cabral, H. N.; Thorrold, S. R.

2011-01-01

A description of variations in the chemical composition of fish otoliths at different spatial scales and life history stages is a prerequisite for their use as natural tags in fish population connectivity and migration studies. Otolith geochemistry of juvenile common sole ( Solea solea), a marine migrant species collected in six Portuguese estuaries was examined. Elemental ratios (Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Cu:Ca, Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca, Pb:Ca) were analysed in two zones of the right otolith (corresponding to late larval and juvenile stages) using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Stable carbon and oxygen isotopes (δ 13C and δ 18O) were determined in left otoliths using isotopic ratio monitoring mass spectrometry (irm-MS). Significant differences in otolith geochemical signatures were found among estuaries, among sites within estuaries and between otolith zones. Several elemental ratios (Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Cu:Ca and Sr:Ca) showed consistent patterns between otolith zones and were likely influenced by environmental factors and ontogenetic effects associated with physiological changes during metamorphosis. Assignment of individuals to their collection estuary based on the otolith geochemical signatures was more accurate at the site level (81%) than among estuaries (69%). Site temperature was not correlated with any of the elemental or isotope ratios, but salinity was significantly correlated with Ba:Ca, δ 13C and δ 18O. Observed spatial variations among estuaries and sites within estuaries indicate that geochemical signatures in otoliths are accurate natural tags of estuarine habitat in common sole. Nevertheless, the significant variations observed between otolith zones should be taken into account in the design of population connectivity studies.

Suppression of calbindin-D28k expression exacerbates SCA1 phenotype in a disease mouse model.

PubMed

Vig, Parminder J S; Wei, Jinrong; Shao, Qingmei; Lopez, Maripar E; Halperin, Rebecca; Gerber, Jill

2012-09-01

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the mutant protein ataxin-1. The cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are the major targets of mutant ataxin-1. The mechanism of PC death in SCA1 is not known; however, previous work indicates that downregulation of specific proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and signaling by mutant ataxin-1 is the probable cause of PC degeneration in SCA1. In this study, we explored if targeted deprivation of PC specific calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28k (CaB) exacerbates ataxin-1 mediated toxicity in SCA1 transgenic (Tg) mice. Using behavioral tests, we found that though both SCA1/+ and SCA1/+: CaB null (-/+) double mutants exhibited progressive impaired performance on the rotating rod, a simultaneous enhancement of exploratory activity, and absence of deficits in coordination, the double mutants were more severely impaired than SCA1/+ mice. With increasing age, SCA1/+ mice showed a progressive loss in the expression and localization of CaB and other PC specific calcium-binding and signaling proteins. In double mutants, these changes were more pronounced and had an earlier onset. Gene expression profiling of young mice exhibiting no behavior or biochemical deficits revealed a differential expression of many genes common to SCA1/+ and CaB-/+ lines, and unique to SCA1/+: CaB-/+ phenotype. Our study provides further evidence for a critical role of CaB in SCA1 pathogenesis, which may help identify new therapeutic targets to treat SCA1 or other cerebellar ataxias.

Functionalized vertical GaN micro pillar arrays with high signal-to-background ratio for detection and analysis of proteins secreted from breast tumor cells.

PubMed

Choi, Mun-Ki; Kim, Gil-Sung; Jeong, Jin-Tak; Lim, Jung-Taek; Lee, Won-Yong; Umar, Ahmad; Lee, Sang-Kwon

2017-11-02

The detection of cancer biomarkers has recently attracted significant attention as a means of determining the correct course of treatment with targeted therapeutics. However, because the concentration of these biomarkers in blood is usually relatively low, highly sensitive biosensors for fluorescence imaging and precise detection are needed. In this study, we have successfully developed vertical GaN micropillar (MP) based biosensors for fluorescence sensing and quantitative measurement of CA15-3 antigens. The highly ordered vertical GaN MP arrays result in the successful immobilization of CA15-3 antigens on each feature of the arrays, thereby allowing the detection of an individual fluorescence signal from the top surface of the arrays owing to the high regularity of fluorophore-tagged MP spots and relatively low background signal. Therefore, our fluorescence-labeled and CA15-3 functionalized vertical GaN-MP-based biosensor is suitable for the selective quantitative analysis of secreted CA15-3 antigens from MCF-7 cell lines, and helps in the early diagnosis and prognosis of serious diseases as well as the monitoring of the therapeutic response of breast cancer patients.

[The effects of surface morphology of calcium phosphate ceramics on apatite formation in dynamic SBF].

PubMed

Duan, Yourong; Lü, Wanxin; Wang, Chaoyuan; Chen, Jiyong; Zhang, Xingdong

2002-06-01

Bone-like apatite formation on the surface of calcium phosphate ceramics has been believed to be the prerequisite of new bone growth on ceramics and to be related to the osteoinductivity of the material. The research of the factors effecting bone-like apatite formation is a great help in understanding the mechanism of osteoinduction. This paper is aimed to a comparative study of in vitro formation of bone-like apatite on the surface of dense and rough calcium phosphate ceramics with SBF flowing at different rates. The results showed that the rough surface was beneficial to the formation of bone-like apatite, and the apatite formed faster in 1.5 SBF than in SBF. Rough surface, namely, larger surface area, increased the dissolution of Ca2+ and HPO4(2-) and higher concentration of Ca2+ and HPO4(2-) ions of SBF and was in turn advantageous to the accumulation of Ca2+, HPO4(2-), PO4(3-) near the ceramic surface. Local supersaturating concentration of Ca2+, HPO4(2-), PO4(3-) near sample surface was essential to nucleation of apatite on the surface of sample.

Serological detection and analysis of anti-VP1 responses against various enteroviruses (EV) (EV-A, EV-B and EV-C) in Chinese individuals.

PubMed

Gao, Caixia; Ding, Yingying; Zhou, Peng; Feng, Jiaojiao; Qian, Baohua; Lin, Ziyu; Wang, Lili; Wang, Jinhong; Zhao, Chunyan; Li, Xiangyu; Cao, Mingmei; Peng, Heng; Rui, Bing; Pan, Wei

2016-02-26

The overall serological prevalence of EV infections based on ELISA remains unknown. In the present study, the antibody responses against VP1 of the EV-A species (enterovirus 71 (EV71), Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16), Coxsackievirus A5 (CA5) and Coxsackievirus A6 (CA6)), of the EV-B species (Coxsackievirus B3 (CB3)), and of the EV-C species (Poliovirus 1 (PV1)) were detected and analyzed by a NEIBM (novel evolved immunoglobulin-binding molecule)-based ELISA in Shanghai blood donors. The serological prevalence of anti-CB3 VP1 antibodies was demonstrated to show the highest level, with anti-PV1 VP1 antibodies at the second highest level, and anti-CA5, CA6, CA16 and EV71 VP1 antibodies at a comparatively low level. All reactions were significantly correlated at different levels, which were approximately proportional to their sequence similarities. Antibody responses against EV71 VP1 showed obvious differences with responses against other EV-A viruses. Obvious differences in antibody responses between August 2013 and May 2014 were revealed. These findings are the first to describe the detailed information of the serological prevalence of human antibody responses against the VP1 of EV-A, B and C viruses, and could be helpful for understanding of the ubiquity of EV infections and for identifying an effective approach for seroepidemiological surveillance based on ELISA.

The regulatory BCL2 promoter polymorphism (-938C>A) is associated with relapse and survival of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Lehnerdt, G F; Franz, P; Bankfalvi, A; Grehl, S; Kelava, A; Nückel, H; Lang, S; Schmid, K W; Siffert, W; Bachmann, H S

2009-06-01

Expression of the antiapoptotic and antiproliferative protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) has been repeatedly shown to be associated with better locoregional control and patients' survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A regulatory (-938C>A) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the inhibitory P2 BCL2 gene promoter generates significantly different BCL2 promoter activities and has been associated with outcome in different malignancies. The aim of the present study was to analyze the possible influence of the (-938C>A) SNP on survival of patients suffering from OSCC. One hundred and thirty-three patients with primary OSCC were retrospectively investigated. Bcl-2 expression of tumor cells was demonstrated by means of immunohistochemistry. Both the Bcl-2 expression and the (-938C>A) genotypes were correlated with the patients' survival. The (-938C>A) SNP was significantly related to Bcl-2 expression (P = 0.008). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significant association of the -938 SNP with relapse-free (P = 0.0283) and overall survival (P = 0.0247). Multiple Cox regression identified the BCL2 (-938CC) genotype as an independent prognostic factor for relapse [hazard ratio (HR) 1.898, P = 0.021] as well as for death in OSCC patients (HR 1.897, P = 0.013). The (-938C>A) SNP represents a potential novel prognostic marker in patients with OSCC that could help to identify a group of patients at high risk for relapse and death.

Myosin light chain kinase controls voltage-dependent calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle.

PubMed

Martinsen, A; Schakman, O; Yerna, X; Dessy, C; Morel, N

2014-07-01

The Ca(2+)-dependent kinase myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is the activator of smooth muscle contraction. In addition, it has been reported to be involved in Ca(2+) channel regulation in cultured cells, and we previously showed that the MLCK inhibitor ML-7 decreases arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced Ca(2+) influx in rat aorta. This study was designed to investigate whether MLCK is involved in Ca(2+) regulation in resistance artery smooth muscle cell, which plays a major role in the control of blood pressure. As ML compounds were shown to have off-target effects, MLCK was downregulated by transfection with a small interfering RNA targeting MLCK (MLCK-siRNA) in rat small resistance mesenteric artery (RMA) and in the rat embryonic aortic cell line A7r5. Noradrenaline-induced contraction and Ca(2+) signal were significantly depressed in MLCK-siRNA compared to scramble-siRNA-transfected RMA. Contraction and Ca(2+) signal induced by high KCl and voltage-activated Ca(2+) current were also significantly decreased in MLCK-siRNA-transfected RMA, suggesting that MLCK depletion modifies voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels. KCl- and AVP-induced Ca(2+) signals and voltage-activated Ca(2+) current were decreased in MLCK-depleted A7r5 cells. Eventually, real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that in A7r5, MLCK controlled mRNA expression of CaV1.2 (L-type) and CaV3.1 (T-type) voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. Our results suggest that MLCK controls the transcription of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in vascular smooth muscle cells.

QTL detection for forage quality and stem histology in four connected mapping populations of the model legume Medicago truncatula.

PubMed

Lagunes Espinoza, Luz Del Carmen; Julier, Bernadette

2013-02-01

Forage quality combines traits related to protein content and energy value. High-quality forages contribute to increase farm autonomy by reducing the use of energy or protein-rich supplements. Genetic analyses in forage legume species are complex because of their tetraploidy and allogamy. Indeed, no genetic studies of quality have been published at the molecular level on these species. Nonetheless, mapping populations of the model species M. truncatula can be used to detect QTL for forage quality. Here, we studied a crossing design involving four connected populations of M. truncatula. Each population was composed of ca. 200 recombinant inbred lines (RIL). We sought population-specific QTL and QTL explaining the whole design variation. We grew parents and RIL in a greenhouse for 2 or 3 seasons and analysed plants for chemical composition of vegetative organs (protein content, digestibility, leaf-to-stem ratio) and stem histology (stem cross-section area, tissue proportions). Over the four populations and all the traits, QTL were found on all chromosomes. Among these QTL, only four genomic regions, on chromosomes 1, 3, 7 and 8, contributed to explaining the variations in the whole crossing design. Surprisingly, we found that quality QTL were located in the same genomic regions as morphological QTL. We thus confirmed the quantitative inheritance of quality traits and tight relationships between quality and morphology. Our findings could be explained by a co-location of genes involved in quality and morphology. This study will help to detect candidate genes involved in quantitative variation for quality in forage legume species.

Modeling of biosorption of Cu(II) by alkali-modified spent tea leaves using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Arpita; Das, Papita; Sinha, Keka

2015-06-01

In the present work, spent tea leaves were modified with Ca(OH)2 and used as a new, non-conventional and low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to develop predictive models for simulation and optimization of the biosorption process. The influence of process parameters (pH, biosorbent dose and reaction time) on the biosorption efficiency was investigated through a two-level three-factor (23) full factorial central composite design with the help of Design Expert. The same design was also used to obtain a training set for ANN. Finally, both modeling methodologies were statistically compared by the root mean square error and absolute average deviation based on the validation data set. Results suggest that RSM has better prediction performance as compared to ANN. The biosorption followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm and it followed pseudo-second-order kinetic. The optimum removal efficiency of the adsorbent was found as 96.12 %.

Schaffer Collateral Inputs to CA1 Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons Follow Different Connectivity Rules.

PubMed

Kwon, Osung; Feng, Linqing; Druckmann, Shaul; Kim, Jinhyun

2018-05-30

Neural circuits, governed by a complex interplay between excitatory and inhibitory neurons, are the substrate for information processing, and the organization of synaptic connectivity in neural network is an important determinant of circuit function. Here, we analyzed the fine structure of connectivity in hippocampal CA1 excitatory and inhibitory neurons innervated by Schaffer collaterals (SCs) using mGRASP in male mice. Our previous study revealed spatially structured synaptic connectivity between CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs). Surprisingly, parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVs) showed a significantly more random pattern spatial structure. Notably, application of Peters' rule for synapse prediction by random overlap between axons and dendrites enhanced structured connectivity in PCs, but, by contrast, made the connectivity pattern in PVs more random. In addition, PCs in a deep sublayer of striatum pyramidale appeared more highly structured than PCs in superficial layers, and little or no sublayer specificity was found in PVs. Our results show that CA1 excitatory PCs and inhibitory PVs innervated by the same SC inputs follow different connectivity rules. The different organizations of fine scale structured connectivity in hippocampal excitatory and inhibitory neurons provide important insights into the development and functions of neural networks. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how neural circuits generate behavior is one of the central goals of neuroscience. An important component of this endeavor is the mapping of fine-scale connection patterns that underlie, and help us infer, signal processing in the brain. Here, using our recently developed synapse detection technology (mGRASP and neuTube), we provide detailed profiles of synaptic connectivity in excitatory (CA1 pyramidal) and inhibitory (CA1 parvalbumin-positive) neurons innervated by the same presynaptic inputs (CA3 Schaffer collaterals). Our results reveal that these two types of CA1 neurons follow different connectivity patterns. Our new evidence for differently structured connectivity at a fine scale in hippocampal excitatory and inhibitory neurons provides a better understanding of hippocampal networks and will guide theoretical and experimental studies. Copyright © 2018 the authors 0270-6474/18/385140-13$15.00/0.

Cultivation of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and Ca. L. americanus associated with Huanglongbing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new medium designated Liber A has been designed and used to successfully cultivate all three Candidatus Liberibacter species, the suspect causative agents of Huanglongbing (HLB) in citrus. The medium containing citrus vein extract and a growth factor sustained growth of Ca. Liberibacter species fo...

The Extracellular Calcium-Sensing Receptor in the Intestine: Evidence for Regulation of Colonic Absorption, Secretion, Motility, and Immunity

PubMed Central

Tang, Lieqi; Cheng, Catherine Y.; Sun, Xiangrong; Pedicone, Alexandra J.; Mohamadzadeh, Mansour; Cheng, Sam X.

2016-01-01

Different from other epithelia, the intestinal epithelium has the complex task of providing a barrier impeding the entry of toxins, food antigens, and microbes, while at the same time allowing for the transfer of nutrients, electrolytes, water, and microbial metabolites. These molecules/organisms are transported either transcellularly, crossing the apical and basolateral membranes of enterocytes, or paracellularly, passing through the space between enterocytes. Accordingly, the intestinal epithelium can affect energy metabolism, fluid balance, as well as immune response and tolerance. To help accomplish these complex tasks, the intestinal epithelium has evolved many sensing receptor mechanisms. Yet, their roles and functions are only now beginning to be elucidated. This article explores one such sensing receptor mechanism, carried out by the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). In addition to its established function as a nutrient sensor, coordinating food digestion, nutrient absorption, and regulating energy metabolism, we present evidence for the emerging role of CaSR in the control of intestinal fluid homeostasis and immune balance. An additional role in the modulation of the enteric nerve activity and motility is also discussed. Clearly, CaSR has profound effects on many aspects of intestinal function. Nevertheless, more work is needed to fully understand all functions of CaSR in the intestine, including detailed mechanisms of action and specific pathways involved. Considering the essential roles CaSR plays in gastrointestinal physiology and immunology, research may lead to a translational opportunity for the development of novel therapies that are based on CaSR's unique property of using simple nutrients such as calcium, polyamines, and certain amino acids/oligopeptides as activators. It is possible that, through targeting of intestinal CaSR with a combination of specific nutrients, oral solutions that are both inexpensive and practical may be developed to help in conditioning the gut microenvironment and in maintaining digestive health. PMID:27458380

The Extracellular Calcium-Sensing Receptor in the Intestine: Evidence for Regulation of Colonic Absorption, Secretion, Motility, and Immunity.

PubMed

Tang, Lieqi; Cheng, Catherine Y; Sun, Xiangrong; Pedicone, Alexandra J; Mohamadzadeh, Mansour; Cheng, Sam X

2016-01-01

Different from other epithelia, the intestinal epithelium has the complex task of providing a barrier impeding the entry of toxins, food antigens, and microbes, while at the same time allowing for the transfer of nutrients, electrolytes, water, and microbial metabolites. These molecules/organisms are transported either transcellularly, crossing the apical and basolateral membranes of enterocytes, or paracellularly, passing through the space between enterocytes. Accordingly, the intestinal epithelium can affect energy metabolism, fluid balance, as well as immune response and tolerance. To help accomplish these complex tasks, the intestinal epithelium has evolved many sensing receptor mechanisms. Yet, their roles and functions are only now beginning to be elucidated. This article explores one such sensing receptor mechanism, carried out by the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). In addition to its established function as a nutrient sensor, coordinating food digestion, nutrient absorption, and regulating energy metabolism, we present evidence for the emerging role of CaSR in the control of intestinal fluid homeostasis and immune balance. An additional role in the modulation of the enteric nerve activity and motility is also discussed. Clearly, CaSR has profound effects on many aspects of intestinal function. Nevertheless, more work is needed to fully understand all functions of CaSR in the intestine, including detailed mechanisms of action and specific pathways involved. Considering the essential roles CaSR plays in gastrointestinal physiology and immunology, research may lead to a translational opportunity for the development of novel therapies that are based on CaSR's unique property of using simple nutrients such as calcium, polyamines, and certain amino acids/oligopeptides as activators. It is possible that, through targeting of intestinal CaSR with a combination of specific nutrients, oral solutions that are both inexpensive and practical may be developed to help in conditioning the gut microenvironment and in maintaining digestive health.

Mobiloization of intracellular calcium ions in chicken and rat lymphocytes induced by T cell mitogens.

PubMed

Gerilechaogetu; Narahara, Kiyoaki; Abe, Asaki; Kondo, Yasuhiro

2009-04-01

Cytosolic Ca(2+) is known to be an important factor in intracellular signaling pathways that regulate several cellular functions. The present study was designed to measure the intracellular concentrations of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in T cell mitogen-stimulated chicken lymphocytes, and to compare the results with those in rat lymphocytes. [Ca(2+)](i) was increased in the thymocytes, splenocytes and bursacytes of chickens, and in the thymocytes and splenocytes of rats following exposure to the mitogens phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (ConA). Increases were greatest in the thymocytes followed by the splenocytes and bursacytes. The PHA-induced changes in the thymocytes and splenocytes were similar in chickens and rats, but the ConA-induced increases were significantly lower in the chickens than rats. Pretreatment with EGTA before the application of PHA and ConA completely suppressed the rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in all the chicken lymphocytes, indicating that the increases that occurred in PHA- and ConA-treated chicken lymphocytes could be entirely attributed to the influx of extracellular Ca(2+). On the other hand, the PHA- and ConA-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in rat lymphocytes was not completely suppressed by EGTA, indicating the recruitment of Ca(2+) from the intracellular Ca(2+) pool. The results suggest species differences in the Ca(2+)-based responses to T cell mitogens between chicken lymphocytes and rat lymphocytes.

Smartkuber: A Serious Game for Cognitive Health Screening of Elderly Players.

PubMed

Boletsis, Costas; McCallum, Simon

2016-08-01

The goal of this study was to design and develop a serious game for cognitive health screening of the elderly, namely Smartkuber, and evaluate its construct, criteria (concurrent and predictive), and content validity, assessing its relationship with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate the elderly players' game experience with Smartkuber. Thirteen older adults were enrolled in the study. The game was designed and developed by a multidisciplinary team. The study follows a mixed methodological approach, utilizing the In-Game Experience Questionnaire to assess the players' game experience and a correlational study, to examine the relationship between the Smartkuber and MoCA scores. The learning effect is also examined by comparing the mean game scores of the first and last game sessions of each player (Delta scores). All 13 participants (mean age: 68.69, SD: 7.24) successfully completed the study. Smartkuber demonstrated high concurrent validity with the MoCA test (r = 0.81, P = 0.001) and satisfying levels of predictive and content validity. The Delta scores showed no statistically significant differences in scoring, thus indicating no learning effects during the Smartkuber game sessions. The study shows that Smartkuber is a promising tool for cognitive health screening, providing an entertaining and motivating gaming experience to elderly players. Limitations of the study and future directions are discussed.

Structural Analysis of Charge Discrimination in the Binding of Inhibitors to Human Carbonic Anhydrases I and II

PubMed Central

Srivastava, D. K.; Jude, Kevin M.; Banerjee, Abir L.; Haldar, Manas; Manokaran, Sumathra; Kooren, Joel; Mallik, Sanku; Christianson, David W.

2008-01-01

Despite the similarity in the active site pockets of carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozymes I and II, the binding affinities of benzenesulfonamide inhibitors are invariably higher with CA II as compared to CA I. To explore the structural basis of this molecular recognition phenomenon, we have designed and synthesized simple benzenesulfonamide inhibitors substituted at the para position with positively-charged, negatively-charged, and neutral functional groups, and we have determined the affinities and X-ray crystal structures of their enzyme complexes. The para-substituents are designed to bind in the midsection of the 15 Å deep active site cleft, where interactions with enzyme residues and solvent molecules are possible. We find that a para-substituted positively-charged amino group is more poorly tolerated in the active site of CA I compared with CA II. In contrast, a para-substituted negatively-charged carboxylate substituent is tolerated equally well in the active sites of both CA isozymes. Notably, enzyme-inhibitor affinity increases upon neutralization of inhibitor charged groups by amidation or esterification. These results inform the design of short molecular linkers connecting the benzenesulfonamide group and a para-substituted tail group in “two-prong” CA inhibitors: an optimal linker segment will be electronically neutral, yet capable of engaging in at least some hydrogen bond interactions with protein residues and/or solvent. Microcalorimetric data reveal that inhibitor binding to CA I is enthalpically less favorable and entropically more favorable than inhibitor binding to CA II. This contrasting behavior may arise in part from differences in active site desolvation and the conformational entropy of inhibitor binding to each isozyme active site. PMID:17407288

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor plays a permissive role in the maintenance of cardiac contractile function under starvation through regulation of autophagy.

PubMed

Xu, Xihui; Pacheco, Benjamin D; Leng, Lin; Bucala, Richard; Ren, Jun

2013-08-01

The cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protects the heart through AMPK activation. Autophagy, a conserved pathway for bulk degradation of intracellular proteins and organelles, helps preserve and recycle energy and nutrients for cells to survive under starvation. This study was designed to examine the role of MIF in cardiac homeostasis and autophagy regulation following an acute starvation challenge. Wild-type (WT) and MIF knockout mice were starved for 48 h. Echocardiographic data revealed little effect of starvation on cardiac geometry, contractile and intracellular Ca²⁺ properties. MIF deficiency unmasked an increase in left ventricular end-systolic diameter, a drop in fractional shortening associated with cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca²⁺ anomalies following starvation. Interestingly, the unfavourable effect of MIF deficiency was associated with interruption of starvation-induced autophagy. Furthermore, restoration of autophagy using rapamycin partially protected against starvation-induced cardiomyocyte contractile defects. In our in vitro model of starvation, neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes from WT and MIF-/- mice and H9C2 cells were treated with serum free-glucose free DMEM for 2 h. MIF depletion dramatically attenuated starvation-induced autophagic vacuole formation in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and exacerbated starvation-induced cell death in H9C2 cells. In summary, these results indicate that MIF plays a permissive role in the maintenance of cardiac contractile function under starvation by regulation of autophagy.

Design and Development for Capacitive Humidity Sensor Applications of Lead-Free Ca,Mg,Fe,Ti-Oxides-Based Electro-Ceramics with Improved Sensing Properties via Physisorption

PubMed Central

Tripathy, Ashis; Pramanik, Sumit; Manna, Ayan; Bhuyan, Satyanarayan; Azrin Shah, Nabila Farhana; Radzi, Zamri; Abu Osman, Noor Azuan

2016-01-01

Despite the many attractive potential uses of ceramic materials as humidity sensors, some unavoidable drawbacks, including toxicity, poor biocompatibility, long response and recovery times, low sensitivity and high hysteresis have stymied the use of these materials in advanced applications. Therefore, in present investigation, we developed a capacitive humidity sensor using lead-free Ca,Mg,Fe,Ti-Oxide (CMFTO)-based electro-ceramics with perovskite structures synthesized by solid-state step-sintering. This technique helps maintain the submicron size porous morphology of the developed lead-free CMFTO electro-ceramics while providing enhanced water physisorption behaviour. In comparison with conventional capacitive humidity sensors, the presented CMFTO-based humidity sensor shows a high sensitivity of up to 3000% compared to other materials, even at lower signal frequency. The best also shows a rapid response (14.5 s) and recovery (34.27 s), and very low hysteresis (3.2%) in a 33%–95% relative humidity range which are much lower values than those of existing conventional sensors. Therefore, CMFTO nano-electro-ceramics appear to be very promising materials for fabricating high-performance capacitive humidity sensors. PMID:27455263

A Nanoparticle-Lectin Immunoassay Improves Discrimination of Serum CA125 from Malignant and Benign Sources.

PubMed

Gidwani, Kamlesh; Huhtinen, Kaisa; Kekki, Henna; van Vliet, Sandra; Hynninen, Johanna; Koivuviita, Niina; Perheentupa, Antti; Poutanen, Matti; Auranen, Annika; Grenman, Seija; Lamminmäki, Urpo; Carpen, Olli; van Kooyk, Yvette; Pettersson, Kim

2016-10-01

Measurement of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is the standard approach for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) diagnostics and follow-up. However, the clinical specificity is not optimal because increased values are also detected in healthy controls and in benign diseases. CA125 is known to be differentially glycosylated in EOC, potentially offering a way to construct CA125 assays with improved cancer specificity. Our goal was to identify carbohydrate-reactive lectins for discriminating between CA125 originating from EOC and noncancerous sources. CA125 from the OVCAR-3 cancer cell line, placental homogenate, and ascites fluid from patients with cirrhosis were captured on anti-CA125 antibody immobilized on microtitration wells. A panel of lectins, each coated onto fluorescent europium-chelate-doped 97-nm nanoparticles (Eu(+3)-NPs), was tested for detection of the immobilized CA125. Serum samples from high-grade serous EOC or patients with endometriosis and healthy controls were analyzed. By using macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL)-coated Eu(+3)-NPs, an analytically sensitive CA125 assay (CA125(MGL)) was achieved that specifically recognized the CA125 isoform produced by EOC, whereas the recognition of CA125 from nonmalignant conditions was reduced. Serum CA125(MGL) measurement better discriminated patients with EOC from endometriosis compared to conventional immunoassay. The discrimination was particularly improved for marginally increased CA125 values and for earlier detection of EOC progression. The new CA125(MGL) assay concept could help reduce the false-positive rates of conventional CA125 immunoassays. The improved analytical specificity of this test approach is dependent on a discriminating lectin immobilized in large numbers on Eu(+3)-NPs, providing both an avidity effect and signal amplification. © 2016 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Conversation analysis can help to distinguish between epilepsy and non-epileptic seizure disorders: a case comparison.

PubMed

Plug, Leendert; Sharrack, Basil; Reuber, Markus

2009-01-01

Factual items in patients' histories are of limited discriminating value in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures (NES). A number of studies using a transcript-based sociolinguistic research method inspired by Conversation Analysis (CA) suggest that it is helpful to focus on how patients talk. Previous reports communicated these findings by using particularly clear examples of diagnostically relevant interactional, linguistic and topical features from different patients. They did not discuss the sequential display of different features although this is crucially important from a conversation analytic point of view. This case comparison aims to show clinicians how the discriminating features are displayed by individual patients over the course of a clinical encounter. CA-inspired brief sequential analysis of two first 30-min doctor-patient encounters by a linguist blinded to all medical information. A gold standard diagnosis was made by the recording of a typical seizure with video-EEG. The patient with epilepsy volunteered detailed first person accounts of seizures. The NES patient exhibited resistance to focusing on individual seizure episodes and only provided a detailed seizure description after repeated prompting towards the end of the interview. Although both patients also displayed some linguistic features favouring the alternative diagnosis, the linguist's final diagnostic hypothesis matched the diagnosis made by video-EEG in both cases. This study illustrates the importance of the time point at which patients share information with the doctor. It supports the notion that close attention to how patients communicate can help in the differential diagnosis of seizures.

Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca vital effects correlated with skeletal architecture in a scleractinian deep-sea coral and the role of Rayleigh fractionation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagnon, Alexander C.; Adkins, Jess F.; Fernandez, Diego P.; Robinson, Laura F.

2007-09-01

Deep-sea corals are a new tool in paleoceanography with the potential to provide century long records of deep ocean change at sub-decadal resolution. Complicating the reconstruction of past deep-sea temperatures, Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca paleothermometers in corals are also influenced by non-environmental factors, termed vital effects. To determine the magnitude, pattern and mechanism of vital effects we measure detailed collocated Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios, using a combination of micromilling and isotope-dilution ICP-MS across skeletal features in recent samples of Desmophyllum dianthus, a scleractinian coral that grows in the near constant environment of the deep-sea. Sr/Ca variability across skeletal features is less than 5% (2σ relative standard deviation) and variability of Sr/Ca within the optically dense central band, composed of small and irregular aragonite crystals, is significantly less than the surrounding skeleton. The mean Sr/Ca of the central band, 10.6 ± 0.1 mmol/mol (2σ standard error), and that of the surrounding skeleton, 10.58±0.09 mmol/mol, are statistically similar, and agree well with the inorganic aragonite Sr/Ca-temperature relationship at the temperature of coral growth. In the central band, Mg/Ca is greater than 3 mmol/mol, more than twice that of the surrounding skeleton, a general result observed in the relative Mg/Ca ratios of D. dianthus collected from separate oceanographic locations. This large vital effect corresponds to a ˜ 10 °C signal, when calibrated via surface coral Mg/Ca-temperature relationships, and has the potential to complicate paleoreconstructions. Outside the central band, Mg/Ca ratios increase with decreasing Sr/Ca. We explain the correlated behavior of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca outside the central band by Rayleigh fractionation from a closed pool, an explanation that has been proposed elsewhere, but which is tested in this study by a simple and general relationship. We constrain the initial solution and effective partition coefficients for a Rayleigh process consistent with our accurate Metal/Ca measurements. A process other than Rayleigh fractionation influences Mg in the central band and our data constrain a number of possible mechanisms for the precipitation of this aragonite. Understanding the process affecting tracer behavior during coral biomineralization can help us better interpret paleoproxies in biogenic carbonates and lead to an improved deep-sea paleothermometer.

Using economy of means to evolve transition rules within 2D cellular automata.

PubMed

Ripps, David L

2010-01-01

Running a cellular automaton (CA) on a rectangular lattice is a time-honored method for studying artificial life on a digital computer. Commonly, the researcher wishes to investigate some specific or general mode of behavior, say, the ability of a coherent pattern of points to glide within the lattice, or to generate copies of itself. This technique has a problem: how to design the transitions table-the set of distinct rules that specify the next content of a cell from its current content and that of its near neighbors. Often the table is painstakingly designed manually, rule by rule. The problem is exacerbated by the potentially vast number of individual rules that need be specified to cover all combinations of center and neighbors when there are several symbols in the alphabet of the CA. In this article a method is presented to have the set of rules evolve automatically while running the CA. The transition table is initially empty, with rules being added as the need arises. A novel principle drives the evolution: maximum economy of means-maximizing the reuse of rules introduced on previous cycles. This method may not be a panacea applicable to all CA studies. Nevertheless, it is sufficiently potent to evolve sets of rules and associated patterns of points that glide (periodically regenerate themselves at another location) and to generate gliding "children" that then "mate" by collision.

Effects of different binders on microstructure and phase composition of hydroxyapatite Nd-YAG laser clad coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chien, C. S.; Hong, T. F.; Han, T. J.; Kuo, T. Y.; Liao, T. Y.

2011-01-01

The laser clad coating technique can help to produce metallurgical bonding with high bonding strength between the coating layer and the substrate, which has been gradually applied for hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on metallic substrates. In this study, HA powder is mixed with two different binders, namely water glass (WG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), respectively, and is then clad on Ti-6Al-4V substrates using an Nd:YAG laser system under various processing conditions. The microstructure, chemical composition and hardness of the coating layer and transition layer of the various samples are then systematically explored. The experimental results show that the coating layers of the various samples all contain both cellular dendrites and rod-like piled structures, while the transition layers contain only cellular dendrites. For all samples, the coating layer consists mostly of CaTiO 3, Ca 2P 2O 7, CaO and HA phases, whereas the transition layer contains primarily CaTiO 3, Ca 2P 2O 7, Ti 3P, Ti and HA phases. In addition, the transition layer of the WG samples also contains SiO 2 and Si 2Ti phases. In all of the specimens, the transition layer has a higher average hardness than the substrate or coating layer. Moreover, the transition layer in the WG sample is harder than that in the PVA sample.

Cellular localization of CoPK12, a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea, is regulated by N-myristoylation.

PubMed

Kaneko, Keisuke; Tabuchi, Mitsuaki; Sueyoshi, Noriyuki; Ishida, Atsuhiko; Utsumi, Toshihiko; Kameshita, Isamu

2014-07-01

Multifunctional Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) have been extensively studied in mammals, whereas fungus CaMKs still remain largely uncharacterized. We previously obtained CaMK homolog in Coprinopsis cinerea, designated CoPK12, and revealed its unique catalytic properties in comparison with the mammalian CaMKs. To further clarify the regulatory mechanisms of CoPK12, we investigated post-translational modification and subcellular localization of CoPK12 in this study. In C. cinerea, full-length CoPK12 (65 kDa) was fractionated in the membrane fraction, while the catalytically active fragment (46 kDa) of CoPK12 was solely detected in the soluble fraction by differential centrifugation. Expressed CoPK12-GFP was localized on the cytoplasmic and vacuolar membranes as visualized by green fluorescence in yeast cells. In vitro N-myristoylation assay revealed that CoPK12 is N-myristoylated at Gly-2 in the N-terminal position. Furthermore, calmodulin could bind not only to CaM-binding domain but also to the N-terminal myristoyl moiety of CoPK12. These results, taken together, suggest that the cellular localization and function of CoPK12 are regulated by protein N-myristoylation and limited proteolysis. © The Authors 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Japanese Biochemical Society. All rights reserved.

Postischemic alterations of BDNF, NGF, HSP 70 and ubiquitin immunoreactivity in the gerbil hippocampus: pharmacological approach.

PubMed

Himeda, Toshiki; Tounai, Hiroko; Hayakawa, Natsumi; Araki, Tsutomu

2007-03-01

1. We investigated the immunohistochemical alterations of BDNF, NGF, HSP 70 and ubiquitin in the hippocampus 1 h to 14 days after transient cerebral ischemia in gerbils. We also examined the effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor pitavastatin against the changes of BDNF, NGF, HSP 70 and ubiquitin in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia in the hippocampus after ischemia. 2. The transient cerebral ischemia was carried out by clamping the carotid arteries with aneurismal clips for 5 min. 3. In the present study, the alteration of HSP 70 and ubiquitin immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA1 sector was more pronounced than that of BDNF and NGF immunoreactivity after transient cerebral ischemia. In double-labeled immunostainings, BDNF, NGF and ubiquitin immunostaining was observed both in GFAP-positive astrocytes and MRF-1-positive microglia in the hippocampal CA1 sector after ischemia. Furthermore, prophylactic treatment with pitavastatin prevented the damage of neurons with neurotrophic factor and stress proteins in the hippocampal CA1 sector after ischemia. 4. These findings suggest that the expression of stress protein including HSP 70 and ubiquitin may play a key role in the protection against the hippocampal CA1 neuronal damage after transient cerebral ischemia in comparison with the expression of neurotrophic factor such as BDNF and NGF. The present findings also suggest that the glial BDNF, NGF and ubiquitin may play some role for helping surviving neurons after ischemia. Furthermore, our present study indicates that prophylactic treatment with pitavastatin can prevent the damage of neurons with neurotrophic factor and stress proteins in the hippocampal CA1 sector after transient cerebral ischemia. Thus our study provides further valuable information for the pathogenesis after transient cerebral ischemia.

Bedside Testing for Chronic Pelvic Pain: Discriminating Visceral from Somatic Pain

PubMed Central

Jarrell, John; Giamberardino, Maria Adele; Robert, Magali; Nasr-Esfahani, Maryam

2011-01-01

Objectives. This study was done to evaluate three bedside tests in discriminating visceral pain from somatic pain among women with chronic pelvic pain. Study Design. The study was an exploratory cross-sectional evaluation of 81 women with chronic pelvic pain of 6 or more months' duration. Tests included abdominal cutaneous allodynia (aCA), perineal cutaneous allodynia (pCA), abdominal and perineal myofascial trigger points (aMFTP) and (pMFTP), and reduced pain thresholds (RPTs). Results. Eighty-one women were recruited, and all women provided informed consent. There were 62 women with apparent visceral pain and 19 with apparent somatic sources of pain. The positive predictive values for pelvic visceral disease were aCA-93%, pCA-91%, aMFTP-93%, pMFTP-81%, and RPT-79%. The likelihood ratio (+) and 95% C.I. for the detection of visceral sources of pain were aCA-4.19 (1.46, 12.0), pCA-2.91 (1.19, 7.11), aMTRP-4.19 (1.46, 12.0), pMFTP-1.35 (0.86, 2.13), and RPT-1.14 (0.85, 1.52), respectively. Conclusions. Tests of cutaneous allodynia, myofascial trigger points, and reduced pain thresholds are easily applied and well tolerated. The tests for cutaneous allodynia appear to have the greatest likelihood of identifying a visceral source of pain compared to somatic sources of pain. PMID:22135736

Calcium-dependent mechanisms mediate the vasorelaxant effects of Tridax procumbens (Lin) aqueous leaf extract in rat aortic ring.

PubMed

Salahdeen, Hussein M; Idowu, Gbolahan O; Yemitan, Omoniyi K; Murtala, Babatunde A; Alada, Abdul-Rasak A

2014-05-01

Tridax procumbens leaf extract has a folk reputation as an antihypertensive agent in Nigeria. Evidence suggests that it has a relaxant effect on smooth muscles. The present study was designed to investigate the role of calcium in the vasorelaxant effect of this extract. Concentration-response studies with noradrenaline (NA), KCl and CaCl2 were carried out in rat aortic rings with and without the extract in physiological salt solution (PSS) (n=6 each). Also, the role of intracellular calcium mobilization was studied by measuring the phasic response to NA in Ca2+-free N,N-ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) PSS (n=6). The results showed that the contractile responses to either NA or KCl were attenuated (p<0.05) in the presence of the extract. Also, the extract attenuated the contractile response to CaCl2 in the presence of NA or KCl (p<0.05) in the Ca2+-free EGTA PSS, while the phasic response to NA was significantly (p<0.05) diminished. These results suggest that the vasorelaxant effect of T. procumbens leaf extract may be mediated by a non-specific, non-competitive inhibition of Ca2+ influx as well as by inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores. This implies that it may contain vasorelaxant agents that may have calcium antagonistic potential.

Design and Implementation of a Comprehensive Web-based Survey for Ovarian Cancer Survivorship with an Analysis of Prediagnosis Symptoms via Text Mining

PubMed Central

Sun, Jiayang; Bogie, Kath M; Teagno, Joe; Sun, Yu-Hsiang (Sam); Carter, Rebecca R; Cui, Licong; Zhang, Guo-Qiang

2014-01-01

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the most lethal gynecologic disease in the United States, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 44.5%, about half of the 89.2% for all breast cancer patients. To identify factors that possibly contribute to the long-term survivorship of women with OvCa, we conducted a comprehensive online Ovarian Cancer Survivorship Survey from 2009 to 2013. This paper presents the design and implementation of our survey, introduces its resulting data source, the OVA-CRADLE™ (Clinical Research Analytics and Data Lifecycle Environment), and illustrates a sample application of the survey and data by an analysis of prediagnosis symptoms, using text mining and statistics. The OVA-CRADLE™ is an application of our patented Physio-MIMI technology, facilitating Web-based access, online query and exploration of data. The prediagnostic symptoms and association of early-stage OvCa diagnosis with endometriosis provide potentially important indicators for future studies in this field. PMID:25861211

Interaction of cardiac troponin with cardiotonic drugs: a structural perspective.

PubMed

Li, Monica X; Robertson, Ian M; Sykes, Brian D

2008-04-25

Over the 40 years since its discovery, many studies have focused on understanding the role of troponin as a myofilament based molecular switch in regulating the Ca(2+)-dependent activation of striated muscle contraction. Recently, studies have explored the role of cardiac troponin as a target for cardiotonic agents. These drugs are clinically useful for treating heart failure, a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to other organs. These agents act via a mechanism that modulates the Ca(2+)-sensitivity of troponin; such a mode of action is therapeutically desirable because intracellular Ca(2+) concentration is not perturbed, preserving the regulation of other Ca(2+)-based signaling pathways. This review describes molecular details of the interaction of cardiac troponin with a variety of cardiotonic drugs. We present recent structural work that has identified the docking sites of several cardiotonic drugs in the troponin C-troponin I interface and discuss their relevance in the design of troponin based drugs for the treatment of heart disease.

Insights into the binding mode of sulphamates and sulphamides to hCA II: crystallographic studies and binding free energy calculations.

PubMed

De Simone, Giuseppina; Langella, Emma; Esposito, Davide; Supuran, Claudiu T; Monti, Simona Maria; Winum, Jean-Yves; Alterio, Vincenzo

2017-12-01

Sulphamate and sulphamide derivatives have been largely investigated as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) by means of different experimental techniques. However, the structural determinants responsible for their different binding mode to the enzyme active site were not clearly defined so far. In this paper, we report the X-ray crystal structure of hCA II in complex with a sulphamate inhibitor incorporating a nitroimidazole moiety. The comparison with the structure of hCA II in complex with its sulphamide analogue revealed that the two inhibitors adopt a completely different binding mode within the hCA II active site. Starting from these results, we performed a theoretical study on sulphamate and sulphamide derivatives, demonstrating that electrostatic interactions with residues within the enzyme active site play a key role in determining their binding conformation. These findings open new perspectives in the design of effective CAIs using the sulphamate and sulphamide zinc binding groups as lead compounds.

Study of the electronic structure and half-metallicity of CaMnO3/BaTiO3 superlattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Jiang, Wei; Chen, Jun-Nan; Huang, Jian-Qi

2016-09-01

In this paper, the electronic structure, magnetic properties and half-metallicity of the CaMnO3/BaTiO3 superlattice are investigated by employing the first-principle calculation based on density functional theory within the GGA or GGA + U exchange-correlation functional. The CaMnO3/BaTiO3 superlattice is constructed by the cubic CaMnO3 and the tetragonal ferroelectric BaTiO3 growing alternately along (0 0 1) direction. The cubic CaMnO3 presents a robust half-metallicity and a metastable ferromagnetic phase. Its magnetic moment is an integral number of 3.000 μB per unit cell. However, the CaMnO3/BaTiO3 superlattice has a stable ferromagnetic phase, for which the magnetic moment is 12.000 μB per unit cell. It also retains the robust half-metallicity which mainly results from the strong hybridization between Mn and O atoms. The results show that the constructed CaMnO3/BaTiO3 superlattice exhibits superior magnetoelectric properties. It may provide a theoretical reference for the design and preparation of new multiferroic materials.

Structure of thrombospondin type 3 repeats in bacterial outer membrane protein A reveals its intra-repeat disulfide bond-dependent calcium-binding capability

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

Dai, Shuyan; Sun, Cancan; Tan, Kemin

Eukaryotic thrombospondin type 3 repeat (TT3R) is an efficient calcium ion (Ca2+) binding motif only found in mammalian thrombospondin family. TT3R has also been found in prokaryotic cellulase Cel5G, which was thought to forfeit the Ca2+-binding capability due to the formation of intra-repeat disulfide bonds, instead of the inter-repeat ones possessed by eukaryotic TT3Rs. In this study, we have identified an enormous number of prokaryotic TT3R-containing proteins belonging to several different protein families, including outer membrane protein A (OmpA), an important structural protein connecting the outer membrane and the periplasmic peptidoglycan layer in gram-negative bacteria. Here, we report the crystalmore » structure of the periplasmic region of OmpA from Capnocytophaga gingivalis, which contains a linker region comprising five consecutive TT3Rs. The structure of OmpA-TT3R exhibits a well-ordered architecture organized around two tightly-coordinated Ca2+ and confirms the presence of abnormal intra-repeat disulfide bonds. Further mutagenesis studies showed that the Ca2+-binding capability of OmpA-TT3R is indeed dependent on the proper formation of intra-repeat disulfide bonds, which help to fix a conserved glycine residue at its proper position for Ca2+ coordination. Additionally, despite lacking inter repeat disulfide bonds, the interfaces between adjacent OmpA-TT3Rs are enhanced by both hydrophobic and conserved aromatic-proline interactions.« less

Synthesis of [(Ca1-xSrx)2-2y](Ti2-2yLi2y)Si2yO6-y Ceramic and its Application in Efficient Plasma Decomposition of CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ruixing; Tang, Qing; Yin, Shu; Sato, Tsugio

According to both the first principle and materials chemistry, a method for fabricating [(Ca1-xSrx)2-2y](Ti2-2yLi2y)Si2yO6-y ceramic was investigated. It was considered that the sintering was promoted by self-accelerated diffusion due to the formation of point defects caused by doping with Li2Si2O5. Consequently, a concept of non-stoichiometrically activated sintering, which was enhanced by point defects without the help of a grain boundary phase, was systematically studied in the Ca1-xSrxTiO3-Li2Si2O5 system. The mechanical and dielectric properties of [(Ca1-xSrx)2-2y](Ti2-2yLi2y)Si2yO6-y were greatly enhanced by adding Li2Si2O5. To improve CO2 decomposition activity, [(Ca1-xSrx)2-2y](Ti2-2yLi2y)Si2yO6-y, which possesses both high permittivity and high dielectric strength was used as a dielectric barrier to decompose CO2 by dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) plasma without using any catalyst and auxiliary substance. It successfully generated DBDs plasma and the CO2 conversion was much higher than that using an alumina or a silica glass barrier which was widely used as the dielectric barrier in previous studies.

Identification, molecular and functional characterization of calmodulin gene of Phytomonas serpens 15T that shares high similarity with its pathogenic counterparts Trypanosoma cruzi.

PubMed

de Souza, Tatiana de Arruda Campos Brasil; Graça-de Souza, Viviane Krominski; Lancheros, César Armando Contreras; Monteiro-Góes, Viviane; Krieger, Marco Aurélio; Goldenberg, Samuel; Yamauchi, Lucy Megumi; Yamada-Ogatta, Sueli Fumie

2011-03-01

In trypanosomatids, Ca²+-binding proteins can affect parasite growth, differentiation and invasion. Due to their importance for parasite maintenance, they become an attractive target for drug discovery and design. Phytomonas serpens 15T is a non-human pathogenic trypanosomatid that expresses important protein homologs of human pathogenic trypanosomatids. In this study, the coding sequence of calmodulin, a Ca²+-binding protein, of P. serpens 15T was cloned and characterized. The encoded polypeptide (CaMP) displayed high amino acid identity to homolog protein of Trypanosoma cruzi and four helix-loop-helix motifs were found. CaMP sequence analysis showed 20 amino acid substitutions compared to its mammalian counterparts. This gene is located on a chromosomal band with estimated size of 1,300 kb and two transcripts were detected by Northern blot analysis. A polyclonal antiserum raised against the recombinant protein recognized a polypeptide with an estimated size of 17 kDa in log-phase promastigote extracts. The recombinant CaMP retains its Ca²+-binding capacity.

Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition reduces cysts by decreasing cAMP and Ca2+ in knock-out mouse models of polycystic kidney disease.

PubMed

Yanda, Murali K; Liu, Qiangni; Cebotaru, Valeriu; Guggino, William B; Cebotaru, Liudmila

2017-10-27

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is associated with progressive enlargement of multiple renal cysts, often leading to renal failure that cannot be prevented by a current treatment. Two proteins encoded by two genes are associated with ADPKD: PC1 ( pkd1 ), primarily a signaling molecule, and PC2 ( pkd2 ), a Ca 2+ channel. Dysregulation of cAMP signaling is central to ADPKD, but the molecular mechanism is unresolved. Here, we studied the role of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in regulating cyst growth to test the possibility that inhibiting HDAC6 might help manage ADPKD. Chemical inhibition of HDAC6 reduced cyst growth in PC1-knock-out mice. In proximal tubule-derived, PC1-knock-out cells, adenylyl cyclase 6 and 3 (AC6 and -3) are both expressed. AC6 protein expression was higher in cells lacking PC1, compared with control cells containing PC1. Intracellular Ca 2+ was higher in PC1-knock-out cells than in control cells. HDAC inhibition caused a drop in intracellular Ca 2+ and increased ATP-simulated Ca 2+ release. HDAC6 inhibition reduced the release of Ca 2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum induced by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase. HDAC6 inhibition and treatment of cells with the intracellular Ca 2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane- N , N , N ', N '-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester) reduced cAMP levels in PC1-knock-out cells. Finally, the calmodulin inhibitors W-7 and W-13 reduced cAMP levels, and W-7 reduced cyst growth, suggesting that AC3 is involved in cyst growth regulated by HDAC6. We conclude that HDAC6 inhibition reduces cell growth primarily by reducing intracellular cAMP and Ca 2+ levels. Our results provide potential therapeutic targets that may be useful as treatments for ADPKD. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Functional characterization of a geraniol synthase-encoding gene from Camptotheca acuminata and its application in production of geraniol in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Chen, Fei; Li, Wei; Jiang, Liangzhen; Pu, Xiang; Yang, Yun; Zhang, Guolin; Luo, Yinggang

2016-09-01

Geraniol synthase (GES) catalyzes the conversion of geranyl diphosphate (GPP) into geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol that has been widely used in many industries. Here we report the functional characterization of CaGES from Camptotheca acuminata, a camptothecin-producing plant, and its application in production of geraniol in Escherichia coli. The full-length cDNA of CaGES was obtained from overlap extension PCR amplification. The intact and N-terminus-truncated CaGESs were overexpressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. Recombinant CaGES showed the conversion activity from GPP to geraniol. To produce geraniol in E. coli using tCaGES, the biosynthetic precursor GPP should be supplied and transferred to the catalytic pocket of tCaGES. Thus, ispA(S80F), a mutant of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase, was prepared to produce GPP via the head-to-tail condensation of isoprenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). A slight increase of geraniol production was observed in the fermentation broth of the recombinant E. coli harboring tCaGES and ispA(S80F). To enhance the supply of IPP and DMAPP, the encoding genes involved in the whole mevalonic acid biosynthetic pathway were introduced to the E. coli harboring tCaGES and the ispA(S80F) and a significant increase of geraniol yield was observed. The geraniol production was enhanced to 5.85 ± 0.46 mg L(-1) when another copy of ispA(S80F) was introduced to the above recombinant strain. The following optimization of medium composition, fermentation time, and addition of metal ions led to the geraniol production of 48.5 ± 0.9 mg L(-1). The present study will be helpful to uncover the biosynthetic enigma of camptothecin and tCaGES will be an alternative to selectively produce geraniol in E. coli with other metabolic engineering approaches.

Dietary maifanite supplementation did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility of calcium and phosphorus in growing pigs

PubMed Central

Bai, Li Li; Ming, Dong Xu; Dong, Shu Ren; Yang, Zhong Yue; Wang, Wen Hui; Zhang, Shuai; Piao, Xiang Shu

2018-01-01

Objective This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary maifanite supplementation and fecal collection method on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and blood parameters in growing pigs. Methods Thirty-six growing barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire; 27.0±2.6 kg) were allotted to six dietary treatments with 6 pigs per treatment according to body weight in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were: i) Low Ca+cornstarch (2.25%), ii) Low Ca+maifanite (2.25%), iii) Medium Ca+cornstarch (1.42%), iv) Medium Ca+maifanite (1.42%), v) High Ca+cornstarch (0.64%), and vi) High Ca+maifanite (0.64%). Feces were collected by the total collection (TC) and indicator method (IM). At the beginning and the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from each pig. Results For the TC method, there were no difference in Ca intake, fecal Ca output, Ca retention and the ATTD of Ca between cornstarch and maifanite diets at the same dietary Ca level. However, urinary Ca excretion was lower (p = 0.01) in pigs fed low Ca diets without maifanite supplementation compared with other dietary treatments. Dietary maifanite supplementation had no effect on the P metabolism in growing pigs. For the IM method, there was no difference in Ca digestibility between cornstarch and maifanite diets at the same dietary Ca level. The ATTD of P was greater (p<0.01) in pigs fed the high Ca diet with maifanite supplementation compared with the high Ca diet with cornstarch treatment. Dietary inclusion of maifanite had no effect on blood parameters in growing pigs. Conclusion Dietary maifanite supplementation had no effect on the ATTD of Ca and P and serum parameters in growing pigs. The IM resulted in lower digestibility values than the TC method. PMID:28728391

Adhesive Bonding to Computer-aided Design/ Computer-aided Manufacturing Esthetic Dental Materials: An Overview.

PubMed

Awad, Mohamed Moustafa; Alqahtani, H; Al-Mudahi, A; Murayshed, M S; Alrahlah, A; Bhandi, Shilpa H

2017-07-01

To review the adhesive bonding to different computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) esthetic restorative materials. The use of CAD/CAM esthetic restorative materials has gained popularity in recent years. Several CAD/ CAM esthetic restorative materials are commercially available. Adhesive bonding is a major determinant of success of CAD/ CAM restorations. Review result: An account of the currently available bonding strategies are discussed with their rationale in various CAD/ CAM materials. Different surface treatment methods as well as adhesion promoters can be used to achieve reliable bonding of CAD/CAM restorative materials. Selection of bonding strategy to such material is determined based on its composition. Further evidence is required to evaluate the effect of new surface treatment methods, such as nonthermal atmospheric plasma and self-etching ceramic primer on bonding to different dental ceramics. An understanding of the currently available bonding strategies to CA/CAM materials can help the clinician to select the most indicated system for each category of materials.

An Experimental Study in an Architectural Design Studio: The Search for Three-Dimensional Form and Aesthetics through Clay

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yamacli, Rusen; Ozen, Aysegul; Tokman, Leyla Yekdane

2005-01-01

In architectural design education, the main objective is to help students, especially first-year students, improve their design ideas, creativity, perception of three dimensions and ways of expressing them. Thus, as an embedded concept in architecture, art has been emphasized here as a design method. In other words, the necessary help to enable…

Design, Analysis and User Acceptance of Architectural Design Education in Learning System Based on Knowledge Management Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Yun-Wu; Lin, Yu-An; Wen, Ming-Hui; Perng, Yeng-Hong; Hsu, I-Ting

2016-01-01

The major purpose of this study is to develop an architectural design knowledge management learning system with corresponding learning activities to help the students have meaningful learning and improve their design capability in their learning process. Firstly, the system can help the students to obtain and share useful knowledge. Secondly,…

Volcanic geomorphosites and geotourism in Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dóniz-Paéz, Javier; Becerra-Ramírez, Rafael; González-Cárdenas, Elena; Rodriguez, Fátima

2017-04-01

Geomorphosites and geoturism studies are increasing for the high scientific, societal, cultural, and aesthetic values of the relief. Volcanic areas are exciting targets for such studies for their geodiversity. The aim of these study is an inventory of volcanic geomorphosites and its relationship to geotourism. Las Cañadas del Teide National Park (LCTNP) is a volcanic complex area located in the central part of Tenerife island (Canary Islands, Spain). This area is a volcanic paradise rich in spectacular landforms: stratovolcanoes, calderas, cinder cones, craters, pahoehoe, aa, block and balls lavas, gullies, etc. The national park is registered in the world heritage list (UNESCO) in 2007 as a natural site. The LCTNP receives more than 2,5 million tourists per year and it has 21 main pahts and 14 secondary ones. For the selection of the geomophosites the LCTNP was divided into four geomorphological units (Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcanoes, Las Cañadas Caldera wall, the bottom of Las Cañadas and the basaltic volcanic field) and each one of them is selected the most representative geomorphosites by its geodiversity, because of its geomorphological heritage, its landscapes and its tourist potential with the paths. All selected geomorphosites are within areas where public use is allowed in the park. The inventory classifies the 23 geomorphosites in two main categories: (a) direct volcanic with 17 geomorphosites (stratovolcanoes, domes, cinder cones, pahoehoe, aa and bloc lava flows, etc.) and (b) eroded volcanic landforms with 6 (wall of Las Cañadas caldera, talusees, foodplains, etc.). The Teide-Pico Viejo unit is which has more geomorphosites with 8 and the Las Cañadas wall unit possessing less with 5. The assessment evaluates the scientific, cultural/historical, and use values and helps to define priorities in site management. These geomorphosites demonstrate the volcanic history and processes of the LCTNP.

Solution Structure of Calmodulin Bound to the Binding Domain of the HIV-1 Matrix Protein*

PubMed Central

Vlach, Jiri; Samal, Alexandra B.; Saad, Jamil S.

2014-01-01

Subcellular distribution of calmodulin (CaM) in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-infected cells is distinct from that observed in uninfected cells. CaM co-localizes and interacts with the HIV-1 Gag protein in the cytosol of infected cells. Although it has been shown that binding of Gag to CaM is mediated by the matrix (MA) domain, the structural details of this interaction are not known. We have recently shown that binding of CaM to MA induces a conformational change that triggers myristate exposure, and that the CaM-binding domain of MA is confined to a region spanning residues 8–43 (MA-(8–43)). Here, we present the NMR structure of CaM bound to MA-(8–43). Our data revealed that MA-(8–43), which contains a novel CaM-binding motif, binds to CaM in an antiparallel mode with the N-terminal helix (α1) anchored to the CaM C-terminal lobe, and the C-terminal helix (α2) of MA-(8–43) bound to the N-terminal lobe of CaM. The CaM protein preserves a semiextended conformation. Binding of MA-(8–43) to CaM is mediated by numerous hydrophobic interactions and stabilized by favorable electrostatic contacts. Our structural data are consistent with the findings that CaM induces unfolding of the MA protein to have access to helices α1 and α2. It is noteworthy that several MA residues involved in CaM binding have been previously implicated in membrane binding, envelope incorporation, and particle production. The present findings may ultimately help in identification of the functional role of CaM in HIV-1 replication. PMID:24500712

Engineering a biomimetic three-dimensional nanostructured bone model for breast cancer bone metastasis study.

PubMed

Zhu, Wei; Wang, Mian; Fu, Yebo; Castro, Nathan J; Fu, Sidney W; Zhang, Lijie Grace

2015-03-01

Traditional breast cancer (BrCa) bone metastasis models contain many limitations with regards to controllability, reproducibility and flexibility of design. In this study, a novel biomimetic bone microenvironment was created by integrating hydroxyapatite (HA) and native bioactive factors deposited by osteogenic induction of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within a cytocompatible chitosan hydrogel. It was found that a 10% nanocrystalline HA (nHA) chitosan scaffold exhibited the highest BrCa adhesion and proliferation when compared to chitosan scaffolds with 20% nHA, 10% and 20% microcrystalline HA as well as amorphous HA. This 3-D tunable bone scaffold can provide a biologically relevant environment, increase cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions as found in native bone, and retain the behavior of BrCa cells with different metastasis potential (i.e. highly metastatic MDA-MB-231, less metastatic MCF-7 and transfected MDA-MB-231). The co-culture of MSCs and MDA-MB-231 in this bone model illustrated that MSCs have the capacity to upregulate the expression of the well-known metastasis-associated gene metadherin within BrCa cells. In summary, this study illustrates the ability of our 3-D bone model to create a biomimetic environment conducive to recapitulating the behavior of metastatic BrCa cells, making it a promising tool for in vitro BrCa cell bone metastasis study and for the discovery of potential therapeutics. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Smartphone-based immunosensor for CA125 detection.

PubMed

Hosu, Oana; Ravalli, Andrea; Lo Piccolo, Giuseppe Mattia; Cristea, Cecilia; Sandulescu, Robert; Marrazza, Giovanna

2017-05-01

In this work, we report the design, the development and the characterization of the analytical performances of a colorimetric smartphone-based immunosensor for the detection of cancer antigen 125 (CA125). The immunosensor was based on a sandwich strategy in which the primary antibody was immobilized by spotting onto the 3D nitrocellulose membrane. The immunospots were subsequently incubated with CA125 solutions, followed by the affinity reaction with a secondary antibody labeled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The antibody-AuNPs captured onto immunospots induced the silver deposition from a silver enhancer solution leading to the formation of gold-silver nanoparticles of different grey color spots depending on CA125 concentration. The 8 megapixels smartphone camera was integrated in a home-made dark box and used as transducer of color image acquisition and data handling. The pixel intensity of the captured images was determined by an image processing algorithm. The experimental parameters involved in each step of the immunosensor design were studied and optimized, obtaining a limit of detection of 30U/mL CA125. The selectivity of the immunoassay was proven against different concentration solutions of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) antigen as an unspecific protein when a blank signal was obtained for all tested solutions. Finally, preliminary experiments in human serum samples spiked with CA125 protein were also performed. Therefore, the proposed system could represent a powerful point-of-care tool for the next generation technology for detecting and monitoring cancer biomarkers at early stages by taking advantage of nowadays gadgets with enhanced features such as smartphones. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low-level laser irradiation modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA transcription through calcium-dependent activation of the ERK/CREB pathway.

PubMed

Yan, Xiaodong; Liu, Juanfang; Zhang, Zhengping; Li, Wenhao; Sun, Siguo; Zhao, Jian; Dong, Xin; Qian, Jixian; Sun, Honghui

2017-01-01

Low-level laser (LLL) irradiation has been reported to promote neuronal differentiation, but the mechanism remains unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been confirmed to be one of the most important neurotrophic factors because it is critical for the differentiation and survival of neurons during development. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of LLL irradiation on Bdnf messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription and the molecular pathway involved in LLL-induced Bdnf mRNA transcription in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs) using Ca 2+ imaging, pharmacological detections, RNA interference, immunocytochemistry assay, Western blot, and qPCR analysis. We show here that LLL induced increases in the [Ca 2+ ] i level, Bdnf mRNA transcription, cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, mediated by Ca 2+ release via inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R)-sensitive calcium (Ca 2+ ) stores. Blockade of Ca 2+ increase suppressed Bdnf mRNA transcription, CREB phosphorylation, and ERK phosphorylation. Downregulation of phosphorylated (p)-CREB reduced Bdnf mRNA transcription triggered by LLL. Furthermore, blockade of ERK using PD98059 inhibitor reduced p-CREB and Bdnf mRNA transcription induced by LLL. Taken together, these findings establish the Ca 2+ -ERK-CREB cascade as a potential signaling pathway involved in LLL-induced Bdnf mRNA transcription. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the mechanisms of Ca 2+ -dependent Bdnf mRNA transcription triggered by LLL. These findings may help further explore the complex molecular signaling networks in LLL-triggered nerve regeneration in vivo and may also provide experimental evidence for the development of LLL for clinical applications.

Additive effects of acidification and mineralogy on calcium isotopes in Triassic/Jurassic boundary limestones

DOE PAGES

Jost, Adam B.; Bachan, Aviv; van de Schootbrugge, Bas; ...

2016-12-29

The end-Triassic mass extinction coincided with a negative δ 13 C excursion, consistent with release of 13C-depleted CO 2 from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province. However, the amount of carbon released and its effects on ocean chemistry are poorly constrained. The co upled nature of the carbon and calcium cycles allows calcium isotopes to be used for constraining carbon cycle dynamics and vice versa. We present a high-resolution calcium isotope (δ 44/40 Ca) record from 100 m of marine limestone spanning the Triassic/Jurassic boundary in two stratigraphic sections from northern Italy. Immediately above the extinction horizon and the associated negativemore » excursion in δ 13 C, δ 44/40 Ca decreases by ca. 0.8‰ in 20 m of section and then recovers to preexcursion values. Coupled numerical models of the geological carbon and calcium cycles demonstrate that this δ 44/40 Ca excursion is too large to be explained by changes to seawater δ 44/40 Ca alone, regardless of CO 2 injection volume and duration. Less than 20% of the δ 44/40 Ca excursion can be attributed to acidification. The remaining 80% likely reflects a higher proportion of aragonite in the original sediment, based largely on high concentrations of Sr in the samples. Our study demonstrates that coupled models of the carbon and calcium cycles have the potential to help distinguish contributions of primary seawater isotopic changes from local or diagenetic effects on the δ 44/40 Ca of carbonate sediments. Finally, differentiating between these effects is critical for constraining the impact of ocean acidification during the end-Triassic mass extinction, as well as for interpreting other environmental events in the geologic past.« less

Additive effects of acidification and mineralogy on calcium isotopes in Triassic/Jurassic boundary limestones

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

Jost, Adam B.; Bachan, Aviv; van de Schootbrugge, Bas

The end-Triassic mass extinction coincided with a negative δ 13 C excursion, consistent with release of 13C-depleted CO 2 from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province. However, the amount of carbon released and its effects on ocean chemistry are poorly constrained. The co upled nature of the carbon and calcium cycles allows calcium isotopes to be used for constraining carbon cycle dynamics and vice versa. We present a high-resolution calcium isotope (δ 44/40 Ca) record from 100 m of marine limestone spanning the Triassic/Jurassic boundary in two stratigraphic sections from northern Italy. Immediately above the extinction horizon and the associated negativemore » excursion in δ 13 C, δ 44/40 Ca decreases by ca. 0.8‰ in 20 m of section and then recovers to preexcursion values. Coupled numerical models of the geological carbon and calcium cycles demonstrate that this δ 44/40 Ca excursion is too large to be explained by changes to seawater δ 44/40 Ca alone, regardless of CO 2 injection volume and duration. Less than 20% of the δ 44/40 Ca excursion can be attributed to acidification. The remaining 80% likely reflects a higher proportion of aragonite in the original sediment, based largely on high concentrations of Sr in the samples. Our study demonstrates that coupled models of the carbon and calcium cycles have the potential to help distinguish contributions of primary seawater isotopic changes from local or diagenetic effects on the δ 44/40 Ca of carbonate sediments. Finally, differentiating between these effects is critical for constraining the impact of ocean acidification during the end-Triassic mass extinction, as well as for interpreting other environmental events in the geologic past.« less

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit modulates benzodiazepine binding.

PubMed

Churn, Severn B; Rana, Aniruddha; Lee, Kangmin; Parsons, J Travis; De Blas, Angel; Delorenzo, Robert J

2002-09-01

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary neurotransmitter that is responsible for the fast inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. A major post-translational mechanism that can rapidly regulate GABAAR function is receptor phosphorylation. This study was designed to test the effect of endogenous calcium and calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaM kinase II) activation on both allosteric modulator binding and GABAA receptor subunit phosphorylation. Endogenous CaM kinase II activity was stimulated, and GABAA receptors were subsequently analyzed for bothallosteric modulator binding properties and immunoprecipitated and analyzed for subunit phosphorylation levels. A significant increase in allosteric-modulator binding of the GABAAR was observed under conditions maximal for CaM kinase II activation. In addition, CaM kinase II activation resulted in a direct increase in phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit. The data suggest that the CaM kinase II-dependent phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit modulated allosteric modulator binding to the GABAA receptor.

The effectiveness of orthoses in the conservative management of thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis: An analysis of functional pinch strength.

PubMed

Grenier, Marie-Lyne; Mendonca, Rochelle; Dalley, Peter

2016-01-01

The study was a retrospective cohort analysis for a 19-month period from May 2013 to December 2014. Although the use of orthoses has long been a staple of conservative treatment measures for individuals with osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, there remains little evidence exploring its effectiveness in improving functional outcomes for this client population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of 3 frequently used orthoses in improving the functional pinch strength of adults with a diagnosis of thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to determine whether pinch strength improved after orthotic fabrication, and fitting in patients referred to a hand therapy clinic. Patients who received a Colditz design orthosis had a mean increase of 2.64 lb with regard to functional pinch strength after orthotic fabrication and fitting. Patients who received a Comfort Cool orthosis (North Coast Medical, Morgan Hill, CA) had a mean increase of 2.47 lb, whereas patients who received a Thumb Spica orthosis had a mean increase of 3.25 lb. There was no evidence of any statistically significant difference in the average improvements in pinch strength between the Colditz design orthosis and the Comfort Cool orthosis. Results from this study demonstrate that orthosis wear consistently increases the functional pinch strength of individuals with thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis. Large-scale multisite research studies comparing various orthotic designs are necessary to help therapists determine best practice interventions for the conservative management of thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis. 2(c). Copyright © 2016 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of some tumor markers on human erythrocyte (HCA-I and HCA-II), bovine erythrocyte (BCA) and bovine lung (CA-IV) carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities in vitro.

PubMed

Demir, N; Nadaroglu, H; Gungor, A A; Demir, Y

2015-01-01

The influence of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), tumor markers have been investigated on human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (HCA-I and HCA-II) and bovine erythrocyte (BCA) and bovine lung carbonic anhydrase (CA-IV) in vitro. Tumor markers are substances that can often be detected in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood, urine, or body tissues of some patients with certain types of cancer. Tumor markers are produced either by the tumor itself or by the body in response to the presence of cancer or certain benign (noncancerous) conditions. In addition to their role in cancer diagnosis, some tumor marker levels are measured before treatment to help doctors plan appropriate therapy. All of the tumor markers were determined to have inhibition effect, on human CA-I, CA-II, bovine erythrocyte CA (BCA) and bovine lung CA-IV isoenzymes. The effect of each tumor marker on CA was investigated by Wilbur-Andersen method modified by Rickly et al Inhibition effects of two different tumor markers on human CA-I, CA-II, bovine erythrocyte CA (BCA) and bovine lung CA-IV isoenzymes were determined by using the CO2-Hydratase method by plotting activity % vs (tumor markers). I50 values of tumor markers exhibiting inhibition effects were found by means of these graphs (Tab.1, Fig. 2, Ref. 20).

A simulation study on the constancy of cardiac energy metabolites during workload transition.

PubMed

Saito, Ryuta; Takeuchi, Ayako; Himeno, Yukiko; Inagaki, Nobuya; Matsuoka, Satoshi

2016-12-01

The cardiac energy metabolites such as ATP, phosphocreatine, ADP and NADH are kept relatively constant during physiological cardiac workload transition. How this is accomplished is not yet clarified, though Ca 2+ has been suggested to be one of the possible mechanisms. We constructed a detailed mathematical model of cardiac mitochondria based on experimental data and studied whether known Ca 2+ -dependent regulation mechanisms play roles in the metabolite constancy. Model simulations revealed that the Ca 2+ -dependent regulation mechanisms have important roles under the in vitro condition of isolated mitochondria where malate and glutamate were mitochondrial substrates, while they have only a minor role and the composition of substrates has marked influence on the metabolite constancy during workload transition under the simulated in vivo condition where many substrates exist. These results help us understand the regulation mechanisms of cardiac energy metabolism during physiological cardiac workload transition. The cardiac energy metabolites such as ATP, phosphocreatine, ADP and NADH are kept relatively constant over a wide range of cardiac workload, though the mechanisms are not yet clarified. One possible regulator of mitochondrial metabolism is Ca 2+ , because it activates several mitochondrial enzymes and transporters. Here we constructed a mathematical model of cardiac mitochondria, including oxidative phosphorylation, substrate metabolism and ion/substrate transporters, based on experimental data, and studied whether the Ca 2+ -dependent activation mechanisms play roles in metabolite constancy. Under the in vitro condition of isolated mitochondria, where malate and glutamate were used as mitochondrial substrates, the model well reproduced the Ca 2+ and inorganic phosphate (P i ) dependences of oxygen consumption, NADH level and mitochondrial membrane potential. The Ca 2+ -dependent activations of the aspartate/glutamate carrier and the F 1 F o -ATPase, and the P i -dependent activation of Complex III were key factors in reproducing the experimental data. When the mitochondrial model was implemented in a simple cardiac cell model, simulation of workload transition revealed that cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] cyt ) within the physiological range markedly increased NADH level. However, the addition of pyruvate or citrate attenuated the Ca 2+ dependence of NADH during the workload transition. Under the simulated in vivo condition where malate, glutamate, pyruvate, citrate and 2-oxoglutarate were used as mitochondrial substrates, the energy metabolites were more stable during the workload transition and NADH level was almost insensitive to [Ca 2+ ] cyt . It was revealed that mitochondrial substrates have a significant influence on metabolite constancy during cardiac workload transition, and Ca 2+ has only a minor role under physiological conditions. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

Relationship of HIV Reservoir Characteristics with Immune Status and Viral Rebound Kinetics in an HIV Therapeutic Vaccine Study

PubMed Central

Li, Jonathan Z.; Heisey, Andrea; Ahmed, Hayat; Wang, Hongying; Zheng, Lu; Carrington, Mary; Wrin, Terri; Schooley, Robert T.; Lederman, Michael M.; Kuritzkes, Daniel R.

2014-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the impact of therapeutic HIV vaccination on the HIV reservoir, and assess the relationship of the viral reservoir with HIV-specific immune status and viral rebound kinetics. Design Retrospective analysis of ACTG A5197, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a therapeutic rAd5 HIV-1 gag vaccine. Methods Participants received vaccine/placebo at weeks 0, 4, and 26 prior to a 16-week analytic treatment interruption (ATI) at week 38. Cell-associated HIV-1 RNA and DNA (CA-RNA and CA-DNA) and HIV-1 residual viremia (RV) were quantified at weeks 0, 8, and 38. HIV-specific CD4+/CD8+ activity were assessed by an intracellular cytokine staining assay. Results At study entry, CA-RNA and CA-DNA levels were correlated inversely with the numbers of HIV-specific CD4+ interferon-γ-producing cells (CA-RNA: r = −0.23, P=0.03 and CA-DNA: r = −0.28, P<0.01, N=93). Therapeutic HIV vaccination induced HIV-specific CD4+ activity, but did not significantly affect levels of CA-RNA or CA-DNA. Vaccine recipients with undetectable RV at week 8 had higher frequencies of HIV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ interferon-γ-producing cells (undetectable versus detectable RV: 277 versus 161 CD4+ cells/106 lymphocytes, P=0.03 and 1326 versus 669 CD8+ cells/106 lymphocytes, P=0.04). Pre-ATI CA-RNA and CA-DNA were associated with post-ATI plasma HIV set point (CA-RNA: r = 0.51, P<0.01 and CA-DNA: r = 0.47, P<0.01). Conclusions Vaccine-induced T-cell responses were associated with a modest transient effect on RV, but more potent immune responses and/or combination treatment with latency-reversing agents are needed to reduce the HIV reservoir. HIV reservoir measures may act as biomarkers of post-ATI viral rebound kinetics. PMID:25254301

78 FR 40153 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

... images (Refs. 1 to 4, 7). Data from eye tracking studies can also help improve questionnaire design... response options. Eye tracking data can help to identify the need and strategies for improving the design... product familiarity or personal needs will cause variations in information seeking and that design...

A Knowledge Conversion Model Based on the Cognitive Load Theory for Architectural Design Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Yun-Wu; Liao, Shin; Wen, Ming-Hui; Weng, Kuo-Hua

2017-01-01

The education of architectural design requires balanced curricular arrangements of respectively theoretical knowledge and practical skills to really help students build their knowledge structures, particularly helping them in solving the problems of cognitive load. The purpose of this study is to establish an architectural design knowledge…

Dual-tail approach to discovery of novel carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors by simultaneously matching the hydrophobic and hydrophilic halves of the active site.

PubMed

Hou, Zhuang; Lin, Bin; Bao, Yu; Yan, Hai-Ning; Zhang, Miao; Chang, Xiao-Wei; Zhang, Xin-Xin; Wang, Zi-Jie; Wei, Gao-Fei; Cheng, Mao-Sheng; Liu, Yang; Guo, Chun

2017-05-26

Dual-tail approach was employed to design novel Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) IX inhibitors by simultaneously matching the hydrophobic and hydrophilic halves of the active site, which also contains a zinc ion as part of the catalytic center. The classic sulfanilamide moiety was used as the zinc binding group. An amino glucosamine fragment was chosen as the hydrophilic part and a cinnamamide fragment as the hydrophobic part in order to draw favorable interactions with the corresponding halves of the active site. In comparison with sulfanilamide which is largely devoid of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions with the two halves of the active site, the compounds so designed and synthesized in this study showed 1000-fold improvement in binding affinity. Most of the compounds inhibited the CA effectively with IC 50 values in the range of 7-152 nM. Compound 14e (IC 50 : 7 nM) was more effective than the reference drug acetazolamide (IC 50 : 30 nM). The results proved that the dual-tail approach to simultaneously matching the hydrophobic and hydrophilic halves of the active site by linking hydrophobic and hydrophilic fragments was useful for designing novel CA inhibitors. The effectiveness of those compounds was elucidated by both the experimental data and molecular docking simulations. This work laid a solid foundation for further development of novel CA IX inhibitors for cancer treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

PEP Talk: Prostate Education Program, "Cutting Through the Uncertainty of Prostate Cancer for Black Men Using Decision Support Instruments in Barbershops".

PubMed

Frencher, Stanley K; Sharma, Arun K; Teklehaimanot, Senait; Wadzani, Dennis; Ike, Ijeoma E; Hart, Alton; Norris, Keith

2016-09-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using decision support instruments (DSI) to assist African-American (AA) men in making a prostate cancer (CaP) screening decision. This nonrandomized pretest-posttest comparison study assessed two DSI that were either culturally tailored or culturally nonspecific. CaP knowledge, intention to screen, and preferences were assessed before and after exposure to DSI using a convenience sample of 120 AA men aged 40 years and above. Participants interested in screening were referred to healthcare providers through a community-based patient navigator to obtain prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. We followed up 3 months after to determine if participants screened for CaP. CaP knowledge increased following exposure to both DSI in equivalent proportions. While similar proportions of men ultimately intended on having a PSA test following both DSI, bivariate analysis revealed that the culturally tailored DSI demonstrated a statistically significant increase in intention to screen. Participants' degree of certainty in their decision-making process with regard to CaP screening increased following the culturally tailored DSI (p < .001). The majority of participants planned on discussing CaP screening with a healthcare provider upon completion of the study. Barbershop-based health education can change the knowledge, preferences, intentions, and behaviors of this at-risk population. At 3 months follow-up, half (n = 58) of the participants underwent PSA testing, which led to the diagnosis of CaP in one participant. Community-led interventions for CaP, such as cluster-randomized designs in barbershops, are needed to better assess the efficacy of DSI in community settings.

Prevalence and genome characteristics of canine astrovirus in southwest China.

PubMed

Li, Mingxiang; Yan, Nan; Ji, Conghui; Wang, Min; Zhang, Bin; Yue, Hua; Tang, Cheng

2018-05-30

The aim of this study was to investigate canine astrovirus (CaAstV) infection in southwest China. We collected 107 faecal samples from domestic dogs with obvious diarrhoea. Forty-two diarrhoeic samples (39.3 %) were positive for CaAstV by RT-PCR, and 41/42 samples showed co-infection with canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) and canine distemper virus (CDV). Phylogenetic analysis based on 26 CaAstV partial ORF1a and ORF1b sequences revealed that most CaAstV strains showed unique evolutionary features. Interestingly, putative recombination events were observed among four of the five complete ORF2 sequences cloned in this study, and three of the five complete ORF2 sequences formed a single unique group, suggesting that these strains could be a novel genotype. We successfully sequenced the complete genome of one CaAstV strain (designated 2017/44/CHN), which was 6628 nt in length. The features of this genome include putative recombination events in the ORF1a, ORF1b and ORF2 genes, while the ORF2 gene had a continuous insertion of 7 aa in region II compared with the other complete ORF2 sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 2017/44/CHN formed a single group based on genome sequences, suggesting that this strain might be a novel genotype. The results of this study revealed that CaAstV circulates widely in diarrhoeic dogs in southwest China and exhibits unique evolutionary events. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of recombination events in CaAstV, and it contributes to further understanding of the genetic evolution of CaAstV.

Is the Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum also a heat pump?

PubMed

Kjelstrup, Signe; de Meis, Leopoldo; Bedeaux, Dick; Simon, Jean-Marc

2008-11-01

We calculate, using the first law of thermodynamics, the membrane heat fluxes during active transport of Ca(2+) in the Ca(2+)-ATPase in leaky and intact vesicles, during ATP hydrolysis or synthesis conditions. The results show that the vesicle interior may cool down during hydrolysis and Ca(2+)-uptake, and heat up during ATP synthesis and Ca(2+)-efflux. The heat flux varies with the SERCA isoform. Electroneutral processes and rapid equilibration of water were assumed. The results are consistent with the second law of thermodynamics for the overall processes. The expression for the heat flux and experimental data, show that important contributions come from the enthalpy of hydrolysis for the medium in question, and from proton transport between the vesicle interior and exterior. The analysis give quantitative support to earlier proposals that certain, but not all, Ca(2+)-ATPases, not only act as Ca(2+)-pumps, but also as heat pumps. It can thus help explain why SERCA 1 type enzymes dominate in tissues where thermal regulation is important, while SERCA 2 type enzymes, with their lower activity and better ability to use the energy from the reaction to pump ions, dominate in tissues where this is not an issue.

Java project on periodontal diseases: effect of vitamin C/calcium threonate/citrus flavonoids supplementation on periodontal pathogens, CRP and HbA1c.

PubMed

Amaliya, Amaliya; Laine, Marja L; Loos, Bruno G; Van der Velden, Ubele

2015-12-01

To assess in a periodontally diseased rural population deprived from regular dental care and having poor dietary conditions, the effect of vitamin C/calcium threonate/citrus flavonoids (VitC/Ca/Fl) supplementation on subgingival microbiota and plasma levels of vitamin C, HbA1c and hsCRP. The study population consisted of 98 subjects who previously participated in a prospective study on the natural history of periodontitis. Participants were instructed to consume one tablet/day containing 200 mg Ester C(®) calcium ascorbate, 25 mg calcium threonate and 100 mg citrus flavonoids for 90 days. Following parameters were evaluated: prevalence/amount of seven traditional periodontal pathogens, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); and plasma levels of vitamin C, HbA1c and hsCRP. After VitC/Ca/Fl supplementation, 100% of subjects showed normal plasma vitamin C values compared to 55% before. At baseline, 48% of subjects harboured Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, >97% the other periodontal pathogens and 73% EBV. Supplementation with VitC/Ca/F reduced the subgingival load of all studied bacteria (p-values: 0.014-0.0001) and EBV (p < 0.0001) substantially in all initially positive subjects. Plasma levels of HbA1c and hsCRP dropped in all subjects (p < 0.0001). This uncontrolled study suggested that supplemental VitC/Ca/Fl may be helpful in reducing subgingival numbers of periodontal pathogens and EBV, and promoting systemic health. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Perceptual Development on the Rorschach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Neill, Patrick; And Others

1976-01-01

The Rorschach was given to 60 school children in two designs: chronological age (CA) and mental age (MA) orthogonal and CA=MA. Responses were scored for Form Accuracy, Complexity, Movement and Friedman's Developmental Level (DL) Scoring System. The results suggest that the DL system does assess MA independently of CA. (Author/DEP)

Facilitating mental health help-seeking by young adults with a dedicated online program: a feasibility study of Link.

PubMed

Kauer, Sylvia D; Buhagiar, Kerrie; Blake, Victoria; Cotton, Sue; Sanci, Lena

2017-07-09

To explore the feasibility of a dedicated online youth mental health help-seeking intervention and to evaluate using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) study design in order to identify any modifications needed before commencement of the full-scale RCT. A pilot RCT with 1:1 randomisation to either the intervention or comparison arm. An online study conducted Australia-wide. 18-25 year olds living in Australia were recruited via social media. Link is a dedicated online mental health help-seeking navigation tool that matches user's mental health issues, severity and service-type preferences (online, phone and face-to-face) with appropriate youth-friendly services. The comparison arm was usual help-seeking strategies with a link to Google.com. The primary outcome was the number of acceptability and feasibility criteria successfully met. Intervention and study design acceptability and feasibility were assessed by nine criteria. Secondary outcomes, via online surveys (at baseline, 1 week and 1 month) measured service use, help-seeking intentions, psychological distress, barriers to help-seeking, attitudes towards mental health help-seeking, mental health literacy, satisfaction and trust. Fifty-one participants were randomised (intervention: n=24; comparison: n=27). Three out of four of the intervention and two out of five of the study design criteria were met. Unmet criteria could be addressed by modifications to the study design. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that Link was useful to participants and may have increased their positive experiences towards help-seeking. There were no observable differences between arms in any outcome measures and no harms were detected. Generally, the Link intervention and study design were acceptable and feasible with modifications suggested for the four out of nine unmet criteria. The main trial will hence have shorter surveys and a simpler recruitment process, use positive affect as the primary outcome and will not link to Google.com for the comparison arm. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12614000386639. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Calcium balance in dialysis is best managed by adjusting dialysate calcium guided by kinetic modeling of the interrelationship between calcium intake, dose of vitamin D analogues and the dialysate calcium concentration.

PubMed

Gotch, Frank; Levin, Nathan W; Kotanko, Peter

2010-01-01

Calcium mass balance (Ca(MB)) is determined by the difference between Ca absorbed between dialyses (Ca(Abs)) and the Ca removed during dialysis (J(d)Ca(2+)). A mathematical model to quantify (1) Ca(Abs) as a function of Ca intake (Ca(INT)) and the doses of vitamin D analogues, and (2) J(d)Ca(2+) as a function of Ca(2+) dialysance, the mean plasma Ca(2+) ((M)C(pi)Ca(2+)) minus dialysate Ca(2+) (C(di)Ca(2+)), ultrafiltration rate (Q(f)) and treatment time is developed in this paper. The model revealed a basic design flaw in clinical studies of Ca-based as opposed to non-Ca-based binders in that C(di)Ca(2+) must be reduced with the Ca-based binders in order to avoid a positive Ca(MB) relative to the non-Ca-based binders. The model was also used to analyze Ca(MB) in 320 Renal Research Institute hemodialysis patients and showed that all patients irrespective of type of binder were in positive Ca(MB) between dialyses (mean +/- SD 160 +/- 67 mg/day) with current doses of vitamin D analogues prescribed. Calculation of the optimal C(di)Ca(2+) for the 320 Renal Research Institute patients revealed that in virtually all instances, the C(di)Ca(2+) required for neutral Ca(MB), where Ca removal during dialysis was equal to Ca accumulation between dialyses, was less than 2.50 mEq/l and averaged about 2.00 mEq/l. This sharply contradicts the recent KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease - Mineral and Bone Disorder, that suggests a C(di)Ca(2+) of 2.5-3.0 mEq/l. Review of the KDIGO work group discussions shows that this discrepancy stems from the unwarranted work group assumption that intradialytic Ca(MB) is zero. We strongly believe that this guideline for dialysate Ca(2+) is inappropriate and should be modified to more realistically reflect the needs of dialysis patients. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Coping with Stresses: Roles of Calcium- and Calcium/Calmodulin-Regulated Gene Expression[W][OA

PubMed Central

Reddy, Anireddy S.N.; Ali, Gul S.; Celesnik, Helena; Day, Irene S.

2011-01-01

Abiotic and biotic stresses are major limiting factors of crop yields and cause billions of dollars of losses annually around the world. It is hoped that understanding at the molecular level how plants respond to adverse conditions and adapt to a changing environment will help in developing plants that can better cope with stresses. Acquisition of stress tolerance requires orchestration of a multitude of biochemical and physiological changes, and most of these depend on changes in gene expression. Research during the last two decades has established that different stresses cause signal-specific changes in cellular Ca2+ level, which functions as a messenger in modulating diverse physiological processes that are important for stress adaptation. In recent years, many Ca2+ and Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) binding transcription factors (TFs) have been identified in plants. Functional analyses of some of these TFs indicate that they play key roles in stress signaling pathways. Here, we review recent progress in this area with emphasis on the roles of Ca2+- and Ca2+/CaM-regulated transcription in stress responses. We will discuss emerging paradigms in the field, highlight the areas that need further investigation, and present some promising novel high-throughput tools to address Ca2+-regulated transcriptional networks. PMID:21642548

Psychological Help-Seeking Attitudes of Helping Professional Candidates and Factors Influencing Them

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kumcagiz, Hatice

2013-01-01

This study was designed as descriptive to identify psychological help-seeking attitudes of helping professional candidates and factors influencing them. The research population consisted of 447 first and fourth grade students studying in the Departments of Psychological Counselling and Guidance, Psychology or Nursing at Ondokuz Mayis University.…

The cognitive nuances of surprising events: exposure to unexpected stimuli elicits firing variations in neurons of the dorsal CA1 hippocampus.

PubMed

Valenti, Ornella; Mikus, Nace; Klausberger, Thomas

2018-05-22

The ability to recognize novel situations is among the most fascinating and vital of the brain functions. A hypothesis posits that encoding of novelty is prompted by failures in expectancy, according to computation matching incoming information with stored events. Thus, unexpected changes in context are detected within the hippocampus and transferred to downstream structures, eliciting the arousal of the dopamine system. Nevertheless, the precise locus of detection is a matter of debate. The dorsal CA1 hippocampus (dCA1) appears as an ideal candidate for operating a mismatch computation and discriminating the occurrence of diverse stimuli within the same environment. In this study, we sought to determine dCA1 neuronal firing during the experience of novel stimuli embedded in familiar contexts. We performed population recordings while head-fixed mice navigated virtual environments. Three stimuli were employed, namely a novel pattern of visual cues, an odor, and a reward with enhanced valence. The encounter of unexpected events elicited profound variations in dCA1 that were assessed both as opposite rate directions and altered network connectivity. When experienced in sequence, novel stimuli elicited specific responses that often exhibited cross-sensitization. Short-latency, event-triggered responses were in accordance with the detection of novelty being computed within dCA1. We postulate that firing variations trigger neuronal disinhibition, and constitute a fundamental mechanism in the processing of unexpected events and in learning. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying detection and computation of novelty might help in understanding hippocampal-dependent cognitive dysfunctions associated with neuropathologies and psychiatric conditions.

Crystal structure of calpain-3 penta-EF-hand (PEF) domain - a homodimerized PEF family member with calcium bound at the fifth EF-hand

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

Partha, Sarathy K.; Ravulapalli, Ravikiran; Allingham, John S.

2014-08-21

Calpains are Ca 2+dependent intracellular cysteine proteases that cleave a wide range of protein substrates to help implement Ca 2+ signaling in the cell. The major isoforms of this enzyme family, calpain-1 and calpain-2, are heterodimers of a large and a small subunit, with the main dimer interface being formed through their C-terminal penta-EF hand (PEF) domains. Calpain-3, or p94, is a skeletal muscle-specific isoform that is genetically linked to limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Biophysical and modeling studies with the PEF domain of calpain-3 support the suggestion that full-length calpain-3 exists as a homodimer. Here, we report the crystallization of calpain-3'smore » PEF domain and its crystal structure in the presence of Ca 2+, which provides evidence for the homodimer architecture of calpain-3 and supports the molecular model that places a protease core at either end of the elongated dimer. Unlike other calpain PEF domain structures, the calpain-3 PEF domain contains a Ca 2+ bound at the EF5-hand used for homodimer association. Three of the four Ca 2+-binding EF-hands of the PEF domains are concentrated near the protease core, and have the potential to radically change the local charge within the dimer during Ca 2+ signaling. Examination of the homodimer interface shows that there would be steric clashes if the calpain-3 large subunit were to try to pair with a calpain small subunit.« less

Identification of carbonates as additives in pressure-sensitive adhesive tape substrate with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and its application in three explosive cases.

PubMed

Lv, Jungang; Feng, Jimin; Zhang, Wen; Shi, Rongguang; Liu, Yong; Wang, Zhaohong; Zhao, Meng

2013-01-01

Pressure-sensitive tape is often used to bind explosive devices. It can become important trace evidence in many cases. Three types of calcium carbonate (heavy, light, and active CaCO(3)), which were widely used as additives in pressure-sensitive tape substrate, were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in this study. A Spectrum GX 2000 system with a diamond anvil cell and a deuterated triglycine sulfate detector was employed for IR observation. Background was subtracted for every measurement, and triplicate tests were performed. Differences in positions of main peaks and the corresponding functional groups were investigated. Heavy CaCO(3) could be identified from the two absorptions near 873 and 855/cm, while light CaCO(3) only has one peak near 873/cm because of the low content of aragonite. Active CaCO(3) could be identified from the absorptions in the 2800-2900/cm region because of the existence of organic compounds. Tiny but indicative changes in the 878-853/cm region were found in the spectra of CaCO(3) with different content of aragonite and calcite. CaCO(3) in pressure-sensitive tape, which cannot be differentiated by scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and thermal analysis, can be easily identified using FTIR. The findings were successfully applied to three specific explosive cases and would be helpful in finding the possible source of explosive devices in future cases. © 2012 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Structural Analysis of Lightning Protection System for New Launch Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cope, Anne; Moore, Steve; Pruss, Richard

2008-01-01

This project includes the design and specification of a lightning protection system for Launch Complex 39 B (LC39B) at Kennedy Space Center, FL in support of the Constellation Program. The purpose of the lightning protection system is to protect the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) or Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV) and associated launch equipment from direct lightning strikes during launch processing and other activities prior to flight. The design includes a three-tower, overhead catenary wire system to protect the vehicle and equipment on LC39B as described in the study that preceded this design effort: KSC-DX-8234 "Study: Construct Lightning Protection System LC3 9B". The study was a collaborative effort between Reynolds, Smith, and Hills (RS&H) and ASRC Aerospace (ASRC), where ASRC was responsible for the theoretical design and risk analysis of the lightning protection system and RS&H was responsible for the development of the civil and structural components; the mechanical systems; the electrical and grounding systems; and the siting of the lightning protection system. The study determined that a triangular network of overhead catenary cables and down conductors supported by three triangular free-standing towers approximately 594 ft tall (each equipped with a man lift, ladder, electrical systems, and communications systems) would provide a level of lightning protection for the Constellation Program CLV and CaLV on Launch Pad 39B that exceeds the design requirements.

77 FR 7525 - Revision of Class D and Class E Airspace; Hawthorne, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-13

...-0610; Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-10] Revision of Class D and Class E Airspace; Hawthorne, CA AGENCY... Part 71.1. The Class D airspace and Class E airspace designations listed in this document will be... CFR) Part 71 by revising Class D airspace and Class E surface airspace designated as an extension to...

The spatial proximity effect of beta-glucosidase and cellulosomes on cellulose degradation.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyi; Xiao, Yan; Feng, Yingang; Li, Bin; Li, Wenli; Cui, Qiu

2018-08-01

Low-cost saccharification is one of the key bottlenecks hampering the further application of lignocellulosic biomass. Clostridium thermocellum is a naturally ideal cellulose degrading bacterium armed with cellulosomes, which are multienzyme complexes that are capable of efficiently degrading cellulose. However, under controlled condition, the inhibition effect of hydrolysate cellobiose severely restricts the hydrolytic ability of cellulosomes. Although the addition of beta-glucosidase (Bgl) could effectively relieve this inhibition, the spatial proximity effect of Bgl and cellulosomes on cellulose degradation is still unclear. To address this issue, free Bgl from Caldicellulosiruptor sp. F32 (CaBglA), carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) fused CaBglA (CaBglA-CBM) and cellulosomal type II cohesin module (CohII) fused to CaBglA (CaBglA-CohII) were successfully constructed, and their enzymatic activities, binding abilities and saccharification efficiencies were systematically investigated in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, with the adjacency of CaBglA to cellulosomes, the saccharification efficiency of microcrystalline cellulose increased from 40% to 50%. For the pretreated wheat straw, the degradation rate of the combination of cells and the CaBglA-CohII or the CaBglA-CBM was as efficient as that of the free CaBglA (approximately 60%). This study demonstrated that the proximity of CaBglA to cellulosomes had a positive effect on microcrystalline cellulose but not on pretreated wheat straw, which may result from the nonproductive adsorption of lignin and the decreased thermostability of CaBglA-CBM and CaBglA-CohII compared to that of CaBglA. The above results will contribute to the design of cost-effective Bgls for industrial cellulose degradation. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Active-comparator design and new-user design in observational studies

PubMed Central

Yoshida, Kazuki; Solomon, Daniel H.; Kim, Seoyoung C.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Over the past decade, an increasing number of observational studies have examined the effectiveness or safety of rheumatoid arthritis treatments. However, unlike randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies of drug effects face methodological challenges including confounding by indication. Two design principles - active comparator design and new user design can help mitigate such challenges in observational studies. To improve validity of study findings, observational studies should be designed in such a way that makes them more closely approximate RCTs. The active comparator design compares the drug of interest to another commonly used agent for the same indication, rather than a ‘non-user’ group. This principle helps select treatment groups similar in treatment indications (both measured and unmeasured characteristics). The new user design includes a cohort of patients from the time of treatment initiation, so that it can assess patients’ pretreatment characteristics and capture all events occurring anytime during follow-up. PMID:25800216

Optimal Design for Hetero-Associative Memory: Hippocampal CA1 Phase Response Curve and Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity

PubMed Central

Miyata, Ryota; Ota, Keisuke; Aonishi, Toru

2013-01-01

Recently reported experimental findings suggest that the hippocampal CA1 network stores spatio-temporal spike patterns and retrieves temporally reversed and spread-out patterns. In this paper, we explore the idea that the properties of the neural interactions and the synaptic plasticity rule in the CA1 network enable it to function as a hetero-associative memory recalling such reversed and spread-out spike patterns. In line with Lengyel’s speculation (Lengyel et al., 2005), we firstly derive optimally designed spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) rules that are matched to neural interactions formalized in terms of phase response curves (PRCs) for performing the hetero-associative memory function. By maximizing object functions formulated in terms of mutual information for evaluating memory retrieval performance, we search for STDP window functions that are optimal for retrieval of normal and doubly spread-out patterns under the constraint that the PRCs are those of CA1 pyramidal neurons. The system, which can retrieve normal and doubly spread-out patterns, can also retrieve reversed patterns with the same quality. Finally, we demonstrate that purposely designed STDP window functions qualitatively conform to typical ones found in CA1 pyramidal neurons. PMID:24204822

``Amarna blue'' painted on ancient Egyptian pottery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uda, M.; Nakamura, M.; Yoshimura, S.; Kondo, J.; Saito, M.; Shirai, Y.; Hasegawa, S.; Baba, Y.; Ikeda, K.; Ban, Y.; Matsuo, A.; Tamada, M.; Sunaga, H.; Oshio, H.; Yamashita, D.; Nakajima, Y.; Utaka, T.

2002-04-01

"Amarna blue" pigments (18 Dynasty, c. 1400 BC) painted on pottery fragments were investigated using the PIXE, XRF and XRD methods in laboratories and also using a portable type of X-ray spectrometer at the sites of excavation. On the blue-colored part enrichment of Na, Al, S, Cl, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn was found using X-ray spectroscopy, and CaSO 4, NaCl and Co(M)Al 2O 4, M denoting Mn, Fe, Ni and Zn, were found by the help of X-ray diffraction. This means that Amarna blue is a mixture of CaSO 4 and Co(M)Al 2O 4, at least in part.

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Atmospheric Transport Modeling.

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

Sun, B.; Lehman, L. L.

2017-10-02

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions or assessment needs,more » if potential problems are identified.« less

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Waste Form Release.

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

Hardie, S.; Paris, B.; Apted, M.

2017-09-14

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions or assessment needs,more » if potential problems are identified.« less

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Integrated Computational Framework.

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

Smith, K. J.

2017-09-14

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions, or assessment needsmore » if potential problems are identified.« less

Microstructure, Thermal, Mechanical, and Dielectric Properties of BaO-CaO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 Glass-Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Bian, Haibo; Fang, Yi

2017-12-01

BaO-CaO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2 (BCABS) glass-ceramics were prepared via the method of controlled crystallization. The effect of CaO modification on the microstructure, phase evolution, as well as thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties was investigated. XRD identified that quartz is the major crystal phase; cristobalite and bazirite are the minor crystal phases. Moreover, the increase of CaO could inhibit the phase transformation from quartz to cristobalite, but excessive CaO would increase the porosity of the ceramics. Additionally, with increasing the amount of CaO, the thermal expansion curve tends to be linear, and subsequently the CTE value decreases gradually, which is attributed to the decrease of cristobalite with high CTE and the formation of CaSiO3 with low CTE. The results indicated that a moderate amount of CaO helps attaining excellent mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties, that is, the specimen with 9 wt% CaO sintered at 950 °C has a high CTE value (11.5 × 10-6/°C), a high flexural strength (165.7 MPa), and good dielectric properties (ɛr = 6.2, tanδ = 1.8 × 10-4, ρ = 4.6 × 1011 Ω•cm).

Designed Synthesis of Lipid-Coated Polyacrylic Acid/Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles as Dual pH-Responsive Drug-Delivery Vehicles for Cancer Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Zhang, Manjie; Zhang, Lingyu; Li, Lu; Li, Shengnan; Wang, Chungang; Su, Zhongmin; Yuan, Yue; Pan, Weisan

2017-05-11

Herein, we report a facile strategy to prepare supported lipid-bilayer-coated polyacrylic acid/calcium phosphate nanoparticles (designated as PAA/CaP@SLB NPs) as a new dual pH-responsive drug-delivery platform for cancer chemotherapy. The synthesized PAA/CaP NPs exhibited both a high payload of doxorubicin (DOX) and dual pH-responsive drug-release properties. Additionally, the coated lipid bilayer had the ability to enhance the cellular uptake of PAA/CaP NPs without affecting the pH-responsive drug release. Moreover, the blank PAA/CaP@SLB NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and the DOX-loaded PAA/CaP@SLB NPs markedly increased the cellular accumulation of DOX and its cytotoxic effects on HepG-2 cells. Furthermore, when used to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy in mice with the hepatocarcinoma cell line (H-22), the DOX-loaded PAA/CaP@SLB NPs exhibited superior inhibition of tumor growth compared with the free DOX group. Thus, PAA/CaP@SLB NPs are a promising drug-delivery vehicle to increase the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Visualization of Fluoride Ions In Vivo Using a Gadolinium(III)-Coumarin Complex-Based Fluorescence/MRI Dual-Modal Probe

PubMed Central

Wang, Yue; Song, Renfeng; Feng, Huan; Guo, Ke; Meng, Qingtao; Chi, Haijun; Zhang, Run; Zhang, Zhiqiang

2016-01-01

A new Gadolinium(III)–coumarin complex, DO3A-Gd-CA, was designed and prepared as a dual-modal probe for simultaneous fluorescence and relaxivity responses to fluoride ions (F−) in aqueous media and mice. DO3A-Gd-CA was designed by using Gd(III) center as an MRI signal output unit and fluoride binding site, and the 4-(diethylamino)-coumarin-3-carboxylic acid (CA) as a fluorescence reporter. Upon the addition of fluoride ions to the solution of DO3A-Gd-CA, the liberation of the coordinated CA ligand led to a 5.7-fold fluorescence enhancement and a 75% increase in the longitudinal relaxivity (r1). The fluorescent detection limit for fluoride ions was determined to be 8 μM based on a 3σ/slope. The desirable features of the proposed DO3A-Gd-CA, such as high sensitivity and specificity, reliability at physiological pH and low cytotoxicity enable its application in visualization of fluoride ion in mice. The successful in vivo imaging indicates that DO3A-Gd-CA could be potentially used in biomedical diagnosis fields. PMID:27999298

Visualization of Fluoride Ions In Vivo Using a Gadolinium(III)-Coumarin Complex-Based Fluorescence/MRI Dual-Modal Probe.

PubMed

Wang, Yue; Song, Renfeng; Feng, Huan; Guo, Ke; Meng, Qingtao; Chi, Haijun; Zhang, Run; Zhang, Zhiqiang

2016-12-16

A new Gadolinium(III)-coumarin complex, DO3A-Gd- CA , was designed and prepared as a dual-modal probe for simultaneous fluorescence and relaxivity responses to fluoride ions (F - ) in aqueous media and mice. DO3A-Gd- CA was designed by using Gd(III) center as an MRI signal output unit and fluoride binding site, and the 4-(diethylamino)-coumarin-3-carboxylic acid ( CA ) as a fluorescence reporter. Upon the addition of fluoride ions to the solution of DO3A-Gd- CA , the liberation of the coordinated CA ligand led to a 5.7-fold fluorescence enhancement and a 75% increase in the longitudinal relaxivity ( r ₁). The fluorescent detection limit for fluoride ions was determined to be 8 μM based on a 3 σ / slope . The desirable features of the proposed DO3A-Gd- CA , such as high sensitivity and specificity, reliability at physiological pH and low cytotoxicity enable its application in visualization of fluoride ion in mice. The successful in vivo imaging indicates that DO3A-Gd- CA could be potentially used in biomedical diagnosis fields.

Calcium/calmodulin-mediated signal network in plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Tianbao; Poovaiah, B. W.

2003-01-01

Various extracellular stimuli elicit specific calcium signatures that can be recognized by different calcium sensors. Calmodulin, the predominant calcium receptor, is one of the best-characterized calcium sensors in eukaryotes. In recent years, completion of the Arabidopsis genome project and advances in functional genomics have helped to identify and characterize numerous calmodulin-binding proteins in plants. There are some similarities in Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated signaling in plants and animals. However, plants possess multiple calmodulin genes and many calmodulin target proteins, including unique protein kinases and transcription factors. Some of these proteins are likely to act as "hubs" during calcium signal transduction. Hence, a better understanding of the function of these calmodulin target proteins should help in deciphering the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated signal network and its role in plant growth, development and response to environmental stimuli.

The CRISP theory of hippocampal function in episodic memory

PubMed Central

Cheng, Sen

2013-01-01

Over the past four decades, a “standard framework” has emerged to explain the neural mechanisms of episodic memory storage. This framework has been instrumental in driving hippocampal research forward and now dominates the design and interpretation of experimental and theoretical studies. It postulates that cortical inputs drive plasticity in the recurrent cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) synapses to rapidly imprint memories as attractor states in CA3. Here we review a range of experimental studies and argue that the evidence against the standard framework is mounting, notwithstanding the considerable evidence in its support. We propose CRISP as an alternative theory to the standard framework. CRISP is based on Context Reset by dentate gyrus (DG), Intrinsic Sequences in CA3, and Pattern completion in cornu ammonis 1 (CA1). Compared to previous models, CRISP uses a radically different mechanism for storing episodic memories in the hippocampus. Neural sequences are intrinsic to CA3, and inputs are mapped onto these intrinsic sequences through synaptic plasticity in the feedforward projections of the hippocampus. Hence, CRISP does not require plasticity in the recurrent CA3 synapses during the storage process. Like in other theories DG and CA1 play supporting roles, however, their function in CRISP have distinct implications. For instance, CA1 performs pattern completion in the absence of CA3 and DG contributes to episodic memory retrieval, increasing the speed, precision, and robustness of retrieval. We propose the conceptual theory, discuss its implications for experimental results and suggest testable predictions. It appears that CRISP not only accounts for those experimental results that are consistent with the standard framework, but also for results that are at odds with the standard framework. We therefore suggest that CRISP is a viable, and perhaps superior, theory for the hippocampal function in episodic memory. PMID:23653597

The effect of DEB powder processing on thermal cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szwarc, R.; Walton, R. D.

During the last twenty years, the system Ca/LiCl-KCl-CaCrO4/Fe has provided the basis for thermal batteries designed for military applications. In connection with greater performance demands, investigations are being conducted concerning the effect of catholyte processing on thermal cell performance. The catholyte layer is composed of three components including the depolarizer (D), CaCrO4, the electrolyte (E), LiCl-KCl eutectic, and the binder (B), finely divided SiO2. The catholyte layer or DEB pellets are produced by blending these components, fusing, pulverizing the cake, and hydrostatically pressing the powder into pellets. A description is given of ten powders which were prepared for the reported study. It was found that the procedure used in powder processing affects the capacity, but not its voltage. Increasing the prebake temperature for CaCrO4 from 400 to 600 C resulted in an increase in capacity.

(PRESENTED NAQC SAN FRANCISCO, CA) COARSE PM METHODS STUDY: STUDY DESIGN AND RESULTS

EPA Science Inventory

Comprehensive field studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of sampling methods for measuring the coarse fraction of PM10 in ambient air. Five separate sampling approaches were evaluated at each of three sampling sites. As the primary basis of comparison, a discrete ...

Activity of pyramidal I and II < c + a > slip in Mg alloys as revealed by texture development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zecevic, Miroslav; Beyerlein, Irene J.; Knezevic, Marko

2018-02-01

Due to the geometry of the hexagonal close-packed (HCP) lattice, there are two types of pyramidal slip modes: { 10 1 bar 1 } 〈 11 2 bar 3 bar 〉 or type I and { 1 bar 1 bar 22 } 〈 11 2 bar 3 〉 or type II in HCP crystalline materials. Here we use crystal plasticity to examine the importance of crystallographic slip by pyramidal type I and type II on texture evolution. The study is applied to an Mg-4%Li alloy. An elastic-plastic polycrystal model is employed to elucidate the reorientation tendencies of these two slip modes in rolling of a textured polycrystal. Comparisons with experimental texture measurements indicate that both pyramidal I and II type slip were active during rolling deformation, with pyramidal I being the dominant mode. A single-slip-mode analysis is used to identify the orientations that prefer pyramidal I vs. II type slip when acting alone in a crystal. The analysis applies not only to Mg-4%Li, but identifies the key texture components in HCP crystals that would help distinguish the activity of pyramidal I from pyramidal II slip in rolling deformation.

NREL Evaluates Performance of Fast-Charge Electric Buses

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

2016-09-16

This real-world performance evaluation is designed to enhance understanding of the overall usage and effectiveness of electric buses in transit operation and to provide unbiased technical information to other agencies interested in adding such vehicles to their fleets. Initial results indicate that the electric buses under study offer significant fuel and emissions savings. The final results will help Foothill Transit optimize the energy-saving potential of its transit fleet. NREL's performance evaluations help vehicle manufacturers fine-tune their designs and help fleet managers select fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles that meet their bottom line and operational goals. help Foothill Transit optimize the energy-saving potentialmore » of its transit fleet. NREL's performance evaluations help vehicle manufacturers fine-tune their designs and help fleet managers select fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles that meet their bottom line and operational goals.« less

Aldehydes in passenger vehicles: An analysis of data from the RIOPA Study 1999-2001

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mapou, Ashley E. M.; Shendell, Derek G.; Therkorn, Jennifer H.; Xiong, Youyou; Meng, Qingyu; Zhang, Junfeng

2013-11-01

In-vehicle air quality (IVAQ) can be a major health concern due to factors such as urban sprawl and increased commuting time spent by individuals in vehicles. Few studies, particularly in the U.S., have considered in-vehicle toxic air contaminants, and none to date collected/analyzed field data in multiple communities across multiple climate zones. This study presents analyses of field data collected during the RIOPA Study from participating non-smoking adults for communities in Los Angeles County, CA, Elizabeth, NJ and Houston, TX. A significant difference (p < 0.001) in in-vehicle formaldehyde concentrations was observed, with the median concentration of in-vehicle formaldehyde in the CA communities about twice as high as in the NJ and TX communities. The highest median concentration of in-vehicle acetaldehyde was observed among the TX participants, over 40% higher than the overall study median. Given small sample sizes, the community (state) differences may be driven independently by differences in individual vehicle conditions and driving habits. Positive correlations were found between average community outdoor relative humidity in CA and NJ and in-vehicle formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations. The amount of time car windows were reported as closed was inversely correlated with in-vehicle formaldehyde across study locations, and for in-vehicle acetaldehyde in CA and TX. Average wind speed and varying sky conditions also had suggested associations to in-vehicle formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. In CA and TX, 88% (7/8) of participants with a diagnosis of bronchitis reported at study baseline had in-vehicle formaldehyde concentrations greater than the overall study median. Every participant with diagnoses of both asthma and bronchitis (n = 3) reported at study baseline had in-vehicle formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations above the overall study median; one participant in TX with two seasonal in-vehicle samplings had in-vehicle concentrations > 75th percentile. IVAQ during commuting may vary based on human behavior and meteorological factors. Additional studies are needed to further characterize ways to help reduce in-vehicle aldehyde exposures, especially for people with existing chronic respiratory illnesses who could experience symptom exacerbations upon such exposures.

Reducing mineral usage in feedlot diets for Nellore cattle: I. Impacts of calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and zinc contents on microbial efficiency and ruminal, intestinal, and total digestibility of dietary constituents.

PubMed

Sathler, D F T; Prados, L F; Zanetti, D; Silva, B C; Filho, S C Valadares; Pacheco, M V C; Amaral, P M; Rennó, L N; Paulino, M F

2017-04-01

This study evaluated intake, microbial efficiency, and ruminal, small and large intestinal, and total digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and NDF, as well as availability of Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Mn, and Zn in Zebu cattle fed with or without supplemental sources of Ca and P or a micromineral premix. Five rumen- and ileum-cannulated Nellore bulls (BW = 200 ± 10.5 kg; 9 mo) were used in the experiment, distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experiment was developed in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design to measure the effects of mineral supplementation on intake, digestibility, and site of nutrient absorption. The factors consisted of 2 Ca and P levels (macromineral factor; CaP+ or CaP-) and 2 microminerals levels (micromineral factor; CuMnZn+ or CuMnZn-). In addition, a treatment with alimentary restriction (REST) was evaluated at 1.7% of BW. Nutrient fluxes were measured in the omasum and ileum, in addition to intake and fecal excretion. Microbial efficiency was estimated using purine derivative excretion. Dry matter, OM, NDF, CP intake, and total digestibility were not affected ( ≥ 0.058) by the absence of Ca, P, Cu, Mn, and Zn supplementation. Intake of Ca, P, and Mg were reduced ( < 0.01) by CaP-. The absence of CuMnZn reduced ( < 0.01) Cu, Mn, and Zn intake. Ruminal recycling of P, Na, and K is significant for increasing the influx of these minerals to the digestive tract; however, influences of treatments were not observed. The small and large intestines contributed to mineral absorption in different proportions ( < 0.05), according to minerals and treatments. Because of the similarity ( > 0.05) of OM, NDF, and CP digestion sites and coefficients, we assume that omitting supplemental sources of Ca, P, Cu, Mn, and Zn may be an option in raising cattle on feedlots. If supplementation is viable, knowledge about the specific absorption site of each mineral could positively impact choices about the supplemental source.

Self diffusion of alkaline-Earth in Ca-Mg-aluminosilicate melts: Experimental improvements on the determination of the self-diffusion coefficients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paillat, O.; Wasserburg, G. J.

1993-01-01

Experimental studies of self-diffusion isotopes in silicate melts often have quite large uncertainties when comparing one study to another. We designed an experiment in order to improve the precision of the results by simultaneously studying several elements (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) during the same experiment thereby greatly reducing the relative experimental uncertainties. Results show that the uncertainties on the diffusion coefficients can be reduced to 10 percent, allowing a more reliable comparison of differences of self-diffusion coefficients of the elements. This type of experiment permits us to study precisely and simultaneously several elements with no restriction on any element. We also designed an experiment to investigate the possible effects of multicomponent diffusion during Mg self-diffusion experiments by comparing cases where the concentrations of the elements and the isotopic compositions are different. The results suggest that there are differences between the effective means of transport. This approach should allow us to investigate the importance of multicomponent diffusion in silicate melts.

Geochemical signatures in fin rays provide a nonlethal method to distinguish the natal rearing streams of endangered juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Wenatchee River, Washington

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

Linley, Timothy J.; Krogstad, Eirik J.; Nims, Megan K.

Rebuilding fish populations that have undergone a major decline is a challenging task that can be made more complicated when estimates of abundance obtained from physical tags are biased or imprecise. Abundance estimates based on natural tags where each fish in the population is marked can help address these problems, but generally requires that the samples be obtained in a nonlethal manner. We evaluated the potential of using geochemical signatures in fin rays as a nonlethal method to determine the natal tributaries of endangered juvenile spring Chinook Salmon in the Wenatchee River, Washington. Archived samples of anal fin clips collectedmore » from yearling smolt in 2009, 2010 and 2011 were analyzed for Ba/Ca, Mn/Ba, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Zn/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Water samples collected from these same streams in 2012 were also quantified for geochemical composition. Fin ray and water Ba/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr were highly correlated despite the samples having been collected in different years. Fin ray Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Zn/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr ratios differed significantly among the natal streams, but also among years within streams. A linear discriminant model that included Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr correctly classified 95% of the salmon to their natal stream. Our results suggest that fin ray geochemistry may provide an effective, nonlethal method to identify mixtures of Wenatchee River spring Chinook Salmon for recovery efforts when these involve the capture of juvenile fish to estimate population abundance.« less

GABAA receptor: a unique modulator of excitability, Ca2+ signaling, and catecholamine release of rat chromaffin cells.

PubMed

Alejandre-García, Tzitzitlini; Peña-Del Castillo, Johanna G; Hernández-Cruz, Arturo

2018-01-01

The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in adrenal medulla chromaffin cell (CC) function is just beginning to unfold. GABA is stored in catecholamine (CA)-containing dense core granules and is presumably released together with CA, ATP, and opioids in response to physiological stimuli, playing an autocrine-paracrine role on CCs. The reported paradoxical "dual action" of GABA A -R activation (enhancement of CA secretion and inhibition of synaptically evoked CA release) is only one aspect of GABA's multifaceted actions. In this review, we discuss recent physiological experiments on rat CCs in situ which suggest that GABA regulation of CC function may depend on the physiological context: During non-stressful conditions, GABA A -R activation by endogenous GABA tonically inhibits acetylcholine release from splanchnic nerve terminals and decreases spontaneous Ca 2+ fluctuations in CCs, preventing unwanted CA secretion. During intense stress, splanchnic nerve terminals release acetylcholine, which depolarizes CCs and allows the Ca 2+ influx that triggers the release of CA and GABA. With time, CA secretion declines, due to voltage-independent inhibition of Ca 2+ channels and desensitization of cholinergic nicotinic receptors. Nonetheless, acute activation of GABA A -R is depolarizing in about 50% of CCs, and thus GABA, acting as an autocrine/paracrine mediator, could help to maintain CA exocytosis under stress. GABA A -R activation is not excitatory in about half of CCs' population because it hyperpolarizes them or elicits no response. This percentage possibly varies, depending on functional demands, since GABA A -R-mediated actions are determined by the intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl - ] i ) and therefore on the activity of cation-chloride co transporters, which is functionally regulated. These findings underscore a potential importance of a novel and complex GABA-mediated regulation of CC function and of CA secretion.

Carbonic anhydrase distribution across organisms and environments: genomic predictors for soil enzymatic fluxes of carbon cycle tracers δ18O and COS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meredith, L. K.; Singer, E.

2016-12-01

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) and the oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of CO2 are potential tools for differentiating the contributions of photosynthesis and respiration to the balance of global carbon cycling. These processes are coupled at the leaf level via the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA), which hydrolyzes CO2 in the first biochemical step of the photosynthetic pathway (CO2 + H2O ⇌ HCO3- + H+) and correspondingly structural analogue COS (COS + H2O → CO2 + H2S). CA also accelerates the exchange of oxygen isotopes between CO2 and H2O leading to a distinct isotopic imprint. The biogeochemical cycles of these tracers include significant, yet poorly characterized soil processes that challenge their utility for probing the carbon cycle. In soils, microbial CA also hydrolyze COS and accelerate O isotope exchange between CO2 and soil water. Genomic predictors of microbial CA activity may help account and predict for these soil fluxes. Using a bioinformatics approach, we assess the distribution of the six known CA classes (α, β, γ, δ, η, ζ) in organisms ranging from fungi and plants to archaea and bacteria, and ask whether CA diversity is linked to soil microbial diversity. We survey the diversity and relative abundance of CA in a wide variety of environments and estimate the sensitivity of CA to biome and land use. Finally, we compare the CA distribution in soils to measurements (oxygen isotope and COS fluxes) and models of CA activity to develop genomic predictors for CA activity. This work provides the first survey of CA in soils, a step towards understanding the significant role of CA in microbial ecology and microbe-mediated biogeochemical cycles.

Oral health in young women having a low calcium and vitamin D nutritional status.

PubMed

Antonenko, O; Bryk, G; Brito, G; Pellegrini, G; Zeni, S N

2015-07-01

Oral health plays an important role in an individual's eating choices, which in turn ensure good nutrition throughout life. The deterioration in diet quality may partially explain the association between tooth loss and several systemic diseases, including osteoporosis. The study evaluated the association between oral health and calcium (Ca) and vitamin D nutritional status. The effect of several dietary and lifestyle habits was also evaluated. One hundred six women aged 23.7 ± 0.4 years were evaluated. Ca intake (CaI) and protein intake were recorded, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was evaluated. Dental status and caries risk were assessed by determining the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth and DMFT index, Löe Silness plaque index (PI), and sugar intake (SI). Deficient CaI was observed in 59% of women; 71% had 25OHD <30 ng/mL and 72% consumed soft drinks daily. M/T score was 3%, D/T score was 28.4%, and F/T score was 0%. Thirty-nine percent of women were missing at least one tooth. PI and SI were 2.0 ± 0.1 and 5.2 ± 0, respectively, and DMFT score was 6.6 ± 0.4. CaI adjusted by other risk factors was associated with higher percentage of caries (p < 0.0001), DMFT (p < 0.001), and PI (p < 0.007). One hundred percent of women presented gingivitis. When considering the one third of the studied group with the highest caries scores, DMFT reached 10.6 ± 0.5. This group had significantly lower CaI and 25OHD levels (p < 0.05) and significantly higher protein intake, daily consumption of soft drinks, and PI and SI values compared to the rest of the women (p < 0.05). The results of this cross-sectional report evidenced an association between high cariogenic risk and great severity of oral disease in the studied group of young women and low CaI. Although caries progression is a complex process involving multiple factors, an adequate nutritional status of Ca and vitamin D could be an additional factor that may help preserve a good oral health.

Feasibility of Popular m-Health Technologies for Activity Tracking Among Individuals with Serious Mental Illness

PubMed Central

Aschbrenner, Kelly A.; Barre, Laura K.; Bartels, Stephen J.

2015-01-01

Abstract Obesity prevalence is nearly double among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, compared with the general population. Emerging mobile health (m-health) technologies are increasingly available and offer the potential to support lifestyle interventions targeting weight loss, yet the practical feasibility of using these technologies in this high-risk group has not been established. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of popular m-health technologies for activity tracking among overweight and obese individuals with SMI. We provided wearable activity monitoring devices (FitBit [San Francisco, CA] Zip™ or Nike Inc. [Beaverton, OR] FuelBand) and smartphones (Apple [Cupertino, CA] iPhone® 4S) for accessing the smartphone application for each device to participants with SMI enrolled in a weight loss program. Feasibility of these devices was measured by the frequency of use over time. Acceptability was measured through qualitative follow-up interviews with participants. Ten participants with SMI wore the devices for a mean of 89% (standard deviation=13%) of the days in the study. Five participants wore the devices 100% of the time. Participants reported high satisfaction, stating the devices were easy to use, helpful for setting goals, motivational, and useful for self-monitoring. Several participants liked the social connectivity feature of the devices where they could see each other's progress on the smartphone application, noting that “friendly” competition increased motivation to be more physically active. This study supports using popular m-health technologies for activity tracking among individuals with SMI. These findings can inform the design of weight loss interventions targeting this vulnerable patient population. PMID:25536190

Optimization of transesterification of rubber seed oil using heterogeneous catalyst calcium oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inggrid, Maria; Kristanto, Aldi; Santoso, Herry

2015-12-01

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel manufactured with the help of alkali hydroxide catalyst through transesterification reaction of vegetable oil. This study aims to examine methods and the most suitable conditions for transesterification reaction producing biodiesel from crude rubber seed oil by varying process parameters such as the molar ratio of alcohol, CaO amount as the alkaline catalyst, and reaction time. The rubber seed oil has a high level of free fatty acid content, which means the use of homogenous alkaline catalyst gives some technological problems such as soap formation which leaded in difficulty in the separation and purification of the product. Calcium oxide (CaO) is one of the most favorable heterogeneous base catalysts because it's reusable, noncorrosive, and low cost. Pre-treatment was performed by acid esterification with H2SO4 as the catalyst to decrease the content of free fatty acid in the rubber seed oil, in this pretreatment process the 12% FFA of crude oil could be reduced to below 3% FFA. The product after esterification process was then transesterified by alkaline transesterification by varying process parameters to convert triglyceride into biodiesel. The study found that maximum curvature for biodiesel yield occurred at 9:1 molar ratio of alcohol, 5%w catalyst loading, and 3 hours reaction time. Design expert software is used to determine the optimum point from experimental data. The result showed that the optimum yield of methyl ester from transesterification was 73.5 % by mass with 0.69 degree of desirability. The yielded methyl ester was tested for its density, viscosity, acid number, and solubility to meet SNI requirement standards.

Feasibility of popular m-health technologies for activity tracking among individuals with serious mental illness.

PubMed

Naslund, John A; Aschbrenner, Kelly A; Barre, Laura K; Bartels, Stephen J

2015-03-01

Obesity prevalence is nearly double among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, compared with the general population. Emerging mobile health (m-health) technologies are increasingly available and offer the potential to support lifestyle interventions targeting weight loss, yet the practical feasibility of using these technologies in this high-risk group has not been established. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of popular m-health technologies for activity tracking among overweight and obese individuals with SMI. We provided wearable activity monitoring devices (FitBit [San Francisco, CA] Zip™ or Nike Inc. [Beaverton, OR] FuelBand) and smartphones (Apple [Cupertino, CA] iPhone(®) 4S) for accessing the smartphone application for each device to participants with SMI enrolled in a weight loss program. Feasibility of these devices was measured by the frequency of use over time. Acceptability was measured through qualitative follow-up interviews with participants. Ten participants with SMI wore the devices for a mean of 89% (standard deviation=13%) of the days in the study. Five participants wore the devices 100% of the time. Participants reported high satisfaction, stating the devices were easy to use, helpful for setting goals, motivational, and useful for self-monitoring. Several participants liked the social connectivity feature of the devices where they could see each other's progress on the smartphone application, noting that "friendly" competition increased motivation to be more physically active. This study supports using popular m-health technologies for activity tracking among individuals with SMI. These findings can inform the design of weight loss interventions targeting this vulnerable patient population.

A Norwegian prospective study of preterm mother–infant interactions at 6 and 18 months and the impact of maternal mental health problems, pregnancy and birth complications

PubMed Central

Misund, Aud R; Bråten, Stein; Nerdrum, Per; Pripp, Are Hugo; Diseth, Trond H

2016-01-01

Objective Pregnancy, birth and health complications, maternal mental health problems following preterm birth and their possible impact on early mother–infant interaction at 6 and 18 months corrected age (CA) were explored. Predictors of mother–infant interaction at 18 months CA were identified. Design and methods This prospective longitudinal and observational study included 33 preterm mother–infant (<33 gestational age (GA)) interactions at 6 and 18 months CA from a socioeconomic low-risk, middle-class sample. The Parent–Child Early Relational Assessment (PCERA) scale was used to assess the mother–infant interaction. Results ‘Bleeding in pregnancy’ predicted lower quality in preterm mother–infant interaction in 6 PCERA scales, while high ‘maternal trait anxiety’ predicted higher interactional quality in 2 PCERA scales and ‘family size’ predicted lower interactional quality in 1 PCERA scale at 18 months CA. Mothers with symptoms of post-traumatic stress reactions, general psychological distress and anxiety at 2 weeks postpartum (PP) showed significantly better outcome than mothers without symptoms in 6 PCERA subscales at 6 months CA and 2 PCERA subscales at 18 months CA. Conclusions Our study detected a correspondence between early pregnancy complications and lower quality of preterm mother–infant interaction, and an association between high levels of maternal mental health problems and better quality in preterm mother–infant interaction. PMID:27147380

Magnetic removal of electron contamination for 60Co panoramic gamma ray exposure--Investigations with CaSO4:Dy and LiF based dosimeters.

PubMed

Kumar, Munish; Sahani, G; Chourasiya, G

2010-06-01

Electron contamination from a sealed (60)Co radiation source has been investigated comprehensively using a CaSO(4):Dy based TLD badge and LiF crystals. It has been found that due to electron contamination, the thermoluminescence (TL) detectors exhibit over response which can be corrected by applying a magnetic field. It has also been found that for a source-to-dosimeter distance of 50 cm, the ratio of the TL readouts of the third to first discs of the TLD badge reduces from approximately 1.5 to approximately 1.00 after applying a magnetic field. Hence detectors which are sensitive to electrons as well as photons, and are capable of distinguishing them, can lead to an erroneous measurement. This happens because the contribution due to electron contamination interferes with pure gamma calibration. The study is helpful in establishing accurate calibration and appropriate correction factors for personnel monitoring carried out using CaSO(4):Dy based TLD badge. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Motor development from 4 to 8 months corrected age in infants born at or less than 29 weeks' gestation.

PubMed

Pin, Tamis W; Darrer, Tanya; Eldridge, Bev; Galea, Mary P

2009-09-01

Clinically, preterm infants show motor delay and atypical postures compared with their peers born at term. A longitudinal cohort study was designed to describe the motor development of very preterm infants from 4 to 18 months corrected age (CA). The study was also designed to investigate how the atypical postures observed in early infancy in the preterm infants might be related to their later motor development. Here we report the findings in early motor skills from 4 to 8 months CA. Early motor skills were assessed in 62 preterm infants (32 males, 30 females, mean gestation 26.94wks, SD 1.11) and 53 term infants (32 males, 21 females, mean gestation 39.55wks, SD 1.17) using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). The preterm infants demonstrated different motor behaviours from their term peers, with an uneven progression of motor skills in different positions from 4 to 8 months CA. At 8 months CA, 90%of the term infants were able to sit without arm support, but only 56%of the preterm infants could maintain sitting very briefly without arm support. This uneven progression may have been due to an imbalance between the active flexor and extensor strength and hence inadequate postural control in these positions. The AIMS has also been shown to be a valid assessment tool to demonstrate unique characteristics in movement quality in the preterm population.

Reproductive organ and vascular specific promoter of the rice plasma membrane Ca2+ATPase mediates environmental stress responses in plants.

PubMed

Huda, Kazi Md Kamrul; Banu, Mst Sufara Akhter; Pathi, Krishna Mohan; Tuteja, Narendra

2013-01-01

Plasma membrane Ca(2+)ATPase is a transport protein in the plasma membrane of cells and helps in removal of calcium (Ca(2+)) from the cell, hence regulating Ca(2+) level within cells. Though plant Ca(2+)ATPases have been shown to be involved in plant stress responses but their promoter regions have not been well studied. The 1478 bp promoter sequence of rice plasma membrane Ca(2+)ATPase contains cis-acting elements responsive to stresses and plant hormones. To identify the functional region, serial deletions of the promoter were fused with the GUS sequence and four constructs were obtained. These were differentially activated under NaCl, PEG cold, methyl viologen, abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate treatments. We demonstrated that the rice plasma membrane Ca(2+)ATPase promoter is responsible for vascular-specific and multiple stress-inducible gene expression. Only full-length promoter showed specific GUS expression under stress conditions in floral parts. High GUS activity was observed in roots with all the promoter constructs. The -1478 to -886 bp flanking region responded well upon treatment with salt and drought. Only the full-length promoter presented cold-induced GUS expression in leaves, while in shoots slight expression was observed for -1210 and -886 bp flanking region. The -1210 bp deletion significantly responded to exogenous methyl viologen and abscisic acid induction. The -1210 and -886 bp flanking region resulted in increased GUS activity in leaves under methyl jasmonate treatments, whereas in shoots the -886 bp and -519 bp deletion gave higher expression. Salicylic acid failed to induce GUS activities in leaves for all the constructs. The rice plasma membrane Ca(2+)ATPase promoter is a reproductive organ-specific as well as vascular-specific. This promoter contains drought, salt, cold, methyl viologen, abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate related cis-elements, which regulated gene expression. Overall, the tissue-specificity and inducible nature of this promoter could grant wide applicability in plant biotechnology.

Functional properties of a newly identified C-terminal splice variant of Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels.

PubMed

Bock, Gabriella; Gebhart, Mathias; Scharinger, Anja; Jangsangthong, Wanchana; Busquet, Perrine; Poggiani, Chiara; Sartori, Simone; Mangoni, Matteo E; Sinnegger-Brauns, Martina J; Herzig, Stefan; Striessnig, Jörg; Koschak, Alexandra

2011-12-09

An intramolecular interaction between a distal (DCRD) and a proximal regulatory domain (PCRD) within the C terminus of long Ca(v)1.3 L-type Ca(2+) channels (Ca(v)1.3(L)) is a major determinant of their voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent gating kinetics. Removal of these regulatory domains by alternative splicing generates Ca(v)1.3(42A) channels that activate at a more negative voltage range and exhibit more pronounced Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation. Here we describe the discovery of a novel short splice variant (Ca(v)1.3(43S)) that is expressed at high levels in the brain but not in the heart. It lacks the DCRD but, in contrast to Ca(v)1.3(42A), still contains PCRD. When expressed together with α2δ1 and β3 subunits in tsA-201 cells, Ca(v)1.3(43S) also activated at more negative voltages like Ca(v)1.3(42A) but Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation was less pronounced. Single channel recordings revealed much higher channel open probabilities for both short splice variants as compared with Ca(v)1.3(L). The presence of the proximal C terminus in Ca(v)1.3(43S) channels preserved their modulation by distal C terminus-containing Ca(v)1.3- and Ca(v)1.2-derived C-terminal peptides. Removal of the C-terminal modulation by alternative splicing also induced a faster decay of Ca(2+) influx during electrical activities mimicking trains of neuronal action potentials. Our findings extend the spectrum of functionally diverse Ca(v)1.3 L-type channels produced by tissue-specific alternative splicing. This diversity may help to fine tune Ca(2+) channel signaling and, in the case of short variants lacking a functional C-terminal modulation, prevent excessive Ca(2+) accumulation during burst firing in neurons. This may be especially important in neurons that are affected by Ca(2+)-induced neurodegenerative processes.

Mechanisms of Smoke Reduction in the High Pressure Combustion of Emulsified Fuels. Volumn I. Construction of Apparatus and Preliminary Experiments.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-01

Naegeli and Thomas Ryan have made a number of helpful suggestions. Ms. D. Miller, Ms. E. Gonzales, and Mr. J. Pryor are thanked for helping prepare this...October 1976. 2. Naegeli , D.W., Fodor, G.E., and Moses, C.A., "Fuel Microemulsions for Jet Engine Smoke Reduction," to be presented at the ASME Gas

A “mix-and-match” approach to designing Ca2+ microdomains at membrane-contact sites

PubMed Central

Penny, Christopher J; Kilpatrick, Bethan S; Min Han, Jung; Sneyd, James; Patel, Sandip

2014-01-01

Ca2+ microdomains are critical for regulating cellular activity and often form at membrane contact sites. Such sites between lysosomes and the ER potentially provide a platform for signaling by the Ca2+ mobilizing messenger NAADP. However, at present we know little of how Ca2+ release events are coordinated at these experimentally intractable junctions. We therefore developed a computational model of lysosome-ER microdomains, which suggested that small leaks of Ca2+ from the lysosome couple to Ca2+-sensitive Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors on the ER to generate global, microdomain-dependent Ca2+ signals. Here we discuss how the “mix-and-match” arrangement of different Ca2+ signaling proteins on the “source” and “target” membranes might generate functionally heterogeneous Ca2+ microdomains. PMID:25077010

Development of practical red fluorescent probe for cytoplasmic calcium ions with greatly improved cell-membrane permeability.

PubMed

Hirabayashi, Kazuhisa; Hanaoka, Kenjiro; Egawa, Takahiro; Kobayashi, Chiaki; Takahashi, Shodai; Komatsu, Toru; Ueno, Tasuku; Terai, Takuya; Ikegaya, Yuji; Nagano, Tetsuo; Urano, Yasuteru

2016-10-01

Fluorescence imaging of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) has become an essential technique for investigation of signaling pathways involving Ca(2+) as a second messenger. But, Ca(2+) signaling is involved in many biological phenomena, and therefore simultaneous visualization of Ca(2+) and other biomolecules (multicolor imaging) would be particularly informative. For this purpose, we set out to develop a fluorescent probe for Ca(2+) that would operate in a different color region (red) from that of probes for other molecules, many of which show green fluorescence, as exemplified by green fluorescent protein (GFP). We previously developed a red fluorescent probe for monitoring cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration, based on our established red fluorophore, TokyoMagenta (TM), but there remained room for improvement, especially as regards efficiency of introduction into cells. We considered that this issue was probably mainly due to limited water solubility of the probe. So, we designed and synthesized a red-fluorescent probe with improved water solubility. We confirmed that this Ca(2+) red-fluorescent probe showed high cell-membrane permeability with bright fluorescence. It was successfully applied to fluorescence imaging of not only live cells, but also brain slices, and should be practically useful for multicolor imaging studies of biological mechanisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Some studies on a solid-state sulfur probe for coal gasification systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacob, K. T.; Rao, D. B.; Nelson, H. G.

1978-01-01

As a part of a program for the development of a sulfur probe for monitoring the sulfur potential in coal gasification reactors, an investigation was conducted regarding the efficiency of the solid electrolyte cell Ar+H2+H2S/CaS+CaF2+(Pt)//CaF2//Pt)+CaF2+CaS/H2S+H2+Ar. A demonstration is provided of the theory, design, and operation of a solid-state sulfur probe based on CaF2 electrolyte. It was found that the cell responds to changes in sulfur potential in a manner predicted by the Nernst equation. The response time of the cell at 1225 K, after a small change in temperature or gas composition, was 2.5 Hr, while at a lower temperature of 990 K the response time was approximately 9 hr. The cell emf was insensitive to a moderate increase in the flow rate of the test gas and/or the reference gas. The exact factors affecting the slow response time of galvanic cells based on a CaF2 electrolyte have not yet been determined. The rate-limiting steps may be either the kinetics of electrode reactions or the rate of transport through the electrolyte.

Microbial excavation of solid carbonates powered by P-type ATPase-mediated transcellular Ca2+ transport.

PubMed

Garcia-Pichel, Ferran; Ramírez-Reinat, Edgardo; Gao, Qunjie

2010-12-14

Some microbes, among them a few species of cyanobacteria, are able to excavate carbonate minerals, from limestone to biogenic carbonates, including coral reefs, in a bioerosive activity that directly links biological and geological parts of the global carbon cycle. The physiological mechanisms that enable such endolithic cyanobacteria to bore, however, remain unknown. In fact, their boring constitutes a geochemical paradox, in that photoautotrophic metabolism will tend to precipitate carbonates, not dissolve them. We developed a stable microbe/mineral boring system based on a cyanobacterial isolate, strain BC008, with which to study the process of microbial excavation directly in the laboratory. Measurements of boring into calcite under different light regimes, and an analysis of photopigment content and photosynthetic rates along boring filaments, helped us reject mechanisms based on the spatial or temporal separation of alkali versus Acid-generating metabolism (i.e., photosynthesis and respiration). Instead, extracellular Ca(2+) imaging of boring cultures in vivo showed that BC008 was able to take up Ca(2+) at the excavation front, decreasing the local extracellular ion activity product of calcium carbonate enough to promote spontaneous dissolution there. Intracellular Ca(2+) was then transported away along the multicellular cyanobacterial trichomes and excreted at the distal borehole opening into the external medium. Inhibition assays and gene expression analyses indicate that the uptake and transport was driven by P-type Ca(2+)-ATPases. We believe such a chemically simple and biologically sophisticated mechanism for boring to be unparalleled among bacteria.

Photoelectron velocity-map imaging and theoretical studies of heteronuclear metal carbonyls MNi(CO){sub 3}{sup −} (M = Mg, Ca, Al)

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

Xie, Hua, E-mail: ljiang@dicp.ac.cn, E-mail: xiehua@dicp.ac.cn, E-mail: zctang@dicp.ac.cn; Zou, Jinghan; Yuan, Qinqin

2016-03-28

The heteronuclear metal carbonyl anions MNi(CO){sub 3}{sup −} (M = Mg, Ca, Al) have been investigated using photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy. Electron affinities of neutral MNi(CO){sub 3} (M = Mg, Ca, Al) are measured from the photoelectron spectra to be 1.064 ± 0.063, 1.050 ± 0.064, and 1.541 ± 0.040 eV, respectively. The C–O stretching mode in these three clusters is observed and the vibrational frequency is determined to be 2049, 2000, and 2041 cm{sup −1} for MgNi(CO){sub 3}, CaNi(CO){sub 3}, and AlNi(CO){sub 3}, respectively. Density functional theory calculations are carried out to elucidate the geometric and electronic structures and to aid the experimental assignments. Itmore » has been found that three terminal carbonyls are preferentially bonded to the nickel atom in these heterobinuclear nickel carbonyls MNi(CO){sub 3}{sup −1/0}, resulting in the formation of the Ni(CO){sub 3} motif. Ni remains the 18-electron configuration for MgNi(CO){sub 3} and CaNi(CO){sub 3} neutrals, but not for AlNi(CO){sub 3}. This is different from the homobinuclear nickel carbonyl Ni–Ni(CO){sub 3} with the involvement of three bridging ligands. Present findings would be helpful for understanding CO adsorption on alloy surfaces.« less

Paid Family Leave, Fathers' Leave-Taking, and Leave-Sharing in Dual-Earner Households.

PubMed

Bartel, Anne P; Rossin-Slater, Maya; Ruhm, Christopher J; Stearns, Jenna; Waldfogel, Jane

Using difference-in-difference and difference-in-difference-in-difference designs, we study California's Paid Family Leave (CA-PFL) program, the first source of government-provided paid parental leave available to fathers in the Unites States. Relative to the pre-treatment mean, fathers of infants in California are 46 percent more likely to be on leave when CA-PFL is available. In households where both parents work, we find suggestive evidence that CA-PFL increases both father-only leave-taking (i.e., father on leave while mother is at work) and joint leave-taking (i.e., both parents on leave at the same time). Effects are larger for fathers of first-born children than for fathers of later-born children.

Effect on Ca(OH)2 pretreatment to enhance biogas production of organic food waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junoh, H.; Yip, CH; Kumaran, P.

2016-03-01

This study investigated the effect of calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2 pretreatment in optimizing COD solubilisation and methane production through anaerobic digestion process. Two different parameters, chemical concentration (40-190 mEq/L) and pretreatment time (1-6 hours) were used to pretreat food waste. A central composite design and response surface methodology (RSM) was applied in obtaining the optimized condition for COD solubilisation. Result showed COD solubilisation was optimized at 166.98 mEq/L (equivalent to 6.1 g Ca(OH)2/L) for 1 hour. These conditions were applied through biomethane potential test with methane production of 864.19 mL/g VSdestructed and an increase of 20.0% as compared to untreated food waste.

Discovery and structural optimization of 1-phenyl-3-(1-phenylethyl)urea derivatives as novel inhibitors of CRAC channel.

PubMed

Zhang, Hai-zhen; Xu, Xiao-lan; Chen, Hua-yan; Ali, Sher; Wang, Dan; Yu, Jun-wei; Xu, Tao; Nan, Fa-jun

2015-09-01

Ca(2+)-release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel, a subfamily of store-operated channels, is formed by calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1), and gated by stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). CRAC channel may be a novel target for the treatment of immune disorders and allergy. The aim of this study was to identify novel small molecule CRAC channel inhibitors. HEK293 cells stably co-expressing both ORAI1 and STIM1 were used for high-throughput screening. A hit, 1-phenyl-3-(1-phenylethyl)urea, was identified that inhibited CRAC channels by targeting ORAI1. Five series of its derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their primary structure-activity relationships (SARs) were analyzed. All derivatives were assessed for their effects on Ca(2+) influx through CRAC channels on HEK293 cells, cytotoxicity in Jurkat cells, and IL-2 production in Jurkat cells expressing ORAI1-SS-eGFP. A total of 19 hits were discovered in libraries containing 32 000 compounds using the high-throughput screening. 1-Phenyl-3-(1-phenylethyl)urea inhibited Ca(2+) influx with IC50 of 3.25±0.17 μmol/L. SAR study on its derivatives showed that the alkyl substituent on the α-position of the left-side benzylic amine (R1) was essential for Ca(2+) influx inhibition and that the S-configuration was better than the R-configuration. The derivatives in which the right-side R3 was substituted by an electron-donating group showed more potent inhibitory activity than those that were substituted by electron-withdrawing groups. Furthermore, the free N-H of urea was not necessary to maintain the high potency of Ca(2+) influx inhibition. The N,N'-disubstituted or N'-substituted derivatives showed relatively low cytotoxicity but maintained the ability to inhibit IL-2 production. Among them, compound 5b showed an improved inhibition of IL-2 production and low cytotoxicity. 1-Phenyl-3-(1-phenylethyl)urea is a novel CRAC channel inhibitor that specifically targets ORAI1. This study provides a new chemical scaffold for design and development of CRAC channel inhibitors with improved Ca(2+) influx inhibition, immune inhibition and low cytotoxicity.

Reduction of catheter-associated bloodstream infections through procedures in newborn babies admitted in a university hospital intensive care unit in Brazil.

PubMed

Resende, Daiane Silva; Ó, Jacqueline Moreira do; Brito, Denise von Dolinger de; Abdallah, Vânia Olivetti Steffen; Gontijo Filho, Paulo Pinto

2011-01-01

Catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CA-BSI) is the most common nosocomial infection in neonatal intensive care units. There is evidence that care bundles to reduce CA-BSI are effective in the adult literature. The aim of this study was to reduce CA-BSI in a Brazilian neonatal intensive care unit by means of a care bundle including few strategies or procedures of prevention and control of these infections. An intervention designed to reduce CA-BSI with five evidence-based procedures was conducted. A total of sixty-seven (26.7%) CA-BSIs were observed. There were 46 (32%) episodes of culture-proven sepsis in group preintervention (24.1 per 1,000 catheter days [CVC days]). Neonates in the group after implementation of the intervention had 21 (19.6%) episodes of CA-BSI (14.9 per 1,000 CVC days). The incidence of CA-BSI decreased significantly after the intervention from the group preintervention and postintervention (32% to 19.6%, 24.1 per 1,000 CVC days to 14.9 per 1,000 CVC days, p=0.04). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the use of more than 3 antibiotics and length of stay >8 days were independent risk factors for BSI. A stepwise introduction of evidence-based intervention and intensive and continuous education of all healthcare workers are effective in reducing CA-BSI.

Possible Involvement of Nitric Oxide Modulatory Mechanisms in the Neuroprotective Effect of Centella asiatica Against Sleep Deprivation Induced Anxiety Like Behaviour, Oxidative Damage and Neuroinflammation.

PubMed

Chanana, Priyanka; Kumar, Anil

2016-04-01

Sleep deprivation (SD) is an experience of inadequate or poor quality of sleep that may produce significant alterations in multiple neural systems. Centella asiatica (CA) is a psychoactive medicinal herb with immense therapeutic potential. The present study was designed to explore the possible nitric oxide (NO) modulatory mechanism in the neuroprotective effect of CA against SD induced anxiety like behaviour, oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Male laca mice were sleep deprived for 72 h, and CA (150 and 300 mg/kg) was administered alone and in combination with NO modulators for 8 days, starting five days before 72-h SD exposure. Various behavioural (locomotor activity, elevated plus maze) and biochemical (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, catalase, nitrite levels and superoxide dismutase activity), neuroinflammation marker (TNF-alpha) were assessed subsequently. CA (150 and 300 mg/kg) treatment for 8 days significantly improved locomotor activity, anti-anxiety like effect and attenuated oxidative damage and TNF α level as compared to sleep-deprived 72-h group. Also while the neuroprotective effect of CA was increased by NO antagonists, it was diminished by NO agonists. The present study suggests that NO modulatory mechanism could be involved in the protective effect of CA against SD-induced anxiety-like behaviour, oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in mice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Benzene-contaminated groundwater remediation using calcium peroxide nanoparticles: synthesis and process optimization.

PubMed

Mosmeri, Hamid; Alaie, Ebrahim; Shavandi, Mahmoud; Dastgheib, Seyed Mohammad Mehdi; Tasharrofi, Saeideh

2017-08-14

Nano-size calcium peroxide (nCaO 2 ) is an appropriate oxygen source which can meet the needs of in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) for contaminant remediation from groundwater. In the present study, an easy to handle procedure for synthesis of CaO 2 nanoparticles has been investigated. Modeling and optimization of synthesis process was performed by application of response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite rotatable design (CCRD) method. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD and FESEM techniques. The optimal synthesis conditions were found to be 5:1, 570 rpm and 10 °C for H 2 O 2 :CaSO 2 ratio, mixing rate and reaction temperature, respectively. Predicted values showed to be in good agreement with experimental results (R 2 values were 0.915 and 0.965 for CaO 2 weight and nanoparticle size, respectively). To study the efficiency of synthesized nanoparticles for benzene removal from groundwater, batch experiments were applied in biotic and abiotic (chemical removal) conditions by 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/L of nanoparticles within 70 days. Results indicated that application of 400 mg/L of CaO 2 in biotic condition was able to remediate benzene completely from groundwater after 60 days. Furthermore, comparison of biotic and abiotic experiments showed a great potential of microbial stimulation using CaO 2 nanoparticles in benzene remediation from groundwater.

Extending Organizational Contingency Theory to Team Performance - An Information Processing and Knowledge Flows Perspective

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

University Press. Yin, R.K. 2003. Case study research : Design and methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. Yukl, G. 2001...Contingency theory has retained a central place in organization studies research for over half a century. Beginning with the seminal works by Burns and...particularly useful for research designs grounded in contingency theory (Schoonhoven 1981 p. 351; Gupta & Govindarajan 1984; Venkatraman 1989), and

Department of Defense Ecosystem Management Policy Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-08-01

HQ Naval Facilities Engineering Command, DC • Tom Hillard, Fort Stewart, GA • Manual Joia , MCLB Barstow, CA • John Krupovage, Tinker AFB, OK...studies can follow single or multiple-case designs . Multiple cases strengthen the results and increase confidence in those results (Tellis 1997...groups having responsibility for maintaining their designated data layers (range, fish and wildlife, threatened and endangered species, forestry

Seven Experiment Designs Addressing Problems of Safety and Capacity on Two-Lane Rural Highways : Volume 7. Experimental Design to Develop and Evaluate Measures for Reducing the Effects of Roadside Friction on Traffic Flow

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-04-01

This operational test case study is one of six performed in response to a Volpe National Transportation Systems Center technical task directive (TTD) to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) entitled, "IVHS Institutional Issues and Ca...

Design and implementation of PKI-based certification authority

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Ying; Bai, Qinghai; Zhao, Linna; Chun, Hua; Chen, Jing

2015-12-01

PKI achieves the management of public key by certificates. It combines the user's public key and his or her identification formation through a trusted third-party organization CA, in order to authenticate the user's identity on the Internet, thus ensuring the authenticity, integrity, confidentiality, and non- repudiation of the information transmitted on the Internet. CA is the most critical agency in the PKI system, mainly responsible for issuing and managing certificates. On the basis of the actual needs of an enterprise, in this paper the author designs and develops a small-sized PKI-based Certification Authority equipped with the functions of root CA initialization, certificate application, certificate issuance, certificate revocation, and the generation of certificate revocation list. The author also points out the problems that need to be mentioned in the design and development.

Inhibition of the K+ channel KCa3.1 ameliorates T cell-mediated colitis.

PubMed

Di, Lie; Srivastava, Shekhar; Zhdanova, Olga; Ding, Yi; Li, Zhai; Wulff, Heike; Lafaille, Maria; Skolnik, Edward Y

2010-01-26

The calcium-activated K(+) channel KCa3.1 plays an important role in T lymphocyte Ca(2+) signaling by helping to maintain a negative membrane potential, which provides an electrochemical gradient to drive Ca(2+) influx. To assess the role of KCa3.1 channels in lymphocyte activation in vivo, we studied T cell function in KCa3.1(-/-) mice. CD4 T helper (i.e., Th0) cells isolated from KCa3.1(-/-) mice lacked KCa3.1 channel activity, which resulted in decreased T cell receptor-stimulated Ca(2+) influx and IL-2 production. Although loss of KCa3.1 did not interfere with CD4 T cell differentiation, both Ca(2+) influx and cytokine production were impaired in KCa3.1(-/-) Th1 and Th2 CD4 T cells, whereas T-regulatory and Th17 function were normal. We found that inhibition of KCa3.1(-/-) protected mice from developing severe colitis in two mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease, which were induced by (i) the adoptive transfer of mouse naïve CD4 T cells into rag2(-/-) recipients and (ii) trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Pharmacologic inhibitors of KCa3.1 have already been shown to be safe in humans. Thus, if these preclinical studies continue to show efficacy, it may be possible to rapidly test whether KCa3.1 inhibitors are efficacious in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Ruminal Ca and P Releases from Diets with Different Portion of the Sugarcane Bagasse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pangestu, E.; Wahyono, F.; Nuswantara, L. K.; Achmadi, J.

2018-02-01

The in sacco technique was used to study the ruminal Ca and P releases from diets with different portion of sugarcane bagasse. Three diets containing 15, 25, and 35% of sugarcane bagase were tested their kinetic of ruminal Ca and P degradabilities. Two adult male sheep fitted with rumen cannula were used in the in sacco technique. In the in sacco experiment, feed samples were placed in the nylon bag and inserted into ruminal cannula for 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. The kinetic of ruminal Ca and P degradabilities were focused on rapidly soluble fraction (fraction a), potentially degradable fraction (fraction b), and the degradation rate of fraction b (c). The data were tested using analyse of variance based on a completely randomized design. While the portion of sugarcane bagasse increased (P<0.05) fraction a of Ca diet, the portion b of P diet was decreased (P<0.05) by the portion of sugarcane bagasse.In conclusion, the effect of increasing portion of sugarcane bagasse in diet on ruminal release of Ca may be differed with that ofthe ruminal P release.

Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of Three Distinct N-Methyltransferases Involved in the Caffeine Biosynthetic Pathway in Coffee Plants1

PubMed Central

Uefuji, Hirotaka; Ogita, Shinjiro; Yamaguchi, Yube; Koizumi, Nozomu; Sano, Hiroshi

2003-01-01

Caffeine is synthesized from xanthosine through N-methylation and ribose removal steps. In the present study, three types of cDNAs encoding N-methyltransferases were isolated from immature fruits of coffee (Coffea arabica) plants, and designated as CaXMT1, CaMXMT2, and CaDXMT1, respectively. The bacterially expressed encoded proteins were characterized for their catalytic properties. CaXMT1 catalyzed formation of 7-methylxanthosine from xanthosine with a Km value of 78 μm, CaMXMT2 catalyzed formation of 3,7-dimethylxanthine (theobromine) from 7-methylxanthine with a Km of 251 μm, and CaDXMT1 catalyzed formation of 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (caffeine) from 3,7-dimethylxanthine with a Km of 1,222 μm. The crude extract of Escherichia coli was found to catalyze removal of the ribose moiety from 7-methylxanthosine, leading to the production of 7-methylxanthine. As a consequence, when all three recombinant proteins and E. coli extract were combined, xanthosine was successfully converted into caffeine in vitro. Transcripts for CaDXMT1 were predominantly found to accumulate in immature fruits, whereas those for CaXMT1 and CaMXMT2 were more broadly detected in sites encompassing the leaves, floral buds, and immature fruits. These results suggest that the presently identified three N-methyltransferases participate in caffeine biosynthesis in coffee plants and substantiate the proposed caffeine biosynthetic pathway: xanthosine → 7-methylxanthosine → 7-methylxanthine → theobromine → caffeine. PMID:12746542

Validation of a paper-disk approach to facilitate the sensory evaluation of bitterness in dairy protein hydrolysates from a newly developed food-grade fractionation system.

PubMed

Murray, Niamh M; O'Riordan, Dolores; Jacquier, Jean-Christophe; O'Sullivan, Michael; Cohen, Joshua L; Heymann, Hildegarde; Barile, Daniela; Dallas, David C

2017-06-01

Casein-hydrolysates (NaCaH) are desirable functional ingredients, but their bitterness impedes usage in foods. This study sought to validate a paper-disk approach to help evaluate bitterness in NaCaHs and to develop a food-grade approach to separate a NaCaH into distinct fractions, which could be evaluated by a sensory panel. Membrane filtration generated <0.2-μm and <3-kDa permeates. Further fractionation of the <3-kDa permeate by flash-chromatography generated four fractions using ethanol (EtOH) concentrations of 5, 10, 30 and 50%. As some fractions were poorly soluble in water, the fractions were resolubilzed in EtOH and impregnated into paper-disks for sensory evaluation. Bitterness differences observed in the membrane fractions using this sensory evaluation approach reflected those observed for the same fractions presented as a liquid. The flash-chromatography fractions increased in bitterness with an increase in hydrophobicity, except for the 50% EtOH fraction which had little bitterness. Amino acid analysis of the fractions showed enrichment of different essential amino acids in both the bitter and less bitter fractions. The developed food-grade fractionation system, allowed for a simple and reasonably scaled approach to separating a NaCaH, into physicochemically different fractions that could be evaluated by a sensory panel. The method of sensory evaluation used in this study, in which NaCaH samples are impregnated into paper-disks, provided potential solutions for issues such as sample insolubility and limited quantities of sample. As the impregnated paper-disk samples were dehydrated, their long storage life could also be suitable for sensory evaluations distributed by mail for large consumer studies. The research, in this study, allowed for a greater understanding of the physicochemical basis for bitterness in this NaCaH. As some essential amino acids were enriched in the less bitter fractions, selective removal of bitter fractions could allow for the incorporation of the less bitter NaCaH fractions into food products for added nutritional value, without negatively impacting sensory properties. There is potential for this approach to be applied to other food ingredients with undesirable tastes, such as polyphenols.

Validation of a paper-disk approach to facilitate the sensory evaluation of bitterness in dairy protein hydrolysates from a newly developed food-grade fractionation system

PubMed Central

Murray, Niamh M.; O'Riordan, Dolores; Jacquier, Jean-Christophe; O'Sullivan, Michael; Cohen, Joshua L.; Heymann, Hildegarde; Barile, Daniela; Dallas, David C.

2017-01-01

Casein-hydrolysates (NaCaH) are desirable functional ingredients, but their bitterness impedes usage in foods. This study sought to validate a paper-disk approach to help evaluate bitterness in NaCaHs and to develop a food-grade approach to separate a NaCaH into distinct fractions, which could be evaluated by a sensory panel. Membrane filtration generated <0.2-μm and <3-kDa permeates. Further fractionation of the <3-kDa permeate by flash-chromatography generated four fractions using ethanol (EtOH) concentrations of 5, 10, 30 and 50%. As some fractions were poorly soluble in water, the fractions were resolubilzed in EtOH and impregnated into paper-disks for sensory evaluation. Bitterness differences observed in the membrane fractions using this sensory evaluation approach reflected those observed for the same fractions presented as a liquid. The flash-chromatography fractions increased in bitterness with an increase in hydrophobicity, except for the 50% EtOH fraction which had little bitterness. Amino acid analysis of the fractions showed enrichment of different essential amino acids in both the bitter and less bitter fractions. Practical Applications The developed food-grade fractionation system, allowed for a simple and reasonably scaled approach to separating a NaCaH, into physicochemically different fractions that could be evaluated by a sensory panel. The method of sensory evaluation used in this study, in which NaCaH samples are impregnated into paper-disks, provided potential solutions for issues such as sample insolubility and limited quantities of sample. As the impregnated paper-disk samples were dehydrated, their long storage life could also be suitable for sensory evaluations distributed by mail for large consumer studies. The research, in this study, allowed for a greater understanding of the physicochemical basis for bitterness in this NaCaH. As some essential amino acids were enriched in the less bitter fractions, selective removal of bitter fractions could allow for the incorporation of the less bitter NaCaH fractions into food products for added nutritional value, without negatively impacting sensory properties. There is potential for this approach to be applied to other food ingredients with undesirable tastes, such as polyphenols. PMID:29104365

Manpower for Energy Research: A Comprehensive Manpower Information System for Energy Research, Development and Demonstration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldstein, Harold; And Others

This publication is the result of a study commissioned by the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) to design a manpower information system as indicated by the title. This study is designed to help ERDA (now the Department of Energy) meet its responsibility of helping to assure an adequate supply of manpower for the accomplishment…

Design and application of a CA-BDI model to determine farmers' land-use behavior.

PubMed

Liang, Xiaoying; Chen, Hai; Wang, Yanni; Song, Shixiong

2016-01-01

The belief-desire-intention (BDI) model has been widely used to construct reasoning systems for complex tasks in dynamic environments. We have designed a capabilities and abilities (CA)-BDI farmer decision-making model, which is an extension of the BDI architecture and includes internal representations for farmer household Capabilities and Abilities. This model is used to explore farmer learning mechanisms and to simulate the bounded rational decisions made by farmer households. Our case study focuses on the Gaoqu Commune of Mizhi County, Shaanxi Province, China, where scallion is one of the main cash crops. After comparing the differences between actual land-use changes from 2007 to 2009 and the simulation results, we analyze the validity of the model and discuss the potential and limitations of the farmer land-use decision-making model under three scenarios. Based on the design and implementation of the model, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) the CA-BDI framework is an appropriate model for exploring learning mechanisms and simulating bounded rational decisions; and (2) local governments should encourage scallion planting by assisting scallion farmer cooperatives and farmers to understand the market risk, standardize the rules of their cooperation, and supervise the contracts made between scallion cooperatives and farmers.

Neural circuits. Labeling of active neural circuits in vivo with designed calcium integrators.

PubMed

Fosque, Benjamin F; Sun, Yi; Dana, Hod; Yang, Chao-Tsung; Ohyama, Tomoko; Tadross, Michael R; Patel, Ronak; Zlatic, Marta; Kim, Douglas S; Ahrens, Misha B; Jayaraman, Vivek; Looger, Loren L; Schreiter, Eric R

2015-02-13

The identification of active neurons and circuits in vivo is a fundamental challenge in understanding the neural basis of behavior. Genetically encoded calcium (Ca(2+)) indicators (GECIs) enable quantitative monitoring of cellular-resolution activity during behavior. However, such indicators require online monitoring within a limited field of view. Alternatively, post hoc staining of immediate early genes (IEGs) indicates highly active cells within the entire brain, albeit with poor temporal resolution. We designed a fluorescent sensor, CaMPARI, that combines the genetic targetability and quantitative link to neural activity of GECIs with the permanent, large-scale labeling of IEGs, allowing a temporally precise "activity snapshot" of a large tissue volume. CaMPARI undergoes efficient and irreversible green-to-red conversion only when elevated intracellular Ca(2+) and experimenter-controlled illumination coincide. We demonstrate the utility of CaMPARI in freely moving larvae of zebrafish and flies, and in head-fixed mice and adult flies. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Evolution and modulation of intracellular calcium release during long-lasting, depleting depolarization in mouse muscle

PubMed Central

Royer, Leandro; Pouvreau, Sandrine; Ríos, Eduardo

2008-01-01

Intracellular calcium signals regulate multiple cellular functions. They depend on release of Ca2+ from cellular stores into the cytosol, a process that in many types of cells appears to be tightly controlled by changes in [Ca2+] within the store. In contrast with cardiac muscle, where depletion of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum is a crucial determinant of termination of Ca2+ release, in skeletal muscle there is no agreement regarding the sign, or even the existence of an effect of SR Ca2+ level on Ca2+ release. To address this issue we measured Ca2+ transients in mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) skeletal muscle fibres under voltage clamp, using confocal microscopy and the Ca2+ monitor rhod-2. The evolution of Ca2+ release flux was quantified during long-lasting depolarizations that reduced severely the Ca2+ content of the SR. As in all previous determinations in mammals and non-mammals, release flux consisted of an early peak, relaxing to a lower level from which it continued to decay more slowly. Decay of flux in this second stage, which has been attributed largely to depletion of SR Ca2+, was studied in detail. A simple depletion mechanism without change in release permeability predicts an exponential decay with time. In contrast, flux decreased non-exponentially, to a finite, measurable level that could be maintained for the longest pulses applied (1.8 s). An algorithm on the flux record allowed us to define a quantitative index, the normalized flux rate of change (NFRC), which was shown to be proportional to the ratio of release permeability P and inversely proportional to Ca2+ buffering power B of the SR, thus quantifying the ‘evacuability’ or ability of the SR to empty its content. When P and B were constant, flux then decayed exponentially, and NFRC was equal to the exponential rate constant. Instead, in most cases NFRC increased during the pulse, from a minimum reached immediately after the early peak in flux, to a time between 200 and 250 ms, when the index was no longer defined. NFRC increased by 111% on average (in 27 images from 18 cells), reaching 300% in some cases. The increase may reflect an increase in P, a decrease in B, or both. On experimental and theoretical grounds, both changes are to be expected upon SR depletion. A variable evacuability helps maintain a constant Ca2+ output under conditions of diminishing store Ca2+ load. PMID:18687715

An Investigation on Computer-Adaptive Multistage Testing Panels for Multidimensional Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Xinrui

2013-01-01

The computer-adaptive multistage testing (ca-MST) has been developed as an alternative to computerized adaptive testing (CAT), and been increasingly adopted in large-scale assessments. Current research and practice only focus on ca-MST panels for credentialing purposes. The ca-MST test mode, therefore, is designed to gauge a single scale. The…

77 FR 30884 - Amendment of Restricted Area R-2502E; Fort Irwin, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-24

...-0461; Airspace Docket No. 12-AWP-1] RIN 2120-AA66 Amendment of Restricted Area R-2502E; Fort Irwin, CA... designated controlling agency for restricted area R-2502E, Fort Irwin, CA, from the Federal Aviation... Airspace System, the FAA is changing the assigned controlling agency for restricted area R-2502E, Fort...

Additive mixture effects of estrogenic chemicals in human cell-based assays can be influenced by inclusion of chemicals with differing effect profiles.

PubMed

Evans, Richard Mark; Scholze, Martin; Kortenkamp, Andreas

2012-01-01

A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that the in vitro effects of mixtures of estrogenic chemicals can be well predicted from the estrogenicity of their components by the concentration addition (CA) concept. However, some studies have observed small deviations from CA. Factors affecting the presence or observation of deviations could include: the type of chemical tested; number of mixture components; mixture design; and assay choice. We designed mixture experiments that address these factors, using mixtures with high numbers of components, chemicals from diverse chemical groups, assays with different in vitro endpoints and different mixture designs and ratios. Firstly, the effects of mixtures composed of up to 17 estrogenic chemicals were examined using estrogenicity assays with reporter-gene (ERLUX) and cell proliferation (ESCREEN) endpoints. Two mixture designs were used: 1) a 'balanced' design with components present in proportion to a common effect concentration (e.g. an EC(10)) and 2) a 'non-balanced' design with components in proportion to potential human tissue concentrations. Secondly, the individual and simultaneous ability of 16 potential modulator chemicals (each with minimal estrogenicity) to influence the assay outcome produced by a reference mixture of estrogenic chemicals was examined. Test chemicals included plasticizers, phthalates, metals, PCBs, phytoestrogens, PAHs, heterocyclic amines, antioxidants, UV filters, musks, PBDEs and parabens. In all the scenarios tested, the CA concept provided a good prediction of mixture effects. Modulation studies revealed that chemicals possessing minimal estrogenicity themselves could reduce (negatively modulate) the effect of a mixture of estrogenic chemicals. Whether the type of modulation we observed occurs in practice most likely depends on the chemical concentrations involved, and better information is required on likely human tissue concentrations of estrogens and of potential modulators. Successful prediction of the effects of diverse chemical combinations might be more likely if chemical profiling included consideration of effect modulation.

Additive Mixture Effects of Estrogenic Chemicals in Human Cell-Based Assays Can Be Influenced by Inclusion of Chemicals with Differing Effect Profiles

PubMed Central

Evans, Richard Mark; Scholze, Martin; Kortenkamp, Andreas

2012-01-01

A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that the in vitro effects of mixtures of estrogenic chemicals can be well predicted from the estrogenicity of their components by the concentration addition (CA) concept. However, some studies have observed small deviations from CA. Factors affecting the presence or observation of deviations could include: the type of chemical tested; number of mixture components; mixture design; and assay choice. We designed mixture experiments that address these factors, using mixtures with high numbers of components, chemicals from diverse chemical groups, assays with different in vitro endpoints and different mixture designs and ratios. Firstly, the effects of mixtures composed of up to 17 estrogenic chemicals were examined using estrogenicity assays with reporter-gene (ERLUX) and cell proliferation (ESCREEN) endpoints. Two mixture designs were used: 1) a ‘balanced’ design with components present in proportion to a common effect concentration (e.g. an EC10) and 2) a ‘non-balanced’ design with components in proportion to potential human tissue concentrations. Secondly, the individual and simultaneous ability of 16 potential modulator chemicals (each with minimal estrogenicity) to influence the assay outcome produced by a reference mixture of estrogenic chemicals was examined. Test chemicals included plasticizers, phthalates, metals, PCBs, phytoestrogens, PAHs, heterocyclic amines, antioxidants, UV filters, musks, PBDEs and parabens. In all the scenarios tested, the CA concept provided a good prediction of mixture effects. Modulation studies revealed that chemicals possessing minimal estrogenicity themselves could reduce (negatively modulate) the effect of a mixture of estrogenic chemicals. Whether the type of modulation we observed occurs in practice most likely depends on the chemical concentrations involved, and better information is required on likely human tissue concentrations of estrogens and of potential modulators. Successful prediction of the effects of diverse chemical combinations might be more likely if chemical profiling included consideration of effect modulation. PMID:22912892

Location, location, location: does early cancer in Barrett's esophagus have a preference?

PubMed

Enestvedt, Brintha K; Lugo, Ricardo; Guarner-Argente, Carlos; Shah, Pari; Falk, Gary W; Furth, Emma; Ginsberg, Gregory G

2013-09-01

Early cancer (high-grade dysplasia [HGD] and intramucosal carcinoma [ImCa]) associated with Barrett's esophagus (BE) may have a circumferential spatial predilection. To describe the esophageal circumferential location of early cancer in BE. Retrospective study, single tertiary referral center. One hundred nineteen patients were referred for endoscopic eradication therapy for early cancer associated with BE. Endoscopic images and reports and pathology were reviewed. Circumferential location designation of early cancer in BE by using a clock-face orientation. One hundred nineteen of 131 patients referred for endoscopic eradication therapy had a location designation for their advanced histology (91.9%). There were a total of 57 patients (47.9%) with HGD and 62 patients (52.1%) with ImCa. There was a significantly higher rate of early cancer (HGD or ImCa) in the right hemisphere (12 to 6 o'clock location) compared with the left hemisphere (84.9% vs 15.1%, P < .0001). The highest percentage of early cancer was found in the 12 to 3 o'clock quadrant (64.7%); 71.9% of HGD and 58.1% of ImCa lesions were located in the 12 to 3 o'clock quadrant. Retrospective design, single center. Early cancer associated with BE is far more commonly found in the right hemisphere of the esophagus (12 to 6 o'clock) with the highest rate in the 12 to 3 o'clock quadrant. These findings support enhanced scrutiny of the right hemisphere of the esophagus during surveillance and endoscopic treatment of patients with BE. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

GExplore: a web server for integrated queries of protein domains, gene expression and mutant phenotypes

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background The majority of the genes even in well-studied multi-cellular model organisms have not been functionally characterized yet. Mining the numerous genome wide data sets related to protein function to retrieve potential candidate genes for a particular biological process remains a challenge. Description GExplore has been developed to provide a user-friendly database interface for data mining at the gene expression/protein function level to help in hypothesis development and experiment design. It supports combinatorial searches for proteins with certain domains, tissue- or developmental stage-specific expression patterns, and mutant phenotypes. GExplore operates on a stand-alone database and has fast response times, which is essential for exploratory searches. The interface is not only user-friendly, but also modular so that it accommodates additional data sets in the future. Conclusion GExplore is an online database for quick mining of data related to gene and protein function, providing a multi-gene display of data sets related to the domain composition of proteins as well as expression and phenotype data. GExplore is publicly available at: http://genome.sfu.ca/gexplore/ PMID:19917126

The criminal purchase of firearm ammunition

PubMed Central

Tita, G E; Braga, A A; Ridgeway, G; Pierce, G L

2006-01-01

Objective Laws that prohibit certain individuals from owning firearms also pertain to ammunition. Whereas retail sales of firearms to criminals are regularly disrupted by instant background checks, sales of ammunition are essentially unchecked and the rate at which criminals acquire ammunition is unknown. This research describes the ammunition market and estimates the rate at which criminals are acquiring ammunition. Design Criminal background checks conducted on individuals purchasing ammunition in the City of Los Angeles in April and May 2004. Setting Los Angeles, CA, USA. Subjects Ammunition purchasers. Main outcome measures Criminal activity that prohibits one from owning, purchasing, or possessing ammunition. Results 2.6% (95% CI 1.9% to 3.2%) of ammunition purchasers had a prior felony conviction or another condition that prohibited them from possessing ammunition. During the study period prohibited possessors purchased 10 050 rounds of ammunition in Los Angeles. Conclusions These estimates suggest that monitoring ammunition transactions may help reduce the supply of ammunition to criminals and the frequency of injuries from felonious gun assaults. Such a record can also provide information for generating leads on illegal firearm possession. PMID:17018671

SEA0400 fails to alter the magnitude of intracellular Ca2+ transients and contractions in Langendorff-perfused guinea pig heart.

PubMed

Szentandrássy, Norbert; Birinyi, Péter; Szigeti, Gyula; Farkas, Attila; Magyar, János; Tóth, András; Csernoch, László; Varró, András; Nánási, Péter P

2008-07-01

SEA0400 is a recently developed inhibitor of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) shown to suppress both forward and reverse mode operation of NCX. Present experiments were designed to study the effect of partial blockade of NCX on Ca handling and contractility in Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts loaded with the fluorescent Ca-sensitive dye fura-2. Left ventricular pressure and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were synchronously recorded before and after cumulative superfusion with 0.3 and 1 muM SEA0400. SEA0400 caused no significant change in the systolic and diastolic values of left ventricular pressure and [Ca2+]i. Accordingly, pulse pressure and amplitude of the [Ca2+]i transient also remained unchanged in the presence of SEA0400. SEA0400 had no influence either on the time required to reach peak values of pressure and [Ca2+)]i or on half relaxation time. On the other hand, both 0.3 and 1 microM SEA0400 significantly increased the decay time constant of [Ca2+]i transients, obtained by fitting its descending limb between 30% and 90% of relaxation, from 127 +/- 7 to 165 +/- 7 and 177 +/- 14 ms, respectively (P < 0.05, n=6). In contrast to the guinea pig hearts, rat hearts responded to SEA0400 treatment with increased [Ca2+]i transients and contractility. These interspecies differences observed in the effect of SEA0400 can be explained by the known differences in calcium handling between the two species.

Silencing of dehydrin CaDHN1 diminishes tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses in Capsicum annuum L.

PubMed

Chen, Ru-gang; Jing, Hua; Guo, Wei-li; Wang, Shu-Bin; Ma, Fang; Pan, Bao-Gui; Gong, Zhen-Hui

2015-12-01

We cloned a dehydrins gene CaDHN1 from pepper and the expression of CaDHN1 was markedly upregulated by cold, salt, osmotic stresses and salicylic acid (SA) treatment. Dehydrins (DHNs) are a subfamily of group 2 late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) proteins that are thought to play an important role in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in plants. In this study, a DHN EST (Expressed Sequence Tag) was obtained from 6 to 8 true leaves seedlings of pepper cv P70 (Capsicum annuum L.) by our laboratory. However, the DHN gene in pepper was not well characterized. According to this EST sequence, we isolated a DHN gene, designated as CaDHN1, and investigated the response and expression of this gene under various stresses. Our results indicated that CaDHN1 has the DHN-specific and conserved K- and S- domain and encodes 219 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CaDHN1 belonged to the SKn subgroup. Tissue expression profile analysis revealed that CaDH N1 was expressed predominantly in fruits and flowers. The expression of CaDHN1 was markedly upregulated in response to cold, salt, osmotic stresses and salicylic acid (SA) treatment, but no significant change by abscisic acid (ABA) and heavy metals treatment. Loss of function of CaDHN1 using the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique led to decreased tolerance to cold-, salt- and osmotic-induced stresses. Overall, these results suggest that CaDHN1 plays an important role in regulating the abiotic stress resistance in pepper plants.

Soft X-ray spectromicroscopy study of mineral-organic matter associations in pasture soil clay fractions.

PubMed

Chen, Chunmei; Dynes, James J; Wang, Jian; Karunakaran, Chithra; Sparks, Donald L

2014-06-17

There is a growing acceptance that associations with soil minerals may be the most important overarching stabilization mechanism for soil organic matter. However, direct investigation of organo-mineral associations has been hampered by a lack of methods that can simultaneously characterize organic matter (OM) and soil minerals. In this study, STXM-NEXAFS spectroscopy at the C 1s, Ca 2p, Fe 2p, Al 1s, and Si 1s edges was used to investigate C associations with Ca, Fe, Al, and Si species in soil clay fractions from an upland pasture hillslope. Bulk techniques including C and N NEXAFS, Fe K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy, and XRD were applied to provide additional information. Results demonstrated that C was associated with Ca, Fe, Al, and Si with no separate phase in soil clay particles. In soil clay particles, the pervasive C forms were aromatic C, carboxyl C, and polysaccharides with the relative abundance of carboxyl C and polysaccharides varying spatially at the submicrometer scale. Only limited regions in the soil clay particles had aliphatic C. Good C-Ca spatial correlations were found for soil clay particles with no CaCO3, suggesting a strong role of Ca in organo-mineral assemblage formation. Fe EXAFS showed that about 50% of the total Fe in soils was contained in Fe oxides, whereas Fe-bearing aluminosilicates (vermiculite and Illite) accounted for another 50%. Fe oxides in the soil were mainly crystalline goethite and hematite, with lesser amounts of poorly crystalline ferrihydrite. XRD revealed that soil clay aluminosilicates were hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite, Illite, and kaolinite. C showed similar correlation with Fe to Al and Si, implying a similar association of Fe oxides and aluminosilicates with organic matter in organo-mineral associations. These direct microscopic determinations can help improve understanding of organo-mineral interactions in soils.

Engaging rural Australian communities in National Science Week helps increase visibility for women researchers

PubMed Central

Desselle, Mathilde R.

2017-01-01

During a week-long celebration of science, run under the federally supported National Science Week umbrella, the Catch a Rising Star: women in Queensland research (CaRS) programme flew scientists who identify as women to nine regional and remote communities in the Australian State of Queensland. The aim of the project was twofold: first, to bring science to remote and regional communities in a large, economically diverse state; and second, to determine whether media and public engagement provides career advancement opportunities for women scientists. This paper focuses on the latter goal. The data show: (i) a substantial majority (greater than 80%) of researchers thought the training and experience provided by the programme would help develop her career as a research scientist in the future, (ii) the majority (65%) thought the programme would help relate her research to end users, industry partners or stakeholders in the future, and (iii) analytics can help create a compelling narrative around engagement metrics and help to quantify influence. During the week-long project, scientists reached 600 000 impressions on one social media platform (Twitter) using a program hashtag. The breadth and depth of the project outcomes indicate funding bodies and employers could use similar data as an informative source of metrics to support hiring and promotion decisions. Although this project focused on researchers who identify as women, the lessons learned are applicable to researchers representing a diverse range of backgrounds. Future surveys will help determine whether the CaRS programme provided long-term career advantages to participating scientists and communities. PMID:29134069

Mechanisms of scale formation and carbon dioxide partial pressure influence. Part II. Application in the study of mineral waters of reference.

PubMed

Gal, Jean-Yves; Fovet, Yannick; Gache, Nathalie

2002-02-01

In the first part, we have designed a new model of evolution for the calco-carbonic system which includes the hydrated forms of CaCO3: CaCO3 amorphous, CaCO3 x 6H2O (ikaite) and CaCO3 x H2O (monohydrate) (J. Eur. Hydr. 30 (1999) 47). According to this model, it is the precipitation of one or other of these hydrated forms which could be responsible for the breakdown of the metastable state. After this first step, the precipitates evolve to dehydrated solid forms. Through the elaboration of computer programs in which the CaCO3(0) (aq) ion pair formation was considered, this model was compared to experimental data obtained by the critical pH method applied to synthetic solutions. In the present article, the same method was applied for four French mineral waters, at 25 degrees C under study. Three samples formed a precipitation during the sodium hydroxide addition. For these three cases, this precipitation began for the CaCO3 H2O saturation. The added volume of sodium hydroxide was more than what was required for neutralizing free CO2 initially in solution. These results indicate that during a spontaneous scaling phenomenon, the pH rises at the same time by loss of the initial free CO2 and of the one produced by the hydrogen carbonate ions decomposition. Then we calculated, at various temperatures for the three studied scaling waters: CO2 partial pressures and loss of total carbon corresponding to the solubility products of CaCO3 hydrated forms. The results show that the partial pressure monitoring of the carbon dioxide is important in managing the behavior of scaling waters.

Optimization of Xylanase Production from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 by a Two-Step Statistical Strategy: Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken Experimental Design

PubMed Central

Cui, Fengjie; Zhao, Liming

2012-01-01

The objective of the study was to optimize the nutrition sources in a culture medium for the production of xylanase from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 using Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design. The Plackett-Burman multifactorial design was first employed to screen the important nutrient sources in the medium for xylanase production by Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 and subsequent use of the response surface methodology (RSM) was further optimized for xylanase production by Box-Behnken design. The important nutrient sources in the culture medium, identified by the initial screening method of Placket-Burman, were wheat bran, yeast extract, NaNO3, MgSO4, and CaCl2. The optimal amounts (in g/L) for maximum production of xylanase were: wheat bran, 32.8; yeast extract, 1.02; NaNO3, 12.71; MgSO4, 0.96; and CaCl2, 1.04. Using this statistical experimental design, the xylanase production under optimal condition reached 46.50 U/mL and an increase in xylanase activity of 1.34-fold was obtained compared with the original medium for fermentation carried out in a 30-L bioreactor. PMID:22949884

Optimization of Xylanase production from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 by a two-step statistical strategy: Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken experimental design.

PubMed

Cui, Fengjie; Zhao, Liming

2012-01-01

The objective of the study was to optimize the nutrition sources in a culture medium for the production of xylanase from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 using Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design. The Plackett-Burman multifactorial design was first employed to screen the important nutrient sources in the medium for xylanase production by Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 and subsequent use of the response surface methodology (RSM) was further optimized for xylanase production by Box-Behnken design. The important nutrient sources in the culture medium, identified by the initial screening method of Placket-Burman, were wheat bran, yeast extract, NaNO(3), MgSO(4), and CaCl(2). The optimal amounts (in g/L) for maximum production of xylanase were: wheat bran, 32.8; yeast extract, 1.02; NaNO(3), 12.71; MgSO(4), 0.96; and CaCl(2), 1.04. Using this statistical experimental design, the xylanase production under optimal condition reached 46.50 U/mL and an increase in xylanase activity of 1.34-fold was obtained compared with the original medium for fermentation carried out in a 30-L bioreactor.

Development of a Korean reference HLW disposal system under the Korean representative geologic conditions

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

Choi, Heui-Joo; Lee, Jong Youl; Choi, Jongwon

2007-07-01

The development of a Korean Reference disposal System for the spent fuels from PWR and CANDU reactors is outlined in this paper. Around 36,000 tU of spent fuels are being projected based on the lifetimes of 28 nuclear power reactors in Korea. Since the site for the geological disposal has not yet been decided, a hypothetical site with representative Korean geologic conditions is proposed for the conceptual design of the repository. The disposal rates of the spent fuels are determined according to the total operation time of 55 years. The canisters are optimized by considering natural Korean conditions, and themore » buffer is designed with domestic Ca-bentonite. The depth of the repository is determined to be 500 m below the ground's surface. The canister separation distances are determined through a thermal analysis. The main features of the repository are presented from the layout to the closure. A computer program has been developed to calculate and analyze the volume and the area of the disposal system to help in the cost analysis. The final output of the design is presented as a unit disposal cost, US $315 /kgU. (authors)« less

Influence of substituting B2O3 for CaF2 on the bonding behaviour to bone of glass-ceramics containing apatite and wollastonite.

PubMed

Kitsugi, T; Yamamuro, T; Nakamura, T; Yoshii, S; Kokubo, T; Takagi, M; Shibuya, T

1992-01-01

Glass-ceramics containing crystalline oxy-fluoroapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(O,F2)) and wollastonite (CaSiO3) (designated AWGC) are reported to have a fairly high mechanical strength as well as the capability of forming a chemical bond with bone tissue. The chemical composition is MgO 4.6, CaO 44.9, SiO2 34.2, P2O5 16.3, and CaF2 0.5 in weight ratio. In this study the influence of substituting B2O3 for CaF2 on the bonding behaviour of glass-ceramics containing apatite and wollastonite to bone tissue was investigated. Two kinds of glass-ceramics containing apatite and wollastonite were prepared. CaF2 0.5 was replaced with B2O3 at 0.5 and 2.0 in weight ratio (designated AWGC-0.5B and AWGC-2.0B). Rectangular ceramic plates (15 x 10 x 2 mm, abraded with No. 2000 alumina powder) were implanted into a rabbit tibia. The failure load, when an implant detached from the bone, or the bone itself broke, was measured. The failure load of AWGC-0.5B was 8.00 +/- 1.82 kg at 10 weeks after implantation and 8.16 +/- 1.36 kg at 25 weeks after implantation. The failure load of AWGC-2B was 8.08 +/- 1.70 kg at 10 weeks after implantation and 9.92 +/- 2.46 kg at 25 weeks after implantation. None of the loads for the two kinds of glass-ceramics decreased as time passed. Giemsa surface staining and contact microradiography revealed direct bonding between glass-ceramics and bone. SEM-EPMA showed a calcium-phosphorus rich layer (reaction zone) at the interface of ceramics and bone tissue. The thickness of the reaction zone was 10 to -15 microns and did not increase as time passed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Design of a continuous process setup for precipitated calcium carbonate production from steel converter slag.

PubMed

Mattila, Hannu-Petteri; Zevenhoven, Ron

2014-03-01

A mineral carbonation process "slag2PCC" for carbon capture, utilization, and storage is discussed. Ca is extracted from steel slag by an ammonium salt solvent and carbonated with gaseous CO2 after the separation of the residual slag. The solvent is reused after regeneration. The effects of slag properties such as the content of free lime, fractions of Ca, Si, Fe, and V, particle size, and slag storage on the Ca extraction efficiency are studied. Small particles with a high free-lime content and minor fractions of Si and V are the most suitable. To limit the amount of impurities in the process, the slag-to-liquid ratio should remain below a certain value, which depends on the slag composition. Also, the design of a continuous test setup (total volume ∼75 L) is described, which enables quick process variations needed to adapt the system to the varying slag quality. Different precipitated calcium carbonate crystals (calcite and vaterite) are generated in different parts of the setup. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells in computer designed fibrin-polymer-ceramic scaffolds manufactured by fused deposition modeling.

PubMed

Schantz, Jan-Thorsten; Brandwood, Arthur; Hutmacher, Dietmar Werner; Khor, Hwei Ling; Bittner, Katharina

2005-09-01

Biomimetic scaffolds offer great potentials in the development of bone analogs for tissue engineering. The studies presented in this paper focus specifically on the osteogenic potential of the novel PCL/CaP matrices and its degradation behavior. Biodegradable Polymer-ceramic Scaffolds were fabricated using the solid free form fabrication technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The scaffold architecture was characterized by a honeycomb-like design and a complete interconnectivity of the pores. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded together with fibrin glue into PCL/CaP scaffolds and cultured in vitro for periods of up to eight weeks. Cellular adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were assessed in these constructs using a range of histological and microscopic techniques. In additional experiments, degradation was assessed by measuring mass loss, diameter change, molecular weight change and by scanning electron micrographs. MSCs were able to adhere, migrate, and differentiate along the osteogenic lineage with in these scaffolds. The PCL/CaP scaffolds showed up to 27 fold increased degradation of compared to PCL scaffolds.

Increased Expression of Fatty-Acid and Calcium Metabolism Genes in Failing Human Heart

PubMed Central

Rodríguez-Penas, Diego; Feijóo-Bandín, Sandra; Noguera-Moreno, Teresa; Calaza, Manuel; Álvarez-Barredo, María; Mosquera-Leal, Ana; Parrington, John; Brugada, Josep; Portolés, Manuel; Rivera, Miguel; González-Juanatey, José Ramón; Lago, Francisca

2012-01-01

Background Heart failure (HF) involves alterations in metabolism, but little is known about cardiomyopathy-(CM)-specific or diabetes-independent alterations in gene expression of proteins involved in fatty-acid (FA) uptake and oxidation or in calcium-(Ca2+)-handling in the human heart. Methods RT-qPCR was used to quantify mRNA expression and immunoblotting to confirm protein expression in left-ventricular myocardium from patients with HF (n = 36) without diabetes mellitus of ischaemic (ICM, n = 16) or dilated (DCM, n = 20) cardiomyopathy aetiology, and non-diseased donors (CTL, n = 6). Results Significant increases in mRNA of genes regulating FA uptake (CD36) and intracellular transport (Heart-FA-Binding Protein (HFABP)) were observed in HF patients vs CTL. Significance was maintained in DCM and confirmed at protein level, but not in ICM. mRNA was higher in DCM than ICM for peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor-alpha (PPARA), PPAR-gamma coactivator-1-alpha (PGC1A) and CD36, and confirmed at the protein level for PPARA and CD36. Transcript and protein expression of Ca2+-handling genes (Two-Pore-Channel 1 (TPCN1), Two-Pore-Channel 2 (TPCN2), and Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate Receptor type-1 (IP3R1)) increased in HF patients relative to CTL. Increases remained significant for TPCN2 in all groups but for TPCN1 only in DCM. There were correlations between FA metabolism and Ca2+-handling genes expression. In ICM there were six correlations, all distinct from those found in CTL. In DCM there were also six (all also different from those found in CTL): three were common to and three distinct from ICM. Conclusion DCM-specific increases were found in expression of several genes that regulate FA metabolism, which might help in the design of aetiology-specific metabolic therapies in HF. Ca2+-handling genes TPCN1 and TPCN2 also showed increased expression in HF, while HF- and CM-specific positive correlations were found among several FA and Ca2+-handling genes. PMID:22701570

Use of Linear Programming to Develop Cost-Minimized Nutritionally Adequate Health Promoting Food Baskets.

PubMed

Parlesak, Alexandr; Tetens, Inge; Dejgård Jensen, Jørgen; Smed, Sinne; Gabrijelčič Blenkuš, Mojca; Rayner, Mike; Darmon, Nicole; Robertson, Aileen

2016-01-01

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are developed to promote healthier eating patterns, but increasing food prices may make healthy eating less affordable. The aim of this study was to design a range of cost-minimized nutritionally adequate health-promoting food baskets (FBs) that help prevent both micronutrient inadequacy and diet-related non-communicable diseases at lowest cost. Average prices for 312 foods were collected within the Greater Copenhagen area. The cost and nutrient content of five different cost-minimized FBs for a family of four were calculated per day using linear programming. The FBs were defined using five different constraints: cultural acceptability (CA), or dietary guidelines (DG), or nutrient recommendations (N), or cultural acceptability and nutrient recommendations (CAN), or dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations (DGN). The variety and number of foods in each of the resulting five baskets was increased through limiting the relative share of individual foods. The one-day version of N contained only 12 foods at the minimum cost of DKK 27 (€ 3.6). The CA, DG, and DGN were about twice of this and the CAN cost ~DKK 81 (€ 10.8). The baskets with the greater variety of foods contained from 70 (CAN) to 134 (DGN) foods and cost between DKK 60 (€ 8.1, N) and DKK 125 (€ 16.8, DGN). Ensuring that the food baskets cover both dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations doubled the cost while cultural acceptability (CAN) tripled it. Use of linear programming facilitates the generation of low-cost food baskets that are nutritionally adequate, health promoting, and culturally acceptable.

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Vadose Zone

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

Williams, M. D.; Nichols, W. E.; Ali, A.

2017-10-30

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, and DOE M 435.1 Chg 1, Radioactive Waste Management Manual, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems;more » or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions, or assessment needs, if potential problems are identified.« less

Improved Pyrolysis Micro reactor Design via Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-23

Dynamics Simulations Ghanshyam L. Vaghjiani Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL/RQRS 1 Ara Drive Edwards AFB, CA 93524-7013 Air Force...Aerospace Systems Directorate Air Force Research Laboratory AFRL/RQRS 1 Ara Road Edwards AFB, CA 93524 *Email: ghanshyam.vaghjiani@us.af.mil IMPROVED...PYROLYSIS MICRO-REACTOR DESIGN VIA COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS Ghanshyam L. Vaghjiani* DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release

Childhood abuse and deprivation are associated with distinct sex-dependent differences in brain morphology

PubMed Central

Everaerd, Daphne; Klumpers, Floris; Zwiers, Marcel; Guadalupe, Tulio; Franke, Barbara; van Oostrom, Iris; Schene, Aart; Fernández, Guillén; Tendolkar, Indira

2016-01-01

Childhood adversity (CA) has been associated with long-term structural brain alterations and an increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Evidence is emerging that subtypes of CA, varying in the dimensions of threat and deprivation, lead to distinct neural and behavioral outcomes. However, these specific associations have yet to be established without potential confounders such as psychopathology. Moreover, differences in neural development and psychopathology necessitate the exploration of sexual dimorphism. Young healthy adult subjects were selected based on history of CA from a large database to assess gray matter (GM) differences associated with specific subtypes of adversity. We compared voxel-based morphometry data of subjects reporting specific childhood exposure to abuse (n=127) or deprivation (n=126) and a similar sized group of controls (n=129) without reported CA. Subjects were matched on age, gender, and educational level. Differences between CA subtypes were found in the fusiform gyrus and middle occipital gyrus, where subjects with a history of deprivation showed reduced GM compared with subjects with a history of abuse. An interaction between sex and CA subtype was found. Women showed less GM in the visual posterior precuneal region after both subtypes of CA than controls. Men had less GM in the postcentral gyrus after childhood deprivation compared with abuse. Our results suggest that even in a healthy population, CA subtypes are related to specific alterations in brain structure, which are modulated by sex. These findings may help understand neurodevelopmental consequences related to CA. PMID:26576924

Childhood abuse and deprivation are associated with distinct sex-dependent differences in brain morphology.

PubMed

Everaerd, Daphne; Klumpers, Floris; Zwiers, Marcel; Guadalupe, Tulio; Franke, Barbara; van Oostrom, Iris; Schene, Aart; Fernández, Guillén; Tendolkar, Indira

2016-06-01

Childhood adversity (CA) has been associated with long-term structural brain alterations and an increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Evidence is emerging that subtypes of CA, varying in the dimensions of threat and deprivation, lead to distinct neural and behavioral outcomes. However, these specific associations have yet to be established without potential confounders such as psychopathology. Moreover, differences in neural development and psychopathology necessitate the exploration of sexual dimorphism. Young healthy adult subjects were selected based on history of CA from a large database to assess gray matter (GM) differences associated with specific subtypes of adversity. We compared voxel-based morphometry data of subjects reporting specific childhood exposure to abuse (n=127) or deprivation (n=126) and a similar sized group of controls (n=129) without reported CA. Subjects were matched on age, gender, and educational level. Differences between CA subtypes were found in the fusiform gyrus and middle occipital gyrus, where subjects with a history of deprivation showed reduced GM compared with subjects with a history of abuse. An interaction between sex and CA subtype was found. Women showed less GM in the visual posterior precuneal region after both subtypes of CA than controls. Men had less GM in the postcentral gyrus after childhood deprivation compared with abuse. Our results suggest that even in a healthy population, CA subtypes are related to specific alterations in brain structure, which are modulated by sex. These findings may help understand neurodevelopmental consequences related to CA.

Net mineral requirements of dairy goats during pregnancy.

PubMed

Härter, C J; Lima, L D; Castagnino, D S; Silva, H O; Figueiredo, F O M; St-Pierre, N R; Resende, K T; Teixeira, I A M A

2017-09-01

Mineral requirements of pregnant dairy goats are still not well defined; therefore, we investigated the net Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements for pregnancy and for maintenance during pregnancy in two separate experiments. Experiment 1 was performed to estimate the net Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements in goats carrying single or twin fetuses from 50 to 140 days of pregnancy (DOP). The net mineral requirements for pregnancy were determined by measuring mineral deposition in gravid uterus and mammary gland after comparative slaughter. In total, 57 dairy goats of two breeds (Oberhasli or Saanen), in their third or fourth parturition, were randomly assigned to groups based on litter size (single or twin) and day of slaughter (50, 80, 110 and 140 DOP) in a fully factorial design. Net mineral accretion for pregnancy did not differ by goat breed. The total daily Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements for pregnancy were greatest in goats carrying twins (P<0.05), and the requirements increased as pregnancy progressed. Experiment 2 was performed to estimate net Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements for dairy goat maintenance during pregnancy. In total, 58 dairy goats (Oberhasli and Saanen) carrying twin fetuses were assigned to groups based on slaughter day (80, 110 and 140 DOP) and feed restriction (ad libitum, 20% and 40% feed restriction) in a randomized block design. The net Ca, P and Mg requirements for maintenance did not vary by breed or over the course of pregnancy. The daily net requirements of Ca, P and Mg for maintenance were 60.4, 31.1 and 2.42 mg/kg live BW (LBW), respectively. The daily net Na requirement for maintenance was greater in Saanen goats (11.8 mg/kg LBW) than in Oberhasli goats (8.96 mg/kg LBW; P<0.05). Daily net K requirements increased as pregnancy progressed from 8.73 to 15.4 mg/kg LBW (P<0.01). The findings of this study will guide design of diets with adequate mineral content for pregnant goats throughout their pregnancy.

Configurable Cellular Automata for Pseudorandom Number Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quieta, Marie Therese; Guan, Sheng-Uei

This paper proposes a generalized structure of cellular automata (CA) — the configurable cellular automata (CoCA). With selected properties from programmable CA (PCA) and controllable CA (CCA), a new approach to cellular automata is developed. In CoCA, the cells are dynamically reconfigured at run-time via a control CA. Reconfiguration of a cell simply means varying the properties of that cell with time. Some examples of properties to be reconfigured are rule selection, boundary condition, and radius. While the objective of this paper is to propose CoCA as a new CA method, the main focus is to design a CoCA that can function as a good pseudorandom number generator (PRNG). As a PRNG, CoCA can be a suitable candidate as it can pass 17 out of 18 Diehard tests with 31 cells. CoCA PRNG's performance based on Diehard test is considered superior over other CA PRNG works. Moreover, CoCA opens new rooms for research not only in the field of random number generation, but in modeling complex systems as well.

Evaluation of blood zinc, calcium and blood lead levels among children aged 1-36 months.

PubMed

Ji, Xiaojun; He, Hong; Ren, Lisheng; Liu, Ji; Han, Chunhua

2014-09-01

Early childhood lead exposure is associated with numerous adverse health effects. Biomonitoring among susceptible populations, such as children, has not been previously conducted. The aim of the study is to evaluate the blood lead (Pb) and total blood calcium (Ca) levels; blood zinc (Zn) levels. A cross-sectional study was designed to collect healthy children age 1- 36 months (Mean ± SD: 1.5 ± 0.6 age, 60% boys) in the study from January 2010 to September 2011. The overall mean blood Pb levels were 42.18 ± 12.13 μg/L, the overall mean blood Zn and total blood Ca concentrations were 62.18 ± 12.33 μmol/L and 1.78 ± 0.13 mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence of elevated blood Pb levels in all children was 1.3%. A significant difference was found between female and male subjects for the blood Pb and Zn. After controlling for gender and age, there was a weak positive correlation between total blood Ca and Zn level. The blood Pb levels had a significant negative correlation with total blood Ca level after adjusting for age and gender, and these findings suggest that Pb had effect on positive blood Zn and total blood Ca levels; parents should pay more attention to the nutrition of girls. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Effect of interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphisms -1082 G/A and -592 C/A on response to therapy in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

PubMed

El-Karaksy, Hanaa M; Sharaf, Sahar A; Mandour, Iman A; Mogahed, Engy A; Rady, Normeen H; El-Mougy, Fatma A

2016-12-01

Studying predictors of response to therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in children may help avoid the inappropriate use of currently available costly therapy associated with numerous adverse effects. We tested the hypothesis that inheritance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter gene might influence response to HCV treatment. The impact of SNPs, -1082 G/A and -592 C/A, in the promoter region of IL-10 gene, on response to HCV therapy was assessed in a cohort of 40 children treated with a combination of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) α2b and ribavirin. Sustained virological response was achieved in 48.7%. High viral load was associated with non-response to therapy. There was no association between histopathological degree of inflammation or fibrosis and response to therapy. There was no direct statistically significant association between polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene (-1082G/A and -592 C/A) as regards inflammation or response to therapy in children. As for the SNP -592 C/A; there was a statistically significant association with the score of fibrosis (P<0.004), concluding that the A allele was protective from moderate and severe fibrosis. Meanwhile the SNP -1082G/A did not show any association with the fibrosis score. We could not associate response to therapy for HCV with IL-10 polymorphisms -1082 G/A and -592 C/A. For the SNP -592 C/A, the A allele protected from moderate and severe fibrosis. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of calcium phosphate and vitamin D₃ supplementation on bone remodelling and metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

PubMed

Trautvetter, Ulrike; Neef, Nadja; Leiterer, Matthias; Kiehntopf, Michael; Kratzsch, Jürgen; Jahreis, Gerhard

2014-01-17

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of calcium phosphate and/or vitamin D₃ on bone and mineral metabolism. Sixty omnivorous healthy subjects participated in the double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel designed study. Supplements were tricalcium phosphate (CaP) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃). At the beginning of the study (baseline), all subjects documented their normal nutritional habits in a dietary record for three successive days. After baseline, subjects were allocated to three intervention groups: CaP (additional 1 g calcium/d), vitamin D₃ (additional 10 μg/d) and CaP + vitamin D₃. In the first two weeks, all groups consumed placebo bread, and afterwards, for eight weeks, the test bread according to the intervention group. In the last week of each study period (baseline, placebo, after four and eight weeks of intervention), a faecal (three days) and a urine (24 h) collection and a fasting blood sampling took place. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron were determined in faeces, urine and blood. Bone formation and resorption markers were analysed in blood and urine. After four and eight weeks, CaP and CaP + vitamin D₃ supplementations increased faecal excretion of calcium and phosphorus significantly compared to placebo. Due to the vitamin D₃ supplementations (vitamin D₃, CaP + vitamin D₃), the plasma 25-(OH)D concentration significantly increased after eight weeks compared to placebo. The additional application of CaP led to a significant increase of the 25-(OH)D concentration already after four weeks. Bone resorption and bone formation markers were not influenced by any intervention. Supplementation with daily 10 μg vitamin D₃ significantly increases plasma 25-(OH)D concentration. The combination with daily 1 g calcium (as CaP) has a further increasing effect on the 25-(OH)D concentration. Both CaP alone and in combination with vitamin D₃ have no beneficial effect on bone remodelling markers and on the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. NCT01297023.

Inhibitory effects of purified antibody against α-1 repeat (117-137) on Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange and L-type Ca(2+) currents in rat cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Feng, Qi-Long; Wu, Dong-Mei; Cui, Xiang-Li; Zhao, Hua-Chen; Lin, Yuan-Yuan; Zhao, Lu-Ying; Wu, Bo-Wei

2010-10-25

Considering that α-1 repeat region may be involved in the ion binding and translocation of Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX), it is possible that the antibodies against NCX α-1 repeat may have a crucial action on NCX activity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of antibody against α-1 repeat (117-137), designated as α-1(117-137), on NCX activity. The antibody against the synthesized α-1(117-137) was prepared and affinity-purified. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to study the change of Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange current (I(Na/Ca)) in adult rat cardiomyocytes. To evaluate the functional specificity of this antibody, its effects on L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)), voltage-gated Na(+) current (I(Na)) and delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(K)) were also observed. The amino acid sequences of α-1(117-137) in NCX and residues 1 076-1 096 within L-type Ca(2+) channel were compared using EMBOSS Pairwise Alignment Algorithms. The results showed that outward and inward I(Na/Ca) were decreased by the antibody against α-1(117-137) dose-dependently in the concentration range from 10 to 160 nmol/L, with IC(50) values of 18.9 nmol/L and 22.4 nmol/L, respectively. Meanwhile, the antibody also decreased I(Ca,L) in a concentration-dependent manner with IC(50) of 22.7 nmol/L. No obvious effects of the antibody on I(Na) and I(K) were observed. Moreover, comparison of the amino acid sequences showed there was 23.8% sequence similarity between NCX α-1(117-137) and residues 1 076-1 096 within L-type Ca(2+) channel. These results suggest that antibody against α-1(117-137) is a blocking antibody to NCX and can also decrease I(Ca,L) in a concentration-dependent manner, while it does not have obvious effects on I(Na) and I(K).

Development of biodegradable Zn-1X binary alloys with nutrient alloying elements Mg, Ca and Sr.

PubMed

Li, H F; Xie, X H; Zheng, Y F; Cong, Y; Zhou, F Y; Qiu, K J; Wang, X; Chen, S H; Huang, L; Tian, L; Qin, L

2015-05-29

Biodegradable metals have attracted considerable attentions in recent years. Besides the early launched biodegradable Mg and Fe metals, Zn, an essential element with osteogenic potential of human body, is regarded and studied as a new kind of potential biodegradable metal quite recently. Unfortunately, pure Zn is soft, brittle and has low mechanical strength in the practice, which needs further improvement in order to meet the clinical requirements. On the other hand, the widely used industrial Zn-based alloys usually contain biotoxic elements (for instance, ZA series contain toxic Al elements up to 40 wt.%), which subsequently bring up biosafety concerns. In the present work, novel Zn-1X binary alloys, with the addition of nutrition elements Mg, Ca and Sr were designed (cast, rolled and extruded Zn-1Mg, Zn-1Ca and Zn-1Sr). Their microstructure and mechanical property, degradation and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility were studied systematically. The results demonstrated that the Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys have profoundly modified the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of pure Zn. Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys showed great potential for use in a new generation of biodegradable implants, opening up a new avenue in the area of biodegradable metals.

Development of biodegradable Zn-1X binary alloys with nutrient alloying elements Mg, Ca and Sr

PubMed Central

Li, H. F.; Xie, X. H.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cong, Y.; Zhou, F. Y.; Qiu, K. J.; Wang, X.; Chen, S. H.; Huang, L.; Tian, L.; Qin, L.

2015-01-01

Biodegradable metals have attracted considerable attentions in recent years. Besides the early launched biodegradable Mg and Fe metals, Zn, an essential element with osteogenic potential of human body, is regarded and studied as a new kind of potential biodegradable metal quite recently. Unfortunately, pure Zn is soft, brittle and has low mechanical strength in the practice, which needs further improvement in order to meet the clinical requirements. On the other hand, the widely used industrial Zn-based alloys usually contain biotoxic elements (for instance, ZA series contain toxic Al elements up to 40 wt.%), which subsequently bring up biosafety concerns. In the present work, novel Zn-1X binary alloys, with the addition of nutrition elements Mg, Ca and Sr were designed (cast, rolled and extruded Zn-1Mg, Zn-1Ca and Zn-1Sr). Their microstructure and mechanical property, degradation and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility were studied systematically. The results demonstrated that the Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys have profoundly modified the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of pure Zn. Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys showed great potential for use in a new generation of biodegradable implants, opening up a new avenue in the area of biodegradable metals. PMID:26023878

Transcriptome analysis of tobacco BY-2 cells elicited by cryptogein reveals new potential actors of calcium-dependent and calcium-independent plant defense pathways.

PubMed

Amelot, Nicolas; Dorlhac de Borne, François; San Clemente, Hélène; Mazars, Christian; Grima-Pettenati, Jacqueline; Brière, Christian

2012-02-01

Cryptogein is a proteinaceous elicitor secreted by the oomycete Phytophthora cryptogea, which induces a hypersensitive response in tobacco plants. We have previously reported that in tobacco BY-2 cells treated with cryptogein, most of the genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway were upregulated and cell wall-bound phenolics accumulated. Both events were Ca(2+) dependent. In this study, we designed a microarray covering a large proportion of the tobacco genome and monitored gene expression in cryptogein-elicited BY-2 cells to get a more complete view of the transcriptome changes and to assess their Ca(2+) dependence. The predominant functional gene categories affected by cryptogein included stress- and disease-related proteins, phenylpropanoid pathway, signaling components, transcription factors and cell wall reinforcement. Among the 3819 unigenes whose expression changed more than fourfold, 90% were Ca(2+) dependent, as determined by their sensitivity to lanthanum chloride. The most Ca(2+)-dependent transcripts upregulated by cryptogein were involved in defense responses or the oxylipin pathway. This genome-wide study strongly supports the importance of Ca(2+)-dependent transcriptional regulation of regulatory and defense-related genes contributing to cryptogein responses in tobacco. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prefrontal Cortex KCa2 Channels Regulate mGlu5-Dependent Plasticity and Extinction of Alcohol-Seeking Behavior.

PubMed

Cannady, Reginald; McGonigal, Justin T; Newsom, Ryan J; Woodward, John J; Mulholland, Patrick J; Gass, Justin T

2017-04-19

Identifying novel treatments that facilitate extinction learning could enhance cue-exposure therapy and reduce high relapse rates in alcoholics. Activation of mGlu 5 receptors in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL-PFC) facilitates learning during extinction of cue-conditioned alcohol-seeking behavior. Small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (K Ca 2) channels have also been implicated in extinction learning of fear memories, and mGlu 5 receptor activation can reduce K Ca 2 channel function. Using a combination of electrophysiological, pharmacological, and behavioral approaches, this study examined K Ca 2 channels as a novel target to facilitate extinction of alcohol-seeking behavior in rats. This study also explored related neuronal and synaptic mechanisms within the IL-PFC that underlie mGlu 5 -dependent enhancement of extinction learning. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, activation of mGlu 5 in ex vivo slices significantly reduced K Ca 2 channel currents in layer V IL-PFC pyramidal neurons, confirming functional downregulation of K Ca 2 channel activity by mGlu 5 receptors. Additionally, positive modulation of K Ca 2 channels prevented mGlu 5 receptor-dependent facilitation of long-term potentiation in the IL-PFC. Systemic and intra-IL-PFC treatment with apamin (K Ca 2 channel allosteric inhibitor) significantly enhanced extinction of alcohol-seeking behavior across multiple extinction sessions, an effect that persisted for 3 weeks, but was not observed after apamin microinfusions into the prelimbic PFC. Positive modulation of IL-PFC K Ca 2 channels significantly attenuated mGlu 5 -dependent facilitation of alcohol cue-conditioned extinction learning. These data suggest that mGlu 5 -dependent facilitation of extinction learning and synaptic plasticity in the IL-PFC involves functional inhibition of K Ca 2 channels. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that K Ca 2 channels are a novel target to facilitate long-lasting extinction of alcohol-seeking behavior. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Alcohol use disorder is a chronic relapsing disorder that is associated with compulsive alcohol-seeking behavior. One of the main causes of alcohol relapse is the craving caused by environmental cues that are associated with alcohol. These cues are formed by normal learning and memory principles, and the understanding of the brain mechanisms that help form these associations can lead to the development of drugs and/or behavior therapies that reduce the impact that these cues have on relapse in alcoholics. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/374359-11$15.00/0.

Calcium Isotope Fractionation during Carbonate Weathering in the Northern Guangdong, South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, F.; Mao, G.; Wei, G.; Zhang, Z.

2017-12-01

CO2 is consumed during the weathering of carbonates, whereas carbonates are precipitated rapidly in the oceans, which are pivotal to modulate atmospheric CO2, oceanic pH and climate. Calcium carbonate in limestone is one of the largest reservoirs of carbon at the Earth's surface, so calcium is an important element that links the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and the atmosphere. Compared with silicate rocks, carbonate rocks have more rapid rates of physical and chemical erosions, so the carbonate weathering will respond more quickly to the climatic changes. In the southeast of China, enormous of carbonate rocks are widely distributed. Due to the influence of the subtropical monsoon climate, the rocks experienced strong chemical weathering and pedogenic process, resulting in red weathering crust of carbonate rocks. This type of weathering crust is geochemistry-sensitive and ecology-vulnerable, which can provide important insights into the recycle of supergene geochemistry in the karst areas. In this study, we report calcium isotopic compositions of saprolites from a weathering profile developed on argillaceous carbonate rocks in northern Guangdong, South China. The acid-leachable fraction, which was extracted by 1N hydrochloride acid, showed limited variation of δ44/40Ca(NIST 915a) spanning from 0.55 ± 0.06‰ (2SD) to 0.72 ± 0.05‰ (2SD) despite CaO content ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 45.7 wt.%, implying that Ca isotope didn't fractionate much which may due to the congruent dissolution of limestone minerals. In contrast, radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the whole rocks changed with depth from 0.710086 ± 6 (2SE) at the base rock to 0.722164± 8 (2SE) at the top-soil, which are possibly attributed to the mixing effect between carbonate and silicate fractions. Sr is an analogue for Ca due to its similar ionic size and charge; however, these two systems can differ in certain respects. The coupled study of Ca and Sr will be helpful to verify sources of Ca and the global Ca and C cycles.

Environmental controls on the geochemistry of Globorotalia truncatulinoides in the Gulf of Mexico: Implications for paleoceanographic reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynolds, C. E.; Richey, J. N.; Fehrenbacher, J. S.; Rosenheim, B. E.

2017-12-01

Modern observations of planktic foraminifera from sediment trap studies help to constrain the regional ecology of paleoceanographically valuable species. Results from a weekly-resolved sediment trap time series (2008-2014) in the northern Gulf of Mexico demonstrate that 92% of Globorotalia truncatulinoides flux occurs in winter (January, February, and March), and that encrusted and non-encrusted individuals calcify in distinct depth habitats. We use individual foraminiferal analysis (IFA) of G. truncatulinoides tests to investigate seasonal differences in the elemental (Mg/Ca) and isotopic composition (δ18O and δ13C) of the encrusted and non-encrusted ontogenetic forms of G. truncatulinoides, and to estimate their calcification depth in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We found that non-encrusted and encrusted G. truncatulinoides have mean calcification depths of 66 ± 9 meters and 250 ± 52 meters, respectively. We present a new Mg/Ca-calcification temperature relationship for G. truncatulinoides, calibrated over a range of 16 ºC (11-27 ºC). Finally, we demonstrate that the δ18O and Mg/Ca of the non-encrusted form is a suitable proxy for winter surface mixed layer conditions. Care should be taken not to combine encrusted and non-encrusted individuals of G. truncatulinoides for down core paleoceanographic studies.

Ripk3 promotes ER stress-induced necroptosis in cardiac IR injury: A mechanism involving calcium overload/XO/ROS/mPTP pathway.

PubMed

Zhu, Pingjun; Hu, Shunying; Jin, Qinhua; Li, Dandan; Tian, Feng; Toan, Sam; Li, Yang; Zhou, Hao; Chen, Yundai

2018-06-01

Receptor-interacting protein 3 (Ripk3)-mediated necroptosis contributes to cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury through poorly defined mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that Ripk3 was strongly upregulated in murine hearts subjected to IR injury and cardiomyocytes treated with LPS and H 2 O 2 . The higher level of Ripk3 was positively correlated to the infarction area expansion, cardiac dysfunction and augmented cardiomyocytes necroptosis. Function study further illustrated that upregulated Ripk3 evoked the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which was accompanied with an increase in intracellular Ca 2+ level ([Ca 2+ ]c) and xanthine oxidase (XO) expression. Activated XO raised cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that mediated the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and cardiomyocytes necroptosis. By comparison, genetic ablation of Ripk3 abrogated the ER stress and thus blocked the [Ca 2+ ]c overload-XO-ROS-mPTP pathways, favouring a pro-survival state that ultimately resulted in the inhibition of cardiomyocytes necroptosis in the setting of cardiac IR injury. In summary, the present study helps to elucidate how necroptosis is mediated by ER stress, via the calcium overload /XO/ROS/mPTP opening axis. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Hair Color on Eliciting Help: Do Blondes Have More Fun?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Juni, Samuel; Roth, Michelle M.

1985-01-01

Review of the literature suggests that hair color influences the quality of interpersonal interactions. Results of a factorially designed study show that while women helped confederates equally regardless of their gender, men helped women more than they helped men. Hair color of confederates was not shown to affect helping behavior. (Author/ABB)

Experimental model for ELF-EMF exposure: Concern for human health

PubMed Central

D’Angelo, C.; Costantini, E.; Kamal, M.A.; Reale, M.

2014-01-01

Low frequency (LF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are abundantly present in modern society and in the last 20 years the interest about the possible effect of extremely low frequency (ELF) EMFs on human health has increased progressively. Epidemiological studies, designed to verify whether EMF exposure may be a potential risk factor for health, have led to controversial results. The possible association between EMFs and an increased incidence of childhood leukemia, brain tumors or neurodegenerative diseases was not fully elucidated. On the other hand, EMFs are widely used, in neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology, orthopedics and dermatology, both in diagnosis and in therapy. In vitro studies may help to evaluate the mechanism by which LF-EMFs affect biological systems. Invitro model of wound healing used keratinocytes (HaCaT), neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) as a model for analysis of differentiation, metabolism and functions related to neurodegenerative processes, and monocytic cell line (THP-1) was used as a model for inflammation and cytokines production, while leukemic cell line (K562) was used as a model for hematopoietic differentiation. MCP-1, a chemokine that regulates the migration and infiltration of memory T cells, natural killer (NK), monocytes and epithelial cells, has been demonstrated to be induced and involved in various diseases. Since, varying the parameters of EMFs different effects may be observed, we have studied MCP-1 expression in HaCaT, SH-SY5Y, THP-1 and K562 exposed to a sinusoidal EMF at 50 Hz frequency with a flux density of 1 mT (rms). Our preliminary results showed that EMF-exposure differently modifies the expression of MCP-1 in different cell types. Thus, the MCP-1 expression needs to be better determined, with additional studies, with different parameters and times of exposure to ELF-EMF. PMID:25561888

Fabrication of high wettability gradient on copper substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Ding-Jun; Leu, Tzong-Shyng

2013-09-01

Copper is one of the most widely used materials in condensation heat transfer. Recently there has been great interest in improving the condensation heat transfer efficiency through copper surface modification. In this study, we describe the fabrication processes of how copper surfaces were modified to be superhydrophilic (CA ≤ 10°) and superhydrophobic (CA > 150°) by means of H2O2 immersion and fluorination with Teflon. The wettability gradient of copper surfaces with contact angles (CA) changing from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic are also demonstrated. Unlike previous studies on gradient surfaces in which the wettability gradient is controlled either non-precisely or entirely uncontrolled, in this study, the contact angles along wettability gradient copper surfaces vary with a precisely designed gradient. It is demonstrated that a high wettability gradient copper surface can be successfully fabricated using photolithography to define the area ratios between superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic patterns within a short distance. The fabricated wettability gradient of copper surfaces is expected to be able to enhance the condensation heat transfer efficiency.

Exogenous Calcium Alleviates Photoinhibition of PSII by Improving the Xanthophyll Cycle in Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea) Leaves during Heat Stress under High Irradiance

PubMed Central

Yang, Sha; Wang, Fang; Guo, Feng; Meng, Jing-Jing; Li, Xin-Guo; Dong, Shu-Ting; Wan, Shu-Bo

2013-01-01

Peanut is one of the calciphilous plants. Calcium (Ca) serves as a ubiquitous central hub in a large number of signaling pathways. The effect of exogenous calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] (6 mM) on the dissipation of excess excitation energy in the photosystem II (PSII) antenna, especially on the level of D1 protein and the xanthophyll cycle in peanut plants under heat (40°C) and high irradiance (HI) (1 200 µmol m−2 s−1) stress were investigated. Compared with the control plants [cultivated in 0 mM Ca(NO3)2 medium], the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) in Ca2+-treated plants showed a slighter decrease after 5 h of stress, accompanied by higher non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), higher expression of antioxidative genes and less reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Meanwhile, higher content of D1 protein and higher ratio of (A+Z)/(V+A+Z) were also detected in Ca2+-treated plants under such stress. These results showed that Ca2+ could help protect the peanut photosynthetic system from severe photoinhibition under heat and HI stress by accelerating the repair of D1 protein and improving the de-epoxidation ratio of the xanthophyll cycle. Furthermore, EGTA (a chelant of Ca ion), LaCl3 (a blocker of Ca2+ channel in cytoplasmic membrane), and CPZ [a calmodulin (CaM) antagonist] were used to analyze the effects of Ca2+/CaM on the variation of (A+Z)/(V+A+Z) (%) and the expression of violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE). The results indicated that CaM, an important component of the Ca2+ signal transduction pathway, mediated the expression of the VDE gene in the presence of Ca to improve the xanthophyll cycle. PMID:23940721

A Comparison of Technologically Mediated and Face-to-Face Help-Seeking Sources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reeves, Philip M.; Sperling, Rayne A.

2015-01-01

Background: Current post-secondary school students have access to multiple help-seeking sources. As help-seeking behaviour relates to academic achievement, the provision of preferred help sources would be beneficial to students, instructors, and course designers. Aims: This study examines whether students prefer and intend to utilize…

Integrating GIS, cellular automata, and genetic algorithm in urban spatial optimization: a case study of Lanzhou

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xibao; Zhang, Jianming; Zhou, Xiaojian

2006-10-01

This paper presents a model integrating GIS, cellular automata (CA) and genetic algorithm (GA) in urban spatial optimization. The model involves three objectives of the maximization of land-use efficiency, the maximization of urban spatial harmony and appropriate proportion of each land-use type. CA submodel is designed with standard Moore neighbor and three transition rules to maximize the land-use efficiency and urban spatial harmony, according to the land-use suitability and spatial harmony index. GA submodel is designed with four constraints and seven steps for the maximization of urban spatial harmony and appropriate proportion of each land-use type, including encoding, initializing, calculating fitness, selection, crossover, mutation and elitism. GIS is used to prepare for the input data sets for the model and perform spatial analysis on the results, while CA and GA are integrated to optimize urban spatial structure, programmed with Matlab 7 and coupled with GIS loosely. Lanzhou, a typical valley-basin city with fast urban development, is chosen as the case study. At the end, a detail analysis and evaluation of the spatial optimization with the model are made, and it proves to be a powerful tool in optimizing urban spatial structure and make supplement for urban planning and policy-makers.

Comparison of the treatment performance of hybrid constructed wetlands treating stormwater runoff.

PubMed

Choi, J Y; Maniquiz-Redillas, M C; Hong, J S; Lee, S Y; Kim, L H

2015-01-01

This study was conducted to compare the treatment performance of two hybrid constructed wetlands (CWs) in treating stormwater runoff. The hybrid CWs were composed of a combination of free water surface (FWS) and horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) CWs. Based on the results, strong correlation exists between potential runoff impacts and stormwater characteristics; however, the low correlations also suggest that not only the monitored parameters contribute to stormwater event mean concentrations (EMC) of pollutants, but other factors should also be considered as well. In the hydraulic and treatment performance of the hybrid CWs, a small surface area to catchment area (SA/CA) ratio, receiving a high concentration of influent EMC, will find it hard to achieve great removal efficiency; also a large SA/CA ratio, receiving low concentration of influent EMC, will find it hard to achieve great removal efficiency. With this, SA/CA ratio and influent characteristics such as EMC or load should be considered among the design factors of CWs. The performance data of the two CWs were used to consider the most cost-effective design of a hybrid CW. The optimum facility capacity (ratio of total runoff volume to storage volume) that is applicable for a target volume reduction and removal efficiency was provided in this study.

Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates Ca2+ Homeostasis Mediated by Concomitantly Produced Nitric Oxide via a Novel Synergistic Pathway in Exocrine Pancreas

PubMed Central

Moustafa, Amira

2014-01-01

Abstract Aim: The present study was designed to explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on Ca2+ homeostasis in rat pancreatic acini. Results: Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; an H2S donor) induced a biphasic increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a dose-dependent manner. The NaHS-induced [Ca2+]i elevation persisted with an EC50 of 73.3 μM in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ but was abolished by thapsigargin, indicating that both Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release contributed to the increase. The [Ca2+]i increase was markedly inhibited in the presence of NG-monomethyl L-arginine or 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO), and diaminofluorescein-2/diaminofluorescein-2 triazole (DAF-2/DAF-2T) fluorometry demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) was also produced by H2S in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 of 64.8 μM, indicating that NO was involved in the H2S effect. The H2S-induced [Ca2+]i increase was inhibited by pretreatment with U73122, xestospongin C, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, KT5823, and GP2A, indicating that phospholipase C (PLC), the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), protein kinase G (PKG), and Gq-protein play roles as intermediate components in the H2S-triggered intracellular signaling. Innovation: To our knowledge, our study is the first one highlighting the effect of H2S on intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in pancreatic acinar cells. Moreover, a novel cascade was presumed to function via the synergistic interaction between H2S and NO. Conclusion: We conclude that H2S affects [Ca2+]i homeostasis that is mediated by H2S-evoked NO production via an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-NO-sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-PKG-Gq-protein-PLC-IP3 pathway to induce Ca2+ release, and this pathway is identical to the one we recently proposed for a sole effect of NO and the two gaseous molecules synergistically function to regulate Ca2+ homeostasis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 20, 747–758. PMID:24138560

Design and assessment of a wrapped cylindrical Ca-P AZ31 Mg alloy for critical-size ulna defect repair.

PubMed

Smith, Montserrat Rabago; Atkinson, Patrick; White, Désirée; Piersma, Tyler; Gutierrez, Gloria; Rossini, Gianny; Desai, Sapna; Wellinghoff, Stephen; Yu, Hui; Cheng, Xingguo

2012-01-01

Recently, magnesium has been investigated as a promising bioresorbable orthopedic biomaterial. Its mechanical properties are very similar to natural bone, making it appropriate for load-bearing orthopedic fracture repair applications. However, significant hurdles remain regarding the design of practical implants and methods to control degradation and enhance biocompatibility. Although attempts have been made to hinder magnesium's rapid corrosion via alloying and coating, these studies have used solid monoliths. In an effort to reduce the amount of alloy used for implantation in a shape that mimics cortical bone shape, this study used a thin sheet of Mg AZ31 which was rolled into hollow cylindrical scaffolds. The scaffold was coated with different amounts of Ca-P; this implant demonstrated slowed corrosion in simulated body fluid (SBF) as well as enhanced biocompatibility for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). In vivo implantation of magnesium alloy scaffold adjacent to the rat femur showed significant biointegration with further deposition of complex Mg-Ca phosphates/carbonates typical of natural bone. Finally, the implant was placed in a critical-size ulna defect in live rabbits, which lead to radiographic union and partial restoration of biomechanical strength in the defect. This study demonstrated that a thin sheet of coated Mg alloy that was spirally wrapped wound be a promising orthopedic biomaterial for bone repair. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Alaska

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2014-05-15

... help to darken the room lights when viewing the image on a computer screen. The Yukon River is seen wending its way from upper left to ... NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Terra spacecraft is managed ...

75 FR 32790 - Discretionary Grant Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-09

... date funding level Raising Special Kids AZ $95,700 31-May-11. Support for Families of Children w/ CA 95... Illinois IL 95,700 31-May-11. About Special Kids, Inc IN 95,700 31-May-11. Bayou Land Families Helping...

The Use of Cervical Auscultation to Predict Oropharyngeal Aspiration in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Frakking, Thuy T; Chang, Anne B; O'Grady, Kerry-Ann F; David, Michael; Walker-Smith, Katie; Weir, Kelly A

2016-12-01

In this study, we aimed to determine if the use of cervical auscultation (CA) as an adjunct to the clinical feeding evaluation (CFE + CA) improves the reliability of predicting oropharyngeal aspiration (abbreviated to aspiration) in children. The design of the study is based on open label, randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation. Results from children (<18 years) randomized to either CFE or CFE + CA were compared to videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), the reference standard data. Aspiration was defined using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale. All assessments were undertaken at a single tertiary pediatric hospital. 155 children referred for a feeding/swallowing assessment were randomized into the CFE n = 83 [38 males; mean age = 34.9 months (SD 34.4)] or CFE + CA n = 72 [43 males; mean age = 39.6 months (SD 39.3)] group. kappa statistic, sensitivity, and specificity values, area under receiver operating curve (aROC). No significant differences between groups were found, although CFE + CA (kappa = 0.41, 95 % CI 0.2-0.62) had higher agreement for aspiration detection by VFSS, compared to the clinical feeding exam alone (kappa = 0.31, 95 % CI 0.10-0.52). Sensitivity was 85 % (95 % CI 62.1-96.8) for CFE + CA and 63.6 % (95 % CI 45.1-79.6) for CFE. aROC was not significantly greater for CFE + CA (0.75, 95 % CI 0.65-0.86) than CFE (0.66, 95 % CI 0.55-0.76) across all age groups. Although using CA as an adjunct to the clinical feeding evaluation improves the sensitivity of predicting aspiration in children, it is not sensitive enough as a diagnostic tool in isolation. Given the serious implications of missing the diagnosis of aspiration, instrumental assessments (e.g., VFSS), remain the preferred standard.

Dietary Associations of Household Food Insecurity Among Children of Mexican Descent: Results of a Binational Study

PubMed Central

Rosas, Lisa G; Harley, Kim; Fernald, Lia CH; Guendelman, Sylvia; Mejia, Fabiola; Neufeld, Lynnette M

2015-01-01

Background/objective Children of Mexican descent frequently experience household food insecurity both in the United States (US) and Mexico, however, little is known about the associations of food insecurity with dietary intake. This study aimed to understand the level of perceived food insecurity and its association with dietary intake among children of Mexican descent residing in the US and Mexico. Design This cross-sectional study utilized data from a 2006 binational study of five-year-old children of Mexican descent living in migrant communities in California (CA) and Mexico (MX). Methods In CA, children were 301 participants from the CHAMACOS study, a longitudinal birth cohort in a Mexican immigrant community. MX children (n=301) were participants in the Proyecto Mariposa study, which was designed to capture a sample of women and their children living in Mexico who closely resembled the CA sample, yet who never migrated to the US. Household food insecurity was measured using the US Department of Agriculture Food Security Scale and dietary intake was assessed with food frequency questionnaires. Analysis of variance was used to examine unadjusted and adjusted differences in total energy, nutrient intake, and consumption of food groups by household food security status. Results Approximately 39% of the CA mothers and 75% of the MX mothers reported low or very low food security in the last 12 months (p<0.01). Children in the US, experiencing food insecurity consumed more fat, saturated fat, sweets and fried snacks than children not experiencing food insecurity. In contrast, in Mexico food insecurity was associated with lower intake of total carbohydrates, dairy and vitamin B6. Conclusions Programs and policies addressing food insecurity in the US and Mexico may need to take steps to address dietary intake among children in households experiencing food insecurity, possibly through education and programs to increase resources to obtain healthy foods. PMID:19942017

Micro-topography and reactivity of implant surfaces: an in vitro study in simulated body fluid (SBF).

PubMed

Gandolfi, M G; Taddei, P; Siboni, F; Perrotti, V; Iezzi, G; Piattelli, A; Prati, C

2015-02-01

The creation of micro-textured dental implant surfaces possessing a stimulating activity represents a challenge in implant dentistry; particularly, the formation of a thin, biologically active, calcium-phosphate layer on their surface could help to strengthen the bond to the surrounding bone. The aim of the present study was to characterize in terms of macrostructure, micro-topography and reactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF), the surface of titanium (Ti) implants blasted with TiO2 particles, acid etched with hydrofluoric acid, and activated with Ca and Mg-containing nanoparticles. Sandblasted and acid-etched implants were analyzed by ESEM-EDX (environmental scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray system) to study the micromorphology of the surface and to perform elemental X-ray microanalysis (microchemical analyses) and element mapping. ESEM-EDX analyses were performed at time 0 and after a 28-day soaking period in SBF Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) following ISO 23317 (implants for surgery—in vitro evaluation for apatite-forming ability of implant materials). Microchemical analyses (weight % and atomic %) and element mapping were carried out to evaluate the relative element content, element distribution, and calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) atomic ratio. Raman spectroscopy was used to assess the possible presence of impurities due to manufacturing and to investigate the phases formed upon HBSS soaking. Micro-morphological analyses showed a micro-textured, highly rough surface with microgrooves. Microchemical analyses showed compositional differences among the apical, middle, and distal thirds. The micro-Raman analyses of the as-received implant showed the presence of amorphous Ti oxide and traces of anatase, calcite, and a carbonaceous material derived from the decomposition of an organic component of lipidic nature (presumably used as lubricant). A uniform layer of Ca-poor calcium phosphates (CaPs) (Ca/P ratio <1.47) was observed after soaking in HBSS; the detection of the 961 cm⁻¹ Raman band confirms this finding. These implants showed a micro-textured surface supporting the formation of CaPs when immersed in SBF. These properties may likely favor bone anchorage and healing by stimulation of mineralizing cells.

Comparison of coblation annuloplasty and radiofrequency thermocoagulation for treatment of lumbar discogenic pain.

PubMed

Sun, Dongguang; Li, Quancheng; Tang, Yuanzhang; Gong, Weiyi; He, Liangliang; Dou, Zhi; Ni, Jiaxiang

2017-11-01

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of coblation annuloplasty and radiofrequency thermocoagulation for lumbar discogenic pain.Patients who suffered from lumbar discogenic pain and underwent coblation annuloplasty and radiofrequency thermocoagulation surgery were included. A questionnaire, including the visual analo scale (VAS), MacNab criteria, pain relief rate, and any complications due to surgery, was completed by the patients with the help of a trained volunteer who was blinded to the study. Data were collected at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Significant pain relief was defined as postoperative pain relief ≥50% compared with the preoperative state. Any complications during or after surgery were also recorded.A total of 122 patients were included; 37 patients were lost in the follow-up and 85 were evaluated. Among these, 45 patients underwent coblation annuloplasty (CA group, n = 45) and 40 underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation procedures (RF group, n = 40).VAS pain scores were decreased at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively compared with preoperation in both groups (P < .05). The CA group had significantly lower VAS scores at 6 and 12 months of follow-up than did the RF group (P < .05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, the proportions of patients with excellent and/or good results at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up were significantly higher in the CA group compared with the RF group (P < .05).Only 2 patients reported soreness at the needle insertion site in the CA group. However, 3 patients had soreness at the needle insertion site, 3 had increased intensity of low back pain, 1 had intracranial hypotension, and 2 had new numbness in the leg and foot in the RF group. At the 1-year follow-up, this numbness was present all of the time. No major complications occurred in the CA group.Our study suggests that CA is a more effective and safe minimally invasive procedure than RF for treating lumbar discogenic pain. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of coblation annuloplasty and radiofrequency thermocoagulation for treatment of lumbar discogenic pain

PubMed Central

Sun, Dongguang; Li, Quancheng; Tang, Yuanzhang; Gong, Weiyi; He, Liangliang; Dou, Zhi; Ni, Jiaxiang

2017-01-01

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of coblation annuloplasty and radiofrequency thermocoagulation for lumbar discogenic pain. Patients who suffered from lumbar discogenic pain and underwent coblation annuloplasty and radiofrequency thermocoagulation surgery were included. A questionnaire, including the visual analo scale (VAS), MacNab criteria, pain relief rate, and any complications due to surgery, was completed by the patients with the help of a trained volunteer who was blinded to the study. Data were collected at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Significant pain relief was defined as postoperative pain relief ≥50% compared with the preoperative state. Any complications during or after surgery were also recorded. A total of 122 patients were included; 37 patients were lost in the follow-up and 85 were evaluated. Among these, 45 patients underwent coblation annuloplasty (CA group, n = 45) and 40 underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation procedures (RF group, n = 40). VAS pain scores were decreased at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively compared with preoperation in both groups (P < .05). The CA group had significantly lower VAS scores at 6 and 12 months of follow-up than did the RF group (P < .05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, the proportions of patients with excellent and/or good results at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up were significantly higher in the CA group compared with the RF group (P < .05). Only 2 patients reported soreness at the needle insertion site in the CA group. However, 3 patients had soreness at the needle insertion site, 3 had increased intensity of low back pain, 1 had intracranial hypotension, and 2 had new numbness in the leg and foot in the RF group. At the 1-year follow-up, this numbness was present all of the time. No major complications occurred in the CA group. Our study suggests that CA is a more effective and safe minimally invasive procedure than RF for treating lumbar discogenic pain. PMID:29381927

Theoretical Studies of the Spin Hamiltonian Parameters and Local Distortions for Cu2+ in Alkaline Earth Lead Zinc Phosphate Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bo-Kun; Wu, Shao-Yi; Yuan, Zi-Yi; Liu, Zi-Xuan; Jiang, Shi-Xin; Liu, Zheng; Yao, Zi-Jian; Teng, Bao-Hua; Wu, Ming-He

2016-08-01

The spin Hamiltonian parameters and local structures are theoretically studied for Cu2+-doped alkaline earth lead zinc phosphate (RPPZ, R=Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) glasses based on the high-order perturbation calculations for a tetragonally elongated octahedral 3d9 cluster. The relative elongation ratios are found to be ρ≈3.2%, 4.4%, 4.6%, and 3.3% for R=Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, respectively, because of the Jahn-Teller effect. The whole decreasing crystal-field strength Dq and orbital reduction factor k from Mg to Sr are ascribed to the weakening electrostatic coulombic interactions and the increasing probability of productivity of nonbridge oxygen (and hence increasing Cu2+-O2- electron cloud admixtures) under PbO addition, respectively, with increasing alkali earth ionic radius. The anomalies (the largest Dq and the next highest k among the systems) for R=Ba are attributed to the cross linkage of this large cation in the network. The overall increasing order (Mg≤Ba

Transcriptome Wide Identification and Validation of Calcium Sensor Gene Family in the Developing Spikes of Finger Millet Genotypes for Elucidating Its Role in Grain Calcium Accumulation

PubMed Central

Singh, Uma M.; Chandra, Muktesh; Shankhdhar, Shailesh C.; Kumar, Anil

2014-01-01

Background In finger millet, calcium is one of the important and abundant mineral elements. The molecular mechanisms involved in calcium accumulation in plants remains poorly understood. Transcriptome sequencing of genetically diverse genotypes of finger millet differing in grain calcium content will help in understanding the trait. Principal Finding In this study, the transcriptome sequencing of spike tissues of two genotypes of finger millet differing in their grain calcium content, were performed for the first time. Out of 109,218 contigs, 78 contigs in case of GP-1 (Low Ca genotype) and out of 120,130 contigs 76 contigs in case of GP-45 (High Ca genotype), were identified as calcium sensor genes. Through in silico analysis all 82 unique calcium sensor genes were classified into eight calcium sensor gene family viz., CaM & CaMLs, CBLs, CIPKs, CRKs, PEPRKs, CDPKs, CaMKs and CCaMK. Out of 82 genes, 12 were found diverse from the rice orthologs. The differential expression analysis on the basis of FPKM value resulted in 24 genes highly expressed in GP-45 and 11 genes highly expressed in GP-1. Ten of the 35 differentially expressed genes could be assigned to three documented pathways involved mainly in stress responses. Furthermore, validation of selected calcium sensor responder genes was also performed by qPCR, in developing spikes of both genotypes grown on different concentration of exogenous calcium. Conclusion Through de novo transcriptome data assembly and analysis, we reported the comprehensive identification and functional characterization of calcium sensor gene family. The calcium sensor gene family identified and characterized in this study will facilitate in understanding the molecular basis of calcium accumulation and development of calcium biofortified crops. Moreover, this study also supported that identification and characterization of gene family through Illumina paired-end sequencing is a potential tool for generating the genomic information of gene family in non-model species. PMID:25157851

Transcriptome wide identification and validation of calcium sensor gene family in the developing spikes of finger millet genotypes for elucidating its role in grain calcium accumulation.

PubMed

Singh, Uma M; Chandra, Muktesh; Shankhdhar, Shailesh C; Kumar, Anil

2014-01-01

In finger millet, calcium is one of the important and abundant mineral elements. The molecular mechanisms involved in calcium accumulation in plants remains poorly understood. Transcriptome sequencing of genetically diverse genotypes of finger millet differing in grain calcium content will help in understanding the trait. In this study, the transcriptome sequencing of spike tissues of two genotypes of finger millet differing in their grain calcium content, were performed for the first time. Out of 109,218 contigs, 78 contigs in case of GP-1 (Low Ca genotype) and out of 120,130 contigs 76 contigs in case of GP-45 (High Ca genotype), were identified as calcium sensor genes. Through in silico analysis all 82 unique calcium sensor genes were classified into eight calcium sensor gene family viz., CaM & CaMLs, CBLs, CIPKs, CRKs, PEPRKs, CDPKs, CaMKs and CCaMK. Out of 82 genes, 12 were found diverse from the rice orthologs. The differential expression analysis on the basis of FPKM value resulted in 24 genes highly expressed in GP-45 and 11 genes highly expressed in GP-1. Ten of the 35 differentially expressed genes could be assigned to three documented pathways involved mainly in stress responses. Furthermore, validation of selected calcium sensor responder genes was also performed by qPCR, in developing spikes of both genotypes grown on different concentration of exogenous calcium. Through de novo transcriptome data assembly and analysis, we reported the comprehensive identification and functional characterization of calcium sensor gene family. The calcium sensor gene family identified and characterized in this study will facilitate in understanding the molecular basis of calcium accumulation and development of calcium biofortified crops. Moreover, this study also supported that identification and characterization of gene family through Illumina paired-end sequencing is a potential tool for generating the genomic information of gene family in non-model species.

A Middle Eastern Founder Mutation Expands the Genotypic and Phenotypic Spectrum of Mitochondrial MICU1 Deficiency: A Report of 13 Patients.

PubMed

Musa, Sara; Eyaid, Wafaa; Kamer, Kimberli; Ali, Rehab; Al-Mureikhi, Mariam; Shahbeck, Noora; Al Mesaifri, Fatma; Makhseed, Nawal; Mohamed, Zakkiriah; AlShehhi, Wafaa Ali; Mootha, Vamsi K; Juusola, Jane; Ben-Omran, Tawfeg

2018-05-03

MICU1 encodes a Ca 2+ sensing, regulatory subunit of the mitochondrial uniporter, a selective calcium channel within the organelle's inner membrane. Ca 2+ entry into mitochondria helps to buffer cytosolic Ca 2+ transients and also activates ATP production within the organelle. Mutations in MICU1 have previously been reported in 17 children from nine families with muscle weakness, fatigue, normal lactate, and persistently elevated creatine kinase, as well as variable features that include progressive extrapyramidal signs, learning disabilities, nystagmus, and cataracts. In this study, we report the clinical features of an additional 13 patients from consanguineous Middle Eastern families with recessive mutations in MICU1. Of these patients, 12/13 are homozygous for a novel founder mutation c.553C>T (p.Q185*) that is predicted to lead to a complete loss of function of MICU1, while one patient is compound heterozygous for this mutation and an intragenic duplication of exons 9 and 10. The founder mutation occurs with a minor allele frequency of 1:60,000 in the ExAC database, but in ~1:500 individual in the Middle East. All 13 of these patients presented with developmental delay, learning disability, muscle weakness and easy fatigability, and failure to thrive, as well as additional variable features we tabulate. Consistent with previous cases, all of these patients had persistently elevated serum creatine kinase with normal lactate levels, but they also exhibited elevated transaminase enzymes. Our work helps to better define the clinical sequelae of MICU1 deficiency. Furthermore, our work suggests that targeted analysis of the MICU1 founder mutation in Middle Eastern patients may be warranted.

A EUropean study on effectiveness and sustainability of current Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes in the Elderly: Design of the EU-CaRE randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Prescott, Eva; Meindersma, Esther P; van der Velde, Astrid E; Gonzalez-Juanatey, Jose R; Iliou, Marie Christine; Ardissino, Diego; Zoccai, Giuseppe Biondi; Zeymer, Uwe; Prins, Leonie F; Van't Hof, Arnoud Wj; Wilhelm, Matthias; de Kluiver, Ed P

2016-10-01

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based intervention to increase survival and quality of life. Yet studies consistently show that elderly patients are less frequently referred to CR, show less uptake and more often drop out of CR programmes. The European study on effectiveness and sustainability of current cardiac rehabilitation programmes in the elderly (EU-CaRE) project consists of an observational study and an open prospective, investigator-initiated multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving mobile telemonitoring guided CR (mCR). The aim of EU-CaRE is to map the efficiency of current CR of the elderly in Europe, and to investigate whether mCR is an effective alternative in terms of efficacy, adherence and sustainability. The EU-CaRE study includes patients aged 65 years or older with ischaemic heart disease or who have undergone heart valve surgery. A total of 1760 patients participating in existing CR programmes in eight regions of Europe will be included. Of patients declining regular CR, 238 will be included in the RCT and randomised in two study arms. The experimental group (mCR) will receive a personalised home-based programme while the control group will receive no advice or coaching throughout the study period. Outcomes will be assessed after the end of CR and at 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is VO 2peak and secondary outcomes include variables describing CR uptake, adherence, efficacy and sustainability. The study will provide important information to improve CR in the elderly. The EU-CaRE RCT is the first European multicentre study of mCR as an alternative for elderly patients not attending usual CR. © The European Society of Cardiology 2016.

In Silico Analysis of Expression Data for Identification of Genes Involved in Spatial Accumulation of Calcium in Developing Seeds of Rice

PubMed Central

Goel, Anshita; Gaur, Vikram S.; Arora, Sandeep; Gupta, Sanjay

2012-01-01

Abstract The calcium (Ca2+) transporters, like Ca2+ channels, Ca2+ ATPases, and Ca2+ exchangers, are instrumental for signaling and transport. However, the mechanism by which they orchestrate the accumulation of Ca2+ in grain filling has not yet been investigated. Hence the present study was designed to identify the potential calcium transporter genes that may be responsible for the spatial accumulation of calcium during grain filling. In silico expression analyses were performed to identify Ca2+ transporters that predominantly express during the different developmental stages of Oryza sativa. A total of 13 unique calcium transporters (7 from massively parallel signature sequencing [MPSS] data analysis, and 9 from microarray analysis) were identified. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed differential expression of the transporters across tissues, and principal component analysis (PCA) exhibited their seed-specific distinctive expression profile. Interestingly, Ca2+ exchanger genes are highly expressed in the initial stages, whereas some Ca2+ ATPase genes are highly expressed throughout seed development. Furthermore, analysis of the cis-elements located in the promoter region of the subset of 13 genes suggested that Dof proteins play essential roles in regulating the expression of Ca2+ transporter genes during rice seed development. Based on these results, we developed a hypothetical model explaining the transport and tissue specific distribution of calcium in developing cereal seeds. The model may be extrapolated to understand the mechanism behind the exceptionally high level of calcium accumulation seen in grains like finger millet. PMID:22734689

Response of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Carrying PIK3CA Mutations to Select Targeted Therapies

PubMed Central

Wirtz, Eric D; Hoshino, Daisuke; Maldonado, Anthony T; Tyson, Darren R; Weaver, Alissa M

2015-01-01

Importance The PIK3CA mutation is one of the most common mutations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Through this research we attempt to elicit the role of oncogene dependence and effects of targeted therapy on this PIK3CA mutation. Objectives 1) To determine the role of oncogene dependence on one of the more common and targetable oncogenes in HNSCC – PIK3CA; 2) To evaluate the consequence of this oncogene on the effectiveness of newly developed targeted therapies. Study Design In vitro study. Setting Academic research laboratory. Participants Cell culture based study assessing the viability of PIK3CA mutated head and neck cell lines when treated with targeted therapy. Exposures PIK3CA mutated head and neck cell lines were treated with 17-AAG, GDC-0941, trametinib, and BEZ-235. Main Outcome and Measures Assessment of cell viability of HNSCC cell lines characterized for PIK3CA mutations or SCC25 cells engineered to express the PIK3CA hotspot mutations E545K or H1047R Results Surprisingly, in engineered cell lines, the hotspot E545K and H1047R mutations conferred decreased, rather than increased, sensitivity as measured by IC50 when treated with the respective HSP90, PI3K, and MEK inhibitors, 17-AAG, GDC-0941, and trametinib, compared to the SCC25 control cell lines. When treated with BEZ-235, H1047R-expressing cell lines showed increased sensitivity to inhibition compared to control while those expressing E545K showed slightly increased sensitivity of unclear significance. Conclusions and Relevance 1) The PIK3CA mutations within our engineered cell model did not lead to enhanced oncogene-dependent cell death when treated with direct inhibition of the PI3K enzyme yet did show increased sensitivity compared to control with dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition. 2) Oncogene addiction to PIK3CA hot spot mutations, if it occurs, is likely to evolve in vivo molecular changes that remain to be identified. Additional study is required to develop new model systems and approaches to determine the role of targeted therapy in the treatment of PI3K-overactive HNSCC tumors. PMID:25855885

Expanding the range of free calcium regulation in biological solutions.

PubMed

Dweck, David; Reyes-Alfonso, Avelino; Potter, James D

2005-12-15

Many biological systems use ethylene glycol bis (beta-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to regulate the free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](free)) in the presence of physiological levels of free Mg(2+) ([Mg(2+)](free)). Frequently, it is necessary to work at [Ca(2+)](free) beyond EGTA's buffering capabilities. Therefore, we have developed methods to extend the buffering range by adding nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) to solutions containing EGTA. This extension results from NTA having a lower K'(dCa) than EGTA. Such equilibria are solved by pCa Calculator, a computer program designed to aid in the study of Ca(2+)-dependent physiological processes while accounting for the effects of pH, temperature, and ionic strength. With multiple chelators and pH buffers from which to choose, pCa Calculator calculates the total concentration of each species required to achieve specified free concentrations of Ca(2+), ATP, and Mg(2+). The program is intuitive, user-friendly, and flexible enough to fix or vary the [Mg-ATP(2-)] and ionic strength. Moreover, it can account for increases in experimental volume from calcium addition. A comparative analysis is reported for testing solutions in the presence and absence of NTA by measuring the calcium binding affinity of fluorescent cardiac troponin C. These findings demonstrate that EGTA, when used in conjunction with NTA, improves and expands the regulation of free calcium in solution.

A new design for a green calcium indicator with a smaller size and a reduced number of calcium-binding sites

PubMed Central

Barykina, Natalia V.; Subach, Oksana M.; Doronin, Danila A.; Sotskov, Vladimir P.; Roshchina, Marina A.; Kunitsyna, Tatiana A.; Malyshev, Aleksey Y.; Smirnov, Ivan V.; Azieva, Asya M.; Sokolov, Ilya S.; Piatkevich, Kiryl D.; Burtsev, Mikhail S.; Varizhuk, Anna M.; Pozmogova, Galina E.; Anokhin, Konstantin V.; Subach, Fedor V.; Enikolopov, Grigori N.

2016-01-01

Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are mainly represented by two- or one-fluorophore-based sensors. One type of two-fluorophore-based sensor, carrying Opsanus troponin C (TnC) as the Ca2+-binding moiety, has two binding sites for calcium ions, providing a linear response to calcium ions. One-fluorophore-based sensors have four Ca2+-binding sites but are better suited for in vivo experiments. Herein, we describe a novel design for a one-fluorophore-based GECI with two Ca2+-binding sites. The engineered sensor, called NTnC, uses TnC as the Ca2+-binding moiety, inserted in the mNeonGreen fluorescent protein. Monomeric NTnC has higher brightness and pH-stability in vitro compared with the standard GECI GCaMP6s. In addition, NTnC shows an inverted fluorescence response to Ca2+. Using NTnC, we have visualized Ca2+ dynamics during spontaneous activity of neuronal cultures as confirmed by control NTnC and its mutant, in which the affinity to Ca2+ is eliminated. Using whole-cell patch clamp, we have demonstrated that NTnC dynamics in neurons are similar to those of GCaMP6s and allow robust detection of single action potentials. Finally, we have used NTnC to visualize Ca2+ neuronal activity in vivo in the V1 cortical area in awake and freely moving mice using two-photon microscopy or an nVista miniaturized microscope. PMID:27677952

Immunomodulatory effects and anti-Candida activity of lactobacilli in macrophages and in invertebrate model of Galleria mellonella.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Felipe Eduardo; Rossoni, Rodnei Dennis; de Barros, Patricia Pimentel; Begnini, Barbara Evelyn; Junqueira, Juliana Campos; Jorge, Antonio Olavo Cardoso; Leão, Mariella Vieira Pereira; de Oliveira, Luciane Dias

2017-09-01

Due to the growing number of multi-resistant Candida spp., adjuvant treatments that may help combat these fungal pathogens are relevant and useful. This study evaluated the immunomodulation and anti-Candida activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR), Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus paracasei suspensions, either single- or multiple-strain, in mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) and Galleria mellonella (GM). Mouse macrophages were activated by different lactobacilli suspensions and challenged with C. albicans (CA). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 production and cell viability were investigated. LR was the best suspension for stimulating all evaluated cytokines and thus was used in subsequent in vivo assays. Two C. albicans clinical strains, CA21 and CA60, were then added to the GM assays to further confirm the results. LR suspension was injected into the larvae 24 h before challenging with CA. Survival curve, CFU per larva and hemocytes were counted. In the GM, the LR suspension increased the survival rate and hemocyte counts and decreased the CFU per larva counts for all groups. Lactobacilli suspensions presented strain-dependent immunomodulation; however, single suspensions showed better results. Anti-Candida activity was demonstrated by decreased Candida counts in the GM with the use of LR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Failure to up-regulate transcription of genes necessary for muscle adaptation underlies limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2A (calpainopathy)

PubMed Central

Kramerova, Irina; Ermolova, Natalia; Eskin, Ascia; Hevener, Andrea; Quehenberger, Oswald; Armando, Aaron M.; Haller, Ronald; Romain, Nadine; Nelson, Stanley F.; Spencer, Melissa J.

2016-01-01

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2A is due to loss-of-function mutations in the Calpain 3 (CAPN3) gene. Our previous data suggest that CAPN3 helps to maintain the integrity of the triad complex in skeletal muscle. In Capn3 knock-out mice (C3KO), Ca2+ release and Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) signaling are attenuated. We hypothesized that calpainopathy may result from a failure to transmit loading-induced Ca2+-mediated signals, necessary to up-regulate expression of muscle adaptation genes. To test this hypothesis, we compared transcriptomes of muscles from wild type (WT) and C3KO mice subjected to endurance exercise. In WT mice, exercise induces a gene signature that includes myofibrillar, mitochondrial and oxidative lipid metabolism genes, necessary for muscle adaptation. C3KO muscles fail to activate the same gene signature. Furthermore, in agreement with the aberrant transcriptional profile, we observe a commensurate functional defect in lipid metabolism whereby C3KO muscles fail to release fatty acids from stored triacylglycerol. In conjunction with the defects in oxidative metabolism, C3KO mice demonstrate reduced exercise endurance. Failure to up-regulate genes in C3KO muscles is due, in part, to decreased levels of PGC1α, a transcriptional co-regulator that orchestrates the muscle adaptation response. Destabilization of PGC1α is attributable to decreased p38 MAPK activation via diminished CaMKII signaling. Thus, we elucidate a pathway downstream of Ca2+-mediated CaMKII activation that is dysfunctional in C3KO mice, leading to reduced transcription of genes involved in muscle adaptation. These studies identify a novel mechanism of muscular dystrophy: a blunted transcriptional response to muscle loading resulting in chronic failure to adapt and remodel. PMID:27005420

Electrically insulating films deposited on V-4%Cr-4%Ti by reactive CVD

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

Park, J.H.

1998-04-01

In the design of liquid-metal blankets for magnetic fusion reactors, corrosion resistance of structural materials and the magnetohydrodynamic forces and their influence on thermal hydraulics and corrosion are major concerns. Electrically insulating CaO films deposited on V-4%Cr-4%Ti exhibit high-ohmic insulator behavior even though a small amount of vanadium from the alloy become incorporated into the film. However, when vanadium concentration in the film is > 15 wt.%, the film becomes conductive. When the vanadium concentration is high in localized areas, a calcium vanadate phase that exhibits semiconductor behavior can form. The objective of this study is to evaluate electrically insulatingmore » films that were deposited on V-4%Cr-4%Ti by a reactive chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. To this end, CaO and Ca-V-O coatings were produced on vanadium alloys by CVD and by a metallic-vapor process to investigate the electrical resistance of the coatings. The authors found that the Ca-V-O films exhibited insulator behavior when the ratio of calcium concentration to vanadium concentration R in the film > 0.9, and semiconductor or conductor behavior when R < 0.8. However, in some cases, semiconductor behavior was observed when CaO-coated samples with R > 0.98 were exposed in liquid lithium. Based on these studies, they conclude that semiconductor behavior occurs if a conductive calcium vanadate phase is present in localized regions in the CaO coating.« less

Synthesis of calcium-phosphorous doped TiO2 nanotubes by anodization and reverse polarization: A promising strategy for an efficient biofunctional implant surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, Sofia A.; Patel, Sweetu B.; Sukotjo, Cortino; Mathew, Mathew T.; Filho, Paulo N.; Celis, Jean-Pierre; Rocha, Luís A.; Shokuhfar, Tolou

2017-03-01

The modification of surface features such as nano-morphology/topography and chemistry have been employed in the attempt to design titanium oxide surfaces able to overcome the current dental implants failures. The main goal of this study is the synthesis of bone-like structured titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes enriched with Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorous (P) able to enhance osteoblastic cell functions and, simultaneously, display an improved corrosion behavior. To achieve the main goal, TiO2 nanotubes were synthetized and doped with Ca and P by means of a novel methodology which relied, firstly, on the synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes by anodization of titanium in an organic electrolyte followed by reverse polarization and/or anodization, in an aqueous electrolyte. Results show that hydrophilic bone-like structured TiO2 nanotubes were successfully synthesized presenting a highly ordered nano-morphology characterized by non-uniform diameters. The chemical analysis of such nanotubes confirmed the presence of CaCO3, Ca3(PO4)2, CaHPO4 and CaO compounds. The nanotube surfaces submitted to reverse polarization, presented an improved cell adhesion and proliferation compared to smooth titanium. Furthermore, these surfaces displayed a significantly lower passive current in artificial saliva, and so, potential to minimize their bio-degradation through corrosion processes. This study addresses a very simple and promising multidisciplinary approach bringing new insights for the development of novel methodologies to improve the outcome of osseointegrated implants.

Information security: where computer science, economics and psychology meet.

PubMed

Anderson, Ross; Moore, Tyler

2009-07-13

Until ca. 2000, information security was seen as a technological discipline, based on computer science but with mathematics helping in the design of ciphers and protocols. That perspective started to change as researchers and practitioners realized the importance of economics. As distributed systems are increasingly composed of machines that belong to principals with divergent interests, incentives are becoming as important to dependability as technical design. A thriving new field of information security economics provides valuable insights not just into 'security' topics such as privacy, bugs, spam and phishing, but into more general areas of system dependability and policy. This research programme has recently started to interact with psychology. One thread is in response to phishing, the most rapidly growing form of online crime, in which fraudsters trick people into giving their credentials to bogus websites; a second is through the increasing importance of security usability; and a third comes through the psychology-and-economics tradition. The promise of this multidisciplinary research programme is a novel framework for analysing information security problems-one that is both principled and effective.

[Prediction method of rural landscape pattern evolution based on life cycle: a case study of Jinjing Town, Hunan Province, China].

PubMed

Ji, Xiang; Liu, Li-Ming; Li, Hong-Qing

2014-11-01

Taking Jinjing Town in Dongting Lake area as a case, this paper analyzed the evolution of rural landscape patterns by means of life cycle theory, simulated the evolution cycle curve, and calculated its evolution period, then combining CA-Markov model, a complete prediction model was built based on the rule of rural landscape change. The results showed that rural settlement and paddy landscapes of Jinjing Town would change most in 2020, with the rural settlement landscape increased to 1194.01 hm2 and paddy landscape greatly reduced to 3090.24 hm2. The quantitative and spatial prediction accuracies of the model were up to 99.3% and 96.4%, respectively, being more explicit than single CA-Markov model. The prediction model of rural landscape patterns change proposed in this paper would be helpful for rural landscape planning in future.

Dielectric and electrical characteristics of Sr modified Ca1Cu3Ti4O12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, M.; Choudhary, R. N. P.; Roul, B. K.

2018-05-01

This paper mainly reports on the effect of Sr substitution on dielectric and electrical properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 at different temperature and frequency. Preliminary analysis of X-ray diffraction data of sintered samples confirms the reported cubic structure. Study of surface morphology shows that the surface of the samples contains well-defined and uniformly distributed grains. Some electrical parameters (permittivity, tangent loss and impedance) of the materials were measured and analyzed over a wide range of temperature (25 to 315 °C) and frequency (50 to 2x106 Hz). The ultra high dielectric constant and low energy dissipation have been observed in the said experimental conditions of phase-pure prepared compounds. It is expected that the addition of nano-size compounds or oxide will help to enhance the above properties useful for fabrication of super-capacitor.

Concurrent removal of elemental mercury and SO2 from flue gas using a thiol-impregnated CaCO3-based adsorbent: a full factorial design study.

PubMed

Balasundaram, Karthik; Sharma, Mukesh

2018-06-01

Mercury (Hg) emitted from coal-based thermal power plants (CTPPs) can accumulate and bio-magnify in the food chain, thereby posing a risk to humans and wildlife. The central idea of this study was to develop an adsorbent which can concurrently remove elemental mercury (Hg 0 ) and SO 2 emitted from coal-based thermal power plants (CTPPs) in a single unit operation. Specifically, a composite adsorbent of CaCO 3 impregnated with 2-mercaptobenimidazole (2-MBI) (referred to as modified calcium carbonate (MCC)) was developed. While 2-MBI having sulfur functional group could selectively adsorb Hg 0 , CaCO 3 could remove SO 2 . Performance of the adsorbent was evaluated in terms of (i) removal (%) of Hg 0 and SO 2 , (ii) adsorption mechanism, (iii) adsorption kinetics, and (iv) leaching potential of mercury from spent adsorbent. The adsorption studies were performed using a 2 2 full factorial design of experiments with 15 ppbV of Hg 0 and 600 ppmV of SO 2 . Two factors, (i) reaction temperature (80 and 120 °C; temperature range in flue gas) and (ii) mass of 2-MBI (10 and 15 wt%), were investigated for the removal of Hg 0 and SO 2 (as %). The maximum Hg 0 and SO 2 removal was 86 and 93%, respectively. The results of XPS characterization showed that chemisorption is the predominant mechanism of Hg 0 and SO 2 adsorption on MCC. The Hg 0 adsorption on MCC followed Elovich kinetic model which is also indicative of chemisorption on heterogeneous surface. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) leached mercury from the spent adsorbent were within the acceptable levels defined in these tests. The engineering significance of this study is that the 2-MBI-modified CaCO 3 -based adsorbent has potential for concurrent removal of Hg 0 and SO 2 in a single unit operation. With only minor process modifications, the newly developed adsorbent can replace CaCO 3 in the flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) system.

Culturally Relevant Design Practices: A Case Study for Designing Interactive Algebra Lessons for Urban Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilbert, Juan E.; Eugene, Wanda; Swanier, Cheryl; Arbuthnot, Keena; Hood, Stafford; Grant, Michael McKenzie; West, Melanie L.

2008-01-01

When culture is integrated into the mathematics classroom, it improves students' academic achievement, helps move classrooms towards an equitable learning environment, helps students to have positive beliefs about mathematics, and integrates mathematics with other disciplines. Moreover, if you observe today's kids, the use of video games in their…

Inhibition of the β-carbonic anhydrase from the dandruff-producing fungus Malassezia globosa with monothiocarbamates.

PubMed

Nocentini, Alessio; Vullo, Daniela; Del Prete, Sonia; Osman, Sameh M; Alasmary, Fatmah A S; AlOthman, Zeid; Capasso, Clemente; Carta, Fabrizio; Gratteri, Paola; Supuran, Claudiu T

2017-12-01

A series of monothiocarbamates (MTCs) was investigated for the inhibition of the β-class carbonic anhydrase (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) from the fungal parasite Malassezia globosa, MgCA. These MTCs incorporate various scaffolds, among which aliphatic amine with 1-4 carbons atom in their molecule, morpholine, piperazine, as well as phenethylamine and benzylamine derivatives. All the reported MTCs displayed a better efficacy in inhibiting MgCA compared to the clinically used sulphonamide drug acetazolamide (K I of 74 μM), with K I s spanning between 1.85 and 18.9 μM. The homology model of the enzyme previously reported by us was used to rationalize the results by docking some of these MTCs within the fungal CA active site. This study might be useful to enrich the knowledge of the MgCA inhibition profile, eliciting novel ideas pertaining the design of modulators with potential efficacy in combatting dandruff or other fungal infections.

Predicting mixture toxicity of seven phenolic compounds with similar and dissimilar action mechanisms to Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.nov.Q67.

PubMed

Huang, Wei Ying; Liu, Fei; Liu, Shu Shen; Ge, Hui Lin; Chen, Hong Han

2011-09-01

The predictions of mixture toxicity for chemicals are commonly based on two models: concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA). Whether the CA and IA can predict mixture toxicity of phenolic compounds with similar and dissimilar action mechanisms was studied. The mixture toxicity was predicted on the basis of the concentration-response data of individual compounds. Test mixtures at different concentration ratios and concentration levels were designed using two methods. The results showed that the Weibull function fit well with the concentration-response data of all the components and their mixtures, with all relative coefficients (Rs) greater than 0.99 and root mean squared errors (RMSEs) less than 0.04. The predicted values from CA and IA models conformed to observed values of the mixtures. Therefore, it can be concluded that both CA and IA can predict reliable results for the mixture toxicity of the phenolic compounds with similar and dissimilar action mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evidence that the platelet plasma membrane does not contain a (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase.

PubMed

Steiner, B; Lüscher, E F

1985-09-10

The present study was designed to determine the subcellular distribution of the platelet (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase. Human platelets were surface labeled by the periodate-boro[3H]hydride method. Plasma membrane vesicles were then isolated to a purity of approx. 90% by a procedure utilizing wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography. These membranes were found to be 2.6-fold enriched in surface glycoproteins compared to an unfractionated vesicle fraction and almost 7-fold enriched compared to intact platelets. In contrast, the isolated plasma membranes showed a decreased specific activity of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase compared to the unfractionated vesicle fraction. This decrease in specific activity was found to be similar to that of an endoplasmic reticulum marker, glucose-6-phosphatase, and to that of a platelet inner membrane marker, phospholipase A2. We conclude, therefore, that the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase is not located in the platelet plasma membrane but is restricted to membranes of intracellular origin.

Maternal Perception of Child Weight Among Mexicans in California and Mexico

PubMed Central

Rosas, Lisa G.; Harley, Kim G.; Guendelman, Sylvia; Fernald, Lia CH; Mejia, Fabiola

2009-01-01

The prevalence of childhood overweight is high in Mexican immigrant communities in the United States. Understanding mother’s perceptions of child weight in immigrants’ country of origin may help to understand this high prevalence. The goal of this study was to examine and compare mothers’ perception of weight in Mexico (MX) and in an immigrant community in California (CA). We assessed perceptions of child weight using a pictorial scale with 314 mothers of 5-year-old children in MX and 60 mothers of 5 year-old-children in CA. We compared maternal reports with children’s objectively measured weight. Using chi-square and Analysis of Variance, we investigated associations of maternal perception of and satisfaction with weight according to socio-demographic characteristics. Mothers were more likely to underestimate their children’s weight in CA than in MX. On average, CA mothers wanted their children to be smaller than they currently were and mothers in MX wanted their children to be bigger than they currently were. This differed by weight status in CA with mothers of normal weight and at-risk-for-overweight children wanting them to be bigger and mothers of overweight children wanting them to be smaller. In order for programs to be effective, mothers must be able to recognize their children as overweight and want to address it. Because underestimation of weight and a desire for a larger size is common in this population, programs to address overweight may be more effective if they focus on alternative benefits of weight control strategies, such as healthy child development. PMID:19911262

Solution structure and backbone dynamics of the N-terminal region of the calcium regulatory domain from soybean calcium-dependent protein kinase alpha.

PubMed

Weljie, Aalim M; Gagné, Stéphane M; Vogel, Hans J

2004-12-07

Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are vital Ca(2+)-signaling proteins in plants and protists which have both a kinase domain and a self-contained calcium regulatory calmodulin-like domain (CLD). Despite being very similar to CaM (>40% identity) and sharing the same fold, recent biochemical and structural evidence suggests that the behavior of CLD is distinct from its namesake, calmodulin. In this study, NMR spectroscopy is employed to examine the structure and backbone dynamics of a 168 amino acid Ca(2+)-saturated construct of the CLD (NtH-CLD) in which almost the entire C-terminal domain is exchange broadened and not visible in the NMR spectra. Structural characterization of the N-terminal domain indicates that the first Ca(2+)-binding loop is significantly more open than in a recently reported structure of the CLD complexed with a putative intramolecular binding region (JD) in the CDPK. Backbone dynamics suggest that parts of the third helix exhibit unusually high mobility, and significant exchange, consistent with previous findings that this helix interacts with the C-terminal domain. Dynamics data also show that the "tether" region, consisting of the first 11 amino acids of CLD, is highly mobile and these residues exhibit distinctive beta-type secondary structure, which may help to position the JD and CLD. Finally, the unusual global dynamic behavior of the protein is rationalized on the basis of possible interdomain rearrangements and the highly variable environments of the C- and N-terminal domains.

Isolation and characterization of mutated alcohol oxidases from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha with decreased affinity toward substrates and their use as selective elements of an amperometric biosensor

PubMed Central

Dmytruk, Kostyantyn V; Smutok, Oleh V; Ryabova, Olena B; Gayda, Galyna Z; Sibirny, Volodymyr A; Schuhmann, Wolfgang; Gonchar, Mykhailo V; Sibirny, Andriy A

2007-01-01

Background Accurate, rapid, and economic on-line analysis of ethanol is very desirable. However, available biosensors achieve saturation at very low ethanol concentrations and thus demand the time and labour consuming procedure of sample dilution. Results Hansenula polymorpha (Pichia angusta) mutant strains resistant to allyl alcohol in methanol medium were selected. Such strains possessed decreased affinity of alcohol oxidase (AOX) towards methanol: the KM values for AOX of wild type and mutant strains CA2 and CA4 are shown to be 0.62, 2.48 and 1.10 mM, respectively, whereas Vmax values are increased or remain unaffected. The mutant AOX alleles from H. polymorpha mutants CA2 and CA4 were isolated and sequenced. Several point mutations in the AOX gene, mostly different between the two mutant alleles, have been identified. Mutant AOX forms were isolated and purified, and some of their biochemical properties were studied. An amperometric biosensor based on the mutated form of AOX from the strain CA2 was constructed and revealed an extended linear response to the target analytes, ethanol and formaldehyde, as compared to the sensor based on the native AOX. Conclusion The described selection methodology opens up the possibility of isolating modified forms of AOX with further decreased affinity toward substrates without reduction of the maximal velocity of reaction. It can help in creation of improved ethanol biosensors with a prolonged linear response towards ethanol in real samples of wines, beers or fermentation liquids. PMID:17567895

Thermoluminescent Mechanisms in Calcium Sulphate Doped with Dysprosium.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, Robert James

Thermoluminescent (TL) mechanisms in CaSO(,4):Dy caused by ionizing irradiation are investigated. Influences of the background impurities on the structure of the glow curve are determined and are correlated with known electron spin resonance (ESR) results. These are combined with fading studies that determine the TL process as bimolecular or monomolecular and the order of the kinetics involved. The TL emission spectrum is determined for all temperature regions of the TL emission to 400(DEGREES)C; optical absorption (OA) in the visible provides information on the valence state of the Dy ion. Photo stimulated transfer of TL (PTTL) helps determine the influence of traps deeper than 400(DEGREES)C, while studies of CaSO(,4):Dy in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) operated in the cathodoluminescent (CL) mode provide information on processes occurring during electron bombardment and on the distribution of Dy in CaSO(,4). The information from these studies is combined to form comprehensive models of the TL mechanisms responsible for the TL glow peaks.(,). The glow peak occurring between 130(DEGREES)C and 260(DEGREES)C, usually designated as the dosimetric peak, was determined to be the result of two primary processes. In the first mechanism, the SO(,3)('-) radical recombines with an oxygen interstitial (O(,i)('-)) associated with the Dy('3+) in charge compensation. The recombination energy is given up as TL. In the second mechanism, it is concluded that divalent Dy release electrons to the conduction band in a non-radiative process. The liberated electron recombines with a hole center at a remote SO(,4)(' -) site. The recombination energy is either transferred to trivalent Dy, which emits TL, or this energy causes the (SO(,4)('-))* to disassociate and form an SO(,3)(' -) and an O(,i)('-). These defects are thought to recombine at about 300(DEGREES)C. In the low temperature region (room temperature to 130(DEGREES)C), the monovalent cation, particularly Na('+) acting as charge compensation for the trivalent Dy, stabilizes the SO(,4)('-) radical and the SO(,2)(' -) radical produced during irradiation. These are determined to be monomolecular type defect comples. The TL mechanisms proposed for the dosimetric region (130(DEGREES)C - 260(DEGREES)C) and the low temperature region (RT - 130(DEGREES)C) are those most consistent with all the results of the various methods of research.

Introduction to Social Psychology: Administrative Manual [And] Student Manual [And] Unit Study Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rankin, Robert E.

This learning package is a three-semester-hour, independent-study course in social psychology designed for postsecondary, external degree students. Keyed to the commercially published textbook "Social Psychology: Explorations in Understanding" (Del Mar, CA: CRM, 1974), the package consists of an administrator manual, a student manual, and a…

Constraints on primary and secondary particulate carbon sources using chemical tracer and 14C methods during CalNex-Bakersfield

EPA Science Inventory

The present study investigates primary and secondary sources of organic carbon for Bakersfield, CA, USA as part of the 2010 CalNex study. The method used here involves integrated sampling that is designed to allow for detailed and specific chemical analysis of particulate matter ...

Energy storage for a lunar base by the reversible chemical reaction: CaO+H2O reversible reaction Ca(OH)2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perez-Davis, Marla E.; Difilipo, Frank

1990-01-01

A thermochemical solar energy storage concept involving the reversible reaction CaO + H2O yields Ca(OH)2 is proposed as a power system element for a lunar base. The operation and components of such a system are described. The CaO/H2O system is capable of generating electric power during both the day and night. The specific energy (energy to mass ratio) of the system was estimated to be 155 W-hr/kg. Mass of the required amount of CaO is neglected since it is obtained from lunar soil. Potential technical problems, such as reactor design and lunar soil processing, are reviewed.

Pepper CabZIP63 acts as a positive regulator during Ralstonia solanacearum or high temperature-high humidity challenge in a positive feedback loop with CaWRKY40.

PubMed

Shen, Lei; Liu, Zhiqin; Yang, Sheng; Yang, Tong; Liang, Jiaqi; Wen, Jiayu; Liu, Yanyan; Li, Jiazhi; Shi, Lanping; Tang, Qian; Shi, Wei; Hu, Jiong; Liu, Cailing; Zhang, Yangwen; Lin, Wei; Wang, Rongzhang; Yu, Huanxin; Mou, Shaoliang; Hussain, Ansar; Cheng, Wei; Cai, Hanyang; He, Li; Guan, Deyi; Wu, Yang; He, Shuilin

2016-04-01

CaWRKY40 is known to act as a positive regulator in the response of pepper (Capsicum annuum) to Ralstonia solanacearum inoculation (RSI) or high temperature-high humidity (HTHH), but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we report that CabZIP63, a pepper bZIP family member, participates in this process by regulating the expression of CaWRKY40. CabZIP63 was found to localize in the nuclei, be up-regulated by RSI or HTHH, bind to promoters of both CabZIP63(pCabZIP63) and CaWRKY40(pCaWRKY40), and activate pCabZIP63- and pCaWRKY40-driven β-glucuronidase expression in a C- or G-box-dependent manner. Silencing of CabZIP63 by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in pepper plants significantly attenuated their resistance to RSI and tolerance to HTHH, accompanied by down-regulation of immunity- or thermotolerance-associated CaPR1, CaNPR1, CaDEF1, and CaHSP24. Hypersensitive response-mediated cell death and expression of the tested immunity- and thermotolerance-associated marker genes were induced by transient overexpression (TOE) of CabZIP63, but decreased by that of CabZIP63-SRDX. Additionally, binding of CabZIP63 to pCaWRKY40 was up-regulated by RSI or HTHH, and the transcript level of CaWRKY40 and binding of CaWRKY40 to the promoters of CaPR1, CaNPR1, CaDEF1 and CaHSP24 were up-regulated by TOE of CabZIP63. On the other hand, CabZIP63 was also up-regulated transcriptionally by TOE of CaWRKY40. The data suggest collectively that CabZIP63 directly or indirectly regulates the expression of CaWRKY40 at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, forming a positive feedback loop with CaWRKY40 during pepper's response to RSI or HTHH. Altogether, our data will help to elucidate the underlying mechanism of crosstalk between pepper's response to RSI and HTHH. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Outcome of treatment of respiratory tract infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, including drug-resistant strains, with pharmacokinetically enhanced amoxycillin/clavulanate.

PubMed

File, Thomas M; Jacobs, Michael R; Poole, Michael D; Wynne, Brian

2002-10-01

The efficacy of a new pharmacokinetically enhanced formulation of amoxycillin/clavulanate (AMX/CA) 2000/125 mg, twice daily, designed to provide adequate levels of amoxycillin over the 12-h dosing interval to eradicate penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) with amoxycillin (+/-clavulanic acid) MICs of /=4 mg/l. In the pooled comparator group, the success rate at follow-up was 86.5% (45/52). For PRSP (AMX/CA MICs of 0.5-8 mg/l), the overall success rate was 98.2% (55/56) at follow-up for AMX/CA 2000/125 mg and 50.0% (2/4) for comparators. AMX/CA 2000/125 mg shows efficacy comparable to that of the comparators evaluated against S. pneumoniae infections. Due to its favorable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile and promising clinical success, the new AMX/CA 2000/125 mg formulation should be considered for the empirical treatment of respiratory tract infections in regions with a high prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant S. pneumoniae and in patients at high risk of antimicrobial-resistant S. pneumoniae infection as this formulation covers many PRSP that are non-susceptible to amoxycillin (+/-clavulanic acid) (MICs of >/=4 mg/l) as well as common beta-lactamase-producing respiratory pathogens.

Hydro-chemical Survey and Quantifying Spatial Variations of Groundwater Quality in Dwarka, Sub-city of Delhi, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawat, Kishan Singh; Tripathi, Vinod Kumar

2015-06-01

Hydrological and geological aspect of the region play vital role for water resources utilization and development. Protection and management of groundwater resources are possible with the study of spatio-temporal water quality parameters. The study was undertaken to assess the deterioration in groundwater quality, through systematic sampling during post monsoon seasons of the year 2008 by collecting water samples from thirty bore wells located in Dwarka, sub-city of Delhi, India. The average concentrations of groundwater quality parameters namely Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Nitrate (NO3 -), Chloride (Cl-), sulphate (SO4 2-), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity were 300, 178, 26.5, 301, 103, 483, 1042 mg/l and 1909 μS/cm respectively. Estimated physico-chemical parameters revealed that 7 % of the groundwater samples shown nitrate concentrations higher than safe limit prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO). Groundwater quality the in study region was poor due to come out result that NO3 - concentration exceeding the threshold value of 50 mg/l, and main cause is disposal of sewage and animal wastes to Najafgarh drain. Dominant cations are Mg2+, Ca2+ and anions are SO4 2- and Cl-. The abundance of the major ions in groundwater is in the order: Ca2+ > Mg2+ and Cl- > SO4 2- > NO3. TH have strong correlation with Ca2+ (r = 0.81), Mg2+ (r = 0.82), Cl- (r = 0.86) but poor correlation with TDS (r = 0.52). Knowledge of correlation values between water quality parameters is helpful to take decision of appropriate management strategy for controlling groundwater pollution.

The critical role of the routing scheme in simulating peak river discharge in global hydrological models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, F.; Veldkamp, T.; Frieler, K.; Schewe, J.; Ostberg, S.; Willner, S. N.; Schauberger, B.; Gosling, S.; Mueller Schmied, H.; Portmann, F. T.; Leng, G.; Huang, M.; Liu, X.; Tang, Q.; Hanasaki, N.; Biemans, H.; Gerten, D.; Satoh, Y.; Pokhrel, Y. N.; Stacke, T.; Ciais, P.; Chang, J.; Ducharne, A.; Guimberteau, M.; Wada, Y.; Kim, H.; Yamazaki, D.

2017-12-01

Global hydrological models (GHMs) have been applied to assess global flood hazards, but their capacity to capture the timing and amplitude of peak river discharge—which is crucial in flood simulations—has traditionally not been the focus of examination. Here we evaluate to what degree the choice of river routing scheme affects simulations of peak discharge and may help to provide better agreement with observations. To this end we use runoff and discharge simulations of nine GHMs forced by observational climate data (1971-2010) within the ISIMIP2a project. The runoff simulations were used as input for the global river routing model CaMa-Flood. The simulated daily discharge was compared to the discharge generated by each GHM using its native river routing scheme. For each GHM both versions of simulated discharge were compared to monthly and daily discharge observations from 1701 GRDC stations as a benchmark. CaMa-Flood routing shows a general reduction of peak river discharge and a delay of about two to three weeks in its occurrence, likely induced by the buffering capacity of floodplain reservoirs. For a majority of river basins, discharge produced by CaMa-Flood resulted in a better agreement with observations. In particular, maximum daily discharge was adjusted, with a multi-model averaged reduction in bias over about 2/3 of the analysed basin area. The increase in agreement was obtained in both managed and near-natural basins. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of routing scheme choice in peak discharge simulation, where CaMa-Flood routing accounts for floodplain storage and backwater effects that are not represented in most GHMs. Our study provides important hints that an explicit parameterisation of these processes may be essential in future impact studies.

Towards implementation of cellular automata in Microbial Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Tsompanas, Michail-Antisthenis I; Adamatzky, Andrew; Sirakoulis, Georgios Ch; Greenman, John; Ieropoulos, Ioannis

2017-01-01

The Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical transducer converting waste products into electricity using microbial communities. Cellular Automaton (CA) is a uniform array of finite-state machines that update their states in discrete time depending on states of their closest neighbors by the same rule. Arrays of MFCs could, in principle, act as massive-parallel computing devices with local connectivity between elementary processors. We provide a theoretical design of such a parallel processor by implementing CA in MFCs. We have chosen Conway's Game of Life as the 'benchmark' CA because this is the most popular CA which also exhibits an enormously rich spectrum of patterns. Each cell of the Game of Life CA is realized using two MFCs. The MFCs are linked electrically and hydraulically. The model is verified via simulation of an electrical circuit demonstrating equivalent behaviours. The design is a first step towards future implementations of fully autonomous biological computing devices with massive parallelism. The energy independence of such devices counteracts their somewhat slow transitions-compared to silicon circuitry-between the different states during computation.

Towards implementation of cellular automata in Microbial Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Adamatzky, Andrew; Sirakoulis, Georgios Ch.; Greenman, John; Ieropoulos, Ioannis

2017-01-01

The Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical transducer converting waste products into electricity using microbial communities. Cellular Automaton (CA) is a uniform array of finite-state machines that update their states in discrete time depending on states of their closest neighbors by the same rule. Arrays of MFCs could, in principle, act as massive-parallel computing devices with local connectivity between elementary processors. We provide a theoretical design of such a parallel processor by implementing CA in MFCs. We have chosen Conway’s Game of Life as the ‘benchmark’ CA because this is the most popular CA which also exhibits an enormously rich spectrum of patterns. Each cell of the Game of Life CA is realized using two MFCs. The MFCs are linked electrically and hydraulically. The model is verified via simulation of an electrical circuit demonstrating equivalent behaviours. The design is a first step towards future implementations of fully autonomous biological computing devices with massive parallelism. The energy independence of such devices counteracts their somewhat slow transitions—compared to silicon circuitry—between the different states during computation. PMID:28498871

Effect of calcium level and phytase addition on ileal phytate degradation and amino acid digestibility of broilers fed corn-based diets.

PubMed

Amerah, A M; Plumstead, P W; Barnard, L P; Kumar, A

2014-04-01

This study investigated the effect of dietary Ca to available P (AvP) ratio and phytase supplementation on bone ash, ileal phytate degradation, and nutrient digestibility in broilers fed corn-based diets. The experimental design was a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating 4 Ca:AvP ratios (1.43, 2.14, 2.86, and 3.57) and 2 levels of phytase (0 and 1,000 phytase units/kg of feed). The 4 Ca:AvP ratios were achieved by formulating all diets to a constant AvP level of 0.28% and varying Ca levels (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0%). Each treatment was fed to 6 cages of 8 male Ross 308 broilers from 5 to 21 d. At 21 d, digesta from the terminal ileum was collected and analyzed for energy, phytate, P, Ca, and amino acids (AA) to determine digestibility. Digesta pH was measured in each segment (crop, gizzard, duodenum, and ileum) of the digestive tract. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of covariance. There was a significant interaction between dietary Ca:AvP ratio and phytase supplementation for weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In diets with no phytase, Ca:AvP ratio had a greater effect on WG, FI, and FCR compared with those fed diets without phytase. The orthogonal polynomial contrasts showed that the increase in dietary Ca:AvP ratio significantly decreased WG and FI in a quadratic manner, whereas FCR increased (P < 0.05) linearly with higher dietary Ca:AvP ratio. Increasing dietary Ca:AvP ratio led to a significant quadratic decrease in phytate degradation and significant linear decreases in P digestibility and bone ash. Phytase addition increased (P < 0.05) phytate degradation and improved (P < 0.05) energy, AA, and P digestibility at all levels of Ca:AvP with no interaction (P > 0.05) between the main factors. Digestibility of AA was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the degree of phytate degradation. Increasing dietary Ca:AvP ratio significantly increased gizzard pH in a linear manner. In conclusion, phytase (1,000 phytase units/kg of feed) improved phytate, and P and AA digestibility at all Ca:AvP ratios evaluated in this study.

Participatory design of a collaborative clinical trial protocol writing system.

PubMed

Weng, Chunhua; McDonald, David W; Sparks, Dana; McCoy, Jason; Gennari, John H

2007-06-01

To explore concrete approaches to socio-technical design of collaborative healthcare information systems and to design a groupware technology for collaborative clinical trial protocol writing. We conducted "quick and dirty ethnography" through semi-structured interviews, observational studies, and work artifacts analysis to understand the group work for protocol development. We used participatory design through evolutionary prototyping to explore the feature space of a collaborative writing system. Our design strategies include role-based user advocacy, formative evaluation, and change management. Quick and dirty ethnography helped us efficiently understand relevant work practice, and participatory design helped us engage users into design and bring out their tacit work knowledge. Our approach that intertwined both techniques helped achieve a "work-informed and user-oriented" design. This research leads to a collaborative writing system that supports in situ communication, group awareness, and effective work progress tracking. The usability evaluation results have been satisfactory. The system design is being transferred to an organizational tool for daily use.

CaSR-mediated interactions between calcium and magnesium homeostasis in mice.

PubMed

Quinn, Stephen J; Thomsen, Alex R B; Egbuna, Ogo; Pang, Jian; Baxi, Khanjan; Goltzman, David; Pollak, Martin; Brown, Edward M

2013-04-01

Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) homeostasis are interrelated and share common regulatory hormones, including parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. However, the role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in Mg homeostasis in vivo is not well understood. We sought to investigate the interactions between Mg and Ca homeostasis using genetic mouse models with targeted inactivation of PTH (PTH KO) or both PTH and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) (double knockout, DKO). Serum Mg is lower in PTH KO and DKO mice than in WT mice on standard chow, whereas supplemental dietary Ca leads to equivalent Mg levels for all three genotypes. Mg loading increases serum Mg in all genotypes; however, the increase in serum Mg is most pronounced in the DKO mice. Serum Ca is increased with Mg loading in the PTH KO and DKO mice but not in the WT mice. Here, too, the hypercalcemia is much greater in the DKO mice. Serum and especially urinary phosphate are reduced during Mg loading, which is likely due to intestinal chelation of phosphate by Mg. Mg loading decreases serum PTH in WT mice and increases serum calcitonin in both WT and PTH KO mice but not DKO mice. Furthermore, Mg loading elevates serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in all genotypes, with greater effects in PTH KO and DKO mice, possibly due to reduced levels of serum phosphorus and FGF23. These hormonal responses to Mg loading and the CaSR's role in regulating renal function may help to explain changes in serum Mg and Ca found during Mg loading.

Calcium requirements from dairy foods in France can be met at low energy and monetary cost.

PubMed

Drewnowski, Adam; Tang, Wesley; Brazeilles, Rémi

2015-12-14

Inadequate Ca intakes are a concern for global public health. In France, most dietary Ca is provided by dairy products: milks, fermented milks (mostly yogurts), dairy desserts and cheeses. The present dairy database (n 837) included milks (n 101), fermented milks, yogurts and other fresh dairy products (n 326), desserts (n 162) and a wide variety of cheeses (n 248). Energy and nutrient values were obtained from industry sources and the French national nutrient composition database. Retail prices were from Paris supermarkets. Products in each group were aggregated into twenty-one categories using clustering analyses. The costs in energy (kJ (kcal)), euros (€), and in SFA, added sugar and Na (defined here as nutrients to LIMit) associated with providing 120 mg of Ca (equivalent to 15 % daily value (15 % DV)) were calculated for each product group and category. The milk group supplied Ca at the lowest energy, monetary and LIM cost. Fresh plain and 'light' yogurts and fermented milks were next, followed by sweetened yogurts and flavoured milks. Light dairy desserts provided Ca with relatively few energy but were more expensive. Cheeses were a heterogeneous group. Hard cheeses (Comté) provided the most Ca per serving. Semi-hard cheeses (Camembert) and cream and blue cheeses (Roquefort) provided Ca at a cost comparable with sweetened yogurts and flavoured milks. Double cream, soft and goat cheeses were not optimal Ca sources. New value metrics can help identify affordable dairy foods that provide Ca without excessive energy or nutrients to limit. These conditions were satisfied by a wide variety of dairy products in France.

Antibiotics in aggressive periodontitis, is there a clinical benefit?

PubMed

Rajendra, Anjana; Spivakovsky, Silvia

2016-12-01

Data sourcesMedline, Embase and CENTRAL databases were searched up to December 2014. Unpublished data were sought by searching a database listing unpublished studies OpenGray [http://www.opengrey.eu/], formerly OpenSIGLE.Study selectionRandomised clinical trials assessing treatment of patients with AgP comparing scaling and root planing (SRP) alone with SRP plus a single antibiotic or a combination of drugs with a minimum of three months follow-up were considered. Studies specifically designed to evaluate smokers or subjects with diabetes mellitus and HIV/AIDS were not included.Data extraction and synthesisTwo researchers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts of the search results. The studies, which fulfilled inclusion criteria, underwent validity assessment and data extraction using a specifically designed form. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochranes collaboration tool for risk of bias. Only two of the 11 included trials were considered at a low risk of bias. The data extracted from ten studies was analysed by pair-wise meta-analyses and the data extracted from five studies was included in Bayesian network meta-analyses pooled estimates. The six studies evaluated in the pairwise meta-analyses were excluded in the pooled estimates because four studies included patients with advanced disease only and one study did not present average data for pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) and another one for using a different mechanical treatment.ResultsFourteen studies reporting 11 randomised clinical trials with a total of 388 patients were included in the review. Nine of 11 studies reported a statistically significant greater gain in full mouth mean clinical attachment (CA) and reduction in probing depth (PD) when a systemic antibiotic was used. From those studies the calculated mean difference for CA gained was 1.08 mm (p < 0.0001) and for PD reduction was 1.05 mm (p< 0.00001) for SRP + Metronidazole (Mtz). For SRP + Mtz+ amoxicillin (Amx) group the mean difference was 0.45 mm for CA gained and 0.53 mm for PD reduction (p<0.00001) than SRP alone/placebo. Bayesian network meta-analysis showed some additional benefits in CA gain and PD reduction when SRP was associated with systemic antibiotics.ConclusionsThe results support a statistically significant benefit of adjunctive systemic antibiotics in the treatment of AgP. The most consistent advantages - reduction in PD and CAL gain - were attained with the use of Mtz and Mtz + Amx. Future RCTs should be designed in order to directly compare these two antibiotic protocols in the treatment of AgP.